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://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-issues-2021-year-end-report,Thompson Issues 2021 Year-End Report,2021-12-30,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,thompson,https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"BELLEFONTE, Pa. – U.S. Representative Glenn ""GT"" Thompson today issued a 2021 Year-End Report, providing a snapshot of the work he focused on in Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. during the year.

""Throughout 2021, we faced unforeseen challenges and tackled them head on. In addition to continuing as a senior leader of the House Committee on Education & Labor, I was promoted by my colleagues into a new role as Republican Leader of the House Agriculture Committee. This has allowed me to better work toward creating a robust rural economy in America,"" Rep. Thompson said. ""Thanks to my dedicated staff, together we have continued to provide constituent services and helped solve problems when people have nowhere else to turn.""

Also included in the report are metrics for key areas, such as how many meetings Rep. Thompson hosted, the number of constituent cases resolved, the amount of constituent correspondence received and legislative bills sponsored and cosponsored.

Click here to review the full report.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/christmas-message-congressman-dan-meuser,A Christmas Message from Congressman Dan Meuser,2021-12-23,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,PA,Daniel Meuser,M001204,meuser.house.gov,meuser,https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – As you gather with your friends and family this Christmas, share with them this poem from Congressman Meuser. As President Biden drives his sleigh of spending and crises across this country, increasing the cost of the meal on your table and toys under your tree, Congressman Meuser’s tale gives us hope for a brighter and more prosperous future for all Americans.

Click the photo or here to watch Congressman Meuser’s Christmas message.

Twas’ the Night Before Christmas, and all through the People’s House…

Not a member was stirring, but we had our doubts.

The Amendments were all filed at the desk with care,

In hopes that the Clerk would read them from there.

The Democrats sat patiently, all set in their ways,

Knowing that the Republicans would be ignored this day.

Now Texans in their boots, the rest in our shoes,

We spoke up for the People while the Democrats boo’d.

When out in the hall there arose such a clatter,

We sprang from our seats to see what was the matter

Away from the rostrum, we flew like a flash,

Even Jerry Nadler got up and ran an open dash.

When what to our wondering eyes should appear

But a very large motorcade and not a single reindeer.

In black Suburbans we see, they all came ridin’

We knew in that moment, that it must be Joe Biden!

More rapid than eagles his crisis’ they came,

He whistled and shouted and called them by name!

Raise taxes, Raise Gas Prices, and open the Border!

Now vax mandates, Now inflation, Now Crime and disorder.

A backup in the supply chain, and a lack of a wall

Run rampant! Run rampant! Run rampant! All!

He spoke not a word, while many were paid not to work.

There was much extra money from government perks.

As 2022 loomed and 2024 so near,

The GOP shall prevail in what will be a great year.

Americans deserve, a break from all of these burdens

But your holiday meal is going to cost more this year, we know that for certain.

So we leave you with this, a message to be delivered,

In hopes that soon, our legislation will be reconsidered.

We will continue to work and put in a good fight,

But, until the majority comes, we wish a Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight!",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/boyle-pa-delegation-call-upon-president-biden-extend-student-loan,BOYLE & PA DELEGATION CALL UPON PRESIDENT BIDEN TO EXTEND STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT PERIOD,2021-12-22,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,PA,Brendan F. Boyle,B001296,boyle.house.gov,boyle,https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"PRESS RELEASE: December 22, 2021

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) joined Representatives Conor Lamb (PA-17), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Susan Wild (PA-07), Matt Cartwright (PA-08) and Mike Doyle (PA-18) in calling on President Biden to extend the student loan payment moratorium, which was implemented due to the continued impact of the pandemic. Payments are currently set to resume on February 1, 2022.

""As someone who is still paying off tens of thousands of dollars of student loans myself, I'm well aware student loan debt was already a significant problem prior to the pandemic,"" said Boyle. ""It would only have gotten worse if not for the decisive action of President Biden to hit the ‘pause button' on student loan repayment. This was a lifeline that saved millions from going into default, or worse. I proudly join my colleagues in urging President Biden to extend the moratorium.""

""The pandemic has left too many people struggling to pay for basic necessities,"" said Lamb. ""Pennsylvania is ranked number two in average debt held by graduates, and most student loan borrowers – including veterans– are not in a position to begin making payments. President Biden must extend the pause on student loan repayments until the pandemic is over.""

""The pandemic isn't over, so the student loan payment pause shouldn't be over either. President Biden has the power to do this without the approval of the Senate, and I strongly urge him to announce a continuation of this pause soon,"" said Evans.

""During a time of economic crisis, the CARES Act temporarily relieved Pennsylvanians with student loans, but the pandemic is not over,"" said Dean. ""Which is why I join my colleagues in imploring the Biden Administration to continue the pause on student loans payments to lift this heavy burden while our families and nation continue to confront the hardships of the pandemic.""

""As the Omicron variant surges in the United States, it is clear the pandemic is far from over, and too many Americans are still struggling to cover basic expenses like rent, food, and child care,"" said Scanlon. ""Resuming student loan payments in this moment — just as we are experiencing another spike in COVID-19 cases — will hurt families that are least able to navigate this ongoing crisis. We call upon President Biden to extend the pause on student loan repayments as the country tackles the latest surge and continues to recover.""

""We are still in the midst of a deadly pandemic,"" said Houlahan. ""Since it began two years ago, the pause on federal student loan payments has been a lifeline to borrowers in Pennsylvania, including veterans. This pause gives Americans the financial flexibility they need to pay for childcare, rent, health care bills, and other household expenditures. At a moment of uncertainty about the latest covid variant, I'm proud to join fellow veteran and colleague Rep. Conor Lamb in urging the Biden Administration to continue suspending student loan payments.""

""With the pandemic still ongoing, student loan borrowers deserve the relief and peace of mind of an extended loan payment moratorium, especially as cases spike nationwide from the Omicron variant,"" said Wild. ""I am glad to join my Pennsylvania colleagues in this effort.""

""Extending the CARES Act's pause on required student loan payments will help students complete degrees and graduates get into the workforce as the country addresses the pandemic's continuing economic challenges. It will particularly help veterans with dependents who are managing educational debt,"" said Cartwright.

""Many Pennsylvanians are still unemployed or underemployed,"" said Doyle. ""A lot of families are still struggling to get by financially. This winter, as we deal with the onslaught of the Omicron variant, is not the time for student loan payments to start back up. That's why I urged the President to extend the student loan payment moratorium.""

""The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 provided relief to the millions of student loan borrowers across the country by pausing federal student loan payments. As you know, both your Administration and the previous administration extended the payment pause due to the continued widespread impact of the pandemic, but payments are set to resume on February 1, 2022. We write to urge that you extend the pause again, until the country is back on its feet and the national emergency has ended. As new variants emerge, impacting our recovery efforts, it is even more vital to ensure that we are protecting those who need it most,"" the lawmakers wrote.

Click here to view a copy of the letter.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://dean.house.gov/2021/12/rep-dean-joins-pa-delegation-in-letter-to-president-biden-to-extend-student-loan-repayment-period,Rep. Dean Joins PA Delegation in Letter to President Biden to Extend Student Loan Repayment Period,2021-12-22,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,PA,Madeleine Dean,D000631,dean.house.gov,dean,https://dean.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, Representative Madeleine Dean (PA-04) joined Pennsylvania congressional colleagues in a letter urging President Biden to extend the moratorium on federal student loan repayments. The letter was led by Representative Conor Lamb (PA-17) and was signed by Representatives Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Susan Wild (PA-07), Matt Cartwright (PA-08) and Mike Doyle (PA-18). The moratorium, implemented due to the economic constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic, was set to expire on January 31, 2022.

“During a time of economic crisis, the CARES Act temporarily relieved Pennsylvanians with student loans, but the pandemic is not over,” Rep. Dean said. “Which is why I join my colleagues in imploring the Biden Administration to continue the pause on student loans payments to lift this heavy burden while our families and nation continue to confront the hardships of the pandemic.”

“The pandemic has left too many people struggling to pay for basic necessities,” Rep. Lamb said. “Pennsylvania is ranked number two in average debt held by graduates, and most student loan borrowers – including veterans– are not in a position to begin making payments. President Biden must extend the pause on student loan repayments until the pandemic is over.”

""As someone who is still paying off tens of thousands of dollars of student loans myself, I’m well aware student loan debt was already a significant problem prior to the pandemic,"" Rep. Boyle said. “It would only have gotten worse if not for the decisive action of President Biden to hit the ‘pause button’ on student loan repayment. This was a lifeline that saved millions from going into default, or worse. I proudly join my colleagues in urging President Biden to extend the moratorium.""

“The pandemic isn’t over, so the student loan payment pause shouldn’t be over either. President Biden has the power to do this without the approval of the Senate, and I strongly urge him to announce a continuation of this pause soon,” Rep. Evans said.

“As the Omicron variant surges in the United States, it is clear the pandemic is far from over, and too many Americans are still struggling to cover basic expenses like rent, food, and child care,” Rep. Scanlon said. “Resuming student loan payments in this moment — just as we are experiencing another spike in COVID-19 cases — will hurt families that are least able to navigate this ongoing crisis. We call upon President Biden to extend the pause on student loan repayments as the country tackles the latest surge and continues to recover.”

""We are still in the midst of a deadly pandemic,"" Rep. Houlahan said. ""Since it began two years ago, the pause on federal student loan payments has been a lifeline to borrowers in Pennsylvania, including veterans. This pause gives Americans the financial flexibility they need to pay for child care, rent, health care bills, and other household expenditures. At a moment of uncertainty about the latest covid variant, I'm proud to join fellow veteran and colleague Rep. Conor Lamb in urging the Biden Administration to continue suspending student loan payments.""

“With the pandemic still ongoing, student loan borrowers deserve the relief and peace of mind of an extended loan payment moratorium, especially as cases spike nationwide from the Omicron variant,” Rep. Wild said. “I am glad to join my Pennsylvania colleagues in this effort.”

“Extending the CARES Act’s pause on required student loan payments will help students complete degrees and graduates get into the workforce as the country addresses the pandemic’s continuing economic challenges. It will particularly help veterans with dependents who are managing educational debt,” Rep. Cartwright said.

“Many Pennsylvanians are still unemployed or underemployed,” Rep. Doyle said. “A lot of families are still struggling to get by financially. This winter, as we deal with the onslaught of the Omicron variant, is not the time for student loan payments to start back up. That’s why I urged the President to extend the student loan payment moratorium.”

President Biden announced today that he will extend the moratorium. Payments will resume on May 1, 2022.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://evans.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/evans-pa-democratic-colleagues-urge-biden-extend-pause-student-loan,"Evans, Pa. Democratic Colleagues Urge Biden to Extend Pause on Student Loan Payments",2021-12-22,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,PA,Dwight Evans,E000296,evans.house.gov,evans,https://evans.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"PHILADELPHIA (Dec. 22, 2021) – Congressman Dwight Evans (D-PA-3rd) today joined with his Democratic colleagues in Pennsylvania's U.S. House delegation in calling on President Biden to extend the student loan payment moratorium, which was implemented due to the continued impact of the pandemic. Payments are currently set to resume on Feb. 1, 2022.

Evans said, ""The pandemic isn't over, so the student loan payment pause shouldn't be over either. President Biden has the power to do this without the approval of the Senate, and I strongly urge him to announce a continuation of this pause soon."" (UPDATE: Following the letter from Congressman Evans and the PA Democratic delegation in the House, the White House has announced the pause will be extended to May 1, 2022.)

Evans also called in May for Biden to cancel ""at least $50,000 of student debt per borrower – especially for low-income and middle-class borrowers – so that higher education can once again be a path to a better life, instead of resulting in a long-term burden. Student debt relief would also help communities like Philadelphia that are home to several colleges and universities.""

Congressman Conor Lamb (D-PA-17th), who led today's letter to Biden, said, ""The pandemic has left too many people struggling to pay for basic necessities. Pennsylvania is ranked number two in average debt held by graduates, and most student loan borrowers – including veterans– are not in a position to begin making payments. President Biden must extend the pause on student loan repayments until the pandemic is over.""

Congressman Brendan Boyle (D-PA-2nd) said, ""As someone who is still paying off tens of thousands of dollars of student loans myself, I'm well aware student loan debt was already a significant problem prior to the pandemic. It would only have gotten worse if not for the decisive action of President Biden to hit the ‘pause button' on student loan repayment. This was a lifeline that saved millions from going into default, or worse. I proudly join my colleagues in urging President Biden to extend the moratorium.""

Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-5th) said, ""As the Omicron variant surges in the United States, it is clear the pandemic is far from over, and too many Americans are still struggling to cover basic expenses like rent, food, and child care. Resuming student loan payments in this moment — just as we are experiencing another spike in COVID-19 cases — will hurt families that are least able to navigate this ongoing crisis. We call upon President Biden to extend the pause on student loan repayments as the country tackles the latest surge and continues to recover.""

The lawmakers' joint letter to Biden states: ""The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 provided relief to the millions of student loan borrowers across the country by pausing federal student loan payments. As you know, both your Administration and the previous administration extended the payment pause due to the continued widespread impact of the pandemic, but payments are set to resume on February 1, 2022. We write to urge that you extend the pause again, until the country is back on its feet and the national emergency has ended. As new variants emerge, impacting our recovery efforts, it is even more vital to ensure that we are protecting those who need it most.""

Click here to view a copy of the letter.

Evans represents Pennsylvania's 3rd Congressional District, which includes Northwest and West Philadelphia and parts of North, South, Southwest and Center City Philadelphia.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyce-statement-fda-authorization-paxlovid,Dr. Joyce Statement on FDA Authorization of PAXLOVID,2021-12-22,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,PA,John Joyce,J000302,johnjoyce.house.gov,johnjoyce,https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) released the following statement following the news that the Federal Drug Administration has given emergency use authorization to Pfizer's PAXLOVID medication - an oral therapeutic to help treat the symptoms of COVID-19:

""An oral therapeutic a pill or tablet that prevents severe illness or hospitalization is a game changer in our battle against COVID-19,"" said Dr. Joyce. ""American innovation and ingenuity will lead us through the pandemic, and today's announcement marks yet another American milestone alongside President Trump's Operation Warp Speed in our efforts against the coronavirus.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-calls-penndot-drop-plan-toll-north-fork-bridges,Thompson Calls on PennDOT to Drop Plan to Toll North Fork Bridges,2021-12-22,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,thompson,https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"BELLEFONTE, Pa. — U.S. Representative Glenn ""GT"" Thompson submitted public comments Tuesday to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) strongly opposing their plan to place tolls on the North Fork Bridges in Jefferson County.

Rep. Thompson, who has been a vocal opponent of the proposal, expressed concern with PennDOT's proposal and the limited public input, lack of economic feasibility, traffic diversion, and safety studies. PennDOT recently approached the federal government to finance the project, prior to the conclusion of public comment. Additional reports indicate PennDOT has selected the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission to install gantries to collect tolls for PennDOT along the nine candidate bridges throughout the Commonwealth.

""...the Pennsylvania Turnpike has already been commissioned to install gantries to collect tolls for PennDOT along the nine candidate bridges. Given previous performance issues, it is my concern that the Turnpike does not have the capacity to collect these funds, especially given media reports that the agency failed to collect more than $104 million in tolls during calendar year 2020,"" Rep. Thompson wrote.

Read the full letter here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/boyle-statement-sen-manchin-comments-fox-news,BOYLE STATEMENT ON SEN MANCHIN COMMENTS ON FOX NEWS,2021-12-19,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,PA,Brendan F. Boyle,B001296,boyle.house.gov,boyle,https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"PHILADELPHIA – Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) released the statement below following Sen. Joe Manchin's comments on Fox News Sunday morning where Senator Manchin declared that he no longer supports the Build Back Better Act:

""More than 81 million people voted for President Joe Biden's agenda. Much of the President's agenda is contained in the Build Back Better Act. It would impact nearly every family by delivering historic investments including up to four weeks of paid family leave, ensuring that no family pays more than 7 % of their income on childcare, and historic reductions in child poverty. The House did our work, and now it's time for the Senate to do theirs. I urge Senator Manchin to reconsider his position.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://evans.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/evans-stands-vote-house-build-back-better-bill-keeps-hope-alive-more,"Evans Stands By Vote for House Build Back Better Bill, Keeps Hope Alive for More Progress for the People",2021-12-19,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,PA,Dwight Evans,E000296,evans.house.gov,evans,https://evans.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"PHILADELPHIA (Dec. 19, 2021) – Congressman Dwight Evans (D-PA-3rd) said he still has hope for passage of some form of the Build Back Better Act, despite headlines summarizing Senator Joe Manchin's comments earlier today.

Evans said, ""I stand by my vote for the House version of the Build Back Better Act, and I stand with President Biden. I proudly voted for the House bill that would cap the cost of insulin at $35 per month for most Americans, cap the cost of child care at 7 percent of income for many families, continue the Biden expansion of the Child Tax Credit and finally provide paid family and medical leave – something I pushed to include in the bill.

""While I strongly disagree with Senator Manchin, he appears to be open to reworking the bill to focus on fewer programs but making them permanent, which would at least force Republicans to try to kill them proactively, something they tried and failed to do with the Affordable Care Act. That said, I still strongly prefer the House bill.

""We must keep hope alive for progress. We have to deal with a 50-50 Senate, so the final product may not be exactly what I wanted, but there are more than 12 months left in this Congress and the opportunity is still there to make more progress for the people. We have passed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, the $1 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and I think we can still get more done.""

Evans represents Pennsylvania's 3rd Congressional District, which includes Northwest and West Philadelphia and parts of North, South, Southwest and Center City Philadelphia.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-meets-federal-highway-administration-opposition-bridge-tolling,Thompson Meets with Federal Highway Administration in Opposition to Bridge Tolling,2021-12-16,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,thompson,https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn ""GT"" Thompson on Tuesday hosted a meeting with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to voice his concerns over the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's (PennDOT) plan to toll nine major bridges throughout Pennsylvania. It was revealed during the meeting that PennDOT has been in consultation with FHWA for more than a year and recently filed paperwork expressing its interest in receiving more than $5 billion in financing for the projects.

""Several lawsuits have been filed across the Commonwealth, suggesting that PennDOT has not followed its own guidelines for public comment. Tuesday's meeting with the Federal Highway Administration confirmed that PennDOT had been talks with the federal government for nearly a year prior to even being authorized to look at tolling,"" Rep.Thompson said. ""PennDOT is merely providing lip service to public input and has always been moving towards tolling, regardless of feasibility, public safety, or economic sense. This is a betrayal of the public trust and it must be stopped.""

Rep. Thompson, a strong opponent of tolling interstates was instrumental in convincing the FHWA to deny the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission the ability to tolling Interstate 80 in Pennsylvania nearly a decade ago. According to a report published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Turnpike is installing gantries to collect tolls for PennDOT along the nine bridges.

""I'm not sure what's more shocking: the fact that the Pennsylvania Turnpike failed to collect $104 million in tolls last year, or that PennDOT knows this and still wants to put the fox in charge of guarding the hen house,"" Rep. Thompson said.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-boyle-hill-introduce-bill-disrupt-dismantle-assad-s-narcotics,REPS BOYLE & HILL INTRODUCE BILL TO DISRUPT & DISMANTLE ASSAD’S NARCOTICS PRODUCTION AND TRAFFICKING,2021-12-15,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,PA,Brendan F. Boyle,B001296,boyle.house.gov,boyle,https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressmen Brendan Boyle (PA-02) and French Hill (AR-02), today introduced the bipartisan Countering Assad's Proliferation, Trafficking, and Garnering of Narcotics (CAPTAGON) Act (H.R.6265). It would require the federal government to develop an interagency strategy to disrupt and dismantle narcotics production and trafficking and affiliated networks linked to the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria.

""In recent years, the lucrative and illicit Captagon trade has enabled the Assad regime to carry out atrocities against the Syrian people by allowing it to subvert the impact of international sanctions"", said Congressman Boyle. ""It is imperative that the U.S. takes a leading role in thwarting narcotics production in Syria so we can continue to pursue a political settlement and permanent resolution to the conflict, as outlined in UNSCR 2254. I'm proud to join my colleague Rep. Hill in introducing legislation that will do just that.""

""The U.S. government must do all it can to disrupt the industrial level of drug production currently taking place in Syria"", said Congressman Hill. ""Since 2018, narcotic production and trafficking in Syria has turned Syria into a narco-state to fund its crimes against humanity. It is important we stop this trafficking and source of illicit finance. If we fail to do so, then the Assad regime will continue to drive the ongoing conflict, provide a lifeline to extremist groups, and permit American adversaries such as China, Russia, and Iran to strengthen their engagement there – posing an ever-larger threat to Israel and other partners in the region. I'm pleased my friend Rep. Boyle joined me in co-sponsoring this important legislation, and I thank the Republican Study Committee for their work on this important issue.""

Further Background:

In the House-passed version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2022, Rep. Hill included a provision to disrupt and dismantle the Assad regime's illicit narcotic production and trafficking in Syria.

While that amendment was stripped out from the final version of the FY 2022 NDAA, the Joint Explanatory Statement for the NDAA included the following language: ""We note that the Captagon trade is a cause of instability in the Middle East that has negative implications for the national security of the United States and its allies and partners. We support development of a strategy to guide appropriate action against narcotics production and trafficking and affiliated networks linked to the regime of Bashar al-Assad in Syria.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyce-announces-west-point-appointment-elizabeth-nicole-pfisterer-adams,Dr. Joyce Announces West Point Appointment for Elizabeth Nicole Pfisterer of Adams County,2021-12-15,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,PA,John Joyce,J000302,johnjoyce.house.gov,johnjoyce,https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC Congressman John Joyce M.D. (PA-13) today announced that Elizabeth Nicole Pfisterer of Adams County has been offered a full appointment to the United States Military Academy for the class of 2026. Elizabeth resides in New Oxford and attends New Oxford High School.

""It was my privilege and honor to nominate Miss Pfisterer to the U.S Military Academy at West Point. Elizabeth has demonstrated success both in and outside of the classroom and has fostered a strong desire to serve our nation and her fellow American."" said Congressman Joyce. ""The service academy appointment process is incredibly selective and competitive. Elizabeth's appointment to West Point is a testament to her many years of hard work and preparation.""

All prospective students wishing to attend a service academy must by nominated by a Member of Congress or another U.S. official and then are rigorously evaluated by the service academies, which determine appointments.

