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://tsongas.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1091,Tsongas Reacts to Obama's Statement Ordering Review of Military's Response to Sexual Assault,2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MA,Niki Tsongas,T000465,tsongas.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Niki Tsongas released the following statement reacting to President Barack Obama’s announcement that he is giving military leaders one year to report on their progress in responding to the crime of military sexual assault.  The President has asked Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and General Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to report back to him by Dec. 1, 2014.  Yesterday, the U.S. Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2014 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which authorizes funding and sets policy for the Department of Defense. The House of Representatives approved the legislation last week, which will now head to the President’s desk for his signature. The bill contains numerous provisions coauthored by Massachusetts Third District Congresswoman Niki Tsongas, including historic changes to combat sexual assault in the military. These changes are the result of bipartisan, bicameral efforts by Congresswoman Tsongas (D-MA), Congressman Mike Turner (R-OH), Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO), and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME). Tsongas is the only Massachusetts member of the House Armed Services Committee, serving as the top Democrat on the Subcommittee for Oversight and Investigations. She is also the co-chair of the Military Sexual Assault Prevention Caucus, along with Rep. Turner. Statement released by Congresswoman Niki Tsongas: “I appreciate President Obama's leadership to address this deeply disturbing crisis and eradicate this crime from the ranks of our armed services.  I also agree with the President that if substantial progress is not made, we must consider whatever it takes to protect those serving on our behalf.  It will take continued cooperation and a forceful and comprehensive effort on the part of Congress, the White House and every branch of the military – from the top, down – to eliminate these horrific crimes.  “The provisions included in the FY14 NDAA that was approved by the United States Senate last night offer considerable momentum toward changing the deep-rooted and flawed culture that has allowed sexual assault crimes to pervade our armed forces for far too long. “This legislation takes significant steps towards combating military sexual assault, making historic changes to commander authority by removing the ability to overturn a jury verdict. It mandates a dishonorable discharge for those convicted of sexual assault; ensures that every victim of military sexual assault gets an attorney; and it extends vital support services to members of the Coast Guard. “This NDAA is necessary to support survivors and ensure the Pentagon continues important sexual assault prevention measures, such as the successful Special Victims Counsel program. “I believe these significant changes are important, but our work is not done. This is a multifaceted challenge and we will continue to pursue meaningful and substantial reform aimed at eliminating sexual assault in the military.  It is incumbent upon Congress and the White House to get this right, for the safety of our men and women in uniform and for the sake of national security.  I look forward to having the White House as a continued partner.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=306,Senator Warren Applauds Nomination of Judge Leo T. Sorokin to U.S. District Court [press_release],2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MA,Elizabeth Warren,W000817,www.warren.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BOSTON - President Obama has announced that he has nominated Chief Magistrate Judge Leo T. Sorokin to serve on the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. Sorokin was recommended to Senator Elizabeth Warren as a top candidate to fill a federal judicial vacancy in Boston by the Advisory Committee on Massachusetts Judicial Nominations. ""I was very pleased to recommend Chief Magistrate Judge Leo T. Sorokin to the President for nomination to a District Court vacancy in Boston,"" Warren said. ""His years of experience as a Magistrate Judge with the U.S. District Court and his long service as a public defender will improve the professional diversity of our courts. He is highly qualified to serve on the federal bench, and will be an outstanding District Court judge."" Sorokin has served for more than eight years as a United States Magistrate Judge for the District of Massachusetts, and is currently the Chief Magistrate Judge for the District of Massachusetts. He has previously worked as a public defender and as a public and private attorney.  Earlier this year, Senator Elizabeth Warren announced the appointment of an Advisory Committee on Massachusetts judicial nominations to solicit, interview, and comment on applications for federal District Court vacancies in Springfield and Boston. The Committee is comprised of distinguished members of the Massachusetts legal community, including prominent academics and litigators, and is chaired by former District Court Judge Nancy Gertner. The Committee reviewed applications, interviewed candidates, and recommended Judge Sorokin to fill a vacancy on the District Court in Boston.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=307,Senator Warren and Senator Markey Re-Convene the Advisory Committee on Massachusetts Judicial Nominations to Consider Boston Vacancies [press_release],2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MA,Elizabeth Warren,W000817,www.warren.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC - United States Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward J. Markey today announced that the Advisory Committee on Massachusetts Judicial Nominations will re-convene to consider applications for federal judicial vacancies in Boston, Massachusetts. Candidates interested in applying for a U.S. District Court nomination must submit their applications to the Advisory Committee by Friday, January 31st. Earlier this year, Senator Elizabeth Warren announced the appointment of the Advisory Committee to solicit, interview, and comment on applications for federal District Court vacancies. The Advisory Committee is comprised of distinguished members of the Massachusetts legal community, including prominent academics and litigators, and is chaired by former District Court Judge Nancy Gertner. Applications for Boston vacancies are reviewed by Massachusetts attorneys Pamela Berman, Jack Corrigan, Marianne LeBlanc, Willard P. Ogburn, and Walter Prince. In addition to these individuals, and Judge Gertner, Dean Camille Nelson of Suffolk University Law School, Professor Mary Sarah Bilder of Boston College Law School, Professor Andrew Kaufman of Harvard Law School, and attorney Mike Mone representing the Massachusetts Bar Association will review all applications. Interested candidates may access an application here, and questions may be directed to Judge Gertner at GertnerCommittee@gmail.com. Applications must be completed and received by January 31st, 2014. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://capuano.house.gov/news/2013/st121913.shtml,Sudan and South Sudan Caucus Statement on Escalating Violence,2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MA,Michael Capuano,C001037,capuano.house.gov,,,legacy,"Home > News and Multimedia > Press Items [Arrange by Date | Arrange by Topic] Print Version in New Window 11,853 subscribers Print Version-Sudan and South Sudan Caucus Statement on Escalating Violence STATEMENT Sudan and South Sudan Caucus Statement on Escalating Violence WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Michael McCaul (R-TX), Frank Wolf (R-VA), Michael Capuano (D-MA) and Barbara Lee (D-CA), Co-Chairs of the House Sudan and South Sudan Caucus, released the following statement about the recent violence in South Sudan: Caucus Co-Chairs: “As the co-chairs of the Sudan and South Sudan Caucus, we urge all leaders in South Sudan to show restraint and put an immediate end to the tragic violence in Juba and elsewhere in the country. We are deeply concerned about the violence and killings that have spread across Juba over the past few days, as well as the internal displacement caused by the unrest. We call upon President Kiir and his government to allow unfettered distribution of vital humanitarian assistance. We urge all who have resorted to force to rededicate themselves to the democratic ideals which South Sudan has long strived toward, including the freedoms of assembly and association, as well as respect for other basic human rights.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kennedy.house.gov/media/press-releases/kennedy-peters-push-epa-on-regulatory-costs-for-local-communities,"KENNEDY, PETERS PUSH EPA ON REGULATORY COSTS FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIES",2013-12-18,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MA,Joseph Kennedy,K000379,kennedy.house.gov,,,legacy,"Price Tag of Compliance in Massachusetts and California Reaching Hundreds of Millions of Dollars Newton, MA – Congressman Joe Kennedy (D-MA) and Congressman Scott Peters (D-CA) sent a letter today to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy asking for details regarding the agency’s plan to help local municipalities afford the cost of compliance with environmental regulations. The letter follows up on an exchange between Congressman Kennedy and Administrator McCarthy at a hearing before the House Science, Space & Technology Committee in November. During the hearing, the Congressman pointed to examples in his district of communities that want to comply with environmental standards but do not have the funds necessary to afford the required upgrades. “To date the EPA has made tremendous progress in attacking lingering pollution and contamination issues in local municipalities that, left unchecked, would have dire long-term health and safety consequences, not to mention financial ones. Policies surrounding the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act are vitally important, and our districts and communities are working hard to comply with them. In conversations with local leaders and community members back home, it is clear our cities and towns understand how essential these policies are and want to comply with them,” wrote Congressmen Kennedy and Peters. They continued: “Unfortunately, compliance often comes at a significant cost, which municipalities across the country are struggling to address as they navigate a sluggish economy and significant loss of state and federal dollars.”   According to the letter, the Town of Milford, Massachusetts is facing $100,000 per year in additional spending to meet new regulations for stormwater management. Milford has also been included in a new pilot program to reduce phosphorous runoff in the Charles River, but the price tag on that is nearly $111 million up front, and 55 percent would be borne by the town and the rest by local businesses. The surrounding towns of Franklin and Bellingham are both on the hook for $75 million and $35 million, respectively, through the same pilot program. Further south in the Commonwealth, the City of Fall River is estimated to have spent nearly $200 million in federally-mandated sewage updates over the past decade and continues to face $8 million in debt payments on the project each year.   In California, the recently approved Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit for the San Diego area is estimated to cost the regional copermittees an additional $2.8 to $5.1 billion in water quality improvement efforts. This cost is on top of the $120 million in annual permit compliance costs. While the EPA is exploring options to assist municipalities through integrated planning that address both wastewater and stormwater obligations under the Clean Water Act, unlike many municipalities, it is difficult to apply in Southern California where stormwater conveyance systems are separate and independent of wastewater collection systems. To see Congressman Kennedy’s original exchange with Administrator McCarthy click here. # # # For Immediate Release:                               December 18, 2013 Contact:                                                  Emily Browne                                                               (617) 332-3333 Follow Congressman Kennedy on Facebook and Twitter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=303,"Senators Warren, Crapo, Wyden Urge DOE to Study Cost Savings of Energy Efficiency Technology [press_release]",2013-12-17,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MA,Elizabeth Warren,W000817,www.warren.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – United States Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources, today sent a bipartisan letter to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) urging the agency to study the cost-savings of energy efficiency technologies in an effort to increase public and private use of these technologies. Senators Warren and Crapo previously introduced an amendment calling for the DOE to conduct this study during the Senate’s consideration of S. 1392, the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act.     “Growing numbers of manufacturers and building owners realize that when they invest in operational energy efficiency tools, they can do something good not only for the environment but also for the bottom line,” the senators wrote in the letter. “Operational energy efficiency tools help protect the environment, save companies’ and taxpayer money and create new jobs.”   The senators urged the DOE to begin this study while S. 1392 awaits further action in the Senate.   The senators noted that a DOE study could “significantly advance the adoption of operational energy efficiency tools, and give industry the analysis it needs to embrace these technologies and services that reduce energy costs and benefit the environment.”   Full text of the lawmakers’ letter to DOE is available here.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=305,Senator Warren Introduces Legislation to Prohibit Employers from Requiring Credit Report Disclosure [press_release],2013-12-17,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MA,Elizabeth Warren,W000817,www.warren.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Fact Sheet is Available Here Text of the Legislation is Available Here Washington, DC - United States Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) today introduced the Equal Employment for All Act with Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.). The legislation would prohibit employers from requiring potential employees to disclose their credit history as part of the job application process. It was previously thought that credit history may provide insight into an individual's character, but research has shown that an individual's credit rating has little to no correlation with his or her ability to be successful in the workplace.  ""A bad credit rating is far more often the result of unexpected medical costs, unemployment, economic downturns, or other bad breaks than it is a reflection on an individual's character or abilities,"" Senator Warren said.  ""Families have not fully recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, and too many Americans are still searching for jobs. This is about basic fairness -- let people compete on the merits, not on whether they already have enough money to pay all their bills."" A study from the Federal Trade Commission earlier this year suggested that errors in credit reports are common and, in many cases, have been difficult to correct.  ""It makes no sense to make it harder for people to get jobs because of a system of credit reporting that has no correlation with job performance and that can be riddled with inaccuracies,"" Warren said. The Equal Employment for All Act has been endorsed by more than 40 organizations, including 9to5, AFGE Women's and Fair Practices Departments, American Association for Affirmative Action (AAAA), American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Relations (AFL-CIO), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Americans for Financial Reform, Asian American Justice Center, Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, Black Women's Roundtable, Campaign for Community Change, Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race & Justice, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Consumer Action, Dēmos, Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF), Disability Rights Legal Center, Job Opportunities Task Force, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Legal Action Center, MFY Legal Services, NAACP, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, National Association of Consumer Advocates, National Black Justice Coalition, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, National Consumer Law Center (on behalf of its low-income clients), National Council of La Raza, National Council on Independent Living, National Employment Law Project, National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA), National Fair Housing Alliance, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund, National Network to End Domestic Violence, National Organization for Women, National Partnership for Women and Families, National Women's Law Center, National Workrights Institute, Neighborhood Economic Development Advocacy Project (NEDAP), New York Legal Assistance Group, PolicyLink, Poverty and Race Research Action Council, Public Citizen, Public Justice Center, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and U.S. PIRG. Senator Warren's bill is based on H.R. 645, which was introduced by Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) in 2011. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=304,Senator Warren Honors Mayor Menino in Floor Speech [press_release],2013-12-16,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MA,Elizabeth Warren,W000817,www.warren.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Video of Senator Warren’s Remarks Available Here   Full Text of the Remarks as Prepared for Delivery Available Here   WASHINGTON, DC – In remarks on the floor of the United States Senate today, Senator Elizabeth Warren thanked Boston Mayor Thomas Menino for his 20 years of tireless service to the people of Boston.   “For twenty years, Mayor Menino has made Boston into a city that all eyes can see is a model for the country and for the world,” said Senator Warren. “And he has succeeded because he knew all along that our fortunes depend on our work together – as one people, as one community, as one Boston.   “On behalf of a grateful people, Mayor Tom Menino, we thank you for your hard work, for your service, and most of all, for your dedication to making Boston a better place.”   Video of Senator Warren’s remarks is available here, and the full text of her remarks as prepared for delivery is available here.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://tsongas.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1089,House passes defense bill including numerous Tsongas provisions,2013-12-13,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MA,Niki Tsongas,T000465,tsongas.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC– December 12, 2013 – Today the House of Representatives approved the Fiscal Year 2014 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which authorizes funding and sets policy for the Department of Defense. The bill contains numerous provisions authored by Massachusetts Third District Congresswoman Niki Tsongas, including significant language to support the mission of local military facilities and historic changes to combat sexual assault in the military. She also authored important provisions that would further the research on lightweight body armor.  The Senate is expected to consider the FY2014 NDAA next week. Tsongas is the only Massachusetts member of the House Armed Services Committee, serving as the top Democrat on the Subcommittee for Oversight and Investigations. She is also the co-chair of the Military Sexual Assault Prevention Caucus, along with Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio). Congresswoman Tsongas released the following statement: “Congress has come together every year for half a century to pass the NDAA and support our men and women in uniform. With numerous critical provisions and protections included in this legislation, this year cannot be any different. “At its core, the FY14 NDAA takes significant steps to protect and support American servicemembers, American businesses and America’s national security. I worked across the aisle to author numerous sections of this bill that will ultimately give the men and women of our armed forces state-of-the-art resources for their increased safety and success, as well as support the innovative businesses and military bases, many right here in Massachusetts, that develop them. “In Massachusetts we bring together a unique combination of military, academic, industrial and business resources to form a leading defense innovation hub - this remarkable synergy positions our communities for economic growth and strongly supports the brave men and women of the United States military. Supporting the continued growth and preservation – in mission, infrastructure and personnel – of our installations benefits the region and the military as a whole. “I authored several provisions that highlight the innovative work being done at Natick Soldier Systems Center and Hanscom Air Force Base. For example, a provision I authored allows for installations such as Natick to focus on updating and maintaining the infrastructure that allows them to continue their cutting-edge research and development. “In regard to the disturbing prevalence of sexual assault in the military, I have worked closely with Rep. Turner and other colleagues to develop unprecedented requirements in the FY14 NDAA that demand more of our military commanders and increase and expand support for survivors. Our changes offer considerable momentum toward changing the deep-rooted and flawed culture that has allowed these crimes to pervade our armed forces for far too long. Our work is not done. This is a multifaceted challenge and we will continue to pursue meaningful and substantial reform aimed at eradicating sexual assault in the military. “As with all bills of this size, there were pieces that I was not happy with. I oppose the continued funding for Guantanamo Bay and support measures to close the detention facility. “By not passing an NDAA, we would deny needed resources to servicemembers, as well as impact incentives for those serving in some of the most dangerous circumstances around the globe. That is not the way to serve those who so selflessly serve their country. I want to thank Chairman McKeon and Ranking Member Smith for their commitment to getting an NDAA done and I urge our Senate colleagues to take up and pass this legislation as soon as possible.” The following is a list of Tsongas-authored provisions included in the FY14 NDAA.   Massachusetts military installations / businesses Congresswoman Tsongas authored several provisions that support Massachusetts’ military installations, including Natick Soldier Systems Center and Hanscom Air Force Base, and support local businesses. As the only member of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation on the Armed Services Committee, Tsongas has been a staunch supporter of the state’s military bases, working to foster and promote their exceptional innovation potential and the area’s surplus of defense-related academic and business resources. In past years, Tsongas authored language signed into law that provided critical congressional support to help ensure the retention of the military’s mission at Hanscom Air Force Base and Lincoln Labs. Tsongas’ FY14 NDAA language: ·         Secures $36 million for construction of an education facility at Hanscom Air Force Base; ·         Secures $19 million to fully fund new barracks at Camp Edwards. Authorizes certain military research and development installations, such as Natick Soldier Systems Center, to put more of their operating funding towards small, commander-initiated construction projects, giving more autonomy and focused resource development at a time when regular military construction funding is scarce. Reiterates that the reorganization of the Air Force Materiel Command must adhere to existing laws regarding Congressional notification, while requiring the Secretary of the Air Force to provide quarterly reports on how the reorganization is impacting Hanscom Air Force Base’s mission; ·         Requires the Secretary of Defense to brief the Armed Services Committee on IT-specific acquisitions processes, such as those utilized at Hanscom Air Force Base. ·         Language urging the continued, long-term development of innovative Hanscom Air Force Base programs that are providing critical communications tools for our warfighters.   Military Sexual Assault Tsongas has been fighting on behalf of victims of military sexual trauma since she was first elected to Congress in 2007. She has partnered across the aisle with Congressman Mike Turner (R-Ohio) to author several pieces of legislation that have become law and put many new tools in the toolbox for the military to combat its scourge of sexual assault, give support to survivors, and help them seek justice. With Mr. Turner, she established the Military Sexual Assault Prevention Caucus and serves as its co-chair. They are the authors of the Defense STRONG Act, legislation passed into law in the FY12 NDAA that includes provisions to allow victims guaranteed access to legal assistance, enable expedited transfers for victims, maintain confidentiality when speaking with Victim Advocates, and provide greater training for sexual assault prevention at every level of the Armed Services.    Tsongas’ FY14 NDAA language continues to address military sexual assault and support survivors. ·         Removes a commander’s ability to change or dismiss a conviction by a jury, except in the case of minor offenses, and limits the commander’s ability to change a sentencing decision. ·         Reforms the Article 32 process (the military’s grand jury trial process) to limit its scope and prevent victims from being traumatized by irrelevant questions ·         Ensures that those who are convicted of sexual assault will absolutely be discharged or dismissed.  ·         Previous efforts by Congresswoman Tsongas and Congressman Turner put in place a mechanism to allow victims of sexual assault to request a transfer away from the location of their attacker and have that request considered on an expedited basis. The NDAA now calls upon commanders to consider transferring the perpetrator if the victim prefers to remain with his / her unit. ·         The bill also eliminates the five-year statute of limitations on trial by Court-Martial for sexual assault and sexual assault of a child, and expands the legal assistance services available to military sexual assault victims. ·         Ensures that a victim’s voice will be heard in clemency proceedings after the accused has been convicted. ·         Allows survivors of sexual assault and other victims to have an attorney or victim advocate present when they’re interviewed by defense counsel. ·         Ensures that victims of sexual assault in the U.S. Coast Guard are granted the right to request a transfer away from the geographic location of their alleged assailant and have that transfer considered on an expedited basis.   Body Armor Congresswoman Tsongas has worked for several years to improve the body armor worn by servicemembers. In last year’s NDAA, as a result of Tsongas’ work, the authorized funding levels for body armor research and development were more than tripled.  She also authored a provision directing the Department of Defense - for the first time ever - to develop body armor for women and to evaluate any available commercial options. Her language in this year’s NDAA builds upon her previous successes in order to continue to seek the most efficient and effective ways to reduce body armor weight and create gender specific armor, all while maintaining the required level of safety. Tsongas’ FY14 NDAA language: ·         Requires the Secretary of Defense to submit a comprehensive research and development (R&D) strategy for achieving significant weight reductions (20% or more) for both hard and soft body armor to the congressional defense committees, including an assessment of new materials which are currently being evaluated; ·         Requires the Government Accountability Office to perform a study on acquisition practices pertaining to lightweight body armor, which will prioritize reducing the weight of body armor in the contracting process; ·         Reiterates the requirement for the DoD Comptroller to establish procurement line items for body armor and other personal protective equipment (helmets, tactical goggles etc.) in order to improve oversight of the acquisitions process; ·         Secures robust funding for body armor research, development, testing and evaluation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221005018/http://keating.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=251:flood-map-delay-needed-ma-delegation-challenges-fema-s-methodology&catid=14&Itemid=13,Flood Map Delay Needed: MA Delegation Challenges FEMA's Methodology,2013-12-13,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MA,Bill Keating,K000375,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, December 13, 2013 FLOOD MAP DELAY NEEDED: MA DELEGATION CHALLENGES FEMAS METHODOLOGY Washington, DC Today, members of the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation, led by Congressman Bill Keating, sent a letter to Craig Fugate, Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requesting a delay in the implementation of the Commonwealths new flood maps until they are amended to appropriately reflect the geographic region. Residents up and down the coast of Massachusetts have seen marked increases in their rates and many residents formerly not mapped into a flood zone have since been included. In response, Congressman Keating, a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, requested an independent review of the maps by a scientist and engineer affiliated with UMass Dartmouths School of Marine Science and Technology and Applied Coastal Research and Engineering, respectively. The review was conducted by Dr. Brian Howes and Mr. John Ramsey and specifically used the Town of Marshfield as a test case. Their findings, detailed in a White Paper, indicated that FEMA applied an inappropriate methodology for our region when establishing the new flood zone maps. The methodology employed used the Pacific Coast model, which does not truly reflect flooding found on the Atlantic Coastline in New England. Flooding on the Pacific Coastline originates from the continuous nature of the waves. On the other hand, flooding on the Atlantic Coast is most often the result of storms and surges. Many residents and businesses are facing thousands of dollars in flood insurance premiums when the Commonwealths new maps are not even tailored to our area, said Congressman Keating. While my colleagues and I have been addressing the issue of affordability for months, this is the first time we have scientific evidence that the entire state is being subjected to maps designed for the opposite coast. The only thing to do is delay implementation. FEMA needs to reevaluate our maps in light of this new information. Families purchase flood insurance to prevent the loss of their homes, but now many families fear that the price of flood insurance could be just as devastating as any storm, said Senator Elizabeth Warren. You cant protect someones home by pricing them out of it, yet thats exactly whats taking place around the country. We need to give the government the time it needs to make sure that FEMAs new maps are accurate, reliable and reflect the best available scientific data, and we need to make sure that hardworking families who play by the rules can afford these policies. It is fundamental to community safety and insurance fairness to have accurate flood maps, said Senator Ed Markey. FEMA should not finalize maps based on faulty science. These flood maps have huge economic repercussions for Massachusetts communities, so they must be accurate. Following the recent redrawing of flood maps, thousands of local homeowners and businesses have been understandably concerned when they learned their flood insurance costs would be rising. While we were aware of clear shortfalls of the new maps, the recent review conducted by UMass Dartmouth has uncovered more evidence to call them into question. I join Rep. Keating and my other Massachusetts colleagues in continuing to push for a delay of these unreasonable premium rates until we can address the scientific and affordability concerns that have arisen from the new flood maps, said Congressman John Tierney. I have attended community meetings and rallies in my district where a chorus of affected homeowners have asserted that FEMAs flood maps are inaccurate and draw far too many people into flood zones, said Congressman Stephen F. Lynch. Now, we have scientific proof that these homeowners are right. I join my colleagues in calling on FEMA to halt their flood mapping process until Massachusetts homeowners can trust that FEMAs flood maps are accurate. There is too much at stake to allow these inaccurate maps to go forward. As a member of the Natural Resources Committee, and with several major rivers and waterways crisscrossing the Third District, I have long been an advocate for not only preserving these natural resources but also supporting those who live and work around them. I have heard from concerned residents in the region and I urge action to help maintain affordable flood insurance, said Congresswoman Niki Tsongas. Our Commonwealth has seen a dramatic jump in flood insurance premiums at a time when residents and businesses are already struggling to make ends meet, said Congressman Joseph Kennedy. It is our hope FEMA will consider the information contained in this new report and work with us to ensure Massachusetts has flood maps that are both fair and accurate. Below is the text of the delegations letter. December 13, 2013 The Honorable W. Craig Fugate Federal Emergency Management Agency 500 C Street, SW Washington, D.C. 20472 Dear Administrator Fugate: In an effort to continue our advocacy on behalf of the many residents that have been living in our coastal communities for generations, we request your immediate assistance in addressing concerns over the Federal Emergency Management Agencys (FEMA) new flood maps for Massachusetts. Though the Biggert-Waters National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 (Biggert-Waters) aimed to improve the actuarial soundness of the National Flood Insurance Program and introduce important reforms, significant unintended consequences have arisen throughout implementation. Having heard from numerous homeowners that have seen their premiums rise dramatically due to change in flood zone determination, we have grave concerns that absent reconsideration of FEMAs flood zone maps for Massachusetts, many homeowners and business owners are potentially facing unfair and unaffordable rate increases. It has come to our attention that the new flood maps being enlisted to predict coastal flood levels for Massachusetts were implemented using a potentially inaccurate methodology for our region. Unfortunately, these new maps serve as a directive for much more expensive flood insurance rates for many residents and business owners. The attached supporting documents, from an independent review by scientists and engineers from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth School for Marine Science and Technology and Applied Coastal Research and Engineering, Inc., indicate that the broad application of the methodology used by FEMA in determining the development of the 2013 flood maps appears to have been inappropriate for our geography. Specifically, FEMA used a model called Direct Integration Method (DIM) to determine wave setup, a phenomenon where water levels along a coastline are elevated due to breaking waves pushing water against the shore. It is our understanding that this model was created to meet specific needs of the Pacific Coast, including very long wave periods, and where storm surge is not significant. On the East Coast, storm surges tend to govern storm damage and the shorter wave periods do not generate wave setup similar to the Pacific Coast. According to the independent review, the effect of using a simplified wave setup methodology, rather than more sophisticated (physics-based) tools to predict the level of flooding, yields overly conservative results, unnecessarily adding more families to the flood maps. Using potentially incorrect technology or data, FEMA has encumbered residents and business owners with faulty insurance premiums that can reach as high as $18,000 to $50,000 in some parts of the Commonwealth. Given the significance of this economic impact on families and businesses it is imperative that FEMA work swiftly to address these concerns. In light of the new evidence regarding the incorrect methodology, we ask that FEMA work closely with us to take a number of steps: 1. We ask that you work with us on a remedy to amend the Commonwealth's flood maps utilizing the correct methodology for our geographic region. 