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://cole.house.gov/oklahoman-oklahoman-quotes-year,The Oklahoman: Oklahoman quotes of the year,2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Oklahoman - Ken Raymond At the heart of each newspaper article is a voice. It may be an official spokesman, a politician or a protester. It could come from a police officer, a business person, a judge or a philanthropist. It may be the voice of a crying victim or an exultant athlete. It could be as careful as an author’s words or as spontaneous as an artist. But it’s there — the voice around which the story turns. At the beginning of each new year, The Oklahoman looks back at the previous year’s defining stories, listening, one might say, to those voices yet again. These are our quotes of the year. Public safety “It seemed to me that a grave for that many people should be marked. It seemed a sad testament to how the mentally ill were treated back then that it was not.” — Norman Deputy Fire Chief Jim Bailey, speaking about the victims of an April 13, 1918, fire that killed 40 patients at the state hospital for the mentally ill in Norman. He was among those who discovered the mass grave in 2014. Plans are being made to place a marker there. “I hope they maintain the evidence as we have requested them to do, but the fact that the body arrived without the heart and the larynx is somewhat disconcerting, I guess.” — David Autry, attorney for convicted prisoner Clayton Derrell Lockett, after the Dallas County medical examiner’s office returned Lockett’s body to Oklahoma after an autopsy. Lockett’s April execution was botched, and he died 40 minutes later. “I was like, ‘My God, he came here to kill me.’” — Domestic violence survivor Brandy Moreno, describing in October her thoughts when she was attacked and stabbed in the eye. “Everybody will forget about this and nothing will change. This is the northeast side, and that’s the way it’s always been.” — A woman offering in September her grim assessment of the investigation into Oklahoma City police officer Daniel Ken Holtzclaw, who is accused by prosecutors of sexually assaulting women over a six-month period. “We can hear a lot of screaming. We know that he’s loose. He has stabbed someone.” — A caller locked in an office at Vaughan Foods in Moore talking to a 911 operator on Sept. 25, after Alton Alexander Nolen, a 30-year-old ex-convict, is alleged to have stabbed and beheaded one employee and slashed another. “This was judgment day.” — District Judge Lawrence Parish, sentencing Kevin Sweat in October to life in prison without possibility of parole for killing two Weleetka girls in 2008 and his fiancee in 2011. “I thought there was supposed to be blanks in the gun.” — Words attributed in February by a witness to the shooter who killed a jogger in Duncan. “Me, too. Sorry.” — The reply from the driver to the shooter, according to the witness. “She’d stab you in the heart and watch you bleed to death.” — Chad Noe, on his deceased grandmother, Ida Prewitt, who was implicated in 2014 in the 1992 slayings of two Oklahoma City women and a young girl. “I guarantee you I have officers who have biases and racial biases. But we can’t have them acting on those biases because everyone needs to be treated the same. I don’t think the majority of officers are that way, but I’m not naive.” — Oklahoma City Police Chief Bill Citty commenting in the wake of a white police officer shooting and killing a black teenager in Ferguson, Mo. “Everything you saw was a ball of fire. I’ve never seen anything like it. I don’t ever want to see another one like it.” — Guthrie resident Tim Saathoff upon seeing a fatal apartment fire in the early morning hours of Nov. 19. “It was completely planned out. This kid is an evil person.” — Stephens County DA Jason Hicks at an October news conference after OU freshman Alan J. Hruby was charged with three counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of his parents and sister in their Duncan home. Religion “We may be provoking the Satanists, but it’s a whole lot better than standing by and doing nothing. I’m going to be a light, a voice in the darkness.” — Albert Storz of Tulsa, who preached in protest of a “black mass” held outside the Civic Center Music Hall in Oklahoma City in September. “Our family is overjoyed by the Supreme Court’s decision. Today the nation’s highest court has reaffirmed the vital importance of religious liberty as one of our country’s founding principles. The Court’s decision is a victory, not just for our family business, but for all who seek to live out their faith. We are grateful to God and to those who have supported us on this difficult journey.” — Barbara Green, co-founder of Hobby Lobby, the day the Supreme Court ruled the company did not have to provide contraceptive coverageUnder the Affordable Care Act. Charity “In the past, we’ve told the homeless you have to clean up, not drink, get a job — a whole laundry list of things they had to do before we would place them in housing. But if they could do those things, they wouldn’t be homeless.” — April Heiple, director of Food and Shelter Inc., explaining in October Norman’s philosophical change in its Housing First program. Education “They’re not getting the candidate they think they’re getting. They will see soon. I suspect, if she does prevail, they will see that very quickly.” — State schools Superintendent Janet Barresi with a message for voters after being defeated in the Republican primary election in June by state schools Superintendent-elect Joy Hofmeister. “My fingers know what the inside of a horse feels like. My arm has to go into his bottom all the way up to my shoulder.” — Lyndi Gilliam, associate professor of veterinary medicine, speaking at an alumni event at Oklahoma State University in June. “We spend so much time seeing our differences and so little time rejoicing in the things that we share. We’ve got a lot to do to put aside those differences in our everyday lives and find that which make us one America.” — U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor at a talk at Oklahoma City University in September. “I’m not in favor of anyone having guns on campus except the police and Pistol Pete. It just creates a tension that we don’t need. It’s fraught with risk. If we want to experiment with this idea, I recommend that we start right here in this Capitol.” — OSU President Burns Hargis to Oklahoma lawmakers in October. “Public service is not about power. It’s about service. I don’t think anything can exceed the sense of satisfaction that comes from investing your life in the next generation.” — David Boren on serving 20 years as OU president. “I’d say 98 percent of them know they need remediation. They aren’t the least bit surprised.” — Debbie Quiery, vice president of Northern Oklahoma College, on the high number of college students who aren’t prepared for higher education. Four of 10 Oklahoma students begin college in need of remediation. Government “I accept that legislative change comes slowly at the Capitol. What I cannot accept is to stand idly by while another 500 husbands, wives, sons and daughters lose their lives to preventable drug overdoses. I plan on using every tool at the state’s disposal to fight this scourge and to help save lives.” — Gov. Mary Fallin in May after a bill that would have required doctors to check an online database before writing narcotic prescriptions failed to pass. “Some of these raises had merit, but I’m skeptical that 48 directors absolutely had to have raises immediately above all the other needs at their agencies.” — Fallin commenting on pay raises granted to state agency directors, including raises of $10,000 or more granted to 30 of those agency heads. “They aren’t asking our input. They aren’t asking our advice. This is way above our payscale.” — Lawton City Councilman Keith Jackson in July on the federal program that placed unaccompanied immigrant children for months at Fort Sill. “This Court does not believe that attempts to provide notice via Facebook comport with the requirements of due process.” — Supreme Court Justice Douglas Combs commenting in a parental rights case where a mother notified a man he was the father of her baby through a Facebook posting. “My students normally made good decisions until they consumed alcohol. Then their decisions weren’t so good anymore.” — State Rep. Jerry McPeak, a former Connors State College dean, debating against a campus gun bill. “I just felt horrible about it. I felt sick.” — Rep. Steve Vaughn, R-Ponca City, a pro-gun legislator, speaking in April about accidentally shooting another hunter in the head with a single, .12-gauge shotgun pellet during a pheasant hunt. “I am sickened that the only way someone can win a race is to run negative ads against them.” — Retiring U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn in regard to ads run last summer against U.S. Rep. James Lankford, who eventually won Coburn’s seat. “I would say you’re not going to beat James Lankford in 2016 and maybe not ever.” — GOP political consultant Trebor Worthen, of Oklahoma City, who has tried twice to beat Lankford. “In the days and months ahead, I hope that lawmakers on both sides of the aisle will engage in discussion on the immigration issue, restore order to the legislative process and rein in White House overreach.” — U.S. Rep. Tom Cole, R-Moore, after President Barack Obama announced executive order to halt deportations of some undocumented aliens. “In the absence of a coherent plan to deal with ISIS and meaningful U.S. assistance, the direct threat to the homeland and American citizens will grow, and the likelihood is more Americans will be savagely killed.” — U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe, of Tulsa, the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services, on threat of the Islamic State. “Marriage equality is now a reality in Oklahoma. Same-sex couples are no longer second-class couples in our state, and their children as well may now enjoy all the benefits, protections, and dignity of marriage thanks to our clients’ courage in fighting for a decade to vindicate the fundamental right of all Oklahomans to wed.” — Joseph Thai, attorney on legal team for Mary Bishop and Sharon Baldwin, the Tulsa County couple who challenged Oklahoma’s ban on same-sex marriage. “The truth is you get what you pay for.” — The reaction of House Speaker Jeff Hickman, of Dacoma, to a bill that would cut pay for Oklahoma legislators. Sports “You the real MVP.” — Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant in May, addressing his mother in his acceptance speech after being named the NBA’s most valuable player. “I just don’t want nobody blocking my shot. That’s why I dunk so hard.” — Russell Westbrook explaining the ferocious hammer dunk that ignited the Oklahoma City Thunder’s offense in a December game against the Detroit Pistons. Teammate Kevin Durant called the dunk “one of the best I’ve ever seen.” “If everything is firing on all cylinders, it’s almost going to be an unfair advantage to be born in Oklahoma City. These kids are going to be standing on podiums winning medals within the next decade. It’s that big of an advantage.” — Olympic gold medal-winning canoeist Joe Jacobi in September on the upcoming construction of a whitewater park on the Oklahoma River. Entertainment “I’m the representative Oklahoman that every band should have. Every band needs an Oklahoman, I don’t care who it is. Aerosmith. Aerosmith would be doing a lot better if they had a Travis Linville in their band.” — Roots musician J.D. McPherson speaking in November about why musical acts should feature Oklahomans. “We do weddings. We played a wedding for people who met at one of our shows; it’s a part of their story. That’s kind of insane. It’s a good crew. Everyone in the band gets along. We’ve played a cage fight.” — A member of 1990s tribute act My So Called Band in September on playing music wherever possible. “There was a guy the other day on a plane. I was in first class, and he was chewing tobacco, and he was spitting his tobacco juice into an empty orange juice bottle. I was seated right across the aisle from him, watching the tobacco juice ooze down the sides of the bottle. I thought, ‘How much would he have to pay me to drink that?’ Thirty years ago, I would’ve drunk it for $100. ... Now you’d have to pay me $100,000 to drink it.” — Comedic essayist David Sedaris, discussing how success has changed his life. “I’ll just have to feel it out and hope for the best. Ideally, I could just play venues with a Babybjorn on my back and a guitar in the front.” — Musician Camille Harp, talking in December about whether she’ll take time off when her baby is born in January. “What I love about Oklahoma is the peace and quiet. I also like the freedom and opportunities that are offered here. I came here because I wanted to paint freely with no limitations or censors.” — Iranian painter Behnaz Sohrabian, speaking in July about why she loves the U.S. “It’s just a fictional world. ... It’s not real. There are no vampires. It’s fiction.” — Tulsa author P.C. Cast in February after being unsuccessfully sued by a woman with the same name as one of Cast’s fictional characters. “When I put the phone up to my head, my son said, ‘DAD DAD DAD!’ He was so excited I could barely understand him. And then he yelled, ‘I WON THE PULITZER, I WON THE PULITZER!’ ... While he’s yelling it to me, his wife Alison ... was screaming, ‘DAN YOU WON THE PULITZER, YOU WON THE PULITZER!’ We were all laughing, crying and happy.” — Edmond attorney Arnold Fagin describing the April morning when his son, Dan Fagin, won the Pulitzer Prize for nonfiction for his book, “Toms River.” Health “Obviously, with the number of deaths we have, we have a problem.” — Dr. Eric Frische, medical adviser to the Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision, talking about the state’s prescription drug epidemic. “Here we’re thrust into the spotlight because of that monument, and it has put a spotlight on mental health, and it really needs to be there — on mental health — because that’s what this is about. It’s not about that monument. It’s about a human being. ... His mind has been broken.” — Crystal Tucker, speaking in November about her son, Michael Tate Reed II, who drove his car into the Ten Commandments monument at the state Capitol. “Do I want health care or do I want my education right now? And I feel like finishing up without student loans is going to be a better benefit to me than getting in debt with student loans to have health care right now.” — Stephanie James, 28, a restaurant server who lives in Edmond. “You’re beautiful in your own way, and don’t let anybody get you down just because you don’t look as beautiful as everybody else.” — Bri Johnson, 8, a Special Care student diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, offering words of wisdom in July. Weather “I’m used to seeing photos in a paper or magazine and thinking ‘wow that’s sad’ … but that was my life. I think we are still healing and I think we’ll be healing for a long time.” — LaDonna Cobb, reflecting a year later on surviving the tornado that struck Briarwood Elementary School in Moore. “He was the one closest to me that didn’t make it. I had my hand on him. He’s been a little hard to let go.” — Former Plaza Towers Elementary School teacher Jennifer Doan discussing her decision to give her newborn son the middle name of Nicolas to honor her former student, Nicolas McCabe, who died in the May 20, 2013, Moore tornado. The President “But Don did something truly extraordinary — he reached down and he picked that grenade up. And he turned to throw it, but there were Americans in front of him and behind him — inside the kill zone. So Don held on to that grenade, and he pulled it close to his body. And he bent over it. And then, as one of the men said, ‘all of a sudden there was a boom.’” — President Barack Obama, on Sept. 15, awarding the Medal of Honor posthumously to Coweta native Donald P. Sloat, who was killed in 1970 in Vietnam. “I have to be honest, in a battle and daring escape that lasted four days, Bennie performed so many acts of bravery we actually don’t have time to talk about all of them.” — Obama, on Sept. 15, awarding the Medal of Honor to Waurika native Bennie G. Adkins for actions in Vietnam in 1966. “Because of Suzan, more young Native Americans are growing up with pride in their heritage, and with faith in their future. And she has taught all of us that Native values make America stronger.” — President Obama, on Nov. 24, presenting the Medal of Freedom to Oklahoma native Suzan Shown Harjo. General “This is such a surreal feeling. The only thing I’ve seen for the past five years is concrete, a little bit of grass, fence and razor wire. So this morning when they took me to see my family and all the people I truly care about, it’s a day I won’t forget.” — U.S. Army 1st Lt. Michael Behenna in March, speaking exclusively to The Oklahoman upon his release from prison after serving five years for the 2008 killing of an Iraqi man in Iraq. “I can be No. 1 in something.” — Deanne R. Baker, whose divorce from Julie L. Baker in October was likely the first same-sex divorce in state history. Contributing: Staff writers Graham Lee Brewer, Jane Glenn Cannon, Chris Casteel, Nolan Clay, Jaclyn Cosgrove, Randy Ellis, Adam Kemp, Kathryn McNutt, Phillip O’Connor, Jennifer Palmer and Nathan Poppe; editors Nick Trougakos and Mike Sherman Online: The Oklahoman",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/roll-call-year-according-rep-tom-cole,Roll Call: The Year According to Rep. Tom Cole,2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"Roll Call - Matt Fuller Rep. Tom Cole, the unofficial spokesman of the GOP rank and file in the House, has never been shy about telling the truth — at least the truth as the Oklahoma Republican sees it — with anyone who’ll listen. Continuing a tradition that began last year, Cole got on the phone recently with CQ Roll Call for more than an hour to review the ups and downs of 2014 (something he also did in a recent column). Like last year, the 65-year-old former history professor thinks Republicans — and especially Speaker John A. Boehner — enter the new year with momentum. “The Boehner coalition is the largest coalition in the conference, and it’s not even close,” Cole said, dismissing ongoing anti-Boehner grumblings among some of the conference’s most conservative Republicans. Rep. Walter B. Jones, R-N.C., recently said there were roughly 16 to 18 Republicans planning to vote against Boehner for speaker when the 114th Congress convenes in January. While that’s nearly enough Republicans to throw the contest to a second ballot, Cole said the number of Republicans who would only vote Boehner for speaker was “higher than 130,” meaning he believes there is no other Republican who could feasibly take the gavel. Boehner was vindicated by the government shutdown and the November election results, Cole said. But Cole, who begins his seventh term in the 114th, also thinks Boehner was “strengthened” by former Majority Leader Eric Cantor losing his primary. There’s now no “logical alternative” to the Ohio Republican. While Cole said he didn’t want “apply anything critical” to Cantor — ”I think he was pretty selfless” — the Oklahoma Republican thought that, in Cantor, ”you had a ready-made backup, you had a guy who could clearly step in.” With Cantor gone, members seem satisfied with the new leadership team of Boehner, California’s Kevin McCarthy at majority leader, Louisiana’s Steve Scalise at majority whip, and Washington’s Cathy McMorris Rodgers at GOP Conference chair. “I feel pretty good about our top four,” Cole said. “There’s clearly less tension.” Cole acknowledged there was “no question” that there are some who remain unhappy with Boehner, but he called the anti-Boehner crowd a “very small gathering.” “I don’t think it’s any threat to denying him the speakership,” he said. Instead, he had stern words for those planning to register that discontent in the form of a protest vote during the speaker election. “You’re not attacking John Boehner; you’re attacking the Republican Conference,” Cole said, adding that it was “a great way to marginalize yourself.” “You’re just embarrassing yourself in my view,” Cole continued, “and undermining the unity of the conference.” Cole called Cantor’s primary loss to Dave Brat a “profound moment” and “the most single unexpected, shocking political moment of the year.” Brat ran to the right of Cantor on issues like immigration, but Cole said that doesn’t mean an immigration overhaul is out of the question in 2015. “If we don’t put a border security bill on the president’s desk in this year, I’ll be amazed and disappointed,” Cole said. He added that there were things Republicans and Democrats generally agree on, like seasonal labor visas, that Congress could move “piecemeal.” It’s just a question, he said, of whether President Barack Obama, who has promised to implement his own sweeping executive action that would defer deprtations for millions of immigrants, will accept a step-by-step approach from Congress. “He’s got to decide if he’s willing to take half a loaf, or if he’s going to try to shove the whole loaf down our throats,” Cole said. The president has long maintained that he would take the piece-by-piece approach. Up to this point, it has been House Republicans who have had difficulty coalescing behind any portion of the immigration issue. But they will have a chance soon. As Cole noted, Congress has to deal with the president’s immigration action and Department of Homeland Security funding when they get back; DHS funding runs out Feb. 28. Cole did see some positive signs, with House Republicans passing a border supplemental bill before leaving for the August recess — something he said was a major 2014 accomplishment, particularly when you consider that lawmakers, while dealing with the influx of children crossing the U.S. border, also passed “the largest reform of the VA system in a generation” and provided emergency money for Israel to fund their Iron Dome missile defense system. “Congress has gotten a little better,” he said. Cole saw the year-end “cromnibus” deal as the crowning achievement in 2014. He said it was “pretty unusual” to see the White House and the speaker “cooperating” to pass such a sweeping spending bill, and he thought it portended well for 2015. Cole himself had a pretty good year. He’s shot up through the ranks on the Appropriations Committee, and will serve as the Labor-Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee chairman in the 114th, this after becoming an Appropriations cardinal just late last year. Cole, who was chairman of Legislative Branch Appropriations, explained that his office thought he might have a choice to be chairman among four subcommittees. “Let’s just say Labor-H” — as it’s often called among those in the appropriations know — ”wasn’t the preferred path of choice.” Labor-HHS is notoriously the most controversial subcommittee, and it’s one of the most difficult bills to get on the floor, with members looking to avoid tough votes on issues like abortion riders. But when Appropriations Chairman Harold Rogers, R-Ky., came to Cole late this year to discuss subcommittee assignments, Rogers asked Cole to take Labor-HHS. “I said, ‘I thought I had a choice,’” Cole recounted. And when Rogers said he did have a choice, Cole replied, “Well, in that case, my choice is to do what my chairman wants.” Which resulted in a “big grin” from Rogers. Cole’s realistic about getting the Labor-HHS bill to the floor next year — “I don’t know, I think it is a difficult and complex bill” — and he’s first concentrated on getting the measure to through the full committee. “We haven’t done that in four years,” Cole noted. He said his plan was to try to create opportunities for moments of bipartisanship, whether it be working on a bipartisan issue like Native American affairs (Cole’s a member of the Chickasaw Nation himself) or by taking some time with fellow members to enjoy a cigar. (At one point in the conversation, Cole evidenced Rep. David Joyce’s worth by noting that, “He smokes cigars, so he’s a great guy.”) But Cole is realistic about what Congress can accomplish, even with Republicans controlling the Senate. In one of his extended sports metaphors — in which he also worked in conservative Republicans who are discontent with Boehner — Cole said every player had a role to play for the team’s success. “Sometimes it’s better to be the left guard than the quarterback, no matter how much you want to be the quarterback,” he said, noting that, over the course of his own football career, there were “plenty of times I held the dummy.” It’s that team attitude that has endeared Cole with many in leadership, despite some past conflicts with Boehner. But, even though many reporters pretend Cole is a sanctioned spokesman for Boehner, Cole made it clear that he speaks just for himself, never for the speaker. “Every time I hear that, I think that’s somebody who hasn’t been here very long,” Cole said. Online: Roll Call",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://gosar.house.gov/press-release/rep-gosar-year-review-most-effective-member-113th-congress,"Rep. Gosar Year in Review: ""Most Effective Member of 113th Congress""",2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,Paul Gosar,G000565,gosar.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement recapping his legislative accomplishments from the 113th Congress: share: f t For Immediate Release Date: December 31, 2014   Contact: Steven D. Smith Steven.Smith@mail.house.gov Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement recapping his legislative accomplishments from the 113th Congress: “I am extremely grateful for a productive and fulfilling year representing Arizona’s Fourth Congressional district during the 113th Congress. After dozens of town halls and meetings, thousands of calls and letters, my constituents made their legislative priorities clear. I am proud to have delivered on the important issues my constituents identified including cutting waste, fraud and abuse from government spending, building a better environment for private job creation and holding the Obama Administration accountable for its actions and overreaching polices.   “With six bills signed into law by the president, 12 other of my legislative efforts becoming law, and 24 of my amendments passing the House, I am honored and very proud to have been the most effective member of this Congress. In a time of gridlock where few things were enacted, my team and I focused on commonsense policies and the economy to get America back on track. However, these legislative successes would have not occurred without the cooperation and support of my fellow lawmakers, countless staff members and an endless number of local Arizona groups who share in the belief of building a more prosperous nation for all Arizonans. I am constantly inspired by the citizens of the great state of Arizona and will continue to listen to their ideas and perspectives while delivering solutions to improve their lives.” Additional: You can find a comprehensive list of Congressman Gosar’s legislative accomplishments from the 113th Congress HERE.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://jones.house.gov/press-release/media-advisoryjones-lynch-and-graham-host-press-conference-resolution-declassify-911,"***MEDIA ADVISORY***JONES, LYNCH, AND GRAHAM TO HOST PRESS CONFERENCE ON RESOLUTION TO DECLASSIFY 9/11 REPORT",2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,NC,Walter Jones,J000255,jones.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, January 7, Representatives Walter B. Jones (NC-3), Stephen Lynch (MA-8), and Senator Bob Graham (FL) will hold a bipartisan press conference on H. Res. 428, a resolution that calls on President Obama to declassify the 28 pages of the Joint Inquiry into Intelligence Activities Before and After the Terrorist Attacks of September 2001 that were initially classified by President George W. Bush and have remained classified under President Barack Obama. Senator Graham was the chair of the Select Committee on Intelligence when the Joint Inquiry was written and has repeatedly called for the 28 pages to be declassified.  H. Res. 428 states that declassification of the pages is necessary to provide the American public with the full truth surrounding the tragic events of September 11, 2001, particularly relating to the involvement of foreign governments. Congressmen Jones, Lynch, and Massie will introduce H. Res. 428 into the 114th Congress. Also attending the press conference will be representatives from 9/11 Families United for Justice Against Terrorism, and family members of victims killed in the 9/11 attacks. Wednesday, January 7 at 9:30 AM: WHAT: Press conference on the status of H. Res. 428 in the new Congress WHO: Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3) Congressman Stephen Lynch (MA-8) Senator Bob Graham (FL) Representatives from 9/11 Families United for Justice Against Terrorism Family members of victims killed in the 9/11 attacks WHEN: Wednesday, January 7 at 9:30 AM WHERE: Cannon House Office Building, Room 121",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-releases-2014-year-end-report-constituents,Rep. Kelly Releases 2014 Year-End Report for Constituents,2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (PA-03) released the following report 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 2014. Dear Constituent: Over the past twelve months, I had the extraordinary privilege of continuing to represent you in our nation’s capital during the second and final session of the 113th Congress. Next week, I will be sworn in for a third time as the Representative of Pennsylvania’s Third Congressional District. As with my first two terms in office, all of my work in the House of Representatives will be guided by Western Pennsylvania values—hard work, common sense, and straight talk. I see my service as bringing Western Pennsylvania’s voice to Washington, and never the other way around. As I prepare to enter the 114th Congress with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, please remember that your priorities are my priorities, and that every day I will continue to work as hard as possible to accomplish them for you. With every new challenge that 2014 brought us, there also came many great opportunities. My staff and I worked diligently to meet all of them head-on with the best results for you and your neighbors. The following report is meant to provide you with an overview of the most important legislative business that we conducted on behalf of Western Pennsylvania from last January until now. Meeting the Needs of Our Constituents 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 2014. We… Toured 30 local businesses and factories to meet with employers and employees about issues affecting their industries; Helped 2,130 constituents with navigating the federal bureaucracy; Answered more than 46,300 pieces of mail, e-mail, faxes, and calls; Maintained 3 full-time constituent offices and 3 satellite offices; Hosted 5 tele-town hall meetings to address a range of issues including health care concerns, help with filing tax returns, and Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period; overall, the tele-town halls included 30,397 participants from the Third District; we left a total of 108,252 messages on constituents’ answering machines to invite them to join us; Attended/organized more than 200 constituent outreach meetings with different individuals, groups, schools, hospitals, etc. throughout the Third District; Sent 1,544 American flags to constituents; Assisted with 150 tours of the U.S. Capitol; 60 tours of the White House; 37 tours of the U.S. Supreme Court; 20 tours of the Library of Congress; and dozens of other tours to popular Washington destinations including the Kennedy Center, the FBI Education Center, and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing; Expanded my social media presence, ending the year with more than 11,650 fans and 4,940 followers on Facebook and Twitter respectively; and Conducted hundreds of interviews with local, regional, and national newspapers, radio shows, and television programs. Strengthening Our Economy & Paving the Way for New, Family-Sustaining Jobs Since my very first day in office, my main priority has been to help foster 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 achieve this outcome, and opposed any obstacle to reaching it. Of course, having to deal with an obstructionist Senate has not been easy, since most of the jobs bills that we passed in the House – usually with bipartisan support – have ended up getting trapped on (soon-to-be-former) Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s desk. That said, my House colleagues and I still did not hesitate to pass as many pro-jobs initiatives over the past year as possible. One of these was H.R. 4, the Jobs for America Act, which included a package of 15 commonsense, bipartisan bills to rebuild our economy by removing government barriers to private-sector job creation. I was proud to be a co-sponsor of many of these bills, a full list of which can be viewed here. Defending Coal & Promoting American Energy When President Obama ramped up his war on coal by commanding the Environmental Protecting Agency (EPA) to roll-out a controversial new regulatory plan for coal-fired power plants, a call to action was sounded. In addition to supporting more than 40,000 jobs in Pennsylvania, coal also provides 40 percent of America's electricity—more than any other fuel. The Associated Press has rightly called coal “the workhorse of the U.S. power system” that “helps keep prices stable and power flowing even when demand spikes.” When federal regulations force mines and power plants to shut down, as is already happening at a historic rate, manufacturing costs rise, employment plummets, and electricity bills skyrocket. In response to the EPA’s radical proposal, I joined with Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky to introduce H.R. 4808, the Coal Country Protection Act. The legislation would halt any new regulations by the EPA on America’s power plants until the following four outcomes are guaranteed: 1.) No job losses; 2.) No loss in GDP/economic growth; 3.) No higher electric rates; 4). No interruption in energy delivery. This bill was just the beginning. In addition to touting the need to defend coal multiple times on television, in a speech at the Heritage Foundation, in an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal, and at a public press conference with Sen. McConnell and dozens of other leaders from both parties, I formally extended an official invitation to President Obama to visit a Western Pennsylvania coal mine himself. Such a trip would allow him to meet and speak with the hardworking men and women whose livelihoods are most in jeopardy under his administration’s anti-coal crusade. When the EPA held a public hearing on its proposal in Pittsburgh, I made sure coal had its day in court. Even though the Coal Country Protection Act was not able to pass Congress this year, and despite the fact that President Obama declined my personal invitation to don a hard hat, I pledge to you that the fight for coal’s future will continue. After all, this battle is not just about coal country—it’s about our whole country. Speaking of our whole country, I spent much of 2014 continually promoting the possibility of a 21st century American energy renaissance—and the critical need to achieve it. In September, I was particularly thrilled to support H.R. 2, the American Energy Solutions for Lower Costs and More American Jobs Act. This bipartisan legislation included 14 separate bills to expand domestic energy production, including a bill to finally approve the construction of the widely popular Keystone XL Pipeline. A full list of these commonsense measures can be viewed here. Making the Tax Code Work for Western Pennsylvania As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, I am strongly committed to making our nation’s outdated tax code fairer, simpler, and less costly for individuals and families of all sizes. Pro-growth tax reform would simplify the tax code, lower tax rates, and make the United States the most attractive place to do business once again. This would no doubt strengthen our economy, which in turn would mean new jobs, higher pay, and more money in the pockets of American families and workers. While the momentum for major tax reform is still building, this past year I was able to introduce and/or co-sponsor the following individual bills to improve taxes especially for Western Pennsylvanians: The America Gives More Act (H.R. 4719), which was passed by a bipartisan vote of 277-130. The legislation includes a package of five bipartisan charity-related bills, including the text of H.R. 3134, the Charitable Giving Extension Act, which I originally introduced in September 2013. (According to Independent Sector, Pennsylvania is home to more than 68,500 non-profit organizations which employ 727,200 people, almost 13.3 percent of the state’s workforce; generate $96.8 billion in annual revenues; and hold assets of $208 billion. Pennsylvania foundations give a total of $1.3 billion annually.) The Conservation Easement Incentive Act of 2013 (H.R. 2807). This bill was included in the passage of the America Gives More Act. (Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, one of the largest land trusts in the country, has conserved more than 235,000 acres of farm and natural lands throughout Western Pennsylvania. H.R. 2807 would help the Conservancy continue preserving open spaces in the Third District and throughout Pennsylvania.) The Child Tax Credit Improvement Act of 2014 (H.R. 4935), which was passed by a bipartisan vote of 237-173. The bill would modify the child tax credit in several meaningful ways to help hardworking Pennsylvania families keep more of their hard-earned money. The Powering American Jobs Act of 2014 (H.R. 5775). This bipartisan legislation extends certain expiring tax incentives for the energy sector, including important propane and biodiesel provisions. Many of these extenders were included in the Omnibus Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2015 that was signed into law on December 16, 2014. The Kelly-Kind Retirement Provision, which was included in the Omnibus budget, and which codifies the definition of “normal retirement age” as either 30 years of service or the current tax code’s definition of 62 years old. Because the IRS changed its retirement definition to include only the latter description, 10,000 rural electric coop beneficiaries throughout the nation would have otherwise lost their retirement benefits, including 16 in the Third District. Pushing Back Against the Imperial Presidency This year saw President Obama take executive power to a frightening new level, from making unilateral changes to Obamacare, environmental policies, and immigration laws—all without any involvement from Congress, where laws are meant to be decided. At the beginning of the year, after President Obama pledged to use his “pen and phone” to “take executive actions and administrative actions,” I sent a letter co-signed by 20 Members of Congress to Attorney General Eric Holder seeking Constitutional justification for the president’s plans. In February, I discussed the letter with host Megyn Kelly on The Kelly File on Fox News. In March, the House took legislative action to rein-in the imperial presidency in the form of H.R. 4138, the Executive Needs to Faithfully Observe and Respect Congressional Enactments of (ENFORCE) the Law Act, and H.R. 3973, the Faithful Execution of the Law Act of 2014, both of which I was proud to co-sponsor. In July, the House took another stand against President Obama’s lawlessness by approving litigation against him. The system of checks and balances within our Constitution is far too precious and important to maintaining the freedom of our republic for any president to ever ignore or diminish. Speaker Boehner was left with no other option than to introduce H. Res. 676, a resolution to sue President Obama for his breach of authority. You can read more about it here. After President Obama announced his plan to grant amnesty to 5 million illegal immigrants in November, I publicly condemned it as outrageous and unconstitutional. I consider it a direct challenge to our system of government that must be opposed. That is why I voted to pass the Preventing Executive Overreach on Immigration Act (H.R. 5759) and co-sponsored an amendment to the Omnibus appropriations bill which would have banned any funding for the president's order. Because of the unlawful nature of the president's unilateral action, the House ultimately ensured that the budget only funds the Department of Homeland Security – which handles immigration – until the end of this coming February. By then, conservatives will fully control both houses of Congress and will have the stronger ground necessary to stop the president's illegal order without Harry Reid thwarting our actions. Most recently, I was proud to co-sign an amicus brief filed by the American Center for Law and Justice in support of the lawsuit brought by 24 states against President Obama's executive order earlier this month. Fighting Ebola Before It’s Too Late As you know, the second half of this past year saw the deadly Ebola virus finally reach our shores and claim American life. From the onset, I argued that this was a Paul Revere moment for the American people, and that every citizen from coast to coast should be alert, informed, and totally engaged in our nation’s fight to thwart this horrific disease. On October 7th, I sent a letter to President Obama urgently requesting information regarding his administration’s handling of the Ebola outbreak and details of a comprehensive strategy to stop the virus from affecting Americans. On October 9th, I sent a letter to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Sylvia Burwell, and the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Tom Frieden, expressing my deep concern about the possibility of the Ebola virus spreading to Pennsylvania. (The letter was copied to Governor Tom Corbett.) On October 20th, I called on President Obama to finalize a rule proposed under the Bush administration in 2005 to update and revise regulations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to “prevent the introduction, transmission or spread of communicable diseases from foreign countries into the United States from one State or possession into another.” According to the federal register, the code of federal regulations that deals with foreign arrivals has not been updated since 1985. According to USA Today, the Obama administration scrapped the proposal in 2010 after objections by the American Civil Liberties Union over “potential passenger privacy rights violations and the proposal's ‘provisional quarantine’ rule.” On October 21st, I had an in-depth phone conversation with Dr. Peter Piot – the doctor who first discovered the Ebola virus in 1976 in the Republic of Congo – about necessary action to stop the virus and protect Americans. As a result of our discussion, I joined with Senator Marco Rubio of Florida to introduce H.R. 5746, the Keeping America Safe from Ebola Act, on November 20th (the same day Sen. Rubio introduced his Senate companion). Simply put, the bill would prohibit any alien from a country with a widespread Ebola virus outbreak from obtaining a visa to enter the United States. An extended list of the bill’s provisions can be viewed here. Standing Up for the Great Lakes As co-chairman of the Northeast-Midwest Congressional Coalition, I am constantly involved in making sure the Great Lakes are properly cared for by the federal government. I consider the Great Lakes a gift from God—one that is directly tied to 128,000 American jobs, more than $33.6 billion in annual revenue, and three percent of our nation’s gross domestic product. In May, my House colleagues and I passed the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 3080, the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) of 2014, by an astounding bipartisan vote of 412-4. Through WRRDA, Congress authorizes the key missions of the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, including developing, maintaining, and supporting the nation’s economically vital waterway infrastructure and supporting effective and targeted flood protection and environmental restoration needs. This major package will guarantee that our port in Erie is dredged, which in turn will make sure that the workers at Donjon’s shipyard in Erie can keep doing their job. It will ensure that Presque Isle’s pristine beaches are protected, which will keep tourists coming and commerce flowing for generations to come. Overall, three of the Third District’s most important industries – tourism, manufacturing, and agriculture – are directly improved by this incredibly important bill. That’s why Ray Schreckengost, Executive Director of the Erie-Western PA Port Authority, referred to WRRDA as “groundbreaking legislation for the Great Lakes.” On July 10th – the same day President Obama signed WRRDA into law – I introduced an amendment to H.R. 4923, the Energy and Water Appropriations Act, 2015, to ensure that the bill complies with a provision in WRRDA that requires 10 percent of federal dollars allocated for harbor maintenance funding be prioritized for the Great Lakes Navigation System (GLNS). The amendment, co-authored by Rep. Sean Duffy (R-WI), was passed unanimously. Earlier this month, I was proud to co-sponsor H.R. 5764, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2014, which was also passed by the House unanimously. This bipartisan legislation amends the Clean Water Act to authorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) for Fiscal Years 2015 – 2019. The GLRI was an inter-agency program launched by President Obama in 2009 to implement a regional collaboration strategy developed in 2005 through a process established by an executive order from then-President George W. Bush in 2004. The GLRI had not previously received congressional authorization. Without increasing federal spending, this bill would authorize the GLRI at $300 million (the amount already appropriated over the past four fiscal years) each year for the next five years. Last year, with the help of GLRI, Presque Isle Bay was removed from the EPA’s list of Areas of Concern. Additionally, the GLRI has been instrumental in keeping Asian Carp from invading the Great Lakes and threatening its world class fisheries.  