url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at http://carson.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/carson-statement-on-his-attendance-at-the-icna-chicago-convention,Carson Statement on Attending the ICNA Chicago Convention,2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,IN,André Carson,C001072,carson.house.gov,,,legacy,"INDIANAPOLIS - Today, Congressman André Carson released the following statement in response to his attendance at the ICNA (Islamic Circle of North America) Chicago convention last weekend. On Saturday, December 27, I attended the ICNA Chicago convention to deliver a speech on the importance of civil engagement and developing leaders in the community.    On Sunday, December 28, I learned that ICNA had also scheduled me to sit on a Ferguson panel Saturday night – which I had not planned on participating in.  At no point had I ever confirmed to attend any other events other than the dinner.  Any reference to my participation or appearance on the Ferguson panel during the ICNA conference is not factual. As a former law enforcement officer with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security in the anti-terrorism unit, it is critical that Americans know that I would never associate with any individual or organization trying to harm the United States of America or its citizens.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/happy-new-year,Happy New Year!,2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,RI,David Cicilline,C001084,cicilline.house.gov,,,legacy,"I wish you and your family a very happy, healthy and peaceful New Year. Today, Americans all across the country are making resolutions to improve their daily lives and the communities in which they live. We make these resolutions with a sense of hope and promise about the future and with a deep understanding of our ability to make a difference. And we make these pledges because we understand our responsibility to move forward in a positive and constructive way as we confront the challenges ahead. As we welcome this New Year, we also welcome the start of a new Congress, and this month I will be meeting with Rhode Islanders across our state to hear from those I serve about their priorities and be sure I incorporate them in my legislative work plan for the 114th Congress. I do this with the hope and knowledge that by working together we can make this Congress more productive than the last. It’s with this spirit of new beginnings, hope and determination that we can create a brighter future for all Rhode Islanders in 2015 and the years to follow. Again, I hope you have a very happy New Year. Warm regards, David Cicilline",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/oklahoman-oklahoman-quotes-year,The Oklahoman: Oklahoman quotes of the year,2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Oklahoman - Ken Raymond At the heart of each newspaper article is a voice. It may be an official spokesman, a politician or a protester. It could come from a police officer, a business person, a judge or a philanthropist. It may be the voice of a crying victim or an exultant athlete. It could be as careful as an author’s words or as spontaneous as an artist. But it’s there — the voice around which the story turns. At the beginning of each new year, The Oklahoman looks back at the previous year’s defining stories, listening, one might say, to those voices yet again. These are our quotes of the year. Public safety “It seemed to me that a grave for that many people should be marked. It seemed a sad testament to how the mentally ill were treated back then that it was not.” — Norman Deputy Fire Chief Jim Bailey, speaking about the victims of an April 13, 1918, fire that killed 40 patients at the state hospital for the mentally ill in Norman. He was among those who discovered the mass grave in 2014. Plans are being made to place a marker there. “I hope they maintain the evidence as we have requested them to do, but the fact that the body arrived without the heart and the larynx is somewhat disconcerting, I guess.” — David Autry, attorney for convicted prisoner Clayton Derrell Lockett, after the Dallas County medical examiner’s office returned Lockett’s body to Oklahoma after an autopsy. Lockett’s April execution was botched, and he died 40 minutes later. “I was like, ‘My God, he came here to kill me.’” — Domestic violence survivor Brandy Moreno, describing in October her thoughts when she was attacked and stabbed in the eye. “Everybody will forget about this and nothing will change. This is the northeast side, and that’s the way it’s always been.” — A woman offering in September her grim assessment of the investigation into Oklahoma City police officer Daniel Ken Holtzclaw, who is accused by prosecutors of sexually assaulting women over a six-month period. “We can hear a lot of screaming. We know that he’s loose. He has stabbed someone.” — A caller locked in an office at Vaughan Foods in Moore talking to a 911 operator on Sept. 25, after Alton Alexander Nolen, a 30-year-old ex-convict, is alleged to have stabbed and beheaded one employee and slashed another. “This was judgment day.” — District Judge Lawrence Parish, sentencing Kevin Sweat in October to life in prison without possibility of parole for killing two Weleetka girls in 2008 and his fiancee in 2011. “I thought there was supposed to be blanks in the gun.” — Words attributed in February by a witness to the shooter who killed a jogger in Duncan. “Me, too. Sorry.” — The reply from the driver to the shooter, according to the witness. “She’d stab you in the heart and watch you bleed to death.” — Chad Noe, on his deceased grandmother, Ida Prewitt, who was implicated in 2014 in the 1992 slayings of two Oklahoma City women and a young girl. “I guarantee you I have officers who have biases and racial biases. But we can’t have them acting on those biases because everyone needs to be treated the same. I don’t think the majority of officers are that way, but I’m not naive.” — Oklahoma City Police Chief Bill Citty commenting in the wake of a white police officer shooting and killing a black teenager in Ferguson, Mo. “Everything you saw was a ball of fire. I’ve never seen anything like it. I don’t ever want to see another one like it.” — Guthrie resident Tim Saathoff upon seeing a fatal apartment fire in the early morning hours of Nov. 19. “It was completely planned out. This kid is an evil person.” — Stephens County DA Jason Hicks at an October news conference after OU freshman Alan J. Hruby was charged with three counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of his parents and sister in their Duncan home. Religion “We may be provoking the Satanists, but it’s a whole lot better than standing by and doing nothing. I’m going to be a light, a voice in the darkness.” — Albert Storz of Tulsa, who preached in protest of a “black mass” held outside the Civic Center Music Hall in Oklahoma City in September. “Our family is overjoyed by the Supreme Court’s decision. Today the nation’s highest court has reaffirmed the vital importance of religious liberty as one of our country’s founding principles. The Court’s decision is a victory, not just for our family business, but for all who seek to live out their faith. We are grateful to God and to those who have supported us on this difficult journey.” — Barbara Green, co-founder of Hobby Lobby, the day the Supreme Court ruled the company did not have to provide contraceptive coverageUnder the Affordable Care Act. Charity “In the past, we’ve told the homeless you have to clean up, not drink, get a job — a whole laundry list of things they had to do before we would place them in housing. But if they could do those things, they wouldn’t be homeless.” — April Heiple, director of Food and Shelter Inc., explaining in October Norman’s philosophical change in its Housing First program. Education “They’re not getting the candidate they think they’re getting. They will see soon. I suspect, if she does prevail, they will see that very quickly.” — State schools Superintendent Janet Barresi with a message for voters after being defeated in the Republican primary election in June by state schools Superintendent-elect Joy Hofmeister. “My fingers know what the inside of a horse feels like. My arm has to go into his bottom all the way up to my shoulder.” — Lyndi Gilliam, associate professor of veterinary medicine, speaking at an alumni event at Oklahoma State University in June. “We spend so much time seeing our differences and so little time rejoicing in the things that we share. We’ve got a lot to do to put aside those differences in our everyday lives and find that which make us one America.” — U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor at a talk at Oklahoma City University in September. “I’m not in favor of anyone having guns on campus except the police and Pistol Pete. It just creates a tension that we don’t need. It’s fraught with risk. If we want to experiment with this idea, I recommend that we start right here in this Capitol.” — OSU President Burns Hargis to Oklahoma lawmakers in October. “Public service is not about power. It’s about service. I don’t think anything can exceed the sense of satisfaction that comes from investing your life in the next generation.” — David Boren on serving 20 years as OU president. “I’d say 98 percent of them know they need remediation. They aren’t the least bit surprised.” — Debbie Quiery, vice president of Northern Oklahoma College, on the high number of college students who aren’t prepared for higher education. Four of 10 Oklahoma students begin college in need of remediation. Government “I accept that legislative change comes slowly at the Capitol. What I cannot accept is to stand idly by while another 500 husbands, wives, sons and daughters lose their lives to preventable drug overdoses. I plan on using every tool at the state’s disposal to fight this scourge and to help save lives.” — Gov. Mary Fallin in May after a bill that would have required doctors to check an online database before writing narcotic prescriptions failed to pass. “Some of these raises had merit, but I’m skeptical that 48 directors absolutely had to have raises immediately above all the other needs at their agencies.” — Fallin commenting on pay raises granted to state agency directors, including raises of $10,000 or more granted to 30 of those agency heads. “They aren’t asking our input. They aren’t asking our advice. This is way above our payscale.” — Lawton City Councilman Keith Jackson in July on the federal program that placed unaccompanied immigrant children for months at Fort Sill. “This Court does not believe that attempts to provide notice via Facebook comport with the requirements of due process.” — Supreme Court Justice Douglas Combs commenting in a parental rights case where a mother notified a man he was the father of her baby through a Facebook posting. “My students normally made good decisions until they consumed alcohol. Then their decisions weren’t so good anymore.” — State Rep. Jerry McPeak, a former Connors State College dean, debating against a campus gun bill. “I just felt horrible about it. I felt sick.” — Rep. Steve Vaughn, R-Ponca City, a pro-gun legislator, speaking in April about accidentally shooting another hunter in the head with a single, .12-gauge shotgun pellet during a pheasant hunt. “I am sickened that the only way someone can win a race is to run negative ads against them.” — Retiring U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn in regard to ads run last summer against U.S. Rep. James Lankford, who eventually won Coburn’s seat. “I would say you’re not going to beat James Lankford in 2016 and maybe not ever.” — GOP political consultant Trebor Worthen, of Oklahoma City, who has tried twice to beat Lankford. “In the days and months ahead, I hope that lawmakers on both sides of the aisle will engage in discussion on the immigration issue, restore order to the legislative process and rein in White House overreach.” — U.S. Rep. Tom Cole, R-Moore, after President Barack Obama announced executive order to halt deportations of some undocumented aliens. “In the absence of a coherent plan to deal with ISIS and meaningful U.S. assistance, the direct threat to the homeland and American citizens will grow, and the likelihood is more Americans will be savagely killed.” — U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe, of Tulsa, the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services, on threat of the Islamic State. “Marriage equality is now a reality in Oklahoma. Same-sex couples are no longer second-class couples in our state, and their children as well may now enjoy all the benefits, protections, and dignity of marriage thanks to our clients’ courage in fighting for a decade to vindicate the fundamental right of all Oklahomans to wed.” — Joseph Thai, attorney on legal team for Mary Bishop and Sharon Baldwin, the Tulsa County couple who challenged Oklahoma’s ban on same-sex marriage. “The truth is you get what you pay for.” — The reaction of House Speaker Jeff Hickman, of Dacoma, to a bill that would cut pay for Oklahoma legislators. Sports “You the real MVP.” — Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant in May, addressing his mother in his acceptance speech after being named the NBA’s most valuable player. “I just don’t want nobody blocking my shot. That’s why I dunk so hard.” — Russell Westbrook explaining the ferocious hammer dunk that ignited the Oklahoma City Thunder’s offense in a December game against the Detroit Pistons. Teammate Kevin Durant called the dunk “one of the best I’ve ever seen.” “If everything is firing on all cylinders, it’s almost going to be an unfair advantage to be born in Oklahoma City. These kids are going to be standing on podiums winning medals within the next decade. It’s that big of an advantage.” — Olympic gold medal-winning canoeist Joe Jacobi in September on the upcoming construction of a whitewater park on the Oklahoma River. Entertainment “I’m the representative Oklahoman that every band should have. Every band needs an Oklahoman, I don’t care who it is. Aerosmith. Aerosmith would be doing a lot better if they had a Travis Linville in their band.” — Roots musician J.D. McPherson speaking in November about why musical acts should feature Oklahomans. “We do weddings. We played a wedding for people who met at one of our shows; it’s a part of their story. That’s kind of insane. It’s a good crew. Everyone in the band gets along. We’ve played a cage fight.” — A member of 1990s tribute act My So Called Band in September on playing music wherever possible. “There was a guy the other day on a plane. I was in first class, and he was chewing tobacco, and he was spitting his tobacco juice into an empty orange juice bottle. I was seated right across the aisle from him, watching the tobacco juice ooze down the sides of the bottle. I thought, ‘How much would he have to pay me to drink that?’ Thirty years ago, I would’ve drunk it for $100. ... Now you’d have to pay me $100,000 to drink it.” — Comedic essayist David Sedaris, discussing how success has changed his life. “I’ll just have to feel it out and hope for the best. Ideally, I could just play venues with a Babybjorn on my back and a guitar in the front.” — Musician Camille Harp, talking in December about whether she’ll take time off when her baby is born in January. “What I love about Oklahoma is the peace and quiet. I also like the freedom and opportunities that are offered here. I came here because I wanted to paint freely with no limitations or censors.” — Iranian painter Behnaz Sohrabian, speaking in July about why she loves the U.S. “It’s just a fictional world. ... It’s not real. There are no vampires. It’s fiction.” — Tulsa author P.C. Cast in February after being unsuccessfully sued by a woman with the same name as one of Cast’s fictional characters. “When I put the phone up to my head, my son said, ‘DAD DAD DAD!’ He was so excited I could barely understand him. And then he yelled, ‘I WON THE PULITZER, I WON THE PULITZER!’ ... While he’s yelling it to me, his wife Alison ... was screaming, ‘DAN YOU WON THE PULITZER, YOU WON THE PULITZER!’ We were all laughing, crying and happy.” — Edmond attorney Arnold Fagin describing the April morning when his son, Dan Fagin, won the Pulitzer Prize for nonfiction for his book, “Toms River.” Health “Obviously, with the number of deaths we have, we have a problem.” — Dr. Eric Frische, medical adviser to the Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision, talking about the state’s prescription drug epidemic. “Here we’re thrust into the spotlight because of that monument, and it has put a spotlight on mental health, and it really needs to be there — on mental health — because that’s what this is about. It’s not about that monument. It’s about a human being. ... His mind has been broken.” — Crystal Tucker, speaking in November about her son, Michael Tate Reed II, who drove his car into the Ten Commandments monument at the state Capitol. “Do I want health care or do I want my education right now? And I feel like finishing up without student loans is going to be a better benefit to me than getting in debt with student loans to have health care right now.” — Stephanie James, 28, a restaurant server who lives in Edmond. “You’re beautiful in your own way, and don’t let anybody get you down just because you don’t look as beautiful as everybody else.” — Bri Johnson, 8, a Special Care student diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, offering words of wisdom in July. Weather “I’m used to seeing photos in a paper or magazine and thinking ‘wow that’s sad’ … but that was my life. I think we are still healing and I think we’ll be healing for a long time.” — LaDonna Cobb, reflecting a year later on surviving the tornado that struck Briarwood Elementary School in Moore. “He was the one closest to me that didn’t make it. I had my hand on him. He’s been a little hard to let go.” — Former Plaza Towers Elementary School teacher Jennifer Doan discussing her decision to give her newborn son the middle name of Nicolas to honor her former student, Nicolas McCabe, who died in the May 20, 2013, Moore tornado. The President “But Don did something truly extraordinary — he reached down and he picked that grenade up. And he turned to throw it, but there were Americans in front of him and behind him — inside the kill zone. So Don held on to that grenade, and he pulled it close to his body. And he bent over it. And then, as one of the men said, ‘all of a sudden there was a boom.’” — President Barack Obama, on Sept. 15, awarding the Medal of Honor posthumously to Coweta native Donald P. Sloat, who was killed in 1970 in Vietnam. “I have to be honest, in a battle and daring escape that lasted four days, Bennie performed so many acts of bravery we actually don’t have time to talk about all of them.” — Obama, on Sept. 15, awarding the Medal of Honor to Waurika native Bennie G. Adkins for actions in Vietnam in 1966. “Because of Suzan, more young Native Americans are growing up with pride in their heritage, and with faith in their future. And she has taught all of us that Native values make America stronger.” — President Obama, on Nov. 24, presenting the Medal of Freedom to Oklahoma native Suzan Shown Harjo. General “This is such a surreal feeling. The only thing I’ve seen for the past five years is concrete, a little bit of grass, fence and razor wire. So this morning when they took me to see my family and all the people I truly care about, it’s a day I won’t forget.” — U.S. Army 1st Lt. Michael Behenna in March, speaking exclusively to The Oklahoman upon his release from prison after serving five years for the 2008 killing of an Iraqi man in Iraq. “I can be No. 1 in something.” — Deanne R. Baker, whose divorce from Julie L. Baker in October was likely the first same-sex divorce in state history. Contributing: Staff writers Graham Lee Brewer, Jane Glenn Cannon, Chris Casteel, Nolan Clay, Jaclyn Cosgrove, Randy Ellis, Adam Kemp, Kathryn McNutt, Phillip O’Connor, Jennifer Palmer and Nathan Poppe; editors Nick Trougakos and Mike Sherman Online: The Oklahoman",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/roll-call-year-according-rep-tom-cole,Roll Call: The Year According to Rep. Tom Cole,2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"Roll Call - Matt Fuller Rep. Tom Cole, the unofficial spokesman of the GOP rank and file in the House, has never been shy about telling the truth — at least the truth as the Oklahoma Republican sees it — with anyone who’ll listen. Continuing a tradition that began last year, Cole got on the phone recently with CQ Roll Call for more than an hour to review the ups and downs of 2014 (something he also did in a recent column). Like last year, the 65-year-old former history professor thinks Republicans — and especially Speaker John A. Boehner — enter the new year with momentum. “The Boehner coalition is the largest coalition in the conference, and it’s not even close,” Cole said, dismissing ongoing anti-Boehner grumblings among some of the conference’s most conservative Republicans. Rep. Walter B. Jones, R-N.C., recently said there were roughly 16 to 18 Republicans planning to vote against Boehner for speaker when the 114th Congress convenes in January. While that’s nearly enough Republicans to throw the contest to a second ballot, Cole said the number of Republicans who would only vote Boehner for speaker was “higher than 130,” meaning he believes there is no other Republican who could feasibly take the gavel. Boehner was vindicated by the government shutdown and the November election results, Cole said. But Cole, who begins his seventh term in the 114th, also thinks Boehner was “strengthened” by former Majority Leader Eric Cantor losing his primary. There’s now no “logical alternative” to the Ohio Republican. While Cole said he didn’t want “apply anything critical” to Cantor — ”I think he was pretty selfless” — the Oklahoma Republican thought that, in Cantor, ”you had a ready-made backup, you had a guy who could clearly step in.” With Cantor gone, members seem satisfied with the new leadership team of Boehner, California’s Kevin McCarthy at majority leader, Louisiana’s Steve Scalise at majority whip, and Washington’s Cathy McMorris Rodgers at GOP Conference chair. “I feel pretty good about our top four,” Cole said. “There’s clearly less tension.” Cole acknowledged there was “no question” that there are some who remain unhappy with Boehner, but he called the anti-Boehner crowd a “very small gathering.” “I don’t think it’s any threat to denying him the speakership,” he said. Instead, he had stern words for those planning to register that discontent in the form of a protest vote during the speaker election. “You’re not attacking John Boehner; you’re attacking the Republican Conference,” Cole said, adding that it was “a great way to marginalize yourself.” “You’re just embarrassing yourself in my view,” Cole continued, “and undermining the unity of the conference.” Cole called Cantor’s primary loss to Dave Brat a “profound moment” and “the most single unexpected, shocking political moment of the year.” Brat ran to the right of Cantor on issues like immigration, but Cole said that doesn’t mean an immigration overhaul is out of the question in 2015. “If we don’t put a border security bill on the president’s desk in this year, I’ll be amazed and disappointed,” Cole said. He added that there were things Republicans and Democrats generally agree on, like seasonal labor visas, that Congress could move “piecemeal.” It’s just a question, he said, of whether President Barack Obama, who has promised to implement his own sweeping executive action that would defer deprtations for millions of immigrants, will accept a step-by-step approach from Congress. “He’s got to decide if he’s willing to take half a loaf, or if he’s going to try to shove the whole loaf down our throats,” Cole said. The president has long maintained that he would take the piece-by-piece approach. Up to this point, it has been House Republicans who have had difficulty coalescing behind any portion of the immigration issue. But they will have a chance soon. As Cole noted, Congress has to deal with the president’s immigration action and Department of Homeland Security funding when they get back; DHS funding runs out Feb. 28. Cole did see some positive signs, with House Republicans passing a border supplemental bill before leaving for the August recess — something he said was a major 2014 accomplishment, particularly when you consider that lawmakers, while dealing with the influx of children crossing the U.S. border, also passed “the largest reform of the VA system in a generation” and provided emergency money for Israel to fund their Iron Dome missile defense system. “Congress has gotten a little better,” he said. Cole saw the year-end “cromnibus” deal as the crowning achievement in 2014. He said it was “pretty unusual” to see the White House and the speaker “cooperating” to pass such a sweeping spending bill, and he thought it portended well for 2015. Cole himself had a pretty good year. He’s shot up through the ranks on the Appropriations Committee, and will serve as the Labor-Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee chairman in the 114th, this after becoming an Appropriations cardinal just late last year. Cole, who was chairman of Legislative Branch Appropriations, explained that his office thought he might have a choice to be chairman among four subcommittees. “Let’s just say Labor-H” — as it’s often called among those in the appropriations know — ”wasn’t the preferred path of choice.” Labor-HHS is notoriously the most controversial subcommittee, and it’s one of the most difficult bills to get on the floor, with members looking to avoid tough votes on issues like abortion riders. But when Appropriations Chairman Harold Rogers, R-Ky., came to Cole late this year to discuss subcommittee assignments, Rogers asked Cole to take Labor-HHS. “I said, ‘I thought I had a choice,’” Cole recounted. And when Rogers said he did have a choice, Cole replied, “Well, in that case, my choice is to do what my chairman wants.” Which resulted in a “big grin” from Rogers. Cole’s realistic about getting the Labor-HHS bill to the floor next year — “I don’t know, I think it is a difficult and complex bill” — and he’s first concentrated on getting the measure to through the full committee. “We haven’t done that in four years,” Cole noted. He said his plan was to try to create opportunities for moments of bipartisanship, whether it be working on a bipartisan issue like Native American affairs (Cole’s a member of the Chickasaw Nation himself) or by taking some time with fellow members to enjoy a cigar. (At one point in the conversation, Cole evidenced Rep. David Joyce’s worth by noting that, “He smokes cigars, so he’s a great guy.”) But Cole is realistic about what Congress can accomplish, even with Republicans controlling the Senate. In one of his extended sports metaphors — in which he also worked in conservative Republicans who are discontent with Boehner — Cole said every player had a role to play for the team’s success. “Sometimes it’s better to be the left guard than the quarterback, no matter how much you want to be the quarterback,” he said, noting that, over the course of his own football career, there were “plenty of times I held the dummy.” It’s that team attitude that has endeared Cole with many in leadership, despite some past conflicts with Boehner. But, even though many reporters pretend Cole is a sanctioned spokesman for Boehner, Cole made it clear that he speaks just for himself, never for the speaker. “Every time I hear that, I think that’s somebody who hasn’t been here very long,” Cole said. Online: Roll Call",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://defazio.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/top-democrats-demand-boehner-follow-rules-of-the-house-for-controversial,Top Democrats Demand Boehner Follow Rules of the House for Controversial Keystone Vote,2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,OR,Peter DeFazio,D000191,defazio.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Three leading House Democratic lawmakers called on Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH) to use regular order for consideration of controversial legislation to approve construction of TransCanada’s Keystone XL pipeline. In a letter sent yesterday, Representatives Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Frank Pallone (D-NJ), and Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), ranking members-elect on the House Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, Energy and Commerce, and Natural Resources, respectively, urged Boehner not to bypass committee process to force a premature vote on an issue of such magnitude. The three committees have jurisdiction over Keystone XL pipeline legislation. “It is our understanding that you may schedule the House of Representatives to vote on a bill to approve TransCanada’s Keystone XL pipeline during the first two weeks of the 114th Congress.  Given the magnitude of this issue, we urge you not to bypass the committee process and regular order for consideration of this controversial legislation. This past November, 61 new Members of Congress were elected by the American people to represent their interests in the House.  These new Members, and in fact all Members of the House, should have the opportunity to consider, debate, and propose their own ideas on this legislation through committee hearings and markups, before it is scheduled for House Floor consideration,” the members write. Additionally, the members highlight several key issues with the Keystone XL pipeline that should postpone any premature legislative action. The proposed route was declared null and void by the Nebraska District Court in February 2014. If Congress considers legislation in the next few weeks, Members of Congress would be asked to vote for approval without knowledge of the route.  The members also highlight the need to evaluate potential economic impacts of the pipeline. The letter cites a December 2014 petroleum marketing report issued by the Energy Information Administration of the U.S. Department of Energy, which found that crude oil prices in the U.S. are the lowest they have been since 2010.  The significant decrease in the price of gasoline in the United States illustrates the changed circumstances. The letter requests that the House has an opportunity to learn more about these changed circumstances as they weigh the economic costs and benefits of the pipeline. In addition, the letter asks that new and returning Members of Congress have the ability to debate the short- and long-term effects of approving a project that could reverse the carbon pollution reductions and environmental and safety improvements achieved in the United States. The letter adds, “Mr. Speaker, a new Congress represents new beginnings.  We urge you to use this opportunity to recommit to the value of thoughtful deliberation.  We urge you not to bypass the committee process and regular order for consideration of this controversial legislation.” A copy of the letter is below.     December 30, 2014         The Honorable John A. Boehner Speaker of the House H-232, The Capitol Washington, DC 20515   Dear Mr. Speaker: It is our understanding that you may schedule the House of Representatives to vote on a bill to approve TransCanada’s Keystone XL pipeline during the first two weeks of the 114th Congress.  Given the magnitude of this issue, we urge you not to bypass the committee process and regular order for consideration of this controversial legislation. This past November, 61 new Members of Congress were elected by the American people to represent their interests in the House.  These new Members, and in fact all Members of the House, should have the opportunity to consider, debate, and propose their own ideas on this legislation through committee hearings and markups, before it is scheduled for House Floor consideration.  Moreover, the bill should be subject to a rule allowing for an open amendment process on the Floor.  While past congresses have debated legislation to approve the pipeline, this new Congress has not had the opportunity to be a part of the process, a process that the Republican Leadership has vowed to uphold. Just five months ago, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy published an op-ed in the Washington Post promising, on the first day of his new job, to return to the committee process and regular order.  He stated: “In Congress, committees act as idea factories for policies from both sides, and as majority leader I will commit to the committee process and regular order.”  He added a renewed commitment to work with Members on both sides of the aisle to pass legislation, stating “…a sense of mutual respect is necessary for constructive dialogue.”  We urge you to uphold this commitment. In addition, we believe the committee process will provide Members with new information that has come to light since Congress previously considered Keystone XL legislation.  First, the proposed route of the Keystone XL pipeline remains unclear in the state of Nebraska.  In February 2014, the Nebraska District Court declared that the Nebraska Governor’s Keystone XL pipeline siting decision violated the Nebraska Constitution and, as such, the proposed route was null and void.  The Nebraska Supreme Court is considering this issue on appeal and is expected to issue its decision in the coming weeks.  We hope that we can all agree that Members of Congress deserve to know the route of the proposed Keystone XL pipeline prior to casting a vote on whether to approve it. Second, over the past five years, production of crude oil in the United States has skyrocketed.  As a result of this increased production, together with tempered global demand, crude oil prices have fallen precipitously.  According to a December 2014 petroleum marketing report issued by the Energy Information Administration of the U.S. Department of Energy, crude oil prices in the U.S. are the lowest they have been since 2010.  The significant decrease in the price of gasoline in the United States illustrates the changed circumstances.  On December 22, AAA announced that gasoline prices declined for a record 88 days straight and 85 cents per gallon in the last year.  Members of Congress should have an opportunity to learn more about these changed circumstances as they weigh the costs and benefits of TransCanada’s proposed Keystone XL pipeline. Third, expansion of oil sands production in Canada, with or without the Keystone XL pipeline, is now uncertain.  Alternative transportation methods have raised considerable challenges for producers, and a number of pipeline expansion projects have been halted due to significant opposition in the U.S. and Canada.  While the Keystone XL pipeline continues to be the producers’ preferred option for the delivery of oil sands, concerns regarding carbon pollution, impacts on natural resources and land use, and safety remain.  New and returning Members of Congress should have the right to debate the short- and long-term effects of approving a project that could reverse the carbon pollution reductions and environmental and safety improvements that we have worked so hard to achieve in the United States. Mr. Speaker, a new Congress represents new beginnings.  We urge you to use this opportunity to recommit to the value of thoughtful deliberation.  We urge you not to bypass the committee process and regular order for consideration of this controversial legislation. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely,   PETER A. DEFAZIO                                                                                 FRANK PALLONE, JR.          RAÚL M. GRIJALVA Ranking Member-Elect                        Ranking Member-Elect                   Ranking Member-Elect Committee on Transportation              Committee on Energy                     Committee on  and Infrastructure                                and Commerce                                Natural Resources   cc:        The Honorable Nancy Pelosi, Democratic Leader             The Honorable Kevin McCarthy, Majority Leader             The Honorable Steny H. Hoyer, Democratic Whip             The Honorable Bill Shuster, Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure             The Honorable Fred Upton, Chairman, Committee on Energy and Commerce             The Honorable Rob Bishop, Chairman-Elect, Committee on Natural Resources   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://gosar.house.gov/press-release/rep-gosar-year-review-most-effective-member-113th-congress,"Rep. Gosar Year in Review: ""Most Effective Member of 113th Congress""",2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,Paul Gosar,G000565,gosar.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement recapping his legislative accomplishments from the 113th Congress: share: f t For Immediate Release Date: December 31, 2014   Contact: Steven D. Smith Steven.Smith@mail.house.gov Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement recapping his legislative accomplishments from the 113th Congress: “I am extremely grateful for a productive and fulfilling year representing Arizona’s Fourth Congressional district during the 113th Congress. After dozens of town halls and meetings, thousands of calls and letters, my constituents made their legislative priorities clear. I am proud to have delivered on the important issues my constituents identified including cutting waste, fraud and abuse from government spending, building a better environment for private job creation and holding the Obama Administration accountable for its actions and overreaching polices.   “With six bills signed into law by the president, 12 other of my legislative efforts becoming law, and 24 of my amendments passing the House, I am honored and very proud to have been the most effective member of this Congress. In a time of gridlock where few things were enacted, my team and I focused on commonsense policies and the economy to get America back on track. However, these legislative successes would have not occurred without the cooperation and support of my fellow lawmakers, countless staff members and an endless number of local Arizona groups who share in the belief of building a more prosperous nation for all Arizonans. I am constantly inspired by the citizens of the great state of Arizona and will continue to listen to their ideas and perspectives while delivering solutions to improve their lives.” Additional: You can find a comprehensive list of Congressman Gosar’s legislative accomplishments from the 113th Congress HERE.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://jones.house.gov/press-release/media-advisoryjones-lynch-and-graham-host-press-conference-resolution-declassify-911,"***MEDIA ADVISORY***JONES, LYNCH, AND GRAHAM TO HOST PRESS CONFERENCE ON RESOLUTION TO DECLASSIFY 9/11 REPORT",2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,NC,Walter Jones,J000255,jones.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, January 7, Representatives Walter B. Jones (NC-3), Stephen Lynch (MA-8), and Senator Bob Graham (FL) will hold a bipartisan press conference on H. Res. 428, a resolution that calls on President Obama to declassify the 28 pages of the Joint Inquiry into Intelligence Activities Before and After the Terrorist Attacks of September 2001 that were initially classified by President George W. Bush and have remained classified under President Barack Obama. Senator Graham was the chair of the Select Committee on Intelligence when the Joint Inquiry was written and has repeatedly called for the 28 pages to be declassified.  