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://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-boyle-highlights-achievements-118th-congress,Congressman Boyle Highlights Achievements of the 118th Congress,2024-12-30,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,PA,Brendan F. Boyle,B001296,boyle.house.gov,boyle,https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"PHILADELPHIA, PA — Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (D-PA) outlined his key legislative and funding successes achieved during the 118th Congress. From passing impactful laws to securing critical resources for Philadelphia, Boyle’s efforts have delivered tangible results for the people of his district.

Among his legislative accomplishments, Boyle passed a groundbreaking law to ensure Congress can make more informed decisions on key issues and renamed a local post office to honor a fallen police officer. As the lead Democrat on the House Budget Committee, he fought tirelessly to protect vital programs and ensure the economy works for middle-class families, not just the wealthy and well-connected.

“Serving the people of Philadelphia in Congress is the honor of my life,” said Congressman Boyle. “This Congress, we delivered real results for our community. We passed laws that will make a difference in people’s lives, and we secured critical funding to help Philadelphia thrive. From honoring local heroes like Sergeant Fitzgerald to ensuring the American Jewish story is preserved, these legislative victories reflect the priorities and values of our community. I’m proud of what we achieved together, and I’m ready to keep fighting for Philadelphia.”

Congressman Boyle continued: “As the top Democrat on the Budget Committee, I will continue fighting to ensure the U.S. economy works for everyone—not just the wealthy few. With an incoming Trump administration, it’s more important than ever to stand up for working families, protect vital programs, and stop reckless policies that threaten our economic stability.”

Key Accomplishments for Philadelphia in the 118th Congress:

Over $40 million in Community Project Funding secured for Philadelphia neighborhoods, including support for police officers, resources for first-generation students, transportation improvements, and more.

$3.2 million saved or returned to constituents via casework. Constituents can always contact Congressman Boyle’s office for assistance with Social Security, the IRS, and other government agencies.

Over $630 million in new funding secured for Philadelphia’s roads, bridges, ports, and SEPTA through legislation like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

$740,000 secured to help fund veteran suicide prevention programs.

Key Legislative Accomplishments:

Congressional Budget Office Data Sharing Act (H.R. 7032): Signed into law by President Biden on September 30, 2024, this legislation ensures the Congressional Budget Office has the data they need from federal agencies to keep Congress informed, helping Congress to deliver better policies and better solutions for American families.

Designation of the Sergeant Christopher David Fitzgerald Post Office Building (H.R. 6073): This bill renames the U.S. Postal Service facility at 9925 Bustleton Avenue in Philadelphia in honor of Sergeant Christopher David Fitzgerald, a Temple University Police Officer tragically killed in the line of duty on February 18, 2023. Signed into law by President Biden on November 25, 2024, the legislation pays tribute to Sergeant Fitzgerald’s service and sacrifice. He was a dedicated public servant and the first Temple University officer to lose his life in the line of duty.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/reps-summer-lee-gregory-meeks-barbara-lee-lead-letter-urging-president-biden-to-address-sudan-s-escalating-humanitarian-crisis,"Reps. Summer Lee, Gregory Meeks, Barbara Lee Lead Letter Urging President Biden to Address Sudan’s Escalating Humanitarian Crisis",2024-12-30,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 30, 2024

Contact: Vaibhav Vijay, Deputy Communications Director, Vaibhav.Vijay@mail.house.gov

Kyla Gill, Senior Press Secretary, Kyla.Gill@mail.house.gov

Reps. Summer Lee, Gregory Meeks, Barbara Lee Lead Letter Urging President Biden to Address Sudan's Escalating Humanitarian Crisis

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Summer Lee (D-Penn.), House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), and Representative Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) led 30 of their colleagues in sending a letter to President Biden calling for urgent action to address the worsening humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan.

Sudan is facing one of the most severe humanitarian crises in the world. Since conflict broke out in April 2023, nearly 12 million people have been displaced, and more than 25 million—half the country's population—are suffering from extreme food insecurity and malnutrition. Civilians have been subjected to unimaginable atrocities, including mass killings, targeted ethnic violence, and the widespread use of sexual violence as a weapon of war. Compounding the crisis, Sudan's healthcare system has been devastated, with the destruction of hospitals and clinics leaving millions without access to critical medical care.

""The United States possesses both the moral responsibility and the practical capability to lead the international response to this crisis,"" the Members wrote. ""The scale of suffering in Sudan demands the United States deploy every available humanitarian tool at our disposal…it is critical to continue our diplomatic work to secure a ceasefire, protect civilians, and ensure unobstructed humanitarian access. Without decisive global engagement, violent conflict in Sudan threatens to destabilize the entire region, with devastating implications for countless lives and communities,"" they continued.

This call for action follows a recent announcement from Secretary of State Antony Blinken that the United States would provide $200 million in aid to the people of Sudan for food, shelter, and healthcare—bringing total U.S. support since the onset of the conflict to more than $2.3 billion.

In their letter, the Members commended the President for his leadership on this issue thus far and urged his Administration to remain steadfast in implementing further bold, coordinated, and urgently needed measures to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people and stabilize the region. These measures include establishing safe zones and humanitarian corridors, increasing aid directly to Sudanese organizations supporting civilians on the ground, updating atrocity determinations to address new violations, and renewing Temporary Protective Status for Sudanese nationals.

The full letter is available here.

Cosigners include: Gabe Amo (RI-01), Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), Cori Bush (MO-01), Greg Casar (TX-35), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Jesús García (IL-04), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Henry Johnson (GA-04), Daniel Kildee (MI-08), Betty McCollum (MN-04), James McGovern (MA-02), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Eleanor Norton (DC-AL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Adam Smith (WA-09), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Frederica Wilson (FL-24)

Background

Since April 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in violent conflict between the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces. The resulting humanitarian crisis has created severe shortages of food, water, and healthcare, with famine declared in some areas. The United States and its allies need to take decisive action to deliver aid, protect civilians, and support long-term peace efforts.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/smucker-announces-congressional-app-challenge-winners,Smucker Announces Congressional App Challenge Winners,2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,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 Second Annual 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 2024 Winning Team is a team of students from Warwick High School, including students Claire Diffenbach, Linnea Miller, and Isaac Widders. Their app called Plant Pule, that utilizes sensors to track humidity, temperature, light, and soil moisture in plants. The data collected from the sensors is then displayed on the app to compare them with the ideal values for these plants.

Smucker met remotely with the team of students, while he was in Washington for voting session, to congratulate them on their win and to thank them for their participation.

“Each of these students who participated in the Congressional App Challenge has a bright future. I want to congratulate our winners from Warwick. Their app and presentation were top-notch and with a potential for a positive impact on our agricultural economy. The community should be proud of these students’ efforts. I am amazed at the students’ skills and problem-solving abilities demonstrated through coding. I wish them well in all their future endeavors and was glad to learn these students intend to pursue STEM degrees. I look forward to seeing next year’s submissions and would encourage any interested student to participate,” said Rep. Smucker.

The CAC was created because Congress recognized that STEM and computer-based skills are essential for economic growth and innovation and that the U.S. has been falling behind on these fronts. To maintain American competitiveness, it’s crucial that the United States invests in our youth now and helps them acquire these valuable skills. The CAC encourages students to pursue those skills and recognizes them for their efforts.

# # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-colleagues-applaud-senate-passage-of-bill-honoring-d-day-hero-henry-parham/,"Fetterman, Colleagues Applaud Senate Passage of Bill Honoring D-Day Hero Henry Parham",2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Senator John Fetterman celebrated the Senate’s unanimous passage of a bipartisan bill to name the new Department of Veterans Affairs Community-Based Outpatient Clinic in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, as the Henry Parham VA Clinic. The legislation, introduced in the Senate by Senators Fetterman and Bob Casey, now awaits President Biden’s signature. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) also supported this legislation.

The bill, co-led in the House by Congresswoman Summer Lee (D-PA) and Congressman Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), honors the extraordinary legacy of Private First Class Henry Parham, a Black World War II veteran and member of the historic 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion. Mr. Parham’s service on D-Day and decades of volunteer work for fellow veterans exemplify his lifelong commitment to his country and community.

“Honoring our veterans is about action—not just words. Henry Parham’s courage on D-Day and his years of service to veterans in Pittsburgh make him a true American hero,” said Senator Fetterman (D-PA). “Naming this clinic after Henry is a small but meaningful way to ensure his legacy lives on and reminds us of the sacrifices made by so many who were denied equality at home while fighting for freedom abroad.”

“Henry Parham’s story reminds us that history is shaped by the courage of individuals who fought for freedom, even when denied it at home,” said Congresswoman Lee (D-PA). “To see this bill pass unanimously through both the House and Senate is a testament to the unifying power of his legacy. It’s also a reflection of what we can achieve when we work across the aisle for justice and recognition.”

“When he stormed the beaches of Normandy as part of the only all-Black combat unit to land on D-Day, Henry Parham believed he was simply doing what he was ‘supposed to do as an American.’ When Henry came home, he continued serving his fellow veterans and his Nation, giving his time and energy at the VA in Pittsburgh,” said Senator Casey (D-PA). “To call Henry a hero only begins to describe his selflessness and commitment to serving others, and renaming the VA clinic in Monroeville in his honor is one small way to ensure his actions are never forgotten.”

“Henry Parham is an American hero—fighting the Nazis on the beaches of Normandy as a member of the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion,” said Congressman Reschenthaler (R-PA). “The longtime Pennsylvanian’s courage and strength in the face of adversity should live on as a shining example for future generations. I am proud to introduce legislation renaming the VA clinic in Monroeville after Henry Parham in honor of his service and commitment to America.”

Private First Class Henry Parham served in the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion, the only all-Black combat unit to land on D-Day. Under heavy enemy fire, Mr. Parham and his unit secured barrage balloons on Omaha Beach, protecting Allied forces and supply routes from low-flying German aircraft. For two months, his battalion’s efforts helped safeguard the success of the Allied invasion.

After the war, Mr. Parham continued his service by volunteering at the Pittsburgh VA Medical Center and his local American Legion post for decades. He was recognized as a chevalier of the French Legion of Honor in 2013 for his heroism during World War II.

Henry Parham passed away on July 4, 2021, at the age of 99. Naming the Monroeville VA clinic in his honor ensures his story of bravery, resilience, and dedication will inspire generations to come.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://johnjoyce.house.gov/media/press-releases/joyce-smucker-launch-house-make-america-healthy-again-maha-caucus,"Joyce, Smucker Launch the House Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Caucus",2024-12-21,2024,2024-12,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), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and Congressman Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, announced the formation of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Caucus will focus on supporting Americans in living long, healthy, and fulfilling lives through access to affordable, high-quality foods while improving access to primary care. Senator Roger Marshall (KS) will lead the Caucus in the Senate.

The Caucus will work closely with the incoming Trump Administration to build a stronger and healthier nation in the years ahead.

“As a doctor, I recognize that healthy foods and physical activity play an important role in every American life. Pennsylvania’s 13th Congressional District is home to farms, orchards, and dairies that provide nutritious and healthy food for the American people. I look forward to working with Congressman Smucker, Senator Marshall, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and my colleagues in the House in order to advance our shared goal to make America the healthiest country in the world,” said Congressman Joyce.

“I’ve spent my whole life in the Garden Spot of America. Pennsylvania’s 13th and 11th congressional districts are the largest agricultural communities in the Commonwealth. Through our abundant, locally grown, healthy, fresh food, I have seen the impact that diet can have on an individual’s health. In America, we have a health crisis with declining life expectancy, rising incidences of chronic diseases, and high rates of obesity. Unfortunately, too often federal policies have contributed to these alarming statistics. There is a real need to address these public health emergencies, and we must act now to pursue policies that will help Americans make more informed decisions about their health and wellness. I look forward to working with my friend and colleague Rep. John Joyce, members of the Make America Healthy Again Caucus in the House and Senate, and members of the incoming Trump administration like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to advance policies to help Americans lead healthier lives,” said Rep. Smucker.

“The chronic disease epidemic accounts for the vast majority of healthcare costs, disabilities and deaths in the United States,” said Congressman Buchanan. “I look forward to partnering with Dr. Joyce, Rep. Smucker, Sen. Marshall and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to promote healthy lifestyles and further research into the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. It’s time to Make America Healthy Again.”

Founding members of the MAHA Caucus include: Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36), Congressman Troy Balderson (OH-12), Congresswoman Stephanie Bice (OK-05), Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-16), Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-01), Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (TN-01), Congressman Mike Kelly (PA-16), Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23), Congresswoman Laurel Lee (FL-15), Congressman David Rouzer (NC-07), Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08), and Congressman William Timmons (SC-04).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-house-democrats-vote-stave-republican-shutdown,"Deluzio, House Democrats Vote to Stave off Republican Shutdown",2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,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) voted to fund the government through March 14, 2025. Once the funding measure passes the Senate later tonight and is signed by the President, Congress will stave off yet another government shutdown and disruption of federal services. The final vote on the measure was 366 in support to 34 in opposition, with one voting present. All of the votes in opposition were by Republican congressmembers.

Following House passage of the funding bill, Congressman Deluzio released the following statement:

“Today, House Democrats once again delivered the votes needed to avoid a government shutdown that would have hurt a lot of people in Western Pennsylvania and across the country.

“I voted ‘yes’ tonight to keep our troops and federal law enforcement paid, important safety inspections on schedule, federal agencies running, and so much else through mid-March next year.

“Tonight, Democrats showed the country that we remain the party willing to unite to do our duty. That is very different from House Republicans who, while in the majority party, keep falling into disarray and taking us to the brink.

“No matter what, I will always put the people of Western Pennsylvania and our country first.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-releases-first-term-congressional-report-highlights-wins-and-progress,"Deluzio Releases First Term Congressional Report, Highlights Wins and Progress for the People of Western PA",2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Deluzio (PA-17) released a report highlighting his work over his first term representing the people of Western Pennsylvania. The report is available here.

The report begins with a letter that reads in part:

“As 2024 wraps up, I’m struck by the enormous honor it is to represent all of us and to serve as our Congressman down in Washington. I will never take this job, or the responsibility it requires, for granted.

“Last year after I was sworn in, I wrote a mission statement that I display in my office, and that my staff have on their desks. It reads, “The people of Western PA are at the heart of all we do. Our servant leadership puts them, and the country, first. We serve them courageously—ever prepared, always decisive. For the love of those people and this country, we stand for a government that serves all of us, not just the rich and powerful. And in our deeds and our words, we put the common good above all else. And when we confront corporate power, self-interest, or threats to our freedoms, we never shy from a righteous fight.”

The report also includes a ""Delivering for Western Pennsylvania: By the Numbers” section in which he shares the following statistics for his first term:

More than $5.78 million returned to constituents

More than 2,100 constituent cases closed

Since 2023, more than $2.2 billion in federal funds came to PA-17

Introduced 23 bills

Cosponsored more than 500 bills

Congressman Deluzio will be sworn in to his second term serving the people of Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District on January 3, 2025.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-rulli-raise-concerns-defense-dept-over-plan-incinerate-forever,"Deluzio, Rulli Raise Concerns to Defense Dept Over Plan to Incinerate “Forever Chemicals” in East Liverpool, OH—on PA Border",2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Deluzio (D-PA-17) and Congressman Mike Rulli (R-OH-06) sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin raising major concerns over the Department of Defense’s (DOD) efforts to receive approval to incinerate polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at a plant in East Liverpool, OH. Represented by Congressman Rulli, East Liverpool is a community in Ohio’s 6th Congressional District along the Ohio River and is just a few miles upwind of Allegheny and Beaver County communities in Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District, represented by Congressman Deluzio.

Also known as “forever chemicals,” PFAS is a type of manufactured chemical that breaks down very slowly and is frequently found in defense-related materials like firefighting foam. As the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) describes, PFAS “can build up in people, animals, and the environment over time.” Research is still ongoing to understand the comprehensive impacts that these types of long-lasting chemicals can have on human health and the environment, but PFAS have already been linked to several adverse health impacts, including cancer and birth defects. In 2022, Congress passed a law prohibiting the DOD from incinerating PFAS until they could issue guidance in line with the EPA’s disposal advice.

And yet, as the Congressmembers write in their letter, “The DOD is looking to resume the incineration process in East Liverpool, Ohio, that can contaminate the surrounding soil, seep into nearby water sources, and pollute the air.”

The Congressmen continue, “The DOD has cited improved, cleaner incineration techniques as their reasoning for this renewed appeal. The EPA, however, disagrees, and just earlier this year admitted that ‘uncertainties remain’ regarding the effectiveness and safety of PFAS incineration. You should not carry out any operations in our communities without being certain of its safety.”

In the letter Congressmen Deluzio and Rulli ask several questions of Secretary Austin and his Department, including:

“What is this new process that the DOD claims is ‘cleaner?’”

“What will you do to ensure these communities are kept safe and that nothing will leach into our soil, water, and air?”

The Congressmen conclude, “There must be acceptable answers to these questions before something happens that could put our constituents at risk. We urge you to end any PFAS incineration and block any efforts to resume this in East Liverpool until the DOD and EPA can prove there is no risk to our communities’ health and safety. We also implore you to work closely with local leaders of the affected communities so that they are aware of your plans and can best advocate for their interests.”

A full copy of the letter is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4375,Houlahan Votes to Keep Government Open,2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,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), shared the following statement on her vote for the American Relief Act of 2025:

“This evening, I voted in favor of the continuing resolution to fund our government and keep vital public services operating through March 2025. This bill provides needed funding to communities to recover from natural disasters, extends authorities used to detect and monitor drone activity, provides essential funding for telehealth access and community health centers, and extends the farm bill. It also prevents 66,000 federal workers in Pennsylvania from being involuntarily furloughed right before the holidays.

“We know that legislating can be messy so while I’m frustrated, I’m not terribly surprised that we went beyond the eleventh hour to figure this out. What is alarming, and unprecedented, is the extent to which one man, Elon Musk, who wasn’t elected and has no official government role was able to torpedo a bipartisan agreement while using his extraordinary wealth to threaten and bully members. Democrats have, once again, been the adults in the room here in Washington – we have compromised with our votes and provided for the needs of the people, not the elite.

“I hope Speaker Johnson and the majority take the upcoming time at home to truly listen to their constituents and communities before they return to D.C. in January. If they are listening, I am certain they will hear that Americans do not want tax cuts for the wealthiest among us paid for by increased debt and decreased benefits for the rest of us.”

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 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-supports-short-term-funding-measure-keep-government-open-provide,"Kelly supports short-term funding measure to keep government open, provide disaster relief, support farmers",2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,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) supported the continuing resolution, which funds the federal government into March 2025, provides more than $100 billion in disaster relief aid and aid for farmers, and extends Farm Bill provisions.

""Congress has a responsibility to keep government's lights on and its doors open for the American people, and that's what this legislation does,"" Rep. Kelly said. ""This legislation also allows us to take care of the Americans who are still recovering from Hurricane Helene and other tragic natural disasters. This funding is critical, especially during the Christmas season. I look forward to working with President Trump in 2025 to make America great again -- again!""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/smucker-supports-american-relief-act,Smucker Supports American Relief Act,2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,PA,Lloyd Smucker,S001199,smucker.house.gov,smucker,https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington- Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) released the following statement after voting in favor of the American Relief Act of 2025:

“The American Relief Act of 2025 continues funding the government at current levels until after President Trump takes office, at which point Congressional Republicans will be able to achieve a much more fiscally responsible bill.

This bill is far different from the first version that was released for consideration, which contained many extraneous funding provisions that would have increased spending. The American people were right in opposing that bill. President Trump and Congressional Republicans were given a mandate to change government by cutting spending and streamlining the bureaucracy. The first bill would have been business as usual by including wasteful, bloated spending. I am happy it was not considered.

While I am no fan of using continuing resolutions to fund the government, it is for these reasons that I voted in favor of the American Relief Act, which passed the House of Representatives. As the 119th Congress begins, I will work with President Trump to advance fiscally responsible legislation,” said Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11).

# # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/landmark-bipartisan-bicameral-infrastructure-package-delivers-50-million-for-pennsylvania/,"Landmark Bipartisan, Bicameral Infrastructure Package Delivers $50 Million for Pennsylvania",2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) celebrated the Senate’s passage of key legislation, including the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), the reauthorization of the Economic Development Administration (EDA), and provisions for regional commissions. The package, which passed 97-1, includes major wins for Pennsylvania’s communities with new programs and funding that will create jobs, address environmental challenges, and invest in critical infrastructure.

“I’m proud to see the Senate come together in a nearly unanimous vote to deliver these transformative investments to communities across Pennsylvania and the country. This legislation addresses critical needs in Pennsylvania—revitalizing our communities, safeguarding our environment, and spurring economic growth,” said Senator Fetterman. “This is how we show working people that the government can deliver real results that build stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities. The people of Pennsylvania and our nation are counting on us to deliver these critical investments and I’m proud to bring it home.”

This legislation reflects a major step forward in supporting Pennsylvania’s working families, rebuilding critical infrastructure, and fostering regional economic development. WRDA and the EDA reauthorization are designed to tackle long-standing challenges including flooding, pollution from legacy industries, and economic stagnation in transitioning communities. Together, these investments will position Pennsylvania for growth while protecting and improving the quality of life for its residents.

Key Wins for Pennsylvania in WRDA:

New Acid-Mine Drainage Program: dedicates $50 million to clean up legacy pollution from mining in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio to benefit both the environment and public health

Johnstown River Walls Project: enables the repair and enhancement of the Johnstown river walls to mitigate flood risks

South Wetlands Park: authorizes the development of a wetlands park in South Philadelphia, enhancing environmental conservation and providing recreational opportunities for residents in an underserved area

Expedited Completion of the Williamsport Levee: accelerates the completion of critical flood control measures to protect residents and businesses from flooding

Increased Water Infrastructure Authorization: provides new funding for Pennsylvania and authorizes funding for specific projects upgrade water infrastructure, helping communities make necessary improvements without imposing rate increases on residents, including:

$25 million authorized funding for a new statewide environmental infrastructure program across the commonwealth

$38.6 million for water and wastewater infrastructure across the commonwealth

$7 million for water and wastewater infrastructure in Berks County and Chester County, $2 million for Franklin Township, $50 million for the boroughs of Telford, Franconia, and Lower Safford, and $5 million for Pen Argyl

$50 million increase in funding for water and wastewater infrastructure for Northeast Pennsylvania

$1.4 million increase in funding for Philadelphia and a change in the authorization to allow the Army Corps to assist with needed water supply infrastructure and prevent rate increases

$7.6 million increase in funding for Phoenixville

Allegheny River Lockage Levels of Services: affirms the importance of the Allegheny River and establishes that the current lockage levels of service on the river should be preserved as the Army Corps performs a study on a navigation and ecosystem restoration

Key Wins for Pennsylvania in EDA Reauthorization:

New Mid-Atlantic Regional Commission: drives investment and economic growth in Pennsylvania and neighboring states, covering Pennsylvania counties that had not previously been included in a regional commission

Economic Adjustment Assistance Program: includes new provisions to support and support and invest in Pennsylvania’s steel communities

Assistance to Coal Communities Program: offers targeted assistance to communities transitioning from coal-based economies

The reauthorization of the Economic Development Administration (EDA) marks a historic milestone, as it is the first time Congress has reauthorized the agency in 20 years. The bipartisan legislation will modernize the EDA and other regional commissions whose mission is to foster economic growth in communities across the country. Since 1965, the EDA has led impactful programs to strengthen public works and infrastructure, job creation and workforce development, disaster recovery, and industry advancement.

From January 2021 through November 2024, the EDA directed nearly $6 billion in investments across 3,393 projects, creating or saving over 554,700 jobs and generating $67.7 billion in private investment. These investments include hundreds of construction projects, creating thousands of good-paying jobs while supporting resilient economic growth across Pennsylvania and the nation.

The package also includes provisions to reform the General Services Administration (GSA) to improve federal property management and operational efficiency. These provisions are designed to address critical needs in Pennsylvania, including environmental remediation, infrastructure improvements, and economic development, aligning with the objectives outlined in the press release.

With the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024 now passed by both Chambers of Congress, Senator Fetterman called for the president’s swift action to sign these transformative programs into law.

The full text of the bill is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-announces-shipbuilding-innovation-act-boost-domestic-shipbuilding,"Deluzio Announces ‘Shipbuilding Innovation Act’ to Boost Domestic Shipbuilding, Alternative Energy Development in the Maritime Industry",2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Navy and Iraq War veteran and House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee member Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) introduced his new bill, the Shipbuilding Innovation Act. This measure would help grow the shipbuilding industry in the United States, track the status of certain U.S. flagged vessels, and support the development and use of non-traditional power and propulsion systems.

Over the last 20 years, China’s aggressive shipbuilding subsidies and unfair trade practices—along with American inaction—have made it impossible for the United States to keep up. This has resulted in a massive difference in industrial capacity: China is now capable of producing over 1,000 ocean-going vessels a year, while the United States currently produces fewer than ten. Maritime power is critical to our prosperity and to global peace, which requires staying on the cutting edge of this sector—in both the defense and commercial maritime markets.

“I’m a proud Navy guy who believes we ought to make more stuff in America,” said Congressman Deluzio. “I believe we can build up our industrial might for the 21st century, and that means passing bills like my new Shipbuilding Innovation Act. Our government needs to do a better job at supporting and funding research and development of new technologies that will give us the competitive edge over countries like China—and exploring innovative energy sources like nuclear microreactors and new propulsion systems can help get us there.”

Specifically, this bill would:

Authorize $250,000 for a market opportunity study for construction of specialty vessels to support energy transition initiatives.

Create a new U.S. vessel construction program focused on innovative design, including development and use of new power and propulsion systems.

Authorizes $100M yearly through 2029 for grants with an 80% maximum federal cost share to kickstart United States ship construction.

Require yearly reporting on the status and outlook for U.S. flagged vessels capable of supporting energy transition initiatives.

The Shipbuilding Innovation Act is endorsed by the United Steelworkers (USW) and the Maritime Engineers Beneficial Association (MEBA).

Congressman Deluzio is the co-author of the “Make Stuff Here” Agenda, which focuses on supercharging America’s domestic manufacturing, including ending lousy trade deals and boosting domestic manufacturing. He is also supportive of bills like the Energizing American Shipbuilding Act of 2023, which requires a certain percent of total American seaborne LNG and crude oil exports to be transported on vessels built in the United States.

The full text of the bill is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/north-allegheny-tenth-grader-wins-congressman-deluzios-2024-congressional-app,North Allegheny Tenth Grader Wins Congressman Deluzio’s 2024 Congressional App Challenge,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,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) announced that North Allegheny Intermediate High School 10th grader Shivum Telang is the winner of Pennsylvania’s 17th District 2024 Congressional App Challenge. His app, “MedMatch,” helps patients and primary care offices find and compare top-rated doctors in the area with ease and objectivity. Click here to watch a demo of this winning app. A photo of winner Shivum Telang is available here.

The U.S. House of Representatives and the Internet Education Foundation created the nationwide Congressional App Challenge in 2013 to foster an appreciation for computer science and STEM.

“Congratulations to Shivum on his winning app, MedMatch, and thank you to all of the students who participated in this year’s Congressional App Challenge,” said Congressman Deluzio. “Western PA is a leader in the technology and healthcare industries, and the competitive app submissions from students like Shivum show rising interest in innovation and technology! I am excited Shivum will have a chance to showcase his app alongside winners from across the country at this year’s House of Code down in Washington this spring.”

Shivum Telang’s winning app “MedMatch” combines functionality and AI-powered support, to help patients quickly find the best doctors in their area.

Specifically, the app:

Allows users to create an account, which ensures that their progress is saved for future use. Upon returning, users can seamlessly continue where they left off.

On the map page, users can select the type of doctor they need, of any specialty.

MedMatch then utilizes the user’s location to display doctor offices that specialize in their chosen field. These offices are marked on a map with annotations, which help the user visualize how close the doctors are to their current location.

When a user taps on one of the annotations, detailed information about the selected office is displayed, including the office’s rating, phone number, and address. This information is retrieved using an API scraper that ensures the data is current and relevant.

The app’s features include a ""Like and Save"" option. After reviewing a doctor’s profile, users can choose to ""Like and Save"" the office, which adds it to their personal account

MedMatch includes a built-in AI chatbot, powered by OpenAI. This chatbot offers real-time guidance and support, helping users who may have questions or encounter difficulties as they move through the app.

The Congressional App Challenge seeks to encourage middle and high school students to pursue careers in tech through a nationwide coding challenge. Every year, Members of Congress challenge students in their districts to create and submit their original apps for a chance to win the competition. Winning apps from each district will be displayed and recognized at an event in Washington, D.C. in the spring of 2025.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4374,Houlahan Shares Statement on American Relief Act,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"""I voted no tonight on a bill that was hastily drafted and incomplete. Clearly, I was not alone in my assessment. Rather than meeting the 2/3 majority needed for the vote to pass, the vote was defeated in a 174-235-1 decision. Thirty-seven of the Republican majority (who drafted the bill) also found the legislation to be insufficient and inadequate. They voted no, as well.

""I look forward to this bill being negotiated by our leadership from both sides of the aisle. I remain ready to vote on a more responsible, representative, serious, and complete effort,"" said Houlahan.

###

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://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-booker-kim-urge-transparent-inclusive-search-for-next-philadelphia-fed-president/,"Fetterman, Booker, Kim Urge Transparent, Inclusive Search for Next Philadelphia Fed President",2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA), joined by Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ), sent a letter to Anthony Ibargüen, Chair of the Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank Board of Directors and Presidential Search Committee, urging a fair, transparent, and inclusive process in selecting the next President & CEO of the Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank.

The letter outlined critical questions for the search committee, focusing on steps to engage community stakeholders, ensure demographic diversity among candidates, and avoid conflicts of interest. The lawmakers emphasized the need for a transparent and fair process that builds confidence in the Philadelphia Fed, a necessary step after the controversy surrounding the last presidential search in 2015.

The lawmakers emphasized the significance of the Philadelphia Fed, which supervises banks and affects the economic security of over 13 million residents in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. The lawmakers called for a search process that prioritizes the interests of working families.

The letter reads in part: “The Philadelphia Fed supervises banks that hold the hard-earned savings of millions of working families and provide loans for small businesses, farmers, and manufacturers throughout the region,” and

“We urge the Philadelphia Fed to engage in a transparent, public process leading to a new President & CEO who will represent the diversity and strength of the Third Federal Reserve District. The selection committee has enormous responsibility in selecting a new President & CEO who will truly represent the economic interests of everyone in the Third District.”

The senators requested a response to these questions by January 24, 2025.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/boyle-deluzio-introduce-bill-protect-legal-rights-amtrak-passengers,"Boyle, Deluzio Introduce Bill to Protect Legal Rights of Amtrak Passengers",2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,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) and Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) introduced the Ending Passenger Rail Forced Arbitration Act to protect the ability and rights of Amtrak riders to seek justice if things go wrong. This is a companion bill to the measure introduced by Senators Blumenthal, Fetterman, and Casey in the Senate.

Amtrak ridership for the Keystone and Pennsylvanian trains were up 13.7% and 21.4% respectively in Fiscal Year 2024. Currently, when a passenger buys a ticket to ride an Amtrak train, they also sign over certain rights through a broad arbitration agreement and class action waiver policy. The current policy that Amtrak implemented in 2019 captures personal injury claims, gross negligence, wrongful death, and claims of discrimination. The Ending Passenger Rail Forced Arbitration Act would prohibit Amtrak from imposing this policy so riders can seek justice should they be wronged.

“Americans deserve a great experience when they ride Amtrak,” said Congressman Boyle. “That’s why we’ve delivered funding to upgrade infrastructure, improve trains, and speed up service—and why we’re introducing this bill to protect riders’ rights to seek justice if something goes wrong. So many Pennsylvanians rely on Amtrak every day. No one should have to give up their rights just to ride the train.”

“Forced Arbitration—requiring people to sign away their basic right to seek justice if they are wronged—is an unjust practice,” said Congressman Deluzio. “I am a big supporter of passenger rail and am working as a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to make passenger trains a better option for people. I also want to make sure Amtrak is held accountable, and that riders retain their rights and power, if Amtrak messes up. The Ending Passenger Rail Forced Arbitration Act would make sure that Amtrak travelers do not lose their rights just because they take the train.”

Representing different ends of the Commonwealth and the passenger rail lines that connect Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, Congressmen Boyle and Deluzio previously worked together to introduce the Rail Passenger Fairness Act. This bill would help Amtrak improve on-time performance for passenger train travel across the country by allowing Amtrak the ability to take freight railroads to court to enforce current laws on illegal freight train interference.

The full text of the bill is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-boyle-introduce-bill-protect-legal-rights-amtrak-passengers,"Deluzio, Boyle Introduce Bill to Protect Legal Rights of Amtrak Passengers",2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,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) and Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) introduced the Ending Passenger Rail Forced Arbitration Act to protect the ability and rights of Amtrak riders to seek justice if things go wrong. This is a companion bill to the measure introduced by Senators Blumenthal, Fetterman, and Casey in the Senate.