Keeping the Internet Free, Our Sovereignty Secure, & Our Rights Protected Much like last year, 2014 saw the First and Second Amendments of our Bill of Rights – along with the spirit of liberty they represent – come to the forefront of some very important legislative initiatives. * * * * * In March, the Obama administration announced that it will not renew the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) contract with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), thereby turning over America’s stewardship of the Internet’s crucial functions to “the global multistakeholder community.” According to media expert Gordon Crovitz, writing in The Wall Street Journal, “Russia, China and other authoritarian governments have already been working to redesign the Internet more to their liking, and now they will no doubt leap to fill the power vacuum caused by America's unilateral retreat.” In June, I authored a guest op-ed for Red Alert Politics describing the stakes of surrendering American stewardship of the Internet to a multinational body or any other entity. In July, I hosted a policy briefing on Capitol Hill on the future of Internet governance in light of the Obama administration’s announcement. The hearing was attended by dozens of Congressional staffers and featured professional analysis by three field experts. On November 19th, I introduced H.R. 5737, the Defending Internet Freedom Act of 2014. The legislation would prevent the Obama administration, or that of any future president, from relinquishing the critical functions of the Internet to any other entity without enhanced congressional oversight and until explicit, freedom-protecting requirements are met. It is being co-sponsored by House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX), who also serves as chairman and co-founder of the Congressional High Tech Caucus. Under our care and our values, the Internet has been able to safely expand to unthinkable horizons, enabling new ideas to spread and new markets to grow all over the world. Keeping the Internet free and safe from hostile powers overseas who by their very nature despise freedom is not just a moral responsibility—it is a thoroughly American duty. * * * * * Over the summer, I joined with Senator Mike Enzi of Wyoming to introduce H.R. 5285, the Child Welfare Provider Inclusion Act of 2014, which would ensure that all faith-based institutions and individuals can continue to provide child welfare services to those who need them. For decades, faith-based organizations have played a downright heroic role in caring for the most vulnerable among us, including infants, expectant mothers, children, teens, and needy families in Western Pennsylvania and across our country. Our bill would simply prevent these service providers from ever being denied federal assistance based on their sincerely held religious beliefs. Ultimately, it is about defending religious liberty as well as ensuring that everyone who wants to help provide foster or adoptive care to our nation’s children is able to have a seat at the table * * * * * In September, the House passed three new pieces of legislation to limit the power of the IRS in the wake of ongoing investigations into the agency’s unlawful targeting of conservative organizations. As a member of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Oversight, I was very proud to be the sole original co-sponsor of each bill. * * * * * Just last week, the dangerous United Nations Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) went into effect on Christmas Eve, 90 days after it was ratified by 50 nations. Thanks to our opposition in Congress, the United States is not one of them (even though the Obama administration misguidedly signed the treaty in 2013). As I have long argued, the ATT is an outrageous agreement that would force 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. Most recently, I was able to secure a provision in the final version of the FY 2015 Omnibus budget that bans any federal funding for the implementation of the treaty for one full year. * * * * * As I’ve said time and again, representing you and your neighbors in the House of Representatives has been the honor of my lifetime. Any time 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 2015. 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 By appointment on Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 908 Diamond Park Meadville, PA 16335 Phone: (814) 454-8190   ARMSTRONG COUNTY OFFICE By appointment on Thursdays 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 300 South McKean Street Kittanning, PA 16201 Phone: (724) 282-2557   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://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=3DF04EBC-8E9A-48DA-95E1-63CE1C8FD653,Weekly Column: Keeping Resolutions,2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"Making New Year’s resolutions seems to be as much of a tradition as breaking New Year’s resolutions.  We commit ourselves to getting in shape or quitting bad habits, but by January 5, many have already strayed.  We blame it on self-discipline or holiday leftovers, but research suggests it has more to do with how we go about setting goals. Studies show we’re more likely to achieve our resolutions if we set specific goals, such as “I will lose five pounds by March 1.”  And once those goals are set, we ought to tell someone so we don’t go it alone.  With this approach to goal setting in mind, I sat down and put together a list of specific and public resolutions that will move us toward the larger goal of reigniting the promise of opportunity in America.  First, I will work to update and simplify the tax code, which hasn’t been done since gas cost less than 90 cents a gallon.  Over the last 25-plus years, special interest groups have manipulated the tax code time and again, carving out so many loopholes that we now have a 73,954-page-long tax code.  As a friend of mine says, that’s 10 times longer than the Bible with none of the Good News!  I want to strip out those loopholes, protect folks from an abusive IRS, and lower the tax rate for hardworking Americans, and I’m optimistic there’s positive momentum behind such changes.  We won’t likely rewrite our entire tax code in a single year, but we must make progress toward creating something that’s simpler and fairer. Second, I want to open new markets for trade between South Dakota and the world.  The United States is currently in negotiations with 11 nations to create a Trans-Pacific Partnership and with the European Union to create the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership.  South Dakota already exports around $1 billion annually to markets involved in the Trans-Pacific Partnership and $125 million to the European Union, but there is room to grow if we can level the playing field for U.S. exporters.  Both the President and Congressional leadership are optimistic this is an area where we can put partisanship aside, find common ground and make progress on these negotiations. Finally, I want to target government agencies and programs that inhibit our liberties and lives.   One of the most significant impediments to our individual liberties today is the Affordable Care Act.  While I would like to see the legislation fully repealed, there is little-to-no hope that President Obama will sign legislation doing so and there isn’t enough support from Democrats in Congress to override the certain veto.  Nonetheless, I’ll do all I can to weaken the law and give relief to those most impacted until we can get the support needed for a full repeal.  Already, we’ve reduced the law’s funding and repealed the onerous 1099 requirements.  This year, I’m hopeful we’ll also be able to repeal the law’s medical device tax and further limit its Independent Payment Advisory Board, a panel of 15 unelected bureaucrats who are charged with making decisions that could limit Medicare recipients’ access to coverage. Onerous federal regulations and roadblocks have also made energy more expensive than it has to be.  I fully expect that one of the first votes I’ll take in the new Congress will be to move forward on the Keystone XL Pipeline – a pipeline that would create jobs and generate over $20 million in property taxes in South Dakota.  I’ll also be looking to rein in unnecessary EPA regulations, which could help make energy more affordable for South Dakotans. I know I’ve outlined a very aggressive agenda.  Some of these items can be settled in the next 12 months.  Others, like simplifying the tax code and expanding trade, may take longer if we want to do it right, but this is the year to get started on these larger goals as well.  I am optimistic though and I believe we have a new Congress that is prepared to govern and ready to take the tough votes that are necessary to restore the American Dream.  I for one can’t wait to tackle all that 2015 has in store.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://paulryan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398181,Chairman Ryan Names Ways and Means Communications Staff,2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,WI,Paul Ryan,R000570,paulryan.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC - Incoming Chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means Paul Ryan (R-WI) today named the Committee's full communications staff for the 114th Congress.  The group will join a team headed up by previously-announced Communications Director Brendan Buck. Doug Andres, Press Secretary - Andres comes to Ways and Means from the House Rules Committee, where he currently serves as Communications Director. Before joining the Rules Committee, he served in various roles for then-House Republican Whip Eric Cantor. Andres will begin his appointment at the Ways and Means Committee on February 1st. Brian Bolduc, Senior Communications Advisor - Bolduc, Chairman Ryan's chief speechwriter, is moving from the House Budget Committee to join the Ways and Means staff. Before coming to Capitol Hill, Bolduc was a writer at National Review, the Wall Street Journal, and the Harvard Crimson. He was also a member of the speechwriting staff on the Romney for President campaign in 2012.   Vanessa Day, Digital Director - Day, a long-time aide to Chairman Ryan, has led his digital efforts for eight years.  A Wisconsin native, she will be joining Ways and Means from the House Budget Committee, where she played an important role advancing the Path to Prosperity. Day also served on the Romney for President campaign in 2012. Molly Edwards, Press Assistant - Edwards has been a member of the communications staff at the Ways and Means Committee since July 2014. In 2012, she was part of the Romney for President campaign, working out of the Virginia field office. Edwards got her start on Capitol Hill in the office of House Majority Leader Eric Cantor.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://renacci.house.gov/index.cfm/weekly-column?ContentRecord_id=34E3B324-91E0-4817-8044-4580889F62C0,Renacci Report: Looking Back At The Past Year In Washington,2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OH,Jim Renacci,R000586,renacci.house.gov,,,legacy,"Looking Back At The Past Year In Washington It is a great honor to serve you in the United States Congress. Though we have much work ahead of us, I want to take this opportunity to highlight my work on behalf of Ohio’s 16th District in Washington this past year. Addressing The Problems At The VA Like many living in Ohio’s 16th District, I was deeply troubled to learn of the systematic failures at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). We can and must be doing more to keep our promise to those who have served our country. In July, the House passed the Veterans’ Access to Care through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act. Highlights from this legislation include providing $10 billion for veterans to seek private care at hospitals and clinics outside the VA, and $5 billion to allow the department to hire more doctors, nurses, and medical staff. It was signed into law on August 7, 2014. Reducing the Negative Effects of the President’s Health Care Law As I travel throughout Ohio’s 16th District, I continue to hear Ohioans speak of the negative effects of the President’s health care law. Whether it’s higher premiums or a small business grappling with the law’s employer mandate, the broken law’s unintended consequences are significant. This past year, the House passed the Employee Health Care Protection Act. It allows American workers who receive coverage through their employer the opportunity to keep their health plans through 2019. Additionally, I introduced the Simplifying Technical Aspects Regarding Seasonality (STARS) Act to clarify the employer mandate’s seasonal worker exemption provision so that our small businesses can focus their resources on doing what they do best: create jobs. Bringing Transparency to the Federal Government In Washington, we know that our current path is unsustainable, but do we really know where we stand fiscally? The answer is that we don’t, thanks to the federal government’s incomplete financial statements. That is why I introduced the Federal Financial Statement Transparency Act. This bill will encourage the federal government to clean up its balance sheet, lead to a more honest depiction of our nation’s finances, and ultimately allow Congress to balance the budget and more effectively address our growing debt. Reining In The EPA At a time when Americans are in need of a strong economic recovery, Ohio simply cannot afford to suffer more job losses as a result of this administration’s attack on coal and the affordable domestic energy that it creates. This abundant natural resource generates over 50 percent of our state’s electricity and the industry employs thousands of Ohioans. I was proud to support the Preventing Government Waste and Protecting Coal Mining Jobs in America Act. Not only will this bill curb this administration’s wasteful spending, it also removes the threat of new job-crushing federal regulations. Tax-Free Savings Accounts For Individuals With Disabilities Many parents living in Ohio’s 16th District have expressed the challenges they face when it comes to covering the costs associated everyday living expenses for their children. The challenge is even greater for parents with a child who has a disability. That is why I was a proud cosponsor of the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE) Act, a bill that allows individuals with disabilities and their caregivers to set up tax-free savings accounts in order to save for their own costs of medical care, housing, transportation, and continued education. It passed the House in July and was signed into law earlier this month. Creating Conditions For Economic Growth Over the past several months, we have seen unemployment reports that show our labor force participation rate is the lowest it’s been in decades. We must be doing more to incite growth and innovation. That is why the House passed the Jobs for America Act, a bill that changes federal law to improve the conditions necessary for economic growth. Additionally, I introduced the Flexibility to Promote Reemployment Act, a bill that increases states’ flexibility to help unemployed individuals find employment by reducing the unnecessary Washington red tape that continues to stand in the way of job growth. These are just a few of the more than 300 House-passed bills that remain stalled in the Senate. Though gridlock in Washington is frustrating, I am more than hopeful that come January we can work together to advance these bipartisan solutions. As we enter 2015, I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get our country back on the path to prosperity.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://roby.house.gov/press-release/found-wwii-pilot-be-laid-rest-montgomery-saturday,Found WWII Pilot to be Laid to Rest in Montgomery Saturday,2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"MONTGOMERY, Ala. – An Alabama World War II pilot who was missing for decades after his plane went down on Guadalcanal Island will finally be laid to rest this week with full military honors. Maj. Peyton Mathis, Jr., commander of the 44th Fighter Squadron, will be buried in his hometown of Montgomery, Ala. Saturday, January 3rd. He was 28 years old on June 5, 1944 when the P-38J Lightning he was piloting went down over Guadalcanal Island after returning from a mission.  Rescue and recovery attempts at the time of the crash were unsuccessful due to the heavy jungle. It wasn’t until 2013, when local islanders informed Department of Defense crews of a nearby crash site, that the downed P-38 was found, Maj. Mathis still strapped into the cockpit.  When Peyton Mathis III, Maj. Mathis’ nephew, learned his uncle’s lost plane and remains had possibly been found, he contacted U.S. Representative Martha Roby’s office for help expediting the identification and return process. Maj. Mathis’ widow, Evelyn, is now in her 90s, and the family understandably wanted the remains to be identified and returned as soon as possible.  The Pearl Harbor-based Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) is a special Department of Defense division whose mission is to bring America’s fallen soldiers home, no matter how long it takes and no matter the cost. When JPAC learns of possible remains, it deploys a team of researchers and scientists. From the jungles of Vietnam, the deserts of North Africa, or the depths of the Pacific Ocean,  these recovery missions require complex diplomacy and can be difficult and dangerous. In the case of Maj. Mathis, JPAC crews worked with local police to gain custody of the remains, which were sent to a special laboratory for DNA testing. Researchers used various forensic tools, including DNA provided by the family, to finally confirm Maj. Mathis’ remains.  Rep. Roby thanked the Mathis family, JPAC, and all others who played a part in ensuring this fallen airman was returned home.  “70 years ago, a brave pilot from Montgomery, Alabama went down in the jungles of the Pacific trying to save the lives of his fellow airmen,” Rep. Roby said. “Those who witnessed it said Maj. Mathis was circling the airfield, allowing the planes in his command to land safely, even though he was running low on fuel. “It has taken decades, but Major Mathis is finally returning home to Montgomery to be laid to rest alongside his father and brother. I appreciate the diligent efforts of the Mathis family, JPAC, and local islanders to find, identify, and return Major Mathis, and I was honored for my office to play a small role in seeing a fallen hero laid to rest. “Stories like this are what makes our country great, because no other country does this. The United States is the only nation in the world that devotes such resources to the mission of bringing our lost servicemen home. No matter how long it takes, no matter how much it costs, we are going to bring our fallen home.  “Like so many in his generation, Major Peyton Mathis, Jr. made the ultimate sacrifice fighting to defend this country and preserve the very freedom we enjoy today. This week, he will be laid to rest with the full military honors he deserves. I hope his story will serve as a reminder of the sacrifices our military personnel and their families have made over the years, and still make today.""  More information on Maj. Mathis is available from the Department of Defense Prisoner of War / Missing Personnel Office at https://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/news/news_releases/2014/documents/release_mathis.pdf.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/all-us-funds-palestinian-authority-must-be-immediately-suspended-after-pa-signs-rome,"All U.S. Funds to the Palestinian Authority Must Be Immediately Suspended After the PA Signs Rome Treaty, Says Ros-Lehtinen",2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,FL,Ileana Ros-Lehtinen,R000435,ros-lehtinen.house.gov,,,legacy,"All U.S. Funds to the Palestinian Authority Must Be Immediately Suspended After the PA Signs Rome Treaty, Says Ros-Lehtinen Dec 31, 2014 All U.S. Funds to the Palestinian Authority Must Be Immediately Suspended After the PA Signs Rome Treaty, Says Ros-Lehtinen “Congress must do everything in its power to block funds to the PA to make it clear to Abu Mazen that there will be consequences to his schemes at the United Nations and other international organizations like the International Criminal Court.” (Washington, DC) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, made the following statement after the Palestinian Authority signed the Rome Statue, the founding treaty to join the International Criminal Court. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen: “The latest destructive actions by Abu Mazen and the Palestinian Authority reaffirms, once again, that Abu Mazen is not a real partner for peace. By attempting to bring a flawed resolution to the UN Security Council and by signing the Rome Treaty, Abu Mazen only reiterates that he is not willing to return to direct peace negotiations with Israel without pre-conditions. It's time for the Obama administration to show Abu Mazen and the PA that there will be consequences for their irresponsible behavior and continued efforts to undermine the peace process. Congress must do everything in its power to block funds to the PA and to any UN entity that recognizes a non-existent State of Palestine to make it clear to Abu Mazen that there will be consequences to his schemes at the United Nations and other international organizations like the International Criminal Court.”   #####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gosar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2159,"Rep. Gosar Year in Review: ""Most Effective Member of 113th Congress""",2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,Paul Gosar,G000565,gosar.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement recapping his legislative accomplishments from the 113th Congress: share: f t For Immediate Release Date: December 31, 2014 Contact: Steven D. Smith Steven.Smith@mail.house.gov Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04)released the following statement recapping his legislative accomplishments from the 113th Congress: I am extremely grateful for a productive and fulfilling year representing Arizona's Fourth Congressional district during the 113th Congress. After dozens of town halls and meetings, thousands of calls and letters, my constituents made their legislative priorities clear. I am proud to have delivered on the important issues my constituents identified including cutting waste, fraud and abuse from government spending, building a better environment for private job creation and holding the Obama Administration accountable for its actions and overreaching polices. With six bills signed into law by the president, 12 other of my legislative efforts becoming law, and 24 of my amendments passing the House, I am honored and very proud to have been the most effective member of this Congress. In a time of gridlock where few things were enacted, my team and I focused on commonsense policies and the economy to get America back on track. However, these legislative successes would have not occurred without the cooperation and support of my fellow lawmakers, countless staff members and an endless number of local Arizona groups who share in the belief of building a more prosperous nation for all Arizonans. I am constantly inspired bythe citizens of the great state of Arizonaand will continue to listen to their ideas and perspectives while delivering solutions to improve their lives. Additional: You can find a comprehensive list of Congressman Gosar's legislative accomplishments from the 113th CongressHERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/leahy-grassley-press-administration-use-cell-phone-tracking-program,Leahy & Grassley Press Administration on Use of Cell Phone Tracking Program,2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Ranking Member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) pressed top Obama administration officials on the use of cell-site simulators, which can unknowingly sweep up the cell phone signals of innocent Americans. Recent news reports have chronicled the use of such simulators by law enforcement, explaining that the simulators have the potential to capture data about the location of thousands of cell phones in their vicinity. Leahy and Grassley previously pressed the FBI about the use of this technology. In a joint letter sent last week to Attorney General Eric Holder and Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson, the Senators raised questions about exceptions to a new FBI policy to obtain a search warrant before using a cell-site simulator. The Senators also asked about other agencies' use of the technology. It remains unclear how other agencies within the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security make use of cell-site simulators and what policies are in place to govern their use of that technology, Leahy and Grassley wrote. Outlining privacy concerns for innocent individuals, the letter continues: The Judiciary Committee needs a broader understanding of the full range of law enforcement agencies that use this technology, the policies in place to protect the privacy interests of those whose information might be collected using these devices, and the legal process that DOJ and DHS entities seek prior to using them. A signed copy of the December 23 letter to Attorney General Holder and Secretary Johnson is available Here. Text of the letter can be found below. December 23, 2014 The Honorable Eric H. Holder, Jr. The Honorable Jeh Johnson Attorney General Secretary of Homeland Security Department of Justice Department of Homeland Security 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20528 Washington, D.C. 20530 Dear Attorney General Holder and Secretary Johnson: In recent months, media reports have detailed the use of cell-site simulators (often referred to as IMSI Catchers or Stingrays) by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Most recently a November 14, 2014, Wall Street Journal article (Americans' Cellphones Targeted in Secret U.S. Spy Program) reported that the United States Marshals Service regularly deploys airborne cell-site simulators (referred to as DRT boxes or dirtboxes) from five metropolitan-area airports across the United States. Like the more common Stingray devices, these dirtboxes mimic standard cell towers, forcing affected cell phones to reveal their approximate location and registration information. The Wall Street Journal article reports that dirtboxes are capable of gathering data from tens of thousands of cellphones in a single flight. We wrote to FBI Director Comey in June seeking information about law enforcement use of cell-site simulators. Since then, our staff members have participated in two briefings with FBI officials, and at the most recent session they learned that the FBI recently changed its policy with respect to the type of legal process that it typically seeks before employing this type of technology. According to this new policy, the FBI now obtains a search warrant before deploying a cell-site simulator, although the policy contains a number of potentially broad exceptions and we continue to have questions about how it is being implemented in practice. Furthermore, it remains unclear how other agencies within the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security make use of cell-site simulators and what policies are in place to govern their use of that technology. The Judiciary Committee needs a broader understanding of the full range of law enforcement agencies that use this technology, the policies in place to protect the privacy interests of those whose information might be collected using these devices, and the legal process that DOJ and DHS entities seek prior to using them. For example, we understand that the FBI's new policy requires FBI agents to obtain a search warrant whenever a cell-site simulator is used as part of a FBI investigation or operation, unless one of several exceptions apply, including (among others): (1) cases that pose an imminent danger to public safety, (2) cases that involve a fugitive, or (3) cases in which the technology is used in public places or other locations at which the FBI deems there is no reasonable expectation of privacy. We have concerns about the scope of the exceptions. Specifically, we are concerned about whether the FBI and other law enforcement agencies have adequately considered the privacy interests of other individuals who are not the targets of the interception, but whose information is nevertheless being collected when these devices are being used. We understand that the FBI believes that it can address these interests by maintaining that information for a short period of time and purging the information after it has been collected. But there is a question as to whether this sufficiently safeguards privacy interests. Accordingly, please provide written responses to these questions by January 30, 2015: 1. Since the effective date of the FBI's new policy: a. How many times has the FBI used a cell-site simulator? b. In how many of these instances was the use of the cell-site simulator authorized by a search warrant? c. In how many of these instances was the use of the cell-site simulator authorized by some other form of legal process? Please identify the legal process used. d. In how many of these instances was the cell-site simulator used without any legal process? e. How many times has each of the exceptions to the search warrant policy, including those listed above, been used by the FBI? 2. From January 1, 2010, to the effective date of the FBI's new policy: a. How many times did the FBI use a cell-site simulator? b. In how many of these instances was the use of a cell-site simulator authorized by a search warrant? c. In how many of these instances was the use of the cell-site simulator authorized by some other form of legal process? Please identify the legal process used. d. In how many of these instances was the cell-site simulator used without any legal process? e. In how many of the instances referenced in Question 2(d) did the FBI use a cell-site simulator in a public place or other location in which the FBI deemed there is no reasonable expectation of privacy? 3. What is the FBI's current policy on the retention and destruction of the information collected by cell-site simulators in all cases? How is that policy enforced? 4. What other DOJ and DHS agencies use cell-site simulators? 5. What is the policy of these agencies regarding the legal process needed for use of cell-site simulators? a. Are these agencies seeking search warrants specific to the use of cell-site simulators? b. If not, what legal authorities are they using? c. Do these agencies make use of public place or other exceptions? If so, in what proportion of all instances in which the technology is used are exceptions relied upon? d. What are these agencies' policies on the retention and destruction of the information that is collected by cell-site simulators? How are those policies enforced? 6. What is the Department of Justice's guidance to United States Attorneys' Offices regarding the legal process required for the use of cell-site simulators? 7. Across all DOJ and DHS entities, what protections exist to safeguard the privacy interests of individuals who are not the targets of interception, but whose information is nevertheless being collected by cell-site simulators? Please number your written responses according to their corresponding questions. In addition, please arrange for knowledgeable DOJ and DHS officials to provide a briefing to Judiciary Committee staff about these issues following the provision of these written responses, but no later than February 6, 2015.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/az?ContentRecord_id=f78c1ee3-a6f6-4594-a19f-c272e411b269,"GLENDALE, AZ - FIESTA BOWL",2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Tucson Office Office 407 West Congress Street Suite 103 Tucson, AZ 85701 Main: (520) 670-6334 Fax: (855) 952-8702",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/explore-arizona?ContentRecord_id=a0874e71-efd0-4432-8056-ba7843712ace,"Arizona Hike: Yavapai Point Trail, Lake Pleasant",2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"The Yavapai Point Trail, one of three new hiking paths that debuted in November at Lake Pleasant Regional Park, adds a moderate climb and sweeping vistas to the park's six-trail, 8.3-mile system. The hike begins at the Cottonwood Day Use Area with a 0.2-mile walk on Pipeline Canyon Trail to the Yavapai Point junction. Here the trail swerves toward the water, following the cliffs above the lake. A scenic viewpoint at roughly the half-mile point serves as an appetizer for what awaits at trail's end. From here, the hike becomes an edgy, switchback-moderated ridgeline climb with views of Cottonwood Creek, Fireman's Cove and Pipeline Canyon. The big payoff is a panorama of the lake and surrounding desert mountains on the breezy summit. From here, you can return the way you came and pick up the new Cottonwood Trail or connect with Pipeline Canyon, hike 1.9 miles south and step out on the third new route, Wild Burro Trail. Length: 3.4 miles round trip for the Yavapai Point out-and-back. Rating: Moderate. Elevation: 1,782-2,178 feet. Where: 41835 N. Castle Hot Springs Road, Morristown. Admission: $6 per vehicle. Details: 928-501-1710, www.maricopa.gov/parks/lake_pleasant. This article was originally published in The Arizona Repbulic.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://barletta.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/barletta-statement-on-the-new-year-of-2015,Barletta Statement on the New Year of 2015,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Lou Barletta,B001269,barletta.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Lou Barletta, PA-11, today issued the following statement regarding the New Year of 2015: ""The year that has just passed has presented the people of this country with many challenges – some unique to our current circumstances, and some with which we have continued to struggle.  In the end, I have faith that we, the people of the greatest nation the world has ever known, will pull together and overcome whatever adversity we encounter. ""The new year presents us with a fresh start, and hopefully a chance to build on our successes.  But we can also learn from our mistakes.  Each victory is a mark in the win column, and each failure is a chance to do better.  The great Babe Ruth once said, ‘Every strike brings me closer to the next home run.’  The Babe was right to be optimistic about life.  ""On behalf of my wife, Mary Grace, our four daughters, and two beautiful grandchildren, I wish the people of Pennsylvania’s 11th District a healthy and prosperous new year.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://barletta.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-lou-barletta-2014-year-in-review,Rep. Lou Barletta: 2014 Year in Review,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Lou Barletta,B001269,barletta.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Lou Barletta, PA-11, today looked back on the year 2014 in the United States House of Representatives and highlighted some notable improvements and achievements.  Among the important issues covered during the year were fighting illegal immigration, protecting volunteer firefighters from Obamacare, saving billions of taxpayer dollars on federal office space, reducing regulations, and promoting domestic energy.  Most of those policy advancements encouraged private sector job growth.  Barletta indicated that he would continue the fight on those and other important issues as the 114th Congress begins in January. “We made a lot of important advances in the last twelve months, all with the idea of improving the lives of everyday citizens,” Barletta said.  “Government can sometimes solve problems, but in many cases, the best thing government can do is get out of the way.” Battling Illegal Immigration The United States has immigration laws for two primary reasons: to protect national security and to protect American jobs.  For too long, the immigration laws that we currently have on the books have been ignored, and there remain too many holes in the system.  Throughout 2014, Rep. Barletta fought to fix the system. By his unlawful executive action on amnesty, the president is introducing five million more competitors into an already tight job market, at a time when 20 million Americans are either unemployed or underemployed.  Barletta is looking forward to fixing the problems in the next Congress. “I have been personally assured by Speaker Boehner that I will play an integral role in crafting new, strong national immigration policies beginning in January,” Barletta said. Barletta proposed or supported a variety of pieces of legislation to strengthen immigration laws, and protect national security and American jobs: Defense of Legal Workers Act Barletta’s legislation removes a $3,000 per job incentive created by President Obama for employers to hire amnesty recipients over legal American workers.  Obamacare and the president’s recently announced amnesty program for illegal immigrants combine to make it financially more attractive for businesses to choose illegal immigrants when making hiring decisions.  Barletta’s bill removes the incentive by clarifying that illegal immigrants granted amnesty by executive action cannot be issued work permits.  Unaccompanied Alien Minors In response to the illegal immigrant surge at the southern border over the summer, Barletta introduced legislation to empower governors and local elected officials to control whether or not the federal government can place unaccompanied minors, who have illegally entered the country, into their communities.  H.R. 5409, the “Unaccompanied Alien Children Transparency Act” would require the federal government to inform states and localities of relocation plans in advance, and would require the federal government to certify to the states that the minors will not pose a health or public safety risk to the community.  It would also require the federal government to provide information such as the costs associated with the housing and education of these minors.  Over the summer, Rep. Barletta learned of a proposal by the non-profit U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants to house unaccompanied minors in Hazleton.  Once Barletta released this information to the public, the organization cancelled its plans following community opposition.  Had Barletta not been informed of the situation by Hazleton officials, the plan would have proceeded without public notice. DACA Barletta was key in the House passage of legislation to stop President Obama’s policy of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), under which the administration has refused to deport illegal immigrants up to the age of 30, if they claim they have been present in the country since the age of 16, among other factors.  Obama’s DACA policy is a key reason for the recent influx of illegal immigrants, who believe that if they arrive safely in the United States, they will be allowed to stay. “From the first day I came to Congress, I have been asking that we do something about illegal immigration,” Barletta said.  “For a long time I got nowhere, but with the situation growing worse, and with the president acting unilaterally, more and more people now understand the scope of the problem.” In the 114th Congress, Barletta will continue to fight for these improvements, such as making it a criminal offense for someone to overstay a visa, and instituting a biometric entry and exit system. Protecting Volunteer Firefighters One of the many side effects of Obamacare was the public safety impact it could have on thousands of communities because of its treatment of volunteer firefighters.  After being alerted to a potential problem in 2013, Barletta investigated and discovered that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) had been counting volunteer firefighters as employees for federal tax purposes, which could trigger the Employer Mandate Provision of Obamacare.  Under pressure from Barletta, the IRS relented and issued a new set of regulations in February that included a section using the same definition of a “bona fide volunteer” as Barletta’s bill.  Unwilling to leave such an important public safety issue in the hands of unelected bureaucrats at the IRS, Barletta continued to pursue his legislation.  In a rare unanimous vote, the House approved the bill 410-to-0 on March 11, 2014. Disappointingly, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) added controversial unemployment benefits language to the bill, effectively killing its chances for the full approval of Congress.  Barletta, however, said he has not yet given up the fight and plans to reintroduce the measure in the 114th Congress. “While we have won the short-term battle and shielded volunteer firefighters and the communities they protect, there is still work to be done,” Barletta said.  “This is a public safety issue that is too important to be left to the whims of a federal agency like the IRS.” Combating Obamacare Barletta and the House of Representatives voted more than 50 times in the 113th Congress – not just in 2014 – to delay, defund, or dismantle all or parts of Obamacare, because it failed to live up to its name.  President Obama has signed ten pieces of legislation defunding or repealing parts of Obamacare into law.    The bipartisan spending bill passed by Congress continues Republican efforts to: Provide no new funding for Obamacare. Require Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Treasury to report to Congress on improper payments of ObamaCare tax subsidies. Reduce funding to the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB). Maintain all existing pro-life policy and funding provisions. Include three new pro-life provisions:  Obamacare Transparency - requires Obamacare healthcare plans to inform customers if they provide abortion services. Conscience Protection - requires HHS Office of Civil Rights to address complaints of violations. Provides $12 million in unused abstinence education funds. Reining in the EPA Barletta supported legislation that curbs proposed expansion of the federal definition of Waters of the United States, and defends the relationship between federal and state governments established by the Clean Water Act.  He co-sponsored H.R. 5078, the Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protection Act, which blocks the expansion proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  “For four decades, the Clean Water Act has worked as a strong partnership between the federal government and the states,” Barletta said.  “However, the new definition of federal waters is so vague that it’s impossible to know what standards you need to prove.  The result would be higher legal fees, increased costs to farmers and builders, and fewer jobs.  Local farmers I have talked to said the legal fees alone would probably run them out of business.  Simply put, sometimes a mud puddle is just a mud puddle.” In addition, the bipartisan spending bill adopted by Congress: Cuts EPA by $60 million, representing the 5th consecutive year of cuts – a total reduction of 21 percent since Fiscal Year 2010. Reduces EPA staffing by 2,000 positions, which is equivalent to 1989 levels. Prohibits regulation of farm ponds and irrigation ditches. Protects Second Amendment rights and prohibits EPA from regulating lead content in ammunition or fishing tackle. Restraining the IRS The bipartisan spending bill adopted by Congress continues Republican efforts to: Cut IRS funding by $345.6 million ($1.5 billion below the president’s request and below Fiscal Year 2008 levels). Prohibit IRS targeting of organizations based on their ideological beliefs or for exercising their First Amendment rights. Prohibit the White House from ordering review of tax-exempt status. Prohibit use of IRS funds for inappropriate videos and conferences. “No federal agency strikes more fear into the hearts of citizens than the IRS,” Barletta said.  “It is time to stop the use of federal tax collectors as political enforcers.”  Saving Billions on Federal Office Space Rep. Barletta used his position on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to save taxpayers more than $2 billion by more efficiently using federal office space.  Barletta is Chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.  In some cases, the changes involved reconfiguration or alteration of existing federal sites.  In others, it involved better leasing arrangements. “This can really be just the beginning,” Barletta said.  “As these decisions are made, we ought to be asking every time: can we do this better, and how can we save the taxpayers money?” Promoting Domestic Energy Barletta supported measures designed to ease American dependence on foreign sources of oil and create private sector jobs: Barletta cosponsored legislation to authorize construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, a project which has been more than six years in the works through many studies, delays, and rejections from the Obama Administration.  The pipeline, which would run from Alberta, Canada to Nebraska, would allow crude oil to flow all the way to the Gulf Coast.  The completion of the pipeline is expected to create tens of thousands of construction jobs in the United States and establish a reliable supply of energy. Construction of the Keystone XL pipeline will increase manufacturing jobs in Pennsylvania. The bipartisan spending bill passed by Congress requires the Department of Defense to use anthracite coal to heat the Army and Air Force Barracks in Kaiserslautern, Germany.  Improving Transportation Highway Bill Congress passed the Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2014, which addressed a potential expiration of surface transportation authorization and the Highway Trust Fund shortfall predicted to occur.  Barletta still supports a highway bill of at least five years to allow for contractors and employers to better plan for the future. “There are more than 5,000 bridges in Pennsylvania that are structurally deficient, and countless roadways that are in desperate need of repair,” said Barletta, who is a subcommittee chairman in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.  “If Congress had failed to act, the money to fund surface transportation projects would have run dry.  