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://comer.house.gov/2021/12/communities-come-together-in-tornado-aftermath,Communities Come Together in Tornado Aftermath,2021-12-28,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,KY,James Comer,C001108,comer.house.gov,comer,https://comer.house.gov/media,scraper,"In the wake of the devastating tornados which recently hit parts of western and central Kentucky, our commonwealth’s resiliency has been tested like never before. But after a natural disaster that killed 77 Kentuckians, destroyed countless homes and wiped out entire communities, caring citizens have responded with unbelievable compassion. Private charities and individuals have been on the ground cleaning up debris and providing warm meals, in addition to supplying financial and material assistance. Various Kentucky school districts have sent school buses full of supplies to affected communities. And Americans from coast to coast have contributed monetarily to the relief and cleanup efforts. In the very communities affected by the storm, unsung heroes have stepped up to help their friends and neighbors. First responders have pulled bodies out of rubble. Electric crews have pulled long hours restoring power to residents. And many people have volunteered by setting up relief funds, coordinating local donation centers, and much more. All of these efforts have been essential to getting communities back on their feet, and represent the very best that America has to offer. In terms of size and volume, this tornado was unlike anything we’ve ever seen. After touring damaged sites all over the 1st Congressional District, I’m heartbroken to see such devastation hit so many our small towns. I’m thankful to all the local leaders and concerned citizens who are working tirelessly to restore the beauty of their communities. I am committed to using my office as a resource for anyone in need of assistance from the federal government for cleanup and relief efforts. While the work of private charitable organizations and community leaders have been instrumental, there are also government disaster assistance programs to help those in need. The White House has approved a major disaster declaration for 14 Kentucky counties, making these areas eligible for federal aid programs designed to cover basic needs not covered by private insurance. This can include rental payments for temporary housing, home repairs, low-interest loans (for losses not fully covered by insurance), counseling, farm assistance, and more. For more information on these various programs available, as well as how people can access them, you can visit my website resource page at comer.house.gov/tornados. Please do not hesitate to also call my office if we can answer any questions. We will never forget the 77 Kentuckians lost to such grave tragedy. Gone but not forgotten, their families remain in my thoughts and prayers as they navigate such tremendous loss. Likewise, the communities affected by this disaster will remain at the top of our hearts and minds as we conclude a year that is unfortunately ending on a sad note. But even in the wake of such devastation, we can be inspired by the resilience that Kentuckians have shown to help their friends and neighbors - and come together to rebuild all that was lost. Rep. James Comer is a United States Congressman for the 1st Congressional District, which spans from south central Kentucky to the river counties of far western Kentucky. Contact him with any questions or concerns in his Washington D.C. office at (202) 225-3115, in the Tompkinsville Office at (270) 487-9509, in the Paducah Office at (270) 408-1865, or schedule an appointment in the Madisonville Office by calling (270) 487-9509.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=9C81807A-19D9-439F-9708-50C1DC32AABA,McConnell and Comer Help Secure Over $3.3 Million for Paducah-McCracken County Riverport Improvements,2021-12-22,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Representative James Comer (KY-01) announced today the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will distribute $3,320,000 to the Paducah-McCracken County Riverport Authority (PMCRA) to fund infrastructure improvements at the Paducah-McCracken County Riverport. DOT distributed these funds through their Port Infrastructure Development Program’s competitive grant process. Senator McConnell and Representative Comer wrote letters to the U.S. Secretary of Transportation in support of PMCRA’s grant application. PMCRA will use the funds allocated through this grant to modernize the Paducah-McCracken County Riverport’s material handling equipment, repair damaged facilities, and upgrade site conditions at their bulk yard. These upgrades will ensure reliable throughput for agriculture and construction supply chains, bolstering economic development in the quad-state area. “The Paducah-McCracken County Riverport is one of the most important transportation hubs in all of Kentucky. Situated at the heart of America’s inland waterway system, the port forms a vital link in the supply chains that serve consumers and businesses across the Commonwealth. It is more important than ever to be able to move much-needed materials in and out of our state efficiently,” said Senator McConnell. “Today’s grant announcement is a major step forward in the modernization and improvement of Kentucky’s river infrastructure. I was proud to stand alongside Congressman Comer and the Paducah-McCracken County Riverport Authority in advocating for this grant’s approval.” “The Paducah-McCracken County riverport is vital to safely transporting the commodities America’s economy relies on. Given its strategic location and key role in the shipment of goods, Paducah is the perfect recipient of this competitive grant to improve economic development and inland waterway transportation in the United States,” said Congressman James Comer. “I’m eager to see this quality investment in Kentucky’s waterways get off the ground, and was happy to join Senator McConnell in successfully pushing for this funding.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=F00C6AD6-8591-47DD-B6E3-C53B74363344,McConnell: Democrats Have Little to Show for 11 Months Running Pandemic Response,2021-12-22,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"LOUISVILLE, KY – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement today regarding the Biden Administration and COVID-19: “Every American is rooting for our country in the continued fight against COVID-19. But 11 months into the Biden Administration, we need an honest accounting. “In 2020, then-candidate Biden promised he would ‘shut down the virus.’ Now new cases in our major cities are breaking records. When the virus had killed 220,000 Americans, then-candidate Biden said ‘anyone who’s responsible for that many deaths should not remain as President of the United States.’ Now we have lost 800,000 and counting. “Last week, Vice President Harris said their Administration was surprised and caught off guard by new variants such as delta and omicron. But new variants were public knowledge before this Administration took office. “Democrats’ springtime ‘rescue plan’ spent just 9% on the health fight and 91% on other issues. The Biden Administration has also taken hundreds of millions of dollars from COVID testing and the Strategic National Stockpile and diverted it to their border crisis. “As a result, eleven months into this Administration, we are still woefully short on rapid and affordable testing. Americans seeking tests before the holidays are facing massive lines and empty shelves. “Eleven months in, we are still short on important treatments such as monoclonal antibodies. “Eleven months in, a promising new antiviral pill was only belatedly approved today by the FDA and the Biden Administration preordered too little, too late. “Eleven months in, with a predictable seasonal surge threatening hospitals, the Administration has inexplicably only just begun releasing funding that Congress set aside for health providers. “Months ago, Senate Republicans wrote the Biden Administration asking why they were limiting important treatments and if they had any plans to guard against future variants. They never responded. “Washington Democrats spent 2021 chasing unrelated far-left ambitions and largely sleepwalking through the pandemic. “A million Americans per day were getting vaccinated before President Biden took office. What new tools have Democrats added to the fantastic vaccines they inherited? Where is their sequel to Operation Warp Speed? What do they have to show for 11 months? “I continue to urge everyone to take advantage of the safe and effective vaccines which the Biden Administration inherited. They offer fantastic protection against hospitalization and death. “At the same time, it is clear that vaccines will not completely halt transmission or new variants. “This makes it even more unacceptable that the Biden Administration is only producing illegal mandates and angry, confrontational speeches about vaccines. This Administration’s careless and confusing rhetoric has stoked an avoidable culture war around these lifesaving tools which they inherited. “The coronavirus will not simply disappear. Angry speeches about vaccines are not a strategy. “Democrats must quit the distractions, get focused, and move toward a future where the coronavirus is not a perpetual crisis, but a fact of life that we manage and mitigate. More and cheaper tests. More and better treatments. More vaccinations, but with unity, not bitter rhetoric. No more lockdowns. And no more Big Labor veto over children’s in-person educations.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-releases-2021-festivusreport-government-waste/,Dr. Rand Paul Releases 2021 ‘Festivus’Reporton Government Waste,2021-12-22,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,www.paul.senate.gov,paul,https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 22, 2021 Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), chairman of the Emerging Threats and Spending Oversight (ETSO) Subcommittee for the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC), released his 2021 “Festivus” Report, totaling over $52,598,515,585 billion in government waste. This marks Dr. Paul’s and the subcommittee’s seventh edition of the Festivus Report as he continues working to alert the American people to how their federal government uses their hard-earned money. Sections are broken down into COVID-19 spending, Afghanistan, and Miscellaneous. You can find Dr. Paul’s 2021 Festivus Report HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=2374FC54-6733-4A44-9EBD-E9E2EB0294F1,McConnell Helps Secure Over $115 Million in Pandemic Relief Funding for Kentucky Healthcare Providers,2021-12-20,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will distribute more than $115 million in pandemic relief funding to 897 Kentucky healthcare providers through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). These funds will be distributed as Phase 4 of the Provider Relief Fund, which was established through the bipartisan Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Senator McConnell secured a total of $178 billion for the Provider Relief Fund through several bipartisan COVID-19 relief packages he led to Senate passage last year. This September, the Senator also wrote a letter to the HHS Secretary advocating for Kentucky’s healthcare providers to receive these funds. Previously, this Administration had not released any of the allocated Provider Relief Fund despite its availability throughout 2021. Kentucky’s relief funding comes as part of a nationwide, $9 billion payment to more than 69,000 healthcare providers who have experienced revenue loss or expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The nationwide average payment is $58,000 for small providers, $289,000 for medium providers, and $1.7 million for large providers. “Nobody has felt the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as acutely as our healthcare providers, who have been on the front lines of this crisis since day one. Now, as many of these same heroes mobilize to assist with Kentucky’s tornado recovery efforts, they are also dealing with extensive pandemic-related expenses and revenue loss. Today’s relief funding announcement will go a long way toward easing that financial distress,” said Senator McConnell. “I was proud to lead several bipartisan COVID-19 relief bills to passage last year and help our healthcare providers receive the relief funding they need to survive. Kentucky and America simply cannot allow our healthcare providers to flounder while we still work to defeat the pandemic.” “These funds will help cover the heavy losses that Baptist Health has faced in treating more than 21,000 COVID-19 patients due to the significant costs of the additional medical supplies, drugs and manpower needed for effective treatment. We thank Sen. McConnell for his role in facilitating these much-needed funds,” said Dr. Gerard Colman, CEO of Baptist Health. “Owensboro Health is extremely appreciative of Senator McConnell’s ongoing efforts to empower health systems like ours as we meet the challenges of COVID-19,” Mark Marsh, Owensboro Health President and CEO, said. “This relief comes as we see an uptick in hospitalizations and prepare for another wave of the virus and new variants in our predominately rural service area.” “We are extremely grateful for the additional Provider Relief Funds that have been released to providers to help cover the additional costs incurred from caring for patients with COVID. Patients with COVID require longer stays and more intense resources, many needing additional therapies, ICU care, or a ventilator. Extra supplies and Personal Protective Equipment are also required to prevent spread to associates and other patients. Meanwhile, supply costs and staffing costs have increased significantly during the pandemic due to shortages nationwide and capacity is being strained at St. Elizabeth and all hospitals requiring many to cancel elective surgeries and procedures at various points during the pandemic. The Provider Relief Fund established through Senator McConnell’s CARES Act have been critical in helping St. Elizabeth sustain high quality operations throughout the pandemic. Since we are experiencing another surge and cases are not declining, the newly released funds will help us to continue providing excellent care to our community,” said Garren Colvin, President and CEO St. Elizabeth Healthcare.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://comer.house.gov/2021/12/comer,"Comer, Kentucky Delegation Honor Victims of Deadly Storms",2021-12-19,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,KY,James Comer,C001108,comer.house.gov,comer,https://comer.house.gov/media,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday evening, Congressman James Comer (KY-1) and Kentucky’s federal delegation in the U.S. House honored the victims of horrific tornadoes that swept through Kentucky in recent days. Following his remarks, Comer led the full House of Representatives in a moment of silence to pay tribute to the lives lost. You can view his full remarks here. Congressman Comer represents the region of Kentucky most impacted by Friday evening’s storms. Congressman Comer’s Full Remarks: “Madam Speaker, On behalf of all the citizens of West Kentucky, I want to thank everyone in America for the outpouring of support, the prayers, the financial support, the people who took off and traveled to West Kentucky to help remove debris and save people… The devastation there is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. And in talking to the media that’s all in Mayfield, Kentucky right now as we speak, it’s the worst damage they’ve ever seen from a tornado. But the people in West Kentucky are resilient. They have so much pride in their communities. Neighbor has helped neighbor, and that will continue. I ask, Madam Speaker, for a moment of silence on the House floor to remember the 74 citizens of Kentucky who perished in the terrible series of tornadoes that swept through our state this weekend.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=98CAA67D-9E16-4334-B9D2-81705FC39D24,$1.5M Federal Grant Funds New Return to Workforce Program,2021-12-16,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,KY,Harold Rogers,R000395,halrogers.house.gov,halrogers,https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"MANCHESTER, KY – U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers (KY-05) and Volunteers of America Mid-States announced the launch of a transformational workforce development program in eastern Kentucky supported by a highly competitive $1.5 million federal grant. Workforce Opportunities for Rural Communities (WORC) is a dynamic workforce development and training program that will change the lives of hundreds of eastern Kentucky residents, whose struggles with substance use has sidelined them from work. “For those in eastern Kentucky who have struggled with substance abuse and job displacement and believed they were hopeless and alone, this is a message that help is on the way,” said Jennifer Hancock, President and CEO of Volunteers of America. ""This partnership will help to transform lives.” Volunteers of America Mid-States will lead the partnership with Eastern Kentucky University, AdventHealth Manchester, Goodwill Industries and other community agencies to provide workforce case management, job training and supportive services to people in addiction recovery in Bell, Clay, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Leslie, McCreary and Whitley counties. Leaders from both organizations as well as Congressman Rogers and Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers marked the announcement at EKU’s Manchester campus. “As more people recover from substance use disorder in our region, this program will equip them with the skills and tools they need to take the next steps in their journey. Earning a paycheck helps build confidence and self-worth, reminding folks that they can be trusted again with the responsibilities of working to provide for themselves and their families,” said Congressman Rogers, a longtime champion in the fight against drug abuse. “This program is ultimately about restoring hope for families in our region, hope for recovery and hope for living an abundant, drug-free life.” The grant from the U.S. Department of Labor is for Workforce Opportunities for Rural Communities (WORC) and will support VOA’s recovery reintegration program to help move people from active addiction, to recovery, and back into the workforce. ""We are pleased to partner with Volunteers of America for this work that is so crucial to the long-term health of our region,” said EKU President, Dr. David McFaddin. “Recovery mixed with job opportunity gives people a present and future blueprint to success.’’ Over the grant’s three-year term, VOA expects to serve nearly 350 people whose challenges with substance use disorder have kept them from meaningful work. “When people recovering from addiction are ready to return to work, they are often at a loss for how to step back into the working world,“ said President Stivers. “The VOA and WORC partnership provides them the guidance and resources they need to be gainfully employed again. It’s a wonderful partnership.” Volunteers of America team member Sue Fox attended VOA’s Recovery Community Center and has worked both at the RCC and VOA’s Freedom house program. Fox said her experience shows that people can overcome years lost to substance use and can return to the workforce as healthy contributors to their communities. “This is the message and the work that so many people of different ages and backgrounds need,” Fox said. “That is my story – I am not alone.” About Volunteers of America: Volunteers of America Mid-States operates more than 40 programs across Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia and Clark and Floyd Counties in Indiana. VOA serves families overcoming homelessness, veterans in need of housing and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and many other individuals and families in need. Learn more at @voamid and www.voamid.org.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=4297A267-3E1E-4C68-BEC7-D2FFC98CE74A,McConnell Helps Secure $40 Million in Annual Funding for Kentucky Airports Over Five Years,2021-12-16,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will distribute $40 million annually to fifty-one Kentucky airports over the next five years. These funds are made available through the Airport Infrastructure Grants program, which was established in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act earlier this year. Senator McConnell supported the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and helped it pass the Senate this year. In total, the bipartisan bill allocated $25 billion to our nation’s airports, more of which will be distributed to Kentucky in the coming months. The funding announced today was allocated through a formula described in the legislation. “Kentucky’s airports don’t just connect our citizens to the rest of the country and the world; they also form a critical part of America’s supply chain. It is more important than ever that our airports have the funds needed to operate effectively,” said Senator McConnell. “I supported the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act earlier this year because of programs like this, which will help overhaul Kentucky’s transportation systems and revive our decaying roads, bridges, tunnels, railways, and river ports. This is just the kind of program Kentucky needs to compete in the 21st-century global economy.” “We appreciate the support of Senator McConnell for the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport,” said Dan Mann, Executive Director of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority. “This funding will go a long way in supporting the continued improvements at SDF including our $400 million terminal modernization program and on-going sustainability initiatives such as our geothermal project to reduce our carbon footprint. These improvements allow us to provide a better, more accessible experience for the traveling public and support the needs of our airline partners while maintaining SDF as a crucial link in the nation’s aerospace system.” “I am grateful for the hard work of Leader McConnell and many in Washington over these last several months to get the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act across the finish line. CVG will put more than $13 million per year to good use to lead the Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati region’s economy out of the pandemic, focusing on capital investments that will support good-paying jobs and improved passenger services,” said Candace McGraw, CEO of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=515E8CB4-DE74-4F36-ACFB-2235A323E76F,"Americans’ Christmas Wish: Stop the Reckless, Inflationary Far-Left Spending",2021-12-16,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding Democrats’ reckless tax and spending spree: “Two in three Americans want the federal government to ‘cut back on spending and printing money.’ “But our Democratic colleagues spent the last several months trying as hard as possible to do the opposite. “Washington Democrats have spent months trying to borrow, print, and spend trillions more dollars, right into the teeth of the worst inflation in almost 40 years. “They’ve sought to turn their monthly welfare entitlement with no work requirements from a temporary COVID measure into a permanent policy. Cash welfare with no work requirements, forever. “76 percent of Americans say these handouts haven’t helped their families at all, yet Democrats want to dump in many billions more. “Just step back and look at all the ways their left-wing wish list could hurt a young family in middle America. “First, they’d need to cross their fingers that the private or employer-sponsored insurance they chose to meet their family’s specific needs isn’t shoved off a cliff in Democrats’ latest lurch toward more socialized medicine. “And they’ll have to hope their war on the medical innovation sector doesn’t prevent the development of lifesaving cures their family might have relied on some years down the road. “Say the family’s got one or two young kids. Maybe their ideal arrangement is church-based daycare. They’d need to say a prayer their faith-based center isn’t sued and chased out of business thanks to Washington Democrats’ toddler takeover. “Their plan would give nothing to full-time parents, grandparent caregivers, nanny-shares, or neighborhood co-ops. It would push faith-based providers out of the public square by design. And it could inflate daycare costs by about $12,000 or $13,000 per child per year. “If Democrats get their way, let’s hope neither parent is one of the many Americans who work in our domestic energy sector. Our colleagues’ bill has a huge pile of new red tape aimed at putting their industry out of business. But no matter where they work, they’ll face inflated prices to heat their homes and fill up at the gas pump. “For all these bad ideas and many more, our colleagues wanted to spend trillions upon trillions more dollars right into the teeth of runaway inflation they have already caused. “Yesterday, we got indications the far left’s slapdash sprint may be hitting the pause button. “That would be great news for the American people. “The best Christmas gift Washington could give working families would be putting this bad bill on ice.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=E2180E9A-3CEC-442A-A810-1089BBD7D963,"Denied $4.9T Spending Spree, Democrats Call for Breaking the Senate and Packing the Court",2021-12-16,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding governing institutions: “As cracks keep forming in the Democrats’ reckless taxing and spending spree, some of our colleagues seemed to channel their frustration into even more radical attempts to attack our governing institutions. “In the span of a few hours, one Senate Democrat had renewed calls to ‘nuke’ the Senate and break the rules, and another published a national op-ed arguing that Democrats should attack the rule of law and pack the Supreme Court. “Two frontal assaults on two branches of government, proposed in the space of about two hours! “Entire generations of statesmen would have seen either one of those unhinged proposals as Armageddon for our institutions. Apparently, today’s Democrats try both at once and just call it Wednesday! “We’ve heard false claims that the Senate obeying our rules to address the debt limit somehow paves the way for radicals to break the rules. “And Madam President, I’d ask consent that an additional statement on that subject appear at a different place in the record. “So, look — we have discussed over and over again why Democrats will not be allowed to federalize our elections and lord over all 50 states like a self-appointed board of elections on steroids. “My colleagues across the aisle have pushed absurd bills that would do things like neuter Voter I.D. laws… make every state legalize ballot harvesting… turn the Federal Election Commission into a biased, partisan body… and even send taxpayer money to political campaigns. “It isn’t about quote-unquote ‘voting rights.’ It’s a naked power grab. “Democrats have been pushing the same kinds of bills for years, even as their stated justifications have changed wildly. When Republicans win elections or start polling well, Democrats and the media say our democracy badly broken, on death’s door and needs a radical overhaul. The answers presented are these policies. “When Democrats win elections, Democrats and the media say our democracy is sterling, beyond reproach, and just needs some modest safeguards to protect the status quo. But again, the answers presented are these policies. “Lately, their pretext has been demagogic attacks on reasonable state voting laws and proposals. If any state scraps any of the temporary pandemic procedures that Democrat operatives favor, the radical left says the sky is falling. “But outside the liberal bubble, nobody buys this nonsense. The country is not buying the hysteria. On Election Day last month, even in deep blue New York, voters rejected liberal ballot measures that would have liberalized no-excuse absentee voting and loosened up the rules on voter registration. “Not even blue New York wants these policies to weaken their elections. But some Democrats want to break the Senate and trash its rules to force these sorts of things on all 50 states? “It’s beyond absurd. “I understand my colleagues are frustrated they may not get to spend $4.9 trillion on their way out the door for Christmas. But believe me, lashing out at our democracy, at the Supreme Court, and at the Senate itself is not going to solve anything.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=F1A27B4D-CE25-4F0D-AA23-05BECBA22B13,McConnell Updates Senate on Kentucky Tornado Recovery,2021-12-16,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding the tornadoes in Western Kentucky: “Western Kentucky is still reeling from last weekend’s devastating storm. But support is rolling in from around the Commonwealth, our region, and the country. “Yesterday I spoke with the CEO of LifePoint Health. They operate ten hospitals in Kentucky including one in hard-hit Mayfield. “Miraculously, their Jackson Purchase Medical Center survived the tornado mostly intact. Now, it is offering much-needed medical services. “Nurses and doctors have worked day and night. “LifePoint Health shipped water tankers to their facility to bolster local supply. And the company has pledged $1 million to help Kentucky rebuild. “Across our region, individuals and companies are opening their hearts, homes, and wallets to help. “We’ve received important assistance from here in Washington as well. “Yesterday, the President announced the federal government will fund the entire cost of debris removal and emergency protective measures in the eight counties hardest hit by this storm for the next month. Local officials won’t need to worry about overstretched budgets. They can just focus on rebuilding. “My team and I are working hard to continue connecting Kentuckians with the resources they need. “I’ve set up a portal on my Senate office website to help my constituents access government assistance. It has a full list of services provided by our disaster response agencies. “Because of the federal government’s swift action in the past week, victims of these tornadoes can access housing assistance, legal aid, crisis counseling, and more. I recommend every impacted Kentuckian take advantage of these resources. My office is here to help you navigate. “I’ll travel back to Kentucky tomorrow to visit several of the communities that were hit hardest and meet with local leaders who are spearheading recovery efforts. “I’ll listen to their concerns and bring their stories back to Washington to ensure they get the help they need. “The scene on the ground in Western Kentucky is still devastating and discouraging. For far too many families, this Christmas will be tragically abnormal. “But we will continue to work together to provide Kentucky with the resources it needs to recover, bigger and better than before.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=93BB222F-ECB1-4F41-A155-CE0EB8C2783B,"Barr, Sherman, Spartz Introduce Bill to Pressure China, Allow U.S. Oversight of Audits",2021-12-15,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,KY,Andy Barr,B001282,barr.house.gov,barr,https://barr.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY), the ranking Republican on the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development and Monetary Policy, along with Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA), Chair of the Subcommittee on Investor Protection and Capital Markets, and Congresswoman Victoria Spartz (R-IN) introduced the Accelerating Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act –legislation that would increase accountability for the auditors of U.S.-listed foreign companies currently not subject to oversight by U.S. regulators. In 2020, Congress passed, and the President signed into law, the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act which prohibits the shares of foreign companies from continuing to be listed on U.S. exchanges if a company’s auditor is not overseen by the U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) for three years in a row. For over a decade, Chinese authorities have effectively blocked the PCAOB from conducting effective oversight of audit firms based in China and Hong Kong. However, these audit firms currently serve as the primary auditor for 191 companies publicly traded in the U.S. with a combined global market capitalization of $1.9 trillion. The Accelerating Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act would put additional pressure on China by requiring foreign auditors to allow PCAOB inspections or risk publicly traded companies being de-listed from U.S. exchanges if inspections do not happen after two consecutive years rather than three. This legislation serves as a House companion to S.2184, a bill introduced by Senators John Kennedy (R-LA) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) which passed the Senate on June 22, 2021. “This bill builds off of the bipartisan Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act to protect investors, ensure the integrity of financial statements and create a level playing field for issuers on U.S. exchanges,” said Congressman Barr, Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development and Monetary Policy. “I am pleased to join Reps. Sherman and Spartz in this effort to hold China accountable.” “The Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act may be the most significant piece of investor protection legislation passed in several years,” said Congressman Sherman. “It is designed to assure Financial Statement integrity of 191 U.S.-listed companies with over $1.9 trillion in market capitalization. The purpose is not to de-list any company, but to persuade China to allow the audit oversight that U.S. investors need, and the U.S. investors get when investing in all U.S. companies as well as companies in over 50 foreign jurisdictions.” “As someone who spent over a decade in public accounting and auditing, I understand and value the importance of investor protection and proper quality control of audits. It’s our responsibility to protect the public, and I am happy to co-lead a bipartisan, bicameral initiative to start leveling the playing field and increase accountability for Chinese companies listed on U.S. stock exchanges,” said Congresswoman Spartz. Text of the legislation is available here. ### Accelerating Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=353D34F5-14E6-486E-81AF-7B385CA504F1,Congressman Rogers Votes Against Debt Limit Increase,2021-12-15,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,KY,Harold Rogers,R000395,halrogers.house.gov,halrogers,https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC -- Washington Democrats voted to raise the nation's debt limit by $2.5 trillion to cover their irresponsible spending spree this year. U.S. Rep. Harold ""Hal"" Rogers (KY-05) voted against the legislation which will likely lead the nation to again reach the debt limit in 2023. ""My liberal colleagues are relentless in their pursuit to make the United States more indebted to China every day,"" said Congressman Rogers, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee. ""With Democrats in control of the White House, Senate and House of Representatives, we've experienced one crisis after another, including skyrocketing inflation, mass supply chain interruptions, record numbers of illegal immigrants flooding across the southern border, and historic spending. Washington Democrats are bypassing checks and balances at every turn, and increasing the debt limit without addressing spending is another step in the wrong direction. Taxpayers need fiscally responsible leaders on Capitol Hill, not a higher borrowing capacity."" The debt limit increase passed just as Washington Democrats are on the brink of adding a multi-trillion-dollar reconciliation bill without any regard for the nation's deficit or debt.