All appointments for the class of 2026 will be announced on a rolling basis over the next few months.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/smucker-opposes-biden-pelosi-s-reckless-spending,"Smucker Opposes Biden, Pelosi’s Reckless Spending",2021-12-15,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,PA,Lloyd Smucker,S001199,smucker.house.gov,smucker,https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. –Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) released the following statement after voting against S.J. Res. 33, which will increase our nation's debt limit by $2.5 trillion:

""The midnight debt ceiling vote is about President Biden's continued reckless spending, which I strongly oppose. Biden and Pelosi have pushed nearly $8 trillion in spending already this year, including: $1.9 trillion in their progressive spending wish list, $1.2 trillion ""infrastructure"" legislation, and the $4.9 trillion Build Back Bankrupt bill. They show no signs of stopping. I've said it repeatedly, and I'll say it again: Congress must get its fiscal house in order. We cannot continue to put these unsustainable levels of debt on future generations of Americans,"" said Rep. Smucker.

# # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-votes-no-raising-debt-ceiling,Thompson Votes No on Raising Debt Ceiling,2021-12-15,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,thompson,https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.— Following the passage of S.J.Res.33, an increase to the federal debt ceiling, U.S. Representative Glenn ""GT"" Thompson issued the following statement:

""Democrats continue to prove that they are incapable of bringing fiscally prudent solutions to the table to address the growing national debt. Increasing the debt ceiling to an astronomical level of nearly $31 trillion will hurt future generations. For these reasons, I could not support this legislation.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/meuser-introduces-bill-support-american-battery-manufacturing,Meuser Introduces Bill to Support American Battery Manufacturing,2021-12-10,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,PA,Daniel Meuser,M001204,meuser.house.gov,meuser,https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Reps. Dan Meuser (R-PA), John Moolenaar (R-MI), Vicky Hartzler (R-MO), and Billy Long (R-MO) introduced the USA Batteries Act to repeal the recently enacted Superfund chemical tax that affects substances used in lead battery manufacturing. The bill would eliminate the tax on lead oxide, antimony, and sulfuric acid, the primary inputs used in lead batteries.

Lead batteries are used in vehicles, telecommunications, defense, and energy generation. A truly sustainable energy source, 99% of lead batteries are recycled for use in new batteries or other products. The lead battery industry is comprised of many small businesses employing 25,000 Americans across 38 states with an annual economic impact of $23.6 billion.

“This tax hike on American battery manufacturers reduces America’s competitiveness and kills good manufacturing jobs,” said Representative Meuser. “At a time when small businesses are reeling from supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and higher prices, this new and unnecessary tax would be detrimental to the industry. Repealing this tax ensures this industry can continue to thrive without facing stiffened competition from foreign producers who have a competitive advantage because they aren’t subject to the tax.”

“Repealing this tax on battery manufacturing will foster innovation and help American manufacturers compete around the world,” said Representative Moolenaar. “I hope Congress will quickly pass this legislation and repeal this tax on American battery manufacturing, especially at a time when our country needs more secure supply chains and more American manufacturing.”

“Erroneously taxing domestic battery manufacturers for waste they do not create is not only burdensome to these producers, but also targets a false boogeyman to solve a misconstrued cleanup problem,” said Representative Hartzler. “Legislation such as the USA Batteries Act rights this wrong by eliminating certain elements as taxable chemicals under the Superfund excise taxes. I thank Rep. Meuser for his efforts correcting this issue for these energy providers.”

“Whenever Washington raises taxes such as this, our competitors rejoice, while Americans suffer,” said Congressman Long. “I am co-sponsoring the USA Batteries Act because the Superfund chemical tax hurts small businesses, and negatively impacts a wide range of industries. We should not be handing our competitors a victory at the expense of American citizens.”

“The lead battery industry thanks Representatives Meuser, Moolenaar, Long and Hartzler for taking steps to ensure that the essential U.S. battery manufacturing industry can continue to provide lead batteries for many critical business sectors including defense, transportation, logistics, telecommunications and energy generation,” said Roger Miksad, Executive Vice President of Battery Council International. “The USA Batteries Act will eliminate a tax that gives foreign manufacturers an unfair advantage on the cost of raw materials, and undermines the purpose of the infrastructure bill which was created to support domestic manufacturing. If the tax is allowed to stand it will negatively impact the 25,000 American workers who make and recycle lead batteries and take pride in the fact that their product is the most recycled consumer product in the U.S.”

Background:

The Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act reinstated the Superfund Chemical fee on 42 substances at twice the previously enacted tax rates. Lead oxide, antimony, and sulfuric acid are primarily used as inputs in lead batteries which are used in vehicles as well as for defense, logistics, telecommunications, and energy generation. The USA Batteries Act repeals the tax on lead oxide, antimony, and sulfuric acid that would negatively impact domestic battery manufacturing.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://dean.house.gov/2021/12/congresswoman-dean-votes-to-strengthen-protect-our-democracy,"Congresswoman Dean Votes to Strengthen, Protect Our Democracy",2021-12-09,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,PA,Madeleine Dean,D000631,dean.house.gov,dean,https://dean.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Rep. Madeleine Dean (PA-04) voted to pass the Protecting Our Democracy Act, a comprehensive package of reforms to strengthen America’s democratic institutions against future presidents who could seek to abuse the power of their office for corrupt purposes. This legislation includes Rep. Dean’s Congressional Subpoena Compliance and Enforcement Act.

“Whether Republican or Democrat – no President is above the law, but some have tried to be. The past four years exposed a dangerous fault line in our Democracy – vulnerabilities that can and will be exploited again if we don’t act urgently to address them,” Rep. Dean said. “The Protecting our Democracy Act, which includes my legislation to standardize and streamline congressional subpoena enforcement, will strengthen our institutions against future presidents who seek to abuse the power of their office.”

The proposals and policies – many of which have been supported by both Democrats and Republicans in the past – will restore the government’s system of checks and balances, strengthen accountability and transparency, and protect America’s elections from foreign interference. Bipartisanship proposals include efforts to strengthen congressional subpoenas, protect Congress' 'power of the purse' authority, and ensure whistleblowers face no retaliation when exposing corruption or abuse.

Specifically, the Protecting Our Democracy Act will:

Prevent Presidential Abuses

Prevent Abuse of the Pardon Power: Requires the Department of Justice to provide materials to Congress concerning any self-serving presidential pardon or commutation in cases involving the President or his/her relatives, contempt of Congress, or obstruction of Congress; clarifies that the President and Vice President are “public officials” and pardons are “official acts” and “things of value” for purposes of the federal bribery statute, and prohibits self-pardons by the President.

Ensure No President is Above the Law: Suspends the statute of limitations for any federal offense committed by a sitting president or vice president, whether it was committed before or during their terms in office, to ensure that presidents and vice presidents can be held accountable for criminal conduct just like every other American and not use their offices as a shield to avoid legal consequences.

Enforce the Foreign and Domestic Emoluments Clauses of the Constitution: Codifies the Constitution’s Foreign and Domestic Emoluments Clauses by prohibiting federal officials from accepting foreign emoluments without Congress’s consent and prohibiting the President from accepting domestic emoluments; strengthens the process for civil actions brought by Congress for violations of the Foreign Emoluments Clause; enhances financial disclosure requirements related to emoluments; and provides enhanced enforcement mechanisms for Congress and entities within the Executive Branch.

Restore Our System of Checks and Balances, Strengthen Accountability, and Transparency

Enforce Congressional Subpoenas: Strengthens Congress’ tools to enforce lawfully-issued subpoenas while preserving the accommodations process; codifies a cause of action for Congress to enforce its subpoenas, including those issued to government officials; expedites the judicial process for congressional subpoena enforcement actions; empowers courts to levy fines on government officials who willfully fail to comply with congressional subpoenas; and specifies the manner in which subpoena recipients must comply.

Reassert Congressional Power of the Purse: Strengthens Congress’ power of the purse by enhancing the Impoundment Control Act (ICA), including by adding penalties for failure to comply; increasing transparency and reporting requirements for the Executive Branch; and strengthens congressional budget oversight tools under the ICA and Antideficiency Act (ADA) to prevent federal agencies from misusing federal funds.

Strengthen Congressional Oversight of Presidential Emergency Declarations: Imposes a limit on Presidential declarations of emergencies and any powers triggered by such declarations unless extended by a vote of the Congress; requires the President to provide all Presidential Emergency Action Documents (PEADs) to Congress.

Provide Security from Political Interference in Justice: In order to limit political interference in criminal and civil enforcement matters, requires the Attorney General to maintain a log of certain communications between the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the White House; requires the Attorney General to provide the log to the DOJ Inspector General (DOJ IG) bi-annually, and requires the DOJ IG to report to Congress any inappropriate communications or communications evidencing improper political interference.

Protect Inspector General Independence: Permits the President or the head of an agency to only remove an Inspector General (IG), including IGs of the Intelligence Community (IC), for a cause; clarifies that IGs of the IC have sole authority to determine matters of urgent concern, which include foreign interference in our elections; enhances congressional reporting requirements when an IG is removed; requires the President or an agency head to give 30 days’ notice before placing an IG on administrative leave; and requires the President to provide to Congress documentation of cause before removing an IG.

Protect Whistleblowers: Enhances protections for federal whistleblowers, including measures to protect the anonymity of whistleblowers; clarifies the right of government employees, including those in the IC, to provide information directly to Congress; creates a private right of action for whistleblowers who are publicly outed by government officials; and limits the conditions under which a government official or employee may disclose a whistleblower’s identity or other whistleblower information, including limitations on the sharing of IC whistleblower complaints with persons named as subjects in the complaint.

Provide Accountability for Acting Officials: Makes a series of changes with respect to the appointment, tenure, and qualifications of acting officials of executive agencies; limits the tenure of acting heads of agencies to no more than 120 days.

Strengthen Hatch Act Enforcement and Penalties: Strengthens the Office of Special Counsel’s (OSC) ability to investigate violations of the Hatch Act; clarifies that employees of the Executive Office of the President and the Office of the Vice President can be investigated and disciplined for Hatch Act violations; authorizes Merit Service Protection Board (MSPB) to issue fines for Hatch Act violations committed by senior political appointees, and increases the maximum fine for Hatch Act violations by senior political appointees to $50,000.

Promoting Efficient Presidential Transitions: Promotes orderly presidential transitions by requiring that if the Administrator of General Services does not ascertain a winner in a presidential election within 5 days of the election, each eligible presidential candidate and the vice-presidential candidate shall be treated as the winner, until an ascertainment is made, or a winner is certified by Congress.

Presidential and Vice-Presidential Tax Transparency: Requires the president and Vice President, or major party candidates for those offices, to provide ten years of tax returns to the Federal Elections Commission (FEC), who is required to make them public. If a covered person does not provide their tax records, the Secretary of the Treasury is required to provide them to the FEC.

Protect Our Elections

Ensure Reporting of Foreign Interference in Elections: Requires that political committees report to the FBI and the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) certain foreign contacts; requires that each political candidate and immediate family member of a candidate notify a designated campaign committee official of certain foreign contacts; requires the FBI to report to the congressional intelligence committees any reporting received pursuant to these provisions.

Prevent Foreign Interference in Elections: Clarifies that the definition of a “thing of value” in the Federal Election Campaign Act prohibition on foreign donations to political campaigns and candidates includes information sought or obtained for political advantage; enhances criminal penalties for violations of such prohibition; requires that political campaigns certify that they understand the prohibition. The bill would also clarify campaign finance law to extend the ban on contributions by foreign nationals to include ballot initiatives and referendums.

The Protecting Our Democracy will be sent to the Senate.

Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.

# # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://dean.house.gov/2021/12/reps-dean-and-hollingsworth-introduce-the-clarity-in-consumer-disclosures-act,Reps. Dean and Hollingsworth Introduce the Clarity in Consumer Disclosures Act,2021-12-09,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,PA,Madeleine Dean,D000631,dean.house.gov,dean,https://dean.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Reps. Madeleine Dean (PA-04) and Trey Hollingsworth (IN-09) introduced the Clarity in Consumer Disclosures Act. This legislation will direct the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to create clear, plain-language model forms for consumer reports so that employers can fulfill the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

Under the FCRA, employers may only use consumer reports for employment purposes if they follow strict consumer disclosure and certification requirements. However, there is currently no uniform direction for the content or format of such reports. The result is confusion for employers and consumers, as well as numerous lawsuits.

“Clear and comprehensible guidance will help employers and employees,” Rep. Dean said. “This is a commonsense change to ensure that our businesses meet FCRA and State requirements and avoid unnecessary confusion.”

“Everywhere I go across the District I hear about jobs: whether it’s employers looking to hire or Hoosiers looking for work. Applying for jobs should be as simple as possible. The Clarity in Consumer Disclosures Act increases transparency for Hoosier applicants in the hiring process and protects Hoosier businesses by establishing standardized regulations for issuing background checks,” Rep. Hollingsworth said.

The Clarity in Consumer Disclosures Act is endorsed by the Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA).

“The Clarity in Consumer Disclosures Act will have significant benefits for consumers, job seekers and employers alike. The Professional Background Screening Association applauds Reps. Dean and Hollingsworth for introducing this important, bipartisan legislation,” a PBSA spokesperson said.

The CFPB is directed to issue a report to Congress no later than six months after issuing the model forms and language detailing their methodology and analyzing the use of the model forms and language.

Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.

# # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-introduces-legislation-extending-expanding-telehealth-coverage,"Kelly introduces legislation extending, expanding telehealth coverage",2021-12-09,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,kelly,https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), joined by Ways & Means Health Subcommittee Chair Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Ranking Member Devin Nunes (R-CA) and Health Subcommittee members Mike Thompson (D-CA), and David Schweikert (R-AZ), introduced the Telehealth Extension Act.

This bipartisan bill ensures permanent access to telehealth for patients across the country by ending outdated geographic and site restrictions on where patients can receive approved telehealth services. Following recommendations from the nonpartisan, independent advisory group Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC), the bill also temporarily extends emergency authorities established during the COVID-19 pandemic that authorize a wide range of providers and services via telehealth. The temporary extension of these authorities will prevent an abrupt cliff in services at the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) period and allow for further study of the utilization and impact of telehealth in different medical settings.

Finally, to ensure Medicare program integrity, the Telehealth Extension Act implements MedPAC recommendations to prevent unnecessary spending and telehealth-related fraud. In 2019, the Department of Justice brought charges against telehealth executives and physicians for $1.2 billion in taxpayer losses after ordering unnecessary back, shoulder, and knee braces. In a separate scheme, Medicare was fraudulently billed $2.1 billion for cancer genetic tests. The Telehealth Extension Act’s anti-fraud provisions will complement the Department of Justice’s investigative and enforcement actions to prevent future scams and billions of dollars of losses to Medicare.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted how rural Americans receive health care in fundamental ways. Seniors can now see their doctor from the comfort of their own home, and families can visit the doctor on hours that work for their schedule. Unfortunately, many of the telehealth flexibilities families have come to rely on are going to expire,” said Congressman Kelly. “This bill extends those, then goes further to lower barriers to health care for rural and underserved areas. I’m proud to be co-leading this bipartisan effort and am grateful to all of my colleagues for their tireless efforts on behalf of all Americans.”

“As Americans overcome Zoom fatigue and vaccinations enable many to return to the office and classroom, one aspect of virtual life is here to stay. Expanded access to telehealth, permitted by emergency waivers, has transformed health care delivery—helping patients connect easily and safely with their physicians in a timely manner. As the pandemic enters an unpredictable new stage and emergency waivers may expire, patients and providers should not face a cliff of uncertainty,” said Congressman Doggett. “This forward-looking bill, based on expert, independent recommendations, provides clarity, certainty, and a foundation for building a telemedicine system that expands access, preserves patient choice, and includes basic safeguards against fraud and exploitation.”

“As America emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress continues to make great strides in providing Americans—especially rural Americans—with access to quality healthcare by expanding telehealth,” said Congressman Nunes. “In particular, this legislation will extend key COVID-19 emergency telehealth waivers for another two years so that healthcare providers and Critical Access Hospitals can continue delivering telehealth services to the Americans who most need them.”

“Expanding telehealth has been a policy focus throughout my time in public service, since my days in the California State Senate. Telehealth is a cost-effective and efficient way to deliver health care, particularly for rural and underserved areas. Today as Co-Chair of the Telehealth Caucus, I am proud to join Chairman Doggett in introducing the Telehealth Extension Act, important bipartisan legislation to make telehealth available for more patients no matter where they receive care. I look forward to advancing this and other important bills to increase the use of telehealth beyond the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Congressman Thompson.

“I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation that will protect patient access to a vital healthcare tool. Throughout the pandemic, telehealth has proven time and again to deliver high-quality care to individuals regardless of where they live,” said Congressman Schweikert. “This legislation is a critical step to increase accessibility, improve outcomes, and equip our nation with the tools it needs to respond to future emergencies. I look forward to working with my colleagues to protect access to telehealth for each and every American.”

The Telehealth Extension Act would:

· Permanently lift geographic and site-based restrictions so Medicare beneficiaries can use telehealth regardless of their zip code, and in the comfort and convenience of their own home or at designated health facilities offering telehealth.

· Support the adoption of telehealth in underserved communities by ensuring Federally Qualified Health Centers, Rural Health Clinics, Indian Health Service facilities, and Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems can furnish telehealth services.

· Provide a two-year temporary extension of COVID-19 emergency telehealth waivers. These waivers include permitting providers like Speech Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, and Physical Therapists to furnish telehealth services; enabling Critical Access Hospitals to continue providing outpatient behavioral therapy services through telehealth; and permitting payment for appropriate audio-only services.

· Promote program integrity with reasonable guardrails for a small subset of telehealth services that have been targets of fraud without limiting patients’ access to care. The bill would require an in-person appointment within 6 months prior to ordering high-cost durable medical equipment (DME) or major clinical laboratory tests. The legislation also authorizes CMS to audit outlier physicians ordering DME and lab tests at high rates and recover fraudulent payments. Finally, CMS will track who is billing for DME and lab tests by requiring providers to use their own national provider identifier (NPI) when billing Medicare for a telehealth service.

· Improve disaster preparedness by providing broad authority for CMS to authorize telehealth flexibilities during future emergencies.

Endorsed by: the National Rural Health Association, the National Association of Rural Health Clinics, the American Occupational Therapy Association, the American Physical Therapy Association, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, the American Heart Association, the American Nurses Association, the American Academy of Neurology, Executives for Health Innovation (eHealth Initiative), the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), National Association for the Support of Long Term Care, the Texas Organization of Rural & Community Hospitals, Texas Association of Community Health Centers, People’s Community Clinic, Psychiatric Medical Care, and Postpartum Support International.

“The American Nurses Association is proud to endorse the Telehealth Extension Act. This legislation will improve patients’ ability to visit their providers and access health care virtually beyond the COVID-19 public health emergency. By modernizing telehealth provisions to improve access to care, patients will not have to worry about making the painful choice between paying for gas to get to needed health care services or paying for food that week. This bill will also better help people in underserved communities by ensuring Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), Rural Health Clinics (RHCs), Indian Health Service facilities, and Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems can furnish telehealth services.” – Ernest Grant, PhD, RN, FAAN, President of the American Nurses Association

“The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) applauds Representatives Doggett, Nunes, Thompson, Schweikert, and Kelly for introducing the Telehealth Extension Act of 2021. Telehealth flexibilities have been the true silver lining throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. It is critical to continue support for telehealth beyond the duration of the public health emergency. NRHA urges Congress to advance the Telehealth Extension Act of 2021 to ensure rural providers are able to continue to partake in the health care delivery system of the 21st century.” – Alan Morgan, Chief Executive Officer of the National Rural Health Association

“Throughout the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency (PHE), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has used its authority provided by Congress to cover key audiology and speech-language pathology services delivered through telehealth. However, that authority expires once the COVID-19 PHE ends. Extending this authority for two years after the PHE expires, as called for under Section 7 of the Telehealth Extension Act of 2021, will ensure continuity of care for beneficiaries while Congress considers more permanent telehealth changes. … ASHA applauds your leadership of the Ways and Means Committee’s Subcommittee on Health and appreciates your support for extending current telehealth waivers beyond the COVID-19 PHE.” – American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

“The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the barriers that many patients face in accessing care, regardless of where they are located. Telehealth has proven to be a critical tool to bridge those barriers, and it is essential that the policies put into place during the pandemic are made permanent,” said Jen Covich Bordenick, CEO, Executives for Health Innovation (EHI). “EHI is proud to support the Telehealth Extension Act as it will permanently remove Medicare geographic restrictions, allow Medicare beneficiaries to receive telehealth in their homes, and permit safety net providers to continue to provide telehealth services, all key priorities of our members. We urge Congress to act swiftly on these important provisions.”

""The use of telehealth has been instrumental in providing care while keeping patients and providers safe during the public health emergency,"" said Nathan Baugh, Director of Government Affairs for the National Association of Rural Health Clinics. ""While the temporary telehealth policy created by the CARES Act was a step in the right direction, we need to pass the Telehealth Extension Act if we want to unlock the full potential of telehealth for rural communities.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-calls-greater-transparency-over-leaked-american-taxpayer-information,Kelly calls for greater transparency over leaked American taxpayer information,2021-12-08,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,kelly,https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"On Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) and the Ways & Means Oversight Subcommittee held a hearing focusing on The Pandora Papers and money held in offshore accounts. The Pandora Papers are nearly 12 million leaked documents disclosing financial information of world leaders, billionaires, and others. The leak follows separate reports earlier this year from ProPublica, which disclosed confidential, private, and legally-protected U.S. taxpayer information.

Rep. Kelly is seeking to learn more about the sources leaking these private documents, along with the potential solutions to both protect American taxpayers' information and prevent bad actors from taking advantage of the American financial system.

KEY EXCERPTS

Rep. Kelly:

""If we really wanted to explore the money laundering issues discussed in the Pandora Papers, we would hear from the administration and law enforcement about efforts to crackdown on illicit finance. But perhaps that is not the goal of this hearing.""

""No one here supports foreign nationals laundering money in the U.S. But... I worry that the majority wants to go after trusts in the U.S. generally through massive new reporting regimes and new regulations. Farmers, small businesses, and millions of average Americans use trusts to plan for the future.""

