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://costello.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-costello-announces-town-hall-residents-chester-county,REP. COSTELLO ANNOUNCES TOWN HALL FOR RESIDENTS OF CHESTER COUNTY,2017-12-29,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Ryan Costello,C001106,costello.house.gov,,,legacy,"West Chester, PARep. Ryan Costello (PA-06) today announced that as part of his public schedule for the upcoming week, he will host a town hall at the Downingtown West High School on Thursday, January 4, 2018. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for check-in. Constituents from Chester County will be given the first opportunity to reserve tickets for the session. Everyone who wants to attend this town hall must registerhereor by calling Rep. Costellos West Chester Office at 610-696-2982 by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 2.Confirmation will be issued by Wednesday, January 3. Details: What:Town Hall with Rep. Ryan Costello When:Thursday, Jan. 4; doors open at 5:30 p.m. and event will begin at 6:30 p.m. Where:Downingtown West High School Auditorium 445 Manor Avenue Downingtown PA 19335",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/fiesta-bowl-festivities-senators-casey-cantwell-place-friendly-wager-on-fiesta-bowl,"Fiesta Bowl Festivities: Senators Casey, Cantwell Place Friendly Wager On Fiesta Bowl",2017-12-29,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. With the Penn State Nittany Lions and the University of Washington Huskies set to square off in the 2017 Fiesta Bowl, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) have placed a friendly wager on the outcome. The senator with the losing team will deliver a home state product to the other. Casey has wagered an assortment of ice cream from Penn States Berkey Creamery. Cantwell has wagered smoked Pacific salmon from Pike Place Market and craft beer from Elysian Brewing Company. While Id love for my colleague to try some of Pennsylvanias finest ice cream, I have total confidence in the Nittany Lions ability to beat the Huskies, said Senator Casey. I look forward to watching Penn State complete their season with a win. More information on Penn State Berkey Creamery here: http://creamery.psu.edu. More information on Pike Place Market and Elysian Brewing Company can be found here: http://pikeplacemarket.org and http://elysianbrewing.com. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cartwright-announces-44-million-in-hhs-funds-for-luzerne-county-head,Cartwright Announces $4.4 million in HHS Funds for Luzerne County Head Start,2017-12-28,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,PA,Matt Cartwright,C001090,cartwright.house.gov,,,legacy,"Luzerne, Pennsylvania Today, Representative Matt Cartwright announced that Luzerne County Head Start received $4,448,810 in federal funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. These funds are used for the continuation of high quality, comprehensive, early childhood education. Head Start is a federal program created in 1965 to address the educational and developmental needs of low-income, pre-school children.Head Starts comprehensive service system provides social, nutritional, and educational services for thousands of children and their families across the United States. Head Start emphasizes the role of parents as their child's first and most important teacher. Head Start and Early Head Start programs are an important investment in our community and our economy, said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the Appropriations Committee. I applaud Luzerne County Head Start on their continued award and their dedication to enhancing the quality of life for children and families in Luzerne and WyomingCounties."" Over the past 51 years, Head Start programs have been operating at the local, grassroots level across the country. Through Head Start's comprehensive service system for both children and their families, thousands upon thousands of children have been given the chance to be and to do their best in order to achieve their potential in school.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://costello.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/congressman-ryan-costello-talks-taxes-immigration-and-infrastructure-video,"Congressman Ryan Costello talks taxes, immigration and infrastructure (VIDEO)",2017-12-28,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Ryan Costello,C001106,costello.house.gov,,,legacy,"READING, PA -- U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello talked about the politics and policy of recently passed tax reform, a pathway to citizenship and improving U.S. infrastructure during a meeting Wednesday with the Reading Eagle editorial board. The Chester County Republican, who represents part of Berks County, is confident the new tax code will not lead to a deeper deficit. He believes the changes will stimulate enough growth over 10 years to offset the loss of tax dollars in the nation's coffers. Costello had expected the tax bill, which passed with no Democratic votes, to receive bipartisan support. ""There are those on the left that will say Republicans never let us in the room,"" Costello said. ""There are those on the right who would say Democrats never made any good-faith effort to engage on tax reform. ""Three weeks before the tax bill was even introduced, the Democratic Congressional Committee, the super PAC related to (House) Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, was in my district polling, figuring out what the two or three best attacks against the tax bill were, even though the bill had not even been introduced yet. ""Obviously, the Democrats want to win back the House. I think the Democrats have decided they are not interested in consensus-building."" Individual mandate's demise Costello said he supported the tax reform law's repeal of the individual mandate - a tax penalty in President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act that sought to force young and healthy Americans to purchase health insurance by imposing a tax penalty for failing to do so. About 80 percent of those who paid the minimum $695 penalty for not having insurance in 2017 earn less than $50,000 a year, Costello said. ""To me that is a tax on low-income Americans,"" he said Wednesday. Many Republicans thought the mandate was unconstitutional when the act was enacted. ""The reason was, you were taxing someone who chose not to purchase something,"" Costello said. ""The Supreme Court held that the reason the mandate was constitutional is because it was a tax."" Eliminating the mandate doesn't mean you can't purchase insurance, Costello said. It just drops the penalty for not doing so, he said. The mandate's supporters say dropping it will drive premiums up, since insurers will lose the revenue once generated by those who now elect not to have coverage and who face no penalty for it. CHIP's survival Costello expects the Children's Health Insurance Program - which provides free and low-lost health insurance to 178,000 children in Pennsylvania - to be reauthorized in January for five years. The Pennsylvania CHIP office's website says that without federal funding, it will have to make plans to end the program. Before leaving for its Christmas break, Congress passed a $3 billion short-term fix as some states were beginning to halt enrollment in the program. ""I think there are some politics being played on this,"" Costello said, adding that he believes the Republican funding proposal is a reasonable and responsible way to secure the program over the long term. ""Democrats in the House disputed the funding mechanism for it,"" he said. ""There is a fund created from the Affordable Care Act intended to be used for something such as CHIP. We were going to pay for it out of that, as well as - if you are a Medicare beneficiary who makes more than $500,000 a year, the premium would have gone up for you approximately $130 a month."" But Democrats expressed worry that the approach would undermine Medicare. Costello said that he believes Democrats' decision to oppose the House reauthorization plan sunk it. ""When you get a lot of Democrats in the House voting for something, that is a sign you are going get to Senate Democrats, too,"" he said, but that didn't happen. And the result is not good for anyone, he said. ""It undermines the authority of our government, when we can't reauthorize things that everybody agrees should be authorized,"" Costello said. Immigration reform Congress's ability to resolve the status of undocumented immigrants who came out of the shadows in response to Obama's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program might depend on what the president says, Costello said. ""I think he has the ability to bring in a lot of conservative Republicans"" who might oppose legislation helping people stay in the only home they have known since childhood unless it's paired with border security, Costello said.""I think he's a wildcard,"" he said of Trump after noting that including border security might sink a reform bill by losing the votes of liberal Democratic supporters. ""And then there are people like me, the middle-of-the-roaders,"" Costello said. ""Can we bring in enough votes? And is it a standalone bill or does it get thrown into another bill?"" Costello said that legislation is needed not just because Trump set a March deadline for Obama's program, but because he believes the courts were likely to strike down the DACA program. Costello is cosponsor of a bill introduced earlier this year, the Recognizing America's Children Act, which would make a program similar to Obama's DACA the law of the land. It would allow children who were brought to the U.S. as minors to move from temporary lawful status to lawful status within five years. ""It gets rid of that question mark of you lawfully being in the United States,"" Costello said, adding that he understands people being terrified that Congress will not resolve their legal status by March. ""If it doesn't get done, it is a real failure,"" he said. ""If it does get done permanently and it looks similar to DACA, then we will be better off as a country for years to come because it will have been done constitutionally and legislatively."" Infrastructure optimism As politically charged as the 2018 election year is expected to be, Costello believes an infrastructure package that includes passenger rail, rural broadband, modernizing the electrical grid, roads, bridges, highways, ports and airports could gain bipartisan support. ""Every congressional district in the county has at least five of those,"" he said. Some of the infrastructure projects Costello would like to see in his district include improvements to Route 222; making Route 422 safer from Lebanon through Norristown and beyond; improvements at Philadelphia International Airport and to Interstate 95; and upgrades to existing passenger railways and the power grid.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://costello.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/muhlenberg-township-veteran-receives-medals-66-years-after-service-marine,Muhlenberg Township veteran receives medals 66 years after service as Marine,2017-12-28,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Ryan Costello,C001106,costello.house.gov,,,legacy,"Sixty-six years ago, Earl Swartz, a Marine Corps reservist from Reading called to active duty during the Korean War, returned to Pennsylvania by train from the West Coast, where a troublesome appendix kept him from going overseas. After a year at Camp Pendleton, Calif., where he had waited to be shipped to Asia, he arrived at the train station in Harrisburg in 1951, greeted by his parents and wife-to-be, believing that he had earned medals for his service. He never got them. Years went by and Swartz got married, got a job, bought a house in Muhlenberg Township and raised a family - children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren. He told them stories about his time in the military, including the medals that he never received. But though the war was long over, Swartz's family was determined to get him the medals that he was due. With help from the staff at U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello's office, they obtained them, then staged a surprise ceremony to give Swartz, now 88, the recognition he had earned decades ago. On Wednesday, Swartz was led into Costello's Wyomissing office on the pretense that he had to tend to a health insurance issue. When the doors opened, he was surprised by relatives, several local Marines home on leave and Costello, who awarded Swartz the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal six decades after he served his country. How did it feel to finally get his medals? ""I tell you, don't ask me or I'll start to cry about it,"" Swartz said, holding them after posing for photos with family. ""This is unbelievable."" Wearing a Marine Corps cap that's part of his casual attire, Swartz climbed out of a son's vehicle and was greeted at Costello's door by two saluting Marines from Recruiting Sub-Station Reading. He returned their salute. Inside, more Marines stood with Swartz's family, and Swartz, short and gregarious, told them stories about his boot camp training at Parris Island, S.C. Costello presented the medals, and afterward Swartz was treated to dinner by his family. ""He'll talk about this the rest of his life,"" said a son, Stephen Swartz of Muhlenberg Township. A 1948 graduate of Reading High School, Swartz joined the Marine Corps Reserves while in school, knowing that he could be called to active duty, he said. He, served from October 1950 to October 1951. One night at Camp Pendleton, waiting to be sent to Korea, he became sick with dry heaves and went to a military doctor, who diagnosed appendicitis and sent him to a hospital. He spent a week in the hospital, missing his first opportunity to go to Asia. Though his appendix was not removed then, it was once his service ended and he returned to civilian life, he said. He missed another opportunity to go to Korea when the military changed its criteria: He didn't have enough time in training to go to war, the Marine Corps decided. He's always been proud to be a Marine. Sometimes, when he wears his Marine Corps cap to the grocery store or on other errands, a fellow Marine will greet him, or a civilian will thank him for his service. ""I think it shows this country isn't all bad,"" Swartz said. Costello, a Republican who has represented Pennsylvania's 6th District since 2015, has presented long-overdue medals to veterans about 10 times a year and has enjoyed it. ""In this day, when there's so much divisiveness, any time you can find somebody who reattaches the fiber of patriotism, it's good for us all,"" he said.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://costello.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/local-veteran-receives-purple-heart,Local veteran receives Purple Heart,2017-12-27,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Ryan Costello,C001106,costello.house.gov,,,legacy,"WEST CHESTER, Pa. (WPVI) -- A local veteran who bears the scars of his heroism now proudly wears a different reminder. The Action Cam was in West Chester Wednesday as Congressman Ryan Costello pinned the Purple Heart on Private First Class Justin Radbill. The Army veteran was wounded when his patrol came under attack in Baghdad back in 2003. Despite being struck by shrapnel and suffering significant injuries, PFC Radbill jumped into action, taking aim at the enemy to save his fellow soldiers. Radbill stayed in a turret until every wounded soldier was attended to. Though he earned the Purple Heart 14 years ago, he never formally received it until now.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://costello.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/costello-lauds-passage-firefighter-grant-legislation,Costello lauds passage of firefighter grant legislation,2017-12-26,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Ryan Costello,C001106,costello.house.gov,,,legacy,"West Chester >> U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello, R-6 of West Goshen, applauded House passage of H.R. 4661, the United States Fire Administration, AFG, and SAFER Program Reauthorization Act, which passed this week on a bipartisan, unanimous basis. The legislation reauthorizes grant programs for six years, including the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program and the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG). The legislation also provides for better oversight of the grants and training for grant administration. These programs provide critical support for firefighter and emergency response companies. Both of these grants are awarded through a competitive process to career and volunteer fire departments, and both grants are intended to help meet equipment, training, and staffing needs. In Pennsylvanias 6th Congressional District, firefighters and first responders have used these grants for self-loading stretchers for ambulances, coats, portable radios, boots, and gloves, among other resources. Communities in Southeastern Pennsylvania and across the country rely on brave first responders, and firefighters and emergency response officials need the appropriate equipment to safely and effectively do their work, said Costello. I have been proud to support federal grants that help provide vital resources to our local fire departments. Since coming to Congress, Costello has signed onto funding requests for the AFG program and the SAFER Grant program.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://barletta.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barletta-issues-statement-after-attack-on-police-in-harrisburg,Barletta Issues Statement After Attack on Police in Harrisburg,2017-12-23,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Lou Barletta,B001269,barletta.house.gov,,,legacy,"HAZLETON Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11) issued the following statement after a gunman attacked Pennsylvania law enforcement officers outside the Statehouse in Harrisburg, PA: The heroic actions of Pennsylvanias law enforcement averted a sure tragedy. I am very proud the swift and effective response from those on the ground who neutralized the suspect before any lives were taken. This demonstrates the immense bravery of Pennsylvania law enforcement. They protect our schools and neighborhoods, keeping all our families safe, while risking their own lives every day. In the face of violence and destruction, we must always back the blue. As a member of the Committee on Homeland Security, I will continue to monitor the situation for potential links to terrorism. Mary Grace and I will continue to pray for the speedy recovery of the officer who was injured, and for the continued safety for Pennsylvanias law enforcement. Read more on the attack HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://barletta.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barletta-wishes-all-a-merry-christmas,Barletta Wishes All a Merry Christmas,2017-12-23,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Lou Barletta,B001269,barletta.house.gov,,,legacy,"HAZLETON Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11) released the following statement: Mary Grace and I would like to wish all a very Merry Christmas! ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/breaking-fitzpatrick-spend-christmas-day-us-troops-afghanistan,BREAKING: Fitzpatrick to Spend Christmas Day with U.S. Troops in Afghanistan,2017-12-23,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Brian Fitzpatrick,F000466,fitzpatrick.house.gov,,,legacy,"AFGHANISTANTen years ago, on Christmas Day 2007, then-FBI Special Agent Brian Fitzpatrick was deployed to Iraq as an Al-Qaeda Interrogator as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. A decade later to the day, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) is returning to the region to spend Christmas Day with United States troops serving in Afghanistan, ground zero in the global fight against terrorism. Fitzpatrick, a member of the House Homeland Security and Foreign Affairs committees, says the bipartisan trip not only provides an opportunity to thank these brave women and men in our military who will be missing their families on this holiday, but will also serve as an important examination of our counter-terrorism efforts, force posture and threat dynamics in the region. As families across our district enjoy another holidays season safe at home, it is often easy to forget that there are thousands of women and men serving our country in battlefields and barracks across the globe including combat zones like Afghanistan. We owe a debt of gratitude to these brave servicemembers who stand ready to protect our freedom, even when it means being deployed overseas during this special season,said Fitzpatrick. This trip provides the opportunity to not only say thank you to these heroes, but to speak directly with our troops, military generals and governmental and diplomatic officials about the situation on the ground in Afghanistan and throughout the region. As we enter a new phase in the War on Terror, it is crucial that Congress continue to work with our military and civilian partners to keep our homeland safe and to defeat the threat of terrorism; this mission will play an important part in shaping this strategy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fitzpatrick-anti-fentanyl-bill-passes-senate-heads-white-house,"Fitzpatrick Anti-Fentanyl Bill Passes Senate, Heads to White House",2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Brian Fitzpatrick,F000466,fitzpatrick.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Bipartisan legislation authored by Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Congresswoman Niki Tsongas (D-MA) aimed at combating the opioid epidemic passed the Senate Thursday night and now heads to the White House to be signed into law. The International Narcotics Trafficking Emergency Response by Detecting Incoming Contraband with Technology (INTERDICT) Act [H.R. 2142] provides U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) the latest in chemical screening devices and scientific support to detect and intercept fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. The measure passed the House in October by a vote of 412-3. Companion Senate legislation was introduced by Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV). As communities across my district and across our nation continue to deal with the crisis of opioid abuse and addiction its hard to imagine a synthetic drug up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine, said Fitzpatrick. The INTERDICT Act is bipartisan legislation that provides U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) access to the latest in chemical screening devices and scientific support to detect and intercept synthetic opioids before they can cause more harm. I am pleased that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, first in the House and now the Senate, have voted to advance this important measure. I urge the president to quickly sign my INTERDICT Act into law so we can keep this poison off our streets. Fentanyl is a deadly synthetic opioid that can be up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Although pharmaceutical fentanyl can be misused, most fentanyl deaths are linked to illicitly manufactured fentanyl and illicit versions of chemically similar compounds known as fentanyl analogs. Between 2014 and 2015, deaths involving synthetic opioids such as fentanyl rose 72 percent, amounting to 9,500 deaths. The primary source of fentanyl is outside of the United States, in Mexico or China. The drug is smuggled in across the U.S. border or delivered via mail or express consignment couriers. Fentanyl can also be ordered online. Because of its potency, fentanyl typically comes in small amounts, making it more difficult for authorities to detect. Specifically, the INTERDICT Act: Ensures that CBP will have additional portable chemical screening devices available at ports of entry and mail and express consignment facilities, and additional fixed chemical screening devices available in CBP laboratories. Provides CBP with sufficient resources, personnel, and facilities including scientists available during all operational hours to interpret screening test results from the field. Authorizes based on CBP guidance the appropriation of $15 million for hundreds of new screening devices, laboratory equipment, facilities, and personnel for support during all operational hours. The Senates passage of the legislation comes shortly after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report showing ""Life expectancy declined in the U.S. for the second consecutive year in 2016"" from 78.7 years to 78.6 years. This drop can be partially attributed to the rise in fatal drug overdoses which rose to 63,000 in 2016 two-thirds of those deaths of people between 25 and 54 years old. Pennsylvania has seen a 20.1% jump in drug overdose rates since 2014-2015. The INTERDICT Act was included in the Bipartisan Heroin Task Forces legislative agenda as well as mentioned in the Presidents Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis interim report. What Theyre Saying About the INTERDICT Act: Bucks Co. District Attorney Matt Weintraub: Heroin and other opiates are killing our citizens. When misused or abused, fentanyl is much deadlier than heroin. We must take an all-out approach in stemming the tide of illegal drugs available for abuse. Law enforcement will continue to play a critical role in this battle against the drug scourge and the criminals who peddle this poison. We are grateful to Representatives Fitzpatrick and Tsongas for the introduction of the INTERDICT Act. I am personally aware of Representative Fitzpatricks tireless commitment to his citizens and to empowering law enforcement in its fight against the drug scourge. INTERDICT will give law enforcement many additional tools and resources it needs to detect this deadly drug before traffickers can put it into the stream of commerce. Just as sure as heroin and fentanyl kill; the INTERDICT Act will save lives. Beverly Haberle - Executive Director, Council of Southeast Pennsylvania: Addiction is a complicated problem which requires multi-pronged approaches. The introduction of fentanyl increases the death rate associated with opioid overdose.This bill strengthens one important prong in effectively intervening with this devastating problem that affects us all. Chief Frederick Ryan, Police Assisted Addiction Recovery Initiative (PAARI) Board of Directors Co-Chair: Now is the time to act. This holiday season too many seats at too many tables are empty due to the unrelenting flow of fentanyl into the United States. We must give our law enforcement personnel the tools necessary to stop this flow. We can do that, in part, by getting the INTERDICT Act to the Presidents desk this year. That is why PAARI strongly supports this important legislation which will give U.S. Customs and Border Protection the additional resources it needs to fight the flow of fentanyl and other deadly drugs into the United States. Rep. Nikki Tsongas (D-MA) original sponsor: Whenever I meet with local public safety officials, they explain the urgent need for resources and support to combat drugs like fentanyl. The INTERDICT Act responds to the needs of these first responders and recognizes that the 21st century threat of synthetic opioids requires the latest tools to stop them. Providing CBP with more modern equipment and resources will improve their ability to keep these harmful substances out of our country. This bill is a powerful tool for eliminating synthetic opioids, like fentanyl, from the equation. I thank Rep. Fitzpatrick for his partnership and I look forward to continuing our work together to ensure this important bill is signed into law. Rep. Tom MacArthur (R-NJ) Bipartisan Heroin Task Force Co-Chair: Across the United States, synthetic opioids are flowing into our neighborhoods and destroying the lives of so many loved ones. Customs and Border Protection is our first line of defense in detecting and intercepting these illicit substances from getting into our county. This bipartisan bill ensures they have the resources needed to protect our streets from powerful drugs like fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. Im grateful members of the Bipartisan Heroin Task Force and other Representatives from both parties were able to work together and pass this critical legislation. Rep. Annie Kuster (D-NH) Bipartisan Heroin Task Force Co-Chair: The opioid epidemic that is devastating communities around New Hampshire and across the country requires a comprehensive response that addresses all aspects of this crisis. The INTERDICT Act will help US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reduce the flow of fentanyl and synthetic opioids from outside the country by giving CBP the necessary tools to detect and intercept these dangerous substances. Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ) Bipartisan Heroin Task Force Vice Chair The disease of addiction is a national emergency and we must act fast, remove barriers and help those suffering. Those at the forefront of this fight need resources to protect our communities from powerful synthetic opioids and I am glad this bill passed the House to help keep our neighborhoods safe. This one piece of legislation is a step in the right direction, but we need to do more. We need Congress and the Administration to advance the whole suite of bills supported by our bipartisan task force.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-sends-annual-christmas-message-constituents,Rep. Kelly Sends Annual Christmas Message to Constituents,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Kelly Sends Annual Christmas Message to Constituents Dec 21, 2017 WASHINGTON U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA-03) released the enclosed video today as his annual Christmas greeting to the constituents of the Third Congressional District of Pennsylvania. Rep. Kelly: It is truly the most special time of the year. Now I want to wish all of you and your families the merriest Christmas of all and the happiest of holidays, and thank you so much for allowing me to represent you in Washington, D.C.. So God bless, and merry Christmas to everyone! The full video message can be viewed via YouTube here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://perry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398616,Congressman Perry Opposes Federal Spending Plan,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Scott Perry,P000605,perry.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Scott Perry opposed the stop gap funding measure, the Continuing Resolution (CR), which would keep the government funded through January 19, 2018, citing deep concerns about the last minute inclusion of certain controversial provisions. The final bill was a conglomeration of bills which incorporated a carte blanche extension of surveillance powers for the National Security Agency (NSA).This is an appalling violation of every Americans Fourth Amendment rights. We must keep the homeland safe, but we cant do it at the expense of our constitutionally guaranteed privacy from the government. You have the right to be secure and the NSA continues to flout that right, with little to no oversight, leaving every American without protection from faceless government bureaucrats, said Perry. Our citizens ought to be outraged that this is happening, especially under the guise of national security. Even worse, this surveillance hasnt been responsible for stopping a single act of terrorism but has caused Americans to sacrifice our liberty in untold ways. This provision should never have been included in this spending package and Im disappointed with the Leadership in both Chambers for refusing to correct it. Perry went on to discuss the need for the Senate to establish a long-term spending plan for the federal government. As Ive said before, the House has gone through the process of appropriating funds to meet the needs of our military and every other government program through the normal appropriations process. The Senate's actively chosen not to engage in this process and insists on moving the Country from short-term crisis to short-term crisis. Its unacceptable. Ive repeatedly called for the Senate to get to work on either the House proposal or one of their own; I've even gone as far as requesting that both Chambers spend the August District Work Period in Washington to get the job done. The Senate will not budge and its unfair to the American People, said Perry. In September 2017, the House passed the Make America Secure and Prosperous Act, which Perry supported. The bill contained funding for all 12 appropriations bills and was considered through the regular legislative procedure in the House. The Senate failed to take up the proposal for nearly 100 days. Passing a proposal of this nature averts the need to authorize a short-term CR. The latest CR also included a 5-year reauthorization of the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP), a program Perry has adamantly supported for years. It also funded community health centers for two years, which Perry also supports. With my support, the House passed a long-term CHIP reauthorization on November 3, 2017, as a standalone proposal - the way it should be done. Once again, the Senate used kids as a bargaining CHIP instead of getting to work on the proposal we sent them almost two months ago. No family should be put in the uncertain position the Senate is leaving them in, said Perry. Early this year, the President also signed a law to ensure the Department of Health and Human Services may shift administrative funds into the CHIP program as a temporary stopgap for states that are running out of money. Pennsylvania isnt expected to run out of funds before February 2018, but Perry said We cant wait any longer. Had this been a standalone proposal, I would have supported it without question. The CR ultimately cleared the House without Perrys support. It passed the Senate late on Thursday. CR must be signed into law to avert a shutdown on December 22, 2017.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2077,Senator Toomey Statement on Keeping the Government Open,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement after voting in favor of legislation that funds the government through January 19, 2018: ""This continuing resolution keeps the government open through the new year while continuing authorization for a vital foreign intelligence program and providing additional funds for national defense needs. The resolution also ensures the Children's Health Insurance Program is funded and available for the immediate future. ""That said, it is a terrible shame that the Senate shirks the appropriations process in favor of waiting until the 11th hour, with a potential government shutdown looming overhead, to pass stop-gap measures like these. The Senate could have-and should have-approved essential federal funding through the proper appropriations process months ago.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2079,"In Boost for Residents and Economy, Local Businesses Will Soon Again be Permitted to Travel Through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area",2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.- U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and U.S. Congressman Tom Marino (R-Pa.) announced today that Congress has passed legislation that will allow local businesses to resume using Route 209 through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in both Monroe County and Pike County. The bill now awaits President Trump's approval. In September 2015, a more than 30 year old exemption expired that had permitted local commercial traffic to travel on Route 209 through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, which is owned and operated by the National Park Service (NPS). The absence of this exemption left commercial traffic serving the area with limited or no acceptable alternative routes. Senator Toomey and Congressman Marino worked with local stakeholders to re-instate this exemption through September 2021. ""Ensuring that local business vehicles are able to travel on Route 209 through Monroe and Pike Counties is essential to providing services to residents and for local economic growth,"" said Senator Toomey. ""Congressman Marino has been a terrific partner in this effort and I certainly appreciate the role of local stakeholders in supporting the re-instatement of this exemption."" ""When a stretch of Route 209 closed to commercial vehicles in Pike and Monroe Counties, many of my constituents were left in a state of uncertainty, said Congressman Marino. ""Business owners were fearful of having to close their doors and with jobs being threatened, homeowners were trying to figure out how to keep food on the table. When the House passed my bill to reopen this stretch of Route 209 last January, I was optimistic that we would see it clear the Senate by years end. Today I am happy to see that after much hard work we are sending this bill to the President's desk. I would like to thank Senator Toomey for working closely with me and being such a strong advocate for its passage in the Senate. I would also like to thank all of the local stakeholders who helped shape this bill. I am confident that this bill will provide the much needed relief to this area the residents have been waiting for.