url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at
http://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-releases-year-end-report-constituents,Rep. Kelly Releases Year-End Report for Constituents,2013-12-31,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON — Representative Mike Kelly (PA-03) released the following letter today, to be e-mailed to his constituents throughout Pennsylvania’s Third Congressional District, to serve as a year-end overview of his office’s legislative achievements and constituent relations throughout 2013.
Dear Constituent:
Over the past twelve months, I have had the enormous privilege of continuing to represent you in our nation’s capital during the first session of the 113th Congress. As with my first term in office, all of my work in the House of Representatives is guided by your values, your voices, and your priorities.
Your goals are my goals, and every day I work hard to accomplish them. The most important of these, of course, is creating an environment that strengthens our economy and generates more jobs with family-sustainable wages for our region and our country. I’ve proudly supported every measure to secure this outcome, and opposed any obstacle to reaching it. You can learn more about every jobs bill passed in the House and follow their status here.
With every new challenge that 2013 brought us – and there were many – there also came many opportunities. My staff and I worked diligently to meet all of them head-on.
Fighting the IRS, Restoring Trust & Accountability in Washington
When the news broke that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) was targeting and harassing Americans based on their political leanings, I joined the nation in outrage. As member of the House Ways and Means Committee (and member of the Subcommittee on Oversight), I made it my personal responsibility to get answers about what went wrong and hold those responsible fully accountable for abusing the American people’s trust in such an unthinkable manner. Watch my remarks at two memorable committee hearings here and here.
As a result of this scandal, during the summer I re-introduced the Government Employee Accountability Act. The legislation would give all federal agencies the power to effectively deal with delinquent Senior Executive Service employees (such as disgraced former IRS official Lois Lerner), including the ability to conduct “investigative leave without pay” and to carry out immediate termination. In other words, no more paid vacations for violating the taxpayers’ rights. The House eventually passed the legislation by a bipartisan vote of 239-176.
Stopping Asian Carp, Protecting Jobs & Families in Western Pennsylvania 
Back home in the Third District, the threat of Asian carp are constantly on everyone’s minds — and rightly so. This 70-pound invasive species threatens our regional economy, the fishing industry, and the wellbeing of all of us who rely on the water for work or recreation. This is a fish that is so aggressive and voracious that it can sometimes eat up to four times its own weight. When it emerges out of the water – flies, is more like it – it can inflict serious physical harm upon anyone it strikes, especially toddlers and young children.
As the co-chairman of the Northeast-Midwest Congressional Coalition, and as a grandfather to eight beautiful young grandchildren, I take this threat extremely seriously. This is not a Republican or a Democrat issue. This is an American issue, and the stakes are dangerously high.
If drastic action is not taken, this invasive species will utterly devastate the Great Lakes and Western Pennsylvania waterways and thereby cripple a $7 billion commercial and recreational fishing industry — along with all the jobs and livelihoods that go with it.
That is why this past fall I was proud to offer a bipartisan amendment to the Water Resources Reform & Development Act of 2013 (WRRDA) which will establish a multiagency effort to slow the spread of Asian carp in the Upper Mississippi and Ohio River basins and tributaries, including the assistance of  the Army Corp of Engineers. In a stunning display of people before party, the House passed WRRDA – with my amendment attached – by an astounding bipartisan vote of 417-3.
Protecting Americans from Obamacare, Standing up for a Patient-Centered Alternative
Even before the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) became law, most Americans had a bad feeling about the federal government taking over one sixth of our economy. Now, after the first few months of its horrific implementation, and after hearing personal stories from countless constituents, there is no mistaking it: Obamacare is a national disaster.
As you know, since coming to Congress in 2011, I have seized every opportunity to repeal or at least reduce Obamacare so that fewer Americans are harmed by its mandates. I have also sought to shed light on areas surrounding the law that are uncertain, if not downright murky. That’s why I’ve sent the Obama administration two separate letters demanding to know why the construction process for Obamacare’s official website was so poorly overseen and executed. American taxpayers, whose hard-earned money funded the website, deserve to know.
At the same time, I have long believed that effective health care reform is indeed a national imperative that, with the right guiding principles, can and should still be achieved. After all, the mantra “repeal and replace” only holds water if “replace” has a meaning. That is why I am co-sponsoring the American Health Care Reform Act, a patient-centered alternative to Obamacare that would make health insurance more accessible and affordable to the most vulnerable among us — and do so in a way that wouldn’t damage the economy or disrupt anyone’s existing plans. You can read more about this commonsense bill here.
Defending the Second Amendment & National Sovereignty
All year long, I was proud to lead the congressional opposition to the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), an outrageous agreement which forces the United States – the world’s most important defender of peace and democracy – onto equal footing with the world’s worst dictatorships and terror-sponsors. Ominously, the treaty excludes any specific protection for, or even mention of, the fundamental right of individuals to keep and bear arms, which only opens the door wider to future gun control impositions.
Earlier this year, I introduced a concurrent resolution (existing in both houses of Congress) to oppose the ATT and helped it earn the co-sponsorship of more than a third of the House and the Senate. We later sent two letters to President Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry explaining our opposition and vowing to block ATT with every tool at our disposal.
In anticipation of the treaty being signed by the Obama administration (which ultimately occurred), I introduced an amendment to prohibit any federal funding for the implementation of the ATT in the Defense Departments’ annual appropriations bill. On December 26th, President Obama signed the bill, with my amendment, into law. Needless to say, this fight will continue in 2014.
Meeting the Needs of the Third District All Year Round
Here is a run-down of how my offices and staff were able to help me assist and communicate with my constituents in 2013. We…
 Expanded my social media presence, earning more than 5,000 “friends” and 4,000 followers on Facebook and Twitter respectively; and
Toured more than 25 local businesses and factories to talk with both employers and employees about issues affecting their industries;
Helped more than 1,900 constituents with their challenges to navigate the federal bureaucracy;
Answered more than 68,000 pieces of mail, email, faxes and calls;
Maintained 3 full time constituent offices and 3 satellite offices;
Held 5 Tele-Town Hall Meetings to address a range of issues including help with filing tax returns and Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period;
Organized or attended dozens of outreach meetings with constituency groups;
Sent more than 1,500 American flags to constituents and assisted with 242 tours of the U.S. Capitol;
Conducted hundreds of interviews with local, regional, and national press.
 As I’ve said time and again, representing you and your neighbors in the House of Representatives is the honor of my lifetime. Anytime my staff can help you with a federal matter in any specific way, please do not hesitate to contact me via the information and locations listed below. I humbly thank you for the opportunity to serve you, and look forward to having your back in Congress in 2014.
Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Mike Kelly
 
ERIE DISTRICT OFFICE
208 E. Bayfront Parkway
Suite 102
Erie, PA 16507
Phone: (814) 454-8190
Fax: (814) 454-8197
 
BUTLER DISTRICT OFFICE
101 East Diamond St
Suite 218
Butler, PA  16001
Phone: (724) 282-2557  
	Fax: (724) 282-3682
 
SHARON DISTRICT OFFICE
33 Chestnut Street
Sharon, PA  16146
Phone: (724) 342-7170
Fax: (724) 342-7242
 
WASHINGTON, DC OFFICE
1519 Longworth HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-5406
Fax: (202) 225-3103
 
CRAWFORD COUNTY OFFICE
Every Wednesday
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
908 Diamond Park
Meadville, PA 16335
 
ARMSTRONG COUNTY OFFICE
Every Thursday
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
300 South McKean Street
Kittanning, PA 16201
 
LAWRENCE COUNTY
Every Friday
9:00 a.m. – 4: 00 p.m.
Lawrence County Courthouse
430 Court Street
New Castle, PA  16101
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pittenger.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pittenger-announces-five-service-academy-nominations,Pittenger Announces Five Service Academy Nominations,2013-12-31,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NC,Robert Pittenger,P000606,pittenger.house.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 31, 2013
 
 
 CONGRESSMAN PITTENGER ANNOUNCES FIVE SERVICE ACADEMY APPOINTMENTS 
 
CHARLOTTE - As the New Year begins, several students from the Charlotte area are set to start lives of service to their country.  Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) is honored to announce five young men have received appointments to United States service academies for the coming year.
 
 Mr. Connor Calvin, a senior at Charlotte Christian School, will join the Naval Academy.  ""Every day I want to go to work leading people who seek to craft a better world for their families and liberate those under oppression,"" Connor stated.  He is the son of Leigh and John Calvin, and lives in Matthews.
	Mr. Peter Hetzel, who is homeschooled and also attends Grace Academy, will be a cadet at West Point.  Peter has two brothers in the Naval Academy, and joins them in a tradition of service.  He is from Weddington, and is the son of Whitney and James Hetzel.
	Mr. Ethan Mead, a senior at Charlotte Catholic, wanted to join the Air Force Academy.  ""I want to be able to put all of my efforts into making not only the United States a better place to live,"" Ethan said, ""but the rest of the world as well.""  The son of Delaine and Mark Mead, Ethan is from Charlotte.
	Mr. Mitch Renfrow, a senior at Providence Day School, plans to join the Air Force Academy.  As a lacrosse goalie and Sunday school teacher, Mitch believes ""the best leader must also be a good follower,"" and hopes to become an Air Force chaplain.  From Charlotte, he is the son of Georgene and William Renfrow.
	Mr. Emory Walls, a senior at Providence High School, will join the Air Force Academy.  Emory has been interested in aviation from a young age, since his grandparents gave him a copy of The Encyclopedia of Modern Aircraft for his second birthday.  He is the son of Alison and George Walls, and is from Matthews.
 ""By serving a cause greater than their own self-interests, each of these young Americans are embarking on an inspiring course which will make America proud,"" Congressman Pittenger commented.  ""The Ninth District is blessed with many talented young individuals, and their willingness to step forward to answer freedom's call reflects their sense of duty, devotion, and resolve.""
 
Congressman Pittenger has personally called all five appointees to congratulate them on this accomplishment.  The five appointees are a great start to the appointment process in the two weeks since Congressman Pittenger's office sent nominations to the service academies.
 
To date, there have been five appointments for 2014, joining 14 appointments for 2013.
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://rokita.house.gov/editorial/rokita-report-2013-year-review,Rokita Report 2013 Year-in-Review,2013-12-31,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,IN,Todd Rokita,R000592,rokita.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friend,
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to update you on my work in the 113th Congress. I trust this finds you and your family well.
As we are at the end of 2013, I wanted to use this Rokita Report as a quick ""Year-in-Review"" of some of the bigger accomplishments this year.  
 
    


	In September, I, along with several Republican Study Committee colleagues, introduced the American Health Care Reform Act - a consumer-driven, commonsense health care reform bill designed to increase access and reduce costs for all Americans.
We introduced this legislation because we believe it is important to improve health care, not just repeal ObamaCare.  This bill now has nearly 120 cosponsors and I look forward to more of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle joining us in 2014.
You can view my remarks from the press conference where we rolled out the legislation here.
A brief summary of the bills reforms
 Encouraging a more competitive health care market - Allows Americans to purchase health care across state lines, increasing transparency in Medicare by making claims data public, and allowing small businesses to pool together to lower costs.
Increasing access to portable, affordable health insurance - Implements an across-the-board standard deduction for all health insurance plans, and expanding access and options for Health Savings Accounts.
Improving access to insurance for vulnerable Americans - Ensures affordable coverage for those with pre-existing conditions by funding state high-risk pools, and removing barriers that prevent continual insurance coverage.
Reforming medical liability law - Caps non-economic damages, and placing a statute of limitations on liability cases.
Respecting human life - Prohibits taxpayer funding for abortion.
Repealing Obamacare
 We continue to seek input from anyone that wishes to constructively contribute to meaningful and responsible health care reform.
You can read the full bill text, summaries of the bills, and learn more about the American Health Care Reform Act here. 
 
   
  
In August, the House considered and passed the Student Success Act.  The Student Success Act, introduced in June, is a bill I authored in my role as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education that reforms No Child Left Behind and reasserts Indiana's explicit right to direct the education of Indiana's children.
The Student Success Act reforms our nation's K-12 education system by restoring local and state control to our schools.  In particular, the Student Success Act gives states, not Washington, D.C., the authority and responsibility to set academic standards, to measure if students are meeting those standards, and to make changes if they are not meeting their own standards.  
Rep. Rokita Responds to Student Success Act Criticism 7-19-13
No Washington bureaucrat cares more about a child than a parent does. And no one in Washington knows what is better for Indiana students than Indiana families, teachers, and school boards. That is why the Student Success Act (SSA) puts an end to the administration’s National School Board by returning control to state and local school districts.
 
Many Hoosiers will also be pleased to know that the Student Success Act prohibits the Secretary of Education from coercing states into adopting Common Core.
	I would like to thank my fellow Education and Workforce Hoosier colleagues - Reps. Larry Bucshon, Susan Brooks, and Luke Messer for their help with this legislation. 
It is my hope that the Senate considers their reauthorization legislation in 2014. I look forward to working with my Senate counterparts pass this plan next year.  For more information on the bill, please click here.
   
Protecting your 4th Amendment Rights - Stopping the NSA from Spying on Americans
Like many Hoosiers, I was greatly concerned when I learned about the various National Security Agency spying scandals that were reported this year.   As more and more revelations emerged about the NSA spying on Americans’ phone calls and electronic communications, it was clear that the Obama Administration has been slow in taking responsibility for abuses and invasions of Americans’ privacy.  
Since that news broke, I have continually been working on a bipartisan basis to rein in the NSA’s domestic surveillance operations and protect Americans’ privacy through legislation and congressional oversight.  
Most recently, I co-authored bipartisan legislation called the USA Freedom Act to address NSA abuses.  The USA Freedom Act makes reforms to end the dragnet collection of Americans’ phone records under Section 215 of the PATRIOT.  This bill also provides more safeguards for warrantless surveillance.
In September, I introduced legislation to establish a Select Committee to investigate and report on the surveillance operations of the National Security Administration.  
Also this year, I introduced another bipartisan bill to curb unconstitutional surveillance, the Ending Secret Law Act, to require declassification of Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) decisions.  Read my op-ed regarding this bill from the UK's Guardian, which first broke the news of this surveillance, here.
I am committed to continue and win this fight to uphold our constitutional Fourth Amendment rights.  
   
 

 
In the spring of 2011, my office in conjunction with the Indiana Chamber of Commerce embarked on a critical initiative called “Red Tape Rollback,” to identify and roll back unnecessary and overly burdensome federal regulations that kill jobs and hurt our economy.   The purpose of Red Tape Rollback is to give businesses, individuals, and institutions across the Hoosier State one location to report information on these job-destroying rules and regulations.
I’m pleased to report that at the end of 2013—just over two years into this effort—we’ve achieved 33 significant victories in our fight against excessive regulations, and we’ve made major progress on dozens of other issues.  From victories that will reshape the framework of regulation in America to more specific regulations that burden Hoosiers, we’ve achieved victories across the federal government.  We’ve pushed back against regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Labor, the Department of Health and Human Services, and more.  I will be releasing an annual report in early 2014 that contains stories about some of our successes and some of our ongoing work.
However, our work is far from done.
As economic leaders across the Hoosier State, the Red Tape Rollback program only works with your participation.  The Constitution vests Congress with the duty to legislate, but equally important is our duty to provide oversight of the executive branch.  As we in Congress investigate and debate the appropriateness of federal regulations, I invite you to join us in our efforts.  If you know of any regulation that is destroying jobs, inhibiting growth, or slowing our economy, I want to know about it. 
It is important that we act now to remove unnecessary and burdensome regulations that destroy jobs.  It is time to put Hoosiers back to work and unleash our economy by tearing down the barriers that keep businesses from growing.
To learn more about this program and to share your stories of regulatory overreach visit rokita.house.gov/redtape.  
	 
  I appreciate your continued interest in Congress and for supporting my efforts in Washington. Take care and have a great 2014.
Sincerely,
 
	Todd Rokita",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140222202135/http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=2109,"State Journal: WV population down from 2012, new census estimates show",2013-12-31,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"West Virginia was one of two states to lose population in the past year, according to estimates released by the Census Bureau on Dec. 30.

	Based on births, deaths and migration, the Census Bureau estimated the state's population as of July 1, 2013, as 1,854,304, a decrease of 2,376 from the 2012 estimate of 1,856,680, but still higher than the 1,852,994 people counted in the 2010 census.

	Maine was the other state to show a decrease, losing 199 people to drop to 1,328,302. Maine and Rhode Island are the only states whose most recent population estimates are lower than the 2010 census count.

	To read entire article, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140307001348/http://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=0e414404-d5e2-4216-bfdc-138a468e167b,Alexander: Unhappy New Year for Tens of Thousands of Tennesseans Whose Health Insurance on the Job Will Change Because of Obamacare,2013-12-31,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"December 31 2013  - 
Says enforcement of mandate requiring employers to provide insurance will lead to more canceled plans, higher costs
***
“The president’s broken promise that ‘If you like your health insurance, you can keep it’ was an unwelcome Christmas present for 82,000 Tennesseans buying insurance on their own. Now, since nearly 13 times as many Tennesseans receive health insurance on the job, Obamacare threatens to bring an Unhappy New Year for tens of thousands more Tennesseans.” – Lamar Alexander 
MARYVILLE, Dec. 31 – U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said that since nearly 13 times as many Tennesseans receive health insurance through their employers as purchase their own individual plans, new Obamacare mandates on businesses mean that now Tennesseans receiving health insurance through employers will have to worry about Obamacare cancellations bringing an “Unhappy New Year.”    
“During 2014, many of the burdensome Obamacare mandates on businesses that the Obama administration delayed will be in full force,” Alexander said. “We’ve already seen how the president’s broken promise that ‘If you like your health insurance, you can keep it’ was an unwelcome Christmas present for 82,000 Tennesseans buying insurance on their own. Now, since nearly 13 times as many Tennesseans receive health insurance on the job, Obamacare threatens to bring an Unhappy New Year for tens of thousands more Tennesseans."" 
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, there are more than 246,000 Tennesseans on the individual insurance market, and Alexander said at least 82,000 Tennesseans are scheduled to begin losing their current insurance because their plans were “outlawed” under Obamacare. About 3,175,000 Tennesseans get their insurance through their employers, according to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, or nearly 13 times as many as in the individual insurance market. Alexander said the “burdensome mandates on employers” could mean “tens of thousands more” Tennesseans will lose their current plans or see their costs increase, just as in the individual health insurance market.
In 2014, employers will begin to make employee insurance and work-hour changes to prepare for the employer mandate to be enforced by the Obama administration, which requires employers with 50 employees or more to provide health insurance or pay a penalty. Alexander said the employer mandate will limit the options employers have to provide affordable insurance for all employees – leading to some existing plans no longer being legal, and insurance being more expensive, just as Americans saw in the individual health insurance market this year. 
The senator also noted that many employers are already starting to reduce employee work hours and limit new hires and reconsider business expansions in order to lessen their burdens under Obamacare. The Obama administration in July of 2013 delayed enforcement until Jan. 1, 2015, instead of Jan. 1, 2014. Alexander continued, “Enforcement of burdensome mandates on businesses will mean fewer choices as health insurance plans offered by employers are outlawed under Obamacare, as well as higher costs for both Tennesseans and businesses that are trying to create jobs.”
The Obama administration is expected to release rules related to the employer mandate soon. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will be releasing its final rule on the employer mandate, and the Internal Revenue Service will begin to reveal how much paperwork and personal information it will require businesses and employees to provide.
# # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.lee.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/blog?ContentRecord_id=8826bd89-1c86-470a-a14b-5099ebe326b6,"Senator Lee has 100,000 Followers on Twitter - Top Tweets of 2013",2013-12-31,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Early this morning, my following on Twitter surpassed 100,000. I would like to thank everyone that has joined the dialogue with me on Twitter. I have compiled a list of my most popular tweets from 2013. As you read through this list of tweets, you will see the important role you have all played in this dialogue. This year we have had important debates about controlling federal spending, protecting constitutional rights, protecting Americans from the negative effects of Obamacare, reforming immigration, and a variety of other topics.

On January 1, 2013, I had ~15,700 followers on twitter.  Surpassing 100,000 followers is a great benchmark, and it verifies that more and more Americans are becoming engaged in the debate about the future of our country.  I am hopeful that we can continue to carry this dialogue forward into 2014 to even more people.   I look forward to being a part of this debate. 
Here are the Twitter highlights from 2013.  Retweet your favorites:
 
Everything about the #fiscalcliff deal was a failure: what Congress did, how Congress did it, and what Congress failed to do.
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) January 2, 2013 

 
Senator Ted Cruz has created his official Twitter account @SenTedCruz. You should follow him. Please RT #tcot #tlot #tgdn #txpol #pjnet
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) January 15, 2013 

 
Unfortunately, the president is using Newtown tragedy to advance proposals that would do little to prevent such acts: http://t.co/SX7SjSKe
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) January 16, 2013 

 
The president’s approach is inconsistent w/ #2ndAmendment rights, and it encroaches on state and local governments: http://t.co/7cRF13GR
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) January 16, 2013 

 
#NLRB decision represents vindication of principled stand I've taken against President’s disregard of Constitution: http://t.co/jTHPsxr4
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) January 25, 2013 

 
The Budget Act requires president to submit budget to Congress by today. Not surprisingly, he failed to do so: http://t.co/Y6RqI4cT #tcot
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) February 4, 2013 

 
After disappointing hearing, unanswered questions, failure to comply with transparency requirements I cannot support #Hagel for SECDEF.
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) February 7, 2013 

 
Let's cut improper food stamp payments before cutting aircraft carrier deployments. #CutThisNotThat pic.twitter.com/uHotSRDClS
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) February 27, 2013 

 
We should look into getting rid of free government cell phones before cutting border security. #CutThisNotThat #tcot pic.twitter.com/iZmLzNBcNb
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) February 27, 2013 

 
I join @SenTedCruz in objecting to Senate consideration of any CR w/out a vote on delaying funding of #Obamacare. http://t.co/F9W90o19eF
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) March 6, 2013 

 
As @SenRandPaul began his filibuster of Brennan, I was questioning Holder on #drone strikes: http://t.co/CoFbBMjUfz
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) March 6, 2013 

 
This is what I was doing on March 7 at 12:18 a.m. What were you doing? #StandWithRand http://t.co/ojXrrWrYNG
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) March 7, 2013 

 
Sen. McConnell says he will support the Cruz/Lee amendment to CR to defund #obamacare: http://t.co/oYpPlcLkKd #tcot
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) March 8, 2013 

 
We should cut USDA food tasting extravaganzas before food inspections. #CutThisNotThat #tcot pic.twitter.com/sumRy9kBRv
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) March 8, 2013 

 
Our first priority to reduce spending should be to #DefundObamacare #CutThisNotThat pic.twitter.com/wsDQjbG4J0
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) March 12, 2013 

 
Rand Paul, MIke Lee, and Ted Cruz threaten filibuster on guns: http://t.co/nV4vGseZ3H #2A #tcot #tgdn #tlot
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) March 26, 2013 

 
We must ensure that Constitutional rights are not taken away casually: http://t.co/rDhWy4SNmc #2ndAmendment #tcot @SenTedCruz @SenRandPaul
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) March 28, 2013 

 
Here is my response to the president's #guncontrol address: http://t.co/cGE1nPnrp2 #2ndAmendment #tcot @SenRandPaul @SenTedCruz
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) March 28, 2013 

 
Push RT button. I just received word @MarcoRubio & Senator Inhofe have signed Paul, Cruz, Lee Letter to protect #2ndAmendment. @InhofePress
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) March 28, 2013 

 
Momentum is Building to Protect #2ndAmendment in Senate: http://t.co/GVGLWan3Gl Please RT @SenRandPaul @SenTedCruz @MarcoRubio @Inhofepress
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) March 29, 2013 

 
Constitution Wasn't Written to Maximize the Convenience of Government: http://t.co/YYyvAPasum #2ndAmendment #UniversalBackgroundCheck
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) March 30, 2013 

 
I have joined 34 senators to prevent ratification of UN Arms Trade Treaty, which undermines #2ndAmendment rights: http://t.co/0blxK8X02i
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) April 3, 2013 

 
#Guncontrol isn't about guns, it's about control. The right to bear arms isn't about the arms, it's about the right: http://t.co/bcXpQTWpKF
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) April 4, 2013 

 
#UniversalBackgroundCheck bill S.649 doesn't keep guns out of hands of criminals, it turns gun owners into criminals: http://t.co/tPBMtwkZRk
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) April 5, 2013 

 
President doesn't want filibuster because it prolongs debate. #Protect2A Add your voice: http://t.co/z83jhlMWci pic.twitter.com/qXTQ1GWdcq
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) April 9, 2013 

 
Universal Background Check bill authorizes Eric Holder to create rules to require gun transfer records: http://t.co/UtXBveS1yb #Protect2A
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) April 9, 2013 

 
.@SenateDems Here is the bipartisan list of 50 Senators who already voted to protect the #2ndAmendment. #Protect2A pic.twitter.com/mdr6vjnF2P
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) April 9, 2013 

 
I am headed to Senate floor right now to share #Protect2A submissions. Add your voice if you haven't already: http://t.co/V25SqXm65l #tcot
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) April 10, 2013 

 
The Senate is voting now on a gun control bill that senators haven't been able to read yet: http://t.co/FuWDvqE6uh #Protect2A
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) April 11, 2013 

 
MT @sentedcruz: In statement w/ @SenMikeLee & @SenRandPaul: http://t.co/noFN6t8cFY Why is Senate voting on bill no one has read? #Protect2A
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) April 11, 2013 

 
It's unfortunate that we will have so little time to #ReadTheBill before holding hearings on #immigration reform: http://t.co/89kvAkZsQk
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) April 16, 2013 

 
I voted NO on Toomey/Manchin background check proposal. The Amendment failed to receive 60 votes. #Protect2A
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) April 17, 2013 

 
After sequester, #FAA still has $9.2 billion to cover the $6.5 billion they need to operate #CutThisNotThat pic.twitter.com/N1HHMtwL1n
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) April 24, 2013 

 
The Senate should formally review public policies that led to the illegal abortion practices of #Gosnell and others: http://t.co/x4GQYioUUX
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) May 6, 2013 

 
Americans should be able to exercise constitutionally protected rights w/out fear of political retribution from #IRS: http://t.co/azPhK5vMIf
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) May 13, 2013 

 
The #Gosnell trial is not about one man, it's about an unaccountable industry that preys upon vulnerable & innocent: http://t.co/IMsW0DrEZj
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) May 13, 2013 

 
The #IRS scandal is the inevitable consequence of a government that has gotten too big & too expensive to control: http://t.co/zqV0oBynP2
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) May 15, 2013 

 
When an agency like the #IRS can single out Tea Party groups, we are no longer citizens but subjects. http://t.co/h0uuGwv2Pc
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) May 15, 2013 

 
Firing a few #IRS employees won't solve the problem. American people need to demand that government be less involved and less intrusive.
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) May 15, 2013 

 
Senate Democrats block @senrandpaul resolution condemning #IRS: http://t.co/6p4NSqZAUt #Protect1A
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) May 15, 2013 

 
I joined a press conference today to speak out against a government that has grown so large it can't be managed. #IRS pic.twitter.com/VtdNLKBfAV
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) May 16, 2013 

 
Help share this --> The Obama Scandals Aren’t About Bad Government, but Big Government http://t.co/3kcrY9kCfc #TCOT #IRS
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) May 16, 2013 

 
Obama's recess appointments ruled unconstitutional again today by 3rd Circuit: http://t.co/9vGr3pf2jV #StopIgnoringTheConstitution
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) May 16, 2013 

 
To prevent the next abuse of government power, we need to reduce government power: http://t.co/gk5B4rPRP1 #Rush #tcot #IRS #Scandal
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) May 17, 2013 

 
Don't be surprised that a $3.7 trillion government is corrupt. Be surprised that anyone expects a $3.7 trillion government not to be. #IRS
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) May 21, 2013 

 
I joined Senator Rubio and @SenTedCruz to oppose raising the debt ceiling through budget conference: http://t.co/aCQ8gkuIhN Please RT #tcot
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) May 22, 2013 

 
""The American people don’t trust Congress – or either party, & we have given them 17 trillion reasons not to."" http://t.co/T4wLyVkpXF
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) May 23, 2013 

 
VIDEO: Senator Lee Explains Why Senator McCain is Mistaken about Back Room #DebtCeiling Increase: http://t.co/CFm1xL1kV6 #tcot
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) May 25, 2013 

 
Please RT if you agree that US should at least track & report the billions of taxpayer dollars we send to #UN: http://t.co/n3avOOmc0l
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) May 31, 2013 

 
#NSA surveillance of #Verizon cell phone records illustrates why I voted against Patriot Act: http://t.co/6G2PuvJICu #Protect4A
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) June 6, 2013 

 
Please RT if you think the government needs to #GetAWarrant: http://t.co/DqEcGB3gFr #Protect4A #NSA #Verizon
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) June 6, 2013 

 
#Gangof8 talking points don't match reality of Gang of 8 legislation: http://t.co/5wzH7dWWjY
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) June 10, 2013 

 
I voted against motion to proceed to #Gangof8 bill. I think it is a bad vehicle for reforming immigration system. pic.twitter.com/yc00tK4e93
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) June 11, 2013 

 
S.744 surrenders control of #immigration law to the Secretary of Homeland Security and other unelected, unaccountable bureaucrats. #CIRfloor
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) June 12, 2013 

 
S.744 authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security in hundreds of instances, to simply ignore #immigration law. #CIRfloor
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) June 12, 2013 

 
We don’t need another 1,000 page bill full of unintended consequences. We need real #immigration reform. http://t.co/5Mp6TyLsBp #tcot
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) June 12, 2013 

 
Here is the twitter version of my #immigration speech from today: http://t.co/Rlaf2DJigV Please help me RT these #tcot #Gangof8
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) June 12, 2013 

 
Please RT if you don't think President Obama should shut down energy development on public lands: http://t.co/FG3k6ocsXs
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) June 13, 2013 

 
Mike Lee and Ted Cruz challenge Obama with new military religious freedom amendments http://t.co/Ejj5v90i6g via @DCExaminer
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) June 18, 2013 

 
Congress should have to approve DHS border security plans. Cutting out Congress means cutting out American people: http://t.co/NqXWSCy85r
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) June 19, 2013 

 
Please RT if you agree w/ me, @SenRandPaul, @SenatorTomUdall, & @ChrisMurphyCT that we shouldn't send military funds to Syrian opposition.
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) June 20, 2013 

 
Please RT if you agree w/ me, @SenRandPaul, @SenatorTomUdall, & @ChrisMurphyCT that we shouldn't send military funds to Syrian opposition.
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) June 20, 2013 

 
From day one, the country was misled about what was in #Go8 bill. The talking points never matched bill's reality: http://t.co/8uM7N7bSFY
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) June 27, 2013 

 
From day one, the country was misled about what was in #Go8 bill. The talking points never matched bill's reality: http://t.co/8uM7N7bSFY
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) June 27, 2013 

 
I support immigration reform. But #Go8 is not immigration reform. It is big government dysfunction. I am voting no: http://t.co/0Rx1s0lT78
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) June 27, 2013 

 
Read & RT if you agree that Americans need public answers on data government is collecting on them via #PatriotAct: http://t.co/KaSpgvFtjr
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) June 28, 2013 

 
Please RT if you agree that #Obamacare is unaffordable and unfair: http://t.co/VcsdvAGOp4 #DontFundIt
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) July 17, 2013 

 
Labor Unions: Obamacare Will 'Shatter' Our Health Benefits, Cause 'Nightmare Scenarios': http://t.co/LK6RLy6dIF #ObamacareReadingList
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) July 21, 2013 

