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/congressman-thompson-travel-southern-border-speaker-johnson,Congressman Thompson to Travel to Southern Border with Speaker Johnson,2023-12-29,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,thompson,https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Wednesday, January 3, U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson and Speaker Mike Johnson along with other Representatives, will travel to Eagle Pass, Texas to visit the border.

They will meet with state and local officials to discuss the failures of the Biden Administration to enforce border policy and their experience on the ground.

""At every turn the Biden Administration has failed to address the crisis on our southern border,"" Rep. Thompson said. ""House Republicans have put forth solutions, and this trip will allow us to meet face to face with those brave men and women who serve in Customs and Border Protection, who have been sidelined by failed policies.""

“America is experiencing the worst border crisis in our history, impacting every community in the country. While President Biden and Senate Democrats are asleep at the wheel, House Republicans will not cease in demanding transformative, immediate solutions to the madness. We look forward to meeting with the brave men and women of law enforcement and the citizens on the frontlines of this crisis who will help shine a light on the disastrous effects of this Administration’s border policies,” Speaker Johnson said.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases/reschenthaler-announces-january-mobile-office-hours,Reschenthaler Announces January Mobile Office Hours,2023-12-27,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,PA,Guy Reschenthaler,R000610,reschenthaler.house.gov,reschenthaler,https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chief Deputy Whip Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA) announced his staff will hold mobile office hours at various locations throughout Pennsylvania’s 14th Congressional District next month to offer increased assistance to constituents experiencing problems with a federal agency.

During these mobile office sessions, constituents can receive help with Social Security and Medicare issues, federal grant funding, passports and visas, immigration and naturalization services, veterans’ benefits, and the IRS.

January's schedule is outlined below:

What: Greene County Mobile Office Hours

Date: Thursday, January 4, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Location: Greene County Office Building, 93 East High Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370

What: Fayette County Mobile Office Hours

Date: Friday, January 5, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Location: Fayette County Courthouse, 61 East Main Street, Uniontown, PA 15401

What: Indiana Mobile Office Hours

Date: Wednesday, January 10, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Location: Indiana County Courthouse Annex, 827 Water Street, Indiana, PA 15701

What: Somerset Mobile Office Hours

Date: Thursday, January 11, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Location: Somerset County Planning Conference Room, 300 North Center Avenue, Suite 540, Somerset, PA 15501

What: Connellsville Mobile Office Hours

Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Location: Connellsville Municipal Building, 110 North Arch Street, Connellsville, PA 15425",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-concerned-announced-rules-would-hurt-clean-hydrogen-production-western,Deluzio Concerned Announced Rules Would Hurt Clean Hydrogen Production in Western Pennsylvania,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CARNEGIE, PA – Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) released the following statement in response to the Biden Administration’s newly proposed guidance for the 45V Hydrogen Power Tax Credit elements of the Inflation Reduction Act. The proposed guidance announced leaves the eligibility of blue hydrogen for these tax credits uncertain.

“While these proposed rules aren’t final, I’m disappointed to see the limits placed on hydrogen production and am concerned about their impact on the future of hydrogen power in places like Western Pennsylvania.

“The language of the Inflation Reduction Act is clear: we should not be picking winning technologies or restricting flexibility in this new energy sector. Rules like the ones proposed today risk slowing or undermining Western Pennsylvania’s ability to grow the solid union jobs that hydrogen power can deliver.

“Expanding the types of technologies eligible for the tax credit will not just jumpstart the hydrogen power industry, but will also keep Western Pennsylvania as a leader in powering the country, securing our energy future, and meeting our climate goals.”

Thanks to funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the Biden Administration is investing $7 billion in Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs, one of which includes parts of Rep. Deluzio’s district in Western Pennsylvania. Blue Hydrogen, which uses natural gas in the electrolysis process of making hydrogen, but then captures and sequesters any carbon dioxide emissions underground, is carbon neutral. This type of energy is the one targeted for many nascent hydrogen power projects in Western Pennsylvania and its forthcoming hub.

In a December 12th letter to President Joe Biden, Rep. Deluzio raised concerns to the President that rigid restrictions on Blue Hydrogen could result in unintended consequences and squash job-creation—especially in Pennsylvania's 17th Congressional District. In the letter, the Congressman urged the President to consider energy communities like southwestern Pennsylvania, along with “the solid union jobs that power them, before finalizing any rules that would unnecessarily exclude viable carbon neutral energy projects.”

The rules proposed by the Treasury Department today will be open for public comment soon.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3707,Biden to Sign Dozens of Houlahan’s Initiatives in Annual Defense Bill into Law,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) celebrated the dozens of her legislative efforts in H.R. 2670, the bipartisan, bicameral FY24 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that will be signed into law before the New Year. As a returning member of the House Armed Services Committee, the ranking member of the committee’s Quality of Life Panel, and a member of the bipartisan, bicameral NDAA Conference Committee that negotiated the final version of the bill, Houlahan has been working for months to advance efforts to support military personnel and strengthen the U.S.’ national security. Those efforts include expanding paid leave for veterans, growing the nation’s cybersecurity workforce, increasing opportunities for small business contracts with the Department of Defense (DoD), cracking down on fentanyl, and more.

The bill passed the House 310-118.

“As should be the case with legislation involving our national security, this year’s annual defense bill defied the narrative of our otherwise fractured Congress and passed with broad bipartisan support,” said Houlahan. “For 63 consecutive years, Congress has come together to pass the National Defense Authorization Act – the only bill to have such a record.”

Houlahan championed 36 bills/provisions in the NDAA, including the following highlights that will:

· Expand paid leave eligibility to veterans in the federal workforce by counting their service in uniform towards the Family and Medical Leave Act’s (FMLA) 12-month work requirement

· Grow the current DoD cyber and digital scholarship program to include career opportunities in all parts of the intelligence community

· Increase funding for Army Humanitarian Demining program by $2 million to help affected nations around the world recover from conflict

· Protect military personnel’s access to life-saving medicines by identifying pharmaceutical and medical device supply chain vulnerabilities, developing a strategy for increased domestic production, and executing a plan for a 180-day stockpile program

· Support service-disabled veteran owned small businesses (SDVOSB) by increasing the federal government’s procurement goal for SDOSB program participants from 3% to 5%

· Improve maternity care for service women and military dependents by increasing access to doula and lactation certifications

· Increase retention by clarifying remote work eligibility for military spouses and requiring further reporting on the effects of remote work in federal spaces

· Require reporting on dozens of issues including access to critical minerals, prevention and treatment of perinatal health conditions, our security clearance screening process, improved access to fertility treatments for servicemembers, and more.

Houlahan added: “I’m extremely proud to play such an integral role in this legislation and secure dozens of priorities on behalf of my community, Commonwealth, and country. I want to show service members, military dependents, veterans, and all Americans that I will always place their best interests above partisan politics, and I hope the accomplishments our office secured this year does exactly that.”

Included in the annual defense bill was a four-month extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). This bipartisan extension enables the U.S. intelligence community to continue collecting online communications on non-U.S. persons abroad to protect American lives. As a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Houlahan authored a provision to combat the fentanyl crisis by requiring detailed explanations of counternarcotic efforts in the Director of National Intelligence’s annual budget request.

Additional provisions in the expansive bill that Houlahan supported will:

· Provide a 5.2% pay raise for servicemembers, the largest in two decades

· Improve military families’ quality of living with funding for housing and child care

· Fund energy conservation projects and research

· Invest $150 million in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUS)

The bill also includes provisions to support our allies, authorizing $300 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative and affirming Congress’s commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z
https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3813,Chesco Lawmaker's Initiaves For Defense Are Set To Be Signed By Biden,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, a Chester County Democrat, said she has been working to advance support for the military.

Originally posted by Patch.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan celebrated the dozens of her legislative efforts that were used in crafting the National Defense Authorization Act.

President Biden is expected to sign the act into law before the New Year.

“I’m extremely proud to play such an integral role in this legislation and secure dozens of priorities on behalf of my community, Commonwealth, and country,” said Houlahan, a Chester County Democrat.

Houlahan said that she has been working for months to advance efforts to support military personnel and strengthen U.S. national security.

The efforts include expanding paid leave for veterans, growing the nation’s cybersecurity workforce, increasing opportunities for small business contracts with the Department of Defense, cracking down on fentanyl, and more.

The bill passed the House 310-118.

Houlahan championed 36 bills/provisions in the Act, including these provisions:

Expand paid leave eligibility to veterans in the federal workforce by counting their service in uniform towards the Family and Medical Leave Act’s 12-month work requirement;

Grow the current DoD cyber and digital scholarship program to include career opportunities in all parts of the intelligence community;

Increase funding for the Army Humanitarian Demining program by $2 million to help affected nations around the world recover from conflict;

Protect military personnel’s access to life-saving medicines by identifying pharmaceutical and medical device supply chain vulnerabilities, developing a strategy for increased domestic production, and executing a plan for a 180-day stockpile program; and

Improve maternity care for servicewomen and military dependents by increasing access to doula and lactation certifications.",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-chris-deluzio-gets-stuff-done-western-pennsylvanians-2023,Congressman Chris Deluzio Gets Stuff Done for Western Pennsylvanians in 2023,2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CARNEGIE, PA – In his first year in office, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) got a lot of work done for the people of Western Pennsylvania.

From funding for public safety and mental health services, to pushing for rail safety and veterans care, he is fighting for an economy that works for everyone and is delivering results for the good people in Pennsylvania's 17th Congressional District.

“It is the honor of my life to represent the people of Western Pennsylvania in Congress,” said Rep. Deluzio. “They sent me down to Washington to fight for all of us and for a brighter future—and that’s what I work to do every single day.”

In his first year, Congressman Deluzio served on the House Committees on Veterans’ Affairs and Armed Services, and he introduced 10 bills, including the Bipartisan Railway Safety Act (to improve freight rail safety after the Norfolk Southern East Palestine disaster) and the Striking and Locked Out Workers Protection Act (to protect workers like those at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette from getting kicked off their healthcare while exercising their right to strike).

Rep. Deluzio’s amendments to bring more transparency into defense contractor price gouging and to help clean up forever chemicals at National Guard and Air National facilities like those near Pittsburgh International Airport passed into law. He also co-sponsored more than 225 bills, including the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act to protect the union way of live and the Freedom to Vote Act to defend our democracy.

Congressman Deluzio hosted nine town hall events to hear from constituents in a range of formats and settings, a veteran’s resource fair, and additional Veterans Service Organization (VSO) office hours events, and he and his team closed more than 1,100 constituent cases—saving the people of Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District more than $4.5 million. Through his leadership, his district received more than $480 million in federal grants and contracts in 2023, including $100 million for navy defense contracts at a local company in Cheswick and more than $142 million for Parkway East and MLK Jr. East Busway improvements.

Additionally, Congressman Deluzio’s wins from 2023 also include:

Successfully pushing for the Pittsburgh region’s official designation as a Federal Workforce Hub

Securing a land easement from Norfolk Southern Railroad to allow Midland to do water system repairs

Plugging abandoned oil and gas wells across the region with federal Infrastructure Law funds

$143 million for expanded passenger rail out of Pittsburgh

$45.6 million for Pittsburgh International Airport

$14.5 million for opioid response programs in Allegheny County

$10 million to support local Western Pennsylvania clean energy manufacturers

$8.5 million for gun violence prevention and crisis intervention

$8 million for conservation efforts and tree planting in Allegheny County

$3.5 million for Moon Township Transportation Improvements to connect the new Marketplace District with the wider community

$1.6 million for a Cheswick glass company’s efforts to manufacture more efficient solar panels.

$1.14 million for police, public safety, and addiction recovery across Allegheny and Beaver Counties

$1 million total for brownfield remediation in the Borough of Ambridge and Beaver County’s Darlington Brickyard ($500,000 each)

$800,000 for updates and safety improvements for Penn Hills’ Rodi Road

$644,705 for worker safety research on Western Pennsylvania farms

$600,000 for child care center capacity-building in Allegheny County

$587,000 for Beaver County Airport (BVI) improvements and upgrades

$328,826.84 to improve public health and climate resiliency efforts in Allegheny County

$320,843 to support DNA evidence analysis at the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office

$275,000 for cerebral aneurysm testing work at Western Pennsylvania bioscience company

$170,000 for North Hills Police K9 Units

$150,000 for STEM education at Title I schools in Western Pennsylvania

$31,448 Department of Agriculture grant for energy efficiency improvements at local machine parts company

Rep. Deluzio also authored several opinion pieces on some of his top priority issues, including the following:

The Hill: “Congress has a chance to lower costs for Americans; corporate stooges need to get out of the way”

Beaver County Times/USA Today: “With war raging in Israel, courage must overcome MAGA chaos in Congress""

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: “Derailment rattled region 6 months ago; the fight for accountability, safer freight rail continues”

Post-Industrial: “The far-right may wrap themselves in the flag, but patriotism demands we put the common good first”

The Guardian: “After the East Palestine disaster, Congress needs to pass the Derail Act”

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: “Time for Pa. to clean up abandoned mines”

Select photos from Congressman Deluzio’s events and work across the district are available for download here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-tours-montgomery-locks-and-dam-pas-biggest-recipient-federal,"Deluzio Tours Montgomery Locks and Dam, PA's Biggest Recipient of Federal Infrastructure Law Funding",2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers received $857 Million from Infrastructure Law to upgrade the Ohio River Locks and Dam system

CARNEGIE, PA – This week, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) toured the Montgomery Locks and Dam along the Ohio River in Beaver County, Pennsylvania—within Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District. The site is the recipient of the Commonwealth's largest single-project (discretionary) allocation of federal funding from President Biden’s Infrastructure and Investment Act at a grant of $857 million.

Locks and dams are critical pieces of the waterway transportation of bulk commodities. The Upper Ohio River, where the Montgomery Locks and Dam are located, carries 15 to 20 million tons of goods through the river system each year. This activity is valued at more than two billion dollars.

Built in the 1930s, the Montgomery Locks and Dam requires modernization and maintenance to meet the demands of modern waterway transportation, and even a one-year closure would cost the U.S. economy nearly $180 million and would require more than 100,000 rail cars or 400,000 trucks to augment the load that would have passed on the rivers. The Upper Ohio Navigation Project seeks to make the necessary maintenance and modernization improvements without interrupting operations. This project also expects to bring more than 28,000 jobs to the region during construction and will continue to support 5,300 long-term jobs after the project concludes.

More photos are available for download here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3720,"Houlahan Visits Olivet Boys & Girls Club in Reading, Highlights Positive Impact on Community",2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"READING, PA – Yesterday, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) returned to the Olivet Boys & Girls Club in Reading to meet with staff and the youth who benefit from the club’s programming, which includes four core pillars. The pillars focus on academic success, good character and citizenship, specialized initiatives for at-risk youth, and sports fitness and recreation. The Olivet Boys & Girls Club programming covers mental health, college prep sessions, juvenile justice, and intramural sports, just to name a few.

Houlahan’s visit included a tour of their facilities and a reading session with students.

“It’s always good to be back at the Olivet Boys & Girls Club in Reading,” said Houlahan. “Especially this time of year, we are reminded that so much good comes from supporting the youth in our community. The staff here are doing incredible work, and I’m equally inspired by the students! As a former teacher, I loved hearing about the special programming they have throughout their seven locations in Berks County. I’m thankful the Reading community continues to support such an integral institution that provides a positive environment for our kids to learn and grow.”

According to the Olivet Boys & Girls Club of Reading and Berks County’s website, [their] “programs address the region’s most pressing and immediate youth issues of education support, after school programming, and mentoring – all of which are provided by caring and knowledgeable staff.” Moreover, the club’s services focus on educational support and the development of healthy practices for children and adolescents as well as encouraging community service projects and civic responsibility.

“We were thrilled to welcome back Congresswoman Houlahan to one of our club locations in Reading,” said Kat Royer, Interim CEO, Olivet Boys & Girls Club. “During this holiday season, Olivet Boys & Girls Club is especially grateful for the volunteers, community partners, and youth advocates like Congresswoman Houlahan who support and elevate our mission. This support is critical in order to continue to provide impactful programs, services, and positive role models for youth, especially those who need us most.”

In 2021, Houlahan recognized one of the club’s student members, Princess Lovett, who was named Pennsylvania’s Youth of the Year.

Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator, and a nonprofit leader. She represents Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. She is the recipient of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award which “recognizes members who demonstrate the bipartisan leadership and constructive governing necessary to move our country forward” and the Congressional Management Foundation’s 2022 Democracy Award for best Constituent Services in Congress.",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z
https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-pa-lawmakers-blinken-marc-fogel-must-be-included-any-prisoner-swap,"Kelly, Pa. Lawmakers to Blinken: Marc Fogel Must Be Included in Any Prisoner Swap",2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,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) and Chief Deputy Whip Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), alongside Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA), as well as Representatives Chris Deluzio (D-PA), Dan Meuser (R-PA), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Madeleine Dean (D-PA), Brendan Boyle (D-PA), Matt Cartwright (D-PA), Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Susan Wild (D-PA), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), and Summer Lee (D-PA) urged Secretary Antony Blinken to include Butler County native and Pittsburgh-area resident Marc Fogel in any prisoner swap made with Russia. Fogel has been detained in Russia since August 2021 and is currently serving a 14-year sentence for possession of medical marijuana used to treat his severe back injury, a charge very similar to that of WNBA player Brittney Griner.

In the bipartisan, bicameral letter, the lawmakers wrote:

“Since Marc Fogel’s arrest, numerous members of the House and Senate from both sides of the aisle have urged the State Department to take further action, including classifying Mr. Fogel as wrongfully detained. Unfortunately, this designation process has stalled while Mr. Fogel’s health has deteriorated. As negotiations are ongoing with the Russian Federation, we respectfully request that any potential prisoner swap must include Mr. Fogel, along with Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich.”

Under federal law, Fogel meets at least six of the eleven established criteria to be designated as wrongfully detained by the State Department. He has yet to be classified as wrongfully detained, while Griner was designated in less than three months after her arrest. On December 8, 2022, Griner was released from Russian prison via a prisoner swap for Viktor Bout, a Russian arms dealer known as the “Merchant of Death.” Fogel remains in a Russian penal colony serving his sentence.

Read the full letter here.

BACKGROUND

Marc Fogel, a Butler, Pennsylvania native, taught history courses at schools attended by children of U.S. diplomats in Colombia, Venezuela, Oman, Malaysia, and, for the last 10 years, in Russia. Fogel was detained on August 14, 2021, and is serving a 14-year hard-labor sentence for possession of medical marijuana used to treat his severe back injury, a charge very similar to that of WNBA player Brittney Griner.

Under federal law, Fogel meets at least six of the eleven established criteria to be designated as wrongfully detained by the State Department. He has yet to be classified as wrongfully detained. Griner was designated in less than three months after her arrest. On December 8, 2022, Griner was released from Russian prison via a prisoner swap for Viktor Bout, a Russian arms dealer known as the “Merchant of Death.” Fogel remains in a Russian penal colony serving his sentence.

Rep. Kelly has previously led efforts to free Mr. Fogel, including by introducing The Marc Fogel Act in June. This legislation would amend the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act to require more transparency from the State Department to Congress on how wrongful detainment determinations are made.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/republicans-challenge-secs-proposal-prohibit-volume-based-exchange-transaction,Republicans Challenge SEC's Proposal to Prohibit Volume-Based Exchange Transaction Pricing,2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,PA,Daniel Meuser,M001204,meuser.house.gov,meuser,https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — A coalition of Republican members of the Financial Services Committee Capital Markets Subcommittee, wrote a letter led by Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) and Subcommittee Chairman Ann Wagner (MO-02), expressing significant opposition to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) recent proposal to prohibit volume-based exchange transaction pricing. In a letter addressed to SEC Chair Gary Gensler, they argue that the proposal is misguided, lacking empirical foundation, and could potentially disrupt the market ecosystem.

Volume-based discounts, they argue, are integral to various sectors of the economy, promoting competition and enhancing consumer benefits. In the securities markets, these discounts play a crucial role in fostering liquidity. The letter warns that prohibiting these discounts could undermine fundamental market dynamics and display a lack of understanding of market operations at the Commission.

The letter goes on, expressing concern that the SEC's initiative relies more on conjecture than concrete evidence, potentially disrupting the market without just cause. Furthermore, they caution that the proposal could lead to a less transparent market with fragmented liquidity, contradicting the SEC’s mandates. It also raises concerns about decreased competition, potentially resulting in higher costs for investors, which the SEC claims to help with this misguided proposal.

The letter, co-signed by Capital Markets Subcommittee members including Reps. Pete Sessions (TX-17), Bill Huizenga (MI-04), Tom Emmer (MN-06), Bryan Steil (WI-01), Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Michael Lawler (NY-17), Zach Nunn (IA-03), and Erin Houchin (IN-09), urges the SEC to reconsider this proposal. The members request a detailed response from the SEC to several pertinent questions, focusing on the empirical basis of the proposal, its potential impact on market liquidity and global competitiveness, and its implications for the existing regulatory framework.

The Republican members conclude by urging the SEC to cultivate a regulatory environment that is coherent, transparent, and responsive to the actual dynamics of the market ecosystem, rather than imposing unnecessary restrictions.

Rep. Dan Meuser said, “Our letter to the SEC sends a clear message: we won't stand by while unnecessary regulations threaten the health of our markets. Volume-based discounts are more than just numbers; they're about fair play and smart business. The SEC's proposal to do away with them shows a worrying disconnect from real-world market practices. We're in this to protect every investor out there. As Republicans, we believe in rules that make sense, that are based on hard facts, not just theories. Our markets thrive on competition and transparency, and that's the kind of environment we're fighting to preserve.""

The letter can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases/reschenthaler-leads-effort-to-combat-reserve-and-guard-suicide-rates,Reschenthaler Leads Effort to Combat Reserve & Guard Suicide Rates,2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,PA,Guy Reschenthaler,R000610,reschenthaler.house.gov,reschenthaler,https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chief Deputy Whip Guy Reschenthaler, a former U.S. Navy JAG, joined Congressmen Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), a retired U.S. Navy SEAL, and Derek Kilmer (D-WA) in introducing H.R. 6873, legislation which directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to include former members of the Reserves and Guard in their annual suicide report. After the 2020 report, the VA stopped including a separate statistic on suicides of former members of the Guard and Reserve, who were not federally activated.

“Over 20 veterans die by suicide each day, a sad reality for our heroes who have sacrificed so much for our nation,” said Reschenthaler. “America has a duty to all those who served our country in uniform to ensure they have the same mental health resources at home that they had on the battlefield. That begins with an accurate count of these tragedies so we can work towards combatting them. I thank Reps. Van Orden and Kilmer for joining me on this important legislation.”

“I worked with National Guards and Reserves in combat, and these men and women deserve the same services as active-duty personnel because veteran suicide does not discriminate on the nature of one’s military service,” said Van Orden. “All our servicemembers, regardless of what capacity they served in, deserve to have their mental health and well-being taken seriously. This includes the men and women who have served our nation through the Army Reserves, such as those here at Fort McCoy in Wisconsin’s Third District, and the National Guard. By reinstating former members of the Reserves and the Guard in the Veterans’ Affairs annual suicide report, we will have a more comprehensive understanding of veterans’ mental health and can better identify ways to combat veterans’ suicide and get them the support they need.”

“If you serve this country, the federal government should have your back,” said Kilmer. “As a Co-Chair of the House Military Mental Health Task Force, I’m deeply committed to addressing the mental health challenges faced by our service members, including those in the Reserves and National Guard not federally activated during their service. However, the alarming suicide rate among veterans underscores a critical gap in our understanding and support of these brave individuals. By including these former members of the Reserves and National Guard in the VA’s annual suicide report, Congress can take a necessary step toward acknowledging and addressing this crisis. We owe it to every person who has served our nation in the armed forces, in any capacity, to ensure they receive the mental health support they need and deserve.”

In 2018, there were 538 suicides among former members of the Armed Forces who were never activated for Federal military service, an average of 1.5 suicide deaths per day, according to the 2020 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report.

Kilmer and Van Orden are co-chairs of the House Military Mental Health Task Force, which addresses issues pertaining to military mental health and suicide prevention. Reschenthaler is also a member of the task force, collaborating with subject matter experts, disseminating information, and providing resources to members and their staff so they can learn about the challenges facing America’s former and current Service members and their families.

Read the full bill here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases/reschenthaler-pa-lawmakers-to-blinken-marc-fogel-must-be-included-in-any-prisoner-swap,"Reschenthaler, PA Lawmakers to Blinken: Marc Fogel Must Be Included in Any Prisoner Swap",2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,PA,Guy Reschenthaler,R000610,reschenthaler.house.gov,reschenthaler,https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chief Deputy Whip Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), alongside Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA), as well as Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA), Chris Deluzio (D-PA), Dan Meuser (R-PA), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Madeleine Dean (D-PA), Brendan Boyle (D-PA), Matt Cartwright (D-PA), Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Susan Wild (D-PA), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), and Summer Lee (D-PA) urged Secretary Antony Blinken to include Pittsburgh-native Marc Fogel in any prisoner swap made with Russia. Fogel has been detained in Russia since August 2021 and is currently serving a 14-year sentence for possession of medical marijuana used to treat his severe back injury, a charge very similar to that of WNBA player Brittney Griner.

In the bipartisan, bicameral letter, the lawmakers wrote:

“Since Marc Fogel’s arrest, numerous members of the House and Senate from both sides of the aisle have urged the State Department to take further action, including classifying Mr. Fogel as wrongfully detained. Unfortunately, this designation process has stalled while Mr. Fogel’s health has deteriorated. As negotiations are ongoing with the Russian Federation, we respectfully request that any potential prisoner swap must include Mr. Fogel, along with Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich.”

Under federal law, Fogel meets at least six of the eleven established criteria to be designated as wrongfully detained by the State Department. He has yet to be classified as wrongfully detained, while Griner was designated in less than three months after her arrest. On December 8, 2022, Griner was released from Russian prison via a prisoner swap for Viktor Bout, a Russian arms dealer known as the “Merchant of Death.” Fogel remains in a Russian penal colony serving his sentence.

Read the full letter here.

Additional Reschenthaler Efforts:

On June 27, 2023, Reschenthaler introduced the Marc Fogel Act, which would require the State Department to provide Congress with copies of documents and communications on why a wrongful determination has or has not been made in cases of U.S. nationals detained abroad within six months of arrest.

On August 3, 2022, Reschenthaler led a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging the State Department to immediately classify Marc Fogel as wrongfully detained due to the extreme similarity to Brittney Griner’s case.

On October 31, 2022, Reschenthaler led a bipartisan letter to Secretary Blinken demanding the State Department prioritize securing Fogel’s release.

On November 3, 2022, Reschenthaler introduced a resolution of inquiry directing President Biden and Secretary Blinken to provide the U.S. House of Representatives with copies of all documents relating to the State Department’s review of the statutory criteria for Fogel to be designated as wrongfully detained.

On February 15, 2023, Reschenthaler and Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul led a letter to Secretary Blinken expressing serious concern that the State Department has failed to provide information on why Fogel has not been classified as wrongfully detained.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/boyle-statement-ireland-pursuing-legal-case-euro-court-against-uks,BOYLE STATEMENT ON IRELAND PURSUING LEGAL CASE IN EURO COURT AGAINST UK’S SHAMEFUL LEGACY BILL,2023-12-20,2023,2023-12,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 statement below, following the Irish government’s decision to pursue justice in European Courts over the UK government's legacy bill:

“I strongly support the Irish government’s decision today to bring a legal case against the United Kingdom in the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in response to the enactment of the UK’s so-called Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act. This legislation denies justice to thousands of families, across all communities in Northern Ireland, who were victims of violence during the Troubles.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/boyle-statement-wpvi-helicopter-crash,BOYLE STATEMENT ON WPVI HELICOPTER CRASH,2023-12-20,2023,2023-12,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 statement below, following the crash of the Action News helicopter and the tragic loss of two employees:

""I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the families of the two WPVI employees who died in last night's helicopter crash in New Jersey. My condolences and support also go out to WPVI General Manager Bernie Prazenica and the entire Action News family during this difficult time as they grieve the loss of their colleagues. I pray that they find strength and solace in the midst of this heartbreaking tragedy.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-casey-fetterman-urge-secretary-yellen-block-us-steel-acquisition,"Deluzio, Casey, Fetterman Urge Secretary Yellen to Block U.S. Steel Acquisition",2023-12-20,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CARNEGIE, PA – Last night, Congressman Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17) joined with U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) to send a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Chair of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), urging CFIUS to block the proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel Corporation by Japan-based Nippon Steel. In the letter, the members raised concerns with the national security implications of selling a company manufacturing for some of our most important industries, including defense, power, and infrastructure, to a foreign company.

The Members of Congress wrote, “With the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and the CHIPS and Science Act, the United States has acted to make the U.S. market the most competitive in the world and to reshore critical supply chains. Allowing for the ownership of a major industrial participant in infrastructure and clean energy investments to be acquired by a foreign entity would be a step backwards in our commitment to supply chain integrity and economic security.”

The letter to Secretary Yellen follows a letter that Casey, Fetterman, Deluzio, and Lee sent to Nippon Steel demanding answers about the Japanese-based company’s commitment to Pennsylvania workers and the United Steelworkers.

Read the full letter HERE or below:

December 19, 2023

The Honorable Janet Yellen

U.S. Department of the Treasury

1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Washington, D.C. 20220

Dear Secretary Yellen:

We write to you in your capacity as Chair of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to express our concerns regarding the proposed acquisition of the United States Steel Corporation by Japan-based Nippon Steel. U.S. Steel and the steel industry are a critical part of Pennsylvania and our Nation’s core economic identity. This proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel, if completed, would make a foreign-owned company a central part of the American steel industry, as well as a major employer. As you review this acquisition, we urge you to consider the national security implications of selling a company manufacturing some of our most important industries, including defense, power, and infrastructure, to a foreign company. CFIUS should block the acquisition of U.S. Steel by a foreign company, especially since there were bids made by American companies that would not trigger our expressed security concerns.

As you are aware, CFIUS reviews the national security risks of certain foreign direct investments in the U.S. economy. This includes mergers, acquisitions, or takeovers that could result in foreign control of a U.S. business. In its risk-based assessment, CFIUS must consider factors such as control of domestic industries and commercial activity by foreign citizens. Furthermore, as described in Executive Order 14083, “Executive Order on Ensuring Robust Consideration of Evolving National Security Risks by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States,” the committee must consider aggregate industry investment trends and incremental investments over time that may cede domestic development or control in key sectors and industries and result in national security risk. Nippon Steel’s proposed acquisition clearly meets the criteria for review.

Steel is essential to our national security, and we believe that the United States’ marquee steel company should remain under American ownership. In fact, Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum were imposed following an investigation by the U.S. Department of Commerce on national security grounds and have been maintained by the Biden Administration. We question whether a foreign company that has been found to be dumping steel into the U.S. market at prices below fair market value is the best buyer for U.S. Steel. Of further concern, Nippon Steel has facilities in the People’s Republic of China, a foreign adversary of the U.S.

U.S. Steel cited this deal’s enormous value for their shareholders in their announcement. While the deal is certainly good for them, they are not the only stakeholders with an interest in this company. Thousands of United Steelworkers rely on this company for their livelihoods and transferred their collectively-negotiated right of first refusal over a sale to another US-based, unionized company. Now their fate hangs in the balance. It is incumbent upon CFIUS to take a wider view of the stakeholders with an interest in this sale beyond just shareholders in U.S. Steel. Steel is a foundational part of the U.S. economy. Furthermore, it is a key input in our Nation’s infrastructure, electrical grid, buildings, and transportation. The U.S. steel market stands to be a major participant in the once-in-a-generation investments made by Congress in infrastructure and clean energy. Investments in bridges and new energy technology will use American steel thanks to provisions we fought for in Congress and that the Biden Administration has delivered on.

With the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and the CHIPS and Science Act, the United States has acted to make the U.S. market the most competitive in the world and to reshore critical supply chains. Allowing for the ownership of a major industrial participant in infrastructure and clean energy investments to be acquired by a foreign entity would be a step backwards in our commitment to supply chain integrity and economic security. Thank you for your attention to this matter of U.S. national and economic security. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us directly.

Sincerely,

Senator Bob Casey

Senator John Fetterman

Congressman Chris Deluzio

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3811,House Democrats write Biden urging  ‘immediate and significant shift’ of Israeli military strategy,2023-12-20,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"Originally posted by The Hill.