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=521CBC38-BA20-4E47-A64B-0BFB69199433,Senate Passes McConnell’s NDAA Amendment to Support Democracy in Burma,2021-12-15,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) led the U.S. Senate to include his bipartisan Burma amendment in the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which passed the Senate and will now be sent to the president for his signature. Senator McConnell secured important provisions in this bipartisan amendment, which requires senior Administration officials to present to Congress within sixty days a strategy to impose costs on the military junta, legitimize representative organizations like the National Unity Government, restore democratic governance, and foster national reconciliation. The amendment was cosponsored by Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), Senator Todd Young (R-IN), Senator Lindsay Graham (R-SC), Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), and Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL). “Earlier this year, Burma’s illegitimate, unelected military junta launched a coup against the country’s democratically-elected government. I strongly condemn these actions, as well as the indiscriminate violence they continue to commit against civilians and the show trials they have launched against their political opposition. To address this crisis, I led a bipartisan effort to reaffirm American support for democracy in Burma through the NDAA process. I’m proud my amendment was included in the final NDAA bill that passed the Senate earlier today,” said Senator McConnell. “Restoring Burma’s democratic development will require the United States to pursue a comprehensive and coordinated strategy to keep meaningful pressure on the junta and secure international recognition for Burma’s true, democratically-elected government. This amendment will ensure our Administration articulates and then advances a real strategy to hold the regime accountable and support democratic actors like the National Unity Government.” “Senator McConnell has listened closely to our community and stood alongside us every step of the way as we work to restore democracy in Burma. This amendment is just the latest among a long list of actions Senator McConnell has taken to help Burma’s people,” said Jimmy Nyunt, a pro-democracy advocate from Burma who lives in Bowling Green, Kentucky. “The people of Burma have no greater advocate in Washington than Senator McConnell.” This bipartisan amendment requires senior officials from the State Department, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Treasury Department, and Defense Department to personally appear before Congress to provide a briefing on specific U.S. policy and security objectives in Burma, including: • An assessment of the impact of existing U.S. and international sanctions on Burma, as well as possible additional sanctions. • Efforts to support Burma’s National Unity Government and other democratic actors such as the Civil Disobedience Movement, while denying legitimacy to the country’s military junta. • Key objectives, including the restoration of democracy in Burma, the establishment of an inclusive and representative civilian government, the creation of a reformed military reflecting the diversity of the country and under civilian control, and the enactment of constitutional, political, and economic reforms. • Accountability for atrocities and human rights violations in Burma, genuine national reconciliation among the country’s ethnic groups, and the release of political prisoners. • A review of China and Russia’s strategic interests in Burma and any actions taken by these countries to support the junta, promote ethnic conflict, or undermine Burma’s sovereignty. Senator McConnell has a long record of support for Burma’s democracy. Over several decades, he has led multiple efforts to sanction the country’s military junta and worked closely with Burma’s pro-democracy advocates, particularly Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, to support the people of Burma. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=58A130D8-507D-419C-B690-0691648309AD,"Democrats’ Reckless Spree: Steep Costs, and Bad Policy, Too",2021-12-15,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding Democrats’ reckless tax and spending spree: “I described yesterday how inflation is hurting families across the country. “Since then, yet another key economic indicator has set an unfortunate record: In the last year, wholesale prices grew at their fastest pace on record. “Anyone with a shred of sense knows this is the absolute wrong time to unleash a multi-trillion-dollar taxing and spending spree. Every single day brings new evidence our Democratic colleagues should give the country a break. “But the cost of Washington Democrats’ latest obsession isn’t the only problem. The content of what they want to pass is just as bad. “We’ve known since the start of the COVID pandemic that Democrats saw it as an opportunity to transform American society. They’ve said so in public. “And the reckless taxing and spending spree they’re writing behind closed doors is a Trojan horse to let the radical left dictate intimate details to American families. “There’s a long list of policies inspired by the authors of the Green New Deal. A whole slew of new programs and mandates aimed at fitting the entire country’s systems for producing and consuming energy into a California-shaped box. “Special subsidies for expensive lifestyle choices like electric vehicles and electric bicycles. “New red tape to strangle the most reliable and affordable sources of American energy. “Subsidies for supply chains that China dominates, so America borrows in order to Build Back Beijing. “And don’t forget the so-called ‘Civilian Climate Corps.’ Just what we need at a time of inflation and labor shortages — a Potemkin make-work program for liberal activists. “Of course, Washington Democrats intend to grab greater control over the development of America’s young people long before they’re eligible for made-up green jobs. “Their spree contains a massive ‘Toddler Takeover’ that insults the diversity of American families and their aspirations. It only throws money at a subset of secular childcare centers that woke bureaucrats favor. “Forget faith-based options. Forget flexible, part-time arrangements. Forget being remotely fair to families with a parent at home. Democrats want to bring their inflation into childcare and make daycare more expensive, more inflexible, and more unfair. “And then there’s the latest offensive in a long campaign to restrict more of Americans’ healthcare choices. Democrats’ plan would mean more one-size-fits-all programs, more government control, a wet blanket over the world-leading innovation pipeline that creates new cures, and a further gamble with seniors’ Medicare when the trust fund is already in danger of insolvency. *** “Then there are the massive tax hikes our colleagues want to use to cover the bill. “All those radical changes, all those Big Government intrusions into family life, come paired with crushing tax hikes that would hit our country like a ton of bricks. “There are new surcharges on individual taxpayers. There are tax hikes for pass-through businesses. There’s a brand-new radical scheme to make American industries less competitive that Senate Democrats scribbled down with no hearings or committee process. “President Biden promised he wouldn’t raise taxes one penny on anybody making less than $400,000. But experts agree that Democrats’ tax hikes would break that promise. People with far less income would be affected. “For goodness’ sake, in 2022, their bill would give a bigger percentage tax cut to people making more than $1 million every year than to families that pull in between $75,000 and $100,000. “That’s according to the Joint Committee on Taxation. The average person who makes upwards of a million dollars gets a bigger tax break from Democrats’ bill than the average household that makes just under six figures. “In large part, that’s because of an absurdly expensive tax giveaway that Democrats want to hand out to benefit high income earners in blue states. Their ‘SALT’ policy would make the federal government subsidize the property tax bills of people with mansions who choose to live in high-tax states. “It’s an insane proposition, and it’s struggling to even earn support from Democrats’ rank-and-file. But their leaders from New York and California are obsessed with it. Go figure. *** “But SALT is only just the beginning of the gravy train this bill steers toward Democrats’ pet projects and causes. “There’s also a tax-code tweak that would create a special deduction for union dues while letting one for charitable contributions expire. “Another special incentive – to the tune of $10 billion – would help liberal colleges and universities indoctrinate students in new ‘environmental justice’ programs. “Still others would pour $29 billion into funding a ‘National Green Bank’… $2.5 billion into increasing ‘tree equity’… $1.67 billion to bail out news outlets…and an extra billion on top for ‘improving climate resilience’ of Pacific salmon. “And then, of course, there are the extra special ways Democrats want to use this bill to fulfill more personal, hometown priorities. “Speaker Pelosi didn’t end up getting to earmark millions of federal dollars for redeveloping a park in her district. “But she did secure one Congressman’s vote by upping the funding for a defunct regional commission that largely benefits his district by 13,000%. “That’s old-school vote buying, Mr. President. A slap in the face to taxpayers. “Our own colleague, the Democratic Leader, has pledged to ‘use all of [his] power’ to personally steer tens of billions of dollars toward a hometown New York City housing authority with a long and storied reputation of corruption, mismanagement, and scandal. “It’s hard to wrap your head around, Mr. President. That is, unless you subscribe to Washington Democrats’ apparent core principle: when the American people are footing the bill, the menu is all-you-can-spend.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=6636AA03-D7B8-40DD-8B7D-709528296721,Bipartisan Defense Legislation Will Bolster Kentucky and the Country,2021-12-15,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding the National Defense Authorization Act: “Today, the Senate will pass this year’s National Defense Authorization Act by a big, bipartisan margin. “I’ve talked for weeks about the importance of this legislation given the global threats and international challenges that face our nation — from China to Russia to the fight against terrorists in the Middle East. “But I will also be proud to vote for this bill because of the enormous impact it will have on my home state. “The proud servicemembers based in Kentucky play an outsized role in our national defense. “From deploying across the world, to fighting COVID-19 here at home, they do amazing work to keep America safe. In the past week, they have stepped up to provide critical support as Kentucky deals with the aftermath of devastating tornadoes. “Our Commonwealth’s heroes and their families deserve our full support and I am proud that this year’s National Defense Authorization Act delivers for them. “Nearly $1 billion for the Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives program that supports the chemical munitions destruction mission at the Blue Grass Army Depot. Robust funding to deter Russia in Europe, the mission of Fort Knox’s Fifth Corps Headquarters. “Continued investments in research and modernization that will guarantee our soldiers, including those at Fort Campbell, are prepared to counter emerging threats like China. “We’ve also built on our previous efforts to lift up Kentucky’s military families. The bill provides additional funding for modern, high-quality child care facilities, including $27 million for a new child care development center at Fort Knox. It authorizes an across-the-board 2.7% pay raise for our troops. “This bill is critically important to the servicemembers who make immense sacrifices to keep our nation safe. I am proud to support it and help cement the Commonwealth’s role as America’s most military-friendly state.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=90E740AC-8DFC-4BDC-B1D8-64D6D4ABA7E9,"Amid Devastation and Grief, Kentuckians Lighting Beacons of Hope",2021-12-15,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding the tornadoes in Western Kentucky: “In the aftermath of Western Kentucky’s devastating tornado outbreak, I’ve maintained close contact with state and local officials. My staff has been on the ground since the outset of this crisis, helping residents access federal resources and keeping me up-to-date with any developments. “Toward the end of the week, I will travel back to Kentucky to meet with my constituents and visit the areas affected. “The stories coming out of Kentucky are harrowing. But in recent days, we’ve also heard about the generosity, hard work, and hope that are helping our state recover. “Kentuckians desperately need help to rebuild. So our universities, normally bitter rivals on the court, are rallying together to raise money and gather supplies for relief efforts. “This Christmas is shaping up to be exceptionally difficult for children across Western Kentucky. So churches are organizing toy drives to help make the holidays a little bit brighter. “Western Kentucky community organizations are stretched to the limit. So businesses based in the Commonwealth, from distilleries, to car manufacturers, to insurance companies, have stepped up to donate millions. “Remarkable stories of survival and resiliency have trickled out of the disaster zone. “Last weekend’s storm destroyed much of First Christian Church in Mayfield, Kentucky. But the congregation discovered their communion table and altar cross fully intact while picking through the rubble. A symbol of hope and rebirth survived amid so much pain. “Across town, the Mayfield Health and Rehabilitation nursing home was physically devastated when it took a direct hit from the tornado on Friday night. But all seventy-four of the facility’s elderly residents survived with only minor injuries. As one staff member said, it was ‘truly a miracle.’ “And in Bremen, Kentucky, when a man visited the wreckage of his home on Saturday, he discovered his grand piano mostly undamaged despite the storm. Amid the surrounding devastation, he sat down to play and sing hymns. His songs, shared on social media, warmed the hearts of thousands. “These stories of hope have ricocheted across the Commonwealth, bringing smiles and strength to the communities that need them most. And they give me faith that Kentucky will recover from this crisis, stronger than ever.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=1C4583DB-5644-4218-9553-D8DA4E511438,"Barr, Hill, Huizenga, and Loudermilk Call on Gensler to Rescind Recent Guidance",2021-12-14,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,KY,Andy Barr,B001282,barr.house.gov,barr,https://barr.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Rep. Andy Barr (KY-06), Rep. French Hill (AR-02), Rep. Bill Huizenga (MI-02) and Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) today sent a letter to U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Gary Gensler urging the SEC to rescind recent staff guidance on shareholder proposals submitted to publicly traded companies. Following the SEC’s decision to rescind Staff Legal Bulletins (SLB) Nos. 14I, 14J, and 14K, and replace them with SLB 14L, the members expressed their concern that the new SLB falls outside of the Commission’s statutory authority, writing, “This is yet another example of the Commission pushing a progressive agenda on the shareholder process… The unelected staff of the SEC should not be the arbiters of social policy in our financial markets. The SEC has neither the statutory authority nor the expertise to make determinations about the issues of broad societal impact.” Reps. Barr, Hill, Huizenga and Loudermilk continued, “Another major flaw in this SLB is that it provides no objective process for how SEC staff will evaluate if a proposal is or is not socially significant… This opaque process will give staff enormous power to force companies to engage on social issues that have nothing to do with their business.” The members concluded, “We call on the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance to immediately rescind SLB 14L and reinstate SLB Nos. 14I, 14J, and 14K. It is inappropriate for the SEC to use staff guidance to go around the statutory rulemaking process under the Administrative Procedures Act while making major changes to the shareholder proposal process.” To read the full letter, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=53C82B79-54F2-4B7C-9DC8-06659FAA294B,Barr Votes Against Partisan Debt Ceiling Legislation,2021-12-14,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,KY,Andy Barr,B001282,barr.house.gov,barr,https://barr.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.– U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) released the following statement after the United States House of Representatives voted to raise the debt ceiling: “Democrats’ partisan efforts in the House to raise the debt ceiling epitomizes their misplaced belief that somehow we can tax, spend and borrow our way to prosperity. The truth of the matter is that when we raise the debt ceiling without reform, we make way for new spending that, in turn, not only threatens to bankrupt America but fuels the out-of-control inflation that has been ravaging poor and middle-class families for the entirety of this Administration’s tenure. The Congressional Budget Office only just recently confirmed what Republicans have been saying all along: Biden’s Build Back Broke agenda, with its gimmicks removed, doesn’t cost zero dollars as advertised. In fact, the CBO estimates BBB would introduce nearly $5 trillion in new spending in the long run which Democrats will happily dump into the lap of every American taxpayer and at the feet of our future generations. I proudly voted against this reckless measure that would add an astounding $2.5 trillion more to the national debt. Rest assured, I will continue to fight alongside my Republican colleagues against the Democrat effort to bankrupt America at the expense of the most vulnerable among us.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=DA6CBAB1-8B43-4CE2-9FC5-5F5C59F75D33,U.S. House Holds Moment of Silence for Kentucky Tornado Victims,2021-12-14,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,KY,Harold Rogers,R000395,halrogers.house.gov,halrogers,https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC -- On Tuesday night, U.S. Rep. Harold ""Hal"" Rogers joined his colleagues from Kentucky on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives for a moment of silence in memory of tornado victims in Kentucky and surrounding states who were impacted by deadly storms on December 10 and 11. ""In this moment of silence, I pray for God's divine peace and comfort to be with every family in Western Kentucky and those in neighboring states who tragically lost a loved one during severe storms over the weekend. May the Lord, strengthen search and rescue teams, first responders and our National Guard as they continue their heroic efforts. In the midst of storms of this magnitude, there are always unsung heroes and although we may never know every detail, we salute each person who risked their own life to save another,"" said Congressman Rogers, Dean of Kentucky's Congressional Delegation. ""The people of Eastern Kentucky know all too well, the pain and heartache of unexpected deadly storms, but we also know the blessing of compassion and hope that floods in during recovery efforts. As donation drives and volunteer crews begin to help our friends in Western Kentucky, it is my prayer that hope shines across this Commonwealth."" ""I was proud to join Kentucky's congressional delegation in support of the Governor's federal request for emergency assistance and I stand ready help our neighbors in the days ahead,"" Rogers continued. On Sunday, President Biden approved Governor Beshear's request for an expedited major disaster declaration, with full support from Kentucky's Congressional delegation. Congressman Rogers applauds the rapid federal response, including FEMA teams that have already deployed to Kentucky. Click here to watch as Members of the U.S. House of Representatives hold a moment of silence in memory of Kentucky tornado victims. December 14, 2021 - U.S. House held a moment of silence in memory of Kentucky tornado victims U.S. House Members from Kentucky led a moment of silence for Kentucky tornado victims",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=4DC9A980-7CE3-4DCB-8E21-077A44AF0314,"McConnell Continues to Work with Local, Federal Agencies to Provide Kentucky Tornado Relief",2021-12-14,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding the tornadoes in Western Kentucky: “Kentucky is working to recover from the deadly storms and tornadoes. Each day brings new challenges. “Tens of thousands are still dealing with water, gas, or power outages. Families are in shock and grief over the loss of loved ones. “Rebuilding the areas of Kentucky leveled by this storm will take months, if not years, to complete. “Amid this pain, though, bright lights of hope shine through. In the face of tragedy, Kentuckians are still as strong and as generous as we’ve always been. “Yesterday I spoke with the Taylor County Judge-Executive. He told me that seventy families in his county had lost their homes in the storm. Emergency responders made shelters available — but folks were quickly taken in by family, friends, or neighbors. “That’s just the kind of people we have in Kentucky. “In Mayfield, residents are already beginning to rebuild, only days after the storm leveled full city blocks. “Churches hosted Sunday services this past weekend. “Locals brought their chainsaws and cleared debris from city roads. People from nearby counties and states have flooded in to help. “One man, Jimmy Finch, has struck a chord with Americans’ heart across the country. He had no connections to Mayfield. He’s from Clarksville, Tennessee. But after the disaster, he borrowed a big meat smoker, got into his car, made the hour-and-a-half journey in the dead of night, and started serving up food the next morning. “On Sunday morning, for hours, he fed chicken, hot links, and burgers to hungry residents who had been without heat or power for days. “Western Kentucky’s radio and TV stations have kept operating throughout this crisis delivering vital information even amid roving power outages. State parks opened their doors to residents who lost their homes. Businesses, individuals, and charities have been generous with food, water, and shelter. “Kentucky’s first responders are working hand-in-hand with FEMA to provide coordinated relief. Doctors, nurses, firefighters, and law enforcement officers are working through the night. “Utility workers are making a herculean effort to restore power and water. Hundreds of Kentucky National Guardsmen have deployed to Western Kentucky to assist. “And at Fort Campbell, the federal government has provided a critical lifeline of support: sixty-one generators, 74,000 meals, 135,000 liters of water, thousands of cots and blankets. “I’m in close contact with Governor Beshear, our federal agencies, and local leaders. My staff and I have been in frequent touch with the White House. “Kentucky will come back from this bigger and better than ever before. I will make sure the Senate provides all the assistance we can to make that a reality.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=BFC3754C-5797-465F-A4EA-9CFE4E298C9E,Biden Administration’s Mistakes Raise the Stakes for 2021 Defense Bill,2021-12-14,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding the National Defense Authorization Act: “For months, while our colleagues have been writing their reckless taxing and spending spree behind closed doors, the Democratic majority let the National Defense Authorization Act sit in limbo. “This week, four and a half months after it was cleared by the Armed Services Committee, the Senate should finally finish this legislation. “Unfortunately, those who mean America harm haven’t been waiting around for us to act. Threats to our national security are grave and getting graver. “Since the Biden Administration’s disastrous retreat from Afghanistan, according to our top commander in the region, the U.S. military has but a small fraction of the actionable intelligence they had before the coalition withdrew. “But the predictable, avoidable resurgence of terrorist networks has continued apace. “We also know that more Americans citizens and permanent residents remain stranded under Taliban rule than the Biden Administration admitted. “Meanwhile, the threat of further Russian aggression toward Ukraine is testing whether this White House and our allies in Europe will avoid misguided half-measures to deter and defend against grave and growing threats. “So, at the risk of stating the obvious: the United States needs to follow through with promises of urgent, substantive assistance to Ukraine and encourage other NATO allies to do the same. This should not be controversial. Only in the warped world of Kremlin propaganda is giving Ukraine the means to defend itself considered provocative. “These real threats to national security, and others too numerous to name, should serve as a reminder of the need for America to lead by example and commit to modernizing our own military capabilities. Which in turn means taking the NDAA seriously. “So I’m glad that the Senate is finally set to vote on this crucial legislation. While the process has been imperfect, I’m glad that bipartisan work has produced a bill that authorizes an increase in topline funding for our national defense. “After months of delays, our colleagues have an opportunity to begin showing that America is serious about keeping pace with adversaries like Russia, who have spent decades modernizing their militaries with a singular focus on countering our military advantage. “We have an opportunity to pay more than just lip service to competition with China. “We have an opportunity to lay a foundation that we ought to follow through with robust and full-year defense appropriations. “I encourage Senators to advance the legislation today.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=E2AF432A-7D8E-4C60-BAE7-4302DD0B02A1,The Worst Inflation in Four Decades,2021-12-14,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding Democrats’ reckless tax and spending spree: “Washington Democrats’ printing, borrowing, and spending addiction is directly hurting American families. “Two thirds of the American people — a supermajority — are worried about inflation. “About half the middle class and 70 percent of low-income families say soaring prices have personally hurt their household. “And it isn’t getting better, like the Biden Administration promised it would. It’s getting worse. “Last Friday, the Labor Department released a jaw-dropping report: The Consumer Price Index has shot up 6.8% over the past year. Six point eight percent inflation. The worst inflation in almost 40 years. “Now, it’s true that the average American worker has gotten pay increase since 2020. But rising prices have more than wiped that out. “We have a remarkable situation where American workers are earning raises, but their bigger paychecks buy their families even less than what their smaller paychecks bought before the Democrats took power. “The net effect is a nearly 2% pay cut for the average American. “Our citizens know what’s happening. 67% of the country says Washington needs to ‘cut back on spending and printing money.’ “But here in Washington, leading Democrats want to plow ahead and double down on the reckless taxing and spending that got us here. “They want to respond to this stunning inflation report by printing, borrowing, and spending trillions upon trillions more on new entitlements and far-left programs. “And if that weren’t bad enough, on Friday, a new report showed their socialist shopping spree could cost the country trillions more than Democrats admit. “You see, as one of our Democratic colleagues explained last month, his party’s bill is packed full of ‘shell games’ and ‘budget gimmicks.’ “For example, their bill pretends that major new entitlements would simply expire after a few years. “Of course, that never happens. As a wise man once said, ‘nothing is so permanent as a temporary government program.’ And Democrats aren’t even pretending they think the spending would stop. They’re boasting about a permanent transformation. “The fake expiration dates are just an accounting trick so the price tag looks artificially low. “And last Friday, the Congressional Budget Office announced that if we acknowledge the permanent entitlements would be permanent, their bill would actually cost $4.9 trillion in the first decade alone. “It would explode the deficit by $3 trillion in that time. “Democrats are trying to reassure their alarmed members that they’d find new ways to offset future extensions. “But think about it. “They’ve just spent months shoving every possible pay-for into this existing bill. They already burned through huge, permanent tax hikes just to partially offset the bill with the gimmicks! “Extending these programs further would either explode our national debt… or it would take even further trillions in even further gigantic tax hikes that Democrats will not specify. “So which is it? Historic deficits or trillions more in secret tax hikes? The right answer for the country is neither. “Later today, every Senate Democrat is going to vote on party lines to raise our nation’s debt limit by trillions of dollars. “If they jam through another reckless taxing and spending spree, this massive debt increase will just be the beginning. “More printing and borrowing. To set up more reckless spending. To cause more inflation. To hurt working families even more. The American people need a break.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=3EA711E4-1F01-4491-97E8-40E7721F73E4,McConnell on Devastating Kentucky Tornado Damage,2021-12-13,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding the tornadoes in Western Kentucky: “The tornadoes that hit Kentucky this past weekend were some of the most widespread, severe, and devastating in our state’s history. “It is still difficult to comprehend the vast scope of this storm. Nearly forty tornadoes touched down across six states. One tornado in Kentucky stayed on the ground for over 200 miles. This was potentially the longest continuous path of any tornado in U.S. history. “Towns have been reduced to rubble. Families are picking up pieces of their shattered lives. Most tragically, our Governor announced today that more than 60 Kentuckians are confirmed to have lost their lives. Many more remain unaccounted for. “This is the worst storm to hit Kentucky in my lifetime. The tornadoes caused considerable damage in fifteen counties across the Commonwealth. Thousands lost their homes. Tens of thousands are still without power. “This was, in the words of one meteorologist, ‘the worst-case scenario’ for destruction. And it came during the Christmas season. Families are supposed to be gathering soon for rest, relaxation, and reunion. Now so many Kentuckians are facing just the opposite. *** “The whole country is becoming acquainted with Mayfield, Kentucky, likely our hardest-hit city. “Mayfield is a town of ten thousand in the Jackson Purchase. It’s been known for the beautiful Greek-revival façade of the Mayfield First United Methodist Church. “Now First United is completely gone and the town is leveled to the ground. “Mayfield’s candle factory was operating in full swing this weekend to keep up with Christmas demand. It was once a mainstay of the community, employing hundreds. “On Friday night, the factory was turned into a scene of absolute horror. Many of the employees who were working that evening are feared dead. Rescue operations are ongoing. At least forty employees were rescued initially. One was saved after being trapped under five feet of rubble for hours. The devastation there is absolute. “The tornado was so powerful that it ripped twenty-seven train cars off their tracks in Earlington and scattered them across a field. “A family photograph that was picked up by the storm in Dawson Springs, Kentucky was carried nearly 130 miles by the wind and discovered in Indiana. “All across Western Kentucky, residents spent their Saturday and Sunday clearing debris and collecting clothes and possessions that had been scattered. Families were left to inspect the cinder blocks where their houses once stood. The cheery lights of Christmastime have been replaced by destruction. *** “Kentucky has been devastated. But we have not been defeated. “Kentuckians are resilient people. We will stay strong and unified through this crisis. “I am incredibly grateful to the first responders who have been on the ground since the outset of this crisis: Kentucky National Guard, Kentucky State Police, sheriff’s departments, city and local law enforcement, EMS responders, firefighters, doctors, and nurses. Quick thinking and selfless actions saved lives. “Hard-hit communities are receiving an outpouring of support from across the Commonwealth and the country. “Americans near and far are coming together to donate food, blood, resources, and shelter to those in need. “Businesses and individuals are helping fund relief efforts and donating to assist the storm’s victims. “Like many of my fellow Kentuckians, I was incredibly touched by the support offered by the University of Kentucky basketball team this weekend. “While visiting the University of Notre Dame, they led a deeply emotional moment of silence before their game on Saturday night. The team visited the school’s Grotto to light candles for storm victims and pray for recovery. “We were all praying alongside them. “Madam President, Kentucky’s state motto is ‘united we stand, divided we fall.’ In this time of crisis, Kentuckians are standing shoulder to shoulder. And we will not fall. “At every level of local, state, and federal government, across both parties, Kentucky’s leaders have come together to coordinate and provide aid. “Toward the end of the week, I will travel back to Kentucky to meet with my constituents and visit the areas affected by this storm. My team has been working non-stop to ensure Kentuckians receive the help they need. “I have worked closely with President Biden and Governor Beshear to ensure every federal resource possible is deployed to our state. “Kentucky’s congressional delegation has come together to send multiple letters to the President in support of disaster relief. In response, President Biden cut through red tape to approve our requests at an accelerated pace, providing the rapid support we need to recover. “I am especially grateful for the work of DHS Secretary Mayorkas and FEMA Administrator Criswell, who visited Kentucky yesterday to survey damage and help relief efforts. “FEMA has already sent two incident management teams, an urban search and rescue team, and an Army Corp temporary power team. “They have turned Kentucky’s Fort Campbell into a staging ground for vital relief and supplies. “I could not be more thankful for their swift and decisive response to this crisis. “Even in the face of such tragedy, we can be confident that Kentucky will bounce back. “We are strong, and we are united. “We will come back bigger and better than ever before.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=C24EFAD5-4D5E-4CDF-959C-58CF60085E09,Kentucky Congressional Delegation Supports Governor’s Request for Disaster Declaration,2021-12-11,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,KY,Andy Barr,B001282,barr.house.gov,barr,https://barr.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Kentucky's federal delegation, including U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, Senator Rand Paul, and Representatives Hal Rogers (KY-05), John Yarmuth (KY-03), Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Andy Barr (KY-06), Thomas Massie (KY-04), and James Comer (KY-01) sent a joint letter today to President Joe Biden expressing their support for Governor Andy Beshear's request for a disaster declaration for the Commonwealth of Kentucky regarding the overnight tornadoes and severe weather. “We write to draw your attention to the December 11, 2021 letter from Governor Andy Beshear requesting a disaster declaration for the Commonwealth of Kentucky due to the severe weather events…We strongly support this request and ask for your timely consideration,” the delegation stated in their letter to the President. “Unfortunately, at least 50 deaths have been reported across multiple counties in the Commonwealth as a result of these tornadoes. The Kentucky National Guard and Kentucky State Police have been mobilized to provide support to Kentuckians, but emergency response has also been hampered by the storm damage.” Initial reports indicate that this was the longest tornado touchdown in the Commonwealth’s history. The tornadoes have caused significant destruction of property, dangerous road conditions, significant vegetative debris, power outages for thousands of Kentuckians, and severe impacts to transportation and infrastructure. A federal disaster declaration would release funding and resources to aid Kentucky communities hardest-hit by the tornadoes and severe weather. Click here to read the letter from the Kentucky delegation. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://comer.house.gov/2021/12/statement-from-congressman-comer-on-tornado-damage-in-western-kentucky,Statement from Congressman Comer on Tornado Damage in Western Kentucky,2021-12-11,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,KY,James Comer,C001108,comer.house.gov,comer,https://comer.house.gov/media,scraper,“Please be in prayer for all of the families who lost loved ones in the terrible tornadoes that swept through Western Kentucky last night. Also continue praying for the outstanding first responders who have been on the ground all night rescuing people from devastating damage in Mayfield.”,1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=3F834F2B-7FEB-4298-88FB-8B8C7442AC61,McConnell Statement on Tornadoes and Severe Weather in Kentucky,2021-12-11,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement today regarding the overnight tornadoes and severe weather in Kentucky: “I am praying for the lives lost and communities impacted by the tornado devastation throughout the Commonwealth. Thank you to the first responders and the National Guard for their brave efforts amid this tragedy. As I continue to get reports from my staff, local and state officials, we will work with the entire Kentucky federal delegation to support Governor Andy Beshear's request for federal assistance in order to aid these hard-hit communities with the funding and resources they need to rebuild.