url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=09C36811-1E91-41A1-AFC2-D09859763AAA,Senator McConnell and Governor Beshear Announce More Than $1.6 Billion in Federal Grants for Brent Spence Bridge,2022-12-29,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 29, 2022) – Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell announced today that the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project was awarded federal funding grants worth more than $1.6 billion, giving the landmark bridge and corridor project the green light to move toward construction. “I’m thrilled the time has finally come for us to get the companion bridge built,” Gov. Beshear said. “Funding and constructing the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project is more than the fulfillment of my administration’s promise – it’s a dream fulfilled for the thousands of travelers who pass through the bustling region every day waiting eagerly for traffic relief to come on this nationally significant corridor. It also shows what’s possible when we prioritize people over politics. Once complete, drivers will have a more enjoyable and efficient drive and we’ll have the infrastructure in place to support the booming economy in this part of the state. Hats off to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and Ohio Department of Transportation, and the countless partners and advocates who played a role in today’s monumental achievement, including the Kentucky General Assembly for the last budget allocation and Sen. McConnell for supporting the federal legislation. We appreciate President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg for this historic investment.” Sen. McConnell helped secure the funding for today’s grant announcement by supporting last year’s bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and shepherding the bill through the Senate. The legislation authorized a historic investment in our nation’s infrastructure and provides robust resources to states to fund major bridge projects specifically. Over five years, the IIJA will deliver billions of dollars to Kentucky to improve the commonwealth’s roads, bridges, airports, railroads, waterways, broadband and more. Sen. McConnell contacted U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg to advocate directly for Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project funding. “For decades, inadequate capacity on the aging Brent Spence Bridge has created headaches for drivers traveling between Kentucky and Ohio. Today, we’re taking a major step toward fixing the problem,” said Sen. McConnell. “Using my role as Senate Republican Leader, I stood with Sen. Rob Portman to break through gridlock and pass last year’s bipartisan infrastructure deal, delivering record funding for landmark infrastructure projects including today’s grant. Building a new companion bridge on the Brent Spence Bridge corridor will be one of the bill’s crowning accomplishments, bringing long-awaited safety improvements, traffic relief and rejuvenated commerce to Northern Kentucky and Southwestern Ohio.” With funding secured, groundbreaking on the project is anticipated for late 2023, with substantial completion slated for 2029. “Ohio and Kentucky have been discussing the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project for almost two decades, and now, we can finally move beyond the talk and get to work,” said Gov. DeWine. “This project will not only ease the traffic nightmare that drivers have suffered through for years, but it will also help ensure that the movement of the supply chain doesn’t stall on this nationally significant corridor. My administration vowed to press the federal government to fund this project, and we’re glad that they have recognized its significance. I’m grateful to the teams in both states who have worked so hard to make this project a reality.” The Brent Spence Bridge was constructed in the 1960s to carry around 80,000 vehicles a day, but the daily traffic load on Interstate Highways 75 and 71 has reached 160,000 vehicles in recent years. Because I-75 is a key freight corridor stretching from Canada to Florida, the congestion impacts commerce and commuters who travel the corridor in the eastern United States. Project plans call for the construction of a companion bridge to the west of the existing Brent Spence Bridge, as well as improvements to the current bridge and the roadway network that ties into each river crossing. As a result of robust engagement with local partners, there will be enhanced pedestrian access across I-75 in Cincinnati to reconnect downtown with western neighborhoods and the City of Cincinnati will regain nearly 10 acres to develop in the downtown area. In Kentucky, the project will include a new storm sewer system to reduce flooding and improve local roads, including enhanced pedestrian and bicycle facilities, in the area of the existing and new bridge. The project team – consisting of representatives from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) – applied jointly for funding and have outlined terms to move the project to construction. The once-in-a-lifetime competitive funding was made available through the passage of the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that invested billions of dollars to revitalize infrastructure and spur the economy. In July, Govs. DeWine and Beshear announced revised plans based on community engagement and technical analysis to shrink the project footprint while still delivering a transformative project that meets the needs of the region. “Nothing great is achieved alone, and I’m proud of all the people who’ve come to the table over the years to ensure that we’ll deliver a project with huge benefits and minimal impacts to the communities that live in and around the project area,” KYTC Secretary Jim Gray said. “This project doesn’t just move vehicles, it moves people. We’re able to reconnect neighborhoods to downtown Cincinnati, improve safety and reduce congestion on this route, all while only adding a single lane to the interstate with this project,” said ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks. With funding secured, groundbreaking on the project is anticipated in late 2023 with larger construction activities in 2024. Substantial completion on the project is slated for 2029. The immediate next step will be the selection process to determine the Progressive Design Build contractor team to complete the project. That effort will begin in January when the Request for Proposals (RFP) is released to the contractor community. The Federal Highway Administration recently required the project team to complete an analysis to better identify project cost estimates. Through this process, the project team determined the project is likely to cost about $3.6 billion. The increase from previous estimates was not unexpected, due to the recent impact of inflation in construction prices. As a result, the project team is updating the project’s financial plan to account for the change. About the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project Brent Spence Bridge Fact Sheet Fueled by bipartisan cooperation and community engagement, the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project will invest in local communities and help grow America’s economy. Spanning 8 miles between the Western Hills Viaduct in Ohio and Dixie Highway in Kentucky, the project will address the second-worst truck bottleneck in the nation by improving safety and travel on the interstate connection that carries more than $700 billion worth of freight every year. In addition, the project will improve access to the central business districts of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Covington, Kentucky, and will also support local businesses and underserved communities in historic neighborhoods on both sides of the river. Ohio and Kentucky are working together to deliver this transformative project that will improve the quality of life for the millions of Americans who use the federal highway system to travel between the two states and beyond.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=79C900B3-96D4-4F0C-8070-3AFE4E35463B,The Pacific Islands Embassy Act Becomes Law,2022-12-28,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,KY,Andy Barr,B001282,barr.house.gov,barr,https://barr.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—The Pacific Islands Embassy Act, a bipartisan, bicameral bill aimed at countering the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) through increased American diplomacy in the Pacific is now law. The legislation establishes physical U.S. Embassies on the Pacific Island nations of the Solomon Islands, Kiribati, and Tonga, and authorizes expanded physical presence on Vanuatu to reinforce American leadership in the Pacific region. This legislation was included as an amendment to the FY 2023 National Defense Authorization Act. U.S. Congressmen Andy Barr (R-KY) and Ed Case (D-HI) introduced the bill in the House of Representatives. U.S. Congressman Chris Stewart (R-UT) was an original cosponsor and proponent of the bill in the House. U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-IN) and U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) were the Senate sponsors of the bill. U.S. Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) were key supporters and voted for the legislation in the Senate. “Expanding America’s diplomatic footprint in Asia is a simple but powerful way we can reaffirm our longstanding bilateral partnerships in the Pacific. Strengthening our relationships in the Pacific will help counter the CCP’s predatory Belt and Road Initiative and show that the U.S. remains a partner of choice. I thank all of my colleagues who supported this legislation,” said Congressman Barr. “The Indo-Pacific is a region of active competition with China, and our Pacific Island partners are especially vulnerable to Chinese coercion. This legislation will strengthen our diplomatic presence in the region and signal our resolve to our partners and allies,” said Senator Young. “Strong U.S. diplomacy in the Pacific is essential. We brought Democrats and Republicans together to establish a robust physical diplomatic presence in these strategic island nations,” said Senator Ossoff. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=5BC15ACF-D074-4C72-98B6-93D5AAFCEE42,Barr’s Blue Grass Army Depot Study Becomes Law,2022-12-27,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,KY,Andy Barr,B001282,barr.house.gov,barr,https://barr.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Richmond, KY— U.S. Congressman Andy Barr’s (KY-06) provision to conduct a feasibility study at the Blue Grass Army Depot (BGAD) is now law. Barr’s legislation was included as an amendment to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that was recently enacted into law. In addition to its primary role managing and shipping conventional munitions, BGAD’s chemical demilitarization mission employs nearly 1,450 highly skilled, highly paid workers and has contributed more than $1 billion in local payroll since 2006. The feasibility study will assess potential missions, plants, or industries feasible for Army or the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) needs at the Blue Grass Chemical Agent-destruction Pilot Plant following the completion of the chemical demilitarization mission at BGAD. This amendment requires the feasibility study to be completed and submitted to Congress no later than March 1, 2023. “For over a decade, BGAD has housed an essential chemical demilitarization project in addition to being a significant part of Madison County’s economy. Kentuckians working at BGAD have served the DOD and our country well. This feasibility study will accelerate the process of examining ways the facility could transition to other key projects that would benefit the DOD or the federal government once the demilitarization project has concluded,” said Congressman Barr. “The Bluegrass Army Depot, and all of its operations, is an important part of Madison County and I am appreciative of Congressman Barr’s championing this amendment in the NDAA to prepare for a post-CSEPP Madison County. Our team in Madison County has also been preparing for this, and this feasibility study will be a boost for our efforts and help us continue to prepare for the future,” said Reagan Taylor, Judge Executive of Madison County. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=2DE5A309-1131-4666-A68B-0D9A6E0BC896,HISA's Rulemaking Authority Confirmed,2022-12-23,2022,2022-12,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 upon passage of fiscal year (FY) 2023 appropriations legislation which confirmed the rulemaking authority of Congressman Barr’s Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA). “I opposed the Omnibus spending bill for a variety of reasons, predominantly because of its excessive level of non-defense spending, which will only perpetuate the fiscally reckless policies that have burdened American taxpayers with 40-year high inflation and a $30 trillion national debt. “Nevertheless, I strongly supported and applaud the inclusion in the bill of language clarifying the Federal Trade Commission’s oversight of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority’s rulemaking authority. This technical correction of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act confirms congressional intent —and my intent, as the bill’s author— to adhere to the nondelegation doctrine, removing any doubt about the constitutionality of this law. “Now, HISA can continue to fulfill its mission to improve the safety of jockeys and our equine athletes by establishing uniform rules of competition and drug safety standards that will increase the popularity, public confidence, and international competitiveness of the sport.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=A083C2F5-46D0-4832-A01F-52123ACDD661,Barr Opposes Nearly $2 Trillion Democrat Spending Bill,2022-12-23,2022,2022-12,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 voting in opposition to Democrats’ reckless $1.7 trillion fiscal year (FY) 2023 Omnibus Appropriations package. “Today, Congress passed a nearly $2 trillion Omnibus spending bill that continues the reckless fiscal policies of the last two years which have burdened American taxpayers with 40-year high inflation and a $30 trillion national debt. “To be sure, I support a number of key features of the legislation, including much needed investments in national defense, critical security assistance to Ukraine and Taiwan, a number of grants I helped to secure for my district, the Secure Act 2.0 which will enhance retirement savings, and a technical correction to the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act that will clarify the congressional intent and constitutionality of the law I authored. “Nevertheless, I cannot in good conscience support a broken, rushed, end-of-year appropriations process, resulting in an inflationary spending blowout written largely by only a handful of lawmakers, behind closed doors, and with zero House Republican input. This unpaid-for spending spree not only worsens the debt crisis we are handing down to future generations, it also reflects the misguided priorities of Washington, D.C., increasing funding for the IRS to harass law abiding Americans while effectively ignoring the illegal immigration crisis at our southern border. “For these reasons, and many more, I voted against the Omnibus spending bill.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://www.paul.senate.gov/dr-rand-paul-honors-cottingham-hardware-of-alexandria-as-senate-small-business-of-the-week/,Dr. Rand Paul Honors Cottingham Hardware of Alexandria as Senate Small Business of the Week,2022-12-23,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,www.paul.senate.gov,paul,https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 23, 2022 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 Cottingham Hardware of Alexandria, Kentucky as the 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 Cottingham Hardware of Alexandria, Kentucky as the Senate Small Business of the Week. All across the nation are American small towns whose main street businesses bring color and vibrancy to their community. These businesses might be stores that occupy a specific niche, or may be the product of one entrepreneur’s dreams turned reality. Many of these businesses however, are simply shops that the community has come to rely on, with a top-quality product or service that keeps their customers coming back. Such is the case for Alexandria’s Cottingham Hardware, also referred to as Cottingham Ace, that was founded in 1957. This hardware store has been faithfully serving its’ customers for sixty-five years, easily cementing the business as community institution. Sixty-five years ago, Tom and Betty Cottingham opened Cottingham Hardware, a hardware store right in the heart of the little town of Alexandria, Kentucky. Since its’ inception over six decades ago, the store has been dutifully serving its customers, offering them whatever hardware goods they might need, including but not limited to, specialty chrome, electrical lighting, as well as lawn and garden tools. The store also carries a large selection of firearms and ammunition, making the shop especially popular during Northern Kentucky’s busy hunting season. In addition to the wide array of products available for purchase at Cottingham, the store has two mechanics who are always available to meet the needs of customers, with both mechanics having received the proper training and certification to handle practically any job. They boast a selection that is appropriate for all types of customers, whether they be a first-time home owner or the owner of multi-acre properties, they have the products and services to help with any project. Started by a married couple, Cottingham Hardware continues to be a family business. Tom and Betty’s three sons practically grew up in the store, so it would only make sense that the three men choose to perpetuate their parents’ dream and run the store with the same dedication and customer-friendly atmosphere that Tom and Betty created. The three sons, Tom, Mike, and Joe, took over the business in the mid 90’s, roughly a decade after Cottingham Hardware moved from their original location right in Alexandria out to U.S. Highway 27. The three brothers led the business through a vast array of modernizations, opting for computerized systems in place of the original manual inventory and registry systems. Today, Cottingham Hardware can easily locate a necessary piece of machinery as it travels along the supply chain before arriving at their store. The Cottingham men understood that to lead their parents’ business into the modern era requires these types of technological advancements, and they make sure Cottingham Hardware stays on the cutting edge of modern computer equipment. In addition to their eye for key modernizations to the hardware store, the Cottingham brothers understand that their parents’ success was due in large part to their dedication to family values. Tom, Mike, and Joe maintain a strict policy that at least one of the Cottingham brothers is in store at any given time during business hours, all seven days a week. Friends and neighbors are constantly coming through their doors to purchase tools or equipment and to visit with the familiar faces of the Cottingham store. These days even the brothers’ children occasionally work with them in store, entering in to a new generation of Cottingham family leadership. Moreover, Cottingham Hardware maintains their dedication to the Alexandria community, as they often participate in donations for local schools and churches. Additionally, Joe Cottingham is a member of the Northern Kentucky Area Development District (NKADD), representing Campbell County. NKADD strives to achieve sustainable economic growth and improve the overall quality of life for the citizens of Kentucky. Clearly the Cottingham family is dedicated not only to running a successful family business, but to championing and supporting small businesses around the state as well. For that reason, it gives me great pleasure to honor this multi-generation family business as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Congratulations to the Cottingham brothers and the entire team at Cottingham Hardware. I look forward to seeing your 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,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://www.paul.senate.gov/dr-rand-paul-releases-2022-festivus-report-on-government-waste/,Dr. Rand Paul Releases 2022 ‘Festivus’ Report on Government Waste,2022-12-23,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,www.paul.senate.gov,paul,https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 23, 2022 Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) incoming Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC), released his 2022 “Festivus” Report, totaling $482,276,543,907 in government waste. This marks Dr. Paul’s eighth edition of the Festivus Report as he continues working to alert the American people to how their federal government uses their hard-earned money. Some of the highlights include the National Institutes of Health spending $2.3 million injecting beagle puppies with cocaine, and separately spending $187,500 to verify that kids love their pets. The Department of Health and Human Services spent $689,222 to study romance between parrots, the NIH funded a $3 million annual research project to watch hamsters on steroids fight, and the U.S. Census Bureau spent $2.5 million on Super Bowl Ads. You can find Dr. Paul’s 2022 Festivus Report HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=6DEACF57-625F-4C68-8CB4-30A50839A089,McConnell Secures Resources to Benefit Kentucky in this Year’s Government Funding Bill,2022-12-22,2022,2022-12,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 this year’s Fiscal Year 2023 government funding bill contains significant resources to support important Kentucky institutions and programs. As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator McConnell advocated on behalf of the Commonwealth in this year's government funding process. Once the House passes the measure, it will go to the President for his signature. “This government funding bill makes a big, real-dollar increase in defense spending and a big, real-dollar cut to liberal domestic spending while still directing significant federal resources to Kentucky. It’s a win for every Kentuckian concerned with rising threats to our national security and the Commonwealth’s economy and health,” said Senator McConnell. “While I worked to ensure responsible spending in this bill, I also made sure it funds the programs that directly help Kentucky. This legislation devotes landmark resources to helping disaster-affected communities, securing our national defense, fighting back against substance abuse, investing in our infrastructure, and preserving our natural beauty.” Senator McConnell secured the following achievements in this year’s bill to benefit Kentucky: Protecting Land Between the Lakes “Land Between the Lakes is one of Kentucky’s finest natural treasures and drives tourism and job growth in a large portion of Western Kentucky. I’ve worked with constituent groups for years to preserve this Kentucky landmark for future generations, and was proud to continue those efforts in legislation included in this year’s government funding bill,” said Senator McConnell. “The Land Between the Lakes Recreation and Heritage Act will improve funding and oversight and help solve the long list of issues facing LBL. I appreciate Congressman Comer’s work on the issue and look forward to the improvements it will make for visitors and LBL stakeholders.” Senator McConnell introduced the Land Between the Lakes Recreation and Heritage Act in April and shepherded it through the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee unanimously in July. Congressman James Comer (KY-01) introduced a companion bill in the House of Representatives. This year’s federal funding bill enacts the Land Between the Lakes Recreation and Heritage Act into law, including the following provisions: Secures more federal resources to address Land Between the Lakes’ (LBL) maintenance needs and expand recreation opportunities. This includes additional funding from the U.S. Forest Service and regulations ensuring user fees collected at LBL are used to improve LBL. Makes changes to the LBL Advisory Board makeup to ensure consistent and responsive leadership. Bolsters law enforcement capacity in LBL and surrounding counties. Better defines the special status of the families who once resided in LBL and guarantees their direct descendants’ access to cemeteries within the territory. Helping Kentucky Rebuild from This Year’s Disasters “When I visited Eastern Kentucky following this summer’s devastating floods, I told my constituents that I would stand by their side for as long as the recovery process took. This year’s government funding bill helps build on that promise,” said Senator McConnell. “From funds for new housing, to resources for long-term recovery, to investments to lessen future flood risk, provisions in this legislation will directly help rebuild shattered Eastern Kentucky communities. There’s no easy way to recover from disasters as destructive as these floods, but I’m confident the Commonwealth will bounce back.” “Senator McConnell has stood with Eastern Kentucky since the moment floods hit this summer. With the provisions he secured in this year’s government funding bill, he is doubling down on his commitment to helping us rebuild better than before. We appreciate his help and look forward to using the funding in this legislation to continue our recovery process,” said Kentucky State Representative Chris Fugate. Senator McConnell advocated for robust funding for the following programs: The Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Emergency Watershed Protection Program. The USDA’s Rural Water and Waste Disposal Program. This year’s government funding bill also funds federal programs that can help Kentucky communities affected by disasters rebuild homes and critical infrastructure. Those include initiatives within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Disaster Loans Program, the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Economic Development Administration (EDA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (UDSA) and USDA’s Office of Rural Development. Securing our National Defense “Kentucky’s military installations and servicemembers form a crucial part of America’s defense infrastructure. With our nation’s enemies on the move across the globe, it’s more important than ever that we invest in our armed forces, in the Commonwealth and around the country,” said Senator McConnell. “This year’s government funding bill not only delivers record funding for our nation’s military; it also provides resources to take care of Kentucky veterans, better accommodate the Commonwealth’s military families, and develop the next generation of talent for our armed forces.” $35 million for the new Robley Rex VA Medical Center in Louisville, Kentucky to cover construction cost increases. $1.059 billion for chemical agents and munitions destruction, a portion of which supports demilitarization operations at the Blue Grass Army Depot in Richmond, Kentucky. $135 million for the renovation of Vietnam War-era barracks to improve soldier quality of life at Fort Campbell. $20 million for an Army Research Lab manufacturing project, which supports research done at the University of Kentucky. $20 million for the National Security Agency (NSA) to support the University of Louisville’s cyber workforce training program. $350 million for the acquisition of the first Gray Eagle Unmanned Aerial Systems for Army National Guard units. Fighting Back Against Substance Abuse “Kentucky is facing record drug overdoses and, with fentanyl flooding across our southern border, the crisis is far from over. As we continue to fight our Commonwealth’s substance abuse epidemic, I’ve worked across party lines to bring federal drug czars to Kentucky and direct more than $650 million to fight back against addiction in our state. This year’s government funding bill goes even further than those past initiatives, directing millions of dollars to the programs that keep drugs off our streets and help Kentuckians beat addiction,” said Senator McConnell. This legislation extends the federal ban on fentanyl-like substances through the end of 2024 and provides robust funding to programs that help prevent and treat substance abuse in Kentucky. Those include the State Opioid Response Grant program, the Byrne Justice Assistance Grants (JAG) program, the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program, the National Guard Counter-Drug program, the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program, and the Comprehensive Addiction Recovery through Effective Employment and Reentry (CAREER) Act workforce and transitional housing programs. Investing in Kentucky’s Infrastructure and Economy “By investing in Kentucky’s infrastructure today, we are building the jobs, businesses, and economy that our Commonwealth needs for the future. Last year’s bipartisan infrastructure bill offered record resources to spur infrastructure development in our state and this year’s government funding bill will go even further. The programs funded by this legislation promise to help Kentucky stay at the crossroads of American commerce and cement our place in the global economy,” said Senator McConnell. Funds the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) RAISE discretionary grant program, which has funded over $286 million in new Kentucky transportation projects to date. Funds the Essential Air Service program, which benefits the Barkley Regional Airport in Paducah and the Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport. $344.9 million to support workers performing necessary environmental cleanup operations at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant. This includes $7.5 million for the treatment and offsite shipment of oxide cylinders and $2 million for a reindustrialization study for the site following the completion of its deconstruction. Funds the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to support infrastructure development in Central Appalachia. This includes $16 million for basic infrastructure development – through a program Senator McConnell helped create - $13 million to address substance abuse, and $10 million to develop broadband. Funds the Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS), a 3,090-mile network of highways linking Appalachian states like Kentucky to the national Interstate Highway System. $52 million to be split among the 12 Regional Biocontainment Laboratories, including the University of Louisville’s biocontainment laboratory, to support research in biodefense. Funds the Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) program to provide enhanced worker training in rural areas. $21.75 million will be distributed to the ARC and Delta Regional Authority (DRA) each, both of which include Kentucky. $43.4 million for the American Printing House for the Blind in Louisville, which creates innovative products for visually-impaired students and people around the country. $30.1 million for the Delta Regional Authority to support economic and infrastructure development in the Mississippi Delta region, which includes a number of counties in Western Kentucky. $10 million for researching alternative uses for coal at the University of Kentucky. Funds programs to encourage broadband and telehealth improvements in rural areas. Ensures funding remains available for the Letcher County federal prison construction project to move forward. Preserving Kentucky’s Natural Beauty “Kentucky’s natural treasures don’t just make our Commonwealth beautiful; they also attract tourists, support jobs, and offer recreation opportunities to locals and visitors alike. This year’s government funding bill helps Kentucky preserve that natural inheritance for years to come, ensuring future generations can enjoy the parks and waterways we all cherish,” said Senator McConnell.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=369DFBA1-8F17-4A72-BEB4-FD1A1C9A00C7,Senate Confirms Kentuckian Wade White for TVA Board of Directors,2022-12-21,2022,2022-12,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 Senate confirming the nomination of former Lyon County Judge-Executive Wade White to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Board of Directors: “I applaud the Senate approving Wade White’s nomination and finally adding a Kentuckian to the TVA Board of Directors. As proven by his successful tenure as Lyon County Judge-Executive, Wade will be a leader in helping 215,000 Kentucky households access the reliable power TVA promises to provide. Wade’s heart has always been in serving his home state and his unique perspective will bring balance to the organization and its priorities. I thank Wade for his hard work on behalf of Kentucky and look forward to his service to our state and country on the TVA Board.” Senator McConnell recommended White to the President for this position and introduced him to the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate, and Nuclear Safety.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=6700DFCF-C103-4675-A940-5146E4DE1027,Funding Bill Makes Essential Investments in American Strength and Security,2022-12-21,2022,2022-12,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 government funding: “The bipartisan government funding bill before this body is imperfect but strong. It will make huge new investments in our Armed Forces while cutting non-defense, non-veterans baseline spending in real dollars. “Let me say that again: The world’s greatest military will get the funding increase that it needs, outpacing inflation. Meanwhile, non-defense, non-veterans spending will come in below the rate of inflation, for a real-dollar cut. “This is a debate about American security, American servicemembers, and American interests on the world stage. “Month after month, year after year, competitors such as China are methodically pouring money and planning into upgrading and modernizing their own militaries. They are constantly probing new ways to expand their military, intelligence, economic, and political reach — indirectly or directly threatening American forces and our allies’ and partners’ forces. “Under these perilous circumstances, cutting defense spending in real dollars, as Democrats first wanted to do, is not an option. “And embarking on a potentially endless cycle of continuing resolutions that give our military real-dollar funding cuts because of inflation, and give Defense Department leaders no certainty to plan and invest — that is not an acceptable option either. “There is no question the bipartisan funding bill is imperfect. “If Senate Republicans controlled this chamber, we would have handled the appropriations process differently from top to bottom. “But given the reality of where we stand today, Senators have two options this week: We will either give our Armed Forces the resources and certainty that they need, or we will deny it to them.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=ACB7226B-B758-473A-94AE-4DB655512F6C,McConnell on Zelenskyy Visit: Helping Ukraine Directly Serves Core American Interests,2022-12-21,2022,2022-12,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 Ukraine: “Later today, members of Congress will have the opportunity to assemble in a Joint Meeting and hear from President Zelenskyy of Ukraine. “I look forward to welcoming President Zelenskyy to the Capitol, and to hearing from the Ukrainian people’s elected leader at a critical moment in their struggle for their safety and sovereignty against Russia’s unhinged aggression. The people of Ukraine have reminded the entire free world about the meaning of sovereignty and the price of freedom. They’ve fought back against the invaders with inspiring bravery. “And let’s be clear. The reason that a big bipartisan majority of the American people and big bipartisan majorities in Congress support continuing to assist Ukraine is not primarily about inspiring speeches or a desire to engage in philanthropy. “The Ukrainian people are courageous and innocent and they deserve our help. President Zelenskyy is an inspiring leader. But the most basic reasons for continuing to help Ukraine degrade and defeat the Russian invaders are cold, hard, practical American interests. “Helping equip our friends in Eastern Europe to win this war is also a direct investment in reducing Vladimir Putin’s future capabilities to menace America, threaten our allies, and contest our core interests. “Defeating Russia’s aggression will help prevent further security crises in Europe. “It will prevent even further economic chaos that would roil key American trading partners and hurt American workers and families directly. “It will massively wear down the arsenal that is available to Putin for future efforts to use bullying and bloodshed to redraw still other borders down the road. “And it will send a stark warning to other would-be aggressors like the People’s Republic of China. “By assisting Ukraine today, America is directly demonstrating our commitment to the basic principles of territorial integrity and national sovereignty — changing the calculus for others considering military aggression and lowering the odds of far costlier and far more deadly future conflicts in the process. “So I’ll say it one more time. Continuing our support for Ukraine is morally right, but it is not only that. It is also a direct investment in cold, hard, American interests. “That’s why Republicans rejected the Biden Administration’s original request for Ukraine assistance as insufficient. The Administration’s initial plan assumed there would be a lull in fighting over the winter and so the disbursement rates of weapons would decrease. But hoping for the best cannot mean that we fail to prepare for the worst. Rather than slowing assistance, we should be speeding up international deliveries to Ukraine, to help them take back more territory and better prepare for whenever they next go on the offensive. “So Republicans pushed hard here in the Senate to increase the amount of security assistance in this bill. I’m glad our Democratic colleagues came around. “The agreement on the table increases weapons purchases to support Ukraine beyond the President’s request. This assistance is in our national security interest, but it’s also in America’s economic interest. These investments will help expand our defense manufacturing capacity and contribute to an industry that supports high-paying American jobs. “The money is tied to strong oversight requirements to ensure that America’s investments reach only our intended targets. There has been meaningful oversight over our Ukraine assistance all along, including by three separate Inspectors General and the Government Accountability Office. And on top of that, last week’s NDAA will put in place even further expansions in oversight, more end-use monitoring, and stricter reporting requirements. And the oversight won’t stop there. Just as Senate ranking members have worked hard to maximize the impact of our assistance, the incoming House Republican majority will be able to use their gavels to keep an even closer eye on Ukraine aid and make sure the Biden Administration is doing everything possible to rebuild our defense-industrial base. “While America is uniquely capable of leading this supporting effort, we should not, and are not, doing so alone. Vital Eastern Front allies and partners – in Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Finland – have risen to the challenge of backing Ukraine in the fight against tyranny. So, too, have some Western European powers. And some allies across Europe deserve credit for changing course, making substantial investments in their own militaries, and starting to unwind years of neglect of national defense. “But some other European allies have lagged behind. They can and must do more, both to stand with Ukraine today and rebuild their own strength going forward. “Finally, we all know that Ukraine’s fight to retake its territory is neither the beginning nor end of the West’s broader strategic competition with Putin’s Russia. Increasing the pressure on Putin’s regime can and should be a bipartisan priority. That will take concrete steps, like sanctions with teeth, not empty symbolism. If our Democratic colleagues are serious about joining this effort, Republicans stand ready to expose Russia’s long trail of wartime atrocities and meaningfully ratchet up the economic and political costs that Russia pays for its misdeeds, from Ukraine to Georgia to Moldova to the Middle East and beyond. “These threats and atrocities require more than symbols and resolutions. They require concrete actions and consequences. “The plight of the innocent people of Ukraine is offering the world the starkest, most painful, and most personal reminder imaginable that global security and national self-determination do not uphold themselves. That peace is far from inevitable, and freedom is far from self-fulfilling. That countries who benefit from global stability need to help deter countries who want chaos. “But even against the barbaric horrors of a war they never asked for — even in the face of torture, and executions, and inhumane attacks on infrastructure, and systematic terror campaigns against civilian cities — against all these things, against the cold fate that Putin has tried to deal Ukraine — we have seen the warmth of the Ukrainian people’s spirits win out. Their love for their homeland…. for their families... for their freedom. “The United States Congress will be honored to hear the message that their courageous president brings to us on behalf of the brave citizens he represents.