A half dozen national security-focused House Democrats sent a letter to President Biden on Tuesday demanding he double down on efforts to make an “immediate and significant shift” in Israeli military strategy.

The group said the administration’s pressure campaign to temper the Israeli military strategy in Gaza has not been effective, and the lawmakers demanded stronger action using “all our leverage.”

“We are deeply concerned by [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s] current military strategy in Gaza. The mounting civilian death toll and humanitarian crisis are unacceptable and not in line with American interests; nor do they advance the cause of security for our ally Israel,” the letter reads.

“We also believe it jeopardizes efforts to destroy the terrorist organization Hamas and secure the release of all hostages,” the lawmakers continued.

The statement was signed by Reps. Jason Crow (D-Colo.), Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.), Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.) and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.). All are members of the House Intelligence, Armed Services or Foreign Affairs committees.

The letter marks a rise in tensions between Biden and Congress over Israel, as support for the Biden administration’s response to the conflict wanes.

Israel has continued a brutal ground offensive into southern Gaza in recent weeks after a brief cease-fire resulted in about half of the hostages held by Hamas being released. As international pressure to return to a cease-fire mounts, the Biden administration has urged the Israeli military to abandon the mass military campaign and scale back to limited operations.

But the Israeli government has shown no signs of heeding that advice. The lawmakers said they have seen “no significant change” in Israeli strategy from U.S. advising.

The military action, alongside reports of torture of Palestinians in Gaza and an increasing humanitarian crisis, have created concerns — including within the Biden administration — that the invasion of Gaza could serve to embolden support for Hamas instead of eliminating the group.

The lawmakers compared the Israeli operation to the failed U.S. “war on terror” in Afghanistan, where a continued American military operation saw the Taliban return to power 20 years after the conflict began.

“We know from personal experience that you can’t destroy a terror ideology with military force alone,” the letter reads. “And it can, in fact, make it worse.”

At least 12,000 Palestinians have died since the outset of the war in October; about 70 percent of them were women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Nearly the entirety of Gaza’s 2.3 million population has been displaced from their homes and requires humanitarian aid, the United Nations said.",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z
https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3815,U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan tours Habitat for Humanity home sites in Reading,2023-12-20,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"Originally posted by Reading Eagle.

As she stood inside what will soon be a newly remodeled dining room of a row home in the 900 block of Douglass Street Wednesday afternoon, U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan took a moment to vent.

Every time Reading is brought up in the halls of Congress, the Chester County Democrat said, her colleagues from around the country mispronounce it. Typically, they say it the way you’d say “reading a book.”

Houlahan has to correct them, in the process reminding them of the iconic Reading Railroad that’s featured in the game Monopoly. She also reminds them of the critical role the city played in the growth of the nation.

“They don’t remember the history of the city and the industry that’s famous for being from here,” she said. “And it’s something that’s a point of pride to be able to talk about.”

Reading’s days of national prominence may be well past, but Houlahan said that doesn’t have to be the case.

She said she sees a bright future for the city, she sees the potential for a rebuilding and rebirth. And projects like the one she was checking out on Douglass Street will play a big role in that.

The home at 924 Douglass St. is currently receiving a complete makeover, thanks to the joint efforts of Habitat for Humanity of Berks County and the Reading-Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center.

Habitat owns the building and is providing the material to renovate it, while students from the center are getting a chance to hone their skills by providing the labor.

“This is such a cool example of public-private partnerships,” Houlahan said. “Everyone is sort of working together on a shared vision. And this is the kind of thing that I love to see happening in Reading.”

The Douglass Street property was one of several that Houlahan visited in Reading Wednesday as part of a tour of properties currently being revitalized by Habitat.

The nonprofit organization has been busy in Reading, including an ongoing project that will see 11 homes built or renovated in the Buttonwood Gateway section of the city.

“We take blighted properties and we make them first-time homeownership opportunities” Timothy Daley, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Berks County, said. “And when we are done with them they are affordable.”

The idea in Reading, Daley said, is to revitalize neighborhoods that have fallen into disrepair. Houlahan said the federal government can lend a hand in those types of efforts.

The federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act can provide funding for things like sidewalks, common pathways and bike lanes, she said. And there’s still a bit of money from the American Rescue Plan Act available, too.

“I would encourage us to poke at every place that still has money,” Houlahan said. “I’ve got to be honest, this past year of Congress has been disappointing in its ability to get new legislation passed. But that doesn’t mean that the stuff we passed two years ago isn’t still making its way to us.”

And that funding can help support and bolster innovative projects like the one on Douglass Street.

There, students have been coming up with plans on how to restore a blighted property so it’s ready for a new homeowner. Work on the site is set to begin soon.

“I think the students are excited to come out and get started,” Eric Kahler, administrative director at RMCTC, said.

In all, Kahler said, students from seven different programs at the center will have a hand in the project. And each will gain invaluable, real-life experience from taking part.

“To see the students solve problems about where things should go and what the potential issues might be, those are the skills we need to make sure we are teaching these kids,” he said. “Not everything is going to be perfect.”

Dan Nemes, a teacher in the center’s plumbing and heating program, said his students will learn things through the project that will greatly aid in getting them ready for their future careers.

“We can’t replicate this in the shop,” he said. “You can’t replicate a 100 year old home but that’s what they’ll be doing when they leave the program. They wouldn’t get that experience if we wouldn’t be doing this.”

Placido Soriano, a senior at Muhlenberg High School enrolled in the plumbing and heating program, said he’s keenly aware of and thankful for the benefits of being able to work on the project.

“This is such a good opportunity for us,” he said. “It gives us real-world experience, which is really different from being in the shop working with new things.

“Knowing that I will have a part in renovating this house is such a rewarding feeling,” he added. “This is such an amazing opportunity that I have been given.”",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z
https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-colleagues-introduce-restore-protections-dialysis-patients-act,"Kelly, colleagues introduce Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act",2023-12-20,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,kelly,https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. -- This week, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), along with Reps. Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Neal Dunn, M.D. (R-FL), Danny Davis (D-IL), John Joyce (R-PA), and Raul Ruiz (D-CA) introduced the Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act, bipartisan legislation which aims to ensure that individuals with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) continue to have equitable access to private healthcare and to provide protection of the Medicare Trust Fund.

The legislation follows a 2022 Supreme Court ruling that has allowed private health plans to prematurely force ESRD patients onto Medicare, creating disruption in coverage for patients and their families and shifting a significant financial burden onto taxpayers.

""This legislation is critical for Americans living with End Stage Renal Disease and who rely on dialysis,"" said Rep. Kelly. ""Patients deserve to know their benefits will be in place when they need them. This legislation will improve both patient care and patient outcomes. I want to thank my House colleagues for joining me on this vital legislation.""

""Nearly 40 million Americans live with kidney disease, and the millions more at risk deserve our support in their fight against kidney disease — from prevention through post-transplant living,"" said Congresswoman Clarke. ""Unfortunately, far too many patients affected with the disease, which disproportionately impacts communities of color, have complex health care needs that create incentives for plans to discourage enrollment. I’m proud to join my colleague, Congressman Kelly, to introduce the Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act, a bipartisan bill which seeks to ensure people on dialysis receive the care they need.""

“Americans deserve access to adequate health care coverage, especially those who need dialysis,” said Congressman Dunn. “ESRD patients who rely on dialysis should not see their benefit disappear overnight. We must renew the safeguards that protect dialysis patients and ensure their access to care.”

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

Leading patient and physician groups are also hailing the introduction of this critical legislation as a vital and necessary step to improve patient care.

“As the leading voice for the nation’s kidney care community, Kidney Care Partners is devoted to ensuring that all ESRD patients can access safe, effective care with coverage of their choice,” said John P. Butler, Chair of Kidney Care Partners. “We thank House lawmakers for introducing the Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act, which will protect patient access to private insurer coverage for life-sustaining dialysis treatments.”

“People with ESRD are more likely to be low-income and from historically marginalized communities, making premature loss of health coverage and related cost increases particularly devastating,” said LaVarne Burton, President and CEO of the American Kidney Fund (AKF). “Thankfully, the Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act will ensure that people with kidney failure won’t be singled out based on their disease or forced to pay higher costs.”

“We thank Representatives Kelly, Clarke, Dunn, Davis, Joyce and Ruiz for introducing this pivotal legislation, which will preserve patient choice and incentivize health plans to detect and treat chronic kidney disease (CKD). Unfortunately, my health insurance plan continues to restrict my access to the therapies that my nephrologist has prescribed to delay my kidney disease progression. Without action by Congress, millions of Americans could see their insurers follow suit, as the sooner they can push CKD patients like me into Medicare without paying any cost for doing so, the more likely we are to progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD),” said Hrant Jamgochian, J.D., LL.M., CEO of Dialysis Patient Citizens.

“Private insurance can be vital to patients’ access to care and plays a critical role in ensuring the stability of the Medicare system,” said Keith A. Bellovich, DO, President of the Renal Physicians Association. “I urge House lawmakers to swiftly advance this legislation, which will make a meaningful difference for the more than 800,000 patients living with kidney failure.”

“The Marietta v. DaVita decision will force people who have kidney failure off their private insurance into Medicare,"" said Lori Hartwell, Founder and President of the Renal Support Network. “Health plans should not be able to decide they don’t want to cover you when your kidneys fail, a critical time when you need your insurance and care team the most. It is an unfair, discriminatory policy and a slippery slope for other chronic conditions.”

BACKGROUND",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/smucker-announces-inaugural-congressional-app-challenge-winner,Smucker Announces Inaugural Congressional App Challenge Winner,2023-12-20,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,PA,Lloyd Smucker,S001199,smucker.house.gov,smucker,https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Lancaster, PA – Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) is proud to announce the winner of Pennsylvania Eleventh Congressional District’s Inaugural Congressional App Challenge (CAC), which encourages students to utilize their STEM skills to create their own original app. The program was open to area middle and high school students in Lancaster and York counties.

The 2023 Winning Team is a team of students from Red Lion, including students Kelechi Okereh, Bannon Green, Chance Keithan, and Jenna Tracey. Their app called William’s Penn, was developed as a virtual information hub to share information about Pennsylvania’s founder, William Penn, share fun and engaging games, and provide a community board to allow for postings from small businesses. The team was mentored by Morgan Hepburn.

Smucker visited with the team at Red Lion Senior High School to meet and congratulate them on their CAC win and to present them with Certificates of Special Congressional Recognition.

“Each of these students who participated in the Congressional App Challenge has a bright future. I want to congratulate our winners from Red Lion and give my sincere thanks to each of the students and school districts who participated in this year’s challenge. The community should be proud of these students’ efforts. I am amazed at the students’ skills and problem-solving abilities demonstrated through coding. I look forward to seeing next year’s submissions and would encourage any interested student to participate,” said Rep. Smucker.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-casey-fetterman-lee-secure-14234-million-pittsburghs-parkway-east,"Deluzio, Casey, Fetterman, Lee Secure $142.34 Million for Pittsburgh’s Parkway East",2023-12-19,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CARNEGIE, PA — Today, U.S. Congressman Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17) joined with U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA), and U.S. Congresswoman Summer Lee (D-PA-12) to announce they secured $142,342,200 in funding to make major safety improvements to the I-376 (Parkway East) and the Martin Luther King Jr. East Busway. Rep. Deluzio pushed the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to award this funding. This landmark upgrade is funded by President Joe Biden’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

“I am proud to help deliver $142 million to upgrade the Parkway East and the MLK East Busway. This investment will improve traffic, flooding, and safety in our region,” said Rep. Chris Deluzio. “Areas in Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District like Wilkinsburg, Swissvale, Edgewood, Forest Hills, Penn Hills, Churchill, and Braddock Hills are going to benefit directly from this Infrastructure Law investment, and that’s great news for the people of Western PA.”

“Thanks to the Infrastructure Law, two of Allegheny County’s most heavily-traveled roadways will become safer and easier to navigate,” said Senator Casey. “The Parkway East and the MLK Busway allow people from Monroeville to Oakland—including many in historically marginalized communities—to travel downtown and points throughout the region. I fought for this generational investment in one of Southwestern Pennsylvania’s busiest and most important corridors to keep residents, commuters, and visitors safe and improve quality of life and transportation options for all who rely on it to reach their destination.”

“I’m proud to join with my colleagues and announce this game-changing investment in Pittsburgh’s Parkway East and East Busway,” said Senator Fetterman. “This massive funding will help fix longstanding flooding concerns in the corridor, allow our region’s infrastructure to adapt to the climate crisis, and expand transit options across Allegheny County. Most of all, it will make sure people across our region can get where they need to go.”

“I am so excited to announce that we’re delivering $142 million to make the I-376 corridor less congested, faster, and safer for drivers, transit users, and pedestrians alike. Not only will this massive investment in one of Pittsburgh’s most congested roads, bridges, and highway strips make it easier for all folks to get where they need to go, but it will create more than 2,500 jobs, add $254.9 million to our economy, protect against flood damage, prevent hundreds of crashes each year, and help right the wrongs of disinvestment and disconnection in left behind communities,” said Congresswoman Lee. “After months of advocating tirelessly and meeting regularly with DOT, I’m so proud that Pittsburgh is receiving the investment we need to make life better for ALL families and small businesses across Western PA.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-lee-casey-fetterman-demand-answers-nippon-steel-commitments,"Deluzio, Lee, Casey, Fetterman Demand Answers from Nippon Steel on Commitments to Pennsylvania",2023-12-19,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Members: “Our railroads, skyscrapers, and critical infrastructure across the country would not exist without Pennsylvania steel and the workers who forged it”

CARNEGIE, PA – U.S. Representatives Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17) and Summer Lee (D-PA-12), and Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) sent a letter to Japan-based Nippon Steel pushing the company for commitments to Pennsylvania and the United Steelworkers in its proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel. In their letter, the Pennsylvania members of Congress pressed Nippon Steel on the critical importance of U.S. Steel’s impact on Pennsylvania’s workers and industrial base and chided the two companies for not communicating with the United Steelworkers ahead of the announcement. The members also demanded specifics on how Nippon Steel plans to keep commitments made to workers and retain jobs in Pennsylvania.

“Our railroads, skyscrapers, and critical infrastructure across the country would not exist without Pennsylvania steel and the workers who forged it,” the Members wrote. “For generations, union steel jobs have been sought after for the opportunities they provide to Pennsylvanians and their families. U.S. Steel and the steel industry are a part of Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania’s core economic identity. As you seek to acquire U.S. Steel, our top priority is what this means for Pennsylvania’s economy and communities, as well as the workers that provide the backbone of both.”

Full text of the letter below and the signed PDF can be found here.

Eiji Hashimoto

President

Nippon Steel Corporation

2-6-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City

Tokyo 100-8071, Japan

Dear Mr. Hashimoto:

We write today to express our deep concern that, in your plans to acquire U.S. Steel Corporation, you could fail to fully recognize the importance of Pennsylvania workers and the Pennsylvania industrial base. Your proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel Corporation, if completed, would make you a major employer in Pennsylvania and across the Nation, as well as a critical part of the U.S. steel industry. It is imperative that anyone who seeks to acquire U.S. Steel understand and comply with the commitments made to the United Steel Workers (USW) under their legally binding contract. This deal has already demonstrated a disregard for these commitments to workers because the USW was not consulted or notified ahead of the public announcement of the sale, as their collective bargaining agreement would seem to require.

Workers, who have propelled the U.S. steel industry to the top of the global market, should be a central consideration when making decisions about this acquisition and your continuing operations. Pennsylvania's industrial might, too, warrants your full attention. Simply put, our railroads, skyscrapers, and critical infrastructure across the country would not exist without Pennsylvania steel and the workers who forged it. For generations, union steel jobs have been sought after for the opportunities they provide to Pennsylvanians and their families. U.S. Steel and the steel industry are a part of Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania’s core economic identity. As you seek to acquire U.S. Steel, our top priority is what this means for Pennsylvania’s economy and communities, as well as the workers that provide the backbone of both. In that regard, we would like further clarity on the proposal and its potential impacts to Pennsylvania’s industrial base and workers.

How does your acquisition of U.S. Steel Corporation impact workers in Pennsylvania?

1. a. How many current U.S. Steel employees will be retained in the short and long term? How many will be reassigned? How many jobs will be displaced by existing Nippon employees?

1. b. Are you aware of the full scope of commitments made to workers under U.S. Steel’s contract with the United Steel Workers? What are your plans to comply with them?

How do you plan to utilize U.S. Steel’s existing operations, facilities, and supply chain in Pennsylvania should you successfully acquire them?

What impact would an acquisition of U.S. Steel have on your production, operations, and locations both in the US and abroad?

What engagement has Nippon Steel had with stakeholders with an interest in this acquisition, such as the United Steelworkers and other relevant trade unions, state officials or agencies, local government officials, or other Pennsylvania entities?

a. To what degree have you worked with U.S. Steel to conduct this engagement? And are you aware of U.S. Steel’s obligations to do so according to their contract with the United Steel Workers?

What commitments, if any, can Nippon Steel make about its intention to preserve or expand operations and employment in Pennsylvania should it successfully acquire U.S. Steel?

Thank you in advance for your responses to these questions. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us directly or have your staff contact Senator Casey’s office at (202) 224-6324.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3716,Letter: Congresswoman explains decision in censure vote,2023-12-19,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"An abridged version of this article was originally published in the Reading Eagle

Written by Rep. Chrissy Houlahan

As members of both the U.S. House and Senate return to our respective communities across the country, it’s time to reflect on the year. Over the past year, very little of any real substance has been accomplished in the U.S. House under the fractured and chaotic Republican leadership. Funding the government into the next fiscal year; re-authorizing the Farm Bill or the FAA; further aid to Ukraine and Israel; and support to our border are all needs that have gone unmet.

But what has been “done” are multiple votes on the behavior of my colleagues – both Republican and Democratic. My votes on both Representatives Santos and Bowman deserve an in-depth look because I hope they elucidate how I approach all votes in service of my community and country.

Expelling a fellow member of Congress should be a rare and grave vote. The constituents and voters of each district are the ones who should determine who represents them with very, very few exceptions. For that reason, I was extremely deliberate with my votes regarding the expulsion of Representative Santos (R-NY).

The first opportunity to vote on his situation was a Motion - more concisely a vote to either send his case back to the Ethics Committee (Y) or effectively to expel him (N). To be honest, the Ethics Committee has disappointed me in its speed and intent, especially in this Congress. Indeed the first revelations about Representative Santos are more than a year old. I felt that a predominance of Yes votes would ensure these serious charges would further languish in Committee. I felt a No vote was premature. I wanted the courts to work. Neither choice was optimal nor reflected what outcome I thought my community would want, so I voted Present. (221-204-7, Y/N/P)

The second floor vote in the Santos case was 6 months later. This vote simply asked Members whether or not to expel him – thumbs up or down so to speak. I chose to vote “Present“ for a different reason this time. Specifically, the Ethics Committee then assured the body that their final report was imminent. I wanted to wait for that report rather than take a vote without that more perfect information. That 56 page report was in fact finally released days later, and it was damning.

On that next and final vote regarding Mr. Santos’ expulsion, I joined my colleagues in voting Yes. It was a resoundingly bipartisan rebuke. (311-114-2, Y/N/P)

Mr. Santos is no longer a member of Congress.

A vote to censure a member of Congress is also an important one not to be taken lightly. It should be a rare and severe condemnation of the actions of a colleague.

Representative Bowman (D, NY) has been accused and has pled guilty to pulling a fire alarm. Do not get me wrong, this is a serious offense. The vote before the body was to condemn that behavior. In this case, I voted “Present“ for a third reason. I am now a formal Member of the Investigative Subcommittee, basically part of the jury pool of the Ethics Committee, and it is possible that there may be future work by that Committee on the Bowman case. I believe it is my responsibility to remain neutral in my vote so that I can be relied upon as an open-minded jurist if so called.

The 118th Congress has been enormously unproductive and disappointing thus far. But it is essential to the people whom I serve that my votes - no matter the topic or substance - are deliberate and intentional. My community demands and deserves nothing less.",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z
https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-meuser-reacts-pennsylvania-imposing-tax-lien-ashley-biden,Rep. Meuser Reacts to Pennsylvania Imposing Tax Lien on Ashley Biden,2023-12-19,2023,2023-12,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 below statement following the news that the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue had imposed a $5,079 tax lien on the property of Ashley Biden, President Joe Biden’s daughter, for failing to pay income taxes.

Ashley Biden failed to pay $1,691 in income taxes to Pennsylvania in 2015 and $1,956 in 2021. As a result, the Commonwealth imposed a $2,736 and $2,249 lien respectively on her property, along with a $94 filing fee.

Rep. Meuser said, “One could say the Biden family is either one of privilege or carelessness. Ashley Biden has an estimated net worth of nearly $2 million, and she can’t even find the time to pay $5,000 of her Pennsylvania taxes. So, therefore, the Commonwealth has a lien on her property, meaning PA is a priority creditor and must be paid before Ashley can make any substantial financial transaction. It should be noted that a lien is imposed as an action of last resort after repeated attempts to collect the payment have gone unanswered and an extended period of time has passed. At best it’s sad, at worst it’s unlawful. At best it’s sad, at worst it’s unlawful. Tax payment compliance in Pennsylvania is not difficult, and in Ashley Biden’s case, she has the means to pay her taxes. Joe Biden loves chastising American taxpayers in the highest tax bracket — maybe there are a couple of other people he should be chastising.”

Rep. Meuser’s comments on the matter were featured in a recent New York Post article.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lee-calls-for-labor-community-to-be-centered-in-all-decisions-joins-in-demanding-answers-from-nippon-steel-on-commitments-to-pennsylvania-workers,"Lee Calls for Labor, Community to be Centered in All Decisions – Joins in Demanding Answers from Nippon Steel on Commitments to Pennsylvania Workers",2023-12-19,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"**For Immediate Release**

December 19, 2023

Contact: Emilia Rowland (Lee): 330-212-2065

Lee Calls for Labor, Community to be Centered in All Decisions – Joins in Demanding Answers from Nippon Steel on Commitments to Pennsylvania Workers

Lee says Labor and community must be centered in all decisions, corporations must deliver on all promises made to workers and to community

Members also admonish Nippon Steel for breaking commitments to United Steelworkers under current labor agreements

Washington, D.C. - US Representative Summer Lee (PA-12) released the following statement on the announced sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel and meetings with workers and community members impacted by the decision:

""We spent the day talking to community members and workers and we feel the same - blindsided and concerned about the sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel,"" said Congresswoman Summer Lee. ""Labor must be centered in this process, yet workers were not even informed, nor do they feel confident that their hard-earned labor agreements will be honored. The broader community must be centered, yet those who have spent decades fighting for clean air and water have no assurances that this change will not worsen the health of our children. U.S. Steel owes its workers and this community much more than this. Our office will continue to monitor this situation, hold ANY ownership accountable to delivering workers the union contracts, pensions, health care, and job security they are owed, and fight to make sure that the health of our community is finally prioritized and no one is left behind.""

Also today, Lee, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) John Fetterman (D-PA), and Representatives Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17) sent a letter to Nippon Steel pushing the company for commitments to Pennsylvania and the United Steelworkers in its proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel. In their letter, the Pennsylvania members of Congress pressed Nippon Steel on the critical importance of U.S. Steel's impact on Pennsylvania's workers and industrial base and chided the two companies for not communicating with the United Steelworkers ahead of the announcement. The members also demanded specifics on how Nippon Steel plans to keep commitments made to workers and retain jobs in Pennsylvania.

Full text of the letter below and the signed PDF can be found here.

Eiji Hashimoto

President

Nippon Steel Corporation

2-6-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City

Tokyo 100-8071, Japan

Dear Mr. Hashimoto:

We write today to express our deep concern that, in your plans to acquire U.S. Steel Corporation, you could fail to fully recognize the importance of Pennsylvania workers and the Pennsylvania industrial base. Your proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel Corporation, if completed, would make you a major employer in Pennsylvania and across the Nation, as well as a critical part of the U.S. steel industry. It is imperative that anyone who seeks to acquire U.S. Steel understand and comply with the commitments made to the United Steel Workers (USW) under their legally binding contract. This deal has already demonstrated a disregard for these commitments to workers because the USW was not consulted or notified ahead of the public announcement of the sale, as their collective bargaining agreement would seem to require.

Workers, who have propelled the U.S. steel industry to the top of the global market, should be a central consideration when making decisions about this acquisition and your continuing operations. Pennsylvania's industrial might, too, warrants your full attention. Simply put, our railroads, skyscrapers, and critical infrastructure across the country would not exist without Pennsylvania steel and the workers who forged it. For generations, union steel jobs have been sought after for the opportunities they provide to Pennsylvanians and their families. U.S. Steel and the steel industry are a part of Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania's core economic identity. As you seek to acquire U.S. Steel, our top priority is what this means for Pennsylvania's economy and communities, as well as the workers that provide the backbone of both. In that regard, we would like further clarity on the proposal and its potential impacts to Pennsylvania's industrial base and workers.

How does your acquisition of U.S. Steel Corporation impact workers in Pennsylvania?

How many current U.S. Steel employees will be retained in the short and long term? How many will be reassigned? How many jobs will be displaced by existing Nippon employees?

Are you aware of the full scope of commitments made to workers under U.S. Steel's contract with the United Steel Workers? What are your plans to comply with them?

How do you plan to utilize U.S. Steel's existing operations, facilities, and supply chain in Pennsylvania should you successfully acquire them?

What impact would an acquisition of U.S. Steel have on your production, operations, and locations both in the US and abroad?

What engagement has Nippon Steel had with stakeholders with an interest in this acquisition, such as the United Steelworkers and other relevant trade unions, state officials or agencies, local government officials, or other Pennsylvania entities?

To what degree have you worked with U.S. Steel to conduct this engagement? And are you aware of U.S. Steel's obligations to do so according to their contract with the United Steel Workers?

What commitments, if any, can Nippon Steel make about its intention to preserve or expand operations and employment in Pennsylvania should it successfully acquire U.S. Steel?

Thank you in advance for your responses to these questions. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us directly or have your staff contact Senator Casey's office at (202) 224-6324.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/summer-lee-holds-panel-discussion-with-local-orgs-on-fy2024-budget,Summer Lee Holds Panel Discussion with Local Orgs on FY2024 Budget,2023-12-19,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"**For Immediate Release**

Contact: Emilia.Rowland@mail.house.gov

It Takes a Village – and a Fully Funded Budget – to Meet Western Pennsylvanians’ Needs

Summer Lee Holds Panel Discussion with Local Orgs on how the $10.7 Million she Secured for Local Projects in the FY2024 Budget Will Fight Hunger, Homelessness and Blite; Provide Job Training, Trauma Care and Wraparound Services, Fix Infrastructure, and Educate Against Antisemitism

**Click here to download full HD video**

(Pittsburgh, PA) –Today, Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12) hosted a zoom press call with local organizations for whom she secured $10.7 million in community project funding (CPFs, formerly known as earmarks) as part of the FY2024 budget which she is fighting to get passed into law.

Over the course of the past eight months, Congresswoman Summer Lee has worked closely with local community partners and stakeholders to secure $10.7 million in funding for 15 project proposals (CPFs) that support a wide range of initiatives from food insecurity and affordable housing to infrastructure, transportation, trauma care, and educating against antisemitism. As a result of Lee’s tireless advocacy, all 15 these projects were included in bills passed by the House Appropriations Committee and have been moved forward where they await a vote by the full House and Senate before heading to the President’s desk and becoming law. House Republican Leadership’s failure to pass a budget on time remains the only barrier to Western Pennsylvania receiving this desperately needed funding.

Please find descriptions of each of the projects and quotes from Congresswoman Lee and receiving organizations below.

Colleen Young, from the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank joined to talk about the impact that the $1,000,000 grant Summer got passed through Committee to distribute more than 33 million pounds of food annually to 400,000 individuals in need of food assistance

Young said, “In the last year, the food bank supported an average of more than 32,000 households in Allegheny County each month, a 28% increase from 2022. With a million dollar federal investment, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank would be able to purchase four new refrigerated trucks that will save the organization nearly $220,000 annually – funds that can instead be invested in supporting food purchases and programs to ensure that more food reaches people in need. Right now, one in 10 individuals in the region live with food insecurity. So this funding is going to be an essential support for those we serve and we really appreciate Representative Lee’s support in this effort.

Lee said, “We are so close to delivering $1,000,000 to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank to deploy food trucks that will distribute more than 33 million pounds of food annually to 400,000 individuals in need across our communities. As someone who depended on food assistance when times were tough growing up, I know how crucial this funding will be to combat food insecurity and ensure no person in Western PA goes to bed hungry.”

Carolyn Grady, Executive Director of Pittsburgh YMCA joined to discuss how the $1,000,000 CFP grant Summer secured will allow the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh will provide a desperately needed renovation to the North Side YMCA to provide accessibility for seniors and disabled folks, instal air conditioning and fix crumbling infrastructure, and allow them to continue to serve as a vital center for health, wellness, and community services in the Northside

Grady said, “Right now with all of the stairs and no elevator, we can’t host a lot of senior programming. If you have any kind of mobility issues. It’s almost impossible to get into the building. The residents who live on the top three floors, we have a chair on each landing so they can sit down and catch their breath as they are carrying their groceries up to their room. There is no air conditioning in that building right now. And if you can imagine everybody remembers what last summer was like with those air quality days. And so we are deeply grateful for the support from your office, Congresswoman Lee for delivering the funding for this renovation to bring accessibility, updated plumbing, air conditioning, and an affordable childcare center to our resident’s and Pittsburgh’s north side.”

Lee said, “Like so much of the Northside, the Allegheny YMCA on North Avenue hasn’t been upgraded for decades and is in desperate need of investment and rehabilitation. I’m honored to be on the verge of delivering $1,000,000 to enhance accessibility, improve infrastructure, and allow them to continue to serve as a vital center for health, wellness, and community services in the Northside–from childcare and teen outreach to senior activities.”

Donte Green, Executive Director of the Trade Institute of Pittsburgh to talk about how the $450,000 Summer is fighting to deliver for the institute’s Social Enterprise Pilot Program will provide temporary employment at a living wage and ensure graduates are able to keep working and build their skills while pursuing gainful outside employment

Green said, “These funds will allow us to create a transitional jobs program that will allow us to hire our students and keep them employed while we train them until they can overcome whatever barrier is keeping them from long term employment. I think it’d be a game changer for our students and the companies they go on to work for. We graduated about 90 students a year. And this investment will allow us to grow our program and help our success rate going forward helping the most vulnerable in our community. So again, Congressman Congresswoman Lee, thank you so much for your leadership and for helping us get through this process.”

Lee said, “At my recent visit to the Trade Institute of Pittsburgh I learned about their social enterprise job training program to provide temporary employment at a living wage. I’m excited to be on the verge of delivering $450,000 in funding to launch this pilot program and ensure graduates are able to keep working and build their skills while pursuing gainful outside employment. By creating opportunities for those who face challenges in finding work and opening doors to a brighter future, we are empowering their contribution to the growth and prosperity of our entire community.”

Jeanne Clark – Director Of Governmental Affairs – ALCOSAN joined to discuss how the $959,757 grant Summer is working to deliver for the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority Storm Sewer Project in Homestead will transform the local elementary school’s play area into e recess environment for young students and promote a healthier, more engaging learning environment so that children in our region can thrive

Clark said, “The Homestead Transforming 12th Avenue Project brings together ALCOSAN, Homestead Borough and Steel Valley School District to significantly clean up the local waterways by reducing sewage mixed with stormwater from our rivers and streams. Together, these partners will also create green infrastructure and landscaped areas, provide a safer place for students at the Barrett Elementary School to play, improve the parking area for teachers and staff, and help both the Borough and ALCOSAN meet regulatory requirements. This cooperative visionary plan – in a low-income area – can only be implemented with the funding Congresswoman Summer Lee has championed. ALCOSAN and our partners are very grateful for her leadership and commitment to making the vision a reality.”

Lee said, “I am delighted to be closer than ever to delivering $959,757 funding for the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority Storm Sewer Project, funding that transforms the local elementary school’s play area into a landscaped, green space, providing a safe and enjoyable recess environment for young students. This renovation will enhance the school experience and promote a healthier, more engaging learning environment so that children in our region can thrive.”

An Lewis, Executive Director of the Tri-COG Land Bank joined to talk about how Summer’s $500,000 CPF will revitalize disinvested, abandoned land in McKeesport by building sustainable and permanently affordable homeownership opportunities.