 
RT if you agree: Since President admits he can't follow #Obamacare, then Congress shouldn't fund it. http://t.co/D7x9Ke27TG #DontFundIt
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) July 23, 2013 

 
Add your voice to the effort to eliminate funding for #ObamaCare: http://t.co/YeYCKFTiH9 #DontFundIt Make this go viral w/ RTs
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) July 25, 2013 

 
If House passes bill to #DefundObamacare, will Senate Democrats fund government or shut it down to protect Obamacare? http://t.co/lAIYGRSrpP
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) August 5, 2013 

 
It's the president who is threatening to shut down government, though media won't cover it that way: http://t.co/9ruyoqlDOf #DefundObamacare
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) August 14, 2013 

 
Share this clip of @SenTedCruz discussing #DefundObamacare if you are part of the grassroots tsunami: http://t.co/LwQwd7jSqi #tcot
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) August 26, 2013 

 
I need help to defeat the false narrative that the effort to #DefundObamacare is an effort to shutdown government: http://t.co/qQPo0tOrna
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) August 27, 2013 

 
Before taking action in #Syria, the president should present his plan's cost, objectives, and timeline to Congress and get authorization.
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) August 28, 2013 

 
If the president believes the situation in #Syria presents a threat to U.S. national security, the right thing to do is call back Congress.
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) August 30, 2013 

 
If the president can't convince Congress that #Syria crisis threatens our national security, military intervention should be off the table.
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) August 30, 2013 

 
After participating in #Syria briefings yesterday, I do not believe that military action should be taken: http://t.co/Ta8BXGgI5g
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) September 5, 2013 

 
#DefundObamacareBecause it was unconstitutionally rewritten twice by the Supreme Court and multiple times by the president.
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) September 19, 2013 

 
The House of Representatives has listened to the American people and just voted to #DefundObamacare.
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) September 20, 2013 

 
Take time today to thank your member of the House of Representatives if they voted to keep the government open and #DefundObamacare.
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) September 20, 2013 

 
The American People Are Rallying Around the effort to #DefundObamacare: http://t.co/IvRSP2Zr0W RT if Republicans should hold our ground.
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) September 22, 2013 

 
It is now time for the Senate to act to #DefundObamacare: http://t.co/h9av2tsffy via
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) September 24, 2013 

 
Just today my office has received 1,093 emails, and almost every single one is asking me to do all I can to #DefundObamacare #MakeDCListen
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) September 25, 2013 

 
I don't understand why voting to give Harry Reid power to gut the House defund bill is a vote in favor of House bill. #MakeDCListen
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) September 25, 2013 

 
I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep. #MakeDCListen
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) September 25, 2013 

 
I would like to thank @SenTedCruz for his extraordinary effort to #MakeDCListen. http://t.co/Px0pRUn1Zk
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) September 25, 2013 

 
Senate Republicans can prevent Sen. Reid from funding #Obamacare in the House CR if they stay unified: http://t.co/oIl6iggvdk #MakeDCListen
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) September 26, 2013 

 
""The American people will always have the final word"" http://t.co/2KBRluXXSp RT if you agree #NoOnCloture #MakeDCListen #DefundObamacare
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) September 27, 2013 

 
""If #Obamacare is the law, why won't the president follow it?"": http://t.co/qOIVSZry7f #MakeDCListen @FoxNewsSunday
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) September 30, 2013 

 
We shouldn't have to fund everything in order to fund anything: http://t.co/bqrTnxO7lY #Shutdown #MakeDCListen
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) October 3, 2013 

 
Today Senate Democrats made it clear that unless we fund #Obamacare, they won't fund veterans' benefits: http://t.co/86bw3yNJsk
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) October 4, 2013 

 
House continues to pass bipartisan bills to fund government. Senate Democrats & president still refuse to negotiate: http://t.co/kt2fsk0tOr
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) October 5, 2013 

 
Obama Admin’s behavior during week 1 of #shutdown has been the best argument against #Obamacare anyone has ever made: http://t.co/EC4s0D4btl
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) October 7, 2013 

 
Government will use – and misuse – its power to advance its own interests, even if that means punishing Americans: http://t.co/cMZJ6dYKaN
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) October 7, 2013 

 
The message behind Obama Admin’s #shutdown bullying is the same message sent by IRS’s abuses of political opponents: do what I say, or else
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) October 7, 2013 

 
The #shutdown is introducing us to the abusive, partisan, unaccountable bureaucracy that, will soon be running America’s health care system.
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) October 7, 2013 

 
Each day of #shutdown brings a new and more vivid example of why it's critical that we not allow Washington to reach further into our lives.
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) October 7, 2013 

 
We now see how determined the president is to expand power of federal government & use that power to harm the country to get what he wants.
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) October 7, 2013 

 
It is time to stop using the word ""public"" when talking about land owned and managed by the federal government: http://t.co/9UGqVNnkhO
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) October 8, 2013 

 
Almost 10k people signed my #DontFundIt letter during 1st day online. #Obamacare had 6,200 sign-ups on its first day: http://t.co/xTju20exB1
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) October 10, 2013 

 
Today, @RushLimbaugh read one of my e-newsletters on his show. Many are asking where they can find it. Here's a link: http://t.co/Zk12tc2qTH
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) October 10, 2013 

 
Here is a link to the Values Voter Summit speech I delivered earlier today: http://t.co/M5QVifhXSn #VVS13
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) October 11, 2013 

 
Read and share the letter I signed with 49 other senators to announce our opposition the UN Arms Trade Treaty: http://t.co/fx8GLTWs7n #UNATT
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) October 15, 2013 

 
Here we are again: A proposal that maintains status quo, very little time to read & evaluate the bill, & no time to explain it to Americans.
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) October 16, 2013 

 
It appears that this fight will end the same way #Obamacare began: in a last-minute back-room deal forced on Congress & the American people.
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) October 16, 2013 

 
The media keeps asking, was it worth it? My answer is that it is always worth it to do the right thing: http://t.co/VIOhWj4zOA
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) October 16, 2013 

 
Fighting against an abusive government in defense of individual rights and freedoms is always the right thing: http://t.co/M77ByEtoe5 #tcot
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) October 16, 2013 

 
Avoiding difficult battles is how we ended up in this mess: $17 trillion in debt, a broken entitlement system, a tax code no one understands
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) October 17, 2013 

 
When the avoidance of political risk becomes our dominant motivation, only the Washington establishment wins. And the American people lose.
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) October 17, 2013 

 
We must remind the American people of the harmful effects of #Obamacare at every opportunity if we are ever going to see it repealed.
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) October 17, 2013 

 
Americans are realizing that with #Obamacare the Administration has either been dishonest or incompetent – or both: http://t.co/mlL5WHujv1
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) October 17, 2013 

 
There will be very real consequences for people in both parties as a result of #Obamacare. American people will have the last word.
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) October 17, 2013 

 
This is not over. We have an obligation to fight for the American people. And I do not intend to let the people down.
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) October 17, 2013 

 
Help me RT this: It is always worth it to do the right thing: http://t.co/8bmygWEetA #tcot
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) October 17, 2013 

 
We've got to launch this website to find out what is in it: http://t.co/yg814leYHH #Obamacare
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) October 18, 2013 

 
House Leaders Must Shut Back Door To Comprehensive #Immigration Bill http://t.co/HRe6ZMx0u8 via @BreitbartNews @SenatorSessions
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) October 18, 2013 

 
This is one of the best articles I have read about why the effort to #DefundObamacare was necessary: http://t.co/gw26A6M9cf #MakeDCListen
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) October 20, 2013 

 
Americans are spending more time reading health plan cancellation notices than Democrats spent reading #Obamcare pic.twitter.com/H1aHO5s7es
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) October 21, 2013 

 
#ButWaitTheresMore Aside from website problems & policy cancellation notices, employers are cutting hours and jobs: http://t.co/zHcjHg0IgD
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) October 22, 2013 

 
#ButWaitTheresMore If website doesn't work, operators are standing by to redirect you back to the broken website: http://t.co/7gTZJe4pPE
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) October 22, 2013 

 
#ButWaitTheresMore You have no reasonable expectation of privacy on #Obamacare website: http://t.co/SLdhni0yil
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) October 22, 2013 

 
#ButWaitTheresMore Many believe technical problems plaguing #Obamacare website indicate the entire law is broken: http://t.co/1NaWssrEps
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) October 23, 2013 

 
#ObamacareInOneWord ShamWow ... without the wow.
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) October 24, 2013 

 
The recent vote to fund government at current levels is touted as compromise, but it was really an act of collusion: http://t.co/0UQLz8VGBK
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) October 27, 2013 

 
I am announcing new proposals tomorrow as part of the conservative reform agenda referenced in this speech: http://t.co/mIm1FlUv38 #tcot
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) October 28, 2013 

 
Here's the text from my speech from yesterday: What's Next For Conservatives http://t.co/y1l5kVijep #tcot
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) October 30, 2013 

 
It is time for a new, unifying conservative reform agenda: http://t.co/HGg9zAXxSu #tcot
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) October 30, 2013 

 
Learn more about my Family Fairness and Opportunity Tax Reform Act, that I introduced yesterday: http://t.co/yHt0zKZNQ6 #tcot
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) October 31, 2013 

 
The president is resorting to scripted acts of deception instead of trying to protect Americans from #Obamacare: http://t.co/Wc7LDltgSn
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) November 7, 2013 

 
The president now acknowledges that people relied on his promises about #Obamacare to their detriment: http://t.co/LRdvYDbTor
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) November 8, 2013 

 
May God continue to bless those who have blessed our nation with their service and sacrifice. Happy Veterans Day! http://t.co/PJRhFDKUv9
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) November 11, 2013 

 
A new conservative agenda must speak to the challenges and aspirations of those left behind by big government: http://t.co/h8RhSHQOu0 #tcot
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) November 12, 2013 

 
People are hungry for a debate about how conservative principles can be applied to solve the nation's problems: http://t.co/N2ukkFeIqP #tcot
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) November 13, 2013 

 
Four cyber security experts warn Americans not to use #Obamacare website in House hearing: http://t.co/6oZHmyzat5 #MakeDCListen
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) November 19, 2013 

 
Today's decision by the Democrats to break Senate rules is a partisan attack on the very purpose of this institution: http://t.co/jQC5RWxR53
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) November 21, 2013 

 
I am concerned that we are loosening Iran's sanctions. #Iran doesn't have an inspiring history of keeping its word: http://t.co/ufTN7rq6TB
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) November 25, 2013 

 
Happy Thanksgiving! May God continue to bless our great nation.
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) November 28, 2013 

 
Click to read why I can't support the #budget deal that was recently introduced: http://t.co/5kI5GFbM0s Please RT if you agree. #tcot
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) December 11, 2013 

 
I can't vote for a bill I think is going to make our budgetary situation worse rather than better: http://t.co/NFcKf8immc #tcot
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) December 13, 2013 

 
Today’s court decision regarding #NSA highlights the constitutional concerns I have raised about metadata program: http://t.co/vKA82cA2dv
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) December 16, 2013 

 
Blocking debate on #NDAA violates the rights of the American people to have this bill debated and amended: http://t.co/BRcbbVnmY5 #utpol
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) December 19, 2013 

 
Merry Christmas from my family to yours! pic.twitter.com/Bj7i3ZzM0O
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) December 25, 2013",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=365154,"<span class=""kicker"">Washington Post editorial</span>'In international abduction cases, quiet diplomacy is not working'",2013-12-30,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"SEAN GOLDMAN was 4 years old when his Brazilian-born mother took him from their New Jersey home for what Sean’s father, David Goldman, thought would be a two-week vacation. Five years passed before the father again laid eyes on his son.
“It was very painful,’’ David Goldman recalled. “The first time I saw him after nearly five years, he looked at me and asked me where have I been all this time. . . . He was told that I didn’t love him, that I abandoned him, that I never wanted him.” 
The only unusual feature of this story is that David Goldman eventually regained custody, though even after the boy’s mother died in 2008 her Brazilian family continued to resist his efforts. He succeeded in part because Rep. Christopher H. Smith (R-N.J.) relentlessly focused attention and pressure on the case. Now a bill written by Mr. Smith, the Sean and David Goldman International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act, has been approved by the House, 398 to 0, and is set for consideration in the Senate. But the State Department doesn’t want the additional diplomatic tools the bill would provide.
According to State, 1,144 children were reported abducted from the United States in 2012. There were 1,367 in 2011 and 1,492 in 2010. State Department officials say they work hard to get those children back — or at least to get the cases fairly adjudicated — but they can’t or won’t say how many of those abducted children remain overseas. That raises questions about their claims for success for “quiet diplomacy.”
In a letter to Mr. Smith, Robert E. Wallace, executive director of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW), said the abduction of children by a separated spouse is a particular problem for service members, especially in Japan. Mr. Wallace said the service members’ appeals for help “are too often met with bad legal advice, misinformation or indifference. . . . It is time for the U.S. government to take concrete action.” An organization of victimized parents said that the result of quiet diplomacy is “that the Government of Japan has not once assisted in returning a single abducted child.” Japan at least is in the process of acceding to an international treaty on the subject; most countries have not done so.
The House bill provides for a series of graduated sanctions against countries that demonstrate a pattern of non-cooperation; it also would encourage the United States to negotiate agreements with countries that have not ratified the treaty. In both cases, the executive branch would act only if it chose to do so; the bill provides for a presidential waiver. Nonetheless, a State Department official told us putting tools in the tool kit would be counterproductive because U.S. officials would face pressure to use them and other countries would resent the implied threat.
Given the administration’s inability to quantify its success, or to report any results at all, the argument for the status quo is not persuasive. An aide to Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, told us that the committee will take the measure up soon. We hope soon means soon. For thousands of parents deprived of the chance even to communicate with their children, quiet diplomacy isn’t getting the job done.  http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/give-parents-more-tools-in-international-abduction-cases/2013/12/28/2d0a96aa-6c0e-11e3-aecc-85cb037b7236_story.html",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cole.house.gov/fiscal-times-five-members-congress-watch-2014,Fiscal Times: Five Members of Congress to Watch in 2014,2013-12-30,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Fiscal Times - Eric Pianin
Call it cockeyed optimism or simply battle fatigue, but we’re beginning to hear some loose talk from Capitol Hill and the White House about the prospects for more bipartisan deal-making in 2014 springing from the budget deal. Congress, of course, just concluded one of its least productive sessions in history and inflicted a 16-day government shutdown on the country that sent lawmakers approval ratings tumbling. With an important mid-term election looming next fall, renewed partisan squabbling would seem the order of the day. Yet President Obama and congressional leaders departed Washington earlier this month voicing cautious optimism that there were other deals to made before the 2014 congressional and gubernatorial campaigns really heat up. While the first order of business will be converting the bipartisan budget agreement into major spending legislation before a Jan. 15 deadline, there are other legislative prospects as well – including an extension of the expiring supplemental unemployment insurance, reauthorization of farm legislation, tweaking of the Affordable Care Act, renewal of expiring tax provisions, and even an overhaul of the immigration system. The usual suspects, including House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, will have a lot to say about future legislative successes or failures. And we can expect to hear a great deal from Tea Party bomb throwers such as Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Rand Paul (R-KY) Here are five other important House and Senate members to watch as events in 2014 begin to unfold. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR)  Wyden, 64, a veteran lawmaker and fiscal policy wonk with something of a maverick streak, is moving to center stage  as the new chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, which is responsible for writing tax, entitlement and trade legislation. Wyden is certain to bring as much—if not more—energy and fresh ideas to the debate over tax and entitlement reform as his predecessor, Max Baucus, who was recently tapped by President Obama to be the next ambassador to China. Wyden has repeatedly pressed for passage of creative bipartisan ideas, including an overhaul of the tax code that he initially jointly sponsored with then Republican senator Judd Gregg of New Hampshire and later co-sponsored with Republican Dan Coates of Indiana. The Wyden-Coates plan would cut the corporate rate to 24 percent from 35 percent. It would end the ability of U.S. multinationals to defer tax on income earned abroad but would allow them a one-time opportunity to bring old earnings back to the U.S at a very low rate. Wyden ruffled Democratic feathers in late 2011 when he briefly joined forces with Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) to draft major revisions to the Medicare law that would have given seniors a choice between a traditional plan and private insurance funded with a government voucher. Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-NH)  In her first term, the highly telegenic former state attorney general has made a rapid ascent within the GOP ranks, thanks in part to a close alliance with two prominent conservative defense hawks—Sens. John McCain (AZ) and Lindsey Graham (SC). Ayotte, 45, one of only four Republican women in the Senate, was blessed with a handful of high profile committee assignments—including Armed Services, Budget, Commerce and Small Business—that thrust her into virtually every key issue this year, from Obamacare to U.S. policy in the Middle East. She was highly critical of the Obama administration’s handling of the terrorist attack on the U.S. mission in Benghazi, Libya that killed four Americans, including the U.S. ambassador. And she recently dismissed the Affordable Care Act as a hopeless “mess,” even after the administration eliminated many of the technical problems with the online system. Unlike many of her GOP colleagues who have vowed to repeal or sidetrack Obamacare, Ayotte says she is working with Democrats on incremental changes to the law, such as expanding health savings accounts and repealing a medical devices tax. Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI)   The cerebral House Budget Committee chairman made his name in Washington and earned the No. 2 spot on the 2012 GOP presidential ticket by promoting  a series of extraordinarily tough GOP spending and tax blue prints. The eight-term House veteran honed a conservative wish list of cuts and overhauls of Medicare and Medicaid, revisions of the tax code, and numerous cuts in other social safety net programs to energize his party’s base. Amid the political rubble of this year’s partisan budget warfare and the government shutdown, Ryan late this year finally sought common ground with Senate Budget Committee Chairwoman Patty Murray (D-WA) on a compromise budget. That plan, approved by both houses and signed by the president, lifted the sequester cuts for two years, boosted defense and domestic discretionary spending somewhat, and made modest progress in reducing the long term deficit. Now Ryan, 43, is angling to become the next chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, after Dave Camp of Michigan is forced to step down at the start of 2015 because of term limits. If Ryan gets his way, he will become the leading GOP voice on tax and entitlement reform in the coming years. The question many political analysts are asking is whether Ryan really has the fire in his belly to run for president in 2016, or whether he would be more content to steadily work his way up the House GOP leadership ladder—possibly all the way to Speaker. Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK), a veteran Oklahoma House member, has emerged as a sage of the House Republicans.  Cole is a cool head and thoughtful strategist for Boehner and other GOP leaders, and is a valuable counterweight to rabble-rousing Tea Party conservatives in the House. The 64 year old affable former State Chairman of the Oklahoma Republican Party has plenty of experience with fiscal matters, having served on both the House Appropriations and Budget Committees. He’s also a familiar figure on cable TV news programs and likes to mix it up with reporters just outside the House chambers. Time Magazine identified him as “one of the sharpest minds in the House.” So it was significant when Cole recently asserted that some type of bipartisan compromise on immigration reform was possible in the House next year after disagreement within the House GOP led to a standoff on reform. According to The Hill, Cole said that House Republicans would likely vote on multiple reform measures next year, with the caveat that Boehner   refuses to bring up the Senate-passed comprehensive bill that includes a path to citizenship for many illegal immigrants. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)   New York’s junior senator is a shrewd, persistent and some say annoying player who is not afraid to step on the toes of her colleagues to raise money or get her way on legislative matters. The first-term senator and her allies made enormous headway this year in forcing the hidebound military to respond to sexual assaults.  She has vowed to press on for changes that the military brass and even some senior Democrats oppose. Congress passed a broad set of changes to U.S. military personnel policy late last week as part of the annual defense authorization bill that will force the Pentagon to revamp how it deals with cases of sexual assault and rape. Angered by the sharp increase in cases and the lack of reporting them, Gillibrand, Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO) and a bipartisan coalition in the House drafted proposals to address the problem. The legislation would end the statute of limitations for cases of sexual assault or rape; bar military commanders from overturning jury convictions in sexual assault and rape cases; and make it a crime to retaliate against people who report such crimes. But that’s still not good enough for Gillibrand, 47. She is pushing to remove military commanders from any involvement in assault and rape cases and have the cases assigned to specialized, independent military prosecutors. The hard-charging Gillibrand has met with or button-holed nearly every other senator to seek their support for her plan. Even Rand Paul, a noted libertarian, and Tea Party favorite Ted Cruz have signed on to her proposal.  And she is expected to get a vote on it in 2014.
Online: The Fiscal Times",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cole.house.gov/looking-back-and-ahead,Looking Back and Ahead,2013-12-30,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"It’s hard to believe that 2013 is already reaching an end. While Congress didn’t solve everything we could’ve hoped for this year, there were numerous victories for the country. Most importantly, I was encouraged to watch both sides work together on several occasions to find common ground and display true bipartisanship. It’s a reminder that when we start where we agree, we can function in divided government. We started off the year on the verge of a “fiscal cliff,” caused by the terms of the Budget Control Act of 2011. Without any congressional action, all Americans would have experienced a tax hike and reimbursement rates for doctors of Medicare and Medicaid patients would have seen severe cuts. In addition, sequestration, across-the-board spending cuts on every program in government, regardless of merit or efficiency, was scheduled to take place. I was pleased that we were able to pass the American Taxpayer Relief Act, which made the Bush tax cuts permanent for 98 percent of taxpayers. It also delayed devastating military cuts for two months and prevented other damaging tax policies. I wish we could’ve achieved more, but this agreement was a major victory for American workers and for the economy. In mid-January, just a couple months after Hurricane Sandy I supported legislation that would provide relief assistance for victims of the storm. At the time, the vote was a no-brainer, especially given our own state’s history and risk for severe weather. Little did we know, a few months later, Oklahoma would experience a horrific round of tornadoes that leveled entire neighborhoods, claimed precious lives and shook several communities, including my hometown of Moore. In the days that followed the disastrous tornadoes in Oklahoma, never once were we lacking assistance. Oklahoma felt the immediate support and prayers of individuals across the nation—a reminder that, in times of crisis, Americans of all parties and political points of view come together to help their fellow Americans. The same night that Moore was hit by the deadly storm, I was contacted by the president, who directly offered and issued assistance from FEMA. Shortly after that, President Obama, Homeland Secretary Napolitano and FEMA Director Fugate personally came to Moore to survey the damage, offer support and ensure Oklahoma received adequate recovery aid. In addition, colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the House extended their condolences and offered assistance in relief efforts. Throughout the entire emergency, state and local officials led with great skill, strength and compassion. I am thankful for Governor Mary Fallin, Civil Emergency Director Albert Ashwood, Moore Mayor Glenn Lewis, Moore City Manager Steve Eddy, Newcastle Mayor Karl Nail and Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett, whose tireless work pulled us through a nightmare. As a member of the Chickasaw Nation, I was especially proud to support reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) earlier this year. This legislation, which passed through both chambers and was signed into law by the president, preserves the existing authority of tribal courts and allows them to have jurisdiction over non-Indian sex offenders on Indian lands. I am pleased that VAWA helps tribal women see justice served more quickly. Since the beginning of the year, problems with Obamacare have been numerous, causing even more Americans to doubt the president’s so-called plan for affordable healthcare. Not one House or Senate Republican voted in favor of the law, and since its passage, House Republicans have voted more than 40 times to repeal the law partially or completely. In fact, seven of these bills passed the Senate and were signed into law by the president. Unfortunately, as long as the law’s namesake is in the White House, full repeal of the Obamacare is unlikely. I’ve never been supportive of Obamacare and have remained a constant critic of the law, and as we’ve noticed especially in the last few months with its website failures, it was and is not ready for primetime. Even the Obama Administration has admitted that the law is unworkable by choosing to delay key portions of it. Earlier this fall, in a worthy effort to help Americans, some Senate and House Republicans proposed we refuse to pass a government funding bill if it included funding for Obamacare. While I supported the desire to stop the unworkable and unfair law, I warned against this doomed tactic that would surely lead to a government shutdown and still not solve anything. Unfortunately, due to the expiration of appropriated dollars, government shutdown occurred on October 1. While I wish shutdown would’ve been avoided in the first place, I was relieved when both sides eventually agreed on a short-term funding measure to reopen the government and protect the full faith and credit of the United States. Along with the short-term funding agreement, 29 lawmakers from both chambers were appointed to a budget conference committee and tasked with reconciling two very different budgets by December 13. As a member of the conference, I was encouraged by the willingness of Chairman Paul Ryan and Chairman Patty Murray to negotiate real reforms. But most importantly, I was pleased to watch both sides reach across the aisle, focus on areas of agreement, rather than disagreement, and ultimately restore regular order. After weeks of discussion with each other and with the input of other conferees, Chairmen Ryan and Murray announced a two-year budget deal on December 10. The Bipartisan Budget Act passed both chambers with strong, bipartisan support and was signed into law by the president. When I remember the pain caused by the recent shutdown, I am encouraged that this conference was able to reach a deal that finds savings, eases sequester, brings down the deficit and removes the threat of shutdown in the near future. It doesn’t solve all our fiscal problems, but it brings promise of future reform.   I was also pleased to see both chambers work together in reconciling their versions of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), legislation that funds our vital military and ensures they have the resources they need to defend our country. This year marks the 52nd consecutive year that the NDAA has passed Congress and been signed into law by the President.   Overall, this has been a productive year. Through the fiscal cliff agreement at the beginning of the year and the recent bipartisan budget deal, I am pleased that lawmakers showed they can work together and find common ground with each other and the president. I hope that this willingness to negotiate and find real reforms will continue into 2014, even in the midst of divided government.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E71FF577-B64F-4BA4-A19F-07C1C496D7ED,Weekly Column: A Resolution to Succeed,2013-12-30,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Rep. Kristi Noem 
	‘Tis the season for resolutions! 
January 1 is a new beginning, so it’s no surprise that setting New Year’s resolutions has become a holiday tradition for many.  While we all know that commitment to upholding many of these resolutions often fades, Abraham Lincoln reminds us that “your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.” 
I join many South Dakotans in being frustrated with the progress made in Washington over the last few years.  But it is a new year, and I am coming to the table with a renewed resolution to succeed.
Toward the end of 2013, Congress gained significant momentum on a number of issues that matter to South Dakota.  That momentum has not been lost.  First and foremost, Farm Bill negotiations continued through the holidays. 
The lead negotiators – Rep. Frank Lucas (a Republican) and Sen. Debbie Stabenow (a Democrat) – have come to a consensus on an outline of the reforms they agree can be made in the Farm Bill.  Right before Christmas, they were able to get estimates back to see how much these reforms would cost – or in some cases, save. 
Now, it is a matter of tweaking the bill to make sure all the numbers add up, but we are on track to finish a comprehensive five-year farm bill during the first part of 2014.
We also began to make progress on new sex trafficking legislation.  Sadly, this is an issue South Dakota has seen more of in recent years.  Local law enforcement officers have done a good job of identifying and bringing into custody those who are selling the victims of human trafficking.  Many of the convicts are brought to justice under federal law, as there are harsher penalties – namely, life in prison – for sex trafficking at that level.
To ensure local law enforcement officers have all the tools they need and that there are no gaps in federal law, I’ve been driving the End Sex Trafficking Act in Washington.  This legislation addresses sex trafficking from the demand side by strengthening the federal law when it comes to those who solicit, patronize or obtain the services of a trafficked victim.  As President George W. Bush stated during a Justice Department training on sex trafficking, “We cannot put [human traffickers] out of business until and unless we deal with the problem of demand.”
Additionally, this year, I’ll be working to reform the level of influence the government can wield over our local school lunches.  Under current law, South Dakota schools face significant limitations when it comes to what they can serve our kids.  In fact, the law says that schools can only serve an average of 2 oz. of meat per meal.  That’s just three chicken nuggets for a high school student.
Yes, we all want our kids to be healthier, but we don’t want them to go hungry either.  In mid-December, I introduced a new bill to lift the law’s onerous meat and grain limitations, giving schools more flexibility to decide what they will feed our kids at lunchtime.  Simply put – bureaucrats in Washington shouldn’t be able to dictate what goes on our kids’ plates here in South Dakota.  This is an issue that is gaining momentum and will be a focus of my attention over the next year.
Congress ended 2013 with a refreshing level of cooperation that I hope will be carried on throughout the next year.  And as I prepare to return to Congress, I am determined to again instill in Washington something that President Abraham Lincoln spoke about: a resolution to succeed.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hoeven.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=e775431b-bf47-4ba9-9363-e4912b854e56,"HOEVEN, HEITKAMP, CRAMER AND DALRYMPLE: FAA SELECTS GRAND FORKS TO BE UAS TEST SITE",2013-12-30,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.30.13
			 Hoeven, Heitkamp, Cramer and Dalrymple: FAA Selects Grand Forks to be UAS Test Site 
			
				
	
	
	
	
	 
	
	
			
		
	
	
	
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
			
		
        
				 ND Leaders Worked to Secure Designation to Build GF as Premier Northern UAS Hub
			
			 WASHINGTON – Senators John Hoeven and Heidi Heitkamp, Congressman Kevin Cramer and Governor Jack Dalrymple today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has selected Grand Forks as one of six sites to test unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for integration into the National Airspace. The announcement comes after years of work by North Dakota’s leaders to position Grand Forks as the premier northern UAS hub.
 
The FAA Reauthorization bill passed by Congress in February 2012 includes an amendment introduced by Hoeven that directed the agency to establish the test sites and integrate UAS into the National Airspace System. Hoeven’s amendment instructed the FAA Administrator to consider factors including geographical and climatic diversity, as well as the location of ground infrastructure, in selecting the test sites.
 
Hoeven has worked, both as governor and now as U.S. Senator, with the state’s UAS community to establish and maintain North Dakota’s leadership in UAS technologies and to grow UAS operations in the Grand Forks region. In 2006, Hoeven and former Senator Byron Dorgan worked to seed the Center for UAS Research, Education and Training on the UND campus. Dorgan got the center designated as Department of Defense Center of Excellence for UAV Education. The same year, the North Dakota Centers of Excellence Program, initiated by then-Governor Hoeven, awarded the center $2.5 million, which it matched and leveraged to $15.8 million in federal and private-sector funding.
 
“We’ve said all along that Grand Forks is an ideal location to test UAS integration, and now the FAA has agreed with us,” Hoeven said. “This test site designation, combined with Grand Sky, the Grand Forks region’s new aerospace technology and business complex on Grand Forks Air Force Base, is tremendously important and enables the entire region to advance the work it has been doing to become the premier northern hub for unmanned aerial systems. As a test site, Grand Forks will be integral in developing the future commercial use of UAS for our nation and the world.”
 
“The selection of Grand Forks as a UAS test site is an affirmation that the Grand Forks area is an ideal location for military installations, and unmanned aerial systems in particular,” said Senator Heitkamp. “This designation is the result of collaboration between community leaders, the University of North Dakota, and local, state and federal officials. The test site will help grow the UAS industry throughout the nation and help make sure it can become a key part of North Dakota’s economy. Grand Forks is very deserving of this program, and I look forward to continuing to support the community and program throughout its implementation.”
 
Since taking office, Heitkamp has relentlessly advocated for the selection of Grand Forks as a UAS test site. Heitkamp has held numerous meetings with top military and Administration officials, including FAA Administrator Michael Huerta, to urge them to select Grand Forks. Heitkamp, who co-founded the Defense Communities Caucus, also helped facilitate an Enhanced Use Lease between the Air Force and Grand Forks County, which will help grow the UAS industry in the area.
 