2. We ask that you put in place a complete suspension of the new flood maps until a decision is made to amend them. 3. We also ask that you notify us in writing by (February 1, 2014) of FEMA's proposed plan, including a draft timeline, to rectify flood maps for the Commonwealth. We hope that your office will keep our staff regularly apprised of the agency's progress in this regard. Simply put, we must get the maps right. The economic livelihood of the people of Massachusetts depends on it. Thank you for your prompt attention to this important issue. Sincerely, William R. Keating, Member of Congress Elizabeth Warren, United States Senator Edward J. Markey, United States Senator Richard E. Neal, Member of Congress James P. McGovern, Member of Congress John F. Tierney, Member of Congress Michael E. Capuano, Member of Congress Stephen F. Lynch, Member of Congress Niki Tsongas, Member of Congress Joseph P. Kennedy III, Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kennedy.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kennedy-statement-on-bipartisan-budget-deal,CONGRESSMAN KENNEDY STATEMENT ON BIPARTISAN BUDGET DEAL,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MA,Joseph Kennedy,K000379,kennedy.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Congressman Joe Kennedy released the following statement tonight after voting in favor of the bipartisan budget deal.   ""Tonight's budget agreement is far from perfect. Congress must act immediately to do what this bill failed to – extend unemployment insurance for the hundreds of thousands of out-of-work Americans trying to keep their families afloat this holiday season. But in a time when political brinkmanship has cost our economy dearly, this bill is a small step towards a more thoughtful, bipartisan debate.""   # # #   For Immediate Release:                               December 12, 2013 Contact:                                                  Emily Browne                                                               (617) 332-3333 Follow Congressman Kennedy on Facebook and Twitter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kennedy.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kennedy-testifies-on-bipartisan-manufacturing-bill,CONGRESSMAN KENNEDY TESTIFIES ON BIPARTISAN MANUFACTURING BILL,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MA,Joseph Kennedy,K000379,kennedy.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Congressman Joe Kennedy testified today before a subcommittee of the House Committee on Science, Space & Technology in support of the bipartisan Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act of 2013 (RAMI), a bill he introduced earlier this year with Congressman Tom Reed (R-NY). RAMI would create a network of regional manufacturing institutes to power economic growth, job creation and innovation across the country.   To date, the legislation has secured support from key manufacturing industry groups as well as House members on both sides of the aisle.   “Across the country, innovation industries are transforming the American economy and giving our once-fading manufacturing industry new legs in industries like advanced manufacturing, life sciences, information technology and defense,” said Congressman Kennedy in his testimony. “The Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act focuses on building – as MIT puts it – ‘industrial ecosystems’ that bring together businesses, educators, and innovators under one roof to pursue manufacturing processes relevant to the local economy.”   RAMI would direct the Secretary of Commerce to support the establishment of Centers for Manufacturing Innovation across the country dedicated to improving U.S. competitiveness in manufacturing, increasing domestic production and accelerating the development of an advanced manufacturing workforce. Each center will be a public-private partnership between industry, academia, and other relevant entities.  They will be required to focus on a specific and unique manufacturing process, technology, or methodology. The network would be funded by a one-time, $600 million investment in the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). It would require support from non-government resources and would prohibit federal financial assistance for any center beyond a seven-year period. Proposals will be selected for participation and funding through a competitive, merit review process run by the Secretary and NIST. The technological focus for each center will be driven by input from industry, government, and interested parties. Funding for RAMI has been included in President Obama’s FY13 and FY14 budget. In 2012 the Administration announced an award via the Department of Defense (DOD) to fund a pilot institute in Youngstown, Ohio focused on additive manufacturing, which is successfully running to this day.  The Department of Energy and DOD have also solicited proposals for three additional institutes based on the success of the first, which would be incorporated into the network upon successful passage of RAMI.     Today marked the second bill of Congressman Kennedy’s brought before a House committee this year. Last month, Congressman Kennedy testified before the House Committee on Natural Resources in support of H.R. 915, the Peace Corps Commemoration Act, which passed the Committee by unanimous consent. On Tuesday, he also introduced H.R. 3690, the STEM Gateways Act, with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). Watch the Congressman’s Remarks Here   # # #   For Immediate Release:                               December 12, 2013 Contact:                                                  Emily Browne                                                               (617) 332-3333 Follow Congressman Kennedy on Facebook and Twitter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://neal.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=357:congressman-richard-neal-speaks-on-the-bipartisan-budget-act&catid=7:speeches-remarks-a-op-eds&Itemid=8,Congressman Richard Neal Speaks on the Bipartisan Budget Act,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MA,Richard Neal,N000015,neal.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.-- House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) and Ranking Member Richard Neal (D-MA) today announced a bipartisan agreement relating to Medicare “extenders,” policies that expire unless Congress acts. Congress last extended these policies in the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) in 2015.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://neal.house.gov/index.php?option=com_contentview=articleid=357:congressman-richard-neal-speaks-on-the-bipartisan-budget-actcatid=7:speeches-remarks-a-op-edsItemid=8,Congressman Richard Neal Speaks on the Bipartisan Budget Act,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MA,Richard Neal,N000015,neal.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.-- House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) and Ranking Member Richard Neal (D-MA) today announced a bipartisan agreement relating to Medicare “extenders,” policies that expire unless Congress acts. Congress last extended these policies in the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) in 2015.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://tsongas.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1090,"Tsongas, Turner provisions mark historic changes to combat military sexual assault",2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MA,Niki Tsongas,T000465,tsongas.house.gov,,,legacy,"*** JOINT PRESS RELEASE *** Contact: Michael Hartigan (Tsongas) – 202-225-3411 Preston Grisham (Turner) – 202-225-6465 WASHINGTON, DC– December 12, 2013 – Today, the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which authorizes funding and sets policy for the Department of Defense. The FY2014 NDAA contains numerous provisions authored by Representative Niki Tsongas (D-MA) and Representative Mike Turner (R-OH) that combat sexual assault in the military. The series of provisions reform a portion of the Uniform Code of Military Justice and dramatically increase and extend the services and protections provided to sexual assault survivors. The provisions originated in the BE SAFE Act and Coast Guard STRONG Act, legislation written by Rep. Tsongas and Rep. Turner. “Our changes offer considerable momentum toward changing the deep-rooted and flawed culture that has allowed these crimes to pervade our armed forces for far too long,” said Representative Tsongas. “The NDAA takes significant steps towards combating military sexual assault, making historic changes to commander authority by removing the ability to overturn a jury verdict. It mandates a dishonorable discharge for those convicted of sexual assault and ensures that every victim of military sexual assault gets an attorney. This NDAA is necessary to support survivors and ensure the Pentagon continues important sexual assault prevention measures, such as the successful Special Victims Counsel program. I want to thank Chairman McKeon and Ranking Member Smith for their commitment to getting an NDAA done; and Rep. Turner for his partnership and dedication on behalf of our servicemembers. Our work is not done. This is a multifaceted challenge and we will continue to pursue meaningful and substantial reform aimed at eradicating sexual assault in the military."" “This year’s NDAA reflects a substantial bipartisan effort to address the pervasive issue of sexual assault within our military. The legislative initiatives in this bill are unprecedented and represent the most powerful steps made to date toward the eradication of sexual assault in the military,” said Representative Turner. “I was very happy to work with Rep. Tsongas, as we drafted language that would provide military leaders the necessary tools to ensure that our victims receive proper care, perpetrators are brought to justice and commanders are held accountable for what goes on within their units. This bill enhances the rights of victims, strengthens military whistleblowers protection laws, increases training and improves the way in which the services respond to a report of sexual assault.” Rep. Tsongas and Rep. Turner are co-chairs of the Military Sexual Assault Prevention Caucus and previously co-authored the STRONG Act and were successful in getting many of its provisions passed through the 2011 and 2012 NDAAs. Rep. Turner is the Chairman of the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee. Rep. Tsongas is the Ranking Member on the Oversight and Investigations subcommittee.   Details of sexual assault provisions included in the FY2014 NDAA, authored by Rep. Tsongas and Rep. Turner: Removes a commander’s ability to change or dismiss a conviction by a jury, except in the case of minor offenses, and limits the commander’s ability to change a sentencing decision. Reforms the Article 32 process (the military’s grand jury trial process) to limit its scope and prevent victims from being traumatized by irrelevant questions Ensures that those who are convicted of sexual assault will absolutely be discharged or dismissed.  Previous efforts by Congresswoman Tsongas and Congressman Turner put in place a mechanism to allow victims of sexual assault to request a transfer away from the location of their attacker and have that request considered on an expedited basis. The BE SAFE Act now calls upon commanders to consider transferring the perpetrator if the victim prefers to remain with his / her unit. The bill also eliminates the five-year statute of limitations on trial by Court-Martial for sexual assault and sexual assault of a child, and expands the legal assistance services available to military sexual assault victims. Ensures that a victim’s voice will be heard in clemency proceedings after the accused has been convicted. Allows survivors of sexual assault and other victims to have an attorney or victim advocate present when they’re interviewed by defense counsel. Ensures that victims of sexual assault in the U.S. Coast Guard are granted the right to request a transfer away from the geographic location of their alleged assailant and have that transfer considered on an expedited basis.   ####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=300,Senator Warren Renews Call for Delay in Flood Maps Implementation [press_release],2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MA,Elizabeth Warren,W000817,www.warren.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Video of Senator Warren's Remarks is Available Here Senator Warren's Remarks as Prepared for Delivery Are Available Here  WASHINGTON, DC - United States Senator Elizabeth Warren spoke on the Senate floor on Wednesday to renew her call for a delay in the implementation of new Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood maps, and to urge her colleagues to immediately take up, debate, and vote to pass the Homeowner Flood Affordability Act.  Many homeowners in Massachusetts and across the country are facing unexpected and unaffordable rate hikes as a result of the new maps. ""Families purchase flood insurance to prevent the loss of their homes,"" said Senator Warren. ""But now many families fear that the price of flood insurance could be just as devastating as any storm...Congress changed the national flood program to move toward a more market-based system that more accurately reflects the true costs and risks of flood damage. This is a well-intentioned bill, but unfortunately homeowners are being blindsided by high rate increases and new flood zone maps."" ""The Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act that I have proudly cosponsored will provide relief to homeowners who built their homes to code and were later remapped into a higher risk area... Homeowners are facing flood insurance premium increases that can cost $500, $1,000, even more per month. Most hardworking families and seniors don't have that kind of extra money on hand to spend on flood insurance premiums they never knew they were going to need... I'm pleased to join colleagues on both sides of the aisle in this call for commonsense delay which will give FEMA time to get this right."" The Homeowner Flood Affordability Act will protect millions of homeowners from facing huge flood insurance premium rate hikes and require FEMA to complete an affordability study and propose real solutions to address affordability issues before any flood insurance premiums can be raised in the future. The bill includes a provision to compensate homeowners who successfully appeal their inclusion in new flood maps and are granted new elevation certificates, which Senator Warren advocated at a recent Banking Committee hearing with FEMA. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kennedy.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kennedy-announces-final-2013-office-hours-for-fall-river-and,CONGRESSMAN KENNEDY ANNOUNCES FINAL 2013 OFFICE HOURS FOR FALL RIVER AND TAUNTON,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MA,Joseph Kennedy,K000379,kennedy.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Congressman Joe Kennedy today announced the December schedule for his staff’s office hours in Fall River and Taunton. During office hours, one of the Congressman’s caseworkers will be available to speak with constituents. These are the last office hours Congressman Kennedy’s staff will hold in Taunton and Fall River during 2013.   For the month of December, Congressman Kennedy’s Fall River satellite office will be open from 10:30AM to 12:30PM on December 12 and 19. The satellite office is located in Room 318 at Fall River City Hall.   Taunton office hours will be held on December 17 from 11:30AM-1:00PM at the Department of Human Services/Taunton Council on Aging (30 Olney Street).   “Office hours in Fall River and Taunton have been a critical part of our constituent outreach this year,” said Congressman Kennedy. “By holding regular office hours in both cities we hope to provide Fall River, Taunton, and the surrounding communities with consistent access to the resources our office can provide.”   Congressman Kennedy’s local office hours are open to constituents across the 4th District. No appointment is necessary. For questions or additional information please call (617) 332-3333 or visit the Congressman’s website at https://kennedy.house.gov/.     # # #   For Immediate Release:                               December 11, 2013 Contact:                                                  Emily Browne                                                               (617) 332-3333 Follow Congressman Kennedy on Facebook and Twitter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kennedy.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kennedy-urges-ssa-to-expedite-former-nuclear-employee-claims,CONGRESSMAN KENNEDY URGES SSA TO EXPEDITE FORMER NUCLEAR EMPLOYEE CLAIMS,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MA,Joseph Kennedy,K000379,kennedy.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Continuing his efforts to help former employees of Attleboro-based Texas Instruments (TI) access critical health benefits, Congressman Joe Kennedy today wrote to the Social Security Administration (SSA) urging them to expedite the verification of employment records for former nuclear workers. Currently, claimants who worked at Texas Instruments have experienced difficulty completing their applications for the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program (EEOICP) by the Department of Labor’s 60-day deadline while they wait for SSA to locate their employment records.   “America’s former nuclear workers put their health at risk in service to their nation,” wrote Congressman Kennedy. “Today, we must repay their service by providing the benefits they have earned in a timely manner. Therefore, I respectfully request that the Social Security Administration develop an expedited process for locating employment history documentation for individuals applying to the EEOICP.”   At the beginning of this year, local news reports shed light on the alarmingly high rate of cancer amongst former employees of TI’s Attleboro plant, which took part in the country’s mid-century nuclear development. The reports highlighted the fact that not enough outreach had been done to ensure those impacted recognize that they may be eligible for benefits. In response to those reports, Congressman Kennedy questioned TI CEO Richard Templeton about their outreach efforts at a hearing for the House Committee on Science and Technology in February in Washington, DC. Since then, the Congressman has held a town hall on the issue attended by workers and their families, and worked with Texas Instruments, Department of Labor, and the Department of Energy to ensure outreach efforts are improved.   # # #   For Immediate Release:                               December 11, 2013 Contact:                                                  Emily Browne                                                               (617) 332-3333 Follow Congressman Kennedy on Facebook and Twitter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kennedy.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kennedy-statement-on-representative-elect-katherine-clark,CONGRESSMAN KENNEDY STATEMENT ON REPRESENTATIVE-ELECT KATHERINE CLARK,2013-12-10,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MA,Joseph Kennedy,K000379,kennedy.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Congressman Joe Kennedy released the following statement tonight after Katherine Clark was declared the winner of the special election for the 5th Congressional District of Massachusetts.   “As our country confronts pressing issues such as immigration reform, minimum wage, and gaps in public education, Representative-elect Katherine Clark will be a strong voice for the 5th District of Massachusetts in Washington and a welcome addition to our Congressional Delegation. Throughout her entire career of public service in our Commonwealth, she has worked diligently to listen to each of her constituents and address their needs and concerns. Congratulations to Representative-elect Clark, her family, and all of those who helped make her election possible.”   # # #   For Immediate Release:                               December 10, 2013 Contact:                                                  Emily Browne                                                               (617) 332-3333 Follow Congressman Kennedy on Facebook and Twitter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kennedy.house.gov/media/press-releases/senator-gillibrand-congressman-kennedy-introduce-new-legislation-to-promote,"SENATOR GILLIBRAND, CONGRESSMAN KENNEDY INTRODUCE NEW LEGISLATION TO PROMOTE STEM OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN, MINORITIES AND ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED",2013-12-10,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MA,Joseph Kennedy,K000379,kennedy.house.gov,,,legacy,"Bill Would Provide Grants For STEM Educational Opportunities In The Classroom And Through Hands-On Experiences   Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Congressman Joe Kennedy (D-MA) today introduced new legislation to encourage women, minorities and economically disadvantaged students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The STEM Gateways Act would provide grants for classroom learning, career preparation, mentoring, internships, informal learning and other appropriate educational activities.   “New York is home to the greatest colleges and universities, and the world’s most innovative minds,” said Senator Gillibrand. “But if we’re going to compete and win in the global economy, we must prepare our students with the education they need for the jobs of the future. That starts with getting more talented young women, minorities, and students in high-need communities into the STEM pipeline. We are relying on our children today to be the innovators of tomorrow. It’s our job to make sure they are prepared.”   “For too long our national STEM efforts have failed to effectively reach critical segments of the US population,” said Rep. Kennedy. “By underinvesting in educational opportunities for populations historically underrepresented in STEM fields, we aren’t just doing those individuals a disservice – we are leaving a tremendous amount of economic potential on the table. The STEM Gateways Act will help us close pervasive opportunity gaps and support the diverse and dynamic workforce that leadership in a global innovation economy requires.”   “As a former educator who represents Silicon Valley, I know firsthand that the STEM Gateways Act is a step in the right direction to ensure that each and every child receives an excellent education,” said Rep. Mike Honda (D-CA), an original co-sponsor of the bill.  “STEM training provides for a high-quality workforce and a well-informed public, and this critical legislation addresses the unique challenges that many women and minority populations face. Closing the opportunity gap will help ensure the future success of our nation.”   Minorities are drastically unrepresented in STEM fields, accounting for only three out of 10 professionals. Not only are the number of women and minorities in STEM fields low, but their numbers are decreasing. The number of engineering bachelor’s degrees awarded to African-American women has steadily declined since the late 1990s. Additionally, students from economically disadvantaged communities struggle to access STEM opportunities, with the vast majority of federal resources channeled into higher education institutions where these populations are significantly underrepresented.     The STEM Gateways Act would provide funding through the U.S. Department of Education to help schools implement rigorous STEM academics, with a focus on reaching underrepresented groups.   Selected elementary and secondary schools in partnership with community colleges, non-profits, and other partner organizations would be able to use federal funding to support STEM, classroom activities, extra-curricular and after-school learning, summer programs, student tutoring and mentoring, and professional development for educators.  Such focused efforts on expanding STEM opportunities for girls, minorities and economically disadvantaged students will broaden and strengthen the pipeline of American STEM workers.   # # # FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:           December 10, 2013                                      CONTACT:                                Bethany Lesser (Gillibrand) 202-224-3873                                               Emily Browne (Kennedy) 617-332-3333",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=298,"Sens. Warren & Markey, Rep. Keating Urge Coast Guard to Adopt Stronger Regulations for Vessels in Buzzards Bay [press_release]",2013-12-10,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MA,Elizabeth Warren,W000817,www.warren.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC - United States Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward J. Markey, and Representative Bill Keating have sent a letter urging the Coast Guard to adopt stronger regulations mandating the use of independent vessel pilots and escort tug boats for all barges carrying 5,000 or more barrels of oil or other hazardous materials through Buzzards Bay. In their letter, the lawmakers highlighted the devastating 2003 fuel oil spill in Buzzards Bay, and Massachusetts' efforts to prevent future spills through the Massachusetts Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act. They expressed concern about the Coast Guard's proposal to require escort tug boats for double hull barges only in circumstances such as adverse weather conditions, noting that the 2003 spill occurred in the middle of the day during favorable weather conditions. ""We must do everything we can to prevent another spill,"" wrote Senators Warren and Markey, and Representative Keating in the letter. ""We urge in the strongest possible terms that the Coast Guard promulgate regulations that will continue the Commonwealth's effort to reduce the probability of future oil spill, and mandate the use of independent pilots and escort tugs. We believe these strong and sensible safeguards will help protect Buzzards Bay for future generations."" The Coast Guard released its proposed rule on July 8, 2013, and is currently reviewing public comments. To view the full text of the letter, please click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://tsongas.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1088,Tsongas statement urging Congress to pass NDAA,2013-12-09,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MA,Niki Tsongas,T000465,tsongas.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC– December 9, 2013 – Today, the leaders of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees called upon their colleagues to pass a National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) before Congress adjourns for the year. For the past 51 years, Congress has annually passed an NDAA, which authorizes funding and sets policy for the Department of Defense. The House of Representatives passed its version of the FY2014 NDAA on June 14, 2013. The full Senate has not voted on the FY2014 NDAA. Congresswoman Niki Tsongas, the Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations and the co-chair of the Military Sexual Assault Prevention Caucus, released the following statement. “Congress has come together every year for half a century to pass the NDAA and support our men and women in uniform. With numerous critical provisions and protections included in this legislation, this year should not be any different. “By not passing an NDAA, we are denying needed resources to servicemembers, as well as impacting incentives for those serving in some of the most dangerous circumstances around the globe. That is not the way to serve those who so selflessly serve their country. “For example, this year’s NDAA includes numerous provisions from the Better Enforcement for Sexual Assault Free Environments Act of 2013, coauthored by myself and Rep. Mike Turner, that combat military sexual assault. For example, the bill removes the ability of a commander to overturn a jury verdict and mandates a dishonorable discharge for those convicted of sexual assault among many additional needed changes. “During a time of economic austerity, the NDAA is necessary to make sure that the Pentagon continues many important sexual assault prevention measures that expand support for survivors, such as the successful Special Victims Counsel program, that if not mandated by law, could fall by the wayside.  “I echo the sentiments of Chairman McKeon, Chairman Levin, Ranking Member Smith and Ranking Member Inhofe. For the benefit of our men and women in uniform, I urge House and Senate leadership to put aside partisan politics and come together around compromise legislation.”   ####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kennedy.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kennedy-statement-on-nelson-mandela,CONGRESSMAN KENNEDY STATEMENT ON NELSON MANDELA,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MA,Joseph Kennedy,K000379,kennedy.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Congressman Joe Kennedy released the following statement today following the passing of Nelson Mandela.   “Nelson Mandela brought the light of justice to a world struggling against the darkness of oppression and hate.  Our globe lost a giant today. In his memory, may we carry on the message of peace, kindness and compassion that he made his life’s work.”   # # #   For Immediate Release:                               December 5, 2013 Contact:                                                  Emily Browne                                                               (617) 332-3333 Follow Congressman Kennedy on Facebook and Twitter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://katherineclark.house.gov/press-releases?ID=2DDE2EC5-BFC5-45AD-AC9C-4DBAF5556FA8,Representative Clark Sworn Into Office,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MA,Katherine Clark,C001101,katherineclark.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Representative Katherine Clark was sworn in as a Member of the United States House of Representatives by House Speaker John Boehner, December 12, 2013. The Honorable Katherine Clark was elected in special election December 10, 2013 to serve as representative of Massachusetts's 5th Congressional District. Representative Clark was added to the rolls of the House upon executing the oath of office. Massachusetts's 5th Congressional District stretches from the coast to communities north and west of Boston including Waltham, Framingham and Medford.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kennedy.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kennedy-passes-immigration-fast-to-congressman-vargas,CONGRESSMAN KENNEDY PASSES IMMIGRATION FAST TO CONGRESSMAN VARGAS,2013-12-04,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MA,Joseph Kennedy,K000379,kennedy.