(On the ProPublica report.) ""Tax records for thousands of Americans held at the IRS were leaked to the media. It has been 6 months, yet we have no answers.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mike-kelly-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-support-access-treatments,Rep. Mike Kelly introduces bipartisan legislation to support access to treatments for rare disease patients,2021-12-08,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,kelly,https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) along with Reps. Doris Matsui (D-CA), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) and Mike Thompson (D-CA), announced the introduction of Access to Rare Indications Act of 2021, to support patients with rare and ultra-rare diseases in getting evidence-based, medically necessary care covered by their health insurance.

Over 90% of rare diseases have no FDA-approved treatment, leaving many rare and ultra-rare disease patients facing serious and life-threatening illness to rely on off-label use of drugs approved by the FDA for more common conditions. In addition to the FDA-approved label, this legislation will allow Medicare and Medicaid to use additional sources including compendia, peer-reviewed literature and opinion of rare disease experts to meet medically accepted criteria that ensure coverage for rare disease treatment. It will also require private payers to create an expedited review pathway for formulary exception, reconsideration, and/or appeal of any denial of coverage for a drug or biological prescribed for a patient with a rare disorder.

“Modern medicine has the potential to address many of the most serious diseases we face, but too often people with rare and ultra-rare diseases don’t have the opportunity to benefit from these new cures,” said Rep. Kelly. “In some instances there simply aren’t enough patients with a rare disease to run a full clinical trial. That’s why we need to empower doctors to make the best decision for their patients, using all the clinical data which is currently available. The Access to Rare Indications Act will do just this, and guarantees patients have every opportunity to access life-saving cures in a way that works for them.”

“Access to the best medical care is crucial for patients living with rare and ultra-rare diseases, and too often these patients cannot get the evidence-based care they need,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “The community of rare patients deserve access to medically necessary treatments, the same way patients with more common conditions are covered by their health insurers. Our current system for determining coverage of certain drugs is limited when it comes to our rare diseases. That’s why I introduced this bill to ensure that rare and ultra-rare patients are no longer denied access to the care prescribed by their doctors.”

“Rare conditions are labeled ‘rare’ for that very reason – that there are indeed so few patients with these conditions, that as a result they are forced to seek alternative treatments aside from those deemed ‘standard,’” said Rep. Mullin. “Every American deserves the right to quality care, especially those walking a road seldom traveled.”

“Constituents have told me that expanding access to treatment for rare diseases is going to make a big difference for patients in our district and nationwide,” said Rep. Thompson. “That’s why I’m proud to be a lead coauthor of the Access to Rare Indications Act that will improve access to treatment and lower costs for patients living with rare disease.”

Patients, as well as health care providers, physicians, and non-profit organizations, are applauding the introduction of this legislation that will have a huge impact on their daily lives.

“I live in Erie, PA and not only have a very rare condition, but an atypical form of it,” said Mark P., a constituent of Congressman Kelly. “Because I present with different symptoms, the diagnostic process has taken nearly 10 years, causing a significant financial and emotional burden. Worst of all, there is no cure or even effective treatment for my condition. Legislation like the Access to Rare Indications Act is critical for our community of rare patients, and we thank you for your leadership here.”

Another constituent of Congressman Kelly, Vivesh P., said ""I was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune blistering skin disease called Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid in 2017 when I was just 14 years old. Unfortunately, there is no FDA approved therapy for me. There are off-label drugs being used to treat this disease, but it’s nearly impossible to get them. Even though they are prescribed by my doctor and they’re commonly used for Pemphigoid, and there is evidence and studies and peer-reviewed journal publications showing the treatments are beneficial. Rare disease patients like me are experiencing unnecessary delays in life-changing treatments that cause worsening of symptoms, physical and mental pain and a difficult quality of life. The Access to Rare Indications Act will give rare disease patients like me access to needed therapies that work, are safe and effective. Being diagnosed with a rare disease at such a young age was hard enough but being denied access to life-saving treatments shouldn't be such a challenge.”

“We look forward to the enactment of this important legislation so that our community of rare patients can get the treatments their providers think best for them,” said Deanna Darlington, the incoming Haystack Project CEO.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases/reschenthaler-votes-support-us-servicemembers-national-security,"Reschenthaler Votes to Support U.S. Servicemembers, National Security",2021-12-08,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,PA,Guy Reschenthaler,R000610,reschenthaler.house.gov,reschenthaler,https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14) voted for S. 1605, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22). This bipartisan bill reverses President Biden’s reckless cuts to our national security budget by authorizing $768.2 billion in funding for our military and provides a 2.7 percent pay raise for our troops. S. 1605 passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a bipartisan vote and now heads to the Senate for consideration.

“As a former Navy JAG, I am proud to vote for this critical legislation that ensures our service members are well equipped to protect our nation abroad and take care of their families at home,” said Reschenthaler. “This bill empowers our military to defend against malign threats from our adversaries, including Russia and China, holds the Biden Administration accountable for their disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal, and protects servicemembers’ Constitutional rights. I am grateful to House Armed Services Republican Leader Mike Rogers for fighting for conservative priorities and rejecting radical progressives’ attempts to reshape our military.”

Reschenthaler advocated for the following provisions included in S. 1605:

Defunding EcoHealth Alliance – Prohibits Department of Defense (DOD) funding from flowing to EcoHealth Alliance for research supported by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Blocking deadly fentanyl imports – Includes the text of the Blocking Deadly Fentanyl Imports Act, which prevents countries that are major producers and traffickers of illicit fentanyl and fentanyl-like substances from receiving foreign assistance.

Holding China accountable for their human rights violations – Prohibits DOD from purchasing goods from forced labor camps in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

Finding answers on the COVID-19 pandemic origins – Requires DOD to assess the involvement of the CCP in the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Protecting Taiwan – Ensures U.S. support for Taiwan as China demonstrates increased military aggression towards our ally.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-bill-combat-chronic-wasting-disease-passes-house,Thompson Bill to Combat Chronic Wasting Disease Passes House,2021-12-08,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,thompson,https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, U.S. Representatives Glenn ""GT"" Thompson and Ron Kind's (D-WI) bipartisan H.R. 5608, the Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act, passed the House of Representatives. This bill will help combat Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) by funding research and supporting state and tribal efforts to develop and implement management strategies.

CWD, a contagious, neurological disease affecting cervids – deer, elk, and moose – that is always fatal. There is no known cure for CWD and it's unclear how the disease is transmitted. As of December 2021, CWD has been confirmed in 27 states and there are serious concerns it will continue to spread to herds across the country.

""The U.S. House of Representatives today recognized just how important it is to better understand the diagnosis, transmission and spread of Chronic Wasting Disease among deer populations, in Pennsylvania and across the country,"" Rep. Thompson said. ""There is certainly urgent need for research and management efforts, and I thank my colleagues who supported this bill along with the many stakeholders who share the common goal of eradicating this disease.""

This legislation was introduced October 19, 2021 and has received a wave of support:

""The Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF) applauds the House for moving quickly to pass the Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act – a thoughtful, bipartisan, and meaningful piece of legislation to combat one of the most pressing wildlife conservation challenges, Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD),"" said CSF President and CEO Jeff Crane.

""This swift bipartisan passage of the Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act reflects the incredible need for resources to stop the spread of the disease on behalf of our wild deer herds and hunting opportunities,"" says Whit Fosburgh, president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.

""Chronic wasting disease threatens not only white-tailed deer, elk, mule deer, moose, and caribou, but the ecosystems and outdoor economies that rely upon healthy wildlife populations,"" said Collin O'Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation.

""Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) applauds Representatives Ron Kind and Glenn Thompson for introducing bipartisan legislation that will fund cooperative management and research of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) between United States Department of Agriculture and state wildlife management agencies and departments of agriculture. CWD represents one of the greatest threats to deer, elk and other wild cervid species in the United States and in turn threatens our hunting traditions. Each year millions of Americans hunt deer and other related big game species and each season more hunters in the field face the threat of CWD and the serious implications it presents for feeding our families and pursuing our outdoor traditions,"" said John Gale, Conservation Director - Backcountry Hunters & Anglers.

""Chronic wasting disease threatens our country's native deer species, as well as the role of deer hunting in our outdoor heritage. We appreciate the ongoing leadership of Reps. Kind and Thompson in addressing this critical need,"" said Boone and Crockett Club President James F. Arnold.

""As the numbers are rolling in from across the country this winter after another hunting season, it's clear that CWD cases continue to climb, and it's popping up in new areas in many states. It's time to step up and help wildlife managers and researchers deal with this disease to help slow the spread and prevalence of CWD across the country. Time is of the essence,"" said Nick Pinizzotto, National Deer Association President and CEO.

""On behalf of deer farmers and their families, I want to thank Representatives Kind and Thompson for getting this legislation passed through the House of Representatives. As an industry, we have been fighting CWD each day and advocating for more research funding for years. Working together with our partner organizations we now have legislation to combat this disease. NADeFA applauds our sponsor's leadership and the House passage of HR 5608, we now look forward to working with the Senate to ensure this bill becomes law. CWD is a constant worry our agricultural sector faces daily, however, this legislation will help save the family farm and the rural communities who depend upon our industries,"" said Shawn Schafer, Executive Director North American Deer Farmers Association.

""The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation supports the Bipartisan Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act as an important acceleration in our national fight against this deer and elk disease. Supporting state and tribal efforts to detect and manage the disease locally, as well as develop new practical solutions through targeted research is an important advancement. We want to commend the leadership of Representatives Kind and Thompson and thank our fellow conservation partners for keeping a laser focus on these on-the-ground solutions,"" said Blake Henning, Chief Conservation Officer RMEF.

Read the bipartisan bill here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-opposes-debt-ceiling-increase,Thompson Opposes Debt Ceiling Increase,2021-12-08,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,thompson,https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Following passage of S.610, an increase to the federal debt ceiling, U.S. Representative Glenn ""GT"" Thompson released the following statement:

""It is clear that Democrat leadership in the House and Senate lack the ability to make sound fiscal policy and have resorted to changing the rules of the game to get a vote on raising the debt ceiling.

I cannot in good conscience support a plan that does not include dramatic steps to reduce and reform federal spending. This is unacceptable and will only continue to burden future generations with crippling debt.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-supports-national-defense-authorization-act-fiscal-year-2022,Thompson Supports National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022,2021-12-08,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,thompson,https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Representative Glenn ""GT"" Thompson on Tuesday voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022. The House approved the measure by a 363-70 vote.

""This defense authorization ensures that our service members will be put first, by providing a much-needed pay raise, while also prioritizing American jobs with historic investments in our defense base,"" said Rep. Thompson. We have put forth critical investments to ensure that America remains a global leader in technology and innovation, which will keep us safe at home and ahead of our adversaries across the globe,"" added Thompson.

This legislation, the final product of a bipartisan, bicameral agreement, does not include Section 529, which raised Second Amendment and due process concerns, nor Section 513, which would have required all US citizens, regardless of gender, to register with the Selective Service System.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/meuser-statement-ndaa-vote,Meuser Statement on the NDAA Vote,2021-12-07,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,PA,Daniel Meuser,M001204,meuser.house.gov,meuser,https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) released the following statement after the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed the U.S. House.

“Funding our national defense is the most fundamental responsibility of our federal government. The National Defense Authorization Act cares for our men and women in uniform who keep America safe. During this time of global threats and uncertainty, it is Congress’ responsibility to make sure our national defense and military is fully funded and equipped. My Republican colleagues and I worked tirelessly to successfully remove many Democrat poison pills like “Red Flag” provisions that would infringe upon servicemembers Second Amendment rights. This crucial bill puts military readiness and robust national security first. I strongly support it.” – Congressman Dan Meuser

The National Defense Authorization Act Includes:

ROBUST SUPPORT FOR DEFENSE: $768.2 billion, a 5% increase over the FY21 NDAA and a $25 billion boost over Democrats topline number

PAY RAISE: 2.7% pay increase for servicemembers

READINESS: Reverses Biden Administration cuts to national security by restoring funding for procurement, including putting the Navy back on track for 355 ships.

NATIONAL GUARD: Provides $1.1 billion in new aircraft, equipment, and weapons for the National Guard.

RUSSIA: Fully funds the European Deterrence Initiatives to support our allies against Russia and provides a 20% increase in Security Assistance for Ukraine.

CHINA: Invests in equipment capable of operating in denied operating environments in China and support Taiwan against increasing Chinese aggression.

AFGHANISTAN: Prohibits financial support for the Taliban and establishes an independent commission to review the war and disastrous withdrawal.

COVID-19 ORIGINS: Requires DOD and DNI to assess the Chinese Communist Party’s involvement in the origins of COVID-19.

VACCINE MANDATES: Prohibits dishonorable discharges for servicemembers opting-out of COVID-19 vaccination and requires DOD to consider natural immunity in setting medical standards for exemption.

BORDER SECURITY: Continues funding for National Guard deployments to the border and reauthorizes counternarcotics capabilities.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/smucker-supports-legislation-educate-students-about-dangers-communism,"Smucker Supports Legislation to Educate Students about Dangers of Communism, Totalitarianism",2021-12-07,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,PA,Lloyd Smucker,S001199,smucker.house.gov,smucker,https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. –Last week H.R. 6123, known as the Crucial Communism Teaching Act, which is supported by Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) and over 60 other members, was introduced by Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar (FL-27). The legislation aims to teach students about the dangers of communism and totalitarianism.

It is modeled after by the Never Again Education Act, passed by the 116th Congress, which created an analogous program to educate American students about the Holocaust through the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. Under the Crucial Communism Teaching Act, educational materials would be made available through the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation to help educate high school students about the dangers of communism and totalitarianism, and how they are contrary to the founding principles of freedom and democracy in the United States. The Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation was founded in 1993 by a unanimous act of Congress. It is dedicated to the purpose of ""educating new generations about the ideology, history, and legacy of communism.""

""Thanks to our free enterprise system, I, like so many across our nation, have been blessed with the opportunity to live the American Dream. I came to Congress to vigorously defend every American's opportunity to work towards their own American Dream. Self-described socialists in Congress are pushing legislation to kill that opportunity and radically alter our way of life. I'm very concerned that an alarming number of younger Americans hold favorable views of communism, according to recent polling,"" said Rep. Smucker.

""The world knows communism is responsible for horrifying death and destruction throughout history. It is more critical than ever that we ensure our students are taught the history and the present dangers of this ideology. I appreciate Congresswoman Salazar for leading this critical legislation and am proud to join her in supporting it,"" said Smucker.

# # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-calls-penndot-drop-plan-toll-canoe-creek-bridges,Thompson Calls on PennDOT to Drop Plan to Toll Canoe Creek Bridges,2021-12-03,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,thompson,https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Glenn ""GT"" Thompson submitted public comments to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) strongly opposing the proposed P3 Major Bridge Tolling plan on Canoe Creek Bridges in Clarion County.

Rep. Thompson, who has been an outspoken critic of the proposal, questioned how PennDOT determined to toll the Canoe Creek Bridges without conducting its due diligence.

""My concerns remain that PennDOT has reached the foregone conclusion that tolls are required, despite not having conducted studies on safety, traffic diversion, local impacts, anticipated revenue or duration of tolling contracts, environmental impacts, or a host of other necessary items to make such a major policy decision,"" Rep. Thompson wrote.

Read the full letter here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/smucker-congress-needs-get-its-fiscal-house-order,Smucker: “Congress Needs to Get Its Fiscal House in Order”,2021-12-02,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,PA,Lloyd Smucker,S001199,smucker.house.gov,smucker,https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. –Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) released the following statement after voting against H.R. 6119, the Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2022.

""Democrats in Congress, once again, have shirked their responsibility to engage in good faith negotiations to fund the government. Instead, they have kicked the can down the road with a Continuing Resolution (CR). Democrats have spent all year trying to move a multi-trillion dollar tax-and-spending spree and they have failed to perform their duty of reliably funding the government.

Democrats continue to ignore the crisis raging at our southern border by failing to boost border security. They continue to ignore the inflation crisis or work to improve our supply chains while Americans pay more. They continue to fail to protect patients and are standing idly by as drastic Medicare cuts are set to go into effect on January 1. And perhaps worst, this legislation does not block the Biden administration from spending money to push unnecessary and unconstitutional vaccine mandates.

As I have said consistently throughout my career, Congress needs to get its fiscal house in order and stop recklessly spending taxpayer's dollars,"" said Rep. Smucker.

# # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyce-demands-action-stop-deadly-trafficking-fentanyl,Dr. Joyce Demands Action to Stop the Deadly Trafficking of Fentanyl,2021-11-30,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,PA,John Joyce,J000302,johnjoyce.house.gov,johnjoyce,https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC Today, Congressman John Joyce M.D. (PA-13) highlighted the deadly effects of the drug crisis on central Pennsylvania.

During a speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, Dr. Joyce highlighted the dramatic increase in drug overdose deaths in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District and urged Congress to fully fund the resources that law enforcement needs to prevent deadly drugs, like fentanyl, from reaching our communities.

""Now is the time for Congress to take swift and decisive action,"" said Congressman Joyce. ""We must ensure that law enforcement has the tools that they need to save lives, protect our communities, and keep this lethal drug off our nation's streets.""

Later this week, Congressman Joyce will participate in a House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health hearing to further discuss the devastating impacts that fentanyl has had on our nation, and the work Congress can do to prevent overdose deaths.

Watch Dr. Joyce's remarks here. A full transcript of his remarks can be found below.

***

As we speak, America is facing a drug crisis that is crippling our communities.

During the month of October, over 800 POUNDS of fentanyl were seized at our southern border.

The drug crisis our nation is experiencing is a direct result of the failed border policies that have been put in place by the Biden Administration.

Recently, I spoke with Chambersburg Police Chief Ron Camacho, who said that more and more, deadly drugs like fentanyl, are responsible for overdoses in our Pennsylvania communities.

In my district alone, we saw a 30% rise in overdose deaths between 2019 and 2020?and sadly, that number is on the rise again.

Now is the time for Congress to take swift and decisive action.

We must ensure that law enforcement has the tools that they need to save lives, protect our communities, and keep this lethal drug off our nation's streets.

Thank you, and I yield.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/remembering-blair-county-corrections-officer-rhonda-russell,Remembering Blair County Corrections Officer Rhonda Russell,2021-11-29,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,PA,John Joyce,J000302,johnjoyce.house.gov,johnjoyce,https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Altoona, PA Today, Congressman John Joyce M.D. (PA-13) spoke at the funeral service for Blair County Corrections Officer Rhonda Russell, who tragically lost her life in the line of duty on November 17, 2021.

""Right now, we pray that our county would come together to honor and remember her?not only as an officer who stood guard to protect us. But also, as a friend and a member of our community,"" said Congressman Joyce. ""The debt that we owe her, is one that we cannot repay.""

Watch Congressman Joyce's remarks here.

The service was held at the Blair County Convention Center and paid tribute to Officer Russell to honor her life and her service to the Blair County community. Over 1,000 members of the Pennsylvania community gathered to pay their final respects.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-hold-tele-town-hall-medicare-enrollment,Kelly to hold tele-town hall on Medicare enrollment,2021-11-24,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,kelly,https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) will be holding a tele-town hall on Medicare open enrollment on Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021 at 6:00p.m. ET. Kelly will be joined by officials from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Social Security Administration, and Pennsylvania Medicare Education & Decision Insight (PA MEDI) on the call. With Medicare enrollment season in full swing, the panel hopes the tele-town hall will answer questions for both new and current enrollees.

What: Live Tele-Town Hall on Medicare Open Enrollment

Who: U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly

Sharon Graham & Monique Scott, Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services

John Johnston, Social Security Administration

Jess Lippert & Adele Dean, Pennsylvania Medicare Education & Decision Insight (PA MEDI)

When: Thursday, December 2, 2021

Time: 6:00p.m. ET

Call-In: 855-531-1063 (Pin-less participant dial-in.), Online: Kelly.House.Gov/Live",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://dean.house.gov/2021/11/congresswoman-dean-hosts-in-person-town-hall,Congresswoman Dean Hosts In-Person Town Hall,2021-11-23,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,PA,Madeleine Dean,D000631,dean.house.gov,dean,https://dean.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Collegeville, PA – Last night, Rep. Madeleine Dean (PA-04) hosted an in-person town hall at IBEW Local 126. Since the beginning of the pandemic Rep. Dean has held multiple telephone town halls and a drive-in town hall. Last night’s event was the first in-person town hall. Topics included the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Build Back Better Act, voting rights, higher education, climate change, the economy, and more.

With an attendance policy that required proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the event, as well as a mask requirement, Rep. Dean ensured people could gather together safely. The town hall was also available live on Rep. Dean’s Facebook for those who wanted to participate virtually. Constituents submitted questions prior to the event for Rep. Dean which she answered alongside questions from viewers on Facebook and in the audience.

""As we continue to navigate the pandemic, it was energizing to gather safely in-person for a town hall and to hear people’s thoughtful questions,” Rep. Dean said. “Thank you to everyone who joined in-person and online. We covered a wide range of topics, and I hope you all learned as much as I did last night.”

Rep. Dean’s office has a talented team of caseworkers who have helped hundreds of constituents get the assistance they need. Constituents can learn more by calling Rep. Dean’s Glenside office: 215-884-4300, or by visiting Rep. Dean’s website: dean.house.gov.

Rep. Dean looks forward to the next in-person town hall.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-penndot-s-bridge-tolling-continues-lack-transparency,Thompson: PennDOT’s Bridge Tolling Continues to Lack Transparency,2021-11-22,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,thompson,https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Representative Glenn ""GT"" Thompson released the following statement after the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's (PennDOT) virtual briefing for public officials on the I-80 North Fork bridges tolling project in Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District:

""PennDOT's virtual briefing for public officials was nothing more than a ‘checked box' as they continue to move towards tolling nine major bridges throughout the Commonwealth. During the briefing, PennDOT indicated that biweekly meetings have been occurring with the Federal Highway Administration on this issue for the past six months. This is the first PennDOT has publicly admitted engagement with the federal government over their tolling plan. As a result, I am calling upon PennDOT to make the notes of these meetings available, so the public has more information about what is being discussed behind closed doors. The lack of transparency at PennDOT continues to point to the larger issue at hand: they're hellbent on tolling, facts be damned. This is no way to run a public agency.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/boyle-praises-passage-historic-build-back-better-act,BOYLE PRAISES PASSAGE OF HISTORIC BUILD BACK BETTER ACT,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,PA,Brendan F. Boyle,B001296,boyle.house.gov,boyle,https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), praised today's House passage of the historic $1.7 trillion Build Back Better Act, which will meet the urgent needs of individuals and families across the nation and in Pennsylvania by creating jobs, cutting taxes, and lowering costs.