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-and-collins-demand-information-on-age-targeting-in-online-job-advertisements-following-concerning-investigation,Casey and Collins Demand Information on Age Targeting in Online Job Advertisements Following Concerning Investigation,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Susan Collins (R-ME), Ranking Member and Chairman of the Special Committee on Aging, wrote to Facebook, Google and LinkedIn to express serious concern over the use of advertising targeting tools on these platforms that allow employers to recruit potential employees in specific age ranges. The senators penned the letter in light of recent news reports on how targeted online job postings can become an avenue for age-based hiring discrimination if not properly managed. Age discrimination continues to occur, and changes in technology and the methods employers use to recruit, hire and manage workers have introduced new avenues by which employers may engage in illegal conduct, the senators wrote. As Americas workforce continues to age, it is imperative that protections for older workers are enforced and updated when necessary. In their letter, Sens. Casey and Collins also request information on how often age-targeting is occurring in employment advertising on Facebook, Google and LinkedIn, and information on what steps these companies are taking to prevent age discrimination. In February, Sens. Casey, Collins, Grassley and Leahy introduced the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act (POWADA), which would fully restore the protections of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) and make it easier to fight back against age discrimination. In 2009, a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Gross v. FBL Financial Services re-interpreted ADEA and weakened it. As a result, workers that allege age discrimination must meet an undue legal burden not faced by workers alleging discrimination based on race, sex, national origin or religion. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the ADEA. Earlier this month, the Special Committee on Aging held a hearing on aging and employmentduring which Sen. Casey highlighted the issue of age discrimination and released a report that examines ways in which employers, workers and policymakers can work together to ensure that older workers are able to thrive in the workplace. Read the letters here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://barletta.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barletta-secures-major-disaster-recovery-reform,Barletta Secures Major Disaster Recovery Reform,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Lou Barletta,B001269,barletta.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 4667, which makes further supplemental appropriations for Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, as well as wildfire damage in the 2017 calendar year, by a bipartisan vote of 251 to 169. Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11) voted in favor of this legislation, which includes $81 billion in disaster funding for the historic storms striking Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico earlier this year. Barletta was able to secure major reforms in the bill to improve how America approaches and recovers from future disasters. Language from his bill, H.R. 4460, the Disaster Recovery Reform Act, was incorporated into the package that ultimately passed the House. The language marks one of the largest overhauls to disaster mitigation in generations. In 2017, eight percent of the U.S. population was affected by at least one disaster, Barletta said. This startling statistic highlights the importance of investing in mitigation techniques before catastrophe strikes. Studies have repeatedly shown that for every $1 invested on the front end, we can save between $4 and $8 on the back end in avoided disaster recovery costs. My bill, the Disaster Recovery Reform Act, would allow the U.S. to realize those savings by revolutionizing how we approach disaster spending. We will now place a premium on saving lives and taxpayer dollars by investing in resilient infrastructure on the front end to protect our neighborhoods, schools, religious institutions, and businesses. Whether it was fighting for flood recovery funding for my district in 2011, or fighting for major reforms to disaster spending as chairman of the transportation subcommittee with jurisdiction over FEMA, I have been on the front lines of our nations disaster response and recovery process, and recognize serious improvements are needed. I envision a much brighter future for our communities with the passage of this bill, and will continue to work to improve our nations disaster recovery response. In 2017, more than 4.7 million Americans registered for disaster aid, requiring over $50 billion in additional federal disaster recovery funding. Barlettas bill seeks to find a new structure to the disaster relief system by ensuring dollars go towards mitigation investment before and immediately after disaster strikes, which will save taxpayer dollars, and most importantly, lives. Barlettas language makes critical reforms to FEMAs disaster response and recovery programs that will help our communities better prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate against disasters of all kinds. In particular, the language increases the federal emphasis on pre-disaster planning and mitigation, which will reduce the future loss of life and the rising costs of disasters throughout America. Furthermore, the language incentivizes building and rebuilding better and smarter to facilitate speedy recovery efforts whenever and wherever disaster does strike. Mitigation can encompass a wide variety of activities, including proactive preparation and planning, elevating or moving structures prone to flooding, and hardening structures to mitigate effects of hurricanes or earthquakes. More information about Barlettas Disaster Recovery Reform Act can be found online HERE and HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://barletta.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barletta-supports-legislation-to-keep-government-open,Barletta Supports Legislation to Keep Government Open,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Lou Barletta,B001269,barletta.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today the U.S. House of Representatives voted on a package (House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 1370) to keep the government open through January 19, 2018. Federal programs would be funded at current levels, but additional funding would be provided for the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and the Veterans Choice Program. The measure also temporarily extends government surveillance programs. Rep. Lou Barletta (PA-11) voted in favor of this legislation, which passed by a vote of 231 to 188. Congress has a responsibility to ensure our government remains open, Barletta said following the vote. Despite historic obstruction, we followed through on our responsibility to the American people to keep the lights on and fund national defense, critical health care programs for our children and communities, and anti-terror programs. When we return next year, I hope, and expect, the Senators who have stood on a platform of obstruction to return with a new years resolution which stands behind the American people. Blindly fighting President Trump because of personal vendettas does nothing for our constituents. No matter who is in the White House, I will always work past personalities for my constituents. Specifically, the measure would provide $4.49 billion in emergency funding requested by the president on November 6, 2018, for missile defense and defeat enhancements primarily targeting North Korea. The emergency funding would also include $673.5 million to cover the cost of repairing damage to two Navy ships, USS John S. McCain and USS Fitzgerald. The bill would also provide $2.85 billion for CHIP since funding for the program expired on September 30, 2017. In early November, House Republicans passed a bill to provide five years of funding for CHIP, but Senate Democrats refused to take up the measure, leaving millions of American children, including 290,000 in Pennsylvania, vulnerable to funding shortfalls. Community health centers, the National Health Service Corps, the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Program, theSpecial Diabetes Program, and the Special Diabetes Program for Indians also receive additional funding to ensure continued operation. Finally, the legislation would provide $2.1 billion in mandatory funding to extend the Veterans Choice Program, which allows eligible veterans to seek medical services outside of the Veterans Affairs (VA) Department. Veterans can qualify for outside care if they live more than 40 miles from a VA facility, have to wait more than 30 days for an appointment, or cant travel to the nearest facility without a travel burden. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/engel-kinzinger-boyle-royce-offer-bill-support-future-security-syrian,"Boyle, Engel, Kinzinger, Royce Offer Bill to Support Future Security of Syrian People, Hold Assad Regime Accountable",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,PA,Brendan Boyle,B001296,boyle.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONRepresentative Eliot L. Engel (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs; Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-PA), a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs; Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), a member of the Committees on Foreign Affairs and Energy and Commerce;and Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs today introduced legislation to ensure that the security of the Syrian people will be central to reconstruction and stabilization efforts in Syria. The No Assistance for Assad Act (H.R. 4681) would condition American support for such efforts in Assad-controlled territories on Syrian commitments to human rights; a political transition; and the safe, unfettered and voluntary return of Syrian refugees and internally displaced people. Assad purposely and systematically destroyed Syrian communities in order to retain his political power, with the help of his Russian and Iranian supporters, said Rep. Boyle. As co-chair of the Friends of a Free, Stable and Democratic Syria Caucus, I believe we in Congress must do all we can to ensure that the welfare of the Syrian people remains the top priority of our involvement in the region, and condition any engagement with the Assad regime as such. This legislation is a critical safeguard to that end. Until Assad respects the rights of his people, until theyre on the path toward a better future for themselves, and until theres accountability for the regimes war crimes, the United States shouldnt spend a dime on reconstruction efforts in areas controlled by the regime, said Rep. Engel. Buoyed by his patrons in Moscow and Tehran, the Butcher in Damascus broke Syria. Now he and his regime have to pay the price. We should not support any scenario that leaves him in power to continue his violence and oppression against the Syrian people. The genocide of the Syrian people by Bashar al Assad and his Russian and Iranian backers may be the worst humanitarian crisis of our generation. We cannot and must not allocate any resources to the brutal Assad regime in reconstructing what he has destroyed. As co-chair of the Friends of a Free, Stable and Democratic Syria Caucus, our goal will continue to be in support of the people of Syria who simply seek to live free and in peace. Today, we introduce this legislation to ensure Assad will pay the price for his oppression and violence, said Rep. Kinzinger. I want to thank Reps. Kinzinger and Boyle for their leadership on this common-sense legislation to ensure that U.S. aid does not strengthen the Assad regime and its Iranian-backed militias. For nearly seven years now, the Syrian people have been subject to widespread atrocities, including chemical attacks. This bill represents the latest in a series of measures Ranking Member Engel and I have worked to pass in the Foreign Affairs Committee to hold Assad and his enablers accountable, said Rep. Royce. The legislation would place conditions on American assistance for early recovery, stabilization and reconstruction in Syrian territories controlled by the Assad regime. Such assistance would only be available on the condition that the regime: Ceases indiscriminate use of weapons and any attacks against civilians and civilian facilities; Releases all political prisoners and provides full access to Syrian prisons for investigations by appropriate international human rights organizations; Removes senior officials of the Government of Syria who are complicit in human rights abuses; Moves to organize free and fair elections for a new government to establish an independent judiciary; Respects and compiles with internationally recognized human rights; Fulfills its commitments under the chemical weapons convention; Halts the development and deployment of ballistic and cruise missiles; Removes human rights abusers from positions of authority within the military, intelligence, and security services; Minimizes the Government of Syrias reliance on Iran and Iranian proxy forces to act on behalf or in support of Syria; and Commences a process to organize the safe, unfettered and voluntary return of Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons to their homes. The limitation would not apply to projects administered by the local community or humanitarian assistance. The President would also be required must submit annual reports to Congress detailing any projects that utilize the exceptions and laying out a strategy for getting humanitarian assistance to besieged areas. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-boyle-and-graves-introduce-bipartisan-bill-strengthen-us-israel,Reps. Boyle and Graves Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen US-Israel Cooperation on High-tech Weapons,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,PA,Brendan Boyle,B001296,boyle.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (D-PA-13) and Congressman Tom Graves (R-GA-14) introduced H.R. 4707, the Procure PGMS for Israel Act, which would authorize the Department of Defense to add precision-guided munitions into the United States War Reserve Stockpile in Israel, enabling it to transfer the high-tech weaponry to Israel in the event of a conflict. Israelis live each day under the threat of attack by rockets, missiles and armed drones. Israel is our steadfast ally and the only strong democracy in the Middle East, said Congressman Boyle, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. We must be exceedingly vigilant about the constant threat it faces from bad actors in the region such as Hezbollah and Hamas. That means improving access to our most advanced weaponry for Israels military in the event of a deadly conflict. This bill would ensure that the U.S. stockpile in Israel includes precision-guided munitions that are constantly at the ready and within reach for Israeli forces, significantly improving their security capabilities and safeguarding millions of lives. The United States and Israel share an unbreakable bond, which Congress is committed to guarding and strengthening, said Congressman Graves. By ensuring Israel has access to precision-guided munitions, were improving security for Israelis, discouraging conflict in the region and reaffirming our sacred relationship with Israel. The United States maintains a War Reserve Stockpile in Israel, authorized by Congress in 1989, which it can draw upon to augment Israeli weaponry in the event of war. Precision-guided munitions (PGMs) are not currently explicitly a part of that stockpile. PGMs are guided projectiles that can reach precise targets with significant accuracy and decreases collateral damage to save civilian lives. During the 2006 war against Hezbollah in Lebanon, the United States granted Israel access to the stockpile. Additionally, in July 2014, during Israeli military operations against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the Defense Department permitted Israel to draw from the stockpile. The legislation introduced today requires a joint U.S.-Israel study on PGM procurement to outline the quantity and type of precision guided munitions that are necessary for Israel to combat Hezbollah in the event of a sustained armed confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah. The bill explicitly authorizes PGMs inclusion in the U.S. War Reserve Stockpile in Israel and allows for transfer of PGMs to Israel from the Stockpile in the event of conflict. Finally, the legislation amends the Department of Defenses acquisition procedures to speed up production of precision-guided munitions. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cartwright-announces-start-of-next-round-of-assistance-to-firefighter-0,Cartwright Announces Start of Next Round of Assistance to Firefighter Grants (AFG) Application Period,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,PA,Matt Cartwright,C001090,cartwright.house.gov,,,legacy,"Offers Local Hose Companies, EMS and Fire Departments Assistance in the Application Process Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Matt Cartwright announced the Fiscal Year 2017 Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) application period will open on Tuesday, December 26, 2017 at 8AM ET and will close on Friday, February 2, 2018 at 5 PM ET. Applicants are encouraged to thoroughly review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) prior to beginning the application. It contains the latest updates to the FY 2017 AFG Grant Program. Theprimary goal of the AFG is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations. Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards. Ensuring first responders have reliable and up-to-date equipment should be one of our highest national priorities, said Cartwright, a member of the Congressional Fire Caucus and the House Appropriations Committee. I annually advocate for full funding to the Assistance to Firefighters Grant. We need programs like this to help communities with limited budget reserves get the equipment and training they need to protect lives and property. This year, the Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) Grant Program will award $310,500,000 to assist first-responder organizations that need to improve their capability to respond to fires and emergencies of all types. The goal of the AFG Program is to enhance, through direct financial assistance, the health and safety of the public and firefighting personnel and to provide a continuum of support for emergency responders regarding fire, medical, and all-hazard events. The AFG Program awards grants directly to fire departments, nonaffiliated EMS organizations, and State Fire Training Academies for critically needed resources to protect the public, train emergency personnel, foster interoperability, and support community resilience. Applicants can contact Congressman Cartwrights Economic Development Director, April Niver, at 484-546-0776 or the AFG Help Desk at firegrants@fema.gov or 1-866-274-0960. Application assistance tools are available online http://www.fema.gov/firegrants.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fitzpatrick-reauthorize-chip-now,Fitzpatrick: Reauthorize CHIP Now,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Brian Fitzpatrick,F000466,fitzpatrick.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) took to the House floor Thursday and urged Congress to take action to extend federal funding of the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Fitzpatricks complete remarks are below. You can watch or download HERE. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to once again implore this Congress to take bipartisan action to extend federal funding of the Childrens Health Insurance Program, or CHIP. In my home state of Pennsylvania, more than 176,000 children have gained access to affordable, comprehensive health care coverage through CHIP - providing them with age appropriate medical and developmental care. Since the program became law, the percentage of uninsured children nationwide has decreased by more than half, from 13.9 percent in 1997 to 6.6 percent in 2016. As a result of its reliability and effectiveness, CHIP has consistently enjoyed strong bipartisan support. In September, I joined a bipartisan group from across Pennsylvania in urging leaders of both parties to take action to ensure that children have access to high-quality health insurance coverage during their formative years a move we know yields an abundance of positive outcomes: fewer hospitalizations, increased earning power and better health outcomes as an adult. While this chamber has already taken action passing legislation last month to fund CHIP the Senate has yet to act. It is crucial we provide certainty and security for children, parents, and providers and move to sign into law CHIP extension legislation as soon as possible. The time is now to act.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rothfus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/another-day-another-delay-house-votes-another-short-term-government,"Another Day, Another Delay: House Votes for Another Short-term Government Funding Bill",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Keith Rothfus,R000598,rothfus.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - Today I supported the short-term government funding bill, and I am glad to see the Childrens Health Insurance Program extended into the coming year, said Congressman Rothfus. However, continuing resolutions like the bill we passed today disenfranchise voters and deprive their representatives the ability to make tough choices about our spending priorities and make necessary changes to important government programs. For example, earlier this year the House passed a much needed military appropriations package that sufficiently provides military resources vital to improving and restoring the readiness of our Armed Forces. By not passing the Houses militarys spending package, the Senate continues to fail our brave men and women in uniform. -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2075,"Toomey, Casey Applaud Nomination of Three Candidates to U.S. District Courts of Pennsylvania",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - Following the announcement of President Trump's intent to nominate Judge Susan P. Baxter and Judge Marilyn J. Horan to the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, and Judge Chad Kenney to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, U.S. Senators Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.) released the following statements: ""I am pleased that President Trump will nominate Judge Susan P. Baxter, Judge Marilyn J. Horan, and Judge Chad Kenney to serve on the federal district court in Pennsylvania,"" said Senator Toomey. ""Along with a wealth of legal experience from their work in both the public and private sectors, these nominees possess the acumen needed to excel as federal judges. Today's announcement is especially welcome news for Erie, as Judge Baxter will finally fill the city's judicial seat, which has been vacant for far too long."" ""I applaud the White House for announcing the nominations of Judges Baxter, Horan and Kenney for the federal bench in Pennsylvania,"" said Senator Casey. ""These are critically important federal seats that have been vacant for far too long, and I am thankful that these three distinguished jurists are willing to serve the people of Pennsylvania in a new role. Judges Horan and Kenney are highly experienced legal professionals, and I am confident that they will continue to serve as District Judges with the fairness and honor these positions require. I am also particularly pleased to hear that Judge Baxter has been nominated to the Western District seat in Erie that has been vacant since 2013. In her two decades as a Federal Magistrate Judge, Susan Baxter has demonstrated an admirable commitment to justice, integrity and public service, a record and reputation that will serve her well as she is elevated to become a Federal District Judge."" Since Senator Toomey joined the Senate in 2011, Senators Toomey and Casey have worked together, in a bipartisan fashion, to fill vacancies on the federal bench in Pennsylvania. Together, they have vetted, recommended, and confirmed 14 Federal District Court Judges and two Circuit Court Judges for Pennsylvania. Only two states - California and New York - have had more judges confirmed to their federal benches during this time.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2076,Senator Toomey Statement on Keeping the Government Open,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement after voting in favor of legislation that funds the government through January 19, 2018: ""This continuing resolution keeps the government open through the new year while continuing authorization for a vital foreign intelligence program and providing additional funds for national defense needs. The resolution also ensures the Children's Health Insurance Program is funded and available for the immediate future. ""That said, it is a terrible shame that the Senate shirks the appropriations process in favor of waiting until the 11th hour, with a potential government shutdown looming overhead, to pass stop-gap measures like these. The Senate could have-and should have-approved essential federal funding through the proper appropriations process months ago."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/media/view/casey-floor-remarks-on-national-security,Casey Floor Remarks on National Security,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Robert P. Casey About Issues Get Help Make a Request Newsroom Contact",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-gop-rushes-home-for-holidays-leaving-long-to-do-list-behind,"Casey: GOP Rushes Home For Holidays, Leaving Long To-Do List Behind",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC U.S. Senator Bob Casey is releasing the following statement after Continuing Resolution vote: Its outrageous that Republicans in Congress are rushing to go home for Christmas instead of fully reauthorizing the Childrens Health Insurance Program and addressing other vital priorities. The Republicans who run Congress had all the time in the world to cut taxes for the super-rich and big corporations and now are urgently skipping town before families who rely on CHIP have peace of mind in knowing that their kids health care coverage will continue beyond a matter of weeks. Instead of passing this bill, which stiffs kids, our law enforcement officers and fails to protect the Dreamers, members of Congress should stay in town and address these issues. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-isakson-ending-global-hunger-remains-crucial-to-our-national-security,"Casey, Isakson: Ending Global Hunger Remains Crucial To Our National Security",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA) introduced a five-year reauthorization of their Global Food Security Act. The Senators 2016 legislation, which is now public law, ensures that the life-saving food security programs managed under the Feed the Future Initiative will continue through 2018. This reauthorization is crucial to ensuring the success of the program beyond next year. Feed the Future and the Global Food Security Act have helped the United States more effectively address hunger around the world and in the process created greater international stability, said Senator Casey. This bipartisan effort was widely supported last Congress. I look forward to my colleagues continued support and urge swift passage of this reauthorization. The Global Food Security Act has not only helped our neighbors abroad, but also has been an investment in our own national security, said Senator Isakson, a member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. The strategy helps ensure that every dollar thats invested in our foreign assistance is getting a maximum return for the American taxpayer, including Georgias farmers. Im proud to introduce legislation to reauthorize this program that has already saved lives. Specifically, the Global Food Security Act: Requires the Administration to develop a whole-of-government strategy to address global food insecurity and hunger. The strategy would emphasize agricultural development, improving maternal and child nutrition, building the resilience of communities, and civil society engagement. Ensures the alignment of U.S. assistance with country-owned strategies to enhance agricultural productivity, household income, local economies, and food and nutrition security to work toward the ultimate goal of transitioning countries and communities away from the need for U.S. assistance under this Act. Improves upon existing monitoring and evaluation practices to ensure the effective use of U.S. taxpayer dollars. This includes a requirement for the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to issue a report in 2019. Requires that the Administration report to Congress and to the American people annually about the strategy, its results, and the use of foreign assistance funds. Authorizes appropriations through 2021 to carry out international development assistance programs and activities under the strategy. This five-year reauthorization would ensure that these oversight measures are authorized through 2023. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://barletta.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barletta-continues-to-push-rare-earth-element-opportunities-for,Barletta Continues to Push Rare Earth Element Opportunities for Pennsylvania,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Lou Barletta,B001269,barletta.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order to boost production of domestically sourced critical minerals. This announcement comes after the Department of Interior and the U.S. Geological Survey released a report yesterday which found that in 2016, the U.S. was partially or fully reliant on imports for 23 mineral commodities. The report states that the U.S. is most reliant on China, where at least 20 critical minerals are exclusively sourced to the nation. I am very excited with the presidents executive order to boost our domestic production of critical minerals, Barletta said in response to the presidents announcement. I have been actively working to promote extraction of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) right here at home, and earlier this year, helped secure grant funding for a pilot program to extract REEsfrom anthracite coal mined in Northeastern PA. My hope is that the Department of Interior will include REEs as critical minerals so we can stop relying on the Chinese for these vital elements that are in everything from cell phones to the weapons used by our troops. Domestic production of REEs will strengthen national security and bring good paying jobs and economic growth to Pennsylvania, and I hope the administration will take a seriously look at including them in the scope of this executive order. Barletta has been a strong proponent of REE development in Pennsylvania. On January 17, 2017, Barletta sent a letter to then Secretary of Energy, Ernest Moniz, in support of an application jointly submitted by Penn State University, Texas Mineral Resources Corporation, and Indenture Renewables/K Technologies to receive financial assistance through the Department of Energys (DOE) Production of Salable Rare Earth Element Materials from Coal and Coal By-Products funding opportunity. Following the letter, DOE awarded the $1 million grant to the consortium. In September, Barletta brought Secretary of Energy, Rick Perry, to see the important work happening at the REE extraction site in Ebervale, PA. Read the USGS survey HERE Read the executive order HERE ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/blue-collar-caucus-co-chairs-slam-passage-gop-tax-scam,Blue Collar Caucus Co-Chairs Slam Passage of GOP Tax Scam,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,PA,Brendan Boyle,B001296,boyle.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, Blue Collar Caucus co-chairs Congressmen Brendan F. Boyle (D-PA) and Marc Veasey (D-TX) released the following statement in response to the final passage of the Republican tax overhaul: The GOP Tax Scam is a shameful betrayal of the middle class and a conscious punch to the gut of the American worker. Despite overwhelming opposition from the vast majority of the American public, President Trump and Republicans in Congress jammed through a bill that slashes taxes for corporations and their mega-wealthy executives while asking 86 million hardworking middle class families to foot the bill. They cross their fingers that workers might eventually get a trickle of the benefits, but we all know better. This legislation represents an explicit reversal from Mr. Trumps many promises to the American worker. Rather than close loopholes, end outsourcing, or invest in infrastructure, the bill actually undermines each priority: it creates new loopholes, further enables outsourcing, and squanders our best chance at financing infrastructure investment while simultaneously ballooning our debt a deficit and fueling cuts to discretionary spending. As leaders of the Blue Collar Caucus, we have stood ready to work with anyone to lift up the middle class and the American worker, strengthen their hand and help make the American Dream of a higher paycheck and better future for our children attainable again. We introduced the Patriot Employer Act to close loopholes that encourage corporations to send jobs overseas, and provide tax credits to employers that invest in American workers, pay fair wages, and provide employees with robust benefits. This was the kind of tax reform and investment in America that Mr. Trump promised as a candidate. Instead, today he and Congressional Republicans passed legislation that gives a staggering 83% of the tax cuts to the wealthiest 1 percent; raises health insurance premiums; and undermines critical funding for schools, firefighters, and law enforcement agencies in our communities. Actions speak louder than words. We vow to continue to hold the President, his administration, and Congressional Republicans accountable to American workers, and to continue to fight for an agenda in Washington that lifts up working families rather than continuing to stack the deck further against them. ### The Blue Collar Caucus was formed to foster member discussion and legislative ideas focused on addressing wage stagnation, job insecurity, trade, offshoring, and dwindling career opportunities for those in the manufacturing and building trades. The caucus focuses on bringing together a diverse array of Democratic members of the House of Representatives to generate solutions that will protect American workers from globalized competition, maintain the viability of domestic manufacturing, and help to cultivate innovative industries that can provide stable employment amid rapid technological advancement. Current Members of the Blue Collar Caucus include: Brendan F. Boyle (PA-13) (Co-Chair), Marc Veasey (TX-33) (Co-Chair), Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Rick Nolan (MN-08), Dan Kildee (MI-05), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Tim Ryan (OH-13), John Garamendi (CA-03), Louise Slaughter (NY-25), Matt Cartwright (PA-17), Bill Pascrell (NJ-09), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Ruben Gallego (AZ-07), Dan Lipinski (IL-03), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Brian Higgins (NY-26), John Yarmuth (KY-03), Eric Swalwell (CA-15), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Dina Titus (NV-01), Paul Tonko (NY-20), John Larson (CT-01), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Luis Gutierrez (IL-04), Cheri Bustos (IL-17), J. Luis Correa (CA-46), Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01), Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15), and Anthony Brown (MD-04).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/boyle-slams-final-passage-gop-tax-scam-handout-mega-wealthy,"Boyle Slams Final Passage of GOP Tax Scam, Handout to the Mega-Wealthy",2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,PA,Brendan Boyle,B001296,boyle.