Lewis said, “Some of you may know the area median income of Allegheny County, as a whole is $66,650 per year per household, Pennsylvania, it’s just under 69,000. McKeesport’s median income in this census is $25,001. These are communities where without these resources, these projects would not be able to happen.This project will construct energy efficient, quality, permanently affordable housing homes for families to live in. So these are real resources affecting real people.”

Lee said, “We are so close to delivering $500,000 to revitalize disinvested, abandoned land in McKeesport by building sustainable and permanently affordable homeownership opportunities. This project will not only improve the physical landscape but also uplift the spirit of the entire community and make an important step on the path towards righting the wrongs of racial redlining and disinvestment in our Black and and marginalized communities left behind.”

Mark Latterner, Executive Director of Jubilee Kitchen joined to talk about how the $461,197 Summer secured for Jubilee Kitchen will fund a renovation project that will expand their incredible work providing nutritious food, clothing, counseling, childcare, and homelessness prevention services to the most vulnerable members of our community at a time of increased need.

Latterner said, “At Jubilee, we serve meals and we give out coats and gloves and hats and blankets and hand warmers not just for homeless people, but people who are living in poverty can’t afford to buy these things for themselves. We give out showers and personal hygiene items and we help people get ID cards and sign up for benefits and find housing and employment. We have programs where we help people with rent and utility assistance because not only do we serve homeless neighbors, but we try and prevent our other neighbors from becoming homeless. But we cannot do that without renovating this building. If we don’t get this renovation completed, I don’t think we can operate in the long term out of that building. So it’s critical that we get this done. So I’m very appreciative that we got included in the bill and I’m very appreciative for the support you and your office have given us.”

Lee said, “With housing and food insecurity still a reality for many in my district, I’ve spent my first term fighting to deliver $461,197 to Jubilee Kitchen’s to fund a renovation project that will expand their incredible work providing nutritious food, clothing, counseling, childcare, and homelessness prevention services to the most vulnerable members of our community–which I had the opportunity to see firsthand during a visit my first month in Congress. By providing folks with access to such services, we are offering them.”

David Geiger, Executive Director of Urban Redevelopment Authority joined to talk about two projects Summer is on the verge of delivering funding for:

$500,000 funding to combat hunger and re-invest in a left behind community by repurposing the vacant and former Larimer School building into a vibrant hub with a full-service community kitchen, event space, and a small business food incubator.

$500,000 funding – Ground Floor Commercial Activation in Affordable Housing: to build affordable ground floor or street-level housing and commercial in mixed-use Low Income Housing Tax Credits-financed projects across the City of Pittsburgh. This project will address housing affordability, support entrepreneurship and small business, as well as attract and retain businesses. This project would also provide critical funding towards mixed-use developments with affordable housing and neighborhood-serving commercial components that will otherwise experience significant funding gaps.

Lee said, “I am excited to be so close to delivering $500,000 funding to Larimer Food Incubator & Community Kitchen to repurpose the vacant and former Larimer School building into a vibrant hub with a full-service community kitchen, event space, and a small business food incubator. I’m also excited to deliver another $500,000 for URA to build affordable housing and commercial space so families and small businesses in lower income communities can thrive. Both projects will bring bring new life into our neighborhoods and help right the wrongs of disinvestment and economic redlining.”

Maggie Feinstein, Director of 10.27 Healing Partnership said of the more than $500,000 Summer secured for trauma services in the wake of the horrific Pittsburgh Synagogue shooting, “Healing is a journey that takes time, and we are committed to support individuals and their loved ones impacted by the October 2018 synagogue shooting as they heal. Federal funding has allowed us to provide counseling and programming, including during the recent trial, and each year at the Commemoration Ceremony. We are grateful. The proposed new appropriation would allow us to continue to serve the victims of the attack and see through the work towards leaving our community more resilient than it was before.”

Lee has also secured community project funding for the following projects as part of the FY2024 budget awaiting final passage:

$1,000,000 Granted for Tree of Life Educational Space Rebuild: to create a community gathering and education space to teach about antisemitism and identity-based hate in the new Tree of Life building. This project will be a critical space to educate on antisemitism, revitalize a community hub that has sat empty for 5 years since the antisemitic attack, and will create a positive economic impact in the community by attracting visitors, students, and educators from around the world. Disclosure Letter: HERE

Lee said, “When I toured the site of the attack in February and met with Foundation leadership and family members of those murdered, I was profoundly moved–both by the unimaginable pain of what I saw and the beautiful conversations I had with family members of those who had their lives senselessly taken. I’m honored to be closer than ever to delivering $1,000,000 in funding for the Tree of Life Educational Space Rebuild project to create a vital community gathering space to educate against antisemitism and white supremacy in all its forms–breathing life back into a community hub that has remained dormant following the tragic antisemitic attack.”

$963,000 for the City of Pittsburgh Criminal Justice Diversion Program to provide people with substance use disorder and mental and behavioral health challenges with person-centered social services and intense case management to keep our communities safer. Disclosure letter: HERE

Lee said, “We know the best way to improve community safety is to invest in poverty-prevention, mental health, and wraparound services in communities. The in $963,000 funding I’m fighting to deliver for the City of Pittsburgh Criminal Justice Diversion Program will foster positive change, promote community safety, and empower individuals in need by providing person-centered social services and intense case management to individuals facing substance use disorder and mental and behavioral health challenges. This initiative represents a transformative shift in our approach to public safety and will promote and support individual agency, particularly in communities of color.”

$850,000 Granted for the McKeesport Duquesne Bridge Preservation to extend service life and repair the McKeesport-Duquesne Bridge and provide a safe and reliable crossing over the Monongahela River and multiple railroads. On the Southern side of the bridge, more than 50% of the households are low-income. On both sides of the river are communities that are made up of 75% minority populations. Disclosure letter: HERE

Lee said, “Just one year after the collapse of Fern Hollow bridge, I am fighting to deliver $850,000 in funding for the preservation of McKeesport Duquesne Bridge, which provides a vital connection linking several low-income and minority environmental justice communities. On the southern side of the bridge, more than 50% of households are low-income, and both sides of the river consist of communities with 75% minority populations. By preserving this bridge, not only will we ensure the safety and reliability of this critical crossing over the Monongahela River, but we will ensure equitable access, mobility, and economic opportunity for these communities.”

Full List of Projects and Descriptions Below:

$1,000,000 for – Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank Truck Package: to distribute more than 33 million pounds of food annually to 400,000 individuals including low- to moderate-income individuals and others in need of food assistance living in areas of high need in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Somerset and Washington counties in Pennsylvania. The program will purchase and build eight mobile food banks that will regularly recover fresh food from regional Pennsylvania farms and retailers and deliver it to a network of over 1,000 community partners. Disclosure Letter: HERE

$1,000,000 Granted for YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh: The YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh will use this funding for the Northside community to rehabilitate the Allegheny YMCA building to make it ADA accessible, address unworkable infrastructure, and allow the facility to directly address the needs of the surrounding community through upgraded space to provide childcare, before/after school enrichment, senior supports, and community health and wellness in a low-income community. Additionally, to ensure the Allegheny YMCA is truly available to all, it will continue to provide membership and program subsidies to low-income Northside residents. Disclosure letter: HERE

$450,000 Granted for Trade Institute of Pittsburgh’s Social Enterprise Program: This funding would be used for providing graduates of the Trade Institute of Pittsburgh’s 11-week masonry program for individuals facing barriers to employment with time-limited, paid work experience if they are not yet ready to enter the workforce at the end of the program. This will allow graduates to continue improving their skills to obtain gainful employment. Disclosure Letter: HERE

$959,757 Granted for the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority Storm Sewer Project: ALCOSAN and Homestead Borough are addressing several important issues with this project. First, the local elementary school does not have a standard play area for their young students to enjoy recess. The current play area is asphalt surrounded by a chain-link fence. This project will renovate the grounds to a landscaped, green space that can be used by the children. Second, the teacher parking lot will be re-configured and built with permeable pavers to capture rainfall. Third, under the parking lot, a stormwater storage unit will be constructed to capture stormwater and slowly release the water to the combined sewer system thereby reducing combined sewer overflows to the Monongahela River. This project will help Homestead Borough achieve its regulatory compliance related to combined sewer overflow abatement. Disclosure letter: HERE

$500,000 Granted to Tri-COG Land Bank Recovery and Affordable Housing Project in McKeesport: This project will recover plots of abandoned, blighted and demolition land in the McKeesport Area School District and transform them into sustainable and permanently affordable homeownership opportunities. This funding will improve the McKeesport Area School District community, a distressed community, by remediating seven blighted properties, creating permanently affordable homeownership opportunities, help stabilize property values, and help spur neighborhood revitalization. Disclosure letter: HERE

$500,000 Granted Urban Redevelopment Authority – Ground Floor Commercial Activation in Affordable Housing: to build affordable ground floor or street-level housing and commercial in mixed-use Low Income Housing Tax Credits-financed projects across the City of Pittsburgh.

This project will address housing affordability, support entrepreneurship and small business, as well as attract and retain businesses. This project would also provide critical funding towards mixed-use developments with affordable housing and neighborhood-serving commercial components that will otherwise experience significant funding gaps. Disclosure letter: HERE

$1,000,000 Granted for Tree of Life Educational Space Rebuild: to create a community gathering and education space to teach about antisemitism and identity-based hate in the new Tree of Life building. This project will be a critical space to educate on antisemitism, revitalize a community hub that has sat empty for 5 years since the antisemitic attack, and will create a positive economic impact in the community by attracting visitors, students, and educators from around the world. Disclosure Letter: HERE

$1,050,000 Granted For Homewood Fields and Community Complex in Pittsburgh (City of Pittsburgh) to construct a state-of-the-art sports and community performance space, which will include a field house, amphitheater, and community gathering space. This project will function as a key anti-violence strategy in Homewood, a neighborhood which consistently experiences high levels of youth violence. More importantly, the new park will provide the foundation for intensive collaboration between the city’s anti-violence initiatives and key Homewood community institutions committed to helping young people invest in their own lives and value the lives of others, through violence interruption, job training, coaching, and interventions with spectators and parents. Disclosure letter: HERE

$500,000 Granted Urban Redevelopment Authority – Ground Floor Commercial Activation in Affordable Housing: to build affordable ground floor or street-level housing and commercial in mixed-use Low Income Housing Tax Credits-financed projects across the City of Pittsburgh.

This project will address housing affordability, support entrepreneurship and small business, as well as attract and retain businesses. This project would also provide critical funding towards mixed-use developments with affordable housing and neighborhood-serving commercial components that will otherwise experience significant funding gaps. Disclosure letter: HERE”

$461,197 Granted for Jubilee Kitchen Facility Expansion and Renovation Project. Jubilee Association, Inc. will renovate a homeless prevention program in a low-income community by expanding and renovating their current facility to address significant safety, accessibility, and space issues. This project will give the facility greater space to meet food, clothing, and counseling needs and improve facility safety to continue providing necessary services preventing homelessness and offering high-quality, affordable childcare for low-income families providing their children pathways to a brighter future. Disclosure letter: HERE

$450,000 Granted for Trade Institute of Pittsburgh’s Social Enterprise Program: This funding would be used for providing graduates of the Trade Institute of Pittsburgh’s 11-week masonry program for individuals facing barriers to employment with time-limited, paid work experience if they are not yet ready to enter the workforce at the end of the program. This will allow graduates to continue improving their skills to obtain gainful employment. Disclosure Letter: HERE

$963,000 Granted For City of Pittsburgh Criminal Justice Diversion Program: The City of Pittsburgh seeks funding to support its Criminal Justice Diversion Program, also known as Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD), which is a program situated within the Office of Community Health and Safety. The LEAD initiative for the City of Pittsburgh will provide people with substance use disorder and mental and behavioral health challenges with person-centered social services and intense case management. This initiative will help relieve police of a role they feel unsuited for and permit them to focus on violent crime, by preventing unnecessary, and harmful criminal-legal system engagement and instead will promote and support individual agency, particularly in communities of color. Disclosure letter: HERE

$959,757 Granted for the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority Storm Sewer Project: ALCOSAN and Homestead Borough are addressing several important issues with this project. First, the local elementary school does not have a standard play area for their young students to enjoy recess. The current play area is asphalt surrounded by a chain-link fence. This project will renovate the grounds to a landscaped, green space that can be used by the children. Second, the teacher parking lot will be re-configured and built with permeable pavers to capture rainfall. Third, under the parking lot, a stormwater storage unit will be constructed to capture stormwater and slowly release the water to the combined sewer system thereby reducing combined sewer overflows to the Monongahela River. This project will help Homestead Borough achieve its regulatory compliance related to combined sewer overflow abatement. Disclosure letter: HERE

$850,000 Granted for the McKeesport Duquesne Bridge Preservation: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation wishes will perform bridge preservation and maintenance activities on the McKeesport-Duquesne Bridge that will extend service life and maintain a safe and reliable crossing over the Monongahela River and multiple railroads. The McKeesport-Duquesne Bridge connects several low-income and minority environmental justice communities on either side of the Monongahela River. On the Southern side of the bridge, more than 50% of the households are low-income. On both sides of the river are communities that are made up of 75% minority populations. PennDOT will cover the required match, which will be App. 581 State highway funds. Disclosure letter: HERE

$547,000 Granted Extended Support for 10.27 Healing Partnership to respond to and address the ongoing trauma from the 2018 Synagogue Mass Shooting in the lead-up to and in the aftermath of the trial. The goal of this project is to deepen the effectiveness of community-based work initiated by the initial investment from the federal government after the attack, focused on victim support, healing, and increasing the capacity of community partners to navigate trauma and resiliency following this horrific mass casualty event and the ongoing threat of antisemitism, white supremacy, and gun violence Disclosure letter: HERE

$500,000 Granted for Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh – Larimer Food Incubator & Community Kitchen. The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh will repurpose the vacant and former Larimer School building to build a full-service community kitchen, event space and small business food incubator. This funding will support commercial development of the neighborhood by transforming 9800 square feet of the former school auditorium. This project will bring the Larimer community up to par with neighboring communities that have seen rapid development in recent years. This will be an economic catalyst for the community through job creation, support for small local businesses, food preparation and safety classes, training programs, and health and wellness programs. Disclosure letter: HERE

$500,000 Granted to Westmoreland County – 4th Street Bridge Improvement in Irwin: Westmoreland County will replace a roadway bridge that runs over the Norfolk Southern Railway in Irwin. This project will reconnect the town with the main road that has been divided by the railroad for over 100 years and closed to traffic since 2014. Funding through this request will expedited project execution by adding to funds previously secured through the Southwest Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP). Disclosure letter: HERE

$500,000 Granted for SR 2046, Streets Run Road Resurfacing in Whitehall: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will rehabilitate the entire length of S.R. 2046 to combat deteriorating, poor pavement quality that is at an increasing risk of landslide. This road connects commercial, industrial, and residential properties in the municipality of Whitehall. The ongoing Curry Hollow Road expansion will put further demand on this crucial corridor that links the Baldwin Borough to the City of Pittsburgh, as well as Jefferson Hospital and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). Disclosure letter: HERE

Since taking office in January, Lee, who serves on the House Oversight Committee and Space, Science and Technology Committee, has delivered historic levels of federal investment totaling over $870 million brought back to Western PA, including over $200 million for infrastructure, over $50 million for affordable transit, and over $500 million to keep clean energy manufacturing at home in Pennsylvania. These investments will help improve Western Pennsylvania’s infrastructure and transit, ensure cleaner air and drinking water, lower housing costs, fund research institutions, fuel clean manufacturing, fund STEM innovation and entrepreneurship, boost workforce development, and create thousands of good paying union jobs. Lee and her team have also delivered casework and constituent services to over 1,380 constituents with issues ranging from helping our seniors and disabled community access Medicare and social security to helping folks secure housing and helping families with immigration support and passports.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-blasts-sale-us-steel-japanese-company-nippon-steel,Deluzio Blasts Sale of U.S. Steel to Japanese Company Nippon Steel,2023-12-18,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CARNEGIE, PA – Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) released the following statement on the announced sale of U.S. Steel to a Japanese company, Nippon Steel.

“U.S. Steel’s history is a part of so many Western Pennsylvania families—generations built a solid life working hard for the iconic American steel company. I am honored to represent the people who made the steel that built America.

“Our region knows all too well what it’s like to get screwed over, to see our hard work tossed aside and our good union jobs shipped overseas by corporate executives and Wall Street chasing cheap labor and fatter profits. Today’s announced sale to a foreign company feels like déjà vu all over again.

“This deal sounds an awful lot like a betrayal: of my community, of Steelworker jobs, and of American industrial leadership. Folks sent me to Washington to fight for us, and that’s exactly what I intend to do.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3714,"Reps. Houlahan, Crow, Sherrill, Moulton, Spanberger, Slotkin Send Letter to President Biden Urging a Shift in Israeli Military Strategy",2023-12-18,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, alongside Reps. Jason Crow (D-CO), Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), sent a letter to President Biden urging the Administration to use all our leverage to achieve a shift in Israeli military strategy.

“From our positions on the Intelligence, Armed Services, and Foreign Affairs Committees, we have consistently pushed for Israel to shift its military strategy—there has been no significant change,” said the members in the letter.

“Accordingly, we urge you to continue to use all our leverage to achieve an immediate and significant shift of military strategy and tactics in Gaza,” the members continued.

Read the full text of the letter here.",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z
https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3796,House Democrats send letter to Biden criticizing Netanyahu's military strategy,2023-12-18,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"Originally posted by CBS

A group of House Democrats with national security backgrounds on Monday sent a letter to President Biden arguing that the military strategy of the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not in the best interests of the U.S. nor Israel's own security.

""We are deeply concerned by PM Netanyahu's current military strategy in Gaza. The mounting civilian death toll and humanitarian crisis are unacceptable and not in line with American interests; nor do they advance the cause of security for our ally Israel,"" the letter says. ""We also believe it jeopardizes efforts to destroy the terrorist organization Hamas and secure the release of all hostages.""

The letter is signed by six lawmakers, including Reps. Abigail Spanberger, a former CIA case officer, Jason Crow, a former Army Ranger who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, and Mikie Sherrill, who served as a Navy helicopter pilot. The other signatories are Reps. Elissa Slotkin, a former CIA analyst, Seth Moulton, a former Marine, and Chrissy Houlahan, a former Air Force officer.

""From our positions on the Intelligence, Armed Services, and Foreign Affairs Committees, we have consistently pushed for Israel to shift its military strategy —there has been no significant change,"" the letter says. ""We have dedicated our lives to national security and believe our nation's values are a source of credibility and power. Some of us also spent years fighting America's war on terror. We know from personal and often painful experience that you can't destroy a terror ideology with military force alone. And it can, in fact, make it worse.""

The letter concludes: ""We urge you to continue to use all our leverage to achieve an immediate and significant shift of military strategy and tactics in Gaza.""

The letter followed a meeting between Israel's ambassador to the United States and Congressional Democrats, during which the ambassador, Michael Herzog, was perceived as dismissive of lawmakers' concerns, according to a source familiar with the meeting. A spokesperson for Israel's embassy refused to comment on the closed-door meeting but said the ambassador ""has repeatedly underscored that, while Israel is facing the significant challenge of dismantling the biggest global terror complex, which is deeply embedded among civilians, Israel is making meaningful efforts to minimize civilian casualties and ramp up humanitarian assistance.""

The letter also comes as a growing number of Democratic senators are also voicing concern and seeking to add more restrictions on countries who receive U.S. aid. On Dec. 10, Sen. Bernie Sanders said on ""Face the Nation"" that it would be ""irresponsible"" to give the Netanyahu government additional U.S. support without significant oversight.

On Sunday, Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware, who is on the Senate Foreign Relations committee, said on ""Face the Nation"" that U.S. assistance to Israel already comes with requirements, but added that Netanyahu has been an ""exceptionally difficult partner.""",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z
https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/summer-lee-deluzio-casey-fetterman-secure-14234-million-for-pittsburgh-s-parkway-east,"Summer Lee, Deluzio, Casey, Fetterman Secure $142.34 Million for Pittsburgh’s Parkway East",2023-12-18,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"**For Immediate Release**

December 18, 2023

Summer Lee, Deluzio, Casey, Fetterman Secure $142.34 Million for Pittsburgh's Parkway East

Lee has advocated tirelessly for grant to make significant safety improvements to I-376 and MLK Jr. Busway

100,000 daily travelers on the two arteries will see upgrades including bridge rehab, flood mitigation, traffic congestion reduction

New floodwall will finally drain ""the Bathtub"" in downtown Pittsburgh

Parkway among most congested roads in the United States

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12) and U.S. Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) along with Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA secured $142,342,200 in funding to make major safety improvements to the I-376 (Parkway East) and the Martin Luther King Jr. East Busway, including the flood-prone ""Bathtub"" downtown. Since taking office, Lee has worked tirelessly to push the US Department of Transportation (DOT) – meeting with the agency regularly - to award this funding.

Congresswoman Summer Lee said, ""I am so excited to announce that we're delivering $142 million to make the I-376 corridor less congested, faster, and safer for drivers, transit users, and pedestrians alike. Not only will this massive investment in one of Pittsburgh's most congested roads, bridges, and highway strips make it easier for all folks to get where they need to go, but it will create more than 2,500 jobs, add $254.9 million to our economy, protect against flood damage, prevent hundreds of crashes each year, and help right the wrongs of disinvestment and disconnection in left behind communities. After months of advocating tirelessly and meeting regularly with DOT, I'm so proud that Pittsburgh is receiving the investment we need to make life better for ALL families and small businesses across Western PA.""

""I am proud to help deliver $142 million to upgrade the Parkway East and the MLK East Busway. This investment will improve traffic, flooding, and safety in our region,"" said Rep. Chris Deluzio. ""Areas in Pennsylvania's 17th Congressional District like Wilkinsburg, Swissvale, Edgewood, Forest Hills, Penn Hills, Churchill, and Braddock Hills are going to benefit directly from this Infrastructure Law investment, and that's great news for the people of Western PA.""

""Thanks to the infrastructure law, two of Allegheny County's most heavily-traveled roadways will become safer and easier to navigate,"" said Senator Casey. ""The Parkway East and the MLK Busway allow people from Monroeville to Oakland—including many in historically marginalized communities—to travel downtown and points throughout the region. I fought forthis generational investment in one of Southwestern Pennsylvania's busiest and most important corridors to keep residents, commuters, and visitors safe and improve quality of life and transportation options for all who rely on it to reach their destination.""

""The award of this grant is the culmination of hard work by many in our region,"" said DJ Ryan, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Policy at the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission. ""From our team members that proactively sought out this funding to our County Executive and our members of Congress that advocated for this project, we are grateful for the robust support that we've received. Once completed, the Eastern Pittsburgh Multimodal Corridor Project will directly benefit the lives of many individuals—streamlining travel routes, enhancing safety, and increasing access for those that live in our region's eastern communities.""

A 2019 study rated the parkway as the fifth most congested road in the United States. This multimodal project will make significant progress to ameliorate that congestion and the corridor's safety hazards. The myriad upgrades include rehabilitating 10 bridges, installing a new floodwall along the downtown section of the parkway so flood-prone it is known as ""the Bathtub,"" implementing technologies to ease traffic from Monroeville to downtown, and stabilizing hilly terrain to prevent landslides. In addition to traffic, flooding, bridges, and potentially unstable terrain, the $142.34 million award will improve bus infrastructure, shoulder and sidewalk safety, and key stretches of South Braddock Avenue and Route 30/Lincoln Highway/Ardmore Boulevard.

Since taking office in January, Lee, who serves on the House Oversight Committee and Space, Science and Technology Committee, has delivered historic levels of federal investment totaling nearly $1 Billion brought back to Western PA, including over $200 million for infrastructure, over $50 million for affordable transit, and over $500 million to keep clean energy manufacturing at home in Pennsylvania. These investments will help improve Western Pennsylvania's infrastructure and transit, ensure cleaner air and drinking water, lower housing costs, fund research institutions, fuel clean manufacturing, fund STEM innovation and entrepreneurship, boost workforce development, and create thousands of good paying union jobs. Lee and her team have also delivered casework and constituent services to over 1,380 constituents with issues ranging from helping our seniors and disabled community access Medicare and social security to helping folks secure housing and helping families with immigration support and passports.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-blasts-u-s-steel-sale-vows-to-take-all-possible-actions-to-block-acquisition/,"Fetterman Blasts U.S. Steel Sale, Vows to Take All Possible Actions to Block Acquisition",2023-12-18,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"BRADDOCK, PA – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman on Monday released the following statement blasting the proposed sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel, a Japanese company.

“I live across the street from U.S. Steel’s Edgar Thompson plant in Braddock. It’s absolutely outrageous that U.S. Steel has agreed to sell themselves to a foreign company. Steel is always about security – both our national security and the economic security of our steel communities. I am committed to doing anything I can do, using my platform and my position, to block this foreign sale.”

“This is yet another example of hard-working Americans being blindsided by greedy corporations willing to sell out their communities to serve their shareholders. I stand with the men and women of the Steelworkers and their union way of life. We cannot allow them to be screwed over or left behind. I promise to them and to all forgotten communities across Pennsylvania that I will work with Senator Casey and the rest of the delegation to fight like hell to make this right.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:56:20Z
https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3791,RECRUITING CRISIS: GOP Lawmakers Grill Service Branches Over 'Woke' Perception of Military,2023-12-15,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"Originally published by CBN

WASHINGTON - The U.S. military is experiencing one of the worst recruiting shortfalls in 50 years. In fiscal year 2023, the military branches collectively missed their recruiting goals by approximately 41,000 recruits.

Earlier this week, representatives from each, testified before the House Armed Services Committee about the underlying causes behind the shortfall.

""Thirty years ago when I was in high school, 40 percent of youth had a parent that served, but today, that number is under 13 percent,"" said Alex Wagner, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs.

While witnesses outlined challenges ranging from getting recruiters into schools during COVID, to a decrease in eligibility, Republicans zeroed in on polling that suggests the problem is because the military has become, ""the administration's next social justice project.""

""This poll, which we can all read, found that 73 percent of veterans believe the U.S. military has become too political, regarding race, gender, sexuality. Even worse, a quarter of the veterans would tell young people not to enlist,"" said Rep. Jim Banks, (R-Indiana).

""We're now at the third time having this conversation about recruiting, and rather than actually listening to experts saying, 'It's complicated,' because it is complicated, we're still marching out these kinds Breitbart, provenance unknown, questionnaires,"" argued Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA).

""When cadets, military families, and active duty members stop bringing us these issues, then we'll stop talking about it. But as long as they are, we have a duty to address these issues,"" said Rep. Mike Waltz (R-FL).

Only two military branches met their active duty, enlisted, and recruiting goals for 2023 - the Marine Corps and the Space Force.

Wagner credits the success to an Air Force pilot program which waives previous requirements on body composition, tattoo placement, and THC use.

""These and other efforts resulted in approximately 2,900 new accessions in 2023. That's 2,900 high-quality individuals, with a propensity to serve, that would have otherwise been excluded,"" Wagner told lawmakers.

All branches admit it's critical to find ways to persuade Gen-Z to take an interest in military service. That's because as one of the most tech-savvy generations, their skill sets will likely be key to future military readiness.",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z
https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-meuser-introduces-bill-promote-access-capital-small-businesses,Rep. Meuser Introduces Bill to Promote Access to Capital for Small Businesses,2023-12-15,2023,2023-12,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) introduced H.R. 6825, the Amendment for Crowdfunding Capital Enhancement and Small-business Support (ACCESS) Act. The legislation seeks to increase access to capital for small businesses and startups by raising the crowdfunding exemption from $100,000 to $250,000.

Regulation Crowdfunding, commonly referred to as Reg CF, is a way for small businesses and startups to raise money from the general public by selling small amounts of their equity, like shares in their company, or debt, similar to loans that need to be paid back with interest, to the public.

Currently, issuers using the crowdfunding exemption must file financial statements reviewed by an independent public accountant when the offering amount is over $100,000. This requirement can be cost-prohibitive for smaller issuers, as the average cost to file these statements is around $10,000, representing a significant expense relative to the amount raised.

The bill seeks to increase this threshold to $250,000, a level temporarily adopted by the SEC during the COVID-19 pandemic. During that period, the crowdfunding program continued to work as designed, suggesting that a higher threshold could support small businesses without compromising investor protection.

Rep. Meuser said, “Access to capital remains one of the greatest challenges facing small businesses. By raising the crowdfunding exemption, we can provide entrepreneurs with a cost-effective method to raise capital and grow new businesses across the country. This legislation is a win for small businesses and keeps America as a competitive destination for small business growth and development.”

Original cosponsors of the bill are Reps. Bill Huizenga (MI-04), Pete Sessions (TX-17), and Zach Nunn (IA-03).

Text of the legislation can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/congresswoman-summer-lee-announces-over-44m-in-funding-to-cut-methane-emissions-from-wells-and-support-environmental-restoration-of-well-sites,Congresswoman Summer Lee Announces Over $44M in Funding to Cut Methane Emissions From Wells and Support Environmental Restoration of Well Sites,2023-12-15,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

December 15, 2023

CONTACT: Emilia Rowland, Emilia.Rowland@mail.house.gov

Congresswoman Summer Lee Announces Over $44M in Funding to Cut Methane Emissions From Wells and Support Environmental Restoration of Well Sites

[PITTSBURGH, PA] — Today, Congresswoman Summer Lee announced $44,457,220 in formula grant funding to help measure and reduce methane emissions, one of the biggest drivers of climate change, from the oil and gas sector. The funding, which is made possible by President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act—the largest climate investment in history—will help support industry efforts to cut methane emissions from wells on nonfederal lands and support environmental restoration of well sites.

Congresswoman Lee said, ""I'm so proud to deliver over $44M in funding to cut methane emissions in my district. In regions like Western Pennsylvania, where the legacy of oil and gas extraction is deeply felt, this investment is not just about reducing emissions; it's about justice and health for our communities. This funding will accelerate efforts to measure, monitor, and mitigate methane from nonfederal wells, which is crucial for protecting both the environment and public health. As we've seen in our communities, unchecked methane emissions contribute to climate change and pose serious health risks, especially in marginalized areas. This is a big step towards correcting historical neglect and ensuring a cleaner, healthier future for all.""

""Investing in projects and programs that significantly reduce methane emissions is an important priority to slow the harmful effects of climate change,"" said Ryan Peay, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Resource Sustainability in DOE's Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management. ""The grants awarded today facilitate critical partnerships between states and the oil and gas sector, addressing a key source of these emissions while generating substantial climate, health, and economic benefits for local communities nationwide.""

""On the heels of EPA's final standards to protect communities from methane pollution, today we're proud to partner with the Department of Energy to announce critical funds to aid states and industry in addressing methane emissions under the Methane Emissions Reduction Program,"" said Jennifer Macedonia, EPA Associate Deputy Assistant Administrator in the Office of Air and Radiation. ""Through these historic investments in America, EPA and DOE are working with states to improve the efficiency and economic competitiveness of U.S. oil and gas operations and create new jobs in energy communities, while realizing near-term emissions reductions that protect people and the planet.""

Earlier this year, Congresswoman Summer Lee, who serves on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee introduced the Bipartisan Abandon Well Remediation Act with Congresswoman Stephanie Rice (R-OK-12) to address the impact of methane emissions from abandoned oil and gas wells by creating an abandoned wells research, development, and demonstration program at the Department of Energy (DOE).

In the United States, 30 percent of methane emissions come from the oil and gas sector, which increasingly has tools to slash leaks. Methane is a climate ""super pollutant"" that is many times more potent than carbon dioxide and is responsible for approximately one third of the warming from greenhouse gases occurring today. Rapid, sharp cuts in methane can generate near immediate climate benefits and are a crucial addition to cutting carbon dioxide in slowing the rate of warming of Earth's atmosphere.

Through these investments, the Methane Emissions Reduction Program will help industry reduce waste, create new jobs in energy communities and realize near-term emission reductions – helping reach the nation's ambitious climate and clean air goals. Monitoring and mitigating methane emissions from the oil and gas sector will benefit energy communities, which often include low-income and communities of color, and deliver long-lasting health and environmental benefits across the country. This commitment supports the Biden-Harris Administration's ambitious environmental justice agenda through the Justice40 Initiative, which set the goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain covered Federal investments flow to disadvantaged or Justice40 communities.

Once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied, funding received through the Methane Emissions Reduction Program will provide a combination of technical and financial assistance to states to help well owners and operators voluntarily identify and eliminate methane emissions from low-producing conventional oil and gas wells, also referred to as marginal conventional wells, with disproportionately high methane emissions. States can also use the funding to support environmental restoration of well sites and monitor the sites to verify that plugged wells are no longer emitting methane. EPA and DOE will also provide technical assistance to help states, industry, and other partners to implement cost-effective solutions to monitor and reduce methane emissions from these wells.

