url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/john-joyce-will-object-electoral-college-certification-process-january-6,John Joyce Will Object to Electoral College Certification Process on January 6,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,John Joyce,J000302,johnjoyce.house.gov,johnjoyce,https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) today announced that he will object to the Electoral College certification process on Wednesday, January 6. ""American democracy is possible only as long as the American people have faith in government ?of, by, and for the people.' We cannot have truly free and fair elections unless American voters have confidence in the results. In Pennsylvania, Governor Tom Wolf's unlawful actions coupled with the hastily passed Act 77 shrouded this year's election and spurred rabid distrust in the system. Despite millions of Americans' efforts to discern the facts, we have not seen a meaningful investigation into the many legitimate accounts of election fraud and irregularities. For the sake of our liberty and our American values, I will stand up for President Trump and our American democracy by objecting to the Electoral College certification on January 6."" Today Dr. Joyce joined fellow members of the Republican Congressional delegation in a joint statement on the certification of the electors, including in part: ""Unfortunately, the many unlawful actions undertaken by the Pennsylvania Governor's office, the Secretary of State, and what has been described as a rogue Pennsylvania Supreme Court exceeded and circumvented the state legislature's clear constitutional authority. ""The unlawful actions include, but are not limited to: Accepting ballots past 8:00 pm on Election Day Not properly requiring signatures to match those on mail-in ballots or requiring dates Meanwhile, the matching of signatures was required at a polling site Authorizing the curing of mail-in ballots with less than a 24-hour's notice Only some counties were informed and adhered to this order leaving voters treated unequally from county to county Authorizing the use of unsecure drop boxes, which is not permitted in statute Prohibiting certified poll watchers overseeing the canvassing of ballots in Philadelphia ""These unlawful actions were taken without the authority or consent of the Pennsylvania state legislature. These are facts, and they are indisputable."" Despite sustained efforts to discern the truth, these Members of Congress have not received an adequate response from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Given this failure of the Commonwealth's leadership, they cannot agree to support electors chosen based upon an inaccurate total vote count. ""This very unfortunate, volatile, and distressing situation is due to the lack of respect and regard for the law and the U.S. Constitution, as well as the Pennsylvania State Constitution. Additionally, the failure of Pennsylvania's justice system to seek the truth, rather than stay silent, allowed these irregular, unlawful actions to create a high level of mistrust in the process, as well as a potentially flawed outcome,"" they continued. Background: Since Election Day, Dr. Joyce has been in lockstep with President Trump and his team to ensure that justice is served. ? November 6, 2020: Dr. Joyce and 38 fellow Members of Congress call on U.S. Attorney General Barr to begin a federal investigation and exercise oversight on the November 3 elections in Pennsylvania and around the country. ? November 7, 2020: Dr. Joyce and fellow Republican Members of the Pennsylvania Congressional delegation urge Governor Wolf, PA Attorney General Shapiro, and Secretary Boockvar to uphold the law of Pennsylvania and ensure that every LEGAL vote is counted once. They also call on Governor Wolf to recuse AG Shapiro, a hyper-partisan candidate, from ALL election oversight. ? November-December: Dr. Joyce supports President Trump's legal challenges in Pennsylvania. ? December 1, 2020: Dr. Joyce and 36 fellow Members of Congress urge U.S. Attorney General Barr to take ""bold and courageous action"" in DOJ investigation of widespread allegations of election fraud in Pennsylvania and around the country and to uphold the rule of law and ensure legal justice for President Trump. As they write, ""justice delayed is justice denied."" ? December 7, 2020: Dr. Joyce files an amicus brief in support of Kelly v. Pennsylvania, urging the U.S. Supreme Court to take up Congressman Mike Kelly's case against the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. ? December 8, 2020: Dr. Joyce co-sponsorsH.R.8830, the You Must Be Alive to Vote Act of 2020, which will require states to obtain information from Social Security Administration on deaths for purposes of voter registration list maintenance and to prevent dead people from voting. ? December 10, 2020: In support of President Trump, Dr. Joyce files an amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to take up Texas v. Pennsylvania and give all due consideration to our President. ? December 24, 2020: Dr. Joyce files an amicus brief calling on the U.S. Supreme Court to take up Kelly v. Commonwealthof Pennsylvania and uphold the Constitution of Pennsylvania. ? December 31, 2020: Dr. Joyce and members of the Republican Pennsylvania Congressional delegation release statement announcing that they will object to the Electoral College certification process. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://keller.house.gov/media/press-releases/pennsylvania-members-congress-release-statement-regarding-certification,Pennsylvania Members of Congress Release Statement Regarding Certification of Electors,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Fred Keller,K000395,keller.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) and seven Pennsylvania members of Congress released the following statement regarding the certification of electors on January 6, 2020: The United States Constitution is unambiguous in declaring that state legislatures are the entity with authority to set election procedure Article 1, Section 4, Clause 1: The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof' Article 2, Section 1, Clause 2: Each state shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors' Unfortunately, the many unlawful actions undertaken by the Pennsylvania Governor's office, the Secretary of State, and what has been described as a rogue Pennsylvania Supreme Court exceeded and circumvented the state legislature's clear constitutional authority. The unlawful actions include, but are not limited to: Accepting ballots past 8:00 pm on Election Day. Not properly requiring signatures to match those on mail-in ballots or requiring dates. Meanwhile, the matching of signatures was required at a polling site. Authorizing the curing of mail-in ballots with less than a 24-hours' notice. Only some counties were informed and adhered to this order leaving voters treated unequally from county to county. Authorizing the use of unsecure drop boxes, which is not permitted in statute. Prohibiting certified poll watchers overseeing the canvassing of ballots in Philadelphia. These unlawful actions were taken without the authority or consent of the Pennsylvania state legislature. These are facts, and they are indisputable. Additionally, the Pennsylvania Attorney General did nothing with regard to these unlawful activities. Not one inquiry, no questioning, and certainly no investigations. Not to mention that hundreds, if not thousands, of affidavits outlining election complaints and potential fraud were documented, submitted, and ignored. The Pennsylvania election could be summed up as a free-for-all with no oversight and different standards applied throughout the Commonwealth. It is also very apparent that the unlawful actions described were concentrated in heavily populated, Democrat-led counties. By definition, such unlawful, unregulated, and inconsistent activities resulted in a highly questionable and inaccurate vote total. The scope of these inaccuracies cannot be known until the legal ballots are identified and counted, and the illegal ballots are disqualified. This has not been done. Therefore, the state's official certification of electors was based upon a flawed system and an inaccurate vote count. Thus, very possibly resulting in an erroneous certification. Until these unlawful practices are acknowledged and corrected, we, as members of the U.S. House of Representatives, cannot agree to support electors chosen based upon an inaccurate total vote count. The voters of Pennsylvania deserve integrity in the election process and equal protection under the law. This very unfortunate, volatile, and distressing situation is due to the lack of respect and regard for the law and the U.S. Constitution as well as the Pennsylvania State Constitution. Additionally, the failure of Pennsylvania's justice system to seek the truth, rather than stay silent, allowed these irregular, unlawful actions to create a high level of mistrust in the process as well as a potentially flawed outcome. The one thing that all voters, regardless of party affiliation, can all agree upon is that we must have election integrity. That is the only way to ensure trust in our elections and it is accomplished by adhering to our Constitution and the law. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kelly.house.gov/press-release/pennsylvania-us-house-members-release-statement-certification-electors,Pennsylvania U.S. House Members Release Statement on Certification of Electors,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Representative Mike Kelly (PA-16) today released this joint statement with Representatives Dan Meuser (PA-9), Glenn GT' Thompson (PA-15), Scott Perry (PA-10), Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14), John Joyce (PA-13), and Fred Keller (PA-12) regarding their intent to vote against certification of Pennsylvania's electors on January 6: The United States Constitution is unambiguous in declaring that state legislatures are the entity with authority to set election procedure - Article 1, Section 4, Clause 1: The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof Article 2, Section 1, Clause 2: Each state shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors Unfortunately, the many unlawful actions undertaken by the Pennsylvania Governor's office, the Secretary of State, and what has been described as a rogue Pennsylvania Supreme Court exceeded and circumvented the state legislature's clear constitutional authority. The unlawful actions include, but are not limited to: Accepting ballots past 8:00 pm on Election Day; Not properly requiring signatures to match those on mail-in ballots or requiring dates.Meanwhile, the matching of signatures was required at a polling site; Authorizing the curing of mail-in ballots with less than a 24-hour's notice.Only some counties were informed and adhered to this order leaving voters treated unequally from county to county; Authorizing the use of unsecured drop boxes, which is not permitted in statute Prohibiting certified poll watchers overseeing the canvassing of ballots in Philadelphia; These unlawful actions were taken without the authority or consent of the Pennsylvania state legislature. These are facts, and they are indisputable. Additionally, the Pennsylvania Attorney General did nothing with regard to these unlawful activities. Not one inquiry, no questioning, and certainly no investigations. Not to mention that hundreds, if not thousands, of affidavits outlining election complaints and potential fraud were documented, submitted, and ignored. The Pennsylvania election could be summed up as a free-for-all with no oversight and different standards applied throughout the Commonwealth. It is also very apparent that the unlawful actions described were concentrated in heavily populated, Democrat-led counties. By definition, such unlawful, unregulated, and inconsistent activities resulted in a highly questionable and inaccurate vote total. The scope of these inaccuracies cannot be known until the legal ballots are identified and counted, and the illegal ballots are disqualified. This has not been done. Therefore, the state's official certification of electors was based upon a flawed system and an inaccurate vote count. Thus, very possibly resulting in an erroneous certification. Until these unlawful practices are acknowledged and corrected, we cannot agree to support electors chosen based upon an inaccurate total vote count. The voters of Pennsylvania deserve integrity in the election process and equal protection under the law. This very unfortunate, volatile, and distressing situation is due to the lack of respect and regard for the law and the U.S. Constitution as well as the Pennsylvania State Constitution. Additionally, the failure of Pennsylvania's justice system to seek the truth, rather than stay silent, allowed these irregular, unlawful actions to create a high level of mistrust in the process as well as a potentially flawed outcome. If there is an American ideal that all citizens, regardless of party affiliation, can agree upon it is that we must have election integrity. Election integrity is the only way to ensure trust in our elections and it is accomplished by adhering to our Constitution and the law."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/pennsylvania-members-congress-release-statement-regarding-certification,PENNSYLVANIA MEMBERS OF CONGRESS RELEASE STATEMENT REGARDING CERTIFICATION OF ELECTORS,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,Daniel Meuser,M001204,meuser.house.gov,meuser,https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Pennsylvania members of the U.S. House of Representatives including Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-9), Congressman Glenn ‘GT' Thompson (PA-15), Congressman Mike Kelly (PA-16), Congressman Scott Perry (PA-10), Congressman Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), Congressman Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14), Congressman John Joyce (PA-13), and Congressman Fred Keller (PA-12) released the following joint statement: ""The United States Constitution is unambiguous in declaring that state legislatures are the entity with authority to set election procedure - ""Article 1, Section 4, Clause 1: The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof… ""Article 2, Section 1, Clause 2: Each state shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors… ""Unfortunately, the many unlawful actions undertaken by the Pennsylvania Governor's office, the Secretary of State, and what has been described as a rogue Pennsylvania Supreme Court exceeded and circumvented the state legislature's clear constitutional authority. ""The unlawful actions include, but are not limited to: Accepting ballots past 8:00 pm on Election Day Not properly requiring signatures to match those on mail-in ballots or requiring dates Meanwhile, the matching of signatures was required at a polling site Authorizing the curing of mail-in ballots with less than a 24-hour's notice Only some counties were informed and adhered to this order leaving voters treated unequally from county to county Authorizing the use of unsecure drop boxes, which is not permitted in statute Prohibiting certified poll watchers overseeing the canvassing of ballots in Philadelphia ""These unlawful actions were taken without the authority or consent of the Pennsylvania state legislature. These are facts, and they are indisputable. ""Additionally, the Pennsylvania Attorney General did nothing with regard to these unlawful activities. Not one inquiry, no questioning, and certainly no investigations. Not to mention that hundreds, if not thousands, of affidavits outlining election complaints and potential fraud were documented, submitted, and ignored. The Pennsylvania election could be summed up as a free-for-all with no oversight and different standards applied throughout the Commonwealth. It is also very apparent that the unlawful actions described were concentrated in heavily populated, Democrat-led counties. ""By definition, such unlawful, unregulated, and inconsistent activities resulted in a highly questionable and inaccurate vote total. The scope of these inaccuracies cannot be known until the legal ballots are identified and counted, and the illegal ballots are disqualified. This has not been done. ""Therefore, the state's official certification of electors was based upon a flawed system and an inaccurate vote count. Thus, very possibly resulting in an erroneous certification. ""Until these unlawful practices are acknowledged and corrected, we cannot agree to support electors chosen based upon an inaccurate total vote count. The voters of Pennsylvania deserve integrity in the election process and equal protection under the law. ""This very unfortunate, volatile, and distressing situation is due to the lack of respect and regard for the law and the U.S. Constitution as well as the Pennsylvania State Constitution. Additionally, the failure of Pennsylvania's justice system to seek the truth, rather than stay silent, allowed these irregular, unlawful actions to create a high level of mistrust in the process as well as a potentially flawed outcome. ""If there is an American ideal that all citizens, regardless of party affiliation, can agree upon is that we must have election integrity. Election integrity is the only way to ensure trust in our elections and it is accomplished by adhering to our Constitution and the law.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases/pennsylvania-members-congress-release-statement-regarding-certification,Pennsylvania Members of Congress Release Statement Regarding Certification of Electors,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,Guy Reschenthaler,R000610,reschenthaler.house.gov,reschenthaler,https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Pennsylvania members of the U.S. House of Representatives including Congressman Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14), Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-9), Congressman Glenn ‘GT' Thompson (PA-15), Congressman Mike Kelly (PA-16), Congressman Scott Perry (PA-10), Congressman Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), Congressman John Joyce (PA-13), and Congressman Fred Keller (PA-12) released the following joint statement: ""The United States Constitution is unambiguous in declaring that state legislatures are the entity with authority to set election procedure - ""Article 1, Section 4, Clause 1: The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof… ""Article 2, Section 1, Clause 2: Each state shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors… ""Unfortunately, the many unlawful actions undertaken by the Pennsylvania Governor's office, the Secretary of State, and what has been described as a rogue Pennsylvania Supreme Court exceeded and circumvented the state legislature's clear constitutional authority. ""The unlawful actions include, but are not limited to: Accepting ballots past 8:00 pm on Election Day Not properly requiring signatures to match those on mail-in ballots or requiring dates Meanwhile, the matching of signatures was required at a polling site Authorizing the curing of mail-in ballots with less than a 24-hour's notice Only some counties were informed and adhered to this order leaving voters treated unequally from county to county Authorizing the use of unsecure drop boxes, which is not permitted in statute Prohibiting certified poll watchers overseeing the canvassing of ballots in Philadelphia ""These unlawful actions were taken without the authority or consent of the Pennsylvania state legislature. These are facts, and they are indisputable. ""Additionally, the Pennsylvania Attorney General did nothing with regard to these unlawful activities. Not one inquiry, no questioning, and certainly no investigations. Not to mention that hundreds, if not thousands, of affidavits outlining election complaints and potential fraud were documented, submitted, and ignored. The Pennsylvania election could be summed up as a free-for-all with no oversight and different standards applied throughout the Commonwealth. It is also very apparent that the unlawful actions described were concentrated in heavily populated, Democrat-led counties. ""By definition, such unlawful, unregulated, and inconsistent activities resulted in a highly questionable and inaccurate vote total. The scope of these inaccuracies cannot be known until the legal ballots are identified and counted, and the illegal ballots are disqualified. This has not been done. ""Therefore, the state's official certification of electors was based upon a flawed system and an inaccurate vote count. Thus, very possibly resulting in an erroneous certification. ""Until these unlawful practices are acknowledged and corrected, we cannot agree to support electors chosen based upon an inaccurate total vote count. The voters of Pennsylvania deserve integrity in the election process and equal protection under the law. ""This very unfortunate, volatile, and distressing situation is due to the lack of respect and regard for the law and the U.S. Constitution as well as the Pennsylvania State Constitution. Additionally, the failure of Pennsylvania's justice system to seek the truth, rather than stay silent, allowed these irregular, unlawful actions to create a high level of mistrust in the process as well as a potentially flawed outcome. ""If there is an American ideal that all citizens, regardless of party affiliation, can agree upon is that we must have election integrity. Election integrity is the only way to ensure trust in our elections and it is accomplished by adhering to our Constitution and the law."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-votes-override-presidential-veto-ndaa,Rep. Kelly Votes to Override Presidential Veto of NDAA,2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - The U.S. House of Representatives today voted to override President Trump's veto of the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA is enacted annually to set the policy and spending priorities of the United States military. Representative Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) voted to pass the NDAA over the president's objection and issued this statement: ""The NDAA outlines the budget and policies the Department of Defense uses to plan for the next year. While I support the president's goal of amending or abolishing Section 230, that debate must not delay military planning for 2021."" #####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kelly.house.gov/press-release/kelly-statement-house-vote-increase-stimulus-payments-600-2000,Kelly Statement on House Vote to Increase Stimulus Payments from $600 to $2000,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) issued this statement following his vote against increasing COVID-19 pandemic relief stimulus checks from $600 to $2000: ""I support providing direct relief to Pennsylvanians whose current economic struggles were caused by Governor Wolf's lockdown of the Keystone State for most of 2020, but this stimulus check expansion misses the mark because it is not targeted to people who need it most and ignores President Trump's call to reduce wasteful government spending. Our path forward must include direct relief, spending cuts, and opening the Commonwealth's economy so families can go back to work."" #####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/top-republican-agriculture-panel-rep-glenn-thompson-sees-opportunities,"As top Republican on agriculture panel, Rep. Glenn Thompson sees opportunities to close urban-rural divide",2020-12-25,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"ForRep. Glenn Thompson, R-Centre, the COVID-19 pandemic has showed the value and vulnerability of regions like Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District: a 14-county expanse of rural farmland, forests and recreation areas dotted with a major land grant university, energy production and manufacturing. Mr. Thompson, entering his seventh term in Congress as the longest-serving Republican lawmaker from Pennsylvania, said he recognizes the challenges facing his swath of north-central Pennsylvania. He's put in a dozen years on the powerful House Agriculture Committee, which has jurisdiction over not only farm policy but a wide array of rural programs on food assistance, housing, utilities and economic development. It assembles thesprawling farm bill, one of the biggest and most contentious pieces of legislation on Capitol Hill when it comes up for a vote every five years. In January, Mr. Thompson, 61, will ascend to the top Republican seat on the powerful panel, giving him the chance to wield greater influence to shape the U.S. food system and narrow gaps between urban and rural parts of the state and country. Without a robust rural economy and a strong agriculture program in this country, people all over America, including in cities, are going to wake up cold, in the dark, and hungry, Mr. Thompson said, laying out his agenda in broad strokes in a recent interview. It's a tremendous amount of responsibility and opportunity, Mr. Thompson said. The agriculture committee probably impacts people's lives on a daily basis more than any other committee in Congress. Mr. Thompson, who was first elected in 2008 after 28 years as a therapist and licensed nursing home administrator, said he wants to target infrastructure development as a way to stem population decline in rural areas and attract business. He pointed to his experience on the panel's subcommittees, and on the House Education and Labor Committee, to push for investments in telemedicine, broadband expansion and remote learning. In 2011, he introduced legislation, eventually signed into law by President Barack Obama, that expanded telemedicine services among active duty military service-members. In 2017, he sponsored another bill that expanded telemedicine throughout the VA health care system. To expand these services in broader rural areas, he has said, there must be access to high-speed internet but also aid that makes it affordable to providers and consumers.In June, he introduced a measure to codify Medicare reimbursement for community health centers and rural health clinics to provide telemedicine services making permanent some of a temporary benefit enacted during the pandemic. The issue does come down to connectivity, obviously, but it comes to other issues, such as reimbursement, hesaid in September.If you're able to access the right providers, you're getting high-quality care no matter where you live. The success of rural areas depends on helping farmers navigate what has been a turbulent stretch. The virus has disrupted the broader food supply chain, with restaurants shutting down and food pantries overwhelmed with demand from hungry families, he said. Even before the pandemic, Pennsylvania farmersstruggled with low pricescaused in part by the Trump administration's trade war with China, whose government effectively blocked U.S. soybean shipments for about 18 months in retaliation. The dairy industry, which makes up roughly a third of Pennsylvania's farm sales, has been awash in milk for years, mostly due to overproduction and consumers flocking to alternative non-dairy milks. The agriculture committee has purview over the complex system of farm subsidies and aid, including aprogram that provides payments to dairies when their margins fall below a certain level. When COVID-19 hit, the government set uptheCoronavirus Food Assistance Program, which has providedmore than $19 billionto farmers through direct payments and through purchasing and distribution of produce, dairy and meat to places that need it most. Mr. Thompson said the committee should hold hearings and listening sessions on ways to make the food system more resilient, he said. Lessons learned from the pandemic should be part of the next farm bill, scheduled to come up in 2023. Meeting with farmers about the pandemic program so far, he said, the feedback I've gotten has been very, very positive. A small-government Republican, Mr. Thompson has said he knows farmers' top goal is to get their product to a buyer not government checks.In the longer term, he said, the government should help farmers invest in their business, like aid to help dairy farmers, for example, buy processing equipment that can produce more lucrative cheese. He praised President Donald Trump'spartial trade deal with China, signed in January, which put a hold on the trade war and directed China to accelerate purchases of American farm goods, among other U.S. exports. (The pandemic put a damper on those lofty goals, and Chinahas fallen behind its commitmentsthis year.) He said he would continue to advocate for trade deals with the United Kingdom, and across Europe and Asia. They have far more stomachs they need to fill, he said. He said he intends on meeting the climate change challenge by maintaining forests and encouraging farmers to use precision agriculture to conserve resources and maintain healthy soil. Overseeing those practices, the agriculture committee is responsible for the largest carbon sinks in the world, he said, referring to their ability to store carbon currently in the atmosphere. Mr. Thompson, whose district has the most abandoned mine land in the country, has led the charge toextend the federal programthat funds cleanup projects, fighting a dueling proposal from Wyoming lawmakers to cut the program by 35%. But he has questioned the need for more regulations on the energy industry, suggesting during a webinar in June that unfavorable news coverage and environmental groups opposing natural gas had been covertly fueled by Russians bent on disrupting America's energy supply. He has criticized Democrats' climate change proposals as unrealistic and economically destructive. Mr. Thompson, who tends to avoid wading into partisan disputes, led Pennsylvania's Republican delegation last month in challenging the state's administration of the election, repeatingMr. Trump's baseless accusationsof widespread voter fraud. Mr. Thompson, in the interview, saidthere may have been abuses and that voter fraud may have occurred in small pieces, perhaps, small parcels, but the transition is preceding to allow President-Elect Joe Biden to take office next month. He emphasized he wants to move forward after the politics of 2020 sidelined important measures. He called the committee's new chair, Rep. David Scott, a Georgia Democrat representing the Atlanta suburbs, a gentleman and a statesman, and I'm looking forward to our work together. The former chair, Rep. Collin Peterson, lost his re-election bid after 30 years representing rural western Minnesota. Mr. Peterson was among 13 Democrats whose seats were flipped, narrowing their House majority. In some sense, that will put us in a position where the majority party will be motivated to work with us, Mr. Thompson said.We tend to be bipartisan.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kelly.house.gov/press-release/twenty-eight-members-congress-file-amicus-brief-supporting-representative-kellys,Twenty Eight Members of Congress File Amicus Brief Supporting Representative Kelly's Lawsuit Challenging Pennsylvania's Unconstitutional Mail-in Ballot System,2020-12-24,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - Last night, more than two dozen members of the United States House of Representatives filed an amicus brief supporting the plaintiffs inMike Kelly, U.S. Congressman, et al. v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, et al., a case challenging the constitutionality of Pennsylvania's no-excuse mail-in ballot voting system. ""I am honored that so many of my colleagues from Pennsylvania and across the country have joined our fight to protect the Pennsylvania Constitution, which states clearly how voters are to cast their votes in the Commonwealth,""said Kelly.""If Governor Wolf and the legislature wanted to create another method of voting, they should have amended the PennsylvaniaConstitution, which requires, among other factors, placing the question on the ballot for Pennsylvanians to consent.We're asking the Supreme Court of the United States to hear our case and require the Commonwealth to properly amend the Constitution if they want to create a mail-in voting system for future elections. Read the Amicus Brief Here Members of Congress who signed the amicus brief include Representatives Alex Mooney (R- W.Va.), Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), Andy Harris (R-Md.), Bill Posey (R-Fla.), Chip Roy (R-Texas), Dan Bishop (R-N.C.), Dan Meuser (R-Pa.), Debbie Lesko (R-Ariz.), Fred Keller (R-Pa.), GT Thompson (R-Pa.), Guy Reschenthaler (R-Pa.), Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.), Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), Jody Hice (R-Ga.),Dr. John Joyce (R-Pa.), Lloyd Smucker (R-Pa.), Louie Gohmert (R-Texas), Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), Michael Cloud (R-Texas), Mike Johnson (R- La.), Mo Brooks (R-Ala.), Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), Randy Weber (R-Texas), Scott DesJarlais (R-Tenn.), Scott Perry (R-Pa.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Ted Yoho (R-Fla.) and Warren Davison (R-Ohio). Background In this case, Representative Kelly and the other plaintiffsallege that the Pennsylvania Legislature and Governor Wolf violated the Pennsylvania Constitution when they enacted no-excuse mail-in voting, which conflicts with the Constitution's clear delineation of what makes a person eligible to vote by mail. Commonwealth Court Judge Patricia McCullough issued an emergency preliminary injunctionin the case, saying: Petitioners appear to have established a likelihood to succeed on the merits because Petitioners have asserted the Constitution does not provide a mechanism for the legislature to allow for expansion of absentee voting without a constitutional amendment. Following this pronouncement, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania appealed directly to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, which dismissed the case on a technicality without addressing the merits of the petitioners' claims. Currently, the Petitioners have filed awrit of Certiorarito argue the merits before the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS).SCOTUS has yet to announce whether it will take up the case.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases/reschenthaler-toomey-spearhead-resolution-supporting-free-trade-taiwan,"Reschenthaler, Toomey Spearhead Resolution Supporting Free Trade with Taiwan",2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,Guy Reschenthaler,R000610,reschenthaler.house.gov,reschenthaler,https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14) joined with Congressional Taiwan Caucus Chairs Reps. Steve Chabot (OH-1)and Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) to introduce H. Res. 1268, which expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should initiate negotiations to enter into a free trade agreement with Taiwan. This legislation is a critical step toward building a stronger diplomatic partnership with Taiwan, expanding economic growth and job creation through increased access to markets in the Indo-Pacific region, and countering the Chinese Communist Party's hostilities towards Taiwan. Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA), the author of the legislation, and 25 Senate Republicans introduced this resolution in the Senate. ""As a member of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, I am proud to introduce this critical legislation that supports expanding economic ties between the United States and Taiwan by lowering trade barriers,"" said Reschenthaler. ""As an important trading partner for the United States and Pennsylvania, a free trade agreement with Taiwan will enhance our economic, diplomatic, and security partnership in the Indo-Pacific while also countering the Chinese Communist Party's aggression in the region. After visiting Taiwan in 2019, I saw firsthand Taiwan's shared economic values and commitment to freedom and democracy. It is past time our nation takes advantage of this opportunity to deepen trade ties with our friend and ally Taiwan. I thank Senator Toomey and Reps. Diaz-Balart and Chabot for joining me to strengthen this enduring partnership."" ""Building closer trade ties between the United States and Taiwan is a win-win for both countries,"" said Senator Toomey. ""American workers and manufacturers would have more customers, American consumers would have access to more affordable goods, both economies would grow faster, and America would strengthen its relationship with a key regional ally and increase our economic engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. The Senate should pass this resolution and the incoming Biden administration should make a trade agreement with Taiwan a priority."" ""Taiwan is a strong friend and democratic ally of the United States, and I support efforts to further strengthen that relationship with deepened economic ties,"" said Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart. ""While the PRC continues to bully and threaten its neighbors, Taiwan has nonetheless thrived as an economic powerhouse and responsible partner on a variety of key priorities including public health, democracy promotion, and trade. Working toward a free trade agreement with Taiwan will strengthen this crucial relationship and enable Taiwan to better withstand the barrage of threats and hostility from the PRC."" ""As a longtime proponent of a U.S.