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=8AE017AF-B7E7-4CD1-9979-604736DBD1E9,Kentucky Congressional Delegation Supports Governor’s Request for Disaster Declaration,2021-12-11,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Kentucky's federal delegation, including U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, Senator Rand Paul, and Representatives Hal Rogers (KY-05), John Yarmuth (KY-03), Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Andy Barr (KY-06), Thomas Massie (KY-04), and James Comer (KY-01) sent a joint letter today to President Joe Biden expressing their support for Governor Andy Beshear's request for a disaster declaration for the Commonwealth of Kentucky regarding the overnight tornadoes and severe weather. “We write to draw your attention to the December 11, 2021 letter from Governor Andy Beshear requesting a disaster declaration for the Commonwealth of Kentucky due to the severe weather events…We strongly support this request and ask for your timely consideration,” the delegation stated in their letter to the President. “Unfortunately, at least 50 deaths have been reported across multiple counties in the Commonwealth as a result of these tornadoes. The Kentucky National Guard and Kentucky State Police have been mobilized to provide support to Kentuckians, but emergency response has also been hampered by the storm damage.” Initial reports indicate that this was the longest tornado touchdown in the Commonwealth’s history. The tornadoes have caused significant destruction of property, dangerous road conditions, significant vegetative debris, power outages for thousands of Kentuckians, and severe impacts to transportation and infrastructure. A federal disaster declaration would release funding and resources to aid Kentucky communities hardest-hit by the tornadoes and severe weather.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-releases-statement-devastating-kentucky-storms-sends-letter-president-biden/,"Dr. Rand Paul Releases Statement on Devastating Kentucky Storms, Sends Letter to President Biden Requesting Assistance",2021-12-11,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,www.paul.senate.gov,paul,https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 11, 2021 Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator and physician Rand Paul (R-KY) released the following statement following devastating storms and tornadoes across Kentucky: “Our hearts are broken for all those suffering from last night’s horrific storms. As daylight comes and we begin to fully understand the severity of the devastation, we mourn and we pray,” said Dr. Paul. “I and my team will do all we can to assist our local and state officials as they lead the immediate response, and we will aggressively help families, businesses, and officials access the federal recovery resources.” Dr. Paul also immediately sent a letter to President Biden requesting expeditious approval of the Governor’s requests for federal assistance. The letter is attached HERE, and you will find text of it below: Dear President Biden, Last night and early this morning devastating storms swept across multiple states, including Kentucky. A single tornado from that system may have been on the ground for over 200 miles, and a large swath of the Commonwealth has been severely hit. As the sun comes up this morning we will begin to understand the true scope of the devastation, but we already know of loss of life and severe property damage. The Governor of the Commonwealth has requested federal assistance this morning, and certainly further requests will be coming as the situation is assessed. I fully support those requests and ask that you move expeditiously to approve the appropriate resources for our state. Sincerely, Rand Paul, M.D. United States Senator If you are a Kentuckian and need assistance with lost or damaged documents such as Social Security cards, VA records, military medals and records, and tax paperwork, please contact our office by going to paul.senate.gov and by calling our Bowling Green office at (270) 782-8303.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=DBCED2E7-07C9-48D9-A725-9EDC4475743D,"Attorney General Cameron's Office Awarded $600,000 Federal Grant to Provide Transitional Housing for Human Trafficking Survivors in Southeastern Kentucky",2021-12-10,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,KY,Harold Rogers,R000395,halrogers.house.gov,halrogers,https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"FRANKFORT, Ky. (December 10, 2021) – Attorney General Daniel Cameron and U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers (KY-05) announced that the Kentucky Attorney General's office was awarded a $600,000 federal grant from the Department of Justice (DOJ) to develop a transitional and short-term housing-assistance program for survivors of human trafficking in southeastern Kentucky. The Attorney General’s Office of Trafficking and Abuse Prevention and Prosecution (TAPP) will develop the program in partnership with Refuge for Women, a nonprofit recovery program for survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. The program will assist human trafficking survivors in Bell, Clay, Harlan, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Rockcastle, and Whitley Counties. “We must do everything we can to not only end human trafficking but to support trafficking victims, and this $600,000 grant will allow us to provide safe and stable housing services in an underserved region of our Commonwealth,” said Attorney General Cameron. “We know that there is a great need for these services and that they are essential to assisting survivors in their healing and long-term recovery. Refuge for Women’s care model is recognized nationally, and we are proud to partner with them to develop this program. We also appreciate the support of Congressman Rogers and Congressman Barr.” ""Refuge for Women is excited to learn about the news of funding from the federal government to help victims of sex trafficking in the state of Kentucky,” said Ked Frank, President of Refuge for Women. “We are excited to continue our work with the Attorney General's office to help more people in need.” The housing-assistance program will offer survivors the option to participate in a communal-site, transitional-housing program in Garrard County or a short-term housing-assistance program. Both options will include case-management support from professionals within the Refuge for Women organization and assistance from community survivors. “The inhumane practice of sex trafficking must be stopped in Kentucky, and we also need a place of refuge for the victims of these terrible crimes. It is heartbreaking to know that the latest data ranks Kentucky ninth in the country for new cases of criminal human trafficking,” said Congressman Hal Rogers (KY-05). “I’m grateful for Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron’s determination to crack down on this problem, and for utilizing this DOJ grant to ensure victims have a safe place to rehabilitate. It’s always an honor to protect funding for these crucial federal grants that benefit the people of southern and eastern Kentucky.” “The partnership between the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office and Refuge for Women will help survivors of human trafficking recover,” said Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06). “I proudly supported Refuge for Women through a letter of support to the Department of Justice and voted for the funds used for this grant.” Participants in the program will be identified through self-referrals or referrals from prosecutors, law enforcement, and victims’ advocates. The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) Human Trafficking Program. The program is dedicated to victim-centered responses to human trafficking. This is the second federal grant Attorney General Cameron’s office has received from the Department of Justice to address human trafficking in the Commonwealth. In 2020, the Office received a grant to develop a human trafficking awareness campaign in the Commonwealth. The resulting “Your Eyes Save Lives” campaign was launched in January 2021 and encourages Kentuckians to recognize the signs of human trafficking and report it to law enforcement. For more information about Attorney General Cameron’s work to end human trafficking in Kentucky, click here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=550C23F3-D04E-4622-A0BF-D58D12C1473B,McConnell: Inflation Is Out of Control on the Democrats’ Watch,2021-12-10,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement regarding updated inflation numbers released this morning: “This morning’s numbers confirm what every American family already knows: Inflation is out of control on the Democrats’ watch. “6.8% inflation is the worst in almost 40 years. The costs of essentials have skyrocketed. Wages have not even come close to keeping pace, so the average American has gotten a pay cut. It is exactly what experts warned Democrats’ reckless spending would cause. “Now Washington Democrats are a broken record that’s gotten stuck on the worst possible response: More borrowing, more printing, more reckless spending. Trillions upon trillions more. They want to double down and attempt to inflate their way out of inflation. “The American people cannot take another reckless taxing and spending spree that hurts their families and helps China. It is unthinkable that Senate Democrats would try to respond to this inflation report by ramming through another massive socialist spending package in a matter of days.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=A42339C3-817E-4396-8CE0-027EDC5E1B66,"$4.9 Trillion: Without Budget Gimmicks, Cost of Democrats’ Reckless Taxing and Spending Spree Skyrockets",2021-12-10,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement today regarding the recent CBO report: “As a Democratic Senator explained last month, the reckless taxing and spending spree is full of ‘shell games’ and ‘budget gimmicks’ meant to mask the pain it would cause our country. “Democrats want permanent new entitlements. To create a fake lower price tag, their bill pretends much of the spending would stop in a few years. To be clear, Democrats do not claim this would actually happen. “The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office just announced that if you ignore this fake accounting and admit the spending would continue, Democrats’ reckless taxing and spending spree would actually cost a staggering $4.9 trillion in the first decade alone. It would balloon deficits by $3 trillion in just 10 years. “This red ink tsunami would be irresponsible at any time. During the worst inflation in almost 40 years, it would be insane. “The same Democrats who falsely promised this bill would cost $0 now say they would offset future extensions, so nobody should worry. It’s comical. Either this plan would explode our debt or Democrats intend to raise taxes by trillions and trillions more than they’re admitting, beyond the massive tax hikes in the bill. “It was clear yesterday and it’s even clearer today: Washington Democrats must not force through their gigantic, reckless taxing and spending spree.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=033307FC-C707-4D24-9954-B5DA5ABF6571,Senator McConnell Statement on President Bendapudi,2021-12-09,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement today regarding President Neeli Bendapudi’s tenure at the University of Louisville: “When President Neeli Bendapudi personally informed me of her decision to leave the University of Louisville, I was excited for her but saddened to hear the news. I remember meeting her in 2018 when she was named the 18th president of the university. I knew right away that she was the best person for the job - a premier academic and administrator with a passion for higher education. When she arrived, the university faced struggles in both its academic and athletic departments. She made it her top priority to turn these struggling programs around and make the school competitive once again. “I was greatly impressed by the energy, enthusiasm, and strong vision she had for UofL and enjoyed watching her become an expert in raising the “L.” Dr. Bendapudi deserves much credit for her many accomplishments during her tenure at UofL, and I want to thank her for her impressive leadership and work on behalf of the university and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. I also appreciate her strong support of the McConnell Center scholarship program, as well as the McConnell Chao Archives. “I’m sure her decision to leave was a tough one, and I know that UofL will always have a special place in her heart. I join the university’s students, faculty, staff and fans – along with all my fellow proud Cardinal alums - in wishing her well. Elaine and I will greatly miss seeing her during our frequent visits to campus.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=1D0E79AB-C734-4F5A-9AB4-8657C8089EB0,"Democrats’ Toddler Takeover Cuts Choices, Raises Costs, & “Insults the Diversity of American Families”",2021-12-09,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding Democrats’ reckless tax and spending spree: “On Tuesday, I shined a spotlight on Washington Democrats’ proposed ‘toddler takeover.’ “They want to spend hundreds of billions of dollars in order to upend families’ arrangements… create massive inflation in daycare costs… and attack faith-based providers. “Democrats say their plan would not hurt faith-based providers because it wouldn’t explicitly block them upfront. “But that’s only a small part of the story. “The reckless taxing and spending spree might not ban faith-based providers on day one. But their scheme of mandates and subsidies would slowly and quietly push them out. “Democrats’ bill would deny religious providers an extra funding stream for upgrading their facilities which their secular competitors would get. “And their proposal would let woke bureaucrats persecute faith-based groups unless they leave their values at the door. “If a Jewish daycare wants to prioritize Jewish families, they could get thrown out of the Democrats’ scheme for discrimination! “A Catholic facility could be kicked out if families who are registered parishioners get first dibs! “If a faith-based provider decides not to hire somebody who fundamentally rejects their teachings, left-wing bureaucrats and lawyers could come after them. The woke mob that stalks cake-bakers and florists is now coming for church daycare. “Twenty-one organizations representing hundreds of thousands of faith-based daycares and preschools signed an open letter to the Senate. Catholics, Protestants, Jews, and Muslims all wrote this to Chairwoman Murray and Senator Burr. “‘The Build Back Better Act will suppress, if not exclude, the participation of many faith-based providers…’ “‘[P]rovisions in the bill text make it virtually impossible for many religious providers to participate.’ *** “Now, the far left says that if you don’t support this toddler takeover, you’re out of touch. “But they’re projecting. It’s their Big Government scheme that is out of touch with the diverse aspirations of different families. “Last year, a nonpartisan survey asked families what childcare arrangements they’d ideally like. “Apart from the pandemic, if finances were no obstacle, what would American parents want? “The share who said center-based childcare was 27%. This is the only route that Democrats want to subsidize. Just 27% of parents say it’s their ideal world. And of that 27%, a majority prefer the faith-based options that Democrats would push out. “A larger group, nearly 40%, said their ideal arrangement would involve full-time parenting in some form. Either one parent stays home, or the two trade off. “Another 9% said they’d ideally like an extended relative like a grandparent to be the caregiver. “Other families would ideally want a nanny-share or neighborhood co-op. “The Democrats’ daycare scheme would give all these people nothing. “A family that has sacrificed so that a mom or dad can stay home will not get one penny for books or supplies or to make up for lost wages. “A grandparent who leaves a part-time job to spend weekdays with their grandkids will not get a dime from the Democrats’ plan. “A neighborhood nanny-share gets zero help. “Forget about diversity. Forget about choice and fairness. Families would either enroll in the specific pathway that Big Labor and Big Government like best or they’d get nothing. “Meanwhile, even in the centers that Democrats do want to subsidize, parents would get a very mixed bag. “Analysts agree the new regulations would send costs skyrocketing. The District of Columbia’s local government estimates these sorts of policies would increase the cost of childcare by roughly $12,000 per child per year. “Their plan would supposedly use government subsidies to make up for this new inflation, but that assistance would be confusing and uneven. “So this bill manages to be wildly inflationary and wildly unfair at the same time. “It insults the diversity of American families and their aspirations. “It simply hands money and power to the same woke bureaucrats who are letting far-left propaganda into K-12 schools and then sending the Department of Justice after parents who speak up. “This bill would give HHS Secretary Becerra, a hard-core culture warrior, a giant slush fund to start shaping the care of babies and toddlers. “And facilities and families who make different choices would be left facing a massively inflated market with zero help. “This would be an awful proposal for American families even if it were free. But it isn’t. “Washington Democrats don’t just have to explain to parents why they want to make childcare more expensive, more inflexible, and more unfair. “They also get to explain why they want to print and borrow hundreds of billions of dollars to do it.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=87B7072F-BB8B-4DF8-90E2-44ED10EFF2EE,McConnell Delivers Rotunda Tribute to Senator Bob Dole,2021-12-09,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today paying tribute to Senator Bob Dole: “On April 14, 1969, Senator Bob Dole delivered his first floor speech. “He said, ‘the task ahead is monumental.’ “And this was before Bob knew he’d end up leading a conference of 53 Senators! “Years later, after he had become Leader, Bob described his Senate management challenges with his trademark wit. “‘If I’d known,’ he said, ‘we were going to win control of the Senate… we’d have run better candidates!’ “I swear, Bob could have made it as a stand-up comic. “But in that maiden speech, Bob was earnest. “He was already championing a signature cause: helping Americans with disabilities. “‘The task ahead is monumental,’ he said, ‘but I am confident that there are forces in America ready and willing to meet the challenge.’ “Bob Dole himself was certainly proof of that. *** “That maiden speech came 24 years to the day after he sustained his combat wounds in Italy. “Bob had already risen to a monumental task. He’d taken the fight to the Nazis. And he’d nearly paid for it with his life. “Through all his decades in public service, Bob Dole knew exactly where he came from. “A son of Dustbowl hardship — who was laser-focused on food security and rural issues. “A wounded warrior — who spent decades carrying fellow veterans and Americans with disabilities on his shoulders. “Bob was the last of the Greatest Generation to run for president. But he was never stuck in the past. “His roots ran deep… but he was always looking to new horizons. “From that first speech… through his years in leadership… “Through Bob’s incredibly active retirement-in-name-only… “He built brighter futures for millions. *** “Bob was blessed with long life to watch this legacy take effect. “But that was no accident! “Bob liked to joke that he planned for longevity by closely studying our most senior colleagues. “He had a whole comedy routine about how he’d tried to copy Strom Thurmond’s eating habits: “If Strom takes a shrimp, I take a shrimp. If he eats a banana, I eat a banana!” *** “But the real engine behind Bob’s 98 remarkable years was his love. “His love for Elizabeth and for Robin; for public service; for Kansas and for America. “Today we honor the amazing life that love created. “And we thank God, the source of all love… “Both for Bob’s incredible journey here in this life… “…and for the fact that he has entered his eternal reward in the next.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-republicans-musnt-enable-bidens-overspending-waiving-paygo/,Dr. Rand Paul: Republicans musn’t enable Biden’s overspending by waiving PAYGO,2021-12-09,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,www.paul.senate.gov,paul,https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 9, 2021 Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. – In an op-ed for the Washington Examiner today, U.S. Senator and physician Rand Paul made clear his opposition to raising the debt limit and waiving PAYGO. “For months, Republicans gave President Joe Biden’s social spending bill the accurate label: “the Democrats’ reckless tax and spending spree.” Republicans, in unison, opposed the $2 trillion spending spree Democrats passed this spring. But now, Republican leadership is pushing a bill to forgive all that spending,” stated Dr. Paul in the piece. “According to the law that governs Congress’s budget process, this spending has to be offset by equal cuts from somewhere else. The law is called PAYGO. But Republican leadership and Democrats are going to waive PAYGO, allowing Biden’s spending spree to become debt instead of being offset by spending cuts.” You can read Dr. Paul’s entire op-ed HERE or below. *** Republicans musn’t enable Biden’s overspending by waiving PAYGO By: Dr. Rand Paul December 9, 2021 https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/op-eds/republicans-musnt-enable-bidens-overspending-by-waiving-paygo There’s a palpable chill in the air in Washington this week, and I’m not talking about the weather. I’m talking about the icy forecast of our country’s fiscal stability and the possibility that Republicans could be complicit in creating such treacherous conditions. For months, Republicans gave President Joe Biden’s social spending bill the accurate label: “the Democrats’ reckless tax and spending spree.” Republicans, in unison, opposed the $2 trillion spending spree Democrats passed this spring. But now, Republican leadership is pushing a bill to forgive all that spending. According to the law that governs Congress’s budget process, this spending has to be offset by equal cuts from somewhere else. The law is called PAYGO. But Republican leadership and Democrats are going to waive PAYGO, allowing Biden’s spending spree to become debt instead of being offset by spending cuts. This monstrosity of a bill also allows the debt ceiling to go up with a simple majority vote. Republican leadership, which ostensibly guards the filibuster, is allowing this bill to neuter the filibuster with respect to the debt ceiling. The bill sets a precedent that the debt ceiling can be raised without requiring a supermajority — a big concession. Voters should be appalled that Republican leadership is basically giving Democrats their Christmas wish list on a silver platter. This horrible “deal” they concocted gives Democrats an easy path to raise the debt ceiling using expedited procedures and would enable even more reckless spending. The current debt limit is $28.9 trillion. That’s essentially the limit on America’s credit card. What happens when you don’t pay the balance of your credit card bill? You pay interest charges. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office now projects that interest costs on our debt will be $5.4 trillion over 10 years, and the projected deficit for this year is $1.1 trillion. We cannot afford to raise the debt limit without meaningful spending reform. Continued reckless spending is dangerous to the health of our country and our national security. Simply put, the bill provides reckless spenders with a blank check and sends the country further down a dangerous path that threatens a future of confiscatory tax rates, low employment prospects, and high inflation. I hate to say it, but I told you so. In March, I tried to force Congress to follow the rules it had set for itself and pay for new COVID spending by enforcing PAYGO rules. Speaking from the Senate floor, I noted that “big spenders like to say the federal government is different than a family budget and that we have the Federal Reserve who can print up money to buy our debt. But all that does is cause inflation.” And what do you know, just as I predicted, the Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reported that inflation hit 6.2% — the highest level in a generation. Ready for the worst part of all this? If the Biden administration’s Build Back Better spending bill passes this year, it won’t be subject to the mandatory PAYGO cuts. Republicans would literally be facilitating Biden and the Democrats’ priorities. I’ve often said that both Republicans and Democrats are at fault for the spending crisis in Washington, and this case is no different. Republicans ought to stop assisting the Democrats in playing their reckless game of kick-the-can-down-the-road and resist this bizarre attempt to facilitate their agenda. I have tried to warn of the dire forecast for our nation if we continue with this fiscal insanity. And while I may not be a meteorologist, I can see when a storm is brewing. Congress ought to join me in keeping an eye on the horizon and act before it’s too late. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=18133EE1-2B6C-4E98-A4D8-A16E56DD0EDB,CAROL Act Passes the U.S. House of Representatives,2021-12-08,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,KY,Andy Barr,B001282,barr.house.gov,barr,https://barr.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.— Today, the Cardiovascular Advances in Research and Opportunities Legacy (CAROL) Act unanimously passed through the U.S. House of Representatives. U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) championed the legislation to honor the legacy of his late-wife Eleanor “Carol” Leavell Barr, who passed away last year at 39 years old from sudden cardiac death. The CAROL Act makes critical investments in research for valvular heart disease. The bill now moves to the U.S. Senate, where Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) are leading a companion bill. The CAROL Act authorizes a grant program administered by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), supporting research on valvular heart disease. It also convenes a workshop of subject matter experts to identify research needs and opportunities to develop prescriptive guidelines for treatment of patients with MVP. Finally, the bill instructs the Centers for Disease Control to increase public awareness regarding symptoms of valvular heart disease and effective strategies for preventing sudden cardiac death. “With today’s vote, we are one step closer to pushing the CAROL Act across the finish line and enshrining Carol Barr’s legacy,” said Congressman Barr. “This bill delivers critical resources to close the gaps in understanding about valvular heart disease and save lives. I am grateful to the American Heart Association, WomenHeart, the American College of Cardiology and so many of my colleagues who supported this bill from the start.” “Carol Barr was a devoted mother, an accomplished professional, and a supportive spouse. Her grace and compassion made an everlasting impact on the world, and especially on her family and community. Andy was blessed with a wonderful wife and their daughters were fortunate to have an amazing mother. There is no better way to honor her memory than to support initiatives that will help save lives,” said House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy. “I am in awe of Andy’s strength in navigating grief to work on the CAROL Act – legislation that will provide $20 million in research grants to study valvular heart problems. It is a fitting tribute to Carol’s legacy. It is an honor to support this legislation alongside my colleagues.” “I know the pain of losing a spouse to a deadly disease while still young—nobody can prepare you for that kind of loss. I hope that Rep. Barr and his family can take comfort in the passage today of the CAROL Act, which will promote research that will help spare other families in the future from experiencing that pain,” said Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer. “I thank Rep. Barr for his leadership and work to advance this important legislation in his late wife’s memory. Carol’s legacy lives on, not only in those she knew and loved but also in the countless Americans whose lives will be saved by the research into heart valve diseases undertaken in her memory.” “Earlier today, I had the privilege of honoring Carol Barr’s legacy on the House Floor by speaking in favor of the CAROL Act. Thank you, Congressman Barr, for introducing this life-saving legislation that will expand research on valvular heart disease and its treatment. No family member should lose a loved one to this horrible disease, and the CAROL Act brings us towards this future,” said House Republican Whip Steve Scalise. “One of the most troubling aspects of mitral valve prolapse is just how much we still don’t know about the causes and risk factors that can lead to it. The Cardiovascular Advances in Research and Opportunities Legacy (CAROL) Act takes a number of crucial steps to help us learn more about the condition, including through the establishment of a national registry of cardiac arrest. The American Heart Association is pleased to support the CAROL Act and profoundly thanks Rep. Barr’s for his efforts to advance our understanding and awareness of heart valve disease, which kills approximately 25,000 people each year,” said Mark Schoeberl, Executive Vice President, Advocacy, American Heart Association. ""The passage of the CAROL (Cardiovascular Advances in Research and Opportunities Legacy) Act not only serves as a spark of hope for many cardiovascular patients, but will truly honor Congressman's Barr's wife. The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is enormously thankful to the Congressman and his staff, and is proud to have played a role in the process,” said ACC Health Affairs Committee Chair Samuel O. Jones IV, MD, MPH, FACC. “More than 5 million Americans are diagnosed with valvular heart disease each year and this vital legislation helps spread awareness on a critical area of cardiovascular health. This legislation will make needed impacts on research and education to improve care for our patients. We are grateful for those, like Congressman Barr, that champion efforts to enhance heart health and look forward to continued partnerships.” “Women are more likely than men to go undiagnosed, and therefore to go untreated, for heart valve disease. By investing in research and increasing awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of heart valve disease, as well as screening and detection efforts, the CAROL Act will help address that inequity and will save lives. WomenHeart thanks Congressman Barr for championing passage of this bill in the House, and we look forward to seeing it pass in the Senate,” said Celina Gorre, CEO of WomenHeart. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=FDA7A7D7-8446-4916-85B9-565962E49CA1,Congressman Rogers Votes for Improved National Defense Authorization Act,2021-12-08,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,KY,Harold Rogers,R000395,halrogers.house.gov,halrogers,https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC -- On Tuesday evening, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act after including important revisions from Republicans, including a boost of $25 billion more than last year for national defense, and stripping the bill of a controversial ""red flag"" provision, dropping expansion of selective service to women, and zeroing out all funds for Afghanistan's now terrorist-led military. ""I was pleased to vote for this bipartisan bill that paves the way for stronger a national defense, modernizes our Navy fleet, and provides more support for our servicemembers and their families, including a 2.7% pay increase. As President FDR said in 1941, December 7th will 'live in infamy,' and in light of the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, we owe it to the American people to ensure that we maintain the world's top military force moving forward,"" said Congressman Rogers. ""As Russian and Chinese aggression increase, this bill strengthens our military posture, supporting our allies and ramping up intelligence efforts with historic investments in emerging technologies. After the Biden Administration's catastrophic failure in Afghanistan, this bill also establishes an independent commission to investigate the 20-year conflict and eliminates all funding for the Afghan military, which is now led by the Taliban."" The legislation also works to address our nation's southern border crisis by deploying military personnel to assist Customs and Border Protection.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=202EF3FA-1EE2-494D-A62A-219C6465C950,President Biden’s Illegal Vaccine Mandate is “Blatant Overreach”,2021-12-08,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding the vaccine mandate: “For the last two years, as the country has battled COVID-19, I have been a strong and constant advocate of following the science and taking precautions. “That’s included strong support for the safe and effective vaccines that have helped millions of Americans substantially lower their risk of death or serious illness. “I took advantage of these modern medical miracles as soon as I could. I’ve received a booster. I’ve encouraged Kentuckians and all Americans to take full advantage as well. I have recorded public service announcements. “I’m a survivor of childhood polio. I’ve watched vaccines obliterate polio in our entire country in my lifetime. Trust me, there is no bigger proponent of vaccination. “But here’s the thing, Mr. President. The United States of America is a free country. The federal government, elites in Washington, cannot micromanage citizens’ personal choices without a legitimate basis in the law and the Constitution. And that goes double for Presidents going far beyond the bounds of their office and their authority. “President Biden’s absurd private-sector vaccine mandate is blatant overreach. It is illegal. The Administration has already lost in federal court and had it blocked. “Washington Democrats have lashed themselves to a mast that is very simple: Unvaccinated people should be fired. That’s what they want. They don’t trust individuals, families, doctors, employers, and customers to sort things out for themselves. They want every worker at a medium-sized business and up to either get this shot or get fired by President Biden. And buried in the illegal mandate is a call to explore whether it should expand to all businesses. “This is not how things work in America. Period. “Workers are not happy. Medium-sized businesses are not happy, especially not in the middle of this worker shortage. “And frankly nobody who understands our system of government is happy. “I’ve heard from so many Kentuckians who are affected by the Administration’s suite of several unwise vaccine mandates. “Quote: ‘My wife… was notified that if she doesn’t get fully vaccinated by January 4th then she would be terminated and lose her job without severance or unemployment… she has been [there] for 17 years and has nothing but exemplary reviews.’ “Quote: ‘I will lose my job at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant. I very much enjoyed my work there and had every intention of retiring from the plant. However, due to Joe Biden’s forced vaccine mandate I will be terminated … Please let a man who wants to work, go to work.’ “Quote: ‘My firm [of] 103 employees will [either] lose about 25 to the mandate, or lay off 4 to get to 99. Which one should we do?’ “Remember, Mr. President, personally, I’d encourage each of these Kentuckians to get the vaccine. But for the purposes of this conversation that isn’t the point. “You better believe I am going to stand up and fight for their freedom. “I want to thank the junior Senator for Indiana for spearheading this resolution to overturn the Biden Administration’s illegal mandate. I am proud to cosponsor it, I’ll proudly vote for it, and I urge every Senator to do the same.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=27BDC8E8-B112-4D7C-B884-35B5D7F2487D,Democrats Promote Soft-on-Crime Prosecutors as Murders Surge,2021-12-08,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding crime rates: “The national murder rate just recorded its biggest jump in more than a century. In some cities, homicides have set all-time records. “From Albuquerque to Milwaukee to Memphis to Des Moines, city officials reported more murders last year than in any prior year. “In my hometown of Louisville, homicides this year have now broken last year’s all-time record. “All last year, liberal politicians and activists made absurd and false claims about law enforcement. ‘We need to completely dismantle’ local police. ‘Policing in our country is inherently and intentionally racist.’ “A left-wing messaging campaign has spent a year and a half trying to chill law enforcement and policing. A network of liberal district attorneys around the country are matching that rhetoric with incredibly soft-on-crime practices behind the scenes. And the predictable result of all this has been a collapse in public safety. “Last month, a man killed six people and injured dozens more at a Christmas market in Wisconsin, just weeks after he was released on bail for another set of violent charges. “This criminal had already been arrested and locked up in neighboring Milwaukee County, but he was let out by a liberal D.A. who remarked several years ago that, ‘Is there going to be an individual I divert, or I put into treatment program, who’s going to go out and kill somebody? You bet. Guaranteed. It’s guaranteed to happen. It does not invalidate the overall approach.’ “There’s now a whole bunch of grieving families in Waukesha who have strong feelings about that ‘approach.’ “Here’s a headline from New York City, just this week. ‘Man busted for assault set free, allegedly beats two random NYC women – then cut loose again.’ “Smash-and-grabs, flash mob thefts, and carjackings are increasingly facts of life in multiple major cities. “But against this backdrop, Democrats just want to keep getting weaker on crime and softer on public safety. “We expect to vote today on the nomination of Rachel Rollins to be a U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts. “Ms. Rollins has spent years in her current job as a D.A. pushing the idea that the state should wipe entire categories of crimes off the list of things worth prosecuting. She’d rather her office not go after trespassers, shoplifters, or even those found possessing drugs with the intent to distribute. “This soft-on-crime advocacy should have earned the nominee a pink slip. Instead, President Biden’s giving her a promotion. “I urge Senators to vote no. “Law-abiding Americans don’t want prosecutors who refuse to prosecute. “They don’t want city jails equipped with revolving doors. They need leaders who defend the rule of law.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=B8A1924B-5D64-4DBF-B34A-E4BF5427CCC2,Washington Democrats Will Own Their Debt Explosion,2021-12-08,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding Democrats’ reckless tax and spending spree: “For Washington Democrats, 2021 will have one major theme: Ramming through inflationary spending on a partisan basis that hurts American families and helps China. “That’s how this all-Democrat government began the year, jamming through a wasteful excuse for a stimulus bill that drove up prices and made supply chain problems even worse. Not a single Republican supported it. And Democrats now want to end the year with another massive spree that would be even worse. “The whole country understands that Democrats own this mess. They have seized one-party control of the economy, so you better believe they’ll have one-party accountability for the resulting nightmare. “The President and his allies are badly upside down in overall approval ratings, upside down on the generic ballot, upside down on the economy. And the more the men and women of this country learn about the reckless taxing and spending spree that Democrats are planning next, the less they want it or anything like it. “Democrats have wanted to transform the country alone. They want to print and borrow trillion after trillion on their own. They want to create even more inflation on their own. So, as Republicans have made clear for months, they will have to own a debt ceiling increase as well. “This week, the House and the Senate have reached a bipartisan agreement to make that happen. As the Democratic Leader said yesterday that Democrats are, ‘willing to carry the burden.’ And so they will. “We have reached an agreement on a one-time, one-shot, statutory process that will enable Democrats to raise the debt limit at a fixed dollar amount which they will specify. “Much like the vote on an arms sale resolution that occurred yesterday and the Congressional Review Act vote that will occur today, this will be a standard expedited process, at a simple majority threshold, established by law. “Democrats will get one shot at this. They won’t be able to add any other amendments. And every single Senate Democrat will have to put their name to the gigantic dollar amount of debt they’re prepared to pile on the American people.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=3849793F-0EF5-4A94-89A8-3F19961B0AE2,"Barr Votes for NDAA to Boost Defense, Pay for Military Servicemembers",2021-12-07,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,KY,Andy Barr,B001282,barr.house.gov,barr,https://barr.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.— Tonight, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr voted in favor of the FY22 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). After his vote, Congressman Barr released the following statement: “This year’s National Defense Authorization Act authorizes a much-deserved pay raise for military servicemembers, funds to improve military family housing and prevents cuts to the military health program. Additionally, the NDAA reverses proposed cuts by President Biden for new aircraft, combat vehicles, missile systems and other key military weaponry that will be essential in defending our homeland now and in the years to come. “Included in this package is a provision to ensure that no military servicemember can be dishonorably discharged for choosing not to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. This NDAA version also removes Red Flag law provisions concerning firearm possession and the requirement for women to register for the Selective Service System, otherwise known as the military draft. “Furthermore, the NDAA contains critical measures that I have been pushing for to hold the Biden Administration accountable for their ongoing failure in Afghanistan. The NDAA authorizes $7 billion for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, $2 billion above the President’s request, to combat the rise of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Lastly, the NDAA provides $300 million in security assistance and intelligence support to Ukraine. This investment will counteract ongoing aggression from Russia toward Ukraine. For these reasons and many more, I voted to support the NDAA.” Under the House NDAA, the Biden Administration will be required to submit quarterly reports to Congress regarding: Contingency plans to retrieve Americans still in Afghanistan; Itemized lists of aircraft, combat vehicles, and other U.S. military equipment left behind and destroyed; Threats posed by Al Qaeda, ISIS-K, and other terrorists operating in Afghanistan; Threats posed by prisoners released by Taliban during the Afghanistan evacuation. This includes terrorists released from Bagram Air Base, which Congressman Barr warned the Administration about in early May 2021; Congressman Barr previously pushed legislation in the House requiring the Administration to report to Congress on a regular basis on Americans left behind in Afghanistan, a plan to get them home, and details on military weaponry left behind. In addition to the investments made in the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, the NDAA also requires the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to assess the involvement of the CCP in the origins of COVID-19. The legislation also prohibits the DOD from purchasing goods from Chinese forced labor camps in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. For the Sixth District, the bill allows the United States to fulfill international treaty obligations by destroying chemical weapons and authorizes continued chemical agent and munitions destruction activity that occurs at the Blue Grass Army Depot in Madison County. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=B5AB9A6F-0F4E-42B5-AAE0-D58BB20AF009,Democrats’ Toddler Takeover: Huge Childcare Inflation and Discrimination Against Religion,2021-12-07,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding Democrats’ reckless tax and spending spree: “The last time Washington Democrats pushed through a huge change that disrupted families’ arrangements, it earned President Obama the ‘Lie of the Year’ award. “Democrats insisted that if you liked your healthcare plan, you could keep your healthcare plan. It turned out that was totally false. Their reckless government takeover threw many families into chaos. “This year, many of the same Democrats want to write a sequel. They want to ram though a radical, reckless, multi-trillion-dollar taxing and spending spree between now and Christmas. And a huge part of their bill would completely upend childcare and pre-K as they exist for families across America. “If you like your childcare, you can keep your childcare! Buckle up, parents. What could go wrong? “The Democrats have written their toddler takeover in ways that would turn families’ finances upside-down and make already-expensive childcare even costlier. “Let’s walk through it. “First, their reckless taxing and spending spree would make childcare dramatically more expensive through an avalanche of new mandates, regulations, and micromanagement. The usual Washington D.C. routine. “State and local governments are panicking about the childcare inflation this would cause. Here in D.C., as one liberal analyst uncovered, local officials have formally estimated that the per-child daycare cost for a toddler or an infant would jump by about $12,000 per year. “Twelve thousand dollars more per child per year! President Biden’s inflation is coming for daycare. “That’s why the other half of their clumsy scheme is to dump subsidies onto some families. They want to borrow and print even more so they can throw money at the thing they will have just made more expensive! “But here’s where a bad idea turns into a terrible one. “The Democrats wouldn’t help families directly. This isn’t some simple voucher that families can use as they please. “My colleagues have produced an insanely tangled scheme where the truckloads of money go from Washington… to state governments… to the childcare centers. One leaky bucket after another. “The problems run even deeper than that. Democrats want states to sign up for badly underfunded mandates. That’s the effect, because the entitlement programs will surely last forever, but for accounting purposes, Democrats are pretending the money stops after a decade. Many states will not be keen to be socialist guinea pigs. “Then there’s the fact that the assistance is doled out in incredibly confusing and uneven ways. The subsidies start and stop with no rhyme or reason. “Listen to what a left-leaning organization, the People’s Policy Project, has uncovered. They’ve found that in Year One, a family that earns one dollar over their state median income, ‘will be eligible for zero subsidies, meaning they will be on the hook for the entire unsubsidized price,’ which they estimate will now cost ‘at least $13,000 per year higher than before.’ “The researcher repeats himself because it’s so unbelievable. “‘Having a family income just $1 higher than [your state’s median income] would result in you being ineligible for child care subsidies in 2022 even as the unsubsidized price of child care skyrockets due to the wage and other mandates in the Democratic proposal. This is obviously a perverse outcome and it’s not clear whether lawmakers even realize what they are about to do.’ “This isn’t just one technical glitch. It is emblematic of how ill-conceived their whole experiment is. There are 10 problems like this on every page. *** “I should add, Mr. President, the families who even get to participate in the mess I’ve just laid out – they’re actually the lucky ones. Because Democrats want Big Government to pick winners and losers among different families who make different choices. “Many American families make one set of sacrifices so that both parents can work full-time. These are the people the Democrats are trying to reward, although their plan fails in practice. “But Americans are allowed to have different aspirations. Some families make different sacrifices to have a parent at home full-time. Others prefer flexible middle grounds that involve part-time work plus in-home childcare. “The Democrats’ toddler takeover wouldn’t give any of them a dime. No diversity. No flexibility. Institutional daycare or nothing. “In fact, it’s worse than nothing. Because a family who wants a provider to come to their house part-time, or wants to participate in a neighborhood nanny-share, will now be stuck in an inflated market. They’ll have to bid against the employers that Democrats have blessed and subsidized. “This is the essence of what the Democratic plan would do. Big Government and Big Labor work together to reward some family arrangements and punish others. “Our all-Democrat government is already botching the things that actually are government’s job. Projecting strength abroad. Maintaining energy independence. “But they can’t even do that right. Just look at the poll numbers. “The last thing families need are for Democrats to appoint themselves national daycare czars and then botch that, too. *** “I haven’t even touched on one of the most sinister parts of this whole proposal. “For parents who do use childcare outside the home, faith-based options are incredibly popular. The Bipartisan Policy Center estimates that 53% of parents who use center-based care use ones that are linked to a faith-based organization. “But the same Democrats who are letting far-left propaganda trickle down from the universities into K-12 schools are now declaring war on faith-based childcare. “Washington Democrats want to unleash the woke mob on church daycare. There are at least two parts of their bill that are direct attacks. “First, liberals are trying to chase faith-based providers out of the childcare industry by denying funds to any facility they deem discriminatory. “Of course, today’s radical left tosses around those kinds of accusations at any remotely traditional institution. “Faith-based childcare centers could potentially get their subsidies ripped away if they don’t hire who secular bureaucrats want them to hire, set up their facilities the way secular bureaucrats want them set up, or even — listen to this — gave preference to kids of their own faith! “Orthodox Jewish daycare centers could get kicked out if they say Orthodox Jewish families get first dibs. Evangelical centers could get punished by bureaucrats if the families who belong to the church are accommodated first. “It’s a joke. The left is trying to weaponize the word ‘discrimination’ to push faith-based childcare out of business. “Another part of their bill goes out of its way to deny money for facilities upgrades to buildings that are used for ‘sectarian instruction or religious worship.’ If a faith-based center leads kids in prayer or teaches them their families’ faiths, they don’t get the funding that everyone else gets. “We see this act over and over from the culture warriors. They pretend they’re happy to have religious groups in the public square… but only if they check all their beliefs at the door. “A few years ago, the Supreme Court had to strike down a similar policy that penalized faith-based organizations. A state had tried to deny a church a widely-available grant to fix up its playground. The Court struck down the law 7 to 2. “But the political left is right back at it. “Just look at which federal bureaucrat would oversee this giant mess. “It’s none other than Secretary Becerra, the hard-left culture warrior who got famous by suing the Little Sisters of the Poor for being too Catholic and suing crisis pregnancy centers for being pro-life. “This is the person whom Democrats want to give sweeping new powers over families’ private choices. “Secretary Becerra gets a giant slush fund to bring President Biden’s inflation into childcare and discriminate against people of faith. “Just one more way Democrats’ reckless taxing and spending spree would hurt working families.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-puts-senate-record-arms-sale-saudi-arabia/,Dr. Rand Paul Puts Senate on Record on Arms Sale to Saudi Arabia,2021-12-07,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,www.paul.senate.gov,paul,https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 7, 2021 Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator and Senate Foreign Relations Committee Member Rand Paul (R-KY) urged the Senate to support his bipartisan joint resolution of disapproval to block proposed U.S. arms sales to Saudi Arabia. Dr. Paul was joined by U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Mike Lee (R-UT) in introducing the resolution last month. Dr. Paul gave remarks on the floor before the Senate proceeded to vote on a motion to discharge the resolution from the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “A message needs to be sent to Saudi Arabia that we don’t approve of their war with Yemen,” said Dr. Paul. “By participating in this sale, we would not only be rewarding reprehensible behavior, but also exacerbating a humanitarian crisis in Yemen. Congress and the Biden Administration should consider the possible consequences of this sale that could accelerate an arms race in the Middle East and jeopardize the security of our military technologies.” You can watch Dr. Paul’s floor remarks HERE, and learn more about Dr. Paul’s efforts in his op-ed published in The American Conservative HERE. Background: On November 4, 2021, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of AIM-120C Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $650 million. The AIM-120C is predominately used defensively to strike drones from the air; although, they could conceivably be used in an offensive strike on other aircraft. The proposed sale comes in light of the Saudi-led fuel blockade of Yemen, which has prevented the free flow of food and water in the country. Earlier this year, the Biden administration announced an end to “offensive” support in the war in Yemen. However, Saudi Arabia has continued its blockade in Yemen, which has worsened the humanitarian crisis in the country. The joint resolution of disapproval is cosponsored by Senators Sanders (D-VT), Lee (R-UT), Leahy (D-VT), Wyden (D-OR), Warren (D-MA), Markey (D-MA), Merkley (D-OR), and Murray (D-WA). You can read the joint resolution HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-we-can-end-saudi-blockade-and-bring-relief-long-suffering-yemeni-people/,Dr. Rand Paul: “We can end the Saudi blockade and bring relief to the long-suffering Yemeni people”,2021-12-07,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,www.paul.senate.gov,paul,https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 7, 2021 Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) penned an op-ed published in the American Conservative on his joint resolution of disapproval to block proposed U.S. arms sales to Saudi Arabia. The joint resolution will be voted on in the Senate today. You can read Dr. Paul’s full op-ed HERE or below, and learn more about his joint resolution HERE. Saudi Arabia’s air and naval blockade of Yemen is an abomination. For years now, ships that would otherwise carry food, fuel, and medicine are turned away by the Saudi-led coalition, depriving the Yemeni people of the necessities to sustain civilization. Saudi Arabia’s intervention in the Yemeni civil war is a chilling example of the cruelty of warfare by starvation. According to the United Nations, five million people are one step away from succumbing to famine and disease, and ten million more are right behind them. But, this week, the Senate can start the process of ending this crisis by passing my legislation to cancel an American arms sale to Saudi Arabia that aids and abets the subjugation of the Yemeni people. The children of Yemen who survive Saudi Arabia’s barbaric blockade will inevitably tell their sons and daughters of the horrors of their youth. And those sons and daughters will tell their sons and daughters. Through oral tradition, a thousand generations of Yemenis will know of the Crown Prince’s ruthlessness. And they will also know that it was the Americans that sold him the weapons to wage his murderous campaign. The reports from Yemen describe a nightmare. The Washington Post reported of a three-year-old boy, who could not walk or speak, described his face as “skeletal” and arms and legs as “thin as twigs.” He weighed ten pounds, and his father said that he sometimes goes two days without eating because Saudi import restrictions have made food prohibitively expensive, as if mere sustenance was a luxury. The New York Times told the story of a mother who, after three days of failing to find a ride, carried her 8-month-old son while walking two hours to reach medics to treat acute malnutrition. Even after a week of treatment with enriched formula, the boy still lay motionless on his hospital bed. Tens of thousands of children have already died from disease, malnutrition, or starvation. International aid agencies, who also have to fight the Saudi blockade to provide humanitarian assistance, put it succinctly: “the people of Yemen are not starving. They are being starved.” The Saudi siege of Yemen is made possible because of American weaponry. The arsenal provided by the United States includes billions of dollars’ worth of military aircraft and thousands of air-to-ground munitions. Only weeks ago, the Biden Administration approved a new $650 million sale of 280 advanced medium range air-to-air missiles and 596 missile launchers to the Saudis. As painful as it is to admit, the United States is an accessory Saudi savagery. President Biden says the latest sale is merely to help defend Saudi territorial integrity, but the commander in chief’s words do not match Saudi actions. According to William Hartung, the Director of the Arms and Security Program at the Center for International Policy, “the air blockade is enforced by a threat to shoot down any aircraft, military or civilian, that enters Yemeni air space with the goal of landing at Sana’a airport. The provision of air-to-air missiles gives further credibility to this threat, dissuading any government or aid group from bringing in crucial medicines or flying patients in and out of Yemen.” In other words, no weapon is exclusively defensive and continued American arm sales means continued death and starvation in Yemen. I am leading a bipartisan effort to end America’s complicity in Saudi Arabia’s war on the Yemeni people. This week, I will force a vote on a bipartisan disapproval resolution that proposes to cancel the arms sale. To overcome an almost certain veto, this effort will require the support of two-thirds of both chambers of Congress. If Members of Congress believe in humanitarianism, if they believe America is a force for good that serves as a model for other nations to emulate, if they believe that the crushing of the Yemeni people must be stopped, then they must vote for the resolution of disapproval. We have a chance to tell the Crown Prince that American arms sales will end until he gives up his starvation campaign. We can end the Saudi blockade and bring relief to the long-suffering Yemeni people. Should we fail to seize this opportunity, history will never let us forget that America, the last best hope for humanity, failed to protect defenseless civilians from the cruelty of a criminal regime. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://comer.house.gov/2021/12/comer-oversight-republicans-probe-pandemic-unemployment-benefits-stolen-by-foreign-adversaries,"Comer, Oversight Republicans Probe Pandemic Unemployment Benefits Stolen by Foreign Adversaries",2021-12-06,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,KY,James Comer,C001108,comer.house.gov,comer,https://comer.house.gov/media,scraper,"WASHINGTON—Representative Scott Franklin (R-Fla.), House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.), and Oversight Republicans today called on the Justice Department to provide an update on its efforts to combat and pursue COVID-19 relief stolen by transnational and state-sponsored organizations. A recent report reveals tens of billions of pandemic unemployment benefits were obtained by foreign adversaries, including China and Russia. “The theft of up to $280 billion in unemployment benefits due to fraudulent activity by foreign adversaries and criminals is a major scandal and a breach of our national security. To put this number in perspective, the amount of pandemic relief money lost to fraud over the past 18 months is the same as we spent on the Apollo program over 13 years to put men on the moon. Where possible, the perpetrators of these crimes should be tracked down and prosecuted, and those who negligently allowed this fraud, waste, and abuse to happen must be held accountable for betraying American taxpayers’ trust. Our government simply must instill stronger oversight into distribution of tax dollars. This is unacceptable and the American people deserve better,” said Rep. Franklin. According to a recent report, 40 percent or more of the $700 billion spent on pandemic-related unemployment benefits went to fraud. This includes $175 billion to transnational actors with $140 billion of that—20 percent of the overall amount spent by the U.S. government—going to state-sponsored entities. The Department of Justice recently told Republican committee staff it has charged nearly $1 billion in intended loss of COVID-19 relief to fraud, but based on estimates, this means there are still hundreds of billions in unidentified loss. The Justice Department also refused to share how many active cases involve transnational organizations or state-sponsored organizations. “It’s unacceptable that tens of billions of taxpayer dollars were stolen by foreign adversaries. Americans’ hard-earned money shouldn’t be lining the pockets of Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and their cronies who are opposed to our interests. The Justice Department must provide us with answers about how it plans to combat and prosecute these crimes. For nearly a year I’ve sounded the alarm about massive fraud in pandemic unemployment benefits, but Oversight Committee Democrats have refused to hold a single hearing on this gross mismanagement of taxpayer dollars. The mission of the Oversight Committee is to root out waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in the federal government and Republicans will continue working to ensure safeguards are in place to protect taxpayers,” said Ranking Member James Comer. In their letter to Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, the Task Force to Combat COVID-19 Fraud Lead, the Republican lawmakers request a briefing to better understand the Justice Department’s efforts to combat transnational and state-sponsored COVID-19 related fraud schemes. Ranking Member Comer and Republican lawmakers previously called on Chairwoman Maloney (D-N.Y.) to hold a hearing on massive pandemic unemployment fraud, but she has refused. The full letter can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=5C38B7E9-E8E9-4A93-A78F-FCED60DC8FE8,McConnell Denounces Sham Trial and Sham Sentence for Aung San Suu Kyi,2021-12-06,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"LOUISVILLE, KY – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement this morning regarding the sentencing of Aung San Suu Kyi: “I strongly condemn the sham trial and the sham sentence that Burma’s illegitimate, unelected military junta has imposed on Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. “Daw Suu Kyi’s so-called ‘trial’ was a farce. The proceedings had zero transparency. Her lawyers were silenced. This is not about COVID regulations, walkie talkies, or any of the other absurd pretexts. The junta simply wanted to keep the last leader the Burmese people elected for themselves off the streets, so they disregarded the rule of law and did so. This is the same shameless tyranny with which the junta imprisoned countless citizens of Burma, two American journalists, Nathan Maung and Danny Fenster, and is still holding the Australian economist Sean Turnell behind bars. “The junta is flailing because they are frightened by what they see. Burma’s ethnic minorities, so often divided by their differences, have been coming together and standing behind the National Unity Government’s opposition to illegitimate military rule — even despite the regime’s escalating repression and violence against the people. “Now more than ever, the United States and friends of democracy worldwide must continue to pressure the junta. As Congress works our way through the National Defense Authorization Act, I have added a bipartisan amendment that will ensure our Administration articulates and then advances a real strategy to hold the regime accountable and support democratic actors like the National Unity Government.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=704A5087-C3A3-4CF4-BBAF-8A5F3B8BE2F5,President Biden Must Get Tough in Tuesday Call with Putin,2021-12-06,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding foreign policy: “Last week brought new information about Russia’s military activities along its border with Ukraine. Heavily armed ground forces are mobilizing by the tens of thousands. It’s looking more and more like Vladimir Putin intends to redraw another border by force. “The escalation of Putin’s ongoing war against Ukraine is an immediate threat to Ukraine’s sovereignty and to the security of its people. But as always with Putin, it’s also a test with much broader consequences. Can aggressive powers violate sovereign countries without facing serious consequence? “Fellow authoritarians in Beijing and Tehran will be watching how the free world responds. And President Biden has an opportunity to set the tone when he speaks with Putin tomorrow. “The stakes for the President’s call with Putin couldn’t be clearer. We know what happens when the United States fails to engage with Russia from a position of strength. We know what weakness and capitulation get us. “Remember how President Obama treated arms controls and Europe-based missile defense as negotiable items that could be traded away in exchange for Moscow’s goodwill. “Remember how he mocked Republicans – perhaps most notably our colleague, Senator Romney – who dared to suggest that we ought to take the threat of a revanchist Russia seriously. “Remember the cuts to defense spending. “Remember the dithering over whether to provide meaningful capabilities to Ukraine when Putin first invaded… And how useless our blankets and MREs were against Russian armor and Moscow-trained little green men. “This weakness didn’t purchase a ‘Reset’. It produced a more emboldened Russia, willing to engage in more repression at home and more aggression abroad. “And here we are today. “Vladimir Putin is gearing up to escalate his violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty. And if the free world doesn’t object, there’s no reason to assume he’ll stop there. “So tomorrow, President Biden has both the opportunity and responsibility to tell Russia, and Ukraine, and our allies in Europe that the United States cares about sovereign borders and will help its friends protect them. “If the free world is serious, its leaders – first and foremost, the President of the United States – will leave Putin no room to doubt that Ukraine’s sovereignty is inviolable. And by extension, they will signal to Chairman Xi that similar prospecting in the Pacific will come with prohibitive costs. “If our leaders do not defend a fundamental tenet of the international order, we cannot be surprised by the chaos that will follow. “So if President Biden is serious, he will convince Germany’s new government to abandon the Nord Stream 2 pipeline and instead try to reduce its dependence on the resources that enrich Putin and his cronies and give Moscow leverage over Europe. “If the President intends to learn from the past and actually help Ukraine defend itself, he should expeditiously provide weapon systems that will materially help Ukraine defend itself, including against air threats. “Finally, for the United States to lead the world’s response to authoritarian aggression, I hope President Biden will call on our allies to do more to contribute to our collective security. “In Europe, NATO member states must treat their own military modernization as a top priority. And in the Indo-Pacific, our friends in Taiwan and elsewhere must commit the resources, training, and reforms needed to help them face down their own looming threats. “Tomorrow’s call must mark a turning point for the Biden Administration’s approach to major power competition — from one where its words are pinned on hopes to one where its words and backed by strength.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=88B5C40A-16FB-4B38-9AAC-5FCF30E4FCB4,McConnell Remarks Honoring Sen. Bob Dole,2021-12-06,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding the passing of former Senator Bob Dole: “It is hard to believe it’s been 25 years since Senator Robert J. Dole took leave of the Senate. It’s even harder to believe he passed away this past weekend. “Not because it comes as a shock to say goodbye to an elder statesman at age 98… but because our colleague was still so energetic, so involved, and so forward-looking, right through to his final months. “If you didn’t know Bob Dole, if you just read a summary — of his impressive Senate career, his leadership tenure, his presidential campaign — he might sound like a man of contrasts. “On one hand, our friend from Kansas preached conservative values: personal responsibility and fiscal discipline. But this son of the Dust Bowl and wounded warrior was also laser-focused on caring for the most vulnerable, notching landmark wins on subjects from food insecurity to veterans’ issues to the rights of disabled Americans. “On one hand, Senator Dole took pride in our Republican Party. He rose to key roles that were necessarily somewhat partisan, first leading our Senate Republican Conference for many years and then leading a presidential ticket. But he was also a consensus-finding legislator, an honest broker with deep friendships and working relationships that spanned the aisle. “On one hand, our colleague was earnest, unironic, and somewhat serious — a true Greatest Generation Midwesterner. But he also wielded a charming, disarming, and self-deprecating sense of humor, whether he was cracking one-liners, often at his own expense, or doing a joint appearance with his comic impersonator. “Allow me just one example of Bob Dole’s comedic talent. “In January of 1997, just after President Clinton had defeated Bob and won his re-election, the President graciously bestowed on Bob the Presidential Medal of Freedom. “There they were, in mid-January, just three days before the day Bob had spent months hoping he’d be inaugurated, but President Clinton would be re-inaugurated instead. It was a gracious gesture and a warm event all around. “The time comes for Bob’s remarks. He walks to the podium. Looks around. And he begins: “‘I, Robert J. Dole…’ The crowd is already cracking up. “‘Do solemnly swear…’ Then a theatrical pause. “‘Oh, sorry – wrong speech!’ “Once the laughs began to die down, there came the self-deprecating punchline: ‘I thought I’d be here this historic week receiving something from the President. But I thought it’d be the front door key!’ *** “The thing is, Madam President, there was no contradiction in any of it. No paradox. Bob’s life and career were very consistent. “The virtues and the values that led Bob Dole to raise his right hand, enlist in the Army, and fight bravely until he could not raise that hand any longer… were the same virtues and values that compelled him to raise his left hand for a different oath in the Kansas State Capitol a few years later. “And then across the Rotunda in the U.S. House. And then here in the Senate. “The same virtues and values that animated Bob’s passionate, pointed speeches in the 1960s about a citizen’s duty animated his great empathy towards those who needed help. “With Bob Dole, what you saw was what you got. And from his comrades in the 10th Mountain Division… to his constituents in Kansas… to the whole Senate and the entire country… what we got was extraordinary. “I cannot summarize in one speech the full life or legacy of our friend Bob. There are the battlefield heroics… the hospital-bed friendship with fellow future Senators Phil Hart and ‘the best bridge player at Percy Jones Hospital,’ Dan Inouye… There’s the policy legacy that endures to this day. “These remembrances will take Congress this whole week. And they’ll occupy historians for decades to come. *** “Bob Dole had the same chief hero for his entire adult life: His fellow son of Kansas, a General and then a President, Dwight Eisenhower. “Bob didn’t just like Ike, he idolized him. In Senator Dole’s Senate farewell speech in 1996, he saved the second-to-last quotation for his hero from Abilene, Kansas. He kept his foot personally on the gas pedal for the Eisenhower Memorial here in Washington well into his nineties. He invoked and praised Ike constantly throughout his career. “One such occasion was in late 1979. An event was held at Eisenhower’s boyhood home, presidential library, and gravesite in Abilene, on what would have been his 89th birthday. It so happened that only a couple weeks later, Mrs. Eisenhower would pass away and be laid to rest there as well. “On that day, Senator Dole explained that America had gotten ‘lucky.’ “Why? Because — quote — ‘when we were thirsty for leadership, we turned to a man from Kansas, a genuine hero who embodied in his own life the finest qualities of the American people…’ “‘…A man from grassroots America, steeped in the traditions of neighborhood and patriotism and service… A strong man who earned his strength in war, yet never forgot the disease of poverty or the scourge of personal suffering.’ “Bob was always eloquent, and those lines of his certainly did describe Ike. But now that our friend’s 98 amazing years have come to a close, we can say with certainty that Eisenhower isn’t the only Kansan who meets those standards. “Not only General Eisenhower, but also Second Lieutenant Robert J. Dole himself, was a genuine hero from Kansas… who helped satisfy a nation’s thirst for leadership… “Who was steeped in homespun American values and proud of it… Who’d fought with great courage and valor on the battlefield… And whose concern for the most vulnerable in our society came right with him into the halls of power. *** “I mentioned that Eisenhower was Bob’s second-to-last quotation in his farewell remarks to the Senate. I want to close today where he closed 25 years ago. “Musing on both his past and his future, our colleague’s final quote was from the Midwestern poet Carl Sandburg: ‘Yesterday is a wind gone down, a sun dropped in the West. I tell you that there is nothing in the world, only an ocean for tomorrows, a sky of tomorrow.’ “Now, for our remarkable friend, the sun of this world has set at last. “But we pray in faith that he now beholds an even brighter light. That the endless ocean of tomorrows now stretches before him. “The entire Senate sends our prayers to Elizabeth and Robin, and to so many family, friends, and former staff of Senator Dole. “The whole country stands with you — not only in grief, but in gladness and thanksgiving, for almost a century that was lived so patriotically, so gratefully, and so well.