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Congressman Joe Kennedy today passed on the fast for immigration reform to his colleague, Congressman Juan Vargas (D-CA). Kennedy took on the fast yesterday from Eliseo Medina, International Secretary-Treasurer of the Service Employees International Union, who had been fasting with a group of advocates for 22 days as part of Fast 4 Families: A Call for Immigration Reform and Citizenship.  Representatives Kennedy and Vargas reiterated their hope to continue passing the fast to Members of Congress in the weeks ahead to build momentum for comprehensive reform.   “I am proud today to pass this fast on to my friend Congressman Juan Vargas, who has been a tireless leader for comprehensive immigration reform,” said Congressman Kennedy. “For 22 days, Eliseo Medina and his fellow advocates have refused to let their government ignore the need for real reform. We are humbled to stand with them and to build on the momentum of this fast with so many of our colleagues.”   “I am honored to be continuing the fast started by my good friend Rep. Joe Kennedy,” said Rep. Juan Vargas. “In many faiths, fasting is a fundamental way of demonstrating commitment to one’s beliefs.  Fasting reminds us that we must look past our personal needs in order to seek the greater good.  Here, the greater good is very clear; passing comprehensive immigration reform will bring hope to the millions of people who currently live in the shadows.”   ""Yesterday, we witnessed a historic moment as Representative Joe Kennedy III took the charge of fasting from Eliseo Medina after 22 resilient days of abstaining from food,"" said Fast 4 Families. “Today, the pages of history are marked again with Representative Juan Vargas continuing the fast as his congressional colleague passes the baton. The commitment of these members of Congress demonstrates the breadth of support and determination to get immigration reform with a path to citizenship done.""   For more information about Fast 4 Families, please click here.   # # #   For Immediate Release:                               December 4, 2013 Contact:                                                  Emily Browne                                                               (617) 332-3333 Follow Congressman Kennedy on Facebook and Twitter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kennedy.house.gov/media/press-releases/kennedy-peace-corps-commemoration-act-passes-committee,KENNEDY PEACE CORPS COMMEMORATION ACT PASSES COMMITTEE,2013-12-04,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MA,Joseph Kennedy,K000379,kennedy.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Congressman Joe Kennedy applauded today’s passage of the Peace Corps Commemoration Act (H.R. 915) by the House Committee on Natural Resources. Kennedy introduced this cost-free legislation in February to authorize the non-profit Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation to establish a commemorative work on federal land in Washington, D.C. The Foundation is responsible for any costs associated with the commemorative work. Last month, Congressman Kennedy testified before the Committee on Natural Resources in support of the bill, which passed today by unanimous consent. “At a time when the international community was fractured by the Cold War, the founding of the Peace Corps reminded America of the best it had to offer: service to others for the common cause of global peace, mutual understanding, prosperity, and progress,” said Congressman Kennedy.  “Commemoratives in our nation’s capital celebrate the seminal moments in American history, and it is fitting that the Peace Corps’ legacy be honored in Washington. I am proud to stand behind this bill as it passes the House Committee on Natural Resources and look forward to it being brought up for a vote.” About the Peace Corps: Over the past 50 years, through war and conflict, more than 200,000 Americans from all 50 states have served in 139 developing countries, embodying the timeless American ideals of goodwill, friendship, prosperity, and progress.  Today, the 8,000 Peace Corps Volunteers serving in 76 developing countries continue to live out these ideals and demonstrate the enduring significance of the Peace Corps’ founding.   # # # For Immediate Release:                               December 4, 2013 Contact:                                                  Emily Browne                                                               (617) 332-3333 Follow Congressman Kennedy on Facebook and Twitter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://tsongas.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1087,Tsongas statement on new Lowell Trial Court,2013-12-04,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MA,Niki Tsongas,T000465,tsongas.house.gov,,,legacy,"LOWELL, MA– December 4, 2013 – Today, Governor Deval Patrick announced details about the design and plan for a new $175 million Lowell Trial Court.  The new Trial Court is proposed for the Hamilton Canal District and will include state-of-the-art facilities for the Superior, District, Probate & Family, Juvenile and Housing Courts for Northern Middlesex County. The project is expected to break ground in the spring of 2015 and be completed in 2017. The new Trial Court will include modern technology for enhanced security and energy efficiency. Congresswoman Niki Tsongas released the following statement. “This new courthouse will be a modern cutting-edge, energy efficient building that will set a new standard for sustainable design and quality of environment for visitors and staff.  It will serve as a new landmark in the heart of Lowell and a symbol of the city’s reinvention. “I thank and applaud Governor Patrick for his leadership on this project and his staunch support for the City of Lowell and the surrounding region. In addition, the efforts of Senator EileenDonoghue and State Representatives Tom Golden, David Nangle and Kevin Murphy helped bring this project to fruition. “Throughout the rejuvenation of the Hamilton Canal District, my office has worked closely with all parties across all levels of government and the private sector to secure funding and keep this transformative project moving forward. Today’s Trial Court announcement is reflective of the crucial partnerships that are necessary to envision and execute innovative development ideas. “The Trial Court project – like the entire Hamilton Canal District project – is a model of what we can do when key stakeholders unite behind a vision for our community and work to make it a reality.” ####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=296,Sen. Warren Urges Wall Street Institutions to Disclose Financial Contributions to Think Tanks [press_release],2013-12-04,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MA,Elizabeth Warren,W000817,www.warren.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Elizabeth Warren today sent a letter to the nation's six largest financial institutions' CEOs, urging the companies to voluntarily disclose their contributions to think tanks. Currently, information on financial contributions to think tanks is not required to be made available to the public, threatening the credibility of these organizations' research and analysis. ""Policies by your institutions to conceal those contributions from public view are wrong.  Greater transparency will benefit your shareholders, policymakers, and, ultimately, the public,"" wrote Senator Warren in the letter. ""Just as there is transparency around your direct efforts to influence policymaking through lobbying, the same transparency should exist for any indirect efforts you make to influence policymaking through financial contributions to think tanks."" Senator Warren noted in the letter that, when corporate resources are used to support think tanks, either those contributions do not affect the work of think tanks or they do affect research and conclusions. ""Either way, shareholders have a right to know how corporate resources are spent, and, even more importantly, policymakers and the public should be aware of your contributions and evaluate the work of the think tanks accordingly,"" she wrote. To read the full text of Senator Warren's letter, please click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kennedy.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kennedy-concludes-tour-34-in-norfolk-seekonk-and-rehoboth,"CONGRESSMAN KENNEDY CONCLUDES 'TOUR 34' IN NORFOLK, SEEKONK AND REHOBOTH",2013-12-03,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MA,Joseph Kennedy,K000379,kennedy.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Congressman Joe Kennedy III today announced that he will conclude ‘Tour 34’ by holding constituent office hours in Norfolk, Seekonk and Rehoboth this Saturday, December 7. Following these office hours, the Congressman will have brought ‘Tour 34’ to each community across the 4th District this year as part of his commitment to hold constituent office hours in all 34 cities and towns by the end of 2013.   “Tour 34 has been a successful way to connect with residents across the district, and we look forward to concluding the year by bringing our resources to Norfolk, Seekonk and Rehoboth,” said Congressman Kennedy. “We remain committed to ensuring that every community in the 4th District has access to the services our office can provide.”   The schedule for office hours on Saturday, December 7 is as follows:   9:30AM – 10:30AM Norfolk Public Library 139 Main Street Norfolk, MA   11:30AM – 12:30PM Seekonk Public Library 410 Newman Avenue Seekonk, MA   1:45PM – 2:45PM Blanding Library 124 Bay State Road Rehoboth, MA Congressman Kennedy’s local office hours are open to constituents across the 4th District. No appointment is necessary. For questions or additional information please call (617) 332-3333 or visit the Congressman’s website at https://kennedy.house.gov/tour-34.   # # #   For Immediate Release:                               December 3, 2013 Contact:                                                  Emily Browne                                                               (617) 332-3333 Follow Congressman Kennedy on Facebook and Twitter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://lynch.house.gov/press-release/congressman-lynch-introduces-bipartisan-house-resolution-seeking-declassification-9-11,Congressman Lynch introduces bipartisan House Resolution seeking declassification of 9-11 documents,2013-12-03,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MA,Stephen Lynch,L000562,lynch.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC—Last night, Congressman Stephen F. Lynch and Republican Congressman Walter B. Jones of North Carolina jointly introduced a bipartisan House Resolution, H. Res. 428, designed to shed additional light on continuing questions about the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. This House Resolution urges the President to declassify 28 pages of the Joint Inquiry into Intelligence Community Activities Before and After the Terrorist Attacks of September 2001.  This portion has remained classified since the Inquiry’s findings were first released in December 2002.  Congressman Lynch recently had the opportunity to review the 28 pages and believes they should be made public. “Twelve years after the horrific September 11 attacks, unanswered questions still remain.  These pages contain information that is vital to a full understanding of the events and circumstances surrounding this tragedy.  The families of the victims and the American people deserve better; they deserve answers, they deserve a full accounting, and that has not happened yet.” “I am very pleased to be working with my friend and colleague Congressman Jones to ensure these pages see the light of day.  I strongly encourage my colleagues to review this classified section of the Inquiry, and to work with me and Congressman Jones to get it declassified.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kennedy.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kennedy-to-host-twitter-town-hall-on-december-9,CONGRESSMAN KENNEDY TO HOST TWITTER TOWN HALL ON DECEMBER 9,2013-12-02,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,MA,Joseph Kennedy,K000379,kennedy.house.gov,,,legacy,"Tweet questions today using #KennedyChat Newton, MA – Congressman Joe Kennedy announced today that he will be hosting a Twitter Town Hall on Monday, December 9 from 1:30PM to 2:30PM. Anyone wishing to participate can tweet questions to the Congressman (@RepJoeKennedy) using the hashtag #KennedyChat. The Congressman’s office will be collecting questions over the course of this week, as well as during Monday’s Town Hall. “Accessibility remains this office’s top priority,” said Congressman Kennedy. “Our very first Twitter Town Hall will ensure that constituents across the 4th District can engage directly with me and my office without leaving their living room. It is the latest step in our efforts to find new and dynamic ways to connect with the people, families and communities we are proud to represent.” Anyone wishing to follow Congressman Kennedy’s Town Hall can visit his Twitter page on Monday, December 9 between 1:30PM to 2:30PM. You do not need a Twitter account to view the Town Hall. Those wishing to ask questions, however, must have a Twitter account and can tweet questions to the Congressman using the hashtag #KennedyChat. # # #   For Immediate Release:                               December 2, 2013 Contact:                                                  Emily Browne                                                               (617) 332-3333 Follow Congressman Kennedy on Facebook and Twitter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kennedy.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kennedy-statement-on-thanksgiving,CONGRESSMAN KENNEDY STATEMENT ON THANKSGIVING,2013-11-28,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Joseph Kennedy,K000379,kennedy.house.gov,,,legacy,"Newton, MA – Congressman Joe Kennedy released the following statement on Thanksgiving.   “Today families across our country will open their doors to friends and neighbors and take part in the proud American tradition of giving thanks. It is a time of compassion, of giving and of service; a time that inspires each of us to count our blessings and to lend a hand to those less fortunate. Lauren and I wish all families in our Commonwealth and across the United States a very Happy Thanksgiving.”   # # #   For Immediate Release:                               November 28, 2013 Contact:                                                  Emily Browne                                                               (617) 332-3333 Follow Congressman Kennedy on Facebook and Twitter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=295,"Sens. Warren & Markey, Rep. Keating Applaud Major Fire Grant for New Bedford [press_release]",2013-11-27,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Elizabeth Warren,W000817,www.warren.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – United States Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward J. Markey and Congressman Bill Keating today applauded a major federal grant awarded to support the New Bedford Fire Department.  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced yesterday that New Bedford will receive a $12,270,158 grant through the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program. This funding will support 63 firefighter positions in the city. Senator Warren, Senator Markey, and Congressman Keating had previously urged FEMA to approve New Bedford’s grant request.   “This major SAFER grant is terrific news for New Bedford. I applaud Mayor Mitchell and Chief Gomes for their efforts to get this grant, which will help keep firefighters on the job protecting our communities,” said Senator Warren. “Firefighters work tirelessly to keep our families safe, and we must make sure local fire departments have the resources they need to provide critical public safety services.""   ""This critical funding will ensure New Bedford's firefighters can stay on the job and focus on keeping residents safe and secure,” said Senator Markey. “I applaud Mayor Mitchell and Rep. Keating for their tireless efforts to secure this grant and for making our first responders a top priority.""   ""For over a year, New Bedford Firefighters answered the call of duty and served their city and neighboring communities without hesitation, all the while facing the very real possibility of a dramatic force reduction,” said Congressman Keating. “For this reason, we should all be very thankful for these brave men and women this Thanksgiving. But, today's good news gives us an extra reason to be thankful. The NBFD earned their long-awaited $12.2 million SAFER grant, which will allow them to retain their full force. It has been my pleasure to work with NBFD and the City of New Bedford each day to not only ensure receipt of this fundibg, but to make sure that NBFD would be amongst the first fire departments across the country to be awarded. Tonight, their great work is recognized, and 63 heroes will rest easier in New Bedford.""   The $12.27 million grant awarded to New Bedford was the full amount requested by the city. The SAFER program is administered by FEMA to help ensure local fire departments have sufficient numbers of trained firefighters on duty.     ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://bit.ly/2jDqWWh,"John F. Kennedy remembered 50 years after assassination by residents, dignitaries attending Eternal Flame ceremony in Springfield",2013-11-26,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Richard Neal,N000015,bit.ly,,,legacy,"John F. Kennedy remembered 50 years after assassination by residents, dignitaries attending Eternal Flame ceremony in Springfield By Peter Goonan, The Republican on November 22, 2013 at 3:27 PM, updated November 25, 2013 at 11:21 AM SPRINGFIELD — The memory of President John F. Kennedy lived on Friday during a ceremony at the Eternal Flame at Forest Park, with residents and dignitaries recalling him on the 50th anniversary of his assassination as a great leader, as an inspiration to millions and as “that good-looking fellow, too.” Approximately 200 people attended the annual ceremony, including William Marot, formerly of Springfield and Wilbraham, who traveled from his new home in Oregon to once again attend. Marot said he has missed just “a couple” of ceremonies since the monument was created in Springfield in 1964, and has served as co-chairman of the event. Anyone who thought he was not going to be at the ceremony this year, marking the 50th anniversary was “crazy,” he said, noting that he lived in New Hampshire for 18 years before Oregon, still coming to Springfield each year.   Another special guest at the ceremony was Marc A. Jacques, a Springfield native, who was representing the Canadian government in his role as academic and economic affairs officer for the Consulate General of Canada. Jacques presented a framed photo of Kennedy and then-Canadian Prime Minister Lester Pearson and their wives, taken before Kennedy made a speech before the Canadian Parliament speaking of the special bond between the two neighboring countries. But the ceremony was also about the many residents who said they continue to have a great sense of loss as a result of Kennedy’s assassination on Nov. 22, 1963. Germaine Senecal, 83, of Springfield, began to cry as she recalled Kennedy in comments just before the ceremony. “I just loved him,” Senecal said. “He was such a good president. “It stuck with me, what he did, the leadership. He was a good-looking fellow, too.” Speakers included Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, former Mayor Charles V. Ryan and Hampden County Sheriff Michael Ashe. Congressman Richard E. Neal reflects on President John F. Kennedy , on the 50th anniversary of his death. Neal attended a remembrance ceremony at the eternal flame located in Forest Park. Neal said Kennedy was “an inspiration to millions who drew on his life” and that it is extraordinary that his memory still has a grip on society 50 years after his death. Neal said he was also inspired by Kennedy and that he remembers being at Buckingham School when he and classmates learned that Kennedy was shot, and the “sense of unreality” felt that day. Sarno said Kennedy was “forever young, and always held in reverence” and knows how “beloved and respected he was in the world.” Sarno also praised the crowd that gathered at Forest Park, and remains strong in honoring Kennedy each year. “He connected with us,” Sarno said. “We felt like he was in our living room.” Ralph Cardaropoli, 80, of Springfield, said he comes to the remembrance ceremony almost every year. “He was somebody I admired very much,” Cardaropoli said. “I just feel things would be a lot better today if he had lived and completed the things he was planning to do.” Ronald LeBlanc, 65, of Springfield, said he is a daily walker at Forest Park, but was coming to his first remembrance ceremony. “Especially for Massachusetts, everybody loved John Kennedy,” LeBlanc said. “It was a tragedy.” The ceremony included the laying of a rose and wreath and the playing of Taps, along with the singing of the national anthem and ""God Bless America."" The Eternal Flame for Kennedy is only one of two in the United States, with the other at Kennedy's Arlington National Cemetery burial site. To view the original article, please click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221062539/http://neal.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=355:holyoke-public-library-grand-opening-after-14-5-million-renovation-draws-crowd-references-to-jfk&catid=6:news-articles&Itemid=23,"Holyoke Public Library grand opening after $14.5 million renovation draws crowd, references to JFK",2013-11-26,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Richard Neal,N000015,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Holyoke Public Library grand opening after $14.5 million renovation draws crowd, references to JFK By Mike Plaisance, The Republican on November 22, 2013 at 2:26 PM, updated November 23, 2013 at 9:31 AM HOLYOKE — U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal quoted President John F. Kennedy on the 50th anniversary of his assassination Friday in heralding the grand opening of the Holyoke Public Library. "" 'These libraries should be open to all – except the censor,' "" said Neal, at a ceremony at the 250 Chestnut St. building. The library actually reopened Oct. 28 after a $14.5 million, nearly two-year renovation. A 15,000-square-foot addition was built onto what was the rear of the original, 111-year-old, 25,000-square-foot library. The original 335 Maple St. entrance is now the rear of the facility with the new entrance to the library through the doors fronting on Chestnut Street, in the lobby of which the ceremony took place. ""The goal of a public library is it allows us to pick at the lock of darkness,"" said Neal, a Democrat from Springfield. Themes of the library offering access to worlds of knowledge were struck by speakers. They stood at the top of stairs leading from the new building to the original structure and beneath a wall mural, ""Allegoric History of Holyoke, Massachusetts,"" painted by Sante Graziani from 1948 to 1953. Books and Internet access on public computers offer explorations into literature and other works of art that have graced history, said state Rep. Aaron M. Vega, D-Holyoke. ""We have fused together our history and our future in one building,"" said Vega, who also is a city councilor at large. The renovations were needed after years of roof leaks ruined the area that previously was the children's room and caused water and mold damage elsewhere. The limestone exterior had structural cracks. Additional space also was needed for children's and public computer areas. The job was funded with more than $5.5 million in city borrowing, $4.6 million from the Holyoke Public Library Board endowment, a $4.3 million state grant, other grants and fundraising. ""I've no doubt this this library is a library for the next 100 years,"" Mayor Alex B. Morse said. After the speeches, Library Director Maria G. Pagan hugged well-wishers through tears after working for the renovation through years of meetings and delays. Pagan, who said her age is ""more than a half a century,"" like many Holyoke residents came here from Puerto Rico. She was born in the Puerto Rican mountain town of Cayey, and has been in Holyoke since 1984. Pagan, director since 1996 and a library employee since 1985, said many people have helped make the renovation happen. ""It's been incredible, it's incredible. Just seeing the faces on all the people. I couldn't do it without my guardian angels,"" Pagan said. Former U.S. Rep. John W. Olver, D-Amherst, also was in the crowd. According to an online pdf of the Oct. 29, 1960 issue of the Saturday Review [pdf], the full quote from Kennedy about libraries was, ""If this nation is to be wise as well as strong, if we are to achieve our destiny, then we need more new ideas for more wise men reading more good books in more public libraries. These libraries should be open to all – except the censor. We must know all the facts and hear all the alternatives and listen to all the criticisms. Let us welcome controversial books and controversial authors. For the Bill of Rights is the guardian of our society as well as our liberty.""  To view the original article, please click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221062545/http://neal.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=356:downtown-springfield-merchants-local-leaders-praise-plans-for-umass-satellite-campus-at-tower-square&catid=6:news-articles&Itemid=23,"Downtown Springfield merchants, local leaders praise plans for UMass satellite campus at Tower Square",2013-11-26,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Richard Neal,N000015,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Downtown Springfield merchants, local leaders praise plans for UMass satellite campus at Tower Square By Peter Goonan, The Republican on November 26, 2013 at 3:24 PM, updated November 26, 2013 at 6:00 PM SPRINGFIELD — Local officials and downtown merchants reacted with excitement and optimism on Monday as state officials formally announced that the University of Massachusetts will locate a satellite campus at Tower Square in the heart of the central district. Gov. Deval Patrick and University of Massachusetts President Robert L. Caret were among the dignitaries who gathered in the Tower Square lobby during the noon hour to announce the plans, which entail using approximately 27,000 square feet of available space on the second floor of the office tower at 1500 Main St., as a start. The satellite campus is scheduled to open in the fall of 2014, including academic and office uses. Christopher and John DeVoie, co-owners of the Hot Table restaurant on the ground floor of Tower Square, both said they are excited by the news.   UMass selects Tower Square for a new satellite center It was announced Tuesday that the University of Massachusetts has picked Tower Square in downtown Springfield as the site for its new satellite center. The press conference was held at Tower Square. “It’s tremendous news for Tower Square, downtown Springfield and Springfield in general,” John DeVoie said. The DeVoies said the influx of students will bring added business to the downtown, and will hopefully spur further private investment. They would consider expanding their hours if the need is shown. Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said that recent investments in the downtown, including the renovation and expanded use of the former federal courthouse, coupled with the plans for the satellite campus, show “things are on the move” in the city. He praised the governor and university for making the proposal a reality after years of discussion. “It will have a ripple effect not only in the downtown but in our neighborhoods,” Sarno said. University of Massachusetts officials said the specific plans are still being formulated, and it is too early to estimate the total number of additional students and staff that could be coming to Springfield. The university already has more than 120 programs in health, fine arts, green industries and other fields in Springfield, including a design center at Court Square, but this will be the first satellite campus, officials said. The university will also have the right to use an additional 1,600 square feet of retail space on the first floor and will have exterior signs and a Bridge Street entrance. Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. owns Tower Square, and will lease the space to the University of Massachusetts. The university chose Tower Square over three other downtown area sites: the Peter Pan Bus terminal on Main Street; the 10-floor Harrison Place at 1391 Main St.; and the 17-story One Financial Plaza at 1350 Main St. Patrick said the presence of a university or universities in the downtown of gateway communities “has been a real economic stimulus” in Massachusetts. “It’s been true with Worcester, it’s been true in Lowell, it’s certainly true of Cambridge,” Patrick said. “Going back generations now and, adding to the presence of STCC and private colleges here, having UMass present in downtown is an enormous capstone, and an important one, on what the mayor and the rest of us are trying to do to grow opportunity in Massachusetts.” Mischa Epstein, who operates the The Gift Shop at Tower Square as initially a seasonal business, said she would consider extending the business if the campus spurs additional patrons. “I think anything positive we can do to enhance the city of Springfield is a good thing for us, especially people who are trying to make a place where we can put money back into our local community and buy things that are locally crafted.” Kumble R. Subbaswamy, chancellor of UMass-Amherst, said university will evaluate where the needs exist and fill those needs in deciding what programs to bring to the Springfield campus. For example, it will evaluate the needs of MassMutual and Baystate Medical Center in filling their management and employment openings, he said. “Because these are important employers in the area, so we need to be working closely with them,” Subbaswamy said. “That’s a starting point.” The satellite will allow students to take courses on site and through UMassOnline, with an online office in Springfield. The university will be working in partnership with the community colleges in Springfield and Holyoke, connecting associate's degree programs with bachelor's degree programs, officials said. Kyriakos Varypatakis, owner of Le Greque Restaurant at Tower Square and a tenant since 1982, said he is very happy to see UMass coming. Varypatakis said the university will bring added business to a “hurting” downtown, and he will do his best to serve them well. The great majority of business in the food court comes from within the tower, he said. “It’s a big day for Springfield,” said Kevin Kennedy, the city’s chief development officer. “It’s very important to the revitalization, the vitality of downtown, to bring college-aged students down here. It will do a world of good for the downtown. We’re very excited. “Springfield is on the way back and this is really a big step,” Kennedy said. Nicholas Fyntrilakis, vice president of community responsibility for MassMutual, said UMass is bringing its “economic engine” to Springfield. “We’re thrilled to see they are investing here in Springfield, and that they are going to have programs here in Springfield to help build the talent we need for our workforce and drive parts of the economy that they can provide assistance to,” Fyntrilakis said. Henry Thomas III, of Springfield, chairman of the university’s Board of Trustees, said the satellite campus links “a great city and a great university,” culminating a longtime effort for UMass to have a “strong, vivid presence” in the downtown. U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal joined in praising the university’s decision, saying having the satellite campus downtown ""makes all the difference."" To view the original article, please click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://lynch.house.gov/press-release/congressman-lynch-leads-letter-hhs-secretary-sebelius-over-concerns-fda%E2%80%99s-recent,Congressman Lynch Leads Letter to HHS Secretary Sebelius over concerns with the FDA’s recent approval of high-dose narcotic Zohydro ER,2013-11-25,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Stephen Lynch,L000562,lynch.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Stephen F. Lynch, a founding co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse, led a bipartisan group of Members of Congress in expressing concern regarding the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s recent decision to approve the high-dose narcotic painkiller Zohydro ER. Importantly, the letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius highlighted the group’s apprehension over the high likelihood for abuse and the inherent risks for the public that are created by allowing access to this drug. Lynch said, “This approval is extremely troubling and runs counter to recent, positive FDA announcements relative to the regulation of opioids.  We support the FDA efforts to reclassify hydrocodone combination products such as Lortab and Vicodin to a more restrictive Schedule II drug and the updated labeling requirements for all extended release/long acting (ER/LA) opioid analgesics, but view this approval of Zohydro ER as a giant step backward.” Lynch emphasized the effect that prescription drug abuse has had on our country, adding, “Substance abuse is exacting a toll on America.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that there were 38,329 drug overdose deaths nationwide in 2010 and that prescription drugs were involved in nearly 60 percent of those deaths.  The report also details that, consistent with previous years, opioid drugs, which include OxyContin and Vicodin, contributed to 3 out of 4 medication overdose deaths. In addition the National Institutes of Drug Abuse estimates the total overall cost of substance abuse in the United States, including lost productivity and health and crime-related costs, exceeds $600 billion annually. On many levels we simply cannot afford to move yet another highly addictive opioid into the mainstream and potentially onto Main Street.” Full text of the letter can be found here. Co-signers of the letter: Harold Rogers (R-KY), Nick R. Rahall (D-WV), William R. Keating (D-MA), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), John F. Tierney (D-MA), Michael E. Capuano (D-MA), and James P. McGovern (D-MA).