“North Dakota’s UAS Team did an outstanding job highlighting the superior assets of the Grand Forks area. In addition to the obvious advantages of uncongested air space, climate diversity and a culture of aviation, it is clear the unified voice of the many partners was a major factor in the FAA’s decision,” said Congressman Cramer. “State and local officials from North Dakota and Minnesota working with education, business and military leaders presented a unified front giving confidence to the decision makers.”
 
Cramer is directly involved with UAS development as a member of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee and the Congressional Unmanned Systems Caucus.
 
Gov. Dalrymple and Lt. Gov. Drew Wrigley have led the state’s efforts to establish a national UAS test site in North Dakota. The state has invested more than $14 million to establish a national UAS test site and to advance UAS research and development. In May, Dalrymple established the Northern Plains Unmanned Aircraft Systems Authority and appointed Lt. Gov. Wrigley to lead the state’s efforts to land a test site and to pursue other UAS opportunities. Following Dalrymple’s recommendation, the 63rd Legislative Assembly also supported the state’s pursuit of a national UAS test site by appropriating $5 million, with $4 million in operations funding contingent on North Dakota being selected one of six test sites.
 
“The FAA’s decision to locate one of only six national UAS test sites in North Dakota is good news for our state and for the entire nation,” Dalrymple said.  “We have worked very hard to make sure North Dakota is well positioned for this designation and to make sure that the FAA recognizes the many strengths that we offer in helping to safely integrate unmanned aircraft into the national airspace. With this test site designation, we have a great opportunity to become a national hub for UAS research and development, to expand our national leadership in aerospace sciences and to further diversify our state economy.”
 
The North Dakota leaders, along with the Grand Forks Base Realignment Impact Committee (BRIC), North Dakota Airspace Integration Team (AIT) and Grand Forks leaders have held meetings with the FAA regarding the site selection process to make the case for Grand Forks.
 
In addition, Hoeven and Heitkamp worked to help Grand Forks County secure an Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) with the U.S. Air Force for the development of Grand Sky, a cutting-edge UAS technology and business park the county plans to build on approximately 217 acres at Grand Forks Air Force Base (GFAFB). Last year, Hoeven brought senior Northrop Grumman officials, including Tom Vice, Northrop Grumman’s Corporate VP and President of Aerospace Systems, to Grand Forks to see firsthand the tremendous synergies that are developing between Grand Forks BRIC, UND, the UND Aerospace Foundation and Northland Aerospace Foundation. He also worked to get Northrop Grumman, one of the world’s premier aerospace and defense technology companies, to commit to be the park’s first tenant. Northrop Grumman makes the RQ-4 Global Hawk, which is operated by the Air Combat Command unit at GFAFB.
 
“We envisioned collaborations here in practical and original ways to create a dynamic environment for the military, industry and education,” Hoeven said. “Now all of those elements are coming together in a coordinated way to spur innovation, boost our economy and create jobs in the Grand Forks region.”
 
-###-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=60d716f6-0e15-444d-b30a-ff915ffabd93,Sen. Moran Calls on OSHA to Stop Unlawful Regulation of Family Farms,2013-12-30,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,KS,Jerry Moran,M000934,www.moran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and U.S. Senator Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) have called on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to immediately stop their unlawful regulation of family farms. Sens. Moran, Johanns and a bipartisan group of 41 their Senate colleagues have also directed OSHA to issue updated guidance correcting their misinterpretation of current law. The request was made in a joint letter to Department of Labor Secretary Thomas Perez, who oversees OSHA.
""This is not the first time this administration has proved that Washington’s values are not rural America’s values through regulatory over-reach into the family farm,"" Sen. Moran said. ""I am committed to working with my colleagues to protect the individual rights of farmers and make certain OSHA does not continue to misinterpret the law.""
Since 1976, Congress has exempted small, family-run farms from OSHA regulations, but in a 2011 memo OSHA asserted that on-farm grain storage and handling was not part of farm operations. The memo essentially expanded OSHA’s regulatory scope to nearly every farm in the country without going through the established rule making process that allows Congressional review and public comment, in defiance of the law.
A copy of the senators’ bipartisan letter is below:
December 20, 2013
 
The Honorable Thomas E. Perez
Secretary
U.S. Department of Labor
200 Constitution Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20210
 
Dear Secretary Perez:
We write to you regarding reports that regulators at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have begun taking regulatory actions against farms that are specifically exempted by Congress from regulatory enforcement conducted by OSHA. Since 1976, Congress has included specific language in appropriations bills prohibiting OSHA from using appropriated funds to apply requirements under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1976 to farming operations with 10 or fewer employees. 
It has come to our attention that OSHA is now interpreting this provision so narrowly that virtually every grain farm in the country would be subject to OSHA regulations.  OSHA’s interpretation defies the intent of Congress in exempting farming operations from the standards of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. 
In viewing a farm’s “grain bin operation” as somehow distinct from its farming operation, OSHA is creating an artificial distinction in an apparent effort to circumvent the Congressional prohibition on regulating farms.  The use of grain bins is an integral part of farming operations.  Without grain bins, farmers must sell corn and soybeans immediately after harvest, when prices are usually low.  Storing grain in bins is thus a fundamental aspect of farming.  Any farm that employs 10 or fewer employees and used grain bins only for storage prior to marketing should be exempt, as required by law, from OSHA regulations. 
 
A memo issued by the Director of Enforcement Programs on June 28, 2011, stated that “many of these small farm employers mistakenly assume that the Appropriations Rider precludes OSHA from conducting enforcement activities regardless of the type of operations performed on the farm.”  The memo declares that all activities under SIC 072—including drying and fumigating grain—are subject to all OSHA requirements (the memo did not even mention grain storage).  There are many farms that have grain dryers on-farm to address wet harvest conditions or fumigate grain to prevent pests from ruining a crop prior to marketing.  These are basic, common, and responsible farming activities that OSHA has arbitrarily decided are non-exempt. 
Worker safety is an important concern for all of us—including the many farmers who probably know better than OSHA regulators how to keep themselves and their employees safe on farms.  If the Administration believes that OSHA should be able to enforce its regulations on farms, it should make that case to Congress rather than twisting the law in the service of bureaucratic mission creep.  Until then, Congress has spoken clearly and we sincerely hope that you will support America’s farmers and respect the intent of Congress by reining in OSHA. 
We would ask that you direct OSHA to take the following three steps to alleviate this concern.  First, OSHA should cease all actions predicated on this interpretation, which is inconsistent with Congressional intent.  It is important that OSHA also issue guidance correcting this misinterpretation of the law.  We suggest consulting with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and organizations representing farmers to assist with this guidance.  Finally, we ask that OSHA provide a list and description of regulatory actions taken against farms with incorrectly categorized non-farming activities and 10 or fewer employees since the June 2011 memo.  Given the nearly four decades of Congressional prohibition of OSHA enforcement against farms, this should be a simple request to fulfil. 
We would appreciate your response by February 1, 2014, to include a copy of the corrected guidance, the data regarding enforcement actions on farms, and confirmation that OSHA will cease such enforcement. 
 
# # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221011918/http://farenthold.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=365158,U.S. Congressman Blake Farenthold Calls TAMUCC Designation as FAA Test Site for UAS a “Huge Win”,2013-12-30,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,TX,Blake Farenthold,F000460,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Today, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced its selection of Texas A&amp;M University Corpus Christi as one of six public entities that will develop unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) research and test sites around the country.  U.S. Congressman Blake Farenthold (TX-27) praised the FAA’s selection of Texas A&amp;M University Corpus Christi.
“The combination of expertise from Texas A&amp;M University Corpus Christi and wide open airspace in Texas make this an excellent choice for UAS research and development,” said Congressman Blake Farenthold, a member of the Congressional Caucus on Unmanned Systems and Congressional Privacy Caucus.  “This is a huge win for TAMUCC and the whole state of Texas.  It gives our region the opportunity to take a leadership role in both the technology and policy challenges that will arise as these unmanned systems are developed, refined and deployed.”  
“As a longtime supporter and advocate for the use of unmanned systems along the border, I congratulate Texas A&amp;M Corpus Christi for this victory in becoming one of only six national test sites for UAS,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28), co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Unmanned Systems.  “It has been a long process bringing this test site to Texas and we in the caucus have had several conversations with the FAA.  It has been my pleasure to work alongside Congressman Farenthold and the other members of the Caucus to secure this site.” 
Congressman Farenthold, along with Congressmen Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28), Gene Green (D-TX-29), Pete Olson (R-TX-22), and John Carter (R-TX-31), have sent letters to FAA Administrator Michael Huerta, the most recent in December highlighting Texas’ commitment to the promising technology of unmaned aircraft.
“We believe Texas would be a strong partner with the FAA in carefully managing the research and development of the UAS technology,” the Congressmen said in the letter.  
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is moving steadily ahead to safely integrate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the largest, most complex air traffic systems in the world. The agency’s activities must address the needs of a diverse aviation community while ensuring current users both in the air and on the ground remain safe.
The testing sites will allow the agency to develop research findings and operational experiences to help ensure the safe integration of UAS into the nation's airspace as we transition to NextGen air traffic control technologies and procedures.
Texas A&amp;M University Corpus Christi plans to develop system safety requirements for UAS vehicles and operations with a goal of protocols and procedures for airworthiness testing. The selection of Texas A&amp;M contributes to geographic and climactic diversity.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140222035637/http://lobiondo.house.gov/press-release/lobiondo-applauds-faa-selection-new-jersey-virginia-partnership-national-test-site,LoBiondo Applauds FAA Selection of New Jersey-Virginia Partnership for National Test Site of Unmanned Aircraft Systems,2013-12-30,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NJ,Frank LoBiondo,L000554,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"MAYS LANDING, N.J. – U.S. Congressman Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ-02), Chairman of the House Aviation Subcommittee, today applauded the announcement by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that the joint application by the states of New Jersey and Virginia has been selected as one of the six national test sites for integrating commercial unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the national airspace. LoBiondo, working closely with New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, led the New Jersey’s Congressional efforts to secure the designation.
“Today’s announcement is a GREAT way to kick off the New Year, promising significant economic opportunities in the aviation field particularly for South Jersey,” lauded LoBiondo, chairman of the House Aviation Subcommittee. “A years-long effort has been spent on putting forth the strongest application - including forming a solid working partnership with Virginia - to ensure the FAA recognized our existing assets for this project. I appreciate Governor Christie’s unwavering support throughout the process as well as the efforts of my Congressional colleagues and those working on the ground in South Jersey on our proposal.”
The states’ joint application was put forth by Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech) and Rutgers University with support from the Governors of New Jersey and Virginia. The other 5 test sites selected by the FAA are in: Alaska-Hawaii-Oregon; Nevada; North Dakota; Texas; and New York. UAS test sites will operate until February 2017 with the first site being operational within 180 days of today’s announcement. There is no federal funding from the FAA for any test site.
The William J. Hughes FAA Technical Center will be the lead facilitator of data collected from each of the six test sites, working to safely integrate UAS into the national airspace as mandated by the 2012 FAA Authorization Act – a provision LoBiondo advocated for inclusion during the bill’s drafting and debate. While each test site will have specific regulations to protect the privacy of surrounding residents and businesses, Congress continues to evaluate further legislative options to address civil liberty concerns.
“The outstanding partnership between New Jersey and Virginia, between Governors Christie and McDonnell, between Rutgers and Virginia Tech and various state and private entities made for a winning result. Our cooperative efforts, in conjunction with the FAA Tech Center in Egg Harbor Township, will continue as our test site takes off and commercial unmanned aircraft systems open up new economic opportunities for our states,” concluded LoBiondo.
                                                ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140222202200/http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=2105,"Exponent-Telegram: About 7,000 state resident set to lose federal jobless benefits Saturday",2013-12-30,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Federal unemployment benefits are set to expire on Saturday for nearly 7,000 West Virginians, officials said.

	In North Central West Virginia, 341 people are expected to be affected in the Clarksburg area, while 231 people in the Fairmont area would lose benefits, according to WorkForce West Virginia.

	Those individuals are among approximately 1.3 million Americans unemployed for 26 weeks or more whose benefits come from an account that is almost empty.

	To read entire article, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140222202209/http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=2104,Charleston Gazette Mail: Photos show &#39;the other West Virginia&#39;,2013-12-30,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Betty Rivard's upcoming lecture based on her book of photos of the state during the 1930s and '40s will focus on ""the other West Virginia"" -- not the one that garners mostly negative national attention.

	""When I say the other West Virginia, I'm talking about the positive part of West Virginia,"" Rivard said. ""The book does include some images of people in very destitute situations, but that's not the major part of the book, and that was deliberate.""

	Rivard's book, ""New Deal Photographs of West Virginia: 1934-43,"" was produced by 10 professional photographers who visited the state as part of the Farm Security Administration Project.

	To read entire story, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140228010514/http://kinzinger.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=600,Morris Daily Herald: Kinzinger kicks off District 16 Agriculture Advisory meeting,2013-12-30,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,IL,Adam Kinzinger,K000378,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"OTTAWA – U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Channahon, met this month with representatives from throughout the 16th District in the first meeting of a new Agriculture Advisory Committee.  The committee will serve as a forum for Kinzinger to hear from members of the agriculture community on policy issues that affect them most directly, according to a news release.  “With Washington debating a whole host of issues affecting Illinois farmers, from the farm bill to renewable energy, this committee will be a great way to ensure the voices of Illinois’ farmers are heard,” Kinzinger said in the news release.  Held Dec. 19 in Ottawa’s City Hall building, the meeting covered topics that included the reauthorization of the farm bill, pending legislation to streamline waterway projects, renewable energy mandates, crop insurance provisions and immigration reform, according to the news release.  The committee, which consists of farmers and producers from all 14 counties of the 16th District, plans to meet once annually, with teleconference and local meetings throughout the year.  For the full posting, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140301024731/http://reed.house.gov/press-release/reed-highlights-district-successes-2013,REED HIGHLIGHTS DISTRICT SUCCESSES IN 2013,2013-12-30,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NY,Tom Reed,R000585,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Reflecting on the past year, Congressman Tom Reed pointed to the many community wide successes and the day to day stories of families and individuals helped through his office.
“Working with constituents to provide solutions on problems big and small is what we are here to do and it is by far the most important part of the job,” Congressman Reed said. “We’ve held more than 110 town halls throughout our eleven counties and helped constituents work through more than 5,000 constituent cases as we continue to make their priorities our priorities.”
Reed reflected on some of the district’s major victories in the past year, including keeping the NRG plant in Dunkirk, awarding Salamanca School District impact aid, maintaining the Elmira Psychiatric Center, working with the FAA and Corning Hospital to expedite construction, strides combating the invasive species Hydrilla and efforts to keep the tower at the Ithaca Tompkins airport open.  
He also reflected on working with families on the day to day issues that Reed says are so critical to the role of the office. “We were able to help one constituent who because of a medical condition, her father was not able to recall where he put his mortgage discharge paperwork in order to sell the business. In another instance, we helped a local organization recently get their 501c3 status that had been stalled since 2007.
“It’s these kinds of issues we tackle on a daily basis that have the biggest impact and really stand out,” Congressman Reed continued. “There will undoubtedly be plenty of talk about politics but despite all of that talk, I will continue to focus on what really matters: constituents of the 23rd district and their needs and concerns.”
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https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/comunicado-de-prensa?ContentRecord_id=3aaf7260-065d-4191-a55b-803272a86c10,Heller responde al anuncio de FAA nombrando Nevada un sitio de prueba de aviones no tripulado,2013-12-30,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – El Senador de los Estados Unidos, Dean Heller, Republicano por Nevada, hoy respondió a la Administración Federal de   Aviación (FAA) anuncio que Nevada ha sido designado como un sitio para sistemas de aviones no tripulado con la siguiente declaración:
“Teniendo en cuenta que Nevada continúa liderando a la nación en el desempleo, la decisión de la FAA es bienvenido y oportuna. Nevada ha sido un líder en el desarrollo de sistemas de aviones no tripulado y también pruebas de esos sistemas. Dada la ubicación geográfica de nuestro estado, mano de obra muy calificada y sólidas alianzas con universidades, Nevada está bien posicionada para asegurar el éxito de estos programas.
Estoy seguro que el FAA, el Congreso y el estado de Nevada pueden lograr un equilibrio entre la oportunidad y el desarrollo de normas de privacidad y las salvaguardias que garanticen los derechos constitucionales de los ciudadanos de Nevada y los estadounidenses en todo el país,"" dijo el senador Dean Heller.
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https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=6be35a83-83a2-4edb-930f-caf166d127d6,Heller Responds to FAA Announcement Naming Nevada a Drone Test Site,2013-12-30,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NV,Dean Heller,H001041,www.heller.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today responded to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) announcement that Nevada has been designated as an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) test site with the following statement: 
""Considering that Nevada continues to lead the nation in unemployment, the FAA’s decision is both welcome and well-timed. Nevada has long been a leader in UAS development and testing. Given our state’s geographic location, extremely qualified workforce, and strong partnerships with universities, Nevada is well-positioned to ensure the success of these programs. 
“I am confident that the FAA, Congress, and the State of Nevada can strike a balance between this opportunity and the development of privacy standards and safeguards that will guarantee the constitutional rights of Nevadans and Americans across the country,” said Senator Dean Heller.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-heitkamp-cramer-and-dalrymple-faa-selects-grand-forks-to-be-uas-test-site,"Hoeven, Heitkamp, Cramer and Dalrymple: FAA Selects Grand Forks to be UAS Test Site",2013-12-30,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.30.13
			 Hoeven, Heitkamp, Cramer and Dalrymple: FAA Selects Grand Forks to be UAS Test Site 
			
				
	
	
	
	
	 
	
	
			
		
	
	
	
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
			
		
        
				 ND Leaders Worked to Secure Designation to Build GF as Premier Northern UAS Hub
			
			 WASHINGTON  Senators John Hoeven and Heidi Heitkamp, Congressman Kevin Cramer and Governor Jack Dalrymple today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has selected Grand Forks as one of six sites to test unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for integration into the National Airspace. The announcement comes after years of work by North Dakota's leaders to position Grand Forks as the premier northern UAS hub.

The FAA Reauthorization bill passed by Congress in February 2012 includes an amendment introduced by Hoeven that directed the agency to establish the test sites and integrate UAS into the National Airspace System. Hoeven's amendment instructed the FAA Administrator to consider factors including geographical and climatic diversity, as well as the location of ground infrastructure, in selecting the test sites.

Hoeven has worked, both as governor and now as U.S. Senator, with the state's UAS community to establish and maintain North Dakota's leadership in UAS technologies and to grow UAS operations in the Grand Forks region. In 2006, Hoeven and former Senator Byron Dorgan worked to seed the Center for UAS Research, Education and Training on the UND campus. Dorgan got the center designated as Department of Defense Center of Excellence for UAV Education. The same year, the North Dakota Centers of Excellence Program, initiated by then-Governor Hoeven, awarded the center $2.5 million, which it matched and leveraged to $15.8 million in federal and private-sector funding.

We've said all along that Grand Forks is an ideal location to test UAS integration, and now the FAA has agreed with us, Hoeven said. This test site designation, combined with Grand Sky, the Grand Forks region's new aerospace technology and business complex on Grand Forks Air Force Base, is tremendously important and enables the entire region to advance the work it has been doing to become the premier northern hub for unmanned aerial systems. As a test site, Grand Forks will be integral in developing the future commercial use of UAS for our nation and the world.

The selection of Grand Forks as a UAS test site is an affirmation that the GrandForks area is an ideal location for military installations, and unmanned aerial systems in particular, said Senator Heitkamp. This designation is the result of collaboration between community leaders, the University of North Dakota, and local, state and federal officials. The test site will help grow the UAS industry throughout the nation and help make sure it can become a key part of North Dakota's economy.Grand Forks is very deserving of this program, and I look forward to continuing to support the community and program throughout its implementation.

Since taking office, Heitkamp has relentlessly advocated for the selection of Grand Forks as a UAS test site. Heitkamp has held numerous meetings with top military and Administration officials, including FAA Administrator Michael Huerta, to urge them to select Grand Forks. Heitkamp, who co-founded the Defense Communities Caucus, also helped facilitate an Enhanced Use Lease between the Air Force and Grand Forks County, which will help grow the UAS industry in the area.

North Dakota's UAS Team did an outstanding job highlighting the superior assets of the Grand Forks area. In addition to the obvious advantages of uncongested air space, climate diversity and a culture of aviation, it is clear the unified voice of the many partners was a major factor in the FAA's decision, said Congressman Cramer. State and local officials from North Dakota and Minnesota working with education, business and military leaders presented a unified front giving confidence to the decision makers.

Cramer is directly involved with UAS development as a member of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee and the Congressional Unmanned Systems Caucus.

Gov. Dalrymple and Lt. Gov. Drew Wrigley have led the state's efforts to establish a national UAS test site in North Dakota. The state has invested more than $14 million to establish a national UAS test site and to advance UAS research and development. In May, Dalrymple established the Northern Plains Unmanned Aircraft Systems Authority and appointed Lt. Gov. Wrigley to lead the state's efforts to land a test site and to pursue other UAS opportunities. Following Dalrymple's recommendation, the 63rd Legislative Assembly also supported the state's pursuit of a national UAS test site by appropriating $5 million, with $4 million in operations funding contingent on North Dakota being selected one of six test sites.

The FAA's decision to locate one of only six national UAS test sites in North Dakota is good news for our state and for the entire nation, Dalrymple said. We have worked very hard to make sure North Dakota is well positioned for this designation and to make sure that the FAA recognizes the many strengths that we offer in helping to safely integrate unmanned aircraft into the national airspace. With this test site designation, we have a great opportunity to become a national hub for UAS research and development, to expand our national leadership in aerospace sciences and to further diversify our state economy.

The North Dakota leaders, along with the Grand Forks Base Realignment Impact Committee (BRIC), North Dakota Airspace Integration Team (AIT) and Grand Forks leaders have held meetings with the FAA regarding the site selection process to make the case for Grand Forks.

In addition, Hoeven and Heitkamp worked to help Grand Forks County secure an Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) with the U.S. Air Force for the development of Grand Sky, a cutting-edge UAS technology and business park the county plans to build on approximately 217 acres at Grand Forks Air Force Base (GFAFB). Last year, Hoeven brought senior Northrop Grumman officials, including Tom Vice, Northrop Grumman's Corporate VP and President of Aerospace Systems, to Grand Forks to see firsthand the tremendous synergies that are developing between Grand Forks BRIC, UND, the UND Aerospace Foundation and Northland Aerospace Foundation. He also worked to get Northrop Grumman, one of the world's premier aerospace and defense technology companies, to commit to be the park's first tenant. Northrop Grumman makes the RQ-4 Global Hawk, which is operated by the Air Combat Command unit at GFAFB.

We envisioned collaborations here in practical and original ways to create a dynamic environment for the military, industry and education, Hoeven said. Now all of those elements are coming together in a coordinated way to spur innovation, boost our economy and create jobs in the Grand Forks region.

