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://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-named-chairman-agriculture-subcommittee-house-committee,Aderholt Named Chairman of Agriculture Subcommittee for the House Committee on Appropriations,2012-12-31,2012,2012-12,Republican,House,AL,Robert B. Aderholt,A000055,aderholt.house.gov,aderholt,https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.— Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04), today released the following statement after being named by Appropriations Committee Chairman Hal Rogers to serve as Chairman of the Agriculture Subcommittee. ""It is a privilege to have been selected to serve as Chairman of the Agriculture Subcommittee, "" said Aderholt. ""A number of challenges lay ahead for this Subcommittee in the coming year: from the lack of a long-term Farm Bill, to much needed FDA oversight, to the challenges the Commodities Future Trading Board faces with the uncertainty of newly implemented laws and regulations imposed by Administration, it is clear we should have a pretty busy year. Having brought critical oversight and an eight percent reduction to the Department of Homeland Security’s budget in the last few years, I am up to the challenge and am honored that Chairman Rogers has placed the confidence in me to bring common-sense reform and oversight to the Agriculture Subcommittee.” ""Chairman Aderholt is an essential and hardworking member of our Committee, not shying away from holding federal agencies accountable for their spending and making smart decisions on the investment of precious tax dollars. I look forward to continuing working with him over the next two years,"" said Chairman Hal Rogers.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:51Z https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=338446,"Redistricting Information for Surry, Stokes, and Rockingham counties",2012-12-28,2012,2012-12,Republican,House,NC,Virginia Foxx,F000450,foxx.house.gov,foxx,https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Due to congressional redistricting, beginning January 3rd, the counties of Surry, Stokes, and Rockingham will no longer fall within the boundaries of North Carolina’s 5th Congressional District that is represented by Congresswoman Virginia Foxx. Foxx, who has represented Surry, Stokes, and Rockingham since 2005, today released the following statement and accompanying audio clip for residents regarding the change: “It is an honor to represent the people of North Carolina’s 5th District in the United States House of Representatives. “But due to redistricting, the 5th District I serve will no longer include the counties of Surry, Stokes, and Rockingham. Beginning January 3rd, residents of those counties may contact their new Representative, Howard Coble, for assistance with any federal matters. “Even though the boundaries of the District have changed, you are welcome to stay in touch by signing up for my newsletter at www.foxx.house.gov. “Thank you, it has truly been a pleasure serving as your Representative.” Radio stations are welcome to use all or portions of the accompanying audio clip. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:51Z https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/carson-statement-collapse-fiscal-cliff-negotiations,Carson Statement on the Collapse of Fiscal Cliff Negotiations,2012-12-21,2012,2012-12,Democrat,House,IN,André Carson,C001072,carson.house.gov,carson,https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman André Carson released today the following statement in light of House Republicans' ""Plan B"" breakdown and the adjournment of Congress: All of us were elected to Congress to represent the American people—not ideology and not party. Yet in a time when American families face tax increases as high as $3,600, when millions of seniors fear losing access to their doctors, when the unemployed prepare to lose their lifeline, Republicans have given up and headed home for the holidays. Despite their decision, the reality remains—we cannot avert the fiscal cliff without a compromise. President Obama has made a good faith effort. Republicans need to abandon their stubborn protection of millionaires and billionaires and start working for the middle-class Americans who elected them.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:51Z https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/carson-statement-nomination-senator-john-kerry-secretary-state,Carson Statement on the Nomination of Senator John Kerry for Secretary of State,2012-12-21,2012,2012-12,Democrat,House,IN,André Carson,C001072,carson.house.gov,carson,https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman André Carson released today the following statement regarding President Obama's nomination of Senator John Kerry to serve as the next Secretary of State: Secretary Hillary Clinton has done an amazing job over the last four years restoring our image abroad, strengthening cooperation with our allies, and opening new avenues of communication in difficult regions of the world. We are safer and better respected around the world because of her efforts. With her retirement, we are losing one of America's most effective advocates. With such big shoes to fill, there is no doubt that Senator John Kerry is a tremendous choice for Secretary of State. Through his decades of public service, he has embodied the thoughtful, cool-headed approach to foreign affairs that we need in our top diplomat. I am confident he will pick up where Secretary Clinton left off, successfully promoting American interests and values and pursuing a more peaceful global community.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:51Z https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-carson-serve-house-transportation-and-infrastructure-committee,Congressman Carson to Serve on House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee,2012-12-20,2012,2012-12,Democrat,House,IN,André Carson,C001072,carson.house.gov,carson,https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman André Carson announced this afternoon that he has been selected by Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and the Democratic Caucus to serve on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Leader Pelosi's release can be found here. The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is responsible for overseeing the nation's transportation infrastructure—including highways, transit, aviation, rail and waterways. Each year, the Committee considers legislation directing billions of dollars in transportation projects and dictating policy on everything from transportation safety to vehicle fuel economy to disaster relief. The Committee's decisions result in jobs for hundreds of thousands of Americans and billions of dollars in commerce, both from construction and from transportation of goods by highway, rail, water and air. Congressman Nick Rahall (D-WV), top Democrat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said of Congressman Carson's appointment, ""Congressman Carson represents the Crossroads of America and knows how important a 21st Century transportation network is in creating jobs and keeping America moving. I look forward to his contributions on behalf of his constituents to the Committee."" ""It is truly an honor to join Ranking Member Rep. Nick Rahall and all of my colleagues on this committee as we carry out the important work of strengthening our transportation infrastructure,"" Congressman Carson said. ""My membership on this committee will allow me to help modernize transportation in Indianapolis and throughout the country, while also spurring job creation for working families.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:51Z https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=338445,"Foxx, GOP Will Not Gamble with the U.S. Economy, Jobs",2012-12-20,2012,2012-12,Republican,House,NC,Virginia Foxx,F000450,foxx.house.gov,foxx,https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"House Votes Again to Resolve Fiscal Cliff, Put an End to the President’s Politics of Class Warfare Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) tonight issued the following statement upon the passage of the Permanent Tax Relief for Families and Small Businesses Act of 2012(H.J.Res. 66) from the House of Representatives: “The House of Representatives cast another vote this evening to resolve the fiscal cliff and spare families and small businesses from job-killing tax increases. House Joint Resolution 66 permanently protects millions of American taxpayers from tax increases demanded by the President and Congressional Democrats. “Since May, House Republicans have acted in good faith to generate ideas to avert the fiscal cliff. Our balanced proposals have been designed to protect American jobs while the President’s counter-offers have not, consisting of endless stimulus spending and tax increases to stoke the flames of class warfare. “The President has indicated that if his tax demands are not satisfied, he will allow the country to endure the greatest tax increase in our nation’s history. “The President might be comfortable playing political games while taxes increase on every American, but Republicans are not. Families and job creators cannot afford such a hit. They need certainty to plan for the future which is what Republicans are working to deliver with the Permanent Tax Relief for Families and Small Businesses Act. “Admittedly, this legislation is not a perfect solution, but rather the latest Republican effort to protect jobs and American taxpayers to the greatest extent possible from the insatiable tax appetite of the President and Democrat Senate. “Rather than fixating on a sliver of the Clinton-era tax rates, the President would better serve the country working to shrink the federal government to a Clinton-era size. America’s catastrophic national debt demands it. It’s time for the President to get off his post-election laurels and govern.” Instead of kicking the tax can down the road with short-term patches, H.J.Res. 66 permanently protects 99.81% of the American people from a $3.91 trillion tax hike scheduled to take effect this January. Included in H.J.Res. 66 are the following permanent tax reductions for families and small businesses: $1.9 trillion: Permanently stopping the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) from hitting more middle class families; $875.7 billion: Permanent extension of current income tax rates for everyone making less than $1 million; $388.2 billion: Permanent death tax relief; $282.5 billion: Permanent extension of capital gains and dividend tax rates for everyone with less than $1 million in income; $220.1 billion: Permanent extension of the $1,000 child tax credit; $162.7 billion: Permanent repeal of personal exemption phase-out (PEP) and Pease limitation; $59.5 billion: Permanent marriage penalty relief; $28.8 billion: Permanent extension of education and other family tax relief; and $45.7 billion: Permanent extension of section 179 expensing for small businesses. In addition to H.J.Res. 66, this evening the House of Representatives reaffirmed its support for comprehensive, strategic spending cuts to stop defense sequestration by passing H.R. 6684, theSpending Reduction Act of 2012. President Obama promised the sequester would not take effect, but has presented no alternatives to avert its trigger. From May to December, Foxx cast seven separate votes on H.Con.Res. 112, H.J.Res. 66, H.R. 8, H.R. 9, H.R. 6684, H.R. 6365, and H.R. 5652to either avert the fiscal cliff or stop the defense sequester. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:51Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-announces-78-million-grant-to-the-oakland-fire-department,Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces $7.8 Million Grant to the Oakland Fire Department,2012-12-20,2012,2012-12,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"12.20.12 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces $7.8 Million Grant to the Oakland Fire Department For Immediate Release: December 20, 2012 Contact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370 Washington, DC Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) announced a $7.8 million grant through the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response program (SAFER) to increase the number of frontline firefighters to improve Oakland's protection from fire and fire-related hazards. This highly competitive funding is critical to improving public safety and ensuring 24-hour staff coverage by hiring new and laid-off Oakland firefighters, said Congresswoman Lee. As Oakland and our nation continue to recover from the greatest economic downturn since the great depression, federal investments in public sector hiring are critical to moving our economy forward. The SAFER program is a funding initiative designed to strengthen the nation's ability to respond to fire and fire-related hazards and improve the nation's overall level of preparedness. The goal of any SAFER grant is to enhance the ability of grantees to attain and maintain 24-hour staffing and to assure that their communities have adequate protection from fire and fire-related hazards. The specific objective of the program is to award grants directly to volunteer, combination, and career fire departments to help the departments increase the number of frontline firefighters, and to rehire firefighters who were laid-off due to the economy. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-lee-appointed-to-budget-committee,Congresswoman Lee Appointed to Budget Committee,2012-12-20,2012,2012-12,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"12.20.12 Congresswoman Lee Appointed to Budget Committee Contact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370 Washington, D.C. Today Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement regarding her appointment to the House Budget Committee: I am pleased and honored serve on the House Budget Committee. I continue to believe that our nation's budget is a moral document that lays out the priorities that we have as a nation. From my seat on the Committee I will work with my colleagues to craft a budget that will strengthen our nation, grow our economy and put our nation on a sustainable fiscal pathway. Our nation faces many challenges and a budget with the right priorities can help to lift millions of Americans out of poverty, strengthen our national security by rethinking and streamlining our defense spending, and reinvest in the future of all Americans. A budget with the right priorities can create millions of new jobs by rebuilding and modernizing our nation's infrastructure, providing a 21st century education to every child in America and putting us on track to building a sustainable and energy independent green economy future. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that our country's budget is fair, balanced, reduces our nation's deficit, and reignites the American dream for all. Congresswoman Lee will also serve on the House Appropriation Committee and as the Regional Representative on the Steering and Policy Committee (Region II). ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases/senate-and-house-leaders-include-bipartisan-plan-tricare-prime-defense-bill,Senate and House leaders include bipartisan plan on TRICARE Prime in defense bill,2012-12-19,2012,2012-12,Republican,House,NV,Mark E. Amodei,A000369,amodei.house.gov,amodei,https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Chandler Smith, 202-224-6244 (Heller) December 19, 2012 Brian Baluta, 202-225-6155 (Amodei) WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) and Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-2) today announced language will be included in this year’s defense authorization bill requiring the Department of Defense (DOD) to detail and address upcoming changes to TRICARE Prime. The plan is based on legislation introduced by Amodei and Congressman Greg Walden (OR-2) in the House and an amendment introduced by Heller and adopted into the National Defense Authorization Act in the Senate. “Providing the best care to our military personnel, their families, and veterans is one of our nation’s most important responsibilities. Northern Nevada military families deserve to know whether their TRICARE coverage will change, which is why I urged the conference to include my amendment in the final bill. I look forward to this legislation becoming law so our military men and women receive the answers they deserve,” said Senator Heller. The language requires DOD to assess the increased cost and overall impact TRICARE changes will have on military retirees and their families, and, within 90 days, inform Congress of its plan to provide them with a smooth transition. “At the bare minimum, military retirees and their families in Nevada are owed an explanation by DOD. They deserve to know what is going on and they deserve to hear it directly from DOD and not from media reports,"" said Amodei. ""Our military retirees and their families earned these benefits and DOD needs to tell them how they are going to continue to have access to high-quality health care."" Passage of the defense authorization is expected to be finalized by the House and Senate and sent to the President to be signed by the end of the year. News reports indicate that DOD plans to eliminate TRICARE Prime in several areas, starting April 1, 2013, including Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Northern Nevada, and Oregon. Beneficiaries in the affected areas would be moved to TRICARE Standard, which would increase out-of-pocket costs and could reduce access to primary care providers for military retirees and their families throughout Northern Nevada. DOD has yet to publicly announce any details regarding the switch, nor has it responded to Amodei's and Heller's requests for more information. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:51Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-participates-in-white-house-launch-of-plan-to-address-the-humanitarian-crisis-facing-the-worlds-children,Barbara Lee Participates in White House Launch of Plan to Address the Humanitarian Crisis Facing the Worlds Children,2012-12-19,2012,2012-12,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"12.19.12 Barbara Lee Participates in White House Launch of Plan to Address the Humanitarian Crisis Facing the World's Children Contact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370 Washington, D.C.Today Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) provided remarks at the White House's official launch of the United States Government Action Plan on Children in Adversity. TheAction Plan on Children in Adversity is the first-ever strategic guidance for U.S. Government international assistance for children 0 to 18 years of age who are affected by HIV/AIDS, orphans, trafficked, exploited for child labor, in disasters, recruited as soldiers, neglected, or in other vulnerable states. The Action Plan is unique in that seven agencies and departments have agreed to align funding that address needs of vulnerable children toward three goals. This plan important step forward, not only towards addressing the growing crisis facing orphans and vulnerable children, but towards a more proactive foreign policy aimed at addressing the root causes of these problems, said Congresswoman Lee. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to fight for the critical investments we need to continue and expand these vital programs. United States Government Action Plan on Children in Adversity was developed partially in response to Congresswoman Lee's 2005 bill, The Assistance for Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Developing Countries Act. This legislation established the position of Special Advisor for Orphans and Vulnerable Children within the USAID to better coordinate and provide assistance in support of basic care; treatment for HIV-infected children; psychosocial support; school food programs; educational opportunities through the elimination of school fees; and inheritance rights for orphans and vulnerable children. At the time of signing, Lee's bill had 130 co-sponsors in the House and support from more than 30 non-governmental organizations working on HIV/AIDS and international aid issues. The bill was passed by the House of Representatives with bi-partisan support, was unanimously passed by the Senate and signed into signed into Law by President Clinton on November 8, 2005 (Public Law 109-95). Click here to view the United States Government Action Plan on Children in Adversity. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-announces-15-million-in-affordable-care-act-aca-grants-to-east-bay-health-organizations,Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces $1.5 Million in Affordable Care Act (ACA) Grants to East Bay Health Organizations,2012-12-19,2012,2012-12,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"12.19.12 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces $1.5 Million in Affordable Care Act (ACA) Grants to East Bay Health Organizations Contact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370 Washington, DC Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) announced $1.5 million in federal funding to three East Bay healthcare organizations from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through its Affordable Care Act (ACA) Grants for School-Based Health Centers Capital Program. I am excited that several East Bay health organizations were selected for this highly competitive funding which is critical to closing the healthcare gap for low-income youth, said Congresswoman Lee. These grants will allow for improved access to dental and healthcare services for Oakland area youth who have few options for accessible and affordable care. The School-Based Health Centers Capital Program grants are designed to address significant and pressing capital needs to improve delivery and support expansion of services at school-based health centers which will lead to improvements in access to health services for children. Information on the specific grants is provided below: Children's Hospital & Research Center: $500,000 Children's Hospital Oakland plans to use the grant to expand their efforts to stabilize their cost structure, offer specialty services in a setting more convenient to their patients and link their primary care clinic more strongly to their specialists. Finch, Fred Children's Home: $500,000 With the help of this funding the Rising Oaks Wellness Center will provide health, dental and behavior health services to targeted student and Transition Age Youth (TAY) populations in Alameda County. Lifelong Medical Care, INC: $500,000 LifeLong will use the funds to purchase a dental van to be used in their work in the Oakland public schools, specifically for Elmhurst Middle School/Alliance Academy, and neighboring elementary schools. Services will include preventive as well as restorative care. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-lee-issues-statement-on-the-passing-of-senator-daniel-inouye,Congresswoman Lee Issues Statement on the Passing of Senator Daniel Inouye,2012-12-18,2012,2012-12,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"12.18.12 Congresswoman Lee Issues Statement on the Passing of Senator Daniel Inouye Contact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370 Today our country has lost one of its most committed advocates for justice for all Americans. Senator Inouye was brilliant legislator, war hero, public servant and humanitarian. During his four years of service in the House of Representatives and 49 years in the Senate, Inouye represented Hawaii and our country with great honor and distinction. As a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I truly appreciate Senator Inouye's legacy of service and leadership. As the first Japanese-American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and later the first in the U.S. Senate, he was a trailblazer for Asian American politicians in our country. After serving as a volunteer in Pearl Harbor, Inouye enlisted in the U.S. Army when it dropped its ban on Japanese-Americans. He served with distinction in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the most decorated infantry regiment in U.S. Army history. He was shot multiple times and lost an arm battling German forces in Italy. Despite his injuries, he remained in the military until 1947 and was honorably discharged with the rank of captain. He was a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart, Distinguished Service Cross for his bravery in this action and later the Medal of Honor by President Bill Clinton. Inouye was an advocate for justice for all Americans and was known to advocate for fair treatment for interned Japanese Americans, Filipino World War II veterans, Native Americans and Native Hawaiians. As a fellow appropriator, I have had the distinct pleasure to work alongside Senator Inouye and I will miss his wise counsel and friendship. The tangible benefits Senator Inouye's legacy will be felt in Hawaii and our nation for decades to come. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/letter-to-obama-reinstate-healthcare-to-dreamers,Letter to Obama: Reinstate Healthcare to DREAMers,2012-12-18,2012,2012-12,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"12.18.12 Letter to Obama: Reinstate Healthcare to DREAMers Contact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370 Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) was joined by over 80 members of the House of Representatives in sending a letter to President Obama, calling for the reinstatement of Affordable Health Care eligibility to DREAMers who were granted temporary legal status through Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). In August, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) sent a letter to State Health Officials and Medicaid Directors stating that individuals granted deferred action through the DACA process were not eligible for federal Medicaid or Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage to cover lawfully residing children under 21 and pregnant women. CMS also released an interim final rule carving out DREAMers granted deferred action through DACA from being eligible for the ACA federally funded Pre-existing Condition Insurance Program (PCIP), buying health insurance in the Exchange, or from accessing the premium tax credits. The CMS interim rule to exclude youth and pregnant women approved for the new deferred action policy from key features of the Affordable Care Act is unjust and needs to be reversed, said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. There is no logical reason to disqualify DREAMers who obtain legal status through Deferred Action access to health care and should be therefore covered under the Affordable Care Act as originally enacted. With up to 1.7 million immigrants potentially benefiting from deferred action under DACA, we need to consider the potential astronomical burden placed on our nation's emergency rooms and safety net medical providers by not providing DREAMers access to quality preventative care. ### ================================================================== President Barack Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20500 Dear President Obama, As members of Congress, many of us from the Congressional Black, Hispanic, Asian Pacific American and Progressive Caucuses, we congratulate you on your re-election and thank you for taking the bold step of implementing the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy. Already this considered action has begun to enable thousands of young aspiring Americans to live without fear of deportation and to begin giving back to their communities and our country. A critical first step on the path to reforming our broken immigration system, DACA is dramatically improving the lives of these young people and their families. DACA has attracted a high number of applicants to date and is strongly supported by the communities we represent. However, we are deeply concerned about the Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) decision to issue an Interim Final Rule that will explicitly exclude youth granted deferred action under DACA from key features of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), including participation in the state health insurance exchanges. We believe this rule-making process offered an opportunity for the Department to enable these young peopleAmericans in every respect except on paperto access the same range of health care options as the citizens they hope to one day become. Instead, they will be barred even from purchasing coverage in these markets with their own money. Disconcertingly, HHS has also taken action to prevent children and pregnant women who benefited from DACA from securing affordable health insurance under the state option available in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Prior to this August 28, 2012 HHS guidance, federal rules would have allowed DACA individuals, like others granted deferred action, to enroll in these affordable health coverage programs if otherwise eligible. The Department's stated explanations for taking these actions is that the decision to implement the DACA policy was not motivated by a desire to make these deserving young people eligible to secure affordable health insurance. That may be true, but it also is entirely beside the point. Indeed, until the Department decided to carve out DACA beneficiaries they were covered like all other persons who have been granted deferred action for reasons that have absolutely nothing to do with the government's desire to ensure that they have access to affordable health insurance. Nevertheless, that is one of the many things that follows from that grant of deferred action. There is no principled reason to treat differently young people who received deferred action through DACA and any other person who has received deferred action. The unfairness of singling out DACA beneficiaries is also clear when you consider that many of them will now be studying alongside students with nonimmigrant visas who have not been excluded from the ACA. The relevant questions in deciding whether to reconsider the Department's recent actions are whether those actions advance the goals of the ACA and whether they are beneficial to the American people. The answer to those questions is decidedly no. First, they interfere with the cost-effective strategy of including healthy and young individuals in the nation's risk pool. With up to 1.7 million immigrants potentially benefiting from deferred action under DACA, there are significant costs to leaving immigrants uninsured if they are unable to afford health care on their own, particularly if they turn to hospital emergency rooms and public safety net hospitals for careultimately driving up costs in the long run. Second, the actions also run counter to the basic notion that by enabling people to access simple preventative care we can lower long-term costs and improve health care outcomes. Third, by precluding more people from gaining coverage, the Department's decisions could have negative public health implications. As you know, illness does not discriminate on the basis of documentation or legal status. We look forward to working with you to reform our broken immigration system so that newly classified immigrants can become full participants in our society, including having access to affordable health care through the ACA.In the meantime, we strongly urge your administration to take the necessary steps to enable these young people who are American in every way but on paper to obtain the basic coverage and care they so clearly need and deserve. We remain committed to ensuring that the Affordable Care Act achieves its goals and hope that we can continue working together to empower immigrant youth to realize their full potential. Sincerely, Members of Congress Co-signers (81): Barbara Lee; Judy Chu; Donna Christensen; Zoe Lofgren; Jan Schakowsky; Lucille Roybal-Allard; Charles Rangel; Joe Baca; Gwen Moore; Jim Moran; John Conyers; Mike Honda; Linda Snchez; Luis Gutierrez; Grace Napolitano; Raul Grijalva; Eleanor Holmes Norton; Sam Farr; Yvette Clarke; Jared Polis; Maxine Waters; Henry Waxman; Jos Serrano; Anna Eshoo; John Lewis; Mel Watt; Jim McGovern; Maurice Hinchey; Jerrold Nadler; Wm. Lacy Clay; Keith Ellison; Lloyd Doggett; Adam Smith; Louise Slaughter; Ed Pastor; Sheila Jackson Lee; Gene Green; Lois Capps; Adam Schiff; Al Green; Elijah Cummings; Donald Payne Jr.; Hank Johnson; Emanuel Cleaver; Karen Bass; Albio Sires; Silvestre Reyes; Ted Deutch; Robert C. ""Bobby"" Scott; Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan; Janice Hahn; Laura Richardson; Mike Thompson; Frank Pallone; Danny Davis; Edolphus Towns; Chaka Fattah; Kathy Castor; Lynn Woolsey; Loretta Sanchez; Jim McDermott; Ben Ray Lujn; Joseph Crowley; Mike Quigley; Chellie Pingree; Steve Cohen; Doris Matsui; Corrine Brown; Frederica Wilson; Pete Stark; Eni Faleomavaega; Colleen Hanabusa; Peter Welch; Rush Holt; Marcy Kaptur; Carolyn Maloney; Robert Brady; Earl Blumenauer; Hansen Clarke; Howard Berman; Barney Frank Cc: The Honorable Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services Alejandro Mayorkas, Director, USCIS Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to the President of the United States Cecilia Munoz, Director, White House Domestic Policy Council Jon Carson, Director of the Office of Public Engagement, White House Cindy Mann, Director, Center for Medicaid and State Operations",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=338444,"Foxx, House GOP Say Fiscal Cliff Solutions Should Protect Americas Future",2012-12-13,2012,2012-12,Republican,House,NC,Virginia Foxx,F000450,foxx.house.gov,foxx,https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"House Republicans Highlight the Effects of the Fiscal Cliff on America’s Families Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC), GOP Conference Secretary, and members of the House Republican Conference were joined Wednesday by students and children at the capitol to address the immediate need to solve America’s debt crisis in order to spare future generations the consequences of today’s unsustainable spending. Fiscal cliff negotiations should be about people, not politics. House Republicans drew on their experience as parents and grandparents to make the case for resolving the spending-driven debt crisis for the sake of America’s young people. Video, photos, and text from the event are below: Video Remarks: Congresswoman Virginia Foxx. Text Excerpts: Congresswoman Virginia Foxx. “Debt problems of a 16.2 trillion dollar proportion don’t get solved without real savings. And while the President’s offers have plenty of Washington budget gimmicks, real savings are disappointingly absent. That concerns me. “My grandkids are just starting to think about college and what they might want to be when they’re older. “I worry for them because a country saddled with debt is not a country where job growth abounds. A country that spends 1 trillion dollars more than it takes in every year is not a country that’s going to make it easier for young people to find jobs to support themselves, move out of their parents’ home, and pay for their college investments. “I want more for my grandchildren than a shaky job market and mountains of debt they didn’t incur. I want to leave them a country as strong and prosperous as the one I grew up in. “So I can’t, in good conscience, support any so-called solution that leaves the real work of controlling spending for another day. That’s not what parents and grandparents do. We fix problems. We don’t back away from them. … “Debt is no more “patriotic” today than when the President first ran in 2008. “The debt problem we face may not be entirely of our own making, but every day we don’t control spending the problem gets worse for our children and grandchildren. Somebody has to deal with it. It should be us.” Video Remarks: Protecting America’s Future News Conference in its entirety. Photos: Images from the news conference are available here. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:51Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-issues-statement-on-ambassador-susan-rice,Barbara Lee Issues Statement on Ambassador Susan Rice,2012-12-13,2012,2012-12,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"12.13.12 Barbara Lee Issues Statement on Ambassador Susan Rice Oakland, CA Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) provided the following statement concerning Ambassador Susan Rice's decision to withdraw from consideration for Secretary of State. I am profoundly disappointed that Ambassador Rice, such a well qualified woman of color, would be denied the opportunity to become our next Secretary of State due to the baseless and manufactured allegations of the radical right. I have known and worked closely with Ambassador Susan Rice for many yearson many global issues. From the genocide in Sudan to the ongoing violence in Syria, the humanitarian crisis in Haiti and the global HIV/AIDS crisis. Ambassador Rice works each and every day to advance the highest ideals of our country and would have been an outstanding Secretary of State. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mcclintock.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/the-fiscal-cliff,The Fiscal Cliff,2012-12-12,2012,2012-12,Republican,House,CA,Tom McClintock,M001177,mcclintock.house.gov,mcclintock,https://mcclintock.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Congressman Tom McClintock House Chamber, Washington, D.C. December 12, 2012 Mr. Speaker: To understand the federal budget mess and the so-called fiscal cliff, it’s important to remember three numbers: 39, 37 and 64. Thirty nine percent is the combined increase of inflation and population over the last ten years. Thirty nine percent. Thirty seven percent is the increase in revenues during the same period. That’s despite the recession and tax cuts. Not quite keeping place, but pretty close. Sixty four is what’s killing us. Sixty four percent is the increase in federal spending in that period. That’s nearly twice the rate of inflation and population over the last ten years. The spending side of the fiscal cliff is the so-called sequester: automatic cuts in federal spending. To hear some tell it, these cuts will mean the end of western civilization. Hardly. After a 64 percent increase in expenditures this decade, the sequester doesn’t actually cut spending at all: it simply limits spending growth next year to about a half a percent. I opposed the budget deal that created the sequester last year because it fell woefully short of what Standard and Poors clearly warned was necessary to preserve the nation’s triple-A credit rating. Sadly, that fear was born out. But now, the sequester is all we have. It’s true that defense takes the brunt of it, but does our defense spending today really need to be higher – inflation adjusted -- than it was at the height of the Vietnam War, when we faced down the Soviet Union and had 500,000 combat troops in the field? The sequester isn’t stepping off a cliff – it’s taking one step back from the cliff. The tax increases, however, are a different matter. Without intervention, the federal tax burden will balloon 21 percent at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, taking somewhere between two and three thousand dollars from an average family. This summer, the House passed legislation to protect our nation from such a calamity, but Mr. Obama vowed to veto it and the Senate blocked it. Instead, Mr. Obama tells us that he will veto any plan that keeps taxes from going up on those very wealthy folks making over $200,000, who, he says, need to pay their fair share. (I suppose fairness is in the eye of the beholder. The top one percent earns 17 percent of all income but pays 37 percent of all income taxes. But that’s beside the point). The fine point of it is that a lot of those very wealthy folks making over $200,000 aren’t very wealthy and they aren’t even folks: they’re 1.3 million struggling small businesses filing under sub-chapter S. Our small businesses produce two-thirds of the new jobs in our economy. This battle IS very much FOR the middle class. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that Mr. Obama’s tax increase on the so-called wealthy will actually throw some 200,000 middle and working class families into unemployment. Two hundred thousand. And that’s the optimistic estimate. An independent analysis by Ernst and Young puts that figure at closer to 700,000 lost jobs. That’s because the President’s taxes would slam 84 percent of net small business income – that’s precisely the income used to support and expand the labor force. In their blind pursuit of an “eat the rich” ideology, Mr. Obama and his acolytes are imposing a policy that would utterly devastate hundreds of thousands of middle class families who depend on the jobs these small businesses provide. And for what? To wring enough money to fund Mr. Obama’s spending spree for a grand total of eight days. It’s telling that three-fourths of the new taxes he has proposed would be used to finance the new spending that he has also proposed. Republicans don’t want to see taxes go up on anyone, period. We don’t want to see this government willfully throw hundreds of thousands of Americans out of work by this policy. The President obviously believes that in the 11th hour, Republicans will have no choice but ultimately to protect as many taxpayers as we possibly can, since the only alternative will be tax increases on everyone, including the job creators. He may be right. But that would mean a bleak and bitter new year for all those families who will watch helplessly as their jobs evaporate before their eyes. Let us pray the President has a change of heart before setting this calamity in motion. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:51Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-issues-statement-on-marriage-equality,Barbara Lee Issues Statement on Marriage Equality,2012-12-10,2012,2012-12,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"12.10.12 Barbara Lee Issues Statement on Marriage Equality Contact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370 Oakland, CA Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) provided the following statement concerning decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to take up the issue of marriage equality. I am hopeful that the decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to take up the issue of marriage equality will move California and this nation one step closer to truly standing for equal rights for all. Though this fight is far from over, I consider the Court's decision to be an important victory for equality. As a founding member of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, I have repeatedly spoken against the effort to ban same-sex marriage, and I will continue to fight until equal rights are enjoyed by all. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/fiscal-cliff-urges-change-how-congress-does-business,Fiscal Cliff Urges Change in How Congress Does Business,2012-12-07,2012,2012-12,Democrat,House,IN,André Carson,C001072,carson.house.gov,carson,https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Congressman André Carson (IN-7) There has been significant discussion recently about our nation's ""fiscal cliff,"" an impending January 1st deadline which triggers $500 billion in tax increases and across-the-board cuts to domestic and military spending. We must not cross this deadline. The consequences of going over the fiscal cliff would be disastrous for working families, leading to an increase in unemployment and a likely descent back into economic recession. According to reports by the Tax Foundation, the average Hoosier family would see an annual tax increase of $3,653 – or 5.27% of their income – if Congress fails to act. The Tax Foundation also notes that low- and middle-income families will be hit the hardest due in part to mandatory cuts to programs like Pell Grants, public safety, job training, and hunger prevention. In August of 2011, I opposed the Budget Control Act, which brought about the automatic tax increases and spending cuts we now face. While across-the-board cuts seem like an easy solution to our financial woes—resulting in every interest taking a similar hit—it lacks the precision needed to protect our economic recovery and strengthen the middle class. We need thorough analysis of our priorities. Should we cut subsidies for oil companies making record profits? Definitely. Food for starving children? Absolutely not. This is why Democrats and Republicans must work together to tackle our debt and deficit and find a balanced solution that cuts domestic and defense spending in a measured way. We need to protect working families from preventable tax increases and cuts to programs they rely on, while eliminating initiatives we can do without or that no longer belong in our federal budget. Frankly, the fiscal deadlines, and their quickly approaching consequences, provide us a unique opportunity to change the broken dynamics in Washington, not perpetuate them. As we address defense spending, we should look to Indianapolis. We need smart investments, like the LiftFan System being produced locally by Rolls-Royce, which will provide more versatility to our modern aircraft. With these sorts of investments, we can spend less while maintaining force strength and protecting hundreds of thousands of good paying defense industry jobs, including thousands locally. We should also look to other industries where we can achieve the same result by spending less—most significantly in health care. We should protect and strengthen the new health care law, which is streamlining our health care system and eliminating waste. According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), this is set to reduce our deficit by $1 trillion in the coming decades—all by expanding care for the American public, not cutting it. Eliminating tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires alone could avoid both the defense and domestic sequestration cuts next year, saving another $1 trillion over a decade. If Republicans insist the wealthy need these cuts to create jobs, we should make them contingent on job creation, not just being wealthy. Of course, no spending cut or change to our tax code will fix our fiscal situation as quickly as putting Americans back to work. In fact, the CBO estimated it could reduce the annual deficit by one third. As we work towards a solution, difficult sacrifice and compromise will be required from all sides. We cannot have a robust debate about the multitude of challenges we face if either side takes potential solutions off the table. By recognizing our shared priorities, we can pass a long-term deficit reduction plan that includes comprehensive tax reform and that is balanced, fair, and makes clear to the world that the United States is serious about reducing its debt. I am ready to support a bipartisan, comprehensive deficit reduction proposal that combines spending cuts and increases revenue. Hoosiers are demanding we get the job done, and I'm working every day to make it happen.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:51Z https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=338443,Foxx Statement on November Jobless Report,2012-12-07,2012,2012-12,Republican,House,NC,Virginia Foxx,F000450,foxx.house.gov,foxx,https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Congresswoman and GOP Conference Secretary Virginia Foxx, R-NC, issued the following statement on today's jobless report: “Millions of Americans are still struggling to find work to provide for their families in this uncertain job market. “Unemployment figures alone don’t accurately reflect the fragile state of our economy. 7.7 percent unemployment suggests progress that the more than 540,000 Americans who gave up looking for work last month would dispute. “The fiscal cliff is approaching. As we work to avert it, Congress must be resolved to protect jobs, not place more in jeopardy by taxing small businesses and wasting money on ineffective government stimulus.” # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:51Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-issues-statement-on-november-jobs-numbers,Barbara Lee Issues Statement on November Jobs Numbers,2012-12-07,2012,2012-12,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"12.07.12 Barbara Lee Issues Statement on November Jobs Numbers Contact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370 Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following response to the figures released by the U.S. Department of Labor showing 146,000 jobs were added in November, marking the 33nd consecutive month of private sector job growth. Overall unemployment rate decreased from 7.9 to 7.7 percent. The continued growth of jobs in the private sector shows that our economy is heading in the right direction, and is a clear signal that we must work together in Congress to avoid stymieing that growth. ""House Republicans should work with Democrats to extend the middle class tax cuts and the emergency unemployment compensation program to encourage consumer spending, job creation, and strengthen the economy for all. ""There are still unprecedented levels of long term unemployment, with 4.8 million Americans unemployed for 27 weeks or longer. African American unemployment is still untenable high at 13.2 percent, and 2 million American workers are slated to be stripped of their unemployment insurance benefits - one of the only remaining lifelines they have to feed and house their families - this Holiday season. The American people and their families cannot afford continued Republican grandstanding and Congressional inaction. As President Obama and Congressional leaders continue to negotiate a year-end deal, targeted job-creating measures, including infrastructure spending, and accelerating public-sector job growth to re-hire teachers, firefighters, police officers and the long-term unemployed should be key components to keep our economy moving forward. ### Congresswoman Lee is a long-time champion of the unemployed. Earlier this week she and Congressman Gary Peters (D-MI) authored a letter to House and Senate Leadership requesting a full and robust extension of the Federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation Program, which is currently set to expire at the end of December. The letter earned the support of 78 Members of Congress. Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-urges-president-obama-to-expedite-troop-withdrawal-from-afghanistan,Congresswoman Barbara Lee Urges President Obama to Expedite Troop Withdrawal from Afghanistan,2012-12-07,2012,2012-12,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"12.07.12 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Urges President Obama to Expedite Troop Withdrawal from Afghanistan Contact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370 Bi-partisan letter to Obama: No military solution in Afghanistan, bring troops home Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Congressman Walter Jones (R-NC) were joined by over 90 Members of the House of Representatives in sending a bipartisan letter to President Obama, calling for an accelerated end to the war in Afghanistan. Our responsibility to our men and women in uniform in Afghanistan is as important as ever, said Lee. As Pentagon military advisors prepare to present President Obama with a set of recommendations for U.S. military presence in Afghanistan, we owe it to our troops to earnestly deliberate our defense policies. Now that the President has accomplished every goal that was originally set in Afghanistan and it is widely accepted that there is no military solution in the country, it is time to bring home our brave men and women in uniform and transition to full Afghan control. After 10 years and $600 billion invested in an unstable country, it is past time to end this war. This war has taken the lives of more than 2,000 members of the armed services and wounded another 18,000. Our troops have done everything we have asked of them, but they cannot be tasked with building up a modern nation state. It is time to bring our troops and tax dollars home. We have an opportunity to ensure that our brave troops are brought home in a swift and responsible manner so that we can create jobs and engage in nation-building here at home. The overwhelming majority of Americans, both Republicans and Democrats, believe it is time to bring a responsible end to the war in Afghanistan. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee December 5, 2012 The Honorable Barack Obama President of the United States The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500 Dear President Obama: Your military advisors will soon be providing you with a set of military options in Afghanistan. We are writing to urge you to pursue a strategy in Afghanistan that best serves the interests of the American people and our brave troops on the ground. That strategy is simple: an accelerated withdrawal to bring to an end the decade-long war as soon as can safely and responsibly be accomplished. After 10 years and almost $600 billion spent, over 2,000 American lives lost, and 18,000 wounded - it is time to accelerate the transition to full Afghan control. While NATO and Afghan National Security Forces have made considerable strides, no military strategy exists and morale has been undermined by the proliferation of Green on Blue attacks. Sixty coalition soldiers have been killed this year alone by their Afghan allies. To quote a former Commandant of the Marine Corps, When our friends turn out to be our enemy, it is time to pull the plug. This is one issue that overwhelmingly unifies Americans: the desire to bring the war in Afghanistan to an accelerated close. Polls show over two-thirds of Americans, on a bipartisan basis, believe it is past time to end our combat role and bring the troops home. We write to request that you respond to the consensus amongst military experts, diplomats, and the American people. It is time to announce an accelerated transition of security responsibility to the Afghan government and to bring our troops home as soon as can be safely and responsibly accomplished. Al Qaeda's presence has been greatly diminished and Osama bin Laden is no longer a threat to the United States. There can be no military solution in Afghanistan. It is past time for the United States to allow the Afghanistan government to assume responsibility for its own security. While many of us would prefer an immediate withdrawal from Afghanistan starting today, there is broad recognition that the primary objectives have been completed. We also would like to remind you that any long term security agreement committing U.S. troops to the defense of Afghanistan must have congressional approval to be binding. In addition, we would like to request a meeting to discuss these issues directly with you and your staff. We look forward to working with you. Sincerely, Members of Congress Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://schweikert.house.gov/2012/12/07/conservatives-send-letter-leadership/,CONSERVATIVES SEND LETTER TO LEADERSHIP,2012-12-07,2012,2012-12,Republican,House,AZ,David Schweikert,S001183,schweikert.house.gov,schweikert,https://schweikert.