Visit EPA and DOE websites for more information about the Methane Emissions Reduction Program.

Since taking office in January, Lee, who serves on the House Oversight Committee and Space, Science and Technology Committee, has delivered historic levels of federal investment totaling nearly $1 Billion brought back to Western PA, including over $200 million for infrastructure, over $50 million for affordable transit, and over $500 million to keep clean energy manufacturing at home in Pennsylvania. These investments will help improve Western Pennsylvania's infrastructure and transit, ensure cleaner air and drinking water, lower housing costs, fund research institutions, fuel clean manufacturing, fund STEM innovation and entrepreneurship, boost workforce development, and create thousands of good paying union jobs. Lee and her team have also delivered casework and constituent services to over 1,380 constituents with issues ranging from helping our seniors and disabled community access Medicare and social security to helping folks secure housing and helping families with immigration support and passports.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/boyle-and-joyce-introduce-bill-improve-access-public-service-loan,BOYLE AND JOYCE INTRODUCE BILL TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,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 F. Boyle (PA-02) and David P. Joyce (OH-14) introduced the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Administrative Improvements Act today to update and improve both the approval and administrative processes that support the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program for teachers, soldiers, public safety officers, and other public servants with student loan balances.

“I'm proud to introduce this legislation, and committed to doing all I can to help alleviate the burden of student loan debt for dedicated public servants,” said Congressman Boyle, co-chair of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Caucus. “Public Service Loan Forgiveness is an investment in our communities and a commitment to those who choose these demanding careers in the public sector. Public Service Loan Forgiveness is an incentive to our students and an investment in our future, and we must ensure that it benefits as many hardworking public servants as possible.”

“By providing loan forgiveness for our nation's nurses, firefighters, teachers, police officers, military service members, veterans, and more who choose to dedicate their careers to serving others, we are making a direct investment in our communities,” said Congressman Joyce, co-chair of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Caucus. “We should do everything we can to support individuals who pursue careers that contribute to the well-being of Americans. I am proud to join Congressman Boyle in introducing this bipartisan bill to fix the program's current inefficiencies and ensure we can continue to give our public servants the support they deserve.""

Congress established the bipartisan loan forgiveness program in 2007 to help teachers, social workers, military personnel, and other public servants pursue sometimes lower-paying careers serving their communities without facing decades of crippling loan payments. The program allows borrowers to erase the balance of their student debt after working for a nonprofit or government employer for 10 years and making 120 qualifying loan payments. It is believed that current deficiencies existing at the administrative level in the PSLF program have resulted in upwards of 99% of borrowers being denied loan forgiveness under the program after applying, as was recently profiled on Forbes.com.

“All students deserve a caring, qualified, committed, and certified teacher in their classroom, but skyrocketing student debt has made it much more difficult to attract and retain educators because they simply cannot afford to stay in the teaching profession they love. For those educators who stay, decisions like buying a home or starting a family are delayed because of out-of-control student loan bills,” said NEA President Becky Pringle. “The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program was created to encourage talented individuals to pursue careers in public service, including educators teaching in our public schools. Since 2021, more than 715,000 individuals have received $51 billion in loan forgiveness because of the PSLF program. The PSLF Administrative Improvements Act is a genuine effort to support public sector workers under this program, helping them navigate a complicated application system while enhancing congressional oversight to prevent administrative inefficiency. The National Education Association applauds Congressman Brendan Boyle and Congressman David Joyce for once again developing a bipartisan solution to ensure teachers and other dedicated public service professionals receive the loan forgiveness they deserve.”

“The PSLF Coalition is dedicated to making sure that the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program is accessible and loan forgiveness is achievable,” said Verna Williams of the PSLF Coalition. “We are grateful to Representatives Joyce and Boyle for the introduction of the PSLF Administrative Improvements Act to help ensure all qualified public service professionals are able to successfully earn student loan forgiveness. We know that PSLF is a critical tool for recruiting and retaining public service professionals and thank the Congressmen for recognizing the value and service of professionals working in public health, public safety, and public education.”

SUMMARY OF PSLF ADMINISTRATIVE IMPROVEMENTS ACT:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/boyle-statement-vote-against-republicans-sham-impeachment-inquiry,BOYLE STATEMENT ON VOTE AGAINST REPUBLICANS SHAM IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,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 statement below, following today’s House vote on a baseless impeachment inquiry into President Biden by House Republicans:

""At a moment when Congress should be focused on bringing down the cost of living and supporting working families, House Republicans have yet again opted for a circus sideshow in the form of a sham impeachment procedure against the President of the United States. Despite the fact that their own investigations have repeatedly proven that President Biden has done nothing wrong, House Republicans are pushing this sham process to distract the American people from their total failure to govern. The presidential impeachment process is a solemn constitutional mechanism designed to address extreme abuses of power or egregious misconduct and should never be wielded recklessly or for political revenge.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-celebrates-wins-servicemembers-safety-and-transparency-annual-defense,"Deluzio Celebrates Wins for Servicemembers, Safety, and Transparency in Annual Defense Bill",2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the United States House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on a bipartisan basis and sent the measure to President Biden. Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) voted for the measure as a member of the House Armed Services Committee and now celebrates its important wins for servicemembers, safety, and defense contractor transparency in this final version.

After supporting a bipartisan NDAA in committee, Congressman Deluzio voted against a partisan version of the measure on the House Floor that included right-wing policy riders and other culture war nonsense. This final version of the NDAA unfortunately included a temporary reauthorization (without reforms) of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which Congressman Deluzio believes needs reform to better protect Americans’ liberty.

“Although far from perfect, I voted for this year’s defense bill to give our servicemembers a raise, better support military families, address our most pressing national security challenges, and increase defense contractor accountability and transparency,” said Rep. Deluzio. “It also includes my amendments to improve safety for servicemembers and the public—with funds to clean up PFAS contamination at National Guard and Air National Guard facilities—and to require a report on rail safety and other transportation network vulnerabilities.”

More specifically, the Fiscal Year 2024 NDAA includes the following measures:

A 5.2% servicemember pay raise proposed in the President’s budget request.

Expanded eligibility for the Basic Needs Allowance, the program that provides funds for food, housing, and other social services for members of the military.

Investments in military family housing, child development centers, and upgrades to outdated military barracks.

Expanded Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) eligibility for federal employees.

Representative Deluzio’s amendment to provide the National Guard and Air National Guard facilities—such as the 171st Air Refueling Wing, which is one of the worst PFAS-contaminated bases in Pennsylvania—access to funds used for environmental restoration efforts including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) cleanup.

Representative Deluzio’s amendment to hold accountable companies that refuse to provide uncertified cost and pricing data. This amendment will fight back against defense contractor price gouging by directing the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment to develop a framework for refining the parameters of what would constitute a denial of uncertified cost or pricing data under section 3705 of title 10, United States Code.

Representative Deluzio’s amendment requiring a report identifying rail and other transportation network vulnerabilities and providing recommendations for interagency coordination, programs, or statutory changes to improve and maintain such strategic railways, highways, and seaports associated with national defense.

A statement that the U.S. policy is to have as soon as practicable 355 battle force ships and that the shipbuilding defense industrial base is fundamental to achieving the shipbuilding requirements of the Navy and constitutes a unique national security imperative that requires sustainment and support by the Navy and Congress.

Increased oversight of equipment provided to foreign countries by requiring the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to provide reports on how equipment use is monitored.

The bill now heads to President Biden for his signature and includes many other important items. A full summary of the measure from the House Armed Services Committee Democrats is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2023/12/fitzpatrick-dingell-introduce-the-knockout-cancer-act,"Fitzpatrick, Dingell Introduce the Knockout Cancer Act",2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,PA,Brian K. Fitzpatrick,F000466,fitzpatrick.house.gov,fitzpatrick,https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) introduced the Knockout (K.O.) Cancer Act of 2023. The bipartisan legislation boosts funding for the National Cancer Institute by 25 percent over fiscal years 2024 through 2028 to more appropriately align with the current cancer mortality rates. Additionally, the Knockout Cancer Act asks Congress for a report on the devastating shortage of cancer drugs that is facing our nation.

""Over 5 decades ago, our nation declared war on cancer with the signing of the National Cancer Act. We have made significant progress in combatting this devastating disease, but there is still work yet to be done"" said Congressman Fitzpatrick, co-chair of the House Cancer Caucus. ""Current funding levels for research do not meet the alarming rate at which Americans are dying from this horrendous disease, and I am proud to lead the bipartisan Knockout (K.O) Cancer Act to ensure that the medical research community has adequate funding so that we can eventually defeat cancer once and for all.""

“We must redouble our efforts to research, treat, and cure cancer, and address cancer drug shortages that are hurting patients across the country,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “The Knock Out Cancer Act will strengthen investments in research at the NIH to help develop innovative treatments and cures for cancers of all types, and I am proud to partner with Rep. Fitzpatrick on this legislation.”

“Research at AACI cancer centers lays the foundation for tomorrow’s cures,” said Association of American Cancer Institutes Executive Director Jennifer W. Pegher. “We support legislation and efforts by our congressional champions that aim to ensure that the life-saving work of our members is sustained by robust increases in federal funding.”

Read the text of the bill HERE.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3694,Rep. Houlahan Announces Housing Resources Town Hall,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"WEST CHESTER, PA – Today, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) announced her 81st town hall focused on housing resources for residents of Berks and Chester Counties. Houlahan’s telephone town hall will take place on Thursday, December 21 at 5 p.m., and she will be joined by Dolores Colligan, Director of the Chester County Department of Community Development, and Ashley Chambers, Senior Vice President of Community Impact for the United Way of Berks County. Houlahan, Chambers, and Colligan will answer housing-related questions for community members.

“I know housing and heating costs continue to be a concern for some Pennsylvanians,” said Houlahan. “That’s why I want to help our community members access resources to find quality and affordable housing. I’ve also been a strong advocate for LIHEAP, a national program that helps low-income Americans heat their homes, including thousands of families here in Pennsylvania. I look forward to our conversation on those resources and more at next week’s town hall.”

Details

WHAT: Housing Resources Telephone Town Hall

WHO: Chrissy Houlahan, PA-06 Congresswoman

Dolores Colligan, Director of the Chester County Department of Community Development

Ashley Chambers, Senior Vice President of Community Impact for the United Way of Berks County

WHEN: Thursday, December 21 at 5 p.m.

HOW: Telephone – dial (855) 731-4616

Online – visit houlahan.house.gov/live or Facebook Live.

The event is open to the public. Community members can RSVP to receive a day-of reminder. If members of the press are interested in joining the call, please email aubrey.stuber@mail.house.gov by Thursday, December 21 at 2 p.m.

Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator, and a nonprofit leader. She represents Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. She is the recipient of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award which “recognizes members who demonstrate the bipartisan leadership and constructive governing necessary to move our country forward” and the Congressional Management Foundation’s 2022 Democracy Award for best Constituent Services in Congress.

###",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z
https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3712,"Houlahan, Garbarino Introduce First Climate Solutions Caucus Bill to Spur Climate Research and Support Farmers",2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), co-chairs of the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus, alongside Senators Edward Markey (D-MA) and Mike Braun (R-IN), introduced the Natural Climate Solutions Research and Extension Act. The bipartisan, bicameral legislation would advance sustainable agriculture practices across the United States by making natural climate solutions a high research and extension priority at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), unlocking federal funding for farmers to protect the environment via land management practices that increase carbon storage and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“As we continue to seek bipartisan climate solutions, we must leverage the important role the federal government can play in incentivizing research opportunities,” said Representative Houlahan. “This bipartisan, bicameral legislation is a win for our research institutions whose work will help farmers and conservationists, like those in southeastern Pennsylvania, adopt sustainable practices that will protect the environment and increase climate resilience.”

“As co-Chair of the Climate Solutions Caucus, I know how important it is to engage our natural resources to reduce carbon emissions while simultaneously supporting conservation,” said Representative Garbarino. “This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will provide our agricultural sector the tools necessary to engage in sustainable farming practices that will play an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring a cleaner, greener environment for generations to come.”

“The food that nourishes us should be safe for us and safe for the planet - not poisonous for our natural resources,” said Senator Markey. “Farmers and landowners should be equipped with the proper tools and knowledge to decrease emissions and combat the devastating effects of climate change. The Natural Climate Solutions Research and Extension Act will sow the seeds of a next-generation, clean agriculture sector that will lead the world in developing sustainable farming practices. I thank Senator Braun and Representatives Houlahan and Garabino for their partnership on this important legislation.”

“Farmers are natural conservationists: they have a vested interest in preserving our land and natural resources, and this bill will fuel research for land management practices that protect our environment – rather than top-down government mandates,” said Senator Braun.

Background:

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the agriculture sector alone is responsible for ten percent of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, more than half of which is linked to soil and land management practices. The legislation would ensure that the science-based knowledge gained through USDA’s research program is translated into actionable strategies for farmers and landowners, enabling them to successfully implement their climate solutions on the ground. It would also lift up natural climate solutions that have co-benefits, such as promoting biodiversity and climate resilience, reducing runoff, and incorporating traditional ecological knowledge.

Read the full text of the bill here.",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z
https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-applauds-us-army-corps-engineers-awarding-contract-erie-harbor-dredging,Kelly applauds U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for awarding contract for Erie harbor dredging project,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,kelly,https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"ERIE, Pa. -- On Wednesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Buffalo District awarded a $682,000 contract to Michigan-based Ryba Marine Construction Co. on Dec. 6 to conduct dredging of the federal navigation channel in Erie Harbor.

Dredging of harbors like Erie’s ensures accessible depths for large vessels, the continued flow of commodities across the Great Lakes, and the economic viability of United States waterways.

U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) applauded the USACE's investment.

“Lake Erie is a natural and economic treasure that serves as an integral part of Erie’s identity. Through this work, we are supporting the use of the nation’s waterways and ports to strengthen supply chains, grow businesses, and improve the infrastructure of Lake Erie and our surrounding areas,” said U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (PA-16). “Thank you to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for recognizing the importance of maintaining these resources.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-supports-2024-national-defense-authorization-act-largest-pay-raise,"Kelly supports 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, largest pay raise for military service members in 20 years",2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,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) voted in support of the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a comprehensive package of legislation to support our military and national defense programs.

""Today's vote is a win for the American people and our national security. We must give our military every tool possible to keep our great nation safe,"" Rep. Kelly said. ""I'm proud to support the 5.2% pay raise for our Servicemembers, which is the largest pay raise in 20 years. During a time of global uncertainty, it is imperative that we strengthen our military and support those who so bravely serve in it.""

WHAT'S INCLUDED

The FY24 NDAA:

Boosts Servicemember pay and benefits and improves the quality of life for military families by including a 5.2% pay raise for military service members, the largest in 20 years

Builds and maintains the overmatch we need to counter Communist China’s aggression by strengthening homeland defense and preventing CCP espionage

Supports border security by providing funding for counterdrug and counter transnational organized crime activities by adding planning services to the types of support that the DoD can provide law enforcement

Pushes back against the radical woke ideology being forced on our servicemen and women and restores the focus of our military on lethality",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mike-kelly-statement-house-formally-launching-impeachment-inquiry,Rep. Mike Kelly statement on House formally launching impeachment inquiry into President Biden,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,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) released the following statement after the U.S. House voted to formally launch an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden.

""With a formal impeachment inquiry into President Biden underway, it’s important that we follow the facts to where they lead,"" said Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA). ""Over the last several months, investigations led by the House Committees on Ways & Means, Judiciary, and Oversight have produced important information, but questions still remain. We will go where the evidence takes us. The American people deserve the truth.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-meuser-leads-follow-letter-sec-urging-consideration-dwac-truth-social,Rep. Meuser Leads Follow-Up Letter to SEC Urging Consideration of DWAC-Truth Social Merger,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,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) sent a letter to Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Gary Gensler urging speedy consideration of the Digital World Acquisition Corp. (DWAC)-Truth Social merger.

After clearing several bureaucratic hurdles imposed by the SEC over the past year, DWAC submitted a revised S-4 filling for consideration on November 14, 2023. Approval of this form is the final step in the merger process, yet the SEC has once again failed to take up the matter.

The patience of DWAC's investors has already been significantly tested due to the postponed review of the initial S-4 filing, the protracted timeline of the SEC's investigation, and other drawn-out delays. Despite these setbacks, investors demonstrated their commitment to this investment on September 5, 2023, by voting to extend DWAC’s deadline to complete a merger. This action and continued support for the merger is evidence of the investors’ interest in moving forward without further delay.

For nearly a year, Congressman Meuser has been seeking answers and fighting on behalf of Truth Social’s small, blue-collar investors that have been harmed by the SEC’s delay. Meuser has questioned SEC Chairman Gensler and General Counsel Barbero in open hearings, formally written to Chairman Gensler, and has regularly corresponded and met with other SEC officials on the matter.

Meuser said, “The SEC’s mission is to protect investors, maintain fair and orderly markets, and facilitate capital formation. We must now see this mission in action through the expedient handling of this matter. The prolonged uncertainty the SEC created through extensive delays which characterized the DWAC situation is counterproductive for all parties involved. A timely resolution is in the best interest of all 350,000 investors and the markets at large, and I urge the SEC to prioritize the review process for DWAC's S-4 filing.”

Text of the letter can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases/12/14/2023/reschenthaler-applauds-house-passage-of-the-national-defense-authorization-act,Reschenthaler Applauds House Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,PA,Guy Reschenthaler,R000610,reschenthaler.house.gov,reschenthaler,https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chief Deputy Whip Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA) released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024:

“As a Navy veteran, I understand how vital it is that our military has the resources it needs to deter our adversaries and protect our nation. This year’s defense bill includes many significant conservative priorities championed by House Republicans, including the largest pay raise for our servicemembers in 20 years and the elimination of policies and programs promoting the woke ideology undermining our military readiness. While not a perfect plan, this legislation will combat evil worldwide, stand up for our troops, and ensure our nation’s defense remains the strongest force the world has ever seen.”

Specifically, the FY24 NDAA:

Supports servicemembers and their families by providing a 5.2 percent pay raise, the largest in 20 years.

Requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to correct personnel files of servicemembers discharged for not taking the COVID-19 vaccine so that they receive full benefits in retirement.

Reigns in Democrat efforts to inject wokeness into the military.

Supports America’s allies and partners.

Strengthens readiness and lethality.

Counters adversarial threats.

Provides DOD support in securing the border.

Initiatives led by Reschenthaler were included in the bill, including:

Sense of Congress regarding the antisemitic efforts of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement against the State of Israel, including its efforts to delegitimize, isolate, and ultimately destroy the Jewish state.

Requiring a report on products sold at commissaries or exchange stores in FY21 or 22 that were produced by companies that participated in a boycott against the State of Israel.

Language supporting southwestern Pennsylvania priorities such as coal-derived materials and explosive welding in DOD.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/smucker-introduces-bipartisan-improve-and-enhance-work-opportunity-tax-credit,Smucker Introduces Bipartisan Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Act,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,PA,Lloyd Smucker,S001199,smucker.house.gov,smucker,https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington—Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) has introduced the bipartisan Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Act, alongside Reps. Terri Sewell (AL-7), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), Steven Horsford (NV-4), and Mike Kelly (PA-16). The legislation strengthens the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), which has a proven track record of connecting disadvantaged individuals to employment and has long received bipartisan support. Click here for bill text.

The WOTC provides federal tax credit to employers who invest in American workers who have consistently faced barriers to employment, including eligible veterans, SNAP recipients, individuals with disabilities, and long-term unemployed individuals. Employers incur higher recruitment and training costs to reach WOTC eligible populations and support their successful transition back into employment. WOTC has not been updated since its enactment twenty-seven years ago and its value has been eroded significantly due to inflation.

“Connecting individuals to great-paying jobs through a strengthened Work Opportunity Tax Credit will grow our economy and reduce long-term unemployment. We know that the best anti-poverty program is a good job. I thank my colleagues for joining me in introducing the pro-growth Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Act on a bipartisan basis. The WOTC has received bipartisan support since its enactment, and I am hopeful that my colleagues in Congress will join with me in supporting this legislation to improve a proven job creating tax credit,” said Rep. Smucker.

“As Americans continue to return to the workforce, employers need a modern tool to help recruit and retain individuals seeking long-term employment opportunities,” said Rep. Sewell. “I am proud that this legislation builds upon the prior successes of Work Opportunity Tax Credit while factoring in the twenty-five years of economic change our country has seen since its enactment.”

""The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a proven resource to assist disadvantaged Americans with employment,"" said Congressman Fitzpatrick. ""By adjusting credit amounts to account for inflation and eliminating arbitrary age limits, the bipartisan Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Act will ensure that more individuals can utilize this important program and encourage long-term employment.""

""In Southern Nevada and across the United States, hard-working people need help to find good jobs that pay living wages. By increasing the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), Congress can make it easier for employers to bring on new workers and keep our economy strong,"" said Congressman Steven Horsford. ""I'm glad to support the Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Act, which will make the largest difference for those hit the hardest by unemployment, including people of color, young workers, women, people with disabilities, veterans, and underserved communities.""

Background:

The Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Act of 2023 would update the WOTC, which has not been changed since its enactment twenty-seven years ago, and encourage longer-service employment.

The bill would (1) increase the current credit percentage from 40% to 50% of qualified wages and (2) add a second level of credit for employees who work 400 or more hours. In addition, the bill eliminates the arbitrary age cap at which SNAP recipients are eligible for WOTC. This change will provide an incentive to hire older workers and better align the credit with the work reforms adopted in the debt ceiling negotiations in 2023.

The National Employment Opportunity Network reports that the WOTC has saved federal governments an estimated $202 billion over ten years.

What are they saying about the Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Act?

“As a constituent of Congressman Smucker and the President of the National Employment Opportunity Network (NEON), an organization dedicated to incentives to encourage the hiring of disadvantaged and marginalized individuals, I am pleased to endorse the “Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Act”. This legislation expands and updates the work opportunity credit to further facilitate the hiring of individuals on public assistance programs.

Congressman Smucker’s bill would provide employers with greater resources to extend employment opportunities to those who face barriers to employment by increasing the WOTC wage base, which has been unchanged for twenty-five years, and by eliminating the thirty-nine year old upper age limit for the WOTC SNAP category. Congressman Smucker’s bill recognizes that the costs of on-boarding and providing on-the-job training have increased dramatically since WOTC started and will facilitate the hiring of older Americans who find themselves in need of rejoining the workforce.

Congressman Smucker understands that we all benefit when job opportunities are extended to individuals who face barriers in the workforce, and I urge Congress to adopt as soon as possible his proposals to update and expand a very successful program,” said Kitty Leggieri, President of the National Employment Opportunity Network.

“The Critical Labor Coalition strongly supports the Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) Act and applauds Rep. Smucker for making this a priority as we work together to address the labor shortage,” said Misty Chally, Executive Director, Critical Labor Coalition. “As many businesses continue to struggle with workforce shortages and the economy faces record unemployment, this jobs-focused legislation will remove roadblocks for job seekers and help employers fully staff their businesses.”

“FMI – The Food Industry Association applauds Representatives Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) and Terri Sewell (D-AL) for their leadership in improving the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC). WOTC is an important workforce-building tool, utilized by our grocery, wholesaler, and product supplier members, to hire individuals facing barriers to employment. FMI is pleased to support this bipartisan effort to strengthen the path for veterans, SNAP participants, justice-involved individuals, and others to obtain meaningful employment in the food industry,” said Christine Pollack, FMI Vice President, Government Relations.

This legislation is also supported by: National Restaurant Association, Retail Industry Leaders Association, National Grocers Association, International Franchise Association, American Health Care Association, American Hotel & Lodging Association, The American Seniors Housing Association, American Staffing Association, the Family League of Baltimore, and the National Beer Wholesalers Association.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/advisory-for-zoom-press-call-tuesday-december-19-at-10-am,Advisory for Zoom Press Call Tuesday December 19 at 10 am,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"**For Immediate Release**

Contact: Emilia.Rowland@mail.house.gov 330.212.2065

Click here to RSVP and access zoom link

Advisory for Zoom Press Call Tuesday December 19 at 10 am

Summer Lee to Host Panel Discussion on Local Need for Congress to Pass Lee's $10.7 Million in Community Project Funding to Combat Hunger and Homelessness; Job Training, Infrastructure and Redevelopment in FY2024 budget

Click here to RSVP and access zoom link

(Pittsburgh, PA) – This Tuesday, December 19th at 10:00 am, Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12) will host a zoom press call with local organizations and agencies for which she is fighting to deliver $10.7 million in community project funding as part of the FY2024 budget.

Over the course of the past eight months, Congresswoman Summer Lee has worked closely with local community partners and stakeholders to advance $10.7 million in funding for 15 project proposals that support a wide range of initiatives from affordable housing to infrastructure and transportation. As a result of Lee's tireless advocacy, these projects were included in bills passed by the House Appropriations Committee and have been moved forward where they await a vote by the full House and Senate before heading to the President's desk and becoming law. House Republican Leadership's failure to pass a budget on time remains the only barrier to Western Pennsylvania receiving this desperately needed funding. Please find descriptions of each of the projects and quotes from Congresswoman Lee below.

WHO:

Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12)

Colleen Young, Greater Pittsburgh Community Foodbank

Mark Latterner, Jubilee Soup Kitchen

Emily Woodward, Tri-COG Land Bank Recovery and Affordable Housing Project in McKeesport

David Geiger / Susheela Nemani-Stanger - Urban Redevelopment Authority

Carolyn Grady, YMCA Northside

Donta Green, Trade Institute of Pittsburgh

Jeanne Clark, ALCOSAN for Homestead Project

WHAT: Summer Lee to Host Panel Discussion on Local Need for Congress to Pass Lee's $10.7 million in Community Project Funding to combat hunger and homelessness; job training, infrastructure and redevelopment in FY2024 budget

WHEN: Tuesday December 19th at 10:00 am

WHERE: Zoom. RSVP here.

RSVP: click here to RSVP and we will send you a zoom link to join the press call

$1,000,000 for -Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank Truck Package: to distribute more than 33 million pounds of food annually to 400,000 individuals including low- to moderate-income individuals and others in need of food assistance living in areas of high need in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Somerset and Washington counties in Pennsylvania. The program will purchase and build eight mobile food banks that will regularly recover fresh food from regional Pennsylvania farms and retailers and deliver it to a network of over 1,000 community partners. Disclosure Letter: HERE

Congresswoman Summer Lee said, ""We are so close to delivering $1,000,000 to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank to deploy food trucks that will distribute more than 33 million pounds of food annually to 400,000 individuals in need across our communities. As someone who depended on food assistance when times were tough growing up, I know how crucial this funding will be to combat food insecurity and ensure no person in Western PA goes to bed hungry.""

$1,000,000 Granted for YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh: The YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh will use this funding for the Northside community to rehabilitate the Allegheny YMCA building to make it ADA accessible, address unworkable infrastructure, and allow the facility to directly address the needs of the surrounding community through upgraded space to provide childcare, before/after school enrichment, senior supports, and community health and wellness in a low-income community. Additionally, to ensure the Allegheny YMCA is truly available to all, it will continue to provide membership and program subsidies to low-income Northside residents. Disclosure letter: HERE

""Like so much of the Northside, the Allegheny YMCA on North Avenue hasn't been upgraded for decades and is in desperate need of investment and rehabilitation. I'm honored to be on the verge of delivering $1,000,000 to enhance accessibility, improve infrastructure, and allow them to continue to serve as a vital center for health, wellness, and community services in the Northside–from childcare and teen outreach to senior activities.""

$1,000,000 Granted for Tree of Life Educational Space Rebuild: to create a community gathering and education space to teach about antisemitism and identity-based hate in the new Tree of Life building. This project will be a critical space to educate on antisemitism, revitalize a community hub that has sat empty for 5 years since the antisemitic attack, and will create a positive economic impact in the community by attracting visitors, students, and educators from around the world. Disclosure Letter: HERE

Lee said, ""When I toured the site of the attack in February and met with Foundation leadership and family members of those murdered, I was profoundly moved–both by the unimaginable pain of what I saw and the beautiful conversations I had with family members of those who had their lives senselessly taken. I'm honored to be closer than ever to delivering $1,000,000 in funding for the Tree of Life Educational Space Rebuild project to create a vital community gathering space to educate against antisemitism and white supremacy in all its forms–breathing life back into a community hub that has remained dormant following the tragic antisemitic attack.""

Maggie Feinstein, Director of 10.27 Healing Partnership said,""Healing is a journey that takes time, and we are committed to support individuals and their loved ones impacted by the October 2018 synagogue shooting as they heal. Federal funding has allowed us to provide counseling and programming, including during the recent trial, and each year at the Commemoration Ceremony. We are grateful. The proposed new appropriation would allow us to continue to serve the victims of the attack and see through the work towards leaving our community more resilient than it was before.""

$1,050,000 Granted For Homewood Fields and Community Complex in Pittsburgh (City of Pittsburgh) to construct a state-of-the-art sports and community performance space, which will include a field house, amphitheater, and community gathering space. This project will function as a key anti-violence strategy in Homewood, a neighborhood which consistently experiences high levels of youth violence. More importantly, the new park will provide the foundation for intensive collaboration between the city's anti-violence initiatives and key Homewood community institutions committed to helping young people invest in their own lives and value the lives of others, through violence interruption, job training, coaching, and interventions with spectators and parents. Disclosure letter: HERE

Lee said, ""I'm so excited to announce that I'm one step closer to securing $1,050,000 funding for the Homewood Fields and Community Complex in Pittsburgh!. The new park will provide a platform for intensive collaboration between the city's anti-violence initiatives and key Homewood community institutions. Through violence interruption, job training, coaching, and interventions with spectators and parents, we will empower young people to invest in their own lives and value the lives of others and serve as a vital anti-violence strategy to improve safety in the neighborhood.""

$500,000 Granted Urban Redevelopment Authority – Ground Floor Commercial Activation in Affordable Housing: to build affordable ground floor or street-level housing and commercial in mixed-use Low Income Housing Tax Credits-financed projects across the City of Pittsburgh.

This project will address housing affordability, support entrepreneurship and small business, as well as attract and retain businesses. This project would also provide critical funding towards mixed-use developments with affordable housing and neighborhood-serving commercial components that will otherwise experience significant funding gaps. Disclosure letter: HERE

Lee said ""With gentrification and inflation on the rise, far too many families and small businesses in Pittsburgh are struggling to afford rent. I'm thrilled to be on the verge of delivering $500K funding for Urban Redevelopment in Pittsburgh to boost entrepreneurship, support small businesses, and bridge funding gaps that keep affordable housing out of reach for too many individuals and families, fostering a more inclusive and thriving community.""

$461,197 Granted for Jubilee Kitchen Facility Expansion and Renovation Project. Jubilee Association, Inc. will renovate a homeless prevention program in a low-income community by expanding and renovating their current facility to address significant safety, accessibility, and space issues. This project will give the facility greater space to meet food, clothing, and counseling needs and improve facility safety to continue providing necessary services preventing homelessness and offering high-quality, affordable childcare for low-income families providing their children pathways to a brighter future. Disclosure letter: HERE

Lee said, ""With housing and food insecurity still a reality for many in my district, I've spent my first term fighting to deliver $461,197 to Jubilee Kitchen's to fund a renovation project that will expand their incredible work providing nutritious food, clothing, counseling, childcare, and homelessness prevention services to the most vulnerable members of our community–which I had the opportunity to see firsthand during a visit my first month in Congress. By providing folks with access to such services, we are offering them.""

$450,000 Granted for Trade Institute of Pittsburgh's Social Enterprise Program: This funding would be used for providing graduates of the Trade Institute of Pittsburgh's 11-week masonry program for individuals facing barriers to employment with time-limited, paid work experience if they are not yet ready to enter the workforce at the end of the program. This will allow graduates to continue improving their skills to obtain gainful employment. Disclosure Letter: HERE

Lee said, ""At my recent visit to the Trade Institute of Pittsburgh I learned about their social enterprise job training program to provide temporary employment at a living wage. I'm excited to be on the verge of delivering $450,000 in funding to launch this pilot program and ensure graduates are able to keep working and build their skills while pursuing gainful outside employment. By creating opportunities for those who face challenges in finding work and opening doors to a brighter future, we are empowering their contribution to the growth and prosperity of our entire community.""