H. Res. 428 states that declassification of the pages is necessary to provide the American public with the full truth surrounding the tragic events of September 11, 2001, particularly relating to the involvement of foreign governments. Congressmen Jones, Lynch, and Massie will introduce H. Res. 428 into the 114th Congress. Also attending the press conference will be representatives from 9/11 Families United for Justice Against Terrorism, and family members of victims killed in the 9/11 attacks. Wednesday, January 7 at 9:30 AM: WHAT: Press conference on the status of H. Res. 428 in the new Congress WHO: Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3) Congressman Stephen Lynch (MA-8) Senator Bob Graham (FL) Representatives from 9/11 Families United for Justice Against Terrorism Family members of victims killed in the 9/11 attacks WHEN: Wednesday, January 7 at 9:30 AM WHERE: Cannon House Office Building, Room 121",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-releases-2014-year-end-report-constituents,Rep. Kelly Releases 2014 Year-End Report for Constituents,2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (PA-03) released the following report today, to be e-mailed to his constituents throughout Pennsylvania’s Third Congressional District, to serve as a year-end overview of his office’s legislative achievements and constituent relations throughout 2014. Dear Constituent: Over the past twelve months, I had the extraordinary privilege of continuing to represent you in our nation’s capital during the second and final session of the 113th Congress. Next week, I will be sworn in for a third time as the Representative of Pennsylvania’s Third Congressional District. As with my first two terms in office, all of my work in the House of Representatives will be guided by Western Pennsylvania values—hard work, common sense, and straight talk. I see my service as bringing Western Pennsylvania’s voice to Washington, and never the other way around. As I prepare to enter the 114th Congress with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, please remember that your priorities are my priorities, and that every day I will continue to work as hard as possible to accomplish them for you. With every new challenge that 2014 brought us, there also came many great opportunities. My staff and I worked diligently to meet all of them head-on with the best results for you and your neighbors. The following report is meant to provide you with an overview of the most important legislative business that we conducted on behalf of Western Pennsylvania from last January until now. Meeting the Needs of Our Constituents All Year Round Here is a run-down of how my offices and staff were able to help me assist and communicate with my constituents in 2014. We… Toured 30 local businesses and factories to meet with employers and employees about issues affecting their industries; Helped 2,130 constituents with navigating the federal bureaucracy; Answered more than 46,300 pieces of mail, e-mail, faxes, and calls; Maintained 3 full-time constituent offices and 3 satellite offices; Hosted 5 tele-town hall meetings to address a range of issues including health care concerns, help with filing tax returns, and Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period; overall, the tele-town halls included 30,397 participants from the Third District; we left a total of 108,252 messages on constituents’ answering machines to invite them to join us; Attended/organized more than 200 constituent outreach meetings with different individuals, groups, schools, hospitals, etc. throughout the Third District; Sent 1,544 American flags to constituents; Assisted with 150 tours of the U.S. Capitol; 60 tours of the White House; 37 tours of the U.S. Supreme Court; 20 tours of the Library of Congress; and dozens of other tours to popular Washington destinations including the Kennedy Center, the FBI Education Center, and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing; Expanded my social media presence, ending the year with more than 11,650 fans and 4,940 followers on Facebook and Twitter respectively; and Conducted hundreds of interviews with local, regional, and national newspapers, radio shows, and television programs. Strengthening Our Economy & Paving the Way for New, Family-Sustaining Jobs Since my very first day in office, my main priority has been to help foster an environment that strengthens our economy and generates more jobs with family-sustainable wages for our region and our country. I’ve proudly supported every measure to achieve this outcome, and opposed any obstacle to reaching it. Of course, having to deal with an obstructionist Senate has not been easy, since most of the jobs bills that we passed in the House – usually with bipartisan support – have ended up getting trapped on (soon-to-be-former) Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s desk. That said, my House colleagues and I still did not hesitate to pass as many pro-jobs initiatives over the past year as possible. One of these was H.R. 4, the Jobs for America Act, which included a package of 15 commonsense, bipartisan bills to rebuild our economy by removing government barriers to private-sector job creation. I was proud to be a co-sponsor of many of these bills, a full list of which can be viewed here. Defending Coal & Promoting American Energy When President Obama ramped up his war on coal by commanding the Environmental Protecting Agency (EPA) to roll-out a controversial new regulatory plan for coal-fired power plants, a call to action was sounded. In addition to supporting more than 40,000 jobs in Pennsylvania, coal also provides 40 percent of America's electricity—more than any other fuel. The Associated Press has rightly called coal “the workhorse of the U.S. power system” that “helps keep prices stable and power flowing even when demand spikes.” When federal regulations force mines and power plants to shut down, as is already happening at a historic rate, manufacturing costs rise, employment plummets, and electricity bills skyrocket. In response to the EPA’s radical proposal, I joined with Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky to introduce H.R. 4808, the Coal Country Protection Act. The legislation would halt any new regulations by the EPA on America’s power plants until the following four outcomes are guaranteed: 1.) No job losses; 2.) No loss in GDP/economic growth; 3.) No higher electric rates; 4). No interruption in energy delivery. This bill was just the beginning. In addition to touting the need to defend coal multiple times on television, in a speech at the Heritage Foundation, in an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal, and at a public press conference with Sen. McConnell and dozens of other leaders from both parties, I formally extended an official invitation to President Obama to visit a Western Pennsylvania coal mine himself. Such a trip would allow him to meet and speak with the hardworking men and women whose livelihoods are most in jeopardy under his administration’s anti-coal crusade. When the EPA held a public hearing on its proposal in Pittsburgh, I made sure coal had its day in court. Even though the Coal Country Protection Act was not able to pass Congress this year, and despite the fact that President Obama declined my personal invitation to don a hard hat, I pledge to you that the fight for coal’s future will continue. After all, this battle is not just about coal country—it’s about our whole country. Speaking of our whole country, I spent much of 2014 continually promoting the possibility of a 21st century American energy renaissance—and the critical need to achieve it. In September, I was particularly thrilled to support H.R. 2, the American Energy Solutions for Lower Costs and More American Jobs Act. This bipartisan legislation included 14 separate bills to expand domestic energy production, including a bill to finally approve the construction of the widely popular Keystone XL Pipeline. A full list of these commonsense measures can be viewed here. Making the Tax Code Work for Western Pennsylvania As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, I am strongly committed to making our nation’s outdated tax code fairer, simpler, and less costly for individuals and families of all sizes. Pro-growth tax reform would simplify the tax code, lower tax rates, and make the United States the most attractive place to do business once again. This would no doubt strengthen our economy, which in turn would mean new jobs, higher pay, and more money in the pockets of American families and workers. While the momentum for major tax reform is still building, this past year I was able to introduce and/or co-sponsor the following individual bills to improve taxes especially for Western Pennsylvanians: The America Gives More Act (H.R. 4719), which was passed by a bipartisan vote of 277-130. The legislation includes a package of five bipartisan charity-related bills, including the text of H.R. 3134, the Charitable Giving Extension Act, which I originally introduced in September 2013. (According to Independent Sector, Pennsylvania is home to more than 68,500 non-profit organizations which employ 727,200 people, almost 13.3 percent of the state’s workforce; generate $96.8 billion in annual revenues; and hold assets of $208 billion. Pennsylvania foundations give a total of $1.3 billion annually.) The Conservation Easement Incentive Act of 2013 (H.R. 2807). This bill was included in the passage of the America Gives More Act. (Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, one of the largest land trusts in the country, has conserved more than 235,000 acres of farm and natural lands throughout Western Pennsylvania. H.R. 2807 would help the Conservancy continue preserving open spaces in the Third District and throughout Pennsylvania.) The Child Tax Credit Improvement Act of 2014 (H.R. 4935), which was passed by a bipartisan vote of 237-173. The bill would modify the child tax credit in several meaningful ways to help hardworking Pennsylvania families keep more of their hard-earned money. The Powering American Jobs Act of 2014 (H.R. 5775). This bipartisan legislation extends certain expiring tax incentives for the energy sector, including important propane and biodiesel provisions. Many of these extenders were included in the Omnibus Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2015 that was signed into law on December 16, 2014. The Kelly-Kind Retirement Provision, which was included in the Omnibus budget, and which codifies the definition of “normal retirement age” as either 30 years of service or the current tax code’s definition of 62 years old. Because the IRS changed its retirement definition to include only the latter description, 10,000 rural electric coop beneficiaries throughout the nation would have otherwise lost their retirement benefits, including 16 in the Third District. Pushing Back Against the Imperial Presidency This year saw President Obama take executive power to a frightening new level, from making unilateral changes to Obamacare, environmental policies, and immigration laws—all without any involvement from Congress, where laws are meant to be decided. At the beginning of the year, after President Obama pledged to use his “pen and phone” to “take executive actions and administrative actions,” I sent a letter co-signed by 20 Members of Congress to Attorney General Eric Holder seeking Constitutional justification for the president’s plans. In February, I discussed the letter with host Megyn Kelly on The Kelly File on Fox News. In March, the House took legislative action to rein-in the imperial presidency in the form of H.R. 4138, the Executive Needs to Faithfully Observe and Respect Congressional Enactments of (ENFORCE) the Law Act, and H.R. 3973, the Faithful Execution of the Law Act of 2014, both of which I was proud to co-sponsor. In July, the House took another stand against President Obama’s lawlessness by approving litigation against him. The system of checks and balances within our Constitution is far too precious and important to maintaining the freedom of our republic for any president to ever ignore or diminish. Speaker Boehner was left with no other option than to introduce H. Res. 676, a resolution to sue President Obama for his breach of authority. You can read more about it here. After President Obama announced his plan to grant amnesty to 5 million illegal immigrants in November, I publicly condemned it as outrageous and unconstitutional. I consider it a direct challenge to our system of government that must be opposed. That is why I voted to pass the Preventing Executive Overreach on Immigration Act (H.R. 5759) and co-sponsored an amendment to the Omnibus appropriations bill which would have banned any funding for the president's order. Because of the unlawful nature of the president's unilateral action, the House ultimately ensured that the budget only funds the Department of Homeland Security – which handles immigration – until the end of this coming February. By then, conservatives will fully control both houses of Congress and will have the stronger ground necessary to stop the president's illegal order without Harry Reid thwarting our actions. Most recently, I was proud to co-sign an amicus brief filed by the American Center for Law and Justice in support of the lawsuit brought by 24 states against President Obama's executive order earlier this month. Fighting Ebola Before It’s Too Late As you know, the second half of this past year saw the deadly Ebola virus finally reach our shores and claim American life. From the onset, I argued that this was a Paul Revere moment for the American people, and that every citizen from coast to coast should be alert, informed, and totally engaged in our nation’s fight to thwart this horrific disease. On October 7th, I sent a letter to President Obama urgently requesting information regarding his administration’s handling of the Ebola outbreak and details of a comprehensive strategy to stop the virus from affecting Americans. On October 9th, I sent a letter to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Sylvia Burwell, and the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Tom Frieden, expressing my deep concern about the possibility of the Ebola virus spreading to Pennsylvania. (The letter was copied to Governor Tom Corbett.) On October 20th, I called on President Obama to finalize a rule proposed under the Bush administration in 2005 to update and revise regulations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to “prevent the introduction, transmission or spread of communicable diseases from foreign countries into the United States from one State or possession into another.” According to the federal register, the code of federal regulations that deals with foreign arrivals has not been updated since 1985. According to USA Today, the Obama administration scrapped the proposal in 2010 after objections by the American Civil Liberties Union over “potential passenger privacy rights violations and the proposal's ‘provisional quarantine’ rule.” On October 21st, I had an in-depth phone conversation with Dr. Peter Piot – the doctor who first discovered the Ebola virus in 1976 in the Republic of Congo – about necessary action to stop the virus and protect Americans. As a result of our discussion, I joined with Senator Marco Rubio of Florida to introduce H.R. 5746, the Keeping America Safe from Ebola Act, on November 20th (the same day Sen. Rubio introduced his Senate companion). Simply put, the bill would prohibit any alien from a country with a widespread Ebola virus outbreak from obtaining a visa to enter the United States. An extended list of the bill’s provisions can be viewed here. Standing Up for the Great Lakes As co-chairman of the Northeast-Midwest Congressional Coalition, I am constantly involved in making sure the Great Lakes are properly cared for by the federal government. I consider the Great Lakes a gift from God—one that is directly tied to 128,000 American jobs, more than $33.6 billion in annual revenue, and three percent of our nation’s gross domestic product. In May, my House colleagues and I passed the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 3080, the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) of 2014, by an astounding bipartisan vote of 412-4. Through WRRDA, Congress authorizes the key missions of the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, including developing, maintaining, and supporting the nation’s economically vital waterway infrastructure and supporting effective and targeted flood protection and environmental restoration needs. This major package will guarantee that our port in Erie is dredged, which in turn will make sure that the workers at Donjon’s shipyard in Erie can keep doing their job. It will ensure that Presque Isle’s pristine beaches are protected, which will keep tourists coming and commerce flowing for generations to come. Overall, three of the Third District’s most important industries – tourism, manufacturing, and agriculture – are directly improved by this incredibly important bill. That’s why Ray Schreckengost, Executive Director of the Erie-Western PA Port Authority, referred to WRRDA as “groundbreaking legislation for the Great Lakes.” On July 10th – the same day President Obama signed WRRDA into law – I introduced an amendment to H.R. 4923, the Energy and Water Appropriations Act, 2015, to ensure that the bill complies with a provision in WRRDA that requires 10 percent of federal dollars allocated for harbor maintenance funding be prioritized for the Great Lakes Navigation System (GLNS). The amendment, co-authored by Rep. Sean Duffy (R-WI), was passed unanimously. Earlier this month, I was proud to co-sponsor H.R. 5764, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2014, which was also passed by the House unanimously. This bipartisan legislation amends the Clean Water Act to authorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) for Fiscal Years 2015 – 2019. The GLRI was an inter-agency program launched by President Obama in 2009 to implement a regional collaboration strategy developed in 2005 through a process established by an executive order from then-President George W. Bush in 2004. The GLRI had not previously received congressional authorization. Without increasing federal spending, this bill would authorize the GLRI at $300 million (the amount already appropriated over the past four fiscal years) each year for the next five years. Last year, with the help of GLRI, Presque Isle Bay was removed from the EPA’s list of Areas of Concern. Additionally, the GLRI has been instrumental in keeping Asian Carp from invading the Great Lakes and threatening its world class fisheries.  Keeping the Internet Free, Our Sovereignty Secure, & Our Rights Protected Much like last year, 2014 saw the First and Second Amendments of our Bill of Rights – along with the spirit of liberty they represent – come to the forefront of some very important legislative initiatives. * * * * * In March, the Obama administration announced that it will not renew the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) contract with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), thereby turning over America’s stewardship of the Internet’s crucial functions to “the global multistakeholder community.” According to media expert Gordon Crovitz, writing in The Wall Street Journal, “Russia, China and other authoritarian governments have already been working to redesign the Internet more to their liking, and now they will no doubt leap to fill the power vacuum caused by America's unilateral retreat.” In June, I authored a guest op-ed for Red Alert Politics describing the stakes of surrendering American stewardship of the Internet to a multinational body or any other entity. In July, I hosted a policy briefing on Capitol Hill on the future of Internet governance in light of the Obama administration’s announcement. The hearing was attended by dozens of Congressional staffers and featured professional analysis by three field experts. On November 19th, I introduced H.R. 5737, the Defending Internet Freedom Act of 2014. The legislation would prevent the Obama administration, or that of any future president, from relinquishing the critical functions of the Internet to any other entity without enhanced congressional oversight and until explicit, freedom-protecting requirements are met. It is being co-sponsored by House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX), who also serves as chairman and co-founder of the Congressional High Tech Caucus. Under our care and our values, the Internet has been able to safely expand to unthinkable horizons, enabling new ideas to spread and new markets to grow all over the world. Keeping the Internet free and safe from hostile powers overseas who by their very nature despise freedom is not just a moral responsibility—it is a thoroughly American duty. * * * * * Over the summer, I joined with Senator Mike Enzi of Wyoming to introduce H.R. 5285, the Child Welfare Provider Inclusion Act of 2014, which would ensure that all faith-based institutions and individuals can continue to provide child welfare services to those who need them. For decades, faith-based organizations have played a downright heroic role in caring for the most vulnerable among us, including infants, expectant mothers, children, teens, and needy families in Western Pennsylvania and across our country. Our bill would simply prevent these service providers from ever being denied federal assistance based on their sincerely held religious beliefs. Ultimately, it is about defending religious liberty as well as ensuring that everyone who wants to help provide foster or adoptive care to our nation’s children is able to have a seat at the table * * * * * In September, the House passed three new pieces of legislation to limit the power of the IRS in the wake of ongoing investigations into the agency’s unlawful targeting of conservative organizations. As a member of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Oversight, I was very proud to be the sole original co-sponsor of each bill. * * * * * Just last week, the dangerous United Nations Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) went into effect on Christmas Eve, 90 days after it was ratified by 50 nations. Thanks to our opposition in Congress, the United States is not one of them (even though the Obama administration misguidedly signed the treaty in 2013). As I have long argued, the ATT is an outrageous agreement that would force the United States – the world’s most important defender of peace and democracy – onto equal footing with the world’s worst dictatorships and terror-sponsors. Ominously, the treaty excludes any specific protection for, or even mention of, the fundamental right of individuals to keep and bear arms, which only opens the door wider to future gun control impositions. Most recently, I was able to secure a provision in the final version of the FY 2015 Omnibus budget that bans any federal funding for the implementation of the treaty for one full year. * * * * * As I’ve said time and again, representing you and your neighbors in the House of Representatives has been the honor of my lifetime. Any time my staff can help you with a federal matter in any specific way, please do not hesitate to contact me via the information and locations listed below. I humbly thank you for the opportunity to serve you, and look forward to having your back in Congress in 2015. Happy New Year! Sincerely, Mike Kelly   ERIE DISTRICT OFFICE 208 E. Bayfront Parkway Suite 102 Erie, PA 16507 Phone: (814) 454-8190 Fax: (814) 454-8197   BUTLER DISTRICT OFFICE 101 East Diamond St Suite 218 Butler, PA  16001 Phone: (724) 282-2557 Fax: (724) 282-3682   SHARON DISTRICT OFFICE 33 Chestnut Street Sharon, PA  16146 Phone: (724) 342-7170 Fax: (724) 342-7242   WASHINGTON, DC OFFICE 1519 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5406 Fax: (202) 225-3103   CRAWFORD COUNTY OFFICE By appointment on Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 908 Diamond Park Meadville, PA 16335 Phone: (814) 454-8190   ARMSTRONG COUNTY OFFICE By appointment on Thursdays 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 300 South McKean Street Kittanning, PA 16201 Phone: (724) 282-2557   LAWRENCE COUNTY Every Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4: 00 p.m. Lawrence County Courthouse 430 Court Street New Castle, PA  16101",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=3DF04EBC-8E9A-48DA-95E1-63CE1C8FD653,Weekly Column: Keeping Resolutions,2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"Making New Year’s resolutions seems to be as much of a tradition as breaking New Year’s resolutions.  We commit ourselves to getting in shape or quitting bad habits, but by January 5, many have already strayed.  We blame it on self-discipline or holiday leftovers, but research suggests it has more to do with how we go about setting goals. Studies show we’re more likely to achieve our resolutions if we set specific goals, such as “I will lose five pounds by March 1.”  And once those goals are set, we ought to tell someone so we don’t go it alone.  With this approach to goal setting in mind, I sat down and put together a list of specific and public resolutions that will move us toward the larger goal of reigniting the promise of opportunity in America.  First, I will work to update and simplify the tax code, which hasn’t been done since gas cost less than 90 cents a gallon.  Over the last 25-plus years, special interest groups have manipulated the tax code time and again, carving out so many loopholes that we now have a 73,954-page-long tax code.  As a friend of mine says, that’s 10 times longer than the Bible with none of the Good News!  I want to strip out those loopholes, protect folks from an abusive IRS, and lower the tax rate for hardworking Americans, and I’m optimistic there’s positive momentum behind such changes.  We won’t likely rewrite our entire tax code in a single year, but we must make progress toward creating something that’s simpler and fairer. Second, I want to open new markets for trade between South Dakota and the world.  The United States is currently in negotiations with 11 nations to create a Trans-Pacific Partnership and with the European Union to create the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership.  South Dakota already exports around $1 billion annually to markets involved in the Trans-Pacific Partnership and $125 million to the European Union, but there is room to grow if we can level the playing field for U.S. exporters.  Both the President and Congressional leadership are optimistic this is an area where we can put partisanship aside, find common ground and make progress on these negotiations. Finally, I want to target government agencies and programs that inhibit our liberties and lives.   One of the most significant impediments to our individual liberties today is the Affordable Care Act.  While I would like to see the legislation fully repealed, there is little-to-no hope that President Obama will sign legislation doing so and there isn’t enough support from Democrats in Congress to override the certain veto.  Nonetheless, I’ll do all I can to weaken the law and give relief to those most impacted until we can get the support needed for a full repeal.  Already, we’ve reduced the law’s funding and repealed the onerous 1099 requirements.  This year, I’m hopeful we’ll also be able to repeal the law’s medical device tax and further limit its Independent Payment Advisory Board, a panel of 15 unelected bureaucrats who are charged with making decisions that could limit Medicare recipients’ access to coverage. Onerous federal regulations and roadblocks have also made energy more expensive than it has to be.  I fully expect that one of the first votes I’ll take in the new Congress will be to move forward on the Keystone XL Pipeline – a pipeline that would create jobs and generate over $20 million in property taxes in South Dakota.  I’ll also be looking to rein in unnecessary EPA regulations, which could help make energy more affordable for South Dakotans. I know I’ve outlined a very aggressive agenda.  Some of these items can be settled in the next 12 months.  Others, like simplifying the tax code and expanding trade, may take longer if we want to do it right, but this is the year to get started on these larger goals as well.  I am optimistic though and I believe we have a new Congress that is prepared to govern and ready to take the tough votes that are necessary to restore the American Dream.  I for one can’t wait to tackle all that 2015 has in store.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://paulryan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398181,Chairman Ryan Names Ways and Means Communications Staff,2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,WI,Paul Ryan,R000570,paulryan.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC - Incoming Chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means Paul Ryan (R-WI) today named the Committee's full communications staff for the 114th Congress.  The group will join a team headed up by previously-announced Communications Director Brendan Buck. Doug Andres, Press Secretary - Andres comes to Ways and Means from the House Rules Committee, where he currently serves as Communications Director. Before joining the Rules Committee, he served in various roles for then-House Republican Whip Eric Cantor. Andres will begin his appointment at the Ways and Means Committee on February 1st. Brian Bolduc, Senior Communications Advisor - Bolduc, Chairman Ryan's chief speechwriter, is moving from the House Budget Committee to join the Ways and Means staff. Before coming to Capitol Hill, Bolduc was a writer at National Review, the Wall Street Journal, and the Harvard Crimson. He was also a member of the speechwriting staff on the Romney for President campaign in 2012.   Vanessa Day, Digital Director - Day, a long-time aide to Chairman Ryan, has led his digital efforts for eight years.  A Wisconsin native, she will be joining Ways and Means from the House Budget Committee, where she played an important role advancing the Path to Prosperity. Day also served on the Romney for President campaign in 2012. Molly Edwards, Press Assistant - Edwards has been a member of the communications staff at the Ways and Means Committee since July 2014. In 2012, she was part of the Romney for President campaign, working out of the Virginia field office. Edwards got her start on Capitol Hill in the office of House Majority Leader Eric Cantor.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pelosi.house.gov//news/press-releases/pelosi-statement-on-indonesia-air-asia-flight-8501,Pelosi Statement on Indonesia Air Asia Flight 8501,2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,pelosi.house.gov,,,legacy,"Contact: Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616 San Francisco — Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on the crash of Indonesia Air Asia Flight 8501: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of all those lost on Indonesia Air Asia Flight 8501.  In the midst of the holidays, as we gather together to celebrate with loved ones, we are acutely aware of the pain this tragedy represents. ""The American people stand with all those mourning the passengers and crew, and hope we can be of assistance in the investigation and recovery efforts.  “We hope it is a comfort to the families of the victims that so many around the world share in their sadness at this terrible time.”  # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://renacci.house.gov/index.cfm/weekly-column?ContentRecord_id=34E3B324-91E0-4817-8044-4580889F62C0,Renacci Report: Looking Back At The Past Year In Washington,2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OH,Jim Renacci,R000586,renacci.house.gov,,,legacy,"Looking Back At The Past Year In Washington It is a great honor to serve you in the United States Congress. Though we have much work ahead of us, I want to take this opportunity to highlight my work on behalf of Ohio’s 16th District in Washington this past year. Addressing The Problems At The VA Like many living in Ohio’s 16th District, I was deeply troubled to learn of the systematic failures at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). We can and must be doing more to keep our promise to those who have served our country. In July, the House passed the Veterans’ Access to Care through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act. Highlights from this legislation include providing $10 billion for veterans to seek private care at hospitals and clinics outside the VA, and $5 billion to allow the department to hire more doctors, nurses, and medical staff. It was signed into law on August 7, 2014. Reducing the Negative Effects of the President’s Health Care Law As I travel throughout Ohio’s 16th District, I continue to hear Ohioans speak of the negative effects of the President’s health care law. Whether it’s higher premiums or a small business grappling with the law’s employer mandate, the broken law’s unintended consequences are significant. This past year, the House passed the Employee Health Care Protection Act. It allows American workers who receive coverage through their employer the opportunity to keep their health plans through 2019. Additionally, I introduced the Simplifying Technical Aspects Regarding Seasonality (STARS) Act to clarify the employer mandate’s seasonal worker exemption provision so that our small businesses can focus their resources on doing what they do best: create jobs. Bringing Transparency to the Federal Government In Washington, we know that our current path is unsustainable, but do we really know where we stand fiscally? The answer is that we don’t, thanks to the federal government’s incomplete financial statements. That is why I introduced the Federal Financial Statement Transparency Act. This bill will encourage the federal government to clean up its balance sheet, lead to a more honest depiction of our nation’s finances, and ultimately allow Congress to balance the budget and more effectively address our growing debt. Reining In The EPA At a time when Americans are in need of a strong economic recovery, Ohio simply cannot afford to suffer more job losses as a result of this administration’s attack on coal and the affordable domestic energy that it creates. This abundant natural resource generates over 50 percent of our state’s electricity and the industry employs thousands of Ohioans. I was proud to support the Preventing Government Waste and Protecting Coal Mining Jobs in America Act. Not only will this bill curb this administration’s wasteful spending, it also removes the threat of new job-crushing federal regulations. Tax-Free Savings Accounts For Individuals With Disabilities Many parents living in Ohio’s 16th District have expressed the challenges they face when it comes to covering the costs associated everyday living expenses for their children. The challenge is even greater for parents with a child who has a disability. That is why I was a proud cosponsor of the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE) Act, a bill that allows individuals with disabilities and their caregivers to set up tax-free savings accounts in order to save for their own costs of medical care, housing, transportation, and continued education. It passed the House in July and was signed into law earlier this month. Creating Conditions For Economic Growth Over the past several months, we have seen unemployment reports that show our labor force participation rate is the lowest it’s been in decades. We must be doing more to incite growth and innovation. That is why the House passed the Jobs for America Act, a bill that changes federal law to improve the conditions necessary for economic growth. Additionally, I introduced the Flexibility to Promote Reemployment Act, a bill that increases states’ flexibility to help unemployed individuals find employment by reducing the unnecessary Washington red tape that continues to stand in the way of job growth. These are just a few of the more than 300 House-passed bills that remain stalled in the Senate. Though gridlock in Washington is frustrating, I am more than hopeful that come January we can work together to advance these bipartisan solutions. As we enter 2015, I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get our country back on the path to prosperity.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://roby.house.gov/press-release/found-wwii-pilot-be-laid-rest-montgomery-saturday,Found WWII Pilot to be Laid to Rest in Montgomery Saturday,2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"MONTGOMERY, Ala. – An Alabama World War II pilot who was missing for decades after his plane went down on Guadalcanal Island will finally be laid to rest this week with full military honors. Maj. Peyton Mathis, Jr., commander of the 44th Fighter Squadron, will be buried in his hometown of Montgomery, Ala. Saturday, January 3rd. He was 28 years old on June 5, 1944 when the P-38J Lightning he was piloting went down over Guadalcanal Island after returning from a mission.  Rescue and recovery attempts at the time of the crash were unsuccessful due to the heavy jungle. It wasn’t until 2013, when local islanders informed Department of Defense crews of a nearby crash site, that the downed P-38 was found, Maj. Mathis still strapped into the cockpit.  When Peyton Mathis III, Maj. Mathis’ nephew, learned his uncle’s lost plane and remains had possibly been found, he contacted U.S. Representative Martha Roby’s office for help expediting the identification and return process. Maj. Mathis’ widow, Evelyn, is now in her 90s, and the family understandably wanted the remains to be identified and returned as soon as possible.  The Pearl Harbor-based Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) is a special Department of Defense division whose mission is to bring America’s fallen soldiers home, no matter how long it takes and no matter the cost. When JPAC learns of possible remains, it deploys a team of researchers and scientists. From the jungles of Vietnam, the deserts of North Africa, or the depths of the Pacific Ocean,  these recovery missions require complex diplomacy and can be difficult and dangerous. In the case of Maj. Mathis, JPAC crews worked with local police to gain custody of the remains, which were sent to a special laboratory for DNA testing. Researchers used various forensic tools, including DNA provided by the family, to finally confirm Maj. Mathis’ remains.  Rep. Roby thanked the Mathis family, JPAC, and all others who played a part in ensuring this fallen airman was returned home.  “70 years ago, a brave pilot from Montgomery, Alabama went down in the jungles of the Pacific trying to save the lives of his fellow airmen,” Rep. Roby said. “Those who witnessed it said Maj. Mathis was circling the airfield, allowing the planes in his command to land safely, even though he was running low on fuel. “It has taken decades, but Major Mathis is finally returning home to Montgomery to be laid to rest alongside his father and brother. I appreciate the diligent efforts of the Mathis family, JPAC, and local islanders to find, identify, and return Major Mathis, and I was honored for my office to play a small role in seeing a fallen hero laid to rest. “Stories like this are what makes our country great, because no other country does this. The United States is the only nation in the world that devotes such resources to the mission of bringing our lost servicemen home. No matter how long it takes, no matter how much it costs, we are going to bring our fallen home.  “Like so many in his generation, Major Peyton Mathis, Jr. made the ultimate sacrifice fighting to defend this country and preserve the very freedom we enjoy today. This week, he will be laid to rest with the full military honors he deserves. I hope his story will serve as a reminder of the sacrifices our military personnel and their families have made over the years, and still make today.""  More information on Maj. Mathis is available from the Department of Defense Prisoner of War / Missing Personnel Office at https://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/news/news_releases/2014/documents/release_mathis.pdf.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/press-release/all-us-funds-palestinian-authority-must-be-immediately-suspended-after-pa-signs-rome,"All U.S. Funds to the Palestinian Authority Must Be Immediately Suspended After the PA Signs Rome Treaty, Says Ros-Lehtinen",2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,FL,Ileana Ros-Lehtinen,R000435,ros-lehtinen.house.gov,,,legacy,"All U.S. Funds to the Palestinian Authority Must Be Immediately Suspended After the PA Signs Rome Treaty, Says Ros-Lehtinen Dec 31, 2014 All U.S. Funds to the Palestinian Authority Must Be Immediately Suspended After the PA Signs Rome Treaty, Says Ros-Lehtinen “Congress must do everything in its power to block funds to the PA to make it clear to Abu Mazen that there will be consequences to his schemes at the United Nations and other international organizations like the International Criminal Court.” (Washington, DC) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, made the following statement after the Palestinian Authority signed the Rome Statue, the founding treaty to join the International Criminal Court. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen: “The latest destructive actions by Abu Mazen and the Palestinian Authority reaffirms, once again, that Abu Mazen is not a real partner for peace. By attempting to bring a flawed resolution to the UN Security Council and by signing the Rome Treaty, Abu Mazen only reiterates that he is not willing to return to direct peace negotiations with Israel without pre-conditions. It's time for the Obama administration to show Abu Mazen and the PA that there will be consequences for their irresponsible behavior and continued efforts to undermine the peace process. Congress must do everything in its power to block funds to the PA and to any UN entity that recognizes a non-existent State of Palestine to make it clear to Abu Mazen that there will be consequences to his schemes at the United Nations and other international organizations like the International Criminal Court.”   #####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-welcomes-long-awaited-airline-rules-for-carry-on-instruments,Reed Welcomes Long-Awaited Airline Rules for Carry-On Instruments,2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,RI,Jack Reed,R000122,www.reed.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12/31/2014 — WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today welcomed a final rule from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) regarding the treatment of musical instruments on commercial airlines.  Reed urged Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx to issue the rule earlier this year, when media reports documented an incident in which members of the Rhode Island band Deer Tick were barred from bringing their guitars as carry-on luggage. Section 403 of the FAA Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2012 states that air carriers “shall permit a passenger to carry a violin, guitar, or other musical instrument in the aircraft cabin,” provided “the instrument can be stowed safely in a suitable baggage compartment in the aircraft cabin or under a passenger seat” and that “there is space for such stowage at the time the passenger boards the aircraft.”  The law also makes similar allowances for the transport of larger instruments in the airplane cabin when a separate ticket is purchased for the instrument. The law was enacted in February 2012 and included a requirement that USDOT adopt regulations to carry out this provision within two years.  The law could not become effective until the final rule has was issued, leading Reed to call on Secretary Foxx in July to end the delay and clarify the rules of the road.  There have been numerous reports of musicians experiencing travel disruptions when attempting to board flights with their instruments, as well as accounts of loss, theft, or damage to instruments when the artists have been required to place them in in the baggage hold. “I’m pleased that, after nearly three years, there is a final rule that makes the FAA Modernization and Reform Act fully implemented and effective.  It will be up to the airline industry, working with musician organizations, to familiarize airline personnel and travelers of their rights and responsibilities.  I’m pleased that Secretary Foxx in developing this rule brought the airlines and musicians together, and that dialogue should continue.  We’ll also need to closely evaluate the airlines’ performance in handling valuable and fragile musical instruments,” said Reed. In July, after news reports that members of the band Deer Tick were detained and subsequently delayed on their return flight from Nashville to Rhode Island after they were barred from bringing their guitars as carry-on luggage, Reed sought to ensure other air travelers do not face similar problems.  The delayed final rule, issued Tuesday by USDOT, requires that US airlines accept musical instruments as carry-on or checked baggage on commercial passenger flights, provided that certain conditions are met.  ""We have a lot of great musicians based here in Rhode Island, and many who travel here for our world renowned music festivals.  When they fly, they should be able to learn ahead of time how an airline will store their instruments during the flight.  If an instrument passes through security and can be stowed safely, it should permitted in the airplane cabin.  This final rule is an important step towards a more uniform policy for musicians traveling with their instruments,” added Reed. The rule is expected to become effective in March. -end- Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/carson-statement-attending-icna-chicago-convention,Carson Statement on Attending the ICNA Chicago Convention,2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,IN,André Carson,C001072,carson.house.gov,carson,https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"INDIANAPOLIS - Today, Congressman André Carson released the following statement in response to his attendance at the ICNA (Islamic Circle of North America) Chicago convention last weekend. On Saturday, December 27, I attended the ICNA Chicago convention to deliver a speech on the importance of civil engagement and developing leaders in the community. On Sunday, December 28, I learned that ICNA had also scheduled me to sit on a Ferguson panel Saturday night – which I had not planned on participating in. At no point had I ever confirmed to attend any other events other than the dinner. Any reference to my participation or appearance on the Ferguson panel during the ICNA conference is not factual. As a former law enforcement officer with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security in the anti-terrorism unit, it is critical that Americans know that I would never associate with any individual or organization trying to harm the United States of America or its citizens.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:44:12Z https://gosar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2159,"Rep. Gosar Year in Review: ""Most Effective Member of 113th Congress""",2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,Paul Gosar,G000565,gosar.