url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at http://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-releases-year-end-report-constituents,Rep. Kelly Releases Year-End Report for Constituents,2013-12-31,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON — Representative Mike Kelly (PA-03) released the following letter today, to be e-mailed to his constituents throughout Pennsylvania’s Third Congressional District, to serve as a year-end overview of his office’s legislative achievements and constituent relations throughout 2013. Dear Constituent: Over the past twelve months, I have had the enormous privilege of continuing to represent you in our nation’s capital during the first session of the 113th Congress. As with my first term in office, all of my work in the House of Representatives is guided by your values, your voices, and your priorities. Your goals are my goals, and every day I work hard to accomplish them. The most important of these, of course, is creating an environment that strengthens our economy and generates more jobs with family-sustainable wages for our region and our country. I’ve proudly supported every measure to secure this outcome, and opposed any obstacle to reaching it. You can learn more about every jobs bill passed in the House and follow their status here. With every new challenge that 2013 brought us – and there were many – there also came many opportunities. My staff and I worked diligently to meet all of them head-on. Fighting the IRS, Restoring Trust & Accountability in Washington When the news broke that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) was targeting and harassing Americans based on their political leanings, I joined the nation in outrage. As member of the House Ways and Means Committee (and member of the Subcommittee on Oversight), I made it my personal responsibility to get answers about what went wrong and hold those responsible fully accountable for abusing the American people’s trust in such an unthinkable manner. Watch my remarks at two memorable committee hearings here and here. As a result of this scandal, during the summer I re-introduced the Government Employee Accountability Act. The legislation would give all federal agencies the power to effectively deal with delinquent Senior Executive Service employees (such as disgraced former IRS official Lois Lerner), including the ability to conduct “investigative leave without pay” and to carry out immediate termination. In other words, no more paid vacations for violating the taxpayers’ rights. The House eventually passed the legislation by a bipartisan vote of 239-176. Stopping Asian Carp, Protecting Jobs & Families in Western Pennsylvania Back home in the Third District, the threat of Asian carp are constantly on everyone’s minds — and rightly so. This 70-pound invasive species threatens our regional economy, the fishing industry, and the wellbeing of all of us who rely on the water for work or recreation. This is a fish that is so aggressive and voracious that it can sometimes eat up to four times its own weight. When it emerges out of the water – flies, is more like it – it can inflict serious physical harm upon anyone it strikes, especially toddlers and young children. As the co-chairman of the Northeast-Midwest Congressional Coalition, and as a grandfather to eight beautiful young grandchildren, I take this threat extremely seriously. This is not a Republican or a Democrat issue. This is an American issue, and the stakes are dangerously high. If drastic action is not taken, this invasive species will utterly devastate the Great Lakes and Western Pennsylvania waterways and thereby cripple a $7 billion commercial and recreational fishing industry — along with all the jobs and livelihoods that go with it. That is why this past fall I was proud to offer a bipartisan amendment to the Water Resources Reform & Development Act of 2013 (WRRDA) which will establish a multiagency effort to slow the spread of Asian carp in the Upper Mississippi and Ohio River basins and tributaries, including the assistance of  the Army Corp of Engineers. In a stunning display of people before party, the House passed WRRDA – with my amendment attached – by an astounding bipartisan vote of 417-3. Protecting Americans from Obamacare, Standing up for a Patient-Centered Alternative Even before the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) became law, most Americans had a bad feeling about the federal government taking over one sixth of our economy. Now, after the first few months of its horrific implementation, and after hearing personal stories from countless constituents, there is no mistaking it: Obamacare is a national disaster. As you know, since coming to Congress in 2011, I have seized every opportunity to repeal or at least reduce Obamacare so that fewer Americans are harmed by its mandates. I have also sought to shed light on areas surrounding the law that are uncertain, if not downright murky. That’s why I’ve sent the Obama administration two separate letters demanding to know why the construction process for Obamacare’s official website was so poorly overseen and executed. American taxpayers, whose hard-earned money funded the website, deserve to know. At the same time, I have long believed that effective health care reform is indeed a national imperative that, with the right guiding principles, can and should still be achieved. After all, the mantra “repeal and replace” only holds water if “replace” has a meaning. That is why I am co-sponsoring the American Health Care Reform Act, a patient-centered alternative to Obamacare that would make health insurance more accessible and affordable to the most vulnerable among us — and do so in a way that wouldn’t damage the economy or disrupt anyone’s existing plans. You can read more about this commonsense bill here. Defending the Second Amendment & National Sovereignty All year long, I was proud to lead the congressional opposition to the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), an outrageous agreement which forces the United States – the world’s most important defender of peace and democracy – onto equal footing with the world’s worst dictatorships and terror-sponsors. Ominously, the treaty excludes any specific protection for, or even mention of, the fundamental right of individuals to keep and bear arms, which only opens the door wider to future gun control impositions. Earlier this year, I introduced a concurrent resolution (existing in both houses of Congress) to oppose the ATT and helped it earn the co-sponsorship of more than a third of the House and the Senate. We later sent two letters to President Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry explaining our opposition and vowing to block ATT with every tool at our disposal. In anticipation of the treaty being signed by the Obama administration (which ultimately occurred), I introduced an amendment to prohibit any federal funding for the implementation of the ATT in the Defense Departments’ annual appropriations bill. On December 26th, President Obama signed the bill, with my amendment, into law. Needless to say, this fight will continue in 2014. Meeting the Needs of the Third District All Year Round Here is a run-down of how my offices and staff were able to help me assist and communicate with my constituents in 2013. We… Expanded my social media presence, earning more than 5,000 “friends” and 4,000 followers on Facebook and Twitter respectively; and Toured more than 25 local businesses and factories to talk with both employers and employees about issues affecting their industries; Helped more than 1,900 constituents with their challenges to navigate the federal bureaucracy; Answered more than 68,000 pieces of mail, email, faxes and calls; Maintained 3 full time constituent offices and 3 satellite offices; Held 5 Tele-Town Hall Meetings to address a range of issues including help with filing tax returns and Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period; Organized or attended dozens of outreach meetings with constituency groups; Sent more than 1,500 American flags to constituents and assisted with 242 tours of the U.S. Capitol; Conducted hundreds of interviews with local, regional, and national press. As I’ve said time and again, representing you and your neighbors in the House of Representatives is the honor of my lifetime. Anytime my staff can help you with a federal matter in any specific way, please do not hesitate to contact me via the information and locations listed below. I humbly thank you for the opportunity to serve you, and look forward to having your back in Congress in 2014. Happy New Year! Sincerely, Mike Kelly   ERIE DISTRICT OFFICE 208 E. Bayfront Parkway Suite 102 Erie, PA 16507 Phone: (814) 454-8190 Fax: (814) 454-8197   BUTLER DISTRICT OFFICE 101 East Diamond St Suite 218 Butler, PA  16001 Phone: (724) 282-2557 Fax: (724) 282-3682   SHARON DISTRICT OFFICE 33 Chestnut Street Sharon, PA  16146 Phone: (724) 342-7170 Fax: (724) 342-7242   WASHINGTON, DC OFFICE 1519 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5406 Fax: (202) 225-3103   CRAWFORD COUNTY OFFICE Every Wednesday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 908 Diamond Park Meadville, PA 16335   ARMSTRONG COUNTY OFFICE Every Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 300 South McKean Street Kittanning, PA 16201   LAWRENCE COUNTY Every Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4: 00 p.m. Lawrence County Courthouse 430 Court Street New Castle, PA  16101   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-applauds-enactment-kelly-amendment-ban-funding-un-arms-trade-treaty,Rep. Kelly Applauds Enactment of Kelly Amendment to Ban Funding for UN Arms Trade Treaty,2013-12-27,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,,,legacy,"Amendment included in final NDAA bill signed by president WASHINGTON — Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) issued the following statement today commending the signing of the final version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2014 which included his amendment to ban funding for the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). The Kelly amendment requires a one year ban on the use of funds by the Department of Defense to implement the ATT unless the treaty receives the advice and consent of the Senate and is the subject of implementing legislation, as required, by the Congress. The NDAA agreement was passed by the House on December 12, 2013, by 350-69; passed by the Senate on December, 19, 2013, by 85-14; and signed by President Obama on December 26, 2013. “As I and many others have long stated, the ATT is a clear threat to our national sovereignty and the Constitutional rights of all Americans and should never have been signed. I am therefore glad to say that a major victory has been achieved in the fight to make sure this dangerous treaty never affects the United States in any capacity. Earlier this month, the House and Senate acted in a bipartisan manner to affirm my amendment’s resistance to the treaty by including it in the NDAA’s final passage. Now that the NDAA has been signed by President Obama, the White House has joined Congress in taking a belated stand for American strength and sovereignty by making this crucial amendment the law of the land.” NOTE: Rep. Kelly is a national leader of the movement to stop the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). On March 15, 2013, he introduced H. Con. Res. 23, a bipartisan concurrent resolution expressing opposition to the treaty on behalf of members of Congress. The resolution currently has 149 co-sponsors in the House and 36 supporters in the Senate. On May 30, 2013, Rep. Kelly submitted a bipartisan letter with 130 co-signers from Congress to both President Obama and Secretary Kerry urging them to reject the treaty. He sent a similar bipartisan letter to the president following Secretary Kerry’s signing of the treaty on October 15, 2013, which was signed by 181 members of Congress, including multiple committee chairmen. On June 14, 2013, Rep. Kelly introduced an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2014 to prohibit federal funding for the implementation of the ATT for one year by the Department of Defense. The amendment was adopted unanimously by a voice vote and included in the final passage of the NDAA by the House of Representatives. The House-Senate compromise NDAA, which included an updated version of the Kelly amendment, was passed by the House on December 12, 2013; passed by the Senate on December, 19, 2013; and signed by President Obama on December 26, 2013. On July 24, 2013, the House Appropriations Committee approved the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2014 which imposes a one-year ban on the use of federal funds for the implementation of the ATT by the State Department. The ban is based on language from a bipartisan letter which Rep. Kelly authored and submitted to the State and Foreign Operations subcommittee on April 18, 2013.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://thompson.house.gov/press-release/thompson-military-transition-telemedicine-amendment-signed-law,Thompson Military Transition Telemedicine Amendment Signed into Law,2013-12-27,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"BELLEFONTE, Pa. – President Obama Thursday signed into law the 2014 National Defense Authorization Act. The bipartisan measure, which recently passed the House by a vote of 350 to 69 and the Senate by a vote of 84 to 15, authorizes funding and sets policy for the U.S. Department of Defense.  Thompson, who voted to support the bill, successfully included an amendment that will expand health care coverage through telemedicine for service members transitioning to civilian life. “I am very pleased that members of the House and Senate were able to find common ground and pass this important bill that offers critical support to the military, our service members and their families,” stated Rep. Thompson. Under the previous policy, service members and their families could utilize 180 days of health care coverage during the transition from military to civilian life through what is known as the Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP). Thompson’s amendment is designed to protect individuals coping with Post-Traumatic Stress, which may not present symptoms in some cases until 8-10 months after leaving the military (see: here and here).  The amendment extends TAMP coverage by an additional 180 days for all services rendered through telemedicine. “For those who are burdened by physical and psychological injuries as a result of their service in uniform, we must take every action to help them rebuild,” Thompson added. “This bill takes meaningful steps to improve the support we offer these brave men and women as they transition to civilian life, especially those coping with behavioral health injuries, while also making it easier to access care.” The amendment builds on Thompson’s 2011 STEP Act, now Public Law 112-81, Section 713, which expanded service member health care services and the use of telemedicine at the Department of Defense.     ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://dent.house.gov/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=A5C4F809-604D-4C84-AF6E-F7890D13C378,Dent Works to Protect Pennsylvania Children from the Presidents Health Care Law,2013-12-26,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Charlie Dent,D000604,dent.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Charlie Dent (PA-15th) spearheaded an effort to protect and preserve Pennsylvania’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (PA CHIP) from the effect of President Obama’s Health Care Law. Rep. Dent organized a letter to Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius asking her to accede to Governor Corbett’s request that the Department work with him to help preserve the program. “The practical impact of the Health Care law has been to compel thousands of families with income levels between 100% and 133% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to lose their PA CHIP coverage and be forced into a comparatively substandard Medicaid program,” Rep. Dent stated. “CHIP in Pennsylvania is a clear success story,” said the Congressman. “It is lauded as a national model by other states and consistently receives extremely high marks in customer satisfaction surveys,” Dent noted. “Forcing people out of this program and into the comparatively substandard Medicaid program is yet another harmful impact of the President’s Health Care law.” Rep. Dent was joined by ten fellow Pennsylvania Republicans on the letter. Some of them, including Rep. Dent, voted to establish the PA CHIP law in 1992. Rep. Dent also voted to strengthen and enhance the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) at the federal level. “President Obama heard the outcry of millions of Americans who lost their coverage as a result of the health care law and was forced to act and grant them the ability to maintain existing coverage. I, and my fellow Representatives, want the same opportunity for the thousands of Pennsylvania families that have received superior care through PA CHIP,” Dent concluded. Currently, PA CHIP covers over 188,000 children. Contact:  Shawn Millan (610) 770-3490 ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-announces-nominees-us-military-academies,Rep. Kelly Announces Nominees to U.S. Military Academies,2013-12-21,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON — Representative Mike Kelly (PA-03) announced the names of his nominees for the United States Military Academies, class of 2018, earlier today. The candidates met all application requirements with diligence, securing themselves an interview with Representative Kelly's independent Military Academy Advisory Board. Statement by Rep. Kelly: “This year we have proudly nominated seventeen remarkable candidates to the elite United States Military Academies. These young men and women have demonstrated that they are dedicated, poised, and highly capable of serving as leaders in our nation's military. These individuals were chosen to humbly represent the Third Congressional District of Pennsylvania and furthermore the United States of America, if offered an appointment.” Nominees:  Max Campoli, Schreiner University Jason Clark, Sharon High School Sebastian Coburn, Greenville High School Daniel Dukleth, Slippery Rock University Brett Foster, Seneca Valley High School Melodie Harnett, Jamestown High School Dylan Hoffman, Seneca Valley High School Tyler Huston, Cochranton High School Cody Mahen, Lakeview High School Austin Malencia, Evangel Heights Christian Academy Mercer Martin, Greenville High School Thomas Pierre, Mars High School Alexander Pollaci, Seneca Valley High School Dante Policicchio, Freeport High School Bryan Sack, Butler High School George Staudacher, Mars High School Alexandra Steighner, Seneca Valley High School If you are interested in seeking a congressional nomination to one of the United States Military Academies for the class of 2019, applications will be accepted from May 1, 2014 until October 1, 2014. For more information please visit www.Kelly.house.gov or contact Stephanie Stevenson, Academy Coordinator, at Stephanie.Stevenson@mail.house.gov.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://marino.house.gov/press-release/marino-encourages-governor-corbett-state-legislature-act-rising-flood-insurance,"Marino encourages Governor Corbett, state legislature to act on rising flood insurance premiums",2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Tom Marino,M001179,marino.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Tom Marino (R-PA) heard firsthand from dozens of residents across Lycoming County over the past week about the negative effects of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act. Today, Marino sent a letter to Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett and Pennsylvania General Assembly leadership members, encouraging them to take action. “Unfortunately, Congress has neglected to delay, reform, or repeal Biggert-Waters prior to the end of year looming deadline,” Marino said in the letter.  “Consequently, insurance premiums are set to dramatically increase in less than two weeks time – causing families and small businesses to decide between wiping out their bank accounts to purchase the federally mandated plans, or facing foreclosure proceedings.  Although I supported the original intention of Biggert-Waters to make the flood insurance program once again solvent, it has clearly proven to have drastic unforeseen consequences with new skyrocketing insurance premiums.” Marino went on to request that members of the General Assembly come together to mitigate the unintended effects this law is having on low- and middle-income families across Pennsylvania.  Specifically, he referenced a Mississippi lawsuit that challenges the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s failure to complete an affordability study before increasing insurance rates, as required by Biggert-Waters. “These premiums threaten the vibrancy and very existence of these towns as property values plummet, the real estate market dries up, and strong local tax bases vanish.” While thousands of homes, businesses and properties across the 10th Congressional District are facing dramatic increases in their flood insurance premiums, the effects of this legislation have been felt nation-wide. “The issue at hand was undoubtedly created at the federal level and should be fixed at the federal level as well,” Marino added.  “As I continue to put pressure on my leadership and colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to bring legislation to the House Floor, it is my sincere hope that innovative legal or legislative initiatives at the state level can also assist in mitigating the costs of flood insurance for Pennsylvanians."" Marino sent a letter to House Speaker John Boehner and other members of House leadership earlier this week, urging that legislation related to the increases in flood insurance premiums be brought to the House floor for consideration as soon as possible. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://marino.house.gov/press-release/marino-urges-house-leadership-act-rising-flood-insurance-premiums,Marino urges House leadership to act on rising flood insurance premiums,2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Tom Marino,M001179,marino.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. –U.S. Representative Tom Marino (R-PA) urged House Speaker John Boehner in a letter to bring legislation related to the increases in flood insurance premiums to the House floor for consideration as soon as possible. “Many of my constituents have contacted me in support of these legislative proposals,” Marino said in the letter, citing what he has heard from residents across Pennsylvania’s 10th Congressional District. “One individual who purchased a home valued under $150,000 last year is facing a premium increase of more than $8,000.  An elderly man who purchased several properties as a retirement investment is considering abandoning the homes and walking away from the mortgage obligations, while another couple in Jersey Shore who similarly invested in several Main Street properties is facing a $40,000 flood insurance bill.” Marino, along with several colleagues who also have large constituencies affected by the increases to flood insurance premiums, urged House leadership to bring legislation to the floor for debate before the House adjourned for the legislative session but were unsuccessful. “As a co-sponsor of several pieces of legislation related to the premium rate increases currently awaiting further action in the House Committee on Financial Service, I ask that Members have the opportunity to debate and vote on legislation that could assist our constituents as we continue efforts to reform the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to make the program financially stable for taxpayers without becoming overly burdensome on homeowners and small businesses,” Marino added. The 113th Congress will convene on January 7, 2014 to start its second legislative session. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=1232,Ridiculous [press_release],2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Stopping The EPA's Ridiculous Regulation Of Fire Hydrants  Senate Unanimously Approves My Bill To Restore Fire Safety   This week, I teamed up with Sen. Bob Casey to pass bipartisan legislation to bolster fire safety and protect local governments from a ridiculous, expensive, and dangerous new government mandate. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced a policy that would have required local governments to replace malfunctioning fire hydrants with new independently certified lead-free fire hydrants. This EPA regulation essentially made it impossible for local governments to repair fire hydrants or replace them with existing inventory. It was also uncertain whether fire hydrants that meet the new criteria were even available for purchase. Last week, Sen. Bob Casey and I introduced legislation (S. 1779) to exempt fire hydrants from the mandate. This week, the Senate unanimously passed House legislation identical to our bill. It was a rare outbreak of common sense on Capitol Hill. The notion that people drink from fire hydrants often enough to warrant this kind of regulation is ridiculous and in no way justifies the cost of replacing hydrants in every city and town in the country. It is great news that the Senate and the House have both acknowledged this absurdity. The implementation of this EPA rule would have forced local governments to leave malfunctioning fire hydrants idle until adequate funds and products are available. This poses an undeniable threat to public safety. The passage of our bipartisan bill is a great victory for common sense, and I look forward to President Obama signing it into law.   Addressing The Nation   Click to watch my remarks in the Republican Weekly Address I was honored to be asked to deliver last week's Republican Address. In my remarks, I spoke about how the President's flawed health care law is causing millions of Americans to lose the insurance plans they like. I also shared the story of a Westmoreland County woman who has multiple sclerosis. She recently learned that, because of Obamacare, she is losing the insurance that had worked for her for many years. She has a choice of two plans now. One will allow her to keep her doctor; the other will pay for her medication. Neither plan will do both. These are the kinds of painful and unfair choices millions of people now face thanks to the President's health care law. I empathize with the families frustrated by the faulty website. It took my own family about a week to finally sign up for insurance through the health care exchange available to us. Please take a few minutes to watch and hear about better ways we can still achieve expanded, affordable health coverage. Thanks.  Protecting Our First Responders   Read The Delaware County Daily Times article This week, I visited Centre Square Fire Company in Blue Bell, Montgomery County. Rep. Pat Meehan and Senator John Rafferty joined me to share details on my plan to protect volunteer first responders from employee mandates in the President's health care law. The law penalizes volunteer fire departments and jeopardizes funding for training by requiring volunteer firefighters to be counted as full-time equivalent employees. Read more here. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that these expenses could ""cost $300,000 for companies with just 50 volunteers."" This is unacceptable. I will continue to work to protect our first responders from the President's health care law.   Still Fighting For Fiscal Sanity The Senate this week passed a budget agreement. I voted against it because any budget deal must be considered in comparison to preexisting law, which was signed by President Obama in 2011 and established specific spending limits. Those bipartisan spending caps were working. In 2012 and 2013, we reduced government spending two years in a row - the first time since just after the Korean War - and lowered our deficits substantially.                       I have maintained that any budget deal alternative to preexisting law must preserve these taxpayer savings. The budget agreement does not accomplish this basic goal. Instead, this deal establishes new, higher budget caps to increase spending. The deal purports to offset those increases. But it does so, in some cases, with gimmicks, and, to a large degree, with higher revenues. It is also unfortunate that this deal does not contain a provision that I have been calling for which would permanently end shutdowns and government by manufactured crisis. Regardless of one's position on this budget agreement, it is clear that Washington is still ignoring the unsustainable spending trajectory that remains a drag on our economy and future generations. I hope that Congress will get to work to put our fiscal house in order.  Strengthening Pennsylvania's Communities   My regional manager for the Lehigh Valley, Marta Gabriel, attended the Hillside Healthcare ribbon cutting in East Stroudsburg, Monroe County last Friday. The center is the first residential drug and alcohol rehab center in Monroe County and the surrounding region including Pike and Carbon counties.   Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!   