url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://boebert.house.gov/media/press-releases/twenty-two-boebert-legislative-priorities-signed-law,Twenty-Two Boebert Legislative Priorities Signed Into Law,2022-12-31,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,CO,Lauren Boebert,B000825,boebert.house.gov,boebert,https://boebert.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Image December 31, 2022 Twenty-Two of Congresswoman Lauren Boebert’s legislative priorities were signed into law in H.R. 2617, the consolidated appropriations package for Fiscal Year 2023. Congresswoman Lauren Boebert stated, “I worked hard with the House Appropriations Committee to ensure that twenty-two of my legislative provisions for Colorado were included in the bill and signed into law. My top priority is delivering results for the people of Colorado’s Third District, and that is exactly what I did by securing these twenty-two legislative provisions signed into law.” Legislative Priorities Signed into Law Delivering for Colorado’s Third District: Natural Resources Statutory provision signed into law directing the U.S. Forest Service and the Department of the Interior to establish a pilot program to combat salt cedar and Russian olive infestations in the West. These noxious weeds waste precious water resources. This appropriation victory delivered on Rep. Boebert’s promise to Montezuma County to help them combat drought by removing noxious weeds. Legislative provision signed into law prohibiting listing the greater sage-grouse as an endangered species. This will protect 173 million acres of land from being locked up from energy production, critical mineral production, grazing rights, and other multiple-use activities. $50 million appropriation signed into law for the U.S. Forest Service to address invasive species like the bark beetle infestation devastating Colorado’s forests. Additionally, by fighting the bark beetle infestation, Rep. Boebert’s legislative provision will reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires. Water $229.26 million for water conservation and delivery projects and an additional $50 million for rural water projects that will help combat western drought, including the Arkansas Valley Conduit that will provide an abundant supply of clean water for 50,000 people in Southeastern Colorado. $7.66 million for the Bureau of Reclamation’s Upper Colorado and San Juan Rivers Endangered Fish Recovery Implementation Programs, which provide ESA compliance to ensure 2,200 water projects continue to function and provide water for rural Colorado. $10 million appropriation signed into law for the Bureau of Indian Affairs Indian Irrigation Fund to address the deferred maintenance backlog and increase water storage projects like the Southern Utes’ Pine River Indian Irrigation Project. Healthcare $352 million directing HHS to improve rural healthcare. $1.85 billion for community health centers that provide medical care to rural communities. Colorado's Third District has eight Community Health Centers that will benefit from this funding. Infrastructure $28.44 billion for the Highway Trust Fund to improve infrastructure in rural America. Additionally, Rep. Boebert is working to improve the I-70 corridor to ensure that it is better-prepared for inclement weather. $515 million for rural communities in the form of the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program that compensates rural communities for the presence of tax-free public land in their jurisdiction. All 27 counties in Congresswoman Boebert’s District receive PILT payments, and this important funding the Congresswoman secured will go to law enforcement, infrastructure, education, firefighting, and other important local priorities across the District. Agriculture $1 million for statutory provision protecting farmers and ranchers by compensating them for livestock killed by wolves reintroduced by government programs. Statutory provision signed into law exempting livestock haulers from burdensome Department of Transportation electronic logging device requirements that unnecessarily interfere with the complexity of livestock hauling. Military and National Security Ordered 80 F-35 aircraft to adequately supply our armed forces. In Colorado, the F-35 program supports 1,840 jobs annually and injects $226.8 million dollars into the state economy. $173 million for the Arrow System Improvement Program and $127 million for the Short-Range Ballistic Missile Defense program. $80 million to fund the Iron Dome, the air defense system of our key national security ally, Israel. Statutory prohibition on funding non-governmental organizations (NGOs) which promote the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement against Israel. $1.34 billion for NASA’s Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle, $799.15 million for space exploration ground systems, and $2.6 billion for the Space Launch System. Colorado’s aerospace economy is second only to California and accounts for nearly 232,000 jobs. $80 million for Arrow 3 Upper Tier Systems. $40 million for Short-Range Ballistic Missile Defense. Statutory provision preventing waste, fraud, and abuse by prohibiting the use of a Department of Defense travel card at a casino or strip club. Miscellaneous Secured the Hyde and Weldon amendments, prohibiting taxpayer dollars from funding abortions and protecting doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals from being coerced into providing an abortion if they have a moral objection. $440 million for charter school grants, ensuring that more children are able to attend a school of their choice and receive a quality education. Background: Congresswoman Lauren Boebert worked with House Committee on Appropriations to secure the aforementioned twenty-two appropriations requests signed into law as part of H.R. 2617, the consolidated appropriations package for Fiscal Year 2023. Ranking Member Granger’s letter to Congresswoman Boebert detailing these legislative victories can be found here. In March of 2022, nine of Congresswoman Boebert's appropriations requests for Colorado were signed into law as part of the appropriations package for Fiscal Year 2022.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1026,University of Hawai‘i Will Benefit From Solid Results In Federal Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Spending Bill,2022-12-31,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=16,scraper,"(Washington, DC) – Congressman Ed Case (HI-01), a member of the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for all federal discretionary spending, has announced millions in funding and other actions he sought and secured to strengthen the University of Hawaii’s (UH) position as a major research institution and economic generator for the state. The funds are included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Omnibus Appropriations measure recently passed by Congress and signed into law by President Biden. “This funding measure continues to showcase a very productive partnership between our Hawai’i congressional delegation and UH, our flagship institution of higher education and engine of our economy, with its excellent record of attracting hundreds of millions in research funding,” said Case. “In President Lassner’s report to the UH Board of Regents earlier this year, he referred to the result of our FY 2022 federal spending bill as ‘an excellent year for UH’ and thanked the Hawai‘i congressional delegation, ‘all of whom have been actively working on behalf of the State of Hawai‘i and the University of Hawai‘i with programs that will really help us serve our communities on every island.’ This year’s spending bill builds further on that foundation to provide UH with enhanced federal support.” Case worked to directly support UH through his Community Project Funding (CPF) requests by securing: · $6.5 million for the UH Center to complete construction of the Early Phase Clinical Research Center on its Kaka‘ako campus. The 17,000 square foot outpatient early phase clinical trial clinic—the first of its kind in State of Hawai‘i—will provide Hawai‘i cancer patients who have exhausted traditional treatments with greater access to novel clinical trials across multiple disciplines. Senators Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono also supported this request. · $1.8 million for the Hawai‘i Public Health Institute to develop and train navigators to support kūpuna and family caregivers. This is a joint initiative between UH-Mānoa and the Hawaiʻi Public Health Institute. · $1 million for UH’s Office of Indigenous Innovation to establish an indigenous data science hub. This will engage students in experiential learning opportunities and foster collaboration between indigenous researchers and cultural practitioners in developing community-derived, culturally grounded and globally relevant climate resilience strategies. UH will administer this hub in North Kohala on Hawaiʻi Island. Senators Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono also supported this request. The FY 2023 omnibus spending bill also includes Case-requested support for other key initiatives at UH including: $101 million for the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium, which includes the National Disaster Preparedness Training Center (NDPC) at UH Mānoa. The NDPC, a seven-member professional alliance, is the principal means through which the Federal Emergency Management Agency identifies, develops, tests and delivers training to state and local emergency responders. The NDPC has trained over 2.5 million people throughout the United States and its territories. $302 million for the High Performance Computing Modernization Program in the Department of Defense, which supports the UH-managed Maui High Performance Computing Center. $38 million for the U.S. Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program, which provides continuing support to the UH Hilo Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes. $83 million for the U.S. Geological Survey’s Climate Adaptation Science Centers, which includes the Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center based out of UH Mānoa. These Centers provide regionally relevant scientific information, tools and techniques to resource managers and communities in Hawai‘i in response to our changing climate. $4 million to support the work of the Center for Indigenous Innovation and Health Equity at UH in advancing indigenous research and policy solutions to achieve health equity The FY 2023 omnibus funding measure also makes strong investments in major federal programs from which UH directly benefits such as the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. “In my work on the House Appropriations Committee, I know that if I support these programs at the national level then UH and other Hawai‘i institutions and communities will benefit locally,” said Case. Such programs of benefit to UH include: · $470 million for Advanced Research Projects – Energy and High Energy Physics, which directly supports groundbreaking research at UH aimed at rapidly developing energy technologies that can address the nation’s critical economic, environmental and energy security challenges. · $144 million for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Engagement, an increase of $7 million above the FY 2022 enacted level, to inspire young people to pursue future careers in science and engineering. This includes $45 million for NASA’s Minority University Research and Education Project, which funds Hawai‘i STEM programs. · $80 million for the Sea Grant Program, which supports coastal and Great Lakes communities through research, extension and education. These funds help support the Hawaiʻi Sea Grant Program at UH that concentrates on promoting healthy coastal ecosystems, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, resilient communities and economies and environmental literacy and workforce development. · $28 million for the Centers of Excellence program, a $4 million increase from last year. This program supports health professions schools across the country, including the Native Hawaiian Center of Excellence at the University of Hawai‘i John A. Burns School of Medicine, that seek to recruit, train and retain underrepresented minority students and faculty. · $25 million to support facilities like the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope on the Island of Maui, the world’s most advanced solar observatory. · $24 million for the Strengthening Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions program, a $3 million increase from last year. This program provides funding support to institutions of higher education in the States of Alaska and Hawai‘i including UH to improve and expand their capacity to serve Native Hawaiian students. · $18 million for the Strengthening Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions program, an $8 million increase from last year. These funds help undergraduate institutions like UH expand their capacity to serve Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander students. · $15 million for Energy Transitions Initiatives, a $5 million increase from FY 2022. This program, which aims to advance self-reliant island and remote communities through the development of resilient energy systems, helps recipients who face unique energy challenges due to their remote location, fossil fuel dependency and limited access to affordable infrastructure improvements. · $9 million for the Resilient Innovative Sustainable Economies via University Partnership (RISE-UP) Initiative, a $1.5 million increase from FY 2022. This program seeks to leverage the technical expertise of public universities located in isolated states that play an important role in our national security. The universities are working to create incubators, develop and commercialize scalable technologies and build a workforce to meet future national security needs in areas such as clean energy and marine technology and economy. Direct Support for College Students The bill also includes $24.6 billion for federal student aid programs, which includes increasing the maximum Pell Grant award by $500 to $7,395 for the 2023–24 academic year. It further includes $1.2 billion for the Federal Work Study Program, an increase of $20 million above the FY 2022 enacted level, and $910 million for the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant program, an increase of $15 million above the Fiscal Year 2022 enacted level. Finally, Case also secured an instruction to the U.S. Department of State to consider increasing the number of scholarships available for Pacific Islanders to study in the United States, many of whom study at UH. This is a key component of Case’s efforts to re-engage with the nations of the Pacific across multiple areas including education. Case’s Appropriations Committee is responsible for allocating some $1.7 trillion in funding to federal government agencies, departments and organizations on an annual basis. A detailed summary of the FY 2023 Omnibus can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-castro-releases-2022-end-of-year-report,Congressman Castro Releases 2022 End-of-Year Report,2022-12-31,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,TX,Joaquin Castro,C001091,castro.house.gov,castro,https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"SAN ANTONIO — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released an end-of-year report detailing his 2022 accomplishments on behalf of the 20th Congressional District of Texas. “Throughout the past year, San Antonians have worked hard to rebuild from the challenges of the pandemic and rise together toward a better future. It’s an extraordinary privilege to represent our great city in Congress, and I’m honored to share the progress my office delivered in 2022. As we approach 2023, I look forward to continuing my work to expand our Infrastructure of Opportunity — the great public schools and universities, sound health care system, and good-paying jobs that allow Americans to pursue their dreams.” Key 2022 accomplishments include: $15.6 million in federal funding for Fiscal Year 2023 community projects in San Antonio, including local initiatives to preserve affordable housing, prevent domestic violence, support small businesses, expand access to affordable health care, and more. $10.5 million in federal funding for Fiscal Year 2022 community projects in San Antonio, including local initiatives to expand workforce development programs at Project QUEST, expand the local reach of Communities in Schools, improve Wi-Fi access in public housing, train mental health providers to meet community needs, and more. More than $3.2 million in federal benefits recovered for the people of San Antonio, including more than $320,000 from the Department of Veterans Affairs. More than $163 million in federal grants for programs and services in San Antonio.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://flood.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-floods-new-year-statement,Congressman Flood’s New Year Statement,2022-12-31,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,NE,Mike Flood,F000474,flood.house.gov,flood,https://flood.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"LINCOLN, NEBRASKA – Today, Congressman Mike Flood issued a statement ahead of the New Year holiday, which is celebrated on Sunday, January 1st. “A new year is always a time to reflect on and take stock of the past year as we make plans for new beginnings. Throughout 2022, our state has enjoyed a growing economy and low unemployment even as we and the nation as a whole grapple with fiscal challenges brought on by reckless spending from Washington. Whatever your dreams and goals are for 2023, there’s no better place to life them out than right here in the Good Life—a place where hard work is rewarded, and the American dream is alive and well.