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://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsarticles?ContentRecord_id=6393F1C3-85F1-4E2E-AE1F-9167144E2017,Washington Post: Alexander seeks to stay the course of bipartisanship in his final Senate stretch,2018-12-29,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"In baseball, .400 puts you in the Hall of Fame. Alexander declined to single out any colleagues who stayed too long in the Senate, but it's clear that had an impact on his decision. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) won a seventh Senate term in 2014, at the age of 77, and earlier this year had to retire amid a physical and mental decline. Sen. Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah) won a seventh term in 2012, at 78, and decided to retire this year. Lately he has struggled to articulate some points, leading to staff statements more fully describing his thoughts. Alexander, in fine health, did not want to risk tainting his reputation. Another term was an eight-year commitment, he said two years to run for reelection and six years to serve out the term. At that point, he would be 86. He has known McConnell for decades, but he only hinted to the leader months ago that he would likely retire. The two men did not seek each other's advice about their own futures. It's such a personal decision, Alexander said. As of now, McConnell, 76, is running hard for a seventh term which would end when he is 84. Alexander wasn't afraid of a challenge from a hard-line conservative in a GOP primary. I actually like defeating evil forces where I can find them in politics, Alexander said. That's about as intemperate as Alexander will ever sound, which makes him an outlier in this political era of shouting into the winds of cable news and social media. But that style has made him indispensable inside the Senate, where some things have not changed. It's still based on relationships, he said. Alexander, a former Tennessee governor who twice ran for president, built strong enough relationships early in his Senate career to climb to the No. 3 post in leadership. But he voluntarily jumped off the leadership ladder in 2012 so that he could refashion himself as an across-the-aisle dealmaker. He worked with Schumer on easing the cumbersome process for confirming presidential nominees and then spent the past four years chairing the Senate's Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. There, he racked up a series of big legislative wins with a Democratic partner, Sen. Patty Murray of Washington. The duo rewrote elementary and high school education laws, won approval for a major medical research bill, and crafted a massive package to fight opioid abuse. Alexander remains optimistic because of these accomplishments. He had his staff print Split Screen TV cards: One side has a picture of Supreme Court Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh and the timeline of his bitter confirmation process, the other a list of bipartisan bills that won approval over those five weeks. The list includes a bill protecting songwriters' rights that is near and dear to the classic and country pianist's heart. This is where you find me, Alexander said, pointing to the side with accomplishments. That's why I'm not in the news all the time. I'm not over here, I'm over here. But the Kavanaugh confirmation consumed American politics and drowned out public recognition of Alexander's bipartisan work. Just as those hearings started in September, Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) returned as an interim replacement for the late senator John McCain. It's like I'm parachuting into a war zone, Kyl, who had served three terms in the Senate and then retired at the end of 2012, said in a recent interview. He said the Senate is very different than it was just six years ago. Experiences like the Kavanaugh confirmation and now the partial government shutdown make it harder for people like Alexander to do their work. Each time that it happens, it's a little harder to bounce back, Kyl said. Alexander has two years to prove Kyl wrong. While overcoming a tough primary challenge in 2014, Alexander told the story of two famous Tennesseans who went to Texas to fight for independence: Davy Crockett and Sam Houston. Crockett is celebrated for his bravery at the Alamo, but Mexican troops slaughtered those Texans. Houston retreated to higher ground and later defeated Antonio Lpez de Santa Anna's army and won independence for Texas. Alexander has Houston's walking stick hanging in his office. He wants Republicans to think more like the first governor of Texas and less like Crockett. He's just not sure which side will win in the long run. Crockett and Houston were both brave. Houston was more judicious, he said, pausing to consider the metaphor. Although, Crockett's more celebrated really among popular culture.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/criticizing-trumps-government-shutdown,Criticizing Trump's Government Shutdown,2018-12-28,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,TN,Steve Cohen,C001068,cohen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friend, This week, the federal government remained partially shutdown by an unnecessary demand by the President for funding for a border wall. In addition to pushing back against the Trump shutdown, I met with constituents and went on CNN to emphasize the need for overdue oversight of the Trump administration, announced a grant for Early Head Start programs at Porter-Leath, expressed concern at the death of a second child migrant in U.S. custody this month, and offered a holiday health tip about getting enough sleep. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me onTwitterandFacebookto see more updates as they happen. Criticizing Trump's Government Shutdown Talking Future Oversight of Trump Administration on CNNAnnouncing $2.3 million Early Head Start Grant to Porter-LeathExpressingConcernat a Second Death of a Child Migrant in U.S. CustodyAppearing on MSNBC on SundayOffering U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Signing Up for Congress On Your Corner and this e-Newsletter Weekly Health Tip Quote of the Week Criticizing Trump's Government Shutdown This week, for the third time in Trump's presidency, portions of the federal government shut down. This time it was because of Trump's 11thhour demand for a border wallthat the President said Mexico would pay for, not taxpayers.As he boasted how proud he was to shut down the government,I spoke out against it. The public deserves and expects the programs and services it pays for to stay open and work. I will continue to work to reopen the government, and get federal employees back to work for the American people. Talking Future Oversight of Trump Administration on CNN On Wednesday, I went on CNN with Dana Bash who asked me about oversight of the Trump administrationafterDemocrats take the Majority in the House on January 3. I told her oversight is a basic duty of Congress that has been neglected during the past two years and that that will change in the year ahead. See theinterview here. Announcing $2.3 million Early Head Start Grant to Porter-Leath On Thursday, I announced that Porter-Leathwill be receiving a $2,330,982 Early Head Start grant from the Department of Health and Human Services Head Start Office. Early Head Start helps at-risk children under three years old develop the skills they need to give them and their families a shot at the American Dream. I was pleased to announce this important grant funding is heading to Memphis.I appreciate the outstanding work Mike Warr and his staff do at Porter-Leath. ExpressingConcernat a Second in-Custody Death of a Child Migrant On Christmas Eve,an8-year-old Guatemalan boy, Felipe Gomez Alonzo, died while in U.S. custody. This follows the death ofa7-year-old Guatemalan girl,Jakelin Caal Maquin,earlier this month. While I understand the necessity of border patrol stations,I am concerned that these overcrowded stations are unhealthy to the point of death. AfterJakelin'sdeath, I wrote to Secretary of Homeland SecurityKirstjenNielsen urging her to take immediate steps to end the policy of deterring migrants from applying for asylum at ports of entry which has led these desperate asylum seekers to attempt crossings at dangerous areas. Asylum is a human right and people seeking it must be protected. I will continue to support oversight of the Department of Homeland Security and seek answers about how these unfortunate deaths occurred. Appearing on MSNBC on Sunday On Sunday, I'll join MSNBC's Frances Rivera in the noon hour in Memphisto talk about theongoing government shutdown, the border wall and the new Congress that convenes January 3. Offering U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars My office has a limited number of 2019 U.S. Capitol Historical Society calendars available. If you would like to receive a calendar, pleasecomplete this formon my website. Due to the rules of the House, I can mail calendars only to residents of Tennessee's 9thCongressional District. Please feel free to share this email with other residents of the 9thDistrict who may be interested in receiving one but who do not receive my e-Newsletter. Signing Up for Congress On Your Corner and this e-Newsletter I enjoy meeting regularly with constituents in the district and helping get answers for them to questions about dealing with federal agencies. If you are interested in attending one of my Congress on Your Corner events, you can sign uphereto receive notification as soon as the next event is scheduled. For those who haven't participated in a telephone town hall, it's easy to sign up for them by usingthis form. If you would like to receive this weekly e-Newsletter, or share it with others, you can do that withthis form. Weekly Health Tip According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),getting enough sleep is not a luxury; it's a necessity for maintaining good health and avoiding mistakes and injuries.See the CDC's sleep guidelines and recommendationshere. Quote of the Week I've been in politics over 50 years in a number of positions and working under nine presidents. I've never seen a situation like this, in which almost every important area that is key to this country is confronting crisis. Former Defense Secretary, CIA Director, Budget Director and Member of Congress Leon Panetta on Fox News Sunday. As 2018 draws to an end, I wish all my constituents and friends a very happy 2019. The new year looks to be full of promise. As always, I remain Most sincerely, Steve Cohen Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=A7D3A133-078D-4BAC-B9AA-278F4DBC74B9,Alexander: Mercury Rule Has Kept Tennessees Air Clean,2018-12-28,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"MARYVILLE, Tenn.,December 28,2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said the Mercury Rule is important to help keep Tennessee's air clean. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today released a proposed rule to revise regulations related to the Mercury Rule. Ever since being elected to the Senate, I have worked to clean up our aircleaner air means better jobs as well as better health for Tennesseans,Alexander said.The Mercury Rule, which was finalized in 2012, required utilities to install pollution control equipment to reduce emissions of mercury and hazardous air pollutants in order to keep our air, waters and streams cleanwhich has been good for our state and its economy. I will review the Trump Administration's proposed rule in the coming weeks to determine its potential impact on Tennessee. The Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (the Mercury Rule) was finalized in February 2012 to reduce emissions of toxic air pollutants from power plants. In June 2012, Alexandervoted to supportthe Mercury Rule on the Senate floor. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-list?ContentRecord_id=DBFE6666-2B3C-4EFD-A346-21293A6E0C8C,Corker Announces Portman Will Lead Congressional Efforts to End Modern Slavery Worldwide,2018-12-28,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Bob Corker,C001071,www.corker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON As his time in Congress comes to a close, U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today announced that Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) will take the helm of congressional efforts to combat modern slavery and human trafficking worldwide. For years, Senator Portman has been a champion in Congress in the fight against human trafficking here at home, and I can think of no one better to take up the mantle in the global fight against this scourge on humanity as I depart the Senate, said Corker. With passage of the End Modern Slavery Initiative Act and launch of the Global Fund to End Modern Slavery, we have made great progress in this fight, but much more work remains. While I plan to continue to play a role in this fight as a private citizen, I am incredibly grateful that Rob has agreed to take the helm in Congress to ensure this important work continues as we strive to end modern slavery once and for all. I am honored that Senator Corker has entrusted me with this role and I want to thank him for his tireless and courageous efforts to combat this horrific crime around the globe, said Portman. Over the past decade we have made progress but there is much more to do both in the U.S. and in other countries to help end this scourge once and for all. BACKGROUND: More than 27 million people are enslaved around the world, more than at any time in history. While U.S. government agencies and non-profit organizations have taken significant steps to end this scourge on humanity, much more work remains. Recognizing the United States could not meet this challenge alone, three years ago, Senator Corker proposed a bold, bipartisan initiative to end modern slavery and human trafficking worldwide. Not unlike the role PEPFAR has played in fighting AIDS across the globe, the End Modern Slavery Initiative Act was designed to leverage limited foreign aid dollars and galvanize tremendous support and investment from the public sector, philanthropic organizations, and the private sector to focus resources responsibly where the crime is most prevalent. With broad support from countless individuals, organizations, and faith-based institutions, authorizing legislation for the End Modern Slavery Initiative was included in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2017 (NDAA), which overwhelmingly passed the Senate on December 8, 2016 and was signed into law by the president soon after. Passage led to the creation of the Global Fund to End Modern Slavery (GFEMS), a non-profit, grant-making foundation in the District of Columbia that is funding programs and projects outside of the United States that will: Contribute to the freeing and sustainable recovery of victims of modern slavery, prevent individuals from being enslaved, and enforce laws to punish individual and corporate perpetrators of modern slavery; Set clear, defined goals and outcomes that can be empirically measured; and Seek to achieve a measurable 50 percent reduction of modern slavery in the areas the foundation operates. The foundation seeks to raise $1.5 billion over the next decade, more than 80 percent of which will come through matching funds from the private sector and foreign governments. To date, more than $105 million has been contributed to the fund, including: $46 million from the U.S. State Department (September 14, 2017) $25 million from the United Kingdom (September 19, 2017) $25 million from a private donor $11.6 million from Norway (December 18, 2018) Progress of the fund's success will be tracked against baseline data with a goal of achieving a 50 percent reduction in modern slavery in the areas where the fund is working. Projects that fail to meet goals will be suspended or terminated. The foundation is required to comply with the Government Accountability Office's mandate to conduct financial audits and program evaluations. During his time in the Senate, Portman has authored six federal anti-trafficking laws designed to better serve victims and help law enforcement end this crime including most recently the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act (SESTA). The law, which President Trump signed on April 11, 2018, is helping to curb the explosion of online sex trafficking and give victims the tools they need to hold accountable websites that knowingly facilitate the trafficking of women and children online. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-23-million-early-head-start-grant-porter,Congressman Cohen Announces $2.3 Million Early Head Start Grant for Porter-Leath,2018-12-27,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,TN,Steve Cohen,C001068,cohen.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) announced today that Porter-Leath will be receiving a $2,330,982 Early Head Start grant from the Department of Health and Human Services Head Start Office, and made the following statement: Early Head Start helps at-risk children under three years old develop the necessary skills to give them a shot at the American Dream. I'm pleased to announce this continuing grant funding for Porter-Leath which has helped meet the needs of Memphis' children and their families since 1850.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-applauds-senate-passage-open-book-equal-access-justice,Congressman Cohen Applauds Senate Passage of Open Book on Equal Access to Justice Act,2018-12-26,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,TN,Steve Cohen,C001068,cohen.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON -- Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) applauded today's Senate passage of the Open Book on Equal Access to Justice Act he and Congressman Doug Collins (R-Georgia) introduced last year and passed by the House in February 2017. The measure will increase accountability from federal agencies. TheEqual Access to Justice Act(EAJA) was enacted to bring relief to veterans, retirees, small businesses, and other individuals whose limited resources would prevent them from seeking redress against the government.EAJArequires federal agencies to reimburse plaintiffs for legal fees incurred through suits in which the agency pursued an unsupportable position. Since 1995, federal agencies have not been required to publish records ofEAJAreimbursements or the legal justifications behind them, meaning that the public has no access to how much agencies are paying out and whether the payments are justified. TheOpen Book on Equal Access to Justice Actwould bring transparency to theEAJAprocess by requiring the Administrative Conference of the United States to maintain an online database that makesEAJAdata from every federal agency available to the public and to Congress, which has oversight over government spending. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: I thank the Senate for passing this important piece of legislation and thank Representative Collins for his steadfast effort to help us get it through the House. Americans have a right to know what their government is doing, and their government has a duty to be as transparent as possible.Without adequate reporting, citizens' rights cannot be fully protected, and the government risks failing in its duty to its people. I am pleased that the Senate saw the wisdom in joining the House in this important reform that calls for the government to reopen its books to help ensure that all Americans have access to this information.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=2E35F537-A1A1-4900-A804-1A8F0004AB12,"Alexander: Shutdown Is a Failure of Negotiators, Both Democrat and Republican",2018-12-25,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"A government shutdown should be as off limits in budget negotiations as chemical weapons are inwarfare.- Lamar Alexander NASHVILLE, Tenn., December 25, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement: I want to make sure Tennesseans know, as I have said from itsbeginning, that I believe there is no excuse whatsoever for this partial government shutdown.When the government shut down under President Obama, I said that I was elected to make the government work for taxpayers, not to shut it down.The same is true under President Trump.This shutdown wastes taxpayer dollars, adds uncertainty to the economy and hurts small businesses around our national parks. A government shutdown should be as off limits inbudget negotiations as chemical weapons are inwarfare.This shutdown is a failure by negotiators, both Democrat and Republican,and will produce a success for no one. On December 22, as the federal government was being partially shut down, Sen. Alexander said: Senator Lamar Alexander Statement on Partial Government Shutdown WASHINGTON,December 22, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement on the partial government shutdown: There is no excuse for even a short-term, partial government shutdown. Shutting down the government should be as off limits to budget negotiations as chemical weapons are to warfare. I was not for a government shutdown under President Obama. I'm not for a government shutdown under President Trump. I was not elected to shut down the government, I was elected to make it work for taxpayers.This is a complete failure of negotiations and a success for no one. In 2015, when the government was shut down under President Obama, Sen. Alexander said: Shutting the government down as a way of expressing opposition to Planned Parenthood or any other contentious issue is not the right thing to do. The U.S. Congress is in the business of dealing with contentious issues. If we shut down the government every time a contentious issue came up, the government would never be open. We were not elected to shut down the government. We were elected to make the government work for the benefit of taxpayers who sent us here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://fleischmann.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-fleischmann-government-shutdown,STATEMENT: Fleischmann on Government Shutdown,2018-12-22,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,"Charles J. ""Chuck"" Fleischmann",F000459,fleischmann.house.gov,fleischmann,https://fleischmann.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) issued the following statement in response to the partial government shutdown: ""I will never be in favor of a government shutdown. The House took action to prevent a shutdown over border security, and it is a shame the Senate did not follow suit. As Members of Congress, we have a responsibility to fund the government and we also have a duty to protect the American people. These two priorities should never be contradictory to one another. The time is now for Senate Democrats to come to the table and provide the border security funding America needs."" The following information is courtesy of the House Committee on Appropriations: The lapse in appropriations affects 25 percent of the federal government, including funding for the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Justice, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Treasury, State, and Homeland Security, as well as the Food and Drug Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the federal judiciary, and other related government programs. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z https://roe.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398419,Roe Statement on Government Shutdown,2018-12-22,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Phil Roe,R000582,roe.house.gov,,,legacy,"Roe Statement on Government Shutdown f t # e Washington, December 22, 2018 WASHINGTON D.C. Today, Rep. Phil Roe, M.D. (R-TN) released the following statement on the government shutdown: No one wants to see the government shut down. On Thursday, I proudly supported legislation to continue funding the remaining government agencies, provide an additional $5 billion to construct a wall at our southern border and provide $7.8 billion in disaster relief. The president's request for funding for a wall on our southern border is entirely reasonable and necessary for our security. I hope the Senate and House Democrats will work in good faith to come together with the president and work out their differences as soon as possible so we can end this shutdown. Note: Currently the government is partially funded through Fiscal Year 2019. Funding has already been signed into law through September 30, 2019 for the following departments: Department of Defense, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Education, Department of Labor, Department of Energy, Legislative Branch, and Department of Veterans Affairs. The remaining departments and agencies were funded by a continuing resolution which expired at midnight on December 21. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=3EA8F94C-B7CA-4DB0-8D40-5BB66E6D28B8,Senator Lamar Alexander Statement on Partial Government Shutdown,2018-12-22,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON,December 22, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement on the partial government shutdown: There is no excuse for even a short-term, partial government shutdown. Shutting down the government should be as off limits to budget negotiations as chemical weapons are to warfare. I was not for a government shutdown under President Obama. I'm not for a government shutdown under President Trump. I was not elected to shut down the government, I was elected to make it work for taxpayers.This is a complete failure of negotiations and a success for no one. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/expressing-my-concern-about-more-bad-decisions-impulsive-president,Expressing My Concern about More Bad Decisions by an Impulsive President,2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,TN,Steve Cohen,C001068,cohen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friend, This week, I grew even more concerned about our erratic President and his sudden and reckless decisions on withdrawing troops from Syriathat resulted in the Defense Secretary quitting, and his insistence on a $5 billion border wall that, as I write, has us approaching another partial government shutdown.I also saw our Stop, Observe, Ask and Respond (SOAR) to Health and Wellness Training Act passed by both the House and Senate, planned for my January 18 District Issues Meeting, voted for a significant criminal justice reform bill that will now become law, questioned the Homeland Security Secretary about the rise in hate crimes,asked Governor Bill Haslam to look at possible clemency fora juvenile victim of sex trafficking, praised Senator Lamar Alexander's long service to our state following his announcement that he will retire in 2020, and offered a health tip about drinking and driving during the holidays. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me onTwitterandFacebookto see more updates as they happen. Expressing Concern aboutMore Bad Decisions by an Impulsive President Passing the SOAR Act Holding a District Issues Meeting January 18 Passing the First Step Act Questioning Homeland Security Secretary about Hate Crimes Asking Governor Haslam to Consider Clemency forCyntoiaBrown Praising Senator Alexander for his Service Offering U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Weekly Health Tip Quote of the Week Expressing Concern aboutMore Bad Decisions by an Impulsive President This week we faced more alarminglyimpulsivedecisions by President Trump. After indicating he would support a bipartisan compromise to keep the government open, he suddenly reversed course, and now, as I write this, it appears we may be heading for a partial governmentshutdown. Even more alarming, the President surprised our allies, Republican members of Congress and even his own advisors byannouncing that ISIS had been defeated and that he would hastily withdraw American troops from Syria.The move was so alarming, Defense Secretary Mattis announced his resignation. The only person happy about the move seems to be Russian President Vladimir Putin. I will continue to work to ensure that America works with our allies to protect our nation's citizens from ISIS and all other threats. Passing the SOAR Act On Thursday, I voted for and the House passed my Stop, Observe, Ask and Respond (SOAR) to Health and Wellness Training Act addressing human trafficking.This followed Senate passage earlier in the week. The SOAR Act was inspired byan event for front-line health and public safety officials at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center two years ago, and will go a long way toward combatting human trafficking.See my press release about ithere. Holding a District Issues Meeting January 18 My district staff and I will be hosting my annual District Issues Meeting on January 18 between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. at the Clifford Davis/Odell Horton Federal Building, 167 North Main, Suite 369.I look forwardto hearing from you and updating you on my work for the 9thCongressionalDistrict. Passing the First Step Act On Thursday, the Housefollowed the Senate in passingthe First Step Act, the first major criminal justice reform measure in a long time, and one that will shorten sentences for nonviolent drug offenders, give judges more latitude to work around mandatory sentences where appropriate, and allow offenders who were sentenced before Congress reduced the disparity between penalties for crack and powder cocaine in 2010 to petition to have their cases re-evaluated for possible sentence reductions. I have long championed these causes and will be pleased to see these reforms implemented. See my press release about ithere. Questioning Homeland Security Secretary about Hate Crimes On Thursday, I questioned Homeland Security SecretaryKirstjenNielsen about the President's sudden, reckless and dangerous declaration that ISIS had been defeated and decision to withdraw American troops from Syria and discovered she had not been consulted beforehand. I also asked her about the President's use of racial, ethnic and anti-Semitic dog whistle and code words and whether they have contributed to the rise in hate crimes. See ourexchange here. Asking Governor Haslam to Consider Clemency forCyntoiaBrown This week,Shelby County Commission Chairman Van Turner and Commissioners Willie Brooks, Tami Sawyer and Mikell Lowery and state Senator Katrina Robinson this week soughtclemency forCyntoiaBrown, a juvenile victim of sex trafficking.Last week,I wrote a letterasking Governor Bill Haslam to consider Ms. Brown's case forclemency and released the letter on Wednesday.See my press release about ithere. Praising Senator Alexander for his Service On Monday, Senator Lamar Alexander announced he would retire in 2020. It has been my pleasure to have a fine working relationship with Senator Alexander in Congress as well as when he was Governor. We have partnered often to the benefit of Tennessee. I worked with then-Governor Alexander as a state senator on the Tennessee State Scenic Highway legislation and, in Congress, on the 21st Century Cures Act which delivered important resources to the National Institutes of Health for medical research, particularly on Alzheimer's. I look forward to continuing to work with him over the next two years. I know he is looking forward to spending more time with his wife Honey and his wonderful family, and wish him well. Offering U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars My office has a limited number of 2019 U.S. Capitol Historical Society calendars available. If you would like to receive a calendar, pleasecomplete this formon my website. Due to the rules of the House, I can mail calendars only to residents of Tennessee's 9thCongressional District. Please feel free to share this email with other residents of the 9thDistrict who may be interested in receiving one but who do not receive my e-Newsletter. Signing Up for Congress On Your Corner and this e-Newsletter I enjoy meeting regularly with constituents in the district and helping get answers for them to questions about dealing with federal agencies. If you are interested in attending one of my Congress on Your Corner events, you can sign uphereto receive notification as soon as the next event is scheduled. For those who haven't participated in a telephone town hall, it's easy to sign up for them by usingthis form. If you would like to receive this weekly e-Newsletter, or share it with others, you can do that withthis form. Weekly Health Tip With holiday season upon us, many of us will be going to Christmas, New Year's Eve and other festivities where drinks are served. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests you save yourself and many others a lot of grief by designating a sober driver to take you home. See its advicehere. Quote of the Week My views on treating allies with respect and also being clear-eyed about both malign actors and strategic competitors are strongly held and informed by over four decades of immersion in these issues. We must do everything possible to advance an international order that is most conducive to our security, prosperity and values, and we are strengthened in this effort by the solidarity of our alliances. -- Secretary of Defense James Mattis in his letter of resignation Thursday. I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! As always, I remain Most Sincerely, Steve Cohen Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=4AB7909D-E7B4-4859-AF69-59FE16BD70BF,"Alexander: If the Senate Doesnt Follow Its Own Rules, How Can We Expect Americans to Follow the Rules We Write?",2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, December 21, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) defended the legislative filibuster tonight on the Senate floor saying, We are a nation that prizes the rule of law. How can we expect Americans to follow the rules when their number one rule making institution, the United States Senate, will not follow its own rules? This is a country that prizes the rule of lawI've heard President Trump say that, and I've heard President Obama say that. I've heard most of us say that, and I would ask if we don't follow our own rules, why would we expect the American people to follow the rules that we write? We are the main rule-writing organization in the United States, and we ought to follow our own rules. Alexander continued: When we didn't and used the so-called nuclear option in 2013, a democratic senator who is greatly respected, Senator Carl Levin, said a Senatein which a majority can always change the rules is a Senate without any rules.' A Senate in which the majority can always change the rules without following the rules is like a football game where the home team can say, if you gain nine yards, that's a first down or if you make a three-point shot, they count it as four points. That's not the rule of law. Alexander concluded: I want to put a stop to this practice of the Senate breaking its rules to change its rules.I will not vote to turn the Senate into a rule-breaking institution, and I hope that my colleagues will not either. Senator Alexander inserted into the Congressional Record an April 2017 letter to Senate leadership led by Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Senator Chris Coons (D-Delaware) that was signed by 61 Senators29 Republicans and 32 Democratswhich said: We are mindful of the unique role the Senate plays in the legislative process and we are steadfastly committed to ensuring that this great American institution continues to serve as the world's greatest deliberative body. Therefore, we are asking you to join us in opposing any effort to curtail the existing rights and prerogatives of Senators to engage in full, robust, and extended debate as we consider legislation before this body in the future. Watch Senator Alexander's floor remarks here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=7BD95936-CF3B-4554-AF1D-02F38816DBE0,Alexander Statement on Senate Filibuster,2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, December 21, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement on the Senate filibuster: In 1978, a young conservative Republican senator, Orrin Hatch of Utah, used six legislative filibusters to block the number one objective of American labor unionsone that would have forever changed the rights of employers and employeeseven though there was a Democrat President, 292 Democrat House members and 62 Democrat Senators. The legislative filibusterthe requirement that it takes 60 votes to pass major legislationprotects the minority, and for most of the last 70 years, conservatives and Republicans have been in the minority. Since World War II, Democrats have controlled the Presidency and both houses of Congress for 22 years; Republicans have had such complete control for only 8 years. We are a nation that prizes the rule of law. How can we expect Americans to follow the rules when their number one rule making institution, the U.S. Senate, will not follow its own rules? When Democrats used the nuclear option in 2013 to break the Senate rules in order to change the rules, Democrat Senator Carl Levin of Michigan said, A senate majority that can change the rules anytime it wishes, is a Senate without any rules.' It is like allowing the home team to change the rules in the middle of the game, saying a nine yard gain is a first down, or a three point shot counts for four. We have rules to follow. I want to put a stop to this practice of the Senate breaking its rules to change its rules.I will not vote to turn the Senate into a rule-breaking institution and I hope that my colleagues will not. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=F8FCE036-FB67-4F86-989F-7BA9550C5EB9,"Alexander: New Law Will Help Improve Justice System, Reform Prisons",2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON,December 21, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement after President Trump signed theFirstStepAct, bipartisan prison reform legislation he cosponsored that was introduced by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa): This new law will help improve the federal criminal justice system and reform federal prisons. Senator Grassley, working with the Trump Administration, has led this important legislation to takefirststeps to help non-violent offenders re-enter their communities and reduce the likelihood that they would commit another crime. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-list?ContentRecord_id=0E280A38-D892-4916-A5AE-F780F5A60704,"Corker, Menendez Praise House Passage of Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act",2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Bob Corker,C001071,www.corker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Legislation Strengthens U.S. Global Leadership in Fight to End Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today praised House passage of legislation that strengthens U.S. global leadership in the fight to end modern slavery and human trafficking. The Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2017, which amends and reauthorizes international provisions of the Trafficking Victims Protect Act, will modify the criteria for determining whether countries are meeting the minimum standards for eliminating trafficking, highlight the importance of foreign governments taking concrete actions to abolish trafficking, and extend authorizations for U.S. programs to combat trafficking, including the State Department's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP). The legislation, which passed the Senate earlier this week, now awaits the president's signature before becoming law. Our collective efforts to place the U.S. at the forefront of the global movement to end modern slavery have the potential to positively impact the lives of millions throughout the world who suffer in bondage, said Corker. Now on its way to being signed into law, this legislation will enhance accountability by requiring governments to show concrete action based on credible evidence to stop human trafficking. This scourge on humanity knows no borders or boundaries, and as I leave the Senate, I will remain committed to supporting U.S. and global initiatives to end modern slavery once and for all. Passage of this bill ensures that the United States remains a strong, credible leader in the global fight to end human trafficking, said Menendez. After years of political manipulation of the State Department's Trafficking in Persons Report, the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act makes clear that Congress, on a bipartisan basis, will not allow the report to be politically manipulated ever again. Now more than ever, America must continue to lead the world in advocating for justice, freedom, and human rights. As co-author of the TVPRA, I am proud that Congress is finally reasserting that leadership. In 2015, Corker proposed a bold, bipartisan initiative, cosponsored by Menendez, to end modern slavery worldwide that became law in 2016 and now operates as the Global Fund to End Modern Slavery (GFEMS). The GFEMS is designed to leverage limited foreign aid dollars and galvanize tremendous support and investment from the public sector, philanthropic organizations and the private sector to fund projects and organizations around the world working to end modern slavery where it is most prevalent. With support from the administration, the U.S. made a $25 million contribution to the fund in 2017, which attracted a matching donation from the United Kingdom and other private funds. Norway became the most recent country to contribute, announcing a 100 million kroner ($11.6 million USD) contribution this week. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://black.house.gov/media/in-the-news/fight-life-will-continue-no-matter-what-challenges-lie-ahead-dc,Op-ed: The Fight for Life Will Continue No Matter What Challenges Lie Ahead in DC,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Diane Black,B001273,black.house.gov,,,legacy,"Editor's note: This column was co-authored by Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of theSusan B. Anthony List. Over the last few decades, advances in science and medical technology have given us a window into the womb. Through ultrasounds, doctors monitor the movements and heartbeats of babies at their earliest stages, and parents can see their child breathing, kicking, wiggling their toes, and stretching their arms. A growing body of medical studies tells us that at least by 20 weeks or 140 days of gestation, a baby responds to stimulation because the brain can receive pain signals. Long before that 20-week mark, a baby has a beating heart and their eyes, ears, and nose have begun to take shape. At 17 weeks, joints and bones are starting to harden and the skeleton is forming. At just 10 weeks, a baby's tiny limbs can bend and move with nails beginning to grow. Abortion brutally destroys a developing child each one unique and special from the moment of conception. This is simply a scientific reality that compels us to fight for the protection of every unborn life, to ensure each child is welcomed and protected under the law. We've made strides lately on Capitol Hill as the House of Representatives voted to end late-term abortions by passing the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act and mandated that doctors give the same care to a child who survives an abortion as they would for a child born any other way by passing the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act but we still have a long way to go. The radical status quo in the United States is still legal abortion on demand through birth, and taxpayers are forced to prop up the abortion industry. The new pro-abortion House majority, led by Nancy Pelosi, threatens to stymie and even undo the progress we've made. We must fight to overcome this setback not getting discouraged, continuing to expose the cruelty of abortion and show the way of true compassion. The good news is that when the American people are educated about the extreme agenda of the abortion lobby, they overwhelmingly reject it. Recently, an ad supporting Planned Parenthood, America's largest abortion business, has surfaced depicting a smiling, giggling baby girl who, the script says, deserves to be loved and then she's labeled a choice, an expendable life. This blatant disregard for humanity is despicable, and yet, Planned Parenthood continues to receive billions of taxpayer dollars in the name of health care. Earlier this year, a report released by the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office (GAO) showed that more than $1.5 billion in tax dollars went to abortion businesses over a three-year period between 2013-2015. We need legislators and grassroots activists working together to end this abuse of taxpayer funding. You'll hear Planned Parenthood also frequently argue that their battle is about restoring a woman's right to their bodies and their health, as though anyone who believes that unborn children should not be killed hates women and wants to inflict suffering. As women, we know that could not be further from the truth. Let's be clear: abortion is not family planning, it's family destruction, and the lies coming from the big abortion industry are devastating. Our hearts break for the millions of lives cut short in the name of empowerment and they also break for women facing unimaginable circumstances with very few resources. Empowering women does not mean giving them one option and sending them out the door when they feel hopeless. Empowering women means loving them through every stage of life and supporting them so they know they are not alone. There are more than 2,750 life-affirming pregnancy centers and thousands of community health care providers across our nation that offer women and families the assistance they need to give life rather than take it away. We are seeing the next generation of men and women rise up to fight for dignity, restoration, and truth unlike ever before; because of this, we believe that we are on the verge of returning our society to a culture of life. This past election cycle, Susan B. Anthony List had more than 1,100 canvassers many of them students and young adults on the ground in nine states, talking to their neighbors, educating them about the importance of voting to protect the most vulnerable. To these young people, we say keep fighting for truth. Let's work together to ensure that every child has the right to live as we compassionately come to the table with science and truth on our side to change hearts and minds. Though we face challenges over the next few years in Washington, D.C., the next generation of leaders is eagerly taking up the fight for life all over the country. And for that, we are grateful. Click HERE to view the op-ed originally published byTownhall.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-votes-first-step-act,Congressman Cohen Votes for First Step Act,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,TN,Steve Cohen,C001068,cohen.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) voted for the First Step Act, a bipartisan criminal justice reform bill that passed the House today on a 358 to 36 vote after clearing the Senate late Tuesday night. When enacted, the First Step Act will shorten sentences for nonviolent drug offenders, give judges more latitude to work around mandatory sentences where appropriate, and allow offenders who were sentenced before Congress reduced the disparity between penalties for crack and powder cocaine in 2010 to petition to have their cases re-evaluated for possible sentence reductions. It will also enable certain prisoners to participate in evidence-based recidivism reduction programs to earn credits to complete the last portion of their sentence in a residential reentry center or home confinement, and encourage the placement of offenders at prisons closer to their homes where possible. The bill will also prohibit the shackling of pregnant women. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: The First Step Act just that a good first step. It will bring long overdue relief to nonviolent drug offenders who endured unfair, unduly harsh sentences that Congress disavowed in 2010, but failed to make the new law retroactive. It will also enable nonviolent offenders to earn reductions to their time in prison by taking part in programs that will help them become law-abiding citizens when they reenter society, encourage offenders to be placed in facilities closer to their homes, and stop the barbaric practice of shackling pregnant prisoners. More needs to be done to reform our criminal justice system, and I will continue to work to make that happen, but I am grateful Congress has taken this important First Step. Congressman Cohen has long pressed for criminal justice reform, including reforms to bad policies with racially disparate impacts like mandatory minimums for nonviolent drug offenders and differential treatment of crack versus powder cocaine. In 2015, he voted for the Sentencing Reform Act, a bipartisan package of criminal justice reform measures that would have allowed for retroactive application of the Fair Sentencing Act, the 2010 law that reduced the disparity between penalties for crack and powder cocaine. The 2015 bill passed the House, but was not ultimately enacted. In May, Congressman Cohen voted for an earlier, House version of the First Step Act when it was considered by the House Judiciary Committee, with a hope, now realized, that the committee's work would spur the Senate to take action.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/representatives-cohen-kinzinger-cardenas-and-wagner-praise-final-passage,"Representatives Cohen, Kinzinger, Cardenas, and Wagner Praise Final Passage of SOAR Act",2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,TN,Steve Cohen,C001068,cohen.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Congressman Tony Cardenas (D-CA) and Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) praised final passage of the Stop, Observe, Ask and Respond (SOAR) to Health and Wellness Training Program (H.R. 767) today on a 386 to 6 vote, a measure to provide training to health care professionals on identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: I am grateful to my colleagues for helping get this important bill through Congress. I especially want to thank Representatives Ann Wagner, Tony Cardenas andAdam Kinzinger for their tireless efforts. This bill is the result of an event held at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis in 2016 to discuss and promote human trafficking awareness training, attended by first responders, health care workers, faith-based groups, educators and state and local government officials. The energy, encouragement and support of those present inspired me to pursue this legislation. The SOAR Act encourages those on the front lines, our health care professionals, to be alert to possible instances of human trafficking when victims appear in clinics or doctors' offices for needed care. The measure's $4 million a year in training grants for health professionals to identify indicators of tell-tale signs of those who have been or are in captivity could end horrors for thousands of victims. Congresswoman Wagner said: As the lead Republican sponsor on H.R. 767, I worked closely with Congressman Cohen to draft this legislation so that services are better tailored to the needs of trafficking victims and put survivors on the road to recovery. I also worked hand in hand with healthcare providers across the St. Louis region who are leading the effort to assist trafficking victims in local clinics and hospitals. I am so proud of their leadership in establishing trainings and policies to identify and treat victims, and I am delighted that Congress is coming alongside them by passing the SOAR to Health and Wellness Act. Congressman Cardenas said: When I wasa Los Angeles City Councilman, I saw first-hand the danger and heartbreak of human trafficking taking place in our own communities, right under our noses. We need to give healthcare professionals the necessary tools to recognize human trafficking victims amongst their patients, give them the support that they need, and help bring the perpetrators to justice. Though Los Angeles is making progress in eradicating this despicablecrime, we still have so much work to do. I am grateful to my colleagues in the House and the Senate for supporting the SOAR Act, and hope that the President can sign it into law soon so we can save more lives. Congressman Kinzinger said: Hard to imagine, but human trafficking is happening here in the United States, within our communities, and it affects all of us. I'm proud to be a co-lead on H.R. 767, the SOAR Health and Wellness Act, and glad to see it pass the House today. By raising awareness and training our healthcare workers to identify and better care for victims, we can combat this heinous crime and help our most vulnerable. Thank you to my colleagues for their support, especially Representative Cohen, as we work to end human trafficking. The bill passed the Senate early Thursday morning by voice vote.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-announces-tn-05-congressional-app-challenge-winners-0,Cooper Announces TN-05 Congressional App Challenge Winners,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,TN,Jim Cooper,C000754,cooper.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) today announced that two students from Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet High School are this year's Congressional App Challenge winners for Tennessee's 5th Congressional District. The high school juniors are Zavier Miller and Bob Qian. Zavier and Bob used computer programming to create a user-friendly digital scheduling apparatus for students and teachers. They also produced a video that describes the app's inner workings. Each day, students at the winners' school get a block of time to choose and attend one class in which they feel they need extra time or instruction. The winning app provides students an easy way to secure space in desired classes and eliminates a cumbersome paper process. The app also gives teachers a high-tech way to communicate their daily course offerings to students and track student attendance. Zavier and Bob did what Congress should do more often they simplified a complicated process and solved a problem, Rep. Cooper said. Both students clearly have a bright future. Thinking big is what will keep America on top! The Congressional App Challenge is a national effort to encourage students to learn computer programming through annual district-wide competitions hosted by members of Congress. Students participate in technology and math programs, and have the opportunity to create and code. Winning apps will be displayed at the U.S. Capitol. Although the competition has closed for this year, it opens back up in 2019, and all middle and high school students in Tennessee's 5th Congressional District are eligible to participate. The district includes Cheatham, Davidson, and Dickson counties. Click here to learn more about the Congressional App Challenge.