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement recapping his legislative accomplishments from the 113th Congress: share: f t For Immediate Release Date: December 31, 2014 Contact: Steven D. Smith Steven.Smith@mail.house.gov Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04)released the following statement recapping his legislative accomplishments from the 113th Congress: I am extremely grateful for a productive and fulfilling year representing Arizona's Fourth Congressional district during the 113th Congress. After dozens of town halls and meetings, thousands of calls and letters, my constituents made their legislative priorities clear. I am proud to have delivered on the important issues my constituents identified including cutting waste, fraud and abuse from government spending, building a better environment for private job creation and holding the Obama Administration accountable for its actions and overreaching polices. With six bills signed into law by the president, 12 other of my legislative efforts becoming law, and 24 of my amendments passing the House, I am honored and very proud to have been the most effective member of this Congress. In a time of gridlock where few things were enacted, my team and I focused on commonsense policies and the economy to get America back on track. However, these legislative successes would have not occurred without the cooperation and support of my fellow lawmakers, countless staff members and an endless number of local Arizona groups who share in the belief of building a more prosperous nation for all Arizonans. I am constantly inspired bythe citizens of the great state of Arizonaand will continue to listen to their ideas and perspectives while delivering solutions to improve their lives. Additional: You can find a comprehensive list of Congressman Gosar's legislative accomplishments from the 113th CongressHERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://medium.com/@RepBetoORourke/end-of-year-update-808ba317f354,End of year update,2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Beto O'Rourke,O000170,medium.com,,,legacy,"End of yearupdate December 29, 2014 I like to keep these updates as brief and to the point as I can. I know you get a lot of email, and you dont need more to read from me. However, since I conclude my first term in Congress this week and begin a new one in January, Id ask your indulgence as I provide a quick recap of our efforts in the 113th Congress and conclude with the last significant vote I took this year, a no vote on the spending bill. *** Weve done a lot during the 113th session of Congress: helped thousands of constituents in our El Paso office, voted on hundreds of important bills in the Capitol and held dozens of town hall meetings throughout the community. Theres no easy way to summarize and account for it all in this email, so I thought Id take you through three significant issues that are important both for El Paso and the country. The first is our obligation to our service members and their families. Soon after I took office we were forced to confront the consequences of the across-the-board budget cuts known as the sequester. While the sequester hit every federal agency, one group that stood out to me was our service members. In particular, we learned that service members were to lose access to the Tuition Assistance program, which affords them up to $4,500 per year to attend UTEP, El Paso Community College or other schools of higher-learning. After hearing from family members of those stationed at Fort Bliss, we introduced a bill to restore 100 percent of the funding. We partnered with key Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee and ultimately were able to restore funding for the remainder of 2013. By listening to the families of our service members, working across the aisle and not accepting the status quo we helped solve the problem and kept faith with our service members across the country and especially the nearly 33,000 incredibly brave men and women at Fort Bliss. At the same time that we were addressing the impacts of the sequester, we realized that problems at the VA were worse than we first believed. While the VA insisted it was meeting access requirements for El Paso, I was hearing from hundreds of veterans at my town hall meetings and in our office about the difficulty of getting in to see a doctor or mental health provider. To resolve the discrepancy, I commissioned a survey of El Pasos veterans who confirmed what we had been hearing: one-third who attempted to get mental health care could not, and average wait times for primary care were over 80 days. We exposed a deep divide between the VAs message and the reality faced by many El Paso veterans. Due to this work, and our oversight efforts on the Veterans Affairs Committee, we were able to obtain a commitment from VA leadership to turn around El Pasos clinic. To date, that has translated into millions of dollars to hire additional providers, an improving customer-focused attitude, and new leadership. There is a long way to go, and we are far from satisfied, but we are making significant progress. Lastly, the border is an issue that defines us and provides our greatest opportunitieswhether we look at it economically, culturally or on its impact to our quality of life. For example, our international bridges carry $90 billion in U.S./Mexico trade every year. That trade is connected to 25% of the jobs in El Paso, nearly 500,000 in Texas and over six million throughout the U.S. We also are a perfect example of the positive impact that immigration has on border communities and the country beyond. In large part because (and not in spite) of the fact that we have such a large immigrant community, we are the safest city in America four years running. We have served as the Ellis Island for Mexico and Central America for decades and have contributed mightily to the growth and development of the America we know today. This should be a point of pride for El Paso, and another way for us to take our place as a leading American city. This unique position and perspective has led us to author a bi-partisan immigration bill and introduce bi-partisan legislation to improve conditions at our ports of entry. Its also compelled me to argue forcefully for a rational and humane approach to border issues in the national debate. *** And now to bring us up to speed on the latest legislative developments from the Capitol. One of the last votes I took this year was on the spending bill, H.R. 83, which would fund all major departments for the rest of the fiscal year with the exception of the Department of Homeland Security, which is funded for three months. Funding the government is one of the most important responsibilities I have as your representative, and it is one of the most important jobs that we have as a Congress. I began the process of reviewing the details of what became known as the CRomnibus (for Continuing Resolution and Omnibus) with the intent of finding a way to support the legislation. For example, the CRomnibus provides more than $130 million to continue construction of the new hospital on Fort Bliss, funding to tackle the VA claims backlog and provide mental health services to our veterans, and a continued emphasis on hiring more Customs and Border Protection officers to staff ports of entry in El Paso and throughout the country. However, I voted against this bill because of two particularly troubling policy riders: The first would allow banks to engage in custom swaps, which were prohibited after the 2008 financial meltdown that caused the Great Recession. Much of the bill language to neuter this provision of Dodd-Frank was apparently written by lobbyists for Citigroup. The second would allow donors to spend vastly greater amounts to support the national political parties, from $32,400 per year to $324,000 per year and would bring the amount of money that wealthy donors can give to political parties, recount efforts and individual federal campaigns to nearly $5 million per couple per election cycle. Both issues will have a significant impact on our economy and our democracy, yet they received no hearings or debate as part of the omnibus negotiations and were slipped in at the last minute in a must-pass spending bill. Ultimately, I decided that we cannot trade 10 months of spending certainty for two permanent provisions that have the potential to cause long-lasting negative effects on this country. *** In spite of the disappointing provisions in the spending bill, its important to note that this was a much better process than last years, where political differences led to a government shutdown. Its easy enough to bemoan Congress and government in general; there is dysfunction enough to warrant it. But for me, and I hope for El Paso, next year holds much promise and opportunity. Examples of where me might make progress include: immigration reform, tax reform, defining our role abroad and connecting our position on the border to the national interest. Improving the VA, strengthening Fort Bliss, and bringing greater balance to our countrys budget. Reforming Congress, making it more accountable and reflective our priorities. I am grateful for the chance to work on these and other issues on your behalf. Thank you for giving me this opportunity and this responsibility. I am excited, energized and optimistic about what is to come. Buenas noches 2014. Buenos das 2015. Sincerely, Beto ORourke Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://medium.com/@RepBetoORourke/end-of-year-update-808ba317f354?source=rss-964ef69221bc------2,End of year update,2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Beto O'Rourke,O000170,medium.com,,,legacy,"End of yearupdate December 29, 2014 I like to keep these updates as brief and to the point as I can. I know you get a lot of email, and you dont need more to read from me. However, since I conclude my first term in Congress this week and begin a new one in January, Id ask your indulgence as I provide a quick recap of our efforts in the 113th Congress and conclude with the last significant vote I took this year, a no vote on the spending bill. *** Weve done a lot during the 113th session of Congress: helped thousands of constituents in our El Paso office, voted on hundreds of important bills in the Capitol and held dozens of town hall meetings throughout the community. Theres no easy way to summarize and account for it all in this email, so I thought Id take you through three significant issues that are important both for El Paso and the country. The first is our obligation to our service members and their families. Soon after I took office we were forced to confront the consequences of the across-the-board budget cuts known as the sequester. While the sequester hit every federal agency, one group that stood out to me was our service members. In particular, we learned that service members were to lose access to the Tuition Assistance program, which affords them up to $4,500 per year to attend UTEP, El Paso Community College or other schools of higher-learning. After hearing from family members of those stationed at Fort Bliss, we introduced a bill to restore 100 percent of the funding. We partnered with key Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee and ultimately were able to restore funding for the remainder of 2013. By listening to the families of our service members, working across the aisle and not accepting the status quo we helped solve the problem and kept faith with our service members across the country and especially the nearly 33,000 incredibly brave men and women at Fort Bliss. At the same time that we were addressing the impacts of the sequester, we realized that problems at the VA were worse than we first believed. While the VA insisted it was meeting access requirements for El Paso, I was hearing from hundreds of veterans at my town hall meetings and in our office about the difficulty of getting in to see a doctor or mental health provider. To resolve the discrepancy, I commissioned a survey of El Pasos veterans who confirmed what we had been hearing: one-third who attempted to get mental health care could not, and average wait times for primary care were over 80 days. We exposed a deep divide between the VAs message and the reality faced by many El Paso veterans. Due to this work, and our oversight efforts on the Veterans Affairs Committee, we were able to obtain a commitment from VA leadership to turn around El Pasos clinic. To date, that has translated into millions of dollars to hire additional providers, an improving customer-focused attitude, and new leadership. There is a long way to go, and we are far from satisfied, but we are making significant progress. Lastly, the border is an issue that defines us and provides our greatest opportunitieswhether we look at it economically, culturally or on its impact to our quality of life. For example, our international bridges carry $90 billion in U.S./Mexico trade every year. That trade is connected to 25% of the jobs in El Paso, nearly 500,000 in Texas and over six million throughout the U.S. We also are a perfect example of the positive impact that immigration has on border communities and the country beyond. In large part because (and not in spite) of the fact that we have such a large immigrant community, we are the safest city in America four years running. We have served as the Ellis Island for Mexico and Central America for decades and have contributed mightily to the growth and development of the America we know today. This should be a point of pride for El Paso, and another way for us to take our place as a leading American city. This unique position and perspective has led us to author a bi-partisan immigration bill and introduce bi-partisan legislation to improve conditions at our ports of entry. Its also compelled me to argue forcefully for a rational and humane approach to border issues in the national debate. *** And now to bring us up to speed on the latest legislative developments from the Capitol. One of the last votes I took this year was on the spending bill, H.R. 83, which would fund all major departments for the rest of the fiscal year with the exception of the Department of Homeland Security, which is funded for three months. Funding the government is one of the most important responsibilities I have as your representative, and it is one of the most important jobs that we have as a Congress. I began the process of reviewing the details of what became known as the CRomnibus (for Continuing Resolution and Omnibus) with the intent of finding a way to support the legislation. For example, the CRomnibus provides more than $130 million to continue construction of the new hospital on Fort Bliss, funding to tackle the VA claims backlog and provide mental health services to our veterans, and a continued emphasis on hiring more Customs and Border Protection officers to staff ports of entry in El Paso and throughout the country. However, I voted against this bill because of two particularly troubling policy riders: The first would allow banks to engage in custom swaps, which were prohibited after the 2008 financial meltdown that caused the Great Recession. Much of the bill language to neuter this provision of Dodd-Frank was apparently written by lobbyists for Citigroup. The second would allow donors to spend vastly greater amounts to support the national political parties, from $32,400 per year to $324,000 per year and would bring the amount of money that wealthy donors can give to political parties, recount efforts and individual federal campaigns to nearly $5 million per couple per election cycle. Both issues will have a significant impact on our economy and our democracy, yet they received no hearings or debate as part of the omnibus negotiations and were slipped in at the last minute in a must-pass spending bill. Ultimately, I decided that we cannot trade 10 months of spending certainty for two permanent provisions that have the potential to cause long-lasting negative effects on this country. *** In spite of the disappointing provisions in the spending bill, its important to note that this was a much better process than last years, where political differences led to a government shutdown. Its easy enough to bemoan Congress and government in general; there is dysfunction enough to warrant it. But for me, and I hope for El Paso, next year holds much promise and opportunity. Examples of where me might make progress include: immigration reform, tax reform, defining our role abroad and connecting our position on the border to the national interest. Improving the VA, strengthening Fort Bliss, and bringing greater balance to our countrys budget. Reforming Congress, making it more accountable and reflective our priorities. I am grateful for the chance to work on these and other issues on your behalf. Thank you for giving me this opportunity and this responsibility. I am excited, energized and optimistic about what is to come. Buenas noches 2014. Buenos das 2015. Sincerely, Beto ORourke Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-statement-on-passing-of-kernie-anderson,Casey Statement on Passing of Kernie Anderson,2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,PA,Bob Casey,C001070,www.casey.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released a statement following the passing of Kernie Anderson. “This week my thoughts and prayers are with the Anderson family as they mourn the loss of Kernie Anderson. Kernie is being rightly remembered as a giant of the radio industry who blazed a trail that many follow today. Kernie Anderson was an important voice for the African American community in Philadelphia and throughout the country. He fought vigorously to ensure that millions of Americans who quietly struggle had a voice. His role in helping to found Philadelphia’s Unity Day will serve as an enduring legacy of the kind of community he worked to create.”   ### Press Contact John Rizzo 202-228-6367",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/leahy-grassley-press-administration-use-cell-phone-tracking-program,Leahy & Grassley Press Administration on Use of Cell Phone Tracking Program,2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Ranking Member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) pressed top Obama administration officials on the use of cell-site simulators, which can unknowingly sweep up the cell phone signals of innocent Americans. Recent news reports have chronicled the use of such simulators by law enforcement, explaining that the simulators have the potential to capture data about the location of thousands of cell phones in their vicinity. Leahy and Grassley previously pressed the FBI about the use of this technology. In a joint letter sent last week to Attorney General Eric Holder and Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson, the Senators raised questions about exceptions to a new FBI policy to obtain a search warrant before using a cell-site simulator. The Senators also asked about other agencies' use of the technology. It remains unclear how other agencies within the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security make use of cell-site simulators and what policies are in place to govern their use of that technology, Leahy and Grassley wrote. Outlining privacy concerns for innocent individuals, the letter continues: The Judiciary Committee needs a broader understanding of the full range of law enforcement agencies that use this technology, the policies in place to protect the privacy interests of those whose information might be collected using these devices, and the legal process that DOJ and DHS entities seek prior to using them. A signed copy of the December 23 letter to Attorney General Holder and Secretary Johnson is available Here. Text of the letter can be found below. December 23, 2014 The Honorable Eric H. Holder, Jr. The Honorable Jeh Johnson Attorney General Secretary of Homeland Security Department of Justice Department of Homeland Security 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20528 Washington, D.C. 20530 Dear Attorney General Holder and Secretary Johnson: In recent months, media reports have detailed the use of cell-site simulators (often referred to as IMSI Catchers or Stingrays) by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Most recently a November 14, 2014, Wall Street Journal article (Americans' Cellphones Targeted in Secret U.S. Spy Program) reported that the United States Marshals Service regularly deploys airborne cell-site simulators (referred to as DRT boxes or dirtboxes) from five metropolitan-area airports across the United States. Like the more common Stingray devices, these dirtboxes mimic standard cell towers, forcing affected cell phones to reveal their approximate location and registration information. The Wall Street Journal article reports that dirtboxes are capable of gathering data from tens of thousands of cellphones in a single flight. We wrote to FBI Director Comey in June seeking information about law enforcement use of cell-site simulators. Since then, our staff members have participated in two briefings with FBI officials, and at the most recent session they learned that the FBI recently changed its policy with respect to the type of legal process that it typically seeks before employing this type of technology. According to this new policy, the FBI now obtains a search warrant before deploying a cell-site simulator, although the policy contains a number of potentially broad exceptions and we continue to have questions about how it is being implemented in practice. Furthermore, it remains unclear how other agencies within the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security make use of cell-site simulators and what policies are in place to govern their use of that technology. The Judiciary Committee needs a broader understanding of the full range of law enforcement agencies that use this technology, the policies in place to protect the privacy interests of those whose information might be collected using these devices, and the legal process that DOJ and DHS entities seek prior to using them. For example, we understand that the FBI's new policy requires FBI agents to obtain a search warrant whenever a cell-site simulator is used as part of a FBI investigation or operation, unless one of several exceptions apply, including (among others): (1) cases that pose an imminent danger to public safety, (2) cases that involve a fugitive, or (3) cases in which the technology is used in public places or other locations at which the FBI deems there is no reasonable expectation of privacy. We have concerns about the scope of the exceptions. Specifically, we are concerned about whether the FBI and other law enforcement agencies have adequately considered the privacy interests of other individuals who are not the targets of the interception, but whose information is nevertheless being collected when these devices are being used. We understand that the FBI believes that it can address these interests by maintaining that information for a short period of time and purging the information after it has been collected. But there is a question as to whether this sufficiently safeguards privacy interests. Accordingly, please provide written responses to these questions by January 30, 2015: 1. Since the effective date of the FBI's new policy: a. How many times has the FBI used a cell-site simulator? b. In how many of these instances was the use of the cell-site simulator authorized by a search warrant? c. In how many of these instances was the use of the cell-site simulator authorized by some other form of legal process? Please identify the legal process used. d. In how many of these instances was the cell-site simulator used without any legal process? e. How many times has each of the exceptions to the search warrant policy, including those listed above, been used by the FBI? 2. From January 1, 2010, to the effective date of the FBI's new policy: a. How many times did the FBI use a cell-site simulator? b. In how many of these instances was the use of a cell-site simulator authorized by a search warrant? c. In how many of these instances was the use of the cell-site simulator authorized by some other form of legal process? Please identify the legal process used. d. In how many of these instances was the cell-site simulator used without any legal process? e. In how many of the instances referenced in Question 2(d) did the FBI use a cell-site simulator in a public place or other location in which the FBI deemed there is no reasonable expectation of privacy? 3. What is the FBI's current policy on the retention and destruction of the information collected by cell-site simulators in all cases? How is that policy enforced? 4. What other DOJ and DHS agencies use cell-site simulators? 5. What is the policy of these agencies regarding the legal process needed for use of cell-site simulators? a. Are these agencies seeking search warrants specific to the use of cell-site simulators? b. If not, what legal authorities are they using? c. Do these agencies make use of public place or other exceptions? If so, in what proportion of all instances in which the technology is used are exceptions relied upon? d. What are these agencies' policies on the retention and destruction of the information that is collected by cell-site simulators? How are those policies enforced? 6. What is the Department of Justice's guidance to United States Attorneys' Offices regarding the legal process required for the use of cell-site simulators? 7. Across all DOJ and DHS entities, what protections exist to safeguard the privacy interests of individuals who are not the targets of interception, but whose information is nevertheless being collected by cell-site simulators? Please number your written responses according to their corresponding questions. In addition, please arrange for knowledgeable DOJ and DHS officials to provide a briefing to Judiciary Committee staff about these issues following the provision of these written responses, but no later than February 6, 2015.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/immigration-reform-and-the-importance-of-family,Immigration reform and the importance of family,2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Immigration reform and the importance of family By:  Senator Mazie K. Hirono Wednesday, December 31, 2014 Family is central to the holiday season in America: spending days at home together, traveling to visit family, sharing meals, and exchanging gifts.  Most of us take for granted that we’ll be with family this holiday season—and likely next holiday season as well.  But, we must remember the millions of hardworking people living in the United States who are still waiting for Congress to act so that they, too, can be with their loved ones at this time of year. As the United States Senate’s only immigrant, the issue of immigration reform is personal to me.  My mother brought me to America on the S.S. President Cleveland in steerage from Japan when I was almost eight years old.  Like most immigrants, mom had a dream that she could provide a better life for our family in the United States.  She was a single parent who escaped from an abusive marriage in Japan.  We started with very little, but we had each other.  And with our family support, we worked hard to pursue the American dream.  My mother changed my life by bringing me to this country, a country which afforded opportunities for a poor immigrant family like ours to make a better life. Under today’s broken immigration system, many immigrants do not have the family support that is so critical to success—and so fundamental to who we are as a country.  There are Filipino World War II veterans still waiting to be reunited with their children; there are families separated by visa backlogs that last years and even decades; and there are mothers and fathers being torn from their children because they don’t have the right paperwork.    These families wouldn’t have to endure another holiday season separated from their loved ones if we passed immigration reform.  Despite receiving the Senate’s bipartisan bill over a year ago, the House Republicans left Washington this month without even giving comprehensive immigration reform an up-or-down vote.  However, there is still reason for hope.  Just before Thanksgiving, President Obama used his executive authority to provide limited discretionary deportation relief to some undocumented mothers, fathers, and students living in our country.  The President’s executive action has given these families some peace of mind, albeit temporary, that they now won’t be torn from their families and communities and be deported if certain conditions are met.  As Nevada student and DREAMer Astrid Silva testified in a recent Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the President’s action that I chaired, at the very least she now knows that her dad will still be with her and her family this Christmas. Rather than stepping up to provide permanent solutions for immigration reform, my Republican friends are taking a page out of the Grinch’s playbook.  They’re choosing to spend their energy working to undo the President’s action at the expense of families like Astrid’s, rather than constructively working with the rest of us to pass the commonsense, humane reform that Americans overwhelmingly support.   Immigration reform legislation should not only keep families together, it should be good for our economy.  And it is.  Even with temporary actions like President Obama’s, allowing undocumented persons to come out of the shadows and work will generate billions in payroll taxes and is expected to lead to higher wages and increased worker protections for the entire workforce.  The benefit to our economy and communities when all 11 million undocumented people can step out of the shadows, work legally, and pay their taxes will be additional billions to stimulate our economy. Immigration reform isn’t just a Latino or border state issue.  It matters to all communities, like Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and all states—including my own state of Hawaii.  Immigration reform should matter to all of us who understand the importance of family as we make it through life.  I hope this holiday season, when we’re enjoying dinner or opening gifts or sitting in the pew at church, that we can think about those in this country who are still waiting to one day share those moments with their families, too. Sen. Hirono is the only immigrant in the U.S. Senate.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/az?ContentRecord_id=f78c1ee3-a6f6-4594-a19f-c272e411b269,"GLENDALE, AZ - FIESTA BOWL",2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Tucson Office Office 407 West Congress Street Suite 103 Tucson, AZ 85701 Main: (520) 670-6334 Fax: (855) 952-8702",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/explore-arizona?ContentRecord_id=a0874e71-efd0-4432-8056-ba7843712ace,"Arizona Hike: Yavapai Point Trail, Lake Pleasant",2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"The Yavapai Point Trail, one of three new hiking paths that debuted in November at Lake Pleasant Regional Park, adds a moderate climb and sweeping vistas to the park's six-trail, 8.3-mile system. The hike begins at the Cottonwood Day Use Area with a 0.2-mile walk on Pipeline Canyon Trail to the Yavapai Point junction. Here the trail swerves toward the water, following the cliffs above the lake. A scenic viewpoint at roughly the half-mile point serves as an appetizer for what awaits at trail's end. From here, the hike becomes an edgy, switchback-moderated ridgeline climb with views of Cottonwood Creek, Fireman's Cove and Pipeline Canyon. The big payoff is a panorama of the lake and surrounding desert mountains on the breezy summit. From here, you can return the way you came and pick up the new Cottonwood Trail or connect with Pipeline Canyon, hike 1.9 miles south and step out on the third new route, Wild Burro Trail. Length: 3.4 miles round trip for the Yavapai Point out-and-back. Rating: Moderate. Elevation: 1,782-2,178 feet. Where: 41835 N. Castle Hot Springs Road, Morristown. Admission: $6 per vehicle. Details: 928-501-1710, www.maricopa.gov/parks/lake_pleasant. This article was originally published in The Arizona Repbulic.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.murphy.senate.gov/view/senator-murphys-year-in-review-2014,Senator Murphy's Year in Review 2014,2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,CT,Christopher Murphy,M001169,www.murphy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Murphy's Year in Review 2014 Despite the gridlock in Washington, we were able to achieve some big wins for the state of Connecticut this year. From job training to preschool funding, inf... See Video on YouTube Tweet Copy Link",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/newswatch/123114,News December 31,2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Independent,House,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"News December 31 Wednesday, December 31, 2014 Senator Sanders Economic Security Despite some improvement in the economy, median incomes for American workers are falling. “If you look at the trend over the last 40 years, millions of people have seen a decline in their real income,” Sanders said Tuesday in a radio interview with Ed Schultz. “Economic security is of enormous importance,” the senator said on The Thom Hartmann Program as he outlined an agenda for the coming year. AUDIO, AUDIO   A Progressive Vision “The great moral, economic and political issue of our time is the growing level of income and wealth inequality in our nation,” Sen. Sanders wrote in a column for Daily Kos, OpEdNews and Green Mountain Daily. ""In the year 2015, our job is to gain control over the national debate, stay focused on the issues of real importance to the American people, stand up for our principles, educate and organize."" LINK, LINK, LINK   Voodoo Economics Republicans in Congress plan to fire Doug Elmendorf, the Congressional Budget Office chief, because he won't base economic projections on something they call ""dynamic scoring."" That is the new buzzword among right-wing economists for a notion that tax cuts result in economic growth that in turn yields more government revenue. “It is a fraud,” Sen. Sanders said on Tuesday on The Thom Hartmann Program. It’s what the first President Bush called “voodoo economics,” Sanders added.    Budget Committee Americans can expect a smaller but more progressive Democratic caucus in the Senate next year, according to a blog for Moyers & Company, which noted that Sen. Sanders would lead the chamber's Budget Committee. Sanders hired University of Missouri-Kansas City economics professor Stephanie Kelton to serve as the chief economist for Democrats on the committee, The Kansas City Star reported. LINK, LINK   World U.S. Denies Iran Swap Deal The United States called on Tuesday for the release of U.S. citizens held in Iran, denying a report that Washington had proposed a prisoner exchange for a former U.S. Marine, Reuters said. LINK Kremlin Crackdown Police in Moscow briefly detained anticorruption crusader and political opposition Aleksei A. Navalny on Tuesday as he tried to join an unauthorized, antigovernment rally, The New York Times reported. Navalny is seen as a key leader in the opposition to President Vladimir Putin. LINK National 6.5 Million Health Care Enrollments Nearly 6.5 million people either selected or were enrolled in a new individual insurance plan for 2015 on the HealthCare.gov website through Dec. 26, the U.S. government health agency told Reuters. The government has said it is aiming for more than 9 million enrollees for 2015. LINK Trade Deal Pushed Republican control of the Senate has elevated pro-trade lawmakers to key positions in leadership and committee control but Republicans inclined to give the president trade-negotiating authority are still seething at his executive action deferring deportation of millions of undocumented immigrants. Democrats may be the bigger problem. Rep. Sander Levin of Michigan, the ranking Democrat on the Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction on trade, wants to work with the administration but he said he was not about to allow. Obama to negotiate the partnership on his own, The New York Times reported. LINK Hospices Rarely Punished for Mistreatment Federal regulators have punished few hospices for violating health and safety standards despite large numbers of problem citations, The Huffington Post said. Medicare’s federal regulator has punished a hospice just 16 times in the last decade, despite carrying out 15,000 inspections and identifying more than 31,000 violations. LINK Vermont FairPoint Strike Two unions that accused FairPoint Communications of bargaining in bad faith have lost their appeal to the National Labor Relations Board, delivering a blow to striking workers in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, The Associated Press reported. LINK Shumlin Releases Single Payer Details Gov. Peter Shumlin's administration on Tuesday released documents that led to the decision to abandon plans to make Vermont the first state in the country with a universal, publicly-funded health care system, The Associated Press reported. LINK",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/recent-business/agenda-for-america,Agenda for America,2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Independent,House,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Agenda for America 12 Steps Forward Rebuilding Our Crumbling Infrastructure Reversing Climate Change Creating Worker Co-ops Growing the Trade Union Movement Raising the Minimum Wage Pay Equity for Women Workers Trade Policies that Benefit American Workers Making College Affordable for All Taking on Wall Street Health Care as a Right for All Protecting the Most Vulnerable Americans Real Tax Reform 1. Rebuilding Our Crumbling Infrastructure We need a major investment to rebuild our crumbling infrastructure: roads, bridges, water systems, waste water plants, airports, railroads and schools. It has been estimated that the cost of the Bush-Cheney Iraq War, a war we should never have waged, will total $3 trillion by the time the last veteran receives needed care. A $1 trillion investment in infrastructure could create 13 million decent paying jobs and make this country more efficient and productive. We need to invest in infrastructure, not more war. 2. Reversing Climate Change The United States must lead the world in reversing climate change and make certain that this planet is habitable for our children and grandchildren. We must transform our energy system away from fossil fuels and into energy efficiency and sustainable energies. Millions of homes and buildings need to be weatherized, our transportation system needs to be energy efficient and we need to greatly accelerate the progress we are already seeing in wind, solar, geothermal, biomass and other forms of sustainable energy. Transforming our energy system will not only protect the environment, it will create good paying jobs. 3. Creating Worker Co-ops We need to develop new economic models to increase job creation and productivity. Instead of giving huge tax breaks to corporations which ship our jobs to China and other low-wage countries, we need to provide assistance to workers who want to purchase their own businesses by establishing worker-owned cooperatives. Study after study shows that when workers have an ownership stake in the businesses they work for, productivity goes up, absenteeism goes down and employees are much more satisfied with their jobs. 4. Growing the Trade Union Movement Union workers who are able to collectively bargain for higher wages and benefits earn substantially more than non-union workers. Today, corporate opposition to union organizing makes it extremely difficult for workers to join a union. We need legislation which makes it clear that when a majority of workers sign cards in support of a union, they can form a union. 5. Raising the Minimum Wage The current federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour is a starvation wage. We need to raise the minimum wage to a living wage. No one in this country who works 40 hours a week should live in poverty. 6. Pay Equity for Women Workers Women workers today earn 78 percent of what their male counterparts make. We need pay equity in our country — equal pay for equal work. 7. Trade Policies that Benefit American Workers Since 2001 we have lost more than 60,000 factories in this country, and more than 4.9 million decent-paying manufacturing jobs. We must end our disastrous trade policies (NAFTA, CAFTA, PNTR with China, etc.) which enable corporate America to shut down plants in this country and move to China and other low-wage countries. We need to end the race to the bottom and develop trade policies which demand that American corporations create jobs here, and not abroad. Sign the petition to stop the Trans-Pacific Partnership — another trade deal disaster » 8. Making College Affordable for All In today's highly competitive global economy, millions of Americans are unable to afford the higher education they need in order to get good-paying jobs. Further, with both parents now often at work, most working-class families can't locate the high-quality and affordable child care they need for their kids. Quality education in America, from child care to higher education, must be affordable for all. Without a high-quality and affordable educational system, we will be unable to compete globally and our standard of living will continue to decline. 9. Taking on Wall Street The function of banking is to facilitate the flow of capital into productive and job-creating activities. Financial institutions cannot be an island unto themselves, standing as huge profit centers outside of the real economy. Today, six huge Wall Street financial institutions have assets equivalent to 61 percent of our gross domestic product - over $9.8 trillion. These institutions underwrite more than half the mortgages in this country and more than two-thirds of the credit cards. The greed, recklessness and illegal behavior of major Wall Street firms plunged this country into the worst financial crisis since the 1930s. They are too powerful to be reformed. They must be broken up. 10. Health Care as a Right for All The United States must join the rest of the industrialized world and recognize that health care is a right of all, and not a privilege. Despite the fact that more than 40 million Americans have no health insurance, we spend almost twice as much per capita on health care as any other nation. We need to establish a Medicare-for-all, single-payer system. 11. Protecting the Most Vulnerable Americans Millions of seniors live in poverty and we have the highest rate of childhood poverty of any major country. We must strengthen the social safety net, not weaken it. Instead of cutting Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and nutrition programs, we should be expanding these programs. 12. Real Tax Reform At a time of massive wealth and income inequality, we need a progressive tax system in this country which is based on ability to pay. It is not acceptable that major profitable corporations have paid nothing in federal income taxes, and that corporate CEOs in this country often enjoy an effective tax rate which is lower than their secretaries. It is absurd that we lose over $100 billion a year in revenue because corporations and the wealthy stash their cash in offshore tax havens around the world. The time is long overdue for real tax reform.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://barletta.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/barletta-statement-on-the-new-year-of-2015,Barletta Statement on the New Year of 2015,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Lou Barletta,B001269,barletta.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Lou Barletta, PA-11, today issued the following statement regarding the New Year of 2015: ""The year that has just passed has presented the people of this country with many challenges – some unique to our current circumstances, and some with which we have continued to struggle.  In the end, I have faith that we, the people of the greatest nation the world has ever known, will pull together and overcome whatever adversity we encounter. ""The new year presents us with a fresh start, and hopefully a chance to build on our successes.  But we can also learn from our mistakes.  Each victory is a mark in the win column, and each failure is a chance to do better.  The great Babe Ruth once said, ‘Every strike brings me closer to the next home run.’  The Babe was right to be optimistic about life.  ""On behalf of my wife, Mary Grace, our four daughters, and two beautiful grandchildren, I wish the people of Pennsylvania’s 11th District a healthy and prosperous new year.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://barletta.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-lou-barletta-2014-year-in-review,Rep. Lou Barletta: 2014 Year in Review,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Lou Barletta,B001269,barletta.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Lou Barletta, PA-11, today looked back on the year 2014 in the United States House of Representatives and highlighted some notable improvements and achievements.  Among the important issues covered during the year were fighting illegal immigration, protecting volunteer firefighters from Obamacare, saving billions of taxpayer dollars on federal office space, reducing regulations, and promoting domestic energy.  Most of those policy advancements encouraged private sector job growth.  Barletta indicated that he would continue the fight on those and other important issues as the 114th Congress begins in January. “We made a lot of important advances in the last twelve months, all with the idea of improving the lives of everyday citizens,” Barletta said.  “Government can sometimes solve problems, but in many cases, the best thing government can do is get out of the way.” Battling Illegal Immigration The United States has immigration laws for two primary reasons: to protect national security and to protect American jobs.  For too long, the immigration laws that we currently have on the books have been ignored, and there remain too many holes in the system.  Throughout 2014, Rep. Barletta fought to fix the system. By his unlawful executive action on amnesty, the president is introducing five million more competitors into an already tight job market, at a time when 20 million Americans are either unemployed or underemployed.  Barletta is looking forward to fixing the problems in the next Congress. “I have been personally assured by Speaker Boehner that I will play an integral role in crafting new, strong national immigration policies beginning in January,” Barletta said. Barletta proposed or supported a variety of pieces of legislation to strengthen immigration laws, and protect national security and American jobs: Defense of Legal Workers Act Barletta’s legislation removes a $3,000 per job incentive created by President Obama for employers to hire amnesty recipients over legal American workers.  Obamacare and the president’s recently announced amnesty program for illegal immigrants combine to make it financially more attractive for businesses to choose illegal immigrants when making hiring decisions.  Barletta’s bill removes the incentive by clarifying that illegal immigrants granted amnesty by executive action cannot be issued work permits.  Unaccompanied Alien Minors In response to the illegal immigrant surge at the southern border over the summer, Barletta introduced legislation to empower governors and local elected officials to control whether or not the federal government can place unaccompanied minors, who have illegally entered the country, into their communities.  H.R. 5409, the “Unaccompanied Alien Children Transparency Act” would require the federal government to inform states and localities of relocation plans in advance, and would require the federal government to certify to the states that the minors will not pose a health or public safety risk to the community.  It would also require the federal government to provide information such as the costs associated with the housing and education of these minors.  Over the summer, Rep. Barletta learned of a proposal by the non-profit U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants to house unaccompanied minors in Hazleton.  Once Barletta released this information to the public, the organization cancelled its plans following community opposition.  Had Barletta not been informed of the situation by Hazleton officials, the plan would have proceeded without public notice. DACA Barletta was key in the House passage of legislation to stop President Obama’s policy of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), under which the administration has refused to deport illegal immigrants up to the age of 30, if they claim they have been present in the country since the age of 16, among other factors.  Obama’s DACA policy is a key reason for the recent influx of illegal immigrants, who believe that if they arrive safely in the United States, they will be allowed to stay. “From the first day I came to Congress, I have been asking that we do something about illegal immigration,” Barletta said.  “For a long time I got nowhere, but with the situation growing worse, and with the president acting unilaterally, more and more people now understand the scope of the problem.” In the 114th Congress, Barletta will continue to fight for these improvements, such as making it a criminal offense for someone to overstay a visa, and instituting a biometric entry and exit system. Protecting Volunteer Firefighters One of the many side effects of Obamacare was the public safety impact it could have on thousands of communities because of its treatment of volunteer firefighters.  After being alerted to a potential problem in 2013, Barletta investigated and discovered that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) had been counting volunteer firefighters as employees for federal tax purposes, which could trigger the Employer Mandate Provision of Obamacare.  Under pressure from Barletta, the IRS relented and issued a new set of regulations in February that included a section using the same definition of a “bona fide volunteer” as Barletta’s bill.  Unwilling to leave such an important public safety issue in the hands of unelected bureaucrats at the IRS, Barletta continued to pursue his legislation.  