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://flood.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-floods-statement-pope-emeritus-benedict-xvis-passing,Congressman Flood's Statement on Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI's Passing,2022-12-31,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,NE,Mike Flood,F000474,flood.house.gov,flood,https://flood.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"LINCOLN, NEBRASKA – Today, U.S. Congressman Mike Flood issued a statement following news that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI had passed away. “Benedict XVI stands out as one of the most consequential figures of the last 100 years for many reasons: He was a prolific writer, brilliant theologian, and above all a man who showed the world through his own living witness how to better love and follow Jesus Christ. From serving as an advisor at Vatican II to leading the effort to compile the 1992 Catechism of the Catholic Church, he brought the Gospel message into a modern culture pushing back on what he identified as a ‘dictatorship of relativism.’ Mandi and I join fellow Catholics around the world in mourning his passing and celebrating his legacy, which will continue to strengthen the faith of countless millions for generations to come.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/12/31/id-a37a35c5-289c-4a95-b53c-ec7307feccac/,Western Caucus Members Condemn Biden Administration for New WOTUS Rule,2022-12-31,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Members of the Congressional Western Caucus released the following statements in response to the Biden Administration’s final rule—quietly released on the last business day of the year before a major holiday—regarding the definition of “waters of the United States,” or WOTUS: “This rule is yet another bureaucratic attack on rural America,” said Chairman Dan Newhouse (WA-04). “Western Caucus Members and the rural communities we represent have consistently called on the Administration to provide regulatory certainty for farmers, ranchers, small businesses, and landowners – most recently, requesting that the Administration not move forward with rulemaking until the Supreme Court has ruled on Sackett v. EPA. Today, it became crystal clear that we have been ignored. Not only is this rule premature, but it is ultimately detrimental to rural communities – and clean water conservation efforts – across the United States. We will continue to fight for effective locally-led efforts to protect our clean water and against one-size-fits-all mandates.” “Today, the Biden Administration finalized a definition of “waters of the U.S.” that threatens the rights of Idaho’s farmers, ranchers, and private property owners,” said Rep. Russ Fulcher (ID-01). “Water is a lifeline for the Gem State – a key natural resource for many of our most important industries – and this decision will only empower federal bureaucrats.” “The Obama WOTUS rule drastically expanded the jurisdiction over bodies of water like streams and ponds leaving large swaths of Iowa land in the hands of the federal government,” said Vice Chair Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02). “I am extremely disappointed in the Biden Administration’s decision to finalize a similar version of this failed rule which will have terrible consequences for our farmers, ranchers, and landowners in Iowa. Any clean water initiatives by the federal government should be focused on clearly defined bodies of water.” “Today’s announcement by the Biden Administration on their new rule for Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) is disappointing. This rule is both poor policy and badly timed. It is another example of this Administration’s determined adherence to the demands of environmentalists at the expense of hard-working Americans. While cloaked a little differently, this new WOTUS rule will once again place overly burdensome regulations on our farm families, small businesses, and entire communities further harming our economy — not to mention making critical infrastructure projects that much more expensive,” said Vice Chair David Rouzer (NC-07). “While I appreciate the EPA’s acknowledgement that the Supreme Court has already heard arguments in Sackett v. EPA with a ruling soon expected, this further underscores how ill-advised it is for the administration to rush a new rule given the Court’s forthcoming decision will impact any new definition of WOTUS.” “Why does every Democrat administration need to make a rule giving the federal government more power over farming and private property? The federal government doesn’t need to regulate puddles, ditches, seasonal creeks or culverts. All this rule does it make it more difficult to grow food or build anything,” said Vice Chair Doug LaMalfa (CA-01). “Frankly, that seems like to whole point – to make every day Americans ask permission from their government for basic tasks like cleaning a ditch, repairing a road, or building something on your own property. I say NO, and I’ll be leading an effort to stop yet another ridiculous rule.” “Biden’s WOTUS rule creates a regulatory headache for economic drivers like farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, miners, and more, said Vice Chair Pete Stauber (MN-08). “Similar to the old Obama Administration WOTUS rule, this new rule is a gift to lawyers and activists, and creates hardship for my district. This is simply unacceptable but I expect no less from this activist administration.” “It appears that the Biden Administration is attempting to over-regulate America’s farmers into extinction by reimplementing this nonsensical version of the devastating Obama-era WOTUS rule,” said Vice Chair Bruce Westerman (AR-04). “These actions demonstrate a lack of care for the needs of rural America, our agriculture industry, and for private property rights. I look forward to a Republican House working to overturn this rule.” “I am extremely discouraged by the EPA’s actions regulating wetlands and waters in a manner inconsistent with the Clean Water Act,” said Rep. Frank Lucas (OK-03). “During this time when increased agriculture production and growth are critical, the rule fails to provide certainty for America’s farmers and ranchers. Furthermore, the Biden Administration’s contradictory rule ensures lengthy litigation surrounding the scope of federal regulatory authority of our nation’s waterways will continue with confusion and regulatory uncertainty. Oklahoma’s farmers, ranchers, and landowners have demonstrated their responsible stewardship of the land for generations, and I will continue to stand with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in opposition to the continued inconsistent interpretation of the Clean Water Act.” “Joe Biden’s EPA knows full well this ruling will face immediate litigation in court,” said Rep. Markwayne Mullin (OK-02). “The idea that a drainage ditch in Oklahoma is now a federally regulated, navigable waterway is absurd. This is nothing more than a Christmas present to Biden’s radical environmentalists.” “This change of the WOTUS rule is a massive landgrab that will expand federal control to ponds, puddles, and even ditches all under the false pretense that it will make our waters cleaner. Meanwhile, farmers will be drawn into crosshairs with the EPA over using the safe crop production process they have used for years, and landowners could face hefty fines for failing to comply with the unclear language,” said Rep. Rick Crawford (AR-01). “We all want clean water, but WOTUS now negates existing local and state laws and refutes the historical role farmers, ranchers, and landowners have in being the original good stewards of their land.” “Restoring the Obama-era WOTUS rule will restore a world of vague and disastrous regulations for Georgia’s farmers, small businesses, homeowners, local government, and families, who do not need an unelected bureaucrat to tell them how to use the Peach State’s natural resources,” said Rep. Buddy Carter (GA-01). “Under President Trump, there were clear and certain guidelines, ones that should transcend political party and remain law.” “As a lifelong farmer, I know firsthand the challenges government overreach places on the day-to-day operations of farms and businesses,” said Rep. David Valadao (CA-21). “Giving the federal government more control over our water has already once proven devastating for rural communities. The Biden administration’s EPA rule will further burden our farmers, ranchers, and small businesses in the Central Valley. I am hopeful that the Supreme Court will put an end to this regulatory nightmare when Sackett v. EPA is decided.” “The goal of President Biden’s Waters of the U.S. rule is to give unelected bureaucrats even more command and control over the lives of rural Missourians,” said Rep. Jason Smith (MO-08). “The Trump administration’s rule protected Missouri’s water, incorporated sound science, and accommodated the needs of farmers, ranchers, landowners, and small businesses. But getting rid of this carefully crafted rule means that federal bureaucrats will again have the authority to regulate any body of water – whether it’s a puddle, ditch, pond, or creek – passing through or standing on private land. I’ll continue fighting tooth and nail to protect all these stakeholders from the Biden administration’s overreaching WOTUS rule and any other efforts by Washington Democrats to force their radical agenda on our communities.” “We had a sensible rule for WOTUS under the last administration that left most decision-making and regulation to the states. Each state has unique circumstances to consider, and we cannot expect those to be solved by a one-size-fits-all plan. Minnesota’s clean water standards are as high, if not higher, than the federal standards. We are the land of lakes. We know what we’re doing, and we do not need federal involvement,” said Rep. Michelle Fischbach (MN-07). “This rule includes several vague standards that fail to provide certainty for stakeholders. It will be important to hold the EPA accountable to ensure they do not overstep their authorities.” “Using WOTUS as a political football creates greater instability and challenges for our producers,” said Rep. Dusty Johnson (SD-AL). “It was poorly written to begin with and has created much confusion in rural America. The new WOTUS rule is a gross overreach of federal power.” “EPA’s WOTUS decision is yet another example of blatant executive overreach. The government should not dictate land use on private property or the farming practices of producers and ranchers,” said Rep. Adrian Smith (NE-03). “I am steadfastly opposed to this decision because of the devastating impact it will have on landowners in Nebraska and across the country.” “The return of WOTUS would be a disaster for North Dakota’s farmers and ranchers,” said Rep. Kelly Armstrong (ND-AL). “I am disappointed that the Biden administration is determined to bring it back despite warnings from ag producers that it will harm their livelihoods. We have to keep fighting against harmful policies that don’t do anything to keep our air and water clean.” “Today’s WOTUS ruling is a detrimental government overreach into ponds and puddles a thousand miles from the D.C. swamp. Kansas farmers and ranchers are the best stewards of their land, but the final WOTUS rule hands over private property decisions to Washington bureaucrats,” said Rep. Ron Estes (KS-04). “As a Kansan and former farm kid, my colleagues and I will continue pushing back against this burdensome administration that chooses to govern with a heavy hand and disregards the common sense conservation by the men and women who actually work the land.” “States, not the federal government, should be the primary regulators of water sources and waterways within their borders. Unfortunately, the EPA’s and Army Corps’ Waters of the United States Final Rule will allow the federal government to encroach on the authority of state and local governments and the rights of landowners to manage agricultural ponds, drainage ditches, and other bodies of water,” said Rep. Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08) “With the release of this Final Rule, the Biden Administration is taking a huge step backwards at the expense of states, localities, and private landowners.” “Thanks to regulatory overreach, farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers will now be forced to operate their businesses under the federal government’s sixth definition of “water” in the past ten years alone. The Biden Administration’s newest version of “Waters of the U.S.” removes longstanding bipartisan exemptions for common water features like ponds or streams found on farms and ranches,” said Rep. Tracey Mann (KS-01). “The Biden Administration has created regulatory chaos for producers, who are working hard to keep us all fed, fueled, and clothed. Farmers are the original conservationists, and they deserve the gratitude and support of the federal government, not red tape and burdensome overregulation. They certainly don’t need Washington Democrats to tell them how to manage their own resources.” “I am disappointed in this Administration’s latest effort to place arbitrary regulations on private property owners. For decades, Oregonians have had to bear the burden of environmental regulations written by unelected bureaucrats in DC,” said Rep. Cliff Bentz (OR-02). “My constituents, who earn their living from the land, understand better than anyone how to protect and sustain it for future generations. The EPA and other federal entities have wielded WOTUS to control the most basic activities of everyday Americans. I came to Washington, DC to fight these top-down, ineffective regulatory burdens so that Oregonians have the freedom to manage the land using the commonsense practices that have been passed down through generations.” “California doesn’t have a water problem; it has a water storage problem,” said Rep. Jay Obernolte (CA-08). “The previous management agreements for the Central Valley Project and State Water Project were critical to improving our water storage capabilities, protecting our environment, and ensuring reliable water supplies for our communities and the industries that form the backbone of California’s robust economy. They were science-based, peer-reviewed, and already producing encouraging results. I am extremely disappointed that the Administration has acted to reverse the meaningful progress made under these plans, and I join my colleagues in calling for the immediate reversal of this decision.” “Reinstating the Obama-era WOTUS rule is gross federal overreach, gives the government an unprecedented level of authority over ‘waters of the United States,’ and impacts almost every part of American life, especially for farmers and ranchers,” said Rep. Jeff Duncan (SC-03). “We fought this rule under President Obama, celebrated when President Trump removed it, and will fight for this disastrous abuse of power under President Biden to be reversed.” Background: In April, Chairman Newhouse, Rep. Miller-Meeks, and Rep. Rodney Davis (IL-13) submitted an amicus brief to the Supreme Court for Sackett v. EPA outlining the importance of environmental federalism and how a poorly-defined Clean Water Act hinders environmental protections. On March 9, Chairman Newhouse, Transportation and Infrastructure Ranking Member Sam Graves (MO-06), and Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Ranking Member David Rouzer (NC-07) led over 200 House Republicans – including every Member of the Western Caucus – in calling for the Biden Administration to drop its plan to expand the scope of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) until Sackett v. EPA is decided by the Supreme Court. Click here to learn more. Chairman Newhouse and Rep. Miller-Meeks called on the Administration to halt the rulemaking process, based on the Supreme Court’s decision to take up the Sackett case, in January. Chairman Newhouse hosted Rep. Davis, Illinois Farm Bureau President Rich Guebert, and Charles Yates of the Pacific Legal Foundation, a lawyer in the Sackett v. EPA case, to discuss the impacts WOTUS has on rural communities and potential implications of the Supreme Court decision. Click here to listen. When the Biden Administration announced their intention to revise and remand the Trump Administration’s Navigable Waters Protection Rule, Chairman Newhouse, Rep. Miller-Meeks, Senator Steve Daines (MT), and Senator Joni Ernst (IA) led Western Caucus Members in a bicameral letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan and Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Jaime Pinkham to express their serious concerns and demand answers about the Administration’s plans to reopen the definition of “waters of the United States.” Click here to read the letter and learn more. In November of 2021, Western Caucus Members from across the country issued statements in response to the Administration’s proposed rule. Click here to read more.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://levin.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-levin-announces-winner-of-2022-congressional-app-challenge,Rep. Levin Announces Winner of 2022 Congressional App Challenge,2022-12-31,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CA,Mike Levin,L000593,levin.house.gov,levin,https://levin.