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https://www.portman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=458f0cfe-49d1-4835-bd37-cf49cc55f1da,Portman Statement on Federal Aviation Administration's Decision Regarding Unmanned Aerial System Test Site Locations,2013-12-30,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) today released the following statement in response to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) decision not to select Ohio as a location for an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) test site:      “I am deeply disappointed by the FAA’s decision not to select the Ohio/Indiana UAS Center as the location for one of the FAA’s six UAS test sites across the country. Ohio is a national leader in aerospace, and would have been an ideal location for one of the sites.  Over one hundred thousand Ohioans work in aerospace, where they develop and build cutting-edge technologies and world-class commercial and military equipment. In addition, assets like Dayton’s U.S. Air Force Research Lab at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, and industry partners throughout the state provide outstanding technical expertise and more than $9 billion in Research and Development and testing every year. I have worked extensively to strengthen these unique capabilities and increase Ohio’s leadership in defense and aerospace.     “I remain committed to advancing Ohio’s leadership role in aerospace and unmanned systems.  The Ohio/Indiana UAS Center will move forward with its plans to serve the needs of federal, state, local, and private entities as they continue research and development of UAS.  Keeping Ohio’s aerospace industry strong and competitive is critical not only to our state’s economy, but to the national security of the United States.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://gosar.house.gov/editorial/healthy-forests-key-averting-tragedies,Healthy forests key to averting tragedies,2013-12-29,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,AZ,Paul Gosar,G000565,gosar.house.gov,,,legacy,"When it comes to wildfires, recent years have proven devastating to Arizona and many of the western states. The tragic Yarnell Hill Fire, which claimed the lives of 19 elite Hotshot firefighters, is still a fresh and painful wound throughout Arizona. 
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      Healthy forests key to averting tragedies By Paul Gosar When it comes to wildfires, recent years have proven devastating to Arizona and many of the western states. The tragic Yarnell Hill Fire, which claimed the lives of 19 elite Hotshot firefighters, is still a fresh and painful wound throughout Arizona. Fires in other western states like Colorado's Black Forest wildfire and California’s Rim Fire also caused great destruction. We must ensure that we are doing everything we can to prevent future tragedies. Although it is impossible to prevent all fires, federal, state and local land management policies can make them less frequent and less intense when they burn. By maintaining healthy forests, we can improve public safety, save endangered species and put people back to work. As a rural Arizonan and a member of the House Natural Resources Committee, I am fighting for policies that facilitate more active forest management on federal lands. This means smarter spending and better, more effective tools to implement ecological health projects like the Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI) and the White Mountain Stewardship Project.  Overgrown forests are susceptible to wildfire, so prevention starts with responsible thinning. Approximately 80 million acres of forest across the West are overgrown. There are now hundreds of trees per acre on lands that once contained only 10 to 25 trees per acre. Our budgets should prioritize wildfire prevention instead of focusing primarily on response. Although the need to suppress fires is never going to go away, we must shift our priority towards proactive management of our federal lands.  My bipartisan legislation, the Catastrophic Wildfire Prevention Act, addresses many of these issues. It passed the House earlier this year as part of a larger forest health package, the Restoring Healthy Forests for Healthy Communities Act, and the Senate already held a hearing on it.  My bill eliminates red tape, streamlines wildfire-prevention projects, improves local coordination and brings more accountability to the process.  It will expedite the review and approval process for thinning and grazing projects, so that wildfire-prevention projects can move forward quickly when the public is at-risk. It also gets the government out of the way and empowers the private sector to create rural jobs by resurrecting the timber industry, as loggers thin millions of acres of overgrown forests. Congress can fight fires on federal lands before they even start through pro-active land management policies like those included in my Catastrophic Wildfire Prevention Act. I’m optimistic that Congress will enact comprehensive forest health legislation next year that will help prevent destructive wildfires as well as stimulate our rural economies. This op-ed appeared in the print edition of The Arizona Republic on December 29, 2013.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://roby.house.gov/roby-news/congress-could-reconsider-military-pension-cut-january,Congress could reconsider military pension cut in January,2013-12-29,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"A cut to military retirement pay in the budget signed Thursday by President Obama has already triggered such a backlash that Congress may vote in January to toss it out.
Some lawmakers who represent districts with a military presence — and who voted for the overall budget — are vowing to overturn the pension change as soon as the House and the Senate reconvene Friday. Several House and Senate lawmakers in both parties, responding to heavy lobbying from advocates for service members and veterans, already have introduced bills that would restore full cost-of-living increases for military retirees of working age.
Reps. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) and Michael G. Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) have introduced a bill that would restore the annual cost-of-living adjustment for about 800,000 enlisted troops and officers who retire in their early 40s, then take other jobs outside the military. In the budget passed this month, the COLA for working-age retirees was reduced by 1 percentage point; once the retirees turn 62, they go back to receiving the full increase.
The cut is expected to save the government about $6 billion over 10 years, and it is set to be phased in over three years. Davis and Fitzpatrick’s bill would find the savings instead by asking the Internal Revenue Service to crack down on Americans who file fraudulent claims for child tax credits.
“I think we need to make the fix right now,” said Davis, whose Illinois district includes many former service members and employees at nearby Scott Air Force Base.
At a meet-and-greet with constituents in his district recently, many voters were livid at the pension cut, Davis said. To them and him, he said, the federal government is unfairly breaking a promise it made to service members.
“A lot of people joined the military and made huge sacrifices because they were promised a benefit,” he said. “To go back on that is wrong.”
Rep. Martha Roby (R-Ala.) said she is partnering with Fitzpatrick on the legislation.
“I believe that this is a fix the Republican conference can rally around,” she said in a statement one day after the budget was approved. “In my opinion, it should be the first item on the docket for 2014.”
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), who is up for reelection next year, has introduced a bill to replace the $6 billion saved by the COLA cut by instead “eliminating a tax loophole for offshore corporations,” a news release from her office said.
Republican Sens. Kelly Ayotte (N.H.), James M. Inhofe (Okla.), Lindsey O. Graham (S.C.) and others also have come out against the COLA cut.
On Dec. 23, Reps. Julia Brownley (D-Calif.) and Ted Poe (R-Tex.) introduced similar measures that would repeal the provision.
“As a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I believe our servicemembers, veterans, and their families must receive the benefits they have earned and deserve,” Brownley said in a statement. “These benefits are owed to them without equivocation. That is why I have introduced legislation to repeal the military retiree COLA reduction.”
It is unclear whether either proposal includes cuts to offset the elimination of the COLA savings.
Even lawmakers who support the COLA cut agree that the provision should be changed to exempt at least disabled veterans who were forced to retire for medical reasons, as well as survivors.
The budget legislation also requires newly hired civilian federal employees to contribute more to their pensions.
To read this article on the publication's website, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-statement-on-2013-defense-authorization-becoming-law,Cramer Statement on 2013 Defense Authorization Becoming Law,2013-12-28,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congressman Kevin Cramer released the following statement on the 2013 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) being signed into law by President Obama:
“The new defense authorization law is the result of a compromise reached by the House and Senate Armed Services Committees. The House passed the NDAA with a bipartisan majority in June including an amendment I sponsored to keep the active Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) silos at Minot Air Force Base in a warm status. It is disappointing this protection against unilateral nuclear disarmament by the Obama Administration was stripped by Senate negotiators. 
“The defense appropriations bill passed by the House in July added even more protection by prohibiting the Obama Administration from going forward with an environmental impact study on deconstructing ICBMs, the first step toward reducing the fleet. Unfortunately the Senate has not passed a defense appropriations bill.
“However, I am pleased the NDAA supports increased troop pay, rejects the Administration’s proposals to increase military medical fees, prohibits base closure, and addresses sexual assault. It also includes the new KC-46 tanker to be potentially stationed at Grand Forks Air Force Base, the new Long Range Strike Bomber to replace the B-52 bomber currently stationed in Minot, and prevents the premature retirement of the Global Hawk Bock 30 unmanned aircraft.”
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http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/fourth-deadly-and-unprovoked-attack-camp-liberty-residents-underscorres-need,"Fourth Deadly and Unprovoked Attack on Camp Liberty Residents Underscores Need for Administration to Push Iraqi Government and the UN to Do More for their Protection, Says Ros-Lehtinen",2013-12-28,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,FL,Ileana Ros-Lehtinen,R000435,ros-lehtinen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Fourth Deadly and Unprovoked Attack on Camp Liberty Residents Underscores Need for Administration to Push Iraqi Government and the UN to Do More for their Protection, Says Ros-Lehtinen
Miami, Florida – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, made the following statement today following the latest deadly, unprovoked attack against Camp Liberty yesterday that killed two and left a number more in critical condition. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:
“This latest attack is the fourth of its kind on Camp Liberty this year, and those responsible must be swiftly brought to justice. For over a year now, I have urged the Administration to take immediate action to ensure that the residents of the camp are provided the safety and the security they were guaranteed in a memorandum of understanding with the Government of Iraq and the UN. Sadly, neither party has been willing to live up to its obligations and the vicious and unprovoked attacks continue, both on Camp Liberty and Camp Ashraf.
Both the UN and the Iraqi government must take the steps necessary to protect the residents of Camp Liberty and Camp Ashraf until they can be safely relocated. This includes the installation of t-walls and other measures that can be done to make the Camps more secure. Last month I pressed Secretary Kerry to use the full leverage of the State Department and the Administration to press the Iraqi government's swift action on this installation, and will continue to do so until these residents are sufficiently protected.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://stivers.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=366351,Only a few serve U.S. in office and in uniform,2013-12-28,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,OH,Steve Stivers,S001187,stivers.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON — About two days out of every month, Rep. Brad Wenstrup gets a gut check when he leaves Capitol Hill for his other job: surgeon for the Army Reserve.
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      WASHINGTON — About two days out of every month, Rep. Brad Wenstrup gets a gut check when he leaves Capitol Hill for his other job: surgeon for the Army Reserve.
He travels the 12 miles to Bethesda, Md., where the new Walter Reed National Military Medical Center has treated servicemen and women since 2011, and he pitches in where he can.
Sometimes, that means talking to residents; other times, it means helping in surgery.
Because he serves two days a month, he can’t develop long-term relationships with patients.
On Memorial Day, he had planned to enjoy a recess from his congressional duties. Then he got a call: Many casualties were coming in from Afghanistan, could he help? The Cincinnati Republican changed his plans, staying Friday and Saturday to help with sometimes complicated surgeries that required multiple surgeons.
Wenstrup, 55, is a rarity, one of just 14 members of the U.S. House who still serve in the military through the Guard or Reserves.
One senator also serves in the Reserves, according to the Congressional Research Service.
And yet Wenstrup isn’t the only Ohio lawmaker who balances military and congressional duties. Rep. Steve Stivers, R-Upper Arlington, is a member of the Ohio National Guard. He graduated from the Army War College last year and drills one weekend a month plus two weeks in the summer.
“It’s Congress that has the ultimate authority to decide whether to declare war,” Stivers said. “ So having someone who understands what that means, and what that means in a human price for all these soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, is a good thing.”
Others in Ohio’s congressional delegation also have served. House Speaker John Boehner, R-West Chester, enlisted in the Navy in 1968 but was honorably discharged after eight weeks because of back problems, and Rep. Bill Johnson, R-Marietta, served in the Air Force from 1973 to 1999.
Still, the number is shrinking, according to the Congressional Research Service: At the beginning of the 113th Congress, there were 108 members who had served or were serving in the military, 10 fewer than at the beginning of the 112th Congress and 12 fewer than in the 111th Congress.
According to CQ Roll Call, the House currently has 88 veterans while the Senate has 18. Congressional veterans served in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War, Afghanistan, Iraq and Kosovo.
Stivers and Wenstrup both came to Congress after serving on active duty in the Middle East.
Stivers joined the Ohio National Guard in 1985. He was called up while serving in the Ohio Senate in October 2004, and went to Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar and Djibouti as battalion commander overseeing mail delivery. He returned home in December 2005 and was awarded a Bronze Star for his work. Currently, he runs the Ohio Regional Training Institute, which is the training academy inside the Ohio Air National Guard.
Stivers was selected for the Army War College before he became a member of Congress. He began attending the War College in May 2010 and was elected to Congress six months later.
Even as he was putting his congressional staff together, his War College classes were becoming more demanding. Most of the classes were distance learning. Typically, Stivers read three or four books for a specific course, posted on online forums as late as 1 a.m., then woke up early to read the replies. In July 2011, he went to Carlisle, Pa., for two weeks of on-campus training.
Others in his class have dropped out; Stivers did not. Six-hundred began War College; roughly 400 completed it.
“When I commit to do something, I think it’s important to follow through and finish up,” he said.
His education, he added, helped him become more informed as a member of Congress about war strategies. For example, when there is talk of entering a military conflict, Stivers is sure to ask about exit plans and what outcome would be considered a success. When Congress was weighing action in Syria, Stivers drew upon his War College education and ultimately spoke against military involvement.
His military service, he said, has given him sympathy for other public servants, especially fellow members of Congress.
“Being in the military, regardless of the branch, helps you understand service,” he said. “And this job is a public service.”
Wenstrup signed up to serve in 1998. He kept seeing reports of attacks on the United States — the flight over Lockerbie, the conflict in Lebanon — and he felt moved to help. He’d heard of local doctors who were serving and liked the idea. But instead of signing up immediately, he waited; he was a bone-marrow donor for his sister, who had leukemia, and wanted to wait until she’d reached the five-year survivorship mark before he joined.
Wenstrup was called up in 2005 and 2006, serving in Abu Ghraib, Iraq, after the notorious scandal involving the torture of military prisoners. At Abu Ghraib, he treated service members and prisoners alike.
“My commitment was eight years,” he said. “And after that experience, while I was in Iraq, I came home and said, ‘I’m not leaving now.’ ” He re-enlisted, but spoke about his experience in front of crowds. Eventually, he was recruited to run for Congress and defeated Rep. Jean Schmidt, R-Loveland, in the 2012 primary election.
While the more dramatic injuries have died down as troops are withdrawn from Afghanistan, Wenstrup’s first few months at Walter Reed were a harsh reminder of the toll troops can pay. On his first day helping out, he worked on a man with several fingers and both legs gone.
Now, Wenstrup treats wounded veterans, but in a different way. He recently helped an amputee who had hurt himself piloting a Sea-Doo from New York to Key West. The veteran wins pull-up contests. “ He’s just blowing everyone away,” Wenstrup said.
During one visit, he met the vet’s 4-year-old son and asked the boy what he wanted to be when he grew up. “A Navy SEAL like my dad,” the boy replied.
Being in Congress, Wenstrup said, is a different sort of challenge. As a soldier, he’d get his mission and complete it. As a doctor, he examines a patient, makes a diagnosis, talks with the patient about options, decides on a course of action and follows it. Congress, he said, hardly works so neatly.
His trips to Walter Reed, he said, are a telling reminder of what determination can do.
“It’s an honor to be there and see these troops,” he said. “You’ll see a guy for the first time trying to go up the steps with two prosthetics, and he’s just determined and he’s sweating. And he just keeps going.”
jwehrman@dispatch.com",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramers-first-bill-signed-by-president-obama,Cramer&#039;s First Bill Signed by President Obama,2013-12-27,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Barack Obama signed Congressman Kevin Cramer's first bill into law yesterday, December 26. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Streamlining Act, House Resolution 767, passed the House of Representatives on May 15 and the Senate on December 20.
The bill will improve the efficiency of processing federal oil and natural gas permits in North Dakota while retaining all existing standards for approval. While the legislation first passed the Senate after being introduced by Senator Hoeven in the 112th Congress and again by Hoeven with Senator Heitkamp in the 113th Congress, it was never considered by the House until Cramer introduced it in the 113th Congress.
“North Dakota will join other states in a streamlining pilot project to alleviate the increased workload of federal permit review,” said Cramer. “I am pleased the President accepted these modest improvements and am hopeful we can build on this achievement to find more common ground in the future.”
Congressman Cramer is a member of the Natural Resources and Science, Space and Technology Committees, including the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, and the Subcommittee on Energy of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-applauds-enactment-kelly-amendment-ban-funding-un-arms-trade-treaty,Rep. Kelly Applauds Enactment of Kelly Amendment to Ban Funding for UN Arms Trade Treaty,2013-12-27,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,,,legacy,"Amendment included in final NDAA bill signed by president
WASHINGTON — Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) issued the following statement today commending the signing of the final version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2014 which included his amendment to ban funding for the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). The Kelly amendment requires a one year ban on the use of funds by the Department of Defense to implement the ATT unless the treaty receives the advice and consent of the Senate and is the subject of implementing legislation, as required, by the Congress. The NDAA agreement was passed by the House on December 12, 2013, by 350-69; passed by the Senate on December, 19, 2013, by 85-14; and signed by President Obama on December 26, 2013.
“As I and many others have long stated, the ATT is a clear threat to our national sovereignty and the Constitutional rights of all Americans and should never have been signed. I am therefore glad to say that a major victory has been achieved in the fight to make sure this dangerous treaty never affects the United States in any capacity. Earlier this month, the House and Senate acted in a bipartisan manner to affirm my amendment’s resistance to the treaty by including it in the NDAA’s final passage. Now that the NDAA has been signed by President Obama, the White House has joined Congress in taking a belated stand for American strength and sovereignty by making this crucial amendment the law of the land.”
NOTE: Rep. Kelly is a national leader of the movement to stop the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). On March 15, 2013, he introduced H. Con. Res. 23, a bipartisan concurrent resolution expressing opposition to the treaty on behalf of members of Congress. The resolution currently has 149 co-sponsors in the House and 36 supporters in the Senate.
On May 30, 2013, Rep. Kelly submitted a bipartisan letter with 130 co-signers from Congress to both President Obama and Secretary Kerry urging them to reject the treaty. He sent a similar bipartisan letter to the president following Secretary Kerry’s signing of the treaty on October 15, 2013, which was signed by 181 members of Congress, including multiple committee chairmen.
On June 14, 2013, Rep. Kelly introduced an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2014 to prohibit federal funding for the implementation of the ATT for one year by the Department of Defense. The amendment was adopted unanimously by a voice vote and included in the final passage of the NDAA by the House of Representatives. The House-Senate compromise NDAA, which included an updated version of the Kelly amendment, was passed by the House on December 12, 2013; passed by the Senate on December, 19, 2013; and signed by President Obama on December 26, 2013.
On July 24, 2013, the House Appropriations Committee approved the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2014 which imposes a one-year ban on the use of federal funds for the implementation of the ATT by the State Department. The ban is based on language from a bipartisan letter which Rep. Kelly authored and submitted to the State and Foreign Operations subcommittee on April 18, 2013.
 
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http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364759,Blaine's Bulletin: Preserving Your Privacy,2013-12-27,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,MO,Blaine Luetkemeyer,L000569,luetkemeyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"As I reflect on 2013, one of the issues that seemed to be of great concern to the people of the 3rd District was the government’s ever-growing presence in the private lives of American citizens. And over the course of the last 12 months, I have sought to work on your behalf to protect your privacy form the prying eyes of government.
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      As I reflect on 2013, one of the issues that seemed to be of great concern to the people of the 3rd District was the government’s ever-growing presence in the private lives of American citizens. And over the course of the last 12 months, I have sought to work on your behalf to protect your privacy form the prying eyes of government.
The first test we faced came earlier this spring when I met personally with U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) Inspector General Patrick O’Carroll, Jr. That meeting confirmed there was a violation of normal agency protocol when the agency requested and received sensitive data for more than 100,000 Missouri driver’s licenses and concealed carry permits. The admission was a stark one and I appreciated the quick work of the Social Security Administration, especially after it was learned that the information provided by the Missouri State Highway Patrol in the fall of 2011 was unreadable on the SSA investigator’s computer and the data was destroyed.
It was not long after, however, that we faced another privacy challenge that resurfaced amidst a national scandal involving the Internal Revenue Service. In May, the IRS confessed that it was targeting conservative groups seeking tax-exempt status while rubberstamping similar requests from liberal groups. At the same time, it seemed clear to me the IRS was refusing to look at similar liberal groups like the Humane Society of the United States. For three years, the IRS had stonewalled my attempts to get to the bottom of constituent concerns that HSUS was involved in political and lobbying activities that were in direct violation of its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status that prohibits such activities. We are still waiting for answers on that issue and we have received assurances the IRS is finally investigating the issue.
More recently, I have sponsored and co-sponsored legislation dealing with the protection of your privacy. For example, I am the lead sponsor of the Protecting Education Privacy Act (PEPA) that would strengthen federal student privacy policy and keep student records by rolling back regulatory changes made by the current administration. This legislation will keep parents minds at ease because they will have the ultimate control over whether or not third parties can access their children’s information.
I also have recently co-sponsored the USA FREEDOM Act that aims to reign in the dragnet collection of data by the National Security Agency (NSA) and other government agencies.  The bill specifically would ensure that different authorities cannot be used to support bulk collection of information of American citizens and it increases transparency of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC), among other things. Finally, I am also co-sponsoring the NSA Inspector General Act that calls for the creation of an Inspector General (IG) of the NSA and requires that both the IG and the NSA Director be appointed by the president with the consent of the U.S. Senate.  
The American people are guaranteed a right to privacy and in recent years, it has become clear that those rights have been violated and continue to be under attack. This is unacceptable and I have spent the better part of the last year working to protect Americans from their government’s prying eyes. As we look ahead to 2014, I will continue to support legislation that will protect your privacy and restore perhaps some of your faith and trust in the American government. With that said, I want to wish you a very Happy New Year.
CONTACT US: As always, for those of you with Internet access, I encourage you to visit my official website. For those without access to the Internet, I encourage you to call my offices in Jefferson City (573-635-7232) Washington, Mo. (636-239-2276), or Wentzville (636-327-7055) with your questions and concerns. If you want even greater access to what I am working on, please visit my YouTube site, Facebook page, and keep up-to-date with Twitter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://thompson.house.gov/press-release/thompson-military-transition-telemedicine-amendment-signed-law,Thompson Military Transition Telemedicine Amendment Signed into Law,2013-12-27,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"BELLEFONTE, Pa. – President Obama Thursday signed into law the 2014 National Defense Authorization Act. The bipartisan measure, which recently passed the House by a vote of 350 to 69 and the Senate by a vote of 84 to 15, authorizes funding and sets policy for the U.S. Department of Defense.  Thompson, who voted to support the bill, successfully included an amendment that will expand health care coverage through telemedicine for service members transitioning to civilian life.
	“I am very pleased that members of the House and Senate were able to find common ground and pass this important bill that offers critical support to the military, our service members and their families,” stated Rep. Thompson.
	Under the previous policy, service members and their families could utilize 180 days of health care coverage during the transition from military to civilian life through what is known as the Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP).
	Thompson’s amendment is designed to protect individuals coping with Post-Traumatic Stress, which may not present symptoms in some cases until 8-10 months after leaving the military (see: here and here).  The amendment extends TAMP coverage by an additional 180 days for all services rendered through telemedicine.
	“For those who are burdened by physical and psychological injuries as a result of their service in uniform, we must take every action to help them rebuild,” Thompson added. “This bill takes meaningful steps to improve the support we offer these brave men and women as they transition to civilian life, especially those coping with behavioral health injuries, while also making it easier to access care.”
	The amendment builds on Thompson’s 2011 STEP Act, now Public Law 112-81, Section 713, which expanded service member health care services and the use of telemedicine at the Department of Defense.    
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https://womack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=365109,Arkansas Delegation Supports Disaster Assistance for State Following Snow and Ice Storms,2013-12-27,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,AR,Steve Womack,W000809,womack.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3), along with U.S. Senators Mark Pryor and John Boozman and Congressmen Rick Crawford (AR-1), Tim Griffin (AR-2), and Tom Cotton (AR-4), today sent letters to President Obama and FEMA Administrator Fugate supporting Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe’s request for a disaster declaration following devastating snow and ice storms in the state.
The full text of the letters can be found below:
We are writing in support of Governor Mike Beebe’s request for a major disaster declaration for the following counties in Arkansas: Crawford, Franklin, Johnson, Logan, Madison, Marion, Newton, Polk, Scott, Searcy, Sebastian, Sharp, and Van Buren. 
Beginning on December 5, 2013, and continuing through December 8, 2013, these counties experienced overwhelming amounts of snow and ice.  The winter storms brought freezing rain and sleet that covered entire roadways and created hazardous conditions.  The winter storms caused power outages for 62,000 electrical customers, contributed to the loss of one life, and left the affected communities overwhelmed with tremendous amounts of storm debris. Preliminary assessments indicate that the most severe impact was to roadways and public facilities.
This year has been a particularly difficult year for Arkansans impacted by natural disasters, and Governor Beebe’s request is the fourth major disaster declaration request for Arkansas in 2013. The compounded nature of the disasters across the state makes recovery efforts particularly difficult. Arkansas is working tirelessly to mitigate loss and recover from the winter storm, but further assistance is needed.
Pursuant to the provision of Section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 5121-5207 (Stafford Act), and implemented by 44 CFR § 206.36, we ask that Arkansas receive a major disaster declaration for these counties due to the damage assessed.  We would also like to specifically request Public Assistance (Categories A-G) for the counties listed above and Hazard Mitigation statewide.
As you know, the State of Arkansas and its rural districts are working tirelessly to save lives and begin the process of cleaning up and ultimately rebuilding.  All available resources at the state and local level, including the Arkansas National Guard, are being used, but greater federal assistance is needed to help our communities recover.  Arkansas is a predominantly rural state and this series of disasters has exceeded the ability of our local government to respond.  The past several years have been particularly difficult for Arkansas residents due to numerous severe weather events.  We appreciate the financial assistance received as a result of several federal disaster and emergency declarations, many of which impacted the same communities still in the recovery process, and the quick, comprehensive response of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.  We hope that a similar response will follow this disaster. 
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/weekly-columns?ContentRecord_id=358dd626-a17f-443c-8953-f009ae9a18a0,Wreaths Across America,2013-12-27,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,AR,John Boozman,B001236,www.boozman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"It’s hard not to be in the Christmas spirit when you smell the cookies baking, see the neighborhoods twinkling with lights and find yourself humming the familiar holiday tunes. This season of giving illustrates that we have a lot for which to be thankful. 
During the rush of the season as we check off our long ‘to-do- list’ it can be easy to forget about the men and women who gave us the gift of freedom.  To show appreciation for the people who selflessly sacrificed for our way of life, communities across the country are joining in a new Christmas tradition to pay tribute to these heroes by placing a wreath on the graves of fallen servicemembers and veterans. 
“Wreaths Across America” started at Arlington National Cemetery in 1992 and continues to grow nationwide. Since 2008, Congress has recognized the second Saturday in December as “Wreaths Across America Day.” 
This is a great opportunity to show our gratitude to the men and women who proudly served our nation. I’m proud to support this tradition that honors our veterans, fallen troops and their families. These events in Arkansas and throughout the country are sponsored by individual and corporate donations and there is overwhelming support. This is a testament to the sacrifice of those who wore our nation’s uniform and demonstrates our appreciation for their courage, service and commitment to protecting our nation. 
It’s inspiring to join veterans, families and volunteers, to place the wreaths on the graves. For families, it can be especially difficult knowing that their loved ones can’t celebrate Christmas with them. 
These Christmas symbols transformed cemeteries across the state at the Little Rock, Fort Smith and Fayetteville National Cemeteries and the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock, Oaklawn Cemetery in Jonesboro and the State Veterans Cemetery in Birdeye into a truly inspiring holiday scene. 
We commemorated this tribute at the U.S. Capitol with a wreath dedicated to honor the sacrifice of our veterans and remember the men and women who serve in the military will area separated from their families this holiday season. 
Thanks to the generosity and spirit displayed by volunteers, generous contributors and families, we have a fitting honor for our veterans during the Christmas season that demonstrates our appreciation for their courage, service and commitment to protecting our nation. We are helping “Wreaths Across America” accomplish its mission: Remember. Honor. Teach. We will remember and these brave men and women, honor their sacrifice and teach that doing something for the greater good makes the world a better place.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=ccd5642e-829f-4b91-81ef-ff69a81ca47c,STATEMENT BY SENATOR McCAIN ON THE GOVERNOR OF OKINAWA’S DECISION TO SIGN LANDFILL PERMIT FOR FUTENMA REPLACEMENT FACILITY,2013-12-27,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) today released the following statement on the Governor of Okinawa's decision to sign the landfill permit for construction of the Futenma replacement facility at Camp Schwab-Henoko Bay in Okinawa:
“Governor Nakaima's decision to sign the landfill permit is a major achievement for  Okinawa, for Japan, and for the U.S.-Japan alliance – an achievement for which  Prime Minister Abe and his Administration also deserve much credit.
“After 17 years of hard work and setbacks, today's action paves the way for the  construction of the Futenma Replacement Facility at Camp Schwab, the  redeployment of U.S. Marines from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, and the  broader realignment of U.S. forces on Okinawa and in the Asia-Pacific region.
“It is all the more important now for the Congress and the U.S. Department of  Defense to continue working together to ensure that the necessary military  plans and force requirements are in place to carry out and sustain the realignment  of U.S. forces in the Asia-Pacific region. It is also essential, in this time  of constrained resources and increased scrutiny on spending, that the cost  estimates for this realignment be responsible and strictly adhered to over the  years ahead. I was pleased to continue working with my colleagues in the  Congress this year to make additional progress toward these goals in the Fiscal  Year 2014 National Defense Authorization Act.
“The U.S.-Japan alliance is the foundation of the enduring U.S. commitment to the  peace, prosperity, and freedom of the Asia-Pacific region. The United States  will continue to work with Japan and our other friends and allies to maintain a  favorable balance of power in this vital region. I commend Governor Nakaima and  Prime Minister Abe for bringing us one important step closer to achieving our  mutual vision of regional security.”
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https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/op-eds?ID=9c3f1633-3315-4701-8b3b-4863fc292fc8,"New Opportunities, New Priorities in a New Year",2013-12-27,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator John Thune 
	
	
		
		
		
		As we reflect on the highs and lows of 2013, we begin to chart course for the start of a new year. Theodore Roosevelt once said, ""Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."" While the partisan divides of Washington remain a barrier to stimulating the lagging economy and reining in federal spending, more can be done in the new year to solve short-term problems and achieve long-term goals that will keep America secure and financially stable.
South Dakota ranchers and farmers are in urgent need of a new five-year Farm Bill. An unfinished Farm Bill creates uncertainty for agriculture producers, ag-related businesses, consumers, rural economies, and the stewardship of our land and water. Numerous western South Dakota ranchers were hard-hit by the early October snowstorm, many losing high percentages of their breeding herds as well as the current year’s calf crop. The passage of a five-year Farm Bill, including the livestock disaster programs, will provide critically important economic assistance to these producers. I will continue to work with my colleagues on the Senate Agriculture Committee and members of the conference committee to ensure the passage of a defensible five-year Farm Bill.
Congress needs to create incentives for good jobs through a pro-growth tax structure. Comprehensive tax reform can make American businesses more competitive in the global economy and can benefit families who are dealing with a growing and increasingly complex tax code. Tax reform can also help to address our ever-expanding budget deficit by unleashing economic activity that will ultimately raise federal tax receipts, even at lower tax rates. I will continue my work in the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee to fight for a tax structure that will create wealth and improve take-home pay for the people of our state and nation.
The new year holds important opportunities for our men and women stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base. The Air Force record of decision is expected to reach a conclusion on the expansion of the Powder River Training Complex by March of 2014. This would be the largest terrestrial airspace training range expansion in U.S. history. Following my request for a swift decision, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Air Force are currently working together to finalize the FAA record of decision by the summer of 2014.
For two years, Hot Springs’ Black Hills Health Care System has been waiting in limbo for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to reach a decision on the future of the VA facility. On December 13, 2013, I sent a letter along with Senator Johnson and Representative Noem to VA Secretary Eric Shinseki calling for him to return Hot Springs’ Black Hills Health Care System (BHHCS) to full operation following the lack of leadership and breach of good faith by the VA over the past two years. I will continue to work with the Hot Springs community and stakeholders to fight for the VA to withdraw its proposal to reconfigure the BHHCS and return the Hot Springs VA campus to its former levels of operation and staff.
While we are certain to face many challenges in the new year, the year also holds the promise of new opportunities to improve conditions in South Dakota and around the country. I look forward to new opportunities to serve South Dakota in the coming year and wish all South Dakotans a happy, safe, and healthy new year.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://dent.house.gov/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=A5C4F809-604D-4C84-AF6E-F7890D13C378,Dent Works to Protect Pennsylvania Children from the Presidents Health Care Law,2013-12-26,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Charlie Dent,D000604,dent.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Charlie Dent (PA-15th) spearheaded an effort to protect and preserve Pennsylvania’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (PA CHIP) from the effect of President Obama’s Health Care Law. Rep. Dent organized a letter to Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius asking her to accede to Governor Corbett’s request that the Department work with him to help preserve the program. 
  “The practical impact of the Health Care law has been to compel thousands of families with income levels between 100% and 133% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to lose their PA CHIP coverage and be forced into a comparatively substandard Medicaid program,” Rep. Dent stated. 
  “CHIP in Pennsylvania is a clear success story,” said the Congressman. “It is lauded as a national model by other states and consistently receives extremely high marks in customer satisfaction surveys,” Dent noted. “Forcing people out of this program and into the comparatively substandard Medicaid program is yet another harmful impact of the President’s Health Care law.” 
  Rep. Dent was joined by ten fellow Pennsylvania Republicans on the letter. Some of them, including Rep. Dent, voted to establish the PA CHIP law in 1992. Rep. Dent also voted to strengthen and enhance the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) at the federal level. 
  “President Obama heard the outcry of millions of Americans who lost their coverage as a result of the health care law and was forced to act and grant them the ability to maintain existing coverage. I, and my fellow Representatives, want the same opportunity for the thousands of Pennsylvania families that have received superior care through PA CHIP,” Dent concluded. 
  Currently, PA CHIP covers over 188,000 children. 
 Contact:  Shawn Millan (610) 770-3490 
  
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https://walden.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/greg-walden-supports-plan-protect-volunteer-firefighters-and-emergency,Greg Walden supports plan to protect volunteer firefighters and emergency responders from health law mandate,2013-12-26,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,OR,Greg Walden,W000791,walden.house.gov,,,legacy,"Greg Walden supports plan to protect volunteer firefighters and emergency responders from health law mandate  December 26, 2013  HOOD RIVER U.S. Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.) announced today that he has signed on as a co-sponsor of a bill to exempt volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians from the employer mandate in the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The Protecting Volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Responders Act (H.R. 3685) was introduced in the U.S. House on December 10 with bipartisan support. Volunteer fire firefighters and emergency responders serve their communities every day to protect lives and property and keep their neighbors safe. Their units shouldn't be forced to choose between buying life-saving equipment and complying with IRS mandates under the new health care law. I'm co-sponsoring bipartisan legislation to protect these volunteer units from Obamacare's mandate so they can focus on their mission: keeping Oregonians safe, Walden said. Hood River Fire Chief Devon Wellsapplauded Walden for his support. I believe it is critically important that emergency service agencies not be required to offer health insurance to their volunteer personnel. Most of those agencies do not have the financial resources to provide that type of benefit to their volunteers. Also, most volunteers have no expectation of receiving health insurance from their fire agency, Wells said. The financial impact this could have on volunteer agencies would be devastating, potentially reducing the number of volunteers and the level of service provided to the citizens they are sworn to protect. The bill that has been introduced to exempt volunteer emergency service workers from the ACA provides an opportunity for volunteer fire agencies to continue providing exceptional service without worrying about the loss of volunteers or financial difficulties. The IRSwhich is charged with enforcing many of the mandates contained in the new health care lawconsiders volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians working 30 hours per week as full time employees, forcing them to provide health insurance or pay a fine if they are large enough. These IRS regulations could have a big impact on fire departments in Oregon. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, nearly 90% of Oregon's 297 fire department are classified as all volunteer or mostly volunteer agencies.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://walorski.house.gov/walorski-military-sexual-assault-provisions-signed-into-law/,WALORSKI MILITARY SEXUAL ASSAULT PROVISIONS SIGNED INTO LAW,2013-12-26,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,IN,Jackie Walorski,W000813,walorski.house.gov,,,legacy,"Thursday, December 26, 2013
											Freshman HASC Member Authors Measures in NDAA to Encourage Reporting
MISHAWAKA, IN  Earlier today President Obama signed bipartisan provisions into law, authored by Congresswoman Jackie Walorski, to extend whistleblower protections to military sexual assault victims as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
This year's defense bill contains historic provisions to combat the growing military sexual assault epidemic and create an environment for safe reporting.  I am pleased to see these bipartisan measures signed into law to begin eradicating this horrific problem, said Walorski, a freshman member of the House Armed Services Committee.  
Walorski's military sexual assault provisions specifically designate reports of sexual assault as a form of communication under existing whistleblower protections.  Her provisions also require an Inspector General investigation into allegations of retaliatory personnel actions taken against victims who have reported alleged instances of rape, sexual assault, or other forms of sexual misconduct in the military.
Earlier this year, H.R. 1864 was passed as a standalone bill in the House by a vote of 423-0.  Companion legislation was introduced by Senators Amy Klobuchar and Claire McCaskill and included in both the House and Senate versions of the NDAA.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140222202435/http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=2101,Charleston Gazette: DOE: Gas to outpace coal by 2040,2013-12-26,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Natural gas will overtake coal to provide the largest share of U.S. electrical power generation by 2040, according to the latest projections from the federal Department of Energy.

	Natural gas will produce about 35 percent of total U.S. generation, compared to 32 percent for coal, in 2040, according to the department's Energy Information Administration estimates.

	""Projected low prices for natural gas make it a very attractive fuel for new generating capacity,"" the agency said in a preview of its 2014 Annual Energy Outlook. ""In some areas, natural gas-fired generation replaces generation formerly supplied by coal and nuclear.""

	Just last year, the EIA had projected coal to maintain its dominance over natural gas, with 35 percent of generation in 2040, compared to 30 percent for natural gas.

	To read entire article, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cook.house.gov/media-center/newsletter/a-special-holiday-message,A Special Holiday Message,2013-12-25,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,CA,Paul Cook,C001094,cook.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friends,  On behalf of myself, my family, and my staff, Merry Christmas and best wishes to your family in the coming New Year!  Please keep our service members and their families in your thoughts and prayers as you gather with loved ones in the coming weeks. They’re serving our nation far away from their families and in harm’s way. They put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms and for this we're especially grateful. 
 

                                   Please click here to watch my holiday messageAs always, you can follow everything I'm working on in California and Washington, DC, through my website https://cook.house.gov/, on Twitter @RepPaulCook, and through Facebook at Congressman Paul Cook.  Happy Holidays,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://dennisross.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=366428,The Laker/Lutz News: Mobile Office Hours for Rep. Ross,2013-12-25,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,FL,Dennis Ross,R000593,dennisross.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Laker/Lutz News: Mobile Office Hours for Rep. Ross 
   
    
       
      
  
    
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      The Laker'Lutz News  
MOBILE OFFICE HOURS FOR REP. ROSS  
December 25, 2013   
By Mary RathmanU.S. Rep. Dennis Ross’s staff will host mobile office hours across Florida’s 15th Congressional District with a stop at the Lutz Library, 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road on Jan. 14 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The staff will be on hand to assist with questions on seniors’ Social Security and disability, veterans’ VA claims and military service problems, students’ financial aid, small business loan applications, and taxpayers’ tax problems. For information, call (813) 752-4790.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://womack.house.gov/blog/?postid=365087,Merry Christmas!,2013-12-25,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,AR,Steve Womack,W000809,womack.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friends,As we celebrate Christmas, close out 2013, and look toward the New Year, I feel it’s appropriate to reflect on the blessings the year has brought.

