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://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cbc-tech2025-co-chairs-cleaver-and-lee-lead-congressional-black-caucus,CBC TECH2025 Co-Chairs Cleaver and Lee Lead Congressional Black Caucus Members in Expressing Concerns over Widespread Tech Layoffs Disproportionately Impacting Black Americans,2023-12-20,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – CBC TECH2025 Co-Chairs Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05) and Barbara Lee (CA-12), along with CBC Future of Work Taskforce Co-Chairs Representatives Lauren Underwood (IL-14) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-At Large), sent a letter to Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su to request information in response to recent reports highlighting the impacts of widespread layoffs within the tech industry and its disproportionate impacts on the African American community and women. Since the beginning of the year, more than 240,000 tech workers in the US have been laid off representing a more than 50% increase over 2022. Recent findings have consistently shown that minorities and women are vastly overrepresented in industry layoffs. Increasing diversity in tech and creating a space for the Black community in this industry has been a cornerstone element of the work done by the CBC. In addition, some tech companies have received complaints regarding violations of the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, a law designed to hold employers accountable and give workers and communities notice they need to prepare for, and recover from, employer decisions that cost them their jobs. Violations of the WARN Act deny workers the time to make appropriate arrangements for a new job, and to obtain skills training or retraining needed to successfully stay and compete in the job market. Representatives Lee and Cleaver co-chair CBC TECH2025, an initiative created by the Congressional Black Caucus to bring together the best minds in the tech, non-profit, education and public sectors to chart a path forward to increase African American inclusion at all levels of the technology industry. Through CBC tech initiatives, starting with TECH2020 and continuing with TECH2025, the CBC has highlighted the drastic lack of diversity, equity and inclusion in tech. The lawmakers requested that Acting Secretary Su respond to the following questions: 1. Under what authorities is the Department of Labor currently monitoring tech industry layoff trends that may merit further investigation due to the disproportionate adverse impacts on African Americans and workers of color? What related enforcement actions is the Department taking? 2. Under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, covered employees are entitled to notification 60 days in advance of mass layoffs among other protections. In what ways can the Department of Labor use its authorities to work with States to improve WARN Act tracking, reporting and enforcement? 3. What does aggregate WARN Act data currently tell the Department of Labor about the characteristics of workers affected by mass tech layoffs? 4. What is the Department of Labor doing to regulatorily disincentivize questionable business practices that disproportionately harm African American workers, such as discouraging the “last in, first out” approach? 5. What additional actions is the Department of Labor considering to further encourage tech companies to audit their hiring, performance, promotion, and compensation practices to ensure equity? 6. Can the Department of Labor, in collaboration with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, share a current breakdown of current gender, racial, and ethnic demographics in the tech industry disaggregated by job category and leadership role? 7. How is the Department of Labor working with the tech industry to address the substantial harm of recent mass layoffs and prevent future damage mass layoffs may have on diversity, equity and inclusion progress in the workplace? 8. What steps has the Department of Labor taken to ensure that Supreme Court rulings in SFFA v. Harvard and SFFA v. University of North Carolina are not misinterpreted or misrepresented to arbitrarily undermine corporate DEI practices and budgets? To read the full letter, click here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-applauds-congressional-app-challenge-winner,Wagner Applauds Congressional App Challenge Winner,2023-12-20,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Ballwin, MO – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement on this year’s winner of the MO-02 Congressional App Challenge: “Congratulations to Serena Huang of Parkway Central for winning this year’s Congressional App Challenge in Missouri’s 2nd District! Serena’s “Anchor App” was chosen for its beautiful user interface and robust technical design. Her app helps teens easily track their finances and build responsible spending and saving habits, incredibly important tools for young students. “I would also like to congratulation our 2nd place winners from Parkway South Rohan Potta, Mazinkhan Nadaf and Allen Zheng, as well as our 3rd Place winners Rachit Patek and Navin Narayanan who attend Lafayette High School. Thank you to our host, The Coder School, and our Head Judge Everett Johnson for helping us make this year’s competition an incredible success.” For more information on the Congressional App Challenge and Serena’s winning app, click here. Serena will be invited to participate in the 2024 #HouseofCode this spring. Her app will also be featured on the U.S. House of Representatives' website and as part of a U.S. Capitol exhibit.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/army-delivers-funding-family-housing-fort-leonard-wood-following-commitment-senator-hawley/,Army Delivers Funding for Family Housing at Fort Leonard Wood Following Commitment to Senator Hawley,2023-12-20,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) announced that the Army has now delivered $41.49 million for new family housing at Fort Leonard Wood. This follows Senator Hawley’s repeated demands that overdue investment in families’ homes be made and a commitment by the Army to deliver these funds. “Fort Leonard Wood’s military families lead a life of service and deserve homes that meet their basic needs. I’m glad to see the Army finally delivering on their promise to replace all aging homes on the base. I urge the Army to ensure that the additional $50 million in promised funding for FY2024 is delivered on time,” said Senator Hawley. Senator Hawley has long advocated for improved family housing at Fort Leonard Wood and has pressed the Army to deliver on its pledge to replace all military housing on the base.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:56:20Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-holds-nominees-calls-further-evaluation-mcconnell-nominees/,"Hawley Holds Nominees, Calls for Further Evaluation of McConnell Nominees",2023-12-20,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), citing concerns about two of his recommended nominees. Senator Hawley appended questions to his letter for the nominees to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to answer regarding their policy views on several issues, including Big Tech and rail safety. Senator Hawley is currently holding both nominees. Senator Hawley’s letter comes as the Senate looks to pass a negotiated nominations package, likely to include dozens of Democrat-recommended nominees and only a few Republican appointees. “If Republicans are planning to install dozens of Biden nominees for positions across the federal government—without a vote—in exchange for just a handful of our own selections, I want to be sure that we get our nominees right,” wrote Senator Hawley. He continued, “For example, Andrew Ferguson, nominated to be a Commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), should answer additional questions on his philosophy concerning Big Tech, given the importance of that issue to our Conference. I also believe that Todd Inman, who is under consideration for the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), should be asked to further articulate his views on various transportation policies, including rail safety and autonomous vehicles.” Read the full letter here or below. December 20, 2023 The Honorable Mitch McConnell Minority Leader U.S. Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Leader McConnell: I write today regarding the expected year-end nominations package and my specific concerns with two of your own recommended nominees. The expected nominations package will likely include dozens of nominees that have been recommended by Senate Democrats. Many of these Biden nominees will no doubt advance policies and values antithetical to those held by members of the Republican Conference. By agreeing to such a negotiated package in exchange for just a few Republican appointees you have personally deemed a priority, I believe we risk giving away too much. In particular, two of the nominees you have sought to include in this package need more time for careful evaluation by our own Conference, especially by non-Committee members. If Republicans are planning to install dozens of Biden nominees for positions across the federal government—without a vote—in exchange for just a handful of our own selections, I want to be sure that we get our nominees right. For example, Andrew Ferguson, nominated to be a Commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), should answer additional questions on his philosophy concerning Big Tech, given the importance of that issue to our Conference. I also believe that Todd Inman, who is under consideration for the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), should be asked to further articulate his views on various transportation policies, including rail safety and autonomous vehicles. I have appended written questions below that I have for each of these two nominees. As you are aware, I am currently withholding my consent for these nominees to be confirmed without a floor vote—as is any senator’s right to do—until I and others can evaluate satisfactory responses to these important policy questions. I would like to meet with the nominees to discuss these questions. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:56:20Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/senators-hawley-vance-rubio-urge-cfius-block-sale-us-steel-protect-americas-industrial-base/,"Senators Hawley, Vance, Rubio Urge CFIUS to Block Sale of U.S. Steel & Protect America’s Industrial Base",2023-12-20,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"U.S. Senators Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) sent a letter to Janet Yellen, Secretary of the Treasury and Chair of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), urging her to block the sale of U.S. Steel to Japan-based Nippon Steel Corporation (NSC). NSC announced plans to acquire U.S. Steel on Monday, a deal that raises national security concerns and threatens to weaken America’s industrial base. “The transaction was not entered into with U.S. national security in mind. When U.S. Steel announced its “review of strategic alternatives” in August, it pledged to adopt a “measured approach.” But the board’s fiduciary duty was to its shareholders, and U.S. Steel has admitted that the very reason for the sale was its desire to “maximiz[e] value for [. . .] stockholders.” The transaction was not the product of careful deliberation over stakeholder interests, but rather the result of an auction to maximize shareholder returns,” wrote the Senators. They continued, “Trade protections can and should induce foreign investment that expands domestic production and creates American jobs. This corporate takeover is out of step with those goals. Allowing foreign companies to buy out American companies and enjoy our trade protections subverts the very purpose for which those protections were put in place.” “The Committee cannot rebalance American trade or reshape its corporate governance, but it can mitigate some of the worst consequences of both. It can and should block the acquisition of U.S. Steel by NSC, a company whose allegiances clearly lie with a foreign state and whose record in the United States is deeply flawed,” the Senators concluded. Read the full letter here or below. December 19, 2023 The Hon. Janet Yellen Secretary U.S. Treasury Department 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, D.C. 20220 Dear Secretary Yellen: We write to you in your capacity as Chairperson of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to express my concern about the acquisition of the United States Steel Corporation (“U.S. Steel”) by Japan’s Nippon Steel Corporation (“NSC”). The transaction marks a turning point for an icon of American industry and has dire implications for the industrial base of the United States. The transaction was not entered into with U.S. national security in mind. When U.S. Steel announced its “review of strategic alternatives” in August, it pledged to adopt a “measured approach.” But the board’s fiduciary duty was to its shareholders, and U.S. Steel has admitted that the very reason for the sale was its desire to “maximiz[e] value for . . . stockholders.” The transaction was not the product of careful deliberation over stakeholder interests, but rather the result of an auction to maximize shareholder returns. The joint press release announcing the all-cash transaction led off with a declaration about the transaction’s “certain and immediate value to U.S. Steel shareholders.” Despite the absence of any security-focused deliberation on U.S. Steel’s part, domestic steel production is vital to U.S. national security. Democratic and Republican administrations have both acted decisively over the last forty years to bolster the industry. The endurance of President Trump’s Section 232 tariffs on steel imports demonstrates that the preservation of the domestic steel industry remains vital to our national security. Trade protections can and should induce foreign investment that expands domestic production and creates American jobs. This corporate takeover is out of step with those goals. Allowing foreign companies to buy out American companies and enjoy our trade protections subverts the very purpose for which those protections were put in place. The problems with this transaction run even deeper than that, however. NSC does not share U.S. Steel’s storied connection to the United States, and its financial interests are tied into those of Japan. Earlier this year, NSC received more than $3 billion in subsidies from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry. And NSC has even flouted American trade law. As recently as August 2021, NSC was found guilty of unlawfully dumping flat-rolled steel products into the U.S. market. This acquisition is not occurring in a vacuum. The United States has run a trade deficit for nearly half a century. Our cumulative trade debt now stands at more than $14 trillion. Over the last five years, we have run an average annual trade deficit of more than $65 billion with Japan alone. One of the promised benefits of such unbalanced trade is that we run a capital account surplus: we import the world’s goods, and they consume our financial assets in return. In theory that may sound fine. But issues become apparent when those financial assets include critical pieces of the American industrial base. The Committee cannot rebalance American trade or reshape its corporate governance, but it can mitigate some of the worst consequences of both. It can and should block the acquisition of U.S. Steel by NSC, a company whose allegiances clearly lie with a foreign state and whose record in the United States is deeply flawed. We urge the Committee to initiate a review of the transaction unilaterally, particularly in light of the fact that U.S. Steel received competitive bids from American companies who would not pose the same risks. Thank you for your efforts to safeguard American national security. Sincerely, Josh Hawley United States Senator J.D. Vance United States Senator",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:56:20Z https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-transportation-committee-hears-missouri-river-stakeholder-during-water,House Transportation Committee Hears from Missouri River Stakeholder during Water Resources Hearing,2023-12-15,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,graves,https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Earlier this week, the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee of the House Transportation Committee heard from a variety of stakeholders on the challenges they face. Entitled, “Proposals for a Water Resources Development Act of 2024: Stakeholder Priorities,” Transportation Committee Chairman Sam Graves (MO-06) invited Shane Kinne, Executive Director of the Coalition to Protect Missouri River to testify on issues facing Missouri River stakeholders specifically. ""I greatly appreciate Shane’s willingness to shed light on Missouri River issues and speak to the importance of our inland waterways,” said Graves, “As we work to pass another water resources bill, it’s critical that voices along our rivers are represented so we can ensure that we continue to place a focus on flood control and navigation issues.” Image In his testimony, Kinne focused on the important work that has taken place on the Missouri River post-2019 flooding, as a result of WRDA 2020 and 2022. He also emphasized the importance of passing another Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) in 2024. “We are in a very important time period for the Missouri River. While there are challenges, there is much momentum, both for flood control as well as navigation on the Missouri River. Much of this is due to recently passed WRDA bills that authorized important, generational projects and studies that, if properly executed, will improve the lives of those that live and work in the lower Missouri River basin. In order for us to continue to capture and capitalize on that momentum, it is critical that Congress continues to pass WRDA bills consistently and on time,” Kinne said in his opening statement. Watch Mr. Kinne’s testimony here. Read Mr. Kinne’s testimony here. Watch Chairman Graves’ opening statement here. Read Chairman Graves’ opening statement here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-burlison-introduces-achieving-choice-education-act,Rep. Burlison Introduces the Achieving Choice in Education Act,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,MO,Eric Burlison,B001316,burlison.house.gov,burlison,https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman Eric Burlison (MO-07) introduced the Achieving Choice in Education Act which would increase options for parents and encourage states to implement school choice policies. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) is introducing the Senate companion to the bill. “Across the country, and especially in Southwest Missouri, school choice is already benefitting many of our nation’s young children.” said Rep. Burlison. “Through 529 education saving accounts, families are freed from the arbitrary link between where they live and which school their child can attend.” “School choice makes institutions of education more accountable and responsive to families. This leads to higher graduation rates and increases parental satisfaction and involvement while saving taxpayer dollars.” The Achieving Choice in Education Act modifies the definition of “qualified higher education expense” to allow 529 savings accounts to be used for tuition, books, curriculum materials, online education resources, tutoring fees, standardized tests, dual enrollment in higher education, and private and home school expenses. The bill doubles the contribution limit on K-12 expenses with 529 accounts from $10,000 to $20,000 a year and excludes those contributions from “gift tax” calculations up to $20,000 to meet the new withdrawal limit. Additionally, the Achieving Choice in Education Act gives states strong incentives to pass school choice policies through a 2-tier system impacting the tax-exemption status of municipal bonds. Click here to read the bill text. A one-pager with additional details can be found here. Cosponsors (5): Reps. John Carter (TX-31)*, Doug LaMalfa (CA-1), Ralph Norman (SC-5), Andy Webber (TX-14), Tracey Mann (KS-01) Senate Cosponsors (Led by Sen. Mike Lee): Senators Tim Scott (SC)*, Cindy Hyde-Smith (MS), Mike Braun (IN), Eric Schmitt (MO), Ted Budd (NC)",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/missouri-reps-cleaver-luetkemeyer-introduce-bipartisan-bill-modernize,"Missouri Reps. Cleaver, Luetkemeyer Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Modernize Rural Housing Programs",2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO) announced the introduction of the Rural Housing Service Reform Act. The bipartisan bill would enable the most significant modernization of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) rural housing programs in years, helping to improve programs, cut red tape, and create and preserve affordable housing opportunities. Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Mike Rounds (R-SD). “All Americans desire a safe, affordable place for their families to live. The demand for affordable and decent housing remains high in rural towns like those across Missouri, but the supply has decreased” said Congressman Cleaver. “By cutting through red tape and encouraging public and private partnerships in these communities, we can increase investment in our nation’s rural housing supply and support families in these areas - which is precisely what our legislation aims to do. As senior leaders on the Financial Services Committee who are known for reaching across the aisle to deliver bipartisan solutions that benefit our communities, I’m hopeful that Congressman Luetkemeyer and I can usher this commonsense legislation through the House of Representatives and begin the process of lowering housing costs in rural America.” “Owning a home used to be fundamental to the American dream, but it has become incredibly difficult and less realistic for Missouri families. I thank Congressman Cleaver for his dedication to remedying this issue, and I’m proud of our bipartisan work. Together, we can address the rural housing shortage, cut through burdensome red tape, and support Missourians,” said Congressman Luetkemeyer. “The Local Initiatives Support Corporation is proud to support the Rural Housing Services Reform Act, since we’ve seen firsthand the hardship caused by losing affordable rental housing in rural communities. U.S. Department of Agriculture financed properties are often the only affordable rental housing in small towns and house some of our nation’s most vulnerable residents,” said Caitlin Cain, Vice President of the Rural Local Initiative Support Corporation. “The resources provided under this legislation will help preserve this critical housing stock while furthering tenant protections. We applaud Representatives Cleaver and Luetkemeyer for their commitment to rural America and leadership in affordable housing preservation.” ""Rural America is diverse—with unique assets, challenges, economies, and communities. But like most of America, rural households are increasingly facing housing insecurity and high housing cost burdens, while also grappling with more severely substandard housing conditions, a far too limited supply of suitable housing, and limited access to credit. BPC Action commends Reps. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO) and Emanual Cleaver, II (D-MO) for working together to introduce the Rural Housing Service Reform Act of 2023. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will make long-overdue updates and improvements to USDA Rural Housing Service programs so they can continue to support affordable rental housing and homeownership in rural communities across the country,” said Michele Stockwell, President, BPC Action. ""This bipartisan, bicameral bill will help preserve hundreds of thousands of homes for low-income renters funded through the USDA's Section 515 program by removing outdated statutory requirements, increasing technical assistance availability, and expanding USDA staff capacity,"" said Liz Osborn, Vice President of Policy at Enterprise Community Partners. ""It will also help people across rural America and Tribal lands buy and stay in their homes, including by authorizing the USDA's successful Native CDFI Section 502 mortgage relending pilot program. Thanks to Representatives Luetkemeyer and Cleaver for pushing forward these long-overdue, common-sense changes and additions to USDA's programs to better serve low-income renters, homeowners, and affordable housing developers across rural America."" “The Rural Housing Service programs at USDA are a powerful tool for small towns and rural places, with a suite of programs covering the spectrum from affordable rental to homeownership to capacity building. We applaud Congressman Luetkemeyer and Congressman Cleaver for their leadership in modernizing and streamlining these programs to better serve the modern rural context,” said David Lipsetz, President & CEO of the Housing Assistance Council. “This bill combines a slate of tested, commonsense improvements to the rural housing programs. These changes will help USDA to more effectively serve rural and Tribal communities and, critically, will also address the multifamily preservation crisis that currently plagues USDA’s rural multifamily programs. We look forward to supporting the RHS Reform Act as it moves forward.” “The National Rural Housing Coalition (NRHC) is pleased to support the efforts of Reps. Luetkemeyer and Cleaver support federal rural housing programs and preserve affordable rental housing in rural America through the Rural Housing Services (RHS) Reform Act,” said Bob Rapoza, of NRHC. “There are some 400,000 units of USDA-financed rental housing in rural areas. For many rural communities, this is the only affordable housing in town. This housing is occupied by low-income households, with the majority occupied by elderly households and persons with disabilities. The RHS Reform Act ensures that the subsidies necessary to keep this housing affordable remain in place. Reps. Luetkemeyer and Cleaver deserve credit for addressing pressing rural housing preservation needs. We urge the 118th Congress to enact this important legislation.” USDA investments in rental housing has historically been a critical source of safe, decent, and affordable housing in rural America. However, the affordability of tens of thousands of rural housing properties financed through the USDA are at risk due to prepayment or maturity of USDA-financed development loans in the coming years. In Missouri, nearly half of the residents at risk of losing affordable housing under the USDA 515 program between this year and 2030 are elderly – threatening their ability to age in place. The Rural Housing Service Reform Act would take long overdue steps to address these concerns and modernize federal rural housing programs by: Fixing the longstanding problem for USDA Section 515 properties that were financed decades ago and now have maturing mortgages, making it easier for non-profits to acquire these properties and ensure that rental assistance doesn’t disappear when those mortgages mature. This provision will ensure that more than 15,000 rural housing units in Missouri remain affordable in the coming years. Updating the USDA’s outdated process of measuring incomes, bringing it in line with the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) practices. Modernizing the USDA’s foreclosure process to eliminate red tape, better protect homeowners, and ensure USDA-owned properties remain affordable in the years to come. Updating the rules for a home repair loan program to streamline the process to receive smaller, home repair lending. Making long overdue investments in Information Technology so that USDA can process loans more efficiently, ensuring staff are spending more time reviewing applications and less doing paperwork. Making permanent the USDA’s pilot program to make mortgage loans available in Native communities by partnering with local CDFIs. The Rural Housing Service Reform Act includes a modified version of the Strategy and Investment in Rural Housing Preservation Act led by Representative Cleaver and Senator Shaheen (D-NH). The Rural Housing Service Reform Act is endorsed by Housing Assistance Council (HAC), National Housing Law Project (NHLP), National Rural Housing Coalition (NRHC), Genesis Fund, National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA), Enterprise, LISC, National NeighborWorks Association, Coastal Enterprises, Inc., National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC), Bipartisan Policy Center, and D.W. Jones. Official text of the Rural Housing Service Reform Act is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-votes-give-troops-pay-raise-protect-lake-city-army-ammunition-plant,"Graves Votes to Give Troops Pay Raise, Protect Lake City Army Ammunition Plant Jobs",2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,graves,https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) released the following statement after voting to pass the final National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. “This year’s annual defense bill gives our troops the largest pay raise in 20 years—a pay raise that’s well-deserved, hard-earned, and sorely needed given the skyrocketing cost of living our military families face.” said Graves, “Every day, our men and women in uniform put their lives on the line to keep us safe. This bill also boosts funding to the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, which is critical for supplying our troops with the ammunition necessary for training and defending our nation.” Highlights from this year’s NDAA include: 5.2 percent increase in servicemember basic pay, the largest pay raise in over 20 years Authorizes monthly bonuses for junior enlisted members to counteract the effects of Biden’s record-high inflation Makes critical investments in improving military housing, education and childcare facilities Rejects the Biden Administration’s request to divest C-130 aircraft, ensuring continued air superiority across the globe. Provides an additional $37.8 million for Lake City Army Ammunition Plant",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-votes-strengthen-national-security-support-our-military,"Wagner Votes To Strengthen National Security, Support Our Military",2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement on the FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act: “One of the most important roles of Congress is to support our military and provide for the nation’s defense, and this year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is one of the best I have seen during my time in Congress. I voted for the NDAA because it is a $3.6 billion win for our region, includes the largest pay raise for our troops in more than 20 years, and makes historic investments in deterring and countering our enemies like Russia, China, and Iran. Also included is my MARITIME Act, a bipartisan bill that builds on the successes of the Abraham Accords in the Middle East and helps our partners in the region counter sea-based threats from bad actors like Iran, transnational criminals, and terrorists. The final bill also includes my House-passed amendment to require DOD’s Anti-Trafficking Office to incorporate efforts to combat child sexual abuse and exploitation, including by educating members of the U.S. Armed Forces on how to properly identify and report this horrific crime to law enforcement whether at home or abroad. “Unfortunately, Senator Hawley’s RECA amendment did not make it into the final version of the NDAA. I will continue advocating for this issue so our constituents can get the help and support they deserve.” St. Louis-Based Programs ($3.62 billion investment in St. Louis-made defense products)",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-burlison-introduces-workers-choice-act-2023,Rep. Burlison Introduces the Worker’s Choice Act of 2023,2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,MO,Eric Burlison,B001316,burlison.house.gov,burlison,https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman Eric Burlison (MO-07) introduced the Worker's Choice Act which would allow workers who opt out of a union in a right-to-work state to represent themselves before employers. ""The Worker's Choice Act allows employees the ability to negotiate for themselves the working conditions they will accept and will free them from being subjected to the terms of a union negotiated contract"" said Rep. Burlison. ""Workers in right-to-work states are not truly allowed to negotiate their own working conditions when they are still forced to accept union-negotiated terms. By freeing workers from union contracts, we are allowing American workers to have control over their own destiny. Self-determination made our country great, and this legislation supports the spirit of independence for the American worker."" The Worker's Choice Act would give workers the option to either be a union member and accept working conditions negotiated by the union or negotiate for compensation and working conditions independently and provide for their own representation in grievances and other dealings. This legislation also addresses the forced rider issue, wherein workers in right-to-work states, despite not belonging to a union, are still forced to accept the conditions a union has negotiated. The Worker's Choice Act does not impose new restrictions on employers, workers, or unions and does not make any changes to collective bargaining. Click here to read the bill text Click here to read an op-ed on the bill Original co-sponsors for this legislation include Representatives Bob Good (VA-05), Troy Nehls (TX-22), Coalition signers for this legislation include F. Vincent Vernuccio, President, Institute for the American Worker; Akash Chougule, Vice President, Americans for Prosperity; Steve Delie, Director of Labor Policy, Mackinac Center; Tom Hebert, Executive Director, Open Competition Center; Elisabeth Kines Messenger, CEO, Americans for Fair Treatment; Max Nelson, Director of Research and Government Affairs, Freedom Foundation; Grover Norquist, President, Americans for Tax Reform, Center for the American Worker America First Policy Institute, Heritage Action for America. ""Rep. Eric Burlison's Worker's Choice bill empowers both workers and unions. It allows workers to say ""no thanks"" to unwanted representation and unions to say ""goodbye"" to workers who are not interested in accepting or paying for their services. We applaud this commonsense legislation made possible by the Congressman's leadership,"" - F. Vincent Vernuccio, President of Institute for the American Worker.