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Oceanside, CA – Today, Representative Mike Levin announced Rini Khandelwal, a student at Del Norte High School, as the winner of the 2022 Congressional App Challenge for California’s 49th Congressional District. Khandelwal created “TeenSpace,” an iOS trivia game app that aims to increase safety awareness on topics such as active shooter scenarios, relationships, and drug use by making learning more engaging for teens. Khandelwal was inspired to create “TeenSpace” when her high school faced two bomb threats in March 2022 and an active shooter threat in May 2022. “This year’s submissions highlighted the extraordinary creativity and desire of the next generation to find solutions to real challenges using technology,” said Rep. Levin. “Our 2022 winner, Rini Khandelwal’s TeenSpace, will make learning about safety more engaging and help protect students and communities.” Rep. Levin would like to thank all of the students who participated, including a few notable applicants: First Runner Up: “Project Democracy” An app that promotes civic engagement and participation in the democratic process Designed by Liam Dowd and Jevon Mao of Santa Margarita Catholic High School Second Runner Up: “OnlineCounselor” An app created to help high school students select their courses for an upcoming school year Designed by Noah Simon of Del Norte High School Honorable Mention: “Senior Tech Helper” An app that provides comprehensive instructions and guides to help senior citizens with a wide range of technology concepts Designed by Zane Braunstein of Capistrano Valley High School The Congressional App Challenge launched in 2015 as an effort to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education, and to encourage students to learn coding and computer science skills. Students in participating congressional districts compete against their peers by creating original software applications. Winning apps are featured on the U.S. House of Representatives’ website and the Congressional App Challenge’s website, and are also displayed in an exhibit in the U.S. Capitol Building. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-statement-on-the-passing-of-his-holiness-pope-benedict-xvi,Pelosi Statement on the Passing of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI,2022-12-31,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,pelosi.house.gov,pelosi,https://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"San Francisco – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued this statement on the passing of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI: ""Paul and I join our fellow Catholics in mourning the passing of Pope Benedict XVI: a global leader whose devotion, scholarship and hopeful message stirred the hearts of people of all faiths. ""Spiritually, I am always moved by Pope Benedict's powerful encyclical, ‘God is Love,' where he quotes St. Augustine highlighting our moral duty as public servants to fight for justice. ""Officially, it was my privilege to visit His Holiness in the Vatican and, in 2008, to join in welcoming him to our nation's capital. ""May it be comfort to His Holiness Pope Francis and the Vatican community that so many pray for Pope Benedict during this sad time.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-enjoys-slew-end-year-wins-0,Quigley Enjoys Slew of End-of-Year Wins,2022-12-31,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,IL,Mike Quigley,Q000023,quigley.house.gov,quigley,https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) led several of his top priorities across the finish line in the closing weeks of 2022. On the final legislative day of the year, Quigley secured more than $16.5 million in funding for local community projects and saw President Joe Biden sign his bill the Access to Congressionally Mandated Reports Act into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. Earlier in December, Quigley's Big Cat Public Safety Act was passed by the Senate and was also signed into law by the President. ""I work hard every day for the people of my district and I am always proud to see some of my community's top priorities gain support in Congress. This year was particularly fulfilling as I saw the President approve more than $26.8 million in total for our district and more than six of my bills signed into law,"" said Quigley. ""In one of the most partisan periods in our nation's history, it is still possible to find common ground and make real progress for our nation. As we look ahead to the new year and a divided Congress, I am eager to get to work and have another successful session for my constituents."" These end-of-year successes capped a highly productive year for Quigley on behalf of Illinois' Fifth District. Quigley's 2022 accomplishments included:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases/soto-releases-report-highlighting-wins-central-florida-117th-congress,Soto Releases Report Highlighting Wins for Central Florida in the 117th Congress,2022-12-31,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,FL,Darren Soto,S001200,soto.house.gov,soto,https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"""In the 117th Congress, House Democrats delivered for Central Floridians and Americans. Under the leadership of President Joe Biden, we overcame the worst of the pandemic, maintained a strong economy, and made investments in our infrastructure and our environment that will impact generations to come. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished in the past two years and look forward to building on our progress in the 118th Congress,"" said Congressman Soto.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-holiday-podcast-senator-king-discusses-the-virtues-of-community-service,"In Holiday Podcast, Senator King Discusses the Virtues of Community Service",2022-12-31,2022,2022-12,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"Listen to the November edition of Senator King’s podcast here or on Apple Podcasts. WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Office of U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today released the December episode of Senator King’s “Inside Maine” podcast – a special holiday season edition that features a timely discussion about community service, volunteerism, and how Maine people can give back to their communities this holiday season. Senator King was joined by Charley Martin-Berry, the Director of Community Caring Collaborative (CCC); Vassie Fowler, the Executive Director of Seeds of Hope; David Patch, the Commander of American Legion Post 36, Veterans Resource Center and Mid-Coast Veterans Council; and Sarah Duncan, the Executive Director of United Way Aroostook. During the conversation, Senator King and his guests share how volunteerism has helped Maine communities weather the economic and social challenges that unfolded over the past year. Specifically, his guests highlighted the affordable housing crisis and the need for organizations to cut through red tape and bureaucracy to connect Maine people in need with food banks, shelters, and other nonprofits. Senator King and his guests also discussed the role Congress can play in promoting more community service across the country. “Maine’s nonprofits and volunteers have always stepped up to support our neighbors and communities in need,” said Senator King. “In the face of daunting obstacles, these leaders have responded with energy, joy, and compassion – bringing light in dark moments. Their work has been critical to Maine people. During this holiday season, I hope everyone will continue to build on this work by finding a local volunteer opportunity near them. Each of us can do something to make someone’s day a little brighter. I’m deeply thankful for everything that my guests this month do for our communities, it was a pleasure to learn more about their organizations and what volunteer opportunities they offer.” Charley Martin-Berry is the director of the Community Caring Collaborative (CCC). She leads the collaboration of state, local, and tribal partners working to improve outcomes for vulnerable Washington County community members. She previously worked at Family Futures Downeast, and led the CCC Hope Fund and Dream Fund. Vassie Fowler is the Executive Director of Seeds of Hope. She previously served as the Assistant Director for the organization and is a long time Biddeford resident. She’s previously done work for both Community Partnerships Protecting Children and York County Community Action. David Patch is a retired US Navy commander. He now serves as the commander of American Legion Post 36, and works with the Veterans’ Resource Center, the Mid-Coast Veterans Council, Honor Flight Maine, and Veterans No Boundaries. He also works with Congress on veterans’ issues. In his free time, he serves as a registered Maine Guide. David served in Vietnam and was also assigned to the Pentagon, where he was in charge of experimental vessels such as hydrofoils and surface-effect ships. Sarah Duncan is the Executive Director of United Way Aroostook. She was born and raised in Presque Isle and holds a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and History from the University of Maine at Presque Isle. She previously worked at WAGM and Townsquare Media. She is on the board of directors for 211 Maine, the Drug Free Coalition, and is a member of the Going Places Network and multiple other organizations. In addition to his volunteer work in personal capacities, Senator King has long been an outspoken advocate for the importance of community service, and the need to promote community service opportunities across the country – especially AmeriCorps. He recently cosponsored the Pandemic Response and Opportunity Through National Service Act, which would fund 750,000 national service positions over a three-year response and recovery period, to meet the projected need for as many as 300,000 public health workers. Under the bill, the number of AmeriCorps and national service positions could expand from 75,000 to 150,000 the first year and double to 300,000 in years two and three. He also cosponsored the Cultivating Opportunity and Recovery from the Pandemic through Service (CORPS) Act, similar legislation that would expand national service programs significantly to help the country recover and rebuild from the COVID-19 public health emergency. The “Inside Maine Podcast with Senator Angus King” is a 30-minute program that aims to help keep Maine people informed about issues of the day, how they affect life in the state, and how they factor into Senator King’s work as one of two independents in the U.S. Senate. Senator King’s podcast airs on Newsradio WGAN in Portland, Maine between 10 and 11 a.m. on the last Saturday of every month.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://barragan.house.gov/2022/12/30/la-times-l-a-county-public-defender-remains-jailed-in-venezuela-after-nearly-9-months/,LA Times: L.A. County public defender remains jailed in Venezuela after nearly 9 months,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nanette Diaz Barragán,B001300,barragan.house.gov,barragan,https://barragan.house.gov/news,scraper,"Los Angeles Times: Cindy Carcamo PUBLISHED: December 30, 2022 at 2:12 PM PST When Eyvin Hernandez stopped calling while vacationing in Colombia in late March, his younger brother thought the worst had happened. Hernandez, a Los Angeles County deputy public defender, finally left a voice message on April 4, saying he was detained in Venezuela but should be free in 45 days. “They don’t have anything on me,” he said. “I’m not a spy. I’m not a terrorist.” Nearly nine months later, Hernandez and his brother, Henry Martinez, are still separated. Hernandez, 44, is being held at a maximum-security military prison in Venezuela and has been charged with criminal association and conspiracy, which can result in up to 16 years in prison. U.S. State Department officials have determined that Hernandez is being wrongfully detained — a classification that triggers enhanced government attention. On Dec. 21, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-San Pedro) and other congressional representatives sent a letter to President Biden, asking his administration to work to secure Hernandez’s freedom. “Expeditious action is needed,” the letter stated. “The judicial system in Venezuela is highly compromised, and any trial against Mr. Hernandez is unlikely to produce a fair result.” A few days before Hernandez was due to return to L.A., a friend asked him to accompany her to the Colombia-Venezuela border, near the Colombian town of Cúcuta, Martinez said. Hernandez’s family said he had had no intention of entering Venezuela. At the border, Hernandez and his friend were intercepted by what reports have variously described as a paramilitary group, a gang or official Venezuelan forces. Hernandez and his friend were turned over to Venezuelan security forces and jailed. The friend is also still detained in Venezuela. The Venezuelan government did not respond to requests for comment. There has been an alarming increase in wrongful detentions of U.S. citizens in Venezuela and elsewhere around the globe in recent years, according to the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation, which tracks such cases and helps detainees’ families. Earlier this month, basketball star Brittney Griner was released in a prisoner swap after nearly 10 months of detention in Russia on charges that she was carrying a small amount of cannabis oil. In October, Venezuela freed seven American prisoners in exchange for the release of two nephews of President Nicolás Maduro’s wife, who were serving time in U.S. prisons for drug Smuggling. Hernandez’s family and supporters question why he was not included in the exchange. “When a U.S. citizen is detained overseas, the Department works to provide all appropriate assistance,” U.S. State Department officials said in a statement to The Times. In recent years, armed conflict has dramatically increased along the Colombia-Venezuela border. The U.S. State Department classifies the region as a high-risk area where U.S. citizens are threatened with detention under Maduro’s authoritarian government. Martinez said he thinks the U.S. government has let his brother down, allowing him to languish in what he describes as a “dungeon.” In phone calls to his family, Hernandez said he was in solitary confinement at one point. His cell has no windows, and he is allowed to walk only in circles for 30 minutes in an outside area the size of two vehicles. He is sleep-deprived because the lights in his cell are kept on all the time, and he subsists mostly on a diet of stale tortillas, he told them. “This place is meant to break you psychologically and spiritually,” Hernandez said in a secretly recorded jailhouse message in August. “If you don’t get us out soon, then there might not be anyone left to save.” Hernandez was born in El Salvador in 1978, and his family fled with him to Los Angeles when he was 3, just before the country’s civil war. He grew up in South L.A. and attended UCLA, earning a degree in physics and math, then graduating from the law school in 2005. Hernandez then joined the L.A. County public defender’s office. His most recent assignment was handling felony cases in downtown L.A., and he has trained and mentored many public defenders, according to his family. When Hernandez seems especially down during their phone calls, Martinez tries to reassure him. “‘It’s not going to be forever, man,’” Martinez says he tells him. “‘Stay strong. You’re going to be home soon.’”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5750,Beyer Statement On Trump Tax Returns,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,VA,"Donald S. Beyer, Jr.",B001292,beyer.house.gov,beyer,https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), a Member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, issued the following statement today after the publication of six years of former President Donald Trump’s tax returns: “The materials released today were lawfully obtained by the Ways and Means Committee using its clear legal authority. Chairman Neal requested this tax information to inform our committee’s work on IRS tax enforcement, including the presidential audit program. The findings, already detailed in the committee’s report, show that this program was broken – justifying our legislative purpose, and leading to House passage of legislation to fix the problem on December 22nd. “Despite promising to release his tax returns, Donald Trump refused to do so, and abused the power of his office to block basic transparency on his finances and conflicts of interest which no president since Nixon has foregone. Trump acted as though he had something to hide, a pattern consistent with the recent conviction of his family business for criminal tax fraud. As the public will now be able to see, Trump used questionable or poorly substantiated deductions and a number of other tax avoidance schemes as justification to pay little or no federal income tax in several of the years examined. “These findings underscore the fact that our tax laws are often inequitable, and that enforcement of them is often unjust. Trump was able to bypass even the mandatory IRS presidential audit program for years, but many other wealthy and powerful people evade billions in tax dues every year through more quotidian tax avoidance. Congress has so much work to do to make tax enforcement in this country fairer, and that will continue to be a major priority for me as a member of the Ways and Means Committee going forward.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://bost.house.gov/2022/12/bost-slams-biden-wptus,BOST SLAMS BIDEN WOTUS RULE,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,bost,https://bost.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency announced its final rule on the definition of “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS): “After two years of the EPA hemming and hawing over this rule, Biden’s bureaucrats did exactly what we expected them to do: cave to the demands of radical Green New Deal environmentalists. This is not about protecting our waters; it’s about exerting federal control over the American people in any way they can. It is insane to think that Biden is returning us to the type of Obama-era overregulation that nearly put our farmers and job creators out of business less than a decade ago.