""For far too long, Pennsylvania families have been held back by costly expenses – from childcare to health care to education and so much more,"" said Congressman Boyle. ""To unleash the full potential of every worker and family in our state, we are seizing this once-in-a-century moment to Build Back Better not only for our economy, but also so we can finally make the investments needed to combat the climate crisis. The Build Back Better Act will deliver for Pennsylvanians by creating millions of good-paying jobs, making historic middle class tax cuts, and lowering costs so families can thrive and succeed.""

""In the wake of the pandemic, skyrocketing costs of childcare, health care, home- and community-based care, early and higher education, housing, and more are hurting working families across Pennsylvania and around the nation,"" Boyle added. ""The Build Back Better Act delivers transformative investments that will address these needs and finally unlock the full potential of Pennsylvania families, while also ensuring that the wealthiest and corporations pay their fair share.""

The Build Back Better Act will impact nearly every Pennsylvania family by delivering historic investments that meet their needs and will ensure that all can share in the benefits of a growing economy now, and for generations to come.

The Build Back Better Act will deliver for Pennsylvania in the following ways:

PAID FAMILY LEAVE: Permanently authorizes the first-ever national paid family and medical leave guarantee for U.S. workers, providing up to four weeks of paid leave for parental bonding or to deal with their own or a loved one's serious medical condition.

CHILDCARE: the average annual cost of a childcare center for a toddler in Pennsylvania is $11,402. The Build Back Better Act will expand access for 737,791 young Pennsylvanians and ensure that no PA family pays more than seven percent of their income on childcare.

EARLY EDUCATION: only 16% of 3- and 4-year-olds in PA have access to publicly funded pre-K, while the average cost of private pre-K in the state is $8,600. The Build Back Better Act will expand access to free, high-quality pre-K to more than 204, 700 young Pennsylvanians – setting these children up for lifelong success and saving their parents thousands of dollars.

HEALTH CARE: by closing the Medicaid gap, expanding Medicare to include hearing care and extending relief for insurance purchased through the ACA, the Build Back Better Act will help more than 122,000 Pennsylvanians gain coverage and 125,800 Pennsylvania families save hundreds on health costs each year – while also making home health care for elderly parents or loved ones with disabilities more affordable and accessible.

LOWER TAXES: before Democrats secured the expanded Biden Child Tax Credit in the American Rescue Plan, 13% of Pennsylvania children lived in poverty. The Build Back Better Act extends this life-changing tax cut and continues our historic progress toward reducing child poverty.

CLIMATE IMPACTS: Pennsylvania has experienced now fewer than 37 extreme weather events over the last decade, which has cost Pennsylvania families more than $10 billion in damages. By reducing carbon pollution, bolstering community resilience, and strengthening the American clean energy economy, the Build Back Better Act will create good-paying union jobs, advance environmental justice and save Pennsylvania families the steep costs of recovery.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://dean.house.gov/2021/11/congresswoman-dean-proudly-helps-pass-the-paid-for-deficit-reducing-inflation-easing-build-back-better-act-which-will-transform-our-nation,"Congresswoman Dean Proudly Helps Pass the Paid-for, Deficit Reducing, Inflation Easing Build Back Better Act Which Will Transform Our Nation",2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,PA,Madeleine Dean,D000631,dean.house.gov,dean,https://dean.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — This morning, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 5376, the Build Back Better Act. A cornerstone of President Biden’s agenda, this legislation will lower the cost of child care and family care, lower the cost of health care, and combat climate change.

The passage of the Build Back Better Act follows President Biden’s signing of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law on Monday. Together, the infrastructure bill and the reconciliation bill will transform our nation’s infrastructure and economy and support working families. The Build Back Better Act is fully paid for through taxes to big corporations and ultra-wealthy Americans.

“This paid-for legislation will reduce the deficit, ease inflation, and transform the lives of millions of Pennsylvanians — in the last two weeks, we’ve ensured that our roads and bridges will meet the demands of this century,” Rep. Dean said. “Now, we’re supporting our families through child care and universal pre-K, paid family leave, cheaper prescription drug costs including insulin, and so much more — these investments coupled with bold action to combat climate change will be felt for generations.”

The Build Back Better Act includes

Universal preschool for all 3- and 4-year-olds

Establishment of a universal and permanent paid family and medical leave program, providing four weeks of paid paternal, family caregiving, and medical leave

Extension of the Child Tax Credit

Increase in the maximum of Pell Grants for postsecondary education

Negotiations for lower drug costs for seniors

Expansion of Medicare to cover hearing care

$555 billion over 10 years in clean energy and climate investments

The Build Back Better Act will next pass the Senate and be signed by President Biden.

Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://evans.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/evans-votes-historic-build-back-better-act,Evans Votes for Historic Build Back Better Act,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,PA,Dwight Evans,E000296,evans.house.gov,evans,https://evans.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Image

November 19, 2021

Bill would provide major help for child care, elder care, affordable housing, fighting climate change

WASHINGTON (Nov. 19, 2021) – Congressman Dwight Evans (D-PA-3rd) voted for the Build Back Better Act, which would provide a historic investment in the social safety net and save thousands of dollars for many Philadelphia families.

""I'm proud to vote for this bill! It truly would keep the promise to build back BETTER after the Covid-19 pandemic. This is a once-in-a-generation bill that would change America for the better – with help that so many families need for child care, elder care or both – and a massive investment in affordable housing. It also includes major new funding to fight climate change, something Philadelphia experienced firsthand in the Hurricane Ida flooding that hit Manayunk and other neighborhoods in early September,"" Evans said.

""We're passing a strong version of the Build Back Better Act out of the House, and I urge the Senate to join us soon in delivering for the people with this bill.""

Evans said highlights of the bill include:

Child care and universal pre-K: Providing access to affordable child care for 737,791 Pennsylvania children ages 0 to 5, whose families' costs would be capped at 7 percent of their income. This would be available to families making up to 2.5 times the state's median income – for example, about $241,946 for a family of four. The package would also expand the basic promise of free schooling in America for the first time in 100 years with universal pre-school for all 3- and 4-year-olds.

""Child care is absolutely vital for so many families – and for so many of them, the cost has been a huge burden. We're actually doing something about it! This would also help the economy by helping many businesses that haven't been able to fill jobs,"" Evans said.

Affordable housing: More than $150 billion in funding for affordable housing, the single largest investment in affordable housing in the nation's history, including $65 billion to repair public housing, preserving and improving over 500,000 public housing units. The package would help 294,000 households afford their rent; build, upgrade, and retrofit over 1.8 million affordable housing units; and help close the racial wealth gap through the first-ever national investments in homeownership for first-time, first-generation homebuyers.

Continue the Biden expansion of the Child Tax Credit: ""I voted for the Child Tax Credit expansion in the American Rescue Plan in March, and that expansion is on track to cut child poverty in half,"" Evans said. The package would make permanent the ""refundability"" provision that has delivered the credit to families most in need, and would extend the expansion a full year through the end of 2022. Evans will continue pushing to make the expansion permanent. The credit now provides qualifying families with up to $300 per month per child under 6, or up to $250 per month per child ages 6 to 17.

Prescription drugs: Starting in 2025, the federal government would negotiate prices for 10 brand-name prescription drugs beginning in 2025 and expanding to 20 by 2028. The legislation would also require group health plans and insurers to cap patients' cost for insulin at $35 per month in 2023, and cap out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs at $2,000 per year in 2024. With expanded subsidies for patients and Medicaid expansion in Pennsylvania and most states, most Pennsylvanians should be able to get covered at www.pennie.com or www.healthcare.gov. ""I'd like to start help with drug costs even sooner if the opportunity becomes available,"" said Evans, who has been working for years to help with costs for prescription medications, including insulin. He released a report in 2019 to call attention to the high cost of insulin for residents of the 3rd District.

Health job training grants: Evans championed the package's expansion of the Health Profession Opportunity Grants (HPOG) program, which trains low-income Americans for health-care jobs that pay well and are expected to either experience labor shortages or be in high demand. The package would provide over $300 million per year for the program.

Environmental justice tax credits: Evans co-led the package's advancement of environmental justice using $1 billion per year in tax credits for research and other academic programs. The legislation would provide a capped, competitive credit for university programs focused on the impacts of climate change on low-income communities and other at-risk communities. The credit would be higher for projects that include historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and other minority-serving institutions (MSIs).

Climate change: Together with the recently signed infrastructure bill, the legislation would provide nearly $1 trillion in clean energy and climate investments and move the country substantially closer to meeting U.S. greenhouse gas pollution reduction goals of at least 50 percent by 2030 and net zero no later than 2050. The investment is 10 times larger than the $90 billion in clean energy investments in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (""Obama stimulus"") that is credited for historic advancements in clean energy innovation over the past decade.

Evans has also repeatedly advocated for paid family and medical leave, which has been restored to the House version of the Build Back Better Act. He said resistance in the 50-50 Senate has kept the package from doing even more.

""There is more than a year left in this Congress and there will be additional opportunities to come back for more. What we are passing is historic in its size and amounts to major progress that would make a real difference in so many people's lives in Philadelphia and across the country. This would be massive change, and we can also build on it in the future,"" Evans said.

Evans represents Pennsylvania's 3rd Congressional District, which includes Northwest and West Philadelphia and parts of North, South, Southwest and Center City Philadelphia. During Evans' first four years in Congress, his office has helped to return to or save more than $6.5 million for Philadelphians from federal agencies such as the IRS, Social Security Administration and Department of Veterans Affairs. His website is evans.house.gov and his social media handle is @RepDwightEvans on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyce-statement-president-bidens-build-back-bankrupt-agenda,Dr. Joyce Statement on President Biden?s Build Back Bankrupt Agenda,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,PA,John Joyce,J000302,johnjoyce.house.gov,johnjoyce,https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC Today, Congressman John Joyce M.D. (PA-13) released the following statement after voting against President Biden's social spending agenda, H.R. 5376.

""House Democrats again ignored the realities facing Pennsylvania families by jamming through a socialist spending spree that does nothing to address the skyrocketing prices my constituents are facing at the grocery store and at the gas pump,"" said Dr. Joyce. ""I voted no on this misguided, tone-deaf, socialist wish list that would ignore our worsening drug crisis on the southern border, expand Obamacare subsidies, and grant mass amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mike-kelly-votes-against-democrats-bloated-build-back-better-bill,Rep. Mike Kelly votes against Democrats’ bloated 'Build Back Better' bill,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,kelly,https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"On Friday, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) voted against the Democrats’ $1.75 trillion Build Back Better bill, citing its expansion of the social welfare state and because the bill is not fully paid for. A report Thursday from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office revealed the bill will add $160 billion to the federal deficit over the next decade. Further, CBO reports the bill will add $800 billion to the debt in just the next five years.

The bill passed the U.S. House by a vote of 220-213.

“From day one, Republicans were pushed away from the negotiating table. Democrats decided to go it alone and did not include our constituents’ voices into these talks,” Rep. Kelly said. “This bloated bill does not serve the American people. Instead, it wastes nearly $2 trillion at a time when our national debt is nearing $29 trillion. I cannot support such spending.”

Among the specific items Rep. Kelly opposes in the bill:

$550 billion for the Green New Deal

$80 billion for the IRS to double the number of agents

$412 billion in taxes on small businesses

$12,500 tax subsidies for families making $500,000 to buy luxury electric vehicles

The bill now goes to the U.S. Senate for consideration.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/meuser-democrats-spending-bill-detrimental-our-economy-and-competitiveness,Meuser: Democrats’ Spending Bill is Detrimental to Our Economy and Competitiveness That Crushes Opportunity and Creates Dependence,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,PA,Daniel Meuser,M001204,meuser.house.gov,meuser,https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) released the following statement after he voted NO and strongly advocated against the multi-trillion dollar wasteful reconciliation bill that adds $367 billion to our deficit, and ignores the needs of American families by prioritizing far-left special interest groups.

""Since Biden has come into office, the D.C. Swamp that needs to be drained has gotten $6.6 trillion deeper. The Build Back Broke bill is the latest iteration of Democrats' upside-down economic agenda, ignoring today's problems and doubling down on failed policies. What's in this partisan reconciliation bill says more about Democrats' big government agenda than the actual needs of the American people and it will exacerbate challenges currently facing working families and small businesses.

The Democrats Reckless tax and spend bill:

Adds $367 billion to the federal deficit, reduces GDP, and will drive inflation rates higher

Includes $400 billion in tax hikes on small businesses while giving an $80,000 tax break that overwhelmingly benefits wealthy Americans in Democrat run states

Provides amnesty, driver's licenses, and public benefits for 7 million illegal immigrants

Creates 150 new government programs that lack accountability or protections against waste, fraud, and abuse

Subsidizes green energy while imposing a tax on natural gas that will raise home energy prices and cost the American economy up to $9.1 billion and 90,000 jobs

Creates new unaccountable entitlements that will disincentivize work at a time when there are 10 million open jobs in the United States

Includes a 330,000 person Civilian Climate Corps

Spends $80 billion to expand the IRS by adding 87,000 new agents to increase audits

The Congressional Budget Office's score reaffirmed what we have known all along that this bill is not paid for, will increase the debt, decrease GDP, reduce wage growth, and drive inflation. The American people want a strong economy, greater opportunity, and independence. This bill does the opposite – it stifles growth, crushes opportunity, and grows dependence on government. We should be working to make our country better not make government bigger.""– Congressman Dan Meuser

Click here to watch Rep. Meuser's floor speech addressing the bill.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases/reschenthaler-votes-no-democrats-socialist-spending-scam,Reschenthaler Votes No on Democrats’ Socialist Spending Scam,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,PA,Guy Reschenthaler,R000610,reschenthaler.house.gov,reschenthaler,https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14) released the following statement on his vote opposing President Biden and Democrats' Socialist Spending Scam:

""The American people are experiencing the highest inflation in over 30 years, and it is a direct result of President Biden and Congressional Democrats' reckless socialist spending spree. Biden and Democrats' willingness to add an additional $800 billion to the national debt over the next five years is irresponsible. This is money we do not have, for policies Americans do not want.

""Democrats should focus on addressing the real economic crises facing American families and workers like record-high energy prices, supply chain shortages, and deteriorating consumer confidence. Instead, they are extending tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires, significantly increasing the cost of heating our homes this winter, and rewarding illegal immigrants with amnesty and over $45,000 taxpayer-funded benefits. If Biden and Democrats get their way, average Americans will be stuck paying significantly more in taxes and inflation while blue state millionaires and billionaires receive tax cuts and subsidies for electric vehicles.""

Specifically, the bill would:

Impose a natural gas tax that will increase home heating costs and electricity rates and raise gas prices.

Provide a $25,900 tax break and subsidies to purchase homes and electric vehicles for millionaires and billionaires in blue states like New York, New Jersey, and California.

According to the left-leaning Tax Policy Center, this bill will raise taxes on middle-class Americans by 30%.

Make illegal immigrants eligible for $45,000 a year in government benefits.

Hire 87,000 new agents to spy on the bank accounts of every American, more than doubling the chance of being audited.

Nearly half of audits will be on Americans making up to $75,000 a year.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/smucker-opposes-biden-pelosi-s-march-toward-socialism,"Smucker Opposes Biden, Pelosi’s March Toward Socialism",2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,PA,Lloyd Smucker,S001199,smucker.house.gov,smucker,https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) voted against President Biden and Speaker Pelosi's disastrous ""build back bankrupt"" legislation and released the following statement:

""President Biden and Speaker Pelosi's massive multi-trillion-dollar tax-and-spend legislation builds back bankrupt. It is a disaster for the American people. It raises taxes on small businesses so Biden and Pelosi can dole out nearly $300 billion in tax breaks to the wealthiest coastal elites. This legislation makes American companies less competitive in a global economy. The IRS will be weaponized to target small businesses and ordinary Americans. Worse yet, it removes Hyde Amendment protections, paving the way for taxpayer dollars to be used to fund abortions. Contrary to the Biden administration's claim, this bill will add hundreds of billions more in debt on the backs of future generations. I voted no and will continue to oppose this massive increase in the size and scope of the federal government,"" said Rep. Lloyd Smucker.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-opposes-biden-s-middle-class-tax-increases-and-socialist,Thompson Opposes Biden’s Middle Class Tax Increases and Socialist Spending Spree,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,thompson,https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. —U.S. Representative Glenn ""GT"" Thompson released the following statement after passage of H.R. 5376:

""House Democrats unabashedly just put America and our future generations on the hook for trillions of dollars in new spending. The country is facing skyrocketing inflation and shortages of goods and services. The last thing families need are more challenges this holiday season, yet this tax-and-spend monstrosity adds to the national debt while raising taxes on middle class families and small businesses. This demonstrates just how out of touch Speaker Pelosi and her members are with everyday Americans.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://dean.house.gov/2021/11/reps-dean-spartz-scanlon-and-fitzpatrick-introduce-the-improving-access-to-care-and-treatment-impact-act,"Reps. Dean, Spartz, Scanlon, and Fitzpatrick Introduce the Improving Access to Care and Treatment (IMPACT) Act",2021-11-18,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,PA,Madeleine Dean,D000631,dean.house.gov,dean,https://dean.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – This past week, U.S. Representatives Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Victoria Spartz (IN-05), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) introduced the Improving Access to Care and Treatment (IMPACT) Act. The legislation would increase the amount of time a physician may hold long-acting injectable (LAI) buprenorphine – a form of medication for Opioid Use Disorder – from a specialty pharmacy.

The current 14-day window is a barrier to healthcare providers utilizing LAI buprenorphine due to the logistical hurdles associated with specialty pharmacy delivery. This legislation makes a commonsense change to the law that was envisioned in the SUPPORT Act by allowing health care providers to hold the drug in their facility for up to 60 days. It helps to facilitate continuity of care and treatment of people with Opioid Use Disorder by reducing an unnecessary barrier to this innovative treatment method. Given the magnitude of the opioid epidemic, access to all treatments is vital.

“Our substance use epidemic continues to grow and get worse – we need innovative treatment methods to better combat substance use disorder,” Rep. Dean said. “The IMPACT Act will reduce barriers to treatment, ensuring healthcare providers have the full access to proven medications, in turn helping patients get access to a potentially life-saving treatment.”

“The opioid epidemic has reached historic levels and is a national crisis affecting social and economic welfare of our country and our people,” Rep. Spartz said. “The IMPACT Act is important commonsense legislation which will bring much-needed treatments to more Americans and save lives.”

""While Pennsylvania experienced a decrease in opioid deaths in the years preceding the pandemic, 2020 brought about a tragic uptick and 2021 is on track to be just as devastating,"" Rep. Scanlon said. ""We need to use every available tool to fight this addiction and mental health crisis, including by increasing access to medication assisted treatment like long-acting injectable (LAI) buprenorphine. I'm proud to join my colleagues in introducing the IMPACT Act to help reduce barriers to using this life-saving treatment.”

“As our nation continues to grapple with the opioid epidemic, it is vital that our healthcare providers have the appropriate tools and resources to treat opioid dependence,” Rep Fitzpatrick said. “I am proud to join my colleagues in supporting this bipartisan legislation which will increase access to life-saving medication and ensure that those living with substance use disorder can get the treatment they need.”

This bill is supported by American Society of Addiction Medicine, American Psychiatric Association, American Medical Association, Advocates for Opioid Recovery, Aimed Alliance, Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, Center for U.S. Policy, FORCE, Kennedy Forum, Maryland Heroin Awareness, Mother’s Addiction Journey, No More OD’s Inc., Partnership to End Addiction, Prevention Action Alliance, Shatterproof, The Voices Project, Tyler’s Light, and Young People in Recovery.

Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-smucker-america-faces-choice,Rep. Smucker: America Faces a Choice,2021-11-18,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,PA,Lloyd Smucker,S001199,smucker.house.gov,smucker,https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), a member of the House Committee on Ways & Means, took to the floor to speak in opposition President Biden & Speaker Pelosi's massive multi-trillion dollar ""build back bankrupt"" proposal. Watch Smucker's comments here.

Below is a transcription of Rep. Smucker's comments as delivered:

""Thank you Mister Speaker, thank you to the Ranking Member. I hope the American people are watching closely today because there is a fundamental question being debated. And that is: what should the role of the federal government be in each of our daily lives and what economic system best provides for opportunity and the well-being of the American people? That's the question today.

Democrats believe, they have said this in our hearings, that the federal government should provide everything to ensure all the needs are met of middle-income Americans.

We [Republicans] believe in earned success. We believe in rewarding hard work. That system, the free market system, has provided more opportunity than ever before in the history of mankind.

And Mister Speaker, freedoms aren't taken all at once. They are taken bit, by bit, by bit.

This [legislation] is a move towards an entirely different economic system. It is a move towards socialism. We know that doesn't work. Look at every country in history that has over-delivered and overspent. It has not ended well. Thank you, Mister Speaker.""

# # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-announces-500000-federal-workforce-development-funding,"Thompson Announces $500,000 in Federal Workforce Development Funding",2021-11-18,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,thompson,https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, U.S. Representative Glenn ""GT"" Thompson announced a $500,000 grant for Workforce Solutions for North Central Pennsylvania to provide training and workforce development for individuals in recovery from substance use.

The funding comes from Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) through its Investments Supporting Partnerships in Recovery Ecosystems (INSPIRE) initiative, which works to create or expand opportunities for workforce entry or re-entry.

In addition to ARC funds, $506,420 in local funding will be made available for a total project cost of $1,006,420.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Workforce Solutions for North Central Pennsylvania's three-year project is called ""PROSPER-From Recovery to Career"" and it will serve six counties: Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, McKean and Potter.

Through PROSPER, 120 participants will receive training and become Certified Recovery Specialists. In addition, 70 job seekers in recovery from substance abuse disorder will receive customized career planning support to help secure employment, and 70 employer partners will receive training and gain skills to better understand and support the SUD-impacted workforce.

""For those who are the path to recovery, employment is an invaluable tool in making lasting changes,"" Rep. Thompson said. ""Bringing the Workforce Investment Board, industry partners, and those who specialize in recovery to the table in a collaborative manner will help people get back on their feet and will be positive for the local economy.""