-Taiwan free trade agreement, I am pleased to support this important legislation put forward by Congressman Reschenthaler,"" said Congressman Chabot. ""Taiwan is one of our top trading partners, and consolidating our economic partnership will bring both economic and strategic benefits to both of our countries. Earlier this fall, President Tsai took bold action to address longstanding barriers to U.S. agricultural imports. It is critical that the United States Trade Representatives build on this gesture of goodwill before momentum is lost."" ""TECRO sincerely appreciates Senator Toomey and Congressman Reschenthaler for introducing this important resolution,"" said Ambassador Bi-Khim Hsiao. ""As both Taiwan and the United States are making every endeavor to ensure supply chain security and trading relationships that will provide us with more resilience and restore our economic growth in the aftermath of the COVID pandemic, a bilateral trade agreement would be a sensible and necessary move to achieve those goals. Taiwan is ready to start the negotiations towards a high-standard trade agreement. We look forward to working with US Congress and the administration to deepen Taiwan-US trade and economic ties."" Currently, Taiwan is the 10th largest trading partner with the United States in goods and 11th largest trading partner overall. Taiwan is also Pennsylvania's 18th largest export market, with an estimated $367.6 million in 2017. In 2019, bilateral trade in goods between Taiwan and the United States accounted for $86 billion, a $24 billion increase from 2010. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, Taiwan supports an estimated 208,000 U.S. jobs as of 2015, and Taiwan's foreign direct investment stock accounts for $11.1 billion. As a member of the China Task Force (CTF), Congressman Reschenthaler supported including language to recommend increased trade ties with Taiwan in the CTF 2020 report. Specifically, the report stated: ""the Administration should work to deepen trade ties with Taiwan and resolve specific outstanding trade issues, taking the steps to launch trade agreement negotiations once those are addressed."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.toomey.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/toomey-led-resolution-calls-for-free-trade-agreement-between-the-us-and-taiwan,Toomey-led Resolution Calls for Free Trade Agreement Between the US and Taiwan,2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,www.toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) is leading an effort to expand trade with Taiwan. The Constitution gives Congress control over trade policy, and it is the responsibility of the executive branch to pursue trade policies and trade agreements in line with those supported by Congress. In line with this, Senator Toomey has introduced a Senate resolution detailing the need for a trade agreement with Taiwan. Building closer trade ties between the United States and Taiwan is a win-win for both countries, said Senator Toomey. American workers and manufacturers would have more customers, American consumers would have access to more affordable goods, both economies would grow faster, and America would strengthen its relationship with a key regional ally and increase our economic engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. The Senate should pass this resolution and the incoming Biden administration should make a trade agreement with Taiwan a priority. Senator Toomey's colleague from Pennsylvania, Congressman Guy Reschenthaler (R-Pa. 14th), has introduced a companion resolution in the House. The Senate resolution, which is available in its entirety below, is cosponsored by Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), John Kennedy (R-La.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.). Background: The United States is currently Taiwan's second largest trading partner, and Taiwan is the tenth largest trading partner of the United States in goods and the eleventh largest trading partner overall. Trade with Taiwan supports an estimated 208,000 United States jobs according to estimates of the United States Department of Commerce as of 2015. Bilateral trade in goods between Taiwan and the United States increased from $62,000,000,000 in 2010 to $86,000,000,000 in 2019, according to the United States Census Bureau. Title: Expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States should initiate negotiations to enter into a free trade agreement with Taiwan. Whereas, pursuant to section 2(b)(1) of the Taiwan Relations Act (22 U.S.C. 3301(b)(1)), it is the policy of the United States to promote extensive, close, and friendly commercial, cultural, and other relations between the people of the United States and the people on Taiwan; Whereas the friendship between the United States and Taiwan is based on a shared commitment to individual and economic freedom, shared values, and an appreciation for the blessings of liberty and democracy; Whereas the United States and Taiwan enjoy a robust trade partnership, marked by the exchange of goods and services and international travel; Whereas Taiwan has shown an interest in strengthening its economic relationship with the United States by investing in technology manufacturing facilities located within the United States and agreeing to lift restrictions on the importation of certain United States agricultural products; Whereas Taiwan has demonstrated a commitment to protecting intellectual property and individual freedom by serving as a leader in the responsible development of technology, as evidenced through a Joint Declaration on 5G Security announced between the American Institute in Taiwan and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in August 2020; Whereas Taiwan has played an integral role in the global supply chain during the coronavirus disease 2019 (commonly known as COVID19) pandemic, producing mass amounts of masks at the time when masks were most scarce and ensuring that this critical tool was available to individuals around the world; Whereas the United States has consistently supported peaceful relations between Taiwan and the People's Republic of China, and respected the provisions of both the Taiwan Relations Act (22 U.S.C. 3301 et seq.) and the Six Assurances offered by President Ronald Reagan to Taiwan in 1982; Whereas the People's Republic of China has shown a hostility to Taiwan, aggressively asserting its military power, using coercive economic measures to keep Taiwan economically dependent on the People's Republic of China, and seeking to isolate Taiwan from the rest of the world; Whereas the policy of the United States is to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and achieving that vision must include working with like-minded countries in the region to liberalize trade; Whereas the United States is currently Taiwan's 2nd largest trading partner, and Taiwan is the 10th largest trading partner of the United States in goods and 11th largest trading partner overall; Whereas Taiwan has been a member of the World Trade Organization since 2002; Whereas bilateral trade in goods between Taiwan and the United States increased from $62,000,000,000 in 2010 to $86,000,000,000 in 2019, according to the United States Census Bureau; Whereas Taiwan's foreign direct investment stock in the United States was $11,100,000,000 as of 2019; Whereas trade with Taiwan supports an estimated 208,000 United States jobs according to estimates of the United States Department of Commerce as of 2015; Whereas closer engagement with Taiwan through trade negotiations would encourage even greater access to Taiwan's market and would benefit both security and economic growth for the United States, Taiwan, and the Indo-Pacific region; Whereas it is essential that a free trade agreement negotiated between the United States and Taiwan lower tariff and nontariff barriers to trade, including meaningfully expanded access to agricultural markets and ensuring that science-based standards govern international trade in animals and animal products; Whereas the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015 (19 U.S.C. 4201 et seq.) enables the President to negotiate reciprocal reductions of nontariff barriers while preserving the authority of Congress over foreign trade as required by section 8 of article I of the Constitution of the United States; Whereas the procedures laid out in the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015 were designed by Congress to maintain the sovereignty of Congress over trade; and Whereas, for legislation implementing a trade agreement to qualify for trade authorities procedures under the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015, the trade agreement is required to make progress toward achieving the applicable objectives, policies, and priorities set forth by Congress in that Act, and failure by the administration of a President to adhere to the trade negotiating objectives and notification and consultation requirements established by Congress renders a trade agreement ineligible for fast-track consideration: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That it is the sense of the Senate that the United States should initiate negotiations to enter into a free trade agreement with Taiwan.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://keller.house.gov/media/press-releases/president-trump-signs-keller-s-bill-honoring-hunts-healing-founder-law,President Trump signs Kellers bill honoring Hunts for Healing founder into law,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Fred Keller,K000395,keller.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, President Trump signed into law H.R. 4279, Congressman Keller's bill to designate the Post Office in Laceyville, Pennsylvania, as the Melinda Gene Piccotti Office in honor of the late Mindy Piccotti, an Air Force veteran who founded Hunts for Healing. Started in 2009, Hunts for Healing aims to help wounded soldiers returning from military missions in Iraq and Afghanistan and other combat veterans transition back into civilian life by allowing them to experience the joys of hunting, including social interaction and camaraderie. The Hunts for Healing team is completely volunteer based, made up of veterans and community members committed to supporting America's men and women in uniform. On the bill becoming law, Congressman Keller made the following statement: Today is an exciting day for our veteran community, the residents of Laceyville, Mindy's family, and every person whose life has been touched by Mindy's outstanding work. Mindy was a community leader who cared deeply about making sure our wounded veterans had the support they need to recover from and overcome their injuries. Mindy built an organization that continues to grow, making an important impact in our community. I thank President Trump for signing this bill into law and for allowing us to finally give Mindy the recognition she deserves for her lifetime of service. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kelly.house.gov/press-release/kelly-statement-passage-targeted-pandemic-related-economic-relief-americans,Kelly Statement on Passage of Targeted Pandemic-Related Economic Relief for Americans,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - The U.S. House of Representatives today passed theBipartisan-Bicameral Omnibus & COVID Relief Deal, legislation to provide pandemic-related financial relief to workers and small businesses and to fund the federal government through September 30, 2021, the end of Fiscal Year 2021. U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) voted in favor of the legislation and released this statement: ""For most of 2020, government lockdowns because of the pandemic have caused economic pain across the nation and our Commonwealth. This bill, while far from perfect, brings targeted economic relief to workers and small businesses. I support the direct payments to individuals and families, the provisions that will allow for the deductibility of Paycheck Protection Program loans, and unemployment insurance supplements, all of which will help western Pennsylvanians weather this economic storm. Additionally, as the COVID-19 vaccine makes its way to communities across America, this bill helps ensure it gets to those most vulnerable. While these measures provide temporary relief, the real solution to our economic and emotional well-being is to open the economy and get people back to work."" #####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyce-covid-19-vaccine-safe-effective,Dr. Joyce: The COVID-19 Vaccine Is Safe & Effective,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,John Joyce,J000302,johnjoyce.house.gov,johnjoyce,https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) received the COVID-19 vaccine produced by Pfizer/BioNTech, which was granted emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on December 11. ""As a doctor, I want to lead by example. While I would never ask Americans to place blind trust in the U.S. government, I have faith in American exceptionalism and innovation and all Americans can be confident in the COVID-19 vaccine's safety and its lifesaving potential,"" said Dr. Joyce. ""The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective and it's also the key to defeating the virus, rebuilding the economy, and saving lives. Operation Warp Speed has harnessed the full power of America's health care heroes, the scientific community, private industry, and the federal government to produce a safe and effective vaccine. All COVID-19 vaccines are subject to the same rigorous safety, quality, and efficacy screenings as any other modern vaccine. At a time when distrust in certain aspects of government is high, I have faith in the scientific community, American exceptionalism, and innovation and confidence in this vaccine's safety and its lifesaving potential."" Last week, the Attending Physician of the U.S. Congress encouraged all Members of Congress to receive the vaccine for continuity of government operation purposes. Since September, Dr. Joyce has pledged to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as he was eligible. Dr. Joyce is a strong proponent of the COVID-19 vaccine, and he is working to ensure that Americans are equipped to make informed decisions about the vaccine. Last week, he introduced bipartisan legislation to raise public awareness of the COVID-19 vaccine, combat misinformation, and build confidence in its lifesaving potential.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyce-statement-fy2021-appropriations-covid-19-relief,"Dr. Joyce Statement on FY2021 Appropriations, COVID-19 Relief",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,John Joyce,J000302,johnjoyce.house.gov,johnjoyce,https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC Congressman John Joyce (PA-13) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives advanced the Senate Amendment to H.R. 133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which includes COVID-19 relief for American families, workers, farmers, and small businesses. ""The U.S. Constitution clearly states that Congress is entrusted with ?providing for the common defense' and ?promoting the general welfare' of our nation. Tonight, the House advanced legislation to bolster our national defense, support our law enforcement community, defend the sanctity of life, and provide long-overdue relief to struggling Americans. ""The FY2021 appropriations bill includes key support for our Armed Forces, including a three percent raise for our servicemembers, as well as funds to continue construction of the southern border wall. It also pushes back on the progressives' radical agenda by blocking Democrats' efforts to defund the police. Importantly, this legislation includes critical pro-life protections that ensure American taxpayer dollars will never fund abortion. ""After months of fighting for our small businesses, I am grateful that this legislation will reopen the Paycheck Protection Program, saving jobs and providing a lifeline to small businesses struggling under the restrictions of burdensome shutdowns. It also will offer direct assistance for American individuals, families, and children in need a provision championed by President Donald Trump and make additional investments in COVID-19 vaccines, testing, and support for frontline health care heroes. This legislation, though far from perfect, will offer hope to American families as we near the end of this incredibly difficult year. ""At the same time, the vastly irresponsible process by which this legislation reached a final vote is unacceptable, and I urge Speaker Pelosi to restore regular order in the People's House. ""Furthermore, it is despicable that Speaker Pelosi and the Democrats squandered months of valuable time while American families, workers, farmers, and small businesses suffered. This breathless political stunt demonstrates the worst of their misguided politics. The American people should never forget that the Democrats proudly withheld relief from children, families, and workers in order to handicap President Trump and other political rivals. The citizens of this great land deserve far better."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/joyce-statement-covid-19-vaccine-arrival-van-zandt-va-medical-center,Joyce Statement on COVID-19 Vaccine Arrival to Van Zandt VA Medical Center,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,John Joyce,J000302,johnjoyce.house.gov,johnjoyce,https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Altoona, PA Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) today released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center in Altoona, PA will receive doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine this week. The Moderna vaccine received emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday evening. The Van Zandt VA Medical Center will soon join other area hospitals in administering our region's first doses of the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine. ""With the arrival of a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine to the Van Zandt VA Medical Center, Pennsylvania veterans and their health care providers will be better protected against the threat of this virus. Defeating COVID-19 will yield immeasurable physical and mental health benefits for our veterans. I commend the VA's collaboration with Operation Warp Speed to begin the vaccination process and protect the men and women who have served our nation."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://keller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-fred-keller-votes-no-massive-year-end-spending-bill,Congressman Fred Keller votes no on massive year-end spending bill,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Fred Keller,K000395,keller.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) released the following statement after voting against the $2.3 trillion year-end spending package, which combined government funding with COVID-relief legislation and passed the House by a vote of 359-53: Congressman Fred Keller made the following statement in response to the vote: Since the start of the pandemic, I have advocated for targeted relief for American families, workers, and small businesses that is focused on getting Americans back to work. The best stimulus is a job, and Congress should advance policies that will allow our economy to recover and create family-sustaining jobs for Pennsylvanians. While this legislative package includes measures I have worked hard to advance, such as extending and improving the Paycheck Protection Program, it also spends well beyond our nation's means, lacks critical protections for small businesses, healthcare providers, and educators, and continues policies that will make it harder to achieve sustained economic recovery. Based on conversations with small businesses and workers across Pennsylvania's 12th District, I have advocated for an extension of the PPP and allowing businesses to deduct PPP expenses. The PPP has been a tremendous success keeping Americans employed and our small businesses operational by providing forgivable loans. These provisions will allow struggling small businesses and their workers to continue to access critical resources. Unfortunately, Speaker Pelosi and the House Democrat majority blocked efforts to pass a clean extension of the PPP more than 40 times since the program expired in August. For months, Speaker Pelosi passed messaging bills, using the pandemic as a political bargaining chip. COVID relief must stand on its own and be narrowly targeted to the hardest hit industries and those who need it the most. The only way we will see sustained economic recovery is by supporting relief that gets Americans back to work. Unfortunately, this bill saddles our children and grandchildren with more debt and misses the mark in ensuring targeted relief for the American people. This package includes an Omnibus appropriations bill, coronavirus relief, an extension of expiring tax credits, and legislation to address surprise medical billing. Each of these items is important, and Congress should deal with them individuallythrough regular orderso that members of Congress and the American people can review them. Unfortunately, this 5,593-page bill was released hours before the House voted on it. We are never going to change Washington, D.C. and fix our nation's problems legislating like this. Background Congressman Keller has taken significant action to get targeted, pro-growth relief to American families, workers, and businesses. Those actions include: Supporting H.R. 7010, the PPP Flexibility Act, which provided additional flexibility to PPP loans, including extending the time period businesses have to spend their funds and lowering the threshold required to be spent on payroll. Sending a letter to Senate leadership and the Senate Small Business Committee, requesting the creation of a streamlined forgiveness application for loans under $350,000 to prevent businesses from being weighed down by burdensome guidelines when applying for loans or loan forgiveness. Cosponsoring H.R. 7777, the Paycheck Protection Small Business Forgiveness Act, a bipartisan bill that modifies loan forgiveness under the paycheck protection program for loans of $150,000 or less. Cosponsoring H.R. 7175, the Paycheck Protection for Producers Act, which would allow farmers to calculate their PPP loan amount based on 2019 gross income rather than net income. Signing Congresswoman Jamie Herrera Beutler's discharge petition, which would force a vote on H.R. 8265, the Paycheck Protection Program Extension Act, to free up and extend the additional $138 billion of unspent PPP funds. Sending a letter to Speaker Pelosi and Minority Leader McCarthy requesting that Congress restore deductibility of forgiven Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) expenses. Sending a letter to House leadership requesting clarification that recipients of forgivable PPP loans can claim normal deductions in any end-of-year legislation. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/meuser-statement-passage-congressional-covid-19-relief-package,MEUSER STATEMENT ON PASSAGE OF CONGRESSIONAL COVID-19 RELIEF PACKAGE,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,Daniel Meuser,M001204,meuser.house.gov,meuser,https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"POTTSVILLE, Pa. – Tonight, Congressman Dan Meuser released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed a targeted COVID-19 relief package: ""As our nation continues our fight against COVID-19, Congress has delivered overdue support for the American people. This legislation will provide additional funding for hospitals, schools, small businesses, and transportation, while ensuring the efficient distribution of safe and effective vaccines. Importantly, it will add deductibility for PPP expenses and improved PPP initiatives for the hospitality industry, including restaurants, that have suffered from forced shutdowns. This bill also contains extended unemployment and stimulus for individuals and families. The Problem Solvers Caucus played an instrumental role in getting this deal across the finish line by demonstrating that common ground could be found. ""It is critical to note that this legislation is targeted and truly based upon need. It is not perfect, but the actual new outlay of $325 billion is far less than Speaker Pelosi's original $3.5 trillion proposal. This was accomplished by repurposing roughly $140 billion in unused PPP funds and rescinding $429 billion in unspent funds from the Federal Reserve. Pennsylvanians should know that Senator Pat Toomey played a leading role in ensuring that money from the previous CARES Act was repurposed and not able to be utilized for other non-essential means. ""In addition to these relief provisions, this package accomplished important Republican priorities in funding the government through the end of the fiscal year, including a pay-raise for our military, Pro-Life protection provisions, and additional border security funding. Language was also included that will shield patients from surprise medical bills. ""I'd like to thank Leaders McConnell and McCarthy, Secretary Mnuchin, and President Trump for negotiating such tailored and fiscally responsible legislation that prioritizes the lives and livelihoods of the American people.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases/reschenthaler-votes-provide-targeted-covid-relief-reopen-our-economy,"Reschenthaler Votes to Provide Targeted COVID Relief, Reopen Our Economy",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,Guy Reschenthaler,R000610,reschenthaler.house.gov,reschenthaler,https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14) voted for the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, which provides targeted COVID-19 relief to America's small businesses, workers, and families and funds federal programs for the remainder of the fiscal year. The legislation now heads to the Senate for consideration. ""I am proud to support another round of assistance to hardworking Pennsylvanians whose livelihoods have been devasted by draconian statewide shutdowns,"" said Reschenthaler. ""This legislation provides much-needed relief to our nation's small businesses and families, facilitates the distribution of Operation Warp Speed vaccines, and ensures we can safely reopen schools and our economy. It is unacceptable that Speaker Pelosi's irresponsible brinkmanship and political posturing needlessly delayed these bipartisan relief efforts, but I am glad Congressional Democrats finally put politics aside to help the American people."" Specifically, the legislation includes the following COVID-19 provisions: Provides $600 Economic Impact Payments for Americans and their children. Enables another round of PPP loans to help struggling small businesses. Invests $7 billion in broadband Internet services, including $300 million for rural broadband. Facilitates vaccine distribution funding, including $20 billion for purchase of vaccines that will make the vaccine available at no charge for anyone who needs it. Extends $300-per-week supplemental unemployment assistance through March 2021. Rejects Democrats' socialist wish list items, including bailing out blue states and providing checks to illegal immigrants. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-smucker-supports-covid-19-relief-continued-funding-legislation,"Rep. Smucker Supports COVID-19 Relief, Continued Funding Legislation",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,Lloyd Smucker,S001199,smucker.house.gov,smucker,https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — Rep. Lloyd Smucker voted in favor of H.R. 133 which provides additional relief to families and small businesses and continues to fund government operations through September 30, 2021. The legislation passed with strong bipartisan support. Smucker issued this statement following the vote: ""I'm thankful that at long last, Congress has advanced bipartisan legislation to provide additional support to families and small businesses. The reauthorization of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will provide much needed and targeted aid to small businesses who are struggling. I have been personally advocating to allow for a second round of PPP for small businesses with the greatest need, in addition to calling for a fix to ensure expenses paid with forgiven loans remain tax deductible; I am proud to see both provisions included. I was also encouraged to see dedicated support for the live events industry included in this package. The PPP has already helped thousands of small businesses across Pennsylvania's 11th District support approximately 100,000 jobs and I am thankful this legislation will continue to allow this program to deliver for our small business community. The legislation also includes further financial assistance which will be swiftly delivered to families. Additional aid to those unemployed through no fault of their own will be temporarily extended into the new year. Pennsylvania's Department of Labor & Industry must ensure those payments are made timely and any attempts of fraud are swiftly investigated and brought to justice. The legislation also provides aid to support safely reopening our schools, funding to aid in the distribution of vaccines, and makes additional investment in rural broadband so that those who need to continue learning remotely can do so. Importantly, the cost of this stimulus legislation has been offset by repurposing unused funds appropriated by the CARES Act. This legislation only spends approximately $325 billion in new funds, compared to the multi-trillion-dollar packages advanced by Speaker Pelosi earlier this year. This targeted legislation is a win for taxpayers.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/incoming-house-ag-committee-ranking-member-outlines-top-priorities,Incoming House Ag Committee Ranking Member Outlines Top Priorities,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Glenn GT Thompson, GOP Leader Elect of the House Ag Committee, says his number one priority is building resiliency within the ag food supply chain. We've all witnessed the disruptions as a result of the coronavirus, he says. I'm excited that we're talking on the week where the first vaccines are already being delivered around the country and being received but we have a few months here yet that we still will have to deal with some of the impacts of the coronavirus and I think building resiliency within the ag industry has to be a priority for us. He tells Brownfield building new markets for agricultural products is another priority. Whether that's domestic markets through innovative approaches for use of our farm commodities or expanding our foreign markets, he says. We've seen some good signs from USMCA and certainly the China trade deal. Other priorities include improving broadband connectivity and supporting farmers and ag practices that address conservation needs and climate issues. The Pennsylvania Republican says it is a privilege and honor to have been selected by his colleagues to serve as Ranking Member of the 117thCongress. The new Congress will convene on January 3.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-issues-statement-coronavirus-relief-package,Thompson Issues Statement on Coronavirus Relief Package,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,thompson,https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC– Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed an additional COVID-19 relief package amounting to $900 billion. The legislation includes Congressman Thompson's bill, the LOCAL Act, which will extend the deadline to spend Coronavirus Relief Funds for one year, to December 31, 2021. The legislation also includes: $30 billion for vaccine development and deployment. $285 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program, helping small businesses and independent contractors. $300 a week in additional unemployment insurance benefits for 10 weeks. $600 stimulus payments for individuals making up to $75,000; $1,200 payments for couples making up to $150,000; $600 payments for dependent children. $13 billion for farmers, ranchers, cattlemen and producers. $13 billion for additional emergency food assistance. $7 billion for broadband development.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-lauds-agriculture-provisions-covid-package,Thompson Lauds Agriculture Provisions In COVID Package,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,thompson,https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC– Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed an additional COVID-19 relief package which includes $13 billion in support for the agriculture industry. The legislation provides continued direct relief for producers, additional emergency nutrition assistance, support for food purchases, and funding for rural broadband. Following the vote, Congressman Glenn ‘GT' Thompson issued the following statement: ""Rural America and our agriculture industry have waited far too long for the much needed support included in tonight's legislation. However, I'm pleased to see many agriculture wins were delivered in this Coronavirus relief package,"" said Rep. Thompson. ""Our farmers and ranchers will finally receive additional assistance, along with vital support for rural broadband development, a critical resource not only in the wake of the pandemic, but essential for a robust rural economy.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.toomey.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/toomey-statement-on-passage-of-latest-covid-19-relief-bill,Toomey Statement on Passage of Latest COVID-19 Relief Bill,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,www.toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement after voting in favor of the latest COVID-19 relief bill: For the fourth time this year, Congress has passed major spending legislation to help the American people cope with the economic and public health fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. While there is much in this bill that I disagree with, including wasteful government spending and misguided policies that will dampen the recovery, the good it does outweighs the bad. I am glad that Congress is extending unemployment eligibility for the self-employed and gig workers; reauthorizing the Paycheck Protection Program to help small businesses hurt by government shutdowns; picking up virtually the entire cost of the distribution and administering of the COVID-19 vaccine to the American people; and providing substantial assistance for education so children can safely return to school. In this legislation, Senate Republicans also secured an unqualified victory for taxpayers with the wind down of the successful emergency lending facilities established in the CARES Act just as Congress intended and the law requires. Without these protections, the risk for mischief with the Fed's extraordinary powers was far too real. Concerns about possible political interference are greatly diminished since the law now redirects more than $429 billion of unused funds to offset about half of the cost of this bill and ensures these facilities cannot be restarted or replicated in the future without congressional approval. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joyce-announces-us-service-academy-nominations-class-2025,Congressman Joyce Announces U.S. Service Academy Nominations for the Class of 2025,2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,John Joyce,J000302,johnjoyce.house.gov,johnjoyce,https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Altoona, PA Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) today announced that 28 students from Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District have received nominations for the U.S. Service Academies. These students, if they receive an appointment directly from an academy, will have the opportunity to attend the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, NY, or the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY. ""It is an honor to recognize outstanding students who are pursuing the call to serve our nation,"" said Dr. Joyce. ""The U.S. Service Academies equip young men and women with an unparalleled education and provide outstanding preparation for the leaders of tomorrow. After years of hard work and preparation, these students have demonstrated their desire to lead, grow, and serve. It was my privilege to nominate these 28 Pennsylvanians to attend our excellent service academies, and I wish each of them every continued success."" Students living in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District who received a Congressional nomination for an appointment to one or more of the service academies include: U.S. Naval Academy Sienna Chippie, Somerset County - Windber Area High School Ashton Dull, Bedford, County - Bedford High School Riley Hammond, Adams County - Gerstell Academy Jordan Love, Somerset County - Somerset High School Emily Malesky, Adams County- Delone Catholic High School Caroline McClain, Somerset County - Windber Area High School Luke Moore, Adams County - Adams County Christian Academy Connor Quinlisk, Westmoreland County - Derry Area High School Aurelia Santoya, Adams County - Gettysburg Area High School Hayden Walker, Franklin County - Waynesboro Area High School U.S. Air Force Academy James Buchheit, Fulton County - Kolbe Academy Gianna Copelli, Westmoreland County - Derry Area High School Allison Dunlap, Adams County - Gettysburg Area High School Aaron Jones, Franklin County - Waynesboro Area Senior High School Luke Manning, Franklin County - St. Maria Goretti High School Luke Myers, Franklin County - Shalom Christian Academy Nathan Rupp, Blair County - Hollidaysburg Area Senior High School Grace Sedewar, Westmoreland County - Ligonier Valley High School Derek Sisto, Blair County - Altoona Area High School Hayden Walker, Franklin County - Waynesboro Area High School U.S. Military Academy Nicholas Carpenter, Adams County- Delone Catholic High School Gianna Copelli, Westmoreland County - Derry Area High School Ashton Dull, Bedford County - Bedford High School Allison Dunlap, Adams County - Gettysburg Area High School Sarah Fink, Cumberland County - Shippensburg Area Senior High School Brian Johnson, Blair County - Hollidaysburg Area Senior High School Jordan Love, Somerset County- Somerset High School Grace Sedewar, Westmoreland County - Ligonier Valley High School Hayden Walker, Franklin County - Waynesboro Area High School Lauren Wetzel, Franklin County - 21st Century Cyber Charter School U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Connor Brown, Adams County - Littlestown Senior High School Gabe Dabkowski, Allegheny County - James I. O'Neill High School Ryan Hart, Adams County - Bermudian Springs High School Jordan Love, Somerset County - Somerset High School Meagan McHale, Franklin County - Chambersburg Area Senior High School Adam Muir, Blair County - Hollidaysburg Area Senior High School Luke Myers, Franklin County - Shalom Christian Academy Grace Sedewar, Westmoreland County - Ligonier Valley High School All prospective students wishing to attend an academy must by nominated by a Member of Congress or another U.S. official. These PA-13 students were evaluated by a panel of U.S. Service Academy alumni who volunteered to serve our district in this capacity. Congressman Joyce nominated students upon the recommendation of this expert panel. ""The Service Academy Panel is comprised of dedicated individuals who have served our nation with distinction, and I am grateful for their continued service to our community. Securing a nomination for a U.S. Service Academy is a competitive process, and no one is better suited to recommend candidates than these alumni. I offer each one my sincere thanks for helping to select the next class of service academy nominees from Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District,"" added Dr. Joyce. The PA-13 Academy Panel includes: Todd Alexander, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy Michael DelGrosso, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy Dave Diedrich, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy Rod Edminston, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy Ed Moe, a graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Jayme Orr Rhodes, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy Steven Sims, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy Col. Andrew ""Colby"" Short of Allegheny County, currently serving in the U.S. Corps of Engineers Bill Ward, Jr. of Blair County, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy All nominees from PA-13 will be vigorously evaluated by the academies before they receive a possible appointment, which are announced on a rolling basis. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://keller.house.gov/media/in-the-news/intermediate-unit-be-given-head-start-grant,Intermediate unit to be given Head Start grant,2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Fred Keller,K000395,keller.house.gov,,,legacy,"McVEYTOWN Rep. Fred Keller, whose 12th District encompasses all of Mifflin, Juniata, Snyder and Perry counties, has announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded a grant to Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11 in Mifflin County. A Head Start grant in the amount of $839,202 will be administered by HHS to TIU 11 to support comprehensive childhood development and better meet the needs of area children and families in need. On the awarding of the grants, Keller made the following statement: Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11 is an outstanding service agency dedicated to bettering children's lives and providing them with the education and tools necessary for future success. I am confident that this grant will go a long way to support their important mission. I commend HHS for continuing to connect our community with federal resources that to improve the lives of those living in our region.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://keller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-keller-participates-hearing-america-s-opioid-epidemic,Congressman Keller participates in hearing on Americas opioid epidemic,2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Fred Keller,K000395,keller.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) participated in a hearing of the House Oversight and Reform Committee focusing on the role of Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family in the opioid epidemic. During his remarks, Congressman Keller highlighted the importance of holding companies like Purdue Pharma accountable for engaging in deceptive tactics that ultimately worsened America's opioid epidemic. Congressman Keller noted that Purdue Pharma and the Sackler Family significantly downplayed the addictiveness and other effects of OxyContin to the American people when the drug was first marketed. Starting in 1996, Purdue Pharma and the Sackler Family marketed OxyContina drug at the forefront of our nation's opioid epidemicas having much lower addiction risk to patients, which sharply contrasts with the reality that this drug has cost lives and torn families apart, Keller said. Congressman Keller asked Dr. Craig Landau, President and CEO of Purdue Pharma, what his company is doing to educate patients and providers about the dangers of overprescribing opioids. We are supporting a tremendous amount of education through third party resources to bring to the surface important information relating to the prescription of opioidstheir safe storage and disposaland the consequences of addiction with an emphasis on school children to prevent them from initial exposure which can have devastating consequences, Dr. Landau said. In a follow-up question about ensuring accountability in the future, Congressman Keller asked Dr. Landau how he would recommend Congress work with the pharmaceutical industry to prevent opioid addiction. What I would recommend is to make training for prescribing opioids mandatory, Dr. Landau said. I would also suggest that efforts be made to require that all the medicines within this classcontrolled release and immediate release opioidshave barriers introduced to make them less attractive as drugs of abuse. Addiction is a tougher issue. It's a complex medical condition with various contributing factors. I think education of physicians and access to healthcare are vital. A copy of Congressman Keller's remarks can be found below. Thank you, Madam Chair, I appreciate you holding this important hearing. For decades, drug overdose deaths have remained at an unacceptable level across the United States. Just last year, we lost 4,458 Pennsylvanians due to drug overdose. That's 12 deaths per day on average, which is 12 too many. I hope this committee and the House of Representatives can get to work on solutions that save lives and enhance the 21st Century Cures Act and the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act. Thanks to these efforts and President Trump's leadership on the issue, more resources are available to fight the opioid epidemic. Naloxone is more widely available to prevent overdoses, which has led to encouraging downward trends, however more work is needed to reduce deaths related to the opioids. This includes holding companies like Perdue accountable for their deceptive tactics. Starting in 1996, Perdue Pharma and the Sackler Family marketed OxyContina drug at the forefront of our nation's opioid epidemicas having much lower addiction risk to patients, which sharply contrasts with the reality that this drug has cost lives and torn families apart.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/congressman-thompson-optimistic-covid-relief-will-be-passed-soon,Congressman Thompson Optimistic COVID Relief Will Be Passed Soon,2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Glenn GT Thompson, incoming GOP leader of the House Ag Committee, says it's critical that lawmakers pass a coronavirus relief bill soon. Our farmers and ranchers are still needing assistance and so are our agriculture businesses, he says. That's why it's so important that, if not within days, within the week that we pass a COVID-19 relief act that offers support to farmers and ranchers and neighbors in need that are struggling from a nutritional perspective. He tells Brownfield he is optimisticI'm planning on sticking around through the weekend and I'm hoping we'll get this done. Leadership on both sides of the aisle are looking at tying the next covid relief package in with the federal funding. The Pennsylvania Republican was elected by his colleagues to serve as Ranking member of the House A Committee in the 117thCongress.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.toomey.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/toomey-statement-on-emergency-lending-facility-provision,Toomey Statement on Emergency Lending Facility Provision,2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,www.toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement about legislative language regarding the CARES Act's temporary, emergency lending facilities: The language Senate Republicans are advocating for affects a very narrow universe of lending facilities and is emphatically not a broad overhaul of the Federal Reserve's emergency lending authority. Our language, which largely mirrors what has been publicly available since September, ensures, as the CARES Act intended, that the five facilities that received CARES Act money expire at the end of the year and cannot be re-started or duplicated without authorization by Congress. Any statement to the contrary is inaccurate. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyce-safe-effective-covid-19-vaccine-there-are-brighter-days-ahead,"Dr. Joyce: With a Safe & Effective COVID-19 Vaccine, There Are Brighter Days Ahead",2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,John Joyce,J000302,johnjoyce.house.gov,johnjoyce,https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) this week provided an update on COVID-19 vaccine progress and encouraged Americans to stay the course in our shared fight against this virus. Watch his full remarks. Madam Speaker, this week Americans witnessed a remarkable achievement. Less than a year after the novel coronavirus reached our shores, the first doses of a safe and effective vaccine were administered to frontline health care workers in Pennsylvania and around the country. This amazing accomplishment is not only a testament to America's unparalleled health care heroes, researchers, and scientists, but it is also a testament to the promise of American innovation. In just a matter of months, Operation Warp Speed has harnessed the full power of the federal government, the private sector, and the scientific community to deliver results for the American people all in record time. I am sincerely grateful to the leaders at the helm of this historic public/private partnership, including President Donald Trump and Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar, who was born in my district in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Truly, all of those who have served in Operation Warp Speed have done an incredible job. As our nation continues to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, we recognize that a safe and effective vaccine is key to restoring our communities, rebuilding our economy, and ultimately saving lives. While the first COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer already has been granted emergency use authorization from the FDA, we expect more to follow in the coming days and weeks. Now, it is imperative for the American people to know the facts about these vaccines so that they can make informed consent. Number One: As part of Operation Warp Speed, multiple COVID-19 vaccines are being developed by private companies and simultaneously produced accelerating the typical production process so that as soon as a safe and effective option is cleared, it's ready to go. Number Two: Each COVID-19 vaccine is undergoing the same rigorous safety, quality, and efficacy screenings as any other modern vaccine. Number Three: The FDA will only grant emergency use authorization to a vaccine following the recommendation of an independent advisory board. And, Number Four: The American people can be confident in the safety and the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine. Like many Americans, I recognize that this vaccine has lifesaving potential and I plan to take the vaccine as soon as I am eligible. As part of Operation Warp Speed, our nation is equipped to facilitate this vaccine distribution more efficiently than any other country in the world. At the same time, we know that it will take time before everyone can receive it. As we wait, this is not the time to grow complacent. COVID-19 cases are rising in Pennsylvania and around the country, and it's up to all of us to do our part to protect our family, friends, and neighbors. This year, I have been amazed by Americans' commitment to one another and to their communities. Together, we can defeat this virus. As we wait for widespread immunization, we must continue to stand strong against this invisible enemy. Yes, the coronavirus remains an ever-present threat to Americans and to our economy. Yes, we are in a shared fight to save lives and livelihoods. And, yes, there is hope on the horizon. It is arriving in communities every day, in coolers on UPS and FedEx trucks. As we near the end of this incredibly challenging year, Americans have much for which to be grateful. Thanks to our science community, to Operation Warp Speed, and especially to our health care heroes, there are brighter days ahead. Thank you, and I yield. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://keller.house.gov/media/in-the-news/republican-members-oversight-and-reform-commission-demand-emergency-hearing-about,Republican members of Oversight and Reform Commission demand emergency hearing about online censorship,2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Fred Keller,K000395,keller.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Fred Keller (R-Pa.) has joined his colleagues from the House Committee on Oversight and Reform in demanding that Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) hold an emergency hearing about online censorship in light of the news that Hunter Biden's business dealings are under federal investigation. House Oversight Republicans claim that a New York Post article regarding Hunter Biden's foreign business dealings was censored by Facebook and Twitter. The committee further expressed concerns of political bias among large tech companies and the silencing of conservative voices and values. Chairwoman Maloney refused to hold a hearing about the issue. Last week, Hunter Biden confirmed that his taxes are indeed under federal investigation. In response, the Oversight Republicans sent a second letter to Chairwoman Maloney demanding an emergency hearing about censorship. On the second letter, Congressman Fred Keller made the following statement: Despite Big Tech's censorship of Americans' free speech in the Hunter Biden cover-up, we now know he is under federal investigation. This level of unchecked censorship is unacceptable and has no place in the United States. I urge Chairwoman Maloney to hold an emergency hearing to hold Big Tech accountable for its clear violations of Americans' free speech. The full text of the letter follows: Dear Madam Chairwoman: On October 15, 2020, we requested you hold an emergency hearing on Big Tech's repeated efforts to interfere in the 2020 election. At that timejust days before the November 3, 2020 presidential electionFacebook and Twitter censored a news article about Joe Biden's son, Hunter Biden, regarding his Ukrainian business dealings while his father was Vice President.These Big Tech companies both limited and/or denied distribution of the New York Post's report, and Twitter locked the New York Post's account. Last week, both Hunter Biden and the Biden-Harris Transition Team acknowledged Hunter Biden is under federal investigation for his tax affairs. Reporting indicates this investigation is related to his overseas business dealings. In light of Hunter Biden's admission that he is under investigation, especially after Big Tech's unjustifiable censorship of the New York Post's report, we are renewing our hearing request. Big Tech's silencing of viewpoints and censorship of news undermines our electoral process, our institutions, and our U.S. Constitution. As we explained in our October 15 letter, shortly after the New York Post posted its story on Facebook the company reduc[ed] its distribution in an apparent attempt to limit access to the story. Just as concerning, Facebook reportedly refused to answer basic questions about its decision. Twitter also censored the article and warned users that it is potentially spammy or unsafe, and locked the New York Post's Twitter account. As Hunter Biden admitted last week, he is under federal investigation regarding his taxes, potentially related in part to the very matters the New York Post reported, yet for which it was censored. Indeed, additional reporting from NBC News refers to a 2017 email to Hunter Biden regarding his income from Burisma and need to amend Biden's 2014 tax returns to reflect the unreported income. An NBC spokesperson did not dispute the authenticity of the email, which came from a laptop dropped off at a computer hardware store in Delawarethe same laptop and same computer hardware store discussed in the New York Post's October 14 article censored by Big Tech for being potentially spammy or unsafe. Big Tech's effort to selectively limit speech based on political affiliation is a disturbing patten [sic] of censorship in our nationa nation that holds out the First Amendment's right to freedom of speech and freedom of the press as two of our most paramount freedoms. As Big Tech platforms continue to limit speech based on political ideology, we must immediately hold a hearing to learn who are responsible for making these decisions and what policies enable Big Tech to selectively limit and/or censor speech on social media. We reiterate our request the Committee hold an emergency hearing on this important matter as soon as possible.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://keller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-fred-keller-announces-2020-congressional-app-challenge-winner,Congressman Fred Keller announces 2020 Congressional App Challenge winner,2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Fred Keller,K000395,keller.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Fred Keller (PA-12) today announced that Loyalsock Township High School junior Hibah Khan has been selected as the winner of the 2020 Congressional App Challenge for Pennsylvania's 12th District. The Congressional App Challenge is designed to engage student creativity and encourage participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education fields. This nationwide event allows high school students from across the country to compete against their peers by creating and exhibiting their software application, or ""app,"" for mobile, tablet, or computer devices on a platform of their choice. The Congressional App Challenge is sponsored by the Internet Education Foundation (IEF), which assists offices in hosting the challenges in their individual districts. Khan created a web application for a new community group, the Williamsport Youth Organization (WYO). She built a responsive website using HTML, CSS and JavaScript to inform the community of WYO's mission, activities and partnerships. Khan's winning creation will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building and featured on the U.S. House of Representatives website. The Congressional App Challenge is open to all middle school and high school students in participating districts. Information on the 2021 contest will be announced next spring. On the award, Congressman Keller made the following statement: Congratulations to Ms. Khan on this wonderful achievement and for using her passion for coding to make a difference in our community. It is my hope that Ms. Khan's success inspires other students to get involved in STEM fields and use their creativity and innovation to solve the problems of tomorrow. I am confident that Ms. Khan will continue to be an active leader in our community, and I have no doubt she will do great things in the future. Thank you to the Internet Education Foundation for sponsoring the Congressional App Challenge and elevating the importance of STEM in our nation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://perry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402520,OP-ED: Congress lurches from crisis to crisis — here’s how to fix it,2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,Scott Perry,P000605,perry.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Reps. Scott Perry, Chip Roy, Andy Biggs, Ted Budd, and Ben Cline As published at FoxNews.com Americans have become used to two things in December: the holiday season and a looming government shutdown right before Christmas. Like a scripted play, the media always portray this in a similar fashion — shirts and skins, the bad guys versus the good guys, those who want to govern and those who want ""obstruct."" It’s so predictable at this point that we ought to call it the Capitol Hill Christmas Pageant. In reality, these so-called ""crisis"" moments are often manufactured in order to force members to support spending they would otherwise oppose. Bills are presented as ""must-pass,"" but only because congressional leadership lets them linger until the last minute. A small handful of power brokers hammer out massive, complicated, trillion-dollar bills behind closed doors, only to release them to members hours before they must cast an up-or-down vote. Don’t like it? Tough. If you choose to stand against the broken legislative process, you’ll be attacked — at times from some in your own party — and set yourself up for attack ads. Those who raise reasonable, principled objections are labeled ""obstructionists."" They are chastised for trying to do their best to represent the needs of their individual constituencies. The only thing that ever really changes when all is said and done is how many zeros are added to the price tag — a buck reprehensibly passed to future generations of Americans. The truth is that real legislating is difficult. It’s supposed to be. The House of Representatives is a consensus-driven body, meaning it should require broad coalitions to get a bill across the finish line. The body accomplishes said consensus working diligently through the committee process — but even more, the full body is supposed to have a full debate on the House floor. Members should then be able to raise substantive objections, debate them, and amend the bill being considered. Once their voices have been heard, every member should have the chance to cast an up or down vote. Unfortunately, Congress hasn’t operated this way in a long time. Thanks to a process governed primarily by an authoritarian Rules Committee, the House has not had an open debate, nor has it allowed rank-and-file members to amend bills since May of 2016. This includes any bill you could name in the past four years — the CARES Act, which spent trillions of taxpayer dollars; the National Defense Authorization Act; or even last week’s bill on ceiling fan regulations. This past September, for example, members received the legislative text of the stopgap government spending bill just minutes before House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., scheduled it for a vote on the floor. Four months later, as we are about to recess for the holidays, the House hasn’t even gotten that far. Last week we voted on another stopgap bill to avoid a government shutdown in order to give congressional leadership another seven days to drum up some sort of ""deal,"" which the vast majority of members won’t know the details of likely until the day of the vote. Two days before the government shuts down unless we approve funding, we have no legislative text and are all but guaranteed there will be no real debate, no amendments, and no time to vet the legislation before we are forced to cast our vote. Even worse, now our colleagues don’t even have to show up to shortchange the American people, since so many have decided to vote by proxy instead of coming to work to do the people’s business in person. One even decided to phone in his vote from the comfort of his boat. The framers of our Constitution — the ones who spent months carefully deliberating and debating the ends and means of government in a stuffy room with the windows closed in Philadelphia over 200 years ago — never intended for us to do business this way. Congress, due to its nature and design, was given the responsibility of thoughtfully deliberating on behalf of the American people. That’s why we were elected to ensure that we address the needs and desires of the whole American people, not just the ones whose representatives have a seat at the table of congressional leadership. And if they could see us now, you can be certain that the creators of this body would be disgusted both at our laziness as legislators and the dereliction of our duty to the American people. The current process is nothing short of legislative oligarchy masquerading as representative government. In this upcoming session, Congress should pass no bill that has not gone through committee for a full hearing and markup. We should not pass anything we haven’t been given at least 72 hours to review, or that we cannot openly amend and debate on the floor. We should ensure that bills cover single subjects so that we can deliberate them on their merits alone, and not on the merits of must-pass provisions that leadership has attached to them. Finally, we should come to work to do our jobs, rather than allowing this chamber to establish quorums with members voting from their boats or elsewhere. That is how representative government based on the consent of the governed is supposed to work. That is how Congress used to operate. And that is what the American people should demand that their government do again.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/joyce-introduces-bill-counter-ccps-influence-bring-pharmaceutical,Joyce Introduces Bill to Counter the CCP?s Influence & Bring Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Home to America,2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,John Joyce,J000302,johnjoyce.house.gov,johnjoyce,https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), a member of the China Task Force, today released the following statement after introducing commonsense legislation to strengthen America's medical supply chains and bolster our national security by bringing the production of medicines and health care supplies home to America and our allies and away from the Chinese Communist Party. The Enhancing the Security of the U.S. Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Act of 2020 will incentivize the manufacturing of medicines in the United States and enhance the security of the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain. ""The American people must never again be beholden to the Chinese Communist Party for lifesaving medicines and health care supplies. By returning our medical supply chains home to America and away from the Chinese Communist Party, we can secure Americans' access to critical drugs and medical equipment, strengthen our national security, and create family-sustaining jobs for American workers. ""As the only doctor serving on the China Task Force, I am proud to lead our work to develop realistic and achievable solutions to protect American patients from the growing influence of the Chinese communist government. As Americans persevere in our shared fight to save lives and livelihoods during the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress cannot stand by and allow the Chinese Communist Party to control our access to vital medicines and medical supplies. The Enhancing the Security of the U.S. Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Act of 2020 is a commonsense solution that can make a real difference for American patients, and I urge Speaker Pelosi to take up this legislation immediately."" As a member of the China Task Force, Dr. Joyce is working to counter the growing threats of the Chinese Communist Party. The only physician on the task force, he has prioritized legislative solutions to restore America's technology edge, bolster our nation's competitiveness, and strengthen America's supply chains for medicine, technology, and other vital supplies. Background: This fall, the China Task Force released its final report, which includes more than 400 realistic and achievable solutions to counter the growing threats of the Chinese Communist Party. Read more. Earlier this year, Dr. Joyce sponsored additional legislation to counter the Chinese Communist Party. In July, Dr. Joyce introduced the Academic Institution Research Integrity Act, which would improve transparency in higher education by closing loopholes in existing law to ensure that adjunct non-profits, research endowments, and alumni foundations must disclose foreign gifts in the same way the main university does under the law. Additionally, Dr. Joyce introduced the House companion to the Onshoring Rare Earths (ORE) Act of 2020. Introduced by Senator Ted Cruz in the Senate, the ORE Act seeks to end America's dependence on China for rare earth elements and other critical minerals, used to manufacture medical supplies, defense technology, and high-tech products, by establishing a supply chain for these minerals in the United States. The legislation also requires the Department of Defense to source materials from America. For further details, read the full text of H.R. 7813, the Academic Institution Research Integrity Act, and H.R 7812, the Onshoring Rare Earths (ORE) Act of 2020. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://keller.house.gov/media/in-the-news/top-gop-lawmakers-call-swalwell-be-removed-intelligence-committee,Top GOP lawmakers call for Swalwell to be removed from Intelligence Committee,2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Fred Keller,K000395,keller.house.gov,,,legacy,"Top Republicans in the House are calling for Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) to be removed from the Intelligence Committee following reports that he was allegedly targeted by a woman believed to be a Chinese spy. In a letter sent Tuesday to Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), the lawmakers, including House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) and House Republican Conference Chair Liz Cheney (Wyo.), said Swalwell's contacts posed a national security risk. Because of Rep. Swalwell's position on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, his close interactions with Chinese intelligence services, however unintentional they may be, are an unacceptable national security risk, they wrote. It said the panel handles some of the most sensitive information our government possesses,"" and that as a result Swalwell should be removed from his position. Axios first reported that Swalwell had been targeted by an alleged Chinese Ministry of State Security operative named Christine Fang, who also goes by Fang Fang. The woman, according to the report, helped Swalwell's fundraising during his 2014 reelection campaign and she also helped place an unpaid intern inside his office. The Republicans drew a parallel to Democratic calls for former Attorney General Jeff Sessions to resign after he met with a Russian ambassador without alerting Congress. The lawmakers said that Swalwell should be held to the same standard as Sessions, arguing that his interactions with the Chinese agent were more dangerous. Rep. Swalwell withheld information for five years from the House Intelligence Committee about an ongoing Chinese espionage operation targeted at him and his own colleagues, they wrote. Obviously, Rep. Swalwell's interactions with a Chinese spy were more dangerous and unusual than AG Sessions' meetings with a Russian diplomat. But to make matters worse, Rep. Swalwell kept this information to himself while repeatedly using his position on [the Intelligence Committee] to peddle damaging and baseless conspiracies about President Donald Trump's unproven ties to Russia for years and still refuses to comment fully on the extent and nature of his relationship with the Chinese Communist Party spy exposed in Axios' bombshell report. Swalwell told Politico last week he severed contact with Fang after he was alerted by federal investigators of alleged suspicious activity and is not accused of any wrongdoing, adding Democratic leadership knew about the interactions. He also questioned the timing of the report, arguing that there was political motivation behind the leak given his rebukes of the Trump administration. Fang left the country in 2015 during the FBI investigation into her activities. Pelosi has previously stated she has no concerns about Swalwell remaining on the panel. ""I don't have any concern about Mr. Swalwell, she told reporters last week. Republican Study Committee Chairman Jim Banks (Ind.) and GOP Reps. Paul Gosar (Ariz.), Jody Hice (Ga.), Ralph Norman (S.C.), Bob Gibbs (Ohio), Greg Murphy (N.C.), Ron Wright (Texas), Ted Budd (N.C.), Jeff Duncan (S.C.), Warren Davidson (Ohio), Fred Keller (Pa.) and Kevin Hern (Okla.) also signed on to the letter. Other GOP lawmakers, including House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (Calif.) and retiring Rep. Pete King (N.Y.), who previously sat on the Intelligence Committee, have also called for Swalwell's removal from the panel. ""I will accept Swalwell's claim that he ended all involvement with Fang after he was informed by the FBI that she was a spy,"" King wrote in an op-ed in The Hill on Tuesday. ""Nevertheless, the fact remains that he was compromised and made susceptible to blackmail by the Chinese, who could threaten him with the disclosure of his involvement with their alleged agent. No matter what anyone thinks of Swalwell, his appointment was not a risk worth taking.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://keller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-fred-keller-announces-head-start-grant-tuscarora-intermediate-unit,Congressman Fred Keller announces Head Start grant to Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11,2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Fred Keller,K000395,keller.