url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-releases-year-end-message-highlights-accomplishments-for-colorado,"Gardner Releases Year-End Message, Highlights Accomplishments for Colorado",2019-12-31,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Cory Gardner,G000562,www.gardner.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) released the following message wishing Coloradans a Happy New Year and recapping his work and accomplishments in 2019 on behalf of the people of the Centennial State. NOTE:Clickhereto view remarks from Senator Gardner. This holiday season as we spend time with our families, look back on the past year, and plan for the year ahead, I want to share some highlights of our successful efforts for Colorado this year,said Senator Gardner. This year, we successfully passed permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund and moved the Bureau of Land Management headquarters to Grand Junction to better protect our public lands and better serve the people impacted by the BLM's decisions. And we've made great progress to lower the cost of health insurance in Colorado. Our state's reinsurance waiver will lower costs for Coloradans on the individual market by more than 20 percent, and the full repeal of the health insurance tax will save Colorado families hundreds of dollars a year. As we head into the next year, I feel honored to represent the greatest state in the country and I will continue to fight every day for what's right for Colorado. Notable achievements for the state of Colorado in 2019 include: The Senate passed Gardner's bipartisanVA Provider Accountability Act, which would bring much needed accountability to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This bill is part of Gardner'sVA Readiness Initiative, which he launched to ensure the government is always ready to assist veterans and prepared to fulfill the promises our country has made them. The National Defense Authorization Act wassigned into lawand included numerous Gardner-supported provisions, including authorization of $322 million for military construction projects in Colorado, the largest pay raise for troops in a decade, and 12 weeks of paid parental leave for all 2.1 million federal employees. The bipartisanTRACED Actis headed to the President's desk to be signed into law, which Gardner cosponsored to crack down on illegal robocalls and scams. Coloradans receive 2.5 million robocalls every day, and El Paso County has the highest rate of robocall complaints per capita in the United States. Gardner's legislation toreauthorize Brand USAand support international travel to Colorado and the U.S. was signed into law. The Senate passed Gardner's bipartisanDeepfake Report Actto assess deepfake technology, its uses by foreign and domestic entities, and available countermeasures to deepfakes, and to help policymakers and the public better understand the threats deepfakes pose to our national security and election security. The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources passedthree bills authored by Gardnerand a number of bills cosponsored by Gardner to enhance energy storage, enhance state energy security planning, and provide physical and cyber security assistance to electric utilities. Gardner applauded thefinal repeal of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, a burdensome regulation that would have been harmful to Colorado's economy and agriculture community. Gardner has consistently opposed WOTUS since it was first revealed and celebrated the announcement as preventing an unconstitutional takeover of Colorado's rivers, streams, and local waterways. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services finalized a new rule to provide reimbursement for time that residents spend training at Critical Access Hospitals (CAH), which serve rural communities. This policy was included in Gardner's bipartisanRural Physician Workforce Production Act. Gardner's legislation topermanently reauthorize the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund(VCF) was signed into law. The VCF provides financial compensation to first responders and individuals injured in the September 11th attacks, like Colorado's Task Force One, which deployed to Ground Zero in the aftermath of the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil. Gardner announced the formation of theRoosevelt Conservation Caucus, which will embrace and promote constructive efforts to address environmental problems, promote economically viable policies to improve the environment, and base policy decisions on science and quantifiable facts. The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation unanimously passed Gardner's bipartisanDeveloping and Growing the Internet of Things (DIGIT) Act, which would convene a working group of federal entities and experts from the private and academic sectors to recommend to Congress how to facilitate the growth of connected Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. Senators Gardner and Bennet secured congressional passage of theColorado River Drought Contingency Plan Authorization Act, which was then signed into law and authorized the implementation of the Drought Contingency Plan agreements forged between the seven Colorado River Basin states and Indian tribes. In 2019, Gardner was recognized for his work across the aisle: Notable efforts to promote democracy, human rights, and American interests around the world include: Gardner's legislative provision expressing U.S. support for democracy in Hong Kong wassigned into lawas part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Gardner's provision to impose sanctions on North Korea wassigned into lawas part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). ### Cory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-statement-on-heavy-drone-activity-in-eastern-colorado,Gardner Statement on Heavy Drone Activity in Eastern Colorado,2019-12-31,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Cory Gardner,G000562,www.gardner.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO), a member of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation and Space, released the following statement regarding the heavy drone activity in Eastern Colorado: I've been in contact with the FAA and I'm encouraged that they've opened a full investigation to learn the source and purpose of the drones. I will continue to closely monitor the situation,said Senator Gardner. Background: In December, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a proposed rule aimed at requiring drone users to implement a Remote Identification (Remote ID) system, which allows drones to be tracked and identified. Senator Gardner supported Remote ID requirements in the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016, which prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to make this new proposed rule. ### Cory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-jason-crow-releases-2019-year-review,Rep. Jason Crow Releases 2019 Year in Review,2019-12-30,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Jason Crow,C001121,crow.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Jason Crow Releases 2019 Year in Review By the Numbers 59,214 responses to constituent emails, letters, and calls 250+ community events attended $25 million secured in federal grants 17 bills, amendments, and resolutions introduced including 7 bills passing the House and 3 bills enacted into law 15 town halls and Crow on Your Corners 536 constituents helped $1.03 million returned to constituents through casework Key Legislative Wins Promoting Energy Efficiency: This month, Crow'sSAVE Energy Act was signed into law. The law follows Colorado's lead in making energy efficiency a priority by providing homeowners with a tax credit upwards of $500 for investing in energy-efficient improvements such as better windows, doors, roofing, insulation, and HVAC systems. Cracking Down on Dark Money: Crow's first bill in Congress, the End Dark Money Act, which passed the House in early March, would close the loophole that allows mega-donors to hide their identities. Protecting Our Planet: Crow's bipartisan bill, theMilitary Installation Resilience Assuredness (MIRA) Act, ensures we understand the threat climate change poses to our national security and was successfully enacted into law. This fall, Crow launched the Sustainable Power Initiative, a series of roundtable discussions to bring together military leaders, policy experts, and industry innovators to discuss how to improve energy efficiency and resiliency at the Department of Defense. Standing up to the Gun Lobby: From Columbine to Aurora, Colorado 6th's district has been ripped apart by gun violence. As co-chair of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, Crow worked hard to pass H.R. 8, the bipartisan background checks bill, and introduced the Colorado Loophole Act to make sure someone can't buy a gun if they aren't allowed to in their home state.The bill was a direct response following the Columbine anniversary scare on the front range. Addressing Skyrocketing Prescription Drug Costs: Crow helped introduce the Freedom from Price Gouging Act which would stop Big Pharma from overcharging for prescription drugs by requiring them to pay a heavy fine if they raise the cost over normal levels of inflation. The bill passed the House in late December as part of a series of robust reforms. Finding Common Sense Solutions: With partisan politics at an all-time high, Crow has worked to find common ground and introduced numerous bipartisan bills including the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Fund Act, the Syrian Partner Protection Act, and seven small business bills in tandem with a Republican co-lead. New Programs in CO-06 Job Fair: In August, Crow hosted one of the largest job fairs in the 6th District with over 1,000 job seekers and 60+ employers. Weekly Oversight ICE Visits: After disturbing reports and multiple disease outbreaks, Crow launched a first-in-the-nation program to provide oversight to private immigration detention centers with weekly visits to the Aurora ICE detention facility. You can find copies of past reports on his website:https://crow.house.gov/about/ice-accountability-report Mobile Office Hours: To build a team that is accessible to Coloradans, Crow launched Mobile Office Hours and has team has hosted over 35 mobile office hour events. Lead Locally: Lead Locally is a new initiative that brought Crow to every town and city in the district, from Foxfield (pop. 700) to Aurora (pop. 366,000), to listen and learn from community leaders. From Lead Locally, Crow's office identified an opportunity for federal funding and in November helped secure $25 million for infrastructure projects in the district. Public Schedule: Crow is one of the first members of Congress to post his congressional meeting schedule on his website:https://crow.house.gov/about/public-schedule",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-neguse-breaks-records-in-his-first-year-in-office,Congressman Neguse Breaks Records In His First Year in Office,2019-12-30,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,,,legacy,"Introduces Most Bills of Any Freshman Lawmaker, Launches Service Town Hall Initiative, Hosts Senior Congressional Officials in the 2nd District Washington, D.C. In his first 12 months in Congress, Congressman Joe Neguse has taken Washington by storm, introducing a record 30 pieces of legislationmore than any other freshman lawmakerholding 24 town halls, launching a first-of-its-kind service town hall initiative, and passing major Colorado wilderness legislation out of the U.S. House of Representatives. Before even being sworn in, Neguse was selected by his freshman colleagues to serve as a Co-Representative for the class at the Leadership table, where he joins other members of leadership in making decisions for the Democratic caucus. He also serves a Vice Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and a Vice Chair of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial and Administrative Law. In his first year, Congressman Neguse has introduced 30 pieces of legislation, four of which have been signed into law by the President,including legislation to fund rural schools in Colorado's mountain communities, legislation to protect wildlife in the Platte River Basin, a provision to ensure water access for the town of Minturn at the Bolts Ditch Headgate in Eagle County and a provision that incorporates approximately 124 acres adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park into Arapaho National Forest. Additionally, Neguse has introduced bipartisan legislation to invest in regenerative agriculture research, cut red tape to expand affordable housing opportunities, ensure helicopter safety, make the transfer process easier for college students and build the first-ever outdoor monument to honor the women's suffrage movement in Washington D.C. He's worked alongside county commissioners, city leaders, local housing authorities, higher education institutions and constituents across the district for each bill he's introduced to help meet tangible needs for communities in the district. See a full list of bills introduced here, including measures to invest in small-scale solar installations, create a pathway to modernize federal lab facilities, including those in the 2nd district, end climate censorship, transition the U.S. Capitol Complex to 100% renewable electricity, end surprise billing for air medical vehicles, ban fracking under National Priority Superfund sites and allow pre-registration for 16 and 17-year-olds. In October, Neguse passed the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act out of the House of Representatives, the first major statewide wilderness legislation to pass the House in over a decade. The legislation was crafted by Coloradans over the last decade and would preserve 400,000 acres of public lands across the state and designate the first-ever National Historic Landscape at Camp Hale. In the district, he has built out a robust community engagement operation, launching a service town hall initiative and partnering with local organizations, such as the Larimer Humane Society, Rocky Mountain National Park, Boulder Shelter for the Homeless, Bridgehouse and Broomfield FISH for service projects. His staff in the district hosted two community health fairs in Boulder and Fort Collins, a veterans resources fair, Congressional App Challenge, Congressional Art Competition and he has launched two original service awards to recognize community members. Neguse was successful in helping to secure over $12,450,000 in federal grant money for the district, including a large grant for Grand County's Lift system. Additionally, his staff returned $419,639 to constituents through casework. In August, Neguse hosted the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis for the Committee's first and only field hearing in Boulder, Colorado where they heard from state and local leaders on Colorado's leadership in renewable energy and toured federal labs across Colorado. Neguse also hosted Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi in Broomfield for a discussion on affordable health care innovation and in November joined the Speaker for a high-level congressional delegation to Madrid Spain for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, COP25 Conference. Neguse also played an integral role in passing the American Dream and Promise Act on the House floor in May, where he gave the final rebuttal arguments in support of the legislation ahead of final passage.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lamborn.house.gov/media/press-releases/lamborn-announces-staff-changes-his-washington-dc-and-colorado-springs-offices,Lamborn Announces Staff Changes in His Washington D.C. and Colorado Springs Offices,2019-12-27,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Doug Lamborn,L000564,lamborn.house.gov,,,legacy,"Contact: Cassandra Sebastian (719) 520-0055 Washington D.C. - Congressman Doug Lamborn announced the following staff changes in his Washington D.C. and Colorado Springs offices: District Director: Joshua Hosler Joshua Hosler has joined the Colorado Springs office as the District Director for Congressman Doug Lamborn. A native of Jefferson, Ohio, Joshua served in the United States Marine Corps from 2007-2011 with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines based out of Kne'ohe, Hawai'i. A veteran of OIF and OEF, Joshua deployed to Al Asad (Anbar Province) Iraq in 2009 as a Team Leader for Weapons Platoon, Company I, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines and deployed again in 2010 to Afghanistan's Helmand province serving as an Assistant Platoon Leader and dog handler, with Weapons Platoon, Company I, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines. After his honorable discharge, he attended Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania, and graduated with a degree in Political Science. Joshua moved to Colorado to serve as the Regional Director for the Beauprez for Governor campaign in 2014 and then served as the El Paso County Republican Party Chairman from 2017-2019. He and his wife Kayelyn have two children and are expecting another next year. Legislative Assistant: Peter Holland Peter Holland recently joined the Washington, D.C. office as a Legislative Assistant handling the values portfolio, including pro-life and religious liberty issues. Peter graduated from Pensacola Christian College with a degree in Political Science and previously served as a Legislative Assistant in Congressman Matt Gaetz's office. Congressman Lamborn issued the following statement: ""I welcome Joshua and Peter onto my team and look forward to working with both of these talented, dedicated, hardworking individuals. My entire staff does an amazing job serving the constituents of Colorado's Fifth Congressional District. Their assistance will be critical as I work to protect Colorado families, the Constitution, and individual freedoms.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lamborn.house.gov/media/press-releases/christmas-greetings-lamborn-family,Christmas Greetings from the Lamborn Family,2019-12-25,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Doug Lamborn,L000564,lamborn.house.gov,,,legacy,"Contact: Cassandra Sebastian (719) 520-0055 Colorado Springs, CO - On this Christmas day, Congressman Lamborn issued the following statement: ""As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jeanie and I wish you and your family the warmest blessings of a Merry Christmas. We give thanks for Jesus' gift of 'peace on Earth and good will toward man' through the sacrifice He made for us all. As you celebrate the glory of this miraculous season, may your home be filled with His love, peace, and joy!"" ""Then the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.' "" Luke 2:10",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-gardner-wishes-coloradans-a-merry-christmas,Senator Gardner Wishes Coloradans a Merry Christmas,2019-12-25,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Cory Gardner,G000562,www.gardner.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) released the following message onChristmasDay: NOTE:Clickhereor the picture above to view aChristmasmessage from Senator Gardner. As we gather to celebrate the holidays, I hope we'll take a moment to thank those amongst us who give so much to our country, to celebrate the blessings of the past year, and look forward to the year ahead. Thank you to the service members, men and women across the country and around the globe, who won't be home forChristmas, but will be standing on the front lines for our freedom,said Senator Gardner.Surrounded by friends and family, I hope we'll all have a chance to cherish our beloved moments and our favorite memories. Whether it's the Gardner family opening the stockings onChristmasmorning or celebrating with the family onChristmasEve, each and every one of us has a special moment that we look forward to every year. Enjoy the holidays, this special time of the year, and from all of us in the Gardner family to all of you MerryChristmas, God bless Colorado and this great United States of America. ### Cory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://tipton.house.gov/media/press-releases/tipton-announces-2020-us-service-academy-nominations,Tipton Announces 2020 U.S. Service Academy Nominations,2019-12-24,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON D.C. Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) announced the names of 22 students from Colorado's Third Congressional District who received a Service Academy nomination. The individuals were selected based on meeting or exceeding the rigorous requirements of the respective academy and Congressman Tipton's office. Colorado has a long history of its bravest citizens volunteering to serve in the U.S. Military, and it is my great honor to select the best and brightest students across our district to attend our nation's prestigious military academies, said Tipton. Each and every one of these students have unequivocally demonstrated their unique qualifications to serve as future military leaders. I could not be more proud of their accomplishments and wish them all the very best as they answer the call to serve our nation. Congressman Scott Tipton's Academy Nominations for the Third Congressional District: U.S. Military Academy (Army) Jacob Hemard Palisade, CO Jacy Werner Steamboat Springs, CO Canden Wilkinson Steamboat Springs, CO Air Force Academy Jeremiah Garcia Pueblo, CO Annmarie Hackworthy Steamboat Springs, CO* Jack Jones Delta, CO* Erik Krauth New Castle, CO* Riley Prichard Colorado City, CO Benjamin Sceats Glenwood Springs, CO Cole Simmons Montrose, CO* Dayton Sofka Olathe, CO U.S. Naval Academy Nicholas Burke Grand Junction, CO* Maggie Friemel Glenwood Springs, CO Noah Grady Pueblo West, CO* Thomas O'Connor Pueblo West, CO Timothy Perez Pueblo, CO* Alana Schaak Colorado City, CO* Davey Stanfield-Brown Glenwood Springs, CO* Mackenzie Younker Grand Junction, CO Merchant Marine Academy Ian Barnes Fruita, CO* Aidan Partch Glenwood Springs, CO* Simon Varela Austin, CO *Received a nomination to multiple academies. Students in the Third District who are considering applying to a U.S. Service Academy can find more information on the nomination process at: https://tipton.house.gov/serving-you/military-academy-nominations.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-neguse-applauds-governor-polis-pardon-for-ingrid-encalada-latorre,Congressman Joe Neguse Applauds Governor Polis Pardon for Ingrid Encalada LaTorre,2019-12-23,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 23, 2019 Congressman Joe Neguse Applauds Governor Polis Pardon for Ingrid Encalada LaTorre Washington, D.C.Today, Congressman Joe Neguse issued a statement applauding Governor Polis's pardon of Ingrid Encalada LaTorre, who has been in sanctuary for two years at Unitarian Universalist Church in Boulder. In June, Congressman Neguse introduceda private billfor the relief of Ingrid in the U.S. House of Representatives, which called for her deportation proceeding to stop as she prepared her pardon application and sought for a path to permanent lawful residency. I applaud Governor Polis's decision to issue a pardon for Ingrid Encalada LaTorre. Throughout their time in sanctuary, Ingrid and her children have become an integral part of our community in Boulder County, and Ingrid has worked diligently to educate those around her about social security theft and ensure her case is not repeated. This pardon will offer both her and her family a second chance. I am tremendously grateful for the Governor's efforts, and we look forward to working with the Governor's Office as we continue our advocacy for Ingrid at the Federal level. To highlight her case and the need for action at the state and Federal level, in September of this year Congressman Negusevisited Ingrid in sanctuary shortly after the birth of her third child, alongside Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=E302C7B9-D1CF-46E1-AD96-6455CCB2C9AC,Bennet Announces Support for U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement,2019-12-23,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Denver Today, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, released the following statement announcing his support for the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which will replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA): I've long said that we should modernize NAFTA. The final USMCA brings our trade policies into the 21st century, and I am optimistic that it will strengthen labor and environmental standards in North America. Any trade agreement must expand opportunity for American workers and their families, and I commend the Democratic negotiators for securing enforcement tools that the Trump Administration initially left out to make this a much better deal for workers. The USMCA also provides some certainty for Colorado's farmers and ranchers who have spent the last three years wondering whether President Trump would drive away another customer, or sacrifice another market to a foreign competitor with his feckless trade war which has inflicted real and lasting damage on their bottom line. As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and as a coauthor of two bipartisan farm bills, I understand the importance of stability and certainty for American producers. I also recognize that much more needs to be done to expand access to growing foreign markets instead of simply maintaining the ones we already have. While modernizing this agreement is a step in the right direction, moremust be done to create trade policies that expand opportunities for American workers, businesses, farmers, and ranchers.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-marks-the-start-of-hanukkah,Gardner Marks the Start of Hanukkah,2019-12-22,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Cory Gardner,G000562,www.gardner.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) issued the following statement marking the first night of Hanukkah: Happy Hanukkah to the Jewish community across Colorado and the United States,said Senator Gardner.This is a time to join together with family members and loved ones, and I hope everyone celebrating has a blessed holiday season."" ### Cory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/2019/12/20/congressman-neguse-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-increase-access-to-specialized-hearing-devices,Congressman Neguse Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Increase Access to Specialized Hearing Devices,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 20, 2019 Congressman Neguse Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Increase Access to Specialized Hearing Devices Washington, D.C.Today Congressman Joe Neguse, who represents Colorado's 2nd Congressional District and serves as a member of House Leadership, introduced legislation, co-lead by Congressman David McKinley (R-WV) and Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA), to ensure that private insurance companies provide coverage for osseointegrated hearing devices (OIDs), including bone anchored hearing aids (BAHA) and cochlear implants. The bill comes from a family in Broomfield whose daughter requires these devices. Ally, a ten-year-old from Broomfield, Colorado and a constituent of Congressman Neguse's, was born without a right ear or hearing canal and therefore requires the use of a BAHA. After Ally's insurance company denied coverage of her hearing device, her mother Melissa formed the organization Ear Community to help advocate for insurance coverage of these hearing devices to ensure no person is left unable to hear because of private insurance companies' refusal to provide coverage. The bill is titled Ally's Act in her honor. For Ally and others with varying modes of hearing loss, OIDs are miraculous devices that create opportunities for them to actively participate in our communities, said Congressman Neguse. I am honored to have the opportunity to work alongside Melissa and Ally to create better access to these devices for individuals throughout our nation. We must ensure that insurance coverage for hearing devices is consistent and fair, to ensure every child can thrive and obtain the healthcare they deserve Hearing device insurance coverage needs to be consistent, offering coverage for all ages on a national level. With a bill in place, we are one step closer to achieving the goal of creating improved, equitable hearing healthcare, said Melissa Tumblin, Executive Director and Founder of Ear Community. Hearing is fundamental to early education and speech development and needs to be provided for all those needing hearing assistance. As the only Member of Congress with a cochlear implant, I know from firsthand experience the difference in the quality of life these devices can provide, Congressman McKinley said. Ally's Act will help thousands of Americans with severe hearing loss gain access to life-changing treatment. Many throughout the United States are born with hearing loss due to congenital anomalies, including aural atresia (underdeveloped or absent ear canals) and/or microtia (physically missing ears). OIDs help different forms of hearing loss than traditional hearing aids and are often the only hearing device that can restore hearing for these individuals. As someone who was born with severe conductive hearing loss, I know the passage of this bill will improve the quality of life in immeasurable ways for children and adults by creating affordable solutions that have not been available in the past, said Rachel Songy, member of Ear Community's Board of Directors. This bill will be a huge step in helping more people to hear, especially those who have not had that chance before. Access to hearing implants that can help adults stay heathy, connected and employed and children to have maximum access to language and learning is sometimes impeded by a lack of insurance coverage, said Donna L. Sorkin MA, Executive Director of the American Cochlear Implant Alliance. This bill will help open up important access to hearing health technology and related servicesinterventions which are cost effective and provide extraordinary quality of life benefits. As the Chair of the Board of Directors of the American Cochlear Implant Alliance, I speak for our membership in supporting passage of this important legislation that would improve access to auditory implants in private insurance plans purchased by families on the Affordable Care Act Marketplace, said Meredith Holcomb, AuD, CCC-A Chair, American Cochlear Implant Alliance and Assistant Professor and Director, Cochlear Implant Program, Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Ear Institute. We are grateful to Congressman Joe Neguse for his interest in improving hearing healthcare for people of all ages. The bill is supported by the Ear Community, the American Cochlear Implant Alliance, the American Academy of Audiology, and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-neguse-bill-to-protect-platte-river-basin-wildlife-signed-into-law,Congressman Neguse Bill to Protect Platte River Basin Wildlife Signed Into Law,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 20, 2019 Congressman Neguse Bill to Protect Platte River Basin Wildlife Signed Into Law Washington, D.C. Today, the bipartisan and bicameral legislation led by Congressman Joe Neguse to protect Colorado wildlife in the Platte River basin was signed into law by the President. ThePlatte River Recovery Implementation Program Extension Act, which Neguse introduced in June, was included in the end-of-year minibus package that will fund the Departments of Agriculture, Labor, Energy, Interior, State, Housing and Urban Development, Veterans Affairs and the Legislative Branch. The legislation is co-led by Congressman Doug Lamborn and was supported by the full delegations of Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming. Over the last 13 years, thePlatte River Recovery Implementation Programhas allowed dozens of water projects in Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska to comply with the Endangered Species Act and continue operating, which has revitalized bird species, including the whooping crane, piping plover and least tern as well as the pallid sturgeon fish. This legislation from Neguse will allow the program to continue for the next 13 years with financial support from the Bureau of Reclamation. This marks the third piece of legislation from Congressman Neguse to be signed into law by this President. Earlier this year, theBolts Ditch Access and Use ActandArapaho National Forest Boundary Adjustment Act, two bills led by Neguse that benefitthe2nd Congressional District were signed into law. The Platte River Recovery Implementation Program has been serving endangered species of the Platte River Basin for thirteen years. Extending this program to allow for water management and habitat conservation goals to be completed is essential, saidCongressman Joe Neguse.I'm proud to shepherd the passage of this legislation through the House of Representatives and ecstatic to see it signedinto law. Over the past decade, the Platte Program has become a model for collaborative endangered species recovery programs, saidJason Farnsworth, Executive Director of the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program. Much of our success stems from the commitment and ongoing support of Program stakeholders who have demonstrated that environmental groups, water users and regulators can work together to benefit the endangered species of the Platte basin and the people who live here. We are appreciative of the time and effort that has already been expended to navigate the legislative process and look forward to continuing the Program's important work during the Extension. The Platte River Recovery Implementation Program is an important partnership with resounding benefits to Colorado's economy,said Dan Gibbs, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources.The Program allows for water development in Colorado's booming Front Range and supports our farming communities in Northeastern Colorado all while benefiting the recovery of four threatened and endangered species. This collaborative and proactive conservation program stands as a national model and has led to 13 years of success. I lend my full support for the reauthorization of this Program Legislation from Congressman Neguse to reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools program was also included in the minibus. Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-neguse-bill-to-secure-funding-for-rural-schools-in-colorado-mountain-communities-signed-into-law,Congressman Neguse Bill to Secure Funding for Rural Schools in Colorado Mountain Communities Signed Into Law,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 20, 2019 Congressman Neguse Bill to Secure Funding for Rural Schools in Colorado Mountain Communities Signed Into Law Washington, D.C. Today, bipartisan legislation led by Congressman Joe Neguse to secure funding for rural schools in Colorado mountain counties was signed into law by the President. TheSecure Rural Schools Extension Act, which Neguse introduced in May, was included in the end-of-year minibus package that will fund the Departments of Agriculture, Labor, Energy, Interior, State, Housing and Urban Development, Veterans Affairs and the Legislative Branch. The bill, co-led with Congresswoman Cathy McMorris-Rodgers will extend the Secure Rural Schools programthrough Fiscal Year 2020.The Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (SRS) was first introduced in 2000 to assist counties containing tracts of federally-owned land that are tax-exempt. The program provides payments derived in part through timber receipts and other leasing activities within National Forests back to county governments where those forests are located. The Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program is a primary source of funding for schools, mountain search and rescue, road maintenance and other services that Coloradans rely on. We are obligated to maintain this program which provides for these integral services, saidCongressman Joe Neguse.I'm proud to see this legislation signed into law. The Secure Rural School (SRS) funding is a vital part of West Grand School District's annual budgetary planning. The funding supports our efforts to provide updated technology access for all students and teachers, ensure safe and healthy learning environments, provide essential professional development for our entire team, and enable further maintenance and repair to school facilities and transportation, saidDarrin Peppard, Superintendent for West Grand 1JT School District.As a district, we are committed to excellence in learning, leadership, and engagement for all. SRS funding gives us an important support in achieving our goals. As a rural district, Summit Schools depends on SRS funds to provide for the needs of our students, saidKerry Buhler, Superintendent of Summit School District.We greatly appreciate the bipartisan efforts for these funds to continue so that we may give our students what they deserve in terms of programming and support. In 2018, counties in Colorado's 2nd Congressional District received over $2 million in payments from the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (SRS),with Grand County receiving $1,393,142, Summit County receiving $816,432, Eagle receiving $763,609.80, Clear Creek receiving $424,351, Larimer receiving $307,915, Park receiving $42,664, Boulder receiving $39,346, Jefferson receiving $37,199 and Gilpin receiving $29,972. Legislation from Congressman Neguseto extend thePlatte River Recovery Implementation Programwas also signed into law. Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-neguse-introduces-bipartisan-bicameral-legislation-to-invest-in-startups-and-small-businesses,Congressman Neguse Introduces Bipartisan Bicameral Legislation to Invest in Startups and Small Businesses,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 20, 2019 Congressman Neguse Introduces Bipartisan Bicameral Legislation to Invest in Startups and Small Businesses Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Joe Neguse, who represents Colorado's 2nd Congressional District and serves on House Leadership, introduced bipartisan bicameral legislation to double the refundable research and development (R&D) tax credit for startups and extend it to more small businesses. The R&D tax credit supports the efforts of businesses to invest in the development of new, innovative products that lead to job creation and a stronger economy. From tech companies in Boulder and Fort Collins to the famous ski resorts in Vail and Breckenridge, to small businesses across Colorado's 2nd District, many of which I have had the pleasure of visiting, our district is known around the nation for our innovation and entrepreneurship, said Congressman Joe Neguse. When we invest in creativity and innovation, we are investing in economic opportunity and growth for future generations. Expanding the R&D tax credit not only helps these innovative businesses succeed, but it also has the ripple effect of growing our economy as a whole. Small business continues to be the economic and job growth engine of the economy, said Seth Levine, Partner at Boulder-based investment firm Foundry Group. This bipartisan legislation championed by Rep Neguse will help spur investment by businesses in the R&D activities that will drive their future growth and success. The bipartisan Research and Development Tax Credit Expansion Act would expand the R&D tax credit for new and small businesses by doubling the refundability of the credit from $250,000 to $500,000, extending the credit to all small businesses with less than $10 million in annual revenue, and expanding how the refundable credit is claimed against payroll taxes. The legislation also strengthens incentives for startups to increase R&D investment and removes barriers that limit startups' ability to claim the credit. Legislation in the Senate is led by Senator Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire and Senator Thom Tillis from North Carolina. Congressman Neguse earlier this year launched the Congressional Caucus on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, alongside Congressman Van Taylor (R-TX) to promote federal policies that create jobs and to encourage the growth of early-state innovative companies. Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-neguse-secures-important-funding-for-communities-in-colorados-2nd-district-in-fy2020-budget,Congressman Neguse Secures Important Funding for Communities in Colorados 2nd District in FY2020 Budget,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 20, 2019 Congressman Neguse Secures Important Funding for Communities in Colorado's 2nd District in FY2020 Budget Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Joe Neguse, who represents Colorado's 2nd Congressional District and serves in House Leadership, secured key funding prioritiesforColorado's public lands, federal labs, education, zero-emission transportation options, rural broadband, affordable housing and more in the twoend-of-yearspendingbills signed into law by the President. Forthe last several months we have been advocatingforcommunities across the 2nd Congressional District, saidCongressman Joe Neguse.I am proud that we were able to secure key funding in the FY2020 budgetforColorado's many federal labs, increased fundingforthe Individuals with Disabilities Act and Secure Rural Schools programs, funding to conserve our public lands, invest in science and protect the environment. Two original bills from Congressman Neguse were included in theend-of-yearspendingpackage and signed into law by the President today, thePlatte River Recovery Implementation Program Extension Actwill allow water projects across the Platte River Basin to comply with theEndangered Species Act, and theSecure Rural Schools Extension Actwill provide needed fundingforColorado's mountain communities. Additionally, Congressman Neguse helped secure the following provisions in the FY2020 budget: Investments in education: $12.76 billion, an increaseof$400 millionforIndividuals with Disabilities Education Act $7 millionforopen textbooks pilot program Investments in federal science $590 million, an increaseof$24 million over FY19, or 4% increaseforNOAA'sOfficeofOceanic Atmospheric Research $118 million, increaseof$12 million over FY19, or 11% increaseforNIST Construction and Research Facilities $754 million, increaseof$29 million over FY19, or 4% increaseforNIST Scientific and Technical Research and Services $48 million, a $4 million increase over FY19, or 9% increaseforthe NASA Space Grant program $8.28 billion, an increaseof$203.3 million above FY19 and $1.2 billion above the President's requestforthe National Science Foundation Investments in environmental protection: $495 millionforLWCF, including $237 millionforthe federal program and $258 millionforstate programs. $38.586 billion, an increaseof$2.9 billion above FY19 and $7 billion above the President's requestforthe DepartmentofInterior $3.38 billionforthe National Park Service, $155 million above FY19 and $636 million above the President's budget request Investments in infrastructure and rural broadband: $640 millionforrural broadband $6.9 billion in loan authorityforrural electric and telephone infrastructure loans $1 billionforTIGER/BUILD infrastructure grants, $100 million above 2019 level and ensures parity between urban and rural awards $510 millionforTransit infrastructure grants, including $75 millionforlow and no-emission buses $1 million to conduct a study on effective measurementofthe resilienceoftransportation systems to natural disasters, hazards, and other disruptions Extensionofthe National Flood Insurance Program Investments in affordable housing: $3.4 billionforCommunity Development Block Grants. The President's budget request proposed eliminating this program. Strong fundingforTenant-based Rental Assistance, including $40 millionforsupportive housingforveterans. Investments in gun violence prevention: Fundingforgun violence research at HHS and CDCforthe first time in more than two decades ### Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://perlmutter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4797,"Perlmutter Recaps Work on Behalf of Constituents, District in 2019 Year-End Report",2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Ed Perlmutter,P000593,perlmutter.house.gov,,,legacy,"Perlmutter Recaps Work on Behalf of Constituents, District in 2019 Year-End Report f t # e Lakewood, Colo., December 20, 2019 Lakewood, Colo. U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) released his annual end of year report for 2019, which details the office's work on behalf of the people of the 7th Congressional District and Colorado. My staff and I work hard to make sure we do the best job we can for the people of the 7th Congressional District. It was a privilege to serve the people in my district and in Colorado, and I look forward to continuing to serve my constituents and community in 2020, said Perlmutter. In 2019, Perlmutter and his staff completed 879 constituent cases, securing more than $226,366 in owed benefits and savings for constituents. The office hosted 32 events with 18,500 attendees - including hosting its 100th Government in the Grocery event - and responded to more than 66,000 calls, emails and letters. Perlmutter introduced six pieces of legislation with the SAFE Banking Act passing the House and an amendment for Rocky Flats workers signed into law. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=3A17938B-A6E6-46CF-8651-252975AC5095,"One Year After 2018 Farm Bill Signed into Law, Bennet Highlights Accomplishments, Progress for Colorado",2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Denver One year after the president signed into law the bipartisan Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill), Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Conservation, Forestry, and Natural Resources, today celebrated the progress made to implement key Colorado priorities in the Farm Bill, and highlighted work that still needs to be done. After years of work in Colorado and with my colleagues on the Agriculture Committee, passing the 2018 Farm Bill was a major victory for Colorado's farmers and ranchers, said Bennet. One year later, I'm excited about the ongoing efforts to implement the bill, and its potential to expand economic opportunity in our rural communities from improving forest health to investing in local food systems. I look forward to continuing this work with Coloradans and the USDA as they fully implement the Farm Bill. In 2019, Bennet has led the fight to ensure key Colorado priorities in the 2018 Farm Bill are fully and effectively implemented, including: Conserving Land and Water Bennet led a bipartisan coalition of Western senators in calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to implement water conservation tools that he secured in the 2018 Farm Bill, and establish a Western Drought Initiative. Bennet applauded a $1.6 USDA grant awarded to the Colorado Conservation Tillage Association (CCTA) to implement a farmer-led initiative focused on soil health and regenerative management systems. The CCTA was selected to receive funding through a new component of the Conservation Innovation Grants thatBennet helped establish and securefunding for in the Farm Bill. Bennet previouslysent a letterto Matthew Lohr, Chief of USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), in support of the CCTA's proposal. Bennet announced an $817,000 USDA grant to Boulder-based Mad Agriculture to assist farmers who are transitioning to regenerative and organic farming. Forest and Watershed Health Bennet called on the Forest Service to implement the fire funding fix and the new tools he secured in the Farm Bill to invest in Colorado forestry, recreation, and infrastructure projects. Bennet pushed for full funding of the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program in a government spending bill introduced in the Senate in October. Bennet continues to work with stakeholders in Colorado to ensure effective implementation of his Forest Service Flexible Partnerships Act, which was included in the Farm Bill, to boost collaboration to meet affordable housing needs. Rural Economic Opportunity In January, Bennet called on the Bureau of Reclamation to update hemp policies following its legalization, which he secured in the Farm Bill. In response to Bennet's letter, the bureau confirmed that because hemp was removed from the controlled substances act, they are able to provide water for hemp cultivation. After urging federal financial regulators to provide guidance and certainty for hemp farmers and processors, Bennet welcomed new banking guidelines for financial institutions that would help hemp producers and processors gain access to the banking system. After increasing funding for broadband deployment in the Farm Bill, Bennet introduced theBroadband Transparency and Accountability Act,legislation to reformhow broadband companies report, and the federal government verifies and shares, data on affordable internet access across the country. He also urged the FCC to prioritize sustainable rural broadband networks. Bennet announced $600,000 in local food promotion grants, which are a part of a $50 million USDA annual investment established in the Farm Bill, to Colorado organizations.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=3E6DF20D-4311-409A-8591-FFB6ADC38C58,"Bennet, Senate Colleagues Reintroduce the Bipartisan AIM HIGH Act",2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, along with U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), announced the reintroduction of the Accessible Instructional Materials in Higher Education (AIM HIGH) Act to develop voluntary guidelines that schools can use to ensure that educational technology is accessible to students with disabilities. Every student deserves the opportunity to learn, and it is crucial we make materials and technologies accessible to students with disabilities at their college or university, said Bennet. This legislation would provide guidelines for higher education institutions to help remove barriers and ensure every student can participate. The AIM HIGH Act would establish a commission of teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders to develop guidelines on accessibility for instructional technologies that colleges and universities use. The bill would also create a pilot program so that institutions of higher education could test these guidelines on a voluntary basis. Currently, not all technologies used at colleges and universities are accessible to students with disabilities, even though non-discrimination laws require accessibility. Federal non-discrimination laws were drafted long before the use of electronic instructional materials and other technologies on college campuses became widespread, and they do not contain the performance criteria or specifications that are necessary for evaluating the accessibility of electronic materials. The AIM HIGH Act builds on a 2011 report from the federal Advisory Commission on Accessible Instructional Materials in Postsecondary Education for Students with Disabilities, which identified the need for guidelines on accessible electronic instructional materials and technologies. The AIM HIGH Act was first introduced in 2014. The full text of the bill is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=C2329696-6C29-47AF-9CD0-827A43C96F10,Bennet Office Holds Listening Sessions in Every Colorado County in 2019,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. As 2019 comes to a close, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet announced that his team held listening sessions in all 64 Colorado counties this year. Bennet invited constituents to meet with his team in-person to listen to concerns, respond to questions, and help constituents in dealing with the IRS, Social Security Administration, Veterans Administration, or other federal agencies. Topics discussed at the listening sessions ranged from ensuring a full and fair 2020 Census count and the affordability of higher education, to expanding broadband in rural areas and Farm Bill implementation. There's not a greater responsibility than hearing from and helping our constituents in every corner of Colorado which is why my team held listening sessions in every Colorado county, just as they've done in previous years, said Bennet. Being a voice for Coloradans in Washington is at the heart of my commitment to the public. No matter what, constituents should always reach out to our office with any questions, concerns, opinions, and requests. Bennet's office held over 180 community office hours as part of the 2019 listening sessions. A full list of sessions held across the state is available HERE. Last month, Bennet held a town hall in Denver where he discussed a range of topics with constituents, including climate change, campaign finance, and immigration. Constituent services will remain a top priority for Bennet and his team in 2020, with plans to hold another listening session tour in the new year. Outside of listening sessions, constituents are always welcome to submit requestsonlineor call any of Bennet'sstatewide offices for assistance or to share a concern. Appointments are recommended, but not required, and walk-ins are welcome.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-blunt-klobuchar-cortez-masto-measure-to-boost-jobs-support-travel-and-tourism-passes-senate-heads-to-presidents-desk,"Gardner, Blunt, Klobuchar, Cortez Masto Measure to Boost Jobs, Support Travel & Tourism Passes Senate, Heads to President’s Desk",2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Cory Gardner,G000562,www.gardner.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) applauded the inclusion of their legislation to reauthorize Brand USA in the year-end funding vehicle, which passed the Senate on Thursday. Brand USA is a public-private partnership that enhances tourism across the country by promoting international travel to the United States. The legislation now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. Reauthorization of Brand USA is exciting news for Colorado's tourism industry, which has exploded in growth as more than 80 million visitors each year travel to ski our world-class resorts, enjoy the great outdoors, and experience the real American West, said Senator Gardner. Colorado shines as one of the nation's top-ten most visited states, with direct flights to Denver International Airport from countries like Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Germany. This bill will boost further tourism by strengthening the Brand USA program, which is the promotion agency for U.S. tourism and operates at no cost to the U.S. taxpayer. I look forward to seeing this legislation signed into law and helping grow the U.S. tourism industry, which generates more than $20 billion in annual spending in Colorado. Missouri's tourism industry supports more than 300,000 jobs and contributes billions of dollars to our economy, said Senator Blunt. Reauthorizing Brand USA will help ensure we remain competitive in the international tourism industry, and will bring even more visitors to attractions, restaurants, and hotels in Missouri and across the nation. Tourism is an important aspect of Minnesota's economy and the beauty and wilderness of our state has attracted visitors from around the world for decades, said Senator Klobuchar. The spending agreement will help ensure that Brand USA can fulfill its mission of encouraging travelers from around the world to visit Minnesota. Brand USA has a proven track record of boosting international tourism and creating good-paying jobs in Nevada, said Cortez Masto. Restoring long-term funding to this program, at no cost to the taxpayer, ensures we're doing everything possible to support the hundreds of thousands of Nevadans who work in the tourism and hospitality industries. I'm pleased by the passage of the Brand USA reauthorization, and I'll continue fighting to grow the Silver State's tourism industry and support the families and communities who rely on it. Since 2013, Brand USA has brought 6.6 million incremental international visitors to the United States, generating a total economic impact of nearly $48 billion and supporting an average of around 52,000 jobs annually. In 2018, Brand USA generated $4.1 billion in incremental visitor spending, resulting in a marketing return on investment of 32:1. The program has been a proven success in boosting tourism to the United States and driving economic growth, but the 2018 congressional budget caps agreement diverted Brand USA's user fees away from the program to general revenue putting the program at risk for cancelation. Brand USA is funded by international visitors and private contributions not U.S. taxpayers. Half of its budget comes from the private sector through cash and in-kind contributions. The rest of the budget up to a maximum of $100 million is funded by a nominal fee assessed on visa-free international visitors screened by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Electronic System for Travel Authorization. Amounts collected in excess of the cap are returned to the U.S. Treasury to help reduce the deficit. ### Cory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-gardner-va-accountability-legislation,Senate Passes Gardner VA Accountability Legislation,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Cory Gardner,G000562,www.gardner.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. On December 19, 2019, the Senate unanimously passed S. 221, the VA Provider Accountability Act, which was introduced by U.S. Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), and Susan Collins (R-ME). The Senators introduced S. 221 earlier this year to bring much needed accountability to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The legislation will now be referred to the House of Representatives forconsideration. A troubling GAO report from 2017 revealed an unacceptable trend of VA facilities failing to report providers who made major medical errors to the National Practitioner Data Bank and the relevant state licensing boards responsible for tracking dangerous practitioners. As a result, these practitioners can go into private practice or move across state lines without disclosing prior mistakes to patients or state regulators. A 2017 USA Today story uncovered specific, horrific medical care failures and mistakes that the VA allowed to continue and concealed. On May 22, 2019, the Comptroller General of the United States (GAO) testified before the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations that since the 2017 GAO report the VA has failed to implement recommendations regarding appropriate reporting to state licensing boards. These concerns were reiterated in an October 16, 2019 GAO report. The VA Provider Accountability Act would solve this problem by requiring the VA to inform the National Practitioner Data Bank and state licensing boards of major adverse actions committed by medical providers at the VA. Additionally, it would prevent the VA from signing settlements with fired employees to hide major medical mistakes in their personnel files. The vast majority of VA employees and medical providers provide exceptional care to our veterans and we are grateful for their service, said Senator Gardner. However, there is no excuse for allowing certain medical providers with a history of committing major medical errors to continue putting other patients at risk. We owe every single veteran the best possible care, and we can only provide that care with increased accountability. Senate passage of this bipartisan bill means we are one step closer towards protecting veterans, and potential patients outside the VA system, from mistakes made by medical providers who have proven themselves to be dangerous. While a great majority of VA doctors provide the very best of care, the system can be ruined by a few bad apples and it's our duty to protect Veterans from these dangerous doctors. I originally cosponsored this bill in response to a 2017 GAO report that showed an alarming pattern of concealing poor care and major mistakes within the VA. I am proud to have joined my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass this important bill because we need to hold all our medical professionals accountable, said Senator Manchin. While I appreciate the efforts that the VA has made to correct this on their own, they are not enough. Now that our bill has passed, strict guidelines will be implemented to assure our Veterans they are receiving the highest quality of care. It is critical that those on the front lines of caring for our veterans are held to the highest level of accountability, said Senator Moran. For too long, mistakes made by VA providers have been concealed by the VA and not reported to the appropriate state and federal databases. I've introduced this legislation to make certain no adverse medical outcome impacting a former servicemember is swept under the rug. Our veterans deserve a VA that is worthy of their service and sacrifice, and holding providers accountable is an important step to restoring trust in the VA. As a doctor, I believe the patient comes first. When VA providers make mistakes, transparency and accountability protects veterans best, said Dr. Cassidy. Covering up mistakes does not protect patients. Passage of this bill makes it more likely veterans get good care. Our nation's veterans deserve access to the high-quality health care that they have earned through their service to our country. As the daughter of a World War II veteran, I was shocked and outraged by recent investigations that found far too many instances of patients' care being mismanaged by medical providers, said Senator Collins. By requiring the VA to report these issues in a timely manner and prohibiting the concealment of serious medical errors in settlements with fired VA employees, this legislation would help restore accountability, protect veterans, and enhance the care that veterans receive at the VA. Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), and the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) support this legislation. The FSMB applauds the passage of S. 221 and commends Senators Gardner, Manchin, Moran, Cassidy, and Collins for championing a bipartisan bill that will improve the quality and safety of health care both within and outside of the VA system, said Humayun Chaudhry, DO, President and CEO of the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB). Improved information-sharing with the NPDB and state medical boards will significantly help protect patients and identify and prevent unsafe or dangerous providers from treating veterans and their families. PVA believes the key to providing exceptional health care to veterans starts with quality providers. We thank Senators Gardner, Manchin, Moran, Cassidy, and Collins for introducing and the entire Senate for approving the Department of Veterans Affairs Provider Accountability Act which protects veterans from providers who have made major medical errors and enhances the care that veterans receive at the VA, said Heather Ansley Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) Associate Executive Director for Government Relations. Ongoing license verification and adverse event reporting to state licensing boards are key patient safety measures in the health care industry, said David Benton RGN, PhD, FFNF, FRCN, FAAN, CEO of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). NCSBN commends the Senate on advancing these meaningful public protection initiatives in the VA and would like thank Senators Gardner, Manchin, Moran, Cassidy, and Collins and the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for their steadfast leadership. We look forward to these provisions becoming law and partnering with the VA to implement them expeditiously. ### Cory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://buck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ken-buck-applauds-passage-usmca,Ken Buck Applauds the Passage of USMCA,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Ken Buck,B001297,buck.house.gov,,,legacy,"For Immediate Release Thursday, December 19, 2019 Contact: 202-225-4676 Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Ken Buck voted in support of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a mutually beneficial trade deal that will grow our economy and ensure American workers and businesses are not being left behind. In order to build and sustain a prosperous middle class, America needs modernized trade deals that recognize the realities of the global economy. Following passage in the House, Congressman Buck issued the following: The USMCA is crucial for the future of American prosperity, as well as our farmers, manufacturers, innovators, and those who continue to stimulate future economic growth. After months of delay, I'm glad to see it pass the House and hope my Senate colleagues act quickly. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lamborn.house.gov/media/press-releases/passage-usmca,Passage of USMCA,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Doug Lamborn,L000564,lamborn.house.gov,,,legacy,"Contact: Cassandra Sebastian (719) 520-0055 Washington D.C. - Today, the United States House of Representatives voted to pass the United States- Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) negotiated by President Trump on October 1, 2018. Canada and Mexico are two of the biggest trading partners for the United States. Facts about USMCA: Over $68 billion in new economic growth 176,000 new jobs Digital trade deal established First update to North American trade in 25 years Colorado exported $2.7 billion worth of products to Canada and Mexico in 2018 Congressman Lamborn issued the following statement upon voting for the USMCA: ""After months of stalling, Speaker Pelosi has finally brought the USMCA to the House Floor for a vote. I am glad that President Trump has negotiated a great new trade deal between the United States and our two biggest trading partners, Canada, and Mexico. Trade with Mexico and Canada is vital to our economy and my home state of Colorado. USMCA will drive higher wages, add thousands of new jobs, and bring over 68 billion in new economic growth for our economy. While not a perfect agreement, this crucial trade deal is vital to strengthening our relationship with our North American trade partners, while still holding Canada and Mexico accountable.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://perlmutter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4763,Perlmutter Statement in Support of USMCA,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Ed Perlmutter,P000593,perlmutter.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) today issued the following statement in support of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the renegotiated North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA): I applaud the work of the House Democratic USMCA Working Group and their negotiations with the Trump administration resulting in several key improvements to the original agreement.The USMCA now includes strengthened labor rule enforcement and commitments, creates new mechanisms for monitoring environmental standards compliance, and improves the state-to-state resolution process. In addition, the USMCA modernizes NAFTA to reflect the 21st century economy, specifically on digital trade, intellectual property, and market access. Trade is a key component of the Colorado economy, with North American trade supporting more than 220,000 Colorado jobs. These improved trade rules under USMCA will help more Colorado manufacturers, farmers, and ranchers export their products to Canada and Mexico tariff-free, improve worker protections, increase environmental protections across the continent, and benefit Colorado's growing tech and startup community. I am supporting this updated trade agreement because it's stronger and helps support U.S. businesses, consumers and workers. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://tipton.house.gov/media/press-releases/passing-usmca-welcome-christmas-present,Passing USMCA a Welcome Christmas Present,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONToday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) after more than a year since leaders of the three countries signed the deal. USMCA required implementing legislation to become law. Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) supported the measure and released the following statement: USMCA will significantly improve trade flows, benefitting small businesses, farmers and all Coloradans. The American economy has transformed dramatically in the 25 years since the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was signed into law. NAFTA has failed to keep pace with certain elements of our rapidly expanding economy including digital trade flows, manufacturing and access to markets for American agricultural products. Last year, Colorado exported more than $2.7 billion worth of goods to Canada and Mexico and passing USMCA is sure to keep that number growing. This is a welcome Christmas present for our economy, and I look forward to improving trade policies that benefit Colorado's Third Congressional District. Background: In 2018, Colorado exported $1.4 and $1.3 billion to Canada and Mexico respectively. Total trade exports to other nations in 2017 (the latest available figure from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative) from Pueblo was approximately $230.3 million, and Grand Junction $79.4 million, the two largest metropolitan areas in Colorado's Third Congressional District. USMCA allows for greater market access for American dairy and poultry exports to Canada. On September 25, 2019, Tipton sent a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue to address a reciprocal market access issue between American potatoes and Mexican avocados. The market issue has largely been tied up in the Mexican federal courts, but Sec. Perdue assured Tipton that once resolved, they will work to enforce a 2003 deal the two countries made. On December 9, 2019, Tipton joined a letter to Speaker Pelosi with 159 Republicans in the House to urge a vote on USMCA. Tipton has received numerous letters of support on USMCA from organizations such as: ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=DD64F700-D3F8-45E4-9542-36675B77C0A7,Senate Approves Top Bennet Priorities in Government Spending Bills,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. With funding for federal government operations set to expire at midnight on Friday, the U.S. Senate this afternoon approved two spending bills to fund the federal government for the remainder of fiscal year 2020, which began on October 1, 2019. Both bills are expected to be signed into law before the Friday night deadline. The spending bills include key Colorado priorities championed by Senator Michael Bennet, including: Election Security Grants The spending package appropriated $425 million in new federal grants for election security. The package also includes an additional $6 million for the Election Assistance Commission (EAC), the federal agency charged with promoting security standards and best practices for voting machines and election administration. Last month, Bennet led a letter with 38 senators urging increased funding for election security and the Election Administration Commission in line with the House-approved levels. Recently, he shared with Senate leaders a letter he received from the nonpartisan Colorado County Clerks Association calling on Congress to increase federal funding for election security. Expansion of H-2B Visas The package gives the Department of Homeland Security the discretion to expand the number of H-2B visas authorized annually. The H-2B visa program is critical for filling workforce gaps across all four corners of Colorado. Bennet, who has long championed relieving the cap on the number of H-2B visas, recently joined the entire Colorado delegation in urging Congressional leaders to include cap relief in the year-end spending package. Extension of Secure Rural Schools Program Based on legislation cosponsored by Bennet, the spending package includes a two-year extension of the Secure Rural Schools program. This program supports public schools, public road, forest health projects, emergency services, and other essential county services in more than 775 counties around the country, including 43 in Colorado. Bennet has long supported reauthorizing and funding the Secure Rural Schools program. Reauthorization of the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program The package reauthorizes the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program, a cooperative agreement among the governors of Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, and the Secretary of the Interior Department to achieve Endangered Species Act compliance on the Platte River. Bennet is a coauthor of bipartisan legislation to extend the program, which was scheduled to expire December 31, 2019. Full Funding for PILT Program for Rural Communities Bennet has long called for reauthorizing and fully funding the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program, which provides long-term financial security for rural counties, through bipartisan legislation and leading annual letters calling for the allocation of funds. The spending packaged passed today includes $500 million, which fully funds the PILT program for fiscal year 2020. Increased Funding for LWCF The package includes $495 million for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), more than was allocated in fiscal year 2019 and the highest level in more than 15 years. Bennet, who helped secure permanent reauthorization of LWCF in February, has long-championed full funding for LWCF and will continue to push Congress for full and permanent funding. Funding for Arkansas Valley Conduit The package includes funding for the Arkansas Valley Conduit, a project being planned by the Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District and the Bureau of Reclamation to bring clean drinking water to an estimated 50,000 people in the region. Bennet, who has been fighting for the project since coming to the Senate, previously secured federal funding for the project in prior budgets and spending bills. Resources to Implement Fire Funding Fix Bennet has long worked to secure a long-term fix to end fire borrowing and improve how the Forest Service budgets and pays to fight wildfires. The spending package implements the fix, including more resources to fight wildfires and funding to reduce hazardous fuels and restore our forests across the west. Increased Funding for National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), headquartered in Golden, will receive $130 million for the laboratory's facilities and infrastructure fund, a $33 million increase from fiscal year 2019. Bennet and Senator Cory Gardner requested an increase in NREL's funding through the appropriations process. $10 Million for Nationwide CDC Study on PFAS Contamination Bennet again secured $10 million for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to carry out its nationwide study on the health effects of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) contamination in drinking water sources. Bennet, an author of the PFAS Action Plan Act, called on the CDC to include communities in Colorado near Peterson Air Force Base in the nationwide study. In September, the CDC announced Colorado would be one of seven states included in the study. Over $1 Billion in Funding for Landmark Gun Violence Research, Efforts to Reduce Gun Violence For the first time in decades, Congress will invest $25 million into research on gun violence through the CDC and National Institutes of Health. The package also allocates $1.3 billion to government agencies to fund efforts to reduce gun violence. Over $1 Billion in Infrastructure Grants The spending package includes $1 billion for the Department of Transportation's Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program. These grants help communities make transformative investments in surface transportation infrastructure. Aurora and Colorado Springs are both recent recipients of these grants. The package also includes $2 billion for Amtrak, helping to support the National Network long-distance trains, including the Southwest Chief line, which provides vital services to Colorado's rural communities. Bennet advocated for robust funding of both the BUILD program and Amtrak's long-distance rail lines. $7.6 Billion for the 2020 Census Bennet, who has long advocated for shoring up efforts to promote the Census and ensuring it remains a fair process, cheered the increase for funding to promote and carry out the decennial census.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-and-colleagues-urge-un-ambassador-to-impose-sanctions-maximum-pressure-on-north-korea,"Gardner and Colleagues Urge U.N. Ambassador to Impose Sanctions, Maximum Pressure on North Korea",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Cory Gardner,G000562,www.gardner.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S.Senator CoryGardner (R-CO), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy, sent a letter to U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Kelly Craft urging she make clear the Trump administration intends to fully implement the maximum pressure policy on North Korea and impose sanctions as required by law.The letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-IN), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Joni Ernst (R-IA), and Tom Cotton (R-AR), who all serve on either the Senate Foreign Relations Committee or the Senate Armed Services Committee. We write with deep concern regarding recent statements and actions by the Democratic Republic of Korea (DPRK), which seem to indicate the DPRK intends to resume long-range missile tests and other serious provocations in the near future, in violation of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions,the senators wrote.We urge you to make clear that the Trump Administration intends to fully implement the maximum pressure' policy, including by the continued imposition of sanctions against the DPRK pursuant to U.S. law. We note with regret that the pace of unilateral U.S. designations of entities violating DPRK sanctions has slowed considerably since the Trump-Kim summit diplomacy' began. We urge you to work with your interagency colleagues to fully implement U.S. law. North Korea's ambassador to the United Nations recently stated that North Korea has no intentions to denuclearize, and the comments come as an end-of-the-year deadline set by dictator Kim Jong Un approaches to see progress in negotiations with the United States. Earlier this month, a North Korean official warned it was up to the U.S. to choose what it would receive as a Christmas gift from Pyongyang. The full letter is availablehereand below: Dear Ambassador Craft: We write with deep concern regarding recent statements and actions by the Democratic Republic of Korea (DPRK), which seem to indicate the DPRK intends to resume long-range missile tests and other serious provocations in the near future, in violation of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions. We are likewise concerned by a recent statement from the DPRK Ambassador to the UN Kim Song, stating that denuclearization is off the table as part of potential future negotiations with the United States. We agree with your remarks at the UN Security Council Briefing on the DPRK on December 11, 2019, where you stated that over the past year and a half, the DPRK has continued to advance its prohibited programs, test its prohibited programs, and repeatedly refuse to engage in sustained diplomatic engagement. It is unfortunate, but consistent with the Kim family playbook, that the willingness of the United States to engage in meaningful dialogue with the DPRK has been met by Pyongyang's mendacity and deception. Therefore, we urge you to continue to make clear that United States policy will remain to seek complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization of the DPRK, a longstanding policy goal enshrined in U.S. law, including the North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act (Public Law 114-122) and the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act (Public Law 115-409). We also urge you to make clear, including to your counterparts from theRussian Federation and the People's Republic of China, that the United States will never support lifting any mandatory UN Security Council sanctions against the DPRK until the DPRK fully complies with international law and ceases the behavior for which these sanctions were imposed in the first place. In addition, we urge you to make clear that the Trump Administration intends to fully implement the maximum pressure policy, including by the continued imposition of sanctions against the DPRK pursuant to U.S. law. We note with regret that the pace of unilateral U.S. designations of entities violating DPRK sanctions has slowed considerably since the Trump-Kim summit diplomacy began. We urge you to work with your interagency colleagues to fully implement U.S. law, including by designating additional Chinese and Russian entities as appropriate. We also urge to emphasize that the United States will continue to highlight DPRK's atrocious human rights record at the United Nations and all other appropriate fora, including as part of any bilateral engagements with the DPRK. The United States must remain a global leader in highlighting Pyongyang's abuses against its people and its complicity in other atrocities, such as the 2017 murder of American student Otto Warmbier. We look forward to your response and to working with you to achieve these goals. ### Cory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-backed-provisions-included-in-senate-approved-national-security-appropriations-bill,Gardner Backed Provisions Included in Senate-Approved National Security Appropriations Bill,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Cory Gardner,G000562,www.gardner.