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-13), a member of the House Budget Committee and co-chair of the Blue Collar Caucus, released the following statement after final passage of the Trump-GOP tax scam in Congress: We may be in the holiday season, but today Republicans controlling Washington ruined the nations good cheer by jamming through a cruel, partisan, $1.5 trillion-plus tax overhaul that will decimate the middle class while further advantaging the mega-wealthy and super rich. Rather than work with Democrats to truly lift up the middle class, the American worker, and domestic industries even close loopholes and reinvest in our infrastructure this GOP tax scam is filled with their typical wish list of giveaways and actually creates new loopholes that the mega-wealthy and well-connected will exploit for years to come. Today, President Trump and Republicans in Congress officially showed their true colors by throwing middle class families under the bus out of sheer desperation for a political win and the satisfaction of their donor base the only clear winners under this bill. Today, theyve officially raised taxes on 86 million middle class families giving 83 percent of its tax cuts to the wealthiest 1 percent and to strip critical middle class tax deductions in order to bankroll massive giveaways to big banks and multinational corporations who ship jobs overseas. This tax plan is a scam, a lesson in budget hawk hypocrisy, and a direct assault on the middle class. And, as if the bill is not harmful enough, it will endanger key funding for fire fighters, law enforcement and schools; force 13 million more Americans to lose health insurance and spike premiums for the rest; and, in the words of Speaker Ryan himself, its cost will now be used as justification for fulfilling his vision of cutting Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. Merry Christmas to all. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cartwright-announces-57570-hud-grant-to-the-housing-authority-of-the,"Cartwright Announces $57,570 HUD Grant to the Housing Authority of the City of Easton",2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,PA,Matt Cartwright,C001090,cartwright.house.gov,,,legacy,"Easton, PA Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded the Housing Authority of the City of Easton a $57,570 Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) grant. HUDs FSS program helps local public housing authorities hire service coordinators who work directly with residents to connect them with programs and services that already exist in the local community. The program encourages innovative strategies that link housing assistance with a broad spectrum of services that will enable participating families to find jobs, increase earned income, reduce or eliminate the need for rental and/or welfare assistance, and make progress toward achieving economic independence and housing self-sufficiency. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I am a strong advocate for programs aimed at helping families find better paying jobs and making progress toward economic independence,said Rep. Cartwright. I will continue to support grants like these that provide the opportunities and tools needed to improve the quality of life in our communities. On behalf of the Housing Authority of the City of Easton, we are grateful for the continued support and assistance from Congressman Matt Cartwright, said Gene Pambianchi, executive director of the Housing Authority of the City of Easton. Once again we are delighted to be given resources that will give families the opportunity to achieve economic independence and housing self-sufficiency.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cartwright-announces-70000-eda-grant-to-nepa-alliance,"Cartwright Announces $70,000 EDA Grant to NEPA Alliance",2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,PA,Matt Cartwright,C001090,cartwright.house.gov,,,legacy,"Pittston, PA Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced that the Economic Development Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA Alliance) received a $70,000 Cooperative Agreement grant for a partnership-planning project from the U.S. Department of Commerces Economic Development Administration (EDA). This EDA grant supports the development and implementation of a comprehensive economic development strategy (CEDS) for the region served by the NEPA Alliance, which includes Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, and Schuylkill counties. The CEDS process is designed to bring together the public and private sectors in the creation of an economic development roadmap to diversify and strengthen the regional economy. These funds advance our communities by bringing together public and private sectors to establish an economic development planning framework, process, and strategy that supports private capital investment and job creation in the region, said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the Appropriations Committee. I am proud to support programs that enhance economic expansion and generate family-sustaining jobs. NEPA Alliance appreciates our partnership with Economic Development Administration (EDA) in providing regional economic development planning, said Jeff Box, President and CEO of NEPA Alliance. We greatly appreciate the support from Congressman Cartwright in our efforts to promote economic growth in Northeastern PA. As the only federal government agency focused exclusively on economic development, the U.S. Department of Commerces Economic Development Administration (EDA) plays a critical role in facilitating regional economic development efforts in communities across the nation. The EDA investment policy is designed to establish a foundation for sustainable job growth and the building of durable regional economies throughout the United States. This foundation builds upon two key economic drivers - innovation and regional collaboration. The EDA encourages its partners around the country to develop initiatives that advance new ideas and creative approaches to address rapidly evolving economic conditions.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://evans.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-evans-statement-second-vote-pass-hr-1-gop-tax-scam-2017,"Congressman Evans Statement on Second Vote to Pass H.R. 1, the GOP Tax Scam of 2017",2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,PA,Dwight Evans,E000296,evans.house.gov,evans,https://evans.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today Congressman Dwight Evans (PA-02) released the following statement after voting ‘No' on H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act again because the report sent to the Senate violated the Senate's Byrd rule, which prohibits the tax overhaul package from losing revenue outside the budget window. Not only was the Byrd Rule violated, but so were the American people with this job-killing tax bill which relied on jaded budget gimmicks in order to pass. As I noted in my release yesterday, our country has not seen bipartisan tax reform since 1986, yet my colleagues in the GOP missed the last chance to avert a massive shift of wealth to the rich, while gouging the poor. The way the Republican Party and the Trump Administration are going about tax reform is all wrong. Real tax reform, not the phony charade that we just witnessed, must be comprehensive, simplify our tax code, and ensure a progressive tax code that helps move everyone in our neighborhoods forward, without arbitrarily picking winners and losers. Today, the American people lost and the owners of foreign banks won because that's where many deposits will go as corporations continue to game the system with the advent of territorial taxation, parking money offshore instead of putting it into plant and equipment, and most critically, new American jobs. ""Governing is all about choices. And once again, we see the Republican Party and the Trump Administration make a choice that I firmly believe is a step in the wrong direction for the people of Philadelphia and America. Their bill H.R.1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, does absolutely nothing to move our country forward—it is a bridge to nowhere. I've said it many times before and I'll say it again there is no such thing as a free lunch. It is our most vulnerable who will pay the price under this bait-and-switch tax scam. The Republican Party always talks a big game about how Democrats are the party of taxing and spending but today it was the Republican Party who peddled a sham bill to hard-working Americans that shifts the financial burden on generations to come. Where is the Tea Party which was up in arms when President Obama and Congress worked to stabilize our economy? I thought they cared about the debt and deficit,"" Congressman Evans said. Before the champagne is uncorked I would like my colleagues on the other side to consider this fact: corporate revenues as a percent of total revenues fell for 14.5 percent to 9.2 percent from 2006 to 2016. Despite concerns expressed about the size of the corporate tax rate, current corporate taxes are extremely low by historical standards, whether measured as a share of output or based on the effective tax rate on income, based on historical CBO research. With the huge drop in the corporate tax rate, my guess is that it will only mean less tax receipts overall. That means cuts to programs like CHIP, SNAP, and education, from the early childhood to the later stages of education. What happened to the land of opportunity? ""Today's vote is an incredibly disappointing step in the wrong direction. We should be in the business of ‘doing no harm' and working to ensure our neighborhoods have the tools and resources they need to be successful. It is entirely counterintuitive for the Republican Party to vote against their own interests and the interests of our neighborhoods by voting to take away life-lines of success from our cities and suburbs in need. Where are fiscally conservative Members who heckled the Obama Administration about spending? The citizens of Pennsylvania and the American people will not forget the choice that was made here today,"" Evans said.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fitzpatrick-backed-anti-harassment-language-included-tax-measure,Fitzpatrick-Backed Anti-Harassment Language Included in Tax Measure,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Brian Fitzpatrick,F000466,fitzpatrick.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Historic tax reform legislation passed by the House and Senate this week includes language advocated for by Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) to prohibit the deductibility of legal settlements related to sexual assault and sexual harassment as business expenses. The measure mirrors H.R. 4495, the Settlement Tax Deductions are Over for Predators Act (STOP Act), which Fitzpatrick originally sponsored. Whether its Hollywood, Congress or a corporate boardroom, there is no place for sexual abuse or harassment in the workplace. Just as Im committed to protecting taxpayer dollars from being misused in Washington to cover up sexual misconduct allegations, Im also committed to preventing private sector businesses from using tax breaks to sweep these heinous acts under the rug, said Fitzpatrick at the time. This Congress must stand with the victims of this harassment and take swift action to root out those who would sexually harass any other person, regardless of position or title. Under previous tax law, companies could deduct as ordinary and necessary business expenses any legal settlements, fines, fees, and expenses related to sexual assault and sexual harassment cases. In allowing businesses to write off these expenses, the American taxpayer is effectively subsidizing the cost of resolving legal issues related to sexual misconduct. The language included in the Tax Cut and Jobs Act would prohibit deduction of these expenses in cases where the allegations are public or in cases involving a non-disclosure agreement. Fitzpatrick has been a leader on efforts to end the culture of corruption in D.C., including: Cosponsoring the Congressional Accountability and Hush Fund Elimination Act [HR 4494] - bipartisan legislation seeks to prevent sexual harassment/assault within the Congress, empower survivors, and eliminate the congressional hush fund that is currently being used to settle such claims with taxpayer money. To those ends, this legislation will: prohibit the use of public funds to pay settlements or awards for sexual harassment or assault claims; disclose all payments previously made by the Office of Compliance on its website (the name of the victim is expressly prohibited from being disclosed); require perpetrators to reimburse the taxpayers with interest; prohibit nondisclosure agreements as a precondition to initiate procedures to address sexual harassment or assault claims; and permit victims of sexual harassment or assault to make public statements about their claim, regardless of any previously signed nondisclosure agreement. Leading a bipartisan letter from the Freshman class to the Ethics Committee calling for a complete investigation into the misuse of taxpayer dollars for sexual misconduct settlements, including releasing the names of those members involved. Read the letter HERE Calling for an Ethics investigation into Congressional Sexual Assault Settlements Cosponsoring theME TOO Congress Act[H.R. 4396] legislation which would set definitive criteria to address sexual harassment in all national legislative branch offices.The bipartisan bill would reform theCongressional Accountability Act of 1995procedures for investigating and resolving allegations that legislative branch employing offices violated the rights and protections provided to their employees, including protections against sexual harassment. The bill would ensure that such protected rights are extended to interns, fellows and whistleblowers in Congress. Cosponsoring the CongressionalEducation About Sexual Harassment Eradication Resolution [H.Res. 604] legislation that would require Members of the House, congressional staff, and other employees of the House to complete sexual harassment prevention and response training every year, and then file a certification of completion with the House Committee on Ethics.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-gop-tax-scheme-is-a-gut-punch-to-the-middle-class,Casey: GOP Tax Scheme Is A Gut Punch To The Middle Class,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) is releasing the statement below following tonights passage of the Republican tax plan: The GOP tax scheme is a raw deal for Pennsylvania families. The middle class is getting the short end of the stick while the super-rich and big corporations get a windfall. Instead of reauthorizing the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which has now expired, or investing in infrastructure like our roads and bridges to create jobs, congressional Republicans have passed a tax plan that gives over $36 billion dollars in 2019 to the countrys richest 572,000 households those making over $1 million a year. The 90 million American households making under $50,000 a year will only see a fraction of that. By 2027, the Republican tax plan gives 83% of the cuts to the top 1%. To make matters worse, the GOP tax plan creates an incentive to offshore jobs. This whole scheme is a gut punch to the middle class. And now, Republicans in the House and the Senate are saying their next step is to go after Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. I will not stand by as Republicans in Washington plot to cut these vital programs for the middle class, especially after they passed into law these tax giveaways for big corporations and the super-rich. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-rubio-wyden-press-freedom-resolution-passes-senate-unanimously,"Casey, Rubio, Wyden Press Freedom Resolution Passes Senate Unanimously",2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) announced the unanimous passage of a resolution recognizing the pervasive threats to freedom of the press and expression around the world. The bipartisan resolution calls on governments to investigate and resolve cases of violence against journalists and calls on the President and Secretary of State to commit to making freedom of the press a central pillar of U.S. democracy promotion. With passage of this resolution, the Senate has made clear that persistent attacks on the media and minimization of journalism as fake news are unacceptable, said Senator Casey. Journalists take incredible risks to tell the truth about major events in the world, and face intimidation and violence for shining light on corruption and exposing abuse. This resolution recognizes the importance of press freedom for both strong and nascent democracies, and affirms that it should be a central pillar of U.S. policy at home and abroad. Press freedom and freedom of expression are under assault globally, said Senator Rubio. This resolution reaffirms our commitment to promoting democratic values and human rights around the world by reinforcing the vital role of a free press. Cases like that of Emilio Gutierrez make it clearer than ever that freedom of the press and journalists are under attack at home and abroad, said Senator Wyden. My father was a journalist, and I was raised on the foundational notion that free societies depend upon a free and open press. I will never stop working to uphold the rights of journalists to ask the hard questions and report the facts. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://shuster.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=879,House Passes Historic Tax Reform,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Bill Shuster,S001154,shuster.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON The House of Representatives voted 227-203 to pass the conference report to H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. U.S. Representative Bill Shuster (R-Hollidaysburg) voted in favor. For too long, a complicated and broken tax code has held back American workers and families. That changes today, said Congressman Bill Shuster. Thanks to President Trumps leadership, middle-class America will notice immediate relief next year, and a modernized rate for American businesses will increase stagnant wages for American workers and create jobs nationwide. When the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) becomes law, Americans at every income level will see tax relief. The Tax Foundation found in its analysis of the TCJA a reduction in tax liability in 2018 for every scenario we estimated, with some of the largest changes in after-tax income accruing to moderate-income families with children. A typical family of four with the median household income will see a tax cut of more than $2,000, nearly a 58 percent reduction in their tax bill. A single parent with one child, earning $41,000 a year will see a tax cut of more than $1,300, a reduction of nearly 73 percent in their tax burden. The 47,750 taxpayers in Pennsylvanias 9th Congressional District who claim the child tax credit will see the credits doubled, from $1,000 to $2,000, with $1,400 being refundable. Currently, more than 55,000 taxpayers in the 9th Congressional District itemize their taxes. Under the TCJA, many taxpayers will have their annual taxes simplified to postcard filing, as a result of the nearly doubling the standard deduction, from $6,500 to $12,000 for individuals, and from $13,000 to $24,000 for married couples. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce found the TCJA will create 975,000 jobs nationwide and nearly 40,000 jobs in Pennsylvania. A summary of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act can be found here, and the bill text can be found here. The Senate will be voting on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act later this evening. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://barletta.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barletta-votes-for-historic-tax-reform,Barletta Votes for Historic Tax Reform,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Lou Barletta,B001269,barletta.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Its been 31 years since the last significant reform to the U.S. tax code was undertaken. Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the conference committee report on H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, by a vote of 227 to 203, cementing a once in a generation win for the American people. Barletta voted in favor of the legislation. Today Congress gave millions of American families a renewed and revitalized shot at prosperity, Barletta said. For a generation, Americans have seen good paying jobs leave our shores and their wages stagnate, while the government continued to take more and more money out of their paychecks. Washington forgot the American family and worker. Instead of fighting for Americans, Washington has been fighting to fill the coffers of faceless, nameless bureaucrats. Today, we made clear to Washington the old way of doing business is over. This is a new era of American prosperity. The plan will bring higher wages, create more employment opportunities, and deliver a tax cut to every income group. This tax plan is a much needed Christmas gift every American family. I am very excited to have been part of such a historic event. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provides significant relief for the workers and middle income families of Pennsylvania by simplifying and lowering rates for individuals, making America the global jobs magnate, and cutting red tape and taxes on small businesses, the backbone of our countrys economy. According to estimates provided by the Tax Foundation, this legislation will lead to a 1.7 percent increase in GDP over the long term, 1.5 percent higher wages, and an additional 339,000 full-time equivalent jobs. Specifically, this legislation provides significant relief to American families by doubling the standard deduction to $12,000 for single filers, and $24,000 for joint filers. The expansion of the standard deduction will dramatically lower the tax liability for the average American taxpayer. This is a significant change for the Commonwealth as 70.8 percent of Pennsylvanians use the standard deduction. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act maintains seven income brackets; however, it reduces rates and allows Americans to take home more of their paychecks. Estimates have shown this structured reduction for all income groups will provide the average family of four with an income of $73,000 a tax cut of $2,059. The State and Local Tax Deduction (SALT), which is most commonly used by those with an income of more than $100,000, will be capped at $10,000. Furthermore, this legislation provides much needed support for families and single parents by increasing the child tax credit from $1,000 to $2,000 per child, and increasing the refundable portion from $1,000 to $1,400. It also includes a $500 non-refundable credit for those individuals taking care of a sick grandparent or disabled adult. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act also preserves the medical expense deduction. Barletta pushed for multiple preservations of certain deductions many Pennsylvanians rely on, which were maintained by the conference committee. These signed letters included calls to preserve the $2,500 student loan interest deduction, the tax exempt status for graduate tuition waivers, the full repeal of the corporate alternative minimum tax, and tax preferred status of private activity bonds. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act reforms certain education related tax provisions. The bill will streamline and enhance the American Opportunity Tax Credit, providing individuals with a tax credit of up to $2,500 for tuition and expenses. In addition, this legislation makes targeted changes to preserve and enhance the 529 Education Contribution Accounts to help families afford rising school costs by expanding the coverage of up to $10,000 for qualified elementary and high school expenses and allowing contributions to be used for apprenticeship programs. Finally, the bill addresses the United States uncompetitive corporate tax rate, the highest in the developed world, and shifts to a territorial tax system. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act lowers the corporate rate from 35 percent to 21 percent, which will eliminate an Obama Administration policy that rewards companies for shifting jobs, profits, and manufacturing plants abroad. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/boyle-casey-meehan-and-fitzpatrick-fight-bring-clean-water-funding,"Boyle, Casey, Meehan and Fitzpatrick Fight to Bring Clean Water Funding Increases Over the Finish Line",2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,PA,Brendan Boyle,B001296,boyle.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Yesterday, Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-13) joined three of his fellow members of Congress representing constituents on or near the former Naval Air Warfare Center in Warminster and the former Naval Air Station in Horsham in their latest joint bipartisan effort to ensure that the final defense funding bill for fiscal year 2018, currently being negotiated, retains the funding increases they secured in earlier versions of the legislation. These communities and others like them across the country are grappling with water contamination due to the past and persistent use of AFFF firefighting foam (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam) by the Department of Defense. Boyle led the House effort with Congressmen Patrick Meehan (PA-7) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-8) to increase environmental remediation funding for the U.S. Navy and Air Force, and secured a successful bipartisan vote on his amendment on the floor of the House in July. Senator Casey has spearheaded efforts in the Senate. The members also secured language authorizing and funding a nationwide health study on the human health impacts of the contaminants. The letter reads as follows: The Honorable Thad Cochran The Honorable Kay Granger Chair Chair Subcommittee on Defense Subcommittee on Defense Committee on Appropriations Committee on Appropriations S-128, The Capitol H-305, The Capitol U.S. Senate U.S. House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 Washington, DC 20510 The Honorable Richard Durbin The Honorable Pete Visclosky Ranking Member Ranking Member Subcommittee on Defense Subcommittee on Defense Committee on Appropriations Committee on Appropriations S-128, The Capitol H-305, The Capitol U.S. Senate U.S. House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 Washington, DC 20510 Dear Chairmen Cochran and Granger and Ranking Members Durbin and Visclosky: We write to you on behalf of our constituents to request your support for various provisions in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 Defense appropriations bills, which affect communities that are dealing with contaminated drinking water as a result of the Department of Defenses use of firefighting foam (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam, or AFFF). Since the 1970s, the Department of Defense (DoD) has used AFFF containing perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). These compounds have been found by a growing volume of peer-reviewed studies to be associated with serious human health risks. In May 2016, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a drinking water health advisory for PFOS and PFOA, and it is currently considering the issuance of a more strict regulation under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Both the EPA and DoD have detected elevated levels of PFOS and PFOA in drinking water at or near almost 400 defense installations. The EPA has also found these chemicals in drinking water at non-DoD public water systems across the United States. This issue directly affects our constituents on and near the former Naval Air Warfare Center in Warminster and the former Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base in Horsham. For years, our constituents have been living with too many questions and not enough answers about the use of AFFF and its impact on their local water quality and health. We appreciate your attention to this matter, and seek your continued support of the following throughout the FY18 appropriations conference process: We respectfully request that you fully fund the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) for the purpose of conducting a health study on the implications of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination, including PFCs, as denoted in Section 316 of the FY18 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), at the full authorized level of $7,000,000. Furthermore, we ask that you support an increase of $42,234,000 to the Navy Environmental Restoration account and an increase of $30,000,000 to the Air Force Environmental Restoration account for PFOS/PFOA remediation, as provided by Section 4301 of the FY18 NDAA. Water contamination as a result of the militarys decades-long use of AFFF is a nationwide problem that the Department of Defense must confront head on. As representatives of some of the first and worst communities dealing with this problem today, we ask for your support of our bipartisan requests for any appropriations agreement. Sincerely, Robert P. Casey, Jr. Patrick Meehan United States Senator Member of Congress Brendan F. Boyle Brian Fitzpatrick Member of Congress Member of Congress ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://costello.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-costello-statement-supporting-tax-relief-middle-income,Rep. Costello Statement on Supporting Tax Relief for Middle Income Pennsylvanians,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Ryan Costello,C001106,costello.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Rep. Ryan Costello (PA-06) today issued the following statement regarding the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: American workers are the lynchpin of a healthy economy. Employers provide the capital and take the risk to create value in services and products. Families are the backbone of our society. For all of them, we need an economy that invests in people and rewards hard work. To start, and to be clear, this tax bill cuts taxes for low income Americans, and it does so by doubling the standard deduction. Middle income families will benefit from lower rates and doubling the child tax credit to name just a few policies. And for those itemizing on their tax return, up to $10,000 is still able to be deducted from property and income taxes, along with the mortgage interest deduction; when you combine this with lower income tax brackets and higher income thresholds, the overwhelming majority of my constituents will get a tax cut. This means hard earned money back in your wallet to be saved, invested, and spent at businesses in Southeastern Pennsylvania. I believe hardworking taxpayers deserve a tax cut and that is why Im proud to support this tax relief bill. On the business side, small businesses will have more capital to invest in their workers through higher wages and with more job creation and in their equipment and machinery, which will also have a positive economic impact. This bill will create jobs. And a tighter labor market means companies compete for workers and wages rise. We are losing jobs and investment to other countries. Today, the U.S. corporate tax rate remains at 35 percent while the worldwide average corporate tax rate is 22.5 percent. Did you know that the average rate among U.S. trading partners, the vast majority of which have converted to territorial tax systems, is 24.6 percent? This tax bill makes us competitive for future investment and growth in the global economy. There are so many myths that persist, and I would like to clear up a few of them. The teacher supplies deduction remains. The child tax credit has been expanded. The charitable deduction continues and expands. We have maintained the earned income tax credit. We have improved savings accounts for education. Tuition waivers for graduate students will remain untaxed. We have preserved the medical expense deduction and even expanded it for two years. We have lowered individual tax rates across the board to zero, ten, 12, 22, 24, 32, 35, and 37 percent respectively, which benefits all Americans. A typical family of four earning the median family income of $73,000 will receive a tax cut of $2,059. The average single mom in America makes around $41,000. Under this legislation, she will receive a tax cut of over $1,300. I have listened to everyone. Everyone who has called, emailed, and written. Ive heard from families, and Ive spent time with small business owners, who have told me over and over that this will put more money back in the pockets of their workers, stimulate more jobs, and help them improve and grow their businesses. My voice and my vote reflects what my constituents need and feel more money in their paychecks, a healthier economy that helps everyone, and better positioning for American companies to grow and compete in the global economy. This bill will lift wages, create jobs, and enhance economic growth. And that is why Ive decided to vote yes on the tax bill. Video is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://dent.house.gov/2017/12/dent-tax-reform-will-benefit-the-people-of-the-15th-district,"Dent: ""Tax Reform Will Benefit the People of the 15th District""",2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Charlie Dent,D000604,dent.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. -Today, Representative Charlie Dent (PA-15) voted for the first major rewrite of the Federal Tax code in 31 years. This legislation provides much needed tax relief for millions of American families and will make American businesses, large and small, more competitive so that they can grow and create more jobs in the United States, said Dent. Dent cited a key provision in the reform bill and its impact on his constituents as a major factor in his decision. Tax data show that nearly 70 percent of the taxpayers in the 15th Congressional district of Pennsylvania do not itemize on their federal tax returns. That makes the near doubling of the standard deduction ($12,000 for individuals and $24,000 for married couples), tied to lower income tax rates, a great benefit to the overwhelming majority of them, noted Dent. Under this bill, the typical family of four earning the median family income of $73,000 will receive a tax cut of $2,059. He also applauded the doubling of the Child Tax Credit and the provision that raised the fully refundable portion of the credit to $1,400. Representative Dent also pointed to the business tax provisions in the bill and the benefits that would accrue to Americans workers and business owners. This bill provides the key element necessary for economic growth and for curtailing corporate inversions a competitive, stable corporate tax rate, said Dent. Our previous corporate tax rate of 35% was not competitive and it resulted in the creation of tens of thousands of pages of loopholes used by companies to reduce their effective rate, he said. Id rather see American businesses invest their time and capital in Research and Development, new equipment, new factories and hiring American workers and not on tax attorneys and compliance costs, he observed. For these reasons, I support this important legislation and look forward to the Senates prompt approval and the Presidents signature, Dent concluded. Policy Highlights of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1) include: Lowers individual taxes and sets the rates at 0%, 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37%. Increases the standard deduction to $12,000 and $24,000 for individuals and married couples, respectively. Expands the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000. Preserves the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. Preserves the mortgage interest deduction for homes up to $750,000. Lowers the corporate tax rate to 21% beginning January 1, 2018. Modernizes our international tax system. ### CONTACT: Shawn Millan (610) 770-3490",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://doyle.house.gov/press-release/doyle-votes-against-republican-tax-bill,Doyle Votes Against Republican Tax Bill,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,PA,Mike Doyle,D000482,doyle.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC U.S. Representative Mike Doyle (D-PA-14) released the following statement after the House voted 227 203 today to approve the final version of H.R 1, the GOPs $1.5 trillion tax bill.""I voted against the Republican bill cutting more than a trillion dollars in taxes for corporations and the rich and putting the burden of paying for it on the middle class, the poor, and our grandchildren. ""Under the GOP tax bill, more than 80 percent of the cuts will go to households making more than $5 million a year. Thats no Middle Class tax cut. ""But there are many other reasons behind my vote against this misguided bill: it will actually raise taxes on most Middle Class households after a few short years, with more than half of all taxpayers - 86 million households - paying more; it wont raise wages; it gives a new tax break to corporations for shipping US jobs overseas; it will cause a $25 billion cut in Medicare next year; and it will cause federal budget deficits to explode, increasing the national debt by more than $1.5 trillion. ""Enactment of the Republican tax bill will leave most households worse off in the long run. Their tax cuts will be replaced with tax increases, and Republicans plan to use the increased national debt as justification to cut programs like Medicare and Medicaid that most Americans rely on. ""Moreover, rather than providing the greatest tax relief to families who need it the most who will pump that money right back into the economy the GOP tax bill provides the lions share of its tax cuts to corporations and the households that are the most well off. ""This tax bill is a scam perpetrated on the American People by Republicans in Congress and the White House. When the American People discover what this bill really does, they will hold those who are responsible for it accountable. ""I will continue to work in Congress to curb these unsustainable giveaways to corporations and the rich and to redirect federal resources to the millions of families who are struggling to get by. Theyre the ones who need and deserve tax relief and adequately funded federal programs like Medicare and Medicaid."