That could have resulted in the stoppage of more than 7,000 projects and the loss of countless jobs across the country, including Pennsylvania.” Safer Trucks and Buses Barletta introduced the Safer Trucks and Buses Act (H.R. 5532), which halts the publication of flawed safety scores for carriers and directs the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to revamp its scoring system.  The legislation addresses a problem with the Compliance Safety Accountability (CSA) program, which was rushed into usage, and often does not reflect changes made by carriers to improve their approaches to safety. “As a father of four daughters, I worry every day about the safety of my girls, and I strongly believe that unsafe vehicles should not be on the road,” Barletta said. “Unfortunately, companies across the country and in Pennsylvania are being unfairly misrepresented by their safety scores, causing economically devastating impacts to these bus and truck companies, many of which are small businesses.” Keeping Promises to Veterans Barletta supported legislation that overhauls the Veterans Administration and provides veterans with more responsive and accessible health care.  The legislation follows revelations of long wait times at VA medical facilities, falsified records, and the resulting deaths of veterans.  The legislation: Allows veterans to seek medical attention outside the VA system if an appointment is not available within 30 days, or if a veteran resides more than 40 miles from the nearest VA medical facility. Provides funding to hire additional doctors, nurses, and medical staff. Extends several existing pilot programs, including those increasing access to care for veterans with traumatic brain injuries and victims of sexual assault.  Requires an independent assessment of VA medical care and establishes a Congressional Commission on Care to evaluate access in the VA health system. Permits the VA Secretary to fire or demote employees in an expedited fashion based on performance or misconduct, while also including due processes rights. Requires public colleges to provide in-state tuition to veterans and eligible dependents in order for the school to remain eligible to receive G.I. Bill education payments. Expands the Sgt. Fry Scholarship Program to provide full post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits to spouses of service members who died in the line of duty after 9/11. “The problems discovered in the VA system needed to be addressed, and we are addressing them now,” Barletta said.  “From the beginning, this was not a Republican or Democrat issue.  This was an American issue.” Maintaining Waterway Infrastructure Barletta backed the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA), which promotes American competitiveness and economic growth by maintaining an effective waterway infrastructure, while also supporting strong flood protection.  The legislation originated in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where Barletta is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.  It passed the House by a vote of 412-to-4. “This strengthens Congressional oversight, restricts executive overreach, cuts red tape, and provides transparency in the selection of projects,” Barletta said.  “And critically for our part of Pennsylvania, WRRDA helps with flood risk management.”  Helping the Disabled Barletta supported the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, which amends the IRS code to establish tax-exempt accounts for individuals with disabilities to assist in paying for certain expenses, including higher education, primary residence, transportation, employment assistance, health and wellness, and other personal support expenses.    “So many times, families have been left in the difficult position of choosing between taking care of children’s special needs and planning for their future,” Barletta said.  “The ABLE Act helps families avoid that predicament and lets them plan ahead.” Serving the 11th District Contained within the bipartisan spending bill passed by Congress are a number of items that directly benefit the 11th District of Pennsylvania: $900 million to address military funding shortfalls, including depot maintenance at facilities such as Tobyhanna Army Depot. Restored funding zeroed out under President Obama’s budget request for State Criminal Alien Assistance Program, which reimburses localities who house criminal illegal immigrants in local jails (increases funding from $180 million to $185 million rather than president’s request of $0.) $200 million more than original budget request for Community Development Block Grants. $75 million increase for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG). Increase for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Increase funding for flood prevention under the Streamflow Information Program. Connecting to Main Street In 2014, Congressman Barletta continued his Main Street Tours, during which he visited local businesses and heard the concerns and ideas of small employers and citizens.  Barletta has conducted more than twenty Main Street Tours since 2013, including stops this year in Tunkhannock, Elizabethville, Plymouth, Carlisle, Danville, Kingston, Millersburg, Sunbury, Bloomsburg, Mechanicsburg, Linglestown, and Berwick.  “As a former mayor, I know without question that all wisdom does not reside in Washington, D.C.,” Barletta said.  “Most of the best ideas come from the people who are dealing with real issues in their real lives every day.  I will always continue to be accessible and listen to the people whose lives are affected by the laws we pass.” While Barletta indicated that while he was pleased with the successes of 2014 and the 113th Congress, which has concluded, he will continue to fight for the 11th District of Pennsylvania. “If 2014 taught us anything, it’s that it is much better to get half a loaf of bread than no loaf at all”, Barletta said.  “With the new Congress taking shape in January, I am optimistic about even more advancements in the coming months.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cramer.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congressional-watchdog-group-nd-radio-managers-recognize-cramer-town,"Congressional Watchdog Group, ND Radio Managers Recognize Cramer Town Hall Record",2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. – Today North Dakota radio managers joined national Congressional watchdog group Legistorm in recognizing Congressman Kevin Cramer for holding the most town hall events with constituents, both in person and on the airwaves. According to Legistorm, Cramer participated in more town halls than any other member of the U.S. House or Senate in 2014, with 81 events. During the past year, Rep. Cramer continued to hold “Coffee with Cramer” events around North Dakota in larger cities and smaller communities. These discussions offer a chance for constituents to ask their questions in a relaxed and informal setting. Congressman Cramer also conducts a weekly hour-long radio town hall on the What’s On Your Mind program, which can be heard statewide Wednesday mornings at 10:00am central on five North Dakota stations: KFYR 550 AM (99.7 FM) in Bismarck, AM 1100 The Flag in Fargo, KLTC 1460 AM in Dickinson, KCJB 910 AM in Minot, and KTGO 1090 AM in Tioga. “Our listeners appreciate having a weekly platform to interact with their sole Representative in the U.S. House. In addition to taking live questions during the time on the air, we also have a dedicated voice mailbox which listeners can call anytime to leave a question for the next show,” said Todd Mitchell, Operations Manager for Clear Channel Radio in Bismarck. In addition to his Wednesday radio town hall, Cramer also appears for segments each Thursday on News/Radio 1310 KNOX in Grand Forks and KHND “The Mix” in Harvey. His weekly interviews can be heard on KNOX’s The Jarrod Thomas Show at approximately 10:10am central, and KHND’s “Get It Off Your Chest” program at approximately 10:45am central. “Having Rep. Cramer as a guest on such a regular basis has generated a lot of positive reactions from our listeners. I don’t think they ever expected to have this kind of access to a member of North Dakota’s Congressional delegation,” said Jarrod Thomas, host of the Jarrod Thomas Show and operations manager at News/Radio 1310 KNOX in Grand Forks. Cramer plans to continue offering a high level of access to his constituents both in person and on the air into 2015. “The most important part of being a public servant is the public. I appreciate every opportunity I have to interact with North Dakotans because it helps me do a better job representing them in Washington,” said Cramer. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://gohmert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398170,Rep. Gohmert: Obama Admitted Democrats Were 'Party of No',2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,TX,Louie Gohmert,G000552,gohmert.house.gov,,,legacy,"President Barack Obama admitted it was Democrats, not Republicans, that had been the ""party of no,"" Rep. Louie Gohmert told Fox News' ""America's Newsroom."" Gohmert said Obama made the admission during an NPR interview that aired Monday when he said he rarely had to veto bills, because legislation he objected to was ""typically blocked in the Senate"" with Nevada Democrat Sen. Harry Reid as majority leader. ""Now the president has finally admitted they've been lying — Harry Reid, all those folks that have been saying Republicans were the party of no. He's basically admitted in this statement, 'yeah, we've been the party of no, but I've been able to rely on Harry Reid to say no so I didn't have to,' "" the Texas Republican said Tuesday. ""That's what I'm hearing in that statement."" Gohmert, who sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee, explained Republicans often tried to discuss ideas with Obama, but said even though the president communicated he wanted to work with GOP lawmakers, he would follow up by ""going to the golf course and not talking to anybody."" ""He said, 'I have an open door, if you've got any ideas.' A bunch of us tried. They never had any indication that they would let us in. We kept asking, 'Hey, we've got some good ideas.' Never would hear from us. So, that was all for the camera, all for television, but not so much for reality,"" he said. With a majority in both houses of Congress, Republicans would now be able to move legislation to the president's desk, such as changes to healthcare, approving the Keystone XL pipeline, and defunding amnesty, Gohmert said, adding voters expected lawmakers to ""follow through and do what we said we would do"" when running for office. ""This lets voters see who it is that's representing them,"" he said. ""The best thing to do for an open government is get votes on bills.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://gosar.house.gov/press-release/icymi-arizona-game-fish-votes-cost-share-repairs-willow-beach-fish-hatchery,ICYMI: Arizona Game & Fish Votes to Cost-share Repairs to Willow Beach Fish Hatchery,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,Paul Gosar,G000565,gosar.house.gov,,,legacy,"For Immediate Release Date: December 30, 2014   Contact: Steven D. Smith Steven.Smith@mail.house.gov Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement after the Arizona Game and Fish Commission voted this past Tuesday 5-0 in favor of funding up to $389,000 to fix a broken pipeline for the Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery which amounts to about 50 percent of the cost of the repairs: “This unanimous vote by the Commission is very good news. Rainbow trout stocking operations are one step closer to resuming at Willow Beach. I was honored to lead the charge, along with Senator McCain, to hold the Fish and Wildlife Service accountable when they arbitrarily terminated the rainbow trout stocking program and inflated cost estimates to repair the broken water line. The attempt to justify terminating this worthwhile program was extremely short sighted and I am happy to see that decision reversed.” Commission Vice-Chair Kurt Davis said “This is a great pre-New Year’s present for the people of Mohave County and anglers across the state... Sportfishing recreation contributes $1.47 billion to Arizona’s economy annually, with much of that money going to rural communities, and Game and Fish is proud to be part of the solution keeping Willow Beach in business.” From the Arizona Game and Fish Department press release: The vote by the Commission to cost-share the Willow Beach hatchery repairs comes after much work by Arizona’s congressional delegation, particularly Senator John McCain and Congressman Paul Gosar, who championed a repair to the hatchery. Infrastructure problems at the hatchery began nearly five years ago, when broken pipelines and low water levels threatened trout production at the facility. The loss of the trout stocking would continue to have a devastating economic effect on the communities in Mohave County, Arizona. The state’s sport fishing industry relies on the national hatchery system for more than 97 percent of sport fish stocked in Arizona. The agreement approved by the Commission will, if executed, commit the Department to share the costs of repairs, and institutionalize a recreational fishing partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service into the next decade. It calls for the Service to annually provide 2 million fertilized triploid rainbow trout eggs from Ennis National Fish Hatchery, 160,000 fertilized Apache trout eggs from Williams Creek National Fish Hatchery and 150,000 catchable 11-inch rainbow trout stocked annually into Willow Beach and below Davis Dam. Additional Congressman Gosar has created an informational page on his website about his efforts to protect the trout stocking program at the Willow Beach Fish Hatchery which includes introducing the Fish Hatchery Protection Act, H.R. 5026 that would protect propagation fish hatcheries and propagation programs within the National Fish Hatchery System. That page can be found HERE.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://hartzler.house.gov/newsletters/view-capitol-congresswoman-vicky-hartzlers-newsletter-week-new-years-2015,"View From the Capitol - Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler's Newsletter for the Week of New Year's, 2015",2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,MO,Vicky Hartzler,H001053,hartzler.house.gov,,,legacy,"Good Day, A busy and productive year is drawing to a close and I would like to share some of the highlights from 2014. It was a year of reaching out, listening to, and responding to the concerns of the good citizens of Missouri’s Fourth Congressional District. I would like to share just a few of this year’s memorable moments. A number of the year’s events were tied to the defense of our nation. With tensions mounting in the Middle East, I joined several of my House Armed Services Committee (HASC) colleagues on a fact-finding mission to the region, visiting Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Morocco – meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, King Abdullah II of Jordan, and President Abdel al-Sisi of Egypt. In each country we visited, we also met with United States Embassy staff and U.S. Defense officials. Among the many issues we discussed was terrorism, in general, and the march of ISIL toward an Islamic caliphate in the Middle East. I shared these concerns with MO-4 citizens at a series of presentations in Harrisonville, Sedalia, and Waynesville. These events were well-attended as residents of our district are rightly concerned about the terrorist threats to our homeland and to Americans abroad and they wanted to hear the latest. I have spoken of the great pride we all have in the men and women serving at Whiteman Air Force Base and Fort Leonard Wood. This summer I had the privilege of speaking, via telephone, to members of the 442nd Fighter Wing deployed to Afghanistan. What these Airmen did was so important to the troops on the ground - and I thanked them for the job they were doing. The crews spent precious time away from their families, and were looking forward to the return home. I was honored to be invited to take part in the “welcome home” celebration. It was rewarding to see these Airmen reunited with their families. We cannot thank them enough for their service and their sacrifice. Still with defense matters in MO-4, I had the opportunity to welcome Secretary of the Air Force Rebecca James to Whiteman Air Force Base. I also welcomed Chief of Army, General Ray Odierno, to Fort Leonard Wood. I am honored to represent the district that is home to these fine military installations and to represent the interests of the brave men and women stationed there and serving our country. On another matter, I took on a number of social issues affecting our district and our country. In Columbia, our Summit on Human Trafficking helped increase awareness of this horrific crime. All too often, many of us think of human trafficking as something that takes place only in big cities or in other countries when, in fact, this appalling crime is taking place right in our own backyard. This forum followed House approval of a series of bills aimed at preventing or eliminating the spread of trafficking and protecting the victims of this crime against humanity. Many of these victims are pre-teens and young teenagers, with 80 percent of the victims being female. My hope is that the information shared at this summit will help educate and take awareness and prevention to the next step so someday we do not have this abomination occurring in our country. I later took a step toward improving child welfare in our state and throughout the nation by hosting a Congressional Listening Tour for Children, in Columbia, with fellow Member of Congress Karen Bass (D-CA), children’s services experts, and community leaders. The goal of our time in Columbia was to highlight both the positive aspects and challenges of the child welfare system here in Missouri. Participants shared their on-the-ground experiences and their perspectives on the best practices and concerns with our child welfare system. An issue of this importance crosses political lines, and my Democratic colleague as well as other participants share my interest in promoting adoption, encouraging family permanency, and stopping child trafficking. This year also included a number of events that we are doing on an annual basis. The third annual Lebanon Job Fair was a success for unemployed Missourians as well as those looking to advance their careers. I was pleased to help bring together employers and those looking for work through the Job Fair and to see some hired that day. It is a tangible action I can take, in addition to legislative action in Washington, to help the good people I am privileged to represent by facilitating the job search process. The fourth Missouri Business Conference at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg once again brought together small business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and students with experts on business success. Five issue-specific panels featured more than two dozen entrepreneurs who have lived the vision of starting a business and offered their insights. The University of Central Missouri was also the host location for my inaugural Veterans Summit. The goal was to provide veterans with timely information on issues they care about such as how to overcome the challenges of reintegration after deployment, strengthening the family, and succeeding in the workplace. At the same time, we wanted to connect veterans with the many resources they have earned and deserve. Panels hosted by experts included discussion of personal, emotional, spiritual, family and career issues of returning veterans; continuing education and career opportunities for returning veterans; and discussion of VA health care and benefits. State Fair Community College in Sedalia hosted the Fourth District’s inaugural Youth Leadership Summit. More than 200 students from 48 high schools were able to participate in this all-day event and have the opportunity to hear from dynamic speakers who shared tips for success in school and in reaching their goals. I am hopeful the time spent will help MO-4 students reach their potential and help make a difference in their communities and schools. I look forward to seeing the great things they are going to do in the future and am glad I could be a small part of it. An “All-of-the-Above” Energy Tour and our annual Farm Tour rounded out this year’s ambitious schedule of events throughout our district. On a personal note, I was honored to have been chosen to deliver the commencement address to students graduating from the University of Missouri’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR). My message to these young people as they go forward is that they have been blessed with a world class education – and the world is going to need them. These graduates will advance the cause of feeding the world while protecting our resources as they work together and speak with one voice, advocating the positive message of agriculture and embracing wise use of technology. I was proud to be there on this historic day in the lives of these young people. Finally, I would like to close with a few quick facts and figures from 2014. During the year, I sponsored or co-sponsored several bills, including 14 which were signed into law; 1,240 constituents were helped by our caseworkers – with issues including veterans’ benefits, Medicare questions, visa and passport applications, and many more; More than 655 tours of the U.S. Capitol were given to MO-4 citizens who visited us this year; and 155,970 letters and emails were sent to constituents. My desire is to provide the best representation and service possible for the good people of our district. While we have done much, there is much more to accomplish in 2015. I look forward to working with you to move our district forward, to get America back on track, and to make a difference in the lives of the families in our district. Together, with the Lord’s help, we can do it. Have a blessed and happy New Year! Vicky",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://jones.house.gov/press-release/jones-cosponsors-more-bills-help-veterans-any-other-member-congress,JONES COSPONSORS MORE BILLS TO HELP VETERANS THAN ANY OTHER MEMBER OF CONGRESS,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,NC,Walter Jones,J000255,jones.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – In the 113th Congress, Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3) cosponsored a career record of 86 bills to help veterans by providing better access to more transparent healthcare, access to educational opportunities, affordable housing, and job opportunities.  In fact, Congressman Jones cosponsored more bills to help veterans than any other member of the 113th Congress, spanning from January of 2013 through December 2014. “I am honored to do all I can to help those who’ve worn the uniform,” said Congressman Jones.  “Our veterans have made incredible sacrifices to defend our freedom, and it is imperative to ensure that they have access to quality healthcare, educational opportunities, and job opportunities.  I will continue to do everything I can in the 114th Congress to help our veterans, mindful of the great sacrifices they have made to keep our country free.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly%E2%80%99s-legislative-priorities-2015-featured-pittsburgh-tribune-review,Rep. Kellys Legislative Priorities for 2015 Featured in Pittsburgh Tribune-Review,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,,,legacy,"Pro-growth tax reform, energy main focuses for congressman WASHINGTON — The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review published a story on December 28, 2014, following an exclusive interview with U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) regarding his legislative priorities for 2015 and the upcoming 114th Congress. The full article can read here. Highlights from the article: The 114th Congress gets under way Jan. 3, and with Republicans set to control the House and Senate, it's time to show the American people that the federal government can govern, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly said. “I'm excited about this next year,” said Kelly, a Butler Republican. “We have not had a Senate we could work with in six years. I'm hoping that the results of (the general election) sent a message to both sides, that the American people want to see a body that can govern.” During an interview with the Tribune-Review, Kelly outlined his priorities for the upcoming session. He will continue to serve on the influential Ways and Means Committee, which is the chief tax-writing committee of the House, and serve on the [select revenue], oversight and Social Security subcommittees. … The country needs tax reform, he said, including simplifying the tax code into “something much flatter and much fairer,” while also offering corporate tax reform, saying that U.S. companies have “the highest corporate tax in the world,” at about 39 percent, factoring in state taxes. … Kelly, who owns a Butler car dealership, was first elected to Congress in 2010. House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio picked him to deliver the Republican weekly address Dec. 20 in response to President Obama's, an assignment of which Kelly said he was “sincerely honored.” “There's no doubt his stature is growing in Congress. People are really starting to pay attention to the issues he espouses,” said Jeff Brauer, a professor of political science at Keystone College in Lackawanna County. Brauer added that energy independence is Kelly's biggest issue. “He's really made a name for himself in that sphere,” Brauer said. “He's giving great speeches, getting standing ovations. To have a spokesperson like that, the (Republican) leadership is appreciative of that and is rewarding him accordingly.” … Kelly told the Trib he supports the Keystone XL Pipeline project, which he said could create upward of 50,000 construction jobs and many ancillary jobs. A pipeline would run between Canada and Nebraska, connecting with existing pipe. Delays may have hurt it, Kelly added. “We're running against the clock as the cost of energy goes down,” he said.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pittenger.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congressman-pittengers-first-term-in-review,Congressman Pittenger's First-Term In Review,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,NC,Robert Pittenger,P000606,pittenger.house.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   CONGRESSMAN PITTENGER’S FIRST-TERM IN REVIEW CHARLOTTE – Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) is committed to serving North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District, with unprecedented regular office hours in 7 locations throughout the district while hiring caseworkers with many years of experience to assist constituents.  Our office breaks from standard Capitol Hill procedure with 24/7 staff availability for emergencies and accessible to answer questions about legislation and public policy.  Serving on The Financial Services Committee and Chair of the Congressional Taskforce on Terrorism and Unconventional Warfare, Congressman Pittenger maintains one of the top committee attendance records in all of Congress. During Congressman Pittenger’s first term (2013-2014):   Nearly 2200 constituents received assistance with issues including Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans benefits, passports, and the IRS. 62,429 letters/e-mails regarding legislation and policy issues were answered. 79,179 constituents received a personal phone call as staff reached out to ensure constituents had access to services and resources. Congressman Pittenger hosted more than 30 town hall meetings. “Serving you is my number one priority,” said Congressman Pittenger.  “Whether you need assistance cutting through federal red tape, have questions about how legislation impacts your daily life, or would like to share your thoughts or concerns or ideas, we are ready to serve you in every way possible.” While more than 380 bills passed by the House of Representatives, many with bipartisan support, were blocked by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Congressman Pittenger was successful in leading the Kilah Davenport Child Protection Act to passage in both the House and Senate and signed into law by President Obama.  The House of Representatives also unanimously passed Congressman Pittenger’s legislation to modernize outdated regulations which hinder online banking and overdraft protection transactions. “In 2015, I will remain committed to excellent constituent service, working in a bipartisan fashion to advance common sense legislation which improves the economy, helps create jobs, and cuts unnecessary red tape, and working every day to faithfully represent the people of Mecklenburg, Union, and Iredell counties.”   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://thompson.house.gov/press-release/thompson-issues-statement-moshannon-valley-correctional-facility-contract-renewal,Thompson Issues Statement on Moshannon Valley Correctional Facility Contract Renewal,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Bellefonte, PA – U.S. Representative Glenn 'GT' Thompson (PA-5) issued the following statement upon news that the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has awarded Moshannon Valley Correctional Facility (MVCF), in Philipsburg, Clearfield County, as the BOP’s preferred facility for the Northeastern United States.   “This announcement is tremendous news for our community and the Commonwealth,” stated Rep. Glenn Thompson. “The Moshannon Valley Correctional Facility has been an economic engine for our region, providing jobs for area residents, new tax revenue to support local services, including investments in our schools, and a host of other opportunities that have benefited all area residents. I am proud of the work we have done, including efforts at all levels of government and within the community, to protect local jobs and ensure the Moshannon Valley facility remains in operation for years to come.” Over the past year, Rep. Thompson has led efforts at the federal level to help secure the contract’s renewal.  In January of 2014, Thompson garnered the support of 12 Members of Congress from Pennsylvania and Senators Bob Casey and Pat Toomey, in sending a letter to BOP, urging the bureau to renew the contract with MVCF. The BOP’s existing contract with MVCF, which is set to expire in 2016, has been renewed for a period of 5 years, with one year renewal options for the following five years, according to Rep. Thompson. BOP’s Criminal Alien Removal Procurement Regulations, require one facility in the Northeastern U.S. and another facility to be located anywhere in the country.  MVCF, which is operated by the GEO Group, Inc., has served as the region’s preferred facility since 2006. The MVCF currently employs approximately 260 area residents and provides approximately $600,000 each year in local property taxes, $445,000 of which directly benefits local schools.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gosar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1765,ICYMI: Arizona Game & Fish Votes to Cost-share Repairs to Willow Beach Fish Hatchery,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,Paul Gosar,G000565,gosar.house.gov,,,legacy,"For Immediate Release Date: December 30, 2014 Contact: Steven D. Smith Steven.Smith@mail.house.gov Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04)released the following statement after the Arizona Game and Fish Commission voted this past Tuesday 5-0 in favor of funding up to $389,000 to fix a broken pipeline for the Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery which amounts to about 50 percent of the cost of the repairs: This unanimous vote by the Commission is very good news. Rainbow trout stocking operations are one step closer to resuming at Willow Beach.I was honored to lead the charge, along with Senator McCain, to hold the Fish and Wildlife Service accountable when they arbitrarily terminated the rainbow trout stocking program and inflated cost estimates to repair the broken water line. The attempt to justify terminating this worthwhile program was extremely short sighted andIam happy to see that decision reversed. Commission Vice-Chair Kurt Davis said This is a great pre-New Year's present for the people of Mohave County and anglers across the state... Sportfishing recreation contributes $1.47 billion to Arizona's economy annually, with much of that money going to rural communities, and Game and Fish is proud to be part of the solution keeping Willow Beach in business. From the Arizona Game and Fish Department press release: The vote by the Commission to cost-share the Willow Beach hatchery repairs comes after much work by Arizona's congressional delegation, particularly Senator John McCain and Congressman Paul Gosar, who championed a repair to the hatchery. Infrastructure problems at the hatchery began nearly five years ago, when broken pipelines and low water levels threatened trout production at the facility. The loss of the trout stocking would continue to have a devastating economic effect on the communities in Mohave County, Arizona. The state's sport fishing industry relies on the national hatchery system for more than 97 percent of sport fish stocked in Arizona. The agreement approved by the Commission will, if executed, commit the Department to share the costs of repairs, and institutionalize a recreational fishing partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service into the next decade. It calls for the Service to annually provide 2 million fertilized triploid rainbow trout eggs from Ennis National Fish Hatchery, 160,000 fertilized Apache trout eggs from Williams Creek National Fish Hatchery and 150,000 catchable 11-inch rainbow trout stocked annually into Willow Beach and below Davis Dam. Additional Congressman Gosar has created an informational page on his website about his efforts to protect the trout stocking program at the Willow Beach Fish Hatchery which includes introducing the Fish Hatchery Protection Act, H.R. 5026 that would protect propagation fish hatcheries and propagation programs within the National Fish Hatchery System. That page can be found HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=680,Rep. McKinley Congressional Work by the Numbers for 2014,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. McKinley Congressional Work by the Numbers for 2014 f t # e Washington, DC, December 30, 2014 Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va.) released the following breakdown of his Congressional work over the past year. Here's a look at his work, by the numbers: share: f t Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va.) released the following breakdown of his Congressional work over the past year. Here's a look at his work, by the numbers: Cast 563 roll call votes in the House and missed no votes.Introduced 14 bills, bringing his total number of bills introduced to 53 in the 113th Congress.Successfully offered 13 amendmentson the House floor or in committee.Participated in 38 hearings and legislative markups with the Energy and Commerce Committee.Held just under250 meetings in the district in all 20 counties.Organized 78 roundtable meetingsin the First District with veterans, seniors, small businesses, manufacturers, labor, teachers, farmers, elected officials, and others.Conducted 4 telephone town halls reaching over 40,000 constituents.Opened 853 constituent casework cases and closed 862 cases.Sent over 34,000 emails and letters to constituents.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=7c9c5d64-d278-4768-8103-41babcfff4e0,Your Tax Dollars...Down the Drain: Over-Budget Project for an Already Cancelled Program,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) today released the latest example in a monthly series highlighting Washington’s wasteful spending during a time of record debt: It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that it's wasteful to spend money building a facility that will never be used. It does take Washington to fund the construction anyway. The Washington Post recently reported that, last June, NASA marked completion of a $350 million tower (“A-3”) built to test a cutting-edge rocket engine (“J-2X”) that would help send astronauts to the International Space Station, the moon, and even Mars.  As part of President George W. Bush’s Constellation program in 2004, the J-2X engine would power the Ares I and Ares V rockets that would transport astronauts and cargo separately to their destinations. Since the engine would be ignited only after the rockets were already in space, A-3 was made to withstand the blast of a rocket engine and create a vacuum inside similar to the conditions in space. The project was originally projected to cost $119 million and be finished by 2010. But in 2010, A-3 was well over-budget and behind schedule. After President Obama proposed abandoning the Constellation program, Congress ended funding for the Ares rockets and the J-2X engine – yet inexplicably reauthorized the final $100 million to complete A-3 despite no longer developing rockets that could use it. This pushed the final cost to $349 million, or nearly triple the original estimate. And even after this additional spending, the A-3 vacuum is still not operational for testing, and would require as long as three more years of work to finish if NASA ever decides to use the tower for its original purpose.  “This egregious example of spending shows that Washington continues to operate in its own vacuum, diverting $100 million additional taxpayer dollars into an over-budget project that had already been cancelled,” said Portman. “During a time of already limited resources, this is exactly the type of spending that must be eliminated in order to become responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.” As of now, the door is locked and the area shut down. A NASA tour guide tells visitors that the tower is ""just hanging out right now."" NASA has no existing rockets or plans for the future to develop a rocket that would need the tower to test.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=ba07fa5f-e344-47f4-9c56-c51235887893,Rubio Comments On Castro Regime's Latest Wave Of Repression,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) issued the following statement today regarding news reports of the Castro regime's efforts to suppress Cuban activists and independent journalists attempting to attend a rally in Havana: ""The Castro regime's latest acts of repression against political dissidents in Cuba make a mockery of President Obama's new U.S.-Cuba policy. The fact that the regime continues to violate the human rights of Cubans like this shows that it has even less incentive to change its ways since President Obama intends to give the Castros numerous unilateral concessions in exchange for zero steps towards more political freedom. ""This is the real human tragedy of the President's new Cuba policy. President Obama should be ashamed of legitimizing and empowering the Castros while abandoning courageous Cuban dissidents like the ones who have been on the receiving end of the regime's repressive tactics in recent days.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://adriansmith.house.gov/year-review,Year in Review,2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,NE,Adrian Smith,S001172,adriansmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"As 2014 winds to a close it is a good time to review and reflect on what we have accomplished this year, and what remains to be done.  While much of the work done in the House to advance positive solutions to put America on a better path was blocked by the Democrat controlled Senate, we did make progress on priorities for Nebraskans and in pushing back against overreaching and harmful red tape. This year I launched the Regulation Rewind project to make it easier for Third District constituents to identify, and weigh in on the federal rules which hurt economic growth, limit opportunities for rural Americas, are inconsistent with the law, or are unfair.  Based on your feedback we have selected a number of regulations and proposed rules, and posted what I am doing to fight back on my website at: https://adriansmith.house.gov/regulationrewind. Together, we have made progress on several issues.  After voicing your concerns, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration dropped plans to regulate small farms.  The Internal Revenue Service decided to rethink rules which would limit First Amendment rights of political groups.  And the economically disastrous Waters of the United States rule, which would allow the federal government to regulate small ponds and streams, was blocked for ag producers through September. After hearing your concerns about the many flight cancelations at Nebraska airports, I worked to give small airports more flexibility in implementing new pilot regulations.  I also introduced legislation to ensure small airports get the appropriate level of funding and are not double penalized by these new rules. Access to health care remains a challenge for rural Americans.  In February, I introduced the Critical Access Hospital Relief Act to repeal the burdensome 96-hour precertification requirement.  This arbitrary regulation requires physicians at small remote hospitals to certify Medicare and Medicaid patients will not be there more than 96 hours.  This legislation along with two other bills I sponsored was included in a draft legislative package to improve the Medicare.  I am hopeful this proposal will be considered during the next Congress.  My staff and I have also helped a number of Nebraskans address individual problems and cut through the red tape of dealing with the federal government.  We successfully closed hundreds of federal casework issues.  I started the Caseworker in Your Community program to better serve constituents unable to make it to one of my offices, and we expanded our annual Senior Services Fair to Scottsbluff and Grand Island. Clearly, there is much more to be done during the upcoming Congress.  Even with Republican control of both the House and Senate, we will need to work to get bills to the President’s desk and signed into law.  I am optimistic we can make progress by using the system designed by our founders.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/year-review,A Year in Review,2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"As we prepare for the new Congress that assumes office on January 6 of 2015, it is important to think back on the full year behind us and remember what it meant for our country. While there were numerous challenges both at home and abroad, I believe that this year proved productive and set a positive example of bipartisanship. Despite inevitable differences on both sides of the aisle, there were several legislative achievements that proved government can function—even when it is divided.   We began this year with the passage of the omnibus appropriations bill. This compromise measure followed the top-line number set in the Ryan-Murray budget deal and funded the government for fiscal year 2014, and lawmakers did so while also reducing discretionary spending for the fourth consecutive year. Tough decisions like these have helped to lower the deficit from $1.4 trillion, when the GOP took control of the House in 2010, to less than $500 billion today. While that figure is still much too high, it represents real progress in dealing with the deficit. Also toward the beginning of the year, both chambers of Congress supported the farm bill conference report, which saved taxpayers $23 billion in mandatory federal spending. Not only did the farm bill save hard-earned tax dollars, but the five-year extension that was signed into law by the president restored certainty to farmers, ranchers and consumers. During the spring, I am pleased that both chambers of Congress and the Administration saw the value of legislation that would redirect taxpayer dollars that were being wasted to instead do some real good. Signed into law in April, the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act, which I co-authored with my colleague Congressman Gregg Harper, redirects taxpayer dollars used for political party conventions and instead funds pediatric disease research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). With these additional dollars to NIH, there is new potential for researchers to discover treatments and cures that could change and save lives. Just before August, lawmakers passed legislation to address the internal mismanagement at the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) and require greater accountability there in the future. There is no obligation more sacred than to provide for our service members and their families, both during and after service to their country. Especially when our veteran heroes require special care, they should never receive less than the best treatment. Swift passage of the VA conference report, addressing the problems at the VA, proved both Republicans and Democrats agree that we should take care of our veterans. With another government shutdown looming at the end of the year, I am pleased that lawmakers came together to vote on legislation that fully funded the government. This omnibus was the product of months-long negotiations between leadership in the House and Senate to reconcile differences on previously passed funding legislation for fiscal year 2015. While the negotiations were certainly tough, I believe that the omnibus reflected common sense and conservative priorities, and it did so by using the terms already set out in the Ryan-Murray budget agreement. Of great importance to the Fourth District of Oklahoma and following recent passage of the National Defense Authorization Act, I am pleased that the omnibus fully funded our military and prevented the Administration’s recommended deactivation of seven AWACS aircraft stationed at Tinker Air Force Base. Such a move by the Administration would significantly impact the readiness and ability of our Armed Forces to combat current and future conflicts. Also addressed in the military funding, the omnibus acknowledged the need to maintain our national security by dealing with threats that currently include the Ebola epidemic in West Africa and the growing terrorist threat posed by ISIL in the Middle East. As we begin the 114th Congress in the coming days with a fresh Republican majority, I remain optimistic that we will continue to find common ground with each other. I hope lawmakers will take note of our bipartisan successes from 2014 and find similar reforms that benefit the American people. Certainly, we will face obstacles in the future, but I believe we can continue to find agreement.