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://www.paul.senate.gov/dr-rand-paul-introduces-legislation-to-bring-more-freedom-and-flexibility-to-healthcare/,Dr. Rand Paul Introduces Legislation to Bring More Freedom and Flexibility to Healthcare,2022-12-21,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,www.paul.senate.gov,paul,https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 21, 2022 Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) continued his efforts to help Americans more easily meet their health care needs by introducing his Health Savings Accounts for All Act and his Health Marketplace for All Act. “As Americans’ health care costs continue to rise, my plan puts more power in the people’s hands, getting rid of unnecessary restrictions, expanding access, and trusting Americans to make the decisions that are best for them,” said Dr. Paul. Health Savings Accounts for All Act: Health savings accounts (HSA) give millions of Americans the freedom and flexibility to save and pay for medical costs their insurance doesn’t cover. Dr. Paul’s Health Savings Accounts for All Act will allow all Americans—regardless of income or insurance coverage—to take advantage of tax-free health savings accounts. You can read more about Dr. Paul’s Health Savings Accounts for All Act HERE and read the bill in its entirety HERE. Health Marketplace for All Act: Employer-sponsored health insurance is a great value for those who can get it, but many Americans can’t access affordable plans simply because they don’t work for a large corporation. A major problem in health insurance is that if you are on your own or part of a very small group, you have no leverage for prices, and if someone gets very sick, then you don’t have the protection of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of people sharing the risk. Dr. Paul’s Health Marketplace for All Act will allow any membership organization to offer an ERISA health plan to its members—and to do so across state lines—regardless of an employment relationship. Nearly any conceivable membership-based entity would be empowered to collectively bargain with insurers to negotiate better rates. The possible sponsors for these bargaining groups are endless – they could include rideshare services, online retailers, wholesale clubs, credit unions, churches, etc. Any group of people who choose to join in common cause could access cheaper, better health insurance. You can read more about Dr. Paul’s Health Marketplace for All Act HERE and read the bill in its entirety HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=3A5BE4B6-42AE-4AD9-A76D-7E9A2CB50E87,Barr's CAROL Act Signed Into Law,2022-12-20,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,KY,Andy Barr,B001282,barr.house.gov,barr,https://barr.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.— The Cardiovascular Advances in Research and Opportunities Legacy (CAROL) Act was signed into law today. Last year, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) introduced this legislation in the House to honor the legacy of his wife, Carol Leavell Barr, who passed away tragically from sudden cardiac death brought on by mitral valve prolapse, an underlying heart condition that causes death in .2% of cases. “I am excited to announce that today, the CAROL Act, my legislation in honor of my late wife Carol Leavell Barr was signed into law,” said Congressman Barr. “This bill unlocks critical funding through the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to further research on valvular heart disease to prevent countless other families from facing the same loss that my family did. I cannot thank enough all the many advocates who championed this bill to passage and enactment, and I am excited to see the impact this legislation has on countless families across the United States!” “Thanks to Andy’s hard work and persistence, the CAROL Act was signed into law. The research authorized by this bill on valvular heart disease will save countless American lives and is a touching tribute to Carol Barr,” said House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy. “Andy’s tenacity and determination continues to inspire all of us here in Congress.” “History has been made – the CAROL Act has been signed into law thanks to the hard work of Andy Barr in memory of his late wife Carol,” said House Republican Whip Steve Scalise. “Valvular heart disease is rare, but it can be deadly. This bill will be a huge step in helping the thousands of women who suffer from this disease and invest in research and treatment towards saving lives. I am proud that Carol’s memory will be honored in such a significant way, and I want to applaud Andy for turning his personal tragedy into meaningful change.” The CAROL Act was also endorsed by the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology, WomenHeart, the Adult Congenital Heart Association, the Alliance for Aging Research American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, the American College of Emergency Physicians, the Association of Black Cardiologists, CardioVisual, Caregiver Action Network Children's Cardiomyopathy Foundation (CCF), HealthyWomen, Heart Valve Voice US, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association, Medical Management Associates, Inc., Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association, the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, the Society for Women's Health, the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, StopAfib.org/American Foundation for Women's Health, Sustainable Cardiovascular Health Equity Development Alliance, The Marfan Foundation, The Mended Hearts. Inc., and the Women First Research Coalition. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=095682C7-1DD2-4252-B7A8-418F781B5F6D,"Bipartisan Bill Funds Our Troops While Cutting Non-Defense, Non-Veterans Baseline After Inflation",2022-12-20,2022,2022-12,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 government funding: “President Biden’s proposal for fiscal year 2023 was a massive, real-dollar increase for liberal domestic spending and a significant real-dollar cut for the national defense. “Thanks to tireless work from Senator Shelby and a number of our colleagues, the government funding bill that we’ll be taking up this week does exactly the reverse of what the Biden Administration wanted. “This bill will significantly grow the baseline for defense and significantly cut the baseline for non-defense, non-veterans, after inflation. “A big real-dollar increase for the defense baseline, and a big real-dollar cut for the non-defense, non-veterans baseline. “This is an impressive outcome for the Republican negotiators, and more importantly, it is the outcome that our country needs — to keep helping Ukraine and our other friends; to keep out-innovating and outcompeting Russia and China; and to keep our brave men and women in uniform equipped with the best training, tools, and technologies the world has ever seen. “The Administration’s original vision for the federal budget — starving defense, while shoveling cash into miscellaneous domestic spending — was so out of whack that Democrats in Congress have joined Republicans in rejecting it. “Then there was some discussion that Democrats might only agree to make sufficient investments in our Armed Forces if they got to jack up domestic spending even higher, as compensation. “Of course, that didn’t make any sense either. The Commander-in-Chief’s own political party does not get to take our troops hostage in order to demand even more unrelated goodies. “Republicans’ position all along was very simple: Defending America and out-competing our rivals is a fundamental governing duty. It is the basic business that we’re supposed to take care of. Not something for which Democrats get special rewards. “And that’s precisely what is finally happening. Compared to where the negotiations started, we have transferred huge sums of money away from Democrats’ spending wish list, toward our national defense and Armed Forces — but without allowing the overall cost of the package to go any higher. “Now, there is no question that an omnibus spending bill less than one week before Christmas is not the right way to run the appropriations process or the Senate chamber. “Things should be done differently. More responsibly. With more foresight and planning. “And when Republicans controlled the majority, things were done differently, more responsibly, with more foresight. “When Republicans last controlled both chambers, we worked to conduct a more normal appropriations process. The subcommittees were more empowered to do their work. “We worked to break things into multiple bills and move minibuses across the floor before the 11th hour. “Instead, as Republicans spent this whole year calling on the Democratic Leader to prioritize his basic responsibilities like government funding and the NDAA, this majority spent month after month chasing shiny objects while procrastinating on core duties. “So I share many of my colleagues’ dissatisfaction with the dysfunctional Democrat-run process that’s brought us here. “But unfortunately, as we stand here today, going back in time and forcing Democrats to spend the last 11 months running the Senate more responsibly is not an option. From where we stand today, there are two options before us. “Number one: We can pass this bill; give our servicemembers and commanders the resources they need; flip the President’s broken budget request on its head; and actually cut baseline non-defense, non-veterans spending in real dollars while we’re at it. “Or number two: We can fail to pass this bill and give our Armed Forces confusion and uncertainty while the Chinese Communist Party continues to help their military commanders pour money into new research and weapons. “Between the two actual options before us, Mr. President, it’s not a close call. The Senate should pass this bill.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=CEEBE2B5-70A8-4BA6-A707-265812EE4117,Senator McConnell Comments on Passage of Burma Act,2022-12-20,2022,2022-12,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 passage of the Burma Act: “The defense bill impacts a huge number of America’s efforts for good around the world that don’t always make top headlines. For example, I’m glad this NDAA makes headway on behalf of the people of Burma, and the decades-long struggle for democracy in that country, which I’ve been proud to support throughout my career. “Since Burma’s military junta launched a coup in early 2021, the country has plunged deeper into catastrophe. “More than 1 million people displaced. Sham trials and summary executions. The extrajudicial torture and murder of many more. Indiscriminate shelling and air strikes against ethnic villages. “Burma’s former leader – and my good friend – Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is reportedly being held in solitary confinement following a sham trial at the hands of her deposers. And in the absence of strong international condemnation, the junta is literally getting away with murder. “When Secretary Blinken visited Southeast Asia this summer, I called for less talk and more action. The people of Burma don’t have the luxury of waiting around for American assistance. “Now, with the passage of the Burma Act as part of this year’s NDAA, Congress is stepping up where the Administration has dithered. “This landmark bill mandates sharp sanctions against senior Tatmadaw officials and the state-owned businesses that keep their coffers full. “It compels the Administration to make decisions about whether and how to unravel the junta’s lucrative grip on Burma’s energy sector. “It codifies U.S. support for organizations that actually represent Burma’s people and authorizes new engagement with ethnic organizations that are defending the people against the brutal hand of the Tatmadaw, as well as new non-lethal and humanitarian assistance for society organizations. “It directs the President to improve coordination with America’s allies and partners to increase pressure on Burma’s illegitimate leaders and direct support to Burma’s people. “But Congress can only do so much through the legislative process. “The ball is now in the Biden Administration’s court, and time is ticking away. “Russia and other bad actors are actively courting the junta. The ongoing humanitarian disaster in Burma is already spilling over into neighboring countries. “Congress has given President Biden the tools to institute sweeping sanctions against our adversaries and generous aid for our friends. “It’s now up to the President to use them.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=EA8473EB-F0E2-426D-93C4-ABEE81C88531,NDAA Contains Key Wins That Don’t Make National Headlines,2022-12-20,2022,2022-12,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 national defense: “Last week, the Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act, a landmark step forward for our Armed Forces. This year’s bill was named for our distinguished departing colleague, Ranking Member Inhofe. “As I’ve discussed at length, this year’s NDAA was a major step in the right direction to keep the U.S. the world’s preeminent superpower. “But another aspect that doesn’t get enough attention is the ways that Congress’s role in defending America also directly benefits military communities across each of our home states. “My home state of Kentucky is home to major Army installations like Fort Campbell and Fort Knox, the Kentucky Air and Army National Guard, and indispensable pillars of America’s defense industrial base. “This year’s NDAA provides record resources for those Kentuckians who support and serve in our Armed Forces. “Of special note in this year’s bill is its full funding of the Chemical Demilitarization Pilot Program at the Blue Grass Army Depot in Richmond, Kentucky. “If all goes according to plan, the Depot could wrap up its chemical weapon destruction mission by next year. That will be a landmark milestone in Kentucky history. “When I took office, many of America’s most potent chemical munitions were languishing at the Richmond facility. Community activists were understandably concerned about the dangerous weapons in their backyard and asked me to help coordinate the massive effort needed to get rid of them. “Working with those local leaders, I’ve spent the past four decades securing federal funding for the chemical munitions destruction mission. And now, the end of that project is within reach. “This year’s NDAA also authorizes a feasibility study to help local authorities plan for the future of the Depot after the chemical weapon destruction mission wraps up. That study will identify opportunities to enhance Richmond’s role as a defense logistics node and identify new missions for its world-class facilities once chemical weapons are gone. “And that’s just one of the many important initiatives this year’s NDAA will support in the Commonwealth. Kentucky’s servicemembers and military installations stand ready to protect America from its enemies. “The defense bill also impacts a huge number of America’s efforts for good around the world that don’t always make top headlines. For example, I’m glad this NDAA makes headway on behalf of the people of Burma, and the decades-long struggle for democracy in that country, which I’ve been proud to support throughout my career. “Since Burma’s military junta launched a coup in early 2021, the country has plunged deeper into catastrophe. “More than 1 million people displaced. Sham trials and summary executions. The extrajudicial torture and murder of many more. Indiscriminate shelling and air strikes against ethnic villages. “Burma’s former leader – and my good friend – Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is reportedly being held in solitary confinement following a sham trial at the hands of her deposers. And in the absence of strong international condemnation, the junta is literally getting away with murder. “When Secretary Blinken visited Southeast Asia this summer, I called for less talk and more action. The people of Burma don’t have the luxury of waiting around for American assistance. “Now, with the passage of the Burma Act as part of this year’s NDAA, Congress is stepping up where the Administration has dithered. “This landmark bill mandates sharp sanctions against senior Tatmadaw officials and the state-owned businesses that keep their coffers full. “It compels the Administration to make decisions about whether and how to unravel the junta’s lucrative grip on Burma’s energy sector. “It codifies U.S. support for organizations that actually represent Burma’s people and authorizes new engagement with ethnic organizations that are defending the people against the brutal hand of the Tatmadaw, as well as new non-lethal and humanitarian assistance for society organizations. “It directs the President to improve coordination with America’s allies and partners to increase pressure on Burma’s illegitimate leaders and direct support to Burma’s people. “But Congress can only do so much through the legislative process. “The ball is now in the Biden Administration’s court, and time is ticking away. “Russia and other bad actors are actively courting the junta. The ongoing humanitarian disaster in Burma is already spilling over into neighboring countries. “Congress has given President Biden the tools to institute sweeping sanctions against our adversaries and generous aid for our friends. “It’s now up to the President to use them.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://comer.house.gov/2022/12/on-house-floor-comer-honors-judge-wade-white-on-his-retirement,Comer Honors Judge Wade White on House Floor,2022-12-19,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,KY,James Comer,C001108,comer.house.gov,comer,https://comer.house.gov/media,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Austin Hacker WASHINGTON- On the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman James Comer (R-KY.) honored Judge Wade White of Lyon County on his retirement. Judge White has served as the Lyon County Judge Executive for twelve years. Congressman Comer highlighted the many awards and nominations Judge White has received throughout his career and thanked him for his dedication to the community. Below are his remarks as prepared: Mr. Speaker,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=2E8ED978-A3C9-49A8-B496-92EEFE64D7FD,McConnell Honors Retiring Senator Richard Shelby,2022-12-19,2022,2022-12,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 Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL): “I’ve saved my tribute for the most senior retiring Republican member for late in the year. “But even with mere days remaining until the end of his term, our colleague’s calendar has been packed — not with fancy farewell parties, but with a final chapter of high-stakes negotiations and tireless legislative work on behalf of his state, our nation, and in particular our Armed Forces. “It’s no surprise that Senator Richard Shelby’s final days in the Senate see him running through the tape and burning the literal midnight oil. “The state of Alabama has sent some prolific and powerful Senators to this chamber over its history. But Richard Shelby has surpassed them all. He is not just the longest-serving Senator from Alabama, he is the most influential. Our friend is one of the most effective legislators the United States Senate has ever seen. “Growing up outside Depression-era Birmingham, Richard Shelby was not automatically predestined for the halls of power. “But even before our friend had grown into the fullness of his commanding stature, I understand that young Richard Shelby was never afraid to throw his weight around, whether he was fighting for his team on the football field or putting himself between a classmate and a bully on the streetcar. “As a young man, there was hardly any academic or athletic test that Richard didn’t pass with flying colors. But the way I hear it, the most important test was ensuring that a pretty girl named Annette was delivered back home in time for curfew after their first date. “Annette was intrigued by this handsome young man, but she also loved and respected her own family, so she declared that if Richard was late dropping her off, the first date would be the last! “Thus, a partnership for the ages was born. “And ever since the Shelbys’ very first campaign victory in 1970, the people of Alabama have had a natural campaigner, a trailblazing problem-solver, and an intellectual giant looking out for their interests… and in addition to Annette Shelby, they’ve also gotten Richard in the package deal! “Dr. Annette Shelby has charted an historic course of her own here in Washington, including becoming the first woman to hold a tenured professorship at Georgetown’s Business School. “Meanwhile, across the city, the other half of the Shelby partnership was developing a reputation for visionary leadership here in Congress. Where Richard is concerned, the word ‘visionary’ is neither throwaway praise nor exaggeration. It’s simply accurate. People around the Senate like to say that Richard Shelby doesn’t just see down the road; he sees down the road and around the corner. “Our colleague has not just known how to fight for Alabama in the individual issues and debates that each day has brought. He has also invented creative, new, forward-looking visions and missions that nobody else had dreamed of — and then methodically set about turning them into reality. “Richard has trained his efforts on a small number of core priorities at one time — the places he is most convinced he can make an outsized difference. And once one of those big priorities is identified, it’s been a dog after a bone. “Take the city of Huntsville. As the story goes, a few decades ago it was a sleepy town by the Tennessee border. Today, it’s a booming technological hub for cutting edge industries like space exploration and missile defense. “Or take the Port of Mobile. The way I understand it, the spark was an overseas trip where Richard saw firsthand the latest international shipping infrastructure that was rapidly taking shape in Asia. I think the sentiment was more or less this: If Singapore can do this, why not Mobile? “So, today, what used to be a small inlet on the Gulf Coast is now a booming hub for shipping. A transformation that’s sending ripples of prosperity across the entire region. But even our visionary colleague’s prolific foresight occasionally hit its limits. “Richard’s good friend, our former colleague Phil Gramm, had the good judgment to switch to the Republican Party way back in 1983. He immediately started working on his good buddy to follow suit. “But even after a charm offensive that I’m told involved multiple White House lunches with President Reagan…Even after Robert Byrd had skeptically accused Senator Shelby of harboring, ‘definite Republican tendencies.’…It still took our friend until after Republicans’ landslide victories in 1994 to finally cross the threshold and join our team. “Well, the rest is history. “The iconic phrase “Chairman Shelby” could refer to our colleague’s time steering sensitive oversight at the helm of the Intelligence Committee…Or his mastery of the most complex matters as head of the Banking Committee…Or his time lending a steady hand to institutional priorities as Rules Committee chair…Or, most recently, the years our colleague has spent in the number-one or number-two slots on top of the Appropriations Committee, directing the American people’s money into key national priorities, most especially our constitutional duty to provide for the common defense. “But Richard’s Washington expertise never came at the expense of his home-state roots. Just the opposite. The national renown that Richard Shelby accrued was just a pathway by which his beloved Alabama came to punch more and more above its weight. “A long line of Shelby staffers have learned that there’s no need for a road map or a GPS when they’ve got the Senator himself in the car. Our friend knows every single back-road and highway exit. He knows every good ‘meat-and-three.’ And if there’s ever time to stop in for lunch or coffee, just pick a spot, and Richard will know a handful of the folks inside. “How, exactly, has our colleague sustained this level of sharpness and influence over such an historic career? For one thing, I understand the seasoned Chairman is a frequent visitor to the ‘Health Committee’ — his moniker for the Senate Gym. “Likewise, I have it on good authority that, at one point, our friend held the distinction of having more books checked out in his name from the Library of Congress than any other member in either chamber. “Occasionally, though, having such a voracious reader for a colleague can lead to trouble. “Years ago, shortly after the passing of President Reagan, I was wrapping up a meeting with my Banking Committee colleague when I half-wondered whether we could find a way to honor the Gipper with a place on our currency. “With no particular malice toward Alexander Hamilton in mind, I loosely suggested, what about, perhaps, the $10 bill? “But alas, little did I know, I was sitting across from the most recent person in America to finish Ron Chernow’s gigantic, newly-released biography of Hamilton. This was the book that would go on to inspire the hit musical and spark a big revival of interest in Hamilton. Richard Shelby had spent weeks eating up every page, admiring Hamilton’s genius more and more with every chapter. “Let’s just say, a few minutes later, I was back at the drawing board. “It’s difficult to imagine the Senate without Richard Shelby. But I’m not too concerned that the opposite will hold true. As much as Richard has loved this institution, and excelled in it, we know our colleague can imagine life beyond the Senate just fine. “There’ll be even more time to stay a student of history. Even more time for duck-hunting with good friends. The visionary brainstorming for Alabama and our nation won’t stop, oh no… “But our friend will get to balance it out with a whole lot more time with his beloved Annette, their two sons, and their grandkids. More time to enjoy the home state that has been literally transformed by Richard’s passion and vision. “Richard, thank you so very much.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=417C41F3-7990-459F-A065-9159C4D09AFB,Congress Should Fix the President’s Broken Defense Budget Request,2022-12-19,2022,2022-12,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 government funding: “When the Biden Administration put out their budget proposal, Republicans knew it was wrong for the country. “The Administration wanted to cut funding for our Armed Forces after inflation while massively increasing spending on non-defense. “Republicans have taken the President’s bizarre position and flipped it on its head. “The bipartisan government funding bill that Senators Shelby and Leahy have finished negotiating does exactly the opposite of what the Biden Administration first proposed. “This bill provides a substantial real-dollar increase to the defense baseline… and a substantial real-dollar cut to the non-defense, non-veterans baseline. “Let me say that again. “President Biden wanted to cut defense spending and grow liberal domestic spending in real dollars. “But Congress is rejecting the Biden Administration’s vision and doing the exact opposite. “This bill will grow defense spending and cut non-defense, non-veterans spending after inflation. “Just last week, the Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act on an overwhelming bipartisan basis. Senators on both sides acknowledged that President Biden and his Administration had failed to request the level of resources that our servicemembers and their commanders actually need. “So on a bipartisan basis, we ignored the Administration’s request and authorized what our Armed Forces need. “But the landmark investments in upgrading and modernizing our Armed Forces that we just laid out in the NDAA will not happen unless Congress follows through and appropriates the money to pay the bills. “That’s what Senators Shelby and Leahy have given us the opportunity to do: Make good on our commitments in the NDAA by following through with actual funding. “Americans want our nation to remain the preeminent global superpower. “We want our country to remain the mightiest civilization the world has ever seen. We want to keep helping Ukraine, keep out-competing Russia, and keep pace with the huge investments that China is making in their own military and new technologies. “It’s a strange position, to say the least, when Republicans in Congress have to poke and prod a Democratic Commander-in-Chief into sufficiently funding the men and women that he commands. “But as I said all along, funding our Armed Forces is a basic governing duty. Republicans were not going to let our Democratic colleagues demand extra left-wing goodies in exchange for doing their job and funding our troops. The President’s own party does not get to take our national defense hostage and demand rewards. “I am grateful that our Democratic colleagues backed down and accepted our position. “The bipartisan bill that our colleagues have negotiated equips our Armed Forces with the resources they need while cutting non-defense, non-veterans spending in real dollars. “This is a strong outcome for Republicans, and much more importantly, it’s the outcome that our nation’s security needs. I want to thank our distinguished colleague Senator Shelby for his hard work and I look forward to reviewing the full text soon.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=154CA1C0-7679-4199-821F-39A4831AE70D,"Barr, Braun Introduce Measure to Tank Biden’s ESG Rule",2022-12-16,2022,2022-12,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 (R-KY) introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) measure to nullify the Department of Labor’s recent rule proposal to greenlight environmental, social, governance (ESG) investing in federal pension plans. U.S. Senator Mike Braun (R-IN) is leading the companion measure in the U.S. Senate. Axios’ Alayna Treene scooped the introduction. “By finalizing rulemaking allowing plan fiduciaries to consider ESG factors, Biden’s Department of Labor is not only steering capital away from the American energy sector and driving up prices at the pump, but is also threatening the returns and financial security of unwitting federal employees whose retirement funds will likely be invested in higher fee, less diversified, and lower performing ESG-tethered instruments in the name of woke politics. This Congressional Review Act measure will reject the DOL’s outrageous politicization of federal pension plans and protect investors by doing so,” said Congressman Barr. “When American workers invest in their retirement, they should be able to trust their financial advisors to be investing with their best interests in mind, not the interests of liberal activists. American retirement funds have already taken such a hit from Joe Biden’s failed economic policies, they should not be politicized. I am proud to lead my colleagues in this effort to overturn the Biden administration’s woke 401k rule and protect Americans’ retirement funds,” said Senator Braun. Reps Rick Allen (R-GA), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Greg Murphy (R-NC), Bryan Steil (R-WI), French Hill (R-AR), and Brad Finstad (R-MN) are cosponsors of Congressman Barr’s CRA.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=E3B5B3E2-010D-4E05-9BD3-7D87190A43CC,Belfry High School Students Win Congressional App Challenge for Kentucky's Fifth Congressional District,2022-12-16,2022,2022-12,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) announced the winning team for the 2022 Congressional App Challenge for Kentucky's Fifth District is from Belfry High School in Pike County. Students Natalie Fite, Reese Varney and Ian Belcher designed an app called ""Sm;)e"" to provide individuals with mental health resources on their mobile devices. The team was one of sixteen who submitted an app design for the national competition. The winning app will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year, representing the most innovative students of southeastern Kentucky. ""This has been our most competitive app challenge in the last seven years,"" said Congressman Rogers, Dean of the House. ""The ingenuity among our students is incredible. They coded innovative apps to address challenges in our communities and provided videos to explain their work in detail to the judges. They designed apps to address a multitude of issues ranging from mental health to healthcare equipment, small business support, boosting tourism and much more. I'm very proud of all of our students who competed this year."" Several student teams displayed their app proposals this year at the SOAR Summit in Pikeville, Kentucky in October. Congressman Rogers had the opportunity to see those apps first-hand and speak to the students who designed them. ""The problems associated with mental health have been a growing issue. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the mental health of many has deteriorated exponentially. Suicide rates are higher than they have ever been. Our application, Sm;)e, aims to help people battling mental health issues find a way to keep going,"" stated Fite in her team's winning application. ""It provides encouragement and links to resources in their local area. Sm;)e could serve as their light at the end of the tunnel or as a glimpse of hope."" The winning team is invited to Washington, DC for the #Houseofcode Capitol Hill Reception in 2023. ""I am very proud of our students at Belfry High School for putting forth their best efforts for this national challenge. They invested dozens of hours learning and developing the code required for a fully functional mobile app with purpose,"" said Haridas Chandran, a computer science teacher at Belfry High School. ""We are thrilled to have the opportunity to represent Eastern Kentucky in Washington, DC."" For more information about how to compete in the Congressional App Challenge in 2023, visit congressionalappchallenge.us and halrogers.house.gov/students. Student Natalie Fite explained the Sm;)e app to Congressman Rogers at the SOAR Summit on October 19, 2022 Sm;)e App image designed by the winning team at Belfry High School",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://www.paul.senate.gov/dr-rand-paul-honors-just-for-you-boutique-of-frankfort-as-senate-small-business-of-the-week/,Dr. Rand Paul Honors Just For You Boutique of Frankfort as Senate Small Business of the Week,2022-12-16,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,www.paul.senate.gov,paul,https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 16, 2022 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 Just For You Boutique of Frankfort, Kentucky as the 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 Just For You Boutique of Frankfort, Kentucky as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Across the country you will not find two small businesses with the same origin story. In most cases, the tale behind how one gets started is just as unique as the business itself. Such is the story of Nicole Boyd’s business, Just For You Boutique. Nicole, a native of the Bluegrass state, was driving through its capital when she found herself stopped at a red light. As she gazed out the window towards an empty store front, she couldn’t help but notice a big “Available for Sale or Rent” sign in the window. It was in that moment that Nicole decided that she would open her own clothing store, right there in that location. Sometimes all it takes is a self-starting individual to make their dream a reality, as is the case with Nicole. Not long after that fateful stop in Frankfort traffic, Just For You Boutique opened up on March 8th, 2016. As an active member of the community, Nicole’s favorite aspect of owning her own business is that it enables her to really engage with the people of Frankfort, as she is constantly seeing friends and neighbors walk through her doors. Moreover, Nicole understands that successful businesses put their community first. She often collaborates with other small businesses around Frankfort to offer products and experiences that are unique to Kentucky and to Frankfort specifically. Nicole offers a wide variety of goods in her store, from fashion-forward apparel and jewelry to everyday home goods that could liven up any living space. Nicole pays special mind to feature homegrown Kentucky products, between coffee grinds made by local brewers and handcrafted artisanal soaps from local companies, Nicole makes Kentucky vendors her merchandise mainstay. Given the wide variety of goods she keeps in store, it would only make sense that Nicole would choose to name her boutique Just For You as it is a place where anyone, whether shopping for a gift or for themselves, can find something that is uniquely for them. Part of what makes Just For You Boutique so special is that Nicole understands that strength often comes in numbers. She jumps at every opportunity to amplify her store by collaborating with other small businesses around the state capital, thereby growing the customer base for businesses across Main Street. Just this past Halloween, Nicole participated in a “Trunk-or-Treat” trunk show where small businesses all around Frankfort came together in a local park to brave the autumn rain and sell their goods. The Halloween trunk show was just one of many community events that Just For You participates in, as they also enjoy vending their goods at other Frankfort festivals and events. Nicole has even offered a unique promotion where customers can show their receipts from other local businesses to receive ten percent off their purchase from Just For You Boutique. As an entrepreneur, it is clear the Nicole looks beyond the success of her own storefront and works to support those operating around her. Not only does Nicole do her best to support other small businesses around Frankfort, she runs her store with a charitable heart. When a young lady around Frankfort was diagnosed with breast cancer, Nicole jumped into action. Suzanna, who had spent a lot of time inside Just For You Boutique, designed shirts emblazoned with a pink cancer ribbon with the hashtag #SuzannaStrong. In a show of support for Suzanna, Nicole printed shirt with her design and began selling them in her store, with all proceeds from the sales going towards the cost of Suzanna’s medical treatment. It is acts of kindness such as these that sets Just For You Boutique apart from other businesses, as Nicole keeps her finger on the pulse of developments around the community and always keeps an ear out for those in need. I want to commend Nicole on making her dream of owning her own a store a reality, and thank her for all that she does to support small businesses. Congratulations to Nicole Boyd along with the entire team at Just For Your Boutique. I look forward to seeing your 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,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=0D79B131-0DD5-4C05-AD98-13DC2249D76E,Senate Finalizes McConnell Provisions to Strengthen Kentucky’s Water Infrastructure,2022-12-15,2022,2022-12,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 he secured several priorities to benefit Kentucky in the Water Resources Development Act of 2022 (WRDA 2022) that the Senate passed today. This legislation authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to carry out projects across the country that invest in ports, harbors, and inland waterways, build resilient infrastructure, and help preserve the natural environment. A House/Senate conference committee negotiated the legislation based on the two previous bills the Senate and House passed separately. This bill now goes to the President for his signature. “Kentucky sits at the heart of America’s inland waterways, serving as a national hub for transportation and commerce. Because of this, I’ve worked hard to advance the Commonwealth’s priorities in this year’s water infrastructure legislation to protect our natural heritage, foster development and growth, and help our waterside communities. I’m grateful my Senate colleagues approved these investments in Kentucky’s future,” said Senator McConnell. Senator McConnell secured the following provisions to benefit Kentucky: Kentucky Lock and Dam Language instructing the USACE to expedite the completion of the Kentucky Lock addition project in Livingston County, Kentucky. The bill also includes language pausing Appropriations limits on projects, which will allow construction to continue even with possible cost increases. “For years, I have used my leadership role in the United States Senate to advocate for the completion of the long-awaited Kentucky Lock and Dam project. I have helped secure more than $1 billion for this project, including over $465 million last year through the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The language in this year’s Senate water infrastructure bill will help that project stay on track, even if it is hit by cost overruns driven by inflation. Once finished, the new Kentucky Lock and Dam will allow the Commonwealth to take full advantage of our prime location at the heart of America’s inland waterways system,” said Senator McConnell. ""Each year roughly 25 million tons of product pass through Kentucky Lock, supporting jobs and commerce across the Commonwealth and neighboring states. Completion of the current Kentucky Lock expansion project is paramount to optimizing this critical transportation corridor, and the language in the Senate Water Resources Development Act of 2022 is a much-needed step in the right direction. Senator McConnell is leading the effort to expedite completion of this important project, and I applaud his unwavering commitment and steadfast leadership toward improving the inland waterways system and Kentucky Lock and Dam,” said Crounse Corporation President and CEO Matt Ricketts. Newport Waterfront Festival Park USACE authorization to study the construction of the Waterfront Festival Park in Campbell County, Kentucky. The City of Newport seeks to create a new community space along its Ohio River waterfront. This authorization will enable USACE to map out the project, which involves flood management, ecosystem restoration, and recreation. “Kentucky boasts many waterfront developments that serve as the gathering place of their communities. With the passage of this year’s Senate water infrastructure bill, the City of Newport will be able to coordinate with USACE to build a new waterfront community space of its own. Around the Commonwealth, these projects have fostered development, encouraged recreation, and promoted local pride. I’m proud to help Newport pursue this project to reap all these benefits too,” said Senator McConnell. “The City of Newport is thrilled to receive authorization for the Corps to study the effects and benefits of planned improvements to our Festival Park area,” said Newport City Manager Tom Fromme. “Being a critical part of Riverfront Commons, the park is a very important asset to Newport and to the entire region. We are extremely grateful for the efforts of Senator McConnell for his work and advocacy on behalf of our City and residents.” “This is a long-awaited milestone for the Newport Festival Park project, and we applaud Senator McConnell’s continued commitment to enhancing Northern Kentucky’s riverfront,” said Southbank President and CEO Will Weber. “The WRDA authorization for funding will enable the USACE to study the area for future recreational opportunities and continues the tremendous momentum of riverfront development through both public and private investment. “ Columbus Belmont State Park USACE authorization to study and examine bluff stabilization at the Columbus Belmont State Park in Hickman County, Kentucky. The Park sits atop a steep bluff overlooking the Mississippi River and welcomes many visitors from the community and surrounding region. The Park faces significant erosion, so bluff stabilization efforts will help prevent future property loss. “Columbus Belmont State Park is one of the crown jewel attractions of the Jackson Purchase but has become threatened recently by shifts in the path of the Mississippi River. I am proud to assist this Kentucky landmark in determining the best way to stabilize its bluff and prevent future erosion. These efforts will help ensure the park will be around for generations to come,” said Senator McConnell. “We are grateful to Senator McConnell for securing authorization for a feasibility study on the Columbus Belmont State Park bluff project currently under the watch of the Corps of Engineers. Columbus Belmont State Park is one of the most picturesque parks in our great country. In the past few years, severe sloughing of the bluff has led to a dangerous situation affecting Columbus Belmont. We want to thank Senator McConnell and his staff for their tireless work in trying to save our park. It is much appreciated,” said Hickman County Judge-Executive Kenny Wilson. Three Forks of Beargrass Creek Funding authorization up to $129 million for the restoration of three major branches of the Beargrass Creek in Jefferson County, Kentucky. This waterway flows through Louisville, Kentucky, into the Ohio River and currently has a stressed aquatic ecosystem. The project will restore the stream’s flow and wetland habitat, improving the environmental quality of the watershed while increasing nearby communities’ access to green space and recreational opportunities. “My hometown of Louisville is where Kentucky’s urban and natural worlds collide. In addition to promoting jobs and development in our city, I’ve also worked hard to preserve our natural beauty. Just like the Ohio River, Beargrass Creek is an integral part of Louisville and Jefferson County, and I’m glad this year’s Senate water infrastructure bill will help restore its environmental quality,” said Senator McConnell. “This important restoration of Beargrass Creek will significantly help our community’s endeavor to enhance this highly urbanized stream by reestablishing natural features and crafting a sustainable environment. We look forward to partnering with other local agencies to bring this to fruition. We appreciate the work of Leader McConnell to move this forward in the Senate,” said Tony Parrott, Louisville MSD Executive Director. Elkhorn Lake Improvement Project Authorization for repairs to critical infrastructure at the Elkhorn Lake and Elkhorn Creek impoundment dam in Letcher County, Kentucky. The City of Jenkins lies below the Elkhorn Creek impoundment dam – which was built over a century ago and has not received significant improvements since then – and is threatened by the dam’s deteriorating state. These repairs will improve safety at the dam by replacing outdated infrastructure and investigating possible safety risks. “Kentucky communities have benefitted immensely from the Commonwealth’s extensive system of dams, but these projects must be well-maintained to ensure nearby residents’ safety. I’ve made it a priority to upgrade Kentucky’s lock and dam infrastructure, and I’m glad this year’s Senate water infrastructure bill helps us improve the Elkhorn Creek impoundment dam and protect Letcher County against flooding,” said Senator McConnell. “For years, residents of my town have worried that their homes and businesses could be threatened by deterioration at the Elkhorn Creek impoundment dam, which protects much of the City of Jenkins from flooding. This authorization will give the go-ahead for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to evaluate the necessary repairs to the dam, safeguarding our town. We deeply appreciate Senator McConnell’s work to address this critical problem and support Jenkins’ future development and growth,” said Jenkins Mayor Todd DePriest. Asian Carp Language that expands the effort to control and prevent the spread of Asian Carp. “Invasive Asian Carp have already wreaked havoc on Kentucky’s inland waterways and disrupted the recreation and tourism industries that rely on them. I’ve made this issue a priority in the Senate and helped mobilize the federal government to eradicate this destructive fish. I was proud to include language in this year’s Senate water infrastructure bill to keep this endeavor at the top of USACE’s priorities and prevent the future spread of Asian Carp,” said Senator McConnell. Riverbank Protection and Restoration Along Kentucky River Watershed The addition of the Kentucky River and its tributaries and watersheds to USACE’s list of priority areas for flood risk management projects. This will enable the Corps to protect and restore riverbanks that were damaged in this summer’s floods. Congressman Hal Rogers (KY-05), Dean of the U.S. House of Representatives, also advocated for including this provision. “This summer’s flooding in Eastern Kentucky exposed the severe threat future disasters pose to the Kentucky River’s riverbanks and those of its tributaries. Realizing this danger, Congressman Rogers and I worked together to bring USACE’s attention to the region and enable future projects that will reduce flood risk. I stand with Eastern Kentucky as they rebuild from this summer’s devastation and am pursuing all options available to try and prevent future flooding disasters,” said Senator McConnell. “We cannot go back and reverse the historic destruction that occurred after the catastrophic flooding in July, but we can supply ourselves with tools to prevent such damage in the future. Adding the Kentucky River and its tributaries and watersheds to the USACE’s list of priorities is another tool in our toolbox to help rebuild and protect our region. I want to thank Congressman Rogers and Senator McConnell for continuing to do all they can at the federal level for Eastern Kentucky,” said Kentucky State Senator Brandon Smith. In addition to these priorities, Senator McConnell also supported the following provisions to benefit Kentucky: Permanent 65/35 Cost-Share Adjustment for Major Inland Waterways Projects A provision permanently adjusting the cost-share for major inland waterways projects to 65 percent from the General Fund of the Treasury and 35 percent from the Inland Waterways Trust Fund. This cost-share agreement was set to expire prior to the passage of this bill. The Inland Waterways Trust Fund receives revenue from an inland waterway user fee paid by commercial barges operating on federally designated waterways. This adjustment will allow the USACE to continue to stretch the Inland Waterways Trust Fund further, injecting federal dollars into construction projects in Kentucky and around the country. “Kentucky has some of the best access to our nation’s inland waterways in the country, so I always look for ways to increase federal investment in infrastructure programs with a specific focus on improving inland water transportation. By making this cost-share adjustment permanent, we will allow more federal resources to flow into these types of projects, benefitting states like Kentucky with extensive inland waterway networks,” said Senator McConnell. Cumberland River Dredging Study Language instructing USACE to conduct a feasibility study to assess the deepening of a portion of the Cumberland River near Paducah, Kentucky, to increase the fill weight and the number of barges that can travel the river. “Paducah prides itself on its riverfront access and has long taken advantage of its prime location to foster trade, transportation, and recreation. With the study authorized in this year’s Senate water infrastructure bill, Paducah will be able to benefit even more from its neighboring waterways by expanding the navigability of the Cumberland River,” said Senator McConnell. Eddyville Riverport Authorization for the sale of a USACE-owned parcel of land to the adjacent Eddyville Riverport facilities on Lake Barkley, allowing the riverport to expand its capabilities. “Eddyville Riverport is part of Kentucky’s large and growing network of inland waterways facilities and requires new land to expand their capabilities. In this year’s Senate water infrastructure bill, I helped the Eddyville Riverport team cut through red tape and expedite the process required to acquire land from USACE. This will help the riverport expand and bring new economic opportunity to surrounding communities,” said Senator McConnell.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=882D19F9-A289-42B6-8E84-B831819FC523,McConnell Honors Retiring Senator Pat Toomey,2022-12-15,2022,2022-12,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 Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA): “The Senate is often labeled the world’s greatest deliberative body. A place where generations of titanic statesmen have asked the deep questions about America. “Questions like: How do we balance individual liberty with the common good? What role should we play on the world stage? And: How should tax depreciation affect a small restaurant owner who’s buying a new Fry-o-lator? “Anyone around the Senate would recognize that last query as the work of our detail-oriented, hometown-focused, economics whiz, the junior Senator from Pennsylvania, Pat Toomey. “Pat’s entire sterling career — from the private sector, to the House, to nonprofit activism, to the Senate — has revolved around the reality that economics is central to daily life. What seem like dry financial matters can determine whether whole societies rise or fall, and whether hardworking families struggle or succeed. “For two terms in the Senate and almost two decades total in Congress, Pat’s commanding mastery of economic issues have had a massive impact on his state and country. “Our friend takes particular pride, as he should, in his leading role in delivering the generational tax reform of 2017. Most people involved in that massive effort found it exhausting. I understand Pat considered it energizing. Our resident economist was in his element. And the work he helped lead created one of the best economic moments for working Americans in a generation, before the pandemic. “Tax reform is far from the only fruit of Pat’s labors. From the JOBS Act of 2012, which put financial markets more within reach for everyday investors…To the CARES Act, where Pat helped steer our bedrock financial institutions through pandemic turmoil. We knew we were getting a principled firebrand when our friend joined the Senate, but we’ve also gotten a collegial consensus-builder. “Whether it was Pat’s work on the 2011 ‘super-committee’ or his tenure at the top of the Banking Committee, Pat has blended principle, pragmatism, and persuasion. He is always professional and respectful — to his colleagues, to nominees, everybody. He is unusually skilled at fighting the fight and unusually skilled at getting an outcome. “Pat’s life and career have brought him a long way, but you still see the seeds that were planted by his father — a Marine vet and utility worker. There wasn’t any legacy fast-track into the Ivy League. Thanks to a good upbringing, it was hard work and sheer brainpower that paved our friend’s path to a prep school merit scholarship, then to Harvard. “Pat cut his professional teeth as a trader in New York and Hong Kong. A free-marketeer right from the start. But right as his Wall Street opportunities were taking off, Pat hit pause on his big-city rise and put his economic instincts to an even higher-stakes test: He headed back to Allentown to set up a family business from scratch. “The small restaurant Pat and his brothers started was a proving ground for Pat’s deep convictions in the community-building, life-changing power of free enterprise and entrepreneurship. I understand Pat’s first venture into elected office, a local commission, was mostly just an effort to make sure bureaucrats didn’t meddle with the success of Rookie’s Restaurant and others like it. “The rest, of course, is history. Pat Toomey became a formidable congressman; then a pivotal outside player; and finally a masterful and essential Senator. “Pat’s led the charge for his fellow Pennsylvanians on one front after another. In one instance, he responded to tragedy close to home with a solution for the entire country. Heinous buck-passing on child abuse in public schools – known as “passing the trash” – had let an offender who abused a child in Pennsylvania proceed to strike again in West Virginia. With the help of the senior Senator from that state, Pat spearheaded legislation that compels states to crack down on this abhorrent practice. “Another time, through sheer willpower, Pat literally became a life-saving legislative guardian angel for a young Pennsylvanian battling cystic fibrosis. Sarah Murnaghan was only 12 years old when outdated and tangled rules around lung transplants put her young life in serious peril. Pat rallied a coalition of members; they relentlessly lobbied the executive branch; a federal judge weighed in; and long story short, that young lady got her transplant and is still with us today. “Pat’s creative problem-solving has known few bounds. The way I hear it, one time, our colleague literally leveraged the America’s Cup sailboat race as a way to get a specialized transport ship re-flagged so that Pennsylvania’s natural gas industry could keep moving useful byproducts to market. “And in the midst of all this, Pat made sure his office’s casework for Pennsylvanians was just as superlative. His team’s incredibly tight turnaround for responding to constituents has earned Pat praise from unlikely corners. I understand that one time, former President Clinton went out of his way to inform our colleague that a friend of his in the Keystone State couldn’t believe how quick and substantive a reply he or she had gotten from Senator Toomey’s office. “While many Capitol Hill offices struggle just to turn around the correspondence that comes in, I have it on good authority that Pat will literally go combing through local newspapers’ Letters to the Editor so that he can proactively initiate contact with Pennsylvanians who haven’t even sought him out. “Even the most eager morning people on Pat’s staff have learned to expect the lights will already be on when they get to the office. Their boss, already primed with ideas and questions. ‘I think we could come at this a few different ways.’ Or, ‘Have you seen how German government bonds are trading today?’ But our colleague’s also known for his thoughtful, almost fatherly leadership style. Pat holds everyone to a high standard, especially himself. But if something goes amiss, there’s no quick temper, no harsh words. Just a facial expression that his team affectionately calls, ‘that ‘disappointed dad’ look.’ And no matter what happens, everyone’s invited to the annual pool party at Pat’s house. “Talk about an interesting Senate creature, Madam President. A man with a brain formed on the trading floor… and a heart shaped by Lehigh Valley kitchen tables. “Pat’s true loves are family and free enterprise. This combination has made him a formidable Senator. But it also showed us the writing on the wall: The Senate was never going to get to keep our friend forever. “Pat is always very careful to refer to his Senate service as, ‘the greatest professional honor of my life.’ Note the caveat. Because everybody knows what Pat sees as the greatest honor overall. “We’ve seen our friend fiercely guard every possible moment of family normalcy with Kris and their three kids. We’ve seen hours blocked off on Pat’s calendar on a weeknight under the label ‘Duncan’s Baseball Practice.’ We’ve heard about evening sprints to the train station in order to make it to a Christmas pageant — only to see our friend right back here the next morning. “Like I said, Madam President: Family and free enterprise. The two great loves. “I heard a classic Pat Toomey story where a young intern in his office was excitedly telling his friends about the prestigious ivory tower path that he was aspiring to. Apparently his boss the Senator chimed in with something to the effect of: ‘Yeah, that sounds great, but have you ever considered opening up a small business?’ “So while we’re going to miss Pat around these parts, none of us can claim surprise that family and free enterprise teamed up to steal him back. Since we’re talking about an all-star Senate dad, I’ll put it this way: Pat, your colleagues and I aren’t mad… we’re just disappointed. “You have achieved so much. You’ve done just what you hoped to. Congratulations and thank you.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=B43FD17D-A970-44C9-9F4B-DD72946EEE7A,McConnell Secures Kentucky Priorities in Critical Defense Bill Passed by Senate,2022-12-15,2022,2022-12,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) today praised Senate passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a critical defense policy and funding bill. The Senator secured several important provisions in the legislation for Kentucky’s servicemembers, military installations, and defense programs. “America’s enemies are on the move, but Kentucky’s servicemembers and military installations are better prepared than ever to defend against them. I was proud to vote in support of our men and women in uniform and secure record funding for our national defense in this year’s NDAA,” said Senator McConnell. “Kentucky plays a key role in America’s national security and this bill only deepens our commitment. From landmark progress at the Blue Grass Army Depot, to support for servicemembers based at Kentucky’s Fort Knox and Fort Campbell, to renewed funding for drug eradication and 21st-century cybersecurity training, the provisions I helped secure in this bill will support Kentucky’s military heroes as they work to keep our country safe.” This legislation authorizes well-deserved funding increases for our nation’s military heroes, including: The highest pay raise in twenty years for both military servicemembers and Department of Defense (DOD) civilian workers to address recruiting and retention problems. $847 billion in topline funding for military and national security programs - $45 billion more than President Biden requested – to respond to inflation and heightened security risks around the globe. $1 billion to replenish our national defense stockpile with modern weaponry, supporting defense industrial manufacturing jobs in Kentucky and across the country. The bill includes the following provisions that specifically benefit Kentucky and increase the Commonwealth’s role in America’s defense: $20 million for the University of Louisville’s Cybersecurity Workforce Development Program. In 2019, Senator McConnell authored the provision and later secured the funding necessary to help create this program at the university. A renewed commitment to modernize Army equipment, keeping Kentucky’s Fort Campbell and the 101st Airborne Division at the forefront of America’s air assault framework. $350 million for the acquisition of the first Gray Eagle Unmanned Aerial Systems for Army National Guard units. Continued funding for the National Guard Counter-Drug Education and Eradication Program, which supports illicit drug eradication efforts in Eastern Kentucky. Full funding for the ongoing Chemical Demilitarization Pilot Program at the Blue Grass Army Depot in Richmond, Kentucky, to address cost increases caused by inflation. Authorization for a feasibility study for the Blue Grass Army Depot in Richmond, Kentucky, to support future development as the site transitions from its chemical weapons demilitarization program. The legislation includes the following provisions to protect servicemembers’ individual freedoms:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=FA36A0EB-16A9-4EAC-9D70-F902E3D2A208,Defense Legislation is Crucial First Step Toward American Global Strength,2022-12-15,2022,2022-12,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 national defense: “All year, Senate Republicans have urged Democrats to prioritize two basic governing duties. Two tasks that are essential to keeping America safe, keeping us on track to remain the world’s superpower, and doing right by our men and women in uniform. “Number one is the annual defense bill, where we authorize the investments, tools, and training that our commanders, leaders, and servicemembers need. “And number two is passing government funding where we back up the NDAA’s ambitions with the actual dollars and cents that turn plans into reality. “Bipartisan negotiators are still working on the second item. I hope they are able to produce text of a bipartisan government funding bill that can pass the Senate before our hard deadline next Thursday. Otherwise, I will support pivoting next week to a short-term continuing resolution into the new year. “But I’m glad that, in the very near future, the Senate will finally fulfill the first key duty and pass a strong NDAA, named for our retiring Ranking Member Senator Inhofe. “I’ve spent all week discussing ways this legislation will help our Armed Forces and national security professionals safeguard our homeland, bolster our partnerships, and keep adversaries like Russia on their back feet. “Today I want to focus on what most Senators agree is the single greatest medium-term and long-term national security challenge that our nation faces: The Chinese Communist Party. “The legislation we’ll pass today includes provisions to extend our security assistance to Taiwan. “It steps up our investments in capabilities that are especially crucial to operations in the Indo-Pacific, from space assets to naval mines. “It re-prioritizes countering China’s nuclear breakout by curbing the Biden Administration’s naïve efforts to retire critical elements of our nuclear arsenal. “It tightens security on our cutting-edge research and bolsters sea-launch strategic deterrent capabilities. “And that’s not all. This strong bipartisan bill puts new weight behind our long-term commitments to stand with both vulnerable countries in China’s orbit and vulnerable people within its own borders. “It will authorize a new Joint Force Headquarters right there in the region, and make sure that U.S. military installations are not commercial destinations for goods that have been produced with Uyghur slave labor in the Xinjiang province. “This bill will also help stiffen the spine of the liberal entertainment industry that apparently lacks the courage to cross Beijing without clearer incentives. “This year’s NDAA will prohibit the use of U.S. military assets — like ships, or bases — in movies where the producers then turn around and allow Chinese censors to have final sign-off. If Hollywood wants to trample on American principles of free expression in order to please the CCP, they won’t get to use our own Armed Forces as props in the process. “Of course, stepping up our competition with China and limiting the risks to America from the CCP does not mean walking away from the world stage more broadly. “Quite the contrary. Checking the CCP will take a coordinated effort with even stronger, deeper ties between the United States and our like-minded friends and partners. “That means everything from basing access; to joint exercises and operations; to strengthening our own defense-industrial base so that we can continue to score win-wins, in both security and economic terms, by selling our partners the defensive capabilities they need. “Protecting America and winning the future does not entail pulling up our drawbridge, turning inward, and pretending the world will leave us alone. “China is actively trying to undercut American interests and partnerships everywhere from Asia itself, to the Middle East, to Africa, and beyond. This NDAA will strengthen our hand. It prioritizes crucial partnerships in the Indo-Pacific. “It adds New Zealand to the National Technological Industrial Base. “It expands our ability to share cyber capabilities with operational partners. “And it preserves vital security cooperation efforts in the Middle East and invests in expanding partnerships in Africa, South America, and beyond. “The NDAA is only a first step toward the investments, modernization, and stronger strategies that we need to compete and win against rivals who don’t wish us well. But it is a crucial first step. “I encourage every Senator on both sides to support it.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=3E31D08D-C829-4EDD-89D4-23204DE2AA01,Democrats’ Attack on Charter Schools is an Attack on Parents’ Rights,2022-12-14,2022,2022-12,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 school choice: “Against the backdrop of punishing 13.8% cumulative inflation since January 2021, an open borders crisis, spiking deaths from drug overdoses, and surging violent crime from coast to coast, President Biden has decided his A-1 priority needs to be… cracking down on charter schools. “And harming the educational opportunities available to millions of low-income students in the process. “Charter schools have long injected a huge dose of choice and competition into the schooling options available to low-income Americans and communities of color. This became especially true and especially important during the pandemic. “Big Labor teachers’ unions spent the pandemic forcing government-run public schools to keep their doors shut long after private schools, parochial schools, and schools across Europe were all back operating safely in person. “During this time, charter schools became a haven. They offered an escape rope out of learning loss for kids who would otherwise have been left behind. No wonder that, according to one analysis, charter school enrollment has surged since the pandemic started, even as public school enrollments have fallen off. “But sadly, whenever kids’ best interests and Big Labor’s pocketbooks come into conflict, we know where most of today’s Democratic Party will come down. “The Biden Administration has dutifully written a harsh new regulation that would intentionally chip away at the federal charter schools program and strip funding from many public charter schools. “President Biden and his team are trying to force charter schools to conform to a whole new set of top-down, one-size-fits-all rules that the teachers’ unions want forced onto their competitors. “The Democrats’ rule is designed to hamstring charter schools and leave them more reliant on government bureaucracies in everything from what they teach to how kids get to school in the morning. “Perhaps worst of all, they want charter schools’ federal funding to be heavily contingent on whether the Democrats’ federal bureaucracy agrees there is a ‘need’ for their existence. “This is a plan to take options away from parents, to take opportunities away from kids, to take choice away from families… and transfer that power directly to Big Labor bosses and Big Government bureaucrats. “Yet another example of Democrats trying every trick to make end-runs around parents’ rights in education. Stripping power away from parents and handing it to bureaucrats. “I commend the junior Senator for South Carolina, Senator Scott, for bringing forward a Congressional Review Act resolution to right this wrong. “I urge every member of this body to put families first and vote for the Senator’s commonsense resolution.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=F01D7708-50FC-4C29-BF31-546DF70465D4,McConnell on Framework for Full-Year Funding: “The Hard Work Can Finally Start”,2022-12-14,2022,2022-12,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 government funding: “Today is December the 14th. Senate Republicans have spent months — literally months — begging our Democratic colleagues to stop fiddling with partisan nonsense and focus on two core things: The NDAA and government funding. “I have been talking about the need for a strong National Defense Authorization Act all year long. I’m glad we are finally going to wrap up that basic governing duty in the next few days. “With respect to government funding: I was glad to hear Senator Shelby announce yesterday evening that negotiators have reached a bipartisan, bicameral framework for a full-year government funding bill. Long-term continuing resolutions cheat our Armed Forces out of the resources and the certainty that our commanders and civilian leaders need to keep modernizing our forces, investing in crucial weapons, and outcompeting adversaries such as China. “I am glad that our Democratic colleagues finally accepted reality and conceded to the Republican position that we need to prioritize our national security. Republicans simply were not going to lavish extra liberal spending on the Commander-in-Chief’s own party as a reward for adequately funding the national defense. It wasn’t going to happen. “Funding defense is a basic, bipartisan duty of government — not something that earns Democrats special treats. “As Senator Shelby stated last night, this framework agreement doesn’t mean the hard work is over; it means the hard work can finally start. It will take seriousness and good faith on both sides to produce actual legislation that follows this framework. Poison pills, especially far-left demands to overturn longstanding and commonsense policy riders, will need to stay far away from this process. “And even then, the calendar will still make this a challenging sprint. Our side has made it clear that the Senate has until December 22nd to complete either a full-year funding bill or a short-term C.R. into early next year. That is the deadline, and those are the two options. “If a truly bipartisan full-year bill without poison pills is ready for final Senate passage by late next week, I’ll support it for our Armed Forces. Otherwise, we’ll be passing a short-term continuing resolution into the new year.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=20BBBEA6-C95D-4A7D-B72B-1FFB282C5F70,McConnell Honors Retiring Senator Richard Burr,2022-12-13,2022,2022-12,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 Senator Richard Burr (R-NC): “I’d like to begin my tribute to another of our distinguished departing colleagues by quoting his own words, from a letter written in 2009. ‘Dear Mr. and Mrs. Carver, Thank you for entrusting me with [your son’s] memorial bracelet at the Asheville Veterans Day Ceremony. I wish there had been more time to talk that day. I returned to Washington, DC with the bracelet on my wrist. … [your son’s] unrelenting courage and zeal for life are what I will think of when I look at his name on my wrist. Rest assured that I will wear his bracelet forever.’ “A quiet gesture; unheralded and understated; but leaving hugely impactful ripples in its wake. A perfect case study in Senator Richard Burr. “At first glance, it might appear to the uninitiated that our distinguished friend is a man of contrasts or contradictions. For example — this impeccably-dressed Southern gentleman has been known to drive around town in a rickety old Volkswagen Thing that our dear departed colleague John McCain once called, ‘an assault on the senses.’ “Or take the fact that when most of us were happy enough to finish high school as either a successful jock or a successful student, Richard was both a standout scholarship football player and winner of the science fair. “Or consider that our unflappable, calm colleague with an easy manner — almost casual, really — has been one of this chamber’s most dogged legislators and most relentless champions across a whole array of critically important causes. “That special bracelet bearing Army Chief Warrant Officer Mitch Carver’s name isn’t just a comfort to one Gold Star family. It’s an outward sign of Richard Burr’s entire approach to his job: supporting service, honoring sacrifice, and making life better for folks in North Carolina and across the nation. “For five years, Richard’s colleagues tasked him with helming the Intelligence Committee. Some of this institution’s most sensitive and critical responsibilities wound up in his lap. But Senators on both sides knew that Richard’s thoughtfulness, fairmindedness, and discretion tailor-made him for that role. No showy victory laps; no braggy press tours. He led with the serious, collegial, and patriotic tone that the issues demanded. “This quiet competence has been part of the Richard Burr brand from the very beginning. “As a backbench House freshman, Richard spearheaded massive reforms of the Food and Drug Administration. “Long before COVID-19, he had a personal passion for helping to equip BARDA and our other pandemic preparedness initiatives. “Richard has authored transformational legislation that disability advocates called the most important advance for their cause in a quarter century. “He’s reached across the aisle to help deliver justice for victims of decades-old hate crimes. “He drove bipartisan consensus on a measure that’s helped save students and families nearly $100 billion in loan payments. “In a situation folks in my own state know well, he stepped up to help tobacco farmers transition to succeed in a freer market. “And as ranking member of the Veterans Affairs Committee, Richard delivered much-needed relief to men and women who have served our nation with the Veterans Choice Act of 2014. “It’s truly amazing what you can accomplish when you’re willing to be patient, keep an even keel, share some credit… oh, and occasionally, even jump out a window. “Let me explain. This is creative problem-solving in action. Back during sequestration, when staffing shortages had closed some of the normal entrances and exits around the Capitol campus, our friend found himself in the Russell building while the only open exit was all the way over in Dirksen. Rather than lengthen his commute, this ever-pragmatic man of mystery found the lowest window around, grabbed his dry cleaning, shimmied out, and hopped right down to the sidewalk. “Now the day is fast-approaching when our colleague will escape from this institution for good. But Richard’s remarkable legacy here will endure. “Whether that’s meant using his charm and judgment of character to disarm committee witnesses and get to the bottom of complex issues under investigation…Or using his fluency in House-speak to translate key happenings for us, his colleagues in the upper chamber…And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention how Richard excels at turning up the pressure to break a stalemate. You see, if an issue is dragging out and no solution appears forthcoming, unless Richard was the point person himself, he’d frequently just threaten to leave town altogether until things got worked out! “We’re talking about a colleague who’s famous for keeping closer tabs on the Senate’s weekly wrap-up proceedings than just about anyone. In fact, as I understand it, Richard’s team became famous for tracking the timing of final votes so closely that some other offices would try calling Team Burr for the scoop before they’d even try the cloakroom! “Now, with Richard’s seemingly laid-back demeanor, you might assume our friend was just eager to get to the beach, or hit the links. But that would be another one of those deceptive appearances. The truth is, Richard didn’t become an expert at speedy getaways because he wanted to shortchange his duties. Just the opposite. Even as devoted a public servant as Senator Burr knew that, in the final analysis, another set of duties was even more essential. When our colleague was first elected to the House in 1994, he and his beloved wife Brooke had two young sons. And Brooke was carving out her own tremendously successful career in business. So our friend was bound and determined that serving the people of North Carolina would not mean skimping on his proudest job of all, as father to Tyler and William — and now, as a grandfather, too. “Through decades of committed service, he’s found a way to do it all. But even so, I know Richard’s excited to make up for lost time. “So we thank our colleague for his outstanding work for our country. “And I have it on good authority that our friend has a favorite catchphrase that he’s used to bid farewell to his office after they’ve spent a long day doing good work. So, Richard, as you like to say: ‘Dilly Dilly!’” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=A7E3D4DE-BF2A-41D5-B448-E6B06AE29AAA,Ukraine Support Is One Example of American Leadership Paying Dividends,2022-12-13,2022,2022-12,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 Ukraine and national defense: “Senate Republicans have spent months focused on the need for a strong, bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act and robust funding for our Armed Forces. “Defending our homeland, deterring future threats, and supporting our allies and partners should not be last-minute low priorities. “They’re fundamental duties if we want to remain the strongest power in the world. And investing in strength today protects our country, our servicemembers, and the American taxpayer tomorrow. “Take, for example, Ukraine. “For nearly a year now, the free people of a sovereign nation have stood firm and battled against brutal and lawless aggression. “The Ukrainians’ brave stand has been made possible in part because the United States and a number of other countries have realized that supporting their self-defense directly serves our own interests. “Europe together constitutes America’s largest trading partner. Instability in Europe poses a direct threat to the countless American producers who sell to our friends across the Atlantic. Further huge disruptions to European markets would only add to the inflationary challenges that Democrats’ spending has caused us here at home. “What’s more, a successful Russian invasion would embolden the entire club of anti-American thug regimes to take bolder and more brazen steps toward further conflict, including direct threats to American lives. “Every day Russia spends on the back foot in Ukraine degrades its own ability to wage further wars and dramatically changes the cost-benefit calculus for others who might contemplate similar violence. “Continuing support for Ukraine is the popular mainstream view that stretches across the ideological spectrum. “On my side of the aisle, for example, the former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe said recently that supporting Ukraine ‘fully and completely’ is in the best interests of the United States. “The top foreign policy expert at the Heritage Foundation, James Carafano, has spoken out forcefully about the need for continued military aid. “So has former Secretary of State Pompeo, former Vice President Pence, and virtually every other leading national security official from the previous Administration. “Now, while the conflict has exposed serious weaknesses in Russia’s ability to wage conventional war, it has also exposed shortcomings in the West, particularly with our defense industrial bases. “Our European friends who’d treated themselves to holidays from history after the Cold War — who presumed a new normal of stability and security and shifted spending disproportionately into domestic programs — have received a harsh wake-up call. They are rushing to reinvest more in their own defenses. “Some politicians here in America fell victim to that same lullaby. “Now, fortunately, supplying the specific kinds of American armaments that Ukraine needs does not cut our readiness in other important regions, such as the Pacific. “China and its neighbors are watching the conflict in Ukraine closely, and the CCP would be delighted if Ukraine fell to Russia. “But the long lead times to replenish what we are sending still provide us with a sober reminder. “We know for a fact that the world’s foremost military and economic superpower can and should both produce all the capabilities that we need for ourselves and serve as freedom’s arsenal for our friends at the same time. “We just need to organize our resources and make critical, overdue investments in our defense industrial capacity. “That’s why the National Defense Authorization Act we’ll take up soon provides multi-year procurement authority for longer-term certainty, planning, and efficiency. It authorizes significant investments in modernizing our forces and capabilities. “But following through on these promises also requires that we pass robust appropriations. I made that clear at last week’s briefing with Biden Administration officials. “And I’ll say it again: “Providing for the common defense is a fundamental governing responsibility. It is not extra credit. “Our Democratic colleagues will not receive a goodie bag of domestic spending in exchange for fulfilling this solemn duty.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://comer.house.gov/2022/12/comer-in-wsj-get-ready-for-republican-oversight,Comer in WSJ: Get Ready for Republican Oversight,2022-12-12,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,KY,James Comer,C001108,comer.house.gov,comer,https://comer.house.gov/media,scraper,"WASHINGTON—In an op-ed published in the Wall Street Journal, House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) outlines how Republicans will return the committee to its proper role of rooting out waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in the federal government. He details the committee’s top investigative priorities next Congress, including the border and fentanyl crises, pandemic relief fraud, botched Afghanistan withdrawal, energy crisis, Covid origins, and the Biden family’s suspicious business schemes. He concludes by emphasizing that Republicans will use the power of the gavel to provide Americans the answers, transparency, and accountability they deserve. Democrats’ unchecked one-party rule over the past two years has resulted in multiple crises abroad and at home. Americans have made clear they want accountability in Washington, and Republicans are ready to deliver. On every front, President Biden’s policies have been a disaster. Americans are facing historic inflation, skyrocketing energy costs, the worst border crisis in U.S. history, and surging fentanyl overdoses. They’ve witnessed our nation’s standing on the world stage plummet after the Afghanistan withdrawal. Students are suffering from acute learning loss and mental-health struggles because teachers unions and Democratic politicians worked to keep schools closed. Governmental transparency also suffered, abetting these disastrous policies. Under Democratic control, the House Oversight Committee targeted American industry instead of fulfilling its primary job of providing Americans governmental transparency. Democrats’ inordinate focus on things like climate pledges made by U.S. oil and gas companies shielded the administration from meaningful oversight—as is made evident by the F grade the Oversight Committee received from the nonpartisan Lugar Center. That will change in January when the GOP assumes its House majority. In the new Congress, Republicans will return the committee to its proper role: rooting out waste, fraud, abuse and mismanagement in the federal government. Committee members will conduct credible oversight, identify problems, and propose reforms. Here are some of our top priorities: • Border and fentanyl crises. We will continue our investigation of the president’s radical immigration agenda, which has created the worst border crisis in U.S. history. The investigation began in February 2021 when congressional digging and media reporting shed light on how Mr. Biden’s policies aren’t preventing human smuggling, drug cartel operations, the flow of deadly drugs such as fentanyl into American communities, and the flood of illegal immigrants across the border in flagrant violation of immigration law. Not only has the administration failed to secure the border, it is diverting nearly $600 million intended for public health to pay for its self-inflicted national-security and public-safety crisis. • Pandemic relief fraud. We owe it to Americans to identify how $560 billion—as I’ve estimated from watchdog, agency and media reports—spent under the guise of pandemic relief were lost to waste, fraud, abuse and mismanagement. The Biden administration has allowed fraud to run rampant within federal assistance programs. Even after the pandemic abated and many states reopened, officials pushed for more inflation-inducing government spending. Reporting also indicates that states and localities are using Covid relief funds meant to address learning loss for unrelated, politically tinged expenditures such as electric buses and controversial ideologies. Republicans will ensure that the remaining money goes to helping children harmed by localities and states’ adherence to remote learning and addressing learning loss. • Afghanistan withdrawal. The Biden administration’s botched exit led to the deaths of 13 U.S. service members and left the Afghan military confused and unprepared to defend the country. As a result, the Taliban seized American military equipment and nearly all of the progress made for women’s rights in the country was reversed. We began an investigation in August 2021 into the administration’s failure to conduct a safe withdrawal and the many consequences for national security. We plan to continue it. • Energy crisis. The president’s war on U.S.-made fossil fuels has killed well-paying jobs in energy and driven up gas and energy prices. Yet even as Americans struggle to make ends meet, Mr. Biden has refused to unleash U.S. energy production, and instead has begged foreign dictators to pump more oil with meager price effects. Media reports say the president tried to work out a deal for Saudi Arabia to increase production ahead of the midterms. House Republicans will continue our investigation, which began in May 2022, into Mr. Biden’s efforts to diminish domestic energy production as part of his administration’s radical climate agenda and how he has jeopardized American energy independence. • Covid origins. Discovering the origin of Covid-19 is vital to protecting Americans from future pandemics. Evidence continues to mount that the virus originated from a lab leak in Wuhan, China. U.S. taxpayer dollars were funneled to the Wuhan lab to conduct gain-of-function research on bat coronaviruses, and it seems that Anthony Fauci knew that the lab-leak theory was likely true, even as he dismissed the possibility in public. We will continue to follow the facts to determine what could have been done differently to guard against the harms Americans endured during the pandemic.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=002B9ADB-53B2-4F03-9A7D-270CB7E6EA69,"Sanders Resolution on Yemen Would Strengthen Iran, Russia, and China",2022-12-12,2022,2022-12,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 American global leadership: “Events from Europe to Asia to the Middle East continue to demonstrate on a daily basis why American global strength and leadership are essential for protecting our homeland, our core interests, and our allies and partners. “But unfortunately, Senator Sanders of Vermont has drafted a resolution that would pull America back from global leadership in a clumsy and deeply counterproductive way. “Our colleague has prepared a resolution attempting to further limit America’s support for the UN-recognized government in Yemen and the Saudi-led coalition helping defend it against Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists. “I welcome debate about American policy towards Iran, and that’s what this resolution is really about. Not Yemen; but Tehran. “There is no question about Tehran’s role in the fighting in Yemen from the very beginning. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is intimately involved. “Less than one month ago, the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard stopped a wooden sailing vessel heading from Iran to Yemen and found 70 tons of missile fuel component that Iran was trying to sneak to the terrorist rebels. This, on top of countless small arms, UAVs, and rockets that Iran has provided to support Houthi terror. “Iran has long seen the fight in Yemen as a way to expand its influence and tighten its grip on regional power. There is little question that an Iran-backed Houthi victory over the UN-recognized government of Yemen would be bad news for American interests in the region and the interests of our close partners. “Iran and their Houthi partners want a platform to launch indiscriminate terrorist attacks against civilian cities in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Against ships belonging to Israel and other internationally-flagged vessels. The IRGC will continue to use Yemen as a testing site for the same kinds of weapons that Iran has long used to target and kill American forces in Iraq and Syria. The same kinds of weapons Iran is now also providing to Russia, to rain death and destruction on Ukraine. “This is about the worst imaginable time the United States Congress could go out of our way to alleviate the pressure that Tehran and its Houthi proxies are feeling. A fragile ceasefire in Yemen is on the line. Why send a signal that we are backing away from our partners? Why embolden the Houthis at this juncture? Just as the Iranian people themselves are fed up and have been fighting back against their country’s oppressive regime, Senator Sanders wants to cut Tehran a huge break? “If the United States inflicts this kind of self-inflicted wound on our Middle East strategy, Iran will celebrate. Russia will pop champagne. China will enjoy more oxygen to expand its own creeping regional influence, as well. And America’s allies and partners will be left questioning our resolve and partnership, and wondering if it wouldn’t be the safer bet to turn toward Beijing instead. “Yemen is also home to the wing of al Qaeda that poses the greatest threat to the United States. Don’t take my word for it. President Biden’s Director of National Intelligence, Avril Haines, has publicly warned about the threat from AQAP in Yemen. “We rely on the UN-recognized government in Yemen, as well as key partners in the region like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, to keep pressure on Al Qaeda on multiple fronts. Do we really want to send a signal to partners on whom we rely that they cannot rely on us? “I’ve been critical of the Biden Administration’s mistakes in the Middle East and its passivity in the face of Iranian aggression, but even this Administration ‘strongly opposes’ Sen. Sanders’ resolution. “The Senate has enough crucial business to tackle this week without going out of our way to make life better for our enemies and harder for our partners.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=9F25A09A-E302-44AF-9451-BBD2952F998F,McConnell Outlines Commonsense Principles for Government Funding,2022-12-12,2022,2022-12,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 national defense: “The Senate gavels in today with our annual defense bill still unpassed; with less than one week remaining of government funding; and less than two weeks left until our hard stop for the holidays on Friday the 23rd. “That’s the bad news. But the good news is that both sides have a clear understanding of what it will take to finish our work on a bipartisan basis. “First, Senators Inhofe and Reed and their House counterparts have hashed out a strong, bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act. The Senate should turn to it as soon as possible. “But, of course, Congress authorizing the tools, training, and equipment that our Armed Forces need will accomplish little if we fail to then provide the actual funding. “Both sides know what it would take for the Senate to pass a full-year government funding bill into law. There is no mystery here. A funding agreement would need to fully fund our national defense at the level written into the NDAA, without lavishing extra funding beyond what President Biden even requested onto Democrats’ partisan domestic priorities. “Our Democratic colleagues have already spent two years massively increasing domestic spending, using party-line reconciliation bills outside the normal appropriations process. So clearly, our colleagues cannot now demand even more domestic spending than President Biden even requested in exchange for funding the United States military. “Funding our national defense is a basic governing duty. “The Commander-in-Chief’s own party does not get to demand a pile of unrelated goodies in exchange for doing their job and funding our Armed Forces. “If House and Senate Democratic colleagues can accept these realities in the very near future, we may still have a shot at assembling a full-year funding bill that will give our military commanders the certainty they need to invest, plan, and stay competitive with rivals like China. “If our Democratic colleagues can’t accept those realities, the option will be a short-term, bipartisan funding bill into early next year.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://comer.house.gov/2022/12/congressman-comer-recognizes-one-year-anniversary-of-devastating-tornado,Congressman Comer Recognizes One-Year Anniversary of Devastating Tornado,2022-12-09,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,KY,James Comer,C001108,comer.house.gov,comer,https://comer.house.gov/media,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Austin Hacker WASHINGTON — On the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman James Comer (R-Ky.) recognized the one-year anniversary of the devastating tornadoes that struck Kentucky’s First Congressional District on December 10th and 11th, 2021. In the aftermath of the storm, Kentuckians came together, delivered aid when many needed it most, and began the process of restoring our local communities. Congressman Comer emphasized that his office remains committed to assisting the ongoing recovery efforts. Below are his remarks as prepared: Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the one-year anniversary of the devastating tornadoes that struck my district. On December 10th and 11th, 2021, communities from Fulton to Taylor County endured a fierce long-tracked tornado that leveled numerous communities. The damage sustained during the relentless storm was unimaginable, and our prayers are still with families who lost loved ones. In the aftermath of this disaster, Kentuckians across the Commonwealth came together to offer help, provide support, and deliver aid when many needed it most. As the communities continue to rebuild and recover, I want to recognize the local servant leaders and citizens who are helping get our communities back on their feet. As we continue to move forward, I am inspired by their courageous efforts to restore our local communities. Serving the people of Kentucky’s 1st Congressional District is an honor, and my office remains committed to assisting their recovery efforts in every way. Watch floor speech here:https://fb.watch/hjdym8f3mW/",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-honors-napier-brothers-clothing-lancaster-senate-small-business-week/,Dr. Rand Paul Honors Napier Brothers Clothing of Lancaster as Senate Small Business of the Week,2022-12-09,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,www.paul.senate.gov,paul,https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 9, 2022 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 Napier Brothers Clothing of Lancaster, Kentucky as the 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 Napier Brothers Clothing of Lancaster, Kentucky as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Mr. Lonnie Napier is a lifelong resident of Garrard County, Kentucky, and he remembers when the county did not look quite like it does today. Mr. Napier grew up in a rural part of Garrard County, and as a boy he did not know the comforts of running water, telephones, electricity, and in-door plumbing. However, as Mr. Napier grew older he continued to leave his mark on the community. In 1966, at the age of twenty-six years old, Mr. Napier was elected to the Garrard County Fiscal Court, the youngest man to ever be elected to such group. From that day forward Mr. Napier would continue his involvement with local government, even as he began his career in the clothing business. Lonnie Napier opened Napier Brothers Clothing back in 1990, and he has been working at the same location in Lancaster square ever since, making it the oldest small business on the town square. As one might gather from the store’s name, Lonnie’s business is a family business, having named the store after his two sons, both of which worked in the store during their youth. Today the store sells all sorts of clothing, ranging from casual wear to clothes suited for working outside, and shoes, ranging from men’s and ladies’ footwear to work boots suitable for outdoor conditions. According to Lonnie Napier the most popular item that his store sells is blue jeans, which is no wonder considering the wide selection of blue jeans Mr. Napier keeps stocked in his collection of shelves along the store’s wall. Mr. Napier ensures that all products in his store are top quality, and that the customer service of Napier Brothers Clothing far exceeds that of his corporate competitors. Given Garrard County’s location within central Kentucky, agriculture enjoys a large influence on their surrounding communities. Large businesses such as Tractor Supply directly compete with Mr. Napier’s customer base, but corporations simply cannot match the sense of familiarity and geniality that a customer feels when walking into Napier Brothers Clothing. Mr. Napier has a knack for taking care of his customers, always answering their questions and hearing whatever concerns they may have. His amiability as a business owner is one of the many traits that led him to find success in local governance. A highlight of Mr. Napier’s political career occurred back in 1984 when he was running for a seat in the Kentucky House of Representatives. Initially thinking it was a prank, Mr. Napier finally paid a phone call to a telephone number his friends kept insisting he dial. That phone call led to Lonnie Napier receiving an in-person campaign endorsement from then president Ronal Reagan. In addition to having met former president Reagan, Mr. Napier also had the pleasure of meeting former presidents George Bush Sr. and Bill Clinton. Though he occasionally rubbed shoulders with politicians in the big leagues, Mr. Napier never lost sight of his mission to run the best small business in Lancaster. From a country-born boy who grew up having to walk five miles to school each day, to a successful main street entrepreneur who has consistently looked out for the citizens of Lancaster, Mr. Napier has enjoyed a long and fruitful career in his corner of Kentucky. Congratulations to Lonnie Napier and to the whole team at Napier Brothers Clothing. I look forward to seeing 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,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=02B2C2A1-91C9-4A46-9D8F-9B5447F48BF5,"Barr Votes for NDAA to Boost Defense, Give Pay Raises to Servicemembers",2022-12-08,2022,2022-12,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) voted in support of the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act today. Following his vote, Congressman Barr released this statement: “Today, I voted to strengthen our national defense by authorizing $858 billion in funding for the military, $45 billion above the President’s request. Included in this package is a 4.6% pay raise for our servicemembers, additional housing allowances, and expanded benefits for military families. All of this is well-deserved and much needed to help our servicemembers deal with the economic impact of forty-year high inflation. ""This bill includes my provision requiring a feasibility study on defense needs at the Blue Grass Army Depot following demolition and remediation of the Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant. This study will provide the community and the installation in Madison County valuable insight into opportunities for the site going forward. “Additionally, the NDAA allocates over $11 billion to the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, designed to combat the rising threat of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in the region. Critically, the NDAA confirms U.S. support for the defense of Taiwan and Indo-Pacific Command’s authority to conduct joint exercises with Taiwan, regardless of the CCP’s pushback. “Furthermore, the NDAA bill reaffirms our support for Ukraine to defend against the brutal and illegal Russian invasion by authorizing $800 million to the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative and requiring regular, comprehensive reviews and audits of assistance provided to Ukraine. “Finally, we are eliminating once and for all the requirement of active duty and reserve military members to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Republicans also secured a provision pushing the Secretary of Defense to provide full veterans benefits to servicemembers discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine.” Congressman Barr also had several other provisions included in the NDAA: AXIS Act This bill requires the Department of State to periodically report to Congress on whether and how China's government, the Chinese Communist Party, or any other Chinese entity has provided support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Pacific Islands Embassies Act This legislation establishes U.S. embassies in the Republic of Vanuatu, the Republic of Kiribati, and the Kingdom of Tonga to reinforce American leadership in the Pacific region. Requirement the Secretary of Defense complete a study on the feasibility of additional DoD resources necessary to facilitate increased military cooperation between the United States and Taiwan. Requirement the Secretary of State report to Congress on the efforts of the American Institute in Taiwan to combat disinformation or propaganda perpetuated by the Chinese Communist Party and People's Republic of China.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=4153D981-CA0E-4DC4-B623-0B0F110BE1E7,Barr Statement on Opposing Same-Sex Marriage Bill,2022-12-08,2022,2022-12,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) voted no on the same-sex marriage bill and released the following statement after his vote: “This legislation is ostensibly designed to respond to the Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade. But the majority in Dobbs was clear that this legislation is wholly unnecessary. The Court stated, in part, “We emphasize that our decision concerns the constitutional right to abortion and no other right.” So, today’s vote is not about “respect for marriage” as the bill title implies or codifying same-sex marriage. “Instead, it is about expressing intolerance for people of faith who have a sincerely held religious belief in favor of traditional marriage. It is also about impermissibly and unconstitutionally compelling Americans to violate their conscience. Because I believe tolerance should go in all directions, and because I take seriously the First Amendment’s protection of the right of Americans to freely exercise their faith, I voted against this legislation.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=315C05B4-A542-4695-BB5C-72F3519B68BA,McConnell on the University of Louisville’s Hiring of Jeff Brohm: “Our Hometown Hero is Coming Back”,2022-12-08,2022,2022-12,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 on the University of Louisville’s hiring of Jeff Brohm as the school’s new head football coach: “I couldn’t be happier to hear that my alma mater is bringing Jeff Brohm back to Louisville to head up the Cardinals football program. As a student-athlete at Trinity High School and the University of Louisville, Jeff impressed us all with his smart play, skill as a quarterback, and leadership on and off the field. Following a career in the NFL, he honed his coaching skills for more than two decades in Kentucky and around the country. Now, our hometown hero is coming back. I’m excited to join the Cardinal family in welcoming Coach Brohm home.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=4568F063-6114-41FF-9E49-9F4C620A5E4A,McConnell Honors Retiring Senator Rob Portman,2022-12-08,2022,2022-12,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 Senator Rob Portman (R-OH): “Fewer than 40 miles from Ohio’s border with Kentucky, about halfway between Cincinnati and Dayton, there’s a suburb called Lebanon. “The corner of Main Street and Broadway looks much like it did almost a century ago in 1926. That’s when a young couple, Robert and Virginia Jones, bought and renovated an unassuming brick building called the Golden Lamb Restaurant and Hotel. “But the Golden Lamb’s modest exterior conceals major history. Its prime location on the highway between Cincinnati and Columbus made it a key stopover for important travelers. By 1926, each of our country’s eight Presidents from Ohio, plus Henry Clay, plus a long list of other luminaries — every one of them had spent a night at this inn, or at least broken bread in its dining room. “The Joneses’ small-town American entrepreneurial spirit wrote their family right into the history of American statesmanship. And as it turns out, that started a family tradition. Because a few years later, those newly-minted innkeepers had a daughter, Joan. And then Joan and her husband Bill had their own kids. And though Bill Portman would pass away just a few months before the swearing-in, his son would one day cap an incredible career in government by representing Ohio right here in the U.S. Senate. “As Rob explained in his maiden speech, he spent his own formative years in and around a different family business. Bill risked everything in early middle age to strike out and start a small equipment business. Joan kept the books. And the way I’ve heard it, young Rob’s own involvement was as hands-on as it gets. There wasn’t just no nepotism, Mr. President, there was negative nepotism. One summer break, Rob was put to work grinding old paint off the trucks. Even his supervisor called it — quote — ‘the lowest job in the place.’ “This team effort grew Portman Equipment from five jobs created to more than 300. Rob saw firsthand how growing prosperity, if it’s done right, can create big win-wins for both small-business owners and well-paid workers. “So there were two family businesses in Rob’s bloodline. A crossroads where statesman hashed out consequential discussions… and a company that created jobs and helped workers support their families. And our distinguished colleague has spent his career continuing both those things — at an even greater scale. “For decades now, from the executive branch to the House to the Senate, Rob’s desk and phone line have been the site of history-changing conversations, like his grandparents’ inn. And he’s worked to create a national climate where millions more Main Street entrepreneurs like his father can lift up workers and communities. “Now, I suspect that, from time to time, Rob’s felt like law, economics, and policy may not be so different from grinding paint off rusty trucks. But the gifts and talents that our friend commands have made making an impact look easy. “Our future colleague was such a top-notch lawyer that he wound up as a young associate White House Counsel, and then Director of Legislative Affairs, for President Bush 41. Then, such a whiz at the legislative process that his Ohio neighbors sent him back to Washington as their Congressman. Then, such a leader on economic policy that President Bush 43 made Rob U.S. Trade Representative and then asked him to run the Office of Management and Budget. “No wonder Rob fit right in and hit the ground running when he came to the Senate in 2011. “Sometimes our friend even fit in a bit too well. See, Rob has a great talent for impersonations. He’d spent several presidential cycles impersonating some of our prior colleagues for Republican tickets’ debate prep. Rob’s talent became such an open secret that during the 2000 campaign, Joe Lieberman joked he was going to start dispatching Rob to handle campaign stops in his stead. “But the real reasons for Rob’s impact are his deep knowledge, his work ethic, and his passion for finding his way to the thick of each consequential issue. “Our friend’s focus on growth and prosperity landed him at the center of the most consequential tax reform in a generation. Rob spearheaded the complex overhaul of international tax policy that passed as part of the 2017 bill and helped unlock a tidal wave of growth, reinvestment, and job creation. “He’s spent long nights securing huge bipartisan wins on infrastructure policy — not unlike how Ohio statesmen 150 years earlier may have discussed ‘internal improvements’ around a wooden table at the Golden Lamb. “But Rob isn’t just a macro-level policy whiz who focuses on the top-line numbers. As much as Rob is passionate about growing the overall pie, he also knows that rising tides don’t automatically lift every boat. Sometimes Ohioans and Americans face challenges that call for a special champion. So Rob stepped up. He’s been one of this body’s sharpest early-warning signals on crises like opioid addiction and human trafficking. He’s used Congress’ investigative powers to craft solutions. And he’s built the relationships to make law. “The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act and its sequels have brought hope to families in Ohio and across the country who have battled the onslaught of opioids. The Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act forced big tech, kicking and screaming, to finally crack down on exploitation. And on, and on. From international trade… to national parks… and everything between. “Even at the tail end of a long session, Rob’s been known to linger even longer in the Cloakroom, patiently resolving the last few objections to some final policy he’s got on the one-yard line. “But even when you get results at this scale, even when you leave Ohio and our country a better place, late-night policy vigils eventually lose their luster when you’ve got an even more appealing home front. “We know Rob loves public service, but we also know that even that passion comes second to his beloved wife and partner Jane, and the three kids – Jed, Will, and Sally – who I know Rob considers his proudest accomplishment of all. For years, Washington’s and Ohio’s great gain have been their sacrifice. So while the Senate is sorry to lose our friend, we can’t be too upset that we now have to repay the favor. “Rob, congratulations on your outstanding service.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=7C38AF9F-E8B9-408E-BB31-3570B3B88E00,Democrats Do Not Get Concessions in Exchange for Protecting America,2022-12-08,2022,2022-12,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 national defense: “Yesterday, I explained a simple and obvious reality that will determine whether the NDAA and government funding legislation succeed or fail. “Here’s the simple fact: Protecting America and supporting our troops is not some partisan Republican priority that we will cajole and reward Democrats into accepting. “Providing for the common defense is a basic, minimum responsibility of being in government. Passing a defense authorization bill and appropriating the money our military needs are not right-wing demands that Democrats get unrelated goodies for going along with. “A Commander-in-Chief’s own party does not get to take our troops hostage for unrelated policy aims. Democrats will not be getting special rewards for doing their job. “Yesterday, I praised the bipartisan deal that our Senate and House Armed Services Committees have struck on the NDAA. The House was supposed to advance the bill yesterday. But instead, the Democratic majority fell into disarray. “Some Democrats want to scuttle the defense bill by attaching unrelated liberal demands that would guarantee its collapse. “Attaching partisan non sequiturs to this carefully-negotiated NDAA would achieve one and only one outcome: “It would ensure that neither the NDAA nor their wish list become law. “The only outcome that partisan game-playing would produce is the collapse of this bill. A massive injury for the United States Armed Forces, at the hands of President Biden’s party, on President Biden’s watch. “The House needs to send us the agreed-upon, bipartisan NDAA without delay. “The same reality applies to appropriations, as well. “Democrats just spent two years using the partisan reconciliation process to lavish trillions of extra dollars on liberal, domestic demands while our Armed Forces languished on the back burner. The Biden Administration printed and spent trillions on things like welfare and solar panels like there was no tomorrow, but they couldn’t even assemble a budget proposal that sufficiently funded our troops. “So my friends across the aisle have zero standing to demand even more liberal domestic spending in exchange for giving our Armed Forces what they need. “Our Commander-in-Chief and his party have spent huge sums on domestic priorities outside the normal appropriations process without a penny for the Defense Department. Obviously, we won’t allow them to now hijack the government funding process, too, and take our troops hostage for even more liberal spending. “Protecting America is our job. Republicans will not be bribing our Democratic colleagues with special treats, as if they need to be bargained into defending America. “The sooner the Democrats fully accept this reality, the sooner we can get on with the people’s business. That goes for both the NDAA and government funding.