We live in the greatest country the world has ever known.  And though we’ve been through a lot of tough times – wars, civil unrest, economic turbulence, acts of nature, acts of man – we’ve always landed on our feet.  That’s what great countries do.  That’s what Americans do.  And I’m blessed with the comfort of knowing that, even in the times of uncertainty we face today, we will do so yet again.
America faces many challenges.  But the greatest challenge we face is leaving our country better than we found it so our children and grandchildren – like my new grandson, Kaden – can live the American dream, too.  As we fight to restore fiscal responsibility and government accountability in Washington, I could not be more grateful to represent you and the people of Arkansas’s Third District.
I look forward to serving you as we work toward getting America back on track and preserving our great nation for our children and grandchildren.
Merry Christmas and best wishes for a prosperous, healthy, and blessed 2014. 
Congressman Steve Womack
Arkansas Third District",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=365091,"<span class=""kicker"">Trentonian Page 1</span>'Plainsboro mother seeks help from Congress to bring her kidnapped sons home'",2013-12-24,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Sherrina Navani, The Trentonian - All Bindu Philips wants for Christmas are her two young sons back, and thanks to a new bill passed by the House of Representatives, she may be closer than ever to getting her wish granted.
Members of the House voted unanimously, in early December, to pass a bill to help bring home American children abducted to overseas destinations. The legislation, dubbed, the Sean and David Goldman International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act of 2013, will help left behind parents of American children abducted to India, Japan, Egypt, India, Brazil, Russia, England and other countries where most are forced to live overseas and never return, according to Rep. Chris Smith (R-4th) — the author of the legislation and chairman of the House congressional panel which oversees human rights. 
Not all countries have signed The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, the standing international treaty which addresses parental abductions via the justice system. The treaty provides for the quick return of abducted children, and access rights to both parents. Sadly, even Hague signatories, like Brazil, often don’t enforce its provisions. 
“What we are asking the State Department to do with this bill, is to start accounting for all the children who have been abducted to other countries,” said Jeff Sagnip, District Director for Smith, noting the State Department would be required to issue an annual report. “If this bill is passed, it cannot force abducting parents who have already taken their children to other countries, to bring them back, however it will start taking account of the thousands of U.S. children who are taken and held overseas. Also, local congressional leaders will become aware of all the children who are being kidnapped from their districts; it will help keep our government’s attention on the cases and work to bring them home.”
The Plainsboro township mother, Philips, has not seen her five-year-old twin sons, Albert Philip Jacob and Alfred William Jacob, since 2008. Her husband, Sunil Jacob, took the family on an impromptu vacation to India and decided to keep the kids there despite the mother’s wishes. 
Philips believes, her husband Sunil Jacob, was being investigated by the FBI regarding his official role as a Wealth Management Specialist for CitiBank and may have spooked the United States Naturalized Citizen, to run back to his homeland of Kerala India. 
“It was all a big shock to me, I had no idea what was going to happen when we left in December 2008 for the family vacation,” said Phillips. “Through an investigation the Plainsboro Police and the FBI learned that he had been planning this for months in advance and he even had all of our belongings shipped to India, so when I got home there was nothing left, no car, no clothes, nothing.” 
Philips, whose husband banned her from having any contact with her children shortly after they arrived in India, decided to leave the county in the hopes that the United States legal system would expedite bringing her children back. However, her nightmare, which she believed would only last a month, has turned into a five-year battle that has taken her to the Indian Supreme Court, to her Legislators and now to the State Department. 
Smith, the FBI and a slew of lawmakers have listened to Philip’s ordeal and have been champions of the proposed bill, which hopes to circumvent any future abductions. 
As of late, Rep. Rush Holt (D-12th), has reached out to Taranjit Singh Sandhu , Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of India in Washington D.C., asking Sandhu to bridge the legal gap between the two countries. 
If passed by the Senate, the law will recommend that the president withhold exchanges with countries that harbor kidnapped children. For example, U.S. development assistance, foreign aid or cultural exchanges may be delayed or withheld if the defiant country does not accept legal initiatives to return the child to their parent, based in the United States. 
“I’m completely cut-off from the children, they’ve only seen me for 15 minutes in the last five years,” said Philips as tears began to trickle from her eyes. “But I refuse to give up hope, I am clinging on, with the hope of being reunited with my children, and I cannot think anything else. I cannot give up on my hope.” Above text was printed Dec. 24, 2013, and edited for clarity.  
Original can be read at:  
http://www.trentonian.com/government-and-politics/20131223/plainsboro-mother-seeks-help-from-congress-to-bring-her-kidnapped-sons-home",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://upton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=365153,Christmas Thanks and Hope for the New Year,2013-12-24,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,MI,Fred Upton,U000031,upton.house.gov,,,legacy,"As we celebrate the season’s holidays, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the blessings in our lives and say thank you to all those who make them a bit easier and a lot safer. In particular, I hope everyone will take a few minutes to think of the brave men and women in our armed services, especially those serving in hot spots around the globe, who help keep the peace and allow us to be safe during these troubled times. I want us to remember, too, their families, especially those living near us, who can’t be with their loved ones for Christmas. It’s my wish that all of us will let them know how much we appreciate the work they do to keep the home fires burning. And how grateful we are of the work these courageous service men and women do. We thank them for their work and sacrifice. I am so proud of them all. There are so many folks to thank for their work, from the cop walking the beat, to the bus driver who delivers passengers safely to their destinations, to the teacher who opens up a new world to a child as he or she masters a new skill. Even the barista at the coffee shop deserves an extra smile and thanks – that cup of joe may be the little extra boost that keeps you alert as you drive the family to the next Christmas gathering. Amidst all the hoopla, it can be challenging for some of us who have lost someone dear to our hearts. I can only hope that you find a moment of solace, a moment when something sparks a reminder of those earlier happy times and you can smile. Amey and I extend our best wishes to you and your loved ones and pray that the spirit of the season brings joy and happiness to your heart now and throughout the new year. May God bless us all.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://yoho.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/yoho-introduces-bill-to-repeal-aca-if-enrollment-numbers-are-not-met,YOHO INTRODUCES BILL TO REPEAL ACA IF ENROLLMENT NUMBERS ARE NOT MET,2013-12-24,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,FL,Ted Yoho,Y000065,yoho.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Yoho has introduced legislation to hold the Obama Administration accountable to the enrollment goals they set for the Affordable Care Act. According to estimates put out by the Congressional Budget Office, seven million people need to be enrolled in the healthcare exchanges  by the end of the 2014 open enrollment period. The costs of insurance plans can be expected to increase if this figure is not hit, further burdening the American taxpayer. In order to hold the Administration accountable to these enrollment numbers, Congressman Yoho has introduced H.R. 3784, the Nullifying the Unconstitutional Mandate By Evaluating Results (NUMBER) Act. This legislation fully repeals the healthcare law if seven million people are not enrolled in the exchanges by March 31st. Congressman Yoho was joined by Reps. Bridenstine (OK), Duncan (SC), Franks (AZ), Graves (GA), Hall (TX), Hudson (NC), Hultgren (IL), Jones (NC), LaMalfa (CA), Massie (KY), Messer (IN), Pittenger (NC), Rice (SC), Salmon (AZ), Scott (GA), Stockman (TX), Weber (TX), Westmoreland (GA), and Wilson (SC). Upon introduction Congressman Yoho said, “The Obama Administration likes to claim that this healthcare law is hugely popular and is wanted by the American people. I disagree. If the Administration can’t even make their own target numbers then the American taxpayer should not be further burdened by this terrible law. This commonsense bill simply holds the Administration accountable to those numbers, and if they are not met the Affordable Care Act is fully repealed.” Congressman Yoho is also a cosponsor of H.R. 2300 and H.R. 3121, two alternative proposals to the Affordable Care Act.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=365088,South Sudan Fighting Endangers Many,2013-12-23,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"The expanding fighting in the Republic of South Sudan has killed more than 500 people in recent days and injured four U.S. military personnel who were evacuating Americans and other foreigners from the country. The conflict endangers not only citizens of that country but threatens to negatively impact the country’s neighbors and the international community, said Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations.     “Already more than 500 people are reported dead,” said Smith. “More could be killed or injured, and not only in South Sudan—the conflict may spread, threatening people in neighboring countries. The escalating fighting in South Sudan could likely lead to more terrorist activities in an already-volatile region. The Administration’s call for a Christmas season cease-fire must be augmented by intense diplomacy with both sides.”     South Sudan, the world’s newest nation, borders countries already troubled with terrorist activity by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) and various Islamic radical and other militia groups in the Central African Republic, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Analysts fear that a South Sudan distracted and divided by civil war would provide an easier operating ground for terrorist groups. The LRA terrorist group, notorious for kidnapping children and forcing them to serve as child soldiers, still operates in the region and poses a danger to the lives of civilians in all four countries.     Meanwhile, Islamic radicals have infiltrated countries in the region, most notably Somalia, but also Ethiopia and even Uganda. An unstable South Sudan will only further empower them by providing the kind of chaos in which the radicals thrive. The entire Sahel region of north-central Africa has been targeted, with Mali having been torn apart by their violent activities and nations such as Niger, Chad and Central African Republic continuing to be adversely affected by their militant and terroristic actions.     Last year’s nine-month oil dispute between South Sudan and Sudan cut oil production from a combined 450,000 barrels per day to what amounted to a mere trickle, and isn’t predicted to return to pre-crisis levels until 2017 at the earliest. The fighting in South Sudan further endangers that timetable as the northern hemisphere heads into winter, and therefore greater oil consumption. Because oil is the only major export for the South Sudanese economy, the economic impact of losing more of its oil production could bring additional suffering to the already-impoverished people of South Sudan.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://duffy.house.gov/press-release/hunger-homelessness-summit-focuses-on-awareness,Hunger & Homelessness Summit Focuses on Awareness,2013-12-23,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,WI,Sean Duffy,D000614,duffy.house.gov,,,legacy,"Wausau, WI – More than 100 registered participants joined U.S. Congressman Sean Duffy (WI-07) for his first Hunger &amp; Homelessness Summit held in Wausau this past Wednesday. The daylong summit brought together volunteers and representatives from dozens of organizations from across the 7th Congressional District. The event included several panel discussions, a keynote address from Steve Berg from the National Alliance to End Homelessness and concluded with a “bright spots” session that challenged participants to implement a takeaway from the event. In his opening remarks to the attendees, Rep. Duffy offered: “My team and I wanted to do what we could to try to make a difference with those who have fallen on hard times and make sure we can collaborate together on community resources. Also collaborate on the Federal and state side to make sure resources don’t just flow to the urban parts of the country but can actually come to the parts of the country that have real problems but don’t have huge staffs to cut through the red-tape.” Offering his thoughts on the summit, Rep. Duffy said, “We found that by reaching out to each other and building a coalition within our community we can be more effective in our efforts to serve the neediest in our area.” Rep. Duffy’s office plans to post the entire summit on YouTube. Click here to watch and check back for updates from the daylong event. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=365063,Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 12.23.13,2013-12-23,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,VA,Morgan Griffith,G000568,morgangriffith.house.gov,,,legacy,"Faith and Action
People of faith often take bold action.  The Christmas season is a time to both notice and highlight the large and small acts of faith that make a difference in this world.  I can only note a few, as there are too many such actions to note them all.
One of those taking bold action this year is Congressman Frank Wolf (VA-10), who has announced that he will be retiring after having served in the House of Representatives for 17 terms.  
Frank has worked hard throughout the years to advance justice, human rights, and religious freedom.  He went on a secret mission to Tibet in 1997, traveling not as a Congressman but as a tourist with a home video camera.  After returning to the United States, Frank said Tibetans were living “…under unspeakably brutal conditions in the dim shadow of international awareness.  I want the world to know what is going on in Tibet.” 
He has continued this work in numerous ways.  Frank has traveled throughout Asia and the Middle East advocating for religious minorities such as Coptic Christians, and also has persistently pushed to uncover the truth about the 2012 attack on the United States consulate in Benghazi, Libya.
Frank is a diligent and tireless advocate for those who may otherwise be passed by.  I wish the best to Frank as he continues working on the issues important to him and to his family as they begin the next chapter of their lives.
Reverend Ralph Shelba Horton was another man of deep faith, and I was saddened to learn of his December 19 passing.  Reverend Horton served the Lord as Senior Pastor of the Richlands Tabernacle since 1971, but he looked for opportunities outside of his own backyard to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.  He was a man of God and a friend to many, and his influence went well beyond Tazewell County.  To paraphrase a friend of mine, “Who knows how many souls are in heaven because of the work of Reverend Horton.”  My thoughts and prayers to Reverend Horton’s loved ones at this time.
But not all people of faith have 700,000 constituents or a large congregation with whom to share their message.  But this does not mean that their message is any less worthy of attention.
Willie Nelson’s Christmas song “Pretty Paper*” is rather easily adapted to fit one such person - a lady who hangs out every Thursday near the steps leading to the U.S. House of Representatives.
     Crowded street, busy feet hustle by her. 
     Busy Congressmen, Christmas is nigh.        
     There she stands all alone on the sidewalk,
     Hoping that you won't pass her by.  
     Should you stop?  Better not.  Much too busy.  
     You're in a hurry, how time does fly. 
     In the distance the ringing of laughter, 
     And in the midst of the chatter she tries.
For the last three decades or so, Ms. Rita Warren has been a regular fixture on Capitol Hill.  Rain or shine, this gentle octogenarian has served as a “lobbyist for God,” playing soft music and setting up a life-size statue of Jesus Christ.  As we approach the Christmas season, Ms. Warren sets up a lovely nativity scene.  Nearby is her menorah.
In my experience, she has been relatively unobtrusive.  When I see Ms. Warren and hear her music, I feel uplifted and renewed.  “Jesus is everywhere,” she knowingly tells me and others who choose to stop and speak with her.  “Mine is a mission of faith.”
She gladly speaks with tourists, lawmakers, and congressional staff to share her message about God and his good works to those who will stop to listen.  
Ms. Warren and her mission of faith inspire and refresh me throughout the year.  It’s a constant reminder that, through all the battles and all the rhetoric, no matter how much power we think rests in the capital city of Washington, D.C., the ultimate power belongs to God.  During the Christmas season we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, who brought God’s message of forgiveness and grace to mankind.  “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16)."" Best wishes for a safe and merry Christmas. Please note that, in observance of the Christmas holiday, this column will return on Monday, January 6.  As always, if you have concerns or comments or wish to inquire about legislative issues, feel free to contact my offices. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website at www.morgangriffith.house.gov.
###
* “Pretty Paper” was written by Willie Nelson and originally recorded by Roy Orbison.
 ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=365076,Ninth District Traveling Staff Office Hours for January,2013-12-23,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,VA,Morgan Griffith,G000568,morgangriffith.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Griffith’s Ninth District STAFF will be available at the following locations during the month of January.  In the event of inclement weather (heavy snow, sleet, icy rain, etc.), traveling office hours may be rescheduled to avoid putting constituents at risk.  Please contact the Christiansburg Office at 540-381-5671 or the Abingdon Office at 276-525-1405 with any questions or to confirm that traveling hours are still in effect.
January 3, 2014
Martinsville:   11:00 am – 1:00 pm
NCI  
Room 106 – Classroom Building  
30 Franklin Street  
Martinsville, VA
Lee County:   10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Lee County Sheriff’s Office  
Conference Room – Suite U101  
33640 Main Street  
Jonesville, VA
Norton:   2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Norton City Council Chambers  
618 Virginia Avenue NW  
Norton, VA
January 8, 2014
Radford:   10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Radford Public Library  
Meeting Room  
30 West Main Street  
Radford, VA 
Pulaski County:   2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Pulaski County Library  
Meeting Room  
60 3rd Street NW  
Pulaski, VA
January 9, 2014
Grayson County:   10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Grayson County Administration Building  
Board of Supervisors Room – Suite 206  
129 Davis Street  
Independence, VA
Russell County:   10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Southwest Virginia Technology Development Center  
141 Highland Drive  
Lebanon, VA 
Tazewell County:   2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Bluefield Town Hall – Council Chambers  
112 Huffard Drive  
Bluefield, VA
Galax:   2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Galax Municipal Building  
Conference Room  
111 E. Main Street  
Galax, VA
January 14, 2014
Giles County:   10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Pearisburg Town Hall  
112 Tazewell Street  
Pearisburg, VA
Salem:   2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Salem Library  
28 East Main Street  
Salem, VA
January 15, 2014
Henry County:   10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Bassett Historical Society  
3964 Fairystone Parkway  
Bassett, VA
Bland County:   10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Bland County Courthouse  
Admin. Office Room 2  
612 Main Street  
Bland, VA
Wythe County:   2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Wythe County Sheriff’s Office  
Conference Room  
245 South 4th Street  
Wytheville, VA
Patrick County:   2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Patrick County Administration Building  
Conference Room  
106 Rucker Street  
Stuart, VA
January 16, 2014
Scott County:   10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Community Services Building  
Community Room  
190 Beech Street  
Gate City, VA
January 17, 2014 
Carroll County:   10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Carroll County Administration Building  
Board of Supervisors Room  
605 – 1 Pine Street  
Hillsville, VA
Floyd County:   2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Floyd County Library  
321 W. Main Street  
Floyd, VA
January 21, 2014
Tazewell County:   10:00 am – 12:00 pm
American Legion Building  
226 Central Avenue  
Tazewell, VA
Buchanan County:   2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Grundy Town Hall  
1185 Plaza Drive  
Grundy, VA
January 24, 2014
Alleghany County:   10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Clifton Forge Library  
Conference Room  
535 Church Street  
Clifton Forge, VA
Dickenson County:   10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Dickenson Center for Education &amp; Research  
818 Happy Valley Drive  
Clintwood, VA
Wise County:   2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Big Stone Gap Federal Courthouse  
3rd Floor Room 303  
322 Wood Avenue E  
Big Stone Gap, VA
Roanoke County:   2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
 Roanoke Library Hollins Branch  
6624 Peters Creek Road  
Roanoke, VA
January 28, 2014
Pulaski County:   2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Dublin Town Hall  
Route 100, 1 mile North of I-81  
Dublin, VA
** Please contact the Christiansburg Office at 540-381-5671 or the Abingdon Office at 276-525-1405 with any questions.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://rokita.house.gov/editorial/rokita-report-12-23-13,Rokita Report 12-23-13,2013-12-23,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,IN,Todd Rokita,R000592,rokita.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friend,
Thank you for the opportunity to update you on the work of the 113th Congress. I trust this finds you and your family well.
For daily updates, please take a moment to ""Like"" my Facebook page by clicking here  or follow me on Twitter if you prefer  @ToddRokita.
 
   In this week's Rokita Report
 Putting Children First - Visit to Indiana Math&amp; Science Academy 
Listening to Business, Fighting Red Tape - Indiana Motor Truck Association
Engaging the Next Generation on our Debt - Harvard Institute of Politics
ObamaCare - Lie of the Year - Sunday Interview on Fox News
  
  Putting Children First - My Visit to the Indiana Math&amp; Science Academy
In my role as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education, I visit schools throughout Indiana.  This Thursday, I visited with students and teachers at the Indiana Math&amp; Science Academy (IMSA) - North.  
The IMSA charter schools are free K-12 college prep schools that focus on math, science, and technology - the very subjects and skill sets that will be required of our students in the global marketplace they will be entering.
IMSA is practicing many of the same tenets that drove the Student Success Act - the No Child Left Behind rewrite that I introduced and led to passage in the House earlier this year as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.  The Student Success Act prioritizes the success of students by putting those closest to the children in direct guidance of their education - parents, teachers, and local communities - not Washington bureaucrats.
Innovative education models that prioritize each student's unique learning style are leading the way to a brighter future for our young Hoosier students.  I look forward to more school visits throughout 2014.  
  Listening to Business, Fighting Red Tape - Indiana Motor Truck Association Directors' Meeting
					On Tuesday, I was the guest speaker for the Indiana Motor Truck Association Board of Directors' Meeting.
I updated the board members on the recent 2-year Ryan-Murray Budget, as well as transportation and logistics issues before Congress.  
As many Rokita Report readers may know, many of the issues that impact our transportation and logistics companies very rarely come before Congress, and instead originate within the maze of federal bureaucracy.  
Thousands of pages of rules and regulations are issued each year by agencies like the Department of Transportation that have a negative impact on Hoosier businesses and workers.  
That is why, along with the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, we created the Red Tape Rollback program to solicit input from Hoosier businesses, like our transportation companies, on arbitrary, senseless, and ultimately, costly regulations that are stopping economic growth in our state and killing much-needed jobs.  
Learn more about our Red Tape Rollback program and more on the 33 victories we've achieved since launching the program in 2011.
 
 
  Engaging the Next Generation about our Debt at the Harvard Institute of Politics
 
On Monday, I delivered my debt presentation at the Harvard University Institute of Politics (IOP).  IOP was founded in 1966 as a memorial to President Kennedy and educates undergraduate students in politics and public service careers. 
 
This is the same debt presentation I've delivered all over Indiana and on the House floor (which you can watch on YouTube).  You can also read a PDF copy of the presentation here.
I enjoyed meeting the students there and discussing the debt that, if unaddressed, they, along our children and grandchildren, stand to inherit.  It is always a surprise to people what makes up the bulk of our federal spending - social entitlement spending - and how large the problem really is.    
Thank you to IOP's director Trey Grayson for the invitation and to the students who took time out during final exam week to engage on this important issue facing them and their future.  I look forward to visiting additional campuses in the new year to deliver the debt presentation.
  
""You Can Keep Your Plan"" - The Politifact ""Lie of the Year"" - ObamaCare Insurance Cancellations Continue
It has been widely reported that millions of Americans are being sent cancellation notices of their insurance policies due to ObamaCare.  Just last week, the nonpartisan political fact-finding site, Politifact.com ranked the President's claim that, ""if you like your health insurance plan, you can keep your plan,"" the ""Lie of the Year.""  This lie is one that he reused time and again in selling ObamaCare and seeking reelection.  Yet, cancellations keep arriving in mailboxes all over the country.
Yesterday, I appeared on Fox News America's News HQ to talk about the impact of ObamaCare and a better way forward - the American Health Care Reform Act.  You can watch my interview with Erich Shawn here.
If you or someone you know has had a similar experiences due to ObamaCare, please send me your story, your cancellation notice, or rate increase documents at InsuranceCancellations@mail.house.gov.   
  Thank you for your continued interest in Congress and for supporting my efforts in Washington. Take care.  
						Sincerely,    Todd Rokita",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/la-decisi%C3%B3n-de-la-administraci%C3%B3n-de-no-a%C3%B1adir-nuevos-nombres-de-violadores-de-derechos,La Decisión de la Administración de no Añadir Nuevos Nombres de Violadores de Derechos Humanos Rusos es un Grave Error y una Concesión Para Vladimir Putin,2013-12-23,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,FL,Ileana Ros-Lehtinen,R000435,ros-lehtinen.house.gov,,,legacy,"La Decisión de la Administración de no Añadir Nuevos Nombres de Violadores de Derechos Humanos Rusos es un Grave Error y una Concesión Para Vladimir Putin
“Insto a la Administración a priorizar los derechos humanos no solamente en Rusia, sino en cualquier lugar donde el estado priva a sus ciudadanos de sus libertades básicas y sus derechos humanos.”
(WASHINGTON) – La Congresista Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Presidenta del Subcomité del Medio Oriente y África del Norte, hizo la siguiente declaración sobre reportes que la Administración de Obama no añadirá nuevos nombres a la lista de funcionarios rusos culpables de violar derechos humanos quienes pueden ser sancionados bajo la Ley de Responsabilidad y Estado de Derecho Sergei Magnitsky. Destacó Ros-Lehtinen:
“Estoy decepcionada y confundida con la decisión de la Administración, de acuerdo a informes, de no incluir nuevos nombres a la lista de funcionarios rusos culpables de violar derechos humanos quienes pueden ser sancionados bajo la ley norteamericana. Esto es un error grave que representa una concesión para Putin y un golpe decepcionante para los defensores de los derechos humanos en Rusia cuyas libertades democráticas cada vez son más limitadas por el estado policíaco de Putin.
“Debemos hacer todo lo posible para proteger los derechos humanos bajo la ‘Ley de Responsabilidad y Estado de Derecho Sergei Magnitsky,’ nombrada por el abogado ruso cuyas valientes investigaciones sobre la corrupción en el gobierno le llevaron a la cárcel donde murió después de haber sido torturado. Debemos urnirnos en solidaridad y apoyar a quienes quiere silenciar el gobierno de Putin. Insto a la Administración a priorizar los derechos humanos no solamente en Rusia, sino en cualquier lugar donde el estado priva a sus ciudadanos de sus libertades básicas y sus derechos humanos.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murkowski.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=87f7d346-9d51-45ae-bc3e-2036ff0e74a3,Murkowski’s Advocacy Helps Reap Secure Rural Schools Payments “Holiday Gift”,2013-12-23,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.23.13
			 Murkowski’s Advocacy Helps Reap Secure Rural Schools Payments “Holiday Gift” 
			
				
	
	
	
	
	 
	
	
			
		
	
	
	
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
			
		
        
				 Administration: Next Round of Payments Will Not Be Reduced
			
			 Senator Lisa Murkowski today commended the Administration for its decision to not reduce the next round of payments to be made to Southeast Alaska timber communities under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act.
Earlier this year, Senator Murkowski was sharply critical of the Forest Service's decision to apply the automatic, across-the-board federal budget cuts commonly known as “sequestration,” to Secure Rural Schools payments that had previously been made for 2013.  Alaska was asked to return the 5.1 percent of the timber payments received earlier this year to the U.S. Treasury.
Secure Rural Schools requires the Forest Service to make payments to communities impacted by the severe decline in timber receipts from national forest lands. Communities that once had thriving timber industries now depend on the funds to pay for schools, emergency services and other local services. Funding for the next year of the program was provided in the High Technology Jobs Preservation Act, a bill sponsored and shepherded through the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the Senate by Senator Murkowski.
“While it would be preferable for the Forest Service to actively manage our forests so that our communities are not dependent on these payments,” Murkowski said. “The news that the 2014 payments will not be reduced by sequestration is a holiday gift.""
The Forest Service manages more than 22 million acres of national forest lands in Alaska, including nearly all of the land in Southeast.
			
			
			
		
		
		
	
    
    
	
	
    
	
	
	
		
	
    
	
     
	
 
	
    
    
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		  
		
	
	  

	
	
	
	
	 
		
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				Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140110164209/http://www.grassley.senate.gov:80/news/Article.cfm?customel_dataPageID_1502=47871,Grassley to Kick Off 99-County Tour,2013-12-23,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley will begin holding meetings with Iowans in every county again next year with meetings in Floyd and Chickasaw counties on Friday, Jan. 3.“Representative government is a two-way street, and it’s strengthened by dialogue between elected officials and the people we represent,” Grassley said.  “I look forward to events and meetings where I listen to comments, hear concerns and respond directly to questions.  I’m committed to keeping in touch with Iowans.” Grassley has held at least one meeting with Iowans in each of the state’s 99 counties every year since he was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1980.  Grassley will be available for 15 minutes before the meeting at Nashua-Plainfield High School and 15 minutes after the meeting at Mitas Tires to answer questions from local reporters.  Otherwise, members of the media should contact the individual host about each event, as Grassley is a guest of each organization.  Here are the details of Grassley’s schedule for Friday, Jan. 3: 12:45-1:45 p.m.  
Q&amp;A with students at Nashua-Plainfield High School  
612 Greeley Street  
Nashua  
            *The press availability from 12:30-12:45 p.m. will be in the main office. 2:15-3:15 p.m.  
Tour and Q&amp;A with employees at Mitas Tires North America, Inc.  
1200 Rove Avenue  
Charles City  
            *The press availability from 3:15-3:30 p.m. will be in the conference room. -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140220234305/http://southerland.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=6E9A911A-C461-4D91-BCA1-0E09AEDEFF27,A Christmas Message from Steve Southerland,2013-12-23,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,FL,Steve Southerland,S001186,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"As we gather with our loved ones and reflect upon our personal blessings this Christmas holiday season, let us be mindful of those who are less fortunate. In reflection of the true Christmas spirit, please join me in reaffirming our commitment to those who are in need in our community and offering a special prayer for them this Christmas. Also as we celebrate and move into the New Year, we must not forget the American heroes who have been separated from their own families as they protect our freedoms overseas.
I pray God blesses you with a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Sincerely,
Steve Southerland, II",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221043045/http://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/Article.cfm?customel_dataPageID_1502=47867,Grassley Joins Effort to Stop OSHA's Illegal Regulatory Actions,2013-12-23,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON- Sen. Chuck Grassley has joined 42 other senators in requesting the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to stop unlawful regulations on small family farms.
  
Since 1976, Congress has exempted small, family-run farms with 10 or fewer employees from OSHA regulations.  However, in a 2011 memo, OSHA asserted that on-farm grain storage and handling was not part of farm operations.  By viewing grain storage as distinct from the farming operation, the senators’ request said OSHA is creating an artificial distinction that would subject virtually every farm to OSHA regulations without allowing for congressional review and public comment, and in defiance of the law. 
  
“OSHA is overstepping its bounds here,” Grassley said.  “Grain storage is an essential part of farming.  The federal government is expanding its reach to include farms that should be exempt, and is doing so despite the clear intent of Congress.”
  
The request from senators was made in a letter to Department of Labor Secretary Thomas Perez, who oversees OSHA, as well as to OSHA, asking that OSHA update guidance correcting its misinterpretation of the law.
  
This bipartisan effort is led by Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.).  The letter also was signed by Sens. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), Dan Coats (R-Ind.), Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), John McCain (R-Ariz.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Mark Pryor (D-Ark.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), John Thune (R-S.D.), David Vitter (R-La.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).
The text of the letter is below. A copy of the signed letter can be found here. December 20, 2013  
   
The Honorable Thomas E. Perez  
Secretary  
U.S. Department of Labor  
200 Constitution Avenue, N.W.  
Washington, DC 20210  
   
Dear Secretary Perez:  
   
We write to you regarding reports that regulators at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have begun taking regulatory actions against farms that are specifically exempted by Congress from regulatory enforcement conducted by OSHA. Since 1976, Congress has included specific language in appropriations bills prohibiting OSHA from using appropriated funds to apply requirements under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1976 to farming operations with 10 or fewer employees. 
  
It has come to our attention that OSHA is now interpreting this provision so narrowly that virtually every grain farm in the country would be subject to OSHA regulations.  OSHA’s interpretation defies the intent of Congress in exempting farming operations from the standards of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. 
  
In viewing a farm’s “grain bin operation” as somehow distinct from its farming operation, OSHA is creating an artificial distinction in an apparent effort to circumvent the Congressional prohibition on regulating farms.  The use of grain bins is an integral part of farming operations.  Without grain bins, farmers must sell corn and soybeans immediately after harvest, when prices are usually low.  Storing grain in bins is thus a fundamental aspect of farming.  Any farm that employs 10 or fewer employees and used grain bins only for storage prior to marketing should be exempt, as required by law, from OSHA regulations. 
  
A memo issued by the Director of Enforcement Programs on June 28, 2011, stated that “many of these small farm employers mistakenly assume that the Appropriations Rider precludes OSHA from conducting enforcement activities regardless of the type of operations performed on the farm.”  The memo declares that all activities under SIC 072—including drying and fumigating grain—are subject to all OSHA requirements (the memo did not even mention grain storage).  There are many farms that have grain dryers on-farm to address wet harvest conditions or fumigate grain to prevent pests from ruining a crop prior to marketing.  These are basic, common, and responsible farming activities that OSHA has arbitrarily decided are non-exempt.  
     
Worker safety is an important concern for all of us—including the many farmers who probably know better than OSHA regulators how to keep themselves and their employees safe on farms.  If the Administration believes that OSHA should be able to enforce its regulations on farms, it should make that case to Congress rather than twisting the law in the service of bureaucratic mission creep.  Until then, Congress has spoken clearly and we sincerely hope that you will support America’s farmers and respect the intent of Congress by reining in OSHA.  
     