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://latta.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397914,World War II Veteran to Receive French Legion of Honor,2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OH,Robert Latta,L000566,latta.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH) will join with French Colonel Nicolas Auboin on January 5 at the Wyandot County Courthouse to present Fifth Congressional District of Ohio resident and World War II veteran, Clyde Shull, with the French Legion of Honor. The award is the highest accolade given by the French government and will be presented to Mr. Shull in recognition of his service during World War II. Mr. Shull was also recognized by French Ambassador François Delattre during his visit to Northwest Ohio earlier this year.  “It is an honor to have been able to work with the French government to recognize Mr. Shull with this long-deserved decoration,” said Latta. “Mr. Shull exemplifies his generation and the monumental sacrifices they made during World War II, and in receiving the French Legion of Honor, he will be rightfully recognized for his service and dedication to our country.” ""Bestowing a Legion d'Honneur in the name of the President of the French Republic is always something special,"" said Colonel Auboin. ""The circumstances here and now are even more specific. Mr. Shull is awarded the highest French decoration in recognition of his sacrifice and his support to the liberation of France, as well as for his contribution to establishing a long lasting peace in Europe. Through him, the French government wants to address the message to an entire generation of World War II veterans and the United States of America that France will never forget what they did in 1944. France also wishes that through this ceremony, this example of dedication and service will be an example for generations to come."" Media are invited to attend the event, but must RSVP to Sarah Criser. Details for the event include the following: WHO: Congressman Bob Latta, French Colonel Nicolas Auboin and World War II Veteran Clyde Shull WHAT: French Legion of Honor Presentation WHEN: Monday, January 5, at 10 a.m. WHERE: Wyandot County Courthouse, Common Pleas Courtroom, 109 S. Sandusky Avenue, Upper Sandusky, Ohio 43351 About Mr. Shull Mr. Shull was drafted into the military on February 9, 1942, and was stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. His service is the only time he has lived outside of what is today’s Fifth Congressional District of Ohio. He served in the Ninth Infantry Division, 34th Field Artillery Battalion – one of the first to go onshore in North Africa. During the D-Day invasion, Mr. Shull landed on Utah Beach, from where he fought through France, Belgium and Germany. His division participated in eight major battles throughout the war. Mr. Shull was honorably discharged on June 21, 1945, and has remained active in the veterans community ever since. He is one of American Legion Post 225’s oldest members and has held numerous positions within the Post, including Commander and Finance Officer. He also served for 40 years on the Post’s Honor Guard and continues to serve on the Wyandot County Veteran Service Commission, of which he was selected and appointed in August 1985. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://marino.house.gov/press-release/rep-marino-backs-amicus-brief-challenging-president%E2%80%99s-amnesty,Rep. Marino Backs Amicus Brief Challenging the Presidents Amnesty,2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Tom Marino,M001179,marino.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington D.C.—Congressman Tom Marino, PA-10, Lycoming County signed on to support the amicus brief filed by the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) last week. The brief is supported by more than two dozen states and 68 Members of Congress in challenging President Obama’s recent Presidential Memorandum -- Modernizing and Streamlining the U.S. Immigrant Visa System for the 21st Century dubbed “executive amnesty.” ACLJ also created the Committee to Defend the Separation of Powers of which more than 60,000 citizens joined in an additional effort to halt Obama’s unconstitutional move towards illegal immigrant legalization. The case, State of Texas v. United States of America, argues the president’s directive to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is in contradiction with Congress’ authority to create immigration policy. It states Congress has a standing classification system for aliens and DHS’s new directive changes those laws and sets new policy without the authorization of Congress which has interrupted the balance of power among the three branches of government. It further argues the executive branch has abdicated one its chief responsibilities to “faithfully execute the law” and thereby “exceeded the bounds of their prosecutorial discretion.” Congressman Marino said the following of the brief: “I have said it before and I will say it again; the best way to stop President Obama’s executive overreach in our immigration policies, and even healthcare for that matter, is through the courts. I firmly believe through our legal system we will achieve the results Americans demand. We have the best legal system in the world. The public trusts decisions made in courts through rigorous analysis and interpretation. What they do not trust is the relentless political jockeying over serious issues that have detrimental impacts on our nation’s future. I am grateful for the opportunity to register my support of ACLJ’s efforts with the court as a result of my longstanding legal background and I am confident we can move this forward in conjunction with additional congressional actions coming soon in the 114th.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398382,Ninth District Traveling Staff Office Hours for January,2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,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 6, 2015 Tazewell County:   10:00 am – 12:00 pm Richlands Town Hall 200 Washington Square Richlands, VA Buchanan County:   2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Grundy Town Hall 1185 Plaza Drive Grundy, VA Pulaski County:   2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Dublin Town Hall Route 100, 1 mile North of I-81 Dublin, VA January 7, 2015 Smyth County:     10:00 am – 12:00 pm Town Council Chambers 138 West Main Street Marion, VA Covington:     10:00 am – 12:00 pm Covington City Hall City Hall Conference Room 333 W. Locust Street Covington, VA Craig County:     2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Craig County Administration Building 108 Court Street New Castle, VA Bristol:     2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Bristol VA Public Library Upstairs Conference Room 701 Goode Street Bristol, VA January 8, 2015 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 13, 2015 Giles County:   10:00 am – 12:00 pm Pearisburg Town Hall 112 Tazewell Street Pearisburg, VA Dickenson County:   10:00 am – 12:00 pm Dickenson Center for Education & Research 818 Happy Valley Drive Clintwood, VA Salem:   2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Salem Library 28 East Main Street Salem, 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 January 14, 2015 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 15, 2015 Alleghany County:   10:00 am – 12:00 pm Clifton Forge Library Conference Room 535 Church Street Clifton Forge, VA Scott County:   10:00 am – 12:00 pm Community Services Building Community Room 190 Beech Street Gate City, VA Roanoke County:   2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Roanoke Library Hollins Branch 6624 Peters Creek Road Roanoke, 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 January 20, 2015 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, 2015 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 200 612 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  ** 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://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398383,Congressman Griffiths 2015 Congressional Issues Survey,2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,VA,Morgan Griffith,G000568,morgangriffith.house.gov,,,legacy,"As your Congressman, I am committed to making sure that your views and positions are heard when key issues are debated in Washington.  Please share with me your perspective about some the issues and proposals that may come before the Congress in 2015.  To take the 2015 Congressional Issues Survey, please click here or visit http://morgangriffith.house.gov/2015issuessurvey/ . With concerns, comments, or to request a physical copy of the 2015 Congressional Issues Survey, 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. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pittenger.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congressman-pittenger-announces-five-appointments-to-united-states,Congressman Pittenger Announces Five Appointments to United States Service Academies,2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,NC,Robert Pittenger,P000606,pittenger.house.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   CONGRESSMAN PITTENGER ANNOUNCES FIVE APPOINTMENTS TO UNITED STATES SERVICE ACADEMIES   CHARLOTTE – Five outstanding local students had extra reason to be thankful this holiday season as Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) personally called to announce their appointment to United States service academies.   Mr. Riley Brosnan, a senior at Charlotte Catholic, received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy.  The son and grandson of United States Marines officers, he told Congressman Pittenger that “America allowed my mother and her family to emigrate from Vietnam and start a new future away from that war torn country. Our nation has granted me freedom and opportunity that can best be repaid through a period of military service.”  Mr. Brosnan is the son of John and Kim Brosnan and lives in Matthews. Mr. Jackson Dunn, a senior at Myers Park High School, received an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy.  Mr. Dunn began his life in a Russian orphanage, which forced him to develop a strong work ethic, leadership, and teamwork skills at a young age.  “The early years of my life were different than most people I know, but for that, I am now thankful.”  Mr. Dunn is the son of Kimberly and Bradley Dunn and lives in Charlotte. Ms. Sydney Frankenberg, a senior at Cannon School, received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy.  Profoundly impacted by 9/11, she remembers “a sense of bewilderment at how there could be people full of such hatred for others . . . and a sense of respect for those who valiantly risked their lives that day to serve their country and help others.  Responsibility is and always has been the price of freedom.”  Ms. Frankenberg is the daughter of Brett and Sara Frankenberg and lives in Charlotte. Ms. Sera Martorelli, a senior at Grace Academy, received an appointment to West Point and quoted General MacArthur to Congressman Pittenger. “Duty, Honor, Country . . . those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be.  Those three words inspire me.”  Ms. Martorelli is the daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth Martorelli and lives in Matthews. Mr. Sheppard Wilson, a senior at Charlotte Country Day, received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy.  He told Congressman Pittenger that “to be able to serve my country and defend the ideals of democracy and freedom would be the highest honor for me.”  Mr. Wilson is the son of Tom and Laurie Wilson and lives in Charlotte. “Our nation and our community are blessed by these outstanding local students who chose a life of service and sacrifice in defense of our freedom.  Thank you, as well, to all the other local students who volunteer to serve in so many important ways,” said Congressman Pittenger. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://shimkus.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/paul-simon-water-for-the-world-act-signed-into-law,Paul Simon Water for the World Act Signed Into Law,2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,IL,John Shimkus,S000364,shimkus.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) is pleased to announce that the President signed the Senator Paul Simon Water for the World Act into law on December 19. Shimkus was a cosponsor of the bill, which passed the House December 8 and then passed the Senate on December 15. “While this legislation does not have a direct effect on Southern Illinois, Senator Simon’s legacy lives on through this initiative to utilize water, sanitation, and hygiene as tools for foreign assistance,” Shimkus noted. The Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act was originally established in 2005, and this law amends that legislation. Specifically, this law directs the Secretary of State: To develop a strategy every five years to further U.S. foreign policy objectives by providing affordable and equitable access to safe water and sanitation in developing counties; and To develop a complementary strategy to further U.S. foreign assistance to provide affordable and equitable drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene in developing countries. Shimkus added, “First, it is noteworthy that both the House and the Senate passed this bill on voice votes – without any objections, which is quite amazing in today’s political world. Second, this law helps make the water programs be more focused, efficient, transparent, and better monitored.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=2d1d364e-1c38-4df1-ac8f-6875d772a2e7,STATEMENT BY SENATOR JOHN McCAIN ON AGREEMENT ADVANCED TODAY BY ARIZONA GAME AND FISH COMMISSION TO RESTORE TROUT STOCKING AT WILLOW BEACH HATCHERY IN MOHAVE COUNTY,2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) released the following statement on the agreement advanced today by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission negotiated with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to restore trout stocking at Willow Beach Hatchery in Mohave County, Arizona. Under the agreement, the Commission would work with USFWS to split the costs of repairing the hatchery’s water intake system and secure a supply of trout eggs that will guarantee production for at least the next five years – and likely more. “I am very pleased that an agreement to restore trout stocking at Willow Beach Hatchery has been approved today by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission,” said Senator McCain. “This is an important development for the Mohave County/Clark County stretch of the Lower Colorado River, where trout fishing supports some 1,700 jobs and generates $75 million in economic activity. The endless opportunities for outdoor recreation are among the most unique aspects of life in Arizona, and I am proud that our state and local officials took a leadership role on this issue with the federal government, which has a longstanding responsibility to mitigate for lost fishing opportunities resulting from the construction of the Hoover Dam.” The Chairman of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission and Mohave County leaders commented on today's action: “We are proud to approve the motion for our Director to finalize a cooperative agreement providing vital assistance to an important industry in Arizona, and grateful to Senator McCain for his staunch support of returning trout propagation to Willow Beach,” said Commission Chairman Robert Mansell. “With the execution of this agreement, Arizona will retain its reputation as one of the finest sport fishing destinations in North America.” “Mohave County wants to thank all the people who recognized the devastating economic impact that ending the 50-year trout stocking program at the Willow Beach Hatchery would have had on local communities,” said Hildy Angius, Chair of the Mohave County Board of Supervisors. “This agreement could not have happened without our partners at Arizona Game and Fish, most notably Chief of Fisheries Chris Cantrell along with Arizona Congressman Paul Gosar. My biggest thanks is reserved for Senator John McCain, who stood with me at Willow Beach Fish Hatchery last August and promised he would do everything in his power to fix this problem and then delivered on that promise. Mohave County is, and will now continue to be, the finest place to sport fish in the country.” “The fishing industry is a multi-million dollar business for Mohave County, where we host nationally-recognized angling tournaments that increase our tourism,” said Mohave County Supervisor Buster Johnson. “Without the hatchery, the food chain in our river and lake would suffer and bring an end to the world-class fishing and economic benefits it sustains. I thank Senator McCain for his leadership in helping to resolve this important issue.” In August of this year, Senator McCain toured the Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery near Bullhead City, Arizona, and was briefed on a variety of engineering plans to repair the hatchery’s damaged pipelines. Preliminary cost estimates for repairs totaled up to $9 million dollars. Senator McCain urged USFWS to coordinate with Mohave County and the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) to develop a single affordable and reasonable solution to move repairs forward. In a letter to USFWS Direct Dan Ashe, dated September 12, 2014, Senator McCain praised the parties for identifying an engineering plan with an estimated cost of $776,000 which called for installing a floating pump platform that would adjust with fluctuating river elevations. In his letter, Senator McCain commended USFWS for their efforts and requested that the Director “consider the utility of entering into an intergovernmental agreement with those entities offering to assist with the project.” According to an analysis provided by AZGFD, trout-fishing supports around 1,700 jobs and generates approximately $75 million in economic activity along the Mohave County/Clark County stretch of the Lower Colorado River. Trout-stocking is important to the area’s angling community and falls under the federal government’s longstanding responsibility to mitigate for lost fishing opportunities resulting from the construction of the Hoover Dam. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=50bc3b27-2a2d-456c-8590-a10c60ac2ca1,STATEMENT BY SENATOR JOHN McCAIN ON AFGHANISTAN,2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) released the following statement today on the Obama Administration’s formal declaration of end to combat operations in Afghanistan: “No one should mistake the Administration's declared end of combat operations in Afghanistan with an end of our mission there. While our troops and civilians are making steady progress in supporting our Afghan partners in securing their country and defeating our common terrorist enemies, the truth is, this work remains unfinished. Indeed, steady reports of Taliban offensives are a painful reminder of that fact. “In order not to squander the hard-fought gains that our fellow citizens have made in Afghanistan, the Administration needs to give the thousands of U.S. forces that will remain in the country beyond this year the authorities they need to train, advise, and assist our Afghan partners in finishing the mission that we undertook together after the attacks of September 11, 2001. The Administration must also replace its calendar-driven draw-down of U.S. forces with a plan based on conditions on the ground. If this is not done, and if the Administration insists on pulling all U.S. forces out of the country for political reasons, Afghanistan will deteriorate just as Iraq has since 2011. That would not just be a tragedy for the Afghan people; it would put the American people in far greater danger.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=1bf9411a-ef10-4504-8063-50d4d5904cfd,Johnson Announces Staff Mobile Office Hours,2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington – Sen. Ron Johnson announced today that his staff would be available for mobile office hours at the dates and locations listed below. These office hours allow constituents to meet with the senator’s staff to request assistance with a federal agency or regarding other federal matters. Note: Staff led mobile office hours are closed to press.  Recording devices of any kind are not allowed.  These restrictions are put in place for the privacy of constituents we are here to assist. Tuesday, Dec. 30, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. E. Troy Village Hall, Meeting Room B 2015 Energy Drive, E. Troy Tuesday, Dec. 30, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Germantown Village Hall N112 W17001 Mequon Road, Germantown Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Menomonee Falls Village Hall, Board Room W156N8480 Pilgrim Road, Menomonee Falls Tuesday, Jan. 6, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. Fond du Lac Municipal Building 160 S. Macy St., Fond du Lac Wednesday, Jan. 7, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. Ashwaubenon Village Offices 2155 Holmgren Way, Ashwaubenon Wednesday, Jan. 7, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Door County Government Center, Peninsula Room C112 421 Nebraska St., Sturgeon Bay Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Marinette Municipal Building 1905 Hall Ave., Marinette ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://byrne.house.gov//media-center/columns/year-in-review,Year in Review,2014-12-28,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"When I was elected to Congress last December, I vowed to hit the ground running from day one to make Southwest Alabama a better place to live, work and raise a family. In honor of the New Year, I wanted to take this opportunity to look back at some of the highlights from my first year in Congress. My first legislative action was to cosponsor H.R. 3121, the American Health Care Reform Act, which repeals ObamaCare and replaces it with common-sense, market based reforms. Throughout the past year, I have repeatedly supported legislation designed to repeal and reform ObamaCare and actually make health care more affordable and accessible for middle class families. I received positions on two committees vitally important to our area: the Armed Services Committee and the Natural Resources Committee. These assignments were a victory for South Alabama jobs. After speaking with friends and neighbors in our community, we concluded that these were the two avenues where we could do the most good for our home. In March, I voted in support of H.R. 3370, the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act. This bill slowed down the pace of rate hikes for coastal Alabama residents, allowing time to ensure that sound science is being used to create federal flood maps. A few weeks later, I accepted a position on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. Education is an issue that is a passion of mine, and I have seen firsthand how the federal government’s intrusions can hamper student success. The Committee also put me on a strong position to promote job training programs and fight back against the activist National Labor Relations Board. In April, after it was announced the Red Snapper season in federal waters would only last nine days, I introduced my first standalone piece of legislation: the SNAPR Act. The legislation would repeal Section 407(d) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, which mandates inflexible quotas on recreational and commercial fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico. In May, following the heartbreaking scandal at VA medical facilities around the country, I joined many of my colleagues in calling on VA Secretary Eric Shinseki to resign. Weeks later, Secretary Shinseki resigned and was replaced by Robert McDonald. Around the same time, Congress passed the Veterans’ Access to Care through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act. Most importantly, the bill included reforms to increase veteran access to private care, but more work is certainly needed. In June, I held my 25th town hall meeting in Lillian. Since then, we have held even more town hall meetings brining to the total number to over 30. In addition to holding the in-person town hall meetings, I also held telephone town halls and answered questions from constituents during a Facebook town hall.  In response to many outrageous executive overreaches by President Obama and his administration, I supported a lawsuit against the President in July. Everywhere I go, I hear the same thing over and over again: This President will not stay within the bounds of the Constitution of the United States or the laws passed by this body and the Senate. I wish a lawsuit wasn’t necessary, but I believed it was one of the best ways to rein in the out-of-control executive. Also in July, the Federal Highway Administration finally released the draft Environmental Impact Statement on the I-10 Mobile River bridge project. This step was almost ten years in the making, and it represented a significant breakthrough in the process of getting a bridge built. I will continue pushing for this project which is critically important to our entire region. In August, in response to a dangerous influx of illegal immigrants crossing our southern border, I voted for legislation that would boost border security and end one of President Obama’s amnesty programs. President Obama’s continued threat of executive action has only exacerbated the problem of illegal immigration, and I look forward to a serious debate early next year on the immigration issue. This fall, I traveled to the Middle East to meet with United States military personnel and visit with foreign leaders. During the trip, I made stops in Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Morocco. One common theme I picked up on during the trip was the lack of United States leadership and a clear strategy in the region. Whether it is ISIS in Iraq, Hamas in Gaza, the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Boko Haram in Africa, or al-Qaeda throughout the Middle East, Islamic extremists are on the rise. Most recently, we were able to secure funding for the construction of four new Littoral Combat Ships, which are built in part by Austal in Mobile. The same week, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel announced that the current LCS variants will be modified instead of creating a new ship design. This means the Navy will continue building ships in Mobile for a long time. There is no doubt many challenges remain, but I am proud of the many accomplishments from my first year in Congress. As we head into the New Year, I will continue advocating for our shared conservative values and fighting for Alabama jobs. It is an honor to represent you in Congress.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsletter?ContentRecord_id=51f81a13-fcaf-4020-a8a0-e2d8e92e242e,Kansas Common Sense - Kansas Listening Tour Continues,2014-12-28,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,KS,Jerry Moran,M000934,www.moran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Hello,   Welcome to “Kansas Common Sense.” I hope you and your family are enjoying this holiday season. Robba and I enjoyed a peaceful Christmas with our family and we wish you and yours a very Happy New Year. In January, Capitol Hill begins to forge a new path and I am hopeful 2015 will bring a Congress better capable of working together for the well-being of our nation. I look forward to advocating for pro-growth policies that create jobs and more economic opportunity for every American. On Friday, I spoke with Kelly Lenz on the Kansas Ag Network to discuss trade with Cuba, my new committee assignments for the 114th Congress and the Farm Bill. Click here to listen. Thank you for your continued interest in receiving my weekly newsletter. Please feel free to forward it on to your family and friends if it would interest them.   Kansas Listening Tour Continues This week, I continued my Kansas Listening Tour with four stops in Harper, Barber, Edwards, and Stafford Counties. The issues I focus on and work I do in Washington, D.C., are largely based on the conversations I have with Kansans so making certain I am home to visit with folks is my top priority. I was proud to learn this week that I led my Senate colleagues in hosting the most town hall meetings in 2014 with 80 Listening Tour Stops throughout Kansas. You can visit my website for upcoming Kansas Listening Tour stops in your community. On Monday, about 15 residents in Harper County joined me at Chaparral High School in Anthony to share feedback on a number of issues facing our country. Topics of discussion included rural access to health care, getting veterans the health care they need, the farm bill and regulatory issues related to agriculture and the oil & gas industry. Thanks again to all those who took the time to share their thoughts and concerns with me, and thank you to Dana Craig for helping to organize my visit. From Harper County, I headed to Medicine Lodge in Barber County where I visited with folks at People's Bank, including Dennis Ricke, Barber County Farm Bureau President, who discussed the Lesser Prairie Chicken. While in Medicine Lodge, I also had the opportunity to visit Medicine Lodge Memorial Hospital and Physician's Clinic where I met with CFO Tom Lee and his wife Suzanne Lee, Executive Director of the Medicine Lodge Community Health Foundation, and received a tour of the hospital. Medicine Lodge Memorial Hospital recently completed Phase 2 of its renovations and I was very impressed with the new facility. Finally, I visited with Sloane Freeman at the pharmacy in Medicine Lodge and saw their newly renovated drug store in an old grocery store. In addition to providing patients with advice and filling prescriptions, locals like to come in and grab coffee at the pharmacy. The Freeman’s truly provide a great service to the community. My third Listening Tour stop this week was in Edwards County where I held a town hall meeting at St. Bernard Parish Hall in Belpre. The folks in attendance were interested in discussing a range of topics including changes to U.S. relations with Cuba, the importance of approving the Keystone XL pipeline in the next Congress, the sanctity of life, immigration, and tax reform. The community expressed thanks for the efforts to protect local Post Offices. I appreciated their kind words. Thanks again to former County Commissioner Marge Scheufler for helping organize my visit and to all who shared their thoughts and concerns. My final stop Monday was in Stafford County at the Courthouse Annex in St. John. Topics of discussion ranged from concerns with Obamacare and access to rural health care, to the Marketplace Fairness Act and the importance of agriculture and water to our state. Thanks again to the concerned citizens who attended. And thank you to the Stafford County Kansas Farm Bureau for hosting and Sharilyn McNickle for helping to organize. I appreciate these opportunities to hear from Kansans. I have upcoming Listening Tour stops next Monday in Burdett at the Burdett Senior Center, in Jetmore at King Center, and in Ness City at the Ness County Courthouse. On Wednesday, I will be at the Community Building in Fairview. Friday I will be hosting town halls at the Scott County Hospital meeting room and then in the community room of the Lane County Courthouse. On Tuesday Jan. 6th I will be in Lenexa at Firehouse #3 auditorium.  You can find out more about these town hall meetings in the sidebar of this newsletter. As I continue to schedule Listening Tour stops, I look forward to hearing from folks across the state.   Thanks to Fall/Winter 2014 Interns My own interest in public service was sparked by an internship for Kansas First District Congressman Keith Sebelius in 1974. As an intern, I had the chance to learn firsthand how a Congressional office operates and how the legislative process works. I am proud to be able to offer this same opportunity in my Senate office today where I have interns year-round who have a unique opportunity to work closely with my staff on behalf of Kansas. Thanks to the fall/winter 2015 interns — Nathan Yunker of Hays, Fort Hays State University; and Jakob Provo of El Dorado, KansasWesleyan University — for all of your hard work. I wish you the best of luck as you pursue your dreams and begin your careers. Applications are already being accepted for internships in my Washington, D.C., office for the summer 2015 term. Congressional internships are open to qualified undergraduate and graduate students who have an interest in public service and have achieved academic excellence.   Honored to Serve You in Washington It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard. Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C., office.   Very truly yours, Jerry",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/opinion-editorials?ContentRecord_id=cf46ab68-8175-4643-b387-660f087ec547,"McCain in The Arizona Republic: ""Copper Mine Will Boost Economy, Protect Sacred Sites""",2014-12-28,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"The Arizona Republic This month, Congress approved and the president signed into law legislation that paves the way for the expansion of the Resolution Copper Mine in Superior. I'm extremely proud to have worked as a team with my Arizona colleagues in the Senate and House, most notably Sen. Jeff Flake and Reps. Paul Gosar and Ann Kirkpatrick, to advance this legislation. The Resolution Copper Mine is a tremendous opportunity for Arizona and the United States, economically and strategically. This project will tap the largest copper deposit ever discovered in North America. Over time, it will produce 25 percent of U.S copper demand. Perhaps most importantly, the mine will create an estimated 3,700 mining and mining-related jobs and generate over $61 billion in economic activity over 60 years, according to an independent study by Elliot D. Pollak & Company. That is the economic equivalent of Arizona hosting two Super Bowls every year for more than half a century. Arizona is the nation's top copper-producing state and Superior is part of that legacy. The Resolution Copper Mine is built on top of Superior's old Magma Mine. The mine site was reopened in 2004 as the Resolution Copper Mine after billions of dollars in capital investment brought new technologies that made it possible to bore deeper into the ore body. However, in order to maximize production and job growth, the mine must expand its footprint onto adjacent Forest Service property. Nearly 10 years ago, Sen. Jon Kyl and I first introduced a bill known as the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act, which proposed to transfer approximately 2,400 acres of Forest Service land to Resolution Copper so the mine could grow. In exchange, the company would transfer to the federal government about 5,000 acres of the company's most environmentally significant land throughout the state. Unfortunately, our bill was stalled for many years over concerns raised by environmental groups, some of whom take a hard-line position against mining. Native American tribes began voicing speculation about the mine's potential to damage nearby areas. While the land exchange does not involve any Indian lands or federally recognized sacred sites, tribes worried that the majestic Apache Leap Cliff — celebrated by Apache folklore — could somehow be impacted by the mine. Years of congressional hearings examined these and other concerns. After much negotiation, a bipartisan, bicameral compromise bill was added to the National Defense Authorization Act. This was entirely appropriate, given that copper is the second most-utilized metal by the Defense Department. But it is important to note that the land exchange bill contains several key bipartisan concessions that make it fundamentally different from the original bill. First, the mine will be required to undergo a full environmental impact study before any land is traded. Second, the bill mitigates Native American concerns over the loss of Oak Flat Campground, where traditional activities are occasionally organized. As a condition of the land exchange, tribes can continue to use Oak Flat for many years until the company needs to mine underneath it. Finally, the bill forbids the mine from damaging Apache Leap and designates the cliffs as a Forest Service special management area, placing it under permanent federal protection. I respect the views of environmental advocates and Native Americans. But I also believe this legislation strikes the right balance in allowing the mine to move forward while addressing their concerns. Arizona is ready for this mine, and Resolution Copper is ready to hire from surrounding communities and tribal members whenever possible, as they've publicly pledged. I'm very proud that by working together, we were able to advance this crucial project, one that will contribute to Arizona's economic prosperity throughout the 21st century.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/oklahoman-what-others-said-reaction-us-sen-tom-coburns-retirement-private-life-oklahoma,The Oklahoman: What others said in reaction to U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn's retirement to private life in Oklahoma,2014-12-27,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Oklahoman  State and federal officials gave their thoughts on the retirement of U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn: U.S. Rep. James Lankford, R-Oklahoma City: “Dr. Tom Coburn has been the leading voice in Washington for fiscal responsibility since the first day he stepped onto the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. His retirement from the Senate will leave a huge void. Dr. Coburn has been a consistent and articulate voice for the American taxpayer and the next generation. No one was more effective fighting for responsible spending and against government waste in both the House and Senate. In the three years I have served in the House, I looked to Dr. Coburn as the epitome of a citizen legislator. He kept his eye on the ball and worked relentlessly to bring sanity to government fiscal policy. His leadership and wise counsel will be missed. I join Oklahomans across the state in thanking Dr. Coburn for his sacrificial years of public service, and I will pray that he and Carolyn enjoy many years together in the next chapter of their lives.” U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Tulsa: “I regret to say that there are times in our service together when we have not been in agreement on specific issues and I think we have a characteristic in common. I think we’re both kind of bull-headed and that has created some temporary hard feelings, but there’s one thing that overshadows that. You know Jesus has a family and his family has a lot of people in it. Some are here in this room. Tom Coburn and I are brothers. ... I want my junior senator to know that I sincerely love him and I’m going to be hurting with him in the troubles that he has right now and might have in the future and will sorely miss him in this body.” Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin: “Senator Coburn is one of the most influential voices in American politics today and will most certainly be missed in Congress. He has been a relentless advocate for responsible spending and has worked endlessly on ways to reduce our country’s deficit and to warn policymakers and citizens of its increasing threat to our economy. He has been a tough fiscal conservative during his years in Congress, and he will be remembered as a vigilant watchdog for all of America’s taxpayers. Tom Coburn is a true hero to the American taxpayer. No one has done more to stop wasteful spending in Washington than he has.” U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.: “I’m going to miss a lot my colleague from Oklahoma. I’ve always admired his strength of convictions and the courage and candor with which he expresses them day after day. The No. 1 thing people should do in Congress, Tom once said, is stay true to their heart. No one in the history of this institution has ever followed that injunction more faithfully than Tom Coburn has. Tom Coburn has an unshakeable faith in the goodness of America and he has worked diligently with others when he could and alone if necessary to make sure government respects the people we serve, respects their hopes and aspirations, their concerns and sacrifices.” U.S. Rep. Tom Cole, R-Moore: “During his 16-year congressional career, Tom Coburn established himself as an Oklahoma original — conservative in his thinking, populist in his rhetoric and independent in his operating style. Coburn raised awareness of the dangers of overspending and inadequately funded entitlement programs. And he was relentlessly critical of both the voters and those in the political elite who were unwilling to make the hard choices required to confront America's deficit and long-term debt.” Online: The Oklahoman",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://culberson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398202,Culberson Stands With Texas in Fight Against Amnesty,2014-12-27,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,TX,John Culberson,C001048,culberson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Culberson Stands With Texas in Fight Against Amnesty f t # e Houston, TX, December 27, 2014 Culberson Stands With Texas in Fight Against Amnesty   Houston, TX—Congressman John Culberson (TX-07) joined an amicus brief supporting the State of Texas’s lawsuit against President Obama’s illegal executive actions on amnesty. Twenty-three other states have already joined the lawsuit, and more than sixty Members of Congress have signed onto the amicus brief filed by the American Center for Law and Justice.   ""President Obama's overreach is unprecedented. From Obamacare to the IRS scandals to his executive amnesty, no president has shown less regard for the rule of law. This week, I signed onto an amicus brief led by the State of Texas challenging President Obama's unconstitutional amnesty. I'm proud to stand with Texas as we work to restore our Constitution and the rule of law.    “The structure and stability of our constitutional system depends on the President enforcing the laws Congress enacts—not ignoring or rewriting them. I applaud Governor-elect Abbott and the twenty-three other states for their efforts in holding the Obama administration accountable. Elected officials have a duty to defend the Constitution and represent their constituents, and this legal challenge does both. I'm proud that Texas is taking the lead, and I will support Governor-elect Abbott's efforts in every way possible.” f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://stivers.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398497,"With his star hitched to Boehner, Stivers on the rise",2014-12-27,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OH,Steve Stivers,S001187,stivers.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – When Rep. Steve Stivers begins his third term in the House next month, the Columbus Republican will have a new spot at the center of the legislative action. share: f t WASHINGTON – When Rep. Steve Stivers begins his third term in the House next month, the Columbus Republican will have a new spot at the center of the legislative action.That's because GOP leaders, in a surprise move, awarded Stivers a seat on the powerful House Rules Committee in the 114th Congress. The panel sets the terms of debate for nearly every piece of legislation that goes to the House floor and decides which amendments, if any, will receive a vote. Also known as ""the speaker's committee,"" it's how the House speaker controls a bill's fate. Stivers' new assignment, announced in mid-December, comes after he was tapped for a second stint in the GOP leadership, as a deputy to House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La. As a member of Scalise's ""whip team,"" Stivers is one of a half-dozen lawmakers charged with making sure GOP leaders have enough votes to get their legislative priorities passed in the House. The two positions will be ""a very powerful combination,"" said former GOP Rep. Deborah Pryce, who represented Ohio's 15th district for 16 years before retiring in 2009. Stivers, she said, will be ""right in the middle of everything."" Stivers said he had been pursuing a spot on the House Budget Committee but switched gears when House Speaker John Boehner, R-West Chester, asked him if he would fill an opening on the Rules Committee instead. ""It's a chance to really influence the process,"" said Stivers, a soldier who serves in the Ohio Army National Guard. He said he'll be involved in every major issue that comes before the House -- including health care, tax policy and national security. Others echoed that assessment and said Stivers' elevated role is a sign he's become one of Boehner's most trusted allies. ""It's a reflection of confidence from leadership,"" said Norman Ornstein, a congressional expert at the American Enterprise Institute, a centrist Washington think tank. Kara Hauck, a spokeswoman for Boehner, said he sees Stivers as a ""leader who works hard to get the job done, and the speaker looks forward to having him serve in this new role."" Stivers has long been on Boehner's radar. When Pryce announced her retirement in 2008, Boehner recruited Stivers, then a state lawmaker, to run for the open seat. Stivers narrowly lost narrowly lost that race to Democrat Mary Jo Kilroy. But he tried again in 2010, again at Boehner's urging, and won the rematch. Raised in Ripley, Stivers is a garrulous, well-liked lawmaker with a relatively moderate voting record. He earned a 57 percent conservative score in 2013 from the National Journal, a nonpartisan Washington magazine that analyzes key votes. Dubbed a ""rising GOP star"" by some political pundits, Stivers also has a reputation as a Boehner loyalist, sticking by the speaker as he dealt with conservative revolts and tea party attacks. Stivers voted with GOP leaders 92 percent of the time in the 113th Congress, according to an analysis by the Washington Post. Conservatives may not be so smitten with him. The Club for Growth, a right-leaning advocacy group, gave Stivers a 56 percent score for his votes in 2013. That's well below other central Ohio Republicans such as Jim Jordan, R-Urbana, who scored 97 percent. Club for Growth spokesman Barney Keller declined to comment on Stivers' votes or his leadership ties, saying his scorecard ""speaks for itself."" Given his long-time friendship with Boehner, it's no surprise Stivers is starting his third term with a seat at the leadership table. It comes at a critical moment for the GOP, with Boehner and other leaders desperate to prove they can govern and break the gridlock that has paralyzed Congress. ""I hope to be able to actually make a difference,"" said Stivers. ""It's been really frustrating to be in Congress the last four years."" In his role on the whip team, Stivers is charged with finding out how Republicans are going to vote on key bills and stamping out any opposition before the legislation hits the floor. ""He's one of the hardest workers I know,"" Scalise said. ""Steve is one of those guys, he sets his mind to it and goes and get things done. I've always wanted him on my team (for) anything I've done."" On the Rules Committee, Stivers faces a different challenge -- fielding pleas from colleagues for votes on their provisions. ""An awful lot of members from both parties who want amendments come to you, and you can help them or not help them,"" Ornstein said. At the same time, Stivers will be under pressure from GOP leaders who want to avoid contentious votes and drawn-out floor fights. Stivers said he's knows he'll face competing demands. He said he'll use the committee post to focus on ""what's right for the bill and what's right for America and what can pass.