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=A4249372-1CCD-4A29-BF7D-AE8BBA187CB7,McConnell Secures More Than $5.8 Million for Kentucky Broadband Development,2022-12-08,2022,2022-12,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 National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) will provide Kentucky with more than $5.8 million to fund broadband development. Senator McConnell helped secure this funding by supporting the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which established the two programs that will provide today’s grant. Senator McConnell led the IIJA to Senate passage last year and the President signed the bill into law last November. That legislation will give Kentucky billions of dollars over five years to improve the Commonwealth’s roads, bridges, railroads, riverports, airports, broadband, and more. Today’s grant will help Kentucky’s state government develop a broadband improvement plan that addresses existing gaps in the Commonwealth’s internet coverage. Currently, many Kentuckians – especially those living in rural areas – lack access to affordable, reliable broadband. These planning funds will help the Commonwealth develop a strategy that ensures all Kentuckians are covered before the state receives additional IIJA broadband funding to expand high-speed capacity.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=F51B3FB7-E49F-4E69-8990-ECE979F479BF,Senator McConnell Marks One Year Since Devastating Tornado Outbreak in Kentucky,2022-12-08,2022,2022-12,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 one-year anniversary of the Kentucky tornadoes: “Kentucky is approaching the one-year anniversary of one of the deadliest tornado outbreaks in the Commonwealth’s history. “One year since 80 lives were lost and a deep scar was cut through western Kentucky. We still remember the lost and pray for their loved ones. “A few days after the storm, I visited some of the hardest-hit towns. “I saw how the pictures of the damage in the newspaper and on TV didn’t even begin to capture the total devastation in places like Mayfield, Campbellsville, Bowling Green, and Dawson Springs. “Homes ripped off their foundations. Trees scattered like twigs. Whole neighborhoods, gone in an instant. “The pain is still fresh. But, as I’ve seen in multiple return visits, slowly but surely, Western Kentucky is coming back. “This weekend, Kentuckians are carving out time to honor those whose lives were lost and continue helping those whose lives were disrupted. “Dawson Springs just erected a beautiful, solemn memorial to the 19 residents that city lost. In Bowling Green, an organization is delivering handmade Christmas ornaments to storm victims. In Mayfield, even as members of the high school football team fought to rebuild their families’ lives off the field, the community cheered the team to an undefeated regular season. “Even in tough times — especially in tough times — Kentuckians stick together. “I’m thankful to all the volunteers and charities helping Western Kentucky remember this tragic anniversary. And for all the men and women who spent days and weeks working tirelessly to remove debris and rebuild. “Things are looking hopeful in the region this Christmas season. Homes and businesses are coming back. Families will gather together again under one roof. “The road to recovery remains long, but Kentuckians will stand shoulder-to-shoulder until the rebuilding is done. And I’ll keep standing right beside them.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://comer.house.gov/2022/12/comer-selected-as-chairman-of-oversight-committee,Comer Selected as Chairman of Oversight Committee,2022-12-07,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,KY,James Comer,C001108,comer.house.gov,comer,https://comer.house.gov/media,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 7, 2022 Contact: Austin Hacker WASHINGTON—Congressman James Comer (R-Ky.) today was selected to serve as the next chairman of the House Oversight Committee and issued the following statement:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=48F20672-DCC6-40A7-9029-9F985F708F9B,"Gov. Beshear, Congressman Rogers Announce $2.5 Million to Study Kentucky River Flood Mitigation Strategies in Lee County",2022-12-07,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,KY,Harold Rogers,R000395,halrogers.house.gov,halrogers,https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"$1.25 million will come from the federal government and will be matched by state funds FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 7, 2022) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear and Congressman Hal Rogers announced $2.5 million in funding to study flood mitigation strategies for the Kentucky River in Beattyville and portions of Lee County. Half of the funds will come in federal dollars from an earmark Congressman Rogers secured for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and the other half will come in state funds from Kentucky’s Flood Control Local Match Participation Program (LMPP). “In 2021, Beattyville, Lee County and surrounding counties were hit with flooding on a historic level,” said Gov. Beshear. “In July of this year, we saw the worst flooding event of our lifetimes in Eastern Kentucky. We are committed to building back stronger than before, and this study is one step in helping us find ways we can make our communities safer from, and better prepared for, flooding events.” Congressman Rogers, who is Dean of the U.S. House of Representatives, has requested a second federal earmark for $800,000 to be used for the study in fiscal year 2023, which could pass by the end of this year. “Our region has suffered tremendous loss due to flooding year after year. Along the Cumberland River, we’ve had great success in protecting our communities with the help of the Army Corps, and I’m hopeful that we can do the same in the Kentucky River valley,” said Congressman Rogers, Dean of the U.S. House of Representatives. “Flood control projects take time and a lot of money, so we must be patient in the process, but thanks to Gov. Beshear, Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers and our local leaders, we have a plan in place with vital funding to get the work underway. We must protect our people and our communities from future flooding.” The study will examine both structural (levee, floodwall, etc.) and nonstructural (facility relocation, elevation of structures, etc.) flood mitigation strategies in Beattyville and parts of Lee County. General Investigation Feasibility Studies by the USACE involve jointly conducting a study with a local sponsor, who is responsible for matching the federal funding. Lee County is the local sponsor for this study, and its matching funds will come in the form of state dollars through the LMPP. “Lee County and Beattyville witnessed historic flooding in 2021,” said Lee County Judge/Executive Chuck Caudill Jr. “The Kentucky River and tributaries left their banks and flooded not only our community, but communities all along the Kentucky River Basin. We thank Congressman Rogers for earmarking funding and motivating the Army Corps of Engineers to begin a study to help mitigate future flooding damage.” Judge Caudill continued: “Thanks to Gov. Beshear, who worked with state agencies to find the matching funds to conduct the $2.5 million study. This aggressive response by all shows there is no partisanship when serving the people of Eastern Kentucky. Beattyville and Lee County would have been unable to do anything without their support. This study will fuel future plans for community development and save lives. Thank you again, Congressman Rogers and Gov. Beshear.” The LMPP is appropriated funding by the Kentucky General Assembly and is administered by the Governor’s Department for Local Government. The LMPP uses state funds from the Capital Budget as grants to assist local governments in meeting federal cost-share match requirements for flood mitigation activities. “The historic levels of flooding in Eastern Kentucky this past summer has forever changed the landscape of this region, and I am so pleased with today’s announcement,” President Stivers said. “Any efforts we can take to mitigate the damage of future natural disasters is undoubtedly worthwhile. The devastation we saw earlier this year was like nothing ever experienced in Eastern Kentucky, and I am pleased to know this study may protect lives in Lee County. For that purpose, I’ve been adamant we get this done.” “The citizens of Beattyville and Lee County welcome the flood study,” said Beattyville Mayor Scott Jackson. “This study could help prepare for future flooding issues in our region.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=B70B6199-664F-4523-BDDF-65B4122FB144,"“Strong, Bipartisan NDAA” a Crucial Step for Defending America",2022-12-07,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"“Yesterday evening, the Senate and House Armed Services Committees released a strong, bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act. “As Republicans have said for months and I repeated yesterday, our servicemembers, commanders, and civilian leaders should not have had to wait until mid-December to gain certainty for a fiscal year that’s already more than two months over. We have got to take our national defense, military modernization, and defense-industrial base as seriously as our rivals take theirs. “Fortunately, this strong, bipartisan NDAA is a huge step in that direction. “The bill tees up a significant and badly-needed increase in defense funding — $45 billion above President Biden’s insufficient request and roughly $75 billion over last year’s level. “Once again, Congress agreed on a bipartisan basis that President Biden’s defense budget request was anemic and insufficient. “This NDAA authorizes crucial projects like nuclear modernization. It directs critical investments in our defense industrial base so America can both defend ourselves and remain the arsenal of democracy for the world. It delivers for our servicemembers, their families, and our military installations and communities around the country. “Thanks to leadership from our colleague Senator Blackburn, among others, this NDAA will repeal the President’s military vaccine mandate — a policy which this Democratic Administration had stubbornly clung to even as it has clearly undermined readiness and hurt retention. “And just as Republicans insisted, just as our servicemembers deserve, this NDAA is not getting dragged down by unrelated liberal nonsense. Good, smart policies were kept in, and unrelated nonsense like easier financing for illegal drugs were kept out. “I’m glad this Democrat-led Congress finally realized that defending America is a basic governing duty. It’s not some Republican priority that Democrats can demand unrelated goodies to be wheedled into. “Neither party, let alone a sitting President’s party, can ever have the mindset that they need to be goaded or bartered into supporting our troops. “We made it clear that we wouldn’t be going down that road; our Democratic colleagues finally accepted it; and Senators Reed and Inhofe did a great job landing the plane. “Now that same lesson must carry over into our subsequent conversations about government funding. “Democrats must be ready to actually fund the national defense which this bipartisan NDAA will authorize. Just like on this bill, neither party has any standing to demand unrelated goodies in exchange for doing our job and funding defense. And let’s hope this new acceptance of reality also finally shapes President Biden’s next defense budget request. We have yet to see a proposed budget from this Administration that takes growing threats seriously. “Why do bipartisan majorities in Congress keep having to force this Commander-in-Chief to adequately resource our Armed Forces? “Today is December 7th, the anniversary of Pearl Harbor. No American wants us to ever receive another painful reminder like December 7th or September 11th of the painful price we pay when we let our guard down, soften our defenses, or diminish our worldwide presence. “This strong NDAA is one important step in keeping our guard up. But only one. We need to put it on the President’s desk quickly and then stay equally serious on this subject.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-senators-oppose-pelosi-schumer-spending-bill-disempowers-american-people/,Senators Oppose Pelosi-Schumer Spending Bill that Disempowers the American People,2022-12-07,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,www.paul.senate.gov,paul,https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 7, 2022 Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Rand Paul (R-KY), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Rick Scott (R-FL), Mike Braun (R-IN), and Mike Lee (R-UT) sent a letter to Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell expressing opposition to passing the Pelosi-Schumer omnibus spending bill in the current lame duck Congress. “The American people sent an unmistakable message in the November midterm elections, making clear that they want a Republican-led House to serve as check on the unfettered spending of the current Democrat-controlled Congress. For the Senate to ram through a so-called “omnibus” bill—which would fund the entirety of the Pelosi-Schumer spending agenda through most of next year—would utterly disempower the new Republican House from enacting our shared priorities,” the Senators wrote. “Locking the new Congress into yet another year of Democrat policies would flout the will of the voters and prevent the incoming Republican majority in the House of Representatives and the newly elected Republican Senators from moderating the reckless policy agenda of the last two years. Moreover, adding an increase or suspension of the debt ceiling for another year would issue Democrats a blank check and inevitably add trillions more to our crushing national debt.” You can read the full letter HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://comer.house.gov/2022/12/congressman-comer-honors-dr-tony-brannon-on-house-floor,Congressman Comer Honors Dr. Tony Brannon on House Floor,2022-12-06,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,KY,James Comer,C001108,comer.house.gov,comer,https://comer.house.gov/media,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 6, 2022 Contact: Austin Hacker WASHINGTON — On the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman James Comer (R-Ky.) recognized Dr. Tony Brannon on his well-deserved retirement. Dr. Brannon has served as dean of the School of Agriculture at Murray State University for a remarkable 35 years and Congressman Comer highlighted how Dr. Brannon’s dedication to the school community has molded a generation of new agricultural leaders in Kentucky. Below are his remarks as prepared: Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Dr. Tony Brannon on his well-deserved retirement. Dr. Brannon grew up on a small family farm and at an early age, began to participate in Future Farmers of America events. His dedication to the FFA program and agricultural community would only grow. He completed a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education from Murray State in 1981, a master’s degree in 1982, and a Ph.D. at Oklahoma State University in 1988. Dr. Brannon’s heart never left Murray State, though. Legend has it that he even wrote in soap on his bathroom mirror “MSU” as a reminder of his goal to come back. He returned to Murray State as a faculty member in agricultural education and mechanization. In 2005, he was named the dean of the School of Agriculture. For nearly 35 years, he has molded a generation of new agricultural leaders in Kentucky. As many gather to celebrate Dr. Brannon’s retirement, I want to thank him for his commitment to the MSU community, service to the Kentucky FFA Foundation, and unwavering passion for helping thousands of students achieve their dreams. Watch floor speech here: https://fb.watch/hfe0EE32hX/",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=AF6DEDFA-B116-4298-8EDC-588662BFDBAE,McConnell to Democrats: Stop Delaying NDAA Over “Miscellaneous Pet Priorities”,2022-12-06,2022,2022-12,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 national defense: “Here we are again, Mr. President — into the month of December with crucial business unfinished. “Republicans spent months urging the Democratic majority not to neglect this year’s National Defense Authorization Act; not to leave our Armed Forces to the last minute. Five months ago, I called on our colleagues to process the defense bill as soon as possible. “But instead, the majority has prioritized not just gigantic partisan spending sprees, but also a parade of mid-level nominations. “The Democratic Leader didn’t even bring a Senate NDAA to the floor, forcing Senators Reed and Inhofe to conduct an informal conference with the House with a weakened hand. “When Republicans controlled the government, we put our servicemembers first. “In 2017, the Senate passed our version of the NDAA in September and we’d voice-voted the conference report by Thanksgiving. In 2018, the Republican Senate was completely finished with the NDAA by early August. “But on Democrats’ watch, the Senate schedule has not matched the nation’s needs. We have spent time on less important matters while both the authorization and the funding for our servicemembers have languished until the 11th hour. “Even now, House and Senate Democrats are still obstructing efforts to close out the NDAA by trying to jam in unrelated items with no relationship to defense. “We’re talking about a grab bag of miscellaneous pet priorities — like making our financial system more sympathetic to illegal drugs, or the phony, partisan permitting-‘reform’-in-name-only language that already failed to pass the Senate this year. “If Democrats wanted these controversial items so badly, they had two years to move them across the floor. Heck, they could have scheduled those matters for votes this week. But no — we’re doing more mid-level nominations, while Democrats keep half-threatening to take our Armed Forces hostage over these extraneous matters. “Mr. President, there’s an old saying that goes: Poor planning on your part does not necessitate an emergency on the part of other people. “The Democrats’ failure to plan ahead for unrelated liberal pet priorities should not be creating uncertainty and confusion for the brave servicemembers who keep us safe. “My colleagues across the aisle need to cut the unrelated hostage-taking and put a bipartisan NDAA on the floor.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=ECAA211F-D15E-462D-91EC-8C05D24FA94C,McConnell Honors Retiring Senator Roy Blunt,2022-12-06,2022,2022-12,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 Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO): “My friend and our distinguished colleague Roy Blunt is one of us whose political careers began at the most local level. As a 20-some-year-old county clerk, Roy’s career in government required real, hands-on public service from the very beginning. “Fortunately, hard work and rolled-up sleeves weren’t foreign concepts for Roy. After all, before our friend became the first in his family to finish college, he grew up on a dairy farm. And for decades now, that doggedness and persistence have served Roy’s neighbors exceptionally well. “Greene County’s young Clerk, a former high school history teacher, fell short in his first campaign for higher statewide office. But a few years later, he handily became the first Republican Secretary of State Missouri had seen in half a century. “After eight years there and then four as a university president, Roy was already a seasoned veteran, firing on all cylinders, when he arrived in the House of Representatives in 1997. Little wonder that, after just three terms, Roy became the newest Representative to be voted House Majority Whip in 80 years. “So clearly, Roy had a big-time reputation for getting things done before he moved across the Rotunda here to the Senate. When he won his election in 2010, all his colleagues knew our team was getting an all-star. And sure enough, if six years from freshman status to House leadership set a modern land-speed record on that side of the Capitol, then over here, Roy broke the sound barrier! He joined our Conference’s leadership team one year after he became a Senator. “The record of accomplishments Roy’s racked up reflects the fusion of focus, detail-mindedness, and a rare knack for broader strategy and management. “Time after time, Senator Blunt has thrown himself into the weeds of policy, achieved total fluency in the details, and then climbed back up to 30,000 feet to make strategic decisions that would actually move the ball forward. “Case in point: I believe Roy’s the only Rules Committee chair in history to have actually served as his state’s top elections official. He knows the ins and outs of voting issues as well as anyone. He knows that the federal role in our elections is both important and very limited. He understands the big picture, the fine details, and everything in between. “The leaders of Rules also have huge organizational and ceremonial duties as the Capitol organizes the Presidential Inauguration every four years. I have it on good authority that in both 2017 and 2021, when Roy headed up the ceremonies, our resident history buff handwrote every word of his speeches himself, longhand. Names, dates, historical references, quotations — all straight from his pen, and it all passed his team’s careful fact-checking without a drop of red ink. “Now, those ceremonial duties bear mentioning in part because taking center stage is such a departure from the way Roy normally tackles his business. “Working methodically and diligently, building consensus behind the scenes, Missouri’s Senior Senator has steered hundreds of millions of dollars toward improving transportation infrastructure at the crossroads of the American heartland. He’s reached across the aisle repeatedly to improve workforce development for American veterans. He’s worked tirelessly to protect the integrity of our electoral systems. “And perhaps most important of all, Roy’s had a direct, generational impact on the future of cutting-edge American medicine. He spent years building the transformational new consensus that became the Excellence in Mental Health Act. His work to equip researchers to tackle rare diseases helped pour the foundation for the 21st Century Cures Act. At the National Institutes of Health, Roy Blunt’s name is literally on the door of the signature initiative he championed to help the millions of Americans affected by dementia. “Time and again, our capable and trusted colleague has wound up in the middle of high-stakes, high-profile work. Yet Roy remains the same humble and approachable Show Me Stater who first got into this business to help his neighbors. “These are qualities Roy shares with fellow distinguished Missourians who preceded him. Ever the historian, our colleague has regaled guests with the history of his Senate office suite — which once belonged to Harry Truman, both as a Senator and even including Truman’s brief spell as Vice President. Apparently, Truman came back personally to collect his things and finish moving out after he’d already become the Commander-in-Chief. “But history isn’t the only subject where this former teacher still administers pop quizzes. “Roy’s staff tell fondly how their boss is liable to walk into their offices at any time and simply inquire: ‘So — what do you know?’ That one signature query captures Roy Blunt so well. The high standards. The curiosity. The restless energy to find the next big project that will make a difference. These qualities have made Roy one of the best the Senate’s ever had at sniffing out common ground and delivering outcomes. “But legislation isn’t the only area where our friend’s nose-to-the-grindstone spirit pays dividends. For example — I’m not sure what Roy has planned for his next chapter, but given his penchant for spending Saturdays walking the aisles at Home Depot and knocking out home improvement projects, I give him about two weeks before there won’t be one leaky faucet or rusted hinge within a three-mile radius of Roy’s and Abby’s place. “We know our friend much too well to predict that he’ll follow 14 general election victories by kicking back and taking it easy. But I suspect Roy sure won’t mind the extra time with Abby, and seeing more of Matt, Amy, Andrew, Charlie, and his grandkids, too. “On behalf of all his friends here in the Senate, and on behalf of the country, I thank my friend the senior Senator from Missouri for his years of outstanding service.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=486C88D3-2986-4A1F-B80C-F13D2F295BF2,"CAROL Act, Honoring the late Carol Leavell Barr, Passes Congress, and Heads to President’s Desk",2022-12-05,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,KY,Andy Barr,B001282,barr.house.gov,barr,https://barr.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.— The Cardiovascular Advances in Research and Opportunities Legacy (CAROL) Act unanimously passed the U.S. House of Representatives today. The CAROL Act passed the U.S. Senate by unanimous consent last week and will now head to the President’s desk to be signed into law. Last year, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) introduced this legislation in the House to honor the legacy of his wife, Carol Leavell Barr, who passed away tragically from sudden cardiac death brought on by mitral valve prolapse, an underlying heart condition that causes death in .2% of cases. “Thousands of Americans, predominately young women, lose their lives to mitral valve prolapse and other valvular heart diseases each year. The CAROL Act invests in the innovative research that is necessary to put high risk patients on a path to living long and healthy lives. I can’t think of a better way to honor Carol Barr, whose selflessness and service to her community and country will be furthered through the law that will bear her name,” said Congressman Barr. “I want to thank Rep. Kathleen Rice, Senator Mitch McConnell, and Senator Kyrsten Sinema for partnering with me on this bill. I can’t express my appreciation enough for the American Heart Association, WomenHeart, and the American College of Cardiology who endorsed this bill from day one and all the other advocacy groups that have helped champion this bill over the last year and a half. We got it done.” “Named after Andy’s late wife, the CAROL Act is a fitting tribute to the life and legacy of Carol Barr. This bill will prove vital in efforts to support and advance research on valvular heart disease and will help countless families who stand to benefit from the critical research that will happen because of this bill,” said House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy. “This important legislation is a testament to Andy’s tenacity through tragedy, and I look forward to the bill being signed into law.” “Carol Barr brought a tremendous amount of joy into the lives of each person that she met. Through his grief, Andy has found a noble way to honor his late wife – the CAROL Act. This life-saving legislation will provide $28 million to expand research on valvular heart disease and its treatment,” said House Republican Whip Steve Scalise. “Carol used to have a saying, ‘Just get it done.’ Today, the House of Representatives is getting it done for Carol Barr and the tens of thousands of women who suffer from valvular heart disease.” ""I am extremely proud to help lead this bill in honor of Andy’s wife, Carol, and I’m so grateful for all of our colleagues’ support today,” said Congresswoman Kathleen Rice (D-NY), the lead cosponsor of the CAROL Act. “This bill will fund critical breakthroughs in our understanding of valvular heart disease, improve our knowledge of this poorly understood condition, and someday produce a cure. I commend Rep. Barr and his family for their incredible strength and for turning grief into action. It was my honor to join you on this legislation, and I look forward to seeing it signed into law by President Biden."" “There is still so much we do not know about heart valve disease, which kills approximately 25,000 people each year,” said Nancy Brown, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the American Heart Association. “The American Heart Association is grateful to Congressman Barr for turning his family tragedy into a compelling movement that will benefit everyone at risk for sudden cardiac death. This critical legislation will help prevent countless other families from facing the same loss as the Barr family, and we are eager to see the bill signed into law."" “The ACC applauds Congress for passing the CAROL Act and authorizing critical funding for valvular heart disease research. Each year, valvular heart disease results in approximately 25,000 deaths in the U.S.,” said Samuel O. Jones IV, American College of Cardiology’s Health Affairs Committee Chair, MD, MPH, FACC. The CAROL Act will play a significant role in reversing this trend by supporting the development of public health initiatives to improve awareness, diagnosis, and education for patients and clinicians. The ACC thanks the bills' lead authors, Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) and Sens. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), for their tireless work to pass this important legislation honoring the legacy of Rep. Barr's late wife, Eleanor ""Carol"" Barr, as well as for the opportunity to help craft the final version of the bill.” “WomenHeart is thrilled to see passage of the CAROL Act, and we thank Congressman Barr for leading the way,” said Celina Gorre, CEO of WomenHeart. “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 more people get diagnosed and treated for the disease. This is especially important for women, who are more likely to be unaware that they have the condition and to go without treatment.” The CAROL Act was also endorsed by the Adult Congenital Heart Association, the Alliance for Aging Research American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, the American College of Emergency Physicians, the Association of Black Cardiologists, CardioVisual, Caregiver Action Network Children's Cardiomyopathy Foundation (CCF), HealthyWomen, Heart Valve Voice US, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association, Medical Management Associates, Inc., Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association, the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, the Society for Women's Health, the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, StopAfib.org/American Foundation for Women's Health, Sustainable Cardiovascular Health Equity Development Alliance, The Marfan Foundation, The Mended Hearts. Inc., and the Women First Research Coalition. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://comer.house.gov/2022/12/icymi-comer-joins-sunday-morning-futures-discusses-probe-into-president-biden-s-energy-crisis-twitter-s-censorship-and-biden-family-s-influence-peddling,"ICYMI: Comer Joins Sunday Morning Futures, Discusses Probe into President Biden’s Energy Crisis, Twitter’s Censorship, and Biden Family’s Influence Peddling",2022-12-05,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,KY,James Comer,C001108,comer.house.gov,comer,https://comer.house.gov/media,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Austin Hacker WASHINGTON — House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) joined “Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo” on Fox News to announce Committee Republicans’ broad probe of the Biden Administration’s energy crisis that is harming the pocketbooks of Americans and discuss Twitter's censorship of the New York Post’s reporting on the Biden family’s influence peddling. During the interview, Ranking Member Comer announced his requests to the U.S. Department of Energy, Department of State, Environmental Protection Agency, and the Securities and Exchange Commission for information related to the Biden Administration’s strategy to address high energy prices, abuse of strategic oil reserves, President Biden’s secret deal with Saudi Arabia to lower gas prices before the election, and the implementation of radical Green New Deal policies that drive up costs for American consumers. On Oversight Republicans’ investigation into President Biden’s energy crisis: “One of the biggest crises of the Biden Administration is their energy policies,” said Ranking Member Comer. “What is their energy policy? What direction are they going in? What did they base selling the strategic reserves on? What exactly did they ask Saudi Arabia when they asked to increase oil production before the election? The Democrats would call that a quid pro quo in the previous administration. We have a lot of questions with this administration pertaining to their energy policies.” On Twitter’s censorship and the Biden family’s influence peddling: “Thank goodness for Elon Musk, he is definitely the grinch that stole Christmas for the Democratic National Committee,” said Ranking Member Comer. “What he’s showing here is evidence that the Biden campaign colluded with Big Tech to suppress a story that we now know is one hundred percent true. The problem the Democrats should have is why were they so scared of the laptop story? The answer Maria is the laptop proves evidence that not only did Joe Biden lie to the American people about his involvement with his family’s influence peddling and shady business dealings, but also proves that Joe Biden was a part of those shady business deals.” Watch full Fox News Interview Here: https://twitter.com/RepJamesComer/status/1599775061547720704?s=20&t=GkCbvgdp-YuC5-8d818f6g",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=22838D61-ED84-4525-9905-D3B9896B9760,President Biden’s Border Policies: “A Choice Between Disaster and Catastrophe”,2022-12-05,2022,2022-12,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 border security: “Two years into the Biden Administration, the Democrats’ approach to illegal immigration and our nation’s borders has failed the American people. “Last week, one news organization reported that daily crossings along our southern border ‘have remained near record highs.’ Last fiscal year alone, more than 2.76 million illegal immigrants came across our southern border, absolutely smashing the previous record high by more than a million. That is almost the equivalent of a full 1% of our total national population, encountered on our southern border in just one year. “And the problem just keeps getting worse. Reported estimates say that more than 73,000 new ‘got-aways’ dodged Border Patrol and escaped into our country in just this past November alone. “Absurdly, the response to this crisis from President Biden’s team is that everything is fine and going according to plan. Secretary Mayorkas said last month, ‘What we are doing is precisely what we announced we would do in April of this year, and we have indeed been executing on the plan.’ Everybody else in the country calls our functionally open borders an emergency and a crisis, but apparently the Biden Administration calls it ‘mission accomplished.’ “And bear in mind, the terrible and unacceptable status quo has come with some emergency COVID measures still in place. All the crisis-level numbers I just ran through have come with these extra border controls — called Title 42 — still in effect. “Now one federal judge is trying to force the Biden Administration to do what the far left has wanted for months, and repeal that policy. So the unacceptable, crisis-level status quo may only be the warm-up act compared to coming attractions. “One immigration expert told a reporter, ‘It is definitely, at least in the short run, going to result in many, many more people being released into the United States.’ Congressman Gonzales, who represents Texas’s 23rd District, says it would be a ‘hurricane’ for border communities. “Of course, the Biden Administration officials who claim they have a plan to cope with the removal of Title 42 are the same people who’ve brought us record-breaking illegal immigration even with it in place. “Make no mistake: A choice between the current border situation with Title 42 and an even worse situation without Title 42 is a choice between a disaster and a catastrophe. Democrats need to stop shuffling deck chairs on the Titanic… and start looking to the tough, proven, successful policies that allowed the preceding Administration to get a handle on this issue. And they need to drop the forgiving attitude to illegal immigration that draws more and more men, women, and children on the dangerous journey to our border every day. “It is inexcusable that the Biden Administration cares more about getting protested by far-left activists than they do about providing a basic level of order and security. “Everybody knows what steps would improve the situation. The playbook from the prior Administration is right there. Democrats need to pick it up.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=CC4149BB-414C-4A74-B2B5-FF7DA45F5DA1,Senate Unanimously Passes Congressman Barr’s CAROL Act,2022-12-05,2022,2022-12,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 CAROL Act: “Two years ago, Kentucky mourned the sudden, tragic loss of our friend Carol Leavell Barr. “At only 39 years old, Carol suffered a fatal heart attack, likely caused by an illness known as valvular heart disease. She left behind two young daughters and our cherished colleague Congressman Andy Barr. Carol Barr led an extraordinary life, devoted to serving others. “Last year, Congressman Barr channeled his grief into action and wrote the Cardiovascular Advances in Research and Opportunities Legacy, or CAROL, Act. “I introduced a companion bill in the Senate alongside the senior Senator for Arizona. And last week, the Senate passed the CAROL Act by unanimous consent, moving this legislation one step closer to becoming law. “The legislation embodies Carol Barr’s humanitarian spirit. It will encourage new research into valvular heart disease and greater awareness of the illness. “Eight million Americans live with this disease, many without any apparent symptoms. Approximately 25,000 of our fellow citizens lose their lives every year, often suddenly. “The CAROL Act is dedicated to sparing other families the tragedy that hit the Barrs. It is a fitting tribute to Carol Barr’s wonderful life and legacy, and it is important legislation in its own right. “I want to thank all my colleagues for their support. I look forward to enacting the CAROL Act into law soon.