The Christmas tree at the U.S. Capitol",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=1233,Sen. Toomey?s Resolution Urging Release Of Religious Prisoners In Iran Passes Senate [press_release],2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey's (R-Pa.) bipartisan resolution (S. Res. 75) urging the Islamic Republic of Iran to release those imprisoned solely because of their religion passed the Senate today. The resolution, cosponsored by Sen. Toomey and 34 colleagues, condemns Iran's state-sponsored persecution of its Baha'i minority as one of the regime's longstanding human rights violations. It also urges President Obama and Secretary of State Kerry to impose sanctions on Iranian government officials and other individuals directly responsible for serious human rights abuses, including those against the Baha'i community in Iran. The Baha'i faith is a monotheistic religion emphasizing the spiritual unity of all humankind and was founded by Baha'u'llah in 19th-century Persia. There are an estimated five to six million Baha'is around the world in more than 200 countries and territories. Since the Islamic Revolution of 1979, Iranian Baha'is have regularly had their homes ransacked or have been banned from attending university or holding government jobs. ""Religious freedom is a natural right that belongs to everyone, everywhere. As a beacon of that freedom, it is appropriate that the U.S. Senate has shown solidarity with the beleaguered Iranian people, including the Baha'i minority,"" said Sen. Toomey. ""I urge President Obama to employ the strongest sanctions against Iran to help ensure that the regime honors the basic dignity of its own people."" Members of Philadelphia's Baha'i community thanked Sen. Toomey for his leadership on the resolution when he sponsored the bill in September. ""The Baha'i community is deeply appreciative of Senator Toomey championing the religious freedom of the Baha'is, and indeed of all religious minorities in Iran. Baha'is have long been subject to particularly severe religious freedom violations in Iran. They have been banned from universities, denied government jobs, and their marriages are not recognized by the state. Seven Baha'i leaders have currently been in prison for the past five years on baseless charges. They have been sentenced to 20 years each, the longest sentences ever given to any prisoner of conscience in Iran. ""We thank Senator Toomey for proudly standing with the Baha'i community in Pennsylvania and throughout the country to promote religious freedom and awareness of these egregious human rights violations carried out on the Baha'is in Iran,"" said Mark Jolly, Public Information Officer, the Baha'is of Philadelphia. The full text of S. Res. 75 is below: S.RES.75 Condemning the Government of Iran for its state-sponsored persecution of its Baha'i minority and its continued violation of the International Covenants on Human Rights. (Introduced in Senate - IS) SRES 75 IS 113th CONGRESS 1st Session S. RES. 75 Condemning the Government of Iran for its state-sponsored persecution of its Baha'i minority and its continued violation of the International Covenants on Human Rights. IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 12, 2013 Mr. KIRK (for himself and Mr. DURBIN) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations ________________________________________ RESOLUTION Condemning the Government of Iran for its state-sponsored persecution of its Baha'i minority and its continued violation of the International Covenants on Human Rights. Whereas, in 1982, 1984, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1994, 1996, 2000, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2012, and 2013, Congress declared that it deplored the religious persecution by the Government of Iran of the Baha'i community and would hold the Government of Iran responsible for upholding the rights of all Iranian nationals, including members of the Baha'i Faith; Whereas the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom 2012 Report stated, `The Baha'i community has long been subject to particularly severe religious freedom violations in Iran. Baha'is, who number at least 300,000, are viewed as `heretics' by Iranian authorities and may face repression on the grounds of apostasy.'; Whereas the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom 2012 Report stated, `Since 1979, Iranian government authorities have killed more than 200 Baha'i leaders in Iran and dismissed more than 10,000 from government and university jobs.'; Whereas the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom 2012 Report stated, `Baha'is may not establish places of worship, schools, or any independent religious associations in Iran.'; Whereas the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom 2012 Report stated, `Baha'is are barred from the military and denied government jobs and pensions as well as the right to inherit property. Their marriages and divorces also are not recognized, and they have difficulty obtaining death certificates. Baha'i cemeteries, holy places, and community properties are often seized or desecrated, and many important religious sites have been destroyed.'; Whereas the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom 2012 Report stated, `The Baha'i community faces severe economic pressure, including denials of jobs in both the public and private sectors and of business licenses. Iranian authorities often pressure employers of Baha'is to dismiss them from employment in the private sector.'; Whereas the Department of State 2011 International Religious Freedom Report stated, `The government prohibits Baha'is from teaching and practicing their faith and subjects them to many forms of discrimination that followers of other religions do not face.'; Whereas the Department of State 2011 International Religious Freedom Report stated, `According to [Iranian] law, Baha'i blood is considered `mobah', meaning it can be spilled with impunity.'; Whereas the Department of State 2011 International Religious Freedom Report stated that `members of religious minorities, with the exception of Baha'is, can serve in lower ranks of government employment', and `Baha'is are barred from all leadership positions in the government and military'; Whereas the Department of State 2011 International Religious Freedom Report stated, `Baha'is suffered frequent government harassment and persecution, and their property rights generally were disregarded. The government raided Baha'i homes and businesses and confiscated large amounts of private and commercial property, as well as religious materials belonging to Baha'is.'; Whereas the Department of State 2011 International Religious Freedom Report stated, `Baha'is also are required to register with the police.'; Whereas the Department of State 2011 International Religious Freedom Report stated that `[p]ublic and private universities continued to deny admittance to and expelled Baha'i students' and `[d]uring the year, at least 30 Baha'is were barred or expelled from universities on political or religious grounds'; Whereas the Department of State 2011 International Religious Freedom Report stated, `Baha'is are regularly denied compensation for injury or criminal victimization.'; Whereas, on March 6, 2012, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran issued a report (A/HRC/19/66), which stated that `the Special Rapporteur continues to be alarmed by communications that demonstrate the systemic and systematic persecution of members of unrecognized religious communities, particularly the Baha'i community, in violation of international conventions' and expressed concern regarding `an intensive defamation campaign meant to incite discrimination and hate against Baha'is'; Whereas, on May 23, 2012, the United Nations Secretary-General issued a report (A/HRC/19/82), which stated that `the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief . . . pointed out that the Islamic Republic of Iran had a policy of systematic persecution of persons belonging to the Baha'i faith, excluding them from the application of freedom of religion or belief by simply denying that their faith had the status of a religion'; Whereas, on August 22, 2012, the United Nations Secretary-General issued a report (A/67/327), which stated, `The international community continues to express concerns about the very serious discrimination against ethnic and religious minorities in law and in practice, in particular the Baha'i community. The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran expressed alarm about the systemic and systematic persecution of members of the Baha'i community, including severe socioeconomic pressure and arrests and detention. He also deplored the Government's tolerance of an intensive defamation campaign aimed at inciting discrimination and hate against Baha'is.'; Whereas, on September 13, 2012, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran issued a report (A/67/369), which stated, `Reports and interviews submitted to the Special Rapporteur also continue to portray a disturbing trend with regard to religious freedom in the country. Members of both recognized and unrecognized religions have reported various levels of intimidation, arrest, detention and interrogation that focus on their religious beliefs.', and stated, `At the time of drafting the report, 105 members of the Baha'i community were reported to be in detention.'; Whereas, on November 27, 2012, the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly adopted a draft resolution (A/C.3/67/L.51), which noted, `[I]ncreased persecution and human rights violations against persons belonging to unrecognized religious minorities, particularly members of the Baha'i faith and their defenders, including escalating attacks, an increase in the number of arrests and detentions, the restriction of access to higher education on the basis of religion, the sentencing of twelve Baha'is associated with Baha'i educational institutions to lengthy prison terms, the continued denial of access to employment in the public sector, additional restrictions on participation in the private sector, and the de facto criminalization of membership in the Baha'i faith.'; Whereas, on December 20, 2012, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution (A/RES/67/182), which called upon the government of Iran `[t]o eliminate discrimination against, and exclusion of . . . members of the Baha'i Faith, regarding access to higher education, and to eliminate the criminalization of efforts to provide higher education to Baha'i youth denied access to Iranian universities,' and `to accord all Baha'is, including those imprisoned because of their beliefs, the due process of law and the rights that they are constitutionally guaranteed'; Whereas, on February 28, 2013, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran issued a report (A/HRC/22/56), which stated, `110 Bahai's are currently detained in Iran for exercising their faith, including two women, Mrs. Zohreh Nikayin and Mrs. Taraneh Torabi, who are reportedly nursing infants in prison.'; Whereas, in March and May of 2008, intelligence officials of the Government of Iran in Mashhad and Tehran arrested and imprisoned Mrs. Fariba Kamalabadi, Mr. Jamaloddin Khanjani, Mr. Afif Naeimi, Mr. Saeid Rezaie, Mr. Behrouz Tavakkoli, Mrs. Mahvash Sabet, and Mr. Vahid Tizfahm, the seven members of the ad hoc leadership group for the Baha'i community in Iran; Whereas, in August 2010, the Revolutionary Court in Tehran sentenced the seven Baha'i leaders to 20-year prison terms on charges of `spying for Israel, insulting religious sanctities, propaganda against the regime and spreading corruption on earth'; Whereas the lawyer for these seven leaders, Mrs. Shirin Ebadi, the Nobel Laureate, was denied meaningful or timely access to the prisoners and their files, and her successors as defense counsel were provided extremely limited access; Whereas these seven Baha'i leaders were targeted solely on the basis of their religion; Whereas, beginning in May 2011, Government of Iran officials in four cities conducted sweeping raids on the homes of dozens of individuals associated with the Baha'i Institute for Higher Education (BIHE) and arrested and detained several educators associated with BIHE; Whereas, in October 2011, the Revolutionary Court in Tehran sentenced seven of these BIHE instructors and administrators, Mr. Vahid Mahmoudi, Mr. Kamran Mortezaie, Mr. Mahmoud Badavam, Ms. Nooshin Khadem, Mr. Farhad Sedghi, Mr. Riaz Sobhani, and Mr. Ramin Zibaie, to prison terms for the crime of `membership of the deviant sect of Baha'ism, with the goal of taking action against the security of the country, in order to further the aims of the deviant sect and those of organizations outside the country'; Whereas six of these educators remain imprisoned, with Mr. Mortezaie serving a 5-year prison term and Mr. Badavam, Ms. Khadem, Mr. Sedghi, Mr. Sobhani, and Mr. Zibaie serving 4-year prison terms; Whereas, since October 2011, four other BIHE educators have been arrested and imprisoned, with Ms. Faran Hessami, Mr. Kamran Rahimian, and Mr. Shahin Negari serving 4-year prison terms, and Mr. Kayvan Rahimian serving a 5-year prison term; Whereas the efforts of the Government of Iran to collect information on individual Baha'is have recently intensified as evidenced by a letter, dated November 5, 2011, from the Director of the Department of Education in the county of Shahriar in the province of Tehran, instructing the directors of schools in his jurisdiction to `subtly and in a confidential manner' collect information on Baha'i students; Whereas the Baha'i community continues to undergo intense economic and social pressure, including an ongoing campaign in the town of Semnan, where the Government of Iran has harassed and detained Baha'is, closed 17 Baha'i owned businesses in the last three years, and imprisoned several members of the community, including three mothers along with their infants; Whereas ordinary Iranian citizens who belong to the Baha'i Faith are disproportionately targeted, interrogated, and detained under the pretext of national security; Whereas the Government of Iran is party to the International Covenants on Human Rights and is in violation of its obligations under the Covenants; and Whereas the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-195) authorizes the President and the Secretary of State to impose sanctions on individuals `responsible for or complicit in, or responsible for ordering, controlling, or otherwise directing, the commission of serious human rights abuses against citizens of Iran or their family members on or after June 12, 2009': Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate- (1) condemns the Government of Iran for its state-sponsored persecution of its Baha'i minority and its continued violation of the International Covenants on Human Rights; (2) calls on the Government of Iran to immediately release the seven imprisoned leaders, the ten imprisoned educators, and all other prisoners held solely on account of their religion; (3) calls on the President and Secretary of State, in cooperation with responsible nations, to immediately condemn the Government of Iran's continued violation of human rights and demand the immediate release of prisoners held solely on account of their religion; and (4) urges the President and Secretary of State to utilize all available authorities, including the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010, to impose sanctions on officials of the Government of Iran and other individuals directly responsible for serious human rights abuses, including abuses against the Baha'i community of Iran.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://dent.house.gov/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=BFDC0DDA-C362-4025-B031-2E9AE1650CF6,Congressman Dents Statement on President Obamas Decision to Exempt Individuals from the Health Care Law,2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Charlie Dent,D000604,dent.house.gov,,,legacy,"Once again, the President’s administrative action further calls into question his credibility on the unfolding implementation disaster of the health care law. When the reality of the staggering flaws in the law began to sink in with the country, President Obama did an end-run around Congress and delayed the employer mandate. The House then voted to delay both the employer and individual mandates. President Obama tried to turn us into villains for our necessary actions and said he’d veto both bills. Now, the reality of millions of Americans losing their insurance as a result of this flawed law has caused President Obama to partially delay the individual mandate. The Senate should immediately take-up the House passed bills on the delays to the individual and employer mandates and pass them. President Obama then needs to sign them. We are not a country ruled by fiat from the White House. It’s time that President Obama recognized the restraints that the constitution places on his power. Contact:  Shawn Millan (610) 770-3490 ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221025354/http://perry.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/us-house-remains-focused-on-job-creation,U.S. House Remains Focused on Job Creation,2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Scott Perry,P000605,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – For the first year of the 113th Congress, the U.S. House of Representatives has consistently focused its efforts on helping to foster an environment for real job growth.  The House has passed nearly 150 bills this year that the Senate has failed to act on.  Many of these bills could help our economy and boost job creation. “In my discussions with constituents around the 4th Congressional District, the economy and jobs remain the top concern of most constituents, regardless of political ideology,” said U.S. Representative Scott Perry (PA-4). “These solutions will help expand opportunity for everyone – and I hope the Senate will consider our proposals in 2014.” The House passed a budget earlier this year that balances over the next 10 years and lays the groundwork for a fairer, simpler tax code. While the bipartisan budget agreement that was negotiated with the Senate and passed last week was much smaller in scope, it still reduces the deficit by $23 billion and guarantees that seniors won’t lose access to their doctors. Many bills the House has passed would reform job training programs and expand education opportunities to give Americans the tools they need to find work in a tough economy. The House adopted the Skills Act (H.R. 803) which streamlines dozens of overlapping federal job training programs, and helps connect out-of-work Americans with the training programs they need. The House also passed bills to promote American energy independence, create jobs, address energy costs, and revitalize manufacturing. Such bills included the Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting Reform Act (H.R. 1900) which streamlines the permitting process for pipelines to increase the supply and reduce the cost of American-made natural gas and help create good paying jobs. On a positive note, two bills to help spur hydropower development, H.R. 267 and H.R. 678, passed the House and were signed into law this year. Hydropower is the largest source of clean, renewable energy in the U.S., creating thousands of jobs (including many in the 4th District) and providing power to millions of Americans at low cost. Bills to lower health care costs and bolster medical research also passed the House this year. The American Health Care Reform Act (H.R. 3121) sought to address higher premiums, canceled health plans, and burdens placed on small businesses as a result of the President’s health care law.  After the Obama Administration announced in July that it would no longer verify whether applicants actually qualify for subsidies under the health care law, the House passed the No Subsidies Without Verification Act (H.R. 2775), which required that only those eligible for taxpayer subsidies should receive them. Government regulations cost the average American family more than $15,000 each year. The House sought to confront excessive government regulations that act as barriers to stronger private sector growth and job creation. For example, the REINS Act (H.R. 367) requires an up-or-down vote in Congress on any major new regulation with an economic cost of $100 million or more. Finally, the House maintained efforts to eliminate government waste and promote a smaller and more accountable government. The Digital Accountability and Transparency Act (H.R. 2061) sought to increase transparency by making federal spending data more open and accessible, facilitating efforts to cut spending and help create a better environment for job creation. “During my first year in office I’ve continually said we can't keep spending money we don't have and we must reduce barriers for real private sector job growth” said Rep. Perry. “These bills are an example of the continuous effort the House has undertaken to rein in out-of-control government spending and get Americans back to work.” #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140623003122/http://meehan.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=682,"Meehan, Lawmakers Seek Answers on DOD Helicopter Buy - Congressman Patrick Meehan (PA-07) and a bipartisan group of legislators",2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Pat Meehan,M001181,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Meehan, Lawmakers Seek Answers on DOD Helicopter Buy   WASHINGTON, DC– Congressman Patrick Meehan (PA-07) and a bipartisan group of legislators who represent workers at Boeing’s manufacturing facility in Ridley Park, PA today sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel seeking answers on the Defense Department’s decision to purchase Russian-built helicopters to equip Afghan security forces. A recent Associated Press article indicates the Department made the decision to purchase Russian Mi-17 “Hip” helicopters despite an internal report that concluded the CH-47 Chinook was “the most cost-effective” helicopter for Afghan forces. Meehan was joined by Reps. John Carney (DE-AL), Robert Brady (PA-1), Jim Gerlach (PA-6), Chaka Fattah (PA-2) and Allyson Schwartz (PA-13) in sending the letter. “As lawmakers who represent the workers who make the CH-47 Chinook at the Boeing Facility located in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, we respectfully request clarification on the allegations that the Pentagon overruled a recommendation to buy an American-made aircraft,” the letter said. A signed copy of the letter is available here.The full text of the letter is below:   December 19, 2013   The Honorable Charles T. Hagel Secretary of Defense 1000 Defense Pentagon Washington, D.C. 20301   Dear Secretary Hagel,                      We are writing to you regarding a December 7 Associated Press article on the Department of Defense’s purchase of Russian Mi-17 helicopters.  The article, entitled “Did the Pentagon mislead Congress over purchase of Russian Mi-17s for Afghanistan,” cites senior Pentagon officials assuring Congress that the Russian-made helicopters were the “superior choice” for outfitting the Afghan security forces. According to a 2010 Department of Defense internal study, however, the U.S. Army’s Chinook was found to be “the most cost-effective single platform type fleet for the Afghan Air Force over a twenty year period.”  If this study is correct, why was the Chinook not chosen as the aircraft for the Afghan security forces? Furthermore, the article also indicates that the recommendation for the Chinook may have been overruled by high ranking Department of Defense officials.  As lawmakers who represent the workers who make the CH-47 Chinook at the Boeing Facility located in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, we respectfully request clarification on the allegations that the Pentagon overruled a recommendation to buy an American-made aircraft. We ask that you please provide a detailed response, as well as a briefing on Capitol Hill in January, on these important issues to our constituents. Thank you for your consideration with regards to this request. We look forward to your response. Sincerely,   Patrick Meehan Chaka Fattah Robert Brady John Carney Allyson Schwartz Jim Gerlach",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-co-sponsors-bill-protect-military-retiree-benefits,Rep. Kelly Co-Sponsors Bill to Protect Military Retiree Benefits,2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,,,legacy,"Legislation would adjust Bipartisan Budget Act, fight fraud, save taxpayer dollars WASHINGTON — Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following statement today regarding the introduction of legislation by Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick (R-PA)  to repeal the adjustments to military retirement benefits included in the recently passed Bipartisan Budget Act and offset the cost with a measure aimed at stopping rampant tax credit fraud. The measure would institute a requirement that taxpayers must provide the Social Security Numbers of dependents whom they claim for the Child Tax Credit. Rep. Kelly is an original co-sponsor of this legislation. “As both a citizen and an elected representative, I revere and cherish every single American who heroically volunteers to serve our nation in uniform. I believe our veterans deserve every single penny they earned for serving our great country — and I will always have their back in every policy debate, every time. Even when crafting practical yet imperfect fiscal solutions such as the recent budget deal, our commitment to our military members must never waiver. “As I said at the time of its initial passage, the Bipartisan Budget Act is small first step to moving the federal government in a fiscally responsible direction. Many other steps, including greater adjustments and improvements to the law, will be necessary. Having heard the concerns and frustrations of my constituents over the law’s provision regarding military retiree benefits, I am proud to co-sponsor legislation that locates savings which do not affect our fighting men and women in any capacity. “Curbing federal tax fraud is an indispensable element of serious debt and deficit reduction. By enacting commonsense anti-fraud measures into the tax code, we are ensuring that the American people’s money is spent as legitimately as possible, saving billions in taxpayer dollars, and keeping our sacred promises to those who defend us. NOTE: According to a report by the Joint Committee on Taxation, the bill’s anti-fraud measure regarding the child tax credit would save American taxpayers $7 billion over a decade. The Treasury Department’s Investigator General has already found $4.2 billion in fraudulent payments over the course of just one year.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://marino.house.gov/press-release/marino-meets-residents-small-businesses-discuss-increase-flood-insurance-premiums,"Marino meets with residents, small businesses to discuss increase in flood insurance premiums",2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Tom Marino,M001179,marino.house.gov,,,legacy,"Williamsport, PA - Earlier this week, U.S. Representative Tom Marino (R-PA) joined local officials in Muncy, Montoursville and Jersey Shore to meet with residents and small business owners who have been affected by the recent increases in flood insurance premiums. Since 1968, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has been assisting families and businesses to rebuild after devastating floods.  However, in the aftermath of natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Rita and Superstorm Sandy, the program is now $28 billion in debt. “Because of this debt, Congress took action and passed the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012,” Marino said.  “While this legislation was the best option at the time, it led to the unintended consequence of drastically increased premiums for some of those with flood insurance.”  Marino added, “I have been hearing about these dramatic rate increases from my constituents for months now, and while I understand the need for homeowners to pay a premium that reflects the actual risk of their property flooding, Congress needs to find a solution that ensures flood insurance remains an affordable safety net for low and middle class families.” Rep. Marino was joined by local officials, including Lycoming County Commissioners Jeff Wheeland, Ernie Larson and Tony Mussare, Muncy Borough Manager William Ramsey, Montoursville Mayor John Dorin, representatives from the offices of State Senator Eugene Yaw and State Representative Garth Everett, and other community leaders, as he met with several residents and local business owners across Lycoming County who have seen their premium rates skyrocket. “A homeowner that I met with in Muncy told me his flood insurance premiums are going from less than $1,000 a year to over $9,000,” Marino said.  “Another couple invested in properties along Main Street in Jersey Shore but is now facing a $40,000 bill every year for their insurance premium.” “I am doing everything I can to redress the negative effects of the Biggert-Waters Act and find a sensible solution,” Marino added, “I have co-sponsored several pieces of legislation that will delay these increases, require an accountability study to be conducted, and call on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to work with state and local entities to identify ways to reduce these rates.” Marino is a co-sponsor of three pieces of legislation, the Flood Insurance Implementation Reform Act of 2013 introduced by Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-LA), the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2013 introduced by Rep. Michael Grimm (R-NY) and the Flood Insurance Relief and Transparency Act of 2013, introduced by Rep. Bill Cassidy (R-LA).  All three bills have bi-partisan support in the House of Representatives. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=1230,Toomey To Sebelius: Provide Data On Premium Rates Under Obamacare [press_release],2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) has asked Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to provide detailed information about current and projected health insurance premium rates under Obamacare. During questioning at a recent Senate Finance Committee hearing, Secretary Sebelius could not deny that health insurance premiums are rising. Sen. Toomey and Republican members of the Senate Finance Committee have sent a letter to the secretary requesting the average premium rates for individuals age 27, 40 and 64 years for the following categories: o In each of the bronze, silver, and gold plans offered on the health care exchanges. o The rates for these exchange-based plans before taxpayer-funded subsidies. o A breakdown of these rates for the 27 states participating in the federally-facilitated exchange, the 7 partnership marketplaces, and the 17 state-based marketplaces. o The rates for individuals who continue to receive employer based health insurance. An August 2013 Kaiser Family Foundation analysis found that annual premiums for employer-based health insurance for families would increase from $13,375 in 2009 to $16,351 in 2013. Further, a recent Manhattan Institute for Policy Research study found that premiums in the individual market will increase, on average, by about 41 percent from their pre-Obamacare levels. The full text of the senators' letter is below: December 12, 2013 The Honorable Kathleen Sebelius Secretary U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 200 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20201 Dear Secretary Sebelius: We write seeking detailed information about current and projected health insurance premium rates under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). Throughout the 2008 presidential campaign, then-Senator Barack Obama repeatedly promised that his health care plan would bring down premiums by as much as $2,500 for the typical family. As president, he continued to make this claim, even after studies demonstrated premium costs were on the rise. In a 2009 analysis, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) ""projected"" family premiums would reach $15,200 in 2016, as opposed to $13,100 without PPACA. During recent testimony before the Senate Finance Committee members, you asserted that premium rates are 16 percent lower than the CBO projected rates for 2016. More recent studies have consistently shown premiums for both individuals and families are skyrocketing. Even more concerning is that current premium data does not fully reflect the law's mandates, some of which have yet to take effect. An August 2013 Kaiser Family Foundation analysis found that annual premiums for employer-based health insurance for families would increase from $13,375 in 2009 to $16,351 in 2013. Further, a recent Manhattan Institute for Policy Research study found that individual premium rates will increase, on average, by about 41 percent from their pre-PPACA levels. For Congress to conduct proper oversight of the implementation of PPACA, it is important that Congress and the public have detailed information about the monthly costs of health insurance premiums. Therefore, we request your assistance in obtaining the actual rates after the October 1, 2013 enactment of PPACA. Please provide the average premium rates for individuals age 27, 40 and 64 years for the following categories: • In each of the bronze, silver, and gold plans offered on the health care exchanges. • The rates for these exchange-based plans before tax-payer funded subsidies. • A breakdown of these rates for the 27 states participating in the federally-facilitated exchange, the 7 partnership marketplaces, and the 17 state-based marketplaces. • The rates for individuals who continue to receive employer based health insurance. Thank you for your assistance in this matter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=1234,Sen. Toomey Will Vote Yes On Defense Authorization [press_release],2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. -  In a vote scheduled for later tonight, U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) intends to vote for the defense authorization bill. Below is his statement. ""The defense authorization bill outlines federal spending for the essential programs our armed services need to provide national security. ""This year's bill funds important defense programs in Pennsylvania at appropriate levels. ""The legislation also makes historic reforms to components of the military justice system relating to sexual assault, which I am proud to support. ""While not perfect, I believe the defense authorization bill will help provide our service members with the resources they need to defend our nation.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20131231190842/http://fitzpatrick.house.gov:80/press-release/fitzpatrick-introduces-bill-protect-military-benefits,Fitzpatrick Introduces Bill to Protect Military Benefits,2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Michael Fitzpatrick,F000451,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (PA-8) introduced legislation Thursday to remove the adjustments to military retirement benefits included in the recently passed budget agreement and offset the cost by closing loopholes at the IRS that allow for rampant tax credit fraud. “This nation desperately needs a return to fiscal normalcy and bipartisan cooperation. While the Bipartisan Budget Act is a step in that direction, it does so partly on the backs of our brave military veterans,” said Fitzpatrick. “What I’ve done is introduce a bill to remove that burden from our military retirees and replace it with common sense reforms to the Child Tax Credit program.” Fitzpatrick’s bipartisan bill [H.R. 3788] would replace the $6 billion savings in the budget - accomplished by modifying the way military retiree Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) are calculated - by closing loopholes within the tax code that allow people, some of whom are not in the United States legally, to improperly collect tax credits. “The non-partisan Joint Tax Commission reported last year that by closing the loophole for fraudulent payments, the taxpayer could save nearly $7 billion over 10 years. That’s enough to remove the need to make any changes to military benefits,” explained Fitzpatrick. (A copy of the report is attached) Fitzpatrick also highlighted a 2011 Treasury Department Investigator General report which put the cost of fraudulent tax credit payments at over $4 billion in 2010 alone. In a letter, Fitzpatrick asked for further information about the report and details about what actions the agency had taken to rectify the problem. (A copy of the letter is attached) ""I fully support Congressman Fitzpatrick’s bill to repeal the reduction in military retirement benefits in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 and to require the taxpayer Social Security Number to claim a refundable portion of the child tax credit,"" said Col. Daniel L. Rubini (Ret.). ""This is but one highly desirable step to take to keep the promise made to our soldiers. Get the fraud out of the system and put the money in the hands of our soldiers who have sacrificed so much. They have given to this country more than any other segment of our citizenry.""   “Stopping fraud and abuse within the federal government is something we should all agree on - especially when using those dollars to help honor our pledges to our veterans,” added Fitzpatrick. “This bill does that while still keeping a commitment to responsible budgeting.” The bill had 45 co-sponsors at the time of introduction. ### Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick is serving his third term in the U.S. House of Representatives. He represents Pennsylvania’s 8th district which includes all of Bucks County as well as a portion of Montgomery County. He serves as the Vice Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140309100622/http://rothfus.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=637,Rothfus Working to Protect Military Retiree Benefits,2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Keith Rothfus,R000598,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Keith Rothfus [PA-12] released the following statement after co-sponsoring solutions to address the cut in cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for military retirees that were included in the Murray-Ryan budget agreement: “The Murray-Ryan budget agreement is nowhere near perfect,” said Rothfus.  “Although I support replacing across the board sequester cuts with permanent reforms to mandatory spending, I am opposed to cuts to COLAs for military retirees and surviving spouses. “After consulting with local military retirees in Western Pennsylvania and my colleagues in Congress about possible solutions, I co-sponsored two proposals to correct this situation.  Congress should remedy this issue as soon as possible.” Congressman Rothfus is working with Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick [PA-08] on H.R. 3788, legislation that would repeal the budget agreement’s COLA changes entirely and offset the cost with common-sense reforms to the tax code.  He is also working with House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Jeff Miller [FL-01] on H.R. 3789, legislation that would specifically exempt disabled military retirees and surviving spouses from these changes. Congressman Rothfus is an original co-sponsor on both of these proposals.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=1228,Senate Passes Toomey-Casey Measure To Stop EPA?s Dangerous Regulation Of Fire Hydrants [press_release],2013-12-18,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.) successfully teamed up to pass bipartisan legislation to bolster fire safety and protect local governments from a dangerous and expensive new mandate. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced a policy that will require local governments to replace malfunctioning fire hydrants with new independently certified lead-free fire hydrants. This EPA regulation essentially makes it impossible for local governments to repair fire hydrants or replace them with existing inventory. Additionally, it is uncertain whether fire hydrants that meet the new criteria are actually available for purchase. Last week, the Senators introduced legislation (S. 1779) to exempt fire hydrants from the mandate. The Senate unanimously passed House legislation identical to S. 1779 today. ""The notion that people drink from fire hydrants often enough to warrant this kind of regulation is ridiculous and in no way justifies the cost of replacing hydrants in every city and town in the country,"" said Sen. Toomey. ""It's great news that the Senate and the House have both acknowledged this absurdity. The implementation of this EPA rule would have forced local governments to leave malfunctioning fire hydrants idle until adequate funds and products are available - which poses an undeniable threat to public safety. The passage of our bipartisan bill is a great victory for common sense, and I look forward to President Obama signing it into law."" ""I'm pleased that the Senate has come together in a bipartisan fashion to pass this legislation which will allow our first responders to continue their lifesaving work without the fear of a new, burdensome regulation,"" Sen. Casey said. ""Passing this bill will help municipalities replace aging fire hydrants and prevent the EPA from moving forward with this unworkable regulation."" As a result of this rule, local governments across the country will be forced to leave malfunctioning fire hydrants out-of-service until sufficient numbers of new compliant fire hydrants can be purchased and installed. The cost of purchasing new fire hydrants every time an existing fire hydrant malfunctions will place considerable financial strain on local governments, and place the safety of communities across the country at risk. Sens. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), and Edward Markey (D-Mass.) have also supported Sen. Toomey's bipartisan legislation to exempt fire hydrants from this EPA regulation. The legislation has been sent to the President and is now awaiting his signature. Several of Pennsylvania's local government associations and municipalities support the efforts of Sens. Toomey and Casey on this issue: ""The Pennsylvania Municipal League (PML) applauds Sen. Toomey and Sen. Casey for introducing the Community Fire Safety Act of 2013. This legislation will save local governments across the nation millions of dollars by exempting fire hydrants from lead content standards for drinking water infrastructure. Like most communities, Pennsylvania's municipalities are very budget conscious and cannot afford the substantial mandate the EPA's interpretation would impose. PML supports S. 1779,"" said PML Executive Director Richard J. Schuettler. ""The PA State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS) applauds Sen. Toomey and Sen. Casey in addressing an unfunded mandate that will result in substantial cost to local governments and their residents with minimal benefits,"" said PSATS Executive Director David Sanko. ""An unfunded mandate of this magnitude could cost boroughs across Pennsylvania thousands of dollars in retrofits and inventory loss. The Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs (PSAB) thanks Sen. Toomey and Sen. Casey for their support of this common-sense legislation,"" said PSAB Government Affairs Director Ed Troxell. ""Excluding fire hydrants from the No-Lead Rule is imperative to the continued efficient operations of the Erie Water Works. Without the appropriate legislation, dozens of hydrants currently in inventory at the Water Works would be rendered useless, costing the Water Works tens of thousands of dollars in replacement costs. Additionally, not having hydrants readily available in stock to replace broken or unusable fire hydrants would also lead to a degradation of public fire protection, as inoperable hydrants would remain ‘out of service' until compliant hydrants were available,"" said Erie Water Works CEO/CFO Paul D. Vojtek.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=1229,Sen. Toomey Issues Statement Regarding Israel?s Decision To Maintain Presence In Philadelphia [press_release],2013-12-18,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement in response to the news that the Israeli consulate located in Philadelphia will remain open.  Sen. Toomey sent a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in November upon learning that the consulate may be closed. ""I applaud Israel's decision to keep its consulate in Philadelphia open and I thank Prime Minster Netanyahu for his consideration,"" said Sen. Toomey. ""Given Southeastern Pennsylvania's large population with personal and business ties to Israel, the consulate has long played an integral part in developing important business, artistic, and political connections between the United States and Israel.  I am confident that Israel's renewed commitment to Philadelphia will sustain and grow these relationships.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140413170307/http://meehan.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=684,"Meehan, Gerlach Join Airlines, Labor for Rally to Protect American Air Carrier Jobs",2013-12-18,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Pat Meehan,M001181,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Meehan, Gerlach Join Airlines, Labor for Rally to Protect American Air Carrier Jobs Lawmakers joined by ALPA President, Airlines 4 America CEO, Assn. of Flight Attendants-CWA International President     PHILADELPHIA, PA– Congressman Patrick Meehan (PA-7) and Congressman Jim Gerlach (PA-6) joined senior leadership from aviation industry stakeholder groups across the county today to oppose the creation of a Customs Pre-Clearance Facility in Abu Dhabi that will give a competitive advantage to a foreign state-owned airline. Nick Calio, President of Airlines for America, Capt. Lee Moak, President of Airline Pilots Association International, and Veda Shook, International President of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, joined the lawmakers at Philadelphia International Airport to support H.R. 3488, legislation that prevents the opening of the Abu Dhabi customs facility. “A pre-clearance facility in Abu Dhabi will give a foreign, state-owned airline a competitive edge over U.S. airlines as customers traveling to America from the Middle East and Asia route themselves through Abu Dhabi to avoid the lines at customs in the United States,” said Congressman Meehan. “This policy steers travelers away from US carriers towards a foreign-owned airline, and we’re using American tax dollars to do it.A pre-clearance facility in Abu Dhabi will threaten American jobs and is little more than a taxpayer-funded handout to a foreign airline owned by the United Arab Emirates,” Meehan said. ""This is another example of the executive branch making unilateral decisions without considering how their actions affect jobs and the American families those jobs support,"" Rep. Gerlach said. ""I look forward to working with Congressman Meehan to stop this pre-clearance facility and protect American jobs."" “The misguided Abu Dhabi deal is a prime example of our government providing foreign carriers with a competitive advantage over U.S. airlines in the marketplace,” said A4A President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio. “We applaud Rep. Meehan for his leadership to ensure our government is not tilting the competitive playing field against U.S. airlines and their passengers, in favor of our foreign competitors.” “A customs preclearance site at Abu Dhabi not only hands a state-owned Middle Eastern airline a US taxpayer-financed powerful economic advantage in competing against U.S. airlines in the global marketplace, it also drains money that would be better used to improve customs facilities at major US airports,” said ALPA President Capt. Lee Moak. “Why are American taxpayer dollars being spent on a pre-clearance facility at a foreign airport to which no US air carriers fly?” ""The Abu Dhabi pre-clearance facility would be the start of a slippery slope, creating a global system where only wealthy foreign airlines would be able to participate,” said Veda Shook, International President, Association of Flight Attendants-CWA. “It would benefit few US citizens and  put U.S. airlines at an extreme competitive disadvantage. Pre-clearance should not be a vehicle to put U.S. air carriers and U.S. airline jobs at risk by exclusively advantaging a foreign competitor."" H.R. 3488 was introduced by Meehan and co-sponsored by Rep. Gerlach. It has more than 125 co-sponsors from both parties.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-highlights-alternative-obamacare-fox-news%E2%80%99-your-world,Rep. Kelly Highlights Alternative to Obamacare on Fox News’ 'Your World',2013-12-17,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Kelly: “We’ve got a plan: it’s the American Health Care Reform Act.” CLICK TO WATCH WASHINGTON — Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, appeared live in-studio on Fox News Channel’s Your World with guest host Stuart Varney on Monday, December 16, 2013, to discuss the patient-centered alternative to the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) that he is co-sponsoring known as the American Health Care Reform Act (H.R. 3121). More information about the plan can be found here. During the interview, Rep. Kelly directly addressed President Obama’s false charge that opponents of Obamacare have not offered any alternatives. He explained his alternate plan, and shared a recent real-life story detailing Obamacare’s harmful impact on his constituents. Interview highlights from Rep. Kelly: “The president… I think he thinks that if he says it often enough and long enough and loud enough, people will listen to him. But I do think now we realize the emperor has no clothes. And we’re looking at this and we’re saying, ‘This just isn’t working, Mr. President.’ And we’ve been going and talking to him, but he’s a tough guy to talk to, because if you’re not speaking his language, he doesn’t hear you.” “You know and I know this was never about health care for people — this is about insurance for people. There’s a huge difference. We have the best health care in the world. Now [our country’s most vulnerable] just have to have access to it and it has to be affordable. We’ve done things that make commonsense approaches to making it easier for everyday Americans to be able to go to sleep at night, put your head on the pillow, and know you’re covered. We’ve got you covered. And that’s what we’re there for. That’s our job. If we can’t do that, we shouldn’t be in Washington.” “Well we’ve got a plan: it’s the American Health Care Reform Act. You can go to Kelly.house.gov — now that’s a website you can get on – and you can read the information. It’s all there. It’s been there for a long time. We’ve tried to be driving this message. But again, this doesn’t fit the president’s narrative. This has nothing to do with the president or his personality; this has to do with his performance.” “There’s no ‘one size fits all.’ That’s the beauty of our plan. We allow people to choose what’s best for them.” “When I go home to Butler, there’s a little restaurant that I eat at — Natili’s. It’s a fourth generation place, great Italian food. Cindy waits on me all the time. Now, the last time I was in with my wife, [Cindy] said, ‘Mike, can I talk to you about something? I hate to interrupt your dinner, but you know what? I am really torn. My husband’s company no longer is going to cover me. They’re just going to cover him.’ … Because of Obamacare. And she says, ‘Now I have to go out and get my own insurance. I checked: it’s going to cost me $780 dollars a month. I can’t work enough hours, I can’t generate enough tips, to pay for that.’ … She says, essentially, ‘I have no insurance.’ And you know what? Cindy’s right. And there are 250,000 Pennsylvanians that are finding out that they no longer have health care.” “I’m an automobile dealer. Next year, I’ve got to come back and come up with a plan that makes sense for the people that I’ve worked with for the last sixty-some years. And my dad started our business. One of the things we had, a hallmark — we took care of our associates. This Obamacare makes it impossible for us to maintain the great relationship we had with the people that worked with us and tried to keep our customers happy. It’s a terrible thing to do to the American people.”   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221090824/http://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-release/fitzpatrick-seeking-spring-2014-interns,Fitzpatrick Seeking Spring 2014 Interns,2013-12-17,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Michael Fitzpatrick,F000451,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"LANGHORNE, PA – Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (PA-8) is seeking enthusiastic and hard-working interns for the 2014 Spring Semester in both his Washington, D.C. and Langhorne District offices. Congressional internships are great opportunity for any students interested in the legislative process, public service and learning more about the inner-workings of our federal government. This internship provides the opportunity for college credits and professional experience to college students, graduate students and recent graduates. Bucks County, Montgomery County, or Pennsylvania ties are preferred. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, answering phone calls from constituents, organizing mail and faxes, leading constituents on tours of the Capitol Building, greeting visitors, and assisting the Congressman’s overall legislative efforts. If interested, please contact Congressman Fitzpatrick’s DC Intern Coordinator, Anna Marie DiMascia at 202-225-4276/annamarie.dimascia@mail.house.gov or Congressman Fitzpatrick’s Langhorne Intern Coordinator, Kelly McGinty at 215-579-8102/kelly.micginty@mail.house.gov ### Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick is serving his third term in the U.S. House of Representatives. He represents Pennsylvania’s 8th district which includes all of Bucks County as well as a portion of Montgomery County. He serves as the Vice Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221033223/http://perry.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/perry-legislation-demands-answers-regarding-nsa-domestic-surveillance,Perry Legislation Demands Answers Regarding NSA Domestic Surveillance Programs,2013-12-16,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Scott Perry,P000605,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Scott Perry recently introduced legislation, the NSA Transparency Act (H.R. 3756), to require this and future Administrations to respond to unanswered questions from lawmakers about the domestic surveillance programs that have collected a myriad of communications data on American citizens. The bill also would make public decisions by the FISA Court that approve data collection under the National Surveillance Act (NSA) programs. In the wake of numerous leaked NSA privacy violations, we must restore public trust and ensure accountability from the NSA for these programs. “One of my primary responsibilities is to ensure that the privacy and civil liberties of every American guaranteed in the Constitution remain protected”, said Rep. Perry.  “This bill improves the process by ensuring that Congress has the proper information necessary to carry out its oversight role. We must ensure that law-abiding Americans are not needlessly harmed by over- intrusive government surveillance programs. Our number one priority must be to ensure that Americans are safe, but not at the cost of violating the founding principles that make this country great. The NSA Transparency Act will help safeguard the proper balance between protecting our civil liberties while maintaining our national security.” Rep. Perry previously supported other bi-partisan legislation to increase oversight of domestic surveillance programs. The NSA Transparency Act is based upon Democrat sponsored legislation in the Senate to increase oversight and accountability over domestic surveillance programs.  Specifically, the NSA Transparency Act requires the present and future Administrations to publicly disclose:  if the FISA Court issues a decision determining that U.S. government activities have violated the Constitution; when the NSA began bulk collection of communication records of a large number of American citizens; whether the NSA ever collected location data on innocent Americans using cellular phone technology; and whether and how many warrantless searches of communications data took place in order to target a particular American citizen. Residents of the 4th District are welcome to contact Congressman Perry and his staff at any of his offices or via Perry.House.Gov, where they can sign up for e-mail updates and for his Facebook, Twitter and YouTube pages.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221090917/http://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-release/fitzpatrick-judge%E2%80%99s-ruling-address%E2%80%99-nsa%E2%80%99s-constitutional-concerns,Fitzpatrick: Judge’s Ruling Address’ NSA’s Constitutional Concerns,2013-12-16,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Michael Fitzpatrick,F000451,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"LANGHORNE, PA – Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (PA-8) released the following statement Monday regarding a federal judge’s ruling that the National Security Agency’s (NSA) phone surveillance program is “likely unconstitutional” under the Fourth Amendment: Today’s ruling addressing the concerns I’ve expressed about the constitutionality of the NSA’s program in tracking and spying on law abiding Americans since the revelations this summer, and before. The Fourth Amendment to the Constitution ensures citizens the right to be ‘secure in their persons, houses papers and effects…’ – a right that is obviously being infringed on by the agency’s dragnet data collection. This ruling is a step in the right direction when it comes to addressing these concerns. I will monitor this situation closely. Americans deserve common sense reforms to the agency and its practices that empower law enforcement while still protecting the Constitutional rights of all people. Now, more than ever, we need a vote on the bipartisan, bicameral ‘USA Freedom Act’. Fitzpatrick is a co-sponsor of the bipartisan USA Freedom Act [H.R. 3361] and has introduced legislation to defund the parts of the agency that overstep their legal and Constitutional boundaries. Read more about today’s ruling HERE ### Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick is serving his third term in the U.S. House of Representatives. He represents Pennsylvania’s 8th district which includes all of Bucks County as well as a portion of Montgomery County. He serves as the Vice Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-statement-bipartisan-budget-act,Rep. Kelly Statement on Bipartisan Budget Act,2013-12-13,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON — Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following statement yesterday evening in support of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013. Further details about the agreement can be found here. The House of Representatives passed the legislation by 332-94. “During my short time serving in Congress, I am glad to have witnessed our fiscal focus shift from how much to spend to how much to cut. While today’s bill did not include everything I want, it does move the debate in the right direction. This agreement reduces the deficit by $23 billion, it includes concrete cost-saving measures such as pension reform, and it does so without raising any taxes on anyone. Most importantly, this agreement takes the power of the purse out of the hands of President Obama – which is where every continuing resolution has put it – and back into the hands of the House where it belongs. These are important accomplishments that cannot be overlooked. With this agreement in place, I look forward to carrying on the fight for serious debt and deficit reduction in the new year and making sure the fiscal debate in Washington keeps moving in the proper direction.”   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://thompson.house.gov/press-release/thompson-amendment-included-national-defense-policy-act-measure-headed-senate,Thompson Amendment Included in National Defense Policy Act; Measure Headed for Senate Consideration Next Week,2013-12-13,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House passed a series of bills with bipartisan support, including H.R. 3304, the National Defense Authorization Act of 2014, by a vote of 350-69, and H. J. Res. 59, a House-Senate budget agreement that sets overall spending for Fiscal Years 2014 and 2015, by a vote of 332-94.  U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-5) voted to support both measures. Statement on H.R. 3304: “The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 is long overdue, despite the House passing its version during the Summer. This bill affords the military some certainty about policy moving forward and offers the brave men and women of our military the resources to safely fulfill their missions and the support they deserve upon return from service.” Background: H.R. 3304 includes a Thompson-sponsored amendment dealing with the Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP) which offers 180 days of health insurance coverage for service members transitioning into civilian life. The amendment extends TAMP by an additional 180 days for all services rendered through telemedicine, to ensure that coverage is available especially for those with Post Traumatic Stress, symptoms of which often do not appear until 8 to 10 months following deployment.     The amendment builds on Thompson’s 2011 STEP Act, now Public Law 112-81, Section 713, which expanded service member health care services and the use of telemedicine at the Department of Defense (DoD).     Statement on H. J. Res. 59:  “We were able to prevent the Senate’s push for new taxes and spending increases and continue my commitment to deficit reduction. While far from perfect, this bill replaces the most economically harmful cuts imposed by the sequester with smarter spending reforms that will produce greater deficit reduction over the long-term. The bill will avoid harmful cuts to our military and protects our fragile economy.” Background: H.J.Res.59 constitutes a budget agreement reached between the House and Senate for Fiscal Years 2014 and 2015. According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the measure would reduce the deficit by $85 billion. After factoring in targeted replacement of sequester reductions of $62 billion, the savings put towards deficit reduction will amount to $23 billion. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=1225,Sen. Pat Toomey's E-Update [press_release],2013-12-13,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Protecting Children From Sexual Predators   Watch WBRE's coverage of my visit to Scranton's Children's Advocacy Center I have introduced bipartisan legislation to protect America's children from sexual and violent predators in the classroom. My bill requires schools to perform background checks on all new and existing employees, and bans schools from helping a predator find a new teaching job. It also ends the practice of schools quietly passing predators on to other jobs and other innocent children. Learn more about my bill to protect children from sexual and violent predators. As a father of three young children, I cannot imagine the suffering of a parent whose child is sexually assaulted. No family should endure such a tragedy. I am proud that we have come together - across party lines and across the nation - to protect our kids. I would particularly like to thank Democratic State Senator Anthony Hardy Williams and Republican Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick for their bipartisan leadership on this issue. State Senator Anthony Hardy Williams is the prime sponsor of a similar bill, which passed the Pennsylvania State Senate unanimously. As Sen. Williams says, ""Sen. Toomey and I may disagree on approaches and even political philosophy on some issues, but some things are beyond partisan divides. The safety and welfare of our children, all of our children, is a universal value on which we can and do agree."" I am grateful for his support, and I am hopeful that we can diminish dramatically instances of this awful crime in our state and around the country. Read the Scranton Times-Tribune story.   Keeping The EPA Off The Backs Of Our Firefighters   The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking excessive government regulation to new levels. A recent agency rule will force local governments across the country to leave malfunctioning fire hydrants out-of-service until new, lead-free fire hydrants can be purchased and installed. This regulation essentially makes it impossible for local governments to repair these hydrants or replace them with existing inventory. It is also uncertain whether fire hydrants that meet the new criteria are even available for purchase.   Read the Erie Times-News story on the EPA's fire hydrant rule. Sen. Bob Casey agrees with me that this is an undeniable threat to public safety. Together, we are working to strengthen fire safety and protect our local governments from this dangerous and expensive new mandate. I am also glad to have the support of Pennsylvania's local government associations and municipalities in this fight.   Protecting First Responders From Obamacare   Read the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review story. New, disturbing consequences of Obamacare have come to light: the law penalizes volunteer fire departments and jeopardizes funding for training by imposing unreasonable burdens on many of our volunteer emergency response agencies. I have introduced bipartisan legislation to amend Obamacare to ensure volunteer emergency service workers are not required to be counted as full-time equivalent employees for purposes of healthcare coverage. I am very glad that Congressman Lou Barletta (Pa.-11) has introduced a similar bill in the House. I am pleased to report that our bipartisan legislation has been endorsed by the International Association of Fire Chiefs, National Volunteer Fire Council, and Congressional Fire Services Institute. From small cities to rural communities, Pennsylvania has the largest number of volunteer fire departments in the country. These dedicated men and women play a crucial role in protecting our families every day. We owe them protection from Obamacare's most devastating consequences.      Fighting Prescription Drug Abuse  With Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman. Last week, Delaware County officials and I discussed solutions for prescription drug abuse, a growing, tragic crisis in our state and around the country. This week, I worked to turn those ideas into law. With Sens. Tom Carper (D-Del.), Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), I have introduced a bipartisan amendment that will begin to curb this serious problem. Our proposal would establish a beneficiary protection program for Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans to prevent fraudulent diversion of controlled substances. It would also enable sharing of anti-waste and fraud data between health plans and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Representatives from Pennsylvania's law enforcement community and advocates of substance abuse prevention are endorsing my efforts.   Watch video of my remarks on this issue in the Senate Finance Committee.   Fighting for Lower Food And Gasoline Costs   I continue my efforts to bring down the cost of food and gasoline. This week, I introduced bipartisan legislation to eliminate the corn ethanol mandate in the government's renewable fuel standard (RFS). Refiners are forced to meet this standard when manufacturing gasoline. Since 2005, fuel suppliers like those in Trainer and Philadelphia have been forced to blend millions of gallons of biofuels - notably corn ethanol - into the nation's gasoline supplies. This flawed central planning harms the viability of good paying jobs, drives up gas prices, increases food costs, and harms the environment. This is the government using corporate welfare to shower money on a favored industry and send the bill to the general public. Labor and business leaders, as well as environmental groups, have pushed back against this harmful regulatory regime. It's time to repeal the requirement that directs more corn in our gas tanks at the expense of the hardworking men and women of Pennsylvania. I am glad to have Sens. Diane Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) join me on this common-sense proposal. More than 30 different national consumer advocacy groups and associations support our effort.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=1226,Sen. Toomey: No On Budget Deal [press_release],2013-12-13,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) released the following statement about the budget agreement that passed the House last night. ""The budget deal must be considered in comparison to existing law which was signed by President Obama in 2011 and established specific spending limits. These bipartisan spending caps are working. In 2012 and 2013, we reduced government spending two years in a row - for the first time since just after the Korean War - and lowered our deficits substantially. ""I have maintained that any budget deal alternative to current law must preserve the taxpayer savings of existing law. The budget agreement does not accomplish this basic goal. ""Instead, this deal establishes new, higher budget caps to increase spending. The deal purports to offset those increases. But it does so, in some cases, with gimmicks and to a large degree with higher revenues. ""It is also unfortunate that this deal does not contain a provision that I have been calling for which would permanently end shutdowns and government by manufactured crisis. ""Regardless of one's position on this budget agreement, it is clear that Washington is still ignoring the unsustainable spending trajectory that remains a drag on our economy and future generations. I hope that Congress will get to work to put our fiscal house in order.