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://evans.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-evans-statement-house-passage-hr-1,Congressman Evans Statement on House Passage of H.R. 1,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,PA,Dwight Evans,E000296,evans.house.gov,evans,https://evans.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today Congressman Dwight Evans (PA-02) released the following statement after voting ‘No' on H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Our country has not seen bipartisan tax reform since 1986, and I believe we can all agree that the U.S. tax code is in need of a major facelift. The way the Republican Party and the Trump Administration are going about tax reform is all wrong. Real tax reform, not the phony charade that we just witnessed, must be comprehensive, simplify our tax code, and ensure a progressive tax code that helps move everyone in our neighborhoods forward, without arbitrarily picking winners and losers. ""Governing is all about choices. And today we saw the Republican Party and the Trump Administration make a choice that I firmly believe is a step in the wrong direction for the people of Philadelphia and America. Their bill H.R.1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, does absolutely nothing to move our country forward—it is a bridge to nowhere. I've said it many times before and I'll say it again there is no such thing as a free lunch. It is our most vulnerable who will pay the price under this bait-and-switch tax scam. The Republican Party always talks a big game about how Democrats are the party of taxing and spending but today it was the Republican Party who peddled a sham bill to hard-working Americans that shifts the financial burden on generations to come. Where is the Tea Party which was up in arms when President Obama and Congress worked to stabilize our economy? I thought they cared about the debt and deficit,"" Congressman Evans said. Before the champagne is uncorked I would like my colleagues on the other side to consider this fact: corporate revenues as a percent of total revenues fell for 14.5 percent to 9.2 percent from 2006 to 2016. Despite concerns expressed about the size of the corporate tax rate, current corporate taxes are extremely low by historical standards, whether measured as a share of output or based on the effective tax rate on income, based on historical CBO research. With the huge drop in the corporate tax rate, my guess is that it will only mean less tax receipts overall. That means cuts to programs like CHIP, SNAP, and education, from the early childhood to the later stages of education. What happened to the land of opportunity? ""Today's vote is an incredibly disappointing step in the wrong direction. We should be in the business of ‘doing no harm' and working to ensure our neighborhoods have the tools and resources they need to be successful. It is entirely counterintuitive for the Republican Party to vote against their own interests and the interests of our neighborhoods by voting to take away life-lines of success from our cities and suburbs in need. The citizens of Pennsylvania and the American people will not forget the choice that was made here today,"" Evans said.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/fitzpatrick-s-bipartisan-ukraine-cybersecurity-bill-advances-full-house,Fitzpatricks bipartisan Ukraine cybersecurity bill advances to full House vote,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Brian Fitzpatrick,F000466,fitzpatrick.house.gov,,,legacy,"Bipartisan legislation cosponsored by U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) that supports cybersecurity cooperation between the United States and the Ukraine on Dec. 14 unanimously passed the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The bill, which has 25 cosponsors, awaits a vote by the full House of Representatives. Cybersecurity is a complex and serious national and economic security issue for any nation, Fitzpatrick said, and the United States must play an important role in this fight. The Ukraine Cybersecurity Cooperation Act, H.R. 1997, was introduced Apr. 6 by U.S. Reps. Brendan Boyle (D-PA) and Fitzpatrick following an increased number of cyberattacks in the country. For years, Ukraine has been under siege from nation-state cyberattacks that have sought to weaken its government and undermine hopes for an open and democratic society, said Fitzpatrick, who serves on the Congressional Ukraine Caucus. In December 2015, for example, cyberattacks resulted in unscheduled power outages at Ukrainian power companies that impacted many customers across the country. And during the 2014 presidential election in the Ukraine a failed cyberattack attempted to disrupt the countrys election system software. The United States, which established diplomatic relations with the country in 1992, subsequently sent interagency teams to the Ukraine to check the countrys infrastructure safety and to help with investigations. Since that time, both countries have cooperated on mitigating future attacks. Standing strong with our time-tested allies in freedoms cause is libertys best defense, Fitzpatrick said. By not adequately responding and adapting to these cyberthreats in Eastern Europe, our nation is both letting down an ally, as well as failing to take proactive steps to protect itself, he added. Specifically, H.R. 1997 encourages U.S.-Ukraine cybersecurity information sharing and would require the U.S. State Department to report to Congress on the two nations cyber cooperation and cyberattack prevention strategies. The State Department also would help the Ukraine reduce its reliance on Russian technology; increase advanced security protections for its government computers; build capacity; and cooperate in international response efforts. Helping Ukraine buttress its cyber defenses will also help the United States in developing new and more effective technologies and strategies in dealing with cybersecurity on the modern battlefield, said Rep. Boyle. Our cooperation towards this goal will send a strong, important signal of Western support for Ukraine at a time when it is literally fighting to protect its democratic identity from [Russian leader] Putin, Boyle added. Additionally, the bill reiterates that the United States would continue to provide financial, economic and technical assistance to help the countrys government make progress on reforms and anticorruption initiatives, according to text of the bill.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fitzpatrick-statement-tax-reform-1,Fitzpatrick Statement on Tax Reform,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Brian Fitzpatrick,F000466,fitzpatrick.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08), a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and member of the House Small Business Committee, released the following statement Tuesday regarding the passage of historic tax reform legislation: A 21st century economy requires a 21st century tax code, making tax reform a crucial part of any pro-growth governing strategy. With todays vote, our nation has taken a historic step to invest in American families and support American businesses and workers. More than just allowing Americans to keep more of their hard-earned money, this legislation maintains important parts of existing policy like deductions for student loan interest payments, strengthens and expands provisions like the Child Tax Credit, and takes new action to increase economic competitiveness at home and abroad. While this is an important piece of the puzzle, we cannot stop here. It is time Democrats and Republicans work together to take meaningful action on a wide range of priorities, from infrastructure to ending the culture of corruption in Washington. POLICY HIGHLIGHTS: For individuals and families, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Lowers individual taxes and sets the rates at 0%, 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37% so people can keep more of their hard-earned money. Significantly increases the standard deduction to protect roughly double the amount of what you earn each year from taxes from $6,500 and $13,000 under current law to $12,000 and $24,000 for individuals and married couples, respectively Continues to allow people to write off the cost of state and local taxes up to $10,000. Gives individuals and families the ability to deduct property taxes and income or sales taxes to best fit their unique circumstances Takes action to support more American families by: Expanding the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000 for single filers and married couples to help parents with the cost of raising children. The tax credit is fully refundable up to $1,400 and begins to phase-out for families making over $400,000. Parents must provide a childs valid Social Security Number in order to receive this credit Preserving the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit to help families care for their children and older dependents such as a disabled grandparent who may need additional support. Preserving the Adoption Tax Credit so parents can continue to receive additional tax relief as they open their hearts and homes to an adopted child. Preserves the mortgage interest deduction providing tax relief to current and aspiring homeowners. For all homeowners with existing mortgages that were taken out to buy a home, there will be no change to the current mortgage interest deduction. For homeowners with new mortgages on a first or second home, the home mortgage interest deduction will be available up to $750,000. Provides relief for Americans with expensive medical bills by expanding the medical expense deduction for 2017 and 2018 for medical expenses exceeding 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income, and rising to 10 percent beginning in 2019. Continues and expands the deduction for charitable contributions so people can continue to donate to their local church, charity, or community organization Continues student loan interest deduction (**Fitzpatrick joined letter supporting continuation of deduction**) Continues Lifetime Learning Credit (**Fitzpatrick joined letter supporting continuation of deduction**) Maintains the Earned Income Tax Credit to provide important tax relief for low-income Americans working to build better lives for themselves. Improves savings vehicles for education by allowing families to use 529 accounts to save for elementary, secondary and higher education. Provides support for graduate loans by continuing to exempt the value of reduced tuition from taxes. (**Fitzpatrick joined letter supporting continuation of exemption**) Retains popular retirement savings options such as 401(k)s and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) so Americans can continue to save for their future. Increases the exemption amount from the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) to reduce the complexity and tax burden for millions of Americans. Provides immediate relief from the Death Tax by doubling the amount of the current exemption to reduce uncertainty and costs for many family-owned farms and businesses when they pass down their lifes work to the next generation. For job creators of all sizes, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Lowers the corporate tax rate to 21% (beginning Jan. 1, 2018) down from 35%, which today is the highest in the industrialized world the largest reduction in the U.S. corporate tax rate in our nations history. Delivers significant tax relief to Main Street job creators by: Offering a first-ever 20% tax deduction that applies to the first $315,000 of joint income earned by all businesses organized as S corporations, partnerships, LLCs, and sole proprietorships. For Main Street job creators with income above this level, the bill generally provides a deduction for up to 20% on business profits reducing their effective marginal tax rate to no more than 29.6%. Establishing strong safeguards so that wage income does not receive the lower marginal effective tax rates on business income helping to ensure that Main Street tax relief goes to the local job creators it was designed to help most. Allows businesses to immediately write off the full cost of new equipment to improve operations and enhance the skills of their workers unleashing growth of jobs, productivity, and paychecks. Protects the ability of small businesses to write off interest on loans, helping these Main Street entrepreneurs start or expand a business, hire workers, and increase paychecks. Preserves important elements of the existing business tax system, including Retaining the low-income housing tax credit that encourages businesses to invest in affordable housing so families, individuals, and seniors can find a safe and comfortable place to call home. Preserving the Research & Development Tax Credit that encourages our businesses and workers to develop cutting-edge Made in America products and services. Retaining the tax-preferred status of private-activity bonds that are used to finance valuable infrastructure projects. Eliminates the Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax, thereby lowering taxes and eliminating confusion and uncertainty so American job creators can focus on growing their business and hiring more workers, rather than on burdensome paperwork. Continues the successful Federal Historic Tax Credit (HTC) with slight modifications (**Fitzpatrick joined letter supporting continuation of this credit**) Modernizes our international tax system so Americas global businesses will no longer be held back by an outdated worldwide tax system that results in double taxation for many of our nations job creators. Makes it easier for American businesses to bring home foreign earnings to invest in growing jobs and paychecks in our local communities. Prevents American jobs, headquarters, and research from moving overseas by eliminating incentives that now reward companies for shifting jobs, profits, and manufacturing plants abroad",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-votes-final-passage-tax-cuts-jobs-act,Rep. Kelly Votes for Final Passage of Tax Cuts & Jobs Act,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,,,legacy,"Historic tax reform bill on its way to White House WATCH HERE WASHINGTON U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) a member of the House Ways and Means Committee voted this afternoon in support of the House-Senate Conference Committee Report for H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was passed by the House of Representatives by a vote of 227-203. The U.S. Senate is expected to consider the legislation this evening. Once passed, the bill will advance to the White House to be signed into law by President Donald J. Trump. Statement by Rep. Kelly following House vote: I think I cast the most important vote Ive ever cast while representing you, Pennsylvanias Third Congressional District: I just voted for the Tax Cuts and Jobs bill. It is an incredible piece of legislation that means more take-home pay for everyday working people. It also makes us competitive globally so jobs dont leave the countrythey come back home and they stay home. What a great day for America, what a great day for every one of us!. NOTE: The full text of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act can be read here. Rep. Kellys floor speech in support of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Conference Report Rep. Kelly discusses the bills benefits on Fox Business Network Rep. Kellys full statement on the bills initial House passage Rep. Kellys full statement after the bills approval by the Ways & Means Committee Rep. Kellys full statement on the bills introduction ICYMI: A full compilation of Rep. Kellys recent national TV appearances in support of pro-growth tax reform can be found here. For individuals and families, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Lowers individual taxes and sets the rates at 0%, 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37% so people can keep more of their hard-earned money. Significantly increases the standard deduction to protect roughly double the amount of what you earn each year from taxes from $6,500 and $13,000 under current law to $12,000 and $24,000 for individuals and married couples, respectively. Continues to allow people to write off the cost of state and local taxes up to $10,000. Gives individuals and families the ability to deduct property taxes and income or sales taxes to best fit their unique circumstances. Takes action to support more American families by: o Expanding the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000 for single filers and married couples to help parents with the cost of raising children. The tax credit is fully refundable up to $1,400 and begins to phase-out for families making over $400,000. Parents must provide a childs valid Social Security Number in order to receive this credit. o Preserving the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit to help families care for their children and older dependents such as a disabled grandparent who may need additional support. o Preserving the Adoption Tax Credit so parents can continue to receive additional tax relief as they open their hearts and homes to an adopted child. Preserves the mortgage interest deduction providing tax relief to current and aspiring homeowners. o For all homeowners with existing mortgages that were taken out to buy a home, there will be no change to the current mortgage interest deduction. o For homeowners with new mortgages on a first or second home, the home mortgage interest deduction will be available up to $750,000. Provides relief for Americans with expensive medical bills by expanding the medical expense deduction for 2017 and 2018 for medical expenses exceeding 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income, and rising to 10 percent beginning in 2019. Continues and expands the deduction for charitable contributions so people can continue to donate to their local church, charity, or community organization. Eliminates Obamacares individual mandate penalty tax providing families with much-needed relief and flexibility to buy the health care thats right for them if they choose. Maintains the Earned Income Tax Credit to provide important tax relief for low-income Americans working to build better lives for themselves. Improves savings vehicles for education by allowing families to use 529 accounts to save for elementary, secondary and higher education. Provides support for graduate students by continuing to exempt the value of reduced tuition from taxes. Retains popular retirement savings options such as 401(k)s and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) so Americans can continue to save for their future. Increases the exemption amount from the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) to reduce the complexity and tax burden for millions of Americans. Provides immediate relief from the Death Tax by doubling the amount of the current exemption to reduce uncertainty and costs for many family-owned farms and businesses when they pass down their lifes work to the next generation. For job creators of all sizes, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Lowers the corporate tax rate to 21% (beginning Jan. 1, 2018) down from 35%, which today is the highest in the industrialized world the largest reduction in the U.S. corporate tax rate in our nations history. Delivers significant tax relief to Main Street job creators by: o Offering a first-ever 20% tax deduction that applies to the first $315,000 of joint income earned by all businesses organized as S corporations, partnerships, LLCs, and sole proprietorships. For Main Street job creators with income above this level, the bill generally provides a deduction for up to 20% on business profits reducing their effective marginal tax rate to no more than 29.6%. o Establishing strong safeguards so that wage income does not receive the lower marginal effective tax rates on business income helping to ensure that Main Street tax relief goes to the local job creators it was designed to help most. Allows businesses to immediately write off the full cost of new equipment to improve operations and enhance the skills of their workers unleashing growth of jobs, productivity, and paychecks. Protects the ability of small businesses to write off interest on loans, helping these Main Street entrepreneurs start or expand a business, hire workers, and increase paychecks. Preserves important elements of the existing business tax system, including: o Retaining the low-income housing tax credit that encourages businesses to invest in affordable housing so families, individuals, and seniors can find a safe and comfortable place to call home. o Preserving the Research & Development Tax Credit that encourages our businesses and workers to develop cutting-edge Made in America products and services. o Retaining the tax-preferred status of private-activity bonds that are used to finance valuable infrastructure projects. Eliminates the Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax, thereby lowering taxes and eliminating confusion and uncertainty so American job creators can focus on growing their business and hiring more workers, rather than on burdensome paperwork. Modernizes our international tax system so Americas global businesses will no longer be held back by an outdated worldwide tax system that results in double taxation for many of our nations job creators. Makes it easier for American businesses to bring home foreign earnings to invest in growing jobs and paychecks in our local communities. Prevents American jobs, headquarters, and research from moving overseas by eliminating incentives that now reward companies for shifting jobs, profits, and manufacturing plants abroad. For greater American energy security and economic growth, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Establishes an environmentally responsible oil and gas program in the non-wilderness 1002 Area of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Congress specifically set aside the 1.57-million acre 1002 Area for potential future development. Two lease sales will be held over the next decade and surface development will be limited to 2,000 federal acres just one ten-thousandth of all of ANWR. Significantly boosts American energy production. Responsible development in the 1002 Area will raise tens of billions of dollars for deficit reduction in the decades to come, while creating thousands of new jobs, reducing our dependence on foreign oil, and helping to keep energy affordable for American families and businesses. Provides a temporary increase in offshore revenue sharing for the Gulf Coast in 2020 and 2021, allowing those states to invest in priorities such as coastal restoration and hurricane protection. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://meehan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-approves-middle-class-tax-relief,House Approves Middle-Class Tax Relief,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Pat Meehan,M001181,meehan.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON The House of Representatives this afternoon approved the House-Senate Conference Report for H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Congressman Patrick Meehan (R-Pa.), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following statement after the vote: This bill brings needed tax relief to middle-class families, said Congressman Meehan. It doubles the standard deduction, meaning the first $24,000 a married couple earns will be tax free. It lowers rates overall and it doubles the size of the child tax credit. The end result will be a lower tax bill for the vast majority of middle-class taxpayers. Importantly, the compromise reached between the House and Senate preserves deductions for state and local property or income taxes, mortgage interest, and charitable contributions. Im particularly pleased that this bill preserves and makes more generous the deduction for medical expenses so important to many Pennsylvania seniors with expensive medical bills. It also repeals Obamacares harmful individual mandate tax, which disproportionally hits working families. In Pennsylvania, 83% of taxpayers hit by the individual mandate penalty earned less than $50,000 a year. This legislation doesnt just mean more money in the pockets of middle class families. It means more jobs, too. Its the most significant revamp of our broken business tax code in decades, and it will bring thousands of jobs back to our shores from overseas. It also gives small businesses a tax cut. One study, by the nonpartisan Tax Foundation, indicates the bill will generate more than 13,000 jobs in Pennsylvania. An analysis of the legislation released this morning by the left-leaning Tax Policy Center found that more than 80% of tax filers will receive a tax cut next year a cut, on average, of almost $1,600. Our tax code today is broken. Pennsylvania taxpayers spend too much time and money each year struggling to comply with a tax code that doesnt work for them. Taxpayers will be able to decide how to spend more of what they earn instead of sending it to Washington. Their tax bill will be lower and for many, paying it will be far simpler. Its a good deal for working families across Pennsylvania, Meehan said. The Senate is expected to vote on the measure tonight.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://perry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398613,Perry Supports Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Scott Perry,P000605,perry.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Scott Perry voted in favor of the final conference report on the House GOP Tax Plan, the Tax CutsandJobs Act. The version of the bill was an agreed-to compromise of House and Senate leaders who spent weeks reconciling the difference between each chambers Tax Plans. Tax reform is critical to growing our economy and breaking free of the lackluster economic conditions weve endured - slow-growth, stagnant wages and jobs fleeing overseas. Our Tax Code was last updated more than 30 years ago; our world and our economy have changed drastically since then, while the Code has grown increasingly outdated. This bill helps us keep more of what we earn especially for working families and small businesses - and modernizes our Code to help American companies compete abroad, create jobs here at home and help bring back companies from overseas thats why I supported this bill, said Congressman Perry. The proposal is expected to be taken up by the Senate later this week. If it passes without changes, it goes to President Trump for his signature, after which it will become law. The Plan: doubles the standard deduction for both individuals and married couples, which means that the first $12,000 or $24,000 dollars of earnedincomeistax-free for these groups, respectively; expands the Child Tax Credit up to $2,000 per child; preserves the Adoption Tax Credit and the Dependent Tax Credit for families that help take care of an elderly parent or an adult, disabled child; leaves in place existing benefits for grad students; expands the medical expense deduction; leaves in place the Mortgage Interest Deduction for homes that cost under $750,000; and, repeals the individual mandate established in the Affordable Care Act. No one should ever be forced by the Government to purchase a product or service; that directly contradicts the fundamental notion of American liberty enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, Perry said regarding the individual mandate. We need to stop forcing people to buy something they dont want, cant afford or dont need - and instead empower individuals to make the choices that are best for them and their families.Businesses also will see changes under the Plan. The Corporate Tax Rate will drop from 35% - the highest in the world - to 21%, putting the U.S. on more competitive footing. Small businesses will see a 20% tax deduction on their first $315,000 of joint income earned; in order to qualify, the business must be organized as S corporations, partnerships, LLCs and sole proprietorships. In addition, the Plan establishes safeguards to insure wage income does not receive the lower, marginal effective tax rates on business income - a critical measure that the Tax Plan in Kansas failed to incorporate. Certain provisions will be implemented retroactively for 2017, and therefore impact filings due April 2018. While the provisions immediately go into effect at the start of 2018, many wont see the full impact of the changes until they begin filing their taxes in 2019. This reduces the tax burden on hard-working people, families and small businesses, simplifies the Tax Code and encourages economic growth and job creation. No one will get everything they want - but we need to improve upon the mess of a Tax Code we have now, Perry concluded. For more information regarding the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, click here or visit fairandsimple.gop. preserves the Adoption Tax Credit and the Dependent Tax Credit for families that help take care of an elderly parent or an adult, disabled child; preserves the Adoption Tax Credit and the Dependent Tax Credit for families that help take care of an elderly parent or an adult, disabled child; preserves the Adoption Tax Credit and the Dependent Tax Credit for families that help take care of an elderly parent or an adult, disabled child; preserves the Adoption Tax Credit and the Dependent Tax Credit for families that help take care of an elderly parent or an adult, disabled child; leaves in place the Mortgage Interest Deduction for homes that cost under $750,000; and, leaves in place the Mortgage Interest Deduction for homes that cost under $750,000; and, repeals the individual mandate established in the Affordable Care Act.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rothfus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rothus-votes-pass-historic-tax-reform-legislation-1,Rothus Votes to Pass Historic Tax Reform Legislation,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Keith Rothfus,R000598,rothfus.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - Today the House passed the Conference Report for Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, H.R. 1, by a vote of 227-203. Congressman Keith Rothfus (PA-12) issued the following statement after voting for this historic legislation to give hardworking Americans the financial relief they deserve: Todays tax reform bill represents a historic shift of wealth and power away from Washington, D.C. and back to the American people, said Congressman Rothfus. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provides meaningful relief to Americans of all walks of life. For instance, a single mom with one child earning $41,000 a year will see a tax cut of more than $1,300 to help her make ends meet, while a family of four making $73,000 a year will get more than $2,000 back. Thanks to this bill, a competitive tax code will stop American businesses from packing up and sending jobs overseas. Todays bill will unleash the power of the American people and allow the economy to grow at a much healthier and more dynamic pace, bringing prosperity back again. Watch Congressman Rothfus Floor Statement HERE. -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/smucker-statement-house-passage-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act-conference-report,Smucker Statement on House Passage of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Conference Report,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Lloyd Smucker,S001199,smucker.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-16) today issued the following statement on House passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Every American deserves the opportunity to pursue his or her own version of the American Dream. Today, our complex and outdated federal tax code leaves families feeling like theyre doing everything right, but still struggling to make ends meet. The status quo on taxes is failing the middle class. Throughout this past year, I have been hearing from constituents about what tax reform should do for them and their families. They want a simpler, more honest federal tax code that lets them keep more of their paycheck and restores American competitiveness and thats what this bill does. I have also had conversations with constituents about specific provisions in our tax bill that have been good for our community. Our older population has been able to reduce its tax liability because of the deduction for medical expenses. Cities like Lancaster, Reading, and Coatesville have taken advantage of the New Market and Historic Tax Credits to jumpstart economic activity and put people back to work. I fought to retain these important provisions to help ensure this tax plan works for our district. The IRS has told President Trump that, if signed into law before Christmas, the lower rates will be effective as soon as February. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass this legislation so hardworking Americans can keep more of their own money. Rep. Smucker sent a letter to House Speaker Paul Ryan and Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady in late November urging them to preserve the New Market and Historic Tax Credits in the final version of tax reform legislation. You can read that letter here. Rep. Smucker also sent a letter to Tax Policy Subcommittee Chairman Peter Roskam that highlighted the concerns shared by residents of a retirement communities in the district and the value of being able to deduct medical expenses. You can read that letter here. You can read the bill text and policy highlights of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-announces-appointment-erica-hetrick-us-naval-academy-annapolis,"Thompson Announces Appointment of Erica Hetrick to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.",2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,thompson,https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Clarion-Limestone senior accepts fully-qualified appointment WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-05) today announced that Ms. Erica Lynn Hetrick of Clarion, Pa. has accepted a fully-qualified appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. Erica is a senior at Clarion-Limestone Jr.-Sr. High School, and she is the daughter of Derry Hetrick and Virginia McKisson, both of Clarion. “Ms. Hetrick has excelled in the classroom, on the playing field and in service to her community,” Rep. Thompson said. “I know that Erica’s high honors will lend to her becoming a leader at the Naval Academy in Annapolis in the same fashion as she did at Clarion-Limestone Jr.-Sr. High. I was pleased to nominate Ms. Hetrick, and I wish her the best of luck as a midshipman.” Hetrick is Vice President of the National Honor Society, she founded the Political Science Club and serves as President, works part-time as Bob’s Sub and Sandwich Shop, and she has volunteered her time with numerous clubs and organizations including Future Teachers of America where she tutored other students. She is currently ranked second in her class.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-supports-tax-overhaul,Thompson Supports Tax Overhaul,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,thompson,https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Legislation maintains important education provisions, significantly increases standard deduction for individuals, families WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Conference Report to accompany H.R. 1, The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, produced by the bicameral Tax Conference Committee. U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson(PA-05) voted in favor of the bill, which passed the House by a vote of 227 to 203. Earlier in the morning, Rep. Thompsonspoke on the House floor in support of the measure. Upon approval by both the House and Senate, the legislation will be sent to President Donald J. Trump for his signature and will become law, taking effect January 1, 2018. Rep. Thompson released the following statement: “I am proud to support this long-overdue tax reform that will bring immediate relief to American taxpayers across the board, families and businesses around the nation. For the first time since 1986, we are challenging the status quo and simplifying the tax code. Under this final legislation, low- and middle-income families, who have been struggling for a long time, will see their tax burden lowered, by nearly doubling the standard deduction. “As it pertains to the Fifth Congressional District, according to the IRS, the 18 percent of taxpayers who choose to itemize on average about $21,000 in deductions. The bill will automatically allow for a $24,000 standard deduction – up from $12,700 – for those filing jointly. That’s nearly 82 percent of the taxpayers in the 5th District. This proposal truly strives to help families keep more of their hard-earned paychecks. “I also am also pleased that the final legislation maintains current tax preferences for education assistance. Specifically, the bill maintains the deduction for student loan interest payments and graduate tuition waiver exemptions for working students. I – and many of my colleagues – urged the Conference Committee to keep these provisions intact. “I encourage my Senate colleagues to act swiftly, pass the bill and send it to the President’s desk for his signature.” HIGHLIGHTS OF H.R. 1 BENEFITS FOR ALL FAMILIES · Lowers individual tax rates across the board · Individual/Joint Filer Deduction nearly doubling · Continues to allow people to write off the cost of state and local taxes · Child Tax Credit Expansion · Education · Obamacare individual mandate repeal · Medical Expensing Write Offs BENEFITS FOR EVERY TYPE OF BUSINESS · Lowers the corporate tax rate to 21% (beginning Jan. 1, 2018) – down from 35% · Offering a first-ever 20% tax deduction that applies to the first $315,000 of joint income for Main Street Businesses. · Allows businesses to immediately write off the full cost of new equipment, removing a cumbersome depreciation regime. · Protects the ability of small businesses to write off interest on loans. · Modernizes our international tax system, making it easier for businesses to bring home foreign earnings and invest in America.