In a rare unanimous vote, the House approved the bill 410-to-0 on March 11, 2014. Disappointingly, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) added controversial unemployment benefits language to the bill, effectively killing its chances for the full approval of Congress.  Barletta, however, said he has not yet given up the fight and plans to reintroduce the measure in the 114th Congress. “While we have won the short-term battle and shielded volunteer firefighters and the communities they protect, there is still work to be done,” Barletta said.  “This is a public safety issue that is too important to be left to the whims of a federal agency like the IRS.” Combating Obamacare Barletta and the House of Representatives voted more than 50 times in the 113th Congress – not just in 2014 – to delay, defund, or dismantle all or parts of Obamacare, because it failed to live up to its name.  President Obama has signed ten pieces of legislation defunding or repealing parts of Obamacare into law.    The bipartisan spending bill passed by Congress continues Republican efforts to: Provide no new funding for Obamacare. Require Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Treasury to report to Congress on improper payments of ObamaCare tax subsidies. Reduce funding to the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB). Maintain all existing pro-life policy and funding provisions. Include three new pro-life provisions:  Obamacare Transparency - requires Obamacare healthcare plans to inform customers if they provide abortion services. Conscience Protection - requires HHS Office of Civil Rights to address complaints of violations. Provides $12 million in unused abstinence education funds. Reining in the EPA Barletta supported legislation that curbs proposed expansion of the federal definition of Waters of the United States, and defends the relationship between federal and state governments established by the Clean Water Act.  He co-sponsored H.R. 5078, the Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protection Act, which blocks the expansion proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  “For four decades, the Clean Water Act has worked as a strong partnership between the federal government and the states,” Barletta said.  “However, the new definition of federal waters is so vague that it’s impossible to know what standards you need to prove.  The result would be higher legal fees, increased costs to farmers and builders, and fewer jobs.  Local farmers I have talked to said the legal fees alone would probably run them out of business.  Simply put, sometimes a mud puddle is just a mud puddle.” In addition, the bipartisan spending bill adopted by Congress: Cuts EPA by $60 million, representing the 5th consecutive year of cuts – a total reduction of 21 percent since Fiscal Year 2010. Reduces EPA staffing by 2,000 positions, which is equivalent to 1989 levels. Prohibits regulation of farm ponds and irrigation ditches. Protects Second Amendment rights and prohibits EPA from regulating lead content in ammunition or fishing tackle. Restraining the IRS The bipartisan spending bill adopted by Congress continues Republican efforts to: Cut IRS funding by $345.6 million ($1.5 billion below the president’s request and below Fiscal Year 2008 levels). Prohibit IRS targeting of organizations based on their ideological beliefs or for exercising their First Amendment rights. Prohibit the White House from ordering review of tax-exempt status. Prohibit use of IRS funds for inappropriate videos and conferences. “No federal agency strikes more fear into the hearts of citizens than the IRS,” Barletta said.  “It is time to stop the use of federal tax collectors as political enforcers.”  Saving Billions on Federal Office Space Rep. Barletta used his position on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to save taxpayers more than $2 billion by more efficiently using federal office space.  Barletta is Chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.  In some cases, the changes involved reconfiguration or alteration of existing federal sites.  In others, it involved better leasing arrangements. “This can really be just the beginning,” Barletta said.  “As these decisions are made, we ought to be asking every time: can we do this better, and how can we save the taxpayers money?” Promoting Domestic Energy Barletta supported measures designed to ease American dependence on foreign sources of oil and create private sector jobs: Barletta cosponsored legislation to authorize construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, a project which has been more than six years in the works through many studies, delays, and rejections from the Obama Administration.  The pipeline, which would run from Alberta, Canada to Nebraska, would allow crude oil to flow all the way to the Gulf Coast.  The completion of the pipeline is expected to create tens of thousands of construction jobs in the United States and establish a reliable supply of energy. Construction of the Keystone XL pipeline will increase manufacturing jobs in Pennsylvania. The bipartisan spending bill passed by Congress requires the Department of Defense to use anthracite coal to heat the Army and Air Force Barracks in Kaiserslautern, Germany.  Improving Transportation Highway Bill Congress passed the Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2014, which addressed a potential expiration of surface transportation authorization and the Highway Trust Fund shortfall predicted to occur.  Barletta still supports a highway bill of at least five years to allow for contractors and employers to better plan for the future. “There are more than 5,000 bridges in Pennsylvania that are structurally deficient, and countless roadways that are in desperate need of repair,” said Barletta, who is a subcommittee chairman in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.  “If Congress had failed to act, the money to fund surface transportation projects would have run dry.  That could have resulted in the stoppage of more than 7,000 projects and the loss of countless jobs across the country, including Pennsylvania.” Safer Trucks and Buses Barletta introduced the Safer Trucks and Buses Act (H.R. 5532), which halts the publication of flawed safety scores for carriers and directs the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to revamp its scoring system.  The legislation addresses a problem with the Compliance Safety Accountability (CSA) program, which was rushed into usage, and often does not reflect changes made by carriers to improve their approaches to safety. “As a father of four daughters, I worry every day about the safety of my girls, and I strongly believe that unsafe vehicles should not be on the road,” Barletta said. “Unfortunately, companies across the country and in Pennsylvania are being unfairly misrepresented by their safety scores, causing economically devastating impacts to these bus and truck companies, many of which are small businesses.” Keeping Promises to Veterans Barletta supported legislation that overhauls the Veterans Administration and provides veterans with more responsive and accessible health care.  The legislation follows revelations of long wait times at VA medical facilities, falsified records, and the resulting deaths of veterans.  The legislation: Allows veterans to seek medical attention outside the VA system if an appointment is not available within 30 days, or if a veteran resides more than 40 miles from the nearest VA medical facility. Provides funding to hire additional doctors, nurses, and medical staff. Extends several existing pilot programs, including those increasing access to care for veterans with traumatic brain injuries and victims of sexual assault.  Requires an independent assessment of VA medical care and establishes a Congressional Commission on Care to evaluate access in the VA health system. Permits the VA Secretary to fire or demote employees in an expedited fashion based on performance or misconduct, while also including due processes rights. Requires public colleges to provide in-state tuition to veterans and eligible dependents in order for the school to remain eligible to receive G.I. Bill education payments. Expands the Sgt. Fry Scholarship Program to provide full post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits to spouses of service members who died in the line of duty after 9/11. “The problems discovered in the VA system needed to be addressed, and we are addressing them now,” Barletta said.  “From the beginning, this was not a Republican or Democrat issue.  This was an American issue.” Maintaining Waterway Infrastructure Barletta backed the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA), which promotes American competitiveness and economic growth by maintaining an effective waterway infrastructure, while also supporting strong flood protection.  The legislation originated in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where Barletta is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.  It passed the House by a vote of 412-to-4. “This strengthens Congressional oversight, restricts executive overreach, cuts red tape, and provides transparency in the selection of projects,” Barletta said.  “And critically for our part of Pennsylvania, WRRDA helps with flood risk management.”  Helping the Disabled Barletta supported the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, which amends the IRS code to establish tax-exempt accounts for individuals with disabilities to assist in paying for certain expenses, including higher education, primary residence, transportation, employment assistance, health and wellness, and other personal support expenses.    “So many times, families have been left in the difficult position of choosing between taking care of children’s special needs and planning for their future,” Barletta said.  “The ABLE Act helps families avoid that predicament and lets them plan ahead.” Serving the 11th District Contained within the bipartisan spending bill passed by Congress are a number of items that directly benefit the 11th District of Pennsylvania: $900 million to address military funding shortfalls, including depot maintenance at facilities such as Tobyhanna Army Depot. Restored funding zeroed out under President Obama’s budget request for State Criminal Alien Assistance Program, which reimburses localities who house criminal illegal immigrants in local jails (increases funding from $180 million to $185 million rather than president’s request of $0.) $200 million more than original budget request for Community Development Block Grants. $75 million increase for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG). Increase for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Increase funding for flood prevention under the Streamflow Information Program. Connecting to Main Street In 2014, Congressman Barletta continued his Main Street Tours, during which he visited local businesses and heard the concerns and ideas of small employers and citizens.  Barletta has conducted more than twenty Main Street Tours since 2013, including stops this year in Tunkhannock, Elizabethville, Plymouth, Carlisle, Danville, Kingston, Millersburg, Sunbury, Bloomsburg, Mechanicsburg, Linglestown, and Berwick.  “As a former mayor, I know without question that all wisdom does not reside in Washington, D.C.,” Barletta said.  “Most of the best ideas come from the people who are dealing with real issues in their real lives every day.  I will always continue to be accessible and listen to the people whose lives are affected by the laws we pass.” While Barletta indicated that while he was pleased with the successes of 2014 and the 113th Congress, which has concluded, he will continue to fight for the 11th District of Pennsylvania. “If 2014 taught us anything, it’s that it is much better to get half a loaf of bread than no loaf at all”, Barletta said.  “With the new Congress taking shape in January, I am optimistic about even more advancements in the coming months.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://bass.house.gov/press-release/statement-ezell-ford-autopsy-and-lapd-shooting,Statement on Ezell Ford Autopsy and LAPD Shooting,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,CA,Karen Bass,B001270,bass.house.gov,,,legacy,"LOS ANGELES, CA—Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-CA) released the following statement after the release of the autopsy of Ezell Ford, an unarmed 25-year-old who was shot and killed by LAPD officers in August: ""I appreciate Mayor Garcetti’s actions today in requesting Ezell Ford’s autopsy be released to the public. I join with Mr. Ford’s family in grieving his death as well as wanting to make sure that justice is served.   “The information in the autopsy is one piece of evidence, but it does not tell the complete story. I echo calls for all witnesses to come forward to share their reports of what they saw last August. This information is vital to ensuring we have the full story of what happened.    ""Ezell Ford’s family and the South Los Angeles community deserve a full and impartial investigation surrounding the tragic events from this summer. There are many facts to consider—including the Mr. Ford’s mental illness as well Mr. Ford being shot in the back.  ""I will continue to closely monitor the Los Angeles Police Department’s, the office of inspector general’s and the district attorney's office’s investigations.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://bass.house.gov/press-release/statement-possible-ambush-police-officers-south-la,Statement on Possible Ambush of Police Officers in South LA,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,CA,Karen Bass,B001270,bass.house.gov,,,legacy,"LOS ANGELES, CA—Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-CA) released the following statement after two people fired on Los Angeles Police Officers Sunday night: ""I am deeply concerned about the shooting at two Los Angeles Police Officers Sunday night on 62nd and Hoover streets. This sort of gun violence has no place on our streets, and it only serves to make our communities less safe for all of our residents. At this point it is unclear whether the officers were the targets of the shooting, but I am relieved that no one was hurt in this incident. ""As community members we must strive to work together to rid our neighborhood of senseless violence. ""All lives matter.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cramer.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congressional-watchdog-group-nd-radio-managers-recognize-cramer-town,"Congressional Watchdog Group, ND Radio Managers Recognize Cramer Town Hall Record",2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. – Today North Dakota radio managers joined national Congressional watchdog group Legistorm in recognizing Congressman Kevin Cramer for holding the most town hall events with constituents, both in person and on the airwaves. According to Legistorm, Cramer participated in more town halls than any other member of the U.S. House or Senate in 2014, with 81 events. During the past year, Rep. Cramer continued to hold “Coffee with Cramer” events around North Dakota in larger cities and smaller communities. These discussions offer a chance for constituents to ask their questions in a relaxed and informal setting. Congressman Cramer also conducts a weekly hour-long radio town hall on the What’s On Your Mind program, which can be heard statewide Wednesday mornings at 10:00am central on five North Dakota stations: KFYR 550 AM (99.7 FM) in Bismarck, AM 1100 The Flag in Fargo, KLTC 1460 AM in Dickinson, KCJB 910 AM in Minot, and KTGO 1090 AM in Tioga. “Our listeners appreciate having a weekly platform to interact with their sole Representative in the U.S. House. In addition to taking live questions during the time on the air, we also have a dedicated voice mailbox which listeners can call anytime to leave a question for the next show,” said Todd Mitchell, Operations Manager for Clear Channel Radio in Bismarck. In addition to his Wednesday radio town hall, Cramer also appears for segments each Thursday on News/Radio 1310 KNOX in Grand Forks and KHND “The Mix” in Harvey. His weekly interviews can be heard on KNOX’s The Jarrod Thomas Show at approximately 10:10am central, and KHND’s “Get It Off Your Chest” program at approximately 10:45am central. “Having Rep. Cramer as a guest on such a regular basis has generated a lot of positive reactions from our listeners. I don’t think they ever expected to have this kind of access to a member of North Dakota’s Congressional delegation,” said Jarrod Thomas, host of the Jarrod Thomas Show and operations manager at News/Radio 1310 KNOX in Grand Forks. Cramer plans to continue offering a high level of access to his constituents both in person and on the air into 2015. “The most important part of being a public servant is the public. I appreciate every opportunity I have to interact with North Dakotans because it helps me do a better job representing them in Washington,” said Cramer. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://dennyheck.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/thurston-county-s-newly-elected-officials-sworn-in-during-ceremony,Thurston Countys newly elected officials sworn in during ceremony,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,WA,Denny Heck,H001064,dennyheck.house.gov,,,legacy,"Newly elected Thurston County Clerk Linda Enlow said she had waited for more than 20 years for Tuesday’s swearing-in ceremony at the Kenneth J. Minnaert Center for the Arts at South Puget Sound Community College. “It’s very emotional,” said Enlow, who served as the county’s chief deputy clerk for 21 years, under retiring Clerk Betty Gould. “I’m very excited.” She was among 11 elected officials sworn into office Tuesday afternoon by county Auditor Mary Hall. U.S. Rep. Denny Heck delivered a keynote speech during the event, saying that public service is about neighbors, community and relationships. He passed along some advice that he received during his freshman term in the House of Representatives from retiring Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., the longest serving member of Congress in U.S. History. “He said this: “You have a very important job, and you’re not a very important person,” Heck recalled. “For those of you who are elected, I want you to remember those words.” Meantime, Hall compared the swearing-in ceremony to a wedding, and added that the real work was still ahead. Like marriage, Hall said elected offices will take a lot of hard work, negotiation and collaboration. Other officials sworn in during the ceremony were County Commissioner Bud Blake; Coroner Gary Warnock; Prosecuting Attorney Jon Tunheim; Sheriff John Snaza; Treasurer Shawn Myers; District Court Judges Kalo Wilcox, Sam Meyer and Brett Buckley; and Public Utility District Commissioners Russ Olsen and Chris Stearns. Hall was sworn in on Dec. 22 so that she could do an early swearing in ceremony for Assessor Steven Drew who couldn’t participate in Tuesday’s event due to a scheduling conflict. Judge Meyer took his oath alongside wife, Jennifer, and their children Charlotte, 4, and Henry, 10. “It really was a family affair,” Jennifer Meyer said after the ceremony. “We appreciate marking the day, and being able to participate in it.” STEVE BLOOM — Staff photographer",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://gohmert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398170,Rep. Gohmert: Obama Admitted Democrats Were 'Party of No',2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,TX,Louie Gohmert,G000552,gohmert.house.gov,,,legacy,"President Barack Obama admitted it was Democrats, not Republicans, that had been the ""party of no,"" Rep. Louie Gohmert told Fox News' ""America's Newsroom."" Gohmert said Obama made the admission during an NPR interview that aired Monday when he said he rarely had to veto bills, because legislation he objected to was ""typically blocked in the Senate"" with Nevada Democrat Sen. Harry Reid as majority leader. ""Now the president has finally admitted they've been lying — Harry Reid, all those folks that have been saying Republicans were the party of no. He's basically admitted in this statement, 'yeah, we've been the party of no, but I've been able to rely on Harry Reid to say no so I didn't have to,' "" the Texas Republican said Tuesday. ""That's what I'm hearing in that statement."" Gohmert, who sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee, explained Republicans often tried to discuss ideas with Obama, but said even though the president communicated he wanted to work with GOP lawmakers, he would follow up by ""going to the golf course and not talking to anybody."" ""He said, 'I have an open door, if you've got any ideas.' A bunch of us tried. They never had any indication that they would let us in. We kept asking, 'Hey, we've got some good ideas.' Never would hear from us. So, that was all for the camera, all for television, but not so much for reality,"" he said. With a majority in both houses of Congress, Republicans would now be able to move legislation to the president's desk, such as changes to healthcare, approving the Keystone XL pipeline, and defunding amnesty, Gohmert said, adding voters expected lawmakers to ""follow through and do what we said we would do"" when running for office. ""This lets voters see who it is that's representing them,"" he said. ""The best thing to do for an open government is get votes on bills.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://gosar.house.gov/press-release/icymi-arizona-game-fish-votes-cost-share-repairs-willow-beach-fish-hatchery,ICYMI: Arizona Game & Fish Votes to Cost-share Repairs to Willow Beach Fish Hatchery,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,Paul Gosar,G000565,gosar.house.gov,,,legacy,"For Immediate Release Date: December 30, 2014   Contact: Steven D. Smith Steven.Smith@mail.house.gov Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement after the Arizona Game and Fish Commission voted this past Tuesday 5-0 in favor of funding up to $389,000 to fix a broken pipeline for the Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery which amounts to about 50 percent of the cost of the repairs: “This unanimous vote by the Commission is very good news. Rainbow trout stocking operations are one step closer to resuming at Willow Beach. I was honored to lead the charge, along with Senator McCain, to hold the Fish and Wildlife Service accountable when they arbitrarily terminated the rainbow trout stocking program and inflated cost estimates to repair the broken water line. The attempt to justify terminating this worthwhile program was extremely short sighted and I am happy to see that decision reversed.” Commission Vice-Chair Kurt Davis said “This is a great pre-New Year’s present for the people of Mohave County and anglers across the state... Sportfishing recreation contributes $1.47 billion to Arizona’s economy annually, with much of that money going to rural communities, and Game and Fish is proud to be part of the solution keeping Willow Beach in business.” From the Arizona Game and Fish Department press release: The vote by the Commission to cost-share the Willow Beach hatchery repairs comes after much work by Arizona’s congressional delegation, particularly Senator John McCain and Congressman Paul Gosar, who championed a repair to the hatchery. Infrastructure problems at the hatchery began nearly five years ago, when broken pipelines and low water levels threatened trout production at the facility. The loss of the trout stocking would continue to have a devastating economic effect on the communities in Mohave County, Arizona. The state’s sport fishing industry relies on the national hatchery system for more than 97 percent of sport fish stocked in Arizona. The agreement approved by the Commission will, if executed, commit the Department to share the costs of repairs, and institutionalize a recreational fishing partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service into the next decade. It calls for the Service to annually provide 2 million fertilized triploid rainbow trout eggs from Ennis National Fish Hatchery, 160,000 fertilized Apache trout eggs from Williams Creek National Fish Hatchery and 150,000 catchable 11-inch rainbow trout stocked annually into Willow Beach and below Davis Dam. Additional Congressman Gosar has created an informational page on his website about his efforts to protect the trout stocking program at the Willow Beach Fish Hatchery which includes introducing the Fish Hatchery Protection Act, H.R. 5026 that would protect propagation fish hatcheries and propagation programs within the National Fish Hatchery System. That page can be found HERE.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://hartzler.house.gov/newsletters/view-capitol-congresswoman-vicky-hartzlers-newsletter-week-new-years-2015,"View From the Capitol - Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler's Newsletter for the Week of New Year's, 2015",2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,MO,Vicky Hartzler,H001053,hartzler.house.gov,,,legacy,"Good Day, A busy and productive year is drawing to a close and I would like to share some of the highlights from 2014. It was a year of reaching out, listening to, and responding to the concerns of the good citizens of Missouri’s Fourth Congressional District. I would like to share just a few of this year’s memorable moments. A number of the year’s events were tied to the defense of our nation. With tensions mounting in the Middle East, I joined several of my House Armed Services Committee (HASC) colleagues on a fact-finding mission to the region, visiting Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Morocco – meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, King Abdullah II of Jordan, and President Abdel al-Sisi of Egypt. In each country we visited, we also met with United States Embassy staff and U.S. Defense officials. Among the many issues we discussed was terrorism, in general, and the march of ISIL toward an Islamic caliphate in the Middle East. I shared these concerns with MO-4 citizens at a series of presentations in Harrisonville, Sedalia, and Waynesville. These events were well-attended as residents of our district are rightly concerned about the terrorist threats to our homeland and to Americans abroad and they wanted to hear the latest. I have spoken of the great pride we all have in the men and women serving at Whiteman Air Force Base and Fort Leonard Wood. This summer I had the privilege of speaking, via telephone, to members of the 442nd Fighter Wing deployed to Afghanistan. What these Airmen did was so important to the troops on the ground - and I thanked them for the job they were doing. The crews spent precious time away from their families, and were looking forward to the return home. I was honored to be invited to take part in the “welcome home” celebration. It was rewarding to see these Airmen reunited with their families. We cannot thank them enough for their service and their sacrifice. Still with defense matters in MO-4, I had the opportunity to welcome Secretary of the Air Force Rebecca James to Whiteman Air Force Base. I also welcomed Chief of Army, General Ray Odierno, to Fort Leonard Wood. I am honored to represent the district that is home to these fine military installations and to represent the interests of the brave men and women stationed there and serving our country. On another matter, I took on a number of social issues affecting our district and our country. In Columbia, our Summit on Human Trafficking helped increase awareness of this horrific crime. All too often, many of us think of human trafficking as something that takes place only in big cities or in other countries when, in fact, this appalling crime is taking place right in our own backyard. This forum followed House approval of a series of bills aimed at preventing or eliminating the spread of trafficking and protecting the victims of this crime against humanity. Many of these victims are pre-teens and young teenagers, with 80 percent of the victims being female. My hope is that the information shared at this summit will help educate and take awareness and prevention to the next step so someday we do not have this abomination occurring in our country. I later took a step toward improving child welfare in our state and throughout the nation by hosting a Congressional Listening Tour for Children, in Columbia, with fellow Member of Congress Karen Bass (D-CA), children’s services experts, and community leaders. The goal of our time in Columbia was to highlight both the positive aspects and challenges of the child welfare system here in Missouri. Participants shared their on-the-ground experiences and their perspectives on the best practices and concerns with our child welfare system. An issue of this importance crosses political lines, and my Democratic colleague as well as other participants share my interest in promoting adoption, encouraging family permanency, and stopping child trafficking. This year also included a number of events that we are doing on an annual basis. The third annual Lebanon Job Fair was a success for unemployed Missourians as well as those looking to advance their careers. I was pleased to help bring together employers and those looking for work through the Job Fair and to see some hired that day. It is a tangible action I can take, in addition to legislative action in Washington, to help the good people I am privileged to represent by facilitating the job search process. The fourth Missouri Business Conference at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg once again brought together small business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and students with experts on business success. Five issue-specific panels featured more than two dozen entrepreneurs who have lived the vision of starting a business and offered their insights. The University of Central Missouri was also the host location for my inaugural Veterans Summit. The goal was to provide veterans with timely information on issues they care about such as how to overcome the challenges of reintegration after deployment, strengthening the family, and succeeding in the workplace. At the same time, we wanted to connect veterans with the many resources they have earned and deserve. Panels hosted by experts included discussion of personal, emotional, spiritual, family and career issues of returning veterans; continuing education and career opportunities for returning veterans; and discussion of VA health care and benefits. State Fair Community College in Sedalia hosted the Fourth District’s inaugural Youth Leadership Summit. More than 200 students from 48 high schools were able to participate in this all-day event and have the opportunity to hear from dynamic speakers who shared tips for success in school and in reaching their goals. I am hopeful the time spent will help MO-4 students reach their potential and help make a difference in their communities and schools. I look forward to seeing the great things they are going to do in the future and am glad I could be a small part of it. An “All-of-the-Above” Energy Tour and our annual Farm Tour rounded out this year’s ambitious schedule of events throughout our district. On a personal note, I was honored to have been chosen to deliver the commencement address to students graduating from the University of Missouri’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR). My message to these young people as they go forward is that they have been blessed with a world class education – and the world is going to need them. These graduates will advance the cause of feeding the world while protecting our resources as they work together and speak with one voice, advocating the positive message of agriculture and embracing wise use of technology. I was proud to be there on this historic day in the lives of these young people. Finally, I would like to close with a few quick facts and figures from 2014. During the year, I sponsored or co-sponsored several bills, including 14 which were signed into law; 1,240 constituents were helped by our caseworkers – with issues including veterans’ benefits, Medicare questions, visa and passport applications, and many more; More than 655 tours of the U.S. Capitol were given to MO-4 citizens who visited us this year; and 155,970 letters and emails were sent to constituents. My desire is to provide the best representation and service possible for the good people of our district. While we have done much, there is much more to accomplish in 2015. I look forward to working with you to move our district forward, to get America back on track, and to make a difference in the lives of the families in our district. Together, with the Lord’s help, we can do it. Have a blessed and happy New Year! Vicky",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://jones.house.gov/press-release/jones-cosponsors-more-bills-help-veterans-any-other-member-congress,JONES COSPONSORS MORE BILLS TO HELP VETERANS THAN ANY OTHER MEMBER OF CONGRESS,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,NC,Walter Jones,J000255,jones.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – In the 113th Congress, Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3) cosponsored a career record of 86 bills to help veterans by providing better access to more transparent healthcare, access to educational opportunities, affordable housing, and job opportunities.  In fact, Congressman Jones cosponsored more bills to help veterans than any other member of the 113th Congress, spanning from January of 2013 through December 2014. “I am honored to do all I can to help those who’ve worn the uniform,” said Congressman Jones.  “Our veterans have made incredible sacrifices to defend our freedom, and it is imperative to ensure that they have access to quality healthcare, educational opportunities, and job opportunities.  I will continue to do everything I can in the 114th Congress to help our veterans, mindful of the great sacrifices they have made to keep our country free.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly%E2%80%99s-legislative-priorities-2015-featured-pittsburgh-tribune-review,Rep. Kellys Legislative Priorities for 2015 Featured in Pittsburgh Tribune-Review,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Mike Kelly,K000376,kelly.house.gov,,,legacy,"Pro-growth tax reform, energy main focuses for congressman WASHINGTON — The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review published a story on December 28, 2014, following an exclusive interview with U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) regarding his legislative priorities for 2015 and the upcoming 114th Congress. The full article can read here. Highlights from the article: The 114th Congress gets under way Jan. 3, and with Republicans set to control the House and Senate, it's time to show the American people that the federal government can govern, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly said. “I'm excited about this next year,” said Kelly, a Butler Republican. “We have not had a Senate we could work with in six years. I'm hoping that the results of (the general election) sent a message to both sides, that the American people want to see a body that can govern.” During an interview with the Tribune-Review, Kelly outlined his priorities for the upcoming session. He will continue to serve on the influential Ways and Means Committee, which is the chief tax-writing committee of the House, and serve on the [select revenue], oversight and Social Security subcommittees. … The country needs tax reform, he said, including simplifying the tax code into “something much flatter and much fairer,” while also offering corporate tax reform, saying that U.S. companies have “the highest corporate tax in the world,” at about 39 percent, factoring in state taxes. … Kelly, who owns a Butler car dealership, was first elected to Congress in 2010. House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio picked him to deliver the Republican weekly address Dec. 20 in response to President Obama's, an assignment of which Kelly said he was “sincerely honored.” “There's no doubt his stature is growing in Congress. People are really starting to pay attention to the issues he espouses,” said Jeff Brauer, a professor of political science at Keystone College in Lackawanna County. Brauer added that energy independence is Kelly's biggest issue. “He's really made a name for himself in that sphere,” Brauer said. “He's giving great speeches, getting standing ovations. To have a spokesperson like that, the (Republican) leadership is appreciative of that and is rewarding him accordingly.” … Kelly told the Trib he supports the Keystone XL Pipeline project, which he said could create upward of 50,000 construction jobs and many ancillary jobs. A pipeline would run between Canada and Nebraska, connecting with existing pipe. Delays may have hurt it, Kelly added. “We're running against the clock as the cost of energy goes down,” he said.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://maloney.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/maloney-urges-new-surgeon-general-to-address-gun-violence-and-skin,Maloney urges new Surgeon General to address gun violence and skin cancer in 2015,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Carolyn Maloney,M000087,maloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"NEW YORK -- Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) today urged Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy to take action on gun violence and other public health issues. In her letter, Maloney called for better efforts to understand gun violence and continued action in addressing skin cancer. ""Like many of my colleagues, and most Americans, I strongly support efforts to better understand the causes of gun violence and to develop constructive solutions,"" wrote Maloney. ""I also urge you to continue the work of your predecessors to decrease incidences of skin cancer through campaigns to reduce excessive exposure to harmful outdoor sun and indoor tanning devices. Your interest in preventative medicine will bring great focus to addressing widespread and longstanding public health needs."" Maloney is the author of legislation that would authorize $10 million annually for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to study the causes and ways to prevent gun violence. Federal spending on research of gun violence is currently banned. Maloney is a founder of the bipartisan Congressional Skin Cancer Caucus and an author of the TAN Act, which recently resulted in warning labels being required for all tanning beds, which indicate that the products should not be used by those under the age of 18. The text of Maloney’s letter follows: December 30, 2014 Vivek H. Murthy, M.D., M.B.A. Surgeon General, Vice Admiral Department of Health and Human Services 200 Independence Avenue S.W. Washington, DC 20201 Dear Vice Admiral Vivek Murthy, I offer my strong congratulations on your recent confirmation as the next U.S. Surgeon General. The position of “America’s Doctor” has gone without formal leadership for far too long. As we begin a new year resolved to take steps to improve our own wellbeing we must also consider how to best keep our nation as a whole healthy and strong. The recent global Ebola outbreak is a reminder of how essential public health is to our nation’s security. In addition, here in America, gun violence and its aftermath continue to plague our communities. Like many of my colleagues, and most Americans, I strongly support efforts to better understand the causes of gun violence and to develop constructive solutions. I also urge you to continue the work of your predecessors to decrease incidences of skin cancer through campaigns to reduce excessive exposure to harmful outdoor sun and indoor tanning devices. Your interest in preventative medicine will bring great focus to addressing widespread and longstanding public health needs. I again offer my commendations for your appointment as our 19th U.S. Surgeon General. Your remarkable qualifications will help to guide our country through these and other health concerns. I look forward to working with you. Sincerely, CAROLYN B. MALONEY  Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://meeks.house.gov/press-release/us-rep-gregory-w-meeks-statement-police-officers-protest-during-funeral-officer-ramos,U.S. Rep Gregory W. Meeks Statement on Police Officers' Protest During Funeral of Officer Ramos,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Gregory Meeks,M001137,meeks.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep Gregory W. Meeks Statement on Police Officers' Protest During Funeral of Officer Ramos Washington, D. C. - Congressman Gregory W. Meeks released the following statement regarding the police officers who turned their backs on Mayor de Blasio during the funeral of Officer Rafael Ramos: ""The rhetoric and actions taken by the police unions and the police officers who staged the so-called ""wall of silence"" at Officer Ramos' funeral deepens that which divides the city.  This antic was disrespectful and betrayed the decorum and responsibility that is expected of public servants, especially at the funeral of a fallen officer.  At this critical juncture, I believe Mayor de Blasio is working to heal as well as unite our city and I thank him for this continued effort.   ""Furthermore, I applaud the Mayor for holding a meeting with police union leaders, including Mr. Patrick Lynch, to discuss the underlying issues and work together to move the city forward.  It is meetings and discussions such as these that strengthen the efforts of those seeking police reform and improvement of police-community relations.  It's pertinent to reiterate that the Mayor, and those who are seeking justice for Mr. Eric Garner and others nationwide, are not against the police but instead are pushing for fairness, accountability, and equality before the law. I encourage an atmosphere of mutual respect in the future as our communities continue to heal and strive for justice for all. ”  [End]",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://meng.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/meng-bill-seeking-to-make-queens-historic-sites-part-of-national-park,Meng Bill Seeking to Make Queens Historic Sites Part of National Park Service Signed into Law by President Obama,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Grace Meng,M001188,meng.house.gov,,,legacy,"Legislation sponsored by U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) that seeks to make Queens historic sites part of the National Park Service has been signed into law by President Obama.   The measure, which the President signed as part of a broader authorization bill, requires the Secretary of the Interior – whose agency administers federal parks – to study the viability of the National Park Service supporting spots associated with the Flushing Remonstrance, the document signed in 1657 that is recognized as the precursor of religious freedom in America. Properties that will be examined are the John Bowne House and the Old Quaker Meetinghouse, both of which are located in Flushing.   “The Flushing Remonstrance is a vital part of American history but few Americans – and few New Yorkers – know much about it,” said Meng. “It’s time for that to change, and this study could finally allow Queens to claim its rightful place in U.S. history. I ask National Park Service officials to begin their study as soon as possible and I eagerly await the results.”   Although the National Park Service has not yet set a timetable for the study, the agency plans to use internal standards to determine whether the Bowne and Quaker meetinghouse meet the criteria to be included in the nation’s park system. The criteria will be based on the sites meeting national significance, suitability, and feasibility, as well as the need for National Park Service management. The study, which could lead to the two locations becoming a National Historic Park or a National Historic Site, will also consider other alternatives for preservation and protection. The study is estimated to cost $200,000 to $300,000.   Meng introduced the Flushing Remonstrance Study Act in September 2013, and the measure recently passed the House and Senate. During a Congressional hearing on the bill earlier this year, National Park Service Associate Director Victor Knox said that the Interior Department supports the study.   The Flushing Remonstrance was signed by 30 citizens of Flushing on December 27, 1657 to protest the policy that banned Quakers from practicing their religion in the colony of New Netherland, a move that was vigorously opposed by the local government. After area resident John Bowne was jailed – and later banished to the Netherlands – for allowing Quakers to hold religious services in his house, he continued to fight the policy, and as a result, the Quakers were eventually allowed to practice freely.   The John Bowne House, owned by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, includes the section built in 1661 that hosted the meetings held by the Quakers, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is located at 37-01 Bowne Street.   The Old Quaker Meetinghouse, owned by the Flushing Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, was built in 1694 by John Bowne and other Quakers, and is a National Historic Landmark for architecture and religion. It is located at 137-16 Northern Boulevard.   Meng expressed her appreciation to all who supported her legislation, in particular, Adam Sackowitz, a local history buff who first suggested the Remonstrance bill to her.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://nolan.