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221091008/http://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-release/fitzpatrick-budget-deal-step-right-direction,Fitzpatrick: Budget Deal is a Step in the Right Direction,2013-12-13,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Michael Fitzpatrick,F000451,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Dec 12, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (PA-8) released the following statement Thursday night regarding the passage (332-94) of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 [H.J.Res. 59]: The ‘Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013’ worked out by the Democratic Senate Budget Chair and the Republican House Budget Chair is a step in the right direction toward fiscal normalcy and regular order. By putting an end to governance by crisis when it comes to budgeting, we can begin to work together to find real, common sense reforms to the problems that all Americans face. The budget compromise reduces the federal deficit by $23 billion more than under the sequester without raising taxes while providing $63 billion in sequester relief over the next two years. More details about the budget can be found HERE ### Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick is serving his third term in the U.S. House of Representatives. He represents Pennsylvania’s 8th district which includes all of Bucks County as well as a portion of Montgomery County. He serves as the Vice Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140309084959/http://rothfus.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=632,"Policy Member Spotlight: Rep. Keith Rothfus (R-PA) – H.R. 2453, The Medicare Beneficiary Preservation of Choice Act",2013-12-13,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Keith Rothfus,R000598,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Policy Member Spotlight: Rep. Keith Rothfus (R-PA) – H.R. 2453, The Medicare Beneficiary Preservation of Choice Act H.R. 2453, the Medicare Beneficiary Preservation of Choice Act, introduced by Rep. Keith Rothfus (R-PA), restores the 90-day Medicare Advantage open enrollment period from January 1 to March 31.  The bill currently has 13 cosponsors. What is Medicare Advantage? Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage (MA), provides private plan options to Medicare-eligible beneficiaries. Approximately 14.8 million individuals, 28 percent of all Medicare beneficiaries, are enrolled in MA plans, which include health maintenance organizations, preferred provider organizations, private-fee-for-service plans, and special needs plans.[1]  In the MA program, payments are made to private plans on behalf of beneficiaries from both the Health Insurance Trust Fund (HI) and the Supplemental Medical Insurance (SMI) fund.[2]  In 2012, approximately $136 billion from both the HI and SMI funds was directed toward MA plans.[3]  Enrollment in MA plans has grown over the years from 1.3 million in 1985 to 14.8 million in 2013.[4]  Studies have identified the MA program as more effective than the traditional fee for service,[5] particularly among those individuals with chronic conditions and those individuals who reside in rural areas.[6] What is the Problem? Prior to 2011, in addition to the general enrollment period for all Medicare plans from October 15 until December 7, Medicare beneficiaries were able to switch between MA plans during a 90-day open enrollment period from January 1 through March 31.[7]  In 2011, CMS, through regulations, replaced the second enrollment with an annual 45-day disenrollment period.[9]  During this period, seniors are not permitted to switch MA plans; instead they are required either to stay in their current plan or switch back to traditional Medicare plans (Part A and Part B).  MA beneficiaries may switch between MA plans during the October 15th-December 7th Annual Open Enrollment Period.  In November, the Wall Street Journal reported that UnitedHealth Group Inc., “the nation’s largest provider of privately managed MA plans,” had dropped thousands of doctors from its networks, citing “significant changes and pressures in the health-care environment.”[9]  These notices allow doctors to appeal within 30 days.  However, the length of the appeal process means that patients will not know who is in their network until after the December 7th enrollment deadline passes.  This development has left thousands of seniors uncertain about whether they need to change MA plans in order to see their current doctor and unable to make necessary changes to their health care coverage. What is the Medicare Beneficiary Preservation of Choice Act? H.R. 2453, the Medicare Beneficiary Preservation of Choice Act, restores the 90-day MA open enrollment period at the beginning of the year, while preserving the option for seniors to change their MA plan during the October open enrollment period.  This would allow seniors to once again change their MA plans one time during the first quarter of the year, if they determine that their current plan does not meet their health needs.  This bill gives seniors the same flexibility and freedom to change their plans that was afforded to them prior to 2011.  The bill is supported by America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), the 60 Plus Association, and the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC). Additional Resources: If you are interested in cosponsoring H.R. 2453, please contact Rep. Keith Rothfus’ office at (202) 225-2065. Downloadable PDF   Citations [1] See CRS Medicare Financing: September 19, 2013, p24. [2] See id. [3] See id., p8. [4] See CRS Medicare Financing: September 19, 2013, p24. [5] See What You Need to Know, Medicare Advantage: Providing High Quality, Cost Efficient Care for Medicare Beneficiaries. [6] http://kff.org/medicare/fact-sheet/medicare-advantage-fact-sheet/. [7] http://www.medicare.com/advantage-plans/enrollment-and-disenrollment-periods-for-medicare-advantage-plans.html [8] See id. [9] Melinda Beck, “UnitedHealth Culls Doctors From Medicare Advantage Plans,” Wall Street Journal(November 16, 2013).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://shuster.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=528,Shuster Slashes Government Waste and Supports our Soldiers with Vote to Pass National Defense Authorization Act,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Bill Shuster,S001154,shuster.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington – Today, with Congressman Bill Shuster’s support, the House overwhelmingly passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which authorizes funds for the Department of Defense for Fiscal Year 2014, by a vote of 350-69. This comprehensive bill maintains a strong national defense while simultaneously cutting government waste and eliminating unnecessary programs. “This is an important piece of legislation not only because it provides crucial support for American soldiers, but because it wastes less of the taxpayers’ money on programs we don’t need,” says Shuster. “In a time when we face numerous emerging threats and the continued danger of international terrorism, this bill is gives our brave men and women in uniform the resources they need to continue protecting our nation. This is a defense bill for the 21st Century, and provides the tools needed to continue keeping America safe.” In June, the House passed its version of the National Defense Authorization Act, drafted by the House Armed Services Committee. Today’s bill is the product of an agreement reached with the Senate Armed Services Committee to incorporate their version of the bill, and showcases the deep level of bipartisan support for this legislation to support our military. The National Defense Authorization Act improves the ability of the armed forces to counter both traditional and non-traditional threats alike by restoring military readiness in a fiscally responsible way. The bill authorizes $552.1 billion in spending for national defense as well as an additional $80.7 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations. This is in full compliance with the overall sequester cap of $967 billion for discretionary funding, and saves $7.8 billion on war spending alone. Additionally, FY14 NDAA ensures that we continue to honor those who have already served their country: our veterans. It includes provisions for education and civilian certification, protects the GI Bill, and addresses the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) claims backlog by requiring that the VA provide a detailed report to Congress on how the backlog will be solved no later than 60 days after the president signs the bill into law. “We have a duty to stand by our soldiers and give them the best tools and support possible to serve their country. The FY14 National Defense Authorization Act does just that,” says Shuster. “These funds provide for Troop and Combat Pay, TRICARE benefits, and other vital programs that specifically support the war fighter and their families. It also includes measures to combat sexual assault in the military, expand religious freedom provisions, and strengthens congressional oversight of Department of Defense spending. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee and someone that believes we need to eliminate waste at all levels of government, I am pleased to see the House pass this vital bill.” # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=1220,Toomey Working To Exempt Volunteer First Responders From Obamacare [press_release],2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON D.C. -- U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-Va.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Angus King (I-Maine) are spearheading a bipartisan effort to ensure volunteer firefighters and first responders can continue protecting communities that rely on them. The Protect Volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Responders Act amends the President's health care law to make it clear that these volunteers are not required to be counted as full-time equivalent employees (FTEs), which would trigger the onerous employer mandate. In most cases, volunteer first responders maintain other full-time employment and choose to volunteer. Not surprisingly, emergency response agencies which rely almost entirely on volunteer assistance do not have the resources to provide pay for benefits. Additionally, volunteer first responders do not expect to receive compensation or health coverage as a result of their volunteer public service. ""From small cities to rural communities - Pennsylvania has the largest number of volunteer fire departments in the country,"" said Sen. Toomey. ""These departments play a crucial role in protecting Pennsylvanians each and every day. This bipartisan legislation will protect these fire departments from one of the devastating consequences of Obamacare. Pennsylvania is fortunate to have so many dedicated volunteers willing to risk their lives for their fellow citizens and the least we can do is help them keep their doors open."" Approximately 750,000 volunteer firefighters serve in 20,000 all-volunteer and 5,000 combination career-volunteer fire departments throughout the United States. Pennsylvania is home to over 2,000 fire departments that rely mostly or entirely on volunteers. State Sen. Lisa Baker and State Rep. Steve Barrar, who serve as the chairmen of the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committees in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, offered their full support: ""We must ensure that our volunteer firefighters and first responders are able to protect our communities in the most efficient and complete manner possible,"" said Sen. Baker. ""I applaud Sen. Toomey's bipartisan efforts to guarantee that the President's health care law does not impact the individuals who risk their lives every day protecting our health and safety."" ""Volunteer firefighters and first responders risk their lives every day protecting our communities,"" said Rep. Barrar. ""Exposing these brave men and women to the costly mandates established under Obamacare will only serve to punish volunteer-based responder stations, inhibit their ability to provide the critical services needed to protect life and property, and dissuade future civic involvement."" The legislation is supported by the International Association of Fire Chiefs.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=1221,"Sens. Toomey, Carper, Coburn, Brown Lead Bipartisan Effort To Curb Prescription Drug Abuse [press_release]",2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Two Delaware Valley Senators are working curb Medicare fraud and the abuse of prescription drugs. U.S. Senators Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Tom Carper (D-Del.) are teaming with long-time leaders on the issue Tom Coburn, MD (R-Okla.), and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) to introduce an amendment in the Senate Finance Committee. Their bipartisan amendment requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to take steps to curb the abuse of prescription drugs. Sen. Toomey, who recently heard from residents in Delaware County, Pa. about prescription drug abuse said, ""Unfortunately, abuse or misuse of prescription drugs is a growing problem. Young or old, some patients begin to take medicines in ways other than what their doctor prescribed. This can lead to not only addiction but to other medical problems. Our legislation would make it easier to educate patients on these dangers and to detect and prevent waste and fraud of the taxpayer dollars that undergird Medicare."" ""Curbing prescription drug fraud and abuse will require a team effort involving Medicare officials, law enforcement, the Medicare prescription drug plans, pharmacies and doctors, and the beneficiaries themselves. I am proud to join Senators Toomey and Brown in this amendment and am grateful to Dr. Coburn for his work with us on this important issue. This amendment would take important next steps in preventing waste and fraud in the Medicare prescription drug program,"" said Sen. Carper. ""Every dollar wasted through Medicare prescription drug abuse or fraud is one dollar less for our seniors and the disabled who depend on these life-saving programs. These safeguards are important not only to protect taxpayer money, but to avoid the diversion of drugs that harm our communities."" ""I support Senator Toomey and my colleague's amendment that will give the Medicare program a new tool to help curb prescription drug abuse and diversion,"" said Dr. Coburn. ""Their amendment would allow Medicare plans to adopt practices already used in Medicaid plans and commercial insurance plans in which doctors, pharmacists and other specialists intervene to help beneficiaries who are addicts or abusers."" ""Abuse of prescription drugs-especially painkillers-can devastate Ohio communities and Ohio families,"" Sen. Brown said. ""Our bipartisan amendment would ensure better tracking of prescription drugs and prevent fraudulent diversion of prescription drugs through the Medicare program."" Under the Senators' bipartisan proposal, the HHS Secretary would be required to take steps to curb fraudulent diversion and cases where Medicare beneficiaries in Medicare Advantage Drug Plans are using prescriptions for non-medical purposes. The legislation clarifies that data sharing between prescription plans and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is permitted by law to allow effective reviews and prevent further abuse. HHS would also implement appropriate education and controls, and ensure necessary beneficiary access to medication. Representatives of Pennsylvania's law enforcement community and advocates of substance abuse prevention are endorsing the efforts of Sen. Toomey and his colleagues. ""I applaud this effort to curb prescription drug abuse. On the front lines, we are seeing both the effect of addiction on users and the fraud being perpetrated at the taxpayers' expense,"" said Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman. ""The legislation will help us identify and hold accountable those that are profiting off of addiction."" Said Beth Mingey, Director, Prevention /Education, Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems, Media Pa. ""The rapid increase of prescription drug misuse in Delaware County and across the nation has been devastating for youth and families. I'm happy Congress is taking this issue seriously which will surely save lives and am grateful our own Senator is leading the charge."" ""Sen. Toomey continues to be a leader on the epidemic of prescription drug abuse that plagues Delaware County and our state. His bipartisan plan is common sense and will combat doctor shopping which leads to the illegal diversion of pills to our streets,"" said Jack Whelan, Delaware County District Attorney. ""Police officers in Philadelphia are disturbed by the epidemic of prescription drug abuse that afflicts our city,"" said John McNesby, President, Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police. ""I applaud Senator Toomey for working across the aisle to help stem the illegal flow of these drugs to our kids."" ""As a mental health care provider, the uptick in overdoses and instances of prescription drug abuse are frightening. I am constantly confronted with families coping with the loss of a loved one or struggling to get them clean. It affects families of all socioeconomic backgrounds and needs. This is a sensible way of helping to prevent these pills from ever getting to our children,"" said Theresa Agostinelli, LCSW, Glen Mills Counseling Center, Delaware County. Said Chester County Commissioner Terrence Farrell, ""We have seen the alarming rise of prescription drug abuse in Chester County over the past few years. This measure is a step forward in addressing this problem by protecting taxpayers and stopping fraud.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=1222,"Sen. Toomey?s Legislation Would Bring Down Cost Of Food, Gas [press_release]",2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) is working to bring down the cost of food and gasoline. In his latest step to protect consumers and employers from wasteful mandates, Sen. Toomey is introducing bipartisan legislation that would eliminate the corn ethanol mandate from the renewable fuel standard (RFS) that refiners must meet when manufacturing gasoline. In the past, corn ethanol has comprised nearly 75 percent of the total RFS mandate. Corn ethanol poses a whole host of problems for the environment and consumers. Multiple studies, including ones conducted by Stanford University and the National Academy of Sciences, have found that increased ethanol use is detrimental to air quality. AAA warns that it has the potential to damage car engines and even the EPA has labeled the fuel as ""corrosive"". ""Since 2005, fuel suppliers like those in Trainer and Philadelphia have been forced to blend millions of gallons of biofuels -- notably corn ethanol -- into the nation's gasoline supplies,"" said Senator Toomey. ""This flawed central planning harms the viability of good paying jobs, drives up gas prices, increases food costs, and harms the environment. This is the government using corporate welfare to shower money on a favored industry and send the bill to the general public. Labor leaders, business, and environmental groups have pushed back against this harmful regulatory regime. It's time to repeal the requirement that directs more corn in our gas tank at the expense of the hardworking men and women of Pennsylvania."" Sen. Toomey's legislation is also sponsored by Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Tom Coburn (R-Okla.). ""We applaud Sen. Toomey's leadership in addressing the impacts of this misguided mandate on consumers and the environment,"" said Scott Faber, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, Environmental Working Group."" The legislation has been endorsed by the following groups: ActionAid USA American Bakers Association American Frozen Food Institute American Meat Institute American Sportfishing Association BoatUS California Dairy Campaign Clean Air Task Force Competitive Enterprise Institute Dairy Producers of New Mexico Dairy Producers of Utah Environmental Working Group Freedom Action Georgia Poultry Federation Grocery Manufacturers Association Idaho Dairymen's Association Marine Retailers Assoc. of the Americas Milk Producers Council National Chicken Council National Council of Chain Restaurants National Marine Manufacturers Association National Restaurant Association National Taxpayers Union National Turkey Federation Nevada State Dairy Commission North American Meat Association Northwest Dairy Association Oregon Diary Farmers Association Oxfam America Southeast Milk Inc. Specialty Equipment Market Association Taxpayers for Common Sense Washington State Dairy Federation",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://dent.house.gov/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=0B8579B1-A6AB-441B-BC45-C96AFFBD4A1F,Dent Votes for Commonsense Bipartisan Budget Agreement,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Charlie Dent,D000604,dent.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Charlie Dent (PA-15th) joined a large bipartisan group of House members to pass the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 this evening.  169 Republicans joined 163 Democrats in supporting the bill that passed 332 to 94. The budget sets discretionary spending at $1.012 trillion for this fiscal year. The agreement provides $63 billion in sequester relief between defense and non-defense programs. At the same time, it reduces the debt by an additional $23 billion beyond the levels set in the Sequester. “Thursday night the House of Representatives responded to the demands of the American people. We rallied behind a reasonable agreement in a bipartisan manner and have shown a willingness to constructively govern the country,” said Congressman Dent. Dent expressed satisfaction that the budget agreement largely eliminates the potential threat of another looming government shutdown –not only this year – but next year as well. “People are tired of Congress staggering from one blatantly manufactured crisis to the next. They want their elected representatives to act like grown-ups and do the job they were elected to do, which is to keep the government functioning,” Dent observed.  “This is important because certainty, predictability and stability are essential elements to foster an environment conducive to economic growth and job creation,” he added. Congressman Dent also noted that the budget bill contains a three month “Doc Fix,” ensuring that Medicare patients will continue to be able to see their physicians.  The measure prevents a 20.1% cut in Medicare reimbursements to physicians and replaces it with a half percent increase.  “This is not a grand bargain, but it is an important agreement,” Dent said. “I hope the bill’s passage signals that leaders in Washington have recognized the need to value practicality, commonsense and a respect for our duty to govern.” ### Press Contact:  Shawn Millan (610) 770-3490",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221033251/http://perry.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-on-budget-agreement,Statement on Budget Agreement,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Scott Perry,P000605,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"“The budget before the U.S. House today isn’t the agreement I would’ve drafted. Washington, once again, is avoiding the tough decisions necessary to reduce our unsustainable $17 trillion debt and strengthen the economy for all Americans. But in a divided government, you don’t get everything you want. Americans expect their elected officials to work together and find compromise, and I’ve never pretended to have a monopoly on good ideas.  We have a chance to take a small step forward on this critical issue — and, simply, we must take it. This bill will reduce the deficit by $23 billion and guarantees that seniors won’t lose access to their doctors. It controls spending in a smarter way than the sequester by eliminating waste - like paying Medicaid bills that dead-beat parents should be paying and sending unemployment checks to criminals.  It also cuts corporate welfare and, however small, begins to reform mandatory spending. It continues the progress made by House Republicans in changing the conversation to how Washington must live within its means, not how families should pay more. I agree with Fiscal Commission co-chairs Alan Simpson and Erskine Bowles when they say, “the small reforms in this agreement do not address the real long-term drivers of our debt, including the growth of health care entitlement programs and Social Security's funding shortfall.” Although we’re glad to show that Congress can, indeed, work together, the fundamental issues remain unchanged:  we’re nearly $17 trillion in debt and in the process of bankrupting programs like Social Security and Medicare. My first bill in Congress was a balanced budget amendment, I voted for the FY2014 budget that balances in 10 years and I supported other common-sense solutions to reform and sustain such vital programs. We can't keep spending money we don't have. Democrats and Republicans finally must end the process of kicking these difficult issues down the road for someone else to deal with. I’ll continue to work with my colleagues to do so and encourage all citizens to remain engaged in this process.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221091045/http://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-release/fitzpatrick-house-vote-ensure-kids-first-research,"Fitzpatrick, House Vote to Ensure Kids First Research",2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Michael Fitzpatrick,F000451,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (PA-8) joined with a bipartisan majority in the House Wednesday to pass (295-103) the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act [H.R. 2019]. The bill – of which Fitzpatrick is a co-sponsor - prioritizes taxpayer funding for scientific research of pediatric diseases and disorders such as cancer and autism by eliminating taxpayer funding for the Republican and Democratic national conventions. “Ask any parent – our kids always come first. So it only makes sense that Washington put the children of our nation ahead of partisan politics when it comes to utilizing taxpayer dollars,” said Fitzpatrick following the bill’s passage. “This bill simply puts the critical need of increasing research funding for pediatric diseases ahead of election politics.” The Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act is named after Gabriella Miller – a 10-year old diagnosed with brain cancer last fall and who passed away in October before she could see the bill passed. “As a member of the Autism Caucus, the chance to prioritize federal dollars for critical research for Autism and those families living with it was a great opportunity,” continued Fitzpatrick. “Ensuring the best for our children – especially those with pediatric disorders – is vital for the continued success of our nation. I’m heartened that this Congress could come together and working on their behalf.” “School aged children are being diagnosed as having autism at a rate of 1 in 50 according to recent statistics released by the CDC.  This unparalleled epidemic requires national and global attention as an Autism Tsunami is already upon us,” said Linda Kuepper, Co-Founder and CEO of the Autism Cares Foundation in Richboro, Bucks County. “Autism Cares Foundation supports Congressman Fitzpatrick’s efforts to direct additional funding toward Autism Research through the Kids First Research Act.  This act will direct additional funding to research which we hope will find its way to the very best research professionals as we need to determine the root causes of autism and hopefully a cure.  Additionally, we need to develop a sustainable means of continuing support as today’s children grow into adults, many of whom will require continuous lifelong support.” The bill has the support of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), Autism Speaks, the Children’s Hospital Association, the Coalition of Pediatric Medical Research, the National Down Syndrome Society and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, among others.  Fitzpatrick is also a member of the Rare Diseases Caucus as well as the Childhood Cancer Caucus and has been a leading advocate of medical research and innovation during his time in Congress.  He supports robust funding for the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to continue their innovative research and creation of new treatments. Furthermore, Fitzpatrick is also a proud and active participant in many community events supporting disease  research and awareness, including: Relay for Life, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundations 5K, the AOH Autism Walk and others.        ### Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick is serving his third term in the U.S. House of Representatives. He represents Pennsylvania’s 8th district which includes all of Bucks County as well as a portion of Montgomery County. He serves as the Vice Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140302043804/http://rothfus.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=626,"Rothfus Invites Constituents to ""Coffee with Keith"" in Apollo",2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Keith Rothfus,R000598,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Ross Township, PA– Congressman Keith Rothfus [PA-12] today invited constituents to join him for “Coffee with Keith” in Apollo. “On Wednesday, I will be hosting ‘Coffee with Keith’ at Creekside Diner in Apollo,” said Rothfus. “Constituents are encouraged to stop by to share their thoughts on legislation, to get help with federal agencies, or just to chat.” Rothfus also encouraged constituents to suggest locations for future coffees on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/KeithRothfus) and Twitter (www.Twitter.com/KeithRothfus). “What is your favorite local coffee shop?” asked Rothfus. “Let me know on Facebook and Twitter.  You can tweet @KeithRothfus and be sure to include #CoffeeWithKeith.  Stay tuned… ‘Coffee with Keith’ could be coming to a community and coffee shop near you!” “Coffee with Keith” in Apollo Where: Creekside Diner 4907 Route 66 Apollo, PA 15613 When: Wednesday, December 18, 2013 10:00 – 11:30AM These events are open to the public and press.  Please contact Edward Yap if you would like to schedule an interview with Congressman Rothfus.  For directions or more information, please call the Ross Township office at (412) 837-1361.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140309092241/http://rothfus.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=629,"Rothfus Votes to Support Strong Defense, Servicemembers, Military Families",2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Keith Rothfus,R000598,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Keith Rothfus [PA-12] released the following statement after voting for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): “Providing for a strong defense and supporting our servicemembers and military families are some of Congress’s most important responsibilities,” said Rothfus.  “This bipartisan legislation ensures that the military is ready to respond to challenges around the world and provides our men and women in uniform with the resources they need to complete their missions.  The NDAA also provides funding to continue to modernize our National Guard and Reserve Components. “More than 171,000 military retirees and family members lost their Tricare Prime coverage on October 1, 2013.  To address this, I co-sponsored legislation (H.R. 1971) to direct the Secretary of Defense to provide beneficiaries with the opportunity to retain coverage.  As part of the NDAA, these military retirees and family members will have the opportunity to remain on Tricare Prime.  