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today Congressman David Schweikert, Congressman Tim Huelskamp, and Congressman Justin Amash released a letter that was sent to GOP House Leadership asking for written explanation for why they were kicked off their respective committees. They also requested the scorecard used to judge their votes. Below is the text of the letter: December 7, 2012 The Honorable John Boehner Speaker of the House of Representatives 232 The Capitol Washington, DC 20515 Dear Speaker Boehner, We write to request a full and complete written explanation of the rationale for removing us from our current committee assignments, including any “scorecards” presented to the Steering Committee to justify our removals. On Monday, we learned that we had been removed from our committee assignments. Some of us learned of this news from a member of the Steering Committee; others never were officially informed and heard of the action from press accounts citing anonymous leadership staffers. To this date, no formal explanation has been given for the removal. After learning of our removal, it came to our attention that a scorecard was presented to the Steering Committee to make the case for our removal from those committees. On Wednesday morning, Mr. Huelskamp stood before the House Republican Conference and asked to see a copy of the scorecard used to remove us. Through this past term, we were not aware that any such scorecard existed, nor that the scores would cause us to be removed from committee assignments. We believe this would be valuable information for the entire Republican Conference to know, so that each Member can make a full and complete decision when casting votes in the future. It would also allow us to communicate to our constituents which votes caused us to be removed. Please provide a full and complete written explanation for our removal, including a copy of the scorecard presented to the Steering Committee meeting, by close of business Monday, December 10th. Sincerely, David Schweikert Tim Huelskamp, Justin Amash U.S. Representative U.S. Representative U.S. Representative Arizona Kansas Michigan Cc: Republican Steering Committee Members Back to News",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:51Z https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=338442,Budget Advice from the Feds?,2012-12-06,2012,2012-12,Republican,House,NC,Virginia Foxx,F000450,foxx.house.gov,foxx,https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"- By Congresswoman Virginia Foxx The federal government’s Financial Protection Bureau is instructing Americans to avoid debt this holiday season by setting a budget and sticking to it. Great advice. Also hilarious given the source. No one can take issue with the substance of the advice published by the taxpayer-funded Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. However, I do wish the federal government was aware of its own hypocrisy in playing budget sage. Washington is hardly the place from which hardworking citizens should be seeking budget advice. For three and a half years, Washington has operated without a budget to map out how it spends your money. This is not for lack of trying on the part of Republicans in the House of Representatives. Every year, we crunched numbers and subjected ourselves to criticism by taking tough stands on spending priorities. But every budget we passed during this 1300-day span stalled in the Democrat-controlled Senate, even though that chamber has not once presented a spending proposal of its own. Furthermore, President Obama’s budget, which would entrench Washington’s unsustainable habits of overspending while ignoring costly entitlement reforms, has not found a single vote of support in either house. With neither strong financial leadership from the Executive, nor a roadmap for fiscal solvency guiding the ship of state, Washington has unsurprisingly just capped its fourth consecutive fiscal year of spending $1,000,000,000,000 more than it takes in. And the sobering fact in all of this is that while government spending has only increased, tax revenue today is roughly equal to what it was in 2006. The rapid rise in national debt, stemming from wasteful “stimulus” expenditures, bank bailouts, and rapidly growing entitlement bills (read more on that in my short column Defending Medicare for Future Generations), has brought us to where we are today – staring down a steep fiscal cliff of Washington’s own making. So what do we take from the Financial Protection Bureau’s advice to create a holiday spending plan, keep track of what you spend, avoid impulse purchases, and keep those troublesome credit cards at home? Simply this: do as Washington says, not as it does. There is certainly no end to the irony in Washington.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:51Z https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases/amodei-backs-plan-protect-health-care-access-northern-nevadas-military-retirees,Amodei backs plan to protect health care access for Northern Nevada's military retirees,2012-12-05,2012,2012-12,Republican,House,NV,Mark E. Amodei,A000369,amodei.house.gov,amodei,https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases,scraper,"IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Brian Baluta, 202-225-6155 December 5, 2012 WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-2) today introduced, as an original cosponsor, the TRICARE Protection Act, to protect thousands of Northern Nevada's military retirees and their families from changes to TRICARE Prime that will reportedly be implemented by the Department of Defense (DoD). He joined Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.) and Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.) in drafting the bipartisan plan. ""You can't pull the rug out from under people who are in a program and depend on it,"" said Amodei. ""Northern Nevada has a particularly high concentration of military retirees, which appears to be why it is among the targeted areas for this change. Our military retirees and their families earned these benefits and their access to high-quality health care needs to be protected."" News reports indicated that the DOD plans to eliminate TRICARE Prime in several areas, beginning April 1, 2013, including Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Northern Nevada, and Oregon. Beneficiaries in the affected areas would be moved to TRICARE Standard, which would increase out-of-pocket costs and could reduce access to primary care providers for military retirees and their families throughout Northern Nevada. When Amodei learned of the reports in October, he wrote to Dr. Jonathan Woodson, the DOD official in charge of health care, to express his concerns with the plan and to urge DOD to announce the planned changes immediately. DOD has not publicly announced any details regarding the switch, nor has it responded to Amodei's and other lawmakers' requests for more information. ""The administration's refusal to communicate and to be transparent regarding their intent for Nevadans has forced this action by the Congress,"" said Amodei. The TRICARE Protection Act would require DOD to: Issue a report to Congress within 90 days identifying areas where TRICARE Prime will no longer be available, as well as estimating increased costs and other affects to beneficiaries as a result of the changes. Establish a navigator service to assist affected eligible beneficiaries in locating primary care providers. Enroll eligible beneficiaries in TRICARE Prime Remote if it is determined that the beneficiaries would not otherwise have access to primary care providers who meet TRICARE access standards. (CLICK HERE FOR BILL TEXT)",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:51Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/us-reps-lee-and-peters-lead-the-effort-to-protect-our-nations-most-vulnerable-families,U.S. Reps. Lee and Peters lead the effort to protect our nations most vulnerable families,2012-12-05,2012,2012-12,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"12.05.12 U.S. Reps. Lee and Peters lead the effort to protect our nation's most vulnerable families Contact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370 Lee-Peters letter calling for full extension of Unemployment Insurance in Fiscal Cliff debate earns support of 78 members of Congress Washington, D.C. Yesterday afternoon, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Congressman Gary Peters (D-MI) sent a letter to House and Senate Leadership requesting a full and robust extension of the federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation Program. The current program is set to expire at the end of the year, stripping two million workers of their unemployment insurance benefits. By working together, Congresswoman Lee and Congressman Peters secured the support of 78 members of Congress in their letter. Unemployment benefits are the most effective fiscal policy to stimulate the economy and get people back to work, said Congresswoman Lee. In fact, every one dollar spent on unemployment insurance generates $1.55 in economic activity. With millions of Americans still struggling to recover from the recession, we cannot afford to strip one of the only remaining lifelines for workers that are eager to get back to work. During this holiday season, Congress needs to stand up for families that are facing serious economic challenges, said Congressman Gary Peters. Unemployment insurance is a crucial lifeline that many American families rely on to get through tough times and we can't allow them to be used as a bargaining chip in the fiscal cliff debate. I'm proud to stand with Congresswoman Lee and more than 75 members of Congress that are fighting to protect Unemployment Insurance. Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Below is the full text of the Lee-Peters letter. You can also view a signed copy by clicking here. Dear House and Senate Leaders, While our economy is showing signs of recovery with the addition of 171,000 jobs in October 2012 and the unemployment under 8%, over 12 million Americans remain unemployed. The long-term unemployment rate the share of unemployed workers who have been unemployed for 27 weeks or longer was over 40% throughout the entirety of 2010 and 2011, and persists at a rate of 40.6% in October 2012. This is an unprecedented level of long-term unemployment; the previous peak, in June 1983, was just 26%. Unemployment benefits are a proven lifeline to families that they rely on to help pay for necessities such as rent, groceries, and utilities. Expansions to the unemployment insurance program enacted in the Recovery Act and subsequent legislation in 2009 and 2010 lifted over 3.2 million Americans out of poverty in 2010, and 2.3 million in 2011 including over 600,000 children. As House and Senate leadership negotiate legislation addressing expiring tax provisions, cuts mandated by sequestration, and the Medicare sustainable growth rate, we urge you to include a robust extension of federal unemployment benefits for American workers. Given the unprecedented levels of long-term unemployment our nation currently faces, a full extension of unemployment benefits through 2013 should represent the minimum acceptable extension in any year-end compromise legislation. Should Congress fail to act by the last week of December, over two million workers will immediately lose their federal unemployment benefits. Disconcertingly, federal unemployment benefits were already reduced earlier this year; the total cap on combined state and federal unemployment benefits was cut from 99 weeks at the beginning of 2012 to 73 weeks currently. Additionally, the need to extend federal unemployment benefits is amplified by unprecedented cuts to both the amount and duration of unemployment benefits made by a number of states. We also have serious concerns about proposals that divert unemployment funds from direct recipients or that subject recipients to new drug testing and education requirements which create barriers for our nation's unemployed. We encourage House and Senate leadership to ensure that states use their unemployment funds, as they have historically done, to compensate recipients and not for any other purpose, and reject efforts to create new barriers for eligible individuals seeking unemployment benefits. Reducing federal unemployment benefits would plunge hundreds of thousands of Americans into poverty and jeopardize our nation's economic recovery. With millions of American workers relying on these benefits to make ends meet as our nation's economic recovery continues to take hold, now is not the time to roll back this critical lifeline. We urge you to come together and ensure that unemployment benefits remain available to American workers when they need it most. Sincerely, Barbara Lee Gary Peters Sander Levin, Barney Frank, John Conyers, Donna M. Christensen, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Gwen Moore, Laura Richardson, Sam Farr, Hank Johnson, Lynn Woolsey, Pete Stark, Mike Honda, Lucille Roybal-Allard, Eddie Bernice Johnson, Marcia Fudge, Peter DeFazio, Janice Schakowsky, Judy Chu, Joe Baca, Robert A. Brady, Keith Ellison, James P. McGovern, Melvin L. Watt, Albio Sires, Earl Blumenauer, Suzanne Bonamici, Ral Grijalva, Dennis Kucinich, Bennie G. Thompson, Chellie Pingree, Al Green, Steve Cohen, Henry Waxman, Dale Kildee, Bob Filner, Ben Ray Lujan, Sheila Jackson Lee, Rosa L. DeLauro, Danny K. Davis, David Cicilline, Yvette D. Clarke, Hansen Clarke, Charles Rangel, George Miller, Joseph Crowley, G.K. Butterfield, Maxine Waters, Mike Doyle, Corrine Brown, John Dingell, Sanford Bishop, Edolphus Towns, John Lewis, Terri Sewell, James R. Langevin, Betty McCollum, Elijah E. Cummings, Bobby Rush, John F. Tierney, Lois Capps, Carolyn Maloney, Gene Green, Dave Loebsack, Jerry McNerney, Karen Bass, Anna Eshoo, Pedro Pierluisi, David Curson, Janice Hahn, Jerrold Nadler, William R. Keating, Peter Welch, Bobby Scott, Jos E. Serrano, Michael Michaud, Rubn Hinojosa, Ed Markey, Doris O. Matsui",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-applauds-passage-american-energy-manufacturing-technical,Aderholt Applauds Passage of the American Energy Manufacturing Technical Corrections Act,2012-12-04,2012,2012-12,Republican,House,AL,Robert B. Aderholt,A000055,aderholt.house.gov,aderholt,https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Common Sense, Bipartisan Legislation Offered by Congressman Aderholt Would Remove Bureaucratic Red Tape, Barriers to Innovation and Protects Jobs in Alabama Washington, D.C. — H.R. 6582, the American Energy Manufacturing Technical Corrections Act, introduced by Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04), passed in the United States House of Representatives by 398-2. H.R. 6582 amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, providing important and necessary technical corrections to the law, ultimately increasing domestic competitiveness, supporting more efficient and innovative technologies, andpromoting job growth here at home. “Too often bureaucratic red tape and needless federal regulations keep America’s innovators and small businesses from creating jobs,” said Aderholt. “This legislation passed by the House today is a common sense solution to what never should have never been a problem to begin with, but unfortunately became another bureaucratic nightmare further stifling job creation.” “If we want to see economic growth in this country, it is critical that our nation’s policy and laws create a regulatory environment that fosters innovation and job creation. Due to an increase in overreaching, burdensome and unnecessary regulations over the past few years, too many small businesses have had to layoff employees, reduce production or even shut their doors. This is precisely what happened to HH Technologies, an innovative manufacturing company in Cullman County, Alabama. The federal government’s embrace of outdated technology prohibited a new and innovative solution to improved energy efficiency.” “Through House Republicans continued efforts to streamline and eliminate bureaucratic red-tape in Washington, like the legislation passed today, we can begin to jumpstart our nation’s economic growth and reinvigorate job creation. I thank my colleagues for supporting H.R. 6582 and look forward to seeing the bill become law,” concluded Aderholt. Back in June, the House passed H.R. 4850, the Enabling Energy Savings Innovation Act similar legislation also sponsored by Congressman Aderholt, amending the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to allow for the inclusion of walk-in cooler and freezer technologies that are more energy efficient than systems that are currently required in the law’s narrow definition. In addition to including the previously passed provision, H.R. 6582 makes additional technical corrections to the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 that would reduce regulatory burdens by correcting clerical errors made and eliminating any problems caused by the errors. These corrections include updating the uniform efficiency descriptor for covered water heaters, clarifying language regarding regulatory treatment for small duct high velocity systems made by U.S. manufacturers, coordinating research and development of energy efficient technologies for the industry, and establishes a separate,less stringent standard for over the counter commercial refrigerators, that due to large glass windows are inherently less energy efficient than other commercial refrigeration products. For the full text of the legislation,please visit: https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-112hr6582ih/pdf/BILLS-112hr6582ih.pdf",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:51Z https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-carson-joins-effort-force-vote-middle-income-tax-cuts,Congressman Carson Joins Effort to Force Vote on Middle Income Tax Cuts,2012-12-04,2012,2012-12,Democrat,House,IN,André Carson,C001072,carson.house.gov,carson,https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman André Carson is taking action to force an up-or-down vote on legislation that extends tax cuts for 98 percent of all Americans and 97 percent of small businesses. Carson joined his colleagues in signing a discharge petition, led by Rep. Tim Walz (D-MN), to bring up H.R. 15: The Middle Class Tax Cut Act. This legislation would provide every American with a tax cut on income up to $250,000, while allowing taxes on income over $250,000 to return to Clinton-era rates. If House Republicans prevent action on this measure, middle-class families could see their income taxes go up by an average of $2,200. According to a report by the Tax Foundation, Hoosier families would see an even greater increase of over $3,600. ""It is time to take action to extend tax relief for 98 percent of Americans,"" declared Congressman Carson. ""Today, House Democrats are taking a bold step to force Speaker Boehner to immediately schedule a vote on the Senate-passed bill which does just that. The President has said he would sign it immediately."" Democrats are launching this discharge petition to force action on the widely-supported legislation, because Republican Leadership has refused to move ahead -- holding middle class tax cuts hostage to tax breaks for the wealthy. It has been 132 days since the Senate passed this bill (July 25), and only 28 days remain until middle class taxes will go up. A discharge petition requires the House to consider the legislation once a majority of Congress (218 members) have signed it. This process was successful in forcing action on campaign finance and enacting disabled veterans benefits in 2001 and 2003. ""Congressional Republicans must end the uncertainty and stop withholding middle income tax cuts for the 2.4 million Hoosier families affected. Our constituents should not have to pay this high price for partisan gridlock.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:51Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-lee-announces-120-million-in-federal-grant-funding-to-advance-green-battery-technology,Congresswoman Lee Announces $120 Million in Federal Grant Funding to Advance Green Battery Technology,2012-12-03,2012,2012-12,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"12.03.12 Congresswoman Lee Announces $120 Million in Federal Grant Funding to Advance Green Battery Technology For Immediate Release: November 30, 2012 Contact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370 Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) announced that a multi-partner team led by Argonne National Laboratory, which includes Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab), has been selected for an award of up to $120 million over five years to establish a new Batteries and Energy Storage Hub. I am proud to support Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's contributions to this collaboration that will make critical advances in hybrid and electric vehicle technologies, said Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA). Berkeley Labs' essential role in this project highlights the important role the East Bay plays in rebuilding the nation's economy of the future driven by innovative green technology. The Hub, to be known as the Joint Center for Energy Storage Research (JCESR), will combine the R&D firepower of five DOE national laboratories, five universities, and four private firms in an effort aimed at achieving revolutionary advances in battery performance. Advancing next generation battery and energy storage technologies for electric and hybrid cars and the electricity grid are a critical part of President Obama's all-of-the-above energy strategy to reduce America's reliance on foreign oil and lower energy costs for U.S. consumers. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-carson-united-nations-vote-step-toward-two-state-solution,Rep. Carson: United Nations Vote a Step Toward Two-State Solution,2012-11-29,2012,2012-11,Democrat,House,IN,André Carson,C001072,carson.house.gov,carson,https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman André Carson released this evening the following statement regarding the United Nations' vote to recognize Palestine as a ""non-member observer state"": For generations, the Middle East has been torn apart by conflict and violence. While militaries and extremists have waged war and stalled efforts for peace, innocent people have suffered. Today's vote in the United Nations regarding a Palestinian state is a step toward a two-state solution that has been pursued for decades by millions of Palestinians and Israelis. While the process by which this UN decision was reached may be questioned, we cannot lose sight of the end goal--two states living in peace, acceptance and security. This should be our focus as deliberations and diplomacy continue.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:46Z https://fleischmann.house.gov/media/press-releases/chuck-fleischmann-named-house-committee-appropriations,Chuck Fleischmann named to the House Committee on Appropriations,2012-11-29,2012,2012-11,Republican,House,TN,"Charles J. ""Chuck"" Fleischmann",F000459,fleischmann.house.gov,fleischmann,https://fleischmann.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Chuck Fleischmann made the following statement after learning that he had been named to the House Committee on Appropriations. “I am pleased to be joining the Appropriations Committee, which does critical work ensuring that every tax dollar coming from hardworking Americans is spent wisely. With our national debt growing larger and larger, it is now more important than ever that we exercise strong fiscal discipline and work to cut unnecessary spending,” Fleischmann said. “In the last two years, Chairman Rogers has done incredible work at reducing spending, and I look forward to continuing the task of getting our nation’s discretionary spending back on track, and rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer dollars.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:46Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/lee-commends-administration-for-new-pepfar-blueprint,Lee Commends Administration for New PEPFAR Blueprint,2012-11-29,2012,2012-11,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"11.29.12 Lee Commends Administration for New PEPFAR Blueprint Contact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370 Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), a founding co-chair of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus, issued the following statement regarding today's launch of the Obama Administration's AIDS Free Generation Blueprint: I applaud Secretary Clinton, Ambassador Goosby and the Obama Administration for their commitment to achieving an AIDS-free generation. As we mark World AIDS Day on December 1, the Blueprint provides an important roadmap in our renewed efforts to transform the international response to this epidemic and accelerate progress toward making the end of AIDS the legacy of our generation. The successful efforts of the bipartisan PEPFAR program and the international efforts thru the Global Fund, coupled with remarkable breakthroughs in scientific research in recent years have brought us to important crossroads. Now more than ever, a roadmap to rapidly scale-up effective evidence-based interventions can truly begin to put us on a path to achieving an AIDS-free generation and lead other nations and donors in this collective effort. On July 18th, Congresswoman Lee introduced H.R. 6138, Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic Act of 2012, which articulated a policy and financing framework to achieve an AIDS-Free Generation in the United States and globally. The bill increases and targets federal resources to maximize impact of HIV efforts, expands efforts to end stigma and discrimination, repeals and reforms laws that violate human rights and undermine the positive impact of resources, and maximizes federal coordinating efforts to drive greater efficiency and improved results in all HIV and related programs. Click here to read the blueprint. Congresswoman Lee has been a leader in the fight against the global HIV/AIDS pandemic. She co-authored legislation signed into law creating the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria in 2000, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in 2003, the PEPFAR Reauthorization Act in 2008, and in 2005 legislation addressing the needs of orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS. She has also been a leader in the effort to establish a National AIDS Strategy, and is a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health, Human Services & Education with jurisdiction over all domestic HIV/AIDS funding. She is the only United States representative on United Nations Development Programme's Global Commission on HIV and the Law and was the original sponsor of legislation that lead to the repeal of the Immigration and Travel ban that barred the entry of HIV positive individuals. The repeal allowed the International AIDS conference in Washington DC in July of 2102. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-lee-announces-134-million-in-federal-department-of-energy-grants,Congresswoman Lee Announces $13.4 Million in Federal Department of Energy Grants,2012-11-28,2012,2012-11,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"11.28.12 Congresswoman Lee Announces $13.4 Million in Federal Department of Energy Grants Contact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370 Washington, DC Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) announced $13.4 million in Federal funding to East Bay research organizations from the Energy Department's Advanced Research Projects Agency Energy (ARPA-E) through its OPEN 2012 program. The selected projects will focus on a wide array of technologies, including advanced fuels, advanced vehicle design and materials, building efficiency, carbon capture, grid modernization, renewable power, and energy storage. I am excited that several Berkeley-based institutions were selected for this highly competitive funding which is critical to support innovation in emerging green technology fields, said Rep. Lee. The fact that over 10 percent of the $130 in total grant funding announced today was awarded to research organizations in the 9th Congressional District highlights the important role the East Bay plays in rebuilding the nation's economy of the future. The four East Bay grants announced today include: $3 Million: Low-Cost Smart Window Coatings for Heat and Light Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) will develop low-cost coatings that control how both light and heat enter buildings through windows. By individually blocking infrared (heat) and visible (light) components, LBNL will significantly enhance both the energy efficiency of buildings and the comfort of occupants. These coatings can be applied to windows using inexpensive techniques similar to spray-painting a car. $1.9 Million: Automated Modeling and Simulation of Existing Buildings for Energy Efficiency Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) will develop a portable system of sensing and computer hardware to rapidly generate indoor thermal and physical building maps. This mapping technology allows for cost-effective evaluation of heat loss and building inefficiencies. The system enables rapid data collection and export to existing computer models to guide strategies that reduce building energy usage. $4 Million: Micro-Synchrophasors in Distribution Systems University of California Berkeley / California Institute for Energy and Environment, Berkeley, CA The California Institute for Energy and Environment (CIEE) will develop a device to monitor and measure electric power data from the grid's distribution system. Data collected from a network of these devices would provide new capabilities to monitor and control grid power flow, a critical element for integrating intermittent and renewable resources such as rooftop solar and wind energy. If widely deployed, these devices could also enhance grid reliability. $4.5 Million: High-Performance, Low-Cost Aqueous Lithium-Sulfur Batteries PolyPlus Battery Company, Berkeley, CA PolyPlus Battery Company and Johnson Controls will develop an innovative water-based, lithium-sulfur battery. Today, lithium-sulfur battery technology offers the lightest high-energy batteries that are completely self-contained. New features in these water-based batteries make PolyPlus's unique, lightweight battery ideal for a variety of military and consumer applications. If successful, this technology would be able to transition to a widespread commercial and military market. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-lee-elected-regional-representative-on-the-democratic-steering-and-policy-committee,Congresswoman Lee Elected Regional Representative on the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee,2012-11-28,2012,2012-11,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"11.28.12 Congresswoman Lee Elected Regional Representative on the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee Contact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370 Washington, D.C. Today Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement regarding her election, by unanimous consent to serve as the Regional Representative on the Steering and Policy Committee (Region II): I am pleased and honored to represent my colleagues as the Regional Representative on the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee. In this role I will continue my advocacy for our region and my state. I am excited to work with my colleagues as we move our inclusive agenda forward and reignite the American dream for all. Region II includes CA (Congressional Districts 1-20), HI, AS, GU, CNMI, AK. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://schweikert.house.gov/2012/11/27/rep-schweikert-collect-toys-scottsdale-hospital-pediatric-unit/,REP. SCHWEIKERT TO COLLECT TOYS FOR SCOTTSDALE HOSPITAL PEDIATRIC UNIT,2012-11-27,2012,2012-11,Republican,House,AZ,David Schweikert,S001183,schweikert.house.gov,schweikert,https://schweikert.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/,scraper,"Scottsdale, Ariz. – Congressman David Schweikert and his staff are now collecting toys for Scottsdale Healthcare’s Pediatric Unit. Following a very successful trip to the Pediatric Unit in 2011, Congressman Schweikert is looking forward to visiting the nearly 30 children that will be hospitalized during the Christmas season: HOW YOU CAN HELP: Donations must be new and unwrapped. Stuffed animals must still have tags attached. WHERE: Rep. Schweikert’s District Office, 10603 North Hayden Rd, Suite 108, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 WHEN: Donations are due by Friday, December 15 at 4:00 p.m. SUGGESTED DONATIONS: Matchbox cars Play-doh Trains Musical toys Rattles Character dolls and toys Barbie dolls Action figures Lego’s Blocks Bubbles DVDs – Current Movies Arts and Crafts Kits Books for school age – no chapter books please Leap Frog toys Interactive learning toys Makeup, nail polish Magazines Gift cards: Toys ‘R’ Us, iTunes, Target BACKGROUND: Scottsdale Healthcare Shea Medical Center has the Northeast Valley’s only hospital with a dedicated pediatric unit, pediatric intensive care and pediatric ER. The 28-bed pediatric inpatient unit offers care for children ages infant through 18. Back to News",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:46Z https://fleischmann.house.gov/media/press-releases/chuck-fleischmann-wishes-tennesseans-happy-thanksgiving,Chuck Fleischmann wishes Tennesseans a Happy Thanksgiving,2012-11-21,2012,2012-11,Republican,House,TN,"Charles J. ""Chuck"" Fleischmann",F000459,fleischmann.house.gov,fleischmann,https://fleischmann.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CHATTANOOGA−Congressman Chuck Fleischmann made the following statement to commemorate Thanksgiving. “Although our nation, our communities, and our families face many struggles, we have so much to be thankful for. For me, Thanksgiving is about reflection. It is about expressing our gratitude for the gifts that God has given, and enjoying the company of close family and friends. “While we face many challenges, America remains the greatest and freest nation on earth, a blessing which we should never take for granted. This Thanksgiving, I hope everyone will have a wonderful time in the company of loved ones and close friends. Let us not forget those who serve us in uniform. Their sacrifices ensure our freedom, and we pray for their safe return.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:46Z https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=338441,A Day Set Apart for Thanksgiving,2012-11-21,2012,2012-11,Republican,House,NC,Virginia Foxx,F000450,foxx.house.gov,foxx,https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"May you and your family enjoy a safe and happy Thanksgiving. As we celebrate this definitive American holiday and all the blessings we lay claim to as citizens of our great country and state, let's not forget to show our appreciation for the men and women who are standing watch. While we sit down to dinner with our families, thousands of our troops will be separated from theirs, deployed throughout the world for our protection. At home, many others will be patrolling our streets and responding to emergencies all to ensure our domestic security. These people don't hear thank you enough, so if given the chance, let's tell them. America is a free land and our people are as devoted as ever to the principles of liberty and justice for all. For the richness of our heritage and for the men and women among us willing to give of themselves to secure a prosperous future for our nation, we thank Almighty God. Happy Thanksgiving,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:46Z https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=338440,Foxx Still Accepting Ticket Requests for 2013 Presidential Inauguration,2012-11-20,2012,2012-11,Republican,House,NC,Virginia Foxx,F000450,foxx.house.gov,foxx,https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Deadline to request tickets is December 7th For more than two hundred years America’s citizens have participated in the Inauguration ceremonies for the President and Vice President of the United States—from the first Inauguration of George Washington in 1789 to today, as Washington, D.C. prepares for the 57th quadrennial Presidential Inauguration. The Presidential swearing-in ceremony is a distinctive celebration of America's strong tradition of democracy and the peaceful transfer of power. Tickets to the 57th Inaugural Ceremony are provided free of charge and are distributed through the offices of Members of Congress. Residents of the Fifth Congressional District interested in attending the event on January 21st should contact Congresswoman Virginia Foxx to request preferred tickets. Foxx's office is accepting ticket requests through December 7th, although tickets are not required to attend. Requests for up to four tickets per household may be submitted through December 7, 2012 at Congresswoman Foxx’s website, www.foxx.house.gov/inauguration-day. Each Congressional office receives a limited number of tickets to distribute to constituents. Due to the high volume of requests, tickets will be dispersed via lottery. For those drawn, tickets must be picked-up in person at Congresswoman Foxx’s Washington, D.C. office the weekend before the inauguration. Fifth District constituents should be aware that no website or ticket outlet advertising the sale of inaugural swearing-in tickets is authentic. Tickets are free and are only available through members of Congress. To get more information about Inauguration Day, please visit www.foxx.house.gov/inauguration-day. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:46Z https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=338438,America Should Continue to Stand with Israel,2012-11-16,2012,2012-11,Republican,House,NC,Virginia Foxx,F000450,foxx.house.gov,foxx,https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Virginia Foxx today issued the following statement in regard to the escalation of terrorist violence in Israel: “The nation of Israel is America’s friend and closest ally in the Middle East. Already this year, Hamas has attacked the Israeli statewith a violent barrage of more than 900 rockets and missiles, most heavily in the past few days. “After initiating an attack yesterday that claimed the lives of three civilians, including a pregnant woman, Hamas today targeted Israel’s capital city, Jerusalem. “When confronted with radical terrorism, Israel is absolutely justified in taking defensive action to protect its citizens. The United States would certainly do no less, and should continue to stand withIsrael while we pray for a peaceful end to the violence and destruction plaguing their land.” Today, the House of Representatives considered and passed with Foxx’s support House Resolution 813 – “Expressing vigorous support and unwavering commitment to the welfare, security, and survival of the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state with secure borders, and recognizing and strongly supporting its right to act in self-defense to protect its citizens against acts of terrorism.” # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:46Z https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=338439,"Foxx: House Republicans are ""Solution-Driven""",2012-11-16,2012,2012-11,Republican,House,NC,Virginia Foxx,F000450,foxx.house.gov,foxx,https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Congresswoman Foxx delivered the following remarks during the news conference introducing House Republican Leadership for the 113th Congress. Foxx was elected by her peers in the House to serve in the capacity of Conference Secretary: ""You have heard people over and over use the words ""team,"" ""working together,"" and ""solutions."" Those are going to be our mantra. ""We do want to help the American people get back on their feet through creating jobs and we will work together to do that. We are solution?driven, and that is the direction we will be going."" # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:46Z https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=338437,Foxx Elected GOP Conference Secretary for 113th Congress,2012-11-14,2012,2012-11,Republican,House,NC,Virginia Foxx,F000450,foxx.house.gov,foxx,https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Congresswoman Virginia Foxx issued the following statement today after being elected Secretary of the House Republican Conference for the 113th Congress. Secretary is one of eight elected leadership positions within the GOP Conference: “I am humbled by the support of my colleagues and am eager to begin working with them as Conference Secretary to advance substantive policy solutions that will get our country back on a path to prosperity. “The House Republican Conference, at its best, functions as a vehicle in Congress to accomplish good for our nation. Conference works alongside its members to refine policy, foster dialogue, and encourage stellar constituent service back home. And a strong Conference can generate and galvanize support behind principled policy ideas that are equal to the task of solving our nation’s challenges and getting Americans back to work. It is an honor to be able to serve as Secretary to accomplish those ends.” Foxx made the decision to run after being encouraged to consider the position by outgoing Conference Chairman Jeb Hensarling (TX), and Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (WI). Representative Tom McClintock (CA) nominated Foxx for Secretary. His motion was seconded by Representative Rob Woodall (GA) and Representative Scott Garrett (NJ). Foxx’s term as Conference Secretary will last for the duration of the 113th Congress. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:46Z https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=338436,This nation will remain the land of the free...,2012-11-11,2012,2012-11,Republican,House,NC,Virginia Foxx,F000450,foxx.house.gov,foxx,https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"""This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave."" On this Veterans Day, the thanks of a grateful nation is with all of America's uniformed servicemembers, past and present, and with their families. A famous William Harvard quote reads, “The greatest glory of a free-born people is to transmit that freedom to their children.” He is right. And the freedom of which he speaks is only possible because of the brave men and women throughout our history who have answered our country's call to serve in her defense. Today is all about those men and women - the ones who have volunteered to give their all, if that is what is asked of them, for our country. They comprise our Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy. And they are supported by families who carry their burden of service with them. The American people are unmatched in their willingness to sacrifice for the freedom of others. Ours is the first nation in the history of the world that goes to war only to defend and to liberate—never to conquer. In our campaigns, we seek to build dignity, and we seek to build friendship – for lasting peace, and for the furtherance of freedom. For those who've taken oaths to leave the comfort of home and the embrace of family to partake in that dangerous but noble work, we are truly indebted. Today we honor them and reflect upon the magnitude of what they have given. May we come to give half as much.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:46Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-lee-issues-statement-in-honor-of-veterans-day,Congresswoman Lee Issues Statement in Honor of Veterans Day,2012-11-10,2012,2012-11,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"11.10.12 Congresswoman Lee Issues Statement in Honor of Veterans Day For Immediate Release: November 11, 2012 Contact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370 Oakland Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09) offered the following statement in support of America's troops and veterans in honor of the 93rd Veterans Day: On this Veterans Day it is important that we remember those who have fought with dignity and honor to protect democracy and freedom throughout the world. As we recognize the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform, we must not forget our obligation making sure our veterans come home to good jobs and services that are needed to transition successfully into civilian life. As the daughter of a veteran, I believe we have a moral responsibility to keep our promise to the brave women and men who have served our nation. Veterans, service members, and their families deserve our full support and I will continue to fight to keep the promises made to our veterans who have served selflessly and answered our nation's call to duty in times of peace and war. Since military forces deployed a record number of troops to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, I will continue to fight for a corresponding increase in job placement and support services for our veterans. I am proud that Congress enacted the President's VOW to Hire Heroes Act, a law that makes it easier for veterans to obtain quality jobs by expanding access to education and training opportunities and provides tax credits for employers who hire Veterans with service-connected disabilities. I have also been working with my colleagues from the California congressional delegation to ensure that the over 26,000 veterans served by the Oakland Regional Office are receiving fair, timely, and accurate decisions on their claims. I am optimistic that the office-wide training held in July and the transformation initiatives which were introduced in October will assist the VA in improving accuracy and efficiency. Reports show claim response time and accuracy are showing improvement, but in spite of these advances I know that there is still work to be done. I will continue to advocate forcefully for our veterans and fight to give them the benefits they have earned. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://desjarlais.house.gov/media-center?ID=760E4F24-BAFB-43B8-B2EE-4E3EB0BDD9FD,DesJarlais and Colleagues Seek Answers to Terrorist Attack in Benghazi,2012-11-09,2012,2012-11,Republican,House,TN,Scott DesJarlais,D000616,desjarlais.house.gov,desjarlais,https://desjarlais.house.gov/media-center,scraper,"Representative Scott DesJarlais, M.D. (TN-04) sent a letter to President Barack Obama and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton demanding answers to questions regarding the events leading up to and following the September 11, 2012, terrorist attack on the U.S. compound in Benghazi. The letter, which was signed by 53 members of the House, asks the following: · Why did administration officials deny repeated requests for stronger security measures from U.S. personnel on the ground in Libya, especially in light of the escalating violence leading up to the September 11 attack? · Why did the administration withdraw elite Special Forces units from the Benghazi compound and seek to replace them with poorly paid local Libyan contractors, even after the compound had been bombed twice? · Why did the administration pursue what U.S. personnel on the ground described as a “cookie cutter” approach to security in Libya and impose an “artificial time table” towards “normalization” that ignored the dangerous facts on the ground? “The Obama administration’s justification for the inadequate level of security leading up to the terrorist attack on our consulate has been extremely unclear,” said Representative DesJarlais. “ I think that we can all agree that the American people deserve reassurance that the government did everything in its power to protect our people working in Libya.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:46Z https://schweikert.house.gov/2012/11/08/rep-schweikert-announces-november-staff-mobile-office-hours/,REP. SCHWEIKERT ANNOUNCES NOVEMBER STAFF MOBILE OFFICE HOURS,2012-11-08,2012,2012-11,Republican,House,AZ,David Schweikert,S001183,schweikert.house.gov,schweikert,https://schweikert.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/,scraper,"Scottsdale, Ariz. –Congressman David Schweikert announced today that his staff will hold Mobile Office Hours this November throughout Arizona’s 5th District to assist with casework matters. Please circulate and share the times and dates for these events: Constituents are invited to come and speak with the congressional staff and voice questions or concerns. You are encouraged to stop by for one-on-one casework assistance if you are having difficulties with a federal agency, loan modifications, or passport issues. Mobile Office Hours with Schweikert Constituent Services Staff: Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Foothills Community Foundation, Holland Community Center: 34250 N. 60 Street, Bldg B, Agave Room, Scottsdale, AZ 85266 Thursday, November 8, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Granite Reef Senior Center: 1700 N. Granite Reef Road, Room 11, Scottsdale, AZ 85257 Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Appaloosa Library: 7377 E. Silverstone Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 Thursday November 29, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Scottsdale Community College: 7145 E. 2nd Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 This event is for members of the military, veterans, and their families only. For press inquiries, please contact Rachel.Semmel@mail.house.gov. For more information on these events, please contact Ernestina Borquez-Smith. She can be reached at Ernestina.Borquez-Smith@mail.house.gov or at 480-946-2411. Back to News",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:46Z https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=338435,The Presidents Policies are Wrong for the Economy,2012-11-02,2012,2012-11,Republican,House,NC,Virginia Foxx,F000450,foxx.house.gov,foxx,https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) issued the following statement in response to today's jobless report released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics: “President Obama’s go-to policies are wrong for this economy and our country as today’s jobless report confirms. “Nearly twenty-three million un or underemployed Americans are struggling to provide for their families under the weight of higher gas prices, more expensive groceries, and rising debt. They cannot wait for the President to keep stalling recovery with his misguided policies. “For the first two years of his term, President Obama was unchallenged in enacting his ideological agenda – one that was short on job creation and heavy on big government spending in the form of Stimulus and Obamacare. But his preferred policies have not worked. They have fallen short of their own promises and paved the way for this, the longest, slowest economic recovery since the Great Depression. “The President’s partisan ideas have been tried and they have failed. The severity of our economic challenges demand something better than politics-as-usual from the White House. The House of Representatives’ thirty-plus bipartisan job creation bills are a good place for the President to start.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:46Z https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/carson-community-health-fair-provides-free-health-screenings-and-flu-shots,Carson Community Health Fair Provides Free Health Screenings and Flu Shots,2012-10-26,2012,2012-10,Democrat,House,IN,André Carson,C001072,carson.house.gov,carson,https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"INDIANAPOLIS – Indianapolis residents today joined Congressman André Carson for his first annual Community Health Fair, presented in cooperation with the Minority Health Coalition of Marion County. The event took place at the Chase Near Eastside Legacy Center, where participants received free health screenings and educational workshops. A limited number of flu shots were also provided. The event was open to the public, and Congressman Carson was on hand to highlight critical enhancements to preventive care provided by the Affordable Care Act. To date, more than 54 million Americans have taken advantage of newly covered preventive health care services, and the law has invested more than $30 million in local community health centers. The Congressman also shared information regarding benefits provided to seniors, Americans with preexisting conditions, and for young people now receiving insurance coverage from their parents. ""We must make public health a priority in this community and throughout the nation, while also finding ways to lower costs long-term,"" said Congressman André Carson. ""The Affordable Care Act does this by focusing on preventive care, promoting wellness, and putting people ahead of profits."" Congressman Carson went on to say, ""In addition to sharing valuable information, today's Community Health Fair brings critical services directly to our community, highlights significant enhancements to our health care system, and takes steps to make Indianapolis stronger and healthier for generations to come.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:43Z https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases/amodei-questions-tricare-changes-northern-nevada,Amodei questions TRICARE changes for Northern Nevada,2012-10-23,2012,2012-10,Republican,House,NV,Mark E. Amodei,A000369,amodei.house.gov,amodei,https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases,scraper,"IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Brian Baluta, 202-225-6155 October 23, 2012 RENO, Nev. -- Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-2) this week expressed his concerns to the Department of Defense (DoD) about its reported decision to discontinue TRICARE Prime health coverage for military retirees and their families throughout much of rural Nevada. As reported by Military Times, the proposal would affect communities in Nevada, as well as Oregon, Iowa, Minnesota, and Missouri. Starting April 1, 2013, TRICARE Prime Service would only be offered to retirees and their families living within 40 miles of a Military Treatment Facility (MTF). In Northern Nevada's case, the MTF is at Fallon Naval Air Station. ""I am very concerned about reports that the incoming contractor for the TRICARE West Region does not plan to continue the current TRICARE Prime Service to communities in Northern Nevada that are currently being serviced by the present contractor,"" said Amodei in a letter to Dr. Jonathan Woodson, assistant secretary of defense. ""In a state consisting of 110,000 square miles and one of the highest concentrations of veterans per capita, this change would eliminate the Prime option for thousands of TRICARE beneficiaries in Nevada who rely on it for medical care."" The Pentagon has yet to make an official announcement, but a source told Military Times last week that Pentagon officials have discussed delaying a formal announcement until after the November 6 election. Beneficiaries who lose Tricare Prime won’t be without health care; they qualify for Tricare Standard, traditional fee-for-service coverage that has no enrollment fees but carries greater out-of-pocket costs. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:43Z https://desjarlais.house.gov/media-center?ID=CC3F8C84-1241-44B9-BD8E-24BC35C5298B,"DesJarlais and Oversight Colleagues Demand More Detailed, Comprehensive Answers from IRS and Treasury",2012-10-23,2012,2012-10,Republican,House,TN,Scott DesJarlais,D000616,desjarlais.house.gov,desjarlais,https://desjarlais.house.gov/media-center,scraper,"Representative Scott DesJarlais, M.D. (TN-04), along with Chairman of the House Oversight Committee Darrell Issa (CA-49) and Subcommittee Chairman of the Health Care, District of Columbia, Census and National Archives Chairman Trey Gowdy (SC-04), sent a letter to IRS Commissioner Douglas Shulman and Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner, following up on a August 20th letter requesting documents and communications stemming from a finalized IRS rule related to Obamacare. This legality of this rule, which may increase federal spending by $500 billion over the next decade, has been challenged by several independent academic and legal experts. Obamacare creates “premium assistance tax credits” for individuals who enroll in health care “exchanges established by [a] State.” As part of its implementation of Obamacare, the IRS issued a final rule that extended these premium assistance tax credits to individuals purchasing insurance in exchanges established by the federal government—not the state exchanges specified in the statutory language of the law. The Committee’s August 20th letter sought relevant documents and communications related to IRS’s and Treasury’s process for producing the controversial rule. On October 12, 2012, Treasury sent a reply to the Committee on behalf of IRS. However, Treasury’s response failed to include a single document, memorandum, communication, or email created before the publication of the proposed rule on August 17, 2011. According to the Committee’s letter, “Treasury did not provide a single piece of evidence to support its claim that IRS complied with the standard process when issuing this rule. Thus, we must conclude that you are either willfully misleading the Committee or that you are purposefully withholding information that is essential to the Committee’s oversight effort.” “While I believe that this IRS rule is a blatant end-around Congress that lacks any supportive legislative history, I had hoped the IRS and Treasury would be able to give explicit details on their collaboration and a legal basis for promulgating this rule,” said Rep. DesJarlais. “Unfortunately, the response we received only mentioned the ‘standard process’ of developing such rules, and failed to provide any actual evidence to this end.” Rep. DesJarlais continued, “It is my hope that both the IRS and Treasury will honor our initial request and provide us with all documentation. Their continued avoidance of our reasonable request only reaffirms my belief that the IRS and the Treasury’s actions constituted a rewriting of a law masqueraded as a rule - violating the constitutional authority bestowed to Congress.