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cramer.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rail-companies-issue-new-status-reports-on-grain-car-backlog-8,Rail Companies Issue New Status Reports on Grain Car Backlog,2014-12-26,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"BNSF Number of outstanding cars Average number of days late Number of new car orders Number of car orders filled Number of orders canceled by shipper Number of orders canceled by railroad",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398120,Forbes: Huizenga's Subcommittee Appointment Shows Hope For Fed Reform,2014-12-26,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,MI,Bill Huizenga,H001058,huizenga.house.gov,,,legacy,"Earlier this week, Forbes published a piece detailing why it is important for the Federal Reserve to adopt a rule to determine how it will make decisions regarding monetary policy.  Congressman Huizenga has been an advocate for the Federal Reserve to adopt such a rule and has introduced legislation to increase transparency and accountability at ""The Fed."" In January, Congressman Huizenga will chair the subcommittee on Monetary Policy and Trade that has direct jurisdiction over how the Federal Reserve operates and conducts business. Below are highlights from the Forbes piece - the full piece if available by clicking on the link below.A Case For A Monetary RuleThe Federal Reserve has long been the world’s most powerful central bank and has become even more so since the 2008 financial crisis. The Fed chairman not only has wide discretion over the course of monetary policy but also over financial regulation. ... In an uncertain world, rules are necessary to limit power and bring about order. The institutional and property rights structure comprise the rules of the game. To be effective, rules must be enforced and widely accepted. This is as true for rules of the road and sports as it is for monetary rules. ...The Fed has a dual mandate to promote price stability and full employment, but there is no monetary rule. Monetary policy depends on forecasting the real economy—and the Fed’s forecasting record is dismal. Not one of the Fed’s large staff of top university PhD economists forecast the Great Recession. The Fed chairman did not predict the subprime crisis or the Great Recession, and the Fed’s army of sophisticated models didn’t predict it either. Actual data is always backward looking, no one knows the future. Yet, Fed Chairwoman Janet Yellen and her Federal Open Market Committee base their decisions about the course of monetary policy—that is, their stance on the benchmark federal funds rate—on guesses about the path of the economy. ...   Given the Fed’s poor history, now is the appropriate time to have a national debate on the issue of rules versus discretion in the conduct of monetary policy, to consider the limits of monetary policy, and to explore alternatives to the current regime. That is why it is essential to reintroduce the “Federal Reserve Accountability and Transparency Act” (H.R. 5018) in the new Congress and for Jeb Hensarling (R-TX), chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, to continue his “Federal Reserve Centennial Oversight Project.”  With Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-MI) heading the Financial Services Subcommittee on Monetary Policy and Trade in January, there is an opportunity to have a meaningful discussion on the role of the Fed, its powers as delegated by Congress, and the case for a rules-based approach to monetary policy.Read the full article from Forbes.com HERE",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://jasonsmith.house.gov//media-center/weekly-capitol-report/capitol-report-the-year-ahead,Capitol Report: The Year Ahead,2014-12-26,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,MO,Jason Smith,S001195,jasonsmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"The House and Senate will officially be sworn in for their next term in January and there is a lot of work to be done. In the next Congress, I will be working with a larger House majority and new Senate majority, and we will hit the ground running on day one to provide relief to Americans throughout the country, especially in rural America. With the House and Senate finally working together, I anticipate many more bills going to the president’s desk. He has been able to hide behind the Democrat-dominated Senate for far too long. With good bills and conservative solutions coming to the president’s desk, he will soon have to decide if he is more interested in moving America forward or continuing his “my way or the highway” style. One of the first bills we plan to send the president will be a repeal of Obamacare. Though it is unlikely the president will repeal his namesake bill, Republicans in the House and Senate will have many opportunities to send the president legislation that will fix some of the most disastrous portions of the law. I continue to hear story after story of folks being dropped from their plans, their premiums skyrocketing, and businesses laying off employees just to comply. In the 114th Congress we are going to work diligently to repeal this atrocity and offer people some relief. Hopefully our president will also be interested in alleviating the burdens that Obamacare has produced. I am also working to make The SCRUB Act another bill that comes across the president’s desk in the 114th Congress. I'm hearing more and more stories of government regulations strangling businesses as I travel throughout the district. They are facing potential EPA regulations on every puddle of water, new ozone standards not even national forests can achieve, and the list goes on. This flood of regulations makes it difficult to do business, but The SCRUB Act offers some hope for relief. The SCRUB Act would identify and eliminate outdated and ineffective regulations. It would create a bipartisan commission to review regulations and make recommendations for repeal. The bill has also been introduced in the Senate, and I am committed to getting it passed and sent to the president for signature. Our tax code is entirely too long and complex. Working to make the tax code fairer and simpler has been a long-standing goal of mine and is a priority of the Ways and Means Committee I will be serving on next Congress. I am pushing to make rural issues a priority when it comes to the tax code. For example there is an equipment depreciation credit which allows individuals to deduct the cost of the equipment they use on their farms and in their businesses from their taxes. It was just extended for the 2014 tax year, but making it permanent will give folks more certainty in planning for the future. Reforming the individual income tax is also important, because that is how 96 percent of farms are taxed. With a tax code as difficult to understand as ours, it’s no wonder that more than three in five Americans pay for help preparing their taxes. There is a lot of work to be done in the next Congress. The priorities I am pursuing in the 114th Congress are the priorities of our district and rural America. We are going to have to make up for lost time while more than 387 House solutions, including almost 50 jobs bills, have been stuck in the Senate, but I have confidence we can get it done.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398511,Blaine's Bulletin: Looking Ahead to the 114th Congress,2014-12-26,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,MO,Blaine Luetkemeyer,L000569,luetkemeyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"With the new year right around the corner, I wanted to take the opportunity to talk about pieces of legislation that I am excited to reintroduce and regulations that I will continue to monitor and combat that are coming down from the administration. share: f t With the new year right around the corner, I wanted to take the opportunity to talk about pieces of legislation that I am excited to reintroduce and regulations that I will continue to monitor and combat that are coming down from the administration. Since I’ve been in Congress, I have been a strong advocate for more transparency in the federal government. So often I hear from you wondering what stage certain agencies are at in a particular rule-making process or you need clarification of what exactly a proposed rule means. With the hundreds of proposed rules coming monthly out of the administration, I wanted to introduce legislation that would require agencies to create a plain language summary to provide more transparency and clarity. Specifically, my legislation, the Providing Accountability through Transparency Act would require each government agency, in providing notice of a rule making, to include a link to a 100 word plain language summary of the proposed rule. Government agencies have a habit of creating long-winded rules that don’t make sense unless you are an expert in that field. My legislation would require a short summary and states the agency must provide a web link at regulations.gov to make it accessible so Americans can easily find and understand the proposed rule. One rule in particular that I have closely monitored is out of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and would require costly new standards for wood burning stoves and heating systems that would effectively prohibit the manufacture and sale of 85 perfect of wood burning heaters currently on the market. Earlier this year, I introduced legislation that would halt this attempt by the EPA called the Wood Stove Regulatory Relief Act. The final rule from the EPA is supposed to be announced early next year. With nearly 90 percent of wood stove manufacturers that operate as small businesses and with many homes in the 3rd District that use wood burning stoves as the primary source of heat, it is my hope this proposed rule is reversed. Lastly, another piece of legislation that will help Americans in our rural areas is the Mobile Mammography Promotion Act. My legislation would increase access to breast cancer screening by providing relief from the federal fuel excise tax for “mammovans,” vehicles designed exclusively to provide mobile mammography services that travel to underserved areas. I have sponsored this legislation for the past two Congresses and it is my hope that in the 114th Congress, this bill will make it to the House floor so that regular mammography screenings become a reality for those many underserved individuals. It is my hope the 114th Congress can put a halt to many of the regulations that are burdening our nation’s small businesses and families and we can work together to address not only the topics just discussed but all of your priorities as well.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sanford.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sanford-issues-statement-on-passing-of-governor-jim-edwards,SANFORD ISSUES STATEMENT ON PASSING OF GOVERNOR JIM EDWARDS,2014-12-26,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,SC,Mark Sanford,S000051,sanford.house.gov,,,legacy,"Contact: Martha Morris Main: 202-225-3176 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SANFORD ISSUES STATEMENT ON PASSING OF GOVERNOR JIM EDWARDS WASHINGTON, DC Today, Representative Mark Sanford released the following statement on the passing of Governor Jim Edwards: South Carolina lost today a great leader, a visionary Republican, and an even more remarkable and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. Governor Edwards has always been extraordinary not only for all that he has accomplished but the way in which he did so. He had an ever-warm spirit that was infectious for the way that he showed concern and care for so many of us in the Lowcountry and across the state, and in that regard, he will be particularly missed. My prayers and thoughts go to Ann and the family. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/weekly-columns?ContentRecord_id=30345af0-25b8-4164-9e9f-47395948e03d,Keystone A Jumpstart for Economy,2014-12-26,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AR,John Boozman,B001236,www.boozman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"In a recent survey sent to more than 30,000 Arkansans, I asked what issues the new majority in the Senate should focus on in the upcoming 114th Congress. Participants told me that one of their top priorities is an all-of-the-above energy policy that addresses current and future energy needs.  There is bipartisan agreement in the Senate that our energy policy must include the construction of the Keystone Pipeline. Unfortunately for more than six years, the President has refused to approve the permit to allow its construction. This is a commonsense plan to help reduce our dependence on oil from unstable regions and help create jobs in Arkansas.  Officials at Welspun Tubular, the Little Rock based company hired to produce hundreds of miles of pipe for the project, estimate that 150 jobs will be created just to load pipe onto rail cars for shipment when the project gets the green light.  Instead of being used to transport oil, the pipe is collecting dust. I saw the pipe that was created for the project during a tour of Welspun earlier this month. The longer the project is stalled, the more likely additional work will have to be done to the pipe including added inspections and recovering the pipe with a special anti-corrosive coating.  The economic impact has wide reach in our state. Blytheville’s Nucor Corporation was slated to make some of the steel for the pipe. A central Arkansas Caterpillar employee wrote to me about the importance of this project to his job because of its impact on his livelihood. ‘The Keystone pipeline project would be a huge boost to us,” he wrote.  Once built, the pipeline will provide a safe and reliable supply of energy. The project will help maintain lower fuels prices, which is good for all Arkansans -- at the gas pump, at the store, and for job creation.  I have repeatedly urged the administration to stop delaying the permit, and I have voted for legislation to expedite the pipeline’s construction.  It wasn’t until November that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid finally allowed a vote on this important legislation. Unfortunately it was for political reasons and the legislation fell one vote short of passing. I’m confident that the Republican-controlled Senate will be able to pass this legislation.  This proposed 1,700 mile pipeline would transport 700,000 barrels of oil per day from Canada to U.S. refineries along the Gulf Coast. Tapping into these oil sands will offer us a reliable source of energy from our strongest ally and trading partner and according to the Department of Energy will provide enough oil to, for example, offset imports from Venezuela.  Opponents of the project point to environmental concerns, but the Obama Administration has conducted several environmental studies and each has concluded there would be no significant environmental impact along the proposed route. A new, modern pipeline poses less risk to the environment than other modes of transportation.  While the administration continues to reject this project, the next Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell, says Keystone will be the Senate’s first order of business in the next Congress. I will continue to support this plan because it will put Arkansans to work and provide a reliable source of energy for our future.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/az?ContentRecord_id=24c3a0dc-6bf1-4f5e-9448-ffe79916c1e5,"PHOENIX, AZ - ARIZONA LIVESTOCK SHOW",2014-12-26,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WHAT: Arizona Livestock Show WHERE: Phoenix WHEN: 12/26-12/31 DESCRIPTION: The Arizona National Livestock Show is the largest livestock show in the Southwest, an annual Phoenix tradition since 1948. Exhibitors travel from over 19 states across the country, bringing nearly 1,700 head of the nation's best cattle, horses, sheep, goats, swine and poultry to enter the competition.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/explore-arizona?ContentRecord_id=1e742fde-89e8-482e-97cc-a204e9aa66a8,Arizona Scenic Drive: Dos Cabezas Mountains,2014-12-26,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"There may be no better way to sample the sights of southeastern Arizona than a circumnavigation of the Dos Cabezas Mountains. (Geologically, the mountains are simply the northernmost extension of the Chiricahuas, but, historically, they are a range unto themselves.) The trip takes you past an old Army fort, a rugged wilderness, a charming little museum dedicated to one of Arizona's native sons and a winery tasting room. Part of the route is unpaved, but the road is in generally good condition and, unless the weather's bad, you can make the trip in a sedan. Things to note along the way: Fort Bowie National Historic Site: History seems tangible at Fort Bowie, the Army's center of operations in southeastern Arizona from 1862 to 1894. The fairly easy, 11/2-mile walk to the old fort transports you back in time, giving you a real appreciation for how the soldiers who once lived here must have felt. Along the way you'll see an old Butterfield Stage Station, the Post Cemetery, the site of the Chiricahua Apache Indian Agency and Apache Spring, the life-giving source of water at the center of the area's many conflicts. Guests who can't make the walk can check the website to see how they can drive there. (Click on Directions.) Details: 520-847-2500, www.nps.gov/fobo. Dos Cabezas Mountains: If you've ever driven past Willcox or Bowie, you've seen the ""two heads"" from which the mountains derive their name. The granite peaks, nearly identical in appearance from most angles, are about 8,350 feet high. The nearly 12,000-acre Dos Cabezas Mountains Wilderness has a few springs but no developed hiking trails. Keeling Schaefer Vineyards: This winery has created award-winning wines, including a Grenache and a Chardonnay that were rated 86 by Wine Spectator magazine. This producer offers tastings at its room in what used to be the Willcox Bank and Trust building. Details: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays. 154 N. Railroad Ave., Willcox. Tastings cost $7 and include a commemorative glass. 520-824-2500, keelingschaefervineyards.com. Don't miss: The Rex Allen Arizona Cowboy Museum honors one of the great singing cowboys. Allen, born on a ranch about 40 miles from Willcox, played guitar and sang at local events as a child before gaining fame on the WLS radio show ""National Barn Dance."" He starred in the TV series ""Frontier Doctor"" and narrated a number of Disney pictures and TV shows. Be sure to check out the park across the street from the museum. The statue of Allen there has a bronze, anatomically correct heart in it, a request Allen made as a symbol that his heart would always be in Willcox. There's also a monument to Allen's beloved horse, KoKo, who is buried in the park. Details: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. 150 N. Railroad Ave., Willcox. 520-384-4583, www.rexallenmuseum.org. Total miles: About 460 miles, round trip. From central Phoenix, take Interstate 10 east about 115 miles to Tucson, and then continue east about 105 miles. At Bowie (Exit 362), take Apache Pass Road south about 13 miles to Fort Bowie National Historic Site. After your visit, continue southwest on Apache Pass Road about 8 miles. At Arizona 186, turn northwest (right) and go about 22 miles to Willcox. Return to the Valley via I-10. This article was originally published in The Arizona Republic.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-statement-on-passing-of-governor-james-edwards,Senator Scott Statement on Passing of Governor James Edwards,2014-12-25,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Thursday | December 25, 2014 Senator Scott Statement on Passing of Governor James Edwards Charleston, SC - U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) released the statement below following news of the death of Governor James Edwards, South Carolina's first Republican Governor since Reconstruction. ""My thoughts and prayers go out to Anne and Governor Edwards' entire family. Jim was an early mentor of mine as I entered public service, and I am forever thankful for his advice and encouragement. From the dedication of Patriot's Point during his time as Governor to his efforts expanding MUSC while serving as President, Governor Edwards has left an important legacy in our state. No matter if he was serving as a Cabinet member for President Reagan or on a board for President George H.W. Bush, we always knew that Jim's heart was here at home with the people of South Carolina."" Related Issues: Print Email Tweet Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397800,"Smith on Fox News ChannelCongressman Calls for Extradition of Convicted Murderer of NJ State Trooper to the U.S.",2014-12-24,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04), a vocal critic of President Obama’s decision to embrace the Castro regime after decades of human rights abuses, including the harboring of fugitives, appearred on Fox News Channel today reiterated his call to Cuba to extradite Joanne Chesimard, the convicted murderer of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster.    Smith noted the long record of human rights violations of Fidel Castro and Raul Castro, and has said the Castro brothers should be tried at The Hague for their brutal crimes against humanity—including mass murder, torture and unjust incarceration.Watch the latest video at video.foxnews.com     Smith and Rep. Albio Sires (NJ-08) unveiled the“Walter Patterson and Werner Foerster Justice and Extradition Act” (H.R. 3585) in 2013. The bill, sponsored by Smith, would require the executive branch to report to Congress on the number of fugitives in Cuba and other countries which our government is seeking to extradite, the efforts it has undertaken to secure their return, how often it is successful, and factors that have prevented their return. The information would allow Congress to evaluate and strengthen the executive branch’s efforts to extradite fugitives.    The bill is also named after Walter Patterson who was also brutally murdered by a killer who had been convicted, escaped prison and simply moved abroad beyond the reach of U.S. justice.     For years Smith has been active in advocating for Cuban political prisoners, including Dr. Óscar Elías Biscet, M.D., a courageous human rights advocate who has spent over 11 years in jail. Biscet testified via telephone at a hearing chaired by Smith in 2012. Smith nominated Biscet for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2008 and again in 2011, when he led an international movement nominating him. Shortly after the nominations were made, Biscet was released. He remains in Cuba, today. It was reported he was beaten and shortly detained earlier this year.             In 2001, Smith offered an amendment to pressure the Cuban government to return fugitives killers, including Chesimard, as well as release political prisoners languishing in Cuban prisons. The amendment would have required that before the U.S. allows unrestricted leisure travel to Cuba, the Castro regime return fugitive killers living in Cuba, and that political prisoners be released.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://harper.house.gov/enewsletters/merry-christmas,Merry Christmas,2014-12-24,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,MS,Gregg Harper,H001045,harper.house.gov,,,legacy,"Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Dear Friend, As we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus, let us remember that the holiday season is also about family and the love we share for each other. It’s about gathering together to share in the traditions that we hold dear, not only as a family or a community, but as a nation. As we do that, let us not forget to express our gratitude to the men and women who serve or have served our country in the protection of our freedoms. And as we celebrate the most important reason—the Christ child who was born in a stable and brought forgiveness and peace, take a moment to help the people around you who may be having a difficult time and please extend your generosity. Scripture reminds us in 1 John 4:9, “In this way the love of God was revealed to us; God sent his only Son into the world so that we might have life through him.” I, along with Sidney, Livingston, Maggie, and my Congressional staff, wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. God Bless, Gregg Harper Member of Congress Posted: December 25, 2015",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=6C8A1306-6E3B-442C-B4A0-CB836BD18904,Fischer Applauds Grant Release for Nebraska Veterans Home,2014-12-24,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,NE,Deb Fischer,F000463,www.fischer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) released the following statement after the announcement by the Department of Veterans Affairs of $5 Million in Grants for the new Central Nebraska Veterans Home: Last night I was pleased to learn that Nebraska has been allocated $5 million in federal grants to begin construction of the new VA facility in central Nebraska. This is an important first step in a process that has been years in the making. Our veterans deserve the finest care and treatment after sacrificing so much for the freedoms we enjoy today. That's why I'm grateful to DHHS Director of Veterans Homes John Hilgert for his leadership in this effort. Ensuring that our veterans receive the quality benefits they earned will always be a top priority and I look forward to seeing this effort through to its completion. Last night, the Department of Veterans Affairs informed the Nebraska DHHS Division of Veterans Homes that they have been awarded the first of a series of grants for the new Central Nebraska Veterans Home. Nebraska will receive partial funding for this project this year and see additional funds allotted over the coming years.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hatch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/releases?ContentRecord_id=a4ad26bc-0510-464f-a5e0-ca468663b8cf,Merry Christmas from Senator Orrin G Hatch,2014-12-24,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,UT,Orrin Hatch,H000338,www.hatch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friends, As we gather this holiday season, it is natural to reflect on all those who bless our lives, our families, and our communities.  Thousands of volunteers across our state and nation feed the homeless and help make Christmas a reality for needy children and families. Even strangers stand on street corners singing carols for peace. Acts of kindness and examples of service give grateful hearts a chance to flourish.  My year has been filled with wonderful moments shared with family, friends, and Utahns from every corner of our state. You have uplifted me and strengthened my convicition that we live in a state and nation filled with wonderful people dedicated to preserving the freedoms we cherish.  Our liberties are defended by the brave men and women who serve in our nation’s armed forces and are often far away from their homes and families during this holiday season. I honor and revere our nation’s service-members and commend their dedication and sacrifice. One of the greatest privleges I have as a United States Senator is to bestow military honors on deserving veterans, or their family members, who for some reason have not received the medals they have earned. This week, I had the opportunity to give a long-overdue Silver Star Medal to Jeff Roberts, son of World War I veteran Corporal Jeremiah Roberts, who fought in the battle of Soissons France on July 18-19, 1918. Corporal Roberts was a runner in that battle, which has been credited as a pivotal turning point in the First World War. I was thrilled to present this medal to the Roberts family as a testament of the courage and heroism their father displayed during combat. Corporal Roberts’ sacrifice is the real gift that keeps giving.  Corporal Roberts is not alone—millions of Americans have bravely served our country in countless ways and sacrificed mightily for our nation to remain free.  The holidays are a season of forgiveness, they inspire acts of peace and love, and they present opportunities to celebrate renewed hope. So as the cookies are eaten, the gifts unwrapped, and the decorations enjoyed, may we all also reflect on the goodness of our neighbors, the sacrifice of many on our behalf, and the strength of our nation. Elaine and I send our very best wishes to you for a Merry Christmas and joyous New Year!",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/explore-arizona?ContentRecord_id=35115eb6-3203-4155-8767-3d926f6f32d9,2 Southern Arizona Scenic Drives,2014-12-24,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Not every scenic mountain drive need be a torturous ascent. Some skirt the flanks of high peaks, giving you great views with less white-knuckle navigating. Here are two flatland favorites in southeastern Arizona. Council Rocks There are mountains. There are hills. And then there are the Dragoons. Officially a mountain range, the rugged and enticing Dragoons defy easy categorizing. Some mountains soar. The Dragoons seem to roll over the landscape. A collection of sharp-slanted cliffs and tumbled boulders rises abruptly from shaggy grasslands and slice north to south across Cochise County near Tombstone. For 30 miles the Dragoons — surging, falling, cresting and curling — appear as if a pounding surf had somehow turned to stone. One of the best ways to see this haunting terrain, once the stronghold of Cochise and other Chiricahua Apaches, is to drive to Council Rocks. This is where Cochise signed a peace treaty in 1872 that allowed his people to remain in the mountainous region. Along the way you'll ramble across a golden savannah dotted with mesquite, yucca and agave. Sprawling oaks with bowed limbs gather at the stony base of the Dragoons. The drive begins on Middlemarch Road, just north of Tombstone, which served as a supply and patrol route between Fort Bowie and Fort Huachuca. Follow Middlemarch, a wide gravel road, for 10 miles and turn north on Forest Road 687. As you parallel the mountains on this rutted dirt track you'll see what made the Dragoons such perfect shelter for the Apaches. The slopes jut upwards in a snarl of rocky chaos. Granite spires, sheer cliffs and slashing chasms create maze and fortress. The mountains provided Cochise with food and medicine and year round water. High vantage points yielded excellent views of the valleys on either side of the mountains. The people could see the army coming two days before it arrived. The angular peaks and labyrinth of canyons were ideally suited for the Apaches' guerilla tactics. No wonder then, after 11 years of bloody warfare on the Arizona frontier, the government was eager to make peace. Turn east onto FR 687K, which leads to the Council Rocks parking area. A short but steep trail clambers into a cluster of house-size boulders and shallow caves. Ancient footholds carved into the rocks offer assistance. Evidence of fire pits and metates, where corn was ground, can be found. Dozens of pictographs adorn boulders and overhangs. Archaeologists believe the original pictographs were created by the Mogollon people nearly 1,000 years ago and were augmented by Apaches. Not much seems changed by the passage of time. Views stretch for miles across the deep-grass valley. A soothing quiet settles and it's easy to drift through eras. Don't be surprised to find yourself staying alert and vigilant, scanning the horizon for dust clouds. After all, it could be the cavalry. Length: 16.8 miles one way. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended. FR687 may be rough and rutted after heavy rain. Directions: From Phoenix, take Interstate 10 east about 156 miles to Benson. Turn south on U.S. 80 and drive 22 miles to Middlemarch Road, which begins about a mile north of Tombstone. Turn east (left) on Middlemarch and go 10 miles. Turn north (left) onto Forest Road 687 for 6.5 miles. Turn east (right) onto FR 687K and drive 0.25 mile to a small parking lot. Details: 520-364-3468, www.fs.usda.gov/coronado. Stockton Pass Sometimes big things do come in small packages. And big scenery comes on little roads. State Route 266 is one of the shortest state highways in Arizona, with just under 20 miles of pavement cutting across the rugged rangeland south of Safford. But every mile dishes up dramatic vistas as it rambles westward along the fringe of the Pinaleño Mountains. The Pinaleños are sudden mountains, an abrupt thrust. They rise in a cloud-piercing hulk with over 7,000 feet of vertical relief, more than any other mountains in the state. Yet SR 266 doesn't venture into the higher reaches like some mountain roads. Instead it rambles across the broad flanks of the hills, a relaxed and easy drive of swooping curves and gentle terrain. At about the halfway mark, it climbs through Stockton Pass at 5,600 feet and drops into broad, flat Sulphur Springs Valley. The Pinaleño Mountains are among the famed ""sky islands"" of southern Arizona. The high elevations are covered in subalpine forests, creating an isolated habitat surrounded by Sonoran Desert. The foothills are sprinkled with mesquite, soaptree yucca, prickly pear and chain-fruit cholla, a drooping tree-like cactus that is an unrepentant snagger of clothing and skin. The barbed segments break off so easily that they're often called jumping cholla. The road passes through a jumbled cluster of boulders and soon enters Coronado National Forest. Ocotillos line the slopes, limbs raised in a sort of spindly celebration. After crossing Gillespie Wash, you'll begin seeing scars of a lightning-sparked 2012 fire. The blaze was fortuitous, as it struck an area slated for a prescribed burn. Overgrown chaparral got cleaned out and the big cottonwoods and sycamores were spared. Good monsoon rain rolled in on the heels of the fire and the restoration of native grasslands is well under way. At Stockton Pass, a picnic area and campground are nestled amid the oaks and chaparral on the north side of the road. Views splash across rolling hillsides and the sprawling basin of Sulphur Springs Valley framed by the Galiuro Mountains beyond. The road descends through the grassy savannah, past the turnff to Fort Grant state prison. As you approach the small ranching outpost of Bonita, a few cottonwoods crowd in. The pavement ends at Bonita, in front of the shell of the old country store, built in 1882. Length: 20 miles one way. The road is paved to Bonita. Directions: From Safford, drive 17 miles south on U.S. 191 to State Route 266. Turn west (right) onto Arizona 266. Details: 928-428-4150, www.fs.usda.gov/coronado. This article was originally published in The Arizona Republic.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/explore-arizona?ContentRecord_id=f8044c1e-6593-4e93-ba4b-8ebb206c3d3e,"Arizona Hike: East Wing Mountain Trails, Peoria",2014-12-24,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"If you're new to hiking or looking for a way to build stamina, the East Wing Mountain cluster of trails in Peoria offers three options ranging from easy to difficult. Although none of the trails strays very far from suburban backyards, the difficult-rated summit loop gains enough elevation to provide a good workout backed by excellent views. The trail is very well constructed with hairpin switchbacks and staircase-like rock slabs that make climbing the steep chutes manageable for even novice hikers. The trek is a surprisingly quiet journey and, save for the occasional yapping of Yorkshire terriers guarding their patios, the soundtrack is one of breezes through paloverde trees and the hum of wind-rustled saguaro needles. Length: 2.4 miles. Rating: Moderate to difficult. Elevation: 1,476-1,916 feet. Where: Sonoran Mountain Ranch Park, 7098 W. Miner Trail, Peoria. From Phoenix, take Interstate 17 north to Happy Valley Road. Go west for 5 miles to 67th Avenue, then turn right and drive 2.8 miles (the road becomes Pyramid Peak Parkway) to Sonoran Mountain Ranch Road. Veer left and go 0.5 mile to Chalfen Boulevard, turn left, continue 0.1 mile to Miner Trail and follow the signs to Sonoran Mountain Ranch Park. From the post near the restrooms, hike 0.1 mile south on Chalfen to the official trailhead. Do not park along residential streets. Details: www.peoriaaz.gov/NewSecondary.aspx?id=51551. This article was originally published in The Arizona Republic.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cramer.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/cramer-welcomes-sugar-agreement-between-us-and-mexico,Cramer Welcomes Sugar Agreement Between U.S. and Mexico,2014-12-23,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. – Today Congressman Kevin Cramer issued the following statement concerning the settlement of the American sugar farmers' trade challenge against Mexico's dumping of heavily subsidized sugar imports onto the U.S. market: “I am pleased by the agreement, which reflects the agriculture and trade policies I have consistently advocated. Mexico has been swamping the market with heavily subsidized sugar. Clearly, the U.S. International Trade Commission and the Department of Commerce recognized this action violated the spirit and letter of the North American Free Trade Agreement. This decision is good news for the economy of the Red River Valley and other sugar producing areas.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://gosar.house.gov/press-release/rep-gosar-christmas-keep-fallen-arizona-soldier-your-thoughts-prayers,"Rep. Gosar: This Christmas, Keep Fallen Arizona Soldier in your Thoughts, Prayers",2014-12-23,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,Paul Gosar,G000565,gosar.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement in anticipation of the Christmas holiday: share: f t For Immediate Release Date: December 23, 2014   Contact: Steven D. Smith Steven.Smith@mail.house.gov Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement in anticipation of the Christmas holiday: “The Christmas season offers us all a chance to not only celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, but also to gather with family and friends and cherish the ones we love most. Unfortunately, many of our brave men and women serving in the military will be celebrating away from their loved ones while they protect our freedoms abroad. This Christmas, I will be keeping them in my heart and my prayers, including one Arizona soldier in particular. “Army Specialist Wyatt J. Martin from Mesa, Arizona was killed in action on Friday, December 12, 2014, in Parwan Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Specialist Martin was the ideal soldier who exemplified the best of what Arizona has to offer. This Christmas, I will be remembering Wyatt Martin, his family and the heroic sacrifice he made so that we may live in the land of the free. I am eternally grateful for his service and the service of all of our men and women in uniform. Without their sacrifices, we would not have the liberties and freedoms we enjoy today. I ask that all Arizonans join with me in keeping Wyatt Martin and his family in our sincerest thoughts and prayers.” Additional: You can read more about Army Specialist Wyatt J. Martin in a recent Arizona Republic article HERE.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://hartzler.house.gov/newsletters/view-capitol-congresswoman-vicky-hartzlers-newsletter-week-christmas-2014,"View From the Capitol - Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler's Newsletter for the Week of Christmas, 2014",2014-12-23,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,MO,Vicky Hartzler,H001053,hartzler.house.gov,,,legacy,"Good Day, As 2014 draws to a close, Team Hartzler is saying “farewell” and “good luck” to a dear friend who has been an integral part of our operation since we began in January of 2011. As the MO-4 Special Events Coordinator, Donna Spickert coordinated many of our annual events, including the Missouri Business Conference in Warrensburg, the Veterans Summit in Warrensburg, the Lebanon Job Fair, and the annual process by which students are nominated for the U.S. Service Academies. Donna’s public service began in 1989, working for such notables as Senator John Ashcroft, Senator Jim Talent, and Congressman Kenny Hulshof. I have known Donna since my days as a State Representative in Jefferson City in the 1990s and have thoroughly enjoyed having her as part of our team for the last four years. Donna and Terry are looking forward to enjoying their retirement, hopping into the car and visiting their grandchildren when the travel bug strikes. Best wishes, Donna. I thank you for all your hard work and wish you and Terry a very lengthy, fruitful, and active retirement. This is Christmas week when Christians throughout our country and around the world celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It is a time that gives us hope and fills our hearts with joy. Luke’s account of how the birth of Christ was announced to shepherds in the field that special night sums up the good news we celebrate: As we gather with our families and pray for our men and women in uniform both at home and abroad, we are reminded that the light Jesus brought to the world is needed now more than ever. My wish this Christmas is that this light shines upon you and our brave troops around the world, bringing you comfort and peace while bringing them home quickly and safely. From my family to yours, we wish you the merriest of Christmases. God bless. Have a blessed Christmas with friends and family, Vicky",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://hartzler.house.gov/press-release/congresswoman-hartzler-releases-christmas-greeting,Congresswoman Hartzler releases Christmas greeting,2014-12-23,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,MO,Vicky Hartzler,H001053,hartzler.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-4) has released the following Christmas greeting: “Christmas is a time for family and friends to gather, enjoy the time together, reminisce about old memories and make new ones. As we reflect on 2014 and look ahead to 2015, it may be easy to get lost in the trials and tribulations of our day-to-day lives.  We must keep in mind that, as Americans, we have much to be grateful for this holiday season.  But first and foremost, we must remember the reason for a celebration such as Christmas – the birth of Jesus Christ. Luke’s account of how the birth of Christ was announced to shepherds in the field that special night is familiar to so many of us: ‘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.’ As we gather with our families and pray for our men and women in uniform both at home and abroad, we are reminded that the light Jesus brought to the world is needed now more than ever.  My wish this Christmas is that this light shines upon you and our brave troops around the world, bringing you comfort and peace while bringing them home quickly and safely. From my family to yours, we wish you the merriest of Christmases. God bless.” Congresswoman Hartzler serves on the House Agriculture, Armed Services, and Budget Committees.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-sends-annual-christmas-message-constituents-third-district,Rep. Kelly Sends Annual Christmas Message to Constituents in Third District,2014-12-23,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Kelly Sends Annual Christmas Message to Constituents in Third District Dec 23, 2014 WATCH HERE WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (PA-03) released the enclosed video today as his annual Christmas greeting to his constituents in Pennsylvania’s Third Congressional District.  Rep. Kelly: “I wanted to take a few moments just to wish you all a very merry Christmas. … I’ll be thinking of you on Christmas morning. And again, I want to thank you for the honor and the privilege to serve you.” The full video message can be viewed here.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://latta.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397907,President Signs Lattas Propane Bill into Law,2014-12-23,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OH,Robert Latta,L000566,latta.house.gov,,,legacy,"President Obama has signed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH), member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Energy and Power Subcommittee, into law. H.R. 5705, the Propane Education and Research Enhancement Act, addresses some of the winter heating challenges experienced in Ohio and throughout the Midwest last year to prevent future propane price spikes. “As we head into another winter, it is imperative that Americans across the country have access to heat,” said Latta. “Last year, we were faced with propane shortages that threatened the lives and livelihoods of many living in Ohio and throughout the Midwest. With the Propane Education and Research Enhancement Act now signed into law, the industry can help prevent future propane supply issues and price spikes, so residents are not negatively impacted.”   