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1025,Case Ensures Continued Federal Assistance For Native Hawaiians In 2023 Omnibus Spending Measure,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=16,scraper,"(Washington, DC) – Congressman Ed Case (HI-01), a member of the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for all federal discretionary spending, today announced millions in funding and other actions he sought and secured that will directly benefit the Native Hawaiian community. The funds are included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Omnibus Appropriations bill recently approved by Congress and signed into law by the President. “Native Hawaiians are a unique community within our national fabric, and so are many of their challenges and needs, especially in health care, education and housing,” said Case. “I successfully sought millions in funding to support and advance various Native Hawaiian economic, cultural, educational and health initiatives. The 2023 omnibus spending bill builds on past funding increases I have been able to secure for Native Hawaiian-serving programs and includes new funding to support specific needs within the Native Hawaiian community.” Provisions in the $1.7 trillion omnibus funding measure that Case sought and won approval for include: Native Hawaiian-Serving Programs and Initiatives · Native Hawaiian Education: $45.9 million, a $7 million increase, for the Native Hawaiian Education Program (NHEP). Of these funds, Congressman Case also secured $10 million in set-aside funding to specifically fund construction, renovation, and modernization of Native Hawaiian schools and education program – the first time ever NHEP funds will be made available for capital improvements. Congressman Case also secured additional report language directing the U.S. Department of Education to (1) provide sufficient funding to the Native Hawaiian Education Council and (2) offer technical assistance to quality applicants with experience educating Native Hawaiian children and youth. These new requirements seek to address concerns raised by Native Hawaiian education advocates and improve the program’s impact on Native Hawaiian community. · Native Hawaiian Health Care: $27 million, a $5 million increase, for the Native Hawaiian Health Care Program. Of these funds, $10 million will be made available to Papa Ola Lōkahi for administrative purposes including strengthening the capacity of the Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems and supporting additional activities such as expanded research and surveillance of Native Hawaiian health issues. · Native Hawaiian Housing: $22.3 million for the Native Hawaiian housing block grant program, which supports affordable housing and community development activities for Native Hawaiians eligible to reside on Hawaiian Home Lands. · Native Hawaiian Veterans: $5 million to create a new Center for Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders and U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islander Health inside the Department of Veterans Affairs. It will focus on research, data collection and potential practice improvements to better serve these veterans. · Native Hawaiian Health Research: directs the National Institutes of Health to provide a report to Congress on coordination of Native Hawaiian health research-related activities across the agency and with the Native Hawaiian community and to take steps to support the development of Native Hawaiian investigators. While Native Hawaiian health disparities are well documented, these populations are often left out of existing federal research initiatives that seek to improve the health status of other Native American communities. This report will help raise the profile of health disparities in Native Hawaiian communities and identify the current gaps in biomedical research specific to Native Hawaiians. · Native Hawaiian Resource Center on Domestic Violence: $2 million, an increase of $1 million, to support the continued implementation of the Native Hawaiian Resource Center on Domestic Violence. The Center will provide supportive services for adult and youth victims of family violence, domestic violence and dating violence in Native Hawaiian communities. Congressman Case previously secured funding to establish the Center in Fiscal Year 2022. Native American-Serving Programs and Initiatives · Native American/Hawaiian Museum Services: $3.7 million for the Native American/Native Hawaiian museum Services Program, which provides grants to Native American-serving organizations and federally recognized Tribes to sustain indigenous heritage, culture and knowledge through museum-related services. · Native American Language Resource Center: $1.5 million, an increase of $1 million, to support the continued implementation of Native American Language Resource Center. The Center will support a consortium of higher education institutions in teaching and learning languages, including research on new teaching methods for educators and developing instructional materials, among other things. Congressman Case previously secured funding to establish the Center in Fiscal Year 2022. · Native American Language Preservation: $15 million, a $1 million increase from last year, for Native American language preservation activities under the Administration for Native Americans. · Native American Job Training: $60 million, an increase of $3 million from last year, to support programs that provide quality employment and training services to Native Hawaiian Organizations, Tribes, Tribal organizations, Alaska Native entities and Indian-controlled organizations serving unemployed and low-income American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians. · Native American Nutrition and Support Services: $41 million, an increase of $5 million from last year, for Native American Nutrition and Supportive Services grants to promote the delivery of nutrition and home and community-based services to American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian elders. · Native American Caregiver Services: $13 million, a $2.5 million increase from last year, to provide grants to support American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian families caring for older relatives with chronic illness or disability Community Project Funding (CPF) “I was also able to secure millions for worthy local community projects that will have a direct impact on Native Hawaiians and that would have been difficult to complete if not for specific and direct funding from Congress,” said Case. Case-sponsored CPF projects to support the Native Hawaiian community include: · $1.7 million for the King Lunalilo Trust and Home to support capital improvements to the facility, Lunalilo Home is licensed as a Type II Expanded Adult Residential Care Home that provides housing and services to disadvantaged Native Hawaiian kūpuna . · $1.8 million for Kula no na Poe Hawaii (KULA) to provide academic supports and wrap-around services to children and youth of the Hawaiian homestead communities of Papakōlea, Kewalo and Kalawahine. KULA partners with neighboring public schools to improve student’s educational outcomes, classroom attendance and social and emotional learning through culturally sensitive interventions. “In preparing my own CPF requests, I consulted with Hawai’i state and county governments, including individuals throughout the Native Hawaiian community and non-profits, applied my own knowledge and beliefs as to district needs, considered whether a project could obtain federal funding through other means, and made some difficult decisions given my limited number of CPF requests,” said Case. The House’s CPF rules require that each project must have demonstrated community support, must be fully disclosed by the requesting Member, and is subject to audit by the independent Government Accountability Office. Case’s disclosures are here: https://case.house.gov/media/funding-disclosures.htm. Case’s Appropriations Committee is responsible for allocating some $1.7 trillion in funding to federal government agencies, departments and organizations on an annual basis. A detailed summary of the FY 2023 omnibus is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-angie-craig-urges-postmaster-general-louis-dejoy-address-second,Representative Angie Craig Urges Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to Address Second District Mail Issues,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,MN,Angie Craig,C001119,craig.house.gov,craig,https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"BURNSVILLE, MN – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig released a letter she wrote to Louis DeJoy, the United States Postmaster General, to urge action to address poor mail service in several Second District communities. In her letter, she highlighted the critical need to improve the post offices’ service levels – and the impacts these conditions are having on Second District residents. “I write to you today with great frustration regarding the state of mail delivery service across the Second Congressional District of Minnesota. My constituents have reported to me that they regularly go three to four days without receiving their mail; some have told me they haven’t received mail since December 16, 2022 - now 2 weeks ago. I’ve been told by local postal officials that a route would never go unserved for more than one day at a time, but it’s clear that is simply not the case,” wrote Representative Craig. “On November 5, I wrote to the USPS regarding the situation in Lakeville. On December 8, I held a call with the relevant USPS official for Minnesota, and yet still the poor delivery service has continued not just in Lakeville, but across the Second District. Short-staffing and increased holiday shipping volumes are understandable, but are beginning to sound like excuses. This no longer seems to be isolated to neighborhoods or even individual cities, but rather a larger issue across Minnesota,” Representative Craig continued. Representative Craig encourages her constituents to contact her office if they are having any trouble navigating or accessing any federal agency, including their local post offices. For assistance, they should visit Representative Craig’s website athttps://craig.house.gov/casework. You can find the full text of the letter below. December 30, 2022 Mr. Louis DeJoy Postmaster General United States Postal Service 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 10300 Washington, D.C. 20260-1000 Dear Postmaster General DeJoy: I write to you today with great frustration regarding the state of mail delivery service across the Second Congressional District of Minnesota. My constituents have reported to me that they regularly go three to four days without receiving their mail; some have told me they haven’t received mail since December 16, 2022 – now 2 weeks ago. I’ve been told by local postal officials that a route would never go unserved for more than one day at a time, but it’s clear that is simply not the case. The United States Postal Service’s creed reads, “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night,” and yet seniors and veterans are going without medication, businesses are missing payments and families are not receiving packages from loved ones during the holiday season. This is entirely unacceptable. On November 5, I wrote to the USPS regarding the situation in Lakeville. On December 8, I held a call with the relevant USPS official for Minnesota, and yet still the poor delivery service has continued not just in Lakeville, but across the Second District. Short-staffing and increased holiday shipping volumes are understandable, but are beginning to sound like excuses. This no longer seems to be isolated to neighborhoods or even individual cities, but rather a larger issue across Minnesota. My constituents deserve answers and I request your response to the following questions: For each post office in the Second District, since December 16, 2022, how many routes at each location went unserved and which day? For each post office in the Second District, what are the current staffing shortages and how quickly will USPS be able to be fully staffed? Which post offices in the Second District have had to deliver “package only” routes, which requires flats to go undelivered, and on which days? What power does the Postal Service hold to “surge” employees to necessary routes, and how can the hiring process be expedited to make the necessary deliveries on time? How many packages, as of this letter, remain undelivered at each post office in the Second District? Thank you for reviewing this letter and I look forward to your response on behalf of all Second District residents who deserve to have their medications, bills and packages arrive safely and on time. Sincerely, Angie Craig Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://doggett.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-doggett-statement-release-trump-tax-returns,Rep. Doggett Statement on Release of Trump Tax Returns,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,doggett.house.gov,doggett,https://doggett.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Contact: Afton Cissell 202-595-4433 Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee who led efforts for the release of Trump’s tax returns since February 2017, released the following statement: “Donald Trump had big deductions, big credits, and big losses—but seldom a big tax bill. Almost six years since my first attempt to obtain Trump’s tax returns, the public can finally see the self-proclaimed “clever genius,” he did not pay the taxes the most modest wage-earner would pay—at one point nothing at all. While customarily released voluntarily by past presidents and President Biden, it took a lawsuit and nearly six years to obtain Trump’s returns. Many questions about foreign entanglements and conflicts remain unanswered and unknown, since the Committee inquiry was a narrow window into a narrow period of time, looking at only eight of about 500 Trump business entities for a period of only six years. Year after year he is relying on losses to not pay much of anything. It is an outrage that Trump paid so little for so long and that the IRS failed to do its job to audit him like it has prior presidents.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://estes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3663,Rep. Estes Denounces New WOTUS Rule,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,KS,Ron Estes,E000298,estes.house.gov,estes,https://estes.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kansas) announced his opposition to the EPA's Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule that increases bureaucratic control over private land that includes virtually any waters, including many areas that only temporarily hold water. ""Today's WOTUS ruling is a detrimental government overreach into ponds and puddles a thousand miles from the D.C. swamp,"" said Rep. Estes. ""Kansas farmers and ranchers are the best stewards of their land, but the final WOTUS rule hands over private property decisions to Washington bureaucrats. As a Kansan and former farm kid, my colleagues and I will continue pushing back against this burdensome administration that chooses to govern with a heavy hand and disregards the common sense conservation by the men and women who actually work the land."" The EPA's WOTUS rule will impact farm ditches, agricultural ponds and isolated wetlands found in and near farms and ranches across the country. Rep. Estes has been a consistent voice against the overreaching WOTUS rule and outlined how its implementation will cause harm to Kansas ag producers.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/additional-1-billion-for-liheap-signed-into-law-following-advocacy-by-collins-golden,"Additional $1 Billion for LIHEAP Signed into Law Following Advocacy by Collins, Golden",2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins and Congressman Jared Golden announced that the government funding bill that was signed into law last night included $1 billion in supplemental appropriations for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which provides funding to help low-income households pay their energy bills. In total, the government funding bill included $5 billion for LIHEAP, which brings the total FY23 funding to $6.1 billion. Maine will receive an estimated $6.5 million in additional LIHEAP funding, on top of the $42.5 million the state was allocated in November through prior funding bills. Senator Collins and Congressman Golden led a push to increase funding for LIHEAP during the negotiations over the omnibus appropriations bill that funded the federal government for fiscal year 2023. The omnibus passed the Senate by a vote of 68-29 and the House by a vote of 225-201. “This additional funding for LIHEAP comes at a critical time for Maine families,” said Senator Collins and Congressman Golden. “We strongly advocated for this increase for LIHEAP to help compensate for the record high fuel prices that are straining households’ budgets. This much-needed funding will help to ensure that seniors on fixed incomes and other Mainers in need have the resources necessary to keep their homes warm this winter.” Many Northeast residents have seen a significant increase in their utility bills this winter, with residential electricity prices in some states forecast to rise over 60 percent, propane up 40 percent, and natural gas prices up nearly 30 percent, resulting in higher home heating bills. Senator Collins and Congressman Golden already delivered $1 billion in emergency funding for LIHEAP in the short-term “continuing resolution” (CR) funding package that President Biden signed into law in September. LIHEAP is administered by states and accessed through local Community Action Agencies. Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on income, family size, and the availability of resources. Senior citizens and those receiving Social Security Disability or SSI benefits are encouraged to apply as early as possible, but applications will be open to everyone through spring of 2023 — or until the funding is exhausted. More information on how to apply can be found HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-gonzalez-releases-statement-conclusion-117th-session-us-congress,"Congressman Gonzalez Releases Statement at Conclusion of 117th Session of the U.S. Congress, Transitions to New Congressional District",2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,TX,Vicente Gonzalez,G000581,gonzalez.house.gov,gonzalez,https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"McAllen, TX – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) released the following statement after the conclusion of the 117th Congress and begins the transition to the 34th Congressional District of Texas: ""I thank the people of South Texas for their continued support and trust. We have a long road ahead of us to address some of the most pressing issues facing our community. The voters have given me a mandate to work for South Texas, not a political party, and ensure we create innovative solutions for our region. I promise to continue to reach across the aisle to find common-sense solutions for our nation and for the people of the 34th Congressional District of Texas. ""As we wrap up the 117th Congress, I am proud of the work we have accomplished and am confident that we will take this momentum into the 118th Congress as we continue to build on our successes. From legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Safer Communities Act, the CHIPS and Science Act to standing up to Putin's aggression and supporting our allies in Ukraine, Congress is working to bring tangible change for our country. ""As I transition into a the 34th Congressional District of Texas, I want to thank the people of the 15th Congressional District of Texas for allowing me to be their advocate in Washington over the last six years. From COVID-19 relief and infrastructure funding to billions of dollars for education, Veterans and our seniors, our community has stepped-up to the challenge and has created a region full of economic opportunity, first-rate education, and a place to call home."" On Tuesday, January 3rd, 2023, Congressman Gonzalez will announce new office locations and contact information for the 34th Congressional District of Texas after being sworn into the 118th Congress. Please note that beginning January 3rd, 2023, new Congressional maps will take effect. Due to the Congressional redistricting, many South Texans will be assigned a new Congressional district. South Texans looking to know who represents them, may do so here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-rouzer-critical-administrations-move-toward-obama-era-water,Graves & Rouzer Critical of Administration’s Move Toward Obama-Era Water Restrictions,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,graves,https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Sam Graves (R-MO) and Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Ranking Member David Rouzer (R-NC) today criticized the Administration for moving forward with their rulemaking process, in the face of a pending Supreme Court ruling, and reinstate strict and cumbersome regulations over waters and water use decisions throughout the United States. The Administration’s final rule redefining “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) moves the federal government closer toward the tighter regulation of businesses, farmers, infrastructure builders, communities, and private citizens. The Administration announced its rulemaking despite the fact that the Supreme Court is scheduled to decide a case (Sackett) in the coming months that will bear directly on any WOTUS-related rules or regulations. “Our economy continues to struggle with the economic crises brought about by the disastrous economic policies of this Administration, and it makes absolutely no sense to move the country back towards the costly and burdensome WOTUS regulations of the past,” Graves said. “It’s particularly foolish to do this now and waste federal resources when the Supreme Court has yet to rule on the issue – a ruling that will impact and alter what the Administration is hastily putting forward.” “Today’s announcement by the Biden Administration on their new rule for Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) is disappointing. This rule is both poor policy and badly timed. It is another example of this Administration’s determined adherence to the demands of environmentalists at the expense of hard-working Americans. While cloaked a little differently, this new WOTUS rule will once again place overly burdensome regulations on our farm families, small businesses, and entire communities further harming our economy — not to mention making critical infrastructure projects that much more expensive,” Rouzer said. “While I appreciate the EPA’s acknowledgement that the Supreme Court has already heard arguments in Sackett v. EPA with a ruling soon expected, this further underscores how ill-advised it is for the Administration to rush a new rule given the Court’s forthcoming decision will impact any new definition of WOTUS.” Background information: On June 25, 2021, Graves, Rouzer, and Republican leaders highlighted concerns with the Administration’s plans to undo the Navigable Waters Protection Rule. On August 25, 2021, Graves and Rouzer urged the Agencies to extend the timeframe for public comments and stakeholder input on a new WOTUS rulemaking. On October 26, 2021, Graves and Rouzer issued these statements regarding the Administration’s rushed roundtable process. On January 20, 2022, Graves and Rouzer requested more time to allow adequate public comment on the WOTUS rulemaking. On January 24, 2022, Graves and Rouzer first called for a halt to the Agencies’ rulemaking,based on the Supreme Court’s decision to take up the Sackett case. On March 8, 2022, Graves, Rouzer, and over 200 House Republicans renewed calls for the Administration to drop its plan to expand the scope of WOTUS and allow the Supreme Court to take up its case. On April 18, 2022, Graves, Rouzer, and Senator Shelley Moore Capito led 201 Republican Members and Senators in filing an amici curiae brief in support of the petitioners in the case Sackett case. On April 28, 2022, Graves and Rouzer asked the Administration for more transparency about the formation, intent, and execution of stakeholder WOTUS roundtables. On September 20, 2022, Graves and Rouzer raised concerns about actions by EPA and Army Corps of Engineers which would expand the breadth of their regulatory authority and warned the agencies to stay within the bounds of their authority as granted by Congress.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/huffman-announces-golden-gate-bridge-to-receive-400-million-for-seismic-retrofit-under-democrats-infrastructure-law,Huffman Announces Golden Gate Bridge to Receive $400 Million for Seismic Retrofit Under Democrats' Infrastructure Law,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CA,Jared Huffman,H001068,huffman.house.gov,huffman,https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"San Rafael, CA – Congressman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) shared the news that San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge will soon receive $400 million from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) under Democrats' historic Infrastructure Law. These funds will be used to strengthen one of the Bay Area's most essential transportation arteries and bolster its resilience against earthquakes. “The Golden Gate Bridge is not only an iconic part of the Bay Area, but a vital thoroughfare for countless folks in the region,” said Rep. Huffman. “Thanks to the Infrastructure Law, this $400 million investment will allow us to fortify the Bridge, making it more resilient to disasters and ensuring that this structure can continue serving our community and all who visit. I’m glad to have played a part in securing this funding alongside President Biden, Speaker Pelosi, Secretary Buttigieg, and all my Bay Area colleagues.” “We want to thank Congressman Huffman, Speaker Pelosi, the Biden Administration, and the entire Bay Area congressional delegation for this vital funding that will secure the Golden Gate Bridge for generations,” said Denis Mulligan, General Manager of the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District. “The Bridge turned 85 years old this year, and this investment will ensure that the Golden Gate Bridge stands stronger than ever.” In May of 2022, Rep. Huffman sent a letter to Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Pete Buttigieg advocating for this funding to be made available for the Golden Gate Bridge. The FHWA found that the Golden Gate Bridge is currently in ""fair condition"" but noted that continued deterioration would result in a ""poor"" rating within the next three years. The Bridge's north and south approaches were retrofitted in 2013, leaving only the main suspension span to be upgraded. The newly-announced federal funding will allow this remaining section to undergo vital seismic upgrades and ensure the Bridge's continued structural integrity. Passed by the Democratic Congress, the Infrastructure Law was signed by President Biden on November 15, 2021. This historic legislation established a competitive Bridge Investment Program, delivering $12.5 billion to build, repair and replace key bridges across the country. This initiative represents the single largest investment in America's bridges since the construction of the interstate highway system.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-krishnamoorthi-applauds-irs-decision-delay-lowering-threshold-form,Congressman Krishnamoorthi Applauds IRS Decision to Delay Lowering of Threshold for Form 1099-K Reporting Following His Bipartisan Advocacy With Colleagues,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,IL,Raja Krishnamoorthi,K000391,krishnamoorthi.house.gov,krishnamoorthi,https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi issued the following statement in response to the decision by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to delay lowering the threshold for Form 1099-K reporting by one year, an announcement which follows a bipartisan letter sent by Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi and colleagues on December 19th. ""I'm glad to see the IRS postpone the implementation of the new reporting requirements for Form 1099-K issuance,"" said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. ""Lowering the threshold from $20,000 to $600 would hurt millions of American taxpayers who participate in online marketplaces and other e-commerce platforms. While working families struggle with extreme price hikes and other economic challenges, the selling of used goods has become even more common, making this the worst possible time to create unnecessary confusion and stress for struggling Americans. Furthermore, the change would place an additional burden on the IRS as millions of new forms would have to be processed, even when no reportable income is generated. I look forward to continuing to work with the IRS in the coming weeks to identify a more permanent solution to lowering the reporting threshold in a way that doesn't increase the already difficult tax compliance burden faced by many American taxpayers.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mann-new-wotus-ruling-creates-regulatory-chaos-agricultural-producers,Rep. Mann: New WOTUS Ruling Creates Regulatory Chaos for Agricultural Producers,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,KS,Tracey Mann,M000871,mann.house.gov,mann,https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) released the following statement in response to the Biden Administration's new ruling redefining the Waters of the United States (WOTUS): “Thanks to regulatory overreach, farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers will now be forced to operate their businesses under the federal government’s sixth definition of “water” in the past ten years alone. The Biden Administration’s newest version of ""Waters of the U.S."" removes longstanding bipartisan exemptions for common water features like ponds or streams found on farms and ranches. The Biden Administration has created regulatory chaos for producers, who are working hard to keep us all fed, fueled, and clothed. Farmers are the original conservationists, and they deserve the gratitude and support of the federal government, not red tape and burdensome overregulation. They certainly don’t need Washington Democrats to tell them how to manage their own resources.” Click hereto listen to Rep. Mann's remarks on the House Floor about WOTUS. Click hereto learn more about H.R. 2660, the Withstanding Attempts to Encroach on our Resources (WATER) Act, which Rep. Mann co-sponsors. Click here for more information about the new WOTUS rule.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-issues-statement-biden-wotus-ruling,Rep. Miller Issues Statement on Biden WOTUS Ruling,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Oakland, Ill. - Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15) issued the following statement on the new Biden WOTUS Ruling that puts American Farmers last: ""I join my fellow farmers and those in the agriculture industry in sharing our deep disappointment with the new Biden WOTUS rule that puts American Farmers last. Last year, I introduced the Define WOTUS Act in Congress to prevent President Biden’s radical cabinet secretaries from telling farmers and ranchers how to use and regulate their own land. We can look forward to House Republicans taking back the majority in 4 days, at which point we will stop the EPA from their reckless and unconstitutional attacks on the family farm.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://matsui.house.gov/media/in-the-news/forbes-fda-sesame-become-9th-major-food-allergen-january-1-2023,"FORBES: FDA: SESAME TO BECOME 9TH MAJOR FOOD ALLERGEN ON JANUARY 1, 2023",2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CA,Doris O. Matsui,M001163,matsui.house.gov,matsui,https://matsui.house.gov/media,scraper,"With 2023, there should be more open sesame. Once January 1, 2023, rolls around, manufacturers will have to start listing sesame as an allergen on the labels of any food products that may contain this seedy ingredient. As a December 15 U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announcement emphasized, come the New Year sesame will be subject to new labeling and manufacturing requirements. The requirements will be similar to those that the eight current official major food allergens are subject to right now. That’s because at the turn of the year sesame will be officially joining milk, eggs, fish, Crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans as the ninth major food allergen. This sesame sea change has been in the works for a while, seeded when the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act was signed into law on April 23, 2021. The FASTER Act specifically indicated that sesame should be added to the list of major allergens. The FASTER Act isn’t simply about sesame, though. It also has mandated that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services prepare a report for Congress on a variety of food allergy issues. This includes covering how food allergies and allergic reactions are being monitored and prevented, what new food allergy diagnostics and therapeutics are being developed, and how federal food allergy activities should be expanded and improved, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI). The process of getting the FASTER Act didn’t exactly move super-fast in normal time but it did seem to move faster than usual in Congressional time. When Congress competes with molasses in a race, often you may want to place your bets on the sugary substance prevailing. According to the Congressional Management Foundation, it takes an average of seven years for a bill to go from being first introduced in Congress to becoming a law. That’s if the bill even ends up getting passed. The road to getting the FASTER Act passed took a comparatively shorter amount of time, about two years after Rep. Doris O. Matsui (D-California) had first introduced an earlier version of the bill to the U.S. House of Representatives in April 2019. The culmination of this two-year sesame street should be good news to those in the U.S. population that have sesame allergies. A study published on August 2, 2019, in JAMA Network Open estimated that 0.23% of the population have a “convincing sesame allergy.” Of course, not everyone is allergic to the same degree. Allergic reactions to sesame can range from mild discomfort, such as hives, to anaphylaxis, which can be an oh-my-goodness-can’t breathe, life-threatening emergency. Therefore, it is important to take real sesame allergies seriously. The trouble is it hasn’t been that easy to spot sesame in food. Sure, you may be able to readily spot sesame seeds on your buns, depending on what buns you are talking about and whether you have a mirror. Sure, it can be relatively easy to spot sesame seeds on a chip whether that chip is in your hand or on your shoulder. But sesame can be present in much harder to detect ways. For example, various cereals like granola and muesli can have sesame in them, making them potential cereal killers if you have a very severe sesame allergy. Sesame can get very saucy too, hiding out in various dressings, marinades, and dips like baba ghanoush, hummus, and tahini. You could inadvertently meet in different processed meats. Sesame hasn’t been barred from energy bars, either. It can be in your soup as well. And while we’re on roll here, we might as well mention sushi rolls, which often have sesame seeds on them. Then there’s the cooking issue. Restaurant menus don’t always say things like “Harry Styles-shaped flambé cooked in sesame oil.” And chances are your server won’t ask, “And sir or madam, would you prefer your dish be cooked in sesame oil, olive oil, or lard?” In general, just because something doesn’t taste like sesame doesn’t mean that sesame isn’t necessarily present. Plus, like the entertainer Ye, sesame can go by different names. FARE, which stands for Food Allergy Research & Education and is a non-profit organization focusing on food allergy awareness, research, education, and advocacy, warns that those allergic to sesame should avoid anything containing the following ingredients: benne, benne seed, benniseed, gingelly, gingelly oil, gomasio (sesame salt), halvah, sesame flour, sesame oil, sesame paste, sesame salt, sesame seed, sesamol, sesamum indicum, sesemolina, sim sim, tahini, tahina, tehina, or til. Watching Sesame Street should be fine, as long as you aren’t eating a bowl of tahini at the same time. The FASTER Act should make it faster for those with sesame allergies to sesame-see what may be in their food. And the value of this new development should be an open sesame and shut case.