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/kare-11-minn-congressman-praises-cuba-policy-plans-trip,"KARE 11: Minn. congressman praises Cuba policy, plans trip",2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,MN,Rick Nolan,N000127,nolan.house.gov,,,legacy,"ST. PAUL, Minn. - A Minnesota congressman who has long advocated for changes to the United States' Cuba policy says a decision to normalize relations with the island country is a ""monumental step"" in the right direction. Democratic Rep. Rick Nolan praised Wednesday's announcement that the U.S. would re-establish diplomatic ties to Cuba. Nolan traveled to Cuba in 1977 during his first stint in Congress and was involved in a past deal to release U.S. prisoners held there. Nolan says he hopes to travel to Cuba next year to meet with officials there. Another Democratic member of the Minnesota delegation, Betty McCollum, described the announcement as ""a new beginning."" She says she would continue working to end a U.S. trade embargo with Cuba. McCollum spent time in Cuba last summer. Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann panned the move, telling Minnesota Public Radio that the U.S. shouldn't have changed its policy until Cuba changed its ways.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://nolan.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/kbjr-us-house-and-senate-pass-bill-to-aid-grand-portage-chippewa-tribe,KBJR: U.S. House and Senate pass bill to aid Grand Portage Chippewa tribe,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,MN,Rick Nolan,N000127,nolan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. (NNCNOW.com) --- Minnesota officials are one step closer to correcting an oversight for the Grand Portage Band of Cook County, Minn. U.S. Senators Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar along with the Eighth District Congressman Rick Nolan have crafted a bill that is set to become law. The bill, often referred to as a legislative fix, will correct the case that Grand Portage Band members were excluded from receiving the same benefits as the Bois Forte Band. ""This bill ensures that members of the Grand Portage Band will receive important benefits they are entitled to under the federal Treaty of 1854,"" Nolan said. ""It means a great deal to the Band and to our region, and I was pleased to work with Senators Klobuchar and Franken to get this done."" The bill passed the House back in November, and passed the Senate on Tuesday night. It is now heading to the President's desk.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://nolan.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/kdal-nolan-praises-renewed-diplomatic-relations-with-cuba,KDAL: Nolan Praises Renewed Diplomatic Relations WIth Cuba,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,MN,Rick Nolan,N000127,nolan.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C, (KDAL) - Minnesota U-S Representative Rick Nolan is lauding President Obama's decision to re-establish diplomatic relations with Cuba along with an announcement of the release of U-S contractor Alan Gross after three years in a Cuban prison.  As a member of congress in 1977, Nolan traveled to Cuba to personally negotiate the release of five U-S prisoners, held since the Bay of Pigs invasion, in a meeting with then President Fidel Castro.  Nolan is hoping to travel to Cuba sometime in the next year to meet with officials and discuss potential trade opportunities.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://nolan.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/pioneer-press-rick-nolan-on-new-relations-with-cuba-monumental-step,Pioneer Press: Rick Nolan on new relations with Cuba: 'monumental step',2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,MN,Rick Nolan,N000127,nolan.house.gov,,,legacy,"A Minnesota congressman who has long advocated for changes to the United States' Cuba policy says a decision to normalize relations with the island country is a ""monumental step"" in the right direction. Democratic Rep. Rick Nolan praised Wednesday's announcement that the U.S. would re-establish diplomatic ties to Cuba. Nolan traveled to Cuba in 1977 during his first stint in Congress and was involved in a past deal to release U.S. prisoners held there. Nolan says he hopes to travel to Cuba next year to meet with officials there. Another Democratic member of the Minnesota delegation, Betty McCollum, described the announcement as ""a new beginning."" She says she would continue working to end a U.S. trade embargo with Cuba. McCollum spent time in Cuba last summer. Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann panned the move, telling Minnesota Public Radio that the U.S. shouldn't have changed its policy until Cuba changed its ways.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://nolan.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/star-tribune-how-to-build-a-new-future-for-american-indian-schools,Star Tribune: How to build a new future for American Indian schools,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,MN,Rick Nolan,N000127,nolan.house.gov,,,legacy,"President Obama had the right reaction after meeting Indian students during his trip to a North Dakota Indian reservation in June. Saying he and the first lady were “shaken” by the kids’ pessimism about their futures, Obama returned home and took action. He ordered his administration to “find new avenues of opportunity” for Indian youths. He instructed every member of his Cabinet to “sit down with Native young people and hear firsthand about their lives.’’ The result of his agenda-setting came earlier this month when Obama announced a series of tribal youth initiatives at the White House Tribal Nations conference. The speech was greeted with cheers. It should have been met with hard questions. The new initiatives, while welcome, are small steps that do nothing to address a critical educational hurdle on reservations: the ragged conditions of school buildings. Online leadership networks, a “youth listening tour” and a “White House Tribal Youth Gathering” are poor substitutes for the safe, modern school buildings that the 183-school Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) system desperately needs. About a third of the schools in this federally funded K-12 system, which serves about 50,000 of the nation’s poorest students, have decrepit facilities. An effort to help Indian youths that does not include an overhaul of these 63 BIE schools cannot be taken seriously. At least $1.3 billion is required for rebuilding or renovation. What’s needed is a swift commitment to secure funding, not lightweight initiatives. Beginning Nov. 23, a Star Tribune Editorial Board series called “Separate and Unequal” documented the shameful state of BIE school buildings across the nation, as well as the growing gap between them and U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) schools, the other federally funded K-12 system. Northern Minnesota’s Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig High School is housed in a deteriorating pole barn. In Arizona, two BIE schools have been on a “priority waitlist” for a decade. In South Dakota, BIE schools are overcrowded and have sections of buildings that have been closed off or condemned. At the same time, Department of Defense schools, which serve children of military families and civilian defense employees, are in the midst of a $5 billion, decadelong project to rebuild 134 schools and set a new national design standard for the future. At the White House Tribal Nations conference, U.S. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell called the editorials “painful” but “helpful.” Jewell, whose Department of the Interior is the parent agency for BIE and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, deserves credit for recognizing the problems documented in the series. But now she needs to provide a concrete action plan to overhaul the schools — and a personal guarantee that she’ll lobby Congress for the funding needed to launch a school construction surge like the DOD’s. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan also needs to lend his considerable clout. About a week ago, Congress signaled strongly that it’s willing to hear the case for improved BIE school funding with the passage of the continuing resolution/omnibus spending bill. Tucked inside the bill, thanks to a timely push by Minnesota Rep. Betty McCollum, was $20 million for BIE school replacement in 2015, nearly $17 million more than Jewell’s agency requested. The legislation also directed Interior to replace its decade-old “priority construction” list of schools. But much more work needs to be done. At the federal level: • Minnesota’s congressional delegation must take on the BIE school cause. McCollum, as well as Rep. Rick Nolan and Sen. Al Franken, all Democrats, have long been champions of BIE schools. Powerful Republican Reps. John Kline and Erik Paulsen also need to convince their caucus that this is a worthy investment. Kline, as chairman of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, especially could make a difference. • Interior Department officials should tap the expertise of DOD school construction experts. The DOD staff is setting a new standard for school design and has experience managing a large rebuilding effort. At the state level: • Minnesota lawmakers must take the lead on building a new Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig high school. BIE school construction is a federal obligation, but federal action remains years, perhaps a decade, away. One BIE ranking of school construction needs indicated that 31 schools are ahead of the Bug school. State. Sen. Terri Bonoff’s idea to form a new partnership with federal officials to finance a new Bug school also merits support. • Gov. Mark Dayton should enlist Minnesota’s nonprofit community to help build a new Bug school. The CEO of the influential Blandin Foundation has said that the organization is interested in getting involved and that covering the school’s $27 million price tag is doable with the right partnerships. The conditions at BIE schools are a national disgrace, one requiring immediate attention. Obama, Jewell and Congress cannot let the nation’s two federally funded K-12 systems become one of haves and have-nots on their watch. And Minnesota, which has a long history of helping communities with immediate needs that outstrip available resources, shouldn’t wait for Washington to help the Bug school. Swift action is needed to ensure that another generation of American Indian kids will not have to attend high school in a broken-down building.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://nolan.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/star-tribune-minnesota-rep-nolan-who-was-vocal-on-cuba-issue-praises-us-0,"Star Tribune: Minnesota Rep. Nolan who was vocal on Cuba issue praises US policy change, plans trip there",2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,MN,Rick Nolan,N000127,nolan.house.gov,,,legacy,"ST. PAUL, Minn. — A Minnesota congressman who has long advocated for changes to the United States' Cuba policy says a decision to normalize relations with the island country is a ""monumental step"" in the right direction. Democratic Rep. Rick Nolan praised Wednesday's announcement that the U.S. would re-establish diplomatic ties to Cuba. Nolan traveled to Cuba in 1977 during his first stint in Congress and was involved in a past deal to release U.S. prisoners held there. Nolan says he hopes to travel to Cuba next year to meet with officials there. Another Democratic member of the Minnesota delegation, Betty McCollum, described the announcement as ""a new beginning."" She says she would continue working to end a U.S. trade embargo with Cuba. McCollum spent time in Cuba last summer. Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann panned the move, telling Minnesota Public Radio that the U.S. shouldn't have changed its policy until Cuba changed its ways.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://norton.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/longstanding-norton-negotiated-agreement-means-costs-of-recent-dc,Longstanding Norton-Negotiated Agreement Means Costs of Recent D.C. Demonstrations Picked Up by Federal Government,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Reports on the cost to the District of Columbia of providing public safety at marches and demonstrations here on racial profiling in law enforcement nationwide have not noted that Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), at least since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks,  has secured annual federal payments for the costs to the city of emergency planning and security related to the presence of the nation’s capital in D.C., where protests are often held, including $12.5 million for this fiscal year and any unexpended funds from prior fiscal years.  Initially, the District had to seek federal reimbursement for such costs each year, but, beginning in the fiscal year of 2009, Norton convinced appropriators to allow what had been annual cost-reimbursement to be converted to an upfront annual payment so that D.C. no longer had to expend its local funds to cover costs related to federal protests and demonstrations in the nation’s capital.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-secures-over-332000-6th-district-residents-2014,"Pallone Secures Over $332,000 for 6th District Residents in 2014",2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"LONG BRANCH, NJ – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. announced that, in 2014, he has helped secure over $332,274 for constituents seeking assistance through his district offices.  His work on behalf of constituents includes help with Sandy related FEMA grants and claims, SBA loans, Social Security payments, and more.  Over the past year, Congressman Pallone’s constituent outreach representatives have made it possible for constituents to cut through red tape in order to receive money that is rightfully owed to them. “Whether a constituent is concerned about a federal policy or needs help navigating the federal bureaucracy, I want them to know we’re here to help,” said Congressman Pallone.  “I am grateful that so many residents of the 6th District have turned to us for assistance this year, especially as we continue to recover and rebuild from Sandy together.  I hope that they continue to use my office as a resource.” The funds secured by Congressman Pallone and his staff are part of a long list of constituent services that his district offices offer.  For example, constituents who have issues with their Social Security benefits, federal pensions, Medicare eligibility, and U.S. citizenship are eligible for help.  Additionally, Pallone and his staff frequently assist veterans obtain back pay, GI Bill benefits, VA disability claims, as well as assistance to widows who are eligible to receive pensions.  Staff can also be helpful in locating low-income housing options, energy assistance and other benefits or resources that may be helpful to residents of the 6th District.   “Direct constituent service is a top priority of mine,” added Congressman Pallone.  “I always appreciate hearing from my constituents, and I encourage them to stay in touch, especially if we can be of any help.” For help on any of these services or other issues, please do not hesitate to contact either of Congressman Pallone’s district offices: New Brunswick Office: 67/69 Church Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901 Phone: (732) 249-8892 Long Branch Office: 504 Broadway Long Branch, NJ 07740 Phone: (732) 571-1140",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pittenger.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congressman-pittengers-first-term-in-review,Congressman Pittenger's First-Term In Review,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,NC,Robert Pittenger,P000606,pittenger.house.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   CONGRESSMAN PITTENGER’S FIRST-TERM IN REVIEW CHARLOTTE – Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) is committed to serving North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District, with unprecedented regular office hours in 7 locations throughout the district while hiring caseworkers with many years of experience to assist constituents.  Our office breaks from standard Capitol Hill procedure with 24/7 staff availability for emergencies and accessible to answer questions about legislation and public policy.  Serving on The Financial Services Committee and Chair of the Congressional Taskforce on Terrorism and Unconventional Warfare, Congressman Pittenger maintains one of the top committee attendance records in all of Congress. During Congressman Pittenger’s first term (2013-2014):   Nearly 2200 constituents received assistance with issues including Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans benefits, passports, and the IRS. 62,429 letters/e-mails regarding legislation and policy issues were answered. 79,179 constituents received a personal phone call as staff reached out to ensure constituents had access to services and resources. Congressman Pittenger hosted more than 30 town hall meetings. “Serving you is my number one priority,” said Congressman Pittenger.  “Whether you need assistance cutting through federal red tape, have questions about how legislation impacts your daily life, or would like to share your thoughts or concerns or ideas, we are ready to serve you in every way possible.” While more than 380 bills passed by the House of Representatives, many with bipartisan support, were blocked by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Congressman Pittenger was successful in leading the Kilah Davenport Child Protection Act to passage in both the House and Senate and signed into law by President Obama.  The House of Representatives also unanimously passed Congressman Pittenger’s legislation to modernize outdated regulations which hinder online banking and overdraft protection transactions. “In 2015, I will remain committed to excellent constituent service, working in a bipartisan fashion to advance common sense legislation which improves the economy, helps create jobs, and cuts unnecessary red tape, and working every day to faithfully represent the people of Mecklenburg, Union, and Iredell counties.”   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://roybal-allard.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397795,Rep. Roybal-Allard Issues Statement on Ezell Ford Autopsy Release,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,CA,Lucille Roybal-Allard,R000486,roybal-allard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40) issued the following statement about the release of the autopsy of Ezell Ford, who was shot and killed in August by LAPD officers in the South Los Angeles area of her Congressional District:""It is critical that Ezell Ford's death be investigated thoroughly and impartially.  That is why I thank Mayor Garcetti for ordering the release of Mr. Ford's autopsy results.  This is an important step in making the fullest possible accounting of the circumstances surrounding Mr. Ford's death.  I also urge any and all witnesses to his death to come forward without delay, so that we have a clear and accurate picture of this event.  I will continue to monitor the ongoing investigations into this tragedy. ""My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Ford's family, as they are with the family of Omar Abrego, who also died after an encounter with police in my District in August.  I fully support the mission of our nation's law enforcement personnel to protect and serve the American people.  At the same time, their work must always be done in a manner that respects the law and the rights of the people they protect.  I also continue to support the right of the people to peacefully and legally express their First Amendment rights – including the right to assemble – in response to these deaths.""   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://thompson.house.gov/press-release/thompson-issues-statement-moshannon-valley-correctional-facility-contract-renewal,Thompson Issues Statement on Moshannon Valley Correctional Facility Contract Renewal,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Bellefonte, PA – U.S. Representative Glenn 'GT' Thompson (PA-5) issued the following statement upon news that the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has awarded Moshannon Valley Correctional Facility (MVCF), in Philipsburg, Clearfield County, as the BOP’s preferred facility for the Northeastern United States.   “This announcement is tremendous news for our community and the Commonwealth,” stated Rep. Glenn Thompson. “The Moshannon Valley Correctional Facility has been an economic engine for our region, providing jobs for area residents, new tax revenue to support local services, including investments in our schools, and a host of other opportunities that have benefited all area residents. I am proud of the work we have done, including efforts at all levels of government and within the community, to protect local jobs and ensure the Moshannon Valley facility remains in operation for years to come.” Over the past year, Rep. Thompson has led efforts at the federal level to help secure the contract’s renewal.  In January of 2014, Thompson garnered the support of 12 Members of Congress from Pennsylvania and Senators Bob Casey and Pat Toomey, in sending a letter to BOP, urging the bureau to renew the contract with MVCF. The BOP’s existing contract with MVCF, which is set to expire in 2016, has been renewed for a period of 5 years, with one year renewal options for the following five years, according to Rep. Thompson. BOP’s Criminal Alien Removal Procurement Regulations, require one facility in the Northeastern U.S. and another facility to be located anywhere in the country.  MVCF, which is operated by the GEO Group, Inc., has served as the region’s preferred facility since 2006. The MVCF currently employs approximately 260 area residents and provides approximately $600,000 each year in local property taxes, $445,000 of which directly benefits local schools.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gosar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1765,ICYMI: Arizona Game & Fish Votes to Cost-share Repairs to Willow Beach Fish Hatchery,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,Paul Gosar,G000565,gosar.house.gov,,,legacy,"For Immediate Release Date: December 30, 2014 Contact: Steven D. Smith Steven.Smith@mail.house.gov Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04)released the following statement after the Arizona Game and Fish Commission voted this past Tuesday 5-0 in favor of funding up to $389,000 to fix a broken pipeline for the Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery which amounts to about 50 percent of the cost of the repairs: This unanimous vote by the Commission is very good news. Rainbow trout stocking operations are one step closer to resuming at Willow Beach.I was honored to lead the charge, along with Senator McCain, to hold the Fish and Wildlife Service accountable when they arbitrarily terminated the rainbow trout stocking program and inflated cost estimates to repair the broken water line. The attempt to justify terminating this worthwhile program was extremely short sighted andIam happy to see that decision reversed. Commission Vice-Chair Kurt Davis said This is a great pre-New Year's present for the people of Mohave County and anglers across the state... Sportfishing recreation contributes $1.47 billion to Arizona's economy annually, with much of that money going to rural communities, and Game and Fish is proud to be part of the solution keeping Willow Beach in business. From the Arizona Game and Fish Department press release: The vote by the Commission to cost-share the Willow Beach hatchery repairs comes after much work by Arizona's congressional delegation, particularly Senator John McCain and Congressman Paul Gosar, who championed a repair to the hatchery. Infrastructure problems at the hatchery began nearly five years ago, when broken pipelines and low water levels threatened trout production at the facility. The loss of the trout stocking would continue to have a devastating economic effect on the communities in Mohave County, Arizona. The state's sport fishing industry relies on the national hatchery system for more than 97 percent of sport fish stocked in Arizona. The agreement approved by the Commission will, if executed, commit the Department to share the costs of repairs, and institutionalize a recreational fishing partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service into the next decade. It calls for the Service to annually provide 2 million fertilized triploid rainbow trout eggs from Ennis National Fish Hatchery, 160,000 fertilized Apache trout eggs from Williams Creek National Fish Hatchery and 150,000 catchable 11-inch rainbow trout stocked annually into Willow Beach and below Davis Dam. Additional Congressman Gosar has created an informational page on his website about his efforts to protect the trout stocking program at the Willow Beach Fish Hatchery which includes introducing the Fish Hatchery Protection Act, H.R. 5026 that would protect propagation fish hatcheries and propagation programs within the National Fish Hatchery System. That page can be found HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mckinley.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=680,Rep. McKinley Congressional Work by the Numbers for 2014,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,WV,David McKinley,M001180,mckinley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. McKinley Congressional Work by the Numbers for 2014 f t # e Washington, DC, December 30, 2014 Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va.) released the following breakdown of his Congressional work over the past year. Here's a look at his work, by the numbers: share: f t Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va.) released the following breakdown of his Congressional work over the past year. Here's a look at his work, by the numbers: Cast 563 roll call votes in the House and missed no votes.Introduced 14 bills, bringing his total number of bills introduced to 53 in the 113th Congress.Successfully offered 13 amendmentson the House floor or in committee.Participated in 38 hearings and legislative markups with the Energy and Commerce Committee.Held just under250 meetings in the district in all 20 counties.Organized 78 roundtable meetingsin the First District with veterans, seniors, small businesses, manufacturers, labor, teachers, farmers, elected officials, and others.Conducted 4 telephone town halls reaching over 40,000 constituents.Opened 853 constituent casework cases and closed 862 cases.Sent over 34,000 emails and letters to constituents.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/us-helsinki-commission-chair-welcomes-additions-to-magnitsky-list,U.S. Helsinki Commission Chair Welcomes Additions to Magnitsky List,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,MD,Benjamin Cardin,C000141,www.cardin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 30, 2014 U.S. Helsinki Commission Chair Welcomes Additions to Magnitsky List WASHINGTONFollowing Monday's addition of four Russian individuals to the Magnitsky List by the Obama Administration, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (MD), Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, issued the following statement: I welcome the announcement made by the Obama Administration that it has added four additional individuals to the visa ban and asset freeze lists mandated under the Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act. I applaud the work of the U.S. Departments of State and Treasury to continue to focus attention on Russian government officials implicated in the death of Sergei Magnitsky and to demonstrate America's willingness to penalize human right violators when their own country refuses to act. ""These sanctions are not sanctions against Russia, but against individuals who have committed serious human rights violations against Russians. The American people will continue to support Russians like Sergei Magnitsky who speak out about injustice and seek redress. While I am pleased that additional names have been added to the Magnitsky List, there remain a significant number of Russians both government officials and private individuals against whom evidence exists of their involvement in the conspiracy and cover-up of Magnitsky's death in 2009, but who have yet to be added to the visa ban and asset freeze lists. I strongly encourage the Administration to continue its examination of the information available with regard to these individuals and add them to the List. The Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act must continue to be used to demonstrate to the world that the voices of those who seek justice and who speak out about human rights violations are heard and valued by the United States of America. ### The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the U.S. Helsinki Commission, is an independent agency of the Federal Government charged with monitoring compliance with the Helsinki Accords and advancing comprehensive security through promotion of human rights, democracy, and economic, environmental and military cooperation in 57 countries. The Commission consists of nine members from the U.S. Senate, nine from the House of Representatives, and one member each from the Departments of State, Defense, and Commerce. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=7c9c5d64-d278-4768-8103-41babcfff4e0,Your Tax Dollars...Down the Drain: Over-Budget Project for an Already Cancelled Program,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) today released the latest example in a monthly series highlighting Washington’s wasteful spending during a time of record debt: It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that it's wasteful to spend money building a facility that will never be used. It does take Washington to fund the construction anyway. The Washington Post recently reported that, last June, NASA marked completion of a $350 million tower (“A-3”) built to test a cutting-edge rocket engine (“J-2X”) that would help send astronauts to the International Space Station, the moon, and even Mars.  As part of President George W. Bush’s Constellation program in 2004, the J-2X engine would power the Ares I and Ares V rockets that would transport astronauts and cargo separately to their destinations. Since the engine would be ignited only after the rockets were already in space, A-3 was made to withstand the blast of a rocket engine and create a vacuum inside similar to the conditions in space. The project was originally projected to cost $119 million and be finished by 2010. But in 2010, A-3 was well over-budget and behind schedule. After President Obama proposed abandoning the Constellation program, Congress ended funding for the Ares rockets and the J-2X engine – yet inexplicably reauthorized the final $100 million to complete A-3 despite no longer developing rockets that could use it. This pushed the final cost to $349 million, or nearly triple the original estimate. And even after this additional spending, the A-3 vacuum is still not operational for testing, and would require as long as three more years of work to finish if NASA ever decides to use the tower for its original purpose.  “This egregious example of spending shows that Washington continues to operate in its own vacuum, diverting $100 million additional taxpayer dollars into an over-budget project that had already been cancelled,” said Portman. “During a time of already limited resources, this is exactly the type of spending that must be eliminated in order to become responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.” As of now, the door is locked and the area shut down. A NASA tour guide tells visitors that the tower is ""just hanging out right now."" NASA has no existing rockets or plans for the future to develop a rocket that would need the tower to test.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=ba07fa5f-e344-47f4-9c56-c51235887893,Rubio Comments On Castro Regime's Latest Wave Of Repression,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,FL,Marco Rubio,R000595,www.rubio.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) issued the following statement today regarding news reports of the Castro regime's efforts to suppress Cuban activists and independent journalists attempting to attend a rally in Havana: ""The Castro regime's latest acts of repression against political dissidents in Cuba make a mockery of President Obama's new U.S.-Cuba policy. The fact that the regime continues to violate the human rights of Cubans like this shows that it has even less incentive to change its ways since President Obama intends to give the Castros numerous unilateral concessions in exchange for zero steps towards more political freedom. ""This is the real human tragedy of the President's new Cuba policy. President Obama should be ashamed of legitimizing and empowering the Castros while abandoning courageous Cuban dissidents like the ones who have been on the receiving end of the regime's repressive tactics in recent days.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/newswatch/123014,News December 30,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Independent,House,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"News December 30 Tuesday, December 30, 2014 Senator Sanders Sanders: Trade Deal is a ‘Disaster’ Sen. Bernie Sanders said on Monday that he opposes a major trade deal that he says will lead to fewer jobs in the United States. He said the White House hopes to rush a treaty for a 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership through Congress next year. Sanders said treaties like this force American workers to compete against low-wage labor around the world leading to massive U.S. job losses, WFFF-TV and WVNY-TV reported. VIDEO, VIDEO  A Progressive Vision “The great moral, economic and political issue of our time is the growing level of income and wealth inequality in our nation,” Sen. Sanders wrote in a column for The Huffington Post. Sanders called the disparity “a disgrace to everything this country is supposed to stand for,” MSNBC reported on Tuesday. Sanders said progressives must stay focused on issues of real importance to the American people, The Hill reported.  LINK, LINK, VIDEO Rx Prices Escalating prices of some generic drugs are causing raised eyebrows and drained checking accounts. Sen. Sanders, chairman of a Senate health care subcommittee, has been outspoken on the increase in cost of generic drugs, the Herald-Whig in Quincy, Illinois, reported. ""We are talking about the need of the American people to be able to afford the medicine that their doctors prescribe,"" Sanders told the Chicago Tribune. LINK Phoenix VA A federal administrative law judge upheld the firing of the former Phoenix VA director but rejected charges that she covered up long wait times. The judge concluded that it is ""more likely than not that at least some senior leaders were aware or should have been of nationwide problems getting veterans scheduled for timely appointments.” A Fox News report showed former VA Secretary Eric Shinseki telling Chairman Sanders at a hearing in May that there was not a widespread problem of VA officials “cooking the books.” World Embassy in Iran President Barack Obama said he wouldn't rule out opening an embassy in Iran if the country can prove it's ""actually not interested in developing a nuclear weapon,"" CBS News reported. LINK Gmail Blocked in China Google's Gmail was blocked in China after months of disruptions to the world's biggest email service. An anti-censorship advocate suggested a government firewall was to blame, Reuters reported. LINK National Obama Warns GOP of Vetoes in 2015 Bracing to do business with a Congress run solely by Republicans, President Obama is serving notice he has no qualms about vetoing legislation he dislikes, The Associated Press reported. ""I haven't used the veto pen very often since I've been in office,"" Obama said in an NPR interview. ""Now, I suspect, there are going to be some times where I've got to pull that pen out... I'm going to defend gains that we've made in health care. I'm going to defend gains that we've made on environment and clean air and clean water."" LINK Loan Sharks Prey on Service Members Lenders are exploiting legal loopholes and gouging United States military personnel with pricey financial products, according to a federal consumer watchdog. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said in a report on Monday that laws restricting how much interest firms can charge for payday, auto title and other loans are too narrow. Under the Military Lending Act, lenders are barred from charging U.S. service people more than 36 percent interest for certain short-term loans. But financial firms are effectively skirting the rules by offering longer-term loans to U.S. service people and their families, allowing lenders to hit borrowers with higher rates and heavy fees, CBS News reported. LINK Vermont Vermont Yankee Ends Operations Vermont's only nuclear plant stopped sending power to the New England grid Monday following more than 42 years of producing electricity, The Associated Press reported. LINK Judge Appointed A Burlington attorney is going to become the newest judge on the Vermont Superior Court. Gov. Peter Shumlin announced the appointment of Nancy Waples on Monday. Waples is currently an attorney with the Burlington law firm of Hoff Curtis where she focuses on criminal defense. She has also served as an assistant United States Attorney in the criminal division.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://adriansmith.house.gov/year-review,Year in Review,2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,NE,Adrian Smith,S001172,adriansmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"As 2014 winds to a close it is a good time to review and reflect on what we have accomplished this year, and what remains to be done.  While much of the work done in the House to advance positive solutions to put America on a better path was blocked by the Democrat controlled Senate, we did make progress on priorities for Nebraskans and in pushing back against overreaching and harmful red tape. This year I launched the Regulation Rewind project to make it easier for Third District constituents to identify, and weigh in on the federal rules which hurt economic growth, limit opportunities for rural Americas, are inconsistent with the law, or are unfair.  Based on your feedback we have selected a number of regulations and proposed rules, and posted what I am doing to fight back on my website at: https://adriansmith.house.gov/regulationrewind. Together, we have made progress on several issues.  After voicing your concerns, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration dropped plans to regulate small farms.  The Internal Revenue Service decided to rethink rules which would limit First Amendment rights of political groups.  And the economically disastrous Waters of the United States rule, which would allow the federal government to regulate small ponds and streams, was blocked for ag producers through September. After hearing your concerns about the many flight cancelations at Nebraska airports, I worked to give small airports more flexibility in implementing new pilot regulations.  I also introduced legislation to ensure small airports get the appropriate level of funding and are not double penalized by these new rules. Access to health care remains a challenge for rural Americans.  In February, I introduced the Critical Access Hospital Relief Act to repeal the burdensome 96-hour precertification requirement.  This arbitrary regulation requires physicians at small remote hospitals to certify Medicare and Medicaid patients will not be there more than 96 hours.  This legislation along with two other bills I sponsored was included in a draft legislative package to improve the Medicare.  I am hopeful this proposal will be considered during the next Congress.  My staff and I have also helped a number of Nebraskans address individual problems and cut through the red tape of dealing with the federal government.  We successfully closed hundreds of federal casework issues.  I started the Caseworker in Your Community program to better serve constituents unable to make it to one of my offices, and we expanded our annual Senior Services Fair to Scottsbluff and Grand Island. Clearly, there is much more to be done during the upcoming Congress.  Even with Republican control of both the House and Senate, we will need to work to get bills to the President’s desk and signed into law.  I am optimistic we can make progress by using the system designed by our founders.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/governor-chafee-rhode-island-congressional-delegation-governor-elect-raimondo-make,"Governor Chafee, the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation, Governor-Elect Raimondo Make an International Business Announcement",2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,RI,David Cicilline,C001084,cicilline.house.gov,,,legacy,"Governor Lincoln D. Chafee, joined by U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, Congressmen James Langevin and David Cicilline, Governor-Elect Gina M. Raimondo, and private and public partners, announced today that five international companies are looking to establish a presence in Rhode Island. This announcement is the result of a relationship Governor Chafee built with international partners in Europe during the governor’s trade mission to Italy and Ireland this past April. “I am pleased that my proactive efforts beyond our borders have resulted in economic opportunities for Rhode Islanders,” Governor Chafee said. “I learned during the trade mission to Europe that companies are eager to expand their operations to our state. We need to continue our work to strengthen our role in global economic discussions and entice businesses from around the world to set up shop in our cities and towns.” “This is another positive sign for the state’s economy and a reminder that we must continue to make smart investments in job training for our workforce and infrastructure upgrades like T.F. Green Airport and Quonset Point. I will continue working at the federal level to help local companies grow and attract foreign investment to Rhode Island,” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed. “I’m very pleased to welcome these companies to the Ocean State,” said U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. “They will find world-class research universities, a long tradition of manufacturing and industrial design, arts and culture, a beautiful landscape, and a high quality of life for employees. I congratulate the leadership of our international partners on this investment, and Governor Chafee, Marcel Valois, and the team at Commerce RI for all their hard work in forging bonds that will serve the state well.” “This is an exciting opportunity to grow the Rhode Island economy, create jobs, and continue to improve our state’s reputation as a world-class destination in which to work, live, and do business,” said Congressman Jim Langevin. “I extend my warmest welcome to these companies relocating to Rhode Island and offer my support to all businesses looking to open up shop or grow in the Ocean State. I am encouraged by this news and believe we can build upon this momentum to attract more international partners to Rhode Island.” “Rhode Island’s workers, ports, highways and other assets make it an attractive gateway for international businesses to enter the U.S. market, and I’m excited to join with partners in both the public and private sectors to promote economic development opportunities that will boost Rhode Island’s economy,” said Congressman David Cicilline, who is a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, which oversees U.S. international economic and trade policy. “The Ocean State has great potential to capitalize on the expanding global economy, and I want to congratulate Governor Chafee for his efforts to build partnerships with companies outside the United States and look forward to working with Governor-Elect Raimondo to strengthen these relationships in the years to come.” “I’m thrilled to welcome these new businesses to Rhode Island,” said Governor-Elect Gina M. Raimondo. “I appreciate the work of Governor Chafee and Commerce RI to make this day happen, and I look forward to showing many more international businesses why Rhode Island is the right place to establish themselves as they enter the U.S market.” “I am beyond pleased to learn that these companies will be opening offices in Rhode Island,” said Commerce RI Executive Director Marcel A. Valois. “This is an indication of Rhode Island’s assets to help businesses, both domestic and international, grow and succeed.” “GTECH is pleased to welcome these companies to the state where we were founded and have chosen to make our global headquarters for more than 30 years,” said GTECH Chairman Donald Sweitzer. “I accompanied Governor Chafee on his trade mission to describe to these and other companies the advantages of locating in Rhode Island.” Three of the five companies are headquartered in Italy. Euranet, out of Milan, is a global supply chain specialist for compliance, quality and security, with high-end clients including Gucci and Ferrari. After a visit to Rhode Island in September, the company plans to set up an office here. Based in Venice, Galivm is a successful, popular and fast-growing Italian restaurant franchise with four restaurants over the past two years in the Veneto Region. Locations are opening across Europe, and the company intends to set up its first North American restaurant in Rhode Island. Governor Chafee dined at Galivm during his trade mission to Italy. REIOS is a design consulting firm for efficient lighting systems in Novara. The company has installed LED street lights in dozens of European cities and airports. REIOS has plans to set up an LED manufacturing facility in Rhode Island with manufacturing and sales jobs. Headquartered in County Mayo, Ireland, Monaghan Brothers is a leading, high-quality furniture maker specializing in the hospitality, corporate and university markets. Monaghan aims to set up a showroom and marketing office with a small team of salespeople, eventually recreating its Irish production facility, in Rhode Island. Governor Chafee visited Monaghan during his trade mission in Ireland. SCORE, out of Cambridge, England, is an encryption technology company that secures transmission of data, making it impenetrable to hackers, while greatly accelerating download speeds for all networks and systems. SCORE is launching an Apple app this month and has been working with the U.S. Department of Defense this past year in a national lab. A Rhode Island office would be staffed with salespeople, programmers and executives.