In addition, the NDAA rejects the Administration’s proposals to increase or establish new Tricare fees. “Importantly, the bill better protects servicemembers from sexual assault, prosecute offenders, and provide support services to victims.” Information on Efforts to Combat Sexual Assault in the Military from House Armed Services Committee: The legislation includes over 30 provisions or reforms to the Uniform Code of Military Justice related to combatting sexual assault in the military. These reforms would strip commanders of their authority to dismiss a finding by a court martial- a power they have held since the earliest days of our military. It would also prohibit commanders from reducing guilty findings to guilty of a lesser offence. Where servicemembers are found guilty of sexual assault related offenses the NDAA establishes minimum sentencing guidelines. Currently, such guidelines only exist in the military for the crimes of murder and espionage. Personnel records will now include information on sex-related offenses. Recognizing that victim support is as vital as prosecution, the NDAA would allow victims of sexual assault to apply for a permanent change of station or unit transfer, while authorizing the Secretary of Defense to inform commanders of their authority to remove or temporarily reassign servicemembers who are the alleged perpetrators of sexual assault. The NDAA requires the provision of victims’ counsels, qualified and specially trained lawyers in each of the services, to be made available to provide legal assistance to the victims of sex-related offenses. The NDAA adds rape, sexual assault, or other sexual misconduct to the protected communications of servicemembers, with a Member of Congress or an Inspector General- and expands those protections for sexual assault crimes. The NDAA eliminates the 5 year statute of limitations on rape and sexual assault. To better protect victims’ rights, the NDAA reforms the Article 32 process to avoid destructive fishing expeditions and properly focus on probable cause. A number of victim’s rights policies are enshrined in statute. Finally, to ensure that the military is better positioned to deal with the crisis of sexual assault within its ranks, the NDAA requires the Secretary of Defense to assess the current role and authorities of commanders in the administration of military justice and the investigation, prosecution, and adjudication of offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The National Defense Authorization Act passed the House in a bipartisan 350-69 vote.  Click here for more information.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140330094117/http://rothfus.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=627,"Rothfus Questions Treasury Secretary Lew, Defends Western PA Priorities",2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Keith Rothfus,R000598,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Keith Rothfus [PA-12] questioned U.S. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew at a hearing of the House Financial Services Committee.  Congressman Rothfus questioned Secretary Lew on the impact of Administration regulations on coal plants and jobs, credit unions and community banks, and low-to-moderate income mortgage borrowers.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140427132252/http://rothfus.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=628,House Passes Bipartisan Budget Agreement,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Keith Rothfus,R000598,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Keith Rothfus [PA-12] released the following statement after voting for H.J.Res. 59, the Bipartisan Budget Act: “This agreement is nowhere near perfect.  Nobody got all they wanted with this budget,” said Rothfus.  “That is the result of a functioning divided government designed with checks and balances.  “The agreement swaps modest but permanent reforms to mandatory spending for temporary and partial relief from the arbitrary sequester cuts.  In so doing it will reduce the deficit without raising taxes, and provide for a stronger national defense.  It also includes several provisions to tackle fraud and waste. “This bill also protects seniors’ ability to see their doctors by blocking a dramatic reduction in the Medicare reimbursement rate scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2014.” “Much more needs to be done to rein in big government and address our fiscal challenges in ways that reduce spending, ensure that critical social service programs are solvent for those who need them, and increase job opportunities, wages, and salaries for workers.” The Bipartisan Budget Agreement passed in the House of Representatives by a bipartisan 332-94 vote.  Additional Resources: Spending Cuts Included FAQ About the Bipartisan Budget Agreement Summary from the House Budget Committee",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140623100336/http://meehan.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=680,Meehan: Israeli Consulate in Philadelphia to Remain Open,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Pat Meehan,M001181,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Today U.S. Representative Patrick Meehan (PA-07) welcomed the news that the Israeli Consulate in Philadelphia will remain open. Meehan sent a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last month upon learning of a possible closure. “I’m very pleased that the Consulate will continue to operate in Philadelphia, and thank the Israeli government for its continued commitment to the region,” said Meehan. “Its location in Philadelphia serves the national security and economic interests of both the United States and Israel. The relationship between our region and Israel, as well as the advancement of our mutual interests, are best served by the continued official presence of the Consulate.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://shuster.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=526,Shuster to Introduce Bill to Ban In-Flight Cell Phone Calls,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Bill Shuster,S001154,shuster.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA) plans to introduce a bill today prohibiting in-flight cell phone voice communications on commercial aviation flights.   Shuster’s legislation, the “Prohibiting In-Flight Voice Communications on Mobile Wireless Devices Act of 2013,” comes in the wake of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) announced plans to review the current ban on the use of cell phones for calls in the aircraft cabin during flights.   “Let’s face it, airplane cabins are by nature noisy, crowded, and confined,” Shuster said.  “For the most part, passengers are looking for ways to make their flights go by as quickly and quietly as possible.  Pilots and flight attendants are focused on ensuring a safe and comfortable flight for everyone onboard.   “For passengers, being able to use their phones and tablets to get online or send text messages is a useful in-flight option.  But if passengers are going to be forced to listen to the gossip in the aisle seat, it’s going to make for a very long flight,” Shuster said.  “For those few hours in the air with 150 other people, it’s just common sense that we all keep our personal lives to ourselves and stay off the phone.”   The legislation simply prohibits use of mobile devices for voice communications during the in-flight portion of any scheduled domestic commercial flight, exempting any on-duty members of the flight crew and flight attendants, or federal law enforcement personnel acting in an official capacity.   Click here to read the bill.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://shuster.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=527,Shuster Fights to Protect Volunteer Firefighters from Obamacare,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Bill Shuster,S001154,shuster.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington – Congressman Bill Shuster announced today that he is an original cosponsor of H.R. 3685, the Protecting Volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Responders Act. This bill would protect volunteer firefighters from the Obamacare mandate that forces volunteer companies with 50 or more members to pay for their members’ health insurance, a move that would cripple our volunteer firefighting force. “Over 90% of Pennsylvania’s firefighters are volunteers who bravely protect both families and homes across the state. It is unconscionable to force these heroes out of their positions by making it impossible for volunteer fire stations to remain open. Those helping their community should not be punished with this type of reckless mandate.” Because it classifies volunteers as employees, Obamacare forces fire companies with more than 50 volunteers to provide health insurance for those that work more than 30 hours a week, a fact that Shuster highlights as a common occurrence among volunteer firefighters. The Protecting Volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Responders Act ensures that volunteers are actually classified as volunteers, not as employees, to allow volunteer departments to continue operating. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, there are 1,800 registered fire departments in Pennsylvania, and 97% of the firefighters in the state are volunteers or mostly volunteers. “This is just another one of the countless examples of how Obamacare is hurting everyday people across Pennsylvania. From over 250,000 people losing their preferred health insurance, to increased premiums, website problems, and now penalizing our volunteer firefighters, it is clear that Obamacare is only hurting Pennsylvanians,” said Shuster. “These citizens make the decision to volunteer not because they want insurance or a paycheck, but because they want to help in their towns and communities. They are the everyday heroes who help make America great, and it’s absurd to think that the President’s law is going to force them to stop serving. That is why I am an original cosponsor of H.R. 3685, to ensure that does not happen.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://thompson.house.gov/press-release/thompson-advances-fight-against-health-care-law%E2%80%99s-mandates-volunteer-firefighting-and,Thompson Advances Fight Against Health Care Law’s Mandates on Volunteer Firefighting and Emergency Organizations,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn 'GT' Thompson (PA-5) today joined fellow Members of Congress in holding a press conference to discuss the introduction of the Protecting Volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Responders Act (H.R. 3685), which will ensure that emergency services volunteers are not counted as full-time employees under the employer mandate in the Affordable Care Act (ACA).   “Under the President’s health care law, volunteer firefighting organizations could potentially be defined as employers, meaning they would be forced to provide health insurance to their volunteers or be subject to penalties. If not corrected or clarified this provision has the potential to close volunteer fire houses across the commonwealth,” stated Rep. Thompson, a 30-year volunteer firefighter, EMT, and state-certified Rescue Technician. “This bill is about providing certainty to our local volunteer organizations and standing up for those who put their lives on the line protecting our communities.” Under the ACA’s employer mandate, volunteer organizations with 50 or more employees could be forced to provide health insurance or pay penalties. H.R. 3685 would ensure that volunteer firefighters and EMTs are not counted as employees under the law. In September, Representative Lou Barletta (PA-11), the bill’s sponsor, sent a letter to IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel seeking clarification for volunteer fire companies. The IRS has not responded to the letter. Over 97% of Pennsylvania’s fire departments – and 90% nationwide - are served by community volunteers.  Fire companies could exceed the 50 employee threshold in several different ways: by themselves based on their size, by being part of a larger combined force under several different chiefs, or by being part of a municipality that has 50 or more public employees in total.   H.R. 3685 is supported by the National Volunteer Fire Council and the International Association of Fire Chiefs. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=1218,Sen. Toomey?s Statement On Final Volker Rule [press_release],2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) released the following statement about the Volker Rule being finalized. ""One of the problems with this more than 1,000-page regulation is that it undermines banks' essential role as a market-maker for essential securities. The Volker Rule will increase the cost of capital for Pennsylvania companies and hurt economic growth. In fact, the underlying legislation and the regulators tacitly admit this rule's harmful impact on the cost of capital by their decision to exempt certain borrowers from it - namely, the federal government and foreign governments. But then why should a government overseas be exempt from this harmful rule while an employer in Pennsylvania is not? ""Rather than layering on more complicated red tape that picks winners and losers and hurts job creation, I believe we should be supporting capital formation and finally doing away with current policies that propagate ‘too big to fail' and expose taxpayers to more bailouts down the road.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=1219,Sens. Toomey & Casey Working To Stop EPA?s Dangerous Regulation Of Fire Hydrants [press_release],2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. -U.S. Senators Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Bob Casey (D-Pa) are working together to bolster fire safety and protect local governments from a dangerous and expensive new mandate. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y) and Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) have also supported Sen. Toomey's bipartisan legislation which prohibits Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversight of fire hydrants. The need for this bill stems from a recent EPA policy that will require local governments to replace malfunctioning fire hydrants with new independently certified lead-free fire hydrants. This EPA regulation essentially makes it impossible for local governments to repair fire hydrants or replace them with existing inventory. Additionally, it is uncertain whether fire hydrants that meet the new criteria are actually available for purchase. ""It is absurd that the EPA has handed down this costly mandate, which will fall directly on the backs of local governments,"" said Sen. Toomey. ""The implementation of this EPA rule will force local governments to leave malfunctioning fire hydrants idle until adequate funds and products are available-- which poses an undeniable threat to public safety."" ""The regulation issued by EPA will prove too costly and too burdensome for Pennsylvania's fire departments and could threaten public safety,"" Sen. Casey said. ""Passing this bipartisan legislation will allow our first responders to continue their lifesaving work while aiding municipalities looking to replace aging fire hydrants."" As a result of this rule, local governments across the country will be forced to leave malfunctioning fire hydrants out-of-service until sufficient numbers of new compliant fire hydrants can be purchased and installed. The cost of purchasing new fire hydrants every time an existing fire hydrant malfunctions will place considerable financial strain on local governments, and place the safety of communities across the country at-risk. Companion legislation was unanimously adopted by the House on December 2nd. Several of Pennsylvania's local government associations and municipalities support the efforts of Sens. Toomey and Casey on this issue: ""The Pennsylvania Municipal League (PML) applauds Sen. Toomey and Sen. Casey for introducing the Community Fire Safety Act of 2013. This legislation will save local governments across the nation millions of dollars by exempting fire hydrants from lead content standards for drinking water infrastructure. Like most communities, Pennsylvania's municipalities are very budget conscious and cannot afford the substantial mandate the EPA's interpretation would impose. PML supports S. 1779,"" said PML Executive Director- Richard J. Schuettler. The PA State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS) applauds Sen. Toomey and Sen. Casey in addressing an unfunded mandate that will result in substantial cost to local governments and their residents with minimal benefits,"" said PSATS Executive Director- David Sanko. ""An unfunded mandate of this magnitude could cost boroughs across Pennsylvania thousands of dollars in retrofits and inventory loss. The Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs (PSAB) thanks Sen. Toomey and Sen. Casey for their support of this common-sense legislation,"" said PSAB Government Affairs Director- Ed Troxell. ""Excluding fire hydrants from the No-Lead Rule is imperative to the continued efficient operations of the Erie Water Works. Without the appropriate legislation, dozens of hydrants currently in inventory at the Water Works would be rendered useless, costing the Water Works tens of thousands of dollars in replacement costs. Additionally, not having hydrants readily available in stock to replace broken or unusable fire hydrants would also lead to a degradation of public fire protection, as inoperable hydrants would remain ""out of service"" until compliant hydrants were available,"" said Erie Water Works CEO/CFO- Paul D. Vojtek.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://dent.house.gov/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=D9C16E60-1B61-4153-B371-43400CE77A1F,Dent Sees Budget Deal as Important Step Forward,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Charlie Dent,D000604,dent.house.gov,,,legacy,"“This solid, modest budget agreement represents significant progress in demonstrating to the American people that Congress has the capacity to govern.  The agreement means that the potential threat of another looming government shutdown is largely eliminated –not only this year – but next year as well. This is important because certainty, predictability and stability are a foundation upon which economic growth can be built.            The Agreement advances efforts to reduce the deficit and the debt, but it does so in a more responsible and balanced way than the indiscriminate Sequester cuts. In fact, total deficit reduction derived from this agreement is actually $23 billion more than would be achieved under the Sequester alone.            It’s time that Congress returned to the “regular order” approach to accomplishing the business of the American people. Is this an earth-shattering grand bargain? No, but it does represent an important bipartisan understanding that in a divided government, where no one party controls both the legislative and the executive branches, progress must be incremental and compromise is necessary to keep the nation functioning. In that regard, this is an important agreement.”  ### Contact: Shawn Millan (610) 770-3490",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20131214040936/http://fitzpatrick.house.gov:80/press-release/fitzpatrick-volunteer-fire-depts-shouldn%E2%80%99t-get-burned-aca,Fitzpatrick: Volunteer Fire Depts. Shouldn’t get Burned by ACA,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Michael Fitzpatrick,F000451,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. ��� Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (PA-8) is following up on a letter sent to the Internal Revenue Service in early October asking for clarification about the potential impact of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on local volunteer fire departments. After not hearing from the IRS for over two months, Fitzpatrick joined other lawmakers in introducing the Protecting Volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Responders Act [H.R. 3685] which would clarify the ruling about the status of volunteer fire companies under the ACA and exempt volunteer fire fighters from the ACA���s employer mandate. ���As it stands right now, volunteer fire departments are potentially considered employers, and their firefighters as paid employees ��� meaning, they���re subject to the same mandates and penalties found in the president���s healthcare law for businesses,��� said Fitzpatrick. ���This interpretation would be devastating to volunteer fire companies and our safety throughout Bucks and Montgomery County.��� ���This is a concern I���ve been hearing from volunteer firefighters around the district for months, which is why I wrote a letter to IRS Acting Commissioner Werfel asking for a clarification,��� continued Fitzpatrick. ���As we approach the deadline I think they need clarity��� this bill does that by ensuring the IRS cannot misinterpret Obamacare.��� Fitzpatrick���s letter highlighted concerns that currently the IRS treats all firefighters - volunteer or paid - as employees for federal tax purposes.�� However, this status under the ACA could fall under the law���s ��?Shared Responsibility Provision��� and result fines for fire companies who don���t provide health insurance. Over 97% of Pennsylvania���s fire departments ��� and 90% nationwide - are served by community volunteers. ���The administration has admitted there are flaws in the bill. Unfortunately, just because this may have been an oversight in a massive piece of legislation doesn���t mean it���s not the law,��� continued Fitzpatrick. ���The reality is that many non-profit emergency service organizations don���t have the means to resources to comply with this ill-advised requirement as it currently stands. We need to be supporting our first responders, not handcuffing them with red tape.��� ���We are an all-volunteer fire company that is being penalized for our ability to attract and retain members to protect the community,��� said Charles Rumble, President of the Plumsteadville Volunteer Fire Company. ���There is no way that we - or our community that supports us - can bear that cost of offering insurance. We would be forced to shut down and our community forced to seek substantially more costly and diminished fire protection alternatives.��� ""Local governments and volunteer fire/EMS agencies highlight everything that's right about our great nation - community members committed to the protection and well-being of their families, friends and neighbors. I applaud Congressman Fitzpatrick for working to ensure that these selfless volunteers - aren't unfairly penalized by the overreaching bureaucracy of groups within the federal government,��� said David M. Sanko, Execitive Director of the PA State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS). ���The IRS must provide clear guidance on exemptions for volunteers from this potentially costly unintended consequence of the ACA. This legislation from Congressman Fitzpatrick and others in the House does that in a commonsense, no-frills way."" The Protecting Volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Responders Act is supported by the National Volunteer Fire Council and the International Association of Fire Chiefs.�� Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate Tuesday by Senators Warner, Manchin, Collins, King and Toomey. ���Local volunteer fire departments don���t want to be in the middle of a political squabble, they just want to know the law and make sure they���re not hurt by it. We as lawmakers owe them that,��� Fitzpatrick added. ### Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick is serving his third term in the U.S. House of Representatives. He represents Pennsylvania���s 8th district which includes all of Bucks County as well as a portion of Montgomery County. He serves as the Vice Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140804134125/http://meehan.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=679,Meehan-Backed Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act Passes House,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Pat Meehan,M001181,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Meehan-Backed Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act Passes House Legislation increases funding for pediatric research, cuts spending on political conventions WASHINGTON, DC –The House of Representatives today passed H.R. 2019, the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act, by a vote of 295-103. Co-sponsored by Rep. Patrick Meehan (PA-07), the Kids First Research Act increases funding for research on pediatric diseases or disorders such as autism by cutting federal spending on partisan presidential nominating conventions. “This legislation is a fine example of Congress making prudent choices about how it spends the taxpayers’ dollars,” said Rep. Meehan. “We’re reducing unnecessary spending on partisan political events and directing it to spending priorities – in this case, research to fight pediatric conditions like autism.” “This means more lifesaving research that will bring us closer to understanding these conditions, and it means better outcomes for children that live with them. I applaud Leader Cantor for his effort on behalf of American children and I urge the Senate to act to follow suit.” Meehan has long been an advocate for families with children coping with pediatric conditions like autism, helping to lead one of the first Congressional hearings on autism in more than a decade. Earlier this year, he invited an autism early-intervention teacher from Delaware County as his guest for the President’s State of the Union address to highlight the work done by the countless parents, educators and caregivers that support children with autism.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221091326/http://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-release/fitzpatrick-recognizes-%E2%80%98made-america-month%E2%80%99-pushes-bipartisan-%E2%80%98made-america-act%E2%80%99,"Fitzpatrick Recognizes ‘Made in America Month’, Pushes Bipartisan ‘Made in America Act’",2013-12-10,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Michael Fitzpatrick,F000451,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (PA-8) released the following statement Tuesday in recognition of ‘Made in America Month’ in which he continued advocating for consideration of his bipartisan Made in America Act [H.R. 2664]: It’s no surprise that December is one of the biggest retail month of the year for American businesses and manufacturers. Between the holidays and the onset of the winter weather, consumers are ready to buy – and studies show they’re ready to buy American. In 1985, President Reagan proclaimed December as ‘Made in America Month’ – a time to ‘recognize and celebrate the excellence of American products.’ This year, we mark ‘Made in America Month’ with the same goals: to highlight the strength and importance of American business and the American worker through supporting producers right here in our communities. I believe every month is ‘Made in America Month.’ That’s why I’ve joined with Congressman John Carney (D-DE) in introducing the bipartisan ‘Made in America Act’ – simple legislation that connects American businesses and American consumers like never before. By streamlining the process, this bill allows consumers to easily identify real, American-made products while incentivizing American manufacturers to make and sell locally. This ‘Made in America Month’, I’m joining the millions of other Americans in supporting the American-made economy and pushing for a Washington that empowers Americans businesses. Fitzpatrick introduced the Made in America Act in July, announcing it at a press event at K’nex in Hatfield, Montgomery County. More information about the event and legislation is available HERE ### Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick is serving his third term in the U.S. House of Representatives. He represents Pennsylvania’s 8th district which includes all of Bucks County as well as a portion of Montgomery County. He serves as the Vice Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140504210616/http://meehan.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=677,Bipartisan Defense Bill Includes Meehan/Speier Protections for Assault Victims,2013-12-10,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Pat Meehan,M001181,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Bipartisan Defense Bill Includes Meehan/Speier Protections for Assault Victims   WASHINGTON, DC – Bipartisan compromise legislation announced today by House and Senate negotiators includes provisions sponsored by Rep. Patrick Meehan (R/PA-7) and Rep. Jackie Speier (D/CA-14) that protect the victims of sexual assault in the military.   According to a fact sheet distributed by the House Armed Services Committee, the compromise agreement includes a number of reforms that address the issue of sexual assault in the military. The deal strips commanders of their authority to dismiss a finding by a court martial. It would also prohibit commanders from reducing guilty findings to guilty of a lesser offence. Earlier this year, Meehan and Speier introduced legislation that removes this authority. This issue earned national attention when a sexual assault conviction was overturned by a commander in Italy.     “The men and women who serve our nation in uniform should have confidence that victims of sexual assault will be treated fairly and that the perpetrators will face justice,” Meehan said. “These measures are prudent, responsible reforms that protect the victims of sexual assault in our military.”   “I commend Chairman McKeon, Chairman Levin and their colleagues for including these vital protections in their legislation and I urge both the House and the Senate to pass it promptly,” Meehan said.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140801085035/http://meehan.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=678,Meehan Continues Fight Against ObamaCare Mandates on Fire Companies,2013-12-10,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Pat Meehan,M001181,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Meehan Continues Fight Against ObamaCare Mandates on Fire Companies Co-Sponsors Protecting Volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Responders Act WASHINGTON, DC –Congressman Patrick Meehan (PA-07) today joined his colleagues in the House to co-sponsor the Protecting Volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Responders Act, which will ensure that emergency services volunteers are not counted as full-time employees under the employer mandate in ObamaCare. Meehan co-sponsored the legislation after sending a letter to IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel in September seeking answers for volunteer fire companies. The IRS has not responded to this letter. Meehan joined the National Volunteer Fire Council and the International Association of Fire Chiefs who also sent letters to Commissioner Werfel about this issue. “Requiring volunteer fire companies to comply with the ‘Shared Responsibility’ mandates and consider their volunteers as full-time employees would not extend health insurance to the uninsured,” Meehan wrote. “It would cost communities volunteers and risk shuttering firehouses. I urge the IRS to immediately clarify its treatment of volunteer firefighters regarding the employer mandate, providing certainty to small communities and volunteers who serve them.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://marino.house.gov/event/foreign-affairs-committee-hearing-29,Foreign Affairs Committee Hearing,2013-12-09,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Tom Marino,M001179,marino.house.gov,,,legacy,"Foreign Affairs Full Committee Hearing: The Iran Nuclear Deal: Does It Further U.S. National Security? Witnesses: The Honorable John F. Kerry; Secretary of State, U.S. Department of State",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://marino.house.gov/event/foreign-affairs-committee-hearing-30,Foreign Affairs Committee Hearing,2013-12-09,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Tom Marino,M001179,marino.house.gov,,,legacy,"Foreign Affairs Full Committee Hearing: Afghanistan 2014: Year of Transition Witnesses: The Honorable James F. Dobbins; Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, U.S. Department of State Mr. Donald L. Sampler; Assistant to the Administrator, Office of Afghanistan and Pakistan Affairs, U.S. Agency for International Development Mr. Michael J. Dumont; Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Afghanistan, Pakistan, & Central Asia, U.S. Department of Defense",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://marino.house.gov/event/foreign-affairs-joint-subcommittee-hearing-3,Foreign Affairs Joint Subcommittee Hearing,2013-12-09,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Tom Marino,M001179,marino.house.gov,,,legacy,"Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Glocal Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations and Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa Hearing: Human Rights Abuses in Egypt Zuhdi Jasser, M.D.; Vice Chair, U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom His Grace Bishop Angaelos; General Bishop, Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom Mr. Samuel Tadros; Research Fellow, Center for Religious Freedom, Hudson Institute Morad Abou-Sabe, Ph.D.; Professor Emeritus, Rutgers University (Former President of Misr University for Science & Technology) Mr. Tad Stahnke; Director of Policy and Programs, Human Rights First",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://marino.house.gov/event/foreign-affairs-joint-subcommittee-hearing-4,Foreign Affairs Joint Subcommittee Hearing,2013-12-09,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Tom Marino,M001179,marino.house.gov,,,legacy,"Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations and Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa Hearing: Iran's Persecution of American Pastor Abedini Worsens Witnesses: Katrina Lantos Swett, Ph.D.; Vice Chair, U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom Ms. Naghmeh Abedini; Wife of Pastor Saeed Abedini Mr. Jordan Sekulow; Executive Director, American Center for Law and Justice",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://marino.house.gov/event/homeland-security-committee-hearing-10,Homeland Security Committee Hearing,2013-12-09,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Tom Marino,M001179,marino.house.gov,,,legacy,"Homeland Security Full Committee Hearing: Help Wanted at DHS: Implications of Leadership Vacancies on the Mission and Morale Witnsses: The Honorable Tom Ridge, first Secretary of Homeland Security Mr. Max Stier; President and CEO, Partnership for Public Service Mr. David Maurer; Director, Government Accountability Office",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221033324/http://perry.