$500,000 Granted to Tri-COG Land Bank Recovery and Affordable Housing Project in McKeesport: This project will recover plots of abandoned, blighted and demolition land in the McKeesport Area School District and transform them into sustainable and permanently affordable homeownership opportunities. This funding will improve the McKeesport Area School District community, a distressed community, by remediating seven blighted properties, creating permanently affordable homeownership opportunities, help stabilize property values, and help spur neighborhood revitalization. Disclosure letter: HERE

Lee said, ""We are so close to delivering $500,000 to revitalize disinvested, abandoned land in McKeesport by building sustainable and permanently affordable homeownership opportunities. This project will not only improve the physical landscape but also uplift the spirit of the entire community and make an important step on the path towards righting the wrongs of racial redlining and disinvestment in our Black and and marginalized communities left behind.""

$963,000 Granted For City of Pittsburgh Criminal Justice Diversion Program: The City of Pittsburgh seeks funding to support its Criminal Justice Diversion Program, also known as Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD), which is a program situated within the Office of Community Health and Safety. The LEAD initiative for the City of Pittsburgh will provide people with substance use disorder and mental and behavioral health challenges with person-centered social services and intense case management. This initiative will help relieve police of a role they feel unsuited for and permit them to focus on violent crime, by preventing unnecessary, and harmful criminal-legal system engagement and instead will promote and support individual agency, particularly in communities of color. Disclosure letter: HERE

Lee said, ""We know the best way to improve community safety is to invest in poverty-prevention, mental health, and wraparound services in communities. The in $963,000 funding I'm fighting to deliver for the City of Pittsburgh Criminal Justice Diversion Program will foster positive change, promote community safety, and empower individuals in need by providing person-centered social services and intense case management to individuals facing substance use disorder and mental and behavioral health challenges. This initiative represents a transformative shift in our approach to public safety and will promote and support individual agency, particularly in communities of color.""

$959,757 Granted for the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority Storm Sewer Project: ALCOSAN and Homestead Borough are addressing several important issues with this project. First, the local elementary school does not have a standard play area for their young students to enjoy recess. The current play area is asphalt surrounded by a chain-link fence. This project will renovate the grounds to a landscaped, green space that can be used by the children. Second, the teacher parking lot will be re-configured and built with permeable pavers to capture rainfall. Third, under the parking lot, a stormwater storage unit will be constructed to capture stormwater and slowly release the water to the combined sewer system thereby reducing combined sewer overflows to the Monongahela River. This project will help Homestead Borough achieve its regulatory compliance related to combined sewer overflow abatement. Disclosure letter: HERE

Lee said, ""I am delighted to be closer than ever to delivering $959,757 funding for the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority Storm Sewer Project, funding that transforms the local elementary school's play area into a landscaped, green space, providing a safe and enjoyable recess environment for young students. This renovation will enhance the school experience and promote a healthier, more engaging learning environment so that children in our region can thrive.""

$850,000 Granted for the McKeesport Duquesne Bridge Preservation: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation wishes will perform bridge preservation and maintenance activities on the McKeesport-Duquesne Bridge that will extend service life and maintain a safe and reliable crossing over the Monongahela River and multiple railroads. The McKeesport-Duquesne Bridge connects several low-income and minority environmental justice communities on either side of the Monongahela River. On the Southern side of the bridge, more than 50% of the households are low-income. On both sides of the river are communities that are made up of 75% minority populations. PennDOT will cover the required match, which will be App. 581 State highway funds. Disclosure letter: HERE

Lee said, ""Just one year after the collapse of Fern Hollow bridge, I am fighting to deliver $850,000 in funding for the preservation of McKeesport Duquesne Bridge, which provides a vital connection linking several low-income and minority environmental justice communities. On the southern side of the bridge, more than 50% of households are low-income, and both sides of the river consist of communities with 75% minority populations. By preserving this bridge, not only will we ensure the safety and reliability of this critical crossing over the Monongahela River, but we will ensure equitable access, mobility, and economic opportunity for these communities.""

$547,000 Granted Extended Support for 10.27 Healing Partnership to respond to and address the ongoing trauma from the 2018 Synagogue Mass Shooting in the lead-up to and in the aftermath of the trial. The goal of this project is to deepen the effectiveness of community-based work initiated by the initial investment from the federal government after the attack, focused on victim support, healing, and increasing the capacity of community partners to navigate trauma and resiliency following this horrific mass casualty event and the ongoing threat of antisemitism, white supremacy, and gun violence Disclosure letter: HERE

Lee said, ""I am fighting to deliver $547,000 in funding to extend support for the 10.27 Healing Partnership, allowing this incredibly important program to expand trauma care, victim support, and mental health services to members of our community impacted by the horrific 2018 Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting. In the aftermath of the trial and with the rise of antisemitism, 10/27's work healing reopened wounds and building resilience in the community is more vital than ever.""

$500,000 Granted for Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh - Larimer Food Incubator & Community Kitchen. The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh will repurpose the vacant and former Larimer School building to build a full-service community kitchen, event space and small business food incubator. This funding will support commercial development of the neighborhood by transforming 9800 square feet of the former school auditorium. This project will bring the Larimer community up to par with neighboring communities that have seen rapid development in recent years. This will be an economic catalyst for the community through job creation, support for small local businesses, food preparation and safety classes, training programs, and health and wellness programs. Disclosure letter: HERE

Lee said, ""I am excited to be so close to delivering $500,000 funding to Larimer Food Incubator & Community Kitchen to repurpose the vacant and former Larimer School building into a vibrant hub with a full-service community kitchen, event space, and a small business food incubator. This project will bring new life into the neighborhood, transforming 9800 square feet of the former school auditorium to spark positive change through economic growth and community development. ""

$500,000 Granted to Westmoreland County – 4th Street Bridge Improvement in Irwin: Westmoreland County will replace a roadway bridge that runs over the Norfolk Southern Railway in Irwin. This project will reconnect the town with the main road that has been divided by the railroad for over 100 years and closed to traffic since 2014. Funding through this request will expedited project execution by adding to funds previously secured through the Southwest Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP). Disclosure letter: HERE

Lee said, ""Just like the recently collapsed Fern Hollow bridge, the 4th Street bridge in Irwin that's been closed to traffic for eight years is yet another example of deteriorating infrastructure in desperate need of repair in Western PA. I'm fighting to deliver $500,000 in common-sense funding for Westmoreland County to repair 4th Street Bridge Improvement in Irwin to reconnect the town with the main road after a selfish, profit-hungry railroad company divided the area for over a century. This should have been done years ago but I'm glad to help our friends in Westmoreland get the job done now.""

$500,000 Granted for SR 2046, Streets Run Road Resurfacing in Whitehall: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will rehabilitate the entire length of S.R. 2046 to combat deteriorating, poor pavement quality that is at an increasing risk of landslide. This road connects commercial, industrial, and residential properties in the municipality of Whitehall. The ongoing Curry Hollow Road expansion will put further demand on this crucial corridor that links the Baldwin Borough to the City of Pittsburgh, as well as Jefferson Hospital and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). Disclosure letter: HERE

Lee said, ""We are so close to delivering $500,000 in funding for the Streets Run Road Resurfacing in Whitehall that will address critical infrastructure needs and ensure safer, smoother transportation. With this funding, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will rehabilitate the entire length of S.R. 2046, combatting deteriorating and poor pavement quality that poses an increasing risk of landslides. This project is vital in enhancing road safety and accessibility for all who use this crucial corridor.""

Since taking office in January, Lee, who serves on the House Oversight Committee and Space, Science and Technology Committee, has delivered historic levels of federal investment totaling over $870 million brought back to Western PA, including over $200 million for infrastructure, over $50 million for affordable transit, and over $500 million to keep clean energy manufacturing at home in Pennsylvania. These investments will help improve Western Pennsylvania's infrastructure and transit, ensure cleaner air and drinking water, lower housing costs, fund research institutions, fuel clean manufacturing, fund STEM innovation and entrepreneurship, boost workforce development, and create thousands of good paying union jobs. Lee and her team have also delivered casework and constituent services to over 1,380 constituents with issues ranging from helping our seniors and disabled community access Medicare and social security to helping folks secure housing and helping families with immigration support and passports.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-lee-delivers-remarks-on-delivering-nearly-1-billion-to-western-pa-and-other-achievements-in-first-year-proving-progressives-get-the-job-done,"WATCH: Lee Delivers Remarks on Delivering Nearly $1 Billion to Western PA and Other Achievements in First Year, Proving Progressives Get the Job Done",2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

December 14, 2023

Contact: Emilia Rowland emilia.rowland@mail.house.gov

WATCH: Lee Delivers Remarks on Delivering Nearly $1 Billion to Western PA and Other Achievements in First Year, Proving Progressives Get the Job Done

(Washington, D.C) – Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12) delivered remarks delivering nearly $1 billion to her Western Pennsylvania district in spite of Republican chaos.

Lee said, """"Despite Republicans' disfunction, we haven't stopped fighting even for a second and are proud to have delivered nearly $1 billion in federal investments for infrastructure, including $50 million for affordable housing in the historically divested Hill district, and millions more for STEM innovation, clean air, and good paying jobs–because the people of Western PA and across the country deserve leaders in Congress who've lived their struggles and work as hard as they do.""

You can watch her full remarks here.

Full remarks below:

""Madam/Mr. Speaker

""I stand here today because we are just one month from another government shutdown and Congressional Republicans have demonstrated, once again, that they're more concerned about satisfying their right-wing base than actually addressing any of the problems their constituents' face.

""But that hasn't stopped us from delivering for our district. I'm here because the everyday working-class people of Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties came together to say everybody should have a livable wage, clean air and water, affordable housing, decent transportation, and health care. The people I represent resoundingly rejected the status quo and decades of corporations leaving us behind and polluting our communities with no accountability. They demanded political representation that will actually try to solve the problems we face and not play political games with their lives.

""Our movement's detractors, including many in Congress, will try to make you believe that people from working-class backgrounds representing working-class districts, are too consumed by fighting ""national political battles"" and don't do enough to deliver to their districts. Let's be clear: key priorities of the Biden Administration like the Inflation Reduction Act would not have happened without progressives here, fighting tooth and nail to ensure that our communities had what they needed to thrive.

""Despite Republicans' disfunction, we haven't stopped fighting even for a second and are proud to have delivered nearly $1 billion in federal investments for infrastructure, including $50 million for affordable housing in the historically divested Hill district, and millions more for STEM innovation, clean air, and good paying jobs–because the people of Western PA and across the country deserve leaders in Congress who've lived their struggles and work as hard as they do. Whether it was delivering $400 million from the Department of Energy clean financing program to fund EOS, a battery storage manufacturer that will employ thousands of workers in PA-12, or the over $150 million to improve transit in Pittsburgh, our movement in Pennsylvania is delivering on priorities that won't just improve our communities, but the lives of people across the country. We're demonstrating the power we can recognize when communities that have been left behind elect leaders that have actually gone through what they have.

""Throughout history and particularly over the past four decades, working-class people, disproportionately Black and brown, have been told that our priorities are too radical, our needs too unrealistic, and that our lives are expendable. Our movement stands in direct contrast to that–standing up to monied interests and fighting for our communities to be healthier, stronger, and more resilient. The wins we've secured that I've talked about today represent just a small part of what our movement has done while in office, and you can be sure we're not done yet.

""On the other side, Republicans are demonstrating that they are fundamentally unserious when it comes to addressing the problems that their constituents face. Now, Republicans are fighting battles so they can reconcile their internal struggle between satisfying their right-wing cable-news culture warriors, and their ultra-wealthy corporate donors. They are an embarrassment, and their constituents will remember.

Since taking office in January, Lee, who serves on the House Oversight Committee and Space, Science and Technology Committee, has delivered historic levels of federal investment totaling over $870 million brought back to Western PA, including over $200 million for infrastructure, over $50 million for affordable transit, and over $500 million to keep clean energy manufacturing at home in Pennsylvania. These investments will help improve Western Pennsylvania's infrastructure and transit, ensure cleaner air and drinking water, lower housing costs, fund research institutions, fuel clean manufacturing, fund STEM innovation and entrepreneurship, boost workforce development, and create thousands of good paying union jobs. Lee and her team have also delivered casework and constituent services to over 1,380 constituents with issues ranging from helping our seniors and disabled community access Medicare and social security to helping folks secure housing and helping families with immigration support and passports.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-secures-key-wins-for-pennsylvania-in-defense-bill/,Fetterman Secures Key Wins for Pennsylvania in Defense Bill,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the United States Senate passed the Senate-led, bipartisan Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act. U.S. Senator John Fetterman worked to ensure the bill included key wins for Pennsylvania.

“I was proud to vote for this year’s National Defense Authorization Act months ago and see it pass the Senate with strong bipartisan support, and I was proud to support the bill again today,” said Senator Fetterman. “Pennsylvania’s military installations and defense industry continue to play a key role in supporting allies like Taiwan, Ukraine, and Israel against attacks on democracy abroad. By working with my colleagues here in Washington, I made sure that we were able to support vital jobs in Pennsylvania, increase pay for our servicemembers, and protect our economic and security interests from our adversaries. I’m also proud that this bill is free of any changes to the Pentagon’s policies that allow women to get the reproductive health care they need. I strongly urge my colleagues in the House to pass this bill so that President Biden can sign it into law.”

Senator Fetterman championed the inclusion of nearly $300M in funding for Pennsylvania military installations, secured key funding to modernize and sustain the Pennsylvania-based defense workforce, and supported funding for critical Pennsylvania National Guard programs.

Senator Fetterman also supported critical research initiatives at Pennsylvania’s colleges, universities, and research institutions, as well as investments in our National Guard’s efforts to stem the tide of deadly drugs across our borders and into Pennsylvania’s communities.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:56:20Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-deluzio-calls-president-biden-support-blue-hydrogen-and-union-jobs-western,Rep. Deluzio Calls on President Biden to Support Blue Hydrogen and Union Jobs in Western PA in Inflation Reduction Act Rulemaking,2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Tuesday, Congressman Deluzio (D-PA-17) wrote a letter to President Joe Biden calling for the President and his Administration to reconsider restrictions that could hinder job-creating and carbon-neutral hydrogen projects. Thanks to funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the Biden Administration is investing $7 billion in Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs, one of which includes parts of Rep. Deluzio’s district in Western Pennsylvania. In the current agency rulemaking, the Treasury Department is finalizing its eligibility rules for hydrogen power projects seeking the IRA’s 45V Clean Hydrogen Production Tax Credit and is considering restrictions on the types of hydrogen power that can be eligible for this industry-boosting tax credit.

Blue Hydrogen, which uses natural gas in the electrolysis process of making hydrogen, but then captures and sequesters any carbon dioxide emissions underground, is carbon neutral. This type of energy is the one targeted for many nascent hydrogen power projects in Western Pennsylvania.

While Congressman Deluzio applauds and appreciates the Biden Administration’s work to incentivize alternative fuel sources to propel the nation and economy into a cleaner future, in his letter he raises concerns to President Biden that rigid restrictions on Blue Hydrogen could result in unintended consequences and squash job-creation—especially in Pennsylvania's 17th Congressional District.

Congressman Deluzio writes to the President:

“Regions like Southwestern Pennsylvania have been the foundation of our nation’s energy economy for over a century, and we intend to keep it that way. I remain eager to work with your administration on behalf of my region and for the good of the country.

“I urge you to consider places like my region, and the solid union jobs that power them, before finalizing any rules that would unnecessarily exclude viable carbon neutral energy projects. I stand ready to assist your administration in any way that I can to this end and appreciate your attention to this matter.

The full text of the letter is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2023/12/fitzpatrick-statement-on-impeachment-inquiry,Fitzpatrick Statement on Impeachment Inquiry,2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,PA,Brian K. Fitzpatrick,F000466,fitzpatrick.house.gov,fitzpatrick,https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) issued the following statement following a vote on an impeachment inquiry procedural resolution:

As I stated back in 2019, ‘second only to declaring war, impeaching a President and overturning the results of an election is the most significant action that Congress can take. Impeachment is a constitutional nuclear option of last resort. Historical precedent demands that this only occurs in the most extreme of circumstances, and should happen only after a formal law enforcement investigation where independent, non-partisan factual findings of criminal activity are presented to Congress. As a former FBI Supervisory Special Agent and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, any legitimate investigation must be completely nonpartisan, must be 360 degrees in its scope, must leave no stone unturned, must not prejudge the outcome, must follow the facts wherever they lead and must report those facts with unimpeachable integrity.’

Let me be clear: today’s inquiry resolution only authorizes the Oversight, Ways and Means, and Judiciary committees to continue their already existing investigation, and allows them to fully enforce currently outstanding, congressionally-issued subpoenas. It does not contain any articles of impeachment.

Why is this step necessary? The White House, in a November 17, 2023 letter to Congress where they refused to comply with congressional subpoenas and interview requests, justified their failure to cooperate by stating that “…the Constitution requires that the full House authorize an impeachment inquiry before a committee may utilize compulsory process pursuant to the impeachment power…”. So, in other words, this White House response has forced us to hold this vote before they are willing to cooperate with congressionally-authorized subpoenas and allow for full transparency and a determination of all the facts.

The American people deserve complete transparency and an indisputable evidentiary record. Moreover, the House must have all of the facts before deciding whether or not to proceed with this matter any further. Until we have all of the facts, no one should prejudge or pursue any predetermined outcome based on partisan politics. I certainly will not.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3697,Houlahan Sends Letter to DOJ on Accountability for War Crimes Committed Against Americans,2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland regarding accountability for war crimes committed against Americans.

Read the letter here or below.

December 13, 2023

The Honorable Merrick Garland

Attorney General

U.S. Department of Justice

950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20530

Dear Attorney General Garland,

There is no shortage of suffering in the world today. From Ukraine to Israel to Sudan, just the last several years have shown some of the most brutal and hateful sides of humanity, and we have witnessed widespread violations of international humanitarian law and the commission of war crimes. I know you take these violations as seriously as I do and will do everything in your capacity to see perpetrators held accountable for these crimes, particularly where they involve American citizens.

As such, I write today to thank you for your announcement on December 6 that the Department of Justice has filed charges against four individuals affiliated with the Russian military for torturing an American citizen during Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. I was also pleased to learn that the Department is using the same war crimes statute to investigate the kidnappings and murders of Americans by Hamas during their reprehensible October 7th attack on Israel. Russia and Hamas must be held accountable for their brutality.

While I understand that the statute under which these charges and investigation were initiated has been U.S. law for 30 years, my understanding is that this is the first time that charges have been filed under its authority. In fact, it was the first time I had heard of this statute, and your announcement prompted some questions that I hope you’ll be able to answer for me:

• How many such investigations have been initiated and documented under the War Crimes Act of 1996 since it became part of United States Code?

• What is the average length of time from open to close that these investigations have taken?

• At what point is the American public informed that an investigation is ongoing and the general nature of the investigation?

• Can you confirm that the announcement of December 6, 2023, regarding crimes committed by members of the Russian military, is indeed the first time that charges have been filed under this statute?

• Can you confirm that the War Crimes statute is applicable to only American nationals, including dual citizens?

• Is the Department of Justice currently conducting any investigations into possible crimes committed by the Israeli Defense Forces against American or Palestinian-American citizens?

I am heartened to both learn about the War Crimes statute and to see it being used as originally intended – to hold accountable those who commit the most heinous crimes against American citizens; the application of this statute must be done without prejudice.

I look forward to your prompt response to my questions.

Sincerely,

Chrissy Houlahan

Member of Congress

CC: The Honorable Christopher Wray, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z
https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3705,"Senate, House combine bipartisan efforts to advance paid leave",2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"Originally published in the Washington Post

A bipartisan group of senators and House members on Wednesday debuted a rare joint effort to advance paid leave legislation.

The development is substantive — it is designed to help lawmakers write legislation that can pass both chambers — but it is also symbolic, an effort to show public momentum on the issue. The United States is one of the few countries that does not offer a paid parental leave program for new mothers. A growing number of nations are also now offering paid leave for new fathers, leaving the United States far behind most countries around the world. The group of lawmakers is requesting input from about three dozen advocacy, business and interest groups about what paid leave policies would be effective, necessary and fiscally possible.

“Our goal is to get something started,” said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), who is leading the bipartisan Senate group. “I feel good if we can get something that’s real paid leave started for a certain number of Americans who would never have access.”

Gillibrand spoke about the effort in an interview on Tuesday, the 10th anniversary of the introduction of the Family Act, the Democrats’ gold-standard paid leave bill that would guarantee paid leave for all workers after the birth of a child and also when dealing with serious medical issues. Gillibrand, who launched a presidential campaign in 2020 in part on the issue of paid leave, said the time seems ripe for movement on an issue that has befuddled Congress since the unpaid Family and Medical Leave Act was signed into law more than 30 years ago. FMLA protects some workers’ jobs but does not replace their salary while on leave.

A majority of people have consistently indicated support for paid family and medical leave in polling since at least 2008. Still, Congress has failed to act.

Some lawmakers working on the issue say the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade has made the need more urgent because it is more difficult in many places for a woman to terminate a pregnancy. They also point to the coronavirus pandemic, which unearthed the need for greater access and cost-effective caregiving options for newborns, sick family members and the elderly.

Sen. Bill Cassidy (La.), the lead Republican negotiator in the group, said Republicans have become more open to federal paid leave policies because “societies change” and the need is apparent.

The number of mothers working outside the home either full or part time has increased 50 percent over the past half-century. Single-parent households and families living far from extended family have also increased. The costs of child care continue to rise, and the responsibility of family members taking care of elderly loved ones is also increasing.

“We’re showing that there is enthusiasm, passion and interest in this across the political spectrum,” Cassidy said. “That’s a good thing.”

Some states have already taken up the mantle of paid leave. Thirteen states and the District of Columbia have some sort of paid leave program, according to AARP. Members of Congress say federal legislation is still absolutely necessary.

Federal workers gained paid family leave in 2020, giving more than 2 million people access to paid leave as long as the employee has worked for the government for 12 months. Another minor victory for advocates is set to pass this week in the annual defense policy bill that will allow military service to be counted toward that work requirement.

Gillibrand and Cassidy have been working with Democratic Sens. Robert P. Casey Jr. (Pa.) and Maggie Hassan (N.H.), independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (Ariz.), and Republican Sens. Todd C. Young (Ind.), Thom Tillis (N.C.) and Cynthia M. Lummis (Wyo.) — an ideologically diverse group that give any such talks heft.

Lummis, a conservative, libertarian-leaning Republican who rarely participates in bipartisan groups, said that she joined the paid leave group because Cassidy, a doctor, “convinced” her that parental bonding with young infants is “transformative” for infants. “Bill has convinced me that we should find a Republican style responses because this is an important thing for the future,” she said.

The senators have teamed up with a bipartisan working group in the House — the first of its kind — that has been working on paid leave since its inception one year ago. Led by Reps. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.) and Stephanie I. Bice (R-Okla.), the House group has held a half-dozen listening sessions and detailed its findings in a new report. It is working to release a legislative framework in the next few weeks.

“Support for paid family leave is at historic levels across the nation and across both chambers of Congress. It is that momentum that helped lead us here today,” Houlahan said in a statement.

The Senate group has been working throughout the year on a potential framework for legislation and zeroing in on areas where they can agree. It seems clear, participants say, that the lowest-income people are expected to be a priority, and legislation would probably include coverage for all aspects of care, including caring for new children, adult children with special needs and elderly parents, for example. The biggest challenge will be how to fund the program. Republicans tend to like tax credits or incentives, and Democrats generally prefer a government-funded program.

The bicameral group is asking a host of entities, ranging from unions, care advocacy groups, business groups and think tanks, to suggest ideas on how the program should be funded, the suggested scope and the role of the federal government. Requests for responses are due Jan. 31, and Gillibrand hopes to have an agreed upon framework in the following weeks.

“This seems to be something that can be bipartisan now,” Gillibrand said.

Despite the optimism, finding consensus on legislation that could pass a Democratic-led Senate and a Republican-led House will be far from easy. Many Republicans are still opposed to a federally led program, and some on the left might think a compromise bill won’t go far enough.

Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro (D-Conn.), who began working on paid leave legislation in 2010 and is the author of the Family Act, said she worries that any bipartisan effort would not meet the need.

“I will not endorse anything that is a compromise of paid family and medical leave in any way,” she said.",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z
https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyces-5g-sale-act-passes-house,Dr. Joyce’s 5G SALE Act Passes House,2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,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) announced that the 5G SALE Act passed out of the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously. The bill will now go to the White House for President Biden’s signature.

The 5G Spectrum Authority Licensing Enforcement (5G SALE) Act would require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to release previously auctioned bands of the electromagnetic spectrum to expand access to 5G broadband to rural communities.

“Government red tape should never stand in the way of bringing high-speed internet to our rural communities,” said Congressman Joyce. “As we look to provide resources for remote work, remote learning, and telehealth care for patients, the 5G SALE Act will be a vital tool for deploying fast and reliable internet access. I’m proud to see this legislation pass unanimously and I look forward to seeing it signed into law.”

Background:

The FCC sold approximately 8,000 licenses to grant internet providers access to America’s broadband spectrum. These licenses are the only way companies can legally use the radio waves that bring 5G internet to customers.

During the period between when providers paid for these licenses and when the FCC should have parceled the licenses out, there was a lapse in the FCC’s ability to authorize the use of these radio waves. Now, despite internet providers having fully purchased the frequencies necessary to deliver 5G internet, the FCC has stated they are unable to issue these licenses.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases/reschenthaler-statement-on-impeachment-inquiry-authorization-into-president-biden,Reschenthaler Statement on Impeachment Inquiry Authorization into President Biden,2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,PA,Guy Reschenthaler,R000610,reschenthaler.house.gov,reschenthaler,https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chief Deputy Whip Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA) released the following statement after the House passed H. Res. 918, authorizing an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden.

“This Congress, House Republicans have uncovered a mountain of evidence implicating President Joe Biden in his family’s influence-peddling schemes. But time and time again, the president’s son and his administration officials have defied subpoenas and refused to meet with House investigators regarding these damning allegations.

Let’s be clear: Having a famous last name does not make you immune from following the law.

By stonewalling and slow-walking this process, the president, his family, and his allies have done a grave disservice to our nation – obstructing Congress’ oversight duty and blocking witness testimonies.

That ends today with the formalization of an impeachment inquiry.

The American people are owed accountability from their government, and House Republicans are committed to following the facts – wherever they may lead. This official inquiry will empower the House’s relevant committees to investigate these allegations free from Biden Administration obstruction.

Through this House resolution, the truth will be found, and Americans will be given the answers they deserve.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-approves-whole-milk-healthy-kids-act,House Approves Whole Milk For Healthy Kids Act,2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,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 today, along with 329 of his colleagues, voted in favor of H.R. 1147, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. This legislation, which passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support, will restore the option of whole milk in school nutrition programs.

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2023 ensures that students receive the many health benefits and nutrients milk provides to young Americans, including better bone health, lower blood pressure, and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease or Type 2 diabetes. According to the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans, milk is a source of three-out-of-four under-consumed nutrients – calcium, potassium, and vitamin D. No other beverage naturally comes close to this level of nutritional value.

""Milk is an essential building block for a well-rounded and balanced diet, offering 13 essential nutrients and numerous health benefits. However, out-of-touch and outdated federal regulations have imposed restrictions on the types of milk students have access to in school meals,” Rep. Thompson said. “I am pleased to see my bipartisan Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act pass out of the United States House of Representatives, and I ultimately look forward to restoring access to these nutritious beverages in schools across the country.""

“As a pediatrician, I have spent my career dedicated to the well-being of children and I know how important adequate nutrition is for growing kids,” Rep. Kim Schrier, M.D. said. “A healthy diet early in life leads to proper physical growth, improved academic performance, and a strong foundation for healthy eating habits as an adult. Milk, which provides essential calcium, phosphorous, and vitamin D, is an essential part of that diet. Whole milk is a filling, nutritious option that will help ensure that our children are well-fed and healthy.”

“NMPF applauds Representatives Glenn “GT” Thompson and Kim Schrier for their leadership in increasing students’ access to crucial nutrition with their Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. This bipartisan measure helps address kids’ underconsumption of the vital nutrients milk provides. This bill allows schools to offer students healthful milk options that they are more likely to choose to drink by expanding the milk options schools can choose to serve to also include the most popular and also nutritious reduced fat and whole milk varieties. NMPF thanks Representatives Thompson and Schrier for spearheading this bipartisan, commonsense, widely supported solution to address students’ nutrition insecurity across the U.S.” – Jim Mulhern, President and CEO of National Milk Producers Federation

“IDFA applauds the strong bipartisan passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act by the U.S. House of Representatives. This bill would allow schools to once again provide children with a wide variety of milk options that they will drink and that meet their individual needs—whether that be whole and 2%, low-fat milks, or lactose-free milks. Whole milk and reduced-fat milks alike provide children with 13 essential nutrients for growth, development, healthy immune function, and overall wellness. A wide majority of parents and medical and nutrition professionals know that offering these options increases school meal participation, reduces food waste, and provides nutritionally valuable school meals for children and adolescents. IDFA is grateful to Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson, Rep. Kim Schrier, and the many other lawmakers who for years have championed this effort to reinstate the full suite nutritious milk options in school meals. We strongly urge the Senate to pass this legislation.” – Michael Dykes, D.V.M., President and CEO, International Dairy Foods Association

“Milk is an important building block for America’s children. Unfortunately, whole and 2% milk aren’t allowed in school lunch programs, limiting access to protein, calcium and vitamins at important times in children’s development. AFBF appreciates Rep. GT Thompson for his leadership on the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2023, which will ensure schools can include all milk options to students.”– Zippy Duvall, President American Farm Bureau Federation

“Pennsylvania Farm Bureau members have waited for over a decade to see progress made on getting whole and two percent milk back in schools. Today, the House had a historic vote for the dairy industry by passing H.R.1147, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2023. Of course, our dairy farmers are going to see benefits of this legislation, but America’s students and families are also beneficiaries. School meals provide nutritional equity and food security. Low-income families who already are struggling to put dinner on the table, cannot afford to purchase the most expensive type of milk. However, medical research and pediatricians have attested that our children need the 21 essential minerals and 13 vitamins necessary for healthy development. We look forward to restoring nutritious beverage options in schools, growing the current pool of fluid milk consumers, and making the dairy industry more profitable for years to come.” – Chris Hoffman, President Pennsylvania Farm Bureau

“Today is a win for the kids, for the people, for the farmers. Whole milk choice in schools is clearly an improvement for our nation’s future leaders. House passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act is a milestone we have worked for over the past decade since the federal government exiled whole milk, a nutritionally superior beverage choice, from school cafeterias based on outdated science. Over this time, we have seen school milk consumption decrease while volumes of discarded milk have increased along with the overweight and obesity trends in school-aged children. When students are able to choose milk they will love, they are then able to truly benefit from milk’s 13 essential nutrients and unique matrix for health. We can’t thank Chairman G.T. Thompson enough for his dedication in championing the idea that schools should be free to offer, and parents and children should be free to choose whole milk at school meals. In our educational outreach, we hear from school personnel, parents, and students, who are excited to be one step closer to nourishing growing minds and bodies with the nutritious and delicious option of whole milk.” – Bernie Morrissey, Chairman of the Grassroots Pennsylvania Dairy Advisory Committee and G.N. Hursh, Chairman of 97 Milk

""I'm delighted to see this change, which is backed by the most rigorous science showing that regular dairy is the healthiest for growing children. This law is a rare instance in nutrition where good science has triumphed over special interests."" – Nina Teicholz, Founder of The Nutrition Coalition

“We are pleased to see the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act gain passage in the House of Representatives. As farmers, we produce a wholesome product that our nation's children should be able to choose. We thank Rep. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson for his diligence toward the goal of students having the freedom to choose whole milk at school and making it possible for schools to offer this nutritional choice without the fear of losing federal meal and education dollars. Scientific evidence supports fuller fat milk and dairy as an excellent source of vital nutrients and other health benefits. While the natural milkfat aids absorption of key vitamins, it also brings flavor to the table so students can enjoy and benefit from all that milk has to offer them.” – Walt Moore, Chairman of American Dairy Coalition

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2023/12/fitzpatrick-bill-approved-in-house-passed-lower-costs-more-transparency-act,"Fitzpatrick Bill Approved in House-Passed Lower Costs, More Transparency Act",2023-12-12,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,PA,Brian K. Fitzpatrick,F000466,fitzpatrick.house.gov,fitzpatrick,https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – A bipartisan bill put forth by Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03), the Health Insurance Price Transparency Act, was included as part of the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act that passed the House on Monday with resounding bipartisan support.