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded a grant to Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11 in Mifflin County. A Head Start grant in the amount of $839,202 will be administered by HHS to Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11 to support comprehensive childhood development and better meet the needs of area children and families in need. On the awarding of the grants, Congressman Fred Keller made the following statement: Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11 is an outstanding service agency dedicated to bettering children's lives and providing them with the education and tools necessary for future success. I am confident that this grant will go a long way to support their important mission. I commend HHS for continuing to connect our community with federal resources that to improve the lives of those living in our region. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://keller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-keller-oversight-republicans-renew-call-emergency-hearing-big-tech,"Congressman Keller, Oversight Republicans renew call for emergency hearing on Big Tech censorship",2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Fred Keller,K000395,keller.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) today joined his colleagues from the House Committee on Oversight and Reform in demanding Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) hold an emergency hearing on Big Tech censorship, in light of the news that Hunter Biden is under federal investigation. In October, House Oversight Republicans called for an emergency hearing after a New York Post articlehighlighting Hunter Biden's foreign business dealingswas censored by Facebook and Twitter, raising significant concerns of political bias and the silencing of conservative voices and values by Big Tech companies. Chairwoman Maloney refused to hold a hearing. Last week, Hunter Biden confirmed that he is under federal investigation regarding his taxes, prompting Oversight Republicans to send a second letter to Chairwoman Maloney demanding an emergency hearing to hold Big Tech accountable for suppressing free speech and censoring conservative voices. On the second letter, Congressman Fred Keller made the following statement: Despite Big Tech's censorship of Americans' free speech in the Hunter Biden cover-up, we now know he is under federal investigation. This level of unchecked censorship is unacceptable and has no place in the United States. I urge Chairwoman Maloney to hold an emergency hearing to hold Big Tech accountable for its clear violations of Americans' free speech. Full text of that letter can be found below. Dear Madam Chairwoman: On October 15, 2020, we requested you hold an emergency hearing on Big Tech's repeated efforts to interfere in the 2020 election.[1] At that timejust days before the November 3, 2020 presidential electionFacebook and Twitter censored a news article about Joe Biden's son, Hunter Biden, regarding his Ukrainian business dealings while his father was Vice President.[2] These Big Tech companies both limited and/or denied distribution of the New York Post's report, and Twitter locked the New York Post's account.[3] Last week, both Hunter Biden and the Biden-Harris Transition Team acknowledged Hunter Biden is under federal investigation for his tax affairs.[4] Reporting indicates this investigation is related to his overseas business dealings.[5] In light of Hunter Biden's admission that he is under investigation, especially after Big Tech's unjustifiable censorship of the New York Post's report, we are renewing our hearing request. Big Tech's silencing of viewpoints and censorship of news undermines our electoral process, our institutions, and our U.S. Constitution. As we explained in our October 15 letter, shortly after the New York Post posted its story on Facebook the company reduc[ed] its distribution in an apparent attempt to limit access to the story.[6] Just as concerning, Facebook reportedly refused to answer basic questions about its decision.[7] Twitter also censored the article and warned users that it is potentially spammy or unsafe, and locked the New York Post's Twitter account.[8] As Hunter Biden admitted last week, he is under federal investigation regarding his taxes, potentially related in part to the very matters the New York Post reported, yet for which it was censored. Indeed, additional reporting from NBC News refers to a 2017 email to Hunter Biden regarding his income from Burisma and need to amend Biden's 2014 tax returns to reflect the unreported income.[9] An NBC spokesperson did not dispute the authenticity of the email, which came from a laptop dropped off at a computer hardware store in Delawarethe same laptop and same computer hardware store discussed in the New York Post's October 14 article censored by Big Tech for being potentially spammy or unsafe. Big Tech's effort to selectively limit speech based on political affiliation is a disturbing patten of censorship in our nationa nation that holds out the First Amendment's right to freedom of speech and freedom of the press as two of our most paramount freedoms. As Big Tech platforms continue to limit speech based on political ideology, we must immediately hold a hearing to learn who are responsible for making these decisions and what policies enable Big Tech to selectively limit and/or censor speech on social media. We reiterate our request the Committee hold an emergency hearing on this important matter as soon as possible.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/aba-unveils-bakers-dozen-award-winners,ABA unveils Bakers Dozen Award winners,2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Three politicians and a government official were recognized by the American Bakers Association as winners of the 2020 Bakers' Dozen Award. Congressman Glen Thompson of Pennsylvania, Congressman Dwight Evans of Pennsylvania, Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa and Frank Yiannas, deputy commissioner for food policy and response at the US Food and Drug Administration, were honored during the ABA's Bakers' Dozen Awards Reception held virtually on Dec. 14. During this challenging year, it has been truly amazing to see the resilience of the baking industry and its suppliers, said Robb MacKie, president and chief executive officer of the ABA. They have ensured American families have one less worry at night, that when they head to a store or restaurant, they can count on finding and enjoying your wholesome and nutritious baked goods. Bradley K. Alexander, chair of the ABA and chief operating officer of Flowers Foods, said the recipients of this year's awards provided much needed assistance and have served the industry's workers throughout the pandemic, while Lee Sanders, senior vice president of government relations and public affairs at the ABA, pointed out the importance of collaboration and communication from the plant floor to the policymakers in Washington. Mr. Thompson and Mr. Evans were recognized for their collaborative work in introducing the AG CHAIN Act in May 2020. The legislation provides a federal tax holiday and payroll tax exemption for all essential employees in the food and agriculture industry. Ms. Ernst in July introduced the FRNT Line Act, which offers federal tax relief for all essential workers during the public health emergency, including those in the baking industry. At the virtual ceremony, Tyler Brown from Ms. Ernst's office accepted the award on her behalf. Mr. Yiannas was recognized for his work helping provide bakers and other food supply sectors with much needed regulatory flexibility, practical solutions, resources and tools during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Frank Yiannas' leadership with the support of the FDA team kept our workers safe and our facilities operational so our industry could continue producing a safe, steady supply of baked goods to feed America's families, Mr. MacKie said. His steadfast commitment to partnering with the food industry to ensure there are commonsense solutions for essential businesses is the untold success story.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyce-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-raise-public-awareness-covid-19,Dr. Joyce Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Raise Public Awareness of COVID-19 Vaccine,2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,John Joyce,J000302,johnjoyce.house.gov,johnjoyce,https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC Representatives John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), Brad Wenstrup, D.P.M. (OH-02), Ron Kind (WI-03), Roger Marshall, M.D. (KS-01), Scott Peters (CA-52), Andy Kim (NJ-03), Neal Dunn, M.D. (FL-02), and Albio Sires (NJ-08) this week introduced bipartisan legislation authorizing a public advocacy campaign to promote COVID-19 vaccine participation and provide science-backed information. The bill provides necessary funds for the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to provide grants to entities to launch public awareness campaigns no less than 30 days after a vaccine is authorized. ""As our nation combats the COVID-19 pandemic, America's scientists, researchers, and health care heroes have achieved remarkable progress in developing a safe and effective vaccine the key to restoring our communities, rebuilding our economy, and saving lives,"" said Representative John Joyce, M.D. ""Like many Americans, I am planning to take the vaccine as soon as I am eligible. It is imperative that the American people have confidence in the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine. To gain their trust, we must cut through misinformation and ensure that Americans have the facts about this vaccine and its lifesaving potential."" ""Operation Warp Speed has produced a safe and effective vaccine in record time. A vaccine, however, will only lead us out of this pandemic and allow us to restore our way of life if enough Americans are willing to receive it,"" said Representative Brad Wenstrup D.P.M. ""It is more important than ever that we provide science-based, factual information about COVID-19 vaccines to the American people. I believe providing accurate information about vaccines will help alleviate concerns and empower Americans to make sound medical decisions."" ""Today is a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic as millions of vaccines are shipped across the country and arrive to Wisconsin and we begin to inoculate our health care workers and most vulnerable to the virus. But for these vaccines to ultimately bring an end to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical that Americans are willing to receive them,"" said Representative Ron Kind. ""I am proud to support this bipartisan bill to provide resources to trusted local leaders across the country to raise awareness and share factual, evidence-based information about COVID-19 vaccines with the communities they serve."" ""A COVID-19 vaccine will only be effective in defeating this virus if people have confidence in its safety and efficacy,"" said Representative Roger Marshall, M.D. "" America is home to world-class scientists and a gold-standard regulatory agency that oversees the drug approval process. As a physician, I understand people's concerns over this unprecedented process, but from the start, pharmaceutical scientists have been in constant contact with officials at the Food and Drug Administration, ensuring multiple layers of safety and oversight. I am proud to co-lead legislation that provides funding for science-based information for our families and communities. I remain confident that we will defeat this virus and return to life as normal."" ""Today's distribution of the first COVID-19 vaccines is a national triumph. It speaks to the skill of our public and private scientists, whose efforts to develop, certify and deploy a vaccine will soon help our country get closer to normal and save lives,"" said Representative Scott Peters. ""We must do everything we can to optimize and uplift their work. This legislation will educate and boost awareness and trust in communities disproportionately hurt by this deadly virus."" ""Earning the public's trust is key to putting an end to this pandemic, which is why it's so important that we come together in a bipartisan way to make sure every American has the facts about the COVID-19 vaccines,"" said Congressman Andy Kim. ""This bill would make sure that accurate information reaches the American people so that they can take the vaccine with confidence. I hope my colleagues from both sides of the aisle join in passing this critical effort."" ""The swift development of a COVID-19 vaccine is a serious progression on our route to curbing the virus and getting back to our normal routines. Now that the vaccine is being administered, it is crucial that we encourage as many Americans as possible to receive one,"" said Representatives Albio Sires. ""We must ensure that Americans have science-based, factual information on the safety and efficacy of the vaccine. This bipartisan legislation will go a long way in funding states public awareness campaigns so that Americans have the information they need to receive the vaccine with confidence."" The bill is a companion to legislation introduced in the Senate by Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Ben Cardin (D-MD), John Thune (R-SD), and Bob Menendez (D-NJ). Full text of the bill is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://keller.house.gov/media/in-the-news/injured-usp-allenwood-corrections-officer-released-hospital,Injured USP Allenwood corrections officer released from hospital,2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Fred Keller,K000395,keller.house.gov,,,legacy,"Danville, Pa. A corrections officer at the United States Penitentiary at Allenwood who was injured last week during an assault by an inmate has been released from the hospital. A spokesperson at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville confirmed Dale Franquet Jr., 51, was discharged on Sunday. Franquet Jr. was transported to the hospital on Monday, December 7, after an inmate assaulted him and another staff member. The inmate reportedly stabbed Franquet Jr. in the eye with a shank. Franquet Jr. underwent surgery on Wednesday to remove his right eye. The federal Bureau of Prisons did not release the identity of the second staff member, but The Daily Item reports that corrections officer was Sara Harvey. She reportedly was injured but has since returned to work. Congressman Fred Keller (PA-12), who serves on the federal Bureau of Prisons Reform caucus, said in a media release that Franquet Jr.'s father said he is expected to be fitted with a prosthetic eye within three months. Shane Fausey, the national president of the Council of Prison Locals and an employee at Allenwood prison complex, said the assaults are a stark reminder of the unpredictable and violent nature of the vital work the Bureau of Prisons correctional professionals do every day, according to Keller's release. Details regarding the attack are not being released pending an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigations. Franquet Jr.'s brother, Jeffrey Franquet, of New Jersey, and his sister, Corie Kline, started a Go Fund Me campaign. The pair stated on the campaign page that the inmate who assaulted their brother was serving a sentence for terrorism. The Go Fund Me, which had raised more than $29,000 by Monday afternoon, is to help support Franquet Jr.'s family including his two daughters during a time of financial distress. Unfortunately, our brother will have to learn a whole new way of life and a whole new normal. Doing the simplest of task will be a struggle until Dale adjusts to this new way of life, Franquet and Kline wrote in the campaign update. Franquet Jr., who was employed by the federal prison system for 22 years, also is the head wrestling coach at Midd-West High School. He had recently built a pole barn on his property for wrestling clinics and had been scheduled to hold a grand opening last Saturday, according to Keller. Those plans are temporarily on hold. Franquet Jr.'s father, Dale Franquet Sr., of Orwigsburg, expects that he will recover quickly. He's a tough individual and will be stronger for it, Franquet Sr. said, recalling how at age 16 Franquet Jr. wrestled in high school with a broken hand, according to Keller's release.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://perry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402517,Perry District Offices Open and Ready to Serve PA-10,2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,Scott Perry,P000605,perry.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Representative Scott Perry (PA-10) today reminded constituents of Pennsylvania's 10th that our offices are open and ready to assist. The Cumberland, Dauphin, and York County offices may accept in-person meetings by appointment only, and stand ready to help via phone, email, and in some cases, video conferencing. The Offices follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. House of Representatives' Attending Physician to protect the health of visitors and staff. To schedule a meeting today, constituents may call any office or fill out a meeting request form on Perry's website. As our community adapted to the outbreak of COVID-19, my Offices responded quickly to the changing environment and began utilizing every available technology to communicate and connect with the residents of PA-10. Over the past nine months, I've been able to connect with hundreds of thousands of constituents and help our communities as we continue to face tremendous uncertainty and loss during the pandemic. I'm honored to serve the constituents of PA-10, and look forward to continued service to them, said Congressman Scott Perry. COVID-19 Safety Precautions Constituents with cold, flu, or COVID-19 like symptoms are asked to contact the office via phone or e-mail. Face coverings are required for all visitors upon entering the office. CDC social distancing guidelines of at least 6 feet will be followed. Hand sanitizer will be provided/encouraged upon entrance. Disinfectant will be used on frequently-used surfaces. The health of staff is monitored daily; sick/presumed sick employees are required to go/stay home. Serving Constituents During COVID-19 Constituent Services Congressman Perry and his staff have worked tirelessly to assist constituents during the COVID-19 pandemic. His office has been a one-stop shop for information and assistance on a wide range of issues, including: travel restrictions; business closures; unemployment; federal government health and safety guidance; Economic Impact Payments; and much more. To stay up to date with Congressman Perry's newsletters, click here. Telephone Town Halls Perry hosted eight tele-town halls and one Facebook Live Town Hall focused on COVID-19. All told, almost 50,000 constituents joined the events to stay informed on the outbreak in their communities. During each call, Perry welcomed special guests to update listeners on the medical risk of COVID-19 and other important topics. Guests included medical experts from WellSpan Health, Penn State Health, UPMC Pinnacle, and Country Meadows Retirement Communities, as well as, a nationally recognized trauma psychologist, president of The Giant Company, regional director of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and PA Secretary of Labor & Industry. Recordings of all eight tele-towns are found on Perry's Youtube channel. Constituents wishing to participate in future tele-town halls may sign up to receive information here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.toomey.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/advisory-toomey-and-stabenow-to-lead-senate-hearing-examining-the-alzheimers-crisis,Advisory: Toomey and Stabenow to Lead Senate Hearing Examining the Alzheimers Crisis,2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,www.toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee Subcommittee on Health Care, will convene a hearing examining the testing and treatment for Alzheimer's disease and the fiscal implications of the disease on our federal healthcare programs onWednesday, December 16that 2:30 PM. Last year, the Senate Finance Committee Subcommittee on Health Care held a hearing on thebarriers to treatment and care for Alzheimer's patients. Chairman Toomey and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.)also sought inputfrom stakeholdersproviders, researchers, patients, patient advocacy groups, states, and othersto inform the development of regulatory recommendations and potential future legislation. The senatorssent a letter to the Administrationin October, requesting certain regulatory actions to improve care for Alzheimer's patients. What:Hearing: The Alzheimer's Crisis: Examining Testing and Treatment Pipelines and Fiscal Implications. When:Wednesday, December 16that 2:30 PM. Witnesses: Nikolay Dokholyan, Ph.D., M.S. G. Thomas Passananti, Professor and Vice Chair for Research Pennsylvania State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pa. Randall J. Bateman, M.D. Charles F. and Joanne Knight Distinguished Professor of Neurology, Director, Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer's Network (DIAN), DIAN Trials Unit Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Mo. Richard Mohs, Ph.D. Chief Scientific Officer Global Alzheimer's Platform Foundation, Chicago, Ill. Maria Carrillo, Ph.D. Chief Science Officer Alzheimer's Association, Chicago, Ill.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/thompson-sponsors-bipartisan-bill-support-emergency-service-organizations,Thompson sponsors bipartisan bill to support emergency service organizations,2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"As volunteer fire departments and other emergency service organizations struggle to maintain operations during the ongoing pandemic, U.S. Rep. Glenn GT Thompson (R-PA) last week sponsored a bipartisan bill to expand the permissible uses of federal pandemic relief funds. The economic impact of COVID-19 has been hardest on organizations that already operate on razor-thin margins, said Rep. Thompson. Congress created a relief fund, which has yet to be exhausted. As a volunteer firefighter, I know we must act immediately to provide more flexibility and extend these deadlines, otherwise volunteer organizations and non-profits will be left out in the cold. The Coronavirus Relief Fund Expansion Act of 2020, H.R. 8950, which Rep. Thompson introduced on Dec. 10 with cosponsor U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA), would extend the deadline to spend COVID-19 relief funds by one year to Dec. 31, 2021, according to a bill summary provided by the congressman's office. Additionally, the bill would permit non-profit and emergency service organizations to use funds to replace lost, delayed or decreased revenues as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the summary. First responders across the nation are concerned that the current language in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is ambiguous, said Jerry Brant, Second Assistant Chief of the Patton Fire Company No. 1 in Patton, Pa., and board member of the Pennsylvania Fire and Emergency Services Institute. We are worried fire and EMS departments have not and will not utilize these funds because of a lack of detail on how this financial assistance may be legally expended by our agencies, Brant said. This legislation would simplify this section of the CARES Act and alleviate these concerns. We applaud Congressman Thompson for his efforts and plead with other members of Congress to join him in passing this critical legislation. H.R. 8950 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Oversight and Reform Committee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-names-republican-staff-director-agriculture-committee,Thompson Names Republican Staff Director of Agriculture Committee,2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,thompson,https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — Today, U.S. Rep. Glenn ""GT"" Thompson announced Parish Braden as Republican Staff Director of the House Agriculture Committee in the 117th Congress. Braden currently serves as Republican Staff Director of the House Committee on Natural Resources. ""Parish is a trusted advisor who will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Agriculture Committee. His management talents and strategic abilities have resulted in legislative victories both in the minority and majority. I look forward to working with him in this role as we carry out the important work of the Agriculture Committee in the coming Congress,"" Rep. Thompson stated. Prior to his current role, Braden served as Deputy Staff Director for the Natural Resources Committee in the 115th Congress. He worked as Communications Director at the Natural Resources Committee in the 114th Congress. Prior to that, he served as Communications Director and Policy Advisor to Rep. Thompson. Parish also previously served in various other senior legislative and communications roles on Capitol Hill and at the Republican National Committee.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.toomey.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/toomey-and-stabenow-continue-fight-against-alzheimers-disease,Toomey and Stabenow Continue Fight Against Alzheimers Disease,2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,www.toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Health Care, are once again working together to improve care for Alzheimer's patients and expand resources for caregivers. In a letter to U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar, the pair shares a number of recommendations collected from health care providers, researchers and scientists, patient advocacy groups, states, and other experts. The recommendations are derived from a February request for information issued by Chairman Toomey and Ranking Member Stabenow seeking input from experts about how to make meaningful improvements to the detection, education, treatment, and support for patients and families affected by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. To date, more than 200 policy recommendations have been received from over 30 organizations. In the letter, Chairman Toomey and Ranking Member Stabenow stated: As the Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Finance Subcommittee on Health Care, we are committed to advancing efforts to meet the goals set forth in NAPA as well as improving care for existing and future patients. In February, we published a request for information from experts and stakeholders to inform our regulatory and legislative efforts. Specifically, we inquired about mechanisms that could promote care coordination for Alzheimer's disease patients enrolled in federal health programs, improve disease detection, enhance the affordability and accessibility of long-term care, strengthen protections for vulnerable individuals, and incentivize the development of cures. In response, we received 36 comment letters comprised of more than 200 policy recommendations. Today, we are asking you to review a subset of these recommendations and take specific actions to make progress toward these important goals. The letter in its entirety is below. It is available online with footnotes here. October 21, 2020 The Honorable Alex M. Azar II Secretary U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) 200 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20201 Dear Secretary Azar: We write on behalf of the estimated 5.8 million Americans currently living with Alzheimer's disease. Beyond the individual cognitive decline and vast psychological and emotional consequences for families, the costs to society of Alzheimer's disease are staggering. For instance, a 2013 study funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) estimated the total annual cost of dementia in the United States to lie between $159 billion and $215 billion, with that figure projected to grow to between roughly $379 billion and $511 billion by 2040. Moreover, after adjusting for an individual's underlying health conditions and demographics, the same study estimated the annual cost of informal caregiving attributable to dementia to range between $13,188 and $27,789 per person. For Medicare, the nation's largest public health care payer, dementia-specific costs imposed an additional $2,752 per person on the program. Nearly a decade later, much work remains to address the momentous societal costs of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Currently, pharmacological interventions are unable to cure or even effectively treat the relentless progression of Alzheimer's disease. Congress has long recognized the challenges facing Alzheimer's disease patients and their families, and in 2011, passed the National Alzheimer's Project Act (P.L. 111-375; NAPA). This landmark legislation put forth the laudable goal of finding a cure and treatment by 2025. As the Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Finance Subcommittee on Health Care, we are committed to advancing efforts to meet the goals set forth in NAPA as well as improving care for existing and future patients. In February, we published a request for information from experts and stakeholders to inform our regulatory and legislative efforts. Specifically, we inquired about mechanisms that could promote care coordination for Alzheimer's disease patients enrolled in federal health programs, improve disease detection, enhance the affordability and accessibility of long-term care, strengthen protections for vulnerable individuals, and incentivize the development of cures. In response, we received 36 comment letters comprised of more than 200 policy recommendations. Today, we are asking you to review a subset of these recommendations and take specific actions to make progress toward these important goals. RECOMMENDATIONS PROMOTE COORDINATED, QUALITY CARE Develop New Demonstration Projects: We encourage the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) to create and test alternative payment and coordinated care models targeted toward Medicare and/or Medicaid beneficiaries with Alzheimer's disease that would improve care coordination, reduce duplicative service utilization, and increase the quality of care.Develop Quality Indicators for Dementia Care Services: To ensure quality of care for enrollees in federal health programs, we encourage CMS to assess the state of quality indicators for dementia care services. Alzheimer's disease patients often utilize a variety of services such as adult day programs, meal and transportation services, and memory care centers. Yet, CMS has not produced clear guidance for state Medicaid programs and Medicare Advantage plans on what measures are meaningful for Alzheimer's disease patients' health outcomes and quality of care. Similarly, new quality measures for Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) organizations could allow patients and their caregivers to make more informed decisions. In a February 2020 report, the National Quality Forum's Measure Application Partnership encouraged CMS to prioritize measure development for this patient population. We urge HHS and CMS to review existing quality reporting programs and other payment systems in which quality reporting is lacking within the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Moreover, we urge HHS to establish a plan to implement specific quality care indicators for services heavily utilized by Alzheimer's disease patients.Issue Guidance for Comprehensive Care Practices: In 2019, the NAPA Advisory Council recommended that HHS form a working group to determine best care practices for Alzheimer's disease patients. We urge HHS to quickly implement this recommendation, and once identified, work with the relevant agencies to issue guidance to health plans and providers detailing these practices.Increase Coordination of Care Planning: CMS is reviewing comments from stakeholders regarding wider adoption of interoperable health information technology (IT) systems across long-term care settings. Inclusion of items, such as a patient's care plan, could enhance care coordination of health and social services that support cognitively impaired individuals. We recommend that CMS continue to work with providers, patients, and their caregivers to facilitate mobility of this information across care settings. Encouragement from CMS of documenting in a patient's medical record the name of a family member or caregiver, as well as any advance directives, could also improve care coordination.Review Patient Access to Palliative Care: Palliative care encompasses a set of services that provide medical, social, emotional, and practical support for people living with serious illness. Several of our stakeholders expressed their support for expanding coverage and access to palliative care in federal health programs, including traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid. We encourage CMS to review current access to palliative care and report to Congress on areas such as provider prevalence, cost, and quality of care.Create a Nursing Home Staff Database: Nursing home medical directors play an important role in the coordination and quality of care for patients with Alzheimer's disease residing in long-term care facilities. We urge CMS to establish and operate a publicly available database for nursing home medical directors so that families and caregivers have a reliable source of contact. Such a database could be posted to the CMS website in a similar fashion to how CMS posts Medicare Part D contact information. LEVERAGE TELEHEALTH SERVICES Revise the Limit on Billable Telehealth Visits for Nursing Care Facilities: Currently, CMS allows just one telehealth visit every 30 days in nursing care facilities. Several of our stakeholders argue that this policy is arbitrary and limits access to care for patients living with Alzheimer's disease in institutional settings. CMS has attempted to address this concern by revising the limit to once every three days in its proposed physician fee schedule rule for calendar year 2021. CMS has also noted the potentially greater acuity and complexity of Medicare beneficiaries in nursing care facilities, as well as the importance of in-person care in that context. We find access to telehealth in this setting to be important to the care provided to Alzheimer's disease patients, and we support CMS efforts to expand telehealth access across settings where clinically appropriate and with adequate beneficiary protections in place. STRENGTHEN THE PACE PROGRAM FOR ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE PATIENTS Implement Congressionally-Intended PACE Pilot Demonstrations: In 2015, the PACE Innovation Act (P.L. 114-85) authorized CMMI to test the PACE model for new populations with complex and special needs. Rather than test PACE-specific models, however, CMMI has requested PACE organizations (POs) apply to a separate Direct Contracting model focused on primary care. In a Senate Committee on Finance Report, the Committee stated the intent of the legislation was to test changes to the PACE model, either through an expansion of eligibility standards and/or changes to administrative requirements that would enable greater enrollment. Based on stakeholder information we have received, we believe the existing Direct Contracting model does not provide the flexibility necessary to test PACE-specific models. We request that CMMI follow the intent of the statute to create a PACE-specific model.Improve the PACE Application Process: By law, PACE-eligible individuals must reside in the service area of their applicable PACE program. Moreover, CMS only reviews service area expansion applications on a quarterly basis and POs are limited to one pending application under CMS review at a time. , Thus, we request that CMS review PACE service area expansion applications more frequently and allow POs to submit more than one service area expansion application at a time. Furthermore, CMS must prioritize timely review of service expansion applications and other updates to the program to ensure the federal government is not a barrier to access for individuals who may benefit from PACE enrollment. CONSOLIDATE RESOURCES FOR CAREGIVERS AND PATIENTS Establish a Centralized, Alzheimer's Disease-Specific Portal for Patient and Caregiver Resources: Patients living with Alzheimer's disease, along with their caregivers, must often navigate a series of complex decisions involving long-term care planning and the various institutional or community-based services available to them. Currently, HHS, its agencies, and state and local health departments maintain platforms with information