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleavers-statement-vote-against-house-gops-baseless,"Congressman Cleaver’s Statement on Vote Against the House GOP’s Baseless, Illegitimate Impeachment Inquiry",2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement after voting against the House GOP’s baseless, illegitimate impeachment inquiry—which even Republicanshavedebunked and admittedthere is noevidence to support. “As has been the theme since the very first day of the 118th Congress, today’s vote is nothing more than an effort to appease the extreme far-right of the House Republican conference and provide political cover for their inability to deliver any meaningful solutions for the American people. “The president’s son has a troubled past, and I firmly believe every American must be held accountable in accordance with the rule of law. However, the sins of the son are not the sins of the parents, and there is absolutely no evidence to show that President Biden is guilty of anything other than being a devoted and loving father. Republican lawmakers, Republican witnesses, and Republican reports have all been very open about the fact that there is no evidence to support the impeachment of Joe Biden, despite more than a year of this tireless fishing expedition. “This week, Speaker Johnson will send America’s Representatives home for the remainder of the year without passing supplemental funding to defend our democratic allies around the world; without passing a full-year budget; without passing a bipartisan Farm Bill; without passing a long-term FAA reauthorization; without passing meaningful legislation to address America’s housing affordability crisis; and without delivering on so many issues that impact Missouri families and those around the country. “While I would prefer to stay in Washington to work on these pressing issues, I hope that the Speaker and my Republican colleagues will at the very least use the remainder of the year to reflect on the damage they are doing to the country by focusing on political theater and extreme partisanship rather than the needs of the families they represent.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawleys-bipartisan-ai-bill-empower-parents-hold-big-tech-accountable-blocked-senate-floor/,Hawley’s Bipartisan AI Bill to Empower Parents to Hold Big Tech Accountable Blocked on Senate Floor,2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) delivered remarks on the Senate Floor and called for unanimous consent to pass his bill, the No Section 230 Immunity for AI Act. This legislation would clarify that Section 230 immunity does not apply to claims related to generative AI, ensuring consumers have the tools they need to protect themselves from harmful content produced by the latest advancements in AI technology. “We have seen what [Big Tech companies] do with their subsidy from government when it comes to social media […] [Big Tech companies] censor the living daylights out of anybody they don’t like […] This government protects [Big Tech],” said Senator Hawley. He continued, “[This bill] just says that these huge companies can be liable like any other company—no special protections from government […] It just breaks up the Big Government, Big Tech cartel. That’s all it does, and it says parents can go into court, same terms as anybody else, and make their case.” Click here or above to watch his full remarks. Senators Hawley and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) – the Ranking Member and the Chair of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law, respectively – introduced the No Section 230 Immunity for AI Act in June to put power in the hands of consumers and give Americans impacted by nascent AI technology their day in court to hold Big Tech companies accountable. Senator Hawley also previously announced five guiding principles for the future of AI legislation. Senator Hawley’s call to unanimously pass the bill was objected to by Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:56:20Z https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-announces-nominations-us-military-academies-4,Graves Announces Nominations to U.S. Military Academies,2023-12-12,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,graves,https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"KANSAS CITY, MO – U.S. Representative Sam Graves (MO-06) has announced United States Military Service Academy nominations for students in Missouri’s Sixth Congressional District. Each year, members of Congress are tasked with selecting qualified students from their respective districts to attend one of America’s prestigious military academies. ""It is my honor to nominate these incredible young men and women to attend our nation’s military academies,” said Rep. Graves, who notified each student by phone of their nomination. “All have gone above and beyond to demonstrate their leadership abilities in their schools and communities. I know each and every one will go on to make North Missouri proud.” The following students from across North Missouri received nominations from Congressman Graves: Breanna Coonfare – U.S. Military Academy (Liberty North High School) Ethan Holtman – U.S. Military Academy (Jefferson C-123 High School in Conception Junction) Ryan Morrow– U.S. Military Academy (Park Hill South High School) Iris Alvarez – U.S. Military Academy; U.S. Air Force Academy (Savannah High School) Tade Wynn– U.S. Military Academy (Culver Military Academy, Hometown - Liberty) Lance Meekins – U.S. Military Academy (Kearney High School) George Freeman – U.S. Merchant Marine Academy; U.S. Naval Academy (Moberly High School) Octavious Soriano – U.S. Merchant Marine Academy; U.S. Naval Academy (St. Pius X Catholic High School, Hometown – Kansas City) Zacary Wheeler – U.S. Merchant Marine Academy; U.S. Naval Academy; U.S. Air Force Academy (Smithville High School) Nikos Guerrero – U.S. Merchant Marine Academy; U.S. Air Force Academy (Park Hill High School) Gabriel Watkins – U.S. Merchant Marine Academy; U.S. Air Force Academy (Lathrop High School) Emma Bruhl – U.S. Air Force Academy (Vicenza High School) Margaret Howard – U.S. Air Force Academy (West Platte High School) Jacob Duckworth – U.S. Air Force Academy (Park Hill South High School) Maxwell Casey – U.S. Naval Academy (Pembroke Hill School, Hometown - Parkville) Evan Janiak – U.S. Naval Academy (Kearney High School) The nomination system is a very competitive process. Various military academies hold extremely selective admission standards. To help in the nomination process, Rep. Graves created an Academy Nominations Review Board. The board, made up of service academy graduates, veterans and citizens of the Sixth District, interviewed and reviewed all applicants before making final recommendations to Rep. Graves. Students interested in being appointed to a service academy in the future are encouraged to learn more, particularly early in their high school career, by contacting Graves’ district office in Kansas City or by visiting graves.house.gov.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/senator-hawley-forces-procedural-vote-delay-ndaa-shares-stories-nuclear-radiation-victims-betrayed/,Senator Hawley Forces Procedural Vote to Delay NDAA & Shares Stories of Nuclear Radiation Victims Betrayed by Congressional Leadership,2023-12-12,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) shared stories from victims of government-caused radiation poisoning, after Congressional leadership stripped reauthorization of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) from the FY ’24 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Senator Hawley called for a motion that would have extended debate on the NDAA and delayed its final passage in the Senate. The RECA program—which is set to expire in the coming months—compensates victims poisoned by the federal government through nuclear waste. A reauthorized and updated program would include numerous residents of the greater St. Louis area. Despite passing the Senate with strong bipartisan support and receiving an endorsement from President Biden, dealmakers scrubbed RECA reauthorization from the defense bill behind closed doors. “When the government causes injury, the government should make it right. […] That’s what the radiation compensation program does—and it’s wrong to let it expire,” said Senator Hawley. […] It is a scar on the conscience of this body and of this nation. And I will come to the floor as long as it takes until we do right by these Americans who have done right by their country because they deserve better than this.” “I realize my colleagues are all too eager to move on, but I think it is important we take as much time as is necessary to understand the stakes of what we are doing and to understand the stakes of turning our backs on these people,” he concluded. Click here or above to watch his full remarks.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:56:20Z https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-joins-115-house-members-request-increased-home,Congressman Cleaver Joins 115 House Members to Request Increased Home Heating Assistance Funding,2023-12-08,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – This week, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) joined 115 House lawmakers to request increased funding, totaling $1.6 billion, for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). “As you know, LIHEAP helps families who are at risk of being unable to afford to heat their homes in the winter or cool them in the summer. Last year, more than six million households across the country relied on critical assistance from the LIHEAP program,” the lawmakers wrote. “For the families who receive LIHEAP, it is a critical lifeline that prevents them from making the impossible choice between staying warm and having enough food or paying for their medications.” In Fiscal Year 2023, the LIHEAP program distributed a total of more than $4.5 billion in home heating assistance to families across the United States, including $100 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding and an additional $1 billion from the government funding package passed in September 2022—both of which Congressman Cleaver supported. Despite the significant federal investment, LIHEAP continues to be underfunded, with just 20 percent of eligible households currently receiving assistance through the program. Missouri was recently awarded a total of $78,456,379 in LIHEAP funding for this winter, including $76,273,776 in formula funding and an additional $2,182,603 from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. To assist households seeking to determine their eligibility for LIHEAP funding, HHS recently released a tool in English, Spanish, traditional Chinese, and simplified Chinese for households to quickly determine their eligibility. The official letter from Rep. Cleaver and other lawmakers is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/grave-injustice-hawley-slams-congressional-leadership-betraying-nuclear-radiation-victims-stripping/,“Grave Injustice:” Hawley Slams Congressional Leadership for Betraying Nuclear Radiation Victims & Stripping Compensation from NDAA,2023-12-07,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) delivered remarks on the Senate floor after Congressional leadership betrayed American nuclear program victims through backroom negotiations. Dealmakers stripped Senator Hawley’s bill to reauthorize the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) from the FY ’24 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Senator Hawley vowed to oppose the final bill and slow down its passage. The Senate voted on an extra procedural motion today after Senator Hawley threw up a roadblock. The RECA program—which is set to expire in the coming months—compensates victims poisoned by the federal government through nuclear waste. This includes numerous residents of the greater St. Louis area and across the country. Despite passing the Senate with strong bipartisan support and receiving an endorsement from President Biden, RECA reauthorization was scrubbed from the bill behind closed doors. “This is a grave injustice. […] This [NDAA] turns its back on the people of the United States in defense of the lobbyists, and the suits, and the corporate entities who are going to get paid,” said Senator Hawley. “To the people of this nation—tens of thousands who have depended on this compensation, life-saving help, who are now at risk of losing all of it—this fight is not over. […] I will come to this floor as long as it takes […] until we compensate the people of this nation, who have sacrificed for this nation, and do not leave them behind,” he concluded.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:56:20Z https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleavers-statement-house-resolution-894,Rep. Cleaver’s Statement on House Resolution 894,2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement after voting present on House Resolution 894 last night. “Antisemitism is abhorrent, and its horrifying rise in the United States and around the world presents a serious threat to families in my congressional district and beyond. It is an ongoing challenge that demands a bipartisan, all-of-government approach to address—which is why the Biden Administration announced the first-ever National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism in May of this year. “The U.S. House of Representatives has already taken votes on five resolutions supporting Israel or condemning antisemitism in April, May, July, October, and just last week. It is clear that Republican House leaders are turning a serious issue into political theater, while taking no substantive action to combat antisemitism and instead further dividing an already divided nation. Therefore, I voted present in yesterday’s vote. “If my Republican colleagues are serious about protecting Jewish Americans and combating antisemitism, rather than passing performative resolutions to score cheap political points, I believe Congress should take legislative action to implement the President’s National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism and increase funding for programs such as the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, to keep churches and other nonprofits safe. That’s something we should all be able to support.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-introduces-new-legislation-justly-compensate-landowners-stop-federal-confiscation-farmland/,Hawley Introduces New Legislation to Justly Compensate Landowners & Stop Federal Confiscation of Farmland,2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) introduced the Just Compensation Act of 2023 to prevent the federal government and private companies from confiscating Missourians’ property without just compensation. “Missouri farmers work tirelessly to keep our state, and country, fed. The last thing they should have to deal with is big corporations and the federal government coming to try and take their land,” said Senator Hawley. “Congress must make it a priority to protect Missouri landowners and their property rights.” This legislation follows Senator Hawley’s defense of farmers affected by the Grain Belt Express construction campaign. Last month, Senator Hawley sent a letter to Invenergy CEO Michael Polsky, demanding the company make commitments to operate in good faith and adequately compensate landowners impacted by the proposed transmission line. Senator Hawley’s Just Compensation Act of 2023 would: Prohibit the federal government from delegating the power to exercise eminent domain to any private entity; Require the federal government to provide just compensation of 150 percent fair market value when exercising eminent domain; and Impose annual reporting requirements on the Attorney General.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:56:20Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/major-betrayal-hawley-statement-after-compensation-victims-government-poisoning-stripped-defense/,“Major Betrayal:” Hawley Statement After Compensation for Victims of Government Poisoning Stripped from Defense Bill,2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) released the following statement after his legislation to reauthorize the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) was stripped from the FY ’24 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The proposal would have compensated victims who have been poisoned by their government through nuclear waste, including those in the greater St. Louis area. Without Congressional action, the entire RECA program will expire in the coming months and leave victims without support. The provision was removed despite passing the Senate with strong bipartisan support and receiving an endorsement from President Biden.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:56:20Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-slams-director-wray-fbis-targeting-catholic-americans-violent-extremists/,Hawley Slams Director Wray on FBI’s Targeting of Catholic Americans as ‘Violent Extremists’,2023-12-05,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today in the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing on Oversight of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) questioned FBI Director Christopher Wray on the FBI’s targeting of traditionalist Catholics. Senator Hawley discussed a report issued by the House Judiciary Committee revealing a memo outlining the weaponization of the FBI against Catholics, and repeatedly demanded that Director Wray hold accountable the individuals involved. “Now we know that in fact, FBI agents did approach a priest and a choir director to ask them to inform on parishioners […] Good heavens, Director, this is one of the most outrageous targetings – you have mobilized your division, the most powerful law enforcement division in the world, against traditionalist Catholics,” said Senator Hawley. He continued, “your memo labels traditional Catholics as racially, and ethnically, motivated violent extremists in need of investigation […] You have repeatedly said ‘we don’t target churches, we don’t list churches,’ [but] they’re listed in the memo.” Senator Hawley has previously called on the Department of Justice (DOJ) for answers on the FBI’s targeting and subsequent arrests of people of faith, particularly Catholics.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:56:20Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-op-ed-dont-let-government-get-away-poisoning-americans/,Hawley Op-Ed: Don’t Let Government Get Away With Poisoning Americans,2023-12-04,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"By U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) | Dec. 4, 2023 | Real Clear Politics This year, Americans had the opportunity to revisit the origins of our nation’s nuclear program with the blockbuster film “Oppenheimer.” But there’s one story line that didn’t make the big screen: those Americans who are still paying the price. For decades, the federal government poisoned an untold number of its citizens through our atomic program. It happened everywhere, impacting uranium mine workers in Texas, Native Americans living downwind from nuclear tests in the Mountain West, and communities exposed to Manhattan Project waste in Missouri. And that’s just a small sample. […] Now, the law that delivers some justice and compensation to these victims is about to expire. Congress must include a reauthorization of this life-changing program as part of the annual defense bill. It’s our chance to give justice to victims who have been silenced and forgotten for years. […] Tens of thousands of American workers across the country helped to mine and process uranium and worked in facilities that built our atomic weapons, and they breathed in the toxic substances every day. […] In 1990, Congress finally acknowledged the government’s egregious neglect and passed the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to compensate victims who were sickened with cancer from nuclear tests. […] But in just a few months, funding for the program will be cut off. This cannot be allowed to happen. Since its creation, RECA has helped tens of thousands of Americans and assisted those exposed to radiation rebuild and renew their lives. How can we turn our back on them? Many more communities still need access to this program before it runs out. In my home state of Missouri, mismanaged nuclear waste from the Manhattan Project era sat exposed for years and contaminated communities in the St. Louis region – and now these areas have elevated cancer rates. In multiple other states, “downwinders” still need compensation. […] Back in July, Congress took the first step to getting this done when the Senate adopted, as part of the defense bill, my amendment with Sen. Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico to extend and strengthen the RECA program. I was proud to see that amendment pass with a bipartisan supermajority, reflecting the broad support among both parties for obtaining justice for victims. President Biden has since supported it as well. House and Senate leadership must not strip this life-changing program from the final defense bill. It would amount to a slap in the face to victims everywhere if our leaders in Congress decide to kneecap the Americans who suffered from these nuclear programs and instead ship billions and billions to defense contractors or foreign wars. There’s no excuse for forgetting about the people we serve. When the government poisons its own people, it must make it right. We have no other choice.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:56:20Z https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-votes-expel-george-santos-house-representatives,Congressman Cleaver Votes to Expel George Santos from House of Representatives,2023-12-01,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) voted in favor of a resolution to expel Representative George Santos (R-NY) from the House of Representatives, which was passed with a two-thirds majority, making Rep. Santos the sixth individual ever expelled from the People’s House. Last month, Rep. Cleaver voted against expelling Congressman Santos, citing concerns about a lack of due process and the potential for such a precedent being abused in the future. However, following the release of a scathing final report from the House Ethics Committee, detailing a litany of evidence of illicit activity, Congressman Cleaver supported Santos’ removal from the House Chamber. “It brings me no joy or pleasure in voting for the expulsion of only the sixth individual to ever be removed from the House of Representatives; Not because I support Mr. Santos or his disgraceful conduct, which I believe includes lies and crimes to obtain his seat in the most prestigious legislative body the world has ever known, but because I fear that a future Congress may use the action today to abuse this precedent in the future,” said Congressman Cleaver. “However, because his actions were so egregious, as identified by the House Ethics Committee’s final report, and the removal of any future lawmaker necessitates overwhelming bipartisan support, I felt compelled to support the expulsion resolution. It is my hope that today’s vote will remove this ridiculous distraction and allow Republicans and Democrats to focus on delivering bipartisan solutions that will tangibly benefit the constituents we were sent here to represent.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-urges-congress-reauthorize-compensation-nuclear-radiation-victims-expiration/,Hawley Urges Congress to Reauthorize Compensation for Nuclear Radiation Victims Before Expiration,2023-12-01,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) released the following statement calling on Congress to reauthorize the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) in the FY ’24 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to compensate victims of government-caused radiation in the greater St. Louis area. If Congress does not act, the entire existing RECA program that provides support for victims of radiation around the country will expire in a few months. Senator Hawley has pledged to oppose the NDAA if it does not include compensation for Missouri victims. This past Tuesday, Senator Hawley welcomed Missouri grassroots advocates impacted by federal government-caused nuclear waste to the U.S. Capitol, so Washington leadership could hear their stories. Background: Senator Hawley has consistently advocated on behalf of the Coldwater Creek community and all Missourians impacted by government-caused nuclear contamination.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:56:20Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-introduces-new-legislation-protect-livestock-producers-tackle-rising-costs/,Hawley Introduces New Legislation to Protect Livestock Producers & Tackle Rising Costs,2023-11-30,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) introduced the Protecting Interstate Commerce for Livestock Producers Act to protect farmers from costly regulations – made in other states – that will hurt their business and drive-up costs for consumers. In 2018, California voters passed Proposition 12 which would ban the sale of pork, eggs, and calves for veal that were not produced with certain space requirements. It is estimated that California accounts for 13 percent of all pork consumption in the United States. When this law goes into full effect early next year, farmers across the country – including in Missouri – will have to comply with California’s preferred requirements to access the California market. “Missouri’s livestock producers keep food on the table across America and they shouldn’t be burdened by costly laws – made by other states – that disrupt interstate commerce, drive-up costs, and impose crippling regulations,” said Senator Hawley. “This law is a commonsense solution to protect family farms from going bankrupt and consumers from shouldering higher costs at the grocery store.” To ensure that no state can mandate animal welfare standards in another state, Senator Hawley’s Protecting Interstate Commerce for Livestock Producers Act: Preempts states and local governments from regulating the raising, production, and importation of livestock or livestock-derived goods from another state or local government; Allows states to regulate the importation of livestock in the event of animal disease; and Protects farmers from states implementing laws that are preempted by this bill.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleavers-statement-passing-mayor-richard-berkley,Congressman Cleaver’s Statement on the Passing of Mayor Richard Berkley,2023-11-29,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement after the passing of former Kansas City Mayor and City Councilmember Richard Berkley. “Today, I’ve lost a dear friend and Kansas City has lost an iconic leader. “For 12 years as Mayor, and 10 more on the City Council, Dick Berkley offered the calm, collected, and utterly effective leadership that helped transform Kansas City into the major metropolitan area it is today. “From the expansion of Bartle Hall to the revitalization and economic development of neighborhoods across Kansas City, the impact of Dick Berkley can be felt in every zip code of our great city. While I was proud to honor his legacy through the Berkley Riverfront, we all owe him a debt of gratitude for his lifelong devotion and public service to our community. “There are countless things I could say to honor the memory and legacy of Mayor Berkley—the first Jewish Mayor in Kansas City’s history or his Harvard-educated business acumen to name just a few—but in this moment of bitter polarization, I’ll always remember his refusal to look at life through a partisan lens. Although he was a Republican, and I a Democrat, I cannot recall a single moment when Mayor Berkley was anything less than helpful, supportive, and committed to the progress and unity of our communities—because that was all that mattered in his eyes. I believe that is something to be treasured, and something that will be sorely missed. “I pray for comfort for the entire Berkley family as they grieve such a monumental loss, and I pray that our community will take the lessons and legacy of Mayor Berkley to be used as a guiding light on our march toward a better future for all of Kansas City. May his memory be our blessing.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleaver-calls-house-leaders-advance-bipartisan-incentives,Rep. Cleaver Calls on House Leaders to Advance Bipartisan Incentives for Affordable Housing Before Year’s End,2023-11-29,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Yesterday, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), Ranking Member of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, called on House Leadership and the Ways and Means Committee to advance H.R. 3238, the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act, and H.R. 3940, the Neighborhood Homes Investment Act, before the House of Representatives enters into the Christmas recess period. The bipartisan legislation would incentivize the creation of affordable housing that is desperately needed in communities across the country. In a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO), and Ranking Member Richard Neal (D-MA), Cleaver wrote: “As you know, [the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit] is the most effective public-private federal tool for addressing our country’s shortage of affordable housing, which is why it is the most bipartisan bill in Congress with 186 cosponsors, evenly divided by Republicans and Democrats. That support, which includes 79 percent of the Ways and Means Committee, is both an indication of its efficacy, but also the incredible need for affordable rental housing nationwide.” At the close of 2021, the United States had a shortage of 3.9 million homes due to underproduction, driving up housing costs in Kansas City and communities across the country. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, nearly one-in-four renters spend more than half of their household income on rent, forcing families to forgo other essentials such as childcare, medication, groceries, and more. Additionally, extremely low-income renters in the U.S. face a shortage of 7.3 million affordable and available rental homes, resulting in only 33 affordable and available homes for every 100 extremely low-income renter households, defined as households with incomes at or below the federal poverty guideline or 30% of the area median income. To incentivize the construction of affordable housing and lower housing costs for renters and homeowners alike, the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act would support the financing of affordable housing by expanding and strengthening the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit—which has facilitated the creation of more than 3.7 million housing units since 1986 and proven to be one of the nation’s must successful affordable housing programs. Experts estimate that the bipartisan bill would lead to the construction of an additional 2 million new affordable homes over the next decade by: Increasing the amount of credits allocated to each state. The legislation would increase the number of credits available to states by 50 percent for the next two years and make the temporary 12.5 percent increase secured in 2018 permanent—which has already helped build more than 59,000 additional affordable housing units nationwide. Increasing the number of affordable housing projects that can be built using private activity bonds. This provision would stabilize financing for workforce housing projects built using private activity bonds by decreasing the amount of private activity bonds needed to secure Housing Credit funding. As a result, projects would have to carry less debt, and more projects would be eligible to receive funding. Improving the Housing Credit program to better serve at-risk and underserved communities. The legislation would also make improvements to the program to better serve veterans, victims of domestic violence, formerly homeless students, Native American communities, and rural Americans. The Neighborhood Homes Investment Act would create a new federal tax credit for the development and renovation of 1-to-4 family housing in distressed urban, suburban, and rural neighborhoods. Currently, private development lacks in some urban and rural areas because the cost of purchasing and renovating homes is greater than the value of the sale price of homes. It is estimated that the creation of a tax credit that covers the cost between building or renovating a home in distressed areas and the price at which they can be sold would result in an additional 500,000 starter homes in under-resourced communities over the next decade. Rep. Cleaver’s official letter is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-brings-missourians-impacted-radioactive-waste-us-capitol-threatens-hold-ndaa/,"Hawley Brings Missourians Impacted by Radioactive Waste to U.S. Capitol, Threatens to Hold Up NDAA",2023-11-28,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) welcomed Missouri grassroots advocates impacted by federal government-caused nuclear waste to the U.S. Capitol. He repeated his pledge to oppose and hold up the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) if it does not include compensation for the victims of decades-old radiation in the greater St. Louis area. “If this emerges from a back room, and this provision is out, the defense bill is going to face tough sledding on the floor of the Senate. […] I am not going to vote to pay defense contractors hand over fist while the people of my state—and, frankly, across the country—are denied the compensation that they’re due,” said Senator Hawley. He continued, “I don’t quite understand how it is that we may not have money available to compensate radiation victims in the state of Missouri—who have the highest rates of cancer in the nation—but we have unlimited funding for Ukraine.” Background: Senator Hawley has consistently advocated on behalf of the Coldwater Creek community and all Missourians impacted by government-caused nuclear contamination.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-pledges-oppose-ndaa-without-justice-victims-nuclear-contamination/,Hawley Pledges to Oppose NDAA without Justice for Victims of Nuclear Contamination,2023-11-22,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) released the following statements demanding justice for victims of nuclear contamination in the greater St. Louis area. He also pledged to oppose the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) if it does not include compensation for the victims. Background: Senator Hawley has consistently advocated on behalf of the Coldwater Creek community and all Missourians impacted by government-caused nuclear contamination. Most recently, Senator Hawley secured President Biden’s endorsement of his legislation to compensate victims of nuclear radiation exposure.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-calls-bilateral-ceasefire-release-hostages-and,"Congressman Cleaver Calls for Bilateral Ceasefire, Release of Hostages, and Humanitarian Aid to Palestinian Civilians",2023-11-20,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Kansas City, MO) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement, calling for a bilateral ceasefire, the release of innocent hostages held by Hamas, and desperately needed humanitarian assistance for Palestinian civilians. “Since October 7, I’ve watched in horror the devastation that Hamas terrorists have inflicted upon innocent civilians in both Israel and Gaza, my heart breaking as loved ones are held hostage and families are torn apart. From the very beginning of this conflict, I have stated that Israel has an absolute right to exist and defend its people and the more than 200 individuals that were ruthlessly ripped from their homes and taken hostage. I still believe that.” “I have also said that the Palestinian people should not be equated with Hamas, and that the United States must use our diplomatic capabilities to de-escalate the conflict and provide humanitarian relief to Palestinian civilians as we support Israel’s efforts to defend itself, defeat Hamas, and return hostages back home. And we must do so while holding our ally to the highest standards of international conflict, as to minimize civilian casualties in Gaza to the greatest extent possible. I still believe that as well.” “Over a month later, with each passing day, I have become even more distressed at the horrific loss of life and increasingly concerned that a protracted conflict will only further inflame an already sharp rise in Antisemitic and Islamophobic attacks in the U.S and around the world, worsen the humanitarian crisis at hand, and risk a widening conflict that will only cause more death and destruction to innocent Palestinian and Israeli civilians alike. As I said last month: Violence only begets more violence. “Having spent decades as a faith leader, fundamentally, I believe we are all children of the world and all worthy of love and peace. The world has already seen enough death and suffering. Today, I am calling on the Biden Administration to use every diplomatic tool available to encourage an immediate, bilateral ceasefire in exchange for the release of innocent hostages and necessary sustained humanitarian aid into Gaza. My hope is that this ceasefire will enable the difficult but necessary work of a negotiated, durable agreement to move forward and provide a framework for long term peace and a two-state solution — something that I strongly support.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleaver-introduces-legislation-ensure-humanitarian-assistance,Rep. Cleaver Introduces Legislation to Ensure Humanitarian Assistance is Accessible to Displaced Palestinians; Bill Passes Out of Financial Services Committee with Bipartisan Support,2023-11-15,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – This week, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) introduced H.R. 6367, the Armed Conflict Migration Act, to help ensure humanitarian assistance is accessible to displaced Palestinians that may temporarily flee to safety following Hamas’ terrorist attack last month. The bill would specifically direct the Treasury Secretary to use the voice, vote, and influence of the United States to direct each international financial institution, such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF), to support financial assistance to countries that receive an influx of civilian, non-combatant displaced Palestinians to be used for humanitarian aid. The bill was passed by the House Financial Services Committee with bipartisan support yesterday afternoon. “Despite the horrific conditions we are seeing in Gaza, we know that many Palestinians will choose to stay in Gaza, and they must be supported with the necessary humanitarian aid to do so,” said Congressman Cleaver. “However, there will also be some in Gaza who would like to escape what could be a prolonged and increasingly concerning conflict. The United States can and must use our influence internationally to ensure all Palestinians displaced by this conflict in any way have access to critical supplies like food, water, medicine, and other basic necessities. My legislation helps do that by directing the Treasury to advance international efforts to equip nations with the support to extend humanitarian aid to Palestinians who may seek a safe haven for the time being.” According to the United Nations, since Israel’s war against Hamas and search for hostages began following the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack, over 1.5 million Gazans, approximately 75% of the territory's population, have been displaced from their homes. Some nations have expressed concerns about allowing in any displaced residents of Gaza, citing financial obligations as a challenge, among others. The Armed Conflict Migration Act helps to alleviate this concern by enabling support from international financial institutions, such as the World Bank, IMF, and others, to nations that temporarily welcome people displaced from the conflict until resolved. This bill is one tool in a larger toolbox of policy that could be helpful to the Biden Administration that is looking for additional foreign policy options in a complicated region. “We have an international responsibility to ensure innocent civilians have the protection and humanitarian relief necessary during this conflict—and the Armed Conflict Migration Act is a key piece to that end,” said Congressman Cleaver. Official text of the Armed Conflict Migration Act is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-demands-invenergy-compensate-missouri-landowners-affected-grain-belt-express-and-tiger/,Hawley Demands Invenergy Compensate Missouri Landowners Affected by Grain Belt Express and Tiger Connector Construction Project,2023-11-15,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to Invenergy CEO Michael Polsky, standing up for Missouri farmers and demanding the company make commitments to operate in good faith, as well as adequately compensate landowners affected by the Grain Belt Express construction campaign. Senator Hawley’s letter follows the Missouri Public Service Commission’s decision last month to approve the Tiger Connector amendment to the Grain Belt Express Line Project. “Your company’s Grain Belt Express construction campaign has hurt Missouri’s farmers,” wrote Senator Hawley. “They have lost the use of arable land, seen their property values decline, and been forced to operate under a cloud of uncertainty as your company vacillates over the full scope of the project.” He continued, “There is a clear remedy for these harms: as a gesture of goodwill, your company should commit to following all of the requirements passed in House Bill 2005 for the construction of the Tiger Connector Line. Additionally, your company should retroactively compensate landowners whose land was originally taken for the Grain Belt Express project at the new 150% rate. Your company should also commit to compensating farmers for any ongoing losses sustained as a result of your company’s construction and maintenance of both the Grain Belt Express and Tiger Connector.” Read the full letter here or below. November 15, 2023 Mr. Michael Polsky Chief Executive Officer Invenergy One South Wacker Drive, Suite 1800 Chicago, Illinois 60646 Dear Mr. Polsky: Your company’s Grain Belt Express construction campaign has hurt Missouri’s farmers. They have lost the use of arable land, seen their property values decline, and been forced to operate under a cloud of uncertainty as your company vacillates over the full scope of the project. To name just a few examples, since the Grain Belt Express was originally proposed, the completion timetable, the total capacity of the line, the ultimate corporate parent, the amount of power to be delivered, the location of the Missouri converter station, and the full range of connections required have all changed. This is not an acceptable status quo. In fact, public backlash against your company’s actions was so severe that last year Missouri passed a new law to fix this. House Bill 2005 guarantees that landowners whose property is seized for future projects must be compensated at 150% of market value and requires that a proportional amount of power from the line is given to the State. Unfortunately, those new protections come too late for the farmers whose land has already been taken. And to add insult to injury, your company has now gained approval from the Missouri Public Service Commission to add the Tiger Connector line to the approved Grain Belt Express project, bypassing the requirements in House Bill 2005. Given this track record, it is far from clear why any Missouri farmers should assume that your company is operating in good faith. There is a clear remedy for these harms: as a gesture of goodwill, your company should commit to following all of the requirements passed in House Bill 2005 for the construction of the Tiger Connector Line. Additionally, your company should retroactively compensate landowners whose land was originally taken for the Grain Belt Express project at the new 150% rate. Your company should also commit to compensating farmers for any ongoing losses sustained as a result of your company’s construction and maintenance of both the Grain Belt Express and Tiger Connector. No doubt such commitments will prove costly to your company. But at this point, only concrete commitments will make up for the frustration and grief Missouri farmers have already suffered. You owe them that. I await your response. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-resolution-honors-us-marine-corps-captain-samuel-farmer-marines-and-sailors-his-platoon/,"Hawley Resolution Honors U.S. Marine Corps Captain Samuel Farmer, Marines and Sailors of His Platoon",2023-11-15,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Yesterday U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) delivered remarks on the Senate floor recognizing the passage of his resolution honoring the heroism and sacrifice of United States Marine Corps Captain Samuel Farmer of Missouri and the Marines and Sailors he commanded as part of First Platoon, Company G, Second Battalion, First Marine Regiment. During the height of America’s withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021, then-First Lieutenant Farmer and his platoon were stationed at Abbey Gate at Hamid Karzai International Airport (HKIA) in Kabul, facilitating the evacuation of American citizens, permanent residents, embassy workers, and special immigrant visa holders as the region rapidly fell to the Taliban. On August 26, 2021, an Islamic State terrorist detonated a suicide bomb at Abbey Gate, killing 13 American service members – including nine from Captain Farmer’s platoon – and injuring many more, including Farmer. “Whatever you think of our withdrawal from Afghanistan, we should be able to honor the men and women who served so bravely – including Sam Farmer and the members of his platoon,” said Senator Hawley. “This young man from Missouri, who represents, frankly, the best of who we are and who we can be. And so, Mr. President, it’s a privilege to get to honor Sam, to congratulate him on his service to our country.” Click here or above to watch his full remarks.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-urges-relief-missionaries-harmed-state-department-rule/,Hawley Urges Relief for Missionaries Harmed by State Department Rule,2023-11-15,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to Assistant Secretary Rena Bitter of the Bureau of Consular Affairs at the State Department. Senator Hawley urged Assistant Secretary Bitter to provide relief to religious workers, including a Christian missionary employed in Missouri, who are being harmed by a recent State Department rule that effectively prioritizes illegal immigrants over religious workers in the visa queue. “It has come to my attention that a recent State Department rule created a massive backlog of employment-based, fourth preference category (EB-4) visas, which is adversely affecting faith-based employers in Missouri,” said Senator Hawley.” Concerningly, the Biden Administration seems to have pushed Christian missionaries to the back of the visa line—and allowed illegal aliens to cut ahead of them. It is incumbent upon your agency to provide relief to my constituents and religious organizations across the country who stand to be greatly harmed by this abrupt change in policy.” He continued, “The present obstacles that religious organizations face are unacceptable. Sadly, it appears that religious workers are collateral damage in the Biden Administration’s push to expand ‘lawful pathways’ for individuals who crossed the southern border illegally. […] Therefore, I urge you to redress the harms to religious workers generated by your agency’s rule, including by advancing the priority date for religious workers.” Read the full letter here or below. November 15, 2023 Assistant Secretary Rena Bitter Bureau of Consular Affairs U.S. Department of State 2201 C Street NW Washington, D.C. 20520 Dear Assistant Secretary Bitter, It has come to my attention that a recent State Department rule created a massive backlog of employment-based, fourth preference category (EB-4) visas, which is adversely affecting faith-based employers in Missouri. As a direct result of this rule, a missionary employed in my state will be forced to leave her family and wait abroad—for potentially more than a decade—until her visa is processed. Concerningly, the Biden Administration seems to have pushed Christian missionaries to the back of the visa line—and allowed illegal aliens to cut ahead of them. It is incumbent upon your agency to provide relief to my constituents and religious organizations across the country who stand to be greatly harmed by this abrupt change in policy. In March 2023, the State Department determined that it would no longer prorate EB-4 visa allocation to El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala, reversing the agency’s interpretation which had stood for nearly seven years. According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) data, there were 105,267 approved petitions awaiting EB-4 visa availability as of March 2023, including 84,168 petitions from El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala—most of which are for unaccompanied youth. By contrast, only 866 such petitions were outstanding for religious workers. Almost instantly, the Department’s rule added tens of thousands of petitions to the waiting list for EB-4 visas and thus created a lengthy backlog for such visas. My office has been contacted by a religious non-profit in Missouri that is directly harmed by this action. The non-profit employs a missionary who is currently working on a temporary R-1 visa, which expires in January 2024. Though USCIS has approved her I-360 petition, she will be forced to leave the country when her R-1 visa expires and could wait more than a decade for her visa eligibility in the now-enormous queue of EB-4 visas. But for the State Department’s action, she may not have had to wait at all. The present obstacles that religious organizations face are unacceptable. Sadly, it appears that religious workers are collateral damage in the Biden Administration’s push to expand “lawful pathways” for individuals who crossed the southern border illegally. Indeed, the State Department’s own announcement states that religious workers and other EB-4 applicants “should expect to wait longer for a visa to become available…while applicants from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras…should expect a shorter wait time.” In any case, this is a problem of your agency’s own making, and you bear responsibility for religious workers, like the missionary in my state, who are harmed by it. Therefore, I urge you to redress the harms to religious workers generated by your agency’s rule, including by advancing the priority date for religious workers. Please respond to this letter by providing the specific actions your agency will take to expeditiously fix this situation. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-applauds-house-passage-her-debbie-smith-act,Wagner Applauds House Passage of Her Debbie Smith Act,2023-11-13,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement after the House passed her Debbie Smith Act, legislation that provides funding to law enforcement to analyze untested rape kits: “Survivors of sexual violence must have confidence that law enforcement will help them get the justice they need and deserve. That means identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting the attackers to the fullest extent of the law. “One of the most important methods of investigating these crimes is through DNA analysis. The Debbie Smith Act will reauthorize a vital program that provides support in all fifty states to help police collect and test that evidence in a timely manner, and improve the capacity of state and local prosecutors to bring these cases to court. Funding from the Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Elimination Program has directly resulted in nearly 1.8 million DNA cases analyzed and processed, including over 600,000 crime scenes and rape kits. We must continue supporting this incredibly important program. I appreciate my colleagues for overwhelmingly voting for this bipartisan legislation and helping victims in their time of need.” Watch Congresswoman Wagner’s speech in support of this bill here. Background H.R. 1105, the Debbie Smith Act of 2023, would reauthorize the DNA Backlog Elimination Program from FY2024 through FY2029. This program provides support to law enforcement and crime labs in all 50 states to analyze untested rape and sexual assault kits, improve law enforcement’s timely collection of DNA evidence, and enhance prosecutors' capacity to bring this evidence to trial.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleaver-highlights-federal-home-loan-bank-review-applauds-biden,"Rep. Cleaver Highlights Federal Home Loan Bank Review, Applauds Biden Administration’s Efforts to Strengthen Housing and Community Development",2023-11-09,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) highlighted this week’s release of the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s (FHFA) FHLBank System at 100: Focusing on the Future report, the first comprehensive review of the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLBank) System in decades. The FHLBank system has played a key role in the nation’s housing finance system since its creation over 90 years ago. “When I speak with families in my congressional district and across the country, I am constantly reminded about the affordable housing crisis that is weighing down families and limiting economic opportunity in communities. I’m pleased that FHFA Director Sandra Thompson and the Biden Administration are taking important steps to evaluate how the FHLBanks can increase support for affordable housing and community development and continue to serve as a stable and reliable source of liquidity for their members” said Congressman Cleaver. “For nearly a century, the FHLBank System has supported low-income housing and community development, either directly or by extending low-cost liquidity to members so they can serve their communities. However, the System itself and the realities of the mortgage market and broader financial system have evolved significantly since the FHLBank System was created in 1932. I’m pleased to see the Biden Administration’s commitment to ensuring the FHLBanks are efficient, stable, and best positioned to meet their mission — and I look forward to working with the FHFA in implementing key recommendations in the report. The FHLBank System at 100: Focusing on the Future initiative featured robust public engagement over the course of the past year, including listening sessions and regional roundtables as well as multiple opportunities for written input from stakeholders. FHFA drew on the feedback received through this public engagement along with its own extensive analysis when preparing the report, which includes recommendations for how the FHLBank System could effectively fulfill its mission. FHFA expects the initiative to continue as a multi-year, collaborative effort with stakeholders to address the recommended actions in the report.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleaver-reintroduces-bipartisan-legislation-plant-millions-trees,Rep. Cleaver Reintroduces Bipartisan Legislation to Plant Millions of Trees Across the Country,2023-11-09,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), Doris Matsui (D-CA), John Sarbanes (D-MD), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) reintroduced The Residential Energy and Economic Savings (TREES) Act. The bipartisan legislation would create a federal grant program to support the planting of millions of trees across the country, helping to lower energy costs, increase tree canopy in underserved communities, and mitigate the effects of climate change through residential tree planting. “As temperatures continue to rise and heat waves become increasingly frequent, particularly in urban communities like Kansas City, it is imperative that our society does more to address the impacts of climate change, combat the heat island effect, and protect our neighbors from extreme heat,” said Congressman Cleaver. “One of the best weapons in that battle is one of God’s greatest gifts to the planet—beautiful trees. I’m proud to join Rep. Matsui to introduce the TREES Act to help communities across the country plant millions more trees that have been proven to lower temperatures in our communities and reduce utility bills for everyday Americans.” “Urban forests can be a keystone for addressing the climate crisis and air pollution, yet far too many communities across the country lack access to these critical green spaces,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “Sacramento is the City of Trees – and through the proactive efforts of local organizations and partners we are working hard to build out a more equitable urban tree canopy across our city. The benefits are clear: we can lower energy costs, reduce temperatures on our streets, improve air quality, reduce stormwater runoff, and beautify our neighborhoods – all leading to healthier and more climate resilient communities. The TREES Act incentivizes successful programs like ours and scales them to the national level. By creating a competitive federal tree-planting grant program, we can empower communities to improve green space and clean air access, reduce consumer costs, and help fight climate change – a win-win-win.” “Planting a higher number of trees in communities nationwide will improve overall air quality, reduce cooling costs, and boost the value of property,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “I’m proud to join the introduction of the bipartisan TREES Act to direct funds to empower states and local communities to plant more trees and boost the quality of life throughout our country.” “Trees help communities reduce energy bills, fight climate change and breathe easier,” said Congressman John Sarbanes. “However, too many people lack access to outdoor green spaces and the benefits they provide. I’m proud once again to join the reintroduction of Congresswoman Matsui’s TREES Act to help homeowners – especially in communities of color – plant more trees to improve the quality of life and bring us one step closer to a greener future for all.” “As climate and biodiversity crises continues to threaten wildlife and communities, investing in urban green spaces and native plants is critical to creating a cleaner and cooler environment for everyone,” said Jesse Walls, Senior Director of Government Affairs at the National Audubon Society. “In addition to naturally capturing and storing carbon to help reduce emissions, these measures will also help to address heat islands that disproportionately impact underserved communities. We are glad to support this bipartisan bill that will make our towns and cities an equitable part of the climate solution.” “Trees save lives, lower energy bills, reduce emissions, and create healthier communities for all of us,” said Joel Pannell, American Forests Vice President of Urban Forests Policy. “The bipartisan Trees Act will empower communities to provide more equitable tree canopy in residential neighborhoods, embracing the power of trees as a natural climate solution benefiting people, our environment and our economy.” The bipartisan TREES Act would formally create a competitive grant program at the Department of Energy (DOE) to provide $50 million in federal funding to plant a minimum of 300,000 trees annually in residential neighborhoods through 2028. The grant program would be required to prioritize low-income and underserved communities as well as densely-populated areas with low tree canopy and high energy burdens. As the planet endures the hottest year on record, reforestation is a vital component to combating extreme heat and other impacts of climate change, particularly for frontline communities in urban areas. By creating a competitive tree-planting grant program, Congress can empower local communities to increase tree canopy coverage, reduce residential energy costs, and combat extreme heat with successful tree-planting programs being scaled to the national level. Congressman Cleaver has long supported congressional attempts to create and fund tree-planting programs across the country. In 2020, Rep. Cleaver introduced the bipartisan TREE Act, which was passed by the House of Representatives that year, to fund tree-planting programs in residential neighborhoods nationwide. Last year, Congressman Cleaver pushed to include funding for tree-planting programs in the Inflation Reduction Act—which was passed into law and provided $12 million in September to Kansas City to plant and maintain trees, expand urban green spaces, combat extreme heat and climate change, and improve local access to nature. The TREES Act is endorsed by American Forests, American Institute of Architects, Audubon, Bipartisan Policy Center, Earthjustice, League of Conservation Voters, National Association of State Foresters, REI, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, Sacramento Tree Foundation, and Sierra Club. Official text of the TREES Act is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-calls-yellen-protect-missouri-union-jobs-modify-terms-yellow-corporations-loans/,"Hawley Calls on Yellen to Protect Missouri Union Jobs, Modify Terms of Yellow Corporation’s Loans",2023-11-09,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen, urging her to seek authority to extend the repayment terms of Yellow Corporation’s outstanding CARES Act loans, in an effort to allow the company to obtain a buyer and preserve union jobs for hundreds of Missouri workers. “After years of mismanagement, this once-venerable trucking company filed for bankruptcy earlier this year, jeopardizing tens of thousands of positions—including about 750 union jobs in my home state of Missouri,” wrote Senator Hawley. “I urge you to seek the authority to modify the maturity date of Yellow’s outstanding CARES Act loans, pushing this date back to 2026.” He continued, “A modification of the repayment terms will allow Yellow to obtain a buyer who will keep its assets together as a going concern—that is, keep it in business as a player in the trucking sector. Reports indicate that such a potential buyer has already emerged. Facilitating such a sale, by making Yellow’s loan repayment terms more flexible, is a commonsense step to keep Yellow’s trucks on the road, and keep its workforce gainfully employed. American workers deserve that support. Read the full letter here or below. November 8, 2023 The Hon. Janet Yellen Secretary of the Treasury U.S. Department of the Treasury 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, D.C. 20220 Dear Secretary Yellen: Executives, not employees, are responsible for corporate failures. American working people shouldn’t, as far as possible, suffer the brunt of bad strategic decisions. But unfortunately, that’s exactly what’s happening at Yellow Corporation. After years of mismanagement, this once-venerable trucking company filed for bankruptcy earlier this year, jeopardizing tens of thousands of positions—including about 750 union jobs in my home state of Missouri. Now, the company is at risk of being effectively sold for parts, with its facilities being sold to one buyer and its fleet of movable assets being sold to another. If that happens, Yellow’s employees won’t only lose their jobs—which would be bad enough. These workers will also lose a significant portion of their earned benefits, such as accrued vacation time, sick pay, insurance contributions, pensions, and so on. Despite years of faithful service, they will be given the short straw. But it doesn’t need to be this way. The most significant financial pressure facing Yellow—and what is catalyzing this fire sale—is Yellow’s outstanding loan under the CARES Act, which comes due in 2024. You have the power to change that. I urge you to seek the authority to modify the maturity date of Yellow’s outstanding CARES Act loans, pushing this date back to 2026. As you know, the Treasury Department has done so on prior occasions, such as during the 2008 financial crisis, where circumstances proved appropriate. A modification of the repayment terms will allow Yellow to obtain a buyer who will keep its assets together as a going concern—that is, keep it in business as a player in the trucking sector. Reports indicate that such a potential buyer has already emerged. Facilitating such a sale, by making Yellow’s loan repayment terms more flexible, is a commonsense step to keep Yellow’s trucks on the road, and keep its workforce gainfully employed. American workers deserve that support. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-demands-investigation-biden-dhs-agents-pulled-child-exploitation-cases-after-additional/,Hawley Demands Investigation into Biden DHS Agents Pulled from Child Exploitation Cases After Additional Whistleblower Claims,2023-11-09,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Inspector General Joseph Cuffari, demanding an investigation into whistleblower allegations that the Biden DHS has reassigned hundreds of special agents charged with important investigations to menial tasks at the southern border – including handing out sandwiches to illegal immigrants. The letter follows Senator Hawley’s questioning of DHS Secretary Mayorkas’ testimony in last week’s Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing about whistleblower allegations. Following the hearing, several additional whistleblowers contacted Senator Hawley and provided additional details about special agents being reassigned. “Most concerningly, all the whistleblowers allege that important criminal investigations stalled and suspects were not arrested or indicted as a result of these reassignments,” wrote Senator Hawley. “Agents were pulled from investigations ranging from child exploitation to drug trafficking to counterterrorism. One whistleblower was pulled from child exploitation cases ‘that haunt your soul when you aren’t available and able to ensure the children involved aren’t being abused.'” He continued, “The Department’s decision to relegate its highly-trained criminal investigators to processing and feeding illegal immigrants, rather than investigating child exploitation cases, is bad policy. But it also may be illegal and in violation of existing regulations.” Read the full letter here or below. November 8, 2023 The Honorable Joseph V. Cuffari Office of Inspector General U.S. Department of Homeland Security 245 Murray Lane SW Washington, DC 20528Dear Inspector General Cuffari, I write to request an immediate investigation into whistleblower allegations that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has shut down or delayed investigations into child exploitation and other crimes in order to transfer hundreds of special agents to process illegal immigrants at the southern border. No fewer than four separate DHS whistleblowers have contacted my office alleging a severe mismanagement of staffing and resources at the direction of senior officials within DHS, allegations which may demonstrate a violation of law. These allegations merit an immediate investigation. On October 31, 2023, I questioned Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas before the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) regarding whistleblower allegations that he removed 600 Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents from felony investigations to facilitate immigration processing functions at the southern border. According to the whistleblower, agents “are being told to shut down investigations to hand out sandwiches and escort migrants to the shower.” This led to child exploitation suspects and fentanyl dealers evading indictment, including child molesters. When asked whether special agents had been pulled away from cases and reassigned to the border, Secretary Mayorkas testified, “Combatting the fight against fentanyl, yes.” Following the hearing, three more whistleblowers from across the country contacted my office, corroborating these claims. One alleged that Secretary Mayorkas was “absolutely lying” and that agents were not, in fact, being reassigned to investigate fentanyl cases. The whistleblower corroborated the claim that there have been at least 600 agents at a given time reassigned to the border. A third whistleblower claims that he was also reassigned to the border to “babysit” illegal immigrants; his duties included holding doors for private contractors who prepared the sandwiches for illegal immigrants, who were “fed better than my kids.” A fourth whistleblower confirmed that special agents had been pulled off child exploitation investigations. According to some of the whistleblowers, much of their time was spent on “stand-by,” as offices at the border were not expecting their arrival. Most concerningly, all the whistleblowers allege that important criminal investigations stalled and suspects were not arrested or indicted as a result of these reassignments. Agents were pulled from investigations ranging from child exploitation to drug trafficking to counterterrorism. One whistleblower was pulled from child exploitation cases “that haunt your soul when you aren’t available and able to ensure the children involved aren’t being abused.” Another whistleblower alleges that hands-on child molesters were not arrested and further provides specific examples of child exploitation indictments that were delayed or adversely affected due to these reassignments. These whistleblowers have also provided documentation supporting their claims. For example, documents provided to my office show that HSI supervisors acknowledged the problem of HSI special agents sitting around without being assigned tasks. Additionally, the whistleblowers provided my office with a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detail HSI special agents to the southern border. The MOA confirms the whistleblowers’ allegations that their duties would include “[p]hysically observing [migrants] in holding areas,” sitting with migrants at the hospital, and escorting migrants from place to place. Notably, the MOA was signed by the Acting Commissioner of CBP and a senior ICE official in April 2023, though the reassignments allegedly have been occurring for over a year. My office will transmit relevant documents to inform your investigation in a manner that protects the anonymity of whistleblowers. The Department’s decision to relegate its highly-trained criminal investigators to processing and feeding illegal immigrants, rather than investigating child exploitation cases, is bad policy. But it also may be illegal and in violation of existing regulations. For example, whistleblowers allege that these practices violate 13 U.S.C. § 1301(a) of the Anti-Deficiency Act, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-76, and internal ICE travel policies. Under the Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended, you have the authority to conduct investigations into the programs and operations of DHS. I therefore write to request an immediate investigation into these practices. The American public deserves transparency and accountability, especially when it concerns the safety and security of our nation and the integrity of our law enforcement agencies. Please include in your investigation answers to the following questions: 1. Since January 2021, how many HSI special agents have been reassigned to the southern border to perform migrant processing functions? a. How many of these special agents were required to pause or abandon investigations into criminal activity due to their reassignments? b. How many of the investigations delayed or abandoned because of reassignments involved child exploitation, fentanyl trafficking, or counterterrorism? c. How is DHS measuring the effectiveness of these reassignments in reducing the number of migrants at the southern border? 2. How many complaints identifying potential waste, fraud, and abuse have DHS officials received as a result of HSI reassignments? a. Have any whistleblowers been subject to retaliatory action as a result of their complaints? 3. Are HSI special agents able to defer their reassignments in order to continue critical investigations? 4. Did the Department violate any provisions of law or internal policies by reassigning special agents to the border, including but not limited to violations of the Anti-Deficiency Act, OMB Circular A-76, or ICE travel policies? 5. Secretary Mayorkas testified to Congress that special agents had been reassigned to the border to combat the fight against fentanyl. Was this statement true? Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleaver-endorses-humanitarian-pause-israel-combats-hamas-terrorists,Rep. Cleaver Endorses Humanitarian Pause as Israel Combats Hamas Terrorists,2023-11-08,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement, endorsing an immediate humanitarian pause as Israel continues to combat the terrorist organization Hamas following the worst terror attack in Israel’s history. “Since Hamas’ attack last month, I have called on the Administration to use our diplomatic capabilities to de-escalate the conflict as soon as possible and to ensure humanitarian assistance can reach the innocent civilians in need. I know firsthand that the Biden Administration has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to stress the importance of restraint and strategic, long-term thinking as our ally responds to the worst terrorist attack in their nation’s history. “Today, the Biden Administration joined other members of the G7 in calling for urgent action to save lives and provide humanitarian support for civilians in need, including food, water, medical care, shelter, and access for humanitarian workers. Additionally, the G7 countries also called for a humanitarian pause and corridors to facilitate urgently needed assistance—which I wholeheartedly support.” “There is nothing I want more than an immediate cessation of hostilities to protect innocent Palestinian and Israeli citizens alike, and I support the Administration's ongoing diplomatic efforts to achieve that goal as we speak.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-cleaver-kamlager-dove-introduce-legislation-guarantee-minimum-wage,"Reps. Cleaver, Kamlager-Dove Introduce Legislation to Guarantee Minimum Wage to Incarcerated Workers",2023-11-08,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA) introduced legislation that would guarantee incarcerated workers nationwide receive the federal minimum wage for their labor. The Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act would officially mandate that all incarcerated workers receive the federal minimum wage while working in correctional facilities, eliminate certain wage deductions, and ensure that incarcerated people can still fulfill important legal and financial obligations. The Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ). “Every worker in America should be entitled to compensation commensurate with their labor and expertise—including those who are working within correctional facilities,” said Congressman Cleaver. “Tragically, because of a loophole in the 13th amendment, the vast majority of incarcerated workers are forced to work tirelessly for mere cents on the dollar, limiting their earning potential and inflicting additional economic distress on families of the incarcerated. To end the inhumane exploitation of incarcerated labor, Congress must establish and enforce a federal minimum wage for workers in correctional facilities nationwide—which is why I’m proud to introduce the Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act with Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove and Senator Booker.” “Like all workers, we must ensure fair wages for incarcerated individuals,” said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. “It is unjust that prison workers are forced to work for mere pennies due to a racist and antiquated loophole in our Constitution. To right this wrong, I joined Congressman Cleaver and Senator Booker to reform the FLSA to more accurately reflect the financial needs of those in our federal prison system and pay them the fair wages they have earned. We cannot expect incarcerated individuals to be rehabilitated during their sentence if they aren’t able to afford the bare necessities they need to survive. This legislation centers humanity and puts us on a path toward holistic rehabilitation.” “The current state of prison labor in America is inhumane and unacceptable,” said Senator Booker. “Of the 1.2 million people incarcerated in our nation’s state and federal prisons, nearly 65% of them work, often without fair labor standards and for little to no pay. This legislation would bring urgently needed reform by ensuring people who are incarcerated are paid the federal minimum wage for their work.” “The Prison Policy Initiative is excited to see legislation proposed that will bring us closer to treating people who work while incarcerated equitably. Higher prison wages are essential both to fairly compensate people who are incarcerated for their often backbreaking work, and to give them the financial stability they need to succeed after release. All people who work deserve to be fully compensated for their labor and to be protected by the full force of America’s worker protection laws,” said Sarah Staudt, Policy and Advocacy Director at Prison Policy Initiative. “For too long, our public prison system and private industry alike have exploited this invisible population of workers for profit. Their labor and their struggles are largely hidden away from both the public consciousness and from the coverage of our nation’s basic, fundamental labor laws. This bill would take an important step by extending some small but meaningful justice to incarcerated worker – the right to earn at least the minimum wage for their work and to be covered by the FLSA’s protections, like the vast majority of other workers in the U.S.,” said Samantha Sanders, Director of Government Affairs & Advocacy, Economic Policy Institute. “NELP commends Rep. Cleaver for introducing this important legislation. That we force incarcerated workers to labor for often pennies and dimes per hour is an atrocity in our society. It’s nothing short of modern-day slavery and it is long past time that we ended this barbaric practice,” said Rebecca Dixon, President and CEO of the National Employment Law Project. “Safer Foundation applauds Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) and Rep. Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), as well as Senate companion legislation sponsor, Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), for introducing the Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act. The bill would ensure that incarcerated workers are paid the federal minimum wage and would eliminate certain wage deductions. Prison labor is rooted in long-standing inequities for incarcerated individuals, who are disproportionately Black and Brown people. This bill would increase racial justice by ensuring fair wages for incarcerated people who are working the same jobs for companies that workers in communities do, except that incarcerated people often are paid pennies on the dollar for their work. Payment of fair wages for labor should be ensured for people no matter where their work is completed, and outdated employment and wage policies rooted in racism should be immediately repealed,” said Victor Dickson, President & CEO of Safer Foundation. “Tzedek Association is proud to endorse this important bill. This reinforced what we all already know: encouraging incarcerated individuals to be productive, to work and to train for work is the number one factor that will reduce their risk of G-d forbid re-offending once released. Furthermore, these funds will go to help support their children and spouses, who are innocent and so often suffer the most because of the incarceration. Keeping their children fed is not just humane, it reduces their risk of committing crime to support themselves and their families,” said Rabbi Moshe Margaretten, President of Tzedek Association. The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution formally abolished slavery, “except as a punishment for crime,” which has enabled the exploitation of incarcerated individuals in correctional facilities across the country. The Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act is an important step towards closing this loophole and would provide additional protections for incarcerated Americans by: Establishing a federal minimum wage of $7.25 for incarcerated workers nationwide; Extending protections guaranteed by the Fair Labor Standards Act to all incarcerated workers; and Eliminating certain wage deductions to ensure that incarcerated workers will no longer have their income preemptively taken away to cover the cost of court-imposed fees, board, and lodging. The Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act is the latest bill introduced by Rep. Cleaver this year focused on reducing recidivism and strengthening protections for incarcerated Americans. Other bills introduced by Rep. Cleaver include: The Prison Libraries Act to expand library resources in U.S. state and territory correctional facilities; The Transportation for Reentry Act to provide free public transportation for up to one year to recently released individuals; The Reentry Resource Guide Act to support state efforts to maintain a digital resource center for individuals ready for reentry into society; The Combating Workplace Discrimination in Correctional Facilities Act to strengthen protections for incarcerated workers from discrimination and civil rights violations; and The Ensuring Work Opportunities in Correctional Facilities Act to support occupational training programs and educational opportunities in U.S. correctional facilities. The Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act is officially endorsed by the American Civil Liberties Union, Brennan Center for Justice, Center for Law and Social Policy, Economic Policy Institute, Human Rights Watch, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, National Employment Law Project, Prison Policy Initiative, Safer Foundation, Tzedek Association, and Vera Institute of Justice. The Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act is cosponsored by Reps. Cori Bush (D-MO), Danny Davis (D-IL), Chuy García (D-IL), Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ). Official text of the Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-demands-answers-dot-sheltering-illegal-immigrants-us-airports,Graves Demands Answers from DOT on Sheltering Illegal Immigrants at U.S. Airports,2023-11-08,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,graves,https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO), House Republican Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Garret Graves (R-LA), and Representative Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY) led 66 additional House Republican colleagues in a letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg opposing the Biden Administration’s allowance and encouragement of the use of airports throughout the nation as temporary shelters for illegal immigrants. The Members of Congress cited reports that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed housing 60,000 migrants at four public airports and other facilities in New York and New Jersey, as has been done at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. “We adamantly oppose these ill-conceived plans that blatantly ignore the true crisis at hand and would inappropriately utilize America’s infrastructure. Our Nation’s airport infrastructure was built to facilitate commerce and transportation, not to serve as housing for unvetted and undocumented migrants. We request that you enforce public airport grant assurances and reject such plans,” the coalition of Members wrote. “The Biden-Harris Administration’s abject failure to protect our border or support policies that will keep America secure is an unconscionable dereliction of the most fundamental duty the Federal Government has to the citizens of this country.” The Members noted that airports are generally required to request permission from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) before using aeronautical land and facilities for nonaeronautical purposes, like the housing of migrants, on an interim basis. “These provisions prevent governments, including the Federal Government, from abusing taxpayer investment in aeronautical facilities and commandeering them at below-market rates for nonaeronautical and incompatible purposes. It is your responsibility to direct the FAA to reject any attempt by a Federal, state, or local agency to use airport facilities for such a nonaeronautical and incompatible purpose as housing migrants.” The Members requested answers from Secretary Buttigieg by no later than November 20, 2023, detailing how many and which FAA-regulated airports are being used as shelters for migrants, whether the FAA has received or granted any request from an airport or government agency to use aeronautical facilities to house migrants, and any communications between the FAA and the DHS about the appropriateness of sheltering migrants at airports. Read the full letter here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawleys-renewed-push-tiktok-ban-blocked-senate-floor-despite-spike-pro-hamas-content/,Hawley’s Renewed Push for TikTok Ban Blocked on Senate Floor Despite Spike in Pro-Hamas Content,2023-11-08,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) delivered remarks on the Senate floor and again called for unanimous consent on his bill, the No TikTok on United States Devices Act, which would prohibit TikTok from operating in the United States and ban commercial activity with TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance. The renewed push to ban the app comes amid the increase in anti-Israel, pro-Hamas content on the platform. “TikTok has become a haven for antisemitic content, a haven for propaganda, for genocide. […] As virulent and offensive as this content is, that is not a reason to ban them. The real reason to ban TikTok is that it is a spy app for the Chinese Communist Government,” said Senator Hawley. Click here or above to watch his full remarks. Senator Hawley’s call to unanimously pass the bill was objected to by Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.). Background: Yesterday, Senator Hawley sent a letter to to Secretary of the Treasury and Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. (CFIUS) Chairwoman Janet Yellen, urging her to conclude CFIUS’ review of TikTok and to ban all ByteDance-controlled apps currently available to U.S. users. In March, Senator Hawley’s call to unanimously pass the bill, and his call to schedule a vote on the bill, were both objected to by Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.). In January, Senator Hawley introduced the No TikTok on United States Devices Act to prohibit TikTok from operating in the United States and ban commercial activity with TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-questions-facebook-whistleblower-big-techs-rampant-child-exploitation-problems/,Hawley Questions Facebook Whistleblower on Big Tech’s Rampant Child Exploitation Problems,2023-11-07,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) heard testimony from Meta Whistleblower Arturo Béjar, the former Director of Engineering for Protect and Care at Facebook. The hearing took place in the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law, where Senator Hawley serves as Ranking Member. During his opening remarks, Senator Hawley called out Big Tech for their extensive lobbying efforts to kill any legislation attempting to regulate the industry. “Big tech is the biggest, most powerful lobbying in the United States Congress,”said Senator Hawley. “They spend millions upon millions upon millions of dollars every year to lobby this body, and the the truth is—as every reporter in this room knows, and I hope you’ll report it after this hearing—they do it successfully. They successfully shut down every meaningful piece of legislation every year.” He continued, “It is time for it to be broken, and the only way I know to break it is to bring the truth forward. And that’s why we are so glad Mr. Béjar that you are here today to do it.” Click here or above to watch the full exchange. Senator Hawley also questioned Béjar about a 2021 memo that Béjar had written to Facebook executives highlighting the platform’s rampant child protection failures. “In that memo, you disclosed to them that according to your own research, one in eight children, children now, had experienced unwanted sexual advances within the last seven days,” said Senator Hawley. “And about one in three—I think it was 27%—had experienced unwanted sexual advances outside of the seven day window.” When Senator Hawley asked Béjar about the executives’ responses to his email, Béjar revealed that executives at Facebook, including Mark Zuckerberg himself, ignored his findings. Senator Hawley stressed that change would only come through legal accountability:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-renews-effort-ban-tiktok-following-rise-pro-hamas-content/,Hawley Renews Effort to Ban TikTok Following Rise in Pro-Hamas Content,2023-11-07,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to Secretary of the Treasury and Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. (CFIUS) Chairwoman Janet Yellen. He urged her to conclude CFIUS’ review of TikTok and to ban all ByteDance-controlled apps currently available to U.S. users, especially given the increase in anti-Israel, pro-Hamas content on the platform. “TikTok—and its parent company ByteDance—are threats to American national security,” wrote Senator Hawley. “While data security issues are paramount, less often discussed is TikTok’s power to radically distort the world-picture that America’s young people encounter. Israel’s unfolding war with Hamas is a crucial test case. According to one poll, 51% of Americans between the ages of 18 and 24 believe that Hamas’s murder of civilians was justified—a statistic notably different from other age cohorts. Analysts have attributed this disparity to the ubiquity of anti-Israel content on TikTok, where most young internet users get their information about the world.” He continued, “This simply heightens the stakes of the TikTok question: the longer this app is allowed to operate in the U.S., the longer its Chinese Communist Party overseers will apparently be able to propagandize Americans.” Background: In March, Senator Hawley delivered remarks on the Senate floor and called for unanimous consent on his bill, the No TikTok on United States Devices Act, to ban TikTok in the United States, but it was objected to by Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.). In January, Senator Hawley introduced the No TikTok on United States Devices Act to prohibit TikTok from operating in the United States and ban commercial activity with TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance. In December 2022, Senator Hawley’s No TikTok on Government Devices Act was signed into law effectively banning the Chinese app on all federal devices – including those belonging to the Department of Defense. Read the full letter here or below. November 7, 2023 The Honorable Janet Yellen Secretary U.S. Department of the Treasury 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, D.C. 20220 Dear Secretary Yellen: TikTok—and its parent company ByteDance—are threats to American national security. The popular video-sharing app harvests vast amounts of data from Americans’ personal devices, data which then flows overseas to our main geopolitical rival. Whistleblower testimony has revealed that China-based employees have full access to U.S. user data. And under Chinese law, ByteDance is required to make that data available to the Chinese Communist Party upon request. We’ve known all this for years. But the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. (CFIUS), which you chair, has not yet concluded its review of the app, or demanded that ByteDance sell off TikTok. Recent developments underscore the need for prompt action. While data security issues are paramount, less often discussed is TikTok’s power to radically distort the world-picture that America’s young people encounter. Israel’s unfolding war with Hamas is a crucial test case. According to one poll, 51% of Americans between the ages of 18 and 24 believe that Hamas’s murder of civilians was justified—a statistic notably different from other age cohorts. Analysts have attributed this disparity to the ubiquity of anti-Israel content on TikTok, where most young internet users get their information about the world. Crucially, this disparity aligns with the Chinese government’s foreign policy preferences. Having previously refused to condemn Hamas, the Chinese government is now calling for a “ceasefire” that would cripple Israel’s ability to defend itself. And we know from past experience that political manipulation is business as usual for TikTok. To take just one example, in 2019, as ByteDance partnered with the Chinese government to surveil Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang, TikTok censored American user content critical of this repression. It appears that ByteDance is once again up to its old tricks—as innocent Israelis suffer and die. This simply heightens the stakes of the TikTok question: the longer this app is allowed to operate in the U.S., the longer its Chinese Communist Party overseers will apparently be able to propagandize Americans. That is unacceptable. I urge you, and the other members of CFIUS, to swiftly conclude your review and ban all ByteDance-controlled apps currently available to U.S. users. The matter is as simple as that. I look forward to your response. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-burlison-introduces-propane-accessibility-and-regulatory-relief-act,Rep. Burlison Introduces the Propane Accessibility and Regulatory Relief Act,2023-11-06,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,MO,Eric Burlison,B001316,burlison.house.gov,burlison,https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON- Recently, Congressman Eric Burlison (MO-07) introduced the Propane Accessibility and Regulatory Relief Act which would exempt propane tanks with a capacity of up to 126,000 pounds from burdensome regulations. In 2006, Congress authorized the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish the Chemical Facilities Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program to identify and regulate high-risk chemical facilities. Unfortunately, when determining which propane tanks should be regulated, DHS set the threshold too low. That decision has had a negative impact on the ability of businesses to use and sell propane. Currently, propane retailers possessing 60,000 lbs. or more of propane are subject to CFATS. The 60,000 lbs. threshold places forces businesses who use and sell propane to comply with burdensome and costly regulations. Rep. Burlison said: “This is an issue that impacts the small, independent propane businesses in Southwest Missouri and throughout the country. When this issue was brought to my attention, I wanted to help.” “The Propane Accessibility and Regulatory Relief Act will provide relief from the onerous and costly regulations. These regulations are wasteful, time consuming, and costly. They create unnecessary burdens on the businesses that use and sell propane, and those burdens are passed on to American families in the form of higher prices.” Support for this legislation: “The National Propane Gas Association commends Congressman Eric Burlison for introducing The Propane Accessibility and Regulatory Relief Act. A GAO study conducted in 2021 has highlighted the duplicative nature of the Chemical Facilities Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program. Compliance with these regulations escalates operational expenses for the propane industry, thereby leading to higher costs for end users, particularly those residing in rural communities. Moreover, this program discourages the expansion of on-site propane storage, which could mitigate the risk of potential supply disruptions during peak demand months. The Propane Accessibility and Regulatory Relief Act offers a pathway to alleviate CFATS compliance obligations, ease supply chain limitations, and bolster energy security in rural America.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-bipartisan-coalition-reintroduce-legislation-stop-online-child,"Wagner, Bipartisan Coalition Reintroduce Legislation to Stop Online Child Exploitation",2023-11-06,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Ann Wagner (R-MO-02), Lucy McBath (D-GA-07), Barry Moore (R-AL-02), Glenn Ivey (D-MD-04), Jefferson Van Drew (R-NJ-02), and Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29) reintroduced the Eliminate Network Distribution (END) Child Exploitation Act. This bipartisan legislation addresses the troubling prevalence of online child exploitation in communities across the nation. “Congress must take action to address the child exploitation crisis happening in the United States. I am proud to support the END Child Exploitation Act, provisions that are included in my Child Online Safety Modernization Act and EARN IT Act. These efforts are vital to ensuring law enforcement has the ability to properly and comprehensively investigate these horrible crimes and rescue children from abuse,” said Wagner. “Online risks are a dangerous and evolving threat to our children, and we must do more as lawmakers to protect them,” said McBath. “I am honored to lead this legislation to provide parents and law enforcement the necessary tools to stop child abuse and exploitation. I thank my colleagues for their support as we take an important step to keep kids safe, hold perpetrators accountable, and protect families in Georgia and across the United States.” “As technology has advanced, so has the online threat to our children,” said Moore. “I am proud to co-lead legislation to ensure law enforcement, parents, and guardians have the tools they need to catch criminals and keep kids safe online. I am grateful to my colleagues for joining this bipartisan effort to protect children and families.” “As a former prosecutor, I know all too well the difficulties of making a case when evidence has been lost. Extending the time frame for tech companies to keep the records and images compiled by online predators will be an important step in helping hold exploiters of children accountable. I commend our bipartisan leaders in the House for pursuing this legislation,” said Ivey. “Protecting our children in an increasingly online world must be a top priority for lawmakers, which is why I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing the END Child Exploitation Act,” said Van Drew. “This is a critical first step to ensuring that law enforcement and parents have access to every resource possible to safeguard our children and guarantee perpetrators are held accountable.” “Ensuring the safety of children is one of my top priorities. I'm proud to reintroduce the bipartisan Eliminate Network Distribution (END) Child Exploitation Act, which aims to implement necessary precautions to prevent and respond to online child exploitation,” said Garcia. “It is imperative to use the full extent of the law to hold accountable those who exploit children or violate laws related to child sexual abuse.” This legislation is endorsed by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), the Fraternal Order of Police, PACT, and the END Online Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of Children Coalition. “Law enforcement is inundated with CyberTipline reports and is habitually under-resourced when pursuing these cases,” said Samantha Cadet, Director of Federal Affairs, Appropriations, and National Coalitions for RAINN. “90 days is too short of a timeframe for law enforcement to collect the evidence needed from these reports and to investigate dangerous perpetrators who possess and distribute child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). Extending the retention period to 1 year is the first step forward in ensuring that law enforcement is effectively able to investigate these crimes and bring offenders to justice.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-advocates-victims-child-sexual-abuse-judiciary-committee-hearing,Wagner Advocates for Victims of Child Sexual Abuse at Judiciary Committee Hearing,2023-11-03,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Chair of the House Suburban Caucus, today spoke at the House Judiciary Committee Member Day Hearing in support of her legislation, the Child Online Safety Modernization Act (COSMA). The legislation enhances reporting of online child exploitation and requires online platforms to report child sex trafficking. Chair Wagner said: “One of my top priorities—and I believe it is a top priority for all of us here—is to protect children in our communities from exploitation. Tragically, our government is failing in this mission. The sexual exploitation of children has skyrocketed across the United States, and it is long past time for Congress to take substantive action to combat these horrific crimes. “My bill, H.R. 5182, the Child Online Safety Modernization Act or COSMA, directly addresses this issue. COSMA would modernize and enhance the NCMEC CyberTipline by requiring reports from online platforms to include information that actually helps law enforcement identify and locate the children depicted in CSAM as well as the individuals involved in posting this illegal imagery.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-calls-dol-deputy-secretary-answer-departments-reckless-fiduciary,Wagner Calls on DOL Deputy Secretary to Answer for the Department’s Reckless Fiduciary Rule,2023-11-02,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Chair of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, wrote to Department of Labor Deputy Secretary Julie Su questioning her on the proposed Fiduciary Rule that will make life more expensive for everyday investors. Chairman Wagner said: “Since I first came to Congress in 2013, I have fought back the Department of Labor’s attempts to raise costs, limit choices, and restrict access to investments for hardworking Americans. “This proposal marks the Department of Labor’s fourth attempt to issue a ‘fiduciary’ proposal. Each iteration of this decade-long effort has drawn significant investor as well as bipartisan Congressional concern. Most notably, the Obama Administration’s DOL Fiduciary Rule was vacated by the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in 2018 due to DOL exceeding its statutory authority under ERISA in writing rules. This court-rejected proposal threatened the access of affordable and reliable retirement investment advice for millions of low- and middle-income Americans. …The Obama Administration’s DOL fiduciary rule would have left Americans who are just starting to build their retirement savings without access to financial advice or paying more for fewer options and decreased service. The Biden Administration’s fiduciary rule is no different.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-votes-support-israels-right-defend-itself,Wagner Votes to Support Israel’s Right to Defend Itself,2023-11-02,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement after she voted for legislation that would support Israel in its war against Hamas: “Israel has a right to defend itself against the brutal, unprovoked terrorist attack by Hamas. It is critical we advance funding that will help Israel destroy Hamas and protect its citizens against future attacks. I will continue to support Israel during this time of crisis, and I implore all my colleagues to speak out against the increasing waves of anti-Semitism we have seen across the country.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-urges-epa-clean-west-lake-landfill-immediately/,Hawley Urges EPA Clean Up West Lake Landfill Immediately,2023-11-02,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) questioned Bruno Pigott, Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Office of Water at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Senator Hawley called on the EPA to immediately clean up the radioactive contamination at the West Lake Landfill Superfund Site in Bridgeton, Mo. “It’s probably no coincidence that the folks who live in this area are not big-time donors to political parties, they’re not big-time party activists, these are working people and they have been taken advantage of for years. And the government, for years, has just expected them to live with it…,” said Senator Hawley. “This has got to stop, and we need the EPA to clean this site up.” Watch the full exchange here or below. Background Senator Hawley has consistently advocated on behalf of the Coldwater Creek community and all Missourians impacted by government-caused nuclear contamination. Most recently, Senator Hawley secured President Biden’s endorsement of his legislation to compensate victims of nuclear radiation exposure. On July 27, 2023, in a strong bipartisan vote, Senator Hawley secured passage of an amendment to the FY 2024 NDAA that would provide compensation to victims of government-caused nuclear contamination. The legislation extends the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) to cover victims of improperly-stored nuclear waste in affected areas in the St. Louis region. The measure—which was cosponsored by U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.)—also reauthorized and strengthened the RECA program to cover more impacted Americans from nuclear tests along with uranium miners. Earlier in July, Senator Hawley sent a letter to the Department of Energy (DOE), urging additional testing for radioactive contamination at a site in St. Charles County, Mo., after a review of the Weldon Spring site in 2021 offered an extensive critique of the DOE’s cleanup and monitoring efforts there. Senator Hawley also sent a letter to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chairman Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.V.) urging him to convene a committee hearing to discuss the government-caused nuclear contamination of the St. Louis area. In addition, Senator Hawley penned separate letters to the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), DOE, and EPA, demanding answers from the government about the nuclear contamination. In April, Senator Hawley’s legislation mandating the clean up of Jana Elementary School in the Hazelwood School District and radioactive waste testing passed the U.S. Senate and Biden’s Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm also vowed to support it.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-blasts-misguided-irresponsible-fiduciary-rule,"Wagner Blasts Misguided, Irresponsible Fiduciary Rule",2023-10-31,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Chair of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, today released the following statement after the Department of Labor (DOL) announced a new proposed fiduciary rule: “It’s fiduciary rule Groundhog Day at the Department of Labor. Federal courts rejected the 2016 final rule from DOL, and today the Biden Labor Department has shamelessly tried rebranding that prior failure in an effort that will only raise costs for Main Street investors and make it harder for Americans to save for their future. The facts are clear - the current regulatory framework ensures investment professionals are working in the best interests of their clients. States and regulatory bodies have already adopted best practices that protect consumers, and the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules are working to benefit investors. This new proposal will only disrupt the client-advisor relationship, reducing investment opportunities available to the public, and cause more investor confusion. The bottom line is that today’s announcement will make investing more expensive, taking money out of the pockets of hardworking Missourians who are just trying to responsibly invest for retirement or even their children’s future.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-blasts-mayorkas-pro-hamas-spokeswoman-still-dhs-payroll/,Hawley Blasts Mayorkas for Pro-Hamas Spokeswoman Still on DHS Payroll,2023-10-31,2023,2023-10,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today in a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) questioned Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and slammed the Biden Administration for their employment of a pro-Hamas adjudication officer. “Mr. Secretary what is going on here? Is this typical of people who work at DHS? This is an Asylum and Immigration Officer who is posting these frankly pro-genocidal slogans and images on the day that Israelis are being slaughtered in their beds,” Senator Hawley said. “Has she been fired?” Secretary Mayorkas declined to answer Senator Hawley’s question, claiming the individual is on administrative leave and that he will not speak on an internal personnel matter. DHS employee, Newja Ali, has a documented history of making virulently antisemitic, pro-Hamas statements, including in the immediate aftermath of Hamas’ savage attack on innocent American and Israeli civilians. Click here or above to watch the full exchange.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:43:12Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-exposes-whistleblower-claim-biden-dhs-pulled-agents-child-exploitation-cases-make-sandwiches/,Hawley Exposes Whistleblower Claim that Biden DHS Pulled Agents from Child Exploitation Cases to Make Sandwiches at Southern Border,2023-10-31,2023,2023-10,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"During a second round of questioning at today’s Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) called out Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for taking special investigators off of human trafficking and fentanyl cases and reassigning them to in-person services at the southern border. Senator Hawley referenced a whistleblower who came to him with these allegations, then questioned the Secretary. “You’re taking special agents away from investigating child traffickers and child exploitation—when you’ve lost tens of thousands of kids to traffickers—and you’re sending them to make sandwiches at the border,” said Senator Hawley. “What is going on?” Secretary Mayorkas dodged Senator Hawley’s questions about how many migrant children the Biden Administration has recovered out of the 85,000 it has lost. The Secretary also did not deny the DHS whistleblower allegation that at least 600 agents have been pulled from law enforcement work and put on different duties at the southern border. Click here or above to watch the full exchange.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:43:12Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-introduces-bill-keep-corporate-americas-dollars-out-us-politics/,Hawley Introduces Bill to Keep Corporate America’s Dollars Out of U.S. Politics,2023-10-31,2023,2023-10,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) introduced the Ending Corporate Influence on Elections Act to get corporate money out of American politics and dramatically cut back on publicly traded corporations’ ability to influence elections. Senator Hawley’s bill will begin to undo the Supreme Court’s 2010 decision in Citizens United v. FEC. “For decades, Corporate America has funneled billions of dollars into elections in favor of politicians who favor their woke, social agendas—instead of American voters’ interests. This legislation would hold mega-corporations’ feet to the fire and stop their dollars from buying our elections,” said Senator Hawley. The Ending Corporate Influence on Elections Act would: Ban publicly traded corporations from making independent expenditures, political ads, or other electioneering communications. Ban publicly traded companies from giving money to Super PACs. Read the full bill text here. Senator Hawley’s new legislation is part of his larger agenda to hold Corporate America accountable for drowning out the voices of the American people: In September, Senator Hawley introduced legislation to cap credit card interest rates at 18 percent and bring relief to working people across America. Last month Senator Hawley also visited with workers on strike at the General Motors plant in Wentzville, Mo., to stand with them and support American jobs. In May, Senator Hawley introduced legislation to raise tariffs on imports from China until the United States’ unsustainable bilateral trade deficit comes into balance. In April, he unveiled two bills to crack down on Big Pharma’s exploitative drug prices and cap the cost of insulin. In December 2022, Senator Hawley stood with and voted to support rail workers as they sought a fair deal with sick leave.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:43:12Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/senate-passes-hawley-amendment-budget-bill-blocking-taxpayer-funds-chinese-corporations/,Senate Passes Hawley Amendment to Budget Bill Blocking Taxpayer Funds to Chinese Corporations,2023-10-31,2023,2023-10,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today the U.S. Senate voted on U.S. Senator Josh Hawley’s (R-Mo.) Amendment (No Funding for Chinese Companies), as part of the upper chamber’s minibus appropriations bill. Senator Hawley’s amendment would prohibit Chinese entities or corporations from receiving any funding provided by the legislation. The amendment passed 61-36. “The appropriations bills that we are now considering appropriating a total of $280 billion taxpayer dollars. […] This amendment says that none of the money we are appropriating can go to China. It can’t go to Chinese companies or companies that are owned and controlled by China. That’s it, it’s simple. No American taxpayer dollars to the People’s Republic of China,” said Senator Hawley.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:43:12Z https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-burlison-introduces-state-border-defense-act,Rep. Burlison Introduces the State Border Defense Act,2023-10-27,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,MO,Eric Burlison,B001316,burlison.house.gov,burlison,https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON- Yesterday, Congressman Eric Burlison (MO-07) introduced the State Border Defense Act which would allow states to enforce the provisions of federal immigration law and fight back against President Joe Biden’s failed immigration policies. This bill is the House companion to legislation introduced by Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) earlier this year. “The Biden Administration has facilitated an intentional invasion at our southern border, and President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas refuse to even acknowledge the problem, much less do anything to stop it,” said Rep. Burlison. Instead of enforcing the law and securing our border, they have implemented catch and release policies that are encouraging illegal immigration and putting our national security at risk. When states have stepped up to secure the border, the Biden Administration has sued them to force them to stop. If President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas won’t act, they need to get out of the way so our states can. The State Border Defense Act would allow states to enforce federal immigration laws and construct barriers on federal lands or in waters along the southern border to prevent illegal immigration. Co-sponsors for this legislation include Representatives Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Troy Nehls (TX-22), Randy Weber (TX-14), Matt Rosendale (MT-02), Andy Ogles (TN-05), Josh Brecheen (OK-02), Paul Gosar (AZ-09), and Eli Crane (AZ-02). Background: Since taking office in January 2021, the Biden Administration has rolled back successful Trump Era border policies that were working to secure our border. This has led to an unprecedented 6.2 million illegal border crossings and 7.5. million enforcement encounters nationwide. This includes 169 people whose name appear on the terrorist watchlist were stopped from trying to cross the southern border in fiscal year 2023, an all-time high, and more than the encounters in FY17 through FY22 combined. Instead of continuing policies that were working to secure the border and discourage illegal immigration, President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas have chosen to release millions of illegal aliens into the country. Read the bill here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-booker-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-crack-down-child-labor-practices-hold-corporations/,"Hawley, Booker Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Crack Down on Child Labor Practices, Hold Corporations Accountable for Violations",2023-10-26,2023,2023-10,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today U.S. Senators Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) introduced the bipartisan Preventing Child Labor Exploitation Act to prohibit companies that illegally employ children from securing coveted federal government contracts. Senator Hawley’s legislation comes as the Department of Labor recently reported a startling 69 percent increase in illegal child labor since 2018. This dramatic uptick in child-labor exploitation includes a series of high-profile cases involving minors employed in dangerous jobs at sanitation and meatpacking plants. “Child labor is an abomination and it has no place in our country. Companies that illegally employ children must be held accountable—especially those that contract with the federal government. This bipartisan legislation requires federal contractors to root out child labor in their operations and has the teeth to go after those who don’t comply,” said Senator Hawley. “Exploitation of children by big corporations to drive profit is an abhorrent practice, but is not a new one. Across the country, major corporations are relying on children to clean dangerous machinery, handle toxic chemicals, and work exhausting overnight shifts in their facilities for low wages and no benefits. Often, this work is done in violation of existing federal labor laws, but employers have shielded themselves from any accountability by relying on third-party vendors with long records of labor infractions. Despite efforts by Congress and this Administration to challenge these bad practices, too few companies have taken significant steps to address the ongoing child labor issues in their facilities. That’s why today I am joining Senator Hawley to say that, at a bare minimum, there is no reason that the federal government should contract with companies violating child labor law. We must ensure that federal contracts support good-paying jobs, and do not benefit corporations that continue to rely on children working in dangerous environments,” said Senator Booker. The Preventing Child Labor Exploitation Act would: Require federal contractors to disclose to the Department of Labor any child labor violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Criminalize a federal contractor’s failure to make required disclosures. Render repeat offenders ineligible for federal contracts for a period of 4 years. Read the full bill text here. At a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing yesterday, Senator Hawley questioned Robin Dunn Marcos, Director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement, about the 85,000 children the Biden Administration has lost track of, leaving them vulnerable to human traffickers and dangerous child-labor practices. Senator Hawley sent a letter last month to Tyson Foods CEO Donnie King, demanding answers after a disturbing report from The New York Times exposed unsafe, illegal child-labor practices within the company.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:43:12Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/senate-passes-hawley-resolution-condemning-antisemitism-college-campuses/,Senate Passes Hawley Resolution Condemning Antisemitism on College Campuses,2023-10-26,2023,2023-10,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today the U.S. Senate passed by voice vote U.S. Senator Josh Hawley’s resolution condemning Hamas and the antisemitic student groups on college campuses that have celebrated the Oct. 7 terrorist attack against Israel. The passage of the resolution came after Democrats blocked the measure one week ago. “Mr. President, one week ago I came to this floor to try and pass this very resolution that condemns the violent, genocidal, antisemitic rhetoric and actions on our college campuses all across this country,” said Senator Hawley. “Sadly, I was blocked by one of my Democrat colleagues. And since then the situation at our universities has only worsened.” He continued, “That’s why what we’re doing today matters and that’s why I am pleased today, that we are able now finally, to pass this resolution that explicitly names the rhetoric, explicitly calls out the language of pro-violence, pro-genocide, and says that is wrong. […] The answer to that kind of hateful, virulent, dangerous speech, is speech with moral purpose. It is language with moral clarity. It is a moral stand that says no, that is wrong. That’s not us. That is not the United States of America. And that, Mr. President, is what we are doing right here, right now, on this floor today.” Watch his full remarks here or below.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:43:12Z https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleaver-announces-78-million-missouri-help-individuals-and-families,Rep. Cleaver Announces $78 Million for Missouri to Help Individuals and Families Lower Energy Costs This Winter,2023-10-25,2023,2023-10,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) announced that Missouri was awarded $78 million in funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The funding will go toward helping low-income individuals and families pay for home heating costs this winter, cover unpaid utility bills, and make cost-effective energy repairs to lower heating and cooling bills. The federal funding announced today is a combination of an additional $2.5 billion appropriated by Congress for LIHEAP to address rising energy costs, as well as an additional $100 million appropriated for 2024 from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, both of which Congressman Cleaver proudly supported. “Despite Congressional Republicans’ best effort to cut funding for this critical program that serves millions of American households each year, I am proud to announce that additional investments from President Biden and Democrats in Congress will allow this program’s services to reach additional households seeking relief and assistance in lowering costs on heating, cooling, and weatherization,” said Congressman Cleaver. “This $78 million in funding will play a vital role in lowering the number of Missourians experiencing energy-related hardships and ensures vulnerable families are able to stay safe and warm in their homes throughout the upcoming winter months. That’s a substantial win in my book, and I’m proud to have supported the legislation that made this funding possible.” Missourians interested in applying for energy assistance can visit energyhelp.us or call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) hotline toll-free at: 1-866-674-6327. They can also find additional information and the application for LIHEAP assistance here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-statement-election-mike-johnson-house-speaker,Graves Statement on Election of Mike Johnson as House Speaker,2023-10-25,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,graves,https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives elected Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) to be the Speaker of the House. Representative Sam Graves (MO-06) released the following statement after voting for Johnson: “Congratulations to Mike Johnson on being elected to serve as the next Speaker of the House of Representatives. Throughout his time in Congress, Speaker Johnson has been a consistent and passionate champion of conservative principles, and I look forward to working alongside him and all House Republicans to secure our border, cut wasteful spending, and deliver on the promises we made to the American people.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-supports-mike-johnson-speaker,Wagner Supports Mike Johnson for Speaker,2023-10-25,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement detailing her support for Congressman Mike Johnson (R-LA) to be Speaker of the House. “Mike is a committed conservative who is ready to lead the House as Speaker. He is well-respected by Members from across the Republican Conference and has deep experience building the coalitions necessary to pass conservative policies that help American families.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-op-ed-not-one-taxpayer-dime-gaza-until-hamas-frees-all-hostages/,Hawley Op-Ed: Not one taxpayer dime for Gaza until Hamas frees all the hostages,2023-10-25,2023,2023-10,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"By U.S. Senator Josh Hawley | Oct. 25, 2023 | Fox News Since October 7, the world has learned with mounting horror exactly what Hamas’s terrorists did in Israel. Women and children slaughtered in their homes. Corpses paraded in the streets of Gaza. Screaming civilians dragged away on motorbikes. Now, the Israeli people fight for their lives, under the shadow of existential threat. […] Last week, Joe Biden unveiled to the American people his latest budget request. Despite what it says, his $106 billion request isn’t really about supporting Israel. Far from it. Rather, this budget request asks Congress to approve billions of dollars in “humanitarian aid”—including some foreign relief funds for Gaza itself. Gaza is ruled by a terrorist regime, currently holding captive dozens of innocent Israelis and numerous Americans. Let’s get one thing clear. Our policy here should be blindingly simple: no aid until Hamas releases its hostages. […] Making matters worse, this proposal comes on the heels of Biden’s disastrous, $6 billion attempt to buy off Iran. Iran, of course, has been a longtime supporter of Hamas. But last month, the Biden administration agreed to unfreeze $6 billion in Iranian assets—handing the regime vast financial resources to fund terrorism. This is exactly the kind of negotiation with terrorists America can’t afford. Now, every other group—Hamas included—knows that this Administration will pay their shakedown demands. If Joe Biden and his team won’t keep Americans safe, it’s up to Congress. And here Republicans must take a hard line: no foreign aid for Gaza—none—until every last American hostage is freed and safe. […] But above all else, no funding for terrorist groups. Every American, regardless of political party, should be able to agree on that.