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kennedy.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kennedy-statement-on-president-john-f-kennedy,CONGRESSMAN KENNEDY STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY,2013-11-22,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Joseph Kennedy,K000379,kennedy.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Congressman Joe Kennedy released the following statement today in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the death of his great uncle, President John F. Kennedy.   “From conservation to education to social justice, President Kennedy advocated for a citizenry that cared for, invested, and engaged in the country they were lucky to call home. He believed fiercely that our American values must be earned and nurtured so that they would not fade away. He challenged all of us to achieve a better and bigger future for our country: where man would walk on the moon; where individuals with disabilities could enjoy opportunity, not indifference; where skin color would not disqualify you from democracy or basic human decency; and where hundreds of citizen ambassadors across the globe could sow the seeds of peace.”   # # #   For Immediate Release:                               November 22, 2013 Contact:                                                  Emily Browne                                                               (617) 332-3333 Follow Congressman Kennedy on Facebook and Twitter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://lynch.house.gov/press-release/congressman-lynch-statement-50th-anniversary-assasination-president-john-f-kennedy,Congressman Lynch Statement on 50th Anniversary of Assasination of President John F. Kennedy,2013-11-22,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Stephen Lynch,L000562,lynch.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Lynch Statement on 50th Anniversary of Assasination of President John F. Kennedy Nov 22, 2013 This year marks the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, a tragedy for our nation. Today, we remember and honor his hard work. We continue to be inspired by his positive attitude, by his sense that if Americans put their minds and backs into something, that it could be done, no matter the degree of difficulty. His optimism was contagious; he believed that America’s best days were ahead, and that the United States should be a leader among the nations of the world. He set lofty national goals - from space exploration to conquering hunger and racial inequality here at home. JFK challenged Americans to be great. And as Americans, we still strive to meet his highest expectations. This is perhaps his greatest legacy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://lynch.house.gov/press-release/congressman-lynch-leads-letter-congressional-budget-negotiators-urging-federal-workers,Congressman Lynch Leads Letter to Congressional Budget Negotiators Urging That Federal Workers Should Not Be Subject to Further Reductions in Pay and Benefits,2013-11-21,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Stephen Lynch,L000562,lynch.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC—Today, Congressman Stephen F. Lynch, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, U.S. Postal Service, and the Census, led a group of 40 Members of Congress urging congressional budget negotiators to ensure that federal employees will not be subject to additional reductions in pay and benefits in a future budget agreement. Importantly, the letter to House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan and Ranking Member Chris Van Hollen and Senate Budget Committee Chairman Patty Murray and Ranking Member Jeff Sessions highlighted the many sacrifices that middle income federal workers have already made in order to address the budget deficit and underscored that the negotiators must consider these sacrifices as they continue budget talks.    “Over the past three years, our hardworking federal workers have suffered through relentless attacks on their pay and benefits and have contributed more than their fair share towards helping reduce the federal budget deficit,” said Lynch. “They have endured a three-year pay freeze reducing their pay by nearly $100 billion over 10 years, a drastic reduction in retirement benefits for new hires, and sequester-imposed furloughs.” Lynch called on the negotiators to take federal workers’ pay and benefits off the table during budget negotiations, adding, “The budget should not be about cutting the pay and retirement and healthcare benefits of middle-income workers.  We urge the Budget Conferees instead to find common ground based on creating jobs and investing in our nation’s education, research, and infrastructure for the benefit of all Americans.” Full text of the letter can be found here. Co-signers of the letter:  Reps. Elijah E. Cummings, Gerald E. Connolly, Eleanor Holmes Norton, James P. Moran, Donna F. Edwards, Peter DeFazio, Sheila Jackson Lee, Earl Blumenauer, James P. McGovern, Barbara J. Lee, Marcia L. Fudge, Cheri Bustos, Carol Shea-Porter, Charles B. Rangel, John K. Delaney, Alcee L. Hastings, John Conyers, Jr., Juan Vargas, Michelle Lujan Grisham, Michael E. Capuano, Derek Kilmer, Madeleine Z. Bordallo, Chellie Pingree, Peter Welch, Louise M. Slaughter, Mark Pocan, Alan Grayson, Donald Payne, Jr., Elizabeth H. Esty, Keith Ellison, Luis V. Gutierrez, Eric Swalwell, David N. Cicilline, John F. Tierney, Dan Kildee, Alan Lowenthal, José E. Serrano, William R. Keating, Gregory W. Meeks, and Matt Cartwright.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=293,"Senators Warren, Heitkamp Applaud Banking Committee Bipartisan Approval of Janet Yellen's Nomination [press_release]",2013-11-21,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Elizabeth Warren,W000817,www.warren.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC - United States Senators Elizabeth Warren and Heidi Heitkamp today applauded the Senate Banking Committee's bipartisan approval of Janet Yellen's nomination to serve as Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Fed), and highlighted the critical role of the Fed Chair in overseeing the Fed's supervisory and regulatory responsibilities. ""Janet Yellen has impeccable credentials, and I'm very pleased she was voted out of committee with bipartisan backing,"" said Senator Warren. ""She recognizes middle-class families are still struggling to dig out of the hole the financial crisis created, and that now is no time for the Fed to pull back. Governor Yellen also understands that the Fed should be playing an active role in supervising and regulating the largest financial institutions, and that the Fed's supervisory responsibilities are just as important as its monetary policy responsibilities. I hope the Senate will act swiftly to confirm her so she can get to work leading the Fed at this important time."" ""As we still recover from the worst recession since the Great Depression, Dr. Yellen has the experience and intellect that is necessary to lead our central bank,"" said Senator Heitkamp. ""Today's bipartisan vote reinforces the strong support for Dr. Yellen's nomination and helps propel her toward a successful vote by the full Senate. I look forward to voting to confirm her on the Senate floor and hope she will bring creativity to the role in order to get our economy moving."" Governor Yellen was confirmed by the Banking Committee by a 14-8 vote. Her nomination will now move to the full Senate. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=294,"Senators Warren, Rubio Propose Stronger Financial Protections For Veterans [press_release]",2013-11-21,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Elizabeth Warren,W000817,www.warren.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC - United States Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) today introduced a bipartisan amendment to the  National Defense Authorization Act that would help protect older veterans from financial scams. The legislation directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to work with other federal agencies and states to crack down on scam artists who are diverting federal funds intended to support low-income older veterans. ""For thousands of our oldest veterans who need help with basic daily activities, the Aid and Attendance program is a critical lifeline,"" said Senator Warren. ""Unfortunately, scams are turning the program into something that can actually undermine the financial security of our older veterans and waste federal funds. This bipartisan proposal will help put an end to these financial scams and ensure that we honor our veterans' commitment, sacrifice, and service to the nation."" ""Our veterans have courageously defended our country and protected our freedoms, and they deserve the utmost respect after their service,"" said Senator Rubio. ""That's why it is necessary to stop older veterans from being the target of scams and predatory practices. These heroes deserve better, and we will always appreciate their brave service and sacrifice."" The VA offers an Aid & Attendance benefit (A&A) to help pay for assisted living or in-home personal care for veterans who qualify for a VA pension, and are housebound or require the aid and attendance of another person. Scam artists have targeted veterans, charging them fees for obtaining the benefit even though the application process is free. Even worse, they often take control of the veteran's assets and move them into an irrevocable trust or an annuity, which the elderly veteran often cannot access again for many years, creating significant financial strain. Moving assets this way may also disqualify the veteran for other assistance, like Medicaid.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kennedy.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kennedy-brings-tour-34-to-easton-norton-franklin-and-medway,"CONGRESSMAN KENNEDY BRINGS 'TOUR 34' TO EASTON, NORTON, FRANKLIN AND MEDWAY",2013-11-19,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Joseph Kennedy,K000379,kennedy.house.gov,,,legacy,"Newton, MA – Congressman Joe Kennedy III today announced that he will continue his fall schedule for ‘Tour 34’ by holding constituent office hours in Easton, Norton, Franklin and Medway this Saturday, November 23. The Congressman has brought ‘Tour 34’ to communities across the 4th District this year as part of his ongoing commitment to hold constituent office hours in all 34 cities and towns by the end of 2013.   “Tour 34 continues to be a successful way to connect with residents across the district, and we look forward to continuing our fall schedule by bringing our resources to Easton, Norton, Franklin and Medway,” said Congressman Kennedy. “We remain committed to ensuring that every community in the 4th District has access to the services our office can provide.”   The schedule for office hours on Saturday, November 23 is as follows:   9:00AM – 10:00AM Easton Fire Station 413 Bay Road Easton, MA   11:30AM – 12:30PM Norton Public Library 68 East Main Street Norton, MA   1:00PM – 2:00PM Franklin Public Library 118 Main Street Franklin, MA   2:30PM – 3:30PM Medway Fire Department 44 Milford Street Medway, MA Congressman Kennedy’s local office hours are open to constituents across the 4th District. No appointment is necessary. For questions or additional information please call (617) 332-3333 or visit the Congressman’s website at https://kennedy.house.gov/tour-34.   # # # For Immediate Release:                               November 19, 2013 Contact:                                                  Emily Browne                                                               (617) 332-3333 Follow Congressman Kennedy on Facebook and Twitter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://tsongas.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1084,Tsongas statement on House Floor in support of ENDA,2013-11-19,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Niki Tsongas,T000465,tsongas.house.gov,,,legacy,"Tsongas statement on House Floor in support of ENDA   WASHINGTON, DC– November 19, 2013 – Today Congresswoman Niki Tsongas spoke on the House Floor in support of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). On November 7, 2013 the United States Senate voted 64-32 to pass ENDA. Tsongas has strongly urged Speaker John Boehner to bring this bill to a vote in the House of Representatives. Her late husband Paul was the first U.S. Senator to introduce legislation to ban job discrimination based on sexual orientation more than 30 years ago, in 1979. Click for video of the Congresswoman’s speech on the House Floor. Below please find the text of the Congresswoman’s speech as prepared for delivery. “Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge House leaders to let us vote on the Employment Non Discrimination Act (ENDA).  “In 1979, my late husband Paul was the first U.S. senator to introduce legislation to ban job discrimination based on sexual orientation.  “I agreed with him then and feel just as strongly about ENDA today. Employees should be judged solely by their ability to do their job.  “After I was elected in 2007, I was proud to cast one of my first votes in support of the passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, an effort spearheaded by the relentless Barney Frank.    “While ENDA passed in the House of Representatives in 2007, it did not move in the Senate. “But on November 7, the U.S. Senate made history by passing ENDA. It is now time for the House to act, pass ENDA and finally expand protections in order to prevent employment discrimination.  “Mr. Speaker, for the sake of dignity, justice and equality, let us vote.” ####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221062513/http://neal.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=352:springfield-celebrates-150th-gettysburg-address-anniversary&catid=6:news-articles&Itemid=23,Springfield celebrates 150th Gettysburg Address anniversary,2013-11-18,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Richard Neal,N000015,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Springfield celebrates 150th Gettysburg Address anniversary  SPRINGFIELD - A shortage of heating fuel had caused a “coal panic,” an 18-year-old city resident named McArthur became the youngest winner of the Congressional Medal of Honor and the president had traveled to Gettysburg to give a “little speech a perfect gem” 150 years ago. Sunday city officials and residents gathered at the Civil War monument in Court Square to commemorate the anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, read the two-minute speech while Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Wayne E. Phaneuf, executive editor of the Springfield Republican and city historian, talked about the city as it was 150 years ago. Roger Putnam Technical High School senior Diabolique Sanchez also read an excerpt of Tillie Pierce’s 19th century memoir “At Gettysburg or What a Girl Saw and Heard of the Battle: A True Narrative.” Before reading the 270-word Gettysburg Address, Neal spoke about how Lincoln managed to join ideals from the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence in his speech. He also talked about the president’s efforts to end slavery through politics and policy. “Lincoln’s principle is the great stain (slavery) on American history was going to be erased one way or another,” Neal said. The Gettysburg Address, now so famous that many children read it at some time in school, was not widely praised. It was not the main speech to dedicate the Gettysburg ceremony, that was a two-hour lecture given by orator Edward Everett. Lincoln’s closing address was two minutes long, Phaneuf said. “Many critics panned it saying was too short,” Phaneuf said. The Springfield Republican printed the speech on Nov. 21, two days after it was given, becoming one of the first newspapers to praise it. The writer called it Lincoln’s “little speech a perfect gem; deep in feeling, compact in thought and expression, and tasteful and elegant in every word and comma.” Phaneuf, the author of the Civil War series in The Republican, also talked a little about Springfield in November 1863. A “coal panic” more than doubled the price of the main heating fuel for homes, Thanksgiving was named a national holiday, and Arthur McArthur, who was born in Chicopee and would later become the father of Gen. Douglas MacArthur, earned the Congressional Medal of Honor for heroism at 18. The son changed the spelling of his name. Sarno added to Phaneuf’s introduction saying 2,500 Springfield residents had gone to war, and many of its women followed to take care of the wounded. The city also became a key stop on the underground railroad helping slaves escape. Following Neal’s reading of the speech, the 9th Mass Light Artillery, a Civil War re-enactment group, fired a cannon and played taps. Springfield resident Ronald J. Brace Jr., a member of the Mass 54 Company E Infantry, a Civil War re-enactment group also known as the Stone Sole Soldiers, brought his own history. His great-great Uncle Peter Brace, fought in the Civil War and survived to come home to Springfield. “I thought it was a great opportunity to come out, not just for the Civil War soldiers but all the soldiers,” he said. To view the original article, please click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221062523/http://neal.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=353:futurescape-city-tour-held-in-springfield&catid=6:news-articles&Itemid=23,Futurescape City Tour held in Springfield,2013-11-18,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Richard Neal,N000015,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Futurescape City Tour held in Springfield SPRINGFIELD, MA (WSHM) - A group of residents learned about the city's history and looked to the city's future on Saturday, as the group was part of the Futurescape City Tour. Just over a dozen individuals visited different parts of the city, hearing from people at each stop, like U.S. Rep. Richard Neal. The project, put on by the University of Massachusetts, in conjunction with Arizona State University, explores how new technologies could change cities and lives. ""We met with a group of 12 Springfield citizens earlier this month,"" said Krista Harper, a UMass professor. ""[We] talked about how they saw technology changing their own lives. Then we developed a tour, that will allow to explore some of the ways technology is changing Springfield."" The other cities taking part in the project with Springfield are: St. Paul, MN, Portland, OR, Phoenix, AZ, Durham, NC and Washington, DC. To view the original article, please click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=289,"Senator Warren Delivers Floor Speech on America's Retirement Crisis, Social Security [press_release]",2013-11-18,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Elizabeth Warren,W000817,www.warren.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Full Text of Senator Warren's Remarks Available Here Washington, DC – In a speech delivered on the floor of the United States Senate today, Senator Elizabeth Warren addressed America’s growing retirement crisis and the imperative of protecting Social Security for families who have worked hard and paid into the system their entire lives. Senator Warren addressed how the financial landscape of families on the verge of retirement has changed in a generation. “Just as they need to rely more than ever on pensions, employers are withdrawing from their traditional role in helping provide a secure retirement,” explained Senator Warren. “Two decades ago, more than a third of all private sector workers – 35% – had traditional, defined benefit pensions – pensions that guaranteed a certain monthly payment that retirees knew they could depend on.  Today, that number has been cut in half – only 18% of private sector workers have defined benefit pensions.” Senator Warren also emphasized that, while many employers have replaced guaranteed retirement income with savings plans, like 401(k) plans, nearly half of workers lack access to even those plans and 44 million workers have no retirement assistance from their employers.  In addition, savings rates have declined and there is a $6.6 trillion gap between what Americans under 65 are currently saving and what they will need to maintain their current standard of living when they hit retirement.” “With tens of millions of people more financially stressed as they approach retirement, with  more and more people left out of the private retirement security system, and with the economic security of our families unraveling, Social Security is rapidly becoming the only lifeline that millions of seniors have to keep their heads above water,” Senator Warren said.  “And yet, instead of taking on the retirement crisis, instead of strengthening Social Security, some in Washington are actually fighting to cut benefits… So long as these problems continue to exist and so long as we are in the midst of a real and growing retirement crisis – a crisis that is shaking the foundations of what was once a vibrant and secure middle class – the absolute last thing we should be doing is talking about cutting back on Social Security.  The absolute last thing we should do in 2013 – at the very moment that Social Security has become the principal lifeline for millions of our seniors – is allow the program to begin to be dismantled inch by inch.” Warren rejected calls to cut Social Security benefits by adjusting cost of living increases according to a chained CPI, noting that a “[w]ith some modest adjustments, we can keep the system solvent for many more years – and could even increase benefits.”  Warren also responded to a Washington Post editorial today that mocked the idea of a looming retirement crisis.  “To make sure no one missed the point, they even put the words ‘retirement crisis’ in quotation marks.  No retirement crisis? Tell that to the millions of Americans who are facing retirement without a pension. Tell that to the millions of Americans who have nothing to fall back on except Social Security.” Warren closed her speech by noting that Social Security issue is not just about math.  “At its core, this is a conversation about our values.  It is a conversation about who we are as a country and who we are as a people.  I believe we honor our promises, we make good on a system that millions of people paid into faithfully throughout their working years, and we support the right of every person to retire with dignity.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=290,Statement by Senator Warren on Senate Passage of Pharmaceutical Compounding Legislation [press_release],2013-11-18,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Elizabeth Warren,W000817,www.warren.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC - United States Senator Elizabeth Warren today released the following statement after the Senate voted to pass the Drug Quality and Security Act: ""I am proud to have worked together with Chairman Harkin, Ranking Member Alexander and all of the Senators on the HELP Committee from both sides of the aisle over several months to develop this law, which will create common sense oversight of the pharmaceutical compounding industry and the pharmaceutical supply chain.  For too long, bad actors in the compounding industry have taken advantage of lax state enforcement and confusion about federal regulations. The consequences of too little regulation and too little enforcement were brought into sharp focus last year when a compounding pharmacy in Massachusetts, the New England Compounding Center, was identified as the source of a widespread fungal meningitis outbreak that sickened 751 people and killed 64. The bill strengthens current law over compounding pharmacies and establishes tough, new regulations on large scale facilities like the New England Compounding Center. It also creates an important new oversight system to ensure we have a secure supply chain for our pharmaceutical products.  This bill is a big step forward in making people's drugs safer.  I commend my colleagues for stepping up to the challenge and showing that it is possible for Congress to do what is right - pass commonsense reforms that protect patients and consumers from harm."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kennedy.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kennedy-questions-new-epa-head-on-cost-of-compliance-for-ma-4,CONGRESSMAN KENNEDY QUESTIONS NEW EPA HEAD ON COST OF COMPLIANCE FOR MA-4 COMMUNITIES,2013-11-14,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Joseph Kennedy,K000379,kennedy.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – At a hearing today of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, Congressman Joe Kennedy questioned Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy about measures the federal government could take to help local municipalities tackle the cost of complying with updated environmental regulations. Across the 4th District of Massachusetts, communities have struggled with the cost of upgrading local infrastructure to meet new guidelines for combined sewage overflow, phosphorous runoff, and stormwater management. The towns of Milford, Bellingham and Franklin, for example, are looking at upgrades that will cost them over $200 million combined in order to comply with a new EPA pilot program designed to decrease phosphorous runoff into the Charles River.  The City of Fall River is estimated to have spent nearly as much in federally-mandated sewage updates over the past decade. “When I talk to local officials and businesses -- they want to be EPA compliant,” said Congressman Kennedy. “They are tremendously concerned about the effects of contamination, pollution and other environmental hazards that wreak havoc on their hometowns.  They know the long-term cost savings associated with clean up now are substantial. But they're stuck.  They don’t see a way to possibly account for these costs, given the financial reality they’re facing every day.” “In your opinion, is there any assistance the federal government can give these already-strapped municipalities that are struggling with the cost of compliance?” Kennedy asked Administrator McCarthy. “I ask this of course understanding the obvious fiscal constraints the federal government has right now,  but also knowing that those fiscal challenges are the same -- if not magnified -- at the local level.” For video of Congressman Kennedy and Administrator McCarthy’s exchange, please click here. # # # For Immediate Release:                               November 14, 2013 Contact:                                                  Emily Browne                                                               (617) 332-3333 Follow Congressman Kennedy on Facebook and Twitter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://tsongas.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1077,Tsongas outlines budget priorities in letter to conference committee leaders,2013-11-14,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Niki Tsongas,T000465,tsongas.house.gov,,,legacy,"Tsongas outlines budget priorities in letter to conference committee leaders Congresswoman urges action on a balanced plan WASHINGTON, DC – November 14, 2013 – This week, Congresswoman Niki Tsongas sent a letter to the bipartisan, bicameral budget conference committee tasked with negotiating the nation’s long-term budget solution. The letter was sent to Senator Patty Murray, Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, and Representative Paul Ryan, Chairman of the House Budget Committee, as well as other members involved. Tsongas wrote the letter to outline her ideas for a fair and balanced solution and to share the perspective and priorities of the Third District. In it, she urges her colleagues to find common ground in order to prevent another disastrous government shutdown, make a real down payment on our national debt, convert the harmful sequester cuts into targeted ones balanced by new revenue, and incorporate a true bipartisan approach that incorporates sacrifices from both sides. The conference committee met for the first time on October 30 and is scheduled to finish their deliberations in December. The full text of Congresswoman Tsongas’ letter can be found below and attached to this message.   November 12, 2013   The Honorable Paul Ryan                                           The Honorable Patty Murray Chairman                                                                     Chairman Committee on the Budget                                          Committee on the Budget U.S. House of Representatives                                   U.S. Senate Washington, DC 20515                                              Washington, DC 20515   Dear Chairman Ryan and Chairman Murray, As you negotiate a budget agreement over the next six weeks, you have a tremendous responsibility to create a framework that removes the threat of another government shutdown, repeals harmful sequestration cuts, and puts our long-term budget back into balance while spurring economic growth.  This responsibility will require Congress to step back from the partisan gamesmanship of recent weeks and make bold and responsible compromises. I write to share with you the perspective and priorities of the district I represent, priorities that are shared by communities throughout the country.  These priorities include preventing another disastrous shutdown by finalizing responsible discretionary spending numbers, preventing deep cuts from undermining our fragile economic recovery and harming our national security, making a real down payment on our national debt through a balance of new revenue and targeted cuts, incorporating broadly-shared sacrifices, and protecting the guarantees of Social Security, Medicare, and veterans’ benefits. My constituents were deeply frustrated earlier this month when we witnessed the first government shutdown in almost two decades, which took hundreds of thousands of public and private employees off the job, delayed vital public services, and impacted millions of Americans, all because a small group in Congress insisted upon ideological purity at the expense of levelheaded compromise.  Day after day during the shutdown as we inched ever closer to an unprecedented default on our promises, we saw the undeniable failure of single-party solutions and rigid adherence to partisan dogma.  The final deal ultimately passed by bipartisan majorities in both chambers and signed by the president, which included no partisan conditions and represented give-and-take by both sides, ought to serve as a model for upcoming budget talks. One place to start is by setting a realistic discretionary spending level to spur economic growth and protect our national security.  As Republican House Appropriations Committee Chairman Harold Rogers noted earlier this year, “the first major attempt by the House to consider and pass an Appropriations bill that funds domestic programs under the austere level delineated under the Budget Control Act and the House budget resolution” failed to receive support from House members because it had to abide by “unrealistic and ill-conceived discretionary cuts.”  Repealing sequestration—with its devastating impact on the investments necessary for securing our long-term global competitiveness like education, infrastructure, medical and scientific research, and national security—is not a Democratic or Republican priority, but a priority for the Congress and the nation.  I strongly encourage you to reach an agreement on realistic spending levels before the disparities between the House and Senate budgets set the stage for another continuing resolution, or worse, shutdown. In addition to this most basic responsibility, you have an opportunity to craft a long-term budget that continues to fine-tune the health care bill so that it can optimally serve the American people and provides a balanced approach to deficit reduction that combines targeted spending cuts with new revenue sources—just as every bipartisan group that has looked at this problem has suggested. Avoiding the consequences of stalemate will require reaching a deal that includes shared sacrifices.  Both parties will have to make real concessions.  This is both just and pragmatic. As conservative columnist David Brooks has noted, a deal that demands sacrifice from one group but not another is not sustainable in our democracy over the long run.  To return our deficits to the surpluses we ran in the late 1990s and pay down our long-term debt will require a sustained commitment from the entire nation, a commitment that will only come if a deal is seen as fair. With those principles in mind, I believe that a plan that truly addresses the challenges we face should include some portion of revenue increases and should not fundamentally alter the Social Security and Medicare programs upon which seniors rely.  It should also ensure we have the resources to adequately care for our veterans.  I believe it is both responsible and fair to end tax breaks for oil companies that receive billions of dollars in federal subsidies especially as they are turning record-breaking profits, to end other egregious tax loopholes, and to restore common sense to the tax subsidies that benefit the wealthiest few.  Likewise, it is important that we make reforms to all components of federal spending, including entitlement programs.  I support efforts to strengthen Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid for years to come, but will reject any attempts to privatize these programs, or to turn them into block grants or vouchers that transfer those costs onto those least able to afford it.  After years of paying into these programs, our seniors and those about to retire deserve the peace of mind knowing that their retirement security is protected and that they won’t have to deplete a lifetime of savings if they require longer hospital stays, assisted living, or a complicated surgery.    A responsible plan that reduces the deficit in a balanced way while protecting American jobs is vital to our nation’s economic strength and prosperity.  