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://thompson.house.gov/press-release/thompson-announces-appointment-erica-hetrick-us-naval-academy-annapolis-md,"Thompson Announces Appointment of Erica Hetrick to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.",2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Clarion-Limestone senior accepts fully-qualified appointment WASHINGTON U.S. Representative Glenn GT Thompson (PA-05) today announced that Ms. Erica Lynn Hetrick of Clarion, Pa. has accepted a fully-qualified appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. Erica is a senior at Clarion-Limestone Jr.-Sr. High School, and she is the daughter of Derry Hetrick and Virginia McKisson, both of Clarion. Ms. Hetrick has excelled in the classroom, on the playing field and in service to her community, Rep. Thompson said. I know that Ericas high honorswill lend to her becoming a leader at the Naval Academy in Annapolis in the same fashion as shedid at Clarion-Limestone Jr.-Sr. High. I was pleased to nominate Ms. Hetrick, and I wish her the best of luck as a midshipman. Hetrick is Vice President of the National Honor Society, she founded the Political Science Club and serves as President, works part-time as Bobs Sub and Sandwich Shop, and she has volunteered her time with numerous clubs and organizations including Future Teachers of America where she tutored other students. She is currently ranked second in her class. Hetrick is also a member of the track and field team, and volleyball team where in 2017 she was co-captain and named Most Valuable Player. Hetricks maternal grandparents are Henrietta and Bill Kodrich of Clarion.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://thompson.house.gov/press-release/thompson-supports-tax-overhaul,Thompson Supports Tax Overhaul,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Legislation maintains important education provisions, significantly increases standard deduction for individuals, families WASHINGTON Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Conference Report to accompany H.R. 1, The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, produced by the bicameral Tax Conference Committee. U.S. Representative Glenn GT Thompson (PA-05) voted in favor of the bill, which passed the House by a vote of 227 to 203. Earlier in the morning, Rep. Thompson spoke on the House floor in support of the measure. Upon approval by both the House and Senate, the legislation will be sent to President Donald J. Trump for his signature and will become law, taking effect January 1, 2018. Rep. Thompson released the following statement: I am proud to support this long-overdue tax reform that will bring immediate relief to American taxpayers across the board, families and businesses around the nation. For the first time since 1986, we are challenging the status quo and simplifying the tax code. Under this final legislation, low- and middle-income families, who have been struggling for a long time, will see their tax burden lowered, by nearly doubling the standard deduction. As it pertains to the Fifth Congressional District, according to the IRS, the 18 percent of taxpayers who choose to itemize on average about $21,000 in deductions. The bill will automatically allow for a $24,000 standard deduction up from $12,700 for those filing jointly. Thats nearly 82 percent of the taxpayers in the 5th District. This proposal truly strives to help families keep more of their hard-earned paychecks. I also am also pleased that the final legislation maintains current tax preferences for education assistance.Specifically, the bill maintains the deduction for student loan interest payments and graduate tuition waiver exemptions for working students. I and many of my colleagues urged the Conference Committee to keep these provisions intact. I encourage my Senate colleagues to act swiftly, pass the bill and send it to the Presidents desk for his signature. HIGHLIGHTS OF H.R. 1 BENEFITS FOR ALL FAMILIES Lowers individual tax rates across the board Individual/Joint Filer Deduction nearly doubling Continues to allow people to write off the cost of state and local taxes Child Tax Credit Expansion Education Obamacare individual mandate repeal Medical Expensing Write Offs BENEFITS FOR EVERY TYPE OF BUSINESS Lowers the corporate tax rate to 21% (beginning Jan. 1, 2018) down from 35% Offering a first-ever 20% tax deduction that applies to the first $315,000 of joint income for Main Street Businesses. Allows businesses to immediately write off the full cost of new equipment, removing a cumbersome depreciation regime. Protects the ability of small businesses to write off interest on loans. Modernizes our international tax system, making it easier for businesses to bring home foreign earnings and invest in America. More information about H.R. 1 can be found at fairandsimple.gop.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2074,Senator Toomey Statement on Passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"This bill fundamentally shows that we believe in the capacity of the American people to restore the vibrant economic growth that we used to take for granted. Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement on the Senate passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: ""Tonight the Senate passed the most historic reform to our tax code in over three decades. In doing so, we've achieved two major accomplishments for the American people. ""First, we lowered the tax burden on hardworking individuals and families. The vast majority of lower and middle-income taxpayers will pay less in federal taxes. Second, we fundamentally restructured the business tax code which will enable American workers and businesses to compete globally, encourage a surge in economic growth, and create better paying jobs. This bill fundamentally shows that we believe in the capacity of the American people to restore the vibrant economic growth that we used to take for granted. ""I thank Majority Leader McConnell, Speaker Ryan, Chairman Hatch, and Chairman Brady for their leadership throughout this process and my colleagues in the Senate for their hard work and perseverance. I am excited the President will soon sign this bill into law, making good on the promise we made to the American people.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://costello.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-costello-introduces-legislation-stabilize-health-insurance-markets,Rep. Costello Introduces Legislation to Stabilize Health Insurance Markets and Ensure Affordable Coverage for Pennsylvanians,2017-12-18,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Ryan Costello,C001106,costello.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Rep. Ryan Costello (PA-06) today introduced H.R. 4666, the Premium Relief Act, legislation that would stabilize the individual health insurance marketplace, provide relief from soaring insurance premiums, and ensure access to affordable coverage by funding Cost Sharing Reduction payments (CSRs) and creating a Patient and State Stability Fund to give states flexibility in how they provide assistance for healthinsurance costs. CSRs lower cost-sharing for thousands of Pennsylvanians who purchase low-deductible, high-quality health insurance through the individual marketplace. The Administration announced in October it would end these payments after concluding the program could not be lawfully funded through the U.S. Department of the Treasurys refundable tax account. This legislation would provide funding for CSRs for 2017, 2019, and 2020. Rep. Costello has been outspoken in his support of funding CSRs to provide stability in the marketplace. The Premium Relief Act would also provide immediate certainty to the health insurance market by creating a Patient and State Stability Fund. The Stability Fund is guaranteed through the federal government.This is also known as a federal fallback,and it gives certainty to insurers when setting rates, which will result in lower premiums. While 2018 rates have already been set, insurers will consider this fund before calculating their 2019 rates. Importantly, the Stability Fund gives states the ability to provide financial assistance for individuals and families who need help accessing non-employer coverage. The Stability Fund can provide funding for copayments, coinsurance, preventative care, maternity care, treatment for mental health disorders, and substance disorders, among other needs. While Rep. Costello supports expanding state flexibility through other avenues, Pennsylvania stakeholders have emphasized the Stability Fund requires less of a bureaucratic process and will be implemented before insurers set their 2019 rates. To ensure transparency of this funding, states must provide a description of how the funds will be utilized. My focus continues to be for Pennsylvanians to have affordable, quality healthcare,said Rep. Costello.By allowing states to tailor their healthcare systems to best serve the unique needs of their residents and by bringing swift stabilization to the health insurance market, this legislationwill mean access to coverage and lower premiums for hardworking families. The text of the legislation is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-named-health-it-pioneer-work-expand-access-telemedicine,Thompson Named ‘Health IT Pioneer’ for Work to Expand Access to Telemedicine for Veterans,2017-12-18,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,thompson,https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Award recognizes legislators who have aggressively pushed for technology-enabled solutions to spur improvements in healthcare WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson was recently presented with a Health IT Pioneer award for his bill, H.R. 2123 the VETS Act, which expands access to telemedicine in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs medical system. Rep. Thompson introduced the VETS Act with Rep. Julia Brownley (D-CA) earlier this year and the House passed the bill in November. Health IT Now is a broad-based coalition of patient groups, provider organizations, employers, and payers supporting health information technology to improve patient outcomes. It recently presented its annual Health IT Pioneer awards, the organization’s highest honor, to select Members of Congress.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://thompson.house.gov/press-release/thompson-named-%E2%80%98health-it-pioneer%E2%80%99-work-expand-access-telemedicine-veterans,Thompson Named Health IT Pioneer for Work to Expand Access to Telemedicine for Veterans,2017-12-18,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Award recognizes legislators who have aggressively pushed for technology-enabled solutions to spur improvements in healthcare WASHINGTON U.S. Representative Glenn GT Thompson was recently presented with a Health IT Pioneer award for his bill, H.R. 2123 the VETS Act, which expands access to telemedicine in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs medical system. Rep. Thompson introduced the VETS Act with Rep. Julia Brownley (D-CA) earlier this year and the House passed the bill in November. HealthITNowis a broad-based coalition of patient groups, provider organizations, employers, and payers supportinghealthinformation technology to improve patient outcomes.It recently presented its annual Health IT Pioneer awards, the organizations highest honor, to select Members of Congress. The Health IT Pioneer awards recognize legislators who have aggressively pushed for technology-enabled solutions to spur improvements in healthcare.Lawmakers were also recognized for their support of the VETS Act and the Increasing Telehealth Access in Medicare Act,measures endorsed by HITN to make telehealth services more readily available within the Veterans Administration and MedicareAdvantage programs. I am pleased the House passed the VETS Act, which will allow our servicemen and women greater access to care especially those in rural areas, Rep. Thompson said. The VETS Act will ensure that our veterans receive timely health care no matter where they live. I thank Health IT Now for its unwavering support of the legislation and for presenting me with the Health IT Pioneer award. At Health IT Now, our members recognize the transformative potential ofhealth IT to empower patients, support providers, and lower overall healthcare costs and so do each of this years Health IT Pioneer award recipients, said HITN Executive Director Joel White. These legislators are truly our Congressional champions; pushing for a future-focused healthcare system that leverages the power of technology to improve care coordination, simplify administrative burdens, reduce unnecessary testing, and offer enhanced clinical decision support. Each of this years recipients hasshown a commitment to the full integration of technology in healthcare that is inspiring and worthy of recognition. We lookforward to continuing to partner with these health IT leaders on Capitol Hilland cultivating many others in the year ahead. In addition to Rep. Thompson, awardees include:Rep. Diane Black (R-TN), Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Rep. Susan Brooks (R-IN), Rep. Julia Brownley (D-CA), Rep. Evan Jenkins (R-WV), Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA), Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Rep. Tim Ryan (D-OH), and Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA), as well as Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV), and Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2070,Senator Toomey Statement on Conference Agreement for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,2017-12-15,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement on the agreement reached by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Conference Committee: ""I am elated that my colleagues and I have reached an agreement on a tax bill because it puts us one step closer to delivering both direct tax relief and a better economy to all Pennsylvanians. ""In just a few weeks, the vast majority of my constituents will get a pay raise because less of their hard-earned money will be going to Uncle Sam. Workers and employers will see a surge of new investment as this agreement takes the industrialized world's worst business tax code and makes it one of the best. At the beginning of this process, I promised that I would work hard in support of pro-growth principles that deliver a brighter economic future for Pennsylvanians and all Americans. I am thrilled that the conference bill achieves that goal. ""I thank Majority Leader McConnell, Speaker Ryan, Chairman Hatch, and Chairman Brady for their leadership throughout this process and I am optimistic the full Senate will approve this measure next week."" Read the full legislative text and the policy highlights of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2072,"Toomey, Blumenthal Statement on Passage of PACT Act",2017-12-15,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - The Senate unanimously agreed to Sens. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Richard Blumenthal's (D-Ct.) bipartisan bill, the Prevent Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act. The PACT Act would outlaw a heinous form of animal abuse known as ""crushing,"" where deranged individuals maim and torture animals. Despite taking steps in 2010 to ban the sale of videos depicting animal crushing, Congress failed to make the underlying act of crushing a federal crime. This means that--even when there is overwhelming evidence that torture is taking place--federal law enforcement is unable to protect animals from abuse or even arrest known abusers. The PACT Act would ensure that individuals found guilty of torturing animals face felony charges, fines, and up to seven years in prison. ""Animal crushing is absolutely disgusting and there is no place for this behavior in our society,"" said Sen. Toomey. ""It is long past time this abhorrent practice came to an end and I am glad the Senate once again took the next step towards advancing that goal. I am hopeful that this bipartisan bill will pass the House and finally get enacted into law."" ""This bipartisan measure finally prohibits a heinous, inhumane practice--stating emphatically once and for all that there is no place in a civilized society for the maiming and torturing of animals,"" said Sen. Blumenthal. ""Thanks to the long overdue action of the Senate, the barbaric individuals who commit these crimes will no longer walk free. I call on the House to pass this important legislation immediately."" ""Our nation should have a zero tolerance policy for malicious cruelty to animals or sexual exploitation of defenseless creatures,"" said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States. ""We are immensely grateful to Senators Toomey and Blumenthal for leading this fight and securing this enormous win for animal welfare."" The PACT Act is endorsed by the Humane Society of the United States, National Sheriffs' Association, Fraternal Order of Police, and the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-leads-bipartisan-effort-in-calling-on-congressional-leadership-to-commit-resources-to-opioid-epidemic,Casey Leads Bipartisan Effort In Calling On Congressional Leadership To Commit Resources To Opioid Epidemic,2017-12-15,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - As the Nations opioid epidemic continues to ravage communities across the country, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) led a bipartisan group of his colleagues in calling on Senate leadership to provide states with the resources they need to tackle this ongoing public health emergency. Senator Casey was joined by Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Angus King (I-ME), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI). In their letter, the bipartisan group urge Leaders McConnell (R-KY) and Schumer (D-NY) to include additional funding dedicated to addressing the crisis in the upcoming supplemental and omnibus appropriations legislation. Opioid misuse is not a partisan issue. It is ravaging communities in every state and preys upon individuals and families regardless of party affiliation, wrote the Senators. We have worked together on this issue in the past, and with the clear statement from Acting Secretary Hargan that the administration is looking for Congress to lead the way, it is time for us to work together again. As the Senate considers pending supplemental and omnibus appropriation legislation, please make every effort to ensure that new, substantial and sustained funding for the opioid epidemic is included in any legislative package. The full text of the letter can be seen below: Dear Majority Leader McConnell and Democratic Leader Schumer: We write today to discuss our Nations opioid misuse epidemic and the urgent need for Congress to provide our states with the resources they need to deal with this public health emergency. In light of recent statements from the administration asking Congress to act on this issue, we believe the upcoming supplemental and omnibus appropriations legislation present significant opportunities for additional funding. As you are aware, the opioid misuse epidemic is taking a toll on individuals, families and communities across the Nation. It is tearing apart families and straining the resources of local governments, law enforcement and public health agencies. Although we are pleased by the recent declaration of the epidemic as a public health emergency, that action needs to be coupled with adequate, sustained resources. On December 4, Acting HHS Secretary Eric Hargan stated that the administration is looking forward to hearing from Congress about how they intend to address this. That means it is up to us to act. We urge you to advance a spending package that will provide substantial new resources for our families and our communities who have waited too long for help. Although the measures in the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA), the 21st Century Cures legislation and the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 were important first steps, we must now build upon those efforts to ensure that states have adequate resources for first responders, enforcement, prevention efforts and treatment and recovery services. We must also provide more resources for research into addiction and pain, to gain a better understanding of the disease and develop innovative new treatments for substance misuse. Opioid misuse is not a partisan issue. It is ravaging communities in every state and preys upon individuals and families regardless of party affiliation. We have worked together on this issue in the past, and with the clear statement from Acting Secretary Hargan that the administration is looking for Congress to lead the way, it is time for us to work together again. As the Senate considers pending supplemental and omnibus appropriation legislation, please make every effort to ensure that new, substantial and sustained funding for the opioid epidemic is included in any legislative package. Thank you and we look forward to working with you to ensure that our communities receive the resources they need to effectively address this national crisis. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/senators-urge-administration-to-outline-real-plan-to-address-outsourcing,Senators Urge Administration To Outline Real Plan To Address Outsourcing,2017-12-15,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressional Republicans tax plan includes provisions that may encourage companies to move production and jobs overseas. To ensure the Administration adheres to its numerous promises to put American workers first, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Claire McCaskill (D-MO) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) have penned a letter asking the Administration to prevent the inclusion of provisions in the tax bill that encourage outsourcing and outline meaningful steps it plans to take to prevent outsourcing. Specifically, the GOPs plan will reward U.S. companies that offshore jobs with a large tax cut on old profits unavailable to companies who keep their production in the United States. And it may allow future profits from outsourced manufacturing to never be taxed in the United States. Outsourcing causes job loss and wage decline and the Administration must have an effective strategy to combat it, wrote the Senators. The tax policies being pursued by Republicans in Congress are at odds with these objectives. We urge you to take steps to ensure that your statements on outsourcing are reflected in the positions Treasury takes in negotiations over the international components of the tax legislation with Senate Republicans. The full text of the letter can be seen below: Dear President Trump: We write to express our support for the goal of curbing policies that encourage outsourcing and hope the United States Trade Representative will negotiate commitments in the NAFTA that contribute to this objective. However, we are concerned that the tax policy currently being drafted by Treasury and Republicans in Congress may not only undermine any such efforts, but could actually create new and more substantial incentives to outsource that far outweigh any disincentives created by the Administrations trade policies. Outsourcing causes job loss and wage decline and the Administration must have an effective strategy to combat it. The tax policies being pursued by Republicans in Congress are at odds with these objectives. We urge you to take steps to ensure that your statements on outsourcing are reflected in the positions Treasury takes in negotiations over the international components of the tax legislation with Senate Republicans. As you may know, the Republican tax bills, as drafted, will reward U.S. companies that offshored jobs with a large tax cut on old profits unavailable to companies who kept their production in the United States. A company who outsourced to Mexico to take advantage of cheap labor will pay less tax on accumulated profits than a domestic competitor who kept jobs in the United States. Further, the permanent shift of our global tax system may allow profits derived from production in a factory overseas to never be taxed in the United States. Meanwhile a company that kept jobs here at home will be taxed at the US corporate tax rate. Specifically, a U.S. company that has or moves a manufacturing facility overseas is likely to only have routine returns on investments, and accordingly, will likely not pay any U.S. tax on profits from those operations under the House and Senate bills.[1] This disparity may actually encourage companies to move production and jobs overseas, opening new incentives that reach far beyond a single trade agreement or the inducement of cheap labor. The Republican tax plan is in serious conflict with your promise of consequences for sending jobs overseas. This plan may not only break that promise but achieve the opposite by opening significant new avenues and incentives for companies small, and large to offshore production and profits. Given the stakes of this negotiation, we ask you to detail the steps your Administration is taking to ensure that the Republican tax bill is consistent with your stated opposition to outsourcing. In addition we ask that you outline efforts undertaken by Executive branch agencies, including Treasury, USTR, and the Office of the President, to develop and execute a coordinated approach to curb outsourcing. Specifically we ask that you provide timely answers to the following questions: (1) Whether Treasury has consulted USTR and other agencies on the impact on outsourcing from the international tax provisions currently being negotiated by Republicans in Congress. (2) Whether an interagency policy exists to coordinate strategy on curbing outsourcing. (3) Whether interagency guidelines exist requiring the assessment of outsourcing impact prior to the Administrations endorsement of policy. (4) Whether Treasury has been directed to provide analysis and assessment of the impact of the tax bill on offshoring of profits and the outsourcing of jobs. We urge you hold firm on your promises to workers in our states and across the country and advance our mutual goal of curbing outsourcing and bringing better paying jobs home. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-foreign-affairs-committee-passes-boyle-bill-bolster-cybersecurity,"House Foreign Affairs Committee Passes Boyle Bill to Bolster Cybersecurity, US-Ukrainian Cooperation",2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,PA,Brendan Boyle,B001296,boyle.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the House Foreign Affairs Committee passed the Ukraine Cybersecurity Cooperation Act, legislation introduced by Congressmen Brendan F. Boyle (PA-13) and Brian K. Fitzpatrick (PA-8). The bill, H.R. 1997, would encourage cooperation between the United States and Ukraine on matters of cybersecurity and require State Department reporting to Congress on best practices to protect against future cyber attacks. The legislation may now go to the House floor for a vote on final passage. I am proud to advance this important bipartisan legislation with Congressman Fitzpatrick and our HFAC colleagues, said Congressman Boyle, a member of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus. It is past time we recognize the need and opportunity to work more closely with our great friend and ally Ukraine, which is on the frontlines for nation state-directed cyber attacks. Helping Ukraine buttress its cyber defenses will also help the United States in developing new and more effective technologies and strategies in dealing with cyber security on the modern battlefield. Our cooperation towards this goal will send a strong, important signal of Western support for Ukraine at a time when it is literally fighting to protect its democratic identity from Putin. Cybersecurity is a complex and serious national and economic security issue for any nation. For years, Ukraine has been under siege from nation-state cyber attacks that have sought to weaken its government and undermine hopes for an open and democratic society. The United States must play an important role in this fight. By not adequately responding and adapting to these cyber-threats in Eastern Europe, our nation is both letting down an ally as well as failing to take proactive steps to protect itself, said Fitzpatrick, also a member of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus. Standing strong with our time-tested allies in freedom's cause is liberty's best defense. Im proud to work with my colleague, Mr. Boyle, in encouraging cooperation between the U.S. and Ukraine on this front, and look forward to continuing to work with members of the Foreign Affairs Committee to keep our focus on this 21st century battle. Ukraine has been repeatedly targeted by cyber-attacks as a part of ongoing aggression from neighboring Russia. Congressman Boyle has been an outspoken advocate for robust U.S. - Ukraine relations and was earlier this year awarded as a Friend of Ukraine for his work in Congress on behalf of a sovereign, Democratic Ukraine. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://costello.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/costello-doyle-introduce-bipartisan-bill-establish-investment-tax-credit,"Costello, Doyle Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Establish Investment Tax Credit for Energy Storage",2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Ryan Costello,C001106,costello.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Reps. Ryan Costello (R-PA) and Mike Doyle (D-PA), members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, introduced the bipartisan Energy Storage Tax Incentive and Deployment Act of 2017. This bill, H.R. 4649, would establish a separate investment tax credit (ITC) for energy storage infrastructure for utilities, businesses, and homes. The legislation is cosponsored by Representative Mark Takano (D-CA). “Supporting and encouraging the use of innovative energy technologies can help lower energy costs and improve grid resiliency. When paired with recent advancements in clean and renewable energy choices, energy storage can strengthen the security of our electric grid, offer consumers greater choice, and lower the cost of energy bills,” said Rep. Costello “This legislation encourages the use of emerging energy storage technologies and incorporating them into the electric grid. Energy storage technologies are critical to the increased adoption of renewable energy and the improvement of electric grid resilience,” said Rep. Doyle. “This bipartisan bill will facilitate greater investment and research in energy storage technologies, bolster the advanced energy economy, and support clean energy jobs across Pennsylvania.” Energy storage systems often serve as complementary reserves to renewable resources like wind and solar power. They can provide backup power and also help lower costs for electricity during peak demand, when energy is most expensive. Energy storage ultimately makes our electric grid more sustainable and resilient, and can help provide power when we need it most – like the hottest afternoons or cold snaps in winter. Additionally, energy storage systems are integral to increasing deployment of advanced grid technologies and enhancing the operation of all types of generating resources.  The Energy Storage Tax Incentive and Deployment Act of 2017 is modeled on the existing investment tax credits for solar energy and can apply to large, utility-scale energy storage projects or smaller battery systems for residential use. The current tax code allows an ITC for energy storage when it is installed in conjunction with a solar energy system; this bill would extend the ITC for energy storage investments in a wider range of applications and provide greater clarity and assurance to prospective investors. This legislation is a companion to S.1868, an identical, bipartisan bill introduced in the Senate by Senators Heinrich (D-NM) and Heller (R-NV) earlier this year.    ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://doyle.house.gov/press-release/congressmen-doyle-and-costello-introduce-bipartisan-bill-establish-investment-tax,Congressmen Doyle and Costello Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Establish Investment Tax Credit for Energy Storage,2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,PA,Mike Doyle,D000482,doyle.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON DC U.S. Representatives Mike Doyle (D-PA) and Ryan Costello (R-PA), both members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, introduced the bipartisan Energy Storage Tax Incentive and Deployment Act of 2017. This bill, H.R. 4649, would establish a separate investment tax credit (ITC) for energy storage infrastructure for utilities, businesses, and homes. The legislation is cosponsored by Representative Mark Takano (D-CA). This legislation encourages the use of emerging energy storage technologies and incorporating them into the electric grid. Energy storage technologies are critical to the increased adoption of renewable energy and the improvement of electric grid resilience, said Congressman Doyle. This bipartisan bill will facilitate greater investment and research in energy storage technologies, bolster the advanced energy economy, and support clean energy jobs across Pennsylvania. Supporting and encouraging the use of innovative energy technologies can help lower energy costs and improve grid resiliency. When paired with recent advancements in clean and renewable energy choices, energy storage can strengthen the security of our electric grid, offer consumers greater choice, and lower the cost of energy bills, said Representative Costello. Energy storage systems often serve as complementary reserves to renewable resources like wind and solar power. They can provide backup power and also help lower costs for electricity during peak demand, when energy is most expensive. Energy storage ultimately makes our electric grid more sustainable and resilient, and can help provide power when we need it most like the hottest afternoons or cold snaps in winter. Additionally, energy storage systems are integral to increasing deployment of advanced grid technologies and enhancing the operation of all types of generating resources. The Energy Storage Tax Incentive and Deployment Act of 2017 is modeled on the existing investment tax credits for solar energy and can apply to large, utility-scale energy storage projects or smaller battery systems for residential use. The current tax code allows an ITC for energy storage when it is installed in conjunction with a solar energy system; this bill would extend the ITC for energy storage investments in a wider range of applications and provide greater clarity and assurance to prospective investors. This legislation is a companion to S.1868, an identical, bipartisan bill introduced in the Senate by Senators Heinrich (D-NM) and Heller (R-NV) earlier this year. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://doyle.house.gov/press-release/members-congress-condemn-fcc-vote-kill-net-neutrality,Members of Congress Condemn FCC Vote to Kill Net Neutrality,2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,PA,Mike Doyle,D000482,doyle.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Mike Doyle (D-PA-14), the Ranking Member on the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, joined a number of other Members of Congress in condemning the Federal Communications Commission’s vote today to kill the Open Internet Order, which guarantees Net Neutrality.   Representatives Anna Eshoo (D-CA-18), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01), Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), Richard M. Nolan (D-MN-08), Paul Tonko (D-NY-20), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-09), Jerry McNerney (D-CA-09), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY-12), Betty McCollum (D-MN-04), and Peter Welch (D-VT-AL) joined Congressman Doyle in condemning the FCC’s action and announcing their intention to introduce legislation to overturn the “Restoring Internet Freedom” order the Commission adopted with that vote. Companion legislation will be introduced in the Senate by Senator Ed Markey (D-MA).   “The Open Internet Order has been effective at preserving a level playing field where consumers have access to the content and services they want – and online businesses are able to compete on the basis of cost and quality of their product rather than how much they can pay Internet Service Providers to block or throttle their competition,” Congressman Doyle said in response to the FCC vote. “I’ve tried repeatedly to convince Chairman Pai to abandon his plans to dismantle the Open Internet Order – most recently by organizing a letter from 118 Members of Congress urging him not to take this vote today – and now that the FCC has voted to kill Net Neutrality and give ISPs a green light to control access to the Internet, I will introduce legislation under the Congressional Review Act to overturn today’s order and restore Net Neutrality.” “It’s clear that the Chairman’s idea to destroy the free and open Internet has been rejected in the court of public opinion, with tens of millions of Americans weighing in,” Representative Eshoo said. “As representatives of those millions, it is our responsibility to fight this march to folly. I’m proud to join my fellow Members of Congress on this CRA as we continue this new battle in the ongoing fight for net neutrality.” “Protecting net neutrality creates a level playing field for consumers, innovators, and small businesses,” Representative Bonamici observed. “Rolling back Title II protections will be detrimental to the free flow of information that underpins our democracy. The FCC has failed the American people and Congress must step up to keep the internet fair and open.” “With this vote today, the FCC has taken away our free and open internet,” Representative Khanna said. “I refuse to let the founding principles of the internet die, not on our watch. I am supporting a Congressional Review Act Resolution from Rep. Doyle to overturn this vote and put net neutrality back in place. I encourage everyone to call their representatives and ask them to support as well. The free and open internet has been an engine of innovation and creativity for decades. We need to make sure that it stays that way for the future.”   “Today, the FCC chose to repeal net neutrality – handing huge corporations the power to block consumers from certain websites and slow down their internet speeds,” Representative Nolan said. “It’s grossly unfair to consumers and small businesses, and we’re going to fight to reinstate net neutrality protections every step of the way.” “The entire Net Neutrality repeal process has been a disaster and it must be reversed,” Representative Tonko said. “Instead of working to strengthen consumer protections and serve the American people, FCC’s current leadership voted to downsize their rights, jeopardize the future of the open Internet, and hand a huge win to giant corporations. Even the public comment process for this decision was corrupted with thousands of fraudulent comments submitted using stolen identities and information. Several of my own constituents’ deceased family members’ identities were used in advancing this charade. The FCC’s decision to repeal Net Neutrality under these conditions was illegitimate and Congress has a responsibility to protect the American people, reverse the Net Neutrality repeal and demand the truth from the FCC about troubling abuses that were committed during their rule-making process.” “Ending net neutrality undermines the free and open Internet. Today’s FCC decision is yet another example of how Republicans are padding the pockets of big corporations at the expense of consumers and small businesses,” Representative McCollum said. “Congress should now overturn this new rule, preserve net neutrality, and save the internet. I am proud to co-sponsor Representative Doyle’s legislation to do just that.” “Repealing Net Neutrality is the opposite of President Trump’s promise to drain the swamp,” said Congresswoman Kaptur. “Instead, the Trump Administration is taking America backward on key consumer protections and safeguards against corporate overreach. I have heard from citizens across Northern Ohio who have made their voices clear. They support Net Neutrality, and they support an internet that is open and free from overt meddling by big corporations to juice their profits. Congress must protect Net Neutrality.” “A free and open internet safeguards free speech, puts consumers first, and protects small businesses and innovators,” Representative Maloney said. “But today, the FCC voted to repeal the net neutrality rules that protect the free and open internet we know today. I’m proud to join my colleagues in this effort to roll back the FCC's harmful decision and am pleased to support Rep. Doyle’s bill to keep our Net Neutrality protections in place.” “Today’s decision by the Commission sets us on a dangerous path backwards,” said Congressman McNerney. “Net neutrality protections are essential for ensuring that the internet serves as a forum for the free flow of information and a gateway for economic opportunity. I’m proud to join Congressman Doyle to push to reverse this drastic action.” “Today’s decision to gut net neutrality is a disaster for consumers and an early Christmas present to big broadband companies who can now pick and choose who gets access to the internet and at what speed,” Representative Welch said. “I am proud to cosponsor this legislation which will reverse this horrible decision so that the internet remains open and accessible to all Americans.”    ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/committee-passes-fitzpatrick-boyle-ukraine-cyber-security-bill,Committee Passes Fitzpatrick-Boyle Ukraine Cyber Security Bill,2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Brian Fitzpatrick,F000466,fitzpatrick.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C – Bipartisan legislation introduced by Congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-8) and Brendan F. Boyle (PA-13) unanimously passed the House Foreign Affairs Committee Thursday, setting the stage for a crucial floor vote. The Ukraine Cybersecurity Cooperation Act [H.R. 1997] encourages cooperation between the United States and Ukraine on matters of cybersecurity and require State Department reporting to Congress on best practices to protect against future cyber attacks. “Cybersecurity is a complex and serious national and economic security issue for any nation. For years, Ukraine has been under siege from nation-state cyber-attacks that have sought to weaken its government and undermine hopes for an open and democratic society. The United States must play an important role in this fight. By not adequately responding and adapting to these cyber-threats in Eastern Europe, our nation is both letting down an ally as well as failing to take proactive steps to protect itself,” said Fitzpatrick, a member of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus. “Standing strong with our time-tested allies in freedom's cause is liberty's best defense. I’m proud to work with my college, Mr. Boyle, in encouraging cooperation between the U.S. and Ukraine on this front, and look forward to continuing to work with members of the Foreign Affairs Committee to keep our focus on this 21st century battle.” In recent years, Ukraine has been the target of an increasing number of cyber-attacks that have infiltrated state institutions and critical infrastructure to the effect of undermining its democracy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://marino.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/marino-calls-clarity-and-effective-action-justice-department-and-drug,Marino Calls for Clarity and Effective Action from Justice Department and Drug Enforcement Administration on Opioid Suspension Orders,2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Tom Marino,M001179,marino.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Marino (PA-10) called for greater clarity from the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on the appropriate standards to trigger opioid distribution immediate suspension orders (ISOs) and echoed calls from witnesses at a hearing for more effective actions to combat the opioid crisis.  Marino noted the frustrations expressed by members of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee at the testimony of Demetra Ashley, Acting Assistant Administrator of the DEA’s Diversion Control Division, that the agencies favored a change from the current “substantial likelihood of an immediate threat” standard to trigger ISOs, but could not articulate what that change should be. Ashley also commented multiple times that the agency has used “foreseeable risk” for years in investigations. The “substantial likelihood” standard was instituted, after negating with the agencies, in the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act, authored by Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)  and passed unanimously by both Houses of Congress and signed by President Barack Obama.  Congressman Marino observed Ms. Ashley’s expression of the DEA’s current preference for the “foreseeable risk” standard in the initial version of the Act he had introduced in the House. “I share the frustrations of my Senate colleagues over the shifting and unclear positions of the DOJ and DEA on the appropriate standard for immediate suspension orders,” stated Congressman Marino.  “That’s especially true given the near-unanimous agreement of witnesses at the hearing on the need to balance enforcement and access for pain patients and the fact that the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act has not hampered the agencies’ effectiveness in any way.” “I agree with the Senators who called for DOJ and DEA to provide clear suggestions on the standard for ISOs, and believe that if a change is needed, the ‘foreseeable risk’ standard would be a reasonable starting place.  At the same time, the agencies should heed the suggestions of witnesses to pursue more effective actions to clear out the bad actors fueling the opioid crisis, especially better data-sharing to spur collaboration between law enforcement agencies and distributors.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rothfus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rothus-praises-house-passage-legislation-increase-transparency-and,Rothus Praises House Passage of Legislation to Increase Transparency and Oversight over Iran-U.S. Business Transactions,2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Keith Rothfus,R000598,rothfus.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - As a member of the Financial services committee where these two bills originated, Congressman Keith Rothfus (PA-12) released the following statement after voting for the successful passage of the Iranian Leadership Asset Transparency Act, H.R. 1638, and the Strengthening Oversight of Iran’s Access to Finance Act, H.R. 4324: “Iran is the world’s number one state sponsor of terrorism and is ruled by corrupt leaders.  The Iranian Leadership Asset Transparency Act targets Iran’s corrupt elite, who have amassed significant wealth at the expense of their fellow citizens. This bill shines the light on assets held by Iran’s top government and military leaders so the average Iranian has a better understanding of how their elites fail them. It also gives Non-governmental organizations, Americans, and other observers in the private sector a more transparent picture of Iran as the destabilizing force and adversary it is.” Representative Rothfus Continued, “Similarly, the Strengthening Oversight of Iran’s Access to Finance Act gives the United States government greater oversight regarding certain business transactions with Iran. It safeguards the U.S. financial system from Iran’s illicit activities. Iran’s destructive influence continues to pervade the broader Middle East, and the U.S. must be vigilant to scale back their treacherous actions.”   -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2069,Toomey Issues Statement on Fifth Anniversary of Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting,2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.- U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement on the five year anniversary of the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. ""Five years ago today, 26 children and educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut were senselessly murdered. In the weeks and months following that awful tragedy, I sat down with some of the families of the victims. Those meetings were the most emotional and moving experiences I've had since joining the Senate. ""These families and their stories of lost loved ones inspire me to work across the aisle on common-sense gun safety legislation. For years, members of Congress have talked past one another on gun safety issues. We can and should do more to prevent guns from getting into the hands of criminals, terrorists, and the dangerously mentally ill while respecting the rights of law-abiding citizens. Both sides of the aisle need to come together to achieve common-sense solutions to gun safety.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2071,Toomey and Casey Laud Confirmation of Scott Brady to Serve as U.S. Attorney for PA's Western District,2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Patrick Toomey,T000461,toomey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.- Today, the U.S. Senate confirmed Scott Brady to serve as the next U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania. Mr. Brady was nominated to serve as the U.S. Attorney by President Trump in September and was supported by Senators Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.). ""Scott Brady has a vast amount of legal experience. In addition to previously serving in the U.S. Attorney's office, Mr. Brady has also clerked for Judge Thomas Hardiman and worked in the private sector,"" said Senator Toomey. ""With his experience and sterling reputation, I am confident that Mr. Brady will be a terrific U.S. Attorney and will serve the people of Western Pennsylvania with honor. I thank my Senate colleagues for their support of his nomination."" ""I am pleased to see this important office being filled,"" said Senator Casey. ""I am confident that Mr. Brady will build on his previous experience in the U.S. Attorney's Office to serve the Commonwealth honorably."" About Scott Brady: Scott Brady currently serves as Corporate Counsel for Federated Investors in Pittsburgh. He has previously served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, where he investigated and prosecuted cases in the violent crimes and white collar crimes sections. Brady is a graduate of Harvard University and the Pennsylvania State University School of Law, and served as a law clerk for Judge Thomas Hardiman on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. The Western District of Pennsylvania covers 25 Pennsylvania counties with federal courthouses in Erie, Johnstown, and Pittsburgh.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/media/view/casey-on-urgent-need-to-pass-the-dream-act,Casey on Urgent Need to Pass the Dream Act,2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Casey on Urgent Need to Pass the Dream Act In September, President Trump insulted our American values by announcing his cruel decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program (DACA). Congress must move immediately to pass the bipartisan DREAM Act, a bill Senator Casey was proud to vote for in 2007 and 2010.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/media/view/reauthorize-the-childrens-health-insurance-program,Reauthorize the Children's Health Insurance Program,2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Reauthorize the Children's Health Insurance Program The Children’s Health Insurance Program, or CHIP, expired on September 30th. We have a bipartisan bill ready to go: the Keep Kids’ Insurance Dependable and Secure Act of 2017 (KIDS) Act reauthorizes CHIP for five years.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://barletta.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barletta-backs-american-bred-explosive-detection-dogs,Barletta Backs American-bred Explosive Detection Dogs,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Lou Barletta,B001269,barletta.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Today, the House Committee on Homeland Security passed a bill supporting the use of American-bred canines for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).  H.R. 4577, the Domestic Explosives Detection Canine Capacity Building Act of 2017 would direct TSA and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop a domestic dog breeding network to produce high quality, American-bred explosive detection dogs.  Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11), an original cosponsor of the bill, sees an upside for the University of Pennsylvania, one of two major American universities with expertise related to explosive detection dogs and dog breeding.  “The University of Pennsylvania is a national leader in dog detection research,” Barletta said.  “They have trained 75 dogs over the past five years with a very high, 93 percent graduation rate for detection work.  I think if we leverage the expertise of universities like UPenn, we can really develop a robust American-bred dog network for explosive detection.  In a time of increasing dangers from terrorism, America needs to focus resources on combatting that threat.  This bill will utilize our nation’s tremendous knowledge and research expertise, provided by schools like UPenn, to develop a critical resource in America’s fight against terrorism.”  Dr. Cindy Otto, Director of the Penn Vet Working Dog Center at the University of Pennsylvania School Of Veterinary Medicine, also sees the benefits of American-bred explosive detection dogs.  “We know that detection dogs represent one of the most effective means to combat terrorism, but these dogs are in short supply and many programs rely on foreign sources of dogs,” Dr. Otto said.  “An American-bred Explosive Detection Dog network represents a tremendous opportunity to apply scientific principles to increase the availability, health, and success of detection dogs in support of national security. The knowledge that we have gained over the past 5 years at the Penn Vet Working Dog Center gives us the confidence that a collaborative breeding program will fill this critical need.”   The bill directs TSA and DHS to establish relationships with domestic canine breeders, proven vendors, leading veterinarians, and industry associations to create scientifically-grounded standards that reflect the latest in canine science.  These standards are designed to improve canine breeding, health, and training to create a more robust supply of explosive detection dogs for America’s national security. Currently, the University of Pennsylvania is one of America’s leading universities providing detection dog research.  Barletta, a known advocate for animal related issues, sees “man’s best friend” as a critical tool to America’s homeland security arsenal.  “Dogs are amazing animals,” he said.  “I am very excited to link the exceptional research capabilities of America’s universities like U. Penn. with our national security agencies in the fight against terrorism.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cartwright-announces-a-6000-neh-grant-to-quiet-valley-living-historical,Cartwright announces a $6000 NEH Grant to Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,PA,Matt Cartwright,C001090,cartwright.house.gov,,,legacy,"Stroudsburg, PA Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced that Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm in the Pocono Mountains received a $6,000 Preservation Assistance Grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). This grant will help Quiet Valley develop a better emergency disaster response plan. NEH grants are typically awarded to cultural institutions, such as museums, archives, libraries, colleges, universities, public television, and radio stations as well as to individual scholars. Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm is a non-profit, living-history museum preserving 19th century Pennsylvania German agricultural heritage. They are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and offer a host of tours as well as re-enactments of daily life on the farm. With the support from the NEH, Quiet Valley is able to update their emergency plan to ensure visitor safety and to care for their artifacts and farm animals, said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the Appropriations Committee. I will continue to be an advocate for grants that help organizations like Quiet Valley preserve our regional history and provide access to educational experiences in Pennsylvania and throughout the country. Quiet Valley plans to use the funds from this grant to hire a consultant to help develop a more current and all-encompassing Emergency Preparedness Plan to improve the museums ability to respond in a time of extraordinary circumstances such as a fire, flood, or other event. We aspire to do this because it shows a commitment to best practices in our field, said Katherine Muller, Project Director of Quiet Valley. Quiet Valley is excited to receive this award as it moves us one-step closer to accreditation with the American Alliance of Museums. Quiet Valley has received several federal and state grants in the past including the three part Museum Assessment Program, a Department of Environmental Protection grant, and a United States Department of Agriculture grant. The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) is an independent federal agency created in 1965. It is one of the largest funders of humanities programs in the United States. Because democracy demands wisdom, NEH serves and strengthens our republic by promoting excellence in the humanities and conveying the lessons of history to all Americans. The Endowment accomplishes this mission by awarding grants for top-rated proposals examined by panels of independent, external reviewers.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://doyle.house.gov/press-release/house-members%E2%80%99-letter-fcc-don%E2%80%99t-kill-net-neutrality,House Members Letter to FCC: Dont Kill Net Neutrality,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,PA,Mike Doyle,D000482,doyle.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Mike Doyle (D-PA-14), the Ranking Member on the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, announced today that he and 117 other Members of Congress had sent a letter to the Federal Communications Commission urging the Commissioners NOT to vote on FCC Chairman Ajit Pai’s “Restoring Internet Freedom Order” at the Commission’s scheduled meeting tomorrow.    Chairman Pai recently released this proposed regulation and announced that it would be voted on at the FCC’s December 14 meeting. Congressman Doyle, many Members of Congress, and millions of Americans support Net Neutrality and oppose Chairman Pai’s “Restoring Internet Freedom Order, which would repeal the Open Internet Order, which regulates Internet Service Providers (ISPs) under Title II of the Communications Act and protects Net Neutrality.  Congressman Doyle believes that Net Neutrality rules protect consumers who use the internet, promote competition among online business service providers, and encourage innovation and entrepreneurship – all leading to increased economic growth and improved standards of living. He believes that if the FCC’s Net Neutrality rules are eliminated, Internet Service Providers with block or throttle content, provide faster transmission to businesses that pay them more (“paid prioritization”), and charge consumers more for a number of internet services. He believes that the “Restoring Internet Freedom” Order is profoundly anti-competition and ant-consumer. Congressman Doyle organized the letter to the FCC urging the Commission to delay its vote on the Restoring Internet Freedom Order – in other words, to not vote on the draft order tomorrow. He announced yesterday that if the FCC does vote to adopt the Restoring Internet Freedom Order tomorrow, he would introduce legislation to overturn it. Click here to see the text of the letter and the list of signers.         ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://evans.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-evans-statement-net-neutrality,Congressman Evans Statement on Net Neutrality,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,PA,Dwight Evans,E000296,evans.house.gov,evans,https://evans.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"I support a free and open internet for all Americans. I have been and will continue to be a strong supporter of Net Neutrality and the opportunities a fair and open internet affords to each and every American in our neighborhoods nationwide. I believe limiting internet access and giving priority to those who can afford to pay more will only hurt the open marketplace of our internet and turn it in to yet another platform for the rich to get ahead and potentially spur inequality. I will continue to do all I can to oppose the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman's unilateral attempt to roll back the carefully crafted rules put in place under the Obama Administration to ensure that all Pennsylvanians have an on-ramp to the information superhighway.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-congratulates-cathedral-prep-winning-state-high-school-football-championship,Rep. Kelly Congratulates Cathedral Prep for Winning State High School Football Championship,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,,,legacy,"Ramblers bring home historic second straight PA Class 4A title WATCH HERE WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (PA-03) formally congratulated Cathedral Preparatory School of Erie, Pennsylvania, on the floor of the House of Representatives yesterday morning for winning the 2017 PIAA Class 4A Football Championship last Thursday, the team’s second consecutive title win and fourth overall. He also recognized the football teams of Wilmington High School and Pine-Richland High School for their respective seasons and for their added contributions to Western Pennsylvania’s high school football legacy. Text of Rep. Kelly’s floor statement as prepared for delivery: “Today I’d like to congratulate the Cathedral Prep Ramblers in Erie County on winning their second straight Pennsylvania Class 4A State Championship by beating Imhotep Charter last week by 38-28. This year’s championship makes the Ramblers back-to-back state champs, and it is their fourth state football title overall. Led by Coach Mike Mischler, the Ramblers have now gone 42-2, appearing in the finals each year, and racking up 28 consecutive wins over the last three seasons! “Achieving back-to-back state titles sets these Ramblers apart even in the storied history of Western Pennsylvania high school football. They deserve every bit of adulation that they’ve received and are a great source of pride for our entire commonwealth. “It is also worth mentioning the Wilmington High School Greyhounds in Lawrence County, who gave it their all in last week’s PIAA Class 2A state title game at Hershey Park stadium. “This was the Greyhounds’ third trip to the title game under legendary coach Terry Verrelli, who announced his retirement after 40 years on the job right after the game. In those 40 years, Coach Verrelli amassed 314 wins, making him only the 15th high school football coach in Pennsylvania’s esteemed history to reach the 300-win plateau. More valuable than any of his victories on the field are the countless victories he helped his young players achieve in their lives off the field. “No other place has the high school football history that Western Pennsylvania does. With all due respect to my friends in the Texas delegation, the Friday Night Lights shined in the Keystone State first! The 2017 teams at Cathedral Prep and Wilmington High in Pennsylvania’s 3rd District, along with the championship-winning Pine-Richland High School just outside of our district, add yet another chapter to this history. More importantly, they add to the local lore and pride that strengthen communities like Erie and New Wilmington. “The hard work, perseverance, and hometown pride that allowed each of these teams to reach the championship level are a reflection of the communities that these teams came from. So again, I say ‘Congratulations!’ to Cathedral Prep, to Wilmington High, and to Pine-Richland on outstanding, history-making seasons. “Although I’m a Golden Tornado from Butler, I’m proud to say ‘Go Ramblers!’ and ‘Go Greyhounds!’” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://meehan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meehan-urges-wolf-to-address-mariner-east-ii-pipeline-concerns,Meehan Urges Wolf to Address Mariner East II Pipeline Concerns,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Pat Meehan,M001181,meehan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Patrick Meehan (R-Pa.) this week urged Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf to take action in response to constituent concerns regarding the ongoing construction of the Mariner East II Pipeline. Meehan penned a letter to the governor following meetings with area residents on the pipeline issue. “Constructed safely, pipelines have the potential to generate good-paying jobs and benefit the energy economy in Pennsylvania,” Meehan wrote. “However, over the past several months I have taken numerous meetings with constituents alarmed about the potential safety implications of the construction and operation of the ME2 pipeline. The nature of the pipeline and its route is such that primary regulatory responsibility for the pipeline rests with the Commonwealth and your administration” Specifically, Meehan urged the Governor to conduct and publicize a risk assessment that takes into consideration the potential hazards of a pipeline leak. “Our communities have a significant interest in seeing the responsible development of our energy sector and southeastern Pennsylvania has particularly benefitted from middle-class jobs supported by our refineries” Meehan continued. “Pipeline construction is an important component of this industry, but the highest priority in pipeline construction must be the safety of the communities and workers involved. I hope that you will address the concerns of our shared constituents in a timely, fair, and appropriate matter.” The full text of Meehan’s letter to the governor is below and a PDF copy of the letter is available here:     December 12, 2017 Governor Tom Wolf 508 Main Capitol Building Harrisburg, PA 17120   Dear Governor Wolf, I write to you to with concern regarding the Sunoco Mariner East 2 (ME2) pipeline, which will carry natural gas liquids (ethane, propane and butane) through portions of southeastern Pennsylvania and is presently under construction as approved by your administration in February 2016. Constructed safely, pipelines have the potential to generate good-paying jobs and benefit the energy economy in Pennsylvania. However, over the past several months I have taken numerous meetings with constituents alarmed about the potential safety implications of the construction and operation of the ME2 pipeline. The nature of the pipeline and its route is such that primary regulatory responsibility for the pipeline rests with the Commonwealth and your administration. My constituents have noted their concerns regarding Sunoco’s horizontal directional drilling (HDD) practices. I was encouraged by the negotiated settlement that was reached in August between the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and Sunoco that improved the permitting and notification process of drilling operations for Mariner East 2. Constituents remain worried about this process following recent reports of undisclosed leaks of drilling fluid and unauthorized methods of drilling. Furthermore, residents have repeatedly requested that the state conduct and publicize a risk assessment that takes into consideration the safety hazards of a pipeline leak and the probability of such a leak occurring. A risk assessment would be a welcome and responsible step in providing residents with the information they need to better understand the construction and operation of this pipeline and any potential effects it may have on a densely populated community. Our communities have a significant interest in seeing the responsible development of our energy sector and southeastern Pennsylvania has particularly benefitted from middle-class jobs supported by our refineries. Pipeline construction is an important component of this industry, but the highest priority in pipeline construction must be the safety of the communities and workers involved. I hope that you will address the concerns of our shared constituents in a timely, fair, and appropriate matter. I look forward to working with you and appreciate your attention to this important issue.   Sincerely,     Patrick Meehan Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://barletta.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barletta-community-banks-key-to-local-prosperity,Barletta: Community Banks Key to Local Prosperity,2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Lou Barletta,B001269,barletta.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3971, the Community Institution Mortgage Relief Act of 2017 by a bipartisan vote of 294 to 129.  The bill directs the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to exempt smaller community banking institutions with assets of $10 billion or less, from onerous reporting requirements on escrow and mortgage servicing.  Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11) voted in favor of the legislation. “The heartbeat of the American free market starts with our community bankers,” Barletta said.  “I started my business for $29.95 and with a dream, I secured credit to keep growing.  I can tell you for a fact that this was made possible by the relationship based services provided by local lending institutions.  Unfortunately, the passage of Dodd-Frank has crippled this critical resource for local communities and small businesses across the nation.” “While larger banking institutions can hire a fleet of lawyers and compliance officers to process the extra paperwork, the customers at community banks are left defenseless.  This is exactly the sort of top down, one-size-fits-all decree of nameless, faceless Washington bureaucrats that cripple America’s economic growth.  Americans are seen as a statistic.  Regulation should punish bad behavior, not crush the free market and the dreams millions of Americans have to start their own business or own their own home.  I’m happy the House continues to take steps that grow the economy and open doors for Americans after years of closing off opportunity.” The Dodd-Frank Act and CFPB’s expansion of escrow and mortgage servicing requirements have pushed community banking institutions out of the mortgage market since the law’s passage.  According to a report from the Federal Reserve of Dallas from December 2015, since 2010, the United States has seen only one newly chartered bank which wasn’t a conversion of a thrift, an alarming development. In 1992, community banks accounted for 64 percent of $4.6 trillion in total banking assets.  By 2015, their market share had dropped to 19 percent.  Even with the dramatic decline, community banks still account for the largest share of small-business loans.  Small and medium sized banks hold around 55 percent of small-business loans and 75 percent of agricultural loans. Community banks have pointed to the dramatic growth in regulatory requirements as the primary driver of smaller banks out of the market.  Reporting requirements and restrictions present a problem of scale for community financial institutions, which do not have the internal human or financial resources to abide by additional servicing requirement or create and maintain escrow accounts in-house. Since larger banking institutions have enough strength to hire the necessary compliance and legal costs, they have been inherently provided an advantage over smaller institutions.  Many of the smaller institutions have since become victims to consolidation or closure. The burdensome and expensive regulations promulgated by the CFPB force small lenders to make difficult choices: pass the increased costs to consumers as part of the mortgage process, or exit the mortgage market altogether. Neither of these options benefits nor protects consumers. Barletta hopes the legislation will help to reverse Washington centered policies pushing community banks out of local communities since the passage of Dodd-Frank in 2010.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://barletta.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barletta-helps-to-lead-fight-against-opioid-related-employment,Barletta Helps to Lead Fight Against Opioid Related Employment Challenges,2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Lou Barletta,B001269,barletta.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Today Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11), chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure’s Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management held a hearing titled, “The Opioid Epidemic in Appalachia: Addressing Hurdles to Economic Development in the Region.”  