""Every American has the right to know the true cost of their healthcare services before seeing a bill,"" said Congressman Fitzpatrick. ""My Health Insurance Price Transparency Act protects patients by demanding transparency and ensuring that important information about treatment options is readily available. I am thrilled to see this legislation included in our larger package, the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act, which passed with bipartisan support. I thank Chairman Smith, Chairwoman Foxx, and Chairwoman Rodgers for their support.""

“With the House’s passage of this critical legislation this week, we are one step closer to making health care costs more transparent and easier to understand, so Americans can make the best decision for themselves and their family,” said Congresswoman Lee. “Common-sense, bipartisan solutions like these must be the priority here in Congress. I’m proud to partner with Congressman Fitzpatrick in that pursuit.”

“Millions of American families have struggled for far too long to afford the cost of their health care. What’s worse is they have been unable to anticipate those costs because our current system has left too many Americans at the mercy of nontransparent pricing on treatments, medicines, and procedures,"" said Chairman Smith. ""By requiring nearly every corner of our health system to publicly disclose their prices, the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act will empower patients and create incentives to lower prices across the board. Americans will no longer be left in the dark, struggling to understand the true price of their health care.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2023/12/fitzpatrick-gluesenkamp-perez-introduce-the-fair-wage-act,"Fitzpatrick, Gluesenkamp Perez Introduce the Fair Wage Act",2023-12-12,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,PA,Brian K. Fitzpatrick,F000466,fitzpatrick.house.gov,fitzpatrick,https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) introduced the bipartisan Fair Wage Act to index the federal minimum wage to a regional cost-of-living standard. This holistic legislation also adjusts cash wages of tipped employees and the wages for newly hired employees under the age of 18, such as high school students employed for a summer job.

“Our nation’s workers deserve a fair wage that accounts for varying, regional cost-of-living rates,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “While others pursue partisan and unrealistic measures to address the broken minimum wage standard, I am proud to introduce the bipartisan Fair Wage Act with Congresswoman Gluesenkamp Perez. Our legislation recognizes that the federal minimum wage in my home of Levittown has a disparate impact than it does in Los Angeles or Little Rock. We must ensure that when it comes to the minimum wage, Americans can rely on being compensated appropriately based on where they work, live, raise their families, and pay taxes.”

“As working families feel the pain of rising costs, it’s becoming harder to make ends meet by working a full-time job. Wages just aren’t keeping pace with inflation in some communities. My husband and I own an auto repair and machine shop, and we know without living wages people exit the trades early in their career. It’s essential that jobs in the trades remain a pathway to the middle class,” said Congresswoman Gluesenkamp Perez. “I’m grateful for Congressman Fitzpatrick’s partnership on this bipartisan solution to make sure the minimum wage reflects economic realities on the ground across Southwest Washington. By taking a dynamic and regional approach that accounts for the cost of living, the Fair Wage Act will help ensure the minimum wage is tailored to families’ needs.”

Read the text of the bill HERE.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3689,Houlahan’s Paid Family Leave Expansion Included in Final Defense Bill,2023-12-12,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Don Beyer (D-VA), and Don Bacon (R-NE) announced that their amendment to expand access to paid family leave for veterans in the federal workforce was adopted in the Conference Report for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Houlahan, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, led the effort. The amendment credits military service towards eligibility for paid family and medical leave for those transitioning to a civilian job in the federal government. The bipartisan effort was also supported by Reps. Nancy Mace (R-SC) and Chris Smith (R-NJ).

""I can’t underscore enough how far federal paid family leave has come in the past few years,” said Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA). “In FY20, I secured 12 weeks of paid parental leave for federal workers; in FY23, I also secured 12 weeks for our service members. But even as we saw historic progress, a gap remained for our service members transitioning to a job in the federal government. By crediting time in uniform towards paid parental leave for the federal government, we will help retain the best and brightest America has to offer. I am grateful for the steadfast partnership of Rep. Beyer as we strengthen our workforce and, in turn, our national security. I look forward to seeing this policy signed into law in the coming weeks.""

“Every American worker deserves access to family and medical leave, and the provision we secured in the NDAA will recognize time in military service like time in the federal civil service,” said Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA). “Passage of this measure will be a big win for my constituents, many of whom are federal workers. But federal employees work all across the United States, and a huge number of them served their country in uniform, so the benefit of this much-needed change to law will be felt all over the country. I am grateful to my colleagues in both chambers for their support for this legislation, and in particular to Reps. Chrissy Houlahan, Don Bacon, Nancy Mace, and Chris Smith for their leadership.”

“Providing family medical leave benefits to federal employees is one of Congress’ more significant legislative accomplishments over the past several years,” said Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE). “I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with Congressman Beyer supporting veterans who choose to enter the federal work force by crediting their past military service toward their family and medical leave eligibility requirements. I’m pleased this provision was included in the final conference agreement and look forward to it becoming law before the end of the year.”

Background

Currently, military personnel who transition to a civilian job in the federal government are not eligible for paid family or medical leave policies until they’ve worked for 12 months in their new civilian role. In order to help recruit and retain the best workforce America has to offer, this new policy would credit military personnel’s service in uniform towards the 12 months eligibility requirement.

ICYMI: The New York Times wrote about Houlahan’s legislation to provide 12 weeks of paid parental leave for military personnel, which went into effect earlier this year.

Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator, and a nonprofit leader. She represents Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. She is the recipient of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award which “recognizes members who demonstrate the bipartisan leadership and constructive governing necessary to move our country forward” and the Congressional Management Foundation’s 2022 Democracy Award for best Constituent Services in Congress.

###",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z
https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3709,Defense bill would expand leave for veterans joining federal workforce,2023-12-12,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"Originally Published in Federal Times

Lawmakers are looking to expand access to leave benefits for service members who transition to the federal workforce in the 2024 defense bill.

The latest version of the National Defense Authorization Act, which is expected to pass through the House and Senate this week, includes a provision that would recognize previous military service in calculating family and medical leave for veterans working in the federal government.

“By crediting time in uniform towards paid parental leave for the federal government, we will help retain the best and brightest America has to offer,” said Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., in a statement Tuesday. Lawmakers have said family-friendly policies help ensure the public sector has competitive benefits to attract and retain employees amid workforce shortages in cyber and HR.

Other supporters of the policy include Reps. Don Beyer, D-Va., Don Bacon, R-Neb., Nancy Mace, R-S.C., and Chris Smith, R-N.J.

With the defense bill teed up for passage in Congress, President Joe Biden has signaled he will sign the measure into law later this month. If it clears both steps with the provision, a federal employee with at least a year of active military service will have met requirements for the Family and Medical Leave Act.

The FMLA, which passed in 1993, provides up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave without pay for the birth, adoption or foster of a child, a serious health condition or caregiver leave. Health insurance coverage is also retained during that time. To access that benefit, federal workers have to be in their position for at least a year.

Previously, service members were not eligible to credit their prior military time for FMLA if they had transitioned to the government. However, active duty service by members of the National Guard or Reserves is counted.

Federal agencies employ more than half a million veterans, which is to say about one in every four civil servants has prior or existing military experience, according to the government’s HR agency. In a memo to agency leaders in February, the Biden administration urged the creation and support of policies that would grant leave during employees’ first year of work, when they may not yet have accrued enough time to be eligible for other benefits.

“Every American worker deserves access to family and medical leave, and the provision we secured in the NDAA will recognize time in military service like time in the federal civil service,” said Rep. Beyer in a statement.",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z
https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-top-house-committees-celebrate-passage-bipartisan-bill-lower-health-care,"Kelly, Top House Committees Celebrate Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Lower Health Care Costs and Increase Transparency",2023-12-12,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,kelly,https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Monday, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), a member of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Health, joined the House of Representatives to pass landmark bipartisan legislation to lower the cost of health care and increase price transparency for patients. Led by House Ways and Means Committee Chair Jason Smith (R-MO), House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), and House Education and the Workforce Committee Chair Virginia Foxx (R-NC), H.R. 5378, the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act, will lower health care costs by increasing transparency in the health care market.

""The Lower Costs, More Transparency Act is critical legislation that will help patients navigate the increasingly complex and expensive health care system,"" said Rep. Kelly. ""Over the last year, I've worked with Chairman Smith and my Ways and Means colleagues to advance important and life-saving health care legislation that will improve patient care and patient outcomes. Additionally, by reforming Medicare payment programs, we aim to save seniors millions on their medications. This bipartisan bill is a major victory for Americans who are seeking easier and more affordable access to health care.""

“Millions of American families have struggled for far too long to afford the cost of their health care. What’s worse is they have been unable to anticipate those costs because our current system has left too many Americans at the mercy of nontransparent pricing on treatments, medicines, and procedures. By requiring nearly every corner of our health system to publicly disclose their prices, the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act will empower patients and create incentives to lower prices across the board. Americans will no longer be left in the dark, struggling to understand the true price of their health care,” said Chair Smith.

“This bipartisan legislation delivers on our commitment to lowering health care costs and providing increased transparency for patients—something 95 percent of Americans support. It helps Americans save money on out-of-pocket expenses and seniors save millions on medicines through important Medicare payment reforms. I thank my colleagues for their hard work and support of the legislation and urge the Senate to consider it without delay,” said Chair Rodgers.

“The Lower Costs, More Transparency Act does exactly what it says it does—it delivers lower health care costs for the American people and brings much-needed transparency to our nation’s complex health care system. This bipartisan bill is a victory for everyone who has ever struggled to navigate and understand the cost of a health care procedure or a prescription drug. I’m also pleased it will help make health care more accessible to American families by investing in Community Health Centers and programs to address the physician shortages across the nation,” said Ranking Member Pallone.

“The Lower Costs, More Transparency Act is all about empowering patients and their families. Every patient should be able to navigate the health care market with ease. This bill makes that vision a reality by building on the success of the Trump administration’s price transparency rules for plans and hospitals, making PBM activities more transparent, and ensuring employers have the information they need to make smart choices on behalf of their employees. I thank my colleagues on the Committees on Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce for working with us to develop a bill that is an enormous step forward to improving the American health care system,” said Chair Virginia Foxx.

How the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act helps patients:

Increases Price Transparency Throughout the Health Care System for Patients

Empowers patients and employers to shop for health care and make informed health care decisions by providing timely and accurate information about the cost of care, treatment, and services

Makes health care price information public by ensuring hospitals, insurance companies, labs, imaging providers, and ambulatory surgical centers publicly list the prices they charge patients

Lowers costs for patients and employers by requiring health insurers and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to disclose negotiated drug rebates and discounts

Addresses the Cost of Prescription Drugs

Lowers out-of-pocket costs for seniors who receive medication at a hospital-owned outpatient facility

Expands access to more affordable generic drugs

Equips employer health plans with the drug price information they need to get the best deal possible for their employees

Supports Patients, Health Care Workers, Community Health Centers, and Hospitals

Fully pays for expiring programs that strengthen the health care system by:

Supporting Community Health Centers, which are crucial for patients in rural and underserved areas

Supporting training programs for new doctors in communities

Preserving Medicaid for hospitals that take care of uninsured and low-income patients

Extending funding for research to find better treatments and a cure for diabetes, which affects more than 37 million Americans",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/smucker-workforce-priorities-advance-committee,Smucker Workforce Priorities Advance in Committee,2023-12-12,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,PA,Lloyd Smucker,S001199,smucker.house.gov,smucker,https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington – Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) voted in favor of advancing H.R. 6655, A Stronger Workforce for America Act, during a meeting of the House Education and the Workforce Committee. The legislation was reported favorably with a 44-1 bipartisan vote.

Rep. Smucker’s legislation to codify the Reentry Program, which provides grants to organizations that promote and assist in the reentry of justice-involved individuals into the workforce, was included in the underlying text of H.R. 6655. Additionally, the Building Youth Workforce Skills Act Smucker introduced with Rep. Nathaniel Moran (TX-1), to expand federal workforce program offerings to school-aged children for additional career pathways to success, was advanced in H.R. 6655.

The bipartisan A Stronger Workforce for America Act, introduced by Chairwoman Rep. Virginia Foxx (NC-5) and Ranking Member Rep. Bobby Scott (VA-3), also addresses a key concern about how bureaucratic program requirements are blocking PA-11 institutions from participating in federal workforce programs offered through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

Click here to watch Rep. Smucker’s remarks from today’s committee hearing.

Below are Smucker’s remarks on H.R. 6655, A Stronger Workforce for America Act, as prepared for delivery:

“I am pleased that we are considering this legislation today which takes huge strides towards improving our nation’s workforce development programs, also called WIOA programs, at a time when industries are crying out for more workers.

One provision of this bill that is particularly important to my constituents is a measure that streamlines the “eligible training provider list,” or ETPL, which training providers must apply for in order to access the WIOA system.

Businesses in my district have told me that the process of applying to the ETPL is burdensome and time-consuming, and in the end they simply don’t have the bandwidth to apply and have to decline to participate in WIOA.

By reducing red tape and simplifying procedures, this bill will ensure that high-quality programs will be able to access the ETPL and use WIOA dollars for their programs that meet strong employment outcomes.

I am also glad that significant portions of my bipartisan bill to codify the Reentry Program were included in the text of this legislation.

The Reentry Program provides grants to promote and assist those exiting the justice system as they seek a job and re-enter our communities.

The bill we are considering would implement rigorous performance metrics on eligible workforce development programs, including faith-based organizations, local workforce development boards, and others to ensure that the individuals they assist are obtaining stable employment and incentivized not to re-offend.

My provisions are not creating a new program but, rather, are reasserting congressional oversight over the Reentry Program that has existed outside of statute. In this way, our body will be able to enforce outcomes metrics and help build a stable workforce pipeline for those exiting the justice system.

Finally, the bill we are considering today includes a piece of legislation that I was honored to co-lead with my friend from Texas, Congressman Moran, and extends eligibility for Individualized Training Accounts, or ITAs, to in-school youth.

More and more young people are realizing that there are education options besides a traditional four-year university and they want to enter the workforce on a faster timeline.

If they are otherwise eligible for WIOA programs, young people that are still in school should have access to ITAs that allow them to receive workforce development training and take steps towards their future career in in-demand industries.

To conclude, A Stronger Workforce for America Act includes meaningful reforms that will make the WIOA system more impactful and develop a new generation of workers who can meet the needs of our communities.

I am proud to be a cosponsor of this bill and urge all my colleagues to vote yes.

Thank you, Madam Chairwoman, and I yield back.”

# # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2023/12/fitzpatrick-bonamici-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-boost-education-research,"Fitzpatrick, Bonamici Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Boost Education Research",2023-12-11,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,PA,Brian K. Fitzpatrick,F000466,fitzpatrick.house.gov,fitzpatrick,https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) introduced bipartisan legislation to accelerate innovation in teaching and learning by establishing a national center to promote informed-risk, high-reward education research.

The New Essential Education Discoveries (NEED) Act of 2023 would create a National Center for Advanced Development in Education (NCADE) with the purpose of developing and disseminating effective practices and tools to improve students’ academic performance and close longstanding achievement gaps. The NCADE would be the fifth center under the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) and follow a successful model similar to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).

“Congress has the responsibility to ensure that students across America have the resources available to reach their full potential,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “Our bipartisan NEED Act will create a national center dedicated to developing innovative tools based on data and technological advances to help close learning gaps, and I am proud to join Congresswoman Bonamici on this important legislation.”

“Investing in education research will support the development of literacy skills and other critical components of a well-rounded education, help students get back on track after the pandemic disrupted learning, and more,” said Congresswoman Bonamici. “The NEED Act will focus on innovative approaches and technologies in education and will improve implementation of education R&D. These critical investments are designed to strengthen teaching and learning to reach more students—particularly students who face the greatest opportunity gaps.”

“Everyone should have the information they need to make informed decisions about their own education and workforce pathways, support individuals navigating these pathways, and create policies that might help others navigate smoother pathways,” said Jennifer Bell-Ellwanger, president and CEO, Data Quality Campaign. “Data Quality Campaign applauds the efforts of Rep. Bonamici and Rep. Fitzpatrick to reimagine statewide longitudinal data systems as tools for providing better support, transparency, and high-quality data to individuals navigating their journeys through education and the workforce.”

""For years, our nation has asked our teachers to innovate in a classroom environment that continues shifting - teachers have stepped up to meet that challenge,"" said Kira Orange Jones, CEO of Teach Plus. ""It is essential we stand alongside teachers and students by creating the infrastructure to use new data and research to meet the demands of a 21st century education and the learning challenges American children face. The NEED Act will create an infrastructure that helps to innovate schools and better serve our students.""

The NEED Act would also update Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems (SLDS) and help states better track the progress and outcomes of students through K-12 and into the workforce.

The legislation is endorsed by: Advanced Education Research and Development Fund (AERDF); America Forward; American Educational Research Association; American Federation of Teachers; American Psychological Association Services; Association of Public Data Users (APDU); Beyond100K; CAST, Inc.; Coalition for Community Schools; Committee for Children; Common Sense Media; Data Quality Campaign; Digital Promise Global; EDGE Consulting Partners; Education Reform Now; Educators for Excellence; ExcelinEd in Action; Federation of American Scientists; Formation Ventures; Foundation for American Innovation; InnovateEDU; Institute for Educational Leadership; Knowledge Alliance; Kumar Garg; Schmidt Futures; LearningForge LLC; Lehigh University; Luminary Labs; National Alliance for Public Charter Schools; National Association of Secondary School Principals; National Center for Learning Disabilities; New Classrooms; New Leaders; North Dakota Department of Public Instruction; Results for America; SETDA; Teach Plus; The Education Trust; The Learning Agency; The Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD); The Tech Interactive; Thomas B. Fordham Institute; TNTP; and Transcend.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3688,NEW: House Bipartisan Paid Family Leave Working Group Highlights Fact-Finding Meetings in Year-End Report,2023-12-11,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, members of the bipartisan Paid Family Leave Working Group, co-chaired by Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Stephanie Bice (R-OK), released a new report summarizing their first year and six Member-level meetings to date. The summary comes in advance of a legislative framework the Working Group intends to complete and distribute in the coming weeks.

In the new report, the Paid Family Leave Working Group wrote: “In January 2023, we proudly launched the bipartisan Paid Family Leave Working Group in the House of Representatives - the first bipartisan working group of Members dedicated to this issue. The working group’s primary objective is to lead the development of bipartisan paid leave policies that will provide American workers, families, and businesses with the support they desperately need.

We began our work by developing a deep understanding of the problem, familiarizing ourselves with relevant stakeholders, and exploring all potential solutions. Over the past year, we conducted six member-level informational briefings which drew a diverse group of over 40 stakeholders for a thorough exploration of paid family leave policy.

We kicked off our briefings in February with a commemoration of the passage of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). We learned from key players involved in the FMLA’s passage about the process of enacting a sustainable policy that supports workers, families, and businesses. Over the subsequent seven months, we heard from state paid leave program administrators, representatives from private insurance companies offering paid family leave benefits, small business owners, representatives of large employers and trade associations, and advocates from caregiving communities. Each participant brought forth a unique and valuable perspective, enriching our understanding of the issue as we prepare to transition into shaping policy solutions in 2024.”

Read the new report here.

In addition to Co-Chairs Houlahan and Bice, the evenly divided House group includes Representatives Colin Allred (D-TX), Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (R-IA), Haley Stevens (D-MI), and Julia Letlow (R-LA).

ICYMI: On December 1, the Working Group sent a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson urging consideration of paid family leave legislation during the 118th Congress.

The House bipartisan Paid Family Leave Working Group was launched in January of 2023 to explore federal paid family leave policies. Supported by the Bipartisan Policy Center and other organizations, the working group’s mission is to bring more paid leave to more Americans through enduring policy solutions.",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z
https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3700,Maryland military facilities investigating groundwater for ‘forever chemicals’,2023-12-11,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"Originally published in The Daily Record

Maryland military facilities are in the early stages of remedial investigations into “forever chemicals” that jeopardize drinking water supplies in groundwater after a September report by the Department of Defense identified hundreds of military sites across the country as at risk for such chemicals.

The facilities include high-profile Joint Base Andrews, home to Air Force One, as well as Aberdeen Proving Ground, Fort Meade, Fort Detrick, Patuxent River Naval Air Station, and the Naval Research Laboratory-Chesapeake Bay Detachment in Calvert County.

The potential contamination involves chemicals known as per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, which are a family of thousands of chemicals used in firefighting foams, heat-resistant products, and many other items.

The Pentagon has been under fire for years from communities, environmental organizations, and Congress for failing to recognize the dangers of hazardous chemicals used in military operations and for being slow to clean up facilities.

The DOD has initiated remedial investigations at 275 Defense Department and National Guard sites for potential PFAS contamination, 245 of which, including 11 locations at 10 Maryland sites, are close to groundwater aquifers.

Some of these sites are part of aquifers that serve as primary or secondary drinking water sources.

Robin Broder, deputy director of Waterkeepers Chesapeake, said PFAS is a known issue around military bases and is more likely to become a human health issue by contaminating water and crops.

Military bases often use firefighting foam in emergencies and training exercises. Foam that still contains PFAS can seep into soil, evaporate into the air or run off into waterways.

PFAS run-off can also contaminate fish and harm people who eat the contaminated seafood.

In 2021, the Maryland Department of the Environment found elevated concentrations of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, or PFOS, a chemical in the PFAS family, in redbreast sunfish, yellow bullhead catfish, and largemouth bass in Piscataway Creek, a tributary of the Potomac River.

“Cleanup efforts are challenging and costly,” said Dr. Arthur Daniel Jones III, a professor in Michigan State University’s Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and associate director of the MSU Center for PFAS Research.

Such chemicals are difficult to remove from the environment after contamination and have very few natural processes to break them down, he said.

“Part of the challenge is that … we certainly don’t know very much about how the mixtures of PFAS … are toxic,” Jones said. “There are PFAS in foods, household products. … Almost every person on the planet is already contaminated by PFAS.”

Exposure or consumption of PFAS has other potential health risks, including fertility and immune system issues, developmental delays in children, increased cancer risks, and hormone interference.

The Aberdeen Proving Ground, an Army facility, states on its website that tests of its drinking water showed PFAS contaminants below the Environmental Protection Agency’s advisory level of 70 parts per trillion.

“The Army is committed to ensuring quality drinking water is provided to its soldiers, family members, and civilians,” the website says. “We continue to work with our state and federal partners and will ensure the community is kept updated on the status of our investigation.”

The Army site is in the planning stages of the remedial investigation, said Quentin Johnson, Aberdeen’s director of public affairs.

Similarly, Joint Base Andrews emphasized that its drinking water, which comes from the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, is unaffected by PFAS.

According to a statement by the Air Force Civil Engineer Center at the Joint Base Andrews Field Office, the extent of PFAS impacts on groundwater at the site is unknown, but groundwater samples have indicated the presence of these chemicals. Further samples are being collected to determine the degree of contamination.

“This is a slow process complicated by the fact that we are sampling at an active airfield on an active military installation with active missions critical to national security,” said the statement said. “At JBA, it takes months to collect samples and get back results.”

The Air Force, however, has removed all fire suppression systems that contained PFAS chemicals from the base, according to the statement.

Joint Base Andrews said it has informed local communities, health departments, and government bodies about the PFAS issue.

Two sites at the Naval Research Laboratory – Chesapeake Bay Detachment will be investigated by the Navy’s Environmental Restoration Program for PFAS: a fire testing area and a former firehouse, according to a statement from the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Atlantic.

The fire testing area is already under investigation, and the firehouse will be studied in 2024 to “investigate the nature and extent of the PFAS and assess potential human health and ecological risks,” the statement said.

In 2018, the Navy’s off-base water sampling in communities near the Chesapeake lab revealed no perfluorooctanoic acid, also called PFOA (another chemical in the PFAS family), or PFOS levels above the EPA limit of 70 parts per trillion.

“The Maryland Department of the Environment and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provide regulatory oversight on the remediation of contamination, whether from PFAS or other contaminants, at military sites within the state,” said Jay Apperson, a representative from the Maryland Department of the Environment.

The state, EPA, Navy personnel and community members are actively involved in Restoration Advisory Boards, ensuring that families living near these facilities are informed about environmental issues and the steps being taken to address them.

Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Maryland, a member of the Congressional PFAS Task Force, emphasized the urgency of addressing PFAS contamination in a recent statement to Capital News Service.

“I recently joined my colleague Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D) of Pennsylvania and many others in urging the Department of Defense to swiftly address its growing backlog of military sites contaminated with PFAS,” Raskin said. “We also urged the DoD to adequately fund cleanup efforts at contaminated sites across the country, including the White Oak Naval Surface Warfare Center in my district and several other sites in our state.”

Jones said there aren’t many “good” ways to get rid of PFAS.

“Even if you’re drinking water that has very low levels of PFAS in the water, most of what you drink today is going to be with you for years,” he said. “… And there are very few natural processes that break down PFAS, so in essence, that’s why they’re called forever chemicals.”

Other Maryland sites where PFAS investigations are underway or planned are the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Carderock Division – Annapolis Detachment, the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division, U.S. Naval Electronic Systems in St. Inigoes in St. Mary’s County and the Martin State Air National Guard Base in Middle River.",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z
https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-kelly-honors-knoch-high-school-students-winning-2023-congressional-app,Rep. Kelly honors Knoch High School students for winning 2023 Congressional App Challenge,2023-12-11,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,kelly,https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"BUTLER, Pa. -- On Friday, December 8, 2023, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) held an awards ceremony for local students who won the 2023 Congressional App Challenge, an annual competition meant to inspire, include, and innovate efforts about STEM, coding, and computer science education. Kelly held the awards ceremony at his Butler District Office. In all, 26 students participated in this year's competition.

""I'm so proud to see all of the success from our local students. We have so many talented young people across our district,"" Rep. Kelly said. ""The importance of STEM, coding, and computer science education cannot be understated. The Congressional APP Challenge goes beyond coding and technology -- it's a platform for fostering creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork among our youth. Congratulations to this year's winners, and thank you to everyone who made this wonderful event possible!""

Additionally, Rep. Kelly's office presented a commendation to Ms. Laura Gaston, an educator from Knoch High School, for her outstanding leadership over the past five years during the Congressional App Challenge.

You can read more about the competition here.

Below are the winners of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge in Pennsylvania's 16th Congressional District:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases/reschenthaler-introduces-legislation-to-help-solve-cold-cases,Reschenthaler Introduces Legislation to Help Solve Cold Cases,2023-12-11,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,PA,Guy Reschenthaler,R000610,reschenthaler.house.gov,reschenthaler,https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chief Deputy Whip Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA) introduced the Cold Case Modernization Act, which would expand the criteria for Department of Justice (DOJ) grant funds used to identify unidentified human remains through forensic genetic genealogy (FGG) testing. FGG is used by local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to help reconnect missing and unidentified persons with their families.

“Across the United States, investigators lack the critical resources to solve the cases of tens of thousands of unidentified human remains,” Reschenthaler said. “The Cold Case Modernization Act puts these deceased Americans and their grieving families first, using state-of-the-art DNA technology to uncover answers and find the truth.”

Currently, under DOJ interim policy for “Forensic Genetic Genealogical DNA Analysis and Searching,” DOJ funds are allowed to be used for deceased persons who are declared homicide victims. This bill would expand the funding criteria to cover deceased persons for which a manner of death is not determined or for which manner of death is ruled to be a non-homicide. There is not always enough evidence at a crime scene to establish a death as a homicide, and it is not uncommon for the manner of death to be revised or updated once a deceased person is identified. For instance, human remains found in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, were recently identified as those of 14-year-old Joan Marie Dymond, who went missing in June 1969.

FGG leverages hundreds of thousands of DNA markers, known as single nucleotide polymorphisms, to establish long-range relationships with distant genetic relatives. This enables unidentified human remains to be identified, even if traditional forensic DNA testing is unable to establish an identification.

Read the full bill here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lee-deluzio-casey-fetterman-announce-520000-for-allegheny-county-safe-streets-project,"Lee, Deluzio, Casey, Fetterman Announce $520,000 for Allegheny County Safe Streets Project",2023-12-11,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

December 11, 2023

CONTACT: Emilia Rowland, Emilia.Rowland@mail.house.gov

Lee, Deluzio, Casey, Fetterman Announce $520,000 for Allegheny County Safe Streets Project

County has averaged over 12,000 crashes per year since 2002

(Washington, D.C). - Today, U.S. Representatives Summer Lee and Rep. Chris Deluzio alongside U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) announced $520,000 in federal funding for the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) to develop a comprehensive plan of action to make Allegheny County's streets safer for all road users.

Congresswoman Lee said, ""I am so proud to announce over half a million dollars from the Department of Transportation to enhance the safety and accessibility of our roads for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. By developing a comprehensive Vision Zero Safety Action Plan, we are taking a huge step towards identifying and rectifying the most hazardous areas in our community. This initiative not only promises a safer today but also lays the groundwork for expanding these vital safety measures across Southwestern Pennsylvania, ensuring a more secure tomorrow for all our residents.""

""Great news that Western Pennsylvania locked down more than half a million in federal investments from the Department of Transportation,"" said Rep. Chris Deluzio. ""We have to make our streets safer for all who use them—drivers, kids heading to school, pedestrians, cyclists, and more. I am grateful that the federal government can support Allegheny County's work towards this goal.""

""The infrastructure law is making our roads safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike,"" said Senator Casey. ""I was proud to advocate for funding to help the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission identify Allegheny County's most dangerous roads in order to make them safer and save lives.""

""The bottom line is that we are facing a street safety crisis in America — and in Pennsylvania. The thousands of lives we lose due to unsafe streets is unacceptable, and it's long past time we in Washington do something about it,"" said Senator Fetterman. ""This funding will provide Allegheny County with the resources they need to make streets safer for everyone on the roads.""

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant, funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), will allow SPC to create a Vision Zero Safety Action Plan to identify the most critical projects. Senator Casey supported SPC's grant for this funding to develop a Vision Zero comprehensive Safety Action Plan. After launching this initiative in Allegheny County, SPC plans to expand it to its other member counties in Southwestern Pennsylvania. This will build on SPC's previous efforts, including its 2020 Regional Transportation Safety Action Plan, to bring increased safety to the entire Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

Since taking office in January, Lee, who serves on the House Oversight Committee and Space, Science and Technology Committee, has delivered historic levels of federal investment totaling over $1 Billion brought back to Western PA, including over $200 million for infrastructure, over $50 million for affordable transit, and over $500 million to keep clean energy manufacturing at home in Pennsylvania. These investments will help improve Western Pennsylvania's infrastructure and transit, ensure cleaner air and drinking water, lower housing costs, fund research institutions, fuel clean manufacturing, fund STEM innovation and entrepreneurship, boost workforce development, and create thousands of good paying union jobs. Lee and her team have also delivered casework and constituent services to over 1,380 constituents with issues ranging from helping our seniors and disabled community access Medicare and social security to helping folks secure housing and helping families with immigration support and passports.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-deluzio-kelly-send-letter-dept-energy-opposing-rule-which-jeopardizes,"Reps. Deluzio, Kelly send letter to Dept. of Energy opposing rule which jeopardizes nation's electrical grid, national security",2023-12-08,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, U.S. Representatives Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17) and Mike Kelly (R-PA-16) sent this letter to U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm opposing the Biden Administration's proposed rule to mandate the use of amorphous metal (AM) cores instead of Grain-Oriented Electrical Steel (GOES) cores. GOES cores are used in electrical distribution transformers across the country.

Currently, there is only one facility in the United States producing GOES, located in Butler, Pennsylvania, which is represented by more than 1,300 United Auto Workers (UAW) employees. Implementation of this proposed rule would jeopardize the Butler, Pennsylvania facility, leave the U.S. electrical grid reliant on imports, and potentially cost over 1,500 American jobs.

Moreover, amorphous metal cores rely on imports of raw materials; a dependency that could leave Americans susceptible to a variety of disruptions, from production to shipping. The Department of Commerce has identified this as a threat to national security.

""Finalizing this rule would significantly impact the production of distribution transformers, which are already difficult to obtain,"" the Congressmen wrote in their letter. ""Grid security and reliability are vital to our economic and national security. We respectfully urge you to make serious modifications that preserve utilization of GOES for transformer cores to the proposed rule and thank you for your consideration.""

The administration's proposed rule comes when the supply chain constraint for distribution transformers has grown significantly, with demand exceeding current rates of production. The current lead time for procuring a distribution transformer is more than 16 months.