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=D9C7A716-ED12-4879-B850-2DB0787FCF01,Senator Bob Dole,2021-12-05,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"LOUISVILLE, KY – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement today on the passing of former Senator Bob Dole: “Elaine and I join the nation in mourning Bob Dole, our good friend and a bona fide American hero. “Bob’s lifetime of service was rooted in a simple mission: looking out for his neighbors. At first that meant serving his customers at a soda fountain in Russell, Kansas. Then it meant heroic, decorated service with the Army’s 10th Mountain Division in World War II; brutal fighting from which Bob barely made it home. And then came a remarkable career in public service, capped off by nearly 30 years in the U.S. Senate and more than a decade as Republican Leader. “Senate Republicans and the entire Senate were better off for Bob’s stewardship. But more importantly, his beloved Kansas and the entire nation reaped huge rewards from his service. Bob was a steady leader and a legislative master. He unlocked both conservative victories and big bipartisan achievements. His Dust Bowl roots fueled a special commitment to vulnerable Americans, and sure enough, Bob’s work on food security, veterans’ issues, and the rights of disabled Americans have continued to have an especially lasting impact. “Whatever their politics, anyone who saw Bob Dole in action had to admire his character and his profound patriotism. Those of us who were lucky to know Bob well ourselves admired him even more. A bright light of patriotic good cheer burned all the way from Bob’s teenage combat heroics through his whole career in Washington through the years since. It still shone brightly, undimmed, to his last days. “Bob Dole lived the kind of full, rich, and deeply honorable American life that will be impossible for any tribute today to fully capture. As we mourn this most distinguished American son, we send our sincerest condolences to Elizabeth, Robin, and the entire Dole family.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-honors-imogenes-alterations-bowling-green-kentucky-us-senate-small-business-week/,"Dr. Rand Paul Honors Imogene’s Alterations of Bowling Green, Kentucky, as the U.S. Senate Small Business of the Week",2021-12-03,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,www.paul.senate.gov,paul,https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 3, 2021 Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, recognized Imogene’s Alterations of Bowling Green, Kentucky, as the U.S. Senate Small Business of the Week. Dr. Paul entered the following into the Congressional Record: Mr. PAUL. Mr. President, as Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Kentucky small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Imogene’s Alterations of Bowling Green, Kentucky, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Located on Nutwood Street, Imogene’s Alterations has served Bowling Green, Kentucky for over 20 years. Imogene Garmon, a longtime Bowling Green resident, embarked on her first career in the grocery sector. After 33 years working at the Kroger meat counter, she was ready for a new challenge. A self-taught seamstress, Imogene began selling fabric and doing minor alterations after leaving Kroger. Seeing a business opportunity, Imogene went on to establish a fabric shop. She thrived as a small business owner, serving the greater Bowling Green community. Word spread quickly of Imogene’s talent as a seamstress. Request for alterations poured in, including everything from everyday clothing to suits and ball gowns. To meet the demand, Imogene decided to focus solely on alterations. She established Imogene’s Alterations, providing full-time alterations for men and women’s clothing. Today, Imogene’s Alterations continues providing alterations for all types of events and special occasions. This woman-owned business has grown along with the area, moving into its current location at Nutwood Street about twenty years ago. Customers are welcomed by name, and treated like family. At 88 years old, Imogene continues to be involved in every aspect of her business. From operating the store to sewing alterations, her care and attention to detail are evident in her work. Her strong sense of family has built a tight-knit, supportive team. Like many entrepreneurs, Imogene established a successful business while building community. As a mother, grandmother, and aunt, Imogene raised and continues to mentor generations of her family. Remarkably, Imogene founded Imogene’s Alterations in her 60s. It took innovation and courage to pursue her goal, switching from the grocery industry which she knew well, to the tailoring sector. Imogene’s Alterations is a remarkable example of the resilience and adaptability of locally-owned small businesses. Small businesses like Imogene’s Alterations form the heart of cities and towns across Kentucky. Congratulations to Imogene and the entire team at Imogene’s Alterations. I wish them the best of luck, and I look forward to watching their continued growth and success in Kentucky. As Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Dr. Paul continues the tradition of honoring America’s small businesses and entrepreneurs. The Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship oversees proposed legislation on matters relating to the Small Business Administration and investigates all problems relating to America’s small businesses. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=9A8D072F-76BC-4E69-A01E-CE18CBDBBD04,Congressman Rogers Votes Against Democrats' Misguided Short-Term Spending Bill,2021-12-02,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,KY,Harold Rogers,R000395,halrogers.house.gov,halrogers,https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Washington Democrats passed a second short-term appropriations bill, only funding the federal government through February 18. The first stop-gap measure was passed in late September. The bill pushes the December 3 deadline to February 18, and did not include an effort by House and Senate Republicans to defund President Biden's court embattled vaccine mandates. ""We have worked on federal funding bills all year, but because Washington Democrats refuse to come to the table to negotiate government funding, here we are in another crunch to ensure government operations continue. While we all want to avoid a government shutdown, these short-term spending bills leave out a lot of unmet needs across the country,"" said Congressman Rogers, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee. ""Washington Democrats' misguided priorities have left us without a comprehensive deal to fully fund the 2022 fiscal year. Instead, they are focused on finding a path forward for their multi-trillion dollar socialist agenda and funding President Biden's vaccine mandates, some of which have already been blocked in federal court. I call on Democrats to come to the table so we can end these short-term spending bills and fully fund the government for 2022.” The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration before current government funding expires at midnight on December 3.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=A07ADC59-3BDD-483C-9E40-B7813CAF528A,Democrats’ Reckless Taxing and Spending Spree Stuffed With Absurd Waste and Political Payoffs,2021-12-02,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding Democrats’ reckless tax and spending spree: “Two thirds of Americans are worried about inflation. “About half of the middle class and 70 percent of low-income families just told Gallup that rising prices have been a personal hardship for their households. “That’s why 67% of the American people say that Washington needs to ‘cut back on spending and printing money.’ “But here in Washington D.C., Democrats are bound and determined to do just the opposite. They want to try the crazy strategy of inflating their way out of inflation. Another massive, reckless taxing and spending spree. “Even the most generous estimates, when the CBO has to swallow all of Democrats’ accounting gimmicks at face value, still say their proposal would entail $800 billion in new deficit spending over the next five years alone. “Outside experts who are allowed to reject Democrats’ obvious budget gimmicks find the real cost of their bill would actually be close to $5 trillion dollars, and after a decade, it would increase deficits by $2.8 trillion dollars. “But the reckless price tag isn’t the only problem. What is remarkable is that the Democrats want to spend all these trillions but not leave citizens with any impressive, enduring new national project in return. “There’s no Hoover Dam, Interstate Highway System, or moon landing on the other side of their mountains of borrowed money. Nothing like that. “Just a giant catalog of socialist mediocrity — new entitlements here, new transfer programs there, new ways to let bureaucrats run families’ lives, and shameless goodies for specific interest groups who support the political left. “A giant muddled mess that would leave families with fewer childcare choices and higher costs… with fewer new prescription drugs and cures… with higher prices for less reliable energy… “A reckless taxing and spending spree that hurts American families and helps China. *** “There are a lot of big, sweeping, radical changes in their proposal that would change families’ lives dramatically and for the worse. “But in between the sweeping wish-fulfillment for people who call themselves ‘democratic socialists,’ there is also a remarkable amount of pure waste, absurd little giveaways, and interest group goodies. “A billion here, a billion there, and hope the American people won’t notice if it’s buried in enough bureaucratic gibberish. “Here are just a few examples. “This bill would supply billions of dollars to help colleges and universities indoctrinate college students with even more left-wing propaganda… “… And billions more to give them made-up Potemkin jobs in a make-work program they’re calling a ‘Civilian Climate Corps.’ This at a time when industries already cannot find workers. “Their bill would set aside multiple billions of dollars to put federal government employees like IRS agents and postal carriers into brand-new electric vehicles. “Earlier this year, the Biden Administration made sure that luxury Teslas with a sticker price of up to $97,000 were on the list for government procurement. “So working families might be having to choose between heating costs and new shoes for the kids, but don’t worry, Democrats will make sure IRS auditors can cruise around in Silicon Valley’s finest. “Their proposal would create a huge $29 billion slush fund that activists are applauding as the foundation for something called ‘a national green bank.’ Can you say Solyndra on steroids? “An entire government bank to finance pipe dreams that can’t earn support in the real economy. “Separately, they’re planning to spend multiple billions of taxpayer dollars for something the liberals are calling ‘tree equity.’ I’ll let that one speak for itself. “Of course, Madam President, the Green New Deal folks aren’t the only constituency Democrats want to pay off. “This reckless taxing and spending spree is also designed to knock out all their Christmas shopping for trial lawyers, Big Labor bosses, Ivy League administrators, and blue-state millionaires, all in one fell swoop! “There’s the state-and-local tax carveout, the SALT gimmick, that would give an extra tax cut to two thirds of the households making a million dollars or more a year. “Perhaps to make sure these reckless policies get good press, Democrats have included a $1.6 billion bailout for the news media. I’m not making this up. We are essentially talking about government welfare for newsrooms. “It goes on and on. “There’s a new special tax break for rich universities’ massive endowments… “Hundreds of millions of dollars to overhaul kids’ school lunch menus, including making sure they are, ‘culturally appropriate.’ I guess they want to make sure that children’s cafeteria trays are sufficiently woke. “And goodness knows they couldn’t skip over Big Labor. So the Democrats’ plan would let working Americans’ above-the-line tax deduction for charitable contributions expire — that goes away — but they’d replace it with a brand-new deduction that only applies to union dues. “And then there is pure pork of the old-school kind. “The Speaker of the House tried to sneak in hundreds of millions of dollars for a special park in San Francisco. “And the Senate Democratic Leader has spent months trying to double the bill’s funding for public housing so the chronically mismanaged authority in his hometown could get $40 billion federal dollars to clean up its messes. “There is even what appears to be a $33 million kickback that is largely for one Democratic congressman whose vote Speaker Pelosi had to lock down. Out of nowhere, one mostly dormant government commission that is important to this Democrat’s district gets a funding increase of 13,000%. “You heard that right: A funding increase of thirteen thousand percent. What a terrific coincidence for this one Democratic House member. “So take a step back. Our colleagues’ proposal isn’t some big national leap into the 21st century. It is an endless hodge-podge of this nonsense. “Partisan back-scratching, interest group giveaways, and shameless waste. “And through tax hikes and inflation, working American families will foot the bill.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=B5B75FCB-341E-41B3-8067-8B4FF01EF50D,Reps Barr and Levin Partner on Bipartisan Bill to Restore Education Benefits to Veterans,2021-12-01,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,KY,Andy Barr,B001282,barr.house.gov,barr,https://barr.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.— Today, U.S. Representatives Andy Barr (R-KY) and Mike Levin (D-CA) introduced bipartisan legislation to extend the amount of time certain veterans can utilize their GI Bill education benefits. Earlier this year, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) restored GI Bill entitlements for veterans who previously used Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) benefits. However, the VA did not extend the expiration date for these benefits, meaning some veterans received more months of GI Bill entitlements than they had time to use before the expiration date. To resolve this discrepancy, Rep. Barr and Rep. Levin are leading the More Opportunities for Veterans Education (MOVE) Act. This legislation will provide eligible veterans with sufficient time to use their restored GI Bill benefits by extending their expiration dates and requiring the VA to notify all veterans affected. “We must ensure that veterans who served our country have access to the entirety of their education benefits earned through the Post 9/11 GI Bill,” said Rep. Barr. “Our bill is a straightforward legislative fix to achieve just that. This legislation will help veterans obtain skills, training and educational benefits to further their post-service success. It is great to partner with Representative Levin on this bill, and I will keep working to get his bipartisan bill signed into law.” “I’m glad the VA restored GI Bill entitlements for many veterans who have taken advantage of Veteran Readiness and Employment benefits, but we must extend the expiration date to use those benefits so eligible veterans can take full advantage of them,” said Rep. Levin. “I’ve heard of veterans at Saddleback College and other local institutions who need this extension to make the most of their restored GI Bill benefits, and I’m proud to introduce this legislation on their behalf. I appreciate Congressman Barr’s partnership on this commonsense bill and I’m hopeful we can advance it through the House soon.” “The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently changed its interpretation of the ‘48-month rule’, allowing student veterans to use their Vocational Readiness & Employment (VR&E) benefits up to its cap before using any other education benefit up to its own, separate cap,” said Justin Monk, Policy Associate at Student Veterans of America. “In addition, VA also restored entitlement to veterans who were previously denied the correct amount of time to use their benefits. Unfortunately, thousands of veterans receiving these restored benefits have fewer months until their delimiting dates than the number of months they had restored. The More Opportunities for Veterans Education (MOVE) Act provides an intelligent, common-sense solution by extending the timeframe during which any eligible student veteran with restored entitlement can utilize those benefits. SVA is grateful to Chairman Levin for his leadership on this issue, and we hope to see swift passage of this bill through the House and Senate.” “Recently, a policy change refunded Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to veterans who relinquished them to participate in VA’s Veterans Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program. However, many veterans who served prior to “Forever GI Bill” have already passed the delimiting date that allows them to use these entitlements. The MOVE act is a commonsense solution to this problem. It requires the VA to inform veterans of this change and provides them with an extended amount of time to use the benefits they’ve earned. In today’s job market, continuing education is vital for career advancement. It also a great tool for personal and intellectual growth. Congressman Barr has once again shown why veterans of all political persuasions appreciate his leadership. His bipartisan efforts with Congressman Mike Levin ensures that veterans who served during the early days of the Global War on Terror will have access to the benefits they have earned,” Dr. Travis Martin, Director, Kentucky Center for Veterans Studies and who is a U.S. Army Veteran. Specifically, the MOVE Act would apply to veterans who, as of April 1, 2021, did not have at least 12 months in addition to the number of months the VA restored in GI Bill benefits until their expiration date. The bill would ensure these individuals have 12 months plus the number of restored months until the window to use their benefits expires, also known as the delimiting date. This 12-month cushion would ensure veterans have ample time to plan for their education, apply for a program, enroll, and begin class. The bill also requires VA to notify all covered veterans of their new delimiting date within 30 days of enactment. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=97AAA4A6-AC5F-4332-BEFA-2F35B07D1A29,Democrats’ Reckless Taxing and Spending Spree Would Worsen Families’ Existing Problems,2021-12-01,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding Democrats’ reckless tax and spending spree: “Inflation is hammering working families from coast to coast, but Democrats want to print, borrow, and spend trillions more. “Our economy is already sputtering on their watch, but Democrats want to wallop the country with massive tax hikes that would kill American jobs and discourage industry from locating in the U.S.A. “Everybody with a lick of common sense knows the massive, reckless taxing and spending spree that Democrats are writing behind closed doors is crazy. “A supermajority of Americans, 67%, say that ‘inflation and rising costs’ are ‘harm[ing] everyone in the country’ and ‘government should cut back on spending and printing money’ as a result. “Two in three Americans want Washington Democrats to step back from the precipice. An overwhelming consensus. But a few loud voices on the far left are yelling at Democrats to ignore the people… and take the plunge. “The sheer financial cost of what Democrats want to do to our country is jaw-dropping. “Even when the Congressional Budget Office had to swallow all the Democrats’ budget gimmicks and fuzzy math at face value, they still found that their reckless taxing and spending spree would add $800 billion to the deficit in the next five years. Another $800 billion in deficit spending during a time of inflation. “But even that almost certainly undershoots it. “The Democrats’ legislation pretends that liberals will let all these huge new entitlements expire after a few years. It’s a total accounting fiction. They are marketing these new welfare programs as moral imperatives. Democrats don’t want them to expire. But they draft bills with these fake expiration dates to make it appear like it costs less. “Outside experts have tried to estimate the real cost of the bill, if all these new welfare entitlements didn’t magically fall away after a few years. They say the bill would actually cost double what Democrats say and leave us with $2.8 trillion in new debt. “Let me repeat that. Nonpartisan experts who look past the Democrats’ fictional accounting and fake assumptions find this bill would add $2.8 trillion to the deficit. “That’s how you risk turning a couple years of inflation into a full-on lost decade. *** “But the problem with their reckless taxing and spending spree is not just the price tag. “It is not the case that Democrats have cooked up a great list of investments that would strengthen America, but we just can’t afford it at this particular moment. “No, our colleagues want to ram through a far-left wish list that would hurt families and help China. “There’s no grand national project waiting on the other side of all these trillions. No 21st century version of the Hoover Dam or the Interstate Highway System or the Space Race. Nothing to really make us proud. “Just a mediocre assortment of new welfare programs, new transfers, and new bureaucratic power grabs. “And somehow it all seems tailor-made to take existing problems in our country and make them worse. Take, for example, the nationwide labor shortage facing our economy right now: “One of the most vocal of the House’s self-styled democratic socialists said last year that, even after workplaces were once again safe, people should simply refuse to go back to work. “Forget science, forget economic recovery, ‘just say ‘no’.’ “Well, this spring, the far left got their wish: a massive, unnecessary spending package that stunted our comeback and literally paid people to stay on the sidelines. By summertime, unfilled positions were setting new all-time highs. “And yet Washington Democrats now want to double down with a plan that would shatter a decades-old consensus about the link between welfare and work. “They want to massively expand access to welfare – including to people in this country illegally – by hijacking the child tax credit that was designed for working families with actual tax liabilities. “Or look at the ongoing obsession with Green New Deal policies. “President Biden’s cave to the far left’s climate agenda started on Day One: Cancelling American jobs and the Keystone XL pipeline and freezing exploration on new sources of domestic energy. “Last year, the United States was a net energy exporter. Now, on Democrats’ watch, we’ve doubled our imports of Russian oil. And American households are staring down an historic spike in home heating costs. “Was it time to pump the brakes on green radicalism? Not if you ask Washington Democrats. Their reckless taxing and spending spree would heap a fresh batch of fees and mandates on producers of the most affordable domestic energy while showering incentives on the pricey and unreliable alternatives blue-state liberals prefer. “Pouring government subsidies into ‘green’ pet projects like electric cars and solar panels would mean handing a massive windfall to Chinese producers that dominate the markets for a slew of the rare earth materials these products require. Hurts families; helps China. “Look at education. The same Democrats who let their Big Labor benefactors rob kids of in-person schooling are now letting the Biden Justice Department scrutinize parents who dare to question woke propaganda. “Their reckless taxing and spending spree would go even further to take power and control away from parents. Democrats want to bring even more of kids’ learning, down to pre-K, under the thumb of woke bureaucrats and Big Labor. “And even prior to pre-K, Democrats have cooked up a crazy new labyrinth of regulations and subsidies and mandates for daycare. President Biden and Speaker Pelosi want to tell the American people how to raise their kids and how to structure their private family arrangements. “These liberals want to take families’ most personal life decisions and have Washington pick winners and losers. “The cost of childcare would actually be driven up. “Families who’ve made different sets of sacrifices to have a parent or grandparent raise their young kids would get nothing. “Many Americans’ faith-based providers would be intentionally shut out from important funding. And the culture-warrior Secretary Becerra would call the shots. “It’s like I said, Mr. President: The actual substance of their bill is as awful as the price tag. “Democrats’ plan wouldn’t just waste trillions and exacerbate inflation. It would also make American families lives’ considerably worse.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=1B6523EC-AC26-4541-B8ED-1381BD6516DB,Another Reckless Taxing and Spending Spree Would Pour “Jet Fuel” on Inflation,2021-11-30,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding Democrats’ reckless tax and spending spree: “88 percent of Americans are concerned about inflation. Most of them are ‘very concerned.’ “77 percent of Americans say inflation has affected them personally. “We have a big and diverse country. It’s hard to get that many Americans to agree on anything. “But President Biden did promise he would unite the country. And on Democrats’ watch, under Democrats’ policies, the American people are united in their fear and frustration at runaway prices, falling purchasing power, and all the consequences of inflation. “The men and women of this country are spending 20% more than last year for beef at the grocery store. 50% more to fill up at the gas station. 26% more for far less choice in used cars. “One recent article in the New York Times suggested that perhaps Americans should forget about trying to buy their family members normal gifts and settle for exchanging hand-written promises to tackle household chores such as ‘washing out the reusable plastic bags.’ I guess the Grinch is doing some ghostwriting in his spare time. “Some weeks back, the White House press secretary tried to laugh off reporters’ questions about the supply chain and inflation crises. She laughed at the idea that anybody would be worried about, ‘the tragedy of the treadmill that’s delayed.’ “The president’s staff are yukking it up. But working parents aren’t laughing. Middle-class families aren’t laughing. “A Kentuckian named Mike Halligan isn’t laughing either. He runs a big food bank in Lexington called God’s Pantry. They distribute more than 40 million pounds of food every year to local food pantries across Kentucky. “He says: ‘We’ve seen the cost of our ‘sharing Thanksgiving basket’ go up this year by 14.5 percent… We’ve seen our costs go up by about 50 percent. The transportation component of that is literally doubled.’ “And he also explained that since inflation is also hammering his contributors, charities and nonprofits may face ‘donor fatigue’ at precisely the time they cannot afford a fall-off. The Democrats’ inflation is hitting every part of our society. *** “A famous economist once said that inflation is the only form of tax that can be levied without any legislation. But what’s remarkable about 2021 is that Democrats did directly legislate a big chunk of this inflation into existence! “It is unusually traceable to deliberate policy decisions they have made. “One of the most famous Democratic economists in the country, Larry Summers, tried to warn them. “On February 4th he wrote the Democrats’ stimulus could, ‘set off inflationary pressures of a kind we have not seen in a generation.’ He said the same thing all springtime long. “So did President Obama’s CEA chair. Quote: ‘Jason Furman…said that the American Rescue Plan is definitely ‘too big for the moment,’ stating: ‘I don’t know of any economist that was recommending something the size of what was done.’’ “But Washington Democrats had already decided months ago they’d try to use the temporary pandemic as a Trojan horse for permanent socialism. “Remember last spring, when one of the seniormost House Democrats called it, ‘a tremendous opportunity to restructure things to fit our vision.’ Or earlier this fall, when President Biden, himself, said the pandemic, ‘does present us with an opportunity.’ “For Democrats, this go-around, it has never been about what families need. It has only been about what activists want. “So we got the first massive spending bill in the springtime. And now, a majority of Americans ‘worry they won’t be able to afford what they need during the holidays due to inflation.’ “President Biden inherited an economy that was primed and ready for an historic comeback. A fantastic inheritance. Since then they’ve had less than a year at the controls. And we’ve got more than half the country actively worried their checking accounts might not even get them through the holidays. *** “But Democrats aren’t offering the country any contrition, any apology, or any course-correction. “Amazingly enough, they want to come back around for an even bigger bite at the apple. They want to try to inflate their way out of inflation. “Our colleagues have spent months huddled behind closed doors, neglecting the most basic governing duties, writing another reckless taxing and spending spree that even the most conservative estimates say would add about $800 billion to deficits over the next five years alone. “They want to take the inflationary fire they helped start and pour jet fuel on it. Even the CBO, which has to swallow most of Democrats’ gimmicky math, estimates this bill would spend nearly $2 trillion dollars and pile hundreds of billions more onto deficits over the next decade. “Perhaps more realistic are the outside, nonpartisan estimates that actually account for what we all know: Democrats would never let the new entitlements in their bill expire. These more realistic estimates put the total cost just shy of $5 trillion dollars. “All at a time when Chairman Powell, who has been willing to let the economy run hot, is now warning that current uncertainties could keep inflation elevated to a troubling level. “Now, I could talk all day about how the actual contents of this bill would hurt American families even more. “About how it would take another big step toward socialized medicine and pour cold water on the innovations and cures that save lives… “How it would incinerate huge chunks of our energy sector, and the jobs it supports, in order to keep pace with the green preferences of California liberals… “How it would wrestle authority over intimate decisions about childcare away from American families and put it in the hands of Washington bureaucrats. “But the overall picture is impossible to mistake: “Inflation is hurting the American people and Democrats want to print, borrow, and spend trillions more. “The most out-of-touch agenda you could possibly imagine.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=9EBC440B-00A0-44C5-95C4-10124EFC340A,McConnell: Critical Defense Legislation Deserves a Bipartisan Amendment Process,2021-11-30,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding the National Defense Authorization Act: “Yesterday, a bipartisan majority of Senators rejected the Democratic Leader’s effort to shut down debate on the National Defense Authorization Act and block new measures to get tougher on Russia. “The Democratic Leader wants to block the Senate from fully and robustly debating a number of important issues — from how to manage the fallout from the reckless Afghanistan retreat to how to respond to China’s dramatic and destabilizing military modernization to how to restore deterrence against an emboldened Iran. “The NDAA is supposed to be the bipartisan forum for debating and acting on these kinds of issues. Months ago, the Armed Services Committee moved this process forward 23-3. But the Democratic Leader has botched the floor process. “It is especially bizarre to see the Democratic Leader so focused, so intent, on blocking the Senate from dealing seriously with the growing aggression from Putin’s Russia. He seems downright desperate to block new bipartisan action on Nord Stream 2. It’s strange to see. “Senators Risch and Cruz have proposed language concerning this Putin pipeline that the House was able to pass almost unanimously. Unlike the House provision, the Risch/Cruz amendment includes a waiver provision that would give the President more flexibility, which makes the Democratic Leader’s effort to shut the process down and block their amendment all the more baffling. “If there is opposition to this amendment – if it can be improved with modifications – then by all means, let’s have a public debate. “Likewise, Senator Portman has been a leading voice for bolstering our European partners and delivering more meaningful support to Ukraine’s military. “As Putin masses forces on Ukraine’s border, the Senate should debate how to help the Ukrainians defend themselves. The Democratic Leader is trying to shut that down too. “The NDAA is not finished yet. So the Senate cannot be finished yet either. “We need the same kind of normal, robust, bipartisan amendment process that always characterizes this bill. And we need the Democratic Leader to stop trying to block the Senate from sanctioning Putin’s cronies.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=49DAA3E0-A3A9-434D-A631-40EFADFDAB44,"While Families Plead for Less Inflation, Democrats Want to Print and Spend Trillions More",2021-11-29,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding Democrats’ reckless tax and spending spree: “Why do our Democratic colleagues want to shortchange our national defense? To free up their time and attention for another massive, reckless taxing and spending spree. A radical wish list that would hurt American families and help China. “Working families are already getting slammed by runaway costs because Democrats’ last massive spending spree drove up inflation. Gas prices are up almost 50%, used car prices are up more than 25%, and grocery prices across practically every category are up significantly over this time last year. “But in response, Washington Democrats want to print, borrow, and spend trillions more. Even if you accept all their budget gimmicks at face value, this bill alone would unleash $800 billion in not-paid-for spending in the next five years. “Years five through ten are when their crushing tax hikes and phony accounting would kick in. But even then, the bill is not paid for. President Biden promised Americans over and over that this legislation would cost zero dollars. “But that’s false. “The Congressional Budget Office says that after 10 years, after their tax hikes and fake offsets are factored in, their spree would still add $367 billion to the deficit. “President Biden said the deficit impact would be zero. In reality, it is hundreds and hundreds of billions of dollars. “President Biden promised Americans something else, too: He said he would never raise taxes on the middle class. People earning less than $400,000 per year were not to pay a penny more. “He has completely broken this promise as well. Among the $1.5 trillion in job-killing tax increases are new burdens for small businesses, family farms, and direct hikes on middle-class families earning less than six figures. “Meanwhile, amazingly, Democrats did find room in their plan to include $300 billion in tax cuts for the wealthiest blue-state zip codes in New York and California. Our colleagues want to pretend they’re launching another New Deal, yet one of the biggest components is a direct cash giveaway to their richest constituents. “So the cost of this spending spree would be astronomical. And the massive tax hikes that would only partly pay for it would crush our fragile economy. “But what about the content of this liberal wish list? “If Democrats get to steal the American people’s credit card for this historic spending spree, what would our citizens even get to unwrap? “There’d be massive government giveaways to supposedly ‘green’ initiatives, giving rise to a whole new generation of waste and abuse like Solyndra. “There’d be a gigantic slush fund so that HHS Secretary Becerra, the culture warrior who sued Catholic nuns, could take over daycare and pre-kindergarten across America. He’d be in charge of subsidizing certain kinds of private family choices but not others, and tilting the playing field against faith-based childcare. “There’d be a continuation of inflationary welfare payments that Washington is sending out with zero work requirements whatsoever. And illegal immigrants would get the money too. “Oh, and as we speak, Senate Democrats are still trying desperately behind the scenes to get sweeping amnesty included in this bill as well. “It goes on and on like this, Madam President. A hodge-podge catalog that is built to satisfy the demands of activists, not the needs of families. “If you ask any working-class or middle-class American family for their top concerns, you aren’t going to hear many people pining for massive tax hikes, electric car charging stations, and woke bureaucrats getting control of their kids’ early childhoods. “My colleagues across the aisle seem determined to spend the weeks ahead on ways to waste Americans’ money while making Americans’ problems even worse. “Let’s hope enough of our Democratic colleagues step back, take stock, do the responsible thing… and kill this bill.