Amtrak ridership for the Keystone and Pennsylvanian trains were up 13.7% and 21.4% respectively in Fiscal Year 2024. Currently, when a passenger buys a ticket to ride an Amtrak train, they also sign over certain rights through a broad arbitration agreement and class action waiver policy. The current policy that Amtrak implemented in 2019 captures personal injury claims, gross negligence, wrongful death, and claims of discrimination. The Ending Passenger Rail Forced Arbitration Act would prohibit Amtrak from imposing this policy so riders can seek justice should they be wronged.

“Forced Arbitration—requiring people to sign away their basic right to seek justice if they are wronged—is an unjust practice,” said Congressman Deluzio. “I am a big supporter of passenger rail and am working as a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to make passenger trains a better option for people. I also want to make sure Amtrak is held accountable, and that riders retain their rights and power, if Amtrak messes up. The Ending Passenger Rail Forced Arbitration Act would make sure that Amtrak travelers do not lose their rights just because they take the train.”

""Americans deserve a great experience when they ride Amtrak,” said Congressman Boyle. “That’s why we’ve delivered funding to upgrade infrastructure, improve trains, and speed up service—and why we’re introducing this bill to protect riders’ rights to seek justice if something goes wrong. So many Pennsylvanians rely on Amtrak every day. No one should have to give up their rights just to ride the train.""

Representing different ends of the Commonwealth and the passenger rail lines that connect Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, Congressmen Deluzio and Boyle previously worked together to introduce the Rail Passenger Fairness Act. This bill would help Amtrak improve on-time performance for passenger train travel across the country by allowing Amtrak the ability to take freight railroads to court to enforce current laws on illegal freight train interference.

The full text of the bill is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4372,What People are Saying about Houlahan’s I-PLAN: Congress Must Support State Paid Leave Programs,2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), co-chair of the bipartisan House Paid Leave Working Group, released legislative text of the I-PLAN, one of the group’s key pillars, intended to prepare and inspire the 119th Congress to address paid leave.

“My co-chair Representative Bice and I want to ensure that the next Congress takes paid leave as seriously as we have through our bipartisan work on paid leave over the past two years,” said Houlahan. “The American people have waited too long for us to solve a major issue that vexes nearly every family in the nation, and in introducing our bills yesterday, we’re putting Congress on notice that we expect their attention and we are giving them a roadmap to take action.”

Many advocates and partners have supported the Paid Family Leave Working Group’s work. Here’s what they’re saying about Houlahan’s I-PLAN:

American Benefits Council - “A patchwork of differing state paid leave laws creates a host of administrative challenges for multi-state employers and unintended consequences for employees. Accordingly, the American Benefits Council commends the bipartisan House Working Group on Paid Leave for developing draft legislation to help coordinate and harmonize state paid family and medical leave laws through the creation of the innovative Interstate Paid Leave Action Network (I-PLAN).

“With ever increasing numbers of people working remotely, many small and mid-size companies are now multi-state employers. And major employers often have employees in numerous – if not all 50 – states. To enable an employer to treat its employees equitably nationwide, and to avoid extraordinary costs and administrative burdens, it is more important than ever that state paid laws are made as uniform as possible.

“Working Group members have made extraordinary bipartisan efforts to understand the complexities that arise from disparate state paid leave laws. Release of the draft I-PLAN legislation is a positive step forward in acknowledging and addressing the need for harmonization across states.

“The American Benefits Council looks forward to working with lawmakers in the Working Group to ensure that the I-PLAN drives meaningful, reasonable, long-term and administrable harmonization and that the core pillars of federal legislation to expand access to paid leave are complementary and work in concert for the benefit of employers and employees alike.”

Bipartisan Policy Center Action - “While the rise in state paid family leave laws has provided access to this critical benefit for millions of workers, the distinct requirements of each program present compliance challenges for multistate employers. BPC Action is proud to support the Interstate Paid Leave Action Network (I-PLAN) Act and the Paid Family Leave Public-Private Partnerships Act, which would enhance the operational efficiency of existing paid family leave programs across states, support the establishment of new ones, and promote harmony among them. We applaud the House Bipartisan Paid Family Leave Working Group, chaired by Reps. Stephanie Bice (R-OK) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), for their leadership on an issue impacting so many Americans,” says Michele Stockwell, president of Bipartisan Policy Center Action.

The ERISA Industry Committee - “Nationwide employers offer workers generous paid leave, but a developing patchwork of conflicting and inconsistent state mandates makes it impossible to deliver these benefits efficiently. ERIC commends the House bipartisan Paid Family Leave Working Group for recognizing the importance of addressing this patchwork by proposing the creation of an Interstate Paid Leave Action Network. The I-PLAN, if established and successful, would reduce complexity, minimize conflicting state requirements, and make it easier for employers to offer these benefits uniformly throughout the country,” said Andy Banducci, Senior Vice President of Retirement and Compensation Policy, The ERISA Industry Committee.

Georgetown Center on Poverty and Inequality - “Paid leave makes sense—for workers, families, and businesses. Without a universal, national paid leave policy, state paid leave programs bridge the gap for low-income workers who have the least access to employer paid leave. Yet, at least 30 percent of workers are unsure if they have access to leave, and uncertainty about eligibility can prevent workers from accessing available benefits. Harmonizing our state paid leave programs can help workers navigate our state paid leave system and prevent families from having to choose between their jobs and care.

I am encouraged to see leaders from the business community, advocacy groups, and across the political spectrum coming together to recognize the urgency of paid leave. The proposal also recognizes the importance of investing in state paid leave programs. Strengthening these programs is a crucial step toward building systems that provide meaningful support for working people and their families.

Led by Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Congresswoman Stephanie Bice (R-OK), the House Bipartisan Paid Family Leave Working Group’s I-PLAN proposal is a promising step. Paid leave enjoys widespread support across party lines because it’s about values we all share: family, health, and opportunity. While there is still work ahead, I am optimistic that this collaboration will build momentum toward effective, comprehensive paid leave policies. Paid leave isn’t a partisan issue — it’s a national one. I look forward to working with policymakers to ensure every worker in this country gains access to paid leave,” said Lelaine Bigelow, Executive Director of the Georgetown Center on Poverty and Inequality.

HR Policy Association - “HRPA commends the Bipartisan Working Group's progress, moving from a framework to legislative text, and we look forward to working with stakeholders through introduction in the 119th Congress. The text includes the establishment of an ""Interstate Paid Leave Action Network (I-PLAN)"" to coordinate and harmonize paid leave benefits across states, which would address the state patchwork issue that employers currently confront. This initiative contributes to creating a unified and streamlined approach to paid leave benefits,” said Tim Bartl, Chief Executive Officer, HR Policy Association.

National Partnership for Women and Families - “States have led the way on paid leave for two decades, with fourteen states including the District of Columbia guaranteeing access to paid leave to nearly all workers so that they have the time they need to care for themselves and their families. The IPLAN discussion draft is an important step toward improving coordination across state paid leave programs by providing resources for technology upgrades and data sharing and ultimately making it easier for workers to access the paid leave benefits to which they are entitled. I commend Representative Houlahan and the entire House Bipartisan Paid Family Leave Working Group for their hard work on the IPLAN draft and for coming to the table to develop bipartisan consensus on a proposal that will help accomplish the dual goal of helping workers to access paid leave and employers to provide paid leave. We look forward to continued discussion of this concept to make sure it creates the best possible outcomes for workers, and we also reiterate our commitment to passing legislation that will guarantee paid family and medical leave for every worker across the country, regardless of where they live,” said Jocelyn Frye, President, National Partnership for Women and Families.

Paid Leave for All - ""Paid leave is one of the most widely supported policies in the country, across party lines and walks of life. We applaud the House Bipartisan Paid Family Leave Working Group in continuing important dialogue and to work toward substantive progress, and we are especially pleased with the support of state programs and state leadership in this moment. Every state paid leave win builds the evidence, the field, and the momentum toward the federal policy we remain committed to,” said Dawn Huckelbridge, Founder and Director of Paid Leave for All.

Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) - “SHRM applauds the hard work of the House bipartisan Paid Family Leave Working Group on the release of the legislative text for the Interstate Paid Leave Action Network Act of 2024, or the ‘I–PLAN Act.’ We commend the Working Group’s commitment to addressing the challenges created by the patchwork of state and local regulations. By working towards regulatory consistency and harmonization, more organizations will be able to offer robust paid family and medical leave benefits.

SHRM research indicates that both employers and employees recognize the organizational value of leave in helping workers recover, mitigating fatigue, and preventing potential burnout. Additionally, 81% of employers rated “Leave Benefits” as either 'extremely important’ or ‘very important’ to their workforces, second only to ‘Health Care-Related Benefits.’ SHRM stands ready to assist the Working Group as they continue this longstanding conversation. At SHRM, we prioritize policy over politics and view this effort as an example of bipartisan cooperation that should serve as a new model of productivity and civility in Congress,” said Emily M. Dickens, Chief of Staff, Head of Government Affairs, and Corporate Secretary, SHRM.

Third Way - “As states continue to implement their own paid leave programs, we are seeing a fragmented system of laws and regulations for employers to navigate. The working group’s Interstate Paid Leave Action Network (I-PLAN) supports coordination between federal, state, and private programs— an effort which will make it easier for workers to access essential paid leave benefits. By harmonizing state efforts, I-PLAN also lays the groundwork for seamless implementation of comprehensive federal efforts in the future,” said Zach Moller, Director of the Economic Program at Third Way.

While state paid leave programs share a common purpose – to provide workers with access to paid leave benefits – their lack of uniformity and connectivity has led to inequity, unpredictability, and confusion for employees, particularly with the increase in hybrid work and employees who work in multiple states. The I-PLAN Act would bring state paid leave programs together in pursuit of an interstate agreement to drive improvements in the coordination and harmonization of these benefits and improve worker access.

“My district is home to people who live here but work in New Jersey, Delaware, and even New York — each of which have their own state paid family and medical leave programs,” said Houlahan. “And like every one of my colleagues in the House, I represent people who work fully remote for corporations based all over the nation. No matter where you live or work, you should be able to easily access and fully enjoy paid family leave benefits available to you.”

The I-PLAN Act would:

Help employees access and navigate benefits available to them;

Harmonize differences in policy and operation to eliminate confusing, inconsistent, and inefficient variation across state leave programs;

Develop an electronic system for state paid leave programs so they can communicate with each other, exchange data, and enhance program integrity, laying the groundwork to facilitate the portability of benefits for employees.

Create a single process for state programs to process claims for eligible individuals who have work histories across multiple I-PLAN member states so that these individuals can receive benefits from one primary state program.

Support state programs through dollars for marketing, administrative costs, staffing, technology, training, and to support small businesses.

Click here to read the full bill text.

Click here for a one-pager on the bill.

Click here for a FAQ page on the bill.

Click here for a section-by-section summary.

###",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z
https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-smucker-joins-bipartisan-delegation-honoring-80th-anniversary-battle-bulge,Rep. Smucker Joins Bipartisan Delegation Honoring 80th Anniversary of Battle of the Bulge,2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,PA,Lloyd Smucker,S001199,smucker.house.gov,smucker,https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington—Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) participated as a member in a bipartisan Congressional Delegation appointed by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson that traveled to Belgium and Luxembourg to participate in events honoring the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. Veterans of the battle, their families, members of the administration, Senators, and other dignitaries also attended.

“I am forever grateful for the heroes who sacrificed and selflessly served our nation in the United States Armed Forces. Their actions are directly responsible for preserving and protecting the freedoms that we enjoy. As we mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, may we always pay tribute to the heroes of the Greatest Generation who defended freedom ensuring that America’s flame of liberty continued to shine bright for future generations of the world to see,” said Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11).

Smucker joined fifteen colleagues from the House of Representatives in participating in observances held at the Luxembourg American Cemetery, the Battle of the Bulge Monument, and a parade held in Bastogne.

Rep. Smucker shaking hands with a Battle of the Bulge veteran in Bastogne, Belgium at the Battle of the Bulge Monument on Friday, December 13, 2024.

Rep. Smucker pictured with residents of Bastogne during a Saturday, December 14, 2024, parade honoring the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge and those who served during the battle.

# # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-on-national-defense-authorization-act-vote/,Fetterman on National Defense Authorization Act Vote,2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate voted to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in a bipartisan manner. While this must-pass bill largely supports our national defense, Speaker Mike Johnson included a provision targeting the health care for transgender children of our servicemembers. Senator Fetterman joined Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and 23 Senate colleagues on an amendment that would have stripped this provision out of the NDAA.

Senator Fetterman released the following statement:

“I’m unapologetically supportive of our national defense and the trans community.

“I strongly reject the Speaker’s performative show vote.

“My AYE vote on the NDAA strongly affirms my commitment to our national security.

“My vote does not, in any way, diminish my voice or mean I’m turning my back on the trans community.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://dean.house.gov/2024/12/dean-jeffries-lee-bacon-reintroduce-legislation-to-protect-private-communication-between-incarcerated-people-and-their-lawyers,"Dean, Jeffries, Lee, Bacon Reintroduce Legislation to Protect Private Communication Between Incarcerated People and Their Lawyers",2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,PA,Madeleine Dean,D000631,dean.house.gov,dean,https://dean.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04), alongside Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-08), Congresswoman Laurel Lee (R-FL-15), and Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE-02), reintroduced The Effective Assistance of Counsel in the Digital Era Act this week in order to ensure that email communications between incarcerated clients and their lawyers are protected and private. The companion bill in the Senate is lead by Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY).

Under the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, Americans have a right to effective assistance of counsel. Closely related to this right is “attorney-client privilege,” a protection that keeps communications between an individual and their lawyer confidential.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) currently recognizes “attorney-client privilege” for scheduled phone calls, snail mail, and in-person communications—but not for email messages. In fact, BOP’s current practice is to deny email access entirely unless prisoners waive their claims to attorney-client privilege.

The Effective Assistance of Counsel in the Digital Era Act offers a solution that would protect confidential lawyer-client emails without compromising security. Specifically, this bipartisan legislation would allow investigative and law enforcement officers to review the contents of prisoner emails with their lawyers only with a warrant and special review procedures designed to prevent the affected emails from being used against the prisoners unfairly.

“Email is a daily tool for personal, educational, and professional purposes, including between lawyers and their clients—yet people incarcerated in federal prisons are not able to access it without compromising their Sixth Amendment rights,” Rep. Dean said. “As our society grows, and our methods of communication change, attorney-client privilege must be protected. I am grateful to Leader Jeffries and our colleagues across the aisle and in the Senate for coming together to defend some of America’s most fundamental rights.”

“Our system of justice depends on the constitutional right to the assistance of counsel for every person accused of a criminal offense,” Leader Jeffries said. “Incarcerated individuals must be able to communicate with their attorneys confidentially. The bipartisan Effective Assistance of Counsel in the Digital Era Act would enable incarcerated individuals to communicate with their legal representatives privately, safely and efficiently by prohibiting the Bureau of Prisons from monitoring privileged electronic communications. I thank Representatives Dean, Bacon and Lee for their leadership on this issue and for reintroducing this incredibly important legislation.”

Full bill text is available 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,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-chris-deluzio-visits-ska-robotics-and-hellbender-robotics,"Congressman Chris Deluzio Visits SKA Robotics and Hellbender Robotics, Discusses Growing Regional Robotics Cluster",2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"HARMAR TWP, PA — SKA Robotics and Hellbender Robotics hosted United States Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) at their Harmar facility last week, where discussions focused on advancing the region's flourishing robotics and technology sector. The visit highlighted Deluzio’s interest in the Pittsburgh region’s growing robotics cluster and emphasized the importance of innovative, high-tech companies like SKA Robotics in driving economic growth and technological advancement in the area.

During the visit, Deluzio toured the robotics facilities and met with the engineering teams responsible for developing advanced robotics solutions used across a range of industries, including power generation, industrial inspection and maintenance, commercial construction and mining, and agriculture. This engagement reflects the robotics industry’s dedication to strengthening relationships with local leaders to ensure that the robotics sector continues to be a cornerstone of Pittsburgh's economic development.

“We are building a bright future in Western Pennsylvania by investing in cutting-edge industries like robotics that can create good jobs and keep our region on the global technology map,” said Congressman Chris Deluzio. “The Pittsburgh region is home to some of the most exciting advancements in robotics and AI, and companies like SKA Robotics and Hellbender Robotics are at the forefront of that growth. I’m grateful for the chance to learn more about these local innovators.”

“SKA Robotics is thrilled to welcome Congressman Deluzio to our facility,” said Spencer Krause, President & CEO of SKA Robotics. “As we continue to grow and invest in this community, it’s encouraging to have leaders like Congressman Deluzio who understand the impact of the robotics industry and are dedicated to fostering a supportive environment for innovation. His engagement reinforces the importance of collaboration between the private sector and government, and we look forward to being an active partner in driving growth for Pittsburgh’s tech community.”

Deluzio’s visit represents a step forward in the local robotics industry’s efforts to align the region’s growing robotics industry with government initiatives aimed at fostering technological progress, economic resilience, and job creation. These types of collaborations are what make the Pittsburgh region an attractive destination for technology and robotics companies.

Photos from the visit are available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-deluzio-sen-markey-introduce-legislation-transform-us-rail-network,"Rep. Deluzio, Sen. Markey Introduce Legislation to Transform U.S. Rail Network",2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee member Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA), member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, announced the introduction of their bill, the All Aboard Act.

This bill does not include any mandates, it simply dedicates $200 billion over five years to build high-speed rail, expand existing passenger rail service, and electrify the most heavily polluting railyards and corridors. The legislation includes additional funding to make rail crossings safer, critical labor protections for rail workers, and a new rail worker training grant program.

“The American people ought to have a rail system that is safe, gets folks quickly where they want to go, and keeps the economy moving—all while slashing road traffic,” said Congressman Deluzio. “I am proud to join with Senator Markey to introduce the All Aboard Act to make transformational investments in the United States rail network like electrification. This bill will make American passenger and freight rail a lot safer and cleaner and will invest in the rail workers who make it all happen.”

“Building an expansive, reliable, and electrified rail network across our nation would put us on a high-speed track to fend off the worst effects of the climate crisis,” said Senator Markey. “The All Aboard Act provides the investment needed to give Americans the train service they are clamoring for, help save our planet and do it all with union labor. With this legislation, I’m calling ‘all aboard’ the train to a greener, more connected future.”

Specifically, the All Aboard Act would:

• Create a first-of-its-kind dedicated rail formula program for states to do rail planning, maintenance, operations, and capital investment. While states can rely on regular formula funding to expand highways, federal investments in rail come only through competitive grants. States need regular, reliable funding to plan for and execute a more robust rail network.

• Invest in the Rail Workforce. The rail workforce is the backbone of a safe, efficient rail network. The All Aboard Act would invest $300 million over five years to establish freight and passenger rail training centers run in partnership with organized labor to provide the training and development necessary to deliver the rail network of the future.

• Expand Passenger Rail and High-Performance Rail. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is already at work funding new intercity passenger corridors, expanding and improving the freight rail network, and making needed investments in safety and maintenance across the board. This work must continue and the All Aboard Act would invest $150 billion over five years across these successful programs to build on the victories started under the Infrastructure Law. Specifically, the bill provides $80 billion to Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail, $30 billion to the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure Safety and Improvement Program (CRISI), $30 billion to Amtrak, and $10 billion for the railroad Grade Crossing Elimination program. This is especially important for Congressman Deluzio’s district following reporting on Federal Railroad Administration data that some of the most dangerous railroad crossings in the northeast United States are in Western Pennsylvania.

• Establish a Railroad Electrification Fund. The technology to reduce air pollution and driving down emissions from transportation exists and is already in use around the world. This fund would dedicate $50 billion over five years to electrify highly polluting rail yards, support electric high-performance passenger rail projects, and electrify the existing highest trafficked corridors by freight and passenger trains.

• Address Air Pollution from Railyards. The All Aboard Act would provide $500 million in grants under the Clean Air Act to address air pollution from railyards in nearby communities.

This legislation is supported by a broad coalition of labor, transportation and environmental groups, including: Sierra Club, the National Resources Defense Fund, Earthjustice, the Union of Concerned Scientists, the Tallahassee Food Network, the Transportation and Trades Division of the AFL-CIO, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, United Electrical Workers (UE), International Association of Machinists (IAM), the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Ways Employees Division (BMWED), the Teamsters Rail Conference, SMART-Mechanic, SMART-Transportation, the Transportation and Communications Union, the Transport Workers Union, the American of Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Transportation for America, the Green New Deal Network, the Rail Passengers Association, the High-Speed Rail Alliance, and Solutionary Rail.

“As America's largest transportation labor federation, representing the passenger and freight rail workforce, we are proud to support the All Aboard Act,” said Greg Regan, president of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD). “This bill will expand high-speed rail programs and passenger rail systems, including Amtrak, while electrifying rail yards and reducing air pollution for both rail workers and the surrounding communities. The All Aboard Act upholds an essential industry safety standard by requiring two-person crews for any resulting federally-funding projects, and also invests in the workforce by establishing training centers in partnership with unions. We thank Senator Markey and Congressman Deluzio for championing this effort and look forward to working together to push this bill forward.”

“I want to thank Senator Markey for introducing this very important piece of legislation that is intended to improve air quality technology for locomotives while also ensuring workforce development as there’s a transition to this green technology,” said Brian Bryant, International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). “The IAM was founded as a rail union in1888 and has very deep roots in the industry. As the representative of more than 35,000 rail workers, the IAM Rail Division supports this legislation that is intended to help improve and expand passenger rail across the U.S. This is growing our nation’s rail technologies while ensuring good, union-paying jobs.”

“UE represents thousands of workers in the rail industry; both those who manufacture locomotives and parts, and rail crew drivers who work in rail yards across the U.S. For years, workers, their families and communities have organized for bold action to address the urgent issue of rail pollution. With federal support through the All Aboard Act, the railroads must do their part to make necessary investments required to clean up our communities and create good union jobs,” said Carl Rosen, General President of the United Electrical, Radio & Machine Workers of America (UE).

“The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division, International Brotherhood of Teamsters (BMWED) strongly supports Senator Markey’s All Aboard Act and we applaud his bold vision for the future of our passenger and freight rail systems. BMWED has been a leader in rail labor for pushing for the United States to build its first high-speed rail train and expanding passenger rail. The funding in this legislation will help ensure that America builds and maintains the 21st century high speed rail and passenger rail network it needs. BMWED is also the leading union in maintaining overhead catenary for railroads and the funding in this legislation will help build more catenary and upgrade our existing rail catenary system, creating tens of thousands of jobs for BMWED members. Finally, we are grateful for Senator Markey’s commitment to continue to work with BMWED to ensure these federal grants have the strongest labor standards required so that it will be rail labor, including BMWED, members operating and maintaining these vital systems,” said Jeff Joines of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division, International Brotherhood of Teamsters (BMWED).

“America deserves a world class passenger rail system, but too many Americans have been quite literally off the rails for far too long. Passenger railroads have linked the country together in the past and can once again. While some progress has been made in recent years, as a nation we’re still far behind where we should be. Senator Markey’s All Aboard Act presents a comprehensive way forward for American passenger rail, including accelerating progress toward building state-of-the-art high-speed rail,” said Mark L. Wallace, President of the Teamsters Rail Conference. “The Teamsters Rail Conference, which represents the majority of unionized rail workers in this country, is proud to endorse the All Aboard Act. Senator Markey’s bill not only will boost economic activity and speed passengers to their destinations, it also will create thousands of good paying jobs for Teamster members and others who operate the trains and build and maintain the rails.”

“The All Aboard Act is an investment in our transportation workers, our climate, and our communities, and the Sierra Club is proud to support it so Americans across the country can access the benefits of rail. Expanding and electrifying the U.S. rail system to move people and goods will help improve air quality, speed up the delivery of goods, reduce traffic congestion, and cut climate pollution,” said Katherine García, Director of Sierra Club’s Clean Transportation for All Program.

Photos from the press conference and video stream of the presser are available for use by the press.

The full text of the bill is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4368,House Bipartisan Paid Family Leave Working Group Releases Legislative Text to Chart the Path Forward for the 119th Congress,2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,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 House Paid Family Leave Working Group, co-chaired by Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Stephanie Bice (R-OK), released two discussion drafts designed to provide more families with more paid leave. The co-chairs are joined in releasing these drafts by the full membership of the Working Group, Representatives Colin Allred (D-TX), Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (R-IA), Haley Stevens (D-MI), and Julia Letlow (R-LA).

Previously, the Working Group released a Policy Framework in January 2024. The two drafts being released today are the culmination of the group’s work in the 118th Congress and focus on 1.) providing guidance and incentives to states to establish their own paid family leave programs using a public-private partnership model, and 2.) establishing a convening body and process to enable states to coordinate and harmonize benefits and to establish best practices for paid leave programs thereby supporting workers and businesses.

The Working Group is seeking feedback. Interested stakeholders may submit written comments to PaidLeave.Feedback@mail.house.gov by Friday, January 10, 2025.

Paid Family Leave Public-Private Partnerships Act

The first bill would establish a competitive grant program to be run by the U.S. Department of Labor as an incentive for states to establish their own paid family leave programs that utilize a public-private partnership model.

For grant eligibility, states would have to meet several criteria including establishing a partnership with a private entity, to assist with program administration and provide this paid leave benefit for, at a minimum, the birth or adoption of a child. The bill also establishes a benefit floor (must provide a wage replacement rate of at least 50%-67%, based on income) and requires state programs to provide a minimum of six weeks of paid family leave in order to receive a grant. States would also need to participate in the I-PLAN, detailed below to be eligible.

This concept recognizes the importance of state innovation and flexibility. In fact, the majority of states with existing paid leave programs would already meet the requirements of this bill.

The draft text can be found here.

The summary can be found here.

Interstate Paid Leave Action Network Act (I-PLAN Act)

The second bill, the Interstate Paid Leave Action Network Act (I-PLAN Act) is intended to coordinate and harmonize paid leave benefits across states to make it easier for people to access paid family leave and for states to connect with one another. Currently, there are no federal interstate connections for paid leave, resulting in a patchwork of individual state programs with a variety of standards, requirements, definitions, and processes. Other social insurance programs such as unemployment insurance built the necessary state and federal connections nearly a century ago. The I-PLAN ACT will do the same for paid family leave in a way that works for employees, employers, and states.

The Department of Labor will be charged with providing funding to an intermediary with the right expertise to facilitate state coordination, meetings, and more. As part of this effort, they will develop an electronic system for state-paid leave programs so they can communicate with each other, exchange data, and enhance program integrity.

Through support from the intermediary, the states will have two opportunities for funding to support their own state-paid leave programs and in the process develop an “interstate agreement” in pursuit of three goals: 1) policy standards 2) administrative standards, and 3) the creation of a single process to determine primary state programs for those who have lived and worked across different states.

The draft text can be found here.

The summary can be found here.

The following individuals and groups commented:

Congresswoman Houlahan -

“The American people have waited too long for us to solve a major issue that vexes nearly every family in the nation, and in dropping our discussion bills today, we’re putting Congress on notice that we expect their attention and action. My district is home to people who live here but work in nearby states New Jersey, Delaware and even New York—each of which have state paid family and medical leave programs. And like every one of my colleagues in the House, I represent people who work fully remote for corporations based all over the nation. No matter where you live or work, you should be able to access and fully enjoy paid family leave benefits available to you and do so easily. I am grateful to Rep. Bice’s partnership and the entire Working Group for their unwavering effort to support families and find innovative ways to solve this complex issue.”

Congresswoman Bice -

“After two years of diligent effort, I am excited to share that the House Working Group has put pen to paper. These two discussion drafts are a significant step forward and will promote both American families, and businesses across the country. I want to thank the Members of the working group and all the stakeholders who have been instrumental throughout this entire process. We’re looking forward to building momentum around expanding access to paid family leave as we enter the next Congress.”

Congresswoman Miller-Meeks -

“Paid family leave is a bipartisan priority, and we must continue to find flexible solutions without burdensome federal mandates. I am proud to support these two critical pillars to help us create a more efficient, accessible, and responsive paid family leave system that works for all workers.”

Congressman Allred -

“It is so important that more parents get access to paid family leave so they can spend that special time with their new babies, and our bipartisan working group remains dedicated to finding a solution that will make progress on this important goal. I was proud to be the first member of Congress to take paternity leave after both my sons were born. Public-private partnerships and the coordination of benefits across states is critical to making progress to ensuring every American can take paid family leave regardless of where they work or where they live.”

Congresswoman Letlow -

""I’m proud to join my colleagues on the Paid Leave Working Group to build off our commitment to streamline the patchwork of state paid leave programs by creating an interstate agreement to improve coordination and make benefits more accessible. Our discussion drafts are a key step forward to modernizing technology, providing states with the resources to create their own paid leave programs, and ensuring that workers have clear, consistent access to paid leave, no matter where they live or work.""

Congresswoman Stevens -

“Whether taking time off to heal after pregnancy with a newborn or to welcome a new child through adoption, paid leave makes it so workers and our economy can thrive. The bipartisan framework announced today by the Paid Leave Working Group represents incredible progress towards accessible, efficient paid leave that will empower American families. I thank my fellow members of the working group, and I look forward to turning these policies into reality.”

Bipartisan Policy Center Action-

“While the rise in state paid family leave laws has provided access to this critical benefit for millions of workers, the distinct requirements of each program present compliance challenges for multistate employers. BPC Action is proud to support the Interstate Paid Leave Action Network (I-PLAN) Act and the Paid Family Leave Public-Private Partnerships Act, which would enhance the operational efficiency of existing paid family leave programs across states, support the establishment of new ones, and promote harmony among them. We applaud the House Bipartisan Paid Family Leave Working Group, chaired by Reps. Stephanie Bice (R-OK) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), for their leadership on an issue impacting so many Americans,” says Michele Stockwell, president of Bipartisan Policy Center Action.

Senator Cassidy -

“Americans should never have to choose between caring for their child and returning to work to make a living. I applaud my House colleagues on their new discussion draft. Ideas like this move the conversation forward. Our bipartisan working group will continue to advance additional ideas next Congress.”

Senator Gillibrand -

“The United States is the world’s only industrialized nation that does not guarantee workers paid leave, even though nearly all workers will need to take time away from work at some point to address a serious illness or to care for a new child. Without universal paid leave, millions of Americans must choose between their livelihood and the health and well-being of themselves and their families. I am encouraged by the work of my House colleagues in advancing solutions and I look forward to working together next Congress on this important issue to promote the financial well-being of working families and the vibrancy of the economy.”",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z
https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-summer-lee-and-rep-greg-casar-lead-20-colleagues-in-calling-for-the-administration-to-withhold-offensive-weapons-from-netanyahu-s-government-follow-own-standards,"Rep. Summer Lee and Rep. Greg Casar Lead 20 Colleagues in Calling for the Administration to Withhold Offensive Weapons from Netanyahu's Government, Follow Own Standards",2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 17, 2024

Contact: Vaibhav Vijay, Deputy Communications Director, Vaibhav.Vijay@mail.house.gov

Rep. Summer Lee and Rep. Greg Casar Lead 20 Colleagues in Calling for the Administration to Withhold Offensive Weapons from Netanyahu's Government, Follow Own Standards

Following the Administration's ‘30-day letter,' weapons transfers to Israel continue despite Netanyahu's failure to meet humanitarian demands

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Summer Lee (D-Penn.) and Representative Greg Casar (D-Texas), along with 18 of their colleagues, are calling on the Biden Administration to uphold U.S. law and immediately suspend offensive military transfers to Netanyahu's government.

The call comes after the Administration's Oct. 13, 2024 letter to Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant and Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, which outlined critical humanitarian steps required for continued weapons transfers to comply with U.S. law and policy. Netanyahu's government has overwhelmingly failed to meet these basic standards. Reps. Lee, Casar, and their colleagues urge Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to follow through on their own stated standards.

""Continuing to transfer offensive weapons to Netanyahu's government prolongs the suffering of Palestinian families, puts Israeli lives in further danger, and risks our own national security by sending a message to the world that the U.S. applies its laws and values selectively,"" said Rep. Summer Lee. ""Netanyahu's war not only isolates Israel on the global stage, but it also creates greater instability in the region. We're urging the Administration to act with urgency—to adhere to our laws, to uphold human rights, and to stop undermining our leverage for a lasting ceasefire that saves lives.""

In their letter, the members emphasize that suspending offensive military transfers is essential to protecting innocent Palestinian and Israeli lives, prioritizing the release of hostages, securing a lasting ceasefire deal, and moving toward long-term peace.

The letter underscores Netanyahu's government's failure to meet the standards outlined in the Oct. 13 letter:

Humanitarian Aid Trucks:

U.S. demand: ""Enable a minimum of 350 [humanitarian aid] trucks per day to enter Gaza.""

Reality: Since then, an average of only 42 aid trucks have entered Gaza daily, with as few as six trucks on some days.

Humanitarian Pauses:

U.S. demand: ""Institute adequate humanitarian pauses across Gaza as necessary to enable humanitarian activities.""

Reality: Escalating violence delayed Gaza's polio vaccination campaign. Medical professionals were denied access to northern Gaza, and a vaccination center was attacked by the Israeli military during a supposed humanitarian pause.