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/year-review,A Year in Review,2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"As we prepare for the new Congress that assumes office on January 6 of 2015, it is important to think back on the full year behind us and remember what it meant for our country. While there were numerous challenges both at home and abroad, I believe that this year proved productive and set a positive example of bipartisanship. Despite inevitable differences on both sides of the aisle, there were several legislative achievements that proved government can function—even when it is divided.   We began this year with the passage of the omnibus appropriations bill. This compromise measure followed the top-line number set in the Ryan-Murray budget deal and funded the government for fiscal year 2014, and lawmakers did so while also reducing discretionary spending for the fourth consecutive year. Tough decisions like these have helped to lower the deficit from $1.4 trillion, when the GOP took control of the House in 2010, to less than $500 billion today. While that figure is still much too high, it represents real progress in dealing with the deficit. Also toward the beginning of the year, both chambers of Congress supported the farm bill conference report, which saved taxpayers $23 billion in mandatory federal spending. Not only did the farm bill save hard-earned tax dollars, but the five-year extension that was signed into law by the president restored certainty to farmers, ranchers and consumers. During the spring, I am pleased that both chambers of Congress and the Administration saw the value of legislation that would redirect taxpayer dollars that were being wasted to instead do some real good. Signed into law in April, the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act, which I co-authored with my colleague Congressman Gregg Harper, redirects taxpayer dollars used for political party conventions and instead funds pediatric disease research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). With these additional dollars to NIH, there is new potential for researchers to discover treatments and cures that could change and save lives. Just before August, lawmakers passed legislation to address the internal mismanagement at the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) and require greater accountability there in the future. There is no obligation more sacred than to provide for our service members and their families, both during and after service to their country. Especially when our veteran heroes require special care, they should never receive less than the best treatment. Swift passage of the VA conference report, addressing the problems at the VA, proved both Republicans and Democrats agree that we should take care of our veterans. With another government shutdown looming at the end of the year, I am pleased that lawmakers came together to vote on legislation that fully funded the government. This omnibus was the product of months-long negotiations between leadership in the House and Senate to reconcile differences on previously passed funding legislation for fiscal year 2015. While the negotiations were certainly tough, I believe that the omnibus reflected common sense and conservative priorities, and it did so by using the terms already set out in the Ryan-Murray budget agreement. Of great importance to the Fourth District of Oklahoma and following recent passage of the National Defense Authorization Act, I am pleased that the omnibus fully funded our military and prevented the Administration’s recommended deactivation of seven AWACS aircraft stationed at Tinker Air Force Base. Such a move by the Administration would significantly impact the readiness and ability of our Armed Forces to combat current and future conflicts. Also addressed in the military funding, the omnibus acknowledged the need to maintain our national security by dealing with threats that currently include the Ebola epidemic in West Africa and the growing terrorist threat posed by ISIL in the Middle East. As we begin the 114th Congress in the coming days with a fresh Republican majority, I remain optimistic that we will continue to find common ground with each other. I hope lawmakers will take note of our bipartisan successes from 2014 and find similar reforms that benefit the American people. Certainly, we will face obstacles in the future, but I believe we can continue to find agreement.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://delauro.house.gov/index.php?option=com_contentview=articleid=1784:delauro-applauds-over-11-million-in-additional-sandy-funds-for-3rd-congressional-districtcatid=2:press-releasesItemid=21,DeLauro Applauds Over $11 Million in Additional Sandy Funds for 3rd Congressional District,2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) released the following statement in response to the Senate passing the Republicans’ bill cutting taxes for millionaires, billionaires, and corporations while raising taxes on middle class families.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://esty.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-elizabeth-esty-releases-her-annual-end-of-year-report,Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty Releases Her Annual End-of-Year Report,2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,CT,Elizabeth Esty,E000293,esty.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty’s (CT-05) bipartisan Women in Aerospace Education Act (H.R. 4254) passed the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee by voice vote this morning. The bill would encourage universities applying for Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship grants, which are designed to cover the cost of STEM-degree seeking students who intend to teach in rural and lower income school districts, to incorporate aerospace programs at the National Laboratories and NASA Centers into their teacher training experience. Esty, along with Rep. Steve Knight (CA-25), introduced the legislation to encourage more women to participate in the STEM fields.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-statement-on-end-of-us-combat-mission-in-afghanistan,Kuster Statement on End of U.S. Combat Mission in Afghanistan,2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NH,Ann Kuster,K000382,kuster.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) released the following statement regarding the announced conclusion of the U.S. combat mission in Afghanistan: “For more than 13 years, American men and women have served bravely in Afghanistan to defeat the Taliban and to help bring peace, security, and liberty to the Afghan people.  Today, the time has come to responsibly bring Operation Enduring Freedom to a close.” “We must always honor the service members, veterans, and military families who sacrificed so much to make the world a safer place for their fellow Americans, our Afghan allies, and people across the globe.  And we must never forget the more than 2,000 Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the cause of freedom.  As men and women in uniform continue to come home, we must redouble our efforts to serve these returning heroes as they served us, and ensure they receive the benefits and respect they have earned as they transition to peaceful and productive civilian lives.”  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://latta.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397914,World War II Veteran to Receive French Legion of Honor,2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OH,Robert Latta,L000566,latta.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH) will join with French Colonel Nicolas Auboin on January 5 at the Wyandot County Courthouse to present Fifth Congressional District of Ohio resident and World War II veteran, Clyde Shull, with the French Legion of Honor. The award is the highest accolade given by the French government and will be presented to Mr. Shull in recognition of his service during World War II. Mr. Shull was also recognized by French Ambassador François Delattre during his visit to Northwest Ohio earlier this year.  “It is an honor to have been able to work with the French government to recognize Mr. Shull with this long-deserved decoration,” said Latta. “Mr. Shull exemplifies his generation and the monumental sacrifices they made during World War II, and in receiving the French Legion of Honor, he will be rightfully recognized for his service and dedication to our country.” ""Bestowing a Legion d'Honneur in the name of the President of the French Republic is always something special,"" said Colonel Auboin. ""The circumstances here and now are even more specific. Mr. Shull is awarded the highest French decoration in recognition of his sacrifice and his support to the liberation of France, as well as for his contribution to establishing a long lasting peace in Europe. Through him, the French government wants to address the message to an entire generation of World War II veterans and the United States of America that France will never forget what they did in 1944. France also wishes that through this ceremony, this example of dedication and service will be an example for generations to come."" Media are invited to attend the event, but must RSVP to Sarah Criser. Details for the event include the following: WHO: Congressman Bob Latta, French Colonel Nicolas Auboin and World War II Veteran Clyde Shull WHAT: French Legion of Honor Presentation WHEN: Monday, January 5, at 10 a.m. WHERE: Wyandot County Courthouse, Common Pleas Courtroom, 109 S. Sandusky Avenue, Upper Sandusky, Ohio 43351 About Mr. Shull Mr. Shull was drafted into the military on February 9, 1942, and was stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. His service is the only time he has lived outside of what is today’s Fifth Congressional District of Ohio. He served in the Ninth Infantry Division, 34th Field Artillery Battalion – one of the first to go onshore in North Africa. During the D-Day invasion, Mr. Shull landed on Utah Beach, from where he fought through France, Belgium and Germany. His division participated in eight major battles throughout the war. Mr. Shull was honorably discharged on June 21, 1945, and has remained active in the veterans community ever since. He is one of American Legion Post 225’s oldest members and has held numerous positions within the Post, including Commander and Finance Officer. He also served for 40 years on the Post’s Honor Guard and continues to serve on the Wyandot County Veteran Service Commission, of which he was selected and appointed in August 1985. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://marino.house.gov/press-release/rep-marino-backs-amicus-brief-challenging-president%E2%80%99s-amnesty,Rep. Marino Backs Amicus Brief Challenging the Presidents Amnesty,2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,PA,Tom Marino,M001179,marino.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington D.C.—Congressman Tom Marino, PA-10, Lycoming County signed on to support the amicus brief filed by the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) last week. The brief is supported by more than two dozen states and 68 Members of Congress in challenging President Obama’s recent Presidential Memorandum -- Modernizing and Streamlining the U.S. Immigrant Visa System for the 21st Century dubbed “executive amnesty.” ACLJ also created the Committee to Defend the Separation of Powers of which more than 60,000 citizens joined in an additional effort to halt Obama’s unconstitutional move towards illegal immigrant legalization. The case, State of Texas v. United States of America, argues the president’s directive to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is in contradiction with Congress’ authority to create immigration policy. It states Congress has a standing classification system for aliens and DHS’s new directive changes those laws and sets new policy without the authorization of Congress which has interrupted the balance of power among the three branches of government. It further argues the executive branch has abdicated one its chief responsibilities to “faithfully execute the law” and thereby “exceeded the bounds of their prosecutorial discretion.” Congressman Marino said the following of the brief: “I have said it before and I will say it again; the best way to stop President Obama’s executive overreach in our immigration policies, and even healthcare for that matter, is through the courts. I firmly believe through our legal system we will achieve the results Americans demand. We have the best legal system in the world. The public trusts decisions made in courts through rigorous analysis and interpretation. What they do not trust is the relentless political jockeying over serious issues that have detrimental impacts on our nation’s future. I am grateful for the opportunity to register my support of ACLJ’s efforts with the court as a result of my longstanding legal background and I am confident we can move this forward in conjunction with additional congressional actions coming soon in the 114th.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398382,Ninth District Traveling Staff Office Hours for January,2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,VA,Morgan Griffith,G000568,morgangriffith.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Griffith’s Ninth District STAFF will be available at the following locations during the month of January.  In the event of inclement weather (heavy snow, sleet, icy rain, etc.), traveling office hours may be rescheduled to avoid putting constituents at risk.  Please contact the Christiansburg Office at 540-381-5671 or the Abingdon Office at 276-525-1405 with any questions or to confirm that traveling hours are still in effect. January 6, 2015 Tazewell County:   10:00 am – 12:00 pm Richlands Town Hall 200 Washington Square Richlands, VA Buchanan County:   2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Grundy Town Hall 1185 Plaza Drive Grundy, VA Pulaski County:   2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Dublin Town Hall Route 100, 1 mile North of I-81 Dublin, VA January 7, 2015 Smyth County:     10:00 am – 12:00 pm Town Council Chambers 138 West Main Street Marion, VA Covington:     10:00 am – 12:00 pm Covington City Hall City Hall Conference Room 333 W. Locust Street Covington, VA Craig County:     2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Craig County Administration Building 108 Court Street New Castle, VA Bristol:     2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Bristol VA Public Library Upstairs Conference Room 701 Goode Street Bristol, VA January 8, 2015 Grayson County:   10:00 am – 12:00 pm Grayson County Administration Building Board of Supervisors Room – Suite 206 129 Davis Street Independence, VA Russell County:   10:00 am – 12:00 pm Southwest Virginia Technology Development Center 141 Highland Drive Lebanon, VA Tazewell County:   2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Bluefield Town Hall – Council Chambers 112 Huffard Drive Bluefield, VA Galax:   2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Galax Municipal Building Conference Room 111 E. Main Street Galax, VA January 13, 2015 Giles County:   10:00 am – 12:00 pm Pearisburg Town Hall 112 Tazewell Street Pearisburg, VA Dickenson County:   10:00 am – 12:00 pm Dickenson Center for Education & Research 818 Happy Valley Drive Clintwood, VA Salem:   2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Salem Library 28 East Main Street Salem, VA Wise County:   2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Big Stone Gap Federal Courthouse 3rd Floor Room 303 322 Wood Avenue E Big Stone Gap, VA January 14, 2015 Radford:   10:00 am – 12:00 pm Radford Public Library Meeting Room 30 West Main Street Radford, VA Pulaski County:   2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Pulaski County Library Meeting Room 60 3rd Street NW Pulaski, VA January 15, 2015 Alleghany County:   10:00 am – 12:00 pm Clifton Forge Library Conference Room 535 Church Street Clifton Forge, VA Scott County:   10:00 am – 12:00 pm Community Services Building Community Room 190 Beech Street Gate City, VA Roanoke County:   2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Roanoke Library Hollins Branch 6624 Peters Creek Road Roanoke, VA Wise County:   2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Big Stone Gap Federal Courthouse 3rd Floor Room 303 322 Wood Avenue E Big Stone Gap, VA January 20, 2015 Carroll County:   10:00 am – 12:00 pm Carroll County Administration Building Board of Supervisors Room 605 – 1 Pine Street Hillsville, VA Floyd County:   2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Floyd County Library 321 W. Main Street Floyd, VA January 21, 2015 Henry County:   10:00 am – 12:00 pm Bassett Historical Society 3964 Fairystone Parkway Bassett, VA Bland County:   10:00 am – 12:00 pm Bland County Courthouse Admin. Office Room 200 612 Main Street Bland, VA Wythe County:   2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Wythe County Sheriff’s Office Conference Room 245 South 4th Street Wytheville, VA Patrick County:   2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Patrick County Administration Building Conference Room 106 Rucker Street Stuart, VA  ** Please contact the Christiansburg Office at 540-381-5671 or the Abingdon Office at 276-525-1405 with any questions. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398383,Congressman Griffiths 2015 Congressional Issues Survey,2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,VA,Morgan Griffith,G000568,morgangriffith.house.gov,,,legacy,"As your Congressman, I am committed to making sure that your views and positions are heard when key issues are debated in Washington.  Please share with me your perspective about some the issues and proposals that may come before the Congress in 2015.  To take the 2015 Congressional Issues Survey, please click here or visit http://morgangriffith.house.gov/2015issuessurvey/ . With concerns, comments, or to request a physical copy of the 2015 Congressional Issues Survey, you can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671.  To reach my office via email, please visit my website at www.morgangriffith.house.gov. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://norton.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/2015-predictions-2014-review-norton-is-prepared-to-talk-about-with-press,"2015 Predictions, 2014 Review Norton is Prepared to Talk About with Press",2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) has issued a release containing a set of predictions about the upcoming 114th Congress along with a discussion of what happened during the 113th, and is prepared to talk about any of them that might be of interest to you.  For example, she is not as concerned about the Republican House and Senate as many residents are. Norton has spent all but 8 of her 25 years in the House with Republicans in charge and often a Republican president too, but has gotten major D.C. bills enacted (e.g., DCTAG, and the $5,000 homebuyer tax credit).  However, she predicts rough times ahead and is wary of appropriation riders, as usual, but believes Republicans, especially Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), has urgent priorities of their own to get done before the 2016 election and are not looking for distractions with big fights over District matters--and fights they would get. Below are some highlights: expects significant relaxation of sequester for domestic and defense funds chairmen of the two D.C. committees have already publicly come out for home rule, and she does not believe home rule is in danger.  She hosted a good meeting in her office with Chairmen Chaffetz and Mayor-elect Bowser how she expects to keep statehood alive in a Republican Congress that opposes it after the Senate hearing on statehood why D.C. marijuana reform is not dead, apart from the loophole how she was able to defeat an amendment to eliminate D.C.’s gun laws, but guns are always a target almost got budget autonomy done, but she does expect to be able to keep budget autonomy referendum from being overturned in Congress expects to keep D.C. from being shut down, maybe even permanently surface transportation bill is due out next year, and as top Democrat on subcommittee, she will play the lead role in one of the largest funding authorizations next year (funds Metro, roads, bridges, etc.) believes all her economic development projects are safe and will continue, including the Department of Homeland Security headquarters in Ward 8. View her full release on these and other 2013-14 issues here. Norton’s new Communication Director will not begin until first of the year. Please direct all inquiries to her new chief of staff, Raven Reeder.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://norton.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/norton-calls-on-house-republicans-for-delegate-vote-in-114th-congress,Norton Calls on House Republicans for Delegate Vote in 114th Congress,2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – Before the 114th Congress convenes, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) has begun the fight to restore an equal citizenship right District of Columbia residents once had, but was taken away by House Republicans on the first day of the 112th Congress.  Norton will be joined by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Kerwin Miller, a D.C. veteran and former director of Veterans Affairs for the city, at a press conference on Monday, January 5, at 10:30 a.m., in Cannon 421 to call on House Republicans to restore the District’s vote on the House floor in the Committee of the Whole in the rules of the 114th Congress.  WHO: -Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton -D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser -Kerwin Miller, D.C. Veteran   WHEN: Monday, January 5, 2015, 10:30 a.m. WHERE: Cannon 421 BACKGROUND: The Committee of the Whole vote allows the Delegate representing the District to vote on amendments on the House floor.  Although a revote would occur if such a vote were decisive, that almost never occurs. The Congresswoman had first secured D.C. a vote in the Committee of the Whole during the 103rd Congress, when Democrats were in the majority.  Norton, shortly after becoming a Member of the House, proposed the Committee of the Whole vote in a legal memorandum to House Democratic leaders, who, after vetting it with outside counsel, agreed that the vote was constitutional.   A federal district court and a federal appeals court upheld its constitutionality after Republicans challenged it in court.  When House Republicans regained the majority in the 104th Congress, however, they eliminated D.C.’s vote in the Committee of the Whole.  In the 110th Congress, Democrats regained control of the House and restored the vote.  On the first day as the new majority, House Republicans adopted rules for the 112th Congress that stripped D.C. residents of their vote on the House floor in the Committee of the Whole. Earlier this month, Norton sent a letter to Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) and House Rules Committee Chairman Pete Sessions (R-TX) requesting that the House rules for the 114th Congress permit the District of Columbia delegate to vote on the House floor in the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.  In September, Norton testified at a Senate committee hearing on her bill to make D.C. the 51st state, a bill which has a record number of House and Senate cosponsors.  The hearing was the first congressional hearing on D.C. statehood in more than 20 years.  Two days later, she testified at the House Rules Committee to try to retrieve the vote in the Committee of the Whole, a vote she won shortly after being elected to Congress.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://norton.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/norton-set-records-in-113th-congress-undaunted-by-new-republican-0,"Norton Set Records in 113th Congress, Undaunted by New Republican Congress, Makes Predictions for 2015",2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,DC,Eleanor Norton,N000147,norton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Norton Defies Unproductive Congress with Bills Enacted, Statehood Breakthroughs; Checkmated Anti-Home-Rule Riders; Perfect Score on Judges Confirmed; More Economic Development Projects; and D.C. Funding Despite Budget Cuts Introduction: Unafraid of the Coming Republican Congress Next year marks 25 years since Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) was elected to Congress.  She has spent only eight of those years in a House controlled by Democrats.  Yet during those years she has found ways to work closely not only with fellow Democrats, but with Republicans, such as former Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-GA) and House Oversight and Government Reform Committee (OGR) Chairman Darrell Issa (R-CA), winning major legislation for the District with Republicans in charge and often in the White House as well.  Among the most notable has been the D.C.  Tuition Assistance Grant program (DCTAG), the $5,000 homebuyer tax credit and business tax incentives, and major economic development projects that are transforming the entire Southeast and Southwest Waterfront neighborhoods, NoMa, Ward 8 communities with the Department of Homeland Security headquarters, and Upper Northwest with the former Walter Reed site. Thus, the Congresswoman is not fearful of the coming 114th Congress, where Republicans will control both chambers.  She has seen worse.  Norton does not underestimate the unprecedented far-right posture of today’s Republicans.  She is prepared for more attempts to undermine D.C. home rule, by bills and appropriations riders.  However, by refusing to prejudge how Members will respond to D.C. matters, she has found allies who have helped her pass D.C. bills and on other D.C. matters, even as Norton has opposed them on national issues.  The Congresswoman is particularly pleased that both incoming chairmen with D.C. jurisdiction – Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) and Ron Johnson (R-WI) – have already publically supported home rule, and Norton and Chaffetz have had a meeting with Mayor-elect Muriel Bowser. Our history of fighting back has not been in vain.  Members of Congress have long been on notice that Norton and D.C. are prepared to fight to protect home rule not only on the House floor, in the Senate, and in the streets of Washington, but also in their districts and states.  Norton has used various forms of communication to inform the constituents of Members who spend their time not working for them, but meddling in D.C.’s local affairs. The way for D.C. to begin the 114th Congress is to assume the best and be prepared to fight the worst.  There is nothing to fear now.  There is much work to do to   increase respect for the rights of D.C. residents as full and equal American citizens.  Getting Bills Enacted into Law Despite Historically Unproductive Congress #1 for most bills enacted by House Democrats Tied for #2 in most bills enacted by Democratic House and Senate Members Tied for #3 in bills enacted by House Republicans and Democrats Tied for #4 in most bills enacted in House and Senate Members of the Congress rarely, if ever, have their own bills enacted into law.  However, Norton was a leader in authored legislation for the 113th Congress and had three of her 67 bills enacted into law.  In the 112th Congress, Norton was also a leader, with 54 bills introduced and two enacted.  Besides traditional bills affecting the nation, Norton particularly looked for opportunities to strengthen the District.  Her legislation proved vital to the District.  Her two Chief Financial Officer (CFO) bills were indispensable to preventing serious disruptions in District operations – allowing the District to appoint an interim CFO if the CFO resigns, as Natwar Gandhi did, dies, or is otherwise unable to perform the duties of the office, and allowing the District to increase the CFO’s salary, necessary because of the difficulty the District had recruiting candidates with a salary many years out of date.  Norton also got her bill enacted to reauthorize the U.S. Parole Commission (USPC) introduced by members of the House Judiciary Committee, the committee of jurisdiction, and negotiated its five-year reauthorization, the longest reauthorization period yet. The bill is a matter of great importance to the District because the USPC has jurisdiction over D.C. Code felons.  Norton legislation enacted named the U.S. Coast Guard headquarters, in Ward 8, for the Coast Guard’s only Medal of Honor recipient, as it opened in 2013, to house 3,700 Coast Guard civilian and military employees.  Norton Cosponsored 795 bills in the 113th Congress, the Second Most of Any Member of the House Norton also introduced promising national legislation.  Among them were bills to collect data on sexual assaults on airplanes to assist law enforcement, which she expects to move next year; to strip the National Football League of its tax-exempt status as long as it promotes the Washington football team name (also introduced in the Senate); to require employers seeking federal contracts to demonstrate compliance with workplace protection laws (ROSIE Act); and to ensure due process for federal employees.    Making History: Unprecedented Momentum for D.C. Statehood The Congresswoman’s first bill in the 114th Congress will be the New Columbia Admission Act, to make D.C. the 51st State.  Norton set important statehood records in the 113th Congress, setting the stage for the growth of a newly invigorated statehood movement.  She got the first-ever Senate hearing on statehood and the first congressional hearing on statehood in more than 20 years, putting D.C. statehood squarely on the congressional agenda.  She also set the record for House and Senate cosponsors of the bill, with 112 in the House and 21 in the Senate, including Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), who rarely cosponsors bills, as well as the three other top Senate Democratic leaders.  Norton also got President Obama to endorse D.C. statehood before the statehood hearing, and later Attorney General Eric Holder, as well.  Norton also got D.C.’s first-ever statue, depicting Frederick Douglass, moved into the Capitol, giving D.C. the same recognition as the states.  At the statue unveiling, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced he would cosponsor Norton’s D.C. statehood bill, even though Majority Leaders rarely cosponsor bills.  A few weeks after the hearing, Norton gave keynote remarks at a D.C. Statehood Strategy Summit, the first statehood gathering since the hearing. She will focus in the next Congress on using the statehood bill and hearing to help grow a stronger statehood presence in D.C. and help develop a nationwide strategy to take her statehood bill to the next  in Congress. What did the press say about D.C. statehood? WaPo Editorial Board, 9/12/14: “In truth, law makers need look no further than the title of the hearing – “Equality for the District of Columbia” – to understand…That 650,000 people who live in the nation’s capital are denied their full rights as U.S. citizens…a travesty that cannot be condoned and should not be continued.” WaPo Editorial Board, 9/18/14: “We have not abandoned our support for change, nor our regard for how Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) and other advocates have championed the cause unflaggingly.”    Norton Moves D.C. Closer to Free and Equal President and Senate Sign-On for Budget and Legislative Autonomy While the statehood hearing made statehood a live issue in Congress, Norton also got traction on key elements of statehood.  At Norton’s request, the President’s FY 15 budget and the Senate’s FY 15 D.C. Appropriations bill granted the District budget and legislative autonomy, the first-ever budget and appropriations bill to grant both.  Norton also got budget and legislative autonomy introduced in the Senate as stand-alone bills; the first-ever Senate legislative autonomy bill. This Congress, she found seemingly unlikely Republican allies for budget autonomy, including Republican Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) and Oversight and Government Reform (OGR) Committee Chairman Darrel Issa (R-CA), who both first endorsed budget autonomy last Congress.  Norton predicts respect for home rule from the new chairs with D.C. jurisdiction, and they have said as much already. She has already spoken with the new House chair and written the Senate committee chair, who she expects to meet with early next year.  (See introduction) Exempting D.C. from Shutdowns For the first time, Norton got D.C. exempted from shutdowns for an entire fiscal year (2015).  Norton also got the FY15 Senate D.C. Appropriations bill to permanently exempt D.C. from shutdowns, but the final FY 2015 omnibus spending bill (Omnibus), signed by President Obama, exempts D.C. from shutdowns in FY16.  Having gotten an agreement on shutdowns in both chambers, she will seek permanent shutdown legislation in 2015. Budget Autonomy Referendum Saved Norton also kept D.C.’s budget autonomy referendum from being overturned in Congress.  She got House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD) to refrain from joining a House brief calling the referendum illegal in a lawsuit against the referendum. A federal district court struck down the referendum, but an appeal is pending, and Congress has taken no action.  What did the press say about D.C.’s autonomy? WaPo, Editorial Board, 4/16/14: “[T]he District should have the ability enjoyed by every other local jurisdiction to spend its locally raised tax dollars without approval or interference from Capitol Hill.” IV. Defeating Anti-Home-Rule Riders The Future of Marijuana Reform House Republicans attached new D.C. riders -- marijuana and guns -- to their D.C. Appropriations bill, and President Obama’s Statement of Administration Policy on the bill said the administration “strongly opposes” the marijuana rider as a violation of the “principle of States’ rights and of District home rule.” (The gun rider was added to the bill after the President’s statement, and Norton kept the rider out of the Omnibus.) She was able to get bipartisan Members of the House to hold a press conference with her in support of D.C.’s right to decriminalize or legalize marijuana, through Initiative 71 (Initiative), supported by 70 percent of the voters.  Although a version marijuana rider was included in the Omnibus, which the Republican-led House Appropriations Committee said blocked legalization, Norton found a flaw in the rider’s language.  The House’s original version had been changed from D.C. may not “enact or carry out any law rule or regulation” to legalize marijuana to D.C. cannot “enact any law, rule, or regulation.” in the Omnibus.  However, the Initiative has already been enacted and requires no additional enactments to implement it.  Norton’s interpretation that the Omnibus does not prohibit D.C. from implementing the Initiative was later supported by Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Nita Lowey (D-NY), and D.C. Subcommittee Ranking Member Jose Serrano (D-NY). Norton predicts that non-partisan authorities will confirm her interpretation.  If Norton’s interpretation is correct Republicans will be forced to try to block the Initiative on their watch and encounter states that have implemented some form of marijuana reform – 23 states have legalized medical marijuana, 18 states have decriminalized marijuana and four states have marijuana legalizations laws. Defending D.C.’s Gun Safety Laws Norton was successful in keeping the House-passed D.C. gun rider – the most dangerous of the two new House riders – out of the Omnibus.  Representative Thomas Massie’s (R-KY) gun rider would have made blocked D.C. from enforcing local gun laws, including its ban on assault weapons and large capacity magazines.  For the third-straight year, Norton also got Representative Phil Gingrey’s (R-GA) House-passed anti-home-rule gun resolution removed from the final National Defense Authorization Act.  The Gingrey amendment, passed as an amendment to the House version of the bill, expressed the sense of Congress that active duty military personnel in their private capacity should be exempt from the gun safety laws of the District of Columbia, but not elsewhere.  Although a resolution does not have the force of law, Norton wanted to defeat all anti-home-rule gun bills while Democrats were in power to assist her. Norton is preparing for anti-home-rule gun bills that could come in the 114th Congress. What did the press say about D.C.’s marijuana laws? New York Times, Editorial Board, 10/6/14: “Decades of arresting people for buying, selling, and using marijuana have hurt more than helped society, and minority communities have been disproportionately affected by the harsh criminal penalties of prohibition.” What did the press say about House passage of anti-home-rule marijuana and gun laws? Kentucky’s Courier-Journal, Editorial Board, 7/24/14: “…Ms. Norton could only complain about the gun measure but not vote against it. That sounds like taxation without representation, something anyone who purports to love liberty ought to oppose.” WaPo, Editorial Board, 7/20/14: “House Republicans who profess an allegiance to local democracy outdid themselves in the hypocrisy department last week as they trampled on the District’s right to home rule. Not content with measures that restrict the District from using its locally raised tax dollars for abortions for low-income women, the Republican-controlled House also voted to roll back the city’s decriminalization of marijuana and gut city gun laws.”  V. Building a Bustling D.C. Economy: Norton’s Bills Generate Economic Growth Norton was elected ranking member of the Highways and Transit Subcommittee, the most important Transportation and Infrastructure Committee subcommittee.  It has the largest authorized funds among the subcommittees.  This position puts her in good standing to increase D.C.’s economic development and project funding. Against the Odds, DHS Constructions Keeps Growing Despite budget cuts that have slowed construction, Norton has kept getting funds to build the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) headquarters complex in Ward 8.  For FY 2014, Norton got an additional $144 million for operations and for rehabilitation of the main Center Building, to house the office of the Secretary and his 700 top employees.  Construction contractors were recently selected.  Norton also got $188 million included in the omnibus for FY 15.    Norton predicts that DHS will be completed by 2026. Coast Guard Headquarters The U.S. Coast Guard headquarters, which was named by Norton’s bill, marked the first federal building east of the Anacostia River.  It opened in 2013. Southwest Waterfront Construction Begins The Southwest Waterfront redevelopment, known as “The Wharf,” broke ground in 2014, after Norton got her bill through two House committees and worked with Republican leadership to get it enacted, in 2012.  In 2015, D.C. will see the first elements of the project – a new pier extending 450 feet into the Washington Channel.   The enormous two-phase Wharf project will create thousands of permanent jobs for D.C. residents, generate $47 million in tax revenue every year, and create new waterfront housing, shops, parks and docks, all revitalizing the city’s Southwest quadrant.  The developers have announced a public square, complete with picnic benches and green spaces, at the Wharf to be named “Eleanor Holmes Norton Plaza.”  A New Hotel Takes Shapes from the Old Post Office Building Norton broke ground on the Old Post Office Building redevelopment, a result of her 2008 law.  The redevelopment effort will turn the 114-year-old building into D.C.’s first luxury hotel, bringing 700 construction jobs and 300 permanent jobs.  The project will yield $100 million in tax revenue over ten years for the city.  Norton is working with the General Services Administration and the developer on a 2015 plan for hiring D.C. residents. The Yards Becomes a New Neighborhood The Southeast Waterfront redevelopment, known as “The Yards,” continues at a rapid pace, due to a 2000 Norton law that authorized private redevelopment of federal land for the first time.  When fully developed, the site, which was an eye sore of dilapidated Navy Yard structures, will generate billions in revenue for the city.  Nineteen restaurants and 15 retail shops opened in 2013 and seven restaurants and seven retail shops opened in 2014, including a Harris Teeter grocery store.  Six more developments are planned for 2015. First Segment of Walter Reed Transferred to D.C. This year, Norton got the first federal property at the former Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) transferred to the District.  Building 18 will be the home of a new fire and emergency station Ward 4 has long needed to reduce response times for the northernmost section of the District, enhancing public safety.  Once D.C. receives its entire portion of WRAMC, this historic property will transform upper Georgia Avenue with mixed-use development, including housing and the neighborhood’s first extensive commercial amenities.  Norton earlier got an increase in acres available for negotiation by the D.C. government and, this year, she ensured in the NDAA that 67 of the 110-acre site will be occupied by the District.  Earlier this year, the State Department tried to get 13 acres of D.C. land in exchange for land Children’s National Medical Center wanted because it contains a state-of-the-art laboratory.  Norton saved the full portion of D.C.’s land and ensured that an entity like Children’s will get the 13-acre state-of-the-art laboratory. World War I Memorial Norton laid to rest any possible future nationalization of D.C.’s War Memorial with compromise language she negotiated in the NDAA that formally re-designates Pershing Park, a federal park, as a national World War I Memorial, and preserves D.C.’s War Memorial for D.C. veterans only.  VI. Despite Sequestration and Partisan Gridlock, Norton Funds D.C.’s Priorities Considering that Democrats lost the Senate in the November elections, Norton fought especially hard to get as much funding as possible for D.C. in appropriations legislation.   Helps Ensure D.C.’s Transportation Funding As ranking member of the Highways and Transit Subcommittee, which writes the largest House transportation funding bill, Norton’s leadership helped D.C. and the region get the full $150 million installment for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) in the Omnibus.  This is the sixth installment for WMATA’s 10-year, $1.5 billion authorization for capital improvements included in the 2008 Rail Safety Improvement Act, which Norton helped champion as a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Norton expects to increase D.C.’s funding for roads, bridges, WMATA, and buses in the surface transportation reauthorization bill due in 2015. DCTAG Remains Funded When appropriators told Norton that DCTAG was at risk after the D.C. Council passed a college scholarship program, she moved to shore up DCTAG.  She began by writing to President Obama and got a $10 million in increased funding in his FY 15 budget, bringing DCTAG to $40 million.  She then urged appropriators to fully fund DCTAG and got $30 million in the Omnibus, – no decrease from the year before.  However, Norton is already gearing up for another fight next year to ensure DCTAG is funded, given the new Republican majority in the Senate, where Democrats have been her best partners. Anacostia River Priority Norton’s work on Anacostia River cleanup is dependent, in part, on funding for D.C. Water’s Clean Rivers program to combat combined sewer overflow.  She was the lead sponsor of the Anacostia Watershed Initiative, her bill that was enacted with four regional co-sponsors in 2007, authorizing the Army Corps to develop a comprehensive plan for cleaning up the Anacostia River.  This year, she got $14 million for the Clean Rivers program in the Omnibus the same as in the prior year.  She will press the federal government, the largest D.C. Water rate-payer, to increase its funding next year, in light of the recent water main break in a major D.C. sewer pipe that caused flooding and Metro closures and delays.  All Norton’s High-Quality D.C. Judges Confirmed In a win for D.C.’s federal judicial system, all ten of Norton’s recommendations to President Obama for federal district court judges here have been confirmed by the Senate.  