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:43:12Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-slams-biden-official-releasing-migrant-children-human-traffickers/,Hawley Slams Biden Official for Releasing Migrant Children to Human Traffickers,2023-10-25,2023,2023-10,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) questioned Robin Dunn Marcos, Director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement, about the ongoing child migrant crisis at the southern border and the 85,000 children that the Biden Administration has lost track of. “Do you really think that you are helping these children by releasing them to labor traffickers and yes, sex traffickers?” asked Senator Hawley. “85,000 children whom you have no contact with and your answer is—we gave them a presentation before we turned them over to these people who are exploiting them on a scale not seen in this country for 100 years.” When Senator Hawley pressed Director Dunn Marcos to say exactly how many migrant children the department had released into the United States and was also currently in contact with, the Director had no response. “Let me just ask you this,” said Senator Hawley. “How many kids right now—of the 430,000 approximately unaccompanied children who have crossed the border under this administration, it’s an astounding number—how many are you in regular contact with, right now?” Director Dunn Marcos could not answer Senator Hawley’s question. Watch the full exchange here or below.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:43:12Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-calls-doe-watchdog-investigate-granholm-and-agency-staff-following-ethics-violations/,Hawley Calls for DOE Watchdog to Investigate Granholm and Agency Staff Following Ethics Violations,2023-10-24,2023,2023-10,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to Department of Energy (DOE) Inspector General Teri Donaldson calling on her to investigate DOE Secretary Granholm for misleading the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee about her financial holdings in April of this year, and her multiple violations of federal ethics laws. “Senior officials have no business trading stocks, especially stocks in the industries they regulate. The repeated ethics violations by Energy Department officials undermine the public’s trust in our government and the rule of law,” wrote Senator Hawley. During a recent Senate Energy Committee hearing, Senator Hawley also called on the Inspector General to investigate the ethical lapses at the DOE, in light of reports that hundreds of DOE officials hold stocks related to the agency’s work. Earlier this year Senator Hawley demanded DOE Secretary Granholm provide an explanation for misleading testimony during a Senate committee hearing where she claimed she did not own any personal financial stocks, when in fact, she held individual stocks as recently as May of this year. Read the full letter to DOE Inspector General Donaldson here or below. October 24, 2023 The Honorable Teri L. Donaldson Office of Inspector General U.S. Department of Energy 1000 Independence Ave., S.W. Washington, DC 20585 Dear Inspector General Donaldson, Thank you for your recent testimony in front of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources in which we discussed the Energy Department’s compliance with ethics rules. I write to formally request you open an investigation into Secretary Granholm’s misleading testimony before the Committee about her financial holdings, as well as her repeated violations of federal ethics rules. I also request you conduct an audit of the Department’s compliance with existing ethics laws to determine whether senior officials own shares in companies they regulate. Secretary Granholm’s most recent violation of federal stock trading laws is just the latest in a series of ethics indiscretions. Prior to her false testimony before the Committee, Secretary Granholm had already violated federal stock disclosure laws nine times. Then, during her testimony before the Committee on April 20, 2023, Secretary Granholm testified three times, in response to my questions, that she no longer held any stocks. This was not true. At the time, she held stocks in six separate companies. Instead of being forthright about either her continued stock holdings or her misleading testimony, Secretary Granholm waited until May 18, 2023, to sell the remaining stocks she held. Then, she waited several more weeks to inform the Energy Committee that her testimony to us was untrue. Secretary Granholm is not the only official at the Energy Department who has traded stocks while in office. As we learned in February of this year, federal employees throughout the Energy Department hold energy-related stocks. I likewise request that, in addition to investigating Secretary Granholm, you conduct an audit of Department of Energy employees to determine whether they are in compliance with ethics rules concerning individual stocks ownership. Senior officials have no business trading stocks, especially stocks in the industries they regulate. The repeated ethics violations by Energy Department officials undermine the public’s trust in our government and the rule of law. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I look forward to your prompt response. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:43:12Z https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-cleaver-davids-announce-kansas-city-has-been-selected-regional,"Reps. Cleaver, Davids Announce Kansas City Has Been Selected as Regional Tech Hub, Opening Door to Massive Federal Grant",2023-10-23,2023,2023-10,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Kansas City, MO) – Today, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Sharice Davids (D-KS) announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) has designated the greater Kansas City region as a Regional Technology and Innovation Hub (Tech Hub), one of 31 inaugural Tech Hubs in regions across the country that show potential for rapid growth in key technology sectors. The Tech Hubs program, created under the bipartisan Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act, seeks to ensure that industries of the future—and their quality jobs—are created, grow, and remain in the United States. Designated Tech Hubs are now eligible to apply for the next phase of the Tech Hubs Program that will invest between $40-$75 million. “With world-class institutions and forward-thinking organizations like BioNexus KC, Kansas City has long been a national leader in healthcare innovation, biomedical research, and biomanufacturing—and today’s announcement is a recognition that the work we’re doing in the region has been noticed at the highest levels of the federal government,” said Congressman Cleaver. “Thanks to this designation, BioNexus KC and organizations throughout the region will have an opportunity to receive up to $75 million in federal funding, attract additional philanthropic and private investment, and expand the development of cutting-edge medicines and life-saving vaccines. And we can do all of that while creating quality jobs and boosting the regional economy.” ""The KC BioHub's designation as a Regional Tech Hub holds immense potential for the Kansas City region and Kansas as a whole. It will help companies, organizations, and academic institutions forge better partnerships to advance cutting-edge research. Critically, this prestigious designation will also create good-paying jobs and ensure the technology of the future is developed in Kansas, not overseas. The local economic growth and new discoveries, particularly in medication development, that we'll see over the coming decade cannot be overstated, and I'm glad to have worked in a bipartisan manner to bring these investments home,"" said Representative Sharice Davids. “Tech Hubs designation validates our intentional focus on collaboration and innovation in the KC region and builds upon our strong foundation of excellence in life sciences over the past two decades,” said Dennis Ridenour, President and CEO of BioNexus KC. “With our robust ecosystem, assets, and inclusive approach, the KC region is poised for long-term growth in technology innovation. Along with strengthening our economy, Tech Hubs designation will accelerate our mission to be a global leader in biomanufacturing. Thank you to our 60+ partner organizations that contributed to our regional application, including our civic, community, and congressional leaders who gave their full support. Not only are we home to successful sports teams with an innate ability to host world-class events, but now we’re nationally recognized for our work in life sciences and biomanufacturing.” “Innovation, cutting-edge research, and creativity can be found in every community across America. Thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda, the Tech Hubs program is seizing that potential and investing in regional consortia that will boost U.S. manufacturing, create more good-paying jobs and bolster U.S. global competitiveness,” said Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves. “The phase 1 designees and grant recipients reflect the diverse technological industries growing here at home and are symbols of American innovation and opportunity. The Tech Hubs program will provide them tools and resources to drive economic growth across the nation, which Americans will feel for generations to come.” The Kansas City Inclusive Biologics and Biomanufacturing Tech Hub (KC BioHub), a consortium led by BioNexus KC, will increase domestic production of life-saving vaccines and other preventative technologies by strengthening innovation in animal and human vaccine development. With the largest concentration of animal health and nutrition companies in the world, this Tech Hub will leverage the region’s biotechnology assets and existing vaccine manufacturing facilities, research institutions, and startup ecosystem to enable the U.S. to capture a greater market share of human vaccine development. KC BioHub was one of 31 Tech Hubs selected from more than 370 applications from regional consortia that include industry, academia, state and local governments, economic development organizations, and labor and workforce partners. The Tech Hubs span regions across 32 states and Puerto Rico and represent a cross section of urban and rural regions. Last year, Reps. Cleaver and Davids supported the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, which aims to bring supply chains back to the United States, encourage innovation, strengthen American manufacturing, and secure the nation’s economic and national security in the decades to come. In August, Reps. Cleaver and Davids called on Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to support the selection of Kansas City as a Tech Hub. Additional information on designation of Kansas City as a Tech Hub is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/biden-energy-official-freezes-when-pressed-pay-play-events/,Biden Energy Official Freezes Up When Pressed on Pay-to-Play Events,2023-10-19,2023,2023-10,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) questioned two officials from the Department of Energy (DOE), Jigar Shah, the Director of Loan Programs, and Teri L. Donaldson, the Inspector General about pay-to-play events and insider stock trading. When Senator Hawley pressed Director Shah about the unethical nature of the pay-to-play events DOE officials attend and often speak at, the Director had no response. “You’re the Director of the loan programs for the federal government Department of Energy. People who want to get loans from the government are paying to see you and you think that that’s fine?” asked Senator Hawley. Director Shah went silent. Senator Hawley also called on Inspector General Donaldson to investigate the ethical lapses at the DOE, such as illegal stock trading by Department officials, in light of reports that hundreds of DOE officials hold stocks related to the agency’s work. “I am firmly of the view that we need to change the law here,” said Senator Hawley. “Senior executive branch officials should not be able to own individual stock, nor should members of Congress. We shouldn’t be stock trading.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:43:12Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/democrats-block-hawley-resolution-condemn-antisemitic-activities-college-campuses/,Democrats Block Hawley Resolution to Condemn Antisemitic Activities on College Campuses,2023-10-19,2023,2023-10,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) delivered remarks on the Senate floor and called for unanimous consent on his resolution condemning Hamas and the antisemitic student groups on college campuses that have celebrated the Oct. 7 terrorist attack against Israel. Senator Hawley wrote to all senators this week requesting they support his resolution. When Senator Hawley attempted to pass his resolution, it was blocked by Democrats. “Almost as disturbing as the facts of these terrible attacks themselves is the response of some people in this country. On our college campuses in this country who promptly took to the streets, to the courtyards of these campuses, the airwaves, to broadcast their support for this genocide against the people of Israel,”said Senator Hawley. He continued, “Calling for the death of Jewish people is not just another opinion. Calling for the genocide, celebrating the genocide of Jewish babies is not just another opinion. Celebrating the assaults on Jewish people in this country is not just another opinion, and the Senate should be clear and stand with moral clarity and say ‘this is wrong.'” Click image above to watch or go here. Senator Hawley’s call to unanimously pass the resolution was objected to by Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:43:12Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-demands-answers-biden-dhs-employment-pro-hamas-spokeswoman-urges-firing/,"Hawley Demands Answers from Biden DHS for Employment of Pro-Hamas Spokeswoman, Urges Firing",2023-10-19,2023,2023-10,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas calling for the termination of DHS employee, Nejwa Ali, who has a documented history of making blatantly antisemitic, pro-Hamas statements. Recent reporting reveals that Nejwa Ali has shared pictures glorifying Hamas terrorists and espoused other hateful, antisemitic rhetoric. Her statements clearly express that she harbors intensely negative views against the State of Israel and supports the recent attacks from Hamas terrorists. “I am alarmed by reports that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) currently employs a former spokeswoman for the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) as an officer charged with adjudicating U.S. immigration cases,” wrote Senator Hawley. “Ms. Ali’s reported statements make clear that she harbors intensely negative views against the State of Israel and supports the recent barbarism perpetrated against its citizens by Hamas terrorists.” Senator Hawley pushed for answers on how many immigration cases involving Palestinians, Israelis, or other Jewish applicants Ms. Ali has reviewed, and what safeguards are in place in the asylum adjudication process to remediate any abuses committed by strongly prejudiced immigration officers. Read the full letter here or below. October 19, 2023 The Honorable Alejandro Mayorkas Secretary United States Department of Homeland Security 2707 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE Washington, D.C. 20528 Secretary Mayorkas: I am alarmed by reports that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) currently employs a former spokeswoman for the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) as an officer charged with adjudicating U.S. immigration cases. According to reports and publicly available records, this employee, Nejwa Ali, has a documented history of making virulently antisemitic, pro-Hamas statements, including in the immediate aftermath of Hamas’ savage attack on innocent American and Israeli civilians. These statements appear to cast severe doubt on her ability to impartially evaluate immigration cases. I am glad to see that she has now been placed on administrative leave—but that is not enough. If these reports are accurate, you must terminate her employment immediately. Ms. Ali’s reported statements make clear that she harbors intensely negative views against the State of Israel and supports the recent barbarism perpetrated against its citizens by Hamas terrorists. For example, following Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attack, she reportedly posted on Instagram: “F*** Israel, the government, and its military. Are you ready for your downfall?” She also reportedly posted an image depicting armed terrorists paragliding into Israel with the caption “Free PALESTINE.” Her social media appears to contain numerous examples of anti-Israel and antisemitic statements, including “Israeli, American privilege is disgusting” and “F*** Israel and any Jew that supports Israel.” Ms. Ali’s troubling personal views apparently carry into her professional life—including her roles at DHS. She previously worked as a public affairs officer at the PLO’s office in Washington, D.C. before that office was shut down by the Trump Administration. In her current role, she reportedly works as an “Adjudication Officer” within U.S. Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) where she is tasked with “review[ing] and mak[ing] determinations on cases for immigration benefits,” among other responsibilities. Prior to this role, she reportedly worked as an “Asylum Officer” responsible for adjudicating asylum applications and conducting credible and reasonable fear screenings. Concerningly, Ms. Ali has explicitly linked her prejudicial views to her job. For instance, in one social media post associated with her name, she included the hashtags “#asylumseekers #palestine #refugeeswelcome”—suggesting that she may preference certain immigration cases over others at DHS. This is unacceptable. As Secretary, you must assure the American people that those charged with determining who enters the United States do so impartially and without prejudice. If the above reports are true and accurate, you must terminate Ms. Ali’s employment at DHS without delay. Additionally, please provide answers to the following questions: How many immigration cases involving Palestinians has Ms. Ali reviewed? For each case, please detail Ms. Ali’s involvement and the final determination. How many immigration cases involving Israelis or other Jewish applicants has Ms. Ali reviewed? For each case, please detail Ms. Ali’s involvement and the final determination. What safeguards are in place in the asylum adjudication process to remediate any abuses committed by strongly prejudiced immigration officers? Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:43:12Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-calls-ncaa-protect-female-athletes-clarify-transgender-locker-room-policy/,"Hawley Calls on NCAA to Protect Female Athletes, Clarify Transgender Locker Room Policy",2023-10-18,2023,2023-10,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) President, former Governor Charlie Baker, following his recent testimony before a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. Senator Hawley called on the NCAA to stand up for the basic safety of their student athletes and asked Governor Baker to explicitly define the NCAA’s policy on transgender athletes’ access to locker rooms. “Yesterday you testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on issues in collegiate athletics. Arguably none is more important than the safety of student athletes,” wrote Senator Hawley. “That is why I asked you about Riley Gaines, and her Senate testimony earlier this year that the NCAA forced her and other female athletes both to accept a biological man in their locker room and to change alongside this person.” He continued, “When I asked you whether the forced inclusion of biological men in women’s locker rooms remains NCAA policy, you equivocated. You testified that you ‘[didn’t] believe that policy would be the policy that we would use today.’ But you declined to state what the NCAA’s policy actually is. This is your chance. The NCAA has a troubled history of using student athletes for financial gain while ignoring their concerns and needs—and in this case, their basic safety. The American public deserves honest answers.” In June, Senator Hawley questioned Riley Gaines about her experiences competing against a transgender athlete, and the trauma she and her teammates endured when their privacy was invaded by being forced to undress in front of a biological male. According to Gaines, an NCAA official told her Lia Thomas was allowed in the female locker room due to a rule change that made the facilities ‘unisex.’ Read the full letter here or below. October 18, 2023 Hon. Charlie Baker President National Collegiate Athletic Association 700 W. Washington Street P.O. Box 7110 Indianapolis, IN 46206 Dear Governor Baker: Yesterday you testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on issues in collegiate athletics. Arguably none is more important than the safety of student athletes. That is why I asked you about Riley Gaines, and her Senate testimony earlier this year that the NCAA forced her and other female athletes both to accept a biological man in their locker room and to change alongside this person. Ms. Gaines testified the NCAA made this decision without forewarning the female athletes, without asking for consent, and without obtaining consent of any kind. Worse still, Ms. Gaines and her teammates were allegedly warned that if they spoke in opposition to the NCAA’s policy, they would face consequences. When I asked you whether the forced inclusion of biological men in women’s locker rooms remains NCAA policy, you equivocated. You testified that you “[didn’t] believe that policy would be the policy that we would use today.” But you declined to state what the NCAA’s policy actually is. This is your chance. The NCAA has a troubled history of using student athletes for financial gain while ignoring their concerns and needs—and in this case, their basic safety. The American public deserves honest answers. Please provide comprehensive responses to the following questions: As of today—October 18, 2023—what exactly is the NCAA’s policy on transgender athletes’ access to locker rooms? Please provide a comprehensive explanation. Has the NCAA or any of its designees or officials ever promulgated a policy, whether through official or unofficial channels, of making locker rooms unisex? If not, has the NCAA conducted an investigation into why Ms. Gaines was informed in March 2022 that locker rooms would be treated as unisex spaces? In addressing the issue of transgender competitors, the NCAA is apparently shifting toward a policy of deferring to the governing bodies of individual sports. Will the NCAA defer to the policies of individual sport governing bodies regarding locker rooms and other changing facilities? If so, please provide a comprehensive explanation of how, from the NCAA’s perspective, allowing biological men to access the locker rooms of female athletes would be consistent with the legal requirements of Title IX that men and women be offered equitable opportunities to participate in sports. Will the NCAA provide an apology to female student athletes who were required to share locker rooms and other intimate spaces with biological men? Ms. Gaines has testified that female athletes have been threatened with consequences for publicly opposing the NCAA’s approach to transgender athletes. Does the NCAA maintain or enforce a policy prohibiting public opposition to the league’s policies on transgender athletes? Has the NCAA ever mandated, recommended, or otherwise advised that individuals opposing the league’s policies on transgender athletes receive counseling or other educational interventions? I await your responses. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:43:12Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-pushes-mayorkas-address-terrorist-linked-aliens-border-following-hamas-attack-israel/,Hawley Pushes Mayorkas to Address ‘Terrorist-Linked Aliens’ at Border Following Hamas Attack in Israel,2023-10-18,2023,2023-10,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas urging him to ensure the safety of Americans and, specifically, Jewish Americans amid the uptick in potential terrorist-linked illegal aliens at our southern border. This development follows the barbaric attack perpetrated by Hamas terrorists on innocent American and Israeli civilians. The recent reporting of numbers of encounters with people on the terror watchlist for FY2023 from Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) reveals that there were 154 encounters at the northern and southern borders among ports of entry and 505 encountered at the ports of entry. “Illegal aliens with potential ties to terrorist organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah have no place in the United States. In the wake of Hamas’s attack on Israel, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is already alerting Americans about an elevated number of violent threats against civilians, including antisemitic threats,”wrote Senator Hawley. “It is therefore critical that you abandon your radical open border policies, and instead, take immediate action to secure the border.” Read the full letter here or below: October 18, 2023 The Honorable Alejandro Mayorkas Secretary U.S. Department of Homeland Security 2707 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE Washington, D.C. 20528 Dear Secretary Mayorkas, I write with alarm regarding the uptick in potential terrorist-linked illegal aliens encountered at the southern border. This development follows the barbaric attack perpetrated by Hamas terrorists on innocent American and Israeli civilians. It is imperative that you address this issue immediately to ensure the safety of American citizens, especially Jewish Americans, who are facing increased threats to their physical safety following the Hamas attack. As you are well aware, the United States has experienced an unprecedented wave of illegal immigration across our southern border during the Biden Administration, totaling 6.2 million illegal alien encounters. This figure includes record numbers of aliens who have been listed on the Terrorist Screening Database (TSDB) or traveled from countries known to be state sponsors of terrorism. In fiscal year 2023, Border Patrol encountered 154 TSDB aliens attempting to cross the border between ports of entry—more than the last six years combined. Furthermore, it is virtually certain that terrorist-linked individuals are among the estimated 1.6 million illegal aliens who have successfully evaded Border Patrol in entering the United States since President Biden took office. Your Department’s recently published threat assessment acknowledges this danger. For example, the assessment notes that “individuals with terrorism connections are interested in using established travel routes and permissive environments to facilitate access to the United States.” Meanwhile, U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents are encountering a growing number of “special interest aliens” from countries known to harbor terrorists—including Iran, Syria, and Lebanon. Just this week, four Iranians were apprehended in Texas by Border Patrol. Illegal aliens with potential ties to terrorist organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah have no place in the United States. In the wake of Hamas’s attack on Israel, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is already alerting Americans about an elevated number of violent threats against civilians, including antisemitic threats. It is therefore critical that you abandon your radical open border policies, and instead, take immediate action to secure the border. As Secretary, your number one priority should be protecting American citizens against potential terrorist entering our country. As a member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, I request that you immediately respond to the following questions to disclose what you know to the American people: How many “special interest aliens” have been released into the United States in the past two years? Please disaggregate the figures by country of origin. What steps has DHS taken to heighten security standards at the southern border following Hamas’ attack on Israel? Is the Department of Homeland Security actively working with the FBI to monitor organizations with links to Hamas’ terrorism activities operating within the United States? Thank you for your attention to this critical matter of homeland security. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:43:12Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-sanders-brown-and-colleagues-introduce-senate-resolution-solidarity-uaw-workers-strike/,"Hawley, Sanders, Brown, and Colleagues Introduce Senate Resolution in Solidarity with UAW Workers on Strike",2023-10-18,2023,2023-10,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) joined Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), along with 31 Democrat colleagues in the Senate, to introduce a resolution in solidarity with United Auto Workers (UAW) across America who are bargaining for a fair contract, including 34,000 currently on strike. Senator Hawley has been a strong supporter of the autoworkers throughout their strike, calling for better hours, higher pay, and job security in America. Senator Hawley also visited the workers on strike at the General Motors plant in Wentzville, Mo., to stand with them and call for the protection American jobs. Senator Hawley has consistently advocated for American workers, including standing with and voting to support rail workers as they sought a fair deal with sick leave, as well as fighting to keep jobs here in the U.S. and stop the reliance on foreign supply chains for critical goods. More information about his past work in support of the American worker can be found on his website.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:43:12Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/senator-hawley-unveils-resolution-condemning-hamas-and-antisemitic-student-activities-college/,Senator Hawley Unveils Resolution Condemning Hamas and Antisemitic Student Activities on College Campuses,2023-10-18,2023,2023-10,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) will introduce a Senate Resolution condemning Hamas and the antisemitic student groups on college campuses that have celebrated the Oct. 7 terrorist attack against Israel. Senator Hawley will seek consent to pass his resolution on the Senate floor, and wrote to all of his colleagues this week requesting their support. Senators Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and Ted Budd (R-N.C.) are original cosponsors. “We must stand together with Israel and against hateful, violent rhetoric that threatens the safety and security of Jewish Americans in the United States,” wrote Senator Hawley. “My resolution unequivocally condemns Hamas and the hateful, antisemitic rhetoric that the recent terrorist attack has inspired on our college campuses. This is particularly urgent given the rise in threats against Jewish Americans across our country. I invite you to join me in standing with Israel and against hate.” Earlier this week, Senator Hawley urged the Department of Justice to investigate pro-Palestinian student groups’ potential ties to Hamas after they publicly gathered to celebrate the terrorist groups’ genocidal war against Israel. The text of the resolution can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:43:12Z https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-statement-speaker-race,Wagner Statement on Speaker Race,2023-10-16,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement on the House Speaker's race: ""Let me be clear, I am not, and will not, work with Democrats as our Republican Conference comes together to elect a conservative Speaker of the House. ""Too much is at stake to hand control of the House over to radical liberal Democrats, which is why we must elect a conservative as the next Speaker. Throughout my time in Congress, I have always been a team player and supported our Republican nominees out of Conference. ""Jim Jordan and I spoke at length again this morning, and he has allayed my concerns about keeping the government open with conservative funding, the need for strong border security, our need for consistent international support in times of war and unrest, as well as the need for stronger protections against the scourge of human trafficking and child exploitation.