We would ask that you direct OSHA to take the following three steps to alleviate this concern.  First, OSHA should cease all actions predicated on this interpretation, which is inconsistent with Congressional intent.  It is important that OSHA also issue guidance correcting this misinterpretation of the law.  We suggest consulting with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and organizations representing farmers to assist with this guidance.  Finally, we ask that OSHA provide a list and description of regulatory actions taken against farms with incorrectly categorized non-farming activities and 10 or fewer employees since the June 2011 memo.  Given the nearly four decades of Congressional prohibition of OSHA enforcement against farms, this should be a simple request to fulfil.  
     
We would appreciate your response by February 1, 2014, to include a copy of the corrected guidance, the data regarding enforcement actions on farms, and confirmation that OSHA will cease such enforcement.
-30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221064602/http://woodall.house.gov/event/gwinnett-town-hall-meeting-1,Gwinnett Town Hall Meeting,2013-12-23,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,GA,Rob Woodall,W000810,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Please join me for a Town Hall Meeting in the Council Chambers of the Suwanee City Hall on January 23rd.
Thursday, January 23, 2014  
	7:00 PM – 8:00 PM  
	Suwanee City Hall  
	Council Chambers  
	330 Town Center Avenue  
	Suwanee, Georgia  30024",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221065609/http://woodall.house.gov/event/forsyth-town-hall-meeting-3,Forsyth Town Hall Meeting,2013-12-23,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,GA,Rob Woodall,W000810,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Please join me for a Town Hall Meeting at the Forsyth County Administration Building on January 21st.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014  
	7:00 PM – 8:00 PM  
	Forsyth County Administration Building  
	Commissioners Meeting Room Suite 220  
	110 East Main Street  
	Cumming, Georgia  30040",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221084855/http://black.house.gov/press-release/case-you-missed-it-hiding-hacking-healthcaregov,In Case You Missed It: Hiding the Hacking at Healthcare.gov,2013-12-23,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,TN,Diane Black,B001273,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"In Case You Missed It: Hiding the Hacking at Healthcare.gov  
	by John Fund
Christmas shoppers were stunned to learn last Thursday that computer hackers had made off with the names and other personal info of some 40 million Target customers. Some of the pilfered information is reportedly being sold on the black market, prompting JP Morgan Chase to limit purchases and cash withdrawals on debit cards owned by recent Target shoppers.
But at least Target informed its customers of the security breach, as it is required by federal law to do. HealthCare.gov faces no such requirement; it need never notify customers that their personal information has been hacked or possibly compromised. The Department of Health and Human Services was specifically asked to include a notification requirement in the rules it designed for the health-care exchanges, but HHS declined.
The Federal Register tells the tale about what happened on March 27, 2012, at a meeting on the issue.
At that meeting, two commenters asked HHS to ensure the exchanges would promptly notify affected enrollees in the event of a data breach or unauthorized access to the exchange’s databases. One commenter suggested that a full investigation be launched each time such a breach occurred, with the goal of holding hackers legally and financially accountable for breaking into the website.
According to a report by the group Watchdog.org, HHS responded: “We do not plan to include the specific notification procedures in the final rule. Consistent with this approach, we do not include specific policies for investigation of data breaches in this final rule.” In other words, the government doesn’t have to tell you about a security breach unless it decides it wants to — despite the fact that private companies are required to publicly disclose any incidents. State laws also require many of the 14 state-run insurance exchanges to disclose such information, but no such law exists for the federally run exchange, which 36 states rely upon.
The Watchdog report notes that it’s through state laws that we’ve learned the most about security problems in the exchanges. In September, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported that “an official at MNsure, the state’s new online health insurance exchange, acknowledged it had mishandled private data.” A Minnesota insurance broker received an e-mail containing a trove of confidential information on more than 2,400 people, including their Social Security numbers and business addresses. A staffer at MNsure had accidentally sent the e-mail to him. “The more I thought about it, the more troubled I was,” Jim Koester, the recipient of the data, told the Star Tribune. “What if this had fallen into the wrong hands? It’s scary.”
Last July, Dave Jones, California’s insurance commissioner and a Democrat, expressed his concerns about inadequate security processes on his state’s exchange, one of the better-run ones. If unscrupulous people get hold of Social Security numbers, health records, or other private information of consumers “we can have a real disaster on our hands,” Jones told the AP. He has declined further comment since then.
In Florida, GOP governor Rick Scott is troubled that privacy guidelines will be ignored in the rush to try to enroll his state’s 3.5 million uninsured residents. He wrote to Congress this fall expressing worry that the thousands of “navigators” hired by private groups posed a possible security threat, given that they undergo no federal background checks: “As the push for ‘navigators’ to sign up Floridians on the federal health insurance exchange becomes more frenzied, the need to safeguard the personal information Floridians submit to the ‘navigators,’ and its use in a ‘federal data hub,’ is taking on paramount importance.” The workers the federal government hired to conduct the 2010 census were fingerprinted and underwent background checks. Not so the Obamacare “navigators.”
It’s not as if the Obama administration wasn’t notified of security concerns about its website. MITRE Corporation, an HHS contractor, alerted the agency that 19 unaddressed security vulnerabilities plagued the website before its launch on October 1. Last week, Teresa Fryer, the chief information-security officer for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), told the House Oversight Committee that she recommended that HealthCare.gov not launch on October 1 because of serious security concerns. “My evaluation of this was a high risk,” she told the committee in a private interview. Tony Trenkle, the project manager for the website, declined along with Fryer to sign the Authority to Operate (ATO) license needed to launch the site, which is why it had to be signed by Marilyn Tavenner, the political appointee in charge of CMS. Trenkle retired on November 13 and has declined to talk with reporters. But Fryer said her own concerns about security remain unaddressed because there have been “two high findings of risk” — the most serious warning level — in tests conducted in just the past few weeks. A CMS spokesman says both problems have been resolved.
Few cyber-security experts I spoke with for this article have much confidence that the government will quickly or competently reveal any security breaches on HealthCare.gov. On October 30, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius testified under oath before Congress that “no senior official reporting to me ever advised me that we should delay” the launch of the website. But Fryer told the House committee that she had personally briefed Sebelius’s top aides on her findings on September 20, ten days before the site launched. While it may be true that Fryer and Trinkle don’t report directly to Sebelius, they both declined to sign off on the ATO needed to launch the site. At best, Sebelius has demonstrated a complete inability to follow or manage the security crisis, though it’s her responsibility to do so.
According to Bruce Webster, a consultant who has advised companies for 40 years on IT issues, the administration’s policy appears to be “security through obscurity,” a largely discredited approach. He told me:
They do not want to talk about their security measures; they do not want to talk about their security breaches; they do not want to inform affected citizens of compromised personal information. Their attitude reminds me of Lily Tomlin’s character Ernestine as an AT&amp;T operator back when AT&amp;T had a monopoly: “We don’t care. We don’t have to. We’re the phone company.”
Congresswoman Diane Black, a Tennessee Republican, is fed up with the obfuscation and evasion surrounding HealthCare.gov. She has introduced the “Federal Data Breach Notification Act,” which would require that the Federal Trade Commission notify anyone whose personal information has been jeopardized. “The federal government imposes these same rules on the private sector, yet they have gone out of their way to avoid imposing this basic diligence on their own Obamacare exchange,” she told me.
If the House and Senate have any basic concern for the privacy rights of Americans, they will catapult her bill onto President Obama’s desk ASAP. It is horrible news that Target’s security vulnerabilities allowed hackers to filch the names and personal information of customers. But it will be even worse if the federal government can continue to keep people in the dark about its own security breaches, leaving many Americans with big, fat targets on their backs for identity thieves.
— John Fund is a national-affairs columnist for National Review Online.
Background: 
RELEASE: Black Introduces the Federal Exchange Data Breach Notification Act of 2013
###
Congressman Diane Black represents Tennessee’s 6th Congressional District. She has been a registered nurse for more than 40 years and serves on the House Ways and Means and Budget Committees.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140222202248/http://mckinley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=2097,Dominion Post: Fed law may threaten VFDs,2013-12-23,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"FAIRMONT — Area volunteer firefighters gathered around a table with Rep. David McKinley Thursday to ponder a federal health care measure that — they said — could close volunteer fire departments across the state and nation.

	McKinley, R-W.Va., and Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., are helping lead the charge to change the law — with the support of the rest of the state’s Congressional delegation. Tom Miller, with the Sissonville Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) holds positions in the National Volunteer Fire Council and the West Virginia State Fireman’s Association and explained the problem.

	The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has an “employer mandate” requiring companies that employ 50 or more Full Time Equivalent workers (more than 30 hours per week) to offer health care coverage.

	Although the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services told members of Congress and others that the mandate wouldn’t apply to VFDs, he said, the Internal Revenue Service general counsel has said it will — even though the firefighters aren’t paid.

	“They don’t understand we have to hold boot drives and hot dog sales and car washes to keep the lights on,” Miller said.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140228094446/http://meadows.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=490,Meadows Introduces Legislation Authorizing Park Service Payments to Swain County,2013-12-23,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NC,Mark Meadows,M001187,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Location
			
				Image
			
				Map URL
		
		
			
				Washington D.C. Office
			
				Washington D.C. Office
				1516 Longworth HOB
				Washington, DC 20515
				Phone: (202) 225-6401
				Fax: (202) 226-6422
				Hours: M-F, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
			
				
			
				http://goo.gl/maps/bmdwE
		
		
			
				Avery County Office
			
				Avery County Office
				Avery County Sheriff's Office
				300 Shultz Circle
				Newland, NC 28657
				2nd Thursday of each month
				9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
			
				
			
				http://goo.gl/maps/aWlVv
		
		
			
				Buncombe County Office
			
				Buncombe County Office
				Skyland Fire Department
				9 Miller Road
				Asheville, NC 28776
				1st Tuesday of each month
				9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
			
				
			
				http://goo.gl/maps/E92EQ
		
		
			
				Burke County Office
			
				Burke County Office
				Morganton City Hall
				305 East Union Street, Suite A100
				Morganton, NC 28655
				2nd Thursday of each month
				2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
			
				
			
				http://goo.gl/maps/b4EFo
		
		
			
				Caldwell County Office
			
				
					Caldwell County Office
					Health and Human Services Bldg.
					2345 Morganton Blvd.
					Lenoir, NC 28645
					Phone: (828) 426-8701
					Hours: M-F, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
			
			
				
			
				http://goo.gl/maps/15e5n
		
		
			
				Cherokee County Office
			
				Cherokee County Office
				Cherokee County Courthouse
				107 Peachtree Street
				Murphy, NC 28906
				Phone: (828) 835-4959
				3rd Tuesday of each month
				1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
			
				
			
				http://goo.gl/maps/JT3GE
		
		
			
				Clay County Office
			
				Clay County Office
				Clay County Courthouse
				261 Courthouse Drive
				Paul Jordan Conference Room
				Hayesville, NC 28904
				3rd Tuesday of each month
				9:00 AM - 11:30 AM 
			
				
			
				http://goo.gl/maps/Yzu2l
		
		
			
				Graham County Office
			
				Graham County Office
				Graham County Courthouse
				12 N. Main Street
				Robbinsville, NC 28771
				2nd Tuesday of each month
				9:00 AM - 12:00 PM 
			
				
			
				http://goo.gl/maps/Cu7ux
		
		
			
				Haywood County Office
			
				Haywood County Office
				285 N. Main Street, Suite 1300
				Waynesville, NC 28786
				Phone: (828) 452-6022
				Hours: M, W, Th, F, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
			
				
			
				http://goo.gl/maps/qUVJ1
		
		
			
				Henderson County Office
			
				Henderson County Office
				200 N. Grove Street, Suite 90
				Hendersonville, NC 28792
				Phone: (828) 693-5660
				Fax: (828) 693-5603
				Hours: M-F, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
			
				
			
				http://goo.gl/maps/6d5aI
		
		
			
				Jackson County Office
			
				Jackson County Office
				Southwestern Commission Building
				125 Bonnie Lane
				Sylva, NC 28779
				1st Tuesday of each month
				1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
			
				
			
				http://goo.gl/maps/n6Zcr
		
		
			
				Macon County Office
			
				Macon County Office
				Macon County Courthouse
				5 W. Main Street, Room 332
				Franklin, NC 28734
				1st Tuesday of each month
				9:00 AM - 12:00 PM 
			
				
			
				http://goo.gl/maps/E4AMg
		
		
			
				Madison County Office
			
				Madison County Office
				Madison County Courthouse
				1 N. Main Street
				Grand Jury Room
				Marshall, NC 28753
				1st Thursday of each month
				9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
			
				
			
				http://goo.gl/maps/AKPTF
		
		
			
				Mitchell County Office
			
				Mitchell County Office
				11 Crystal Street
				Spruce Pine, NC 28777
				Phone: (828) 765-0573
				Hours: M, T, W, F, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
			
				
			
				http://goo.gl/maps/q40Fr
		
		
			
				 
			
				 
			
				 
			
				 
		
		
			
				McDowell County Office
			
				McDowell County Office
				McDowell County Health Department
				408 Spaulding Road
				Marion, NC 28752
				2nd Thursday of each month
				2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
			
				
			
				http://goo.gl/maps/WmwOm
		
		
			
				Qualla Boundary in Cherokee
			
				Qualla Boundary in Cherokee
				Ginger Welch Building
				810 Acquoni Road
				Cherokee, NC 28719
				Phone: 828-554-6714
				4th Tuesday of each month
				10:00 AM – 3:00 PM 
			
				
			
				http://goo.gl/maps/d9G2R
		
		
			
				Swain County Office
			
				Swain County Office
				Swain County Administration Building
				101 Mitchell Street
				Bryson City, NC 28713
				2nd Tuesday of each month
				1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
			
				
			
				http://goo.gl/maps/iIAz3
		
		
			
				Transylvania County Office
			
				Transylvania County Office
				Community Services Building
				Second Floor, Conference Room A
				98 East Morgan Street
				Brevard, NC 28712
				1st Tuesday of each month
				2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
			
				
			
				http://goo.gl/maps/tYAVt
		
		
			
				Yancey County Office
			
				Yancey County Office
				Burnsville Town Hall
				2 Town Square
				Downstairs Board Room
				Burnsville, NC 28714
				2nd Thursday of each month
				9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
			
				
			
				http://goo.gl/maps/vUgIK",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140307024611/http://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=098b4bab-73df-4565-aed7-1897194cb8ee,Alexander: Obamacare “Delivering an Unwelcome Christmas Present to Tennesseans”,2013-12-23,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"December 23 2013  - 
Says 82,000 Tennesseans are on track to lose individual insurance because “plans have been outlawed,” many others to see increasing costs under Obamacare
***
“Between putting many health insurance plans on the naughty list, and increasing health insurance costs for many families, Obamacare’s mandates are delivering an unwelcome Christmas present to Tennesseans.” – Lamar Alexander
MARYVILLE, Dec. 24 – U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), the senior Republican on the Senate health committee, today said that at least 82,000 Tennesseans are on track to lose their individual health insurance Jan. 1, one of the many ways that the “historic mistake” of Obamacare is reducing choices and driving up insurance costs over the holiday season.
“At least 82,000 Tennesseans will begin to lose their individual health insurance policies starting Jan. 1 because their plans have been outlawed under Obamacare,” Alexander said. “Between putting many health insurance plans on the naughty list, and increasing health insurance costs for many families, Obamacare’s mandates are delivering an unwelcome Christmas present to Tennesseans.”
Alexander outlined several ways that Obamacare has led to fewer choices and higher costs for Tennesseans. The Obama administration recently acknowledged this by announcing that it would allow Americans unable to replace their canceled health care plans to instead purchase “catastrophic” coverage. 
Alexander said of that Dec. 19 announcement, “Republicans have suggested that to provide health coverage for more Americans, everyone should have the opportunity to buy affordable catastrophic insurance as part of a private-sector plan to create more competition, offer more choices, and lower costs. This is a completely different approach and would have been a better path than Obamacare. It was suggested by Republicans – and ridiculed by the president – at the 2010 White House health care summit.”
The 82,000 Tennesseans who will begin to lose their individual health insurance plans starting Jan. 1 – despite the president’s promise that “If you like your health insurance, you can keep it” – include:
 
• 66,000 Tennesseans who will lose their BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee coverage because many plans do not meet Obamacare mandates.
• 16,000 Tennesseans who are losing their plans through CoverTN, a state-run health insurance program with plans that have been outlawed under Obamacare. 
 
Many Tennesseans are also experiencing “rate shock,” as their plans become more expensive or they are forced to find new individual health insurance policies in the private market or on Obamacare exchanges, Alexander said. For example:
 
• In 2013 in Nashville, a 27-year old woman can choose from 30 insurance plans that cost less than the administration says insurance plans on the exchanges will cost, even with the new tax subsidy.
• Also in 2013 in Nashville, a 27-year-old woman can buy a plan for as low as $58 a month.  On the exchange, the lowest-priced plan in Nashville is $114 a month—a 97 percent increase.  Even with a tax subsidy if she made $25,000 a year, that plan would cost her $104 a month.
• In 2013 in Memphis, a 27-year-old man in Memphis can buy a private insurance plan for as low as $41 a month.  On the exchange, the lowest state average is $119 a month—a 190 percent increase. Even with a tax subsidy if he made $25,000 a year, that plan would cost him $109 a month. 
 
# # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.enzi.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=a39393c3-9003-4911-93a8-ff7e0af08e90,Senators: Congress should honor commitment to rural communities through PILT funding,2013-12-23,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Where there’s federal land, rural and local communities must provide government services despite being unable to obtain property tax revenue from land owned by the federal government. To offset this loss in revenue, Congress should continue annually appropriating Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) funds to offset the cost of providing services related to public safety, housing, social services, transportation and the environment. That was the message of U.S. Senators Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.) and Tom Udall (D-N.M.) who sent a letter today to the chairs and ranking members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Interior subcommittee calling on them to fully support and fund the PILT program.
In the letter, the senators highlighted how the program provides critical funding to nearly 1,900 counties in 49 states and 3 U.S. territories to help offset losses to local governments from the presence of non-taxable federal lands. Without that funding, counties across the nation would experience incredible economic hardship, according to the senators.
“As you know, property taxes fund county governments allowing them to provide essential services such as law enforcement, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, education, and health services for local communities.  A fully funded PILT program helps to offset the loss of these important revenues and fulfill the federal governments’ obligation to local communities with large amounts of federal land,” the senators wrote.
Enzi and Udall also have concerns with the federal government trying to use a “rob Peter to pay Paul” scheme when it comes to compensating counties. Local communities should be paid what they are owed and that funding should not come at the expense of other compensation those communities receive, according to the senators.  
Annual PILT payments are computed by the Department of the Interior based on the number of acres of federal entitlement land within each county or jurisdiction and the population of that county or jurisdiction. The lands include the National Forest and National Park Systems, the areas managed by the Bureau of Land Management, those affected by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation water resource development projects, and others.
U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and fourteen additional senators signed the letter.  They include: Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Dean Heller (R-Nev.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Carl Levin (D-Mich.), Mike Lee, (R-Utah), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Kay Hagan (D-N.C.), and Tim Scott (R-S.C.).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.enzi.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=e2c8e7fe-9af2-4ea4-87eb-061093929ef1,Enzi: Where has the year gone?,2013-12-23,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"In a recently recorded video, U.S Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., reflected on the past year and how he’s reminded of all the special moments he and his wife Diana spent with family and friends. Click the picture above to watch a special end-of-the-year message from Senator and Diana Enzi. The full transcript from the video is included below.
“We’re now at the end of the year, and looking back over the past, oh, 12 months or so, we are reminded of the special moments we’ve shared with family and friends.  Each one will serve as an instant replay memory we will look back on for years to come.   
“Yes, it’s that time of year – and we shouldn’t be surprised.  It’s taken almost 12 months to get here and the signs of the season are everywhere.  Snow, smiling faces and the ultimate proof – the store windows in Gillette, Cheyenne, and Casper and all around Wyoming -- are dressed up in their holiday best.  This is the time of year when we’re all shopping and preparing to celebrate the coming days with friends and family.  
“This is also the time of year when children of all ages are preparing their lists.  Diana and I are making a list, too, of some of the things for which we’re most grateful.  It’s one of our family traditions -- something you never outgrow.
“So -- here’s our list of just a few of the ways we have been blessed this year-- 
“By our veterans and those who currently serve in our armed forces – thanks to them, our freedoms will continue to be protected and preserved.  We owe them all a great debt for what they have always done to ensure that our American way of life will always be ours to enjoy.  God bless and be with them all as they spend their holiday far away from home and family and friends.  We pray that when they have completed their service God will bring them all safely home again.
“By those who serve every day on our volunteer fire departments and our emergency and rescue personnel -- they have a very difficult and dangerous job to do and we appreciate the peace of mind they bring to all of us every day of the year.  Thanks to them, Mothers and Fathers, and Grandfathers and Grandmothers can sleep much easier at night knowing that their children and grandchildren are safe.
“By those who volunteer their time reaching out to others to help them in every aspect of their lives.  There is such great need and thanks to those who answer the call, our communities and our state of Wyoming are much better places to live.  If you would like to get active and get involved call your local community services organizations to volunteer to help.  They can always use an extra pair of hands.
“This time of year also reminds us to spend a little more time with our children and grandchildren.  Our children remind us of our past – of all we have achieved.  Our grandchildren remind us of our shared future and the challenges that await us.  Together they are our greatest gift for the holidays.
“Diana joins in sending our best wishes to all of our Wyoming friends at this special time of year.  Being back home means so very much to us.  There’s no greater family tradition than being home for the holidays.
“I know I won’t be the first – but let me be among the chorus of those you will hear every day – just about everywhere you go -- Merry Christmas!  Happy New Year!
“The sound of those special words always helps to brighten the day and lift my spirits.
“Diana and I hope the joy of this special season stays with you – not just today and tomorrow – but throughout the year.
“That is why our wish for you and your family is for the Christmas season and the coming New Year to be everything you’ve ever wished or hoped for.  This is truly the season when dreams come true.  Ask any child – no matter their age!  May it be so for you and your families, too.  God bless.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-joins-effort-stop-oshas-illegal-regulatory-actions,Grassley Joins Effort to Stop OSHA's Illegal Regulatory Actions,2013-12-23,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON- Sen. Chuck Grassley has joined 42 other senators in requesting the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to stop unlawful regulations on small family farms.
Since 1976, Congress has exempted small, family-run farms with 10 or fewer employees from OSHA regulations. However, in a 2011 memo, OSHA asserted that on-farm grain storage and handling was not part of farm operations. By viewing grain storage as distinct from the farming operation, the senators' request said OSHA is creating an artificial distinction that would subject virtually every farm to OSHA regulations without allowing for congressional review and public comment, and in defiance of the law.
OSHA is overstepping its bounds here, Grassley said. Grain storage is an essential part of farming. The federal government is expanding its reach to include farms that should be exempt, and is doing so despite the clear intent of Congress.
The request from senators was made in a letter to Department of Labor Secretary Thomas Perez, who oversees OSHA, as well as to OSHA, asking that OSHA update guidance correcting its misinterpretation of the law.
This bipartisan effort is led by Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.). The letter also was signed by Sens. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), Dan Coats (R-Ind.), Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), John McCain (R-Ariz.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Mark Pryor (D-Ark.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), John Thune (R-S.D.), David Vitter (R-La.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).
The text of the letter is below. A copy of the signed letter can be found  here.
December 20, 2013    The Honorable Thomas E. Perez  Secretary  U.S. Department of Labor  200 Constitution Avenue, N.W.  Washington, DC 20210    Dear Secretary Perez:    We write to you regarding reports that regulators at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have begun taking regulatory actions against farms that are specifically exempted by Congress from regulatory enforcement conducted by OSHA. Since 1976, Congress has included specific language in appropriations bills prohibiting OSHA from using appropriated funds to apply requirements under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1976 to farming operations with 10 or fewer employees.
It has come to our attention that OSHA is now interpreting this provision so narrowly that virtually every grain farm in the country would be subject to OSHA regulations. OSHA's interpretation defies the intent of Congress in exempting farming operations from the standards of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
In viewing a farm's grain bin operation as somehow distinct from its farming operation, OSHA is creating an artificial distinction in an apparent effort to circumvent the Congressional prohibition on regulating farms. The use of grain bins is an integral part of farming operations. Without grain bins, farmers must sell corn and soybeans immediately after harvest, when prices are usually low. Storing grain in bins is thus a fundamental aspect of farming. Any farm that employs 10 or fewer employees and used grain bins only for storage prior to marketing should be exempt, as required by law, from OSHA regulations.
A memo issued by the Director of Enforcement Programs on June 28, 2011, stated that many of these small farm employers mistakenly assume that the Appropriations Rider precludes OSHA from conducting enforcement activities regardless of the type of operations performed on the farm. The memo declares that all activities under SIC 072including drying and fumigating grainare subject to all OSHA requirements (the memo did not even mention grain storage). There are many farms that have grain dryers on-farm to address wet harvest conditions or fumigate grain to prevent pests from ruining a crop prior to marketing. These are basic, common, and responsible farming activities that OSHA has arbitrarily decided are non-exempt.  
Worker safety is an important concern for all of usincluding the many farmers who probably know better than OSHA regulators how to keep themselves and their employees safe on farms. If the Administration believes that OSHA should be able to enforce its regulations on farms, it should make that case to Congress rather than twisting the law in the service of bureaucratic mission creep. Until then, Congress has spoken clearly and we sincerely hope that you will support America's farmers and respect the intent of Congress by reining in OSHA.  
We would ask that you direct OSHA to take the following three steps to alleviate this concern. First, OSHA should cease all actions predicated on this interpretation, which is inconsistent with Congressional intent. It is important that OSHA also issue guidance correcting this misinterpretation of the law. We suggest consulting with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and organizations representing farmers to assist with this guidance. Finally, we ask that OSHA provide a list and description of regulatory actions taken against farms with incorrectly categorized non-farming activities and 10 or fewer employees since the June 2011 memo. Given the nearly four decades of Congressional prohibition of OSHA enforcement against farms, this should be a simple request to fulfil.  
We would appreciate your response by February 1, 2014, to include a copy of the corrected guidance, the data regarding enforcement actions on farms, and confirmation that OSHA will cease such enforcement.  
-30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-kick-99-county-tour,Grassley to Kick Off 99-County Tour,2013-12-23,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley will begin holding meetings with Iowans in every county again next year with meetings in Floyd and Chickasaw counties on Friday, Jan. 3.
Representative government is a two-way street, and it's strengthened by dialogue between elected officials and the people we represent, Grassley said. I look forward to events and meetings where I listen to comments, hear concerns and respond directly to questions. I'm committed to keeping in touch with Iowans.
Grassley has held at least one meeting with Iowans in each of the state's 99 counties every year since he was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1980.
Grassley will be available for 15 minutes before the meeting at Nashua-Plainfield High School and 15 minutes after the meeting at Mitas Tires to answer questions from local reporters. Otherwise, members of the media should contact the individual host about each event, as Grassley is a guest of each organization.
Here are the details of Grassley's schedule for Friday, Jan. 3:
12:45-1:45 p.m.  Q&amp;A with students at Nashua-Plainfield High School  612 Greeley Street  Nashua   *The press availability from 12:30-12:45 p.m. will be in the main office.
2:15-3:15 p.m.  Tour and Q&amp;A with employees at Mitas Tires North America, Inc.  1200 Rove Avenue  Charles City   *The press availability from 3:15-3:30 p.m. will be in the conference room.
-30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-heitkamp-cramer-urge-federal-agencies-to-quickly-review-proposals-for-highway-expansion-project-between-williston-and-watford-city,"Hoeven, Heitkamp, Cramer Urge Federal Agencies to Quickly Review Proposals for Highway Expansion Project Between Williston and Watford City",2013-12-23,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.23.13
			 Hoeven, Heitkamp, Cramer Urge Federal Agencies to Quickly Review Proposals for Highway Expansion Project Between Williston and Watford City 
			
			WASHINGTON  U.S. Senators John Hoeven and Heidi Heitkamp, as well as Congressman Kevin Cramer urged federal agencies to review in a timely manner state proposals to expand US-85 highway between Williston and Watford City from two lanes to four lanes.

The federal delegation sent a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) encouraging the agencies to approve the highway expansion project. The project aims to make the road safer for travelers after expanded energy development of the Bakken formation has led to increased traffic on the highway and heightened public safety concerns. The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) has committed more than $300 million to expand US-85, however, if the federal agencies do not approve the NDDOT's proposals in a timely fashion, the project may be delayed, putting more drivers at risk.

The expansion of US-85 is essential for the safety of all North Dakotans, said the delegation. Each day, workers and local residents must share the already heavily congested road with large, commercial trucks carrying materials to and from oil fields. In order to make the road safer, it is critical that the expansion of US-85 highway is completed on time, which requires responsiveness from the federal agencies reviewing the project. We strongly urge the USACE, USCG and USFWS to review the NDDOT's proposals within a suitable timeframe so that North Dakotans soon complete this expansion project.

A full copy of the letter sent from the delegation follows:

Dear Commander Cross, Administrator Weibusch, Mr. Cimarosti and Mr. Towner;

As federal partners involved in the approval of plans for a four lane widening of US-85 from Williston to Watford City, North Dakota, we write to urge a timely review of both the Environmental Assessment and Biological Assessment that have been submitted to your agencies by the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT).

Traffic along the north-south US-85 corridor has increased dramatically due to the remarkable energy development of the Bakken Formation. While the increased traffic has provided economic growth and many commercial opportunities for North Dakotans in the western part of the state, it has also created public safety concerns regarding heavy road congestion from large, commercial trucks carrying materials to and from the oil fields. The section of US Highway 85 connecting Williston and Watford City is the main transportation artery to the Williston Basin, each day bringing workers and critical equipment to the work sites and carrying thousands of barrels of oil for delivery to refining facilities.

To address the public safety concerns related to increased traffic, and to facilitate the continued commercial success in the oil patch region of the state, the NDDOT has committed over $300 million to reconstruct the two-lane highway to a four-lane undivided highway from the west edge of Watford City to the junction of US-85 and US-2 east of Williston.

In order for the project to be completed on time, a timely review of the proposals to address outstanding environmental and biological issues must be completed. We appreciate your consideration of our request for a timely review and look forward to working with your agencies towards successful completion of the US-85 expansion project.