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:43Z https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=338434,Medicare Open Enrollment,2012-10-18,2012,2012-10,Republican,House,NC,Virginia Foxx,F000450,foxx.house.gov,foxx,https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Dear Friends, I would like to share some important information regarding Medicare with you and with any seniors that you know. Like last year, the 2012 open-enrollment period for Medicare started and will end a little earlier than it has in prior years: October 15th through December 7th. This is the only time during the year, except in unique circumstances, whencurrent Medicare enrollees are able to make changes to their existing coverage. Changes Medicare members may consider making during this period include: Changing to or from a Medicare Advantage Plan, or selecting another Medicare plan that better meets your needs; and Joining a Medicare prescription drug plan, or switching from one prescription drug plan to another. For assistance in weighing insurance options, seniors, family members, and caregivers are welcome to contact Medicare by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227) or visiting Medicare’s website www.medicare.gov. At this online portal you will find enrollment instructions, detailed explanations of the various Medicare coverage plans, resources to learn about the health providers in your area that collaborate with Medicare, and the various medical treatments andservices covered by Medicare plans. If you are having problems contacting Medicare or are experiencing difficulties working with Medicare on your current coverage, please contact James in my Clemmons, North Carolina office at 1-866-677-8968. We’re happy to help. And as always, you can keep up with the latest news and track the work I’m doing on your behalf to hold government accountable and get Americans back to work by visiting my website www.foxx.house.gov. As this information is time sensitive, please consider sharing it with the senior citizens you know.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:43Z https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-hosts-agriculture-forum-house-agriculture-committee-chairman,Aderholt Hosts Agriculture Forum with House Agriculture Committee Chairman Lucas and Alabama Farmers,2012-10-10,2012,2012-10,Republican,House,AL,Robert B. Aderholt,A000055,aderholt.house.gov,aderholt,https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04), today welcomed House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (OK-03) to Stone Bridge Farms in Cullman, Alabama for a lunch discussion about every-day agriculture issues in the state of Alabama and the future of the farm bill. “Agriculture is an integral part of Alabama’s history and has a vital impact on our state’s economy,” said Aderholt. “It is a pleasure to welcome Chairman Lucas to Alabama to meet with our state’s hard-working farmers and producers. Every day they face a variety of challenges in their operations and today’s event is a great opportunity for us to come together and discuss those issues with Chairman Lucas. Agriculture is and should continue to be a mainstay of Alabama’s economy and it is forums like this that help us to better understand and serve Alabama’s agriculture community back in Washington.” “I was pleased to visit Congressman Aderholt’s district and join him in an important discussion on agriculture issues. This was a great opportunity to meet members of the agriculture community, recognize the contributions our farmers make for this nation and around the world, and discuss the challenges our producers continue to face. We need more members like Congressman Aderholt who understand and appreciate agriculture because now more than ever it is important that we stand strongly together in support of production agriculture and rural economies,” said Rep. Frank Lucas, Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee. Alabama is home to more than 48,500 farms, which cover 9 million acres of land. Alabama agriculture exports total more than $800 million a year and include poultry, cattle, cotton, peanuts, sod and nursery products. Agriculture and agribusiness make up the largest industry in the state and employs twenty percent of all Alabamians.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:43Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-announces-21-million-in-federal-grant-funding-to-support-innovation-in-advanced-manufacturing,Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces $2.1 Million in Federal Grant Funding to Support Innovation in Advanced Manufacturing,2012-10-09,2012,2012-10,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"10.09.12 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces $2.1 Million in Federal Grant Funding to Support Innovation in Advanced Manufacturing Contact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370 Oakland, CA Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) announced today that five East Bay organizations including Laney College and University of California Berkeley will be awarded a total of $2.1 million in Federal grants through the Advanced Manufacturing Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge for the Advanced Manufacturing Medical/Biosciences Pipeline for Economic Development (AM2PED) project which will build a regional system to facilitate technology transfer, economic development and workforce development in medical device and bio-science manufacturing in the East Bay. The Advanced Manufacturing Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge is a partnership between the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration (ETA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and the National Science Foundation (NSF). These funds will help the winning clusters support local efforts to spur job creation through connecting innovative small suppliers with large companies, linking research with the start-ups that can commercialize new ideas, and training workers with skills that firms need to capitalize on business opportunities. These public-private partnerships consist of small and large businesses, colleges, nonprofits, and other local stakeholders that cluster in a particular area. AM2PED Project Partners: Laney College University of California Berkeley Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County Corporation for Manufacturing Excellence Norcal SBDC I am excited that the AM2PED project was selected for this highly competitive funding, said Congresswoman Lee. This funding will provide critical funding to help support innovation in emerging advanced manufacturing, medical, device and bio-science fields. I am confident that their collaboration will yield real results for the East Bay. Together we are rebuilding an East Bay economy of the future that is built to last. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://fleischmann.house.gov/media/press-releases/chuck-fleischmann-statement-september-jobs-numbers,Chuck Fleischmann statement on September jobs numbers,2012-10-05,2012,2012-10,Republican,House,TN,"Charles J. ""Chuck"" Fleischmann",F000459,fleischmann.house.gov,fleischmann,https://fleischmann.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CHATTANOOGA− Congressman Chuck Fleischmann commented on the September jobs numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The September report indicated that the economy added 114,000 jobs and the unemployment rate decreased to 7.8%. “I was pleased to see this month that unemployment has finally dropped below 8%. While this is better jobs news than we have seen for a long time, we still have too many Americans out of work. This is something I see every day in East Tennessee, especially in the northern part of my district where we have double digit unemployment,” Fleischmann said.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:43Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-issues-statement-on-september-jobs-numbers,Congresswoman Barbara Issues Statement on September Jobs Numbers,2012-10-05,2012,2012-10,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"10.05.12 Congresswoman Barbara Issues Statement on September Jobs Numbers Contact: Katherine Jolly (510) 763-0370 Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following response to the figures released by the Department of Labor showing the unemployment rate fell to 7.8 percent, and that the economy added 114,000 jobs in September: I was encouraged by the September report showing that the overall unemployment rate dropped to 7.8 percent, the lowest unemployment rate since January 2009. September marked the 31th consecutive month of private sector job growth.While rates remain high, the decrease in African American unemployment from 14.1% to 13.6%, and Hispanics from 10.1% to 9.9% are encouraging. These decreases show that we are headed in the right direction. However, much more needs to be done. Targeted investments and accelerating government-sector job creation to re-hire teachers, firefighters, police officers and the long-term unemployed is needed to keep our economy moving forward. Republicans in Congress must work with Congressional Democrats and President Obama to reignite the American dream and put Americans back to work. Passing the American Jobs Act will get struggling Americans into good paying jobs and contribute to deficit reduction and will strengthen the American economy for all. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-issues-statement-on-the-passing-of-mervyn-dymally,Congresswoman Barbara Lee Issues Statement on the Passing of Mervyn Dymally,2012-10-05,2012,2012-10,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"10.05.12 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Issues Statement on the Passing of Mervyn Dymally Contact: Katherine Jolly (510) 763-0370 Oakland, CA Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) issued the following statement on the passing of Mervyn Dymally: I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mervyn Dymally, and my thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family. Mervyn was truly a world renowned leader. As the California's first foreign-born black assemblyman in 1962, the first black senator in 1966, the first and only black lieutenant governor in 1974, he was a trailblazer for African American politicians in the state. In 1980, he was elected to the U.S Congress where he served as chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus and the House Foreign Affairs Committee. His dedication to global issues and Africa saved and improved the lives of many and inspired all of those around him. ""I believe his legacy of over 50 years of service to California, the nation and the world will inspire many to speak for the voiceless and stand up for justice across the globe. ""He has been a personal friend since early 70's. I will deeply miss his wise counsel and friendship. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-announces-2012-fourth-congressional-district-ag-and-industry,Aderholt Announces the 2012 Fourth Congressional District Ag and Industry Tour,2012-10-04,2012,2012-10,Republican,House,AL,Robert B. Aderholt,A000055,aderholt.house.gov,aderholt,https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Thirteenth Annual Event Showcases Agriculture and Business Sites in Colbert and Lawrence Counties Washington, D.C.— Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) today announced the dates and locations for the thirteenth annual Fourth Congressional District Agriculture and Industry Tour. Taking place on Thursday, October 25th and Friday, October 26th the event will highlight agriculture and business sites in Colbert and Lawrence Counties in North Alabama. Among the sites Congressman Aderholt and tour participants will visit are: North American Lighting and Fame Recording Studio in Muscle Shoals; the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in Tuscumbia; Martin Farm and Servico Gin Courtland; and the General Joe Wheeler Home in Hillsboro. “Alabama’s industries, small businesses and agriculture are the engines that provide jobs in our communities and drive our economy,” said Aderholt. “The Ag and Industry Tour is an opportunity to highlight some of these businesses and learn more about their day-to-day operations and impact to our area. This enables me to better represent their interest and needs in Washington.” During last year’s tour Aderholt met with HH Technologies and learned about a needless federal regulation hindering the success of their innovative freezer product called Roll Seal. As a result, Aderholt sponsored and the House passed H.R. 4850, the Enabling Energy Savings Innovations Act, legislation that is a common sense solution to what should have never been a problem to being with. “From cotton to music, each of the businesses we will visit is an example of the vital economic impact being made in the Fourth Congressional District and our great state. In addition to being a wonderful learning experience, the tour also gives me the opportunity to meet and visit with constituents from across the district. I encourage anyone who has an interest in participating to call our district office for further details and I look forward to another engaging tour,” concluded Aderholt. The Fourth Congressional District Agriculture and Industry tour visited sites in Cullman and Walker Counties in 2011, Marshall and DeKalb counties in 2010, Walker county in 2009, and Marshall and DeKalb counties in 2008. Congressman Aderholt hosted the very first Ag and Industry tour in 2000 in Blount, Marshall and DeKalb counties. The Agriculture and Industry Tour is open to anyone who would like to attend, however space is limited. Anyone interested in attending should contact Jennifer Taylor in the Cullman District Office at (256) 734-6043. The registration fee for the two-day event, which includes transportation, dinner and lunch, is $120, or $60 for only one day.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:43Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-honored-as-2012-champion-for-children,Congresswoman Barbara Lee Honored as 2012 Champion for Children,2012-10-02,2012,2012-10,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"10.02.12 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Honored as 2012 Champion for Children Contact: Katherine Jolly (510) 763-0370 Washington, DC The bipartisan First Focus Campaign for Children announced today that it will recognize Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) as a 2012 Champion for children, based on her legislative agenda that prioritizes the needs of children and youth locally, nationally and globally. I am truly honored to receive this recognition, Congresswoman Lee said. The work that is being done by First Focus Campaign for Children gives me constant encouragement in my own work to improve the health and well being, educational opportunities and overall quality of life for the children of Oakland and our nation. Lots of politicians talk about kids' issues, but few back it up, said Bruce Lesley, president of the Campaign for Children. Representative Lee delivered for kids. For the third year, First Focus has selected a group of 50 members of the House and Senate who have made extraordinary efforts to introduce, co-sponsor and vote for legislation that would improve the quality of life and well-being of our nation's children. As a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and as Co-Chair of the Out-of-Poverty Caucus, Representative Lee has long focused on the educational and health and nutritional needs of children, especially those living in poverty. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mcclintock.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/mek-statement,MEK Statement,2012-09-28,2012,2012-09,Republican,House,CA,Tom McClintock,M001177,mcclintock.house.gov,mcclintock,https://mcclintock.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Statement by Congressman Tom McClintock: ""The delisting of MEK as a terrorist organization recognizes the crucial role it is playing in opposition to the fascist regime of Iran. It is long overdue.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:34Z https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=338433,"ICYMI: Foxx Honored as ""Guardian of Small Business""",2012-09-27,2012,2012-09,Republican,House,NC,Virginia Foxx,F000450,foxx.house.gov,foxx,https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"ICYMI: VIRGINIA FOXX HONORED AS “GUARDIAN OF SMALL BUSINESS” Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) was recognized by the National Federation of Independent Business as a “Guardian of Small Business” for her strong voting record in support of lower taxes and stopping harmful regulation. Congresswoman Foxx Receives the NFIB Guardian Award from the Federation’s President and CEO Dan Danner. “Our government needs to be working to make it easier for small businesses to grow and create jobs if we are going to experience a real and robust economic recovery,” Congresswoman Foxx stated. “My husband and I started our own North Carolina small business many years ago and I vote with that perspective in mind. Entrepreneurs should not have to face senseless taxes and regulatory uncertainty on top of the slew of challenges they already confront each day.” “The record shows that Rep. Foxx is a true champion of small business, having stood strong on the key small-business votes in the 112th Congress,” said NFIB President and CEO Dan Danner. “This award reflects our members’ appreciation for supporting the NFIB pro-growth agenda for small business.” A copy of the NFIB official news release is below: U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx Honored as Guardian of Small Business by NFIB WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Federation of Independent Business, the nation’s leading small business association, today names U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx (NC-5) a Guardian of Small Business for her outstanding voting record on behalf of America’s small-business owners in the 112th Congress NFIB President and CEO Dan Danner praised Rep. Foxx for “standing for small business.” In presenting the group’s coveted Guardian of Small Business Award, Danner said, “Small-business owners pay close attention to how their lawmakers vote on the issues affecting their businesses and employees and stand by those who stand for them.” “The record shows that Rep. Foxx is a true champion of small business, having stood strong on the key small-business votes in the 112th Congress,” said Danner. “This award reflects our members’ appreciation for supporting the NFIB pro-growth agenda for small business.”… # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:34Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/2012/09/27/barbara-lee-statement-on-national-gay-mens-hiv/aids-awareness-day,Barbara Lee Statement on National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day,2012-09-27,2012,2012-09,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"09.27.12 Barbara Lee Statement on National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement in observance of National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day: September 27th, 2012 marks the 5th Annual National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. In the thirty years since HIV was discovered in the US, we have made great strides in treatment, care and prevention efforts; but much work remains. Gay men in the U.S. represent the largest proportion of new HIV infections--- and for African Americans, the crisis is especially dire. National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is an important opportunity to rededicate ourselves to achieving a world free of AIDS. Congresswoman Lee has been a leader in the fight against the global HIV/AIDS pandemic. She co-authored legislation signed into law creating the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria in 2000, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in 2003, the PEPFAR Reauthorization Act in 2008, and in 2005 legislation addressing the needs of orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS. She has also been a leader in the effort to establish a NationalAIDS Strategy, and is a member ofthe Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health, Human Services & Educationwith jurisdiction over all domesticHIV/AIDS funding. She is the only United States representative on United Nations Development Programme's Global Commission on HIV and the Law and was the original sponsor of legislation that lead to the repeal of the Immigration and Travel ban that barred the entry of HIV positive individuals. The repeal allowed the International AIDS conference to be held in the United States in July 2012. Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter@RepBarbaraLee Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/two-oakland-drug-treatment-programs-to-receive-a-total-of-1-million-in-hhs-grant-funding,Two Oakland Drug Treatment Programs to Receive a Total of $1 million in HHS Grant Funding,2012-09-26,2012,2012-09,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"09.26.12 Two Oakland Drug Treatment Programs to Receive a Total of $1 million in HHS Grant Funding Contact: Katherine Jolly (510) 763-0370 Oakland, CA Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09) announced today that two Oakland health agencies that provide services throughout the Bay Area will receive a total of $1 million in funding through Health and Human Services Mental Health & Substance Abuse Service Grants. Oakland-based AIDS Project of the East Bay and Native American Health Services, Inc will both receive $500,000 to provide HIV and Hepatitis testing, substance abuse treatment, recovery support services and case management to East Bay youth. I am pleased to announce that these two organizations have been selected to receive this vital funding, said Congresswoman Lee. This funding will help support the comprehensive and culturally appropriate treatment that East Bay youth struggling with substance abuse need to assist their path to long term recovery. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-carson-seeks-expand-year-round-access-healthy-food-low-income,Congressman Carson Seeks to Expand Year-round Access to Healthy Food for Low-Income Families,2012-09-25,2012,2012-09,Democrat,House,IN,André Carson,C001072,carson.house.gov,carson,https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman André Carson this week proposed the creation of a new grant program aimed at improving access to locally grown fruit and vegetables for low-income families. The Preserving Healthy Food for the Hungry Act provides federal funding to eligible small farms, cooperatives and urban gardens that wish to utilize state-of-the-art freezing technologies to preserve their harvest. By encouraging the year-round consumption of locally grown fruits and vegetables, this common-sense, deficit-neutral legislation builds upon the critical efforts of food banks and food pantries to improve low-income families' access to affordable, nutritious food. This legislation also draws upon the expertise and resources of land grant institutions like Purdue University to provide access to ""quick"" and ""flash freeze"" equipment and technical assistance for eligible producers. This initiative builds upon these institutions' ongoing efforts to promote healthy eating habits, sustainability and the development of urban gardens in underserved neighborhoods. ""All over our city, families face food deserts, areas that lack convenient access to supermarkets or grocery stores,"" said Congressman Carson. ""Consequently, families find themselves relying instead on convenient stores and fast food restaurants for snacks and meals.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:34Z https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=338432,"Mocksville Boy Scout Pursues ""Citizenship"" Badge with Foxxs Help",2012-09-25,2012,2012-09,Republican,House,NC,Virginia Foxx,F000450,foxx.house.gov,foxx,https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Mocksville Boy Scout Pursues “Citizenship in the Nation” Badge with Help from Rep. Foxx Mocksville Boy Scout John Woodard III traveled to Washington, D.C. with his parents John Sr. and Joan to visit Representative Virginia Foxx (R-NC) at the United States Capitol and earn his Boy Scout “Citizenship in the Nation” merit badge. Representative Virginia Foxx, John Woodard Sr., Joan Woodard, Boy Scout John Woodard III, and House Speaker John Boehner (Photo Attached, High Resolution Available Upon Request) “I am very proud of John and the initiative he showed in coming to our nation’s capitol to see our republic at work,” Representative Foxx stated. “It takes a tremendous amount of commitment to become an Eagle Scout, and I have no doubt that John possesses the discipline and determination needed to reach the Scouts’ highest rank.” “Thank you to Representative Foxx for being so kind,” John added. “I appreciate this wonderful opportunity and learned so much.” John accompanied Representative Foxx on the floor of the House of Representatives for legislative debate and official votes. Representative Foxx also arranged a meeting for John and his parents with House Speaker John Boehner, who took a photo with the family and signed a memento for John. The “Citizenship in the Nation” merit badge is one of 21 that must be earned for a Scout to achieve the rank of Eagle. Eleven-year-old John hopes to earn his Eagle pin before he reaches high school. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:34Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-lee-fights-voter-suppression-efforts-by-preparing-californias-voters-for-election-day,Congresswoman Lee Fights Voter Suppression Efforts by Preparing California's Voters for Election Day,2012-09-25,2012,2012-09,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"09.25.12 Congresswoman Lee Fights Voter Suppression Efforts by Preparing California's Voters for Election Day Oakland, CA On September 25, 2012, National Voter Registration Day, hundreds of East Bay residents joined Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson, Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates, Emeryville Mayor Jennifer West and community leaders to ensure that all voters in California are prepared to vote this fall. In response to moves throughout the country to enact strict voting laws that impose unfair restrictions on eligible voters, Representative Lee and the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) have committed to ensuring that no eligible voter is turned away from the ballot box during early voting and on Election Day. Block-the-vote efforts, like restrictive voter ID laws, could impede as many as five million people from registering to vote and/or casting a ballot. At least 34 states have introduced laws that would require voters to show photo identification in order to vote. At least 12 states have introduced laws that would require proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, to register to vote or to vote. The states that have already cut back on voting rights provide 171 electoral votes in 2012 - 63 percent of the 270 needed to win the presidency. We are engaged in a battle to protect the fundamental, Constitutional right to vote, said Representative Lee. Voter suppression tactics do nothing at all to prevent voter fraud, while disproportionately excluding and disenfranchising people of color, elderly and young adults from their Constitutionally given right to vote. By preparing all Alameda County residents to vote this fall, we are standing in solidarity with communities fighting intense battles against voter suppression efforts throughout the country. Through a coordinated series of events across the country as part of the CBC's ""For the People"" Voter Protection Initiative (H. Res. 542), Congresswoman Lee and her colleagues encouraged eligible voters to register and to make certain that they are prepared to vote on Election Day. ### Follow @RepBarbaraLee on Twitter. Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=338431,"Stop the War on Coal, Mining Jobs",2012-09-21,2012,2012-09,Republican,House,NC,Virginia Foxx,F000450,foxx.house.gov,foxx,https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Foxx Votes to Protect North Carolina Mines and Miners from Government Overreach Representative Virginia Foxx (R-NC) today voted to help end the Obama Administration’s war on coal and support North Carolina’s energy and mining industry from oppressive government regulations. The Coal Miner Employment and Domestic Energy Infrastructure Protection Act (H.R. 3409) passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 233 –175. “The President’s war on coal is a threat to thousands of American jobs, many in my home state of North Carolina,” Congresswoman Foxx stated. “The regulatory assaults propagated by this Administration will only help to make high energy costs rise higher.” “The Coal Miner Employment and Domestic Energy Infrastructure Protection Act provides some necessary accountability to the President’s regulators and will keep them from unilaterally crippling the domestic coal industry.” “America wants energy security. The Keystone Pipeline, coal, and coal-fired plants play a role in getting the country to that point. The President and his regulators should be less invested in subsidizing coal projects in China and more involved in supporting American mines and the jobs they provide.” H.R. 3409 is comprised of a series of bills that aim to stop the unaccountable EPA from imposing a liberal cap-and-tax agenda on the American people through the auspices of the Clean Air Act. Specifically, the Coal Miner Employment and Domestic Energy Infrastructure Protection Act will prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from issuing regulations under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act that will: Adversely impact U.S. coal mining employment; Cause a reduction in coal revenue to governments through regulation of coal mining; Reduce the amount of coal available for domestic consumption or export; Designate any area as unsuitable for surface coal mining and reclamation operations; or Expose the U.S. to liability for taking the value of privately owned coal through regulation. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:34Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-seeks-defense-budget-transparency-with-latest-bill,Congresswoman Barbara Lee Seeks Defense Budget Transparency With Latest Bill,2012-09-21,2012,2012-09,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"09.21.12 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Seeks Defense Budget Transparency With Latest Bill Contact: Katherine Jolly (510) 763-0370 Washington, D.C.Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee introduced the Audit the Pentagon Act of 2012 for increased fiscal transparency and accountability in the defense budget. This bill will reduce the authority of any Federal agency by five percent if it does not receive an independent audit for the previous year. Both military personnel accounts and the Defense Health Program would be exempt from cuts and the President would be granted a national security waiver. The American people want some basic measure of accountability in the way the Pentagon spends their tax dollars., said Congresswoman Lee. The Department of Defense's refusal to provide an audit is recipe for waste, fraud and abuse.Nearly sixty cents of every federal discretionary dollar now goes toward defense spending, and by the Pentagon's own admission, they cannot properly account for how the money is spent. It is time to finally do away with a culture of unlimited spending and no accountability at the Pentagon. As our economy is continuing to rebound from the greatest economic downturn since the Great Depression, this lack of fiscal transparencyin our excessive and bloated defense budgetis unacceptable. Treasury Department reported that for the fiscal year 2011, 32 of 35 major federal agencies received clean audits. Two more, the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department, were partially auditable and making progress, leaving the Department of Defense as the only agency without an audit. If the bill had been law this year, the Department of Defense (DOD) would have faced around $30 billion in cuts. The Government Accountability Office found that the DOD is not consistently able to control costs; ensure basic accountability; anticipate future costs; measure performance, maintain funds control; and prevent and detect fraud, waste and abuse, underscoring the importance of this proposed legislation. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Congresswoman Lee has been a long time critic of the lack of transparency and accountability at the Department of Defense. During the FY2012 and FY2013 Defense Appropriations debates, Congresswoman Lee joined with Congresswoman Schakowsky offered amendments to audit the Pentagon. The Congresswoman is committed to bringing sunlight and financial oversight to the United States Government's largest federal agency. Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/trailblazing-african-american-marines-honored-with-congressional-gold-medal-in-oakland,Trailblazing African American Marines honored with Congressional Gold Medal in Oakland,2012-09-21,2012,2012-09,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"09.21.12 Trailblazing African American Marines honored with Congressional Gold Medal in Oakland Contact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370 Oakland, CA Today, the Office of Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09) honored two former members of the Montford Point Marines, a group of African American servicemen who broke the last color barrier in the US Armed Forces. Sergeant Riley A. McCray (Oakland, CA) and Corporal Lynn L. Williams (Berkeley, CA) received Congressional Gold Medals in a ceremony officiated by the U.S. Marine Corps at the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building in Oakland on Friday, September 21, 2012. Sergeant McCray and Corporal Williams were honored for their service in the Second World War as part of the Montford Point Marines a segregated company of the Marine Corps established following a 1942 Presidential Directive to allow African Americans to serve as Marines. In the face of discrimination and adversity from the Marine Corps and countrymen, these men served their nation throughout the Pacific Theater along with some 20,000 others trained at Montford Point. Despite being denied many basic rights, the Montford Point Marines committed to serve our country with selfless patriotism. Choosing to put their lives on the line, these men helped advance civil rights and influenced President Harry Truman's decision to desegregate the Armed Forces in 1948, wrote President Barack Obama in a letter to the honorees. Embodying the Marine Corps motto of Semper Fidelis, Always Faithful, the heroes paved the way for future generations of warriors, regardless of background, to serve in the finest military the world has ever known. It give me great pleasure to finally publicly honor the service of East Bay's own Montford Point Marine heroes, said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. Their selfless service reminds us of the contributions that so many African Americans have made to our great nation in the face of racism and discrimination and how far we have come as a country. United States Marine Corps Captain Caitlin Ferrarell officiated ceremony. Montford Point Marine representative, Mr. William McDowell, accepted the Congressional Gold Medal on behalf of all Montford Point Marines in a ceremony in Emancipation Hall of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., on June 27. ### Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-holds-hearing-chemical-facility-anti-terrorism-standards,Aderholt Holds Hearing on Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program,2012-09-20,2012,2012-09,Republican,House,AL,Robert B. Aderholt,A000055,aderholt.house.gov,aderholt,https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Demands Answers on Program’s Struggling Site Security Plan Process, Compliance Inspections and Development and Implementation of Personnel Surety Washington, D.C.— Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04), Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on the House Appropriations Committee, today released the following statement after Government Accountability Office (GAO) officials completed their testimony before the Subcommittee regarding the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) Program after the original hearing held on July 26th was postponed due to Congressional votes. “Preventing hazardous chemicals from falling into the wrong hands is a critical component in protecting our homeland,” said Aderholt. “However, the Department’s primary program to address these threats, the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) Program, has at best struggled. Late last year, an internal memo was leaked to the public and offered disturbing insights concerning the management of the CFATS program. With this information this Subcommittee called for a full GAO review and numerous oversight requirements.” “The internal memo detailed that the CFATS program not only lacked well-developed direction, but further identified significant unnecessary expenditures, hiring of inappropriate personnel and other gaps that pose a risk to the program’s vital mission.” “Since its inception over five years ago, Congress has appropriated nearly half a billion dollars to CFATS, however the Department has failed to fully develop an efficient and effective program. This Subcommittee cannot tolerate waste, fraud and abuse, especially when dealing with vital national security programs and at a time when our federal budget is hemorrhaging red ink,” continued Aderholt. “I have said time and time again, dollars spent do not necessary equal security realized. The Department must show evidence of what we’ve gained from the investments made in the CFATS program and put in a plan in place to make this broken program viable. The American people and the industry required to adhere to the program’s standards, deserve no less,” concluded Aderholt.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:34Z https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-carson-focuses-higher-education-introduces-legislation-and,"Congressman Carson Focuses in on Higher Education, Introduces Legislation and Announces New Congressional Caucus",2012-09-20,2012,2012-09,Democrat,House,IN,André Carson,C001072,carson.house.gov,carson,https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman André Carson (IN-7) today zoned in on issues of higher education, introducing legislation that would clarify college employment placement statistics and announcing the creation of the Congressional Higher Education Caucus to encourage more intentional assessment of higher education challenges in America. The Higher Education and Employment Transparency Act, introduced in the House today, seeks to empower college-bound individuals as they make decisions regarding which college or university they will attend. This legislation requires that the Department of Education (via the College Navigator website) and all institutions receiving federal student aid dollars provide a link to up-to-date information on Occupational Employment Statistics, data that shows recent employment trends in major occupations by geographic regions. This information is critical for current and prospective students to properly assess job outlook following graduation. In addition, the bill directs the Department of Education to create clear guidelines for institutions reporting job placement rates, so they indicate if jobs require post-secondary education and whether or not the position is paid or unpaid. ""College-bound individuals rightly ask if they are making a wise investment. But the answer is often unclear because they must wade through a lot of information when deciding where they will pursue their education. Too often, what they receive only scratches the surface of how well a school will prepare them to achieve their selected career,"" Congressman Carson said. ""This bill will make that search easier and require institutions to be more transparent about how their graduates will fare in an increasingly competitive job market."" Congressman Carson went on to say, ""My goal is to give students access to all the information they need to pick the school that will best help them reach their career goals without the burden of crippling debt."" Additionally, Congressman Carson today announced the creation of the Congressional Higher Education Caucus, which will provide a forum for robust discussion and strategic planning on how Congress can better address the challenges facing our system of higher education. ""Members of Congress talk a lot about the problems facing students, but it is rare to come together and discuss real solutions. My hope is that the Higher Education Caucus will encourage open, honest, bipartisan conversations about these critical issues.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:34Z https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=338430,"Foxx, House Vote to Keep Bipartisan Welfare Reform Strong",2012-09-20,2012,2012-09,Republican,House,NC,Virginia Foxx,F000450,foxx.house.gov,foxx,https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Congresswoman Virginia Foxx today praised the successful passage of House Joint Resolution 118 from the House of Representatives. The legislation will prevent President Obama from unilaterally imposing an alternative policy to the successful bipartisan welfare reforms of 1996. “The President might not like Article 1 of the Constitution, but he can’t ignore it. His latest attempt to side-step Congress and undermine the successful bipartisan welfare reforms of 1996 will not be tolerated by the members of this House. “Republicans have a clear record of strengthening the work requirements at the heart of the 1996 welfare reform bill, and we stand with the 83 percent of Americans who want to see them upheld, and not undermined through the substitution of a weaker policy. “Rather than weakening welfare’s work requirements, the President should acknowledge the success of these bipartisan reforms and focus himself on removing tax and regulatory barriers from the private sector so that Americans can find jobs.” House Joint Resolution 118 will counter the overreach of the Executive by: Disapproving of the President’s regulatory effort to weaken welfare reform; Preventing the administration from implementing its plan to waive the work requirements of the 1996 welfare reform law; and Preserving the critical reforms of ‘96 that helped lift millions of American families out of poverty. An identical measure to H.J. Res. 118 is being considered in the Senate. Four Facts About Today’s Vote to Preserve Key Welfare Reforms (Courtesy of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce) Today the House will consider a joint resolution disapproving of the Obama administration’s attempt to undermine welfare reform. Education and the Workforce Committee Chairman John Kline (R-MN) joined Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp (R-MI) and Republican Study Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) in introducing H.J.Res. 118 to block this latest example of executive overreach and preserve policies that have helped millions of low-income families. Here are four facts about today’s vote on H.J.Res. 118: Fact #1. The resolution protects bipartisan reforms that have successfully helped families in need. For the first time in our nation’s history, the 1996 welfare reform law promoted work as an essential component to helping low-income families achieve self-sufficiency. The results exceeded expectations: The number of individuals on welfare dropped by 57 percent; poverty among single-mothers fell 30 percent; black children living in poverty dropped to its lowest level in 2001. These facts point toward successful policies that should be strengthened through future bipartisan cooperation, not unilaterally weakened through executive fiat. Fact #2. The resolution reins in the president’s unlawful and unprecedented waiver scheme. The welfare reform law provides limited and explicit waiver authority to the administration. Nowhere does that waiver authority include the law’s work requirements. According to the Government Accountability Office, no administration has ever granted a waiver of the work requirements – until now. In fact, the Department of Health and Human Services has previously denied requests by states to waive the work requirements citing its lack of authority to grant such a waiver. Fact #3. The resolution demonstrates the right of Congress to review the president’s welfare waiver rule. Not only does the administration lack the legal authority to grant waivers of the welfare work requirements, it is trying to advance its controversial waiver scheme through an end run around Congress. The Government Accountability Office has declared the administration’s waiver plan is a rule under the Congressional Review Act and must be submitted to Congress for review. However, the Obama administration has refused to follow even this basic legal process. Fact #4. The resolution stops a flawed rule that will lead to more government dependency. Before the 1996 welfare reform law, many families were trapped in a cycle of dependency and poverty. Individuals in need of assistance spent an average of 13 years on welfare. By undermining the centerpiece of welfare reform, the president’s waiver plan will unwind the progress we’ve made in moving families off welfare and into the workforce. Recent reports on food stamps provide a startling warning. After President Obama suspended the work requirements in the food stamp program, the number of able-bodied adults receiving food stamps doubled. The facts are clear: today’s vote on this important resolution will protect policies that have helped millions of families in need and rein in the president’s unlawful executive overreach. To learn more about H.J.Res. 118, click here. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:34Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-announces-149-million-in-federal-grant-funding-for-regional-job-training-for-workers-displaced-by-foreign-trade,Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces $14.9 Million in Federal Grant Funding for Regional Job Training for Workers Displaced by Foreign Trade,2012-09-19,2012,2012-09,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"09.19.12 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces $14.9 Million in Federal Grant Funding for Regional Job Training for Workers Displaced by Foreign Trade Contact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370 Oakland, CA Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) announced today that a consortium of 10 East Bay community colleges, which includes Merritt College, Laney College, and Berkeley City College, will be awarded $14.9 million in grants for Design it-Build it-Ship it (DBS), a regional workforce initiative that seeks to retrain displaced workers in emerging manufacturing and technology fields through the Department of Labor's (DOL) Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training Grant Program. The DOL grant program provides eligible institutions of higher education funds to expand and improve their ability to deliver education and career training programs that can be completed in two years or less. The grant program was intended to meet the educational or career training needs of workers who have lost their jobs as a result of foreign trade. The Los Medanos College Consortium was awarded $14.9 million to fund DBS. DBS will create a regional workforce system by developing a regional career path educational system with stackable certificates within and across the 10 DBS Community Colleges, strengthen and link training and referral placement systems that integrate the work of the colleges One Stop Career Center System, and the develop career transfer pathways from the community colleges to the University of California and California State University to facilitate advanced Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics training and education. Colleges in the consortium receiving awards include: Berkeley City College Chabot College College of Alameda Contra Costa College Diablo Valley College Laney College Los Medanos College Merritt College Ohlone College Solano College I am pleased and excited that the consortium representing East Bay colleges was selected to receive this critical and highly competitive funding, said Congresswoman Lee. This funding will provide area community colleges critical funding to help retrain individuals who lost their jobs to foreign trade in emerging manufacturing and technology fields. I have worked closely with many of the education and industry partners in this consortium and am confident that their collaboration will yield real results for the East Bay. Together we are rebuilding an East Bay economy of the future that is built to last. ### Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-lee-statement-on-womens-issues-scorecard,Congresswoman Lee Statement on Women's Issues Scorecard,2012-09-19,2012,2012-09,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"09.19.12 Congresswoman Lee Statement on Women's Issues Scorecard For Immediate Release September 19, 2012 Contact Katherine Jolly (202) 744-7293 Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) released the following statement following today's press conference held by Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, and Congresswoman Janice Schakowsky. The report issued by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce further underlines the persistent, unrelenting War on Women being waged by the Republicans in the House of Representatives. The report shows that the attacks have not been only been targeted at reproductive health care services for women, but have included cuts to funding for nutritional assistance programs for pregnant women, nursing mothers and families."" Of the 55 times that the House Republicans have voted against women in 2011 and 2012, 7 were votes to cut funding for key nutrition programs for women, including votes for significant cuts in Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Cuts such as these are particularly devastating for women of color, poor and low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and infants for whom WIC provides nutrition, food counseling, and support each month. This is just outrageous. As a Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, I will continue to stand and fight for the protection of women's rights, and for investments in families. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=338429,Constitution Day. Read it. Live it. Defend it.,2012-09-17,2012,2012-09,Republican,House,NC,Virginia Foxx,F000450,foxx.house.gov,foxx,https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Today the United States Constitution is 225 years old. What a day for We the People to celebrate! Ours is the shortest and oldest written Constitution of any major government in the world. It is also the most revolutionary. Established within are the principles of individual liberty, limited government, and equality of every person before the law. The republic created thereby requires tending. As citizens we do not take for granted the freedoms protected by our Constitution. We cherish them. We also remember those Americans throughout history who have sacrificed greatly, and those who continue to risk everything, to support and defend the Constitution and pursue a more perfect union.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:34Z https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases/amodei-votes-no-more-solyndras-act,Amodei votes for 'No More Solyndras Act',2012-09-14,2012,2012-09,Republican,House,NV,Mark E. Amodei,A000369,amodei.house.gov,amodei,https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases,scraper,"IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Brian Baluta, 202-225-6155 September 14, 2012 WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-2) today voted in favor of H.R. 6213, the No More Solyndras Act. The bill would prohibit the Department of Energy (DOE) from issuing new loan guarantees through a failed stimulus program. DOE lost hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars through loan guarantees to high-risk companies with political-ties to the Obama Administration that later went bankrupt, including Solyndra in California, Beacon Power in Massachusetts, and Abound Solar in Colorado. ""Government should not be in the business of gambling the taxpayers' money on risky bets that in some cases seem to have been on the basis of political connections to the administration rather than merit,"" said Amodei. ""Nobody is anti-green, but the DOE has provided $1.5 billion in loan guarantees to projects in Nevada alone. And while that was good news for the construction industry here, it created only 137 long-term jobs throughout the state. That’s $11 million per job for a country that is $16 trillion in debt.” In addition to the prohibition on new loan guarantees, the bill would require a review of past and current loan guarantees to evaluate costs, benefits, and whether the money was provided to foreign persons or corporations. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:34Z https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-carsons-statement-rosh-hashanah,Congressman Carson’s Statement on Rosh Hashanah,2012-09-14,2012,2012-09,Democrat,House,IN,André Carson,C001072,carson.house.gov,carson,https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman André Carson today released the following statement on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. This weekend, my Jewish friends in the great Hoosier state and throughout the world begin their celebration of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. For well over 5,000 years, Jewish communities have used this time of year to celebrate their proud history and rich, time-honored traditions. I encourage Hoosiers, and all peoples of faith, to join me this week in celebrating our nation's unique and proud history of religious freedom. And to all those celebrating Rosh Hashanah this Sunday: L'Shanah Tova.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:34Z https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=338428,NO MORE SOLYNDRAS,2012-09-14,2012,2012-09,Republican,House,NC,Virginia Foxx,F000450,foxx.house.gov,foxx,https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"FOXX: NO MORE SOLYNDRAS For the Sake of Taxpayers, the Inept Largesse of Big Government Bureaucrats Has Got to Stop Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC), a member of the House Energy Action (HEAT) Team, today spoke out in defense of taxpayers and in support of the No More Solyndras Act (H.R. 6213) in the House of Representatives. H.R. 6213 passed with a bipartisan vote of 245-161. “The Obama Administration’s energy policies have failed the American people,” Congresswoman Foxx stated. “Keystone was squashed, but a half billion taxpayer dollars were approved to be wasted in support of now-bankrupt Solyndra.” “The inept largesse of Big Government bureaucrats has got to stop. The No More Solyndras Act will help impose protections for taxpayers against the politically-motivated spending binges that stream from this Administration.” No More Solyndras To watch Rep. Foxx’s floor statement, click here. Courtesy of the House Energy & Commerce Committee: The “No More Solyndras Act,” draws upon the lessons of the House Energy & Commerce Committee’s investigation into the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) $535 million loan guarantee to Solyndra, the California solar panel manufacturer that ultimately went bankrupt last September. Here are some of the startling facts discovered during the committee’s investigation into the Obama administration’s highly touted stimulus “success story”: 1) The White House ignored its own experts’ warnings. The administration was warned that Solyndra was a bad bet from the beginning. One Obama administration Office of Management and Budget (OMB) employee wrote in an email in March of 2009 that the Solyndra “deal is NOT ready for prime time.” Another DOE employee prophetically warned that Solyndra would be out of cash in September 2011 – the exact month that the company was raided by the FBI and its doors were shuttered. 