Ending Isolation of Northern Gaza:

U.S. demand: Reaffirm ""that there will be no Israeli government policy of forced evacuation of civilians from northern to southern Gaza"" and ensure ""humanitarian organizations have continuous access to northern Gaza.""

Reality: Leading humanitarian organizations reported that the Israeli government not only failed to meet these criteria but worsened conditions on the ground. According to the United Nations, Netanyahu's government denied 82 out of 91 attempts since Oct. 6, 2024 to deliver aid to northern Gaza, leaving roughly 100,000 people displaced.

""Simply put, Netanyahu's government has not complied with the United States' repeated requests to allow safe delivery of humanitarian aid to innocent people,"" Rep. Lee continued. ""Under U.S. law, we must suspend offensive weapons transfers when such basic standards aren't met. Anything less undermines our own commitment to human rights and peace.""

The letter is led by U.S. Representatives Summer Lee (PA-12) and Greg Casar (TX-35), and signed by Representatives Jamaal Bowman (NY-16), Cori Bush (MO-01), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Jesús ""Chuy"" García (IL-04), Al Green (TX-09), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/boyle-fitzpatrick-celebrate-house-passage-bill-study-and-prevent-lung,Boyle & Fitzpatrick Celebrate House Passage of Bill to Study and Prevent Lung Cancer Among Women,2024-12-16,2024,2024-12,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 (D-PA-02) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) announced that the House of Representatives has passed their bipartisan legislation, the Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act. The bill aims to address the unique impact of lung cancer on women through enhanced research, preventive services, and public awareness. It now moves to the Senate for consideration, where Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Tina Smith (D-MN) are leading efforts to advance the companion bill.

“Today marks a significant step forward in our fight against lung cancer,” said Congressman Boyle. “Every eight minutes, an American woman loses her life to lung cancer. This bill, now passed by the House, represents a crucial stride toward addressing the disparities that persist in lung cancer prevention and treatment, particularly for women. I’m proud to work alongside my colleagues in ensuring that our government prioritizes focused research and action to confront this devastating disease.”

(Click for video of Rep. Boyle’s floor speech. Click here to download video.)

""Today’s passage of the bipartisan Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventative Services Act sends a powerful and undeniable message: Congress is fully committed to ending the inequities that have left too many women in my community and across the nation vulnerable to this devastating disease,"" said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick. ""This legislation represents a decisive step forward in advancing groundbreaking research, improving prevention, and ensuring access to lifesaving care for women battling lung cancer. I thank my colleagues for recognizing the urgency of this fight and standing united to deliver real progress for women’s health across our nation.""

“GO2 for Lung Cancer extends our gratitude to Representatives Boyle and Fitzpatrick as leaders of the Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventative Services Act,” said Laurie Fenton Ambrose, president and CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “For more than a decade, women with lung cancer have waited for this action. The passage of this legislation is significant because it demonstrates that we have elevated conversations about the unique and devastating impact of lung cancer on women. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will transform survivorship for women impacted by the disease.”

The Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs, to conduct an interagency review. This review will evaluate current research on women and lung cancer, improve access to preventive services, and launch public awareness campaigns about the disease. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death among women and disproportionately affects women who have never smoked.

The full text of the bill is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-introduces-fair-ball-act-strengthen-worker-protections-minor-league,Deluzio Introduces ‘Fair Ball Act’ to Strengthen Worker Protections for Minor League Baseball Players,2024-12-16,2024,2024-12,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) announced the introduction of the Fair Ball Act in the U.S. House to strengthen worker protections for minor league baseball players. A companion to Senator Dick Durbin’s (D-IL) version in the U.S. Senate, this bill would roll back the current broad exemption of Minor League Baseball players from federal wage and hour laws provided by the misleadingly named Save America’s Pastime Act (SAPA). Congressman Deluzio’s proposal would replace that measure with a narrowly focused exemption that would kick in only if the players are being paid pursuant to the terms of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA). If the players are not covered by one of these agreements, then they would have the same federal wage protections as all other workers—including those relating to overtime and minimum wage.

“Whether in steel mills, nursing homes, classrooms, or dugouts: I'm always going to fight for stronger protections for workers,” said Congressman Deluzio. “After MLB executives successfully lobbied to cut out Minor League Baseball players from minimum wage and federal overtime laws, we need to step in and stand up for these workers. I’m proud to introduce the House version of the Fair Ball Act to limit anti-worker exemptions and help strengthen labor protections for these ballplayers.”

“Workers deserve a fair playing field everywhere—including in baseball. Executives at MLB lobbied Congress hard for federal wage and hour law exemptions in order to avoid legal liability with the 2018 Save America’s Pastime Act. While I commend MLB for voluntarily recognizing the unionization of Minor League Baseball players in 2022, it is time to rollback SAPA in deference to the gains made by that historic unionization. I’m proud to stand with these workers, unions, and the integrity of the sport, and I thank Representative Deluzio for leading our efforts in the House on this bill. We stand ready to pass the Fair Ball Act into law,” said Senator Durbin.

“Passed into law in 2018, the Save America’s Pastime Act (SAPA) unjustly stripped minor league baseball players of their statutory protections to fair compensations. The Fair Ball Act will correct that injustice, and should be passed as soon as possible. The AFL-CIO thanks Senator Durbin and Congressman Deluzio for introducing this bill and urges that it be passed immediately, so that Congress properly protects the dignity of minor leaguers’ work,” said Jody Calemine, Director of Government Affairs at AFL-CIO.

Major League Baseball (MLB) lobbied for and passed SAPA in 2018 an attempt to insulate itself from a class-action lawsuit, which claimed that MLB and its teams violated federal and state wage and hour laws. They argued that the passage of SAPA would protect Minor League Baseball teams from shrinking. Yet, just two years later, MLB still decreased the size of dozens of Minor League Baseball teams.

Without this bill’s passage and without a collective bargaining agreement in place, Minor League players would be vulnerable to SAPA’s effects, which could result in players earning less than $8,000 per season (a little over five months long) or about 40 percent of the minimum yearly salary a player makes under the current CBA, without including additional benefits.

“For generations, Minor League Players’ working conditions were indefensible,” said MLBPA Executive Director Tony Clark. “This indignity was compounded by the perversely named ‘Save America’s Pastime Act’ — a law that was enacted to save money, not baseball, by depriving Minor Leaguers of a minimum wage. By narrowing the Act so that it applies only when players are protected by a CBA, the Fair Ball Act is a win not just for Minor Leaguers, but for the institution of collective bargaining as a whole. The MLBPA strongly supports this bill from Senator Durbin and Congressman Deluzio, and we thank them for their work on behalf of Players.”

Full text of the bill is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2024/12/fitzpatrick-boyle-celebrate-house-passage-of-critical-legislation-to-advance-lung-cancer-research-and-prevention-for-women,Fitzpatrick & Boyle Celebrate House Passage of Critical Legislation to Advance Lung Cancer Research and Prevention for Women,2024-12-16,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,PA,Brian K. Fitzpatrick,F000466,fitzpatrick.house.gov,fitzpatrick,https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) and Brendan Boyle (PA-2) celebrated the passage of their bipartisan Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act in the House of Representatives. The bill aims to address the unique impact of lung cancer on women through enhanced research, preventive services, and public awareness. The legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration, where Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Tina Smith (D-MN) are leading efforts to advance the companion bill.

""Today’s passage of the bipartisan Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventative Services Act sends a powerful and undeniable message: Congress is fully committed to ending the inequities that have left too many women in my community and across the nation vulnerable to this devastating disease,"" said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick. ""This legislation represents a decisive step forward in advancing groundbreaking research, improving prevention, and ensuring access to lifesaving care for women battling lung cancer. I thank my colleagues for recognizing the urgency of this fight and standing united to deliver real progress for women’s health across our nation.""

“Today marks a significant step forward in our fight against lung cancer,” said Congressman Boyle. “Every eight minutes, an American woman loses her life to lung cancer. This bill, now passed by the House, represents a crucial stride toward addressing the disparities that persist in lung cancer prevention and treatment, particularly for women. I’m proud to work alongside my colleagues in ensuring that our government prioritizes focused research and action to confront this devastating disease.”

“GO2 for Lung Cancer extends our gratitude to Representatives Fitzpatrick and Boyle as leaders of the Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventative Services Act,” said Laurie Fenton Ambrose, president and CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “For more than a decade, women with lung cancer have waited for this action. The passage of this legislation is significant because it demonstrates that we have elevated conversations about the unique and devastating impact of lung cancer on women. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will transform survivorship for women impacted by the disease.”

The Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs, to conduct an interagency review of current research on women and lung cancer. This review will improve access to preventive services, launch public awareness campaigns, and ensure that the unique challenges faced by women are adequately addressed. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death among women and disproportionately affects women who have never smoked.

The full text of the bill is available here.

As Co-Chair of the House Cancer Caucus, Congressman Fitzpatrick remains steadfast in his commitment to combating cancer through robust advocacy and strategic action. This legislation is a key part of hi efforts to secure critical funding, drive groundbreaking research, and implement transformative initiatives that will enhance support for cancer patients and their families nationwide.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2024/12/fitzpatrick-demands-immediate-action-from-dhs-to-protect-pennsylvanians,Fitzpatrick Demands Immediate Action from DHS to Protect Pennsylvanians,2024-12-16,2024,2024-12,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-1), Chairman of the National Intelligence Enterprise Subcommittee on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI), sent a letter calling on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to immediately deploy advanced resources to address the escalating concerns over unidentified unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) sightings operating near critical infrastructure in southeastern Pennsylvania.

In a letter to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Fitzpatrick pressed for swift federal action to address public safety, provide transparency, and enhance protective measures for the region. Growing reports of drones crossing into Pennsylvania from neighboring states like New York and New Jersey have intensified concerns about potential security risks and the origins of these unexplained activities.

In his letter, Fitzpatrick urged DHS to:

Deploy state-of-the-art drone detection and tracking systems to identify flight patterns and potential security threats.

Provide resources to Pennsylvania to pinpoint the origins of these UAS activities and determine their purpose.

Collaborate closely with state and local authorities to ensure effective monitoring and response.

The full text of the letter can be read here and below:

Dear Secretary Mayorkas,

With the ongoing reports of unidentified unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) sightings in southeastern Pennsylvania, I urgently request the Department of Homeland Security deploy additional resources to the state. While federal briefings indicate there is no immediate threat to public safety, it is imperative our communities in Pennsylvania are protected and questions on the presence of these drones are answered.

Specifically, I am requesting the Department of Homeland Security deploy appropriate drone-tracking technology. Special drone detection systems are necessary to understand the flight patterns and security risks posed by these UAS. As they appear to move into Pennsylvania from New York and New Jersey, state-of-the-art radar systems will provide insights into where these drones are deploying from and what the motives for their flights may be.

Pennsylvanians should not have to be afraid of what may be flying over their homes or over areas of critical infrastructure. It is critical that the Department of Homeland Security provide the necessary technology and drone detection resources to Pennsylvania, as well as continue to collaborate effectively with local and state authorities in your investigation.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. If you have any concerns or questions regarding this request for information, please contact my office at (202) 225-4276.

Sincerely,

Brian K. Fitzpatrick

Member of Congress

Previously, on Thursday, December 12th, 2024, Fitzpatrick sent a letter calling on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to urgently investigate and disclose information about the increasing reports of unexplained drone activity in the Philadelphia region, including Bucks County, and neighboring New Jersey.

In addition to his calls for immediate action, Fitzpatrick is also a co-sponsor of H.R. 4333, a bipartisan bill designed to strengthen the federal government’s ability to protect Americans from threats posed by unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). This legislation would reauthorize critical existing authorities while creating new opportunities for federal agencies to coordinate counter-drone measures with state and local governments, ensuring a comprehensive and unified approach to addressing these threats.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2024/12/fitzpatrick-honors-outstanding-pa-1-youth-leaders-at-congressional-award-ceremony,Fitzpatrick Honors Outstanding PA-1 Youth Leaders At Congressional Award Ceremony,2024-12-15,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,PA,Brian K. Fitzpatrick,F000466,fitzpatrick.house.gov,fitzpatrick,https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) proudly hosted Pennsylvania’s First District 2024 Congressional Award Ceremony to celebrate the achievements of young community leaders who exemplify exceptional leadership, character, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to service. Established by Congress in 1979, the Congressional Award is the highest civilian honor bestowed by the United States Congress upon youth and serves as a testament to the dedication, resilience, and leadership of the next generation.

This year’s honorees—Ryan Kraychik, Sarah Liu, and Claire Titus— stand out for their remarkable dedication to volunteerism, personal growth, and community service. Their efforts showcase the power of young individuals to create meaningful change and inspire a brighter future for all.

Ryan Kraychik, Gold Award

A graduate of Council Rock South and a freshman at Elizabethtown College (Class of 2027), Ryan Kraychik earned the prestigious Congressional Gold Medal through over 400 hours of extraordinary volunteer service. Motivated to help children affected by the war in Ukraine, Ryan founded a virtual tutoring program to provide academic stability to displaced school-age children, offering them hope during an uncertain time.

Ryan volunteered at a hospital where he provided translation services to patients and spearheaded the creation of the Future Healthcare Professionals Club at Council Rock South. Under his leadership, the club grew to over 100 members, cultivating a passion for medicine and service among his peers.

Sarah Liu, Silver Award

Sarah, a senior at Germantown Friends School, earned the Congressional Silver Medal for dedicating over 200 hours to volunteer service, showcasing her passion for healthcare and education. Sarah volunteered at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, assisting in various departments, including pre-admissions, admissions, and the operating room. Her responsibilities ranged from organizing patient charts and setting up beds to cleaning after surgeries and taking patient vitals.

At Jefferson Hospital, Sarah focused on supporting the oral and maxillofacial surgery department, where she assisted during procedures, cleaned rooms, removed IVs, and entered patient vitals into the computer system. Beyond her hospital work, Sarah demonstrated a commitment to education by hosting SAT math boot camps, where she helped groups of students build confidence and improve their scores, making the test less daunting.

Claire Titus, Bronze Award

Claire, a sophomore at Central Bucks West, earned the Congressional Bronze Medal for dedicating over 100 hours to community service, driven by her passion for helping others. Recognizing the challenges children faced transitioning back to an in-person world after the Covid-19 lockdowns, Claire developed a two-hour curriculum for children ages 9 to 12. Her classes focused on everyday manners, including greetings, dining etiquette, and social courtesies. After earning her Girl Scout Silver Award, Claire expanded her program across multiple Pennsylvania counties, teaching over 120 children and equipping them with essential life skills.

Claire has also been a dedicated volunteer at the Doylestown Library since the age of 12, accumulating hundreds of hours of service and earning her multiple President’s Volunteer Service recognition.

Remarking on what receiving the Congressional Award meant to her, Sarah Liu, Congressional Silver Award recipient stated that: “Receiving this recognition from Congressman Fitzpatrick means a lot to me. It feels great to know that my efforts are appreciated, and this encourages me to continue making a positive impact in my community.”

Claire Titus, Congressional Bronze Award recipient added, “Having the opportunity to meet with Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick was a memory I will keep with me. The recognition I received from him incentivizes me to continue my efforts and continue to achieve new and higher goals.”

“In honoring Ryan, Sarah, and Claire, we celebrate not only their incredible achievements but their promise as future leaders. These remarkable young individuals remind us that greatness is born of dedication, resilience, and a willingness to lead by example,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick (PA-1). Their service and impact on our community are extraordinary, and I know this is just the beginning of their successes. I look forward to seeing the continued outstanding contributions they will make in the years to come.”

More about the Congressional Award:

The Congressional Award was established by Congress to recognize initiative, achievement, and service in America’s youth. Open to all regardless of ability, circumstance, or socioeconomic status, the program fosters leadership and personal growth while encouraging participants to take an active role in their communities.

The program is a non-partisan, non-competitive initiative that encourages young people aged 14 to 24 to strive for excellence. Participants set challenging personal goals in four program areas: volunteerism, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition/exploration. Depending on the time and effort they dedicate, participants earn Bronze, Silver, or Gold medals—each a testament to their perseverance and dedication.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4362,Representatives Houlahan and Garbarino Call for Counter-Drone Legislation to be Included in Continuing Resolution,2024-12-15,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) sent a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson and Leader Hakeem Jeffries this evening urging them to address the recent spate of drone sightings and activity by including the bicameral counter-drone legislation — of which Speaker Johnson is an original co-sponsor--in the Continuing Resolution currently being negotiated as the 118th Congress draws to a close.

The letter reads:

Dear Speaker Johnson and Leader Jeffries:

In light of the recent incidents involving drones spotted over the eastern seaboard, we urge you to swiftly take

action on counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) legislation that will allow for state and local law

enforcement to protect their communities from this emerging threat in the year end continuing resolution. In

recent weeks, there has been a sudden surge in sightings of unknown drones over New Jersey, New York,

Pennsylvania and other east coast states.1 Although the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland

Security have claimed that there is not an immediate national security threat, senior officials from both

departments have also been extremely clear in numerous appearances before Congress that the federal

government does not have the resources to handle every drone threat alone.2 In his own testimony to the

Bipartisan Task Force on the Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump and the United States Senate Homeland

Security Committee, Acting Director Rowe of the Secret Service has been clear that additional C-UAS legal

authority for state and local law enforcement could have helped prevent the assassination attempt on President-

Elect Trump.3

There are hundreds of thousands drones in the U.S. market alone, many of them unregistered with the FAA.4

These sorts of incidents are likely to be come only more common, as will the number flights that do pose

genuine threats to public safety. It is clearly time to end the blanket ban on the use of C-UAS technology by

local law and state law enforcement to detect and mitigate drone threats, in favor of at least a limited pilot

program that will allow the responsible use of these technologies throughout their jurisdictions in coordination

with the FAA. There has been bipartisan legislation introduced in both the House and Senate that will address

this emerging threat, including our bill H.R.4333. It is essential that as you consider a year-end continuing

resolution, that this package include an expansion of the current C-UAS authorities to allow local and state law

enforcement to access these technologies.

Chrissy Houlahan

Member of Congress

Andrew R. Garbarino

Member of Congress

###

1 https://apnews.com/article/drones-new-jersey-what-to-know-e6f565f5d51d9d47ad140e7e7d131842

2 https://www.fbi.gov/news/press-releases/joint-dhs-fbi-statement-on-reports-of-drones-in-new-jersey

3 https://www.youtube.com/live/0iyeDFRLKV4?si=huVoe_dF1T-CHbff",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-introduces-bill-help-local-water-authorities-strengthen-cybersecurity,Deluzio Introduces Bill to Help Local Water Authorities Strengthen Cybersecurity Efforts,2024-12-13,2024,2024-12,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) announced the introduction of his new bill, the Water Authority Cybersecurity Protection Act. This bill doubles the amount of funding available in certain grants and technical assistance to local water authorities to strengthen cybersecurity efforts.

Congressman Deluzio introduced this measure, after consultation with experts and committee staff, following an Iranian-based hack on the Municipal Water Authority of Aliquippa on November 24, 2023. On that day, one of the authority’s water pressure technologies suddenly shut down, and the screen displayed a message stating that a group called “Cyber Av3ngers” had hacked the system and were targeting Israeli-made technology. The authority immediately shut down its automated system and resumed operations manually, adding that it was able to maintain service without interruption to the City of Aliquippa and nearby Beaver County townships of Raccoon, Potter, and Hopewell.

“Any attack on our nation’s critical infrastructure is unacceptable, and the hack on the water authority in Aliquippa was a wake-up call,” said Congressman Deluzio. “We need to make sure our local water authorities have the resources and training they need to defend against increasingly hostile cyber threats. Residents should be able to trust that their drinking water is safe from attacks by nation-state adversaries and terrorist organizations, and I am proud to introduce the Water Authority Cybersecurity Protection Act to help shore up the security of our water systems.”

Following the hack, Congressman Deluzio previously called for the Department of Justice to investigate the cyberattack. He also urged the relevant House Committee to support stronger cyber defenses for America’s water sector.

This legislation would renew the Drinking Water Infrastructure Risk and Resilience Program through 2027 and provide grants to owners and operators of community water systems based on community size. The bill authorizes $50 million each fiscal year (2026 and 2027) to assist local water authorities plan, design, and implement programs for emergency responses. Key among these is improvements for automated and remote systems, and training programs for security and resilience.

The full text of the bill is available here. The proposal will now be considered by the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4361,A personal message on drone sightings from the Office of Chrissy Houlahan,2024-12-13,2024,2024-12,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), shared the following statement on drone sightings in the northeast:

""There has been a lot in the news recently about possible unusual drone sightings in the New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania area. I want to update you from Washington, D.C. on what my office and I know about this situation.

Although there have been thousands of reported sightings of drones in the area, the organizations charged with understanding these kinds of potential threats have not, in fact, validated a single sighting as being a drone (using technical means). Also importantly, at this time, there is no indication that this activity is a foreign actor or terrorist actor at all. Lastly, none of the reported activity to date has violated federal laws.

In response to sightings, there have been temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) placed in various air spaces to make sure that infrastructure such as military facilities and the like are protected if there is ultimately determined to be any sort of threat.

There has also been a hotline created to allow people to report sightings of concern, but I will emphasize that hundreds of these sightings have now been determined to be manned aircraft such as small private aircraft and commercial passenger planes.

I encourage everyone to remain calm and to recognize that agencies such as the FBI, Homeland Security and the Department of Defense are very engaged and coordinating in understanding what is or is not happening in our skies. (Read yesterday’s update from the FBI and Homeland Security here.) We, as individual citizens, should not be taking the law into our own hands or considering doing anything other than reporting any unusual sightings that we might see. If you want to report a possible sighting of a drone, call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit it online at tips.fbi.gov.

From my positions serving on both the House Committee on Intelligence and the House Armed Services Committee, I have been monitoring and overseeing the evolution of emerging threats, such as drones, since joining Congress six years ago. In fact, I introduced legislation in 2023 that specifically addresses the issue of possible drone attacks or incursions in United States airspace. As recently as last week, in my role as a member of the task force charged with investigating the attempted assassination of President Trump, I brought this very legislation up as part of the final recommendations of the committee. I hope very much that the Speaker of the House will find time to pass that legislation. I am also certain we will need a way to better synchronize federal and local responses to situations such as these.

Yesterday, my team and I joined a conference call with many of our federal agencies to discuss the drone sightings to date. I will join a similar in-person briefing with the Intel Committee next week and will update you as needed.

I appreciate, as ever, the chance to serve our community. And I thank you for your concern, time, and attention to these and other matters."" said Houlahan.",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z
https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/prior-auth-champions-celebrate-over-500-endorsements-improving-seniors-timely,Prior Auth Champions Celebrate over 500 Endorsements of the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act,2024-12-13,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,kelly,https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-IN), and Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA) released the following statement after the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 8702/S. 4532), their legislation that would speed up access to quality care for seniors by streamlining prior authorization under Medicare Advantage, was endorsed by over 500 health care and patient advocacy organizations:

“Seniors across America deserve timely access to the care they need, free from bureaucratic delays and administrative red tape. Our bill directly addresses the key issues in the current insurance claims system under Medicare Advantage. It will help improve health outcomes and reduce delays without costing taxpayers anything.

We are proud to receive the endorsements of over 500 organizations. This consensus support shows the need for prior authorization reform. We look forward to working with congressional leadership to pass H.R. 8702 and deliver life-saving policies for America’s seniors.”

To see the list of supporting organizations, click here.

The legislation is also supported by the majority of Congress, with 60 cosponsors in the Senate and 230 cosponsors in the House of Representatives. The bill passed unanimously in the House of Representatives in the last Congress.

Bill text is available here. A section-by-section summary can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-summer-lee-and-senator-welch-introduce-bicameral-legislation-to-codify-us-sanctions-against-persons-enacting-violence-in-west-bank,Rep. Summer Lee and Senator Welch Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Codify U.S. Sanctions Against Persons Enacting Violence in West Bank,2024-12-13,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Vaibhav Vijay, Vaibhav.Vijay@mail.house.gov

Kyla Gill, Kyla.Gill@mail.house.gov

Washington, D.C.— Today, Congresswoman Summer Lee (D-PA) and Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) introduced the Sanctions and Accountability for Non-Compliance and Transparent Investigative Oversight for National Security (SANCTIONS) in the West Bank Act, a bicameral bill that codifies President Biden's February 2024 Executive Order imposing sanctions on individuals undermining peace, security, and stability in the West Bank. This legislation permanently establishes the tools to hold accountable those engaging in violence, intimidation, or destabilizing actions in the region, reflecting the United States' unwavering commitment to human rights and justice for Israelis and Palestinians.

""This bill is about accountability, justice, and ensuring that U.S. policy stands firmly against extremist violence and destabilization,"" said Rep. Summer Lee (PA-12). ""The surge in violence against Palestinians in the West Bank is a humanitarian and moral crisis. By codifying these sanctions, we are making clear that the U.S. supports peace and dignity for all people living in the region.""

""Growing settler violence in the West Bank harms civilians, jeopardizes regional stability, and is a serious threat to U.S. national security. President Biden's Executive Order has been crucial in addressing the Netanyahu government's failure to take action against those who instigate heinous acts of fear and hate, and it should become statute,"" said Senator Welch. ""Sanctions have been an effective tool to deter violence in this deadly year for those living in the West Bank, where lives have been lost, homes have been destroyed, and families have been forever changed. We must ensure accountability for extremists who perpetrate violence against civilians in the West Bank and reaffirm our commitment to a lasting Middle East peace.""

""We have seen a series of cascading crises following the October 7 attack—with widespread suffering among Israelis, Palestinians, and too many others in the region. Amid the ongoing war that needs to end, I have been troubled by the pursuit of some in Netanyahu's government of extremist policies in the West Bank and agreed with President Biden's executive order sanctioning those involved in such actions. That's why I joined my colleagues today to introduce legislation that would codify these sanctions and ensure they remain an effective tool to deter violence in the West Bank. We have a responsibility in the United States for a renewed push on all sides towards peace, one in which Israeli and Palestinian children can once and forever live in safety, peace, and dignity,"" said Senator Durbin.

""The current extreme right-wing Israeli government has driven record illegal settlement expansion in the West Bank and armed extremist settlers who, with Israeli security forces, have killed more than 700 people in the last year, including three Americans. Enough is enough – the United States must sanction those responsible for this illegal violence,"" said Senator Sanders.

""Extremist violence in the West Bank not only violates basic human rights but also undermines a two-state solution and efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region. The targeting of Palestinian communities, destruction of property, and loss of innocent lives are unacceptable and must end immediately,"" said Senator Reed.

""This bill will help hold perpetrators accountable and reaffirms our commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people. The Netanyahu Government's rapid expansion of settlements in the West Bank, and its complicity in increased settler violence against Palestinians, undermine stability in the West Bank and the prospects for achieving a two-state solution. This legislation will strengthen the U.S. government's ability to hold accountable those who are fueling this illegal activity – and use the leverage we have to help preserve a path to peace, security and self-determination for Israelis and Palestinians alike,"" said Senator Van Hollen.

""Extremist violence in the West Bank undermines the hope for a peaceful future for Palestinians and Israelis alike,"" said Senator Merkley. ""The United States must use all diplomatic tools at its disposal to stop these unacceptable attacks against Palestinian civilians and villages. I call on this administration and future administrations to follow through with established policies, and to use U.S. influence to reaffirm our shared commitment to peace and a two-state solution.""

""Civilians should be protected from violence and intimidation, but we're seeing it happen against Palestinians in the West Bank in droves – including destruction of property, arson, assault, and Palestinians being forced from their homes,"" said Congressman Andre Carson (IN-07). ""Peace is possible only if we address this extremist settler violence. The U.S. can and should use sanctions to advance security and stability in the West Bank.""

Cosponsors:

House: Mark Pocan (D-WI-02); Betty McCollum (D-MN-04); Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-18); Jill Tokuda (D-HI-02); Al Green (D-TX-09); Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09); Sara Jacobs (D-CA-51); Jim McGovern (D-MA-02); André Carson (D-IN-07)

Senate: Dick Durbin (D-Ill.); Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.); Jack Reed (D-R.I.); Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.); Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.)

Endorsements:

American Federation of Ramallah, Palestine, Friends Committee on National Legislation, Human Rights Watch, J Street, New Jewish Narrative, Peace Action, Quincy Institute

Key Provisions of the West Bank STABILITY Act:

Codifies Executive Order 14115: Permanently authorizes sanctions targeting individuals responsible for acts of violence, property destruction, or other destabilizing activities in the West Bank, ensuring long-term accountability.

Establishes Comprehensive Sanctions: Freezes U.S.-based assets, blocks financial transactions, and denies U.S. entry for designated individuals engaged in violence or human rights violations.

Background:

The West Bank STABILITY Act builds on President Biden's February 2024 Executive Order 14115, which authorized the U.S. Treasury Department to impose sanctions against individuals undermining peace and stability in the West Bank. The executive order addressed a sharp rise in violence, including property destruction, forced displacement, and civilian assaults.

In 2023, settler attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank reached the highest levels since the United Nations began tracking the data in 2006. Following the Hamas-led October 7, the situation has further escalated, with increasing reports of arson, home demolitions, and intimidation tactics targeting Palestinians.

This legislation ensures that U.S. policy remains a force for stability and justice in the region by holding individuals accountable for violent and destabilizing actions. It reflects the United States' steadfast commitment to supporting peace, security, and dignity for all.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/boyle-bill-study-transfer-weitzman-museum-smithsonian-signed-law,Boyle Bill to Study Transfer of Weitzman Museum to Smithsonian Signed Into Law,2024-12-12,2024,2024-12,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) announced that his bipartisan bill to create a commission studying the potential transfer of the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History to the Smithsonian Institution was signed into law by President Biden. This law marks a critical first step toward the Weitzman Museum becoming part of the Smithsonian, providing a path for acquisition by the renowned institution.

The Weitzman Museum, located in Rep. Boyle’s district in Philadelphia, is dedicated to the history, culture, and contributions of Jewish Americans. If transferred, it would become the Smithsonian's first museum focused exclusively on Jewish American stories. Senator Bob Casey (PA) championed the companion bill in the Senate.

“I want to thank President Biden for signing this bipartisan bill into law, which marks a critical step toward the Weitzman Museum becoming part of the world-renowned Smithsonian Institution,” said Rep. Boyle. “As the only museum in the nation dedicated exclusively to exploring and interpreting the American Jewish experience, the Weitzman plays a vital role in preserving and sharing a key chapter of our nation’s history. Integrating the museum into the Smithsonian family would not only expand its reach and resources but also ensure its continued ability to educate and inspire future generations about the rich culture and contributions of American Jews.”

The Commission to Study the Potential Transfer of the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History to the Smithsonian Institution Act establishes a commission to evaluate the feasibility and impact of transferring the museum to the Smithsonian Institution. The commission will consist of eight members, with appointments split evenly between the majority and minority leaders of each chamber of Congress. It will produce a report for Congress with recommendations on the transfer, addressing the museum's current collections, its impact on efforts to study and counter antisemitism, its financial assets, liabilities, and operational costs, and the governance and organizational structure changes required. The report will also evaluate the potential effects of the transfer on the Smithsonian. Notably, the commission will not receive federal funding and will rely on private contributions to cover its expenses.

This law represents a significant milestone for the Weitzman Museum and positions it to expand its role in preserving and sharing the story of Jewish Americans as part of the Smithsonian’s esteemed network. In addition to Rep. Boyle, this bipartisan legislation was led in the House by Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Mike Turner (OH-10), and Max Miller (OH-7).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-locks-water-infrastructure-wins-western-pa-house-passage-water,Deluzio Locks in Water Infrastructure Wins for Western PA with House Passage of Water Resources Bill,2024-12-12,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Deluzio successfully included several provisions in the Water Resources Development Act that passed the House this week

WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) joined with his U.S. House colleagues to pass S. 4367, the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (otherwise known as WRDA). Previously, this biennial, bipartisan legislation successfully passed out of House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which Congressman Deluzio is a member of, 61-2. The bill now heads to the Senate for final approval, and then to President Biden for his signature.

The WRDA bill is a comprehensive legislative package that provides for the conservation and development of water and related resources like the nation’s ports and harbors, inland waterways, and flood and storm protection. It authorizes the Secretary of the Army, through the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, to conduct studies, construct projects, and research activity that can lead to the improvement of rivers and harbors of the United States.

“Western Pennsylvania is deeply connected to its rivers, both in our way of life and in our economy,"" said Congressman Deluzio. “I am proud I was able to include several important provisions in this Congress’ water resources bill that will make a difference for us in Western PA. From supporting the locks and dam systems of the inland waterways in our region to improving community resources available from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: we’ve got to make sure our water management systems are the best they can be and are built to last.”

Specifically, the items that Congressman Deluzio successfully advocated for inclusion in this year’s WRDA bill are:

Allegheny River Navigation, Environmental, and Economic Study

The Allegheny River is an important waterway in Pennsylvania that is currently underutilized. The federal investments from the IIJA, IRA, and other pieces of legislation have the potential to revitalize this waterway, but any reduction in lockage hours would stop this effort in its tracks. Additionally, it is critical to understand how the Allegheny River can best be used to support economic, environmental, and navigation needs.