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-honors-slainte-public-house-georgetown-kentucky-senate-small-business-week/,"Dr. Rand Paul Honors Slainte Public House of Georgetown, Kentucky as Senate Small Business of the Week",2022-12-02,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,www.paul.senate.gov,paul,https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 2, 2022 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 Slainte Public House of Georgetown, Kentucky, as 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 Slainte Public House of Georgetown, Kentucky as the Senate Small Business of the Week. The dream behind Slainte Public House was born thousands of miles away from its’ home in the Blue Grass State, dating back to 2015 when owners Matt and Ashley Nunn traveled to Ireland in celebration of their tenth wedding anniversary. Upon their arrival in the Old Country, the Nunns witnessed how pubs across Ireland offered a space where communities could gather. The couple was struck by how these businesses were so entrenched in their communities, serving a purpose far greater than the stated goals of a typical American bar. Thus, upon their return to their home state, the Nunns decided to try their hand at emulating the communal attraction of the Irish pubs they enjoyed and, in the spring of 2016, opened Slainte Public House. Matt and Ashley’s goal for Slainte Public House, or “The Pub” as regulars like to call it, is for their community to be strengthened by friendships made onsite. The Nunns sought to create a space that offers its patrons something more profound than just food or drink, but a place where lively discussion is encouraged, hearty laughter is unavoidable, and a tear can be shed every now and then. Today, six years after opening, you can ask any Georgetown local and they will tell you that the Nunns have succeeded in their goal. However, the story of its’ Irish inspiration is not the only notable fact about Slainte Public House’s creation. In opening Slainte Public House, Matt and Ashley Nunn opened the first licensed bar to operate in Scott County since the days of Prohibition, when the purchase and consumption of alcohol was outlawed. Therefor the Pub’s six years in operation makes Slainte Public House the oldest operating licensed bar in Georgetown, KY, a title the Nunns are proud to bare. Though the pub has been operating less than a decade, the building in which the pub is housed has a history of its own. Constructed in 1793, the building once served as the home of George Algair, who resided there in the 1850’s. As chairman of the Independent Ticket, Algair represented a group who opposed efforts to outlaw alcohol in Georgetown. Ann Bevin, a Scott County historian, uncovered a quote from Algair that reads “Give ’em license, for they drink with or without it.” Perhaps Mr. Algair had a talent for clairvoyance as his former residence now gladly serves as the local watering hole for the good citizens of Georgetown. Following Scott County’s transformation from a “dry county” to a “wet county” in 2009, there were many Georgetown citizens who were apprehensive about the opening of Slainte Public House seven short years later in 2016. Though Matt had long dreamed of owning his own bar, his wife Ashley initially was not on board with the idea. However, when the two traveled across the Atlantic, Ashley finally understood what her husband had been dreaming about. A new convert to the idea, the Nunns took special care in making Slainte Public House a place that could foster the style of fellowship they witnessed in the Irish pubs. Walking into Slainte Public House today you will find overstuffed chairs, conversation nooks, and tables for board games and cards. Overall the pub has an atmosphere that is warmed by its regular patrons and the kindness of a tightknit community that has embraced Slainte Public House as a beloved fixture of Georgetown. The Nunns understand that their role in the community extends beyond the walls of Slainte Public House, therefor the couple has opened their doors to many charitable organizations and causes. Today the pub sponsors the Finley 5K, Kaden’s Cause, Scott County Youth Baseball, the Gathering Place Mission, The Amen House, and Elizabeth’s Village. They also have a “Charity of the Month” program where donations to different charities are made through sample sales and customer donations. The Nunn’s also host fundraisers for various nonprofits and their pub serves as a meeting place for various local groups including Scott County firefighters and Bible study groups. In recognizing their contributions to the community Slainte Public House was awarded the 2017 New Business of the Year award by the Georgetown-Scott County Chamber of Commerce. Needless to say, the Nunns’ dream of giving back to their community what they witnessed in Ireland has come true, as Slainte Public House has become a beloved institution of Georgetown. Congratulations to Matt and Ashley Nunn along with the entire team at Slainte Public House. I look forward to seeing your 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,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=AEBB1F36-DF22-4540-A799-2810707D7CC9,Congressman Barr’s CAROL Act Passes in the Senate,2022-12-01,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,KY,Andy Barr,B001282,barr.house.gov,barr,https://barr.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.— The Cardiovascular Advances in Research and Opportunities Legacy (CAROL) Act today passed the U.S. Senate by unanimous consent today. The bill will now need to pass the House of Representatives before heading to the President’s desk. Last year, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) introduced this legislation in the House to honor the legacy of his wife, Carol Leavell Barr, who passed away tragically from sudden cardiac death brought on by mitral valve prolapse, an underlying heart condition that causes death in .2% of cases. Senators McConnell and Sinema introduced the Senate companion legislation to Congressman Barr’s House legislation. “More than 8 million Americans live with valvular heart diseases and approximately 25,000 Americans lose their lives to valvular heart disease each year. Unfortunately, my late-wife Carol was one of these Americans and lost her life unexpectedly to mitral valve prolapse (MVP), a typically benign valvular heart disease, on June 16, 2020. She left behind two beautiful children and family and friends who miss her dearly. The CAROL Act is a tribute to her extraordinary life and furthers her incredible legacy of selflessness by targeting investments in research to treat valvular heart diseases, preventing families across the nation from experiencing the same loss that has profoundly impacted me, our girls and Carol’s entire family,” said Congressman Barr. “I am extraordinarily grateful for the efforts of Senators McConnell and Sinema for leading the charge in the Senate and am looking forward to finally enacting the CAROL Act into law.” “Carol Barr devoted her life to helping others. In her honor, the CAROL Act will direct that same humanitarian drive toward defeating the disease that tragically took her life,” said Senator McConnell. “I was honored to join with Senator Sinema to support Congressman Barr and his work to prevent other families from enduring the same terrible, sudden loss he did two years ago. The entire Senate now stands with him and his family in the fight against valvular heart disease.” “Too many Arizonans – suddenly, without warning or expectation – have lost their lives due to valvular heart disease. I’m proud to partner with Republican Leader McConnell in securing Senate-passage of our bipartisan CAROL Act to fuel medical research and improve treatment options and save lives. I look forward to getting it passed into law and thank Congressman Barr for championing this effort,” said Senator Sinema. The CAROL Act supports research and public awareness of valvular heart disease through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This legislation is supported by the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology, the National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP), and WomenHeart. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=FFCC065F-5B43-4DE7-9CF5-350A6AF0AB67,Senators McConnell and Sinema Lead Senate Passage of Congressman Barr’s CAROL Act,2022-12-01,2022,2022-12,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 U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) announced the Cardiovascular Advances in Research and Opportunities Legacy (CAROL) Act today passed the Senate by unanimous consent. Last year, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) introduced this legislation in the House to honor the legacy of his wife, Carol Leavell Barr, who passed away tragically from sudden cardiac death brought on by mitral valve prolapse, an underlying heart condition that causes death in 0.2% of cases. Senators McConnell and Sinema introduced the Senate companion legislation to Congressman Barr’s House legislation. Each year, approximately 25,000 Americans lose their lives to valvular heart disease, which occurs when one of a patient’s heart valves becomes damaged or diseased. More than 8 million Americans suffer from valvular heart disease and face the threat of sudden and potentially fatal cardiac arrest. The CAROL Act supports research and public awareness of valvular heart disease through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This legislation is supported by the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology, the National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP), and WomenHeart. “Carol Barr devoted her life to helping others. In her honor, the CAROL Act will direct that same humanitarian drive toward defeating the disease that tragically took her life,” said Senator McConnell. “I was honored to join with Senator Sinema to support Congressman Barr and his work to prevent other families from enduring the same terrible, sudden loss he did two years ago. The entire Senate now stands with him and his family in the fight against valvular heart disease.” “Too many Arizonans – suddenly, without warning or expectation – have lost their lives due to valvular heart disease. I’m proud to partner with Republican Leader McConnell in securing Senate-passage of our bipartisan CAROL Act to fuel medical research and improve treatment options and save lives. I look forward to getting it passed into law and thank Congressman Barr for championing this effort,” said Senator Sinema.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=32951191-AB99-4501-A559-99DFFF48F5D9,Democrats’ Response to Crime: Defund the Police,2022-11-30,2022,2022-11,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 law and order: “A few days ago, the Washington Post published a major report on the explosion of violent crime that has shattered communities across America. This terrible trend is familiar to many of us by now, but the tragic human stories are still shocking. “In St. Louis, 25-year-old Damion Baker was killed in July in an attempted carjacking while escorting a woman to her car downtown. ‘Damion cannot just be some random number of homicide,’ his mother told reporters. ‘It’s gotta look different.’ “In New Orleans this past March, 20-year-old Shane Brown didn’t come home from work one day. His body was found five days later in a canal, and his family still doesn’t know why he was killed. “In Birmingham, 13-year-old Jaylon Palmore was on his front porch when he was cut down in a drive-by shooting that police say was targeting someone else. The family home now holds so many painful memories that Jaylon’s parents have decided to sell it and move elsewhere. “The national media may just be coming around now, but the American people have known for a long time now that the erosion of law and order is a terrible and pressing problem. “After the nationwide murder rate clocked its largest single-year increase in more than a century in 2020, it climbed even higher last year. A record-high majority of Americans report that crime in their communities is getting worse. “This is an area where our two political parties, the two sides of the aisle, have totally opposite instincts about the right way forward. “Republicans are focused on making American communities safer, and we know accomplishing that takes compassion for innocent people, not weak justice for the violent criminals who hurt them. “Meanwhile, Democrats are focused on making it even harder to secure real justice. They’ve spent two years doubling down on anti-law enforcement rhetoric and putting radical local prosecutors at the center of their plans to make America softer on crime. “Far-left special interests have poured massive amounts of money into the political campaigns of radical, soft-on-crime prosecutors in major cities from New York to Chicago to Philadelphia to Los Angeles. “Up to one in five Americans now live in the jurisdiction of prosecutors a Democrat megadonor has handpicked for their willingness to ignore entire categories of criminal law. “This soft-on-crime campaign has gone to such absurd lengths, communities are taking it upon themselves to push back. Earlier this year, voters in San Francisco showed their radical left District Attorney the door for using their neighborhoods as a proving ground for soft-on-crime experiments. “And just earlier this month, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives impeached Philadelphia’s liberal District Attorney for ‘misbehavior in office’ after violent crime in the city soared. “Here in Washington, things are no different. Our colleague the junior Senator from Connecticut, made this crystal clear a few days ago when he kicked off a fresh wave of Democratic calls to defund the police. “Senator Murphy says that because, in his estimation, ‘60% of the counties in this country’ are friendlier to citizens’ Second Amendment rights than Senator Murphy would like, those communities should be punished by defunding their police forces. “Fewer resources for peace officers. Less safety for local communities. Unless every county in America kowtows to Senate Democrats’ particular view of the Second Amendment. “Democrats spent all this past year insisting they don’t support de-funding the police — but here they go, yet again, proposing to do just that. “One wonders how the American people — the people of Georgia, for example — feel about this renewed push to respond to the violent crime wave by defunding local police. After all, the per-capita homicide and assault rate in the city of Atlanta is now even higher than it is in Chicago. “Working American families deserve safety in their communities. “Grieving families deserve the small measure of peace that comes from actual justice. “And the people of Georgia deserve a check and balance against Washington Democrats’ reckless and radical defund-the-police proposals. Not a rubber stamp.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:38:01Z https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-senators-stand-armed-forces-demand-senate-vote-ending-military-covid-19-vaccine-mandate/,"Senators Stand with Armed Forces, Demand Senate Vote on Ending Military COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate",2022-11-29,2022,2022-11,Republican,Senate,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,www.paul.senate.gov,paul,https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 30, 2022 Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Rand Paul (R-KY), Rick Scott (R-FL), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Mike Lee (R-UT), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Mike Braun (R-IN), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Steve Daines (R-MT), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), and Josh Hawley (R-MO) sent a letter to Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Republican Whip John Thune, Senate Republican Conference Chairman John Barrasso, and Senate Republican Policy Committee Chairman Roy Blunt expressing opposition to moving forward with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023, unless the Senate votes on an amendment to prohibit discharges from the Armed Forces solely because of COVID-19 vaccination status. The amendment will also reinstate service members already discharged, with back pay. “The Department of Defense COVID-19 vaccine mandate has ruined the livelihoods of men and women who have honorably served our country…While the Department of Defense certainly must make decisions that will bolster military readiness, the effects of the mandate are antithetical to readiness of our force, and the policy must be revoked,” the Senators wrote. “The United States simply cannot afford to discharge our brave men and women in uniform and lose the investments we have made into each and every one of them due to an inept bureaucratic policy…We respectfully request that the Senate vote to remedy a policy that adversely affects our service members and our national security.” Background: As of April 2022, approximately 3,400 troops have been discharged from the military for refusing to be vaccinated against COVID-19. While training costs vary between each service, the Army, for example estimates it spends $15,000 in recruiting costs to bring someone into the service and another $50,000 to $75,000 to prepare them to join their first unit, depending on their job. The military also faces challenges with recruitment. Military recruitment is reportedly down 23% from annual targets. Therefore, due to costs and recruiting challenges, losing thousands of troops due to their vaccination status is a readiness issue that the DOD should take seriously. You can read the full letter HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:38:01Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=C7C35FA1-B9A4-46C0-9D70-6232DA2F57BC,Runaway Inflation Hurting Working Families in Georgia and the U.S.,2022-11-28,2022,2022-11,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 inflation: “Last week our nation celebrated one of our great, distinctly American holidays. “In President Reagan’s Thanksgiving proclamation in 1982, he wrote eloquently of the, ‘divine plan [that] placed this great continent here between the oceans to be found by people from every corner of the Earth who had a special love of faith and freedom.’ “On Thursday millions of families sat down to catch up with loved ones, enjoy food and fellowship, and reflect on the incredible blessing it is to get to call the United States of America our home. And we kept in our prayers the many brave servicemembers and first responders who were missing at their own families’ holiday tables this year in order to keep the rest of us safe and protected at ours. “This year, though, for too many families, Thanksgiving Day also brought added stress and anxiety. Two years of ruinous inflation that have pushed up the costs of everything from food to travel to housing to home heating and electricity. “In January 2021, with inflation well within a normal range, President Biden and this all-Democratic Party government took power, talking a big game about ‘rebuild[ing] the middle class.’ Instead, they promptly set out eroding away the ground from right underneath middle-class families’ feet, taking a match to trillions of dollars and igniting the worst inflation in 40 years. “On President Biden’s watch, the average American household is paying an extra $110 a month on food, an extra $111 on housing, $270 more on transportation, and $147 more on energy. That’s more than $750 in hidden Democrat Inflation Taxes for the average household. Thousands of extra dollars per family, per year, because Washington Democrats jumped headlong into party-line reckless spending that every expert and every Republican warned would hurt our country. “All in all, prices have soared by 13.9% since President Biden put his hand on the Bible. Thanks to his party’s reckless spending, inflation is the highest it’s been since the fallout of the Carter Administration. So it’s no wonder this was a painfully costly Thanksgiving. Staples from turkey to potatoes to green beans have seen double-digit price increases in just the past year. Inflation on top of inflation. “This runaway inflation has been hitting families hard everywhere. In the state of Georgia, for example, local food assistance organizations reported skyrocketing demand heading into the holidays. The CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank said, ‘We’re basically back to the same level of demand that we were at during the height of the pandemic.’ There’s a charitable organization saying the Democrats’ party-line policies have created an economic environment that is on par with the worst of the COVID shutdown. “On the Democrats’ watch, rising housing costs in Georgia have outpaced the already-big jump in the nationwide average. One relief agency says requests for emergency rent, utility, and food assistance have jumped 40% this year. “Two years of one-party Democrat control in Washington have been a disaster for working families in Georgia. And their two Senators haven’t just failed to stop the damage; they’ve helped cause it and cheered it on. Georgia’s Senate delegation of two Democratic Senators has been a lockstep rubber stamp along party lines for every bit of reckless liberal spending and painful tax hikes. Just when working families in Georgia needed checks and balances, what they got were reckless rubber stamps. “Earlier this month, after the American people voted to break up Democrats’ one-party government, President Biden insisted defiantly, ‘I’m not going to change the direction.’ “It’s been two years since the Senate Democratic Leader said that if he got Georgia’s two Senate seats, he would change America. Well, they certainly have done that. On party lines, Democrats squandered a promising economic comeback and spent us into staggering inflation. And now President Biden says he’s learned nothing and will change nothing. “The Democrats have shown the American people what they’ll do with power. But in the United States of America, the power ultimately lies with the people. And in a little over a week, the people of Georgia will have the ability to make their own choice — between a check and balance, or a rubber stamp.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:38:01Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=EBBEBA12-2D0A-4B6D-A8E5-1DFE1E0AD311,McConnell Comments on the Passing of Former Kentucky Governor John Y. Brown Jr.,2022-11-22,2022,2022-11,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 former Kentucky Governor John Y. Brown Jr.: “Elaine and I were saddened to learn of the passing of former Kentucky Governor John Y. Brown Jr. Many of us first learned of Governor Brown through his business leadership. As one of the chief investors to purchase Kentucky Fried Chicken from Harland Sanders in 1964, he took one of the Commonwealth’s signature businesses and made it a global household name. Later in life, he applied his private sector prowess to government, promising to run Kentucky with the same discipline and creativity that had made his various enterprises thrive. Our prayers are with Governor Brown’s four children and all others who knew and loved this legendary businessman and statesman.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:38:01Z https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=0AA9E42C-CBBC-40CD-9A3A-663567B68C74,Barr Statement on HISA Ruling,2022-11-21,2022,2022-11,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 U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act was unconstitutional: “I am disappointed by the decision of the Court of Appeals today. The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act was carefully and thoughtfully crafted over a multi-year process in consultation with industry stakeholders, equine advocates and constitutional law experts to create a national uniform medication, anti-doping and racetrack safety program to enhance the safety and integrity of thoroughbred horseracing. I am confident that this transformational and beneficial reform will be ultimately upheld.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=2B531146-C2C5-4DD0-A2D2-744A97FE4904,Congressman Rogers Announces Broadband Expansion in Breathitt & Leslie Counties,2022-11-21,2022,2022-11,Republican,House,KY,Harold Rogers,R000395,halrogers.house.gov,halrogers,https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers (KY-05) announced a $24 million project that will expand broadband fiber into some of the least-served communities in Eastern Kentucky. Thacker-Grigsby Telephone Company, Inc. was recently awarded a $24 million ReConnect grant and loan combination from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development. It will be used to deploy a new fiber network to connect nearly 4,500 people, 39 businesses, 27 farms, and four educational facilities to high-speed internet in Breathitt and Leslie counties. ""Rural broadband expansion is a critical part of economic development, educational advancement, and business growth. I applaud the leaders at Thacker-Grigsby Telephone Company for investing in this vital fiber project in Eastern Kentucky,"" said Congressman Rogers, Dean of the U.S. House of Representatives. ""The ReConnect program has provided important funding for broadband expansion across our rural region and I am excited to see how many families and businesses will finally have access to high-performance internet."" The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ranked Kentucky with the 16th highest percentage of population with no fixed broadband access, noting 90% of those without access live in rural areas. ""Our goal is to connect Eastern Kentucky to the global grid through affordable high-speed, high-capacity internet, and this project is another important step for our rural area,"" said Bill Grigsby, President and General Manager of Thacker-Grigsby Telephone Company. ""It's an important tool for our schools, our businesses, our hospitals, emergency communications and much more, and we are proud to work with Congressman Rogers and USDA Rural Development for the betterment of the communities we serve. Thacker-Grigsby Telephone Company plans to make high-speed internet affordable by participating in the FCC's Affordable Connectivity and Lifeline programs.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=F6DC3D35-08DF-44C7-B59C-ACC7DC9F5921,Congressman Rogers Applauds a $1 Million ARC Grant for Backroads of Appalachia,2022-11-21,2022,2022-11,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) applauds Backroads of Appalachia for earning a $1 million competitive grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to promote tourism through advanced motorsports in Eastern Kentucky. The grant will be used to create several new jobs to enhance management and marketing operations. ""The Wildlands of Eastern Kentucky provide incredible opportunities for outdoor adventures like hiking, off-road trails, rock climbing, and much more. Our friends at Backroads of Appalachia are also touting the untapped opportunities that we have for motorsports across the region, with unmatched motorcycle routes, like the Dragon Slayer on Highway 160, that could boost the tourism economy in some of our smallest towns,"" said Congressman Rogers, Dean of the U.S. House of Representatives. ""I applaud ARC's work in our region and I was proud to support this grant application for Backroads of Appalachia."" Since 2020, Backroads of Appalachia has worked as a volunteer organization and branded several routes geared towards various sectors of the motorsports market such as motorcyclists, dual sport adventure cyclists and car clubs. It has organized dozens of hill climbs, obstacle courses, and different kinds of rallies, some of which have been nationally recognized. The participants and spectators create a demand for more restaurants, lodging, and other services. Along one of the most popular routes, the Dragon Slayer, 30 businesses have opened since 2019 to cater to visitors. ""Backroads of Appalachia is honored for the recognition of economic development through motorsports,"" said Erik Hubbard, Founder of Backroads of Appalachia. ""We appreciate ARC, the Kentucky Department of Local Government, Governor Andy Beshear and Congressman Hal Rogers for believing in our mission. This is a positive step for change in our region and telling the country we are open for business."" Backroads of Appalachia is also committed to providing jobs for those in recovery and is currently implementing an ARC-funded project (IS-20516) that provides housing and job training at its welcome center in Lynch, Kentucky for women in recovery. In addition to ARC funds, state sources will provide $400,000, bringing the total project funding to $1.4 million.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=ABD122DB-99FD-4744-BB6E-B618924B6A83,Congressman Rogers’ Statement Regarding the Proposed Letcher Co. Prison,2022-11-18,2022,2022-11,Republican,House,KY,Harold Rogers,R000395,halrogers.house.gov,halrogers,https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WHITESBURG, Ky. – U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) released the following statement about the Bureau of Prisons’ (BOP) revised plan to build a correctional facility in Letcher County. The BOP held a public meeting in Whitesburg on Thursday evening after releasing a recent notice of intent to prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Federal Correctional Institution and Federal Prison Camp in Letcher County. “I am pleased that the BOP is revisiting construction options for a modernized and efficient facility in Letcher County. I have worked to secure and protect funding for this project since 2006, and with more than 300 jobs on the line, it’s a battle worth fighting in a region where jobs are desperately needed. “From day one, the Letcher County Planning Commission has advocated for this project, because we have seen the positive economic impact that federal correctional institutions have had in Clay, Martin and McCreary counties, boosting the tax base and strengthening our local workforce. “The BOP has updated the scope of the project to address overcrowding and modernization, and I will continue to support their efforts through my work in Congress.” Congressman Rogers secured approximately $500 million in federal funding in the fiscal 2016 and 2017 appropriations bills for the Bureau of Prisons to construct a correctional facility in Letcher County. The funding is still available in the Bureau of Prisons’ budget for construction to address modernization needs and overcrowding. For more information about Congressman Rogers' work in Washington and at home in Kentucky’s Fifth Congressional District, visit halrogers.house.gov.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-honors-rolf-monument-company-newport-senate-small-business-week/,Dr. Rand Paul Honors Rolf Monument Company of Newport as Senate Small Business of the Week,2022-11-18,2022,2022-11,Republican,Senate,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,www.paul.senate.gov,paul,https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 18, 2022 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 Rolf Monument Company of Newport, Kentucky as the 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 Rolf Monument Company of Newport, Kentucky as the Senate Small Business of the Week. All across America’s main streets one will find small businesses that offer a product or service more valuable than that which is offered by their corporate competitors. Rolf Monument Company is one of those businesses. Established in 1895, Rolf Monument Co is the oldest business in Newport. The secret behind this main street mainstay is their respectful customer service and high-quality products, which are often sought by customers that are going through some of life’s toughest moments. Rolf Monument Company is a premier craftsman of custom memorials and the owner Tim Rolf takes great pride in providing his customers with products that showcase an unparalleled attention to detail and dignified artistry. Being only the fourth person to run the business since its founding, owner Tim Rolf took the helm of Rolf Monument Company in 1984, and he takes special care in continuing to steward the family company into the modern age. Though his family may not be famous by their name, the work of Rolf Monument Co is well known throughout the tri-state area. Some of the company’s most notable works around Newport include the 9/11 Memorial at the World Peace Bell, the Riverwalk plaques, the Northern Kentucky Firefighters Memorial, and the Beverly Hills Supper Club Memorial, which the company is currently designing and building. Perhaps the company’s most famous work was a piece commissioned by a movie producer who was then in the production of Rain Man. With the movie being filmed in Northern Kentucky, the production crew largely depended on businesses in the northern part of the state to service whatever needs arose while filming. Therefor Rolf Monument Co was tapped to design the headstones for the fictional parents of the characters played by Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman. These movie-famous monuments are on display today at Rolf Monument Company serving as a reminder of the company’s work featured in the hit 1988 movie. In addition to his reputation for providing top-quality products to all his customers, Tim Rolf has been recognized for his service outside of his leadership of Rolf Monument Company. This year Mr. Rolf was inducted into the Kentucky Veterans Hall of Fame, a group that honors Kentucky military veterans and educates the community about their accomplishments. Mr. Rolf comes from a family that understands the importance of serving our country; he and his three brothers and one sister all having served in the United States military. However, the Kentucky Veterans Hall of Fame not only recognized Mr. Rolf for his contributions during his time in uniform, his induction paid tribute to the fine work he and his company have done to honor many of our fallen soldiers and servicemen. Memorials that are commissioned for veterans often display additional markings and features not usually featured on the average headstone, such as bronze stars and purple hearts. In a display of gratitude for their service to our country, whenever Rolf Monument Co receives a commission for one of these specially crafted veterans’ headstones, Mr. Rolf adds the additional service-specific features free of charge. Of the many services this company offers, the most popular is the creation of memorials for families who have recently lost loved ones. Mr. Rolf understands that these monuments often embody the final step in the grieving process, and Rolf Monument Company takes special care to streamline this process and ensure the family of the bereaved is treated with the upmost dignity and respect. Moreover, this same level of dignity is displayed in all the collaboration Rolf Monument Co participates in within the veteran community. Tim Rolf’s company often works with AMVETS, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Vietnam Veterans groups. Not only does his company play an important part in the transition of life for Kentucky citizens, but they work tirelessly to pay tribute to the men and women who fought to keep our country free. I want to thank Mr. Rolf for his fine work done on behalf of our nation’s veterans, and congratulate him and to the entire team at Rolf Monument Company. I look forward to seeing 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,2026-04-06T18:38:01Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=682BF0A4-30A6-43D5-9C20-CD283B5D1943,McConnell Remarks on Reelection as Senate Republican Leader,2022-11-17,2022,2022-11,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 Senate leadership elections: “Yesterday, the Republican Conference met to select its leadership team for the 118th Congress. “I am deeply honored that my remarkable colleagues on this side of the aisle decided to re-hire me for another term as Republican Leader. “I’m proud of Senators Thune, Barrasso, Ernst, Capito, and Daines, who were also elected to take on critical responsibilities for the next two years. “We have impressive new Senators-elect and we have outstanding returning members. Our Conference is brimming with energy, ideas, and enthusiasm to fight for the millions and millions of Americans who elected Republican Senators to be their champions and their voice in this chamber. “Republicans are a big-tent party that unites around commonsense conservative principles and policies to make our nation stronger and make American families’ lives better. “We stand for fiscal sanity instead of the reckless liberal spending that created jaw-dropping inflation. “We stand for the pro-worker, pro-family, pro-growth ideas that built the best economy for working people in a generation — before COVID-19, Republican policies had fueled low inflation, low unemployment, and robust growth, all at the same time. “We stand for a strong, modern military that can deter and defeat America’s enemies. And confident American leadership in the world instead of this Administration’s deadly botched retreat from Afghanistan and desperate cozying up to the murderous regime in Tehran. “We stand for American energy dominance, instead of cutting off our own supplies and canceling our own pipelines while begging foreign dictators to produce more. We stand for real energy independence, not for making China rich buying solar panel components that make American energy more expensive and less reliable. “We stand for safer streets — and we understand that real compassion means ensuring safety and security for innocent people, not giving shorter sentences to the violent convicts who hurt them. “We stand for securing our border and enforcing our laws instead of letting unvetted people and illegal drugs pour into our country 24-7. “We stand for putting parents’ rights and parents’ involvement back into our nation’s schools and getting radical indoctrination out. “We stand for the quaint notion that judges need to follow our laws and our Constitution as they’re written, not act like a third legislative branch that our citizens can’t vote out. “We stand for free speech, religious liberty, and the freedom of worship instead of using the courts and the government to persecute men and women of faith. “This is where we stand, Madam President. And it just so happens — the American people stand with us. “Last week’s exit polls showed that Republicans are more trusted on the kitchen-table issues that keep American families awake at night. When the American people get a clear, un-muddled look at our commonsense conservative approach to the issues… they like what they see. “We’ve got 49 outstanding members on this side of the aisle who are living proof of that fact. And in just a few more weeks, we’ll have 50. “It is the honor of a lifetime to serve alongside my distinguished colleagues… and to serve our Conference in this leadership role.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:38:01Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=9F8374F9-1DE4-4FE3-AE9A-E3C8AD532A90,McConnell Congratulates Speaker Pelosi,2022-11-17,2022,2022-11,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 congratulating Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA): “I congratulate Speaker Pelosi on concluding her historic tenure as House Democrats’ leader and her second stint as Speaker of the House. The Speaker and I have disagreed frequently and forcefully over the years, but I have seen firsthand the depth and intensity of her commitment to public service. There is no question that the impact of Speaker Pelosi’s consequential and path-breaking career will long endure.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:38:01Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=AB783588-1BCE-4FB4-B2F9-79696C4DC1ED,Republican House Majority Is “Great News for the Future of our Country”,2022-11-17,2022,2022-11,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 new Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives: “Yesterday evening brought confirmation of some great news for the future of our country: Republicans have secured the majority in the House of Representatives for the next two years. “It will be Senate Republicans’ great pleasure to partner closely with and serve alongside the new Republican House. I congratulate the soon-to-be Speaker McCarthy and all of the new and returning members of Congress across the Capitol whose elections will be transforming the People’s House from a reckless rubber-stamp into a sorely-needed check and balance. “The composition of the new House demonstrates that fatigue and exhaustion with reckless and radical far-left policies is not just limited to so-called ‘red’ or ‘purple’ states. New Republican Congressmen and Congresswomen have been hired by their neighbors even in deep ‘blue’ states like New York and California. “Even further evidence that when the American people get an un-muddled look at our commonsense conservative vision on the issues, they like what they see. “I’ll look forward to working with our House Republican colleagues – new and returning – in the years to come.