2) Solyndra’s rushed approval was for a previously scheduled press event. Documents obtained by the committee show the White House rushed to approve the loan in spite of the warning signs to coincide with the press event for Solyndra’s groundbreaking. An e-mail between OMB staff noted, “Given the time pressure we are under to sign-off on Solyndra, we don’t have time to change the model…” As scheduled, Vice President Biden appeared via satellite at the groundbreaking ceremony just days later and touted Solyndra’s ability to create “permanent jobs.” 3) DOE failed to monitor Solyndra’s financial condition. While a 2010 SEC filing showed Solyndra had never reported a profit, was experiencing negative cash flows, and had cancelled a $300 million initial public stock offering, the DOE failed to adequately monitor Solyndra’s financial condition. After this filing, and after Solyndra laid off employees, Republican members on the House Energy and Commerce Committee began asking questions about the Solyndra loan. Solyndra later attempted to mislead members of the committee by producing a document in July of 2011, entitled “Exceeding Expectations: Solyndra Today” that claimed the company’s financial condition was improving. 4) The Obama administration stonewalled the committee’s investigation. After OMB’s refusal to provide any of its communications and internal documents regarding Solyndra, the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations was forced to issue a subpoena in July 2011, for documents pertaining to the loan. Four months later, after the White House refused to respond to the committee’s request for documents, the committee issued two subpoenas to President Obama’s and Vice President Biden’s Chiefs of Staff for Solyndra-related documents. 5) Solyndra went belly up precisely when predicted. On September 6, 2011, Solyndra, the company that President Obama heralded as “leading the way toward a brighter and more prosperous future,” filed for bankruptcy, resulting in the loss of nearly 1,900 jobs. Just 2 days later on September 8, 2011, the FBI raided the Fremont, California company. Regrettably, the bankruptcy wouldn't have come as a surprise to the Obama administration. In an August 2009 email, DOE staff warned that Solyndra would be out of cash in September 2011: ""(T)he issue is cash balances… (T)he model runs out of cash in September 2011 even in the best case…"" (See Footnote 191 for The Solyndra Failure HERE.) 6) No regrets. In an interview on October 3, 2011, ABC News asked President Obama whether he had any regrets over the Solyndra deal. The president replied, “No I don’t,” and simply that, ""hindsight is always 20-20."" Several months later the president doubled down on deflecting responsibility for Solyndra’s failure by stating, “But understand: This was not our program, per se.” Even as recently as July of 2012, the Acting Executive Director of the DOE Loan Program Office called the program responsible for Solyndra an “enormous success.” 7) The Department of Energy’s restructuring of the Solyndra loan violated the law. The committee’s investigation discovered that DOE knowingly violated the law when it restructured the terms of the loan guarantee and put the interests of wealthy investors ahead of taxpayers. The committee also found DOE employed the “Clinton Defense” in distorting the definition of the word “is” in the statute to legally justify subordination. OMB’s oversight and review of Solyndra’s restructuring occurred under then-director, now White House Chief of Staff Jack Lew’s tenure. Despite warnings from an agency analyst that saving Solyndra could cost taxpayers more than allowing the solar company to fail, Lew failed to stop the restructuring when he had the opportunity. (See section VII of The Solyndra Failure HERE.) 8) It wasn’t just Solyndra. Documents obtained by the committee exposed a startling relationship between Solyndra and another stimulus-backed project. Solyndra was a key supplier for Prologis’ Project Amp, a solar panel installation project and the recipient of a partial loan guarantee for $1.4 billion. The committee’s investigation showed the White House was well aware of Solyndra’s deteriorating financial condition when it allowed DOE to move forward with Project Amp. DOE would later use the relationship between Project Amp and Solyndra as a key bargaining tool to push for a second restructuring while directly engaging in last minute negotiations between Solyndra and the Project Amp sponsor. Additionally, other DOE loan guarantee recipients under the same loan guarantee program have either failed or are running out of cash. It is this program that the “No More Solyndras Act” phases out. 9) Solyndra backers had close political connections to the White House. As reported by ABC News, ""One of Solyndra's major investors was George Kaiser, an Oklahoma billionaire who raised between $50,000 and $100,000 for Obama during the 2008 election."" ABC also reported that ""Kaiser is one of several Obama campaign supporters who had a stake in companies that later received federal loans…"" George Kaiser was closely involved in important decisions related to Solyndra through the life of the loan guarantee. According to the committee’s report, “Individuals connected to the George Kaiser Family Foundation (GKFF) — whose primary investment arm, Argonaut, was Solyndra’s largest shareholder — played important roles in a series of critical discussions and negotiations with DOE. George Kaiser, whose fortune funds the GKFF, was closely involved in financial decisions related to Solyndra, often authorizing key disbursements and restructuring proposals, as well as in Solyndra’s lobbying, public relations, and government procurement strategies in Washington.” (See page 4-5 of The Solyndra Failure HERE) 10) As Solyndra’s bankruptcy unfolds, it’s like rubbing salt into the taxpayers’ wound. While American taxpayers are stuck footing the bill for the Solyndra failure, Solyndra’s private investors, including George Kaiser, now stand to gain hundreds of millions of dollars in tax breaks from Solyndra’s bankruptcy. For more information on the “No More Solyndras Act,” click here. To view the committee report, The Solyndra Failure, click here. To view The Solyndra Failure’s supporting documents, click here. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:34Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/2012/09/14/barbara-lee-commemorates-national-hispanic-heritage-month,Barbara Lee Commemorates National Hispanic Heritage Month,2012-09-14,2012,2012-09,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"09.14.12 Barbara Lee Commemorates National Hispanic Heritage Month For Immediate Release WASHINGTON D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement today in observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, which is observed from September 15 to October 15: As a proud member of the Tri-Caucus the coalition of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Congressional Black Caucus, and the Asian Pacific American Caucus it is my honor to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month and its importance to our nation. I have the privilege of serving a thriving and engaged Latino community in my 9th Congressional District and have been able to witness firsthand their record of achievement in every facet of our richly diverse community. For generations, Hispanic American intellectuals, writers, artists, workers, activists, teachers, entrepreneurs, and leaders have enriched my district and our nation as they worked to achieve the American dream. While Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate and honor the numerous contributions of Latinos in the United States, it is also a time to reflect on the struggles and hardship the community continues to face. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, 6.1 million, or 35% of all Latino children, were living in poverty. These tragic numbers demonstrate the need to continue building our economy and helping the vulnerable who are working hard to realize the American dream. Unfortunately the economy is not the Latino community's only concern. Many Latinos experience intolerance, racism, and discrimination, whether they were born here, are legal permanent residents or American citizens, or are undocumented. Additionally, others face a flawed immigration system that is slow, insensitive, and broken. For this reason, I applauded President Obama's decision to grant deferred action to children that came here through no fault of their own. While I will continue advocating for the passage of the DREAM Act, I believe this is a step in the right direction meant to strengthen our country and provide these hard working individuals with the resources they need to become the next generation of leaders, teachers, scientists, and service members among other things. These young people have succeeded and will continue to succeed because of their tireless work ethic and passionate love for our country and we should be working to lift them up, not tear them down. During this Hispanic Heritage Month let us reflect with appreciation the contributions that Latinos have made to our country and together extend our commitment to improve our communities, lift more of the vulnerable out of poverty, and invest in all of our children to empower a diverse generation that will be the next leaders of our country. Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases/amodei-criticizes-blm-using-sage-hen-block-energy-development,Amodei criticizes BLM for using sage hen to block energy development,2012-09-13,2012,2012-09,Republican,House,NV,Mark E. Amodei,A000369,amodei.house.gov,amodei,https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases,scraper,"I continue to marvel at the Nevada BLM Office's unilateral policy of shutting down multiple hundreds of thousands of acres from responsible leasing programs, which give no right to do anything on the area leased without additional BLM applications IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Brian Baluta, 202-225-6155 September 13, 2012 WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-2) today expressed profound disappointment with the Nevada State Office of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) after receiving the agency news release announcing the exclusion of more than a quarter of a million acres in the Ely District from its most recent oil and gas competitive lease sale. The presence of the sage hen habitat is cited by the BLM as the basis for excluding two thirds of what was to be a 376,618 acre lease offering. He released the following statement: ""I continue to marvel at the Nevada BLM Office's unilateral policy of shutting down multiple hundreds of thousands of acres from responsible leasing programs, which give no right to do anything on the area leased without additional BLM applications and permits, under the auspices of sage hen habitat protection. ""Nevada is not losing sage hen habitat due to competitive lease sales by Nevada BLM. It is losing habitat acres to wildfire. The misguided notion that regulating agribusiness, energy leasing and exploration, and the minerals industry will solve Nevada's habitat loss history is bureaucratic fantasy. ""In a fire season to date, which has resulted in nearly half a million additional acres of sage hen habitat destroyed by wildland fire, I continue to hope that Nevada's federal land managers will deal with the true habitat threats instead of focusing on a headlong rush to preclude responsible economic development and multiple use polices. ""Sage hen habitat in Nevada is not being overrun by mines, cows, or American energy development. It is burning up in wildland fires on BLM-owned acreage. That circumstance should be the primary focus of our federal land managers. ""It's time to manage fuels around the remaining habitat first rather than activities that account for almost none of the habitat threat."" # # # 2012-09-13 08:24:00 2012-09-13 08:27:00 2012-09-13 08:22:00 False False",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:34Z https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases/amodei-nevada-conference-facilities-offer-taxpayer-value,Amodei: Nevada conference facilities offer taxpayer-value,2012-09-13,2012,2012-09,Republican,House,NV,Mark E. Amodei,A000369,amodei.house.gov,amodei,https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases,scraper,"IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Brian Baluta, 202-225-6155 September 13, 2012 WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-2) praised the passage yesterday ofH.R. 4631, the Government Spending Accountability Act of 2012, which shifts the oversight focus of government conferences to spending limits and taxpayer-value rather than a prohibition on locations that may offer gaming or spa services. ""Conference facilities throughout Nevada were being blacklisted from hosting government meetings because their names may include the words 'resort' or 'casino', despite the fact that these businesses offer exceptional value to the taxpayers,"" said Amodei. ""This legislation rightly moves the onus away from our world-class hospitality industry and puts it squarely on the government bureaucrats who spent lavishly on such things as mind-readers and bicycle-building exercises."" Amodei said he and his staff made efforts to educate his House colleagues on the value Nevada's conference facilities can provide both in terms of highly-competitive rates, as well as travel expenses owing to its central location in the West. The bill would require agencies to provide quarterly reports to Congress about meetings or events involving travel expenses paid with federal funds. It would prohibit agencies from spending more than $500,000 to support a single conference, and each agency would be required to post, on their public website, detailed information on any presentation made by any employee of that agency at a conference, as well as reports on the conferences for which the agency paid travel expenses. The reports would include, among other things, itemized expenses paid by the agency and a brief explanation of how the participation advanced the mission of the agency. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:34Z https://desjarlais.house.gov/media-center?ID=098A1B46-49BF-4655-AD76-21FA2D4D9C90,U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais Honored as Guardian of Small Business by NFIB,2012-09-13,2012,2012-09,Republican,House,TN,Scott DesJarlais,D000616,desjarlais.house.gov,desjarlais,https://desjarlais.house.gov/media-center,scraper,"The National Federation of Independent Business, the nation’s leading small business association, today named U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais (TN-4) a Guardian of Small Business for his outstanding voting record on behalf of America’s small-business owners in the 112th Congress. NFIB President and CEO Dan Danner praised Rep. DesJarlais for “standing for small business.” In presenting the group’s coveted Guardian of Small Business Award, Danner said, “Small-business owners pay close attention to how their lawmakers vote on the issues affecting their businesses and employees and stand by those who stand for them.” “The record shows that Rep. DesJarlais is a true champion of small business, having stood strong on the key small-business votes in the 112th Congress,” said Danner. “This award reflects our members’ appreciation for supporting the NFIB pro-growth agenda for small business.” In all, NFIB will present Guardian awards to 245 Representatives who voted favorably on key small business issues at least 70 percent of the time during the 112th Congress.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:34Z https://fleischmann.house.gov/media/press-releases/chuck-fleischmann-receives-guardian-small-business-award,Chuck Fleischmann receives “Guardian of Small Business Award”,2012-09-13,2012,2012-09,Republican,House,TN,"Charles J. ""Chuck"" Fleischmann",F000459,fleischmann.house.gov,fleischmann,https://fleischmann.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON−Congressman Chuck Fleischmann was awarded the “Guardian of Small Business Award,” by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation’s leading small business advocate. “Small business is the heart and soul of our American free enterprise system. Whether it’s reducing taxes, removing regulations, or cutting spending, I work hard every day on behalf of Tennessee’s small businesses. That’s why I am thrilled to be recognized for my efforts by an organization that truly fights for the American dream,” Fleischmann said.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:34Z https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=338425,A Successful Policy like the 1996 Welfare Reform Merits Defending,2012-09-13,2012,2012-09,Republican,House,NC,Virginia Foxx,F000450,foxx.house.gov,foxx,https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Foxx Praises Committee Passage of Resolution Preserving Work Requirements for Welfare Programs Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) today praised the passage of House Joint Resolution 118 from the Education and Workforce Committee. H.J. Res. 118 will preserve federal work requirements for welfare programs from being dismantled by President Obama’s Health and Human Services Department. “Members of the House Education & Workforce Committee did what we had to do today to protect successful welfare reforms from being gutted by the Obama Administration,” Congresswoman Foxx stated. “The bipartisan welfare reforms of the mid-nineties were centered around work requirements for capable individuals. That particular commonsense reform helped pave a way for many Americans and their families to escape cyclical poverty, and got many of them off the welfare rolls altogether. A successful policy like that merits defending.” “Why the President and his HHS Secretary decided to attempt to undermine the success of welfare reform is beyond me. Only Congress can change public law, not the Executive. The majority of members stand with the 83 percent of Americans who want to see welfare work requirements upheld.” The success of the 1996 Welfare Reform Act is well documented: The number of individuals on the welfare rolls dropped by 57 percent; Poverty among all single mothers fell by 30 percent; Poverty among black children dropped to its lowest level in 2001; and Employment and earnings among single mothers increased significantly. H.J. Res. 118 will: Convey the disapproval of Congress for the Obama Administration’s attempt to bypass the legislature and weaken welfare reform; Prevent the Administration from implementing its unilateral plan to waive the work requirements of the 1996 Welfare Reform Law; and Preserve critical reforms that have helped lift millions of American families out of poverty. Background On July 12, 2012 the Obama Administration’s Department of Health and Human Services issued an information memorandum announcing it would be unilaterally waiving the work requirements central to the 1996 Welfare reforms enacted by a Republican Congress with the support of President Bill Clinton. The 1996 Welfare Reform Act includes a clause that specially prohibits the Executive Branch from changing the work requirements established within the law. The Government Accountability Office’s General Counsel, Lynn H. Gibson, weighed in on the Executive’s unilateral action on September 4, noting that the memorandum issued by HHS on July 12 “is a statement of general applicability and future effect, designed to implement, interpret, or prescribe law or policy with regard to TANF… Accordingly, the Information Memorandum is a rule under the Congressional Review Act.” As a rule, he continued, the HHS policy directive “must be submitted to Congress and the comptroller general before taking effect.” H.J. Res. 118 will advance to the full House of Representatives for consideration next week. An identical version of the resolution is moving through the Senate. In addition to her support of H.J. Res. 118, Foxx is a cosponsor of H.R. 6140, the Preserving Work Requirements for Welfare Programs Act. Like H.J. Res. 118, this legislation would specifically prohibit the President’s Health and Human Services Secretary from acting outside the limits of the 1996 Welfare Reform Act by waiving work requirements. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:34Z https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=338426,Foxx: President Should Stop Holding Defense Hostage to Advance Class Warfare Agenda,2012-09-13,2012,2012-09,Republican,House,NC,Virginia Foxx,F000450,foxx.house.gov,foxx,https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Foxx Supports National Security & Job Protection Act to Avert Coming Defense Cuts Representative Virginia Foxx (R-NC) voted today to support the most recent House Republican proposal to avert the devastating Defense cuts scheduled to take place in January. The National Security and Job Protection Act (H.R. 6365) is the 2nd piece of legislation to be passed through the House of Representatives that would spare the military from the brunt of these cuts. “The President and Congressional Democrats have got to stop holding defense hostage in order to advance their class warfare agenda,” Congresswoman Foxx stated. “At minimum, the President should submit a plan to the American people for how he expects our military to absorb these cuts without compromising national security. He’s failed to do even that.” “Republicans are ready and willing to work with the President to maintain our strong military in the midst of this uncertain world. I urge the Senate to leave tax demagoguery for another day and immediately take up the National Security and Job Protection Act and send it to the President.” The following are some of the effects the Defense sequester will have, if allowed to persist by President Obama: 200,000 soldiers and Marines will be separated from service, bringing forces well below pre-9/11 levels; Ability to respond to contingencies in North Korea or Iran will be jeopardized; The ground force will be at its smallest since 1940; The U.S. fleet will have fewer than 230 ships, its smallest level since 1915; The Air Force will have its smallest tactical fighter force in history; The nuclear triad that has kept the U.S. and 30 of its allies safe for decades will be in jeopardy; and Two BRAC rounds of base closings. What Military Leaders are Saying about the Coming Sequester: Defense Secretary Leon Panetta:“If the maximum sequestration is triggered, the total cut will rise to about $1 trillion compared with the FY 2012 plan. The impacts of these cuts would be devastating for the Department… Facing such large reductions, we would have to reduce the size of the military sharply. Rough estimates suggest after ten years of these cuts, we would have the smallest ground force since 1940, the smallest number of ships since 1915, and the smallest Air Force in its history.” General Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff:, “[S]equestration leaves me three places to go to find the additional money: operations, maintenance, and training. That’s the definition of a hollow force.” General Ray T. Odierno, Chief Of Staff, United States Army: “Cuts of this magnitude would be catastrophic to the military…My assessment is that the nation would incur an unacceptable level of strategic and operational risk.” Admiral Jonathan W. Greenert, Chief of Naval Operations:“A severe and irreversible impact on the Navy’s future.” General James F. Amos, Commandant of the Marine Corps:“A Marine Corps below the end strength that’s necessary to support even one major contingency.” General Norton A. Schwartz, Former Chief of Staff, United States Air Force:“Even the most thoroughly deliberated strategy may not be able to overcome dire consequences.” # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:34Z https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=338427,Foxx Statement on Foreign Aid Funding in House Continuing Resolution,2012-09-13,2012,2012-09,Republican,House,NC,Virginia Foxx,F000450,foxx.house.gov,foxx,https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Representative Virginia Foxx (R-NC) issued the following statement concerning unacceptable foreign aid commitments in the Continuing Resolution considered today in the House of Representatives: “As my voting record to-date shows, I have acted time-and-again to ensure funding for critical federal obligations, but the tragic events of this week demand a review of our policies regarding foreign aid. “Under the current circumstances and without the proper safeguards, it is absurd to commit American taxpayers to support foreign countries and entities that fail to secure our diplomats or are unapologetically hostile to our liberties or our allies abroad. “Because the Continuing Resolution does not resolve my concerns with foreign aid, I could not support it at this time. “It is my hope that when the short-term funding bill expires in six months’ time Congress will take action to better control and restrict funding for objectionable foreign assistance.” # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:34Z https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases/amodei-statement-attacks-against-us-foreign-service-libya-and-egypt,Amodei statement on attacks against U.S. Foreign Service in Libya and Egypt,2012-09-12,2012,2012-09,Republican,House,NV,Mark E. Amodei,A000369,amodei.house.gov,amodei,https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases,scraper,"The assassination of the U.S. ambassador to Libya, Christopher Stevens, and three other Americans in Benghazi, Libya is no different from the evil we witnessed 11 years ago. They died in honorable service to our country and we grieve with their families. IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Brian Baluta, 202-225-6155 September 12, 2012 WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-2) today released the following statement regarding the attacks on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libyaand the U.S. embassy in Cairo, Egypt: ""The assassination of the U.S. ambassador to Libya, Christopher Stevens, and three other Americans in Benghazi, Libya is no different from the evil we witnessed 11 years ago. They died in honorable service to our country and we grieve with their families. ""That this terrorist attack, along with the storming of our embassy in Cairo, Egypt by a violent mob, took place on September 11 should underscore for all Americans the nature of our enemies and the vital need to stand by our friends. ""The fact that the host countries have mildly reacted to the attacks of the past 48 hours makes it abundantly clear that this administration's support for their rise to power is another example of a failure in policy. ""When it comes to the perpetrators of this violence, America has nothing to apologize for. With respect to our allies, such as Israel, now more than ever it's necessary that we draw close and send clear messages to the world as to what we stand for and what we will not abide. ""I pray for all Americans in service to their country overseas. It is a sad day for the subject of leadership in foreign policy and I'm afraid it represents the next chapter after the debacle that was the Iranian hostage crisis."" # # # 2012-09-12 08:47:00 2012-09-12 08:47:00 2012-09-12 08:45:00 False False",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:34Z https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-carsons-statement-regarding-attack-americans-benghazi,Congressman Carson’s Statement Regarding the Attack on Americans in Benghazi,2012-09-12,2012,2012-09,Democrat,House,IN,André Carson,C001072,carson.house.gov,carson,https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman André Carson today released the following statement regarding the killing of U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens and other members of the U.S. diplomatic corps: During his tour in Libya, U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens served as a devoted public servant and fitting embodiment of American ideals. He and his team, including Information Officer Sean Smith, were not combatants; they were allies to the Libyan people, empowering their pursuit of democracy and offering insight into the transition for a better future. I join all Americans in mourning the loss of Ambassador Stevens, Foreign Service Officer Sean Smith, and the other Americans who were killed in this act of senseless violence. The actions of this extremist mob are deplorable and should be condemned by anyone who hopes for peace and democracy throughout the world. While the attackers may have invoked what they believe to be their faith, violence is not Islam; it is a perversion of it.