about these issues for patients and caregivers. Our stakeholders believe that Alzheimer's disease patients and their caregivers could benefit from a more unified platform that streamlines all the information and resources available to them. We urge HHS to undertake a review of its current Alzheimer's disease-related resources and consolidate the relevant information for patients and caregivers into a single online resource portal. This can be done through expansion of an existing federal resource portal. Information that our stakeholders believe could be valuable in such a portal include the following:Resources for long-term care planning and clarification on the long-term care benefits, and eligibility for such benefits, under Medicare fee-for-service, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and other relevant federal health care programs;Descriptions of the types of long-term care facilities and care options available to Alzheimer's disease patients, including institutional settings and home- and community-based services;Resources for federal- and state-sponsored caregiver support and training programs;Information about clinical trial enrollment, including links to existing registries and support for patients currently enrolled in clinical trials;Educational resources about Alzheimer's disease and developments in the process toward a cure and treatment;Information on identifying and preventing elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation;Material on services and devices to improve patient safety, like GPS and web-based home monitoring services for Alzheimer's disease patients who suffer from wandering or navigational issues. INCREASE THE USE AND EFFECTIVENESS OF COGNITIVE SCREENS Address Research Gaps for Cognitive Screens: The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has concluded that evidence regarding the effectiveness of cognitive impairment screening is insufficient to support a recommendation for its routine use. As a result, insurers are not required to cover this service and are also allowed to apply cost sharing if they do. Ensuring that appropriate wrap-around services are provided at the right time in a patient's diagnosis could reduce avoidable hospital and emergency department visits and as a result, potentially mitigate federal health care expenditures. , , Thus, it is imperative that research into the potential benefits of improved cognitive screens and other means by which providers diagnose Alzheimer's disease are prioritized by HHS so that a more robust body of literature surrounding their use can be established.Encourage Use of Evidence-Based Cognitive Assessment Tools: One objective of Medicare's annual wellness visit (AWV) is to detect cognitive impairment of an individual, a clear symptom of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. We ask that CMS recommend the use of an evidence-based cognitive assessment tool during AWVs rather than direct observation. Ensuring the results of such assessments be made available in the beneficiary's electronic health record (EHR) could also aid in care coordination.Encourage Use of the Health Risk Assessment (HRA) to Assess Cognitive Function: Given the relatively low uptake in the AWV, we ask that CMS encourage Medicare Advantage plans to use their HRAs to assess cognitive function and the potential long-term care needs of seniors. Plans are provided significant flexibility in what they include in the HRA. While some plans provide for a cognitive screening, not all plans do. These visits and assessments provide ample opportunity for the identification of cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, which could lead to more timely coordination of care. FOSTER INNOVATION FOR ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE THERAPIES AND DIAGNOSTICS Prioritize Alzheimer's Disease within the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Complex Innovative Trial Designs (CID) and Model-Informed Drug Development (MIDD) Programs: The FDA is currently operating two pilot programs, the CID and MIDD, which aim to increase the efficiency of the clinical trial process for innovative therapies and improve the likelihood of their success throughout the regulatory approval process. In particular, the CID provides opportunities for enhanced dialogue with FDA officials during the trial design process, and the MIDD provides sponsors the chance to collaborate with officials on precise risk-benefit models for the drug. , We urge HHS to consider the merit of incorporating more Alzheimer's disease therapeutic sponsors into these pilot programs.Accelerate Development of Diagnostics: We encourage the National Institutes of Health and NIA to establish a program akin to the Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx) initiative for COVID-19 with the goal of bringing to market an affordable and non-invasive point-of-care diagnostic for Alzheimer's disease. If such an initiative would require legislation, we urge you to work with us on the development and passage of such a law. CLARIFY AND IMPROVE ACCESS TO CERTAIN SERVICES Review the 2014 Qualified Settings Rule for Home- and Community-Based Services: In 2014, CMS finalized a definition for home- and community-based settings. Stakeholders expressed concern that parts of the rule intended to promote community integration or strengthen facility security are not appropriate for cognitively impaired individuals. One stakeholder expressed concern that the requirement of locks on doors to strengthen privacy can pose a threat to patients with dementia. We urge CMS to review the regulation and issue guidance or best practices to states about how settings that provide services to individuals with Alzheimer's disease can best meet the requirements in the regulation. This can either be achieved through setting-specific policies and practices or through modifications to person-centered service plans.Evaluate and Expand Access to CPT Code 99483: CPT code 99483 reimburses providers for undertaking functional assessments and care planning services for individuals living with cognitive impairment. Unfortunately, the most recent utilization data suggests that only a small fraction of eligible seniors are receiving the benefit. We encourage CMS to conduct education and outreach to increase awareness of and access to the code. Additionally, some stakeholders assert that the documentation requirements for the code's billing are too complex and prone to deficiencies for some providers. We encourage CMS to review the billing requirements for CPT Code 99483 to ensure such requirements are not uniquely onerous. Billing requirements should also require proper documentation in the patient's medical record or EHR. We thank you for your continued engagement on one of the most pressing health care issues of our time addressing the scourge of Alzheimer's disease. As we continue our efforts to support the Alzheimer's disease community, we ask that you transmit any legislative recommendations that the Administration may have in the aforementioned areas of care coordination, long-term care accessibility, and the development of a treatment and/or cure for Alzheimer's disease. We look forward to your response and a commitment to improve care delivery for this patient population.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.toomey.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/toomey-statement-on-barr-resignation,Toomey Statement on Barr Resignation,2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,www.toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement regarding Attorney General Bill Barr's decision to step down in the coming days: Attorney General Bill Barr has served the American people and the Department of Justice with distinction under two separate administrations Presidents Donald Trump and George H.W. Bush. Unfazed by political pressure from either side of the aisle, Attorney General Barr proved time and again that he understood his ultimate obligations were to serve as the nation's top law enforcement officer and to uphold the Constitution. I particularly appreciated Attorney General Barr's work to end sanctuary city policies, keep guns away from felons and the dangerously mentally ill, and support law enforcement officers. I wish Attorney General Barr well in any future endeavors.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://keller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-fred-keller-calls-immediate-small-business-relief,Congressman Fred Keller calls for immediate small business relief,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Fred Keller,K000395,keller.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today on the steps of the Capitol, Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) joined Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy, Whip Steve Scalise, Conference Chair Liz Cheney, and other House Republicans for a press conference on the need to immediately extend the Paycheck Protection Program and deliver much needed relief to America's small business, workers, and hardest hit industries. The Paycheck Protection Program expired 124 days ago, yet Speaker Pelosi has yet to take legislative action to reopen this highly effective program, which has served as a lifeline for thousands of small businesses nationwide. In Pennsylvania, more than 73,000 small businesses received PPP loans totaling over $20.7 billion in forgivable loans that helped them keep workers employed. In a video immediately after the press conference, Congressman Keller called on Speaker Pelosi to put partisan politics aside and join House Republicans' effort to reopen the Paycheck Protection Program and deliver the remaining $138 billion in relief to those who need it the most. Here a few excerpts from Congressman Keller's video: H.R. 8265 would provide relief to small businesses and the people who work for them. Speaker Pelosi has admitted that, for political purposes, she's held up relief negotiations, and she's done so more than 40 times. It's time to end the [political] games; it's time to get to work. Let's get this bill done, and let's get relief to the people who need it most.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://keller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-fred-keller-responds-gov-wolf-s-latest-shutdown-orders,Congressman Fred Keller responds to Gov. Wolfs latest shutdown orders,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Fred Keller,K000395,keller.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. In response to Governor Tom Wolf's latest shutdown order announcement, Congressman Fred Keller (PA-12) made the following statement: Since the start of the pandemic, small businesses and workers across Pennsylvania have suffered due to Governor Wolf's chronic mismanagement and heavy-handed shutdown mandates. Now, two weeks before Christmas, the governor is once again taking unilateral action that will further devastate our economy and threaten the livelihoods of countless Pennsylvanians simply trying to earn a living. To put it plainly, shutdowns do not work. As with his previous order, the governor's latest shutdown will advantage big box stores, destroy countless small businesses and restaurants, and cause more harm than it solves. Today's announcement shows a stunning lack of confidence in the people of Pennsylvania who have been living and learning through this pandemic for nearly a year. Pennsylvanians are smart, hardworking people capable of following common-sense guidance from healthcare professionals. The last thing Pennsylvania needs are more mandates and a one-size-fits-all shutdown order.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/meuser-statement-amicus-brief-urging-supreme-court-review-election-proccesses,MEUSER STATEMENT ON AMICUS BRIEF URGING A SUPREME COURT REVIEW OF ELECTION PROCESSES,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,Daniel Meuser,M001204,meuser.house.gov,,,legacy,"POTTSVILLE, PA. Today,Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-9)released the following statement after signing on to an amicus briefseeking further review of the constitutionality of various processes which occurred during the last election: ""There continue to be many unanswered questions related to the irregular actions taken in the past election across the Commonwealth. Why did Pennsylvania break statute and allow three-day late mail-in ballots to be counted? Why did the Pennsylvania Secretary of State order the curing of ballots 24 hours prior to election day, leading to inconsistent preparedness and effectiveness between counties? Why were verified signature requirements applied differently for in-person ballots versus mail-in ballots? ""Millions in Pennsylvania want to know why these actions were taken, were they legal, and will they occur in the next election? It is not arguable that there were inconsistencies in the last election. We can't have arbitrary and irregular actions taken and then think we have integrity in our election process they don't mix. We must have consistent rules, laws and requirements for what constitutes a legal vote. Free and fair elections are not a partisan or political issue. They are important for Republicans, Democrats and for all. The legitimacy of our institutions of government depends upon the trust our people have in our election system. ""The amicus brief merely states our belief that the broad scope of the various allegations and irregularities in the subject states merits careful, timely review by the Supreme Court. There will be a smooth transition of power to the next administration, whatever the outcome of the court's decision. The people need to believe in the integrity of the election and there won't be full confidence in our system until these questions are answered. It's as important for the people to believe in democracy as it is for democracy itself. I will continue to work to assure we have an honest, lawful and fair vote count, now, and in the future."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/meuser-statement-amicus-brief-urging-supreme-court-review-election-processes,MEUSER STATEMENT ON AMICUS BRIEF URGING A SUPREME COURT REVIEW OF ELECTION PROCESSES,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,Daniel Meuser,M001204,meuser.house.gov,meuser,https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"POTTSVILLE, PA. – Today, Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-9) released the following statement after signing on to an amicus brief seeking further review of the constitutionality of various processes which occurred during the last election: ""There continue to be many unanswered questions related to the irregular actions taken in the past election across the Commonwealth. Why did Pennsylvania break statute and allow three-day late mail-in ballots to be counted? Why did the Pennsylvania Secretary of State order the curing of ballots 24 hours prior to election day, leading to inconsistent preparedness and effectiveness between counties? Why were verified signature requirements applied differently for in-person ballots versus mail-in ballots? ""Millions in Pennsylvania want to know why these actions were taken, were they legal, and will they occur in the next election? It is not arguable that there were inconsistencies in the last election. We can't have arbitrary and irregular actions taken and then think we have integrity in our election process – they don't mix. We must have consistent rules, laws and requirements for what constitutes a legal vote. Free and fair elections are not a partisan or political issue. They are important for Republicans, Democrats and for all. The legitimacy of our institutions of government depends upon the trust our people have in our election system. ""The amicus brief merely states our belief that the broad scope of the various allegations and irregularities in the subject states merits careful, timely review by the Supreme Court. There will be a smooth transition of power to the next administration, whatever the outcome of the court's decision. The people need to believe in the integrity of the election and there won't be full confidence in our system until these questions are answered. It's as important for the people to believe in democracy as it is for democracy itself. I will continue to work to assure we have an honest, lawful and fair vote count, now, and in the future."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.toomey.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/12/11/2020/toomey-statement-on-ndaa-passage,Toomey Statement on NDAA Passage,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,www.toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement on his vote in favor of the FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): Congress has a responsibility to the American people to ensure our armed forces and national security agencies have the tools and resources they need to keep the nation safe. On balance, this year's NDAA meets this obligation by enhancing military readiness; increasing pay for the troops; upgrading federal cybersecurity protections; and establishing clear benchmarks for any troop withdrawals in South Korea, Germany, and Afghanistan. However, the NDAA does have a glaring shortcoming in that the Blocking Deadly Fentanyl Imports Act was omitted from the final product after being included in the Senate version. This provision would have permitted any president to suspend certain foreign aid to foreign countries that fail to limit the flow of illicit fentanyl into the United States. The fact that House Democrats objected to this provision, which earned widespread bipartisan support in the Senate, is equal parts baffling and foolish. Background on Toomey-Supported Provisions in the NDAA: FIND Trafficking Act: offered with Senator Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-Nev.) Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report on the use of virtual currencies and online marketplaces in sex and drug trafficking Prohibition on the Department of Defense's Purchase of Russian Natural Gas Prohibits the use of Russian gas at a major Department of Defense hospital under construction in Germany Chinook Block II Upgrade Directs the Department of Defense to provide Congress with an assessment on the indefinite delay of the Chinook Block II upgrade o The Chinook Block II upgrade was being done, in part, by Boeing's facility in Delaware County, Pa. Establishing an Academic Liaison for the Sharing of Threats with Universities: offered with Senator Bob Casey (D-Pa.) Requires the Department of Defense to task a current official as an academic liaison' for the purpose of sharing foreign threat information with universities o Offered with the support of Penn State University Israeli Assistance: co-sponsor of provision authored by Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) Authorizes annual security assistance to Israel until 2028",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.toomey.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/toomey-and-van-hollen-issue-statement-on-treasurys-hong-kong-sanctions-report,Toomey and Van Hollen Issue Statement on Treasurys Hong Kong Sanctions Report,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,www.toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) issued the following statement regarding the Treasury Department's report that did not name any financial institutions under the Hong Kong Autonomy Act: The most reasonable justification for Treasury not having named any foreign banks in today's reportis if all foreign banks ended their relationships with the Hong Kong and Chinese communistofficials responsible for the erosion of Hong Kongers' basic freedoms.We know this very likely isn't the case. The Treasury Department should use all the toolsat its disposal, provided by theHong Kong Autonomy Act, to investigate and hold accountable those banks, especially Chinese financial institutions, who seek to destroy democratic rights in Hong Kong.Anything less is unacceptable.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://keller.house.gov/media/in-the-news/congressman-fred-keller-responds-rise-covid-19-cases-union-county-federal-prisons,Congressman Fred Keller responds to rise in COVID-19 cases in Union County federal prisons,2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Fred Keller,K000395,keller.house.gov,,,legacy,"Union County, Pa. As cases of coronavirus continue to rise at federal prisons across the country, Congressman Fred Keller (PA-12) released a statement calling the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) inadequate in containing outbreaks. The statement was released in conjunction with Andy Kim, (NJ-03), who also has prisons in his district that have experienced outbreaks. Keller's district includes Union County, where federal prisons in Allenwood and Lewisburg previously experienced COVID-19 outbreaks. The coronavirus pandemic has created significant challenges for the federal prison system tasked with keeping inmates and correctional officers safe. However, it is clear that the Bureau of Prisons' (BOP) COVID-19 response plan has been inadequate in containing outbreaks at a number of facilities across the country. Despite Members of Congress raising the alarm about the spread of the virus under its watch, BOP leadership has failed to effectively respond to growing outbreaks in the federal prison system. Despite the uptick in cases in certain facilities, the BOP continues to transfer inmates between facilities, in many cases transferring COVID-19 positive inmates into new facilities, exposing staff and other personnel to the virus. It is irresponsible to continue to risk exposure through inmate transfers from various parts of the country. We firmly believe that during the coronavirus pandemic, all inmate transfers between BOP facilities should be halted in order to protect the health and well-being of inmates, as well as the thousands of BOP correctional officers across the country. Allenwood United States Penitentiary previously had an outbreak, with 120 inmate and five staff cases reported on the BOP website on Nov. 24. As of Dec. 7, the website shows there are now three inmates who tested positive and 11 staff. A total of 132 inmates and two staff have recovered. Allenwood Medium shows shows 45 current inmates cases and nine staff cases. Allenwood Low shows 20 inmates with active COVID-19 cases and six staff. Related Reading: State and federal prisons in Pennsylvania experiencing more COVID-19 outbreaks The United States Penitentiary in Lewisburg also experienced an outbreak in August, with almost 50 inmates at one point reported as being positive for COVID-19. Public relations representatives at BOP had told NorthcentralPa.com at the time that they were not taking transfers at the Union County facilities. Currently, there are no active COVID-19 cases among inmates. Related Reading: USP Lewisburg now reports 46 inmates positive for COVID-19 The BOP must also clearly outline, and make public, the steps that it will take to improve its response to outbreaks in its facilities. We have heard deep concerns from our constituents for the health and safety of their friends or family in federal prisons, or that serve as staff in the facilities. Every day that the BOP refuses to take action, is a day that more Americans are put at risk. We stand ready to work alongside the BOP to find common ground and solutions that will save lives. Congressman Keller and Congressman Kim are members of the Bureau of Prisons Reform Caucus, of which Congressman Keller is the founder and chairman.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://keller.house.gov/media/in-the-news/keller-and-wild-introduce-nurses-care-act,Keller and Wild Introduce Nurses CARE Act,2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Fred Keller,K000395,keller.house.gov,,,legacy,"A pair of Pennsylvania elected officials on opposite sides of the aisle are teaming up for a bipartisan effort to bolster the workforce pipeline for essential healthcare workers. On Monday, Reps. Fred Keller (R-Snyder) and Susan Wild (D-Lehigh) introduced the Nurses CARE Act, (H.R. 8874). The bipartisan legislation aims to prevent workforce shortages in long-term care facilities and allow America's essential healthcare workforce to do its important work uninterrupted. According to a press release, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued Section 1135 waivers to provide states with greater flexibility to direct personnel and resources to patients in need, in response to COVID-19. Although the release touts this regulatory flexibility as being an essential tool in preventing health care shortages by employing Temporary Nurse Aides (TNAs) to offer care during the pandemic, it is set to expire when the national emergency declaration is lifted. The Nurses CARE ACT works to build on the success of CMS's Section 1135 waivers and provide states with the necessary flexibility to ensure that competent TNAs who provided critical services during the pandemic can retain their certification after the national emergency declaration has expired. The release also adds that this legislation would allow states and facilities to offer on-the-job experience as a partial substitute for certification courses, testing, and other evaluations, thus providing a pathway to full-time employment for TNAs who answered the call during the COVID-19 pandemic and have already received extensive on-the-job training. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed so much about how we deliver health care at nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, and long-term care centers, Keller said. We need to do everything we can to protect our most vulnerable populations, like our seniors and those with pre-existing conditions. I am proud of this bipartisan legislation that gives American families across our nation the peace of mind that their loved ones in long-term care are receiving the care they need to remain safe and healthy. Throughout this entire pandemic, so many have selflessly joined the front lines in our nursing homes and long-term care facilities to get our most vulnerable through this health care crisisand they deserve their work and on-the-job training to be fully recognized, Wild said. I'm proud to join this bipartisan, commonsense effort to help prevent critical health care shortages or gaps in Pennsylvania and ensure those who answered the call in this emergency have a pathway for full-time employment once this pandemic ends. The bill also has received praise from the head of the Pennsylvania Healthcare Association. Since the temporary nurse aide position was formally approved in the Commonwealth, more than 4,000 Pennsylvanians have completed the training program, and many have been hired to assist long-term care providers in their response to COVID-19, said Zach Shamberg, President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Healthcare Association. This legislation not only recognizes the heroic and compassionate work these caregivers have performed since the pandemic began, but also puts them on a path to full-time employment as certified nurse aides. We are grateful to both Congressman Keller and Congresswoman Wild for their bipartisan leadership and united approach in standing up for our long-term care providers and healthcare heroes on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic in Pennsylvania and throughout the country, Shamberg continued.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://keller.house.gov/media/in-the-news/oppose-section-230-big-tech-censorship,Injured corrections officer undergoes surgery to remove damaged eye,2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Fred Keller,K000395,keller.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Penitentiary at Allenwood corrections officer and Midd-West head wrestling coach Dale Franquet Jr. underwent surgery to remove an eye Wednesday, two days after he was assaulted by an inmate. A second staff member was also injured in the inmate assault at the high-security prison Monday morning but neither the identity nor health condition of the officer were released by the Bureau of Prisons. Dale Franquet Sr., of Orwigsburg, said the surgery to remove his son's injured eye went well at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, according to the younger Franquet's wife, Angela. ""There was no damage to the eye socket. In three months he could be fitted with a prosthetic,"" said Franquet Sr. Shane Fausey, the national president of the Council of Prison Locals and an employee at the Allenwood prison complex, said the assaults ""are a stark reminder of the unpredictable and violent nature of the vital work the Bureau of Prisons correctional professionals do every day."" While the details of the attacks are not being released pending an FBI investigation, Fausey added that the ""quick and decisive actions of both officers, even at the risk of their own personal safety, are nothing short of heroic and resulted in quickly bringing an end to a potentially deadly situation."" U.S. Rep. Fred Keller expressed his hope for the injured officers' speedy recovery and echoed Fausey in saying on Twitter that the incident ""is a reminder of the challenging job that our corrections officers are tasked with."" Franquet Sr. expects his son will rebound quickly. ""He's a tough individual and will be stronger for it,"" he said, recalling how at the age of 16 Dale Jr. wrestled in high school with a broken hand. For several years Franquet Jr. has served as varsity head coach at Midd-West High School. Assistant wrestling coach A.J. Steininger described him as being dedicated to helping athletes reach their full potential. ""It's going to be tough"" starting the wrestling season without Franquet Jr., Steininger said. ""He's an integral part of our wrestling program."" Franquet Jr. recently built a pole barn on his property for wrestling clinics and was scheduled to hold a grand opening on Saturday. ""Dale's biggest concern is the pole barn,"" Franquet Sr. said of the family's decision to postpone the opening until his son can participate.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kelly.house.gov/press-release/representative-kellys-statement-governor-wolfs-latest-pennsylvania-lockdown,Representative Kelly's Statement on Governor Wolf's Latest Pennsylvania Lockdown,2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,,,legacy,"Representative Kelly's Statement on Governor Wolf's Latest Pennsylvania Lockdown Dec 10, 2020 Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) released this statement following Governor Tom Wolf's latest lockdown of the Keystone State: ""Pennsylvanians have endured the coronavirus pandemic for nearly a year and are fully capable of determining what activities they are comfortableengaging in. Governor Wolf's latest order demonstrates that he does not trust us to make our own decisions. In mandating more business closures, he has guaranteed that more hard-working Pennsylvanians will lose their jobs as additional small businesses will close permanently. This is unacceptable and the governor should lift this lockdown immediately."" #####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://perry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402516,Perry Statement on Election Integrity,2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,Scott Perry,P000605,perry.house.gov,,,legacy,"Perry Statement on Election Integrity Washington, D.C. -U.S. Representative Scott Perry (PA-10) today released the following statement on election integrity and the role of Congress in ensuring free and fair elections. The integrity of our elections in America is sacred. Regardless of political affiliation, without free, fair, and transparent elections, the bedrock of our republic and our Constitutional rights and freedoms crumble. In the weeks since the 2020 Election, I've heard from thousands of people in my district and all over Pennsylvania of all beliefs and political parties who are gravely concerned about this election. An inordinate number of citizens are deeply concerned about the violation of the Equal Protection Clause by the State's inconsistent application of Pennsylvania Election Law, the unconstitutional process by which it bypassed a statewide ballot to change the election laws, and its failure to allow and protect legal poll watchers. I share these concerns, as do many Members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Given the failure of Pennsylvania to address these inconsistencies and irregularities, and the violation of constitutional rights, action at the federal level must be considered. Failing to ensure accountability of our elections and restore trust in our electoral system has long-term and profound ramifications for our Nation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-and-dean-call-improvements-coronavirus-relief-fund-guidelines,Thompson and Dean Call for Improvements to Coronavirus Relief Fund Guidelines,2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,thompson,https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC– Today, Representatives Glenn 'GT' Thompson (PA-15) and Madeleine Dean (PA-04) introduced the Coronavirus Relief Fund Expansion Act, which will extend the deadline to spend COVID-19 relief funds by one year to December 31, 2021. Additionally, this bill will allow non-profit and emergency service organizations the ability to use funds to replace lost, delayed, or decreased revenues as a result of the global pandemic. Emergency service organizations, including volunteer fire departments, have struggled to maintain operations during these unprecedented times. Volunteer fire departments rely heavily on fundraising activities to support their mission. Due to COVID-19, most of these organizations were forced to cancel in-person community events, which has resulted in significant losses. ""The economic impact of COVID-19 has been hardest on organizations that already operate on razor thin margins,"" saidRep. Thompson. ""Congress created a relief fund, which has yet to be exhausted. As a volunteer fire fighter, I know we must act immediately to provide more flexibility and extend these deadlines, otherwise volunteer organizations and non-profits will be left out in the cold."" ""Emergency services are hurting from the economic side effects of the pandemic. It's import that we extend the deadline for the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) through December 31, 2021 and allow emergency services—like Volunteer Fire Departments—to access these relief funds,"" Rep. Deansaid. ""It's not only the right thing to do, it's economically smart and allows our emergency services to continue to serve the people."" ""First responders across the nation have been concerned that the current language in the CARES Act is very ambiguous. We are worried fire and EMS departments have not and will not utilize these funds because of a lack of detail on how this financial assistance may be legally expended by our agencies,"" said Jerry Brant, Second Assistant Chief of the Patton Fire Company No. 1 and Board Member of the Pennsylvania Fire & Emergency Services Institute. ""This legislation would simplify this section of the CARES Act and alleviate these concerns. We applaud Congressman Thompson for his efforts and plead with other members of Congress to join him in passing this critical legislation.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.toomey.