Sincerely,



			
			
			
		
		
	
	  

	
	
	
	
	 
		
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https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=016a31a1-2028-41e6-af60-f56911edc0e4,McCAIN APPLAUDS EFFORTS TO PROMOTE QUIET TECHNOLOGY AIRCRAFT AT GRAND CANYON,2013-12-23,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) today released the following statement on new incentives at Grand Canyon National Park to promote the use of quiet technology air tour aircraft:
“I applaud the Park Service for creating this new initiative to encourage the use of quiet-technology aircraft at Grand Canyon National Park. This is the first step toward meeting the requirement set by Congress to convert all aircraft at the Park to quiet technology in a way that protects tourism jobs and allows all visitors to enjoy some of the most breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon. I’m hopeful the Park Service and the Federal Aviation Administration will soon implement more meaningful initiatives already under development, including improving access to popular flight corridors for quieter aircraft.”
According to a notice issued by the National Park Service, air tour fees will be reduced from $25 to $20 per flight for flights conducted using quiet technology aircraft. 
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowskis-advocacy-helps-reap-secure-rural-schools-payments-holiday-gift,Murkowskis Advocacy Helps Reap Secure Rural Schools Payments Holiday Gift,2013-12-23,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.23.13
			 Murkowski's Advocacy Helps Reap Secure Rural Schools Payments Holiday Gift 
			
				
	
	
	
	
	 
	
	
			
		
	
	
	
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
			
		
        
				 Administration: Next Round of Payments Will Not Be Reduced
			
			 Senator Lisa Murkowski today commended the Administration for its decision to not reduce the next round of payments to be made to Southeast Alaska timber communities under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act.
Earlier this year, Senator Murkowski was sharply critical of the Forest Service's decision to apply the automatic, across-the-board federal budget cuts commonly known as sequestration, to Secure Rural Schools payments that had previously been made for 2013. Alaska was asked to return the 5.1 percent of the timber payments received earlier this year to the U.S. Treasury.
Secure Rural Schools requires the Forest Service to make payments to communities impacted by the severe decline in timber receipts from national forest lands. Communities that once had thriving timber industries now depend on the funds to pay for schools, emergency services and other local services. Funding for the next year of the program was provided in the High Technology Jobs Preservation Act, a bill sponsored and shepherded through the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the Senate by Senator Murkowski.
While it would be preferable for the Forest Service to actively manage our forests so that our communities are not dependent on these payments, Murkowski said. The news that the 2014 payments will not be reduced by sequestration is a holiday gift.""
The Forest Service manages more than 22 million acres of national forest lands in Alaska, including nearly all of the land in Southeast.
			
			
			
		
		
		
	
    
    
	
	
    
	
	
	
		
	
    
	
     
	
 
	
    
    
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		  
		
	
	  

	
	
	
	
	 
		
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https://www.portman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=11e3f186-fae9-427e-ac4b-2a385764f4b1,"Portman Meets with Mayors of Findlay, Ottawa & Tiffin in NW Ohio to Discuss Path Forward Following Blanchard River Flooding",2013-12-23,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – In the midst of flooding in Northwest Ohio, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) traveled to Findlay, Ohio today to meet with City of Findlay Mayor Lydia Mihalik, Village of Ottawa Mayor J. Dean Meyer, and City of Tiffin Mayor Aaron Montz, along with other public officials attempting to mitigate the flood damage to the community.
""As I saw firsthand today, flooding in the Findlay and Ottawa region continues to plague local residents and businesses.  This is a threat to Northwest Ohio's safety and economy that only seems to be intensifying.  The local community and the Federal government must work together to protect against future flooding. I will continue to urge the Army Corps of Engineers to provide the necessary funding to expedite its flood mitigation efforts,” said Portman.
In October, Portman and Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), along with Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green), sent a letter to Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Jo-Ellen Darcy urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to include funding for the Blanchard River Flood Risk Management Project (BRFRMP) for fiscal years 2014 and 2015.
In July of this year, USACE reprogrammed funding for the project for fiscal year 2013, which assisted with the Chief’s Report, and more importantly ensured that the BRFRMP would be eligible for funding in fiscal year 2014.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://duffy.house.gov/media-center/enewsletters/comfort-joy,Comfort & Joy,2013-12-22,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,WI,Sean Duffy,D000614,duffy.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear friends, During this season of joy, I find myself more aware than maybe ever before of the people in our community who are in need of great comfort this Christmas. Whether it is a mother who is struggling to pay her utility bill, or a father who is dealing with the loss of his family’s health insurance plan, this week I have been fortunate to work with many people from our community on ways we can help the neediest among us and hopefully make life a little more comfortable for them. Building Effective Awareness: A year ago I sat down with many of the pastors in Wausau and asked them, “What are the needs in our community?”  I was taken back when all of them commented on the issues of hunger and homelessness in our community. I think I’m like a lot of people in our community who don’t know the issues that a lot of people who are having a tough time are facing. I wanted to do what I could with my team to make sure we can make a difference with those who have fallen on hard times and make sure we can collaborate together on community resources. Also collaborate on the Federal and state side to make sure resources don’t just flow to the urban parts of the country but can actually come to the parts of the country that have real problems but don’t have huge staffs to cut through the red-tape. This week, more than 100 people came together for our first Hunger &amp; Homelessness Summit. It was an honest conversation and ultimately a productive one as well.  We found that by reaching out to each other and building a coalition within our community we can be more effective in our efforts to serve the neediest in our area. We are in the process of uploading the entire summit on YouTube. Click on the image below to watch it and keep checking back for more from the day long event. They need an Obamcare exemption too: I joined with a bipartisan group of Wisconsin Congressmen to ask U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to extend the federal Health Insurance Risk-Sharing Plan (HIRSP) through March 31, 2014. Gov. Walker signed legislation on Friday to extend current coverage for Wisconsin citizens under several medical assistance programs, including HIRSP, through March 31, 2014 citing the failed rollout of Obamacare. The Secretary should offer all Americans with pre-existing and, in some cases, life threatening conditions the same courtesy.  Not offering this extension nationwide could leave some of our poorest and most medically vulnerable Americans without coverage. These individuals should not lose their healthcare coverage due to technical difficulties. This Administration is delaying multiple pieces of its signature legislation on an almost daily basis because it is politically convenient for them. It is our hope that the Secretary will also offer an extension to the numerous Americans who have had their lives inconvenienced by this ill-conceived law. To read the full letter to Sec. Sebelius, click here. Waiting in joyful hope: Our family is anxiously awaiting the birth of our Lord this week and if you saw Rachel and my appearance on “Morning Joe” you may have heard that our family is also very much looking forward to the arrival of the newest addition to our Duffy clan. Click on the image to watch the full announcement and the other topics we discussed.   This is a very exciting time of year in our house. As we celebrate Jesus’ birth this week, we will also cherish this time together as a family. Rachel, the kids, and I are always grateful for the kindness so many of you have shown us. We hope that you are able to spend this time surrounded by those you love as well. We wish you and yours a safe, merry and very blessed Christmas season.   Merry Christmas,  Sean",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://paulryan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=365156,Why We Must Reform Military Compensation,2013-12-22,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,WI,Paul Ryan,R000570,paulryan.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Bipartisan Budget Act that Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., and I drafted will soon become law. We think it's a small step toward fiscal discipline in Washington. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill will reduce the deficit over the next ten years by over $20 billion. And unlike current law, it will provide much-needed relief to our already strained defense budget.
One part of the bill has become particularly controversial: the reduction in cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for working-age military retirees. The federal government has no greater obligation than to keep the American people safe and we must take care of the men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line. For that reason, Congress is understandably hesitant to make changes to military compensation.
But even hesitance has a cost. The need for reform is undeniable. Since 2001, excluding the costs of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the cost per service member in the active-duty force has risen by 41% in inflation-adjusted dollars.
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, a combat vet himself, has said ""that we can no longer put off military compensation reform. DOD's leadership, Chairman Dempsey, the service chiefs, the service secretaries, and myself, we all know that we need to slow cost growth in military compensation. Otherwise, we'll have to make disproportionate cuts to military readiness and modernization.""
Here's what the new law will do. We make no changes for those currently at or above age 62. This reform affects only younger military retirees. Right now, any person who has served 20 years can retire —regardless of age. That means a serviceman who enlists at 18 becomes eligible for retirement at 38. The late 30s and early 40s are prime working years, and most of these younger retirees go on to second careers.
All this reform does is make a small adjustment for those younger retirees. If they retire before age 62, the annual increase in their retired pay will be 1% less than the inflation rate. In other words, their benefits will grow every year — just at a slower rate. And when the retiree hits 62, DOD will recalculate the retired pay so that it will be where it would have been if he or she had received the full inflation adjustment every year since he or she retired.
Here's an example: If a serviceman enlisted at 18 and retired at 38, under this policy his lifetime benefit would be about $1.7 million instead of $1.8 million. For a service member who retired at the average military retirement age of 44, the difference would be smaller, about $30,000 over his or her lifetime. This is a far more modest reform than other bipartisan proposals, some of which would have fully eliminated the adjustments for inflation for working-age retirees.
And to be clear, the money we save from this reform will go right back to the military. Veterans aren't Washington's piggy bank. They deserve fair compensation. And we owe them a benefit structure they can count on.
That said, when Congress was considering the bill, many raised concerns that these reforms would affect the retired pay of service members who are medically retired and those receiving survivor's benefits. So Senator Murray and I have agreed to amend the law to exclude them well before the reform takes effect in December 2015.
But I stand behind the need for reform. In 2012, Congress established the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission to examine the entire military-compensation system from top to bottom. The commission's recommendations are due in May, and the leaders of the armed-services committees in Congress have agreed to consider their recommendations and look for other ways to reform the system. That's why this reform does not take effect until the end of 2015 — it gives Congress ample time to consider alternatives.
For me, there's simply no choice between responsible reforms of military compensation and making what our military leadership has called ""disproportionate cuts to military readiness and modernization."" Every time we kick the can down the road, we put our troops' combat readiness at risk. This agreement put forward one reform option, and I invite others to do the same.
Our troops have been willing to sacrifice everything for this country. We owe it to them to give them the best equipment on the battlefield and a secure retirement when they come home.
Paul Ryan, R-Wis., was the Republican vice-presidential nominee in 2012 and is chairman of the House Budget Committee.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2013/12/22/veterans-retirement-paul-ryan-budget-deal-column/4164713/",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20150110100102/http://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=a555444c-c926-42a6-9f6b-e9116daa3b88,"Alexander Cosponsors Bill to Protect U.S. Interests, Keep Pressure on Iran Over Nuclear Weapons",2013-12-22,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Says “best solution is a diplomatic solution,” but U.S. should remain skeptical of “untrustworthy regime”
***
“This legislation allows Congress to take an active role in making sure the Obama administration holds Iran accountable, and provides a safeguard if a final deal with the Iranians falls apart.” – Lamar Alexander
MARYVILLE, Dec. 22 – U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today announced that he would cosponsor legislation proposing sanctions that the United States would enact if the Iranian government violates the terms of its interim deal to slow its nuclear program, or does not complete a final agreement with the Obama administration.
“Sanctions are what brought Iran to the negotiating table in the first place, and we should remain skeptical of this untrustworthy regime until we permanently halt its progress towards a nuclear weapon,” Alexander said. “The best solution is a diplomatic solution, but we need to keep the pressure on Iran. This legislation allows Congress to take an active role in making sure the Obama administration holds Iran accountable, and provides a safeguard if a final deal with the Iranians falls apart.”
The legislation was introduced by Senators Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and is cosponsored by a bipartisan group of 27 senators, including Alexander and Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.). The legislation lays out prospective sanctions to be enacted if the Iranian government violates the terms of its interim nuclear agreement with the Obama administration, or if a final agreement on Iran’s nuclear program is not completed. The prospective sanctions include limitations on Iran’s petroleum sector and new sanctions on its engineering, mining, and construction sectors.
In November, the Obama administration announced a six-month deal to relieve some sanctions in return for the Iranians slowing their nuclear program. Alexander said of the Obama administration’s interim deal, “I am skeptical of any agreement that does not require Iran to permanently halt progress towards a nuclear weapon. Sanctions should remain until a full inspection regime is in place and there is progress in terminating Iran’s nuclear weapons program.”
# # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/release_full.cfm?id=349260,"Statement From Idaho Senator Mike Crapo On The Passing Of 
Bethine Church",2013-12-22,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,ID,Michael Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 22, 2013
			 Statement From Idaho Senator Mike Crapo On The Passing Of Bethine Church 
			
			Idaho Falls, ID - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo released the following statement on the passing of Bethine Church, wife of the late U.S. Senator Frank Church:
""Idaho has lost a great friend and advocate.  Bethine had a way to mix civility with politics that is too often forgotten on the national scene. I will miss her input and charm and I join with all Idahoans in mourning the passing of this Idaho legend.""
 
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		    	Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.portman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=bffbdc53-5b00-4362-900c-0cae535a2573,"Portman Discusses Budget, Trade & Tax Reform on Bloomberg Television’s ""Political Capital with Al Hunt""",2013-12-22,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) appeared on Bloomberg Television’s “Political Capital with Al Hunt,"" where he discussed the recent bipartisan budget agreement and the need to do more to reform our important but unsustainable entitlement programs.  In addition, Portman urged Congress to approve new free trade agreements and move forward with an overhaul of our inefficient and antiquated tax code in the new year.
Watch the full interview here.  Excerpts are included below.
Portman on the Bipartisan Budget Agreement and the Debt Limit Debate:
PORTMAN: I hope what it is, is a first step toward further collaboration, because our country’s in trouble. You know, we have a fiscal crisis looming. We still have an economy that’s too weak, and we need to work together to solve these problems. So I like to view it as a very small step, a baby step in the right direction. It did reduce the deficit a little bit. It did it without raising taxes. It kept us from going into a government shutdown in January, but also in September of next year. And finally, it put the United States Congress back on track to do appropriations bills.  ...
PORTMAN: It did not address the underlying problem. And it’s so obvious. The problem is that two-thirds of spending, as you know, is on autopilot. That part of our spending goes to 76 percent in the next 10 years. It’s where all the growth is. If we don’t address it, it will bankrupt the country. These incredibly important programs, like Medicare and Medicaid and Social Security, are not sustainable in their current form. We’ve got to get at those. The only time we’ve done it in the last three decades, Al, has been through a debt limit discussion. So let’s use the debt limit, not to spook financial markets - in fact, to give them more assurance we’re actually going to do the right thing.""
Portman on Trade:
HUNT: Big news this week. Max Baucus, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, is going to be designated as the ambassador to China. He’s been the leading Democratic voice in the Senate on trade. What effect is this going to have, if any, on any trade legislation next year, fast-track or the Trans-Pacific? Will anything happen?
PORTMAN: Well, I talked to Max Baucus about this yesterday. One, before he leaves, we’re going to get some stuff done, I hope...
HUNT: On trade?
PORTMAN: On trade, including moving trade promotion authority forward. The president wants it. I’m glad he wants it, Al. This is the first administration since FDR that didn’t want it until March of this year.
HUNT: And you think you can get that done before Max Baucus leaves?
PORTMAN: I’m hopeful that we can. You know, sometimes these confirmations take a little while. And hopefully we can get that done.
HUNT: How about Trans-Pacific?
PORTMAN: The TPP, which is the Trans-Pacific Partnership - a lot of alphabet soup here - I think has to follow TPA. I don’t think that the United States can negotiate the final agreement without letting countries know that we have a fast-track way to get this done for a yes-or-no vote on the floor of the House and Senate. So I think you have to start with TPA. That’s certainly been the experience over the years. So let’s get that done first. Then I think it’ll be easier to deal with the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
Portman on Tax Reform:
HUNT: Max Baucus also was the Democratic - foremost Democratic champion of some kind of tax reform, working with Dave Camp in the House. That’s pretty much dead now, isn’t it?
PORTMAN: No, actually..
HUNT: In this Congress, will we have big tax reform?
PORTMAN: On trade and taxes, I would also make the obvious point that Ron Wyden is the likely successor as chairman of that committee. I spoke to Ron about this today, in fact. He is very interested in the trade agenda, always has been. He believes in trade. He thinks we ought to knock down barriers to trade. I worked with him when I was U.S. Trade Representative.
And on tax reform, you know, Ron’s been very aggressive on that. In fact, he has his own tax reform proposal that lowers the rate and broadens the base.
HUNT: But you don’t think you can get it done in this Congress, though, do you?
PORTMAN: Well, not this year, certainly, but next year, I think if Dave Camp and Ron Wyden join forces, as he and Max Baucus were starting to do, I think it can still happen. I think it is unlikely to happen right after the first of the year, which is what some of us thought might be the timeframe.
HUNT: Right.
PORTMAN: I think the House has to report out a bill first, and probably that doesn’t happen until the springtime, and then I think the Senate under Ron Wyden’s leadership with the Finance Committee and Orrin Hatch, who’s very interested in tax reform, I think we have a shot at it. And if we don’t do it, Al, we are hurting American jobs, because right now, our antiquated and inefficient tax code makes it more advantageous to be a foreign company than to be a U.S. company. That makes no sense.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://billjohnson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=365071,GOP needs healthcare ideas,2013-12-21,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,OH,Bill Johnson,J000292,billjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Now is not the time for Republicans to be celebrating Obamacare's struggles. It's time for the Republican Party to offer specific ideas that will improve America's health care system without picking winners and losers among the American people. It's time for the Republican Party to lead.
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      Marietta Times  
By Rep. Bill Johnson  
Published December 21, 2013  
Most Americans - regardless of their political affiliation - agree that the rollout and early implementation of Obamacare has been a disaster. The website doesn't work well, many Americans are seeing significant premium increases, and millions more are losing the health insurance they like - all because of the president's health care law. I've voted numerous times to delay, defund, and repeal this misguided and costly law. But, now is not the time for Republicans to be celebrating Obamacare's struggles. It's time for the Republican Party to offer specific ideas that will improve America's health care system without picking winners and losers among the American people. It's time for the Republican Party to lead.
Prior to Obamacare, our health care system was far from perfect. Too many of our fellow Americans were uninsured, healthcare costs were rising, and health insurance was becoming increasingly unaffordable for others. Those with pre-existing conditions were often unable to obtain affordable coverage, and recent college graduates struggling to find work in this economy couldn't afford health insurance and weren't able to remain on their parents' plan. Improvements to the existing system were definitely needed, but a total government overhaul of it was not the answer.
It's important to acknowledge that we have the best caregivers - doctors and nurses - in the world. America remains home to the most advanced medical procedures and medicine. Millions from around the world needing critical care who have the means come to America. We must ensure that we continue to have the best medical providers in the world, that we continue to lead the world in new medical cures and innovation, and we must work to ensure that this world class care is available to all Americans.
In my view, one of Obamacare's biggest flaws is that it simply does nothing to address the rising costs of healthcare. In fact, it did the opposite. While the law increased access by mandate, by opening the gates to millions of uninsured, it did so at the expense, in many cases, of those who had insurance they liked. Still worse, Obamacare sets minimum standards of insurance, interfering with consumer choice and the marketplace - which stifles competition and increases costs even further.
One of the most concerning elements of Obamacare to me is that the law picks winners and losers. The winners are clear - they are the friends and allies of the President and his supporters of the law and the Washington insiders who feel they should not have to live by the same rules hardworking Americans do. But, let's look at the losers, some of whom are now referred to in the media as the ""unintended consequences"" of the law. For example, seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage (MA) lose - the law cuts the program by $200 billion which results in price hikes, reduced provider networks, and less choice for millions of seniors on MA. America's young people lose - the law serves as a tax on young people, who must purchase insurance, or be fined, whether they want insurance or not. And, as we've seen, millions of Americans with insurance plans they like lose - they have had the plans they like and have invested in for years cancelled because they don't meet Obamacare's coverage requirements. And, some of these Americans losing the healthcare plans they like are those with pre-existing conditions - some of the very people the law supposedly tried to help. It's simply not fair that these millions of Americans lose under the intended and unintended consequences of the federal government's takeover of our healthcare system.
I'll continue working with Republican leadership in our efforts to unify behind common principles that would bring true patient-centered reform to America's health care system that will reduce costs, increase access, give Americans choices, and empower Americans to take control of their healthcare. And make no mistake, several pieces of good legislation have already been introduced in the House that I support. For example, I believe part of the solution is an expansion of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) in order to give the American people the ability, and incentive, to take greater ownership over their care. Also, insurers should not be allowed to deny coverage based on preexisting conditions, and young people should be allowed to remain on their parents' health insurance policy until age 26. And, as study after study shows, we need tort reform to put an end to the fears that so many health care providers have of being hit with junk lawsuits. This fear leads to additional, defensive, and oftentimes, unnecessary tests that drive up the cost of care by tens of billions of dollars every year. Finally, I believe strongly that we need to encourage competition in our healthcare system in order to increase quality and reduce costs - by making healthcare portable from state to state and job to job, and by allowing the market to determine the makeup of policies rather than the federal government.
Obamacare should be replaced. It's bad policy, it's bad medicine, and it's hurting Americans. But, it's not enough for opponents of the policy to simply criticize it. We've got to roll up our sleeves and develop a common sense framework to replace it. And, unlike Obamacare, such a plan must put fairness and choice back in the formula for all Americans, it needs buy in from both sides, and Washington cannot use it to choose winners and losers among the American people.
And, on that note, Merry Christmas to you and your family, and may you have a prosperous and Happy New Year!
U.S. House of Representative Bill Johnson represents Ohio's 6th Congressional District.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-announces-nominees-us-military-academies,Rep. Kelly Announces Nominees to U.S. Military Academies,2013-12-21,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON — Representative Mike Kelly (PA-03) announced the names of his nominees for the United States Military Academies, class of 2018, earlier today. The candidates met all application requirements with diligence, securing themselves an interview with Representative Kelly's independent Military Academy Advisory Board.
	Statement by Rep. Kelly:
“This year we have proudly nominated seventeen remarkable candidates to the elite United States Military Academies. These young men and women have demonstrated that they are dedicated, poised, and highly capable of serving as leaders in our nation's military. These individuals were chosen to humbly represent the Third Congressional District of Pennsylvania and furthermore the United States of America, if offered an appointment.”
Nominees: 
Max Campoli, Schreiner University
Jason Clark, Sharon High School
Sebastian Coburn, Greenville High School
Daniel Dukleth, Slippery Rock University
Brett Foster, Seneca Valley High School
Melodie Harnett, Jamestown High School
Dylan Hoffman, Seneca Valley High School
Tyler Huston, Cochranton High School
Cody Mahen, Lakeview High School
Austin Malencia, Evangel Heights Christian Academy
Mercer Martin, Greenville High School
Thomas Pierre, Mars High School
Alexander Pollaci, Seneca Valley High School
Dante Policicchio, Freeport High School
Bryan Sack, Butler High School
George Staudacher, Mars High School
Alexandra Steighner, Seneca Valley High School
If you are interested in seeking a congressional nomination to one of the United States Military Academies for the class of 2019, applications will be accepted from May 1, 2014 until October 1, 2014. For more information please visit www.Kelly.house.gov or contact Stephanie Stevenson, Academy Coordinator, at Stephanie.Stevenson@mail.house.gov.
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://rokita.house.gov/editorial/coats-donnelly-rokita-young-are-friends-indianas-electric-cooperatives,"Coats, Donnelly, Rokita, Young are 'Friends of Indiana's Electric Cooperatives'",2013-12-21,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,IN,Todd Rokita,R000592,rokita.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Senators Dan Coats (R) and Joe Donnelly (D) as well as U.S. Rep. Todd Young (R-9) and U.S. Rep. Todd Rokita (R-04), were recently recognized by the Indiana Statewide Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives as a “Friend of Indiana’s Electric Cooperatives.” 
Coats, Donnelly, Rokita and Young along with five other members of Indiana’s congressional delegation, received this honor for their steadfast leadership and support of the issues and policies important to Indiana’s electric cooperatives.

“Indiana’s electric cooperatives are grateful to count Sen. Coats and Sen. Donnelly as strong friends and allies,” said Scott Bowers, vice president of government relations for the Indiana Statewide Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives. “Whether seeking support on key votes or assistance with federal agencies, they consistently step forward in a bipartisan way to lend a helping hand. This award is one way of expressing our appreciation and acknowledging Sen. Coats’ and Sen. Donnelly’s impact on the 1.3 million Hoosiers we serve.”


The “Friends of Indiana’s Electric Cooperatives” award was unveiled this year to recognize members of Indiana’s congressional delegation who have consistently supported policies, issues and regulatory reforms important to Indiana’s electric cooperatives and their mission to provide safe, reliable and affordable electricity. Important votes in support of the Coal Ash Bill (H.R. 2218), the Farm Bill (S. 954 &amp; H.R. 2642) and the REINS Act (H.R. 367) coupled with the congressional representative’s willingness to engage various federal regulatory agencies on behalf of electric cooperatives were some of the considerations for this honor in 2013.


“The safe and affordable energy provided by Indiana’s electric cooperatives is vitally important to Hoosier families and businesses,” said Sen. Coats. “I am honored to receive this award, and I will continue to support the efforts of Indiana’s electric cooperatives to provide cost-effective, reliable electricity.”


Sen. Donnelly also shared his thoughts in receiving this recognition.


“Indiana’s electric cooperatives provide more than a million Hoosiers with reliable, affordable electricity,” said Sen. Donnelly. “I am grateful to receive this honor, and I look forward to continuing to work with Indiana’s rural electric cooperatives on bipartisan efforts to make sure they are able to provide affordable, reliable energy long into the future.”


Five other members of Indiana’s congressional delegation joined with Sen. Coats and Sen. Donnelly in receiving this recognition in 2013. They are:


• Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-02)


• Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-03)


• Rep. Susan Brooks (R-05)


• Rep. Luke Messer (R-06)


• Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-08)


“Indiana’s electric cooperatives are both grateful and fortunate to have so many members of our congressional delegation in Washington, D.C., working on their behalf each and every day,” added Bowers. “Their continued support and partnership will be essential in our efforts to address various issues and regulatory policies, specifically the EPA’s latest climate change regulations, moving forward.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221063035/http://schock.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=368677,Schock Delivers Weekly Republican Address,2013-12-21,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,IL,Aaron Schock,S001179,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Congressman Aaron Schock (R-IL) delivered this week’s Republican Address in response to President Obama’s weekly remarks. Schock’s message came from Eureka College in Eureka, IL.Schock’s message focused on the President’s healthcare law and the financial strain it was causing on the youth who have enrolled. In his remarks Schock said, “…typically, based on health and age, it costs about six times more to insure a 64-year old than it does an 18-year old.  This health care law, however, says insurers can only charge their costliest beneficiaries three times more than they do their cheapest customers.  In other words, the president needs a lot of young people – about 2.7 million to be exact – to sign up so he can shift the costs onto them and keep premiums from skyrocketing.  In Washington, they call this a “community rating,” but where I’m from, we call it a ripoff”.  Schock continued, “Young people helped put the president in office, and with this health care law, he’s pushing them into years of less choice, fewer opportunities, and larger bills.  It’s just not right.” The full transcript is below, and the can be found here:  
  
As Prepared for Delivery:Good morning from Eureka College in Eureka, Illinois – the proud alma mater of Ronald Reagan.  On campuses like this, young people are just beginning to make the choices that will shape their future.  Right now – even in the middle of finals week – they’re being told that to make that future better, they should rush to get covered under the president’s health care law.  Not only that, they’re being told to “spread the word” about what a great deal it is.  The state of Illinois is spending a million dollars- just this week -  on television advertising to try and sell this health law. This is on top of the $684 million already being spent nationwide to promote it.  But no matter how many actors, rappers, and rock stars the president rolls out, the best sales pitch in the world can’t sell a bad product.  And this health care law is a bad product for young people.  How bad?  Well, typically, based on health and age, it costs about six times more to insure a 64-year old than it does an 18-year old.  This health care law, however, says insurance companies can only charge their most expensive customers three times more than they do their cheapest customers.  In other words, they are forced by law to shift the cost of older and sicker patients to young people.  The president needs a lot of young people – about 2.7 million – to enroll so he can shift the costs onto them and keep premiums from skyrocketing.    In Washington, they call this a “community rating,” but where I’m from, we call it a ripoff.  According to one independent estimate, for a healthy, non-smoking 30-year old male, the cheapest health insurance plan – the cheapest one – will be on average 260 percent more expensive.  That's 2.5 times what a young person should be paying. You know, it’s funny, the Obama administration held a contest encouraging millennials to come up with a catchy slogan or video to sell this law.  The winning entry was a song with lyrics that included the line: “Don’t worry about the price tag.”   Well it's Tough not to worry about the price tag - when you’re racking up tens of thousands of dollars in student loans, doing work-study to make it by, and trying to save for your first apartment – all at a time when youth unemployment in this country is nearly 16 percent.    Young people helped put the president in office, and with this health care law, he’s pushing them into years of less choice, fewer opportunities, and larger bills.   This isn’t how it was supposed to be.   Everywhere I go now people come up and say we should do something to stop this law, and they’re right.  We ought to scrap it and start over - with an approach that focuses on lower costs, more choice, more freedom, more competition.  We should make it so that young people pay their fair share for health care, and nothing more.  Instead of Washington telling us what to buy- let's get back to letting every American choose the plan that's best for them and their family. Every time I’m asked what Washington can do to connect with millennials, my answer is that we should actually get government out of the way.  Hard work and a good education will take you further than any government program.  Let’s give young people the chance to build confidence, give them an incentive to work, save, invest, take risks, and rekindle the entrepreneurial spirit that sets this country apart.   The president’s health care law does none of this – it only sets us back.  And makes things more expensive. I know – and you know – we can do better.     Thank you for listening.  Let me take this opportunity to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://adriansmith.house.gov/optimism-new-year,Optimism for the New Year,2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NE,Adrian Smith,S001172,adriansmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"During the holiday season we gather with family and friends to celebrate our many blessings, remember the past, and look forward to the future.  This year, it would be easy to be pessimistic about the future of our country.  Our nation and our government face many challenges.  However, President Reagan’s Christmas Address in 1981 reminds us of the many great obstacles we have overcome before.
In the spirit of President Reagan, I believe our nation’s best days are ahead of us.  I remain grateful to our men and women in uniform and their families for defending our freedom, which makes us the greatest nation on Earth.  I wish all Nebraskans a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.
President Ronald Reagan
Radio Address to the Nation 
December 23, 1981
Tonight, in millions of American homes, the glow of the Christmas tree is a reflection of the love Jesus taught us.  Like the shepherds and wise men of that first Christmas, we Americans have always tried to follow a higher light, a star, if you will.  At lonely campfire vigils along the frontier, in the darkest days of the Great Depression, through war and peace, the twin beacons of faith and freedom have brightened the American sky.  At times our footsteps may have faltered, but trusting in God's help, we've never lost our way.
...
Like the National Christmas Tree, our country is a living, growing thing planted in rich American soil.  Only our devoted care can bring it to full flower.  So, let this holiday season be for us a time of rededication.  Even as we rejoice, however, let us remember that for some Americans, this will not be as happy a Christmas as it should be.  I know a little of what they feel.  I remember one Christmas Eve during the Great Depression, my father opening what he thought was a Christmas greeting.  It was a notice that he no longer had a job.  Over the past year, we've begun the long, hard work of economic recovery.  Our goal is an America in which every citizen who needs and wants a job can get a job.
...
A few months before he took up residence in this house, one of my predecessors, John Kennedy, tried to sum up the temper of the times with a quote from an author closely tied to Christmas, Charles Dickens.  We were living, he said, in the best of times and the worst of times.  Well, in some ways that's even more true today.  The world is full of peril, as well as promise.  Too many of its people, even now, live in the shadow of want and tyranny.
…
Once, earlier in this century, an evil influence threatened that the lights were going out all over the world.  Let the light of millions of candles in American homes give notice that the light of freedom is not going to be extinguished.  We are blessed with a freedom and abundance denied to so many.  Let those candles remind us that these blessings bring with them a solid obligation, an obligation to the God who guides us, an obligation to the heritage of liberty and dignity handed down to us by our forefathers and an obligation to the children of the world, whose future will be shaped by the way we live our lives today.
Christmas means so much because of one special child.  But Christmas also reminds us that all children are special, that they are gifts from God, gifts beyond price that mean more than any presents money can buy.  In their love and laughter, in our hopes for their future lies the true meaning of Christmas.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://carter.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=40&itemid=1855,Carter Fights to Protect Veterans and Improve America&#39;s Budget,2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,TX,John Carter,C001051,carter.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – To further improve the Bipartisan Budget Act, Congressman John Carter (R-TX31) cosponsored two bills to eliminate changes to military retiree benefits. After four years of gridlock, Congress finally passed a budget that brings more than $30 billion back to the Department of Defense, and prevent future cuts that would be devastating to Fort Hood – all while lowering deficits without raising taxes.