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-denounces-trump-s-decision-to-withdraw-american-troops-in-syria-0,Cooper Denounces Trumps Decision to Withdraw American Troops in Syria,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,TN,Jim Cooper,C000754,cooper.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05)today denounced President Trump's decision to withdraw Americantroops from Syria. President Trump's decision to withdraw American troops from Syria is impulsive and irresponsible. National security experts believe ISIS is still a threat, and the removal of our troops will create a power vacuum in the Middle East. We also should not abandon our Kurdish allies who have been working tirelessly beside us in the fight against ISIS, Rep. Cooper said. Revealing our military strategy to everyone in the world, including our enemies, is an avoidable error Trump himself has mocked in the past. The fact that Putin is supportive of this decision should be an indication that it is an alarming idea.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://roe.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398418,President Trump Signs 2018 Farm Bill Into Law,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Phil Roe,R000582,roe.house.gov,,,legacy,"President Trump Signs 2018 Farm Bill Into Law f t # e Washington, December 20, 2018 WASHINGTON D.C. Today, Rep. Phil Roe, M.D. (R-TN) released the following statement after President Trump signed the conference report to H.R. 2, the Farm Bill into law: Much of our nation's greatness is founded on the hard work of the men and women that put in the long hours in order to feed a grateful nation; and I'm pleased to see the 2018 Farm Bill signed into law today. As a representative of rural Tennessee, one of my top priorities is making sure farmers in the First District are able to continue producing. The 2018 Farm Bill does many things, but most importantly it sends the message that America has its farmers backs. I was also pleased, as lead sponsor of the House version, to see the text of the Tennessee Wilderness Act included in the final bill to protect 20,000 acres of land in East Tennessee as federally-protected wilderness. Over the past four years, I've spoken with farmers and agriculture stakeholders to learn about how to better serve farmers in the district, and I am hopeful this legislation will give farmers in East Tennessee the support they need. Note: The conference report to the 2018 Farm Bill passed the House by a vote of 369 to 47 on Wednesday, December 12. This bill includes the language of the Tennessee Wilderness Act, legislation Rep. Phil Roe introduced in the House on April 27, 2017, and Senators Alexander and Corker introduced in the Senate on the same day. This legislation will designate 20,000 acres of the Cherokee National Forest as a wilderness area, to preserve the land with federal protection. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=1DA46DED-93FE-4A33-9760-DA2D48EA90D6,"Chairman Alexander: This Congress, HELP Committee Produced 18 Laws Including Landmark Opioid Legislation to Combat Nations Most Pressing Public Health Crisis",2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, December 20, 2018 U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said, over the last two years, this committee has produced solutions that will have an impact on the lives of virtually every American. Chairman Alexander continued: Most recently, in October, President Trump signed into law what Senate Majority Leader McConnell called landmark' legislation to fight the opioid crisis. President Trump said that this new law is the single largest bill to combat a drug crisis in the history of our country.' That legislation included more than 40 proposals from this committee and contributions from 70 senators, many on this committee. In July, President Trump signed the Perkins CTE Act, which we passed through this committee to strengthen the career and technical education programs that train the skilled workers employers tell us they need. And last August, the president signed into law the FDA user fee agreements that will help bring new drugs and devices to patients more quickly. We have also passed bills such as the PREEMIE Act, to prevent preterm births and reduce infant deaths, and the Childhood Cancer STAR Act, to encourage pediatric cancer research. Those are just a few of the important pieces of legislation this committee has worked on and passed. Alexander concluded: While we have accomplished quite a bit working together this Congress, looking towards next year, there are some things I hope to work on. This includes finding real ways to lower the cost of health care for Americans and updating the Higher Education Act to ensure the education students receive is worth their time and money. The HELP Committee approved 18 bills that are now public law: 1. Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018 Sens. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash) (H.R.6): This bipartisan package of landmark legislation to fight the opioid crisis included more than 40 HELP Committee proposals. It deals with the nation's worst public health challenge by helping to stop deadly fentanyl from coming from China to the United States by mail, finding new non-addictive pain killers, allowing opioids to be dispensed in blister packs, for example a 3- or 7- day supply, and providing more opportunities for treatment. As chairman of the Senate health committee, Senator Alexander was the lead Senate sponsor. When he signed the bill into law, President Trump called it, the single largest bill to combat a drug crisis in the history of our country. 10 key provisions in the legislation: STOP Actto stop illegal drugs, including fentanyl, at the border New non-addictive painkillers, research and fast-track Blister packs for opioids, such as a 3- or 7- day supply Extends support for Medicaid patients seeking treatment from 15 to 30 days, covering all substance use disorders TREAT Actpermanently allows more medical professionals to treat people in recovery to prevent relapses and overdoses Prevent doctor-shopping by improving state prescription drug monitoring programs More behavioral and mental health providers Support for comprehensive opioid recovery centers Help for babies born in opioid withdrawal and for mothers with opioid use disorders More early intervention with vulnerable children who have experienced trauma 2. Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act Sens. Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.) and Bob Casey (D-Penn.) (H.R2353): More than 200,000 students in Tennessee participate in career and technical education programs. This new law updates a nearly $1.2 billion federal program of grants to states that help fund the programs that train the workers we need, for example, a high school student looking to become a computer coder, or an adult going back to school to learn about commercial construction. 3. FDA Reauthorization Act of 2017 Sens. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.) (H.R.2430):This reauthorization of the four Food and Drug Administration (FDA) user fee agreements ensures the FDA has the funding it needs to quickly and safely bring new drugs and treatments to patients and make sure the promising research supported by the 21st Century Cures Act actually reaches patients. 4. Patient Right to Know Drug Prices Act Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) (S.2554): This law bans the gag clauses that prevented a pharmacist from telling a patient their prescription would be cheaper if they paid with cash instead of using their insurance. 5. Childhood Cancer STAR Act Sens. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) and Shelly Capito (R-W.Va.) (S.292): If you're the parent of a child with cancer, this law encourages pediatric cancer research by building on last year's RACE for the Children Act and reauthorization of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) user fee agreements. 6. National Clinical Care Commission ActSens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) (S.920):This law creates a commission of leading experts to study complex metabolic or autoimmune diseases, like diabetes. The commission will recommend improvements to federal programs that work to help prevent diseases like diabetes or educate patients on their condition. 7. The Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act Sens. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) (S.652):If you're a parent with a newborn, infant, or young child, this law supports state-based efforts to screen them for hearing loss and ensure proper follow-up care, including diagnosis and early intervention. 8. Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Medications Act of 2017 Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.) and Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Michael Bennet (D- Colo.) (H.R.304):If someone is the victim of a life-threatening emergency, like a burn victim or a child experiencing a seizure, this law ensures that he or she will continue to have access to time-sensitive and life-saving treatments under the supervision of a physician. 9. The RAISE Family Caregivers Act Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) (S.1028): This lawhelps develop a strategy to coordinate federal programs to better support the millions of Americans who are caregivers for a family member. 10. Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Act Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Bob Casey (D-Penn.) (S.1091): If you are a grandparent raising your grandchild, this law helps you navigate that process by creating a task force, made up of federal agencies and grandparents, to coordinate federal resources and information available to you. 11. Firefighter Cancer Registry Act Sens. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) (H.R.931): Firefighters are exposed to a range of harmful toxins, and research has shown a strong connection between firefighting and an increased risk for several major cancers. This legislation creates a national registry for firefighters diagnosed with cancer. 12. Animal Drug and Animal Generic Drug User Fee Amendments of 2018 Sens. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.) (H.R.5554): This reauthorization of the FDA animal drug and animal generic drug user fee agreements helps bring new animal drugs to farmers and ranchers, families, and veterinarians to keep their animals healthy and our food supply safe. 13. Children's Hospital GME Support Reauthorization Act of 2018 Sens. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) (H.R.5385): This bill reauthorizes the children's hospital graduate medical education (CHGME) program that provides funding to more than 50 freestanding children's hospitals around the country, supporting the training of pediatricians and improving children's access to care. 14. Sports Medicine Licensure Clarity Act of 2017 Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) (H.R.302): This law ensures when a sports medicine professional travels with a team outside the state in which they are licensed, they will continue to be covered by their medical malpractice insurance provider. 15. Action for Dental Health Act (H.R.2422) Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) (3016): This legislation supports states, dental associations, and community-based oral health programs to help prevent dental disease, and expands efforts to provide care to underserved patients. 16. Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early Reauthorization Act of 2018 Sens. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) (S.3029): In Tennessee, about 11 percent of babies are born preterm. This bill reauthorizes legislation first introduced by Alexander in 2003 to help researchers, doctors, and parents prevent premature births and give more babies the chance for long and healthy lives. 17. Sickle Cell Disease Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and Treatment Act of 2018 Sens. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) (S.2465): At least 100,000 Americans have sickle cell disease, but the exact number is unknown because we do not have sufficient data. This bill will allow the Department of Health and Human Services to study sickle cell disease and other heritable blood disorders so we know how many people are affected by these conditions and implement strategies to help treat these diseases. 18. Improving Access to Maternity Care Act Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.) (H.R.315): This bill will help bring more doctors and nurses to provide care for pregnant women living in rural areas and other areas where there is a shortage of these health care providers. The Full Congress has passed five additional bills that are awaiting President Trump's signature: 1. Maternal Health Accountability Act of 2017 Sens. Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) (S.1112): This legislation aims to support states in reviewing pregnancy-related deaths to identify ways to improve maternal care and reduce maternal mortality in the United States. 2. BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Shelley Capito (R-W.Va.), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) (S.2076): This legislation will create Centers of Excellence to advance public health knowledge and ensure public health professionals, doctors and nurses, and patients and their families have the support and updated information on Alzheimer's and related dementia diseases they need. 3. Congenital Heart Futures Act Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) (H.R. 1222): If you're the parent of a child who suffers from a congenital heart disease, this reauthorization is important because it will continue to support the research and data collection that is needed to better understand congenital heart disease. 4. Traumatic Brain Injury Program Reauthorization Act of 2018 Sens. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Bob Casey (D-Penn.) (S.3657): This bill reauthorizes state grants and programs related to surveillance, prevention, care, and research of traumatic brain injuries, and encourages data collection and analysis so we can better understand trends and causes of concussions. 5. State Offices of Rural Health Reauthorization Act of 2018 Sens. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) (S.2278): This law reauthorizes grant programs that strengthen rural health care systems and develop long-term solutions to rural health challenges. The Senate has passed an additional five bills awaiting House action: 1. Museum and Library Services Act of 2018 Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Jack Reed (D-R.I.) and Kristen Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) (S.3530): This bill reauthorizes programs for museums and libraries, including the only federal program exclusively for librariesthe Library Services and Technology Act. 2. Emergency Medical Services for Children Program Reauthorization Act of 2018 Sens. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Bob Casey (D-Penn.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) (S.3482): This bill will ensure that, from the ambulance to the emergency department, emergency health care providers are prepared to treat children, who typically require smaller equipment and different doses of medicine. 3. Strengthening Mosquito Abatement for Safety and Health (SMASH) Act Sens. Angus King (I-Maine), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) (S.849): This bill will improve public health preparedness capabilities to help combat the Zika virus and other mosquito-borne diseases that threaten public health by strengthening key programs that support state and local mosquito surveillance and control efforts. 4. Congenital Heart Futures Act Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) (H.R. 1222): If you're the parent of a child who suffers from a congenital heart disease, this reauthorization is important because it will continue to support the research and data collection that is needed to better understand congenital heart disease. 5. Traumatic Brain Injury Program Reauthorization Act of 2018 Sens. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Bob Casey (D-Penn.) (S.3657): This bill reauthorizes state grants and programs related to surveillance, prevention, care, and research of traumatic brain injuries, and encourages data collection and analysis so we can better understand trends and causes of concussions. The committee reported an additional two bills to the Senate floor: 1. Over-the-Counter Drug Safety, Innovation, and Reform Act Sens. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.) (S.2315): This legislation would modernize the way over-the-counter medications are regulated and brought to market, to encourage the development of new drugs for patients. 2. Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovation Act of 2018 Sens. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) and Bob Casey (D-Penn.) (S.2852): It is crucial we are prepared to face a range of public health threats including outbreaks of infectious diseases like Ebola, Zika, or the flu; natural disasters, such as hurricanes and the wildfires that swept across East Tennessee in 2016; or deliberate attacks with dangerous agents, like anthrax or nuclear weapons. This legislation strengthens our preparedness and response capabilities so we can better protect Tennesseans and all Americans from 21st century threats. The HELP Committee approved 50 nominees to carry out President Trump's agenda: In the 115th Congress, the HELP Committee approved 50 nominees to carry out President Trump's agenda. 35 HELP nominees were confirmed by the Senate: Department of Health and Human Services: Scott Gottlieb, M.D. FDA Commissioner Jerome M. Adams, M.D., M.P.H. Surgeon General, Public Health Service Robert Kadlec, M.D. Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Elinore F. McCance-Katz, M.D., Ph.D. Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use Lance Allen Robertson Assistant Secretary for Aging Brett P. Giroir, M.D. Assistant Secretary of Health Department of Education: Betsy DeVos Secretary Peter Louis Oppenheim Assistant Secretary for Legislation and Congressional Affairs Johnny Collett Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services Douglas W. Webster Chief Financial Officer Carlos G. Muiz General Counsel James Blew Assistant Secretary for Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Brigadier General Mitchell Zais, USA (Ret.) Deputy Secretary Kenneth Marcus Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Scott Stump Assistant Secretary for Career, Technical, and Adult Education Frank T. Brogan Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education Mark Schneider, Ph.D. Director of the Institute of Education Services Department of Labor: R. Alexander Acosta Secretary David Zatezalo Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health Kate O'Scannlain Solicitor Preston Rutledge Assistant Secretary for the Employee Benefits Security Administration Katherine Brunett McGuire Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs Patrick Pizzella Deputy Secretary James Edwin Williams Chief Financial Officer National Labor Relations Board: Marvin Kaplan Member William Emanuel Member Peter Robb General Counsel John F. Ring Member National Mediation Board: Kyle Fortson Member Gerald W. Fauth III Member Linda Puchala Member Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission: Heather L. MacDougall Member James J. Sullivan Member Corporation for National and Community Service Barbara Stewart Chief Executive Officer National Endowment for the Humanities Jon Parrish Peede Chairman The committee approved 15 additional nominations: Department of Education Nominees: Mark Schultz Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration Robert L. King Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education Department of Labor Nominees: Dr. William Beach Commissioner of Labor Statistics Scott Mugno Assistant Secretary for the Occupational Safety and Health Cheryl Stanton Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division John Lowry III Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training John P. Pallasch Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation Gordon Hartogensis Director Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Nominees Janet Dhillon Member Daniel M. Gade, Ph.D. Member Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission Marco M. Rajkovich, Jr. Member Corporation for National and Community Service Victoria Ann Hughes Member Heather Reynolds Member National Council on the Arts Barbara Coleen Long Member Railroad Retirement Board Erhard Chorl Chair The HELP Committee held 58 hearings to address issues that matter to American families The committee held seven hearings to hear from doctors, governors, families, addiction experts, and others about steps the federal government could take to help states and communities end the opioid crisis. The committee took their input and turned it into more than 40 proposals included in the opioid package that became law in October 2018: The Federal Response to the Opioid Crisis:The committee began a series of hearings on the opioid crisis, starting by hearing what the federal government is doing from administration witnesses.Alexander saidthe crisis is tearing our communities apart, tearing families apart, and posing an enormous challenge to health care providers and law enforcement officials. The Front Lines of the Opioid Crisis: Perspectives from States, Communities, and Providers:The committee held a second hearing on the opioid crisisto hear from those on the front lines how the tools and resources Congress provided when it passed the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act and the 21stCentury Cures Act in 2016 are helping states fight the crisis.Alexander said that, We must ensure the federal government is the best possible partner for states on the front lines of the opioid crisis ravaging our country. The Opioid Crisis: An Examination of How We Got Here and How We Move Forward: Author Sam Quinones, who has extensively researched and written about the opioid crisis, testified at the committee's third hearing. Alexander told Mr. Quinones, You and I apparently have at least one thing in common: I am a skeptic of Washington's capacity to solve problems that are essentially problems of communities, families and lifestyles. In your words, I believe more strongly than ever that the antidote to heroin is community.' The Opioid Crisis: Impact on Children and Families: The committee's fourth hearing on the opioid crisis focused on the impact on children and families. Alexander pointed out this impact is especially felt in Tennessee, which is on the front lines as the opioid crisis has caused what the Tennessee Department of Health has described as a sharp increase' in the number of babies born in opioid withdrawal. The Opioid Crisis: The Role of Technology and Data in Preventing and Treating Addiction: At the committee's fifth hearing, Alexander said that the federal government's most helpful role in the opioid fight may be supporting the amazing potential of data and technology. As we've examined the opioid crisis over the last five months, we've learned that strong local communities are key to finding solutions and Washington's role is to support those efforts. When we look at what the federal government can do, sharing more data and utilizing new technologies may be the most helpful thing that we do. The Opioid Crisis: Leadership and Innovation in the States: Governors from Maryland and Oregon testified at the committee's sixth hearing on the opioid crisis. Alexander said, States are the ones who come up with the good ideas on how to tackle big problems because they're on the front lines, and it's usually the federal government's role to encourage them and cut the red tape to create an environment so that states can innovate. The Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018: At the seventh hearing, expert witnesses provided feedback on draft opioids legislation. Alexander called the legislation, which would later become the opioid legislation signed into law in October 2018, the next step in helping end the national opioid crisis. Launching a series of hearings to explore what the federal government, states, and private companies can do to reduce health care costs for American families: How to Reduce Health Care Costs: Understanding the Cost of Health Care in America: In June 2018, the committee launched a series of hearings exploring how to reduce health care costs. Alexander said, The most obvious fact about health care costs, other than that they're too high, is that they are indecipherable... Reducing Health Care Costs: Eliminating Excess Health Care Spending and Improving Quality and Value for Patients: At the committee's second hearing on reducing health care costs, a witness testified that 30 percent, and probably more than 50 percent, of what the United States spends on health care is spent on unnecessary tests, procedures, and administrative work. Reducing Health Care Costs: Decreasing Administrative Spending: The committee's third hearing examined the administrative burden the federal government imposes. Alexander said the federal government is at fault for some of the administrative burden that the nation's doctors and hospitals facewhich means more time spent on paperwork, less time actually treating patients, and an increase to the cost of health care. Reducing Health Care Costs: Examining How Transparency Can Lower Spending and Empower Patients: The fourth hearing on reducing health care costs looked at why Americans can easily check reviews and prices before purchasing everything from a new coffeemaker to a car, while information on the price and quality of health care has remained in a black box. Reducing Health Care Costs: Improving Affordability Through Innovation: At the fifth hearing on reducing health care costs, the committee examined how private sector companies are disrupting the health care system to lower costs. At the hearing, Alexander said, Going forward, I plan to take what we've learned today and from our previous four hearings, and ask leading health care policy experts for specific ideas on how the federal government can reduce the cost of health care. Examining the price Americans pay when picking up their prescription drugs: The Cost of Prescription Drugs: How the Drug Delivery System Affects What Patients Pay:The committee heldthe first in a series of bipartisan hearings looking at the price Americans pay when they pick up their prescriptions and where that money goes. Alexander said,This is a discussion that affects the well-being of every American family.It is important that we work together to conduct this fact finding in a bipartisan way. The Cost of Prescription Drugs: How the Drug Delivery System Affects What Patients Pay, Part II:The committee held the second in a series of bipartisan hearings on what goes into the prices Americans pay when picking up the 4.4 billion prescriptions written every year. At the hearing, Alexander said the focus is to learn the facts on the drug delivery system and its effects on health care costs. The Cost of Prescription Drugs: An Examination of The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Report Making Medicines Affordable: A National Imperative:At the third bipartisan hearing on drug pricing,Alexander told the story of Joseph, a West Tennessean whose family struggled to afford a $150 prescription. The committee met to examine a National Academies report on the prices Americans pay for their prescription drugs. Perspectives on the 340B Drug Pricing Program: In March 2018, the committee launched a series of hearings on the 340B Discount Drug Program, which was created by Congress in 1992 to help qualifying hospitals and clinics that treat low-income patients, by requiring drug manufacturers that participate in Medicaid to provide discounts on prescription drugs or treatments to these hospitals and clinics. The hospitals and clinics may then provide the drugs at the reduced price to low-income patients or they can sell the drugs at a higher price to patients who have insurance and then keep that money and use it to provide care to low-income patients or for other purposes. Examining Oversight Reports on the 340B Drug Pricing Program: At the committee's second hearing on the 340B Discount Drug Program, Alexander said that federal watchdog reports find the program needs better oversight, and the agency in charge may need more authority to conduct that oversight and collect reliable data. It very well may be that hospitals and clinics are using the savings to benefit low-income patients as intended. But it is hard to know that until we have more information. The Cost of Prescription Drugs: Examining the President's Blueprint American Patients First' to Lower Drug Prices: In June 2018, the committee continued its series of hearings on the price of prescription drugs, hearing from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar on the Administration's blueprint to lower drug prices. At the hearing, Alexander said that the Trump Administration's comprehensive drug pricing blueprint will bring help to the one in eight Americans who say it is difficult to afford their prescriptions. Effective Administration of the 340B Drug Pricing Program: At the committee's third hearing on the 340B Discount Drug Program, Alexander said that Congress needs more accurate information to determine how to make the 340B Program work better for patients and hospitals. There is no consistent data that shows how hospitals and clinics are spending the money they save through the 340B Program. The reason we don't have much data is because the agency that oversees the program the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) may not have the authority to actually collect data and conduct oversight over the program. Ensuring promising biomedical research leads to results for patients: Implementation of the 21stCentury Cures Act: Achieving the Promise of Health Information Technology:At the first oversight hearing on the 21stCentury Cures Act a law the committee wrote in 2016 to bring new drugs and devices more quickly to patients Alexander said, Electronic health records are a critical piece to the future of medical innovationand the success of the 21stCentury Cures Act,and I intend to ensure these provisions are implemented properly. Implementation of the 21stCentury Cures Act: Progress and the Path Forward for Medical Innovation:At a second oversight hearing held on the first anniversary of the 21st Century Cures Act's Senate passage with Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb and Director of the National Institutes of Health Francis Collins, Alexander said, It is not an overstatement to say that the 21stCentury Cures Act has the potential to affect virtually every American family by taking advantage of breathtaking advances in biomedical research. Implementation of the 21stCentury Cures Act: Responding to Mental Health Needs:The committee's third oversight hearing on the 21stCentury Cures Act examined the mental health provisions,which updated federal mental health programs for the first time in a decade. Alexander said that early intervention for patients with mental health disorders is critical: Prior to our work on Cures, the coordination between federalagencies that provide mental health care was not as effective as it could have been. I look forward to hearing about the progress being made to ensure more people can receive the help they need. FDA User Fee Agreements: Improving Medical Product Regulation and Innovation for Patients, Part I:The committee held its first hearing on updating the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) user fee agreements thatpaya quarter of all FDA's work to ensure promising new drugs and devices reach patients.Alexander saidCongress owes patients and their families a prompt, bipartisan reauthorization of the FDA medical devices and drug user fee agreements. FDA User Fee Agreements: Improving Medical Product Regulation and Innovation for Patients, Part II:At the second of two hearings on updating the FDA's user fee agreements, Alexander said a timely reauthorizationis integral to helping patients and delivering on the promise of 21stCentury Cures. Gene Editing Technology: Innovation and Impact:The committee held a hearing on gene-editing technology, including CRISPR-cas9, which Alexander said has the potential to transform human health, when used properly. CRISPR's use in humans is more recent, butthe possibility of the diseases it could treat and the lives that could be improved is remarkable. Improving Animal Health: Reauthorization of FDA Animal Drug User Fees: The committee held a hearing on the reauthorization of the Animal Drug and the Generic Animal Drug User Fee Agreements that Alexander said are critical to help keep our farm animals and pets healthy, prevent outbreaks of disease, and keep our food supply safe. Prioritizing Cures: Science and Stewardship at the National Institutes of Health: At an oversight hearing of the National Institutes of Health, Alexander said, We often say it is hard to think of a major scientific advancement since World War II that has not been supported by federal funding but we are not the only country to have figured that outother countries have seen that investing in basic research can lead to breathtaking new discoveries. Exploring how to help Americans lead healthier lives: Examining How Healthy Choices Can Improve Health Outcomes and Reduce Costs:The committee held the first in a series of hearings looking at theremarkable consensus that a healthy lifestyle leads to longer and better lives, and reduces the nation's health care costs.At the hearing, Alexander said, If we really want to focus on improving Americans' health, why not connect the consensus on wellness to the insurance policies that 178 million Americans get from their job. Encouraging Healthy Communities: Perspective from the Surgeon General:Trump Administration HHS Surgeon General Jerome Adams testified at the committee's second hearing looking at how to encourage healthier behaviors as a way to lower health care costs. Alexander said that Dr. Adams' focus on wellness could have a real impact on the lives of millions of Americans, saying it makes sense for that to be his focus, because there is a remarkable consensus that wellness lifestyle changes like eating healthier and quitting smoking can prevent serious illness and reduce health care costs. Facing 21st Century Public Health Threats: Our Nation's Preparedness and Response Capabilities, Part I: The committee held a hearing to discuss the reauthorization of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA), legislation which helps ensure the United States is prepared for public health threats including natural disasters, bioterror attacks, and outbreaks of infectious diseases. Facing 21st Century Public Health Threats: Our Nation's Preparedness and Response Capabilities, Part 2: At the committee's second hearing on reauthorizing PAHPA, Alexander said, Tennessee has seen already heartbreaking stories this winter as the flu has spread across the state and this country. PAHPA provides a medical and public health preparedness framework that ensures we are ready and able to respond to public health threats, encourages research and development of medicines to protect Americans, and enables our hospitals and state and local health departments to be prepared to respond to public health emergencies. The Health Care Workforce: Addressing Shortages and Improving Care: At a committee hearing examining the projected shortage of health care workers, Alexander said, We also know the shortage affects certain populations more than others. Rural areas where 60 million Americans live suffer the greatest impact of the shortage of health care professionals. Hearing from governors, state insurance commissioners, and health policy experts on how to stabilize the individual health insurance market: Obamacare Emergency: Stabilizing the Individual Health Insurance Market:Alexander chaired the committee's first hearing of the year on the individual health insurance market where18 million Americans and 350,000 Tennesseans purchase their insuranceand invited Tennessee's state insurance commissioner, Julie Mix McPeak, to testify.Alexander said, Without quick action, many of these 18 million Americans may have zero choices for insurance next year. Stabilizing Premiums and Helping Individuals in the Individual Insurance Market for 2018: State Insurance Commissioners:Alexander launched a series of hearings this fall on stabilizing the individual health insurance market and helping 18 million Americans be able to access and afford health insurance in 2018. At this first hearing, the committee heard from state insurance commissioners, including Julie Mix McPeak. Stabilizing Premiums and Helping Individuals in the Individual Insurance Market for 2018: Governors:At the second hearing on stabilizing the individual health insurance market, the committee heard from governors, including Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam, on steps Congress could take to make it easier for states to reclaim control of their insurance markets and limit premium increases in 2018. Stabilizing Premiums and Helping Individuals in the Individual Insurance Market for 2018: State Flexibility:At the third hearing on stabilizing the individual health insurance market, the committee heard from state flexibility experts on ways to allow states to offer more flexible insurance plans.Alexander said waivers from Obamacare regulations could offer states as many options as a Dr. Seuss book titled Oh, ThePlaceYou'll Go. Stabilizing Premiums and Helping Individuals in the Individual Insurance Market for 2018: Health Care Stakeholders:At the fourth hearing on stabilizing the individual health insurance market,Alexander said, It'sclear to truly protect patients, we need to stabilize the markets, limit premium increases, and begin to lower premiums in the future."" Exploring how to make college degrees more affordable and worth students' time and money: Exploring Free Speech on College Campuses: At a hearing on free speech on college campuses, Alexander said,Universities should be the place where people of different views may speak, audiences can listen, and many contrasting viewpoints are encouraged There should be some sensible way to allow speakers to speak and audiences to listen while still protecting freedoms offered by the First Amendment. Reauthorizing the Higher Education Act: Examining Proposals to Simplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): At the first hearing on the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act Alexander said,After four years of discussions over how to simplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or the FAFSA, it is time to come to a result to make it easier for students to apply for federal financial aid. Alexander has said the committee plans to continue its work on updating the Higher Education Act in the New Year to make it simpler and easier for students to attend college. Reauthorizing the Higher Education Act: Financial Aid Simplification and Transparency: The committee's second hearing on reauthorizing the Higher Education Act examined how to simplify the federal student aid system of two grant programs, five loan programs, and nine repayment plans. Alexander said, There is a bipartisan consensus that students looking for federal financial aid to go to college need a much simpler system so that it is not a barrier to college for the very students the aid is intended to help. Reauthorizing the Higher Education Act: Access and Innovation: At the committee's third hearing on reauthorizing the Higher Education Act, Alexander asked, How can Congress create an environment for colleges to innovate to meet the needs of today's and tomorrow's students? As the typical university student has changed into a more wide-ranging group, there is a bipartisan consensus that colleges need to be able to offer solutions to meet those students' diverse needs flexible class schedules or online learning to accommodate for family and work commitments. Reauthorizing the Higher Education Act: Accountability and Risk to Taxpayers: At the committee's fourth hearing on reauthorizing the Higher Education Act, Alexander said, I believe Congress should consider new accountability measures that are more effective at holding all individual programs at all colleges and universities accountable for the ability of their students to pay back their loans. Reauthorizing the Higher Education Act: Improving College Affordability: The committee's fifth hearing on reauthorizing the Higher Education Act looked at making college more affordable. Alexander said, The Appropriations Committee will consider whether Congress should appropriate more taxpayer dollars for student aid, but in the meantime, Congress can also help students afford college by better spending the $28 billion in grants and $92 billion in loans we spend annually. This would mean simplifying student aid, redirecting existing dollars for more Pell grants, helping students complete their degrees more rapidly, and making colleges more accountable for students repaying loans. Overseeing the implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act and ensuring local control of schools: The Every Student Succeeds Act: States Leading the Way: The committee held an oversight hearing in September, 2018 on the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), a law the committee passed in 2015 to fix No Child Left Behind, to hear from state education chiefs from Nebraska, Delaware and South Carolina about how they are implementing the law. Alexander said that, States are back in the driver's seat for decisions on how to help their students. The Every Student Succeeds Act: Unleashing State Innovation:At an oversight hearing on ESSA in 2017, Alexander said,Tennessee, Louisiana, and New Mexico have taken the most advantage of the flexibility we offered under the law in creating innovative state plansI look forward to seeing ways other states are taking advantage of the freedom to innovate under ESSA. Exploring issues important to American workers: The Impact of Zero Tariffs on U.S. Autoworkers: At a committee hearing looking at the impact of tariffs, Alexander said the president's zero tariff goal would help autoworkers in Tennessee, where automotive jobs have nearly doubled since 1994 when the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) went into effect. Alexander said, One of the reasons Tennessee has been able to have so much success building cars and SUV's is because the North American Free Trade Agreement is fundamentally a zero tariff trade agreement. Modernizing Apprenticeships to Expand Opportunities: As the economy booms, employers are in need of skilled workers more than ever. The committee held a hearing to examine how federally-administered apprenticeship programs could be modernized to meet the needs of growing industries like health or finance. Alexander said, The hope is that with a modernized approach to apprenticeships, industries that weren't around when Paul Revere was training to be a silversmith or even when Elvis was learning to be an electrician would be able to start apprenticeship programs. Confirmation hearings on President Trump's nominees: Nomination of Sharon Fast Gustafson to be General Counsel of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: The committee met to consider the nomination of Sharon Fast Gustafson to serve as General Counsel of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, a position Alexander said is important to our nation's workers. Nomination of John F. Ring to be a Member of the National Labor Relations Board: The committee met to consider the nomination of John Ring to serve as a member of the National Labor Relations Board. Alexander said, I hope confirming Mr. Ring will continue the trend of returning balance to our labor laws. Nomination of Frank T. Brogan to be Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education: The committee met to consider the nomination of Frank Brogan to serve as Assistant Secretary of Elementary and Secondary Education. Alexander said, In this role, Mr. Brogan's job will be to implement laws as Congress wrote them, including the law we wrote fixing No Child Left Behind we produced a law that reflected our consensus at the start: Continue the law's important measurements of academic progress of students but restore to states, school districts, classroom teachers and parents the responsibility for deciding what to do about improving student achievement. This change should produce fewer tests and more appropriate ways to measure student achievement. Department of Education and Department of Labor Nominations:The committee met to considertwo Department of Education nominees, Ken Marcus to serve as Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights and Johnny Collett to serve as Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, and two Department of Labor nominees, Scott Mugno to serve as Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health and Dr. William Beach to serve as Commissioner of Labor Statistics. Nomination of Alex Azar to serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services:The committee held a hearing for Alex Azar to serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Alexander said that Azar'sbroad experience is a principal asset to leading the Department you are ready to take advantage of the law Leader McConnell called, the most important piece of legislation,' the 21stCentury Cures Act, which gave new, broad powers to FDA and NIH, and included the first major reorganization of mental health programs in a decade, as well as significant new funding for the opioid crisis. Department of Education and Department of Labor Nominees:The committee met to considertwo Department of Education nominees, Brigadier General Mitchel Zais to serve as Deputy Secretary and James Blew to serve as Assistant Secretary for Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development, and two Department of Labor nominees, Kate O'Scannlain to serve as Solicitor and Preston Rutledge to serve as Assistant Secretary for the Employee Benefits Security Administration. Department of Labor and National Labor Relations Board Nominations:The committee met to consider two Department of Labor nominations and one National Labor Relations Board nomination: Cheryl Stanton to serve as Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division; David Zatezalo to serve as the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health; and Peter Robb to serve as the General Counsel of the National Labor Relations Board. Department of Education and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Nominations:The committee met to consider two Equal Employment Opportunity Commission member nominees,Janet Dhillon and Daniel Gade, and a Department of Education nominee, Carlos Muniz, to serve as General Counsel. Department of Health and Human Services Nominations:The committee met to consider five Department of Health and Human Services nominees, including:Lance Allen Robertson to serve as Assistant Secretary for Aging; Dr. Brett Giroir to serve as Assistant Secretary for Health; Dr. Robert Kadlec to serve as Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response; Dr. Elinore F. McCance-Katz to serve as Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use; and Dr. Jerome Adams to serve as Surgeon General of the Public Health Service. Department of Labor and Members of the National Labor Relations Board Nominations: The committee met to consider the nomination of Patrick Pizzella to serve as Deputy Secretary of the Department of Laborand Marvin Kaplan and William Emanuel to serve as members of the National Labor Relations Board. Nomination of Scott Gottlieb, MD, to serve as Commissioner of Food and Drugs:The committee met to consider the nomination of Dr. Scott Gottlieb to serve as Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. Alexander said Dr. Gottlieb hasimpressive qualifications from nearly every perspective and is the right person to lead the Food and Drug Administration and its vital mission for patients. Nomination of Alex Acosta to serve as Secretary of Labor:The committee met to consider Secretary of Labor nominee R. Alexander Acosta. Alexander saidthat the Labor Secretary and Congress's goal is to create an environment for American workers to succeed in a rapidly changing workplace and that harmful Obama-era labor regulations have only made it harder for Americans to create, find, or keep good-paying jobs.We are fortunate today to have a presidential nominee for Labor Secretary who understands how a good-paying job is critical to helping workers realize the American dream for themselves and for their families. Nomination of Tom Price to serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services:The committee met to consider the nomination of Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.) to lead theDepartment of Health and Human Services.The committee does not vote on this nomination but does hold a courtesy hearing. Nomination of Betsy DeVos to serve as Secretary of Education:The committee met to consider the nomination of Betsy DeVos to serve as Secretary of Education. Alexander said,Betsy DeVos is on our children's side. On charter schools and school choice, she is in the mainstream of those trying to help children succeedand her critics are outside of it. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=5A80BCB0-4B25-4289-BF0A-49E757194E0A,"Alexander, Corker, Roe: New Law Protects 20,000 East Tennessee Wilderness Acres",2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, December 20, 2018 United States Senators Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) and Representative Phil Roe (R-Tenn.) saida new law signed today by President Trump will protect20,000 East Tennessee wilderness acres. Today, President Trump signed into law theTennesseeWildernessAct. The new law will protect 20,000 acres of federal land in the Cherokee National Forest as wilderness,' where we can roam and enjoy nature,Alexander said.This is land in EastTennesseethat's already managed aswilderness, but not made a part of thewildernesslaw. Designation aswildernesswill not only better protect ecosystems and watersheds, but also benefit the diverse recreational value of these areas, which is a major part of EastTennessee's economy. I thank Senator Corker, Congressman Roe and the many Tennesseans who've gotten in touch with us about making theTennesseeWildernessAct law, and I'm glad President Trump made it law today. Millions of people visit Tennessee each year to experience our incredible God-given outdoor amenities, and it's important that the Cherokee National Forest be preserved for future generations of Americans to enjoy, said Corker. I thank Senator Alexander and Representative Roe for their commitment to protecting our wilderness and am glad to see the Tennessee Wilderness Act signed into law. I am very pleased to see President Trump sign the Tennessee Wilderness Act into law today as a part of the 2018 Farm Bill, Roe said. I am fortunate to represent a district blessed with natural beauty, and as an avid outdoorsman, I strongly believe we must protect the beautiful lands we have in East Tennessee. This legislation will ensure protection for Big Laurel Branch in Carter and Johnson Counties and Sampson Mountain in Washington and Unicoi Counties for generations to come. I was very proud to join Senator Alexander and Corker in this important effort, and I want to thank President Trump for signing it into law. TheTennesseeWildernessAct legislation introduced by Alexander, Corker and Roe will designate nearly 20,000 acres of the Cherokee National Forest aswildernessarea. Designation as awildernessarea is the highest level of conservation protection to preserve federal land. The legislation was included in the Farm bill the Senate passed on December 11. The House passed the legislation on December 12, and today, President Trump signed it into law. TheTennesseeWildernessAct has broad support in the state: Tennesseehas a big backyard, and outdoor recreation generates $21.6 billion in consumer spending while supporting 188,000 jobs in the state. I applaud Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker and Congressman Phil Roe for understanding the direct benefits thatwildernessprovides to our local businesses and communities. - Vesna Plakanis, owner of A Walk in the Woods Hunting and fishing in our local forests and streams is a part of our identity, and it is important to preserve that heritage. TheTennesseeWildernessAct will preserve critical wildlife habitat every sportsman depends upon. I want to thank Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker and Congressman Phil Roe for protecting our way of life. - Ian Rutter, owner of R&R Fly Fishing in EasternTennessee TheTennesseeWild Coalition is thrilled to see theTennesseeWildernessAct included in the Farm Bill. These protections are decades in the making, and we want to thank Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker and Congressman Phil Roe for their steadfast leadership in preserving this piece of the Cherokee National Forest in NortheastTennessee. - Laura Hodge, campaign coordinator for theTennesseeWild Coalition We applaud the U.S. Senate for voting to protect these natural treasures for future generations to enjoy. Once President Trump signs the measure designating this land aswildernessthe strongest protection available for public landsthe law will help conserve critical wildlife habitat and corridors, support local cities and towns that rely on the outdoor recreation economy, and ensure that hunting, hiking, camping, and fishing will continue in the region. - John Gilroy, Director, U.S. Public Lands, The Pew Charitable Trusts We are excited by the culmination of this long campaign to protect some of the last great wild places in the South. A success like this requires a collaborative effort of organizations, elected officials and citizens working together for a greater cause, which is a testament to just how special these places are. - Sam Evans, National Forest and Parks Program Leader for the Southern Environmental Law Center ""Being a good steward of Cherokee National Forest means taking care of God's creation for future generations. For many,wildernessis seen as a place where people draw closer to God. I am forever grateful to our bill's cosponsors and find comfort in knowing this everlasting resource will be here for years to come. - Jeff Wadley, a pastor in Maryville There is no better way end 2018 than passing theTennesseeWildernessAct. As a veteran, our public lands and waters are sometimes our best therapy. It is where we can go to reconnect with our family and friends, and gain strength and resiliency from the awe and challenges of nature. I want to thank Senators Alexander and Corker and Congressman Roe for standing with America's veterans in preserving our great outdoors. - Will Skelton, a veteran and advocate who worked on the last piece ofTennessee'swildernesslegislation in the 1980s ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=8724DBCA-F095-490D-9B32-4D10FE360B26,"Alexander, Corker, Roe: New Law Protects 20,000 East Tennessee Wilderness Acres",2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, December 20, 2018 United States Senators Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) and Representative Phil Roe (R-Tenn.) saida new law signed today by President Trump will protect20,000 East Tennessee wilderness acres. Today, President Trump signed into law theTennesseeWildernessAct. The new law will protect 20,000 acres of federal land in the Cherokee National Forest as wilderness,' where we can roam and enjoy nature,Alexander said.This is land in EastTennesseethat's already managed aswilderness, but not made a part of thewildernesslaw. Designation aswildernesswill not only better protect ecosystems and watersheds, but also benefit the diverse recreational value of these areas, which is a major part of EastTennessee's economy. I thank Senator Corker, Congressman Roe and the many Tennesseans who've gotten in touch with us about making theTennesseeWildernessAct law, and I'm glad President Trump made it law today. Millions of people visit Tennessee each year to experience our incredible God-given outdoor amenities, and it's important that the Cherokee National Forest be preserved for future generations of Americans to enjoy, said Corker. I thank Senator Alexander and Representative Roe for their commitment to protecting our wilderness and am glad to see the Tennessee Wilderness Act signed into law. I am very pleased to see President Trump sign the Tennessee Wilderness Act into law today as a part of the 2018 Farm Bill, Roe said. I am fortunate to represent a district blessed with natural beauty, and as an avid outdoorsman, I strongly believe we must protect the beautiful lands we have in East Tennessee. This legislation will ensure protection for Big Laurel Branch in Carter and Johnson Counties and Sampson Mountain in Washington and Unicoi Counties for generations to come. I was very proud to join Senator Alexander and Corker in this important effort, and I want to thank President Trump for signing it into law. TheTennesseeWildernessAct legislation introduced by Alexander, Corker and Roe will designate nearly 20,000 acres of the Cherokee National Forest aswildernessarea. Designation as awildernessarea is the highest level of conservation protection to preserve federal land. The legislation was included in the Farm bill the Senate passed on December 11. The House passed the legislation on December 12, and today, President Trump signed it into law. TheTennesseeWildernessAct has broad support in the state: Tennesseehas a big backyard, and outdoor recreation generates $21.6 billion in consumer spending while supporting 188,000 jobs in the state. I applaud Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker and Congressman Phil Roe for understanding the direct benefits thatwildernessprovides to our local businesses and communities. - Vesna Plakanis, owner of A Walk in the Woods Hunting and fishing in our local forests and streams is a part of our identity, and it is important to preserve that heritage. TheTennesseeWildernessAct will preserve critical wildlife habitat every sportsman depends upon. I want to thank Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker and Congressman Phil Roe for protecting our way of life. - Ian Rutter, owner of R&R Fly Fishing in EasternTennessee TheTennesseeWild Coalition is thrilled to see theTennesseeWildernessAct included in the Farm Bill. These protections are decades in the making, and we want to thank Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker and Congressman Phil Roe for their steadfast leadership in preserving this piece of the Cherokee National Forest in NortheastTennessee. - Laura Hodge, campaign coordinator for theTennesseeWild Coalition We applaud the U.S. Senate for voting to protect these natural treasures for future generations to enjoy. Once President Trump signs the measure designating this land aswildernessthe strongest protection available for public landsthe law will help conserve critical wildlife habitat and corridors, support local cities and towns that rely on the outdoor recreation economy, and ensure that hunting, hiking, camping, and fishing will continue in the region. - John Gilroy, Director, U.S. Public Lands, The Pew Charitable Trusts We are excited by the culmination of this long campaign to protect some of the last great wild places in the South. A success like this requires a collaborative effort of organizations, elected officials and citizens working together for a greater cause, which is a testament to just how special these places are. - Sam Evans, National Forest and Parks Program Leader for the Southern Environmental Law Center ""Being a good steward of Cherokee National Forest means taking care of God's creation for future generations. For many,wildernessis seen as a place where people draw closer to God. I am forever grateful to our bill's cosponsors and find comfort in knowing this everlasting resource will be here for years to come. - Jeff Wadley, a pastor in Maryville There is no better way end 2018 than passing theTennesseeWildernessAct. As a veteran, our public lands and waters are sometimes our best therapy. It is where we can go to reconnect with our family and friends, and gain strength and resiliency from the awe and challenges of nature. I want to thank Senators Alexander and Corker and Congressman Roe for standing with America's veterans in preserving our great outdoors. - Will Skelton, a veteran and advocate who worked on the last piece ofTennessee'swildernesslegislation in the 1980s ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=91AABAE0-4824-49A6-A943-8F94F1B6797E,"Chairman Alexander: This Congress, HELP Committee Produced 18 Laws Including Landmark Opioid Legislation to Combat Nations Most Pressing Public Health Crisis",2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, December 20, 2018 U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said, over the last two years, this committee has produced solutions that will have an impact on the lives of virtually every American. Chairman Alexander continued: Most recently, in October, President Trump signed into law what Senate Majority Leader McConnell called landmark' legislation to fight the opioid crisis. President Trump said that this new law is the single largest bill to combat a drug crisis in the history of our country.' That legislation included more than 40 proposals from this committee and contributions from 70 senators, many on this committee. In July, President Trump signed the Perkins CTE Act, which we passed through this committee to strengthen the career and technical education programs that train the skilled workers employers tell us they need. And last August, the president signed into law the FDA user fee agreements that will help bring new drugs and devices to patients more quickly. We have also passed bills such as the PREEMIE Act, to prevent preterm births and reduce infant deaths, and the Childhood Cancer STAR Act, to encourage pediatric cancer research. Those are just a few of the important pieces of legislation this committee has worked on and passed. Alexander concluded: While we have accomplished quite a bit working together this Congress, looking towards next year, there are some things I hope to work on. This includes finding real ways to lower the cost of health care for Americans and updating the Higher Education Act to ensure the education students receive is worth their time and money. The HELP Committee approved 18 bills that are now public law: 1. Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018 Sens. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash) (H.R.6): This bipartisan package of landmark legislation to fight the opioid crisis included more than 40 HELP Committee proposals. It deals with the nation's worst public health challenge by helping to stop deadly fentanyl from coming from China to the United States by mail, finding new non-addictive pain killers, allowing opioids to be dispensed in blister packs, for example a 3- or 7- day supply, and providing more opportunities for treatment. As chairman of the Senate health committee, Senator Alexander was the lead Senate sponsor. When he signed the bill into law, President Trump called it, the single largest bill to combat a drug crisis in the history of our country. 10 key provisions in the legislation: STOP Actto stop illegal drugs, including fentanyl, at the border New non-addictive painkillers, research and fast-track Blister packs for opioids, such as a 3- or 7- day supply Extends support for Medicaid patients seeking treatment from 15 to 30 days, covering all substance use disorders TREAT Actpermanently allows more medical professionals to treat people in recovery to prevent relapses and overdoses Prevent doctor-shopping by improving state prescription drug monitoring programs More behavioral and mental health providers Support for comprehensive opioid recovery centers Help for babies born in opioid withdrawal and for mothers with opioid use disorders More early intervention with vulnerable children who have experienced trauma 2. Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act Sens. Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.) and Bob Casey (D-Penn.) (H.R2353): More than 200,000 students in Tennessee participate in career and technical education programs. This new law updates a nearly $1.2 billion federal program of grants to states that help fund the programs that train the workers we need, for example, a high school student looking to become a computer coder, or an adult going back to school to learn about commercial construction. 3. FDA Reauthorization Act of 2017 Sens. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.) (H.R.2430):This reauthorization of the four Food and Drug Administration (FDA) user fee agreements ensures the FDA has the funding it needs to quickly and safely bring new drugs and treatments to patients and make sure the promising research supported by the 21st Century Cures Act actually reaches patients. 4. Patient Right to Know Drug Prices Act Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) (S.2554): This law bans the gag clauses that prevented a pharmacist from telling a patient their prescription would be cheaper if they paid with cash instead of using their insurance. 5. Childhood Cancer STAR Act Sens. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) and Shelly Capito (R-W.Va.) (S.292): If you're the parent of a child with cancer, this law encourages pediatric cancer research by building on last year's RACE for the Children Act and reauthorization of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) user fee agreements. 6. National Clinical Care Commission ActSens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) (S.920):This law creates a commission of leading experts to study complex metabolic or autoimmune diseases, like diabetes. The commission will recommend improvements to federal programs that work to help prevent diseases like diabetes or educate patients on their condition. 7. The Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act Sens. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) (S.652):If you're a parent with a newborn, infant, or young child, this law supports state-based efforts to screen them for hearing loss and ensure proper follow-up care, including diagnosis and early intervention. 8. Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Medications Act of 2017 Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.) and Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Michael Bennet (D- Colo.) (H.R.304):If someone is the victim of a life-threatening emergency, like a burn victim or a child experiencing a seizure, this law ensures that he or she will continue to have access to time-sensitive and life-saving treatments under the supervision of a physician. 9. The RAISE Family Caregivers Act Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) (S.1028): This lawhelps develop a strategy to coordinate federal programs to better support the millions of Americans who are caregivers for a family member. 10. Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Act Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Bob Casey (D-Penn.) (S.1091): If you are a grandparent raising your grandchild, this law helps you navigate that process by creating a task force, made up of federal agencies and grandparents, to coordinate federal resources and information available to you. 11. Firefighter Cancer Registry Act Sens. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) (H.R.931): Firefighters are exposed to a range of harmful toxins, and research has shown a strong connection between firefighting and an increased risk for several major cancers. This legislation creates a national registry for firefighters diagnosed with cancer. 12. Animal Drug and Animal Generic Drug User Fee Amendments of 2018 Sens. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.) (H.R.5554): This reauthorization of the FDA animal drug and animal generic drug user fee agreements helps bring new animal drugs to farmers and ranchers, families, and veterinarians to keep their animals healthy and our food supply safe. 13. Children's Hospital GME Support Reauthorization Act of 2018 Sens. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) (H.R.5385): This bill reauthorizes the children's hospital graduate medical education (CHGME) program that provides funding to more than 50 freestanding children's hospitals around the country, supporting the training of pediatricians and improving children's access to care. 14. Sports Medicine Licensure Clarity Act of 2017 Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) (H.R.302): This law ensures when a sports medicine professional travels with a team outside the state in which they are licensed, they will continue to be covered by their medical malpractice insurance provider. 15. Action for Dental Health Act (H.R.2422) Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) (3016): This legislation supports states, dental associations, and community-based oral health programs to help prevent dental disease, and expands efforts to provide care to underserved patients. 16. Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early Reauthorization Act of 2018 Sens. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) (S.3029): In Tennessee, about 11 percent of babies are born preterm. This bill reauthorizes legislation first introduced by Alexander in 2003 to help researchers, doctors, and parents prevent premature births and give more babies the chance for long and healthy lives. 17. Sickle Cell Disease Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and Treatment Act of 2018 Sens. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) (S.2465): At least 100,000 Americans have sickle cell disease, but the exact number is unknown because we do not have sufficient data. This bill will allow the Department of Health and Human Services to study sickle cell disease and other heritable blood disorders so we know how many people are affected by these conditions and implement strategies to help treat these diseases. 18. Improving Access to Maternity Care Act Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.) (H.R.315): This bill will help bring more doctors and nurses to provide care for pregnant women living in rural areas and other areas where there is a shortage of these health care providers. The Full Congress has passed five additional bills that are awaiting President Trump's signature: 1. Maternal Health Accountability Act of 2017 Sens. Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) (S.1112): This legislation aims to support states in reviewing pregnancy-related deaths to identify ways to improve maternal care and reduce maternal mortality in the United States. 2. BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Shelley Capito (R-W.Va.), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) (S.2076): This legislation will create Centers of Excellence to advance public health knowledge and ensure public health professionals, doctors and nurses, and patients and their families have the support and updated information on Alzheimer's and related dementia diseases they need. 3. Congenital Heart Futures Act Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) (H.R. 1222): If you're the parent of a child who suffers from a congenital heart disease, this reauthorization is important because it will continue to support the research and data collection that is needed to better understand congenital heart disease. 4. Traumatic Brain Injury Program Reauthorization Act of 2018 Sens. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Bob Casey (D-Penn.) (S.3657): This bill reauthorizes state grants and programs related to surveillance, prevention, care, and research of traumatic brain injuries, and encourages data collection and analysis so we can better understand trends and causes of concussions. 5. State Offices of Rural Health Reauthorization Act of 2018 Sens. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) (S.2278): This law reauthorizes grant programs that strengthen rural health care systems and develop long-term solutions to rural health challenges. The Senate has passed an additional five bills awaiting House action: 1. Museum and Library Services Act of 2018 Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Jack Reed (D-R.I.) and Kristen Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) (S.3530): This bill reauthorizes programs for museums and libraries, including the only federal program exclusively for librariesthe Library Services and Technology Act. 2. Emergency Medical Services for Children Program Reauthorization Act of 2018 Sens. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Bob Casey (D-Penn.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) (S.3482): This bill will ensure that, from the ambulance to the emergency department, emergency health care providers are prepared to treat children, who typically require smaller equipment and different doses of medicine. 3. Strengthening Mosquito Abatement for Safety and Health (SMASH) Act Sens. Angus King (I-Maine), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) (S.849): This bill will improve public health preparedness capabilities to help combat the Zika virus and other mosquito-borne diseases that threaten public health by strengthening key programs that support state and local mosquito surveillance and control efforts. 4. Congenital Heart Futures Act Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) (H.R. 1222): If you're the parent of a child who suffers from a congenital heart disease, this reauthorization is important because it will continue to support the research and data collection that is needed to better understand congenital heart disease. 5. Traumatic Brain Injury Program Reauthorization Act of 2018 Sens. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Bob Casey (D-Penn.) (S.3657): This bill reauthorizes state grants and programs related to surveillance, prevention, care, and research of traumatic brain injuries, and encourages data collection and analysis so we can better understand trends and causes of concussions. The committee reported an additional two bills to the Senate floor: 1. Over-the-Counter Drug Safety, Innovation, and Reform Act Sens. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.) (S.2315): This legislation would modernize the way over-the-counter medications are regulated and brought to market, to encourage the development of new drugs for patients. 2. Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovation Act of 2018 Sens. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) and Bob Casey (D-Penn.) (S.2852): It is crucial we are prepared to face a range of public health threats including outbreaks of infectious diseases like Ebola, Zika, or the flu; natural disasters, such as hurricanes and the wildfires that swept across East Tennessee in 2016; or deliberate attacks with dangerous agents, like anthrax or nuclear weapons. This legislation strengthens our preparedness and response capabilities so we can better protect Tennesseans and all Americans from 21st century threats. The HELP Committee approved 50 nominees to carry out President Trump's agenda: In the 115th Congress, the HELP Committee approved 50 nominees to carry out President Trump's agenda. 35 HELP nominees were confirmed by the Senate: Department of Health and Human Services: Scott Gottlieb, M.D. FDA Commissioner Jerome M. Adams, M.D., M.P.H. Surgeon General, Public Health Service Robert Kadlec, M.D. Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Elinore F. McCance-Katz, M.D., Ph.D. Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use Lance Allen Robertson Assistant Secretary for Aging Brett P. Giroir, M.D. Assistant Secretary of Health Department of Education: Betsy DeVos Secretary Peter Louis Oppenheim Assistant Secretary for Legislation and Congressional Affairs Johnny Collett Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services Douglas W. Webster Chief Financial Officer Carlos G. Muiz General Counsel James Blew Assistant Secretary for Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Brigadier General Mitchell Zais, USA (Ret.) Deputy Secretary Kenneth Marcus Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Scott Stump Assistant Secretary for Career, Technical, and Adult Education Frank T. Brogan Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education Mark Schneider, Ph.D. Director of the Institute of Education Services Department of Labor: R. Alexander Acosta Secretary David Zatezalo Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health Kate O'Scannlain Solicitor Preston Rutledge Assistant Secretary for the Employee Benefits Security Administration Katherine Brunett McGuire Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs Patrick Pizzella Deputy Secretary James Edwin Williams Chief Financial Officer National Labor Relations Board: Marvin Kaplan Member William Emanuel Member Peter Robb General Counsel John F. Ring Member National Mediation Board: Kyle Fortson Member Gerald W. Fauth III Member Linda Puchala Member Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission: Heather L. MacDougall Member James J. Sullivan Member Corporation for National and Community Service Barbara Stewart Chief Executive Officer National Endowment for the Humanities Jon Parrish Peede Chairman The committee approved 15 additional nominations: Department of Education Nominees: Mark Schultz Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration Robert L. King Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education Department of Labor Nominees: Dr. William Beach Commissioner of Labor Statistics Scott Mugno Assistant Secretary for the Occupational Safety and Health Cheryl Stanton Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division John Lowry III Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training John P. Pallasch Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation Gordon Hartogensis Director Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Nominees Janet Dhillon Member Daniel M. Gade, Ph.D. Member Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission Marco M. Rajkovich, Jr. Member Corporation for National and Community Service Victoria Ann Hughes Member Heather Reynolds Member National Council on the Arts Barbara Coleen Long Member Railroad Retirement Board Erhard Chorl Chair The HELP Committee held 58 hearings to address issues that matter to American families The committee held seven hearings to hear from doctors, governors, families, addiction experts, and others about steps the federal government could take to help states and communities end the opioid crisis. The committee took their input and turned it into more than 40 proposals included in the opioid package that became law in October 2018: The Federal Response to the Opioid Crisis:The committee began a series of hearings on the opioid crisis, starting by hearing what the federal government is doing from administration witnesses.Alexander saidthe crisis is tearing our communities apart, tearing families apart, and posing an enormous challenge to health care providers and law enforcement officials. The Front Lines of the Opioid Crisis: Perspectives from States, Communities, and Providers:The committee held a second hearing on the opioid crisisto hear from those on the front lines how the tools and resources Congress provided when it passed the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act and the 21stCentury Cures Act in 2016 are helping states fight the crisis.Alexander said that, We must ensure the federal government is the best possible partner for states on the front lines of the opioid crisis ravaging our country. The Opioid Crisis: An Examination of How We Got Here and How We Move Forward: Author Sam Quinones, who has extensively researched and written about the opioid crisis, testified at the committee's third hearing. Alexander told Mr. Quinones, You and I apparently have at least one thing in common: I am a skeptic of Washington's capacity to solve problems that are essentially problems of communities, families and lifestyles. In your words, I believe more strongly than ever that the antidote to heroin is community.' The Opioid Crisis: Impact on Children and Families: The committee's fourth hearing on the opioid crisis focused on the impact on children and families. Alexander pointed out this impact is especially felt in Tennessee, which is on the front lines as the opioid crisis has caused what the Tennessee Department of Health has described as a sharp increase' in the number of babies born in opioid withdrawal. The Opioid Crisis: The Role of Technology and Data in Preventing and Treating Addiction: At the committee's fifth hearing, Alexander said that the federal government's most helpful role in the opioid fight may be supporting the amazing potential of data and technology. As we've examined the opioid crisis over the last five months, we've learned that strong local communities are key to finding solutions and Washington's role is to support those efforts. When we look at what the federal government can do, sharing more data and utilizing new technologies may be the most helpful thing that we do. The Opioid Crisis: Leadership and Innovation in the States: Governors from Maryland and Oregon testified at the committee's sixth hearing on the opioid crisis. Alexander said, States are the ones who come up with the good ideas on how to tackle big problems because they're on the front lines, and it's usually the federal government's role to encourage them and cut the red tape to create an environment so that states can innovate. The Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018: At the seventh hearing, expert witnesses provided feedback on draft opioids legislation. Alexander called the legislation, which would later become the opioid legislation signed into law in October 2018, the next step in helping end the national opioid crisis. Launching a series of hearings to explore what the federal government, states, and private companies can do to reduce health care costs for American families: How to Reduce Health Care Costs: Understanding the Cost of Health Care in America: In June 2018, the committee launched a series of hearings exploring how to reduce health care costs. Alexander said, The most obvious fact about health care costs, other than that they're too high, is that they are indecipherable... Reducing Health Care Costs: Eliminating Excess Health Care Spending and Improving Quality and Value for Patients: At the committee's second hearing on reducing health care costs, a witness testified that 30 percent, and probably more than 50 percent, of what the United States spends on health care is spent on unnecessary tests, procedures, and administrative work. Reducing Health Care Costs: Decreasing Administrative Spending: The committee's third hearing examined the administrative burden the federal government imposes. Alexander said the federal government is at fault for some of the administrative burden that the nation's doctors and hospitals facewhich means more time spent on paperwork, less time actually treating patients, and an increase to the cost of health care. Reducing Health Care Costs: Examining How Transparency Can Lower Spending and Empower Patients: The fourth hearing on reducing health care costs looked at why Americans can easily check reviews and prices before purchasing everything from a new coffeemaker to a car, while information on the price and quality of health care has remained in a black box. Reducing Health Care Costs: Improving Affordability Through Innovation: At the fifth hearing on reducing health care costs, the committee examined how private sector companies are disrupting the health care system to lower costs. At the hearing, Alexander said, Going forward, I plan to take what we've learned today and from our previous four hearings, and ask leading health care policy experts for specific ideas on how the federal government can reduce the cost of health care. Examining the price Americans pay when picking up their prescription drugs: The Cost of Prescription Drugs: How the Drug Delivery System Affects What Patients Pay:The committee heldthe first in a series of bipartisan hearings looking at the price Americans pay when they pick up their prescriptions and where that money goes. Alexander said,This is a discussion that affects the well-being of every American family.It is important that we work together to conduct this fact finding in a bipartisan way. The Cost of Prescription Drugs: How the Drug Delivery System Affects What Patients Pay, Part II:The committee held the second in a series of bipartisan hearings on what goes into the prices Americans pay when picking up the 4.4 billion prescriptions written every year. At the hearing, Alexander said the focus is to learn the facts on the drug delivery system and its effects on health care costs. The Cost of Prescription Drugs: An Examination of The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Report Making Medicines Affordable: A National Imperative:At the third bipartisan hearing on drug pricing,Alexander told the story of Joseph, a West Tennessean whose family struggled to afford a $150 prescription. The committee met to examine a National Academies report on the prices Americans pay for their prescription drugs. Perspectives on the 340B Drug Pricing Program: In March 2018, the committee launched a series of hearings on the 340B Discount Drug Program, which was created by Congress in 1992 to help qualifying hospitals and clinics that treat low-income patients, by requiring drug manufacturers that participate in Medicaid to provide discounts on prescription drugs or treatments to these hospitals and clinics. The hospitals and clinics may then provide the drugs at the reduced price to low-income patients or they can sell the drugs at a higher price to patients who have insurance and then keep that money and use it to provide care to low-income patients or for other purposes. Examining Oversight Reports on the 340B Drug Pricing Program: At the committee's second hearing on the 340B Discount Drug Program, Alexander said that federal watchdog reports find the program needs better oversight, and the agency in charge may need more authority to conduct that oversight and collect reliable data. It very well may be that hospitals and clinics are using the savings to benefit low-income patients as intended. But it is hard to know that until we have more information. The Cost of Prescription Drugs: Examining the President's Blueprint American Patients First' to Lower Drug Prices: In June 2018, the committee continued its series of hearings on the price of prescription drugs, hearing from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar on the Administration's blueprint to lower drug prices. At the hearing, Alexander said that the Trump Administration's comprehensive drug pricing blueprint will bring help to the one in eight Americans who say it is difficult to afford their prescriptions. Effective Administration of the 340B Drug Pricing Program: At the committee's third hearing on the 340B Discount Drug Program, Alexander said that Congress needs more accurate information to determine how to make the 340B Program work better for patients and hospitals. There is no consistent data that shows how hospitals and clinics are spending the money they save through the 340B Program. The reason we don't have much data is because the agency that oversees the program the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) may not have the authority to actually collect data and conduct oversight over the program. Ensuring promising biomedical research leads to results for patients: Implementation of the 21stCentury Cures Act: Achieving the Promise of Health Information Technology:At the first oversight hearing on the 21stCentury Cures Act a law the committee wrote in 2016 to bring new drugs and devices more quickly to patients Alexander said, Electronic health records are a critical piece to the future of medical innovationand the success of the 21stCentury Cures Act,and I intend to ensure these provisions are implemented properly. Implementation of the 21stCentury Cures Act: Progress and the Path Forward for Medical Innovation:At a second oversight hearing held on the first anniversary of the 21st Century Cures Act's Senate passage with Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb and Director of the National Institutes of Health Francis Collins, Alexander said, It is not an overstatement to say that the 21stCentury Cures Act has the potential to affect virtually every American family by taking advantage of breathtaking advances in biomedical research. Implementation of the 21stCentury Cures Act: Responding to Mental Health Needs:The committee's third oversight hearing on the 21stCentury Cures Act examined the mental health provisions,which updated federal mental health programs for the first time in a decade. Alexander said that early intervention for patients with mental health disorders is critical: Prior to our work on Cures, the coordination between federalagencies that provide mental health care was not as effective as it could have been. I look forward to hearing about the progress being made to ensure more people can receive the help they need. FDA User Fee Agreements: Improving Medical Product Regulation and Innovation for Patients, Part I:The committee held its first hearing on updating the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) user fee agreements thatpaya quarter of all FDA's work to ensure promising new drugs and devices reach patients.Alexander saidCongress owes patients and their families a prompt, bipartisan reauthorization of the FDA medical devices and drug user fee agreements. FDA User Fee Agreements: Improving Medical Product Regulation and Innovation for Patients, Part II:At the second of two hearings on updating the FDA's user fee agreements, Alexander said a timely reauthorizationis integral to helping patients and delivering on the promise of 21stCentury Cures. Gene Editing Technology: Innovation and Impact:The committee held a hearing on gene-editing technology, including CRISPR-cas9, which Alexander said has the potential to transform human health, when used properly. CRISPR's use in humans is more recent, butthe possibility of the diseases it could treat and the lives that could be improved is remarkable. Improving Animal Health: Reauthorization of FDA Animal Drug User Fees: The committee held a hearing on the reauthorization of the Animal Drug and the Generic Animal Drug User Fee Agreements that Alexander said are critical to help keep our farm animals and pets healthy, prevent outbreaks of disease, and keep our food supply safe. Prioritizing Cures: Science and Stewardship at the National Institutes of Health: At an oversight hearing of the National Institutes of Health, Alexander said, We often say it is hard to think of a major scientific advancement since World War II that has not been supported by federal funding but we are not the only country to have figured that outother countries have seen that investing in basic research can lead to breathtaking new discoveries. Exploring how to help Americans lead healthier lives: Examining How Healthy Choices Can Improve Health Outcomes and Reduce Costs:The committee held the first in a series of hearings looking at theremarkable consensus that a healthy lifestyle leads to longer and better lives, and reduces the nation's health care costs.At the hearing, Alexander said, If we really want to focus on improving Americans' health, why not connect the consensus on wellness to the insurance policies that 178 million Americans get from their job. Encouraging Healthy Communities: Perspective from the Surgeon General:Trump Administration HHS Surgeon General Jerome Adams testified at the committee's second hearing looking at how to encourage healthier behaviors as a way to lower health care costs. Alexander said that Dr. Adams' focus on wellness could have a real impact on the lives of millions of Americans, saying it makes sense for that to be his focus, because there is a remarkable consensus that wellness lifestyle changes like eating healthier and quitting smoking can prevent serious illness and reduce health care costs. Facing 21st Century Public Health Threats: Our Nation's Preparedness and Response Capabilities, Part I: The committee held a hearing to discuss the reauthorization of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA), legislation which helps ensure the United States is prepared for public health threats including natural disasters, bioterror attacks, and outbreaks of infectious diseases. Facing 21st Century Public Health Threats: Our Nation's Preparedness and Response Capabilities, Part 2: At the committee's second hearing on reauthorizing PAHPA, Alexander said, Tennessee has seen already heartbreaking stories this winter as the flu has spread across the state and this country. PAHPA provides a medical and public health preparedness framework that ensures we are ready and able to respond to public health threats, encourages research and development of medicines to protect Americans, and enables our hospitals and state and local health departments to be prepared to respond to public health emergencies. The Health Care Workforce: Addressing Shortages and Improving Care: At a committee hearing examining the projected shortage of health care workers, Alexander said, We also know the shortage affects certain populations more than others. Rural areas where 60 million Americans live suffer the greatest impact of the shortage of health care professionals. Hearing from governors, state insurance commissioners, and health policy experts on how to stabilize the individual health insurance market: Obamacare Emergency: Stabilizing the Individual Health Insurance Market:Alexander chaired the committee's first hearing of the year on the individual health insurance market where18 million Americans and 350,000 Tennesseans purchase their insuranceand invited Tennessee's state insurance commissioner, Julie Mix McPeak, to testify.Alexander said, Without quick action, many of these 18 million Americans may have zero choices for insurance next year. Stabilizing Premiums and Helping Individuals in the Individual Insurance Market for 2018: State Insurance Commissioners:Alexander launched a series of hearings this fall on stabilizing the individual health insurance market and helping 18 million Americans be able to access and afford health insurance in 2018. At this first hearing, the committee heard from state insurance commissioners, including Julie Mix McPeak. Stabilizing Premiums and Helping Individuals in the Individual Insurance Market for 2018: Governors:At the second hearing on stabilizing the individual health insurance market, the committee heard from governors, including Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam, on steps Congress could take to make it easier for states to reclaim control of their insurance markets and limit premium increases in 2018. Stabilizing Premiums and Helping Individuals in the Individual Insurance Market for 2018: State Flexibility:At the third hearing on stabilizing the individual health insurance market, the committee heard from state flexibility experts on ways to allow states to offer more flexible insurance plans.Alexander said waivers from Obamacare regulations could offer states as many options as a Dr. Seuss book titled Oh, ThePlaceYou'll Go. Stabilizing Premiums and Helping Individuals in the Individual Insurance Market for 2018: Health Care Stakeholders:At the fourth hearing on stabilizing the individual health insurance market,Alexander said, It'sclear to truly protect patients, we need to stabilize the markets, limit premium increases, and begin to lower premiums in the future."" Exploring how to make college degrees more affordable and worth students' time and money: Exploring Free Speech on College Campuses: At a hearing on free speech on college campuses, Alexander said,Universities should be the place where people of different views may speak, audiences can listen, and many contrasting viewpoints are encouraged There should be some sensible way to allow speakers to speak and audiences to listen while still protecting freedoms offered by the First Amendment. Reauthorizing the Higher Education Act: Examining Proposals to Simplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): At the first hearing on the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act Alexander said,After four years of discussions over how to simplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or the FAFSA, it is time to come to a result to make it easier for students to apply for federal financial aid. Alexander has said the committee plans to continue its work on updating the Higher Education Act in the New Year to make it simpler and easier for students to attend college. Reauthorizing the Higher Education Act: Financial Aid Simplification and Transparency: The committee's second hearing on reauthorizing the Higher Education Act examined how to simplify the federal student aid system of two grant programs, five loan programs, and nine repayment plans. Alexander said, There is a bipartisan consensus that students looking for federal financial aid to go to college need a much simpler system so that it is not a barrier to college for the very students the aid is intended to help. Reauthorizing the Higher Education Act: Access and Innovation: At the committee's third hearing on reauthorizing the Higher Education Act, Alexander asked, How can Congress create an environment for colleges to innovate to meet the needs of today's and tomorrow's students? As the typical university student has changed into a more wide-ranging group, there is a bipartisan consensus that colleges need to be able to offer solutions to meet those students' diverse needs flexible class schedules or online learning to accommodate for family and work commitments. Reauthorizing the Higher Education Act: Accountability and Risk to Taxpayers: At the committee's fourth hearing on reauthorizing the Higher Education Act, Alexander said, I believe Congress should consider new accountability measures that are more effective at holding all individual programs at all colleges and universities accountable for the ability of their students to pay back their loans. Reauthorizing the Higher Education Act: Improving College Affordability: The committee's fifth hearing on reauthorizing the Higher Education Act looked at making college more affordable. Alexander said, The Appropriations Committee will consider whether Congress should appropriate more taxpayer dollars for student aid, but in the meantime, Congress can also help students afford college by better spending the $28 billion in grants and $92 billion in loans we spend annually. This would mean simplifying student aid, redirecting existing dollars for more Pell grants, helping students complete their degrees more rapidly, and making colleges more accountable for students repaying loans. Overseeing the implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act and ensuring local control of schools: The Every Student Succeeds Act: States Leading the Way: The committee held an oversight hearing in September, 2018 on the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), a law the committee passed in 2015 to fix No Child Left Behind, to hear from state education chiefs from Nebraska, Delaware and South Carolina about how they are implementing the law. Alexander said that, States are back in the driver's seat for decisions on how to help their students. The Every Student Succeeds Act: Unleashing State Innovation:At an oversight hearing on ESSA in 2017, Alexander said,Tennessee, Louisiana, and New Mexico have taken the most advantage of the flexibility we offered under the law in creating innovative state plansI look forward to seeing ways other states are taking advantage of the freedom to innovate under ESSA. Exploring issues important to American workers: The Impact of Zero Tariffs on U.S. Autoworkers: At a committee hearing looking at the impact of tariffs, Alexander said the president's zero tariff goal would help autoworkers in Tennessee, where automotive jobs have nearly doubled since 1994 when the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) went into effect. Alexander said, One of the reasons Tennessee has been able to have so much success building cars and SUV's is because the North American Free Trade Agreement is fundamentally a zero tariff trade agreement. Modernizing Apprenticeships to Expand Opportunities: As the economy booms, employers are in need of skilled workers more than ever. The committee held a hearing to examine how federally-administered apprenticeship programs could be modernized to meet the needs of growing industries like health or finance. Alexander said, The hope is that with a modernized approach to apprenticeships, industries that weren't around when Paul Revere was training to be a silversmith or even when Elvis was learning to be an electrician would be able to start apprenticeship programs. Confirmation hearings on President Trump's nominees: Nomination of Sharon Fast Gustafson to be General Counsel of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: The committee met to consider the nomination of Sharon Fast Gustafson to serve as General Counsel of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, a position Alexander said is important to our nation's workers. Nomination of John F. Ring to be a Member of the National Labor Relations Board: The committee met to consider the nomination of John Ring to serve as a member of the National Labor Relations Board. Alexander said, I hope confirming Mr. Ring will continue the trend of returning balance to our labor laws. Nomination of Frank T. Brogan to be Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education: The committee met to consider the nomination of Frank Brogan to serve as Assistant Secretary of Elementary and Secondary Education. Alexander said, In this role, Mr. Brogan's job will be to implement laws as Congress wrote them, including the law we wrote fixing No Child Left Behind we produced a law that reflected our consensus at the start: Continue the law's important measurements of academic progress of students but restore to states, school districts, classroom teachers and parents the responsibility for deciding what to do about improving student achievement. This change should produce fewer tests and more appropriate ways to measure student achievement. Department of Education and Department of Labor Nominations:The committee met to considertwo Department of Education nominees, Ken Marcus to serve as Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights and Johnny Collett to serve as Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, and two Department of Labor nominees, Scott Mugno to serve as Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health and Dr. William Beach to serve as Commissioner of Labor Statistics. Nomination of Alex Azar to serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services:The committee held a hearing for Alex Azar to serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Alexander said that Azar'sbroad experience is a principal asset to leading the Department you are ready to take advantage of the law Leader McConnell called, the most important piece of legislation,' the 21stCentury Cures Act, which gave new, broad powers to FDA and NIH, and included the first major reorganization of mental health programs in a decade, as well as significant new funding for the opioid crisis. Department of Education and Department of Labor Nominees:The committee met to considertwo Department of Education nominees, Brigadier General Mitchel Zais to serve as Deputy Secretary and James Blew to serve as Assistant Secretary for Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development, and two Department of Labor nominees, Kate O'Scannlain to serve as Solicitor and Preston Rutledge to serve as Assistant Secretary for the Employee Benefits Security Administration. Department of Labor and National Labor Relations Board Nominations:The committee met to consider two Department of Labor nominations and one National Labor Relations Board nomination: Cheryl Stanton to serve as Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division; David Zatezalo to serve as the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health; and Peter Robb to serve as the General Counsel of the National Labor Relations Board. Department of Education and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Nominations:The committee met to consider two Equal Employment Opportunity Commission member nominees,Janet Dhillon and Daniel Gade, and a Department of Education nominee, Carlos Muniz, to serve as General Counsel. Department of Health and Human Services Nominations:The committee met to consider five Department of Health and Human Services nominees, including:Lance Allen Robertson to serve as Assistant Secretary for Aging; Dr. Brett Giroir to serve as Assistant Secretary for Health; Dr. Robert Kadlec to serve as Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response; Dr. Elinore F. McCance-Katz to serve as Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use; and Dr. Jerome Adams to serve as Surgeon General of the Public Health Service. Department of Labor and Members of the National Labor Relations Board Nominations: The committee met to consider the nomination of Patrick Pizzella to serve as Deputy Secretary of the Department of Laborand Marvin Kaplan and William Emanuel to serve as members of the National Labor Relations Board. Nomination of Scott Gottlieb, MD, to serve as Commissioner of Food and Drugs:The committee met to consider the nomination of Dr. Scott Gottlieb to serve as Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. Alexander said Dr. Gottlieb hasimpressive qualifications from nearly every perspective and is the right person to lead the Food and Drug Administration and its vital mission for patients. Nomination of Alex Acosta to serve as Secretary of Labor:The committee met to consider Secretary of Labor nominee R. Alexander Acosta. Alexander saidthat the Labor Secretary and Congress's goal is to create an environment for American workers to succeed in a rapidly changing workplace and that harmful Obama-era labor regulations have only made it harder for Americans to create, find, or keep good-paying jobs.We are fortunate today to have a presidential nominee for Labor Secretary who understands how a good-paying job is critical to helping workers realize the American dream for themselves and for their families. Nomination of Tom Price to serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services:The committee met to consider the nomination of Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.) to lead theDepartment of Health and Human Services.The committee does not vote on this nomination but does hold a courtesy hearing. Nomination of Betsy DeVos to serve as Secretary of Education:The committee met to consider the nomination of Betsy DeVos to serve as Secretary of Education. Alexander said,Betsy DeVos is on our children's side. On charter schools and school choice, she is in the mainstream of those trying to help children succeedand her critics are outside of it. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=DE4E7848-27F4-40C6-822E-173FEF6BA5A0,"Alexander: New Farm Bill Will Help 340,000 Tennessee Farmers",2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"This new law will help provide much-needed certainty to farmers in Tennessee and across the country, which is one of the reasons it is supported by the Tennessee agriculture community, including the TennesseeFarmBureau, Tennessee Soybean Association, Tennessee Cattleman's Association, TennesseeFarmer's Cooperative and other agriculture andconservation groups. WASHINGTON, December 20, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said President Trump signed into law important legislation that will providemuch-needed certainty to Tennessee's 340,000farmers. Agricultureis one of Tennessee's most important industries, with more than 66,000farmscontributing approximately $74billion each year to our state's economy,Alexander said.I'm glad President Trump signed into law this critical legislation today it's good news for Tennessee's 340,000farmers because it supports U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)agriculture, rural development, and conservation programs that benefitfarmers across Tennessee as well as agricultural research at Tennessee's universities to help find ways forfarmers to grow better crops. This new law will also help provide much-needed certainty tofarmers in Tennessee and across the country, which is one of the reasons it is supported by the Tennessee agriculture community, including the TennesseeFarmBureau, Tennessee Soybean Association, Tennessee Cattleman's Association, TennesseeFarmer's Cooperative and other agriculture and conservation groups. Tennessee is home to more than 66,000farms and nearly 11 million acres offarmland. The new law also includes Alexander'sTennessee Wilderness Act, which he introduced in 2017 with Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) andU.S. Representative Phil Roe (R-Tenn.). The law will designate nearly 20,000 acres of the Cherokee National Forest as a wilderness area. Designation as a wilderness area is the highest level of conservation protection to preserve federal land. TheSenate passedthefinal conferenced version of theFarmbillon December11, 2018 by a vote of87-13.The U.S. House of Representatives passed it on December 12, 2018 by a vote of369-47. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=EBCF94C7-16E3-4DC6-A79A-BF66DB8A8A2F,"Senate Passes Alexander, Whitehouse, Murray, Gardner Bill That Allows Families to Answer 22 FAFSA Questions With Just One Click",2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, December20, 2018 The UnitedStatesSenatelast nightpassed bipartisan legislation introduced by Senate education committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.),Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-Wash.),Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) andSenatorCory Gardner (R-Colo.)that will allowthenearly 20 million students that complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year to answerat least 11 and up to 22questionson the formwithjustone click. The bill will allow students to have the IRS securely send the Department of Education their federal tax information with oneclick.The bill will also help simplify the process for getting through income-driven repayment applications and the student aid verification process.Now that the Senate has passed the legislation, it will head to the U.S. House of Representatives. Theformerpresident of Southwest Community College in Memphis once told me he believes that he loses 1,500 students each semester because of the complexity of theFAFSA,said Alexander.Over and over families have asked me, I've already given most of this information to the federal government when I paid my taxes, why do I have to do it againonce is enough.' This legislation will make completing the complicatedFAFSAmuch easier for studentsand familiesallowing them to answer up to 22 questionson the formwith one simple click, while securing the applicant's data. It is my hope that the U.S. House of Representatives swiftly passes this legislation. Our nation's outdated and overly complicated financial aid system is forcing students and student loan borrowers to jump through too many hoops to access federal financial aid, verify the tax returns they've already filled out, or get help if they're struggling to pay their student loans,said Murray.I'm pleased to work with my colleagues on this needed fix to federal financial aid, and I urge the House to pass this quickly so students and borrowers are able navigate their financial aid through a streamlined and efficient process. Putting prospective college students and their families through endless paperwork is more than an annoyance. Needlessly complicated forms like theFAFSAare a real obstacle to Rhode Island students continuing their education,said Whitehouse. I'm happy to join Sen. Alexander to introduce this legislation. It's a smart way to reduce the burden of theFAFSAwith a simple, secure online process. Ensuring students are able to complete theirFAFSAforms each year is crucial to continuing their education,said SenatorGardner.This bipartisan legislation makes the complex process easier for students and their parents so that no student has to miss out on educational opportunities because completing their forms was made more difficult than it needed to be. The Faster Access to Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) ActwillmakeFAFSAcompletion easierand more securefor nearly 20 million studentsby: Improvingand securingthe way individuals' IRS tax information is sent to the Department of Education. Turning a 7-click process into a single click process that answersat least 11 andup to 22 questions to transfer IRS tax filling data to the Department of Education. Allowing8 to 9 million moreFAFSAfilers to use their existing IRS tax filing information. Reducingthe burdensome verification processes for students and parents filing for aid. Automatingthe annual process for 7 million borrowers in income driven repayment to recertify their income and remain in their repayment plan. Background onFAFSA: Currently 54% ofFAFSAs are filed with information received from the IRS by parents or students using the Data Retrieval Tool to request and transfer tax information from the IRS to the Department of Education. The current process for students or parents to transfer tax information to theFAFSArequires the applicant to give direct permission to the IRS to send tax information to ED. This requires the applicant to jump fromFAFSAwebsite to IRS website and back to ED website which takes a total of 7 clicks. For 37% ofFAFSAs, either the student or the parent does not file taxes. The new process will allow the IRS to confirm that those students or parents have not filed. Background on Income Driven Repayment: Almost a third of borrowers in repayment on federal student loans are in an income-driven repayment program. These programs require that borrowers certify their income on an annual basis. If borrowers fail to complete this process, they are automatically reentered into standard 10 year repayment. Each year 19 percent ofborrowers in IDR fail to recertify their income on-time,resulting in payment spikes and interest capitalization for approximately 1.3 million borrowers. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=FD52C2B0-5E07-4252-BF3E-BF97CF17B2BE,"Senate Passes Alexander, Whitehouse, Murray, Gardner Bill That Allows Families to Answer 22 FAFSA Questions With Just One Click",2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, December20, 2018 The UnitedStatesSenatelast nightpassed bipartisan legislation introduced by Senate education committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.),Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-Wash.),Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) andSenatorCory Gardner (R-Colo.)that will allowthenearly 20 million students that complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year to answerat least 11 and up to 22questionson the formwithjustone click. The bill will allow students to have the IRS securely send the Department of Education their federal tax information with oneclick.The bill will also help simplify the process for getting through income-driven repayment applications and the student aid verification process.Now that the Senate has passed the legislation, it will head to the U.S. House of Representatives. Theformerpresident of Southwest Community College in Memphis once told me he believes that he loses 1,500 students each semester because of the complexity of theFAFSA,said Alexander.Over and over families have asked me, I've already given most of this information to the federal government when I paid my taxes, why do I have to do it againonce is enough.' This legislation will make completing the complicatedFAFSAmuch easier for studentsand familiesallowing them to answer up to 22 questionson the formwith one simple click, while securing the applicant's data. It is my hope that the U.S. House of Representatives swiftly passes this legislation. Our nation's outdated and overly complicated financial aid system is forcing students and student loan borrowers to jump through too many hoops to access federal financial aid, verify the tax returns they've already filled out, or get help if they're struggling to pay their student loans,said Murray.I'm pleased to work with my colleagues on this needed fix to federal financial aid, and I urge the House to pass this quickly so students and borrowers are able navigate their financial aid through a streamlined and efficient process. Putting prospective college students and their families through endless paperwork is more than an annoyance. Needlessly complicated forms like theFAFSAare a real obstacle to Rhode Island students continuing their education,said Whitehouse. I'm happy to join Sen. Alexander to introduce this legislation. It's a smart way to reduce the burden of theFAFSAwith a simple, secure online process. Ensuring students are able to complete theirFAFSAforms each year is crucial to continuing their education,said SenatorGardner.This bipartisan legislation makes the complex process easier for students and their parents so that no student has to miss out on educational opportunities because completing their forms was made more difficult than it needed to be. The Faster Access to Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) ActwillmakeFAFSAcompletion easierand more securefor nearly 20 million studentsby: Improvingand securingthe way individuals' IRS tax information is sent to the Department of Education. Turning a 7-click process into a single click process that answersat least 11 andup to 22 questions to transfer IRS tax filling data to the Department of Education. Allowing8 to 9 million moreFAFSAfilers to use their existing IRS tax filing information. Reducingthe burdensome verification processes for students and parents filing for aid. Automatingthe annual process for 7 million borrowers in income driven repayment to recertify their income and remain in their repayment plan. Background onFAFSA: Currently 54% ofFAFSAs are filed with information received from the IRS by parents or students using the Data Retrieval Tool to request and transfer tax information from the IRS to the Department of Education. The current process for students or parents to transfer tax information to theFAFSArequires the applicant to give direct permission to the IRS to send tax information to ED. This requires the applicant to jump fromFAFSAwebsite to IRS website and back to ED website which takes a total of 7 clicks. For 37% ofFAFSAs, either the student or the parent does not file taxes. The new process will allow the IRS to confirm that those students or parents have not filed. Background on Income Driven Repayment: Almost a third of borrowers in repayment on federal student loans are in an income-driven repayment program. These programs require that borrowers certify their income on an annual basis. If borrowers fail to complete this process, they are automatically reentered into standard 10 year repayment. Each year 19 percent ofborrowers in IDR fail to recertify their income on-time,resulting in payment spikes and interest capitalization for approximately 1.3 million borrowers. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-asks-governor-haslam-consider-clemency-cyntoia-brown,Congressman Cohen asks Governor Haslam to Consider Clemency in Cyntoia Brown Case,2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,TN,Steve Cohen,C001068,cohen.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) last week wrote to Governor Bill Haslam asking him to consider potential clemency for Cyntoia Brown, a juvenile victim of sex trafficking convicted of murder as an adult and currently serving a life sentence. The letter, sent December 10, can be seen here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://roe.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398416,Chairman Roe Statement on the Conclusion of the 115th Congress,2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Phil Roe,R000582,roe.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON D.C. ICYMI, Rep. Phil Roe, M.D. (R-TN) Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, released the following statement in advance of the end of the 115th Congress: ""As we conclude the 115th Congress, I know that every committee member can go back to their district proud of what we achieved on behalf of our nation's veterans. This Committee worked in a true bipartisan fashion and was blessed with committee members who are committed to veterans. In total, the House passed over 80 veterans bills, and President Trump signed over two dozen into law.I am honored and grateful to have had the privilege to serve as the Chairman of such a successful committee and on behalf of our nation's veterans. ""This Congress, we ensured accountability at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by passing the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017 into law last year and again when we held an oversight hearing on the first anniversary of its enactment this past July. This law protects whistleblowers and provides the secretary with the tools necessary to hold VA employees accountable. ""We also passed the VA MISSION Act, which improves the health care of our veterans. The legislation streamlines VA's many community care programs into one cohesive program, removes arbitrary eligibility criteria that was developed under the Choice Program, funds the Choice Program for one year while Congress implements the new program created in this bill, expands VA's Caregiver Program, includes provisions that strengthen VA's internal capacity to provide timely and quality care, and creates a non-partisan process for reviewing VA's assets to ensure veterans are receiving the care they need where they need it. ""Another critical focus of this Congress was the education of our student veterans. In August of 2017, the Forever GI Bill was signed into law. While we have faced some missteps with the implementation of this bill, it is still something to be proud of and will tremendously help our veterans once properly implemented. The bill does a number of things to ensure student veterans are able to take full advantage of their benefits in the way that best suits their needs. Most notably, the law removes the previous time restriction of 15 years after discharge so eligible veterans can carry their education benefits with them throughout their lives. Additionally, the law increases funding for Reservists and Guardsmen, dependents, surviving spouses and surviving dependents, and provides a 100 percent GI Bill eligibility to Post 9/11 Purple Heart recipients. Perhaps one of the most critical duties we have as members of congress is ensuring that our veterans receive the services and support they deserve. This Congress, we found that VA has an incredibly large backlog in reviewing disability claims that has caused inexcusable wait times for our veterans in receiving benefits they deserve. We took steps to improve the disability claim process through the passage and oversight of the implementation of the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017. ""Not only did we pass boatloads of legislation but we did great work performing our Constitutional duty of overseeing VA as it begun the implementation of the many major reforms that have been signed into law. One example of this, beyond simply holding oversight hearings, was the creation of the Subcommittee on Technology Modernization which is meant to oversee VA as it embarks on the biggest Electronic Health Record Modernization program in government. ""Of course, none of this could have been achieved if it weren't for a few crucial people. I want to thank Ranking Member Tim Walz (D-Minn.) for his efforts on behalf of veterans. I also want to extend my gratitude to Vice Chair Gus Bilirakis(R-Fla.),Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Chairman Mike Bost(R-Ill.),Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity Chairman Jodey Arrington(R-Texas),Subcommittee on Health Chairman Dr. Neal Dunn(R-Fla.), Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chairman General Jack Bergman(R-Mich.),and Subcommittee on Technology Modernization Chairman Jim Banks(R-Ind.),as well as all of the subcommittee ranking members. I am also extremely grateful for our counterparts in the Senate, specifically Chairman Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.)and Ranking Member Jon Tester(R-Mont.). And last but not least, I want to thank Secretary Robert Wilkie and President Donald Trump who have remained steadfast supporters of veterans. ""I am confident that in the next Congress the Committee will continue to work in a bipartisan, bicameral way and in in conjunction with the Administration as we further advance legislation that ensures our veterans receive the benefits and support they deserve.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=7D3FC0AA-F998-4B35-A0C0-0DFD9AA64137,"Alexander: Because Hes A Songwriter Too, In Nashville, We Think of Orrin Hatch as Our Third United States Senator",2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Click here for video of Sen. Alexander's floor speech about Sen. Hatch WASHINGTON, December 19, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) paid tribute on the Senate floor to Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) saying, Because he's a songwriter too, we think of him in Nashville as our third United States Senator. Alexander said: Of all the bills that Senator Hatch has worked on, my favorite is the Music Modernization Act. We call it the Hatch-Goodlatte Music Modernization Act because of his role in it. And he likes it because it's a bill to help songwriters, and he's a songwriter too. We have thousands of them in Tennesseeall around Nashville, Memphis, and Upper East Tennessee. Songwriters are typically taxi drivers, music teachers, waitresses, all not making very much money but all with the idea of writing a number one song. Alexander continued: The problem is that as the internet arrived, more than half of the money in the music industry came from songs played online, and songwriters, number oneweren't getting paid often, and number twoweren't getting paid a fair market value. So a number of us took that on. And the result was the Music Modernization Act. It passed the Senate by unanimous consent, and in the House unanimously. It had over 80 cosponsors here, but it was a very complex billa once in a generation copyright law change. And the principal sponsor was Orrin Hatch. He's chairman of the Senate Finance Committeebut more than that, he's a songwriter himself. He's had a gold record and a platinum record. So we think of him in Nashville as our third United States Senator. He's welcome to come back anytime in his retirement after January and sit down and write some more songs because his Hatch-Goodlatte Music Modernization Act is going to help thousands of songwriters and make this a more joyful country, with more good songs. Alexander concluded: So I come to the floor today simply to express my respect and appreciation for our senator who is retiring, Orrin Hatch. He served 42 years, longer than any other Republican in the history of the United States Senate, and to say that if he decides he's running out of things to do when he goes back to Utah, the door is open in Nashville, he can come write a few songs. Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah is the longest serving Republican senator in the history of the United States. Hatch has served Utahns for over four decades, with eight presidents. Senator Hatch has held a number of distinguished roles in the Senate including chairman of three committees: Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), Judiciary, and currently, Finance, and has served as President Pro Tempore since 2015. Senator Hatch is retiring at the end of the 115th Congress and is the principal sponsor of the Music Modernization Act along with Senator Alexander. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=89AFEDB4-3582-40B4-A78A-5CB613F3C072,"Alexander: Because Hes A Songwriter Too, In Nashville, We Think of Orrin Hatch as Our Third United States Senator",2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Click here for video of Sen. Alexander's floor speech about Sen. Hatch WASHINGTON, December 19, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) paid tribute on the Senate floor to Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) saying, Because he's a songwriter too, we think of him in Nashville as our third United States Senator. Alexander said: Of all the bills that Senator Hatch has worked on, my favorite is the Music Modernization Act. We call it the Hatch-Goodlatte Music Modernization Act because of his role in it. And he likes it because it's a bill to help songwriters, and he's a songwriter too. We have thousands of them in Tennesseeall around Nashville, Memphis, and Upper East Tennessee. Songwriters are typically taxi drivers, music teachers, waitresses, all not making very much money but all with the idea of writing a number one song. Alexander continued: The problem is that as the internet arrived, more than half of the money in the music industry came from songs played online, and songwriters, number oneweren't getting paid often, and number twoweren't getting paid a fair market value. So a number of us took that on. And the result was the Music Modernization Act. It passed the Senate by unanimous consent, and in the House unanimously. It had over 80 cosponsors here, but it was a very complex billa once in a generation copyright law change. And the principal sponsor was Orrin Hatch. He's chairman of the Senate Finance Committeebut more than that, he's a songwriter himself. He's had a gold record and a platinum record. So we think of him in Nashville as our third United States Senator. He's welcome to come back anytime in his retirement after January and sit down and write some more songs because his Hatch-Goodlatte Music Modernization Act is going to help thousands of songwriters and make this a more joyful country, with more good songs. Alexander concluded: So I come to the floor today simply to express my respect and appreciation for our senator who is retiring, Orrin Hatch. He served 42 years, longer than any other Republican in the history of the United States Senate, and to say that if he decides he's running out of things to do when he goes back to Utah, the door is open in Nashville, he can come write a few songs. Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah is the longest serving Republican senator in the history of the United States. Hatch has served Utahns for over four decades, with eight presidents. Senator Hatch has held a number of distinguished roles in the Senate including chairman of three committees: Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), Judiciary, and currently, Finance, and has served as President Pro Tempore since 2015. Senator Hatch is retiring at the end of the 115th Congress and is the principal sponsor of the Music Modernization Act along with Senator Alexander. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=8DFC3004-E296-43F6-AC63-9C5C6137F462,"President Signs Alexander, Bennet Bill to Help Prevent Premature Births",2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C., December 19, 2018 President Trump has signed into law legislation sponsored by Senate health committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) to reduce infant deaths and improve infant health by continuing research and education programs aimed at preventing preterm births. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the PREEMIE Reauthorization Act on December 11, 2018. The Senate passed the legislation September 12, 2018 and the Senate health committee approved it on June 26, 2018. In Tennessee, about 11 percent of babies are born preterm, said Alexander. Since it was first signed into law in 2006, this legislation has helped improve our understanding of premature births and support health care professionals caring for these infants. I am glad President Trump has signed this vital legislation so we can continue to give more babies the chance at long and healthy lives. Every child deserves a healthy start in life, and this law will increase those odds for babies at risk of premature birth, Bennet said. Because the PREEMIE Act is now reauthorized, more research, education, and treatment will be available to reduce premature births and support expectant mothers and their children. Senator Alexander introduced the PREEMIE Actto help reduce infant mortalityin 2003, and it was first signed into law in 2006. The law was reauthorized in 2013 and was also sponsored by Alexander and Bennet. The legislation that the president signed this week reauthorizes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) research and data collection on infants born premature and reauthorizes programs at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) aimed at improving the treatment and outcomes of infants born premature for the next five years. This includes grants to help providers and the public understand the potential risk factors for having a preterm baby, such as smoking, and grants to screen and treat expectant mothers for substance use disorders, including opioid use disorders. The bill also includes new provisions to help improve maternal health. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=97F23015-1690-4B09-9A84-063B9CABE0C6,"President Signs Alexander, Bennet Bill to Help Prevent Premature Births",2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C., December 19, 2018 President Trump has signed into law legislation sponsored by Senate health committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) to reduce infant deaths and improve infant health by continuing research and education programs aimed at preventing preterm births. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the PREEMIE Reauthorization Act on December 11, 2018. The Senate passed the legislation September 12, 2018 and the Senate health committee approved it on June 26, 2018. In Tennessee, about 11 percent of babies are born preterm, said Alexander. Since it was first signed into law in 2006, this legislation has helped improve our understanding of premature births and support health care professionals caring for these infants. I am glad President Trump has signed this vital legislation so we can continue to give more babies the chance at long and healthy lives. Every child deserves a healthy start in life, and this law will increase those odds for babies at risk of premature birth, Bennet said. Because the PREEMIE Act is now reauthorized, more research, education, and treatment will be available to reduce premature births and support expectant mothers and their children. Senator Alexander introduced the PREEMIE Actto help reduce infant mortalityin 2003, and it was first signed into law in 2006. The law was reauthorized in 2013 and was also sponsored by Alexander and Bennet. The legislation that the president signed this week reauthorizes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) research and data collection on infants born premature and reauthorizes programs at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) aimed at improving the treatment and outcomes of infants born premature for the next five years. This includes grants to help providers and the public understand the potential risk factors for having a preterm baby, such as smoking, and grants to screen and treat expectant mothers for substance use disorders, including opioid use disorders. The bill also includes new provisions to help improve maternal health. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=890259EE-CFE4-41A0-B0F4-8D256C719F53,Alexander: Near Unanimous Agreement on Bill to Provide Biggest Help to National Parks in 50 Years,2018-12-18,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Bipartisan bill would fill potholes, fix bathrooms, maintain trails and campgrounds, repair visitors' centers When an idea this good fixing our national parks for generations of Americans to enjoy gets this much bipartisan support, it's going to happen sooner or later. It's hard to think that it will happen sooner before the end of this year with the only few weeks left in the session. But I hope that later is no later than the beginning of next year."" Sen. Lamar Alexander WASHINGTON, December 18, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said Republicans and Democrats who often disagree are in near unanimous agreement on legislation to help fix our national parks. ""Today, too many of our National Parks are in bad shape and American families spending their vacations in our National Parks are often shocked to find that so many of the roads, picnic areas, trails, campgrounds, and visitor centers are in such bad shape or even closed,Alexander said.In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park the most visited national park in the country visitors spend 400,000 nights camping in 9 front-country campgrounds and 100 backcountry camp sites. Five thousand families used to enjoy Look Rock Campground every year, but, in 2013, the park had to close the campground and the picnic area due to funding shortfalls in replacing the water treatment facilities. The Restore Our Parks Act would be the biggest help to the National Park Service in 50 yearsit would cut in half the maintenance backlog at our 418 national park sites. The legislation would help fill potholes, fix bathrooms, maintain trails and campgrounds, repair visitors' centers, and restore our 418 national parks so Americans can enjoy them.In the Senate, we have 37 bipartisan cosponsors. The House version of the bill has over 230 bipartisan cosponsors, including the chairman and ranking member of the committee. The House Natural Resources Committee approved their version of the bill unanimously, and the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee passed the bill by a vote of 19-4.The legislation is supported by a bipartisan group of senators and representatives, the Trump Administration and more than 100 conservation groups. When an idea this good fixing our National Parks for generations of Americans to enjoy gets this much bipartisan support, it's going to happen sooner or later. It's hard to think that it will happen sooner before the end of this year with the only few weeks left in the session. But I hope that later is no later than the beginning of next year. Alexander gave his remarks on the Senate floor along with Senators Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Angus King (I-Maine).You can watch Alexander's remarkshere. Alexanderintroducedthe Senate version of the Restore OurParksAct, along with U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Angus King (I-Maine). The Senate Energy and Natural ResourcesCommitteeheld a hearingon the Restore OurParksAct on July 11, 2018,andapprovedthe legislation on October 2, 2018. The legislationhas37bipartisancosponsors. The legislation could cut in half the nearly $12 billion deferred maintenance backlog in our nationalparksover the next five years and has been praised by the Trump Administration. The Restore Our Parks Act would establish the National Park Service Legacy Restoration Fund to reduce the maintenance backlog by allocating existing revenues the government receives from on and offshore energy development. This funding would come from 50 percent of all revenues that are not otherwise allocated and deposited into the General Treasury not to exceed $1.3 billion each year for the next five years. Read more from Tennesseans on why Alexander's legislation is important: The Chattanoogan: Jennie Bartoletti: Our National Parks Are Desperate for Repairs The Knoxville News Sentinel: Vesna Plekanis: Thanks to Senator Lamar Alexander for fighting for Smokies funding The Jackson Sun: Senator Lamar Alexander works to restore Shiloh, other national parks ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=C172F350-679A-4C38-AADF-60C294C0CE7B,Alexander: Senate Passes Prison Reform Legislation,2018-12-18,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, December 18, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement after the Senate passed the First Step Act, bipartisan prison reform legislation he cosponsored that was introduced by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and supported by President Trump: Today, the Senate passed bipartisan legislation that will help improve the federal criminal justice system and reform federal prisons. This legislation will take some important first steps to help non-violent offenders re-enter their communities and reduce the likelihood that they would commit another crime. I commend President Trump and Chairman Grassley for their leadership and I look forward to the House passing the bill and the president signing it into law. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-praises-senator-alexander-announced-retirement,Congressman Cohen Praises Senator Alexander on Announced Retirement,2018-12-17,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,TN,Steve Cohen,C001068,cohen.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) responded to today's announcement by Senator Lamar Alexander that he will be retiring in 2020 with the following statement: On all occasions, Senator Alexander has been a gentleman, is knowledgeable about issues and is honest and above board. I worked with then-Governor Alexander as a state senator on the Tennessee State Scenic Highway legislation and, in Congress, on the 21st Century Cures Act, part of the National Institutes of Health package that delivered important resources to medical research, particularly on Alzheimer's. I look forward to continuing to work with him over the next two years. I know he is looking forward to spending more time with his wonderful family.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-statement-on-announcement-by-sen-lamar-alexander,Cooper Statement on Announcement by Sen. Lamar Alexander,2018-12-17,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,TN,Jim Cooper,C000754,cooper.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) today issued the following statement after U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander said he would not seek re-election in 2020: Lamar is finishing a stellar career in Tennessee politics, Rep. Cooper said. I honor him for his service, but I also hope he will use his last two years in office to challenge President Trump the way that Bob Corker has done. I am worried that the Tennessee Republican Party is losing the legacy of Howard Baker: his willingness to investigate his own president, to insist on fiscal discipline, open markets, and civil rights. America needs that fair-mindedness now more than ever.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kustoff.house.gov/media/press-releases/kustoff-statement-retirement-senator-lamar-alexander,Kustoff Statement on Retirement of Senator Lamar Alexander,2018-12-17,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,David Kustoff,K000392,kustoff.house.gov,kustoff,https://kustoff.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Germantown, Tennessee – December 17, 2018 – U.S. Representative David Kustoff (TN-08) today released the following statement after U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN) announced he will not seek re-election in 2020. ""Senator Lamar Alexander is the definition of a Statesman,"" said Kustoff. ""His public service of almost 50 years to the state of Tennessee and our nation will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come. I join my colleagues in thanking him for his leadership and thoughtful approach to public policy. Roberta and I wish Lamar, his wife, Honey, and their entire family the very best in all their future endeavors."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z https://roe.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398415,Roe Statement on Senator Alexander's Retirement,2018-12-17,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Phil Roe,R000582,roe.house.gov,,,legacy,"Roe Statement on Senator Alexander's Retirement f t # e Washington, December 17, 2018 JOHNSON CITY, TENN. Today, Rep. Phil Roe, M.D. (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) announced he will not be seeking re-election in 2020: Tennessee and our country have been blessed to have been represented by Lamar Alexander. As Governor, Secretary of Education, University of Tennessee's President, presidential candidate and U.S. Senator, he has exemplified what it means to be a public servant by working tirelessly to make our state and nation the best it can be. I still remember his first campaign for governor, where he walked across the state in his signature red-and-black flannel and inspired many in Tennessee to become Republicans. He is not only a great man, but a loving father and husband to his wife and family. Knowing the senator, I'm sure there is still a lot that will be accomplished, and I look forward to continuing to work with him over these next two years. I want to thank him for all his hard work, and I wish Lamar, Honey and their family the best. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=D00D0EED-BC1F-439E-9E5C-B9210FCB5DF2,Alexander Statement on 2020 Senate Election,2018-12-17,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"NASHVILLE, Tenn., December 17, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement: I will not be a candidate for re-election to the United States Senate in 2020. The people of Tennessee have been very generous, electing me to serve more combined years as Governor and Senator than anyone else from our state. I am deeply grateful, but now it is time for someone else to have that privilege. I have gotten up every day thinking that I could help make our state and country a little better, and gone to bed most nights thinking that I have. I will continue to serve with that same spirit during the remaining two years of my term. Alexander is the only Tennessean everpopularly electedboth Governor and U.S. Senator. His 2008 general election vote total of1,579,477is the largest ever received by a statewide candidate. Alexander is chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. He authored opioids legislation signed into law in October which President Trump called the single largest bill to combat a drug crisis in the history of our country. In 2016, hewrote the 21st Century Cures Act, which Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) called the most important law of this Congress. In 2015, Alexander authored the Every Student Succeeds Act, fixing No Child Left Behind. President Obama called the new law a Christmas miracle, and theWall Street Journalsaid it was the largest devolution of federal control to the states in a quarter century. As chairman of the Energy and Water Development Appropriations subcommittee, Alexander provided four years of record funding for national laboratories, supercomputing and waterways, including restarting Chickamauga Lock.You can read more about the senator's workhere. A seventh-generation Tennessean born and raised in Maryville, Alexander was twice elected governor of Tennessee. He was chairman of the National Governors Association and of President Ronald Reagan's Commission on Americans Outdoors. He then served as president of the University of Tennessee and U.S. Secretary of Education under President George H.W. Bush. In 2002, he was elected to the United States Senate and was re-elected in 2008 and 2014. His Republican colleagues elected him three times to be chairman of the Senate Republican Conference. He is a country and classical pianist who has performed on the Grand Ole Opry and for the Billy Graham Crusade. When not in public office, he co-founded a law firm and two successful businesses. He and Leslee Kathryn [Honey] Buhler married on January 4, 1969. They have four children and nine grandchildren. For photos and b-roll, clickhere. Highlights:United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) Born July 3, 1940, Maryville, Tennessee;seventh generation East Tennessean; father was an elementary school principal and mother was a pre-school teacher; Only Tennessean everpopularly electedboth Governor and U.S. Senator; 2008 general election vote total of1,579,477is the largest ever received by a statewide candidate; In October 2019, will have served more combined years (24 years, 9 months) as Governor and U.S. Senator than any other Tennessean; In his 1978 campaign for governor, walked1022miles across Tennessee spending the night with 73 families; on January17, 1979, Democrat legislative leaders swore him in three days early because of scandals surrounding incumbent governor; As Governor (1979-1987) helped bring the auto industry to Tennessee, recruiting Nissan and Saturn and sponsoring three major road programs to attract auto parts suppliers; led Tennessee to become the first state to pay teachers more for teaching well; left office with fewer state employees, third lowest per capita taxes, AAA bond rating and zero road debt; Elected U.S. Senator in2002(54% vs. Bob Clement, 44%); re-elected2008(65% vs. Bob Tuke, 32%); re-elected2014(62% vs Gordon Ball, 32%); As Senator, while he was chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee (2015-2019), reported 45 bills that became law. Alexander was principal author of most of these laws including the 2015 Every Student Succeeds Act, which President Obama called, a Christmas miracle, and theWall Street Journalsaid it was the greatest devolution of power to states in a quarter century. For this, the nation's governors and the National Education Association gave Alexander their highest award. Alexander authored the 21stCentury Cures Act, which Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnellcalled the most important law of this Congress in 2016. In 2018, he authored the Opioid Crisis Response Act, which McConnell called landmark legislation. As chairman of the Energy and Water Development Appropriations subcommittee over fiscal years 2016 through 2019, Alexander provided four years of record funding for national laboratories, supercomputing and waterways, including restarting Chickamauga Lock; Alexander has also been a principal author of The America COMPETES Act (2007), legislation reforming student loans (2015), modernizing how songwriters are paid (2018), funding the National Park Service maintenance backlog (2018). Chairman of the National Governors Association (1985-1986) and U.S. Senate Republican Conference (2007-2012);President, University of Tennessee (1988-1991); U.S. Secretary of Education for President George H.W. Bush (1991-1993); Chairman, President Reagan's Commission on Americans Outdoors (1986); Professor of Practice in Public Service,Harvard'sKennedy School of Government (2001-2002); When not in public office, co-founded a law firm (1972) and two successful businesses: Blackberry Farm, Inc. (1976) and Corporate Child Care, Inc. (1987). He is an elder in Westminster Presbyterian Church, Nashville. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-list?ContentRecord_id=69D4DF69-6184-4B13-9B34-B3F362C93200,Corker Statement on Alexander Announcement,2018-12-17,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Bob Corker,C001071,www.corker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement after Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) announced he will not seek re-election in 2020. One of the highlights of my time in the Senate has been working with Lamar Alexander, said Corker. I often tell him he is the legislator of the decade because of the effective way he has worked across the aisle to pass legislation that directly affects the lives of so many throughout our state and around the country. As one of the finest statesmen our state has ever seen, Lamar will leave behind a remarkable legacy. I know he will press through the next two years with great vigor, and I look forward to all he will accomplish on behalf of Tennesseans as he completes his service in Washington. I thank Lamar for his friendship and am excited for Honey and him as they begin to think about their next chapter together. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=35FAF2C4-1D74-4AC6-889A-91487AAD833F,"Johnson City Press: Lamar Alexander: Protecting our mountain wilderness, heritage",2018-12-15,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"By Lamar Alexander https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/Column/2018/12/15/Protecting-our-mountains-and-heritage.html This week, Congress passed the Tennessee Wilderness Act, which will protect 20,000 acres of federal land in the Cherokee National Forest for camping and hiking, and roaming and enjoying nature.The bill now heads to President Trump's desk to be signed into law. Senator Corker, Congressman Roe and I have been trying for the last 8 years to ensure future generations of Tennesseans have the opportunity to enjoy some of the wildest, most pristine and beautiful areas in our state, and this legislation will help do that. There is something very special about East Tennessee's Appalachian Mountains from Roan Mountain to the Great Smokies, which is our nation's most visited national park. Millions of people visit Tennessee each year to experience our incredible outdoor amenities, and it's important that we preserve these areas for future generations of Americans to enjoy. The Tennessee Wilderness Act designates nearly 20,000 acres within the Cherokee National Forest in Monroe, Polk, Washington, Unicoi, Carter, and Johnson Counties as wilderness. The acres are all already owned by the federal government and are within the boundary of the Cherokee National Forest. As a result, no local tax revenues will be lost by local communities. And because these lands have been managed by the Forest Service as Wilderness Study Areas since 2004, there will be no change in the management of the lands from current operations. Specifically, the bill designates the 9,038 acre Upper Bald River Wilderness, adds 348 acres to the Big Frog Wilderness, adds 966 acres to the Little Frog Mountain Wilderness, adds 2,922 acres to the Sampson Mountain Wilderness, adds 4,446 acres to the Big Laurel Branch Wilderness, and adds 1,836 acres to the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness. These lands were recommended for wilderness designation by the U.S. Forest Service as part of their comprehensive 2004 forest plan, which included extensive opportunities for public comment. As the result of extensive local public input, the Tennessee Wilderness Act has broad support from Tennessee fisherman, hunters, backpackers, hikers, artists, pastors, botanists, and state and local officials. Rock Creek Outfitters in Chattanooga has said the wilderness designation would protect the landscapes that attract tourists that shop in their stores, eat in their restaurants, stay in their hotels, and help drive their economy forward. Tennessee Wild said the Cherokee National Forest is a special place for hikers, hunters, campers and paddlers, all of whom will be grateful for this big step forward in preserving Tennessee's big backyard. The Conservation Alliance has said this land which includes stretches of the Appalachian Trail is important for outdoor recreation and outdoor companies. And The Wilderness Society has said these public lands need wilderness protection to preserve essential wildlife habitat and biodiversity. Tennessee is full of history, and this legislation will help protect Tennessee's natural heritage. Designation as wilderness will not only better protect ecosystems and watersheds, but also benefit the diverse recreational value of these areas, which is a major part of East Tennessee's economy. The millions of people who visit the state every year will now have another reason to come and enjoy the great outdoors.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/announcing-russell-b-sugarmon-post-office-becoming-law,Announcing Russell B. Sugarmon Post Office Becoming Law,2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,TN,Steve Cohen,C001068,cohen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friend, This week, I announced that my bill to name the post office on Autumn Avenue for Judge RussellB.Sugarmonhas been signed into law. I also questioned Google's CEO about protecting free speech;voted to pass a Farm Billwhich protects important food assistance,animal protection and conservation programs;expressed my concern about developments in the Special Counsel Robert Muellerinvestigation;visited with students at Hamilton High School's pre-K program, welcomed new American citizens, noted that open enrollment for HealthCare.gov policies ends this Saturday, December 15;remembered Shelby County Election Commissioner O.C. Pleasant Jr., offered Capitol Historical Society 2019 calendars and made a health tip about preparing for wintry cold snaps. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me onTwitterandFacebookto see more updates as they happen. Announcing Russell B.SugarmonPost Office Becoming Law Questioning Google about Protecting Free Speech Protecting Food Assistance Expressing Concerns About Developments in the Mueller Probe Visiting with Hamilton High SchoolPre-KStudents Welcoming New American Citizens in Memphis Flagging Open Enrollment Ending Soon at HealthCare.gov RememberingO.C. Pleasant Jr. Offering U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Weekly Health Tip Quote of the Week Announcing Russell B.SugarmonPost Office Becoming Law On Monday, I announced that my bill to rename the post office at 1325 Autumn Avenue for Russell B.Sugarmon, the civil rights leader, lawyer and judge, had been signed into law. No one deserves this honor more than JudgeSugarmonand I look forward to dedicating thismonumentto a great man's achievements soon. Questioning Google about Protecting Free Speech On Tuesday,Google CEO Sundar Pichaitestified beforethe House Judiciary Committee on which I serve and took questions about baseless claims of bias against conservatives in its search functionandconcerns about privacy and tracking people's physical locations. I asked Pichai to make it easier for people to understand and adjust privacy settings on their smart phones and asked him what Google is doing to limit the effectiveness of bots that use algorithms tostiflethefree speech ofhumanitarian and democratic activists in authoritarian countries.See that exchangehere. The hearing and my questioning drew a lot of commentary on Twitter, including this post by journalist Eli Lake: Protecting Food Assistance On Wednesday, I voted for and the House passed a five-year Farm Bill thatprotects food assistance, conservation and animal welfare policies that are priorities forresidents of the 9thCongressional District.We successfully blocked efforts by the Majority to imposepunishing work requirements for food stamp recipientsand preserved the Conservation Stewardship Program, which encourages farmers to strengthen conservation efforts on their farms.I am also pleased that two bills I cosponsored to protect animals, the Pet and Women Safety (PAWS) Act (H.R. 909) and the Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act (H.R. 1406), were included in the final bill. The Farm Billalso provides permanent funding for programs promoting local farmers markets and organic farming. Expressing Concerns About Developments in the Mueller Probe All week, I have been concerned about mounting evidence in support of allegations that the President directed his lawyer to violate campaign finance laws with illicit hush-money payments to two women during the 2016 campaign and what impact that might have on the future of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation of Russian interference in our elections. I talked to MSNBC's Alex Witt about those concernson Sunday. The day before, I talked with MSNBC's Jonathan Capehart onAM Joyand with the network'sRichard Liu.And last Friday night, I spoke to Lawrence O'Donnell on the network'sThe Last Word.In print press interviews, I've suggested tying legislation protecting the integrity of Mueller's probe to spending bills whose deadlines are looming. I am acosponsor of theSpecial Counsel Independence and Integrity Act(H.R. 5476)which I hope we can pass before the 115thCongress ends later this month. I am scheduled to talk with MSNBC's the Reverend Al Sharpton on Saturday at about 4:30 p.m. Visiting with Hamilton High SchoolPre-KStudents On Friday morning, Ivisitedthe Hamilton High School Pre-Kindergarten program for a holiday party and to deliver and read a book to encourage literacy. I talked to the students, staff and parents about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP, or food stamps) program reauthorized in theFarmBill and about my support for early childhood education and Head Start. I told the kids to make good grades, stay in school and to enjoy being kids. While at Hamilton, I was pleased and surprised to meet football coach Cedrick Wilson, the former Melrose High School quarterback and University of Tennessee and NFL wide receiver. He is an iconic football player who will both teach and inspire. Welcoming New American Citizens in Memphis On Monday, members of my staff attended the naturalization ceremony for 59 new American citizens from 32 foreign countries, including Yemen, Mauritania, Congo, Mexico, India, China, South Korea, Venezuela, Syria, Ethiopia and Peruand Ukraine. Federal District Judge Sheryl Lipman administered the oath and shared a story about her family which originated in Ukraine, then part ofthe Russian Empire.Her family fled the anti-Jewish pogroms at the end of the 19thcentury and settled in Memphis. It was a struggle but there was much hope becauseAmericaoffered religious freedom, had separation of church and state, and had a democratic form of government that offered opportunity to all. On Sunday night, her family celebrated Chanukahas they havefor a hundred years herein Memphis. I'm proud to have recommended Judge Lipman to President Obama, who made her the first federal Jewish judge in Tennessee history. These naturalization ceremonies are always a moving experience as many of these newAmericans have waited years to become citizens. It's a good reminder that we are a nation of immigrants. Flagging Open Enrollment Now Available at HealthCare.gov Open enrollment for 2019HealthCare.govinsurance plansendstomorrow,Saturday, December 15. Listen for my public service radio announcementthat encouragessigning up.For more information on signing up for health care, seeHealthcare.gov. Remembering O.C. Pleasant Jr. I was saddened this week to note the passing of my old friend O.C. Pleasant Jr., the longest-serving member of the Shelby County Election Commission. O.C. and I became friends when we were elected as delegates to the 1977 Tennessee State Constitutional Convention. We got to know each other well during the five months of the convention and we maintained that friendship over the next 40 years. He was a stand-up member oftheCountyElectionCommissionwho served with great distinction and heroism, and was noted for speaking truth to power. I extend my sincere condolences to his wife Barbara, his children and his many friends. He was a good man and his was a life well lived. Offering U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Myofficehasa limited number of 2019 U.S. Capitol Historical Society calendars available. If you would like to receive a calendar, pleasecomplete this formon my website. Due to the rules of the House, I can mail calendars only to residents of Tennessee's 9thCongressional District. Please feel free to share this email with other residents of the 9thDistrict who may be interested in receiving one but who do not receive my e-Newsletter. Signing Up for Congress On Your Corner and this e-Newsletter I enjoy meeting regularly with constituents in the district and helping get answers for them to questions about dealing with federal agencies. If you are interested in attending one of my Congress on Your Corner events, you can sign uphereto receive notification as soon as the next event is scheduled. For those who haven't participated in a telephone town hall, it's easy to sign up for them by usingthis form. If you would like to receive this weekly e-Newsletter, or share it with others, you can do that withthis form. Weekly Health Tip Each week, I share a health tip in the hope of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the 9thCongressional District.As always, it is best to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine or lifestyle. Rainy and windy conditions this week are likely get colder as the Mid-South transitions fromfallto winter. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers advice about getting prepared for wintry weather by repairing leaking roofs at home,having your furnace inspected, and being prepared for emergencies in your car by having booster cables, blankets and flashlights available. See all theCDC'sadvicehere. The Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division inspects gas appliances with its ongoing Pilot Safety Inspections that are free to those over 60. See details including how to make an appointmenthere. Quote of the Week You want to know something? I'll tell you what: I am proud to shut down the government for border security, ChuckI will be the one to shut it down I'm not going to blame you for it. President Donald J. Trump on Tuesday during a meeting with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer about a Homeland Security spending bill. Note:Trump campaigned on a pledge to build a southern border wall and to makeMexicopay for it. As always, I remain Most sincerely, Steve Cohen Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=2B8B3A17-FF87-4B05-963B-4D90B291E794,Alexander: DENSOs Success Means More Good Jobs and Stronger Families,2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Just as Alcoa did in the last century, in this century DENSO has provided better jobs that mean stronger families, better schools, stronger communities and safer neighborhoodssomething for which every single Blount Countian can be grateful. Senator Lamar Alexander ** For high resolution photos, please email Ashton_Davies@alexander.senate.gov ** MARYVILLE, Tenn., December 14, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said at the grand opening ceremony of a new DENSO manufacturing facility in Maryville that, in this century the company has provided better jobs that mean stronger families, better schools, stronger communities and safer neighborhoods for Blount County. In 1917, Alcoa came from Pittsburgh and built a big aluminum smelting plant in Blount County. The residents were so upset they tarred and feathered the mayor and ran him out of town,Alexander said.But, it wasn't long before Blount Countians realized Alcoa was good for the community the company brought good-paying jobs to East Tennessee and suddenly families found themselves making good wages. Alcoa created more jobs, stronger families, better schools and stronger communities for Blount County in the last century, and DENSO is having the same effect in this century. Of course, DENSO has been part of our state's auto industry from the beginning. Alexander told the story of how DENSO came to Blount County when he, as governor, received a call from Toyota that it would bring a small, 100-employee auto supplier called Nippon Denso to his hometown of Maryville as a consolation prize after deciding to build its plant in Lexington, Kentucky. And now, 30 years later, that consolation prize' has 4,350 full-time employees in Blount County, and 1,900 more at two other Tennessee DENSO plants in Athens and Jackson,Alexander said. Alexander continued,Because of Tennessee's central location, our right-to-work law, our top-notch roads, good governors and state leadership, and our strong workforce, DENSO is one of nearly 1,000 auto suppliers that have made Tennessee the top automotive manufacturing state in the country. Since 2001, DENSO has invested about $1.4 billion and last year announced another $1 billion in future investments - in its Maryville campusand grown from about 551 jobs from when it first started to the more than 4,350 today. This new manufacturing facilitymeans even morenew job opportunities for Blount Countians, and behind those new jobs, there are a lot of happy human faces. Alexander concluded,Just as Alcoa did in the last century, in this century DENSO has provided better jobs thatmean stronger families, better schools,stronger communities and safer neighborhoodssomething for which every single Blount Countian can be grateful. Today's grand opening is just one more accomplishment to add to DENSO's long history of success a success story I know will last for generations to come. ### Lamar Alexander is the senior senator from Tennessee, and he serves as chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. For his full biography, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://desjarlais.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-scott-desjarlais-votes-for-farm-bill-that-improves-food-stamp,"REP. SCOTT DESJARLAIS VOTES FOR FARM BILL THAT IMPROVES FOOD STAMP PROGRAM, RURAL BROADBAND AND EDUCATION",2018-12-13,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Scott DesJarlais,D000616,desjarlais.house.gov,,,legacy,"REP. SCOTT DESJARLAIS VOTES FOR FARM BILL THAT IMPROVES FOOD STAMP PROGRAM, RURAL BROADBAND AND EDUCATION STRONG STANCE ON TRAINING AND WORK REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PRODUCES MORE CONSERVATIVE BILL WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman Scott DesJarlais (TN-04), a member of the House Agriculture Committee, voted for the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. The House-Senate agreement sets national agriculture policy for the next five years, and the President will likely sign it. Rep. DesJarlais, a House Freedom Caucus member, was an outspoken proponent of changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps, which would help more Americans gain job training and employment in an economy where an estimated six million job openings outnumber unemployed. Especially in Tennessee's Fourth District, where Rutherford County is one of the fastest-growing in the U.S., the economy requires skilled workers to fill good-paying jobs. But able-bodied, working-age adults receiving food stamps, many for long periods of time, are missing opportunities to learn nursing, welding, computer coding and other professions, said Rep. DesJarlais. Unfortunately, Democrats are dead-set against reform, and even some Republicans seem to prefer the failing status quo, despite large majorities of our constituents who favor better training and education for our out-of-work friends and neighbors. But conservatives made progress in this bill, such as better data collection to inform future action. There will be fewer exemptions and waivers allowing states to game the system, and we have eliminated bonuses to states for performing basic administration. The Congressman cited other provisions to improve rural broadband, telemedicine and education. A Democrat-controlled Congress next year, if we simply extended the deadline until then, would produce more bloat and bureaucracy. Passing this farm bill now gives us the opportunity to make positive changes and prevent big mistakes later on. Tennessee farmers and ranchers also need our help coping with unfair foreign trade practices, said Rep. DesJarlais. They get it in this legislation, and I'm confident we're headed in the right direction. I look forward to working with Agriculture Secretary Sonny Purdue to guide work and training requirements at the departmental level. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://desjarlais.house.gov/media-center?ID=12FF329D-07A9-49AA-8920-322A21353E3E,"REP. SCOTT DESJARLAIS VOTES FOR FARM BILL THAT IMPROVES FOOD STAMP PROGRAM, RURAL BROADBAND AND EDUCATION",2018-12-13,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Scott DesJarlais,D000616,desjarlais.house.gov,desjarlais,https://desjarlais.house.gov/media-center,scraper,"STRONG STANCE ON TRAINING AND WORK REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PRODUCES MORE CONSERVATIVE BILL WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Scott DesJarlais (TN-04), a member of the House Agriculture Committee, voted for the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. The House-Senate agreement sets national agriculture policy for the next five years, and the President will likely sign it. Rep. DesJarlais, a House Freedom Caucus member, was an outspoken proponent of changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps, which would help more Americans gain job training and employment in an economy where an estimated six million job openings outnumber unemployed. “Especially in Tennessee’s Fourth District, where Rutherford County is one of the fastest-growing in the U.S., the economy requires skilled workers to fill good-paying jobs. But able-bodied, working-age adults receiving food stamps, many for long periods of time, are missing opportunities to learn nursing, welding, computer coding and other professions,” said Rep. DesJarlais. “Unfortunately, Democrats are dead-set against reform, and even some Republicans seem to prefer the failing status quo, despite large majorities of our constituents who favor better training and education for our out-of-work friends and neighbors. But conservatives made progress in this bill, such as better data collection to inform future action. There will be fewer exemptions and waivers allowing states to game the system, and we have eliminated bonuses to states for performing basic administration.” The Congressman cited other provisions to improve rural broadband, telemedicine and education. “A Democrat-controlled Congress next year, if we simply extended the deadline until then, would produce more bloat and bureaucracy. Passing this farm bill now gives us the opportunity to make positive changes and prevent big mistakes later on. Tennessee farmers and ranchers also need our help coping with unfair foreign trade practices,” said Rep. DesJarlais. “They get it in this legislation, and I’m confident we’re headed in the right direction. I look forward to working with Agriculture Secretary Sonny Purdue to guide work and training requirements at the departmental level.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-list?ContentRecord_id=8B6464A6-2172-4B05-9EC6-DA15764EF9E7,Corker Offers Resolution Condemning Murder of Jamal Khashoggi,2018-12-13,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Bob Corker,C001071,www.corker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today will introduce a Senate joint resolution holding Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman responsible for the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a former Saudi journalist and columnist for The Washington Post. The resolution condemns Khashoggi's killing and insists on accountability for those involved in his death. Cosponsors of the resolution include Senators Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), and Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.). The resolution is expected to be considered by the full Senate. Text of the resolution is below and available online here. Title: Supporting a Diplomatic Solution in Yemen and Condemning the Murder of Jamal Khashoggi. Whereas the ongoing civil war in Yemen has exacerbated that country's humanitarian crisis, in which nearly 12,000,000 people are suffering from severe hunger, according to the United Nations' World Food Programme; Whereas there is no military solution to the conflict; Whereas the United States-Saudi Arabia relationship is important to United States national security and economic interests; Whereas the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has, in recent years, engaged in concerning behavior, including its conduct in the civil war in Yemen, apparent detention of the Prime Minister of Lebanon, undermining the unity of the Gulf Cooperation Council, expulsion of the Canadian ambassador, suppression of dissent within the Kingdom, and the murder of Jamal Khashoggi; Whereas misleading statements by the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia regarding the murder of Jamal Khashoggi have undermined trust and confidence in the longstanding friendship between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; and Whereas such erratic actions place unnecessary strain on the United States-Saudi Arabia relationship, which is an essential element of regional stability: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the Senate (1) believes Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is responsible for the murder of Jamal Khashoggi; (2) acknowledges the United States Government has sanctioned 17 Saudi individuals under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act (subtitle F of title XII of Public Law 114328; 22 U.S.C. 2656 note) for their roles in the murder; (3) calls for the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to ensure appropriate accountability for all those responsible for Jamal Khashoggi's murder; (4) calls on the Government of Saudi Arabia to release Raif Badawi, Samar Badawi, and the Saudi women's rights activists who were arrested as political prisoners in 2018; (5) encourages the Government of Saudi Arabia to redouble its efforts to enact economic and social reforms; (6) calls on the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to respect the rights of its citizens and moderate its increasingly erratic foreign policy; (7) warns that the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's increasing purchases of military equipment from, and cooperation with, the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China, challenges the strength and integrity of the long-standing military-to-military relationship between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and may introduce significant national security and economic risks to both parties; (8) demands that all parties seek an immediate cease-fire and negotiated political solution to the Yemen conflict and increased humanitarian assistance to the victims of the conflict; (9) condemns the Government of Iran's provision of advanced lethal weapons to Houthi rebels, which have perpetuated the conflict and have been used indiscriminately against civilian targets in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the Bab al Mandeb waterway; (10) condemns Houthi rebels for egregious human rights abuses, including torture, use of human shields, and interference with, and diversion of, humanitarian aid shipments; (11) demands that the Saudi-led coalition and all parties to the Yemen conflict seek to minimize civilian casualties at all times; (12) supports the peace negotiations currently being managed by United Nations Special Envoy Martin Griffiths and encourages the United States Government to provide all possible support to these diplomatic efforts; (13) declares that there is no statutory authorization for United States involvement in hostilities in the Yemen civil war; and (14) supports the end of air-to-air refueling of Saudi-led coalition aircraft operating in Yemen. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-congratulates-kaywin-feldman-national-gallery-art,Congressman Cohen Congratulates Kaywin Feldman on National Gallery of Art Appointment,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,TN,Steve Cohen,C001068,cohen.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) congratulated former Brooks Museum of Art director Kaywin Feldman on her appointment as the fifth director and first women to lead the national Gallery of Art that she has called arguably America's greatest treasure. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: The National Gallery is the home of priceless Rembrandts, Titians, Picassos, Monets, Modiglianis, Pissarros, classic statuary, and many of the greatest and best-known works of art on earth, including Memphis' own William Eggleston's. Kaywin Feldman is just the person to oversee this great American art institution located on America's front yard, the National Mall. I congratulate her for this huge achievement and look forward to walking the storied galleries with her soon. Feldman has been the director of the Minneapolis Institute of Art since 2008. Before that, she was director of Memphis' Brooks Museum of Art from 1999 to 2007. She takes over in March from longtime National Gallery Early Rusty Powell III, who has led the museum since 1992 and announced his plan to retire last year. Feldman will be overseeing a museum that receives more than five million visitors a year, has a staff of 1,100 and has an annual operating budget of $167 million. It was founded in 1937 for the American people by billionaire philanthropist Andrew Mellon. It can be visited free of charge.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kustoff.house.gov/media/press-releases/farm-bill-passage-great-west-tennessee,"Farm Bill Passage, Great for West Tennessee",2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,David Kustoff,K000392,kustoff.house.gov,kustoff,https://kustoff.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – December 12, 2018 – Congressman David Kustoff (TN-08) today released the following statement following the passage of the conference report for H.R.2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018. Also known as the 2018 Farm Bill, this bipartisan legislation supports our nation's farmers and foresters by reauthorizing farm programs and directing the nation's agricultural policy for the next five years. Congressman Kustoff said: ""When I ran to represent West Tennessee, I promised to listen to our farmers and fight for their priorities. Across the nation, farmers and ranchers have been struggling as incomes have dropped nearly 50 percent over the last 5 years. I have visited farms all throughout West Tennessee and heard directly from those farmers about how this Farm Bill would make a huge positive impact on their operations. ""That is why I am proud to have voted in favor of the Farm Bill that provides stability for some of the hardest working families in America. The Farm Bill has wins for rural communities including protections against natural disasters and unfair foreign trade practices. It also stimulates rural development programs like broadband, research, and extension of USDA's ability to support those who work hard to put food on our tables and clothes on our backs."" Among many important provisions, the 2018 Farm Bill: • Supports the cotton industry by addressing overly restrictive family farm eligibility requirements and allowing and full access to the marketing loan program; • Maintains and strengthens the Crop Insurance program; • Preserves the Administration's regulatory flexibility on SNAP benefits, including USDA's ability to reign in states who abuse the waiver process; • Creates new broadband standards and provides new incentives for borrowers to develop high-speed broadband networks; and • Provides all rural communities access to guaranteed lending programs that finance critical infrastructure projects. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=1E9181F2-163C-40A5-BD67-31241D1C2E37,Alexander at Axios Event: The Debate Should Move From Health Insurance to Health Care Costs,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"I'm going to focus on making the system more of a market, getting rid of barriers, andif I couldfind a way to make it possible for those of us who buy health care services every day to know the price of what we're paying for.Sen. Lamar Alexander *You can watch Senator Alexander's discussion with Axios' Mike Allenhere* WASHINGTON, December 12, 2018 Senate health committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said the health care debate should move from health insurance to health care costs. At an event hosted by Axios today, Alexander discussed his 2019 health care policy priorities, specifically reducing the cost of health care, with Axios co-founder and Executive Editor Mike Allen. My focus over the next two years is to see if we can do one or two big things to reduce healthcare costs and maybe 10 or 12 little things and try to move the whole debate from health insurance where we've been stuck for eight years arguing about six percent of the health insurance market, that's Obamacare, to health care costs,Alexander said.You'll never get lower-cost health insurance until you have lower-cost health care. He added:We've had five hearings on reducing health care costs and Dr. Brent James, who is a member of the American Academy ofMedicinesaid that 30 to 50 percent of what we spend on health care is unnecessary. So I was so startled by that, that I asked the other witnesses, they agreed with him, and I asked the next panel of witnesses and the next, and they agreed with him too. That means that, of the huge amount we spend on health care, we unnecessarily spend an amount of money that's more than the gross domestic product of every country in the world, but nine. Mike Allen:You said that one of the biggest problems is people don't know the true cost of their health care. Alexander:Well, that's it. The first thing is to get rid of the barriers in the way of innovators, but nobody knows the cost. Secretary Azar is going to be here. He's got a great story about how he went for a procedure and found out it costs several thousand dollars and he got on the website and checked around and found out he could get it for $550 in the doctor's office. So the way our system is set up, you don't know the price and if no one knows the price, prices aren't going to come down. Mike Allen:Now you talked about the next two years, and in January, we're going to have divided government What is one big thing that you believe you can accomplish next year as Chairman? Alexander:Well, I've talked already with [Senator Patty Murray], and on my short list is reducing health care costs. I'm going to focus on making the system more of a market, getting rid of barriers, and if I could find a way or ways to make it possible for those of us who buy healthcare services every day to know the price of what we're paying for, that would be the single most important thing I could focus on for two years. I mean, we should do that. The Members of Congress should not sit around with the facts in front of us that we're spending $1to $1.8 trillion unnecessarily on healthcare and not do anything about it. Background: In a Senate floor speech yesterday, Alexanderannouncedhe will be seeking specific legislative, regulatory,or sub-regulatory solutions to help lower health care costs. During the speech, he said, Up to half of health care spending is unnecessary. Alexander yesterday sent aletterto leading health care experts at theAmerican Enterprise Institute and the Brookings Institution, economists, doctors, nurses, patients, hospital administrators, state regulators and legislators, governors, employers, insurers, and innovators asking them to identify specific ideas about how to reduce health care costs for taxpayers, employers, and families after concluding a series of five Senate health committee hearings exploring the same topic. At thefirst hearingof the series, the committee established a common understanding of how much health care costs; at thesecond hearing, the committee explored ways to reduce unnecessary health care spending; at thethird hearing, the committee focused on ways to reduce the administrative burden on doctors and hospitals; and at thefourth hearing, the committee focused on finding ways to improve access to information about the cost and quality of health care for patients. At thefifth and final hearingof the series, the committee examined what the private sector is doing to encourage innovation and what Washington can do to get out of the way to lower costs. ### Lamar Alexander is the senior senator from Tennessee, and he serves as chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. For his full biography, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-russell-b-sugarmon-post-office-bill-becomes,Congressman Cohen Announces Russell B. Sugarmon Post Office Bill Becomes Law,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,TN,Steve Cohen,C001068,cohen.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) is pleased to announce that his bill renaming the post office at 1325Autumn Avenue for Judge Russell B. Sugarmon, the civil rights leader, attorney and judge, has been signed into law. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: No one deserves this honor more than Judge Sugarmon, whose lifetime achievements include being the first African-American to run for a major city office in 1959 and the second African-American elected to the Tennessee General Assembly after Reconstruction, in 1966. Before becoming a judge in 1987, he practiced with Memphis' and the South's first integrated law firm Ratner, Sugarmon, Lucas, Willis and Caldwell after attending Morehouse College and Rutgers University and receiving a law degree from Harvard University. Working alongside Maxine and Maxine Smith, Jesse Turner and other NAACP leaders in the fight for racial justice and equality, Judge Sugarmon was instrumental in using the courts to desegregate public transportation, restaurants, public facilities and the Memphis public schools. The Russell B. Sugarmon post office on Autumn Avenue will be a lasting Memphis monument to this great man's many achievements, and I look forward to celebrating this honor with him and his many friends.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-remembers-oc-pleasant-jr,Congressman Cohen Remembers O.C. Pleasant Jr.,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,TN,Steve Cohen,C001068,cohen.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) noted the passing of his longtime friend, Shelby County Election Commissioner O.C. Pleasant Jr., and made the following statement: O.C. and I became friends when we were elected as delegates to the 1977 Tennessee State Constitutional Convention. We got to know each other well during the five months the convention lasted and we maintained that friendship over the next 40 years. He was a stand-up member of the county election commission who served with great distinction and heroism, and was noted for speaking truth to power. He dearly loved his wife Barbara and his children and was a good family man and a good citizen. His was a life well lived. He will be missed.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=823C25E8-EFC1-4A1E-928D-F8CEF2D0FBC2,CQ: Alexander Seeks Proposals for Health Costs Legislation,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Alexander said he is also seeking input from the health care industry and state officials who handle health issues, which could help shape legislation next year. In the letter, Alexander asked AEI's James Capretta and the Brookings Institution's Paul Ginsburg to suggest specific ways Congress could lower health care costs, incentivize care that improves the health and outcomes of patients, and increase the ability for patients to access information about their care to make informed decisions, as well as how those would work and what Congress or the administration needs to do to implement such steps. He also asked about what shortcomings such steps could have, and why it may be worthwhile to implement them, anyway. Alexander said he'd share the proposals with committee ranking member Sen.Patty Murray, D-Wash., as well as Sens.Charles E. Grassley, R-Iowa, andRon Wyden, D-Ore., who are expected to lead the Finance Committee next year. A legislative focus on health care costs could include a focus on prescription drug prices, which members of both parties consider an area for potential bipartisan work next year. Still, Alexander's remarks on Tuesday suggested he would take a much broader scope, raising issues such as surprise billing and price transparency. The federal government is not going to lower the cost of health care overnight, but I believe there are steps we can take that would make a real difference to American families, he added. That might be two or three big steps, or a dozen smaller ones, but we shouldn't let this opportunity to make progress pass us by.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=080AFB47-9EA5-47A8-A928-E1FC717CAB6D,"Alexander, Corker, Roe: Tennessee Wilderness Act Passed by Senate, On Track to Become Law",2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, December 11, 2018 United States Senators Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) and Representative Phil Roe (R-Tenn.) today said the Tennessee Wilderness Act is on track to becoming law, after it passed the Senate today as a provision in the Farm bill. Today, the United States Senate passed the Tennessee Wilderness Act, and it now heads to House of Representatives and then to President Trump's desk to become law. The legislation will protect 20,000 acres of federal land in the Cherokee National Forest as wilderness,' where we can roam and enjoy nature,Alexander said.This is land in East Tennessee that's already managed as wilderness, but not made a part of the wilderness law. Designation as wilderness will not only better protect ecosystems and watersheds, but also benefit the diverse recreational value of these areas, which is a major part of East Tennessee's economy. I thank Senator Corker, Congressman Roe and the many Tennesseans who've gotten in touch with us about making the Tennessee Wilderness Act law. Millions of people visit Tennessee each year to experience our incredible God-given outdoor amenities, and it's important that the Cherokee National Forest be preserved for future generations of Americans to enjoy,saidCorker.I thank Senator Alexander and Representative Roe for their commitment to protecting our wilderness and am glad the conference committee included the Tennessee Wilderness Act in the final farm bill. I am fortunate to represent a district blessed with natural beauty, and as an avid outdoorsman, I strongly believe we must protect the beautiful lands we're fortunate to have in East Tennessee,Roe said.That's why I am pleased to see the Tennessee Wilderness Act be included in the Farm Bill that is set to be voted on later this week in the House, which will preserve thousands of acres in East Tennessee. As the House sponsor of this legislation, I commend Senator Alexander for his tireless efforts to pass this bill and join with Senator Corker in strongly supporting this important effort. I look forward to continue working with my colleagues to keep Tennessee beautiful for generations to come. The Tennessee Wilderness Act legislation introduced by Alexander, Corker and Roe would designate nearly 20,000 acres of the Cherokee National Forest as wilderness area. Designation as a wilderness area is the highest level of conservation protection to preserve federal land. The legislation was included in the Farm bill the Senate passed today. It now heads to the House of Representatives, before heading to President Trump's desk to become law. The Tennessee Wilderness Act has broad support in the state: Tennessee has a big backyard, and outdoor recreation generates $21.6 billion in consumer spending while supporting 188,000 jobs in the state. I applaud Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker and Congressman Phil Roe for understanding the direct benefits that wilderness provides to our local businesses and communities. Vesna Plakanis, owner of A Walk in the Woods Hunting and fishing in our local forests and streams is a part of our identity, and it is important to preserve that heritage. The Tennessee Wilderness Act will preserve critical wildlife habitat every sportsman depends upon. I want to thank Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker and Congressman Phil Roe for protecting our way of life. Ian Rutter, owner of R&R Fly Fishing in Eastern Tennessee The Tennessee Wild Coalition is thrilled to see the Tennessee Wilderness Act included in the Farm Bill. These protections are decades in the making, and we want to thank Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker and Congressman Phil Roe for their steadfast leadership in preserving this piece of the Cherokee National Forest in Northeast Tennessee. Laura Hodge, campaign coordinator for the Tennessee Wild Coalition We applaud the U.S. Senate for voting to protect these natural treasures for future generations to enjoy. Once President Trump signs the measure designating this land as wildernessthe strongest protection available for public landsthe law will help conserve critical wildlife habitat and corridors, support local cities and towns that rely on the outdoor recreation economy, and ensure that hunting, hiking, camping, and fishing will continue in the region. John Gilroy, Director, U.S. Public Lands, The Pew Charitable Trusts We are excited by the culmination of this long campaign to protect some of the last great wild places in the South. A success like this requires a collaborative effort of organizations, elected officials and citizens working together for a greater cause, which is a testament to just how special these places are. Sam Evans, National Forest and Parks Program Leader for the Southern Environmental Law Center ""Being a good steward of Cherokee National Forest means taking care of God's creation for future generations. For many, wilderness is seen as a place where people draw closer to God. I am forever grateful to our bill's cosponsors and find comfort in knowing this everlasting resource will be here for years to come. Jeff Wadley, a pastor in Maryville There is no better way end 2018 than passing the Tennessee Wilderness Act. As a veteran, our public lands and waters are sometimes our best therapy. It is where we can go to reconnect with our family and friends, and gain strength and resiliency from the awe and challenges of nature. I want to thank Senators Alexander and Corker and Congressman Roe for standing with America's veterans in preserving our great outdoors. Will Skelton, a veteran and advocate who worked on the last piece of Tennessee's wilderness legislation in the 1980s ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=0C5BE995-C3B0-4D1D-91AE-715C76372E1E,Chairman Alexander: Up to Half of Health Care Spending is Unnecessary,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"** Click here for video of Senator Alexander's remarks ** The five hearings we held reminded us of something else we should agree on: one major reason for the unnecessarily high cost of health care is that the health care system does not operate with the discipline and cost saving benefits of a real market. Too many barriers to innovation drive up costs. And most Americans have no idea of the true price of the health care services they buywhich alsodrives up costs. Sen. Lamar Alexander WASHINGTON, December 11, 2018 Senate health committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said Up to half of health care spending is unnecessary. Alexander today sent a letter to leading health care experts at the American Enterprise Institute and the Brookings Institution, economists, doctors, nurses, patients, hospital administrators, state regulators and legislators, governors, employers, insurers, and innovators asking them to identify specific ideas about how to reduce health care costs for taxpayers, employers, and families after concluding a series of five Senate health committee hearings exploring the same topic. The five hearings we held reminded us of something else we should agree on: one major reason for the unnecessarily high cost of health care is that the health care system does not operate with the discipline and cost saving benefits of a real market. Too many barriers to innovation drive up costs. And most Americans have no idea of the true price of the health care services they buywhich alsodrives up costs, Alexander said in a speech delivered on the Senate floor. Last July, at the Senate health committee's second in a series of five hearings on reducing health care costs, Dr. Brent James, a member of the National Academy of Medicine, testified that 30 percent, and probably as much as 50 percent, of all the money spent on health care is unnecessary. That startled me, as I hope it startles you, Alexander continued. So I asked another witness, Dr. David Lanksy, from the Pacific Business Group on Health, if he agreed with Dr. James' estimate, and he said yes. And then at our next hearing not one witness on our distinguished panel disagreed with Dr. James. That means we are spending as much as half of all that we spend on health care on unnecessary treatment, tests, and administrative costs. For the last eight years, most of the debate about health care has not been about this extraordinary fact that we may be spending up to half of what we spend on health care unnecessarily but instead on health insurance, and in fact on six percent of the health insurance market. The truth is we will never have lower cost health insurance until we have lower cost health care. Instead of continuing to argue over a small part of the insurance market, what we should be discussing is the high cost of health care that affects every American. Background: At the first hearing of the series, the committee established a common understanding of how much health care costs; at the second hearing, the committee explored ways to reduce unnecessary health care spending; at the third hearing, the committee focused on ways to reduce the administrative burden on doctors and hospitals; and at the fourth hearing, the committee focused on finding ways to improve access to information about the cost and quality of healthcare for patients. At the fifth and final hearing of the series, the committee examined what the private sector is doing to encourage innovation and what Washington can do to get out of the way to lower costs. Alexander concluded his remarks today saying: I am asking for as many specific legislative, regulatory, or sub-regulatory solutions as possible, in writing, by March 1, 2019. The federal government is not going to lower the cost of health care overnight, but I believe there are steps we can take that would make a real difference to American families. That might be two or three big steps, or a dozen smaller ones, but we shouldn't let this opportunity to make progress pass us by. Click here for a full video of Alexander's floor speech, and here for a transcript of Alexander's prepared remarks. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=2CD7CA78-E208-46C8-A6B5-6EECD304AF31,"Alexander, Bennet Bill to Help Prevent Premature Births to Become Law",2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C., December 11, 2018 The U.S. House of Representatives today passed legislation sponsored by Senate health committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) to reduce infant deaths and improve infant health by continuing research and education programs aimed at preventing preterm births. The Senate passed the PREEMIE Reauthorization Act on September 12, 2018. The Senate health committee approved the legislation on June 26, 2018. In Tennessee, about 11 percent of babies are born preterm, said Alexander. Since it was first signed into law in 2006, this legislation has helped improve our understanding of premature births and support health care professionals caring for these infants. Now that the House has passed this vital legislation, I look forward to President Trump signing it into law soon so we can continue to give more babies the chance at long and healthy lives. Our colleagues in the House made the right decision to pass this important legislation for the roughly 10 percent of babies born premature this year, Bennet said. Expanding on the progress already made, reauthorizing this bill will increase research and education on premature births, and promote screenings and treatment for expectant mothers with substance use disorders. Every child deserves a healthy start in life, and this law will help ensure that. We welcome today's vote on the PREEMIE Reauthorization Act and thank Chairman Alexander and Senator Bennet for their continued leadership in ensuring babies in this country are born strong and healthy, said March of Dimes President Stacey D. Stewart. After a decade of decline, the preterm birth rate has risen the past three years, which is unacceptable for a country with our vast resources. This bill will go a long way in reducing the number of babies that are being born too sick and too soon. Senator Alexander introduced the PREEMIE Actto help reduce infant mortalityin 2003, and it was first signed into law in 2006. The law was reauthorized in 2013 and was also sponsored by Alexander and Bennet. The legislation that passed the House today reauthorizes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) research and data collection on infants born premature and reauthorizes programs at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) aimed at improving the treatment and outcomes of infants born premature for the next five years. This includes grants to help providers and the public understand the potential risk factors for having a preterm baby, such as smoking, and grants to screen and treat expectant mothers for substance use disorders, including opioid use disorders. The bill also includes new provisions to help improve maternal health. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=4D78614C-36CE-4BC6-86D2-6281CABD9957,Alexander: Trump Administration Takes Next Step to End Washingtons Excessive Regulation of Tennessee Farmers Mud Puddles,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, December 11, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said the Trump Administration has taken the next step to end Washington's excessive regulation of Tennessee farmers' mud puddles. The Trump Administration's new proposed Waters of the U.S. rule is good news for Tennessee farmers it would end Washington's excessive regulation on waters, streams and wetlands, Alexander said. I've been the fighting the Obama Administration regulation since it was announced in 2015 because it gave the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers the ability to regulate nearly all of the water in the country, and raised costs for Tennessee families, farmers and businesses. I'm glad the Trump Administration has changed course. Alexander, who is chairman of the U.S. Senate Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee which funds the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has cosponsored legislation to prohibit and voted in support of legislation to prohibit the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from implementing the Obama Administration's Waters of the United States (WOTUS) regulation. The Obama Administration regulation went into effect on May 27, 2015, and expanded federal control over waters that were previously not subject to regulation under the Clean Water Act. On June 27, 2017, EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a proposed rule to rescind the Obama Administration's WOTUS rule. The Administration announced today its new proposed Waters of the U.S. rule that clarifies the federal government's authority under the Clean Water Act and helps provide certainty to states, landowners, farmers and businesses. The proposed rule, which will go through a public notice and comment period, would limit federal control over waters to only traditional navigable waters that flow year-round or intermittently throughout the year and would not include streams that flow only after rainfall. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=DB54E910-9F3C-4425-8376-24C1CE09ACBD,"Alexander, Corker, Roe: Tennessee Wilderness Act One Step Closer to Becoming Law",2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, December 11, 2018 United States Senators Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) and Representative Phil Roe (R-Tenn.) today said the Tennessee Wilderness Act is one stepcloser tobecoming law, after it was included as a provision in theFarm bill, which is expected to be voted on beforeCongress adjourns later this month. The Tennessee Wilderness Act has been included in theFarm bill that Congress is expected to vote onsoon,which means it is one stepcloser tobecoming law. The legislation will protect 20,000 acres of federal land in the Cherokee National Forest as wilderness,' where we can roam and enjoy nature,Alexander said. This is land in East Tennessee that's already managed as wilderness, but not made a part of the wilderness law. Designation as wilderness will not only better protect ecosystems and watersheds, but also benefit the diverse recreational value of these areas, which is a major part of East Tennessee's economy. I thank Senator Corker, Congressman Roe,and the many Tennesseans who've gotten in touch with us about making the Tennessee Wilderness Act law. Millions of people visit Tennessee each year to experience our incredible God-given outdoor amenities, and it's important that the Cherokee National Forest be preserved for future generations of Americans to enjoy,said Corker.I thank Senator Alexander and Representative Roe for their commitment to protecting our wilderness and am glad the conference committee included the Tennessee Wilderness Act in the final farm bill. I am fortunate to represent a district blessed with natural beauty, and as an avid outdoorsman, I strongly believe we must protect the beautiful lands we're fortunate to have in East Tennessee, Roe said. That's why I am pleased to see the Tennessee Wilderness Act be included in the Farm Bill that is set to be voted on later this week in the House, which will preserve thousands of acres in East Tennessee. As the House sponsor of this legislation, I commend Senator Alexander for his tireless efforts to pass this bill and join with Senator Corker in strongly supporting this important effort. I look forward to continue working with my colleagues to keep Tennessee beautiful for generations to come. The Tennessee Wilderness Act legislation introduced by Alexander, Corker and Roe would designate nearly 20,000 acres of the Cherokee National Forest as wilderness area. Designation as a wilderness area is the highest level of conservation protection to preserve federal land. The legislation is included in theFarm bill, which is expected topass the House of Representatives and the Senate.If it passes, the legislation will then head to President Trump's desk to become law. ### Lamar Alexander is the senior senator from Tennessee, and he serves as chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. For his full biography, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=F59D3A38-079B-4506-9406-22D4F260A463,"Alexander: Farm Bill is Good News for Tennessees 340,000 Farmers",2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"It's supported by the Tennessee agriculture community, including the Tennessee Farm Bureau, Tennessee Soybean Association, Tennessee Cattleman's Association, Tennessee Farmer's Cooperative and other agriculture andconservation groups. WASHINGTON, December 11, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said Senate passage of the Farm bill will helpprovidemuch-needed certainty to Tennessee's 340,000 farmers. It is no question thatagriculture is one of Tennessee's most important industries, with more than 66,000 farmscontributing approximately $74 billion each year to our state's economy,Alexander said.Passage of the Farm bill is good news for Tennessee's 340,000 farmers it supports U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)agriculture, rural development, and conservation programs that benefit farmers across Tennessee as well as agricultural research at Tennessee's universities to help find ways for farmers to grow better crops. This legislation will help provide much-needed certainty to farmers in Tennessee and across the country, which is one of the reasons it is supported by the Tennessee agriculture community, including the Tennessee Farm Bureau, Tennessee Soybean Association, Tennessee Cattleman's Association, Tennessee Farmer's Cooperative and other agriculture and conservation groups. I look forward to the House passing the bill and President Trump signing it into law. Tennessee is home to more than 66,000 farms and nearly 11 million acres of farmland. The legislation also includes Alexander'sTennessee Wilderness Act, which he introduced in 2017 with Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) andU.S. Representative Phil Roe (R-Tenn.). The legislation would designate nearly 20,000 acres of the Cherokee National Forest as a wilderness area. Designation as a wilderness area is the highest level of conservation protection to preserve federal land. TheSenate passedthefinal conferenced version of the Farm bill on December 11, 2018 by a vote of 87-13. It will now head to the U.S. House of Representatives. ### Lamar Alexander is the senior senator from Tennessee, and he serves as chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. For his full biography, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/speechesfloorstatements?ContentRecord_id=81920164-A2EC-43E8-AE74-28569C3498DA,Health Care Cost Floor Speech,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Mr. President, today, I am asking experts at the American Enterprise Institute and the Brookings Institution as well as other leading health careexperts, for specific ideas about how Congress and the president can work together to reduce the cost of health care in the United States. Here is why: Last July, at the Senate health committee's second in a series of five hearings on reducing health care costs, Dr. Brent James, a member of the National Academy of Medicine, testified that 30 percent, and probably as much as 50 percent, of all the money spent on health care is unnecessary. That startled me, as I hope it startles you. So I asked another witness, Dr. David Lanksy, from the Pacific Business Group on Health, if he agreed with Dr. James' estimate, and he said yes. And then at our next hearing not one witness on our distinguished panel disagreed with Dr. James. That means we are spending as much as half of all that we spend on health care on unnecessary treatment, tests, and administrative costs. As a country, we spend a huge amount on health care$3.5 trillion in 2017 according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. When we use Dr. James' estimates, that means we spent between roughly $1-$1.8 trillion on unnecessary health care in 2017. That is more money than the Gross Domestic Product of every country in the world except for the top nine. That is three times as much as we spend on all of our national defense, 60 times as much as we spend on Pell grants for college students, and about 550 times as much as we spend on national parks. For the last eight years, most of the debate about health care has not been about this extraordinary fact that we may be spending up to half of what we spend on health care unnecessarily but instead on health insurance, and in fact on six percent of the health insurance market. The truth is we will never have lower cost health insurance until we have lower cost health care. Instead of continuing to argue over a small part of the insurance market, what we should be discussing is the high cost of health care that affects every American. Here is something that we ought to be able to agree on: that we are spending too much on health care and that too much of what we spend is on unnecessary care And the five hearings we held reminded us of something else we should agree on: one major reason for the unnecessarily high cost of health care is that the health care system does not operate with the discipline and cost saving benefits of a real market. Too many barriers to innovation drive up costs. And most Americans have no idea of the true cost of the health care services they buy which also drives up costs. As a country American families, federal and state governments, private companies we spent $3.5 trillion on health care in 2017 according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services almost as much as the $3.98 trillion the entire federal government spent in 2017, according to the Congressional Budget Office. High health care costs impact everyone: First, the taxpayer, because the federal government spends about one-third of all federal dollars on health care. According to the Congressional Budget Office, of the $3.98 trillion the federal government spent in 2017, $1.1 trillion of that was mandatory spending for Medicare, Medicaid, and other health care programs. This federal government runaway spending is the principal cause of the national debt. It squeezes the budget for national parks, national defense, and basic research. Health care costs also impact states, all of which have to balance their budget. When I was governor of Tennessee, Medicaid was 8 percent of the state budget; today is it 30 percent of the budget. That means states have less to spend on fixing roads and on higher education. Second, health care spending adds to the cost of doing business. And Warren Buffett has called the ballooning costs of health care a hungry tapeworm on the American economy. Third, and most important, the rising cost of health care is squeezing the budgets of American families. According to a Gallup poll released days before the midterms, 80 percent of registered voters rated health care as extremely or very important to their vote a higher percentage than every other issue polled, including the economy, immigration, and taxes. I would imagine that every senator has heard stories from their constituents about struggling to stretch their paychecks to afford a prescription or cover a surprise bill in the mail. Any one of us who has received a medical bill in the mail has wondered what you're actually paying for. Here is a story that I heard recently: Todd is a Knoxville father who recently took his son to an emergency room after a bicycle accident. His son was treated, Todd paid a $150 copay because the emergency room was in-network for his health insurance, and they headed home. So Todd was surprised when he received a bill for $1800 because even though the emergency room was in-network, the doctor who treated his son was not. Todd wrote me, trying to figure out why it is so hard to understand what health care really costs and said, If I'm expected to be a conscientious consumer of my own health care needs, I need a little more help. The issue of surprise billing is a widely recognized problem it was highlighted in a report from the White House on health care costs released last Monday. We want Americans like Todd and his son to be able to access quality care they can afford, so earlier this year, the Senate health committee set out to explore what could be done to lower costs. We have held five hearings over the last six months to examine why health care costs so much: In June, at our first hearing, we set out to better understand how much health care actually costs in America. In July, at our second hearing, we heard from Dr. James that up to half of what we spend on health care is unnecessary. At our third hearing later in July, we looked at administrative tasks imposed by the federal government and how those burdens lead to doctors spending more time on paperwork, less time treating patients, and an increase to the cost of care. In September, we looked at why, when you can check reviews and prices before buying everything from a coffee maker to a car, the cost of health care has remained hidden in a black box. This is something even the federal government's top health care official knows personally. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar recently told the story of his doctor ordering a routine echo cardio stress test. He was sent down the street and admitted to the hospital, where, after considerable effort on his part, he learned the test would cost him $3,500. After using a website that compiled typical prices for medical care, he learned the same test would have cost just $550 in a doctor's office. Secretary Azar said that consumers are so in the dark they often feel powerless.' In an age when you can compare different prices and check a dozen reviews when shopping for a new BBQ grill, Americans should be able to more easily understand the cost of their health care. And last month, at our fifth hearing, we heard about steps the private sector is taking to disrupt the health care system and what kinds of federal barriers are preventing private companies from lowering costs. As we held these five hearings, two conclusions became clear. First, as a country, we spend more on health care, but we don't spend it well. Again, Dr. James told us that 30 percent, and probably over 50 percent, of all the money spent on health care is unnecessary. That really is astonishing. It echoes what Dr. Ashisha Jha [AH-SHEESH] [JAH], a witness from our first hearing and Director of the Harvard Global Health Institute, who said, The popular belief has been that the reason we spend so much more on health care than other countries is that we just use too much health care. Well, it turns out when you look at the data we are not using more health care. Why is it we are spending twice as much? There are two reasons. One, is administrative complexity. [And second] Every time we use health care in America, we pay a lot more than any other country in the world. Second, while it would be convenient to have a moonshot to reduce health care costs, this will require people other than the federal government. First, as the largest purchasers of health insurance, employers are really leading the way in the effort to lower health care costs. For example, Memphis-based International Paper, uses a service called Best Doctors, that employees can use for a second opinion on health care. Best Doctors review an employee's records, and then either reaffirm the treatment recommended by a doctor, or recommend a different course of treatment, such as physical therapy. The use of this voluntary program saved International Paper over half a million dollars in 2017 by preventing unnecessary treatment. Another way employers reduce health care costs is through wellness programs which encourage employees to lead healthier lives. There is a consensus that wellness lifestyle changes like eating healthier and quitting smoking can prevent serious illness and reduce health care costs. And it is hard to think of a better way to make a bigger impact on the health of millions of Americans than to connect the consensus about wellness reducing health costs to the health insurance that 181 million people get on the job. Second, states are taking an active role in the cost of health care. In 2017, the state of Maine required health insurers to split the savings with a patient if the patient shops around and chooses a doctor that is less than the average price the insurer pays. And in Oregon, the state compiles data on insured residents and uses this information to run a tool that allows patients to compare the costs of procedures at different hospitals. Third, private companies are creating innovative tools to reduce health care costs. For example, Healthcare Bluebook, a Nashville company and a witness at one of our hearings, is a tool that helps patients find the best price for the highest quality care in their area, using their employer sponsored insurance. This is useful to lower costs because, for example, the amount a patient pays for cataract surgery in Memphis can range from as little as $2000 to more than $8000. Fourth, hospitals, doctors, and other health providers have the potential to make a large impact on the cost of health care. On a smaller scale, one of our witnesses, Dr. Gross, runs a practice under what is called the direct primary care model. He charges a flat membership rate of $60 per patient in cash for adults under age 65, $25 for one child, and $10 for each additional child. His practice does not bill anything to an insurance company for direct primary care members not to Obamacare plans, Medicaid, or Medicare. In return for this membership fee, members can receive an annual wellness exam, 25 office visits per year including same-day appointments, and some in office testing and chronic disease management without paying anything additional out of pocket. This gives patients access to a defined level of health care at a predictable price. On a larger scale, HCA Healthcare, who also testified and has 178 hospitals and 119 freestanding surgery centers located in the U.S. and the United Kingdom, is implementing new techniques to reduce the spread of MRSA [MER-sa], a drug-resistant bacterial infection, in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). These new techniques have reduced cases of MRSA by 37 percent in HCA hospitals, and have been so effective that the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have added them to their best practices. According to HCA, this reduction in MRSA infections saves $170,000 for every 1,000 patients. Those savings are shared among the hospital, insurers, and patients. And finally, information needs to be easily available so patients can find out the cost of their care and take an active role in choosing health care and planning for medical expenses when they can.,. The federal government spent $1.1 trillion on Medicare, Medicaid, and other health care programs in 2017 about one third of all health care spending in America so how we spend federal dollars will obviously make a big difference to the health care system. There may also be things Washington is doing that are increasing health care costs, or preventing private companies from taking steps to lower those costs. I want to find what concrete, specific steps the federal government can take to reduce unnecessary health care spending, or at least stop making the problem worse. For example, after we heard a concern about gag clauses that prohibit a pharmacist from telling a patient their prescription would be cheaper if they paid with cash instead of their insurance, Congress was able to act and ban those gag clauses earlier this year. In August, CMS is beginning to require hospitals to post the amount they charge for services online and to keep that information up to date. These are the types of specific recommendations I'm looking for. I've had success working with experts to get recommendations and then turning those recommendations into legislation. In 2005, I stopped by a National Academies of Sciences meeting on American competitiveness, and I said to them, most ideas fail for the lack of an idea. I believe if you will give Congress ten specific ideas in priority order to improve our competitiveness, I believe Congress will enact them. The Academies got busy immediately, recruited Norm Augustine, and put together a task force called the Committee on Prospering in the Global Economy of the 21st Century of American leaders. Under Norm's leadership they produced a National Academies report, Rising Above the Gathering Storm. The committee came up with 20 new, specific ideas such as: Doubling funding for basic science research; and Creating an energy agency modelled after the Department of Defense's highly successful DARPA that would invest in high-potential, high-impact energy technologies what we now call ARPA-E. And Congress used most of those ideas and put together a bill called America COMPETES, which we passed in 2007 and reauthorized it in 2010. So that's an example of how a report, that has specific and precise policy recommendations, can help produce a legislative product. That is what I am looking for with the letter I am sending today to experts at the American Enterprise Institute and the Brookings Institution. I also want input from other leading policy experts, including economists, doctors, nurses, patients, hospital administrators, state regulators and legislators, governors, employers, insurers, and health care innovators. I am asking for as many specific legislative, regulatory, or sub-regulatory solutions as possible, in writing, by March 1, 2019. I am especially interested in policies that bring to the health care system the discipline and lower-cost benefits of a real functioning market. One way to do that is to remove the barriers that discourage innovators from coming up with new ways to reduce health care costs. A second way is to make it easier for consumers of health care to know the cost of what they are buying. And I would welcome suggestions of how those policy ideas could be implemented what law to amend, what regulation to change and any potential downsides to the policy recommendations. I will be sharing these recommendations with Ranking Member Murray, and other members of our health committee, as well as Senator Grassley and Senator Wyden. The federal government is not going to lower the cost of health care overnight, but I believe there are steps we can take that would make a real difference to American families. That might be two or three big steps, or a dozen smaller ones, but we shouldn't let this opportunity to make progress pass us by.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cohen.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/enewsletters/paying-respects-late-president-george-h-w-bush,Paying Respects to the Late President George H. W. Bush,2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,TN,Steve Cohen,C001068,cohen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friend, This week, Ijoined my colleaguesin the Capitol Rotundaandat Washington's National Cathedral, and a nation in mourning, to pay my respects to the late President George H. W. Bush. Ialsoled a letter with 96 of my colleagues urging the House Committee on Education and the Workforce to act swiftly to investigate, address and hold a hearing to review allegations of pregnancy discrimination at the Memphis XPO Logistics warehouse and usher in national legislation to protect pregnant workers,wrote to the federal regulator of motor coaches after Monday's fatal accident involving an Orange Mound youth football team, noted that the December 15 deadline is looming for signing up for coverage at HealthCare.gov, participated in the Judiciary Committee'sdepositionof former FBI Director James Comey, remembered Creole Chef Gary Williams, noted the passing of Collierville Municipal Judge William Craig Hall, announced a $11.8 million grant for Head Start, scheduled four appearances on MSNBC, moved my Washington office, offered Capitol Historical Society 2019 calendars and made a health tip about getting a timely flu shot. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me onTwitterandFacebookto see more updates as they happen. Paying Respects to the Late President George H. W. Bush Calling for Hearing onXPO Logistics Labor Practices Seeking answersabout Fatal Bus Crashin Arkansas Flagging Open Enrollment Now Available at HealthCare.gov Questioning former FBI Director Comey Remembering Creole Soul Food Chef Gary Williams Noting the Passing of Collierville Municipal Judge William Craig Hall Announcing $11.8 Million Head Start Grant Appearing on MSNBC Tonight, Saturday, Sunday and Monday Moving My Washington Office Offering U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars Signing Up for Congress On Your Corner and this e-Newsletter Weekly Health Tip Quote of the Week Paying Respects to the Late President George H. W. Bush OnMonday,I joined my colleagues in the Capitol Rotunda to pay my respects to President George H.W. Bush and,onWednesday, I attendedhisstate funeral at Washington's National Cathedral. President Bush presided over the end of the Cold War, expelled the Iraqi army from Kuwait, signed the Americans with Disabilities Act and Clean Air Act, and upheld the traditions and expectations of his high office with dignity and grace. The World War II fighter pilot, Congressman, Ambassador, CIA Director, Vice President and President served his country with distinction.The last of the greatest generation presidents, he volunteered for service in World War II and was the country's youngest Navalaviator. At the funeral, I had the opportunity to talk with former Vice President Al Gore about his experience as an investigative reporter at The Tennessean, and to my Congressional Class of 2006 colleague GabbyGiffordsand her husband, astronaut Mark Kelly. I suspect President Bush, known for his compassion, visited with Gabby during her long convalescence in Houston after the assassination attempt in 2011. President Bush's 1989visit to Memphis and speech from the front lawn of The Commercial Appeal on Union will be long remembered.His was a life well lived. Calling for Hearingand Investigation intoXPO Logistics Labor Practices On Tuesday, my colleague Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut and I, joined by another 95 members of Congress, urgedthe House Committee on Education and the Workforce to hold a hearing on alleged unfair labor practices, including pregnancy discrimination, of XPO Logistics, which operates in Memphis and in 22 other states.Many of the allegations featured in a New York Timesexposeoccurred in Memphis and were brought to my attention by employees who came to my office. In our letter,we asked the committee toconsider national legislation to protect pregnant workers such as the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Shortly after releasing our letter, XPO Logistics announced it was undertaking an independent investigation of recent complaints and implementing a new policy toward pregnant employees. This appears to be a step in the right direction but I intend tocontinue closely monitoring progress on this issue to ensure the company's proposals are implemented and that Congress enacts laws to prevent future pregnancy discrimination. Seeking Answers aboutFatal Bus Crashin Arkansas On Monday morning, I learned about the terrible accident that took the life of 9-year-old Kameron Johnson and injured more than 40 other children returning home to Memphis from a youth football game in Texas. Iwroteto the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which regulates motor coach transportationto ask for details about its oversight of the bus company.I alsoexpressed my condolencesto Kameron's family and myhopefor a speedy recovery for all those injured and their loved ones. Flagging Open Enrollment Now Available at HealthCare.gov Open enrollment for 2019HealthCare.govinsurance plans is now under way. This year, open enrollmentrunsonly through December 15, a week from tomorrow.I will be making use of every possible means to make my constituents aware that the time available to sign up has been limited again this year compared to the enrollment periods during the Obama Administration -- six weeks shorter than it was in 2016. Listen for my public service radio announcementthatencouragessigning up.For more information on signing up for health care, seeHealthcare.gov. Questioning former FBI Director Comey On Friday, the Republican Majority still in control of the House Judiciary Committee held a last-chance hearing behind closed doors at whichjust a few membersquestioned former FBI Director James Comey. Director Comey wasconsistentlyprofessional and fulsome and answered my questions.In January, under new leadership, you can expect theCommittee on which I serve as a senior member to conduct substantive oversight of the Trump administration and fulfill duties it hasbeenshirking. Remembering Creole Soul Food Chef Gary Williams I was saddened to learn of Chef Gary Williams' passing on Thursday. Williams, a New Orleans native, was one of Memphis' renowned chefs, known for his gumbo, crawfish etouffee, catfish with grits and greens and for his engaging smile as he worked the kitchens and glad-handed diners at hisDejaVuand Krewe ofDeJavueateries. He loved Memphis and Memphis loved him back. Noting the Passing of Collierville Municipal Judge William Craig Hall On Sunday, longtime Collierville Municipal Judge and lifelong Collierville resident William Craig Hall passed. Judge Hallwasmy classmate in law school,wasalways fair-minded and he was a heck of a nice guy. I extend my sincere condolences to his family, his many friends and to the people of Collierville whose lives he touched. Announcing $11.8 Million Head Start Grant I was pleased to announce on Thursdaya Department of Health and Human Services grant of $11.8 million to the Shelby County Board of Education for its Head Start programs. Head Start is one of the best programs for young children whose parents have limited means. Its proven record shows it gives these children a shot at the American Dream. Appearing on MSNBC Tonight, Saturday, Sunday and Monday I am scheduled to appear on MSNBC four times in the next four days. I'll be on ""The Last Word"" with Lawrence O'Donnell tonight at 9 p.m., ""AM Joy"" with Jonathan Capehart at 10 a.m. on Saturday, ""Live with Alex Witt"" at 11 a.m. on Sunday and again on ""The Last Word"" at 9 p.m. on Monday. Moving My Washington Office This week, I moved from the fourth floor to the first floor of the Rayburn House Office Building. Seniority has its advantages and the new office, at 2104 Rayburn, will be more convenient for visiting constituents. My phone number remains the same: (202) 225-3265. Offering U.S. Capitol Historical Society Calendars My office has a limited number of 2019 U.S. Capitol Historical Society calendars available. If you would like to receive a calendar, pleasecomplete this formon my website. Due to the rules of the House, I can mail calendars only to residents of Tennessee's 9thCongressional District. Please feel free to share this email with other residents of the 9thDistrict who may be interested in receiving one but who do not receive my e-Newsletter. Signing Up for Congress On Your Corner and this e-Newsletter I enjoy meeting regularly with constituents in the district and helping get answers for them to questions about dealing with federal agencies. If you are interested in attending one of my Congress on Your Corner events, you can sign uphereto receive notification as soon as the next event is scheduled. For those who haven't participated in a telephone town hall, it's easy to sign up for them by usingthis form. If you would like to receive this weekly e-Newsletter, or share it with others, you can do that withthis form. Weekly Health Tip Each week, I share a health tip in the hope of promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents of the 9thCongressional District.As always, it is best to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine or lifestyle. This week is National Influenza Vaccination Week which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established to remind people of how important it is to get vaccinated against the flu during the holiday season and that there's still time to get your flu shot this year.I'vegottenmine.Sofar this flu season, rates of flu-like illness remain low but the CDC still encourages flu shotssince the flu kills tensofthousands every year. You can view the CDC's flu shot recommendationshere.Usethis CDC toolto review surveillance reports for flu cases and to find a location in your neighborhood where you can get vaccinated. Quote of the Week We're a nation of community, of thousands and tens of thousands of ethnic, religious, social, business, labor union, neighborhood, regional and other organizations, all of them varied, voluntary and unique.This is America: the Knights of Columbus, the Grange, Hadassah, the Disabled American Veterans, the Order ofAhepa, the Business and Professional Women of America, the union hall, the Bible study group, LULAC, Holy Name' a brilliant diversity spread like stars, like a thousand points of light in a broad and peaceful sky. -- George H. W. Bush, accepting the Presidential nomination at the Republican National Convention in New Orleans, August 18, 1988 As always, I remain Most sincerely, Steve Cohen Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://desjarlais.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-members-commemorate-one-year-anniversary-of-president-donald,House Members Commemorate One-Year Anniversary of President Donald Trump's Official Recognition of Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel,2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Scott DesJarlais,D000616,desjarlais.house.gov,,,legacy,"House Members Commemorate One-Year Anniversary of President Donald Trump's Official Recognition of Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman Andy Biggs and 42 cosponsors introduced a resolution to commemorate the one-year anniversary of President Donald Trump's official recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Israel and the announcement of his intention to relocate the American embassy to Jerusalem. Congressman Biggs, along with many of the cosponsors, released the following statements: Israel is one of the United States' most enduring allies, and President Trump kept a significant promise by recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital and announcing his intention to move our embassy to Jerusalem. That embassy was opened in Jerusalem earlier this year. These milestones signify our commitment to our ally. I thank my many colleagues who joined me in this resolution. Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) I am pleased to be an original cosponsor on this important legislation. This year has marked a restoration of the U.S.-Israel relationship. President Trump's moving of the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem was monumental not because he is the first president to promise this move, but because he is the only president who made good on that promise. I have supported moving the embassy since my start in Congress and am proud to have seen it come to fruition. I want to thank my colleague Rep. Biggs for initiating this great commemoration and for working with me collaboratively on the final bill. Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) Today, we celebrate the one-year anniversary of President Trump's momentous decision to move the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to the recognized capital of Jerusalem. During his campaign, President Trump committed to finally make this move, and I applaud him displaying strong leadership and courageous action in support of one of America's closest allies in the world. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (LA-01) My support remains unwavering for President Trump's courageous and just decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. This decision is a profound reflection of the President's commitment to fulfilling his promises and advancing peace in the Middle East. Congressman Gregg Harper (MS-03) One year ago, President Trump announced his decision torecognize Jerusalem as the unquestionable capital of Israel. The United States was the first to recognize Israel's independence in 1948.ThisMay, we celebrated 70 years of Israeli independence, and in a sign of our support, ceremoniously moved the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, again becoming the first country to do so. I applaud President Trump's leadership as we continue to reinforce our commitment to our closest friend and ally, Israel, and support her right to defend herself. Congressman David Kustoff (TN-08) Jerusalem is the rightful capital of Israel. The recognition of this reality continues to build on our two nation's special bond which is why I support Representative Biggs' resolution to commemorate the anniversary of the President's declaration. Our ally has continuously stood by our side, and we should continue to stand by them. Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) Moving our embassy to Jerusalem, Israel's self-declared, historic, and eternal capital, sent a strong message to the world, that Israel is an ally of the United States and a bulwark of democracy and freedom in the Middle East. Congressman Ken Buck (CO-04) On the one-year anniversary of President Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, a momentous event, I am proud to co-sponsor this resolution affirming our support for the United States' strongest Middle East ally, a Jewish homeland, and the Israeli people. Although Congress authorized moving the U.S. embassy more than two decades ago, only our current President, fulfilling a promise other presidents have made but broken, had the courage to act. Anti-Semitism and terrorist threats must never deter us from standing up for our principles, including a free and independent Israel with Jerusalem as its capital. In fact, standing up for our principles and supporting our allies is essential to creating peace and stability in the region. Congressman Scott DesJarlais (TN-04) As this resolution memorializes, the relocation of United States Embassy in Jerusalem is further proof that President Trump is keeping his promises to the American people. Seventy years after the official formation of Israel and more than 20 years after the United States Congress voted to recognize Jerusalem as its capital, this fulfilled promise signals strong support for our friend and ally. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26) I am honored to join my colleagues in recognizing the one-year anniversary of the United States moving our embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalemthe eternal capital. This strong and historic move will forever stand as a message to the rest of the world that the U.S. stands with our Jewish brothers and sisters in the world's only Jewish state. Congressman Tedd Budd (NC-13) On the one year anniversary, I applaud President Donald Trump for fulfilling his campaign pledge to recognize Jerusalem as the rightful capital of Israel. Under the leadership of President Trump, our relationship with Israel has never been stronger. We must never forget the important role Israel plays in the world and I will continue to be a vocal supporter of our eternal friendship. Rep. Alex X. Mooney (WV-02) President Trump's decision, one year ago, to recognize Jerusalem for what it actually has been and is the actual capital of Israel, demonstrated great commitment to truth. President Truman had the courage to recognize Israel as an independent nation only minutes after it formed. Since then, we have had eleven Presidents who discussed Jerusalem as the true capital of Israel, but did not recognize it formally. A year ago, our president kept another of his promises made to the American people. This historic decision displayed to the world that the United States will fervently stand with its ally, Israel. I am proud we have a President who courageously did the right thing for the United States, for our ally Israel, and for the world, including those parts that do not know it. Congressman Louie Gohmert (TX-01) Let today be a world-wide reminder that America stands with Israel, our greatest ally. We recognize that Jerusalem is Israel's rightful and eternal capitaland shall no longer be questioned. Congressman Ralph Norman (SC-05) The city of Jerusalem holds a special place in the history of civilization and in the hearts of the people of Israel. By recognizing it as the capital of Israel, President Trump reaffirmed our commitment to a steadfast ally and carried out a law passed overwhelmingly by Congress in 1995. On the first anniversary of this important event, I am proud to join my colleagues in celebrating the ties that continue to join the United States and the State of Israel in friendship. Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09) Israel, our strong ally, has the right to determine its capital city. Our president chose to honor their choice by moving the US embassy to Jerusalem, the historic home of the Jewish people. One year after the president's announcement that we would relocate our embassy, I join my colleagues applauding this historic move and urge other nations to follow the United States' example. Congressman Dave Brat (VA-07) One year ago, President Donald Trump made a historic announcement to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital and to relocate our embassy there. I applaud President Trump for standing up for one of our closest allies. This recognition is based on ancient history and current political realities, and we must continue to voice that Jerusalem belongs to the people of Israel. Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (AZ-08) America and Israel's unbreakable bond has been cemented through decades of trust, respect, and mutual cooperation. President Trump's public recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's eternal capital, and his decision to relocate the US Embassy to Jerusalem, were historic moments for US-Israel relations, now and in the future. I am proud to stand with Israel, and to be a cosponsor of Congressman Biggs' important resolution. Congressman Matt Gaetz (FL-01) A year after recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, we are seeing good progress in the Middle East. It is encouraging to see a number of other countries follow our example in relocating their embassies to the one, true capital of Israel Jerusalem. Though there are still challenges to overcome, we will continue standing by our greatest ally. I'm delighted to celebrate this milestone with my colleagues and with the great people of Israel. Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14) I am excited to be a part of the one year anniversary of Jerusalem's recognition in Israel. The Administration's step to recognize Jerusalem as the capitol of the State of Israel and spiritual home for the Jewish people helped further our friendship with Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East. Congress has voted favorably many times in the past on this issue, and past Presidents have campaigned on this only to backtrack in office for fear of angering Palestinian and Arab communities. This year marks the continuance of my strong support on this issue. Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-06) Israel is our strongest friend and ally in the Middle East. This time last year, President Trump properly recognized Jerusalem as its capital and showed the world that the United States will always stand with her people, said Rep. Williams. For this reason I am proud to cosponsor Rep. Andy Biggs' resolution, Commemorating the Anniversary of President Trump's Recognition of Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel. I commend the President for his unwavering support of Israel and for remaining dedicated to backing our allies. Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25) All in one year, President Trump made the historic announcement to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's rightful capital, and the State Department moved the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. These actions were long overdue and exemplify the strong devotion and commitment the Trump Administration and the nation have to Israel. I am thankful to be working hand in hand with President Trump as we both stand wholeheartedly with Israel, our great ally and friend. Congressman Jeff Duncan (SC-03) One year after President Trump publicly recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, and soon after moved the U.S. embassy there, the United States remains committed to supporting the State of Israel. I applaud this administration in their decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, and the eternal friendship between our countries remains strong. Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01) One year ago, President Trump issued a proclamation to officially recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. With Israel's legislature, Supreme Court, President's office, and Prime Ministers office all being located in the city, Jerusalem is the epicenter of governance in the country. Congress has repeatedly voted to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, despite previous administrations - both Republican and Democratic - failing to deliver. This proclamation, which also relocates our embassy to Jerusalem, is yet another promise that President Trump has fulfilled. As the Co-Chair of the Congressional Israel Victory Caucus, I firmly believe that by moving the United States Embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing it as Israel's capital, we are sending a strong message of America's support for our great ally - asserting the belief that Israel is the nation state of the Jewish people, and that Israel has the undeniable right to exist and defend herself. Congressman Bill Johnson (OH-06) I was incredibly pleased when President Trump announced the United States' official recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. As the eternal capital of the Jewish people, this was a long-overdue and necessary action to demonstrate America's unwavering support on behalf of our strongest ally in the Middle East. I look forward to the ongoing progress we will make to advance the important partnership and longstanding bond between our nations. Congressman John Ratcliffe (TX-04) It is the diplomatic right of any sovereign nation to choose where their capital is located; and, for 67 years, Israel has recognized Jerusalem as their capital, said Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA). I applaud President Trump for moving the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv to Jerusalem a year ago, and my good friend Rep. Andy Biggs for commemorating this seismic event between the United States and Israel. Congressman Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) America's relationship with Israel is unique, and it's strength is the foundation of American leadership in the Middle East. One year ago, President Donald Trump announced that our embassy was to be relocated to Jerusalem, and I was grateful for the opportunity to lead the House delegation to the embassy's opening in May. The President's commitment to Promises Made, Promises Kept strengthens our bond with the people of Israel, who know they have an ally in America. Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) Israel has long been a friend and an ally to the United States, and it is a priority of mine to continue to stand with them and fortify our bonds. One year ago that bond was strengthened when the President did the right thing by affirming U.S. Law and recognizing Jerusalem as the eternal and undivided capital of Israel. Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) We have a special partnership with Israel -- the country is our greatest ally in the Middle East and the only democracy in the region. We share the same values regarding individual rights and liberties, and it is essential we stand by them. I am grateful for President Trump's leadership on this important issue and that he made the move to affirm Jerusalem as Israel's rightful capital one year ago. Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04) It has been a year since President Trump fulfilled his pledge to move the United States embassy to Jerusalem. This long-overdue action demonstrates the close friendship between the United States and its strongest ally in the region. I know President Trump will continue to strengthen our bond with Israel after neglect from previous Administrations. Congressman Todd Rokita (IN-04) One year ago, President Trump announced that the Unites States officially recognized the city of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Israel has long been our closest ally in the Middle East, and it was a great honor to witness the historic and long overdue opening of the American Embassy in the holy city of Jerusalem just a few months later. Today, I'm proud to celebrate the anniversary of this recognition, and I look forward to continuing to strengthen the enduring ties between our two nations. Congressman Jody Hice (GA-10) ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://desjarlais.house.gov/media-center?ID=9373FBE1-560B-4E28-9449-58593FD3CB3E,House Members Commemorate One-Year Anniversary of President Donald Trump's Official Recognition of Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel,2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Scott DesJarlais,D000616,desjarlais.house.gov,desjarlais,https://desjarlais.house.gov/media-center,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Andy Biggs and 42 cosponsors introduced a resolution to commemorate the one-year anniversary of President Donald Trump’s official recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Israel and the announcement of his intention to relocate the American embassy to Jerusalem. Congressman Biggs, along with many of the cosponsors, released the following statements: “Israel is one of the United States’ most enduring allies, and President Trump kept a significant promise by recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and announcing his intention to move our embassy to Jerusalem. That embassy was opened in Jerusalem earlier this year. These milestones signify our commitment to our ally. I thank my many colleagues who joined me in this resolution.” – Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) “I am pleased to be an original cosponsor on this important legislation. This year has marked a restoration of the U.S.-Israel relationship. President Trump’s moving of the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem was monumental not because he is the first president to promise this move, but because he is the only president who made good on that promise. I have supported moving the embassy since my start in Congress and am proud to have seen it come to fruition. I want to thank my colleague Rep. Biggs for initiating this great commemoration and for working with me collaboratively on the final bill.” – Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) “Today, we celebrate the one-year anniversary of President Trump’s momentous decision to move the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to the recognized capital of Jerusalem. During his campaign, President Trump committed to finally make this move, and I applaud him displaying strong leadership and courageous action in support of one of America’s closest allies in the world.” – House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (LA-01) “My support remains unwavering for President Trump’s courageous and just decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. This decision is a profound reflection of the President’s commitment to fulfilling his promises and advancing peace in the Middle East.” – Congressman Gregg Harper (MS-03) “One year ago, President Trump announced his decision to recognize Jerusalem as the unquestionable capital of Israel. The United States was the first to recognize Israel’s independence in 1948. This May, we celebrated 70 years of Israeli independence, and in a sign of our support, ceremoniously moved the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, again becoming the first country to do so. I applaud President Trump’s leadership as we continue to reinforce our commitment to our closest friend and ally, Israel, and support her right to defend herself.” – Congressman David Kustoff (TN-08) “Jerusalem is the rightful capital of Israel. The recognition of this reality continues to build on our two nation’s special bond which is why I support Representative Biggs’ resolution to commemorate the anniversary of the President’s declaration. Our ally has continuously stood by our side, and we should continue to stand by them.” – Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) “Moving our embassy to Jerusalem, Israel’s self-declared, historic, and eternal capital, sent a strong message to the world, that Israel is an ally of the United States and a bulwark of democracy and freedom in the Middle East.” – Congressman Ken Buck (CO-04) “On the one-year anniversary of President Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, a momentous event, I am proud to co-sponsor this resolution affirming our support for the United States’ strongest Middle East ally, a Jewish homeland, and the Israeli people. Although Congress authorized moving the U.S. embassy more than two decades ago, only our current President, fulfilling a promise other presidents have made but broken, had the courage to act. Anti-Semitism and terrorist threats must never deter us from standing up for our principles, including a free and independent Israel with Jerusalem as its capital. In fact, standing up for our principles and supporting our allies is essential to creating peace and stability in the region.” – Congressman Scott DesJarlais (TN-04) “As this resolution memorializes, the relocation of United States Embassy in Jerusalem is further proof that President Trump is keeping his promises to the American people. Seventy years after the official formation of Israel and more than 20 years after the United States Congress voted to recognize Jerusalem as its capital, this fulfilled promise signals strong support for our friend and ally.” – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26) “I am honored to join my colleagues in recognizing the one-year anniversary of the United States moving our embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem—the eternal capital. This strong and historic move will forever stand as a message to the rest of the world that the U.S. stands with our Jewish brothers and sisters in the world’s only Jewish state.” – Congressman Tedd Budd (NC-13) “On the one year anniversary, I applaud President Donald Trump for fulfilling his campaign pledge to recognize Jerusalem as the rightful capital of Israel. Under the leadership of President Trump, our relationship with Israel has never been stronger. We must never forget the important role Israel plays in the world and I will continue to be a vocal supporter of our eternal friendship.” – Rep. Alex X. Mooney (WV-02) “President Trump’s decision, one year ago, to recognize Jerusalem for what it actually has been and is –the actual capital of Israel, demonstrated great commitment to truth. President Truman had the courage to recognize Israel as an independent nation only minutes after it formed. Since then, we have had eleven Presidents who discussed Jerusalem as the true capital of Israel, but did not recognize it formally. A year ago, our president kept another of his promises made to the American people. This historic decision displayed to the world that the United States will fervently stand with its ally, Israel. I am proud we have a President who courageously did the right thing for the United States, for our ally Israel, and for the world, including those parts that do not know it.” – Congressman Louie Gohmert (TX-01) “Let today be a world-wide reminder that America stands with Israel, our greatest ally. We recognize that Jerusalem is Israel’s rightful and eternal capital–and shall no longer be questioned.” – Congressman Ralph Norman (SC-05) “The city of Jerusalem holds a special place in the history of civilization and in the hearts of the people of Israel. By recognizing it as the capital of Israel, President Trump reaffirmed our commitment to a steadfast ally and carried out a law passed overwhelmingly by Congress in 1995. On the first anniversary of this important event, I am proud to join my colleagues in celebrating the ties that continue to join the United States and the State of Israel in friendship.” – Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09) “Israel, our strong ally, has the right to determine its capital city. Our president chose to honor their choice by moving the US embassy to Jerusalem, the historic home of the Jewish people. One year after the president’s announcement that we would relocate our embassy, I join my colleagues applauding this historic move and urge other nations to follow the United States’ example.” – Congressman Dave Brat (VA-07) “One year ago, President Donald Trump made a historic announcement to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and to relocate our embassy there. I applaud President Trump for standing up for one of our closest allies. This recognition is based on ancient history and current political realities, and we must continue to voice that Jerusalem belongs to the people of Israel.” – Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (AZ-08) “America and Israel’s unbreakable bond has been cemented through decades of trust, respect, and mutual cooperation. President Trump’s public recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s eternal capital, and his decision to relocate the US Embassy to Jerusalem, were historic moments for US-Israel relations, now and in the future. I am proud to stand with Israel, and to be a cosponsor of Congressman Biggs’ important resolution.” – Congressman Matt Gaetz (FL-01) “A year after recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, we are seeing good progress in the Middle East. It is encouraging to see a number of other countries follow our example in relocating their embassies to the one, true capital of Israel – Jerusalem. Though there are still challenges to overcome, we will continue standing by our greatest ally. I’m delighted to celebrate this milestone with my colleagues and with the great people of Israel.” – Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14) “I am excited to be a part of the one year anniversary of Jerusalem’s recognition in Israel. The Administration’s step to recognize Jerusalem as the capitol of the State of Israel and spiritual home for the Jewish people helped further our friendship with Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East. Congress has voted favorably many times in the past on this issue, and past Presidents have campaigned on this only to backtrack in office for fear of angering Palestinian and Arab communities. This year marks the continuance of my strong support on this issue.” – Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-06) “Israel is our strongest friend and ally in the Middle East. This time last year, President Trump properly recognized Jerusalem as its capital and showed the world that the United States will always stand with her people,” said Rep. Williams. “For this reason I am proud to cosponsor Rep. Andy Biggs’ resolution, Commemorating the Anniversary of President Trump’s Recognition of Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel. I commend the President for his unwavering support of Israel and for remaining dedicated to backing our allies.” – Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25) “All in one year, President Trump made the historic announcement to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s rightful capital, and the State Department moved the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. These actions were long overdue and exemplify the strong devotion and commitment the Trump Administration and the nation have to Israel. I am thankful to be working hand in hand with President Trump as we both stand wholeheartedly with Israel, our great ally and friend.” – Congressman Jeff Duncan (SC-03) “One year after President Trump publicly recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, and soon after moved the U.S. embassy there, the United States remains committed to supporting the State of Israel. I applaud this administration in their decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, and the eternal friendship between our countries remains strong.” – Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01) “One year ago, President Trump issued a proclamation to officially recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. With Israel’s legislature, Supreme Court, President’s office, and Prime Minister‘s office all being located in the city, Jerusalem is the epicenter of governance in the country. Congress has repeatedly voted to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, despite previous administrations - both Republican and Democratic - failing to deliver. This proclamation, which also relocates our embassy to Jerusalem, is yet another promise that President Trump has fulfilled. As the Co-Chair of the Congressional Israel Victory Caucus, I firmly believe that by moving the United States Embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing it as Israel’s capital, we are sending a strong message of America’s support for our great ally - asserting the belief that Israel is the nation state of the Jewish people, and that Israel has the undeniable right to exist and defend herself.” – Congressman Bill Johnson (OH-06) “I was incredibly pleased when President Trump announced the United States’ official recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. As the eternal capital of the Jewish people, this was a long-overdue and necessary action to demonstrate America’s unwavering support on behalf of our strongest ally in the Middle East. I look forward to the ongoing progress we will make to advance the important partnership and longstanding bond between our nations.” – Congressman John Ratcliffe (TX-04) “It is the diplomatic right of any sovereign nation to choose where their capital is located; and, for 67 years, Israel has recognized Jerusalem as their capital,” said Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA). “I applaud President Trump for moving the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv to Jerusalem a year ago, and my good friend Rep. Andy Biggs for commemorating this seismic event between the United States and Israel.” – Congressman Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) “America’s relationship with Israel is unique, and it’s strength is the foundation of American leadership in the Middle East. One year ago, President Donald Trump announced that our embassy was to be relocated to Jerusalem, and I was grateful for the opportunity to lead the House delegation to the embassy’s opening in May. The President’s commitment to Promises Made, Promises Kept strengthens our bond with the people of Israel, who know they have an ally in America.” – Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) “Israel has long been a friend and an ally to the United States, and it is a priority of mine to continue to stand with them and fortify our bonds. One year ago that bond was strengthened when the President did the right thing by affirming U.S. Law and recognizing Jerusalem as the eternal and undivided capital of Israel.” – Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) “We have a special partnership with Israel -- the country is our greatest ally in the Middle East and the only democracy in the region. We share the same values regarding individual rights and liberties, and it is essential we stand by them. I am grateful for President Trump’s leadership on this important issue and that he made the move to affirm Jerusalem as Israel’s rightful capital one year ago.” – Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04) “It has been a year since President Trump fulfilled his pledge to move the United States embassy to Jerusalem. This long-overdue action demonstrates the close friendship between the United States and its strongest ally in the region. I know President Trump will continue to strengthen our bond with Israel after neglect from previous Administrations.” – Congressman Todd Rokita (IN-04) “One year ago, President Trump announced that the Unites States officially recognized the city of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Israel has long been our closest ally in the Middle East, and it was a great honor to witness the historic – and long overdue – opening of the American Embassy in the holy city of Jerusalem just a few months later. Today, I’m proud to celebrate the anniversary of this recognition, and I look forward to continuing to strengthen the enduring ties between our two nations.” – Congressman Jody Hice (GA-10) ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=F0DA4107-08F7-4831-A81F-66D250F8A418,Alexander Statement on the Nomination of William Barr to Serve as Attorney General of the United States,2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, December 7, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement on President Donald Trump's nomination of William Barr to serve as Attorney General of the United States: Bill Barr and I served together in President George H.W. Bush's cabinet. He has demonstrated that he knows how to serve as an effective Attorney General of the United States. He should be confirmed promptly again. ### Lamar Alexander is the senior senator from Tennessee, and he serves as chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. For his full biography, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-118-million-head-start-grant,Congressman Cohen Announces $11.8 Million Head Start Grant,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,TN,Steve Cohen,C001068,cohen.