This language would authorize a feasibility study to look at navigation and aquatic ecosystem restoration needs and to assess the impact of commercial operations to communities all along the river. This would create much-needed stability that could help support the findings of the study, while also ensuring that navigation and other operations can be balanced with preserving the ecosystem.

Army Corps Community Outreach Funding Authorization

The Army Corps of Engineers are currently not authorized to expend funds to conduct community outreach. The Pittsburgh division would like to reach out to many of the smaller communities in the region to inform them what the Corps. can assist with – for example replacing sewer lines and getting rid of lead pipes. This outreach will allow the Corps to better assist our municipalities directly.

The final WRDA text requires the Secretary of the Army to designate a point person to assist non-federal interests in accessing federal resources related to water resources development projects.

Separate from this authorization, we’ll work to coordinate with the Corps in the future to conduct additional outreach.

Require Corrosion Prevention Activities at Water Resources Development Projects

The provision requires corrosion prevention to be included at water resources development projects, particularly those carried out by the US Army Corps of Engineers. It requires contractors performing work for these projects use industry-recognized standards and corrosion mitigation and prevention methods when determining protective coatings, selecting materials, determining methods of protection, design, and engineering.

It also requires an apprenticeship utilization provision as a prerequisite for entities who do anti-corrosion work for the Corps.

The final WRDA bill includes much of this by encouraging the Secretary to coordinate with apprenticeship programs and utilizing National standard best practices when conducting corrosion prevention activities.

While not included in this Congress’ WRDA text, Congressman Deluzio is also continuing to push for full funding for the Montgomery Locks and Dam Project, which received critical investments from President Biden’s Infrastructure Law and has grown in scope and cost since the grant was awarded in 2021. Additional funds are needed to keep the project on schedule, to ensure all needed improvements are made, and to avoid any further delays in its completion. Congressman Deluzio made funding for the Montgomery Locks and Dam one of his community project funding requests for Fiscal Year 2025.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2024/12/fitzpatrick-calls-on-dhs-fbi-and-faa-for-immediate-answers-and-action,"Fitzpatrick Calls on DHS, FBI, and FAA For Immediate Answers and Action",2024-12-12,2024,2024-12,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-1), Chairman of the National Intelligence Enterprise Subcommittee on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI), sent a letter calling on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to urgently investigate and disclose information about the increasing reports of unexplained drone activity in the Philadelphia region, including Bucks County, and neighboring New Jersey.

With growing reports of sightings of unidentified unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) near critical infrastructure, Fitzpatrick is urging for immediate federal action to address public safety concerns and transparency.

Key questions raised in Fitzpatrick’s letter include:

Has the FAA been able to access the remote identifications of the drones not acting in compliance? And if so, what can be determined about these UAS?

Are federal agencies (DHS, FAA, and FBI) collaborating with state and local partners to ensure appropriate accountability measures are in place for violators of UAS regulations?

What additional measures can authorities who oversee areas of critical infrastructure in this region implement to protect themselves from a potential threat to their privacy and security?

Has the FAA been able to record the flight tracks of these UAS and identify what classes of airspace they are operating in and any subsequent airspace incursions?

The full text of the letter can be read here and below:

Dear Director Mayorkas, Administrator Whitaker, and Director Wray,

I write to you to express my concern over the widespread reports of unidentified drone activity in the Philadelphia region including in Bucks County. For the past several weeks, community members have reported sightings of unidentified unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), in some cases appearing over areas with critical infrastructure. While initial briefings indicate no immediate threat to public safety, I take the legitimate concerns of my constituents seriously, as well as our neighbors in New Jersey, and the broader American public. I am calling on our federal agencies to increase resources dedicated to investigating this escalating issue and to deliver a thorough public briefing.

Through my role as Chairman of the National Intelligence Enterprise Subcommittee on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI) I have requested a classified briefing from relevant intelligence agencies. Beyond this imperative briefing, I am requesting answers to the following questions:

Has the FAA been able to access the remote identifications of the drones not acting in compliance? If so, what can be determined about these UAS?

Are the DHS, the FAA, and the FBI collaborating with state and local partners to ensure the appropriate accountability measures are in place for violators of current UAS regulations?

Are there any measures authorities who oversee areas of critical infrastructure in this region should be implementing to protect themselves from a potential threat to their privacy and security?

Has the FAA been able to record the flight tracks of these UAS and identify what classes of airspace they are operating in and any subsequent airspace incursions?

Thank you for your attention to this matter, as well as your continued service in protecting our nation.

If you have any concerns or questions regarding this request for information, please contact my office at (202) 225-4276.

Sincerely,

Brian K. Fitzpatrick

Member of Congress

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-supports-national-defense-authorization-act-pay-raise-military-service,"Kelly supports National Defense Authorization Act, pay raise for military service members",2024-12-12,2024,2024-12,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) voted in favor of the FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a comprehensive package of legislation to support our military and national defense programs.

""The NDAA provides a well-deserved pay raise and much-needed support for our brave men and women in uniform,"" Rep. Kelly said. ""With war in Europe, the Middle East, and increased tensions between China and Taiwan, a strong national defense is vital to American security at home and abroad.""

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

Provide junior enlisted servicemembers with a 14.5% pay raise.

Fully support the deployment of National Guard at the southwest border to intercept illegal aliens and drugs.

Includes dozens of sections that address PRC security threats and economic security issues

Prevent Chinese espionage in our military, supply chains, and research institutions.

Expand U.S.-Israel military exercises and fully fund cooperative missile defense programs.

Increase funding for U.S. defense initiatives in the Indo-Pacific to bolster Taiwan’s defense and support Indo-Pacific allies.

Save $31 billion by cutting inefficient programs, obsolete weapons, and bloated Pentagon bureaucracy.

Cut $4 billion in programs that do not meet requirements.

Prohibit contracts with advertising firms that blacklist conservative news sources, like NewsGuard Technologies Inc.

Abolish the DEI bureaucracy and climate change programs.

Bans the teaching, training, or promotion of critical race theory.

Permanently ban transgender medical treatment for minors.

Counter antisemitism by prohibiting sale of goods at DOD commissaries and exchanges from any entities that have or are engaged in a boycott of Israel.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-dan-meuser-calls-upenn-address-alarming-actions-faculty-member,Congressman Dan Meuser Calls on UPenn to Address Alarming Actions by Faculty Member,2024-12-12,2024,2024-12,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 (R-PA) sent a letter to Interim President J. Larry Jameson of the University of Pennsylvania, raising serious concerns about the recent actions of Assistant Professor Julia Alekseyeva, a faculty member in UPenn's English Department. Professor Alekseyeva’s social media posts, which appear to celebrate the alleged actions of a murder suspect, have sparked outrage among students, alumni, and the broader community.

In his letter, Congressman Meuser highlighted Professor Alekseyeva’s posts, noting that she referred to Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the tragic murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, as “the icon we all need and deserve” and stated that she has “never been prouder to be a professor at the University of Pennsylvania.” Additionally, Professor Alekseyeva was recorded dancing while making these remarks, a disturbing display that trivializes the gravity of the crime and makes clear she does not have the judgment to be an academic leader.

Meuser described these remarks as “outrageous and violat[ing] the basic ideals of a civilized society,” adding,“Professor Alekseyeva should be fired for her social media posts which are harmful, divisive, and inappropriate for an educator. It is evident by her actions that she cannot be entrusted with guiding and mentoring students at any institution of higher education.”

Congressman Meuser underscored that this incident is part of a troubling pattern at UPenn, referencing earlier controversies involving antisemitic protests on campus.

He wrote, “Earlier this year, the University of Pennsylvania was host to antisemitic protest that endangered students. Now, this incident involving Professor Alekseyeva has understandably sparked outrage and concern among the University’s students, alumni, and the broader community. It forces Congress to question whether safeguards are in place to ensure that faculty conduct reflects the ethical and professional standards in line with the University’s reputation as a center of excellence and thought leadership.”

In his letter, Congressman Meuser demanded answers to several key questions, including:

“Has the University initiated a formal review of the allegations against Professor Alekseyeva?”

“Was Professor Alekseyeva on campus while crafting her posts?”

“Did Professor Alekseyeva create her social posts utilizing University property?”

“Has the University reviewed the courses taught by Professor Alekseyeva for any additional evidence of blatant violent rhetoric?”

“Is the University aware of any similarly troubling comments made by additional members of the faculty praising Luigi Mangione?”

“What steps are being taken to ensure that the conduct of this nature by faculty members is neither condoned nor repeated?”

The Congressman also highlighted the significant role federal funding plays in UPenn’s operations. He wrote, “Your response will dictate how my colleagues and I support allocating future federal funding for research at the University of Pennsylvania. As you are aware, the University received $936 million in federal research grants last year and these funds should only be awarded to institutions of excellence that do not tolerate these types of heinous actions from an assistant professor. I expect decisive action.”

The letter concludes with a clear deadline for action and a call for transparency: “I am requesting an answer to my questions by December 31, 2024. While I am a fan of the University of Pennsylvania, I expect answers as a pattern of radical behavior continues on campus. The University of Pennsylvania bears a responsibility to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability amongst its students and faculty.”

The Congressman awaits UPenn’s response and remains committed to holding institutions accountable for maintaining ethical standards and safeguarding their communities.

Congressman Meuser’s letter to UPenn’s Interim President J. Larry Jameson can be found here.

The video Professor Alekseyeva posted on TikTok can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-statement-passage-2025-defense-bill,Deluzio Statement on Passage of the 2025 Defense Bill,2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Navy and Iraq War veteran and House Armed Services Committee member Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) voted against the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

Following the vote, he released the following statement:

“I love this country. I am so proud I wore the uniform and led Americans at sea and in Iraq. Where I’m from, we think service is sacred, and I believe in my bones that the United States military can and must be prepared for any challenge that comes its way—especially when it comes to the rising threat of Communist China.

“There were a lot of good things in this bill: important pay raises for service members, improved childcare for military families, and support for industry and facilities in my district like the Air National Guard’s 171st Air Refueling Wing. The bill also supports many important programs that confront Communist China’s rise and strengthen our allies in the region.

“But the fact is: we need more oversight of how the Pentagon is spending our public dollars. We all pay for our military, and too often defense contractors rip us off, facing little competition and prioritizing their profits over our shared national defense.

“We are paying too much for products that are often behind schedule, overpriced, and aren’t good enough for our military.

“In an earlier version of the bill that passed with bipartisan support, I successfully included two of my commonsense provisions to fight price gouging and bring more oversight to the defense contracting process.

“But the D.C. swamp did its work, stripping out those provisions that would have saved public money and brought more accountability to defense contractors.

“We need a military that has what it needs to keep us safe and to fight and win our wars. And we need a Pentagon that can better protect public money and push back against the powerful defense industrial complex.

“I will keep working toward those goals.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2024/12/fitzpatrick-statement-on-drone-activity,Fitzpatrick Statement on Drone Activity in the Philadelphia Region and New Jersey,2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,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-1) issued the following statement urging immediate federal action to address the mounting concerns surrounding unexplained drone activity in the Philadelphia region and neighboring New Jersey:

“The growing reports of unexplained drone activity in the Philadelphia region and our neighboring state of New Jersey demand immediate and decisive federal action. As Chairman of the National Intelligence Enterprise Subcommittee on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI), I am treating this matter with the urgency it requires and taking proactive steps to safeguard our public safety and national security.

I am actively coordinating with federal law enforcement agencies and have requested a classified briefing to receive a comprehensive understanding of these incidents. This is not a time for complacency—it is a time for action and accountability.

While initial briefings indicate no immediate threat to public safety, I take seriously the legitimate concerns of my constituents, our neighbors in New Jersey, and the broader American public. I am calling on our federal agencies to immediately increase resources dedicated to investigating this escalating issue and to deliver a thorough public briefing. Transparency is not optional—it is a necessity. I will continue to push for swift action, full accountability, and clear communication to ensure the safety, security, and peace of mind of our community and our nation. The American people deserve nothing less.

If you observe any unidentified drone activity or have information related to these sightings, we ask you please report it to the FBI by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submitting photos or details online at tips.fbi.gov.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4359,Houlahan Supports 2025 National Defense Bill,2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,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), shared the following statement on her vote on the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act:

“I voted YES on the FY25 NDAA, officially named the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act, to reflect the major gains for our servicemembers. As Ranking Member of the Bipartisan Quality of Life Panel on the House Armed Services Committee, I am immeasurably proud that the bill contains more than twenty of the provisions we recommended. While this bill isn't perfect, it is a good bill for our servicemembers and their families who will benefit from:

a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemen and woman

a 4.5% pay raise for all others

location-specific cost of living allowances

improved access to specialty medical providers

repairs to dilapidated and unsafe barracks and dorms and new housing

employment support for military spouses

easier transfer of professional licenses between states for military spouses

fully funded childcare fee assistance programs for eligible families

more mental healthcare and easier access to medical services

I was proud to champion some other key provisions included in the final bill, such as:

Perinatal Mental Health Pilot: With my bill Maintaining Our Obligation to Moms (MOMS) Who Serve Act, I secured funding for a pilot program designed to assess how effective our military’s mental health programs are in treating maternal mental health conditions such as post-partum depression. It is the largest investment in perinatal mental health in the history of the Department of Defense.

Expanded Leave for Federal Employees also serving in the National Guard: Since 1966 federal employees who also serve in the National Guard have been allowed only 15 days to conduct their training yet training requirements have more than doubled. My provision expands the available leave from 15 to 20 days.

Strengthening Our Military Infrastructure: I established new reporting requirements to improve the reliability of our military’s electrical infrastructure and make it more resistant to attack, restore the eligibility of electrical co-ops to receive defense investment in order to help the Department of Defense save on its power bills in rural areas, and prioritize new “black start” exercises to ensure our troops can respond to threats to our grid.

Military Service to Public Service Pipeline: I authored a new requirement that when our armed forces turn away a recruit for medical reasons, they are provided with information on other opportunities to serve the nation, such as AmeriCorps.

Biotechnology and Intelligence Community Integration: I authored a requirement for the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to submit a strategy on addressing biotechnology threats, expanding a biotechnology workforce, and efforts to secure supply chains of critical biotechnologies for national security.

Critical Mineral Intelligence Sharing: I authored a requirement for the DNI to develop a strategy for sharing information between the intelligence community and private sector about foreign threats that could hurt their ability to compete on energy and critical mineral projects overseas.

Counternarcotics Oversight: I authored a requirement for the DNI to appoint a National Intelligence Manager that is dedicated to the counternarcotics mission; resulting in more resources and collaboration focused on the serious drug threat for communities and national security.

In addition to the many provisions recommended by the bipartisan Quality of Life Panel and those I also championed, the FY25 NDAA also makes necessary investments in military construction, shipbuilding, aircraft and vehicle procurement and munitions. Investments in science and technology are prioritized along with our domestic industrial base and military readiness, to include the creation of a DoD biotechnology roadmap, the acceleration of quantum capabilities available to DoD and cyber risk mitigation.

This bill protects the interests of our nation and improves the quality of life for the men, women and families who dedicate themselves to it through their service. While it doesn't address everything we asked for and consider important, including the full ability of parents to make their own decisions about healthcare for their children, it marks a rare moment of productive bipartisan agreement on what is arguably the most crucial legislation we take up as a body each year.”

Houlahan also spoke on this bill on the House Floor today, you can watch those remarks here or read them below.

“Thank you, Ranking Member Smith.

And to Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Smith, thank you both for your leadership and clear vision for our committee which has guided our national security and collective defense.

This Congress, I had the privilege of serving as the Ranking Member of our military Quality of Life Panel alongside my dear friend and Republican colleague Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska.

The bill before us today — including more than twenty provisions from that Quality of Life panel — is truly a testament to what this body can accomplish when we come together and do hard work together.

From inadequate pay and substandard housing conditions to food insecurity and long wait times for essential services, our panel’s findings make clear we still have a lot of work to do to ensure that our military families survive and thrive.

I’m pleased that the Fiscal Year NDAA includes a 14.5% pay raise for most junior enlisted and a 4.5% pay raise for all service members. This increase is critical for us to retain our all-volunteer enlisted forces and maximize the investments we’ve already made in them.

It also includes key health care provisions like no-cost contraception and my bill, the MOMS Who Serve Act, which is the largest investment in maternal mental health in the DoD’s history.

It requires the DoD to fully fund overdue maintenance for housing and fee assistance for child care so that no family is turned away.

It ensures our spouses have the support they need to ensure pathways to employment and transfer licenses for careers when they move.

This is the most consequential and important piece of legislation of the entire 118th Congress, and with this bill in law, our nation will be more secure, and our servicemen and women more resolved to face the global challenges of tomorrow.

But I would be remiss if I closed without noting my severe disappointment in those colleagues who chose to sully this bill with political culture wars that will impact the health care of minors. This is not what we were tasked to do, and I urge us to remain focused and of service.",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z
https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/final-report-task-force-concludes-its-investigation-releases-report-text,"FINAL REPORT: Task Force Concludes its Investigation, Releases Report Text on Findings and Policy Recommendations",2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,kelly,https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. -- Today, the Task Force on the Attempted Assassination of Donald J. Trump released adopted report text, “Final Report of Findings and Recommendations.” The report text, unanimously approved by the Task Force on December 5, highlights significant failures in the planning, execution, and leadership of the Secret Service and its law enforcement partners. The Task Force-approved report also proposes 37 actionable recommendations related both to the security failures on July 13 and to overarching structural changes the Secret Service and Congress must consider strengthen security measures and prevent similar security failures in the future.

The Task Force’s findings address six key areas:

Butler, PA: Failures in Planning

Butler, PA: Failures in Execution

Butler, PA: Failures in Leadership

Butler, PA: Aftermath

FBI Investigation

West Palm Beach, FL: Findings and Recommendations

Throughout its nearly five-month investigation, the Task Force conducted 46 transcribed interviews with local, state, and federal agencies, reviewed nearly 20,000 pages of documents, held more than a dozen briefings with federal, state and local officials, and held two public hearings—one with local law enforcement and the other with Acting Director of the Secret Service Ronald Rowe. The report also provides a list of outstanding requests to agencies that did not provide materials requested by the Task Force.

“The failures that led to the tragic events of July 13 were not entirely isolated to the campaign event itself, or the days preceding it. Preexisting issues in leadership and training created an environment in which the specific failures identified above could occur. Secret Service personnel with little to no experience in advance planning roles were given significant responsibility, despite the July 13 event being held at a higher-risk outdoor venue with many line of sight issues, in addition to specific intelligence about a long-range threat. Further, some of the Secret Service agents in significant advance planning roles did not clearly understand the delineation of their responsibilities,” the report states.

You can read the report adopted by the Task Force here.

The resolution approved unanimously by the U.S. House of Representatives on July 24, 2024, required the Task Force to produce a final report by December 13, 2024.

The Task Force also filed submitted Member views, which will be incorporated by the Office of the Clerk into the adopted report text from the Task Force.

Transcripts from the Task Force investigation will be provided at a later date.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-led-bill-designate-us-route-20-national-medal-honor-highway-passes-us,"Kelly-led bill to designate U.S. Route 20 as ""National Medal of Honor Highway"" passes U.S. House of Representatives",2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,kelly,https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On Monday, December 9, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation led by U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) and U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) to designate U.S. Route 20 as the National Medal of Honor Highway. The bipartisan, bicameral bill has already passed the U.S. Senate and now heads to President Biden's desk for his signature.

In the 16th Congressional District, U.S. Route 20 runs through Erie County. U.S. Route 20 runs coast-to-coast from Massachusetts to Oregon. This week's passage in the U.S. House comes after legislatures and governors in all 12 states along U.S. Route 20 have designated their state Medal of Honor Highways.

“This designation covers more than 3,000 miles through Erie County and along U.S. Route 20, America’s longest highway. By designating U.S. Route 20 as the ‘National Medal of Honor Highway,’ we commemorate all 3,519 recipients of the award, both living and passed,” said Rep. Kelly. “It’s my sincere hope that the millions of Americans who travel the highway each year – from Bend to Chicago to Erie to Boston - will take a moment to reflect on the extraordinary sacrifice, courage, and devotion exhibited by every single Medal of Honor recipient. We owe them a debt we can never repay. Designating this highway is just one way and we can cement their legacy in American history.”

You can watch Rep. Kelly's speech on the House floor about the legislation here.

BACKGROUND",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-dan-meuser-speaks-support-fy25-ndaa-cont,Congressman Dan Meuser Speaks in Support of FY25 NDAA (Cont.),2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,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) continued his remarks on the House Floor in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025.

Congressman Meuser said, “Supporting our servicemembers and their families is essential to maintaining the world’s strongest military. That’s why I expressed my support for the FY25 NDAA, which improves housing, healthcare, and childcare for military families, supports military spouses’ careers, and authorizes a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted personnel. This NDAA reflects our commitment to our armed forces and to making certain they have the resources they need — whether on the front lines or here at home.""

Video of the Congressman’s Floor speech can be found here.

.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-meuser-speaks-house-floor-support-fy25-ndaa,Rep. Meuser Speaks on House Floor in Support of FY25 NDAA,2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,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) delivered remarks on the House Floor in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025.

Congressman Meuser said, “The United States military is not a social engineering experiment—it’s a fighting force designed to protect our nation and ensure global stability. The FY25 NDAA prioritizes what truly matters—military readiness, modernization, and the security of the American people, rather than a social and ideological agenda. Today, I urged my colleagues to join me in voting for this bill and in supporting our troops.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases/reschenthaler-supports-historic-pay-raise-for-servicemembers,Reschenthaler Supports Historic Pay Raise for Servicemembers,2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,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 the Senate Amendment to H.R. 5009 – Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025:

“During this critical time in history, we must ensure our military heroes have the resources necessary to protect and defend our nation. This year’s NDAA completes that objective by enacting a historic 14.5 percent pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers while also providing better access to housing, medical care, and child care.

The last four years under the Biden-Harris Administration’s incompetence has emboldened our adversaries, enflamed and created conflicts across the globe, and endangered the lives of our servicemembers. As a Navy veteran, I will not stand by as liberal leadership destroys our Armed Forces and our nation’s future.

The sake of our country’s future success relies on the men and women entrusted with protecting our freedoms. I’m proud to support this year’s defense bill which puts both our heroes and America first.”

Specifically, this legislation:

Authorizes a 14.5 percent pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers and supports a 4.5 percent pay raise for all other servicemembers.

Authorizes $15.6 billion for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative to enhance U.S. deterrence and defense posture in the Indo-Pacific region.

Declares that it is the policy of the United States to ensure Israel has adequate capability to defend itself against Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah.

Permanently bans the Department of Defense (DoD) from providing transgender medical treatments on minors.

Prohibits funding for the teaching, training, or promotion of CRT in the military, including at service academies and DoD schools.

Fully funds deployment of National Guard troops in support of Border Patrol activities at the southwest border.

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

Prohibiting DoD funds for the Wuhan Institute of Virology, EcoHealth Alliance, any organization controlled by the EcoHealth Alliance, and any individual or organization subgrantee or subcontractor of EcoHealth.

Prohibiting any travel or transportation under the Joint Travel Regulations to require such travel to be in a zero-emission vehicle.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-supports-passage-fy2025-national-defense-authorization,Thompson Supports Passage of the FY2025 National Defense Authorization,2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,thompson,https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Image

December 11, 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025. Upon passage, Rep. Thompson released the following statement:

“This year’s National Defense Authorization Act makes a substantial investment in personnel, equipping warfighters with the tools and resources necessary to counter rapidly developing global threats, while ensuring continued deterrence from America’s foreign adversaries.

“With a focus on our brave men and women in uniform, I am especially pleased with the inclusion of the Military Housing Transparency and Accountability Act, a bill I authored to ensure all military families have access to safe, affordable, and functional housing.”

The Military Housing Transparency and Accountability Act expands access to a centralized assessment tool for members of the Armed Forces and their families to identify, rate, and compare housing options.

NDAA Highlights:

Provides a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted and a 4.5% pay raise for service members, including the 28,900 service members in Pennsylvania.

Helps Pennsylvania’s military spouses attain and retain employment by making it easier to transfer professional licenses between states when families are transferred to a new base, codifying programs to provide employment support, and authorizing the ability to fill open civilian positions with qualified military spouses.

Authorizes historic investments in military housing and facility maintenance, as well as substantial investments in new family housing units and barracks.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-casey-celebrate-confirmation-of-keli-neary-to-u-s-district-court-in-pennsylvania/,"Fetterman, Casey Celebrate Confirmation of Keli Neary to U.S. District Court in Pennsylvania",2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Pennsylvania U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Bob Casey (D-PA) proudly celebrated the Senate’s confirmation of Keli Neary to serve as a judge on the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Neary, who will serve in Harrisburg, is the thirteenth Pennsylvanian to be nominated to the bench by President Biden and confirmed by the Senate, eleven of whom are women.

“Keli Neary’s confirmation is a win for Pennsylvania and for the cause of equal justice under the law,” said Senator Fetterman. “Her career speaks volumes about her character, work ethic, and dedication to the people of this Commonwealth. From defending the rights of all Pennsylvanians while working in the Attorney General’s Office to advancing public safety during her years of service with the State Police, she has shown she’s ready to step up and serve with integrity on the federal bench. I have no doubt she’ll make us proud.”

“From the Pennsylvania State Police to the Office of the Pennsylvania Attorney General, Judge Neary has served our Commonwealth with distinction,” said Senator Casey. “Her commitment to protecting the rule of law and keeping Pennsylvania communities safe makes her well-qualified to take on this new role. I was pleased to vote to confirm Judge Neary and I look forward to seeing her continue to serve the people of the Middle District.”

A native of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Neary has dedicated her career to serving the people of the Commonwealth. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown in 2003 and her law degree from Widener Commonwealth School of Law in 2006. To fund her education, Neary worked part-time as a dietary aide and kitchen supervisor at the Laurel View Village Assisted Living Facility.

For more than a decade, Neary held key leadership roles in the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, most recently as Chief of the Civil Law Division, where she defended the constitutionality of Pennsylvania laws and represented state agencies and officials in federal and state courts. Her bipartisan service under multiple administrations underscores her steadfast dedication to justice and the people of Pennsylvania.

Neary’s confirmation marks another step toward ensuring a federal judiciary that reflects the diversity, resilience, and values of the American people. Her extensive experience and deep understanding of the law will serve the Middle District of Pennsylvania with distinction.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-summer-lee-presses-postmaster-general-louis-dejoy-on-local-worker-complaints-and-service-failures-in-house-oversight-committee-hearing,Rep. Summer Lee Presses Postmaster General Louis DeJoy on Local Worker Complaints and Service Failures in House Oversight Committee Hearing,2024-12-10,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate Release

Contact:

Vaibhav Vijay, Vaibhav.Vijay@mail.house.gov

Kyla Gill, Kyla.Gill@mail.house.gov

Rep. Summer Lee Presses Postmaster General Louis DeJoy on Local Worker Complaints and Service Failures in House Oversight Committee Hearing

Washington, DC – Today, during a House Oversight Committee hearing, Congresswoman Summer Lee questioned Postmaster General Louis DeJoy about alarming complaints from Postal Service employees and constituents regarding deteriorating working conditions, delayed mail deliveries, and a lack of accountability within the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). Lee emphasized the vital role USPS plays in connecting communities and delivering essential services, while highlighting how unresponsiveness and inefficiencies have eroded trust in the institution.

""Fifteen employees from my district in Pittsburgh reached out to my office about an abusive and hostile work environment,"" said Rep. Lee during the hearing. ""These workers had exhausted every avenue within USPS, making formal complaints to their superiors without resolution. It is unacceptable that employees feel ignored and abandoned by their own leadership.""

The Congresswoman also pointed to constituent concerns, including a local tax collector who faced significant delays in receiving undeliverable mail and encountered barriers when attempting to file complaints with USPS. Rep. Lee pressed Postmaster General DeJoy on why there is no follow-up process for customer complaints and whether the current system is intentionally difficult to navigate.

Postmaster General DeJoy faced direct questioning about the Postal Service's processes to address employee grievances and constituent complaints. A transcript of the full exchange is attached below.

Download Full Video here

Hearing Transcript

Rep. Summer Lee:

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

It can't be overstated how vital the Postal Service is to this country. It is the only mail delivery service that reaches every single address in the United States. Yet what's being seen during Postmaster General DeJoy's time is slower deliveries, increased costs, poor and even deadly conditions for employees, and an erosion of trust in this institution.

From what I'm hearing in my District of Pittsburgh, the Postal Service's unresponsiveness has added to that distrust.

Just this year, fifteen of your employees working in my District reached out to my office with complaints of an abusive and hostile work environment. They came to my team because they had nowhere else to turn to at the Postal Service. They had made the complaints, they had gone to those above them, and they still got no help. These workers sent letters to every one of my office locations because they were so used to being ignored and unheard. It is completely unacceptable to have so many employees reaching out for help and for no one at the Postal Service to do anything about it.

Q1: Mr. DeJoy, do you have a formal process to address employee complaints? Is it just being ignored, or do you not have a way to address employee issues?

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy:

Congresswoman, we have a formal process in place for employee complaints that is overseen by our Human Resources department and local management. If issues are not being addressed properly, I need to look into this case specifically to understand what went wrong.

Rep. Summer Lee:

Q2: Can you commit to improving or creating this process to ensure employees are heard and action is taken to improve their working conditions?

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy:

Yes, I can commit to reviewing the process and making any necessary improvements to ensure employee concerns are addressed effectively.

Rep. Summer Lee:

Another issue from my District involves a local tax collector. A job that is an important local government function and relies on timely and accurate mail delivery. Not getting those bills on time or at all can mean late fees or missing out on pay-early discounts. One of the problems is mail that is coming back as undeliverable, yet she doesn't get the ""return to sender"" until a year later, way past the time needed to catch and fix the issue.

Q3: Can you explain how it takes over a year to receive a ""return to sender"" piece of mail?

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy:

Congresswoman, I would need to investigate this specific case to provide a more accurate answer. Delays of this length are not typical and could indicate an issue at a local facility.

Rep. Summer Lee:

This constituent has complained to the Postal Service multiple times about both the return time and the undeliverable addresses themselves. My office has also brought the problem to both the local and federal level Postal Service offices, and it still hasn't improved.

The most recent response from the Postal Service is that they considered the problem solved because they no longer received any complaints.

Do you know why they aren't receiving complaints anymore? In order to make a complaint, the constituent has to speak to a manager, yet every time she goes to the office, no manager can be found.

Q4: Mr. DeJoy, why is there no follow-up process for customer complaints to ensure a problem has actually been solved?

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy:

I will need to look into the complaint procedures in that area and work with local management to understand why this constituent's concerns have not been adequately addressed.

Rep. Summer Lee:

Q5: Do you intentionally make the customer complaint process difficult so you can pretend problems have been solved or don't exist?

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy:

Absolutely not. That is not the intention of the Postal Service. Our goal is to serve the public, and we will take steps to review and improve our complaint process if necessary.

Rep. Summer Lee:

The Postal Service is not going to improve its major problems until they actually listen to their customers and employees. Right now, it's clear that they aren't doing that.

It's unacceptable that such a vital part of how our country functions has become so unreliable and controversial. They need to do better for the American people.

Thank you, I yield back.

About Congresswoman Summer Lee

Since taking office in January 2023, Rep. Lee has delivered over $2 billion in federal investments to Western Pennsylvania, including funding for infrastructure, clean energy manufacturing, and affordable housing. As a member of the House Oversight Committee, Rep. Lee continues to fight for accountability and fairness in government operations and services.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-summer-lee-secures-major-wins-for-southwestern-pennsylvania-as-water-resources-development-act-of-2024-passes-the-house-of-representatives,Rep. Summer Lee Secures Major Wins for Southwestern Pennsylvania as Water Resources Development Act of 2024 Passes the House of Representatives,2024-12-10,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate Release

Contact:

Vaibhav Vijay | Vaibhav.Vijay@mail.house.gov

Kyla Gill | Kyla.Gill@mail.house.gov

Rep. Summer Lee Secures Major Wins for Southwestern Pennsylvania as Water Resources Development Act of 2024 Passes the House of Representatives

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12) celebrated several key victories for Southwestern Pennsylvania as the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024 today. Roughly every two years, Congress reauthorizes WRDA, vital legislation for managing and conserving our nation's water resources, addressing flood risks, navigation, ecosystem restoration, and water infrastructure improvements.

Rep. Lee's advocacy as a part of this large, bipartisan effort ensured several critical provisions were included in the 2024 WRDA that directly benefit communities in Southwestern Pennsylvania. These wins represent progress for Pittsburgh's waterways, environmental restoration, and the region's economy.

Wins for Southwestern Pennsylvania Wins in WRDA 2024

Preserving Allegheny River Navigation

The Allegheny River has faced declining freight volumes, leading to reductions in lockage hours and threatening the region's waterway economy. Rep. Lee, alongside the Southwestern Pennsylvania delegation, successfully secured language to protect current levels of lockage service until a navigation and ecosystem restoration study is completed. The bill now directs the Army Corps of Engineers to ""preserve, to the maximum extent practicable, the lockage levels of service along the Allegheny River."" This is a critical step for Pittsburgh stakeholders, including Port Pitt and IFPTE, in stabilizing waterway commerce.