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:34Z https://fleischmann.house.gov/media/press-releases/chuck-fleischmann-statement-libyan-embassy-attack,Chuck Fleischmann statement on the Libyan Embassy attack,2012-09-12,2012,2012-09,Republican,House,TN,"Charles J. ""Chuck"" Fleischmann",F000459,fleischmann.house.gov,fleischmann,https://fleischmann.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON−Congressman Chuck Fleischmann made the following remarks following news of the attack on the US Embassy in Libya that resulted in four deaths, including Ambassador Christopher Stevens. ""The attack on our Embassy in Libya is an attack on our nation, and on our values of free expression. Every day, champions of liberty find themselves under siege by those who resort to violence to enforce their values upon us. We must remain vigilant and confident as a society in defense of our values. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of Ambassador Christopher Stevens and the victims of this attack.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:34Z https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=338424,Foxx Condemns Attack Against American Diplomats in Libya,2012-09-12,2012,2012-09,Republican,House,NC,Virginia Foxx,F000450,foxx.house.gov,foxx,https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) issued the following statement today: ""I am outraged and saddened by the deplorable attack waged by a violent mob against the American diplomatic embassy in Libya on the evening of September 11th. ""My prayers are with the families of those we lost yesterday in Benghazi, including that of our Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens. Today, the nation certainly mourns with them. ""The United States government cannot tolerate violence against our diplomats, and we must take appropriate action to secure our interests and our citizens whenever and wherever they are threatened throughout the world."" # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:34Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-issues-statement-on-attack-in-benghazi-libya,"Barbara Lee Issues Statement on Attack in Benghazi, Libya",2012-09-12,2012,2012-09,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"09.12.12 Barbara Lee Issues Statement on Attack in Benghazi, Libya Contact: Katherine Jolly (202) 744-7293 Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following response to the killing of U.S. Ambassador to Libya Chris Stevens and three Embassy staff: I condemn in the strongest terms the attack on our diplomatic post in Benghazi and I extend my thoughts and prayers to the families, friends and loved ones of all the victims of these heinous acts. Among those killed was a son of California and the Bay Area, Ambassador Chris Stevens, who attended Piedmont High School and Cal Berkeley in my congressional district. By any account, his service to our nation was exceptional. Those who knew him well describe him as an unflappable diplomat. Certainly, his service, and the service of those lost must be held up as an example of what is best about our nation and the better, stronger future for our country they were working to achieve. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-calls-for-urgent-response-to-poverty-crisis,Congresswoman Barbara Lee Calls for Urgent Response to Poverty Crisis,2012-09-12,2012,2012-09,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"09.12.12 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Calls for Urgent Response to Poverty Crisis Contact: Katherine Jolly (202) 744-7293 Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), co-chair of the Congressional Out of Poverty Caucus, issued the following response to the figures released by the U.S. Census Bureau showing 46.2 million Americans living in poverty. The data also displays a wide racial disparity, with the poverty rate for non-Hispanic whites standing at 9.8 percent, while the rates for African Americans and Hispanics remain unacceptably high at 27.6 percent and 25.3 percent, respectively. The Census numbers released today underscore the urgent need to act boldly and quickly to create jobs in this country, protect our safety net, and target resources to communities of color who were hit hardest by the economic downturn. It is beyond shameful that over 45 million Americans, including over 16 million children, are living in poverty in the wealthiest nation in the world. Now is not the time to turn our backs on struggling families just to preserve or even expand tax giveaways to millionaires and billionaires. We must come together to wage a war on poverty and end the war on the poor, which have already been devastated by multiple rounds of budget cuts that are hurting families across this country. The President took swift action to stop a depression, prevent millions from slipping into poverty through the Recovery Act and to get the economy growing again, but much work remains. Far too many Americans are continuing to suffer joblessness and poverty because of Republican obstructionism. Republicans in Congress have continually blocked efforts to extend and expand vital safety net programs which safeguard millions of American children and families who face the stark realities of unemployment, hunger and homelessness each and every day. It is wholly unacceptable that poverty rates for African Americans and Hispanics remain nearly three times as high as whites. We must commit to investing in targeted programs that bring an end to the structural inequity that continues to hold our entire economy back. We should be extending benefits for the long-term unemployed and ensuring access to important nutrition benefits like SNAP and WIC. Additionally, we should be investing in more affordable housing, targeting economic development to help the communities hardest hit by the downturn, and by passing the American Jobs Act to boost hiring and employment. Click here for the U.S. Census Bureau Full Report: http://www.census.gov/prod/2012pubs/p60-243.pdf Congresswoman Lee is a founding member and Co-Chair of the Out of Poverty Caucus, created in 2005 in response to the rising rates of poverty caused by the Bush Administration's failed economic policies. She is the author of H.R. 3300, the Half in Ten Act, to create an interagency taskforce to develop and implement a national strategy to cut poverty in half and also introduced and passed in the 110th Congress, H. Con. Res. 198, which committed the Congress to set a national goal of cutting poverty in half over the next 10 years . ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases/amodei-statement-11th-anniversary-september-11-terrorist-attacks,Amodei statement on 11th anniversary of September 11 terrorist attacks,2012-09-11,2012,2012-09,Republican,House,NV,Mark E. Amodei,A000369,amodei.house.gov,amodei,https://amodei.house.gov/news-releases,scraper,"On a day when we witnessed unimaginable evil perpetuated by cowards, we can instead remember the 2,977 victims and their families, the bravery of the first responders, the heroism of Flight 93, and the dedication of our service men and women IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Brian Baluta, 202-225-6155 September 11, 2012 WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-2) today released the following statement on the 11th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks: ""On a day when we witnessed unimaginable evil perpetuated by cowards, we can instead remember the 2,977 victims and their families, the bravery of the first responders, the heroism of Flight 93, and the dedication of our service men and women who have given so much to keep us safe since the attacks. May we never forget."" # # # 2012-09-11 07:44:00 2012-09-11 07:44:00 2012-09-11 07:42:00 False False",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:34Z https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-carsons-statement-anniversary-911,Congressman Carson’s Statement on the Anniversary of 9/11,2012-09-11,2012,2012-09,Democrat,House,IN,André Carson,C001072,carson.house.gov,carson,https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman André Carson today released the following statement in recognition of the 11th anniversary of 9/11: Eleven years ago today, the American people endured an unforgettable tragedy. Over the course of just a few hours in New York City, Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon in Virginia, America lost nearly 3,000 of her sons and daughters. It was an unspeakable act, an attack designed to weaken the American spirit and darken the hope that defines this great nation. But we were not broken. Heroes rushed into the burning buildings, and Americans of every background came together to hold one another up in the face of this unimaginable act of evil. More than a decade later, we remain a nation devoted to the simple truth that freedom will always prevail over fear, and regardless of the challenges we face, America stands strong.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:34Z https://fleischmann.house.gov/media/press-releases/chuck-fleischmann-statement-anniversary-911-attacks,Chuck Fleischmann statement on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks,2012-09-11,2012,2012-09,Republican,House,TN,"Charles J. ""Chuck"" Fleischmann",F000459,fleischmann.house.gov,fleischmann,https://fleischmann.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON−Congressman Chuck Fleischmann made the following remarks in commemoration of the 11th Anniversary of the September 11th attacks. ""On September 11, 2001, our nation was attacked by al-Qaeda terrorists. Enemies of civilization, these terrorists targeted and murdered nearly 3000 innocent Americans. To this day, I still vividly remember watching in horror as the twin towers collapsed. The images of the collapsing towers, the damaged Pentagon, and the wreckage of Flight 93 in Pennsylvania are forever burned into my mind. ""Despite the evil of the attack, stories of heroes emerged: Passengers on Flight 93 who stormed the cockpit and prevented an additional attack, firemen and policemen who gave their lives to help workers escape the twin towers, and Father Mychal Judge, who died on scene while administering last rights to the fallen. These stories inspire us, and remind us of the importance of standing up to evil. Of course, no discussion of heroes is complete without mentioning all of the troops who served our nation in response to the attacks. ""Today we honor and remember the dead. We thank those who served, the firemen, police officers, and soldiers who risk their lives every day to keep us safe. May the fallen rest in peace.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:34Z https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=338423,September 11: No American Will Ever Forget that Day,2012-09-11,2012,2012-09,Republican,House,NC,Virginia Foxx,F000450,foxx.house.gov,foxx,https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Foxx Statement on Anniversary of September 11th “No American Will Ever Forget What Happened to our Nation” Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R-North Carolina) issued the following statement today in recognition of the 11th anniversary of the attacks against the United States on September 11, 2011: “No American will ever forget what happened to us – to our nation - eleven years ago today. “We remember exactly where we were and what we were doing when we watched the tragedy of September 11th unfold. But we also recount how in the midst of fear and uncertainty, so many Americans acted as heroes and gave of themselves for the sake of their country and their city, and to help their fellow man. “The darkness of that day did not prevail, nor will it. An attack meant to bring us to our knees instead brought us together, and prompted a generation of protectors – Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines – to rise up in defense of freedom and in pursuit of peace. “So today, in our thoughts and prayers we lift up the families of the fallen in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania; we give thanks for the bravery of first responders who ran toward the burning buildings, and away from safety; we honor the men and women whose last moments were committed to love of country and their fellow man; and we pray for the safety of those men and women still deployed throughout the world on the mission that began that day. “May we live worthy of their legacy.” # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:34Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-lee-issues-statement-on-the-eleventh-anniversary-of-the-9/11-attacks,Congresswoman Lee Issues Statement on the Eleventh Anniversary of the 9/11 Attacks,2012-09-11,2012,2012-09,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"09.11.12 Congresswoman Lee Issues Statement on the Eleventh Anniversary of the 9/11 Attacks Contact: Katherine Jolly (510) 763-0370 Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09) issued the following statement on the eleventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001: Today, we as a nation commemorate the eleventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001. This anniversary is yet again a sobering moment for our country and a reminder that we must always remember those who perished in this appalling act of violence. As we observe the eleventh anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, we pause to honor and remember the men, women and children whose lives were lost on this tragic and sad day in Pennsylvania, New York and Washington, DC. We continue to extend our deepest sympathies to their families, friends and loved ones, and we again salute the heroism and courage exhibited by the first responders law enforcement personnel, volunteers and others who risked their lives, and in many cases sacrificed their own lives, to help others. We owe a debt of gratitude to these first responders, and we must ensure that we repay their service and sacrifice by ensuring that those who were exposed to the toxic aftermath of these attacks receive the requisite health care to address their needs. Here at home, each of us can honor the lives lost on 9/11 by participating in the National Day of Service and Remembrance. I encourage everyone to take time to reflect, to give back, and to rededicate ourselves to the ideals that unite us as Americans. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit http://www.serve.gov/sept11.asp ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-visits-arizona-mexican-border-meets-border-and-customs-agents,"Aderholt Visits the Arizona-Mexican Border, Meets with Border and Customs Agents",2012-09-10,2012,2012-09,Republican,House,AL,Robert B. Aderholt,A000055,aderholt.house.gov,aderholt,https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Aderholt Visits the Arizona-Mexico Border, Meets with Border and Customs Agents Washington, D.C. — Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04), Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on the House Appropriations Committee, released the following statement after visiting the Arizona-Mexican border to meet with Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials to see the implementation of current border security programs on the ground. “During August I traveled over 2,000 miles and had the opportunity to meet with countless Alabamians. High on their list of concerns are securing our nation’s borders and getting our country’s fiscal house in order. Most of all I heard from folks that they have hope our nation will get back on track. Protecting our borders is one of the core responsibilities of the federal government and over the past few years the Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee has worked to robustly support frontline personnel and operations and do it in a fiscally responsible way,” said Aderholt. “Seeing those operations first-hand is a critical component of my role as Chairman and it was an honor and a privilege to meet with the brave men and women serving at our border,” said Aderholt. “I have often said dollars spent do not necessarily equal security realized. Simply pumping money into a program does not guarantee its success and oversight of these critical, but costly border security initiatives is vital to ensure we yield the best results in our nation’s investment at the border. In visiting these facilities last week, I was able to see a variety of key border security initiatives at work and discuss the successes and struggles of current programs, technologies and missions with the folks on the ground in our nation’s day-to-day border security operations,” continued Aderholt. “Visits like this one are an immense opportunity for me as a steward of taxpayers limited resources, to not only provide oversight of those dollars already appropriated, but also help guide the Subcommittee in where we put resources going forward,” concluded Aderholt. Aderholt visited several Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities along the Southwest border, including the Joint Field Command Headquarters in Tucson, Arizona; the Bear Valley Forward Operating Camp; Ft. Huachuca for CBP air operations; the DeConcini Port of Entry, Mariposa Port of Entry for cargo processing, and the Nogales Border Patrol Station in Nogales, Arizona; and the I-19 Checkpoint. Additionally, the Congressman received both aerial and ground tours of the border terrain in which CBP operates between the ports of entry. Aderholt currently serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Homeland Security for the powerful House Appropriations Committee, is a member of the Committee’s Commerce, Justice and Science; and Agriculture Subcommittees, and also serves on the Helsinki Commission. For more information about Aderholt’s work in Congress visit www.aderholt.house.gov. Congressmen Aderholt and CBP agents and officials approaching Bear Valley Forward Operating Camp along the Arizona-Mexican border Congressmen Aderholt examines an unattended ground sensor camera with the Border Patrol Tech Team Congressman Aderholt with Joint Field Command Leadership at the Tucson Sector Headquarters Congressman Aderholt talks with Patrol Agent in Charge of the Nogales Station, Chief Leslie Lawson",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:34Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/lee-to-gop-stop-standing-in-the-way-of-moving-our-economy-forward,Lee to GOP: Stop Standing in the Way of Moving Our Economy Forward,2012-09-09,2012,2012-09,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"09.09.12 Lee to GOP: Stop Standing in the Way of Moving Our Economy Forward Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following response to the figures released by the Department of Labor showing the economy added 96,000 jobs and the unemployment rate fell slightly to 8.1 percent in August: The August report marked the 30th consecutive month of private sector job growth, adding 103,000 private sector jobs. While the overall unemployment rate dropped to 8.1 percent from 8.3 percent, African American joblessness remains unacceptably high at 14.1 percent and 10.2 percent for Latinos. While rates of unemployment for African Americans have lowered since last summer when it reached a 28 year high, continuing losses in public sector jobs disproportionately impact communities of color. Republicans in Congress must end their obstructionist agenda and work with Congressional Democrats and President Obama to reignite the American dream and put Americans back to work. Passing the American Jobs Act will get struggling Americans into good paying jobs and strengthen the American economy for all. Passing the American Jobs Act would also accelerate job creation in communities of color by investing in our infrastructure, increasing job training efforts, and strengthening the public sector to prevent layoffs and to enable states to rehire hundreds of thousands of teachers, construction workers and first responders. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://desjarlais.house.gov/media-center?ID=2AD622B6-CAC1-4760-A539-1EA44B227161,Representative DesJarlais Statement on August Unemployment Numbers,2012-09-07,2012,2012-09,Republican,House,TN,Scott DesJarlais,D000616,desjarlais.house.gov,desjarlais,https://desjarlais.house.gov/media-center,scraper,"On Friday, September 07, 2012, the Labor Department released an economic report showing that U.S. employers added less than the expected 96,000 jobs in August. Additionally, the department stated that the unemployment rate went from 8.3% to 8.1% due to 368,000 people simply dropping out of the labor force last month and not even looking for a job. Representative DesJarlais issued the following statement: “If only the answer to our jobs crisis was soaring rhetoric and well delivered speeches, this nation would be ushering in a new era of prosperity and not 43 consecutive months of unemployment above eight percent. Unfortunately for the president, the solutions to fixing our economy aren’t located on a teleprompter. Rather, the path to a brighter future will be paved by American entrepreneurs and small business owners across our country. Yet this administration continues to put up roadblocks to their success in the form of more regulation, more spending and more government. The results of these actions speak for themselves. “We know that in order to get our country back on track, it is going to require some very tough decisions and bold leadership. The president’s excuses and fear-mongering might make for good politics, but it sure isn’t going to help Tennesseans get back to work. “We have a choice we must make: do we want big government or a big economy? President Obama’s path of putting politics before people and the government before jobs means that we will only continue to see these types of dismal jobs reports.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:34Z https://fleischmann.house.gov/media/press-releases/chuck-fleischmann-comments-august-job-report,Chuck Fleischmann comments on the August job report,2012-09-07,2012,2012-09,Republican,House,TN,"Charles J. ""Chuck"" Fleischmann",F000459,fleischmann.house.gov,fleischmann,https://fleischmann.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CHATTANOOGA−Congressman Chuck Fleischmann made the following comments in response to reports indicating that the economy created 96,000 jobs and that the unemployment rate had fallen to 8.1% “August was another frustrating month for the millions of Americans who are looking for work. 96,000 new jobs is a disappointment for so many of us who want to see our economy succeed and our neighbors and friends get back to work. As I travel throughout East Tennessee, I hear from so many folks who want to work but can’t find jobs. When I travel to the north of my district, where we have double digit unemployment, I hear from so many frustrated Tennesseans, and I share their frustration. “I also hear from small businesses who are uncertain. They don’t know what new regulations will be put in place, and they don’t know what their taxes will be on January 1st because Democrats are threatening to raise taxes on thousands of small businesses. We need to stop the tax hike and end this uncertainty, so that the private sector can start hiring again and so that unemployed Americans can get back to work.” The jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics follows a recent report from the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) stating that there were “No new jobs for small business in the month of August.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:34Z https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=338421,Foxx Congratulates Winston-Salems Whitaker Elementary on National Blue Ribbon Award,2012-09-07,2012,2012-09,Republican,House,NC,Virginia Foxx,F000450,foxx.house.gov,foxx,https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Whitaker Named One of Nation’s 269 Finest for Preparing Students for Future Success Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC – 05) is proud to congratulate Winston-Salem’s own Whitaker Elementary School on its designation today as one of the United States’ 2012 National Blue Ribbon Schools. The announcement of Whitaker’s achievement was made today by Education Secretary Arne Duncan. “Whitaker Elementary School has made Winston-Salem and all of North Carolina proud,” Congresswoman Virginia Foxx stated. “Its status as a National Blue Ribbon School reflects countless hours of hard work on the part of students, parents, teachers, and administrators. Congratulations to each of them! It is wonderful to know that children are being so well prepared at Whitaker Elementary School for bright, successful futures.” “Schools honored with the National Blue Ribbon Schools award are committed to accelerating student achievement and preparing students for success in college and careers,” U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan said. “Their work reflects the conviction that every child has promise and that education is the surest pathway to a strong, secure future.” Whitaker Elementary, and other honorees, will be recognized at a November awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. Whitaker’s principal, Mrs. Brenda Herman, and one Whitaker teacher will be invited to the event where they will receive a National Blue Ribbon Schools placard and a flag to signify the school’s great achievement. Schools were designated as Blue Ribbon based upon the marked improvement in standardized test scores achieved by their student bodies, or by overall national excellence in reading and math test performance. Education Department heads from each of the fifty states nominate public schools for Blue Ribbon recognition. The Council for American Private Education nominates private schools. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:34Z https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=338422,"368,000 Americans Give Up on Finding Work",2012-09-07,2012,2012-09,Republican,House,NC,Virginia Foxx,F000450,foxx.house.gov,foxx,https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"President’s Policies of Overspending and Imminent Tax Increases are Wrong Match for Economic Recovery Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) today released the following statement upon the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ announcement that only 96,000 jobs were added in the month of August while nearly four times as many Americans left the workforce altogether: “Last month, 368,000 of our fellow Americans lost their confidence in the job market and gave up their search for work, making August the 43rd straight month with national unemployment above 8%. “Sadly, not since the Great Depression has an economic recovery been so delayed and hampered by misguided government policies. The 12.5 million Americans still actively looking for work, to no avail, deserve better from their government than the adventures in overspending, overtaxing, absent budgets, and bureaucratic bloat that have defined this Administration. “President Obama’s lack of understanding with regard to the private sector has led him in the wrong direction at every turn. His “Stimulus,” Obamacare, heightened regulations, and squandering of taxpayer dollars on crony-capitalist ventures such as Solyndra have brought us to this point. And as today’s unemployment numbers show, a different strategy is needed to turn the economic tide “Rather than doubling down on the same wrongheaded policies of spending more and raising taxes on nearly 1,000,000 small businesses, which will cause an additional loss of 710,000 private sector jobs, the President should let go of his tax fixation, commit to tax stability for all Americans, and demand action on the 36 Republican jobs bills being ignored by his friends in the Senate.” # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:11:34Z