The Propane Education and Research Enhancement Act of 2014 clarifies Congress’ intent in the Propane Education and Research Act (PERA), requiring the Department of Commerce to use proper data to calculate consumer prices. It would also allow the Propane Education and Research Council to improve training for distributors and consumers to help mitigate the negative effects of propane prices spikes. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://nunes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398272,What I saw in the Middle East,2014-12-23,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,CA,Devin Nunes,N000181,nunes.house.gov,,,legacy,"I recently returned from a trip to the Middle East that included visits to the Iraqi cities of Baghdad and Erbil. There was some good news out of Iraq recently, as Kurdish fighters – helped by U.S. airstrikes – pushed back ISIS forces around the town of Sinjar. This advance broke ISIS’s siege of Mount Sinjar, where thousands of civilians had fled after ISIS launched a calculated campaign of mass murder. Despite this progress, ISIS’s recent publication of a manual approving the beating and trading of Christian and Jewish sex slaves, alongside harrowing reports of the widespread murder and forced conversion of Christians – including the killing of children – should remind us of the terrible fate that will befall millions if these depraved zealots are not defeated. Not many Americans would want to live amid this dangerous war. Yet in Iraq, I met U.S. servicemen and women who are risking their lives to assist the battle against ISIS. I am in awe of their selfless courage. These Americans are spending Christmas there – in a warzone far from friends and family – so that we can celebrate Christmas in safety here. So I’d like to offer my gratitude and appreciation to military veterans as well as active duty, reserve, and national guard servicemembers, especially those now on deployment, and wish my friends and constituents a Merry Christmas.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://renacci.house.gov/index.cfm/weekly-column?ContentRecord_id=4F8CE8D1-C658-4D5B-85EE-802D3D97E5B3,Renacci Report: Working To Reduce The Negative Effects Of The Presidents Health Care Law,2014-12-23,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OH,Jim Renacci,R000586,renacci.house.gov,,,legacy,"The open enrollment period for health care coverage in 2015 began in November, and with it came stories from people all across Ohio. Whether in Ohio’s 16th District or any other part of the state, the negative impact of the President’s health care law continues to be widespread. Many are facing higher premiums and deductibles. People are losing access to their doctors whom they like and trust. Sadly, I have heard from people living in my district who have had their hours reduced at work due to the law’s employer mandates – turning full-time work into part-time work at a time when they can least afford it. A small business owner from North Canton contacted me to inform me of the law’s negatives effects on his business. He said that if 75 percent of his eligible employees participate in the company’s health insurance plan, he will be put out of business within 3-6 months. Though he’s planning on growing his company, the 30-hour definition of full-time employment within the President’s health care law threatens the company’s very existence. A retired constituent told me that his monthly premiums have tripled and his deductible has doubled - forcing him to re-enter the workforce to cover the significant increase in his health care costs. A woman living in Massillon said that though she has insurance now, she can’t go to the doctor because she can’t afford her deductible. Another said that her health care costs are so high she is forced to choose whether to buy food or pay her utility bill to stay warm. People all across my district are growing more and more frustrated with the narrow networks and higher costs of their health care since the implementation of the law. That is why we in the House of Representatives have worked to reduce this broken law’s harmful  effects. Earlier this month, we passed a continuing resolution-omnibus bill that reined in the President’s health care law by eliminating new funding for it. Additionally, it cut funding for the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) by $10 million. It also prevents a taxpayer bailout of the risk corridor program within the President’s health care law, and requires the Office of Inspector General (OIG) to report to Congress on improper payments of subsidies.  As we approach the 114th Congress, I am hopeful that our work in the House will be matched by the newly Republican-controlled Senate. I expect us to work together on legislation that repeals the medical device tax, provides relief to Ohioans by repealing the individual mandate, and ensures patients and their families, not unelected bureaucrats, are in charge of their treatment decisions by repealing IPAB. I have made clear that there are parts of the law that I support such as eliminating lifetime or annual spending caps on essential benefits, preventing insurers from unjustly cancelling policies, and closing the Medicare Part D “doughnut hole,” but this law does not effectively address any of the cost issues that already prevent Americans from seeking or receiving appropriate healthcare. We need to work toward real health care reform that protects the doctor-patient relationship and lowers costs while increasing choices. I look forward to building upon our work in the next Congress and working with the Senate to provide relief for Ohioans who are grappling with the consequences of the President’s failed health care law. If our office can be of assistance to you, please don't hesitate to call us at our Wadsworth office: (330) 334-0040, Parma office: (440) 882-6779, or Washington office: (202) 225-3876. I also encourage you to visit our website at renacci.house.gov and subscribe to our  Facebook,  Twitter, and  YouTube pages to get the latest updates on my work in Washington and Ohio's 16th District.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://thompson.house.gov/press-release/thompson-joins-bipartisan-effort-rescind-proposed-rule-electric-power-generation,Thompson Joins Bipartisan Effort to Rescind Obama Admin. Proposed Rule on Electric Power Generation,2014-12-23,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Bellefonte, PA – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-5) has joined with nearly one hundred fellow Members of Congress in sending a letter to President Obama to express concerns regarding the proposed rule announced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on June 2, 2014, entitled “Carbon Pollution Emission Guidelines for Existing Stationary Sources: Electric Utility Generating Units.” “The EPA’s new rule on electric power generation is yet another unworkable policy from the Obama Administration that will threaten America’s access to affordable and reliable energy,” stated Rep. Thompson.  “While protecting the environment is a shared goal, this must be attained realistically and not by burdening families with rate hikes and potential brownouts. It is my hope the Obama Administration will rescind this rule and work with Congress on a bipartisan basis to address the concerns that we’ve outlined.” In the letter, the Members assert the rule would negatively impact the nation’s ability to reliably generate and transmit electric power sources.  “Due to market factors and existing environmental requirements, significant power plant shutdowns are already underway across the country, and these closures raise concerns about the continued reliability of the grid and electricity rates in the absence of EPA’s recently proposed rule. Under the proposed rule, EPA projects there would be additional power plant retirements and electricity rate increases,” the letter states.    If this were to occur, the Members stress, it would ""threaten electricity reliability and drive up energy costs for consumers, including the elderly, poor, and those on fixed incomes, at a time when over 50 million Americans are currently living in poverty.” The Members conclude the letter by recognizing that although some of their own views may vary on the statutory authority of the regulations they are ""all concerned that this rule is simply unworkable as proposed and, if finalized, would effectively give EPA control over a state’s generation, supply, and consumption of power. Accordingly, we respectfully ask that you direct the EPA to withdraw its proposed rule.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gosar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2196,"Rep. Gosar: This Christmas, Keep Fallen Arizona Soldier in your Thoughts, Prayers",2014-12-23,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,Paul Gosar,G000565,gosar.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement in anticipation of the Christmas holiday: share: f t For Immediate Release Date: December 23, 2014 Contact: Steven D. Smith Steven.Smith@mail.house.gov Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04)released the following statement in anticipation of the Christmas holiday: The Christmas season offers us all a chance to not only celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, but also to gather with family and friends and cherish the ones we love most. Unfortunately, many of our brave men and women serving in the military will be celebrating away from their loved ones while they protect our freedoms abroad. This Christmas, I will be keeping them in my heart and my prayers, including one Arizona soldier in particular. Army Specialist Wyatt J. Martin from Mesa, Arizona was killed in action on Friday, December 12, 2014, in Parwan Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Specialist Martin was the ideal soldier who exemplified the best of what Arizona has to offer. This Christmas, I will be remembering Wyatt Martin, his family and the heroic sacrifice he made so that we may live in the land of the free. I am eternally grateful for his service and the service of all of our men and women in uniform. Without their sacrifices, we would not have the liberties and freedoms we enjoy today. I ask that all Arizonans join with me in keeping Wyatt Martin and his family in our sincerest thoughts and prayers. Additional: You can read more about Army Specialist Wyatt J. Martin in a recent Arizona Republic article HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=ADC670EA-3521-4543-84DF-43734DC38CD9,"Governor Beshear, Congressman Hal Rogers Launch Statewide Broadband Initiative, Beginning in Eastern Kentucky",2014-12-23,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,KY,Harold Rogers,R000395,halrogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"FRANKFORT, Ky. A new public-private partnership will develop a robust, reliable, fiber backbone infrastructure to bring high-speed Internet connectivity to every corner of the Commonwealth with the critical first components scheduled to be operational in less than two years. Governor Steve Beshear and U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers announced the partnership with Macquarie Capital today. We are on an aggressive timeline and believe that the Macquarie team's technical capabilities and history of innovative solutions are the best fit for this important project, said Gov. Beshear. Kentucky's Internet speed and accessibility have lagged behind the rest of the nation far too long. This partnership puts us on the path to propel the Commonwealth forward in education, economic development, health care, public safety and much more. This infrastructure project is unlike any other seen in Kentucky in the last 50 years. Broadband, now considered an essential utility service, will improve Kentucky's dismal connectivity and slow speeds to some of the fastest and highest capacity service in the U.S. all with the potential to lower consumer costs and improve coverage as well. Just as important, this project will be paid for up front by leveraging private capital at no additional cost to Kentucky taxpayers. If we were to rely solely on state government funding to get this project off the ground, it would take years, if not decades. Those kinds of tax dollars just aren't available, said Gov. Beshear. In this technology-dependent economy, we can't afford to wait another minute. That's why this partnership is so valuable it ramps up this project to the speed of the private sector without any additional burden on our taxpayers. State to oversee main broadband lines The first stage of the project is to build the main broadband fiber lines across the state. These major fiber lines are called the middle mile. The open access network will allow the private sector to use the fiber to deliver services into communities. Once complete, other Internet service provider companies, cities, partnerships, or other groups may then tap into those middle mile lines to complete the last mile the lines that run to individual homes or businesses. Where already in place, the project will take advantage of existing infrastructure, thus partnering with local telecommunications companies, municipalities and major carriers to deliver the network more quickly and reduce construction costs. Improved cell phone coverage is anticipated as part of the initiative. Cell phone companies may choose to use the state's middle-mile fiber network to add capacity and broaden coverage areas throughout the Commonwealth that have traditionally had poor cell phone reception. Eastern Kentucky to be first priority When completed, the more than 3,000 miles of fiber will be in place across the state. This middle-mile fiber infrastructure is key to reaching much of Kentucky's large rural population. Fiber will be available in all 120 counties, and the underserved eastern Kentucky region will be the first priority area for the project. The Center for Rural Development in Somerset will partner with the Commonwealth, focusing on communities east of Interstate 75. The Center will also host education workshops to help communities learn how to connect to the new network. The push for reliable, accessible high-speed broadband is one recommendation that emerged from SOAR, the Shaping Our Appalachian Region initiative. We're laying the first bricks for what could be Silicon Holler.' This new Super I-Way is the cornerstone of SOAR's mission to diversify the economy in eastern Kentucky with improvements in business recruitment, fast-tracking telemedicine in the mountains, and adding high tech advancements in education, said Congressman Rogers. I commend all of our federal, state and local partners for working together on this project that will undoubtedly chart the course for a better future in the coalfields and across the Commonwealth. Over the past several months the Commonwealth, in conjunction with the Center for Rural Development, released the request for proposal solicitation and negotiated with private sector vendors including Macquarie Capital. Work on design, scope of fiber system to start right away Macquarie Capital has assembled a team of market-leading specialists to design, develop and operate the network over the next 30 years. While the private sector partners will bear developmental and operational risks of the project, the Commonwealth will retain ownership of the network. Macquarie will begin work immediately on phase one to design the overall statewide system and determine the project's scale. The design and cost estimates are due by the end of February 2015 with construction of the first segments expected to begin in the summer and completed by April 2016. The total cost of the project will depend upon the ability to leverage existing infrastructure versus deploying new routes, which will be determined during the design phase. Overall, the project is estimated to cost between $250 million to $350 million, and will be supported by approximately $30 million in state bonds and $15 to $20 million in federal grants. Work along I-75 from northern Kentucky to Williamsburg will form the spine of the network, with work in the priority region of southeastern Kentucky occurring simultaneously. More than 100 key facilities will be connected, including universities, state government buildings and community and technical colleges. Public-private partnership leverages private market, lowers costs The initiative will be a partnership of government at all levels and the private sector. The public-private partnership often referred to as a P3 allows the state to leverage resources to fill service gaps. In this case, private capital will be used to build the network at no additional cost to Kentucky taxpayers. This project likely would never be undertaken with traditional state financing methods. The state chose to use a P3 for several reasons. The P3 model is well-established and enables projects to be completed on an accelerated timetable while transferring risk to the private sector partners. These partners also bring expertise, innovation and flexibility to the project. Bringing private sector investment to build the network significantly decreases the time needed for design and construction, making broadband access available sooner for families and businesses. Finally, with the state's oversight of the main broadband lines, consumer costs may be lowered by eliminating the need for private providers to build duplicate network infrastructure; that means Internet service providers can instead invest in cell phone service or last-mile service. Macquarie Capital and its partners are extremely excited about the opportunity to develop this network under the public-private partnership model, bringing together a team of market leading specialists focused on implementing the network as quickly as possible, said Nick Hann, senior managing director at Macquarie Capital. We believe that this project will be the centerpiece of Kentucky's long-term economic infrastructure, demonstrating the core principles of value for money and risk transfer to the private sector that will translate into a successful long-term partnership with the Commonwealth. Macquarie's consortium partners include First Solutions, Fujitsu Network Communications Inc., Black & Veatch, and Bowlin Group. Broadband is an essential public utility; project expected to lower consumer costs In today's economy, high-speed Internet is no longer a luxury, but is as essential to a community as water or electricity. A modern, high-capacity fiber infrastructure allows businesses to compete globally, educators to expand their use of rich teaching resources, students to access the knowledge of the world, health care entities to collaborate and first responders to communicate easily in emergency situations. The project scope is similar to building other public utilities. Consider the broadband fiber lines to be like the main water lines in a community. The largest water lines are built in central community areas, and then smaller lines branch off the main line. Finally, someone connects the street line to an individual home or business. The broadband project will act in much the same way. The first phase of the project is to build the main broadband fiber lines across the state, then construct branches off the main line to deliver into communities. These major fiber lines are the middle mile, and other Internet service provider companies, cities, partnerships, or other groups may then tap into those lines to complete the last mile the lines that run to individual homes or businesses. The project will leverage state government's existing Internet networks to build a kind of high-speed delivery line throughout the state. One of the most important features is that the network will be truly open access, meaning many other Internet and cell phone service providers can lease portions of the network. More important, those leases will not be limited to one provider per county or community; several groups may lease the network, which will give consumers a choice in purchasing their broadband. By partnering with the network, providers will be able to reduce their costs when building out last mile service to customers. That competition should result in lower consumer costs. Internet access isn't high-speed broadband Kentucky ranks 46th in broadband availability and 23 percent of rural areas in Kentucky do not have access to broadband. Most households in the state have access to an Internet Service Provider (ISP), but that's not the same as high-speed broadband. High-speed broadband is capable of carrying much larger amounts of information to a larger group of users at much faster speeds. As the federal definition of broadband changes, and minimum speed increases (often in megabits per second, or MBS), Kentucky falls further behind because the service available to citizens does not meet these minimum qualifications. Today, only about half of the state's households use broadband service, and nearly one-quarter can't access broadband at all. Click here to watchvideo of thebroadband contract announcement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYDwOWxz9qY ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2063,The Christmas Spirit is Alive in Texas,2014-12-23,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,TX,Ted Cruz,C001098,www.cruz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, released the following statement in advance of Christmas Day: “As Christmas approaches, we celebrate the most precious gift, that in the humblest of circumstances, Christ came to save the world. We pause to remember that night in Bethlehem, and to give thanks for the blessings the Lord continues to bestow upon each of us. “Across the Lone Star State, Texans are sharing the hope of the season. “From Waco’s Christmas Toy Store filling more than 2,700 kids’ trees with presents, to the Harlingen’s Salvation Army clothing 1,000 children; From Eveline Rivers Christmas Project delivering 12,000 books to families in the Panhandle, to Santa’s Workshop bringing gifts to 3,200 children at Fort Hood, these are just a few examples of the communities in our great state that have come together to care for those in need. “Their generosity, and that of millions of other Texans across the state, is a powerful example of Christ's faithfulness in times of need. It is also an important reminder, as Mark 10:45 says, that ‘even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’ “I hope and pray your Christmas season is filled with joy and restful time with family and loved ones. May God bless you, may He continue to bless our great state of Texas and the United States of America.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.enzi.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=a2e3a569-1203-4933-b3d5-353d4d64048a,Enzi: New Congress in new year brings hope,2014-12-23,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"In a recently recorded video, U.S Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., expressed his optimism that the new Senate majority in the 114th Congress would bring real progress on important issues. Enzi also reflected on the importance of spending time with family and friends around the holidays. Click the picture above to watch a special end-of-the-year message from Senator Enzi. The full transcript from the video is included below. “As we come to the end of the year, it’s time again to look back and be thankful for all the wonderful moments that we were blessed to be a part of. It’s been a challenging year at times, but things are looking up for our country. “Only a few days after the holidays season ends, Congress will come back to work with a new Senate majority ready to take action and seriously address the pressing issues facing our country. I am optimistic that we will be able to make some real progress on the issues that matter. It is an honor to serve our state in the United States Senate for the next six years. “As Diana and I prepare to celebrate the holiday season with our family in Wyoming, we send our best wishes to all those who are spending this special time of year with their loved ones. Being back home means so very much to us. There’s no greater family tradition than being home for the holidays.  “We want to thank our veterans and those currently serving overseas, who continue to protect and preserve our way of life. The holidays can be difficult for those separated from their families and we pray that when they have completed their service God will bring them all safely home again. “Wherever you are spending your holiday season, Diana and I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. The sound of those special words always help to brighten the day and lift my spirits. God Bless.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.flake.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=c3b38878-aef0-4c17-b566-2362531dff98,Op-Ed for The Daily Caller: The Conservative Case For A New Cuba Policy,2014-12-23,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,Jeff Flake,F000444,www.flake.senate.gov,,,legacy,"By Sen. Jeff FlakeDec. 23, 2014 Since the U.S. first implemented a policy of isolation against Cuba over 50 years ago, it’s been enforced and defended by Republican and Democratic presidents alike. It’s not an issue that breaks neatly along party lines. In fact, when President Obama announced plans last week to ease trade and travel restrictions with Cuba, Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), usually a fervent supporter of the president, was among the harshest critics of the move. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), hardly a fan of this administration, said he agreed with the policy change. I too don’t find myself agreeing with President Obama often, particularly on foreign policy, but he was right to begin the process of normalizing relations with Cuba. For conservatives, there is much to recommend about this new way to address Cuba. First and foremost, for over 50 years the policy of isolating Cuba has failed to achieve any democratic reforms. It has, however, succeeded in giving the Castros a convenient excuse for the failures of socialism. While there may have been a compelling case for the embargo during the height of the Cold War, those arguments clearly no longer apply. Easing trade and travel should not be viewed as a concession or reward to the Castro regime. I believe that it’s actually a true “get tough” policy. It’s been no accident that in the past a warming in U.S. posture has been met with Cuban provocation. The Castros know that while increased contact with the U.S. may have a positive impact on their economy, it comes at a cost. The island’s fledgling private sector strengthened by these changes will pose a greater challenge to any future tightening the regime may seek to pursue. Far from rewarding the Cuban government, we are saddling them with entrepreneurs who will soon wield real economic power. And when I joke that a “get tough” policy with the Castros would be forcing them deal with Spring Break, I’m only half joking. Sure, some Americans will simply travel to Cuba for sunshine and mojitos, but many will have more lasting intentions – and they will bring with them flash drives, cell phones, books, and other items that we may take for granted but the Castros know will erode the control that they currently maintain over the island. This is, fundamentally, an issue of freedom. U.S. trade and travel restrictions with Cuba aren’t restrictions on Cubans — they are restrictions on Americans. I’ve long said if a government is going to tell its citizens where they can and can’t travel, it ought to be a communist country, not the greatest country in the world. There’s an added benefit for conservatives when we allow Americans to travel freely. We have a veritable museum of the failures of socialism just 90 miles from our shores. Every American ought to see what happens when government controls not just the commanding heights of the economy, but all aspects of society. It isn’t pretty, and it makes on better appreciate the freedoms we often take for granted. U.S. foreign policy ought to embody American ideals – freedom, democracy, and free enterprise. By isolating Cuba we’ve ignored the power of those ideals. After 50 years, it’s time for a change. Click here to view the original op-ed.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-nominates-iowa-students-us-service-academies-0,Grassley Nominates Iowa Students to the U.S. Service Academies,2014-12-23,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Senator Chuck Grassley has nominated 37 outstanding Iowa students for consideration for appointments to the U.S. service academies. Young Iowans who want to enter the academies and serve our country are remarkable for their accomplishments and leadership. These candidates are an impressive reflection on our state and signal continued excellence in the U.S. armed forces, Grassley said. Each year Grassley has the opportunity as a U.S. senator to nominate either current or future Iowa high school graduates for a select few service academy placements. The Air Force, Military, and Naval academies all select at least one qualified student from Grassley's nominations. The Merchant Marine Academy makes selections in proportion to states' representation in Congress. Grassley said he encourages Iowa students to consider applying to more than one service academy due to the highly competitive nature of admissions. The academies offer some of the best options for higher education, and they offer an outstanding way to serve our country, Grassley said. It's a tremendous opportunity for young Iowans. Students interested in academy appointments should begin the application process in the spring of their junior year of high school. The academies select students based on the number of vacancies available for the next school year. Iowa Representatives in the U.S. House of Representatives also make nominations in addition to both of Iowa's U.S. Senators. Traditionally, the high quality of Iowa nominees results in several Iowa students being selected to attend each of the service academies. More information about service academy nominations can be foundhere. Grassley said he will make announcements as appointments to the academies are offered to Iowans. The lists below include the names and hometowns of Grassley's nominees for the 2015-2016 school year. U.S. Air Force Academy Yair Abramoff, Iowa City Jessica Brown, Sioux City Jean Etnyre, Pella* Mark Farlinger, Cresco* Jeffrey Giannettino, West Burlington Adrianna Hines, Missouri Valley Jacob Orr, Johnston Spencer Silver, Ankeny Haley Steele, Muscatine Graham Zomermaand, Sioux Center U.S. Military Academy at West Point Payton Boylston, Ames Harrison Gudorf, West Des Moines Zachary Hoffman, Ankeny Jaryd Huffman, Letts Alexander Jones, Council Bluffs Jonas Mason, Cedar Rapids Ethan Pieper, Norwalk* Buchanan Waller, Maquoketa John Worthington, Hudson Tobey Yates, Underwood U.S. Naval Academy Caroline Ascherl, Granville Robert Beardsley, Bettendorf Diana Carney, Coggon Luke Donnelly, West Des Moines Madeline Gehrke, Clive Dane Livengood, Treynor Griffin Lorenz, Marion* Luis Martinez, Des Moines Molly Sanders, Ames Gabrielle Taht, St. Donatus U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Joseph Budde, La Motte Jean Etnyre, Pella Mark Farlinger, Cresco Nicholas Fox, Clive Trever Huss, Orange City Griffin Lorenz, Marion Ethan Pieper, Norwalk Students denoted with an asterisks(*) were also nominated for appointments to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in addition to the Air Force, Military or Naval Academies. -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=b5ffd728-927f-436d-b452-bab232c67a24,Thune Announces Staff Changes,2014-12-23,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference and likely incoming chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today announced several staff changes on his Washington-based team. Should Thune be elected Commerce Committee chairman in January, he will be the first senator in 30 years to hold a third-ranking leadership office or higher, while also holding a chairmanship of an “A” committee. Brendon Plack, Thune’s deputy chief of staff, has been named staff director of the Senate Republican Conference. Plack will also continue to oversee operations in Thune’s DC-based personal office. Plack, a South Dakota native, has served on Thune’s team in various capacities for the past 10 years, including Thune’s legislative director, policy director for the Senate Republican Conference, and energy analyst at the Senate Republican Policy Committee. “Brendon is an experienced leader in the United States Senate,” said Thune. “With ties to South Dakota and a deep policy background, I am pleased he will be running my leadership office while continuing to oversee day-to-day operations in my D.C. personal office.” Ann Marie Hauser has been named deputy staff director of the Senate Republican Conference. Most recently, Hauser handled public affairs strategy for the financial regulatory consulting firm Patomak Global Partners. Prior to that, she served as managing vice president at JDA Frontline; communications director for Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s presidential bid; vice president of corporate communications at JPMorgan Chase; communications director for Senator Mike Johanns (R-N.E.); and director of public affairs at the U.S. Department of Commerce and spokesperson at the U.S. Department of Treasury in the George W. Bush administration. “I’m pleased to welcome Ann Marie to my team,” said Thune. “Ann Marie brings a valuable perspective as someone who has served in senior positions in government, campaigns, and the private sector. Her wealth of experience will help strengthen member services provided by the Senate Republican Conference and ensure my offices coordinate seamlessly as Republicans in the Senate work advance pro-growth policies.” AshLee Strong, Thune’s national communications director, has been promoted to senior communications director. She will continue to serve as Thune’s chief spokesperson and will coordinate Thune’s national message in his leadership office and across his committee assignments. Previously, Strong served as press secretary for Thune; press secretary for Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.); communications aide for the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee; and an aide at the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy in the George W. Bush administration. “AshLee is one of my most trusted advisers and played a critical role in crafting a communications strategy that helped Republicans in the Senate make our case to the American people,” said Thune. “As she takes on this expanded role, I will continue to rely on her insights as we articulate Senate Republicans’ policies and vision in the next Congress.” Frederick Hill has been named Thune’s communications director for the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. Hill most recently served as deputy staff director for communications to Chairman Darrell Issa (R-C.A.) on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. Hill has worked for Issa for the past 13 years. “Frederick’s many years of communications experience on one of the most active committees in the House of Representatives will make him a valuable member of my Commerce team. I look forward to utilizing Frederick’s communications ability as I roll out my agenda for the Commerce Committee in the 114th Congress.” In addition, Rachel Millard will continue to serve as Thune’s communications director for state press. Millard, a native of Chamberlain, South Dakota, and graduate of Creighton University, has served on Thune’s personal staff for over five years and previously served as press secretary for Thune, internal communications adviser at the Senate Republican Conference, and legislative correspondent for Thune. “Serving the people of South Dakota is and always will be my primary focus, and Rachel’s role will only grow in importance in the new Congress as our legislative goals and accomplishments are communicated to all South Dakotans,” said Thune. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/time-doesn%E2%80%99t-change-past,Time Doesnt Change the Past,2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"Certainly, we always celebrate the safe return of one of our own. Especially before the holidays, we understand the relief felt by the family, friends and loved ones of Alan Gross, the U.S. citizen who was held captive in Cuba for five years after entering the country as a contractor. On the same day as the release of Gross last week, the Obama Administration announced a plan to “normalize relations” with the corrupt Castro regime responsible for the imprisonment. The steps ahead include efforts to re-establish diplomatic relations and open commerce by lifting sanctions. While the president insisted that Gross was released for humanitarian reasons, it appears that the policy change unveiled last week is yet another prisoner exchange slanted heavily in favor of a known enemy.  The United States has always shown strength against terrorism and commitment to combating threats around the world. Since 1982, Cuba has been designated by the U.S. Department of State as a state sponsor of terrorism. This has guided America’s distant, rightly-cautious relationship with Cuba. Now more than three decades after Cuba was first recognized as a terrorist sponsor, it appears that the president has forgotten the danger or naively supposed that time equals a changed regime. Apparently some in his administration don’t remember what caused our limited relationship with Cuba in the first place. Regardless, the reality is that Cuba is still led by the same family that mistreats and oppresses its own citizens and associates with other corrupt governments. Without question, Americans feel for the Cuban people, who hunger for a return to democracy and are desperate to taste the sort of freedom we often take for granted. Over the years, many Cubans have embarked on journeys to flee oppression and live freely in America—revealing the true state of the country and the dangers posed by Communism. Certainly, the oppression they experience on a daily basis at the hands of their own government is unacceptable. Americans should want to break that bondage and prepare the pathway for the Cuban people to build their own free society. Unfortunately, this policy change doesn’t help the Cuban people; it further imprisons them to an oppressive government. The timing of the Obama Administration seeking to normalize and rebuild diplomatic relationships with Cuba hardly makes sense. Like his brother, Cuba’s current dictator Raul Castro maintains close relationships with some of America’s worst and most dangerous enemies. Since the country is located just 90 miles off the coast of Florida, the possibility of harm at our own shores is uncomfortably close. Instead of being discouraged or forced to feel consequences, the intentions of the Castro regime are further emboldened and will likely empower other enemies of the United States to test a similar course of action.    Time doesn’t change the past or the intentions of the same Cuban dictatorship. I am very disappointed that the president believes he can reason with a nation ruled by a corrupt dictator. In the process, he is setting a dangerous precedent that welcomes future negotiations with our proven enemies that are of little benefit to the United States.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cook.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-paul-cooks-bill-to-rename-29-palms-post-office-for-col-mac-dube,Rep. Paul Cook's Bill to Rename 29 Palms Post Office For Col. Mac Dube Signed by President,2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,CA,Paul Cook,C001094,cook.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Paul Cook (R-Apple Valley) today issued the following statement after the President signed HR 5331, renaming the post office in Twentynine Palms, located at 73839 Gorgonio Drive, as the “Colonel M.J. ‘Mac’ Dube, USMC Post Office Building: “I am pleased to honor Mac’s legacy by renaming the post office in his honor. Mac served his nation honorably and left a legacy for all those who come after him. He’ll always be remembered in Twentynine Palms for his hard work, dedication, and patriotism.” A member of the House Armed Services, Veterans' Affairs, and Foreign Affairs Committees, Cook served as an infantry officer and retired as a Colonel after 26 years in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was awarded the Bronze Star medal with valor device and two Purple Hearts for actions in combat.  For a copy of the press release when HR 5331 passed the House of Representatives, please click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cramer.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/us-army-reverses-separation-policy-following-legislation-cosponsored-by,US Army Reverses Separation Policy Following Legislation Cosponsored by Cramer,2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. – The Secretary of the Army John McHugh has announced a change in retirement policy which echoes a bill Congressman Kevin Cramer cosponsored. Under the new rule, prior-enlisted military officers selected for involuntary separation from the service will be allowed to remain on active duty, or retire at their current commissioned rank with full benefits. The policy reversal follows the Proudly Restoring Officers of Prior Enlistment Retirement (PROPER) Act, which was introduced on December 10 with Congressman Cramer as an original cosponsor. Under the Obama Administration’s restructuring plan, many prior-enlisted commissioned officers were being forced to involuntarily retire at their highest enlisted rank, despite years of service in commissioned status. The policy requires soldiers serve at least 20 years to be eligible for retirement, and at least eight years after receiving a commission in order to retire with officer rank. The misguided eligibility requirement caused soldiers who served over 20 years total, but less than eight years as commissioned officers, to be involuntarily retired at their highest enlisted rank instead of their commissioned rank. This equated to forced demotions and large reductions in retirement benefits. The PROPER Act, cosponsored by Cramer, would have enabled soldiers to keep their commissioned rank upon retirement by lowering the eligibility requirement from eight to four years. The decision by Secretary McHugh waives the eight year requirement entirely. “I am pleased the Army Secretary has acted to change a misguided policy for this group of dedicated military officers. While we must make every effort to fund our national defense wisely, this does not mean shortchanging those who have served their country,” said Cramer.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398013,E-Newsletter: Merry Christmas From Congressman Young,2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AK,Don Young,Y000033,donyoung.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friends, As we approach the final days of 2014 and the close of the 113th Congress, it’s important to reflect back on the year we’ve had. There’s no question that as Alaskans and Americans we’ve faced significant challenges and opportunities. I’ve heard from countless Alaskans – school teachers, business owners, fisherman and doctors – all expressing their frustration and concern for the direction this nation is headed and for the massive expansion of federal policies that harm our local economies and threaten our way of life. Alaskans deserve better and I look forward to tackling these many issues when Congress returns in January. I am once again grateful to the Alaskan people for the responsibility you’ve entrusted in me to serve the people and state I love so dearly. I thank you for your continued support and for always speaking your mind and making your voices heard as Congress takes up the many difficult decisions to move this country forward. Merry Christmas From Congressman Young Congressman Young wishing Alaskans a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year (click here to watch). As friends and families gather to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and the holiday season, I would like to take a moment to recognize the hardworking men and women of our military. These guardians of freedom and stewards of peace sacrifice so much for this nation and deserve the utmost gratitude and thanks from all Americans. To everyone in the state of Alaska and beyond, I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May this time of happiness and joy be a reminder of the many blessings God has given us – the love of friends and family, good health, and our undeniable Alaskan spirit and determination.    Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and God Bless you all! The Capitol Tree lighting ceremony, one of the many Christmas traditions in the nation’s capital. Next year’s tree will be cut and transported from Alaska’s Chugach National Forest. Happy Hanukkah to all those in Alaska celebrating the Festival of Lights! An annual Christmas tradition of mine, ringing the Salvation Army bell at the 5th Avenue Mall in Anchorage.   Happy Winter Solstice Alaska! Yesterday, we celebrated the shortest day of the year. Check out this wide range of daylight across the state: Juneau: 6 hours 22 minutes; Anchorage: 5 hours 28 minutes; Fairbanks: 3 hours 42 minutes; Barrow: Darkness until January 23rd, 2015 ""A Christmas Story"" from Congressman Young I was recently asked to describe my favorite childhood Christmas gift. Here is what I said: “The best gift I ever received was a BB gun when I was six years old – a Red Ryder BB gun. It cost $2.50. My brother and I both got one that year. He shot his off in front of the family on Christmas day and shot a hole in the ceiling. His was taken away from him and I got to keep mine. That was my first of many guns, one I’ll always remember.”     113th Congress in Review One of the most important responsibilities I have as Alaska’s sole Representative is assisting and helping individuals, groups and organizations with the many problems they face when dealing with the federal government. This often challenging task is particularly important as the size and scope of federal government continues to encroach on our everyday lives. While there are countless numbers to share over the last two years, I am most proud of the work my office has done to ensure individual Alaskans are getting the response and treatment they deserve from the federal government. It’s no secret that the 113th Congress in considered one of the least productive since before WWII – having passed only 296 bills into law. While legislation isn’t always the answer to our nation’s problems, this number is an indication of the nation’s vast differences and the polarizing climate that has plagued our nation for too long.   