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. The U.S. Senate today passed H.R. 1158, the consolidated national security appropriations package for Fiscal Year 2020, with U.S. Senator Cory Gardner's (R-CO) support. This legislation is one of two funding bills that passed the Senate today to fund the government, and it included a number of key priorities backed by Gardner for the state of Colorado. The bills now head to the President's desk to be signed into law. After months of unnecessary delays, I'm pleased the Senate finally passed critical funding for the men and women who serve our country in uniform, said Senator Gardner. This national defense bill provides Colorado's service members with the resources they need to fulfill their missions and supports the future of U.S. Space Command in Colorado, which is currently located at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs. Additionally, we successfully included first-time funding for the Defense Community Infrastructure Program, more funding to support scientific research in Colorado, and my amendment to ensure law enforcement officers have additional resources to combat the rise of methamphetamine use in our communities. H.R. 1158 contains four appropriations bills: Department of Defense; Commerce, Justice, Science; Financial Services and General Government; and Homeland Security. Colorado priorities Gardner backed in H.R. 1158 include: Financial Services and General Government: $425 million for states to improve election security Department of Defense: Full funding of U.S. Space Command, which is provisionally located at Peterson Air Force Base $40 million for the U.S. Space Force, which Senator Gardner has supported and was formally authorized in the Senate's Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act $50 million for the Defense Community Infrastructure Program, the first time funds are allocated specifically for the DCIP program. Senator Gardner has led this effort in the Senate $30 million for the innovative U.S. Air Force Academy Cyber Accelerator $10 million for critical cyber security infrastructure resiliency efforts at Cheyenne Mountain Increased funding for life-changing medical research at Colorado research centers, to include $5 million for novel therapeutic interventions research $19.5 million for the Procurement Technical Assistance Program, which helps states and small businesses in the defense procurement process $1.2 billion for 14 F-35 aircraft for the U.S. Air Force Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies: $48.5 million funding increase for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for a total of $1.03 billion to that agencya nearly 5 percent increase over last fiscal year Included in the NIST increase is a $6 million increase for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program, which Gardner has championed and has a Colorado presence through Manufacturer's Edge $203 million funding increase for the National Science Foundation (NSF) for a total of $8.278 billion to that agencya nearly 3 percent increase over last fiscal year More than $22.6 billion for NASA, an approximately $1.13 billion increase over last fiscal year Includes $2.585 billion for Space Launch System (SLS) and $1.4 billion for Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle Includes $48 million for NASA's Space Grant program $13 million for COPS Office Anti-Methamphetamine Task Force grants, after Gardner successfully pushed for more funding $27.5 million for the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program, a $2.5 million increase from FY19. Gardner is an original cosponsor on legislation that permanently reauthorizes this program and increased the authorization from $25 to $30 million $125 million for STOP School Violence grants, which is a $25 million increase from FY19 Includes STELAR permanency provisions and license modifications in the package that will allow Grand Junction broadcasters the opportunity to provide DirecTV subscribers with their own local TV rather than Los Angeles TV ### Cory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-markey-applaud-25b-in-government-funding-bill-to-implement-indo-pacific-policy,"Gardner, Markey Applaud $2.5B in Government Funding Bill to Implement Indo-Pacific Policy",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Cory Gardner,G000562,www.gardner.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Ed Markey (D-MA), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy, today applauded the passage of the State and Foreign Operations, and Related Programs appropriations bill as a part of the end-of-year spending package, which contained $2.5 billion to implement the Gardner-Markey Asia Reassurance Initiative Act (ARIA), the comprehensive Asia policy framework signed into law in December 2018, and the Administration's Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS). Today's passage of the funding bill and expected signature into law by the President represents the final step in the process to implement the ARIA initiative, which began in 2017 and involved: Eight legislative hearings at the Senate Foreign Relations committee in the 115th Congress and the 116th Congress; unanimous passage by the Senate and the House of Representatives; the President's signature into law; unanimous endorsement by the Senate Appropriations Committee in September; and today's endorsement by the full Congress. $2.5 billion for ARIA/IPS represents nearly 5 percent of the entire Fiscal Year 2020 State and Foreign Operations bill, which funds the State Department, U.S. Agency for International Development, and the U.S. foreign aid budget. Today is a historic day for U.S. foreign policy and a bad day to be a dictator in Pyongyang, a communist in Beijing, or a human rights abuser in Phnom Penh. What began as an idea at our subcommittee with Senator Markey over two years ago today blossomed into a fully-funded generational U.S. policy framework for the Indo-Pacific region that will ensure the United States remains the pre-eminent Pacific power for generations to come, said Senator Gardner. ARIA will allow the U.S. government to speak with one voice to advance our nation's national security, economic interests, and values in the Indo-Pacific, a region critical to the success of our nation as the pre-eminent global superpower that respects human rights and the rule of law. With this funding, Congress amplifies the message that Senator Gardner and I have been sending since we developed ARIA: the United States is invested in Asia's success. Our government is now further empowered to advance America's interests as we witness the spread of authoritarian governance, human rights violations, and aggressive Chinese military modernization in the region. The United States cannot afford to cede leadership as the country that best empowers people across the Indo-Pacific to seek freedom and economic opportunity, said Senator Markey. Background: In the 116thand 115th Congress, Gardner and Markey held eight hearings on ARIA in their Subcommittee. The hearing topics included security challenges, economic opportunities, promoting human rights and the rule of law, U.S.-China relations, and Administration views. 115th Congress: American Leadership in the Asia-Pacific, Part 1: Security Issues American Leadership in the Asia-Pacific, Part 2: Economic Issues American Leadership in the Asia Pacific, Part 3: Promoting Democracy, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law American Leadership in the Asia-Pacific, Part 4: View from Beijing American Leadership In The Asia Pacific, Part 5: The Asia Reassurance Initiative Act 116th Congress: ARIA in Action, Part 1: Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law ARIA in Action, Part 2: The Benefits of Economic Diplomacy ARIA in Action, Part 3: Implementation and Indo-Pacific Strategy Former U.S Secretary of Defense James Mattis and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo thanked Senator Gardner for his leadership on ARIA in a letter sent June 2018. The Department of Defense endorsed ARIA in the Administration's Indo Pacific Strategy Report,stating: This legislation enshrines a generational whole-of-government policy framework that demonstrates U.S. commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region and includes initiatives that promote sovereignty, rule of law, democracy, economic engagement, and regional security. The Department of State endorsedARIAin its A Free and Open Indo-Pacific report, stating: The United States Congress demonstrated its support for the priorities of the Indo-Pacific strategy through the passage of the BUILD Act in October 2018 and the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act in December 2018. Read the Congressional Research Service Report onARIAhere. The text of the bill can be foundhere. A background paperonARIAcan be foundhere. ARIATimeline: Senator Gardner ImplementedARIAin the 116thCongress: October 16th, 2019:Gardner's Asia Reassurance Initiative Act Earns Praise at Senate Foreign Relations Hearing September 18th, 2019:Gardner Urges Colleagues to Support Appropriations Process, Fund Critical National Security July 22nd, 2019:Gardner Hosts President of Taiwan in Colorado June 27th,2019:Gardner Statement on Senate Passage of NDAA June 18th, 2019:Gardner Delivers the Keynote Address at the 2019 Asia Policy Assembly June 13th, 2019:Gardner Applauds Senate Approval of Stilwell as Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs May 2nd, 2019:Senators Gardner, Menendez, Risch, and Markey, Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Calling for a Stronger U.S.-Japan Alliance May 2nd, 2019:Gardner, Markey Legislation Commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act Passes Senate April 17th, 2019:Gardner Statement on Reports of North Korea Test-Firing Tactical Guided Weapon April 10th, 2019:Senators Gardner, Lankford, Menendez, Markey Honor US-Korean Alliance April 8th, 2019:Gardner, Coons Reintroduce CLIPS Act to Address Cybercrime April 4th, 2019:Gardner, Markey, Risch, Menendez, and Inhofe Introduce Legislation Commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act April 2nd, 2019:Gardner Meets with South Korea's Defense Minister March 18th, 2019:Gardner, Markey Send Letter Urging Robust Enforcement of Current Sanctions on North Korea March 14th, 2019:Gardner Delivers the Keynote Address at the Global Taiwan Institute March 8th, 2019:Gardner, Menendez Seek Answers from Trump Administration on North Korean Cyberattacks February 28th, 2019:Gardner Statement on Second North Korean Summit February 12th, 2019:Gardner Meets with Chinese Leaders February 7th, 2019:Gardner, Rubio, Cotton, Cornyn, and Cruz Send Letter Requesting Speaker Pelosi Invite the President of Taiwan to Address a Joint Session of Congress ARIABecame Law in the 115thCongress: ARIA's Origins in the 114thand 115thCongress: December 21st, 2018:Gardner, Markey Tout Successful Partnership as Leaders on Asia Policy in the 115th Congress December 5th, 2018:Gardner, Markey Comprehensive Asia Policy Measure Passes Senate September 26th, 2018:Framework for New United States Policy Toward Asia Advances out of Senate Foreign Relations Committee August 14th, 2018:Gardner Reaffirms Importance of US-Taiwan Friendship in Meeting with President Tsai June 4th, 2018:Senators Gardner, Markey to Hold Hearing on North Korea Before Trump-Kim Summit May 15th, 2018:Senators Gardner and Markey Highlight their Asia Strategy April 24th, 2018:Gardner, Markey, Rubio, Cardin Announce Framework for New United States Policy in Asia November 8th, 2017:Heritage Foundation Address by Senator Cory Gardner ( July 18th, 2017:Gardner Gives Keynote Address At Seventh Annual CSIS South China Sea Conference April 17th, 2017:Getting the U.S.-China Relationship Right ARIAin theNews: WSJ: Op-ed: Trump's Successful Pivot to Asia The Asia Reassurance Initiative Act is the most comprehensive statement in a generation of America's regional interests. It authorizes expenditures of $1.5 billion annually through 2023 to enhance U.S. military, diplomatic and economic engagement with East and Southeast Asian allies such as Japan, India, South Korea and Taiwan. WSJ: Op-ed: China's Military Escalation Believe it or not, Congress is also trying to help with the bipartisan Asia Reassurance Initiative Act (ARIA). The Senate bill affirms core American alliances with Australia, Japan and South Korea, while calling for deeper military and economic ties with India and Taiwan. It notably encourages regular weapons sales to Taipei. STRAITS TIMES: Asia Reassurance Initiative Act passed by US Senate will beef up engagement across Indo-Pacific The legislation in effect lays down a policy framework to support the United States' commitment to a ""free and open Indo-Pacific region and the rules-based international order"", according to Republican Senator Cory Gardner of Colorado, who sponsored the Bill. Roll Call: Senate Eyes Passage of Bill to Check China in Asia-Pacific The Senate Foreign Relations committee last week unanimously advanced a bipartisan bill from Sens. Cory Gardner, R-Colo., and Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., who lead the Asia-Pacific Subcommittee. The measure would authorize more than $1.5 billion in new funds over the next five years for the State Department, U.S. Agency for International Development and the Pentagon to maintain regional political support for the rules-based international order that the United States has championed over the last 70 years. FOX NEWS: Sen. Cory Gardner: North Korea is still a threat Verifiable, irreversible denuclearization must be our goal More recently, my Asia Reassurance Initiative Act (ARIA), signed into law by President Trump on Dec. 31, 2018, unequivocally reaffirms that it is the policy of the United States that the objective of negotiations with respect to the nuclear and ballistic missile programs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea be the complete, verifiable, and irreversible dismantlement of such programs. DAILY SIGNAL: Taiwan Remains a Strong US Partner 40 Years After Key Legislation The April 30 resolution, which urges the president to explore opportunities to expand and deepen bilateral economic and trade relations with Taiwan, was submitted by Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Colo., chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and international cybersecurity policy. THE DIPLOMAT:ARIA: Congress Makes Its Mark on US Asia Policy The genesis of the United States' Asia Reassurance Initiative Act (ARIA) was a series of hearings in 2017-18 held by Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO), the chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee's Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cyber Security. DURANGO HERALD: Colorado senator goes from farming to foreign policy adviser And Gardner wants to helm the formulation of a long-term policy in a region that by 2050 will make up over 50 percent of the global population and gross domestic product, according to an Asian Development Bank report. Three weeks ago, he introduced the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act with three other senators to facilitate the creation of a U.S. plan in a region with gaping policy holes. ### Cory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-statement-on-stephen-bieguns-confirmation-as-deputy-secretary-of-state-,Gardner Statement on Stephen Biegun’s Confirmation as Deputy Secretary of State,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Cory Gardner,G000562,www.gardner.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy, issued the following statement today after the Senate voted 90-3 to confirm Stephen Biegun as the Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of State. Mr. Biegun will continue to serve as the United States Special Representative for North Korea, the capacity in which he has worked closely with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to achieve the complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization of North Korea. I am grateful for Mr. Biegun's dedicated service to our country and his commitment to advancing American interests and values around the globe, said Senator Gardner. I look forward to working with him closely to address the global challenges that require American leadership, including deterring Kim Jong Un and other two-bit dictators; implementing the National Security Strategy to succeed in great power competition with China and Russia; and confronting terrorism worldwide to keep the American homeland safe. ### Cory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passed-government-funding-bill-includes-colorado-victories-gardner-priorities,"Senate-Passed Government Funding Bill Includes Colorado Victories, Gardner Priorities",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Cory Gardner,G000562,www.gardner.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) successfully included a number of Colorado priorities in H.R. 1865, a domestic spending package of appropriations bills, which was approved by the Senate today. This legislation is the first of two funding bills considered by the Senate today to fund the government, and H.R. 1865 now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. I'm proud that this funding package ties together many of the efforts that I've championed for Colorado this year, said Senator Gardner. These efforts will lower health care costs in Colorado, provide vital resources for our military service members, and help future generations enjoy Colorado's public lands by increasing funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund. This bill will have a direct impact on Colorado communities by fully funding critical services for counties with large amounts of federal land and supporting innovative energy research projects in Colorado. H.R. 1865 includes eight appropriations bills: Labor, Health and Human Services, Education; Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration; Energy and Water Development; Interior, Environment; Legislative Branch; Military Construction, Veterans Affairs; State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs; and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development. Also included in H.R. 1865 was the repeal of the costly Health Insurance Tax (HIT) and Medical Device Tax, which Gardner has long advocated for in order to lower Coloradans' health care costs and foster innovation. Colorado priorities Gardner backed in H.R. 1865 include: Military Construction, Veterans Affairs (VA), and Related Agencies: $71 million for a Company Operations Facility at Fort Carson $60 million for a Consolidated Space Operations Facility at Schriever Air Force Base Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies: Maintains critical funds for resilient dryland farming research Provides funding for Department of Agriculture bureaus that do important work in Colorado, including Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Rural Development Ensures disaster relief funds that are set to expire at the end of the calendar year remain available to assist agricultural producers who have been affected by natural disasters in 2018 and 2019 Fully funds the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network at $10 million. Senator Gardner was a cosponsor of the original legislation to reauthorize this program, and secured a $3 million increase in the program's funding Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies: $495 million for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), an increase of $60 million over funding from last year Provides $2.25 billion in budget cap adjustment funding to mitigate need for fire borrowing Fully funds Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) at $500 million $1.4 billion for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Continues to fund activities to reorganize the BLM's headquarters $3.4 billion for the National Park Service Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies: $41.68 billion for the National Institutes of Health Energy and Water Development: $1.68 billion for the Bureau of Reclamation Includes language that continues to advocate for the construction of the Arkansas Valley Conduit Directs funding as needed for the Bureau of Reclamation to assist Colorado River states in implementing the Drought Contingency Plans Significant funding for grid modernization, storage, and cyber research and development Record funding levels for the Advanced Research Projects Agency Energy (ARPA-E) at $425 million. There are currently nearly 50 ongoing projects at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Colorado School of Mines, and other research entities in Colorado benefiting from ARPA-E funding Protects funding for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory through the Office of Science and the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy $195 million for Quantum Information Science $71 million for AI and machine learning activities Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, and Related Agencies: Includes $1 billion for Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grants Includes language previously supported by Gardner aimed at ensuring continued service on Amtrak's Southwest Chief route Includes full funding for Essential Air Service (EAS) program State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs: ### Cory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-gardner-bennet-bill-to-extend-platte-river-recovery-implementation-program,"Senate Passes Gardner, Bennet Bill to Extend Platte River Recovery Implementation Program",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Cory Gardner,G000562,www.gardner.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.Today the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan bill introduced by Colorado U.S. SenatorsCory Gardner (R) andMichael Bennet (D) to extend thePlatteRiver Recovery Implementation Program (PRRIP) as part of the year-end spending package. The bill was passed by the House of Representatives earlier this week and will now go to the president's desk to be signed into law. ThePlatteRiver Recovery Implementation Program has responsibly protected endangered species living in Colorado's natural habitats,said Senator Gardner.It's a great example of how a partnership between federal, state, and local stakeholders can promote conservation, protect nature and prevent litigation, and I'm pleased to see it reauthorized. ThePlatteRiver in Colorado is the bedrock of our economy and the headwaters for a unique and important ecosystem. ThePlatteRiver Recovery Implementation Program has helped protect endangered species through a collaborative approach with other states and water users in the region,said Senator Bennet.I'm glad to see this effective program extended. Over the past decade, thePlatteProgram has become a model for collaborative endangered species recovery programs,saidJason Farnsworth, Executive Director of thePlatteRiver Recovery Implementation Program.Much of our success stems from the commitment and ongoing support of Program stakeholders who have demonstrated that environmental groups, water users and regulators can work together to benefit the endangered species of thePlattebasin and the people who live here. We are appreciative of the time and effort that has already been expended to navigate the legislative process and look forward to continuing the Program's important work during the Extension. ThePlatteRiver Recovery Implementation Program is an important partnership with resounding benefits to Colorado's economy,said Dan Gibbs, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources.The Program allows for water development in Colorado's booming Front Range and supports our farming communities in Northeastern Colorado all while benefiting the recovery of four threatened and endangered species. This collaborative and proactive conservation program stands as a national model and has led to 13 years of success. I lend my full support for the reauthorization of this Program Background: In April,Gardner andBennet, along with U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), and Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) introduced thePlatteRiver Recovery Implementation Program Extension Act. ThePlatteRiver Recovery Implementation Program (PRRIP) is a cooperative agreement among the governors of Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, and the Secretary of the Interior to achieve Endangered Species Act compliance on thePlatteRiver. PRRIP also allows new and existing water use and development through this streamlined consultation process. The program was initiated to alleviate habitat threats along thePlatteRiver for the endangered whooping crane, interior least tern and pallid sturgeon, and the threatened piping plover. A recentannouncementfrom the Fish and Wildlife Service credited the PRRIP with helping to recover the interior least tern. In addition to addressing protections under the federal Endangered Species Act, PRRIP has allowed the three states and the Department of Interior to avoid lengthy and expensive litigation involving the Endangered Species Act. The program has provided a level of certainty to water users in thePlatteRiver drainage that litigation would not have afforded. PRRIP was authorized by Congress in 2008. The first increment of the program is set to expire on December 31, 2019. S. 990 extends the program by an additional 13 years. The legislation was developed by the three state representatives on the Governance Committee and enjoys broad bipartisan support from lawmakers, water users, conservation groups, and the administration. ### Cory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://buck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ken-buck-end-year-spending,Ken Buck on End of Year Spending,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Ken Buck,B001297,buck.house.gov,,,legacy,"For Immediate Release Wednesday, December 18, 2019 Contact: 202-225-4676 Washington, D.C. Congressman Ken Buck voted against the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (H.R. 1158) and the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (H.R. 1865) and released the following statement: Democrats released the text of these two bills on Monday afternoon, giving my colleagues and me less than 24 hours to read through 2300 pages of text that spends $1.4 trillion. The bills not only funded pet projects across the country but also included numerous riders like a 7-year authorization of the Export-Import bank and a $6 billion taxpayer bailout for a pension fund. This is the epitome of fiscal irresponsibility. We cannot keep saddling our children and grandchildren with insurmountable debt. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-preside-over-house-impeachment-debate,DeGette to preside over House impeachment debate,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,degette,https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has asked U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) to serve as speaker pro tempore and preside over the U.S. House of Representatives for today's debate on impeaching the president of the United States. Following is a comment from DeGette on the speaker's decision to have her preside over the House for this important debate: ""I am honored that the speaker has asked me to serve as speaker pro tempore of the House and to preside over most of the impeachment debate. None of us came to Congress to impeach a president, but every one of us – when we assumed office – took an oath to uphold the constitution. This is a sad and somber moment in our nation's history and the responsibility to preside over this important debate is something I will not take lightly.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-statement-impeachment-president-trump,DeGette statement on impeachment of President Trump,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,degette,https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following is a statement from U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO), who served as speaker pro tempore and presided over today's impeachment debate, on the U.S. House of Representatives voting to impeach President Donald Trump: ""This is a sad and solemn day in our nation's history. None of us came to Congress to impeach a president but, when we assumed office, every one of us took an oath to uphold the Constitution. The evidence shows clearly that President Trump abused his power, put our national security at risk and sought to undermine the integrity of our elections. When he was caught, he tried to cover it up. ""When a president decides to violate the public's trust by putting their own self-interests ahead of the country's – as President Trump has done – the House of Representatives has a duty to act. As some of our nation's top constitutional experts have said, President Trump's conduct is precisely what our founders feared and it's why they gave Congress the power to remove a president from office, if necessary. ""No one in this country is above the law; and President Trump, by his own actions, left us no choice but to approve the articles of impeachment against him today.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-statement-on-impeachment-of-president-trump,DeGette statement on impeachment of President Trump,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Following is a statement from U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO), who served as speaker pro tempore and presided over today's impeachment debate, on the U.S. House of Representatives voting to impeach President Donald Trump: This is a sad and solemn day in our nation's history. None of us came to Congress to impeach a president but, when we assumed office, every one of us took an oath to uphold the Constitution. The evidence shows clearly that President Trump abused his power, put our national security at risk and sought to undermine the integrity of our elections. When he was caught, he tried to cover it up. When a president decides to violate the public's trust by putting their own self-interests ahead of the country's as President Trump has done the House of Representatives has a duty to act. As some of our nation's top constitutional experts have said, President Trump's conduct is precisely what our founders feared and it's why they gave Congress the power to remove a president from office, if necessary. No one in this country is above the law; and President Trump, by his own actions, left us no choice but to approve the articles of impeachment against him today.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-to-preside-over-house-impeachment-debate,DeGette to preside over House impeachment debate,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has asked U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) to serve as speaker pro tempore and preside over the U.S. House of Representatives for today's debate on impeaching the president of the United States. Following is a comment from DeGette on the speaker's decision to have her preside over the House for this important debate: I am honored that the speaker has asked me to serve as speaker pro tempore of the House and to preside over most of the impeachment debate. None of us came to Congress to impeach a president, but every one of us when we assumed office took an oath to uphold the constitution. This is a sad and somber moment in our nation's history and the responsibility to preside over this important debate is something I will not take lightly.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://perlmutter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4750,Perlmutter Statement in Support of Articles of Impeachment,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Ed Perlmutter,P000593,perlmutter.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) today issued the following statement about his support for Articles of Impeachment against Donald J. Trump, 45th President of the United States: By withholding $400 million Ukraine desperately needed to defend itself against Russia until Ukraine did the President's political bidding, the President committed High Crimes and Misdemeanors for which he should be impeached. This abuse of power is compounded by the President's refusal to cooperate with Congress' impeachment investigation and his stonewalling of witnesses from testifying or turning over documents. The Founders fought and died for freedom and independence from a tyrannical ruler and foreign government. Impeachment and removal from office was the remedy they included in the Constitution to act as a check on a President who placed himself above the law, abused his power for his own personal benefit, and invited foreign governments to get involved in our domestic affairs, especially our elections. For the sake of the Constitution, fair elections free of foreign interference, and our national security, President Trump should be impeached. Click here to see Perlmutter's full remarks on impeachment during the December 17th Rules Committee hearing. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://tipton.house.gov/media/press-releases/tipton-calls-out-partisan-impeachment-process,Tipton Calls Out Partisan Impeachment Process,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today the House of Representatives voted on and passed two separate articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump. Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) opposed both articles and delivered the following remarks on the House floor prior to the vote: Make no mistake, this process did not begin with the whistleblower report. In fact, impeachment efforts began shortly after the president was elected. The theatrics and political posturing have ensured that this body is not actually pursuing to preserve checks and balances; rather, this process echoes the calls by some that refuse to accept election results. Watch Tipton's full remarks by clicking the image below. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=6228BC3F-33C4-4BC8-B83F-8C25329D7672,Bennet Statement on House Vote to Impeach President Trump,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives voted to impeach President Donald Trump: This is a solemn day for America. There is clear evidence that President Trump abused his office and obstructed Congress. This has left the House of Representatives no choice but to pursue an impeachment inquiry and vote to impeach the President. Congress has few responsibilities more important than defending our constitutional order. Today, the House fulfilled that responsibility. As the Senate begins an impeachment trial, it is critical that each of us fully assesses the evidence and any witnesses presented. The rule of law is a fundamental tenet of American democracy. Its enforcement requires elected leaders to set aside partisanship for principle. We must reaffirm our commitment to the rule of law by upholding our constitutional checks and balances.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=694B4019-4441-4E8E-8C8B-CEF926CE6EEA,"Bennet, Gardner, Neguse Introduce Bills to Expand Rocky Mountain National Park",2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D) and Cory Gardner (R),along with U.S. Representative Joe Neguse (CO-2), introduced two pieces of legislation today to expand the Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP).The billsallow former NASA astronaut Vance D. Brand to donate 40 acres to Rocky Mountain National Park, and wouldalsoresolve a longstanding issue regarding a local family's cabin that was erroneously transferred to the park.Both land transfers require an Act of Congress to complete. For locals and the visitors who travel to Rocky Mountain National Park from around the world alike, astronaut Vance Brand's generous donation to the park is exciting news,said Bennet.Our bills will formally add this parcel of land in the Longs Peak region to RMNP, and clean up boundary discrepancies elsewhere, to improve management in the area. We thank Mr. Brand for this valuable contribution to the park. Astronaut Vance D. Brand is not only an American hero, but also a Colorado hero. Born and raised in Longmont, Colorado, he spent many years at Rocky Mountain National Park, and now he graciously wants to donate 40 acres of land to expand the park where he spent many years of his life,said Gardner.However, the Park Service needs approval from Congress to change the park's boundary.I'm incredibly grateful for his commitment to share more of the beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park area with the public, and I'm proud to introduce this legislation with Senator Bennet and Congressman Neguse to respect this hero's wishesand make this donation official. Public lands are who we are as Coloradans, they drive our outdoor recreation economy and inspire our commitment to sustainability,said Neguse.I am proud to lead this effort alongside Senator Gardner and SenatorBennetto honor the desire of former Astronaut Vance D. Brand to convey 40 acres of land into the treasured Rocky Mountain National Park landscape. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the country and this legislation will enhance the park for future generations to enjoy. My view is that this donation is payback to the American people in appreciation for the wonderful times and many benefits that I receive from great experiences inRMNP. I request the U.S. government to adjust the eastern boundary ofRMNPto include the 40 acres that our family donatedwhich currently is in the hands of Rocky Mountain Conservancy,saidRetired NASA Astronaut Vance D. Brand. Former U.S. astronaut Vance D.Brand is voluntarily donating a 40-acretract to Rocky Mountain National Park. The property is located adjacent to the eastern boundary of the park and would add additional protection for the park's high-elevation ecosystem. This parcel of land would also provide recreational access and connectivity through a scenic, natural buffer between private lands and three popular trails; Estes Cone, Storm Pass, and Eugenia Mine Trails. These three trails connect to and are part of a large trail network offering hundreds of miles of trails to the park's 4.5 million annual visitors. The National Park Service (NPS) is working with the Forsyth family to resolve a 1972-73 issue where a 0.18-acre plot containing their family cabin was erroneously transferred to the Rocky Mountain National Park when the NPS purchased a larger surrounding parcel. An error in the bank documents' legal description of the parcel mislocated the family's holding as a 0.18-acre plot of vacant land inside the parcel, not the original cabin site. The Forsyth family, seeking to regain legal ownership of its cabin and the 0.18-acre plot on which it sits, proposed an exchange of properties.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=BD46AF8E-2CE8-4C16-98B6-41D22F926042,"Bennet Announces Over $800,000 in Federal Funding to Mad Agriculture",2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, announced that Boulder-based Mad Agriculture will receive a $817,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to support farmers who are transitioning to regenerative and organic farming. Transitioning acreage from conventional farming can be difficult and costly, said Bennet. This funding will help lower barriers to entry, so that farmers and ranchers across Colorado pursue organic and regenerative agriculture systems that also grow their business. The Perennial Fund is born out of the need to create a new food system that puts farmers first by embodying reciprocity across the value chain. It is a radical reimagination of how finance coupled with conservation planning can revitalize rural communities, ensure equitable farmer livelihoods, and regenerate the richness of America's natural resources. We are grateful to be an awardee of the USDA NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant and look forward to partnering with the NRCS to create a replicable place-based system of change, said Brandon Welch, Director of Radical Capital at Mad Agriculture. This grant will enable Mad Agriculture to develop and implement the Perennial Fund, a farm finance program to assist farmers during their transition from conventional to regenerative and organic farming. Because the transitional phase can cause farmers to go into debt, the source of capital provided by Mad Agriculture will enable farmers to transition with confidence. More information about the Conservation Innovation Grants awarded is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/foreign-relations-committee-passes-gardners-hard-hitting-russia-sanctions-package,Foreign Relations Committee Passes Gardner’s Hard-Hitting Russia Sanctions Package,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Cory Gardner,G000562,www.gardner.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today the Senate Foreign Relations Committee passed U.S. Senator Cory Gardner's (R-CO) legislation to increase pressure and deter the Russian Federation's malign actions around the world. Adopted in a vote of 17-5, the Defending American Security from Kremlin Aggression (DASKA) Act seeks to increase economic, political, and diplomatic pressure on the Kremlin in response to Russia's interference in democratic processes abroad, malign influence in Syria, and aggression against Ukraine. Putin's Russia is an outlaw regime that is hell-bent on undermining international law and destroying the U.S.-led liberal global order, said Senator Gardner. From the invasion of Ukraine, carrying out chemical attacks on NATO soil, support for the heinous Assad regime, violations of arms control treaties, and meddling in U.S. elections, Russia's actions necessitate the strongest possible response from the United States. This legislation imposes additional strong sanctions to deter Russia's malign behavior, including my provision to require the State Department to determine whether Russia merits the designation as a state sponsor of terror. With the Senate Foreign Relations Committee passage of this legislation, Congress is demonstrating firm bipartisan resolve against Kremlin's mendacity and I hope it will move quickly to be signed into law. The legislation establishes a comprehensive policy response to better position the U.S. government to address Kremlin aggression by creating new policy offices on cyber defenses and sanctions coordination. The bill stands up for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and prevents the President from pulling the U.S. out of the Alliance without a Senate vote. It also increases sanctions pressure on Moscow for its interference in democratic processes abroad and continued aggression against Ukraine. Gardner's work to stand up to Russia's malign actions around the globe include: Senator Gardner is a member of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission. In September 2017, Senator Gardner chaired a hearing at the Commission about combatting Russian disinformation efforts. Gardner is also a member of the Senate NATO Observer Group, which has an expanded mission to closely monitor and inform Senators outside of national security committees about defense spending commitments of Alliance members, the process of upgrading military capabilities, the Alliance's counter-terrorism capability, NATO enlargement and the ability of NATO member states to address non-conventional warfare. In December, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved Gardner's legislation requiring the State Department to determine if Russia is a State Sponsor of Terrorism. In December, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved S. 1830, Gardner-backed legislation to enhance energy security in Europe and reduce energy dependence on Russia. In October, Gardner led bipartisan callsfor the Trump Administration to sanction Russian officials responsible for the unjust imprisonment of more than 200 political prisoners. In June, Senators Gardner and Ed Markey (D-MA) introduced the bipartisan LEED Act, which requires briefings by the Secretary of State to address Russia's efforts to undercut United Nations sanctions against North Korea. In April, Gardner responded to Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report on Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, calling for additional pressure, sanctions, and punishments in response to Russia interfering in our election. In March, Gardner introduced the bipartisan European Energy Security and Diversification Act to provide new tools for the U.S. to combat malign Russian influence and promote energy independence from Russia. In February, Gardner introduced the bipartisan Defending American Security from Kremlin Aggression Act (DASKA) of 2019. Gardner introduced a previous version of this legislation with Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Ben Cardin (D-MD), John McCain (R-AZ), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) in August 2018. In November 2018, Gardner called for new measures to deter the Kremlin after Russia's illegal and unprovoked aggression toward Ukraine. In November 2018, Gardner released a statement with Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), opposing the candidacy of Russian national Alexander Prokopchuk to serve as the President of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL). In July 2018, Gardner cosponsored the bipartisan Defending Elections from Threats by Establishing Redlines (DETER) Act, which sends a clear message that Russia and any other foreign actor seeking to disrupt our elections will face severe consequences. In April 2018, Gardner authored an op-ed in the New York Times on why the State Department should support designating Russia as a State Sponsor of Terrorism. In February 2017, Gardner led a letter to the President, urging the Administration to pursue a principled and tough-minded Russia policy, highlighting Russia's aggressive behavior in Ukraine, Syria, and cyberspace. ### Cory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-warren-announce-bipartisan-bill-to-address-immigration-in-the-state-legal-cannabis-industry,"Gardner, Warren Announce Bipartisan Bill to Address Immigration in the State-Legal Cannabis Industry",2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Cory Gardner,G000562,www.gardner.