""This rule would severely limit the ability of our utility providers to ensure grid reliability and security while making us dependent on foreign imports of amorphous metal,"" the Members continued.

The Proposed Rule increases efficiency standards on distribution transformers, which are already no less than 97.7% energy efficient.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-kelly-deluzio-send-letter-dept-energy-opposing-rule-which-jeopardizes,"Reps. Kelly, Deluzio send letter to Dept. of Energy opposing rule which jeopardizes nation's electrical grid, national security",2023-12-08,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,kelly,https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. -- This week, U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA) and Chris Deluzio (D-PA) sent this letter to U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm opposing the Biden Administration's proposed rule to mandate the use of amorphous metal (AM) cores instead of Grain-Oriented Electrical Steel (GOES) cores. GOES cores are used in electrical distribution transformers across the country.

Currently, there is only one facility in the United States producing GOES, located in Butler, Pennsylvania, which is represented by more than 1,300 United Auto Workers (UAW) employees. Implementation of this proposed rule would jeopardize the Butler, Pennsylvania facility and leave the U.S. electrical grid reliant on imports and potentially cost over 1,500 American jobs.

Moreover, amorphous metal cores rely on imports of raw materials; a dependency that could leave Americans susceptible to a variety of disruptions, from production to shipping. The Department of Commerce has identified this as a threat to national security.

""Finalizing this rule would significantly impact the production of distribution transformers, which are already difficult to obtain,"" the Congressmen wrote in their letter. ""Grid security and reliability are vital to our economic and national security. We respectfully urge you to make serious modifications that preserve utilization of GOES for transformer cores to the proposed rule and thank you for your consideration.""

The administration's proposed rule comes when the supply chain constraint for distribution transformers has grown significantly, with demand exceeding current rates of production. The current lead time for procuring a distribution transformer is more than 16 months.

""This rule would severely limit the ability of our utility providers to ensure grid reliability and security while making us dependent on foreign imports of amorphous metal,"" the Members continued.

The Proposed Rule increases efficiency standards on distribution transformers, which are already no less than 97.7% energy efficient.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-lee-celebrate-transformational-143-million-investment-western,"Deluzio, Lee Celebrate Transformational $143 Million Investment in Western Pennsylvania Passenger Rail",2023-12-07,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) and Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12) celebrated the announcement of a $143,629,028 federal grant from the Federal Railroad Administration to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) for expansion of Amtrak passenger rail service on the Keystone West Corridor. This funding is from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and will allow for a second daily round-trip between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg.

Additionally, the congressmembers announced a $500,000 grant from the Corridor Identification and Development (Corridor ID) program to plan and develop how to expand both Amtrak’s Pennsylvanian and Keystone services along the entire Pittsburgh to Philadelphia corridor. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) will match 20 percent of the project’s total cost.

“I am thrilled to announce this massive $143.6 million federal investment in Western Pennsylvania’s long neglected passenger rail service,” said Rep. Chris Deluzio. “Our region deserves the best infrastructure—and that includes better rail service that gets people where they need to go.”

“For Pennsylvanians and communities across the eastern corridor, passenger rail has helped connect our communities and ensure people can visit their families, access jobs, and explore all that our Commonwealth has to offer. But for far too long, passenger rail in Pittsburgh has remained woefully inadequate and left our communities and economy disconnected” said Rep. Summer Lee. “After pushing the Department of Transportation for infrastructure investment to connect our communities within my district and across the region, I am so excited to help deliver this $143 million grant to immediately begin building a passenger rail to finally ensure there’s frequent and reliable service connecting Pittsburgh with Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and Chicago by rail. This service will go a long way to ensure Pittsburgh is connected to the rest of Pennsylvania and the entire eastern corridor–bringing new life to our cities and creating hundreds of good-paying, union jobs along the way.”

More specifically, this investment will fund the project’s land acquisition, design, and construction efforts to improve signaling and safety improvements along Norfolk Southern Railway’s main line between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg. This project will improve system and service performance of the Amtrak Pennsylvanian service with additional capacity and other upgrades, including the additional, second daily round trip.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2023/12/fitzpatrick-carbajal-introduce-the-market-choice-act,"Fitzpatrick, Carbajal Introduce the MARKET CHOICE Act",2023-12-07,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,PA,Brian K. Fitzpatrick,F000466,fitzpatrick.house.gov,fitzpatrick,https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Congressman Salud Carbajal (CA-24) re-introduced the bipartisan MARKET CHOICE Act. By eliminating the gas tax in exchange for implementing a tax on greenhouse gas emissions, this initiative would diminish the detrimental impacts of such emissions while making critical investments in American infrastructure. The bill also establishes a bipartisan National Climate Commission to set goals and review the effectiveness of the federal government’s existing policies and programs for emissions reduction.

“As COP28 meets this month and as the United States moves into the third year of the implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, two of our nation’s greatest problems continue to persist without any long-term solution,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “Our bipartisan MARKET CHOICE Act lays out a bold, comprehensive framework for how the United States can improve affordability for American families, create innovative new job opportunities, further reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and substantively invest in our physical infrastructure for generations to come. I am grateful to Rep. Carbajal and all our partners for their leadership on this equally bold and practical approach to the climate and infrastructure challenges ahead.”

“Climate change demands our immediate attention and the Market Choice Act is a crucial way to move the ball forward while revitalizing our infrastructure and promoting prosperity across our nation,” said Congressman Carbajal. “Not only will this bill tackle carbon pollution, it will also create economic opportunities for communities like mine on the Central Coast and support thousand of good-paying jobs to make sure our clean energy transition is one that grows our middle class as well. This bill is a smart solution to on our generation’s greatest challenges, and I’m proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in reintroducing it.”

“The bipartisan MARKET CHOICE Act championed by Congressmen Fitzpatrick and Carbajal prioritizes the infrastructure, energy, and economic needs of the American people,” said former Congressman Carlos Curbelo. “This legislation will open a multitude of new doors for American workers and provide new opportunities for communities across the nation to strengthen their infrastructure. It is a bold, innovative, and fiscally disciplined solution to the environmental challenges we face today.”

""I applaud Congressman Fitzpatrick for his continued leadership of the MARKET CHOICE Act. It is time for Congress to stop approaching climate issues with makeshift policies like subsidies and further enlarging the regulatory morass,” said Ambassador & former Congressman Francis Rooney. “The existing balkanized system favors special interests with distorted markets and protectionist policies that stifle innovation and consumer choice. A border-adjusted carbon tax, like Congressman Fitzpatrick's bill, is the type of market-based approach to climate policy that can achieve our decarbonization goals and maintain our economic edge.""

What They're Saying:

""We applaud Representatives Fitzpatrick and Carbajal for their continued commitment to advancing solutions to the climate crisis,"" said Jesse Walls, Senior Director of Government Affairs for the National Audubon Society. ""The reintroduction of the Market Choice Act will not only reduce carbon emissions, but generate revenue to upgrade and improve our nation’s infrastructure, creating healthier and more sustainable communities where people and birds can thrive. Thoughtful policy to tackle climate change is urgently needed and we welcome Reps. Fitzpatrick and Carbajal’s continued leadership.""

""We commend Representatives Fitzpatrick and Carbajal for their continued leadership to address climate change through the reintroduction of the MARKET CHOICE Act,” said Kasey White, Director of Climate Policy, Niskanen Center. “As world leaders gather at COP28, it is critical that the United States remain at the forefront of measures to limit the magnitude and impact of climate change. The MARKET CHOICE Act is a bold, bipartisan, and fiscally-responsible policy that not only ensures American leadership in decarbonization but also allows domestic producers to compete effectively in the global marketplace.""

""It’s time for the U.S. to seriously consider a carbon tax. It’s the only policy that addresses two of our country’s most pressing problems: climate change and fiscal instability,” said Alex Flint, Executive Director, Alliance for Market Solutions. “We commend Congressman Fitzpatrick for always beating this drum.""

“The reintroduction of the Market Choice Act shows that there is bipartisan support in Congress for putting a price on carbon,” said Nat Keohane, President of the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES). “The increasing impacts of extreme weather events remind us that more action is needed to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. We know that market prices shape economic decisions, and carbon is no different. A price on carbon would spur investment into clean energy and climate action, encourage the development and deployment of clean energy technologies, and position the U.S. to win the global clean energy race while also helping to cut emissions in line with the nation’s targets. A carbon price would also help make every other climate policy more effective, by aligning the whole of the economy with the low-carbon transition. We look forward to working with Congress, companies, and other stakeholders to move this vital conversation forward.”

""Citizens’ Climate Lobby welcomes the reintroduction of the MARKET CHOICE Act. A steadily rising fee on carbon pollution continues to be one of the most effective policies available to reduce carbon emissions,” said Ben Pendergrass, Vice President of Government Affairs, Citizens’ Climate Lobby. “The MARKET CHOICE Act utilizes this critical tool to build a cleaner, healthier America. We’re encouraged to see that the starting price and rate of increase specified in the bill continue to be more ambitious than in original iterations of the legislation — that is an appropriate response to the increasing climate impacts Americans face. We are grateful for Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick and Salud Carbajal's continued leadership on this issue and commitment to bipartisan action on climate.”

“A nationwide carbon price is the most cost-effective policy option to significantly lower emissions and encourage clean energy investments across the economy,” said Greg Bertelsen, CEO, Climate Leadership Council. “By enacting a predictable price on carbon, we can harness the power of market forces to lower emissions and stimulate innovation in all sectors. The Climate Leadership Council supports efforts like the MARKET CHOICE Act that would benefit the environment and strengthen the U.S. economy.”

“The Market Choice Act is a conservative market-based approach that cuts carbon pollution responsible for climate-fueled weather extremes and advances fairness in our energy system. For far too long, energy markets in the United States have privatized the profits and placed the detrimental health and environmental costs of carbon pollution at the foot of American families,” said The Rev. Dr. Jessica Moerman, President and CEO of the Evangelical Environmental Network. “Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick has recognized this problem and has proposed an effective solution. The Market Choice Act corrects this major market failure all while defending our children’s health and future from carbon pollution. As evangelicals called to defend life from all harms, we are grateful for Congressman Fitzpatrick’s leadership on the Market Choice Act.”

""Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick has been a strong climate ally for many years, consistently supporting policies to reduce harmful pollution and promote healthier communities and a livable planet Environmental Defense Fund thanks him for his willingness to put solutions on the table and work toward a cleaner and safer future for everyone. A carbon tax must be accompanied by a broader suite of policies that complement EPA’s existing regulatory authority and facilitate a rapid and just transition from fossil fuels while not adding an even greater burden to communities already exposed to the highest levels of pollution and gravest threats of climate change. We look forward to working with Rep. Fitzpatrick and his colleagues to build bipartisan support for bold, concrete, and equitable climate solutions.""

“The United States is closer to reaching its 2030 emissions reductions targets, thanks in part to several major policy wins over the last few years,” said Laura Brannen, Senior Policy Advisor and Federal Climate Policy Lead, The Nature Conservancy. “But we need to do more to firmly put the U.S. on a path to reaching net-zero by mid-century. The investments driven and enabled by the MARKET Choice Act would reach across the economy and well beyond 2030. Representatives Fitzpatrick and Carbajal are helping to lead the way with this forward-thinking and bipartisan legislation.”

“With 2023 almost certain to be the hottest year on record, and report after report telling us that we are not on target to meet our global emission reductions goals necessary to prevent the worst impacts of unmitigated climate change, WRI is pleased to see Representative Fitzpatrick’s introduction of the bipartisan Market Choice Act to address climate change. While Congress has recently enacted significant measures to curb climate change, the science is clear: we must take additional action and have no time to waste. We are particularly pleased to see a serious bipartisan proposal to use market forces to help address climate change. We hope that additional members of both parties will support smart climate policies like the Market Choice Act, and we commend Mr. Fitzpatrick and Mr. Carbajal for their leadership,” said Dr. Daniel Lashof, U.S. Director, World Resources Institute. “WRI looks forward to working with any and all in Congress who are ready to champion serious climate policies.”

“We applaud Congressman Fitzpatrick for his continued commitment to advancing smart and effective climate solutions. A price on carbon is the most powerful and fiscally-responsible tool we have to unleash the innovative power of the U.S. economy, promote clean energy and create jobs, and hold foreign polluters accountable,” said George Behrakis, President, Young Conservatives for Carbon Dividends. “With this legislation, Congressman Fitzpatrick demonstrates that good climate policy can be firmly in line with conservative values.”

Read the text of the bill HERE.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyce-bill-lower-prescription-drug-prices-seniors-passes-energy-and,Dr. Joyce Bill to Lower Prescription Drug Prices for Seniors Passes Energy and Commerce Committee,2023-12-07,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,PA,John Joyce,J000302,johnjoyce.house.gov,johnjoyce,https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Today, the Expanding Seniors' Access to Lower Cost Medicines Act, introduced by Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and will now go to the floor of the House for a vote.

H.R.5372, the Expanding Seniors' Access to Lower Cost Medicines Act of 2023, would expand access to new biosimilar medications for seniors using Medicare Part D plans by allowing midyear formulary adjustments to account for the approval of new lower cost medications.

“Making sure that seniors are able to afford their medications must continue to be one of our top priorities as we work to support patients,” said Congressman Joyce. “This legislation would make Medicare more efficient, and lower cost medications more accessible for the patients who are most in need. I’m grateful to Chair Rodgers, Representative Peters, and all of the members of the Energy and Commerce Committee for their unanimous support of this legislation.”

While Medicare Part D plans often cover an extensive range of medications, often new medications are approved for use between formulary adjustments. By allowing biosimilars inclusion through midyear formulary adjustments, this bill would drive down costs for seniors and help ensure Americans have access to the life-saving medications that they rely on each day.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyces-5g-sale-act-advances-house-floor,Dr. Joyce’s 5G SALE Act Advances to House Floor,2023-12-07,2023,2023-12,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), announced that his legislation, H.R.5677, the 5G SALE Act, was passed unanimously by the Energy and Commerce Committee and will next be considered by the entire U.S. House of Representatives.

The 5G Spectrum Authority Licensing Enforcement (5G SALE) Act would require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to release previously auctioned bands of the electromagnetic spectrum to expand access to 5G broadband to rural communities.

“Bridging the digital divide has never been more critical for rural communities,” said Congressman Joyce. “The 5G SALE Act would cut the red tape that has kept Pennsylvania families from accessing the high-speed internet that is vital for remote workers, students who use the internet to learn from home, and patients who use telehealth to heal from home. I’m proud to see this 5G Sale Act pass unanimously out of the committee, and I look forward to seeing its passage in the House.”

Background:

The FCC sold approximately 8,000 licenses to grant internet providers access to America’s broadband spectrum. These licenses are the only way companies can legally use the radio waves that bring 5G internet to customers.

During the period between when providers paid for these licenses and when the FCC should have parceled the licenses out, there was a lapse in the FCC’s ability to authorize the use of these radio waves. Now, despite internet providers having fully purchased the frequencies necessary to deliver 5G internet, the FCC has stated they are unable to issue these licenses.

Congressman Joyce’s legislation would grant the FCC a one-time, temporary authority to issue licenses purchased in auctions in order to speed the delivery of 5G technology to rural communities. On Friday, September 22, 2023, the Senate unanimously passed the Senate version of the 5G SALE Act, which was introduced by Senator John Kennedy (R-LA).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases/reschenthaler-leads-call-for-termination-of-penn-president-liz-magill,Reschenthaler Leads Call for Termination of Penn President Liz Magill,2023-12-07,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,PA,Guy Reschenthaler,R000610,reschenthaler.house.gov,reschenthaler,https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chief Deputy Whip Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), alongside Congressmen John Joyce, M.D. (R-PA), Mike Kelly (R-PA), Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Dan Meuser (R-PA), have called on the Chair of the University of Pennsylvania Board of Trustees to relieve Liz Magill of her duties as President of the University of Pennsylvania following her shocking testimony on Tuesday before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce regarding rampant antisemitism on college campuses.

During the hearing, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) directed the following question to President Magill: “Does calling for the genocide of Jews violate Penn's rules or code of conduct?” In her response, President Magill refused to say whether calling for the genocide of all Jewish people is bullying and harassment according to the university’s code of conduct, even smirking as she answered.

In the letter, the members wrote:

“President Magill’s actions in front of Congress were an embarrassment to the university, its student body, and its vast network of proud alumni. She has shown the university and the entire world that she is either incapable or unwilling to combat antisemitism on the university’s campus and take care of its student body. As such, I respectfully call on you to relieve President Magill of her duties as president to protect the lives of Jewish American students at the University of Pennsylvania.”

On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a large-scale terrorist attack by land, sea, and air against Israel. Families were burned alive, infants were decapitated, women were sexually assaulted, and other unthinkable acts of violence were committed. This brutal attack killed over 1,200 Israelis and more than 30 Americans and injured thousands of innocent civilians. This was the largest attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust.

Read the full letter here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-lee-introduces-the-college-athletes-right-to-organize-act-with-rep-bowman-senators-sanders-murphy,"Rep. Lee Introduces the College Athletes Right to Organize Act with ​​Rep. Bowman, Senators Sanders, Murphy",2023-12-07,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"**For Immediate Release**

Emilia.Rowland@Mail.house.gov

Rep. Lee Introduces the College Athletes Right to Organize Act with ​​Rep. Bowman, Senators Sanders, Murphy

(Washington, DC) – Rep. Summer Lee (PA-12) joined Rep. Jamaal Bowman (NY-16) and Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) in introducing the College Athletes Right to Organize Act, to provide collective bargaining rights for college athletes.

""Pittsburgh is a union town and College athletes in Western PA – who help stimulate our local economy while bringing money and joy back to our communities – deserve the right to form a union. There's no question that college athletes are workers – especially considering that their training and game day schedules make it impossible to have another job."" said Rep. Summer Lee (PA-12). ""From Pitt, Duquesne, and CMU to my own alma mater Penn State, our College athletes spend countless hours honing their craft to represent their universities. But for far too long, the NCAA has denied athletes basic economic and bargaining rights, while weaponizing their ‘amateur' status to treat them as commodities. I'm proud to help introduce this legislation and to fight to give our college athletes the power to unionize and collectively bargain for fair compensation and dignity on the job.""

The legislation is newly endorsed by the major professional players associations including the Major League Baseball Players Association, Major League Soccer Players Association, National Basketball Players Association, National Football League Players Association, National Hockey League Players Association, and United Soccer League Players Association. Actors' Equity Association, American Association of University Professors, AFL-CIO, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, American Federation of Teachers, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers National Employment Law Project, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and United Steelworkers (USW) also endorsed the bill.

The greater Pittsburgh area has several universities with world-class athletics departments, including University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University, and lower division schools like Carnegie Mellon University, Carlow University, Point Park University, Robert Morris University, Chatham University, and more.

The College Athlete Right to Organize Act would help college athletes in Western Pennsylvania and across the country ensure can organize and collectively bargain to demand the NCAA and its members treat them fairly by:

Amending the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) to define any college athlete as an employee of their college if they receive direct compensation from their college, whether via grant-in-aid or other forms of compensation, and that compensation requires participation in intercollegiate sports.

Amending the NLRA to define public colleges, alongside private institutions, as employers within the context of intercollegiate sports, allowing athletes to collectively bargain at any college.

Facilitating multiemployer bargaining units for college athletes by directing the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to consider the colleges within an athletic conference as part of a bargaining unit with which college athletes can negotiate.

Asserting the NLRB's jurisdiction over all institutions of higher education within the context of intercollegiate athletics and on all collective bargaining and representation matters as well as labor disputes.

Prohibiting any agreements, such as scholarship agreements, which waive the right of athletes to collectively bargain.

Ensuring the current tax status of college athletes' scholarships and other benefits does not change due to their employment status, nor does it affect their eligibility for financial aid

""College athletes are workers, period. They are skilled and disciplined young people who deserve so much more than to be treated as sources of revenue by the colleges and universities they attend,"" said Congressman Jamaal Bowman Ed.D. (NY-16). Their lack of collective bargaining rights, pay, and ownership of their own image is a labor and civil rights issue that requires our immediate action. The College Athlete Right to Organize Act is the first step in bringing college sports into the 21st century by ensuring college athletes have the right to collectively bargain across teams and conferences, and that they are able to advocate for rights, protections, and compensation commensurate with the value they undeniably provide. College athletics are a billion dollar industry, and it's time to treat those who make it run with the respect, rights, and pay they deserve.""

""All the breathless attention on this weekend's College Football Playoff selection is a reminder that college sports are anything but amateur,"" said Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT). ""There is no college sports industry and its $16 billion in annual revenues without the athletes' labor. It's past time they get a seat at the negotiating table. Instead of fighting athletes' rights in courts and spending millions on lobbying Congress, the NCAA and its members should start negotiating directly with players on revenue-sharing, health and safety protections, and more. This legislation would make it easier for the athletes to realize their power, form unions, and start to collectively bargain.""

""We cannot wait for the NCAA to share its billions with the workers who create it,"" said Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT). ""And those workers are college athletes. The College Athlete Right to Organize Act is a step in the right direction to giving these workers the rights and protections that they deserve.""

""College athletes put their lives and well-being on the line to make their schools and the NCAA billions of dollars each year – of course they should be able to unionize and make sure they're paid their fair share of that pot,"" said Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). ""The College Athlete Right to Organize Act is a common sense next step to protect the young workers powering this industry and give them the rights they deserve.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-grills-wall-street-execs-during-banking-hearing/,Fetterman Grills Wall Street Execs During Banking Hearing,2023-12-07,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman yesterday participated in a Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs oversight hearing on Wall Street firms, with witnesses including executives of Wells Fargo, Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, State Street, BNY Mellon, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley. During his line of questioning, Senator Fetterman grilled the executives about their share buybacks and stock dividends, laid into them about how bank failures imperil the national economy, and advocated for stronger capital requirements.

“Are you okay with this idea that a relatively small bank, especially compared to the size of all of you in front of us today, could cause a crash, systemwide, unless the president had to quickly intervene and make sure that we addressed this?”Senator Fetterman asked Bank of America CEO about the failure of Silicon Valley Bank. “Is it okay to worry that a small bank could imperil our entire financial system?”

“You claim that the capital requirements will increase costs and reduce lending. Chase did $5.7 billion in share buybacks and $9 billion in dividends so far this year. So wouldn’t it be easier just to kind of hold onto a lot of that money and lend it out?” Senator Fetterman asked the CEO of Chase. “Why would you want to give it away to the shareholders or buying back stock?”

The full clip can be found HERE.

Senator Fetterman is a staunch proponent of executive accountability and fighting corporate greed and has fought for commonsense bank regulations. In Spring 2023, he slammed bank executives from Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank andcalled out the role of corporate greed at Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs hearings on the failures of their banks. He has also taken legislative action, co-sponsoring the Secure Viable Banking Act, which would restore critical protections to keep Big Banks in check & prevent future crises, and the Failed Bank Executives Clawback Act, which empowers the federal government to engage in more aggressive enforcement of clawbacks of compensation from bank executives of failed banks.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:56:20Z
https://dean.house.gov/2023/12/bicameral-letter-urging-bank-ceos,"Congresswoman Dean, Senator Warren, Congressman Thompson Lead Bicameral Letter Urging Bank CEOs to Implement Merchant Category Code for Gun and Ammunition Retailers",2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Madeleine Dean,D000631,dean.house.gov,dean,https://dean.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-04) led more than 30 of their colleagues in sending letters to the CEOs of MasterCard, American Express, Discover and Visa, urging them to implement a newly created merchant category code that categorizes gun and ammunition retailers.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) maintains a series of merchant category codes (MCC) — four-digit codes that classify merchants by their purpose of business. In September 2022, the ISO approved the creation of a new MCC for gun and ammunition retailers. Although Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and Visa agreed to implement these codes in Fall 2022, they walked back these promises in the following months.

This letter asks credit card companies to implement the codes in states where they are legal, and requests information about their hesitation to enforce this measure.

“The need for [credit card companies] to implement this MCC is urgent. Since [their] pause on implementing the MCC, mass shootings have occurred at an elementary school in Nashville, Tennessee, a mall in Allen, Texas, locations across Lewiston, Maine — and hundreds of other locations.” the lawmakers wrote. “The financial industry is uniquely positioned to identify suspicious transactions that could help prevent the next mass shooting in this country.”

The letter is endorsed by Amalgamated Bank, Guns Down America, Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, and Everytown for Gun Safety.

Read the full letter 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,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2023/12/fitzpatrick-colleagues-introduce-fairness-for-9-11-families-technical-fix-act,"Fitzpatrick, Colleagues Introduce Fairness for 9/11 Families Technical Fix Act",2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,PA,Brian K. Fitzpatrick,F000466,fitzpatrick.house.gov,fitzpatrick,https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC -- Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and twelve of his colleagues introduced the Fairness for 9/11 Families Technical Fix Act, a bipartisan bill that will amend current law to mandate rules for payments to Havlish Settling Judgement Creditors to ensure that these victims are awarded the funds they deserve.

""While no amount of money will ever fill the void of losing a loved one, all of the families of the victims of September 11th deserve to fully participate and receive their due benefits from the Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism (VSST) Fund,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “By correcting an oversight made in the ‘Fairness Act’ that was passed in haste last year, our bipartisan Fairness for 9/11 Families Technical Fix Act would provide legal equity to those 9/11 families left behind, the Havlish plaintiffs. Providing them with the same kind of exemptions given to other victims of state-sponsored terrorism will ensure that they receive the financial relief that all victims of state sponsored terrorism deserve.”

“Far too many of those families who lost their loved ones on September 11th remain left behind by legislative oversights made in the eleventh hour,” said Ellen Saracini, widow of Captain Victor J. Saracini, United Flight 175. “The Fairness for 9/11 Families Technical Fix Act will allow those families to access the Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism (VSST) Fund payments already conditionally allocated to them. I encourage all Members of Congress to join Representative Fitzpatrick in this bipartisan and commonsense effort to ensure that the Havlish plaintiffs are provided relief and permitted to fully partake in the VSST Fund.”

“The Fairness for 9/11 Families Act is a testament to how Congress can come together from both sides of the aisle to never forget those we lost on 9/11 and to provide much needed support to those who continue to live with immense pain and grief,” said Congressman Gottheimer. “This is a critical step to ensure that those who suffered unimaginable loss receive the resources they deserve, but it also reminds us that Congress still has more work to do to ensure that every 9/11 family receives the support they rightfully deserve.”

Read the text of the bill HERE.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3670,"Houlahan, Escobar, Moulton Lead Letter to President Biden on Israel’s Current Military Operation",2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), and Seth Moulton (MA-06) led 10 of their colleagues from the House Committee on Armed Services, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and House Committee on Foreign Affairs in sending a letter to President Biden outlining concerns over Israel’s current military operations and the need for a strategic approach that works toward a political resolution.

The lawmakers wrote: “The barbaric October 7th attack on Israel was not only heartbreaking to watch unfold, but reminiscent of our nation’s own harrowing experience on September 11, 2001. In response to those attacks, we waged our own war on terror which lasted so long that it came to be fought by servicemembers who had not yet been born on September 11th. We still live with the weight of the moral, political, military, and humanitarian consequences of that decision.”

“In our roles on the House Committee on Armed Services, Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and Committee on Foreign Affairs, we have a responsibility to conduct oversight of our support for U.S. allies. In this case, we feel particularly compelled to share our concerns for Israel’s ultimate success and lasting security.”

“Amidst this second phase of military operations, we urge you to convey our successes and failures in Iraq and Afghanistan and press Israel to adopt strategic methods that utilize precise targeting, reduce civilian harm, and work toward winning the peace in its own operation to defeat Hamas. Our nation has come to understand the costs associated with losing sight of these principles firsthand...”

“These principles are essential to military success, lasting security, and pursuit of a two-state solution. We want Israel to succeed in eliminating Hamas’ operational control and achieving lasting peace and security for all civilians. Many see a false choice in this divisive conflict between ensuring Israeli security and Palestinian rights. We believe that lasting peace will only be realized when both Israelis and Palestinians have security, prosperity, and self-determination.”

“Mr. President, it remains our collective responsibility to prevent the already horrific civilian death toll from growing, which is sure to have far more devastating consequences to Palestinian and Israeli populations, increase the risks of wider regional conflict, and imperil the security and stability of the larger Middle East, as well as our own. The last two decades have taught our country many hard lessons. We hope you keep those lessons, and the human costs associated, in mind as you continue to engage in diplomacy that is centered on our principles of freedom and democracy. As the American public, our adversaries, and the entire world watch this devastating war carry on, we urge you to continue to lead on the global stage with that memory in mind,” the lawmakers concluded.

In addition to the three leads, the letter was signed by Reps. Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), André Carson (IN-07), Ami Bera (CA-06), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Mike Thompson (CA-04), John Garamendi (CA-08), Elissa Slotkin (MI-07), and Jason Crow (CO-06).

Full text of the letter can be found here.",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z
https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3672,Houlahan: Reading on track to restore rail service,2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"Originally published in Berks Weekly

Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) issued the following statement on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s announcement of a $500,000 Corridor Identification and Development Program grant for a rail corridor connecting Reading to Philadelphia:

“The positive impact of restoring the historic Reading rail line to our community cannot be overstated,” said Rep. Houlahan. “For years, I’ve heard from constituents and businesses about what passenger rail would mean to them and our local economy. I successfully requested $750,000 in Community Project Funding back in 2021 to build the necessary foundation for this historic announcement that will advance this vital infrastructure project. This project has had broad support from the Commissioners of Chester and Berks Counties, the mayors of Reading and Phoenixville, multiple governors from our Commonwealth, and the Biden Administration. Our collaboration demonstrates the strength of the Reading rail line.”

Earlier this year, Houlahan wrote a letter of support alongside Representatives Madeleine Dean (D-PA) and Dan Meuser (R-PA) to DOT Administrator Bose, requesting consideration of the Schulkill River Passenger Rail Authority’s (SPRA) application to the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Corridor Identification and Development Program. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which Houlahan voted for, authorized the Secretary of Transportation to establish the Corridor Identification and Development Program to develop passenger rail corridors across the country.

The Reading rail line would run on an existing rail alignment that has not had passenger trains running since 1983. It will also have new intermediate stops in Pottstown, Phoenixville and potentially Norristown, PA with four to eight daily roundtrips connecting southeastern Pennsylvanians with Philadelphia and New York, NY, from Reading.

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https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3684,"Bipartisan COPE Act Passed by House, Aims to Boost Mental Health Support for Veterans’ Caregivers",2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"Originally published in MyChesCo

In a unanimous decision on Monday night, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Caregiver Outreach and Program Enhancement (COPE) Act. This bill, co-sponsored by Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Representative Jen Kiggans (R-VA), seeks to enhance mental health resources available to caregivers of veterans.

The COPE Act seeks to establish grant programs within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These grants would support entities that bolster caregiver mental health and well-being.

Houlahan lauded the passing of the bill, highlighting the crucial role played by family caregivers in supporting veterans, particularly in regions without easy access to VA health systems. She noted the emotional, physical, and mental toll of veteran caregiving, and emphasized the importance of expanding mental health resources for these caregivers.

Kiggans echoed these sentiments, framing the passage of the COPE Act as a significant step towards improving the lives of veterans. She underscored her personal commitment to veterans’ issues, drawing on her own experiences as a military family member and a former Navy helicopter pilot.

The bill has also received endorsement from AARP, a leading advocacy organization for Americans aged 50 and over. Bill Sweeny, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for AARP, praised the bipartisan efforts of Kiggans and Houlahan to improve mental health treatment access for military and veteran family caregivers.",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z
https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyce-bill-lower-prescription-drug-prices-seniors-passes-energy-and-0,Dr. Joyce Bill to Lower Prescription Drug Prices for Seniors Passes Energy and Commerce Committee,2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,PA,John Joyce,J000302,johnjoyce.house.gov,johnjoyce,https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Today, the Expanding Seniors' Access to Lower Cost Medicines Act, introduced by Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and will now go to the floor of the House for a vote.

H.R.5372, the Expanding Seniors' Access to Lower Cost Medicines Act of 2023, would create greater access to new biosimilar medications for seniors using Medicare Part D plans by allowing midyear formulary adjustments to account for the approval of new lower cost medications.

“Making sure that seniors are able to afford their medications must continue to be one of our top priorities as we work to support patients,” said Congressman Joyce. “This legislation would make Medicare more efficient, and lower cost medications more accessible for the patients who are most in need. I’m grateful to Chair Rodgers, Representative Peters, and all of the members of the Energy and Commerce Committee for their unanimous support of this legislation.”