""The PROSPER - From Recovery to Career initiative is a collaborative project that will provide job seekers who are in recovery from substance or other drug use disorders a sustainable plan for job re-entry or job enhancement,"" said Pamela Streich, Executive Director of Workforce Solutions for North Central Pennsylvania. ""Workforce Solutions will partner with existing providers of alcohol and drug treatment programs, our PA CareerLink centers and other agencies in the region we serve to address the barriers to employment these individuals face. We will promote awareness and training for employers to reduce the stigma that employees may face when re-entering the workplace.""

###

ABOUT THE ARC

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 420 counties across the Appalachian region. ARC's mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity, strengthen economic growth in Appalachia, and help the region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-160-house-members-join-resolution-opposing-bidens-employer-vaccine,"Kelly, 160+ House members join resolution opposing Biden's employer vaccine mandate",2021-11-17,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,kelly,https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"On Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) and more than 160 members of the U.S. House of Representatives signed onto the Congressional Review Act. The resolution, introduced in the House by Rep. Fred Keller (R-PA) and in the Senate by Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN), would formally disapprove of and nullify President Joe Biden’s unconstitutional vaccine mandate imposed on America’s job creators and workers.

The Biden administration recently released details on the Occupational Safety and Health

Administration’s (OSHA) Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) mandating vaccination requirements for employees at private businesses with more than 100 employees. The rule will affect more than 80 million Americans and impose $14,000 fines for persons who do not comply.

""Fining employers $14,000 per violation will hurt our economic recovery and potentially destroy some businesses,"" Kelly said. ""We can't afford to have workers walk off the job and worsen our supply chain problems even more than we're already seeing. The American people, not the Biden administration, should be able to decide what is best for their own health.""

“The broad support that our Congressional Review Act resolution has garnered sends a clear message to President Biden: The American people are fed up with the mandates and government control,"" Keller said. ""Our nation faces a host of crises created by this administration, including supply chain challenges and skyrocketing costs for everyday goods and services. President Biden’s illegal vaccine mandate is crippling for Main Street job creators and workers. We will continue to do everything we can to oppose this authoritarian rule.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/meuser-statement-osha-suspending-vaccine-mandate,Meuser Statement on OSHA Suspending the Vaccine Mandate,2021-11-17,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,PA,Daniel Meuser,M001204,meuser.house.gov,meuser,https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.— Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) released the following statement after the Administration announced that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is suspending implementation and enforcement of President Biden's vaccine mandate.

""As I have been saying all along, the Biden Administration's vaccine mandate is an unconstitutional, gross overreach of the federal government's authority. Moreover, the vaccine mandate lacks empathy for the deeply personal and religious factors involved for many who choose not to receive the vaccine. A decision that should be left up between a patient and their doctor. Unfortunately, this temporary halt continues to bring uncertainty to our nation's employers. The Biden Administration should abandon this regulation and allow Americans to make their own health decisions."" -Congressman Dan Meuser",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/smucker-joins-c-span-s-washington-journal,Smucker Joins C-SPAN’S Washington Journal,2021-11-17,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,PA,Lloyd Smucker,S001199,smucker.house.gov,smucker,https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – On Tuesday, Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) appeared on C-SPAN's Washington Journal call-in program, taking questions from callers across the country. Smucker answered questions about the massive tax and spending proposal before Congress, on infrastructure and gas prices, and COVID mandates. Below is a transcription of responses to selected questions from Smucker's appearance. Click here to watch the full program.

On Democrats ""Build Back Bankrupt"" proposal:

""This will be again a massive increase in federal spending, it will increase the federal debt and it will contribute more to inflation…I think it is the wrong policy to continue to massively expand the federal government, to increase dependency on the federal government, and to disincentivize work, which is what we have been seeing out of this administration… This isn't what the people of my district want, this isn't what the American people want. I believe they [Democrats] are going to try and ram this through,"" said Smucker.

On infrastructure, impact of debt, future of infrastructure funding:

""I believe that infrastructure is a core function of government… Unfortunately, what has happened is Democrats in the House, Speaker Pelosi have lumped all of these massive spending programs together. I have previously supported infrastructure spending, I would have liked to have done so if this bill had been properly paid for…At the very least we're doing this on the backs of our kids and grandkids. I ran for Congress to ensure that every American has their opportunity to live their own American Dream…I think with the economic policies that we're seeing advanced by this administration, that is at risk..."" said Smucker.

""An outsized portion of this bill went to electric vehicles and other Green New Deal policies. It was not properly paid for. So for instance, the revenue that is coming in from vehicles driving on our roads is declining. If you think about it, vehicles are more fuel efficient than they were before and folks are moving to electric vehicles. And so that needs to be fixed. I've introduced a bill in Congress that would ensure, that would ask owners of electric vehicles to pay their fair share for driving on the roads just as the owner of every other vehicle. Something like that should have been included in this bill and it was not. So the bill wasn't fully paid for, it will increase the debt… I just couldn't support this massive bill and I couldn't support the whole package that was tied together here in the House,"" said Smucker.

On COVID vaccine mandate:

""We've had remarkable success with a vaccine that was developed in record time. It is very effective. I took the vaccine, my family has taken the vaccine, from the time that it was first available. I encourage people to speak to their doctors about whether that is the right decision for them. And I think that is where the decisions should be made…This is not something that should be mandated from the government...Certainly it is a massive overreach of the federal government. I believe it is unconstitutional…I have sent a letter with the other Republican colleagues, Members of Congress, from my state to our Attorney General asking him to join in [on other states' lawsuits against the vaccine mandate]. This is a decision that should be made individually and should not be mandated by the government.""

# # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyce-recognizes-somerset-county-familys-random-acts-kindness,Dr. Joyce Recognizes Somerset County Family?s Random Acts of Kindness,2021-11-16,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,PA,John Joyce,J000302,johnjoyce.house.gov,johnjoyce,https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC Today, Congressman John Joyce M.D. (PA-13) thanked the family of Trevor Thomas for the random acts of kindness they have generated following the tragic loss of their son in 2019 in a speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.

""Together, the people of Somerset County are working to keep Trevor's memory alive through their acts of service for one another,"" said Congressman Joyce.

Since Trevor's death, the Thomas family has distributed pocket sized cards to people in the Somerset community, urging them to preform small acts of kindness for strangers in memory of their late son.

The Thomas family's story was recently highlighted in an article from the Washington Post.

Watch Congressman Joyce's speech here. A full transcript of his remarks can be found below.

***

I rise today to recognize the Thomas family of Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, who tragically lost their son Trevor, a student athlete who played baseball at Allegany College of Maryland and Penn State Fayetteat.

In the face of that loss, the Thomas family has responded with love and compassion for their community.

In honor of their son's commitment to serving others the Thomas family printed small cards that encouraged their neighbors to help others through acts of kindness.

Those cards have inspired incredible gestures of generosity in our community.

The acts of kindness were wide ranging. From preparing care packages for the homeless, to donating blood, to handing out donuts, and even delivering flowers to strangers, members of the community looked to see what they could do to help one another.

Together, the people of Somerset County are working to keep Trevor's memory alive through their acts of service for one another.

On each card the family has distributed, is a simple mantra that defined the way that Trevor lived his life.

It is a mantra we should all aspire to - ""Be somebody, who makes everybody, feel like somebody.""

Thank you, and I yield.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mike-kelly-opportunity-zones-are-working-and-erie-remains-nationwide-model,"Rep. Mike Kelly: Opportunity Zones are working, and Erie remains a nationwide model",2021-11-16,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,kelly,https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"On Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) and the Ways & Means Oversight Subcommittee held a hearing focusing on the impact of the federal Opportunity Zones program. Erie Downtown Development Corporation (EDDC) CEO John Persinger was among the witnesses testifying before the committee. Opportunity Zones in downtown Erie have been considered a model for other cities nationwide. Opportunity Zones are working to bring key investment dollars to high poverty, low income communities. Although Democrats used the hearing to criticize Opportunity Zones as a law carved out by Republicans to serve as a tax haven for the rich, investment in bipartisan Opportunity Zones has far surpassed other community development tax credits. Through 2019, about $29 billion has reached areas of need.

""The bipartisan Opportunity Zone tax incentive allows greater investment in local communities to help lift Americans out of poverty and strengthen small businesses,"" Kelly said in prepared remarks. ""That is the truth about Opportunity Zones. And keep in mind, we are still incredibly early in the process of implementing this new tax incentive. And we only have partial data from the year prior to IRS implementation of the policy. Much has changed since then. But the limited data that we do have is pointing to success.""

""Congress should study why Opportunity Zones are working in Erie, Pennsylvania,

when decades of other Federal policies have failed or underperformed, and assess how, going

forward, more legislation can be crafted like Opportunity Zones, so that people who live in

communities similar to Erie have the flexibility to attract investment to meet their community

needs,"" Persinger said.

You can watch the entire hearing here.

BACKGROUND

In 2016, a bipartisan group of Members led by Representatives Tiberi and Kind and Senators Scott and Booker introduced the original Opportunity Zone legislation, the Investing in Opportunity Act. In 2017, that bill was reintroduced and had nearly 100 bipartisan cosponsors in the House and Senate, including Chairman Neal and many Members of the Ways and Means Committee, prior to being included in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TJCA). Congress then codified the Opportunity Zone tax incentive as part of TCJA.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-statement-commemorating-veterans-day-2021,Thompson Statement Commemorating Veterans Day 2021,2021-11-11,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,thompson,https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"""Generations of brave men and women have defended our freedoms and protected our great country from threats across the globe. This Veterans Day, please join me in thanking those from Pennsylvania and across our country who have answered the call to serve.

""We owe the valiant men and women of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard and Reserves our unwavering support and gratitude. It is my honor to represent so many veterans from Pennsylvania. My unwavering commitment to them is to ensure they receive the care and support they so deserve, even after they transition from uniform to civilian lives. On behalf of a grateful nation, may God bless our veterans and may God bless the United States of America.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/smucker-leads-letter-calling-ag-shapiro-join-efforts-block-biden-vaccine,Smucker Leads Letter Calling on AG Shapiro to Join Efforts to Block Biden Vaccine Mandate,2021-11-10,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,PA,Lloyd Smucker,S001199,smucker.house.gov,smucker,https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) is calling on Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro to follow the lead of his 26 colleagues who filed to block President Biden's vaccine mandate issued last week. Smucker was joined by Reps. Kelly, Thompson, Joyce, Reschenthaler, Keller, Meuser, Fitzpatrick and Perry in sending a letter to the Attorney General.

The letter reads: ""We implore your office to explore all possible actions to prevent President Biden's unconstitutional vaccine mandate from further harming Pennsylvania's hardworking employers and employees. We strongly urge you to add the Commonwealth to any one of the legal efforts spearheaded by other states to nullify the mandate or initiate new legal action on behalf of the Commonwealth.""

Read the full text of the letter here.

""I have heard from countless individuals across Pennsylvania's Eleventh District who are concerned that they will be forced out of their jobs by President Biden's vaccine mandate. President Biden has once again moved to infringe on Americans' rights. This is a discussion that should be happening between an individual and their physician, not a command coming from the federal government. I spoke with my doctor and ultimately chose to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and would encourage anyone with questions to talk to their medical professional about receiving the vaccine. We have achieved a substantial voluntary vaccination rate in Pennsylvania – 70 percent of adults are fully vaccinated. So why is this mandate needed now?"" said Smucker. ""I will continue to fight against this misguided and authoritarian vaccine mandate.""

In addition to the letter, Rep. Smucker has cosponsored several pieces of legislation regarding President Biden's vaccine mandates: H.R.5908 introduced by Rep. Dr. Wenstrup, which would eliminate President Biden's mandates on federal employees or contractors, H.Res.779 introduced by Rep. Gibbs expressing congressional disapproval of the private business mandate, and legislation to be introduced by Rep. Fred Keller utilizing the Congressional Review Act to block the mandate.

# # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://dean.house.gov/2021/11/congresswoman-dean-visits-sci-phoenix,Congresswoman Dean Visits SCI Phoenix,2021-11-09,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,PA,Madeleine Dean,D000631,dean.house.gov,dean,https://dean.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Collegeville, PA — Yesterday, Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04) visited SCI Phoenix to discuss educational services in Pennsylvania prison systems and the re-introduction of her legislation, the Promoting Reentry through Education in Prisons (PREP) Act. The PREP Act would ensure that incarcerated individuals receive the educational opportunities they need to successfully reenter their communities after completing their sentences.

“The stories we heard from the inmates at SCI Phoenix and the dedication of the educators were inspiring and a testament to the never-ending power of education,” Rep. Dean said. “These programs change lives—all people deserve that chance to reform, learn, and give back. I look forward to sharing these stories to underscore the need to invest in rehabilitation reform and educational programs for inmates—like the PREP Act—so that they can re-enter society ready to contribute positively to our community. We know these programs work and benefit us all”

A 2013 study by RAND Corporation demonstrated that individuals who participated in prison education were 43% less likely to re-offend and 13% more likely to secure employment after re-entering society.

“Offering meaningful educational programming not only helps put incarcerated individuals on a path to success upon release from confinement, but also provides a constructive way for them to set and achieve goals while serving their sentences,” Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Acting Secretary George Little said. “The overwhelming majority of prisoners will eventually be released and return to the community, so investing in education while they are incarcerated benefits us all.”

“Villanova University understands the transformative power of education and the students that graduated from our program at SCI Phoenix are living proof of that,” Katherine Maloney, Director Villanova Program at SCI Phoenix said. “Villanova has found that program alumni who return to their families and communities often flourish—obtaining jobs and using their education to give back to the community. Villanova is proud to call these students and graduates, who are an integral part of our community, Villanovans.”

The visit included a roundtable with Acting Secretary George Little, Deputy Secretary for Reentry Kelly Evans, Regional Deputy Secretary Tammy Ferguson, and Superintendent Jaime Sorber, Katherine Meloney of the Villanova Program, George Chochos and Brian Walsh of Vera Institute of Justice, recipients of DOC educational programming, and other prison and education officials.

Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://evans.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/evans-votes-infrastructure-package-create-jobs-also-votes-clear-path,"Evans Votes for Infrastructure Package to Create Jobs, Also Votes to Clear Path for Build Back Better Act",2021-11-06,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,PA,Dwight Evans,E000296,evans.house.gov,evans,https://evans.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON (Nov. 6, 2021) – Congressman Dwight Evans (D-PA-3rd) voted Friday evening for a landmark infrastructure bill to create millions of jobs and make long-overdue repairs to the nation's roads, bridges, transit, water and sewer systems. He also voted for a House rule to clear the way to pass the Build Back Better Act in the near future.

The House vote sends the Senate-passed infrastructure bill to the desk of President Biden, who has said he'll sign it.

""I'm happy to vote for this massive new investment in job-creating repairs and upgrades to our transit, roads, bridges, water, sewer and other systems,"" Evans said. ""And I also look forward to passage of the Build Back Better Act, which would be a historic investment in making child care, housing and prescription drugs more affordable. It would also be a historic investment in fighting climate change and would continue the Biden expansion of the Child Tax Credit that I voted for, which is on track to cut child poverty in half.""

The infrastructure bill includes $1 billion for Reconnecting Communities, an initiative Evans has co-led, which would help highway-divided neighborhoods like Nicetown, Chinatown and the Delaware River waterfront in Philadelphia. The Build Back Better Act includes another $4 billion for similar programs to help those neighborhoods across the country.

The bipartisan infrastructure bill would provide $550 billion in new federal funding for infrastructure, estimated to add millions of jobs over the next 10 years. It includes:

$39 billion of new investment to modernize transit and improve accessibility for seniors and people with disabilities

$110 billion of new funds for roads, bridges, and related projects; $66 billion for rail, which would include eliminating the Amtrak maintenance backlog and modernizing the Northeast Corridor

$17 billion for ports

$25 billion for airports

$55 billion for clean drinking water systems

$65 billion for broadband internet

$7.5 billion to build out the first-ever national network of electric-vehicle chargers in the United States

Over $50 billion to make communities safer from extreme weather and climate-related disasters and the nation's infrastructure more resilient to the impacts of climate change and cyber-attacks

$21 billion for environmental cleanups

$65 billion to modernize the electric grid

Evans represents Pennsylvania's 3rd Congressional District, which includes Northwest and West Philadelphia and parts of North, South, Southwest and Center City Philadelphia. During Evans' first four years in Congress, his office has helped to return to or save more than $6.5 million for Philadelphians from federal agencies such as the IRS, Social Security Administration and Department of Veterans Affairs. His website is evans.house.gov and his social media handle is @RepDwightEvans on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/meuser-statement-democrats-spending-bills,Meuser Statement on Democrats’ Spending Bills,2021-11-06,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,PA,Daniel Meuser,M001204,meuser.house.gov,meuser,https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.— Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) released the following statement regarding Congressional Democrats' deal linking a Transportation and Infrastructure bill to their partisan multi-trillion dollar tax and spend reconciliation bill.

""After three months of delay on a Transportation and Infrastructure vote, in the final hours before voting on nearly 5,000 pages of legislation totaling $5 trillion in spending, progressive and moderate Democrats cut a deal. Moderates would vote for reconciliation, progressives would vote for T&I, and Republicans were not invited. As these two bills are inextricably linked, if T&I had been defeated, reconciliation would have likewise failed. I have strongly supported a standalone transportation, infrastructure, and revitalization bill for months and I worked hard with my colleagues on a bill that would benefit Pennsylvanians and the American people. I could not, however, support spending $5 trillion of taxpayer dollars when I support only the 20% dedicated to hard infrastructure and I believe most of the other 80% would be detrimental to our economy, national security, and global competitiveness. The American people don't want us to make government bigger, they want us to make our country better.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases/reschenthaler-opposes-first-vote-democrats-socialist-spending-spree,Reschenthaler Opposes First Vote in Democrats’ Socialist Spending Spree,2021-11-06,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,PA,Guy Reschenthaler,R000610,reschenthaler.house.gov,reschenthaler,https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Friday, Congressman Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14) released the following statement on his vote opposing the first step in Democrats' Socialist Spending Spree.

""Tonight's vote was nothing more than an attempt by Speaker Pelosi to pave the way for Democrats' socialist tax and spending spree that is estimated to cost as much as $3.98 trillion. While American families face record-high inflation rates and businesses can't find workers, Democrats prioritize woke policies that will only make things worse.

""I strongly support investment in our nation's physical infrastructure, including upgrading our aging locks and dams, and believe we must reform our burdensome permitting process. Unfortunately, it is shameful that Democrats used a bipartisan issue to advance their radical, socialist goals.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/boyle-applauds-house-passage-historic-infrastructure-package,BOYLE APPLAUDS HOUSE PASSAGE OF HISTORIC INFRASTRUCTURE PACKAGE,2021-11-05,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,PA,Brendan F. Boyle,B001296,boyle.house.gov,boyle,https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"November 5, 2021

WASHINGTON, DC – Tonight, Congressmen Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) praised House passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), a $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill that includes $550 billion in new federal funding for America's crumbling infrastructure. The IIJA passed the House on a 228-to-206 vote.

""From my first day in Congress, I have been unwavering in my goal to pass an infrastructure bill for those in my district,"" said Congressman Boyle. ""Today, that goal became a reality and House Democrats delivered the progress we promised for working families in Pennsylvania, and communities across the nation. The IIJA invests in our country and in our people by creating good-paying union jobs, tackling the climate crisis, and growing the economy sustainably and equitably for decades to come.""

In Pennsylvania, the IIJA will:

Repair and rebuild PA roads and bridges with a focus on climate change mitigation, resilience, equity, and safety for all users, including cyclists and pedestrians.

In Pennsylvania there are 3,353 bridges and over 7,540 miles of highway in poor condition. Since 2011, commute times have increased by 7.6% in Pennsylvania, and on average, each driver pays $620 per year in costs due to driving on roads in need of repair.

The IIJA is the single largest dedicated bridge investment since the construction of the interstate highway system. Based on formula funding alone, Pennsylvania would expect to receive $11.3 billion for federal-aid highway apportioned programs and $1.6 billion for bridge replacement and repairs under the IIJA over five years.

Improve healthy, sustainable transportation options for Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvanians who take public transportation spend an extra 68.8% of their time commuting and non-White households are 5 times more likely to commute via public transportation. 25% of transit vehicles in the state are past useful life.

Based on formula funding alone, Pennsylvania would expect to receive $2.8 billion over five years under the IIJA to improve public transportation options across the state.

Build a network of EV chargers across the state to facilitate long-distance travel and provide convenient charging options.

The bill invests $7.5 billion to build out the first-ever national network of EV chargers in the United States and is a critical element in the Biden-Harris Administration's plan to accelerate the adoption of EVs to address the climate crisis and support domestic manufacturing jobs.

Under the IIJA, Pennsylvania would expect to receive $171 million over five years to support the expansion of an EV charging network in the state.

Help connect every Pennsylvanian to reliable high-speed internet.

Under the IIJA, Pennsylvania will receive a minimum allocation of $100 million to help provide broadband coverage across the state, including providing access to the at least 394,000 Pennsylvanians who currently lack it.

Under the IIJA, 23% of people in Pennsylvania will be eligible for the Affordability Connectivity Benefit, which will help low-income families afford internet access.

Prepare more of our statewide infrastructure for the impacts of climate change, cyber-attacks, and extreme weather events.

From 2010 to 2020, Pennsylvania has experienced 37 extreme weather events, costing the state up to $10 billion in damages.

Under the IIJA, based on historical formula funding levels, Pennsylvania will expect to receive $49 million over five years to protect against wildfires and $26 million to protect against cyberattacks.

Pennsylvanians will also benefit from the bill's historic $3.5 billion national investment in weatherization which will reduce energy costs for families.

Deliver clean drinking water to every Pennsylvanian and eliminate the nation's lead service lines and pipes.

Currently, up to 10 million American households and 400,000 schools and childcare centers lack safe drinking water.

Under the IIJA, based on the traditional state revolving fund formula, Pennsylvania will expect to receive $1.4 billion over five years to improve water infrastructure across the state and ensure that clean, safe drinking water is a right in all communities.

Improve our Pennsylvania airports.

Airports in Pennsylvania would receive approximately $355 million for infrastructure development for airports over five years

This bill previously passed the Senate with a bipartisan vote of 69-30 on August 10, 2021. It is now headed to President Biden's desk for his signature.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://dean.house.gov/2021/11/the-house-passes-the-bipartisan-infrastructure-investment-and-jobs-act,The House passes the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,2021-11-05,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,PA,Madeleine Dean,D000631,dean.house.gov,dean,https://dean.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3684, the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The bipartisan infrastructure bill includes investments in roads and bridges, transit, rail, clean drinking water and wastewater systems, and high-speed broadband networks. This legislation will repair and modernize crumbling and outdated infrastructure across the nation.