The hearing examined the impact of the opioid crisis on efforts in Appalachia to spur economic development and growth in distressed communities.  A representative of Pennsylvania’s 11th District, Barletta held the hearing to explore possible solutions through federal economic development programs such as the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), in addressing this epidemic.  Barletta directed a series of questions to the Honorable Earl Gohl, federal co-Chair of the ARC.  Barletta asked, “What would help ARC’s work on opioids to be more effective?” “I would say a seat at the table is probably the most effective thing that works in this town,” Gohl responded.  “When ARC is part of the discussion, when ARC is part of the development, when ARC is part of hearings like this, it makes sure that the rural voice is heard.” Barletta asked, “What is the role of ARC in helping to address the opioid problem?” “I think we have several roles,” Gohl said.  “I think it is important for us to work with our state partners, who really are the agenda setters of the commission in terms of the investment of dollars, to work with them and make sure that the issue of opioids, the workforce and how it effects communities is a challenge that they focus on and use their resources to invest in.  I think that we need to continue the work around community organizations and being able to empower them… I think one of the other issues that we really need to focus on is making sure that people understand that this is a disease, and that we need to treat it like a disease.” The ARC, specifically, was created in the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965.  The primary function of ARC is to provide economic development assistance to a 13-state region.  The region includes all of West Virginia and parts of Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Virginia.  ARC is a federal-state governmental agency consisting of the governors of the 13 Appalachian states and a federal co-chairman.  Project proposals must originate in, and be approved by, a state.  The Commission allocates the level of funding to each state.   This year, the ARC commissioned two reports specifically examining potential health challenges to economic development in Appalachia.  In August 2017, the ARC issued “Health Disparities in Appalachia” and “Appalachian Diseases of Despair.”  These reports detail the health and economic disparities in Appalachia: The household income in Appalachia is 80 percent of the U.S. average and 17 percent of Appalachians live below the poverty level. Nationally, the majority of drug overdose deaths involve opioids and, since 1999, the number of overdose deaths involving opioids quadrupled. Between 1999 and 2014, while the overall mortality rate in non-Appalachian states decreased by 10 percent, the overall mortality rate in Appalachia increased by 5 percent.  By 2015, the overall mortality rate in Appalachia was 32 percent higher than non-Appalachian regions of the U.S. In 2015, among 15 to 64 year olds in Appalachia, there were 5,594 overdose deaths – 65 percent higher in Appalachia than the rest of the nation. The disparities were greatest among people 25 to 54. In 2015, 69 percent of the overdose deaths were caused by opioids. In comparing the mortality rates for diseases of despair within states with Appalachian portions and non-Appalachian portions – the differences were stark. For example, in 2015, the mortality rate in Appalachian portions of Maryland were 63 percent higher than in non-Appalachian portions.  In Pennsylvania, the difference was 28 percent and in Kentucky it was 26 percent. The reports highlight that when examining specifically overdose deaths, those individuals who are 25 to 44 years old experienced mortality rates 70 percent higher than the non-Appalachian states.  Typically, this group includes those in their prime working years which has created a significant challenge to economic development in the region.  For example, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, citing a report released in September 2017, noted that opioids are responsible for 20 percent of the workforce decline for men and 25 percent for women.  The Chamber further noted that addressing the opioid epidemic is an integral component of workforce strategy.  As a result, the opioid crisis has created challenges to spurring economic development and job creation in already distressed communities. Barletta also questioned Mr. Barry L. Denk, the Director of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania. “Mr. Denk, the Center for Rural Pennsylvania has done a lot of work for the Pennsylvania General Assembly,” Barletta said.  “It seems the impact of the Opioid crisis on the workforce is significant.  From the information the Center has gathered, can you highlight how opioid abuse has created barriers for attracting jobs and how will the General Assembly use the information you collected to address this issue?” “We have heard from a number of testifiers, particularly those in recovery, where prior felony convictions still linger for them, not just in employment opportunities, but in regard to employment itself,” Denk responded. “We also heard from a number of judges about the effects of drug courts and how helpful they are for somebody who has committed a crime but needs to turn their life around. We’re looking to expand drug courts across the Commonwealth, [where] currently out of 67 counties, only 38 drug courts exist in those counties,” Denk concluded. Barletta later turned to Ms. Nancy Hale, the President and CEO of Operation UNITE, a non-profit launched in 2003 by Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) to create strategic partnerships at the local level by providing leadership, education, treatment, and support for law enforcement to combat drug abuse.  “Ms. Hale, Operation UNITE has done a lot in Eastern Kentucky and has become a resource for other communities.” Barletta asked, “What types of programs have you found to be the most impactful in addressing the opioid crisis and are there models that other states like Pennsylvania can use?” “Our education prevention programs have had the greatest impact,” Hale responded.  “Also we’re seeing an impact in our programming in working with the administrative office of the courts through our drug court programs.  We are learning that drug courts do work.  There are many people who are in recovery, who make excellent employees because of what they have endured and now understand the structure that is being brought into their lives through the drug court programs.” “Education and prevention.  We have a mobile prevention unit that we target seventh and tenth graders – that has had a huge impact.  The University of Kentucky compiles the data from the pre and post surveys with that program.  We also have programs that were taken into the elementary schools where we are introducing young people at an early age to the dangers and harms, preparing them with knowledge, helping them make healthy decisions even as early as third grade.  And then of course our AmeriCorps program. We have 54 AmeriCorps members serving in 13 counties in our district and those AmeriCorps members work primarily on math tutoring but they also are introducing a ‘Too Good For Drugs’ curriculum that impacts the parents, the staff, and the community in prevention initiatives.” To watch Rep. Barletta’s full question set, please click HERE and HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://barletta.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/chairman-barletta-statement-hearing-on-the-opioid-epidemic-in-appalachia,"Chairman Barletta Statement: Hearing on ""The Opioid Epidemic in Appalachia: Addressing Hurdles to Economic Development in the Region""",2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Lou Barletta,B001269,barletta.house.gov,,,legacy,"""The purpose of today’s hearing is to examine the impact of the opioid crisis on economic development in Appalachia. The opioid crisis has touched the lives of countless Americans.  This public health emergency has taken the lives of far too many of our nation’s citizens, and has had significant adverse effects on our economy and labor force participation. As the subcommittee with jurisdiction over a number of economic development agencies – including the Appalachian Regional Commission – we are specifically focusing today on the ways the opioid crisis has affected the Appalachian workforce, and efforts to promote economic development in the region. The opioid epidemic has profoundly affected all of our districts and uprooted the lives of so many of our constituents.  Ninety-one Americans die every single day from an opioid overdose.  In my home state of Pennsylvania, 4,642 drug-related overdose deaths were reported in 2016. In 2015, there were 5,594 overdose deaths in Appalachia – a drug-related death rate 65% higher than the rest of the nation.  Sixty-nine percent of these deaths were caused by opioids.  An overwhelming majority of these deaths throughout Appalachia were individuals between the ages of 25 and 44, people who were in their prime working years. These troubling statistics make it clear that the opioid crisis is not only destroying lives, it has created a significant challenge to workforce expansion and economic development throughout Appalachia. This crisis is economically disastrous for our nation. This past month, the White House office of economic advisers released a report that estimated the opioid epidemic cost our nation $504 billion dollars in 2015.  That is an important number to remember as we begin today’s hearing because it points to the lost potential for economic activity and productivity in communities battling opioid addiction – that is our focus here today. To that end, I remind our witnesses and my fellow Members that this subcommittee’s jurisdiction is economic development programs and the Appalachian Regional Commission.  We have no oversight of the Department of Justice, or the DEA.  Our goal is to have a hearing that this subcommittee can use to inform our committee’s decisions regarding agencies within our jurisdiction.  Therefore, I would ask that all testimony and questions be confined to the issues within our jurisdiction.  Further, I would like to reiterate that today’s hearing is meant to be bipartisan.  The opioid crisis does not recognize political parties.  I think we can all agree – Republicans and Democrats alike – that the priority here is finding solutions for the communities and families who are being devastated by this epidemic, not playing politics with peoples’ lives. Just a few days ago, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee showed what it can accomplish when we work in a bipartisan fashion.  We unanimously approved the Disaster Recovery Reform Act because of the good work that was started here in this subcommittee.  Let’s continue to work in the same fashion here today to look for solutions within the programs and agencies under our jurisdiction. It is my hope that today we can come together to examine the impact of opioids in Appalachia and the ways in which existing federal economic development programs can help states and communities address and combat this growing epidemic. I am sure our witnesses today will help us answer these questions."" Click here for additional information from today’s hearing, including testimony, video, and background information. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-boyle-fights-defend-endangered-species-protections,Congressman Boyle Fights to Defend Endangered Species Protections,2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,PA,Brendan Boyle,B001296,boyle.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brendan F. Boyle sent a letter to Greg Shaheen, acting director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), demanding action to close a pay-to-play loophole that compromises critical protections for animals under the Endangered Species Act.  Congress enacted the Endangered Species Act in 1973 to protect species through strict regulation and enforcement, including a ban on exporting endangered creatures. The law allows for a narrow exception to this prohibition in the event the transfers would “enhance the propagation or survival of the affected species.” However, the FWS has long allowed far too many applicants seeking these permits to violate the ESA so long as they make a monetary contribution to entities, often unvetted and foreign, that merely purport to have a conservation mission that constitutes a benefit to the species.  “Every permit exemption granted by taking advantage of this loophole has the potential to push endangered species closer to extinction,” said Congressman Boyle. “Commercial trafficking of endangered species using this loophole is absolutely anathema to the spirit of the ESA and deeply undermines conservation efforts across the globe. I will continue to object and call attention to this practice until the Fish and Wildlife Service brings it to an end.” Congressman Boyle first contacted FWS to express his concerns about the loophole in June of 2016 in a letter requesting a commitment from FWS to end the practice, as well as the full details of which companies and countries have profited from the pay-to-play exemptions. His office received no formal response and the practice has not been ended. The full text of his most recent letter is below.   December 12, 2017 Greg Sheehan U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 1849 C. Street, NW, ROOM 3331 Washington, DC 20240 Dear Acting Director Sheehan,   I am writing to follow up on my letter to your agency dated June 27, 2016, as well as to express my concerns with what appears to be another example of “pay-to-play” taking place with regard to the enhancement permits issued by the Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS). I am appreciative of the good work the agency does to preserve species and interpret the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in a meaningful way. However, I remain concerned that FWS is failing to achieve many of the aims and ideals of the ESA by maintaining the pay-to-play loophole in its issuance of enhancement permits.   My original letter requested that FWS end the practice of pay-to-play, provide a list of countries and entities involved in this practice, and maintain current records regarding the issuance of enhancement permits. More than one year has passed since this initial letter, and FWS has not fulfilled either of the two first requests. As for the last request, it is my understanding that no systematic database for such permitting exists, although I hope your agency has implemented such a database after follow-up inquiries from my staff.   It is also clear that, despite my letter over one year ago, this loophole is still in effect. For example, it has come to my attention that Feld Entertainment, Inc., the parent company of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, recently applied for a FWS permit to export members of three species that are protected by the ESA (one leopard, six lions and eight tigers) from the U.S. to Europe, apparently for circus exhibitions.   As you know, Congress intended the Endangered Species Act to protect species through strict prohibitions, including a ban on exports. The law allows for a narrow exception to this prohibition of permits in the event the transfers would “enhance the propagation or survival of the affected species.” However, when Congress enacted this exception, it put in place myriad safeguards, underscoring that it intended to “limit substantially the number of exemptions.” The Supreme Court has likewise recognized that permits are only to be granted “in extremely narrow circumstances.” The law is clear that permits for these exempted activities should only be granted if the otherwise prohibited activity would itself be of benefit to the species.   It deeply concerns me that FWS is continuing its practice of allowing applicants seeking these permits to violate the ESA so long as they make a monetary contribution to entities, often unvetted and foreign, that simply purport to have a conservation mission that constitutes a benefit to the species. FWS’s apparent reasoning is that a donation to charity justifies an action that harms a species. Yet, such a justification has not been documented or supported by FWS. Moreover, FWS has previously acknowledged that it does not vet these foreign entities receiving the funds, and thatit has issued thousands of these permits under this arrangement in recent years. To be clear, Congress never authorized an interpretation of this sort. I remain concerned that this loophole created by FWS through executive fiat undermines the agency’s progress to date in protecting animals entitled to protection under the ESA, as well as ongoing and future efforts.   Feld Entertainment’s most recent application for a permit of this kind – and FWS’s subsequent granting of this permit – illustrates the issues inherent in FWS’s current practice. In this application, Ringling primarily sought to justify the permit based upon funding that it previously donated, much of it years ago. The application also stated that Ringling has “$20,000.00 earmarked in the 2017 budget” for an Indian-based conservation organization. It is my understanding that there was no grant proposal, agreement, or plan included for the earmarked funds. The Director of the recipient organization merely stated that it would be used for equipment – including, among other things, t-shirts with Feld’s logo. Regardless, even if this donation is made, it has nothing to do with exhibiting tigers, lions, and leopards in a European circus.The ESA, the clarifying statements of its original drafters, and subsequent Supreme Court decisions all make clear that exemption permits are to be granted for the sole purpose of directly aiding in the conservation of the implicated species – for example, transporting a particular animal to another country in order to perform life-saving medical work for that animal or species. The loose interpretation of direct conservation efforts made by FWS in the case of Feld’s application illustrates an ongoing pattern and cause for concern.   In short, FWS’s practice of issuing permits to export endangered animals to circuses and roadside zoos in exchange for nominal cash donations is an incorrect interpretation of the ESA’s allowance for enhancement permits, and directly contradicts the spirit and intent of the ESA. With that said, I renew my request for the agency to, in writing, provide me a list of countries and entities involved in its enhancement permit program, as well as a commitment to ending pay-to-play exemptions. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please direct your response to Alana Byrd of my Washington, DC office.     Sincerely,  Brendan F. Boyle   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://doyle.house.gov/press-release/doyle-announces-legislative-effort-save-net-neutrality,Doyle Announces Legislative Effort to Save Net Neutrality,2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,PA,Mike Doyle,D000482,doyle.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – December 12, 2017 –, U.S. Representative Mike Doyle (D-PA-14), the Ranking Member on the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, announced today that he would introduce legislation to reverse FCC regulations to kill the Open Internet Order if the FCC votes to proceed with those regulations at its scheduled meeting on Thursday, December 14.  “Net Neutrality is essential for promoting innovation, competition, and economic growth on the Internet,” Congressman Doyle said earlier today in announcing his plans. “The Open Internet Order, which currently protects Net Neutrality, was adopted only after years of efforts by Internet Service Providers to circumvent previous net neutrality rules in order to stop potential competitors and extract greater profits from their choke-hold on the “last mile” connecting consumers to online services. All you have to do is look at what went on over the last 10 or 15 years to see how the ISPs repeatedly sought to crush potential competitors and challenged the FCC’s previous Net Neutrality rules in court to understand why the Open Internet Order was needed – and to see what will happen if the Open Internet Order is repealed.  “I was a vocal advocate for strong Net Neutrality rules for years before that, and I strongly supported the Open Internet Order when it was proposed in 2015,” Congressman Doyle added. “This year, I’ve been a vocal opponent of FCC Chairman Pai’s misnamed “Restoring Internet Freedom Order,” which would repeal the Open Internet Order and abdicate the FCC’s responsibility to ensure the kind of real competition that would increase Broadband speed and capacity, improve customer service, reduce prices, and promote innovation. Today, tens of millions of American homes have only one option for Internet Access. We used to call that a monopoly. Monopolies are notorious for charging high prices, providing lousy customer service, fighting off potential competitors, and stifling innovation and economic growth. The Chairman’s plan could more accurately be called the “Restoring Internet Service Providers’ Freedom Act. Freeing up ISPs to block services, throttle content, and make ‘paid prioritization’ their Internet business model will block competition, throttle innovation, and make customers and online businesses pay more for less. That’s not in the public interest, and it’s perversely contrary to the FCC’s mission.” “The answer to monopolies has always been regulation and competition, and as much as some of the FCC Commissioners don’t want to acknowledge it, Net Neutrality and the regulation of ISPs under Title II are essential for providing real competition in the Broadband marketplace. “I am sending a letter signed by dozens of Members of Congress to the Commissioners tomorrow urging them not to vote on Chairman Pai’s plan to repeal Net Neutrality at their meeting this week. If the FCC does adopt the Chairman’s proposal to repeal the Open Internet Order, I plan to introduce legislation under the Congressional Review Act to overturn the so-called Restoring Internet Freedom Order.”   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fitzpatrick-ndaa-language-signed-law,Fitzpatrick NDAA Language Signed Into Law,2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Brian Fitzpatrick,F000466,fitzpatrick.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 [H.R. 2810] into law Tuesday – including six amendments authored or sponsored by Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08). “From addressing water contamination from former and active military installations to putting American leadership and security first, I’m proud that the House accepted my amendments in overwhelming bipartisan fashion,” said Fitzpatrick. “When it comes to protecting our homeland, our families and our allies abroad, there is no room for partisanship. Each one of these measures strengthened the overall bill and deserved to be enacted into law. I’m proud to deliver these results for the people of our district.” Fitzpatrick’s amendments included in the final legislation: Water Contamination: Amendment #37: Directs the Secretary of Defense to conduct a study on the related health effects of exposure to PFOS/PFOA at military installations. Amendment #290:  Requires a report on the Department’s progress developing and implementing alternatives to AFFF firefighting foam that do not contain perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), as the Department has already begun. China: Amendment #40: Requires DOD to include a description of any Chinese laws, regulations, or policies that could jeopardize the economic security of the United States in their Congressionally-required annual report on Chinese military and security development. Amendment #56: Ensures the full reporting of freedom of navigation operations, including maritime claims that go unchallenged. Terror Financing: Amendment #282: Requires the Report on United States Strategy in Syria to include a description of amounts and sources of ISIL financing in Syria and efforts to disrupt this financing as part of the broader strategy of the United States in Syria. Departmental Reform: Amendment #39: Ensures that DOD's biennial core reporting procedures align with the reporting requirements in Section 2464 and each reporting agency provides accurate and complete information by having the Secretary of Defense direct the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics to update DOD's guidance regarding future biennial core reports. The NDAA is an annual federal legislation responsible for setting the budget and expenditures for the Department of Defense. The FY18 NDAA includes: The NDAA provides $634.2 billion for base budget requirements and $65.7 billion in Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) funding. Funds requirements identified by the military services that will help rebuild our military and restore readiness by providing additional aircraft, ships, and systems for our warfighter, as well as funding for depot maintenance and facilities sustainment. 90 F-35s, 24 F/A-18s, 3 Littoral Combat Ships, 3 destroyers, 85 Abrams Tank upgrades, 93 Bradley Fighting Vehicles, 53 UH-60M Blackhawks, and additional critical modernization priorities. Funds a 2.4% pay raise for the troops, increases end strength for the Active and Reserve forces, improves the delivery of health care services, and ensures our service members and their families receive the benefits they deserve. Prohibits nonconsensual sharing of intimate images, includes additional provisions to protect victims of sexual assault, and improves sexual assault prevention and response. Provides the resources necessary for operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria to combat ISIS and other terrorist organizations. Increases funding for the European Deterrence Initiative (EDI) to support our European allies and deter Russia. $350 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, $100 million for Baltic nations’ development of joint defense programs, and $705 million for the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow. Reaffirms the U.S. deterrence commitments to Japan and South Korea and continues to invest in ballistic missile defense capabilities to defend U.S. territories and our allies from potential threats from North Korea. Continues to reform acquisition at the Pentagon by increasing efficiencies through competition and enhancing oversight. The NDAA also authorizes funding for the National Nuclear Security Administration’s (NNSA) weapons activities and defense nuclear nonproliferation program. Maintains current prohibitions on transferring detainees from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-fitzpatrick-announces-internship-opportunities,Rep. Fitzpatrick Announces Internship Opportunities,2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Brian Fitzpatrick,F000466,fitzpatrick.house.gov,,,legacy,"LANGHORNE, PA – Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) is currently seeking motivated college or post-graduate students to intern at both the Langhorne, PA or Washington, D.C. offices for the Spring 2018 semester. Congressional internships are great opportunity for Bucks and Montgomery county students interested in the legislative process, public service and learning more about the inner-workings of our federal government. Interns will join with Pa-08 staff in performing a variety of tasks, including: answering phones, writing letters, assisting with constituent casework or helping with projects of importance to our community. Interns may also have the opportunity to engage in policy discussions and meetings pertaining to their areas of study or personal interest. Applicants should be available for a minimum of 10 hours per week through the Spring semester. For consideration, please submit a resume and two letters of recommendation - one from an academic instructor and a second from a direct supervisor (ie: boss, coach, or community leader) – along with a response to the prompt; “What is the role of the Legislative Branch in the United States Federal Government?” (no-longer than a two pages, double-spaced). More information and an application checklist can be found at http://fitzpatrick.house.gov/internships LANGHORNE: Those interested in internships at the District Office located at 1717 Langhorne-Newtown Rd., Langhorne, PA 19047 should contact Staff Assistant Tyler Vandegrift at Tyler.Vandegrift@mail.house.gov or (215) 579-8102 with questions or to submit your application.  WASHINGTON, D.C.: Those interested in internships at the Capitol Hill Office located at 514 Cannon HOB, Washington, D.C. 20515 should contact Staff Assistant Chris Auray at Christopher.Auray@mail.house.gov or (202) 225-4276 with questions or to submit your application.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://marino.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-marino-s-statement-record-senate-judiciary-committee-s,Congressman Marinos Statement for the Record on the Senate Judiciary Committees Oversight Hearing on the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act,2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Tom Marino,M001179,marino.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.—Today, the United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary held a hearing titled “Oversight of the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act.”  Congressman Tom Marino (PA-10) submitted the following statement for the record: Chairman Grassley, Ranking Member Feinstein and other esteemed Members of the Committee, thank you for offering me the opportunity to submit a statement for the record today on my legislation, the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act. As this Committee is aware, I was nominated to be the next Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, or ONDCP.  Following an expose by the Washington Post and a report on 60 Minutes, I withdrew my nomination so that I would not be a distraction to this Administration in the fight against the opioid epidemic.  I am here today to correct the record on these reports filled with flat out untruths and false statements. One particular detail that 60 Minutes failed to inform their audience of is that their star source, Joe Rannazzisi, is currently working as a trial lawyer actively pursuing lawsuits against drug distributors.  At the bare minimum this shows a severe conflict of interest and a disturbing bias. In 2012 I visited with pharmacies in my district where I learned that it was becoming difficult for legitimate patients to access needed medication.  I directed my staff to do some research on the issue and find out more regarding the supply chain.  I wanted to learn more about why the opioid problem was worsening and yet individuals suffering with pain were unable to access medications. One problem I identified was that the term “imminent danger” was not defined in the Controlled Substances Act. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) in 2015 also issued a report stating that there needed to be more clarity regarding DEA authorities.  Utilizing this vague, undefined language the Drug Enforcement Agency’s Office of Diversion Control overzealously utilized suspension orders and ran roughshod over the will of Congress and Justice Department leaders. In particular, the leader of the Diversion Control Office, Joe Rannazzisi, had shown a particular cavalier disregard for the rule of law.  In a public setting, when asked specifically what the Controlled Substances Act term “imminent danger to the public health and safety” meant, his response was “whatever I think it means.”  I found this to be a completely irresponsible and unreasonable answer. In response to these concerns, in the 113th Congress I introduced the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act.  This legislation for the first time aimed to define “imminent danger to public health and safety,” similar to other laws like the Mine Safety Act, where the term is well defined. Following introduction, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health held hearings, the Energy and Commerce Committee reported the bill by voice vote to the House of Representatives, and it was passed by the House of Representatives by voice vote. In the 114th Congress I again introduced this legislation.  The Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing, it was reported favorably to the House of Representatives, and passed the House of Representatives by a voice vote. In the 114th Congress, Senators Hatch and Whitehouse introduced their version of the legislation.  The bill was reported out of the Senate Judiciary Committee, passed the Senate by unanimous consent, passed the House by unanimous consent, and was signed into law by President Obama. My legislation defined “imminent danger to the public health or safety” as a “foreseeable risk of serious adverse health consequences or death,” which would have had little impact on DEA enforcement.  In the Senate version, which became law, this language was changed to a “substantial likelihood of an immediate threat that death, serious bodily harm, or abuse of a controlled substance will occur,” a much higher burden.  This change was made at the request of the DOJ. Throughout the entire process my office and Senator Hatch’s office worked closely with the Department of Justice and the Drug Enforcement Agency to find acceptable language.  When the legislation was finalized in the Senate, both the DOJ and the DEA had signed off on the final language.  After the legislation was passed, there was no objection by the White House or any Agency and the bill was signed into law. Senators Manchin and McCaskill have come forward and attacked my motives and integrity following the media reports.  Either Senator had plenty of opportunity to provide input or stop this legislation when it was going through the regular legislative process, neither said a word.  Instead, they voted in favor of this legislation. Before becoming a Congressman for the 10th District of Pennsylvania I served as a prosecutor for 18 years, first as a District Attorney for Lycoming County and then as U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.  I worked tirelessly to prosecute drug dealers and producers, putting them behind bars and preventing them from destroying lives.  I worked closely with community and local leaders to start drug treatment and prevention programs.  I have dedicated my life to protecting Americans from the scourge of illegal drugs.  I have been involved with and supported law enforcement throughout my life.  I would never introduce or support legislation that would make it easier for dangerous drugs to proliferate. In an October 25 hearing before the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Mr. Neil Doherty, the Deputy Assistant Administrator in the Office of Diversion Control for the DEA, testified regarding this law.  In his testimony, Mr. Doherty stated that between 2011 and 2016, prior to passage of my legislation, the number of immediate suspension orders reduced substantially.  Following passage of my legislation, immediate suspension orders have actually increased and the quantity of opioids distributed has decreased.  He went on to say that the data doesn’t show that this legislation fueled the opioid epidemic and that the DEA recommended to President Obama that he sign this legislation into law. Since so far all we have heard from the media is a disgruntled former DEA official with a vested interest pushing his narrative, I look forward to hearing what the current DEA and DOJ have to say regarding this legislation and the effect on their ability to execute their mission.  The data shows that there has been no impact and if anything the DEA has been able to issue more immediate suspension orders while having more legal clarity.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://smucker.house.gov/media/in-the-news/prosper-act-would-expand-opportunities-after-high-school,PROSPER Act would expand opportunities after high school,2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Lloyd Smucker,S001199,smucker.house.gov,,,legacy,"In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the Higher Education Act — a pillar of his domestic agenda intended to “strengthen the educational resources of our colleges and universities and to provide financial assistance for students in postsecondary and higher education.”  