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=FCC893AF-D422-498F-A01F-3B75BE4BEC20,Senate Democrats Should Not Shortchange National Security,2021-11-29,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding the National Defense Authorization Act: “Today’s Democratic Party does not make the policy decisions of a party that is serious about protecting America. “In May, President Biden released a budget proposal that proposed a de facto cut in defense funding. And that was before the President’s own supercharged inflation further cut the purchasing power of every defense dollar. “In August, his botched Afghanistan retreat shattered our allies’ trust and delighted terrorists. “In 10 months in office, despite naïve happy talk from the Administration, the threats we face are markedly worse. “The vacuum they left in Afghanistan has emboldened terrorists, from Iran’s militias in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen to the highest ranks of the Taliban’s government. “Their desperation to return to a failed nuclear deal has given Iran the upper hand in negotiations. “For four years, my colleague the Democratic Leader seemed constantly focused on Putin and Russia. “But now? With Putin flaunting his power and Russia engaged in ongoing cyber-attacks, weapons tests, and troop build-ups? Crickets. “And for all their talk about China’s threat, we’ve seen no evidence that Democrats intend for the United States to keep pace with the PLA’s investments in nuclear and hypersonic weapons. “The bipartisan National Defense Strategy Commission has made clear we cannot shortchange our own military modernization and have a prayer of competing with the People’s Republic of China or even the declining but dangerous Russian Republic. “Our colleagues across the aisle have missed one opportunity after another to right the ship. They’ve used the reconciliation process to pass trillions in new partisan spending without a cent for defending the nation. “And despite the strong bipartisan work of our colleagues on the Armed Services Committee, the Democratic Leader kept this year’s defense authorization bill in limbo for months, and now wants to block the Senate from a real debate and a real amendment process. “Madam President -- debating the right way to confront Russian threats to America and our allies and equip our friends in Ukraine is worth the Senate’s time. “Putin is massing tens of thousands of troops on Ukraine’s border, but the Democratic Leader is trying to block a debate about responding to Russian aggression? It makes no sense. “Considering sanctions on the pipeline that fuels Putin’s encroachment over Europe – including provisions from Senator Risch that closely mirror language the House added unanimously – is worth the Senate’s time. “Setting the record straight on our resolve to maintain a strong and credible nuclear deterrent that can check the worst impulses of our adversaries is worth the Senate’s time. “Yet once again, the Democratic Leader seems to want to put national security last. My colleague is trying to overcorrect for poor planning by cramming a two-week bill into two or three days’ time. I imagine there might be finger-pointing at Republicans if that proves impossible. “Madam President, nothing less than the safety of the American people is at stake. This is more important than political timetables for partisan wish-lists. “So if the Democratic Leader insists on forcing a cloture vote later today, I will oppose cutting off these important debates prematurely, when they have really just begun.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-paul-stands-kentucky-farmers-and-cattlemen-opposition-biden-administrations-new-and/,Dr. Paul Stands with Kentucky Farmers and Cattlemen in Opposition to the Biden Administration’s New and Expansive WOTUS Rule,2021-11-29,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,www.paul.senate.gov,paul,https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 29, 2021 Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) released the following statement on the Biden administration’s new and expansive waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule that was quietly issued just over a week ago. “Kentucky’s farmers and agricultural industry suffered when the Obama administration implemented its burdensome WOTUS rule, and now the Biden administration has chosen to follow in their footsteps by appeasing the far left’s priorities over the economic well-being of farmers across America. Their new rule essentially reverts to pre-2015 standards, which regulates every puddle and ditch in America, and further intrudes on Americans’ private property rights and the Constitution’s limits on federal power,” said Dr. Paul. The Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation and Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association also released the following statements on the ruling: “Farm families have always been on the forefront of good stewardship when it comes to natural resources, and certainly taking care of their water supplies is paramount. But as the EPA proposes to return to the pre-2015 interpretation of WOTUS, we need to have some clear directions on the definition of navigable waterways that are not subject to change with every new administration,” said Mark Haney, President of the Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation. “Cattlemen depend on clean water for the health of our livestock and the sustainability of our operations. We know the importance of protecting and maintaining traditionally navigable waters and abutting wetlands, however, jurisdiction over prior converted cropland, stock ponds, and agricultural ditches is an unnecessary burden to livestock producers,” said the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association. Background: Recently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) quietly issued its proposed rule re-writing the definition of “waters of the United States,” commonly referred to as WOTUS. After promising to listen to the concerns of the farming community, the EPA introduced its rule before finishing consultations with the agriculture industry. The proposed rule harkens to the pre-2015 Obama standards with even less certainty over which waters are covered and is already facing opposition from agriculture groups such as the American Farm Bureau Federation. The regulation would also repeal the Trump Administration’s Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR), which was applauded by the agriculture industry as a step in the right direction, and is similar to Dr. Paul’s Defense of Environment and Property Act which he reintroduced in July. You can read more about Dr. Paul’s Defense of Environment and Property Act HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=DE949EE9-DDDB-439A-8888-3981CF3E255E,McConnell Comments on the Passing of Paul Cummins,2021-11-23,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"LOUISVILLE, KY -- U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement today on the passing of Paul Cummins of Mount Vernon, Kentucky: “I was saddened to learn of the passing of Paul Cummins, a proud Kentucky business owner who made a lasting impact on his family, friends, and neighbors. He helped found multiple businesses in Mount Vernon, bringing industry, good jobs, and small-town pride to his community. Through his leadership, he became a Rockcastle County mainstay, loved by all who knew him. Elaine and I share our deepest condolences with the Cummins family and will hold them in our prayers.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-releases-reports-economic-cost-vaccine-mandates-across-us/,Dr. Rand Paul Releases Reports on the Economic Cost of Vaccine Mandates Across the U.S.,2021-11-23,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,www.paul.senate.gov,paul,https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 23, 2021 Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, released reports for all 50 states in the U.S. on the economic cost of vaccine mandates. “Under President Biden’s unlawful and unconstitutional vaccine mandates, our nation risks losing up to 28 percent of its labor force, not to mention it will cost businesses at least $1.29 billion,” said Dr. Paul. “In a free country, people have the right to make their own healthcare decisions. President Biden’s command that working Americans and private businesses submit to his mandate upon penalty of loss of livelihood is a flagrant abuse of power that will destroy the U.S. economy and work force.” You can find the reports for all 50 states HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://comer.house.gov/2021/11/comer-introduces-bill-to-ban-biden-s-authoritarian-federal-contractor-vaccine-mandate,Comer Introduces Bill to Ban Biden’s Authoritarian Federal Contractor Vaccine Mandate,2021-11-22,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,KY,James Comer,C001108,comer.house.gov,comer,https://comer.house.gov/media,scraper,"WASHINGTON—House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) today introduced the Fairness for Federal Contractors Act of 2021 (H.R. 6016) to ban President Biden from requiring the employees of federal contractors to be vaccinated against COVID-19. “American workers should not be forced to get the jab to keep their job. President Biden’s authoritarian mandate on employees of federal contractors requiring vaccination or termination is unfair to those who support the federal government and jeopardizes services such as defense and border security. Because of the sweeping mandate, employees risk losing their entire livelihoods—jobs, pensions, and healthcare plans—and President Biden places our country at risk to public safety, health, and supply chain crises,” said Ranking Member Comer. In September, President Biden issued Executive Order 14042, under which employees of federal contractors must be vaccinated against COVID-19 infection by January 4, 2022, or risk losing their jobs and all the benefits associated with them. The executive order offers very few exemptions and does not provide options to be tested regularly. “The Fairness for Federal Contractors Act makes it clear Americans are empowered to make their own medical decisions. President Biden’s continued assault on Americans’ freedom must be stopped,” added Ranking Member Comer. Ranking Member Comer and Oversight Republican lawmakers recently sent a letter to U.S. Department of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, General Services Administration Secretary Robin Carnahan, and Office of Management and Budget Acting Director Shalanda Young requesting all information and documents related to President Biden’s sweeping federal contractor vaccine mandate. The lawmakers also expressed concern it may also impact federal grantees, which could jeopardize the operations of local police departments, fire departments, emergency medical systems, and other vital organizations across the country. The text of Fairness for Federal Contractors Act can be found here. Over 50 original cosponsors joined Ranking Member Comer in introducing the bill, including all Oversight Committee Republicans. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=EBB41ED6-C663-4D8A-BF9C-54F712440F21,Barr Votes Against Biden’s Big Government Socialist Bill,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,KY,Andy Barr,B001282,barr.house.gov,barr,https://barr.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.— Today, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr voted against the big government tax, borrow and spend Socialist bill. Following his vote, Congressman Barr released this statement: “Despite historic, out-of-control inflation and rising costs of living for Kentuckians, Democrats are charging ahead on their big government Socialist spending bill. “President Biden and top Administration officials insisted for months that their Socialist agenda would cost “zero dollars.” However, the Congressional Budget Office confirmed that this was a lie. Instead, the Democrats’ spending spree will add at least $367 billion to the almost $30 trillion debt. “While Democrats passed a crushing, $1.2 trillion tax hike on families, small businesses and job creators, their bill gifts a tax cut to the vast majority of high-income earners. This includes a tax cut averaging $17,000 for the top 66 percent of taxpayers earning over $1 million in income. “Additionally, the Socialist package is riddled with special interest giveaways. One such handout is an electric vehicle (EV) tax credit that advantages automobile manufacturers in Michigan and Illinois but won’t be applicable to EVs made at the Toyota plant in Georgetown, Kentucky. “Finally, the Socialist package contains amnesty provisions for illegal immigrants, doubles the IRS budget to target Americans and creates a new carve out in the tax code for trial lawyers. To protect hard working Kentuckians and stop this Socialist takeover of America, I voted no on this bill.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://comer.house.gov/2021/11/comer-marshall-sound-alarm-over-agreement-between-usaid-and-wsu-to-conduct-dangerous-pathogen-research,"Comer, Marshall Sound Alarm Over Agreement Between USAID and WSU to Conduct Dangerous Pathogen Research",2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,KY,James Comer,C001108,comer.house.gov,comer,https://comer.house.gov/media,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today, House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) and U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) sent a letter to U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Samantha Power, expressing concerns over the cooperative agreement between USAID and Washington State University (WSU) requiring the university to conduct dangerous research on emerging pathogens. Considering the recent lack of transparency by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) over dangerous experiments being conducted with taxpayer dollars, the lawmakers are seeking to understand what measures are in place to prevent researchers from potentially creating another pandemic. “Republicans are conducting oversight of the cooperative agreement between the U.S. Agency for International Development and Washington State University. The agreement, announced on October 5, 2021, requires WSU to conduct research to better detect emerging pathogens and prevent pandemics… Considering the inability of NIH and NIAID to be transparent with the American people regarding dangerous research conducted on the taxpayer dime and the possibility of a laboratory leak or research accident leading to the COVID-19 pandemic, the terms of this agreement are concerning. The Committee needs to understand what measures are in place, under the agreement, to prevent researchers from potentially artificially creating another pandemic,” wrote the lawmakers. “According to the agreement between USAID and WSU, American taxpayers will help fund dangerous viral research, the very type of research at the center of the COVID-19 origin investigation… Because of biosafety concerns, it is vital that the taxpayer funds associated with this agreement are allocated to laboratories that are safe and secure. Based on assessments from the Department of State and the U.S. Intelligence Community, this agreement should not include any laboratory in China due to the possibility COVID-19 originated from the Wuhan Institute of Virology and China’s general refusal to cooperate with the international community’s ongoing COVID-19 investigation. There are options other than China, and it is critical that USAID and WSU protect national security and act with the best interests of the American people in mind,” continued the lawmakers. To better understand USAID and WSU’s cooperative research agreement, the lawmakers are requesting a briefing and information focused on laboratory security and international research partners. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://comer.house.gov/2021/11/congressman-comer-votes-no-on-biden-s-1-8-trillion-tax-and-spend-package/da0a1855-6b14-437a-b41b-d1365e9c4afd,Congressman Comer Votes No on Biden’s $1.8 Trillion Tax-and-Spend Package,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,KY,James Comer,C001108,comer.house.gov,comer,https://comer.house.gov/media,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Comer released the following statement upon voting no on President Biden’s $1.8 trillion spending bill, which passed the House and now moves to the U.S. Senate. Despite President Biden’s claims that the legislation costs zero dollars, the Congressional Budget Office has announced that the legislation adds $367 billion to the deficit, with the rest of the bill financed by significant tax increases. “I voted no on yet another multi-trillion dollar spending bill being rammed down taxpayers’ throats by President Biden and Speaker Pelosi. This $1.8 trillion spending bill will pour gas on America’s inflation fire and lead to even higher costs for milk, gas, and other essential items the American people rely on. Further, this left-wing wish list includes radical proposals like amnesty and welfare benefits for illegal immigrants, the hiring of 87,000 new IRS agents, and a government takeover of significant portions of the American economy. Clearly Washington Democrats missed the message from Virginia, where the American people sent a message that they are fed up with the excessive spending, budget gimmicks, and special-interest giveaways found in this bill.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=EF727278-7005-468A-B990-82524545681A,Congressman Rogers Votes Against Democrats' Social Spending Spree,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,KY,Harold Rogers,R000395,halrogers.house.gov,halrogers,https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC -- Washington Democrats rammed through another irresponsible spending bill in the U.S. House of Representatives as Congressman Hal Rogers and House Republicans voted against the bill, warning Americans about the crippling impact it will have on our economy and how it will effect every family. ""Our nation is in crisis and American families are feeling the impact more every day at the gas pump, at the grocery store, and as we continue to watch the Biden Administration fail to address the mass supply chain failures at our ports. This bill does nothing to address those problems; in fact, it will only worsen them, taxing every family through more inflation and killing local jobs,"" said Congressman Rogers. ""The Democrats' so-called Build Back Better plan gives two-out-of-three millionaires a tax cut, while raising taxes on the middle class and American businesses. It also paves the way for higher energy bills, by spending more than $80 billion to advance its Green New Deal, shutting down current American energy resources and targeting coal operations once again."" The legislation excludes the Hyde Amendment, a long-time bipartisan provision that prohibits taxpayer funds from being used to pay for abortions. The bill also prohibits faith-based child-care providers from receiving funds for pre-K and child-care programs, imposing new federal Head Start restrictions. ""There are hidden liberal agenda items woven throughout this legislation, attacking faith-based policies and removing longstanding protections for a parent's right to choose the best child-care providers,"" said Congressman Rogers. One of the biggest beneficiaries of the bill is the IRS, receiving funding to double its staff and increase audits on American families. Nearly half of the predicted 1.2 million additional IRS audits will directly impact families earning $75,000 or less. ""While the IRS ramps up efforts to squeeze every dollar out of American taxpayers, the Democrats' plan also includes amnesty for millions of illegal immigrants,"" Rogers stated. Despite President Biden's claim that this bill would cost ""zero"" for American taxpayers, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that the bill will add $367 billion to the nation's deficit. The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=8962EF2A-1B36-4AC9-A8EF-7CC4AA713812,House Democrats Walk the Plank for Reckless Taxing & Spending Spree that Would Hurt Families and Help China,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement regarding Democrats’ reckless tax and spending spree: “Ninety percent of Americans are worried about inflation, but House Democrats just voted to let Washington D.C. print, borrow, and spend trillions more. “Our economy is shaky, but House Democrats just voted for historic tax hikes that would drain hundreds of billions of dollars out of U.S. industries and kill American jobs. “House Democrats pay lip service to economic fairness, but they just voted for a plan that combines tax hikes for the middle class with massive tax cuts for blue-state millionaires. In 2023, their plan would give net tax cuts to fewer than 4% of families who make between $50,000 and $100,000, but to more than 67% of households making between $500,000 and $1 million. “‘Moderate’ Democrats pretended to care about deficits and budget gimmicks. But even though nonpartisan referees had to swallow most of the Democrats’ dishonest accounting tricks, they still proved this bill is not paid for. It would increase the national debt by about $800 billion just over the first five years, just as families are fighting inflation. But the ‘moderates’ fell in line anyway. “Americans never asked for the culture-warrior HHS Secretary who got famous by suing religious groups to be given sweeping new power over childcare. “Americans never asked for prescription drug socialism that will leave us with fewer new drugs and treatments, literally costing lives. “Americans never asked for radical anti-energy policies that would make gas and heating even more expensive and increase our dependence on Russia and China. “In poll after poll and in this month’s elections, the American people told House Democrats to back away from the cliff. But the House listened to President Biden and Speaker Pelosi instead of the people. “Now only a few Senate Democrats can protect American families from these radical and painful policies. It is up to them to kill this bill.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-honors-reed-family-floral-virgie-kentucky-senate-small-business-week/,"Dr. Rand Paul Honors Reed Family Floral of Virgie, Kentucky as Senate Small Business of the Week",2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,www.paul.senate.gov,paul,https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 19, 2021 Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, recognized Reed Family Floral of Virgie, Kentucky, as the U.S. Senate Small Business of the Week. Dr. Paul entered the following into the Congressional Record: Mr. PAUL. Mr. President, as Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Kentucky small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Reed Family Floral of Virgie, Kentucky, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. In January 2020, Evan Sykes founded Reed Family Floral. Evan, who grew up in Pike County, was inspired by his family’s legacy of entrepreneurship. From 1981 to 2003, his great-aunt and great-grandmother owned and operated a flower shop called Reed Floral. After graduating from Shelby Valley High School and earning an AA from Big Sandy Community and Technical College, Evan decided to honor that legacy and establish his own floral business. Starting with $500, he began making and selling wreaths. The business grew rapidly, enabling Evan to purchase a small building to house his operation. When Reed Family Floral expanded again, Evan had the perfect location in mind. In August 2021, Evan moved his business into the same building that had housed his family’s flower shop decades earlier. Today, Reed Family Floral has become a local favorite. As the owner and sole full-time employee, Evan handles every aspect of the business – from accounting and marketing, to floral design and delivery. He prepares flower arrangements for any occasion, including weddings, school functions, and funerals. Evan’s floral arrangements are in demand year-round, especially around Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. Notably, Evan balanced his entrepreneurship and education. While running a full-time business, he is pursuing a BA in Accounting at Morehead State University. As a non-essential business, Reed Family Floral was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic-induced lockdowns. Evan rose to the challenge, working with other small businesses to source supplies and adapting his contactless delivery options. Like many small business owners, Evan is active in his community. Locally, Reed Family Floral has sponsored the Pikeville High School tennis team and the Shelby Valley High School cheer team. They provide arrangements for school events, and participate in local fairs. From day one, Reed Family Floral has valued customer service and high-quality products. Recently, they were recognized by local news outlet Mountaintop Media as one of the best flower shops in the area. Reed Family Floral is a remarkable example of the critical role small businesses play in every aspect of building community. Small businesses like Reed Family Floral form the heart of towns across Kentucky, regularly stepping up to support their communities. Congratulations to Evan and the entire team at Reed Family Floral. I wish them the best of luck and look forward to watching their continued growth and success in Kentucky As Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Dr. Paul continues the tradition of honoring America’s small businesses and entrepreneurs. The Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship oversees proposed legislation on matters relating to the Small Business Administration and investigates all problems relating to America’s small businesses. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=330AC288-D055-4239-8C6B-50D4E28263EC,Barr Unveils Bill to Fix Failed Housing First Policy,2021-11-18,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,KY,Andy Barr,B001282,barr.house.gov,barr,https://barr.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.— U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY), a senior Member of the House Financial Services Committee, unveiled legislation to reform the failed Housing First policy at a press conference at the House Triangle on Thursday. The Housing Promotes Livelihood and Ultimate Success (Housing PLUS) Act is intended to end the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) exclusive reliance on the so-called “Housing First” methodology, which recent U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness data demonstrates is a failed experiment. Specifically, the bill would prohibit the HUD Secretary from prohibiting, limiting or otherwise restricting award of Continuum of Care (CoC) funds to providers because they require wraparound services such as addiction treatment or job counseling, or because they are faith-based organizations. The bill also directs the HUD Secretary to allocate no less than 30% of CoC funding to recipients that provide, or facilitate access to, wraparound services. “Housing First prevents providers who require wraparound services from receiving federal funds to curb homelessness in our communities,” said Congressman Barr. “These wraparound services are oftentimes necessary to ensuring a person can safely and fully attain permanent housing on their own. We need to abandon HUD’s exclusive reliance on Housing First in favor of an all-hands-on deck approach to end homelessness in the United States. The Housing PLUS Act will ensure that HUD grant funding is reaching providers who are helping people transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency, without unneeded restrictions.” “In my district, Austin, Texas has experienced the homelessness crisis get out of hand due to the failed liberal policies. Austin, like so many cities across the country, highlights the failure of big government solutions to fix local problems. We need to move on from the one-sized fits all Housing First policy that was an abject failure and allow greater flexibility for communities to find localized solutions that can finally deliver change,” said U.S. Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25). “I am proud to work alongside my colleagues and organizations who are dedicated to lifting people up and ending the cycle of government reliance.” ""I’m proud to be a cosponsor of this bill. Frankly, Republicans need to do a better job talking about the issues that directly affect people in our communities. As a Christian, I believe in the approach of civil society and of human beings helping each other. I don't believe in top-down approaches that limit the creativity and the ability of people, Texans, to be able to help fellow Texans,” said Congressman Chip Roy (TX-21). “Congressman Barr realizes what Congress has been doing regarding homelessness has not been working, and his Housing PLUS Act would start to address the issues by encouraging wraparound services to address the true root causes of homelessness. I thank Congressman Barr for his leadership on this critical issue,” said Dr. Robert Marbut, former Director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. ""Victims of domestic violence addiction and mental illness, first and foremost, need to heal from the trauma they have experienced,” said Michele Steeb, Senior Fellow Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) who oversees TPPF’s initiative to transform United States’ and Texas’ homelessness policy. “Turning a blind eye to their conditions by instead placing them in a home without support to address their underlying needs is the antithesis of compassion. It is no surprise that this approach has seismically failed the homeless and the communities in which they reside."" In the five years after 2014 when the U.S. adopted Housing First as its exclusive solution to combatting homelessness, unsheltered homeless increased more than 20%, despite substantial increases in federal funding to fight homelessness. This sharp increase came after a decline in homelessness of roughly 31% between 2007 and 2014. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://comer.house.gov/2021/11/comer-biden-s-vaccine-mandate-plays-politics-with-americans-food-supply,Comer: Biden's Vaccine Mandate Plays Politics with Americans' Food Supply,2021-11-18,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,KY,James Comer,C001108,comer.house.gov,comer,https://comer.house.gov/media,scraper,"WASHINGTON—Representative Clay Higgins (R-La.), House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.), and Oversight Republicans called on U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to delay the implementation of President Biden’s vaccine mandate for USDA employees until the department can explain how it will make up for the potential loss in staff. The Republican lawmakers express concern with current vacancies at the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the vaccine mandate’s potential to impair our economy, food supply, and national security. “We are concerned with the United States Department of Agriculture’s rejection of the National Association of FSA County Office Employees’ request for an exemption to President Biden's Executive Order Requiring Vaccination for Federal Employees,” wrote the Republican lawmakers. “Our offices have heard from numerous farmers and ranchers concerned with such far overreach by the Biden Administration and how this mandate will jeopardize the programmatic delivery of Farm Bill programs. While parts of the country are still recovering from an active 2020 and 2021 weather season, such as the Derechos and droughts in the Midwest, hurricanes and winter freezes in the South, and wildfires out West, ensuring the Department is keeping offices fully staffed is crucial.” Local and state FSA offices play a pivotal and crucial function in interacting with the agriculture community. Eleven months into the Biden Administration, USDA has only appointed seven state FSA Directors. These positions do not require Senate confirmation. Recruiting and retaining local and state FSA personnel is a complex and slow process, and the vaccine mandate will exacerbate it and result in the loss of decades of experience and knowledge. “Playing politics with American's food supply is profoundly concerning. With the threat of African Swine Fever knocking on our door, South Korea’s confirmation of High Path Avian Influenza, and the continuing rising cost of household foods, any further action by the Department that would increase these risks is misguided. We respectfully ask you to delay the implementation of this mandate until the Department can explain how it will make up for the potential loss in staff and when the remaining 43 FSA State Directors will be appointed,” the lawmakers concluded. The letter to Secretary Vilsack can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://comer.house.gov/2021/11/comer-requests-hearing-with-climate-czar-john-kerry,"Comer Requests Hearing with ""Climate Czar"" John Kerry",2021-11-18,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,KY,James Comer,C001108,comer.house.gov,comer,https://comer.house.gov/media,scraper,"WASHINGTON—Today, House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) and Subcommittee on the Environment Ranking Member Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) released the following statements after sending a letter to Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney requesting Democrats convene a hearing with White House “Climate Czar” John Kerry. Given recent U.S. climate commitments to world leaders authorized by Mr. Kerry, the lawmakers are seeking the opportunity to examine the intricacies of Mr. Kerry’s dealings and how the Biden Administration’s climate policies are impacting the American economy, including skyrocketing gas prices and surging inflation. “President Biden granted his Climate Czar, John Kerry, the ability to unilaterally set foreign policy and bind the United States to international agreements without consent from Congress. The American people deserve to fully understand Kerry’s role in the Biden Administration and what closed-door deals he is making with any potential foreign adversary. Democrats should begin to take their oversight responsibilities seriously and immediately join our request for Secretary Kerry to appear before this Committee and answer the American people’s questions,” said Ranking Member James Comer. “The real “climate crisis” we face is the Biden administration disregarding sound climate policy in favor of woke virtue signaling and a shameful reluctance to admit the Chinese Communist Party, guilty of human rights abuses, is the greatest threat to this planet both philosophically and ecologically. John Kerry can continue jetting around the globe building his narrative or he can buck up and come have a chat about real solutions to climate change with members of the Oversight Committee,” said Rep. Ralph Norman. Read the full letter Chairwoman Maloney here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=E8C104C9-3151-4174-AE8A-1654FC3359C4,Congressman Rogers Cosponsors Act to Reverse Biden's Vaccine Mandates,2021-11-18,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,KY,Harold Rogers,R000395,halrogers.house.gov,halrogers,https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. Harold ""Hal"" Rogers (KY-05) is now a cosponsor of the No Vaccine Mandate Act (H.R. 5811). The legislation would reverse President Biden's vaccine mandate for private businesses with over 100 employees, which requires workers to be fully vaccinated or tested for COVID-19 on a weekly basis. ""I am fully vaccinated and have advocated for individuals to get vaccinated from day one. However, President Biden's mandate on private employers is an overreach of power and an infringement on the freedom of Americans to make the best medical decision with their doctor, rather than being forced by the federal government,"" said Congressman Rogers. ""Employers immediately started filing lawsuits across the country, challenging the mandate, and this bill aligns with protections for those private employers and 84 million employees."" Last week, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals blocked the emergency mandate calling it ""fatally flawed"" and ordered the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to suspend any implementation or enforcement efforts pending judicial review.