“I am delighted we passed the bipartisan infrastructure bill that will transform our Commonwealth with critical funding to roads, bridges, clean water, and more,” Rep. Dean said. “This is an historic moment, and I look forward to voting yes on President Biden’s Build Back Better bill.”

Together, the bipartisan infrastructure bill and the Build Back Better Act are estimated to create an average of 2 million jobs each year over the next decade.

This Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill will:

Rebuild roads and bridges nationwide, including the largest bridge investment since the construction of the interstate highway system seven decades ago;

Deliver clean drinking water to ten million families and more than 400,000 schools and child care facilities nationwide with the largest-ever investment in American water infrastructure to replace lead pipes and service lines across the nation;

Help clean up legacy pollution, which is an important step in advancing environmental justice;

Expand access to reliable high-speed internet to help more families get online to work and learn;

Make historic improvements to public transit, with the largest federal investment in American history and the largest federal investment in passenger rail since the creation of Amtrak; and

Support action to address the climate crisis, making down-payments on clean energy transmission, a clean and resilient electric grid, electric vehicle infrastructure and more.

In Pennsylvania, there are more than 3,000 bridges and more than 7,500 miles of highway in poor condition. Through the bipartisan infrastructure bill, Pennsylvania is expected to receive $11.3 billion for federal-aid highway programs and $1.6 billion for bridge replacements over five years. Additionally, Pennsylvania is expected to receive $2.8 billion over five years to improve public transportation and $1.4 billion to improve water infrastructure that will ensure clean drinking water in all communities.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act now goes to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law.

Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-refuses-tie-america-s-infrastructure-reckless-liberal-wish-list,Thompson Refuses to Tie America’s Infrastructure to Reckless Liberal Wish List,2021-11-05,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,thompson,https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn ""GT"" Thompson today released the following statement after voting against the H.R. 3684, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act:

""There was an opportunity to come together and draft a bipartisan, bicameral bill to address America's aging infrastructure. Rather, House Democrats boldly linked infrastructure to a spending bill that is full of budget gimmicks and will cost American taxpayers trillions of dollars. To add insult to injury, the bill fails to adequately address one of the most critical infrastructure needs, broadband connectivity. This is completely unacceptable and further reflects how out of touch Speaker Pelosi is with the concerns of everyday American families.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joyce-issues-statement-president-bidens-vaccine-mandate,Congressman Joyce Issues Statement on President Biden?s Vaccine Mandate,2021-11-04,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,PA,John Joyce,J000302,johnjoyce.house.gov,johnjoyce,https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) released the following statement regarding President Biden's vaccine mandate issued in separate rules from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Centers for Medicare andamp; Medicaid Services this morning.

""President Biden's vaccine mandate does nothing to promote public health and will only serve to erode the public trust in the safe and effective vaccines developed through President Trump's Operation Warp Speed. Weaponizing this burdensome regulation and imposing these punitive fines will only harm businesses that are struggling. A person's decision to whether or not to become vaccinated should be made after consulting with their doctor or their trusted health care provider, not their shift supervisor.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-disapproves-biden-s-osha-vaccine-mandate,Thompson Disapproves of Biden’s OSHA Vaccine Mandate,2021-11-04,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,thompson,https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn ""GT"" Thompson, a senior member of the House Education and Labor Committee, released the following statement after the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced its mandate requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for an estimated 84.2 million workers in the private sector:

""This decision is a prime example of blatant federal overreach. Small businesses are already struggling to hire employees and cover costs. President Biden's mandate will only serve to add further strain on our economy, in addition to rapidly rising inflation, skyrocketing energy and transportation costs, and a shortage of both goods and workers.

""This is a one-size-fits-all response, which ignores the fact that risk of hospitalization and mortality due to COVID-19 infection are not equal amongst our population. Pennsylvanians who are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine should consult their medical professional and make their own choices, not have the federal government dictate their health care decisions.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyce-passing-green-new-deal-dressed-infrastructure-legislation-not-answer,"Dr. Joyce: ?Passing the green new deal, dressed up as infrastructure legislation is not the answer to the problems we face.?",2021-11-03,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,PA,John Joyce,J000302,johnjoyce.house.gov,johnjoyce,https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC Today, Congressman John Joyce M.D. (PA-13) highlighted the fatal flaws in Democrats' Infrastructure and Reconciliation packages that would make them unworkable for Pennsylvania families.

In a press conference led by Congressman Byron Donalds (FL-19) and Whip Steve Scalise (LA-01), Congressman Joyce called attention to the burdensome taxes that American energy providers would face at a time when costs are already soaring for consumers.

""We need to focus on regaining American energy independence. We need to focus on lowering energy costs before winter. This inflation is NOT transitory, we CANNOT wish this problem away,"" said Dr. Joyce. ""Passing the green new deal, dressed up as infrastructure legislation is not the answer to the problems we face.""

Today's press conference provided an opportunity for Republicans to discuss the troubling tax provisions that are included in the Reconciliation package being introduced by Democrats in Congress.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mike-kelly-congressional-caucus-diabetes-unveil-legislation-improve,"Rep. Mike Kelly, Congressional Caucus on Diabetes unveil legislation to improve diabetes care for seniors",2021-11-03,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,kelly,https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) along with members of the Congressional Caucus Diabetes Caucus introduced the Expanding Access to Diabetes Self-Management Training Act that will make it easier for people with diabetes to access training to manage their blood glucose levels and prevent hospitalization.

“We need to shift our health care economy to from a model focused only on sick care to one which prioritizes wellness and healthy lifestyles,"" said Rep. Kelly, vice chair of the Congressional Caucus on Diabetes and a diabetic himself. ""Diabetes self-management training is an important tool for individuals with diabetes to manage their condition and live healthier, more fulfilled lives. Too often, seniors in the Medicare program don’t have access to the same tools as individuals on private insurance. This bill will close that gap for diabetes self-management, and I’m proud to be co-leading along with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle.""

The Expanding Access to Diabetes Self-Management Training Act:

Eliminates cost-sharing for diabetes self-management training (DSMT) so seniors do not face cost barriers to care

Removes the deadline for DSMT, allowing seniors to use all 10 hours of training as they need it

Makes it possible to receive Medical Nutrition Therapy services and DSMT together on the same day

Expands providers who eligible to refer patients for DSMT services

Creates a pilot program to test virtual DSMT

“As someone who has managed my own Type-1 Diabetes for 36 years, I understand that it can be complicated. And if you get it wrong, it can be life-threatening,” said Rep. Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA). “I’m happy to work with the Diabetes Caucus to introduce this bipartisan bill during National Diabetes Awareness Month to remove barriers to self-management training. We know that self-management training helps people with diabetes live healthy lives and stay out of the hospital.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mike-kelly-leads-50-members-congress-demanding-transparency-nih-funded,Rep. Mike Kelly Leads 50+ Members of Congress Demanding Transparency of NIH-funded abortion allegations,2021-11-02,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,kelly,https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) and U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA), members of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, led more than 50 of their House colleagues in calling for transparency and accountability into the National Institutes of Health (NIH) after recent allegation that the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center used taxpayer money funneled through the NIH to promote illegal abortions. This letter follows work done in the Pennsylvania State House by State Rep. Kathy Rapp (R-Warren/Crawford/Forest) and others looking into the allegations through letters and oversight hearings.

For decades, Congress has provided federal funding for lifesaving medical research through the NIH. This support has been bipartisan and has been guided by pro-life principles which require that no federal taxpayer dollars shall be used for abortion procedures. This makes the recent allegations that the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center may have used federal dollars while seeking to alter abortion procedures for the purpose of obtaining fetal tissue highly alarming.

“At no point should taxpayer money be used to promote or fund abortions. My colleagues and I are deeply troubled by NIH’s lack of a transparent and ethical review of their funding processes,” Kelly said. “I want to thank U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith and my fellow House members, along with Pennsylvania State Rep. Kathy Rapp, for their tireless support of such an important issue. We hope to clarify how taxpayer money is being spent. I will vigorously continue my work of protecting the unborn.”

These revelations come after President Biden’s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced an April 16, 2021 policy change reversing its 2019 decision that all extramural research applications for NIH grants and contracts proposing the use of human fetal tissue from elective abortions will be reviewed by an Ethics Advisory Board (EAB).

Because these allegations potentially represent a violation of federal law, Kelly, Griffith, and their colleagues are calling on NIH and HHS to provide the following:

- A detailed written description of NIH’s current ethical vetting and review procedures

- Documents related to the University of Pittsburgh allegation

- Documents related to any other fetal tissue research NIH supports, along with a list of institutions which perform such research

You can read their full letter here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/meusers-bill-passes-house-will-improve-sba-oversight,Meuser’s Bill Passes the House That Will Improve SBA Oversight,2021-11-02,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,PA,Daniel Meuser,M001204,meuser.house.gov,meuser,https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed his Small Business 7(a) Loan Agent Oversight Act.

""The Small Business Administration's (SBA) 7(a) Loan Program is an important tool for helping small businesses gain access to capital. Unfortunately, the SBA's Office of Inspector General has highlighted the need for improved oversight of 7(a) loan agents due to increased risk of fraud associated with these agents,"" said Congressman Dan Meuser. ""My bill will address these issues by requiring the SBA to develop and publish an annual portfolio risk analysis for Congress on loan agents that operate within the program. This analysis will ensure that both Congress and the SBA remain good stewards of taxpayer dollars and ensure that American small businesses can continue to benefit from the SBA's flagship loan program.""

BACKGROUND…

H.R. 4531, 7(a) Loan Agent Oversight Act

The bill requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Credit Risk Management (OCRM) to submit an annual report to Congress regarding the performance of and risk associated with loans generated through loan agent activity.

The bill will ensure that Congress receives the data it needs to conduct proper oversight. It will provide information on how many loans have been processed with the assistance of loan agents and default rates of loans that are associated with the loan agents. Additionally, the legislation requires the SBA to perform a risk analysis on agents who operate within the program.

7(a) Loan Program Overview

In FY20, SBA's 7(a) loan program made approximately 42,000 7(a) loans totaling $22.55 billion. The loan program is considered the flagship program at SBA. It provides creditworthy small firms that cannot obtain credit elsewhere the opportunity to access capital from private lenders. SBA does not offer direct lending to small businesses; rather, SBA guarantees the repayment of loans issued by lenders for general business purposes.

The House also passed H.R. 4481, Small Business 7(a) Loan Agent Transparency Act – the companion bill to 7(a) Loan Agent Oversight Act. The Congressman cosponsored HR 4481 with Congressman Dean Phillips (D-MN) that requires the SBA to establish a registration system for 7(a) agents that assigns each agent a unique identifier and collects data to help the SBA track and evaluate loan performance for loans generated through loan agent activity. The SBA will establish a database with the type of services performed by loan agents & require their registration before an agent provides services to a lender or borrower.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-penndots-bridge-tolling-proposals-frustrating,Thompson: PennDOT's Bridge Tolling Proposals Frustrating,2021-11-02,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,thompson,https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Representative Glenn ""GT""Thompson released the following statement regarding the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's (PennDOT) virtual briefings for public officials, which were hosted Monday for the proposed bridge tolling projects in Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District:

""Monday's briefings continue to demonstrate PennDOT's attitude to steamroll all public comment on establishing four tolls along Interstate 80, including tolls on the Canoe Creek Bridge in Clarion and the North Fork Bridges in Jefferson. PennDOT shared very few details about these projects and failed to give elected officials adequate time to ask meaningful questions about their flawed proposals before ending the session altogether. Pennsylvania requires a reliable funding mechanism to maintain and replace existing infrastructure, but the Commonwealth collected $4 billion in revenue in September 2021, which is 14 percent higher than anticipated and currently has a $628.3 million budget surplus. I remain concerned these proposals are shortsighted, will leave lasting negative impacts on our communities and businesses, and place further tax burdens on Pennsylvanians.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://evans.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/evans-co-leads-bill-provide-1-billion-solve-shooting-cases-make,"Evans Co-Leads Bill to Provide $1 Billion to Solve Shooting Cases, Make Neighborhoods Safer",2021-11-01,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,PA,Dwight Evans,E000296,evans.house.gov,evans,https://evans.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON (Nov. 1, 2021) – Congressman Dwight Evans (D-PA-3rd) is co-leading a new bill that would provide $1 billion in federal funding over the next 10 years to help local and state police raise their clearance rates for both fatal and non-fatal shooting cases.

""Helping our state and local police solve more fatal and non-fatal shooting cases would be a huge win for public safety in Philadelphia and across the country – district attorneys can't bring cases that don't reach them, so this would help make our neighborhoods safer,"" Evans said.

""As someone who has pushed for help for victims of gun violence, I'm also very pleased that this bill would provide victims and family members with mental health resources and assistance with shelter, wage, and relocation costs,"" Evans said.

Evans is a lead co-sponsor of the Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods (VICTIM) Act (H.R. 5768). The bill would establish a Department of Justice (DOJ) grant program to:

hire and retain detectives to investigate homicide and non-fatal shootings;

acquire resources for processing evidence, including the hiring of additional personnel;

hire personnel trained to analyze criminal intelligence and crime trends;

train detectives and evidence processing personnel in effective procedures and techniques; and

ensure victim services are sufficiently staffed, funded, and trained.

Grant recipients would be required to report information to the DOJ on how the money was spent and how it affected clearance rates for homicides and non-fatal shootings. The National Institute of Justice would periodically evaluate the effectiveness of the policies and procedures implemented by the grantees to improve clearance rates and report to Congress on its conclusions.

The lead sponsor is Congresswoman Val Demings (D-Florida), a former 27-year police officer, who said, ""Simply put, many agencies lack the resources they need to bring justice to these cases and closure for families. Half of gun murders in the United States go unsolved, and victims are often left with no justice and little support. This legislation would inject critical new funding into America's law enforcement agencies to hire and train detectives and specialists specifically committed to investigate unsolved crimes, comfort victims, and bring the guilty to justice.""

The legislation has strong support from professional law enforcement researchers and organizations, including the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, the Major Cities Chiefs Association and the National Police Foundation.

Evans represents Pennsylvania's 3rd Congressional District, which includes Northwest and West Philadelphia and parts of North, South, Southwest and Center City Philadelphia. During Evans' first four years in Congress, his office has helped to return to or save more than $6.5 million for Philadelphians from federal agencies such as the IRS, Social Security Administration and Department of Veterans Affairs. His website is evans.house.gov and his social media handle is @RepDwightEvans on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mike-kelly-more-70-house-members-demand-know-if-biden-administration-will,"Rep. Mike Kelly, more than 70 House members demand to know if Biden administration will pay $450,000 to illegal immigrants",2021-11-01,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,kelly,https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) and more than 70 members of the U.S. House of Representatives signed onto a letter to U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and other top Biden administration officials demanding answers after the Wall Street Journal reported the Biden administration is considering offering almost $1 million per family to those who were taken into custody and separated after illegally crossing our Southern border. WSJ reports payments could be up to $450,000 per person and up to $1 million per family. The total potential payout could be $1 billion or more, WSJ reports. These payments may be larger than some of the settlements given to the victims of the September 11th terrorist attacks.

In the letter, Kelly and lawmakers urge the Departments of Homeland Security, Justice, and Health & Human Services to respond to the reporting; to release the total amount of American taxpayer funding the administration plans to authorize to settle the cases; and state whether or not illegal immigrants are given preferential treatment over persons attempting to legally immigrate to the United States.

After joining the letter, Rep. Kelly issued the following statement:

“The American people deserve to know how their tax dollars are being spent, and if any of that money is going toward settlements with illegal immigrants. I’m calling on Secretary Mayorkas, Attorney General Garland, and Secretary Becerra to answer our questions as quickly as possible. The hardworking people in my district, and across the country, are feeling the financial pinch at the gas station and the grocery store due to rising inflation. We have a nearly $29 trillion national debt. We should not be prioritizing those who illegally entered our country over our law-abiding constituents.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-returns-washington-dc-after-recovering-covid-19,"Thompson Returns to Washington, D.C. After Recovering from COVID-19",2021-11-01,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,thompson,https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Representative Glenn ""GT""Thompson returned to U.S. Capitol on Monday after recovering from breakthrough COVID-19 at his home in Pennsylvania. During his isolation, Rep. Thompson followed CDC guidance for fully vaccinated individuals, as well as the recommendations from the Attending Physician at the U.S. Capitol.

""Thank you to everyone for their support and well wishes,"" Rep Thompson said. ""I was fortunate to have mild symptoms and that led to a fast recovery. I am grateful to return to Washington to continue my work on behalf of the people of Pennsylvania's 15th District.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://dean.house.gov/2021/10/congresswoman-madeleine-dean-leads-a-letter-to-prime-minister-of-japan-fumio-kishida-to-close-japan-s-domestic-ivory-market/95cc57a3-8a3b-4cc0-be20-6e674207175a,Congresswoman Madeleine Dean Leads a Letter to Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida to Close Japan’s Domestic Ivory Market,2021-10-29,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,PA,Madeleine Dean,D000631,dean.house.gov,dean,https://dean.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04) led a letter with Congressional colleagues to urge the Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida to close Japan’s domestic ivory market in order to protect elephants from the threat of poaching, hunting, and slaughter. The letter echoed the appeal of Secretaries of State Hillary Clinton and James Baker III to end the sale and trade of elephant ivory.

Many other countries with large consumer economies have already taken steps to close their ivory markets — including the United States, China, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Israel. Japan has the largest remaining legal ivory market.

“We must work together, as an international community, to protect elephants and support conservation,” Rep. Dean said. “It is essential to our ecosysytem, planet, and future generations. I am hopeful that Prime Minister Kishida will take our concerns to heart.”

The letter was signed by Representatives Blumenauer, Suozzi, Lieu, McBath, Barragán, DeFazio, Quigley, McNerney, Huffman, Wild, Grijslva, DelBene, Fitzpatrick, Davids, Adams, Stevens, Larsen, Nadler, Doyle, Sánchez, Schakowsky.

A copy of the letter can be found here.

Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://dean.house.gov/2021/10/reps-dean-and-wexton-and-senator-markey-introduce-the-gun-violence-prevention-through-financial-intelligence-act,Reps. Dean and Wexton and Senator Markey Introduce the Gun Violence Prevention Through Financial Intelligence Act,2021-10-29,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,PA,Madeleine Dean,D000631,dean.house.gov,dean,https://dean.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Jennifer Wexton (VA-10), and Senator Edward Markey (MA) introduced the Gun Violence Prevention Through Financial Intelligence Act. The legislation would require the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) within the Treasury Department to provide guidance to financial institutions that could help them report suspicious activity related to mass shootings and domestic terrorism.

Under existing regulation financial institutions are required to file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs), to raise red flags about money laundering, human trafficking, terrorist financing and other criminal activity. This bill would require FinCEN to collect and analyze data from financial institutions to determine what indicators, if any, might precede a mass shooting or terrorist attack. FinCen would then be required to issue an advisory on how financial institutions should use these indicators to comply with their SAR filings. The bill seeks to determine dangerous financial patterns that may be detectable.

“We need to use every tool at our disposal to help prevent tragic loss of life from gun violence,” Congresswoman Madeleine Dean said. “This bill puts our existing infrastructure for detecting financial crimes to work and seeks to determine if there are patterns of financial behavior that precede mass shootings and terrorist incidents – learning these data points will help us identify and stop gun violence in the future.”

""Financial institutions already have proven systems in place to identify suspicious behavior and purchasing patterns that enable them to crack down on activities like money laundering, human smuggling, and fentanyl trafficking,"" Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton said. ""Banks, retailers, and credit card companies can put these tools to use to detect and prevent mass shootings – if they know what to look for. I'm proud to join Rep. Dean and Senator Markey in introducing this legislation to equip financial institutions with the guidance they need to help us save lives.""

“We cannot allow banks and financial institutions to turn a blind eye as shooters bank a pile of guns and ammunition in lead up to an attack,” Senator Markey said. “The Gun Violence Prevention Through Financial Intelligence Act will give us the guidance on how these institutions can help pinpoint and prevent gun violence across the country. I am proud to work with Representatives Dean and Wexton in advancing this gun violence prevention legislation.”

This bill is supported by gun violence prevention groups such as Everytown for Gun Safety, March For Our Lives, Newtown Action Alliance, Guns Down America, and Moms Demand Action.

John Feinblatt, President of Everytown for Gun Safety: “Banks and financial institutions have a key role to play when it comes to identifying the warning signs of gun violence, such as trafficking or stockpiling weapons — but they can’t do this work if they don’t have the right data. We applaud Representatives Dean and Wexton, as well as Senator Markey, for introducing legislation to make sure that FinCEN is equipping banks with the tools and data they need to report suspicious activity, which will help prevent gun violence before it happens.”

""We are a generation that has indelible trauma from the threat of firearm violence, yet we are frequently unable to rely on accurate data to determine how to prevent acts of domestic terrorism on a daily basis,"" Max Markham, Policy & Legal Director at March For Our Lives said. ""While we have high expectations of our government to address gun violence as a public health crisis, we believe financial institutions can make a unique contribution, utilizing their own financial intelligence, to prevent these atrocities from occurring so frequently. We thank Representatives Dean and Wexton, and Senator Markey for leading the way with this innovative bill, and look forward to continued collaboration to help save lives.""

""When it comes to preventing gun violence and saving lives, we need to be using every tool at our disposal, including helping financial institutions to spot potential red flags and take action before it's too late,"" Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action said. ""We are proud to support this effort by Senator Markey and Representatives Dean and Wexton to help guide financial institutions through the ways that the U.S. firearms market is criminally exploited to facilitate gun violence in America.""

“Newtown Action Alliance is proud to support Representative Dean and Senator Markey’s Gun Violence Prevention Through Financial Intelligence Act. We know firsthand that a mass shooting incident can devastate an entire community. More can be done to prevent mass shootings and other gun tragedies in all our communities across the nation. Congress should immediately pass this bill so that the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network could establish guidelines for the financial institutions to identify and report suspicious firearm transactions by mass shooters and domestic terrorists in the United States,"" Po Murray, Chairwoman of Newtown Action Alliance said.

Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/meuser-touts-6-billion-investment-pennsylvanias-ninth-district,Meuser Touts $6 Billion Investment in Pennsylvania’s Ninth District,2021-10-29,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,PA,Daniel Meuser,M001204,meuser.house.gov,meuser,https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) is excited to announce that Nacero will build a facility to develop low- and zero-carbon vehicle fuels derived from natural gas in Newport Township in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.

Congressman Meuser has been steadfast in his support and leadership in encouraging sustainable economic investment in the Ninth District. He was a strong advocate for expanding the Alternative Fuel Tax Credit and the Alternative Fuel Mixture Tax Credit to encourage development of domestic facilities like Nacero's that produce low-emission vehicle fuel derived from natural gas and renewable natural gas. Nacero's fuel products can be used in existing vehicles and will reduce the lifecycle carbon footprint of a vehicle by at least half. Nacero's $6 billion investment in northeast Pennsylvania will have a significant overall economic impact and will create 4,000 high-paying, skilled jobs.

""Nacero's $6 billion investment in Pennsylvania's Luzerne County will create 4,000 jobs, reclaim hundreds of acres of mine scarred land, and advance Pennsylvania's reputation as a leader in energy innovation. The plant's affordable low and zero carbon footprint gasolines will reduce carbon emissions nationally, improve local air quality and reduce our reliance on foreign oil by producing a fuel that Americans can use in the cars they drive today with half the carbon footprint of existing fuels using Pennsylvania natural gas. It will make our region a leading example of what American ingenuity and hardworking Pennsylvanians can achieve. Congressman Dan Meuser would like to thank Senator John Yudichak and Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman for their vision and legislative leadership in making Pennsylvania a competitive state for an investment like this to be possible.""-Congressman Dan Meuser

BACKGROUND…

Based in Houston, TX, Nacero Inc. is bringing a new gasoline to market, one that is made from natural gas and renewable natural gas, not crude oil. The Company plans to build additional U.S. production facilities where it can create environmental and economic benefit for its consumers, host communities, commercial counterparties, and shareholders. Founded in 2015, Nacero is led by a team with more than 400 years of combined successful project experience across the clean power, renewables, LNG, fuels, and petrochemicals sectors.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-reschenthalers-cops-counseling-act,House Passes Reschenthaler's COPS Counseling Act,2021-10-28,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,PA,Guy Reschenthaler,R000610,reschenthaler.house.gov,reschenthaler,https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Rep. Guy Reschenthaler's (PA-14) Confidentiality Opportunities for Peer Support (COPS) Counseling Act (S. 1502) by a vote of 424-3. This bipartisan legislation, which Reschenthaler introduced with Rep. David Trone (MD-6), increases privacy protections for law enforcement officers who use peer support counseling by creating clear standards for confidentiality. The COPS Counseling Act passed the Senate earlier this year by unanimous consent and now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law.

""I am proud the House passed the COPS Counseling Act, bipartisan legislation I introduced with Rep. Trone that will improve mental health treatment for the law enforcement officers who put their own lives at risk to keep us safe,"" said Rep. Reschenthaler. ""This legislation encourages the use of peer support counseling programs and ensures law enforcement can utilize these important mental health resources and know their privacy is protected. I urge the president to swiftly sign this bill into law so our nation's police officers can access the mental health and wellness services they need.""

A Fraternal Order of Police survey showed 73% of surveyed officers believed the most helpful mental health resource offered by police departments was peer support counseling. S. 1502 provides privacy protections to ensure officers can participate in peer-to-peer counseling and receive the confidential help they need. It also encourages state and local first responder agencies to adopt peer counseling programs by requiring the U.S. Department of Justice to make best practices publicly available on their website and provide a list of training programs for individuals to become peer support mentors.

""When Montgomery County Officer T.J. Bomba died by suicide, it was a wake-up call for our district and law enforcement communities across the country. The task was clear: improve the mental health care and support services for our law enforcement officers and first responders,"" said Congressman Trone. ""By passing the COPS Counseling Act, we can help remove the stigma that exists surrounding mental health and save the lives of officers in need. I'm grateful to work with Congressman Reschenthaler (R-PA), Senators Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Grassley (R-Iowa), and first responders in my district to support our law enforcement and first responder community.""

This bill was previously introduced by Rep. Reschenthaler and Rep. Trone in the 116th Congress.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/boyle-lahood-introduce-legislation-allow-nutritional-supplements-be,BOYLE & LAHOOD INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO ALLOW NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS TO BE COVERED UNDER FLEX/HEALTH SPENDING ACCOUNTS,2021-10-27,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,PA,Brendan F. Boyle,B001296,boyle.house.gov,boyle,https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressmen Brendan F. Boyle (D-PA-02) and Darin LaHood (R-IL-18) introduced the Dietary Supplement Tax Fairness Act, which will help Americans support healthy lifestyles by modernizing the treatment of vitamins and minerals and recognizing the valuable role nutritional supplements play in helping to achieve better health outcomes and promote cost savings.

""The recent global health pandemic has taught us the importance of maintaining a nutrient-rich diet to maintain our health"", said Congressman Boyle. ""More than 22 million Americans have chosen to enroll in a health savings account coupled with a consumer-direct health plan. Given this significant growth, action should be taken to better meet consumer needs. Since HSAs, FSAs, and HRAs, require a prescription for the reimbursement of vitamins it makes sense to remove barriers to supplementing nutrient-deficient diets. Our bill takes a step in that direction.""

""Ensuring that Americans are able to utilize their Health Savings Accounts (HSA) as a tool to make personal healthcare choices for their families remains one of my priorities. As we work to climb out of the pandemic, ensuring my constituents have the resources they need to support opportunities for a healthy lifestyle, including the purchasing of vitamins and minerals, is important,"" said Rep. LaHood. ""As enrollment in HSA's continues to grow, our bill would remove unnecessary barriers to better meet the needs of consumers. This bipartisan approach would allow over-the-counter vitamins and minerals to be considered as qualified medical expenses under HSAs, FSAs, and HRAs, so that a patient can utilize their health savings dollars to access these dietary supplements.""

Roughly 80% of Americans use vitamins and dietary supplements for a range of benefits, from addressing nutrient deficiencies to strengthening bones and helping to prevent osteoporosis. Vitamins and dietary supplements can be a part of preventative care that can create cost savings to employers, consumers, and the entire healthcare system. Current tax code does not allow Americans with health-related savings accounts to be reimbursed for the out-of-pocket expenses they pay for nutritional and dietary supplements.

This legislation would amend the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to include certain over-the-counter dietary supplement products as a qualified medical expense. This change would allow Americans to be reimbursed from their Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), their Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), or their Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) for the out-of-pocket expenses they pay for nutritional and dietary supplements.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://dean.house.gov/2021/10/congresswoman-madeleine-dean-senator-brian-schatz-introduce-the-promoting-reentry-through-education-in-prisons-prep-act,"Congresswoman Madeleine Dean, Senator Brian Schatz Reintroduce the Promoting Reentry through Education in Prisons (PREP) Act",2021-10-26,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,PA,Madeleine Dean,D000631,dean.house.gov,dean,https://dean.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04) and Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) reintroduced the Promoting Reentry through Education in Prisons (PREP) Act. Congressman Mondaire Jones and Congressman Kweisi Mfume are co-leading the bill. Congresswoman Dean previously introduced the bill with the late Congressman Elijah Cummings (MD-07) in 2019 while Senator Schatz introduced companion legislation in the Senate. The legislation would ensure that incarcerated individuals receive the educational opportunities they need to successfully reenter their communities after completing their sentences.

Providing incarcerated individuals with the resources to effectively reintegrate into society upon release can dramatically reduce recidivism. Two-thirds of formerly-incarcerated individuals are rearrested within three years; however, incarcerated people who participated in educational programs had 43 percent lower odds of reentering prison than those who did not.

“It’s in everyone’s interest that when people re-enter society, they do so with the skills they need to build decent futures for themselves and their families,” Congresswoman Dean said. “Educational opportunities make all the difference in helping to break the cycle of recidivism and reincarceration – and create more positive outcomes for all.”

“Research shows that one of the best ways to break the cycle of recidivism is through education,” Senator Schatz said. “This bill would make it easier for people in the federal prison system to pursue a better life through learning, in turn improving our public safety and saving taxpayers’ money.”

“It’s critical we give incarcerated individuals all of the tools they need to succeed after incarceration, and that starts with quality education and job training in incarcerated settings,” Congressman Mondaire Jones said. “I’m proud to introduce the Promoting Reentry Through Education in Prisons (PREP) Act alongside Rep. Dean to establish an Office of Prison Education within the Bureau of Prisons and ensure educational programming is available to all individuals in federal prisons. By investing in education in our prisons, we’ll reduce recidivism while investing in our economy and people’s futures.”

“Returning citizens deserve to re-enter society prepared to contribute in meaningful ways. Having the education and training to work with others upon release not only makes sense for formerly incarcerated individuals but also for the workforce development of our economy,” Congressman Mfume said. “Recidivism rates are reduced with educational programs for inmates, ultimately lowering prison expenses. Let’s work to invest in human capital which in turn will increase monetary capital for businesses, small and big alike,” he added.

The PREP Act takes several important steps:

Establishes an Office of Correctional Education within the Bureau of Prisons. The Office would standardize educational programs across all federal prisons, ensuring that BOP provides educational services for adult literacy, GED, postsecondary, workforce readiness, apprenticeships, career and technical education, and expanded opportunities for individual with learning disabilities.

Establishes the Federal Correctional Education Program. The program would create partnerships between federal correctional facilities and education providers to create quality programs.

Trains and assists state and local correctional institutions. The legislation would provide for training and technical assistance to state and local correctional institutions that implement similar education programs.

Notifies veterans of their eligibility. The bill would ensure that eligible veterans are notified of their ability to access education benefits and are connected with available programs in their federal or state correctional facility.

The PREP Act is supported by the Correctional Leaders Association, Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP), Dream Corps JUSTICE, FAMM, NAACP, The Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP), National CURE, College and Community Fellowship, Center for Disability Rights, Operation Restoration, Second Chance Education Alliance Inc., Prison Scholar Fund, and Record Clearance Project of SJSU.

Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/boyle-leads-call-floor-vote-solve-debt-ceiling-crisis,BOYLE LEADS CALL FOR FLOOR VOTE TO SOLVE DEBT CEILING CRISIS,2021-10-25,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,PA,Brendan F. Boyle,B001296,boyle.house.gov,boyle,https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Brendan Boyle (D-PA) led a letter signed by more than 75+ members of the House Democratic Caucus to House Democratic leadership calling for legislative action to permanently solve the debt ceiling crisis, using only Democratic votes if necessary.

The House Members wrote:

""The toxic brinkmanship surrounding the debt limit occurs each time we either approach the dollar amount of the debt limit, or an enacted suspension of the debt limit is set to soon expire. At these junctures, our solutions to handle the debt limit are to either raise the limit or again enact a further suspension. Since Republicans in Congress have indicated they're unwilling to help avoid a default in December, we should seek a more permanent solution to avoid having to repeat this painful process in the future.""

""Since Senate Republicans were only willing to agree to a short-term extension of the debt limit, we urge that you use the remaining few months to lay the legislative groundwork to permanently repeal the threat posed by the debt ceiling, using only Democratic votes if necessary.""

Legislative options proposed by the Members include:

• Permanently repeal the federal debt limit, such as in Congressman Foster's H.R. 3305/S.1785 ""End the Threat of Default Act"" or Congressman Boyle's H.R. 1041.

• Authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to raise the debt limit unilaterally, such as in Congressman Boyle's H.R. 5415 ""Debt Ceiling Reform Act.""

• Automatically peg the debt limit to the actual U.S. debt incurred, plus a buffer to allow the issuance of new debt.

• Raise or suspend the debt limit to an amount or date sufficient to guarantee that the United States will not reach it in the foreseeable future.

A full copy of the letter is available HERE .",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-released-walter-reed,Thompson Released from Walter Reed,2021-10-23,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,thompson,https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Congressman Thompson was released from Walter Reed National Military Center Friday evening after receiving outpatient treatment for COVID-19 and has returned to his home in Pennsylvania to recover. He thanks the Attending Physician at the U.S. Capitol along with the doctors, nurses and staff at Walter Reed for their concern and care. Congressman Thompson plans to work virtually from home next week.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-tests-positive-breakthrough-covid-19,Thompson Tests Positive for Breakthrough COVID-19,2021-10-22,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,thompson,https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Congressman Thompson on Friday afternoon began experiencing cold-like symptoms and was promptly tested for COVID-19. While he is vaccinated, the test came back positive. Out of an abundance of caution, he is being treated at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. He is in good spirits and further updates will be made available in the coming days.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/boyle-resolution-designates-september-macedonian-american-heritage-month,BOYLE RESOLUTION DESIGNATES SEPTEMBER AS “MACEDONIAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH”,2021-10-21,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,PA,Brendan F. Boyle,B001296,boyle.house.gov,boyle,https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) introduced a resolution, along with his fellow Congressional Macedonian Caucus co-chairs, that would designate the month of September 2022 as Macedonian American Heritage Month. The Congressman released to statement below following introduction:

""As a co-chair of the Congressional Macedonian Caucus, I am proud to introduce this resolution in the House of Representatives to designate September as Macedonian American Heritage month. Macedonian Americans have made countless and significant contributions to our nation over the last several centuries, and this resolution gives them the recognition that is long overdue. I join the Macedonian American community and millions of Macedonians around the world in celebrating this momentous step, especially now in 2021 on the 30 year anniversary of their independence.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://dean.house.gov/2021/10/the-house-passes-h-res-730-finding-stephen-k-bannon-in-contempt-of-congress,"The House Passes H.Res.730, Finding Stephen K. Bannon in Contempt of Congress",2021-10-21,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,PA,Madeleine Dean,D000631,dean.house.gov,dean,https://dean.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — On Thursday night, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.Res.730, finding Stephen K. Bannon in contempt of Congress for failure to comply with a Congressional subpoena by a vote of 229 to 202. Mr. Bannon refused to comply with a Congressional subpoena from the House’s bipartisan select committee tasked with investigating the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol.

“This committee’s work is serious and has no time for the games of Mr. Bannon or anyone else that would disrespect our rule of law at such a critical time,” Rep. Dean said. “Our Constitution and our courts have made it clear that Congress has the power to investigate, and it is vital to the protection of our Democracy and our future generations.""

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi will send the report to the Department of Justice for prosecution. The bipartisan select committee’s investigation will continue.

Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyce-introduces-safe-act-protect-our-biomedical-research-foreign-threats,Dr. Joyce Introduces SAFE Act to Protect Our Biomedical Research from Foreign Threats,2021-10-21,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,PA,John Joyce,J000302,johnjoyce.house.gov,johnjoyce,https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC Today, Congressman John Joyce M.D. (PA-13) introduced legislation to safeguard biomedical research conducted or funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH).

This legislation, entitled the ""Securing and Fortifying Everyday Biomedical Research Act"" (SAFE Biomedical Research Act) would go further than ever before to ensure that medical facilities receiving grants from the United States are able to conduct their research safely, shielding sensitive information and putting American security needs first.

""I am proud to sponsor SAFE Biomedical Research Act that would support our research priorities while also ensure they do not fall into the hands of hostile actors,"" said Dr. Joyce. ""The research conducted and sponsored by the NIH makes great strides in medical innovation and we must ensure that it is never used to harm or attack our citizens.""

Background:

The bill would require the Director of the National Institutes of Health to consult with the Director of National Intelligence, the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), and other heads of appropriate security agencies on a regular basis on matters of national security that may affect the biomedical research being conducted at the NIH. It would also ensure that biomedical research conducted by grant recipients is fully vetted to ensure America's safety.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/smucker-supports-legislation-prohibiting-irs-surveillance-americans-finances,Smucker Supports Legislation Prohibiting IRS Surveillance of Americans' Finances,2021-10-21,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,PA,Lloyd Smucker,S001199,smucker.house.gov,smucker,https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), a member of the Committee on Ways & Means, joined his Republican committee colleagues in co-sponsoring legislation to prohibit the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from requiring financial institutions from reporting in-flows or out-flows of Americans' accounts. The legislation, introduced by Rep. Drew Ferguson (GA-3), known as the Prohibiting IRS Financial Surveillance Act, comes as congressional Democrats are considering proposals to monitor Americans' finances.

""President Biden and congressional Democrats want to be 'Big Brother' and snoop on your personal finances. In true form, the Biden Administration's dangerous proposal is a massive government overreach and will have devastating consequences. The IRS has already leaked taxpayers' information this year, and now they want additional access to your private information? The IRS continues to fail the constituents I represent with excessive delays in processing tax returns. Congress should pass this bill and prevent the IRS from invading tax payers' privacy. I am proud to stand with Rep. Ferguson and my Republican colleagues on the Ways & Means Committee to protect Americans' fundamental freedoms,"" said Rep. Lloyd Smucker.

# # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyce-condemns-kidnapping-christian-missionaries-haiti,Dr. Joyce Condemns the Kidnapping of Christian Missionaries in Haiti,2021-10-20,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,PA,John Joyce,J000302,johnjoyce.house.gov,johnjoyce,https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC Today, Congressman John Joyce M.D. (PA-13) condemned the recent kidnapping of 17 missionaries in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Among the hostages are Americans with close ties to central Pennsylvania. In a speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Joyce called attention to the kidnappings and called for their immediate release.

""This weekend, 17 Christian missionaries were taken hostage in Haiti. These men and women went because they felt called to serve,"" said Dr. Joyce. ""Now is the time to bring Americans, safely home.""

The hostages include 16 Americans and 1 Canadian citizen who had traveled to Haiti with the Ohio- based Christian Aid Ministries. Congressman Joyce has been in continued contact with the U.S. Department of State regarding the ongoing situation.

Watch Dr. Joyce's speech here. A full transcript of the Congressman's remarks can be found below.

This weekend, 17 Christian missionaries were taken hostage in Haiti.

I have spoken with their family members, and to hear their story is heartbreaking.

These men and women went to Haiti because they felt called to serve. They said ""Here I am Lord, send me.""

We cannot allow for Americans to be kidnapped abroad.

When they went to serve, they were met with violence.

Attacks like this prove that we must remain committed to the safety and security of Americans abroad.

We must never capitulate to those who wish us harm.

Whether it is in Haiti, in Afghanistan, or on our Southern Border, Americans must always be protected.

Now is the time to bring Americans, safely home.

I urge all my colleagues to join with me in prayer for the safe return of our missionaries.

Thank you, and I yield.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-thompson-kind-introduce-bipartisan-chronic-wasting-disease-research,"Reps. Thompson, Kind Introduce the Bipartisan Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act",2021-10-20,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,thompson,https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Reps. Glenn ""GT"" Thompson (R-PA) and Ron Kind (D-WI) on Tuesday introduced a bipartisan bill to research and manage the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD), a contagious, neurological disease affecting cervids – deer, elk and moose – that is always fatal.

There is no known cure for CWD and it's unclear how the disease is transmitted. As of August 2021, CWD has been confirmed in 25 states, and there are serious concerns that the disease will continue to spread to herds across the country. The Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act will support state and tribal efforts to develop and implement management strategies as well as fund research into methods to better detect and prevent CWD.

""CWD has been a big problem for the deer populations of Pennsylvania and additional cervid animals, such as elk and moose, throughout the country,"" Rep. Thompson said. ""This bill was crafted with robust stakeholder support and will prioritize research in the transmission of, resistance to, and diagnosis of CWD. It is imperative we better understand the genetic implications of the disease, so we can develop policies best suited to solve the problem. I look forward to moving quickly with my colleagues in Congress to do our part in eradicating CWD.""

""As an avid hunter, I know how important it is to maintain a healthy deer herd in Wisconsin so we can protect our outdoor traditions and economy,"" Rep. Ron Kind said. ""CWD is a serious threat to our deer herds, and we need all hands on deck to combat this disease. That's why I'm proud to team up with my colleague Rep. Thompson and introduce this bipartisan bill that brings scientists, local officials, and hunters to the table to help manage and prevent the spread of CWD.""

The Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act is also supported by several wildlife and sportsmen organizations, including: the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF), Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP), National Wildlife Federation (NWF), Boone & Crockett, National Deer Association (NDA), North American Deer Farmers Association (NADeFA), Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF), and the Mule Deer Foundation.

""The Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF) applauds Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus Members Reps. Kind and Thompson for their leadership in introducing a practical, bipartisan, and comprehensive bill to address one of today's most critical wildlife management issues – chronic wasting disease (CWD),"" said CSF President and CEO Jeff Crane. ""This legislation unites all interested CWD stakeholders – including America's 55 million sportsmen and women – in a focused policy effort, and is an unprecedented step forward in addressing this concerning disease.""

""The threat posed by CWD to deer hunting in America is difficult to overstate—for too long, funding woes, research questions, and ineffectual enforcement have resulted in a worsening status quo,"" said Whit Fosburgh, president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. ""Curbing the accelerated spread of this disease each year requires an all-encompassing effort that can only be achieved by the pragmatic, bipartisan approach in this bill. The TRCP and our partners are grateful for the leadership of Representatives Kind and Thompson and look forward to working alongside both lawmakers to bring this critical legislation to passage.""

""Chronic wasting disease is one of the greatest threats facing deer, elk, and moose populations across the country, jeopardizing hunting opportunities, ecosystems, and our nation's outdoor economy,"" said Mike Leahy, director for wildlife, hunting, and fishing policy for the National Wildlife Federation. ""We are grateful for Representatives Kind and Thompson's steadfast leadership on this critical issue. The bipartisan Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act will help ensure state and tribal agencies on the front lines of controlling this disease have the resources they need to better understand and stop its spread.""

""Chronic wasting disease is a significant threat to many of our country's native big game species, a challenge that affects both future hunting opportunity and the health of these ecologically important wildlife species,"" said James F. Arnold, president of the Boone and Crockett Club. ""We appreciate the continued leadership of Congressmen Kind and Thompson for their efforts to find solutions to this growing challenge. The legislation that they introduced today will provide critical new funding to state wildlife agencies that are on the front lines battling CWD.""

""Chronic Wasting Disease is not only a significant threat to deer, elk, and moose, it's a threat to the management of all wildlife that is supported by the pursuit of these impacted species by hunters. The CWD Research and Management Act will help states and tribes manage the disease locally while providing much needed financial support to researchers working to find ways to stop it,"" said Nick Pinizzotto, National Deer Association President and CEO.