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:38:01Z https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-paul-sen-booker-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-promote-research-and-access-potential-life/,"Dr. Paul, Sen. Booker Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Promote Research and Access to Potential Life Saving Drugs",2022-11-17,2022,2022-11,Republican,Senate,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,www.paul.senate.gov,paul,https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 17, 2022 Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) and U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced the Breakthrough Therapies Act, legislation that would enable the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to make the findings necessary to transfer breakthrough therapies involving Schedule I substances such as MDMA and psilocybin from Schedule I to Schedule II, which could help facilitate a phased roll-out of these potentially lifesaving therapies via FDA-approved Expanded Access pilot programs. Additionally, the bill would remove burdensome federal regulations that impede research and development of drugs that may be inappropriately listed in Schedule I despite their potential to save many lives. In recent years, two substances currently classified as Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act—MDMA and psilocybin—have shown exceptional promise in treating an array of mental health conditions, including treatment-resistant suicidal depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorders. The initial research has been so promising that the FDA has designated both MDMA- and psilocybin-assisted therapies as “breakthrough therapies,” meaning that they demonstrate substantial improvement over any currently available treatments. “I’m proud to co-lead this legislation with Sen. Booker that would streamline the registration process for breakthrough therapies currently restricted by outdated drug classifications,” said Dr. Paul. “This bill will make it easier for researchers to conduct studies that can lead to breakthrough therapies to treat patients battling serious and life-threatening conditions.” “Recent studies suggest that some Schedule I substances such as MDMA and psilocybin could represent an enormous advancement for the treatment of severe post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and addiction,” said Senator Booker. “Unfortunately, regulatory red tape and a series of bureaucratic hurdles involved in studying Schedule I substances impedes critical research on these and other promising Schedule I compounds. This bill reduces these unreasonably burdensome rules and regulations that delay or prevent researchers from studying – and patients from accessing – this entire class of potential medicines.” “The Special Operations Association of America wholeheartedly supports Senator Paul’s Breakthrough Therapies Act,” said Daniel Elkins, Special Operations Association of America Founder and currently serving Green Beret. “Thousands of Special Operations Veterans have had to leave America because they were desperate for treatments that work. The Breakthrough Therapies Act will ensure our SOF Veterans have access to the most advanced and effective therapies possible in the world.” “We urge Congress to swiftly pass the Breakthrough Therapies Act, which responsibly reduces the barriers to research and limited access of potentially life-saving treatments like MDMA- and psilocybin-assisted therapy,” said Martin R. Steele, a retired Lieutenant General in the United States Marine Corps., Chief Executive Officer of Reason for Hope, and head of the recently formed Veteran Mental Health Leadership Coalition. “Veterans should not be forced (nor should anyone else) to leave the country – at great expense – to access breakthrough therapies that can be safely provided and further studied in real-world settings here at home.” You can read the Breakthrough Therapies Act HERE. The Reason for Hope and the Veteran Mental Health Leadership Coalition’s letter can be found HERE. The Special Operations Association of America’s letter can be found HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:38:01Z https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=14D36338-0A11-492C-9363-586378AC918C,"Statement from Rep. Barr on FTX Collapse, FSC Investigation",2022-11-16,2022,2022-11,Republican,House,KY,Andy Barr,B001282,barr.house.gov,barr,https://barr.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Barr criticizes financial regulators for being distracted by their climate obsession and being “asleep at the switch” Washington, D.C.— U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY) released the following statement on the House Financial Services Committee’s announcement of a bipartisan hearing next month to investigate the FTX collapse. The Committee expects to hear from the companies and individuals involved, including Sam Bankman-Fried, Alameda Research, Binance, FTX, and related entities, among others. “The “effective altruism” that Democrat mega donor Sam Bankman-Fried peddled is perfectly in line with the radical left’s efforts to redefine a corporate purpose. It’s time for corporations and CEOs to stop putting politics ahead of the people, shareholders, and retail investors for whom they are supposed to deliver maximum financial returns. The House Financial Services Committee will work to expose any impropriety that led to this historic collapse and hold regulators accountable for being asleep at the switch, obsessing about “climate risk” instead of actually protecting investors vulnerable to crypto exchanges with limited transparency and poor risk management.” Congressman Barr is the lead Republican on the House Financial Services Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=CFF9C281-5693-4FEE-B606-04E83A7DD046,McConnell Welcomes New Senators-Elect: “A High Bar”,2022-11-15,2022,2022-11,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 new Senators-elect: “Last week, our narrowly-divided country went to the polls and elected a narrowly-divided Congress — including a very narrowly-divided United States Senate. “The next couple of months will see a number of long-serving Senate all-stars taking retirement. But today, we are getting to welcome and meet our new soon-to-be colleagues on both sides of the aisle, as the new Senators-elect arrive here in the Capitol and get oriented. “Among their ranks are an all-star lawyer and leader from Alabama, the Attorney General from the great state of Missouri, the Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania, a businessman and bestselling author from Ohio, and three distinguished members of the House of Representatives. “Exactly 25 years ago, in remarks welcoming the new Senate class of 1996, Senator Robert Byrd told them that service in this body is both ‘a supreme honor,’ ‘a serious responsibility,’ and ‘the highest political calling in the land.’ “The famous student of the Senate’s rules and history, our former colleague from West Virginia concluded that ‘as long as the Senate retains the power to amend and the power of unlimited debate, the liberties of the people will remain secure.’ “Mr. President, it is a high bar to earn the trust of one’s neighbors to represent them and fight for their home state here in this chamber. Each of our soon-to-be colleagues has cleared this high bar. “I’m proud to welcome members of what will be the 118th Congress’s freshman class, and I hope sincerely that each of our incoming colleagues will embrace the honor of this immense responsibility. *** “Of course, our half of the chamber hopes that even after this week, we will not be quite through with welcoming new Senators. “Democrats’ unforced policy errors over the past several years have hit working families in the state of Georgia especially hard. Under one-party Democrat control in Washington, and one-party representation here in the Senate, the Peach State has paid an especially painful price. “Since President Biden took the oath of office, Georgia families have watched prices rise nearly 15 percent. They’ve shelled out hundreds of extra dollars every month just to foot the bill for the massive, reckless spending binge their two Democrat senators pushed through with deciding votes. “Needless to say, this completely avoidable Democrat Inflation Tax has put Georgia workers and small business owners in a heck of a bind. “‘It’s absolutely murderous,’ one man in Columbus told reporters. ‘Food, gas prices. Inflation is awful.’ “Of course, it didn’t have to be this way. “The people of Georgia’s senators didn’t have to vote in lockstep with Washington Democrats to overheat our economy with reckless spending. “Georgia’s two Democrat senators didn’t have to vote for two trillion dollars in inflationary spending. They didn’t have to vote for hundreds of billions of dollars in left-wing climate policies. “But every single time that the hardworking people of Georgia have needed a check and balance, their Democratic Senators only gave them a rubber stamp. “When Georgians needed their Senators to stand up with independence, they just fell in line.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:38:01Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=D0B78F82-3711-4C1F-B8FD-7C6DD690D686,A Divided America Agrees That Democrats’ Failures Are Hurting the Country,2022-11-14,2022,2022-11,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 midterm elections: “Last week’s midterm elections re-confirmed something that’s been clear for a number of years: When it comes to politics and policy, we are a closely divided nation. “For the third straight election, our closely divided nation saw a closely fought election go all the way down to the wire. And as the dust settles, for the third straight time, the American people have chosen a very closely divided government. “Though several races for the House of Representatives remain uncalled, it appears the likeliest outcome would mean the American people have put a stop to two years of Democrats’ disastrous one-party government and placed the House in Republican hands. “Senate Republicans have spent two years working to check and balance reckless policies; it will be an outstanding thing for the country to have new reinforcements arriving on the other side of the Capitol. “Now while this election underscored some of our country’s close divisions, it also highlighted areas where the people are speaking overwhelmingly, with one voice. “The American people are not divided over what Democrats’ reckless policy decisions have done to our economy and their families’ budgets. Exit polls show three-quarters of voters say the economy they’re facing is ‘poor’ or ‘not good.’ “Americans are not divided over whether the current trends in inflation, crime, open borders, and drug addiction are acceptable outcomes for the greatest country in the history of the world. Everyone knows they are not. “And Americans are not especially closely divided about whether they want President Biden to keep governing like he has been, or change course. At this point in their presidencies, every one of the last 13 presidents dating back to Truman had higher approval ratings than this Biden Administration. “One state where Democrats’ policy failures have hit especially hard is the state of Georgia. “Georgia families have seen cumulative inflation of 14.7% since January of 2021. Both of their Senators cast the deciding vote to rubber stamp the spending that made that happen. Now households in the Peach State are paying a hidden Democrat Inflation Tax that adds up to thousands of extra dollars per year. “The nationwide breakdown in law and order has hit Georgia hard, as well. The city of Atlanta now has per-capita rates of homicide and assault that are even worse than Chicago. “And the people of Georgia saw their state attacked, called racist, called ‘Jim Crow 2.0,’ by the sitting President of the United States, and boycotted by major corporations… over a voting law that just facilitated historic ballot access, record turnout, and low wait times for Georgia voters. “Where do Georgia taxpayers and small businesses go to get their money back after the liberal smear campaign led to boycotts? “But the day after the election, Madam President, President Biden took the podium and triumphantly promised that he plans to learn no lessons and change nothing at all. “‘I’m not going to change the direction.’ “13-plus percent inflation over two years… historic levels of dissatisfaction at Americans’ kitchen tables… and President Biden says he’ll try to keep doing precisely what he’s been doing. “More inflation, more crime, more chaos, more open borders. “If Washington Democrats do not want to pivot to sanity and common sense… if they will not help us address the ways their policies are hurting families… they will encounter stiff resistance from the sizeable Senate Republican Conference that half the country has elected to be their voice, to be their champions, to fight for them. “We’re going to fight hard for the American families this Administration is leaving behind.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:38:01Z https://comer.house.gov/2022/11/mccarthy-names-comer-to-co-lead-transition-team,McCarthy Names Comer to Co-lead Transition Team,2022-11-10,2022,2022-11,Republican,House,KY,James Comer,C001108,comer.house.gov,comer,https://comer.house.gov/media,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Austin Hacker WASHINGTON – Today, House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R- Calif.) established Transition Teams for the 118th Congress to ensure that a Republican Majority is ready to get to work for the American people on Day One. Congressman James Comer (R-Ky.) was selected to lead the Oversight and Accountability Transition Team. These Transition Teams will address three core priorities as Republicans prepare to lead the House of Representatives. These teams are: Commitment to America Implementation, led by Republican Whip Steve Scalise Oversight and Accountability, led by Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Ranking Member James Comer and Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jim Jordan Restoring the People’s House, led by Congressman Bryan Steil",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z https://comer.house.gov/2022/11/top-republicans-probe-epa-sidelining-top-scientists-to-ban-chlorpyrifos-on-food-products,Top Republicans Probe EPA Sidelining Top Scientists to Ban Chlorpyrifos on Food Products,2022-11-04,2022,2022-11,Republican,House,KY,James Comer,C001108,comer.house.gov,comer,https://comer.house.gov/media,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE “We are conducting oversight of the U.S Department of Agriculture’s role in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s August 18, 2021, final rule revoking all tolerances for chlorpyrifos on food products,” wrote the Republican lawmakers. “The EPA’s controversial decision to revoke all tolerances for chlorpyrifos on food products has left distributors and growers in a precarious financial position which would normally prompt interagency review for a regulation costing over $100 million dollars. However, EPA has refused to label the revocation as an economically significant regulation, making the final rule exempt from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)’s interagency review. By EPA’s own estimates, the economic value of chlorpyrifos to the U.S. economy reaches over $130 million annually, and public comments suggest the number is even higher when taking into account growers without alternative options.” On September 20, 2022, USDA Secretary Thomas Vilsack broke with the EPA’s controversial decision to ban chlorpyrifos. In a response provided to Congress, Secretary Vilsack stated that the USDA-Pest Management scientists believe EPA could retain certain chlorpyrifos uses that meet EPA’s safety standards. Secretary Vilsack’s response to lawmakers raise questions about the EPA’s commitment to use the best science in its regulatory decisions. “Due to the cost of this rule, over 30 subsets of the U.S. agricultural industry, including retailers, applicators, manufacturers, processors, cooperatives, and crop consultants, have raised serious economic hardship concerns with the EPA regarding this action,” continued the Republican lawmakers. “In addition, OMB guidance has been clear to direct the EPA to seek interagency review when EPA actions make pesticide tolerances ‘more stringent.’ Because of the economic hardship and supply chain impacts associated with EPA’s final rule, the tolerance revocation should be labeled as a “more stringent” regulation requiring the EPA to seek interagency review. Ignoring OMB guidance and the economic impact of such a sweeping and costly regulation indicates interagency review was warranted prior to the final rule. Republicans are concerned about the validity of EPA’s scientific and regulatory process.” Read the letter to the USDA here. Read the letter to the EPA here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=1A6145F9-4340-483D-AE0A-01102598560E,"Barr Hosts Border Patrol, Law Enforcement, and Advocates for Press Conference on Fentanyl Crisis",2022-11-03,2022,2022-11,Republican,House,KY,Andy Barr,B001282,barr.house.gov,barr,https://barr.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Lexington, KY— U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) previewed the GOP agenda to tackle the fentanyl crisis during a press conference at the Kentucky Fraternal Order of Police building in Lexington on Wednesday. Congressman Barr was joined by Brandon Judd, President of the National Border Patrol Council, to highlight the surge of fentanyl at the southern border since President Biden took office. In fiscal year 2022, over 14,000 pounds of deadly fentanyl was encountered at the southern border, a fiscal year record. Also speaking at the press conference was Clark County Sheriff Berl Perdue, Jacky Hunt, President of the Kentucky Narcotics Officers Association, and Debbie Rains, who lost her son to a fentanyl overdose in 2015. Last year, Kentucky overdose deaths rose by 15% and over 70% of overdoses involved fentanyl. Congressman Barr outlined his support for reinstating the Remain in Mexico policy, reentering asylum agreements with Central American countries, and restarting border wall construction as ways to secure the border and stop fentanyl trafficking. “Roughly 1,500 Kentucky families and 71,000 families nationwide lost their loved one to a fentanyl overdose last year. The Commitment to America agenda that I support will advance policies to secure our border and boost resources for law enforcement to stop fentanyl trafficking. God bless our border patrol, our local law enforcement, and advocates like Debbie Rains who are fighting every day to end the flood of fentanyl in our communities and save lives. I’ll always stand with them,” said Congressman Barr. “Every single citizen of Kentucky should be upset at our failures to secure the border and protect your neighbors and family members. There is no way we can get this crisis under control with the polices we are seeing. I appreciate Congressman Barr for inviting me to Kentucky and for his leadership on this issue,” said Brandon Judd. “I’m grateful to Congressman Barr for his partnership over the years in combatting drug trafficking in Clark County and statewide,” said Sheriff Perdue. “He led the successful effort to designate Clark County a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) county in 2020 and I know he will continue to work with me to reduce opioid overdoses in Clark County going forward.” “Narcotics Officers are on the frontlines of the fight to stop fentanyl dealers,” said Jacky Hunt. “We know that Congressman Barr will always have our back, and we are appreciative of the opportunity to highlight this important issue facing our Commonwealth and our country.” “Fentanyl is continuing to break apart families in Kentucky and nationwide. I am grateful to Congressman Barr for highlighting this issue, Zac’s story, and trying to implement policy changes that will prevent these tragedies from effecting other families,” said Debbie Rains. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z https://comer.house.gov/2022/11/comer-oversight-republicans-press-dhs-on-worst-border-crisis-in-u-s-history,"Comer, Oversight Republicans Press DHS on Worst Border Crisis in U.S. History",2022-11-02,2022,2022-11,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 Oversight Committee Republican lawmakers are calling on U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to provide the Biden Administration’s plans, if any, to secure the border. In a letter to Secretary Mayorkas, the Republican lawmakers are calling for all documents and communications to address the worst border crisis on record in American history. “Fiscal Year 2022 was an abject failure for border security and national sovereignty. In fact, it was the worst on record in American history. This past fiscal year set records for encounters of illegal immigrants, migrant deaths, apprehensions of suspected terrorists, and seizures of fentanyl at the southern border. We cannot endure another year of the Biden Administration’s failed border policies. We have written DHS fifteen times this Congress to conduct oversight over the border crisis. Again, we request documents and information to understand the Biden Administration’s plans, if any, to secure the border,” wrote the Republican lawmakers. President Biden’s border crisis continues to break records. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, there were over 2.2 million apprehensions of illegal immigrants in Fiscal Year 2022, which does not include the estimated half a million “gotaways,” and the Border Patrol made 98 apprehensions of suspected terrorists at the southern border. There were also nearly 900 migrant deaths at the border in FY 2022. Seizures of the deadly, China-sourced-opioid, fentanyl, which is responsible for killing thousands of Americans, have spiked at the southern border. Cartels also leverage chaos at the border to overwhelm Border Patrol agents to smuggle in fentanyl undetected between ports of entry. “The Biden Administration refuses to acknowledge this current, unprecedented and deadly crisis. Vice President Harris even claims that the border is ‘secure’ and insists that ‘[w]e have a secure border in that that is a priority for any nation, including ours and our administration.’ This is simply not true,” continued the Republican lawmakers. “The Biden Administration created this crisis. It rolled back or eliminated deterrent-focused policies that were working to manage the flow of illegal border crossers. It shirked its duty to enforce the laws of this country to provide a safe and secure border to the American people. These failures cannot be repeated.” The letter to Secretary Mayorkas can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=4935CDEB-B59B-40F3-97BB-9F056170CDBF,McConnell Announces Kentucky to Receive an Additional $49 Million for 2021 Tornado and Flooding Recovery,2022-11-02,2022,2022-11,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) announced today the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will provide Kentucky with $48,983,000 through the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program to help the Commonwealth recover from disasters that occurred last year. Senator McConnell helped secure these funds by including additional resources for the CDBG-DR program in the Continuing Resolution to fund the government that passed the Senate and was signed into law earlier this year. Today’s CDBG-DR funding will help Kentucky recover from several major disasters that occurred in the Commonwealth in 2021, including last December’s devastating tornado outbreak in Western Kentucky and the flooding in Eastern Kentucky during February and March of 2021. The CDBG-DR program provides highly flexible funds for long-term recovery in communities affected by natural disasters. According to HUD, these funds can be used for a variety of purposes, including helping local governments cover their cost share of federal disaster recovery programs from other agencies including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Federal Highway Administration. Communities can also use these funds to help rebuild homes and businesses and promote economic development. “Eastern and Western Kentucky are still recovering from the disasters that hit the Commonwealth in 2021 and need all the help they can get to keep rebuilding. Working with local officials, I’ve leveraged my leadership role in the Senate to secure federal funding from several initiatives to assist these communities, including directing more resources to the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program,” said Senator McConnell. “Today’s announcement will help areas affected by last year’s disasters fill gaps not funded by other state and federal programs and will allow them to continue recovering quickly.” “I would like to personally thank Senator McConnell for his continued commitment to our region. Since the devastating flooding last year, Senator McConnell has not only been on site multiple times, but is always just a phone call away. His ability to secure more federal funding is invaluable and a sign that we will continue to rebuild. The catastrophic flooding that occurred this year highlights that the need for infrastructure and housing funding at the local, state, and federal level is ongoing,” said State Senator Brandon Smith. “Senator McConnell promised to stand with Mayfield for as long as it took for us to recover from last year’s tornado outbreak. As today’s funding announcement demonstrates, he has kept that promise time and time again,” said Mayfield Mayor Kathy O’Nan. “We are deeply thankful for all the resources the Senator has helped our city secure. He continues to listen to his constituents’ needs and make sure our voices are represented on the federal level.” “Breathitt County is still rebuilding from the 2021 flood even as we work to recover from this summer’s disastrous flooding. Senator McConnell has advocated for our community to ensure we receive the federal dollars we need to bring our community back better than before. We appreciate his work on our behalf and willingness to leverage his leadership role to put Kentucky first in federal disaster recovery,” said Jackson Mayor Laura Thomas. “Bowling Green still faces an enormous challenge as we work to recover from last year’s tornadoes, which destroyed homes and displaced families all across our city. Senator McConnell has played an instrumental role in helping us speed that process along, using his influence in the Senate to direct several rounds of federal funding to help us rebuild. We are incredibly grateful for his work on behalf of our community and the close contact he has maintained with Bowling Green’s leaders,” said Bowling Green City Manager Jeff Meisel. Senator McConnell has played a key role in helping Kentuckians affected by last year’s disasters recover. In March, he secured an additional $75 million from the CDBG-DR program to help Eastern and Western Kentucky recover from last year’s flooding and tornadoes, respectively. Earlier this year, he secured significant resources in the Fiscal Year 2022 Government Funding bill to help affected communities, including requiring FEMA to increase federal disaster response funding from 75% to 90% of disaster costs. This increase in federal resources immediately provided more than $20 million to communities impacted by previous disasters and will provide millions more for communities still rebuilding. Senator McConnell visited several communities hit by last December’s tornadoes, which were the most destructive in the Commonwealth’s history, and last year’s floods. Along with the rest of Kentucky’s congressional delegation, the Senator supported the Governor’s multiple federal disaster relief requests to the President and created a web portal to help Kentuckians access federal resources. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:38:01Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=D5973148-0422-4BCE-B096-107E3A083F59,McConnell Comments on the Passing of Former U.S. Congressman Mazzoli,2022-11-01,2022,2022-11,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) issued the following statement today regarding the passing of former U.S. Congressman Romano “Ron” Mazzoli (D-KY-03): “Kentucky has lost a distinguished public servant and proud Louisvillian. Congressman Ron Mazzoli made a lasting and respectable impact on our country during his 24 years of service in the United States House of Representatives. Perhaps best known for his work on immigration reform, Congressman Mazzoli also reached across the aisle to defend the sanctity of life through a proposed Human Life Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Later in life, he dedicated himself to education, teaching law students at the University of Louisville and raising money to improve Kentucky’s parochial school system. I know I join with a chorus of former colleagues, students, and friends in saying he will truly be missed. Elaine and I send our deep sympathies to his family and friends.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:38:01Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=FEAD414D-49A5-41FB-BC4E-CE35B69B19E8,McConnell Comments on the Death of Kentucky Student in South Korea,2022-11-01,2022,2022-11,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) issued the following statement today regarding the tragic death of Beechwood High School graduate and University of Kentucky nursing student, Anne Gieske: “The Commonwealth is grieving over the news that a University of Kentucky student, Anne Gieske of Fort Mitchell, Kentucky, died this weekend after being caught in South Korea’s horrific crowd surge incident. Anne was studying to be a nurse, a profession fitting of her reputation as a kind and selfless friend to all. Elaine and I are praying for the Gieske family in this difficult time and offer our deepest condolences to everyone affected by this tragic disaster.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:38:01Z https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=AF15006E-0540-4BC1-9E91-E58727A193BE,"Barr, Gorton, and Brown Announce $3 Million Federal Grant for Early Childhood Education Facility in Lexington",2022-10-31,2022,2022-10,Republican,House,KY,Andy Barr,B001282,barr.house.gov,barr,https://barr.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Lexington, KY— U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY) announced a major, $3 million federal grant to construct an early childhood education facility for three-year old children in the William Wells Brown neighborhood in Lexington today. Congressman Barr secured these federal funds during the last Congressional appropriations process. The city also announced the construction of a new road in the East End neighborhood. Community Action Council will run the Head Start Center, with five classrooms for 52 students, prioritizing the enrollment of three-year-olds who miss the age cut-off for preschool at nearby William Wells Brown Elementary. “We need to move quickly to make up for learning loss as a result of the pandemic,” said Congressman Barr. “That’s why I advocated so strongly for these funds to enhance early childhood education for three-year old children in William Wells Brown neighborhood. By constructing a new prep school facility for these students, they can hit the ground running in their education before they reach Kindergarten. I want to thank Councilmember Brown for his leadership in this project and the Community Action Council for their commitment to carrying this initiative out. I also appreciate the work by Mayor Gorton, the Lexington Housing Authority, and all other community partners who worked with our office on this project.” “These are more big steps forward for the East End neighborhood,” Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton said. “A new road, and new educational opportunities will move this neighborhood forward.” “I’m truly excited about this collaborative project and what it provides for families,” said Lexington Councilmember James Brown. “This will increase workforce opportunities through safe, affordable childcare, and improve academic achievement for students.” “Two years ago, this was just a dream. Councilmember Brown connected us with Mr. (Austin) Simms for the land purchase and Congressman Barr for the funding to build this state-of-the-art facility. This was a team effort, and we are excited about the opportunity to serve the families in this historic neighborhood,” said Sharon Price, Executive Director of the Community Action Council. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:20:33Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=16008BC3-3387-4E2F-94C7-4B508888D0FF,McConnell Remembers Honey Alexander,2022-10-30,2022,2022-10,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 on the passing of Honey Alexander: “Elaine and I are terribly saddened by the passing of our dear friend Honey Alexander. “The state of Tennessee and our entire nation are better for the prolific partnership and marvelous love story that began 55 years ago at the Senate staff softball game where Honey and Lamar Alexander first met. “Through decades in the political limelight, Honey Alexander modeled grace, charity, and public service. She brought her passion for helping children and families to the Governor’s Mansion in Nashville, the University of Tennessee, the Department of Education, and — to the great good fortune of so many lucky friends — the U.S. Senate. “Elaine and I were fortunate to enjoy Honey’s hospitality at Blackberry Farm, where she and Lamar reveled in Tennessee’s natural beauty. I know the entire Senate joins us in praying for our dear friend, Lamar, their children, Leslee, Kathryn, and Will, and the entire Alexander family as they hold tight to cherished memories of Honey in this difficult time.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:34:28Z https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=65987B8E-3C68-43D6-BF5A-7E4D300DEA80,"Barr and Gorton Announce $616,704 Federal Grant for Lexington BFREE Initiative",2022-10-27,2022,2022-10,Republican,House,KY,Andy Barr,B001282,barr.house.gov,barr,https://barr.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Congressman Barr secured these federal funds during the last Congressional appropriations process. Lexington, KY— U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY) and Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton announced a $616,704 federal grant to enhance the Barrier Free Re-Entry and Recovery (BFREE) Initiative in Lexington. Congressman Barr secured these federal funds during the last Congressional appropriations process. The BFREE Initiative is part of a comprehensive approach the city is offering to Kentuckians in recovery for substance abuse who are also transitioning from the criminal justice system after a period of incarceration. This federal grant will provide the funds needed to purchase two vans for the Community Paramedicine Program (CPP) to transport BFREE Initiative participants to and from their appointments with treatment providers. The federal grant announced today will also fund a full-time position to work closely with staff at Community Corrections and District 9 Probation and Parole to address barriers to successful reentry for Kentuckians enrolled in BFREE. Additionally, the BFREE Initiative offers participants assistance accessing housing services and help finding meaningful employment opportunities that will provide dignity and purpose. Finally, the funding will provide assistance to individuals to enter or continue a residential recovery program. “By ensuring a smooth and successful transition for Kentuckians enrolled in the BFREE Initiative back into our community, we can reduce the risk of recidivism and put these Kentuckians on a path for long-term recovery,” said Congressman Barr. “Addiction is a crisis in our Commonwealth and throughout the country. I will continue working with local, state, and federal officials to deliver resources to law enforcement, rehabilitation providers, and community prevention programs to save lives.” “Substance use disorder affects people from all corners of our city,” said Mayor Gorton. “Thank you to Congressman Barr for helping us with an innovative, comprehensive approach we hope will help those who are re-entering the community after a period of incarceration. Working with partners throughout our community, we are reaching out to people in a variety of ways to stop the overdoses.” “This grant is important because it provides support for a person to reconnect with community after a period of incarceration,” said Amy Baker, Coordinator of the City’s Substance Use Disorder program. “By providing access to treatment and recovery supportive housing and connecting them with employers who are willing to provide a second chance, the chances of reoffending are greatly reduced. Access to treatment, housing and employment reduces the risk of recidivism and provides opportunities to individuals to rebuild their lives.” While the City of Lexington made tremendous progress reducing overdoses in 2018 and 2019, the pandemic led to overdoses rising in the city again. In 2020, the city had over 200 overdoses for the first time (209 total). Nationally, overdoses topped 100,000 for the first-time last year and overdoses in the Commonwealth overall increased by 15% in 2021. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:34:28Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=4B895347-7CFA-4CEF-AD63-F8FEB1BA61BA,McConnell Directs More Than $21.5 Million to Improve Broadband Internet in Rural Kentucky,2022-10-27,2022,2022-10,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) announced today the Department of Agriculture (USDA) will grant $9,378,184 to the Mountain Rural Telephone Cooperative Corporation and $12,188,991 to the Thacker-Grigsby Telephone Company to support broadband internet development in rural Kentucky. The funding announced today will allow the Mountain Rural Telephone Cooperative Corporation to provide affordable high-speed internet to rural communities in Powell County and will enable the Thacker-Grigsby Telephone Company to expand broadband coverage in Breathitt and Leslie counties. The funding for today’s grant comes from the ReConnect Program, which provides competitive federal grants to support broadband development in underserviced communities around the country. Senator McConnell secured $1.926 billion for this initiative over the next five years through the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which the Senator supported and the President signed into law last year, and an additional $486.6 million for the program in the Fiscal Year 2022 government funding bill. This is part of the $65.9 billion Senator McConnell secured in the IIJA to spur broadband development.