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) received notice today of a Department of Health and Human Services grant of $11.8 million to the Shelby County Board of Education for its Head Start programs and made the following statement: Head Start is one of the best programs for young children whose parents have limited means. Its proven record shows it gives these children a shot at the American Dream.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=2B93C4C9-5AB6-4B3A-AB37-DB66CE95D82E,Alexander: Agreement Between President Trump and President Xi to Control Deadly Fentanyl Will Save Thousands of American Lives,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Click here for video of Sen. Alexander's floor speech What President Trump and President Xi announced this weekend is the single most important step that could be taken to stop the flow of deadly fentanyl from China to the United States. Sen. Lamar Alexander WASHINGTON, December 6, 2018 Senate health committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said, Out of all the news about the discussions that the President of the United States and the President of China had last weekend, one thing is certain: the agreement to schedule deadly fentanyl as a controlled substance will save thousands of American lives. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that can be 100 times stronger than opioid prescription pills and is the source of the greatest increase in opioid overdoses in our country. According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, almost all the fentanyl coming to the United States is produced in China. The agreement reached between the United States and China makes the selling of fentanyl subject to the maximum penalty under Chinese law. Let me tell you one story about how we got here, Alexander said in a speech delivered today on the Senate floor. About four weeks ago, I led a senior delegation of five Senators and two Members of the House of Representatives, to Beijing to meet with Chinese leaders. At the urging of U.S. Ambassador to China, Terry Branstad, we made fentanyl and the opioid crisis the primary point of our visit. President Trump had in an earlier meeting spoke with the Chinese president about this.China had already taken steps to stem the flow of fentanyl into our country by controlling 25 different substances of fentanyl. What we asked the Chinese officials, including the Premier, to do is to control all forms of fentanyl. Controlling all forms of fentanyl allows Chinese narcotics agents to go after anyone in China who uses or produces fentanyl illegally or improperly. When we returned from China, I spoke about our trip on the Senate floor and said that China had the opportunity to become the global leader in stopping synthetic opioids. I talked with Ivanka Trump about our trip and encouraged her to get the White House to make this a priority and she understood that, if implemented properly, this would save lives and help thousands of Americans. I also urged President Trump to thank Chinese President Xi when they met at the G20 summit in Argentina, for what China has already done, and to ask the Chinese to continue working with us to stem the flow of fentanyl into the United States. On Saturday, at the end of the G20 summit, President Trump and President Xi announced that China would do exactly as we asked: China will control all forms of fentanyl as a way of stopping the flow of this dangerous synthetic opioid into the United States both by mail and by smuggling through Mexico and Canada. President Trump called this a game changer,' and he deserves great credit for persuading China to make the selling of fentanyl subject to the maximum penalty under Chinese law. To be clear, this is not a problem the Chinese government has caused, but it is something China is helping us solve. Working with our Drug Enforcement Agency and classifying 25 fentanyl compounds caused an immediate and dramatic decrease in those chemicals coming into the United States. And now, President Xi has agreed to control all forms of fentanyl, which will make it easier for China to go after anyone in their country who uses or produces fentanyl illegally or improperly. In October, President Trump signed opioid legislation sponsored by Senator Alexander that the President called, the single largest bill to combat a drug crisis in the history of our country. The new law contains the STOP Act, to stop illegal drugs including fentanyl at the border and the SALTS Act, which closes a loophole that allowed manufacturers and sellers of synthetic opioids like fentanyl to avoid prosecution by labeling the opioids as not intended for human consumption. Alexander concluded his floor speech: What President Trump and President Xi announced this weekend is the single most important step that could be taken to stop the flow of deadly fentanyl from China to the United States. I want to thank Ambassador Branstad, for setting up the meetings we had with the Chinese officials. I am grateful to the Chinese leaders for listening to our Congressional delegation and for President Trump and President Xi's leadership in taking this action. ### Lamar Alexander is the senior senator from Tennessee, and he serves as chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. For his full biography, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=40ED6AA1-FF37-43E7-AA35-BC87AF95FD88,Alexander: Bob Corker is Always a Man on Mission,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"*Alexander's full remarks are available here.* WASHINGTON, December 6, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today paid tribute on the Senate floor to Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) saying he is always a man on a mission with little regard of the obstacles in the way. As an example of that, Alexander told the story about how Corker was curious about smuggling supplies from Egypt to Gaza, so he hailed a Jeep, rode to the border, inspected the tunnels, took photographs and showed them to Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when they met that afternoon. The prime minister might have been surprised by Bob Corker's conduct, but none of us who knew Bob Corker were surprised, Alexander said. Alexander, who has known Corker for 25 years, referenced the senator's many accomplishments, including his stint as mayor of Chattanooga: Now, he [Corker] would be the first to tell you that Chattanooga was already on a roll -- that a lot of people had a lot to do with Chattanooga success -- but everybody else will tell you that he was the best, fastest runner to have on the last stage of the relay team because he took what was already beginning to happen in Chattanooga and put it into high gear. Bob laid the groundwork for what eventually attracted Volkswagen to put his North American manufacturing plant there, and to have the country generally regard Chattanooga as one of the most, if not the most, desirable midsized cities in America. Alexander continued, Bob was elected to the United States Senate in 2006 he has voted with the majority of Republican senators 85 percent of the time, but he always has been a conservative who prizes results over speeches. Bob and I followed the old rule that Senators Howard Baker and Robert Byrd followed -- I won't surprise you if you won't surprise me. We not only didn't surprise each other, we looked out for each other. We respected each other's work even though we didn't always agree. Our staffers saw that, so they worked the same way, and I'm convinced the people of the state of Tennessee were the beneficiaries of that because when they approached either the Corker staff or the Alexander staff, I think they found that one plus one equals three, not two. Alexander concluded, Peyton Manning once said that he hoped Bob Corker would serve in the United States Senate until he was 100-years-old I think that was really to get people to quit asking Peyton Manning to run for the United States Senate because he knew better than to get involved. While I am looking forward to working with Marsha Blackburn, who is Bob Corker's successor, I will have to admit that I agreed with Peyton Manning. Bob Corker has done as a United States senator what every Tennessean and every American should hope a United States senator would do. He's gotten up early determined to find some way to make the country a little better, talked to anybody on the telephone who he thought knew anything about the issue he cared about, jumped into it with both feet saying exactly what he thought was the right thing to do for the country and usually coming out with a result that did just that. It's been a privilege to serve with him, and I look forward to watching what has to be one of the best upcoming shows in town, which will be whatever Bob Corker decides to do next. Alexander's full remarks are available here. ### Lamar Alexander is the senior senator from Tennessee, and he serves as chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. For his full biography, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=7FE3E99E-7D6C-42E8-B0BB-408CEF34CDD5,Alexander: $25 Million Federal Grant Will Help Fix Middle Tennessees Traffic Jams,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"It's not a secret, traffic congestion in and around the Nashville area is a headache-- right now, if you take I-65 from Spring Hill to Nashville, you're probably late to work because you're sitting in at least an hour of traffic. This $25 million federal grant will create a new avenue for Middle Tennesseans to get to work more quickly. Senator Lamar Alexander WASHINGTON, December 6, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said a $25 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to the city of Spring Hill will help reduce traffic congestion in Middle Tennessee. It's not a secret, traffic congestion in and around the Nashville area is a headache-- right now, if you take I-65 from Spring Hill to Nashville, you're probably late to work because you're sitting in at least an hour of traffic. This $25 million federal grant will create a new avenue for Middle Tennesseans to get to work more quickly, Alexander said. This was a highly competitive grant and Spring Hill will receive $25 million, which is the most any applicant can receive. This award is a great compliment to our state and its leadership. The city of Spring Hill will receive a $25 million federal grant to construct a new interchange between I-65 and I-840 and an extension of Buckner Road from Bunker Lane to Lewisburg Pike to connect the new interchange. The federal grant is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program, which awards competitive grants to communities in Tennessee and across the country to fund significant transportation projects, including highways and bridges, public transportation systems, passenger and freight railroads and port infrastructure. The BUILD grant program is funded by the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations subcommittee, of which Alexander is a member. In Fiscal Year 2018, the BUILD grant was federally funded at $1.5 billion. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=01050844-9704-4D93-865C-FEB0DFB4A4A2,"Alexander: America is Fortunate to Produce Leaders Who Bring Out the Best in Us, As President George H.W. Bush Did",2018-12-04,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"*Click here for video of the senator's full remarks.* WASHINGTON, December 4, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today paid tribute on the Senate floor to President George H.W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States. All of us have shared memories and stories about the president, but I want to talk about three aspects of his service very briefly, Alexander said. When I think of President George H.W. Bush I think of a gentleman, I think well-prepared, and I think of a pioneer, especially a pioneer in education. First, a gentleman his temperament and conduct while he won and while he lost in war and in peace, with adversaries and friends, reminds us that you can be tough, but you can win the presidency and that you can be a combat pilot in a world war, and you can still treat others with respect, which he unfailingly did. Alexander continued, I was thinking about that last night as we stood outside on the [Capitol] steps and watched the casket being brought up, a beautiful evening -- the sunset looking out over the Library of Congress and over the Supreme Court -- and I was thinking that with all the rancor we sometimes have here as we work out difficult problems, we're pretty lucky to have this form of government we have. And we're extraordinarily fortunate that we can produce men and women like President George H.W. Bush who bring out the best in us. Second, what we had in President George H.W. Bush may have been the best prepared president in our history a congressman, a candidate for the U.S. Senate, head of the national Republican Party, the first ambassador to China, head of the United Nations, Vice President of the United States, head of the Central Intelligence Agency and the youngest aviator in a world war. I think how fortunate we were that he happened to be the one who came along then, because the things that he accomplished in his four years and the things that he presided over and led us to do weren't that easy. He served at a time when we needed that preparation because the challenges were immense. Finally, I think of President Bush as a pioneer in education. In 1989, President George H.W. Bush assembled all the nation's governors in Charlottesville to talk about education. Terry Branstad, the current ambassador to China was then the chairman of thegovernors. And out of that summit came national education goals that every child by the year 2000 would learn math, science, history, and geography in a proficient way. Then with America 2000,' in the last two years of his term -- I was education secretary then -- he launched America 2000.' That was to help states and communities reach national education goals state by state and community by community. Most of the steps that states, including my state of Tennessee, have taken to make schools better in the last 30 years were either started by or encouraged by President George H.W. Bush since the National Governor's Summit in 1989, and that includes charter schools. Alexander served as President Bush's Education Secretary from 1991-1993. Alexander concluded, President George H.W. Bush may have been the most successful one-term president in history. A man who put the country first, and a man whom we all admire. Alexander's full remarks are available here. ### Lamar Alexander is the senior senator from Tennessee, and he serves as chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. For his full biography, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=C36BA1D6-2EFE-4C2F-B002-D47806499457,Alexander: I Do Not Know Many Public Servants More Accomplished Than A.B. Culvahouse,2018-12-04,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"The English are our ancestors. The Australians are our cousins, and I would suggest they are our first cousins. They deserve to have, as the representative of our country to them, one of our finest. Sen. Lamar Alexander *Video of the senator's full remarks is available here.* WASHINGTON, December 4, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today introduced Tennessean A.B. Culvahouse, Jr., at his confirmation hearing to serve as Ambassador of the United States of America to the Commonwealth of Australia before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee. It is my privilege today to introduce to the committee Arthur B. Culvahouse, Jr. He is the most accomplished lawyer I know, and I do not know many public servants more accomplished than he is. That might sound like an extravagant claim, but I mean it sincerely, Alexander said. He had the great advantage of being born and raised in Ten Mile, Tennessee, so that got him off to a good start. Alexander continued, Culvahouse became legislative counsel to Howard Baker, our senator [from Tennessee] who later became majority leader of the United States Senate. He became counsel to both John McCain and Donald Trump during their campaigns as they began to consider vice presidential selections. He was counsel to President Ronald Reagan while he was in the White House. And in the midst of all of that, he has been the chairman of one of the world's largest law firms, O'Melveny and Myers. All of [these] activities have established him as enormously well-qualified for this position. I'm more than a little jealous that he is the Tennessean who gets to be the Ambassador to Australia. If he's confirmed by the Senate, which I hope he will be, he will have a wonderful experience ahead of him. After completing his second term as governor, Alexander lived six months with his family in Australia in 1987. Alexander told a story about Australia at today's hearing: The English are our ancestors. The Australians are our cousins, and I would suggest they are our first cousins. They deserve to have as the representative of our country to them, one of our finest. After Culvahouse was nominated by President Trump, Alexander said his experience as counsel to President Reagan and President Trump and former Senate Majority Leader Howard Baker, and his leadership of one of the world's major law firms equip him to represent our country well. ### Lamar Alexander is the senior senator from Tennessee, and he serves as chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. For his full biography, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-saddened-youth-football-bus-accident,Congressman Cohen Saddened by Youth Football Bus Accident,2018-12-03,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,TN,Steve Cohen,C001068,cohen.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) expressed his condolences to the family of the youth football playerwho diedin the predawn bus accident in Arkansas this morning and said his thoughts arealsowith the children injured in the accident and their families. Congressman Cohen released the following statement: I am saddened to learn about the terrible accident that cost the life of an Orange Mound youth football player this morning.My deepest sympathy goes to his family and friends.The team was representing one of the heartbeats of our community, historic OrangeMound,and mythoughts are with the many reportedly injured in the accident and theirfamilies.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=4C586DEA-4E97-4FD0-9058-A9D96180BFD6,Washington Times: 'Game changer': China agrees to crack down on fentanyl after pressure from Trump,2018-12-03,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"One week before the midterm elections, seven members of Congress jetted toChinawith specific marching orders from the Trump administration and Ambassador Terry Branstad: Urge Beijing to crack down on fentanyl, the No. 1 killer in the U.S. overdose crisis. Trade was also on the agenda, said Senate Health Committee ChairmanLamar Alexander, Tennessee Republican, but every meeting with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, state police and Politburo members began by asking the Chinese government to make all forms of the synthetic opioid illegal. Mr. Branstad and the White House wanted the delegation to act as table-setters for President Trump, the self-styled dealmaker in chief, who met with Chinese President Xi Jinping this weekend on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in Argentina. The delegation's lobbying campaign appears to have worked. The White House said Mr. Xi over the weekend agreed at the summit to control all forms of fentanyl as both countries try to improve relations and end a thorny trade war. Officials said the change, if implemented swiftly and firmly, will fill a critical enforcement gap. If they get caught, they have the highest level of punishment, Mr. Trump said while returning to the U.S. on Air Force One. That could be a game changer. Roughly 30,000 Americans died last year from overdoses traced back to fentanyl, which is far more deadly than regular heroin. The drug is smuggled into the U.S. from Mexico or even mailed directly through the U.S. Postal Service but invariably is traced back toChina. Chinese authorities have made other efforts at crackdowns by banning 25 compounds, but crafty traffickers riffed on formulas to duck authorities and continue shipping their products. Chinese weren't yet convinced it was that important to us,Mr. Alexandertold The Washington Times. They don't have an opioid problem inChina. Mr. Alexanderand other lawmakers hailed the weekend's developments, saying the crackdown is a long time coming and should work hand in hand with a new law that forces the U.S. Postal Service to demand advanced electronic data on all Chinese packages so customs agents can root out illegal drugs. Sen. Chuck Grassley, Iowa Republican, said the change will save an untold number of lives in the United States. There is a lot at stake. The U.S. opioids problem shifted in the past few years from pain pills and heroin to fentanyl. Drug dealers cut their heroin supply with the potent drug, delivering a major high that keeps some customers coming back and killing others who don't realize what they are injecting into their bodies. Illicit fentanyl was responsible for more than 40 percent of the 70,000 drug overdose deaths in the U.S. last year and 60 percent of opioid-related deaths. A recent U.S. government report identifiedChinaas the top supplier to the U.S. of illegal fentanyl and criticized the Chinese government for being slow and ineffective at keeping up with numerous variations of the drug that are more potent and deadly. American officials said previous Chinese efforts to schedule a set of fentanyl compounds resulted in a sharp and immediate decrease in those chemicals entering the U.S. Chinahas already listed 25 forms of fentanyl as illegal, but then the crooks are creative and they create a new form of fentanyl that is not illegal,Mr. Alexandersaid. We persuaded them to take the handcuffs off the Chinese police and say every form of fentanyl is illegal. Chinais copying the U.S. in a way. The Drug and Enforcement Administration decided this year to take all forms of fentanyl without accepted medical use and place them in the Schedule I list denoting the highest risk of abuse. Chinahas now done the same thing, so anyone who possesses, imports, distributes or manufactures any illicit fentanyl analogue will be subject to criminal prosecution in the same manner as for fentanyl and other controlled substances, DEA spokesman Melvin Patterson said. This will make it easier for Chinese law enforcement and prosecutors to prosecute traffickers of all forms of fentanyl-related substances. In a statement, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi confirmed thatChinahas decided to list all the fentanyl-like substances as controlled substances and agreed to take proactive steps to strengthen cooperation on law enforcement and combating illicit drugs. Mr. Alexandersaid the deal is an important breakthrough for two countries trying to work through a thorny trade war. People can disagree, but it helps to have a good relationship when you're working out a problem,Mr. Alexander said. He also said it's an image-booster forChina. This will turnChinafrom being world's leading supplier of fentanyl, he said, to the world's leading country doing something about it.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=AB2E9DCF-7CA6-42B5-976B-37CDDE6908BC,Alexander Statement on President Trump and President Xi of China Agreement to Control Fentanyl (Synthetic Opioids),2018-12-03,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"MARYVILLE, Tenn., December 2, 2018 U.S. Senate health committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement on the agreement between President Trump and President Xi of China to control fentanyl (synthetic opioids): President Trump's agreement yesterday with President Xi of China is the single most important step that could be taken to stop the flow of deadly fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, from China into the United States. It will save thousands of American lives. The president deserves great credit for persuading China to make the selling of fentanylsubject to the maximum penalty under Chinese law. Opioid abuse is the number one U.S. public health epidemic, killing more Americans last year than automobile accidents.Fentanyl can be 100 times stronger than opioid prescription pills and is the source of the greatest increase in opioid overdoses and deaths. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency says that almost all fentanyl that comes to the U.S. is, one way or the other, produced in China. Atthe urging of U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad four weeks ago, I led a delegation of seven members of the United States Congress to Beijing to meet with Chinese leaders, including the Premier, asking that China control all forms of fentanyl as a way of stopping the flow of this dangerous syntheticopioid into the United States both by mail and by smuggling through Mexico and Canada. China's response today to President Trump is precisely the action our Congressional delegation asked for, and I am grateful to the Chinese leaders for listening to us and taking this action. Alexander spokeabout his recent visit to China on the Senate floor. Alexander was principal sponsor of opioids legislation President Trump signed into law in October that he called the single largest bill to combat a drug crisis in the history of our country, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) called landmark legislation to fight the opioid crisis. That legislation included proposals from five different Senate committees, including the STOP Act to stop illegal drugs, including fentanyl, at the border. From the White House last night: Statement from the Press Secretary Regarding The President's Working Dinner With China The President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, and President Xi Jinping of China, have just concluded what both have said was a highly successful meeting between themselves and their most senior representatives in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Very importantly, President Xi, in a wonderful humanitarian gesture, has agreed to designate Fentanyl as a Controlled Substance, meaning that people selling Fentanyl to the United States will be subject to China's maximum penalty under the law. On Trade, President Trump has agreed that on January 1, 2019, he will leave the tariffs on $200 billion worth of product at the 10% rate, and not raise it to 25% at this time. China will agree to purchase a not yet agreed upon, but very substantial, amount of agricultural, energy, industrial, and other product from the United States to reduce the trade imbalance between our two countries. China has agreed to start purchasing agricultural product from our farmers immediately. President Trump and President Xi have agreed to immediately begin negotiations on structural changes with respect to forced technology transfer, intellectual property protection, non-tariff barriers, cyber intrusions and cyber theft, services and agriculture. Both parties agree that they will endeavor to have this transaction completed within the next 90 days. If at the end of this period of time, the parties are unable to reach an agreement, the 10% tariffs will be raised to 25%. It was also agreed that great progress has been made with respect to North Korea and that President Trump, together with President Xi, will strive, along with Chairman Kim Jong Un, to see a nuclear free Korean Peninsula. President Trump expressed his friendship and respect for Chairman Kim. President Xi also stated that he is open to approving the previously unapproved Qualcomm-NXP deal should it again be presented to him. President Trump stated: This was an amazing and productive meeting with unlimited possibilities for both the United States and China. It is my great honor to be working with President Xi. ### Lamar Alexander is the senior senator from Tennessee, and he serves as chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. For his full biography, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=C4B13CAB-21D3-49BE-AEBF-566D1EBA373C,Alexander Statement on the Passing of President George H.W. Bush,2018-12-03,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"MARYVILLE, Tenn., December 1, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today made the following statement on the passing of President George H.W. Bush, the 41stPresident of the United States: George H.W. Bush may have been the only person ever elected President of the United States primarily by being nice. I have dozens of handwritten notes from himas do, I suspect, hundreds of Americans. His presidency is increasingly admired for his courage and restraint: for unifying Germany, for making hard decisions that balanced the budget, and for challenging aggression in Kuwait with decisive but measured military action. Alexander served as President Bush's Education Secretary from 1991-1993. ### Lamar Alexander is the senior senator from Tennessee, and he serves as chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. For his full biography, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-list?ContentRecord_id=D63E2710-F1F7-4819-B748-7445C2A13B5B,Corker Announces Plans to Support First Step Act,2018-12-03,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Bob Corker,C001071,www.corker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) today announced plans to support S.3649, the First Step Act, legislation to reform America's criminal justice system. This legislation is an important first step as we work to reform our nation's criminal justice system, said Corker. The First Step Act will allow us to better prepare offenders for successful reentry into their communities and makes important strides toward enhancing prison security and officer safety. I plan to support this legislation and am hopeful some of the changes being proposed to make this an even better piece of legislation are made before a vote on the floor. The legislation, authored by Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), endorsed by President Donald J. Trump, and cosponsored a bipartisan group of 28 senators, aims to reduce federal recidivism and crime, prepare inmates for successful returns to society, enhance prison security and officer safety, and reform federal criminal sentencing. The bill has been endorsed by a number of law enforcement groups, including the nation's largest police group. It also is now supported by 172 former federal prosecutors, including two former Republican U.S. attorneys general, two former deputy attorneys general and a former director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with sheriffs from 34 states across the country. The National Governor's Association, which represents the governors of all 50 states, praised the bill last week, and a broad coalition of conservative, progressive, and faith groups also support the legislation. More information on the legislation is available here: ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-remembers-president-george-hw-bush,Congressman Cohen Remembers President George H.W. Bush,2018-12-01,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,TN,Steve Cohen,C001068,cohen.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) noted the passing of President George H. W. Bush today with the following statement: President Bush was a statesman and a gentleman who served his country in a several important roles with dedication. As a fighter pilot in World War II, congressman, CIA director, vice president and president, he led a life of public service. On a rainy day in late November 1989, President Bush spoke from the front lawn of The Commercial Appeal on Union, extolling the newspaper and its editor, Lionel Linder, for their work focusing on individuals in the Memphis region making a difference as volunteers. His One Thousand Points of Light' initiative still thrives and will be part of his lasting legacy. He was a class act. I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to his children and their families and his many friends. His was a life well led.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cooper.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cooper-statement-on-president-george-hw-bush,Cooper Statement on President George H.W. Bush,2018-12-01,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,TN,Jim Cooper,C000754,cooper.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) today issued the following statement. President George H.W. Bush embodied a bygone American era of civility, respect and bipartisanship, Rep. Cooper said. The leader of a patriotic family, he was a war hero, CIA director, honorable commander-in-chief, and the proud father of a fellow President and a governor. No President is perfect, but it's certain we've lost a national hero. President Bush and his beloved Barbara are deeply missed.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://roe.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398411,Roe Statement on the Passing of President George H.W. Bush,2018-12-01,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Phil Roe,R000582,roe.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON D.C. Today, Rep. Phil Roe, M.D. (R-TN) released the following statement after the passing of President George H. W. Bush: ""I am saddened to hear of the passing of President George H. W. Bush. He served bravely during World War II as a Navy pilot and was a true American hero. Not only did he serve our country, but he was the youngest Naval aviator our nation had ever seen. He answered the call to serve and exemplified what it means to be a true American hero. President George H. W. Bush is a reason why we must remain committed to serving our veterans. ""Even when President Bush was shot down during his service, he persevered on behalf of our nation. He looked evil in the face and stood tall. I am grateful for the commitment the President made on behalf of this nation, we are a better country because of it. ""Lastly, beyond his service to country was his commitment to his family. He raised his children to be strong, committed leaders like himself and loved his wife Barbara until his last breath. And while we mourn the loss of this great man, I take solace in the fact that he is now reunited with his beloved wife. ""Clarinda and I are keeping the entire Bush family in our prayers as we mourn the loss of this incredible man.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-list?ContentRecord_id=AEFCE331-FF0A-4D4E-AEEA-9FA24AEB5ECE,Corker Statement on Passing of Former President George H.W. Bush,2018-12-01,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,TN,Bob Corker,C001071,www.corker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement on the passing of former President George H.W. Bush. George H.W. Bush's life was defined by service to the country he loved, and he leaves behind a remarkable legacy, said Corker. His selfless service and devotion to family set an important example, not only during his time in elected office but long afterward of what it really means to lead. His character and decency were unparalleled, especially in the way he befriended political foes, reminding Americans that there is always more that unites us than divides us. Elizabeth and I cherish the memories we have of hosting George and Barbara at our home in Chattanooga and join the nation in celebrating the life of a faithful husband, father, grandfather, and statesman. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://roe.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398410,Chairman Roe Statement on 116th Congress Committee Leadership Role,2018-11-30,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,TN,Phil Roe,R000582,roe.house.gov,,,legacy,"Chairman Roe Statement on 116th Congress Committee Leadership Role f t # e Washington, November 30, 2018 WASHINGTON D.C. Today, Rep. Phil Roe, M.D. (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after he was ratified by the House Republican Conference as Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs for the 116th Congress. I am honored for the opportunity to continue to lead my fellow Republicans in the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs for the 116th Congress. This past Congress, we have had an incredible number of bipartisan achievements on behalf of our nation's veterans. I look forward to continuing the bipartisan nature of this Committee, and to work with all members to ensure that veterans receive the benefits and support they deserve. I know that President Trump and Secretary Wilkie will also continue to work with Congress on behalf of America's heroes. I am grateful to the members of the Republican Steering Committee who recommended me for this leadership role. I also want to thank current Committee Members, as well as my staff, for their support and dedication to our nation's veterans this past Congress. I hold a special place in my heart for America's servicemembers and it is a true honor to work on behalf of them every single day. I am excited to continue to advance legislation on behalf of these brave men and women during the 116th Congress and I remain wholeheartedly committed to ensuring our nation's veterans receive nothing short of what they deserve. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=5E20BFED-BB4B-4307-AC75-205240D73E28,"Alexander: Goal is for Electronic Health Records to Become What Patients, Doctors Had Hoped For",2018-11-30,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"I hope, more than anything, we see consumers who say, Thank you, for my electronic health care records, this is amazing, it's simple.' People say that about how easy it is to make an airline reservation. Sen. Lamar Alexander WASHINGTON, D.C., November 30, 2018 Senate health committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) this week said he hopes that implementation of the 21stCentury Cures law will mean electronic health records become what patients and doctors and hospitals had hoped for would be when the technology was developed. I would [also like] to see doctors believe that the amount of time that they're spending on recordkeeping, and this isn't all directed toward electronic records they believe they're spending 40 or 50 percent of their time filling out forms while they ought to be treating patients. I'd like for them to believe that that 40 or 50 percent has dropped to 20 or 30percent or 10 or 20 percent. Alexander made his comments at the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology's (ONC) 2018 Annual Meeting,in a discussion with Adam Boehler, Senior Advisor to the Secretary, CMS Deputy Administrator and Director of the Innovation Center. Excerpts from his remarks are below: Senator Alexander discussed a meeting he had with Apple: Apple came in to see me the other day, and they're trying to make it easier to put your electronic medical records on your phone.And that's what should happen. But the government's not going to do that. We need to make it possible for Apple or Google or anybody who wants to try to do that Tom Friedman in his book, his most recent book, talked about Steve Jobs and John Doerr,the venture capitalist, at a soccer game in 2007 and the issue was, would Apple make the apps.Doerr said, No, don't do that, let the world make the apps.'And of course that was an awfully smart thing for Apple to do.So that's what we want to happen with health care as well, and we tried to do that. So those are some of the things that we try to do.But basically our whole goal with the 21st Century bill was to move cures and treatments more rapidly through the investment and regulatory process and into medicine cabinets and doctor's offices. During the conversation, Alexander also discussed health care costs, a top priority on his agenda: Themiracles of health care and how we get them to people and how we pay for them is exciting, and if we can think of ways to reduce the burden on doctors and providers so they can spend more of their time and money on patients We've had a series of five hearings on reducing health care costs in our committee since June.The startling information from the testimony that comes from the National Academy of Medicine, [and other people from] places like that, is that half our spending on health care is unnecessary. I think we should be spending [time] on overall health care costs if it's even close to true that we might be spending half of what we spend unnecessarily.That's where we ought to be spending our time. And in my discussions with Senator Murray yesterdayshe's a Democrat and I'm a RepublicanSenator Grassley, he's a Republican, we can talk about that, we can work on that, just as we worked with Obama and Vice[President Joe]Biden on 21stCenturyCures and on the landmark's opioids legislation this year and the FDA user fees. Our job in the Senate really is to take big issues and come to an agreement that most of us agree with because if we do, then the people will accept it and it will last a long time. ### Lamar Alexander is the senior senator from Tennessee, and he serves as chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. For his full biography, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-elected-regional-seat-steering-and-policy-committee,Congressman Cohen Elected to Regional Seat on Steering and Policy Committee,2018-11-29,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,TN,Steve Cohen,C001068,cohen.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON -- Congressman Cohen (TN-09) was elected by acclamation to the powerful Democratic Steering and Policy Committee this evening for the new Congress that convenes in January by Democratic Congressional colleagues from the 7th Region which encompasses Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Congressman Cohen has served as a member of the committee in an appointed capacity since January 2017 when he was named to it by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. The Steering and Policy Committee nominates Democratic Members for committee assignments and has both elected and appointed positions. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: I am honored to receive this vote of confidence from my colleagues from the 7th Region and the opportunity to serve on the Steering and Policy Committee, and want to thank them for their support. I was honored to serve on the committee after my appointment almost two years ago by the once and future House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. As a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, I look forward to using my experience in Congress to help advise the House Democratic Caucus. Democrats must remain committed to ensuring civil rights and voting rights for all Americans, preserving the Affordable Care Act, protecting Medicare and Social Security, exercising oversight over the current administration's culture of corruption and creating jobs to build a stronger economy, among other issues. I am grateful my colleagues have placed their trust in me. Congressman Cohen was the first Congressman from the Ninth District of Tennessee to serve on the committee since Harold Ford Sr. served from 1988-1990 and the first Tennessean to serve on the committee since John Tanner served from 1996-2004. In 2008, then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi referred to Congressman Cohen as the conscience of the freshman class. Congressman Cohen also serves of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the Committee on Ethics, and the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (also known as the Helsinki Commission). Earlier this month, he was elected to a seventh term representing Tennessee's 9th Congressional District.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-will-reintroduce-constitutional-amendment-limit,Congressman Cohen Will Reintroduce Constitutional Amendment to Limit the Presidents Pardon Power,2018-11-29,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,TN,Steve Cohen,C001068,cohen.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), the ranking member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, announced today his intention to reintroduce his constitutional amendment to limit the President's pardon power when the new Congress convenes in January. Last year, following the indictment of Paul Manafort, Congressman Cohen introduced H. J. Res. 120, a constitutional amendment that would prohibit presidents from pardoning themselves, as well as members of their family, their administration and campaign staff. President Trump's overtures to his convicted former campaign chairman Paul Manafort pose a dangerous threat to the rule of law and are not what the Founders intended when they included the pardon power in the Constitution. The pardon power is supposed to serve justice, not thwart it. It was never meant to immunize presidents' families and close advisors against laws the rest of us must obey. That's what kings and dictators do, and if there is one thing the Founders made clear, it was that we don't have kings in the United States of America. Manafort is not the only convicted former Trump advisor facing serious questions about the legality of their conduct. Michael Flynn, Michael Cohen, George Papadopoulos have all been convicted or pleaded guilty, and questions remain about the conduct of Roger Stone and even Trump's son and son-in-law. We need to limit the scope of the pardon power to protect the rule of law. The amendment would apply to the current as well as future presidents.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://roe.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398409,Roe Supports Passage of Bill Naming Johnson City Post Office In Honor of Major Homer L. Pease,2018-11-29,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,TN,Phil Roe,R000582,roe.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON D.C. Today, Rep. Phil Roe, M.D. (R-TN) released the following statement after the House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 6621, legislation to rename the post office located at 530 E Main Street, Johnson City, Tennessee, in honor of Major Homer L. Pease: I am very pleased to see the House unanimously pass my legislation to name the downtown Johnson City, Tennessee post office after a true hero, Major Homer L. Pease. Major Pease's tireless service to this nation exemplifies the qualities of a great patriot and he deserves this great honor in recognition of his bravery and love for our country. I want to thank the entire Tennessee delegation for supporting this endeavor, and I am hopeful the Senate will follow suit. Background: A native of Johnson City, Tennessee, Major Homer L. Pease served the United States during World War II and the Vietnam War. In 1942, Homer Pease enlisted at the age of 13 and was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division where he volunteered as a paratrooper. Pease joined his fellow servicemen in Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944 and continued to support the Allied Soldiers until he was wounded. His valor was recognized by the presentation of a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. Upon recovery, he rejoined his unit at Bertesgarten, Germany, where he was again wounded and received his second Purple Heart at the age of 15. Following his second injury, Pease was sent home to Johnson City where he attended Science Hill High School and graduated in 1950. Pease served in the National Guard for over a decade after his high school graduation, ultimately returning to active military duty. After initially being stationed in Radcliff, Kentucky, his unit, the 37th Armored Regiment, was relocated to Schweinfurt, Germany, in 1961. When his enlistment concluded in 1965, he volunteered and was accepted by the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. As part of his duties, he became a U.S. Army Ranger at the age of 36. Homer Pease arrived in Vietnam on March 14, 1966, where he advised and co-led the Army Republic of Vietnam Regiment. On November 19, 1966, at Ba Tri Kien Hoa Province, South Vietnam, Pease fell on the battlefield. For the bravery he displayed, he was awarded the Silver Star and received a promotion to Major. For more information about Major Pease, you may visit the East Tennessee Veterans Memorial Association or the East Tennessee State University website. The legislation unanimously passed the House of Representatives on November 29, 2018. Every member of the Tennessee delegation is an original co-sponsor of Congressman Roe's bipartisan bill. You can read H.R. 6621 here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=5EA2BA09-DD59-4B7A-8A77-DFD75EDA1831,HELP Committee Concludes Productive 115th Congress by Passing Five Additional Bills and Approving Four More Qualified Nominations,2018-11-29,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, November 29, 2018 The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) today concluded a productive 115th Congress by passing five additional bills and approving four more qualified nominations. At today's markup, which was the committee's final of this Congress, Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) said, the work this Committee has done over the last two years will have an impact on the lives of virtually every American. In October, President Trump signed into law what Leader McConnell called landmark' legislation to fight the opioid crisis. That legislation included more than 40 proposals from this Committee, and contributions from 70 senators, many on this Committee. In July, President Trump signed the Perkins CTE Act, which Senators Enzi and Casey worked on and we passed through this Committee. This legislation funds the career and technical education programs that train the skilled workers employers tell us they need. And last August, the president signed into law the FDA user fee agreements that will help bring new drugs and devices to patients more quickly. Today, the committee approved five additional bills: S.2076, BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act offered by Senators Collins, Kaine, Capito, and Cortez Masto, which will create Centers of Excellence to advance public health knowledge and ensure public health professionals, doctors and nurses, and patients and their families have the support and updated information on Alzheimer's and related dementia diseases they need.The bill also establishes cooperative agreements to support state public health departments in taking what is learned from these centers of excellence and implementing that knowledge to help the individuals and families in their states. S.3657, Traumatic Brain Injury Program Reauthorization Act of 2018 offered by Senators Hatch and Casey, which reauthorizes state grants and programs related to surveillance, prevention, care, and research of traumatic brain injuries, and encourages data collection and analysis so we can better understand trends and causes of concussions. H.R.315, Improving Access to Maternity Care Act offered by Senators Murkowski and Baldwin, which will help bring more doctors and nurses to provide care for pregnant women living in rural areas and other areas where there is a shortage of these health care providers. S.3482, Emergency Medical Services for Children Program Reauthorization Act of 2018 offered by Senators Hatch, Casey and Schatz, which will ensure that, from the ambulance to the emergency department, emergency health care providers are prepared to treat children, who typically require smaller equipment and different doses of medicine. S.3530, Museum and Library Services Act of 2018 offered by Senators Collins, Murkowski, Reed and Gillibrand, which reauthorizes programs for museums and libraries, including the only federal program exclusively for librariesthe Library Services and Technology Act. The committee also approved four nominations: Nomination of Erhard Chorle to be Member, Railroad Retirement Board Nomination of Gordon Hartogensis to be Director, Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation Nomination of Robert L. King to be Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education, U.S. Department of Education Nomination of John P. Pallasch to be Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training, U.S. Department of Labor Alexander continued: After we approve these five bills today, this Committee will have reported 29 bills this Congress and approved 50 nominees. I hope the full Senate will pass these bills and confirm these nominees before the end of the year as well. While we have accomplished quite a bit working together this Congress, looking towards next year, there are some things I hope to work on. This includes finding real ways to lower the cost of health care for Americans and reauthorizing the Higher Education Act to ensure it continues to be a good investment for students. Alexander concluded his remarks by recognizing Senator Orrin Hatch's (R-Utah) lifetime commitment to our country: Today is Senator Hatch's last markup of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. While both leading this Committee as Chairman and serving as a member, Orrin has maintained his principled conservatism while working across the aisle to create dozens of laws in health care and education. In fact, he has introduced more bills that have become law than any other living Senator. He has kept it up until the end Orrin has led two of the bills we are considering today. I want to thank you for your lifelong commitment to make life better for tens of millions of Americans. You can read Senator Alexander's full prepared opening statement here. ### Lamar Alexander is the senior senator from Tennessee, and he serves as chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. For his full biography, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/speechesfloorstatements?ContentRecord_id=441F584E-8BCD-45E3-B0C6-9DF3CF5D3186,"S. 2076, S.3657, Traumatic Brain Injury Program Reauthorization Act of 2018, H.R.315, S.3482, S.3530, and Nominations",2018-11-29,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Posted on November 29, 2018 The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions will come to order. Senator Murray will now have an opening statement, and if any of the sponsors of the bill would like to speak, I'm happy to stay after we vote. We plan to vote on the five bills en bloc at 11 a.m., and then vote on the four nominees after. Today, we are holding the Committee's final markup of this Congress years 2017 and 2018. The work this Committee has done over the last two years will have an impact on the lives of virtually every American. Most recently, in October, President Trump signed into law what Leader McConnell called landmark legislation to fight the opioid crisis. That legislation included more than 40 proposals from this Committee, and contributions from 70 senators, many on this Committee. Also in October, the president signed Senator Collins' bill to ban the gag clauses that prevented a pharmacist from telling a patient their prescription would be cheaper if they paid with cash instead of using their insurance. In July, President Trump signed the Perkins CTE Act, which Senators Enzi and Casey worked on and we passed through this Committee. This legislation funds the career and technical education programs that train the skilled workers employers tell us they need. And last August, the president signed into law the FDA user fee agreements that will help bring new drugs and devices to patients more quickly. We have also passed bills such as the PREEMIE Act, to prevent preterm births and reduce infant deaths, and the Childhood Cancer STAR Act, to encourage pediatric cancer research. Those are just a few of the important pieces of legislation this Committee has worked on and passed. All in all, this Congress, the Committee: Has approved14 bills that have been signed into law. Reported to the Senate floor 10 additional bills, six of which the full Senate has sent to the House; has held 58 hearings; and Approved 46 nominees. Today we are going to vote on an additional five bills. First, the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act, offered by Senator Collins, along with Senators Kaine, Capito, and Cortez Masto. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are over 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer's disease, and that number is projected to increase to almost 14 million in 2060. Senator Collins' legislation builds on work at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and will create centers of excellence to advance public health knowledge and ensure public health professionals, doctors and nurses, and patients and their families have the support and updated information on Alzheimer's and related dementia diseases they need. The bill also establishes cooperative agreements to support state public health departments in taking what is learned from these centers of excellence and implementing that knowledge to help the individuals and families in their states. I am hopeful that this legislation will make a meaningful difference in the lives of the millions of Americans who are affected by dementia. Second, the Traumatic Brain Injury Reauthorization of 2018, offered by Senator Hatch and Senator Casey. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 2.5 million Americans sustain a traumatic brain injury each year. Along with reauthorizing state grants and programs related to surveillance, prevention, care, and research of traumatic brain injuries, this legislation encourages data collection and analysis so we can better understand trends and causes of concussions. Third, Senator Baldwin and Senator Murkowski's Improving Access to Maternity Care Act, which will help bring more doctors and nurses to rural and other areas where there is a shortage of these providers to provide care for pregnant women. In Tennessee, 70 of our 95 counties have at least 50 percent of their residents living in rural areas that is 1.5 million Tennesseans. Women who do not have access prenatal care are three times more likely to have infants with a low birth weight, compared to mothers who received care, so I am glad to support this important legislation. Fourth, Emergency Medical Services for Children Program Reauthorization Act of 2018, offered by Senators Hatch, Casey, and Schatz. Approximately 25 percent of hospital emergency department visits are children in need of emergency medical services. The vast majority are seen in general hospital emergency departments, not children's hospitals. These important programs we are voting to reauthorize today ensure that, from the ambulance to the emergency department, emergency health care providers are prepared to treat children, who typically require smaller equipment and different doses. And fifth, the Museum and Library Services Act of 2018, offered by Senators Reed, Collins, Gillibrand, and Murkowski. This year, there are over 300 libraries and museums in Tennessee alone that are supported by the programs included in this legislation, and this bill will reauthorize the only federal program exclusively for libraries, the Library Services and Technology Act. Libraries and museums are the cultural center of many communities providing Internet access, job training, and other programs. I urge everyone to support these five bills. We will also consider four additional nominees: Erhard Chorle [Air-heart Shore-lay] to chair the Railroad Retirement Board, representing the public's interest. He has extensive legal and governmental experience, and has managed state pension plans in Illinois. Gordon Hartogensis [Heart-oh-gensis], to serve as Director of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. The Finance Committee has already approved Mr. Hartogensis 25-2, including the support from Ranking Member Wyden. He has extensive experience in financial planning, and his successful entrepreneurial experiences have equipped him to lead PBGC well. Robert King, to serve as Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education at the Department of Education. Mr. King is prepared to serve students, having effectively served in leadership roles at institutions of higher education, and has overseen postsecondary programs at the state level in Kentucky. And John Pallasch [Pal-ash] to serve as Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training at the Department of Labor. Mr. Pallasch will use his experience as the Executive Director of Kentucky's Office of Employment and Training to ensure our country is workforce-ready. All of these nominees have undergone the vetting process and submitted completed paperwork to the Committee and I urge everyone to support their nominations. After we approve these five bills today, this Committee will have reported 29 bills this Congress and approved 50 nominees. I hope the full Senate will pass these bills and confirm these nominees before the end of the year as well. While we have accomplished quite a bit working together this Congress, looking towards next year, there are some things I hope to work on. This includes finding real ways to lower the cost of health care for Americans and reauthorizing the Higher Education Act to ensure it continues to be a good investment for students. Before we start to vote, I want to recognize one of our colleagues Senator Hatch. Today is Senator Hatch's last markup of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. While both leading this Committee as Chairman and serving as a member, Orrin has maintained his principled conservatism while working across the aisle to create dozens of laws in health care and education. In fact, he has introduced more bills that have become law than any other living Senator. He has kept it up until the end Orrin has led two of the bills we are considering today. I want to thank you for your lifelong commitment to make life better for tens of millions of Americans. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-endorses-pelosi-next-speaker-house,Congressman Cohen Endorses Pelosi as Next Speaker of the House,2018-11-28,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,TN,Steve Cohen,C001068,cohen.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) enthusiastically and proudly endorsed Nancy Pelosi of California to be the next Speaker of the House of Representatives, as he has prior to every new Congress since the 2007 leadership elections that made her the first woman Speaker. Congressman Cohen wrote his colleagues on November 16 offering his full support for what he called a skilled and experienced tactician, a steel hand in a silk glove. See the letter here. Congressman Cohen also made the following statement: Going into 2019 with Trump in the White House and a partisan Senate leader, the people need a strong, experienced House Speaker and negotiator on their side. When you're in the seventh game of the NBA Finals, you want Lebron in the paint. When you're in the final game of the World Series, you want Sandy Koufax on the mound. And when you have a country in crisis, you want Nancy at the negotiating table. Nancy has already proven to be one of the greatest Speakers in our history and has shown she can work with but also stand up to a President and get the people's work accomplished. With a unified leadership team, we can confront the ongoing culture of corruption and the harm done to our nation's standing in the world. I urge my colleagues and the American people to support Nancy Pelosi as the next Speaker of the House. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=2C73FE0A-9112-455A-8D3B-3549ACE93143,Alexander: Washington Should Get Out of the Way of Private Sector Innovation to Reduce Health Care Costs,2018-11-28,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Going forward, I plan to take what we've learned today and from our previous four hearings, and ask leading health care policy experts for specific ideas on how the federal government can reduce the cost of health care. WASHINGTON, D.C., November 28, 2018 Senate health committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said Washington should get out of the way of private companies that are disrupting the health care system with cost-cutting innovations. The cost of health care is an issue that is at the front of every Americans' mind according to a Gallup poll released days before the midterms, 80 percent of registered voters rated health care asextremely'orvery important'to their vote a higher percentage than any other issue polled,Alexander said. While there may be a role for government to play, the private sector is on the frontlines working to address America's high health care costs, and I would like to know what Washington should do to get out of the way of that innovation. Alexander continued:For example,HCA Healthcare has 178 hospitals and 119 freestanding surgery centers located in 20 U.S. states and the United Kingdom. HCA has implemented new techniques to reduce the spread of MRSA, a drug-resistant bacterial infection, in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). These new techniques have reduced cases of MRSA by 37 percent in HCA hospitals, and have been so effective that the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have added them to their best practices. According to HCA, this reduction in MRSA infections saves $170,000 for every 1,000 patients. Those savings are shared among the hospital, insurers, and patients. Dr. Perlin, our witness from HCA Healthcare, has been on the frontlines of this and other innovations, showing what a smart doctor can do when given the resources to impact an entire system, such as one as large as HCA. Alexander made his remarks today at the fifth hearing in a series on how to reduce health care costs, focused on finding ways private sector innovation could make health care more affordable for Americans. At its first four hearings, the committee looked at how to reduce what we spend on unnecessary health care tests, services, procedures, and prescription drugs, and, how to increase preventive care; how to reduce administrative burdens imposed by the federal government; and how to make information on the cost and quality of care more easily available. Going forward,Alexander said,I plan to take what we've learned today and from our previous four hearings, and ask leading health care policy experts for specific ideas on how the federal government can reduce the cost of health care. Alexander also told the story of Memphis-based company International Paper:International Paper, a 120-year old company headquartered in Memphis, has, since 2004, used a variety of approaches to lower the cost of health care for their 33,000 employees. One innovative approach International Paper takes is encouraging employees to use the Best Doctors program. When an International Paper employee's doctor recommends, for example, a hip replacement, the employee can ask for a second opinion from Best Doctors. Best Doctors reaches out to get the necessary medical records from the employee's doctor, sends the records to world-class medical professionals who review the case, and then either reaffirms the hip replacement or recommends a different course of treatment, such as physical therapy. The use of this voluntary program saved International Paper over half a million dollars in 2017 by preventing unnecessary care. You can read Alexander's full prepared remarkshere. ### Lamar Alexander is the senior senator from Tennessee, and he serves as chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. For his full biography, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=F58D67B6-D5A3-4BB0-A462-7C4019E62F97,Alexander: Cliff Corker Will Be An Asset to the Federal Bench,2018-11-28,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"I want to take this opportunity to express my strong support for his [Corker's] nomination. WASHINGTON,November 28, 2018United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today introduced Tennessean Cliff Corker at his confirmation hearing to serve as a U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Tennessee before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee. It is my pleasure to introduce Cliff Corker to the committee today. His background is well-known to the committee, so I won't go into extensive detail, but I want to take this opportunity to express my strong support for his nomination,Alexander said.Cliff Corker currently serves as a United States Magistrate Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee. He was selected by the District Court Judgesof the Eastern District of Tennessee a testament to his qualifications to be a District Court Judge and to his support from the community. Alexander concluded, Cliff Corker will be an asset to the federal bench, in my opinion. Tennessee is fortunate that President Trump chose to nominate him, and I urge the members of the committee to support his nomination so he can be quickly considered by the full Senate. Video of Alexander's remarks is available here. After President TrumpannouncedCorker's nomination on October 11, Alexander said he would serve Tennessee with distinction. ### Lamar Alexander is the senior senator from Tennessee, and he serves as chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. For his full biography, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/speechesfloorstatements?ContentRecord_id=55517EB4-805D-4AEC-8A45-C946580E27E3,Reducing Health Care Costs: Improving Affordability Through Innovation,2018-11-28,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions will please come to order. Senator Murray and I will each have an opening statement, and then I will introduce the witnesses. Then we will hear from the witnesses and senators will each have 5 minutes to ask questions. International Paper, a 120-year old company headquartered in Memphis, has, since 2004, used a variety of tools to manage the cost of health care for their 33,000 employees. One tool International Paper uses is encouraging employees to use, at no cost, Best Doctors, an independent company International Paper works with. For example: when an International Paper employee's doctor recommends a hip replacement, the employee can call and ask for a second opinion from Best Doctors. Best Doctors reaches out to get the necessary medical records from the employee's doctor, sends the records to medical professionals who review the case, and then either reaffirm the hip replacement or recommend a different course of treatment, such as physical therapy. The use of this voluntary program saved International Paper over half a million dollars in 2017 by preventing unnecessary treatment. In June, this Committee launched a series of hearings on the rising cost of health care an issue that is at front of every Americans' mind. According to a Gallup poll released days before the midterms, 80 percent of registered voters rated health careas extremely or very important to their vote a higher percentage than any other issue polled, including the economy, immigration, and taxes. At our first four hearings, we looked at: first, how much health care costs in America; second, how to reduce what we spend on unnecessary health care tests, services, procedures, and prescription drugs, and, how to increase preventive care; third, how to reduce administrative burdens imposed by the federal government; and fourth how to make information on the cost and quality of care more easily available. Secretary Azar has been passionate about giving patients more information on the cost of their care as a way to reduce health care costs. For example, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is beginning to require hospitals to post the amount they charge for services online and to keep that information up to date. While there may be a role for government to play, at today's hearing our fifth in this series we will examine ways private companies, doctors, and states are taking innovative steps to disrupt the health care system and reduce health care costs. Employers are the largest purchasers of health insurance in the country 181 million Americans, or roughly 60 percent of the insured population, get their insurance on the job. We heard at a previous hearing how employers have incredible purchasing power when buying health care for their employees and are more motivated than ever to take advantage of that purchasing power. One way employers can reduce health care costs is through wellness programs which encourage employees to lead healthier lives. There is a consensus that wellness lifestyle changes like eating healthier and quitting smoking can prevent serious illness and reduce health care costs. And it is hard to think of a better way to make a bigger impact on the health of millions of Americans than to connect the consensus about wellness to the health insurance that 181 million people get on the job. Another way to reduce the cost of health care is to give employees access to additional resources, such as what International Paper is doing with the Best Doctors program. A third way is for employers to band together, like our witness The Alliance, a regional organization of employers that are circumventing traditional insurance to negotiate better deals on laboratory testing such as CT scans and MRIs, surgeries including knee and hip replacements, and other health care for their employees. These are a few examples of employers harnessing their power to affect how much they and their employees pay for health care. Private health care companies also have the ability to reduce health care costs. For example, HCA Healthcare, another witness here today, has 178 hospitals and 119 freestanding surgery centers located in 20 U.S. states and the United Kingdom. HCA has implemented new techniques to reduce the spread of MRSA [MER-sa], a drug-resistant bacterial infection, in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). These new techniques have reduced cases of MRSA by 37 percent in HCA hospitals, and have been so effective that the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have added them to their best practices. According to HCA, this reduction in MRSA infections saves $170,000 for every 1,000 patients. Those savings are shared among the hospital, insurers, and patients. Dr. Perlin, our witness from HCA Healthcare, has been on the frontlines of this and other innovations, showing what a smart doctor can do when given the resources to impact an entire system, such as one as large as HCA. Today, we'll hear more stories like these about how the private sector is working to address America's high health care costs and hearing what Washington needs to do to get out of the way of private sector innovation. Going forward, I plan to take what we've learned from our hearings, and ask leading health care policy experts, including economists, doctors, nurses, patients, hospital administrators, state regulators and legislators, governors, employers, insurers, and health care innovators, for specific ideas on how the federal government can reduce the cost of health care.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-list?ContentRecord_id=08BD2AED-E0E8-463D-8729-55F682067C57,Corker Convenes Hearing on Progress in Global Fight to End Modern Slavery,2018-11-28,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,TN,Bob Corker,C001071,www.corker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today delivered the following remarks during a hearing on progress in the global fight to end modern slavery. The hearing featured testimony from Ambassador John Richmond, heard of the State Department's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons; Natalie Grant, a singer-songwriter and the co-founder of Hope for Justice, a nonprofit devoted to ending modern slavery; and Shawna Bader-Blau, the executive director of the Solidarity Center, a workers' rights organization focused on eliminating forced labor. Today, we will once again shine a light on the global fight to end modern slavery. This could be my last legislative hearing as chairman, and of all of the work that we have done together on this committee, the fight against modern slavery stands out. I am proud that Senator Menendez and I worked to pass legislation with the entire committee establishing the Global Fund to End Modern Slavery that has finally launched a truly global effort to end it, with major contributions from the United States, the United Kingdom, and now private donors and others. I will say that amount has now reached over $110 million dollars in a global, public-private partnership, something that I think this committee and our country should be very proud of. All of the senators on this committee have helped to lead this work, and we are hopeful that what we have done will make a big difference in the lives of so many people who suffer in bondage throughout the world. As I turn the gavel over to my successor here in the next few weeks, I only ask that you all continue to carry on this fight with us and those who are appearing before us today on this committee. And I know John is very committed to this effort and has been involved personally for many, many years in the same effort. Our time this morning will be short. We have another commitment at 11 o'clock. I know that Senator Menendez and I both want to be there before it begins for many reasons, and so we will probably cut this hearing a little bit short to make sure that occurs. We have two distinguished panels. We welcome first Ambassador John Richmond, who was just sworn in by Secretary Pompeo as our new Ambassador-at-Large to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. Again, we thank you for your commitment to this effort for a lifetime and what you are bringing to this office. We are thankful for the important role you will play in ensuring continued U.S. leadership to eliminate slavery wherever it is occurring around the world. Our second panel, we are pleased to welcome Natalie Grant and Shawna Bader-Blau. As one of our state's most talented singer songwriters, Natalie needs no introduction, except to say that as part of her personal calling, she has been a tireless leader in the battle against modern slavery. Shawna, equally, has been a powerful voice for workers' rights and in the movement to end all forms of modern slavery, especially forced labor. In 2015, Corker proposed a bold, bipartisan initiative to end modern slavery worldwide that became law in 2016 and now operates as the Global Fund to End Modern Slavery (GFEMS). The GFEMS is designed to leverage limited foreign aid dollars and galvanize tremendous support and investment from the public sector, philanthropic organizations and the private sector to fund projects and organizations around the world working to end modern slavery where it is most prevalent. With support from the administration, the U.S. made a $25 million contribution to the fund in 2017, which was soon after matched by the United Kingdom. Click here for complete testimony and video footage from the hearing.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-list?ContentRecord_id=44DCE781-033A-4C71-BC22-B831CFE0E377,Corker Invites Natalie Grant to Testify at Hearing on Global Fight to End Modern Slavery,2018-11-28,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,TN,Bob Corker,C001071,www.corker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today invited Nashville singer-songwriter Natalie Grant to testify at a hearing on progress in the global fight to end modern slavery. Grant offered compelling testimony about what caused her to get involved in the anti-slavery movement and co-found Hope for Justice, a nonprofit devoted to ending modern slavery. Her testimony follows. Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman, for inviting me to be here. I'm so honored to be here, and honestly, I woke up this morning thinking I am going to be so out of my depth with this. I am used to a microphone being in my mouth. I sing all the time, and I have no problem speaking, but it's not usually in an environment quite like this. So it really is an incredible honor for me to be here today. You know, as I was thinking on the plane here, and I was listening to Ambassador Richmond, and I see your notes, and I'm thinking, Oh my goodness, I don't even have notes to talk about this.' But what I do have is just a story. I have my own personal story about how this issue has forever wrecked my life. And I never thought I would say that television changed my life. I never thought I would say Law & Order changed my life. But it truly was an episode of Law & Order that I was watching on a day off from touring when I was home in my home in Brentwood, Tennessee. And they depicted a gentleman who had an underage girl in his basement on the television show. And I just remember them always saying that Law and Order was ripped from the headlines, and as I was sitting there in my family room watching this television show, I thought, What headline is this ripped from?' This was from 2004. I had never heard the term human trafficking before, and so as I was watching it, I thought, Well, this is ridiculous. Why are they trying to convince us that there's people holding people in their basements in the middle of New York City?' So I literally googled, What is human trafficking?' And that was the first time that I realized that slavery still exists in this country. I actually came across something called the Trafficking in Persons Report. And I attempted to read it, and I got about two sentences in and then I stopped. And I literally then punched in faith-based organizations that fight human trafficking,' because as a member of a faith-based music community, I was deeply troubled that I had never heard of this issue before. I was deeply troubled that people in the church were not talking about the least of these', which they talk about so often, but were being ravaged in this way. That is when I founded an organization, and to make a long story short, a couple of months later my husband and I flew to India. We landed and they took us straight into the red-light district. Um, sorry, I know this is probably not the appropriate place to cry, but I have never been able to speak about this issue in 14 years without weeping. Because I saw children for sale on the street. I met twin five-year-old girls who had to have reconstructive surgery to their tiny, little bodies. I saw a six year-old girl in a cage looking at me through the bars of a cage. She wasn't screaming. She wasn't asking anyone to bring her her freedom. It was almost as if she was resigned to the fact that this was her reality. They allowed us to tour a brothel, because they thought that my husband was a potential customer. And as we walked through these tiny, little cubicles, some with mattresses on the floor, some with beds, I will never forget walking past one that had a rope tied to the end of a bed post. And I made the mistake of asking why the rope was there, and the gentlemen we were with said, That's because the girl in this room is 15-years-old. She has an 18-month-old child.' There is no childcare, so they tether their children to the end of the bed while they are forced to perform their sexual acts. All I can tell you is that I was wrecked that day for life. I knew that in that moment this issue demanded my attention and my commitment. I didn't know what I was doing when I left there. I flew back to America, and I thought, Well, now what do I do? I sing in front of thousands of people every weekend, so what I'm going to do is to get up on that stage and I'm going to tell everyone that I know that this is a reality, that this is happening. Because if I didn't know anything about it, chances are most other people didn't know about it either.' At that time, I founded an organization called Abolition International. And to be honest with you, my first goal was to raise enough money to build an after care facility for women with children in India, and that is exactly what we did. But what happened in the coming years after that was that I learned about the issue in a deeper way. I met an organization in England, and we merged together, and we are now known as Hope for Justice International. And while it says co-founder underneath my name right there, I fear that makes me sound far more important than I am. The organization now is across four continents in eight countries with 22 offices. Last year, we rescued 37,000 children. It's amazing to me the work that the organization is doing. But all I am is a girl who saw children for sale on the street. And in 2004, I was not a mother yet. But now I am a mother to three daughters, and now this issue is more important to me than ever before. And now I see that though maybe I don't have the power that you have, I have the power of a voice. And if I can tell thousands of other people, Listen, it's not up to us to do everything. It's just up to us to do something.' Every single one of us can do something. Every single one of us, no matter who you are, no matter where you're from, no matter what your circle of influence, whether you have a platform or whether you are just serving your family, every single one of us can do something to make a difference. And though, I am grateful to get to do it on a large scale, I feel like the greatest difference I am making is when my twin daughters' sixth-grade teacher said, I was talking about the abolishment of slavery in the classroom today, and one of your twin daughters raised her hand and said, That is not true. Slavery actually still exists in the world today.'' And then I realized that I must be doing something right. Because, though, my heart swelled with pride in that moment, it also broke at the same time, that my daughters are living in a world where slavery still exists, where someone's daughters, someone's sisters, someone's niece, someone's granddaughter is being ravaged day in and day out. I just say to you that though this issue demands my attention and commitment, I believe the same must be said of you. That it demands your attention and commitment. I commit my life to Proverbs 31:8, which says, Speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves. Ensure justice for those being crushed.' I have seen those who are crushed, and I say that together we must do whatever it takes to give them justice. In 2015, Corker proposed a bold, bipartisan initiative to end modern slavery worldwide that became law in 2016 and now operates as the Global Fund to End Modern Slavery (GFEMS). The GFEMS is designed to leverage limited foreign aid dollars and galvanize tremendous support and investment from the public sector, philanthropic organizations and the private sector to fund projects and organizations around the world working to end modern slavery where it is most prevalent. With support from the administration, the U.S. made a $25 million contribution to the fund in 2017, which was soon after matched by the United Kingdom. Click here for complete testimony and video footage from the hearing.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-list?ContentRecord_id=EB7AD33A-09F3-448B-9977-7C455BAFCB71,Corker Votes to Discharge Yemen War Powers Resolution From Senate Foreign Relations Committee,2018-11-28,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,TN,Bob Corker,C001071,www.corker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today voted in favor of discharging a resolution from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to the Senate floor on the U.S. role in Yemen. The Senate advanced S.J.Res.54 by a vote of 63 to 37. Next week, absent a unanimous consent agreement, the Senate will hold a second procedural vote on the resolution. If agreed to, the Senate will then debate and potentially amend the resolution before a final vote would occur. Corker's remarks on the Senate floor prior to the vote follow. Mr. President, I rise to speak of the issue before us. And I too have on every occasion done what is necessary to keep us from alienating an ally, Saudi Arabia. I think I was the last man standing here under the Obama administration in trying to make sure that that the JASTA bill at the time ended up being corrected in such a manner that it wouldn't have unintended consequences. Did so unsuccessfully. But on multiple occasions have stood with others to make sure that we did not block arm sales and that we did not do those things that might undermine our relationship. Let me walk through for those who are tuning in what the process is. Today we have a vote on discharging this piece of legislation out of the foreign relations committee. That is all that is happening today. There's an executive calendar where we have cloture votes pending on nominees. That will burn off. And sometime next week, after this is discharged today, if it is so successfully, there will be another vote to actually proceed to this bill. If we proceed to the bill, then what happens is a series of amendments are voted upon, and then there's another vote at the end of that as to whether people actually support the product that is created. So, I just want to make it clear today what I'm not doing today is voting for the substance that is before us. I reserve the right to do so. But I'm voting on our ability to have a debate as it relates to our relationship with Saudi Arabia. We had a briefing today that was very unsatisfactory, but [given] by two people I highly respect. Secretary Mattis and Secretary Pompeo are two people that I work closely with and admire greatly. I found their briefing today to be lacking. I found that in substance we're not doing those things that we should be doing to appropriately balance our relationship with Saudi Arabia between our American interests and our American values. There's been a lot of rhetoric that's come from the White House and from the State Department on this issue. The rhetoric that I've heard and the broadcasts that we've made around the world as to who we are have been way out of balance as it relates to American interests and American values. As I said this morning in the [Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility], where we were having this briefing, I hope that in the ensuing few days, maybe this afternoon, the administration themselves will take steps to rectify this balance in an appropriate way. As to whether the Crown Prince was involved in this killing, it's my belief that he was. It's my belief that he ordered it. I don't have a smoking gun. But what I do know is that he is responsible for this agency that carried out the killing. He has done nothing to show ownership over what has happened. And that is an affront, not just to the American people, but it's an affront to the world. The administration, in their broadcast, in their referring to this issue, has been way out of balance as it relates to what is important to us, buying arms from us and neglecting this other piece and not demarshing the leadership of Saudi Arabia in an important way. So, what I'm doing today is I am voting to discharge out of our committee this bill. There will be another opportunity next week to decide whether we proceed to it. As I said to the administration again this morning, it's my hope that they will figure out a way to bring American interests and American values into balance, and they can cause a Saudi Arabian government to take appropriate ownership over what has happened in the killing of this journalist. That, to me, would be the best solution. If not, we'll have another decision to make, and that will occur next week as we decide whether we want to proceed to that, and then after that, proceed to dealing with the issue of Saudi Arabia. Then there will be another point in time where we can decide whether we like the substance that may be created in an amendment process going through this. So, today I do support discharging this piece of legislation so that this body can have a fulsome debate about our relationship with Saudi Arabia, what has happened with the journalist, and the important issue of the war in Yemen, and all the things that we need to be doing as a country to counter what Iran is doing in the region. With that, Mr. President, I yield the floor. In aletterto President Donald J. Trump last month, Corker and Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Senators Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, triggered an investigation and Global Magnitsky sanctions determination regarding the disappearance of Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist and columnist for The Washington Post. Corker and Menendez sent a secondletterdemanding the administration make a determination specifically addressing whether Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman is responsible for Khashoggi's murder. The first letter did not specifically name the Crown Prince. Under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, the president, upon receipt of a letter from the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, must make a determination and is authorized to impose sanctions with respect to a foreign person responsible for extrajudicial killings, torture, or other gross violations of internationally recognized human rights violations against individuals who seek to obtain, exercise, defend, or promote human rights and freedoms, including freedom of expression. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kustoff.house.gov/media/press-releases/west-tennessean-confirmed-usda-general-counsel,West Tennessean Confirmed to USDA General Counsel,2018-11-27,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,TN,David Kustoff,K000392,kustoff.house.gov,kustoff,https://kustoff.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – November 27, 2018 – Congressman David Kustoff (TN-08) today released the following statement on the U.S. Senate's confirmation of West Tennessee native Stephen Vaden to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Vaden will serve as General Counsel. Congressman Kustoff said: ""Today the U.S. Senate voted to confirm President Trump's nominee and Union City native, Stephen Vaden, to serve as general counsel of the United States' Department of Agriculture. As a third generation farmer and an attorney, Stephen is uniquely suited for this position at USDA. ""I have known Stephen for years and have had the pleasure of working with him on a number of initiatives to support our farmers in West Tennessee. I am confident that under his counsel, West Tennessee Agriculture will be well represented in this Administration. I look forward to continuing to work with him and Secretary Perdue to help rural America thrive. ""I would like to extend my thanks to President Trump and our Senators, Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker, for all of their work to fill this position with such a qualified Tennessean."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:10:16Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=3AB5498B-EF31-4E8D-B840-F8B26149DD4B,Alexander: Senate Confirms Tennessean Stephen Vaden to Be Agriculture Department General Counsel,2018-11-27,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"*Click here forVIDEOof the Senator's remarks.* WASHINGTON,November 27, 2018United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement after the Senate confirmed Tennessean Stephen Vaden to be general counsel at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA): Stephen Vaden grew up on a family farm in Union City, Tennesseewhere his father was a farmer,so he has hands-on experience for this job. He attended Vanderbilt University and Yale Law School, and he practiced lawat two distinguished Washington firms.Based on hisexperienceon his family's farm, his strong academic credentials, his mentorships and hislegal experience-- both in the private sector and atUSDAoverthe last few months, he's very well-qualified toserve as the Department of Agriculture's GeneralCounsel.I'm glad the Senate confirmed his nomination today. On November 9,Alexander introduced Vaden at his confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=81225B06-2F68-40DE-9D3E-CB3A0FB01451,Alexander Cosponsors Prison Reform Legislation,2018-11-27,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, November 27, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today announced he is cosponsoring the First Step Act, prison reform legislation introduced by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and endorsed by President Trump: The First Step Act will help improve the federal criminal justice system and reform federal prisons. I applaud President Trump and Chairman Grassley for their leadership on this bipartisan legislation, which takes some important first steps to help non-violent offenders re-enter their communities and reduce the likelihood of returning to prison in the future. ### Lamar Alexander is the senior senator from Tennessee, and he serves as chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. For his full biography, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-list?ContentRecord_id=D1EF3DCD-9AC3-418D-832B-CC1143B51C03,Corker Statement on Confirmation of Stephen Vaden as General Counsel of the U.S. Department of Agriculture,2018-11-27,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,TN,Bob Corker,C001071,www.corker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement after the Senate confirmed Union City native Stephen A. Vaden to serve as general counsel of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Stephen Vaden's experience in law and understanding of the needs of farmers will be an important asset as USDA and Congress work to help rural America prosper and grow, said Corker. Under Stephen's tenure as acting general counsel since March of last year, the Office of General Counsel has promoted department accountability and improved its responsiveness to civil rights issues, and it is my belief that Stephen will continue to do so. I am pleased to see the Senate act on Stephen's nomination and thank my colleagues for supporting his confirmation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=0E09E1A4-4076-47C1-B644-5DF1A10E3038,Alexander: Chickamauga Lock Construction Funded for Fifth Consecutive Year,2018-11-21,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Says Army Corps Work Plan includes $89.7 million for Chickamauga Lock, which is $13 million more than last year, and keeps the project on schedule MARYVILLE, November 21, 2018 United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said Chickamauga Lock construction will continue for the 5th consecutive year under the work plan released today by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which reflects Alexander's priorities as chairman of the appropriations committee overseeing the agency. This funding will keep construction of the new Chickamauga Lock on schedule, and is the fifth consecutive year of federal funding for the project. This is great news for East Tennessee since it will help keep up to 150,000 trucks off I-75 and keep the cost of shipping goods low for manufacturers across the state, Alexander said. More U.S. senators ask to increase funding for the Army Corps of Engineers than any other part of the budget. This year, Congress worked hard to provide record funding for the Corps to ensure we could keep federal lock and dam projects on track, which was important for Chickamauga Lock after the project was restarted in 2015. Alexander has made completion of Chickamauga Lock one of his top priorities as chairman of the Senate Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee, which is responsible for recommending funding levels for the Army Corps of Engineers. This year, Congress passed and President Trump signed into law an appropriations bill that included $6.999 billion for the Army Corps of Engineersa record funding level in a regular appropriations bill. According to the Army Corps of Engineers Work Plan, the $89.7 million for Chickamauga Lockwill be enough to efficiently continue engineering, design, and construction of the lock, which is $13.2 million above last year. The Work Plan also includes $2.6 million, which is $475,000 above the President's budget request, for dredging at Memphis Harbor McKellar Lake, which is good news for West Tennesseans. The Work Plan also makes full use of the Inland Waterways Trust Fund revenues, which are fees paid by those who use the waterways for water infrastructure projects, for the fifth consecutive year. ### Lamar Alexander is the senior senator from Tennessee, and he serves as chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. For his full biography, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.alexander.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=DEDA3E8E-A96D-4CAE-A0B5-9AD0748F1C6E,"Alexander: This Thanksgiving, Tennesseans Can Be Grateful for New Smokies View and the Clean Air to See It",2018-11-20,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,TN,Lamar Alexander,A000360,www.alexander.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Says in the 1990's, on clear days, you could see 50 miles in the Smokies; today, you can see 90 miles If you are looking for something else to be grateful for this Thanksgiving, try being grateful for the many visionaries, park officials, road builders, engineers, scientists, editors and political leaders who had the foresight to have made it a priority to build the Foothills Parkway and clean up the air so we can see the view.Lamar Alexander *Click here for video of the senator's remarks.* MARYVILLE, Tenn., November 20, 2018 In an address on the Senate floor, United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) suggested two things that Tennesseans can be grateful for this Thanksgiving: One, the views from the new 16-mile section of the Foothills Parkway; and two, because the air is cleaner, you can actually see the Great Smoky Mountains. The new section of the Foothills Parkway between Walland and Wears Valley that opened this month is one of the prettiest drives in America. If you want the best view of the highest mountains in the eastern United States, you'll drive the Foothills Parkway, Alexander said. When my wife and I drove the parkway on a clear, sunny day, it was packed mostly with local people taking in a view so magnificent that is surprises even those of us who grew up admiring the Smokies, but two decades ago, these visitors did not have such a fine view. In the 1990's, on the clearest of days, you could see for around 50 miles in the Smokies. Today, you can see over 90 miles on the clearest days. And even on the haziest days, visibility has improved. In the 1990's, visibility was less than 10 miles; today, you can see over 30 miles on the haziest days. While that's still less than the natural visibility of 150 miles on the clearest days and 90 miles on the haziest days, we've made great improvements in the last two decades and visibility is continuing to improve in the park. Alexander continued, In 2002, a report by the National Parks Conservation Association, Appalachian Voices, and Our Children's Earth ranked the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as America's most polluted national park.' During summers, when over 3.5 million people visited the park, the air was hazardous to breathe and views were extremely limited due to pollution. Instead of the blue haze about which the native Cherokees sang, there was smog. The Great Smoky Mountains had become the Great Smoggy Mountains. Then, a lot of people went to work. Alexander discussed how federal clean air regulations helped lower emissions and how the Tennessee Valley Authority [TVA] began installing pollution control equipment on some of its coal-fired power plants near the park to reduce emissions. Alexander also said he worked with mayors in the East Tennessee counties surrounding the Smokies to clean the air. Because of each of these factors, Alexander said ground level ozone pollution, which is what creates smog that is harmful to human health and the environment and reduces visibility, has improved by 36 percent according to the Great Smoky Mountains Association, and all of the counties in the region meet the EPA's environmentall quality standards for ozone pollution. In 1944 when Congress first authorized the Foothills Parkway, Allied Forces were invading Normandy beach, Franklin D. Roosevelt was president, and Bing Crosby was singing, I'll be seeing you.' In 1960, when construction actually started on the parkway, Dwight D. Eisenhower was president, Elvis had just come home after two years in the Army, and America women were wearing beehive hairdos. When I became governor in 1979, the state had acquired the right of way, but construction came to a halt in 1989 because of environmental and engineering challenges. By the time I came to Congress in 2002 the same time the Smokies were declared the most polluted park all parties had agreed upon a plan to build bridges to complete the so-called 1.65 mile missing link on the parkway. Then President Bush's administration and the 2005 federal Highway Bill, President Obama's administration and Governor Haslam's state administration all chipped in time, effort and taxpayer money to finish the job after 50 years and $200 million of construction. Alexander concluded, Since it was first authorized, it has taken 75 years to build the parkway and two decades to make the air clean enough so that visitors can see the mountains for 90 miles. If you are looking for something else to be grateful for this Thanksgiving, try being grateful for the many visionaries, park officials, road builders, engineers, scientists, editors and political leaders who had the foresight to have made it a priority to build the Foothills Parkway and clean up the air so we can see the view. It has taken 75 years, but the views are so picturesque that it is worth the wait. Click here to watch Alexander's full remarks on the Senate floor. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z