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-condemns-antisemitic-rhetoric-against-israel-announces-senate-resolution/,"Hawley Condemns Antisemitic Rhetoric Against Israel, Announces Senate Resolution",2023-10-16,2023,2023-10,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) announced that he will introduce a U.S. Senate resolution condemning the antisemitic rhetoric taking place on college campuses across America. Senator Hawley also sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland earlier today, urging the Department of Justice (DOJ) immediately deploy resources to investigate the third-party funding of far-left student organizations that have called for the effective destruction of Israel.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:43:12Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-urges-doj-investigate-outside-funding-far-left-anti-israel-student-groups/,"Hawley Urges DOJ Investigate Outside Funding of Far-Left, Anti-Israel Student Groups",2023-10-16,2023,2023-10,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, urging the Department of Justice (DOJ) immediately deploy resources to investigate the third-party funding of far-left student organizations that have called for the effective destruction of Israel. “In the wake of the brutal terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel, we have witnessed an alarming rise in support for violence against the Jewish people,” wrote Senator Hawley. “Public reports indicate that several far-left student groups have lined up to effectively cheerlead Hamas’s genocidal war against the people of Israel.” He continued, “Given the potential scale of this threat, I urge you to immediately deploy DOJ resources to investigate these organizations’ funding sources. The First Amendment protects the right to protest. But it does not protect the provision of material support to terrorist organizations. Nor does it insulate financial transactions that threaten our national security. Hamas, as you are well aware, is designated a terrorist organization pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. DOJ should deploy all appropriate authorities to investigate any potential links to organizations that operate within the United States.” Read the full letter here or below. October 16, 2023 The Honorable Merrick Garland Attorney General United States Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20530 Dear Attorney General Garland: In the wake of the brutal terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel, we have witnessed an alarming rise in support for violence against the Jewish people. Public reports indicate that several far-left student groups have lined up to effectively cheerlead Hamas’s genocidal war against the people of Israel: At Harvard University alone, 34 student organizations signed a letter declaring that they “hold the Israeli regime entirely responsible for all unfolding violence,” and that Israel is “the only one to blame” for the unfolding carnage. The University of California, Los Angeles witnessed a massive protest by students screaming “intifada, intifada”—a call for a violent uprising and the murder of Jewish people. In New York, Columbia University was forced to close its campus to the public after an Israeli student was violently assaulted by an allegedly pro-Palestine student. The University of Virginia chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine announced that the mass murder of civilians was “a step towards a free Palestine . . . reflect[ing] the power and resilience of the Palestinian people.” Other examples are legion. These student organizations are seemingly lobbying in support of the murder of innocent people, including children and babies. They are menacing Jewish Americans within our cities. And they are doing so in what appears to be a coordinated fashion. There is a long and sordid history of supposedly independent “human rights” groups operating within American borders, that possess longstanding ties to foreign terrorist organizations. To name just one high-profile example, in the early 2000s, the Department of Justice shuttered the Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development and jailed its founders, after finding that this supposed charitable organization was funneling money into the pockets of Hamas. It is entirely possible that many of these student organizations, at some level or another, are enmeshed in similar networks—whether as recipients of funding from these malicious actors or as conduits for it. Given the potential scale of this threat, I urge you to immediately deploy DOJ resources to investigate these organizations’ funding sources. The First Amendment protects the right to protest. But it does not protect the provision of material support to terrorist organizations. Nor does it insulate financial transactions that threaten our national security. Hamas, as you are well aware, is designated a terrorist organization pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. DOJ should deploy all appropriate authorities to investigate any potential links to organizations that operate within the United States. In particular, the Department should prioritize investigating the following questions: Of those student organizations presently calling for the effective destruction of Israel and justifying the recent massacre of Jewish people, how many receive significant funding from third-party groups? Of those third-party groups that offer financial support to pro-Hamas student organizations, or for which pro-Hamas student organizations conduct fundraising, how many have financial or ideological ties to Hamas? Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:43:12Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-calls-state-department-provide-additional-travel-assistance-americans-israel/,Hawley Calls on State Department to Provide Additional Travel Assistance for Americans in Israel,2023-10-11,2023,2023-10,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today U.S. Senator Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken calling for additional travel assistance and updated guidance for Americans seeking to return home from Israel. Senator Hawley’s office is working with constituents in the region who wish to return to the United States, and anyone who needs assistance can call our office at (314) 354-7060. “Following the barbaric terrorist attacks on Israel by Hamas, my office has received multiple reports of Missourians in Israel who are seeking to leave the region but are struggling to find transportation out of the country,” wrote Senator Hawley. “With the growing number of commercial airlines cancelling flights out of Israel, I urge you to consider additional U.S government-facilitated transport options for Americans attempting to return home.” Read the full letter here or below. October 11, 2023 The Honorable Antony Blinken Secretary of State US Department of State 2201 C St. NW Washington, DC 20520 Dear Secretary Blinken: I write with concern over the security situation in Israel and the safety of American citizens still in the region. Following the barbaric terrorist attacks on Israel by Hamas, my office has received multiple reports of Missourians in Israel who are seeking to leave the region but are struggling to find transportation out of the country. With the growing number of commercial airlines cancelling flights out of Israel, I urge you to consider additional U.S government-facilitated transport options for Americans attempting to return home. The Bureau of Consular Affairs informed my office yesterday that the State Department currently “is not involved with airlifts, an evacuation, or assisted departure of U.S. citizens.” Today, your office informed mine that the State Department “continue[s] to encourage U.S. citizens to look at the available commercial options to depart Israel.” While I appreciate the initial information provided on Sunday to help my constituents contact the U.S. Embassy, this is no longer sufficient. New clarity about travel assistance is urgently required. I urge you to work with your counterparts across federal agencies to bring to bear all available resources and authorities, including charter flights, to assist Americans that remain in Israel with returning home to their families. On behalf of my constituents who remain in the region, I request the answers to the following questions from your office as soon as possible. Is the State Department actively planning to provide additional travel assistance to Americans in Israel? Is the Department or any other U.S. agencies planning to conduct airlifts or equivalent government-facilitated transportation to help Americans in the region return home? If plans have been made, how will the State Department communicate those travel options? When can Americans expect information on how to return home? When can we expect decisions about transportation options to be made? I look forward to a timely response from your office. And thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:43:12Z https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleavers-statement-hamas-terrorist-attacks-against-israel,Rep. Cleaver’s Statement on Hamas’ Terrorist Attacks Against Israel,2023-10-10,2023,2023-10,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement as Israel continues to defend itself against the terrorist attacks launched by Hamas. “Over the last few days, the world has watched in horror as Hamas terrorists launched an abhorrent attack on Israel, killing hundreds of innocent Israeli civilians and soldiers—including at least 14 Americans—as well as kidnapping scores of individuals who are now being held as hostages and political pawns. My heart breaks for those who have lost family members or loved ones, and for those who are still awaiting news. “First and foremost, America unequivocally condemns any and all acts of violence against innocent civilians, including this despicable attack against the Israeli population. Violence only begets more violence—and these acts of terrorism by Hamas, who in no way represent the Palestinian people, will undoubtedly lead to more pain and suffering for Israelis and Palestinians alike. “Secondly, America stands shoulder-to-shoulder with our Israeli allies. I have cosponsored a bipartisan resolution of support for Israel that was introduced by the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and I intend to support the resolution when it receives a vote on the House Floor to underscore America’s longstanding and ironclad commitment to the sovereignty and security of Israel. “American leadership will be instrumental in the coming days and weeks as we assist Israel’s defense of their homeland and return of innocent hostages, use our diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict as soon as possible, work to bring some sense of stability to a region that has been unstable for decades, and continue to aim towards the long term vision of a peaceful resolution and a future of security and equal opportunity for both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples through a two-state solution. The first step in that long-term process is a bipartisan package of military and humanitarian assistance from the U.S. Congress—and I hope that we can move that forward as soon as possible.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-knesset-parliamentary-group-joint-statement-hamas-terrorist,House-Knesset Parliamentary Group Joint Statement on Hamas Terrorist Attack in Israel,2023-10-10,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) and members of the bipartisan House-Knesset Parliamentary Group issued the following statement in response to the horrific terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel: “We strongly condemn the brutal, barbaric terrorist attack committed by Hamas, an Iranian-backed terrorist organization, on Israel. As of now, these terrorists have reportedly wounded thousands, killed over 1,000 Israelis, and have taken at least 150 people as hostages, including women, children, and the elderly. Through their despicable acts of terror, Hamas has chosen to put innocent lives on all sides in danger and placed its desire for violence over the prospect for peace. ""As members of the bipartisan House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group, we unequivocally stand united with our ally, Israel, her people, and our friends in the Knesset during this tumultuous time. ""Let there be no mistake: The United States’ commitment to Israel’s security is ironclad. We must continue to support the State of Israel’s right to defend herself against Hamas and other terrorists’ heinous aggression, including by providing additional assistance as requested. As we mark this time of deep sorrow and sadness, our commitment to the U.S.-Israel relationship is steadfast and unwavering.” The Group is made up of Reps. David Kustoff, Chairman (R-TN), Dean Phillips, Ranking Member (D-MN), Ann Wagner (R-MO), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY), John James (R-MI), Mike Lawler (R-NY), Max Miller (R-OH), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Kathy Manning (D-NC), Ritchie Torres (D-NY), and Nikema Williams (D-GA).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/abraham-accords-caucus-co-chairs-condemn-hamas-attack-israel,Abraham Accords Caucus Co-Chairs Condemn Hamas Attack on Israel,2023-10-07,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), along with her fellow Co-Chairs of the Abraham Accords Caucus Congresswoman Cathy McMorris-Rodgers (R-WA), Congressman Brad Schneider (D-IL), and Congressman David Trone (D-MD), released the following statement on today’s attacks in Israel: “We fully condemn this horrific, unprovoked attack against Israel. Thousands of rockets have been launched at Israeli cities by Iranian-backed terrorists. Hamas is targeting innocent civilians, taking hostages, and executing people in a campaign of unrelenting terror. The reports of children and families forced into hiding shock us to our core. Our hearts go out to those who have lost loved ones, and we pray for the recovery of all those who have been injured. “These acts of war must be resolutely defeated. Hamas seeks nothing less than the destruction of Israel, a nation that has the fundamental right to defend itself against all forces of evil and violence. We stand together in lockstep with our ally Israel as they take the necessary actions to defend their country, protect their citizens, and restore security to its borders. Hamas must immediately end this invasion.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-cleaver-bush-call-um-system-restore-race-based-scholarships-and,"Reps. Cleaver, Bush Call on UM System to Restore Race-Based Scholarships and Emphasize Recruitment of Underserved Communities",2023-10-05,2023,2023-10,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Cori Bush (D-MO) called on the University of Missouri System (UM System) to reverse their recent decisions following the Supreme Court’s disastrous ruling undermining affirmative action in June. In a letter to Dr. Mun Y. Choi, President of the UM System, the lawmakers specifically called on the President to restore race-based scholarships, consider the experience of race in admissions, and emphasize recruitment to underserved communities—all of which are still allowable under the Supreme Court’s Students for Fair Admission Inc (SFFA) v. Harvard and v. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill decision. “We believe that a rushed decision to exclude race-based criteria would endanger the futures of Black and Brown students in Missouri who will bear the brunt of decades of discrimination and unequal access to higher education,” the lawmakers wrote. “As duly elected Members of Congress representing over 1.5 million Missourians, we implore you to restore race-based scholarships, consider the experience of race in admissions, and emphasize recruitment to underserved communities. The lawmakers continued: “The Court severely limited the ability of higher education institutions to consider an applicant’s race alone. However, the opinion does not prohibit universities from considering an applicant’s discussion of how race affects their lives. The University of Missouri System can and should consider the ways that a student’s lived experience would benefit their contributions to campus and how it can impact their ability to access higher education in the first place. Again, the Court did not restrict the use of race-based scholarships or financial aid. When we lose talented applicants and graduates, we risk driving residents out of Missouri and into other areas that can provide more stable opportunities.” The Missouri Representatives also requested a response to several pressing questions about the UM System’s decision-making and policies moving forward, including: How is the UM System accounting for centuries of racial segregation and discrimination in higher education? Why did the UM System decide to eliminate race-based scholarships when the Supreme Court decision made no mention of scholarship considerations? Will admissions and/or scholarship awards based on legacy status be eliminated as well? What other lived experiences will the UM System consider instead of race when evaluating student’s applications? How will the System expand its recruitment efforts to underrepresented student populations? How will the UM System invest in the success of its students of color so that their graduation rates can match those of their white counterparts? The official letter from Reps. Cleaver and Bush is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-supports-steve-scalise-speaker,Wagner Supports Steve Scalise for Speaker,2023-10-05,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement detailing her support for Steve Scalise to be Speaker of the House: “Congress needs a leader who will stand up for American families, grow our economy, and commit to reining in Joe Biden’s reckless spending. That leader is Steve Scalise, and I am honored to support him for Speaker of the House. “Inflation is hitting American families harder than ever, our borders are under attack, and Democrats are refusing to support the commonsense legislation necessary to protect our nation. In times of crisis, we need a principled Speaker who will unite all corners of the Party and be a fighter against the radical Democrat agenda. Time and time again, Steve has solved the toughest problems facing our Party and our nation. He is the leader who can communicate our shared conservative values to all 50 states, and who deeply understands how the federal government impacts the lives of each and every American.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-demands-army-fulfill-fort-leonard-wood-housing-promise-will-hold-nominations/,"Hawley Demands Army Fulfill Fort Leonard Wood Housing Promise, Will Hold Nominations",2023-10-05,2023,2023-10,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to the Secretary of the Army, Christine Wormuth, demanding that she fulfill her pledge to replace all military housing at Fort Leonard Wood. “The Army’s inability to meet its own deadlines is unacceptable, and I will wait no longer,” wrote Senator Hawley. “I will withhold my consent to any future Army civilian nominations which require Senate confirmation. The soldiers and families at Fort Leonard Wood deserve better, and it is your responsibility to deliver for them.” BACKGROUND In June of 2021, Senator Hawley asked Secretary Wormuth and General McConville for information about the Army’s plans to replace housing at the base. In May 2022, Senator Hawley pressed Secretary Wormuth and Chief of Staff of the Army General James C. McConville for answers about housing at Fort Leonard Wood. A few weeks before his August visit, Senator Hawley sent a letter to Secretary Wormuth requesting an update on the Army’s plans to replace aging homes at Fort Leonard Wood. In August 2022, Senator Hawley toured Fort Leonard Wood, delivered remarks about the important work being done there, and visited with residents about base housing in need of replacement. In December 2022, Senator Hawley announced that the Army committed to spending $41.4 million in Fiscal Year 2023 and another $50 million in Fiscal Year 2024 for new housing at Fort Leonard Wood following repeated demands that aging homes at the base be replaced. In March, Senator Hawley sent a letter to the Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth requesting, for the third time, the Army’s plan for replacing the aging homes at Fort Leonard Wood. Read the full letter here or below: October 5, 2023 Honorable Christine E. Wormuth Secretary of the Army 101 Army Pentagon Washington, DC 20310-0101 Dear Secretary Wormuth: I write with deep concern over the Army’s continual failure to keep its promises to the soldiers and families of Fort Leonard Wood. In December 2022, after the Army identified 1,142 family homes on post in need of repair, Under Secretary Camarillo pledged to me that the Army would spend $41.4 million during Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) and $50 million during FY24 on homes for families. You acknowledged this same pledge in a phone call with me over the summer. In the ten months since the commitment was made, the Army has continually dragged its feet. Now we know for sure that you have broken your promise. Your staff informs my office that no funds will be available until December 15, 2023, at the earliest, well past the end of the fiscal year which concluded on September 30, 2023. Once again, the Army has failed to prioritize the soldiers and families at Fort Leonard Wood. As I have written previously, the Army only committed to this investment reluctantly. Despite your commitment during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on May 5, 2022, the Army has still failed to produce your plan for replacing all housing at Fort Leonard Wood. Beyond your inability to even produce your plan, what investment you have promised has now failed to materialize. The deadline has now come and gone, and given your record I have real doubts that Fort Leonard Wood will receive this investment before the end of the calendar year. The Army’s inability to meet its own deadlines is unacceptable, and I will wait no longer. Until the promised $41.4 million is invested in housing at Fort Leonard Wood, I will withhold my consent to any future Army civilian nominations which require Senate confirmation. The soldiers and families at Fort Leonard Wood deserve better, and it is your responsibility to deliver for them. I promise you I will continue to work tirelessly to secure adequate housing for Fort Leonard Wood, and I keep my promises. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:43:12Z https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-statement-healing-action-network-receiving-doj-grant-support,Wagner Statement on Healing Action Network Receiving DOJ Grant to Support Victims of Trafficking,2023-10-04,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement after Healing Action Network received a Department of Justice grant to advance their important work as advocates for survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation: Rep. Ann Wagner: “Katie and the entire team at Healing Action Network are incredible advocates for survivors of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. I have worked with Katie for nearly a decade to pass legislation to help bring an end to sex trafficking, and I have personally seen how her determination and work ethic have truly saved lives. I was so pleased to congratulate her on this Department of Justice grant that will allow Healing Action Network to reach even more victims and provide vital resources to the survivors of this horrific crime. It was an honor to vote for this grant program that supports amazing organizations like hers so they can stay focused on their critical efforts that save lives. I look forward to continuing to work with her and her team for years to come as we fight to get justice for survivors and ensure their traffickers are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law”.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-introduces-bill-empowering-states-fight-back-against-bidens-border-crisis/,Hawley Introduces Bill Empowering States to Fight Back Against Biden’s Border Crisis,2023-10-04,2023,2023-10,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) has introduced the State Border Defense Act to empower states to fight back against President Biden’s failed immigration policies that are flooding America’s streets with deadly narcotics and enabling a rise in child trafficking. Senator Hawley’s legislation comes after the Biden Administration’s repeated efforts to undermine states’ ability to secure their own borders—including preventing the installation of a buoy barrier and razor wire along the southern border. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported a record 232,972 southern border encounters in August—the highest monthly total in 2023 thus far. “Our southern border is overrun. Joe Biden’s dangerous open-border policies are making it worse every single day, leaving states like Missouri to deal with the consequences. Since the federal government refuses to enforce our immigration laws, states must be able to,” said Senator Hawley. The State Border Defense Act would allow states to: Remove illegal immigrants from the country rather than sending them to other states Prosecute people who commit crimes while entering the country illegally Construct barriers on federal lands or waters along the southern border to prevent illegal immigration",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:43:12Z https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleavers-statement-vote-oust-kevin-mccarthy-speakership,Rep. Cleaver’s Statement on Vote to Oust Kevin McCarthy From Speakership,2023-10-03,2023,2023-10,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement after voting in favor of the motion to remove Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the House of Representatives. “When Democrats had an identical majority in the House of Representatives just one year ago, Speaker Pelosi reached across the aisle to pass historic legislation like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, Honoring Our PACT Act, Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, Respect for Marriage Act, National Defense Authorization Act, and so much more—because the American people sent us to Washington to deliver real results for our communities. “However, since the opening of the 118th Congress, Kevin McCarthy has actively opposed bipartisanship in the People’s House, fomented chaos and crises by kowtowing to the most extreme members of his caucus, and failed to follow through on the most basic of bipartisan agreements time and time again. “The American people deserve leaders that will put families before political theater and partisan brinksmanship—which is something Speaker McCarthy has proven incapable of doing. I could not in good conscience support such an individual for the esteemed position of Speaker.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-cleaver-laturner-davids-introduce-bipartisan-bill-designate,"Reps. Cleaver, LaTurner, Davids Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Designate Quindaro Townsite as National Historic Landmark",2023-10-03,2023,2023-10,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), Jake LaTurner (R-KS), and Sharice Davids (D-KS) introduced the Quindaro Townsite National Historic Landmark Act—bipartisan legislation to designate the Quindaro Townsite in Kansas City, Kansas as a National Historic Landmark. The Quindaro Townsite National Historic Landmark Act gives the Secretary of the Interior additional flexibility to provide technical and financial assistance to local entities to preserve the site and provide educational content about the Landmark to the public. “Freedom is the foundational principle of American democracy, and the Quindaro Townsite is an important piece of regional history that tells the stories of those seeking to uphold our national commitment to liberty and freedom for all,” said Congressman Cleaver. “For years now, I’ve proudly worked across the aisle to ensure this site receives the recognition and appreciation it rightfully deserves. I’m proud to join Reps. LaTurner and Davids to introduce the Quindaro Townsite National Historic Landmark Act as we continue our efforts to preserve the cultural keystone of Quindaro in Eastern Kansas.” “Quindaro is a vital part of our nation's history and served as a beacon of hope and freedom for Americans fighting to end slavery in the mid-19th century,"" said Rep. LaTurner. ""I'm proud to introduce this legislation with my colleagues and stand with the dozens of volunteers who have been fighting for decades to ensure the Quindaro Townsite receives the recognition and appreciation it deserves from our federal government.” ""I'm proud to join my colleagues, Representatives Cleaver and LaTurner, as well as community leaders across Kansas, to help the Quindaro Townsite receive the recognition and care it deserves. Quindaro is a significant part of Kansas' history in the fight for freedom and equality, but for too long, our community has lacked the proper investments needed to preserve this important site. A National Historic Landmark designation will build on the bipartisan effort I led in 2019 to establish Quindaro as a National Commemorative Site and help protect its history, keeping its stories alive for generations to come,” said Rep. Davids. “As the Mayor of Kansas City, Kansas it is of great importance to champion the significance the Quindaro Ruins plays highlighting the plight of African Americans through a network officially called the *Underground Railroad*. This dynamic gateway from slavery to freedom was facilitated in Wyandotte County Kansas with the assistance of Abolitionists, Wyandotte Indians, and freed African American slaves. This diverse group highlights the common denominator of a diversity of Americans helping other Americans realize the self-evident truths; that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. In the awesome community of Wyandotte County Kansas City Kansas we are extremely excited and grateful for the impending consideration taken by our National Congressional Leaders to take the steps necessary to elevate the Quindaro Ruins with an enhanced designation that can personify what it means for all Americans to truly be part of a United States of America continuously evolving into that perfect union for all those that champion what it means to be an American,"" said KCK Mayor Tyrone Garner. ""As Mayor, I respectfully urge passage of the legislation before you, and thank you in advance for your consideration in this matter of great historic importance, not just to the Great State of Kansas but to our Great Nation."" ""Quindaro townsite is deeply emblematic of our proud, complicated heritage and a crucial chapter of our shared history as Kansans and Americans. This bill will help ensure Quindaro’s story endures for generations to come,"" said Lucinda Adams, Executive Director of Freedom's Frontier. The Quindaro Townsite was founded in 1857 as a port of entry into Kansas on the Missouri River for people opposed to slavery during the Bleeding Kansas conflict and served as a site on the Underground Railroad. In 2019, Congressman Cleaver helped pass federal legislation to designate the Quindaro Townsite as a National Commemorative Site. However, the site's historical significance warrants a more prominent designation on the National Register of Historic Places, given its role in shaping American political debate in the 19th century and stopping the westward spread of slavery into the Kansas Territory. Official text of the Quindaro Townsite National Historic Landmark Act is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleavers-statement-voting-avert-government-shutdown,Congressman Cleaver’s Statement on Voting to Avert a Government Shutdown,2023-09-30,2023,2023-09,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement after voting to support bipartisan legislation that would continue to fund the federal government at current levels, provide much-needed disaster relief to devastated communities, and avert another reckless Republican shutdown. “For weeks now, the Speaker and the House GOP have wasted precious time and resources waging a political civil war, when their focus should have been on funding the government and meeting the needs of the American people. And after all the chaos and political theater, we ended up exactly where Democrats wanted from the very beginning: a bipartisan compromise that avoids a completely unnecessary and harmful government shutdown. “Today’s bipartisan legislation ensures that servicemembers and federal workers will receive their hard-earned paychecks; that devastated communities will receive desperately needed disaster relief; that mothers and children will continue to receive nutrition assistance; that food, rail and road inspections will continue to be conducted to protect our communities; and that so many other vital services that Missouri families depend on will continue unabated. “However, while I am relieved that the Speaker finally allowed for a bipartisan solution to another Republican-manufactured crisis, I am frustrated that a handful of extremists have prevented the overwhelming majority of lawmakers in upholding our commitment to supporting Ukraine in their fight for freedom. Although existing funding for Ukraine will continue, I am committed to working across the aisle to pass additional security assistance to those bravely resisting Putin’s evil invasion. “As the House of Representatives takes the next 45 days to pass additional appropriations legislation through regular order, I hope that responsible Republicans will take the lessons learned today and apply them moving forward. Rather than attempting to pass poison-pilled, extremely partisan bills that have no chance of being signed into law in an effort to appease far-right extremists, Republicans should work with Democrats to pass bipartisan solutions that will create good-paying jobs, lower costs for families, and strengthen our national security.