Even in these divided times, my efforts to protect Alaska’s interests and achieve success for our people didn’t go unanswered.  In the 113th Congress, I am proud to report that three pieces of legislation I wrote and introduced were signed into law, in an addition to numerous other bills, amendments and provisions that passed in larger pieces of legislation. H.R. 588, the Vietnam Veterans Donor Acknowledgment Act of 2013 (Public Law No: 113-121) H.R. 623, the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Land Transfer Act Public Law No: 113-68) H.R. 3110, the Huna Tlingit Traditional Gull Egg Use Act (Public Law No: 113-142)   Looking Forward When Congress reconvenes in January, I will be returning as the longest serving Republican and 3rd most senior member of the House of Representatives. This seniority, combined with the leadership of Senator Lisa Murkowski as the Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, will bring significant opportunity for the Alaskan people and our many interests. I will once again serve as the Chairman of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs, responsible for overseeing legislation that impacts more than 100,000 Alaskan residents. This tremendous honor has yielded a number of successes for Alaska and I look forward to serving in this capacity again. As Congress moves forward, I will also be taking the lead on the reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, legislation that sets federal fisheries policies across the nation. With a commitment from my House colleagues, I look forward to hitting the ground running and introducing MSA legislation that addresses the concerns of all our fishermen.   With that said, my top three legislative priorities for the 114th Congress are: 1.         Ensuring access to our federal lands and resources; 2.         Building Alaska’s infrastructure; 3.         Ensuring a strong national defense and providing the resources to care for our veterans. The biggest battle related to the first two priorities is the ongoing fight against the Obama Administration’s cascade of regulations pouring out of federal agencies in Washington D.C. Without access to our resources and the infrastructure necessary to support industry and our population, Alaska’s economy will contract and we will cease to thrive as a state. In regard to the third priority, the Obama Administration is proposing to shrink our military at levels not seen since the early 20th Century. Without adequately providing for the defense of this nation, the United States will cease to be the beacon of freedom we are today. I will continue to work towards passing legislation that promotes a vibrant economy and strong military for all Americans.  Legislative Roundup In the final days of the 113th Congress, the House and Senate made a significant push to move a number of outstanding bills. While a number of House passed bills – meant to spur economic growth, reduce burdensome regulations, and hold the federal government accountable for their actions – failed to receive consideration in the Senate, I was proud to see the passage of important Alaskan legislation and provisions.   Here’s a list of Alaska specific bills and provisions recently signed into law by the President: H.R. 5069, the Federal Duck Stamp Act of 2014 Congress recently sent legislation to the President that adjusts the price of the federal duck stamp, an annual permit required to hunt ducks across the nation. I was proud to include language in this legislation that exempts subsistence hunters in rural Alaska from purchasing these annual stamps. This was a major victory for rural Alaska and our many residents who have faced hardships in obtaining the federal duck stamp. Click here to read more. Congressman Young discussing the passage of H.R. 5069, the Federal Duck Stamp Act (click here to listen) S. 2444, the Howard Coble Coast Guard Transportation Act of 2014 As the former Chairmen and senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I was proud to see the passage of a one year Coast Guard reauthorization that advanced a number of important Alaskan causes, including a 3-year moratorium on overbearing EPA regulations facing fisherman and vessel owners, improvements to USCG lands and housing infrastructure, raises for our service members and improvements for veteran employment opportunities. As Alaskans, we understand the critical role the Coast Guard plays in protecting our waterways and securing our coastlines, and this legislation represents a firm commitment by Congress to strengthen and support the Coast Guard’s mission, which includes more than 2,500 active duty, reserve, and civilian personnel in Alaska. Click here to read more. S. 1847, the National Defense Authorization Act of 2015 (NDAA) Congress recently moved legislation to provide a number of key military reforms across the country, including efforts to protect Alaskan military operations and service members, prevent military sexual assault and suicide, reaffirm the F-35 basing at Eielson Air Force Base, and convey federal lands to local entities. While I would have preferred to see passage of this important legislation months ago, I’m pleased to see the House and Senate come together in our final days to find common ground. In these divided times, it’s often difficult to achieve perfect legislation, but this bipartisan, bicameral agreement works to put our military men and women first and provide them with the resources and reforms they need to train, fight, and protect our country. The legislation included a number of important public land provisions in Alaska, items I worked on and supported in the House.  Click here to read more. Olgoonik Land Transfer: The conveyance of 1,518 acres of federal land at the former Distant Early Warning Site near Wainwright, Alaska to the Olgoonik Corporation. Sealaska Land Transfer: The Sealaska land entitlement finalization, which conveys 70,075 of acres of land to Sealaska. 3 Parcels of Anchorage Land: The removal of a federal reversionary clause on three parcels of land previously conveyed to the Municipality of Anchorage. Under the existing title, the reversionary clause would have required the land’s ownership to revert back to the federal government if the Municipality of Anchorage no longer used them for “municipal purposes.”  Nome Land Transfer: Transfers seven acres of federal land – the West Nome Fuel Tank Farm – from the Air Force to the City of Nome for future economic purposes.   S.1474, Legislation to Repeal Section 910 of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 In the many conversations I had with Alaska Native leaders and families since the reauthorization of VAWA last year, I heard a consistent, clear, and powerful message: Section 910 was an error and must be repealed.  I was proud to work with Senator Murkowski in the final moments of the 113th Congress to ensure that one of the final acts was to empower Alaska’s tribes and uplift Alaska Native women. Click here to read more.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://duffy.house.gov//media-center/enewsletters/a-few-things-worth-writing-home-about,A few things worth writing home about,2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,WI,Sean Duffy,D000614,duffy.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear friends, As the year draws to a close, I am glad to report that, despite constant obstruction from the Democrat controlled Senate, we were still able to pass principled, Conservative legislation this year. In January, when Republican majorities are sworn-in in both the House and the Senate, Congress will be in the strongest possible position to block and defund the President’s Executive Order on immigration (a.k.a. – “Executive Amnesty”). We will also finally have the ability to make meaningful headway on the issues the American people sent us here to focus on, specifically to pass a budget AND appropriations bills, make sure our Veterans and military are taken care of…even allow Paul Ryan and the Ways & Means Committee to get true tax reform in place.          Here’s a few things we accomplished that are worth writing home about:           Wishing our elected leaders a productive, principled and fiscally responsible 2015. And, to the constituents of Wisconsin’s 7thCongressional District: Rachel, the kids and I wish you and your families a very blessed holiday season and a safe new year.          Merry Christmas!                Sean",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kaygranger.house.gov/good-news-about-your-taxes,Good news about your taxes,2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,TX,Kay Granger,G000377,kaygranger.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friend, In January, I first wrote to you about an important tax deduction that would expire at the end of this year if Congress didn’t act. In Texas, since we don’t have a state income tax, we are able to deduct state and local sales taxes when filing federal income tax returns. This provides some parity with other states who can deduct their state and local income taxes when filing their returns. Over the past two weeks, the House and Senate both passed an extension of this deduction, and President Obama signed it into law on Friday. While this is not a permanent solution, it does prevent a tax increase on Texans. I believe that when the new Congress convenes in January comprehensive tax reform needs to be part of the agenda, including making this deduction permanent. By doing so, it will erase future uncertainty about whether or not Texans will face a tax increase. In addition to extending this tax deduction, Congress passed the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act. This bill will help those with disabilities to save money for education, housing, and medical expenses to use at a future time. By allowing those with disabilities and their caretakers to set up a tax-free savings account, they will be able to better manage the cost of care. Sincerely, Kay Granger",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kaygranger.house.gov/how-congress-could-stymie-obama%E2%80%99s-cuba-plan,How Congress Could Stymie Obamas Cuba Plan,2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,TX,Kay Granger,G000377,kaygranger.house.gov,,,legacy,"President Barack Obama’s plans to seek a normalization of relations with Cuba split lawmakers, and those on the opposing side vowed to use whatever means available to stand in the way of the policy shift. Mr. Obama said he looked forward to engaging with lawmakers on ways to further his policy aims, but top Republicans signaled they would have little appetite for a rapprochement. “Relations with the Castro regime should not be revisited, let alone normalized, until the Cuban people enjoy freedom – and not one second sooner,” House Speaker John Boehner (R., Ohio). For those hoping to halt, or at least slow, the president’s efforts, there are a handful of legislative paths that are could present themselves once lawmakers return to Washington. They fall in three general areas: * * * SPENDING BILLS: The most powerful tool available to Congress is its power of the purse: the ability to fund–or more importantly, defund–government programs, initiatives and other policies that lawmakers don’t like. The $1.1 trillion spending bill enacted last week, for example, contains Cuba-related provisions in its roughly 1,600 pages, including a prohibition against funds for U.S. agriculture programs from being used to directly finance or provide assistance to Cuba and a handful of other countries. Critics of Mr. Obama’s normalization plans have already signaled they plan to use the appropriations process to try to slow the process. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R., S.C.) tweeted on Wednesday that “I will do all in my power to block the use of funds to open an embassy in Cuba.” That’s no idle threat; Mr. Graham is slated to become chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee’s subcommittee on state and foreign operations next year. That not only puts him in charge of a bill that included $49.3 billion in discretionary spending for  fiscal 2015, but also oversight of the State Department’s budget. Rep. Kay Granger (R., Texas), who chairs the state and foreign operations subcommittee on the other side of the Capitol, criticized the administration’s decision to act unilaterally. “Congress has a vital role to play in our country’s foreign policy and how American taxpayer dollars are used,” Ms. Granger said. Beyond preventing funds for the establishment of a U.S. embassy in Havana, appropriators have yet to tip their hands as to how they might try to use their appropriations power to slow Mr. Obama’s plans. Aides suggested one approach would be for critics to explicitly single out Cuba as ineligible for funds appropriated to various government agencies and programs on a broader scale than is currently employed. * * * NOMINATIONS: Another easy avenue available to Cuba critics would be to block or slow Mr. Obama’s nominations to the State Department and other international posts as a protest against the attempt to normalize relations with Havana. The White House is already going to face a tougher process getting its executive branch appointments confirmed under the new GOP-controlled Senate, but the addition of a hot-button political issue such as Cuba could make it harder. Sen. Marco Rubio (R., Fla.), Cuban-American himself, said as much on Wednesday at a news conference criticizing the Obama administration’s move. “I anticipate we’re going to have a very interesting couple of years discussing how you’re going to get an ambassador nominated and how you’re going to get an embassy funded,” he said. Like Mr. Graham, Mr. Rubio will be in a position to follow through on his promises. He’s slated to chair a key subcommittee on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee next year, giving him the ability to challenge the White House and State Department in both hearings and when the panel considers nominations. * * * EMBARGO ACTION: In his announcement Wednesday, Mr. Obama said he hoped to engage Congress “in an honest and serious debate” about lifting the current embargo that restricts most travel and trade with Cuba. That is not expected to happen any time soon. In fact, strong anti-Cuba lawmakers will want to tighten the embargoes. The current U.S. embargo dates back to the 1960s and has been cemented into U.S. law through a number of legislative actions over the years. Mr. Obama acknowledged that Wednesday but said he hoped to work with Congress to reverse course. Critics said the opposite – an attempt to reverse the action – is more likely. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R., Fla.), a vocal critic of the Castro regime, said in a Wednesday statement that it was possible that the actions by the White House violated a number of Cuba-related laws passed previously by Congress. “The White House attempts to normalize relationships with Cuba without the approval of Congress may be in direct violation of Helms-Burton that specifically states that all political prisoners must be released and free and fair elections must be held before establishing a diplomatic relationship,” she said. The biggest challenge to this approach would be Mr. Obama himself. While the Republican-led Congress could seek to pass legislation targeting the normalization effort, the president would probably veto anything lawmakers were able to pass. Additionally, with bipartisan support for the White House’s plan to establish diplomatic ties, it’s unclear whether any punitive legislation could even make its way through both the House and Senate.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kaygranger.house.gov/press-release/granger-announces-new-staff-hire,Granger Announces New Staff Hire,2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,TX,Kay Granger,G000377,kaygranger.house.gov,,,legacy,"Granger Announces New Staff Hire Dec 22, 2014 WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Kay Granger (TX-12) today announced the hiring of Randi Mitchell to serve as District Director. Randi will be based in Fort Worth and will oversee the daily operations of the district office of the 12th Congressional district.    “I am proud to have Randi join my office as district director,” said Granger. “Her strong background and connection to our community will be a great addition to our already great team. I place a high value on the constituent services we provide from our district office and Randi will build on our record of success.” “It’s great to be a part of such a dedicated team,” said Mitchell. “I have a passion for giving back to my community and I look forward to working alongside Congresswoman Granger to support the constituent services that are provided by our district office.” Randi brings with her over 15 years of experience with a specialty in marketing management. A lifelong resident of the Fort Worth area, Randi is active in the community and has been recognized for her achievements. In 2009, she was honored as a 40 Under 40 recipient by the Fort Worth Business Press as a woman who has helped shape the future of Tarrant County. Randi is a graduate of Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas and a 2012 Leadership Fort Worth graduate. She is an incoming board member of Camp Fire First Texas and serves as a Marketing Task Force member. Additionally, she is a member of The Ladder Alliance Marketing Committee and is a Breakfast Club member with Lena Pope.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-pledges-continued-opposition-un-arms-trade-treaty,Rep. Kelly Pledges Continued Opposition to UN Arms Trade Treaty,2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,,,legacy,"Treaty will enter into force on Christmas Eve WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) issued the following statement today regarding the imminent entry into force of the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), which will occur on December 24, 2014 — 90 days, as required, after the 50th nation ratified the treaty. The United States signed the treaty on September 25, 2013, but has never ratified it. “As the ATT soon enters into force, the United States Congress continues to stand with the American people in total opposition to this dangerous treaty. I applaud my colleagues for continuing to prohibit federal funding for the treaty’s implementation, and am glad to see the president once again sign legislation affirming this important ban. However, even with the ban in place, there are still plans being proposed for the US to pay up to 22 percent of UN ‘activity’ to manage the treaty — even though our Senate (rightly) refuses to ratify it! Going forward, vigilance is crucial. Congress must maintain its strong opposition while ensuring that the Obama administration is not tempted to act unilaterally in the treaty’s favor. We must not stand by and allow the ATT to threaten our constitutional rights at home or our closest allies abroad, as the world’s worst actors are surely counting on.” BACKGROUND:  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. A follow-up letter was sent to the White House on April, 20, 2014. 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. A version of this ban was integrated into H.R. 3547, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014, which temporarily funded the government between October 1, 2013 and January 15, 2014. On April 1, 2014, Rep. Kelly authored and submitted four separate letters to the bipartisan leaders of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, the Subcommittee on Homeland Security, the Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, and the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies requesting updated and strengthened language prohibiting federal funding of the ATT in each of the subcommittees’ respective appropriation bills for fiscal year 2015, including an explicit ban on the use of funds to engage in domestic prosecutions on the basis of the ATT. Each letter was co-signed by more than 80 members of Congress. On May 22, 2014, the House passed H.R. 4335, the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2015, which included Rep. Kelly’s amendment to continue the Defense Department’s ban on funding for the ATT. On May 30, 2014, the House passed the Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2015, which included language requested by Kelly to ban ATT funding by the Department of Commerce, the Department of Justice, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and other related agencies. On June 20, 2014, the House passed the Department of Defense Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2015 by a bipartisan vote of 340-73, which included language requested by Rep. Kelly to prohibit any funding by the Department of Defense for the implementation of the ATT for one year. On June 24, 2014, the full Appropriations Committee approved language to ban ATT funds in the FY 2015 State and Foreign Ops bill following Rep. Kelly’s letter to the subcommittee. On September 5, 2014, Rep. Kelly submitted a letter to President Obama voicing opposition to the planned First Conference of State Parties (CSP) to the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) – a UN-backed gathering to shape the future of the ATT – due to its exclusion of any organizations critical of the treaty. On December 16, 2014, President Obama signed into law the Omnibus Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2015, which includes a ban on federal funding for the ATT’s implementation. The president signed the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2015 (H.R. 3979) on December 19, 2014, which included a similar ban.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398381,Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 12.22.14,2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,VA,Morgan Griffith,G000568,morgangriffith.house.gov,,,legacy,"God Bless Us, Every One! 171 years ago in 1843, well-loved English writer Charles Dickens published A Christmas Carol.  Even if they don’t know of Charles Dickens by name, many Americans are familiar with the story of bitter, curmudgeonly old Ebenezer Scrooge and the redemptive journey that ultimately transforms him into a warmer, gentler, and more generous human being. A Christmas Carol is a timeless tale that remains popular to this day – particularly this time of year – whether in print or adapted to stage, film, or other types of media.   Far lesser known is Dickens’ first novel, The Pickwick Papers, published in 1837.  In The Pickwick Papers, Dickens wrote a chapter similar in nature to the plot of A Christmas Carol, evidently developing what would in a few years become the classic. Among other stories in The Pickwick Papers is ‘The Goblin and the Sexton,’ in which Dickens tells of the morose, melancholy and lonely Gabriel Grub (who was a gravedigger and ‘sexton,’ or one who looks over a church).  On Christmas Eve, as he was finishing digging a grave, Gabriel was met by a goblin sitting on a tombstone.   “Who makes graves at a time when all other men are merry, and takes a pleasure in it?,"" the goblin asked.  The goblin soon continued, “We know the man with the sulky face and grim scowl, that came down the street to-night, throwing his evil looks at the children, and grasping his burying-spade the tighter.  We know the man who struck the boy in the envious malice of his heart, because the boy could be merry, and he could not.  We know him, we know him."" Soon after, a number of goblins poured into the graveyard, which also filled with the lively music of an organ.  The goblins proceed to take Gabriel Grubb away and show him the past and the future, much like in A Christmas Carol. As the story goes, “Above all, [Gabriel] saw that men like himself, who snarled at the mirth and cheerfulness of others, were the foulest weeds on the fair surface of the earth; and setting all the good of the world against the evil, he came to the conclusion that it was a very decent and respectable sort of world after all.”  Soon after this realization the goblins faded from view, and Gabriel Grubb fell asleep in the empty graveyard.   When he awoke, “…he was an altered man, and he could not bear the thought of returning to a place where his repentance would be scoffed at, and his reformation disbelieved.  He hesitated for a few moments; and then turned away to wander where he might, and seek his bread elsewhere.”  The whereabouts of Gabriel Grubb were unknown for some ten years, until he returned a ragged, though content, old man.   Even though Dickens was a great, master storyteller, the role of The Pickwick Papers in developing the message of A Christmas Carol is clear.  His story of holiday human redemption was a work in progress for a number of years before he saw it fit to publish A Christmas Carol. Not only do storylines and plots develop and progress with time, but we as people do so as well and, ideally, we improve with each passing year.  The moral of Dickens’ stories is that there is redemption.  Like Gabriel Grubb and Ebenezer Scrooge, we all can become better.  Doing so often requires patience and resolve, should our initial attempt be flawed or unsuccessful.  However, I hope that neither you nor I require visits from goblins or the ghosts of Christmas to recognize we can improve. Returning to Dickens’ famous A Christmas Carol, we recall the beloved Tiny Tim and his famous line, “God bless us, every one!”  As we celebrate this holiday season and the birth of Christ, many celebrate with the giving of gifts, among other traditions.  Particularly for Christians such as myself, we celebrate the gift that Jesus brought us with his birth, life, crucifixion, and resurrection. This holiday season, I wish for you and your loved ones progress, success, health, and serenity.  Best wishes for a safe and merry Christmas.   And so I echo the words of Tiny Tim: God bless us, every one! As always, if you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. 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. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://roe.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397800,Roe: The Sacrifice of Those Who Served in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm will Forever be Remembered,2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,TN,Phil Roe,R000582,roe.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Phil Roe, M.D. (R-TN) released the following statement after President Obama signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) into law. Roe’s bill to create a memorial for those that served in Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield was included in the package.   “I am so proud this memorial will finally move forward. After working on this for the last two years, it’s an exciting day for myself and my staff. I’d like to thank Senator Boozman for championing this cause in the Senate, and Scott Stump for his service to our country and tireless efforts on behalf of the veterans of Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield. This is a win for these heroes, and I look forward to the day I’ll have the honor of visiting this memorial. Every soldier who honorably served our nation should be recognized, and the sacrifice of those who served in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm will forever be remembered with honor and gratitude.” No federal funds will be spent to build this memorial; all funds will be raised privately by the National Desert Storm Memorial Association. Background: In 1990, Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait and, in less than 24 hours, dominated nearly 30% of the world’s oil supply. This brutal dictator then set his eyes on Saudi Arabia. Recognizing Saudi Arabia’s important role in the region, President George H.W. Bush launched Operation Desert Shield, the deployment of American combat forces to Saudi Arabia, and issued a mandate to Hussein stating all Iraqi troops must be out of Kuwait by January 15, 1991. With Kuwait still occupied after the deadline passed, the United States led coalition forces in the liberation of Kuwait, a mission known as Operation Desert Storm. These operations—a major coalition victory—resulted in the removal of all Iraqi forces from Kuwait, imposition of sanctions against Iraq and a significantly weakened Iraqi Army. Of the roughly 600,000 American troops who were deployed in both Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, 293 died in theater, of which 148 were killed in action. The United States currently lacks a national memorial dedicated to the valor and sacrifices made by those members of our Armed Forces who honorably fought in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Roe’s original bill, H.R. 503, passed the House unanimously as a stand-alone measure on May 28th. The bill has more than 100 bipartisan cosponsors.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sessions.house.gov/index.cfm/weekly-newsletters?ContentRecord_id=F56CDD2C-4230-4160-816B-360F22A4B660,"The Hill Report: Week of December 15 - 19, 2014",2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,TX,Pete Sessions,S000250,sessions.house.gov,,,legacy,"Yesterday Chairman Kevin Brady of the Ways and Means Committee introduced HR 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which represented the first public unveiling of legislation that could lead to tax reform this Congress.   According to the Wall Street Journal, this bill “is, on net, about a $1.5 trillion tax",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://stivers.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398487,Stivers Nominates Area Students to Military Academies,2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OH,Steve Stivers,S001187,stivers.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Stivers (R – OH) today announced his nomination of students from across Ohio’s 15th Congressional District to the United States military academies. Stivers nominated the following students: share: f t WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Stivers (R – OH) today announced his nomination of students from across Ohio’s 15th Congressional District to the United States military academies. Stivers nominated the following students:•    Lydia LaRue was nominated to West Point. LaRue attends Amanda Clearcreek High School and is the daughter of Dean and Wendy LaRue. •    John Lemaster was nominated to the United States Naval Academy, West Point, and the Air Force Academy.  Lemaster attends Amanda Clearcreek High School and is the son of Brent and Rosalinda Lemaster. •    Kristin Riggs received a nomination to West Point.  She attends Canal Winchester High School and is the daughter of Kent and Pam Riggs. •    Bryce Bailey received a nomination to the Air Force Academy. He graduated from Columbus Academy and currently attends the Air Force Academy Prep School and is the son of Shawn and Deborah Bailey. •    Benjamin Tobin was nominated to the United States Naval Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, West Point, and the Air Force Academy. He graduated from Fairfield Christian Academy and currently attends Ohio University.  He is the son of Michael and Resa Tobin.   •    Tazz Ashbaugh was nominated to the United States Naval Academy and the Air Force Academy. He attends Fairfield Union High School and is the son of Chad and Denese Ashbaugh.   •    Carlos Rodriguez received a nomination to West Point. He attends Fairfield Union High School and is the son of Carlos and Suzanne Rodriguez.   •    Rachel Hawthorn was nominated to the United States Naval Academy and the Air Force Academy.  She attends Liberty Union High School and is the daughter of Marc and Lisa Hawthorn. •    Tearence Lane was nominated to the United States Naval Academy and the Air Force Academy.  He attends Pickerington Central High School and is the son of Dredrick and Stacey Lane. •    Matthew Musso was nominated to the United States Naval Academy and the Air Force Academy.  He attends Pickerington Central High School and is the son of Joseph and Rebecca Musso. •    Durkin Ross received a nomination to the Air Force Academy.  He graduated from Pickerington North High School and currently attends The Ohio State University and is the son of Donald and Lisa Ross. •    Eli Frazier received a nomination to West Point.  He attends William V. Fisher Catholic High School and is the son of David Frazier and Bridget Kuhn. •    Trevor Parker received nominations to the United States Naval Academy and West Point. Parker graduated from Hilliard Darby High School and currently attends Capital University and is the son of Jeffrey Parker and Michelle Rutledge-Parker. •    Benjamin Radcliff received nominations to West Point, the Naval Academy and the Air Force Academy. Parker attends Hilliard Darby High School and is the son of George and Dodie Radcliff. •    Brienne Walker was nominated to the Air Force Academy.  She attends Hilliard Bradley High School and is the daughter of Mark and Leslie Walker. •    Sarah Sprague was nominated to the United States Naval Academy.  She attends Hilliard Bradley High School and is the daughter of Wallace and Lisa Sprague. •    William Brooks received a nomination to the United States Naval Academy, West Point and  the Merchant Marine Academy.  He attends Logan High School and he is the son of Jason and Kristin Brooks. •    William Merrill received nominations to West Point and the United States Naval Academy.  He attends Logan Elm High School and is the son of Frank and Lisa Merrill. •    Caleb Welch was nominated to the United States Naval Academy, West Point and the Air Force Academy. He attends Teays Valley High School and is the son of Timothy and Kimberly Welch. •    Nicholas Klitzka was nominated to the United States Naval Academy, West Point and the Air Force Academy.  He attends William V. Fisher Catholic High School and is the son of Thomas and Patricia Klitzka. •    Daniel Hummer received a nomination to the United States Air Force Academy.  He graduated from Upper Arlington High School and currently attends the Air Force Academy Prep School.  He is the son of Mark and Jeanine Hummer. •    Brandon Jones was nominated to the United States Air Force Academy. Jones is a graduate of Upper Arlington High School and currently attends the Air Force Academy Prep School.  He is the son of John and April Jones. •    Coleson Carmell was nominated to the United States Naval Academy and the Air Force Academy. He attends Upper Arlington High school and is the son of Cavin Carmell and Melloni DeMuth. “It is an honor to nominate these outstanding students to  the U.S. military academies,” Stivers said.  “As a Colonel in the Ohio Army National Guard, I thank these students for their interest in serving our nation in such a meaningful and important way. I also would like to thank Ohio’s 15th District Academy Review Board for their thoughtful recommendations and assistance in interviewing the students.” In pursuit of a nomination to a U.S. military academy, students submit an application and are interviewed by Congressman Stivers’ Military Academy Review Board. The board evaluates the students on the basis of academic performance, leadership ability and community involvement. To receive a service academy nomination from Congressman Stivers, candidates must be an unmarried resident of Ohio’s 15th Congressional District, a United States citizen and between the ages of 17 and 23. Qualified persons interested in pursuing a nomination to one of the United States Service Academies should visit www.stivers.house.gov for more information, or contact Congressman Stivers’ Lancaster Office at (740) 654-2654. -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/mental-health-funding-could-get-boost-in-states-budget,Mental-Health Funding Could Get Boost in State's Budget,2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,IN,Susan Brooks,B001284,susanwbrooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"In 2012, Indiana cut more than $24 million, or 9 percent, from its mental health budget, according to a report published by the National Alliance on Mental Health. It was the second biggest state cut to mental health funding in the country, next to Illinois. Since then, state legislators haven’t upped funding, making Indiana one of only eight states that didn’t increase mental-health spending in 2014, according to a NAMI state legislation report. “The state has not been good at adding to the federal dollars that we get for mental health,” said Stephen McCaffrey, president and CEO of Mental Health America of Indiana. “We don’t put a lot of money into mental health and substance abuse in Indiana.” But the state’s withering mental-health spending could see a boost in the upcoming budget, which will be voted on next year. Rep. Mike Karickhoff, R-Kokomo, who will serve as the Budget Subcommittee Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, said most of the funding for mental-health services will come out of the $11 million appropriated to enact criminal sentencing reform, which legislators passed last year. He said the question now is how and where to allocate that funding to provide local authorities the resources they need to properly treat mental-health problems. “Several discussions have taken place about what the needs of our local facilities might be, because different counties require different resources,” he said. “The challenge the legislature always faces will be how to equitably deploy those resources, and what best practices are available in other counties that can be replicated statewide.” Rep. Steve Davisson, R-Salem, who served as chairman of a mental health summer study committee and was appointed to the Ways and Means Committee, said he anticipates more money will be budgeted for mental health spending next year, beyond the money allocated for sentencing reform. “We’ve got to put money into this. There doesn’t seem to be any other option,” he said. “If we can get to the root of our mental-health problems, we can prevent a lot of crime and recidivism in the state. Every dollar we invest will probably pay us huge dividends down the road.” Mental Health America’s McCaffrey said his organization will be pushing legislators to not only increase funding, but look at restructuring how the state’s mental-health system operates to provide proactive treatment. “In mental health, we always treat people like they’re in stage four,” he said. “In cancer, it’s bad news if you wait to get treatment until stage four, but that’s what we do in mental health. We get bad results, and then we’re surprised. “We need to be smart in the way we put our systems together so that they’re integrated and do what we want them to do, and we’ve never done that.” Davisson said he’s working on some bills aimed at bolstering the state’s mental-health services, including one that would give clinicians and psychiatrists an incentive to offer telemedicine — a way to provide clients with counselling and treatment via online video conferencing. He said teleconferencing allows people in rural communities, where there aren’t any mental-health services, to access care from mental-health providers in cities like Fort Wayne and Indianapolis. Most insurance providers don’t pay for telemedicine appointments, Davisson said, which deters clinicians from offering the service. His bill would require insurance companies to pay out the same amount for telemedicine appointments as regular, face-to-face sessions with a counselor or psychiatrist. “Telemedicine is really expanding,” Davisson said. “There’s lots of opportunities there for getting more mental-health treatment to people.” On the federal level, a proposed House bill that would have brought sweeping changes to the nation’s mental-health system failed to get a vote, but U.S. Rep. Susan Brooks, who serves Greentown and Tipton, said she hopes to get the bill back onto the floor next year. The Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act aimed to increase access to inpatient psychiatric care, clarify privacy rules for families of the mentally ill and promote alternatives to long-term inpatient care, such as court-ordered assisted outpatient treatment. The 135-page document was written and sponsored by Pennsylvania Rep. Tim Murphy, who worked for three decades as a psychologist. Brooks, who will serve on the Energy and Commerce Committee, which would oversee the legislation, said she’ll push to get the bill back into the committee and work to see it become law. “This is really important legislation that we need to continue working on,” she said. “When you have bills that are this significant and this transformative to national systems, sometimes it can take a couple of sessions of Congress to change, and that can be frustrating. A lot of work has been done on this bill, and I want to help strengthen it.” Brooks said the bill wouldn’t just create more access for people suffering from a mental illness. In the end, she said, it would save money by keeping people out of jail, probation and other federally subsidized programs. “If we can put more funding into mental-health programing and mental-health systems, at the end of the day, it will save us money,” she said. “If people get to a stable place where they can maintain jobs and take care of themselves, as they want to do, that’s going to help decrease funding in other areas.” Carson Gerber can be reached at 765-854-6739,carson.gerber@kokomotribune.com or on Twitter @carsongerber1.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=49f90101-1e07-43f6-97dc-777207e70b48,Sen. Moran Statement on Removing Trade Barriers with Cuba,2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,KS,Jerry Moran,M000934,www.moran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"MANHATTAN, KAN. – Today, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) released the following statement regarding his support for modifying U.S.-Cuba trade policy: “I have long fought to change the unilateral U.S. sanctions and regulations that restrict the ability of our farmers and ranchers to sell their products to Cuba.    “Cuba is only 90 miles from our border, making it a natural market for U.S. agricultural commodities, including Kansas wheat. Cuba imports approximately 80 percent of the food they consume. Wheat is Cuba’s largest food commodity import and second-largest import overall, only behind oil. While the United States has unilaterally erected trade barriers that harm our own farmers, other countries are more than happy to fill this market. For example, this year Cuba has purchased $150 million worth of wheat from the European Union alone.  “It simply does not make sense to continue policies and regulations blocking U.S. farmers from this market only for it to be filled by our competitors. Industry experts believe that U.S. wheat could grow to 80-90 percent of the market share in Cuba if the trade restrictions are eased, similar to our market share in other Caribbean nations. Considering it costs an average of $20-25 per ton to ship grain from Europe to Cuba versus about $6-7 per ton from the United States, it makes economic sense for U.S. commodities to make up the lion’s share of the Cuban market. “Wheat is especially important to me since Kansas leads the nation in wheat milling and production. However, many other U.S. and Kansas commodities would benefit from opening the Cuban market. A 2010 Texas A&M study estimates that easing restrictions and lifting the travel ban could result in $365 million in additional sales of U.S. agricultural commodities, boost the U.S. economy by $1.1 billion, and create 6000 new jobs.  “Beyond providing a new market for U.S. farmers, easing restrictions on trade and travel with Cuba may bring about reforms in the repressive Cuban government – reforms that more than 50 years of the current policy have not achieved. Current U.S. policy only serves to limit American’s freedom to trade and travel with the island nation while contributing to the ongoing misery of the Cuban people. A change in our nation's approach that can open Cuba up economically and politically through the exchange of commodities and ideas is necessary. “I have often said, in Kansas we will try anything once – sometimes twice or even three times. However, if we have been trying something for over five decades and it has yet to work, it is time to change direction. It is time to change our Cuba policies. It is time for U.S. farmers and ranchers to truly have market access to Cuba’s 11 million consumers.”  Background: Sen. Moran has long fought for commonsense changes to U.S. trade policy with Cuba – which must import nearly 85 percent of its food – in order to open up more markets for American farmers. On July 20, 2000, an amendment (H.Amdt.1031 to H.R.4871) offered by then Rep. Moran prohibiting funds being used to enforce sanctions for food, medicine and agriculture products in a sale to Cuba passed the House of Representatives (301-116) The adoption of this amendment opened another needed market to farmers throughout the country. Unfortunately, changes in regulations by the U.S. Department of the Treasury in 2005 once again severely restricted this market.   In February 2010, then-Congressman Moran introduced – and the House Agriculture Committee passed – H.R. 4645, legislation to expand agricultural trade with Cuba In Sept. 2011, Sen. Moran’s legislation to remove a trade barrier with Cuba by allowing direct cash payments from Cuban buyers to U.S. financial institutions during the 2012 fiscal year (FY), was adopted by the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations as an amendment to the FY2012 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Bill. By allowing direct cash payments, Sen. Moran’s amendment will fuel economic growth and enable agricultural producers to compete on a level playing field. Nearly 150 U.S. organizations have voiced their strong support for doing so, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Association of Wheat Growers and the National Farmers Union. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsletter?ContentRecord_id=38b2ece2-f387-44fb-a933-9048c0f1a9df,Kansas Common Sense - Proposal to Modify U.S.-Cuba Trade Policy,2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,KS,Jerry Moran,M000934,www.moran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Hello, Welcome to “Kansas Common Sense.” Thanks for your continued interest in receiving my weekly newsletter. Please feel free to forward it on to your family and friends if it would interest them.  