""The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) is proud to support this important legislation proposed by Representatives Kind and Thompson to enhance and sustain important management efforts and research to combat chronic wasting disease (CWD), which is a contagious, neurological disease affecting deer, elk and moose – that is always fatal. CWD is a serious threat to the future of deer conservation, this legislation addresses those issues that could drastically change the way mule deer and black-tailed deer are managed,"" said Joel Pedersen, President and CEO of the Mule Deer Foundation.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/boyle-applauds-white-house-setting-enforceable-pfas-standards,BOYLE APPLAUDS WHITE HOUSE SETTING ENFORCEABLE PFAS STANDARDS,2021-10-18,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,PA,Brendan F. Boyle,B001296,boyle.house.gov,boyle,https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), today praised the Biden Administration's decision to set enforceable drinking water limits on PFAS chemicals which have turned up in the water supplies of communities around the country.

""Several years ago, I introduced legislation to regulate PFAS chemicals with enforceable standards,"" said Congressman Boyle. ""So I applaud the Biden Administration today for taking this approach. Without these enforceable regulations, the EPA and other enforcement agencies are essentially unable to take on this crisis that has plagued families in my community and across the nation for too long now. When we turn on the faucet to drink water, we should not have to worry about the safety of the water that is going into our bodies. Enforceable regulations on PFAS are long overdue.""

Congressman Boyle is a founding member of the Congressional PFAS Task Force. He has secured more than $160 million in government funding for cleaning up, studying, and preventing future PFAS contamination.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-congressman-boyle-death-colin-powell,STATEMENT BY CONGRESSMAN BOYLE ON DEATH OF COLIN POWELL,2021-10-18,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,PA,Brendan F. Boyle,B001296,boyle.house.gov,boyle,https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) issued the following statement regarding the passing of former Secretary of State, Colin Powell:

""The son of hardworking Jamaican immigrants, Colin Powell rose to become the highest ranking military officer and later the first African American Secretary of State. His life shows the enormous possibilities that still exist in America. May God bless his family at this sad time.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-host-telephone-townhall-help-seniors-navigate-medicare-open,Thompson to Host Telephone Townhall to help Seniors Navigate Medicare Open Enrollment Period,2021-10-15,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,thompson,https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"HOWARD, Pa. —U.S. Representative Glenn ""GT"" Thompson will host a telephone townhall on October 26, with an expert from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to answer questions seniors may have about Medicare Open Enrollment. Today marks the start of open enrollment, the annual period where Americans can sign up for Medicare or make changes to their plans, and it ends on Tuesday, December 7.

""During Medicare Open Enrollment, seniors can sign up for or review their current Medicare plan and possibly save money or have more efficient coverage,"" Rep. Thompson said. ""I encourage seniors to review their health plans and sign up for my telephone townhall on Tuesday, October 26 with an expert from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services to answer any questions regarding the enrollment process.""

Rep. Thompson will host a telephone townhall for constituents who have questions regarding their Medicare plans. Joining him on the line will be an expert from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Telephone Townhall Details

Time: 10:30 a.m.

Date: Tuesday, October 26, 2021

Individuals can register for the telephone townhall by calling Rep. Thompson's Washington, D.C. office at 202-225-5121, or visiting www.thompson.house.gov, or Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram for information.

Press Availability

Members of the news media are welcome to join the telephone townhall. Rep. Thompson will host a press availability at the conclusion of the call. Reporters who are interested in joining should RSVP to Maddison Stone at Maddison.stone@mail.house.gov or 202-225-5121 to obtain the details.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/boyle-statement-retirement-rep-john-yarmuth,BOYLE STATEMENT ON RETIREMENT OF REP JOHN YARMUTH,2021-10-12,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,PA,Brendan F. Boyle,B001296,boyle.house.gov,boyle,https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), Vice-Chair of the House Budget Committee, released the following statement on the retirement of Budget Chair John Yarmuth (KY-03):

""In his 15 years in Congress, John Yarmuth has honorably and ably served the people of Kentucky and the United States. John has spent his career fighting tirelessly for legislation to improve the lives of those he swore an oath to represent. I will miss his sage leadership and guidance on the House Budget Committee. I consider John one of my closest friends in Congress so I will greatly miss serving with this kind and decent public servant. But I know we still have a lot of work left to do together for the American people over these next 15 months.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/boyle-votes-prevent-catastrophic-default-renews-push-reform-debt-ceiling,BOYLE VOTES TO PREVENT CATASTROPHIC DEFAULT; RENEWS PUSH TO REFORM DEBT CEILING,2021-10-12,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,PA,Brendan F. Boyle,B001296,boyle.house.gov,boyle,https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), Vice Chair of the House Budget Committee, and primary sponsor of the Debt Ceiling Reform Act, released the following statement:

""Tonight, I voted for and the House passed legislation to protect the full faith and credit of the United States"", said Congressman Boyle. ""Our actions will save the country from financial calamity and allow the government to pay its debts. Sadly, however, tonight's vote on this temporary fix does not fully solve the problem. My recently introduced legislation, the Debt Ceiling Reform Act, that I introduced with Budget Chairman John Yarmuth (KY-03), would eliminate debt limit partisanship as we now know it, and transfer the authority to the Treasury Department. I urge Congress to pass my Debt Ceiling Reform Act and end these never ending, dangerous debt ceiling standoffs.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-opposes-extending-government-borrowing-limit,Thompson Opposes Extending Government Borrowing Limit,2021-10-12,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,thompson,https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON —U.S. Representative Glenn ""GT"" Thompson released the following statement following passage of extending the government borrowing limit:

""The legislation passed today expands our national borrowing limit to $28.9 trillion, which is an increase of $480 billion more than our current allowance. This bill kicks the proverbial can down the road until early December when Congress will, once again, be faced with raising the federal debt ceiling even further. We must be responsible in our spending, and raising the debt ceiling only results in burdening future generations. For these reasons, I could not support this legislation.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/boyle-kinzinger-statement-normalization-syria,"BOYLE, KINZINGER STATEMENT ON NORMALIZATION WITH SYRIA",2021-10-06,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,PA,Brendan F. Boyle,B001296,boyle.house.gov,boyle,https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Following reports of normalization efforts between some U.S. allies and the Assad regime in Syria, Congressmen Brendan Boyle (D-PA) and, Adam Kinzinger, Co-Chairs of the Friends of a Free, Stable and Democratic Syria Caucus, released the following statement:

""The United States and our allies have stood together in opposing Bashar al-Assad's barbaric regime for over a decade now. Assad and his backers in Russia and Iran have not shown any reason that would justify normalizing relations with a government that is responsible for over 600,000 men, women, and children being murdered.

""Before the United States and our allies even contemplate recognizing Syria as a partner in anything, we must ensure that all of those responsible for crimes against humanity are held accountable as war criminals. If countries in the region are ready to look past the numerous documented criminal acts that were committed in Syria, then the United States must set the example and use its diplomatic strength to counter these misguided steps.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://dean.house.gov/2021/10/financial-services-committee-democrats-call-on-president-biden-speaker-pelosi-and-senate-leader-schumer-to-fund-housing-in-reconciliation,"Financial Services Committee Democrats Call on President Biden, Speaker Pelosi, and Senate Majority Leader Schumer to Fund Housing in Reconciliation",2021-10-06,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,PA,Madeleine Dean,D000631,dean.house.gov,dean,https://dean.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04) joined all Financial Services Committee Democrats in urging President Biden, Speaker Pelosi, and Senate Leader Schumer to include funding for housing in the Reconciliation bill. In a letter, led by Chairwoman Maxine Waters, the representatives call on leadership to prioritize housing infrastructure in the Build Back Better Act.

The letter cited the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the affordable housing crisis in the United States, specifically for low-income people and families of color. The lack of affordable housing has led to eviction, foreclosure, and homelessness. Before the pandemic, more than 580,000 people experienced homelessness on any given night; more than 20 million renter households paid unaffordable rents; and millions of mortgage-ready individuals were prevented from homeownership, including more than 20 million millennials.

“Affordable housing is a right and it is the responsibility of Congress to address it,"" Rep. Dean said. ""My colleagues and I signed this letter to do just that, and I thank Rep. Maxine Waters for her leadership on it.”

The Financial Services Committee calls for the Build Back Better Act to include new resources for public housing, housing for seniors and people with disabilities, housing for people with the lowest income, rural housing, and climate resiliency.

The letter was signed by all 30 Financial Services Committee Democrats.

Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://dean.house.gov/2021/10/congresswoman-madeleine-dean-leads-a-letter-to-terminate-ice-contract-at-the-berks-county-residential-center,Congresswoman Madeleine Dean Leads a Letter to Terminate ICE contract at the Berks County Residential Center,2021-10-05,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,PA,Madeleine Dean,D000631,dean.house.gov,dean,https://dean.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Yesterday, Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04) led a letter with Pennsylvania Congressional colleagues to urge the Department of Homeland Security to Terminate the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) contract at the Berks County Residential Center.

In March 2021, the Berks County Residential Center was vacated largely due to the treatment of children and other detainees within the detention center. There were also concerns surrounding the spread of COVID-19. On August 19, the Berk County Commissioner announced they would bring detainees back to the detention center as a women-only center. Congresswoman Dean has been working with several community partners to stop this process, originally projected for mid-September.

“In the midst of a global pandemic, placing women into detention centers is unconscionable, especially when there is a track record of harm, abuse, and sexual violence,” Rep. Dean said. “Incarcerating asylum seekers, whether they are women, families, or children is inhumane.”

The letter was signed by Representatives Evan (PA-03), Scanlon (PA-05), and Boyle (PA-02). The letter was endorsed by the following organizations: Pennsylvania Council of Churches, Aldea - the People’s Justice Center, Free Migration Project, Japanese American Citizens League - Philadelphia Chapter, FUUBC Immigration Team, Make the Road Pennsylvania, Berks Stands Up, Shut Down Berks Interfaith Witness, Human Rights First, and Shut Down Berks Coalition.

A copy of the letter can be found here.

Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-announces-50000-federal-grant-clarion-county-connected,"Thompson Announces $50,000 Federal Grant for Clarion County Connected Broadband Study",2021-10-05,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,thompson,https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"HOWARD, Pa.— Today, U.S. Representative Glenn ""GT"" Thompson announced that Clarion County Economic Development Corporation is the recipient of a $50,000 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant to support a support a county-wide broadband engineering plan.

The ARC investment will allow Clarion County Connected to study all 12 boroughs and the surrounding rural communities to produce a roadmap for deploying broadband where it is needed most. In addition to ARC funds, local sources will provide $50,000, bringing the total project funding to $100,000.

""With more than 500,000 Pennsylvanians living without access to broadband, developing an accurate broadband map is essential to ensure that reliable, high-speed internet can be delivered to our communities,"" Rep. Thompson said. ""I applaud the Clarion County Economic Development Corporation for working to bring the infrastructure necessary to allow for remote learning, telemedicine, access to e-commerce, and the ability for residents to telecommute. This study will help advance Clarion County further towards the goal of bridging the digital divide.""

Jarred Heuer, Executive Director of Clarion County Economic Development said, ""Congressman Thompson has remained committed to closing the digital divide here in Northwestern Pennsylvania. Strong broadband infrastructure is vital to the economic future of our county and region. The award from ARC will help provide a roadmap for how to best bring fast, reliable, and affordable internet to Clarion County. The CCEDC is thankful for the support Congressman Thompson has extended to Clarion County Connected, as it has brought Clarion County one step closer to providing the broadband connectivity that our residents, business owners, and students require.""

###

ABOUT THE ARC

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 420 counties across the Appalachian region. ARC's mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia and help the region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/boyle-yarmuth-introduce-legislation-transfer-debt-ceiling-authority-sec,BOYLE & YARMUTH INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO TRANSFER DEBT CEILING AUTHORITY TO SEC OF TREASURY,2021-09-29,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,PA,Brendan F. Boyle,B001296,boyle.house.gov,boyle,https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Budget Committee Vice-chair, Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), and Budget Committee Chair Rep. John Yarmuth (KY-03) today introduced the Debt Ceiling Reform Act, legislation that would eliminate the debt limit as we now know it and transfer that authority to the Treasury Department.

""For the third Congress in a row, I have introduced measures to reform the mechanisms surrounding this arbitrary and reckless debt limit"", said Congressman Boyle. ""Now, with the Treasury on the verge of running out of money within the next month, we once again find ourselves barreling toward financial calamity. It's quite clear that this measure, which was first introduced in 1917, has outlived its effectiveness. Simply put, the debt ceiling is incapable of accomplishing what it sets out to do—to control how much the government borrows—as the bills Congress passes are legally binding and cannot be inhibited by such a limit.""

The Boyle-Yarmuth bill would seek to transfer the duty of raising the debt limit away from Congress and vest it in the Secretary of the Treasury. The debt ceiling is a statutory limit on the amount of national debt that may be issued by the U.S. Treasury after it has spent and incurred that debt. It ultimately limits how much money the federal government can borrow to pay its own bills.

A 2011 debt limit agreement negotiated in Congress gave the Obama administration authority to raise the debt limit by $1.2 trillion, an idea credited to then-Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell that was dubbed the ""McConnell Rule.""

""After everything the American people have been through over the last 19 months and all the progress we have made in our recovery, the last thing we need is a dangerous game of political brinkmanship that will devastate our economy and plunge us into another recession,"" said Congressman Yarmuth. ""It's time for Republicans to pull the ripcord and support our legislation to implement the McConnell Rule, giving the Treasury Secretary the authority to raise the debt ceiling. We need to get past this politically manufactured crisis and get on with the business of addressing the needs and priorities of the American people.""

Moody's Analytics predicts that a default would result in a loss of six million jobs, an unemployment rate of nearly 9 percent, the elimination of $15 trillion in household wealth and a decline in real GDP of 4 percent. Just a delay in raising the debt limit can create uncertainty in the Treasury market and lead to higher Treasury borrowing costs. During the 2011 debt ceiling negotiations, in which a compromise was struck only two days before Treasury's borrowing authority would be exhausted, the U.S. Government Accountability Office found the delays in raising the debt limit led to an increase in Treasury's borrowing costs of about $1.3 billion.

On September 21, both Boyle and Yarmuth voted in support of H.R. 5305, which would have raised the debt ceiling and avoided a government shutdown. The bill was subsequently blocked in the Senate by a Republican filibuster. Both Congressmen plan to support S. 1301, a clean debt ceiling increase which is scheduled to be voted on in the House today. The Boyle-Yarmuth legislation introduced today to give the Treasury Secretary this new authority provides an additional solution to this crisis should Republicans filibuster the second legislative attempt to raise the debt ceiling. This bill would also stop debt ceiling political brinkmanship going forward and bring an end to this era of self-inflicted crises.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases/reschenthalers-statement-opposing-bidens-inflation-boosting-blank-check,Reschenthaler’s Statement on Opposing Biden’s Inflation Boosting Blank Check,2021-09-29,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,PA,Guy Reschenthaler,R000610,reschenthaler.house.gov,reschenthaler,https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14) released the following statement on his vote against the House Amendment to S. 1301. This legislation would suspend the debt ceiling through the remainder of this Congress, providing President Biden and Congressional Democrats with a blank check for trillions of dollars in new socialist spending.

""Republicans have been clear for months now – we will not help the Biden Administration and Congressional Democrats in their effort to ram through trillions of dollars in new, reckless socialist spending. Yet Speaker Pelosi is once again wasting the American people's time on a debt ceiling suspension that will not be passed by the Senate nor signed into law.

""Thanks to Democrats' out-of-control spending on far-left progressive priorities, inflation is already at its highest rate in 13 years, and families and businesses are paying the price. Democrats control the House, the Senate, and the White House. If they want to continue their irresponsible tax and spending spree, they must accept sole responsibility and raise the debt ceiling without Republican support.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-votes-against-debt-limit-extension,Thompson Votes Against Debt Limit Extension,2021-09-29,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,thompson,https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Following the passage of the extension of the public debt limit, U.S. Representative Glenn ""GT"" Thompson released the following statement:

""Democrats have created an economic and political crisis by playing games with the debt ceiling. They control the House, Senate and White House and have known for years that this moment was coming, yet took no steps to pass a budget or have bipartisan discussions about how to tackle the country's financial future. This is a political stunt, the bill has no chance of being passed in the Senate, and it amounts to nothing more than a blank check for out of control spending, which I cannot and will not support.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyce-leads-heat-special-order-speeches-president-bidens-energy-failures,Dr. Joyce Leads HEAT Special Order Speeches on President Biden?s Energy Failures,2021-09-28,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,PA,John Joyce,J000302,johnjoyce.house.gov,johnjoyce,https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC Last night, Congressman John Joyce M.D. (PA-13) lead the members of the House Energy Action Team (HEAT) in a special order highlighting the Biden Administration's failure to address our nation's energy needs.

The special order covered a wide range of topics including the need for the United States to adopt an ""All of the Above"" approach to the energy industry and prioritize American energy independence.

Dr. Joyce called attention to the need to allow American energy producers to innovate, instead of imposing regressive taxes that limit their ability to provide cost effective energy to the American people.

""Innovation is the ultimate answer to cutting emissions and we cannot afford to stifle advancement"" said Dr. Joyce. ""As a nation, we cannot tax our way to a cleaner environment.""

""As a result of the Biden Administration's assault on American energy, jobs have been destroyed and families are paying more for everything,"" said Congressman Allen. ""Sadly, Democrats are marching full steam ahead with their $3.5 trillion tax and spending spree that will only further raise costs for households and chip away at our energy independence, to the benefit of our foreign adversaries. It's time for Democrats to end their war on American energy and work with us on policies that will get our nation back on the road to energy independence.""

""The Biden Administration's policies are damaging to American energy independence and security. Destroying American energy production under the false pretense that doing so is somehow saving the environment is nothing more than a mismatching of problems and solutions,"" said Congressman Balderson. ""Simply put, it is a disastrous display of virtue-signaling. We must reverse course and return to a path of American energy leadership.""

""This Administration's approach to energy unnecessarily threatens the safety and security of all Americans"" said Congressman Bergman. ""I joined my colleagues on the floor to urge this Administration to focus on real investments in American energy instead of policies that make us more dependent on foreign energy sources, destroy jobs, alienate American industry, and stifle the hard-working people who strive to keep our country the premier example of innovation and initiative.""

""Polysilicon, a crucial material in solar panel production, is heavily mined using Uyghur slave labor at the direction of the Chinese Communist Party,"" Congressman Burchett said. ""Joe Biden should think twice about how solar panels are made before lecturing Americans on the greatness of solar energy.""

""Democrat proposals will only lead to higher energy prices, reduce the reliability of electricity for many communities, and take away good paying jobs,"" said Congressman Carter.

""We must invest in pipelines and refineries, harden our grid from cyberattacks, and cultivate innovation to ensure future success,"" said Congressman Keller. ""If President Biden is serious about ?building back better,' he should not be trying to destroy the domestic energy industry that will lead us to a better tomorrow.""

""The United States is the greatest country in the world, and we have the ability to once again achieve energy dependence, provide affordable and reliable energy for our citizens, and support our allies,"" said Congressman Newhouse. ""We just need our leaders to have these priorities as well.""

""Energy security is national security?and nothing can be more important. Anyone voting in favor of reconciliation is voting against American energy, is voting against the independence that keeps our national security so strong,"" said Congressman Pfluger. ""I urge my colleagues to support the energy industry.""

Watch Dr. Joyce's opening remarks here.

Watch Dr. Joyce's closing statement here.

The members of the House Energy Action Team who participated in the special order hour on Monday included Rep. Rick Allen (GA-12), Rep. Troy Balderson (OH-12), Rep. Andy Barr (KY-07), Rep. Jack Bergman (MI-01), Rep. Tim Burchett (TN-02), Rep. Buddy Carter (GA-10), Rep. Madison Cawthorn (NC-11), Rep. Fred Keller (PA-12), Rep. Jake LaTurner (KS-02), Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11), Whip Steve Scalise (LA-01), Rep. Tim Walberg (MI-07) and, Rep. Bruce Westerman (AR-04).

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-announces-451315-forest-county-broadband-project,"Thompson Announces $451,315 for Forest County Broadband Project",2021-09-28,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,thompson,https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON— Today, U.S. Representative Glenn ""GT"" Thompson announced that Forest County is the recipient of a $451,315 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant. The grant will supplement local funds to deploy two broadband towers and a 911 repeater, to improve the county's emergency radio communications. The project will offer broadband services to 387 households and 15 businesses. In addition to the ARC grant, the county will provide $118,885, bringing the total cost of the project to $570,200.

""More than 18 million Americans lack access to broadband, particularly in rural areas, such as Forest County. These funds will enable the county to bring modern connectivity to Forest County at a rate of five times the current upload and download speeds available,"" Rep. Thompson said. ""I applaud the Forest County Commissioners for recognizing this critical need and working towards bringing our region in the future. It is imperative that we continue to work towards narrowing the digital divide,"" said Thompson.

Bailey Thompson, Forest County Community and Economic Development Director, said, ""The Board of Commissioners have chosen these two locations to yield the highest return and improve the connectivity of county residents. This broadband project revolutionizes the capabilities for local businesses to operate at higher efficiency and expand their businesses on the online market. Also, the ability for Forest Area School District's students to connect remotely to access their classes will greatly become improved, a service that has become essential because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Upon completion of this broadband project, Forest County will be installing radio transmitters on both towers to expand and improve the communication capabilities of our local fire and EMS services. The Board of Commissioners are grateful to have the opportunity to support our local first responders.""

###

ABOUT THE ARC

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 420 counties across the Appalachian region. ARC's mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity, strengthen economic growth in Appalachia, and help the region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-announces-new-coral-post-office-be-complete-january-2022,Thompson Announces New Coral Post Office to be Complete in January 2022,2021-09-28,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,thompson,https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Glenn ""GT"" Thompson released the following statement today regarding a new United States Postal Service facility in Coral, Pa.:

""I am pleased to announce that the United States Postal Service plans to complete a new facility in Coral in January 2022. My office has worked with USPS to underscore the importance of replacing this post office that was destroyed by fire in 2016. The residents of Coral will once again have a local place to complete their postal business and will no longer be burdened by having to travel to their P.O. boxes. I thank everyone for their patience as this matter was resolved, and USPS for making this a priority.""

The new Coral Post Office will be located at 437 First Ave, replacing 627 First Ave.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z