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=443803A2-B9CA-461A-973E-779B1ED57AB3,McConnell: Senate Should Use NDAA to Course-Correct Biden Administration’s Mistakes,2021-11-18,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding the National Defense Authorization Act: “Well, at long last, the Senate will officially turn to the NDAA. “Every day, world events remind us that America faces serious, growing threats. In too many cases, President Biden’s decisions have made things worse. So our annual opportunity for the Senate to have its say is as important this year as it’s ever been. “In Russia, Putin’s preparing to escalate military hostilities along the border with Ukraine. And he is using Europe’s reliance on Russian natural gas to bully our friends. “But President Biden actually removed obstacles to Putin’s brand-new pipeline that will further extend his leverage and further enrich his cronies. So I hope the Senate will consider an NDAA amendment to sanction this project and to provide additional lethal support to Ukraine. These initiatives have previously won bipartisan support so I hope Democrats will join Republicans in pushing back on Moscow. “China is flaunting major military innovations like hypersonic weapons systems, stepping up airspace intrusions over Taiwan, and blaming America for their bad behavior. “But while President Biden and our Democratic colleagues like to talk a good game about China, they have yet to really walk the walk. President’s Biden budget request for our military and defense does not even keep pace with President Biden’s inflation. “In addition, while Russia openly threats its neighbors and China builds up its conventional and nuclear forces, there are reports that Democrats are considering unprecedented new constraints on America’s own nuclear options, through a ‘no first use’ or ‘sole purpose’ policy. “Our allies have strong concerns about this. I hope the Senate will use the NDAA process to demonstrate bipartisan support for finally modernizing our nuclear triad. That’s the bedrock of deterrence and our strongest defense against these serious threats. “What about terrorism? Following President Biden’s Afghanistan disaster, we’re facing new and growing threats. “The new Taliban government has made cabinet ministers out of terrorists whom the Obama-Biden Administration let out of Guantanamo Bay. But the Biden-Harris administration has still naively acted like these characters care one bit about international norms. That’s why Republicans have an amendment to ensure that none of the funding for Afghanistan aid can flow to the Taliban. “It’s an indictment of President Biden’s policy that such an amendment is even necessary, but here we are. “In the Middle East, Iranian-backed terrorists are rampaging from Yemen to Iraq to Syria. They are emboldened as our deterrence has eroded. Given the multiple attacks on U.S. forces and facilities, we are fortunate more Americans haven’t been killed. It may only be a matter of time before we see US casualties at the hands of Iranian-backed terrorists. “But in the wake of these growing threats, Democrats want to use the NDAA – a bill that should strengthen our national defense – as an occasion to weaken the authorities that support our military’s presence and operational flexibility by repealing the 2002 AUMF. I expect a robust debate about this. “I’m glad we will finally be able to have these debates and these votes. America needs a course correction and the Senate needs to supply it.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=5E6CC1F0-09DE-46CA-B0DF-BA2089C702B8,"Democrats’ Reckless Tax Hikes Would Hurt Working Families, Help China, and Benefit the Ultra-Wealthy",2021-11-18,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding Democrats’ reckless tax and spending spree: “American families are dealing with painful inflation every day. They have been fighting this daily battle for months now. “A few months ago, a grandfather raising four grandkids in Missouri told reporters he had to cancel summer camp for his 8-year-old and his 6-year-old in order to keep affording diapers for their twin younger brothers. “One Maryland woman told the local news she’d gone to the grocery store to buy meat for her family, but was turned away by the price tag and had to leave with a $2 loaf of bread instead. “One man in Massachusetts who cares for his elderly mother told reporters that his 94-year-old mom needs the house kept warm, so they are getting absolutely crushed by runaway heating costs. Here’s what he said: “‘Before, you'd go to the store, and if you had $100, you could buy four bags of groceries and be happy. Now, you're lucky to get a bag. Milk, orange juice, eggs. Plus the oil for the house, the water bills. It's just crazy. It's so much money. How is somebody supposed to survive?’ “This persistent and painful inflation has been directly fueled by the reckless spending spree that Democrats rammed through in March. Even if Washington Democrats didn’t inflict more new damage, economists still say ‘we’re going to see inflation get worse before it gets better.’ “The Democratic Leader said on March 12th, ‘I do not think the dangers of inflation, at least in the near-term, are very real.’ He was catastrophically wrong. And these same people want yet another multi-trillion-dollar bite at the apple. “American families know the spending part of Democrats’ reckless taxing and spending spree would spell disaster. 67% just told a survey that Washington should cut back on printing and spending because of inflation and rising costs. “And then there’s the taxing part of their reckless taxing and spending spree. “The bill that Democrats are writing behind closed doors would hike taxes on the American people by an estimated $1.5 trillion. A trillion and a half dollars in tax increases. “Democrats have already turned a strong economy into a shaky economy. Now they want to add the biggest tax hikes in a generation. “A huge chunk of that is hundreds of billions of dollars of tax hikes on American industries and employers. Because the Biden Administration has become enamored with a global scheme where countries around the world supposedly all agree to hike their taxes together. “This is an awful idea. Remember, in 2019, Republican policies had set up the best economy for working Americans in a generation. That was in large part because we’d just cut taxes substantially. We made America a more attractive place to do business. “President Biden wants to do just the opposite: thrust America into some kind of global non-compete agreement. We’re supposed to promise Europe and Asia that we won’t make America an especially attractive place to bring jobs and prosperity. “It gets worse. President Biden and Secretary Yellen want America to leap over this cliff first, and tax the heck out of American industries while we just wait and see if our competitors really follow suit. “You better believe China would be thrilled to see the Democrats’ bill drain hundreds of billions of dollars out of our own private sector as a symbolic gesture to the rest of the world. “Democrats’ tax policies are just like their energy policies. They won’t build back better. They’ll Build Back Beijing. “This is just one part of the $1.5 trillion in job-killing tax hikes. There all kinds of tax increases that would hit major employers, Main Street small businesses, and American families. “Nonpartisan experts have confirmed the Democrats’ bill would completely break the President’s promise not to raise ‘a single penny more’ in taxes on middle-class households. “They even want to send tens of billions in extra funding to the IRS so they can hire an army of new agents to snoop and audit their way across the country. But less than 3% of the huge IRS windfall would fund better customer service for taxpayers. “Finally, in the midst of all these tax hikes, Democrats from New York, New Jersey, and California have managed to include a massive tax cut for wealthy people who choose to reside in high-tax blue states. This bonanza for blue-state millionaires and billionaires would cost almost $300 billion on its own. “Even the Washington Post could only marvel at the audacity. Here’s their headline: ‘The second-biggest program in the Democrats’ spending plan gives billions to the rich.’ “In fact, Madam President, even though Democrats want to hike taxes by $1.5 trillion, their bill still manages to give a net tax cut to 89% of people making between $500,000 and a million dollars, and 69% of households making over a million. “A huge blow to American competitiveness. Job-killing tax hikes. But Democrats make sure to look out for the ultra-wealthy on the coasts. A supermajority of them get tax cuts. I’m almost impressed our colleagues have found a way to be this out of touch.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=FF173591-8C98-4045-B566-9D2514D27D78,ICYMI: McConnell on The Guy Benson Show,2021-11-18,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) joined Guy Benson this afternoon on Fox News Radio’s ‘The Guy Benson Show’. See below for highlights or click here to listen to the full interview: On the Democrats’ Reckless Tax and Spending Spree: “What’s happening here, Guy, is the Speaker is marching the House Democratic conference, or at least those that put them in the majority in swing states, right off the cliff. Marching them right off the cliff. Pursuing this ideological transformation of America into Bernie Sanders’ vision of what the country ought to be. We already had a reaction from the public about how they feel about what these guys have been doing. We saw it in Virginia and even more importantly in New Jersey where not even competitive races had enormous Republican support. It was a protest vote against inflation and what the Democrats have been doing, already, all year.” On Rampant Inflation: “Manchin and Sinema have both said what the House does is irrelevant, which makes what the Speaker is doing to her own members even more outrageous. She is literally walking them off a cliff to support a bill that will never become law. And even if this reckless tax and spending spree ultimately in some form or another, clears the Senate, even liberal economists, who actually prefer from a policy point of view what the Democrats are trying to accomplish here, are admitting that it will exacerbate the inflation problem, both this year and next year. “Inflation is the number one issue. 90% of Americans are deeply concerned about inflation. That’s the biggest issue. This measure is totally unresponsive to what the American people are concerned about as they go to fill up their cars, or go to the grocery store to try to prepare for Thanksgiving. The worst inflation in 30 years is on their mind, not more reckless taxing and spending.” On the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill: “What it did was separate something that’s popular -- 75% of Americans want to see the infrastructure addressed -- from something that’s unpopular, which is what they were left with after that. Secondly, my vote was contingent upon there not being any revisitation of the 2017 tax bill in the infrastructure bill, and there wasn’t. Not a single tax reduction item in the comprehensive tax bill of 2017 was altered in the infrastructure bill. And it was largely paid for, you could argue it wasn’t fully paid for, but it was overwhelmingly popular. [It] didn’t raise taxes and it separated out from the rest of the bill the popular part, leaving them only to deal with what I would call the ‘spinach’, the ‘sugar’ having already cleared.” On Giving Thanks This Year: “Well it’s probably not different from any other family. We gather around the table and we obviously count our blessings, not only the health of our family is front and center, but the blessing of being in the greatest country ever. The efforts that many particularly woke people on the hard left to run down this country make me angry. I’m sure if they’re this unhappy about America, there’d be other countries that would be happy to take them, but I’m among those who find myself among the luckiest people in the world to be in the United States of America.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-urges-senate-block-us-arms-sales-saudi-arabia/,Dr. Rand Paul Urges Senate to Block U.S. Arms Sales to Saudi Arabia,2021-11-18,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,www.paul.senate.gov,paul,https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 18, 2021 Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced a joint resolution of disapproval to block proposed U.S. arms sales to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Dr. Paul was joined by U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Mike Lee (R-UT) in introducing the resolution. The sale includes 280 air-to-air missiles and 596 missile launchers, among other weapons and associated training and support, with an estimated cost of $650 billion. “A message needs to be sent to Saudi Arabia that we don’t approve of their war with Yemen,” said Dr. Paul. “By participating in this sale, we would not only be rewarding reprehensible behavior, but also exacerbating a humanitarian crisis in Yemen. I urge Congress and the Biden Administration to consider the possible consequences of this sale that could accelerate an arms race in the Middle East and jeopardize the security of our military technologies.” “As the Saudi government continues to wage its devastating war in Yemen and repress its own people, we should not be rewarding them with more arms sales,” said Sen. Sanders. “The war in Yemen is a humanitarian tragedy, and U.S. participation in this war remains undeclared by Congress. The administration’s proposed arms sale to Saudi Arabia contradicts the President’s own stated policy. I am proud to once again stand with my colleagues and push back on unconstitutional support of this war,” said Sen. Lee. Background: On November 4, 2021, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of AIM-120C Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $650 million. The AIM-120C is predominately used defensively to strike drones from the air; although, they could conceivably be used in an offensive strike on other aircraft. The proposed sale comes in light of the Saudi-led fuel blockade of Yemen, which has prevented the free flow of food and water in the country. Earlier this year, the Biden administration announced an end to “offensive” support in the war in Yemen. However, Saudi Arabia has continued its blockade in Yemen, which has worsened the humanitarian crisis in the country. You can read the joint resolution HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=637A4E5A-7C9E-48F2-8033-F4D1F7391167,"CAROL Act Clears Energy and Commerce Committee, Marches Toward House Passage",2021-11-17,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,KY,Andy Barr,B001282,barr.house.gov,barr,https://barr.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.— On Wednesday, the Cardiovascular Advances in Research and Opportunities Legacy (CAROL) Act unanimously passed through the House Energy and Commerce Committee. U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) is leading this bill to honor the legacy of his late-wife Eleanor “Carol” Leavell Barr, and make critical investments in research for valvular heart disease. This paves the way for the full U.S. House of Representatives to vote on the bill. The CAROL Act authorizes a grant program administered by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), supporting research on valvular heart disease. It also convenes a workshop of subject matter experts to identify research needs and opportunities to develop prescriptive guidelines for treatment of patients with MVP. Finally, the bill instructs the Centers for Disease Control to increase public awareness regarding symptoms of valvular heart disease and effective strategies for preventing sudden cardiac death. “Carol’s life was dedicated to serving her community and country. This legislation that honors her extraordinary life and legacy will invest in the critical research needed to prevent the tragedy that impacted our family from happening to others,” said Congressman Barr. “I am grateful to Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Congresswoman Kathleen Rice, and Congressman Brett Guthrie, for pushing this legislation through the Committee. It is time to move this bill across the finish line and save lives.” “I commend my friend Congressman Barr for leading this bipartisan bill which will fund new investments in valvular heart disease research and honor his wife, Carol,” said U.S. Congresswoman Kathleen Rice (NY-04), who serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. “I am proud to co-lead this legislation, and I thank Chairman Pallone and our Energy and Commerce colleagues who advanced it today.” “I’m thrilled the CAROL Act is now one step closer to becoming law after the full Energy and Commerce Committee passed it at today’s markup. I commend my colleague and friend Andy Barr for introducing this legacy bill in honor of his late wife, Carol, to help other families avoid the same tragedy his family has faced. I hope the CAROL Act receives a vote on the House floor soon, and I will continue to support this bill every step of the way,” said U.S. Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), who serves as the lead Republican on the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=A83B9F6D-8052-40F5-BAF3-ABD0A05A7DAB,Congressman Barr Speaks on House Floor and Leads Moment of Silence to Honor Former Congressman Larry Hopkins,2021-11-17,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,KY,Andy Barr,B001282,barr.house.gov,barr,https://barr.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.— U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) spoke on the House floor today to pay tribute to former U.S. Congressman Larry Hopkins (KY-06), who passed away on Tuesday. Congressman Barr also led the House in a moment of silence for the late Congressman Hopkins. The full transcript of Congressman Barr’s remarks is below: “Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a true American patriot, former Congressman Larry Hopkins, who served in this body from 1979-1993 and passed away early yesterday. Throughout his extraordinary career in public service, Larry served in the Kentucky State legislature and for over a decade in Congress in the seat I now hold. Larry’s career in public service began as a U.S. Marine in 1954. It was that love for the military that Larry would bring with him to Congress, where he rose to become the top Republican on the Armed Services Committee. “Larry’s humor was famous with both his constituents and his colleagues— always offering a disarming joke to lighten the mood or evoking a good laugh. Above all Mr. Speaker, Congressman Hopkins was proud of his work across the aisle and the relationships he had with all of his colleagues, Republicans and Democrats alike. “In these divided times, let us be inspired by the legacy of Congressman Hopkins to come together and solve the problems of our day, not as Republicans and Democrats, but as Americans who all love our country. On behalf of a grateful nation, God bless Congressman Larry Hopkins. To my colleagues in the House, join me in praying for his wife Carolyn, and three children, Shae, Tara and Josh. Mr. Speaker, I now ask for a moment of silence on the House Floor to honor the life of Congressman Larry Hopkins.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://comer.house.gov/2021/11/comer-congress-must-review-pbms-role-in-rising-prescription-drug-prices,Comer: Congress Must Review PBMs’ Role in Rising Prescription Drug Prices,2021-11-17,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,KY,James Comer,C001108,comer.house.gov,comer,https://comer.house.gov/media,scraper,"WASHINGTON—House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) opened today’s forum on “Reviewing the Role of Pharmacy Benefit Managers in Pharmaceutical Markets” by emphasizing congressional oversight of rising prescription drugs must include an examination of pharmacy benefit managers’ (PBMs) role. In his opening remarks, Ranking Member Comer outlined how PBMs’ consolidation has negatively affected competition in the marketplace, leading to higher drug prices for Americans. He concluded his remarks by calling on PBMs to provide greater transparency about their practices and urged further review of proposed legislation to determine any changes needed to decrease the costs of prescription drugs and benefit patients. Below are Ranking Member Comer’s remarks as prepared for delivery. Americans spend more on prescription drugs—about $1,200 per person—than any other country. While prescription drugs account for approximately 10% of overall healthcare spending, Americans pay more out-of-pocket for prescription drugs than for hospital care or health insurance. For years Democrats have attacked pharmaceutical companies—companies that bring innovative and life-saving medications to market, including three incredibly successful COVID-19 vaccines thanks to Operation Warp Speed. Instead of highlighting successful pharmaceutical innovation that leads to treatments and cures for disease, Democrats have demonized these companies for high list prices without regard to the fact that patients do not pay the list price and patients can still access the medication. All the while, Democrats have given a free pass to Pharmacy Benefit Managers even though they play an outsized role in driving rebates and list prices of prescription drugs. Despite my request to Chairwoman Maloney to hold a hearing to examine the role of PBMs, Democrats have decided to limit their drug pricing investigation to only pharmaceutical companies leaving a significant void in in the Oversight Committee’s review of drug pricing and many unanswered questions. Today, I am pleased to hold this forum to examine the role PBMs play in pharmaceutical markets. PBMs were intended to be intermediaries to negotiate with pharmaceutical manufacturers, insurers, and pharmacies on behalf of public and private payers such as Medicaid and Coca-Cola for example. Over the past decade PBMs have consolidated from more than 20 regional and national players, to 3 that control roughly 80% of the market. The consolidation in the market has enabled PBMs to exercise significant negotiating power with pharmaceutical manufacturers and led to increases in the use of generic medications and savings for patients. However, PBMs have not only consolidated horizontally, they have also done so vertically. As of today, every major PBM owns or is owned by a major health insurer. Furthermore, every major PBM owns or is owned by a specialty, mail-order, or retail pharmacy, or all three. This means that when PBMs negotiate with a pharmacy or a health insurer, they are either negotiating with themselves or one of their direct competitors. Their position as the middlemen, negotiating and engaging with all the players in the pharmaceutical market has enabled PBMs to grow exponentially, and snuff out their competition. PBMs audit competing pharmacies viewing data including the pharmacies acquisition costs and patient data and then use that data to steer commercial patients to their own pharmacies and reimburse competing pharmacies at lower rates. In Ohio two of the largest PBMs, CVS Caremark and OptumRx, charged Ohio Medicaid $223.7 million more than it had paid competing pharmacies. In my home state of Kentucky, PBMs paid competing pharmacies $123.5 million less than was charged to the state Medicaid program in 2018, alone. This is only one example of how PBMs negatively affect competition. In the Medicare program, PBMs use a tactic known as direct and indirect remuneration, or DIR, to claw back billions of reimbursements paid to pharmacies. In 2019, DIR clawbacks rose to over $9 billion, more than 18% of the Medicare drug spending. While these clawbacks were originally intended to enable PBMs to accurately report pharmacy rebates and price concessions, they have grown dramatically, enabling PBMs to create a negative reimbursement in certain cases. This means a PBM is not only taking back all of what the PBM paid the pharmacy for the prescription, but also clawing back all or a portion of the patient’s copay. PBMs also exert immense control over patient formularies, allowing them to steer patients to high-cost medications because these medications give them higher rebates. By steering patients to higher-cost medications, PBMs increase patients’ copays and force manufacturers to increase list prices to pay PBMs higher rebate demands. While PBMs pass on a portion of rebates they receive to payers, their lack of transparency makes it nearly impossible to determine whether these rebates are truly benefiting patients, or simply increasing PBM profits. Without greater transparency of PBMs it is difficult to see how these tactics are benefitting patients at all. If the value for consumers is so great, it shouldn’t be a stretch for PBMs to prove their worth and have an open discussion about their practices. That is why this forum is so important. Today, we take a first step to reviewing the role of PBMs in pharmaceutical markets to determine what, if any, changes need to be made and how proposed legislation could decrease the costs of prescription drugs and benefit patients. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=68F3F443-BD85-4719-B0BC-26DB210C6D49,"With Families Hurting, Democrats Want to Try Inflating Their Way Out of Inflation",2021-11-17,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding Democrats’ reckless tax and spending spree: “A lot has gone wrong since this unified Democratic government took the reins in January. “Look at foreign policy. The Biden Administration’s clumsy retreat from Afghanistan left Americans behind who wanted out and handed the country to a government staffed with terrorists who used to be locked up in Guantanamo Bay. “Look at energy independence. Or, I should say, energy dependence. President Biden cancelled our own Keystone XL pipeline but cleared the path for a new pipeline for Vladimir Putin. The amount of Russian oil that America has to import has already nearly doubled on the Democrats’ watch. “Look at the border. Illegal crossers are flooding across our southern border, an all-time high — but Democrats have interior enforcement arrests down to a decade low. “But there is no question what crisis is top of mind for middle-class families. There is no question what is keeping working Americans awake at night. “Inflation. The runaway prices and unpredictability that Democrats’ policies have fueled. “Ninety percent of Americans told one recent survey they are ‘somewhat’ or ‘extremely’ concerned with inflation. “We are a huge and diverse country, Mr. President. It’s hard to get 9 in 10 Americans to agree on almost anything. But less than one year under Democrats’ policies has 90 percent of America worried about inflation. “And it’s no wonder. Year-on-year, consumer prices have risen faster than they have in over three decades. Last month marked the fifth month in a row that inflation has topped 5%. “These across-the-board numbers can sound a little abstract. Let’s make this very tangible. “In the past year, buying meat, fish, and eggs has gotten 12% more expensive. A gallon of gas costs the average American $1.31 more than it did a year ago. And heaven forbid anyone having to replace a family car this year – used auto prices are up 26%. “Even getting family and friends together for Thanksgiving is a much pricier prospect than it was last year. Turkey, alone, is an extra 25 cents per pound. Factor in all the fixings, and some estimates project a feast next week will run families up to 15% more than last year. *** “For a while, the White House tried to downplay the problem. President Biden and his team told American families that costs weren’t really rising as much as it seemed… “Or that, okay, costs were rising, but it would only last a few months… “Or, as some liberals argued, that if you remove food costs, housing costs, and transportation costs from the equation, inflation wasn’t really so bad! “Some have tried to argue that rampant inflation is actually a high-class problem to have, because at least we aren’t in a recession. I’m not kidding. I guess they think working Americans should stop complaining and be grateful things aren’t even worse. “But a sad irony is that inflation is exactly the opposite of a high-class problem. Inflation is like a hugely regressive tax hike that hits the middle class, the working class, and the poor far more than it hurts wealthy people. “The three biggest drivers of the staggering 6.2% inflation rate we logged last month were housing, transportation, and food. Those aren’t luxuries, they’re essentials, and they take up a much bigger share of families’ budgets from the middle class on down. “The Democrats’ inflation is functioning like an ultra-punitive tax on the American families who can least afford it. Exactly the opposite of a ‘high-class problem.’ *** “It didn’t have to be this way, Mr. President. “This inflation spike wasn’t just predictable. It was, in fact, predicted. “This past spring, I warned my Democratic colleagues right here, on this floor, that their unbelievably expensive and poorly-targeted spending bill that masqueraded as COVID relief would turn our strong economic recovery into an inflationary mess. Many of my Republican colleagues sent the same warning. “But Democrats didn’t have to take our word for it. Even their own favorite liberal economists — like President Clinton’s Treasury Secretary Larry Summers and President Obama’s CEA Chairman Jason Furman — warned that liberal bill might supercharge inflation. “Now our Democratic colleagues want to ram through another, even bigger reckless taxing and spending spree that would make inflation even worse. Many of those same liberal economists support this new spending spree because of all the left-wing goodies that are packed into it. But even they largely admit the package would make inflation even worse next year. “Steven Rattner, a senior economic advisor to President Obama, just wrote in the New York Times that, ‘the original sin was the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan… That has contributed materially to today’s inflation levels.’ “He goes on to say that Democrats’ new taxing and spending spree, ‘can be deemed ‘paid for’ only if one embraces budget gimmicks, like assuming that some of the most important initiatives will be allowed to expire in just a few years. The result [is] a package that front-loads spending while tax revenues only arrive over a decade.’ “Mr. Rattner cites an outside estimate that, ‘the plan would likely add $800 billion or more to the deficit over the next five years, exacerbating inflationary pressures.’ “This is a former top advisor to President Obama — a liberal Democrat — explaining that the Democrats’ new proposal as currently constituted would make inflation worse. He says it’s the Democrats’ proposal itself that needs to be built back better. “President Biden and his party have already brought needless pain on American families with their reckless spending. “Ramming through another multi-trillion-dollar partisan wish list would compound the damage. “The hardworking men and women of this country cannot afford to be guinea pigs in a socialist experiment where Democrats try to inflate their way out of inflation.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=7DE2BB23-680F-4181-AE0D-E61E1E7CCECE,McConnell Comments on the Passing of Former Paducah Mayor Gerry Montgomery,2021-11-17,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement today on the passing of former Paducah Mayor Gerry Montgomery: “I was saddened to learn of the passing of my good friend Gerry Montgomery, who was a true champion for Western Kentucky and its people. I had the pleasure of working alongside Gerry during the entirety of her tenure as mayor of Paducah. She brought passion, ingenuity, and incredible generosity to her job, making leaps and bounds of progress throughout her time in office. “Gerry will be remembered for many things, including proclaiming Paducah ‘Quilt City U.S.A.’ and opening her city’s famous Quilt Museum. Those kinds of projects – deeply rooted in the historical, artistic, and cultural fabric of Western Kentucky – typified a career focused solely on making Paducah a better place to live, work, and visit. Even after retiring as mayor, Gerry remained involved in Western Kentucky community activism, founding the extraordinarily impactful Community Foundation of West Kentucky. “Kentucky lost one of its finest public servants today. My thoughts are with Gerry’s children, Sarah Katharine, Evelyn, and David, and her five grandchildren. Elaine and I share our deepest condolences with the Montgomery family and will hold them in our prayers.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-releases-report-economic-cost-vaccine-mandates-kentucky/,Dr. Rand Paul Releases Report on the Economic Cost of Vaccine Mandates in Kentucky,2021-11-17,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,www.paul.senate.gov,paul,https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 17, 2021 Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, released a report highlighting the economic cost of vaccine mandates in Kentucky. Dr. Paul will release the reports for all 50 states tomorrow. “Under President Biden’s unlawful and unconstitutional vaccine mandates, Kentucky risks losing up to 34 percent of its labor force, not to mention it will cost Kentucky businesses at least $50 million,” said Dr. Paul. “In a free country, people have the right to make their own healthcare decisions. President Biden’s command that working Americans and private businesses submit to his mandate upon penalty of loss of livelihood is a flagrant abuse of power that will destroy Kentucky’s economy and work force.” Highlights: 677,458 Kentucky workers are at risk of losing their jobs if they do not comply with Biden’s authoritarian mandates Complying with the vaccine mandates will cost manufacturers at least $5.9 million 35 percent of retail workers risk losing their job if they resist Biden’s vaccine mandates You can read the Kentucky report HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-statement-small-business-committee-ranking-member-rand-paul-md-sba-funding-planned-parenthood/,"Statement from Small Business Committee Ranking Member Rand Paul, M.D. on SBA Funding Planned Parenthood",2021-11-17,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,www.paul.senate.gov,paul,https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 17, 2021 Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, released the following statement regarding the Small Business Administration’s funding of Planned Parenthood: “Small Business Committee minority members have been clear for months that the SBA must be held accountable for using money meant for small businesses to fund Planned Parenthood. The Trump Administration ruled that Planned Parenthood was not a small business and therefore ineligible for SBA funds. The Biden Administration reinstated the awards to Planned Parenthood but is refusing to reveal the documents. Not only is this money a payoff for the Biden Administration’s political allies, the money is free from the longstanding prohibition on using taxpayer dollars to pay for abortions. This should be a grave concern to all taxpayers. We have spent months using every tool at our disposal to get the SBA to tell us the truth about what is going on and reverse course with this money. The SBA has stonewalled us at every turn, refusing to answer basic questions or provide even customary oversight information. “We will not relent on demanding accountability for the Biden Administration’s lawless actions. We will not be swayed by events staged to generate press releases and speeches. We will not stop standing up for life. If the SBA will not reverse course, we will not be complicit by providing the SBA additional personnel to continue on their path. President Biden would be well advised to offer his current nominee another position in his administration.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=37681DA2-4C85-4AF7-8C2C-B5E9B6D47B8A,"Barr Announces Major $616,000 Infrastructure Grant for Frankfort",2021-11-16,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,KY,Andy Barr,B001282,barr.house.gov,barr,https://barr.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.— Today, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) announced the City of Frankfort will receive a major, $616,000 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Funded through the DOT’s Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program, the grant will support planning revitalization efforts in Frankfort’s Holmes Street Corridor. Congressman Barr voted for the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act that funded this grant and advocated on behalf of Frankfort’s application through a letter of support to the DOT. “Upgrading the Holmes Street Corridor will enhance economic development and quality of life for residents and businesses in Frankfort for decades to come,” said Congressman Barr. “This federal grant is the first step in devising a plan to calm traffic, improve road safety as well as create pedestrian and bike access from Kentucky State University to downtown Frankfort.” “The Holmes Street corridor is a diverse neighborhood of residential, commercial and industrial property and is an important entrance into our city,” said Layne Wilkerson, Mayor of the City of Frankfort. “The RAISE grant will help the City of Frankfort better connect the corridor to downtown, attract new investment, and improve conditions for vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, and existing businesses. We are excited for this opportunity and thank our Congressional delegation, especially Congressman Barr, for his leadership and support for this grant.” The Holmes Street Corridor encompasses 25 city blocks. Approximately 2 miles in length, the neighborhood is extremely diverse, with a mix of housing, commercial, and industrial uses. Frankfort’s comprehensive plan identifies the reconstruction of Holmes Street as a top priority. The Holmes Street Corridor was also designated an Opportunity Zone (OZ). Congressman Barr voted for the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which created OZs and enables areas designated as OZs to be eligible for additional federal funding. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=FC59B144-AEEB-4EB0-A58A-B851C562A86B,Statement from Congressman Andy Barr on the Passing of Former Congressman Larry Hopkins,2021-11-16,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,KY,Andy Barr,B001282,barr.house.gov,barr,https://barr.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.— U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) released the following statement after the passing of former U.S. Congressman Larry Hopkins: “Larry Hopkins was a legend in Kentucky politics and a force for the Commonwealth in the House of Representatives. Serving for over a decade in the seat I now hold, Larry rose to being the top Republican on the House Armed Services Committee. He was beloved by both sides of the aisle, and his humor was famous with constituents and colleagues. On a personal note, Larry was a great friend and mentor to me during and before my time in Congress. I will miss him, and I join all Kentuckians in praying for his family, friends and the community that he loved so much.