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-perry-legislation-would-increase-health-care-choices,Rep. Perry Legislation Would Increase Health Care Choices,2013-12-09,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Scott Perry,P000605,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – As Congress approaches its self-imposed December 13th deadline to reach an agreement on a federal budget plan, U.S. Representative Scott Perry (PA-4) joined Representative Sam Johnson (R-TX) to introduce common-sense legislation, H.R. 3498, to help reduce federal spending and give seniors more freedom to make their own healthcare decisions.             H.R. 3498 will allow seniors to voluntarily opt-out of Medicare coverage and empower them to provide for their own healthcare services if they choose.  H.R. 3498 could reduce federal spending by an estimated $11 billion over the next decade. Congress must work together to make the tough and reasonable decisions to address America’s $17 trillion debt crisis and Congressman Perry hopes the enactment of H.R. 3498 will help spur other efforts to control our spending and lay the groundwork for a healthy economy.             Today, you can choose not to enroll in Medicare Part B or Part D, but not for Part A - unless you give up your Social Security benefits as well.  This legislation ensures your Social Security benefits remain intact. Along with allowing individuals to voluntarily opt-out of Medicare Part A when they become eligible for the benefit, this legislation also makes seniors eligible to invest funds in tax-free Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).             “Americans should have the right to choose a healthcare plan that fits their needs, rather than be tied to a government-run system that doesn’t meet their unique medical requirements,” said Rep. Perry. “American seniors should have the choice to decide what plan works best for their family.  Medicare also desperately needs to be reformed in order to ensure this program is viable for current and future generations.  This bill takes off some of the budgetary pressure from Medicare to help ensure its long-term sustainability for all seniors.”            “As folks continue to see their healthcare options diminished by ObamaCare, it’s critical to find ways that allow a return to choice and freedom in health care.  This common-sense bill does just that, it truly tells seniors, ‘if you like your current coverage, you can keep it’ without risk of losing other important benefits like Social Security.  If folks like Warren Buffett or Ross Perot want to opt-out of Medicare Part A because they don’t want or need a government entitlement paying for their health care, we should  let them!  Seniors should have the freedom to say ‘thanks, but no thanks’ if they want to keep their current coverage,” said Rep. Johnson.             Those who want to keep their current Medicare coverage will not be affected.  Additionally, H.R. 3498 will allow seniors with an HSA and qualified High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) to continue contributing to their HSA with pre-tax dollars after they turn 65.  Under current law, seniors who have an HSA and turn 65 are no longer eligible to contribute pre-tax dollars to their HSA.            “I’ll continue to work with anyone, regardless of party affiliation or ideology, to solve these critical issues,” said Rep. Perry. “America’s problems are not going away, and we can’t just wait for another Congress or another generation to deal with them.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://marino.house.gov/press-release/marino%E2%80%99s-constituent-service-centers-accepting-toys-tots-donations,Marino’s Constituent Service Centers accepting Toys for Tots donations,2013-12-06,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Tom Marino,M001179,marino.house.gov,,,legacy,"WHAT:   All three of Rep. Tom Marino’s Constituent Service Centers will be accepting donations on behalf of the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program.  Donations should be appropriate for children ages 0 to 16 and all toys should be new and still in original packaging. WHEN:  Friday, November 22 thru Friday, December 13, 2013 WHERE:  All three of Rep. Marino's Constituent Service Centers will be accepting donations: Williamsport Constituent Service Center (Lycoming County) 1020 Commerce Park Drive, Suite 1A, Williamsport, PA 17701 Selinsgrove Constituent Service Center (Snyder County) 30 South Market Street, Suite 1A, Selinsgrove, PA 17870 Hamlin Constituent Service Center (Wayne County) 543 Easton Turnpike, Suite 101, Lake Ariel, PA 18436 To learn more about the Toys for Tots program, go to https://www.toysfortots.org.  Constituents with questions should contact District Representative Tom Cahill at (570) 689-6024. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=1217,Sen. Pat Toomey's E-Update [press_release],2013-12-06,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Right There With You  My Wife Couldn't Access Obamacare's Website Either Watch my interview on NBC 10 For months, frustrated families across Pennsylvania have told me they are losing their health care coverage because of Obamacare. They have also told me their difficult experiences trying to log onto the Obamacare website. My family is in the same boat. Members of Congress are being forced off the health care plan used by all other federal employees and onto the Obamacare exchange. My family, staff, and I will be on the exchange Jan. 1 - assuming we can sign up via the website. Like many of you, my wife was unable to access the site. It took all of her personal information, but would not permit her to shop for alternative health care plans. This faulty website is only the tip of the iceberg, though. It is a symbol of a broader problem. The President's health care law - the policy itself - is unworkable.    Fighting Hunger With WMMR's Preston And Steve   This week, I dropped off donations of Pennsylvania-grown and produced food at Philly's Camp Out for Hunger. I also jumped on the  Preston and Steve Show on 93.3 WMMR to talk about efforts to help the needy. It was great to see so many Philadelphians supporting the less fortunate. It's who we are when we're at our best. Happy to drop off just a few items from Pennsylvania's food manufacturers!   Fighting Prescription Drug Abuse   Watch NBC10's coverage of efforts to stop easy pill shopping This week, State Representative Joe Hackett and I met to discuss ways of curbing prescription drug abuse. I am grateful the Delaware County Council and District Attorney Joe Whelan could join us to discuss solutions to this serious - and tragic - issue.   Talking The Tough Issues With Philadelphia's Northeast Times   I stopped by the offices of Philadelphia's Northeast Times for a conversation about the most significant issues facing our country today, including Iran, Obamacare, and the budget. Read the full story.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221091355/http://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-release/fitzpatrick-recognizes-72nd-anniversary-pearl-harbor,Fitzpatrick Recognizes 72nd Anniversary of Pearl Harbor,2013-12-06,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Michael Fitzpatrick,F000451,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"“Today, we honor those who passed the torch of freedom to a new generation.” Dec 6, 2013 LANGHORNE, PA – Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (PA-8) submitted the following statement to the Congressional Record in recognition of the 72nd anniversary of the attack on the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor: On December 7, 1941, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, an event that changed America and catapulted this nation onto a world stage and into global conflict - World War II. At least 2,400 Americans lost their lives in Pearl Harbor and more than 1,000 were wounded. Each year, we remember the day that changed the nation, ignited the flame of freedom and inspired a generation to greatness.  And while we seek peace in a tumultuous world, America remains ever vigilant and determined to be free.  Pearl Harbor was not unlike September 11, 2001 when the unexpected attack within our shores also claimed thousands of innocent lives and stunned the nation. Today, we honor those who passed the torch of freedom to a new generation.  Because of their sacrifice, America remains a shining light, a beacon to the world, and a timeless reminder of the sacrifices this great nation is willing to make in the face of freedom and liberty challenged. ### Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick is serving his third term in the U.S. House of Representatives. He represents Pennsylvania’s 8th district which includes all of Bucks County as well as a portion of Montgomery County. He serves as the Vice Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-continues-search-answers-cms-about-obamacare-website-failings,Rep. Kelly Continues Search for Answers from CMS about Obamacare Website Failings,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON — Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA), a member of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Oversight, authored and submitted a new letter today to Marilyn Tavenner, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), following up on his previous request for specific information about Healthcare.gov, the official website of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). Rep. Kelly is still seeking details about the bidding process and project oversight for the faulty website’s construction, which was a topic of discussion at October’s full committee hearing. His original letter from last month requested a reply by November 18, 2013, which was not fulfilled. The new letter can be viewed here. Excerpts from Rep. Kelly’s new letter to Administrator Tavenner: “It is imperative that you provide timely and detailed responses to the foregoing requests for information. Hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars have been spent by CMS on behalf of Americans on this defective website. The people whose hard work financed this project deserve a full accounting for these dollars, and their representatives in Congress need the information necessary to ensure that those responsible are held liable. Especially during this time when so many Americans are facing the fear and reality of losing their health insurance, the public deserves to know that the Affordable Care Act’s failings will be made right.” “It is extremely important that CMS provide the appropriate information regarding its mishandling of the Healthcare.gov roll-out and acknowledge the stress and uncertainty it is causing the American people.” Rep. Kelly’s new letter reiterates his formal requests for the following items regarding the construction of Healthcare.gov: The original Request for Proposal, including the specifications provided, and any amendments thereto; The number and names of the respondents; Details on the review process, including the criteria used and who chose the winning bidder; A copy of any bid bond, performance bond, or other performance guarantee measure provided by the winning contractor against failure to fulfill the contract; Details regarding who within the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) was responsible for overseeing the construction and testing of the website and whether this oversight was actually performed; How often progress reports were provided to you and Secretary Sebelius regarding construction and testing of the website; The date on which CMS became aware that actual costs were above the anticipated costs and were likely to keep rising; Who authorized these additional expenditures; Details regarding the process for employing the additional “tech surge” contractors, including whether there was a bidding process, how it was conducted, and who chose the winning bidders; Copies of the contracts with the “tech surge” contractors as well as any performance guarantee measures or bonds provided by them; and Details regarding what authority Jeff Zients is working under and how he is being paid. The letter also requests: •           A detailed accounting of the fees and services billed to CMS to date.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=1215,Toomey?s Take: Fighting Alzheimer?s [press_release],2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Last month, my wife, Kris, and I took our three children to the ""Walk to End Alzheimer's"" that began at Citizens Bank Park in Philly. It was the last of 30 such walks held across the commonwealth as part of National Alzheimer's Awareness Month in November. With more than 15,000 attending, it was the largest in Pennsylvania and was a unifying show of strength, not to mention a pleasant way to raise both awareness and money to fight this destructive disease. We all walked to raise awareness for the victims of this cruel illness - 70 percent of whom still live at home. We walked in solidarity for those affected by this disease. We also walked for ourselves and our children in the confident hope that we will find the cause and cure for Alzheimer's. We drew support from each other, and, simply by walking together, the burden became a little easier to carry. Consider the words of one such volunteer: ""The toll this disease has taken on my family is devastating; my grandmother, aunt, uncle, and mother all suffered from dementia, and my dad died of a heart attack after caring for my mother for so long. I volunteer and walk in their memory to help others impacted by Alzheimer's and its related disorders,"" said Kevin S. Tucker, Public Policy Coalition Chair and Board Member, Greater Pa. Chapter, Alzheimer's Association. While most people I meet are familiar with the disease, they might not know just how widespread it is in our state. Pennsylvania has the fifth-highest statewide total in the nation of people suffering from Alzheimer's, the most common form of dementia. Pennsylvania is also a leading state in the commitment of volunteers and caregivers to fight it. Research from the U.S. Census, Department of Labor, National Alliance for Caregiving, and the AARP estimates that Pennsylvania's Alzheimer's and dementia caregivers provide 760 million hours of unpaid care valued at over $9 billion. That's a staggering figure, and a true testament to their compassion and determination. ""Every 68 seconds someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease,"" said Wendy L. Campbell, President and CEO of the Delaware Valley Chapter, Alzheimer's Association. ""The impact of this disease and its related disorders would be insurmountable without the active involvement of our congressional delegation, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and so many care and advocacy organizations. Our walks are just one way to bring all of them together with our dedicated volunteers and families to combat this ever-growing crisis."" If someone in your family suffers from the disease, I encourage you to share your story. You will be amazed at the support you can provide to others who face the same difficult responsibility of caring for a loved one who suffers from Alzheimer's or dementia. Alzheimer's is a tragic illness that robs its victims of one of their life's greatest possessions - their memories. Working together, I'm confident that we can end it.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221091449/http://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-release/fitzpatrick-mandela-leaves-behind-legacy-equality-opportunity,"Fitzpatrick: Mandela Leaves Behind Legacy of Equality, Opportunity",2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Michael Fitzpatrick,F000451,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Dec 5, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (PA-8) issued the following statement regarding the death of the former South African President Nelson Mandela: It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of former South African President Nelson Mandela.  In just one term as South Africa’s first democratically elected President he was instrumental in the transition from an apartheid minority rule to a multicultural democracy- developing a new constitution and creating the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. As a visionary leader he strived to eliminate racism, poverty and inequality within South Africa.  Mandela will be remembered as being the “father of democracy” in South Africa and as a leader who always put his country ahead of himself; his legacy will live on in the hearts through his charitable funds and foundations. I join the people of South Africa, along with others around the world, in honoring the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela- and in doing so, offer my sincerest condolences to his family and his country. ### Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick is serving his third term in the U.S. House of Representatives. He represents Pennsylvania’s 8th district which includes all of Bucks County as well as a portion of Montgomery County. He serves as the Vice Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://thompson.house.gov/house-floor-harmful-impact-health-care-law-hospitals,From the House Floor: Harmful impact of health care law on hospitals,2013-12-04,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Remarks: Mr. Speaker, there has been much documented and published about the problems resulting from the Affordable Healthcare Act. Millions of Americans are waking up to the cancellation of health insurance policies that they have depended on to meet their families’ needs at an affordable price. Folks face sky rocketing premium and deductible increases coupled with the pressures of paying for coverage mandates that they do not want, cannot afford or may even have a moral objection too. One area that has received little attention so far in this debate is what the impact on our Hospitals where much of needed health care is secured. As a health care professional that served in rural hospitals for nearly 30 years as a therapist and manager I am confident that the future of rural and under-served urban hospitals is not good under the pressures and mandates of this law. While some point to the millions of uninsured Americans who now have some type of coverage as a plus for the bottom line of hospitals, I would encourage a closer and more thoughtful look. First the Congressional Budget Office has estimated that even after full implementation of the law there will still be tens of millions of Americans uninsured. Based on current reports from across America this may include a lot of middle class Americans who find themselves unable to afford what Obama-care has dictated. For Hospitals that assures the continuation of bad debt and charity care that hampers their balance sheets. For lower income individuals now insured under expanded Medical Assistance it is true that Hospitals will now be paid forty to sixty cents for every dollar of care they provide – which is not exactly a sustainable margin but certainly a pathway to bankruptcy for Hospitals when coupled with the new found population of uninsured. These costs don’t even begin to factor in the cost of compliance for the approximately 130 new regulatory agencies founded under the Obama-Care legislation. Today the cost of compliance with government mandates including Medicare billing and HIPPA account for a significant part of any Hospital’s overhead expenses. A hospital’s number one asset is the qualified and trained employees. The human resources cost of providing health care coverage for Hospitals is also increasing. These costs will increase as the Obama-care mandate is finally implemented just a year from now. Finally consider the fees or taxes imposed on Hospitals in 2014. Earlier this week a Hospital CEO from my Congressional District reported that “We’re going to have to pay close to $200,000 next year, as will every hospital”. Hospitals will see various new fees, including a $5,000 levy so the government can do research on the effectiveness of hospitals working within the plan. Additionally Hospitals will pay a $19,500 health insurers fee and a $160,000 transitional reinsurance fee that will go into a pot to protect insurance companies against the risk of winding up with numerous high-risk customers. Given all these added costs for the Hospitals that Americans rely on for access to health care what is so affordable about the affordable care Act? Mr. Speaker, Americans deserve better.  I yield back. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140309074415/http://rothfus.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=617,Rothfus Votes to Preserve Small Businesses' Access to Capital,2013-12-04,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Keith Rothfus,R000598,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Keith Rothfus [PA-12] released the following statement after voting for H.R. 1105, the Small Business Capital Access and Job Preservation Act: “We are counting on small businesses to lead the way in growing our economy and adding jobs,” said Rothfus.  “Unfortunately, regulators have imposed unnecessary requirements that will reduce access to much-needed capital and take away valuable time and resources from financial advisors that they would otherwise use to help grow small businesses.  Today’s legislation is all about jobs.  Reducing burdensome regulations will help small business grow and preserve access to capital.” H.R. 1105, the Small Business Capital Access and Job Preservation Act, passed in the House Financial Services Committee with bipartisan support on June 19, 2013.  H.R. 1105 passed in the full House of Representatives by a bipartisan 254-159 vote.  Click here for more information.  Congressman Rothfus sits on the House Financial Services Committee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140518210955/http://rothfus.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=618,Restoring Medicare Advantage Choice for Our Seniors,2013-12-04,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Keith Rothfus,R000598,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Keith Rothfus [PA-12] delivered a speech on the floor of the House of Representatives on H.R. 2453, the Medicare Beneficiary Preservation of Choice Act.  The legislation, which Congressman Rothfus and Congressman Kurt Schrader [OR-05] introduced in June, restores the open enrollment period that previously enabled seniors to switch Medicare Advantage plans once during the first three months of each year. This morning the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health held a hearing entitled, “Medicare Advantage: What Beneficiaries Should Expect Under the President’s Health Care Law.”  Congressman Joe Pitts [PA-16] noted that, “[…] there are several existing reform proposals for Medicare Advantage that merit further discussion and feedback.  Concepts like […] bipartisan policies such as those introduced by Representative Keith Rothfus of Pennsylvania that would restore choices for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries and not limit their options to traditional FFS (fee for service) or their existing plans.”  Congressman Pitts is the Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health. Congressman Michael Burgess [TX-26] noted during the hearing that restoring the Medicare Advantage open enrollment period, which has been previously proposed, was a “reasonable suggestion” that he thought the Committee could support.  Congressman Burgess is the Vice Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health. Click here to read more about H.R. 2453, the Medicare Beneficiary Preservation of Choice Act. Related: House Ways and Means Committee – Turns Out You Can’t Keep Your Doctor",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://thompson.house.gov/press-release/thompson-recognizes-50th-anniversary-university-pittsburgh-bradford-during-us-house,Thompson Recognizes 50th Anniversary of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford During U.S. House Session,2013-12-03,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following the completion of legislative business Monday in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, PA-5, delivered remarks in recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, Bradford, Pa.  Thompson praised the university’s founders and generations of teachers, faculty, and students for their contributions to higher education and the region’s economy.  The full remarks and video footage are included below.   Remarks as prepared: ""Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th Anniversary of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, which is located in McKean County, Pennsylvania. 50 years ago, Pitt-Bradford was a few buildings with just about 300 students. Over the decades, the school has grown from a two-year feeder campus to a distinguished and thriving four-year university. Today, Pitt-Bradford’s campus is home to 1,600 students and about 10,000 alumni from across the entire country. The university offers 37 bachelor’s degrees, five associate degrees, and more than 50 minors. For the last nine consecutive years Pitt-Bradford has been ranked by the Princeton Review as one of the best colleges in the Northeast. Due to the University, local industries have greater access to scientific and technical expertise, area residents have access to a growing numbers of jobs, and the region’s economy has greatly benefitted as a result.    I offer my praise to the University’s founders and the generations of school administrators, teachers, and students who have worked to turn this small campus into a renowned institution of higher learning.   Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://thompson.house.gov/thompson-recognizes-pennsylvania-furnace-resident-receiving-national-agriculture-award,Thompson Recognizes Pennsylvania Furnace Resident for Receiving National Agriculture Award,2013-12-03,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, PA-5, today delivered remarks congratulating constituent Eric Cowden, a resident of Pennsylvania Furnace, Centre County, Pennsylvania, for being awarded the National Future Farmers of America’s (FFA) highest honor, the FFA Honorary American Degree.  Thompson praised Cowden’s leadership in the field of agriculture and commitment to agricultural education. The full remarks and video footage are included below.   Remarks as prepared. ""Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Eric Cowden, a resident of Pennsylvania Furnace, Pennsylvania. This past month, Eric, a graduate of Penn State University, was recognized by the National Future Farmers of America with the organization’s highest honor -- The FFA Honorary American Degree. As a youngster growing up on the family farm in Washington County, Pennsylvania, Eric was involved with the FFA like many students in rural communities -- showing steers, heifers, and lambs from a young age. Upon graduating from Penn State with a degree in agricultural sciences and earning his Master’s in Business from Delaware Valley College, Eric went on to work for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. There, he administered the Rural Youth grant program, led the county fair and agri-tourism division and eventually rose to director of the central region office for the department. Eric also holds several leadership roles with the Marcellus Shale Coalition, bringing together two of Pennsylvania’s most historic and important industries: energy and agriculture. Eric is well deserving of this honor. We thank him for his leadership in the field of agriculture and agricultural education. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield back."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140309090010/http://rothfus.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=616,Media Advisory: Rothfus Announces December Mobile Office Hours,2013-12-03,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Keith Rothfus,R000598,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Ross Township, PA– Congressman Keith Rothfus [PA-12] today released a special schedule for December mobile office hours.  Each month, mobile office hours are held in Murrysville, Lower Burrell, Ellwood City, and Somerset. Staff will be available to help residents resolve issues they may have with the federal government.  Common issues can arise while dealing with Medicare, Social Security, Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Department of Agriculture.  More information is available at Rothfus.house.gov/How-Can-I-Help/. No appointments are necessary. Lower Burrell Mobile Office Hours Where: The City of Lower Burrell 2800 Bethel Street Lower Burrell, PA 15068 When: Tuesday, December 10, 2013 2:30 – 4:00PM Murrysville Mobile Office Hours Where: Murrysville Community Library Municipal Meeting Room 4130 Sardis Road Murrysville, PA 15668 When: Tuesday, December 10, 2013 4:30 – 6:00PM Ellwood City Mobile Office Hours Where: Wayne Township Municipal Building 1418 Wampum Road (Route 288) Ellwood City, PA 16117 When: Tuesday, December 17, 2013 9:00AM – 11:00AM Somerset Mobile Office Hours Where: Somerset County Office Building Fifth Floor Conference Room 300 N. Center Ave., Suite 540 Somerset, PA 15501 When: Thursday, December 19, 2013 9:00AM – 12:00PM Constituents who need help or have a question may also call their local district office in Beaver at (724) 359-1626, Johnstown at (814) 619-3659, or Ross Township at (412) 837-1361.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://marino.house.gov/event/foreign-affairs-subcommittee-hearing-41,Foreign Affairs Subcommittee Hearing,2013-12-02,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Tom Marino,M001179,marino.house.gov,,,legacy,"Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations Hearing: The United States' Post-Typhoon Response in the Philippines Witnesses: The Honorable Nancy Lindborg; Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance, U.S. Agency for International Development Mr. Sean Callahan; Chief Operating Officer, Catholic Relief Services Mr. Chris Palusky; Senior Director, Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs, World Vision",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://marino.house.gov/event/foreign-affairs-subcommittee-hearing-42,Foreign Affairs Subcommittee Hearing,2013-12-02,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Tom Marino,M001179,marino.house.gov,,,legacy,"Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations Hearing: Their Daughters Appeal to Beijing: 'Let Our Fathers Go!' Witnesses: Ms. Lisa Peng; Daughter of Peng Ming Ms. Grace Ge Geng; Daughter of Gao Zhisheng Ms. Ti-Anna Wang; Daughter of Wang Bingzhang Ms. Bridgette Liu; Daughter of Wan Xianming Ms. Danielle Wang; Daughter of Wang Zhiwen Pastor Bob Fu; Founder and President, ChinaAid Association Mr. Chen Guangfu; Brother of Chen Guangcheng and father of Chen Kegui Devra Marcus, M.D.; Physician and Activist",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://marino.house.gov/event/judiciary-subcommittee-hearing-28,Judiciary Subcommittee Hearing,2013-12-02,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Tom Marino,M001179,marino.house.gov,,,legacy,"Judiciary Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law Hearing: The Bankruptcy Code and Financial Institution Insolvencies",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://thompson.house.gov/presidents-promise-americans-if-you-your-health-care-plan-you-can-keep-your-health-care-plan,"The President's promise to Americans ""if you like your health care plan, you can keep your health care plan""",2013-12-02,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friends, It was a gamble for the President to promise Americans ""if you like your health care plan, you can keep your health care plan"".   Today, millions of Americans are losing their coverage as a result of the mandates now being imposed by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), despite promises made by the President and his administration that this would not be the case. In addition to millions of people who have lost their insurance coverage, the President promised premiums would go down, telling Americans that families would save an average of $2,500. Instead, folks are being met by rate shock, with some premiums increasing by as much as 400 percent. We were promised we could keep our policies, coverage and doctors, yet these choices are now being denied. In the 5th Congressional District, I’ve heard from hundreds of constituents who have received notices that their current policies have become more expensive or, worse, are now cancelled. I’ve also heard from countless small businesses that can no longer afford to offer insurance coverage to their employees or, alternatively, have cut back on the number of hours their employees are allowed to work – all due to the law’s burdensome and costly requirements. Over the past several weeks, I have made sure these stories are represented and heard loud-and-clear in Washington (click here). More than half of the ACA’s deadlines have been missed or delayed, according to the non-partisan Congressional Research Service, and the Obama Administration has changed the law 19 times since it was passed in 2010, through a variety of unilateral executive actions. Despite these actions, the President has offered little assurance that he can save the plans that he promised would not be cancelled and his administration appears incapable of correcting the law’s mounting number of flaws.   