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-amendments-homeland-security-appropriations-bill-approved-house,Wagner Amendments to Homeland Security Appropriations Bill Approved by House,2023-09-28,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement after two of her amendments to the Homeland Security Appropriations bill were adopted by the U.S. House: The first amendment would prioritize $24 million for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) investigations. Rep. Wagner said: “Last year, there were over 32 million reports of online child sexual abuse material, previously referred to as ‘child pornography.’ That’s an 89% increase since 2019 and equals over 87,000 reports per day of images and videos of children being raped and sexually exploited spreading across the internet. HSI is on the front lines fighting to locate and rescue vulnerable children and apprehend their abusers, which is why my amendment takes $24 million from bloated bureaucratic offices and ensures that HSI receives the resources needed to investigate these unconscionable crimes.” Watch Rep. Wagner’s remarks on this amendment here. The second amendment would require Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to resolve the Global Entry application backlog. Rep. Wagner said: “I have heard from so many frustrated constituents who have paid for Global Entry only to wait months, in some cases, for CBP to approve them for an interview. Today, Global Entry processing times average 11 months. This is utterly unacceptable. This amendment will direct CBP to do its job and get this situation and backlog under control.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-bill-reduce-rape-kit-backlog-unanimously-approved-judiciary,Wagner Bill to Reduce Rape Kit Backlog Unanimously Approved by Judiciary Committee,2023-09-28,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement after her Debbie Smith Act, legislation that provides funding to law enforcement to analyze untested rape kits, was approved by the House Judiciary Committee: “There are far too many victims who have had to go without justice due to the unconscionable rape kit backlog. My bill, the Debbie Smith Act of 2023, will provide critical funding to our state and local law enforcement so rapists and other violent offenders can be identified and held accountable for their horrific crimes. Thank you to the House Judiciary Committee for advancing this important bill, and I look forward to the whole House showing our support for victims by passing this bipartisan legislation.” Background H.R. 1105, the Debbie Smith Act of 2023, would reauthorize the DNA Backlog Elimination Program from FY2024 through FY2029. This program provides support to law enforcement and crime labs in all 50 states to analyze untested rape and sexual assault kits, improve law enforcement’s timely collection of DNA evidence, and enhance prosecutors' capacity to bring this evidence to trial.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-demands-dhs-terminate-new-intelligence-experts-group/,Hawley Demands DHS Terminate New ‘Intelligence Experts Group’,2023-09-28,2023,2023-09,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas calling for the immediate termination of the Department’s newly announced “Intelligence Experts Group.” “I write with deep concern regarding the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) newly announced ‘Intelligence Experts Group.’ According to your Department’s press release, this entity will be led by at least three individuals who helped suppress the Hunter Biden laptop story preceding the 2020 U.S. presidential election,” wrote Senator Hawley. “Given the composition of its members, this Group seems to constitute yet another effort from the Biden Administration to undermine disfavored speech.” He continued, “I will continue to oppose this Administration’s apparent efforts to undermine protected speech. Therefore, I urge you to immediately terminate this so-called ‘Intelligence Experts Group.'” Last November, Senator Hawley led an investigation into President Biden’s plans to establish the Disinformation Governance Board, similar to the “Intelligence Experts Group.” Senator Hawley revealed documents that exposed the DHS’s plans for the Board to monitor and suppress the speech of American citizens, which were much more extensive than the Biden administration had publicly acknowledged. Read the full letter here or below. September 28, 2023 The Honorable Alejandro Mayorkas Secretary U.S. Department of Homeland Security 2707 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE Washington, D.C. 20528 Dear Secretary Mayorkas, I write with deep concern regarding the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) newly announced “Intelligence Experts Group.” According to your Department’s press release, this entity will be led by at least three individuals who helped suppress the Hunter Biden laptop story preceding the 2020 U.S. presidential election. Given the composition of its members, this Group seems to constitute yet another effort from the Biden Administration to undermine disfavored speech. As you know, John Brennan, James Clapper, and Paul Kolbe all signed onto the infamous October 2020 letter, which falsely declared the Hunter Biden laptop story to be “Russian misinformation.” This was a clear attempt to aid then-candidate Joe Biden. Recent investigations have revealed text messages and emails that corroborate the corrupt intent behind the letter’s publication. It is therefore baffling that your Department would regard these individuals as having any remaining credibility with respect to intelligence matters. Enlisting the support of these discredited officials as the nation prepares for the 2024 presidential election appears to signal that DHS will continue its attempts to censor speech that is inconvenient to the current Administration. Of course, your Department tried—and failed—to monitor and censor protected speech through the now-defunct Disinformation Governance Board. But thanks to the Fifth Circuit’s ruling in Missouri v. Biden, we know that the White House and other agencies violated the First Amendment by coercing social media platforms to censor online speech. I will continue to oppose this Administration’s apparent efforts to undermine protected speech. Therefore, I urge you to immediately terminate this so-called “Intelligence Experts Group.” So that Congress can consider remedial legislation, please provide the following information by October 15, 2023: All records related to the Intelligence Experts Group, including but not limited to: written or recorded communications concerning the formation of the Group; the agenda or minutes from any meeting at which the Group’s formation was discussed; any legal review to determine whether the activities of the Group would be authorized by the Constitution of the United States; any communications or records about the individuals who would be recruited to serve on the Group; any communications with the White House about the formation of the Group or appointment of officials to serve on the Group. For any documents that are responsive to this request but withheld, please identify the name of each document, the date of its creation, the custodian, a summary of its contents, and the basis for withholding the record. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:35:26Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-requests-update-doe-monitoring-nuclear-contamination-weldon-spring-site/,Hawley Requests Update on DOE Monitoring of Nuclear Contamination at Weldon Spring Site,2023-09-28,2023,2023-09,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to Department of Energy (DOE) Deputy Secretary David Turk, requesting an update on the monitoring and remediation of the Weldon Spring Superfund Site in St. Charles, Mo. “As I previously wrote in my July 24, 2023 letter to Secretary Granholm, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) is alarmed by deficiencies in the Department of Energy’s (DOE) monitoring of contaminants at the site, and so am I,” wrote Senator Hawley. “Despite your assurances that the site is ‘remediated,’ the Missouri Department of Natural Resources reports concern that uranium contamination may be spreading from Weldon Spring into local groundwater. Needless to say, contamination of groundwater is grossly unacceptable.” He continued, “I am asking you once again to please provide a clear timeline on when DOE will revise its sampling plans and when Weldon Spring will be fully remediated.” Earlier this month, Senator Hawley questioned Secretary Turk during an Energy Committee hearing, pressing him about the DOE’s inaction on the remediation efforts at the Weldon Spring Site. In July, Senator Hawley sent a letter to DOE Secretary Jennifer Granholm, urging the Department conduct additional testing for radioactive contamination at the Weldon Spring Site, after a review of the site in 2021 led the MDNR to offer an extensive critique of the DOE’s cleanup and monitoring efforts at that location. Read the full letter here or below. Mr. David Turk Deputy Secretary Department of Energy 1000 Independence Avenue, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20585 Dear Mr. Turk, I write in response to your September 7, 2023 email regarding the contaminated Weldon Spring Site. As I previously wrote in my July 24, 2023 letter to Secretary Granholm, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) is alarmed by deficiencies in the Department of Energy’s (DOE) monitoring of contaminants at the site, and so am I. Despite your assurances that the site is “remediated,” the Missouri Department of Natural Resources reports concern that uranium contamination may be spreading from Weldon Spring into local groundwater. Needless to say, contamination of groundwater is grossly unacceptable. I trust that I need not remind you the health consequences of uranium contamination are significant, causing kidney and heart damage. The residents of St. Charles County deserve to know how DOE will ensure they are not exposed to contaminants in their water. Despite these significant concerns, and despite my previous letter, you did not come prepared to answer questions about the Weldon Spring site during your recent testimony. I was likewise disappointed that your follow-up email failed to answer whether the DOE will revise its sampling plans in light of MDNR’s concerns. The people of St. Charles County deserve to know if DOE is ensuring their groundwater’s safety. I am asking you once again to please provide a clear timeline on when DOE will revise its sampling plans and when Weldon Spring will be fully remediated. I look forward to your timely response. Thank you for your attention in this matter. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:35:26Z https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleaver-receives-congressional-partnership-award-housing-and,Rep. Cleaver Receives Congressional Partnership Award for Housing and Community Development Work in Congress,2023-09-26,2023,2023-09,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – This month, the Council of State and Community Development Agencies (COSCDA) recognized U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) with their first-ever Congressional Partnership Award for his commitment to federal housing and community development programs. The award comes in recognition of Congressman Cleaver’s efforts to promote economic development in underserved communities across the country such as through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and CDBG-Disaster Recovery programs. “Given my childhood residence was a two-bedroom shack and seven years in public housing, this award is one of the most consequential recognitions of my political career,” said Congressman Cleaver. “Affordable housing is the key to unlocking resilient and inclusive community development, which is why I’ve worked tirelessly to strengthen programs like CDBG, the HOME program, and the Housing Trust Fund that support investments in low-cost housing all across the nation.” “On behalf of COSCDA, we extend our sincere appreciation to Congressman Cleaver for his leadership and commitment to federal community development programs,” said Deborah Johnson, COSCDA President and Director of Maine’s Office of Community Development. “He has gone above and beyond to advance federal investments responsive to local infrastructure, housing, and related needs. We are especially grateful for the continued engagement on enhancements to CDBG promoting increased flexibility, streamlined administration, and more expedient assistance for underserved populations and disaster survivors.” Founded in 1974, COSCDA is a national association that brings together state and federal leaders on housing, homelessness, community development, and disaster recovery. The COSCDA Congressional Partnership Award recognizes members of Congress for their outstanding contributions to federal programs benefiting state and local actions in community development. COSCDA established the award in 2023 to honor congressional champions of HUD Community Planning and Development (HUD-CPD) programs. Congressman Cleaver currently serves as Ranking Member of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance. Last year, Cleaver successfully passed his bill to stimulate economic development in underserved communities though the House of Representatives. In May, Cleaver introduced a bipartisan bill that would increase federal funding for projects supported by the CDBG program. In July, Cleaver introduced the bipartisan Choice in Affordable Housing Act to expand access to low-cost housing for low-income families. “As the Ranking Member of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, I am committed to using my influence in Congress to support the revitalization of underserved communities in my congressional district, including by providing local leaders with the federal resources and flexibility necessary to lower housing costs and drive economic development,” said Congressman Cleaver. “I’m honored to receive the Congressional Partnership Award in recognition of my efforts, and I will continue working with COSCDA and local leaders to further these goals.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-visits-uaw-picket-line-support-workers/,Hawley visits UAW Picket Line to Support Workers,2023-09-25,2023,2023-09,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) released the following statements after his visit with workers on strike at the General Motors plant in Wentzville, Mo. to stand with them and protect American jobs. Senator Hawley has continually supported the autoworkers throughout their strike for better hours, higher pay, and job security in America. In December 2022, Senator Hawley stood with and voted to support rail workers as they sought a fair deal with sick leave.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:35:26Z https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-hill-hagerty-rounds-slam-secs-predictive-data-proposal-demand,"Wagner, Hill, Hagerty, Rounds Slam SEC’s Predictive Data Proposal, Demand Answers to Disastrous Rule",2023-09-22,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Chair of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, along with Congressman French Hill (R-AR), Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), and Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) today sent a letter to Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Gary Gensler demanding answers on the SEC’s misguided proposal that will harm broker-dealers, investment advisors, and Main Street investors. They said: “While it is promoted as an investor protection measure, the Proposal’s true intention seems to be rewriting existing and well-functioning SEC regulations, such as Regulation Best Interest (“Reg BI”) and the fiduciary standard. This is likely to result in a burdensome, one-size-fits-all approach being imposed on all broker-dealers and investment advisers, irrespective of the technology they utilize. This new, untested standard would apply indiscriminately, whether or not firms provide personalized investment recommendations or advice to their customers….If the SEC’s goal is to replace Reg BI and the existing fiduciary standard with the Proposal’s heightened “best interest” standard, it should be transparent and direct about its actions. It should not rely on the recent attention around predictive data analytics or artificial intelligence as a pretext. Furthermore, if the SEC intends to assume the role of a technology regulator, it should seek explicit authority from Congress.” Read the full letter here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-applauds-federal-disaster-declaration,Graves Applauds Federal Disaster Declaration,2023-09-21,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,graves,https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) applauded the granting of a Major Disaster Declaration in response to severe storms and flooding from July 29 to August 14, 2023 in 33 Missouri counties, including Adair, Clark, Gentry, Grundy, Knox, Scotland, Shelby, and Worth Counties in North Missouri. The Declaration will provide Hazard Mitigation (HM) funding for the State of Missouri and Public Assistance (PA) for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster damaged public facilities in the impacted communities. “This declaration is an important step toward helping the people of Baring and other communities impacted by these storms recover and rebuild,” said Graves. “These public assistance dollars are going to help rebuild critical infrastructure damaged by these storms and help these communities come back stronger than ever. Our communities may be small, but we’re strong. Many have already come together to start the rebuilding process and while this assistance is welcome, we still have a long ways left to go. I’m going to continue pushing to make sure the United States Postal Service restores full service to Baring.” An EF-2 tornado occurred on August 4th destroying homes, businesses, the fire station and the Post Office in Baring. Graves recently called on the United States Postal Service to develop a plan to fully restore the Post Office in Baring. The Declaration comes after Graves pressed Deanne Criswell, the Administrator of FEMA, to approve the declaration request earlier this week during a Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing. He joined the rest of the Missouri delegation in requesting approval of the declaration request.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-colleagues-house-abraham-accords-caucus-commemorate-3-year,"Wagner, Colleagues in House Abraham Accords Caucus Commemorate 3-Year Anniversary of Historic Abraham Accords Signing",2023-09-21,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Abraham Accords Caucus Co-Chairs Ann Wagner (MO-02), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), and David Trone (MD-06) introduced a resolution commemorating the third anniversary of the signing of the Abraham Accords. H.Res. 701 highlights the progress made since the signing of the Accords and encourages further deepening and broadening of the Accords and expansion to new countries. “In just three years, the Abraham Accords have had life-changing benefits for Arab and Israeli citizens, unleashing pent-up economic potential and bringing real quality of life improvements. At a time of heightened anti-Semitism across the globe and increased Iranian aggression, it is more important than ever that we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our Abraham Accords partners and identify opportunities to grow and strengthen these agreements to ensure greater stability and peace in the Middle East. Trade and tourism have also grown, and the Accords are enabling signatory countries to break out of the cycle of dysfunction and violence and work together for the advancement of regional priorities,” said Congresswoman Wagner. ""The Abraham Accords have reshaped relations in the Middle East, forging bonds between Israel, the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco. These historic agreements marked a shift towards peace and prosperity,"" said Congressman Schneider. ""I am proud that we marked the third anniversary with so many representatives from Abraham Accords countries, from young leaders to ambassadors, and with leaders from across government and civil society. We remain unwavering in our dedication to deepening and broadening the Accords, building bridges, and creating opportunities for peace that will resonate around the world."" On September 15, 2020, the United States brought together leaders from Israel, the UAE, and Bahrain to sign the historic Abraham Accords. On December 22, 2020, Morocco signed the Abraham Accords, followed by Sudan on January 6, 2021. These normalization agreements transformed the region, enhanced Israel's security, created economic opportunities, and advanced vital U.S. national security interests. “Three years ago, the United States made historic progress towards achieving peace in the Middle East with the signing of the Abraham Accords Declaration,"" said Congresswoman Rodgers. “This long sought-after agreement marked the beginning of a new journey together in pursuit of creating a better, safer, and more prosperous world for our children and grandchildren. It is an honor to join my co-chairs of the Abraham Accords Caucus in introducing this resolution to celebrate its anniversary and reaffirm our commitment to go above and beyond to make this world a place where all can enjoy a life of dignity and hope.” ""Three years ago, the Abraham Accords were signed to strengthen peace in the Middle East and beyond. Since their creation, the Accords have helped enhance security, create more economic opportunity, and improve diplomacy throughout the region,"" said Congressman Trone. ""This historic agreement highlights the importance of global cooperation and the great strides we can make across the world by working together. As a proud co-chair of the Abraham Accords Caucus, I look forward to continue working with our partners in the Middle East to find common ground and promote interfaith cooperation.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-introduces-legislation-requiring-timely-reconstruction-damaged-rural-post-offices/,Hawley Introduces Legislation Requiring the Timely Reconstruction of Damaged Rural Post Offices,2023-09-21,2023,2023-09,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) introduced the Rural Post Office Reconstruction Act of 2023, new legislation that would establish a clear timeframe for reopening rural post offices that experience closure due to natural disaster damage or other unforeseen circumstances. On August 4, 2023, in Baring, Mo., an EF-2 tornado almost completely destroyed the town’s Post Office, in addition to damaging nearby homes and businesses. There is still no public timetable for the reconstruction of the Post Office. “Rural post offices are critical to the daily life of Missourians and Americans everywhere who live in small towns—and they must stay open whenever possible,”said Senator Hawley. “My bill guarantees the timely reconstruction of damaged post offices, ensuring rural residents have access to the medical deliveries and other vital services they depend on.” The Rural Post Office Reconstruction Act of 2023 would require: Timely reconstruction of severely damaged post offices; Reopening closed post offices; Reporting to Congress in the event remediation is not completed in the specific timeframe. Earlier this month, Senator Hawley sent a letter to Postmaster General Louis Dejoy of the United States Postal Service seeking an update on the status of the Post Office in Baring, Mo.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:35:26Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-leads-rally-justice-demands-compensation-victims-stl-area-nationwide-nuclear-contamination/,"Hawley Leads Rally for Justice, Demands Compensation for Victims of STL-Area, Nationwide Nuclear Contamination",2023-09-21,2023,2023-09,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Yesterday U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) held a bipartisan rally at the U.S. Capitol with U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), House lawmakers, and victims of nuclear contamination—from the St. Louis area, St. Charles area, and across America—to demand justice and compensation for those who have been harmed by the federal government’s decades of negligence. “Dating all the way back to the Manhattan Project, the government used the city of St. Louis as a uranium-processing facility, as a major site, and then when that was over […] it allowed it to seep into the groundwater, it allowed it to get into Coldwater Creek, it allowed it get into the soil. Generations of Missourians—children—were poisoned because of the government’s negligence,” said Senator Hawley. Senators Hawley and Luján secured funding for victims of nuclear contamination by getting an amendment passed in the Senate version of the FY 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) over the summer and, with the help of the victims urging Congress to act, are working with their colleagues to keep this amendment in the final package to be voted on later this year. “If the government is going to expose its own citizens to radioactive material […] for decades,” Senator Hawley continued, “the government ought to pay the bills of the men and women who have gotten sick because of it. They ought to pay for the survivor benefits of those who have been lost.” Watch the full video of Wednesday’s press conference below: Click image or go here Background Senator Hawley has consistently advocated on behalf of the Coldwater Creek community and all Missourians impacted by government-caused nuclear contamination. Most recently, Senator Hawley secured President Biden’s endorsement of his legislation to compensate victims of nuclear radiation exposure. On July 27, 2023, in a strong bipartisan vote, Senator Hawley secured passage of an amendment to the FY 2024 NDAA that would provide compensation to victims of government-caused nuclear contamination. The legislation extends the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) to cover victims of improperly-stored nuclear waste in affected areas in the St. Louis region. The measure—which was cosponsored by U.S. Senators Luján, Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), and Schmitt—also reauthorized and strengthened the RECA program to cover more impacted Americans from nuclear tests along with uranium miners. Earlier in July, Senator Hawley sent a letter to the Department of Energy (DOE), urging additional testing for radioactive contamination at a site in St. Charles County, Mo., after a review of the Weldon Spring site in 2021 offered an extensive critique of the DOE’s cleanup and monitoring efforts there. Senator Hawley also sent a letter to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chairman, Senator Joe Manchin, urging him to convene a committee hearing to discuss the government-caused nuclear contamination of the St. Louis area. In addition, Senator Hawley penned separate letters to the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), DOE, and Environmental Protection Agency, demanding answers from the government about the nuclear contamination. In April, Senator Hawley’s legislation mandating the clean up of Jana Elementary School in the Hazelwood School District and radioactive waste testing passed the U.S. Senate and Biden’s Energy Secretary Granholm also vowed to support it.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:35:26Z https://www.hawley.senate.gov/icymi-hawley-op-ed-cap-credit-card-interest-rates-help-americans-hammered-bidenomics/,ICYMI Hawley Op-ed: Cap credit-card interest rates to help Americans hammered by Bidenomics,2023-09-21,2023,2023-09,Republican,Senate,MO,Josh Hawley,H001089,www.hawley.senate.gov,hawley,https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"By U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) | Sept. 20, 2023 | New York Post Exploiting people through high interest rates is wrong. In a world of Wall Street excess, that simple idea now sounds foreign. But for thousands of years, it was basic fairness. “Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother,” declares Deuteronomy 23:19. The Western world took that principle to heart. From the Roman Empire on, nations enforced usury laws that severely restricted interest rates on loans. […] Times have changed. Our leaders forgot why those laws existed in the first place. […] The total amount of credit-card debt is more than $1 trillion — the highest in history. Delinquent payment rates are at their highest level in a decade. Compounding the problem, President Joe Biden’s inflationary policies have pushed consumer prices to the stratosphere. This kicked off a vicious cycle. And as costs rise, Americans are forced to use their credit cards to cover basic necessities like rent and groceries. […] American households get the short straw: Not only are they paying more for basic necessities, they’re now paying to clean up the Biden administration’s financial mess. This burden falls heaviest on the nearly 50% of Americans carrying a credit-card balance, many struggling to make ends meet. […] Just this year, Tyson Foods announced chicken-plant closures in small-town Missouri that will force 2,000 people out of work. Those workers and their families still need to live. If they end up carrying a credit-card balance, why are they fair game for corporate plunder? As a nation, we can do better than that. […] Supporting America’s workers and families means tackling the everyday problems they face — not giving handouts to corporations or foreign governments and hoping the benefits will eventually trickle down. […] Old slogans about the magic of the market won’t cut it anymore. Actually passing a law to cap interest rates is a first step toward a better future — a future rooted in our own tradition. American workers and families deserve it. Congress can pass legislation that makes a real difference. Republicans should step up to take the lead.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:35:26Z