Addressing Acid Mine Drainage

Legacy coal mining has left a devastating environmental legacy in Pennsylvania, with acid mine drainage (AMD) threatening waterways and ecosystems. Rep. Lee worked with Senator Fetterman to champion a provision to create a pilot program providing technical and construction assistance for projects aimed at restoring water impaired by AMD in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. This program will support centralized water treatment and infrastructure, marking a step forward for environmental justice in coal communities.

Expanded Section 219 Environmental Infrastructure Funding

WRDA 2024 authorizes $38.6 million for a Pennsylvania-specific environmental infrastructure program under Section 219. This funding will address critical needs in water supply, wastewater systems, and resource protection across the commonwealth.

The Fight Continues for Full Funding for Mon Lock & Dam

Despite bipartisan efforts, WRDA 2024 did not include the delegation's push for full federal funding of the Montgomery Lock and Dam project, which received a 100-percent federal cost share under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Rising costs threaten to delay the completion of this critical project. Rep. Lee remains committed to working with the Pennsylvania delegation to secure the funding needed to advance this project.

Rep. Summer Lee's Statement:

""From stabilizing navigation along the Allegheny River to tackling acid mine drainage and expanding environmental infrastructure funding, WRDA 2024 delivers real wins for Southwestern Pennsylvania. These provisions will protect our waterways, create jobs, and help ensure our region's future is cleaner, greener, and more resilient.

""But the work doesn't stop here. The exclusion of full federal funding for the Mon Lock and Dam project underscores the need for continued advocacy. I'm ready to fight for every member of our community—Black folks, brown folks, working-class folks, and everyone who relies on our waterways to thrive. Pittsburgh's future is tied to these investments, and I won't stop until we get the funding we need.""

Background on WRDA

The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) provides the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers the authority to plan and execute vital water resource projects. While WRDA itself does not allocate funding, it enables projects to seek future appropriations. Reauthorized biennially, WRDA reflects Congress's commitment to improving flood control, water supply, and ecosystem resilience.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4349,Houlahan Urges Attorney General Garland to Address Policy Body Camera Data Storage Issues,2024-12-09,2024,2024-12,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) sent a letter to United States Attorney General Marrick Garland asking the Department of Justice (DOJ) to do more to publicize the availability of federal grant money that can be used for police body camera data storage. This came after Houlahan went on a ride-along with the Phoenixville Police Department, during which she learned that storing the data from police-worn body cameras can be extremely expensive and often leads departments to stop using them.

“This year, data storage and other technical hurdles have delayed the rollout of body-worn cameras to the Pennsylvania State Police and driven the cost of the program from $4.4 million to roughly $10 million a year,” Houlahan said in the letter. “Providing information about the availability of federal grants to address these issues will help both federal and state policy makers across the country and will help inform their response to this relatively new challenge.”

In the letter, Houlahan also called for data storage to remain a central focus of the federal government’s body-worn camera grants. She also asked that the DOJ provide an update on their progress toward compliance with President Biden’s May 2022 executive order expanding the use of body-worn cameras across federal law enforcement. Lastly, Houlahan requested that the DOJ prioritize collecting information on the data storage needs of police departments across the country by adding a question on data storage to the Law Enforcement Management and Administrative Statistics (LEMAS).

Read the letter here or below:

Dear Attorney General Garland,

Thank you for your leadership as our nation’s Attorney General. I write out of concern over a growing problem: as police departments across the country have expanded the use of body-worn cameras, increasingly they are struggling to store the data produced by these cameras.

In 2019, the Washington Post reported that many small police departments were being forced to give up their body-worn camera programs due to the high costs of storing the data these cameras produce. Since then, the problem has only continued worsen. For example, in Muskingum County, Ohio, the long-term costs were a major barrier for their camera program, despite one-time infusions of federal cash designed to help localities recover from the pandemic. Today, the county has still not implemented a body-worn camera program. This year, data storage and other technical hurdles have delayed the rollout of body-worn cameras to the Pennsylvania State Police and driven the cost of the program from $4.4 million to roughly $10 million a year.

The federal government is providing support to local departments as they stand up these programs. However, as the long-term data storage costs are an underdiscussed aspect of these important innovations, I ask that the Bureau of Justice Assistance and the Community Oriented Policing Services do more to publicize that federal grant money can be used for data storage investments whenever they are soliciting funding applications.

Second, I ask that planning for data storage needs remain a central focus of the federal

government’s implementation of grants designed to increase the use of body-worn cameras. For example, as the Department of Justice works with the White House to outline the President’s Budget Request for the coming fiscal year, the need for increased funding for body-worn camera data storage should be emphasized. This need should also be emphasized in the Department’s discussions with congressional appropriators. As the DOJ reviews the applications from state and local police departments across the country, I ask that the Department prioritize applications with robust plans for how they will deal with the data these cameras create. Furthermore, I ask that the Department of Justice consider whether it has the legal authority to award grants to jurisdictions solely for covering the cost of purchasing storage.

Third, the President has signed an executive order that dramatically expands the use of body worn cameras across the federal law enforcement. I request that the Department provide an update on their progress towards compliance with this executive order, and that any unmet costs related to data storage be highlighted in budget requests of Congress.

Lastly, I request that the Department of Justice prioritize collecting information on the data storage needs of police departments across the country by adding a question on data storage to the Law Enforcement Management and Administrative Statistics (LEMAS). LEMAS is conducted periodically, most recently in 2020, and is an important tool for assessing the thousands of local law enforcement agencies across the country. LEMAS already includes questions on what cameras and other equipment are being used by local jurisdictions, so the survey should also consider how the data being documented is stored. Having complete nation-wide information will help policy makers in both the executive and legislative branches, as well as in state capitols across the country, and will help inform the response to this relatively new challenge.

Sincerely,

Chrissy Houlahan

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-joins-cbss-face-nation-discuss-task-force-investigation,"Kelly joins CBS's ""Face The Nation"" to discuss Task Force investigation",2024-12-09,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,kelly,https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Sunday, Task Force on the Attempted Assassination of Donald J. Trump Chairman Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) and Ranking Member Jason Crow (D-Colo.) joined CBS’s Face The Nation to discuss the Task Force’s investigation ahead of the release of its upcoming final report this week.

You can watch their full interview here.

Since the Task Force began its investigation into the attempted assassination of the President-elect on July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania, the Task Force has reviewed more than 20,000 pages of documents, conducted 46 transcribed interviews with local, state, and federal agencies, and held a dozen briefings.

Further, the Task Force held two public hearings, one in September with local law enforcement who responded to the July 13 Butler rally and a second hearing on Dec. 5 with U.S. Secret Service Acting Director Ronald Rowe.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-dan-meuser-demands-fincen-provide-small-businesses-clarity-amid,Congressman Dan Meuser Demands FinCEN Provide Small Businesses Clarity Amid Ongoing Legal Challenges,2024-12-09,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,PA,Daniel Meuser,M001204,meuser.house.gov,meuser,https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) today criticized the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) for its inadequate efforts to assist small businesses with the Corporate Transparency Act’s (CTA) burdensome beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting requirements. Following a preliminary injunction issued by U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant that paused the January 1, 2025, compliance deadline, Rep. Meuser called for immediate clarity from FinCEN, citing their failure to adequately prepare businesses for compliance.

“This injunction provides temporary relief, but FinCEN’s failures have left small businesses in the lurch,” said Congressman Meuser. “Despite oversight hearings, briefings, and repeated calls for action, FinCEN has done a supremely inadequate job helping small businesses understand or comply with these requirements. It’s time for them to step up, provide clear guidance, and formally delay enforcement to avoid crushing penalties and costs of up to $10,000 for businesses already struggling to keep their doors open.”

Congressman Meuser, who conducted oversight of FinCEN on the Financial Services Committee earlier this year and followed up with a briefing on the Small Business Committee, led a group of lawmakers in sending a letter demanding FinCEN immediately clarify how the injunction impacts compliance obligations. Co-signed by Representatives Blaine Luetkemeyer, Andy Barr, Roger Williams, Barry Loudermilk, Young Kim, Zach Nunn, Monica De La Cruz, and French Hill, the letter also urged FinCEN to formally delay BOI enforcement until legal challenges are resolved.

""Small businesses are the strength of our economy, yet FinCEN’s lack of preparation has turned this regulatory requirement into a significant burden,” added Meuser. “The January 1 deadline was never realistic given the chaos FinCEN created. We need immediate action to ensure businesses are not penalized for FinCEN’s incompetence.""

The Congressman emphasized that this debacle underscores why FinCEN must prioritize transparency, clarity, and support for America’s small businesses.

The letter to FinCEN can be found here.

Background:

The Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) mandate that small businesses report extensive ownership and control information to FinCEN. The rules from FinCEN are overly burdensome for small businesses and not what Congress intended in the CTA. Small businesses face particular challenges because they often lack the resources to comply with complex federal requirements, potentially leading to high compliance costs. Moreover, the January 1, 2025, enforcement deadline is too soon, giving businesses insufficient time to adapt amidst legal uncertainties following a preliminary injunction. If small businesses do not comply by Jan. 1, they face a penalty of up to $10,000

The court case, Texas Top Cop Shop, Inc. v. Garland, resulted in a preliminary injunction by Judge Amos Mazzant, finding the CTA and its rules likely unconstitutional. The decision halts enforcement temporarily but creates ambiguity for small businesses about their compliance obligations, underlining the need for clearer guidance from FinCEN.

#####",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases/reschenthaler-fetterman-pa-colleagues-sound-alarm-at-coast-guard-station-pittsburgh,"Reschenthaler, Fetterman, PA Colleagues Sound Alarm at Coast Guard Station Pittsburgh",2024-12-09,2024,2024-12,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 U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) and Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA), Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA), Chris Deluzio (D-PA), and Summer Lee (D-PA), urged the U.S. Coast Guard to protect the personnel, equipment, and vessels from being removed at Coast Guard Station (STA) Pittsburgh.

The station is responsible for responding to natural disasters, maintaining and repairing navigational aids along the rivers, safeguarding critical infrastructure, and responding to potential threats. Overall, the Coast Guard is responsible for 328 miles of navigable waterways in the region.

In the letter, the lawmakers wrote: “We write regarding our significant concerns with the reduction of Coast Guard personnel and the potential removal of equipment and vessels at STA Pittsburgh. This decision will undoubtedly have steep economic costs for southwestern Pennsylvania. We must keep this waterway safe and navigable to protect the region’s economy and way of life.”

Throughout his tenure in Congress, Reschenthaler has championed numerous efforts for the Allegheny, Ohio, and Monongahela Rivers:

Reschenthaler requested $205 million for Fiscal Year 2025 to physically complete construction work at the Montgomery Lock and Dam.

In October 2024, Reschenthaler led a letter to the U.S. Army Corps to alleviate dredging issues on the Monongahela River.

In August 2024, Reschenthaler led a letter to the U.S. Army Corps(USACE) urging them to fix the water depth issues allowing the river to continue supporting southwestern Pennsylvania’s economy.

In March 2024, Reschenthaler secured $41 million to help complete the Monongahela River Project.

In November 2023, Reschenthaler led a letter to the U.S. Army Corps outlining concerns for commercial and recreational access to the Allegheny River – specifically the lock and dam system.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/sens-fetterman-casey-rep-lee-praise-303-5-million-doe-loan-to-eos-energy-enterprises-boosting-battery-manufacturing-and-union-jobs-in-pennsylvania/,"Sens. Fetterman, Casey, Rep. Lee Praise $303.5 Million DOE Loan to Eos Energy Enterprises, Boosting Battery Manufacturing and Union Jobs in Pennsylvania",2024-12-09,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — This week, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA), U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), and Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12) celebrated the Biden-Harris Administration’s announcement of a $303.5 million loan guarantee to Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc. The funding will support the construction of two manufacturing facilities in Turtle Creek and Duquesne, Pennsylvania, producing next-generation zinc-bromine batteries. The project is set to create up to 1,000 high-quality union jobs, including those represented by the United Steelworkers.

“Pennsylvania steel built America and now Pennsylvania batteries will help power it,” said Senator Fetterman. “Thanks to President Biden’s leadership, we’re creating good-paying, union jobs for the people of Allegheny County and investing in innovative battery technology that’ll keep our grid strong and reliable. I’m proud to see the federal government, local leaders, and Eos working together to deliver real results for Pennsylvanians.”

“Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, we are making game-changing investments in energy technology manufacturing to ensure that Pennsylvania can continue to power our Nation,” said Senator Casey. “I fought for this investment because it will create union jobs and help Mon Valley workers lead the way on clean energy storage production. This project is not only an investment in the technology of tomorrow, but in Pennsylvania workers.”

“Western Pennsylvania has always been a powerhouse of innovation and resilience, and this investment is another example of how we can build a future that works for everyone,” said Congresswoman Summer Lee. “This $303.5 million loan guarantee not only brings cutting-edge battery manufacturing to Turtle Creek and Duquesne, it brings real, good-paying union jobs to our communities, opportunities for our young folks, and hope for families who’ve been left behind for far too long. By investing in clean energy and prioritizing underserved areas like ours, we’re proving that we can take care of our planet while also taking care of our people.”

The project will transform the former Westinghouse Electric Corporation campus in Turtle Creek, an underserved community identified under the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative, into a hub of clean energy manufacturing. By collaborating with local high schools, trade programs, and community organizations, Eos is ensuring these investments directly benefit the workforce and families in the region.

The funding, part of the Department of Energy’s Title 17 Clean Energy Financing Program, will support production lines for Eos Z3™ batteries, a long-duration, grid-scale energy storage system designed for renewable energy integration. These batteries are safer, non-flammable, and more cost-efficient than traditional lithium-ion options, using domestically sourced materials to avoid supply chain volatility.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/boyle-hill-statement-fall-assad-regime,"Boyle, Hill Statement on Fall of the Assad Regime",2024-12-08,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,PA,Brendan F. Boyle,B001296,boyle.house.gov,boyle,https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC - Congressmen Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) and French Hill (AR-02), who serve as co-chairs of the Friends of a Free, Stable, and Democratic Syria Caucus in Congress, issued the following statement following the apparent collapse of dictator Bashar al-Assad’s regime:

“Bashar al-Assad has perpetrated one of the most horrific humanitarian crises of the 21st century. With the help of his fellow dictators in Russia and Iran, Assad has murdered hundreds of thousands of innocent men, women, and children – and displaced millions more. The end of Assad’s brutal regime must be an opportunity for the Syrian people to decide their own future, free of repression and sectarian violence. We urge all regional stakeholders to commit to a political resolution that not only ends this tragic chapter of Syrian history but also lays the foundation for a lasting peace and a future defined by freedom, justice, and reconciliation.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://dean.house.gov/2024/12/dean-casten-and-mcbath-urge-increased-funding-for-atf-in-fy2025-budget,"Dean, Casten, and McBath Urge Increased Funding for ATF in FY2025 Budget",2024-12-06,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,PA,Madeleine Dean,D000631,dean.house.gov,dean,https://dean.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Madeleine Dean (PA-04, Sean Casten (IL-06), and Lucy McBath (GA-07) led 55 colleagues in a letter urging Congressional Appropriations Committee Leadership to increase funding for the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) within the Department of Justice (DOJ) in the FY2025 government funding package.

“As you work to finalize the FY25 Commerce-Justice-Science (CJS) Appropriations package, we respectfully request that you include an increase of funding to $2 billion, or to the greatest amount executable, for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) within the Department of Justice (DOJ),” the lawmakers wrote. “Such an increase would support the Agency’s critical work in preventing and responding to gun crime and ensuring the safe manufacture, importation, and sale of firearms.”

ATF is the principal federal law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over firearms. ATF plays an essential role in safeguarding communities from gun violence, but it has limited resources to carry out its mission and is in dire need of additional funding.

“The ATF’s work is critical to protecting Americans from the scourge of gun violence and the influx of unsafe guns into our communities,” the lawmakers continued.

The letter was also signed by U.S. Reps. Thompson, Garcia, Johnson, Barragan, Cherfilus-McCormick, Holmes Norton, Amo, Goldman, Robin Kelly, Moulton, Lynch, Mullin, Brown, Porter, Frederica Wilson, Swalwell, Lieu, Dingell, Gottheimer, Sherrill, Bonamici, Raskin, Pettersen, Spanberger, Gwen Moore, Salinas, Nikema Williams, McClellan, Auchincloss, Torres, DeGette, Schakowsky, Crockett, Beyer, Danny Davis, Ivey, Vargas, Stevens, Sherman, McGarvey, Brownley, Chu, Horsford, Jacobs, Napolitano, Kildee, Tokuda, Ross, Scanlon, McGovern, Evans, Tonko, Magaziner, Deluzio, and Kennedy.

Brady and GIFFORDS endorsed the lawmakers' letter.

The letter can be read 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,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-statement-end-year-push-pass-rail-safety-bill-growing-support-bring,"Deluzio Statement on End-of-Year Push to Pass Rail Safety Bill, Growing Support to Bring Bill to Vote on the House Floor",2024-12-06,2024,2024-12,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 a statement on his end-of-year push to pass bipartisan rail safety legislation through the House of Representatives. A bill he is co-leading, the Rail Safety Enhancement Act has been brought up as a discharge petition, which is a procedure to bring a bill up for an immediate vote in the House if it gathers enough supporting signatures.

The measure built off of Congressman Deluzio’s Railway Safety Act introduced in the wake of the Norfolk Southern derailment in East Palestine. In order to be brought up for a House vote through the discharge petition process it needs 218 signatures, an absolute majority of the chamber’s members, to sign on.

Congressman Deluzio released the following statement:

“Some powerful forces may want us to move on from the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine last year, but many of my constituents in Beaver County and our neighbors in Ohio have not.

“Imagine if a train derailed and released a toxic fireball into the sky nearby your home and your family. Would you be okay with keeping weak safety rules that failed so miserably?

“My constituents want and expect Congress to act to make freight rail safer for our communities.

“I refuse to let us be treated like collateral damage in the way of corporate profits. We know we cannot trust railroads to regulate themselves: that's why we need the Rail Safety Enhancement Act. Making freight rail safer isn’t partisan: this a bill supported by Republicans and Democrats from all backgrounds and ideologies.

“In fact, my rail safety bill is one of the only measures endorsed by both President-Elect Donald Trump and President Joe Biden.

“However, big railroads have been lobbying hard to kill these proposals. The fact is: they don’t want to spend more on safety.

“But I’m not going to let this year end without a final showdown. Because the truth is that the House still has a shot to pass rail safety legislation.

“Every Member of Congress who thinks that the safety of our communities matters more than corporate profits ought to sign their name on the dotted line of this petition and vote to pass this rail safety bill.

“We have a chance to show my people in Western Pennsylvania and our Eastern Ohio neighbors that we haven’t forgotten them. Let’s not miss.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-meuser-joins-doge-caucus,Congressman Meuser Joins DOGE Caucus,2024-12-06,2024,2024-12,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) announced that he has joined the DOGE Caucus, a bicameral and bipartisan initiative aimed at combating waste, fraud, abuse, and inefficiencies in federal government agencies.

The Bicameral DOGE Caucus will support President Trump’s advisory council, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy.

Congressman Dan Meuser said, “This week, I had an opportunity to spend nearly an hour and a half with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to discuss their plans for the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). I was able to ask questions and share my recommendations on rooting out waste, fraud, redundancies, and unnecessary bureaucracy in the federal government. DOGE will stop the federal bureaucracy from becoming an unelected fourth branch of government. As a member of the House DOGE Caucus, I look forward to working alongside President Trump’s advisory council, the Department of Government Efficiency, to make much-needed reforms to regain a limited government.”

Congressman Meuser met with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy on Capitol Hill on Thursday.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-thompson-recognized-austin-area-school-district-students,Congressman Thompson recognized Austin Area School District students on the floor of the U.S. House,2024-12-06,2024,2024-12,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 (R-PA) on Thursday recognized students from the Austin Area School District (AASD) for their contributions to the National Christmas Tree display.

AASD in Potter County - Pennsylvania's smallest school district - was selected to decorate the Pennsylvania Tree, which is part of the National Christmas Tree display's ""Pathway of Peace"" south of the White House at the Ellipse.

Students from AASD's art class, led by teacher Mrs. Bethany Brown, created ornaments highlighting various experiences unique to Pennsylvania and Potter County.

""Austin Area School District students brought Pennsylvania's Christmas spirit to Washington, D.C., and highlighted what makes Potter County such a special place to live,"" Rep. Thompson said. ""I am incredibly proud of our students and their contribution to this cherished national tradition.""

""Students were very excited to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,"" Mrs. Brown said. ""Potter County has so much to offer, and we are grateful for being chosen to highlight our outdoor region of rural Pennsylvania. Thank you, Congressman Thompson, for your hospitality and recognition of our school's contribution to the National Christmas Tree Display on the House Floor. My colleagues and I are proud to support and highlight our students' success and creativity.

""Having the opportunity to create a design that not only symbolizes me, but my school and the area around me is so special,"" said Breanna Gentzel, a student at AASD. ""I feel so proud to have been given this chance, and I hope that someone will see this ornament and agree with the beauty of Pennsylvania’s land. I am also thankful to my teacher, Mrs. Brown, for introducing us to this idea and letting us be as creative as we want. This is a project that I will remember for a very long time.”

Rep. Thompson Recognizes AASD’s Contributions on the House Floor.

The National Christmas Tree Display is open everyday from December 7 through January 1, 2025. and the trees will typically be lit at sunset each evening.

AASD Background: Austin Area School District in Potter County is the smallest public school in Pennsylvania. This school serves approximately 180 pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade students from the surrounding communities and excels in creating innovative, personalized one-on-one experiences for their students.

National Christmas Tree Lighting Background:

Each year, the National Park Foundation and National Park Service present the National Christmas Tree Lighting on the Ellipse at The White House and President’s Park.

This annual celebration, which started in 1923, is an event that brings together families, friends, and communities to celebrate the holidays in one of America’s national parks.

State Trees – “Pathway of Peace” Background:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2024/12/fitzpatrick-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-to-expand-savings-options-for-workers-with-disabilities,Fitzpatrick Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Savings Options for Workers with Disabilities,2024-12-05,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,PA,Brian K. Fitzpatrick,F000466,fitzpatrick.house.gov,fitzpatrick,https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), along with Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3), introduced the ABLE Employment Flexibility Act, bipartisan legislation designed to expand financial opportunities and strengthen workplace opportunities for Americans with disabilities. ABLE accounts—special savings accounts for people with disabilities—allow individuals to save money without affecting their eligibility for federal assistance programs. This bill enables employers to make tax-free contributions to these accounts, offering greater flexibility in hiring and retaining employees with disabilities while helping these workers achieve greater financial independence.

""Individuals with disabilities deserve the freedom to access employee benefits and save for retirement without risking their eligibility for critical federal programs,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick (PA-1). “By eliminating unnecessary barriers, our bipartisan legislation takes a bold step in protecting essential supports like the ABLE program while empowering employees with disabilities to achieve financial security and thrive in the workplace. This is about breaking down barriers and ensuring equal opportunity for all.”

“Workers with disabilities should have the same access to employer benefits as anyone else, including the ability to save for their future,” said Rep. Davids (KS-3). “After speaking with Kansans like Rachel Mast, a person with Down syndrome, I introduced this bill to ensure that workers with disabilities can build financial security without sacrificing the federal benefits that help them succeed. It’s a commonsense fix that promotes equity, independence, and economic opportunity for millions of Americans.”

Currently, many employers offer 401(k) matching contributions as a benefit of employment. However, workers with disabilities are often excluded from taking advantage of this option due to strict federal asset limits tied to programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Contributions to retirement accounts can unintentionally disqualify individuals from these benefits, leaving workers with disabilities at a financial disadvantage compared to their peers.

The ABLE Employment Flexibility Act addresses this disparity by allowing employers to make tax-exempt contributions to employees’ ABLE accounts instead of traditional 401(k) accounts. This change ensures workers with disabilities can save for their future without jeopardizing the federal support they rely on to thrive in their communities.

""NDSC is thrilled about the introduction of this bill. People with Down syndrome and other disabilities who work should be entitled to the same employee retirement benefits as their colleagues without jeopardizing their public supports,” said Jim Hudson, Executive Director, National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC). “This bill will enable the payment of retirement benefits directly into their ABLE account.""

People with disabilities are more than twice as likely to live in poverty as those without disabilities, yet their families often need 28 percent more income to achieve the same standard of living. Strict asset limits for federal assistance programs long prevented people with disabilities from saving for the future. The ABLE program has changed that, helping over 170,000 people with disabilities across the U.S. save an average of $11,186.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4344,Houlahan Introduces bipartisan bill to Improve Access to Women’s Healthcare for Military Families,2024-12-05,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), introduced the bipartisan TRICARE OBGYN Treatment and Access without Lags in Care Act (TOTAL Care Act) with Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) and Congresswoman Maria Salazar (FL-27). This legislation would eliminate referral requirements for obstetric and gynecologic care under TRICARE Prime, providing service members and their families with more timely and effective access to critical health services.

“Military families face enough challenges without unnecessary barriers to essential healthcare,” said Congressman Horsford. “The TOTAL Care Act will streamline access to OB-GYN care to ensure families don’t experience delays that can lead to more serious health concerns. Every servicemember and their dependents deserve healthcare that works for them.”

""OB-GYN care is primary care,” said Congresswoman Houlahan. “As a veteran, I am proud to stand with my colleagues to introduce this long overdue legislation to ensure our servicemembers and their families receive care in line with their civilian counterparts and without additional referrals or barriers,"" said Houlahan. ""Today, there are more women in our armed forces than ever. They should not be unfairly burdened simply because they raised their right hands in service. With retention issues looming and increasing global conflicts abroad, now is the time to double down in our dedication to our servicemembers. This bipartisan effort reaffirms that they matter and that their care is paramount to our collective security.”

The TOTAL Care Act establishes a pilot program to allow TRICARE Prime beneficiaries to seek obstetric and gynecologic care without a referral. This includes ordering related medical items and designating an OB-GYN provider as an additional primary care provider. By addressing delays caused by referral requirements, this legislation seeks to improve outcomes for women’s health while reducing the strain on primary care providers.

The pilot program would last five years and include a detailed assessment of its impact on enrollment and costs to ensure transparency and accountability in its implementation. This initiative reflects a bipartisan desire to support military families by ensuring their healthcare needs are met with the urgency and quality of care they deserve.

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=4347,"Hegseth is the wrong leader for women in the military, warn women veterans and lawmakers",2024-12-05,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"Originally published in the 19th News.

Written by Grace Panetta and Mariel Padilla.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As Pete Hegseth tries to persuade senators to support him to lead the Department of Defense in the Trump administration, several lawmakers, women veterans and military advocates warn that his confirmation could be detrimental to women in the military and reverse progress in combating sexual assault in the Armed Forces.

Hegseth, a Fox News host who served in the Army National Guard, was named by President-elect Donald Trump on November 12 as his pick for defense secretary. Since then, Hegseth has been the subject of a number of allegations of sexual misconduct, alcohol abuse and financial mismanagement. The most recent spate of news stories have detailed allegations, which Hegseth has denied, related to excessive alcohol consumption and appear to be the main topic of concern on Capitol Hill.

“It’s just been very troubling to see how unconcerned many members of Congress are with men who are accused of sexual assault,” said Rep. Veronica Escobar of Texas, a member of the House Armed Services Committee. While the House does not vote to confirm Cabinet nominees, Hegseth met with Republican House members on Wednesday to shore up support.

“The issue that apparently, I heard, came up in his meetings was his alleged alcohol abuse,” she said. “But I guess his abuse of women doesn’t seem to bother as many folks.”

Credible allegations of impropriety have often been cause for withdrawal or disqualification. Hegseth is one of a number of Trump’s Cabinet-level nominees who face accusations of sexual misconduct.

In 2020, Hegseth paid a confidential settlement to a woman who filed a police report accusing him of raping her in 2017 at a Republican women’s conference in Monterey, California. No charges were filed against Hegseth in connection with the encounter, which he and his lawyer maintain was consensual. The New Yorker and other outlets have reported on additional allegations that Hegseth mismanaged funds and abused alcohol while leading two veteran-focused nonprofits, and that his colleagues at Fox News witnessed him drinking to excess while he was a weekend co-host at “Fox and Friends.” Hegseth has strenuously denied those claims, including in an op-ed published in the Wall Street Journal, and told Megyn Kelly in an interview on her SiriusXM show that he wouldn’t drink alcohol as defense secretary.

Representatives for Fox News and the Trump transition did not immediately return requests for comment. Several of Hegseth’s current and former Fox News colleagues, including current “Fox & Friends Weekends” co-host Will Cain, have spoken up in his defense.

“The press is peddling anonymous story after anonymous story, all meant to smear me and tear me down. It’s a textbook manufactured media takedown,” Hegseth wrote in the Journal. “They provide no evidence, no names, and they ignore the legions of people who speak on my behalf. They need to create a bogeyman, because they believe I threaten their institutional insanity. That is the only thing they are right about.”

Democratic women serving on the House and Senate Armed Services Committees argued that Hegseth getting confirmed would not only undercut years-long bipartisan efforts in Congress to address sexual assault and abuse in the military but also the armed services’ efforts to recruit more women.

“This is very concerning,” said Escobar, a Democrat. “We have been trying to address recruitment for a long time, and women are a key component of that. This is the last thing we needed, and it is my hope that those members of the Senate who are committed to these reforms and who know how important women are in the military will have very candid conversations with him, and he will drop out.”

Nearly 1 in 4 women in the military report having experienced sexual assault and more than half report harassment, according to a 2016 analysis of articles published in the peer-reviewed journal Trauma, Violence and Abuse. The vast majority of incidents go unreported, according to the RAND Corporation, which provides research to the U.S. Armed Forces. In 2018 alone, about 6,000 sexual assaults were reported to the Department of Defense, but surveys suggested more than 20,000 service members were sexually assaulted. And amid a broader military recruitment crisis, a 2020 government study found that women were leaving the military at higher rates than men and citing sexual assault as a major factor.

Michelle Simpson Tuegel, a Texas-based lawyer who does not practice in the military justice system but has represented survivors in several high-profile sex abuse cases, said Hegseth’s nomination marks “a scary moment” for women service members.

“I get calls every year from women who have faced sexual assault and sexual harassment in the military, I’ve represented people on the bases when I used to do criminal defense,” Tuegel said. “There’s a lot of violence on our military bases.”

Reports of sexual assault in the military have risen by an estimated 25 percent since 2018, according to the military’s own data, which include both anonymous surveys and formal reports.

Military justice reform advocates have gained ground in recent years, particularly in regards to how military sexual assault and harassment investigations are handled. After the end of World War II, one Supreme Court ruling — known as the Feres doctrine — barred service members from suing the government over any injuries incurred while on active duty. Though typically applied to cases of medical malpractice, this ruling had expanded to include sexual assault allegations. However, the high-profile murder in 2020 of Vanessa Guillén, a soldier who was sexually harassed by a supervisor and violently murdered while stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, acted as a catalyst for reform. Guillén’s death led to major changes in the National Defense Authorization Act, guaranteeing that certain crimes like sexual assault and domestic violence would be prosecuted outside the chain of command.

Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, a veteran, called it “insane” that Trump would nominate someone like Hegseth after the “decades” of efforts within the Armed Services.

“There are simply too many reasons proving that Pete Hegseth is not the right person to lead our military men and women, and he will not have my vote,” she said in a statement to The 19th. “Republicans confirming him to this position wouldn’t just be an insult to our men and women in uniform—it would be dangerous for our national security and military readiness.”

Rep. Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey was a student at the Naval Academy 30 years ago as part of the first class of women eligible for combat ships. She served for nearly a decade, including a stint in London when she worked for a Navy fleet commander overseeing the deployment of troops to Iraq, at a time when she said the culture was not great for women.

When young women interested in the service academies come to her office, Sherrill said, “they’re not interested in going into a force as second-class citizens, and they’re not interested in being given special treatment.”

“What they want is the challenge that all people that go into our military service want. What they want to do is to serve the public, to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States and to make sure that people here can sleep at night,” said Sherrill, who is also running for governor of New Jersey. “And so, why you would ever put someone in charge that didn’t respect that, that didn’t respect the service of about 20 percent of our armed forces, is shocking to me.”

The implications stretch beyond the ranks of the Armed Forces, said Democratic Rep. Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, who served in the Air Force and Air Force Reserve. Changes that enabled women like her, Sherrill and others to serve in the military put them on the path to public service in Congress, she said.

“They served because we made some real reforms that mattered in how women are able to serve and what kind of roles they’re able to serve in,” Houlahan said. “And I think it’s not a coincidence that you then see those people, decades later, showing up in places like Congress, because they’ve had equal opportunity.”