While Medicare Part D plans often cover an extensive range of medications, often new medications are approved for use between formulary adjustments. By allowing biosimilars inclusion through midyear formulary adjustments, this bill would drive down costs for seniors and help ensure Americans have access to the life-saving medications that they rely on each day.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-chairs-ways-means-hearing-reviewing-tax-cuts-jobs-act-tax-policies,"Kelly chairs Ways & Means hearing reviewing Tax Cuts & Jobs Act, tax policies",2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,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), Chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Tax, led a hearing titled ""Tax Policies to Expand Economic Growth and Increase Prosperity for American Families."" The hearing examined pro-growth policies included in the 2017 tax reform law, known as the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act (TCJA), and other proposed tax legislation. The hearing also explored tax policy ideas as many provisions of TCJA are set to expire in 2025.

During the hearing, Rep. Kelly highlighted the local impact of TCJA's success -- the bipartisan Opportunity Zone legislation that spurred over $100 million in economic development in downtown Erie, Pennsylvania, what was once home to the poorest ZIP code in the United States.

Witnesses during Wednesday's hearing included:

Alan Auerbach

Professor of Economics and Law, University of California Berkley

Alan Viard

Senior Fellow Emeritus, American Enterprise Institute

Grover Norquist

President, Americans for Tax Reform

Steve Hayes

Chairman and President, Americans for Fair Taxation

Leonard Burman

Institute Fellow, Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center

KEY EXCERPTS FROM REP. KELLY'S OPENING STATEMENT (as prepared for delivery)

""In the two years after TCJA – real median household income increased by $5,000 – which exceeded income growth during the prior 8 years combined. To protect Main Street -- The Small Business Deduction in TCJA created over $66 billion in tax savings for Main Street businesses. These policies created a strong foundation for U.S. economic growth and prosperity in our small businesses.""

""To protect working families -- Wages in this country increased by 4.9% for 2018 and 2019 – the fastest two-year growth for real wages in 20 years. According to the Federal Reserve, low- and middle-income families received the largest increase in wealth during 2018 and 2019. More than 6 million were lifted out of poverty.""

""Opportunity Zones created growth. And Opportunity Zone investment is going to communities that are substantially more economically distressed than the rest of the country. This is why I continue to lead legislation -- such as -- Opportunity Zones Transparency, Extension, and Improvement Act -- to boost economic investment in these distressed communities.""

""The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act helped American families, small businesses, and resulted in a booming economy. As a committee and conference, we are committed to economic growth, opportunity and fiscal responsibility. And looking ahead to 2025, when some TCJA provisions set to expire, we need to ensure our tax code in this country encourages investment, job growth, and economic security for American working families.""

DOWNLOAD VIDEO OF REP. KELLY'S OPENING STATEMENT HERE

WATCH THE FULL HEARING HERE

WITNESS TESTIMONY EXCERPTS (as prepared for delivery)

""Congress should avoid the creation of new taxes, even if the stated goal is replacing existing

taxes,"" said Grover Norquist, President, Americans for Tax Reform. ""The priority of Congress regarding tax policy must be ensuring the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is made permanent.""

""The United States faces a large long-term fiscal imbalance that will burden future generations

and that threatens long-term economic growth. A value-added tax (VAT) is an essential

component of a well-designed response to this challenge,"" said Alan Viard, Senior Fellow Emeritus at the American Enterprise Institute. ""The United States should follow the lead of 170 other countries and territories by adding a VAT to the federal tax system. The VAT is economically similar, but administratively preferable, to a retail sales tax.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-summer-lee-statement-on-performative-partisan-resolution-that-does-nothing-to-address-antisemitism,Rep. Summer Lee Statement on Performative Partisan Resolution that Does Nothing to Address Antisemitism,2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"**For Immediate Release**

Emilia.Rowland@Mail.house.gov

Rep. Summer Lee Statement on Performative Partisan Resolution that Does Nothing to Address Antisemitism

(Washington, DC) – Today, Congresswoman Summer Lee voted ‘No' on a Republican resolution that politicizes the rise in antisemitism to try to divide the Jewish community and weaponize their pain. Rep. Lee released the following statement on H. Res. 894:

""As the Member of Congress representing the community still grieving from deadliest antisemitic attack in the history of the United States just five years ago, I have made combating hatred and bigotry in all its forms and protecting Western Pennsylvania's Jewish community a top priority."" said Rep. Summer Lee (PA-12). ""However, this extreme Republican resolution does absolutely nothing to address antisemitism–classifying any and all criticism of any of the actions of the Israeli government as antisemitic while ignoring the origins of antisemitism that motivated the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting and ongoing threats Jewish Americans face every day. Combating rising anti-Jewish, Islamophobic and anti-Palestinian hate demands serious action–not performative resolutions that seek to politicize the rise of hate and divide the Jewish community. I will continue to work tirelessly to ensure this Congress fights back against antisemitism, islamophobia, and bigotry.""

""As my colleague Rep. Jerry Nadler (NY-12) pointed out on the House floor:

""The resolution states that all anti-Zionism is antisemitism. That's intellectually disingenuous or factually wrong [...] the authors, if they were at all familiar with Jewish history and culture, should know about Jewish anti-Zionism that was and is expressly not antisemitic [...] The GOP has shown themselves fundamentally unserious. [They] carefully avoided mentioning any of the obvious instances of antisemitism coming from their own leaders.""

""One of my own constituents Mandy Simons so eloquently wrote in an op-ed:

""As a citizen of Israel, now a long-term resident and citizen of the U.S., this attitude is strange. For Israelis inside Israel, there is nothing anti-Israel about criticizing government actions and policies – witness the widespread demonstrations which took place throughout 2023 in Israeli cities large and small.""

Rep. Lee continued, ""I refuse to vote for any resolution that will force me to call my Jewish and Israeli constituents antisemitic.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/summer-lee-deluzio-pa-delegation-announce-143-million-infrastructure-grant-to-immediately-begin-building-passenger-rail-connecting-pittsburgh-and-harrisburg,"Summer Lee, Deluzio, PA Delegation Announce $143 Million  Infrastructure Grant to Immediately Begin Building Passenger Rail Connecting Pittsburgh and Harrisburg",2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

December 06, 2023

CONTACT: Emilia Rowland, Emilia.Rowland@mail.house.gov

Summer Lee, PA Delegation Announce $143 Million Infrastructure Grant to Immediately Begin Building Passenger Rail Connecting Pittsburgh and Harrisburg

Lee, Deluzio have pushed to build passenger rail connecting Western PA with the rest of the commonwealth, Eastern Corridor

WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania Congresswoman Summer Lee today announced a $143 million infrastructure grant from the Federal Railroad Association (FRA) to immediately begin building a passenger rail between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg, connecting Western Pennsylvania directly with the Capitol and making passenger rail connection with Philadelphia and the eastern corridor dramatically more efficient while boosting Western PA's economy and creating thousands of new good paying union jobs.

""For Pennsylvanians and communities across the eastern corridor, passenger rail has helped connect our communities and ensure people can visit their families, access jobs, and explore all that our Commonwealth has to offer. But for far too long, passenger rail in Pittsburgh has remained woefully inadequate and left our communities and economy disconnected"" said Rep. Summer Lee (PA-12). ""After pushing the Department of Transportation for infrastructure investment to connect our communities within my district and across the region, I am so excited to help deliver this $143 million grant to immediately begin building a passenger rail to finally ensure there's frequent and reliable service connecting Pittsburgh with Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and Chicago by rail. This service will go a long way to ensure Pittsburgh is connected to the rest of Pennsylvania and the entire eastern corridor–bringing new life to our cities and creating hundreds of good-paying, union jobs along the way.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressional-staff-office-hours-take-place-wednesday-emporium,Congressional staff office hours to take place Wednesday in Emporium,2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,thompson,https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"EMPORIUM, Pa. – U.S. Representative Glenn ""GT"" Thompson today announced that his staff will host constituent office hours on Wednesday, December 13, in Emporium.

Staff will be available to meet with residents who need assistance from federal agencies, such as the Social Security Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the IRS, and others.

State Senator Chris Dush's staff will also be available to assist with state legislative issues.

No appointments are necessary. Residents of Pennsylvania’s 15th Congressional District are welcome to meet one-on-one with staff to discuss issues or concerns they may have with the federal government.

Arriving early is encouraged, as meetings take place on a first-come, first-served basis.

In an effort to make constituents aware of staff office hours, please consider announcing these meetings for your viewers, readers, and listeners:

Cameron County Constituent Hours

WHO: Congressional Staff from the office of U.S. Rep. Glenn ""GT"" Thompson

TIME: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

DATE: Wednesday, December 13

LOCATION: Cameron County Chamber of Commerce and Artisan Center

34 East 4th Street, Emporium, PA 15834

While constituent hours take place at various locations in the 15th Congressional District throughout the year, constituents are always able to contact Rep. Thompson’s offices in Bellefonte and Oil City from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday:

Bellefonte Office

3555 Benner Pike, Suite 101

Bellefonte, PA 16823

Phone: (814) 353-0215

Fax: (814) 353-0218

Oil City Office

217 Elm St.

Suite B

Oil City, PA 16301

Phone: (814) 670-0432

Fax: (814) 670-0868",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressional-staff-office-hours-take-place-wednesday-kittanning,Congressional staff office hours to take place Wednesday in Kittanning,2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,thompson,https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"KITTANNING, Pa. – U.S. Representative Glenn ""GT"" Thompson today announced that his staff will host constituent office hours on Wednesday, December 13 in Kittanning.

Staff will be available to meet with residents who need assistance from federal agencies, such as the Social Security Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the IRS, and others.

No appointments are necessary. Residents of Pennsylvania’s 15th Congressional District are welcome to meet one-on-one with staff to discuss issues or concerns they may have with the federal government.

Arriving early is encouraged, as meetings take place on a first-come, first-served basis.

These office hours will regularly occur on the second Wednesday of every month.

In an effort to make constituents aware of staff office hours, please consider announcing these meetings for your viewers, readers, and listeners:

Armstrong County Constituent Hours

WHO: Congressional Staff from the office of U.S. Rep. Glenn ""GT"" Thompson

TIME: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

DATE: Wednesday, December 13, 2023

LOCATION: Pennsylvania State Rep. Donna Oberlander's Kittanning Office

200 North Jefferson Street, Kittanning, PA 16201

While constituent hours take place at various locations in the 15th Congressional District throughout the year, constituents are always able to contact Rep. Thompson’s offices in Bellefonte and Oil City from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday:

Bellefonte Office

3555 Benner Pike, Suite 101

Bellefonte, PA 16823

Phone: (814) 353-0215

Fax: (814) 353-0218

Oil City Office

217 Elm St.

Suite B

Oil City, PA 16301

Phone: (814) 670-0432

Fax: (814) 670-0868

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://dean.house.gov/2023/12/congresswoman-dean-pennsylvania-colleagues-announce-funding-to-restore-railways-connecting-reading-pottstown-phoenixville-and-norristown-to-philadelphia-and-new-york,"Congresswoman Dean, Pennsylvania Colleagues Announce Funding to Restore Railways Connecting Reading, Pottstown, Phoenixville, and Norristown to Philadelphia and New York",2023-12-05,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Madeleine Dean,D000631,dean.house.gov,dean,https://dean.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04), alongside Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), announce a $500,000 grant to the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority (SRPRA) to connect Reading, Philadelphia, and New York via train with intermediate stops in Pottstown, Phoenixville, and Norristown, PA.

“Expanding our railways is one of the best ways we can spur growth and create economic opportunities for Pennsylvania residents,” said Rep. Dean. “Whether passengers use these new rail lines for their daily commute or for leisure, increased access to Philadelphia and New York – especially for the more rural areas of our community like Reading, Pottstown, and Phoenixville – is an investment in the people and communities that need it most.”

The project will restore and update existing railway tracks between Reading and Philadelphia that were last used for passenger travel in 1983. The trip between Philadelphia and New York will use current Northeast Corridor tracks. When complete, the rail line will offer four to eight daily round-trips.

This funding is a culmination of efforts by many, including the Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation, Berks, Chester, and Montgomery Counties, as well as the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce, and is an important advancement of President Biden's Invest in America agenda.

“We are thrilled to hear that the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail project was selected into the Federal Rail Administration’s Corridor ID Program. Reestablishing passenger rail access from Reading to Philadelphia and beyond is a once in a generational economic development opportunity for this region,” said Jim Gerlach, President & CEO of the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance. “A credit is due to the Berks Alliance for funding the study that showed this was feasible, to the Commissioners from Berks, Chester, and Montgomery County for leading in the creation of the SRPRA, to our state and federal legislative delegation members for their bipartisan support, and to all of the Authority members, staff, and community partners who have worked together to get us one step closer getting a train back on the tracks. This is an exciting day for Berks, Chester, and Montgomery counties.”

In addition to the funding for Montgomery and Berks County, Senator Bob Casey and Congressman Matt Cartwright (PA-08) secured funding for a direct passenger rail service between Scranton and New York City. Rail service previously ran on the Lackawanna Cut-Off directly between Scranton and New York, but was discontinued in 1970.

The entire Pennsylvania Congressional delegation is excited to see these investments in action – better connecting the northeast corridor and its people, economy, and futures.

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,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3663,House Passes Houlahan Bill to Increase Mental Health Resources for Veterans’ Caregivers,2023-12-05,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last night, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Representative Jen Kiggans’ (R-VA) bill, the Caregiver Outreach and Program Enhancement (COPE) Act, unanimously passed the U.S. House of Representatives. The COPE Act would increase mental health resources available to caregivers of America’s veteran population by establishing Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) grant programs for entities that support caregiver mental health and well-being.

""We are lucky to have the Coatesville VA Medical Center in my community and other VA health systems nearby in Lebanon and Philadelphia. Sadly, many veterans across the country don't have a VA health system nearby, meaning those veterans' family members have to step in and help provide care,"" said Rep. Houlahan. ""These family caregivers often require support of their own to perform what can be a physically, emotionally, and mentally taxing job of veteran caregiving. I am proud to see our bipartisan bill establishing a grant program to expand access to and availability of mental health resources for caregivers passed by the House! The program will provide counseling, treatment, and other support to benefit veterans and their families in Pennsylvania and beyond.""

“Improving the lives of our nation’s heroes is one of my top priorities in Congress,” said Rep. Kiggans. “With the passage of my COPE Act today, we are taking several important steps to ensure our veterans are receiving the quality healthcare they have earned and deserve in a safe environment. As the granddaughter of a veteran, the daughter of a veteran, the wife of a veteran, the mother of future veterans, and having served 10 years in the Navy as a helicopter pilot, I will always fight to provide our former servicemembers with a VA care system they can depend on.”

The bill is endorsed by AARP.

“AARP is pleased to endorse the Caregiver Outreach and Program Enhancement Act,” said Bill Sweeney, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for AARP. “We applaud Congresswomen Kiggans and Houlahan’s bipartisan efforts to support the 6.5 million military and veteran family caregivers by improving their access to mental health counseling and treatment.”

This is the second time in a week that one of Rep. Houlahan’s bills was unanimously passed by the House. One week ago today, the House voted through Houlahan’s Small Business Contracting Transparency Act of 2023.

BACKGROUND

The Caregiver Outreach and Program Enhancement (COPE) Act

The VA maintains several programs that provide certifications and resources to veterans’ caregivers, including the Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS) and the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). The PFCAC is a more robust program specifically targeted toward family members or close friends who decide to take on caregiver responsibility for veterans.

Under these programs, caregivers are defined as any person who provides personal care services to a veteran enrolled in VA healthcare who either needs assistance with one or more activities of daily living, or needs supervision or protection based on symptoms or residuals of neurological impairment or other impairment or injury.

The COPE Act authorizes the VA to provide grants to organizations whose mission is focused on the mental healthcare of participants in the PFCAC. It also requires the VA to provide outreach to registered caregivers and requires both the VA and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to provide Congress with research on the program and its outcomes. The full text of the bill can be found here.

Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator, and a nonprofit leader. She represents Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. She is the recipient of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award which “recognizes members who demonstrate the bipartisan leadership and constructive governing necessary to move our country forward” and the Congressional Management Foundation’s 2022 Democracy Award for best Constituent Services in Congress.",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z
https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3665,Houlahan: Reading on Track to Restore Rail Service,2023-12-05,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"READING, P.A. – Today, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) issued the following statement on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s announcement of a $500,000 Corridor Identification and Development Program grant for a rail corridor connecting Reading to Philadelphia:

“The positive impact of restoring the historic Reading rail line to our community cannot be overstated,” said Rep. Houlahan. “For years, I’ve heard from constituents and businesses about what passenger rail would mean to them and our local economy. I successfully requested $750,000 in Community Project Funding back in 2021 to build the necessary foundation for this historic announcement that will advance this vital infrastructure project. This project has had broad support from the Commissioners of Chester and Berks Counties, the mayors of Reading and Phoenixville, multiple governors from our Commonwealth, and the Biden Administration. Our collaboration demonstrates the strength of the Reading rail line.”

Earlier this year, Houlahan wrote a letter of support alongside Representatives Madeleine Dean (D-PA) and Dan Meuser (R-PA) to DOT Administrator Bose, requesting consideration of the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority’s (SRPRA) application to the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Corridor Identification and Development Program. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which Houlahan voted for, authorized the Secretary of Transportation to establish the Corridor Identification and Development Program to develop passenger rail corridors across the country.

The Reading rail line would run on an existing rail alignment that has not had passenger trains running since 1983. It will also have new intermediate stops in Pottstown, Phoenixville and potentially Norristown, PA with four to eight daily roundtrips connecting southeastern Pennsylvanians with Philadelphia and New York, NY, from Reading.

Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator, and a nonprofit leader. She represents Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. She is the recipient of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award which “recognizes members who demonstrate the bipartisan leadership and constructive governing necessary to move our country forward” and the Congressional Management Foundation’s 2022 Democracy Award for best Constituent Services in Congress.",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z
https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3667,Houlahan Issues Statement on H.Res.894,2023-12-05,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) issued the following statement on H.Res.894:

""Today, I voted present on H.Res.894. I did this because these kind of votes have become an almost daily political cudgel. Every week, sometimes twice or more a week, we spend our limited time voting and re-voting with slightly different language. Votes to: decry antisemitism; defend Israel’s right to exist; to condemn Islamophobia; and to insist on the importance of protecting innocent Palestinian and Israeli lives. These are all critical issues and worthy of these votes, but not over and over again. My record is clear on this. I am done with these performative votes. I will continue to vote present until we vote on things such as the President’s supplemental request, the NDAA, the FAA, FISA, and — of course — just plain funding the government.""",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z
https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-joyces-5g-sale-act-advances-house-floor-0,Dr. Joyce’s 5G SALE Act Advances to House Floor,2023-12-05,2023,2023-12,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), announced that his legislation, H.R.5677, the 5G SALE Act, was passed unanimously by the Energy and Commerce Committee and will next be considered by the entire U.S. House of Representatives.

The 5G Spectrum Authority Licensing Enforcement (5G SALE) Act would require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to release previously auctioned bands of the electromagnetic spectrum to expand access to 5G broadband to rural communities.

“Bridging the digital divide has never been more critical for rural communities,” said Congressman Joyce. “The 5G SALE Act would cut the red tape that has kept Pennsylvania families from accessing the high-speed internet that is vital for remote workers, students who use the internet to learn from home, and patients who use telehealth to heal from home. I’m proud to see this 5G Sale Act pass unanimously out of the committee, and I look forward to seeing its passage in the House.”

Background:

The FCC sold approximately 8,000 licenses to grant internet providers access to America’s broadband spectrum. These licenses are the only way companies can legally use the radio waves that bring 5G internet to customers.

During the period between when providers paid for these licenses and when the FCC should have parceled the licenses out, there was a lapse in the FCC’s ability to authorize the use of these radio waves. Now, despite internet providers having fully purchased the frequencies necessary to deliver 5G internet, the FCC has stated they are unable to issue these licenses.

Congressman Joyce’s legislation would grant the FCC a one-time, temporary authority to issue licenses purchased in auctions in order to speed the delivery of 5G technology to rural communities. On Friday, September 22, 2023, the Senate unanimously passed the Senate version of the 5G SALE Act, which was introduced by Senator John Kennedy (R-LA).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-statement-cancer-diagnosis,Thompson Statement On Cancer Diagnosis,2023-12-05,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,thompson,https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGON, D.C. –U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson today released the following statement:

“After a routine physical and subsequent tests, I was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. While this diagnosis is a surprise, I feel well, and I will continue my work representing the people of Pennsylvania’s 15th District.

“Anyone who’s worked with me knows I am a person of faith as well as an eternal optimist, both of which will guide me as I undergo treatment. I am grateful to my medical team, my family, everyone I work with and represent in Congress.

“My faith in God is strong and I will tackle this head on. I appreciate both prayers and privacy during this time.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-houlahan-announce-500000-grant-for-passenger-rail-corridor-from-reading-to-philadelphia/,"Fetterman, Houlahan Announce $500,000 Grant for Passenger Rail Corridor from Reading to Philadelphia",2023-12-05,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman and U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) on Wednesday announced a $500,000 Corridor ID grant from the Federal Railroad Administration within the U.S. Department of Transportation for the Schuylkill River Passenger Authority (SRPRA) to study a passenger rail corridor from Reading to Philadelphia and New York City. The funding, which will put SRPRA in the pipeline of rail projects ready for implementation, was made possible by President Joe Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The corridor would connect Reading with Philadelphia, with new stops at Pottstown, Phoenixville, and potentially Norristown, before continuing from Philadelphia to New York through existing rail corridors.

“I’m extremely honored and excited to announce this important grant funding for the passenger rail proposal between Reading and Philadelphia,” said Sen. Fetterman. “This is a huge step towards finally bringing passenger rail back to the Schuylkill River Valley. In my view, the more trains and public transportation options for Pennsylvanians, the better. This project would go a long way in revitalizing communities in Berks and Montgomery Counties.”

“This is huge news. During my five years in office, improving access to our passenger rail system has been a top priority for our community,” said Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06). “From conversations with so many of my constituents, I know what this means to our local economy and well-being. I am thrilled that my 2021 request for $750,000 in Community Project Funding to provide a grant to study a rail corridor connecting Reading to Philadelphia was approved and is now being implemented.”

In awarding this project Corridor ID funding, the Department of Transportation is making clear that this project is a priority. SRPRA’s selection will also mean the project will be eligible for more federal grants down the line.

Reading last had passenger rail service to Philadelphia in 1983. This investment from the Department of Transportation allows SRPRA to enter step one of the program to develop a scope, schedule, and cost estimate for preparing, completing, or documenting its service development plan. As part of the Corridor ID program, SRPRA will be eligible for long-term, sustained federal support.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:56:20Z
https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-aims-designate-washingtons-trail-national-historic-trail,Kelly aims to designate 'Washington's Trail' as national historic trail,2023-12-04,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,kelly,https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. -- This week, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) introduced H.R. 6506, a bill that would direct the U.S. Secretary of the Interior to conduct a feasibility study to designate Washington's Trail as a national historic trail.

Washington's Trail traces the steps George Washington traveled in 1753 on his way to Fort LeBoeuf in present-day Waterford, Pa., Erie County. The Trail -- which includes portions of Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia -- crosses through Butler, Venango, Mercer, Crawford, and Erie counties.

""By designating Washington's Trail as a national historic trail, we create an opportunity to preserve this history, to build community pride, to connect communities, promote economic revitalization, and create jobs while telling this story of George Washington and the birth of our nation,"" Rep. Kelly said. ""I commend the work of local volunteers who have brought George Washington's journey to life. This legislation builds upon their work for current and future generations to enjoy.""

Representatives Glenn Thompson (R-PA), Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), Summer Lee (D-PA), Chris Deluzio (D-PA), and Alex Mooney (R-WV) are original co-sponsors of Rep. Kelly's legislation.

BACKGROUND

On October 30, 1753, Virginia Governor Robert Dinwiddie commissioned then 21-year-old George Washington to deliver a letter to French forces who had assembled some 500 miles away at Fort LeBoeuf (present day Waterford, PA).

French forces had been constructing forts, which was a violation of “the treaties now subsisting between the two Crowns” (Britain and France).

The letter was to be delivered to the Commanding Officer, instructing them to depart and demanding a letter in return.

Washington was also tasked with working with Native tribes to gather information on the growing French forces.

The French and Indian war began not long after Washington returned to Williamsburg, VA on January 16, 1754.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressional-staff-office-hours-take-place-monday-selinsgrove,Congressional staff office hours to take place Monday in Selinsgrove,2023-12-04,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,thompson,https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"SELINSGROVE, Pa. – U.S. Representative Glenn ""GT"" Thompson today, announced that his staff will host constituent office hours on Monday, December 11, in Selinsgrove.

Staff will be available to meet with residents who need assistance from federal agencies, such as the Social Security Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the IRS, and others.

No appointments are necessary. Residents of Pennsylvania’s 15th Congressional District are welcome to meet one-on-one with staff to discuss issues or concerns they may have with the federal government.

Arriving early is encouraged, as meetings take place on a first-come, first-served basis.

In an effort to make constituents aware of staff office hours, please consider announcing these meetings for your viewers, readers, and listeners:

Snyder County Constituent Hours

WHO: Congressional Staff from the office of U.S. Rep. Glenn ""GT"" Thompson

TIME: Noon to 3 p.m.

DATE: Monday, December 11, 2023

LOCATION: Pennsylvania State Rep. David Rowe's Selinsgrove Office

1 Susquehanna Valley Mall Dr., Suite F3, Selinsgrove, PA 17870

While constituent hours take place at various locations in the 15th Congressional District throughout the year, constituents are always able to contact Rep. Thompson’s offices in Bellefonte and Oil City from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday:

Bellefonte Office

3555 Benner Pike, Suite 101

Bellefonte, PA 16823

Phone: (814) 353-0215

Fax: (814) 353-0218

Oil City Office

217 Elm St.

Suite B

Oil City, PA 16301

Phone: (814) 670-0432

Fax: (814) 670-0868

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-deluzio-whip-clark-discuss-democrat-led-federal-investments-infrastructure,"Rep. Deluzio, Whip Clark Discuss Democrat-Led Federal Investments into Infrastructure and Childcare at Western Pennsylvania Childcare",2023-12-02,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT — Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) and House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-05) toured Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) and visited an on-site childcare center La Petite Academy. Whip Clark is a top-ranking member of House Democratic Leadership and one of Congress’ biggest champions for childcare. She joined Rep. Deluzio, PIT Airport CEO Christina Cassotis, and other representatives from the airport and childcare center for the tours.

Along with discussing the infrastructure investments of the airport, the legislators highlighted the importance of efforts by the Biden Administration and congressional Democrats to expand high-quality, affordable childcare services to more Americans. One such policy proposal is the Child Care Stabilization Act, which would extend vital stabilization funding to prevent a potential crisis for families and our economy by ensuring childcare providers can continue serving families across the country. Whip Clark is the lead sponsor of the Child Care Stabilization Act and Rep. Deluzio is a co-sponsor.

The two congressmembers also discussed the lack of affordable childcare in the country, including House Republican indifference to the rising issues of the national childcare crisis and their inaction to stop the expiration of transformative childcare investments from the American Rescue Plan.

“This childcare center at Pittsburgh International Airport is an important model for other employers in Western Pennsylvania and across the country, and I am grateful Whip Clark could join me today to see it. Making childcare more affordable should be a no-brainer that will lower costs for working families,” said Rep. Deluzio. “The childcare crisis is bad for workers, bad for kids and parents, and bad for our economy—and fighting to lower costs for America’s families and workers should be a bipartisan issue. Democrats have a proven record of investing in our childcare system, but House Republican Leadership has ignored the cries of help from American families and employers alike. Childcare is a foundational industry for our economy, and we need to act like it. It’s time to pass Whip’s Clark’s Child Care Stabilization Act.”

""I'm thrilled to be in the Keystone State with Congressman Deluzio,"" said Whip Clark. ""Chris knows what it’s like to balance kids and a career. Every day in Washington, he’s fighting to make our economy work for working families. Democrats know that means investing in America — upgrading our airports while supporting the workers who make them run. That's why we delivered $45 million to Pittsburgh International Airport through our Infrastructure Law and why we're fighting to get the Child Care Stabilization Act to President Biden's desk.""

Photos of the tour are available for download here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://dean.house.gov/2023/12/congresswoman-dean-senator-schatz-reintroduce-bill-to-remove-criminal-history-questions-from-college-applications,"Congresswoman Dean, Senator Schatz Reintroduce Bill to Remove Criminal History Questions from College Applications",2023-12-01,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Madeleine Dean,D000631,dean.house.gov,dean,https://dean.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Congressman Troy Carter (D-LA), and Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) reintroduced the Beyond the Box for Higher Education Act. Congresswoman Dean and Senator Schatz previously introduced this bicameral legislation in 2021. The Beyond the Box Act would provide colleges and universities guidance on the removal of criminal and juvenile justice questions from their initial application for admissions.

Almost one out of three Americans have some kind of arrest or conviction record that would appear in a criminal background check. Individuals with criminal or juvenile justice involvement experience barriers to educational opportunities, decreased earnings, and increased poverty.

One significant barrier that these individuals face is that most colleges and universities ask criminal justice, juvenile justice, and/or school disciplinary questions in their admissions processes. People with felony convictions are forty percent less likely to complete college applications than people without, and the application rejection rates for individuals with felony convictions can be as high as 2.5 times the rate of those without.

“As a former professor, I have seen firsthand how education can change lives” Rep. Dean said. “Ensuring everyone has the opportunity to claim their education is a priority for me – and people who have made mistakes in the past and are looking for a fresh start are no exception. I am grateful to work alongside Senator Schatz on the Beyond the Box Act to open doors for so many students.”

“People with a criminal record should have the chance to learn or go back to school,” said Senator Schatz. “This bill targets the barriers that make it harder for people to pursue a better life through higher education.”

“This is a crucial initiative to address the significant barriers faced by individuals with criminal or juvenile justice histories in pursuing college. Current higher education policies perpetuate social and economic disparities, and increase obstacles to educational opportunities, earnings, unemployment, and poverty for formerly incarcerated individuals. I’m proud to champion this legislation with my colleagues which focuses on addressing the root causes of these challenges and aligns with the principles of justice, equity, and access to education for everyone,” said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr.

The Beyond the Box for Higher Education Act directs the Department of Education to provide guidance on:

Whether criminal and juvenile justice questions are necessary in the initial application for admissions;

How to create a process to determine when criminal or juvenile justice information can be requested of students for non-admissions purposes; and

How colleges and universities that decide to keep criminal and juvenile justice questions can reduce their impact on the admissions process.

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,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-deluzio-statement-expulsion-congressman-santos,Rep. Deluzio Statement on the Expulsion of Congressman Santos,2023-12-01,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) released the following statement after the House of Representatives voted on a bipartisan basis to expel Congressman George Santos (NY-03).

“The House Ethics Committee report was crystal clear: George Santos broke the law and cannot be trusted to serve in Congress. So, I solemnly joined colleagues from both parties today to expel Mr. Santos from the U.S. House of Representatives.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2023/12/fitzpatrick-amendment-to-denounce-brutalities-by-hamas-terror-groups-passes,"Fitzpatrick Amendment to Denounce Brutalities by Hamas, Terror Groups Passes",2023-12-01,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,PA,Brian K. Fitzpatrick,F000466,fitzpatrick.house.gov,fitzpatrick,https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Tonight, the House passed H.R. 5961, the No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act, including Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick's (PA-01) amendment to condemn Hamas and Iran-backed terror groups for using human shields and that only the unconditional surrender of Hamas and other Iran-backed terror groups will save innocent civilian lives. Congressman Fitzpatrick's amendment passed with 412-11.

From Congressman Fitzpatrick's floor debate on the amendment earlier today:

This Congress has a responsibility to unequivocally denounce the cruelty and inhumanity perpetrated by the terrorist organizations funded by Iran, especially Hamas. As we work to prohibit further funds from being used by the ruthless Iranian regime to prop up terrorists and subsidize terror attacks, we must also ensure that we swiftly and clearly condemn the criminal acts already carried out by Iran’s agents of terror. The deliberate use of innocent civilians and humanitarian infrastructure by Hamas and other Iran-backed terrorist groups to shield themselves, their weapons, and their operations is unconscionable. Their unabashed and irredeemable disregard for human life is unjustifiable.

This Congress and this government must continue to be united in our condemnation of terror and terrorists. Anything less is a betrayal of our obligation as a global leader for human rights, human dignity, and human freedom.

Watch the remarks HERE.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z