I hope you and your family enjoy this holiday season. I send you my best wishes for the year ahead and wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. This week, Jewish families in Kansas and around the world are observing the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah. I wish my Jewish friends and neighbors a very happy Hanukkah. I hope the new year brings a Congress better capable of working together for the well-being of our nation. Proposal to Modify U.S.-Cuba Trade Policy On Wednesday, American Alan Gross was released by the Cuban government and allowed to return to the United States. For five years, Alan and his family have endured pain and profound injustice amid his detainment in Cuba. News of Alan's release brings great relief to his loved ones and to every American who has called for his freedom. I admire Alan’s strength and that of his wife Judy, who has worked tirelessly for years to free Alan and reunite her family. During my time in the Senate, I had the opportunity to meet Judy Gross and authored legislation calling on both the American and Cuban governments to expedite his release. I am glad that Alan is finally home and that the Gross family can celebrate this holiday season together. Following Alan’s release, the Administration proposed to alter America’s policy concerning Cuba in a positive step toward improved economic ties that could benefit citizens of both nations. I have long fought to change the unilateral U.S. sanctions and regulations that restrict the ability of our farmers and ranchers to sell their products to Cuba.   Cuba is only 90 miles from our border, making it a natural market for U.S. agricultural commodities, including Kansas wheat. Cuba imports approximately 80 percent of the food they consume. Wheat is Cuba’s largest food commodity import and second-largest import overall, behind only oil. While the United States has unilaterally erected trade barriers that harm our own farmers, other countries are more than happy to fill this market. For example, this year Cuba has purchased $150 million worth of wheat from the European Union alone. It simply does not make sense to continue policies and regulations blocking Kansas farmers from this market only for it to be filled by our competitors. Industry experts believe that U.S. wheat could grow to 80-90 percent of the market share in Cuba if the trade restrictions are eased, similar to our market share in other Caribbean nations. Considering it costs an average of $20-25 per ton to ship grain from Europe to Cuba versus about $6-7 per ton from the United States, it makes economic sense for U.S. commodities to make up the lion’s share of the Cuban market. Kansas leads the nation in wheat milling and production, but many other U.S. and Kansas commodities would also benefit from opening the Cuban market. A 2010 Texas A&M study estimates that easing restrictions and lifting the travel ban could result in $365 million in additional sales of U.S. agricultural commodities, boost the U.S. economy by $1.1 billion, and create 6000 new jobs. Beyond providing a new market for U.S. farmers, easing restrictions on trade and travel with Cuba may bring about reforms in the repressive Cuban government – reforms that more than 50 years of the current policy have not achieved. Current U.S. policy only serves to limit American’s freedom to trade and travel with the island nation while contributing to the ongoing misery of the Cuban people. A change in our nation's approach that can open Cuba up economically and politically through the exchange of commodities and ideas is necessary. I have often said, in Kansas we will try anything once – sometimes twice or even three times. However, if we have been trying something for over five decades and it has yet to work, it is time to change direction. It is time to change our Cuba policies. It is time for U.S. farmers and ranchers to truly have market access to Cuba’s 11 million consumers. Key Committee Appointments in New Congress In the new Congress I will serve on several key U.S. Senate committees whose jurisdictions have a direct impact on our nation’s economy and the lives of Kansans: U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation U.S. Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs In January, we begin to forge a new path. As a member of the Commerce, Banking and Appropriations Committees I look forward to advocating for pro-growth policies that create jobs and more economic opportunity for every American. In my role on Commerce, Science and Transportation, I will work to provide valuable oversight on a wide range of issues including communications, highways, aviation, rail, shipping, transportation security, fisheries, science, space, interstate commerce and numerous others.  Additionally, there is no group of Americans I hold in higher regard than our veterans, who bravely put their lives at risk to protect the freedoms and liberties we all enjoy. They kept their promise to us and we must keep our promise to them. I am humbled to have the opportunity to continue working on behalf of those who have honorably served our country. Passage of Tax Extenders and ABLE Act Late Tuesday night, the U.S. Senate passed the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, legislation that enables the creation of tax-exempt ABLE Accounts to assist individuals with disabilities and their families to save and pay for qualified disability expenses. I have been a sponsor of this legislation since 2012, and it will allow individuals with disabilities or the parents of a child with a disability to save money to cover expenses such as education, housing, transportation, employment training, and assistive technology. This new policy will encourage personal responsibility and eliminate barriers to work that can exist within federal entitlement programs. I encourage President Obama to swiftly sign this bill into law as it overwhelmingly passed the House earlier this month. Thanks to Jawanda and Rachel Mast of Olathe, the Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City, and the Down Syndrome Society of Wichita for their insight on this important legislation over the past few years. Click here to learn more about Rachel's story. The ABLE Act was passed in conjunction with H.R. 5771, legislation to extend several temporary corporate and individual tax provisions through 2014. Retroactive to January 1 of this year, H.R. 5771 allows taxpayers to claim these credits for the upcoming tax filing season, which include the restoration of Section 179 financing to its previous $500,000 limit. Critical to the ability of Kansas farmers and small businesses to replace old equipment and stay competitive, the Section 179 limit abruptly fell to $25,000 at the end of 2013 – barely enough to buy a new pickup. Having passed both chambers of Congress, this legislation now heads to the President’s desk for signature. Discussing Unique Challenges Facing Kansas Hospitals and Health Care Providers I spoke on the Senate floor last week about the unique challenges Kansas hospitals and health care providers face caring for patients in our state—often in very rural settings across wide areas. During my time representing Kansans in Washington, D.C., I have had the opportunity to visit each of the 128 community hospitals. Almost every visit involves concerns about the harmful impacts and massive uncertainty caused by the Affordable Care Act, as well as the ever increasing federal regulatory burdens hospitals face as they work to provide quality health care to their local residents. There will be a renewed opportunity in the new Congress to undo the damage caused by Obamacare and present real solutions to problems facing the Kansas health care providers and patients. USDA Listens to Producers, Will Not Create New Beef Checkoff Program Friday morning, I was pleased to learn that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will not move forward with a new, separate beef checkoff. I believe that changes to the checkoff should be supported by producers, not forced upon them by the federal government. Cattle producers I visited with from across Kansas were loud and clear in their objections to USDA administratively creating a new checkoff.  Last month, I sent a letter to USDA expressing my concern that they were acting against the clear wishes of producers. I was concerned that creating a new checkoff would be duplicative and add administrative costs. Perhaps most importantly though, I felt that the concerns of Kansas cattle producers were being ignored. I appreciate that Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack ultimately listened to cattle producers from across the country who objected to this new checkoff. Click here to learn more. Importance of Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention Act The invisible wounds of war plague thousands of veterans across our country and there are some who feel the only choice to deal with their wounds is to take their own life. The average suicide rate among veterans is a staggering 22 deaths each day. With epidemic-levels of suicide afflicting veterans, the VA has a fundamental duty to not only provide them the best quality mental health care services but the VA must also do everything necessary to save their lives. I took to the Senate floor on Wednesday evening to share the story of Clay Hunt and discuss legislation that was created in his name to make certain the VA is capable of supporting veterans battling the same struggles he did before tragically taking his own life. During a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee hearing last month, I was privileged to hear Clay’s story directly from his mom, Susan Selke. Susan shared her son’s troubles of reliving the traumatic experiences of war and his disappointment when the VA failed to offer the care he needed to treat his despair. Although it had to be extremely difficult for Clay’s mom to share his story, her courage and willingness to explain what happened to her son gives us the opportunity to identify what the VA must change to save others like Clay in the future. As a sponsor of the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention Act, I was hopeful the Senate would pass this critical legislation after it unanimously passed in the House earlier this month. This bill would be instrumental in developing a VA system capable of offering first-rate mental health care services, as well as utilizing the expertise of outside organizations to provide support for those struggling from their wartime experiences. It would also provide for a new website that offers veterans information regarding available mental healthcare services; create a pilot loan repayment program for VA psychiatrists; and improve the exchange of training, best practices, and other resources among the VA, Veteran Service Organizations (VSO), and nonprofit mental health organizations to enhance collaboration of suicide prevention efforts. I was disappointed the legislation was blocked from consideration this week in the Senate. It is critical that the VA follow through on its commitment to our nation’s veterans – especially so families who have lost loved ones know the VA is committed to suicide prevention to care for others who served our country. There should be no excuse for the VA bureaucracy, push back and delays, or acceptance that this is just the way the VA system works. I will urge and sponsor reintroduction of Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act in the new Congress, and will keep working to find solutions and to hold the VA accountable when it comes to providing our nation’s veterans with the timely, high-quality and dedicated care they earned. Kansas Listening Tour Stops in Howard and Winfield On Thursday I continued my Kansas Listening Tour with two stops. First I met with Elk County residents in the community of Howard. The folks who attended wanted to discuss getting back to a normal functioning Senate — passing appropriations bills so Congress has power and authority over our country and it's not governed by executive order. We also talked about maintaining a strong military, taking care of our veterans and making sure our children are getting a well-rounded education. A group representing RSVP from several counties were present and thanked me for my support of their programs throughout the state. Thanks again to Lynne Thompson and the Elk County Farm Bureau for hosting the town hall. Next, in conjunction with Winfield Kiwanis Club, I hosted a Kansas Listening Tour stop at Baden Square. Thanks to all the area residents who came out to discuss a number of issues including the Affordable Care Act’s impact on community hospitals, the new veterans’ health care law, and how to make certain small businesses survive in rural communities. Thanks to Winfield Kiwanis Club President Ruth Gordon and club member Glen Sambolte for hosting the conversation. Visits to Johnson County Businesses On Friday I visited several business in Johnson County. My day started at Black & Veatch where I met with CEO Steven Edwards and other senior leaders at their company’s global headquarters in Overland Park. Black & Veatch was founded in 1915 by two KU grads and today is one of the largest private companies in the country, employing about 10,000 professionals and with completed projects in more than 100 countries. Next, I headed to PQ Corporation in Lenexa where I met with Mike Boyce and other members of the PQ team to discuss federal regulations. PQ Corporation manufactures chemicals that make the products we use every day safer or more effective. From ingredients in toothpaste and facial cleaner to water treatment and paint, PQ Corporation work impacts our lives. Thank you again to the PQ team for the informative visits. I ended my day Friday with a visit to McCarthy Chevrolet in Olathe which also serves Overland Park, Kansas City, Lee's Summit, Independence, Blue Springs, Shawnee, Mission, Topeka, and Lawrence. My meeting with John McCarthy focused on the state of the economy and the type of pro-growth policies Washington can put into place to make certain Kansas business can continue to thrive. It is always inspiring to hear about the innovation and success of great Kansas companies. Thanks again to Black & Veatch, PQ Corporation and McCarthy Chevrolet for the good conversations. Kansans in the Office Kay Brada of Lawrence Don Brada of Lawrence Kansas Farm Bureau Terry Holdren of Manhattan Ryan Flickner of Manhattan  Capitol Tour Colby Markham of Thayer Christopher Bowling of Salina  Honored to Serve You in Washington It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard. Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C., office. Very truly yours, Jerry",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=481,"McKinley: Coal Ash Announcement Is a First Step, But Legislation Still Needed",2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"For the past four years we have sought to find a workable solution for the regulation of coal ash that will maintain hundreds of thousands of jobs, keep electricity prices low, encourage recycling, protect the environment, and provide certainty. Today's announcement by the EPA shows that our work has made a difference and the EPA has listened, but there is still more to be done. share: f t Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-WV) issued the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency released its final rule regarding coal ash, theunavoidable byproduct of burning coal: For the past four years we have sought to find a workable solution for the regulation of coal ash that will maintain hundreds of thousands of jobs, keep electricity prices low, encourage recycling, protect the environment, and provide certainty. Today's announcement by the EPA shows that our work has made a difference and the EPA has listened, but there is still more to be done. The decision not to regulate coal ash as a hazardous material means it can continue to be recycled and used in everyday products, such as concrete, bricks, and wall board. A hazardous designation would have severely limited the ability to recycle coal combustion byproducts, costing 316,000 jobs and causing electric rates to skyrocket. We're proud to have played a role in helping avoid this outcome. However the EPA falls short of offering a functional regulatory system, fails to address key issues, and still leaves uncertainty for both industry and environmental groups. A legislative answer is still necessary to close many of the open-ended questions and provide greater certainty a future EPA won't overrule this decision. The plan we laid out in H.R. 2218 calls for federal standards for coal ash disposal and requires the states to develop disposal programs that meet those standards. This approach was developed in consultation with states, utilities, recyclers, and the EPA, and remains the best way to ensure coal ash can continue to be disposed and recycled in a safe and economical manner. This solution has received strong bipartisan support and passed the House on multiple occasions since 2011, but has consistently been blocked in the Senate. Early next year we plan to introduce a similar bill to address this problem once and for all. With new leadership in the Senate, we expect our common sense plan can finally pass the Senate and be signed into law.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=720,Rep. McKinley Nominates Impressive Group of West Virginia Students to Service Academies,2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va.) has nominated 15 West Virginia students to United States service academies including the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S Military Academy, and the Merchant Marine Academy. Congressional nomination is the first step in a process toward appointment to a military academy. Nominated students must also meet the stringent admission requirements of the academies to earn an appointment. share: f t Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va.) has nominated 15 West Virginia students to United States service academies including the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S Military Academy, and the Merchant Marine Academy. Congressional nomination is the first step in a process toward appointment to a military academy. Nominated students must also meet the stringent admission requirements of the academies to earn an appointment. These students are the future leaders of America, said Rep. McKinley. To earn this nomination they have excelled both inside and outside the classroom and shown strong leadership potential. Their hard work and exemplary character make me proud to be a West Virginian. These young men and women have a strong desire to serve their country, said McKinley. I wish them the best for the future and look forward to seeing what they accomplish. The following students were nominated by Rep. McKinley based on their academic performance, extracurricular activity in their school and community, and personal recommendations: Alexander Baumgartner (Parkersburg) attendedParkersburg High School and graduated 7th in his class. Alexander was a member of the Key Club, ran cross country, and played soccer. He is planning to enroll at West Virginia University at Parkersburg. Nominated to U.S. Military Academy at West Point and U.S. Air Force Academy. Nicholas Cheuvront (Parkersburg) attends Parkersburg High School. While maintaining a challenging course load of Advanced Placement classes, Nicholas has been active in Scouting and community service. He is an all-state member of the track team, runs cross country, and is on the PHS swim team. Nominated to U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy. Issac Ike Childers (Fairmont) attends Fairmont Senior High School. He is active in student government and is a member of the National Honor Society. Issac was named 1st Team All-State in soccer and plays basketball. Nominated to U.S. Air Force Academy. Ethan Goldcamp (Morgantown) attends Morgantown High School. Ethan is ranked in the top ten percent of his class and has excelled as a leader in student government and Boys State. He plays football and was selected as captain of the lacrosse team. U.S. Military Academy at West Point and U.S. Naval Academy Hanna Hill (Parkersburg) attends Parkersburg High School. She has earned a high GPA while taking a heavy load of AP classes. Hanna has taken on leadership roles in a variety of organizations at her school and in Parkersburg, while also playing basketball and volleyball. Her sister currently attends West Point. Nominated to Merchant Marine Academy and U.S. Naval Academy. Hunter Hill (Parkersburg) attends Parkersburg High School. Hunter has been active in his church and community service organizations, and has served as captain of his soccer team for the last two seasons. In the classroom Hunter has maintained good grades and was named to the Principal's List for the past three years. Nominated to Merchant Marine Academy and U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Shandy Kuzava (Salem) attends Liberty High School in Harrison County. He has participated in Boys State and is a Flight Commander with the Civil Air Patrol. Shandy also runs track and cross country. Nominated to U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and U.S. Naval Academy. Jacob Morgan (Grafton) attends Grafton High School. He has been a leader in a number of activities including student body government, drama, music, and athletics. Jacob attended the Naval Academy Summer Seminar and is ranked in the top ten percent of his class. Nominated to U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Naval Academy, and Merchant Marine Academy. Nicholas Musgrave (Parkersburg) graduated from Parkersburg High School in 2013 and currently attends Hastings College in Nebraska. He is an Eagle Scout, is an editor on his college newspaper and has worked on political campaigns. Nominated to U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Seth Porter (Wheeling) attends Wheeling Park High School. He is a member of the National Honor Society and has been recognized for his excellence in math and science. Seth has participated in Boys State and is active in the theater and music programs at Wheeling Park. Nominated to U.S. Naval Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, and U.S. Air Force Academy. Dominic Raymond (Morgantown) attends Trinity Christian High School in Morgantown where he is ranked first in his class. Dominic has been a leader in his student government and participated in Boys State and the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership program. He was also selected as captain of the basketball team. Nominated to U.S. Air Force Academy. Sallie Samolitis (Walker) attends Parkersburg High School. Sallie comes from a family with deep military roots. She is pursuing her black belt in Tae Kwon Do and is a member of the PHS band. Nominated to U.S. Naval Academy. John Terosky IV (Parkersburg) attends Parkersburg High School. He is in the top 10% of his high school class while carrying a course load with 10 AP classes. John is active in Scouting and is in the process of completing his Eagle Scout project. Nominated to U.S. Naval Academy. Brady Watson (Ridgeley) attends Frankfort High School in Mineral County. Brady has excelled on the playing field as a four-year letterman on the Frankfort football team, which was runner up in the Class AA finals this year. He also lettered in basketball and track. He is a member of the National Honor Society and ranks in the top 10% of his class. Nominated to U.S. Naval Academy. Mitchell Winkie (Bridgeport) attends Bridgeport High School. Mitchell is ranked first in his class and is active in Boys State, student government, and Civil Air Patrol. He is co-captain of the two-time state AA Championship Bridgeport football squad. Nominated to U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://schweikert.house.gov/2014/12/22/rep-schweikert-congratulates-tunisian-people-success-presidential/,Rep. Schweikert Congratulates Tunisian People on Success of Presidential Elections,2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,David Schweikert,S001183,schweikert.house.gov,schweikert,https://schweikert.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/,scraper,"Scottsdale, Ariz., December 22, 2014 — Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ), Co-Chair of the Congressional Tunisian Caucus, released a statement following the release of the Tunisian Presidential Election results: “I wish to congratulate the Tunisian people on the success of their Presidential elections and the realization of their democratic aspirations,” said Schweikert. “Free and fair elections are the heart of any democracy. Four years after sparking the Arab Spring, Tunisia remains the only country to have successfully evolved from authoritarian rule to a country based on a freedom and fairness for all.The achievements over the last year have laid the groundwork for a prosperous and democratic Tunisia. Congratulations to President-elect Beji Caid Essebsi on his victory,” continued Schweikert. “While many challenges lay ahead, I look forward to working with President-elect Essebsi and members of Tunisia’s new government to address those challenges and forge a closer bond between our two countries.” ### Congressman David Schweikert co-founded the Congressional Tunisian Caucus in the summer of 2013 alongside Congressman Alcee L. Hastings. Since its inception, the caucus has worked to inform policy makers of the democratic transition in Tunisia, while strengthening bilateral relations between the United States and Tunisia. Contact Maggie Zehring: margaret.zehring@mail.house.gov (202) 680- 9613 Back to News",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:44:12Z https://schweikert.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-schweikert-congratulates-tunisian-people-success-presidential,Rep. Schweikert Congratulates Tunisian People on Success of Presidential Elections,2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,David Schweikert,S001183,schweikert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Scottsdale, Ariz., December 22, 2014 -- Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ), Co-Chair of the Congressional Tunisian Caucus, released a statement following the release of the Tunisian Presidential Election results: I wish to congratulate the Tunisian people on the success of their Presidential elections and the realization of their democratic aspirations, said Schweikert. Free and fair elections are the heart of any democracy. Four years after sparking the Arab Spring, Tunisia remains the only country to have successfully evolved from authoritarian rule to a country based on a freedom and fairness for all.The achievements over the last year have laid the groundwork for a prosperous and democratic Tunisia. Congratulations to President-elect Beji Caid Essebsi on his victory, continued Schweikert. While many challenges lay ahead, I look forward to working with President-elect Essebsi and members of Tunisias new government to address those challenges and forge a closer bond between our two countries. ### Congressman David Schweikert co-founded the Congressional Tunisian Caucus in the summer of 2013 alongside Congressman Alcee L. Hastings. Since its inception, the caucus has worked to inform policy makers of the democratic transition in Tunisia, while strengthening bilateral relations between the United States and Tunisia. Contact Maggie Zehring: margaret.zehring@mail.house.gov(202) 680- 9613",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=318aaebf-8698-4a25-983f-02f0bc1c7b84,"Alexander Highlights Senate Health, Education, and Labor Committee Accomplishments for this Congress",2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"*** “The Senate Health, Education, and Labor Committee has produced some of the most significant legislation of any Senate committee this year. In a dysfunctional Congress, among senators with profound ideological differences, our work shows what can happen when you focus on getting results on issues important to the American people.""  –Lamar Alexander   NASHVILLE, Dec. 22 – U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), the ranking Republican member on the Senate’s Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions today highlighted the committee’s accomplishments for this Congress—including 25 bipartisan bills that have been signed into law:  “The Senate Health, Education, and Labor Committee has produced some of the most significant legislation of any Senate committee this year. In a dysfunctional Congress, among senators with profound ideological differences, our work shows what can happen when you focus on getting results on issues important to the American people. This legislation includes bills that help pay for child care for 1.5 million children; make loans cheaper, simpler, and more certain for more than 9 million students; and make safer prescription drugs for virtually every American.”   The full list of bipartisan bills passed is below: Drug Quality and Security Act (H.R. 3204), legislation that enacted a new model of oversight of sterile compounding pharmacies to make injections of compounded sterile drugs safer—following the deadly meningitis outbreak of 2012.   Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2014 (S. 1086), legislation to expand access to and improve the quality of child care for the more than 1.5 million children and families.    Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act of 2013 (H.R. 1911), legislation that established a permanent, market-based plan to makes students’ loans simpler, more certain—and, in most cases, cheaper.   Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (H.R. 803), legislation that updated and improved the nation’s workforce development system, by simplifying the maze of programs, supporting state and local-decision making, and improving federal program accountability.                                                                                                                          PREEMIE Reauthorization Act (S. 252), legislation to reduce infant deaths and disabilities by expanding research, education, and intervention activities related to premature birth.   Sunscreen Innovation Act (S. 2141), legislation to get safe sunscreen ingredients to Americans more quickly to help prevent skin cancer.   Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act (H.R.307), legislation to strengthen America’s preparedness for and ability to respond to medical and public health emergencies.   School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act (H.R. 2094), legislation to encourage schools to maintain a supply of epinephrine injectors in a secure location that’s easily accessible to a trained school personnel.     CHIMP Act Amendments of 2013 (S. 1561), legislation to ensure that the National Institutes of Health can continue to care for retired government-owned chimpanzees that are no longer needed for research.   National Pediatric Research Network Act (S. 424), legislation to encourage collaboration among researchers and optimize pediatric research.   HIV Organ Policy Equity Act (S. 330), legislation to end the ban on research of organ transplantation from HIV-positive donors to HIV-positive recipients.   Animal Drug and Animal Generic Drug User Fee Reauthorization Act (S. 622), reauthorization of programs that reduce the average waiting time for the Food and Drug Administration to approve generic animal drugs by 450 days and eliminated a backlog of applications.   Poison Center Network Act (H.R. 3527), legislation that reauthorized the poison control centers national toll-free number, national media campaign, and grant program.   Streamlining Claims Processing for Federal Contractor Employees Act (H.R. 2747), legislation that transfers authority from the Government Accountability Office to the Department of Labor for processing claims for wages due to laborers and mechanics hired by contractors on public works projects.   Children’s Hospital GME Support Reauthorization Act (S. 1557), legislation to reauthorize the successful children’s hospitals graduate medical education program that supports the training of pediatricians at children’s hospitals in Tennessee and across the country.   Cooperative and Small Employer Charity Pension Act (S. 1302), legislation to make it easier for charities and cooperatives to continue to offer pensions to their employees.   Improving Trauma Care Act of 2014 (H.R. 3548), legislation to update the federal definition of trauma to include burns—more appropriately reflecting the relationship between burns and other traumatic injuries.   Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education and Support Act (Autism CARES Act) of 2014 (H.R. 4631), legislation to reauthorize the Combating Autism Act—continuing research programs, education, early detection and intervention programs to aid the estimated one in 68 children affected by Autism.   Emergency Medical Services for Children Reauthorization Act of 2014 (S. 2154), legislation to improve emergency medical services for more than 600,000 Tennessee children who receive emergency medical care every year.   Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Community Assistance, Research, and Education Amendments of 2013 (H.R. 594), legislation to revise the muscular dystrophy research program—including expanding the range and forms of the disease included in the program.   Traumatic Brain Injury Reauthorization Act of 2014 (S. 2539), which reauthorizes certain programs relating to traumatic brain injury and to trauma research through FY2019.    A bill to amend the Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (S.2511, passed as part of H.R. 83), legislation to determine when a company needs to make greater pension payments to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation due to a cessation of operations.   Adding Ebola to the FDA Priority Review Voucher Program Act (S. 2917), legislation to spur the development of Ebola vaccines and drugs.   Sudden Unexpected Death Data Enhancement and Awareness Act (H.R. 669), legislation to direct the secretary of Health and Human Services to continue data collection regarding stillbirth, sudden unexpected infant death, and sudden unexplained death in childhood—including collaborating with states and experts—to improve the quality and consistency of data collected after one of these deaths.   Newborn Screening Saves Lives Reauthorization Act of 2013 (H.R. 1281), legislation to improve life-saving screenings for nearly 80,000 infants born in Tennessee every year—as well as ensure that parents and doctors have the information they need to keep the newborns in their care as safe as possible.   # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=c185508d-2348-4fac-a97a-82483ace3e94,Boozman Highlights Legislative Accomplishments of 113th Congress,2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AR,John Boozman,B001236,www.boozman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Boozman highlighted his legislative accomplishments of the 113th Congress. Several pieces of legislation introduced by Boozman were approved by Congress or were included in larger bills and passed with bipartisan support. Defense Language included by Boozman in the Fiscal Year 2015 National Defense Authorization (NDAA) allows servicemembers killed or wounded in attacks by foreign terrorist organization to be eligible for the Purple Heart.  This provision is meant to address the attacks at the recruiting station in Little Rock and Fort Hood, TX.  If the person or persons who carry out such an attack can be shown to have been in contact with a foreign terrorist organization or the attack was motivated by a foreign terrorist organization then the servicemembers wounded or killed in such an attack would be eligible for the Purple Heart. The provision is retroactive to September 11, 2001.  Foreign terrorist organization means an entity designated as such by the Secretary of State.  Boozman included an amendment in the FY2015 NDAA that requires that the Secretary of the Army submit a report to Congress no later than March 15, 2015, on how the Army intends to modernize the Army National Guard’s fleet of UH-60A aircraft. This is relevant to Arkansas because the AR National Guard has a number of UH-60A Black Hawk helicopters. The “A” model is the oldest variant of the Black Hawk and is costly to maintain and operate because of the age of the airframe. The Army has two newer variants, the “L” and “M” variants and this section asks for a plan from the Army on how they will replace the “A” models with newer models.  Boozman authored language included in NDAA will improve the ability of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) Board of Visitors to perform critical oversight responsibilities.  Boozman authored language included in the CR-Omnibus that prohibits the use of funds for the disestablishment of any Senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program. This provision is of interest to a number of universities/colleges within Arkansas who are in danger of losing their ROTC programs. The Army will not be allowed to expend any funds in FY15 to close these programs.  Veterans Advance Funding of VA Benefits – Expanded advance funding for the Veterans Benefits Administration which administers compensation, pensions, readjustment benefits and insurance.  GI Bill Tuition Fairness Act –Included in the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014, this require schools eligible for GI Bill education benefits give veterans in-state tuition rates regardless of the veteran’s residency status.  Veterans Paralympic Act of 2013 – Included in the VA Expiring Authorities Act of 2013, this reauthorizes the VA adaptive sports program to provide disabled veterans with opportunities for recreational therapy through sport.  Expansion of the VA contracted disability evaluation program – Boozman included this language in the CR-Omnibus to increase the number of healthcare providers outside the VA medical system that are allowed to preform disability evaluations and thus reduce the backlog within VA.  This section allows for the increase to 15 regional offices by FY2016.  Commemorating D-Day – The Senate unanimously supported this resolution commemorating the 70th anniversary of the D-Day invasion and honoring the U.S. Armed Forces who helped bring an end to WWII.  National Desert Storm and Desert Shield Memorial: Boozman helped secure language authorizing the creation of a national memorial to commemorate the service of veterans of Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield. More than 3,400 Arkansas Guard soldiers were called up to serve in these operations, the second-highest percentage of any state.   Trade Improving trade to Africa – Boozman authored language to establish a White House designated senior coordinator to review current export strategies with the ultimate goal of significantly increasing American exports to Africa.  Property Rights  Private Property Rights Protection – This amendment, passed by unanimous consent, makes it simpler for Congress to ensure that Americans will be protected in their property from the abuse of eminent domain to transfer property solely for private economic development. The Amendment was included in the Budget Resolution, so it does not have the force of law, but the Amendment helps to set the state for future efforts to protect private property rights.   Government Reform  Inspectors General Vacancy Legislation - The Senate acted by unanimous consent on a Boozman amendment to increase pressure on the administration to fill inspectors general vacancies, particularly the vacancy at Federal Housing Finance Agency. IGs are independent watchdogs that address waste, fraud, abuse, and misconduct within federal agencies. Boozman also introduced legislation to reform the appointment process to ensure the permanent IGs are in place.  This legislation is still under consideration.   Transportation  Regulatory Relief for Small Aircraft Pilots - Following the introduction of Boozman’s legislation the General Aviation Pilot Protection Act, the FAA responded by announcing its intent to go through a formal rulemaking process that may provide similar relief.  This sets the stage for further legislative efforts in the 114th Congress, if the FAA fails to follow-through.  Water Resources Improvements Boozman authored several items in the Water Resources Reform and Development Act including:  Improves River Ports in Arkansas: The law guarantees adequate funding for river ports in Arkansas from the industry-supported Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund. This funding is collected through a small tax on imports, but until a Boozman-supported provision was added to the legislation, little if any of the funding was coming to maintain facilities in Arkansas. Arkansas farms and factories use the river to ship goods to and from our state. Without well-maintained ports, Arkansas products will become more expensive and less competitive as we try to increase exports.   America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Program: This allows the Corps to participate in this program in the same manner as the National Park Service and the Forest Service.    Provides Park Passes for Active-Duty Military Personnel and Dependents: Provides free annual passes to active duty military personnel and dependents. These military families will now be treated the same at Corps-operated sites as at other federal recreation sites.  Improves Dam Safety: This extends the National Dam Safety Program—which provides grants to improve state dam safety programs through training, technical assistance, inspection, and research. Dams throughout Arkansas provide water for homes, farms, and factories, as well as opportunities for fishing and other types of recreation while reducing the risk of flooding.   Incentivizes Low-Interest Financing Options for Water Resources Projects: Another Boozman-authored provision of the law incentivizes low-interest financing options for water resources projects to guarantee that critical irrigation and groundwater protection projects, like Bayou Meto and Grand Prairie, will be eligible to participate in this program.     Assures Water Cost Transparency: This provision requires the Corps of Engineers to explain the rationale for the water rates that it charges to utilities. The Corps sells water to utilities and municipalities that provide water to hundreds of thousands of Arkansans. This Boozman-authored provision will require the Corps to provide a detailed accounting of the costs associated with providing this water, so that customers will know whether or not their current water rates are justified.   Finding Beneficial Uses for Excess Water: Boozman authored a provision that requires the Corps of Engineers to work with water districts that are under contract to purchase more water than they can use. In many cases, the Corps sells water to utilities on long-term contracts based on predictions of future population growth. If this growth fails to occur, the costs can skyrocket for families, businesses, and farmers. Under the Boozman-authored language, the Corps will work with water districts in this predicament to open new markets so that the excess water can be put to a beneficial use elsewhere.   Enhancing Cooperative Joint Management: The law includes language authored by Boozman to improve the management of Corps recreation facilities, providing a better experience for Arkansans who visit Corps parks for recreational purposes.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.enzi.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/the-enzi-insider?ContentRecord_id=93c016f9-723b-4186-a827-863d53287044,"The Enzi Insider December 22, 2014",2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Legislation Enzi Sponsored or Cosponsored Boys Town Commemorative Coin Bill – authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce commemorative coins with a design emblematic of Boys Town’s 100 year history in 2017. Bill is sponsored by Senators Mike Johanns (R-NE) and Deb Fischer (R-NE). Letters Enzi Signed Opposed Northern Long-Eared Bat Listing – expressed concerns to the Department of the Interior over plans to list the Northern Long-Eared Bat in Northeastern Wyoming. Led by the Wyoming Delegation to the Interior Secretary Sally Jewell. Onerous home loan restrictions – expressed concerns to the  Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) about a proposed rule imposing stringent and unreasonable requirements for Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) membership. Letter is led by Senators Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) to FHFA Director Mel Watt. President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief Letter to Appropriations Committee – requested that strong funding for the President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR) be sustained. Letter is led by Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Tom Coburn (R-OK), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) and Christopher Coons (D-DE) and was sent to Senate Appropriations Chairman Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) and Ranking Member Richard Shelby (R-AL).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-designated-%E2%80%9Cfriend-farm-bureau%E2%80%9D,Grassley Designated a Friend of Farm Bureau,2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON- Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa has been designated as a Friend of Farm Bureau for the 113th session of Congress that just concluded by the America Farm Bureau Federation. Grassley received the award for his work to advance agricultural interests across Iowa and the United States. I'm honored to receive this award, Grassley said. The work that family farmers do is valuable not just to the nation, but to the world, and I want to be sure their views are represented in Washington. I've made a strong commitment to support agriculture in the U.S. Senate. The Friend of Farm Bureau award is given out during each session of Congress to members who have supported Farm Bureau policy. Recipients are nominated by their respective state Farm Bureaus and approved by the American Farm Bureau Federation. As one of only two working family farmers in the U.S. Senate, Grassley works to be a voice for agriculture and rural America in Washington through his work in the U.S. Senate and his roles on the Finance, Judiciary, Budget, and Agriculture committees. More about Grassley's work to support agriculture can be foundhere. -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z