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) today announced the introduction of bipartisan legislation that would remove participation in the state-legal cannabis industry from the list of activities that automatically bar naturalization. In April, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)issued guidancein its policy manual making clear that because cannabis is still a Schedule 1 substance under the Controlled Substances Act, an applicant that is employed in the state-legal cannabis industry cannot establish good moral character even if the applicant has not been convicted of an offense and has always acted in compliance with state law. This legislation would amend immigration law to allow applicants who comply with state cannabis laws to demonstrate that they have good moral character and should not be barred from naturalization. Under current law, individuals are deemed to lack good moral character' and denied American citizenship due to their work in the legal cannabis industry in states like Colorado and Massachusetts. This has to stop.said Senator Gardner.Currently95 percent of Americans are living in states with laws allowing some form of cannabis. The dramatically expanded cannabis industry presents real challenges for our nation, and I'm proud to be working with Senator Warren toaddress these issues. No one should have to worry about being denied naturalization for working in their state's legal cannabis industry,said Senator Warren.Our bipartisan bill would ensure that outdated federal cannabis laws don't block the pathway to citizenship for those seeking it through naturalization. In addition to today's announcement, Senators Warren and Gardner announced another bipartisanbillthat would prohibit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from denying veterans VA-backed home loans based on their employment in their state's legal cannabis industry. Currently, cannabis is considered illegal under federal law, and as a result, the VA can deny home loans to veterans whose verified income is earned from working in their state's legal cannabis industry. Senators Gardner and Warren alsoreintroducedthe Strengthening the Tenth Amendment Through Entrusting States Act (STATES Act) in April 2019. Both senators originallyintroducedthe STATES Act in 2018. ### Cory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-warren-announce-bipartisan-bill-to-protect-veterans-working-in-the-state-legal-cannabis-industry,"Gardner, Warren Announce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Veterans Working in the State-Legal Cannabis Industry",2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Cory Gardner,G000562,www.gardner.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) announced the introduction of bipartisan legislation that would prohibit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from denying veterans VA-backed home loans based on their employment in their state's legal cannabis industry. Currently, cannabis is considered illegal under federal law, though 48 states including Colorado have laws permitting or decriminalizing marijuana or marijuana-based products. As a result of federal law, the VA can deny home loans to veterans whose verified income is earned from working in their state's legal cannabis industry. Companion legislation is being introduced in the House of Representatives by Democratic Caucus Vice Chair Katherine Clark (D-MA) and U.S. Representative Gonzlez-Coln (R-PR). Eligible veterans are able to receive a home loan partially guaranteed by the VA. In states across the country, veterans are among the individuals working in the state's legal cannabis industry. In addition to ensuring that this work will not affect VA home loan guaranty program eligibility, the bill would clarify that the VA's activities related to guaranteeing such a loan would not be a violation of federal controlled substances laws, nor would mere application for a VA-backed home loan violate these laws. The citizens of Colorado led the nation in adopting a new approach to cannabis, and our state's veterans have fought for our country all over the world. It's disgraceful that a veteran can be denied a benefit they earned serving our country because they have a job in a legitimate cannabis business, said Senator Gardner. Unfortunately this isn't the only policy failure due to conflicting state and federal marijuana laws. This is another example in the long list of reasons to pass the STATES Act, which Senator Warren and I introduced to respect the will of the people and take the states' rights approach to legal cannabis. Veterans have sacrificed so much for this country, but our outdated federal marijuana laws prevent many veterans from getting the loans they need to buy homes, said Senator Warren. Our bipartisan bill would ensure that veterans who work in their state's legal cannabis industry can access VA home loans and realize the dream of homeownership."" NOTE: The bill text can be found here. In addition to today's announcement, Senators Gardner and Warren announced another bipartisan bill that would prohibit U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) from considering an individual's employment in the state-legal cannabis industry as a factor in his or her application for naturalization. Both bills were simultaneously announced as a package of legislative measures that would help improve the lives of individuals who work in the state-legal cannabis industry. Senators Gardner and Warren also reintroduced the Strengthening the Tenth Amendment Through Entrusting States Act (STATES Act) in April 2019. Both senators originally introduced the STATES Act in 2018. ### Cory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-jason-crow-helps-secure-25-million-gun-violence-prevention-research-funding,Rep. Jason Crow Helps Secure $25 Million in Gun Violence Prevention Research Funding,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Jason Crow,C001121,crow.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Rep. Jason Crow (CO-06) released the following statement after helping secure$25 million in gun violence prevention research fundingin this year's Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill. This funding will allow two public health agenciesthe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH)to investigate the problem for the first time in more than 20 years. More than 36,000 people die from gun violence each year according toGiffords. ""From Columbine to STEM school, countless lives in our community have been ripped apart by gun violence and as a father of two young kids, I refuse to let this become the new normal,said Rep. Jason Crow.""In the Army, I learned that the first step in any operation is understanding the problem and with evidence-based research, we can better understand how to reduce suicide by firearms, the interrelation of domestic violence and gun violence, and the effects of safe gun storage. I came to Congress with the promise to fight for gun violence prevention and today, I'm proud to say, for the first time in a generation, we are taking action. Since taking office, Crow has actively sought solutions to fight the gun violence epidemic in America, supporting numerous legislative measures and meeting with first responders and mental health officials to address the issue of gun violence. In August, Crow joined with Navy veteran and fellow freshmen member Rep. Sherrill to pen anop-ed calling for the reinstatement of the assault weapons ban. Crow helped introduce the Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act which would repeal the liability shield protecting gun sellers and manufacturers, is a proud co-sponsor of H.R. 8, bipartisan background checks bill, and helped secure a $5 million federal funding increase for mental health services at schools. Following the credible threat of a school shooting in Colorado in April where a young woman infatuated with the Columbine massacre was able to exploit a loophole to buy a shotgun, Crow introduced the Colorado Loophole Act, filed as the Closing the Loophole on Interstate Firearm Sales Act, to close the loophole that allows purchasers to immediately obtain rifles and shotguns, but not handguns, when traveling out-of-state.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/rocky-mountain-immigrant-advocacy-network-recognizes-rep-jason-crow-liberty,Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network Recognizes Rep. Jason Crow with Liberty Award Honoree,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Jason Crow,C001121,crow.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network (RMIAN) has announced Rep. Jason Crow as an honoree for the 15thannual Immigrant Liberty Awards. Each year, RMIAN presents the Immigrant Liberty Awards to recognize the unwavering work of exceptional community members to advance the rights and well-being of immigrants and refugees in Colorado, allowing them to thrive in their communities. In addition to Rep. Jason Crow, RMIAN recognizes Araceli Caldern de Weis, Parent Involvement Coordinator for Centennial BOCES; and Marissa Molina, Colorado State Immigration Manager ofFWD.us. As noted in RMIAN release, Congressman Crow has worked tirelessly with human rights advocates and local government officials to champion the rights of immigrants and refugees by bringing critical national attention to U.S. immigration detention conditions and by increasing oversight of the privately operated facility in Aurora through the creation of the first of its kind ICE Accountability Report in July 2019. This oversight report, written after weekly on-site visits by Crow and staff, provides transparency and accountability to the detention system by monitoring the wellbeing of detained immigrants and refugees and the public health risks to the community. Crow has introduced the Public Oversight of Detention Center (POD) Act to ensure that Congress has oversight access to all detention facilities. He also helped introduce the Refugee Protection Act to support refugees, including setting a 95,000 minimum admission level, update the asylum process, improve the Special Immigrant Visas program, and support immigrant children. The ceremony will celebrate the honorees' extraordinary contributions to Colorado's immigrant and refugee communities during an evening gala themed Here to Stay, to be held in the Seawell Ballroom at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, May 1, 2020. All proceeds from the event will go towards providing free immigration legal services to immigrant children and to adults in immigration detention.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/three-crow-led-priorities-set-become-law-passage-fy2020-government-funding,Three Crow-Led Priorities Set to Become Law with Passage of FY2020 Government Funding Bills,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Jason Crow,C001121,crow.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today Rep. Jason Crow (CO-06) successfully secured the passage of three Colorado priorities in the two fiscal year 2020 appropriations bills: H.R. 1865 and H.R. 1158. The SAVE Energy Act: Crow's bill promotes energy efficiency among consumers by allowing homeowners to deduct up to $500 from their taxes when they purchase energy efficiency improvements for their homes. This credit expired in December 2017 but under the new appropriations bill which incorporates a one-year version of Crow's bill, the SAVE Energy Act, will be in effect for 2020. The POD Act:After being denied entry to the ICE detention facility in his district, Crow introduced the Public Oversight of Detention Centers (POD) Act to allow members of Congress to gain timely access to detention facilities. Today, the POD Act has been included within the government funding bill. Funding for REPI: In June, Crow introduced an amendment to increase funding for the Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program (REPI) to $100 million. At Buckley Air Force Base, REPI has created hundreds of acres of protected land, built community partnerships, and helped secure money for local projects ensuring the community and Air Force Base grow in tandem. The funding bill passed today matches the amount Crow requested in June. These are huge wins for the district that find federal solutions to issues right here at home. Whether it be increasing transparency in the government, finding bipartisan solutions on energy efficiency, or funding key environmental programs, we're thrilled to see these Colorado priorities advance into law,said Crow. Other key wins for the district include: Permanently repeals the Cadillac Tax for high-cost employer-sponsored health care coverage Funds the NIH at nearly $42 billion, a 7%, $2.6 billion increase over last year Includes $2.79 billion for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy a $469 million increase A $22 million increase over last year for Colorado for highway and transit funding, and a $2.5 million increase for Colorado in terms of community development block grant and the HOME program $125 million for STOP School Violence Act grants, which help make schools more secure by training staff and students on threat assessment and prevention. It also helps fund and implement school security infrastructure improvements Keeps in a provision that precludes Department of Justice from preventing states' implementation of laws that authorize marijuana use, cultivation, distribution Extends the National Flood Insurance Program through the end of FY 2020 Includes $425 million for election security grants $22.63 billion for NASA, a $1.13 billion increase. $495 million for the Land Water Conservation Fund $3.38 billion for National Parks Includes $500 million for U.S. Antarctic Program, operations of which are based in Centennial Includes the CREATES Act which makes it easier to bring generic drugs to market, a key component of bringing down drug prices",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/neguse-bill-protect-platte-river-basin-wildlife-passes-out-house,Neguse Bill to Protect Platte River Basin Wildlife Passes Out of the House,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, bipartisan bicameral legislation led by Congressman Joe Neguse to protect Colorado wildlife in the Platte River basin passed out of the U.S. House of Representatives and is expected to be signed into law by the President by the end of the week. The Platte River Recovery Implementation Program Extension Act, which Neguse introduced in June, was included in the end-of-year minibus package that will fund the Departments of Agriculture, Labor, Energy, Interior, State, Housing and Urban Development, Veterans Affairs and the Legislative Branch. The legislation is co-led by Congressman Doug Lamborn and has the support of the full delegations of Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming. Over the last 13 years, the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program has allowed dozens of water projects in Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska to comply with the Endangered Species Act and continue operating, which has revitalized bird species, including the whooping crane, piping plover and least tern as well as the pallid sturgeon fish. Legislation from Neguse would allow the program to continue for the next 13 years with financial support from the Bureau of Reclamation. This will be the third piece of legislation from Congressman Neguse to be signed into law by this President. Earlier this year, the Bolts Ditch Access and Use Act and Arapaho National Forest Boundary Adjustment Act, two bills led by Neguse that benefit the 2nd Congressional District were signed into law. The Platte River Recovery Implementation Program has been serving endangered species of the Platte River Basin for thirteen years. Extending this program to allow for water management and habitat conservation goals to be completed is essential, said Congressman Joe Neguse. I'm proud to shepherd the passage of this legislation through the House of Representatives and look forward to seeing it signed into law. Over the past decade, the Platte Program has become a model for collaborative endangered species recovery programs, said Jason Farnsworth, Executive Director of the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program. Much of our success stems from the commitment and ongoing support of Program stakeholders who have demonstrated that environmental groups, water users and regulators can work together to benefit the endangered species of the Platte basin and the people who live here. We are appreciative of the time and effort that has already been expended to navigate the legislative process and look forward to continuing the Program's important work during the Extension. The Platte River Recovery Implementation Program is an important partnership with resounding benefits to Colorado's economy, said Dan Gibbs, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. The Program allows for water development in Colorado's booming Front Range and supports our farming communities in Northeastern Colorado all while benefiting the recovery of four threatened and endangered species. This collaborative and proactive conservation program stands as a national model and has led to 13 years of success. I lend my full support for the reauthorization of this Program Legislation from Congressman Neguse to reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools program is also included in the minibus and expected to be signed into law.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/neguse-bill-secure-funding-rural-schools-colorado-mountain-counties-passes,Neguse Bill to Secure Funding for Rural Schools in Colorado Mountain Counties Passes the House,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, bipartisan legislation led by Congressman Joe Neguse to secure funding for rural schools in Colorado mountain counties passed the U.S. House of Representatives. The Secure Rural Schools Extension Act, which Neguse introduced in May, was included in the end-of-year minibus package that will fund the Departments of Agriculture, Labor, Energy, Interior, State, Housing and Urban Development, Veterans Affairs and the Legislative Branch. The bill, co-led with Congresswoman Cathy McMorris-Rodgers will extend the Secure Rural Schools program through Fiscal Year 2020. The Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (SRS) was first introduced in 2000 to assist counties containing tracts of federally-owned land that are tax-exempt. The program provides payments derived in part through timber receipts and other leasing activities within National Forests back to county governments where those forests are located. The Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program is a primary source of funding for schools, mountain search and rescue, road maintenance and other services that Coloradans rely on. We are obligated to maintain this program which provides for these integral services, said Congressman Joe Neguse. I'm proud to see this legislation pass out of the House and look forward to getting it signed into law. The Secure Rural School (SRS) funding is a vital part of West Grand School District's annual budgetary planning. The funding supports our efforts to provide updated technology access for all students and teachers, ensure safe and healthy learning environments, provide essential professional development for our entire team, and enable further maintenance and repair to school facilities and transportation, said Darrin Peppard, Superintendent for West Grand 1JT School District. As a district, we are committed to excellence in learning, leadership, and engagement for all. SRS funding gives us an important support in achieving our goals. As a rural district, Summit Schools depends on SRS funds to provide for the needs of our students, said Kerry Buhler, Superintendent of Summit School District. We greatly appreciate the bipartisan efforts for these funds to continue so that we may give our students what they deserve in terms of programming and support. In 2018, counties in Colorado's 2nd Congressional District received over $2 million in payments from the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (SRS), with Grand County receiving $1,393,142, Summit County receiving $816,432, Eagle receiving $763,609.80, Clear Creek receiving $424,351, Larimer receiving $307,915, Park receiving $42,664, Boulder receiving $39,346, Jefferson receiving $37,199 and Gilpin receiving $29,972. Legislation from Congressman Neguse to extend the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program is also included in the minibus and expected to be signed into law.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/neguse-gardner-introduce-bills-expand-rocky-mountain-national-park,"Neguse, Gardner Introduce Bills to Expand Rocky Mountain National Park",2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Joe Neguse, who represents Colorado's 2nd Congressional District and serves on House Leadership, along with Colorado U.S. Senators Cory Gardner and Michael Bennet, introduced two bipartisan bicameral bills to expand the Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). The Rocky Mountain National Park Boundary Modification Act allows former NASA astronaut Vance D. Brand to donate 40 acres to Rocky Mountain National Park, and the Rocky Mountain Ownership Correction Act would resolve a longstanding issue regarding a local family's cabin that was erroneously transferred to the park. Public lands are who we are as Coloradans, they drive our outdoor recreation economy and inspire our commitment to sustainability, said Congressman Joe Neguse. I am proud to lead this effort alongside Senator Gardner and Senator Bennet to honor the desire of former Astronaut Vance D. Brand to convey 40 acres of land into the treasured Rocky Mountain National Park landscape. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the country and this legislation will enhance the park for future generations to enjoy. My view is that this donation is payback to the American people in appreciation for the wonderful times and many benefits that I receive from great experiences in RMNP. I request the U.S. government to adjust the eastern boundary of RMNP to include the 40 acres that our family donated which currently is in the hands of Rocky Mountain Conservancy, said Retired NASA Astronaut Vance D. Brand. Astronaut Vance D. Brand is not only an American hero, but also a Colorado hero. Born and raised in Longmont, Colorado, he spent many years at Rocky Mountain National Park, and now he graciously wants to donate 40 acres of land to expand the park where he spent many years of his life, said Senator Gardner. However, the Park Service needs approval from Congress to change the park's boundary. I'm incredibly grateful for his commitment to share more of the beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park area with the public, and I'm proud to introduce this legislation with Senator Bennet and Congressman Neguse to respect this hero's wishes and make this donation official. For locals and the visitors who travel to Rocky Mountain National Park from around the world alike, astronaut Vance Brand's generous donation to the park is exciting news, said Senator Bennet. Our bills will formally add this parcel of land in the Longs Peak region to RMNP, and clean up boundary discrepancies elsewhere, to improve management in the area. We thank Mr. Brand for this valuable contribution to the park. Background: Former U.S. astronaut Vance D. Brand is voluntarily donating a 40-acre tract to Rocky Mountain National Park. The property is located adjacent to the eastern boundary of the park and would add additional protection for the park's high-elevation ecosystem. This parcel of land would also provide recreational access and connectivity through a scenic, natural buffer between private lands and three popular trails; Estes Cone, Storm Pass, and Eugenia Mine Trails. These three trails connect to and are part of a large trail network offering hundreds of miles of trails to the park's 4.5 million annual visitors. The National Park Service (NPS) is working with the Forsyth family to resolve a 1972-73 issue where a 0.18-acre plot containing their family cabin was erroneously transferred to the Rocky Mountain National Park when the NPS purchased a larger surrounding parcel. An error in the bank documents' legal description of the parcel mislocated the family's holding as a 0.18-acre plot of vacant land inside the parcel, not the original cabin site. The Forsyth family, seeking to regain legal ownership of its cabin and the 0.18-acre plot on which it sits, proposed an exchange of properties. Support for expanding the Rocky Mountain National Park: Forsyth Family Letter of Support Retired NASA Astronaut Vance D. Brand Letter of Support Town of Estes Park Letter of Support Larimer County Commissioners Letter of Support Rocky Mountain Conservancy Letter of Support",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/neguse-gardner-introduce-bills-to-expand-rocky-mountain-national-park,"Neguse, Gardner Introduce Bills to Expand Rocky Mountain National Park",2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 17, 2019 Neguse, Gardner Introduce Bills to Expand Rocky Mountain National Park Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Joe Neguse, who represents Colorado's 2nd Congressional District and serves on House Leadership, along with Colorado U.S. Senators Cory Gardner and Michael Bennet, introduced two bipartisan bicameral bills to expand the Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP).The Rocky Mountain National Park Boundary Modification Actallows former NASA astronaut Vance D. Brand to donate 40 acres to Rocky Mountain National Park, and theRocky Mountain Ownership Correction Actwould resolve a longstanding issue regarding a local family's cabin that was erroneously transferred to the park. Public lands are who we are as Coloradans, they drive our outdoor recreation economy and inspire our commitment to sustainability, saidCongressman Joe Neguse.I am proud to lead this effort alongside Senator Gardner and Senator Bennet to honor the desire of former Astronaut Vance D. Brand to convey 40 acres of land into the treasured Rocky Mountain National Park landscape. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the country and this legislation will enhance the park for future generations to enjoy. My view is that this donation is payback to the American people in appreciation for the wonderful times and many benefits that I receive from great experiences in RMNP. I request the U.S. government to adjust the eastern boundary of RMNP to include the 40 acres that our family donated which currently is in the hands of Rocky Mountain Conservancy,saidRetired NASA Astronaut Vance D. Brand. Astronaut Vance D. Brand is not only an American hero, but also a Colorado hero. Born and raised in Longmont, Colorado, he spent many years at Rocky Mountain National Park, and now he graciously wants to donate 40 acres of land to expand the park where he spent many years of his life,said Senator Gardner.However, the Park Service needs approval from Congress to change the park's boundary. I'm incredibly grateful for his commitment to share more of the beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park area with the public, and I'm proud to introduce this legislation with Senator Bennet and Congressman Neguse to respect this hero's wishes and make this donation official. For locals and the visitors who travel to Rocky Mountain National Park from around the world alike, astronaut Vance Brand's generous donation to the park is exciting news, saidSenator Bennet.Our bills will formally add this parcel of land in the Longs Peak region to RMNP, and clean up boundary discrepancies elsewhere, to improve management in the area. We thank Mr. Brand for this valuable contribution to the park. Background: Former U.S. astronaut Vance D. Brand is voluntarily donating a 40-acre tract to Rocky Mountain National Park. The property is located adjacent to the eastern boundary of the park and would add additional protection for the park's high-elevation ecosystem. This parcel of land would also provide recreational access and connectivity through a scenic, natural buffer between private lands and three popular trails; Estes Cone, Storm Pass, and Eugenia Mine Trails. These three trails connect to and are part of a large trail network offering hundreds of miles of trails to the park's 4.5 million annual visitors. The National Park Service (NPS) is working with the Forsyth family to resolve a 1972-73 issue where a 0.18-acre plot containing their family cabin was erroneously transferred to the Rocky Mountain National Park when the NPS purchased a larger surrounding parcel. An error in the bank documents' legal description of the parcel mislocated the family's holding as a 0.18-acre plot of vacant land inside the parcel, not the original cabin site. The Forsyth family, seeking to regain legal ownership of its cabin and the 0.18-acre plot on which it sits, proposed an exchange of properties. Support for expanding the Rocky Mountain National Park: Forsyth Family Letter of Support Retired NASA Astronaut Vance D. Brand Letter of Support Town of Estes Park Letter of Support Larimer County Commissioners Letter of Support Rocky Mountain Conservancy Letter of Support Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://perlmutter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4747,Perlmutter Applauds Passage of FY20 Government Funding Bills,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Ed Perlmutter,P000593,perlmutter.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) today applauded the passage of the fiscal year 2020 appropriations bills: H.R. 1865 and H.R. 1158. Most importantly, the passage of these bills ensures the federal government will remain open and working for the American people, said Perlmutter. It also includes significant funding for many of the priorities House Democrats have been fighting for since the beginning of the year such as full funding for the 2020 Census, protecting our election systems, research into how to prevent gun violence, lowering the cost of prescription drugs, and helping more Americans save for retirement. The government funding bills include many priorities important to Colorado and hardworking families across the country. Key line items include: $25 million dedicated to gun violence research for the first time in 20 years $2.79 billion for the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), a $411 million increase above FY19 level, which helps fund the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) $7.6 billion for the 2020 Census $425 million to protect and secure election systems Includes the SECURE Act which helps Americans save for retirement and protects their retirement savings $495 million for the Land Water Conservation Fund $3.38 billion for National Parks $41.58 billion for National Institutes of Health to support medical research and development Includes the CREATES Act which makes it easier to bring generic drugs to market, a key component of bringing down drug prices Provides $78 million for states to upgrade their NICS databases Funding for TIGER/BUILD grants, CDBG funds to help support community investment from water systems to meals on wheels, and $12.6 billion for rental assistance given Colorado's rental cost increases Significant funding for programs that support Veterans such as Veteran Treatment Courts and Gulf War Illness research Also important to Colorado, the bills make significant investments in Colorado's aerospace and defense community, including several Colorado projects like the Orion crew vehicle which will take our astronauts to Mars, GPS III satellites, RESTORE-L, the Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST), and the Near-Earth Object Camera (NEOCam). In addition, the appropriations packages extend the authorization of several key programs such as the Export-Import Bank, the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program, the National Flood Insurance Program, and the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program Extension Act. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://tipton.house.gov/media/press-releases/tipton-end-year-spending-bills-boost-national-security-fail-address-reckless,"Tipton: End of Year Spending Bills a Boost for National Security, Fail to Address Reckless Washington Spending Habits",2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today the House voted on two separate spending bills totaling over 2,300 pages to keep the government funded through the 2020 fiscal year. The two gargantuan pieces of legislation totaled nearly $1.4 trillion in government spending and passed less than a day after introduction. While one of the bills increases pay for American troops and includes several national security and defense priorities received support from the Congressman, he sharply criticized the process as a whole. Tipton supported H.R. 1158 which funds the Departments of Defense; Commerce, Justice; Financial Services; and Homeland Security, and voted against H.R. 1865 which funds the rest of the government. Once again, we are being forced to vote on massive spending packages that fail to uphold any promises to reduce wasteful spending or address the national debt, something Members on both sides of the aisle have agreed to do for years, said Tipton. I applaud the work done to include critical funding for the military, give our troops a pay raise, address national defense priorities, and I support these time-sensitive measures to ensure a strong national defense. While I support many of the programs and missions under the other bill, H.R. 1865, 12 hours is not sufficient time to review a bill of this size, and I have already identified some problematic areas that do not address the spending crisis plaguing Washington. On the whole, passing these huge spending measures under last-minute deadlines fails to address Washington's reckless spending habits and is part of a continuing process I do not support. Washington must return to regular order and allow for adequate time to review each individual appropriations bill in the future. Background: Text of the two spending bills was made available to House members in the wee hours of the early morning, and the first vote related to the legislation took place on the same day around 9:45am. Defense spending totaled $738 billion, the funding for non-defense totaled $632 billion. Tipton voted in support of H.R. 1158 the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020 which funds the Departments of Defense; Commerce, Justice, Science; Financial Services; and Homeland Security. He voted against H.R. 1865 the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020 which would fund the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education; Agriculture; Energy and Water; Interior; Legislative Branch; Military Construction and Veterans Affairs; State and Foreign Operations; and Transportation and Housing through next fiscal year. Federal agencies across the board will receive an estimated increase of $49 billion. The non-defense bill would reauthorize the Export-Import bank for seven years, a measure Tipton voted against earlier this year. The bill would also raise the federal age to purchase tobacco products to 21, include a bail-out for private pensions, and vastly exceeds the White House budget proposal set earlier this year. The defense bill included a handful of Tipton-backed measures such as: A 3.1 percent pay increase for active duty troops, the largest single raise in a decade. $500 million for Israeli Cooperative programs, such as their Iron Dome. $34 billion for Defense Health programs to research traumatic brain injuries and suicide for veterans as well as additional cancer affecting servicemembers. $1.3 billion for border security improvements. $285 million for the Hight Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program $5 million for the National Commission on Combatting Synthetic Opioid Trafficking. Tipton-authored language directing the Small Business Administration to conduct outreach on the availability of disaster loans on Federal lands. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=4DB97A84-69BD-48B8-8682-B57A5BFDBAEC,"Bennet Secures Measures to Strengthen National Security and Defense Efforts, Applauds Paid Parental Leave in Final Defense Bill",2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, announced four of his measures to strengthen national security and defense efforts were included in the final version of the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed by the Senate today. Also, included in the NDAA was the Intelligence Authorization Act (IAA) for Fiscal Years 2018, 2019, and 2020 which passed out of the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence on a bipartisan vote in May. The 2019 NDAA was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives last week. It now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law. Language we secured in this year's defense authorization bill from improving our understanding of China's artificial intelligence strategy and progress to ensuring American satellites don't get in the wrong hands will help our military address the complex national security and defense challenges facing our country, said Bennet. It will also deliver long-awaited paid parental leave for federal workers and ensure spouses of fallen servicemembers receive the full benefits they are due. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure these measures are fully implemented. Also included in the final bill were two Bennet-backed measures to secure paid parental leave for federal workers and end the military widow's tax, ensuring the spouses of fallen servicemembers receive their full benefits. The final bill includes the following Bennet-led measures: Strengthening Our Understanding of Chinese Artificial Intelligence:An amendment introduced with U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) to understand the artificial intelligence capabilities of China and the path forward for the United States to maintain superiority in this emerging technology. Ensuring Senior Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Programs Are Available in Underserved Areas:An amendment to ensure our officer corps represents the regional and demographic diversity of the country by examining access to Senior ROTC programs and possible expansions of the ROTC structure. Ensuring American Technology Stays in Safe Hands:An amendment to examine the national security effects of the sale of American satellites to entities that could transfer use of our satellites to adversarial nations. Increasing Transparency of American Efforts in the War in Afghanistan:An amendment with U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) to increase public transparency on the war in Afghanistan by including key metrics for success in Department of Defense reports. Bennet-backed measures in the IAA, which improves the Intelligence Community's ability to defend the United States, include: Addressing technological threats from China and other nationsby requiring assessments of the threat to U.S. national security posed by global adoption of 5G technology built by foreign companies and possible U.S.-led mitigation efforts, and of predatory and anticompetitive foreign economic influence. Enhancing access to innovationby supporting the development of multi-use sensitive compartmented facilities where multiple companies can securely work on multiple projects at different security levelsand on options for co-use and shared workspace environments such as: innovation, incubation, catalyst, and accelerator environments.