We have a responsibility to prevent even more economic harm from being imposed upon hard working Americans. For this reason, on November 15, I voted to support H.R. 3350, the Keep Your Health Plan Act of 2013, which allows health plans currently available on the individual market to continue next year, providing Americans the opportunity to continue to enroll in those plans without the ACA’s individual mandate penalty. Similar proposals have been put forward in the Senate, which are drawing support from a growing number of Democrats. The lackluster roll out and website crashes may be corrected over time. Unfortunately, the insurance cancellations and cost increases are going to continue regardless of an executive order or another “promise” from the White House.  Ultimately, we must repeal this overreaching, ill-conceived law and replace it with a set of reforms that actually lower health care costs and expand access.   As always, it is a distinct honor to represent you in Washington.  With Thanksgiving and Hanukkah upon us, I want to wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday celebration! Sincerely, Protecting Our Privacy Rights and Ending the Dragnet Collection of Americans’ Private Information: There is a just and legal way to go about preventing terrorism, without violating our individual privacies. Congress must use its powers to provide oversight of the National Security Agency (NSA) and all surveillance activities. On November 8th I joined in support of H.R. 3361, the USA FREEDOM Act, a bill to restore Americans’ privacy rights by ending the government’s dragnet collection of phone records and requiring greater oversight, transparency, and accountability under NSA’s surveillance programs. This bill is aimed at reworking the PATRIOT Act, to stop NSA’s mass data collection and ensure that the constitutional rights of Americans are protected. Congress did not intend for any law to authorize the indiscriminate collection of personal information of Americans. As a member of the bipartisan House Privacy Caucus, I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to advance these commonsense improvements and vital protections to our civil liberties.  Click here to learn more. Discussing Pathways to Educational and Career Success with Forest County High School Students: This past week, I had the opportunity to meet with Forest County High School students during visits to East Forest High School, in Marienville, Pa., and West Forest High School, in Tionesta, Pa.  It was a great opportunity to hear what is on the minds of our students and discuss issues of interest from Washington, D.C. and across the 5th District. I also discussed my own career path and how my passion to serve others guided my educational and career decisions. Prior to serving in Congress, I spent 28 years in a non-profit health care setting as a therapist, rehabilitation services manager and a licensed Nursing Home Administrator. It was helping individuals with life-changing disease and disability find health and dignity that led me into the field of health care and ultimately on to run for Congress. “The discussion was informative,” stated School District Superintendent Amanda Hetrick, “and helped our students see that Congressman Thompson is a leader who is accessible and interested in the opinions of his constituents in helping to shape the policies of our nation.” Click here to view more from the event.   Picture: Thompson with West Forest County High School students. Click here to view more photos. Recognizing National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month:  On November 4th I joined with U.S. Representative Chaka Fattah (D-PA) in introducing a resolution to recognize November as National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month.  This resolution is a mark of appreciation for the amazing work being done through medical research, education, and awareness to improve the lives of millions of Americans coping with this debilitating disease, but also recognition of how much work must still be done. Through continued public advocacy, research, and the dedicated work of the scientific community, we can and will find a cure.  During National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, we rededicate ourselves to this critically important mission. Click here to learn more. Energy Action in the House: It’s time for us to get serious about ending our reliance on foreign sources of energy, which begins by developing more energy here at home.  The House last week acted on three separate bills that will expand domestic energy production, facilitate and improve energy transport, and ultimately increase energy affordability for consumers and American families across the country. Click here to learn more about all three bills. In The News: Oil City Derrick: Franklin’s Holden honored by Rep. Thompson during U.S. House session: “U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson took a moment Wednesday to address the U.S. House and pay homage to former Franklin resident Jim Holden, an outdoor enthusiast and co-founder of the Allegheny Valley Trails Association who died Nov. 9 at the age of 73. Thompson praised Holden for recognizing that the region’s “recreational resources could be better utilized to benefit the community and its economy,” and for dedicating his life to making that “vision a reality.” Our thoughts and prayers are with Jim Holden and his family,” Thompson concluded. “He surely did leave big boots to fill, but also an enduring legacy for us to cherish.” (Oil City Derrick, November 22, 2013)   Click here to view the full video footage of the remarks. Centre Daily Times: Thompson Special Needs Fairness Bill gets more senate support: ""U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-Howard Township, gained more support for a bill he’s been involved with since last year, when four other lawmakers introduced the same bill Thursday in the Senate to help those living with disabilities have more control over their futures. The Special Needs Trust Fairness Act would allow people to independently create their own special needs trust accounts. Current law prevents disabled individuals from independently creating a special needs trust, instead forcing them to have a guardian or court create the trust, even though they might have the mental capacity to do it themselves. Special needs trusts allow those living with disabilities to have their assets held in a trust to supplement daily living expenses and care..."" (Centre Daily Times, November 9, 2013) From Thompson's Blog: What’s really been going on behind the scenes of the Affordable Care Act (click here) A Punxsutawney Constituent's Story of Cancelled Health Care Insurance Plan (click here) Statement During First Public Meeting for 2013 Farm Bill Conference Committee (click here) Bipartisan Coalition Introducing Bill to Delay Flood Insurance Rate Hike (click here)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=1212,"Sen. Toomey, Rep. Kelly Announce $300k Grant For Monroe Township In Clarion County [press_release]",2013-12-02,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) today announced that Monroe Township in Clarion County has been awarded an Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant totaling $300,000 to build a local access road which will aid in the construction of a new assisted living facility. Sen. Toomey and Rep. Kelly wrote a letter of support on behalf of Monroe Township's grant application in April. ""I'm pleased to announce this ARC grant for Monroe Township,"" said Sen. Toomey. ""It is important that our delegation continue to work together to assist public/private partnerships which are providing essential services and quality housing opportunities to Pennsylvania seniors. I thank Rep. Kelly for his support of this project and congratulate Monroe Township on this award."" ""Congratulations to the Monroe Township Board of Supervisors' WRC Senior Services for getting this grant from the ARC,"" said Rep. Kelly. ""It's always good to see when our seniors are taken care of as they should be. I particularly want to thank Sen. Toomey's office who really took the lead on supporting this project and I'm very happy the efforts have been successful."" The local access road is a vital part of a public/private construction project which will bring new facilities to Monroe Township that will provide assisted living care and housing for approximately 55 seniors. Additionally, 31 independent senior living cottages will also be constructed. Upon completion, the new facilities, which will be owned and operated by WRC Senior Services, are expected to create 46 new jobs. ""On behalf of WRC Senior Services, I want to thank the ARC for providing this much needed grant funding to Monroe Township for a new Assisted Living facility that will be owned and operated by WRC. The project will create new jobs, and will provide valuable services to our community for years to come. I would especially like to thank Sen. Toomey and Rep. Kelly for their assistance in securing this grant,"" said Frances Roebuck Kuhns- President & CEO, WRC Senior Services.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221091535/http://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-release/fitzpatrick-recognizes-small-business-saturday,Fitzpatrick Recognizes Small Business Saturday,2013-11-29,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,PA,Michael Fitzpatrick,F000451,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Nov 29, 2013 LANGHORNE, PA – Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (PA-8) released the following statement Friday emphasizing the importance of small businesses to our communities and nation: “This Saturday is Small Business Saturday – a day to recognize the hard work of every day Americans who open up shop each morning with the same entrepreneurial spirit that has always made our nation great.   From the family farm, to the local hardware store and the diner down the road – small businesses are alive and well in Bucks and Montgomery counties, and that’s something to be thankful for. From sponsoring Little League teams to getting neighbors back to work, our local businesses - and their employees - are the backbone of our communities. That’s something that’s clear to me every time I visit one of the thousands of businesses right here in our area. We need a national economy that rewards small business owners by making it easier for them to buy, sell and hire. That’s why, when I’m working on Capitol Hill, I’m doing everything that I can to remove the roadblocks to success so the job creators can get this country back to work. This Saturday, you can play an important part too. Get out and shop local - Visit the small businesses and family shops that make our communities unique and special. By empowering our local small businesses we all can have a hand in moving our communities, and country, forward.” ### Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick is serving his third term in the U.S. House of Representatives. He represents Pennsylvania’s 8th district which includes all of Bucks County as well as a portion of Montgomery County. He serves as the Vice Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://thompson.house.gov/marcellus-goliath-transforms-region-gas-trade-energy-markets-bloomberg,Marcellus Goliath Transforms Region to Gas Trade: Energy Markets (Bloomberg),2013-11-27,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Bloomberg: Marcellus Goliath Transforms Region to Gas Trade: Energy Markets By Christine Buurma - Nov 26, 2013 Beneath the rolling pastures and woodland of western Pennsylvania, a corner of Appalachia dotted with Victorian main streets and white church steeples, a radical shift is under way. In Punxsutawney, home to a groundhog named Phil who prognosticates the weather each February, a $2.8 million hotel is under construction. A few miles away in DuBois, metal fabricator Staar Distributing LLC is expanding to neighboring Brookville. All this development is coming to an economically depressed region that lies atop the Marcellus shale, a rock formation that produces more natural gas than Saudi Arabia. Output from shale deposits including the Marcellus has surged 10-fold since 2005 to account for a third of the country’s gas production, government data show. The boom has eliminated a regional price premium, redirected pipeline flows and left the nation poised to export the fuel overseas after cutting imports by 44 percent since 2007. It’s also helped make the U.S. 86 percent energy independent, the most since 1986. “The Marcellus is a Goliath,” David Schlosser, senior vice president for engineering and strategic planning at EQT (EQT) Corp., one of the four largest gas producers in the Marcellus, said in an Oct. 31 interview at the company’s headquarters in Pittsburgh. “In some ways, we’re just at the tip of the iceberg.” Hub Discount Rising production has pushed down prices. Gas at the Tetco-M3 hub, which supplies New York City, traded at an average discount of 7.21 cents to the benchmark Henry Hub in Louisiana in October, compared with average premiums of 83.77 cents in October 2005 and 17.62 cents in October 2012. Gas futures for December delivery rose 2.9 cents, or 0.8 percent, to settle at $3.818 per million British thermal units on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The futures have dropped 66 percent from November 2005. The discount of Northeast prices to Gulf Coast gas comes even as colder weather boosts demand for the heating fuel, Adam Longson, an analyst at Morgan Stanley in New York, said in a Nov. 14 note to clients. Northeast output has been so robust that the bank increased its 2014 production growth estimate for the region to 2.4 billion cubic feet a day from a forecast of 2.2 billion just a month earlier, enough to supply about 24,000 homes in the U.S. for a year. In Pennsylvania’s Greene County, workers at an EQT drilling site gather behind a bank of computers in a steel-sided shelter known as a doghouse, monitoring data as roughnecks on the muddy rig floor remove pipe from a well. Producers use a technique known as hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, to blast water, sand and chemicals underground, breaking apart shale rock and extracting gas buried thousands of feet below the surface... Click here to view the full article.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://thompson.house.gov/press-release/thompson-discusses-pathways-educational-and-career-success-forest-county-high-school,Thompson Discusses Pathways to Educational and Career Success with Forest County High School Students,2013-11-27,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"TITUSVILLE, PA – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, PA-5, yesterday delivered remarks to Forest County High School students during visits to East Forest High School, in Marienville, Pa., and West Forest High School, in Tionesta, Pa.     “Regardless of political views, all of us agree on the importance of education. In fact, it’s the key to empowerment and a pathway to success in life,” stated Rep. Thompson. Thompson discussed his own career path and described ""passion, principles and purpose"" as three areas of personal development that he believes are essential to advancing educational and career goals. “I found my passion in service to others. Helping individuals with life-changing disease and disability find health and dignity is what led me into the field of health care,” Rep. Thompson told the students.  “Serving others is also the passion that informed my decision to run for Congress. If you have a passion, choose that path, work hard, and it will enable you to succeed.” Prior to being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, Thompson spent 28 years in a non-profit health care setting as a therapist, rehabilitation services manager and a licensed Nursing Home Administrator. “Congressman Thompson fielded questions from students regarding the Affordable Health Care Act, energy policy, education funding, the Allegheny National Forest and other topics of interest to the students,” stated Amanda Hetrick, Forest Area School District Superintendent. “The discussion was informative and helped our students see that Congressman Thompson is a leader who is accessible and interested in the opinions of his constituents in helping to shape the policies of our nation.” Following the event, Thompson attended a meeting with school board members, community leaders, and economic development representatives during which they discussed matters related to education policy, Secure Rural Schools, and career and technical education programs. In the House, Thompson serves as Co-Chairman of the bipartisan Career and Technical Education Caucus, and on three committees: Education; Natural Resources; and Agriculture. Click here to view photos from the events. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-encourages-supreme-court-defend-religious-liberty,Rep. Kelly Encourages Supreme Court to Defend Religious Liberty,2013-11-26,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,,,legacy,"Responds to news that high court will hear challenge to Obamacare contraceptive mandate   WASHINGTON — Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) issued the following statement today in response to news that the U.S. Supreme Court will hear two challenges to the Health and Human Services (HHS) Department’s mandate under the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) that requires employers to provide employees with insurance coverage for contraceptive services, including birth control pills, sterilization, and abortion-inducing drugs. The cases, Sebelius v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. and Conestoga Wood Specialties Corp. v. Sebelius, will be consolidated for oral argument and likely be heard by the high court next spring. “I am very heartened to hear today’s news and am hopeful that the Supreme Court will deliver justice to all the organizations and employers whose First Amendment rights have been trampled under Obamacare. The HHS contraceptive mandate remains a hideous element of a disastrous law that the American people never wanted and should not be forced to live with. It is an insult to the two-century tradition of vast bipartisan respect for the right of Americans to obey their individual consciences however their religion commands. Not until this administration’s policies has this sacred right been undermined so severely. I look forward to the Supreme Court defending the First Amendment and ending Obamacare’s assault on religious liberty for good.” NOTE: Rep. Kelly is a member of the House Pro-Life Caucus and a co-sponsor of H.R. 940, the Health Care Conscience Rights Act, which would amend the Affordable Care Act to protect rights of conscience with regard to requirements for coverage of specific items and services. In February 2012, he co-signed a letter with 153 Members of Congress to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius seeking suspension of the health care law’s contraceptive mandate. Rep. Kelly had also sent Secretary Sebelius an earlier letter in September 2011 in which he called for the federal mandate to be rescinded. Rep. Kelly signed 12 amicus briefs submitted by the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) in August 2012 brought by religious organizations challenging the mandate.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140309103421/http://rothfus.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=614,"Toomey, Rothfus Seek Answers from VA Secretary Shinseki on Pittsburgh VA",2013-11-26,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,PA,Keith Rothfus,R000598,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Congressman Keith Rothfus  (R-PA-12) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Eric Shinseki today to seek answers on what administrative actions he will take to hold accountable those individuals responsible for the preventable deaths of five veterans at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System. Click here to read the letter to Secretary Shinseki Related: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Top administrator says VA Pittsburgh officials could face discipline over Legionnaires' outbreak By Adam Smeltz, September 9, 2013 Pittsburgh VA Healthcare System employees could be disciplined over a fatal outbreak of Legionnaires' disease once federal investigators finish a criminal review, a top health administrator in the Department of Veterans Affairs testified on Monday.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=1209,Casey & Toomey: Gettysburg National Military Park Expansion Bill Advances In Senate [press_release],2013-11-25,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Bipartisan Bill Would Expand Historic Site by 45 Acres, Add Lincoln Train Station WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) announced that the expansion of Gettysburg National Military Park to include the Lincoln Train Station and the southern end of the battlefield is a step closer to reality. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee has unanimously passed their bipartisan legislation, which now awaits consideration by the entire Senate, and expands the boundary of Gettysburg National Military Park to include 45 acres of land at the southern end of the battlefield where cavalry skirmishes occurred during the Battle of Gettysburg in July of 1863. ""Gettysburg was the site of the one of the most defining battles in our nation's history. Thousands fought and died there to preserve our nation in the pursuit of liberty for all Americans,"" said Senator Casey. ""I am glad the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee passed legislation to include Plum Run and the Lincoln Train Station in Gettysburg National Military Park. I will continue to work with Sen. Toomey to ensure passage of this legislation to commemorate these historic landmarks."" ""Gettysburg National Military Park is an important part of our nation's history and I have been humbled and honored to visit Gettysburg twice during the festivities commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Battle and Address,"" Sen. Toomey said. ""It is good news that the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee agreed that the train station and Plum Run should be incorporated within the boundary of the Gettysburg National Military Park. My efforts with Sen. Casey and Rep. Perry will help preserve our national history and encourage tourism and growth in the area. I hope the bill will be favorably considered by the entire Senate before the end of the year."" The land has environmental significance as home to wetlands and wildlife habitat related to the Plum Run stream that traverses the park. This 45-acre property is adjacent to current park land and was donated to the Gettysburg Foundation in April of 2009. The Foundation plans to donate the parcel to the park once it's added to the park's boundaries; therefore, no federal land acquisition funding is necessary to obtain this property. The Lincoln Train Station, located in downtown Gettysburg, was built in 1858 and is currently listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The station served as a hospital during the Battle of Gettysburg and was the departure point for thousands of soldiers who were wounded or killed in battle. The Lincoln Train Station is also the site at which President Abraham Lincoln arrived on November 18, 1863, one day before he delivered the Gettysburg Address.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=1210,Sen. Toomey: Congress Should Vote For Tougher Iran Sanctions [press_release],2013-11-25,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement about the nuclear agreement with Iran. ""It strikes me that the risks of this deal are far greater than the likely benefits. Iran would not have to halt construction of the nuclear facility at Arak, and there is no requirement for Iran to destroy the facility. Iran would not be required to suspend its uranium enrichment activities as the U.N. has required. The agreement contains no provision regarding Iran's nuclear weaponization program or development of delivery systems, like ballistic missiles. Additionally, the easing of sanctions could undermine the will of the international community to continue enforcing sanctions, return sanctions to their previous level, or impose new sanctions. Finally, the agreement has an expiration date. Beyond that date, Iran is allowed to retain its large nuclear infrastructure and enrichment program. ""Despite the Administration's objections, I think the Congress should vote for tougher sanctions as soon as possible.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=1211,Toomey Works To Ensure Honorable Interment For Unclaimed Cremated Veterans? Remains [press_release],2013-11-25,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - As part of his latest effort on behalf of veterans, U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) has introduced a measure which directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to assess the issue of cremated veterans' remains that have gone unclaimed at funeral homes. The measure also recommends actions to inter these remains with military honors in our national cemeteries. Veterans' burial benefits include interment in national cemeteries.  As part of this process, the VA is responsible for communicating with funeral directors to identify a deceased individual's veteran status and determine whether efforts have been made to locate next of kin.  Unfortunately, tens of thousands of veterans' cremated remains continue to lie unclaimed on the shelves of funeral homes across the nation.  ""When our veterans pass, they should be honored in a way that reflects the bravery and sacrifice they showed in defending our country,"" said Sen. Toomey.  ""With this in mind, I believe Congress needs to learn more about the VA's processes to recover veterans' cremated, unclaimed remains and develop an action plan to help resolve this issue that is so important for our veterans' community."" The highly respected Missing in America Project (MIAP) has made it their mission to ""locate, identify and inter the unclaimed cremated remains of American veterans through the joint efforts of private, state, and federal organizations.""  ""Our veterans deserve a proper burial.  Pennsylvania alone has over 1,600 funeral homes of which we have to personally visit to determine if they are holding veteran cremated remains.  MIAP needs cooperation and volunteers to assist in our efforts.  Having legislation at the federal level will help open doors.  I applaud Sen. Toomey's efforts through this legislation to help not only the MIAP mission, but also help to assure that our veterans, their spouses, and their dependents receive a proper burial,"" said Lanny Golden- MIAP Assistant Pennsylvania State Coordinator. ""Often, there is no family to claim the cremated remains of veterans, and they are left at the crematorium or at the funeral home languishing on shelves in basements or store rooms for years-- never being given the proper burial and respectful interment that the veteran earned from his/her honorable service to our country.  It is my hope that the actions that Sen. Toomey is taking will generate a national guideline that can be followed across the country,"" said Kenneth White- Vice President, Rolling Thunder Chapter 5, Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania veterans and veterans' organizations also voiced support of Sen. Toomey's measure: ""All veteran remains should be taken care of as soon as the undertaker processes them.  The absence of a next of kin or a means of payment is no reason to hold the remains of a veteran hostage.  These veterans sacrificed years of service to make sure we have the freedoms we enjoy now.   We have a responsibility to these veterans to make sure they are able to rest in peace,"" said John Getz - State Adjutant and Quartermaster, VFW Department of Pa. State HQ. ""Veterans that serve with honor have earned a fitting resting place.   The remains of a veteran should not be placed on a shelf and forgotten, waiting for someone to pick them up,"" said William Cleveland - Department Commander, Pa. American Legion. ""Sen. Toomey's support of this vital legislation can begin to ensure that all veterans find a dignified and proper resting place. For far too long this has not been the case. We thank the senator for having the courage and foresight to change the status quo,"" said David Kamioner - U.S. Army (RET), Executive Director, Philadelphia Veterans Comfort House. ""Our entire military force and our twenty million veterans believe strongly in the Army Warrior Ethos principle: I will never leave a fallen comrade.  ""This promise to our fallen brothers and sisters should not end at the edge of the battlefield.  We owe it to our fallen to ensure their remains are treated with a dignity commensurate with their sacrifice to our nation.  Unclaimed remains of any veteran, regardless of the reason, indicate a breach of our duty to our comrades.  Just as veterans have been advocating for the fullest possible accounting of our missing in action, there should be no doubt about our national resolve to account for and lay to rest these veterans,"" said Bart Farzati-  SMSgt. USAF (RET),  Legislative chair, Viet Nam Veterans of America, Chapter 862, Beaver County,  Pa. ""Unclaimed veteran remains are an unfortunate reality in the United States.  Estimates suggest about 40,000 await burial; that figure will rise when the National Guard wins veteran status.  I strongly support Sen. Toomey's initiative to clearly define this challenge and lay out a clear path to an honorable rest for our dead warriors,"" said Vance Renfroe - Col. USAF (RET), President, Renfroe Associates International.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20131207204708/http://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-release/fitzpatrick-iran-agreement-questionable-policy,Fitzpatrick: Iran Agreement is Questionable Policy,2013-11-25,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,PA,Michael Fitzpatrick,F000451,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"LANGHORNE, PA – Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (PA-8) released the following statement Monday regarding an agreement reached between the P5+1 (the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Russia, and China) and the Government of Iran in an attempt to slow the progress of Iran's nuclear program: “I am deeply concerned in the direction the Obama Administration is taking with respect to Iran. They have proven time and again to be a state sponsor of terrorism with aims that run counter to our interests.  Clearly, the economic sanctions we are placing on Iran are working as it forced them to open talks out of desperation. The Administration chose to change course on a plan that was working.  If we let up on the pressure and allow Iran to rebuild their economy, who knows what an empowered and legitimized Iran will do in the future.  Iranian leaders have been spewing hateful, vitriolic language towards the United States, Israel and the Jewish people for years. Just recently, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei described Israel as ‘the rabid dog of the region.’ A government that makes those kinds of statements cannot be trusted to comply with this new deal. Regardless of this announcement, I remain fully committed to our friend and ally, Israel. I will continue to work with my Congressional colleagues in both parties to ensure that Iran does not develop a nuclear weapon, and ensure that our vital national security interests are protected.” The initial, six month deal includes several limits on Iran's nuclear program. In return, as part of this first step, the P5+1 will provide relief to Iran. Specifically, it will not impose new nuclear-related sanctions for six months, suspend certain sanctions on gold and precious metals, Iran’s auto sector, petrochemical exports, and  allow purchases of Iranian oil to remain at their currently significantly reduced levels. Fitzpatrick is a co-sponsor and supporter of the Nuclear Iran Prevention Act [H.R. 850] which passed the House of Representatives by a overwhelming bi-partisan 400-20 vote this summer. The Nuclear Iran Prevention Act would strengthen enforcement of current U.S. sanctions on Iran, expand sanctions targeting Iran's human rights violations, and for the first time, specifically authorize the President to impose sanctions on any entity that maintains significant commercial ties to Iran. Although the Senate has yet to take up the bill, many Senators are now pledging their support for increased sanctions on Iran, following the President’s announcement. Furthermore, Fitzpatrick introduced House Concurrent Resolution 139 late last year with Congressman Ted Deutch (D-FL) which condemned former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran for addressing the United Nations on Yom Kippur, the holiest of Jewish holidays. The measure attracted 13 bipartisan cosponsors and was presented in both the House and Senate. ###  Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick is serving his third term in the U.S. House of Representatives. He represents Pennsylvania’s 8th district which includes all of Bucks County as well as a portion of Montgomery County. He serves as the Vice Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=1207,Senator Pat Toomey's E-Update: Commemorating The 150th Anniversary Of The Gettysburg Address [press_release],2013-11-22,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Commemorating The 150th Anniversary Of The Gettysburg Address   This week, our nation marked the 150th anniversary of President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. I was honored to speak at the ceremony at the Soldiers National Cemetery. Here are my remarks: Director Jarvis, Secretary Jewel, Justice Scalia, Governor Corbett, Dr. McPherson, fellow Members of Congress, and distinguished guests. It's a humbling experience to try to find the words to commemorate adequately the greatest of American speeches given by the one indispensable American at the time of our most terrible national trial. One hundred and fifty years ago today the Civil War was still raging. It would continue 507 more days. Three hundred and seventy five thousand more Americans would become casualties. The horror was staggering, the outcome still far from certain. Union Americans needed to understand why they should continue to sacrifice their sons for this cause. When his nation needed his words, his inspiration to renew its dedication to the cause for which it fought, in the Gettysburg Address, Abraham Lincoln rose to that challenge with words that matched the power of his deeds. How blessed are we as a nation to have been given at our moment of greatest need a leader so deeply committed to the purpose and promise of this great republic, and possessing the wisdom, the courage, and the strength to guide us toward a more perfect union. Thank you.     Waiting with Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) to speak at the commemoration ceremony.   Pressing Attorney General Holder To Allow Children To Get A Better Education I am pleased that Attorney General Eric Holder has dropped an injunction that would have trapped 570 needy children in failing public schools solely because of their skin color. The reversal by the Justice Department comes less than a month after I called for Attorney General Holder to explain his actions. The Louisiana Scholarship Program, launched three years after Hurricane Katrina, grants poor children the opportunity to escape failing public schools and attend a different school chosen by their parents. Last year, the program helped over 5,700 needy children (91 percent of whom are minorities) and raised test scores - all while saving taxpayers $18 million. Attorney General Holder's Justice Department was suing to return 570 of these children to failing schools, on the grounds that it is more important to preserve a school's racial make-up than help children. I am relieved these children will now have the opportunity to get a good education. But this chance for a better life should never have been in question in the first place. Our children are not statistics. They deserve the opportunity to escape the cycle of poverty and violence through a good education. The fact that Mr. Holder would block any child from a good education is bad enough. The fact that he tried to do so based solely on the children's race is inexcusable. I am delighted the Justice Department has seen the light and dropped this unfortunate injunction.   Working To Help Protect Israel & Strengthen Middle East Security This week, I introduced legislation expressing congressional support for Israel against potential threats posed by Iran and Syria. My bill calls upon the Defense Secretary to identify opportunities for cooperation and partnership that will help ensure Israel can adequately protect itself against an Iranian nuclear threat. It also affirms support for Israel's right to respond should Syria follow through with plans to obtain a surface-to-air missile system from Russia.  In Jerusalem, 2011.  Since taking office in 2011, I have made support for Israel a priority. I also worked in a bipartisan manner to ensure that President Obama stands with Israel.  Recently, I joined dozens of my Senate colleagues in requesting that President Obama act swiftly to halt Iran's quest to develop nuclear weapons.    Demonstrating My Concern About Fed Policy   This week, the Senate Banking Committee, of which I am a member, voted to confirm Federal Reserve Vice-Chair Janet Yellen to be Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. I admire Dr. Yellen's many years of dedicated public service, her impressive academic background, and her experience with the Federal Reserve. I also appreciate her taking the time to meet with me last week. However, the Fed's years of extraordinary monetary easing pose grave and growing risks to our economy. The danger of a dramatic spike in interest rates, unsustainable asset bubbles, and job-killing inflation will be exacerbated as long as the Fed keeps these policies in place. Moreover, ultra-low interest rates harm middle-class savers, seniors, and retirees in Pennsylvania who rely on interest from their savings and pensions. As a senator, my only opportunity to demonstrate serious concerns about Federal Reserve policy is by withholding consent for this nominee and thus I did not support Dr. Yellen's nomination.  Photo Journal   I greeted Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia at the ceremony for the 150th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address. During the commemoration, Justice Scalia swore in 16 new American citizens.   I had a productive meeting with David Morehouse, CEO of the Pittsburgh Penguins, this week. He and his team briefed me on plans to redevelop Pittsburgh's old Civic Arena site.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20131207205841/http://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-release/fitzpatrick-remembers-president-john-f-kennedy,Fitzpatrick Remembers President John F. Kennedy,2013-11-22,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,PA,Michael Fitzpatrick,F000451,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Nov 22, 2013 LANGHORNE, PA - Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (PA-8) released the following statement Friday in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy: “Today, we honor the life and service of President John F. Kennedy. While President Kennedy’s life was cut tragically short, his embodiment of bipartisanship and patriotism live on in the nation’s capital and around the country. All Americans can draw inspiration from his call to ‘not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer.’ I join with millions around the nation today in recognizing the significance of President Kennedy’s role in our history, and urge for a recommitment to the principles left by his words and actions as President.” ### Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick is serving his third term in the U.S. House of Representatives. He represents Pennsylvania’s 8th district which includes all of Bucks County as well as a portion of Montgomery County. He serves as the Vice Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://thompson.house.gov/floor-speech-thompson-celebrates-life-and-legacy-jim-holden-franklin-venango-county,"Floor Speech: Thompson celebrates the life and legacy of Jim Holden of Franklin, Venango County",2013-11-21,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Remarks: ""Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Jim Holden, a resident of Franklin, Venango County, Pennsylvania.    An outdoors enthusiast who tirelessly promoted recreation and tourism in Pennsylvania, Jim passed away on November 9th at the age of 73. The co-founder of the Allegheny Valley Trails Association, Jim was instrumental in the Rails-to-Trails movement, an effort in the early 1990s to rehabilitate abandoned railways into multipurpose recreational trails for the public to access and enjoy.   Franklin’s newspaper stated the following upon Jim’s passing and I quote: “Largely unrealized were how Holden’s efforts impacted the overall economy of a region hard hit over the years by the loss of blue-collar manufacturing jobs that once made the Oil Region one of the most prosperous in all the country… his passing will leave some mighty big hiking boots to fill.” Jim Holden knew that our region’s recreational resources could be better utilized to the benefit of the community and its economy.  He spent his life making this vision a reality. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jim Holden and his family.  He surely did leave big boots to fill, but also an enduring legacy for us to cherish."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://thompson.house.gov/press-release/house-passes-bills-expand-domestic-energy-production-protect-states%E2%80%99-rights-regulate,"House Passes Bills to Expand Domestic Energy Production, Protect States’ Rights to Regulate Energy Development",2013-11-21,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed the Federal Lands and Energy Security Act of 2013 (H.R. 1965), by a vote of 228-192, and the Protecting States’ Rights to Promote American Energy (H.R. 2728), by a vote of 235-187. “The nation must pursue policies that lower energy costs for American families and improve our energy security,"" stated Thompson. “Today the House acted to put us on this path with the passage of two bills that will remove road blocks to domestic energy development and facilitate expanded energy production, which is so critically important to the long-term strength of our economy.” “We must do more to reduce the regulatory duplication that is hindering expanded energy development on our federal lands,” Thompson said. “H.R. 1965 makes important reforms to the leasing process for onshore oil and natural gas projects, so that we can unlock the full potential of our domestic energy resources on our federal lands.” ""States like Pennsylvania have carefully constructed responsible regulations that meet their own geologic and environmental needs, enabling energy production and job growth to flourish,” Thompson added. “A ‘one size fits all’ regulatory regime, which the Obama Administration seems intent on imposing, will undermine our path to energy security. H.R. 2728 will protect states’ rights to continue regulating this activity in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.” H.R. 1965 reforms the leasing process for onshore oil and natural gas projects on federal lands to eliminate unnecessary delays; reforms the process for energy permitting; and gives the Interior Department the authority to conduct Internet-based auctions for leases to ensure the best return to the taxpayer. H.R. 2728 prohibits the Interior Department from enforcing federal hydraulic fracturing (HF) regulations in any state that already has regulations and recognizes states’ authority to regulate HF.    ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=1206,Sen. Toomey: ?I Cannot Support Dr. Yellen?s Nomination.? [press_release],2013-11-21,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement about the Senate Banking Committee's vote to confirm Federal Reserve Vice-Chair Janet Yellen to be Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. ""I admire Dr. Yellen's many years of dedicated public service, her impressive academic background, and her knowledge of, and experience with the Federal Reserve. I also appreciate her taking the time to meet with me. ""However, the Fed's years of extraordinary monetary easing, including maintaining negative, real short-term interest rates long after the financial crisis has passed, pose grave and growing risks to our economy. ""The danger of a dramatic spike in interest rates, unsustainable asset bubbles, and job-killing inflation will be exacerbated as long as the Fed keeps these policies in place. Moreover, ultra-low interest rates harm middle-class savers, seniors, and retirees in Pennsylvania who rely on interest from their savings and pensions. ""As a senator, my only opportunity to demonstrate serious concerns about Federal Reserve policy is by withholding consent for this nominee and thus I cannot support Dr. Yellen's nomination.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221033351/http://perry.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-approves-bills-to-unleash-america-s-energy-potential,House Approves Bills to Unleash America’s Energy Potential,2013-11-21,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,PA,Scott Perry,P000605,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives continues its focus of getting the economy back on track while reducing energy costs for American consumers. Three bi-partisan energy bills, the Protecting States’ Rights to Promote American Energy Security Act (H.R. 2728), Federal Lands Jobs and Energy Security Act (H.R. 1965) and the Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting Reform Act (H.R. 1900), were adopted this week and aim to protect American jobs by encouraging energy production and limiting duplicative federal regulations.            “The United States now has its lowest labor force participation rate since 1978,” said U.S. Representative Scott Perry (PA-4). “It’s time for the federal government to be a partner in creating private sector jobs and growing the economy, not a hindrance.”             Here in Pennsylvania the economic growth we’ve experienced due to the natural gas boom has been unprecedented. $1.8 billion in tax revenue has been generated by responsible shale gas development, revenue that has led to infrastructure investment throughout the state, even in communities far away from the shale gas production. The natural gas industry has invested an additional $750 million in road and infrastructure improvements throughout Pennsylvania.  In 2013, shale development supported 232,000 Pennsylvania jobs, with an average job paying $83,305 a year. These are the types of good paying American jobs we need to encourage rather than stop, said Congressman Perry.             The legislation the House passed this week unleashes America’s energy potential by: streamlining the federal energy permitting process; reducing government hurdles that block and delay development of our onshore oil and natural gas and renewable energy resources; and opening up proven reserves to increased energy production.  These bills are an important step forward to increase much-needed energy production in America that will create jobs, grow the economy and make energy more affordable for hardworking American families.              Passage of these energy bills continues efforts in the U.S. House to lay the groundwork for a stronger economy and increased opportunities for all Americans. Legislation already passed by the House this year would: reform and modernize federal workforce training programs and help millions of unemployed Americans get back to work; lift barriers to clean renewable energy; give working families more flexibility; increase oversight of expensive federal regulations; and strengthen America’s water infrastructure network to compete in an increasingly competitive global economy.              Residents of the 4th District are welcome to contact Congressman Perry and his staff at any of his offices or via Perry.House.Gov, where they can sign up for e-mail updates and for his Facebook, Twitter and YouTube pages. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140309073254/http://rothfus.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=608,Rothfus Votes for Energy Jobs and Energy Independence,2013-11-21,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,PA,Keith Rothfus,R000598,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Keith Rothfus [PA-12] released the following statement after voting for H.R. 1900, the Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting Reform Act:   “Western Pennsylvania is benefitting economically thanks to the development of natural gas,” said Rothfus.  “The Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting Reform Act is good-government legislation that will expedite the federal review process so that construction of essential energy infrastructure like pipelines can keep up with increasing production of natural gas.”   This week the House also passed H.R. 2728, the Protecting States’ Rights to Promote American Energy Security Act, and H.R. 1965, the Federal Lands Jobs and Energy Security Act.   “The safe and responsible development of our nation’s energy resources should be at the heart of our efforts to grow our economy and add jobs.  The Protecting States’ Rights to Promote American Energy Security Act will rein in the overreach of unelected federal elites in Washington, D.C.  The Federal Lands Jobs and Energy Security Act will make it easier to produce both renewable and conventional energy on federal lands by reforming and streamlining burdensome red-tape and regulations.   “These three bills are critical for adding jobs and securing our energy future.  I urge the Senate and President Obama to approve them so that we can begin to get our economy booming again.”       H.R. 2728, the Protecting States’ Rights to Promote American Energy Security Act, passed in the House by a bipartisan 235-187 vote.  Click here for more information.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140309103624/http://rothfus.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=609,"Rothfus Urges Secretary Shinseki to Bring Accountability, Transparency to Pittsburgh VA",2013-11-21,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,PA,Keith Rothfus,R000598,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Keith Rothfus [PA-12] sent a letter to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki this evening urging him to identify and hold accountable those individuals at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System who were responsible for the preventable deaths of five veterans. “The Inspector General concluded that systemic failures at VAPHS resulted in the preventable deaths of five veterans,” said Rothfus. “It is past time that the individuals responsible for these systemic failures be identified and held accountable.” Click here to read Congressman Rothfus's letter to Secretary Shinseki On May 3, Congressman Rothfus called on Secretary Shinseki to rescind both the Presidential Distinguished Rank Award and the $63,895 bonus paid to VISN-4 Director Michael Moreland. Click here to read the press release and letter to Secretary Shinseki.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-votes-create-jobs-lower-energy-costs,Rep. Kelly Votes to Create Jobs & Lower Energy Costs,2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON — Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) issued the following statement today in support of H.R. 1965, the Federal Lands Jobs and Energy Security Act, and H.R. 2728, the Protecting States’ Rights to Promote American Energy Security Act, the latter of which Rep. Kelly is a co-sponsor. H.R. 1965 would protect and expand onshore American energy production and create new American jobs by streamlining government regulations. H.R. 2728 would prohibit the Interior Department from enforcing federal hydraulic fracturing regulations in any state that already has regulations and recognizes states’ authority to regulate this type of activity. Both bills were passed by the House of Representatives today with bipartisan support. “America is absolutely blessed with the greatest natural energy resources in the world. Today’s bills will help pave swifter pathways to maximum energy production with less government interference, which will result in more jobs for Americans and lower costs for families when it comes to keeping their cars running and their homes heated. “By every measurement, our country could and should be experiencing an energy renaissance right now, but we’re not. The most notorious roadblocks to fulfilling our energy potential remain costly and misguided rules and legal trappings imposed by Washington that ignore the needs of hardworking Americans for affordable and accessible energy. Today’s legislation establishes a more efficient process for greater energy production while defending the self-determination of states like Pennsylvania to help lead our nation to a prosperous, energy independent future.”   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=1204,Sen. Toomey's Remarks At The 150th Anniversary Of The Gettysburg Address [press_release],2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - At a ceremony at Gettysburg National Military Park, U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) delivered the below remarks on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address: ""Thank you. Director Jarvis, Secretary Jewel, Justice Scalia, Governor Corbett, Dr. McPherson, fellow Members of Congress, and distinguished guests. ""It's a humbling experience to try to find the words to commemorate adequately the greatest of American speeches given by the one indispensable American at the time of our most terrible national trial. ""One hundred and fifty years ago today the Civil War was still raging. It would continue 507 more days. 375,000 more Americans would become casualties. The horror was staggering, the outcome still far from certain. Union Americans needed to understand why they should continue to sacrifice their sons for this cause. When his nation needed his words, his inspiration to renew its dedication to the cause for which it fought -- in the Gettysburg Address -- Abraham Lincoln rose to that challenge with words that matched the power of his deeds. ""How blessed are we as a nation to have been given at our moment of greatest need a leader so deeply committed to the purpose and promise of this great republic, and possessing the wisdom, the courage, and the strength to guide us toward a more perfect union? ""Thank you.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=1205,"Toomey Working To Help Protect Israel, Strengthen Middle East Security [press_release]",2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) announced today his latest effort in support of Israel.  Sen. Toomey has introduced a two-part bill, expressing congressional support for Israel against potential threats posed by Iran and Syria. Sen. Toomey's bill calls upon the Secretary of Defense to identify defense cooperation and partnership opportunities that will help ensure Israel can adequately protect itself against an Iranian nuclear threat.  Additionally, Sen. Toomey's bill affirms support for Israel's right to respond should Syria follow through with plans to obtain an S-300 surface-to-air missile (SAM) system from Russia.  A Syrian-owned S-300 SAM system would pose a grave threat to Israeli and regional security.  ""Assisting strong American allies like Israel in its efforts to protect itself from substantial threats is essential to Middle East security and our nation's interests,"" said Sen. Toomey.  ""Israel is one of our strongest allies in the Middle East. With this in mind, I believe Congress and the Pentagon should work to bolster Israeli security while also urging countries like Iran and Syria to abandon their pursuit of advanced weapons technology.""  Since taking office in 2011, Sen. Toomey has made support for Israel a priority.  Sen. Toomey has also worked in a bipartisan manner to ensure that President Obama stands with Israel.  He recently joined dozens of his Senate colleagues in requesting that President Obama act swiftly to halt Iran's quest to develop nuclear weapons. ""As Americans we are grateful that Sen. Toomey clearly understands that what has driven the Iranians to negotiate is an understanding on their part that all options remain on the table. The sanctions will keep them at the table - any lessening of the sanctions will only embolden them.  The additional military support and cooperation that Sen. Toomey proposes will ensure American resolve to end the Iranian nuclear weapons initiative permanently,"" said Marc Felgoise - Pennsylvania constituent. ""We welcome Sen. Toomey's leadership on this vital issue. It is imperative that Israel's qualitative military edge be maintained, and that the Jewish state has the resources to tackle any threats in the region, including and especially the existential threat posed by Iran's nuclear weapons program,"" said Pastor Liz DeFrain- Christians United for Israel.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20131207205926/http://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-release/fitzpatrick-american-energy-means-american-jobs,Fitzpatrick: American Energy Means American Jobs,2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,PA,Michael Fitzpatrick,F000451,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (PA-8) released the following statement Thursday regarding the House’s passage of a series of energy bills aimed at streamlining energy production, allowing states more control over their energy future, and putting America on a path toward an all-of-the-above energy strategy: “Getting Americans back to work needs to be the top priority of Congress – this week’s votes on the bipartisan passage of these three bills is a step in that direction. By removing burdensome red tape from our nation’s ability to explore and produce energy opportunities we can grow good paying jobs, kick start the economy and put America on a path to true energy independence. Our nation is blessed with abundant natural beauty as well as national resources – one should not be sacrificed for the other. At the same time, we must also be conscious of the effects of our pursuits on the environment we live in. I will continue to support common sense ways to make the most of our resources and protect our environment.” Federal Lands Jobs and Energy Security Act [H.R. 1965] This bill would remove government roadblocks and bureaucratic red-tape that obstruct and delay American energy production and job creation by reforming the leasing process for onshore oil and natural gas projects on federal lands to eliminate unnecessary delays and setting clear rules for the development of U.S. oil shale resources. (Passed the House 228-192) Protecting States Rights to Promote American Energy Security Act [H.R. 2728] This bipartisan legislation reduces the Federal regulatory burden on states when it comes to hydraulic fracturing for natural gas. States offer the most effective regulation for this type of energy production - blocking expensive and ineffective duplicate regulations saves states money and allows them to better serve their needs. (Passed the House 235-187) Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting Reform Act [H.R. 1900]: The bill modernizes the pipeline permitting process by setting realistic deadlines for approval while also ensuring environmental requirements are met. (Passed the House 252-165) ### Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick is serving his third term in the U.S. House of Representatives. He represents Pennsylvania’s 8th district which includes all of Bucks County as well as a portion of Montgomery County. He serves as the Vice Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140309074618/http://rothfus.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=605,Rothfus Discusses Impact of Mortgage Rules on Low-to-Moderate Income and Inner City Communities,2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,PA,Keith Rothfus,R000598,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Keith Rothfus [PA-12] joined fellow members of the House Financial Services Committee for a markup of legislation to reform the Consumer Financial Protection Board (CFPB).  The legislation being considered today will bring more accountability and transparency to the CFPB.  Click here for more information. The Qualified Mortgage rule, which the CFPB issued in January 2013, will take effect on January 10, 2014.  Click here for more information.  In his remarks during today’s markup, Congressman Rothfus discussed the CFPB’s Qualified Mortgage rule and the negative impact it will have on working families in Western Pennsylvania. Congressman Rothfus and Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit Subcommittee Chairwoman Shelley Moore Capito [WV-02] recently hosted a roundtable in Ross Township to learn more about how the Qualified Mortgage rule will impact local communities. Click here to read more about the recent Qualified Mortgage (QM) rule roundtable. Partial Transcript of Congressman Rothfus’s Remarks: Mr. Chairman, there is a growing imbalance between this town and the rest of the country.  You just look at the incredible aggregation of wealth and power that’s happening in this town. There is news out this week that we now have an even higher concentration of individuals at the top end.  Seven of the ten richest counties in the country are right around Washington, D.C.  D.C. has the highest per-capita income in the country. The transfer of wealth and power to this town is incredible. I sense a growing disconnect between the agencies in this town and the communities that they purport to serve, and this is so clear when you look at QM and Ability-to-Repay (ATR). As [Financial Institutions Subcommittee] Chairman Capito mentioned, we were in Pittsburgh a couple weeks ago listening to community leaders, people who serve low-to-moderate income and inner city communities, that are being turned around by the ability of consumers to get out of a rental unit and into a home and own their own home and how that can transform a community. They are incredibly concerned with the impact of QM and ATR on those consumers and they discussed the default rates that were incredibly low, under 1%.  This rule is hurting them. What we’re talking about today are a series of bills about good government, making agencies accountable to the people that they purport to serve, the people who pay their paychecks. That would be the American people. I would just encourage, as we go through these bills, to consider that. And I yield back to the Chairman.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-briefs-pa-leaders-congressional-medal-honor-foundation%E2%80%99s-work-students,Rep. Kelly Briefs PA Leaders on Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation’s Work with Students,2013-11-19,2013,2013-11,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON — Representative Mike Kelly (PA-03) hosted a bipartisan briefing for state legislators from Pennsylvania’s Third Congressional District yesterday, November, 18, 2013, about the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation’s (CMHF) Medal of Honor Character Development Program. The briefing took place in Harrisburg, PA and was attended by Dr. Jay Badams, Superintendent of Erie’s Public Schools; George “Pat” Waters, grandson of Gen. George Patton and a CMHF Emeritus Director; Mike Martin, CEO of Printing Concepts in Erie, PA, who has been heavily involved with the program; and members of the Pennsylvania state House Education Committee. Statement by Rep. Kelly: “I am so proud that the Character Development Program got its start right in our own backyard, and now, thanks to Erie’s students and teachers, young Americans from coast to coast are enjoying this remarkable educational experience. “Schools that participate in this program help their students understand the timeless values of bravery, integrity, service, and sacrifice, as well as the capacity in every citizen to accomplish extraordinary feats. The program also teaches students about the real-life Medal of Honor recipients who heroically embodied these values, and how they can demonstrate them in their everyday lives.” Statement by Superintendent Badams: “We were honored to have been invited by Representative Kelly to share the Medal of Honor Character Development Program with state legislators as they consider important character education legislation in the Commonwealth. “Known initially as ‘The Erie Project,’ this powerful curriculum encourages students to consider personal courage and find parallel examples of selfless service to others in their own lives. We’re extremely proud of this program and the national and international recognition it has gained.” NOTE: According to the program’s official website, “The Medal of Honor Character Development Program incorporates the ideals incorporates the ideals of courage and selfless service into the middle and high school curriculum to build character and promote responsible citizenship. Under a grant from the General Electric Foundation, the Medal of Honor Foundation worked with the Erie and Wattsburg Area School Districts in Pennsylvania and a group of educators for more than two years to establish Medal of Honor-related lesson plans drawing upon the ideals embodied in the Medal of Honor, and their application in daily life.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z