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/12/10/2020/toomey-opening-statement-from-todays-congressional-oversight-commission-hearing,Toomey Opening Statement from Todays Congressional Oversight Commission Hearing,2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,www.toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), a member of the bipartisan Congressional Oversight Commission, offered the following opening remarks at today's public hearing examining loans to businesses critical to maintaining national security: In March, unprecedented turmoil in credit markets threatened the ability of businesses, states, and municipalities to obtain capital. Credit markets were on the verge of shutting down, and without intervention, private credit was very likely going to stop flowing to businesses, states, and municipalities. Congress did not want these economic disruptions to result in gaps in our national security. There was a very real concern that established national defense firms, essential national defense firms, could even collapse. The CARES Act program announcement succeeded in stabilizing the markets, and averted a crisis in the national security sector. In fact, the top five national security firms raised over $40 billion in bond sales since March. Since creditworthy firms have generally been able to access private markets, only those with lower grade credit, or limited access to credit in the first place, appeared to have applied for national security loans. Of the eleven businesses that have used the national security loan program, five had negative profits in 2019 before the coronavirus struck. At least three are early stage companies including SpinLaunch Inc., an essentially pre-revenue venture whose products are commercially unproven. While I am glad that the national security sector is now stable, I would like to understand better why the Treasury made loans to what appears to be startups and what may have been, or close to a, fundamentally insolvent company like the YRCThe question in my mind is whether or not these loans adhere to the criteria set out under the CARES Act and whether or not they were a prudent use of taxpayer funds. Watch Senator Toomey's full opening remarks here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyce-fighting-defeat-drug-crisis-support-pennsylvanians-recovery,Dr. Joyce is Fighting to Defeat the Drug Crisis & Support Pennsylvanians in Recovery,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,John Joyce,J000302,johnjoyce.house.gov,johnjoyce,https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) this week highlighted Americans' shared fight to prevent drug abuse and addiction, equip those on the frontline of this effort, and support individuals and families facing addiction as well as those in recovery. Watch his full remarks on the House Floor. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address a public health crisis that is taking a tangible toll on every facet of our society. In Pennsylvania, drug abuse and addiction are not abstract concerns the drug crisis is a reality that plays out across our community every single day. Sadly, Pennsylvanians aren't alone. Each day, more than 130 Americans die from an overdose. As a nation, we cannot allow illicit drugs to continue tearing apart families, destroying our workforce, and claiming lives. From law enforcement officials to health care providers to educators to community leaders and lawmakers, all of us have an individual part to play. We must combat this crisis, keep drugs off our streets, protect families, safeguard our economy, and most importantly save lives. Ending this scourge requires a team effort. In Congress, it has been my privilege to work with leaders at the federal, state, and local levels to identify and implement commonsense solutions for the drug crisis. Today I thank my fellow members of the Freshmen Bipartisan Working Group on Addiction for their collaboration and partnership during the 116th Congress. Together, we worked toward our shared fight against drug abuse and addiction. I'm proud of the legislative achievements that we forged, and I am looking forward to continuing this work in the upcoming 117th Congress. In the White House, President Donald Trump and his Administration are incredible leaders in this fight. From day one, President Trump prioritized realistic and achievable solutions to tackle this problem, equip those on the front lines, and support Americans in recovery. I am grateful to President Trump's drug czar, White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Director Jim Carroll, for his steadfast commitment to this issue. This fall, it was an honor to host Director Carroll in my district to meet directly with remarkable leaders on the frontlines of the drug crisis. He is a true partner for Pennsylvanians, and I am thankful for his service to our nation in this key role. As a nation, Americans have made significant strides in defeating the drug crisis and now our work must continue. On the China Task Force, we recognize that the COVID-19 pandemic is not the only public health crisis that was created by the Chinese Communist Party. All too often, illicit drugs originating in China end up on Pennsylvania streets - spurring addiction, harming families, and killing too many of my patients, friends and neighbors. These drugs are trafficked through porous borders and even through the U.S. Postal Service. As a direct solution to this problem, I co-sponsored legislation to hold the Chinese communist regime and any other foreign government accountable if it fails to stop deadly drugs from leaving its borders. And, I will continue to push forward with commonsense legislation. Tragically, the drug crisis has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and aggressive mitigation tactics in Pennsylvania and around the country. As Americans battle a pandemic, we must not ignore rising rates of addiction and overdoses. I continue to call on federal and state leaders to ensure that individuals and families facing addiction and those in recovery have the resources and support that they need whether virtual or in-person. We cannot afford inaction. The ramifications of the drug crisis transcend all divides. Together, not as Republicans or Democrats - but as Americans, we are in a shared fight to save lives. And together, we must win. Thank you, and I yield. Background: Earlier this fall, Dr. Joyce hosted President Trump's Drug Czar, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Director Jim Carroll, in Westmoreland and Somerset Counties to meet with a number of hardworking Pennsylvanians on the frontlines of this fight and discuss opportunities to work together. Read more about Director Carroll's visit to PA-13. He also has urged Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf to make recovery assistance and resources available both in-person and online during the COVID-19 crisis. Read his letter to Gov. Wolf. As a member of the China Task Force, Dr. Joyce sponsored legislation to hold the Chinese Communist Party accountable for trafficking illicit fentanyl and other drugs that originate in China and end up on our streets. Read more here. In Congress, Dr. Joyce continues to lead on legislative solutions for the drug crisis, including: H.R. 1098, the Blocking Deadly Fentanyl Imports Act, to combat the flow of illicit fentanyl into our community. H.R. 4761, the DHS Opioid Detection Resilience Act of 2019, to empower the Department of Homeland Security to stop the trafficking of illicit drugs at the border. H.R. 2062, the Overdose Prevention and Patient Safety Act, to support Americans in recovery. H.R. 3591, the Campus Prevention and Recovery Services for Students Act, to prevent drug abuse and addiction on campuses. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://keller.house.gov/media/in-the-news/lawmakers-negotiate-possibility-stimulus-checks-next-covid-19-relief-bill,Lawmakers negotiate possibility of stimulus checks in next COVID-19 relief bill,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Fred Keller,K000395,keller.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) Congress appears to be closer to bringing a COVID-19 relief bill to a vote in the House and Senate, but direct stimulus checks are, so far, absent from the compromise plan. There's continued conversation around direct stimulus checks, which I think is important, Virginia Democratic Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger said. Spanberger fears including direct payments in the bill could prevent the plan from crossing the finish line. Finish line means a bill passed through the House and the Senate and signed on the president's desk so that we can ensure that extended unemployment, rent support, and food assistance among other things are delivered to the American people, Spanberger said. Pennsylvania Republican Congressman Fred Keller says another round of $1,000 checks is not the answer. This stimulus payment will run out. Once that's gone, what are they going to do next? Keller said. Keller says instead, Congress needs to focus on jobs. The best stimulus is a job. And what we need to do going forward is support our small businesses and our working families, Keller said. Many Republican lawmakers say the us can't afford another round of direct payments. For every penny that we spend is borrowed, Kentucky Republican Congressman Brett Guthrie said. That's hundreds of billions of dollars borrowed from our children and grandchildren. If stimulus checks are not included in the compromise, some lawmakers say they will work on a standalone bill, although that would be unlikely to pass until after the first of the year.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://keller.house.gov/media/in-the-news/reps-keller-and-wild-introduce-nurses-care-act-help-prevent-care-facility-worker,Reps. Keller and Wild introduce Nurses CARE Act to help prevent care facility worker shortages,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Fred Keller,K000395,keller.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. On Dec. 7, Congressman Fred Keller (R-Pa.) and Congresswoman Susan Wild (D-Pa.) introduced House Resolution 8874, also called the Nurses CARE Act. The bipartisan proposal would help prevent workforce shortages in long-term care facilities. In response to the COVID-19 health crisis, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued Section 1135 waivers to give states more flexibility to direct personnel and resources to patients in need. The waivers have allowed Temporary Nurse Aides (TNAs) to offer care during the pandemic, but it is set to expire when the national emergency declaration is lifted. The Nurses CARE Act builds on the waivers, providing states with the necessary flexibility to let TNAs who provided critical services retain their certification after the national emergency declaration expires. In addition, states and facilities could offer on-the-job experience as a partial substitute for certification courses, exams, and other evaluations, allowing the aides who stepped up during the crisis a quicker path to full-time employment. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed so much about how we deliver health care at nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, and long-term care centers, Keller said. We need to do everything we can to protect our most vulnerable populations, like our seniors and those with pre-existing conditions. I am proud of this bipartisan legislation that gives American families across our nation the peace of mind that their loved ones in long-term care are receiving the care they need to remain safe and healthy. Throughout this entire pandemic, so many have selflessly joined the front lines in our nursing homes and long-term care facilities to get our most vulnerable through this health care crisisand they deserve their work and on-the-job training to be fully recognized, Wild said. I'm proud to join this bipartisan, commonsense effort to help prevent critical health care shortages or gaps in Pennsylvania and ensure those who answered the call in this emergency have a pathway for full-time employment once this pandemic ends. Since the temporary nurse aide position was formally approved in the Commonwealth, more than 4,000 Pennsylvanians have completed the training program, and many have been hired to assist long-term care providers in their response to COVID-19, said Zach Shamberg, President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Healthcare Association. This legislation not only recognizes the heroic and compassionate work these caregivers have performed since the pandemic began, but also puts them on a path to full-time employment as certified nurse aides. We are grateful to both Congressman Keller and Congresswoman Wild for their bipartisan leadership and united approach in standing up for our long-term care providers and healthcare heroes on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic in Pennsylvania and throughout the country. The full text of the bill will be available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/new-house-ag-leaders-push-active-bipartisan-panel,"New House Ag leaders push for active, bipartisan panel",2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Georgia Democrat and Pennsylvania Republican poised to take the reins of the House Agriculture Committee next year have shared priorities, including climate policy, but different timelines and approaches. Reps.David Scott, D-Ga.,andGlenn GT Thompson, R-Pa.,were both selected by their respective caucuses as their party's House Ag leaders for the next two years. Scott by virtue of a slim Democratic majority will chair the committee, and Thompson will serve as the panel's top Republican. Both men indicate they wantcommittee members to continue to work in a bipartisan way across regional differences. As I told Speaker Pelosi I have served on the committee when we had Republican chairmen and we had Democratic chairmen, and I've achieved things on that committee underneath both, Scott said in an interview withAgri-Pulse. Agriculture has been and will be a bipartisan committee because we have a history of that; I have a history of that. Our numbers will be as close as ever, Thompson said in a separate conversation withAgri-Pulse. Which I think is going to help us continue to work in the bipartisan way we do in agriculture. The official committee rosters and party splits will be determined at a later date, but the committee's Democratic majority could be as slim as two or three votes. For Scott, the close divide shouldn't slow down anambitious agenda that includes action on climate change, disaster readiness, and of course preparation for the next farm bill. Reflecting a top priority of President-elect Joe Biden, Scott said that climate change has got to be our top priority in this committee. He wants to bring in scientists and other expert witnesses to discuss the subject and help producers navigate the subject, but also to lower the temperature on what can often be a very heated debate. Carbon sequestration, no-till farming, all of these things we've got to be able to have as part of the discussion, Scottsaid. We're going to have to bring that climate change issue away from all of this politicization it is our farmers that are suffering. Thompson also brought up climate change as a top priority of his, but one that he'll approach from the perspective of getting agricultural practices the recognition he feels they're due. He said he wants to avoid overregulation that can be""punishing"" to farms.He believes that grazing, responsible forest management, and other carbon-sequestering technologies that can come from agriculture need to be considered as part of the solution to the issue. The reality is those things work, he said. They're not political solutions, they're practical solutions. Scott also listed broadband deployment among his top priorities for the committee, as well as a desire to work with the Appropriations Committee to enact legislation that creates a response protocol and funding that can be used for future disasters. Thatidea,floated earlier this year by current House Ag Chair Collin Peterson, D-Minn., would allow USDA to fund disaster response for producers without an act of Congress and could potentially be funded through the department's Commodity Credit Corp. Peterson, who lost his reelection effort in November, had said such a protocol would have been among his top priorities in Congress. The two new leaders both had kind remarks about the other Scott called Thompson very thoughtful and very thorough, Thompson said Scott is a gentleman and a statesman and both boast lengthy House Ag resumes. Scott also quipped about his Pennsylvania roots he went to elementary school in Scranton a surefire way, he said, to build a connection with Thompson. Both chaired or served as ranking member to a handful of panel subcommittees, and both are veterans of several farm bills, experience that will serve them well as they begin to deliberate how to approach a lingering 2023 deadline when the current legislation will expire. For Scott, he said he'd like to get my sea legs under me. He hearkened back to his days in the Georgia state Senate when he gained the reputation as a members' chairman for his style of soliciting member feedback before taking concrete action on a bill. I want to make sure that I can articulate the ambitions and interest of the members of the committee, he said. But Thompson says time is of the essence. We need to make up for some lost time, he said, pointing to action that could have happened had the chamber been doing its regular work in Washington for much of 2020 rather than dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. We need good oversight. It's time to start hearing from USDA directly; hearing from farmers and ranchers, and folks within rural communities on what's working and what's not working with the 2018 farm bill. One thing Scott already knows about the next farm bill is he wants to expand an $80 million scholarship program for historically Black colleges and universities he championed in the 2018 legislation. Those scholarships, given to agricultural students at 1890s land grant colleges, should be expanded to Hispanic and Native American institutions, he said. The two new leaders are part of a group of House and Senate Agriculture Committee heads with three of four new faces (Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., will the only holdover from the last farm bill; Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., is set to be the Senate panel's top Republican). But both Scott and Thompson expect a solid working relationship with their Senate counterparts. They've both worked with Stabenow on previous farm bills, and Boozman is a former House colleague. Thompson said he hopes rural and urban America will see results. When we get the policy right on agriculture and for rural America, what that means is that every American family including those in very large cities won't wake up in the cold, dark, and hungry,"" Thompson said.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.toomey.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/bill-to-combat-stalking-of-children-clears-house-goes-to-president-for-signature,"Bill to Combat Stalking of Children Clears House, Goes to President for Signature",2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,www.toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. After a years-long fight, criminals who prey on and stalk children will face longer jail sentences. Led by Senators Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.) in the Senate, and Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (Pa.-1) in the House, the Combat Online Predators Act is heading to the president's desk for his signature. The legislation enhances federal criminal penalties for stalkers by up to five years if the victim is a minor, and calls for the U.S. Department of Justice to evaluate federal, state, and local efforts to enforce stalking laws and identify enforcement best practices. The bill passed the Senate last October, and was approved by the House last night. House passage of the Combat Online Predators Act speaks to the remarkable dedication of the entire Zezzo family for keeping children safe and ensuring there are strong penalties for monsters who stalk and cyberstalk children, said Senator Toomey. Madison and her parents, Erin and Tony, deserve our gratitude for helping get this legislation through Congress, and I look forward to the president signing it into law. Today is an important day in our Nation's endless fight to better protect our children and curtail predatory behavior. I am pleased that the House passed the Combat Online Predators Act today and I am grateful to the Zezzo family for their tireless advocacy of this important legislation,"" said Senator Casey. ""This bipartisan bill will give judges additional tools to ensure that perpetrators who stalk or cyberstalk children are held accountable with serious penalties. I urge the President to sign Combat Online Predators swiftly into law so that we can continue the fight to keep our children safe from predatory behavior. We have no higher responsibility than to protect our children. Cyber-stalking is a serious crime that needs to be met with stricter penalties and more cooperation among law enforcement agencies. Sitting with the Zezzo family, I saw the pain in their eyes. After hearing of the disturbing story of cyberstalking endured by this young girl and her family for years, I knew something needed to be done, said Representative Fitzpatrick. The Combat Online Predators Act is the first step in making the internet a safer environment for all users, especially the most vulnerable among us. I am incredibly proud to see our legislation pass both chambers and head to the President's desk to become law. Our family is so glad the Combat Online Predators Act has made it through Congress, said Erin and Tony Zezzo. As families have navigated through the COVID-19 pandemic, children are spending more time online and in front of a webcam. Individuals who stalk and cyberstalk our children are taking advantage of these new tools and opportunities to exploit children. This legislation has never been more critical than it is today. Our hope is that this legislation is the first of more changes to our cyberstalking laws that will help prevent such heinous crimes. We appreciate the bipartisan work of Senators Toomey and Casey and Representatives Fitzpatrick and Murphy. Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy (Fla.-7) coauthored the Combat Online Predators Act in the House. The Combat Online Predators Act was inspired by the story of the Zezzo family of Bucks County, Pennsylvania whose teenaged daughter was cyber-stalked by a friend's father on social media. Despite the stalking being sexual in nature, the then-51-year-old stalker pleaded guilty only to a misdemeanor stalking charge and was sentenced to probation and counseling. Three years later, in 2016, the same stalker began making contact again. This time, he was arrested in a sting by local police and sentenced to between 18 months and seven years in a state prison.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyce-congress-must-support-warfighter-our-national-defense,Dr. Joyce: Congress Must Support the Warfighter & Our National Defense,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,John Joyce,J000302,johnjoyce.house.gov,johnjoyce,https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives advanced the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021. ""As our nation faces emerging threats, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 will support the warfighter and equip our Armed Forces to defend Americans against our enemies. It includes key provisions to modernize our military capabilities, deter China and Russia, boost our preparedness, and maintain America's competitive edge. ""The 2021 defense bill will provide a three percent pay raise for our troops and offer much-deserved benefits to the military families who sacrifice each day for our freedom. As we continue to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, it will provide protections and care for our servicemembers while also equipping the Department of Defense to execute Operation Warp Speed and lead the distribution of a safe and effective vaccine. ""The NDAA will reinforce our region's strong defense manufacturing industry and protect family-sustaining jobs in all ten counties of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District. I am proud that this legislation includes my Small Business Category Management Training Act, which ensures that small businesses that provide critical goods and services for our Armed Forces can compete for federal contracts. ""As America counters the growing threat of the Chinese Communist Party amidst a pandemic it caused, we cannot afford to let down our guard against this aggressive regime. The 2021 defense bill will strengthen America's supply chains for medicine, health care supplies, and technology as well as counter the increasing influence of the Chinese Communist Party in our government, institutions, and businesses. ""The brave members of our Armed Forces serve and sacrifice for our nation each day. As a key Constitutional responsibility, Congress must support the warfighter and our national defense."" The FY 2021 NDAA includes key priorities for Pennsylvania and the nation, including: A three percent pay raise for American troops and pay incentives to recruit and retain critically needed military personnelwith science and technology expertise, including pilots, submariners, health care professionals, and those with other vital skills. Critical childcare, housing, and mental health care resources for military families. Expansion of VA telemedicine capabilities to improve veterans' access to quality health care, as well as increased mental health care and suicide prevention resources. COVID-19 protections for American troops, including personal protective equipment (PPE), testing, and improved health care capacity. Stronger requirements to reduce the total cost of weapons systems and improve reliability and maintainability. Investments in equipment and technology that are critical to maintain America's edge in the 21st century, including Long-Range Precision Fires and Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) priorities of the Army including Precision Strike Missile, Hyper-Velocity Projectiles, Lower-Tier Air Missile Defense Sensor, High-Energy Lasers, Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2, and the IAMD Battle Command System. Funding for the Navy to procure nine battle force ships including one Columbia class fleet ballistic missile submarine, two Virginia-class submarines, two DDG 51 Arleigh Burke destroyers, one guided missile Frigate (FFG), one Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) ship, and two T-ATS towing, salvage, and rescue ships which will be developed with products manufactured in PA-13. Resources to counter the growing threat of the Chinese Communist Party, including key supply chain protections for pharmaceuticals, health care supplies, technology, and other vital products; as well as a prohibition on the Department of Defense from sourcing materials from China. Requirement for the Department of Defense to conduct an audit and promote fiscal accountability. Background: Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District is home to Letterkenny Army Depot in Chambersburg, PA, which provides responsive and sustainable readiness for the U.S. and Allied Air and Missile Defense Forces to support U.S. global strategic interests. The NDAA includes key support for this depot and those who support its mission. Congressman Joyce serves on the House Committee on Homeland Security and the House Small Business Committee. He is also a member of the China Task Force. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://keller.house.gov/media/in-the-news/inmate-transfers-fort-dix-resume-despite-lawmakers-objections-amid-covid,Inmate transfers to Fort Dix resume despite lawmakers' objections amid COVID,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Fred Keller,K000395,keller.house.gov,,,legacy,"More local lawmakers are joining the call for the federal Bureau of Prisons to halt inmate transfers amid the COVID-19 pandemic. U.S. Reps. Andy Kim of New Jersey and Rep Fred Keller of Pennsylvania issued a joint statement on Friday calling for the end to all inmate transfers between BOP facilities during the current health crisis. Both Kim and Keller represent districts home to BOP facilities FCI Fort Dix in Kim's third legislative district, and FCI Allenwood in Keller's 12 legislative district. Despite Members of Congress raising the alarm about the spread of the virus under its watch, BOP leadership has failed to effectively respond to growing outbreaks in the federal prison system, the statement read. Kim was part of an earlier delegation made up of New Jersey lawmakers who sent a letter to BOP Director Michael Carvajal outlining grave concerns over the COVID-19 outbreak at FCI Fort Dix, and asking BOP to extend a moratorium on inmate transfers to the low-security prison on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. The BOP issued at the beginning of November a moratorium on inmate transfers to the prison through Nov. 23 as the number of positive cases at the prison neared 250. BOP officials said Friday the moratorium was not extended. The 3,000 people at FCI Fort Dix live in units of up to 300 people, according to a complaint. FCI Fort Dix is a low-security federal correctional institution with an adjacent minimum-security satellite camp. The congressmen were not happy with the decision. It is irresponsible to continue to risk exposure through inmate transfers from various parts of the country. We firmly believe that during the coronavirus pandemic, all inmate transfers between BOP facilities should be halted in order to protect the health and well-being of inmates, as well as the thousands of BOP correctional officers across the country, Kim and Keller's statement read. As of Monday, there are 103 active cases among inmates and 35 active cases among staff members, according to BOP data. BOP reported 266 inmates and six staff members have recovered. No deaths have been reported. Kim and Keller also echoed the New Jersey Congressional delegation's letter, calling for the BOP to publicly outline the steps it will take to improve its response to outbreaks in its facilities. We have heard deep concerns from our constituents for the health and safety of their friends or family in federal prisons, or that serve as staff in the facilities. Every day that the BOP refuses to take action, is a day that more Americans are put at risk, the joint statement read. Lawmakers, advocates, inmates and their family members have pointed to the transfer of inmates from FCI Elkton in Ohio to FCI Fort Dix as the cause of the outbreak. BOP officials have denied the accusation. All inmates entering or departing any BOP facility, to include voluntary surrenders, BOP-to-BOP transfers, or transfers from outside the BOP system, are screened and tested by medical staff for COVID-19 upon arrival, and placed in quarantine or medical isolation, a BOP spokesperson said Friday. FCI Elkton was the site of one of the worst outbreaks in the country earlier this year; nearly 1,000 inmates have tested positive there since the outbreak began. Nearly 300 inmates from FCI Elkton were transferred to FCI Fort Dix to allow for more social distancing at the Ohio prison in a series of groups on Sept. 28, Oct. 6, Oct. 21, and Oct. 28.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases/reschenthaler-s-one-stop-shop-bill-reduce-recidivism-passes-house,Reschenthalers One Stop Shop Bill to Reduce Recidivism Passes House,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,Guy Reschenthaler,R000610,reschenthaler.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed Rep. Guy Reschenthaler's (PA-14) One Stop Shop Community Reentry Program Act (H.R. 8161). This legislation, which Reschenthaler introduced with Rep. Karen Bass (CA-37), creates resource centers to help formerly incarcerated individuals successfully reenter society. I know from my time as a district judge in southwestern Pennsylvania that the best way to be tough on crime is to reduce recidivism, which means fewer crimes and fewer victims, said Reschenthaler. Today the House took an important step towards that goal by passing the One Stop Shop Community Reentry Program Act, which will help formerly incarcerated individuals successfully reintegrate into society and contribute to their communities. I am grateful to Chairwoman Bass for working with me to end the revolving door between prison and the streets and empower formerly incarcerated individuals to take control of their futures, all while making our neighborhoods safer. Specifically, H.R. 8161 reduces recidivism and invests in the safety of our communities by providing 5-year grants to community-based organizations to create community reentry centers for the roughly 600,000 Americansreleased from prison each year. Absent these programs and other measures,over two-thirds of those released from prison will be arrested for another crime. These centers will offer a number of services aimed at facilitating reintegration into society including: Assistance with finding and maintaining employment, including job skills training Assistance locating and retaining housing Medical and mental health services and substance abuse treatment ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases/reschenthalers-one-stop-shop-bill-reduce-recidivism-passes-house,Reschenthaler’s “One Stop Shop” Bill to Reduce Recidivism Passes House,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,Guy Reschenthaler,R000610,reschenthaler.house.gov,reschenthaler,https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed Rep. Guy Reschenthaler's (PA-14) One Stop Shop Community Reentry Program Act (H.R. 8161). This legislation, which Reschenthaler introduced with Rep. Karen Bass (CA-37), creates resource centers to help formerly incarcerated individuals successfully reenter society. ""I know from my time as a district judge in southwestern Pennsylvania that the best way to be tough on crime is to reduce recidivism, which means fewer crimes and fewer victims,"" said Reschenthaler. ""Today the House took an important step towards that goal by passing the One Stop Shop Community Reentry Program Act, which will help formerly incarcerated individuals successfully reintegrate into society and contribute to their communities. I am grateful to Chairwoman Bass for working with me to end the revolving door between prison and the streets and empower formerly incarcerated individuals to take control of their futures, all while making our neighborhoods safer."" Specifically, H.R. 8161 reduces recidivism and invests in the safety of our communities by providing 5-year grants to community-based organizations to create community reentry centers for the roughly 600,000 Americans released from prison each year. Absent these programs and other measures, over two-thirds of those released from prison will be arrested for another crime. These centers will offer a number of services aimed at facilitating reintegration into society including: Assistance with finding and maintaining employment, including job skills training Assistance locating and retaining housing Medical and mental health services and substance abuse treatment ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://keller.house.gov/media/in-the-news/central-susquehanna-intermediate-unit-receives-federal-grant-offer-resources,"Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit receives federal grant, offer resources to families during COVID-19",2020-12-07,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Fred Keller,K000395,keller.house.gov,,,legacy,"Milton, Pa. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded a $1,755,707 Head Start grant to Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit (CSIU) to support early childhood education and development initiatives as part of CSIU's Head Start and Early Head Start Programs in Northumberland county. ""We prepare our most vulnerable young children to succeed in school, and in life beyond school. Our services are at no cost, and are for children ages birth to 5 from low-income families, as well as pregnant women,"" said Jamie Bartlett Head Start/Early Head Start Programs Manager in Northumberland County. The services offered focus on core areas of Early Learning and Development, Health, and Family Well-Being and CSIU provides transportation to the centers to ensure enrolled children and family members can regularly participate. In Northumberland County, CSIU's programs have the following: - Head Start has 168 federally funded and 72 HSSAP funded preschool children. We have 14 center-based classrooms. - Early Head Start has 83 infants, toddlers and pregnant women. It is a home-based program providing weekly, 1.5 hours home visits. - 90 percent of enrolled families live below the federal poverty level (2020 guidelines: $26,200 for a family of four). - A minimum of 10 percent children enrolled are identified as special needs. Congressman Fred Keller expressed his enthusiasm for CSIU after the grant was announced. Now more than ever, we must ensure our children are not left behind. Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit plays a critical role in providing quality education to help our children thrive and I am confident that this grant will support its mission and expand its reach in our communities, said Keller. The Head Start/Early Head Start Programs have done their best to continue providing their services virtually during COVID-19, but it hasn't been easy to connect with all the families, according to Bartlett. Program staff have offered both synchronous and asynchronous classes through Google classroom and the Early Head Start leaders do their best to connect with families once a week to support parents and children. Staff members have even taken the time to drop-off educational materials to families so that learning can safely at home. ""Sometimes our children aren't able to join us virtually, our staff misses the in person contact with the children and families during virtual instruction,"" explained Bartlett. ""Our goal is to support our children and families at all times, especially during this pandemic. We work with families to make sure their family has their basic needs covered, and if needed connect them with resources in the community. During a time of uncertainty we want to be a consistent resource for them. Our staff are working hard to do this.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://keller.house.gov/media/in-the-news/congressmen-kim-and-keller-release-statement-covid-19-risks-bureau-prisons,Congressmen Kim and Keller Release Statement on COVID-19 Risks at Bureau of Prisons Facilities,2020-12-07,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Fred Keller,K000395,keller.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) and Congressman Fred Keller (PA-12) released the following statement on the continued increase of COVID-19 spread in Bureau of Prison (BOP) facilities across the country. Both Congressmen Kim and Keller represent districts that are home to BOP facilities. The coronavirus pandemic has created significant challenges for the federal prison system tasked with keeping inmates and correctional officers safe. However, it is clear that the Bureau of Prisons' (BOP) COVID-19 response plan has been inadequate in containing outbreaks at a number of facilities across the country. Despite Members of Congress raising the alarm about the spread of the virus under its watch, BOP leadership has failed to effectively respond to growing outbreaks in the federal prison system. Despite the uptick in cases in certain facilities, the BOP continues to transfer inmates between facilities, in many cases transferring COVID-19 positive inmates into new facilities, exposing staff and other personnel to the virus. It is irresponsible to continue to risk exposure through inmate transfers from various parts of the country. We firmly believe that during the coronavirus pandemic, all inmate transfers between BOP facilities should be halted in order to protect the health and well-being of inmates, as well as the thousands of BOP correctional officers across the country. The BOP must also clearly outline, and make public, the steps that it will take to improve its response to outbreaks in its facilities. We have heard deep concerns from our constituents for the health and safety of their friends or family in federal prisons, or that serve as staff in the facilities. Every day that the BOP refuses to take action, is a day that more Americans are put at risk. We stand ready to work alongside the BOP to find common ground and solutions that will save lives. Congressman Kim and Congressman Keller are members of the Bureau of Prisons Reform Caucus, of which Congressman Keller is the founder and chairman.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://keller.house.gov/media/in-the-news/fred-keller-votes-no-marijuana-big-cats,"Fred Keller votes No on marijuana, big cats",2020-12-07,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Fred Keller,K000395,keller.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Fred Keller made the following statement Friday afternoon: Instead of addressing the plight of millions of Americans across the country who are struggling during this pandemic, this week Speaker Pelosi decided to once again put politics over people and hold votes on legalizing marijuana and exotic animals instead of COVID relief measures. I urge my colleagues across the aisle to do their jobs and join House Republicans in delivering targeted relief to our families, businesses, and industries who need it the most.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://keller.house.gov/media/in-the-news/latest-covid-relief-framework-includes-billions-dollars-high-speed-broadband,Latest COVID relief framework includes billions of dollars for high-speed broadband,2020-12-07,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Fred Keller,K000395,keller.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) The new COVID relief compromise is gaining traction on Capitol Hill and 10 billion dollars will pay for a public/private partnership to improve Americans' internet service I say this as somebody who spent longer in the wireless industry than I have in politics. We can provide some of that much need relief, Virginia Democratic Senator Mark Warner said. Warner says while there was money for broadband in the Cares Act, that's a potential short term solution. He says the new money will help build lasting high-speed internet service for more Americans. And one of the things we found is that broadband is now an economic necessity, Warner said. Pennsylvania Republican Congressman Fred Keller agrees, the pandemic showcased the need for reliable internet access. It takes care of education, it takes care of the delivery of healthcare, and it takes care of commerce, Keller said. This is not just in rural communities. There are many suburban communities that have very slow internet or no internet, Warner said. Both Warner and Keller agree this money will help provide high-speed broadband to millions of more Americans. We need these things. And I'm all for making sure that we have the resources to adequately build out an infrastructure system in broadband, Keller said. If Congress approves this plan, four billion dollars of the broadband fund would go to supporting connectivity to low-income households.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://keller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-fred-keller-introduces-bipartisan-bill-bolster-workforce-pipeline,Congressman Fred Keller introduces bipartisan bill to bolster workforce pipeline for essential healthcare workers,2020-12-07,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Fred Keller,K000395,keller.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) joined Congresswoman Susan Wild (D-PA) in introducing H.R. 8874, the Nurses CARE Act, bipartisan legislation that would help prevent dangerous workforce shortages in long-term care facilities and allow America's essential healthcare workforce to do its important work uninterrupted. In response to COVID-19, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued Section 1135 waivers to provide states with greater flexibility to direct personnel and resources to patients in need. While this regulatory flexibility has been an essential tool in preventing critical health care shortages by employing Temporary Nurse Aides (TNAs) to offer care during the pandemic, it is set to expire when the national emergency declaration is lifted. The Nurses CARE Act works to build on the success of CMS's Section 1135 waivers and provide states with the necessary flexibility to ensure that competent TNAs who provided critical services during the pandemic can retain their certification after the national emergency declaration has expired. Additionally, this legislation would also allow states and facilities to offer on-the-job experience as a partial substitute for certification courses, testing, and other evaluationsthus providing a pathway to full-time employment for TNAs who answered the call during the COVID-19 pandemic and have already received extensive on-the-job training. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed so much about how we deliver health care at nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, and long-term care centers, Keller said. We need to do everything we can to protect our most vulnerable populations, like our seniors and those with pre-existing conditions. I am proud of this bipartisan legislation that gives American families across our nation the peace of mind that their loved ones in long-term care are receiving the care they need to remain safe and healthy. Throughout this entire pandemic, so many have selflessly joined the front lines in our nursing homes and long-term care facilities to get our most vulnerable through this health care crisisand they deserve their work and on-the-job training to be fully recognized, Wild said. I'm proud to join this bipartisan, commonsense effort to help prevent critical health care shortages or gaps in Pennsylvania and ensure those who answered the call in this emergency have a pathway for full-time employment once this pandemic ends. Since the temporary nurse aide position was formally approved in the Commonwealth, more than 4,000 Pennsylvanians have completed the training program, and many have been hired to assist long-term care providers in their response to COVID-19, said Zach Shamberg, President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Healthcare Association. This legislation not only recognizes the heroic and compassionate work these caregivers have performed since the pandemic began, but also puts them on a path to full-time employment as certified nurse aides. We are grateful to both Congressman Keller and Congresswoman Wild for their bipartisan leadership and united approach in standing up for our long-term care providers and healthcare heroes on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic in Pennsylvania and throughout the country. Full text of the bill is available here. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://perry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402515,"Perry Joins Bipartisan, Bicameral Call for ""No Budget, No Pay"" Provision",2020-12-07,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,Scott Perry,P000605,perry.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Representative Scott Perry (PA-10) joined Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) and 14 bipartisan Members of Congress to call on Congressional Leadership to include a No Budget, No Pay provision in any negotiations for the end-of-year government funding bill. A No Budget, No Pay proposal would withhold Members' pay if Congress failed to pass a budget to fund the federal government. Hardworking Americans wake up every day and work their fingers to the bone to earn their paycheck. They know if they don't show up and do their jobs, they won't be paid. That Congress is not held to this same standard is unacceptable, which is why I've joined with a bipartisan group to hold Members accountable to our constitutional duties. Passing a budget that funds the federal government is a primary role of Congress, yet year after year, it fails to meet the October 1 fiscal deadline. It's time to get serious about controlling our Nation's spending and debt, and getback to building budgets through regular order, said Congressman Perry. Rep. Perry first supported a No Budget, No Pay provision in the first month of his first term in Congress, and has forgone pay during government shutdowns in2013and 2018-2019. The letter is also signed by Senators Kyrsten Sinema, Mike Braun, Ted Cruz, Steve Daines, Joni Ernst, David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler, as well as Representatives Jack Bergman, Vern Buchanan, Brian Fitzpatrick, Mike Gallagher, Kevin Hern, Lance Gooden, and Ralph Norman. The full text of the letter here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases/reschenthaler-fitzpatrick-scanlon-moore-introduce-bill-stop-driver-s-license,"Reschenthaler, Fitzpatrick, Scanlon, Moore Introduce Bill to Stop Drivers License Suspensions for Non-Payment",2020-12-07,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,Guy Reschenthaler,R000610,reschenthaler.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Representative Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14) joined with Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), and Gwen Moore (WI-04) to introduce the Driving for Opportunity Act of 2020, the House companion to a bill introduced by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Roger Wicker (R-MI), to encourage states to stop debt-based driver's license suspensions. Every year, millions of Americans have their licenses suspended for unpaid court fines and fees, not based on conduct related to driving. This makes it harder to get to work and pay off the fines while also placing an unnecessary burden on our courts, jails, and law enforcement agencies. In 2018, Pennsylvania passed legislation eliminating driver's license suspensions for non-driving infractions, an effort I was honored to be a part of, said Rep. Reschenthaler. The Driving for Opportunity Act will incentivize other states to follow Pennsylvania's lead and eliminate debt-based driver's license suspensions. By ending this counterproductive practice, we can make it easier for struggling Americans to hold down a job and pay off their debts while also ensuring police departments can target their resources where they are needed most. Punishing people for failing to pay debts in a way that limits their ability to obtain gainful employment only sets up a cruel cycle of failure and results in the criminalization of poverty, said Rep. Scanlon. Particularly during the ongoing global pandemic, we need to work to eliminate barriers to employment and find legislative solutions to break the cycle of poverty. I'm proud to be joined by Rep. Fitzpatrick in introducing this common sense bipartisan legislation. For too long, many Americans have had their driver's licenses suspended for non-public safety reasons and have suffered the economic setback of debt-based driver's license suspensions, said Rep. Fitzpatrick. Incentivizing states to end the suspension of driver's licenses for unpaid fines is a commonsense reform that will improve livelihoods across this country and has widespread support from law enforcement, civil rights, and criminal justice reform organizations. I am proud to join my colleagues to introduce the bipartisan Driving for Opportunity Act. Suspending driver's licenses for unpaid fines and fees makes it harder for Americans to hold down a job and care for their families, and places an undue burden on our police officers, said Senator Coons. Today's introduction of the Driving for Opportunity Act in the House moves us one step closer to ending this counterproductive practice and the harm it causes in communities across the country. The broad, bipartisan coalition backing this bill underscores the strong support for swiftly passing it into law. Besides not being an effective debt collection tool, these too poor to drive suspensions can hinder an individual's ability to keep working or get work and can lead to interactions with the criminal justice system, both of which have far reaching impacts on our communities, said Rep. Moore. In Milwaukee and around the country, these policies disproportionately impact minorities and the most financially vulnerable. The Driving for Opportunity Act would encourage states to end the suspension of driver's licenses for unpaid fees to lift the burden off of drivers and to reinstate such licenses and ensure resources are better allocated towards promoting public safety. A copy of the bill can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases/reschenthaler-fitzpatrick-scanlon-moore-introduce-bill-stop-drivers-license,"Reschenthaler, Fitzpatrick, Scanlon, Moore Introduce Bill to Stop Driver’s License Suspensions for Non-Payment",2020-12-07,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,Guy Reschenthaler,R000610,reschenthaler.house.gov,reschenthaler,https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14) joined with Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), and Gwen Moore (WI-04) to introduce the Driving for Opportunity Act of 2020, the House companion to a bill introduced by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Roger Wicker (R-MI), to encourage states to stop debt-based driver's license suspensions. Every year, millions of Americans have their licenses suspended for unpaid court fines and fees, not based on conduct related to driving. This makes it harder to get to work and pay off the fines while also placing an unnecessary burden on our courts, jails, and law enforcement agencies. ""In 2018, Pennsylvania passed legislation eliminating driver's license suspensions for non-driving infractions, an effort I was honored to be a part of,"" said Rep. Reschenthaler. ""The Driving for Opportunity Act will incentivize other states to follow Pennsylvania's lead and eliminate debt-based driver's license suspensions. By ending this counterproductive practice, we can make it easier for struggling Americans to hold down a job and pay off their debts while also ensuring police departments can target their resources where they are needed most."" ""Punishing people for failing to pay debts in a way that limits their ability to obtain gainful employment only sets up a cruel cycle of failure and results in the criminalization of poverty,"" said Rep. Scanlon. ""Particularly during the ongoing global pandemic, we need to work to eliminate barriers to employment and find legislative solutions to break the cycle of poverty. I'm proud to be joined by Rep. Fitzpatrick in introducing this common sense bipartisan legislation."" ""For too long, many Americans have had their driver's licenses suspended for non-public safety reasons and have suffered the economic setback of debt-based driver's license suspensions,"" said Rep. Fitzpatrick. ""Incentivizing states to end the suspension of driver's licenses for unpaid fines is a commonsense reform that will improve livelihoods across this country and has widespread support from law enforcement, civil rights, and criminal justice reform organizations. I am proud to join my colleagues to introduce the bipartisan Driving for Opportunity Act."" ""Suspending driver's licenses for unpaid fines and fees makes it harder for Americans to hold down a job and care for their families, and places an undue burden on our police officers,"" said Senator Coons. ""Today's introduction of the Driving for Opportunity Act in the House moves us one step closer to ending this counterproductive practice and the harm it causes in communities across the country. The broad, bipartisan coalition backing this bill underscores the strong support for swiftly passing it into law."" ""Besides not being an effective debt collection tool, these ""too poor to drive"" suspensions can hinder an individual's ability to keep working or get work and can lead to interactions with the criminal justice system, both of which have far reaching impacts on our communities,"" said Rep. Moore. ""In Milwaukee and around the country, these policies disproportionately impact minorities and the most financially vulnerable. The Driving for Opportunity Act would encourage states to end the suspension of driver's licenses for unpaid fees to lift the burden off of drivers and to reinstate such licenses and ensure resources are better allocated towards promoting public safety."" A copy of the bill can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.toomey.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/12/07/2020/new-toomey-brown-measure-aims-to-reduce-maternal-deaths-improve-health-outcomes-for-mothers,"New Toomey-Brown Measure Aims to Reduce Maternal Deaths, Improve Health Outcomes for Mothers",2020-12-07,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,www.toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) are teaming up to help reduce maternal deaths and improve the health outcomes of pregnant women and mothers enrolled in Medicaid. In recent years, physicians and researchers have placed a heightened focus on preventable pregnancy-related deaths in the United States. Research shows that the leading causes of death related to pregnancy are cardiovascular and coronary conditions, following by infections, hemorrhage, pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, and cardiomyopathy. Decreasing severe maternal morbidity will help decrease maternal mortality. In 2018, Medicaid financed nearly half of all US births, and in some states, provided coverage for more than 60 percent of births.While the Medicaid program plays a critical role in addressing our nation's maternal mortality crisis,pregnant women on Medicaid aremore likely to experience higher ratesof severe maternal morbidity and mortality than pregnant women with private health insurance.Medicaid beneficiaries, overrepresented by low-income communities and people of color, experience higher rates of chronic illnesses, and are at higher risk of adverse health challenges. Senators Toomey and Brown have introduced theSupporting Best Practices for Healthy Moms Actto bolster the federal government's effort to assist states in reducing these rates. Nearly 700 women died last year in the United States as a result of complications from pregnancy and childbirth. But we know that as many as two-thirds of these deaths may be preventable,said Senator Toomey. This legislation will help improve health outcomes for pregnant women and mothers enrolled in Medicaid by increasing information and resources to better monitor and treat at-risk pregnancies, as well as inform Congress on policies that may assist states in reducing maternal deaths. A mother's chance of surviving pregnancy shouldn't depend on her zip code or the type of insurance she has, said Brown.Too many mothers are dying. As the death rate continues to skyrocket, the disparities in maternal mortality have increased along with it, further contributing to the Black maternal health crisis - and that has to change. By meeting moms where they are, listening to health experts, and establishing best practices, we can improve health outcomes and keep more of our mothers and children healthy and safe. The following organizations have provided integral information and support for theSupporting Best Practices for Healthy Moms Act: America's Essential Hospitals American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Einstein Healthcare Network Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) The Joint Commission Nemours Children's Health System Penn State Health The Pennsylvania Medical Society Temple University Health System University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital TheSupporting Best Practices for Healthy Moms Actwould: 1.Create a diverse, representative National Advisory Committee on Reducing Maternal Deaths to: a.Establish best practices for all Medicaid-covered maternal care providers and clinicians to screen, monitor, and treat at-risk pregnancies; b.Generate culturally competent materials to help inform pregnant women of potential risks during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum; and c.Identify best practice for tracking maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity trends. 2.Report to Congress on potential payment disincentives or regulatory barriers to the transfer of pregnant women between facilities before and during birth, as well as during the postpartum period. A one-pager on this legislation is availablehere. You can also view the bill texthere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.toomey.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/toomey-backed-fema-grant-nets-pittsburgh-nearly-10-million-for-mount-washington-landslide-mitigation,Toomey-Backed FEMA Grant Nets Pittsburgh Nearly $10 Million for Mount Washington Landslide Mitigation,2020-12-07,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,www.toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) applauded the decision by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to award nearly $10 million to the City of Pittsburgh to help protect against landslides at Mount Washington. Senator Toomey said: Just about every motorist from in and around Pittsburgh has experienced the misery of a Mount Washington road closure. These funds will help to stabilize the hillside and keep traffic flowing between Mount Washington, the South Side, and Duquesne Heights. I was happy to support the City of Pittsburgh's application for this grant and I thank FEMA for approving it. The City of Pittsburgh's Resilient Infrastructure: Mount Washington Mitigation Plan is centered around three critical and vulnerable hillsides on Mount Washington: Grandview Avenue, William Street, and Greenleaf Street. The cost of the entire project is $13,331,000. This FEMA grant will cover 75 percent of the cost or $9,998,250.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyce-rejects-democrats-push-legalize-marijuana-urges-action-covid-19,"Dr. Joyce Rejects Democrats? Push to Legalize Marijuana, Urges Action on COVID-19 Relief",2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,John Joyce,J000302,johnjoyce.house.gov,johnjoyce,https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) today released the following statement after voting NO on Democrats' legislation to legalize marijuana. ""As American communities face an alarming surge of drug abuse and addiction during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is reprehensible that Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats are pushing to legalize marijuana. Their out-of-touch legislative agenda not only demonstrates a blatant disregard for those struggling with the ramifications of the drug crisis, but it also is detracting from efforts to pass desperately-needed relief for families, workers, farmers, and small businesses enduring unprecedented challenges during this pandemic. Rather than waste time on partisan bills that have absolutely zero chance of becoming law, I implore Speaker Pelosi to allow the House of Representatives to refocus our efforts on delivering targeted aid for hardworking Americans."" The Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act of 2019, H.R. 3884, would decriminalize marijuana and remove the drug from the list of scheduled substances under the Controlled Substances Act, as well as eliminate criminal penalties for an individual who manufactures, distributes, or possesses marijuana. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://keller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-fred-keller-honors-frontline-healthcare-workers-house-floo,Congressman Fred Keller honors frontline healthcare workers on House Floor,2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Fred Keller,K000395,keller.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) recently spoke on the House Floor to celebrate the valiant efforts of frontline healthcare workers in Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District and across America, as they continue their dedicated service amidst the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. During his remarks, Congressman Keller invoked the storied reverence of frontline workers, drawing a parallel between pandemic-era health care workers and the Americans who helped fuel wartime manufacturing efforts during World War II. Following his floor remarks, Congressman Keller made the following statement: The outstanding men and women who go to work every day in our hospitals and health networks are worthy of our utmost admiration and respect. Though their job is not easy, these individuals have persisted through truly demanding times and they continue to provide critical services to our region. And though they don't do it for recognition, they deserve recognition nonetheless. I am dedicated to continuing to support them and their noble work. Congressman Keller's full remarks are below. Madam/Mr. Speaker, Throughout American history, generations of American frontline workers have answered the call of duty to support our nation, states, and local communities. From those in the factories who fueled the Allied advance in World War Two, to the men and women who cleared the rubble after the attacks of September 11th, there is a storied reverence that comes with being a frontline worker. Today, across Pennsylvania's 12th congressional district and America, our nurses, doctors, and health care providers are answering that call to duty. In the face of a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic and global uncertainty, our health care professionals have not wavered in their mission, exemplifying compassion, determination, and resilience. Most importantly, our health care workers have given our nation reassurance that there is light at the end of this tunnel, and we can beat this pandemic. To our frontline healthcare workers at: Evangelical community hospital; UPMC; Geisinger; Endless Mountains; Bucktail Medical; Robert Packer; Guthrie Towanda Memorial; Troy Community; Divine Providence; Mount Nittany; Barnes-Kasson; And Tyler Memorial I know your job is not easy, but your impact is felt throughout our community and across our nation. Please know that we are forever grateful for your service. Thank you, I yield back.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://keller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-fred-keller-votes-no-speaker-pelosi-s-out-touch-priorities,Congressman Fred Keller votes NO on Speaker Pelosis out-of-touch priorities,2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Fred Keller,K000395,keller.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. This week, Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) voted against the MORE Act and the Big Cat Public Safety Act, legislation brought forth by Speaker Pelosiin the midst of a global pandemicthat aims to legalize marijuana and revise protections for exotic animals, respectively. The MORE Act passed the House by a vote of 228-164 while the Big Cat Public Safety Act passed by a vote of 272-114. By contrast, House Democrats took no legislative action this week to join House Republicans in supporting H.R. 8265, legislation that would deliver the $138 billion in remaining Paycheck Protection Program funds to American families, small businesses, and workers. In a video, Congressman Keller highlighted Speaker Pelosi's unwillingness to bring real relief to the American people and details how she instead chose to push trivial and nonurgent legislation through the House. (Click to watch video) Congressman Fred Keller made the following statement in response House Democrats' legislative priorities: Instead of addressing the plight of millions of Americans across the country who are struggling during this pandemic, this week Speaker Pelosi decided to once again put politics over people and hold votes on legalizing marijuana and exotic animals instead of COVID relief measures. I urge my colleagues across the aisle to do their jobs and join House Republicans in delivering targeted relief to our families, businesses, and industries who need it the most. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://keller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressmen-keller-and-kim-release-statement-covid-19-risks-bureau-prisons,Congressmen Keller and Kim release statement on COVID-19 risks at Bureau of Prisons facilities,2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Fred Keller,K000395,keller.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Fred Keller (PA-12) and Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) released the following statement on the continued increase of COVID-19 spread in Bureau of Prison (BOP) facilities across the country. Both Congressmen Keller and Kim represent districts that are home to BOP facilities. The coronavirus pandemic has created significant challenges for the federal prison system tasked with keeping inmates and correctional officers safe. However, it is clear that the Bureau of Prisons' (BOP) COVID-19 response plan has been inadequate in containing outbreaks at a number of facilities across the country. Despite Members of Congress raising the alarm about the spread of the virus under its watch, BOP leadership has failed to effectively respond to growing outbreaks in the federal prison system. Despite the uptick in cases in certain facilities, the BOP continues to transfer inmates between facilities, in many cases transferring COVID-19 positive inmates into new facilities, exposing staff and other personnel to the virus. It is irresponsible to continue to risk exposure through inmate transfers from various parts of the country. We firmly believe that during the coronavirus pandemic, all inmate transfers between BOP facilities should be halted in order to protect the health and well-being of inmates, as well as the thousands of BOP correctional officers across the country. The BOP must also clearly outline, and make public, the steps that it will take to improve its response to outbreaks in its facilities. We have heard deep concerns from our constituents for the health and safety of their friends or family in federal prisons, or that serve as staff in the facilities. Every day that the BOP refuses to take action, is a day that more Americans are put at risk. We stand ready to work alongside the BOP to find common ground and solutions that will save lives. Congressman Keller and Congressman Kim are members of the Bureau of Prisons Reform Caucus, of which Congressman Keller is the founder and chairman. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/pa-congressman-gets-top-spot-house-ag-committee,Pa. Congressman gets top spot in House Ag Committee,2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Pennsylvania Congressman Glenn GT Thompson was elected as the top Republican in the House Agriculture Committee. Thompson was elected ranking member Dec. 2. The full House GOP Conference ratified the decision Dec. 3. He is succeeding the retiring Rep. Mike Conway (R-Texas). The challenges ahead of us are considerable, but we will continue to put farm families first and ensure our country has the most safe and affordable food supply chain on the planet, said Thompson, who was elected in 2008. National Milk Producers Federation and National Cattlemen's Beef Association put out statements in support of Thompson's new role in Congress and praised his track record of bipartisan legislative victories. GT has been a vocal and effective advocate for the needs of dairy farmers in Pennsylvania and throughout the country, said Jim Mulhern, National Milk Producers Federation president, in a statement. Thompson served as chairman of the conservation and nutrition subcommittees during the writing of the last two farm bills. Most recently he's been the ranking member of the general farm commodities and risk management subcommittee. His district is the state's geographically largest congressional district, in north western and north central Pennsylvania. It covers portions of Armstrong, Butler, Cambria, Cameron, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Elk, Forest, Indiana, Jefferson, McKean, Venango and Warren counties.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/thompson-lead-agriculture-committee,Thompson to lead agriculture committee,2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-Howard Township, has been elected by the House Republican Steering Committee to serve as GOP leader of the House Agriculture Committee in the 117th Congress. As a lifelong resident of a small town in rural central Pennsylvania and the descendant of a long line of dairy farmers, I am incredibly humbled to have been elected by my Republican colleagues, Thompson said Wednesday. Thompson, also known as GT, represents Indiana, Armstrong, Clearfield, Jefferson and all or part of Cambria and nine other counties in the 15th Congressional District. The challenges ahead of us are considerable, but we will continue to put farm families first and ensure our country has the most safe and affordable food supply chain on the planet, Thompson said. Overall, he has served in Congress since 2009, from the old Fifth Congressional District, and in November was easily chosen for a second term in Indiana County and other areas moved by state Supreme Court order into a reapportioned 15th District. Thompson said he was very appreciative of the vote of confidence he received, as he became the most senior Republican on the House Agriculture Committee and second most senior Republican on the House Education and Labor Committee. On election night he pledged to continue to work closely with the Indiana County Farm Bureau, saying, my goal is really to become a part of the communities I serve. Among key issues listed on his website is rural development, or, as he writes: Creating jobs and expanding technology, such as broadband and cellphone coverage, is a major challenge that must be met in order to improve and sustain rural Pennsylvania. As he expanded upon that in answering questions from the Gazette during the recent election campaign, COVID-19 has shown those of us living in more rural settings the importance of high-speed internet connectivity, for businesses and homes.