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/defense-bill-clears-senate-authorizes-over-300-million-in-gardner-secured-colorado-priorities,"Defense Bill Clears Senate, Authorizes Over $300 Million in Gardner-Secured Colorado Priorities",2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Cory Gardner,G000562,www.gardner.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) voted in support of the conference report to accompany the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020 today, which authorizes $322 million in military construction projects in Colorado. The annual defense bill also authorizes a 3.1 percent pay raise for troops, the largest in a decade, and 12 weeks of paid parental leave for all 2.1 million federal employees. With bipartisan Senate passage today, the legislation heads to the President's desk for signature. NOTE: Click here or on the picture above to download Senator Gardner's remarks in support of NDAA passage. I'm proud the Senate passed a strong bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act today to provide for our national defense and keep Americans safe around the globe. Colorado's military installations are on the cutting edge of military readiness and protecting our national security, and this legislation goes a long way to support Colorado service members and their families. said Senator Gardner. In particular, we successfully authorized the U.S. Space Force as a military service branch, which will help to ensure the United States remains a global leader in space. Colorado has a long history of supporting our nation's civilian and military space operations, and with U.S. Space Command currently located at Peterson Air Force Base, our state is uniquely positioned to further advance its role in space operations. As a state, we look forward to supporting the standup of our military's newest service branch, the U.S. Space Force. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jim Inhofe (R-OK) commended Senator Gardner's work on the NDAA in the following statement: The United States has a strategic advantage in space, but our adversaries are coming for us, and we must be prepared to compete in this increasingly contested domain. As I recently commented in Centennial at a defense roundtable with Senator Gardner, he is a true leader on defense issues broadly and space specifically. With Senator Gardner's leadership and guidance, the defense authorization bill creates a United States Space Force to advance America's ability to meet evolving threats and challenges. The Space Force will firmly establish a strong footing of space domain warfighters in the State of Colorado, and hard-working Coloradans will play an important role in this critical mission, said Senator Inhofe. Text of the legislation can be found here. The defense bill authorizes $322 million total in military construction projects in Colorado (Section 4601): $71M for a Company Operations Facility at Fort Carson $54M for a Theater Operational Support Facility at Peterson Air Force Base $148M for a Consolidated Space Operations Facility at Schriever Air Force Base $49M for a Consolidated Cadet Prep School Dormitory at the U.S. Air Force Academy Senator Gardner led numerous provisions included in the NDAA, including: Providing resources for PFAS pollution cleanup to ensure clean and safe drinking water. (Sections 7321, 7362) Imposing sanctions on North Korea, pursuant to the Gardner-authored North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act, signed into law in 2016. (Section 7111) Expressing the sense of Congress that North Korea poses a threat to United Sates forces and allies, and diplomacy, economic sanctions, and credible deterrence are essential to address North Korea's illicit weapons of mass destruction program. (Section 1257) Improving the emergency alert system and giving the federal government the sole responsibility of alerting the public of a missile threat. (Section 1756) Promoting the expansion of the national network of Manufacturing USA institutes and strengthening American manufacturing. (Section 1741) Expressing support for the democratic values and human rights of the people of Hong Kong and authorizes US sanctions against all those violating the human rights of the people of Hong Kong. (Section 1260F) Authorizing $75 million for the Defense Community Infrastructure Program to be administered by the Office of Economic Adjustment in support of economic development in communities surrounding military installations. (Section 4301) Eliminating the widow's tax that directly harms Gold Star Families. (Section 622) Gardner is a cosponsor of S. 622, the Military Widow's Tax Elimination Act of 2019, and joined an August letter to NDAA conferees requesting that the final package include a solution. ### Cory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/defense-bill-clears-senate-includes-gardner-provision-to-promote-democracy-human-rights-and-autonomy-in-hong-kong,"Defense Bill Clears Senate, Includes Gardner Provision to Promote Democracy, Human Rights, and Autonomy in Hong Kong",2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Cory Gardner,G000562,www.gardner.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) voted in support of the conference report to accompany the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020 today, which includes his legislative provision expressing U.S. support for democracy in Hong Kong and authorizes U.S. sanctions against all those violating the human rights of the people of Hong Kong. The language initially passed in the Senate on June 27, 2019, and was the first legislative response to the widespread protests in Hong Kong. With Senate passage today, the legislation heads to the President's desk for signature. The voice of the people of Hong Kong must be heard without fear of repression and retaliation, said Senator Gardner. No matter how much the Chinese Communist Party tries to pressure the United States to trade away our values, we will continue to stand with the people of Hong Kong and to support democracy and human rights around the world. Text of the legislation can be found here. Expressing support for the democratic values and human rights of the people of Hong Kong and authorizes U.S. sanctions against all those violating the human rights of the people of Hong Kong. (Section 1260F) Background: On September 10, 2019, Senator Gardner, along with Senators Jim Risch (R-ID) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, sent a letter to Secretary Pompeo and Secretary Ross requesting an assessment of the adequacy of U.S. export controls with respect to Hong Kong. On September 26, 2019, Gardner held a hearing in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on the emergency in Hong Kong, featuring a prominent Hong Kong pro-democracy leader Nathan Law. On November 19, 2019, legislation from Senators Gardner and Merkley (D-OR) unanimously passed the Senate. The legislation, S. 2710, was signed into law by the President on November 27, 2019, and would ban the U.S. export of crowd control munitions and equipment to the Hong Kong Police Force for one year. ### Cory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/defense-bill-clears-senate-includes-gardner-provisions-to-sanction-north-korea,"Defense Bill Clears Senate, Includes Gardner Provisions to Sanction North Korea",2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Cory Gardner,G000562,www.gardner.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) voted in support of the conference report to accompany the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020 today, which includes his provisions to recommit the United States to a policy of maximum pressure and to enforce mandatory sanctions under Senator Gardner's North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act, signed into law in 2016. Gardner's legislation marked the first time Congress approved mandatory, standalone sanctions on North Korea. It was also the first bill to impose sanctions to counter North Korea's increasingly sophisticated and malicious cyber attacks. The bipartisan legislation passed the Senate today 86-8 and now heads to the President's desk for signature. The Administration should make clear to Pyongyang that the only way we will dismantle the U.S. and international sanctions regime is when Pyongyang completely dismantles every single nut and bolt of its illicit weapons programs not a minute earlier, said Senator Gardner. North Korea will remain a global outcast until it reverses course from a long history of human rights abuses, aggression, and defying international law. I will continue to work with my colleagues and the Administration toward peaceful denuclearization of North Korea that is complete, verifiable, and irreversible. Text of the legislation can be found here Imposing sanctions on North Korea, pursuant to the Gardner-authored North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act, signed into law in 2016. (Section 7111) Expressing the sense of Congress that North Korea poses a threat to United Sates forces and allies, and diplomacy, economic sanctions, and credible deterrence are essential to address North Korea's illicit weapons of mass destruction program. (Section 1257) ### Cory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-bennet-neguse-introduce-bills-to-expand-rocky-mountain-national-park,"Gardner, Bennet, Neguse Introduce Bills to Expand Rocky Mountain National Park",2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Cory Gardner,G000562,www.gardner.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senators Cory Gardner and Michael Bennet,along with U.S. Representative Joe Neguse (CO-2), introduced two pieces of legislation today to expand the Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP).The billsallow former NASA astronaut Vance D. Brand to donate 40 acres to Rocky Mountain National Park, and wouldalsoresolve a longstanding issue regarding a local family's cabin that was erroneously transferred to the park.Both land transfers require an Act of Congress to complete. NOTE:Clickheretoview and download video remarks from Senator Gardner. Astronaut Vance D. Brand is not only an American hero, but also a Colorado hero. Born and raised in Longmont, Colorado, he spent many years at Rocky Mountain National Park, and now he graciously wants to donate 40 acres of land to expand the park where he spent many years of his life,said Senator Gardner.However, the Park Service needs approval from Congress to change the park's boundary.I'm incredibly grateful for his commitment to share more of the beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park area with the public, and I'm proud to introduce this legislation with Senator Bennet and Congressman Neguse to respect this hero's wishesand make this donation official. For locals and the visitors who travel to Rocky Mountain National Park from around the world alike, astronaut Vance Brand's generous donation to the park is exciting news,saidSenator Bennet.Our bills will formally add this parcel of land in the Longs Peak region to RMNP, and clean up boundary discrepancies elsewhere, to improve management in the area. We thank Mr. Brand for this valuable contribution to the park. Public lands are who we are as Coloradans, they drive our outdoor recreation economy and inspire our commitment to sustainability,saidCongressman Joe Neguse.I am proud to lead this effort alongside Senator Gardner and SenatorBennetto honor the desire of former Astronaut Vance D. Brand to convey 40 acres of land into the treasured Rocky Mountain National Park landscape. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the country and this legislation will enhance the park for future generations to enjoy. My view is that this donation is payback to the American people in appreciation for the wonderful times and many benefits that I receive from great experiences inRMNP. I request the U.S. government to adjust the eastern boundary ofRMNPto include the 40 acres that our family donatedwhich currently is in the hands of Rocky Mountain Conservancy,saidRetired NASA Astronaut Vance D. Brand. Background: Former U.S. astronaut Vance D.Brand is voluntarily donating a 40-acretract to Rocky Mountain National Park. The property is located adjacent to the eastern boundary of the park and would add additional protection for the park's high-elevation ecosystem. This parcel of land would also provide recreational access and connectivity through a scenic, natural buffer between private lands and three popular trails; Estes Cone, Storm Pass, and Eugenia Mine Trails. These three trails connect to and are part of a large trail network offering hundreds of miles of trails to the park's 4.5 million annual visitors. The National Park Service (NPS) is working with the Forsyth family to resolve a 1972-73 issue where a 0.18-acre plot containing their family cabin was erroneously transferred to the Rocky Mountain National Park when the NPS purchased a larger surrounding parcel. An error in the bank documents' legal description of the parcel mislocated the family's holding as a 0.18-acre plot of vacant land inside the parcel, not the original cabin site. The Forsyth family, seeking to regain legal ownership of its cabin and the 0.18-acre plot on which it sits, proposed an exchange of properties. Support for expanding the Rocky Mountain National Park: Forsyth Family Letter of Support Retired NASA Astronaut Vance D. Brand Letter of Support Town of Estes Park Letter of Support Larimer County Commissioners Letter of Support Rocky Mountain Conservancy Letter of Support ### Cory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-thanks-law-enforcement-during-holiday-season,Gardner Thanks Law Enforcement During Holiday Season,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Cory Gardner,G000562,www.gardner.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) spoke on the floor of the United States Senate today in honor of Colorado law enforcement officers and the sacrifices they make to keep Colorado communities safe. Gardner remembered the lives of Colorado State Patrol Master Trooper William Moden, Colorado State Patrol Corporal Daniel Groves, Colorado Department of Corrections Sergeant Joshua Voth, and Summit County firefighter Ken Jones, who died in the line of duty this year while serving Coloradans. Gardner also honored South Metro Fire Rescue former Chief of Operations Troy Jackson, who passed away yesterday from a rare cancer believed to be job-related. NOTE: Click here or the picture above to view Senator Gardner's remarks. This time of the year, I am reminded of the sacrifices that these brave officers make in order to make sure that everyone's holiday season is enjoyed safely, said Senator Gardner. Jaime and I would also like to send our thanks to the families of our law enforcement and first responders. Every day these men and women say goodbye to their loved ones, unsure of what the day will hold. I'm sure these goodbyes are much more difficult during the holiday season but without the love and support of those at home, the jobs of law enforcement would be that much harder. We thank them for their continued sacrifice. Remarks as delivered: Madam President, today I rise to give my thanks to the brave men and women of law enforcement in Colorado and across this country. Every holiday season I am reminded of the sacrifice that these brave officers make in order to make sure that everybody's holiday season is enjoyed safely. And that every day is enjoyed safely and securely. Across the United States this year, 115 law enforcement officers have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. In Colorado, we honor those who lost their lives this year: Master Trooper William Moden, who was killed earlier this year when he was struck by a vehicle as he was investigating a crash. He served with the Colorado State Patrol for 12 years. Corporal Daniel Groves who was also killed by a passing vehicle while assisting another driver during the blizzard last winter. Corporal Groves also served the State Patrol in Colorado for 12 years. Unfortunately, I also come to the floor to honor three other brave men and women, you can see them here, who have given their lives just this past month. Sergeant Joshua Voth served the Colorado Department of Corrections and was stationed at the Canon City Correctional Facility. He was killed this month when an issue with a boiler caused an explosion. Sergeant Voth was 28 years old and leaves behind his wife and three children. He served at the Canon City facility for three years and helped teach inmates valuable trade skills to help smooth the plan to rehabilitation. We also lost other beloved members of our first responder community, they need to be remembered and honored as well. Ken Jones, a member of the Summit Fire and EMS was killed on December 7th while responding to a fire at Copper Mountain. Ken served with that department for 20 years and was known by his colleagues as a firefighter's firefighter. Travis Davis, the Deputy Chief of Operations for Summit Fire and EMS, remembers him as an Oak and said everyone in the organization learned something from Ken's steady and calm demeanor. We thank Ken and his family for two decades of service and send our sincerest thoughts to all those who knew him. I would also like to recognize Troy Jackson, a former assistant Chief of Operations with the South Metro Fire Rescue, who passed away just yesterday morning after a battle with what is believed to be a job-related cancer. Chief Jackson was first hired in 1990 and served nearly three decades before stepping away in 2016 due to his health. He was open about his battle with cancer in the hopes that he could teach other firefighters how to avoid these risks. We thank Chief Jackson for his service and send our thoughts and prayers along to his wife and two children. Each one of these officers and firefighters we lost was a neighbor, a loved one, a member of the communities, extraordinary Coloradans who gave their life to protect their communities. And while we remember those that we lost this year, we must also continue to celebrate those who continue to serve today. In August, I was fortunate to award Officer Micheal Lohman of the Greeley Police Department with the Congressional Badge of Bravery for his heroic actions apprehending the driver of a stolen vehicle in 2017. While at the driver-side window of the vehicle, the driver pulled a gun on Officer Lohman who immediately engaged with the driver to take the weapon. The driver pulled Officer Lohman into the vehicle and began accelerating, dragging him along the street. Officer Lohman kept his cool and was able to pull the suspect from the vehicle while it was still moving, and apprehend him with the help of other officers. These actions saved the lives of anyone and everyone in the path of that vehicle, as well as the life of his partner who was at the passenger side of the vehicle when the gun was pulled. These actions give our communities piece of mind knowing that heroes like Officer Lohman continue to keep all of us safe. But we know that every brave action doesn't get the recognition that it deserves. Every day there are law enforcement and first responders who act with complete selflessness. They do this not to seek recognition or praise, but simply because it is what they were called to do. Jaime and I would also like to send our thanks to the families of our law enforcement and first responders. Every day these men and women say goodbye to their loved ones, unsure of what that day will hold for them. I'm sure these goodbyes are much more difficult during the holiday season, but without the love and support of those at home, the jobs of law enforcement, our first responders would be that much more difficult. We thank them for their continued sacrifice. I would also like to take a moment to say thanks to the men and woman of the U.S. Capitol Police. They work long hours to ensure that members of the staff and members themselves are able to carry out their duties safely. And on top of that important duty, they also protect the public who come to visit, to express their opinion, to express their right to assemble and speech, in the Capitol and beyond, not only to tour this beautiful Capitol building, but to make sure their thoughts are heard on our nation's policy issues. I know every one of my colleagues will join us in expressing our gratitude to law enforcement and first responders, not only in Colorado, but across this nation this holiday season. They will give up time with their own families to make sure others are safe. To all those who defend that thin blue line, thank you and God bless. You have my enduring support. May you all have a happy and blessed holiday season. And I yield the floor. ### Cory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-jason-crow-statement-support-articles-impeachment,Rep. Jason Crow Statement in Support of Articles of Impeachment,2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Jason Crow,C001121,crow.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06) issued the following statement announcing his position on the Articles of Impeachment. He first announced his support for Articles of Impeachment yesterday at histown hallin Aurora. Over the last few months, the evidence has become clear: The President used the power of the presidency to coerce a foreign government into helping him for political gain. As a member of Congress in this historic time, I reflect on my experience as a soldier in Iraq and Afghanistan where I saw how unique American democracy really is. Over the past few years, I have also learned how fragile it can be. Our system of checks and balances only works when we fight to protect it. The President's actions are a threat to our national security and the very foundation of our democracy. President Trump's unprecedented abuse of power and obstruction of Congress leaves us with no choice but to proceed with impeachment.No man or woman is above the law in our country, including the president.It's time for me to once again fulfill my oath to the Constitution.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-secures-repeal-of-costly-obamacare-taxes,Gardner Secures Repeal of Costly Obamacare Taxes,2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Cory Gardner,G000562,www.gardner.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) today applauded the announcement of an agreement to repeal the costly Health Insurance Tax (HIT) and Medical Device Tax with passage of the year-end federal spending package. Gardner is championing efforts to safeguard Coloradans from these taxes and previously introduced S. 172, a Senate bill to stop the HIT from raising costs on Coloradans. Today's announcement is a major victory towards fostering innovation, protecting Colorado jobs, and fighting rising health care costs for Colorado families and small businesses. A tax on medical devices is a tax on innovation, on small businesses, and on our collective ability to discover the new medical breakthroughs that could improve the lives of patients, said Senator Gardner. Congressional action to repeal the Health Insurance Tax will mean lower costs for approximately 142 million Americans. These are issues I have worked on going back to my time in the House of Representatives, and I'm proud to be a leader in the successful effort to protect Coloradans from these costly taxes. About the Health Insurance Tax: The HIT is a fee to health insurers on their health policy premiums that increases costs on families, small businesses, seniors, Americans with disabilities, and state Medicaid programs. A recent report from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services found that the HIT was the primary driver of the rise in health care costs when it was in effect in 2018. Estimates show that repeal of the HIT will save families hundreds of dollars a year. In January, Senators Gardner, Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), John Barrasso (R-WY), Doug Jones (D-AL), Tim Scott (R-SC), and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) introduced S. 172, the Health Insurance Tax Relief Act of 2019, to suspend the HIT for two years. Last week, Senator Gardner led a bipartisan group of colleagues in sending a letter to leadership of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives requesting relief from the HIT. Gardner is also an original cosponsor of S. 80, the Jobs and Premium Protection Act, which would fully repeal the HIT. About the Medical Device Tax: Obamacare created a 2.3 percent medical device excise tax. Colorado is home to a rapidly growing medical device industry, which directly employs nearly 10,000 individuals and contributes $6.4 billion to Colorado's economy. Senator Gardner is an original cosponsor of S. 692, the Protect Medical Innovation Act of 2019, to repeal the Medical Device Tax. In December, Gardner sent a letter to the leadership of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives urging a delay or full repeal of the Medical Device Tax. ### Cory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-urges-congressional-leadership-to-pass-no-budget-no-pay,"Gardner Urges Congressional Leadership to Pass No Budget, No Pay",2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Cory Gardner,G000562,www.gardner.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO), Rick Scott (R-FL), and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), along with U.S. Representatives Jack Bergman (MI-1) and Gil Cisneros (CA-39) and 16 of their colleagues, sent a bipartisan letter to congressional leadership urging them to pass No Budget, No Pay to prevent members of Congress from receiving pay if they don't pass legislation to fund the federal government. When Congress fails to pass appropriations, American people are hurt. Just this year, American families suffered under the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. Air traffic controllers, members of the Coast Guard, and fire safety officials worked without pay, while Members of Congress continued to receive their paychecks, Gardner and his colleagues wrote. That is wrong, and we're urging you to move forward with No Budget, No Pay before the end of the year. The concept is simple: Members of Congress should not be paid if they don't pass appropriations. If Congress can't do its most basic task, then Members of Congress shouldn't get a paycheck. The full letter is available here and below: The Honorable Mitch McConnell Majority Leader United States Senate The Honorable Charles Schumer Minority Leader United States Senate The Honorable Nancy Pelosi Speaker of the House United States House of Representatives The Honorable Kevin McCarthy Republican Leader United States House of Representatives Dear Congressional Leadership: As we wrap up the year and finalize the negotiations on Fiscal Year 2020 appropriations, we urge you to include No Budget, No Pay as part of any end-of-year spending package. Appropriating funds is the most basic duty of Congress, but for the past 40 years, Congress has cut corners by passing short-term spending bills Continuing Resolutions that just keep government funded at existing levels. When Congress fails to pass appropriations, American people are hurt. Just this year, American families suffered under the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. Air traffic controllers, members of the Coast Guard, and fire safety officials worked without pay, while Members of Congress continued to receive their paychecks. That is wrong, and we're urging you to move forward with No Budget, No Pay before the end of the year. The concept is simple: Members of Congress shouldnot be paid if they don't pass appropriations. If Congress can't do its most basic task, then Members of Congress shouldn't get apaycheck. This proposal has bipartisan support and is already moving through Congress. It was approved by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in June, and is included as part of the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act (S. 1877). Withholding paychecks from Members of Congress who fail to pass appropriations is an important step to prevent government shutdowns, which hurt the economy and millions of everyday Americans. But it's also an important step to promote fiscal responsibility. We are elected to represent the citizens of our states and districts. When they don't do their job, there are consequences, and that same standard should apply to Congress. We look forward to continuing to work with you to make important reforms so Washington works better for all Americans. ### Cory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-gardner-resolution-commemorating-the-75th-anniversary-of-the-battle-of-the-bulge,Senate Passes Gardner Resolution Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge,2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Cory Gardner,G000562,www.gardner.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.In recognition of the Battle of the Bulge beginning 75 years ago today, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution last week introduced by U.S. Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Joe Manchin (D-WV) commemorating this anniversary.S. Con. Res 23honors the valiant efforts of the Allied Forces in December 1944, as well as those who made the ultimate sacrifice in this last major German offensive in Western Europe during World War II. The 4th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army, which is currently based at Fort Carson, fought in the Battle of the Bulge and played a major role in the Allied victory. There were 89,000 American casualties in this 38-day battle, and 19,000 American soldiers lost their lives. The Allied victory in this battle helped make possible the final defeat and surrender of Germany in May 1945. Now therefore be it resolved,the resolution states,that the Senate commemorates, on December 16, 2019, the 75thAnniversary of the Battle of the Bulge in World War II; recognizes the valiant efforts of the various Allied Forces; and remembers the individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice, which contributed to the Allied victory in the European Theater. Senators Gardner, Cramer, and Manchin were joined in introducing this resolution by Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Steve Daines (R-MT), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Shelley Moore Capito (D-WV), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Marco Rubio (R-FL), John Hoeven (R-ND), Susan Collins (R-ME), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Jim Risch (R-ID), Todd Young (R-IN), John Boozman (R-AR), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Kennedy (R-LA), John Barasso (R-WY), Rick Scott (R-FL), Pat Toomey (R-PA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Doug Jones (D-AL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Jon Tester (D-MT), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Benjamin Cardin (D-MD). Clickhereto read the full resolution. ### Cory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=895B88DE-CA37-4FED-A794-A040B55396C2,"Bennet, Romney Offer Path to Bipartisan Compromise on Refundable Credits, Business Tax Fixes",2019-12-15,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.As negotiations over a potential legislative package of tax provisions continue, U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Mitt Romney (R-Utah) have proposed a bipartisan compromise to support American families, workers, and businesses. The Bennet-Romney proposal represents one path toward a compromise over certain components of the ongoing negotiations. Congress is nearing another deadline without a clear plan to deal with dozens of fundamental responsibilities that the American people expect us to address,said Bennet and Romney. With its focus on helping families raising young children, protecting medical innovation for patients,and bringing certainty to workers and businesses, our plan should be considered on merit alone. And while the intent of our proposal is not to address every aspect of the current negotiations, we believe it is a compromise that can help clear a path forward and break the current logjam. Specifically, the Bennet-Romney proposal will: Expand and Reform Child Tax Credits Create a New Young Child Tax Credit: Create a new tax credit of $2,500 per child for children up to age six. The first $1,500 would be fully refundable, meaning that every taxpayer receives that amount regardless of income (up to the current law phase-out levels of $200,000 for individuals and $400,000 for couples). The next $1,000 would phase in at a 15 percent rate beginning at the first dollar of income, and begin phasing down at current law income thresholds. Reform Existing Child Tax Credit: Make critical reforms to a key measure that provides a $2,000 credit per child for children from age six up to age 17, including eliminating the current $1,400 cap on refundability, making the first $1,000 per child fully refundable regardless of income up to the phase-out threshold, and making the next $1,000 per child phasein at a 15 percent rate starting at the first dollar income. These changes wouldapply totax years 2019 and 2020. Make Technical Corrections to 2017 Tax Law Implement the full list of needed technical corrections to the 2017 tax law. Permanently Repeal the Medical Device Excise Tax Included in the Bennet-Romney plan are fiscally responsible bipartisan proposals to fund these changes, such as: Passing the Charitable Conservation Easement Program Integrity Act Implementing theCreating and Restoring Equal Access To Equivalent Samples (CREATES)Act Passing the Ending New Nicotine Dependencies (ENND) Act Replacing stepped-up basis with a carryover basis, with a $1.6 million exemption for individuals and an additional $3.7 million exemption for spousal inheritance",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://buck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ken-buck-votes-against-articles-impeachment-house-judiciary-committee,Ken Buck Votes Against Articles of Impeachment Before the House Judiciary Committee,2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Ken Buck,B001297,buck.house.gov,,,legacy,"For Immediate Release Friday, December 13, 2019 Contact: 202-225-4676 Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Ken Buck released the following statement after a vote in the House Judiciary Committee approving Articles of Impeachment against Donald J. Trump: Today's partisan vote in the Judiciary Committee will have lasting negative consequences for the American government. I did not support impeaching President Trump because I do not believe his actions rise to the level of an impeachable offense. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://tipton.house.gov/media/in-the-news/blm-will-study-environmental-impact-quarry-wells,BLM will study environmental impact of quarry wells,2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Bureau of Land Management will conduct an environmental assessment on the potential impacts of five water wells at the RMR Industrial quarry. After reviewing the public comments received on the drilling proposal, the BLM is preparing an environmental assessment, which will include a detailed analysis of the potential impacts of the drilling proposal, BLM spokesman David Boyd said in an email. The five wells are required to establish a baseline for the BLM to begin environmental review of the quarry expansion proposal. In October, the BLM began seeking comment on whether they could approve the five test wells under a categorical exclusion, the lowest form of environmental review. The BLM received 250 comments, all opposed to the categorical exclusion, during the comment period. On Dec. 5, Rep. Scott Tipton (R-Colo.) wrote to state BLM director Jamie Connellasking for a more rigorous environmental review. Tipton urged the BLM to operate under an abundance of caution in the area, especially regarding any activity that may impact the hydrology of the hot springs, and referred tocomments from Glenwood Springs City Council on the five proposed wells. As a community, we are especially grateful to Rep. Scott Tipton, who raised his concerns directly with the BLM as they were making this decision, said Glenwood Springs Mayor Jonathan Godes. And while the Glenwood Springs community remains steadfastly opposed to the quarry expansion, we applaud the BLM for listening to the public's concerns. An environmental assessment will provide the more thorough analysis necessary to understand potential impacts the drilling will have on the hydrological sources of our hot springs, Godes said. The owners of the hot springs resorts in Glenwood Springsraised one of the more concerning potential impactsof the five test wells. Drilling at the quarry site could irreparably damage the fragile and complex underground water pathways that feed the hot springs, the hot springs resort owners said. Steve Beckley, owner of Iron Mountain Hot Springs, applauded the BLM's decision. We think the BLM made the right decision, and we believe it's best that people get the opportunity to review the impacts of things that happen next door to us, Beckley said. After the environmental assessment, the BLM will make a decision on whether to approve the five wells. Boyd said he expects the decision to come in early 2020. The BLM is requiring the hydrologic baseline study so that it can better determine what impacts the proposed quarry expansion could have on the hydrology and water resources in the area, Boyd said. A larger environmental review of the quarry expansion proposal, including public meetings, is expected to begin later in 2020.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://tipton.house.gov/media/press-releases/tipton-us-china-trade-deal-just-what-americans-needed-christmas,Tipton: U.S. China Trade Deal Just What Americans Needed for Christmas,2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONToday, trade representatives from U.S. and China agreed upon phase one' of a larger long-term trade deal. Following the announcement, Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) released the following statement: The U.S. economy is booming and Coloradans, especially those in rural areas, are starting to feel the benefits of our historic economic growth. At 2.6 percent unemployment, Colorado's economy is strong, and today's trade deal news has the potential to make the economy even stronger. Greater trade certainty between the U.S. and China will mean a reduction in tariffs, increased market access, and include good-faith promises that China will end its human rights abuses and intellectual property theft from American businesses. Combined, these elements will stoke confidence for small businesses on Main Street and provide a needed boost, especially in the agricultural community. I applaud the Trump Administration's work to provide greater trade certainty between the world's two biggest economies and look forward to ensuring that the remaining phases are finalized. This news is just what Americans needed for Christmas. Background: Phase one of the deal would reduce tariffs on $360 billion worth of Chinese goods and cancel the next round of tariffs scheduled to take effect on December 15. China's Vice Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Han Jun also stated that China will significantly increase American agricultural purchases and details will come in the ensuing phases of the trade negotiations. China is Colorado's fifth largest export partner for agricultural goods, receiving more than $89 million of exports from the state in 2018. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://tipton.house.gov/media/press-releases/tipton-welcomes-blm-s-decision-conduct-environmental-assessment-mine-expansion,Tipton Welcomes BLMs Decision to Conduct Environmental Assessment of Mine Expansion Plan Near Glenwood Springs,2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONYesterday, the BLM confirmed with the office of Representative Scott Tipton (CO-03) that it was preparing to conduct an Environmental Assessment of a well-drilling proposal at a limestone quarry mine near Glenwood Springs. Following the announcement, Tipton gave the following response: With any decision that could have significant impacts on the natural environment and economy of a community, it is critically important to listen to those who live there and address their concerns. The Glenwood Springs community has raised legitimate concerns how the hydrology that feeds the Glenwood Hot Springs could be impacted by drilling of test wells, and as I said in my letter, BLM should move with an abundance of caution in such a potentially fragile and not fully known hydrologic area. I am grateful that the BLM has listened to the community and am proud to have taken part in the conversations that led to this decision. Background: In June, Tipton sent a letter to the BLM's Colorado State Director Jamie Connell asking to review the concerns that Mayor of Glenwood Springs, Jonathan Godes, had addressed in regards to the mining expansion proposal. Earlier this month, Tipton spoke with Connell over the phone regarding the mine owner's intent to seek a categorical exclusion from the National Environmental Policy Act for drilling five wells as part of their overall expansion plan Tipton followed up with the phone call with an additional letter to Connell citing the concerns the community had raised on the exclusion. In the letter Tipton specifically called for an Environmental Assessment and that BLM should not move forward with the categorical exclusion. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=1079505B-392C-44C4-9039-47BFF0211BB3,Bennet Unveils Discussion Draft to Create New Tax Credit for Farmers and Ranchers to Capture Carbon in the Land Sector,2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ColoradoU.S. Senator Michael Bennet today released a discussion draft of legislation to establish a new tax credit for farmers and ranchers, state and local governments,and tribes,to sequester carbon in agriculture, forestry, rangelands, and wetlands. I've had countless conversations with farmers and ranchers across Colorado, and time and again I hear that the changing climate is making it harder for them to grow their business and make ends meet, said Bennet. The discussion draft we are releasing today is a first step in empowering farmers and ranchers to both improve their bottom line and be a part of the solution to a changing climate. And I believe this is an effort that both parties can unite around. In the most recent United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, scientists estimated that the land sector can sequester 30 percent of global carbon emissions. In Colorado, many farmers and ranchers are already implementing innovative solutions to sequester carbon, but the cost of initial investments often presents a serious challenge. The tax credit in Bennet's proposal has two parts: Quantification Credit: Establishes a 30 percent tax credit for the cost of quantifying baseline and annual carbon sequestration levels for agriculture, rangeland, forest, and wetlands. Outcomes Credit: Creates a dollar per ton tax credit based on the amount of carbon sequestered. The amount of the credit is tied to the funding levels for carbon capture and storage in the 45Q tax credit for carbon sequestration and utilization from industrial sources. The discussion draft also includes provisions to: Require the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a reporting and verification accreditation system Outline a process to transfer the tax credit to other tax payers to account for businesses that do not have tax liability Promote long-term investments in carbon sequestration in the land sector Bennet's draft legislation is the result of conversations with producers and rural communities from all four corners of Colorado over the past two years. It builds on the existing 45Q tax credit for carbon sequestration from industrial emissions, which was created through a bipartisan initiative. The draft legislation also complements the USDA's soil health-focused On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials that Bennet secured in the bipartisan 2018 Farm Bill. The Colorado Conservation Tillage Association (CCTA) recently received a $1.6 million grant to implement a farmer-led initiative focused on soil health and regenerative management systems through the On-Farm Trials program. To create a durable tax credit to both sequester carbon and raise farm incomes, Bennet has introduced this discussion draft prior to finalizing the legislation in order to incorporate input from a broad coalition of Americans. The text of the discussion draft is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=E35AB5E4-EB6C-47BE-BFDB-481456265B4F,"Bennet, Ernst, Colleagues Push Bipartisan Bill Prioritizing Children’s Health Care Research",2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Following sharp reductions in pediatric medical researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) introduced legislation to increase pediatric-focused research at the NIH. The bill will address challenges in researcher recruitment and retention in addition to creating a pipeline of early-career pediatric researchers. Pediatric medical researchers generate scientific insights that are critical to reshaping the way we treat diseases that affect children in Colorado and around the country. In recent years, we have seen groundbreaking research on pediatric diseases such as sickle cell disease and leukemia as a result of this dedicated research, said Bennet. I am proud to co-sponsor the PACT Act to provide much-needed assistance to strengthen our nation's commitment to supporting medical researchers who have dedicated their lives to studying lifesaving treatments for pediatric diseases. A strong pipeline of pediatric researchers is essential to ensuring kids in Iowa, and across the country, have access to innovative cures and treatments for the complex medical conditions that they and their families are facing, said Ernst. We must work to ensure that children are being adequately represented in federal research. That's why I've put forward this bipartisan bill that will bolster pediatric-focused research and in turn help to improve the lives and health of our children and families. We are grateful for Senator Bennet signing on as an original cosponsor of the Pediatricians Accelerate Childhood Therapies (PACT) Act of 2019. This legislation is a critical step to accelerating child health and addressing challenges in the pediatric workforce by supporting physician-scientists nationwide, including those who practice here at Children's Hospital Colorado, said Stephen Daniels, Pediatrician-in-Chief of Children's Hospital Colorado. In the past several years, pediatric research slots have seen sharp reductions within the NIH. This includes reductions of Child Health Research Center Awards, which supports fewer than half of the young investigators that it did in 2010. The Pediatric Scientist Development Program has also seen cuts, having been reduced from supporting 17 training slots per institution down to 10 per institution. These reductions contrast with the consistent increases Congress has provided to the overall NIH budget. The Pediatricians Accelerate Childhood Therapies (PACT) Act would establish an NIH-wide grant to support early-career pediatric researchers. The bill also directs the NIH Pediatric Research Consortium to set priorities, improve coordination and collaboration, and identify gaps and opportunities to support the development of new treatments and cures for diseases and conditions that affect children in Iowa, and across the country. In addition to Bennet and Ernst, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=F6559694-5324-436D-AA99-9BFFFA77CC11,"Bennet, Gardner To DeVos: Extend Closed School Discharge Eligibility For Colorado Students",2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D) and Cory Gardner (R) today sent a letter to Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos urging her to extend the closed school discharge eligibility lookback period for Dream Center Education Holding's (DCEH) Art Institute of Colorado and Illinois Institute of Art students who attended or withdrew on or after January 20, 2018. In November, the Department announced it would cancel the loans taken out by students to attend the Art Institute of Colorado and Illinois Institute of Art between January 20, 2018when the schools lost accreditationand December 31, 2018when theyshut their doors. This relief is incomplete and does not relieve students of any of the debt they took on to attend the schools prior to January 20, 2018 which is now worthless. DeVos has the authority in exceptional circumstances to extend the closed school discharge lookback period beyond 120 days. In other words, you have the benefit of hindsight when it comes to establishing the effective date of closure of an institution for purposes of ensuring closed school discharge eligibility is fair to students. In this case, hindsight is clear. For the intents and purposes of students attending the Illinois Institute of Art and Art Institute of Colorado, the schools effectively closed on January 20, 2018. After that point, the best case scenario for these students was to graduate with a worthless degree from a non-accredited institutionbut the schools' closure prevented even that for many,the senators wrote. In addition to Bennet and Gardner, Illinois U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D) and Tammy Duckworth (D) signed the letter. The text of the letter is availableHEREand below: Dear Secretary DeVos: We write today to ask you to extend the closed school discharge eligibility lookback period for Dream Center Education Holding's (DCEH) Illinois Institute of Art and Art Institute of Colorado to students who attended or withdrew on or after January 20, 2018. On January 20, 2018, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) officially transitioned the Illinois Institute of Art and Art Institute of Colorado to Change of Control Candidacy (CCC) status. At the time, HLC noted that the loss of accreditation could have serious consequences for current and prospective students and that students should know that their courses or degrees are not accredited by HLC and may not be accepted in transfer to other colleges and universities or recognized by prospective employers. From that date forward, students who attended these two institutions faced a constant state of uncertainty and harmregardless of when they became aware of it. As you know, 34 C.F.R. 685.214(c)(l)(i)(B), gives you the authority in exceptional circumstances to extend the closed school discharge lookback period beyond 120 days. In other words, you have the benefit of hindsight when it comes to establishing the effective date of closure of an institution for purposes of ensuring closed school discharge eligibility is fair to students. In this case, hindsight is clear. For the intents and purposes of students attending the Illinois Institute of Art and Art Institute of Colorado, the schools effectively closed on January 20, 2018. After that point, the best case scenario for these students was to graduate with a worthless degree from a non-accredited institutionbut the schools' closure prevented even that for many. In November, the Department announced it would cancel the loans taken out by students to attend the Illinois Institute of Art and Art Institute of Colorado between January 20, 2018 and December 31, 2018when they shut their doors. This relief is incomplete and does not relieve students of any of the debt they had previously taken on to attend the schools and which became worthless on January 20, 2018. Extending the closed school discharge eligibility lookback period for the Illinois Institute of Art and Art Institute of Colorado to January 20, 2018, would allow these students to be fully relieved of the debt they took on to attend these schools. Please provide a response to our request no later thanJanuary 3, 2020.Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-bennet-to-devos-extend-closed-school-discharge-eligibility-for-colorado-students,"Gardner, Bennet to DeVos: Extend Closed School Discharge Eligibility for Colorado Students",2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Cory Gardner,G000562,www.gardner.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senators Cory Gardner (R) and Michael Bennet (D) today sent a letter to Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos urging her to extend the closed school discharge eligibility lookback period for Dream Center Education Holding's (DCEH) Art Institute of Colorado and Illinois Institute of Art students who attended or withdrew on or after January 20, 2018. In November, the Department of Education announced it would cancel the loans taken out by students to attend the Art Institute of Colorado and Illinois Institute of Art between January 20, 2018when the schools lost accreditationand December 31, 2018when theyshut their doors. This relief is incomplete and does not relieve students of any of the debt they took on to attend the schools prior to January 20, 2018 which is now worthless. DeVos has the authority in exceptional circumstances to extend the closed school discharge lookback period beyond 120 days. In other words, you have the benefit of hindsight when it comes to establishing the effective date of closure of an institution for purposes of ensuring closed school discharge eligibility is fair to students. In this case, hindsight is clear. For the intents and purposes of students attending the Illinois Institute of Art and Art Institute of Colorado, the schools effectively closed on January 20, 2018. After that point, the best case scenario for these students was to graduate with a worthless degree from a non-accredited institutionbut the schools' closure prevented even that for many, the senators wrote. In addition to Gardner and Bennet, Illinois U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D) and Tammy Duckworth (D) signed the letter. The full letter is available here and below: Dear Secretary DeVos: We write today to ask you to extend the closed school discharge eligibility lookback period for Dream Center Education Holding's (DCEH) Illinois Institute of Art and Art Institute of Colorado to students who attended or withdrew on or after January 20, 2018. On January 20, 2018, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) officially transitioned the Illinois Institute of Art and Art Institute of Colorado to Change of Control Candidacy (CCC) status. At the time, HLC noted that the loss of accreditation could have serious consequences for current and prospective students and that students should know that their courses or degrees are not accredited by HLC and may not be accepted in transfer to other colleges and universities or recognized by prospective employers. From that date forward, students who attended these two institutions faced a constant state of uncertainty and harmregardless of when they became aware of it. As you know, 34 C.F.R. 685.214(c)(l)(i)(B), gives you the authority in exceptional circumstances to extend the closed school discharge lookback period beyond 120 days. In other words, you have the benefit of hindsight when it comes to establishing the effective date of closure of an institution for purposes of ensuring closed school discharge eligibility is fair to students. In this case, hindsight is clear. For the intents and purposes of students attending the Illinois Institute of Art and Art Institute of Colorado, the schools effectively closed on January 20, 2018. After that point, the best case scenario for these students was to graduate with a worthless degree from a non-accredited institutionbut the schools' closure prevented even that for many. In November, the Department announced it would cancel the loans taken out by students to attend the Illinois Institute of Art and Art Institute of Colorado between January 20, 2018 and December 31, 2018when they shut their doors. This relief is incomplete and does not relieve students of any of the debt they had previously taken on to attend the schools and which became worthless on January 20, 2018. Extending the closed school discharge eligibility lookback period for the Illinois Institute of Art and Art Institute of Colorado to January 20, 2018, would allow these students to be fully relieved of the debt they took on to attend these schools. Please provide a response to our request no later than January 3, 2020. Thank you for your consideration. ### Cory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-rubio-mcgovern-and-45-lawmakers-urge-trump-administration-to-expand-sanctions-in-response-to-chinas-mass-internment-of-uighurs,"Gardner, Rubio, McGovern, and 45 Lawmakers Urge Trump Administration to Expand Sanctions in Response to China’s Mass Internment of Uighurs",2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Cory Gardner,G000562,www.gardner.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy, sent a bipartisan letter with U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), U.S. Representative James P. McGovern (D-MA), the Co-Chair and Chairman of the Congressional Executive Committee on China (CECC), and a bipartisan and bicameral group of 45 lawmakers to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin, and Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross to respond strongly and decisively to the Chinese government and Communist Party's ongoing mass internment and forced labor of ethnic Uighurs and other Turkic Muslims in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region (XUAR). The United States must lead the free world in addressing what may be crimes against humanity being committed in the XUAR, Senator Gardner and his 47 colleagues wrote. If never again' is to mean anything in the 21st century, then we must respond to one of the greatest ongoing tragedies of our time. If the U.S. and American companies refuse or fail to act, it will be a stain on our history. The letter was signed by 28 U.S. Senators, including Gardner: Marco Rubio (R-FL), John Cornyn (R-TX), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Angus King (I-ME), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Susan Collins (R-ME), Steve Daines (R-MT), Ed Markey (D-MA), Ben Sasse (R-NE), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), John Boozman (R-AR), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Todd Young (R-IN), Mark Warner (D-VA), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Bob Casey (D-PA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Ben Cardin (D-MD). In the U.S. House of Representatives, 20 Members of Congress signed the letter: James P. McGovern (D-MA), Eliot Engel (D-NY), Michael McCaul (R-TX), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Ted Yoho (R-FL), Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Joe Wilson (R-SC), Jackie Speier (D-CA), Ann Wagner (R-MO), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Mark Meadows (R-NC), Tom Suozzi (D-NY), Vicky Hartzler (R-MO), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Mike Gallagher (R-WI), Don Beyer (D-VA), Tom Malinowski (D-NJ), and Jennifer Wexton (D-VA). The full letter is available here and below: Dear Secretaries Pompeo, Mnuchin, and Ross: We write today regarding the ongoing mass internment and forced labor of ethnic Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) in the People's Republic of China (PRC). Congress has urged the Administration to respond strongly and decisively, and in light of recent reports, we are renewing that call. On November 16, 2019, The New York Times published leaked Chinese government documents that shed new light on the role of the Chinese Communist Party, including its General Secretary Xi Jinping, in the ongoing human rights abuses in the XUAR. While we were pleased to see the Administration announce the imposition of sanctions against Chinese individuals and entities on October 7-8, 2019, these measures were a first step that do not go far enough in ensuring accountability for China's government and Communist Party. We urge you to publicly impose Global Magnitsky Act sanctions against Chen Quanguo, the XUAR Community Communist Party Secretary, as well as other senior party leaders who have had a role in setting and implementing China's ethnic and religious policies, including those in the Central Committee and XUAR united front work departments, political-legal commissions, and state security commissions. The continued inaction on Global Magnitsky Act sanctions in light of the voluminous evidence showing Chen, in particular, to be a key architect of the current system of internment camps is simply inexcusable. The Treasury Department should move to approve and implement these sanctions immediately. Since a bipartisan group of Members sent a letter on this issue in April 2019, journalists and researchers have revealed that senior officials in the PRC, from Xi Jinping down, are ordering and coordinating the mass internment and forced labor policies we are witnessing in the XUAR. The leaked documents acquired by The New York Times include previously undisclosed speeches by General Secretary Xi and reveal the dehumanizing terms used to justify the crimes against Uyghurs and other religious groups. These documents show that the Party views these groups as possessing a virus in their thought that must be eliminated, using, in Xi's words, the organs of dictatorship and showing absolutely no mercy. Moreover, the system of forced labor that accompanies mass internment in the XUAR has effectively turned the region into a massive labor camp that cruelly exploits ethnic minority labor as part of a program of political indoctrination. We urge you to expand the scope of the sanctions and Bureau of Industry and Security Entity List designations already applied to Chinese government departments and companies responsible for this tragic situation. Since each of you plays a role on the End-User Review Committee on Entity List Decisions, we ask that you expand the Entity List to ensure that U.S. companies are not contributing to, directly or indirectly, the gross human rights violations in the XUAR. The list's expansion should include all Chinese companies involved in the pairing assistance program in XUAR, which subsidizes the establishment of manufacturing facilities in Xinjiang, and any company otherwise benefiting from the system of forced labor in the XUAR. The PRC government reportedly has begun to employ large numbers of Uyghurs, including many former detainees, in these enterprises, particularly labor-intensive textile and apparel factories, where they are strictly supervised. Uyghurs who refuse to accept such employment may be threatened with detention. Oppressive surveillance in the XUAR coupled with the government's policies of forced labor prevent companies from conducting meaningful due diligence to ensure their supply chains are free from forced labor. We ask that expansion of the Entity List supplement the efforts of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to investigate and block U.S. imports of goods made with forced labor from the XUAR, pursuant to Section 307 of the Tariff Act of 1930. In October, the CBP placed a Withhold Release Order (WRO) on garments produced by XUAR-based Hetian Taida Apparel Company, Ltd. based on the fact that those garments are being produced with prison or forced labor. Members of Congress recently encouraged the CBP to issue additional WROs on Chinese companies using forced labor, particularly in the textile industry. Because forced labor is part of a larger Chinese government policy of social control, it is time for the Administration to take aggressive action to enforce U.S. law and eliminate illegal imports of goods made with forced labor and assembled or manufactured in the XUAR. A copy of the Congressional letter to Acting Commissioner Mark Morgan is included for your reference. We also believe the United States should establish stronger disclosure requirements to alert American investors about the presence in U.S. capital markets of Hikvision, Dahua Technology, and other Chinese enterprises complicit in human rights abuses. Such disclosure requirements should also include American and foreign companies listed on U.S. exchanges that source their products from or have a presence in the XUAR. The failure to disclose their business in the XUAR poses material, asymmetric risks to corporate reputation and shareholder valueespecially now that the U.S. government has shown it is prepared to use the Entity List to sanction companies contributing to human rights abuses. Chinese authorities have detained dozens of family members of U.S. government employees and U.S. citizens and permanent residents in a bid to thwart any effort to expose the details of human rights abuses occurring in the XUAR. In particular, we encourage you to actively seek the release of the family memberssuch as Gulshan Abbas and Kaisar Keyumof Radio Free Asia (RFA) Uyghur language service journalists and prominent Uyghur rights activists Rushan Abbas and Rebiya Kadeer. Efforts to intimidate U.S. residents through detention of their family members is unacceptable and requires a strong response from the Administration. The United States must lead the free world in addressing what may be crimes against humanity being committed in the XUAR. If never again is to mean anything in the 21st century, then we must respond to one of the greatest ongoing tragedies of our time. If the U.S. and American companies refuse or fail to act, it will be a stain on our history. We look forward to working with you on these timely and important issues. ### Cory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-gardner-menendez-cruz-resolution-recognizing-armenian-genocide,"Senate Passes Gardner, Menendez, Cruz Resolution Recognizing Armenian Genocide",2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Cory Gardner,G000562,www.gardner.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. The United States Senate unanimously passed S. Res. 150, led by U.S. Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), and Ted Cruz (R-TX), to officially recognize and remember the Armenian Genocide. This was the first time in history the U.S. Senate recognized the Armenian Genocide. Gardner has also co-sponsored similar resolutions in the 114th Congress and the 115th Congress. The Armenian Genocide was one of the greatest crimes against humanity, and I am glad the United States is finally on the record recognizing this incontrovertible fact, said Senator Gardner. As many as 1.5 million men, women, and children were brutally murdered, leaving lasting scars on the families and communities affected. This resolution honors the memory of those who were killed and helps us resolve to never allow such an atrocity to ever happen again. S. Res. 150 is cosponsored by: U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Jack Reed (D-RI), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Tom Udall (D-NM), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (D-VT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Cory Booker (D-NJ), John Cornyn (R-TX), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Bob Casey (D-PA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), and Rob Portman (R-OH). ### Cory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/what-they-are-saying-gardners-9-8-8-suicide-hotline-moves-forward,What They Are Saying: Gardner’s 9-8-8 Suicide Hotline Moves Forward,2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Cory Gardner,G000562,www.gardner.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Cory Gardner's (R-CO) push to establish 9-8-8 as the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline took two critical steps forward this week. On Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation unanimously approved Gardner's National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, S. 2661. On Thursday, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) unanimously approved a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to designate 9-8-8 as the three-digit number for a national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline. What mental health groups and veterans service organizations are saying about Senator Gardner's legislation: We are thrilled that the bipartisan National Suicide Hotline Designation Act passed unanimously out of committee this week. The rate of suicide continues to increase in Colorado. Addressing mental health services is critically important, and with that comes quick access to resources. Colorado Access strongly supports the creation of a three-digit, universal number for those who are experiencing a mental health crisis to more easily reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, said Gretchen McGinnis, senior vice president of healthcare systems and accountable care at Colorado Access. The Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness (ABHW) commends Senator Cory Gardner's (R-CO) tireless efforts and leadership in championing the bipartisan bill, National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2019 (S. 2661), to designate 9-8-8 as the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline. A dedicated, easily recognizable number for suicide prevention would not only quickly connect those in need with someone who can help, but also attenuate the stigma surrounding mental health conditions, said Pamela Greenberg, MPP, President and CEO, Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness (ABHW). As suicide rises to the tenth-leading cause of death in the U.S., we want to thank Senator Cory Gardner for his commitment to finding a meaningful solution to our nation's suicide crisis by establishing a new, national suicide prevention hotline, said Chuck Ingoglia, president and chief executive officer of the National Council for Behavioral Health. The decision by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation this week to approve Senator Gardner's bipartisan bill designating 9-8-8 as the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline will make it substantially easier for people to obtain help in a time of crisis and ultimately save lives. It's incredible to see the bipartisan support for this lifesaving bill come from across the Hill, ensuring the critical nature of what it provides is held intact, said Colleen Creighton, Executive Director of American Association of Suicidology. We know this unique, three-digit hotline will provide Americans with the support they desperately need and are happy to see our legislators agree. In a recent op-ed, leaders from Centerstone, Mental Health America, RI International, National Council for Behavioral Health, National Alliance for Mental Illness, The Trevor Project, American Association of Suicidology, and Behavioral Health Link wrote: For too long, our system for mental health crisis services has been underfunded and undervalued. The current responsibility for 9-1-1 to handle mental health and suicide crises creates confusion, unnecessary delays and insufficient responses during people's most difficult moments. Establishing 9-8-8 as a separate, universal three-digit telephone number will reach those in need while simultaneously reducing the burden on 9-1-1 for mental health emergencies. Connecting a person in crisis with mental health care to address their immediate needs will also increase access to a continuum of care that can often feel out of reach for people with mental illness. A direct line to mental health professionals through a 3-digit number will provide unprecedented access to care and undoubtedly save lives. ""The Senate Commerce Committee took an important step to advance suicide prevention resources for all Americans with the markup of S. 2661. The Trevor Project is especially encouraged by the inclusion of language requiring the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to create a distinct plan for LGBTQ youth who are disproportionately impacted by the suicide crisis in the U.S. to access specialized service through the Lifeline. We thank Senators Gardner and Baldwin for listening to the voices of LGBTQ Americans, and look forward to working with SAMHSA to strengthen the Lifeline for the future,"" said Sam Brinton, Head of Advocacy and Government Affairs for The Trevor Project. Ensuring Veterans and at-risk groups have a simple, reliable way to access mental health services is vital to combatting our nation's suicide crisis, said Melissa Bryant, National Legislative Director of The American Legion. Interventions work. We are proud to support this legislation as a critical step toward tackling this public health crisis. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) applauds the Senators' efforts to establish a national three-digit suicide prevention hotline number. Having an easy to remember number will ensure that individuals across the country who are in emotional distress will have ready access to crisis services that can save lives, said American Foundation for Suicide Prevention CEO Bob Gebbia. AMVETS realizes the importance of establishing barrier-free communication channels for veterans who need immediate help, which is why we created a helpline for veterans who need to talk to someone immediately. When a veteran in crisis calls us, we work closely with the Veterans Crisis Line and refer those veterans regularly. Every day we encourage veterans to reach out for help when they need it, whether that means calling their fellow servicemembers or calling a helpline. Changing the number of the Veteran Crisis Line to 9-8-8 gives veterans or loved ones an easy number to remember in the midst of a crisis. We hope this will encourage more people to take advantage of this resource and make the call when they are in need of help, said Sherman Gillums, Chief Advocacy Officer for American Veterans (AMVETS). The APA strongly supports the creation of a 3-digit dialing code for mental health emergencies, said American Psychiatric Association (APA) CEO and Medical Director Saul Levin, M.D., M.P.A. In 2015, without such a number, suicide and self-injury costs the nation $69 billion according to government data. We need a simple, 3-digit number to connect people in crisis to care. Quick access to care can save lives. Nearly half of American lesbian, gay and bisexual youth and 34 percent of transgender students have seriously considered suicide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These young people are more likely to experience violence, bullying at school and mental health concerns than their heterosexual peers. This bill proposes common-sense measures that would improve the national response to this serious mental health challenge or nation faces, said Arthur C. Evans, Jr., PhD, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President of the American Psychological Association. TAPS supports the implementation of a 3 digit number for the National Crisis Line. We want to make it as simple as possible for those at risk to reach out and connect with care, said Kim Ruocco MSW, Vice President of Suicide Prevention and Postvention at the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). If you are in a car accident, you don't have to remember a 7-digit number to get immediate help - a mental health emergency should be no different, said National Alliance on Mental Illness' Acting CEO Angela Kimball. That's why NAMI supports the introduction of both the House and Senate versions of a bill that would establish a 3-digit, easy to remember universal number for those seeking help during a mental health crisis and for suicide prevention. The creation of a nationwide 988' number could mean the difference between life and death by diverting people from the criminal justice system and instead get them the right care when they need it most. Mental Health America strongly supports the implementation of a 3-digit hotline for those in mental health crisis, said Paul Gionfriddo, president and CEO of Mental Health America. We need to remove barriers for people seeking help in times of a mental health crisis by designating 988 as the national phone number for the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline, we will absolutely save lives. Almost half of teens who take Mental Health America's online mental health screen report thinking about suicide. We have got to make it easier for them to get help, and the three-digit 988 is a leap forward in accomplishing this. Anything we can do to make it easier for someone in crisis to gain help is vital. This bill takes a tremendous step in the right direction to connect those in need with those who can help, said Dr. Jerry Reed, Senior Vice President for Practice Leadership at Education Development Center and Executive Committee Member of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention. ""A simple 3-digit number to call for help can save lives. Why wouldn't we make it easier to obtain help? It just seems like the right thing to do,"" said Kevin Hines, founder of the Kevin and Margaret Hines Foundation. I know from my days in the military that in a crisis, simple is better. This is why Wounded Warrior Project supports S. 2661 the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2019, said Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington. This important legislation, sponsored by Sen. Cory Gardner and co-sponsored by Sen. Tammy Baldwin, would simplify access to the National Suicide Hotline by providing a three-digit phone number to dial to connect those experiencing suicidal ideations with life-saving resources. As we work to remove barriers to mental health care and employ public health approaches to prevent tragedy before it strikes, an easy-to-remember hotline for connecting veterans in distress to experts who can help is overdue. On the behalf of Wounded Warrior Project and the veterans we serve, we thank Sens. Gardner and Baldwin for their leadership on this important issue. A dedicated three-digit number for those experiencing a mental health crisis would be a landmark step for the field of mental health; making it easier to support those in emotional pain and begin the journey toward healing, said David C. Guth, Jr., CEO of Centerstone. We applaud this legislation and support its passage because it will save lives. Over 600,000 American women who are pregnant or give birth each year suffer from a mental health disorder that can be treated. Some of those that are untreated may result in death by suicide. Having a simple 3-digit national number will be a powerful tool in our collective suicide prevention efforts which our national organization and chapters in communities will deploy, Dr. Wendy Davis, Executive Director, Postpartum Support International. Gardner's legislation is endorsed by: American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry, American Association of Suicidology, American Counseling Association, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Legion, American Psychological Association, American Psychiatric Nurses Association, American Telemedicine Association, AMVETS, Anxiety and Depression Association of America, Association For Ambulatory Behavioral Health, Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness, Behavioral Health Association of Providers, Behavioral Health Link, Centerstone, College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists,Colorado Access, Confederation of Independent Psychoanalytic Societies (CIPS), Depression Association of America, Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, Eating Disorders Coalition, Education Development Center, Global Alliance for Behavioral Health and Social Justice, Illinois Association of Behavioral Health, Kennedy Forum, Kevin & Margaret Hines Foundation, Mental Health America, Mental Health Colorado, National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Association for Rural Mental Health, National Association of Social Workers, National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, National Board for Certified Counselors, National Council for Behavioral Health, National Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health, National Health Care for the Homeless Council, NowMattersNow.org, Open Minds, Postpartum Support International, Residential Eating Disorders Consortium, RI International, SMART Recovery, Suicide Awareness Voices of Education, Tourette Association of America, The Trevor Project, United Suicide Survivors International, Wounded Warrior Project, 2020 Mom. ### Cory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/crow-helps-pass-transformative-legislation-lower-drug-costs,Crow Helps Pass Transformative Legislation to Lower Drug Costs,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Jason Crow,C001121,crow.house.gov,,,legacy,"The legislation includes Crow's provision to crack down on pharmaceutical price spikes Video of Crow's speech here. WASHINGTON Congressman Jason Crow voted today to pass historic legislation to lower the costs of prescription drugs for Americans. H.R. 3, the Lower Drug Costs Now Act, would lower prescription drug prices through direct negotiation, and includes Crow's Freedom from Price Gouging Act which recovers taxpayer dollars from pharmaceutical companies when they try to hike their drug prices to increase their profits. This bipartisan bill passed the House 230-192. For too long, we have seen the influence of Big Pharma on this chamber. For every member of Congress, there are three industry lobbyists looking to buy their vote. Meanwhile back home in Colorado, one in three of my constituents can't afford to pay for their medication, said Congressman Jason Crow. ""I'm proud to have helped introduce a provision to the Lower Drug Costs Now Act that would prevent Big Pharma from raising the cost of prescription drugs past the rate of inflation. The time is now to deliver on our promise to reduce the cost of prescription drugs. Congressman Crow has made increasing access to affordable, high-quality healthcare a top priority. In his first year in Congress, Crow has toured multiple community health centers and district hospitals, hosted a roundtable with seniors focused on lowering the cost of prescription drugs, and is a co-sponsor of Medicare-X Choice Act which would allow consumers the option to buy into Medicare as a health insurance option. The Lower Drug Costs Now Act levels the playing field for American patients and taxpayers: Gives Medicare the power to negotiate directly with the drug companies, and creates powerful new tools to force drug companies to the table to agree to real price reductions, while ensuring seniors never lose access to the prescriptions they need. Makes the lower drug prices negotiated by Medicare available to Americans with private insurance, not just Medicare beneficiaries. Stops drug companies ripping off Americans while charging other countries less for the same drugs, limiting the maximum price for any negotiated drug to be in line with the average price in countries like ours, where drug companies charge less for the same drugs and admit they still make a profit. Creates a new, $2,000 out-of-pocket limit on prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries, and reverses years of unfair price hikes above inflation across thousands of drugs in Medicare. Reinvests the hundreds of billions of dollars in savings in the most transformational improvement to Medicare since its creation delivering vision, dental and hearing benefits and turbocharging the search for new cures. Crow's speech on the House floor prior to passage, as delivered: Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act. For too long, we have seen the influence of Big Pharma on this chamber. For every member of Congress, there are three industry lobbyists looking to buy their vote. Meanwhile back home in Colorado, one in three of my constituents can't afford to pay for their medication. It needs to stop. I'm proud to have helped introduce a provision to H.R. 3 that would prevent Big Pharma from raising the cost of prescription drugs past the rate of inflation. I stand here today for the 300,000 Coloradans with diabetes who will save 75 percent on their insulin. I stand here today for the 400,000 Coloradans with asthma who will save 80 percent on their prescriptions. And tomorrow I will cast my vote for Sue Way of Aurora who, after seeing her insulin increase by 500 percent, was forced to ration her medicine resulting in an ulcer. Her story is the story of so many Coloradans. The time is now to deliver on our promise to reduce the cost of prescription drugs. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield back.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-approves-legislation-lower-cost-prescription-drugs,House approves legislation to lower cost of prescription drugs,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,degette,https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives today, by a vote of 230 – 192, approved a sweeping drug-pricing reform bill designed to help bring down the cost of prescription drugs for millions of Americans. The legislation, known as the Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3), would, among other things, allow Medicare to negotiate directly with pharmaceutical companies to bring down the cost of prescription drugs for the more than 46 million Americans enrolled in Medicare Part D. It would also set a cap on the total out-of-pocket costs that seniors and others on Medicare are required to pay each year for their prescription drugs. ""No one in this country should have to choose between putting food on their table and paying for the cost of their medication,"" said DeGette, who was a cosponsor of the legislation. ""This legislation will help bring down the cost of prescription drugs for millions of Americans. It will also save taxpayers tens of billions of dollars, which could then be used to help speed up our search for new breakthrough cures and treatments for some of the most stubborn diseases."" The legislation overturns a measure Congress approved in 2003 that currently bars the federal government from directly negotiating the price Medicare pays for prescription drugs. Instead, the bill would explicitly direct the Department of Health and Human Services to negotiate down the price of dozens of drugs each year. The lower, negotiated price would apply not only to Medicare, helping to save taxpayers tens of billions of dollars, it would also be available to private insurers as well. In addition to allowing Medicare to negotiate the price of drugs, the legislation sets a limit on how much seniors and others on Medicare have to pay out-of-pocket each year for their prescription drugs. Unlike most private insurance plans, there currently is no limit on how much Medicare beneficiaries can be required to pay each year for their medications. The bill sets a new $2,000 limit on the total out-of-pocket prescription drug costs Medicare beneficiaries are responsible for each year. According to data compiled by the House Committee on Ways and Means, there are 87,199 people living in Colorado's first congressional district who are enrolled in Medicare Part D. In addition to lowering the cost of prescription drugs, the legislation would provide $10 billion over the next five years to help local communities respond to the nation's opioid epidemic. It also provides an additional $10 billion to the National Institutes of Health to accelerate their efforts to find new breakthrough treatments and cures and build upon the momentum that was started by the passage of the 21st Century Cures Act in 2016, which has revolutionized the way our country develops new treatments for patients. DeGette and Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI), the two coauthors of the landmark 21st Century Cures, announced recently that they have begun working on the second iteration of their historic bill, which they are calling Cures 2.0, to continue building on its many successes. The Lower Drug Costs Now Act now heads to the Senate for consideration.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-approves-legislation-to-lower-cost-of-prescription-drugs,House approves legislation to lower cost of prescription drugs,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Diana DeGette,D000197,degette.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. The U.S. House of Representatives today, by a vote of 230 192, approved a sweeping drug-pricing reform bill designed to help bring down the cost of prescription drugs for millions of Americans. The legislation, known as the Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3), would, among other things, allow Medicare to negotiate directly with pharmaceutical companies to bring down the cost of prescription drugs for the more than 46 million Americans enrolled in Medicare Part D. It would also set a cap on the total out-of-pocket costs that seniors and others on Medicare are required to pay each year for their prescription drugs. No one in this country should have to choose between putting food on their table and paying for the cost of their medication, said DeGette, who was a cosponsor of the legislation. This legislation will help bring down the cost of prescription drugs for millions of Americans. It will also save taxpayers tens of billions of dollars, which could then be used to help speed up our search for new breakthrough cures and treatments for some of the most stubborn diseases. The legislation overturns a measure Congress approved in 2003 that currently bars the federal government from directly negotiating the price Medicare pays for prescription drugs. Instead, the bill would explicitly direct the Department of Health and Human Services to negotiate down the price of dozens of drugs each year. The lower, negotiated price would apply not only to Medicare, helping to save taxpayers tens of billions of dollars, it would also be available to private insurers as well. In addition to allowing Medicare to negotiate the price of drugs, the legislation sets a limit on how much seniors and others on Medicare have to pay out-of-pocket each year for their prescription drugs. Unlike most private insurance plans, there currently is no limit on how much Medicare beneficiaries can be required to pay each year for their medications. The bill sets a new $2,000 limit on the total out-of-pocket prescription drug costs Medicare beneficiaries are responsible for each year. According to data compiled by the House Committee on Ways and Means, there are 87,199 people living in Colorado's first congressional district who are enrolled in Medicare Part D. In addition to lowering thecost of prescription drugs, the legislation would provide $10 billion over the next five years to help local communities respond to the nation's opioid epidemic. It also provides an additional $10 billion to the National Institutes of Health to accelerate their efforts to find new breakthrough treatments and cures and build upon the momentum that was started by the passage of the 21st Century Cures Act in 2016, which has revolutionized the way our country develops new treatments for patients. DeGette and Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI), the two coauthors of the landmark 21st Century Cures, announced recently that they have begun working on the second iteration of their historic bill, which they are calling Cures 2.0, to continue building on its many successes. The Lower Drug Costs Now Act now heads to the Senate for consideration.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-neguse-opening-statement-judiciary-committee-impeachment-markup,Congressman Joe Neguse Opening Statement at Judiciary Committee Impeachment Markup,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.Tonight, in a historic markup in the House Judiciary Committee, Congressman Joe Neguse gave the following opening remarks: I'd like to begin tonight by speaking directly to the Americans listening and watching who may disagree with the steps this Committee is taking. I hope you'll understand we are proceeding on this path truly out of love for our country. We are your neighbors, we are your colleagues, your fellow worshipers, and we are all citizens of the greatest nation on earth. We are blessed to live in a country where our similarities far outweigh our differences. My parents immigrated to this country and every day, I am grateful to them for their decision, and to the United States of America for giving us the opportunity to live the American Dream. My parents came to this country because they wanted their children to grow up in a place that is free. A country where leaders respect the rule of law and don't use the power of government to target political opponents. A country with fair elections, and where everyone has the right to vote. Thomas Paine, described voting as the primary right by which other rights are protected.Our sacred right to a free and fair election is ingrained in our constitution. It's a right offered to every American, no matter their background. And yet today, that right is under attack like never before. In 2016, Russia interfered in our elections in sweeping and systematic fashion. And as we now know, the Trump campaign welcomed at that time that interference, and now, the President of the United States has solicited the interference of a foreign government in the 2020 presidential election for his own advantage. President Trump abused his power, and then, engaged in a wholesale obstruction of Congress to cover it up. The fact remains that in the history of our republic, no president has ever ordered such a complete defiance of an impeachment inquiry, until now. If anything is clear, it is this: every American deserves to know that their President will not endanger our national security, that he or she won't seek to use their power to undermine our free and fair elections, and that they won't tap a foreign government to help tip the scales in their favor. The Framers of the constitution prescribed impeachment in that sacred document because they feared a moment like this one, and the Articles of Impeachment before us are our mechanism for accountability. So ultimately we must move forward with the solemn and heavy work before us. I hope that as we do so, while some may agree with this process and some may oppose it, everyone will remember that at the end of the day, each and every one of us are Americans. We all treasure the same flag. We all revere the same constitution that this committee is working so hard to uphold. Like many of my colleagues, when I ran for Congress, I knew that the hardest part would be being away my wife and my infant daughter. My daughter is 15 months old now, and I think a lot about the world she will inherit. She's not old enough to understand the proceedings before us today, but one day she will be. One day, I hope that she will know that this Committee had an obligation to defend our democracy, to honor our oaths, and to uphold the rule of law. So I will support the Articles of Impeachment before us, because it is what the constitution requires of us and it is what my conscience demands, and I hope and I pray that my colleagues will do the same. View remarkshere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-neguse-introduces-legislation-expand-local-control-airports,Congressman Neguse Introduces Legislation to Expand Local Control of Airports in Northern Colorado,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Joe Neguse introduced legislation to provide additional local control for General Aviation airports, such as Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport, Boulder Municipal Airport and Northern Colorado Regional Airport. The Aircraft Noise Reduction Act, is the result of considerable collaboration with local community leaders across the 2nd district and constituents concerned about noise pollution. The legislation would give General Aviation Airports the authority to impose certain restrictions relating to noise concerns, such as limiting the number and type of aircraft that can operate, and setting curfews or specific hours for them to fly. Under current law, airports must undergo a lengthy and difficult approval process with the Federal Aviation Administration before pursuing mandatory noise-based restrictions, such as a curfew or restrictions on flight operations, which very few airports are able to do successfully. The legislation also stipulates that federal funds cannot be withheld from an airport by choosing to locally regulate air noise. This legislation is the result of months of conversations with community members and local leaders from Boulder County, Superior, Louisville, Lafayette, Nederland, and elsewhere, said Congressman Joe Neguse. Ensuring our local airports can effectively regulate aircraft noise pollution based on what works for them and their community is essential to promote the health and wellbeing of our communities."" The Town of Superior enthusiastically supports the legislation proposed by Rep. Neguse that will provide airports with meaningful tools to address community concerns about noise and environmental impacts, said Superior Mayor Clint Folsom. We appreciate Rep. Neguse's ongoing commitment to not only engaging with our residents to hear their concerns but also taking action to draft legislation to help with solutions. The City of Boulder strongly supports this legislation from Rep. Neguse to enable stronger local control over General Aviation airports, said Boulder Mayor Sam Weaver. As city leaders, we are very appreciative of efforts to allow our local residents and businesses to help determine the solutions for reducing noise pollution that best suits their needs. Airport noise is a major concern that is continuing to escalate in the City of Louisville, said Louisville Mayor Ashley Stolzmann. It's a problem that requires federal aid to solve, and we are therefore so appreciative for Congressman Joe Neguse's support and willingness to work with us and surrounding communities to tackle this challenging issue. I thank Rep. Neguse for hearing the concerns of Lafayette residents and quickly collaborating on this legislation that will provide the authority for our local airports to enact effective solutions to noise pollution, said Lafayette Mayor Jamie Harkins. This issue has a real impact on our community's quality of life and it's common sense to create more local control to solve it."" In September, Congressman Neguse hosted a listening town hall to hear constituents concerns over the aircraft noise specifically related to Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (RMMA). He also sent a letter to Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport to express these concerns and recommend potential procedures to alleviate the issues, which ultimately led to the airport enacting new noise abatement procedures such as adopting a voluntary curfew, educating flight school operators and pilots about these procedures, and discussing the issues with local community members.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-neguse-leads-letter-house-requesting-plastic-bottles-no-longer-be,Congressman Neguse Leads Letter to the House Requesting Plastic Bottles No Longer Be Used in All Committee Proceedings,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.This week, Congressman Joe Neguse, along with Congresswoman Kim Schrier, sent a joint letter to the Chair of the Committee on House Administration, requesting a policy change to preclude the use of disposable plastic bottles in all committee rooms and proceedings. While climate change is a global problem, solving it depends on the power of our individual choices as consumers, each decision we make has a real cumulative impact on our environment, said Congressman Joe Neguse. As global leaders, it is important that the United States Congress lead by example in this effort to make sustainable choices. Therefore, we encourage the Committee to support our efforts to remove single-use plastic water bottles in the House. Read the letter here. The production of plastics contributes to climate change at every stage of its lifecycle, from production, to refining, to its management as a waste product. Ninety-nine percent of plastic is made from fossil fuels, with refinement being the most greenhouse gas intensive part of the life cycle, and almost all plastic ends up in oceans and landfills. Currently, over 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic had been produced two-thirds of which has been released into the environment and remains there. Despite the dire warning from scientists, global production of plastics is expanding. Studies estimate that a million plastic bottles are bought around the world every minute, with only 7 percent being recycled into new bottles. Plastic production is set to double in the next 20 years and quadruple by 2050. If this reliance on plastics continues, plastics will account for 20 percent of oil consumption by 2050. Last month, Congressman Neguse introduced the Green Government resolution, proposing that the U.S. Capitol Complex opt-in to Washington D.C.'s renewable energy goals and transition to 100% renewable electricity by 2032. Earlier in the year, Congressman Neguse introduced legislation to invest in regenerative agriculture research, incentivize small-scale solar installations and just last week he introduced a package of bills to invest in climate science research.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://tipton.house.gov/media/press-releases/column-pass-usmca-christmas,COLUMN: Pass USMCA Before Christmas,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"It has now been over a year since the United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) was agreed to by both Canada and Mexico, yet Speaker Nancy Pelosi has so far refused to bring the legislation needed to ratify the deal to the floor for a vote. During that time, Colorado has benefited from the historic economic growth seen across the country, even in rural areas of the state that our district encompasses. Currently, Colorado is enjoying a 2.6 percent unemployment rate while over 43,000 jobs have been created and nearly 67,000 Coloradans have found new jobs. It's clear that the economy in Colorado is booming, but the reality is that passing USMCA would make the economy even better. Following the 2008 recession, the federal government was quick to pass bailouts, overhaul the health insurance industry, and overregulate the financial sector to the point where economic recovery took an unusually long time. All these efforts combined led to years of stagnant growth and an arduous recovery, especially in rural areas. Beginning in 2017, the approach changed and instead the government focused on allowing families and businesses to make their own decisions by lessening the burden of federal regulations. Part of this strategy led to the historic Tax Cuts and Jobs Act getting signed into law, a continued deregulatory agenda, and over the last year, a focus on renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). NAFTA was first signed into law in 1994 under President Bill Clinton. The agreement was initially set to strengthen the bonds between two of the United States' biggest trading partners. With newly added trade flows for automobiles, computers, and perhaps most importantly for Coloradans, agriculture products, NAFTA significantly improved trade flows between our North American allies. In the 25 years since NAFTA was ratified, it has not kept up with an ever-changing economy. In some respects, NAFTA has failed to uphold important trade provisions, especially for Colorado's agricultural industry. For instance, in 2003, Mexico and the U.S. made an agreement on reciprocal market access for American potatoes, in exchange for Mexican avocados. Honoring this commitment potentially means a boost of nearly $100 million exports for the Colorado potato industry. Over that time frame, Americans have been purchasing more avocados, yet the potato exports to Mexico have remained relatively the same in part to legal challenges in the Mexican court system. Considering that the average American consumes more avocados in a year than peaches, pears, prunes and nectarines combined, asking Mexico to increase market access for American potatoes seems like a reasonable ask. Earlier this year, I sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, requesting that the Trump Administration take into consideration how important the potato industry is for Colorado and that a reciprocal agreement with Mexico be enforced. This is especially relevant while our nation continues finalizing the USMCA. I am happy to announce that Secretary Perdue responded to my letter recently and shares my concerns on market access for American potato growers. Secretary Perdue acknowledged that Mexico's Supreme Court intends to consolidate these challenges into one case which should expedite the time frame that this reciprocal deal could be achieved. While opening access to potato growers in Colorado would be a big win for the local economies, passing larger trade deals with broader sweeping impacts on the American economy and should be Congress' focus before the year ends. We are in a period of strong economic growth, a 50-year historically low unemployment, wages have increased by more than 3 percent across the country in the last year, and small business confidence remains near all-time highs. Studies show that passing the USMCA would have a significant impact on the economy, building upon much of the success we've seen over the last few years. According to the office of the U.S. Trade Representative, Colorado exported $2.7 billion between Canada and Mexico in 2018 alone. Passing the USMCA will improve trade flows to our allies and greatly benefit small businesses, farmers and all Coloradans who rely on these long-standing trade agreements that bring every day products to their homes at affordable prices. A free and fair trade deal is essential in to economic certainty in American. Passing the USMCA would be a welcome Christmas present for Coloradans, and we should all continue pressuring Speaker Pelosi to take up a vote before Congress heads home for the holidays.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=3473929C-DF8F-4379-A653-7E57CB8A2610,"Bennet, Colleagues Urge Passage of Bipartisan Resolution to Recognize Critical Role of Census, Importance of Safe and Accurate Count",2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet this week co-sponsored a bipartisan resolution, introduced by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), to ensure the 2020 Census is fair and accurate. The resolution encourages individuals, families, and households across the United States to take part in the Census so that all communities can be counted. The upcoming 2020 Census is vital for communities across Colorado as it helps determine almost every federal dollar we receive. This affects the amount of money allocated to state and county programs, such as Medicaid, nutrition assistance, housing vouchers, free or reduced school meals, grants for community-driven projects, technical support for farmers, and funding for critical transportation projects, said Bennet. The upcoming census is vital to ensuring Coloradans, and people across the country have the resources and representation they deserve. The 2020 Census is a constitutionally mandated undertaking. The data collected is used to properly allocate seats for the U.S. House of Representatives and state legislatures. It also directs more than $800 billion annually in federal funding to state and local communities. The resolution recognizes the importance and significance of the 2020 Census and encourages all people to participate. It concludes that it is the civic duty of every person to ensure that the 2020 Census is as accurate as possible. In addition to Bennet, Schatz, and Murkowski, the resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D- Hawaii), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Doug Jones (D-Ala.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Joe Manchin (D-W.V.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). The resolution is supported by a number of organizations including the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the National League of Cities, the National Association of Counties, National the Association of Towns and Townships, the Census Project, NAACP, NALEO Educational Fund, Asian Americans Advancing Justice AAJC, National Congress of American Indians, Service Employees International Union, National Education Association, Nielsen, Facebook, Twitter, and Reddit. The full text of the resolution is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=64174B0C-678D-4F6B-9629-6F5F473406CB,"Bennet, Portman Introduce Major Proposal to Tackle the Eviction Crisis",2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio) today introduced the Eviction Crisis Act to address the national housing crisis crippling millions of Americans who are struggling to rise into the middle class. The new legislation will shed light on the root causes of the eviction crisis, reduce preventable evictions, and limit the devastation to families when eviction is unavoidable. Today in America, an unexpected illness, a car accident, or a family emergency can lead to a family being evicted from their home and falling into a cycle of poverty that lasts for years,said Bennet.The hardship caused by eviction is agonizing for the hundreds of thousands of American families evicted every year and it's damaging to our communities. As a former school superintendent, I saw kids unable to stay awake in class because they didn't have a stable place to sleep the night before. And I've heard from many hard-working Coloradans about how one misstep led to their lives falling apart. Our Eviction Crisis Act will put in place bipartisan measures that both prevent eviction and limit the harm when it is unavoidable. Stable housing is a vital part of getting people back on their feet. I've long worked on efforts to address homelessness and increase the supply of housing and I'm proud to partner with Senator Bennet on this new bipartisan initiative. This legislation will help prevent avoidable evictions, reduce homelessness, and make it easier for people to escape poverty by keeping a roof over their heads, said Portman. Evictions start with the loss of a home and often end with job loss, depression, and becoming further ingrained in the cycle of poverty. Indiana is home to three cities with some of the highest eviction rates in the United States and this legislation takes a number of important steps to work with and support tenants, landlords, and municipalities to help avoid the process of putting another family on the street, said U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.), cosponsor of the Eviction Crisis Act. Home is the foundation of the rest of our lives: our family connections, our education, our work, and our health. The shortage of affordable housing and evictions tear at that foundation. The Eviction Crisis Act will give our communities new tools to prevent evictions and support vulnerable households,said U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), cosponsor of the Eviction Crisis Act. Background Adjusting for inflation, the median rent payment has risen 61% since 1960 while median renter income grew only 5%. In 2016, 2.3 million eviction filings were made in courthouses across the United Statesa rate of four every minute. That same year, one in 50 renters was evicted from his or her home. This affordable housing crisis has crippled economic security for families and placed enormous costs on the nation's health care system, courts, schools, and local governments. In Colorado, five cities ranked in the nation's 100 Top Evicting Areas by eviction rate in 2016 (i.e. the number of evictions per 100 renters): Aurora (ranked #33, with a 5.52% eviction rate), Thornton (#48, 4.64%), Colorado Springs (#64, 4.19%), Westminster (#93, 3.16%), and Lakewood (#94, 3.15%). In Denver eviction cases, 90% of landlords are represented by lawyers, compared to just 2% of tenantsconsistent with nationwide trends. In Ohio, six cities also ranked in the nation's 100 Top Evicting Areas: Akron (ranked #24, with a 6.06% eviction rate), Dayton (#26, 5.94%), Toledo (#30, 5.63%), Cincinnati (#46, 4.7%), Columbus (#52, 4.55%), and Cleveland (#53, 4.53%). The Eviction Crisis Act will: Improve Data and Analysis on Evictions Creates a national database to standardize data and track evictions, in order to better inform policy decisions. Establishes a Federal Advisory Committee on Eviction Research to make recommendations related to data collection, as well as policies and practices that can prevent evictions or mitigate their consequences. Authorizes funding for a comprehensive study to track evictions, analyze landlord-tenant law, and assess varying factors in urban, suburban, and rural areas. Reduce Preventable Evictions and Mitigate Eviction-Related Consequences Co-invest in state and local government programs: Creates a program to fund state and local governments expanding the use of landlord-tenant community courts and increasing the presence of social services representatives for tenants, which help both tenants and landlords avoid the high cost of eviction. Establishes an Emergency Assistance Fund to provide financial assistance and housing stability-related services to eviction-vulnerable tenants. Support increased legal representation for tenants: Expresses support for substantially increasing funding for the Legal Services Corporation, a public-private partnership that provides legal services to low-income Americans. Improve Information on Tenant Screening Reports Requires consumer reporting agencies to provide consumers with tenant screening reports when they are requested as part of a rental application process, so tenants can contest and correct inaccurate or incomplete information. When a court rules in favor of a tenant in an eviction proceeding, requires those judgments and eviction filings related to that proceeding to be removed from tenant screening reports. Resources The following resources for the Eviction Crisis Act are available HERE and below: Support The following national organizations have endorsed the Eviction Crisis Act: Caracole, Children's HealthWatch/Boston Medical Center, Coalition on Human Needs, Community of Hope, Community Stabilization Project, Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities Housing Task Force, Family Promise, First Focus Campaign for Children, Food Research & Action Center, Funders Together to End Homelessness, Habitat for Humanity International, Housing on Merit, JustLeadershipUSA, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Mayors and CEOs for US Housing Investment, Metropolitan Tenants Organization, NAACP, National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Alliance to End Homelessness, National Association for County Community and Economic Developments, National Association of Community Health Centers, National Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies, National Association of Social Workers, National Church Residences, National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, National Coalition for the Homeless, National Coalition for the Homeless, National Community Action Partnership, National Education Association, National Health Care for the Homeless Council, National Housing Law Project, National Housing Trust, National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty, National League of Cities, National Legal Aid & Defender Association, National Low-Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC), National NeighborWorks Association, National Nurse-Led Care Consortium, National Resources Defense Council, National Women's Law Center, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, Opportunity Starts at Home Campaign, Prosperity Now, RESULTS, The Arc, Unity Health Care, and ZERO TO THREE. The following state and local organizations have endorsed the Eviction Crisis Act: Chicago Area Fair Housing Alliance, Coalition on Homelessness & Housing in Ohio, Colorado Center on Law and Policy, Greater Syracuse Tenants Network, Housing Action Illinois, Legal Aid Association of California (LAAC), and Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County. Eviction isn't just a consequence of poverty; it's a cause of poverty. Yet we allow millions of Americans to face the threat of eviction each year. Families with children are at particularly high risk of eviction. Many evicted families lose their home and possessions, often falling into homelessness. Research shows that eviction thwarts economic mobility and is linked to long-term negative health outcomes. Passing the Eviction Crisis Act would be a big step forward, deepening our understanding of the problem and preventing families from the devastating consequences of displacement. Everyone needs a safe and affordable home. I commend Senators Bennet and Portman for their efforts and look forward to working with them to pass this bill into law, said Matthew Desmond, author of Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City. I applaud Senators Michael Bennet and Rob Portman for their leadership in introducing legislation to create new tools to help end America's ongoing eviction epidemic, which most severely impacts the lowest-income seniors, people with disabilities, families with children, and other individuals. If enacted, the Eviction Crisis Act would create a new Emergency Housing Assistance Fund a policy solution developed and advanced by NLIHC's Opportunity Starts at Home campaign to extend an emergency cushion to families in crisis. Together [with the legislation's new data collection and outreach initiatives], the bill would help low-income renters avert the downward spiral of housing instability and homelessness. I urge Congress to quickly pass this bill, said Diane Yentel, President and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition. The Eviction Crisis Act is an historic response our country's eviction epidemic. Through comprehensive data collection and emergency rental assistance, the bill will combat the devastating impacts of evictions on families and children and create a foundation for more effective prevention in the future. We are grateful to Senators Bennet and Portman for addressing this crucial area of U.S. housing policy and working to save families from eviction and homelessness, said Shamus Roller, Executive Director, National Housing Law Project. Colorado Center on Law and Policy applauds Senator Michael Bennet's legislation that addresses housing insecurity and the eviction crisis that is occurring in communities across the country. Tenants who are facing eviction are typically unable to access assistance. For tenants who must represent themselves in court, navigating the complex legal system of landlord-tenant laws can prove to be impossible. This major shortcoming in our justice system contributes to cycles of poverty and is especially harmful for families with children. An eviction can destabilize relationships, disrupt children's development and undermine community ties. Senator Bennet's legislation would provide support for emergency assistance, expand legal resources and enable comprehensive data collection. This legislation represents a monumental step forward in preventing evictions, and we encourage Members of Congress to lend their support, said Jack B. Regenbogen, Senior Attorney at Colorado Center on Law and Policy. The Coalition on Homelessness & Housing in Ohio (COHHIO) enthusiastically endorses the Eviction Crisis Act and the creation of the Emergency Assistance Fund designed to prevent unnecessary evictions. Evictions in many Ohio cities are hitting record levels as housing costs are growing increasingly out of reach, especially for those with the lowest incomes. We all now understand that evictions are not only the result of but also a cause of deeper poverty leading to increasing homelessness. This legislation has the promise of helping to reverse that tide. We appreciate the leadership of Senators Rob Portman and Michael Bennet working together to tackle this stubborn problem, said Bill Faith, Executive Director of COHHIO and state partner of the Opportunity Starts at Home campaign. A full list of quotes from stakeholders is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=C8F56307-82EF-4EE1-A748-A1A1BBBEB239,Bennet Reiterates Support For Basing U.S. Space Command in Colorado in Meeting with Defense Official,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, met this week with Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett and spoke with the Commander of U.S. Space Command General John W. Raymond to discuss the importance of a focus on national security space. Colorado is the epicenter of national security space and plays a critical role in ensuring our continued technological superiority, global leadership, and capabilities in space, said Bennet. My conversations with Secretary Barrett and General Raymond centered on the importance of increased focus on space as a contested domain and why reestablishing U.S. Space Command in our state would best position our nation to maintain superiority in space. I look forward to continuing to work with Secretary Barrett, General Raymond, and stakeholders in Colorado to address the evolving threats in space. In his conversation with Secretary Barrett, who was confirmed in October, Bennet highlighted Colorado's significant role and history in national security space, and the benefits of the state's existing military and intelligence space infrastructure, exceptional workforce, and strong community support. In May, the Air Force named six finalist bases, four of which are located in Colorado: Buckley Air Force Base in Aurora, Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station in Colorado Springs, Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, and Schriever Air Force Base in Colorado Springs. Last March, Bennet led the entire Colorado Congressional Delegation and Governor Jared Polis in a letter urging the Department of Defense to reestablish Space Command in Colorado and invited the department's leadership to visit the state. Following the official White House announcement of the reestablishment of Space Command in August, Bennet, the delegation, and the governor sent a new letter to the Defense Department reiterating their support. In the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019, which became law in August 2018, Congress directed the Department of Defense to establish U.S. Space Command under U.S. Strategic Command. In December 2018, President Trump signed an executive order to create U.S. Space Command separate from U.S. Strategic Command.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-statement-on-the-fccs-vote-to-move-forward-with-the-9-8-8-suicide-hotline,Gardner Statement on the FCC’s Vote to Move Forward with the 9-8-8 Suicide Hotline,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Cory Gardner,G000562,www.gardner.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO), who is leading the bipartisan effort in the Senate to establish 9-8-8 as the national suicide prevention hotline, released the following statement today regarding the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) approval of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to designate 9-8-8 as the 3-digit number for a national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline. NOTE:Clickhereor the pictureabove to view Senator Gardner's remarks. Today the Federal Communications Commission took an important step in our efforts to establish 9-8-8 as the national suicide prevention hotline. This hotline will be critical to make sure that every American has access to mental health support with a number that's easy to remember in a time of crisis,said Senator Gardner.I am encouraged that the Senate Commerce Committee yesterday passed my legislation to provide oversight for the establishment of the three-digit hotline and look forward to its full consideration by the U.S. Senate. I applaud the FCC's action, and I will continue working with my colleagues to establish the 9-8-8 suicide hotline and ensure critical mental health support is three buttons away. Background: In 2018, Gardner voted for the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act, which directed the Federal Communications Commission to evaluate using a three-digit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This August, the FCC released theirreport, which found that a national three-digit line would improve suicide prevention and recommended a simple number that Americans could dial in times of crisis: 9-8-8. In October, Senators Gardner, Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Jerry Moran (R-KS), and Jack Reed (D-RI) introduced S. 2661, theNational Suicide Hotline Designation Act, which designates 9-8-8 for a national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline and ensures states have the flexibility to strengthen local crisis call centers. The bill ensures states are able to collect fees for the line, similar to the way they do for the 911 emergency line, and requires reports to Congress to help ensure effectiveness and operability of the line. Nearly 50 mental health organizations and veterans supportorganizations announced their support and urged Congress to pass the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act. At a press conferencein November with Senator Gardner, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai announced the FCC would consider establishing 9-8-8 as the national suicide prevention hotline at their meeting on December 12, 2019. Yesterday, theSenate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation passedSenator Gardner's bipartisan bill to designate 9-8-8 as the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline. ### Cory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-committee-passes-gardner-backed-bills-to-improve-pilt-extend-secure-rural-schools-program-expand-yucca-house-national-monument,"Senate Committee Passes Gardner-Backed Bills to Improve PILT, Extend Secure Rural Schools Program, Expand Yucca House National Monument",2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Cory Gardner,G000562,www.gardner.