	“While the budget is far from perfect, it is a good first step to put our country back on the right path,” said Congressman John Carter, Representative of Fort Hood and member of the Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee. “Passing a budget is a necessary step towards fiscal sovereignty, but we must not balance our budget on the backs of disabled veterans.

	 I have cosponsored two bills to improve the Bipartisan Budget Act. The first measure would remove the Bipartisan Budget Act’s COLA reduction for all military retirees. The second measure would eliminate the Act’s COLA reduction only for veterans who are medically retired, receiving Combat Related Special Compensation, and/or Concurrent Retirement and Disability Payments, as well the Survivor Benefits Program.

	H.R. 3789: To amend title 10, United States Code, to exempt the retired pay of certain disabled veterans from the reduced adjustment of retired pay and retainer pay amounts for retired members of the Armed Forces under age 62, to prevent any adverse impact of the reduced adjustment on annuities under the Survivor Benefit Plan based on retired or retainer pay, and for other purposes.

	H.R. 3790: To repeal of annual adjustment of retired pay and retainer pay amounts for retired members of the Armed Forces under age 62.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cole.house.gov/time-tradition,A Time of Tradition,2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"December is a time of family traditions, holiday celebrations and generosity. During the last month on our calendar, it’s easy to get swept up in the hustle and bustle of Christmas parties, gift shopping and other commitments. But as we reach the height of the holiday season this week, I encourage you to stop for just a moment and reflect on all the great gifts we have received as individuals and as a nation. This year, I’m reminded of a very different Christmas, just five months after the colonists broke away from Great Britain to form the United States of America. As we remember, signing the historical Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, immediately launched the 13 colonies into war with the British crown. Tested by the trials of war and defeat, it was on this Christmas that General George Washington led the Continental Army to a critical victory at Trenton, New Jersey that altered the course of the war. Leading hundreds of soldiers across the icy waters of the Delaware River to surprise the opposition, this win boosted American morale when it was needed most, reminding the colonists that independence was not an empty cause or out of reach. Today, our hard-fought freedom is still treasured and our liberty still precious, inspiring thousands to volunteer their service and risk their lives to serve in our military. They know the true meaning of sacrifice, especially during the holidays when many are away from their families and loved ones. Join me in thinking of our troops overseas, praying for their safety and supporting their families here at home. We are blessed to live in country where gifts abound and blessings are numerous. As we celebrate the greatest gift of all this year, I encourage you to slow down and not miss the meaning of the season.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramers-first-bill-passes-senate,Cramer&#039;s First Bill Passes Senate,2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congressman Kevin Cramer welcomed the U.S. Senate passage of the first legislation he introduced as a Congressman. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Streamlining Act (H.R. 767) will improve the efficiency of processing federal oil and natural gas permits in North Dakota. Cramer and Senator John Hoeven introduced the bill in their respective chambers in February. Since the Hoeven/Cramer bill passed the House on May 15, it will now be sent to the president for his consideration and signature.
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 established the Federal Permit Streamlining Pilot Project within the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), tasked with the purpose of improving the handling of oil and gas permits by combining the resources of involved federal agencies including the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the USDA Forest Service, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. However, North Dakota was not a part of the original pilot project. The BLM Streamlining Act amends the project to include North Dakota by renaming the Miles City BLM field office as the “Montana/Dakotas State Office”, and allowing North Dakota permits to be streamlined. While the legislation was first introduced by Senator Hoeven in the 112th Congress and again by Hoeven with Senator Heitkamp in the 113th Congress, it was never taken up by the House until Cramer introduced it in the 113th Congress.
“I appreciate Senator Hoeven originating this legislation and guiding it to passage in the Senate so it can go to work for North Dakota. It takes 10 to 20 days to receive a drilling permit from the state of North Dakota, but a permit from the U.S. government can take over 300 days. I don’t advocate bringing the federal land waiting period down to 10 or 20, but I do think we can do better by bringing all the federal agencies under one roof. This will help bring the federal government closer to the standard of efficiency set by our state while maintaining existing permitting standards.”
Last month Cramer met with federal employees at the BLM field office in Dickinson to assess the current workload they face and receive feedback on ways Congress can help them in their tasks.
Congressman Cramer is a member of the Natural Resources and Science, Space and Technology Committees, including the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, and the Subcommittee on Energy of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://dennisross.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364938,Bipartisan Budget Agreement,2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,FL,Dennis Ross,R000593,dennisross.house.gov,,,legacy,"Many of you have contacted me through email, letters, Facebook, or by calling my office regarding the bipartisan budget agreement.  On December 12, 2013, the House of Representatives passed the bipartisan budget agreement reached between Rep. Paul Ryan and Sen. Patty Murray by a vote of 332-94.  I joined the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and the Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee in helping to pass this legislation because it will provide the Department of Defense with more than $30 billion in sequester relief over the next two-year period – allowing them to enhance our defense readiness.   However, like any major bill, there were provisions I opposed.  Specifically, I opposed the changes in this bill made to the retirement benefits of working-age Military retirees (younger than 62 years old). Unfortunately, amendments to the budget agreement were restricted which is why my colleagues and I immediately joined together following its passage to introduce legislation that would prevent any reductions to COLAs attached to all military retirement payments brought about by the bipartisan budget agreement.  I also cosponsored legislation that would exempt all veterans who medically retire, those who receive Combat Related Specialty Compensation (CRSC), and those who receive Concurrent Receipt Pay (CRDP) from any changes brought about by the bipartisan budget agreement.   Although I will urge my colleagues to help me pass these measures immediately, the changes included in the bipartisan budget agreement are still delayed from taking effect until January of 2016.  That means before these changes are ever implemented, Congress will have significant opportunities to find the savings generated by this provision in other areas of the budget.   For instance, there is a Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission (http://www.mcrmc.gov/index.php/about) required to report by May 1, 2014. Congress will have an opportunity to use recommendations from this report, or consider policy options of our own, to address the rising costs of Military compensation in alternative ways – over the course of the following two years - before the changes contained in the budget compromise are ever implemented. However, in the end I supported the budget agreement because it was our last chance to prevent the full impact of the national security threatening sequester cuts that would harm our safety and the well-being of our men and women serving in areas of conflict across the globe.  It would also reduce the deficit by $23 billion, did not raise taxes, and will help prevent a government shutdown in the future.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364980,"Delegation Land Transfer Passes Congress, Benefitting Native Health Efforts",2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,AK,Don Young,Y000033,donyoung.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  -  Today the Senate unanimously passed H.R. 623, the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Land Transfer Act. The bill directs the Indian Health Service to transfer a 2.79 acre parcel of federal land located in Anchorage to the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC).
The bill now heads to the President, and will allow ANTHC to strengthen critical healthcare delivery for Alaska Natives by constructing a patient housing facility on the parcel.  The patient housing facility will expand the Consortium’s ability to offer health services to patients, particularly for those who live in rural areas and villages that are unconnected to the road system.  ANTHC plans for a 170-room housing facility which will adjoin the Alaska Native Medical Center and provide a temporary living space for Alaska Native patients traveling from rural communities to receive health services in Anchorage. The facility will also allow families to stay closer to their loved ones during difficult times.
Congressman Don Young championed the bill in the House of Representatives, securing final passage in the House on October 29, 2013. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Mark Begich introduced companion legislation in the Senate, and worked to move the House passed bill through the Senate.
“Many Alaskans living in rural communities travel long distances to receive medical care in Anchorage, but are unable to house themselves during their stay,” Congressman Don Young said. “This land transfer will allow ANTHC to expand patient housing, maximize care by locating patients near the Medical Center and its resources, and save millions of dollars in transportation and housing costs.  It’s a common sense solution that empowers ANTHC to uphold the federal trust responsibility that the Consortium currently fulfills on behalf of the IHS.  I am pleased that the Senate unanimously approved this legislation and appreciate the hard work of both Senators in securing final passage of this bill.”
“The construction of a patient housing facility will allow ANTHC to create a ‘home away from home’ during critical times for Alaska Native families who must remain in Anchorage for loved ones to receive health care services.” said Senator Lisa Murkowski. “I continue to be proud of our Native health leaders and their innovation to expand services with limited resources to achieve ANTHC’s mission that Alaska Native people are the healthiest in the world.”
“The Alaska Tribal Health Consortium provides excellent oversight for the Alaska Native Medical Center--one of the finest medical facilities in the Indian healthcare system,"" said Senator Mark Begich. ""The passage of this bill will enable ANTHC to improve the access to much needed health services for Alaska Natives and Native Americans in Alaska. The new Patient Housing Facility will save ANTHC over $2 million in housing costs per year which can be used towards improving and expanding their health services.”
ANTHC, a non-profit corporation headquartered in Anchorage, provides tribal healthcare services to thousands of patients in the region.  Following final passage of H.R. 632, ANTHC Chairman and President Andy Teuber released the following statement:
“My sincerest gratitude to our Congressional delegation for their efforts in getting this important piece of legislation passed.  They have each demonstrated their commitment to improving the health and well-being of Alaska Native People. The passage of H.R. 623 will facilitate the construction of our patient housing facility and thereby diminish barriers to access to healthcare services at the Alaska Native Medical Center for Alaska's Native People living in rural and remote parts of the State. Thank you, Congressman Young and Senators Murkowski and Begich.”
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://duffy.house.gov/press-release/duffy-5-wisconsin-congressmen-to-sebelius-extend-hirsp-federal-plan,"Duffy & 5 Wisconsin Congressmen to Sebelius, ""Extend HIRSP Federal Plan""",2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,WI,Sean Duffy,D000614,duffy.house.gov,,,legacy,"""Not offering this extension nationwide could leave some of our poorest and most medically vulnerable Americans without coverage.” Washington D.C. - U.S. Congressman Sean Duffy, with a bipartisan group of Wisconsin Congressmen, asked United States Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to extend the federal Health Insurance Risk-Sharing Plan (HIRSP) through March 31, 2014. Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker signed legislation on Friday to extend current coverage for Wisconsin citizens under several medical assistance programs, including HIRSP, through March 31, 2014 citing the failed rollout of Obamacare. The group of Federal lawmakers pleaded with the Secretary to offer all Americans with pre-existing and, in some cases, life threatening conditions to be afforded the same courtesy. Rep. Duffy offered the following comments: ""Not offering this extension nationwide could leave some of our poorest and most medically vulnerable Americans without coverage. These individuals should not lose their healthcare coverage due to technical difficulties. This Administration is delaying multiple pieces of its signature legislation on an almost daily basis because it is politically convenient for them. It is our hope that the Secretary will also offer an extension to the numerous Americans who have had their lives inconvenienced by this ill-conceived law.""  Rep. Duffy was joined on the letter by Representatives Paul Ryan (WI-01), Ron Kind (WI-03),  Jim Sensenbrenner (WI-05), Tom Petri (WI-06) and Reid Ribble (WI-08) Full text of letter to Sec. Kathleen Sebelius:",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://hartzler.house.gov/press-release/congresswoman-hartzlers-christmas-greeting-0,Congresswoman Hartzler's Christmas greeting,2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,MO,Vicky Hartzler,H001053,hartzler.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-4) has released the following greeting to mark the Christmas holiday:
“Christmas is certainly a time for family and friends. It’s time for older Americans to relive memories of Christmas past and for younger ones to cherish the moments that will become the memories they’ll cherish as they grow older. But first and foremost the focus of the season must be on the reason for the season – the birth of Jesus Christ.
Luke’s account of how the birth of Christ was announced to shepherds in the field is familiar to so many of us:
‘And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.’
My wish is that the light Jesus brought to the world shines upon you this Christmas and that it shines on our men and women in uniform who sacrifice so much to keep us safe, to bring them home to us soon.
From my family to yours, we wish you the merriest of Christmases.""
Congresswoman Hartzler and her family live on a working farm near Harrisonville in Cass County.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://lamarsmith.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/chairman-smith-questions-white-house-knowledge-of-security-concerns,Chairman Smith Questions White House Knowledge of Security Concerns Prior to Healthcare.gov Launch,2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,TX,Lamar Smith,S000583,lamarsmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) along with Oversight Subcommittee Chairman Paul Broun M.D. (R-Ga.) and Research and Technology Subcommittee Chairman Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-Ind.) today sent a letter to the White House, requesting all records of actions surrounding the security of the Healthcare.gov website.  The letter, addressed to President Obama’s top advisor for Science and Technology, Dr. John Holdren, outlines a number of security concerns and questions the extent to which those concerns were understood by the administration prior to the website’s launch on October 1, 2013.
“In its haste to launch the Healthcare.gov website, it appears the Obama Administration cut corners that leave the site open to hackers and other online criminals,” the lawmakers wrote. “As a result, Americans who have already entered personal information into Healthcare.gov are vulnerable to identity theft.”
The data passing through the Healthcare.gov website is one of the largest collections of personal information ever assembled, linking social security numbers, birth dates, tax and other financial information from seven different federal agencies, along with state agencies and government contractors.
At a hearing held on November 19, the Science Committee received troubling testimony from online security experts regarding the flaws and vulnerabilities in the Obamacare website that put the personal data of Americans at risk. One witness, Mr. David Kennedy, a so-called ‘white hat hacker,’ gave a demonstration showing how hackers are attempting to access personal information on the website.  According to his testimony, not only is the website vulnerable, it is under active attack.  Even more troubling, Mr. Kennedy testified that there are “clear indicators that even basic security was not built into the Healthcare.gov website.” Moreover, the administration’s recent efforts to address the flaws with the website’s capacity do not appear to address the larger security and privacy issues raised in our hearing. 
The letter questions the role of one of President Obama’s top assistants, Mr. Todd Park, in overseeing security issues before the website was launched.  The White House has now rejected three invitations for Mr. Park to testify before the House Science Committee, claiming that Mr. Park has not been involved in security issues.  However, Mr. Park was a White House co-chair of the official Steering Committee with direct oversight of the security and privacy working groups that oversaw website development. The letter requests that the White House expand on suggestions made by staff that Mr. Park’s activities are protected by Executive Privilege. The letter asks whether the administration intends to invoke such a claim.
The letter further states, “It is logical to assume that security and privacy responsibility resides at the highest level of government.  We are troubled by the fact that the President either did not know, or did not care, that the personal and financial data collected as part of Obamacare is not secure.”
“We already know of numerous attempts to hack into the system and can only assume many more have gone unreported,” the Congressmen wrote.  “Unless the Obama Administration takes swift action to address security, it is likely the worst is yet to come.”
The full letter can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364758,Blaine's Bulletin: An American Christmas,2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,MO,Blaine Luetkemeyer,L000569,luetkemeyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"As we prepare for Christmas, many of us return to traditions as a way to celebrate the season. Christmas in America is a unique experience and over the centuries our nation has created many unique traditions. But as a student of our nation’s history, I recently came across some research that indicates that the first Christmas celebrated in the New World was observed in what many would deem an odd place.
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      As we prepare for Christmas, many of us return to traditions as a way to celebrate the season. Christmas in America is a unique experience and over the centuries our nation has created many unique traditions. But as a student of our nation’s history, I recently came across some research that indicates that the first Christmas celebrated in the New World was observed in what many would deem an odd place.
According to historians, the first Christmas celebrated on land that is now part of the United States took place near Tallahassee, Fl., in 1539. The publication Discovery News reports that Spanish explorer and conquistador Hernando de Soto established his winter encampment site of 1539-40 near what is now Tallahassee, where he and his men celebrated the first U.S. Christmas.
Based on excavations and other historical research, the first Christmas meal would have included pork, local vegetables, fruits, seafood and possibly even turkey. Researchers also found that it was likely the first Christmas mass would have been held outside and would have been very similar to those held in a Franciscan chapel.
I think it’s important during this time of year, when presents and parties and all the other trappings of the season seem to consume so much of our time, that Christmas is first and foremost the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. And I find it truly remarkable that 250 years before we became a nation, Christmas was celebrated as part of the Christian faith. 
Even as many of our Christian traditions seem to be under attack this time of year, the teachings of the man born in Bethlehem that stress love, charity, and hope remain very much part of the American Christmas tradition. You can see it everywhere, if you look hard enough.
You see the Christmas spirit in the thousands of volunteers who participate in programs that help the less fortunate. From the Christmas Day dinners at local shelters to the Angel Trees at the malls to provide gifts for children - Americans do indeed keep the spirit of Christmas.
As much as some try to take the Christ out of Christmas, there is no denying that from centuries before we were a nation, Christmas held a very sacred meaning to those Spanish explorers who settled in Florida and celebrated the birth of Christ. Despite the best attempts of many to distance our nation from the true meaning of Christmas, it is simply impossible. It is part of American tradition and will continue to be so.
On behalf of myself, my family and my staff I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. God Bless.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://marino.house.gov/press-release/marino-encourages-governor-corbett-state-legislature-act-rising-flood-insurance,"Marino encourages Governor Corbett, state legislature to act on rising flood insurance premiums",2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Tom Marino,M001179,marino.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Tom Marino (R-PA) heard firsthand from dozens of residents across Lycoming County over the past week about the negative effects of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act.
Today, Marino sent a letter to Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett and Pennsylvania General Assembly leadership members, encouraging them to take action.
“Unfortunately, Congress has neglected to delay, reform, or repeal Biggert-Waters prior to the end of year looming deadline,” Marino said in the letter.  “Consequently, insurance premiums are set to dramatically increase in less than two weeks time – causing families and small businesses to decide between wiping out their bank accounts to purchase the federally mandated plans, or facing foreclosure proceedings.  Although I supported the original intention of Biggert-Waters to make the flood insurance program once again solvent, it has clearly proven to have drastic unforeseen consequences with new skyrocketing insurance premiums.”
Marino went on to request that members of the General Assembly come together to mitigate the unintended effects this law is having on low- and middle-income families across Pennsylvania.  Specifically, he referenced a Mississippi lawsuit that challenges the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s failure to complete an affordability study before increasing insurance rates, as required by Biggert-Waters.
“These premiums threaten the vibrancy and very existence of these towns as property values plummet, the real estate market dries up, and strong local tax bases vanish.”
While thousands of homes, businesses and properties across the 10th Congressional District are facing dramatic increases in their flood insurance premiums, the effects of this legislation have been felt nation-wide.
“The issue at hand was undoubtedly created at the federal level and should be fixed at the federal level as well,” Marino added.  “As I continue to put pressure on my leadership and colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to bring legislation to the House Floor, it is my sincere hope that innovative legal or legislative initiatives at the state level can also assist in mitigating the costs of flood insurance for Pennsylvanians.""
Marino sent a letter to House Speaker John Boehner and other members of House leadership earlier this week, urging that legislation related to the increases in flood insurance premiums be brought to the House floor for consideration as soon as possible.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://marino.house.gov/press-release/marino-urges-house-leadership-act-rising-flood-insurance-premiums,Marino urges House leadership to act on rising flood insurance premiums,2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,PA,Tom Marino,M001179,marino.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. –U.S. Representative Tom Marino (R-PA) urged House Speaker John Boehner in a letter to bring legislation related to the increases in flood insurance premiums to the House floor for consideration as soon as possible.
“Many of my constituents have contacted me in support of these legislative proposals,” Marino said in the letter, citing what he has heard from residents across Pennsylvania’s 10th Congressional District.
“One individual who purchased a home valued under $150,000 last year is facing a premium increase of more than $8,000.  An elderly man who purchased several properties as a retirement investment is considering abandoning the homes and walking away from the mortgage obligations, while another couple in Jersey Shore who similarly invested in several Main Street properties is facing a $40,000 flood insurance bill.”
Marino, along with several colleagues who also have large constituencies affected by the increases to flood insurance premiums, urged House leadership to bring legislation to the floor for debate before the House adjourned for the legislative session but were unsuccessful.
“As a co-sponsor of several pieces of legislation related to the premium rate increases currently awaiting further action in the House Committee on Financial Service, I ask that Members have the opportunity to debate and vote on legislation that could assist our constituents as we continue efforts to reform the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to make the program financially stable for taxpayers without becoming overly burdensome on homeowners and small businesses,” Marino added.
The 113th Congress will convene on January 7, 2014 to start its second legislative session.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/diaz-balart-cbp-pilot-program-is-innovative-will-help-grow-south-florida,"Diaz-Balart: CBP Pilot Program is Innovative, Will Help Grow South Florida Economy",2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,FL,Mario Diaz-Balart,D000600,mariodiazbalart.house.gov,,,legacy,"MIAMI, FL — Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), member of the House Committee on Appropriations, released the following statement after the launch of the Reimbursable Services Program by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at Miami International Airport.
“I am pleased to be part of the launch of CBP’s Reimbursable Services Program. Miami International Airport has a serious understaffing problem, and the airport’s participation in this pilot program will be a step towards helping to fix that. My colleagues and I have been working with Miami-Dade County to support MIA and express the dire need for more staff at the airport.
“This partnership will help alleviate the long wait times at MIA. The quicker we can get our international travelers through passport control, the quicker they can get to our hotels, eat at our restaurants, see our attractions, and help pump money and jobs into our local economy. Although it doesn’t solve the entire problem, it is a significant step towards addressing it. I commend CBP and the County for coming together to find a solution that is not only innovative, but will also help grow South Florida’s economy.”
This pilot program, the CBP Reimbursable Services Program, was authorized as part of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, which passed Congress in March. Congresswomen Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL) Federica Wilson (D-FL) and Congressmen Diaz-Balart and Joe Garcia (D-FL) sent a letter to DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano in May supporting the County’s request to participate in this program. See the letter here.
 
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http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=1F93E2D1-15AD-4177-9AC3-572E8111B409,Farm Forum: Noem says farm bill nearly done,2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"After a long and frustrating wait, Congress will pass a bipartisan farm bill that covers a full five years, Rep. Kristi Noem, R-S.D., told reporters on Dec. 12.
“The basic framework has been agreed to. There are some details to work out,” Noem said. “Knowing it’s coming provides us with certainty.”
Noem repeated the conventional wisdom that a farm bill won’t be passed by the House and Senate and signed by the president until January, but she is confident this drawn-out chapter in farm bill history will close in a positive way.
“This has been the poster child for a messy process,” Noem said. “I am looking forward to making sure that vote happens. ... We know a five-year bill is coming. We are going to have a farm bill that works for South Dakota.”
Noem said lawmakers have sent their policy agreements to the Congressional Budget Office for “scoring,” in which analysts calculate how much programs will cost and how much cuts will reduce spending.
“What we’re waiting for at this point is to get the actual numbers,” Noem said, “so when everybody is placing their final vote on the floor, they really know the details.”
The House has adjourned and will not return to work until 2014.
Noem called the delay into the new year “unfortunate” but praised the agreed-upon farm bill for having the most significant reforms of any farm bill “in decades.”
“This eliminates controversial farm programs like direct payments that have been so highly criticized,” she said, also noting provisions to tighten up food stamp eligibility requirements.
She said the bill will include retroactive livestock disaster programs, using language that she introduced as a standalone bill, and said ranchers who lost cattle in the October blizzard will get some payments. Noem said she won’t know exactly what affected ranchers will be eligible for until after the CBO sends back its analysis.
Noem said she hopes there can be a one-month extension of the previous farm bill, which expired Oct. 1 after an earlier one-year extension. She is worried that milk prices could spike without such a move, but Senate leaders have said it is not necessary.
“We would be relying on one individual in USDA to make the right decision. I prefer to have a law in place,” Noem said.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=F70CD0DE-AEC6-4674-BA2B-FF144B538140,Argus Leader: $633B defense bill protects South Dakota interests,2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"Lawmakers say a comprehensive, nearly $633 billion defense bill that cleared the Senate on Thursday will protect South Dakota priorities, including the long-term future of Ellsworth Air Force Base.
The Senate approved the defense policy bill late Thursday, a week after the House passed the same measure. It now goes to President Barack Obama.
The bill deals with several policy issues that South Dakota’s congressional members have worked on, including covering the costs of combat pay for members of the military, funding for equipment and efforts to stop the epidemic of military sexual assaults.
All of South Dakota’s delegation — Sens. John Thune, a Republican, and Tim Johnson, a Democrat, as well as GOP Rep. Kristi Noem — supported the sweeping legislation.
Thune said the bill will have a broad impact on South Dakota because it has a large military and retired military population.
“I’ve always described South Dakota as punching above its weight for military service,” Thune said. “For a small state, we have a pretty big impact on military readiness.”
The most important element of the bill for South Dakota, he said, was including language that expresses Congress’ support for building long-range bomber aircraft in the future. He said that is critical because it’s a part of Ellsworth’s core mission.
“There are so many different weapons systems and priorities that people have when it comes to a defense bill,” Thune said. “The capability for a long-range strike is something we think will be critical with the threats that are over the horizon.”
The bill doesn’t authorize funding for new bombers, but Thune said an expression of congressional support will send an important message.
Johnson has said he supports the bill for much the same reasons. Johnson said the long-range bomber program is crucial for South Dakota and the country’s strategic defense.
For Noem, the defense bill contains a personal legislative victory: She worked on language included in the final bill that addresses military sexual assaults, one of the most important pieces of the legislation.
Noem drafted provisions that would strengthen investigations when they deal with sexual offenses, require a review of training on preventing sexual assaults and require defense officials to develop and define qualifications for people who are working internally on preventing sexual assault.
They are included in the final bill.
Noem said she was troubled by the military’s inability to deal with sexual assaults, and said she hoped the new defense bill would take important steps toward slowing the epidemic.
“The women and men who voluntarily serve in our Armed Forces understand that they may be called to serve in dangerous places, but they should never face the threat of harm from their fellow service members,” Noem said. “The sexual assault provisions included in the National Defense Authorization Act are not the silver bullet, but they do move us a few steps closer to winning the war against sexual assault in the military.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=6F9509D4-3EF3-4D6C-936D-2B2AF45F0EBC,Weekly Column: Home for Christmas,2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Rep. Kristi Noem 
	Christmas 1943 carried with it a lot of optimism.  Unemployment numbers were falling fast due to World War II-related employment, meaning the Great Depression was all but over.  Manufacturers had successfully transitioned from making things like automobiles to producing essential military materials, further growing the U.S.’s influence over the manufacturing industry.  The year had also been seen as a turning point in the war, largely due to the success of U.S. military operations in Europe.
Nonetheless, the optimism that accompanied the year was singed with the harsh realities of wartime America.  Canned goods, meat, cheeses, butter and cooking oils were rationed due to shortages of certain materials.  And millions of American service members were deployed to serve in the grisly war.
It is no surprise that Bing Crosby’s “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” also debuted in 1943 and became an instant Christmas classic.  It characterized what many families in America were going through.  There was an undeniable optimism that the war would soon be over, but those emotions were mixed with the reality that soldiers serving abroad would be home for Christmas “only in their dreams,” as Bing Crosby sings.
Today, we are again fighting to defend our nation and the values we represent.  Just last week, I participated in an activation ceremony for members of the South Dakota Army National Guard, who will first head to Fort Hood, Texas, for training and then to Afghanistan.
For some of them, it is their first deployment.  Others have already served tours in Iraq.  Regardless of their service record, when our country needed their expertise in Afghanistan, they answered the call.
Now, it is our collective responsibility to come together as a community around their families – not only during the holidays, but throughout the deployment.  We must be there to cheer their kids on when they win a basketball game or nail that solo at a school concert - just as we are when they need a shoulder to lean on.  And we must be there again when it is time to welcome these soldiers home.
In the days leading up to December 25, 68 soldiers of the 152nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion of the South Dakota Army National Guard completed their five-month deployment to Afghanistan and 124 soldiers with the 235th Military Police Company completed their nine-month deployment to Afghanistan.  At ceremonies in Pierre and Rapid City, these women and men were able to tell their spouses, parents, families and communities: “I’m home for Christmas.”
To those soldiers: Welcome home.  I hope you know how grateful South Dakota is for your service and your sacrifice. 
Between the last-minute gift wrapping and your family’s traditions, I hope you join me in taking a moment to give thanks for all those who are home this Christmas – our troops, our college students, our families who have scattered across the country. 
As Army Gen. Sidney B. Berry wrote to his wife on Christmas Eve 1966 from a village in South Vietnam: “Perhaps the best aspect of separation is our increased appreciation and understanding of each other.”  This holiday season, take the time to be appreciative, to be understanding.  From my family to yours, Merry Christmas.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://nunes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=365028,Benghazi investigation continues,2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,CA,Devin Nunes,N000181,nunes.house.gov,,,legacy,"Benghazi investigation continues 
   
    
       
      
  
    
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        December 20, 2013
      
       
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
      
      
      I spoke to Fox News this week about the ongoing investigation into the Benghazi attack. You can read the article and watch a video clip here. 
Separately, the Nunes Digest is updated for your weekend reading here. 
    
  
  
  
    
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http://pearce.house.gov/event/carlsbad-staff-office-hours-10,Carlsbad: Staff Office Hours,2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NM,Steve Pearce,P000588,pearce.house.gov,,,legacy,"I will have staff in Carlsbad on Wednesday May 7th, to answer questions, discuss any ideas or concerns you may have, or assist you with casework or an issue related to a federal agency.
For details or to set up an appointment, Please call my office at 1-855-4-PEARCE
May 7th, 2014
Carlsbad, NM - Every 1st Wednesday of the month - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Eddy County Administration Building
101 W. Greene St.
Carlsbad, NM",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pearce.house.gov/event/carlsbad-staff-office-hours-9,Carlsbad: Staff Office Hours,2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NM,Steve Pearce,P000588,pearce.house.gov,,,legacy,"I will  have staff in Carlsbad on Wednesday April 2nd, to answer questions, discuss any ideas or concerns you may have, or assist you with casework or issue related to a federal agency.
For details or to set up an appointment, please call my office at 1-855-4-PEARCE
April 2nd, 2014
Carlsbad, NM - Every 1st Wednesday of the month - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Eddy County Administration Building
101 W. Greene st.
Carlsbad, NM",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pearce.house.gov/event/hobbs-staff-office-hours-10,Hobbs: Staff Office Hours,2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NM,Steve Pearce,P000588,pearce.house.gov,,,legacy,"I will have staff in Hobbs on Wednesday May 7th, to answer questions, discuss any ideas or concerns you may have or assist you with casework or an issue related to a federal agency.
For details or to set up an appointment, Please call my office at 1-855-4-PEARCE
May 7th, 2014
Hobbs, NM - Every 1st Wednesday of the month - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Office of Steve Pearce
200 East Broadway, Suite 200
Hobbs, NM",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pearce.house.gov/event/hobbs-staff-office-hours-9,Hobbs: Staff Office Hours,2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NM,Steve Pearce,P000588,pearce.house.gov,,,legacy,"I will have staff in Hobbs on Wednesday April 2nd, to answer questions, discuss any ideas or concerns you may have or assist with casework or an issue related to a federal agency.
For details or to set up an appointment, Please call my office at 1-855-4-PEARCE
April 2nd, 2014
Hobbs, NM - Every 1st Wednesday of the month - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Office of Steve Pearce
200 E. Broadway, suite 200
Hobbs, NM",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pearce.house.gov/event/portales-staff-office-hours-7,Portales: Staff Office Hours,2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Republican,House,NM,Steve Pearce,P000588,pearce.house.gov,,,legacy,"I will have staff in Portales on Wednesday April 23rd, to answer questions, discuss any ideas or concerns you may have or assist with casework or an issue related to a federal agency.
For details or to set up an appointment, Please call my office at 1-855-4-PEARCE
April 23rd, 2014
Hobbs, NM - Every 1st Wednesday of the month 10:00am - 12:00pm
Portales/Roosevelt Chamber of Commerce
100 South Ave A
Portales, NM",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z