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://mikethompson.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/thompson-releases-statement-117th-congress-constituent-services,Thompson Releases Statement on 117th Congress Constituent Services Accomplishments,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CA,Mike Thompson,T000460,mikethompson.house.gov,mikethompson,https://mikethompson.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05) released the following statement and statistics outlining important constituent service and legislative milestones over the last two years. “The 117th Congress has been one of the most productive sessions of Congress in our nation’s history,” said Thompson. “We passed significant legislation that sets our country up for a strong and secure future while investing from the bottom up and middle out. Infrastructure, health care, climate change, supply chains, American manufacturing, and more were all addressed, and I remain focused on continuing to build on the progress we made over the last two years. “I am particularly proud of the work my office was able to accomplish on behalf of the people of our district. I take pride in our constituent services, and with over 178,000 responses to constituent mail, over 4,000 cases closed, over $24 million returned to our district, my office delivered for many constituents. Going into the 118th Congress, constituent services will again take a front seat and I plan on improving these numbers.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://mikethompson.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/thompson-secures-key-conservation-easement-provision-government-funding,Thompson Secures Key Conservation Easement Provision in Government Funding Bill,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CA,Mike Thompson,T000460,mikethompson.house.gov,mikethompson,https://mikethompson.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05) announced that his legislation to shut down abusive conservation easement transactions was included in the final 2023 government funding bill. “Abuse of conservation easements has cost taxpayers billions of dollars and provided wealthy developers with a loophole to abuse our tax code,” said Thompson. “Shutting down these tax shelters is a no-brainer. By closing this loophole, we ensure that taxpayers are defended and that conservation easements remain a successful and cost-effective means of protecting our shared natural heritage.” Taxpayers are able to claim a charitable tax deduction when they donate a conservation easement to a qualified land trust. By placing a conservation easement on a piece of qualified property and then donating the easement to an entity dedicated to land conservation, the taxpayer essentially protects the piece of land permanently. This makes the deduction a very successful and cost-effective way of conserving wild spaces. However, bad actors have abused the program, essentially using the deduction as an investment vehicle: in simple terms, a group of investors would buy a piece of land, overstate the appraisal value of the land, then donate the easement and claim a deduction far greater than what they invested. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has designated these easement deals as “listed transactions,” meaning they are subjected to greater than usual scrutiny, and the Justice Department has repeatedly, and often successfully, pursued bad actors in court for abusing the easement program as a tax shelter. Rep. Thompson’s legislation, H.R. 4164 (the Charitable Conservation Easement Program Integrity Act), was bipartisan and bicameral and will save taxpayers billions of dollars. The bill was backed by numerous Justice Department indictments, a bipartisan Senate Finance Committee report, and multiple formal statements issued by IRS.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-neguse-issues-statement-first-anniversary-marshall-fire,Congressman Neguse Issues Statement on the First Anniversary of the Marshall Fire,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,neguse,https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Lafayette, CO — Today, Congressman Joe Neguse, Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Congressional Wildfire Caucus, issued the following statement marking a year since the Marshall Fire in Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District. He will join the impacted communities at events commemorating the anniversary later today. “The Marshall Fire devastated neighborhoods across Louisville, Superior, and unincorporated Boulder County – destroying over a thousand homes and businesses, and resulting in the tragic loss of life. This catastrophic disaster would shortly become known as the most destructive fire in Colorado’s history. “Today is a solemn reminder of everything that the families in our community lost that day. But it is also a reminder of the incredible resiliency and kindness of the people of our community and our state, who have supported each other and our fellow citizens every step of the way during the past year as we’ve begun the long road of recovery. “Natural disasters have the power to reshape our communities for years to come, and as we pause to reflect on the progress made over the past year, we are reminded of the fact that many families and businesses are still very much in recovery. Today, and everyday, we recommit ourselves to redoubling our efforts to make the recovery process as quick and effective as possible.” Individuals impacted by the Marshall Fire can continue to find a list of resources offered by our office, here, and our team is always available to assist constituents directly as they navigate the road ahead. The Boulder County government has also compiled a list of resources and events available to those affected by the Marshall Fire, view here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases/pallone-secures-more-128-million-constituents-2022,Pallone Secures More than $12.8 Million for Constituents in 2022,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,NJ,"Frank Pallone, Jr.",P000034,pallone.house.gov,pallone,https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Long Branch, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today announced that his office helped secure $12,888,902 for constituents who sought assistance from his offices in New Jersey in 2022. The money returned to constituents includes Veterans Affairs (VA) claims, tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service, FEMA grants and claims related to Superstorm Sandy, Small Business Administration loans, and Social Security payments. In 2022, Pallone's office successfully closed 2,255 constituent cases. ""I'm very proud we were able to help so many constituents receive the money that was owed to them. I want everyone to know that we're here to assist them,"" said Pallone. ""My offices are available to support constituents who need assistance navigating issues related to federal agencies. As we enter 2023, I hope New Jerseyans in the Sixth Congressional District continue to use my office as a resource."" Congressman Pallone's office can assist constituents who have questions about a federal agency or need help with Social Security benefits, federal pensions, Medicare eligibility, and passport and immigration issues. Veterans can also receive help with a range of programs and benefits, including military records and awards, GI Bill benefits, and VA disability claims. Staff may be able to locate low-income housing options and provide guidance on utility payment assistance for eligible families. Constituents should not hesitate to contact Congressman Pallone's district offices if they have questions: New Brunswick Office - 67/69 Church Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, Phone: (732) 249-8892",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-panetta-announces-winner-local-student-congressional-app,Congressman Panetta Announces Winner of Local Student Congressional App Competition,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CA,Jimmy Panetta,P000613,panetta.house.gov,panetta,https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Salinas, CA – U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) announced the winner of his district's Congressional App Challenge, Toma Brasoveanu (pronounced Brah-show-va-nu), a seventh-grade student from Pacific Collegiate School in Santa Cruz. The Congressional App Challenge promotes student innovation, creativity, and engagement in computer science through competition and the creation of a new application. Toma's app, ""Pill Alarm,"" alerts and reminds users when they need to take their medication. Toma was inspired to create ""Pill Alarm"" by his mother, Megan Moodie-Brasoveanu, who lives with a neuromuscular condition that requires medication at regular intervals. Toma wanted to design an app to help his mother track and safely take her pills on time. ""Pill Alarm"" is Toma's first app. ""The Congressional App Challenge provides students with a unique, hands-on experience to test their skills in computer science and explore innovative ideas outside of the traditional confines of the classroom,"" said Rep. Panetta. ""Toma and this years' runners-up saw problems in our communities and worked hard to develop technological solutions to address them. On behalf of our congressional district, congratulations to Toma and every student who participated in the competition this year, we cannot wait to see what the future holds for each of you."" ""'Pill Alarm"" is different than most medicine tracking apps because it's based on user-set intervals instead of fixed times of day. That's really important for people like my mom, who need to make sure they get their medication safely, at exactly the right time,"" said Toma Brasaoveanu. ""Winning the App Challenge has really boosted my confidence in my app-building skills! I want to say thank you to Congressman Panetta and his staff for this great opportunity, to Stephanie Sumarna for running the program, and to my teacher, Elizabeth Shaw, at Cabrillo College who's been a big supporter of mine and showed me the App Challenge. I also want to thank my mom for collaborating with me on the ""user end"" of the app and my dad for helping me debug issues that came up. Congratulations to all the other winners for building cool apps!"" Placing second in the competition are Daniel Garnica, Tushar Singh, Angel Vazquez, and Mark Ramilo from Seaside High School with their app ""Sea Our Side"" which highlights activities to do when you are in the City of Seaside. In third place were Oscar Yanez, Robert Cruz, Annie Dorantes, and Roman Frilles from Seaside High School for their app ""Kelp"" which helps tourists and locals find restaurants in the Monterey Bay area. Winning apps are eligible to be displayed in the U.S. Capitol building and featured on the House of Representatives website, www.House.gov. Officially launched by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2015, the Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide effort allows students to compete against their peers by creating an application or ""app,"" for desktop/PC, web, tablet, mobile, or other devices. The Congressional App Challenge is open to all middle and high school students in California's 20th Congressional District. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases/panetta-announces-30-million-grant-santa-cruz-county-auxiliary-lane-and-trail,Panetta Announces $30 Million Grant for Santa Cruz County Auxiliary Lane and Trail Expansion,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CA,Jimmy Panetta,P000613,panetta.house.gov,panetta,https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Salinas, CA – U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) announced a $30 million grant for Santa Cruz County to build the final phase of its planned Watsonville-Cruz Multimodal Corridor Program. This major project will construct auxiliary lanes and a bus on shoulder facility along State Route 1. In addition, the funding will be used to purchase four zero emission buses for Santa Cruz County and build a new segment of the Santa Cruz Coastal Rail Trail, including bicycle and pedestrian overcrossings for SR 1. Funding was secured through the National Infrastructure Project Assistance Program, known as Mega grants. Congress created this new competitive grant program as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to invest in complex projects with no other funding solution. Projects like the Watsonville-Cruz Multimodal Corridor Program qualify for a Mega grant if they help meet national or regional economic, mobility, or safety goals. The Watsonville-Cruz program is one of nine projects nationwide to be chosen for this round of Mega funding. ""For far too long and far too often, too many people have been stuck in traffic on Highway 1 getting between Watsonville and Santa Cruz, leading to a decrease in our productivity and an increase in our carbon output,"" said Rep. Panetta. ""The Multimodal Corridor Program will bring much needed relief to our congestion and climate change problems with an extra lane for public transportation, improvements for the safety of pedestrians and cyclists, and, ultimately, the reduction of our carbon emissions. I'm proud that Congress passed the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in order to make this type of crucial federal investment in our roads and green buses that will help alleviate traffic, improve our livelihoods, and allow us to play our part to stem the effects of climate change."" ""This grant award is proof that the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is working for Santa Cruz County by providing necessary funding for the final phase of the Highway 1 Auxiliary Lane and Bus on Shoulder Project, reducing congestion and improving safety for all users,"" said Guy Preston, SCCRTC Executive Director. ""The project will also help deliver a critical section of the coastal rail trail through Aptos and fund the purchase four zero emission buses for Santa Cruz METRO. This multi-modal project aligns with our shared goals of climate action, healthy communities, safety and equity."" This multimodal project will build the final phase of a three-phase auxiliary lane and bus on shoulder operational improvement program for Santa Cruz County. The innovative bus on shoulder facility will provide transit vehicles an opportunity to bypass congestion and improve on-time performance and reliability of regional bus routes. The new zero emission buses will connect Watsonville with educational and job centers. The new 1.25-mile segment of the Coastal Rail Trail will provide much needed pedestrian and bicycle overcrossings reconnecting communities separated by the freeway. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/dear-colleague-to-all-members-on-the-speakers-new-pay-order,Dear Colleague to All Members on the Speaker's New Pay Order,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,pelosi.house.gov,pelosi,https://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Dear Colleague, As you know, our hard-working, patriotic Congressional staffers are integral to the functioning of the House of Representatives: ensuring this institution can effectively carry out our legislative and constituent responsibilities. To that end, we must do all we can to retain and recruit the best talent in our nation — and to build a Congressional workforce that reflects the communities we are honored to serve. It is my privilege as Speaker to announce that the House will raise the maximum annual rate of pay for staff to $212,100. This increase in the Speaker's Pay Order is consistent with the recent raise in the Executive Branch Level II and Senior Executive Branch maximum annual salary rate. As Speaker, it has been a key priority for me to bring the brightest minds and a diversity of backgrounds here to Capitol Hill — at every level of public service. That is why we have: raised the maximum annual pay twice: ensuring parity among employees of the House, employees of the Senate and employees of the Executive Branch; set a first-ever minimum annual pay for staff at $45,000: a fairer, more competitive salary that has helped open the doors of public service to those who may not have been able to afford to do so before; delivered a 21 percent increase in the MRA in the FY22 omnibus: ensuring every office has the resources to fairly compensate staff; and established the House Office of Diversity and Inclusion: helping make the House more inclusive, open and representative of the full range of voices and values of our communities. This work must continue into the 118th Congress and beyond, as we carry on our dutiful stewardship of this historic institution. Thank you for your commitment and leadership to serve the American people. Best wishes to you and your loved ones for a Happy, Healthy New Year! NANCY PELOSI Speaker of the House",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://ross.house.gov/2022/12/biden-signs-ross-projects-law-delivering-more-26-million-wake-county,Biden Signs Ross Projects Into Law Delivering More Than $26 Million to Wake County,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,NC,Deborah K. Ross,R000305,ross.house.gov,ross,https://ross.