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources approved three bills backed by Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) to provide funding for critical services in counties with large amounts of federal land and protect Ancestral Pueblo cultural sites near the Yucca House National Monument. The Small County PILT Parity Act, S. 2108, would provide greater parity for small counties that receive Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) funding from the federal government. S. 430 would extend the Secure Rural School (SRS) program, which provides funding for critical services in counties with large amounts of tax-exempt forestlands. The PILT and SRS bills will improve the funding for essential services for counties with large amounts of tax-exempt federal lands, said Senator Gardner. I applaud the committee for approving these critical programs to support counties with a limited tax base because they have large amounts of federal land. These bills will make sure critical services like search and rescue, emergency medical services, law enforcement, schools, and maintenance of roads can continue. Hinsdale County is in support of any effort to enact a PILT formula fix. Small counties are adversely affected by large federal land holdings. Such large land holdings make it impossible to have large population sizes. As a result, counties are now penalized by the current PILT formula that does not account enough for small population counties with large federal land holdings. Any efforts to rectify this situation is not only fair but the right thing to do for our citizens, said Susan Thompson, Chair of the Hinsdale County Board of County Commissioners. The Small County PILT Parity Act creates four new population tiers so eligible low population counties could receive a higher annual PILT payment. The current formula makes no distinction between counties that have 500 people or 4,999 people. The formula adjustment will help bring parity to counties with fewer than 5,000 people and help address rising costs for infrastructure and emergency services. In Fiscal Year 2019, 56 local governments in Colorado received a total of $40.9 million under the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program. The SRS legislation approved by the committee reauthorizes the program, which expired at the end of Fiscal Year 2018, through the end of 2020. The committee also advanced Gardner's legislation to expand and protect cultural sites near the Yucca House National Monument in southwest Colorado. A private landowner is seeking to donate 160 acres of land adjacent to the national monument to further protect archaeological sites and cultural resources, but a donation must be facilitated through an Act of Congress. Protecting Colorado's public lands for future generations to cherish is one of my top priorities on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, said Senator Gardner. The Yucca House National Monument is one of the most well-preserved ancient dwellings in the country. This bill will help preserve these Ancestral Pueblo sites and protect a piece of our state's great history. The Yucca House National Monument was established in 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson, following an initial donation of 9.6 acres by Henry Van Kleeck. The monument was further expanded by approximately 24 acres in 1996. ### Cory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-jason-crow-announces-102-million-recovered-constituents-2019,Congressman Jason Crow Announces $1.02 Million Recovered for Constituents in 2019,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Jason Crow,C001121,crow.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Jason Crow today announced that his office helped recover more than $1.02 million owed to constituents from federal agencies such as the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Social Security Administration. Our work for Colorado's 6th district begins with constituent casework. The team has crisscrossed the district to help Coloradans obtain benefits they have earned and cut through endless bureaucratic red tape. We're proud of the impact we've been able to make in individual's lives and encourage the community to continue to use us as a resource when dealing with federal issues, said Rep. Jason Crow. This year, Crow's team has resolved 536 cases for constituents including over 100 cases for veterans. For example, in one case, they helped recover medals for the daughter of a WWII veteran. I wish to thank Congressman Jason Crow and his staff for coming to my rescue. My father, Lawrence M. Sierocuk, was a decorated WWII veteran. When assembling his medals, two Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart and Campaign Medals, for a display to honor my father's heroism, I noticed I was missing a Bronze Star. Trying to navigate the VA website was confusing and difficult. When I attended one of Congressman Crow's town hall meetings, I asked for help. Aly [from Crow's office] sent me the VA documents I needed to replace the lost medal. In just a month, the missing Bronze Star arrived. Aly delivered it and made me cry. I thought I would never see that medal again. Both the Congressman and his staff are remarkable and they responded immediately to help me make the memorial for my father possible, said Barbara Bundy, constituent of Colorado's sixth district. Congressman Crow's constituent services team stands ready to assist residents of Colorado's sixth district. If residents can't get an answer from a federal agency in a timely fashion, or just need help navigating the system, Crow's team may be able to help resolve a problem or obtain pertinent information. In April, Crow announced mobile office hours, a first of its kind program in the district that would bring the constituent service team directly to Coloradans. Over the course of the year, Crow's constituent service team has held 35 mobile office hours across the district visiting libraries, non-profits, community centers, municipal buildings, recreation centers, hospitals, festivals and fairs in Brighton, Thornton, Highlands Ranch, Centennial, Littleton, Greenwood Village and Aurora. Below are just a few issues with which Congressman Crow's team can help. Social Security and Medicare Veterans' Benefits IRS Issues Passports and Visas Student Loans Small Business Assistance Federal Grants and Loans In addition to mobile office hours, constituents can visit Crow's district office at 3300 S. Parker Road, Suite 100 in Aurora. The office is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. and can be reached by telephone at (720) 748-7514. Constituents visiting Washington, D.C. can also visit his office located in room 1229 of the Longworth House Building.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crow-tackles-climate-change-dod-secures-passage-mira-act-ndaa,Rep. Crow Tackles Climate Change at DOD; Secures Passage of MIRA Act in NDAA,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Jason Crow,C001121,crow.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO-6) voted in support of the bipartisan conference report for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020, which passed the House of Representatives 377-48. The NDAA funds a wide variety of national security and defense programs and will direct how the U.S. will protect its own national security for the coming year. The bill is expected to be signed by the President in the coming days. Notably, Rep. Crow's Military Installation Resilience Assuredness (MIRA) Act, which improves the security and resilience of military installations that are vulnerable to the damaging effects of extreme weather and climate change, was incorporated into the NDAA. In recent years, extreme weather events brought on by global warming have resulted in billions of dollars spent on base repairs, such as $3.6 billion for Camp Lejeune following Hurricane Florence, which has severely hindered military readiness. As a soldier, I have been on the receiving end of Congress' decision about how to fund our military and I'm proud that today that we came together and passed a bipartisan bill that does our servicemembers justice, said Rep. Jason Crow. To be clear, this isn't a perfect bill, but it is the most progressive NDAA Congress has seen in a generation and advances many of Colorado's key priorities. With the inclusion of the MIRA Act, we are days away from signing into law bold action to address climate change at the Department of Defense. Climate change is a threat to our national security and I'm thrilled to have found common ground with my colleagues to address this urgent issue. After nearly 10 months of developing this year's NDAA, Crow's priorities included in the final conference report includes provisions to: Fighting for Servicemembers, Families, and Civilian Personnel Increase basic pay for servicemembers by 3.1 % - the largest increase in a decade. Implement paid parental leave for all federal employeesin the case of adoption, birth, or fostering to ensure that we are recruiting and retaining the best and brightest talent for government service. Protect servicemember-recipients of DACA or TPS from being involuntarily separated from the military and ensuring that the military service of non-citizen veterans in removal proceedings is considered before a determination is made on their cases. Repeal the Widow's Tax which unfairly reduced the annuity payments fallen servicemembers' spouses are entitled to receive. Improve the mental health care for servicemembers and families and increase the transparency of suicide prevention programs Address the DOD use of PFAS by: Banning the use of PFAS in fire fighting agents by 2024 and requiring the development of a safe alternative; Prohibiting the use of fire fighting agents that contain PFAS/PFOA when not necessary to respond to an actual emergency; and Mandating that DOD adheres to the strictest state drinking water standards. Impose reforms to military family housing through: Establishing landlord responsibilities and tenants' rights; Increasing transparency through the creation of a public database for military housing complaints; Authorizing an additional $140.8 million to hire more civilian personnel to conduct oversight and address management concerns. Making DOD More Efficient and Resilient to Climate Change Include Rep. Crow's Military Installation Resilience Assuredness (MIRA) Act (H.R.3041) which requires major military installations plan for climate change when drafting master plans by identifying vulnerabilities and plans to address them. Provide $100 million for the Readiness and Environmental Protection Initiative (REPI) to continue land conservation and community cooperation efforts across the country, mirroring the gold-standard set by the work at Buckley Air Force Base. Leading in Space Maintain the schedule and scope for National Security Space Launch (NSSL) to ensure the U.S. maintains guaranteed access to space to support global operations. Rep. Crow was joined by Rep. Lamborn (R-CO) in fighting to ensure fair competition throughout the NSSL process. Create the U.S. Space Force as a sixth Armed Service of the U.S. under the Department of the Air Force, in recognition of burgeoning importance of space as a warfighting domain. Standing by Allies and Partners Provide an additional 4,000 Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for Afghan partners whose service to the U.S. has put them and their families in grave danger. Reaffirm our commitment to NATO allies by emphasizing the importance of the alliance and prohibiting funds from being used to withdraw. Protecting U.S. National Security Improve U.S. engagement in the Middle East by: Increasing oversight of military operations in Iraq and Syria. Imposing sanctions against the Assad regime for its gross human rights violations against its own population. Enhancing Congressional oversight of the conflict in Afghanistan. Holding Saudi Arabia accountable for human rights violations in Yemen and for the murder of Jamal Kashoggi. Confront Russian aggression by: Countering Russian influence and election interference efforts. Providing $300 million in security assistance to assist our Ukrainian allies in defending against ongoing Russian aggression.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lamborn.house.gov/media/press-releases/big-wins-pikes-peak-region-ndaa,Big Wins for the Pikes Peak Region in NDAA,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Doug Lamborn,L000564,lamborn.house.gov,,,legacy,"Contact: Cassandra Sebastian (719) 520-0055 Washington, D.C.- Today, the House of Representatives passed S. 1790, the Conference Report for Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, by a vote of 377-48. Congressman Doug Lamborn, Ranking Member of the Readiness Subcommittee, served as a core conferee to the Conference Committee again this year and was one of the Members, Senators, and staff negotiating the final language of the bill. He issued the following statement upon passage: ""I was happy to vote YES for the FY20 NDAA conference report. This is a very solid defense bill which strengthens our national defense, continues to rebuild and modernize our forces, and improves the quality of life for our wonderful men and women in uniform and their families. ""Like many of my colleagues, I couldn't vote for the bill when it passed on the House floor because the large amount of partisan nonsense jammed into it which had nothing to do with defense. However, after a tough and lengthy negotiation process between the House, Senate, and White House, this conference report now represents a pro-defense bill that will massively improve our military's ability to deter, confront, and defeat current and future threats. ""I was especially pleased to include the 3.1% pay raise for our troops: the largest in a decade. Equally important to me were the reforms and fixes to the privatized Military Family Housing program we enacted in the Readiness Subcommittee. With our brave soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and their noble families occupied with years of sacrifice in service to our nation, the last thing they deserve is having their homes serve as a point of stress and discomfort rather than a sanctuary where they may relax and nurture a family. To this end, we have enacted reforms to this program by establishing a Tenants' Bill of Rights, requiring each of the military departments to develop a formal dispute resolution process, reinforcing Government oversight, and requiring new quality control measures for repairs and mold remediation. ""Additionally, the $148 million authorized to begin construction of the Combine Space Operations Facility at Schriever Air Force Base in FY20 will serve as the beating heart our nation's space warfighting enterprise. Most significantly, this bill creates the United States Space Force-the first time since 1947 that our nation has created a new military Service. This new Service, designed to maintain America's dominance in space, will be carved out of Air Force Space Command. With U.S. Space Command established in Colorado Springs earlier this year, and the bulk of the Space Force personnel currently serving on Peterson and Schriever Air Force Bases, this NDAA solidifies our community's position as the premier defense space community of the United States. ""I was not simply comfortable voting yes for this defense bill-I was eager to vote for its passage and look forward to the exciting implications it has for the PikesPeak region."" A full summary of the conference report can be found here. The House GOP's summary can be found here. The full language of the conference report can be found here. $738 billion base + OCO $5.3 billion for emergency MILCON funding natural disaster relief $743.3 billion total Military Construction for Pike's Peak Region: $148 million: Combined Space Operations Facility (CSOF) on Schriever AFB $54 million: SOCNORTH on Peterson AFB $49 million: cadet prep dormitories on USAFA $71 million: company operations facilities on Fort Carson 3.1% pay raise for troops; includes special pay and bonuses Privatized Military Family Housing provisions includes: Establishment of a Tenant Bill of Rights that sets minimum acceptable livability standards Requirement for better communication between Services, providers, and tenants Addresses establishment of a formal dispute resolution process Bans the use of non-disclosure agreements as a condition of moving out of military housing Enhances protections against reprisal. Doubling licensure reimbursement for military spouses Inclusion of Widow's Tax removal Full funding of nuclear modernization Prohibition on transferring GTMO detainees to the U.S. The NDAA addresses DOD PFAS contamination by: Prohibiting non-emergency use of fire-fighting foams containing PFOS and PFOA; Requiring DOD to accelerate fielding a PFAS-free replacement; Allowing National Guard units to access DOD environmental funds; and Requiring expedited cooperative agreements with states.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lamborn.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-lamborn-opposes-articles-impeachment,Congressman Lamborn Opposes Articles of Impeachment,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Doug Lamborn,L000564,lamborn.house.gov,,,legacy,"""The announcement of articles of impeachment by Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats is a continuation of a baseless witch hunt, which started only days after the President's inauguration. This impeachment investigation has followed no precedent and has moved with haste as Democrats attempt to impeach the duly elected President eleven months before an election. Impeachment should be the most serious constitutional process, but yet Democrats have continually made a mockery of it and our constitution. Democrats have failed to produce any evidence that President Trump engaged in bribery, extortion, or any other high crimes or misdemeanors. Despite the facts, Speaker Pelosi, Chairman Schiff, and Chairman Nadler continue their agenda-driven abuse of power. This is a shameful time in the history of the House of Representatives. I will strongly oppose these articles of impeachment.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://perlmutter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4743,Perlmutter’s Amendment for Rocky Flats Workers Included in FY20 National Defense Authorization Act,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Ed Perlmutter,P000593,perlmutter.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) applauded the passage of the FY 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bipartisan, bicameral legislation includes several priorities important to Colorado such as providing all federal employees with 12 weeks paid parental leave, key provisions to support our men and women in uniform such as a 3.1% pay raise for the military, improvements to military family housing, and a repeal of the existing law requiring military surviving spouses to forfeit all or part of their military Survivor Benefit Plan annuity (commonly known as the SPB/DIC offset). Important to the 7th Congressional District is Perlmutter's amendment on behalf of Rocky Flats workers and other Cold War patriots to improve the Energy Employees Occupational Illness and Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA). It was previously included as part of the NDAA passed by the U.S. House in July and was successfully included in the final NDAA package announced this week. Perlmutter helped create the Advisory Board on Toxic Substances and Worker Health in 2015 to reduce red tape faced by workers seeking compensation for illnesses developed as a direct result of their jobs. The Advisory Board, comprised of scientists, medical professionals and former nuclear weapons workers, has improved transparency and made several recommendations to improve the administration of the program. Perlmutter's amendment makes several adjustments to better empower the Advisory Board, improve the claims process for workers, and expand transparency at the Department of Labor.It would also reauthorize the Office of the Ombudsman which serves as a key advocate for former nuclear weapons workers, which expired in October. These workers risked their lives to protect our nation and helped end the Cold War. We owe these patriots the compensation and care they need and deserve as they deal with the health consequences and other side effects related to their service to our country, said Perlmutter. During the Cold War, approximately 600,000 Americans were employed at atomic weapons program facilities in the U.S., including thousands of workers at the former Rocky Flats plant in Colorado. Many of these workers were unknowingly exposed to radioactive and toxic substances, and as a result, developed debilitating and often terminal illnesses. These workers are due compensation and medical benefits under EEOICPA; however, the law has been riddled with procedural inconsistencies and delays, preventing workers from successfully submitting their claims and receiving their hard-earned benefits. In addition, the FY20 NDAA also requires the Department of Defense to assess current climate vulnerabilities and develop a comprehensive risk mitigation plan. The bill importantlymandates phasing out perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFAS, in military firefighting foam, which has caused problems with contamination at places like Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colo. The bill is expected to be passed by the U.S. Senate next week and signed into law by President Trump. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=44C308E1-E2CA-4A90-B7E4-4C84B6F0A557,Bennet Statement on Court Ruling Against the President Raiding Military Funding for Border Wall,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,CO,Michael Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet released the following statement after the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas ruled yesterday against the Trump Administration's decision to transfer funds appropriated to 127 U.S. military construction projects, including at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, to build the president's costly, ineffective border wall: The court's ruling reaffirms what Democrats and many Republicans have said all along: President Trump's decision to raid Congressionally appropriated funding for military construction projects to fulfill his ridiculous campaign promise is not only short-sighted, but also unconstitutional. The Department of Defense identified these projects, including the Space Control Facility at Peterson Air Force Base, as critical to military readiness. We will not stand by as this president abuses his power in an attempt to circumvent Congress, flout the rule of law, and undermine our national security.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-and-bipartisan-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-help-prevent-suicides,Gardner and Bipartisan Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Help Prevent Suicides,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Cory Gardner,G000562,www.gardner.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. In an effort to curb the rising suicide rate across the country, U.S. Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Doug Jones (D-AL), and Angus King (I-ME) introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Effective Suicide Screening and Assessment in the Emergency Department Act of 2019. The legislation establishes a grant program to improve suicide screening and prevention practices in emergency departments with a focus on increasing identification, assessment, and treatment of patients who are at risk for suicide. U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Eliot Engel (D-NY) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. More than 50,000 visits to Colorado emergency rooms in the last three years were due to a mental health crisis, said Senator Gardner. Data shows that around 40 percent of people who die by suicide visited an emergency department in the year leading up to their death. This bipartisan legislation will help emergency department professionals identify and treat patients with a high risk of suicide, improving prevention. It will also help recruit behavioral health professionals and develop innovative solutions for suicide prevention, through tools like telehealth, which will help provide critical mental health support for rural and underserved areas. This bill addresses a prominent need equipping Alaska emergency departments with the tools needed to assess for and treat suicidal patients, as well as strengthening connections to follow up care. As Alaska continues to face one of the highest rates of suicide in the country, additional resources dedicated to implementing suicide prevention programs in our emergency rooms can go a long way. Programs that include assessments, treatment, and care coordination can make a tremendous impact in our state, said Senator Murkowski. Our hearts break for those thinking about suicide or seeking to take their own life, and it's critical that we take every step we can to provide help before it is too late. On average, someone dies by suicide every 10 hours in Alabama. We need all hands on deck to save lives and confront this tragic epidemic. This bill will help hospital emergency rooms better identify people who are at risk for suicide and make sure they have the care they need after they are discharged from the hospital, said Senator Jones. The bill authorizes $20 million for Fiscal Year 2020 through 2024 for the new grant program with preference given to critical access hospitals, sole community hospitals, tribally operated hospitals, or sites located in geographic areas with suicide rates higher than the national rate. The bill text is available here. Senator Gardner has made it a priority to address rising suicide rates in Colorado and across the nation: ### Cory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-honors-senator-johnny-isaksons-distinguished-career-on-senate-floor,Gardner Honors Senator Johnny Isakson’s Distinguished Career on Senate Floor,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Cory Gardner,G000562,www.gardner.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) spoke on the floor of the United States Senate today in honor of Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA), who announced he would leave the Senate at the end of the year due to health complications. NOTE: Click here or the picture above to view Senator Gardner's remarks. Anyone who has ever worked with Johnny knows him as a kind, thoughtful, and compassionate colleague, said Senator Gardner. I wish Johnny and his wife Dianne the best as they get ready to begin a new chapter in their lives. I know they're looking forward to having more time to spend with their three children and eight grandchildren, but we are very grateful for Johnny's time and his service in the United States Senate, for all of his work to take care of our nation's veterans, and for the quality of person that he is. Remarks as delivered: Mr. President, I want to agree with my colleague from Alabama, Senator Jones. Now Senator Jones and I haven't been here as long as some of our other colleagues have been, but I think it's probably fair to say that when Senator Jones and I have a colleague who is departing or the presiding officer has a colleague who's departing, there's one day of farewell, maybe there's an hour window where we can come to the floor or a reception in the Mansfield room to say thank you. I think it's fair to say that I've been in line for a long time to get to this day to say thank you to Johnny Isakson, as has my colleague Senator Jones. These tributes started when you first announced that you would be retiring from the Senate, and it is very fitting that they continue through this day because of the work that you have pursued, the accomplishments that you have made, but also the humanity that rests in your heart. All of us are better off because of your work, knowing you, and I hope that a little bit of Johnny Isakson rubs off on all of us that we can be here today knowing that we're a better institution, better leaders, better public servants because of your model. Johnny Isakson, Senator Isakson, has done a lot of things that have been discussed on the Senate floor, so I don't know how much I can add but I'm going to add a few I think to the kind words that have been said. You know, so many people have said such great things, the first time that you and I had an opportunity to really work together though, was something that will benefit generations of Coloradans. And that was the VA Hospital in Colorado something that may have shaved off some of the patience that Senator Isakson has, seemed to be unending patience at times, this one though, I'm sure, took a little bit of a toll. Frustration with a very crazy collapse of a VA facility that had taken over a decade and hundreds of millions of dollars to complete. A project that started out in the nineties that didn't get done until about a year ago or so. A project that started out at $300 million that ended up at over two billion dollars. But through it all, you were mindful of a very simple purpose, Senator Isakson was mindful of a very simple purpose, and that is that this facility is to benefit the veterans who have given so much to this country. And the first thing you said to me, that Senator Isakson said to me, was that don't worry, we're going to get this done, and we're going to make reforms so that this never happens again. Under Senator Isakson's leadership, we've seen changes at the VA and we've also seen changes about how new facilities are going to be completed and built so that we can avoid the kinds of mistakes that led to the delays in Colorado. But ultimately, Senator Isakson knew that this would be the crown jewel in the Rocky Mountain region for veteran service and veteran care. And that's exactly what it continues to do, and we have Senator Isakson to thank for the completion of that and the time on task it took to get the job done. Senator Isakson held a field hearing in Aurora, Colorado with I think at the time the undersecretary Sloan Gibson to find out what had happened, why the delays occurred and then to fix it and to hold the people who were responsible for the delays accountable. That's the kind of leadership that Senator Isakson provided. And you know throughout that process, Senator Isakson, I think I threatened to rename the colonoscopy unit after a couple of people. But to you, we should name the town after you for the work you did to complete that facility. I remember the first time I gave him a little bit of a treat from Colorado to thank him for his work. It was a box of Enstrom toffee, a family company in Western Colorado. It's a pretty incredible treat and I gave it to him thinking that he'd never had this before and he looks at it and he says, Oh, Enstrom toffee, I love this stuff. I used to give this out to my clients when I was in real estate. And so I couldn't even surprise him with what I thought was a very special Colorado treat. Johnny is the kind of person that has the ability to cut through a problem, to cut through the smoke, to cut through the haze and the fog of a challenge and to go right to the merits of it and to be able to very concisely riff on any issue at a moment's notice and cut to the heart of a problem, and to provide a solution to that problem and to that challenge. So you know the old saying goes, you're known by the company you keep. And you look around this chamber, and you see the people who came to pay their thanks to Senator Isakson. It was pretty good company. And you've done such great things for Georgia, for this country, I can't thank you enough, Senator Isakson enough, for his leadership for helping us all out in Colorado and making this country a better place. Senator Isakson, thank you for all that you have done. I yield the floor. ### Cory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-measure-to-provide-substantial-funding-for-rural-broadband-clears-senate-committee,Gardner Measure to Provide Substantial Funding for Rural Broadband Clears Senate Committee,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Cory Gardner,G000562,www.gardner.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation passed a measure authored by U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) to provide potentially billions to expand access to broadband in rural areas. By approving this legislation, the Senate Commerce Committee took a great step toward bridging the divide between urban and rural Colorado, said Senator Gardner. My proposal would ensure that at least 10 percent of the proceeds from a sale of C-band spectrum would be allocated for rural buildout in unserved and underserved areas throughout Colorado and the country. Gardner's measure was included in S. 2881, the 5G Spectrum Act, which was approved by the Senate Commerce Committee. The measure requires 10 percent of all of the proceeds from the C-Band spectrum auction in the bill to go directly to wireless broadband infrastructure buildout in unserved and underserved areas throughout rural communities across the country. Gardner first proposed the idea of a rural dividend provision in 2017 with his legislation known as the Advancing Innovation and Reinvigorating Widespread Access to Viable Electromagnetic Spectrum (AIRWAVES) Act, under which 10 percent of proceeds from spectrum auctions would be devoted to increasing broadband access in rural areas. Gardner's efforts to expand broadband deployment in rural Colorado include: In August, Gardner introduced the bipartisan TOWER Infrastructure Deployment Act with Senator Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), which requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to improve and streamline workforce development programs to prepare for next-generation communications infrastructure. In July, Gardner introduced the bipartisan AIRWAVES Act with Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH), which could provide roughly $6.5 billion to expand broadband access in rural areas. In May, Gardner introduced the bipartisan Map Improvement Act of 2019 with Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) to update broadband deployment maps so federal funding will go where it is needed most. In March, Gardner introduced bipartisan legislation to expand wireless internet to school buses, which would help students in rural areas who have long commutes and may not have broadband internet at home. ### Cory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardners-bill-to-determine-if-russia-is-a-state-sponsor-of-terrorism-passes-foreign-relations-committee,Gardner’s Bill to Determine if Russia is a State Sponsor of Terrorism Passes Foreign Relations Committee,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Cory Gardner,G000562,www.gardner.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Cory Gardner's (R-CO) legislation to determine if Russia is a state sponsor of terror was approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committeetoday. The legislation, the Stopping Malign Activities from Russian Terrorism (SMART) Act,requires the State Department to determine within 90 days and report to Congress whether the Russian Federation meets the criteria under U.S. law to be designated as a State Sponsor of Terrorism. This designation is made by the Secretary of State for countries that have repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism and currently includes North Korea,Iran, Syria, and Sudan. According to the State Department, sanctions resulting from designation under these authorities include restrictions on U.S. foreign assistance; a ban on defense exports and sales; certain controls over exports of dual use items; and miscellaneous financial and other restrictions. Vladimir Putin continues to try to cause grievous harm to international peace and stability, and I'm pleased today the Senate Foreign Relations Committee advanced my critical legislation directing the State Department to consider naming Russia what they are a state sponsor of terror,said Senator Gardner.Putin's Russia has invaded its neighbors Georgia and Ukraine, supports the murderous regime of Bashar al-Assad and many of our adversaries around the globe, and is engaged in election meddling and active information warfare against Western democracies. Russia is also directly responsible for heinous terrorist actions, such as the downing of Malaysia Flight 17 over Ukraine in 2014 that killed 298 people, including an American citizen, and the chemical weapons attacks in United Kingdom in 2018 that killed two people, including a British citizen. Unless Russia fundamentally changes its behavior, we must not repeat the mistakes of past Administrations of trying to normalize relations with a nation that continues to pose a serious threat to the United States and our allies. ReadSenator Gardner's Op-ed in the New York Timeson why the State Department should support designating Russia as a State Sponsor of Terrorism. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved other Gardner-backed legislation today, including: S.J.RES.4, the Kaine-Gardner joint resolution requiring the advice and consent of the Senate or an Act of Congress to suspend, terminate, or withdraw the United States from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). In April, the Senators authored anopinion editorialin theAtlanticcommemorating the 70thanniversary of NATO. S.RES.152, a resolution expressing the importance of the United States alliance with the Republic of Korea and the contributions of Korean Americans in the United States, which reinforces the importance of the Gardner-authored Asia Reassurance Initiative Act of 2018; S.1830, bipartisan legislation to enhance energy security in Europe, including reducing energy dependence on Russia and expediting approval of exportation of U.S. natural gas to U.S. allies; and S.2641, bipartisan legislation that will promote stability in Syria and impose additional sanctions against Turkey, among other provisions. ### Cory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-committee-approves-gardners-9-8-8-suicide-hotline-bill,Senate Committee Approves Gardner’s 9-8-8 Suicide Hotline Bill,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,CO,Cory Gardner,G000562,www.gardner.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today the SenateCommittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportationpassed U.S. Senator Cory Gardner's (R-CO) bipartisan bill to designate 9-8-8 as the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline. Gardner's National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, S. 2661, designates 9-8-8 as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which would include the Veterans Crisis Line for veteran-specific mental health support. The current National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Veterans Crisis line are 10-digits long, which is a barrier to Americans in crisis seeking support. The language that cleared the Senate Commerce Committee included a report to improve support services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) youth and other high risk populations. NOTE:Clickhereor the picture above to view Senator Gardner's remarks. Suicide has tragically impacted too many families in Colorado,said Senator Gardner.This easy-to-remember number would make it easier for Americans dealing with a mental health crisis to receive life-saving support. With the Senate Commerce Committee's approval today, this bipartisan bill to create a three-digit suicide hotline became one step closer to becoming reality. I will continue to push Congress to create this three-digit hotline, because too many people are suffering and don't know where to turn to for help. ""Today, the Senate Commerce Committee took an important step to advance suicide prevention resources for all Americans with the markup of S. 2661. The Trevor Project is especially encouraged by the inclusion of language requiring the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to create a distinct plan for LGBTQ youth who are disproportionately impacted by the suicide crisis in the U.S. to access specialized service through the Lifeline. We thank Senators Gardner and Baldwin for listening to the voices of LGBTQ Americans, and look forward to working with SAMHSA to strengthen the Lifeline for the future.""said Sam Brinton, Head of Advocacy and Government Affairs for The Trevor Project. Gardner introduced this bipartisan legislationwith Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Jack Reed (D-RI). Background: In 2018, Gardner voted for the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act, which directed the Federal Communications Commission to evaluate using a three-digit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This August, the FCC released theirreport, which found that a national three-digit line would improve suicide prevention and recommended a simple number that Americans could dial in times of crisis: 9-8-8. In October, Senators Gardner, Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Jerry Moran (R-KS), and Jack Reed (D-RI) introduced S. 2661, theNational Suicide Hotline Designation Act, which designates 9-8-8 for a national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline and ensures states have the flexibility to strengthen local crisis call centers. The bill ensures states are able to collect fees for the line, similar to the way they do for the 911 emergency line, and requires reports to Congress to help ensure effectiveness and operability of the line. Nearly 50 mental health organizations and veterans supportorganizations announced their support and urged Congress to pass the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act. At a press conferencein November with Senator Gardner, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai announced the FCC will consider establishing 9-8-8 as the national suicide prevention hotline at their meeting on December 12, 2019. ### Cory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z