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=03B93F19-4606-47B5-90C9-A99D6DAAFC95,"McConnell Helps Secure $616,000 for Frankfort Roadway Development Project",2021-11-16,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today the Department of Transportation awarded $616,000 to the City of Frankfort to fund a roadway redevelopment plan. These funds are distributed as part of the Department of Transportation’s competitive RAISE planning grant program. The grant will be used to study upgrades for a two-mile, twenty-five-block section of Holmes Street in Frankfort. Planning will include community engagement, a traffic and safety analysis, a parking needs evaluation, and the development of new access management strategies. Senator McConnell contacted the Department of Transportation in support of the City of Frankfort’s grant application. “Like many communities in Kentucky, the City of Frankfort is always looking for ways to upgrade its roadways to create a safer, more welcoming living environment that invites development. I was proud to work with Judge Wells, Mayor Wilkerson and other community leaders to support this RAISE grant application and help Frankfort design an upgrade to the Holmes Street corridor, fostering the jobs and small businesses our Commonwealth needs to thrive,” said Senator McConnell. “Projects like this are a key part of my work in Washington and showcase the direct impact federal investment can have on Kentucky communities. I look forward to continuing to fight to ensure the Commonwealth receives its fair share of infrastructure spending.” “I appreciate Senator McConnell’s hard work in helping our community acquire the Department of Transportation RAISE grant for the Holmes Street area. It is an important corridor into our historic downtown which could vitally use these improvements. I am excited to see this area is getting the serious attention it gravely needs. I thank the Senator for being a strong advocate for our Franklin County community,” said Franklin County Judge-Executive Huston Wells. “The Holmes Street corridor is a diverse neighborhood of residential, commercial and industrial property and is an important entrance into our city. The RAISE grant will help the City of Frankfort better connect the corridor to downtown, attract new investment, and improve conditions for vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, and existing businesses. We are excited for this opportunity and thank our Congressional delegation, especially Senator McConnell, for his leadership and support for this grant,” said Frankfort Mayor Layne Wilkerson. ""We are pleased that the City of Frankfort was selected to receive the RAISE grant. The Holmes Street Corridor is a designated Opportunity Zone in Frankfort and this grant will allow us to plan how we can attract businesses, create jobs and improve safety and livability for residents in this key gateway to the city,” said Frankfort City Manager Laura Hagg. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=0D69D004-B580-45FE-8AF3-016AD6792B61,Build Back Beijing: Democrats’ Anti-Energy Bill Would Hurt Families and Help China,2021-11-16,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding Democrats’ reckless tax and spending spree: “Two weeks ago, President Biden and his team flew to Glasgow for a glitzy conference. World leaders traveled there to attend one another’s speeches on carbon emissions and the climate. “The world’s largest emitter was absent. China pumps out more than a quarter of the entire world’s emissions but President Xi didn’t bother to attend this conference. “Putin didn’t show up either. He and his cronies in Moscow are too busy using Russia’s natural gas stranglehold to make energy hostages out of our European friends who rushed too naively towards renewables. “This goes to the core problems with the anti-energy agenda that liberal elites want to thrust on our country. Maximum self-inflicted pain for American families… in exchange for no meaningful global gains. “They’d have America tie one hand behind our back while our competitors and adversaries keep right on going. “Hurts families… helps China. “Across the country, working families are already worrying about the big, potentially historic spikes in energy costs and heating bills that are heading their way. “Here’s a New York Times headline from last week: ‘Winter Heating Bills Loom as the Next Inflation Threat.’ “Futures contracts for home heating fuels have skyrocketed in price. Natural gas futures have just about doubled from last year. For heating oil and propane, it’s even worse. “Our colleagues on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee are holding a hearing this very morning on rising heating costs. “In Kentucky, about 4 in 10 households are heated by natural gas. Families are about to get slammed. “Even more Kentucky families rely on straight electricity for their heat. And in our state, more than two-thirds of our electrical power comes from coal. Coal literally keeps the lights on and the cold out. “That’s why the original Obama-Biden war on coal hit states like Kentucky so hard. And it’s why the even more radical sequel that Democrats are planning next would fall on the heartland like a ton of bricks. “The President’s special envoy for climate issues, John Kerry, says, ‘[Y]ou have to phase down coal before you can end coal.’ One of the President’s nominees to the Treasury Department has admitted that small producers of affordable American energy, ‘are going to probably go bankrupt in short order.’ “American families are staring down the barrel of skyrocketing heating bills, and the Democrats’ response is to go to war against affordable American energy. “The reckless taxing and spending spree they’re writing behind closed doors and want to pass in a matter of weeks would spend hundreds of billions of dollars on Green New Deal-type policies that would saddle families with even higher prices and make our nation even more dependent on Russia and the Middle East. *** “Of course, energy inflation is just one part of the huge inflation crisis that Democrats have unleashed. “According to reports on one new survey, ninety percent of Americans are either somewhat concerned or very concerned about inflation and rising costs. Nine in 10 households are hurting. “67% of the country, two thirds, say Washington needs to stop printing and spending so much and driving prices even higher. “Energy bills and gas prices are just one corner of this inflation crisis. But Democrats want to ignore the people, plow ahead, and spend trillions more. “Even liberal economists who like the Democrats’ reckless taxing and spending spree because they agree with the far-left transformation admit that it would make inflation even worse next year. “There is no part of our economy that can afford another massive dose of socialism. *** “But Democrats are specifically targeting American energy to get hit especially hard. “They’re planning direct new taxes, new fees, and new regulatory mandates for energy producers. “They want to make affordable, reliable energy artificially expensive to force Americans toward the less affordable, less reliable forms of energy that elite liberals would rather they use. “It would hurt families badly… and it would help China in a big way. “That’s because the Biden Administration doesn’t have any strategic plan to snap its fingers and turn our massive country into some green utopia overnight. “They just want to throw boatloads of government money at things like solar panels and electric vehicles and hope it all works out. “But China absolutely dominates these supply chains. For lithium batteries. For solar panels. For practically all these fashionable purchases into which Democrats want to dump all this money. “In all likelihood, Democrats’ supposedly ‘green’ agenda would just provide a massive one-way gift to our adversary, the world’s number-one emitter, the Chinese Communist Party. “This isn’t ‘Build Back Better.’ It’s ‘Build Back Beijing!’ “Here’s just one example. “There’s a raw material called polysilicon that is crucial for solar panels. According to the New York Times, more than 80 percent of the entire world’s supply comes from China. About half of the world’s supply comes just from the Xinjiang province, where China is brutalizing the Uyghur minority with tactics that include forced labor. “There are other key resources including critical minerals where China has similar strangleholds. “Here are some recent headlines: “‘Lithium Shortage May Stall Electric Car Revolution and Embed China’s Lead.’ “‘China’s lithium companies are in an investment frenzy.’ “And just like liberal policies are hostile to the American energy we produce here at home, they are also hostile to exploring for these critical minerals here at home. “Their massive proposal is packed with anti-hard-rock-mining provisions that would make it even harder to stand up American supply chains for critical minerals. “So here’s the bottom line, Mr. President. American families don’t want Washington politicians waging a holy war on fossil fuels in the first place. They can’t afford that nonsense. “But it’s even more absurd that Democrats’ top-down schemes would just increase China’s wealth and dominance along the way. “They don’t have some smart master plan to invest in America’s future. They’ve got a plan to Build Back Beijing. Raise American families’ gas prices and heating bills even higher so that we could massively stimulate Chinese export markets. “Hurt families; help China. Every piece of their reckless policies fit this mold.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=1FF3F9C5-9B6F-4F88-8E1F-518719B43037,McConnell Comments on the Passing of Representative Larry Hopkins,2021-11-16,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement today on the passing of former U.S. Representative Larry Hopkins (KY-06): “I was saddened to learn of the passing of my friend, former Representative Larry Hopkins, who proudly served the people of Central Kentucky at each level of local, state, and federal government. Larry had an independent voice, allowing him to overcome partisan rancor to make friends on both sides of the political aisle. He was a premier legislator in both Frankfort and Washington and will be missed by all of his former colleagues. “I had the opportunity to serve alongside Larry in Congress for nearly a decade, standing by his side as he tackled the most pressing issues facing our state and the nation. As a former marine, he used his expertise on the House Armed Services Committee to reform and modernize our military. As a representative of Kentucky’s Bluegrass region, he worked on numerous bills to improve the lives of our farmers. Above all, Larry cared deeply about the Commonwealth. “Larry was devoted to his wife, Carolyn, his daughters, Shae and Tara, and his son, Josh. I know Larry took great pride in the successful careers of his children. Elaine and I share our deepest condolences with the Hopkins family and will hold them in our prayers.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=4DA85059-90B4-4680-BA1E-0A51B560B3F6,"Gov. Beshear, Congressman Rogers Award More Than $9 Million in Grants to Support Economic Development Projects in Eastern Kentucky",2021-11-15,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,KY,Harold Rogers,R000395,halrogers.house.gov,halrogers,https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 15, 2021) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear and U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced $9.18 million in Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program funds for economic development projects in 10 Eastern Kentucky counties. “When completed, these projects will help support local communities and spur economic growth in Martin, Letcher, Floyd, Leslie, Knox, Knott, Owsley, Boyd, Pike and Perry counties,” said Gov. Beshear. “This program has a proven record of creating jobs in Eastern Kentucky, and these grants are another solid building block to help us build a better Kentucky for all of our families.” Congressman Rogers, along with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, has championed $665 million in federal funding for the AMLER Program since 2016, of which $140 million has been awarded to Kentucky. “This grant program is creating jobs, advancing vital community projects and restoring hope in Eastern Kentucky. I am proud of what we have accomplished through these grants thus far and the ongoing work to meet the needs of our people,” said Congressman Rogers. “This program is a great example of how federal, state and local governments can work together to invest in projects that greatly benefit our communities across Southern and Eastern Kentucky.” Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Goodman selected the projects for initial vetting by the U.S. Office of Surface Mining, Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE). More than 70 applications for funding in 2021 were received by the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet’s (EEC) Division of Abandoned Mine Lands. The projects selected for funding include: Cold Storage LLC was awarded $2.5 million for construction of an agriculture cold storage facility in Martin County in which an underutilized existing spec building will be converted into a refrigerated commercial facility allowing apples to be stored up to a year after picking. Cowan Community Action Group Inc. was awarded $1 million to equip the Farmers Market Pavilion with cold storage, commercial equipment, restrooms, an office and stage, and to expand the Cowan food service kitchen as well as equip a food truck. Appalachian Regional Healthcare was awarded $750,000 to equip the Highlands ARH Medical Center in Prestonsburg with a diagnostic CT scanner and mammogram equipment. Leslie County Fiscal Court was awarded $1 million to expand the Leslie County Recreational Facility by constructing a camping complex with 114 picnic tables, stationary grills and fire pit rings. Almost 70 RV pads will be constructed, as well as a 40,000-square-foot entertainment pavilion that will include an event stage, roadway and parking. The City of Booneville was awarded $600,000 for construction of cabins to allow for overnight accommodations at the Sag Hollow Golf Club. KCEOC Community Action Partnership Inc. was awarded $750,000 to purchase an existing 20,000-square-foot building on 10 acres in Knox County for a diesel mechanics shop and CDL test site. KCEOC will lease the facility to Southern Kentucky Community and Technical College, which will operate the training facility. The City of Ashland was awarded $1 million to engineer and design a parking garage and convention center in downtown Ashland. Pike County Fiscal Court was awarded $700,000 to install 3,000 feet of electric lines at the Wolfpit Industrial & Technology Park. The Knott County Water District was awarded $600,000 for the purchase of two backup generators for the system that produces water for three counties, servicing 7,000 citizens. Hazard Community & Technical College was awarded $280,000 for equipment purchases for the expansion of its successful lineman training program. “These grants are highly sought after and are providing the kind of job growth and economic stimulus that we hoped this funding program would produce,” Secretary Goodman said. “We are excited to have helped launch these projects.” AMLER grants are available for projects in 54 Appalachian counties in Kentucky with historic coal mining sites that have the potential to create long-term economic benefits. Since the AMLER program’s inception in 2016, 63 projects in 23 counties have been selected for the funding. The program has generated 143 jobs so far, including 83 new positions at the Dajcor aluminum extrusion project in Perry County and more than 258 workers trained at the East Kentucky Advanced Manufacturing Institute (eKAMI) and at Hazard Community and Technical College. In addition, officials report a good volume of reservations being made at Impact Outdoors and the Prestonsburg-to-David Rails to Trails projects. Once completed, these 63 grantees are projected to have created more than 2,800 new jobs.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=4262D266-4656-4E53-A78C-9605882B50E3,McConnell on Senator Leahy’s Announced Retirement,2021-11-15,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding this morning’s announcement from Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT): “Earlier today, our distinguished President Pro Tem, the senior Senator for Vermont, announced that he will conclude his incredible run of Senate service. Senator Leahy plans to retire at the end of next year — at the conclusion of his eighth term. “Senator Leahy has served Vermonters in the Senate for longer than anyone in the state’s history. Of course, he has also become an all-time Senate institution in his own right. “I think particularly of the opportunities I had to work closely with Senator Leahy when we were sharing leadership of the Appropriations subcommittee for State and Foreign Ops. “It is hard to imagine the Senate without Pat and his lovely wife Marcelle. For now, I just want to salute our colleague on the occasion of his announcement, and add my congratulations on his remarkable career thus far.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=BCCF04AF-75FE-486E-9306-CF55481B1F36,Democrats Finally Admit Inflation is a Problem — But Still Want Even More Reckless Spending,2021-11-15,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding Democrats’ reckless tax and spending spree: “Last week, even more economic data continued to confirm that inflation is hammering working families across America. “In October, consumer prices saw their steepest spike in three decades. The worst inflation surge in more than 30 years. “When I was back home last week, I heard constantly from Kentuckians who’ve watched their gas prices and grocery prices soar. “This is happening in every state. Last month was the fifth straight month in which national consumer prices rose at least 5%. “The Democrats’ inflation crisis has gotten so bad that Washington Democrats have stopped trying to pretend that it’s just transitory and are starting to admit that it’s on them to fix it. “The same Democrats who spent months denying that inflation was a lasting problem, the last people in America to wake up to this reality, are now convinced they’re just the people to fix it. “But their supposed solutions are more of the same absurd policies that helped dig this hole. “After months of mostly ignoring the problem, President Biden finally responded to last week’s inflation data by insisting that, ‘reversing this trend is a top priority for me.’ “But —surprise! — the President’s preferred ‘solution’ just so happens to be the exact same reckless taxing and spending spree his Administration has been pushing for months now. “They cooked up this massive, multi-trillion-dollar spending spree back when they were saying inflation wasn’t a major problem and it was still time to spend like crazy. But now, miraculously, that exact same spending binge happens to be their prescription to fight inflation? “Give me a break. This is just a sweeping socialist wish list in search of a justification. “It’s another mega-dose of the same radical recklessness that Republicans have warned against all along… that American families are already paying dearly for, as we speak. “But so far, Democrats seem intent on grabbing the hot stove yet again — and it’s American families who stand to get burned.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=E8F1801D-2E18-40A5-9D12-298674E4CC39,"Overdue Defense Legislation Deserves a Robust, Bipartisan Senate Floor Process",2021-11-15,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding NDAA: “Last week, I had the honor of spending Veterans Day at the groundbreaking ceremony for Louisville’s new VA hospital. “We are finally going to replace the city’s original VA medical center that was built almost 70 years ago. Kentucky veterans are going to get new, expanded options for the cutting-edge treatment they deserve. “This long-awaited groundbreaking was a special day for Kentucky and our heroes. “But for me, the celebration also underscored how unfortunate and unacceptable it is that, when it comes to our legislative duties here in Washington, this Democratic Senate majority is coming up short on supporting our servicemembers past, present, and future. “Today is November 15th. The full Senate should have considered, amended, and then passed an annual defense authorization bill months ago. That’s how it normally works. It’s a major bipartisan priority that the Senate majority focuses on, as a matter of basic governance. “But this unified Democratic government has been distracted from the people’s business. They’ve spent months behind closed doors, putting together another reckless taxing and spending spree. And this obsession with party-line wish lists has led Democrats to drop the ball on basic duties. “Keeping our servicemembers and our commanders waiting months for an NDAA is just one example. The Democratic majority has also completely dropped the ball on a bipartisan appropriations process. “And by the way, President Biden’s proposals for funding the government would have us cut defense funding after inflation. “According to reports, China recently tested a hypersonic vehicle that is capable of carrying nuclear weapons. Just this morning, according to some early press reports, Russia may have tested some kind of new anti-satellite weapon system. “In the Middle East, President Biden’s own advisors are saying that his rushed retreat from Afghanistan will open the door for a terrorist resurgence. “It is against this dangerous backdrop that our Democratic majority does not move an NDAA until mid-November… and President Biden doesn’t want defense funding to keep pace with President Biden’s inflation. “Well, Madam President, better late than never. “I’m glad the Democratic Leader says he will finally let the full Senate consider an NDAA in the coming days. “The Senate will need to have the kind of robust, bipartisan floor process that is customary for this important bill and we’ll need to leave extraneous items on the sidelines.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://comer.house.gov/2021/11/comer,Comer Announces Forum on Role of PBMs in Drug Pricing,2021-11-10,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,KY,James Comer,C001108,comer.house.gov,comer,https://comer.house.gov/media,scraper,"WASHINGTON—On Wednesday, November 17 at 10:00 a.m. ET, House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) and lawmakers will hold a forum on the impact of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in pharmaceutical markets with experts, pharmacists, physicians, and PBMs. “As Congress reviews the rising costs of prescription drugs in America, we must evaluate all aspects that are driving up costs for patients. Part of this review includes the role pharmacy benefit managers play in drug pricing and patient cost sharing. There are concerns PBMs may use their market power and role as middlemen to impact competition and drive up costs for Americans. At next week’s forum, we plan to hear from healthcare and industry experts to learn more about PBMs and their impact on prescription drug prices,” said Ranking Member Comer. PBMs are companies that manage prescription drug benefits for insurers, Medicare Part D drug plans, self-insured employers, and other payers, such as state Medicaid programs. PBMs were created to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies to decrease the cost of prescription drugs for patients, lower premiums, and decrease costs for payers. The PBM industry has significantly consolidated in the last ten years, and both large and small PBMs own and operate their own retail or mail-order pharmacies. As a result of consolidation, experts have expressed concerns PBMs’ monopoly power no longer benefits payers and patients. WHAT: House Committee on Oversight and Reform Republican forum entitled “Reviewing the Role of Pharmacy Benefit Managers in Pharmaceutical Markets” WHEN: Wednesday, November 17 at 10:00 a.m. ET WHERE: 2247 Rayburn House Office Building WHO: Witness Panel Dr. Erin Trish, PhD: Co-Director of the USC Schaeffer Center, Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical and Health Economics, USC School of Pharmacy Mr. Antonio Ciaccia: Chief Executive Officer, 46Brooklyn Research Dr. Jonathan Grider: PharmD, Owner of Lake Cumberland Pharmacy in Russell Springs, Ky. Dr. Madeline Feldman, MD, FACR: President of the Coalition of State Rheumatology Practices and Chair of the Alliance for Safe Biologic Medicines Mr. Ted Okon, MBA: Executive Director of the Community Oncology Alliance Ms. Tiffany Jones, JD: Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and Assistant General Counsel at SenderraRx Mr. Kim Caldwell, RPh: Principal at Texas Star Healthcare Consulting, Former Vice President of Pharmacy Professional Affairs and Comprehensive Health Insights at Humana Inc.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=811D8C40-3FDF-40C0-905D-CF4F06F74353,McConnell and Comer Break Ground on Barkley Regional Airport’s New Terminal,2021-11-10,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"PADUCAH, Kentucky – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Congressman James Comer (KY-01) joined state and local leaders in Paducah today to break ground on Barkley Regional Airport’s new terminal project. Barkley Regional Airport received $32 million in federal funding to construct its new terminal and apron through the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP) discretionary funding, entitlement funds, and CARES Act relief funding. Senator McConnell and Congressman Comer contacted the FAA in support of the discretionary grants, and later contacted the FAA to ensure the complete and timely delivery of funding installments. “The supply chains and transit routes that run through our state keep America on the move. By building this new terminal, we are cementing our critical competitive advantage as a national leader in modern transportation infrastructure,” said Senator McConnell. “As the only congressional leader not from New York or California, I am fully aware of the vital importance of regional hubs like Paducah. I was proud to use my leadership position to help this project in any way I could and stand alongside Representative Comer while he did the same in the House of Representatives.” “I’m glad to see this exciting new project get off the ground and look forward to seeing the positive economic benefits that a new airport terminal will have on the Paducah region,” said Congressman Comer.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=F256AEC1-E21F-47C9-9CC0-42E4BFCB0033,McConnell Recognizes Kentucky Family as “Angels in Adoption”,2021-11-10,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) spoke with Jonathan and Caley Neely of Pineville, Kentucky, to congratulate them on being recognized as 2021 Angels in Adoption. Senator McConnell nominated the Neely family for the honor. The Neely family’s adoption journey began in May 2020 when they were matched with a young expecting mother with a history of drug addiction. Unfortunately, the mother relapsed into substance abuse during her pregnancy, raising the risk that her child would suffer health complications. The Neely family was given the opportunity to back out of the adoption process, but, driven by their faith, they committed to care for their future child regardless of the health challenges he might face. When their son Jackson was born, he tested positive for drugs and required extensive treatment. However, after three weeks in an intensive care unit, the Neelys were able to take Jackson home to Southeastern Kentucky, where he is now recovering at a quick pace. “It was a pleasure to be able to speak with the Neely family and hear their incredible story. They embody the love and selflessness that form the foundation of America’s adoption system and I am proud to have them represent Kentucky in the Angels in Adoption program,” said Senator McConnell. “One of my greatest privileges as a Senator is meeting with Kentuckians like the Neelys and helping them receive the recognition they deserve. I wish Jonathan, Caley, and Jackson the best as they continue to grow together as a family.” “We are grateful for this nomination, to be a part of such an amazing adoption community, and for the Republican Leader’s compassion. We want to thank Republican Leader McConnell for his continued investment in the adoption community and his passion to highlight such a special moment in the life of our family,” said Jonathan Neely. Angels in Adoption is a public awareness campaign by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute. Each year, Members of Congress can nominate constituents who are helping to improve the lives of children in need of a loving family. For Kentucky families who may also need assistance with adoption, please contact the Senator’s office in Louisville at (502) 582-6304 or online: https://sen.gov/R4W4 ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://comer.house.gov/2021/11/op-ed-americans-deserve-to-know-the-full-story-behind-hunter-biden-s-overpriced-art/a02ce06c-b957-4ad6-9a50-e05c15e6a32d,Op-Ed: Americans deserve to know the full story behind Hunter Biden's overpriced art.,2021-11-09,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,KY,James Comer,C001108,comer.house.gov,comer,https://comer.house.gov/media,scraper,"Rep. James Comer: Americans deserve to know the full story behind Hunter Biden's overpriced art. ""Every artist,"" Ralph Waldo Emerson said, ""was first an amateur."" Emerson was a century and a half too early, however, to witness the arrival of Hunter Biden – perhaps the only painter ever to land on the scene fully perfected. His genius must be apparent given the exorbitant prices charged for a ""Biden"" and the level of interest (that is, none) from the congressional ethics sleuths who left no stone unturned regarding the extended trump family. Nothing to see here, except artistic masterpieces. After covering for the Bidens during the 2020 campaign – remember the Hunter Biden laptop? – Democrats and the press have kept the blinders on. President Biden promised to hold himself to ""the highest standards of transparency,"" and they are apparently willing to take him at his word. Consequently, they refuse to examine the odd arrangement between the White House and Hunter Biden’s gallerist, Georges Bergès, in which purchasers of his art are kept anonymous. Why is this a problem? His paintings are priced between $75,000 – more than the median annual American income – and $500,000 – more than the median price of a new American house. Paintings that some art experts have characterized as being of coffee shop caliber. People can spend their money as they wish, but when dealing with the son of the sitting president, it begs the question who – and why – anyone would pay top dollar for items that are arguably worthless? Foreign agents – and others – have obvious incentives to access Hunter Biden, and through him the Oval Office. And as we know, Hunter Biden has previously sought to peddle influence and access to his powerful father. Bergès has expressed his desire to be the ""lead guy"" in China for art, and his gallery is now covered by the Chinese media. Rather than plying patrons with free drinks and passed hors oeuvres, perhaps Bergès is offering a chance at something else. This is not a problem Republicans are prepared to just chalk up to Hunter being Hunter. We intend to examine a president’s family member with a history of suspicious activity who is now engaging in an industry rife with criminal potential. This is a potential national security issue with major ramifications for how this White House confronts a rival foreign power. Foreign adversaries, including China, have used transactions involving sham art sales to launder money and evade sanctions imposed by the United States. Art sold at inflated prices can easily be moved across borders and cash is often an accepted form of payment, which makes it challenging to track down who bought the art and where it is going. We’ve called on the Bergès Gallery to provide us with documents and communications outlining its deal with the White House to keep Hunter Biden’s patrons anonymous, but they have ignored our investigation. The American people deserve answers. That is why I have requested the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, the executive branch’s ethics watchdog, to launch an investigation into the agreement between the White House, Hunter Biden and the Bergès Gallery. Additionally, I have called upon the chairwoman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., to hold a hearing to examine Hunter’s art deals. Given this committee has taken no action to hold the Biden administration accountable on any of the crises facing our nation – and was recently given an ""F"" in oversight by a nonpartisan group – I am doubtful Democrats will take the actions needed to canvass the White House’s ethical dilemma. With or without the assistance of our Democrat colleagues, Republicans on the Oversight Committee will match Biden and his collaborators' stonewalling with every tool at the minority party's disposal. Democrats must show their loyalties are to the country, not the Bidens. In the meantime, Republicans are not buying what Hunter Biden is selling. We suspect it isn’t just art. Rep. James Comer represents Kentucky's 1st Congressional District and is the Republican leader of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://comer.house.gov/2021/11/congressman-comer-votes-no-on-step-one-of-biden-pelosi-spending-spree,Congressman Comer Votes No on Step One of Biden/Pelosi Spending Spree,2021-11-06,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,KY,James Comer,C001108,comer.house.gov,comer,https://comer.house.gov/media,scraper,"""I voted NO last night on the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill that passed Congress in the dark of night. Less than 10% of the bill contained surface infrastructure, like roads and bridges, with significant money going toward things that do not affect Kentucky’s 1st District – like mass transit and green energy. Even worse, Speaker Pelosi and President Biden have tied the infrastructure bill to their $3 trillion social spending bill, which initiates their Green New Deal pipe dream and empowers the IRS to spy on the finances of everyday Americans. The passage of last night’s infrastructure bill will inevitably lead to passage of the Biden/Pelosi social spending bill in two weeks, which I will also strongly oppose. Any member of Congress who voted yes last night can also take credit for passage of the massive socialist spending bill – which will undoubtedly lead to more inflation and government dependency.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=61084178-130B-44D4-B85A-ADB443ADF21B,McConnell: Washington Democrats Ignoring Backlash to their Multi-Trillion-Dollar Nightmare,2021-11-06,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"LOUISVILLE, KY. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement after House Democrats voted to advance Washington Democrats’ reckless taxing and spending spree: “It says everything about today’s Democratic Party that House Democrats held our country’s basic infrastructure hostage for months over a reckless taxing and spending spree that would hurt families and help China. “The radical left refused to fund America’s roads and bridges unless they got to advance a multi-trillion-dollar nightmare that would make inflation even worse, hammer Americans with tax hikes, make us more dependent on less affordable energy, and let the same woke bureaucrats who don’t want parents involved in education extend their reach into infancy and early childhood. Clearly Washington Democrats have ignored the statement that voters made on Tuesday and may need to relearn the same lessons next year. “President Biden can now sign the Senate’s bipartisan infrastructure bill into law. Meanwhile, House Democrats just walked further down the plank for a far-left messaging document that nobody even pretends could pass the Senate or become law in its current form.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=C5D2332E-3F8F-439F-A7D8-E39E99AB71C8,Congressman Rogers Votes Against Washington Democrats' Spending Binge,2021-11-05,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,KY,Harold Rogers,R000395,halrogers.house.gov,halrogers,https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. Harold ""Hal"" Rogers (KY-05) voted against the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Bill, H.R. 3684, after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has delayed the bill for months, leveraging the nation's roads, bridges and broadband for a second bill - Biden's so called ""Build Back Better"" bill - that is designed to pay for Washington Democrats' extreme socialist agenda. ""We desperately need improvements to our infrastructure, especially in rural Kentucky, but the truth is that less than half of new spending in this bill goes toward real infrastructure projects, and this legislation is being used to coerce more Members to vote for a far more destructive spending binge that puts our country on a fast-track toward socialism,"" said Congressman Rogers. ""There is a better way to serve the American people. We not only need to repair our nation's infrastructure, we need to repair the deficit of trust that continues to grow with socialist schemes like this."" The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates the bill only offsets costs by $180 billion, creating a roughly $400 billion shortfall. The legislation also fails to reform the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) permitting process, despite the fact that the 6-year average delays on major projects cost our economy $3.7 trillion. House Democrats advanced the bill with a nearly party-line vote and it now moves on to the President for his signature.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z