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. —President Joe Biden signed into law the omnibus funding package for Fiscal Year 2023 yesterday, which includes $26,890,641 in funding for 15 community projects across Wake County secured by Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02). This critical funding will invest in accessible health care, affordable housing, public safety projects, quality education, and more. “From Raleigh to Wendell, these projects address critical needs in Wake County and represent transformational investments in families, students, seniors, and more,” said Congresswoman Ross. “These projects were developed by the people of Wake County, for the people of Wake County. I fought for this funding because I know it will make a positive difference in our community. I look forward to working with local leaders and seeing how these projects will create tangible progress in Wake County.” Earlier this year, Congresswoman Ross secured $10.7 million in funding for Wake County community projects in the Fiscal Year 2022 government funding package. The 15 projects and funding in the Fiscal Year 2023 package are listed below. Community Projects Project Name: WakeMed Behavioral Health Hospital Amount Secured: $6,000,000 Description: WakeMed Health & Hospitals will use this funding to establish a behavioral health hospital that will help Wake County cope with the rising number of mental health and substance-use cases. The facility will accept all clinically appropriate patients regardless of their ability to pay. It will provide a full continuum of mental health services to adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients and substance-use services to all ages. Project Name: Wake County Public Health Center Amount Secured: $2,000,000 Description: Wake County will use this funding to construct a new Public Health Center. The new 151,000 square foot building will house a variety of health clinics, along with pharmacy and lab facilities, as well as ancillary and complimentary social services programs. Wake County Public Health is the safety net clinical provider for uninsured residents. The County’s 11 clinics served approximately 26,000 residents in 2021. Its pharmacy provides approximately 60,000 prescriptions each year, many of which people could not obtain without Wake County Public Health services. Project Name: Maynard Road Multifamily Housing in Cary Amount Secured: $1,000,000 Description: The Maynard Road Multifamily Housing is a planned 127-unit housing development that will provide quality, affordable, mixed-income rental units at below-market rents in a prime area of Cary, North Carolina. The development is needed to help address rising housing costs, especially for low-income individuals and families, because of booming population growth, employment opportunities, and economic development in Cary over the last 20 years. The funding will be used to construct a street to the development. A well-designed and integrated street network is the backbone for a viable, complete neighborhood. Project Name: Wake Tech Electric Vehicle Training Amount Secured: $939,041 Description: Wake Technical Community College will use this funding for Grid to Plug to Wheels: Technician Training for Safe and Efficient Electric Vehicle Power Utilization and Maintenance. This job training program will prepare a next generation workforce of 2-year technicians to build and maintain power supply infrastructure and service electric vehicles. The growing demand for skilled labor in this sector will lead to good careers, greenhouse gas reductions, and consumer savings at the pump. Project Name: Saint Augustine’s University Tuttle Public Health Center Amount Secured: $490,000 Description: St. Augustine's University, a Historically Black University (HBCU), will use this funding to open its Tuttle Public Health Center (TPHC), which will support health and wellness education, student research regarding the long-term effects of COVID-19, and related programs that will benefit St. Augustine’s students and the surrounding community. Funding will be used to support faculty, establish smart classrooms for students, and purchase research and lab equipment. Project Name: GoTriangle Wake County Transit Access and Safety Improvements Amount Secured: $900,000 Description: This project will address critical transit access and operation safety concerns at GoTriangle bus stops across Wake County. The project will make improvements at several locations where the design speed, traffic volumes, constrained right-of-way, and number of transit passengers require safety and ADA accessibility improvements. These improvements include bus bays, sidewalk connections, ADA curb ramps, crosswalks, and pedestrian signals. Proposed locations are distributed throughout the county, benefiting customers on several regional GoTriangle routes. Project Name: Raleigh-Durham International Airport North Cargo Taxilane Reconstruction Amount Secured: $5,000,000 Description: This project will reconstruct the Taxilane that provides access to the North Cargo aircraft parking apron at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. This Taxilane access is critical to the operation of both FedEx and UPS, which provide freight and logistics services to central North Carolina. Project Name: Town of Holly Springs Water Reclamation Amount Secured: $3,000,000 Description: The Utley Creek Water Reclamation Facility is nearing capacity due to population and economic growth. This project will employ innovative and sustainable techniques to increase capacity and divert treated wastewater for other reuses in the community. Project Name: Triangle Regional Water Partnership Amount Secured: $3,326,400 Description: This project will help address the inadequate water supply intended to serve the recently announced VinFast manufacturing facility, the largest economic development project in North Carolina to date, and to provide a safe water supply for the Town of Pittsboro. The funding will be used to construct one of two horizontal directional drills under the Cape Fear River from the City of Sanford’s Water Treatment Plant, which will provide a safe and resilient source of potable water for local government partners that include Chatham County, Pittsboro, Holly Springs, and Fuquay-Varina. Congresswoman Ross secured this funding with Congressman David Price (NC-04). Project Name: Garner Senior Center Facility Improvements Amount Secured: $505,200 Description: The project will enhance safety, increase accessibility, and improve functionality of the Garner Senior Center (GSC), which hosts over 42,000 annual visits by Garner-area seniors. The facility also houses Wake County’s largest congregate Meals on Wheels site serving 1,700 monthly meals on-site and is a distribution site for 1,100 monthly delivered meals. Improvements to the facility include replacement of aging HVAC systems to improve air handling, renovations to restrooms to improve safety and accessibility, the addition of an accessible route to outdoor programing areas of the facility, installation of technology to ensure safe user access, enhancements to the kitchen and dining facility to improve food distribution, and other general facility upgrades. Project Name: Pleasant Grove Community Center in Wendell Amount Secured: $2,000,000 Description: The Pleasant Grove Community Center Project is a collaborative partnership with the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Town of Wendell, and Wake County to reimagine a future use of the historic African American Carver School. This site is located within a low-income area near a public housing development and will serve as a focal point of inclusion and opportunity. The community center rehabilitation will provide a space to offer families afterschool, track out, and summer camp programs; job development services; and a business incubator to host the entrepreneurial program, LaunchWENDELL. This funding will be used for community engagement, project design, construction documents, and the rehabilitation of the old Carver Elementary School. Project Name: Tingen Road Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge Design in Apex Amount Secured: $550,000 Description: This funding will be used for the study and design of a bicycle and pedestrian bridge over the railroad crossing of Tingen Road in Apex, North Carolina. This railroad crossing is expected to close in 2025. Construction of the bicycle and pedestrian bridge will provide a route for the community to safely cross the railroad tracks on Tingen Road. Project Name: North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences Education Center at Prairie Ridge Amount Secured: $750,000 Description: The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences will use this funding to construct an Education Center at Prairie Ridge, which will expand services to significantly increase the number of visitors the facility can accommodate. Designed for easy accessibility, including for those with limited pedestrian mobility, families with young children, and school groups, the building will feature three new assets: an indoor classroom, furnished with scientific instruments and teaching tools; universally accessible restroom facilities; and a nature porch. This funding will contribute to economic development by creating an important public amenity along the Blue Ridge Corridor, turning an existing community resource into a year-round ecotourism destination, and fostering the creation of new jobs. Project Name: Town of Morrisville Solar Panel Installations on Town Facilities Amount Secured: $250,000 Description: The Town of Morrisville wants to lead community adoption of sustainable practices and technology. The Town will use $250,000 in funding to purchase and install solar arrays on three of the Town’s largest energy consuming facilities to reduce its carbon footprint. The facilities include the Morrisville Aquatics and Fitness Center, Public Safety and Municipal Services Building, and Harris Mill Road Fire Station. Project Name: Town of Fuquay-Varina Continuous Operation Body Camera System Amount Secured: $180,000 Description: The Town of Fuquay-Varina will use this funding to supply police officers with continuous operation body camera systems. This funding will enable Fuquay-Varina to purchase improved body-worn camera equipment for Police Officers to enhance safety, transparency, and community trust. Body cameras enhance community safety and trust and are essential for 21st century policing. The Fiscal Year 2023 omnibus funding package also includes: A $21 billion increase for veterans’ health care to help with implementation of the PACT Act Reform of the Electoral Count Act of 1887, which will help thwart attempts to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power Robust funding to provide security, economic, and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine in its fight for freedom and democracy Emergency disaster assistance to help victims of hurricanes and wildfires throughout the country $72 billion for the Department of Housing and Urban Development to help address the affordable housing crisis, a $6 billion increase above last year’s levels The package also includes Congresswoman Ross’ legislation, the Unleashing American Innovators Act, critical legislation that will address disparities in the U.S. patent system and expand access to patents for underrepresented communities. The bill will also establish a U.S. Patent Office in the Southeast.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://sherman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-sherman-secures-over-21-million-for-us-israel-cooperative,Congressman Sherman Secures Over $21 million for U.S.-Israel Cooperative Research,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CA,Brad Sherman,S000344,sherman.house.gov,sherman,https://sherman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA) announced the inclusion of over $21 million in funding for U.S.-Israel Cooperative Programming in the government funding bill that President Biden signed last evening. Congressman Sherman led over 80 bipartisan Members in sending a series of letters to the House Appropriations Committee urging the funding of a variety of U.S.-Israel cooperative programs. Congressman Sherman wrote the U.S.-Israel Energy Cooperation Act, which became law in 2007. Since then, Congressman Sherman has led efforts to fund U.S.-Israel joint research projects. These programs fund joint research projects involving both Israeli and American scientists. The Israeli government matches the U.S. investment, so our research dollars go further. Sherman said, ""It is important that we make Israel relevant, even to Americans who don't focus on Middle East policy. Every American could benefit from break-throughs that could come from this research. All too often, when people hear ‘something happened in Israel,' they think of some recent terrorist incident, in a word – Tsuris. Hopefully, when we think of Israel we think not of Tsuris, but of Science."" The programs funded are: -U.S.-Israel Binational Agricultural Research & Development program: $2,000,000. -U.S.-Israel bilateral cooperative program for COVID-19 research & development: $3,080,000. -USAID-Israel International Development Cooperation Program for sustainability: $2,000,000. -U.S.-Israel Binational Industrial Research & Development Foundation (energy): $2,000,000. -U.S.-Israel Center of Excellence in Energy Engineering and Water Technology: $4,000,000. -U.S.-Israel Binational Industrial Research and Development Foundation (cyber): $2,000,000. -U.S.-Israel Cybersecurity Cooperation grant program: $6,000,000. These programs are not aid programs. They leverage relatively small U.S. investments to create private sector and academic innovation and often generate returns for the United States – like the U.S.-Israel Binational Agricultural Research and Development Fund (BARD), which has generated a $16.5 return for every dollar invested. Congressman Sherman's co-leads in fighting for these programs were:Ted Deutch, Congressman Chris Pappas, Congressman Bill Johnson, Congressman David Kustoff, Congressman Jim Langevin, and Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino. The following Members of Congress signed letters in support of these programs:Alma S. Adams, Rick W. Allen, Jake Auchincloss, Cynthia Axne, Jim Banks, Andy Barr, Gus M. Bilirakis, Carolyn Bourdeaux, Brendan F. Boyle, Julia Brownley, Tony Cardenas, Yvette D. Clarke, Gerald E. Connolly, Jim Costa, Joe Courtney, Angie Craig, Eric A. ""Rick"" Crawford, Jason Crow, Suzan K. DelBene, Antonio Delgado, Brian Fitzpatrick, Lizzie Fletcher, Bill Foster, Josh Gottheimer, Vicente Gonzalez, Hakeem Jeffries, John Katko, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Doug LaMalfa, Doug Lamborn, John B. Larson, Debbie Lesko, Mike Levin, Ted W. Lieu, Alan Lowenthal, Elaine G. Luria, Stephen F. Lynch, Nicole Malliotakis, Carolyn B. Maloney, Kathy Manning, Lucy McBath, David B. McKinley, Jerry McNerney, Alex X. Mooney, Grace F. Napolitano, Richard E. Neal, Troy E. Nehls, Tom O'Halleran, Burgess Owens, Jimmy Panetta, Dean Phillips, Kathleen M. Rice, Maria Elvira Salazar, Linda T. Sanchez, John P. Sarbanes, Mary Gay Scanlon, Adam B. Schiff, Bradley Scott Schneider, Kim Schrier, David Schweikert, Albio Sires, Elissa Slotkin, Adrian Smith, Abigail Davis Spanberger, Haley M. Stevens, Marilyn Strickland, Thomas R. Suozzi, Eric Swalwell, Dina Titus, Ritchie Torres, Jefferson Van Drew, Juan Vargas, Marc A. Veasey, Ann Wagner, Jackie Walorski, Susan Wild, Frederica S. Wilson, and Lee Zeldin.