The U.S. Senate vets and confirms the president’s nominees to Cabinet posts and other high-level positions. In some ways, Hegseth’s nomination and the scandal surrounding it are not new. The first time a new president’s initial Cabinet nominee was rejected was in 1989 when the Senate failed to confirm John Tower, former President George H.W. Bush’s pick for defense secretary, after he was accused of being an alcoholic womanizer.

Then Sen. Sam Nunn, a Democrat and Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman at the time, led the charge against Tower’s nomination on the grounds that his character was unfit for the position.

“The committee is also concerned about the personal example the secretary of defense must set for efforts of the Department of Defense to end discrimination toward, and any sexual harassment of, women. … Mr. President, leadership must be established from the top down,” Nunn said during the 1989 Senate debate.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, who was appointed by President Joe Biden, has made it a priority of his tenure to combat sexual assault in the military, establishing a commission early on to make recommendations to the military. Meanwhile, Hegseth has signaled a different set of values and priorities when it comes to women and people of color. He wrote a book arguing that military standards have been lowered for women, that “America’s white sons and daughters” are walking away from the military because of ideology that is too “effeminate” and that diversity, inclusion and equity efforts are bad for national security.

“I’m straight up just saying we shouldn’t have women in combat roles,” Hegseth said in November during a podcast interview. “It hasn’t made us more effective. It hasn’t made us more lethal. It has made fighting more complicated.”

On Wednesday, Hegseth mounted another lobbying blitz on Capitol Hill, meeting with several key Republican senators. GOP Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, an Army veteran and a sexual assault survivor herself who has been outspoken against sexual assault in the military, posted on X that she had a “frank and thorough” conversation with Hegseth.

His mother, Penelope Hegseth, is also doing a media tour on behalf of her son after The New York Times reported on an email she sent him in 2018, in the midst of his contentious divorce from his second wife, excoriating Hegseth as an “abuser of women.” It is against military law to commit adultery, which could result in dishonorable discharge. Penelope Hegseth, who said she since apologized for and disavowed the contents of the email, took to Fox News with her hopes that lawmakers, “especially our female senators,” to “not listen to the media and that you will listen to Pete.”

Houlahan said she’s using the influence she has as a woman veteran in Congress to register her concerns with her colleagues in the Senate about Hegseth’s nomination.

“To the degree I can, I’m trying to have conversations, and directly have conversations with my Senate companions, to do my best to explain that I am really worried about this,” she said. “And I’m hoping that me being really worried is an indicator, a canary in the coal mine, of other people who are worried about it, who don’t have the voice that I have.”",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z
https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-dan-meuser-speaks-support-prove-it-act,Congressman Dan Meuser Speaks in Support of the Prove It Act,2024-12-05,2024,2024-12,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) delivered remarks on the House Floor in favor of H.R.7198, the Prove It Act of 2024.

Congressman Meuser said, “This critical legislation requires federal agencies to assess the true cost of their regulations, including the direct and indirect burdens they impose on small businesses. It empowers small businesses to challenge unfair rules, promotes greater transparency, and helps limit the size of government. Small businesses should be able to focus on expanding operations, hiring workers, and serving their communities—not navigating endless bureaucracy..""

Video of the Congressman’s Floor speech can be found here.

.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases/12/05/2024/reschenthaler-announces-december-mobile-office-hours,Reschenthaler Announces December Mobile Office Hours,2024-12-05,2024,2024-12,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 this 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.

The upcoming schedule is outlined below:

What: Greene County Mobile Office Hours

Date: Thursday, December 5, 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 - Uniontown Mobile Office Hours

Date: Friday, December 6, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

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

What: Indiana County Mobile Office Hours

Date: Wednesday, December 11, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

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

What: Somerset County Mobile Office Hours

Date: Thursday, December 12, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Location: Somerset County Commissioner Office, 300 North Center Avenue, Suite 540, Somerset, PA 15501

What: Fayette County - Connellsville Mobile Office Hours

Date: Tuesday, December 17, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-brendan-boyle-calls-president-biden-issue-blanket-pardon,Congressman Brendan Boyle Calls for President Biden to Issue Blanket Pardon for Those Targeted by Trump’s “Enemies List”,2024-12-04,2024,2024-12,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 issued the following statement in response to threats from Donald Trump and Kash Patel to weaponize the Department of Justice against individuals identified on their so-called “enemies list”:

“By choosing Kash Patel as his FBI Director, Trump has made it clear that he is more focused on settling personal scores than on protecting the American people or upholding the rule of law. Patel has openly published an ‘enemies list’ in his book, naming individuals he and Trump plan to investigate and prosecute—targeting those who stood up to Trump’s lies, abuses of power, and baseless attempts to overturn the 2020 election. This is no hypothetical threat.

The people they’re targeting include law enforcement officers, military personnel, and others who have spent their lives protecting this country. These patriots shouldn’t have to live in fear of political retribution for doing what’s right. That’s why I’m urging President Biden to issue a blanket pardon for anyone unjustly targeted by this vindictive scheme.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-davis-introduce-bill-ensure-continuous-pay-correctional,"Thompson, Davis Introduce Bill to Ensure Continuous Pay for Correctional Officers",2024-12-04,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,thompson,https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA-15) and Don Davis (D-NC-1) introduced the Keep Our Correctional Officers Paid Act, which would ensure that correctional officers at Bureau of Prisons (BOP) facilities continue to be paid year-round.

The BOP faces unprecedented challenges in recruiting and retaining correctional staff, with multiple BOP facilities in Pennsylvania’s 15th Congressional District understaffed by at least 20% compared to their authorized levels. Uncertainty over when the next paycheck will arrive should not exacerbate these staffing shortages and difficult conditions of working in a prison environment. The Keep Our Correctional Officers Paid Act would guarantee that correctional officers – who are required to show up to work every day of the year – continue to receive a paycheck even during a lapse in federal appropriations.

“Federal Corrections Officers are essential personnel who work in a tough environment,"" Rep. Thompson said. ""They should have an assurance they’ll get paid should a lapse in federal funding occur. This is common sense and sends a clear message that we appreciate their work day in and day out.""

“To ensure that correctional officers receive the same protections as other essential workers, we must pass this critical legislation and fulfill our duty to uphold public safety,” Rep. Davis said.

“The Keep Our Correctional Officers Paid Act is a common-sense solution that will mitigate the negative consequences of a government shutdown on our correctional system,” said Brandy Moore White, National President of the National Council of Prison Locals 33. “By ensuring that correctional officers continue to receive their paychecks, we can maintain essential services, protect public safety, and support the brave men and women who dedicate their lives to this vital public service.”

Background: During the government shutdown in 2018-2019, BOP staff went 35 days without a paycheck. BOP facilities already face significant issues with retention and recruitment, resulting in staff having to work long overtime hours, being called in on their days off, and requiring other staff not trained for officer duties to be pulled into working those positions.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-casey-celebrate-catherine-henrys-confirmation-to-federal-bench/,"Fetterman, Casey Celebrate Catherine Henry’s Confirmation to Federal Bench",2024-12-03,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,PA,John Fetterman,F000479,www.fetterman.senate.gov,fetterman,https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Bob Casey (D-PA) celebrate the Senate’s confirmation of Catherine Henry to serve as a federal judge for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Henry, who will serve in the Lehigh Valley, is the eleventh Pennsylvanian to be nominated to the bench by President Biden and confirmed by the Senate, of which nine have been women.

“Cathy Henry has spent nearly 30 years fighting for justice and making sure every Pennsylvanian has the legal representation guaranteed by our Constitution. That’s why I was proud to advocate for her nomination and to join my colleagues today in confirming her to the federal bench,” said Senator Fetterman. “Cathy will be the kind of judge who truly understands the challenges everyday Pennsylvanians face because she’s spent her career working on their behalf. She’s going to make Pennsylvania proud, and I couldn’t be more excited to see her serve on the federal bench.”

“For almost 30 years, Catherine Henry has served the people of Eastern Pennsylvania as a public defender, fighting to ensure equal justice under the law,” said Senator Casey. “Her decades of experience and commitment to protecting civil rights make her exceptionally qualified to take on this new role as a U.S. District Judge. I was pleased to vote to confirm Judge Henry and I look forward to seeing her continue to serve the people of the Lehigh Valley and the Eastern District.”

Henry has dedicated her legal career to public defense, representing some of the most vulnerable individuals in Pennsylvania. Since 2002, she has served in the Federal Community Defender’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, where she currently works as Senior Litigator. Previously, she spent six years as an Assistant Defender with the Defender Association of Philadelphia.

A graduate of Drew University and the University of the District of Columbia School of Law, Henry brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her new role. Her confirmation underscores the Biden Administration’s commitment to appointing judges who bring diverse experiences and a dedication to equal justice under the law.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-celebrates-750000-worker-training-western-pas-robotics-industry,"Deluzio Celebrates $750,000 for Worker Training in Western PA’s Robotics Industry",2024-12-02,2024,2024-12,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) celebrates the recent Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant to Pittsburgh Robotics Network’s Maturing Appalachia’s Robotics Workforce project. The $750,000 award will be used to launch the Robotics Leadership Academy, which will support organizations in Allegheny, Beaver, and other surrounding counties in their efforts to train workers needed to catalyze growth in the local robotics industry.

“Western PA is growing its reputation as an American robotics powerhouse,” said Congressman Deluzio. “I’m excited to see this money come to Pittsburgh Robotics Network and the local robotics industry to help our workers get the important skills they need to be competitive, growing jobs and supporting our region’s economy.”

Specifically, the Robotics Leadership Academy will train up 220 workers with important skills for robotics innovation and commercialization. There will be two training tracks: one for technical professionals and the other for students. The Robotics Leadership Academy will partner with organizations like Parner4Work, InnovatePGH, the Robotics Factor, Penn State University, and others. The program seeks a diverse set of students, emphasizing fair entry into high-demand, good-paying jobs in robotics. The Academy is scheduled to begin in late 2024, and the training sessions will continue to 2027, held once each quarter. The project is expected to serve 100 businesses, 120 workers, and 100 students over the three-year period.

ARC awarded these funds to Pittsburgh Robotics Network through its Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative. POWER provides federal funds to communities in Appalachia that have been impacted by the coal industry’s downturn.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4397,Safeguarding Sacrifice: Improving Military Quality of Life,2024-11-11,2024,2024-11,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/,page_html,"Originally published in The Ripon Forum by Representatives Chrissy Houlahan and Don Bacon.

As members of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), we are committed to improving and advancing our military. Each year, we work to secure passage of the National Defense Authorization Act, annual legislation that sets policy for the operation and oversight of the Department of Defense.

As veterans of the Air Force, we know firsthand the importance of supporting our men and women in uniform. Last year, we joined forces to lead a panel focused on improving military quality of life, the HASC’s bipartisan Military Quality of Life Panel, and we were joined by eleven Committee members. Over a year, the Panel conducted dozens of engagements with service members, military families, senior defense officials, and outside experts to understand the challenges military families face and explore solutions.

The Panel’s work revealed how many service members and military families face challenges such as low pay, substandard housing, access to healthcare and childcare, and spouse employment. Military families make unimaginable sacrifices on behalf of our nation, and it is our responsibility to ensure we provide for their basic needs.

Military families make unimaginable sacrifices on behalf of our nation, and it is our responsibility to ensure we provide for their basic needs.

In our candid discussions, we heard firsthand accounts of military families who struggle with putting food on the table in an economy where military pay has lagged behind inflation for many years. At a minimum, no one who volunteers to risk their life defending our country should have to rely on federal, state, or private food assistance to eat.

Another urgent problem that quickly caught the Panel’s attention is the sharp decline in affordable quality housing for military families and single servicemembers who live on base. During testimony at one of our hearings, the Government Accountability Office revealed deplorable living conditions at many of our installations. Making matters worse, the Department of Defense has chosen to reduce housing reimbursements to commercial operators of on-base family housing and for those living off-base on the local economy. Over time, this has forced more and more service members into either unaffordable or substandard living conditions.

We also learned about the employment challenges facing military spouses. Like many Americans, sharp increases in the cost of living have forced military families to have two incomes. However, the frequent moves required by military service often make it very difficult for military spouses to find work. The Panel’s work revealed that military spouse unemployment typically hovers over 20%, making it one of the highest unemployment rates in American society.

Like many Americans, sharp increases in the cost of living have forced military families to have two incomes. However, the frequent moves required by military service often make it very difficult for military spouses to find work.

Ultimately, the Panel assembled a 48-page report containing 31 recommendations to improve the lives of military families, with a final goal of strengthening America’s fighting forces. We identified five key problem areas and made policy recommendations to address pay, childcare, housing, healthcare, and spousal support.

The title and text of this year’s NDAA, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, are based on the legislative recommendations of the HASC Military Quality of Life Panel. H.R. 8070 includes all 31 recommendations totaling more than $4.5 billion to combat challenges faced by service members and their families.

Among the most important of these recommendations are a targeted 19.5 percent pay increase for junior enlisted personnel, restoring housing reimbursement rates to 100 percent, requiring the Department to fully fund housing reimbursement, and making professional certifications valid across state lines.

Our national security is weakened when our All-Volunteer Force cannot recruit or retain service members. By implementing the recommendations of the HASC Military Quality of Life Panel, we both strengthen our national security and honor the sacrifices made by our service members and their families. We will continue to ensure that those who defend our freedom receive the support and resources they deserve.

After serving nearly 30 years in the Air Force, retiring as a brigadier general, Don Bacon continued his service to our nation when he was elected in 2016 to represent Nebraska’s 2nd District. He currently serves on the Armed Services Committee, where he chaired the Quality of Life panel and is Chairman of the Cyber, Information Technologies and Innovation Subcommittee. Chrissy Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator, and a nonprofit leader. She represents Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, and serves on the Armed Services Committee and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-summer-lee-announces-the-honors-act-to-support-military-funeral-honors-program-address-issue-in-mid-atlantic-region,"Rep. Summer Lee Announces the HONORS Act to Support Military Funeral Honors Program, Address Issue in Mid-Atlantic Region",2024-11-11,2024,2024-11,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Contact:

Vaibhav Vijay, Vaibhav.Vijay@mail.house.gov

Kyla Gill, Kyla.Gill@mail.house.gov

Washington, D.C. – Today, in honor of Veterans Day, Rep. Summer L. Lee (D-PA) announced plans to introduce the HONORS Act (Honoring Our Nation's Own Retired Servicemembers), a new bill aimed at addressing logistical challenges within the Military Funeral Honors Program. Military funeral honors ceremonies pay tribute to the service and sacrifices of our nation's service members. The HONORS Act will expand opportunities for veterans to participate in these ceremonies, ensuring they have an opportunity to commemorate and honor their fellow service members.

""Every service member who dedicated their life to this country deserves a proper, dignified farewell–for themselves and their loved ones,"" said Rep. Summer Lee. ""This bill empowers our veterans to honor one another, eases staffing burdens, and offers a cost-effective solution to maintain our commitment to those who served.

Military funeral honors ceremonies serve as a final tribute to our nation's veterans, recognizing them for their service and sacrifice. While federal law requires each honors funeral detail to include at least two non-retired service members, veterans are authorized to support these details in supplemental roles and receive a stipend. Yet, for Navy veterans in the Mid-Atlantic Region (CNRMA)—which covers 20 states, including Pennsylvania—volunteering is currently not an option. Over the years, CNRMA, which oversees these honors for Navy veterans, has been working diligently to manage rising costs and an increasing number of requests, supporting nearly 21,000 funerals in FY23 alone. Due to budget limitations, CNRMA has needed to prioritize its funding to meet the legal requirement of including two active-status members in each detail, leaving limited resources to cover supplemental members who do not fulfill this requirement. As a result, many veterans who are eager to serve their fellow service members in this capacity are unable to do so.

The HONORS Act is designed to ensure that military funeral honors remain a sustainable and accessible service, particularly in regions facing budget constraints. Specifically, this legislation would allow retired service members to fulfill one of the two required active-status member positions in military funeral details, provided budget constraints require it, an active-status member is unavailable within 50 miles, and the family consents.This change ensures that willing veterans can participate in these ceremonies, addresses staffing issues, and reduces operational costs for CNRMA.

Background

Military funeral honors are formal ceremonies provided by the Department of Defense to recognize the service of U.S. service members. The ceremonies include the playing of ""Taps,"" folding, and presenting the American flag. Federal law requires two active-status members at each funeral detail, one from the decedent's branch. However, rising travel expenses and regional staffing shortages have strained resources, especially for the Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (CNRMA), covering Pennsylvania and 19 other states. To support the ceremonial requirements, veterans and volunteers may supplement funeral details but currently cannot count towards the mandated two active-status positions, leading to financial and staffing difficulties.

Facing increased funeral requests and fewer reserve personnel due to closures of Reserve Centers, CNRMA has struggled to meet the minimum staffing requirements. In FY23 alone, CNRMA supported 20,988 funerals, with associated costs rising to $1,838,235, up from $1,161,913 in FY19. These costs are largely due to travel reimbursements for active-status reservists.

Legislative Solution

The Military Funeral Honors Bill will amend the requirements of the Military Funeral Honors Program to:

Allow retired service members to count as one of the two required active-status positions if:

Budget constraints necessitate it,

No active-status service member is available within a 50-mile radius,

The family of the deceased consents.

This change ensures that willing veterans can participate in these ceremonies, addresses staffing shortages, and reduces operational costs for CNRMA.

Since taking office in January 2023, Lee, who serves on the House Oversight Committee and Space, Science and Technology Committee, has delivered historic levels of federal investment totaling over $2 Billion brought back to Western PA, including over $580 million for infrastructure, over $110 million for affordable transit, over $500 million to keep clean energy manufacturing at home in Pennsylvania, and over $55 million on clean energy efforts in and around schools to help keep our kids and communities safe. 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 2,780 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,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z
https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-brendan-boyle-presents-850000-check-holy-family-university,"Congressman Brendan Boyle Presents $850,000 Check to Holy Family University",2024-11-08,2024,2024-11,Democrat,House,PA,Brendan F. Boyle,B001296,boyle.house.gov,boyle,https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"PHILADELPHIA, PA – Today, Pennsylvania Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) presented an $850,000 check to Holy Family University to help fund its new First-Generation Success and Innovation Hub. The funding, which Congressman Boyle helped secure, will provide essential resources such as academic mentoring, career guidance, and financial literacy support to the nearly 40 percent of Holy Family students who are the first in their families to attend college.

“As a first-generation college graduate, I know how challenging it can be to navigate higher education without a roadmap,” said Congressman Boyle. “This funding will help create a hub where students can access the resources and community, they need to not only succeed academically but also build the confidence and skills to thrive in their careers and lives. It’s an investment in their future and in the strength of our community.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z
https://evans.house.gov/media/press-releases/evans-much-gop-agenda-unpopular-well-fight-it,Evans: Much of GOP Agenda Is Unpopular & We’ll Fight It,2024-11-07,2024,2024-11,Democrat,House,PA,Dwight Evans,E000296,evans.house.gov,evans,https://evans.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 7, 2024 – Congressman Dwight Evans (D-PA-3) is looking ahead to the next term of Congress and vowing to fight what he called a largely unpopular Republican agenda.

“I want to thank the people of the 3rd Congressional District for giving me another chance to serve them. While control of the White House and Senate will change in January, my values and priorities will not. I will continue working to bring federal funding to Philadelphia, and I will fight to lower costs and prices, and defend access to health care and tax fairness.

“Nationwide, many people were upset about economic concerns and immigration, and they blamed the party in the White House. At the same time, we should be clear that much of the Republican agenda is unpopular, and there is no evidence that their current plans will actually meaningfully address these concerns. I will continue to fight against Republican proposals that would harm those in need and I will continue to advocate for worker- and family-centered policies to address the concerns voters have expressed to us,” Evans said.

“I think it’s very telling that a New York Republican congressman lost by 8 points after Speaker Johnson came to his district shortly before the election and said Republicans would probably repeal the job-creating Chips and Science Act that was important to the district. This type of thing is why control of the House of Representatives is still in question, and why Republicans are likely to have a narrow majority at most, if they do retain control.

“I feel confident that most people weren’t voting to repeal job-creating laws like the Chips and Science Act or the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. And I’m very sure that most people weren’t voting for things like:

● A blanket, un-targeted Trump tax (‘tariff’) that could raise prices 20 percent or more on food, clothing, cars and anything that has imported parts

● Restrictions on abortion and birth control – people in multiple states voted to protect the right to abortion even as they voted for Trump

● Losing protections for pre-existing conditions in health insurance if the Affordable Care Act is repealed

● Women again having to pay more for health insurance just because they’re women, something the ACA ended

● Repeal of the $35 monthly cap on the cost of insulin for Medicare beneficiaries, which Democrats passed in the Inflation Reduction Act

● Repeal of Medicare’s new authority to negotiate prices for several prescription drugs, which is also part of the Inflation Reduction Act

● More tax cuts for the wealthiest and big corporations

● Cuts to Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving as a member of the influential Ways and Means Committee, which oversees taxes, trade, Social Security and Medicare. In a narrowly divided House, I will continue to advocate for poverty-busters such as restoring expansions of the Child Tax Credit and the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit.”

During Evans’ first seven years in Congress, his office has helped to return to or save more than $41 million for Philadelphians from federal agencies such as the IRS, Social Security Administration and Department of Veterans Affairs. Evans’ offices also help constituents with other federal concerns such as U.S. Postal Service issues and immigration or passport issues.

Evans’ staff can help with federal services and concerns at his two full-time offices in Philadelphia, which are open 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. weekdays:

● Northwest Philadelphia: 7174 Ogontz Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19138; phone (215) 276-0340

● Point Breeze: 1310 Point Breeze Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19146; phone (215) 254-3400

Evans represents the 3rd Congressional District, which includes Northwest and West Philadelphia and parts of North, South, Southwest and Center City Philadelphia. During Evans’ first seven years in Congress, his office has helped to return to or save more than $41 million for Philadelphians from federal agencies such as the IRS, Social Security Administration and Department of Veterans Affairs. His website is evans.house.gov and his social media handle is @RepDwightEvans on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/following-months-persistence-deluzio-tarentum-borough-successfully-push,"Following Months of Persistence, Deluzio, Tarentum Borough Successfully Push Norfolk Southern Railroad to Fix Deteriorating Road",2024-11-04,2024,2024-11,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"TARENTUM, PA – Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) celebrated the long-awaited road maintenance work by Norfolk Southern Railroad at a railroad crossing in Tarentum Borough.

“Folks rely on these crossings to get where they need to go safely, and it shouldn’t take an act of Congress to get big railroads to fulfill their responsibilities in our communities,” said Rep. Deluzio. “The good folks of Tarentum should have strong infrastructure they can depend on. I’m glad I was able to help push the railroad to do the right thing here, and I thank them for answering our call to repair this crossing. I’ll never stop working to hold big railroads accountable in our community.”

Located at the railroad crossing of Lock and Corbet Streets, the road beneath the tracks was severely deteriorated. However, because the roadway is owned by Norfolk Southern and not the Borough, Tarentum was unable to make the repairs themselves. The Borough requested the railroad do the needed maintenance work on their road back in April 2024, but it was only following Congressman Deluzio’s advocacy directly to the railroad that Norfolk Southern finally took action and scheduled the maintenance to fix the road.

The repair work will help smooth traffic flow and improve safety of the vehicle crossings over the railroad tracks. The repairs occurred last week.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z
https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2024/11/fitzpatrick-delivers-1-8-million-for-life-changing-behavioral-health-housing-initiatives,Fitzpatrick Delivers $1.8 Million for Life-Changing Behavioral Health & Housing Initiatives,2024-11-02,2024,2024-11,Republican,House,PA,Brian K. Fitzpatrick,F000466,fitzpatrick.house.gov,fitzpatrick,https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Langhorne, PA – Today, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) announced a major victory for PA-1 behavioral health services, securing $1,800,000 in Community Project Funding (CPF) for critical projects aimed at supporting low-income individuals with intellectual disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, and those at risk of homelessness in Bucks County. This federal investment, part of the FY24 and FY22 Consolidated Appropriations Act, was championed by Fitzpatrick as part of a broader effort to direct federal resources to key projects and programs that directly benefit Pennsylvania’s 1st Congressional District.

Through the Community Project Funding Request process for the 118th Congress, which was included in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, Fitzpatrick successfully secured more than $27.5 million in funding for 14 transformative community projects that will directly benefit First District constituents. Additionally, Fitzpatrick secured over $19 million in CPF Funding for 13 projects in FY23 and over $6.6 million in CPF funding for 10 projects in FY22.

Key Highlights of the $1.8 Million Secured Through Fitzpatrick’s Leadership:

Woods Services - $1.4 Million:

This major investment will support the construction of a four-story building dedicated to affordable housing for low-income residents with intellectual disabilities, autism, traumatic brain injuries, and other serious conditions, as well as those at risk of homelessness. As a leader in population health management, Woods Services serves as a lifeline for 22,000 children and adults across Pennsylvania and New Jersey who face intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and mental health challenges, often alongside complex medical and genetic conditions. Through a comprehensive network known as the Woods System of Care, more than 6,000 dedicated staff work tirelessly to ensure that these individuals, along with their families and caregivers, have personal agency and meaningful choices in all aspects of their lives. This housing project goes beyond shelter—it fosters stability, dignity, and community connection for some of Bucks County’s most vulnerable residents.

“Many people who work in Bucks County can’t afford to live here, a problem that Woods System of Care is addressing with the development of affordable housing on our property,” said Tine Hansen-Turton, MGA, JD, President and CEO of Woods System of Care. “Our efforts are made possible by Congressman Fitzpatrick’s support and generosity, for which we are deeply grateful.”

St. Luke’s Hospital Quakertown Campus Behavioral Health Unit Renovation and Expansion - $400,000:

This pivotal investment will fund the expansion and renovation of St. Luke’s Quakertown Campus Behavioral Health Unit, enhancing its capacity to serve the escalating demand for mental health services in Bucks County. The project will increase the unit’s existing capacity from 19 to 32 beds, with plans to add up to eight additional beds dedicated to patients with severe mental illness. St. Luke’s Quakertown has long been a cornerstone in behavioral health care, but the rising need for specialized mental health treatment has outpaced available resources. This expansion is a critical step toward addressing the urgent, unmet mental health needs within the Bucks County community.

“This grant is vitally important for our community and allows us to renovate our mental health unit and expand our number of beds.” said St. Luke’s Quakertown and Upper Bucks Campus President Dennis Pfleiger. “Our Behavioral Health Unit in Quakertown is one of only two inpatient behavioral health providers in Bucks County, and we are proud to place a strong emphasis on compassionate care.”

The funding secured for these critical initiatives reflect Fitzpatrick’s ongoing efforts to deliver real results to PA-1, and ensure the community has the resources needed to care for and protect those most vulnerable to homelessness and health crises.

""The true measure of a community’s strength lies in how we care for our neighbors,"" said Rep. Fitzpatrick (PA-1). ""So, when it came time to advocate for funding for our community, I was proud to champion these critical initiatives as part of my ongoing commitment to ensuring that we have access to the top-tier behavioral health resources we need and deserve. I am deeply grateful to the Woods Services and St. Luke’s Quakertown teams for their continued exceptional service to our community. I look forward to continuing working alongside them in our shared mission to provide hope, healing, and support to those in need.""

Learn More About Additional Community Projects Congressman Has Secured Critical Funding for:

Fitzpatrick Secures $2.9 Million for Family Service Association of Bucks County

Fitzpatrick Secures $1 Million for Bucks Country Crisis Stabilization Center

Fitzpatrick Secures $2.9 Million for United Way of Bucks County

Fitzpatrick Secures $4 Million for Game-Changing Route 1 Corridor Revitalization

Fitzpatrick Secures $4 Million for New Bristol Township Senior Center

Fitzpatrick Secures $1 Million for Doylestown Health Expansion

Fitzpatrick Secures $1 Million for Bucks County Opportunity Council Economic Self-Sufficiency Program

Fitzpatrick Secures $1.2 Million for Tullytown Borough Revitalization

Fitzpatrick Secures Over $2 Million for Perkasie Borough Infrastructure Upgrades

Fitzpatrick Secures $1 Million for Grand View Health Expansion

Fitzpatrick Secures Over $700,00 For Bucks County Emergency Services

Fitzpatrick Secures $900,000 to Combat Recidivism and Strengthen Public Safety

Fitzpatrick Secures Over $2 Million for Transformative Projects in Bristol Borough

Fitzpatrick Secures Over $8 Million to Fuel Morrisville Growth

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z
https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2024/11/fitzpatrick-secures-over-4-million-to-combat-water-contamination-and-strengthen-infrastructure-in-horsham-langhorne,Fitzpatrick Secures Over $4 Million to Combat Water Contamination and Strengthen Infrastructure in Horsham & Langhorne,2024-11-02,2024,2024-11,Republican,House,PA,Brian K. Fitzpatrick,F000466,fitzpatrick.house.gov,fitzpatrick,https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Langhorne, PA – Today, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) announced a major victory for the health and environment of the PA-1 community, securing $4,707,286 in Community Project Funding (CPF) to address PFAS contamination in groundwater and enhance sediment reduction technologies. This federal investment, part of the FY24 Consolidated Appropriations Act, was championed by Fitzpatrick as part of a broader effort to direct federal resources to key projects and programs that directly benefit Pennsylvania’s 1st Congressional District.

Through the Community Project Funding Request process for the 118th Congress, which was included in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, Fitzpatrick successfully secured more than $27.5 million in funding for 14 transformative community projects that will directly benefit First District constituents. Additionally, Fitzpatrick secured over $19 million in CPF Funding for 13 projects in FY23 and over $6.6 million in CPF funding for 10 projects in FY22.

Key Highlights of the $1.8 Million Secured Through Fitzpatrick’s Leadership:

Horsham Water and Sewer Authority - $4 Million:

This funding will support the Horsham Water & Sewer Authority Sanitary Sewer Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project, designed to mitigate the spread of PFAS contaminated groundwater. The initiative will include approximately 20 miles of Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP) lining for sewers and laterals beyond the usual annual maintenance. Prioritizing sewers based on age, proximity to military bases, and vulnerability to flooding, this project is essential for protecting PA-1’s drinking water from these harmful 'forever chemicals.

The Horsham Water and Sewer Authority expressed their gratitude stating: “We are thrilled to have been awarded this $4 Million Community Project Funding Grant. This funding will be used to support our ongoing sewer infrastructure renewal program, which in turn, helps to reduce the spread of PFAS contaminated groundwater to downstream drinking water sources. We are grateful to Congressman Fitzpatrick and his team for their support in obtaining this vital funding.”

Langhorne Manor Borough Stormwater Project - $707,286:

This allocation will facilitate the implementation of infiltration trenches that aim to reduce sediment discharge into the Neshaminy and Mill creeks by between 70% and 95%. This project is crucial for effective stormwater management and aligns with Bucks County’s goals to mitigate the environmental impact of polluted water.

By tackling PFAS contamination and championing sustainable infrastructure, these initiatives highlight Fitzpatrick’s continued commitment and proactive leadership in the battle against environmental hazards, extending from PA-1 to the broader national landscape. His mission continues to be to champion for a healthier, safer future that prioritizes both public well-being and the preservation of our environment.

Rep. Fitzpatrick emphasized the importance of these initiatives: “Combatting PFAS contamination has been a pivotal mission throughout my congressional career. As the founder and Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional PFAS Task Force, I have prioritized advocating comprehensive measures to protect our communities from these harmful chemicals. These essential infrastructure upgrades are crucial for both enhancing stormwater and runoff management and safeguarding the health of our residents by preventing toxic pollutants from infiltrating our water supply. Access to clean water is a fundamental right, and I am committed to ensuring that Congress takes every necessary action to eradicate dangerous substances from Americans’ drinking water. I am proud to have fought for the funding that will modernize our infrastructure and strengthen our defenses against contaminants threatening our environment and public health. Together, we will strive for a future where clean water is not merely an aspiration but a guarantee for everyone in our PA-1 community and beyond.”

Learn More About Additional Community Projects Congressman Has Secured Critical Funding for:

Fitzpatrick Secures $2.9 Million for Family Service Association of Bucks County

Fitzpatrick Secures $1 Million for Bucks Country Crisis Stabilization Center

Fitzpatrick Secures $2.9 Million for United Way of Bucks County

Fitzpatrick Secures $4 Million for Game-Changing Route 1 Corridor Revitalization

Fitzpatrick Secures $4 Million for New Bristol Township Senior Center

Fitzpatrick Secures $1 Million for Doylestown Health Expansion

Fitzpatrick Secures $1 Million for Bucks County Opportunity Council Economic Self-Sufficiency Program

Fitzpatrick Secures $1.2 Million for Tullytown Borough Revitalization

Fitzpatrick Secures Over $2 Million for Perkasie Borough Infrastructure Upgrades

Fitzpatrick Secures $1 Million for Grand View Health Expansion

Fitzpatrick Secures Over $700,00 For Bucks County Emergency Services

Fitzpatrick Secures $900,000 to Combat Recidivism and Strengthen Public Safety

Fitzpatrick Secures Over $2 Million for Transformative Projects in Bristol Borough

Fitzpatrick Secures Over $8 Million to Fuel Morrisville Growth

Fitzpatrick Secures Over $3 Million for PA-1 Rail Trail Initiatives

Fitzpatrick Secures Delivers $1.8 Million for Life-Changing Behavioral Health & Housing Initiatives

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-announces-50000-federal-funding-harmar-police-department-cruiser,"Deluzio Announces $50,000 in Federal Funding for Harmar Police Department Cruiser",2024-11-01,2024,2024-11,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"HARMAR TOWNSHIP, PA – Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) joined local law enforcement to celebrate the $50,000 that he secured for a new cruiser and dash camera system for the Harmar Township Police Department. He also toured to see the new cruiser.