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:34:28Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=DCAF323C-D92B-4FF6-BF04-6BF45559BD81,McConnell Secures Nearly $5 Million to Expand Eddyville Riverport,2022-10-27,2022,2022-10,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) announced today the Department of Transportation (DOT) will provide $4,912,631 to the Eddyville Riverport and Industrial Development Authority through the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP). The Eddyville Riverport plans to use these funds to construct an inlet adjacent to its existing port on the Cumberland River to expand the port’s ability to process dry bulk commodities and increase the efficiency of the port’s operations. This project will give the Eddyville Riverport greater capacity to service local industries, encouraging economic development in the area. Senator McConnell supported PIDP, which awards competitive grants to projects that improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of American ports, by securing $2.25 billion for the program over the next five years in the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and an additional $234,310,000 for the program in the Fiscal Year 2022 government funding bill. Senator McConnell helped lead the IIJA to Senate passage last year and the President signed the bill into law last November. The Senator also wrote to Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg in support of the Eddyville Riverport and Industrial Development Authority’s grant application. “Kentucky is experiencing a manufacturing renaissance thanks to our pro-business policies, skilled workforce, and convenient access to America’s heartland. As our industrial base continues to expand, it’s critical we improve our transportation infrastructure so we’re up to the task of bringing more goods in and out of the Commonwealth. I supported last year’s bipartisan infrastructure bill and government funding bill to do just that and was proud to work with Eddyville Riverport and Western Kentucky’s local leaders to help them benefit from these bills. When this riverport expansion project is complete, small businesses and manufacturers will have just one more reason to call the Commonwealth home,” said Senator McConnell. “We are excited to receive a Port Infrastructure Development Program grant to build a new inlet at the Eddyville Riverport and grow inland port cargo operations. This expansion allows the Riverport to handle additional freight cargo and increases the barge operation capacity in the port. We appreciate Senator McConnell’s support for our grant application and his work to fund federal programs that improve Kentucky’s port infrastructure. The Eddyville Riverport and Lake Barkley Partnership are committed to long-term improvement of our economic development sites to ensure businesses across the region have continued access to multiple modes of transportation infrastructure,” said Amanda Davenport, Lake Barkley Partnership Executive Director. “Receiving this grant gives the Eddyville Riverport a tremendous opportunity to be able to expand business opportunities for our rural Kentucky community. This expansion will create additional shoreline that is absolutely necessary to expanding Eddyville's economic development on Lake Barkley and the Cumberland River. Senator McConnell’s leadership was critical to securing this grant and will help foster business growth in our region for years to come,” said Glen Kinder IV, Eddyville Riverport Treasurer. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:34:28Z https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=35CFC185-5E05-41F3-9356-8CB66789A7FC,Southeast Kentucky Students Enter Congressional App Challenge,2022-10-26,2022,2022-10,Republican,House,KY,Harold Rogers,R000395,halrogers.house.gov,halrogers,https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"PIKEVILLE, Ky. -- A record number of students from southern and eastern Kentucky have entered the Congressional App Challenge, as the November 1st deadline quickly approaches. Congressman Hal Rogers got a first-hand look at some of the competitive mobile applications on display at the 2022 SOAR Summit in Pikeville last week, where SOAR and CEDAR, Inc. invited local students to show off their coding talents. The Congressional App Challenge is an initiative of the U.S. House of Representatives, where Members of Congress host contests in their districts for middle school and high school students, encouraging them to learn to code and inspiring them to pursue careers in computer science. The winning student team from Kentucky's Fifth Congressional District will be invited to Washington, DC to see their application on display, along with other winners across the country. ""Our students are proving that they have the ingenuity and high-tech skills to develop useful and innovative mobile apps,"" said Congressman Rogers, Dean of the U.S. House of Representatives. ""I'm very impressed by the applications that our students displayed at the SOAR Summit, and I'm amazed at the resources that our schools can now provide to ensure our students have access to the same opportunities in the mountains as other schools across the country. They are using technology to solve problems in our region and beyond."" The program has yielded 1,782 App Challenges across 50 states. Thousands of functional apps have been created by over 40,000 students. Students from the following schools in Kentucky's Fifth Congressional District have registered for the competition so far: Belfry High School, Clay County High School, Floyd County Area Technology Center, Floyd County Center for Innovation, Laurel County Center for Innovation, Pikeville Junior High School, and Rowan County High School. Students from the Floyd County Area Technology Center have won the competition for Kentucky's Fifth Congressional District for the last six consecutive years. The deadline to enter the Congressional App Challenge is Tuesday, November 1, 2022. To register, visit congressionalappchallenge.us. Congressman Rogers talked to local students about their mobile apps at the 2022 SOAR Summit",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:34:28Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=1271F1E6-54A1-4125-B111-D5288F6576F1,"McConnell Secures More Than $6.8 Million to Support School Safety, Mental Health in Kentucky",2022-10-26,2022,2022-10,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) announced today the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) will provide $6,897,034 to several Kentucky organizations to support school safety and mental health. The funding for these grants comes from the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which Senator McConnell helped lead to Senate passage earlier this year. The bill, which was endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police and the National Sheriffs’ Association, provides funding for mental health treatment and school safety while preserving Americans’ constitutional right to keep and bear arms. “The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act I supported earlier this year and the grants announced today will go a long way toward improving safety in Kentucky schools and addressing America’s ongoing mental health crisis. I am proud this commonsense legislation is helping protect Kentucky’s teachers and students,” said Senator McConnell. The funding announced today includes: HHS is awarding $832,991 through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Kentucky’s state government will then grant that funding to organizations in the Commonwealth supporting mental health emergency preparedness and crisis response efforts. DOJ is awarding nearly $6 million to Kentucky organizations through the STOP School Violence Program and the School Violence Prevention Program to support school safety. The organizations receiving funding are listed below:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:34:28Z https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=2D476087-0DB4-4503-9DDF-D5311D001FFA,Congressman Rogers Gives Congressional Tribute to EKY Flood Heroes,2022-10-21,2022,2022-10,Republican,House,KY,Harold Rogers,R000395,halrogers.house.gov,halrogers,https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"PIKEVILLE, Ky. -- During the 2022 SOAR Summit, approximately 80 first responders were honored for their heroic response during the Eastern Kentucky flood in July. A tribute video boomed across the Appalachian Wireless Arena as dozens of men and women from the Kentucky National Guard, Kentucky State Police, and local search and rescue teams filled the center stage, followed by a moment of silence for flood victims. At least 43 Eastern Kentuckians lost their lives in the flood or during flood relief efforts, with one woman still missing in Breathitt County. ""We are in the presence of some of the greatest heroes in Kentucky history. The selfless and courageous actions of the people on this stage are what modern day saints are made of,"" said Congressman Hal Rogers, Dean of the U.S. House of Representatives and a co-founder of SOAR. ""Had it not been for the first responders who bravely risked their own lives, the death toll in Eastern Kentucky would have been much higher."" More than 1,400 people were saved by air or water rescues during the flood, according to the Kentucky Emergency Management Office. Congressman Rogers highlighted the exemplary actions of two Kentucky National Guard Flight Medics who were heralded by their peers and various agencies for their extraordinary life-saving actions. With the help of skilled pilots, Staff Sergeant Ryan Hunter and Sergeant First Class Jeremy Lowe conducted more than 40 air hoist missions and saved more than 80 Kentuckians on July 28, 2022. Congressman Rogers presented the two Guardsmen with a tribute in the Congressional Record. ""The skilled and courageous acts of the two MEDEVAC crews are worthy of the highest honor,"" said Congressman Rogers. ""I presented them with a copy of a tribute that I entered into the Congressional Record to ensure their stories of valor are preseved among the greatest heroes of our time."" Attendees of the SOAR Summit gave Hunter, Lowe and all of the first responders an extended standing ovation. Click here to read SSG Hunter's Congressional Tribute. Click here to read SFC Lowe's Congressional Tribute. Congressman Rogers Honors SFC Lowe & SSG Hunter",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:34:28Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=8A565BCA-8864-4F92-8320-247753AD3642,Democrats Must Stop Fighting American Energy and Start Aiding Ukraine Faster,2022-10-21,2022,2022-10,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 today regarding energy and Ukraine: “Russia continues escalating attacks on Ukraine’s civilians and energy infrastructure. The lessons for us are clear. The Biden Administration and Ukraine’s friends across the globe must be quicker and more proactive to get Ukraine the aid they need. And Washington Democrats must stop their war against our own American energy security and independence. “It is in America’s core national security interest to make it clear that revisionist states such as Russia or China cannot simply gobble up smaller neighbors. The Biden Administration and our allies need to do more to supply the tools Ukraine needs to thwart Russian aggression. It is obvious this must include additional air defenses, long-range fires, and humanitarian and economic support to help this war-torn country endure the coming winter. “I welcome and applaud those of our allies and partners who have also committed assistance to Ukraine. More of them need to step up to the plate. For our part, the United States Congress has funded and approved ongoing aid on an overwhelming bipartisan basis. It is not enough for the Biden Administration to slowly, eventually get around to providing it. It must be expedited. “A Republican majority in the Senate will focus its oversight on ensuring timely delivery of needed weapons and greater allied assistance to Ukraine, rebuilding and modernizing our military capabilities, standing up to terrorist states like Iran, and shoring up our defenses in Asia to deter Chinese aggression. “Finally, Putin uses energy as another weapon for bending sovereign countries to his will. It is unacceptable that President Biden is draining our Strategic Petroleum Reserve simply to boost Democrats’ low approval ratings before an election. Draining the Reserve to the lowest point in decades and strangling our own domestic energy production capacity will make America more vulnerable to disruptions and manipulation of global energy markets. Democrats are risking national security to try to cover up their own failed energy policies. “Neither American families’ pocketbooks nor our national security can afford Democrats’ Green New Deal follies or their war against our own energy.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:34:28Z https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=6C98707F-2FD5-4B50-939F-E5A218D2C7EF,Barr Calls on FSC Vote on the TABS Act Following Fifth Circuit CFPB Ruling,2022-10-20,2022,2022-10,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) is calling for the House Financial Services Committee to vote on his legislation, the Taking Account of Bureaucrats Spending (TABS) Act. The TABS Act makes the funding for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) part of the congressional appropriations process like virtually every other federal agency. Last night, the Fifth of the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the design of CFPB was in violation of the Constitution because the CFPB receives funding from the Federal Reserve. Today, Congressman Barr released the following statement: “The funding mechanism for the CFPB as set forth in the Dodd Frank Act is, for all intents and purposes, an automatic yearly outlay from the Federal Reserve based upon an opaque and arbitrary formula. This process not only insulates the agency from accountability by circumventing the congressional appropriations process, but it also unconstitutionally deprives Congress of its spending power and oversight authority. This has produced the most unaccountable and authoritarian bureaucratic agency in the entire federal government. “I am encouraged that the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has confirmed that the CFPB’s funding mechanism is unconstitutional, and I join Ranking Member Patrick McHenry in calling for the House Financial Services Committee to vote on my legislation, the TABS Act, which would subject the CFPB to the annual appropriations process, restore the power of the purse, and establish meaningful congressional oversight of the CFPB once and for all.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:34:28Z https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=E019F484-5328-4C6C-848A-9E5A1C9D06AB,"Congressman Rogers, Gov. Beshear Announce $24.4 Million in Funding for Economic Development Projects in Eastern Kentucky",2022-10-20,2022,2022-10,Republican,House,KY,Harold Rogers,R000395,halrogers.house.gov,halrogers,https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"When completed, the projects in Clay, Elliott, Floyd, Knox, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, McCreary and Wolfe counties will enable cold storage of bulk apples, broadcasting equipment at the Mountain Arts Studio, an emergency services center, a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and diesel-mechanics training facility, RV and industrial parks, a resort bordering the Jefferson National Forest, a wastewater treatment plant and a visitors’ center. These 11 projects are expected to retain or create more than 200 jobs, train 300 Kentuckians and serve more than 100,000 people via tourism, infrastructure development or training opportunities. “Once again, this program is funding innovative projects that are bringing jobs to Eastern Kentucky so more of our families can provide for their loved ones and live the lives they want and deserve,” said Gov. Beshear. “The foundation has been laid for diversified economic growth as each of these projects is completed, helping these communities not only rebuild following July’s historic flooding but also thrive for generations to come.” “As we continue to rebuild from the catastrophic flood in Eastern Kentucky, these grant awards are more important than ever before to advance job creation and new opportunities,” said Congressman Hal Rogers, Dean of the U.S. House of Representatives. “These grants will give Eastern Kentuckians more opportunities to work and thrive in their hometowns.” Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet (EEC) Secretary Rebecca Goodman selected the projects for initial vetting by the U.S. Office of Surface Mining, Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE). More than 86 applications for funding were received by the EEC’s Division of Abandoned Mine Lands. The projects selected for funding include: Agricultural Apple Packing and Sorting Facility was selected to receive $6.6 million for the installation of an apple packing and sorting facility in an existing building in Martin County. CMH 23 Workforce and Tourism Development Project was selected to receive $1 million to modify and equip the broadcasting studio at the Mountain Arts Studio in Floyd County. Elliott County Emergency Operations Center and 911 Center was selected to receive $4.6 million to construct an emergency services center. Gifford Road Industrial Park was selected to receive $1 million to construct a build-ready certified site for a 50,000 square foot facility in Magoffin County. Impact Outdoor Adventures RV Campground was selected to receive $900,000 to construct a multi-purpose building, yurts, and a tree-top adventure course in Clay County. Southeast Transportation Training Center was selected to receive $1.2 million to develop a CDL and diesel mechanics training facility in Knox County. Stearns RV Park and Campground was selected to receive $1.6 million to construct an RV park and campground in McCreary County. Thunder Ridge Property Acquisition was awarded $3 million to purchase 58 acres to develop the Thunder Ridge Industrial Park, where Boxvana intends to construct a 200,000 square foot facility in Floyd County. Raven Rock Resort was selected to receive $1.7 million to begin development on the Raven Rock Resort in Letcher County. Hazel Green Wastewater Collection System Phase I was selected to receive $1.4 million to construct an 80,000-gallon-per-day wastewater treatment plant in Wolfe County. Royalton Trail Town Development Phase II was selected to receive $2 million to construct a visitors center, restaurant, entertainment space and parking in Magoffin County. “These grants are providing the kind of job growth and economic stimulus that we’d hoped,” Secretary Goodman said. “We are excited to have helped launch these projects.” More than $166 million in federal funding through the AMLER Program has been awarded to Kentucky since its inception in 2016. Seventy-five projects in 23 counties have been selected for the funding. Once completed, it is expected that these projects will have created more than 3,000 new jobs for the region. Information about the AMLER program can be found at AMLER or by contacting Mr. Justin Adams, Director, Kentucky Division of Abandoned Mine Lands, 300 Sower Boulevard, Frankfort, KY 40601. Office: 502-782-6761, e-mail: Justin.Adams@ky.gov. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:34:28Z https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=E3D6B66D-6023-4A4E-917E-FE5D9ED26D7C,"Congressman Rogers, ARC Federal Co-Chair Announce Nearly $10 Million in Federal POWER Grants for Kentucky",2022-10-20,2022,2022-10,Republican,House,KY,Harold Rogers,R000395,halrogers.house.gov,halrogers,https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"PIKEVILLE, Ky. – As the ninth annual SOAR Summit wrapped up at the Appalachian Wireless Arena in Pikeville, U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) and Gayle Manchin, Federal Co-Chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) announced nearly $10 million in federal POWER grants for 11 projects in Kentucky to help create 600 jobs. The ARC also awarded a $500,000 grant to SOAR, Shaping Our Appalachian Region, for the organization’s remote worker program. It will help Eastern Kentucky compete in an ever-growing digital global marketplace to create new, high paying jobs. “These ARC grants mean exceptionally more to Eastern Kentucky, as we continue the work to rebuild our communities that were hit by a catastrophic flood in July. Each investment will boost economic development as we work together to revitalize the region and create jobs where we need them the most,” said Congressman Rogers, Dean of the U.S. House of Representatives. “Our coal-impacted communities are a vital part of Appalachia’s 13 states and 423 counties—when our coal communities thrive, our entire region is uplifted,” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. “This round of POWER grant funding will not only help Eastern Kentucky’s struggling coal communities to once again compete in a global marketplace, but also expand support for the creation of new jobs through growing the area’s food economy.” The POWER grants are part of the ARC’s ongoing Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization Initiative. Kentucky’s awards are part of $47 million in total investments across agriculture and food economies, workforce development, tourism, entrepreneurship, and more to help create jobs in new or existing industries, expand skills training, and attract new private investments in Appalachian communities affected by the downturn of the coal industry. The following projects were awarded in Kentucky: $1.5 million was awarded to the Perry County Fiscal Court. The funding will be used for the Rowdy trailhead and campground project, which is more important than ever before, with water, sewer and electric for 30 RV sites. It will create 38 jobs in the first 15 months. $1.5 million was awarded to TEK Center, Inc. in Martin County. The funding will be used to develop a skilled trades training center that will be open for dislocated workers and individuals in addiction recovery programs. It will serve 6 businesses, 125 high school students and nearly 400 trainees. $1.5 million was awarded for the University of Pikeville’s Ag-Tech Innovation Center of Excellence. The facility will aid the region’s growing agriculture industry through research activity for private partners. The program will help create 250 jobs and three new businesses. Over $1.4 million was awarded for the Kentucky Horticulture Council to help prospective and established producers enable year-round growing. They will serve nearly 500 businesses, 140 trainees and create 12 new businesses. $1.2 million was awarded to the Big Sandy Area Development District for the agricultural apple sorting and packing facility in Martin County. This funding will work in concert with a $6.6 million AMLER grant. It will serve 300 businesses and support the creation of 260 jobs. Over $1.1 million was awarded for the Kentucky Community and Technical College system to implement a new Ag-Tech apprenticeship program in Rowan, Pulaski and Madison counties. It will improve 350 workers through wage increases and career progression. $1 million was awarded to Community Ventures Corporation to create a revolving loan fund to support capital access for Appalachian projects. It will create 150 jobs and 15 businesses. The last four projects are awarded $50,000 each. Those include: The Mountain Association’s East Kentucky Community Accelerator project, which will take place in Jackson County. The Kentucky Equine Education project’s equine community center planning. Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky’s Southeast Kentucky Regional Experience Package Planning project in Leslie County; and Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky's Southeast Kentucky Regional Trails Planning project in Perry County. For more information about Congressman Rogers’ work in Kentucky’s Fifth Congressional District, visit halrogers.house.gov and follow him on social media.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:34:28Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=EB316FBA-02A1-4E32-8CD3-658F9D5B4859,McConnell Comments on the Passing of Judge Tom Emberton,2022-10-20,2022,2022-10,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 Kentucky Court of Appeals Judge Tom Emberton of Edmonton, Kentucky: “Elaine and I are heartbroken to learn of the tragic passing of our good friend Judge Tom Emberton. Tom gave me one of my earliest experiences in the rough and tumble reality of political campaigning, hiring me to work on his 1971 gubernatorial campaign. He taught me valuable lessons on public service and running as a statewide Republican in Kentucky. Tom advocated for conservative values across our state and played a key role in organizing Kentucky Republicans at every level, paving the way for me and so many other conservatives to follow in his footsteps. “In 1987, in recognition of Tom’s distinguished career and outstanding service to the Commonwealth, a Democratic governor appointed him to the Kentucky Court of Appeals. He was re-elected to that position twice and also was elected by his peers to serve as Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals, a position he held until he retired in 2004. After retirement, he and Julia Lee continued to be active in the Metcalfe County community, and Tom received a number of well-deserved honors and awards. Tom was a model gentleman, a devoted husband, and a wonderful father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Our prayers are with Julia Lee, their children Laura and Tom Jr., their five grandchildren, and the entire Emberton family in this difficult time.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:34:28Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=B39F4777-D001-48F6-AEA3-3DBD63630F95,McConnell Applauds $480 Million Department of Energy Grant to Support Lithium-Ion Battery Production in Kentucky,2022-10-19,2022,2022-10,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) announced today the Department of Energy (DOE) will provide $480,582,200 to Ascend Elements, a lithium-ion battery materials manufacturer, to support their construction of a 470,000-square-foot battery recycling facility in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. DOE awarded this funding as part of the Battery Materials Processing and Battery Component Manufacturing & Recycling program, which awards competitive grants to domestic battery manufacturers in an effort to bring battery production supply chains to the United States. Currently, many of the lithium-ion batteries Americans use – including for electric vehicles, portable electronic devices, and power tools – are sourced from countries like China. Senator McConnell helped secure $7 billion for the Battery Materials Processing and Battery Component Manufacturing & Recycling grant program through the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. That bill passed Congress last year with the Senator’s support, and the President signed it into law last November. This project will create new jobs in Christian County, including temporary construction jobs during the build-out phase, permanent jobs once the facility is complete, and support jobs in the surrounding community. The company plans to open the facility in early 2024. “The bipartisan infrastructure bill I supported last year makes important investments in Kentucky’s transportation networks, broadband, and manufacturing capacity to help prepare our economy for the challenges of the 21st century. Today’s grant adds an additional $480 million to the billions Kentucky is already slated to receive from the bill and will help the Commonwealth secure its place as a manufacturing powerhouse. The national security benefits from this project – which will allow us to source important battery components domestically instead of from rival countries like China – only add to the significance of this grant for our country,” said Senator McConnell.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:34:28Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=7897411C-21D0-43E7-829E-77C941688F03,McConnell Comments on the Passing of Billie Rae Chaney,2022-10-17,2022,2022-10,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 Billie Rae Chaney of Fariston, Kentucky: “Elaine and I are mourning the loss of Billie Rae Chaney, one of our closest friends and strongest supporters in Southeastern Kentucky. Billie made her mark on the Commonwealth through her energetic advocacy for conservative values, becoming a fixture at Republican Party gatherings all across Kentucky and instantly recognizable in her signature red, white, and blue outfits. But Southeastern Kentucky – and especially her lifelong hometown of Fariston – were always at the center of her heart, and she helped improve her community through her work in local schools, her church, and alongside her late husband Glen in the business community. Elaine and I will miss Billie deeply and share our deepest sympathies with her daughters Kathy, Glenna, and Cindy, seven grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:34:28Z https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=1EE7DF49-2CE6-42A9-9870-03CB5C595BA8,Barr Delivers Federal Grant to Boost Madison County’s Economy Road Project,2022-10-13,2022,2022-10,Republican,House,KY,Andy Barr,B001282,barr.house.gov,barr,https://barr.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Richmond, KY— Today, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) delivered a major, $5 million federal grant for the Economy Road project in Madison County. Congressman Barr secured these funds during the last federal appropriations process. This project will construct a roadway that runs from Highway 52 to the Central Kentucky Regional Airport, improving traffic safety for Kentuckians traveling to the airport. Currently, drivers on Caleast Road must navigate a narrow road from the interstate to the airport. Economy Road will provide a safer method of transportation for the nearly 300 students attending aviation school at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), who regularly commute between EKU’s main campus and the airport where flight operations are headquartered. Located in an Opportunity Zone adjacent to I-75, Economy Road will also create a space for businesses to flourish, builders to develop much needed housing, and serve as a recruitment tool for industry looking to locate within a day’s drive of two-thirds of the U.S. population. “Enhancing traffic safety through the airport for students and Kentuckians traveling there while creating a building block for the community to attract new businesses and foster economic activity is a win-win,” said Congressman Barr. “I am pleased that our office was able to work with Judge Taylor, local, and community leaders to advocate for this project. I look forward to seeing the impact it will make in Madison County once it is completed.” “I couldn’t be more grateful to Congressman Barr and everyone who helped us to secure this Federal funding to make Madison County better,” said Madison County Judge Executive Reagan Taylor. “Infrastructure, public safety and economic development are all key components to a successful Madison County and this project will improve all of them. This is another great example of how we fight for projects and funding every day to make Madison County better. Economy Road is a strategic piece of progress for this county and a project of this magnitude will have a lasting impact on the citizens of Madison County.” “Economy Road will make a huge difference for safety and economic activity in our county, by improving access to the airport the city of Richmond will benefit. I appreciate Congressman Barr’s work in securing this grant award and I know the county will do a great job implementing this project,” said Robert Blythe, Mayor of the City of Richmond. “We were very happy to hear the announcement that federal funding is available for the construction of Economy Road. In partnership with the City of Richmond, Madison County Fiscal Court, and Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), we have made great progress in modernizing the infrastructure in and around the Central Kentucky Regional Airport,"" said Bruce Fraley, Mayor of the City of Berea. ""The construction of Economy Road is greatly needed, and helps solidify all of our efforts to modernize the airport. This will have a positive impact on the economy of our entire county as week as surrounding counties and will help our friends at EKU expand their Aviation program. I am very grateful for Congressman Barr’s extra effort to obtain funding for this important project.” “EKU is extremely thankful for the investment in Economy Road – a road that hundreds of our students travel every day of the year to complete their flight training in pursuit of their aviation degree,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “Aviation is one of our fastest growing degree programs. As we strive to help alleviate the pilot shortage, we anticipate continued enrollment growth in this field of study, putting more students on Economy Road. Thank you to Judge Taylor and Congressman Barr for championing this project.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:20:33Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=55CD7E4B-CE94-4239-8A3C-A0CA12653264,McConnell Statement on New Inflation Report,2022-10-13,2022,2022-10,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 today’s inflation report: “Democrats’ runaway inflation continues to crush working families with no relief in sight. “Democrats have produced staggering 13.5% inflation since January 2021. That was shortly before Sen. Schumer said ‘I do not think the dangers of inflation, at least in the near term, are very real’ and every Senate Democrat cast the tiebreaking vote for runaway reckless spending. “Grocery costs are up 18% since then. Gasoline is up 59%. Housing costs and utility bills are through the roof. Clothing, furniture, and cars have become unaffordable. Democrats have slashed families’ purchasing power and dramatically raised the price on every good and service that Americans need. “President Biden and his staff keep falsely promising that prices will come down, but their actions keep making things worse. In just the past few months, with inflation already raging, Democrats spent hundreds of billions of dollars more, raised taxes on the brink of a recession, and decided to make inflation even worse for blue-collar families in order to pay off graduate school debt for doctors and lawyers. “Families in Georgia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and New Hampshire are facing a Democrat Inflation Tax of more than $600 extra every month. In Nevada, Arizona, and Colorado it’s more than $800 a month. Just to cling onto the life they had before Democrats took power. The households that can’t afford it are falling behind. “Democrats have proven that as long as they have one-party control of Washington, they will keep running our economy into the ground. In 25 days, the American people will get the chance to make a change.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:34:28Z https://comer.house.gov/2022/10/icymi-comer-joins-fox-friends-discusses-federal-charges-facing-hunter-biden-and-congressional-investigation-into-the-biden-family-s-influence-peddling,"ICYMI: Comer Joins Fox & Friends, Discusses Federal Charges Facing Hunter Biden and Congressional Investigation into the Biden Family’s Influence Peddling",2022-10-07,2022,2022-10,Republican,House,KY,James Comer,C001108,comer.house.gov,comer,https://comer.house.gov/media,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE “These are small potatoes compared to all the problems that Hunter Biden has. There’s mounting evidence that Hunter Biden was peddling access to our adversaries all over the world. The reason we are investigating Hunter Biden is because we believe he is a national security threat. But we are also concerned that Hunter’s shady business dealings have compromised Joe Biden. There are countless examples where Joe Biden has changed the rules, including Congress’s access to suspicious activity reports, which are bank violations that both Hunter and Jim Biden have committed. President Biden has blocked Republican oversight at every corner,” said Ranking Member Comer. “This impending indictment is just a drop in the bucket. We are going to continue our investigation. We are concerned about the national security threats and influence peddling that not just Hunter Biden, but the Biden family, have been doing for over a decade. And the big question is: was Joe involved? And more evidence shows he was involved,” continued Ranking Member Comer.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:20:33Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=B614D9DE-C63B-4C97-9B6E-748DD81A4715,McConnell Statement on Senator Sasse,2022-10-06,2022,2022-10,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 Senator Ben Sasse (R-NE): “Senator Ben Sasse is a whip-smart and passionate leader. He has been a tremendous Senator, a dogged advocate for his fellow Nebraskans, and a valuable member of our Republican Conference. He is also a dedicated husband and father, a scholar, and a sought-after leader with interests and talents that span many fields. The University of Florida is a huge and important institution that would be lucky to have Ben at its helm. I am one of ninety-nine Senators who would be sorry to lose Ben as a colleague, but I trust my friend to pursue continued public service in the way that he deems best.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:34:28Z https://comer.house.gov/2022/10/omer-thompson-lead-letter-to-gao-regarding-foreign-investments-in-u-s-farmland,Comer & Thompson Lead Letter to GAO Regarding Foreign Investments in U.S. Farmland,2022-10-05,2022,2022-10,Republican,House,KY,James Comer,C001108,comer.house.gov,comer,https://comer.house.gov/media,scraper,"WASHINGTON — This weekend, Republican Leader of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, James Comer, and Republican Leader of the House Committee on Agriculture, Glenn “GT” Thompson, were joined by 128 of their Conference colleagues in sending a letter to Comptroller General Gene Dodaro of the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). The letter requests a study regarding foreign investment in U.S. farmland and its impact on national security, trade, and food security. “China’s ownership of U.S. farmland is a threat to our food security and national security. An affordable, reliable food supply is critical to our nation’s well-being and prosperity and we must ensure America maintains control of our nation’s resources,” said Rep. Comer. “We are calling on the Government Accountability Office to report on the scope of this threat to our food supply to inform Congress how we can best protect the security of the American people. Americans need transparency about the federal government’s efforts to address this growing problem.” “Foreign ownership and investment in U.S. agricultural land has nearly doubled in the past decade. This growing trend has elevated concerns regarding national security in a time of uncertainty that is already compounded by challenges to our supply chain infrastructure, high input costs for farmers, and geopolitical pressures,” said Rep. Thompson. “It is critical for Congress to have a thorough understanding of foreign investment in our nation’s agricultural land.” Click here to read the letter.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:20:33Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=5F1E9893-67B1-47DC-8842-E70F153AA841,McConnell Comments on the Passing of Former Powell County Judge-Executive Bill Patrick,2022-10-05,2022,2022-10,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 Powell County Judge-Executive Bill Patrick of Lexington, Kentucky: “Elaine and I are saddened to learn of the passing of our longtime friend, former Powell County Judge-Executive Bill Patrick. Bill and I became close during one of my earlier runs for statewide office when he helped lead a group of conservative Democrats in crossing party lines and supporting my candidacy. In this role and so many others, including as the Executive Director of the Kentucky County Attorneys Association, he never let party labels get in the way of doing what he thought was best for our Commonwealth and his fellow Kentuckians. My prayers are with his wife, Tina, and the entire Patrick family as they grieve this loss.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:34:28Z