Thank you for your leadership and for your consideration.  I look forward to working with you to ensure that our nation pays its bills and protects our future.   Sincerely,   Niki Tsongas Member of Congress   CC: The Honorable Tom Price The Honorable Tom Cole The Honorable Diane Black The Honorable Chris Van Hollen The Honorable James Clyburn The Honorable Nita Lowey The Honorable Ron Wyden The Honorable Bill Nelson The Honorable Debbie Stabenow The Honorable Bernie Sanders The Honorable Sheldon Whitehouse The Honorable Mark Warner The Honorable Jeff Merkley The Honorable Christopher Coons The Honorable Tammy Baldwin The Honorable Tim Kaine The Honorable Angus King The Honorable Jeff Sessions The Honorable Charles Grassley The Honorable Michael Enzi The Honorable Mike Crapo The Honorable Lindsay Graham The Honorable Rob Portman The Honorable Pat Toomey The Honorable Ron Johnson The Honorable Kelly Ayotte The Honorable Roger Wicker ####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221062508/http://neal.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=351:south-worthington-doctor-follows-civil-war-paper-trail-to-document-thieves&catid=6:news-articles&Itemid=23,South Worthington doctor follows Civil War paper trail to document thieves,2013-11-14,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Richard Neal,N000015,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"South Worthington doctor follows Civil War paper trail to document thieves The court document ordered tobacco farmer Robert Ashby Jr. to pay the local mercantile 3 pounds he owed, plus a fine of 79 pounds of tobacco. It was dated 1753. And it was issued in Stafford, Va. So how that document and another one dated some 20 years later ended up in an attic in South Worthington in 2005 was puzzling. Dr. George Bresnick was digging through ""the proverbial old trunk in the attic"" at a neighbor's South Worthington home when he stumbled across the documents. ""They had absolutely nothing to do with the other papers,"" said Bresnick, an ophthalmologist who now resides in St. Paul, Minn. ""I was confused for a while."" After some research, Bresnick came up with the only reasonable explanation: They were stolen by Union forces from Western Massachusetts during the Civil War. And now he plans to return them to where they belong. It was November 1862 and Union forces, including the 37th Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, which had been mustered in Pittsfield earlier that year, were occupying the town of Stafford, Va., as part of the Fredericksburg campaign. The area around Stafford was overrun by 130,000 Union troops and the once pristine woods were decimated by the force for housing, defensive fortifications and heating. Farmland was torn up, homes were looted, and fences ripped out. The county courthouse in Stafford received similar maltreatment as the locals' homes -- two thirds of the county's records, which likely dated back to the 1660s, were ""burned, stolen or scattered,"" Bresnick said. He believes the documents were taken as souvenirs by Pvt. John D. Smith, a West Chesterfield resident who had enlisted with the 37th and would later be killed during the Battle of The Wilderness in 1864. Bresnick surmises that Smith sent the papers home and they ended up in the trunk in the attic of an old Methodist Episcopal parsonage that had once belonged to a Smith descendent. Back in 2005, Bresnick and his wife were living in the village of South Worthington, across the road from the old parsonage where an elderly woman resided. He helped go through the neighbor's home after her death and that's when he discovered the legal documents. They, along with everything else in the house, ended up with an antiques dealer. Bresnick later bought the documents, along with many others related to Chesterfield and Worthington, for $100. Eventually, he came up with a plan to return the documents from whence they came, in order, he said, to ""right a wrong."" According to Bresnick, there are both ""practical effects"" of the loss of Stafford's courthouse records -- the inability to verify a deed on a property before 1862, for instance -- and the psychological effect that comes with the loss of written records that help tell the story of Stafford's history. Bresnick's plan is two-fold. Today, he will be in Washington, D.C., to hand over the papers to U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Springfield, who in a symbolic gesture will give the documents to Rep. Rob Wittman, R-Va. ""For documents that were clearly removed from their place of origin to be returning after more than a hundred years, it's certainly symbolic,"" Neal said. ""History has an interest in seeing these artifacts, and I think it speaks well [of Bresnick], who wants to really respect these documents by returning them to the people of Stafford, Va."" Neal, besides being a congressman, is a professor who lectures in history and journalism at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. He told The Eagle he was interested in seeing these documents returned ""in the context of their importance to history."" The congressman said that people contact his office on a regular basis ""looking to reconnect with things from the past. Sometimes it's about a memorial, an event or a place. This is something different."" A day after Bresnick's scheduled meeting with the two congressman he will present the documents to Barbara Decatur, the Stafford County clerk of court, at a ceremony at the courthouse in Stafford. The documents will then permanently grace the courthouse walls. ""I'm happy [the documents] are going back to their home,"" Bresnick said. The two legal documents that were found in an old trunk in South Worthington were believed stolen from the courthouse in Stafford, Va., by Union troops during the Fredricksburg campaign of the Civil War. • The first document, dated 1753, is a court order informing the sheriff of Stafford County to bring a tobacco farmer named Robert Ashby Jr. (c.1720-c.1780) to the courthouse for a hearing that May. Ashby owed the mercantile firm of Patrick and William Bogle a little more than 3 pounds, likely from a past due store account. The court ordered Ashby to cough up the 3 pounds along with a hefty court fine of 79 pounds of tobacco. If he didn't pay, the court could then order Ashby's personal property sold to pay the debt. • The second document was a promissory note dated Feb. 24, 1776, obligating Joel Reddish (c. 1748-1826), to pay 11 pounds, four shillings, six pence, half-penny on a loan from James Ritchie & Co. of Glasgow, Scotland. According to Bresnick, Ritchie was one of the ""Tobacco Lords"" of Glasgow who imported tobacco from the colonies and sold it in Europe. The company was also in the business of loaning money to farmers in order to get their tobacco crop into the ground. Reddish was a Virginia tobacco farmer who had taken a loan out with the company.   To view the original article, please click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=286,Mass. Congressional Delegation Members Applaud VA Grants to Support Homeless Veterans [press_release],2013-11-14,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Elizabeth Warren,W000817,www.warren.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC - United States Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward J. Markey and Representatives Richard Neal, Jim McGovern, Stephen Lynch, Niki Tsongas and Bill Keating today applauded more than $339,000 in grants awarded to five Massachusetts community organizations serving veterans.  These U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) grants will help the community agencies purchase vans to provide transportation services to homeless veterans. ""Helping organizations that support our vets here in Massachusetts is an example of good partnership between the federal government and our local organizations,"" said Senator Warren.  ""These awards will help these agencies continue their important outreach work to help our homeless veterans. Our armed service men and women put their lives on the line to keep our families safe, and we have an obligation to do everything we can to support veterans in our communities.""  ""All our veterans are heroes, but even heroes need help,"" said Senator Markey. ""Those who fought for our country deserve a safe, stable and affordable place to call home. This funding will help reach the worthy goal of ending veterans homelessness in Massachusetts by 2015. I will continue to work with Governor Patrick, Secretary Nee, and the Congressional delegation to make that goal a reality."" ""As a nation, we have a great responsibility to care for the brave men and women in uniform who have defended the United States around the globe,"" said Congressman Neal. ""We can never forget they extraordinary sacrifice they made on behalf of the American people. In their time of need, we must provide supportive services for our nation's veterans and their families. This timely grant will allow community organizations in Massachusetts to continue the extraordinary work they do assisting our local veterans each day."" ""Both Veterans, Inc. in Worcester and Soldier On, Inc. in Leeds provide tremendously important services to men and women who deserve - and have earned - our support,"" said Congressman McGovern.  I'm very pleased that the VA is continuing to support the great work going on in our communities."" ""I give great credit to Senator Warren and Ed Markey for their efforts on behalf of our Veterans,"" said Congressman Lynch. ""With the influx of returning Afghan and Iraq Veterans, we really need to step up. I am very pleased that the New England Center for Homeless Veterans in my district received a VA grant. They do great work on a daily basis. This $22,000 grant will help purchase a van for transporting homeless Veterans. We certainly owe our veterans a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice. All of these grants will help ensure that our Veterans receive the proper support and care that they deserve upon returning home.""  ""In my role on the Armed Services Committee, I have seen firsthand the challenges our servicemembers and their families face here on the homefront, particularly as they transition from active duty to veteran status,"" said Congresswoman Tsongas. ""Facilities like the Veterans Northeast Outreach Center in Haverhill provide an invaluable service, bringing the right resources to veterans and their families when needed most. With this federal support, we can continue to fulfill our duty to serve those who so selflessly serve their country."" ""I am pleased one of these VA awards will be going to the Southeastern Massachusetts Veterans Housing Program in New Bedford,"" said Congressman Keating. ""This critical funding will provide help to our most vulnerable veterans by offering them housing and supportive services, as well as assisting in the addiction and recovery process if that is needed. One way we honor our veterans is by ensuring that they have the resources to transition to civilian life following their service. These community grants act as a safety net to do just that.""   The grants received by Massachusetts are among $4.9 million in funding awards made to support 25 projects in 11 states as part of the VA's Supportive Services for Veteran Families program. Among the awards announced this week by the VA, Soldier On, Inc. in Leeds received a total of $125,839; Southeastern Massachusetts Veterans Housing Program, Inc. in New Bedford received a total of $17,994; Turner House Living Center for Veterans in Williamstown received a total of $14,185; Veterans Northeast Outreach Center, Inc. in Haverhill received a total of $22,750; Veterans, Inc. in Worcester received a total of $136,336; and New England Center for Homeless Veterans in Boston received a total of $22,000. For a full list of the grants awarded by the VA to support transportation programs across the country, please click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=288,Senator Warren Questions Fed Chair Nominee Janet Yellen on Fed's Supervision and Regulation of Big Banks [press_release],2013-11-14,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Elizabeth Warren,W000817,www.warren.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Video Available Here Washington, DC - Today at a Senate Banking Committee hearing to consider the nomination of Dr. Janet Yellen to be Chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Fed), Senator Elizabeth Warren questioned Dr. Yellen about the Fed's role in supervising and regulating the biggest financial institutions. ""There has been a lot of talk today about the Fed's use of quantitative easing to try to help the economy get back on its feet,"" said Senator Warren. ""But the truth is, if the regulators had done their jobs and reined in the banks, we wouldn't need to be talking about quantitative easing because we could have avoided the 2008 crisis altogether. So I want to focus on the Fed's regulatory and supervisory responsibilities to keep the big banks in check. I'm concerned that those responsibilities just aren't a top priority for the Board of Governors."" Senator Warren asked, ""do you think that the Fed's lack of attention to regulatory and supervisory responsibilities helped lead to the crash of 2008?"" The Senator also pressed Yellen on the Fed's handling of a settlement earlier this year with thirteen mortgage servicers that had engaged in illegal foreclosure practices. ""The settlement was for over $9 billion and directly affected more than 4 million families. But the Fed's Board of Governors never voted on whether to accept the settlement.  Instead this decision was just left to the staff,"" explained Senator Warren. ""Now, the Fed has smart, hardworking staff, but the Board of Governors would never delegate critical monetary policy to them, and yet even now after the biggest financial crisis in generations, the Board seems all too willing to delegate critical regulatory and supervisory decisions. So I think we need to make reining in the banks a top priority for the Board."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kennedy.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kennedy-statement-on-mass-stem-plan-20,CONGRESSMAN KENNEDY STATEMENT ON MASS STEM PLAN 2.0,2013-11-13,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Joseph Kennedy,K000379,kennedy.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC -- Congressman Joe Kennedy released the following statement today in recognition of the Massachusetts Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Summit 2013 and the release of the state’s updated STEM Plan 2.0.  Congressman Kennedy serves as Honorary Chair of Governor Deval Patrick’s STEM Advisory Council and serves on the House Science and Technology Committee in Washington. ""STEM lies at the intersection of education, economics and social justice. It is a vehicle not just for growth and innovation but for access and opportunity. Thanks to the tremendous leadership of the Patrick Administration, Massachusetts has led the way in setting a national STEM agenda.  STEM Plan 2.0 builds on that success and works to expand our efforts even farther, so that zip code, skin color and gender can no longer be used as indicators of a person's interest or achievement in STEM."" For more information on the Massachusetts STEM Summit and Stem Plan 2.0 please click here. ### For Immediate Release:                               November 13, 2013 Contact:                                                  Emily Browne                                                               (617) 332-3333 Follow Congressman Kennedy on Facebook and Twitter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://lynch.house.gov/press-release/congressman-lynch-returns-oversight-codel-libya-and-sinai-region-egypt,Congressman Lynch returns from Oversight CODEL to Libya and Sinai Region of Egypt,2013-11-13,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Stephen Lynch,L000562,lynch.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Stephen F. Lynch, a senior member of the House Subcommittee on National Security, recently returned from a bipartisan Congressional delegation to Libya and the Sinai region of Egypt. Lynch was joined by Subcommittee Chairman Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) and Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT) and Rep. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY). The focus of the mission to Libya was to review the security issues that were exposed during the September 11, 2012 attacks on the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi in which Ambassador Christopher Stevens, former Navy Seal, Glen Doherty, State Department officer Sean Smith, and former Navy Seal Tyrone Woods were killed when their compound was attacked and overrun by armed insurgents. Over the weekend, the group met with Libyan Deputy Prime Minister Sadiq Abdulkarim Abdulrahman and U.S. Ambassador to Libya Deborah K. Jones to discuss local and regional developments. The delegation also conducted a site visit of the U.S. Embassy compound in Tripoli to examine the ongoing construction of security improvements. ""I am certainly encouraged by the extensive security measures that our State Department has taken to fortify our Embassy in Tripoli. I think it demonstrates a renewed effort to protect our diplomatic personnel and support staff,"" said Congressman Lynch, who added: ""Of course I am ever mindful of the tragic circumstances that have brought us to take these measures and the brave Americans who perished. I can't forget that, not for a moment. So for me, it is with a grim sense of regret that these steps were not taken sooner but also it is with a commitment to and respect for the memory of those valiant American patriots that we are determined to get this right."" The delegation was unable to return to the Benghazi compound where the attacks occurred because the mission has been closed and the area is now controlled by various heavily-armed militias. ""The fact that for security reasons we have been denied permission to go out and visit the Benghazi compound and that it has been abandoned is a strong indicator of the instability in that area""  said Lynch. In Egypt, the delegation traveled to the Sinai Peninsula to assess counter-terrorism operations conducted by the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO), consisting of 13 member nations including the United States.  The Sinai region, which abuts Israel and Gaza in the north, has witnessed increased militant attacks including multiple car bombs and a complex insurgent attack that killed 25 Egyptian police in August of 2013. Several of those militant groups claim affiliation with Al Qaeda. Congressman Lynch also met with Ambassador David M. Satterfield, who will soon return to his position as Director General of the MFO, and was able to meet a group of Massachusetts soldiers from Dorchester, Newton, North Attleboro, and Randolph who are currently among several hundred soldiers serving in the Sinai.  ""Our troops and the multinational forces are performing a critical peacekeeping function on the Sinai Peninsula,"" said Congressman Lynch. ""Hopefully, our counter-terrorism efforts will eventually allow a civilian democratically-elected government to emerge to fulfill the aspirations of the Egyptian people"" Lynch said.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://tsongas.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1075,Tsongas introduces bill to prevent federal funds from being used in political campaigns,2013-11-13,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Niki Tsongas,T000465,tsongas.house.gov,,,legacy,"Tsongas introduces bill to prevent federal funds from being used in political campaigns WASHINGTON, DC – November 13, 2013– Today, Congresswoman Niki Tsongas introduced the No Taxpayer Money for Corporate Campaigns Act, which would prevent any federal funds received by corporations, private companies, or other entities from being used for lobbying or in political campaigns. “Democracy cannot function when special interests drown out the influence of the average voter,” said Congresswoman Tsongas. “My bill is straightforward and common sense. Entities that receive federal funds may not use those funds to elect or defeat a political candidate, fund partisan voter registration drives or get-out-the-vote activities, lobby or support a trade association that campaigns or lobbies.” Tsongas introduced similar legislation in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling, Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission during the 112th Congress, which was never brought to a vote by Republican Leadership.  “The Supreme Court’s Citizens United ruling paved the way for an unprecedented influx of corporate funds to be used for political purposes,” said Tsongas. “The decision came at a time when unparalleled taxpayer funds were committed to shoring up our nation’s financial institutions, in addition to the billions of federal dollars that are awarded to defense contractors, non-profit groups, and other entities each year. By striking down the ban on corporate expenditures in political campaigns, the Supreme Court’s ruling allows companies like AIG, Goldman Sachs, or Halliburton to use these taxpayer dollars to support political candidates who will do their bidding, or punish those that won’t. It may be years before we can completely reverse the Supreme Court’s ill-conceived ruling, but we can take steps now to limit one of its harmful consequences.” The No Taxpayer Money for Corporate Campaigns Act has received support from several leading campaign finance reform advocacy groups. “At this critical moment when big-money special interests and corporate lobbyists always seem to get their way, Common Cause commends Congresswoman Tsongas for introducing the No Taxpayer Money for Corporate Campaigns Act of 2013,” said Aaron Scherb, Director of Legislative Affairs at Common Cause. “This bill will help strengthen our democracy so that everyday Americans will always have a strong voice in our government,” The organization Public Citizen released the following statement of support:“Public Citizen supports the No Taxpayer Money for Corporate Campaigns Act. This is responsible legislation that is sorely needed in the new political landscape of unlimited corporate political spending post- Citizens United v. FEC decision. When the Supreme Court determined that CEOs may spend unlimited corporate treasury funds on elections, it became imperative that restrictions against the abuse of taxpayer funds for partisan or political gain be applied more generally to all entities receiving public funds.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=284,Senator Warren Denounces Republican Filibusters of President Obama's Three Female Nominees to D.C. Circuit Court [press_release],2013-11-13,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Elizabeth Warren,W000817,www.warren.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Full Text of Senator Warren's Remarks Available Here Washington, DC - Today, United States Senator Elizabeth Warren delivered remarks on the floor of the Senate on Republicans' shameless efforts to block President Obama's three female nominees to the D.C. Circuit Court. Republicans filibustered the nominations of Nina Pillard to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals yesterday, the nomination of Patricia Millett to the D.C. Circuit last week, and the nomination of Caitlin Halligan earlier this year - three fair, balanced nominees with diverse experiences and bipartisan support. ""The powerful interests that work to rig the Supreme Court also want to rig the lower courts,"" explained Senator Warren. ""The D.C. Circuit is a particular target because that court has the power to overturn agency regulations."" Warren noted that nine of the fourteen judges on the D.C. Circuit who currently hear cases were appointed by Republicans, and that the court has been busy striking down agency regulations. ""Republicans may not like Wall Street Reform. They may not like Obamacare. But Congress passed those laws,"" said Senator Warren. ""President Obama signed those laws. President Obama ran for reelection on those laws, while his opponent pledged to repeal them-and his opponent lost by nearly five million votes.  It is not up to judges to overturn those laws or their associated regulations just because they don't fit those judges' policy preferences."" Senator Warren called Republicans efforts to rig the D.C. Circuit by blocking the President's highly qualified judicial nominees ""naked attempts to nullify the results of the last Presidential election"" and argued that if the filibusters continue, ""then Senators not only have a right to change the filibuster rules - Senators have a duty to change the filibuster rules. We cannot turn our backs on the Constitution. We cannot abdicate our oath of office.  We have a responsibility to protect and defend our democracy, and that includes protecting the neutrality of our courts - and preserving the Constitutional power of the President to nominate highly qualified people to fill their vacancies. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=285,Senator Warren Renews Call for Fishing Disaster Relief in Bipartisan Letter to Congressional Leadership [press_release],2013-11-13,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Elizabeth Warren,W000817,www.warren.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – United States Senator Elizabeth Warren today sent a letter with 37 other members of Congress, led by Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), urging congressional leadership to approve $150 million in fisheries disaster funding. The $150 million is currently included in the Commerce, Justice and Related Agencies’ budget, and the bipartisan coalition asked that the funds be allocated in any budget for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 by the Appropriations Committees and the leadership of both chambers.   “For the communities they affect, fisheries disasters are as devastating as other federally-declared Disasters,” wrote the members. “Therefore, we request your assistance in ensuring that the $150 million fisheries disaster mitigation funding included in the Senate-version of the CJS appropriations bill is included in any final FY 2014 funding package. These funds could be used in a variety of ways to provide fishermen vital help including support for emergency financial assistance, operational costs where necessary, economic development programs, and science initiatives to manage the fishery in a timely way that gives confidence to all stakeholders.”   In September, 2012, a federal fisheries disaster was declared for Massachusetts. Significant cuts were made to the groundfish catch allocations of Northeast fishermen, and small businesses and families have struggled to make ends meet due to the strict limits. In response to calls for help by the Massachusetts congressional delegation, the Small Business Administration also made a series of low-interest loans available to qualifying fishermen affected by the disaster. The letter was signed by the entire Massachusetts delegation and can be read here.    ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://lynch.house.gov/press-release/congressman-lynch-joins-bipartisan-coalition-lawmakers-delaying-harmful-flood,Congressman Lynch Joins Bipartisan Coalition of Lawmakers In Delaying Harmful Flood Insurance Rate Increases,2013-11-12,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Stephen Lynch,L000562,lynch.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC—On October 29, 2013, Congressman Stephen F. Lynch joined a bipartisan coalition of more than 80 Members of Congress in both the House and Senate in introducing a bill to delay the flood insurance premium increases harming coastal communities in Massachusetts. The bill would delay the premium increases triggered by the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 for 4 years and direct the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to complete an affordability study in the meantime. “Since homeowners in my district began hearing about the dramatic rate increases mandated under the Biggert-Waters law, they have reached out to me hoping that Congress would step in and fix this problem,” Lynch said. “I attended overflow meetings in Marshfield and Scituate where residents expressed frustration and anger over FEMA’s arbitrary implementation process, flawed mapping techniques, and unaffordable premium increases. After returning to Washington I heard similar stories from my colleagues and quickly committed to working with Senators Warren and Markey, and Congressmen Keating, Tierney, Tsongas and Capuano to address these concerns, which were shared by homeowners across the country.” Lynch cautioned ""this legislation does not fix all the problems with the National Flood Insurance Program. Notably, the current grace period does not apply to second homes or to small businesses and there remains work to be done to improve map accuracy and the appeals process. But today’s bill is a significant first step that will provide major relief to thousands of homeowners in Massachusetts so I am willing to support it while we work to add language to cover the gaps in how the law is applied.""  The legislation was spearheaded by Representatives Maxine Waters (D-CA), Michael Grimm (R-NY), Cedric Richmond (D-LA), and Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ). A companion bill has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA). Specifically, the legislation will accomplish the following: Imposes a delay likely to total four years for the most vulnerable properties, by delaying implementation of rate increases until two years after FEMA completes an affordability study, which was mandated in Biggert-Waters but not undertaken. FEMA has estimated it will take 2 years to complete the affordability study. It would then take up to an additional 2 years for FEMA to submit an affordability framework to Congress and for Congress to review the framework. This means rate increases would be delayed for 4 years in total. The delay applies to: primary, non-repetitive loss residences that are currently grandfathered; all properties sold after July 6, 2012; and all properties that purchased a new policy after July 6, 2012. Requires FEMA to propose an affordability framework that addresses the identified affordability issues within 18 months after the completion of the study and provides 6 months for Congressional review. Allows FEMA to utilize National Flood Insurance Funds to reimburse policyholders who successfully appeal a map determination. Eliminates the 50 percent cap on state and local contributions to levee construction and reconstruction.  Protects the so-called “basement exception,” which allows the lowest proofed opening in a home to be used for determining flood insurance rates. Establishes a Flood Insurance Rate Map Advocate within FEMA to answer current and prospective policyholder questions about the flood mapping process. Requires FEMA to certify that the agency has fully adopted a modernized risk-based approach to analyzing flood risk. Original Cosponsors of the legislation include: Representatives Michael Grimm (R-NY); Maxine Waters (D-CA); Cedric Richmond (D-LA); Pete Olson (R-TX); Steven Palazzo (R-MS); Patrick Murphy (D-FL); Bill Cassidy (R-LA); Doris Matsui (D-CA); Kevin Cramer (R-ND); William Keating (D-MA); Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL);Corrine Brown (D-FL); Rubén Hinojosa (D-TX); Gregory Meeks (D-NY); Mike McIntyre (D-NC);  Jerrold Nadler (D-NY); Richard Nugent (R-FL); Bobby Scott (D-VA); Jim Langevin (D-RI); Joseph Crowley (D-NY); Gwen Moore (D-WI); Glenn Thompson (R-PA); Walter Jones (R- NC); Peter Welch (D- VT); William Enyart (D- IL); Frank LoBiondo (R- NJ); Stephen Lynch (D-MA); John Carney (D-DE); John Culberson (R-TX); Kathy Castor (D-FL); Joe Garcia (D-FL); Lois Frankel (D-FL); Nydia Velazquez (D-NY); Jan Schakowsky (D-IL); Peter King (R-NY); Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ); Carolyn Maloney (D-NY); Frederica Wilson (D-FL); Filemon Vela; (D- TX); Rodney Davis (R-IL); John Tierney (D-MA); Ed Perlmutter (D – CO); Keith Ellison (D-MN); Ted Deutch (D-FL); Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY); Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL); Jerry McNerney (D-CA); Charles Boustany (R-LA); William Lacy Clay (D-MO); Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO); Steve Scalise (R –LA); Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY); John Garamendi (D-CA); Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX); Vern Buchanan (R-FL); Robert Andrews (D-NJ); Niki Tsongas (D-MA); Chellie Pingree (D-ME) and Renee Ellmers (R-NC). # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://lynch.house.gov/press-release/congressman-lynch-legislation-%E2%80%9Cveterans-day-moment-silence-act%E2%80%9D-passes-house,"Lynch legislation passes in the House of Representatives as part of larger Veterans Affairs bill, H.R. 2189",2013-11-12,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Stephen Lynch,L000562,lynch.house.gov,,,legacy,"On October 29, 2013, Congressman Stephen F. Lynch’s legislation, H.R. 2185, The “Veterans Day Moment of Silence Act,” passed on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives as part of H.R. 2189.  H.R. 2189, introduced by Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jeff Miller, establishes a commission to examine the current disability claims backlog at the Veterans Affairs Administration.  The bill passed by a vote of 404-1. The “Veterans Day Moment of Silence Act” calls for two minutes of silence every Veterans Day to recognize and reflect on the service and sacrifices of all veterans, past and present.  Its set time of 2:11 EST allows for all 50 states and Puerto Rico to take part. “We owe these brave men and women so much.  They put their lives on the line every day for us and for our country.  This moment of silence is a way for all Americans to come together, regardless of ideology, and give our veterans the thanks they deserve,” said Congressman Lynch. The “Veterans Day Moment of Silence Act” was the inspiration of the Bendetson family:  Daniel, Michael, and their father, Dr. Peter Bendetson, of Weston, Massachusetts. “It was my privilege to bring forth this bill on behalf of the Bendetsons,” said Congressman Lynch.  “Taking time to give thanks to our brave military is something we can all agree on.  I am grateful to Chairman Miller and Ranking Member Michael Michaud for incorporating my bill into H.R. 2189 and am pleased that it has passed.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://neal.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=349:veterans-day-ceremony-at-cemetery&catid=6:news-articles&Itemid=23,Veterans Day ceremony at cemetery,2013-11-12,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Richard Neal,N000015,neal.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.-- House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) and Ranking Member Richard Neal (D-MA) today announced a bipartisan agreement relating to Medicare “extenders,” policies that expire unless Congress acts. Congress last extended these policies in the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) in 2015.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://neal.house.gov/index.php?option=com_contentview=articleid=349:veterans-day-ceremony-at-cemeterycatid=6:news-articlesItemid=23,Veterans Day ceremony at cemetery,2013-11-12,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Richard Neal,N000015,neal.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.-- House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) and Ranking Member Richard Neal (D-MA) today announced a bipartisan agreement relating to Medicare “extenders,” policies that expire unless Congress acts. Congress last extended these policies in the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) in 2015.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221062456/http://neal.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=350:first-wind-begins-solar-power-project-in-warren&catid=6:news-articles&Itemid=23,First Wind begins solar power project in Warren,2013-11-12,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Richard Neal,N000015,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"First Wind begins solar power project in Warren WARREN — First Wind, an independent U.S.-based renewable energy company, marked the start last week of construction of its 14 megawatt solar project in the town of Warren. Located at three sites in Warren, First Wind’s solar project will be the second-largest in Massachusetts and, along with a 3 megawatt project in Millbury, represents the company’s first renewable energy projects in its home state and first solar developments. During a groundbreaking ceremony on the project site, First Wind officials were joined by U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield and Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Richard K. Sullivan Jr. “I strongly favor an ‘all-of-the above’ energy strategy that utilizes all of America’s natural resources,” Neal said according to a release. “This comprehensive approach has already generated significant investment in our domestic energy industry, helped create jobs, and reduced U.S. dependency on foreign oil. It also reduces air pollution and protects our environment. If we are to become energy independent, ventures like First Wind’s solar project in Warren need to be enthusiastically supported. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts leads the nation in energy efficiency, and this exciting solar project brings us closer to a clean energy future.” First Wind broke ground after securing financing and finalizing a 30-year power purchase agreement with the University of Massachusetts, with the majority of the power generated being delivered to the Lowell and Medical Center campuses. Through these solar projects, UMass will save more than $1 million in annual energy costs, or a total of more than $30 million over the course of the 30-year agreement. Once the solar projects are operational, First Wind will make yearly tax payments to each of the towns – $130,000 annually for Warren and $50,000 annually for Millbury – as well as contribute conservation land within the host communities. In addition, the towns of Millbury and Orange will realize annual energy savings by receiving a smaller portion of the energy generated through net metering agreements. These Massachusetts-based projects are the first solar projects that are part of the First Wind Solar Group, formed in an effort to explore potential development opportunities across the company’s current footprint in the Northeast, the West and Hawaii. Construction on the Warren and Millbury solar projects is being led by Borrego Solar Systems, one of the nation’s leading designers and installers of commercial and utility solar power systems. Construction on all four project sites should be completed and operating by June 2014. Construction activities will be a source of economic activity for the local economies by creating roughly 85 construction-related jobs and driving spending with local businesses. The projects will represent a significant investment in Massachusetts and the communities along with millions of dollars in construction, materials and development costs. “This year, the Commonwealth ranked third in new solar capacity, nationally. To date, Borrego Solar has installed over 38 megawatts of solar energy capacity in Massachusetts and is proud to now be aligned with a fellow renewable energy leader in the region to help keep the local solar industry moving forward,” said Mike Hall, CEO of Borrego Solar. “Aside from providing significant energy cost savings for UMass, Orange and Millbury, the project will create local jobs and help shift the state’s energy supply towards clean, local sources.” To view the original article, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=281,Senator Warren Urges Action to End Too Big to Fail [press_release],2013-11-12,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Elizabeth Warren,W000817,www.warren.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC - In remarks to Americans for Financial Reform and the Roosevelt Institute today, United States Senator Elizabeth Warren discussed the actions Congress needs to take to end Too Big to Fail and help prevent future financial crises. ""We should not accept a financial system that allows the biggest banks to emerge from a crisis in record-setting shape while working Americans continue to struggle,"" said Senator Warren in her speech today. ""And we should not accept a regulatory system that is so besieged by lobbyists for the big banks that it takes years to deliver rules and then the rules that are delivered are often watered-down and ineffective. ""What we need is a system that puts an end to the boom and bust cycle.  A system that recognizes we don't grow this country from the financial sector; we grow this country from the middle class."" The full text of Senator Warren's remarks as prepared for delivery is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=282,Statement by Senator Warren Following Vote to Proceed to Pharmaceutical Compounding Legislation [press_release],2013-11-12,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Elizabeth Warren,W000817,www.warren.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC - United States Senator Elizabeth Warren today released the following statement after the Senate successfully voted to begin consideration of the Drug Quality and Security Act: ""I'm pleased the Senate has voted to consider the Drug Quality and Security Act, which will help regulate the pharmaceutical compounding industry and secure our pharmaceutical supply chain. Because the tragic fungal meningitis outbreak that killed 64 people and made 751 sick just last year originated in our state, regulation of drug compounding is particularly important to the people of Massachusetts. Senator Kennedy fought hard to rein in this industry, and I'm proud to continue his fight. I urge my colleagues to pass this bipartisan, bicameral legislation to improve public health and safety and to protect families."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=283,"Senator Warren Asks CFPB Director Cordray About Agency's Efforts on Veterans Scams, Car Loans [press_release]",2013-11-12,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Elizabeth Warren,W000817,www.warren.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – At a Senate Banking Committee hearing today, United States Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) asked Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Director Richard Cordray about the agency’s efforts to protect older veterans from financial scams and to combat auto loan scams.    Senator Warren asked about scams targeting the Department of Veterans Affairs’ “aid and attendance benefit,” which helps pay for the cost of nursing homes and in-home health aides for disabled veterans. “The aid and attendance benefit is a significant way that we show our veterans our appreciation,” said Senator Warren. “And these scams are turning a benefit into something that actually undermines the financial security of our older veterans.”   Recently, Senator Warren held roundtable discussions in Boston and Lowell with CFPB Office of Servicemember Affairs Director Holly Petraeus on financial issues facing servicemembers, veterans, and their families.   During today's hearing, Senator Warren also questioned Director Cordray about protections for consumers purchasing cars. She explained that auto dealers act as intermediaries between car buyers and financial institutions when the buyer is looking for a loan, and all too often, charge consumers a higher interest rate than the quote they received from the financial institution while pocketing the difference.  Although the CFPB has authority to regulate nearly every kind of consumer loan, there is a loophole for car loans.   Senator Warren highlighted a recent Bipartisan Policy Center report recommending Congress close this loophole to give the CFPB authority to take actions that would protect families from being cheated on car loans. “I think the CFPB has done great work, and great work in this area as best it can,” said Senator Warren. “But it makes no sense to me that there should be any exception here for consumers who are being tricked out of billions of dollars every year on car loans.”   Video of Senator Warren’s Q&A at today’s hearing is available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://tsongas.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1073,Congresswoman Tsongas statement on Veterans Day,2013-11-11,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Niki Tsongas,T000465,tsongas.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Tsongas statement on Veterans Day LOWELL, MA – November 11, 2013 – Congresswoman Niki Tsongas released the following statement in observance of Veterans Day. “On Veterans Day, we recognize, with gratitude, all Americans who wear, and who’ve worn, the uniform of the United States of America. “In particular, we honor the 3rd district’s proud tradition of service to our country. We are home to generations of veterans who have, without hesitation, answered our country’s call and have returned forever changed from their experience of war, deeply committed to our country’s well-being. “I am proud to carry with me the legacy of these brave men and women as I serve in Congress; particularly in my service on the Armed Services Committee, where I have dedicated my efforts to ensuring our troops have the necessary resources to remain safe, effective and elite. “As co-chair of the Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force, I take seriously my responsibility to support Massachusetts military installations and the men and women who make them so vital to our armed services. This region’s deep military tradition has positioned us to play an important role in America’s military future – a role that is garnering national attention. “In recent weeks I have visited Natick Soldier System Labs to see the cutting-edge technologies they are developing to help protect our servicemembers. Last week, Air Force Chief of Staff General Mark Welsh visited Hanscom Air Force Base and MIT’s Lincoln Labs with me to see their innovative work firsthand. And in coming weeks Army Chief of Staff General Ray Odierno will visit Massachusetts to learn more about the essential development happening here at places like Natick. “Here in Massachusetts we’re utilizing our world-class academic institutions, advanced industry partners, and two of the nation’s leading federally funded research and development centers to explore and create the resources necessary for our soldiers to return home safe and successful. “When they do return home, America has made great strides to support the 22 million veterans nationwide and the more than 370,000 right here in Massachusetts. “The modernized GI Bill restores the promise of a full, four year college education for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. “We have worked to address the outrageous shortfalls in military and veteran’s health care by increasing funding for quality veterans’ health care, including mental health care, by more than 40 percent since January 2007.  “But there is much more to be done, especially when it comes to clearing avenues to jobs and other vital resources that our veterans need to transition to civilian life. The VA and Congress, especially on the Armed Services Committee, also continue to explore solutions to our military suicide epidemic. “As our nation continues drawing down our military involvement abroad and more American heroes return home, it is more important than ever for there to be a strong support system for military families. “And, we thank the families of those who serve.  Their support, bravery, and patriotism make possible the personal sacrifice that is at the heart of military service in a time of war. “But, words of honor are not enough.  It is incumbent upon those of us in Washington to honor those who serve with laws that meaningfully support our service members, veterans and their families. “Across the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC is the message, freedom is not free.  The freedom we enjoy is the result of the sacrifices of our veterans.  We are the beneficiaries of their courage, their sacrifice, and their vigilance; and so are countless people around the world. “This is why today is reserved for our veterans.  We must seek out the war stories of what today’s veterans have seen and heard so that we are ever mindful that our decisions to commit our nation to war are our most solemn, asking for great risk and sacrifice by those who answer the call.” ####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://neal.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=348:us-rep-richard-neal-talks-government-with-taconic-high-school-class&catid=6:news-articles&Itemid=23,US Rep. Richard Neal talks government with Taconic High School class,2013-11-08,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Richard Neal,N000015,neal.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.-- House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) and Ranking Member Richard Neal (D-MA) today announced a bipartisan agreement relating to Medicare “extenders,” policies that expire unless Congress acts. Congress last extended these policies in the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) in 2015.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://neal.house.gov/index.php?option=com_contentview=articleid=348:us-rep-richard-neal-talks-government-with-taconic-high-school-classcatid=6:news-articlesItemid=23,US Rep. Richard Neal talks government with Taconic High School class,2013-11-08,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Richard Neal,N000015,neal.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.-- House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) and Ranking Member Richard Neal (D-MA) today announced a bipartisan agreement relating to Medicare “extenders,” policies that expire unless Congress acts. Congress last extended these policies in the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) in 2015.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://tsongas.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1070,Congresswoman Tsongas statement urging House vote on ENDA,2013-11-08,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Niki Tsongas,T000465,tsongas.house.gov,,,legacy,"PRESS RELEASE FROM CONGRESSWOMAN NIKI TSONGAS MASSACHUSETTS FIFTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT Contact Michael Hartigan: 202.225.3411 – michael.hartigan@mail.house.gov Congresswoman Tsongas statement urging House vote on ENDA LOWELL, MA – November 8, 2013 – Yesterday, the United States Senate voted 64-32 to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). Reports indicate bipartisan support for ENDA in the House, but in recent days Speaker John Boehner has indicated that he would not bring the bill up in the House for a vote. Congresswoman Niki Tsongas released the following statement urging Speaker Boehner to allow a vote on ENDA in the House. ""My late husband Paul was the first U.S. Senator to introduce legislation to ban job discrimination based on sexual orientation. That was more than 30 years ago, in 1979. I agreed with him then and feel just as strongly about championing similar measures today.  ""Almost directly after I was elected in 2007, I strongly supported the passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act spearheaded by my colleague Congressman Barney Frank in the House of Representatives. While ENDA passed in the House of Representatives in 2007, it did not move in the Senate. ""Yesterday, the U.S. Senate passed ENDA, marking an important moment in history. It is now time for the House to act, pass ENDA and finally expand protections from employment discrimination for all. Speaker Boehner, for the sake of dignity, justice and equality, let us vote.""  ####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kennedy.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kennedy-statement-on-senate-passage-of-enda,CONGRESSMAN KENNEDY STATEMENT ON SENATE PASSAGE OF ENDA,2013-11-07,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Joseph Kennedy,K000379,kennedy.house.gov,,,legacy,"Newton, MA – Congressman Joe Kennedy today released the following statement after the United States Senate passed the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) by a vote of 64-32. “Inherent in the ultimate American idea -- that success is built off honest, hard work --  is a promise we make our people that those successes will not be limited based on what we look like, who we love, or where we live. Discrimination in the workplace undermines our principles, our prosperity, and our decency. I urge Speaker Boehner to bring ENDA to the House Floor immediately to allow Congress to make good on this country’s promise of liberty and justice for all.” # # #   For Immediate Release:                               November 7, 2013 Contact:                                                  Emily Browne                                                               (617) 332-3333 Follow Congressman Kennedy on Facebook and Twitter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=280,"Senator Warren at NCLC: ""There are still too many places where armies of lobbyists are fighting to rig the system"" [press_release]",2013-11-07,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Elizabeth Warren,W000817,www.warren.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Remarks as prepared for delivery Washington, DC – Today at the National Consumer Law Center’s (NCLC) Consumer Rights Litigation Conference, United States Senator Elizabeth Warren delivered remarks on major improvements made over the last few years in consumer protection and the areas where the playing field is still rigged against hard-working, middle class families. The senator also made the case for government’s role in protecting consumers. “When was the last time you heard someone call for regulators to go easier on companies that want to use lead paint on our children’s toys or leave the safety switches off toasters?” asked Senator Warren, highlighting the critical work of agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration protecting consumers. “There are a lot of regulatory successes, and a lot of people are alive today because of the basic rules of the road NCLC and others have fought for.  But there are still too many places where the world remains complicated and opaque.  There are still too many places where armies of lobbyists are fighting to rig the system so that the public remains in the dark.” Senator Warren used the recent debate on gun control as an example of the National Rifle Association and gun industry lobby trying to keep the public in the dark to slow down efforts against gun violence, even as this “epidemic kills our children, our friends, our neighbors.” She also pointed to the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision, which lets “corporations spend as much money as they pleased on elections, [and] unleashed a powerful group of millionaires and billionaires who could spend hundreds of millions of dollars to influence outcomes—all in secret.” The senator thanked NCLC for its work on behalf of families all across the country. “We can take steps to level the playing field,” said the senator. “We have succeeded in so many critical areas in the past, and I know we will succeed again in the future.  Reform isn’t easy, but when we succeed – when we increase transparency and fight for fairness - we get safer and we get stronger.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://tsongas.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1069,Tsongas congratulates Dan Rivera,2013-11-06,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Niki Tsongas,T000465,tsongas.house.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Ben Martello - 978.458.6454   Tsongas congratulates Dan Rivera   November 6, 2013 – Congresswoman Niki Tsongas (MA-3) released the following statement regarding the election of Dan Rivera as Mayor of the City of Lawrence. “I want to congratulate Dan Rivera on his victory last night and look forward to welcoming him as Lawrence’s next mayor.  I endorsed Dan in October because I believed in his vision for this remarkable city.  Yesterday, a majority of Lawrence voters agreed that Dan will bring the right mix of leadership, ideas and opportunity to their city. “Rebuilding the City of Lawrence’s financial well-being will require deep-seated commitment from the mayor’s office.  Dan’s impressive education, commitment to public service both to the country as a veteran and to our community as a member of the City Council, complemented by his tireless advocacy for the city of Lawrence, will help the city continue along the path towards growth.  Moving forward, I am confident Mayor-elect Rivera will have the ability to unify the city and utilize the remarkable potential of its people. “I congratulate Mayor-elect Dan Rivera and look forward to working with him as he writes the next chapter in Lawrence’s storied history.”  ####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=279,Senator Warren Urges Colleagues to Pass ENDA [press_release],2013-11-06,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Elizabeth Warren,W000817,www.warren.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Video is available here   Full text of the remarks available here   Washington, DC – United States Senator Elizabeth Warren today delivered a speech on the floor of the Senate calling on her colleagues to support the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which would outlaw workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. ""Despite the successful efforts in many states to pass nondiscrimination measures,"" said Senator Warren, ""Americans living in over half the country can still be discriminated against in the workplace based on sexual orientation or gender identity. And it happens. Between 15% and 43% of LGBT individuals have reported experiencing discrimination or harassment in the workplace."" The senator recognized the important strides we have taken toward full equality for the LGBT community and argued that ""the failure to treat all our citizens with the same dignity is shameful."" She highlighted the important workplace protections ENDA would provide to LGBT Americans, and applauded the work of Massachusetts legislators including Senator Ted Kennedy, Congressman Barkey Frank and Senator Paul Tsongas who fought for LGBT equality for decades. ""Many have tried hard to reach this day, and our legislators from Massachusetts have long been leaders in the fight...Shortly before his death, in March of 2009, Senator Kennedy joined with Senators Merkley, Collins, and Snowe in what would be his final attempt to push this bipartisan legislation over the finish line,"" Senator Warren said. ""At the time, Senator Kennedy eloquently explained his continuing support for the ENDA by noting that 'the promise of America will never be fulfilled as long as justice is denied to even one among us.' ""Those words were true in 1974 when Bella Abzug introduced the Equality Act. Those words were true when the Senate came within one vote of passing ENDA in 1996. Those words were true when Senator Kennedy offered them in 2009. And those words are true today.  ""I believe in a world where equal means equal, and that is why I will be voting to outlaw employment discrimination against my neighbors and my friends...It has taken us far too long to arrive at this day. But we are here now, and we are not going back."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://neal.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=347:u-s-rep-richard-neal-welcomes-action-against-offshore-tax-avoidance&catid=6:news-articles&Itemid=23,U.S. Rep. Richard Neal welcomes action against offshore tax avoidance,2013-11-05,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Richard Neal,N000015,neal.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.-- House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) and Ranking Member Richard Neal (D-MA) today announced a bipartisan agreement relating to Medicare “extenders,” policies that expire unless Congress acts. Congress last extended these policies in the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) in 2015.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://neal.house.gov/index.php?option=com_contentview=articleid=347:u-s-rep-richard-neal-welcomes-action-against-offshore-tax-avoidancecatid=6:news-articlesItemid=23,U.S. Rep. Richard Neal welcomes action against offshore tax avoidance,2013-11-05,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Richard Neal,N000015,neal.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.-- House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) and Ranking Member Richard Neal (D-MA) today announced a bipartisan agreement relating to Medicare “extenders,” policies that expire unless Congress acts. Congress last extended these policies in the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) in 2015.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=277,Senator Warren Highlights Massachusetts Health Care at HELP Committee Hearing on Affordable Care Act Implementation [press_release],2013-11-05,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Elizabeth Warren,W000817,www.warren.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Video is available here   Washington, DC – At a Senate Health Education Labor & Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing today, United States Senator Elizabeth Warren compared Massachusetts' health reform launch to the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Federal Health Insurance Marketplace, including similar technical problems, enrollment trends and cost benefits. Senator Warren explained that in 2007, Massachusetts' website experienced technical problems that required a ""tech surge"" to fix. She questioned Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Marilyn Tavenner about the HealthCare.gov website and noted that in Massachusetts, ""we stayed focused on what mattered - our conviction that no one deserved to be bankrupt or shut out of the system when they got sick."" The Senator called on Administrator Tavenner to describe the administration's projections about the enrollment trends, and the impacts that the technological problems with the website might have on those trends. ""Our enrollment period for subsidized insurance lasted almost a full year, and yet it was only in the last month that 20% of the total pool got themselves enrolled. People signing up for unsubsidized insurance had a shorter period of time, and yet over a quarter of them waited until the last month to get enrolled,"" said Senator Warren, explaining that regardless of the length of an enrollment period, consumers tend to wait to sign up until the end. Senator Warren also discussed the struggles of the health care industry before the ACA, ""costs exploded, insurance companies discriminated against people with preexisting conditions, too many consumers and patients - including those with insurance - were threatened with financial ruin if they got sick."" The senator touted the elimination of lifetime coverage limits and of insurance companies' ability to discriminate against consumers with pre-existing conditions and encouraged fixing these systems so that families across the country have the health care they need, like families in Massachusetts.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kennedy.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kennedy-announces-november-office-hours-for-fall-river-and-taunton,CONGRESSMAN KENNEDY ANNOUNCES NOVEMBER OFFICE HOURS FOR FALL RIVER AND TAUNTON,2013-11-04,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Joseph Kennedy,K000379,kennedy.house.gov,,,legacy,"Newton, MA – Congressman Joe Kennedy today announced the November schedule for his staff’s office hours in Fall River and Taunton. During office hours, one of the Congressman’s caseworkers will be available to speak with constituents.   For the month of November, Congressman Kennedy’s Fall River satellite office will be open from 10:30AM to 12:30PM on November 5, 7, 12, 14, 19 and 21. The satellite office is located in Room 318 at Fall River City Hall.   Taunton office hours will be held on November 21 from 11:30AM-1:30PM at the Department of Human Services/Taunton Council on Aging (30 Olney Street).   “Office hours in Fall River and Taunton are a critical part of our constituent outreach across the southern part of the 4th District,” said Congressman Kennedy. “By holding regular office hours in both cities we hope to ensure that Fall River, Taunton, and the surrounding communities have consistent access to the resources our office can provide.”   Congressman Kennedy’s local office hours are open to constituents across the 4th District. No appointment is necessary. For questions or additional information please call (617) 332-3333 or visit the Congressman’s website at https://kennedy.house.gov/.     # # #   For Immediate Release:                               November 4, 2013 Contact:                                                  Emily Browne                                                               (617) 332-3333 Follow Congressman Kennedy on Facebook and Twitter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kennedy.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kennedy-brings-tour-34-to-hopedale-bellingham-and-millis,"CONGRESSMAN KENNEDY BRINGS 'TOUR 34' TO HOPEDALE, BELLINGHAM AND MILLIS",2013-11-04,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Joseph Kennedy,K000379,kennedy.house.gov,,,legacy,"Newton, MA – Congressman Joe Kennedy III today announced that he will continue his fall schedule for ‘Tour 34’ by holding constituent office hours in Hopedale, Bellingham and Millis this Saturday, November 9. The Congressman has brought ‘Tour 34’ to communities across the 4th District this year as part of his ongoing commitment to hold constituent office hours in all 34 cities and towns by the end of 2013. “Tour 34 continues to be a successful way to connect with residents across the district, and we look forward to continuing our fall schedule by bringing our resources to Hopedale, Bellingham and Millis,” said Congressman Kennedy. “We remain committed to ensuring that every community in the 4th District has access to the services our office can provide.” The schedule for office hours on Saturday, November 9 is as follows: 10:00AM – 11:00AM Bancroft Memorial Library 50 Hopedale Street Hopedale, MA 11:30AM – 12:30PM Bellingham Public Library 100 Blackstone Street Bellingham, MA 1:00PM – 2:00PM Millis Public Library 961 Main Street Millis, MA Congressman Kennedy’s local office hours are open to constituents across the 4th District. No appointment is necessary. For questions or additional information please call (617) 332-3333 or visit the Congressman’s website at https://kennedy.house.gov/tour-34. # # #   For Immediate Release:                               November 4, 2013 Contact:                                                  Emily Browne                                                               (617) 332-3333 Follow Congressman Kennedy on Facebook and Twitter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=276,"Senators Warren, Markey, Begich and Congressmen Tierney, Keating Hold Listening Session on Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization, Issues Facing Fishermen [press_release]",2013-11-04,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Elizabeth Warren,W000817,www.warren.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BOSTON, MA - United States Senator Elizabeth Warren hosted a listening session today with Senator Begich (D-Alaska), Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard, Senator Edward J. Markey, and Congressmen John Tierney and Bill Keating on the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), which is up for reauthorization this year.  