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/thompson-lead-republican-caucus-us-house-agriculture-committee,Thompson to lead Republican caucus of U.S. House Agriculture Committee,2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Earlier this week, Rep. Glenn GT Thompsonwas elected by the Republican Steering Committee to serve asRepublican leader of the House Agriculture Committee, replacing Rep. Mike Conaway of Texas, whom he worked under as vice ranking member in the current Congress. Thompson is a familiar face to farmers and ag leaders in Pennsylvania. His district covers a big swath of north-central Pennsylvania, just east of Erie and west of Williamsport, going south to Altoona, and he is a familiar face at many agricultural events in the state, including the Pennsylvania Farm Show and Ag Progress Days. He's been an advocate for forestry-related programs, especially when it comes to the farm bill, and he has been an outspoken supporter of getting whole milk back in schools.Earlier this week, Rep. Glenn GT Thompsonwas elected by the Republican Steering Committee to serve asRepublican leader of the House Agriculture Committee, replacing Rep. Mike Conaway of Texas, whom he worked under as vice ranking member in the current Congress. Thompson will be leading the committee's Republican coalition, which he says will likely have four openings for new members when the 117th Congress gets sworn in next month. He says that he's worked with incoming committee Chairman DavidScott on two previous farm bills and calls him someone he can work with. Thompson says that he intends to work across the aisle when it comes to pushing agricultural legislation. With very few exceptions, every bill I introduce is bipartisan,"" he says. ""I reach across the aisle. That's my style with committee work as well."" Thompson says that he recently spoke to Rep.-elect August Pfluger of Texas, who told him that the No. 1 requested committee assignment by incoming freshman representatives is agriculture. He also says the committee will be focused on passing mandatory livestock price reporting legislation, working to expand domestic and foreign markets, passing bills to make agriculture more resilient in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, and expanding rural broadband.Incoming representatives will have a lot to learn with work on the upcoming 2022 Farm Bill likely kicking into high gear in 2021. Thompson says that virtual listening sessions on the next farm bill have already been held in home districts and that live in-person listening sessions could be held in spring if the COVID-19 vaccine helps to reduce cases. It is time for full and complete connectivity in rural America,"" Thompson says. ""We need to take a laser-focused approach to connectivity. COVID has made this apparent.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://keller.house.gov/media/in-the-news/western-pa-congressmen-join-rebuke-us-attorney-general-william-barr,Western Pa. congressmen join rebuke of U.S. Attorney General William Barr,2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Fred Keller,K000395,keller.house.gov,,,legacy,"A bloc of 39 congressmen including five Pennsylvania Republicans who were reelected Nov. 3 lashed out at Attorney General William Barr in a letter expressing dismay at the shocking lack of action stemming from the Justice Department's investigation of allegations of fraud in the election. The letter was posted the same day Barr announced that Justice Department investigators had uncovered no evidence of fraud that would change the outcome of the election. To date, we have not seen fraud on a scale that could have affected a different outcome in the election, Barr told The Associated Press. U.S. Reps. John Joyce, R-Blair County, and Guy Reschenthaler, R-Peters Township were among those who urged Barr to take a closer look at what they claim are election irregularities. Both are staunch supporters of President Trump who appeared on stage with the president at campaign rallies in Western Pennsylvania. Neither Joyce nor Reschenthaler responded to requests to detail what they believe threw the Pennsylvania election into question. Tuesday's announcement from Barr, who previously warned of the potential for fraud in widespread mail-in balloting, left many of the president's supporters stunned. The congressmen joined Trump and his attorney, Rudy Giuliani, in discounting Barr's findings. The president continues to claim he won and has repeated unfounded claims of widespread fraud and sweeping conspiracies to steal the election. Like Joyce and Reschenthaler, Pennsylvania Republican Reps. Fred Keller, R-Snyder, Scott Perry, R-York, and Dan Meuser, R-Luzerne, signed off on the letter. All five of them were re-elected as Trump suffered an 81,000 vote defeat to Democrat Joe Biden in Pennsylvania. There are a number of anomalies, statistical improbabilities and accusations of fraud that bring the election results in several states into question, the congressmen wrote. Affidavits of irregularities in the voting and tabulation processes have been sworn in a number of jurisdictions. Threats of retribution by leftist groups with a history of violence have been made against election officials and attorneys for President Trump. And a number of last-minute changes in balloting and counting requirements raise questions about the overall integrity of federal elections. Although Pennsylvania Republicans have reported receiving numerous allegations of election irregularities, federal courts here have dismissed the Trump campaign's legal challenges to the election as lacking in evidence. Free, fair elections are the lifeblood of our democracy. Charges of unfairness are serious. But calling an election unfair does not make it so, Judge Stephanos Bibas, a Trump appointee to the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, wrote in the Nov. 27 ruling that rejected the campaign's most recent appeal in Pennsylvania. Charges require specific allegations and then proof. We have neither here. Many of the allegations in Pennsylvania referred to issues with dates and signatures on mail-in ballots and complaints from poll watchers that they were not given adequate access to the count. At a hearing in Gettysburg last week, Giuliani conflated primary election reports with general election returns to falsely claim Pennsylvania officials had counted 700,000 more mail-in ballots than they distributed. Sidney Powell, a lawyer for the Trump campaign who has since been dismissed, alleged voting systems were flipping votes. Barr said Tuesday his office had looked into claims such as those Powell voiced. There's been one assertion that would be systemic fraud and that would be the claim that machines were programmed essentially to skew the election results. And the (Department of Homeland Security) and DOJ have looked into that, and so far, we haven't seen anything to substantiate that, he said. Nonetheless, the president's supporters continue to maintain their attacks on the election. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Butler, did not sign Tuesday's letter, but is continuing his own attack on the outcome of the election in Pennsylvania. Kelly, the lead plaintiff in a suit seeking to have Pennsylvania's expansive 2019 mail-in ballot law ruled unconstitutional, is seeking a hearing before the U.S. Supreme Court. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court shot down the complaint Saturday and dismissed a lower court ruling halting the certification of the vote here. In its ruling, the state high court said the challenge was filed long after the expiration date for such challenges, and the plaintiffs had failed to prove a single ballot fraudulent. In a new appeal filed Wednesday, Kelly asked the state Supreme Court to reinstate the lower court's stay on election certification, pending the U.S. Supreme Court's decision whether to hear his appeal.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/climate-trade-top-gop-pick-thompson-s-farm-panel-priorities,"Climate, Trade Top GOP Pick Thompsons Farm Panel Priorities",2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Glenn GT Thompsonwill serve as the top Republican on the House Agriculture Committee next year, the party conference announced. Thompson will succeed ranking memberMike Conaway(Texas) following his retirement. The Republican steering committee recommended the Pennsylvania lawmaker over Reps.Austin Scott(Ga.) andRick Crawford(Ark.), who were also vying for the position. His selection will help solidify Republican priorities for the panel next year, as the chairmanship remains in flux after current leaderCollin Peterson(D-Minn.)'s election loss. Thompson's roots in dairy farming help him understand what needs to be done to take America's agriculture industry to the next level, and he knows the needs of the hard working Americans who will get us there, the GOP conference's Thursday announcement said. Thompson's Priorities Thompson, who is heading into his seventh congressional term, has previously served as the committee's vice chairman and ranking member of three subcommittees. The Republican conference announcement pointed to his commitment to speaking up as one of his best leadership skills, making him the most frequent speaker on the House floor for the past seven years. In his new role, Thompson pledged to restore a robust rural economy, help develop precision agriculture, identify climate solutions through voluntary conservation, and expand agricultural market opportunities with strong trade deals. Farmers and ranchers also need a stronger safety net to mitigate weather-related disasters, such as Southern agriculture producers' losses during hurricanes and Iowa farmers' crops flattened by an August derecho, he said. There's no other committee that probably touches the lives more frequently in a day's time of the American family than the Agriculture Committee, Thompson said in an interview before the November election. Thompson highlighted his ability to work with his Democratic colleagues, having served as a co-sponsor on several of Peterson's bills, such as assistance for meat processors (H.R. 7490) and whole milk for students (H.R. 832). DemocratsDavid Scott(Ga.) andJim Costa(Calif.) are vying to succeed Peterson.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/house-gop-selects-several-new-ranking-members-next-congress,House GOP selects several new ranking members for next Congress,2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) announced Thursday that the GOP caucus has selected several new ranking members for the incoming Congress, including Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (Wash.) for the Energy and Commerce Committee. Other leading committee Republicans who will be new to their posts include Reps. Glenn Thompson (Pa.) for Agriculture; Mike Rogers (Ala.) for Armed Services; Jason T. Smith (Mo.) for Budget; Bruce Westerman (Ark.) for Natural Resources; Blaine Luetkemeyer (Mo.) for Small Business; and Mike Bost (Ill.) for Veterans Affairs. The top Republicans on other committees will remain the same as in the current Congress.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/pennsylvanias-glenn-thompson-lead-us-house-ag-republicans,Pennsylvania's Glenn Thompson to Lead U.S. House Ag Republicans,2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-Pa., was elected Wednesday to be the Republican leader of the House Agriculture Committee for the 2021-2022 term. The challenges ahead of us are considerable, but we will continue to put farm families first and ensure our country has the most safe and affordable food supply chain on the planet, saidThompson, who represents a heavily forested but sparsely populated swath of Pennsylvania stretching from Centre County to Venango County and the New York border. Since entering Congress in 2009, Thompson has spoken effusively about farmers. In recent years he has led efforts to return whole milk to the School Lunch Program. Thompson's ascension to Ag Committee leadership is somewhat unusual. The posts often go to lawmakers from Western states. Thompson, known as G.T., was chosen by the Republican Steering Committee. The committee's current ranking member, Texas Rep.Mike Conaway, is retiring. The Democrats, who will maintain control of the House next session, have not announced the next Ag Committee chairman. The incumbent, Rep.Collin Petersonof Minnesota, was defeated in November's election, and one of the most senior members of the committee, Rep.Marcia Fudgeof Ohio, is being discussed for U.S. ag secretary.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/thompson-elected-top-republican-ag-committee,Thompson Elected Top Republican on Ag Committee,2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"A Pennsylvania Republican will lead his GOP colleagues in the House Agriculture Committee for the 117th Congress. On Wednesday, Rep. G.T. Thompson (R-Centre) was elected by the Republican Steering Committee to serve as the GOP leader of the House Agriculture Committee for the upcoming Congress. As a lifelong resident of a small town in rural Central Pennsylvania and the descendant of a long line of dairy farmers, I am incredibly humbled to have been elected by my Republican colleagues to be their leader on the House Agriculture Committee in the 117th Congress, Thompson said in a release. The challenges ahead of us are considerable, but we will continue to put farm families first and ensure our country has the most safe and affordable food supply chain on the planet. Thompson is taking over for Rep. Mike Conaway (R-TX), who is retiring at the end of the current Congress. According to theJohnstown Tribune-Democrat, Thompson is currently serving as the ranking member of the Agriculture Committee's General Farm Commodities and Risk Management Committee. Thompson was the lone Pennsylvanian serving on the House Agriculture Committee during the 116th Congress. Thompson was first elected to Congress in 2008 to serve in the old 5th Congressional District after besting Democrat Mark McCracken by15 points. He cruised to reelection in 2020 after defeating Democrat Robert Williams by52 pointsin the GOP friendly 15th Congressional District.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/thompson-named-top-republican-house-agriculture-committee,Thompson named top Republican on House Agriculture Committee,2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"His new role allows him to determine which policies the GOP introduces and supports on the ag committee for the next two years. Rural broadband, and everything that goes with that, Thompson said of his priorities during an interview on the topic last month. Rural health care, rural commerce. Rural economic development, whether its rural utilities, all of that happens through the Farm Bill.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyce-urges-ag-barr-take-action-election-fraud-investigation,Dr. Joyce Urges AG Barr to Take Action in Election Fraud Investigation,2020-12-02,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,John Joyce,J000302,johnjoyce.house.gov,johnjoyce,https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) joined Congressman Michael Cloud (TX-27) and 35 fellow Members of Congress in urging U.S. Attorney General Bill Barr to take ""bold and courageous action"" to investigate claims of fraud and irregularities in the election. ""In Pennsylvania and around the country, we must ensure that this election is free, fair, safe, secure, legitimate and transparent,"" said Dr. Joyce. ""U.S. Attorney General Barr and the Department of Justice must take courageous action to safeguard the integrity of the election and ensure that every American's legally-cast ballot is counted once. For the sake of our nation, we must work together across the federal, state, and local levels to ensure that the results of this election are legitimate and fair."" In their letter, the Members of Congress expressed concerns over alleged irregularities and potential voter fraud, as well as a shocking lack of action from the Justice Department following Attorney General Barr's November 9 directive to authorize federal prosecutors to pursue substantial allegations of fraud. ""We appreciate an Attorney General who reveres the Constitution, who understands the rule of law and is able to skillfully and forcefully convey these ideals. What the American people need in this moment, however, is bold and courageous action,"" they wrote. ""Unfortunately, too often the American people have seen many of our most powerful institutions corrupted against the People. In the case of alleged election improprieties, justice delayed truly would be justice denied. The American people deserve, and justice demands, action now."" Read the full letter below: December 1, 2020 The Honorable William Barr Attorney General U.S. Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20530 Dear Attorney General Barr, On November 6, you received a letter signed by 39 Members of Congress asking you to use the tools at your disposal to secure the integrity of the 2020 election. We appreciated the news on November 9, that you had authorized federal prosecutors to pursue substantial allegations of fraud. We are writing today because we are concerned about the shocking lack of action from the Justice Department following your directive. There are a number of anomalies, statistical improbabilities and accusations of fraud that bring the election results in several states into question. Affidavits of irregularities in the voting and tabulation processes have been sworn in a number of jurisdictions. Threats of retribution by leftist groups with a history of violence have been made against election officials and attorneys for President Trump. And a number of last-minute changes in balloting and counting requirements raise questions about the overall integrity of federal elections. With any of the concerns raised about the integrity of ballots cast, it is critical to ensure that we have all the facts and evidence necessary to review. More than enough evidence has been presented to warrant the issuing of subpoenas, search warrants and the impounding of ballot materials and election devices for forensic analysis. Notably, in Georgia where officials will be preparing for the Senate runoff election, it is important that election materials, including voting machines, be preserved for analysis. If any of this investigative activity is currently taking place at any level of the Justice Department, it has not been made known to the American people. There is no doubt that it is the duty of the Justice Department to ensure that the right to vote is sacred. There is also no doubt that the Justice Department must investigate violence or threats of violence against election officials and any citizens participating in the election process. The post-Election Day delay and inaction is particularly suspect after the long-awaited release of the Durham report remains tragically behind schedule. For three years, the American people watched as our taxpayer funded Justice department was weaponized against their duly elected President. They have waited with high hopes that those who violated the law in the prosecution of the Russian collusion hoax would be held accountable. In your speech at Hillsdale College Constitution Day Event on Wednesday, September 16, you eloquently noted that ""The great guarantees of the Bill of Rights... are critical safeguards of liberty. But as President Reagan used to remind people, the Soviet Union had a constitution too, and it even included some lofty-sounding rights. Ultimately, however, those promises were just empty words, because there was no rule of law to enforce them."" We appreciate an Attorney General who reveres the Constitution, who understands the rule of law and is able to skillfully and forcefully convey these ideals. What the American people need in this moment, however, is bold and courageous action. Unfortunately, too often the American people have seen many of our most powerful institutions corrupted against the People. In the case of alleged election improprieties, justice delayed truly would be justice denied. The American people deserve, and justice demands, action now. The full text of the letter and list of signers is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://keller.house.gov/media/in-the-news/congressman-keller-announces-childhood-development-grant-bradford-tioga-counties,"Congressman Keller announces childhood development grant for Bradford, Tioga counties",2020-12-02,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Fred Keller,K000395,keller.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) today announced the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded a grant to Bradford-Tioga Head Start. A grant in the amount of $1,638,062 will be administered by HHS to support childhood education and development programs in northcentral Pennsylvania. On the awarding of the grant, Congressman Fred Keller made the following statement: The programs offered by Head Start give local children essential opportunities to learn and grow while also supporting area families in need. Over the past 35 years, Bradford-Tioga Head Start has helped improve thousands of children's lives right here in PA-12. I thank HHS for its continued support of these critical programs and applaud the outstanding work that the people of Bradford-Tioga Head Start do to educate our children, strengthen our families and better our community.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://keller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-fred-keller-announces-head-start-grant-central-susquehanna,Congressman Fred Keller announces Head Start grant to Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit,2020-12-02,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Fred Keller,K000395,keller.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded a grant to Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit in Milton, Northumberland County. A Head Start grant in the amount of $1,755,707 will be administered by HHS to support Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit in early childhood education and development initiatives. On the awarding of the grants, Congressman Fred Keller made the following statement: Now more than ever, we must ensure our children are not left behind. Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit plays a critical role in providing quality education to help our children thrive and I am confident that this grant will support its mission and expand its reach in our communities. Background: In the 116th Congress, Congressman Keller has made child care a priority as the nation recovers from the pandemic, co-sponsoring two key bills: The EnsuringChildren andChildCareWorkers Are Safe Act of 2020, which provides federal support to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in child care provider settings; and the Back to Work Child Care Grants Act of 2020, which establishes a grant program to help child care providerswho were in operation prior to March 1, 2020pay for fixed costs and operating expenses for up to nine months. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://keller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-keller-calls-ag-barr-address-lack-action-doj-address-election,Congressman Keller calls on AG Barr to address lack of action by DOJ to address election integrity,2020-12-02,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Fred Keller,K000395,keller.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. This week, Congressman Fred Keller joined 36 Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives in sending a letter to Attorney General Barr, highlighting concerns over the lack of transparency in actions taken by the Department of Justice following the AG's directive to pursue allegations of voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election. The letter explains that the Department of Justice has not made a transparent effort to address cases of anomalies and inconsistencies in the tabulation of election results in several states, last-minute changes in balloting and counting requirements, and threats of retribution made by leftist groups against election officials. A copy of the letter is available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/thompson-join-scott-house-ag-committee-leadership,Thompson to Join Scott in House Ag Committee Leadership,2020-12-02,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Both parties have now selected their leaders for the House Ag Committee. The Republican steering committee voted Wednesday and chose Glenn GT Thompson from Pennsylvania to take over when Texas Congressman Michael Conaway retires. Democrats selected Georgia Congressman David Scott Tuesday, replacing Minnesota's long-time chair Collin Peterson. After Wednesday's vote, Thompson said he is humbled to have been elected by his colleagues. The descendant of generations of dairy farmers says, The challenges ahead of us are considerable, but we will continue to put farm families first and ensure our country has the most safe and affordable food supply chain on the planet. Both Scott and Thompson must be approved by the full party caucuses before assuming their new roles. Democrats plan to vote on Scott's selection Thursday.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/thompson-named-top-republican-agriculture,Thompson named top Republican on Agriculture,2020-12-02,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Glenn ""GT"" Thompson (Pa.) won the race to take over as the top Republican on the House Agriculture Committee. Thompson edged outReps.Austin Scott(R-Ga.) andRick Crawford(R-Ark.). Thompson, who was first elected to Congress in 2008, is the most senior member on the panel and the ranking member of the House Agriculture General Farm Commodities and Risk Management Subcommittee. Thompson is slated to succeed outgoing Rep.Mike Conaway(R-Texas), who announced his retirement in July 2019. The panel has jurisdiction over issues including food assistance programs and aid for farmers. Under House GOP rules, lawmakers are allowed to serve three terms as a ranking member or chairman before being term-limited out of the role. Thompson said he highlighted his experience on the panel while making his pitch to members, noting his work on two farm bills and his leadership on issues including conservation, forestry and nutrition. Thompson said he is ready to hit the ground running next year, placing a strong emphasis on policies to boost economic growth. My vision is basically looking to restore a robust economy. Certainly, that is an important part of that is markets for all of our commodity groups, all those farmers and farm families that work so hard to produce us the food and the fiber that we need but also what we need in rural America,"" he said. The House GOP conference is slated to ratify the Steering Committee's ranking member selections on Thursday.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/thompson-selected-lead-republicans-house-ag,Thompson selected to lead Republicans on House Ag,2020-12-02,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"The House Republican Steering Committee on Wednesday selected Rep. Glenn Thompson of Pennsylvania to serve as ranking member for the House Agriculture Committee. Pending formal approval of the full House GOP conference, he will succeedTexas Rep. Mike Conaway,who is retiring from Congress. ""As a lifelong resident of a small town in rural central Pennsylvania and the descendant of a long line of dairy farmers, I am incredibly humbled to have been elected by my Republican colleagues to be their leader on the House Agriculture Committee in the 117th Congress, Thompson said in a statement. The challenges ahead of us are considerable, but we will continue to put farm families first and ensure our country has the most safe and affordable food supply chain on the planet."" Rep. Austin Scott of Georgia (no relation topresumptive Democratic Chair David Scott, who got the nod from that party'ssteering committee Tuesday)and Rep. Rick Crawford of Arkansas, were alsovying to be the top Republican on the panel. Thompson has served 11 years on the House Agriculture Committee and serves as ranking member of the general farm commodities and risk management subcommittee. He also was the vice chair of the full committee and chair of the nutrition subcommittee during the development of the 2018 farm bill. His vision to lead the committee has two parts: having a robust rural America and serving the next generation of family farms. We need to make sure that we provide the right kind of policies so folks can find opportunity in rural America, Thompson toldAgri-Pulsein November 2019. At the time, Thompson said his priorities include expanding new markets for agricultural products, improving the farm safety net, improving Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage to be more effective and affordable for producers, and improving rural broadband connectivity. He also wants to expand access to commodity purchases through The Emergency Food Assistance Program, or TEFAP,a federal program providing low-income Americans with emergency food assistance at no cost. Thompson's appointment rounds out the new leadership group for the House and Senate Ag Committees, who will have new faces in three of four slots for the upcoming Congress. In addition to Thompson taking Conaway's place, David Scott is poised to succeed Rep. Collin Peterson as the new chair of the House committee. In the Senate, Arkansas Republican John Boozman is expected to lead Republican efforts on the ag committee; Michigan Democrat Debbie Stabenow is the lone holdover from the leadership group that drafted the last farm bill. The steering committee selected Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers to become ranking member on the powerful House Energy and Committee. This committee has jurisdiction over energy policy and oversight of the Food and Drug Administration and Environmental Protection Agency. McMorris Rodgers, whose district covers the eastern third of Washington, would replace retiring Oregon Rep. Greg Walden.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-elected-republican-leader-house-agriculture-committee,Thompson Elected Republican Leader of the House Agriculture Committee,2020-12-02,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,thompson,https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Glenn 'GT' Thompson was elected by the Republican Steering Committee to serve as Republican Leader of the House Agriculture Committee in the 117th Congress. At the conclusion of the vote, Congressman Thompson issued the following statement: ""As a lifelong resident of a small town in rural Central Pennsylvania and the descendant of a long line of dairy farmers, I am incredibly humbled to have been elected by my Republican colleagues to be their leader on the House Agriculture Committee in the 117th Congress,"" said Rep. Thompson. ""The challenges ahead of us are considerable, but we will continue to put farm families first and ensure our country has the most safe and affordable food supply chain on the planet.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://keller.house.gov/media/in-the-news/losing-spikes-was-not-option-entering-their-15th-year-state-college-spikes-brace,"'Losing the Spikes was not an option' | Entering their 15th year, the State College Spikes brace for rebrand",2020-12-01,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,PA,Fred Keller,K000395,keller.house.gov,,,legacy,"After the State College Spikes' 2020 season was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, there was a degree of uncertainty surrounding the team's future. The Spikes previously the Short Season Class A affiliate for the St. Louis Cardinals quelled that uncertainty and announced their direction as a franchise Tuesday morning as they enter their 15th season in State College. As first released in a tweet by Major League Baseball, the Spikes will be joining the brand new MLB Draft League, which will hold its inaugural season in 2021, and will no longer be affiliated with a Major League club. A few months ago, I don't think we were quite sure how things were going to play out for the Spikes, but to be able to share the news today, it's very, very exciting, Scott Walker, the General Manager of the Spikes, said at the beginning of the press conference. Walker and the Spikes' uncertainty stemmed from a proposed agreement between Major League and Minor League Baseball that would reduce the number of club affiliates from 160 to 120, and called for the elimination of Short Season Class A, the level the Spikes were previously. State College Spikes Chairman and Managing Partner Chuck Greenberg followed Walker's statement and expressed how he believes the club's visions both on the field and off, will not only continue, but will be taken to the next level. This is an updated, more intense version of everything that's made Spikes baseball great. All of the things that have made it a great experience [will continue], Greenberg said. From a big picture standpoint, it's going to be all the things we've had, with an even greater concentration of talent. The Draft League's primary focus will be on giving MLB exposure to draft-eligible collegiate players. Greenberg is excited to bring college players to one of the ultimate college towns in Happy Valley to improve their draft stock and make the case for themselves to get drafted, calling it an extraordinary set of circumstances. He also acknowledged the fact that the league will attempt to distribute talent among its members equally but said there's a good chance of an appearance from Penn Staters and local standouts with the Spikes. There's certainly going to be a special priority placed on local affiliations, Greenberg said. If there are Penn State players who are draft-eligible or ready to play at that level, [we are] confident that they'll be with the Spikes. Kerrick Jackson, the former head baseball coach at Southern University, was appointed as the president of the new MLB Draft League and said that the talent and ability of the league will be similar to, if not greater than, that of what Spikes fans are used to seeing. As a former college coach, Jackson understands the challenge of college baseball players struggling to focus because they are drafted while their seasons are still going on. For that reason, Jackson is excited about the prospect the league presents for players to hone their skills in a professional setting after the completion of their college seasons. Now that these kids will be done playing it's solely meant to be focused on their professional careers, Jackson said. Making sure that they're putting themselves in a position to be the best players they can be. The Spikes' impact reaches well beyond the realm of baseball, playing a large role in the State College community, especially financially. According to Fritz Smith, president and CEO of the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, State College has lost $132 million dollars in visitor spending in 2020 and around 1,600 leisure and hospitality workers in the area are still searching for jobs. Smith said, though, that the one area that hasn't seen a decline in interest in State College happens to be the attraction of sports. Sports are in our DNA here, Smith said. It would have been unthinkable to not have Spikes baseball this year, so we're looking forward to it. Smith believes that the new league will generate plenty of interest and attention and believes State College has turned the corner and is looking forward to a great 2021. Congressman Fred Keller of Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District has been impressed by the support for the Spikes. The Spikes mean more than just baseball, Keller said. Our community knew that losing the Spikes was not an option. Keller said that it has been outstanding to see Central Pennsylvania rally for the Spikes and that the new position with the Draft League presents a light at the end of the tunnel. Greenberg said that the financial situation surrounding the new Draft League will be very similar to what it was before and gave credit to MLB for listening to each team's needs. The Spikes will have 34 home games in the new league compared to 38 in their previous league. Looking forward, Greenberg doesn't just see the MLB Draft League as a stepping stone, but instead they are looking forward to hopefully the next 15 years just as much as they were the last 15 years. I couldn't be more excited about it, both with my Spikes hat on and my general baseball fan hat on, Greenberg said. I really think this an exceptional, wonderful day.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z