“To best protect and serve the people of Harmar Township, the Police Department needs reliable, high-quality vehicles and equipment,” said CongressmanDeluzio. “I’m proud to bring home $50,000 in federal funding to build up the fleet of police vehicles here in Harmar Township, so that they have the tools to keep our community safe.”

The award announced today funds the Township’s purchase of a new police cruiser. Because of the several major highways that pass through Harmar Township, the area has a large number of visitors. The new police cruiser, as well as the updated camera system, will help the Police Department better collect and record evidence, as well as maintain public trust in law enforcement.

This federal investment comes from Community Project Funding that Congressman Deluzio secured in the government funding package, with fifteen projects totaling more than $15 million for Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District. Three of those projects, including this one for Harmar Township, specifically focus on police departments, bringing a total of more than $1.26 million in funds for cops in the region. Photos from the event are available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-scanlon-dean-urge-white-house-boost-competition-lower-costs-fighting,"Deluzio, Scanlon, Dean Urge White House to Boost Competition, Lower Costs By Fighting Monopolies",2024-11-01,2024,2024-11,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Pennsylvania Congressmembers Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), and Madeleine Dean (PA-04) sent a letter to President Joe Biden commending the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic work to rein in price gouging corporations. In the letter, they also urge the administration to expand on their efforts to increase competition across the American economy and thus reduce costs for hardworking American families.

The letter highlights the fact that under the leadership of appointees like Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan and Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter, the Biden-Harris Administration has won victory after victory in their battle to lower costs for American families. From banning non-compete clauses in employment contracts, preventing companies from closing anti-competitive mergers, or prosecuting price-fixing executives and corporations, leaders at the FTC, DOJ, and CFPB have done more to fight corporate power than any administration in more than seventy years.

However, as the Representatives note in the letter, there is still more work to do. They write in the letter, “We ask that you continue this critical and necessary work to hold accountable corporations that use their massive size and financial resources to take advantage of consumers and small businesses by price gouging on everything from groceries to gas to prescriptions, all to pad their bottom lines and enrich their shareholders.”

The full letter is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z
https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2024/11/trailblazing-fitzpatrick-secures-over-3-million-for-pa-1-rail-trail-initiatives,Trailblazing: Fitzpatrick Secures Over $3 Million for PA-1 Rail Trail Initiatives,2024-11-01,2024,2024-11,Republican,House,PA,Brian K. Fitzpatrick,F000466,fitzpatrick.house.gov,fitzpatrick,https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"September 11th Memorial Trail, Upper Bucks Rail Trail, and Newtown Rail Trail Extension and Improvement Projects

Langhorne, PA – Today, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) announced another major victory for the residents of PA-1 and beyond, securing $3,029,000 in Community Project Funding (CPF) for the continued development of the September National Memorial Trail and local rail trail initiatives. This funding is poised to enhance community life, protect natural landscapes, and drive economic growth. This federal investment, part of the FY22 and FY24 Consolidated Appropriations Act, was championed by Fitzpatrick as part of a broader effort to direct federal resources to key projects and programs that directly benefit Pennsylvania’s 1st Congressional District.

(Congressman Fitzpatrick presents $1.77 Million for the Upper Bucks Rail Trail Project & $1 Million for the Newtown Rail Trail Extension)

(Congressman Fitzpatrick presents $259,000 for the September 11th National Memorial Trail)

Through the Community Project Funding Request process for the 118th Congress, which was included in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, Fitzpatrick successfully secured more than $27.5 million in funding for 14 transformative community projects that will directly benefit First District constituents. Additionally, Fitzpatrick secured over $19 million in CPF Funding for 13 projects in FY23 and over $6.6 million in CPF funding for 10 projects in FY22.

Key Highlights of the Transformative Initiatives Made Possible Through The $3,029,000 Secured Through Fitzpatrick’s Leadership:

Upper Bucks Rail Trail Improvement Project - $1.77 Million:

This funding will transform the Upper Bucks Rail Trail network into a continuous regional draw for hikers, cyclists, runners, and nature enthusiasts. Beyond enhancing community access to Bucks County’s scenic beauty, the project promotes environmental sustainability and outdoor recreation, which in turn bolsters the local economy. By linking and expanding these beloved trails, this project attracts visitors to experience Bucks County’s charm, driving tourism and supporting local businesses.

Newtown Rail Trail Extension Project - $1 Million:

With this investment, the Newtown Rail Trail will extend the popular Pennypack Creek Trail, transforming it into a continuous 25-mile off-road path from Newtown to the Delaware River. Utilizing the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s former Newtown Line right-of-way, the extended trail will link communities, expand recreational access, and spur tourism-driven economic growth for businesses along the route.

Bucks County Board of Commissioners Chair Diane Ellis-Marseglia remarked on the significance of both the Upper Bucks and Newtown Rail Trail Projects: “These trails have become such an important part of Bucks County as they offer a safe and beautiful way for citizens to stay healthy and enjoy our beautiful county. We appreciate this funding; it literally makes it possible to expand and connect our trails.”

Congressman Fitzpatrick emphasized the importance of these initiatives: “These rail trails are not just pathways; they are essential assets that bring our community together and showcase the natural beauty of PA-1. I am proud to champion this funding, which elevates the quality of life for our residents, fosters environmental sustainability, and propels economic growth. This investment reflects the spirit and resilience of our district, creating lasting opportunities for outdoor recreation, protecting our local environment, and generating economic benefits that will resonate throughout our community.”

September 11th National Memorial Trail - $259,000:

The September 11th National Memorial Trail stands as a profound tribute to the heroes and victims of 9/11, connecting key memorial sites across the country. Fitzpatrick, who spearheaded the legislative effort to establish this trail in 2021, secured additional funding to support signage installations along the trail’s Pennsylvania segment from the Flight 93 Memorial to Portland and from Washington Crossing to the Delaware border. The signage will enhance navigation across the trail’s 1,500-mile route, ensuring accessibility for all visitors and encouraging community engagement.

Sept 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance President Jeff McCauley explained the importance of this project: “The September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance extends its deep gratitude to Congressman Fitzpatrick for his invaluable support in securing this grant. This grant will fund critical road signage throughout Pennsylvania, ensuring that trail users are clearly guided along the current on-road sections of the 9/11 Trail. As the Alliance continues its collaborative efforts with partners and stakeholders to expand and develop off-road trail segments, this signage project represents a significant step forward in enhancing safety and accessibility for all trail visitors.”

Fitzpatrick added:“More than just a path, the September 11th National Memorial Trail is a journey of remembrance and resilience that honors the lives lost and the heroes who emerged in the wake of tragedy. This funding will enhance the trail’s visibility and accessibility, ensuring that every visitor can navigate this vital tribute with ease. As we connect memorial sites across the nation, we not only preserve the memory of that fateful day but also strengthen the bonds of community and patriotism that unite us all.”

These projects exemplify Fitzpatrick’s dedication to enhancing residents’ quality of life, promoting environmental stewardship, and driving economic vitality. Through these investments, PA-1 stands as a national model, honoring the past while paving the way for a thriving future.

Learn More About Additional Community Projects Congressman Has Secured Critical Funding for:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z
https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases/reschenthaler-roy-call-for-termination-of-chnv-program,"Reschenthaler, Roy Call for Termination of CHNV Program",2024-11-01,2024,2024-11,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) and U.S. Representative Chip Roy (R-TX) have called for the termination of the Biden-Harris Administration’s mass parole program for nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela (CHNV). Reschenthaler and Roy were joined by 25 members in their letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

In the letter, the lawmakers wrote: “We call on the administration to end the unlawful, fraud-filled CHNV program and curtail TPS and other immigration relief provided to aliens paroled through CHNV. Without doing so, the Biden-Harris Administration’s immigration policies will continue to place significant burdens on communities across our nation.”

Since January 2023, nearly 530,000 inadmissible aliens have entered the U.S. through the CHNV program. This decision has placed significant financial stress and burdens on communities across the nation, including Charleroi, Pennsylvania — which Reschenthaler represents. Recently, 25 Republican governors wrote to the Administration demanding information about the severely misguided immigration program and highlighting the negative impacts on local communities.

In July 2024, DHS temporarily suspended the CHNV program due to widespread fraud. An internal DHS report found that the program sponsor’s personally identifiable information was being used hundreds of times on the application forms of different aliens. Notably, 100,948 forms were filled out by 3,218 serial program sponsors. The report also found that 24 of the 1,000 most used phone numbers for program sponsors belonged to deceased individuals and 100 physical addresses were used up to 739 times on nearly 20,000 forms.

Under federal law, the Immigration and Nationality Act grants the President authority to parole aliens, but only temporarily and only on a case-by-case basis for significant public benefit or urgent humanitarian reasons. The CHNV program clearly exceeds the parole authority authorized by Congress.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z
https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/release-rep-summer-lee-introducing-the-eliminating-bias-act-with-senator-ed-markey-to-combat-algorithmic-discrimination-in-federal-agencies,RELEASE: Rep. Summer Lee Introducing the Eliminating BIAS Act with Senator Ed Markey to Combat Algorithmic Discrimination in Federal Agencies,2024-11-01,2024,2024-11,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate Release

Contact:

Vaibhav Vijay, Vaibhav.Vijay@mail.house.gov

Kyla Gill, Kyla.Gill@mail.house.gov

Rep. Summer Lee Introducing the Eliminating BIAS Act with Senator Ed Markey to Combat Algorithmic Discrimination in Federal Agencies

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Summer L. Lee (D-PA) and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) introduced the Eliminating Bias in Algorithmic Systems (BIAS) Act to address the mounting risks posed by artificial intelligence (AI) bias within federal agencies. This legislation mandates that every federal agency utilizing, funding, or overseeing AI establish a civil rights office dedicated to combating algorithmic bias, discrimination, and associated harms. The bill requires these offices to submit regular reports to Congress detailing their efforts to monitor and mitigate AI-driven discrimination, providing vital insights and recommendations for further action. Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) introduced a Senate companion back in December.

""Algorithmic bias doesn't just affect individuals; it deepens systemic inequalities that marginalized communities face every day. With the Eliminating BIAS Act, we're demanding transparency, accountability, and protection from technologies that—without oversight—could cause irreversible harm to Black, brown, low-income, and other vulnerable communities,"" said Rep. Summer Lee. ""This legislation is a proactive step to ensure AI works to lift people up, not shut them out.""

""From housing to health care to national security, algorithms are making consequential decisions, diagnoses, recommendations, and predictions that can significantly alter our lives,"" said Senator Markey. ""As AI deployment continues to increase, the federal government must protect the marginalized communities that have already been facing the greatest consequences from Big Tech's reckless actions. My Eliminating BIAS Act will ensure that the government has the proper tools, resources, and personnel to protect these communities and mitigate AI's dangerous effects, while providing Congress with critical information to address algorithmic harms.""

""As AI develops rapidly with little to no guardrails, we've already seen instances of discriminatory bias in this technology, causing undue harm to marginalized communities. It is imperative that action is taken to address these biases, especially as AI technologies are increasingly used by federal agencies,"" said Nicole Gill, Co-founder and Executive Director of Accountable Tech. ""Through increased oversight, the Eliminating BIAS Act offers the government an opportunity to lead by example and work to mitigate this potential harm. We thank Representative Lee and Senator Markey for introducing this legislation, and we urge Congress to act swiftly to reduce bias in AI technologies.""

The Eliminating Bias Act is co-sponsored by Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-00), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Cori Bush (MO-01), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Jesús ""Chuy"" García (IL-04), Al Green (TX-09)

Raúl Grijalva (AZ-07)

The Eliminating BIAS Act is endorsed by Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Center for Democracy and Technology, National Urban League, Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), Free Press Action, Public Knowledge, Accountable Tech, Demand Progress, Fight for the Future, Common Sense Media, Center for Digital Democracy, Common Cause, Open Technology Institute, Upturn, National Hispanic Media Coalition, Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJ, UnidosUS, The Trevor Project, National Action Network, Fairplay, National Urban League, National Council of Negro Women, and Access Now.

Background

The Eliminating BIAS Act addresses the growing concern of bias in AI and algorithmic systems used in critical sectors like healthcare, finance, and public services. Federal agencies increasingly rely on these technologies to make decisions that profoundly impact people's lives; however, unchecked algorithmic systems have been shown to unfairly target vulnerable communities. Facial recognition has already been proven to discriminate most against Black women. Companies have deployed algorithms that exclude users of certain gender identitiesfrom viewing job advertisements, block advertisements for clothing designed for people with disabilities, and apply higher interest rates for minority groups.

AI bias has become a critical issue affecting communities across the U.S., including Pittsburgh. In law enforcement, AI systems can unfairly target Black and brown communities, deepening systemic discrimination. This was evident in 2020 when Pittsburgh police deployed facial recognition technology with little oversight during Black Lives Matter protests, raising significant concerns over privacy, racial bias, and unchecked surveillance.

On a federal level, AI's rapid adoption in decision-making often outpaces the necessary oversight to prevent discrimination. For example, the Department of Justice's National Institute of Corrections has promoted the use of risk assessment tools despite documented biases that disproportionately impact Black defendants. Similarly, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) used an algorithm called the Care Assessment Needs (CAN) score, intended to predict health outcomes, which was found to underestimate health risks for Black veterans.

Key Provisions of the Eliminating BIAS Act

The Eliminating BIAS Act requires federal agencies to:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z
https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2024/10/fitzpatrick-delivers-over-8-million-to-fuel-morrisville-s-growth-and-ignite-long-term-prosperity,Fitzpatrick Delivers Over $8 Million to Fuel Morrisville’s Growth and Ignite Long-Term Prosperity,2024-10-31,2024,2024-10,Republican,House,PA,Brian K. Fitzpatrick,F000466,fitzpatrick.house.gov,fitzpatrick,https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Langhorne, PA – Today, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) announced a major victory for the Morrisville community, securing $8,850,000 in Community Project Funding (CPF) to fuel transformative projects that will significantly enhance education, infrastructure, and community resources. This federal investment, part of the FY23 Consolidated Appropriations Act, was championed by Fitzpatrick as part of a broader effort to direct federal resources to key projects and programs that directly benefit Pennsylvania’s 1st Congressional District.

(Congressman Fitzpatrick presenting the $4 Million he secured for the YMCA of Morrisville)

Through the Community Project Funding Request process for the 118th Congress, which was included in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, Fitzpatrick successfully secured more than $27.5 million in funding for 14 transformative community projects that will directly benefit First District constituents. Additionally, Fitzpatrick secured over $19 million in CPF Funding for 13 projects in FY23 and over $6.6 million in CPF funding for 10 projects in FY2The crucial funding will strengthen critical programs and lay the foundation for long-term growth, making Morrisville a thriving hub for families, students, and businesses within the PA-1 community.

(Congressman Fitzpatrick presenting the $850,000 he secured for the Morrisville School District)

The crucial funding will strengthen critical programs and lay the foundation for long-term growth, making Morrisville a thriving hub for families, students, and businesses within the PA-1 community.

“This $8.85 Million investment will ignite a new chapter of growth and opportunity for our Morrisville community,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. ""I fought hard to secure this critical funding because these initiatives—supporting our youth, modernizing education, and strengthening our infrastructure—aren’t just important, they’re essential. This investment lays the groundwork for sustainable growth, ensuring that our children, families, and businesses have every opportunity to thrive. But the impact goes far beyond the dollars—it will shape brighter futures, fuel economic growth, and elevate the quality of life for every Morrisville resident, now and for generations to come.”

(Congressman Fitzpatrick presenting the $4 Million he secured for the Morrisville Municipal Authority)

Key Highlights of the $8.85 Million Secured Through Fitzpatrick’s Leadership To Build a Stronger Morrisville:

Morrisville YMCA Renovation – $4 Million:

This funding will enable a comprehensive overhaul of the YMCA, including the renovation of classrooms, window replacements, roof repairs, and asbestos removal—long-overdue upgrades to ensure a safe, vibrant space for youth programs and family activities. As the community’s heartbeat, the YMCA plays a critical role in shaping the next generation through early childcare, afterschool programs, and summer camps, fostering youth development and strengthening family connections.

Morrisville School District Technology Program – $850,000:

This initiative will bring state-of-the-art technology into classrooms, transform instructional methods, and support expanded afterschool and summer programs, bridging the gap between education and opportunity. The investment ensures that Morrisville’s students not only excel today but graduate prepared to lead tomorrow—ready to take on higher education, careers, and the global economy.

Dr. Andrew J. Doster, Superintendent of the Morrisville Borough School District, emphasized the impact of the project: “The School District has utilized the funds to greatly improve the overall experience for our students. We have put these funds towards upgrading our programs to support the district curriculum, add technology at a building and classroom level, and the associated training that is needed to support the new programs and technology. It has truly been a game changer in regard to supporting dynamic learning experiences for our students!”

Morrisville Municipal Authority Wastewater Treatment Facility – $4 Million:

This project will revolutionize Morrisville’s infrastructure, driving economic expansion and improving environmental sustainability. The funding allows the community to move forward with the construction of a new wastewater treatment facility, a critical step in ensuring that Morrisville remains a sustainable, thriving place to live and do business. A healthy infrastructure means a stronger economy and a better quality of life for every resident.

John Warenda, Executive Director of the Morrisville Municipal Authority, expressed the importance of this funding, stating: “These funds will do more than simply drive the economic engine of our District. They represent an investment in the future prosperity of Morrisville and important and lasting quality-of-life contributions to both customers and constituents.”

This $8.85 Million investment marks a bold new chapter for Morrisville—one rooted in community strength, progress, and opportunity for all. Thanks to Congressman Fitzpatrick’s leadership in securing this funding, these initiatives will fuel Morrisville’s growth and resilience, equipping the community to achieve new heights and meet the future with confidence. With modernized infrastructure, enhanced education, and expanded programs, Morrisville is not just prepared for tomorrow—it’s positioned to flourish.

Learn More About Additional Community Projects Congressman Has Secured Critical Funding for:

Fitzpatrick Secures $2.9 Million for Family Service Association of Bucks County

Fitzpatrick Secures $1 Million for Bucks Country Crisis Stabilization Center

Fitzpatrick Secures $2.9 Million for United Way of Bucks County

Fitzpatrick Secures $4 Million for Game-Changing Route 1 Corridor Revitalization

Fitzpatrick Secures $4 Million for New Bristol Township Senior Center

Fitzpatrick Secures $1 Million for Doylestown Health Expansion

Fitzpatrick Secures $1 Million for Bucks County Opportunity Council Economic Self-Sufficiency Program

Fitzpatrick Secures $1.2 Million for Tullytown Borough Revitalization

Fitzpatrick Secures Over $2 Million for Perkasie Borough Infrastructure Upgrades

Fitzpatrick Secures $1 Million for Grand View Health Expansion

Fitzpatrick Secures Over $700,00 For Bucks County Emergency Services

Fitzpatrick Secures $900,000 to Combat Recidivism and Strengthen Public Safety

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases/10/31/2024/reschenthaler-announces-november-mobile-office-hours,Reschenthaler Announces November Mobile Office Hours,2024-10-31,2024,2024-10,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.

The upcoming schedule is outlined below:

What: Fayette County - Uniontown Mobile Office Hours

Date: Friday, November 1, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

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

What: Greene County Mobile Office Hours

Date: Thursday, November 7, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

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

What: Indiana County Mobile Office Hours

Date: Wednesday, November 13, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

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

What: Somerset County Mobile Office Hours

Date: Thursday, November 14, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Location: Somerset County Commissioner Office, 300 North Center Avenue, Suite 540, Somerset, PA 15501

What: Fayette County - Connellsville Mobile Office Hours

Date: Tuesday, November 19, 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,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-lee-celebrates-16-million-in-federal-investment-for-circular-battery-innovation-in-pittsburgh,Rep. Lee Celebrates $1.6 Million in Federal Investment for Circular Battery Innovation in Pittsburgh,2024-10-31,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Vaibhav.Vijay@mail.house.gov | 771.215.7243

Kyla.Gill@mail.house.gov | 412.841.7913

Rep. Lee Celebrates $1.6 Million in Federal Investment for Circular Battery Innovation in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, PA – On October 30, Rep. Summer Lee (PA-12) celebrated a major investment from the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), which awarded $1.6 million to SeaLion Energy, a local Pittsburgh innovator. This project is part of the Catalyzing Innovative Research for Circular Use of Long-lived Advanced Rechargeables (CIRCULAR) program, aiming to build a more sustainable battery supply chain, reduce electric vehicle (EV) waste, and extend battery life through pioneering repair and regeneration technologies.

The announcement is part of ARPA-E's $36 million nationwide investment in 13 projects that seek to advance circular supply chains for EV batteries. SeaLion Energy's initiative, known as TARDIS-J (Tunable Activation & Regeneration in Devices using In-Situ Jamming), will focus on developing cost-effective, scalable solutions to prolong battery cycle life and reduce waste, positioning Pittsburgh as a leader in clean energy innovation.

""With projects like this, Pittsburgh is proving itself as a national leader in clean technology and sustainable innovation,"" said Rep. Summer Lee. ""Federal investments in transformative projects like SeaLion's TARDIS-J are critical not only to supporting local talent and job creation but also to advancing a sustainable future. This is what it means to invest in our communities—solutions that benefit the people and the planet.""

Key Details of SeaLion Energy's Project Include:

Project Title: TARDIS-J: Tunable Activation & Regeneration in Devices using In-Situ Jamming

Funding Amount: $1,623,752

Technology Focus: SeaLion's TARDIS-J aims to extend battery life and reduce emissions by integrating advanced polymer coatings and scalable processes that can rejuvenate battery cells, making them compatible across multiple battery chemistries.

About the CIRCULAR Program

The CIRCULAR program supports projects nationwide to reduce EV waste and strengthen the domestic battery supply chain, catalyzing a shift toward circular, sustainable battery technologies. As the demand for EVs continues to surge, CIRCULAR projects like SeaLion Energy's play a vital role in reducing emissions, conserving critical minerals, and positioning the U.S. as a leader in clean energy.

This initiative underlines the commitment of the Biden-Harris Administration to lead on climate solutions and energy security, building a robust clean energy economy that creates jobs and builds sustainable, inclusive growth in regions like Pittsburgh.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-summer-lee-epa-and-pittsburgh-water-leaders-celebrate-major-progress-on-lead-pipe-replacement-and-children-s-health-in-pittsburgh,"Rep. Summer Lee, EPA, and Pittsburgh Water Leaders Celebrate Major Progress on Lead Pipe Replacement and Children's Health in Pittsburgh",2024-10-31,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Vaibhav.Vijay@mail.house.gov | 771.215.7243

Kyla.Gill@mail.house.gov | 412.841.7913

Rep. Summer Lee, EPA, and Pittsburgh Water Leaders Celebrate Major Progress on Lead Pipe Replacement and Children's Health in Pittsburgh

(Pittsburgh, PA) – Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12) joined EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott, Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) CEO Will Pickering, and other local officials on October 31 in Pittsburgh's Garfield neighborhood to celebrate significant progress in replacing lead pipes and improving children's health. The event marked the end of Children's Health Month and highlighted the Biden administration's recent Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, alongside crucial funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which together are accelerating lead pipe replacements across Pittsburgh and the nation.

Congresswoman Summer Lee emphasized the importance of these initiatives for Pittsburgh's families, particularly in historically underserved neighborhoods. ""The reality is, today isn't just about pipes or infrastructure—it's about protecting our kids, creating jobs, and showing what happens when we roll up our sleeves to get lead out of our water,"" said Rep. Lee. ""Thanks to the Biden administration's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we're seeing action. The federal government is backing us with the resources we need to speed things up. And Pittsburgh is stepping up as a model, proving that when we invest in communities, we get real, lasting results.""

Key leaders spoke on the impact of these federal and local partnerships on public health and job creation. ""We have so far received over $149 million in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This is the most BIL funding awarded through PENNVEST in the entire state,"" stated Will Pickering PWSA's CEO. ""We thank the Biden-Harris Administration, EPA, the Board of PENNVEST, and Governor Shapiro for their support. We will continue to tap into this important source of support from our federal partners.""

""EPA is committed to ensuring that all people have clean and safe drinking water and Pittsburgh is leading the way. By replacing more than 11,800 old lead pipes that can contaminate water, residents have safer water today and for future generations. The Biden-Harris Administration is providing $15 billion to remove lead pipes across the nation and this month EPA announced new requirements ensuring that communities across the country replace their lead pipes in the next 10 years. These efforts protect children from exposure to a potent neurotoxin while replacing these pipes creates good-paying jobs. That's the win-win of the Biden-Harris Administration's Investing in America Agenda."" said Bruno Pigott, EPA Deputy Assistant Administrator for Water.

""Customers of the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority can have confidence that the water they rely on for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and personal hygiene has a clean bill of health,"" said State Representative Lindsay Powell. ""PWSA is on an impressive journey, and I commend their leadership, board of directors, and the community advocates who have transformed it into a public asset we can be proud of,"" she said.

Download Pictures Here

This initiative is not only a public health priority but also an economic boost for Pittsburgh residents. Each lead pipe replaced contributes to safer drinking water and supports the local economy by creating well-paying jobs for contractors and laborers in Pittsburgh. ""Every pipe we replace is another job created. Local contractors, good-paying jobs, family-sustaining wages—all flowing right into our neighborhoods. That's the impact we're celebrating today,"" added Rep. Lee.

Background on Lead Pipe Removal in Pittsburgh: Since taking office, Congresswoman Lee has prioritized lead pipe removal and clean water access across Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. Last year, she helped deliver a $52.4 million federal loan to support the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority's Water Reliability Plan investments. In addition, the House passed Rep. Lee's amendment to the FY2024 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which highlights the need to protect children's health by increasing funding for testing and remediating lead contamination in drinking water at schools and childcare facilities.

In January 2024, Rep. Lee announced an additional $32.1 million in low-interest federal loans and grants to help PWSA aggressively remove lead service lines throughout Southwest Pennsylvania. Thanks to this funding and local dedication, PWSA remains on track to remove all lead pipes in Pittsburgh by 2026. To date, the Authority has removed 1,746 public lead service lines and 1,605 private lines, advancing Pittsburgh's goal of lead-free drinking water systems.

About the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements: The Biden administration's recent Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, coupled with the unprecedented funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aim to accelerate lead pipe replacement efforts across the country. Pennsylvania, home to some of the highest numbers of lead service lines, has received significant funding to address this critical issue, helping cities like Pittsburgh make rapid progress toward clean and safe drinking water.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-summer-lee-mayor-gainey-and-acting-secretary-of-labor-julie-su-highlight-federal-investment-in-pittsburgh-workforce-hub,"Rep. Summer Lee, Mayor Gainey, and Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su Highlight Federal Investment in Pittsburgh Workforce Hub",2024-10-31,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Vaibhav.Vijay@mail.house.gov | 771.215.7243

Kyla.Gill@mail.house.gov | 412.841.7913

Rep. Summer Lee, Mayor Gainey, and Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su Highlight Federal Investment in Pittsburgh Workforce Hub

Pittsburgh, PA – On October 31, Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12) joined Mayor Ed Gainey, Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su, White House Domestic Policy Council Director Neera Tanden, and local leaders from Partner4Work to celebrate the expansion of Pittsburgh's Workforce Hub, a pivotal initiative to connect local residents, especially those from underserved communities, to good-paying, union jobs. The event underscored how more than $2.3 billion in federal Investing in America funds have already fueled

Pittsburgh's economy through initiatives in infrastructure, clean energy, and manufacturing.

The Pittsburgh Workforce Hub represents the power of federal-local partnerships to create an ""opportunity infrastructure"" in the city—making good jobs accessible to communities who have historically been locked out of these pathways. Key announcements at the event highlighted the collaborative efforts to operationalize the Pittsburgh Good Jobs Principles, ensuring that public investments benefit local residents, particularly disadvantaged workers, through meaningful career opportunities in the Pittsburgh region.

""Today's announcements show what we can accomplish when federal investments meet local vision. Pittsburgh is leading the way in building a city where every resident, no matter their background, has access to the dignity of a good-paying job"" said Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12). ""This workforce hub, the Regional Workforce Equity Agreement, and the 4Construction program are laying the foundation for a stronger, more inclusive Pittsburgh—one that gives Black, brown, and working-class folks the opportunities they deserve. With over $2.3 billion in federal funding already driving our city forward, we're showing the nation that equitable growth is possible when we work together. Pittsburgh is setting the standard, and I couldn't be prouder to stand with our partners in this transformative work.""

""We have made it our focus to center and to prioritize disadvantaged workers – those who are from under-represented neighborhoods, marginalized communities, and that face systemic barriers to employment,"" said Mayor Ed Gainey. Having public agencies, the Housing Authority and URA commit to these efforts is a significant step forward for our region. This is how we ensure everyone is able to grow together and make the City of Pittsburgh a place where every resident is afforded the opportunity to thrive.""

""We are not just proving that the Opportunity Infrastructure is a plausible idea; through our Workforce Hub collaboration with Mayor Gainey's administration and local partners, we are making it real for Pittsburgh's working people from all backgrounds and zip codes,"" said Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su. ""With more than $2.3 billion in federal investments to Pittsburgh so far, we're building and investing in people and in the workforce training and supportive services required to have an economy that includes everyone, particularly those who have been shut out for far too long.""

Download photos here.

Key Announcements Include:

Regional Workforce Equity Agreement (RWEA):

The City of Pittsburgh and several public agencies, including the Housing Authority and URA, are committed to increasing the participation of disadvantaged workers on public construction projects. The finalized agreement, expected by the end of the year, will set regulations for rollout in the 2025 construction season, ensuring equitable access to quality jobs for local residents.

Expansion of the 4Construction Program:

Partner4Work's 4Construction program will expand to the Lower Hill's Live Nation venue construction site, where PJ Dick (general contractor) will host a pre-apprenticeship cohort. The program offers training opportunities and pathways to construction careers, particularly for women and people of color. Participants will receive hands-on experience and classroom training, positioning them for future roles in Pittsburgh's construction projects.

Workforce Readiness/Supportive Services Pilot:

A new collaboration between the Mayor's Office, philanthropy, and community partners aims to build a coordinated network to support Pittsburgh's disadvantaged workers. This pilot will provide case management and supportive services to help residents access training, apprenticeship programs, and ultimately, good jobs in Pittsburgh.

About the Pittsburgh Workforce Hub

The Pittsburgh Workforce Hub is part of a broader initiative under the Biden-Harris Administration's Investing in America agenda. Through federal, state, and local partnerships, the hub supports job creation and workforce development, focusing on communities historically excluded from economic growth. As Pittsburgh operationalizes the Pittsburgh Good Jobs Principles, this initiative serves as a model for inclusive economic growth, helping to bridge the gap between employers and underrepresented workers across the region.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-celebrates-43-million-shaler-township-water-system,Deluzio Celebrates $4.3 Million for Shaler Township Water System,2024-10-30,2024,2024-10,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) announced that Shaler Township, a community in Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District, is receiving $4.3 million in a federal investment for water infrastructure improvements. Specifically, the project will replace defective infrastructure in the Township’s public sewer system through PENNVEST low-interest financial assistance loans.

“It’s simple: the good people of Shaler Township need a dependable water system. I’m proud to see these federal dollars come home to make sure Shaler’s water is safe,” said Rep. Chris Deluzio. “I came to Congress to make life better for folks in Western PA, and fixing our infrastructure—like this project funded through the Infrastructure Law—is a big part of that work.”

The project will repair 30,000 feet of defective sewer lines, rehabilitate 177 manholes through direct excavation and in situ lining, and install 29 new manhole structures. This project will help Shaler Township meet water safety standards, as it pulls the Township into compliance with the infiltration and inflow Consent Order with the Allegheny County Health Department.

The federal funding for this project comes from the Biden-Harris Administration’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and is awarded to Shaler Township through PENNVEST, a Pennsylvania State financing authority. The authority provides low-cost financial assistance to address water, wastewater, stormwater, and non-point source pollution problems in local water systems that impact public health, safety, the environment, regulatory compliance, and economic development. PENNVEST’s two-part goal is to provide all Pennsylvanians access to clean water while also supporting the Commonwealth's economic development.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2024/10/historic-bristol-borough-wins-big-fitzpatrick-secures-over-2-million-for-transformative-community-projects,Historic Bristol Borough Wins Big: Fitzpatrick Secures Over $2 Million for Transformative Community Projects,2024-10-30,2024,2024-10,Republican,House,PA,Brian K. Fitzpatrick,F000466,fitzpatrick.house.gov,fitzpatrick,https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Langhorne, PA – Today, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) announced a major victory for Historic Bristol Borough, securing $2,217,000 in Community Project Funding (CPF) to enhance essential infrastructure projects that will significantly improve the quality of life for residents. This federal investment, part of the FY22 & FY24 Consolidated Appropriations Act, was championed by Fitzpatrick as part of a broader effort to direct federal resources to key projects and programs that directly benefit Pennsylvania’s 1st Congressional District.