Warren, Begich, Markey, Tierney, and Keating heard from panelists including members of the Massachusetts fishing industry, shore side businesses and the local marine science community. They discussed challenges facing the fishing industry, how marine science and fisheries management systems can be improved to sustain the fishing culture and way of life for future generations, and the industry's priorities going into the reauthorization process. ""The fishing industry is a key part of Massachusetts' history, our economy, and our future,"" said Senator Warren. ""We are at a key moment in determining what will happen with our fishermen and with our fishing communities, and we recognize the importance of good policy coming from Washington. I am very grateful to Senator Begich for taking the time to hear and learn about the various problems facing the northeast and I thank him for his pledge to work together with our federal delegation to improve Magnuson-Stevens and help Massachusetts' fishing families."" ""As I've visited Gloucester, New Bedford and the Cape, I've heard the concern in peoples' voices that our centuries old fishing industry might finally be grounded, and I heard more of those concerns today,"" said Senator Markey. ""But our fishermen have never been known to give up easily.  The perseverance that the Red Sox showed in going from last to world champions is in the makeup of all the captains and crew members who make their living from the sea. By working together, we can keep this important economic and cultural industry alive and thriving for generations to come."" ""Over the past several years the fishing industry in Massachusetts has faced a number of serious hurdles,"" said Congressman Tierney. ""I thank Senator Warren for convening today's listening session to bring together members of the community to reform the policies that currently cause the fishing community so much harm. It's imperative that we continue working together to reform Magnuson-Stevens in a way that provides greater flexibility for the fishing industry and improves the science that is the foundation of fisheries regulation."" ""I am very appreciative that Senators Warren and Begich hosted this important meeting, which underscored the need for common-sense solutions that we continue to hear from many stakeholders on our Federal Fishing Advisory Board,"" said Congressman Keating. ""I continue to feel tremendous urgency to act through legislation, regulation, and critical partnerships.  My urgency stems from a fear that while we work to improve fishing policies, we lose more fishermen to unfair regulations.  The solutions discussed today would sustain the fishing stock while ensuring that there are fishermen still employed to benefit from it."" The MSA governs marine fisheries across the country, taking into account scientific research, resources and safety, and has been revised multiple times since its original passage in 1974. Senator Begich is Chairman of the Subcommittee that is responsible for MSA's reauthorization and is focused on hearing from stakeholders what reforms are necessary to support fisheries and address current challenges. Additional groups represented and elected officials in attendance: New England Fisheries Management Council Northeast Seafood Coalition and Groundfish Fisherman Gloucester Fishermen's Wives Association Cape Cod Fishing Alliance Foley Fish Scallop Survival Fund School for Marine Science and Technology (SMAST) at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Ocean River Institute Center For Sustainable Fisheries Conservation Law Foundation Massachusetts Chapter of The Nature Conservancy Mayor Jon Mitchell Senate President Therese Murray Senator Bruce Tarr Senator Thomas McGee Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante Representative Robert Koczera Representative Christopher Markey Representative Tony Cabral Representative Jim Cantwell ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kennedy.house.gov/media/press-releases/massachusetts-congressional-delegation-announces-resolution-on-boston-red-sox,MASSACHUSETTS CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION ANNOUNCES RESOLUTION ON BOSTON RED SOX WORLD SERIES VICTORY,2013-11-01,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Joseph Kennedy,K000379,kennedy.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC - The Massachusetts Congressional Delegation today announced a resolution congratulating the Boston Red Sox on their 2013 World Series victory against the St. Louis Cardinals, honoring past and present Red Sox legends for their contributions to the Red Sox organization, thanking the world championship team for their dedication to the City of Boston and all of Red Sox Nation, and recognizing the players' embodiment of 'Boston Strong.' The resolution will be introduced in the United States Senate and House of Representatives by the Massachusetts delegation and other members from New England. The full text of the resolution is below: Title: Congratulating the Boston Red Sox on winning the 2013 World Series. Whereas, on October 30, 2013, the Boston Red Sox won the 2013 World Series by defeating the St. Louis Cardinals; Whereas the Boston Red Sox won the World Series before the Fenway Faithful for the first time since 1918, igniting the city with pride; Whereas the St. Louis Cardinals demonstrated sportsmanship, skill, and perseverance; Whereas the St. Louis Cardinals are recognized for their phenomenal effort and success throughout the 2013 baseball season, posting a record of 97-65 and winning their fourth National League pennant in 10 years; Whereas Boston's victory marks their third world title in 10 years and their 8th world title in the treasured and beloved Red Sox team's 113-year history; Whereas the Red Sox players and staff showed the most advanced skill, heart, and grit through the entire regular season and postseason, winning the American League Division Series, the American League Championship Series, and the World Series; Whereas the Red Sox made history and showed tremendous resilience in becoming the first team to win the World Series after losing at least 93 games the previous year; Whereas the 2013 team will be remembered for the inspiration they drew from the city of Boston, the joy they brought to the city and the region, and their embodiment of ""Boston Strong""; Whereas the Red Sox players' beards will be remembered as a symbol of the 2013 Boston Red Sox's spirit and unity; Whereas the Red Sox World Series victory paid tribute to former Red Sox legends, including Bobby Doerr, Joe Cronin, Johnny Pesky, Carl Yastrzemski, Ted Williams, Carlton Fisk, and Jim Rice; Whereas Red Sox manager John Farrell has won his first World Series title at the helm of the Red Sox and assembled one of the greatest Red Sox teams of all time; Whereas David Ortiz, a vital Red Sox and member of the 2004 and 2007 World Series championship teams and with 103 runs-batted-in (RBIs) during the season, was recognized as the Most Valuable Player in the 2013 World Series, batting .688, hitting two critical home runs, and cementing his reputation as one of the greatest postseason performers in baseball history; Whereas John Lackey and Clay Buchholz dominated opposing batters throughout the American League Championship, and Jon Lester had an overpowering performance in Game 5 of the World Series, tying the Red Sox post-season record for wins with six; Whereas Koji Uehara delivered unmatched relief pitching performances throughout the regular season, earning 21 saves with just a 1.09 earned run average and silenced opposing hitters during the playoffs; Whereas Mike Napoli blasted a game-deciding home run in game 3 of the American League Championship Series and produced key hits and leadership for the Red Sox throughout the World Series; Whereas Shane Victorino solidified his legend in postseason baseball lore by blasting a grand slam that drove the Red Sox past the Detroit Tigers in game 6 of the American League Championship Series, hitting a three run double in the World Series-clinching win at Fenway Park, and earning a Gold Glove award for his stellar performance in right field; Whereas Dustin Pedroia, a sure-handed fielder, was awarded the Gold Glove for his unshakeable defensive play at second base during the 2013 regular season, provided relentless leadership in the Red Sox clubhouse, and set an example for countless young baseball fans across our country; Whereas the Boston Red Sox were led to the World Series by the determination of every Red Sox player this season, including Alfredo Aceves, Quintin Berry, Xander Bogaerts, Craig Breslow, Clay Buchholz, Mike Carp, Ryan Dempster, Jonathan Diaz, Felix Doubront, Stephen Drew, Jacoby Ellsbury, Jonny Gomes, Brock Holt, John Lackey, Ryan Lavarnway, Jon Lester, Will Middlebrooks, Franklin Morales, Mike Napoli, Daniel Nava, Jake Peavy, Dustin Pedroia, David Ortiz, David Ross, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Junichi Tazawa, Koji Uehara, Shane Victorino, and Brandon Workman; Whereas Red Sox owners John Henry and Tom Werner and Red Sox president and chief executive officer Larry Lucchino and general manager Ben Cherington deserve credit for building on the success of the 2004 and 2007 World Championship teams; Whereas Bill James, the father of modern statistical analysis of baseball and a pioneer in the sabermetric movement, won his third World Series as a member of the Red Sox staff; Whereas the Boston Red Sox have been serving charities throughout New England, including the ""Jimmy Fund"" of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for 60 years and joining the fight against cancer; and Whereas fans of the Red Sox, not only in Boston or New England but across the world, join together to triumphantly celebrate the win after mourning the tragic events of the 2013 Boston Marathon earlier this year; and Whereas the Fenway Faithful and Red Sox Nation thank the Red Sox organization for their loyalty to the city and delivery of the 2013 World Series title : Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate- (1) congratulates- (A) the Boston Red Sox for bringing the World Series title back to Boston, and the players, manager, coaches, support staff, and owners whose dedication, commitment, and spirit made this season a historic success; and (B) the St. Louis Cardinals for their accomplishments and dedication during the 2013 season and in winning the National League Championship; and (2) directs the Secretary of the Senate to transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to- (A) Red Sox manager John Farrell; (B) Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington; (C) Red Sox president and chief executive officer Larry Lucchino; (D) Red Sox principal owner John Henry; and (E) Red Sox chairman Tom Werner. ### FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 1, 2013 Contacts: Lacey Rose (Warren), 202-263-9747 Giselle Barry (Markey), 202-224-2742 Billy Tranghese (Neal), 202-225-0612 Michael Mershon (McGovern), 202-225-6101 Daniel Rubin (Tierney), 202-226-8613 Alison Mills (Capuano), 617-621-6208 Meghan Aldridge (Lynch), 617-428-2000 Michael Hartigan (Tsongas), 202-225-3411 Lauren McDermott (Keating), 202-225-3111 Emily Browne (Kennedy), 202-225-5931",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221062429/http://neal.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=346:pittsfield-cuts-ribbon-on-airport-improvement-project&catid=6:news-articles&Itemid=23,Pittsfield Cuts Ribbon On Airport Improvement Project,2013-11-01,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,MA,Richard Neal,N000015,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Pittsfield Cuts Ribbon On Airport Improvement Project   By Andy McKeever Thursday, October 31, 2013   PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Five mayors, two congressmen and too many local and state politicians to count have worked on the improvement project at the airport. On Thursday, after 15 years, government officials on all levels joined in the ribbon cutting on the completed $22 million project. ""There are very few projects of this magnitude that go easily,"" former U.S. Rep. John Olver said at Thursday's ribbon cutting. ""Federal dollars are short. State dollars are short ... But, it's done. It's done and with luck we can use it here for great economic advantages."" Olver helped usher in $6 million from the Federal Aviation Administration, which was combined with $13.5 million from the state Department of Transportation and $3 million from the city. He remember his first conversation with Jeffrey Cook in 1998 when city and business officials first began pushing for the project. Then the goal was to complete it by 2004. ""It got tough. Budgets got tough. It was tough to get money together on the federal level since 2000,"" Olver said, but then there was a ""window of opportunity"" in 2008 with the federal stimulus package. Olver served as chairman of the transportation subcommittee, which worked on appropriations of that package. The first batch of funding was earmarked toward the project and ground was broken in 2010. ""[Olver] got the project started, funded, funded again and funded again,"" said former Mayor James Ruberto, adding that on top of that Olver needed to field numerous phone calls from a ""worry wart"" of a mayor (himself). ""It is a great win because it shows that an aggressive government, working together, can improve the lives and conditions of people all over this commonwealth and this country,"" he said before delivering his well known, ""it's a great day for Pittsfield."" The project was hotly debated and Ruberto credited residents, the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce and every governmental agency for finally bringing it to fruition. Ruberto spent eight years working on the project. However, he agreed with current Mayor Daniel Bianchi, who credited the process of being very public. While the debate created tension, it was a ""healthy"" process. Coined as a ""safety improvement project,"" the benefits run deeper, according to state Department of Transportation Secretary Richard Davey. ""This isn't just about just safety or pavement or runways. It is about jobs and economic development. That is what transportation is about. It is not about planes or buses — although the buses are beautiful and the planes are particularily beautiful. It is about jobs and economic development,"" Davey said. ""That is why the Legislature stepped up working with the administration and they are going to continue to make investments across the state. If we're not investing in ourselves then we will fall behind."" The improvements included extending buffer zones at either end of the runway, lengthening the runway, removing trees, installing lighting and repositioning South Mountain Road. Now, the airport has the ability to not only safely land more recreational planes but also corporate jets — an amenity local officials hope contribute toward attracting businesses. U.S. Rep. Richard Neal called for a nationwide infrastructure program to 'put people back to work.' ""There are a lot of jobs and economic development directly related to investments like this,"" Davey said, citing $14 billion worth of economic activity created by the state's 39 airports. ""The bottom line, this is a classic example of built it and they can come."" Bianchi said the airport can now be a ""cornerstone"" to the economy instead of growing weeds. Aside from the future economic growth it is expected to create, current U.S. Rep. Richard Neal said the infrastructure work like this is ""the best way to get people to work quickly"" while at the same time setting the foundation for future growth. He called for a ""big"" federal infrastructure program. ""We need a big transportation program for the country to get people back to work with reasonably but long-term investments,"" Neal said. Federal Aviation Administration Regional Administrator Amy Corbett added that the safety aspect of it is important, too — not just the economics. Corbett said this type of improvement helps the entire aviation network. ""It has cost a lot of money. It has taken a lot of time. But when it comes to this type of safety improvement — it is all worth it,"" she said. Also in attendance were Chris Willenborg, MassDOT Aeronautics administrator, state Sen. Benjamin Downing, former state Sen. Andrea Nuciforo, state Reps. Tricia Farley-Bouvier, Paul Mark and William ""Smitty"" Pignatelli, Airport Commission Chairman Christopher Pedersen, Airport Manager Mark Germanowski, City Councilors Jonathan Lothrup and Barry Clairmont, Chamber of Commerce President Michael Supranowicz, Register of Deeds Patsy Harris and an array of other airport, government, construction and aviation representatives.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=272,Senator Warren Urges Swift Confirmation of Congressman Mel Watt as Federal Housing Finance Agency Director [press_release],2013-10-31,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,MA,Elizabeth Warren,W000817,www.warren.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Video of the Senator’s Remarks   Washington, DC – In remarks on the floor of the United States Senate today, Senator Elizabeth Warren urged her colleagues to confirm Congressman Mel Watt’s nomination to be the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). Senator Warren called for an end to “obstruction for obstruction’s sake,” and stressed the importance of a confirmed Director and strong FHFA to bolster the recovery of the housing market and provide certainty to the agency, which has been led by an Acting Director for four years.   “One of the people who could make an important difference in helping the housing market back to full health is the Director of the FHFA,” said Senator Warren. “The FHFA oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Between them, Fannie and Freddie back the vast majority of mortgages in the country, which means right now the FHFA has enormous influence over the American housing market.  The FHFA has the tools to help homeowners who continue to struggle following the 2008 financial crisis, and it has the tools to help accelerate our economic recovery.”   “Congressman Watt has worked hard to level the playing field for consumers, but he is no ideologue,” she continued. “I’ve worked with him for many years now and I have seen first-hand that he is a thoughtful policymaker. He can see problems coming, and when he does, he seeks common ground and works hard to develop real solutions. As Congress looks at ways to fix Fannie and Freddie and steady the housing market, Congressman Watt’s practical approach is exactly what the FHFA needs.”   The senator condemned obstructionists who are trying to stop a simple up or down vote in the Senate on Congressman Watt’s nomination. “Why wouldn’t they want strong leadership in an agency that has been thrust into such a critical role in the economy?  It just doesn’t make sense – not to the people who know Mel and not to the people who want to put this economy back on track,” said Senator Warren.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=271,Senator Warren's Statement on the Anniversary of Supplemental Security Income [press_release],2013-10-30,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,MA,Elizabeth Warren,W000817,www.warren.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC - United States Senator Elizabeth Warren today released the following statement on the anniversary of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. Forty-one years ago today, SSI was signed into law as part of amendments to the Social Security Act. ""For 41 years, SSI has been a lifeline for low-income older Americans and people who can't work because of disabilities. We have an obligation to support and strengthen this critical program, which helps millions of people make ends meet. We should take steps to improve SSI so that everyone who needs it can access these important benefits, and that we're doing all we can to lift people out of poverty."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://tsongas.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1066,Tsongas subcommittee demands progress on protecting gains for Afghan women,2013-10-29,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,MA,Niki Tsongas,T000465,tsongas.house.gov,,,legacy,"PRESS RELEASE FROM CONGRESSWOMAN NIKI TSONGAS MASSACHUSETTS THIRD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT Contact Michael Hartigan: 202.225.3411 ~ michael.hartigan@mail.house.gov Tsongas subcommittee demands progress on protecting gains for Afghan women WASHINGTON, DC – On Tuesday, October 29, 2013, the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing regarding the protection of Afghan women’s rights in a post-U.S. withdrawal environment. Congresswoman Niki Tsongas, the top Democrat on the O&I Subcommittee, requested this hearing to discuss the military’s plan regarding Afghan women’s rights and led the questioning along with Chairwoman Martha Roby (R-AL). Congresswoman Tsongas has been a longtime advocate for protecting the significant gains women and girls have made in Afghanistan since the United States first began military operations there. She has made five trips to Afghanistan, most recently in May of 2013, to meet with American troops, military officials and Afghan leaders to discuss multiple issues, including protecting the gains in women’s rights. Tsongas and Roby recently penned a joint Op-Ed for the Wall Street Journal calling on the military to form a comprehensive plan for protecting these gains for Afghan women and outlining the importance that this issue has for the long-term wellbeing of Afghanistan and our own national security. At the hearing, Tsongas emphasized the need for recruitment and retention of women in some of the most important avenues of Afghan society, such as the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) and the Afghan National Police (ANP). She also questioned the witnesses about reconstruction funding that had been set aside for women and girls programming and how such spending can be better monitored and overseen more effectively. “Today’s hearing was important not just to identify the challenges we already know exist, but rather to drill down into the specific methods and plan for how we can get and secure results,” said Congresswoman Tsongas. “Maintaining the gains made in recent years by Afghan women and girls is critical to the future of Afghanistan, as well as international security. As one of America’s greatest success stories in Afghanistan, these advances represent a path toward opportunity, equality and stability. America has a responsibility and a stake in protecting that growth. In the near term, it is essential for us to work with the Afghan government and our multilateral partners to ensure that women are able to safely vote in April’s presidential elections so that they can have a stake in their nation’s future. This will require the training and equipping of thousands of female security personnel over the next several months.” Witnesses at today’s hearing also discussed the new, comprehensive audit on Afghan women’s issues proposed by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), as well as the continuing provision and distribution of aid to women and girls after American troops withdraw at the end of next year. Witnesses at the hearing were: John Sopko, Special Inspector for Afghanistan Reconstruction; Michelle Barsa, Senior Manager for Policy, Inclusive Security Action; Dr. Kenneth Katzman, Specialist in Middle Eastern Affairs, Congressional Research Service. Below please find Congresswoman Tsongas’ opening statement, as prepared for delivery: “Thank you, Chairwoman Roby, for working with my office to arrange this hearing today. I believe that this is a vital opportunity to build on the important and bipartisan discussions on these issues which our subcommittee had in an April hearing on Afghan women in the ANSF, and in our July closed briefing with Mr. Sopko. “Ms. Roby and I have also travelled to Afghanistan together and witnessed firsthand the significant gains Afghan women have made over the past decade in areas such as health, governance and education. Both of us saw what was at stake as our forces continue to draw down, and so I would also like to thank all of our witnesses for being here today, each with your own incredibly valuable perspective. “I would also particularly like to thank you, Mr. Sopko, for the long-term commitment you have made to prioritize oversight over Afghan women’s issues. Your office faces an enormous array of challenges in Afghanistan and is responsible for monitoring every aspect of our reconstruction efforts under logistically frustrating circumstances. I was very encouraged by your recently-announced comprehensive audit of our programs for Afghan women and girls, due early next year. “From your written testimonies it is apparent that each of you is fundamentally in agreement that while there have been precious gains made for Afghan women and girls over the past decade, these gains are already threatened and will face significant challenges after the bulk of our Armed Forces have withdrawn at the end of 2014. Mr. Sopko’s testimony also notes the significant obstacles his and other federal agencies will face in performing oversight on the ground due to security challenges; as much as 80% of the country may simply be inaccessible. “After 2014, not only may the gains which have been made for women be eroded in these areas, it is also likely that we may not even know the full extent of the setbacks, given the various challenges which I have outlined. “I also look forward to hearing each of your thoughts on how we can improve recruiting and retention of Afghan women in the ANSF and Afghan National Police. The issue is increasingly timely due to a number of second order effects of low recruitment, such as the approaching Presidential elections in April and the inability of Afghan women wishing to cast ballots to do so unless there are adequate women in uniform available to search them.  The ANSF is not meeting its recruiting objectives, and the obstacles are varied and significant.” See Congresswoman Tsongas' full remarks here. ####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://tsongas.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1067,Tsongas highlights work at Hanscom Air Force Base during Armed Services Hearing,2013-10-29,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,MA,Niki Tsongas,T000465,tsongas.house.gov,,,legacy,"PRESS RELEASE FROM CONGRESSWOMAN NIKI TSONGAS MASSACHUSETTS THIRD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT Contact Michael Hartigan: 202.225.3411 – michael.hartigan@mail.house.gov Tsongas highlights work at Hanscom Air Force Base during Armed Services Hearing WASHINGTON, DC – October 29, 2013 – Today, Congresswoman Niki Tsongas discussed next-generation military technologies being developed by Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts during an Armed Services Committee hearing on reforming the Department of Defense acquisitions process. Congresswoman Tsongas questioned witnesses on how the Pentagon can leverage high-tech regions to partner with the government in financing and producing the next-generation technology needed for our servicemembers to best meet future challenges. Hanscom Air Force Base is situated in a dense cluster of world-class academic institutions, advanced industry partners, and two of our nation’s leading federally funded research and development centers.  This unique ecosystem has led to the development of some of the Department of Defense’s world-class radar and surveillance capabilities.  Additionally, Hanscom AFB oversees cyber acquisition, which is a new and complex threat that requires cutting edge advancements.  Massachusetts continues to invest in some of the best cyber minds and resources in the world.  Combined with the talented workforce at Hanscom, this partnership will provide long term value in confronting our cyber challenges.  Witnesses included Mr. Pierre Chao, Senior Associate, International Security Program, Center for International and Strategic Studies; Mr. Paul Francis, Managing Director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management, U.S. Government Accountability Office; Mr. Moshe Schwartz, Specialist in Defense Acquisition Policy, Congressional Research Service; The Honorable Dov Zakheim, Former Undersecretary of Defense. Video of the Congresswoman’s full discussion at the hearing can be found here. ####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=269,Senator Warren Lays Out Housing Finance Reform Priorities in MBA Remarks [press_release],2013-10-29,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,MA,Elizabeth Warren,W000817,www.warren.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Remarks as prepared for delivery are available here Washington, DC - In remarks to the Mortgage Bankers Association today, United States Senator Elizabeth Warren laid out her priorities for housing finance reform.  She stressed the importance of preserving the elements of the American housing finance system that promote widespread home ownership while putting in place safeguards that reduce systemic risk in the housing market.  The Senator also talked about increasing access to mortgage loan modifications, reducing unnecessary foreclosures, and designing a housing finance system that does not exacerbate Too Big to Fail. Senator Warren explained that ""aligning the interests of servicers, trustees, and investors in both the guaranteed and the private-label markets is critical because it will have an impact on the size and depth of any housing downturn. Increasing beneficial loan modifications and reducing unnecessary foreclosures can be the difference between a short, mild downturn and a lengthy, nationwide crisis.""  She emphasized that ""either collectively or individually, issuers of mortgage-backed securities that are government-guaranteed should have a clear and enforceable duty to serve the entire primary market."" In outlining catalysts of the crisis, the Senator also made clear that while government sponsored enterprises made major mistakes that cost taxpayers, Fannie and Freddie's affordable housing goals were not to blame for crisis' underlying cause. Senator Warren made the case for protecting the role of smaller financial institutions in housing finance because, ""a housing market dominated by a handful of Too Big to Fail institutions would reduce access to mortgages in rural and poorer urban areas. It would also increase systemic risk and reduce innovation and customization in the primary market.  Any future housing finance system must ensure not only that smaller lenders can sell their loans into the secondary market, but also that they can do so at competitive rates and remain viable players in the primary market."" The Senator applauded Senators Corker and Warner for their role in advancing the housing finance reform debate and said that she welcomed Chairman Johnson and Senator Crapo's efforts to schedule hearings on the issue this fall. ""Housing finance reform is a complex puzzle, and it will take a lot of work from a lot of people to make sure the pieces fit correctly... if we approach the task with seriousness and a hard look at the data and the facts, I believe we can temper the boom-bust cycle while maintaining the qualities that set the American housing market apart from the rest of the world."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=270,"Members of Massachusetts Delegation Join Bipartisan Coalition, Introduce Bill to Protect Homeowners From Flood Insurance Rate Spike [press_release]",2013-10-29,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,MA,Elizabeth Warren,W000817,www.warren.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC - United States Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward J. Markey, and Representatives John Tierney (MA-6), Stephen Lynch (MA-8), Niki Tsongas (MA-3) and William Keating (MA-9) today joined a bipartisan coalition of members to introduce the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act, which will protect millions of homeowners from facing huge flood insurance premium rate hikes and require the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to complete an affordability study and propose real solutions to address affordability issues before any flood insurance premiums can be raised in the future. The bill includes a provision to compensate homeowners who successfully appeal their inclusion in new flood maps and are granted new elevation certificates, which Senator Warren advocated at a recent Banking Committee hearing with FEMA. ""Families shouldn't be slammed by unexpected and unaffordable rate hikes while FEMA is still trying to figure out if its maps are accurate,"" said Senator Warren. ""I'm pleased to join colleagues on both sides of the aisle to call for a commonsense, one-year delay, which will give FEMA time to complete an affordability study and properly implement the new rates. This legislation will help families in Massachusetts and across the country."" One year ago today, Superstorm Sandy destroyed homes and businesses along the Atlantic coast,"" said Senator Markey. ""But the costs of stronger storms and more frequent flooding should not be borne by those that are least able to afford it, including innocent business and homeowners in Massachusetts. When I met with community members in the North and South Shore, I heard grave concerns that rate increases could mean the loss of homes and the shuttering of businesses. This bipartisan legislation will ensure that we have addressed the affordability of the flood insurance rate increases before any crippling flood insurance rate increases go into effect. I thank my colleagues, especially Senators Menendez, Isakson, Landrieu and Merkley, for their leadership on this issue."" ""What I'm hearing from homeowners and businesses in my district about exorbitant increases in flood insurance premiums and rates is extremely concerning,"" said Congressman Tierney. ""More than 3,000 residents in Essex County alone have been affected. This commonsense legislation will provide relief to these homeowners by delaying rate hikes while Congress awaits an affordability study that was intended to be completed before these staggering rate increases took effect. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in the Massachusetts delegation to help my constituents by addressing the affordability concerns that have arisen from the new flood maps."" ""As a member of the Natural Resources Committee, and with several major rivers and waterways crisscrossing the Third District, I have long been an advocate for not only preserving these natural resources but also supporting those who live and work around them,"" said Congresswoman Tsongas. ""I have heard from concerned residents in the region and I urge action to help maintain affordable flood insurance."" ""Many residents in our district have been living in coastal communities for generations,"" said Congressman Keating, who helped craft the legislation. ""The rate hikes under the NFIP would propose such a hardship that many would potentially need to move. The legislation introduced today is an important step towards making flood insurance comprehensive while remaining affordable. As someone who lives and works in a community affected by these rate hikes, I understand the concern and need for immediate action. I am glad that Members from both parties in both the House and Senate are able to agree and fix this problem before it is too late, and I urge swift passage by both chambers."" As maps are updated, many families in Massachusetts and across the country have been placed into a flood zone for the first time, and are being asked to pay thousands of dollars in premiums under new flood insurance rate rules. Senators Warren and Markey signed a bipartisan letter earlier this month calling for a one-year delay of the new rates. The Massachusetts Congressional delegation has also sent a letter to Senate and House of Representatives leadership calling for a delay. Representatives Tierney, Lynch, Tsongas and Keating joined over fifty of their colleagues to introduce a companion bill in the House of Representatives. The bill introduced in the Senate was led by Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA); additional co-sponsors include Senators Mary Landrieu (D-AR), David Vitter (R-LA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), John Hoeven (R-ND), Al Franken (D-MN) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND).  The ""Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act"" will: SECTION 1. DELAYED IMPLEMENTATION OF FLOOD INSURANCE RATE INCREASES Delays the implementation of rate increases on the following three types of properties until FEMA meets two requirements:  1) completes the affordability study mandated by Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012, proposes a draft affordability framework for Congressional review, and Congress has a chance to give FEMA affordability authority; and  2) the FEMA Administrator certifies that the agency has implemented a flood mapping approach that utilizes sound scientific and engineering methodologies to determine varying levels of flood risk in all areas participating in the National Flood Insurance Program: 1.   All homes and businesses that are currently ""grandfathered.""  These are properties that were built to code and later remapped into a higher risk area.  Prior to Biggert-Waters, these policyholders were not penalized for relying on inaccurate FEMA flood maps. 2.   All properties that purchased a new policy after July 6, 2012, before they were legally required to purchase insurance. 3.   All properties sold after July 6, 2012.  New homeowners and business owners will continue to receive the same treatment as the previous owner unless they trigger another provision in Biggert-Waters such as Severe Repetitive Loss, non-primary residence, substantial damage, etc. The measure requires FEMA to propose a draft regulatory framework to address any affordability issues identified by the study within 18 months after the completion of the study and establishes a six month period thereafter to provide for Congressional review.  The House and Senate would then hold up or down votes through a privileged motion on giving FEMA the authority to promulgate affordability regulations.  If Congress approves this authority, the targeted freeze set forth by this bill would continue until regulations are finalized.  If not, the freezes would be lifted absent other Congressional action. SECTION 2. AFFORDABILITY STUDY FUNDING Section 100236 of Biggert-Waters required FEMA to produce a study that considered the effects the Bill will have on affordability.  Strikes the arbitrary dollar amount on the affordability study to ensure FEMA has the funding required to complete it within two years of the date of enactment. SECTION 3. FUNDS TO REIMBURSE HOMEOWNERS FOR SUCCESSFUL MAP APPEALS Allows FEMA to utilize the National Flood Insurance Fund (NFIF)  to reimburse policyholders who successfully appeal a map determination.  FEMA currently has the authority to reimburse homeowners for successful appeals of map findings, but Congress has never appropriated funding for this purpose.  Making appeal reimbursement an eligible expense of the NFIF would give FEMA the incentive to ""get it right the first time"" and repay homeowners for contributing to the flood risk body of knowledge.  Unsuccessful appeals would not be reimbursed in any way. SECTION 4. ELIMINATE PENALTY ON COMMUNITIES SELF-FINANCING FLOOD PROTECTION FEMA's AR and A99 flood zone categories provide more affordable flood insurance to qualifying communities that are in the process of levee construction, reconstruction, and improvements.  Current regulations require a certain level of federal participation to qualify for either an A99 or an AR designation, and therefore prevent FEMA from giving communities fair credit for improvements made to existing flood control systems.  Proactive communities that invest in mitigation should not be penalized for self-financing flood protection projects.  SECTION 5. TREATMENT OF BASEMENT AREAS WHEN CALCULATING BASE FLOOD ELEVATIONS Preserves the pre-Biggert-Waters basement exception allowing the lowest flood-proofed opening in a home to be used for determining flood insurance rates.  This affects 54 communities nation-wide where basements are necessary to protect homeowners and businesses from extreme weather.  Basements that have not been flood-proofed would remain subject to the effects of Biggert-Waters SECTION 6. DESIGNATION OF FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP ADVOCATE Establishes a Flood Insurance Rate Map Advocate within FEMA to answer current and prospective policyholder questions about the flood mapping process.  The Rate Map Advocate will be responsible for educating policyholders about their individual flood risks, their options in choosing a policy, assisting property owners through the map appeals process, and improve outreach and coordination with local officials, community leaders, and Congress. Homeowners with mortgages living in flood zones are required to have flood insurance, which for about 20 percent of properties has traditionally been subsidized or grandfathered at a lower rate by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Before Superstorm Sandy struck, a federal flood insurance reform bill, the Biggert-Waters Act, was passed as part of a larger legislative package. The Biggert-Waters Act was aimed at reducing, or phasing out, the federal NFIP subsidy at up to 25 percent a year, which would dramatically increase premiums for homeowners and businesses. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://neal.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=345:springfield-police-to-use-1-million-justice-department-grant-to-combat-crime-in-south-end&catid=6:news-articles&Itemid=23,Springfield police to use $1 million Justice Department grant to combat crime in South End,2013-10-28,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,MA,Richard Neal,N000015,neal.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.-- House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) and Ranking Member Richard Neal (D-MA) today announced a bipartisan agreement relating to Medicare “extenders,” policies that expire unless Congress acts. Congress last extended these policies in the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) in 2015.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://neal.house.gov/index.php?option=com_contentview=articleid=345:springfield-police-to-use-1-million-justice-department-grant-to-combat-crime-in-south-endcatid=6:news-articlesItemid=23,Springfield police to use $1 million Justice Department grant to combat crime in South End,2013-10-28,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,MA,Richard Neal,N000015,neal.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.-- House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) and Ranking Member Richard Neal (D-MA) today announced a bipartisan agreement relating to Medicare “extenders,” policies that expire unless Congress acts. Congress last extended these policies in the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) in 2015.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=266,Senator Warren Applauds New CFPB Protections for Consumers Sending Money Abroad [press_release],2013-10-28,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,MA,Elizabeth Warren,W000817,www.warren.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – United States Senator Elizabeth Warren today applauded the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) for a new rule the agency issued to protect American consumers making electronic money transfers to foreign individuals and companies, known as “remittance transfers.” Until the CFPB was tasked with issuing rules around transfers abroad, there were no protections for remittances. These rules, which go into effect today, will give consumers new confidence that the money they send is the amount that will be received. “People sending money to loved ones abroad shouldn't get surprised by hidden fees and frustrated by errors that don't get fixed,” said Senator Warren. “The CFPB’s new rules help consumers see prices and risks upfront so they can shop for the best deal, and remittance providers will be held accountable for investigating and addressing errors when they occur. I applaud the CFPB for the steps they’re taking to make transfers reliable and secure, and protect consumers from financial fraud.” The new rules apply to remittance transfers that are over $15, made by an American consumer and sent to a person or company in a foreign country. The rules include a cancellation window following a transfer, requirements for companies to investigate reported problems and grant refunds if agreements are not met, and requirements for companies to take responsibility for mismanaged transfers by their employees. Consumers sending remittance transfers are also entitled to receive disclosures regarding cost and delivery, including the final exchange rates, fees, and amount of money in the recipient’s local currency. As Assistant to the President and Special Advisor to the Secretary of the Treasury for the CFPB, Warren prioritized efforts to tackle fraud in remittance transfers and oversaw early work behind these new protections. For a fact sheet on the final remittance transfer rule, visit the CFPB’s website here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=267,"Senator Warren Calls on Congress to Double NIH Funding, Promotes Critical Government Investments in Scientific Research [press_release]",2013-10-28,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,MA,Elizabeth Warren,W000817,www.warren.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Remarks as prepared for delivery are available here BOSTON, MA - In remarks to the Boston Chamber of Commerce today, United States Senator Elizabeth Warren called on Congress to double funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and stressed the importance of supporting innovation and basic scientific research. ""What drives the Massachusetts economy - and the American economy - is innovation,"" said Senator Warren. ""Innovation makes us soar. And government-supported research is a critical first step in generating that innovation."" ""When it comes to the economy and the budget, refusing to invest in the NIH is the budgetary equivalent of cutting off your feet to save money on shoes,"" said Senator Warren. Studies have shown that increasing public investment in basic biomedical research directly increases the number of new drugs on the market. ""I am reaching out to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to build support for a renewed commitment to innovation. We need two things: to double our investment in scientific and biomedical research -- and to create more year-to-year certainty for that funding. ""I know some will say that we cannot afford to double our investments in medical research. They are wrong. Research creates economic growth. It reduces health care costs. It creates a better life for our people.  And yet, the success rate for NIH grants has dropped by nearly 50% over the last 10 years. That makes no sense. There is good work to be done-work to save lives and work to boost our economy. We cannot afford NOT to increase our investments in medical research."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=268,"Markey, Warren, Ayotte, Wyden, Merkley Introduce Legislation to Honor Glen A. Doherty and Tyrone Woods, Heroes Killed in Libyan Consulate Attack [press_release]",2013-10-28,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,MA,Elizabeth Warren,W000817,www.warren.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington (October 28, 2013) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Jeff Merkley (Ore.) today introduced legislation to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to Glen A. Doherty and Tyrone Woods in recognition of their contributions to the nation. Doherty and Woods, both former combat-decorated Navy SEALS, were killed in the attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya in September 2012. Doherty was a native of Winchester, Massachusetts and Woods a native of Portland, Oregon.   “Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods’ commitment to country and distinguished service made them American heroes and examples of excellence that will endure forever,” said Senator Markey. “I am proud to introduce bipartisan legislation to honor their courage with the Congressional Gold Medal. These warriors made the ultimate sacrifice, and their memories will live on as an inspiration to all for their bravery and commitment to our nation.”   “Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods selflessly gave their lives in the service of our country, and we should honor their sacrifice,” said Senator Warren. “As former Navy SEALs, Glen and Tyrone demonstrated incredible courage throughout their careers. During combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq and while protecting our diplomats abroad, their brave actions helped keep Americans safe. I am proud to support legislation to recognize their heroic service with the Congressional Gold Medal.”   “Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods served our nation with great distinction and bravery,” said Senator Ayotte. “In the September 11, 2012, terrorist attack in Benghazi, they made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and this medal represents the deep gratitude of a nation that will never forget their heroic service and profound sacrifice.”   “Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty died defending American diplomats, and awarding them the Congressional Gold Medal is the proper way to recognize their distinguished service and sacrifice,” said Senator Wyden. “These two men are heroes and should be honored as heroes.”   “Tyrone Woods was a courageous American who laid down his life protecting others,” said Senator Merkley. “I am proud to honor his service and sacrifice by introducing legislation to commemorate his bravery with the Congressional Gold Medal.”   A copy of the legislation can be found HERE.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kennedy.house.gov/media/press-releases/sens-brown-blunt-and-reps-reed-kennedy-announce-endorsements-from-national,"SENS. BROWN, BLUNT, AND REPS. REED, KENNEDY ANNOUNCE ENDORSEMENTS FROM NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MANUFACTURERS, SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS INTERNATIONAL FOR LANDMARK, BIPARTISAN MANUFACTURING BILL",2013-10-25,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,MA,Joseph Kennedy,K000379,kennedy.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Roy Blunt (R-MO), and U.S. Reps. Tom Reed (NY-23) and Joe Kennedy (MA-4) announced that both the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI) endorsed their bipartisan legislation, the Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act of 2013. Their landmark bill would establish a Network for Manufacturing Innovation (NMI) to position the United States, once again, as the global leader in advanced manufacturing and ensure that the U.S. can out-innovate the rest of the world while creating thousands of high-paying, high-tech manufacturing jobs.   “I appreciate the support from these industry associations who represent several Ohio companies. Small and medium companies play a critical role in manufacturing supply chains, and their competiveness is crucial to our economy,” Brown said. “By partnering with universities, community colleges, workers, and the public sector, members of NAM and SEMI can transform American manufacturing. In order for our country to maintain its competitive edge and help rebuild the middle class, we need to give greater support to our manufacturing sector, and our bipartisan bill is a big step forward.”   “I’m pleased to see these industry associations support the Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act,” Blunt said. “Missouri is home to world class research institutions and innovative manufacturers, large and small – many of which are represented by organizations such as NAM and SEMI. This bipartisan bill will create an important network of partnerships to bolster private sector job creation and encourage more manufacturing innovation in Missouri and nationwide.” “The strong support we’re receiving for our manufacturing bill is a testament to the bill’s mission of revitalizing American manufacturing competitiveness,” Reed said. “As co-chair of the House Manufacturing Caucus, I hear from manufacturers of all sizes about the need to facilitate the kinds of public-private partnerships our bill provides. With this infrastructure in place, we can grow domestic manufacturing with a ‘make it here, sell it there’ approach and put Americans back to work.” “This country’s manufacturing base lies at the epicenter of efforts to address some of our greatest economic challenges,” Kennedy said. “From still-stubborn unemployment rates to trade deficits and income inequality: a national manufacturing policy is essential to continued economic recovery. This national network will be smart and strategic in addressing perennial manufacturing challenges, building an infrastructure from the local level up that is directly tapped into the unique regional challenges US manufacturers face. I’m pleased that this bill received endorsements from these two influential organizations in the manufacturing industry.”   The Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act of 2013 is modeled on the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute (NAMII), a public-private manufacturing hub located in Youngstown, Ohio. The legislation is designed to bring together industry, universities and community colleges, federal agencies, and all levels of government to accelerate manufacturing innovation. It would establish public-private institutes to bridge the gap between basic research and product development.   “The Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act of 2013 has the potential to strengthen the technology leadership position that manufacturers have worked years to establish,” NAM said. “By creating a network of innovation centers, the legislation will bring together businesses, schools, and government in a joint effort to speed the transfer of advanced manufacturing technology and techniques into the commercial sector. This cooperative partnership will benefit all three sectors and the economy as a whole.”   “We know industry-led initiatives like the one proposed in S.1468/H.R. 2996 can have great impact on not only ramping up new innovations, but also in helping to solidify industries and technologies where we have leadership, as well as creating and retaining jobs that go along with it,” SEMI said. “Again, thank you for your leadership in supporting a bipartisan and common sense proposal that will have a real impact on advanced manufacturing in the U.S.”   Brown and Blunt worked together to pass a bipartisan amendment to the Senate Budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 aimed at supporting the creation of a network of manufacturing innovation hubs. The amendment to the Senate was supported by NAM, Association for Manufacturing Technologies (AMT), SEMI, US Conference of Mayors, Association of Public and Land Grant Universities, Council on Competitiveness, the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), American Society for Engineering Education, United Auto Workers (UAW), Association of American Universities, Semiconductor Industry Association and the American Auto Policy Council, and The Ohio State University.     The Youngstown-based institute is the pilot of NMI. In August 2012, Brown visited M7 Technologies in Youngstown to announce the $30 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), matched by nearly $40 million in non-federal funds. The funds helped to establish the new, first-of-its-kind manufacturing institute to specialize in additive manufacturing technology, a type of 3-D printing in which digital models are used to make parts and components.   ### For Immediate Release Friday, October 25, 2013 Contacts: Meghan Dubyak/Yianni Varonis (Brown) 202-224-3978 Amber Marchand (Blunt) 202-224-1403 Elizabeth Shaffer (Reed) 202-225-3161 Emily Browne (Kennedy) 617-332-3333",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221053922/http://neal.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2:biography&catid=21:other&Itemid=7,Biography,2013-10-25,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,MA,Richard Neal,N000015,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Biography Congressman Richard E. Neal represents the First Congressional District of Massachusetts in the United States Congress. Richard Neal was born in Worcester, Massachusetts on February 14, 1949 and was raised and educated in the City of Springfield. He is a 1972 graduate of American International College, where he received his Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and was a member of the National Honor Society. He received his Masters Degree in Public Administration from the Barney School of Business and Public Administration at the University of Hartford in 1976. Richard Neal was first elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1988. He is a senior member of the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee and the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures. He also serves on the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade. Congressman Neal is the dean of both the Massachusetts Delegation and the New England Congressional Delegation. He is a long-time guest lecturer at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, and a Trustee at Mount Holyoke College. He is a National Trustee of John F. Kennedy Library in Boston. He served as the Mayor of the City of Springfield from 1984 to 1988, and was highlighted in Newsweek Magazine for his many accomplishments as mayor. Congressman Neal has been a lead sponsor of legislation to prevent American companies from moving offshore to avoid paying U.S. taxes. He has sponsored legislation that would increase the national savings rate by encouraging the use of individual retirement accounts, and has worked to make health care and tuition expenses tax deductible for middle class people. He successfully led the charge to eliminate the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) for middle-class families in America. He has a long legislative history of fighting to preserve and protect Medicare and Social Security. Congressman Neal is an At-Large Whip for the House Democrats. He is a co-chairman of the New England Congressional Caucus, where he advocates for the unique regional interests of the six New England States. Congressman Neal is the Democratic Leader of the Friends of Ireland Caucus.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=265,"Warren, Markey, Keating and Kennedy Announce Major Storm Mitigation Grants for Massachusetts [press_release]",2013-10-25,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,MA,Elizabeth Warren,W000817,www.warren.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC - United States Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward J. Markey, and Representatives Bill Keating and Joe Kennedy III today announced that Massachusetts has been awarded major grants from the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to support storm mitigation efforts. Salt marsh and wetland restoration and flood resilience projects in Dartmouth, Chatham, Harwich, Yarmouth and Taunton will receive more than $10.4 million in total funding. ""These grants will support important efforts to preserve the Commonwealth's coastal areas and restore our natural storm barriers,"" said Senator Warren. ""I'm very glad Massachusetts has received this significant funding, which will help strengthen community resilience before disaster strikes to better protect us from future storms."" ""Massachusetts's unique and treasured coastal areas will benefit from this important storm mitigation funding. As we approach the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Sandy, we must do everything we can to build resilience in our coastal communities and strengthen our marshland and beaches to ensure we are prepared for future storms,"" said Senator Markey. ""These projects not only help protect and preserve our natural habitats, they will also create jobs and put revenue right back into our local economy,"" said Congressman Keating. ""These grants are a great win for Southeastern Massachusetts."" ""Massachusetts' coastal communities are among our most extraordinary, but at times our most vulnerable,"" said Congressman Kennedy. ""These grants will bring much needed protection to the cities and towns across our Commonwealth that are susceptible to natural disasters and extreme weather. Along the Mill River, the funds will reduce the risk of floods and minimize the damage that they can cause to businesses, households and neighborhoods in the Greater Taunton Area."" As part of the funding awarded to Massachusetts, $2,277,000 will be used to directly restore 11.6 acres of salt marsh lost for nearly 100 years, and will protect the ecological integrity of the 70 acre Meadow Shores Marsh in Dartmouth. Another $3,762,000 has been awarded to the Muddy Creek Wetland Restoration Project, which will remove stone culverts and replace them with a bridge and open channel on Route 28 on the Chatham and Harwich border. Yarmouth was also awarded $3,718,000 for the Parkers Tidal Restoration Project to replace a tidally-restrictive bridge with a larger span structure and the replacement of two fish passage structures, and Taunton will receive $650,000 to remove two aging mill dams from the Mill River, to reduce the probability of flooding and dam breaches. The full list of awards, totaling $162 million and supporting 45 projects, can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://keating.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=250:11-11-keating-to-house-annual-veterans-breakfast&catid=14&Itemid=13,11/11: Keating to House Annual Veterans Breakfast,2013-10-24,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,MA,Bill Keating,K000375,keating.house.gov,,,legacy,"ABOUT BILL Bills pragmatic approach has made him a consensus builder amongst Members of both parties. He has emerged as a national expert on homeland security, led the Congressional Investigation into the Boston Marathon attacks, introduced first-of-its-kind legislation to prevent prescription drug abuse, and fought to ensure our seniors, veterans, and students receive the support they deserve. READ MORE",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=264,"Senator Warren Highlights Enforcement Record of SIGTARP, Questions Fed, SEC, OCC [press_release]",2013-10-23,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,MA,Elizabeth Warren,W000817,www.warren.senate.gov,,,legacy,"PDF of the full letter is available here WASHINGTON, DC - Today, United States Senator Elizabeth Warren sent a letter to Chairman Ben Bernanke of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Fed), Chair Mary Jo White of the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) and Comptroller Thomas Curry of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to request information about the enforcement records of their agencies between 2009 and 2012. ""According to a recent analysis by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, the crisis cost the United States up to $14 trillion in lost economic productivity,"" writes Senator Warren. ""While we must continue working to create jobs and accelerate our economic recovery, we also must look back to ensure that those who engaged in illegal activity during the crisis and its aftermath are held accountable."" In the letter, Senator Warren highlights the enforcement record of the Office of the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (SIGTARP), which is responsible for overseeing the bailouts of the financial industry and whose enforcement staff and budget from 2009-2012 were only a fraction of those at the Fed, SEC and OCC. The letter specifically requests: 1.       The number of individuals your agency has charged criminally, including the number of senior officials you have charged; 2.       The number of criminal convictions your agency has obtained; 3.       The number of prison sentences your agency has secured; 4.       The number of individuals your agency has charged civilly, including the number of senior officers you have charged; 5.       The number of individuals your agency has suspended or permanently banned from working in the financial industry or elsewhere; and 6.       The total amount of funds your agency has obtained through civil judgment or orders of restitution. ""There have been some landmark settlements in recent weeks for which your agencies and others deserve substantial credit,"" Senator Warren writes. ""However, a great deal of work remains to be done to hold institutions and individuals accountable for breaking the rules and to protect consumers and taxpayers from future violations.  Strong enforcement is an important deterrent, and I believe transparency is critical."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kennedy.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kennedy-announces-congressional-youth-cabinet,CONGRESSMAN KENNEDY ANNOUNCES CONGRESSIONAL YOUTH CABINET,2013-10-21,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,MA,Joseph Kennedy,K000379,kennedy.house.gov,,,legacy,"Newton, MA – Congressman Joe Kennedy III today announced that his office will be establishing a Congressional Youth Cabinet for the 4th Congressional District of Massachusetts.  Two students from each high school in the district have been nominated by their schools to participate in the Youth Cabinet, which will advise Congressman Kennedy on issues affecting young people, their families and their communities.     “From the rising costs of college tuition to the potential of STEM education and the dangers of bullying, it is important that our youth have a voice in the discussions that will shape their future,” said Congressman Kennedy. “This Cabinet will ensure that students across the 4th District are engaged in the issues that affect them most and will give them the opportunity to play an active role in finding solutions. I look forward to starting the conversation with the Cabinet on Saturday and continuing to work together throughout the school year.” The first meeting of the Cabinet will be this Saturday, October 26 from 9:30AM-11:00AM at King Philip High School in Wrentham (201 Franklin Street).   For questions or additional information please call (508) 431-1110 or visit the Congressman’s website. # # #   For Immediate Release:                               October 21, 2013 Contact:                                                  Emily Browne                                                               (617) 332-3333 Follow Congressman Kennedy on Facebook and Twitter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kennedy.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kennedy-brings-tour-34-to-milford-hopktinon-and-medfield,"CONGRESSMAN KENNEDY BRINGS 'TOUR 34' TO MILFORD, HOPKTINON AND MEDFIELD",2013-10-21,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,MA,Joseph Kennedy,K000379,kennedy.house.gov,,,legacy,"Newton, MA – Congressman Joe Kennedy III today announced that he will continue his fall schedule for ‘Tour 34’ by holding constituent office hours in Milford, Hopkinton and Medfield this Saturday, October 26. The Congressman has brought ‘Tour 34’ to communities across the 4th District this year as part of his ongoing commitment to hold constituent office hours in all 34 cities and towns by the end of 2013. “Tour 34 continues to be a successful way to connect with residents across the district, and we look forward to continuing our fall schedule by bringing our resources to Milford, Hopkinton and Medfield,” said Congressman Kennedy. “We remain committed to ensuring that every community in the 4th District has access to the services our office can provide.” The schedule for office hours on Saturday, October 26 is as follows: 11:00AM – 12:00PM Milford Town Library 80 Spruce Street Milford, MA 12:30PM – 1:30PM Bill’s Pizza 14 Main Street Hopkinton, MA 2:00PM – 3:00PM Medfield Public Library 468 Main Street Medfield, MA Congressman Kennedy’s local office hours are open to constituents across the 4th District. No appointment is necessary. For questions or additional information please call (617) 332-3333 or visit the Congressman’s website at https://kennedy.house.gov/tour-34. # # #   For Immediate Release:                               October 21, 2013 Contact:                                                  Emily Browne                                                               (617) 332-3333 Follow Congressman Kennedy on Facebook and Twitter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z