President Obama, like President Clinton, granted Norton senatorial courtesy to recommend candidates for federal district court judges and other important federal law enforcement officials in the District. VII. Serving Constituents and Keeping D.C. Informed of the Good and Bad from Congress Norton found new and expanded ways to reach neighborhoods across the city.  This year, she hosted 20 Government-to-Go events at grocery stores, D.C. government locations, such as libraries, and at non-profit organizations, such as senior centers, which brought caseworkers and information on federal matters to residents who cannot come to her District Office.  She held two town halls and six roundtables on national and local legislative issues.  She participated in eight Norton in Your Neighborhood community events, in conjunction with ANCs and community groups, to discuss congressional issues. Tours of House Floor, Top Norton Community Events Norton led the first six tours of the House floor for D.C. groups ranging from schools to community groups.  Norton will offer the tour to local D.C. media and will triple the number of D.C. groups to tour the House floor.  To schedule a special tour of the House floor, D.C.’s first statue in Congress, and other significant congressional sites for your group, contact Norton’s office at 202-225-8050 or visit www.Norton.House.Gov.  Events for D.C.’s Diverse Population Norton offered a rich variety of special events for D.C. residents drawn from important D.C. sectors, including a Tax Fair for tax preparation services; a Capitol Hill “Ask Me About D.C. Event” event for Members of the House and Senate and staff showcasing D.C.’s tourist sites; a Job Fair; a Small Business Fair; a Congressional  Art Competition for high school students; a Service Academy Night; a Seniors Legislative Day; a National Dance Day; and two Black Men and Boys Commission and Caucus Hearings. Norton’s Town Halls, Roundtables, and NIYNs Produce Results 4 Town Halls: •National Park Service Town Hall with NPS, National Mall officials, and Smithsonian officials      -NPS agreed to consider food trucks on the National Mall •Two CSX Virginia Avenue Tunnel Project Community Events      -Got increased opportunities for community oversight, questions, and transparency. •Capital Parks East Town Hall with NPS, Shepard Parkway Committee, and Washington Parks and People      -U.S. Park Police cracked down on crime. 6 Roundtables: •WMATA Roundtable with Top WMATA Officials and Transportation Union Leaders      -Roundtable showed most safety steps taken since 2009 crash; testimony helped Norton to get the $150 million WMATA authorization. •DCTAG Roundtable with Residents      -Got information that helped Norton get appropriators to give DCTAG $30 million in Omnibus. •Postal Roundtable with D.C. Postmaster General, Postal Union Officials, and Residents      -Agreed on recommendations to improve local service: quarterly Postmaster meetings with ANCs; an automated phone system for residents who want only routine information, freeing up customer service representatives to handle substantive issues; create the position of D.C. Postal Ombudsman to solve recurring customer service problems; and get State Department assistance in processing passports using postal office personnel. •Union Station Roundtable with NPS, Union Station Officials, and City Officials.      -Union Station officials began work that is reducing traffic congestion. •Immigration Roundtable/Hispanic Heritage Month with City and Federal Officials, Latino Community Leaders, and Educators      -Panel offered information for families of D.C. residents directly affected by the surge in unaccompanied children from Central America. •Unemployment Insurance Roundtable      -Real stories soon to go online in continuing effort to get Congress to pass legislation  extending long-term unemployment insurance. 8 Norton in Your Neighborhood (NIYN): • Parkside Civic Association • Bates Area Civic Association • Pleasant Plains Civic Association • Brookland Civic Association • Gays and Lesbians Opposing Violence • Brightwood Park Civic Association • Renaissance Adult Day Health Care Center • ANC4B Community Meeting D.C. community and civic organizations, Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, and other groups can sponsor a Norton in Your Neighborhood.  Visit https://norton.house.gov or call Norton’s district office at (202) 408-9041.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pittenger.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congressman-pittenger-announces-five-appointments-to-united-states,Congressman Pittenger Announces Five Appointments to United States Service Academies,2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,NC,Robert Pittenger,P000606,pittenger.house.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   CONGRESSMAN PITTENGER ANNOUNCES FIVE APPOINTMENTS TO UNITED STATES SERVICE ACADEMIES   CHARLOTTE – Five outstanding local students had extra reason to be thankful this holiday season as Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) personally called to announce their appointment to United States service academies.   Mr. Riley Brosnan, a senior at Charlotte Catholic, received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy.  The son and grandson of United States Marines officers, he told Congressman Pittenger that “America allowed my mother and her family to emigrate from Vietnam and start a new future away from that war torn country. Our nation has granted me freedom and opportunity that can best be repaid through a period of military service.”  Mr. Brosnan is the son of John and Kim Brosnan and lives in Matthews. Mr. Jackson Dunn, a senior at Myers Park High School, received an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy.  Mr. Dunn began his life in a Russian orphanage, which forced him to develop a strong work ethic, leadership, and teamwork skills at a young age.  “The early years of my life were different than most people I know, but for that, I am now thankful.”  Mr. Dunn is the son of Kimberly and Bradley Dunn and lives in Charlotte. Ms. Sydney Frankenberg, a senior at Cannon School, received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy.  Profoundly impacted by 9/11, she remembers “a sense of bewilderment at how there could be people full of such hatred for others . . . and a sense of respect for those who valiantly risked their lives that day to serve their country and help others.  Responsibility is and always has been the price of freedom.”  Ms. Frankenberg is the daughter of Brett and Sara Frankenberg and lives in Charlotte. Ms. Sera Martorelli, a senior at Grace Academy, received an appointment to West Point and quoted General MacArthur to Congressman Pittenger. “Duty, Honor, Country . . . those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be.  Those three words inspire me.”  Ms. Martorelli is the daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth Martorelli and lives in Matthews. Mr. Sheppard Wilson, a senior at Charlotte Country Day, received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy.  He told Congressman Pittenger that “to be able to serve my country and defend the ideals of democracy and freedom would be the highest honor for me.”  Mr. Wilson is the son of Tom and Laurie Wilson and lives in Charlotte. “Our nation and our community are blessed by these outstanding local students who chose a life of service and sacrifice in defense of our freedom.  Thank you, as well, to all the other local students who volunteer to serve in so many important ways,” said Congressman Pittenger. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://shimkus.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/paul-simon-water-for-the-world-act-signed-into-law,Paul Simon Water for the World Act Signed Into Law,2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,IL,John Shimkus,S000364,shimkus.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) is pleased to announce that the President signed the Senator Paul Simon Water for the World Act into law on December 19. Shimkus was a cosponsor of the bill, which passed the House December 8 and then passed the Senate on December 15. “While this legislation does not have a direct effect on Southern Illinois, Senator Simon’s legacy lives on through this initiative to utilize water, sanitation, and hygiene as tools for foreign assistance,” Shimkus noted. The Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act was originally established in 2005, and this law amends that legislation. Specifically, this law directs the Secretary of State: To develop a strategy every five years to further U.S. foreign policy objectives by providing affordable and equitable access to safe water and sanitation in developing counties; and To develop a complementary strategy to further U.S. foreign assistance to provide affordable and equitable drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene in developing countries. Shimkus added, “First, it is noteworthy that both the House and the Senate passed this bill on voice votes – without any objections, which is quite amazing in today’s political world. Second, this law helps make the water programs be more focused, efficient, transparent, and better monitored.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://visclosky.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/visclosky-announces-2015-town-forums,Visclosky Announces 2015 Town Forums,2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,IN,Peter Visclosky,V000108,visclosky.house.gov,,,legacy,"Visclosky Announces 2015 Town Forums Local students to lead the Pledge of Allegiance Merrillville, IN- Congressman Visclosky announced today that he will hold 12 Town Forums throughout Indiana’s First Congressional District during the month of January.  Visclosky hosts the Town Forums each year as an avenue to hear directly from constituents and to provide an update on issues facing the region and the country. “I host these annual Town Forums so that I may share updates on the previous and forthcoming legislative sessions and, moreover, to hear from the public on the important issues of today,” said Congressman Pete Visclosky.    As in previous years, local students will lead the Pledge of Allegiance and introduce Visclosky to their communities.  Each student will give a brief introduction speech that will include information on the history and economy of the First Congressional District. “Some of Northwest Indiana’s best and brightest will join us during the 2015 Town Forums.  I am excited to have their participation throughout the week, and I appreciate their willingness to take an active role in our democratic process.” Congressman Visclosky’s 2015 Town Forum Schedule: Thursday January 15, 2015: 10:00 a.m. CST-Michigan City: Michigan City-City Hall, 100 East Michigan Boulevard, Michigan City, Indiana 46360 12:00 p.m. CST-Chesterton: Westchester Public Library, Library Service Center, 100 West Indiana Avenue, Chesterton, Indiana 46304 2:00 p.m. CST-Valparaiso: Porter County Government Center, County Commissioners’ Chambers, 155 Indiana Avenue, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 4:00 p.m. CST-Portage: Portage City Hall, 6070 Central Avenue, Portage, Indiana 46368 6:00 p.m. CST-Hobart: Hobart Community Center, 111 East Old Ridge Road, Hobart, Indiana 46342 Friday January 16, 2015: 10:00 a.m. CST-Crown Point: Crown Point Library, 122 North Main Street, Crown Point, Indiana 46307 12:00 p.m. CST-Highland: Wicker Park Social Center, 2215 Ridge Road, Highland, Indiana 46322 2:00 p.m. CST-Hammond: Purdue University Calumet, Student Union Library Building, Room With a View, 2200 169th Street, Hammond, Indiana 46323 4:00 p.m. CST-East Chicago: East Chicago City Hall, Council Chambers, 4525 Indianapolis Boulevard, East Chicago, Indiana 46312 6:00 p.m. CST-Gary: Gary YWCA, 150 West 15th Avenue, Gary, Indiana 46407 Saturday January 17, 2015: 12:00 p.m. CST-St. John: St. John Town Hall, 10955 West 93rd Avenue, St. John, Indiana 46373 2:00 p.m. CST-Merrillville: Merrillville Town Hall, 7820 Broadway, Merrillville, Indiana 46410",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-senate-must-reauthorize-lifesaving-bulletproof-vest-grant-program-next-year,Leahy: Senate Must Reauthorize Lifesaving Bulletproof Vest Grant Program Next Year,2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,VT,Patrick Leahy,L000174,www.leahy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.29.14 Leahy: Senate Must Reauthorize Lifesaving Bulletproof Vest Grant Program Next Year . . . More Than One Million Vests Provided Through The Program MONDAY, December 29, 2014 – Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) will reintroduce legislation next month to reauthorize the lifesaving Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program, a federal grant program that helps state and local law enforcement agencies purchase bulletproof vests for officers working in the field.  Leahy, a former prosecutor, coauthored the original law establishing the matching grant program, which has issued more than one million lifesaving vests to state and local law enforcement officers throughout the country since 1999 – including more than 4000 vests for officers in Vermont.  Legislation to reauthorize the popular program was blocked in the last Congress, despite having broad bipartisan support. Leahy, the incoming ranking member of the Judiciary Committee, encouraged the incoming Republican majority to work with all Senate Democrats who support this critical, life-saving program. “Members of Congress often speak passionately about the need to support the officers who serve and protect the public on the front lines, but we need to match words with action,” Leahy said. “No action to protect and support law enforcement officers is more tangible and effective than this partnership. It proves and renews its value each time an officer goes on the beat.” Leahy continued: “No officer should have to serve without a protective vest. I am disappointed that a single Republican blocked the Senate from passing the bill this year, but our work does not stop at the end of the year. I will introduce the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program Reauthorization Act of 2015 as soon as the new legislative session begins so that we can work quickly next year to pass this important legislation. I hope that Senators from both sides of the aisle will join me in this effort.” The Judiciary Committee approved bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the lifesaving Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program in August 2013. The bill had the support of every Senate Democrat, and Leahy sought to pass the legislation through the full Senate last May. Those efforts were blocked by Senate Republicans. Congress last reauthorized the program in 2008, and its authorization expired in 2012. # # # # # Press Contact Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-lee-named-most-valuable-house-member-in-the-nations-2014-honor-roll,Congresswoman Lee Named Most Valuable House Member in The Nation's 2014 Honor Roll,2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"12.29.14 Congresswoman Lee Named Most Valuable House Member in The Nation's 2014 Honor Roll Oakland, CA The Nation has named Congresswoman Barbara Lee the Most Valuable House Member calling her a full-spectrum advocate for peace, civil rights, civil liberties and economic justice. It is with a sense of humility that I thank The Nation for the tremendous honor of being named the Most Valuable House Member' in its 2014 Honor Roll, said Congresswoman Lee. From ensuring economic justice and fairness to securing global peace and security, progressives have a lot of work to do in the 114th Congress. I look forward to continuing to work with advocates and my colleagues to promote freedom, equality and fairness. The Nation cites the Congresswoman as keeping her office door open to advocates and championship of causes that others neglect and waging the fights that others fear as key elements to the Congresswoman's ability to advance her progressive legislative agenda. Others honored by The Nation's 2014 Honor Roll include Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Attorney General elect Maura Healey, National Nurses United and others. A full list of honorees can be found here. ### Congresswoman Lee is a member of the Appropriations and Budget Committees, the Steering and Policy Committee, is a Senior Democratic Whip, former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and co-chair of the Progressive Caucus. She serves as chair of the Whip's Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity. Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-on-unilateral-palestinian-efforts-at-un,Gillibrand Statement on Unilateral Palestinian Efforts at UN,2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 29, 2014 Gillibrand Statement on Unilateral Palestinian Efforts at UN Washington, D.C.U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement todayafter Palestinian leadership presented its latest proposal in an attempt to achieve statehood through unilateral actions at the United Nations: ""I am disappointed that the Palestinian leadership continues to try to circumvent a negotiated agreement with Israel. A real and sustainable solution to this conflict can only be achieved through negotiations between the two parties, with the goal of Israel living side-by-side in peace with a future Palestinian state. One-sided attempts to dictate the terms, like this newly proposed UN resolution, will only undermine this effort.The United States has made clear that any agreement must be negotiated directly between the two parties, and the Administration was right to immediately reject this proposal."" Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=475616b6-e73b-4364-81ae-852d6a1137c2,Heitkamp Statement Ahead of One-Year Anniversary of Train Derailment in Casselton,2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today issued the following statement ahead of the one-year anniversary of the derailment of a train carrying crude oil near Casselton, North Dakota on December 30, 2013. Over the past year, Heitkamp has worked with federal and local agencies to determine what happened at the derailment in Casselton, put in place policies that help prevent future derailments, and equip North Dakota first responders with the training and resources they need to respond such emergencies if they occur. In the wake of the train derailment in Casselton, the question on everyones mind was what if? said Heitkamp. What if families had been hurt? What if homes had been damaged? Immediately, I started working with local fire chiefs and officials to get to the bottom of what happened. And I have been pressing our federal agencies for improved rail safety standards to help prevent future train derailments, and pushing on the railroads to make needed investments. We have seen progress on all fronts, but there is still much work to do. Our emergency responders are often our first line of defense and they usually do it without pay. Its on all of us to make sure they have the training and resources they need to protect our families and communities. Thats why I fought to secure federal funding for state-of-the-art training for our responders, and its why I wrote my RESPONSE Act, which would see to it that emergency teams continue to get the best possible tools to keep us safe. The most recent derailment near Casselton just last month reignited public focus on ramping up these public safety measures because even though weve been lucky that both the derailments didnt hurt anyone, we know we cant rely on luck alone. We have come a long way in the past year, but must keep pushing to get our safety standards up to pace, and to make sure our emergency response teams get the training they need. Because we cant let North Dakota families live in fear of what if? They need to know were working from all sides to keep them safe and thats exactly what Ill continue doing every single day. Since the derailment in Casselton, Heitkamp has been unwavering in her commitment to understand what happened, to push on all sides to advance improvements for rail safety, and to secure top-notch training for emergency responders. She has worked closely with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) including hosting Secretary Anthony Foxx in North Dakota where they spoke about rail safety issues the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, as well as other federal, state, and local officials, and industry. Heitkamp has long sought a holistic approach to improving safety on the rails by: Working to prevent future train derailments. The National Transportation Safety Board released its Preliminary Report on the Casselton train derailment in January 2013 which showed that 18 of the 20 derailed tank cars were punctured during the derailment of a train in Casselton last December. Heitkamp has continued to stress the need to update standards for tank cars carrying crude oil, increased safety requirements for shipping routes and train speeds, and enhanced track inspection standards for the rail lines carrying crude oil. Earlier this year, Heitkamp called on the Federal Railroad Administration to increase track inspections of the rail lines around Casselton. She also pushed the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety (PHMSA) and industry to share information so the PHSMA could finalize its study on the quality and characteristics of crude, and offer a rule. And she has pressed the railroads to make needed improvements to the tracks. In July, the DOT released new rules specifically responding to issues she called on the agency to address, including updated standards to tank cars carrying crude oil, increased safety requirements for shipping routes, and improved inspection standards for rail lines carrying crude oil. Since then, Heitkamp has continued to press DOT to finalize its railroad tank car safety rule so that is efficient and workable, as quickly as possible. Heitkamp helped bring together Senators, federal government regulators, and energy and railroad industry leadersfor a Senate Commerce Subcommittee hearing in April to examine ways to improve rail transportation safety and encourage all sides to work together to make that possible. She also participated in a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing in April where she called for needed investments to keep our railways safe for passengers and communities. Better preparing for incidents for when they do occur. Heitkamp has stressed that oil will move on the rails for the foreseeable future, and while we need to do everything possible to prevent incidents, we also need to better prepare in case they do occur. She has continued to bring all sides together to help foster better coordination between rail and oil industries, federal government, and local communities. She has continued to work with Burlington Northern Santa Fe and other railroads. Giving first responders the training and resources they need to prepare for new hazards. Heitkamp wants to make sure first responders in communities near railroad tracks get quality training and have access to the appropriate resources and effective communications to respond to potential incidents on the rails and make sure North Dakota families and their communities are safe. In June, Heitkamp introduced her RESPONSE Act to better prepare emergency personnel in North Dakota and across the country tasked with responding to potential incidents, such as derailments of trains carrying materials like crude oil. That same month, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved $2 million in federal funding, which Heitkamp pushed for, to train first responders for incidents involving hazardous materials transported by rail. In March, Heitkamp brought Casselton Fire Chief Tim McLean to testify at a Senate Committee on Homeland Security hearing she chaired about how to better train our emergency responders for emerging threats and hazards. At the hearing she pressed a top FEMA official to release federal funding for a one-of-a-kind training facility that helps train first responders to handle derailments of trains carrying potentially hazardous materials, like crude oil. Less than a year later, Heitkamp announced $5 million in federal funds were finally provided. Heitkamp continued to fight for funds for rail safety and web-based emergency response training, which were included in this years appropriations bill that Congress passed. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/news-releases?ID=43c4314a-b654-4bb0-aa28-9bca4cf86743,"YEAR IN REVIEW: Despite Widespread Congressional Gridlock, Klobuchar Passes Eight Bipartisan Bills Into Law in 2014",2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Bipartisan bills include measures to expand support services for victims of military sexual assault in the National Guard and Reserves, address propane shortages, fight the spread of invasive carp, improve breast cancer awareness, cut red tape for families who adopt, and boost tourism in Minnesota and across the country Klobuchar: This bipartisan progress should serve as a model for how to tackle challenges in 2015  WASHINGTON, DC – Despite widespread congressional gridlock over the past year, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar today announced that she passed eight bipartisan bills into law in 2014 and said this progress should serve as a model for how to work together and get things done in the new Congress. The bipartisan bills Klobuchar passed include measures to expand support services for victims of military sexual assault, address propane shortages, fight the spread of invasive carp, improve breast cancer awareness, cut red tape for families who adopt, and boost tourism in Minnesota and across the country. “Despite the partisanship and gridlock, Democrats and Republicans have managed to come together and pass bills that make progress for Minnesota and the country,” Klobuchar said. “Heading into the new Congress, we need to use these bipartisan successes as models for getting things done so that we can keep moving our country and economy forward.” Below is information on Klobuchar’s bills that were signed into law in 2014: Expanding support services for victims of military sexual assault Klobuchar partnered with Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) and Rep. John Kline (R-MN) to pass bipartisan legislation to ensure the National Guard and Reserve’s ability to assist victims of sexual assault. The Army has released a directive expanding important legal services to certain victims of military sexual assault, but the directive fails to cover Guard members who become victims of sexual assault outside of their drill weekend or military duty. The lawmakers’ bipartisan bill ensures survivors of sexual assault receive support services if there is any connection between the crime and their service. The bill also requires the relevant service secretary to provide Special Victims Counsel to the member regardless of when the assault occurred. Addressing propane shortages Klobuchar’s legislation with Senator John Thune (R-SD) to better address future propane and heating fuel shortages was signed into law this summer. The Senators’ legislation allows governors greater autonomy when they declare emergencies, eliminating the need for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to declare that a disaster exists beyond the existing 30-day declarations that are available to governors. The legislation also requires the Energy Information Administration to provide early warnings to governors if the inventory of residential heating fuel (propane, natural gas, and home heating oil) falls below the most recent five-year average for more than three consecutive weeks. Fighting the spread of invasive carp This spring, Klobuchar’s bipartisan provision to keep invasive carp out of Minnesota’s waterways was signed into law as part of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA). It will help fight the spread of invasive carp – also known as Asian carp – by closing the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock within one year. The bill was led by Senator Klobuchar in the Senate and Representative Keith Ellison in the House, and cosponsored by Senator Al Franken as well as Representatives Erik Paulsen, Tim Walz, and Rick Nolan. Improving breast cancer awareness Klobuchar’s legislation with Senator David Vitter (R-LA) and Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) to increase breast cancer awareness among young women across the country passed this month. The bipartisan bill will extend the EARLY Act (Breast Health Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young Act), which created an education and outreach campaign administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to highlight the breast cancer risks facing young women and empower young women with the tools they need to fight the disease. Cutting red tape for families who adopt abroad Klobuchar passed bipartisan legislation she introduced with Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) to help families who adopt abroad correct errors to birth certificates. Previously U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) would not recognize state court orders to amend a child’s birth date, forcing families to seek a correction from the adoptee’s country of birth or have two official birth dates for their adopted child. The Accuracy for Adoptees Act authorizes USCIS to recognize state court orders and cut red tape for adoptive families. Boosting tourism to Minnesota and the U.S. Klobuchar worked with Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) to pass bipartisan legislation they introduced to reauthorize Brand USA and help boost international tourism to the United States. The Senators’ legislation reauthorizes Brand USA, a public-private partnership that enhances tourism in Minnesota and across the country by promoting international travel to the United States. In 2013, Brand USA generated 1.1 million additional international visitors who spent an estimated $3.4 billion, strengthening local businesses and stimulating economic growth. Improving the lives of patients with muscular dystrophy Klobuchar introduced and passed bipartisan legislation with Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) to help improve the lives of patients with muscular dystrophy. The Senators’ legislation will update and improve current law, the Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Community Assistance, Research & Education (MD CARE) Act, which supports medical research and policies to improve treatments and quality of life for muscular dystrophy patients. Giving farmers a voice in EPA decisions The 2014 Farm Bill included a provision Klobuchar pushed for to give farmers a greater say over regulations affecting agriculture. The provision is similar to legislation Klobuchar introduced to increase agriculture’s presence on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Science Advisory Board and creates a new Agriculture standing committee on the Science Advisory Board. The new standing committee will provide scientific advice on decisions that have a major impact on agriculture, as well as provide testimony to congressional committees when needed. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/news-releases?ID=6b596674-a00e-4085-a4b3-e53a308fbf6a,"Klobuchar, Franken Announce Judicial Selection Committee for Vacancy on Federal District Court",2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senators tap bipartisan group of distinguished Minnesota leaders to lead search  Washington, D.C. – Today U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken announced the formation of a judicial selection committee to assist them in making a recommendation to the President to fill a vacancy on Minnesota’s federal district court that was created by Chief Judge Michael J. Davis’s decision to assume senior status. Today Judge Davis sent a letter to President Obama announcing he would retire from regular active service as a United States District Court Judge in August of 2015 and continue to serve as a senior judge. The Committee is co-chaired by Thomas Heffelfinger, former U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota under Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush and current partner at Best & Flanagan, and R. Ann Huntrods, a partner at Briggs and Morgan and former head of that firm’s employment law practice group. Committee members include Edward Toussaint, former Chief Judge of the Minnesota Court of Appeals and Distinguished Professor of Law and Associate Dean for Multicultural Affairs at William Mitchell College of Law; Lolita Ulloa, Managing Attorney, Victims Services Division in the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office; Lisa Swenson, Managing Attorney, Third Judicial District Public Defender's Office; Mark Rubin, St. Louis County Attorney; and Yvonne Cheung Ho, former President and CEO of the Metropolitan Economic Development Association (MEDA). In announcing the judicial selection committee, Senator Klobuchar said:  “This distinguished group of Minnesota leaders will help identify a person who will continue Minnesota’s long tradition of quality federal judges. “Federal judges are appointed for life, which makes it all the more critical that they are fair-minded, conscientious and even-handed.  The Committee will be looking for a person of integrity with a first-rate legal mind, a wide breath of professional experience, and a fair judicial temperament.  “Chief Judge Davis made history as the first African-American to serve as a federal judge in Minnesota and he has served our state well for over 20 years as a federal judge and 10 years before that as a state court judge. We are lucky that we will still have the benefit of his service when he takes senior status. I’m confident that with this committee’s counsel we will find an outstanding Minnesotan who will carry on the fine work that Judge Davis has done for many years.” Senator Franken said: ""I’m so pleased that such a credentialed and impressive group of Minnesotans has agreed to help select a candidate for this position. The job of federal judge is an exceptionally important position that requires someone with a diverse record of experience and an unwavering commitment to fair and just application of the law. I have no doubt that this committee will help us choose a well-qualified Minnesotan for the post, and I look forward to seeing their recommendations."" ""I also need to recognize Judge Michael Davis, whose decision to take senior status after some 30 years on the bench is creating this vacancy. Judge Davis deserves an enormous amount of gratitude for his decades of service to Minnesota and to the court. He will no doubt be hard to replace."" Those wishing to be considered for the position of Judge, U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota should submit a letter of interest and resume by Friday, January 9, 2015 to: Co-Chairs Thomas Heffelfinger and R. Ann Huntrods, Judicial Selection Committee, Office of Senator Amy Klobuchar, 1200 Washington Avenue South, Suite 250, Minneapolis, MN 55415. Materials may also be e-mailed to the Committee at mndcommittee@gmail.com. References will be requested at a later date during the interview process.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=2d1d364e-1c38-4df1-ac8f-6875d772a2e7,STATEMENT BY SENATOR JOHN McCAIN ON AGREEMENT ADVANCED TODAY BY ARIZONA GAME AND FISH COMMISSION TO RESTORE TROUT STOCKING AT WILLOW BEACH HATCHERY IN MOHAVE COUNTY,2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) released the following statement on the agreement advanced today by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission negotiated with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to restore trout stocking at Willow Beach Hatchery in Mohave County, Arizona. Under the agreement, the Commission would work with USFWS to split the costs of repairing the hatchery’s water intake system and secure a supply of trout eggs that will guarantee production for at least the next five years – and likely more. “I am very pleased that an agreement to restore trout stocking at Willow Beach Hatchery has been approved today by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission,” said Senator McCain. “This is an important development for the Mohave County/Clark County stretch of the Lower Colorado River, where trout fishing supports some 1,700 jobs and generates $75 million in economic activity. The endless opportunities for outdoor recreation are among the most unique aspects of life in Arizona, and I am proud that our state and local officials took a leadership role on this issue with the federal government, which has a longstanding responsibility to mitigate for lost fishing opportunities resulting from the construction of the Hoover Dam.” The Chairman of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission and Mohave County leaders commented on today's action: “We are proud to approve the motion for our Director to finalize a cooperative agreement providing vital assistance to an important industry in Arizona, and grateful to Senator McCain for his staunch support of returning trout propagation to Willow Beach,” said Commission Chairman Robert Mansell. “With the execution of this agreement, Arizona will retain its reputation as one of the finest sport fishing destinations in North America.” “Mohave County wants to thank all the people who recognized the devastating economic impact that ending the 50-year trout stocking program at the Willow Beach Hatchery would have had on local communities,” said Hildy Angius, Chair of the Mohave County Board of Supervisors. “This agreement could not have happened without our partners at Arizona Game and Fish, most notably Chief of Fisheries Chris Cantrell along with Arizona Congressman Paul Gosar. My biggest thanks is reserved for Senator John McCain, who stood with me at Willow Beach Fish Hatchery last August and promised he would do everything in his power to fix this problem and then delivered on that promise. Mohave County is, and will now continue to be, the finest place to sport fish in the country.” “The fishing industry is a multi-million dollar business for Mohave County, where we host nationally-recognized angling tournaments that increase our tourism,” said Mohave County Supervisor Buster Johnson. “Without the hatchery, the food chain in our river and lake would suffer and bring an end to the world-class fishing and economic benefits it sustains. I thank Senator McCain for his leadership in helping to resolve this important issue.” In August of this year, Senator McCain toured the Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery near Bullhead City, Arizona, and was briefed on a variety of engineering plans to repair the hatchery’s damaged pipelines. Preliminary cost estimates for repairs totaled up to $9 million dollars. Senator McCain urged USFWS to coordinate with Mohave County and the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) to develop a single affordable and reasonable solution to move repairs forward. In a letter to USFWS Direct Dan Ashe, dated September 12, 2014, Senator McCain praised the parties for identifying an engineering plan with an estimated cost of $776,000 which called for installing a floating pump platform that would adjust with fluctuating river elevations. In his letter, Senator McCain commended USFWS for their efforts and requested that the Director “consider the utility of entering into an intergovernmental agreement with those entities offering to assist with the project.” According to an analysis provided by AZGFD, trout-fishing supports around 1,700 jobs and generates approximately $75 million in economic activity along the Mohave County/Clark County stretch of the Lower Colorado River. Trout-stocking is important to the area’s angling community and falls under the federal government’s longstanding responsibility to mitigate for lost fishing opportunities resulting from the construction of the Hoover Dam. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=50bc3b27-2a2d-456c-8590-a10c60ac2ca1,STATEMENT BY SENATOR JOHN McCAIN ON AFGHANISTAN,2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) released the following statement today on the Obama Administration’s formal declaration of end to combat operations in Afghanistan: “No one should mistake the Administration's declared end of combat operations in Afghanistan with an end of our mission there. While our troops and civilians are making steady progress in supporting our Afghan partners in securing their country and defeating our common terrorist enemies, the truth is, this work remains unfinished. Indeed, steady reports of Taliban offensives are a painful reminder of that fact. “In order not to squander the hard-fought gains that our fellow citizens have made in Afghanistan, the Administration needs to give the thousands of U.S. forces that will remain in the country beyond this year the authorities they need to train, advise, and assist our Afghan partners in finishing the mission that we undertook together after the attacks of September 11, 2001. The Administration must also replace its calendar-driven draw-down of U.S. forces with a plan based on conditions on the ground. If this is not done, and if the Administration insists on pulling all U.S. forces out of the country for political reasons, Afghanistan will deteriorate just as Iraq has since 2011. That would not just be a tragedy for the Afghan people; it would put the American people in far greater danger.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/latest-headlines/senators-press-army-secretary-on-retirement-benefits,Senators press Army secretary on retirement benefits,2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senators press Army secretary on retirement benefits Saturday, November 29, 2014 By:  Kristina Wong A bipartisan group of senators is urging the Army to immediately reverse a policy that would force some officers to lose as much as $1,000 per month in retirement benefits. Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), along with 13 other senators, urged Army Secretary John McHugh in a letter this week to reverse a policy where officers being asked to retire would do so at their highest enlisted rank if they spent fewer than eight years as an officer.  Murray and Isakson say the policy is unfair to those who have been selected for retirement under budget cuts, but are just short of the eight years.  The senators say this would affect a ""significant number of captains and majors who are former non-commissioned officers."" This year, the Army required 19,000 captain and majors to go through early separation boards. Of those, the Army is scheduled to involuntarily cut 1,188 captain and 550 majors, according to the News Tribune. The Army reached a post-9/11 peak of 570,000 troops in 2010, and is scheduled to go down to as few as 420,000 under defense budget cuts by 2019.  Murray and Isakson wrote that many of the soldiers who will be affected had answered the Army's call for more officers as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan ramped up.  ""Many are being retired at enlisted ranks they have not held in years. This is particularly disturbing because had they ignored the Army’s call for officers most would have been promoted at least once more and been eligible to retire at a higher enlisted rank,"" they said.  “To demote these soldiers in retirement is an injustice that devalues their service and will materially disadvantage them and their families for the rest of their lives,"" they added.  The letter was also signed by Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash), Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Mike Johanns (R-Neb.), Tim Johnson (D-S.D.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), Mark Pryor (D-Ark.), Bernard Sanders (D-Vt.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.).  ""We strongly urge you to take the necessary steps to rectify this situation in order to allow these soldiers to retire at the rank they have earned and appropriately honor their service to our nation,” Murray and Isakson wrote.  Defense officials have been urging members of Congress to reverse or relieve the defense cuts imposed by the 2011 Budget Control Act, which doubled planned defense cuts of $500 billion over 10 years.  The cuts were proposed by the White House as way to force lawmakers to agree on tax and spending reform to, but they failed and the cuts kicked in last year.  However, Defense officials also say military benefits have become too expensive, and exceed those for civilian workers, and need to come down either way.  Lawmakers have so far been unable to overturn the cuts, with members of both parties opposing lifting the cuts, replacing them with cuts elsewhere, or lifting cuts on other domestic spending too.  The issue of military benefits is highly contentious, and has been holding up the Armed Services Committees' finalization of a 2015 defense bill. House lawmakers oppose an increase of military insurance co-pays and a reduction housing allowances, but senators favor them.  Lawmakers expect to tackle the issue when a commission on military benefits finishes recommendations in February, and when the Pentagon submits its 2016 budget request in March. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=1bf9411a-ef10-4504-8063-50d4d5904cfd,Johnson Announces Staff Mobile Office Hours,2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington – Sen. Ron Johnson announced today that his staff would be available for mobile office hours at the dates and locations listed below. These office hours allow constituents to meet with the senator’s staff to request assistance with a federal agency or regarding other federal matters. Note: Staff led mobile office hours are closed to press.  Recording devices of any kind are not allowed.  