(Congressman Fitzpatrick presenting the $2,217,000 he secured for the Bristol Borough community)

Through the Community Project Funding Request process for the 118th Congress, which was included in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, Fitzpatrick successfully secured more than $27.5 million in funding for 14 transformative community projects that will directly benefit First District constituents. Additionally, Fitzpatrick secured over $19 million in CPF Funding for 13 projects in FY23 and over $6.6 million in CPF funding for 10 projects in FY22.

Key Highlights of the $2.2 Million Secured Through Fitzpatrick’s Leadership:

Sound Barrier Construction – $1.7 Million:

This funding will facilitate the construction of a state-of-the-art transparent sound barrier along the busy Amtrak corridor, stretching from Green Lane to Garfield Street. This critical infrastructure investment will significantly mitigate noise pollution, greatly enhancing the quality of life for residents of Bristol Borough. Furthermore, the grant will facilitate essential upgrades to the existing trail along the Trenton Avenue Streetscape, ensuring compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and improving accessibility for all members of the community.

Bristol Waterfront Park & Maple Beach Road Improvement Project – $500,000:

This funding supports renovation improvements to the Bristol Waterfront Park, a beloved community space, that has endured considerable wear from frequent use. Upgrading the stormwater management system will protect the park from flooding during high tides and storms, preserving its vitality for residents and visitors alike. Furthermore, this funding will facilitate the reconstruction of the Maple Beach Bridge over Otter Creek, enhancing access to the Marsh and improving connectivity for Wastewater Treatment Plant employees, ultimately strengthening the community's infrastructure.

This funding reflects Fitzpatrick’s ongoing mission to bring tangible results to PA-1, empowering communities with the resources they need to thrive. As Bristol Borough grows and evolves, these investments will strengthen its infrastructure, enhance residents' quality of life, and unlock new opportunities that honor the town’s legacy while building a brighter future.

Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick emphasized the importance of Bristol Borough within the district and his ongoing commitment to fostering its growth: ""Historic Bristol Borough has long been a cornerstone of our PA-1 community, but its recent resurgence as one of the most dynamic and vibrant areas in the region reflects the heart and resilience of its people. This $2.2 million investment not only enhances the quality of life for residents but also strengthens the borough as a premier destination for visitors. These projects will preserve the borough’s charm while creating new pathways for growth, connection, and opportunity. I look forward to continuing our partnership with local leaders to ensure that Bristol Borough remains a vibrant community for generations to come.""

Remarking on the impact of the funding, Bristol Borough Mayor, Ralph DiGuiseppe III, remarked: “The Bristol Borough Council, our residents, and I are beyond grateful and appreciative of Congressman Fitzpatrick’s efforts and generosity to our town. He recognized an important quality of life issue that the residents have been dealing with for years, relative to the train noise, and the Congressman has stepped in to resolve the problem. The Congressman has never let the Borough down whenever we needed him.”

Learn More About Additional Community Projects Congressman Has Secured Critical Funding for:

Fitzpatrick Secures $2.9 Million for Family Service Association of Bucks County

Fitzpatrick Secures $1 Million for Bucks Country Crisis Stabilization Center

Fitzpatrick Secures $2.9 Million for United Way of Bucks County

Fitzpatrick Secures $4 Million for Game-Changing Route 1 Corridor Revitalization

Fitzpatrick Secures $4 Million for New Bristol Township Senior Center

Fitzpatrick Secures $1 Million for Doylestown Health Expansion

Fitzpatrick Secures $1 Million for Bucks County Opportunity Council Economic Self-Sufficiency Program

Fitzpatrick Secures $1.2 Million for Tullytown Borough Revitalization

Fitzpatrick Secures Over $2 Million for Perkasie Borough Infrastructure Upgrades

Fitzpatrick Secures $1 Million for Grand View Health Expansion

Fitzpatrick Secures Over $700,00 For Bucks County Emergency Services

Fitzpatrick Secures $900,000 to Combat Recidivism and Strengthen Public Safety

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://evans.house.gov/media/press-releases/casey-fetterman-scanlon-boyle-evans-secure-796-million-make-philaport-more,"Casey, Fetterman, Scanlon, Boyle, Evans Secure $79.6 Million to Make PhilaPort More Energy-Efficient",2024-10-29,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,PA,Dwight Evans,E000296,evans.house.gov,evans,https://evans.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) and U.S. Representatives Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-5), Brendan Boyle (D-PA-2), and Dwight Evans (D-PA-3) announced that Philadelphia Regional Port Authority (PhilaPort) is receiving a total of $79,650,965 in federal funding to plan and implement projects that will transition the port’s operations to zero-emissions equipment. The funding comes from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Ports Program, made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act.

“This investment from the Inflation Reduction Act will allow PhilaPort to bring down its energy costs and improve air quality in surrounding communities while incorporating the technology of the future into its operations,” said Senator Casey. “I will always fight to improve our shipping hubs to ensure that the Commonwealth’s waterways boost economic growth and create and sustain good jobs.”

“The nearly $80 million investment in PhilaPort is a transformative step toward a more efficient future for Philadelphia. Moving to zero-emission technology will help make our port cleaner and healthier for the community while boosting the local economy and creating good paying jobs. This is what the Inflation Reduction Act is all about—making big investments that keep Pennsylvania competitive and sustainable,” said Senator Fetterman.

“The Port of Philadelphia is a critical driver of good-paying jobs for our region and a vital gateway for goods and passengers across the country,"" said Representative Scanlon. ""I’m so pleased to see funding from the Biden-Harris administration’s Investing in America agenda continue to flow into our region, helping clean up pollution at our ports and improving air quality and public health in neighboring communities.”

“This funding, which I proudly supported as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, will enable PhilaPort to adopt cutting-edge technology that reduces carbon emissions and could help expand the port’s operations,” said Congressman Brendan F. Boyle. “Philadelphia’s ports are vital to our communities, providing jobs and positioning our city as a key hub of commerce. This investment not only supports the hardworking port workers who drive our economy but also ensures that PhilaPort can continue serving the nation sustainably for years to come.”

“I was proud to vote for the Biden-Harris administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, a landmark clean-energy and health-care law, and this more than $79 million in federal funding for our area is just the latest way it’s benefiting Philadelphia and the region,” said Representative Evans.

The Clean Ports Program funding will support two PhilaPort projects. $77.6 million will help PhilaPort deploy electric cargo handling equipment, install new charging infrastructure, and upgrade existing electrical infrastructure. An additional $2 million will support planning operations to better understand the port’s current emissions levels, identify areas where energy efficiency can be improved, and engage the surrounding community about the process of transitioning to zero-emission operations.

The announcement comes just a month after the members secured $217 million for PhilaPort to expand the operational capacity of the SouthPort terminal.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/smucker-moore-introduce-bipartisan-survivor-justice-tax-prevention-act,"Smucker, Moore Introduce Bipartisan Survivor Justice Tax Prevention Act",2024-10-29,2024,2024-10,Republican,House,PA,Lloyd Smucker,S001199,smucker.house.gov,smucker,https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington—Reps. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) and Gwen Moore (WI-04), members of the Ways and Means Committee, announce jointly-introducing the Survivor Justice Tax Prevention Act (H.R. 10055). This legislation will amend the nation’s tax code to ensure survivors of sexual abuse and unwanted and illegal sexual contact do not have to pay taxes on settlement income when they prevail legally against their abuser. The Members have introduced this legislation during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Under current law and practice of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), payments for damages awarded on account of personal physical injuries or physical sickness are exempt from gross income for federal income tax purposes. In implementing the requirement of a “physical injury” the IRS has imposed a standard that the victim must show visible physical conditions such as bruising, cuts or bleeding for the settlement to qualify for tax-free treatment. The observable harm standard can be especially difficult to meet and unfair in circumstances of sexual assault or sexual contact where such physical injuries may not be visible or have healed.

Representatives Smucker and Moore’s legislation narrowly expands current law to help survivors of sexual assault or unwanted sexual contact by tying the IRS tax exemption to the definitions of sexual act and sexual contact in federal criminal code.

“This legislation provides certainty for survivors of sexual assault and ensures that monetary settlements are exempt from federal income tax. I encourage my colleagues to stand with survivors by supporting this narrowly tailored legislation. I want to thank Rep. Gwen Moore for joining me in introducing this legislation,” said Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11).

“Right now, sexual abuse survivors who prevail in legal actions against their abusers must pay federal tax on monetary awards they receive unless they prove to the IRS they suffered physical harm. I am honored to partner with Representative Smucker to remove the burdensome and unfair requirement on survivors of sexual abuse and highlight our joint work during Domestic Violence Awareness Month,” said Rep. Gwen Moore (WI-04).

Representative Gregory Meeks (NY-05) was also an original cosponsor of the legislation.

“Survivors of sexual assault have already been through too much, physically and emotionally. The last thing they should have to do is retraumatize themselves by displaying physical injury sustained from the assault to avoid a taxed settlement. "" said Rep. Gregory Meeks (NY-05). ""I am proud to have worked with Representatives Moore and Smucker to ensure that survivors are no longer held to the burdensome observable harm standard.""

The legislation is supported by a number of organizations who are calling for the legislation to be passed without delay.

“On behalf of the thousands of courageous survivors of gender-based violence that the YWCA network supports each year, I applaud Representatives Lloyd Smucker and Gwen Moore for championing this legislation to provide certainty to all victims of sexual violence that monetary settlements are exempt from federal income tax,” said YWCA USA CEO Margaret Mitchell. “We stand with survivors in all their steps of healing and this thoughtful and bipartisan bill is a helpful step.”

“On behalf of the members of the American Association of Settlement Consultants (AASC), whose professional efforts protect injured parties' long term financial interests, we are grateful for the leadership of Reps. Smucker and Moore in advancing the commonsense and bipartisan Survivor Justice Tax Prevention Act. Their efforts to support survivors are deserving of praise. We call on their colleagues to support this legislation which should be advanced without delay,” said AASC President Joanna Wynes and AASC President-Elect Louis Masry.

“As a survivor and advocate, I’ve seen firsthand how civil judgments provide a rare form of justice that can help survivors reclaim some control over their lives and begin to heal,” said Grace French, founder and president of the Army of Survivors. “But taxing these settlements forces survivors to give back part of what they sacrificed so much to attain. This legislation will allow us to receive full settlements, unencumbered by tax burdens that devalue the painful journey to justice. It’s a crucial step in helping survivors move forward with dignity, knowing they have the financial support they deserve.”

“Sexual assault and unwanted sexual contact are pervasive, devastating problems in our country and it can be extremely challenging to seek justice,” said MomsRising Elyssa Schmier, Vice President of Government Relations. “Those who do so successfully, and win the settlements they deserve, should not have those settlements taxed simply because their injuries are not visible or observable. That’s an unacceptable, harmful double standard that we must end. So America’s moms thank Representatives Gwen Moore (D-WI) and Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) for championing the Survivor Justice Tax Prevention Act, and urge Congress to pass it quickly.”

# # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-announces-500000-improve-dormont-junction-t-stop-upgrade-public,"Deluzio Announces $500,000 to Improve the Dormont Junction T Stop, Upgrade Public Transit Facilities in Dormont",2024-10-28,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"DORMONT, PA – Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) announced a $500,000 federal investment to improve public transit service in Dormont. The federal funds will update Dormont Junction to modernize the nearly 30-year-old station and advance transit-oriented development initiatives to make Dormont a more accessible, safe, and walkable community.

“Public transit brings our communities together, getting people to work, school, appointments, errands, and so much else,” said Congressman Deluzio. “I’m proud to announce I secured $500,000 in federal funds for the Dormont Junction Improvement Project to help update the station, meet the needs of current riders, and build toward an even more well-connected community here in Dormont.”

Dormont Junction is a large Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) light rail transit station and services an estimated 500 weekday riders. This project would reconstruct Dormont Junction, replacing the station canopy as well as adding pedestrian amenities, safety features, landscaping, bicycle racks, and more. The goal is to create a safer and more welcoming station (particularly for pedestrians and passengers with disabilities) and to build a more walkable, accessible community in Dormont. Design will finish in 2024, with final federal approval processes occurring in 2025 before construction will begin.

This project in Dormont is one of fifteen community projects that Congressman Chris Deluzio successfully secured for Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District through the annual congressional funding bills. This includes not only transit and road improvements, but also investments for police and fire departments, downtown revitalization, affordable housing, and more.

Dormont Borough Council President Jennifer Mazzocco, PRT CEO Katharine Kelleman, and Dormont Council members and officials joined Congressman Deluzio today to highlight these funds, visit the station, and receive a large check. Photos and video from the event can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2024/10/fitzpatrick-secures-500-000-to-fuel-small-business-growth-and-economic-development-in-bucks-county,"Fitzpatrick Secures $500,000 to Fuel Small Business Growth and Economic Development in Bucks County",2024-10-28,2024,2024-10,Republican,House,PA,Brian K. Fitzpatrick,F000466,fitzpatrick.house.gov,fitzpatrick,https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Langhorne, PA – Today, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) announced a major victory for Bucks County small businesses, securing $500,000 in Community Project Funding (CPF) for the Bucks County Industrial Development Authority’s Startup Bucks Fund. This federal investment, part of the FY23 Consolidated Appropriations Act, was championed by Fitzpatrick as part of a broader effort to direct federal resources to key projects and programs that directly benefit Pennsylvania’s 1st Congressional District.

Through the Community Project Funding Request process for the 118th Congress, which was included in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, Fitzpatrick successfully secured more than $27.5 million in funding for 14 transformative community projects that will directly benefit First District constituents. Additionally, Fitzpatrick secured over $19 million in CPF Funding for 13 projects in FY23 and over $6.6 million in CPF funding for 10 projects in FY22.

Founded in 2019 with a mission to cultivate a thriving small business community in Bucks County, Startup Bucks is a vital resource for local entrepreneurs. Through their Bucks Built Fund, they invest up to $25,000 in early-stage startups, leveraging funding from the Bucks County Industrial Development Authority and grants from Penn Community Bank. Recipients benefit from up to 12 months of iterative advising, access to essential resources, and valuable connections, empowering them to achieve sustainable growth and secure follow-on investment. Through Fitzpatrick’s leadership, this additional support will extend their reach, enabling more entrepreneurs to thrive, stimulating economic development, and attracting innovative startups to Bucks County.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and in this challenging climate of rising inflation, supply chain disruptions, and labor shortages, initiatives like Startup Bucks are essential to their survival and success. Since my arrival in Congress, I have been dedicated to delivering tangible support for our small business community—working to reduce burdensome regulatory costs, expand access to capital, and empower entrepreneurs to keep their doors open and create jobs. I am proud to have fought for the funding that will support this transformative initiative, which not only fosters small business growth and economic development but also serves as a vital resource for our remarkable small business community in PA-1,” said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick.

""Bucks County has always had a strong history of cultivating small businesses. This funding from Congressman Fitzpatrick shows the strong commitment we all have in Bucks County to fostering innovation and supporting our local entrepreneurs,"" said Stephen Marzullo, Chairman of the Bucks County Industrial Development Authority Board. “This is just the start of what we hope will be an ever growing and long-lasting resource for small businesses in the County.""

""This investment in our startup community is a step forward in ensuring that small businesses have the foundation they need to grow and thrive,"" added TJ Lonergan, Executive Director of the Bucks County Industrial Development Authority. ""The resources provided through the Bucks Built Startup Fund will be instrumental in helping entrepreneurs navigate challenges, access critical support, and drive meaningful economic growth for the entire County.”

More About Startup Bucks:

The mission of Startup Bucks is to create and sustain a vibrant business startup ecosystem in and around Bucks County, Pennsylvania. With a population of 630,000+ and proximity to Philadelphia and New York City, Bucks County is a locale that attracts entrepreneurs, investors, and startup talent to live, work, and play.

Startup Bucks, a 501(c)3 organization founded in 2019, exists to help innovative companies start and grow by supporting founders and connecting the startup ecosystem across the County.

Learn More About Additional Community Projects Congressman Has Secured Critical Funding for:

Fitzpatrick Secures $2.9 Million for Family Service Association of Bucks County

Fitzpatrick Secures $1 Million for Bucks Country Crisis Stabilization Center

Fitzpatrick Secures $2.9 Million for United Way of Bucks County

Fitzpatrick Secures $4 Million for Game-Changing Route 1 Corridor Revitalization

Fitzpatrick Secures $4 Million for New Bristol Township Senior Center

Fitzpatrick Secures $1 Million for Doylestown Health Expansion

Fitzpatrick Secures $1 Million for Bucks County Opportunity Council Economic Self-Sufficiency Program

Fitzpatrick Secures $1.2 Million for Tullytown Borough Revitalization

Fitzpatrick Secures Over $2 Million for Perkasie Borough Infrastructure Upgrades

Fitzpatrick Secures $1 Million for Grand View Health Expansion

Fitzpatrick Secures $1.5 Million for Shenandoah Woods Revitalization Project

Fitzpatrick Secures Over $700,00 For Bucks County Emergency Services

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2024/10/fitzpatrick-secures-900-000-to-combat-recidivism-and-strengthen-community-safety,"Fitzpatrick Secures $900,000 to Combat Recidivism and Strengthen Community Safety",2024-10-28,2024,2024-10,Republican,House,PA,Brian K. Fitzpatrick,F000466,fitzpatrick.house.gov,fitzpatrick,https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Langhorne, PA – Today, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) announced a major victory for Bucks County, securing $900,000 in Community Project Funding (CPF) to support the Bucks County Department of Corrections Outmate Program. This federal investment, part of the FY23 Consolidated Appropriations Act, was championed by Fitzpatrick as part of a broader effort to direct federal resources to key projects and programs that directly benefit Pennsylvania’s 1st Congressional District.

Through the Community Project Funding Request process for the 118th Congress, which was included in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, Fitzpatrick successfully secured more than $27.5 million in funding for 14 transformative community projects that will directly benefit First District constituents. Additionally, Fitzpatrick secured over $19 million in CPF Funding for 13 projects in FY23 and over $6.6 million in CPF funding for 10 projects in FY22.

The Outmate Program is designed to tackle rising recidivism rates by providing essential mental health, medical, and social services to individuals on parole. This support will ensure formerly incarcerated individuals have the resources to overcome obstacles, rebuild their lives, and successfully transition back into society. Similar initiatives across Pennsylvania have already shown significant success in reducing reoffence rates and promoting long-term stability, and the Bucks County program is poised to deliver equally powerful results.

“Breaking the cycle of recidivism is one of the most important steps we can take in building safer, stronger communities,” saidCongressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1). “Too often, individuals leave jail only to face the same obstacles that led them there—untreated mental health conditions, inadequate medical care, and a lack of critical support services. Without these resources, it becomes all too easy to fall back into the system, creating a destructive cycle that costs lives, threatens public safety, and drains community resources. The Outmate Program is a bold, proactive solution that equips individuals with the tools and support they need to rebuild their lives, stay on course, and successfully reintegrate into society. When we help people succeed after incarceration, the benefits ripple through the entire community—from safer neighborhoods to less pressure on our justice system

Fitzpatrick added, “My goal is to continue fighting to bring meaningful change to our community, and the Outmate Program is exactly the type of initiative we need—one that not only changes lives but also makes our entire community safer, stronger, and more resilient.”

""The Department of Corrections is grateful to receive this funding for our efforts to divert nonviolent offenders from incarceration. This grant will strengthen our specialty and Problem Solving Courts, including our growing Veterans Court program, providing critical support for vulnerable members of our community. These programs help folks to get back on track and stay on track, and this funding will be key in making the initiatives a success,"" said Director David Kratz.

More on the Bucks County Department of Corrections Outmate Program:

The Outmate Program provides an intermediate sanction alternative designed to reduce incarceration by focusing on nonviolent offenders struggling to meet probation or parole conditions. Through evidence-based practices, swift accountability, and targeted interventions, the program helps individuals address behavioral issues and unmet needs that prevent successful reintegration.

Key components include:

Continuing supervision in the community instead of incarceration, which allows participants to keep credit for “street time” while completing conditions of supervision.

Collaboration between Adult Probation and the Department of Corrections to identify appropriate candidates and ensure they receive the structure and support necessary to succeed.

Opportunities to resolve technical violations without resorting to re-incarceration or Gagnon II hearings, reducing the burden on the justice system.

The Outmate Program offers participants a second chance to complete their conditions, close their cases successfully, and avoid unnecessary incarceration, strengthening both their futures and the community.

Learn More About Additional Community Projects Congressman Has Secured Critical Funding for:

Fitzpatrick Secures $2.9 Million for Family Service Association of Bucks County

Fitzpatrick Secures $1 Million for Bucks Country Crisis Stabilization Center

Fitzpatrick Secures $2.9 Million for United Way of Bucks County

Fitzpatrick Secures $4 Million for Game-Changing Route 1 Corridor Revitalization

Fitzpatrick Secures $4 Million for New Bristol Township Senior Center

Fitzpatrick Secures $1 Million for Doylestown Health Expansion

Fitzpatrick Secures $1 Million for Bucks County Opportunity Council Economic Self-Sufficiency Program

Fitzpatrick Secures $1.2 Million for Tullytown Borough Revitalization

Fitzpatrick Secures Over $2 Million for Perkasie Borough Infrastructure Upgrades

Fitzpatrick Secures $1 Million for Grand View Health Expansion

Fitzpatrick Secures Over $700,00 For Bucks County Emergency Services

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-summer-lee-s-statement-marking-six-years-since-the-pittsburgh-synagogue-shooting,Rep. Summer Lee's Statement Marking Six Years Since the Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting,2024-10-27,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Vaibhav.Vijay@mail.house.gov | 771.215.7243

Kyla.Gill@mail.house.gov | 412.841.7913

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Summer Lee (D-PA) released the following statement to honor the six-year mark since the horrific antisemitic attack at Pittsburgh's Tree of Life Synagogue, where eleven lives were tragically taken.

""Today, we mark six years since the horrific antisemitic attack at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, where eleven beloved members of our community were taken from us in an act of unthinkable hate. As we remember Bernice & Sylvan Simon, Cecil & David Rosenthal, Joyce Fienberg, Richard Gottfried, Rose Mallinger, Jerry Rabinowitz, Daniel Stein, Melvin Wax, and Irving Younger, we hold their families, friends, and the entire Jewish community in our hearts. Their memory fuels our fight to confront antisemitism, white supremacy, and bigotry in all its forms.

October 27th, 2018, remains a day of deep trauma for Pittsburgh and our nation. This attack shattered not only the sanctity of worship but also our collective sense of safety and unity. Today, we stand with our Jewish siblings, committed to being stronger allies, to growing in our understanding, and to ensuring that antisemitism is condemned and eradicated.

As hate crimes continue to rise, with antisemitic incidents accounting for the majority of religious hate crimes in the country, now is the time to act. We must continue to educate about the dangers of antisemitism to prevent further violence. This is why I am proud to support legislation like the H.R. 3929 Disarm Hate Act, which aims to prevent individuals convicted of hate crimes from accessing firearms. And I am honored to recognize the Tree of Life attack through H.Res. 819, a resolution marking this solemn occasion and reaffirming our commitment to fighting antisemitism.

But legislation alone is not enough. We must also support healing and resilience in our communities. The trauma that the Jewish community in Pittsburgh and beyond continues to carry needs more than our thoughts—it needs our action.

In moments like these, we are reminded that hate has no home here. It is through solidarity, education, and a relentless pursuit of justice that we can ensure such a tragedy never happens again. We will continue building from this tragedy, creating spaces for healing, resilience, and understanding. Together, we will dismantle systems of hate and violence, and continue to stand for a Pittsburgh that is stronger than hate—for all of us.""

Rep. Summer Lee is committed to ensuring that Congress stands with Pittsburgh's Jewish community, supporting funding for trauma recovery, and strengthening legislative action to end the cycle of hate-fueled violence.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-deluzio-cosponsors-legislation-rein-corporate-landlords-and-lower,Congressman Deluzio Cosponsors Legislation to Rein in Corporate Landlords and Lower Housing Costs,2024-10-26,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CARNEGIE, PA – This week, Representatives Chris Deluzio (PA-17) joined as an original co-sponsor of the Stop Wall Street Landlords Act reintroduced by Ro Khanna (CA-17), Katie Porter (CA-47), and Mark Takano (CA-39). This bill would end large institutional investors’ ability to use taxpayer dollars to subsidize the acquisition of single-family residential homes.

Since the 2008 housing crash and subsequent foreclosure crisis, increased investor activity in America's housing market has normalized excessive fees and abusive practices while artificially driving up housing and rent prices. Investors bought 18% of all homes that sold in the fourth quarter of this year and 26% of the most affordable homes. In California, Nevada, Florida, Georgia, and other states where corporate landlords own a large concentration of single-family homes used as rental properties, investors are driving up the cost of rent.

“Low- and middle-income families in Western PA and across the country are being pushed out because of predatory practices by large corporate landlords buying up homes in our communities,” said Representative Chris Deluzio (PA-17). “Too many Wall Street investors are not good landlords; they have neglected maintenance, local taxes, and more—all while taking homes off the market. That is why I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of the Stop Wall Street Landlords Act—to help level the playing field and bring down housing costs in America.""

“Homes should be owned by people, not wealthy corporate landlords who are buying up affordable single-family homes and pushing the dream of homeownership out of reach for ordinary Americans,” said Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17). “Affordable housing is one of the most pressing issues in my district and across the state. The Stop Wall Street Landlords Act will ensure that taxpayer dollars are not being used to fuel the housing crisis with more subsidies to corporate landlords. I’m proud to lead this effort with Representatives Porter and Takano to put affordable housing for families first.”

“As a single mom of three, it’s heartbreaking when my kids question whether they’ll be able to afford a home in the future,” said Rep. Katie Porter (CA-47). “Americans across the country, especially in my home state of California, are counting on lawmakers to lower the cost of housing. I’m helping lead the Stop Wall Street Landlords Act to crack down on wealthy corporate landlords who drive up the cost of housing and push families out of the market—all to line their own pockets. Every American deserves to have a fair shot at homeownership, and this bill will help level the playing field.”

“With big corporations and private equity using their pricing power to raise costs on everything from groceries to gas, it is no wonder they are also targeting single-family homes,” said Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39). “Not only are “Wall Street landlords driving up the cost of housing by monopolizing ownership of single-family residences, but they are doing so by using taxpayer dollars. It’s time we put the people’s bottom line first—not private equity’s. The Stop Wall Street Landlords Act, which I am proud to lead with Representatives Khanna and Porter, will keep corporations out of the single-family housing market for good.”

“Owning a home has always been a big part of the American dream,” said Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12). “But because corporate investors buy up whole neighborhoods of single-family homes, leading to a rapid increase in the cost of housing, the idea of owning a home for many families across New Jersey remains just a dream. I’m proud to co-sponsor the Stop Wall Street Landlords Act to put a stop to this predatory practice, and give everyone a fair shot at a stable future for themselves and their families.”

Specifically, the Stop Wall Street Landlords Act will:

End large institutional investors’ ability to benefit from tax breaks reserved for homeowners – namely mortgage interest, insurance, and depreciation deductions.

Direct the Federal Housing Financial Agency (FHFA) and related agencies Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae to (a) prohibit large institutional investors from purchasing mortgages on single-family residential (SFR) homes – or any interest in such a mortgage – and (b) from newly lending on a security or securitizing any SFR mortgage under which the mortgagee meets the bill definition of a specified large investor.

Legislate a federal real estate transfer tax of 100% of the sale value of each SFR in the possession of a specified large investor if SFRs are not sold within 18 months of bill enactment.

Promote the use of transfer tax revenue and deduction tax savings to fund the Housing Trust Fund, which enables affordable housing construction and preservation.

The bill makes exceptions for mom-and-pop landlords, housing providers that participate in federal affordable housing programs, nonprofits and developers committed to building and supplying affordable single-family homes to owner occupiers in the American housing market.

For the full text of the bill, click here.

Cosponsors: Representatives Chris Deluzio, Katie Porter, Mark Takano, Raúl M. Grijalva, Maxwell Alejandro Frost, Barbara Lee, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Jonathan L. Jackson.

Endorsing groups: California Democratic Renters Council, Churches United For Fair Housing, Consumer Action, Destination: Home, National Coalition for the Homeless, Private Equity Stakeholder Project, Sacramento Regional Coalition to End Homelessness.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2024/10/fitzpatrick-delivers-727-000-to-modernize-emergency-services-and-strengthen-bucks-county-public-safety,"Fitzpatrick Delivers $727,000 to Modernize Emergency Services and Strengthen Bucks County Public Safety",2024-10-25,2024,2024-10,Republican,House,PA,Brian K. Fitzpatrick,F000466,fitzpatrick.house.gov,fitzpatrick,https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Langhorne, PA – Today, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) announced a major victory for the Bucks County community, securing $727,000 in Community Project Funding (CPF) for Bucks County Emergency Services to modernize and enhance critical technology services. This federal investment, part of the FY24 Consolidated Appropriations Act, was championed by Fitzpatrick as part of a broader effort to direct federal resources to key projects and programs that directly benefit Pennsylvania’s 1st Congressional District.

Through the Community Project Funding Request process for the 118th Congress, which was included in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, Fitzpatrick successfully secured more than $27.5 million in funding for 14 transformative community projects that will directly benefit First District constituents. Additionally, Fitzpatrick secured over $19 million in CPF Funding for 13 projects in FY23 and over $6.6 million in CPF funding for 10 projects in FY22.

Bucks County’s public safety programs, including its Emergency Services and Sheriff’s Office, depend on state-of-the-art technologies to operate efficiently and respond effectively to emergencies. Thanks to Fitzpatrick’s leadership in securing this funding, police, fire, and emergency medical services across 117 departments will replace 5,100 outdated portable radio batteries and chargers, ensuring seamless communication in critical situations. Furthermore, the introduction of body-worn cameras will enhance officer safety, promote accountability, and build trust between law enforcement and the community they serve. These upgrades signify essential advancements in life-saving services and strengthen the vital bond between officers and residents, ensuring a public safety framework that is robust, transparent, and responsive.

“PA-1 is home to some of the finest first responders in our nation. These courageous heroes put their lives on the line every day to safeguard our community, and it is my steadfast commitment to ensure they have the resources necessary for their vital work. This initiative represents a significant advancement in that mission, enhancing their safety and, by extension, the safety of our entire community. By modernizing our emergency services, we are equipping our first responders to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow, solidifying our dedication to a safer Bucks County for all. said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1).

""Transparency and accountability are critical for building community trust in the offices that serve them. This grant will help to ensure transparency not only in the Bucks County Sheriff's Office, but also in the Department of Corrections and the Bucks County Public Safety Department,"" said Fred Harran, Bucks County Sheriff.

More on Modernizing the Bucks County Public Safety Programs:

This project ensures that our agencies can focus on their vital work with the assurance that they have access to reliable and advanced technologies that not only enhance their safety on the job but promote transparency within our community.

Key components include:

Upgrading technology to maintain swift and effective communication between first responders in Bucks County Emergency Services to ensure that these heroes can promptly correspond in timely or dangerous situations.

Elevated transparency between our police officers and community members through the implementation of body worn cameras, which are critical in sustaining a strong level of trust between these agencies and the individuals they serve.

Enhancing community safety by more effectively answering calls of distress and assisting both promptly and successfully.

Learn More About Additional Community Projects Congressman Has Secured Critical Funding for:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2024/10/tigran-gambaryan-released-second-detainee-released-following-fitzpatrick-visit,Tigran Gambaryan Released: Second Detainee Released Following Fitzpatrick Visit,2024-10-25,2024,2024-10,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-1), Chairman of the National Intelligence Subcommittee of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and Member of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, issued the following statement following the release of U.S. citizen Tigran Gambaryan on humanitarian grounds, who had been imprisoned by the Nigerian government for the past eight months.

In a statement, Fitzpatrick said:

""Today marks a long-overdue victory for justice and freedom. The release of Tigran Gambaryan comes as a profound relief for his family, his loved ones, and all of us who fought for his return.

The injustices Tigran endured over the last eight months cannot become the standard for our U.S. nationals detained while abroad. We must stand firm against human rights abuses and ensure that no U.S. citizen is ever deprived of legal counsel or subjected to unjust imprisonment.

While Tigran’s health has suffered, he is now where he belongs—home, surrounded by family. We pray for him on his road to recovery. Although we celebrate this victory justice, our work continues until every American citizen held wrongfully detained abroad is brought home.”

This July, Congressman Fitzpatrick led a weeklong series of critical and successful intelligence meetings in Liberia, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Germany.

During the trip, Fitzpatrick met with Tigran Gambaryan, as well as Congolese Officials to advocate for the release of another American. Acting as a surrogate in negotiations, Fitzpatrick saw through the successful release of the detained U.S. citizen from DRC custody on Friday, July 19th.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z