More than five decades later, federal aid programs are a chaotic maze full of outdated requirements and red tape that have driven up the cost of college and make postsecondary education too difficult to access for too many people. Meanwhile, more jobs today require postsecondary credentials or technical skills to fill these good-paying, family-sustaining jobs. Reforms are crucial to ensuring our higher education system is preparing the next generation of high-skilled workers to succeed in a 21st-century economy. Today, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce — of which I am a member — is debating the Promoting Real Opportunity, Success, and Prosperity through Education Reform (PROSPER) Act. I want to share three critical priorities from this bill that I believe will transform our higher education system to promote access, innovation, affordability, and completion. First, the PROSPER Act will improve and simplify federal student aid. We’re streamlining student aid programs into one grant program, one loan program and one work-study program to make it easier for students to pay for college in a responsible manner. Instead of facing a maze of repayment options, we’re transitioning the system to one standard 10-year repayment plan and one income-based repayment plan so students can better manage their debt when they graduate and enter the workforce. For those students who take enough credits to put them on track to graduate on time, we’re providing a Pell Grant bonus to encourage completion. Second, the PROSPER Act empowers students and parents to make better-informed decisions about what institution to attend. Too often, students decide where to attend college with incomplete information. The U.S. Department of Education currently collects information on debt and graduation rates from full-time students. This data, however, omits any student who transferred schools, attends part time or took time off. So we’re offering the resources necessary to eliminate this problem. Under our plan, the department will provide aggregated information on average student debt and corresponding salary of students five and 10 years after graduation. Our bill would make this information available on each program at an institution that participates in a student aid program under Title IV. There are many different types of students and numerous paths to obtaining a postsecondary degree. My own experience with higher education was as a nontraditional student. I took college courses at night while operating a small construction company during the day. I have two daughters currently in college and a son in high school. Countless students and parents across Pennsylvania and the nation have similar experiences. Everyone should have access to comprehensive information that includes traditional and nontraditional student outcomes. Third, the PROSPER Act provides greater access to apprenticeship opportunities. Our bill expands an existing, competitive, earn-while-you-learn grant program where students get hands-on experience with an employer in the student’s chosen field of study. To keep pace with our 21st-century economy, we’re going to provide access to federal aid for students in short-term programs like computer coding “boot camps” and work-based learning programs both on and off campus. Students should be rewarded — not discouraged — for getting into the field and learning from professionals. Our bill puts these students on a level playing field with traditional students. The bill, of course, has other provisions, and the process is still ongoing. I encourage you to go to my website for the text, a summary and other information. Please feel free to share your feedback with me at smucker.house.gov, or call my office at 202-225-2411. My colleagues on the Education and the Workforce Committee and I want to see students achieve their full potential. And students want to push themselves to see just how high they can climb. This bill is a significant milestone in federal education policy, and I’m proud to support it. But the success of our students depends on all of us — students, parents, policymakers at all levels, and academic institutions — investing in reforms we know will renew the United States as the educational powerhouse it deserves to be.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/education-and-workforce-committee-unanimously-adopts-smucker-amendment-prosper,Education and the Workforce Committee Unanimously Adopts Smucker Amendment to PROSPER Act to Help Combat Opioid Epidemic,2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Lloyd Smucker,S001199,smucker.house.gov,smucker,https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – The House Education and the Workforce Committee, during a markup of the PROSPER Act, unanimously agreed to U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker's (PA-16) amendment that would help higher education institutions combat the opioid epidemic on their campuses. Rep. Smucker's amendment will require the U.S. Secretary of Education to work with the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) and other outside experts to identify successful addiction recovery programs on college campuses. The Secretary of Education will also share best practices with colleges and universities to increase the number and capacity of high-quality programs to help prevent and combat addiction, as well as help students recover from addiction. ""Now more than ever, we must prioritize the fight against rampant drug and opioid abuse. It is a nationwide epidemic that none of us can ignore, and it requires our action,"" said Rep. Smucker. ""I am glad this committee could come together in a bipartisan manner to help stem the tide of addiction that has swept across this nation and our schools."" Click here to watch the video. A copy of Rep. Smucker's can be found here:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/national-defense-authorization-act-including-smucker-amendment-signed-law,"National Defense Authorization Act, Including Smucker Amendment, Signed Into Law",2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Lloyd Smucker,S001199,smucker.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Today, President Trump signed into law the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY18 which included U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker’s (PA-16) amendment to expand opportunities for active-duty military men and women to learn career skills and occupational training. This expansion will assist them in their transitions back to civilian life. In July, Rep. Smucker worked across the aisle with Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) to introduce a bipartisan amendment to the FY18 NDAA that would expand eligibility for the United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) to include all members of the uniformed services. Previously the program was only available to Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps personnel. “America’s military is made up of hardworking men and women who wake up every day to serve others,” said Rep. Smucker. “We should be making it easier for them to transition to civilian life with a steady job, and infuse our workforce with leadership skills only the military can provide. But right now, less than half of our nation’s military personnel have access to USMAP and the completion rate for those who do enroll is falling at an alarming rate. This amendment will open up USMAP to any member of the uniformed service. I’m proud to work in a bipartisan manner with Reps. Gottheimer and Sinema to get this amendment included in the conference report, and I am glad President Trump has signed this legislation into law.” Background Today, USMAP is available only to active duty Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps personnel. This bipartisan amendment would expand eligibility to include all uniformed service members: Navy, Army, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and Public Health Services (PHS). The United Services Military Apprenticeship Program was created in 1976 in an effort to improve the skills and training that active duty service members receive before transitioning back to civilian life. USMAP is conducted in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Department of Defense before service members complete their service. USMAP combines occupational training with the registered apprenticeship office with 180 registered occupations related to civilian fields. USMAP offers employer-specific training while documenting skills and experiences to help veterans transition to civilian life. The program adds, on average, between 10 and 20 hours per week of specialized work experience in addition to regular classroom training. Apprenticeships through USMAP have increased by around 80 percent from 2008 to 2013 to make up 25 percent of all apprenticeships overseen by the Office of Apprenticeship (OA) in the Department of Labor, but the completion rate has dropped roughly 50 percent over the following years. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://barletta.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barletta-america-must-work-aggressively-to-combat-terror,Barletta: America Must Work Aggressively to Combat Terror,2017-12-11,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Lou Barletta,B001269,barletta.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11), a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement regarding the attempted terror attack in New York City this morning: “I am very thankful innocent Americans avoided a close call in New York City this morning.  New York’s amazing first responders again quickly arrived at the scene to address a potential catastrophe – luckily a major attack was avoided.  As a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, this again affirms the cold reality that radical Islamic terror is a threat to all Americans across the United States.  The Trump Administration has made exceptional strides to secure the border and aggressively combat terrorism.  As we gather more information about the attacker, I will continue to push Congress to provide all the resources the administration needs to combat this evil in order to preserve the peace and well-being of our great nation.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cartwright-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-enhance-orthotic-and-prosthetic,Cartwright Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Enhance Orthotic and Prosthetic Care for Veterans,2017-12-11,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,PA,Matt Cartwright,C001090,cartwright.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Last week, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright introduced a bipartisan bill to fund and advance orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) research for veterans. The Wounded Warrior Research Enhancement Act (H.R. 4587) would establish the first centralized collection of outcomes-based research on O&P. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) serves approximately 40,000 individuals with limb loss due to combat-related injuries or chronic illness each year. Fortunately, advances in medical technology have greatly increased the survival rate for these wounded servicemembers, but our country is facing a shortage of O&P-trained practitioners. There are just over 7,100 practitioners specially trained in O&P nationwide. Of those, one in five is either past retirement age or eligible to retire in the next five years. Many O&P practitioners rely on personal experience and trial-and-error methods, rather than empirical data, to determine which prosthetic device would work best for a patient. The Wounded Warrior Research Enhancement Act would award $30 million in grants to establish a centralized O&P outcomes-based research collection in order to capture the useful information gained by today’s seasoned practitioners. “We have a moral obligation to provide our soldiers with the best quality health care available,” said Rep. Cartwright. “With a large portion of orthotic and prosthetic practitioners facing retirement, we need to harness this tremendous resource of institutional knowledge before we lose it forever. Comprehensive research would save time and money by providing practitioners with the knowledge they need to improve the likelihood that a veteran’s first prosthetic device will also be the best match.” Earlier this year, Rep. Cartwright introduced the Wounded Warrior Workforce Enhancement Act (H.R. 3696), which would support colleges and universities seeking to establish degree programs to train specialists in O&P. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) introduced companion legislation to H.R. 4587 and H.R. 3696 in the Senate.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/op-ed-getting-serious-about-cyberstalking,OP-ED: Getting serious about cyberstalking,2017-12-11,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Brian Fitzpatrick,F000466,fitzpatrick.house.gov,,,legacy,"The internet and social media has done everything from giving a voice to the oppressed and inspiring democratic change in totalitarian states, to connecting old friends. However, these mediums can be used — and abused — by those pursuing more nefarious purposes. In the 21st century, these platforms have digitized crimes from robbery to stalking, forcing lawmakers and law enforcement to open a new front against criminals untethered to geographic locations and hidden behind virtual screens. Such is true of cyber-stalking — including cases right here in our community. For the Zezzo family, it was their teenaged daughter who, at the age of just 13, was cyber-stalked by a friend’s father through social media. Despite the stalking being sexual in nature, the then-51-year-old stalker pleaded guilty only to a misdemeanor stalking charge and was sentenced to probation and counseling. Three years later, in 2016, the same stalker began making contact again. Hiding behind social media, the predator created a perverted library of over 15,000 posts, detailing his warped vision to marry her and his insistence that no one would ever stop him from being with her. Thankfully, following a sting operation, local police arrested him and sentenced him to between 18 months and seven years in a state prison. Stories like this are, unfortunately, too common in this country, and they do not always end with the stalker in custody. The Office of Women’s Health defines stalking as repeated contact that makes one feel afraid or harassed. Each year this crime affects an estimated 7.5 million people, including many children. Stalking disproportionally impacts women: stalking victims are 50-percent more likely to be female and, according to the CDC, one in six women have experienced some form of stalking during their lives. In the days before technology, stalking was usually restricted to uninvited visits or gifts; however, the dawn of the internet has provided stalkers with new means to facilitate their harassment. Unfortunately, as the nature of the crime has changed, our laws have failed to keep up with the emergence of “cyberstalking.” Today, cyberstalking involves the use of the internet, email or other electronic communications (such as social media) to stalk someone. Instances of cyberstalking and internet-related crimes have been rising. While all 50 states have laws designating stalking as a crime, traditional remedies lack the continuity and gravity necessary to fight cyberstalking. The criminal codes among the states respond to cyberstalking in irregular ways — less than a third classify stalking as a felony on the first offense. A more concerted effort must be made to protect internet users, especially young people, from this expanding crime. That’s why I’ve introduced legislation inspired by the Zezzo family to combat cyberstalking. My bipartisan Combat Online Predators Act (H.R. 4203) provides enhanced criminal penalties for stalkers by adding up to five years to a sentence if the victim is a minor. Additionally, it calls on the Department of Justice to evaluate local and state government efforts to combat cyberstalking and determine best practices for law enforcement. The good news is, Congress seems ready to act — the House Judiciary Committee unanimously advanced my bill to the House floor for full consideration and passage. Cyberstalking is a serious crime that needs to be met with stricter penalties and more cooperation among law enforcement agencies. The Combat Online Predators Act is the first step in making the internet a safer environment for all users, especially young Americans. And this step cannot come soon enough. As the National Center for Victims of Crime stated in its endorsement of the legislation, “In today’s age where children can be stalked both in person and online, we must ensure that our laws provide real justice for our most vulnerable victims.” If you or someone you know is experiencing stalking or looking for more information and resources on the topic, please visit my website at http://fitzpatrick.house.gov/stalking",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/representatives-smucker-desaulnier-defazio-and-davis-announce-bipartisan,"Representatives Smucker, DeSaulnier, DeFazio, and Davis Announce Bipartisan Legislation to Establish Parity for Electric Vehicle Technology",2017-12-11,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Lloyd Smucker,S001199,smucker.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Today, as leading American manufactures continue to design, develop, and unveil commercially-available electric trucks, U.S. Reps. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Peter DeFazio (D-OR), and Rodney Davis (R-IL) announced bipartisan legislation (H.R. 4421) that would allow the testing of trucks powered by electric batteries. Federal law caps the weight limit on trucks at 80,000 pounds. Since electric battery systems are heavier than diesel fuel tanks, this straightforward bill would allow for a modest weight increase of 2,000 pounds for electric trucks. “Electric trucks can provide great benefits to both our transportation system and our environment. We should be incentivizing the development of and investment in new technologies to improve our freight system, and one way to do that is to extend the 2,000-pound exemption for natural-gas powered trucks to battery-powered electric trucks. I want to thank Reps. DeSaulnier, Davis, and DeFazio for their work on this issue, and look forward to working together to help this new technology thrive,” said Rep. Lloyd Smucker. “In order to maintain America’s competitive edge well into the twenty-first century, this bipartisan effort is a necessary first step. By adjusting federal law to account for new technological advances we can help spur innovation, support manufactures, and promote public health and safety,” said Rep. Mark DeSaulnier. “As a long-time member of the California Air Resources Board and advocate for environmental protection, I am pleased to partner with my colleagues on an effort that will help test energy-efficient transportation technologies.” “American manufactures are leading the world in emerging transportation technology, and the recent advances in electric heavy-duty trucks could drastically change the industry for shippers, manufactures, and consumers in the years ahead. This bipartisan bill will encourage the growth of the electric truck industry and the creation of good-paying American jobs, while promoting a transition to cleaner trucks that emit less greenhouse gases. I applaud my colleagues, and look forward to working with them to push this legislation through the House,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member, Peter DeFazio. “I am excited about this new technology, including the numerous safety benefits associated with it, and look forward to seeing how this innovation helps advance the trucking industry,” said Rep. Rodney Davis. “I also hope the introduction of electric trucks continues the conversation about the sustainability of the Highway Trust Fund and the need to create a level playing field by ensuring all highway users are paying into the system.” The current federal weight limit for commercial trucks is 80,000 pounds. H.R. 4421 would allow electric trucks that are heavier because of their battery technology to exceed this limit by up to 2,000 pounds. Natural gas trucks are already provided the same weight increase, and this bill would establish a parity for electric vehicle (EV) technology. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/smucker-and-dent-local-school-districts-need-aid-help-provide-displaced-puerto,Smucker and Dent: Local School Districts Need Aid to Help Provide for Displaced Puerto Rican Students,2017-12-11,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Lloyd Smucker,S001199,smucker.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Reps. Lloyd Smucker (PA-16) and Charlie Dent (PA-15) are teaming up to bring attention and aid to local school districts dealing with the substantial influx of Puerto Rican students displaced by Hurricane Maria. Reps. Smucker and Dent wrote to House Speaker Paul Ryan and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi calling for additional disaster funding for these school districts. In the letter, Reps. Smucker and Dent said: “Eastern Pennsylvania has a large Puerto Rican population, and as a result of Hurricane Maria, many people are moving from Puerto Rico to Pennsylvania to start over. While we are proud to provide support to the victims of this crisis and thankful for the federal government’s ongoing assistance to the island, greater assistance to this issue is necessary to provide for individuals who are traveled to our districts in search of relief, and especially for children who have been affected by this natural disaster.” Pennsylvania’s 16th Congressional District has enrolled more than 500 Puerto Rican students following Hurricane Maria, and the 15th Congressional District has enrolled more than 300 students. Reps. Smucker and Dent praised the financial response thus far by the federal government, but continue to call for more action. The full letter is below. November 29, 2017 Dear Speaker Ryan and Leader Pelosi, We write today regarding our support for supplemental disaster relief funding from the Administration to support school districts and individuals within Pennsylvania. As a result of the destructive impact of Hurricane Maria, communities, and especially school districts are currently dealing with an influx of Puerto Rican students who are fleeing devastated homes. Eastern Pennsylvania has a large Puerto Rican population, and as a result of Hurricane Maria, many people are moving from Puerto Rico to Pennsylvania to start over. While we are proud to provide support to the victims of this crisis and thankful for the federal government’s ongoing assistance to the island, greater assistance and attention to this issue is necessary to provide for individuals who have traveled to our districts in search of relief, and especially for children who have been affected by this natural disaster. The arrival of these students has challenged local school districts that do not have the physical or financial resources to meet the demand. Allentown School District alone has enrolled over 200 new Puerto Rican students since the disaster, and Bethlehem Area School District has enrolled 80 new students as well. Moreover, school’s in Pennsylvania’s 16th Congressional District have enrolled over 500 new Puerto Rican students since the hurricane. Many of these students speak little or no English and have significant emotional, physical, and financial needs. Therefore, these districts have been asked to bear the significant financial burden of opening new facilities and hiring additional Spanish speaking staff members to teach English, provide support, and meet the needs of these children. These school districts strive to provide a high-quality education to all students, including those who have relocated to our area following this terrible tragedy. We are grateful to you for including funding for the Education Recovery Account within the supplemental disaster funding, and look forward to working with you in the future on this issue. Thank you for your time and attention to this important matter.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://costello.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-costello-congratulates-winner-pa-6-congressional-app-challenge,Rep. Costello Congratulates Winner of PA-6 Congressional App Challenge,2017-12-08,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Ryan Costello,C001106,costello.house.gov,,,legacy,"West Chester, PA – Rep. Ryan Costello (PA-06) today, during Computer Science Education Week, congratulated Pennsylvania’s Sixth Congressional District winner of the Congressional App Challenge, an annual competition to encourage students to explore opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The apps were judged by a panel of computer science professionals and congressional representatives from the district. This year’s winner is Prophexy, an app created by Surya Ramanathan from Downingtown STEM Academy. By using an algorithm, the goal of the app is to predict future test scores and provide insight for teachers as to how their teaching methods are resonating with students. The runner-up of the Challenge was a team of students from Owen J. Roberts, Ahmed Alveed, Justin Schwenk, Syder Defibaugh, and Josh Diamond. They designed the app Playmakerz Plus, which would allow sports teams to create a virtual playbook by hand-drawing plays and saving them in the app.  “Each year, I am impressed by the creativity of students who participate in the Congressional App Challenge. I have been a strong advocate of supporting students’ ability to participate in STEM education and after-school programs, and believe we should continue to encourage these opportunities to innovate. I also want to thank each of the judges for their participation and for providing valuable insight as they reviewed each app,” said Rep. Costello, a member of the STEM caucus. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://dent.house.gov/2017/12/dent-local-school-districts-need-aid-to-help-provide-for-displaced-puerto-rican-students,Dent: Local School Districts Need Aid to Help Provide for Displaced Puerto Rican Students,2017-12-08,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Charlie Dent,D000604,dent.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Charlie Dent (PA-15) joined with his colleague, Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-16), to bring attention and aid to the costs facing local school districts dealing with the substantial influx of Puerto Rican students displaced by Hurricane Maria. Representatives Dent and Smucker wrote to Speaker Ryan and Democratic Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi calling for additional disaster funding for these school districts. “We have to recognize that the children impacted have been through an unbelievable amount of stress and they need help,” said Rep. Dent. “Many have emotional issues as a result of having to deal with the disaster of losing their family homes. They need to develop their fluency in English and are facing adapting to a new school environment. The schools are doing amazing work providing for them and meeting their educational needs, but the schools themselves need additional support,” Dent concluded.  The Allentown School District has enrolled over 200 new students from Puerto Rico students since the hurricane. Bethlehem Area School District has now accepted over 100 students. Rep. Smucker’s district has enrolled over 500 new students. Dent and Smucker praised the financial response by the Federal government thus far to the disaster, but called for action on this issue. “These districts are facing financial challenges in order to help these new students. The Federal government should provide the supplemental disaster relief funding necessary to help alleviate the financial pressure on them and that’s why we raised the issue with House leadership,” said Dent. *** CONTACT: Shawn Millan (610) 770-3490",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://evans.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-evans-statement-house-impeachment-vote,Congressman Evans Statement on House Impeachment Vote,2017-12-08,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,PA,Dwight Evans,E000296,evans.house.gov,evans,https://evans.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"This week, Congressman Dwight Evans (PA-02) released the following statement after voting not to table a House resolution calling for the impeachment of President Trump. A decision the Congressman reached on the basis that Congress should have a discussion as to whether the impeachment process should move forward. Under the U.S. Constitution, impeachment is the responsibility of the House of Representatives, where a simple majority can approve the articles. The Senate then tries the impeachment with two-thirds required for conviction. It applies only to the ""President, Vice President, and all civil Officers of the United States."" The grounds for impeachment are limited to ""Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors"". In the current situation, it is the job of this Congress to fully ascertain whether any of the conduct by the president has demonstrated falls within three impeachable zones, and those are improperly exceeding or abusing the powers of the presidency, acting in a manner that is incompatible with the function and purpose of the office, and misuse for personal gain. ""My vote this week reflects my sincere belief and the feedback that I have received from residents in the Second Congressional District of Pennsylvania that President Trump's conduct infringes on the laws, standards, and values our nation holds dear. The Liberty Bell which sits in the middle of downtown Philadelphia is a constant reminder of our nation's humble origins and how we continue our march towards equality and fairness for all. I do not take this vote lightly, and indeed it is with a heavy heart but clean conscience that I made my decision,"" Congressman Evans said. Our nation faces, ""…an Article I, Section I moment."" Over the past few months several prominent individuals have pointed out President Trump's vulnerabilities: Senator Bob Corker stated the President could be leading our nation down a path to World War III. Venture capitalist Tom Steyer called Mr. Trump a ""clear and present danger to the republic"" and has called on Democrats to pledge that they would seek to remove him from office if Democrats take back control of the Congress. Former Ambassador Thomas Pickering said that President Trump's approach to North Korea was too confrontational. Republican Senator from Nebraska, Ben Sasse, has openly questioned the President asking him, ""Are you recanting of the Oath you took on January 20 to preserve, protect, and defend the 1st Amendment?"" Additionally, Antonio Guterres rebuked the President, when he said, ""instead of closed doors and open hostility, we need to reestablish the integrity of the refugee protection regime and the simple decency of human compassion."" ""I am proud to stand with residents in Philadelphia and Montgomery County, our Commonwealth, and Americans nationwide who are incredibly concerned by President Trump's judgement, decision-making skills, demeanor, fitness to lead, and his Administration's overall disregard for what the implications of these actions mean for the American people. I want to let you know I do not come to the decision of impeachment lightly. I firmly believe that no one is above the Constitution not even the President of the United States. After careful and thoughtful consideration of President Trump's actions over the last 322 days, I voted not to table a House resolution that would have started the impeachment process of President Trump. After being in Congress for over a year and observing President Trump's questionable actions I strongly believe there should at least be a discussion about whether or not President Trump's actions met the bar of impeachment. That is what this week's vote was all about—whether or not the President's actions are an impeachable offense. I am disappointed to see my colleagues in the House overwhelmingly voted to table this measure, but rest assured the impeachment process and discussion is far from over,"" Evans said.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fitzpatrick-calls-increased-transparency-ethics-committee-regarding,Fitzpatrick Calls for Increased Transparency by Ethics Committee Regarding Sexual Assault Settlements,2017-12-08,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,PA,Brian Fitzpatrick,F000466,fitzpatrick.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) led a group of 14 freshman Republican and Democrat members Friday in calling for the House Ethics Committee to undertake a “full and complete investigation into allegations that Members of Congress have been using taxpayer dollars to cover up sexual harassment lawsuits.” Additionally, the bipartisan letter calls for the names of those involved in these instances. “Specifically, we request information regarding all instances of Members using office funds to settle claims with alleged sexual assault victims.  The information requested should include the identity of the Members involved.,” reads the letter in part. “American taxpayers deserve full transparency and accountability on this matter, and we must deliver for them.”  The text of the letter is below. A signed copy can be found HERE. Dear Chairwoman Brooks and Ranking Member Deutch: The Freshman class of the 115th Congress, request a full and complete investigation into reports that Members of Congress have been using taxpayer dollars to cover up sexual harassment for years.  Assuming these allegations are true, this is yet another example of politicians playing by a different set of rules, and is an affront to the hardworking taxpayers forced to foot the bill for these heinous actions.  As Members of Congress, we must set the highest standard of moral character, have zero tolerance for deviant behavior, and hold one another accountable. Specifically, we request information regarding all instances of Members using office funds to settle claims with alleged sexual assault victims.  The information requested should include the identity of the Members involved.  Furthermore, we propose implementation of severe penalties for this behavior to prevent future offenses.  American taxpayers deserve full transparency and accountability on this matter, and we must deliver for them.   Our Freshman Class will, and this entire Congress must, demand full transparency and shine a light on this issue.  We stand with the victims and the people who elected us as we root out sexual harassment in Congress. Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to working with you on this matter. Sincerely, Fitzpatrick, who has sought to reform Washington since Day 1 with the introduction of a sweeping government reform and anti-corruption package, has taken a leadership role in pushing back against sexual harassment on Capitol Hill and around the county: Helped introduce the Congressional Accountability and Hush Fund Elimination Act [HR 4494]. This bipartisan legislation seeks to prevent sexual harassment/assault within the Congress, empower survivors, and eliminate the congressional hush fund that is currently being used to settle such claims with taxpayer money. To those ends, this legislation will: prohibit the use of public funds to pay settlements or awards for sexual harassment or assault claims; disclose all payments previously made by the Office of Compliance on its website (the name of the victim is expressly prohibited from being disclosed); require perpetrators to reimburse the taxpayers with interest; prohibit nondisclosure agreements as a precondition to initiate procedures to address sexual harassment or assault claims; and permit victims of sexual harassment or assault to make public statements about their claim, regardless of any previously signed nondisclosure agreement. Helped introduce the Settlement Tax Deductions are Over for Predators Act (STOP) Act [HR 4495]. This bipartisan legislation would prohibit the deductibility of legal settlements related to sexual assault and sexual harassment as business expenses. Currently, companies can deduct as ordinary and necessary business expenses any legal settlements, fines, fees, and expenses related to sexual assault and sexual harassment cases. In allowing businesses to write off these expenses, the American taxpayer is effectively subsidizing the cost of resolving legal issues related to sexual misconduct. The STOP Act would prohibit deduction of these expenses in cases where the allegations are public or in cases involving a non-disclosure agreement. Helped introduce the ME TOO Congress Act [H.R. 4396]. This bipartisan legislation would set definitive criteria to address sexual harassment in all national legislative branch offices. The bipartisan bill would reform the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 procedures for investigating and resolving allegations that legislative branch employing offices violated the rights and protections provided to their employees, including protections against sexual harassment. The bill would ensure that such protected rights are extended to interns, fellows and whistleblowers in Congress.  Co-sponsored the Congressional Education About Sexual Harassment Eradication Resolution [H.Res. 604] that requires Members of the House, congressional staff, and other employees of the House to complete sexual harassment prevention and response training every year, and then file a certification of completion with the House Committee on Ethics. ### Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick is serving his first term in the U.S. House of Representatives and is a member of the Homeland Security, Small Business and Foreign Affairs committees. He represents Pennsylvania’s 8th District which includes all of Bucks County as well as a portion of Montgomery County. He is a former FBI Supervisory Special Agent, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z