These restrictions are put in place for the privacy of constituents we are here to assist. Tuesday, Dec. 30, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. E. Troy Village Hall, Meeting Room B 2015 Energy Drive, E. Troy Tuesday, Dec. 30, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Germantown Village Hall N112 W17001 Mequon Road, Germantown Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Menomonee Falls Village Hall, Board Room W156N8480 Pilgrim Road, Menomonee Falls Tuesday, Jan. 6, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. Fond du Lac Municipal Building 160 S. Macy St., Fond du Lac Wednesday, Jan. 7, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. Ashwaubenon Village Offices 2155 Holmgren Way, Ashwaubenon Wednesday, Jan. 7, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Door County Government Center, Peninsula Room C112 421 Nebraska St., Sturgeon Bay Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Marinette Municipal Building 1905 Hall Ave., Marinette ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/newswatch/122914,News December 29,2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Independent,House,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"News December 29 Monday, December 29, 2014 Senator Sanders State of the Union Mount Anthony Union High School student Alexina Federhen made news when she won Sen. Sanders’ essay contest, earning the school a visit from the independent senator, according to a Bennington Banner review of top news in the past year. LINK World Jet Lost at Sea The head of the Indonesian agency searching for a missing AirAsia jet carrying 162 people said Monday that he believed the aircraft was “at the bottom of the sea,”  The New York Times reported. LINK National Unemployment  A U.S. economy that suddenly looks healthy—50 straight months of job gains, best quarter of growth in 11 years—is falling short in a key area. It isn’t luring back many of the millions who dropped out of the labor market during the down times. Over the past three months, an average of 6.8 percent of those outside the labor force either found a job or began looking for one. That means people are entering the labor force at the lowest pace in records kept since 1990, down from more than 8 percent in 2010. LINK Vermont Border Crossings People who cross into the United States by land a have new tool to help them learn where the shortest lines are at some border crossings. Earlier this month U.S. Customs and Border Protection launched its Border Wait Time app. It provides estimated wait times and open lane status at some land ports of entry, The Associated Press reported.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sanders-tpp-trade-deal-a-disaster,Sanders: TPP Trade Deal a Disaster,2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Independent,House,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sanders: TPP Trade Deal a ‘Disaster’ Monday, December 29, 2014 BURLINGTON, Vt., Dec. 29 – U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) said today he will oppose a major global trade deal that would lead to fewer jobs and lower pay for workers in the United States. Sanders said he would work with organized labor, environmental groups and other opponents of a 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership that the White House hopes to rush through Congress in the coming year. He issued a statement citing 10 reasons to oppose the agreement. “The Trans-Pacific Partnership is a disastrous trade agreement designed to protect the interests of the largest multi-national corporations at the expense of workers, consumers, the environment and the foundations of American democracy. It will also negatively impact some of the poorest people in the world,” Sanders said. The treaty, which is expected to come before Congress in 2015, was written in secret with the help of Wall Street, the pharmaceutical industry and major media companies. The American public and members of Congress, however, were locked out of the process. The proposed agreement builds on similar ones such as the North American Free Trade Agreement, the Central America Free Trade Agreement and Permanent Normal Trade Relations with China. “These treaties have forced American workers to compete against desperate and low-wage labor around the world. The result has been massive job losses in the United States and the shutting down of tens of thousands of factories. “The TPP is more of the same, but even worse,” Sanders added. “It is part of a global race to the bottom to boost the profits of large corporations and Wall Street by outsourcing  jobs; undercutting worker rights; dismantling labor, environmental, health, food safety and financial laws; and allowing corporations to challenge our laws in international tribunals rather than our own court system.  “If TPP was such a good deal for America, the administration should have the courage to show the American people exactly what is in this deal, instead of keeping the content a secret,” Sanders said. To read the senator’s full statement, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/recent-business/sanders-trade-deal-a-disaster,Sanders: Trade Deal a 'Disaster',2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Independent,House,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sanders: Trade Deal a 'Disaster' Monday, December 29, 2014 Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) tours a National Museum of American History gift shop that was restocked at his urging with all made-in-America merchandise on June 8, 2011. Sen. Bernie Sanders said on Monday that he will oppose a major global trade deal that would lead to fewer jobs and lower pay for workers in the United States. Sanders said he would work with organized labor, environmental groups and other opponents of a 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership that the White House hopes to rush through Congress in the coming year. He issued a statement citing 10 reasons to oppose the agreement. “The Trans-Pacific Partnership is a disastrous trade agreement designed to protect the interests of the largest multi-national corporations at the expense of workers, consumers, the environment and the foundations of American democracy. It will also negatively impact some of the poorest people in the world,” Sanders said. The treaty, which is expected to come before Congress in 2015, was written in secret with the help of Wall Street, the pharmaceutical industry and major media companies. The American public and members of Congress, however, were locked out of the process. The proposed agreement builds on similar ones such as the North American Free Trade Agreement, the Central America Free Trade Agreement and Permanent Normal Trade Relations with China. “These treaties have forced American workers to compete against desperate and low-wage labor around the world. The result has been massive job losses in the United States and the shutting down of tens of thousands of factories. “The TPP is more of the same, but even worse,” Sanders added. “It is part of a global race to the bottom to boost the profits of large corporations and Wall Street by outsourcing  jobs; undercutting worker rights; dismantling labor, environmental, health, food safety and financial laws; and allowing corporations to challenge our laws in international tribunals rather than our own court system.  “If TPP was such a good deal for America, the administration should have the courage to show the American people exactly what is in this deal, instead of keeping the content a secret,” Sanders said. To read the senator’s full statement, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-kicks-off-new-year-with-seven-town-halls,Wyden Kicks Off New Year With Seven Town Halls,2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,OR,Ron Wyden,W000779,www.wyden.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Will Visit Deschutes, Clackamas, Multnomah, Marion, Washington, Benton and Lane counties Monday, December 29, 2014 Portland, OR – Continuing his pledge since 1996 to hold a town hall each year in each of Oregon’s counties, Senator Ron Wyden will begin the new year with town halls this week in seven counties. Senator Wyden starts his 20th year of holding annual town halls in each of Oregon’s 36 counties with his 710th town hall in Deschutes County on Jan.  2.  He will hold six more town halls through Jan. 5 before traveling to Washington DC later next week for the start of the 114th Congress. “Even with all the great new ways of communicating with Oregonians on social media, I look forward every year to my traditional way of talking with people in all 36 counties--face-to-face in town halls,” Senator Wyden said. “Those conversations are essential every year and these seven town halls will allow me to talk with folks about my agenda for the year ahead and to hear what’s on their minds.”  Senator Wyden’s town hall schedule for Jan. 2-5 is as follows: DESCHUTES COUNTY: Friday, Jan. 2, 10 am, Deschutes County Services Building, Barnes/Sawyer rooms, 1300 NW Wall, Bend CLACKAMAS COUNTY: Saturday, Jan. 3, 11 am, Camp Withycombe, 15300 SE Minuteman Way, Clackamas MULTNOMAH COUNTY: Saturday, Jan. 3, 2:30 pm, PCC Southeast Campus, Mt. Tabor Hall, 2305 SE 82nd and Division, Portland (Free parking available in the PCC lot off 82ndAve. No permit required.) MARION COUNTY: Sunday, Jan. 4, 1 pm, Marion County Courthouse, 555 Court St. NE, Salem WASHINGTON COUNTY: Sunday, Jan. 4, 4 pm, Beaverton City Library – Main Branch, Auditorium (basement), 12375 SW 5th St, Beaverton BENTON COUNTY: Monday, Jan. 5, 10 am, Philomath High School, 2054 Applegate St, Philomath LANE COUNTY: Monday, Jan. 5, 2 pm, Sheldon High School, 2455 Willakenzie Rd., Eugene Press Contact Hank Stern, 503-326-7539",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://byrne.house.gov//media-center/columns/year-in-review,Year in Review,2014-12-28,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"When I was elected to Congress last December, I vowed to hit the ground running from day one to make Southwest Alabama a better place to live, work and raise a family. In honor of the New Year, I wanted to take this opportunity to look back at some of the highlights from my first year in Congress. My first legislative action was to cosponsor H.R. 3121, the American Health Care Reform Act, which repeals ObamaCare and replaces it with common-sense, market based reforms. Throughout the past year, I have repeatedly supported legislation designed to repeal and reform ObamaCare and actually make health care more affordable and accessible for middle class families. I received positions on two committees vitally important to our area: the Armed Services Committee and the Natural Resources Committee. These assignments were a victory for South Alabama jobs. After speaking with friends and neighbors in our community, we concluded that these were the two avenues where we could do the most good for our home. In March, I voted in support of H.R. 3370, the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act. This bill slowed down the pace of rate hikes for coastal Alabama residents, allowing time to ensure that sound science is being used to create federal flood maps. A few weeks later, I accepted a position on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. Education is an issue that is a passion of mine, and I have seen firsthand how the federal government’s intrusions can hamper student success. The Committee also put me on a strong position to promote job training programs and fight back against the activist National Labor Relations Board. In April, after it was announced the Red Snapper season in federal waters would only last nine days, I introduced my first standalone piece of legislation: the SNAPR Act. The legislation would repeal Section 407(d) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, which mandates inflexible quotas on recreational and commercial fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico. In May, following the heartbreaking scandal at VA medical facilities around the country, I joined many of my colleagues in calling on VA Secretary Eric Shinseki to resign. Weeks later, Secretary Shinseki resigned and was replaced by Robert McDonald. Around the same time, Congress passed the Veterans’ Access to Care through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act. Most importantly, the bill included reforms to increase veteran access to private care, but more work is certainly needed. In June, I held my 25th town hall meeting in Lillian. Since then, we have held even more town hall meetings brining to the total number to over 30. In addition to holding the in-person town hall meetings, I also held telephone town halls and answered questions from constituents during a Facebook town hall.  In response to many outrageous executive overreaches by President Obama and his administration, I supported a lawsuit against the President in July. Everywhere I go, I hear the same thing over and over again: This President will not stay within the bounds of the Constitution of the United States or the laws passed by this body and the Senate. I wish a lawsuit wasn’t necessary, but I believed it was one of the best ways to rein in the out-of-control executive. Also in July, the Federal Highway Administration finally released the draft Environmental Impact Statement on the I-10 Mobile River bridge project. This step was almost ten years in the making, and it represented a significant breakthrough in the process of getting a bridge built. I will continue pushing for this project which is critically important to our entire region. In August, in response to a dangerous influx of illegal immigrants crossing our southern border, I voted for legislation that would boost border security and end one of President Obama’s amnesty programs. President Obama’s continued threat of executive action has only exacerbated the problem of illegal immigration, and I look forward to a serious debate early next year on the immigration issue. This fall, I traveled to the Middle East to meet with United States military personnel and visit with foreign leaders. During the trip, I made stops in Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Morocco. One common theme I picked up on during the trip was the lack of United States leadership and a clear strategy in the region. Whether it is ISIS in Iraq, Hamas in Gaza, the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Boko Haram in Africa, or al-Qaeda throughout the Middle East, Islamic extremists are on the rise. Most recently, we were able to secure funding for the construction of four new Littoral Combat Ships, which are built in part by Austal in Mobile. The same week, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel announced that the current LCS variants will be modified instead of creating a new ship design. This means the Navy will continue building ships in Mobile for a long time. There is no doubt many challenges remain, but I am proud of the many accomplishments from my first year in Congress. As we head into the New Year, I will continue advocating for our shared conservative values and fighting for Alabama jobs. It is an honor to represent you in Congress.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsletter?ContentRecord_id=51f81a13-fcaf-4020-a8a0-e2d8e92e242e,Kansas Common Sense - Kansas Listening Tour Continues,2014-12-28,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,KS,Jerry Moran,M000934,www.moran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Hello,   Welcome to “Kansas Common Sense.” I hope you and your family are enjoying this holiday season. Robba and I enjoyed a peaceful Christmas with our family and we wish you and yours a very Happy New Year. In January, Capitol Hill begins to forge a new path and I am hopeful 2015 will bring a Congress better capable of working together for the well-being of our nation. I look forward to advocating for pro-growth policies that create jobs and more economic opportunity for every American. On Friday, I spoke with Kelly Lenz on the Kansas Ag Network to discuss trade with Cuba, my new committee assignments for the 114th Congress and the Farm Bill. Click here to listen. Thank you for your continued interest in receiving my weekly newsletter. Please feel free to forward it on to your family and friends if it would interest them.   Kansas Listening Tour Continues This week, I continued my Kansas Listening Tour with four stops in Harper, Barber, Edwards, and Stafford Counties. The issues I focus on and work I do in Washington, D.C., are largely based on the conversations I have with Kansans so making certain I am home to visit with folks is my top priority. I was proud to learn this week that I led my Senate colleagues in hosting the most town hall meetings in 2014 with 80 Listening Tour Stops throughout Kansas. You can visit my website for upcoming Kansas Listening Tour stops in your community. On Monday, about 15 residents in Harper County joined me at Chaparral High School in Anthony to share feedback on a number of issues facing our country. Topics of discussion included rural access to health care, getting veterans the health care they need, the farm bill and regulatory issues related to agriculture and the oil & gas industry. Thanks again to all those who took the time to share their thoughts and concerns with me, and thank you to Dana Craig for helping to organize my visit. From Harper County, I headed to Medicine Lodge in Barber County where I visited with folks at People's Bank, including Dennis Ricke, Barber County Farm Bureau President, who discussed the Lesser Prairie Chicken. While in Medicine Lodge, I also had the opportunity to visit Medicine Lodge Memorial Hospital and Physician's Clinic where I met with CFO Tom Lee and his wife Suzanne Lee, Executive Director of the Medicine Lodge Community Health Foundation, and received a tour of the hospital. Medicine Lodge Memorial Hospital recently completed Phase 2 of its renovations and I was very impressed with the new facility. Finally, I visited with Sloane Freeman at the pharmacy in Medicine Lodge and saw their newly renovated drug store in an old grocery store. In addition to providing patients with advice and filling prescriptions, locals like to come in and grab coffee at the pharmacy. The Freeman’s truly provide a great service to the community. My third Listening Tour stop this week was in Edwards County where I held a town hall meeting at St. Bernard Parish Hall in Belpre. The folks in attendance were interested in discussing a range of topics including changes to U.S. relations with Cuba, the importance of approving the Keystone XL pipeline in the next Congress, the sanctity of life, immigration, and tax reform. The community expressed thanks for the efforts to protect local Post Offices. I appreciated their kind words. Thanks again to former County Commissioner Marge Scheufler for helping organize my visit and to all who shared their thoughts and concerns. My final stop Monday was in Stafford County at the Courthouse Annex in St. John. Topics of discussion ranged from concerns with Obamacare and access to rural health care, to the Marketplace Fairness Act and the importance of agriculture and water to our state. Thanks again to the concerned citizens who attended. And thank you to the Stafford County Kansas Farm Bureau for hosting and Sharilyn McNickle for helping to organize. I appreciate these opportunities to hear from Kansans. I have upcoming Listening Tour stops next Monday in Burdett at the Burdett Senior Center, in Jetmore at King Center, and in Ness City at the Ness County Courthouse. On Wednesday, I will be at the Community Building in Fairview. Friday I will be hosting town halls at the Scott County Hospital meeting room and then in the community room of the Lane County Courthouse. On Tuesday Jan. 6th I will be in Lenexa at Firehouse #3 auditorium.  You can find out more about these town hall meetings in the sidebar of this newsletter. As I continue to schedule Listening Tour stops, I look forward to hearing from folks across the state.   Thanks to Fall/Winter 2014 Interns My own interest in public service was sparked by an internship for Kansas First District Congressman Keith Sebelius in 1974. As an intern, I had the chance to learn firsthand how a Congressional office operates and how the legislative process works. I am proud to be able to offer this same opportunity in my Senate office today where I have interns year-round who have a unique opportunity to work closely with my staff on behalf of Kansas. Thanks to the fall/winter 2015 interns — Nathan Yunker of Hays, Fort Hays State University; and Jakob Provo of El Dorado, KansasWesleyan University — for all of your hard work. I wish you the best of luck as you pursue your dreams and begin your careers. Applications are already being accepted for internships in my Washington, D.C., office for the summer 2015 term. Congressional internships are open to qualified undergraduate and graduate students who have an interest in public service and have achieved academic excellence.   Honored to Serve You in Washington It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard. Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C., office.   Very truly yours, Jerry",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/opinion-editorials?ContentRecord_id=cf46ab68-8175-4643-b387-660f087ec547,"McCain in The Arizona Republic: ""Copper Mine Will Boost Economy, Protect Sacred Sites""",2014-12-28,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,AZ,John McCain,M000303,www.mccain.senate.gov,,,legacy,"The Arizona Republic This month, Congress approved and the president signed into law legislation that paves the way for the expansion of the Resolution Copper Mine in Superior. I'm extremely proud to have worked as a team with my Arizona colleagues in the Senate and House, most notably Sen. Jeff Flake and Reps. Paul Gosar and Ann Kirkpatrick, to advance this legislation. The Resolution Copper Mine is a tremendous opportunity for Arizona and the United States, economically and strategically. This project will tap the largest copper deposit ever discovered in North America. Over time, it will produce 25 percent of U.S copper demand. Perhaps most importantly, the mine will create an estimated 3,700 mining and mining-related jobs and generate over $61 billion in economic activity over 60 years, according to an independent study by Elliot D. Pollak & Company. That is the economic equivalent of Arizona hosting two Super Bowls every year for more than half a century. Arizona is the nation's top copper-producing state and Superior is part of that legacy. The Resolution Copper Mine is built on top of Superior's old Magma Mine. The mine site was reopened in 2004 as the Resolution Copper Mine after billions of dollars in capital investment brought new technologies that made it possible to bore deeper into the ore body. However, in order to maximize production and job growth, the mine must expand its footprint onto adjacent Forest Service property. Nearly 10 years ago, Sen. Jon Kyl and I first introduced a bill known as the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act, which proposed to transfer approximately 2,400 acres of Forest Service land to Resolution Copper so the mine could grow. In exchange, the company would transfer to the federal government about 5,000 acres of the company's most environmentally significant land throughout the state. Unfortunately, our bill was stalled for many years over concerns raised by environmental groups, some of whom take a hard-line position against mining. Native American tribes began voicing speculation about the mine's potential to damage nearby areas. While the land exchange does not involve any Indian lands or federally recognized sacred sites, tribes worried that the majestic Apache Leap Cliff — celebrated by Apache folklore — could somehow be impacted by the mine. Years of congressional hearings examined these and other concerns. After much negotiation, a bipartisan, bicameral compromise bill was added to the National Defense Authorization Act. This was entirely appropriate, given that copper is the second most-utilized metal by the Defense Department. But it is important to note that the land exchange bill contains several key bipartisan concessions that make it fundamentally different from the original bill. First, the mine will be required to undergo a full environmental impact study before any land is traded. Second, the bill mitigates Native American concerns over the loss of Oak Flat Campground, where traditional activities are occasionally organized. As a condition of the land exchange, tribes can continue to use Oak Flat for many years until the company needs to mine underneath it. Finally, the bill forbids the mine from damaging Apache Leap and designates the cliffs as a Forest Service special management area, placing it under permanent federal protection. I respect the views of environmental advocates and Native Americans. But I also believe this legislation strikes the right balance in allowing the mine to move forward while addressing their concerns. Arizona is ready for this mine, and Resolution Copper is ready to hire from surrounding communities and tribal members whenever possible, as they've publicly pledged. I'm very proud that by working together, we were able to advance this crucial project, one that will contribute to Arizona's economic prosperity throughout the 21st century.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/media-center/latest-headlines/boys-girls-state-teaches-valuable-lessons,"Boys, Girls State teaches valuable lessons",2014-12-28,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,MO,Claire McCaskill,M001170,www.mccaskill.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Boys, Girls State teaches valuable lessons Friday, November 28, 2014 By:  Bradee Williams This year, nearly 2,000 boys and girls were chosen for Boys State and Girls State, a program for gifted students at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, including 11 students from Smith-Cotton High School. Alec Wilkin, Blake Allee-Lightfoot, Keelly Jones, Ethan Yazell, Steven Bradbury, Bradley Burton and Derek Patton were chosen to participate in Boys State, while Shelbi Davis, Kendall Ott, Rachel Dement and Sarah Hughes were picked for Girls State, which is hosted a week later. The students are chosen based on their leadership, academics and character. The program, which has been run by the American Legion for 75 years, gives students the opportunity to build and run their own government for a week in the hallways of the UCM campus. The goal at the end of week is to win Model City, honoring whichever city has been deemed the best. The students choose classes to attend, select jobs and make laws for their respective cities, learning from first-hand experience how governments are run. They also get the chance to listen to speeches by important Missouri governmental figures, such as Sens. Claire McCaskill and Roy Blunt. The students, selected by their high school counselors, vote for the leaders of their government chosen out of a pool of previous attendees. These include a governor, a vice chairman, a secretary of state and other members of an official board. The candidates belong to either the Federalist or the Nationalist parties, which are assigned to them before they arrive along with the cities they represent. “I really understand the importance of everyone’s vote. Every individual has something to say, and sometimes it comes down to what each person thinks,” said senior Steven Bradbury, who was in charge of the state fair and was the athletic director for his city. The athletic director organizes the sports teams’ competitions against the 15 other cities in Boys State. There are five sports to choose from, ranging from basketball to Frisbee, which everyone is required to participate in. Bradbury also acknowledged the hard work he put into making his city is something to be proud of. “Sometimes I would work so hard during the day that I would go to sleep at 2 a.m.,” he said. “Then I would get up early the next morning and start all over again. We all just really wanted to be the best.” Shelbi Davis, a senior at Smith-Cotton, was one of the girls chosen to participate in Girls State. She was assigned to be on highway patrol, securing the “highways” against traffic violators. She said, “I learned to work with different types of people, and that’s something that will benefit me in the future.” Sarah Hughes was in the House of Representatives and had the opportunity to go to the capital in Jefferson City and discuss bills and legislation. Blake Allee-Lightfoot and Bradley Burton were other senior participants. At Boys State, Allee-Lightfoot ran his own business, Light-Horn Credit Inc., and was appointed county chairman. “It was a great experience,” he said, “I was glad to be part of such a great group of people.” Burton was the capital police chief and the election judge. He said of the program, “It gives you an outlook on how the real world is and gives you the knowledge you need to succeed for the rest of your life.” Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/newswatch/122814,News December 28,2014-12-28,2014,2014-12,Independent,House,VT,Bernard Sanders,S000033,www.sanders.senate.gov,,,legacy,"News December 28 Sunday, December 28, 2014 Senator Sanders World U.S. Ends Combat Mission in Afghanistan U.S.-led forces in Afghanistan are formally ending their combat mission on Sunday, leaving Afghan forces to battle a still-resilient Taliban insurgency largely on their own, The Wall Street Journal reported. LINK National As Medicaid Rolls Swell, Cuts Loom Just as millions of people are gaining insurance through Medicaid, the program is poised to make deep cuts in payments to many doctors, prompting some physicians and consumer advocates to warn that the reductions could make it more difficult for Medicaid patients to obtain care. The impact will vary by state, but a study by the Urban Institute estimates that doctors who have been receiving the enhanced payments will see their fees for primary care cut by 43 percent, on average, The New York Times reported.  Vermont Vermont Yankee Shuting Down Monday marks the end of power generation at Vermont Yankee. Control room operators at the nuclear power plant will insert control rods to bring an end to 42½ years of generation, the Rutland Herald reported. LINK Leahy Photo Exhibit Sen. Patrick Leahy will be in Brattleboro this week for a display of photos he has taken during his 40 years in the Senate. The display at the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center will include pictures of American Alan Gross as he was released from prison in Cuba earlier this month. Leahy was part of the team that traveled to Havana to retrieve Gross, AP reported.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/oklahoman-what-others-said-reaction-us-sen-tom-coburns-retirement-private-life-oklahoma,The Oklahoman: What others said in reaction to U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn's retirement to private life in Oklahoma,2014-12-27,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Oklahoman  State and federal officials gave their thoughts on the retirement of U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn: U.S. Rep. James Lankford, R-Oklahoma City: “Dr. Tom Coburn has been the leading voice in Washington for fiscal responsibility since the first day he stepped onto the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. His retirement from the Senate will leave a huge void. Dr. Coburn has been a consistent and articulate voice for the American taxpayer and the next generation. No one was more effective fighting for responsible spending and against government waste in both the House and Senate. In the three years I have served in the House, I looked to Dr. Coburn as the epitome of a citizen legislator. He kept his eye on the ball and worked relentlessly to bring sanity to government fiscal policy. His leadership and wise counsel will be missed. I join Oklahomans across the state in thanking Dr. Coburn for his sacrificial years of public service, and I will pray that he and Carolyn enjoy many years together in the next chapter of their lives.” U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Tulsa: “I regret to say that there are times in our service together when we have not been in agreement on specific issues and I think we have a characteristic in common. I think we’re both kind of bull-headed and that has created some temporary hard feelings, but there’s one thing that overshadows that. You know Jesus has a family and his family has a lot of people in it. Some are here in this room. Tom Coburn and I are brothers. ... I want my junior senator to know that I sincerely love him and I’m going to be hurting with him in the troubles that he has right now and might have in the future and will sorely miss him in this body.” Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin: “Senator Coburn is one of the most influential voices in American politics today and will most certainly be missed in Congress. He has been a relentless advocate for responsible spending and has worked endlessly on ways to reduce our country’s deficit and to warn policymakers and citizens of its increasing threat to our economy. He has been a tough fiscal conservative during his years in Congress, and he will be remembered as a vigilant watchdog for all of America’s taxpayers. Tom Coburn is a true hero to the American taxpayer. No one has done more to stop wasteful spending in Washington than he has.” U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.: “I’m going to miss a lot my colleague from Oklahoma. I’ve always admired his strength of convictions and the courage and candor with which he expresses them day after day. The No. 1 thing people should do in Congress, Tom once said, is stay true to their heart. No one in the history of this institution has ever followed that injunction more faithfully than Tom Coburn has. Tom Coburn has an unshakeable faith in the goodness of America and he has worked diligently with others when he could and alone if necessary to make sure government respects the people we serve, respects their hopes and aspirations, their concerns and sacrifices.” U.S. Rep. Tom Cole, R-Moore: “During his 16-year congressional career, Tom Coburn established himself as an Oklahoma original — conservative in his thinking, populist in his rhetoric and independent in his operating style. Coburn raised awareness of the dangers of overspending and inadequately funded entitlement programs. And he was relentlessly critical of both the voters and those in the political elite who were unwilling to make the hard choices required to confront America's deficit and long-term debt.” Online: The Oklahoman",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://culberson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398202,Culberson Stands With Texas in Fight Against Amnesty,2014-12-27,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,TX,John Culberson,C001048,culberson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Culberson Stands With Texas in Fight Against Amnesty f t # e Houston, TX, December 27, 2014 Culberson Stands With Texas in Fight Against Amnesty   Houston, TX—Congressman John Culberson (TX-07) joined an amicus brief supporting the State of Texas’s lawsuit against President Obama’s illegal executive actions on amnesty. Twenty-three other states have already joined the lawsuit, and more than sixty Members of Congress have signed onto the amicus brief filed by the American Center for Law and Justice.   ""President Obama's overreach is unprecedented. From Obamacare to the IRS scandals to his executive amnesty, no president has shown less regard for the rule of law. This week, I signed onto an amicus brief led by the State of Texas challenging President Obama's unconstitutional amnesty. I'm proud to stand with Texas as we work to restore our Constitution and the rule of law.    “The structure and stability of our constitutional system depends on the President enforcing the laws Congress enacts—not ignoring or rewriting them. I applaud Governor-elect Abbott and the twenty-three other states for their efforts in holding the Obama administration accountable. Elected officials have a duty to defend the Constitution and represent their constituents, and this legal challenge does both. I'm proud that Texas is taking the lead, and I will support Governor-elect Abbott's efforts in every way possible.” f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://stivers.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398497,"With his star hitched to Boehner, Stivers on the rise",2014-12-27,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OH,Steve Stivers,S001187,stivers.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – When Rep. Steve Stivers begins his third term in the House next month, the Columbus Republican will have a new spot at the center of the legislative action. share: f t WASHINGTON – When Rep. Steve Stivers begins his third term in the House next month, the Columbus Republican will have a new spot at the center of the legislative action.That's because GOP leaders, in a surprise move, awarded Stivers a seat on the powerful House Rules Committee in the 114th Congress. The panel sets the terms of debate for nearly every piece of legislation that goes to the House floor and decides which amendments, if any, will receive a vote. Also known as ""the speaker's committee,"" it's how the House speaker controls a bill's fate. Stivers' new assignment, announced in mid-December, comes after he was tapped for a second stint in the GOP leadership, as a deputy to House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La. As a member of Scalise's ""whip team,"" Stivers is one of a half-dozen lawmakers charged with making sure GOP leaders have enough votes to get their legislative priorities passed in the House. The two positions will be ""a very powerful combination,"" said former GOP Rep. Deborah Pryce, who represented Ohio's 15th district for 16 years before retiring in 2009. Stivers, she said, will be ""right in the middle of everything."" Stivers said he had been pursuing a spot on the House Budget Committee but switched gears when House Speaker John Boehner, R-West Chester, asked him if he would fill an opening on the Rules Committee instead. ""It's a chance to really influence the process,"" said Stivers, a soldier who serves in the Ohio Army National Guard. He said he'll be involved in every major issue that comes before the House -- including health care, tax policy and national security. Others echoed that assessment and said Stivers' elevated role is a sign he's become one of Boehner's most trusted allies. ""It's a reflection of confidence from leadership,"" said Norman Ornstein, a congressional expert at the American Enterprise Institute, a centrist Washington think tank. Kara Hauck, a spokeswoman for Boehner, said he sees Stivers as a ""leader who works hard to get the job done, and the speaker looks forward to having him serve in this new role."" Stivers has long been on Boehner's radar. When Pryce announced her retirement in 2008, Boehner recruited Stivers, then a state lawmaker, to run for the open seat. Stivers narrowly lost narrowly lost that race to Democrat Mary Jo Kilroy. But he tried again in 2010, again at Boehner's urging, and won the rematch. Raised in Ripley, Stivers is a garrulous, well-liked lawmaker with a relatively moderate voting record. He earned a 57 percent conservative score in 2013 from the National Journal, a nonpartisan Washington magazine that analyzes key votes. Dubbed a ""rising GOP star"" by some political pundits, Stivers also has a reputation as a Boehner loyalist, sticking by the speaker as he dealt with conservative revolts and tea party attacks. Stivers voted with GOP leaders 92 percent of the time in the 113th Congress, according to an analysis by the Washington Post. Conservatives may not be so smitten with him. The Club for Growth, a right-leaning advocacy group, gave Stivers a 56 percent score for his votes in 2013. That's well below other central Ohio Republicans such as Jim Jordan, R-Urbana, who scored 97 percent. Club for Growth spokesman Barney Keller declined to comment on Stivers' votes or his leadership ties, saying his scorecard ""speaks for itself."" Given his long-time friendship with Boehner, it's no surprise Stivers is starting his third term with a seat at the leadership table. It comes at a critical moment for the GOP, with Boehner and other leaders desperate to prove they can govern and break the gridlock that has paralyzed Congress. ""I hope to be able to actually make a difference,"" said Stivers. ""It's been really frustrating to be in Congress the last four years."" In his role on the whip team, Stivers is charged with finding out how Republicans are going to vote on key bills and stamping out any opposition before the legislation hits the floor. ""He's one of the hardest workers I know,"" Scalise said. ""Steve is one of those guys, he sets his mind to it and goes and get things done. I've always wanted him on my team (for) anything I've done."" On the Rules Committee, Stivers faces a different challenge -- fielding pleas from colleagues for votes on their provisions. ""An awful lot of members from both parties who want amendments come to you, and you can help them or not help them,"" Ornstein said. At the same time, Stivers will be under pressure from GOP leaders who want to avoid contentious votes and drawn-out floor fights. Stivers said he's knows he'll face competing demands. He said he'll use the committee post to focus on ""what's right for the bill and what's right for America and what can pass.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/2014/12/27/helsinki-commission-condemns-raid-on-radio-free-europe/radio-liberty-bureau-in-baku,Helsinki Commission Condemns Raid On Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Bureau In Baku,2014-12-27,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,MD,Benjamin Cardin,C000141,www.cardin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 27, 2014 Helsinki Commission Condemns Raid On Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Bureau In Baku Disturbing Trend of Curtailing Free Media in Azerbaijan Continues WASHINGTONFollowing yesterday's raid by authorities in Azerbaijan on Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's (RFE/RL) Baku bureau, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (MD), Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, issued the following statement: The free and independent press in Azerbaijan remains under attack by the very authorities who should be most committed to its protection. Yesterday's raid on RFE/RL's Baku bureau continues the recent and deeply disturbing trend of the government of Azerbaijan to silence dissenting voices within the country, and comes hard on the heels of the recent arrest and pre-trial detention of Khadija Ismayilova, an investigative journalist and contributor to RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service. Once again, we call on the Azerbaijani authorities to immediately end their harassment of journalists and to respect the commitments they have made in the past, as a participating State in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, to the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/helsinki-commission-condemns-raid-on-radio-free-europe/radio-liberty-bureau-in-baku,Helsinki Commission Condemns Raid On Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Bureau In Baku,2014-12-27,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,MD,Benjamin Cardin,C000141,www.cardin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 27, 2014 Helsinki Commission Condemns Raid On Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Bureau In Baku Disturbing Trend of Curtailing Free Media in Azerbaijan Continues WASHINGTONFollowing yesterday's raid by authorities in Azerbaijan on Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's (RFE/RL) Baku bureau, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (MD), Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, issued the following statement: The free and independent press in Azerbaijan remains under attack by the very authorities who should be most committed to its protection. Yesterday's raid on RFE/RL's Baku bureau continues the recent and deeply disturbing trend of the government of Azerbaijan to silence dissenting voices within the country, and comes hard on the heels of the recent arrest and pre-trial detention of Khadija Ismayilova, an investigative journalist and contributor to RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service. Once again, we call on the Azerbaijani authorities to immediately end their harassment of journalists and to respect the commitments they have made in the past, as a participating State in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, to the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/media/wgans-inside-maine-with-senator-angus-king-and-gwi-ceo-and-founder-fletcher-kittredge-december-2014,"WGAN's Inside Maine with Senator Angus King and GWI CEO and Founder Fletcher Kittredge, December 2014",2014-12-27,2014,2014-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Skip to primary navigation Skip to main content WGAN's Inside Maine with Senator Angus King and GWI CEO and Founder Fletcher Kittredge, December 2014",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/media/wgans-inside-maine-with-senator-angus-king-and-senator-cory-booker-december-2014,"WGAN's Inside Maine with Senator Angus King and Senator Cory Booker, December 2014",2014-12-27,2014,2014-12,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Skip to primary navigation Skip to main content WGAN's Inside Maine with Senator Angus King and Senator Cory Booker, December 2014",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z