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-brown-announces-winner-2022-congressional-app-challenge,Rep. Brown Announces Winner of 2022 Congressional App Challenge,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,OH,Shontel M. Brown,B001313,shontelbrown.house.gov,shontelbrown,https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Shontel Brown (OH-11) issued the following statement announcing the Eleventh District of Ohio’s winner of the Congressional App Challenge, a design competition that focuses on innovation in computer science and programming. Shaker Heights High School student Tyler Bordeaux designed the winning program, BetterSelf: an app that aims to make philosophy more accessible and habitual with the goal of improving the daily lives and mindsets of users. “My heartiest congratulations to Tyler Bordeaux for winning the 2022 Congressional App Challenge!” said Rep. Shontel Brown. “This yearly competition fosters innovation and shines a light on some of the brightest young minds in Northeastern Ohio. Our country's future depends on such quality educational opportunities that build on their unique skills, especially in STEM fields. It will be exciting to see what Tyler and other Northeastern Ohio students accomplish in the years to come as they continue to expand and enhance the impact of technology on our lives.” The winner of the competition will have the honor of being featured in a video display in the U.S. Capitol Building and on the Congressional App Challenge website. Background: The Congressional App Challenge was created to promote an understanding of computer science and inspire our young people to engage in programming. This competition exposes the coming generation to some of the incredibly rewarding careers and skills in STEM. Since its inception, the competition has inspired over 40,000 across all 50 states to channel their innovative ideas for Congress. More information about the Congressional App Challenge is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-biden-admin-wants-control-of-wyomings-water/,Barrasso: Biden Admin Wants Control of Wyoming’s Water,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"CASPER, WY – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) released the following statement in response to the Biden administration’s announcement that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its final rule regarding the definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS). “President Biden is raising from the dead the failed policies of the Obama administration. The Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule is one of the worst offenders. This misguided rule suffocates Wyoming’s farmers, ranchers and landowners alike. Make no mistake, this isn’t about protecting America’s waterways – it’s about putting Washington in control of everything from ponds to potholes. “Wyoming doesn’t need the federal government telling us what to do with our farms, ranches, and land. Americans deserve clean water and clear rules – not more government overreach.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/2022-year-in-review,2022 Year in Review,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,HI,Mazie K. Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,hirono,https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Aloha, Over the past year, Democrats in Congress have passed landmark legislation to lower energy costs, support veterans and seniors, uplift underrepresented communities, and provide funding to upgrade aging infrastructure. As the year comes to a close, I’d like to reflect on the work we’ve done to support families and communities in Hawaii and across our country. Lowering Prescription Drug Costs The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 passed in August will lower prescription drug costs for hundreds of thousands of our kupuna in Hawaii. Thanks to the IRA, Medicare recipients who rely on insulin will have their insulin costs capped at $35 a month starting next year. Starting in 2025, the more than 200,000 Medicare recipients with Part D in Hawaii will have their annual drug costs capped at $2,000. Medicare finally has the power to negotiate prescription drug prices, with the first of those negotiated prices going into effect in 2026. The IRA also includes my bill to make vaccines for things like shingles and hepatitis-A free under Medicare. I recently participated in a Town Hall with AARP Hawaii about the IRA’s drug cost savings, which you can listen to here. Red Hill I have been in direct and regular contact with the Department of Defense and Navy leadership about the Red Hill fuel spill and drinking water system contamination, and more recently the AFFF spill and cleanup efforts. The repeated leaks at Red Hill are completely unacceptable and have been devastating for families and businesses in the impacted area. My focus has been on securing the funding necessary to safely defuel and permanently close the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility on Oahu, which has endangered the health and safety of thousands of families in Hawaii. Last week, I successfully secured $1 billion in the annual defense authorization bill for Red Hill’s closure, and that funding was also included in the year-end appropriations bill. Both of these pieces of legislation have now been signed into law, getting us closer to safely closing Red Hill for good. I’ll continue to insist the Department of Defense coordinates closely with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Hawaii Department of Health, the Board of Water Supply, and other local stakeholders to ensure Red Hill is closed safely and as quickly as possible. Senator Hirono tours the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility with Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman, Senator Jack Reed. Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act Throughout 2022, Hawaii has received hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding to repair, rebuild, and expand infrastructure across the state, thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which is expected to create millions of good-paying jobs over the next decade. This funding is already being used to modernize infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, ports, public transit systems, and the purchase of electric school buses to help keep the air clean. The IIJA also provided investment to expand broadband access for families, and support Hawaii’s transition to clean energy. Helping Veterans As a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, I’m working to support veterans in Hawaii and across the country. This year, we passed the Honoring Our PACT Act to expand VA care to more than 3.5 million Post-9/11 veterans who have been exposed to toxins during their service. Here in Hawaii, construction of the new Daniel K. Akaka Outpatient VA clinic on Oahu continues, bringing us one step closer to opening a new world-class healthcare center for veterans across Hawaii and the entire Pacific region. Supporting Native Hawaiian Survivors of Gender-Based Violence Native women experience disproportionately high levels of sexual violence. However, Native Hawaiian women have been excluded from accessing much-needed federal resources. Just this month, the President signed my legislation to enable Native Hawaiian Organizations to use federal funding to support Native Hawaiian survivors of gender-based violence, something they’ve been unable to do for far too long. I will continue to advocate on behalf of survivors of sexual violence, especially within particularly vulnerable communities such as the Native Hawaiian community. Uplifting AANHPI Communities Earlier this year, President Biden signed into law legislation I introduced in the Senate to establish a commission to study the creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture. This museum would help promote understanding about Asian Pacific Islander American communities and their many contributions to American history and culture. STEM Education This year, Congress also passed and enacted legislation to invest in American innovation and strengthen domestic supply chains. The Chips and Science Act (CHIPS) included historic investment in scientific research and development, funding to support Hawaii’s transition to renewable energy, and tens of billions in federal funding for the domestic manufacturing of semiconductors, which are used in everything from cars to cell phones. The bill also included my Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Opportunities Act, which provides funding for guidance, research, data collection, and other activities to promote opportunities for women and minorities in STEM at colleges and universities and federal science agencies. As we work to spur innovation, it’s critical that we support students and innovators from diverse backgrounds. I’m proud of everything we accomplished this year to help families and communities in Hawaii and across our country. I look forward to continuing to build on this progress in 2023 and beyond. Happy holidays, from my ohana to yours. Mahalo, Mazie K. Hirono United States Senator",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-statement-on-biden-administrations-final-wotus-rule,Hoeven Statement on Biden Administration's Final WOTUS Rule,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven Statement on Biden Administration's Final WOTUS Rule BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a final rule to redefine the Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS). “The Biden administration continues to push overbroad regulations that impose increased costs and greater constraints on our economy, which ultimately lead to higher prices for American consumers,” said Hoeven. “Like the Obama-era rule, this new WOTUS definition violates private property rights and is the wrong approach for our nation. Instead, we need regulatory relief that encourages investment and reduces costs for energy development, agriculture producers and construction, among others, while empowering states to protect the water resources within their borders.” Hoeven has been working to protect private property rights and push back on the Biden administration’s efforts to advance an expanded WOTUS rule, which imposes unworkable mandates, burdensome new permitting requirements and compliance cost on landowners, energy and agriculture producers and other industries. Accordingly, the senator: Helped introduce legislation to codify the Trump-era Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR), which replaced the 2015 WOTUS rule. Hoeven previously worked to advance the NWPR, following his efforts to defund WOTUS in 2015 and 2016 and prevent its implementation. Joined an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court in the case ofSackett v. EPA urging for the preservation of state authority to regulate local waters and lands. Pressing the EPA and the Army Corps to suspend rulemaking on WOTUS until the U.S. Supreme Court completes its consideration ofSackett v. EPA. -###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=F8751C73-8E4E-4119-8A91-8D75D579C836,Sen. Moran Statement on the Passing of Ed Seaton,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,KS,Jerry Moran,M000934,www.moran.senate.gov,moran,https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today issued the following statement after the passing of longtime Kansas newspaper publisher, former Pulitzer Prize Board Chair and Manhattan native Ed Seaton: “Ed Seaton lived a full life, dedicating himself to the advancement of democracy and freedom for the international press. He was a champion of local journalism and worked tirelessly to advocate for journalists on every level. Robba and I were privileged to know Ed personally, and he always treated us graciously. In particular, we valued his leadership of the Landon Lecture Series at Kansas State University. Robba also enjoyed the time they spent serving together at KSU. “Ed leaves a lasting legacy of commitment to journalism, and I am grateful for his passion for making Kansas and the world a better place. I extend my sincere condolences to his son Ned, his daughter-in-law Angie and his grandchildren. Robba and I are praying for them during this difficult time.” # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-releases-2022-end-of-year-report,Murphy Releases 2022 End of Year Report,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,CT,Christopher Murphy,M001169,www.murphy.senate.gov,chrismurphy,https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"HARTFORD–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) released his year-end report outlining the work he’s done for Connecticut residents during 2022: “2022 was Congress’s most productive year in decades. Personally, I was able to pass nearly a dozen pieces of legislation I authored and introduced to help people in Connecticut. This report captures just a glimpse of everything we’ve been able to accomplish. Breaking a thirty year political logjam, we passed a historic piece of gun safety legislation that has already saved lives. We took action to lower drug costs, tackle the climate crisis, invest in mental health, supercharge American manufacturing, and deliver millions in federal funding for our state. It’s my honor to represent the people of Connecticut every day in the Senate, and I look forward to continuing to work together in 2023.” Click here to download Senator Murphy’s 2022 Year in Review and here to watch his 2022 Year in Review video. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-stabenow-announce-lower-health-care-and-prescription-drug-costs-for-michiganders-going-into-effect-january-1st,"Peters, Stabenow Announce Lower Health Care and Prescription Drug Costs for Michiganders Going Into Effect January 1st",2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,MI,Gary C. Peters,P000595,www.peters.senate.gov,garypeters,https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"DETROIT, MI – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) today announced that several Inflation Reduction Act provisions will go into effect on January 1, 2023, cutting costs for Michiganders across the state. A $35 monthly cap on the cost of insulin for Medicare recipients and free vaccines for seniors on Medicare are among the measures that will take effect in the new year. Peters and Stabenow helped pass into law the Inflation Reduction Act in August. “No one should have to choose between getting the health care and prescription drugs they need and putting food on the table,” said Senator Peters. “There’s no question that’s a reality too many Michiganders face. That’s why I’m pleased help is on the way and starting January 1st insulin will be no more than $35 a month for seniors on Medicare and vaccines will be fully covered—with no out-of-pocket costs.” “This year, Senator Peters and I stood up to Big Pharma and won—passing laws to lower the cost of health care in Michigan. On January 1st, the price of insulin will immediately drop for seniors on Medicare and they will not have to pay for their vaccines,” said Senator Stabenow. Beginning January 1, 2023, the following Inflation Reduction Act provisions will go into effect: Insulin will cost no more than $35 a month for seniors on Medicare. Estimates show that more than 73,000 Michigan seniors with diabetes are expected to benefit from this measure that caps out-of-pocket costs at $35 a month for insulin. All vaccines will be free for seniors on Medicare. Approved vaccines under Medicare Part D will be free, which will help an estimated 176,500 Michiganders. With this provision implemented, nearly 9 out of 10 of Americans will have access to vaccines with no out-of-pocket costs. Prescription drug rebates will go into effect for Medicare. Pharmaceutical companies will be required to pay back the federal government through rebates if prices for critical prescription drugs covered through Medicare rise faster than inflation. This measure is aimed to lower costs for Medicare patients and discourage pharmaceutical companies from exploiting inflation to hike up their prices. The Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law in August 2022. In addition to lowering health care and prescription drug costs, the law makes landmark investments to tackle climate change, creates good-paying jobs and incentivizes domestic manufacturing, while fighting inflation and reducing the deficit. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-2022-year-in-review/,Senator Scott 2022 Year in Review,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) released his 2022 year in review, highlighting the work his office did on behalf of the people of South Carolina and advancing his Opportunity Agenda across the country. This year, Senator Scott introduced 18 bills, 7 resolutions, and 13 amendments. Twenty one pieces of his legislation were in part or fully enacted this year. While he voted against the Democrats’ big spending increase in the omnibus bill, the senator was able to secure passage of many bills and provisions he led or supported in the accompanying legislative package. Among those wins were: Portions of Senator Scott’s MADE in America Act that strengthen the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain; A 2-year extension of Medicare telehealth flexibilities; A 2-year extension of the hospital at home program, based off of language in Senator Scott’s Hospital Inpatient Modernization Act; Senator Scott’s Advancing Auto Portability Act, which cuts red tape to help Americans who change jobs frequently to increase retirement savings; and Key provisions of Senator Scott’s IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act. South Carolina Senator Scott continued his emphasis on communicating directly with constituents. To that end, he increased the number of letters sent annually by nearly 70%, amounting to more than 17,000 letters sent in 2022 alone. The senator continued his efforts to aid the South Carolina Port Authority in its harbor deepening project, and joined with South Carolina leaders earlier this month to celebrate Charleston becoming home to the deepest port on the East Coast. As a result of his efforts to strengthen the Minority Business Development Agency, South Carolina was issued a grant for $1.6 million. Law Enforcement In recognition of his work to support and increase funding for training for police departments across the country, Senator Scott was given numerous awards from law enforcement organizations. At the beginning of the month, the Federal Law Enforcement Foundation honored the senator with their National Service Award. In July, he received the Florida Sheriffs Association’s National Legislative Champion Award, and in February he was given another legislative champion award from the Major County Sheriffs of America. The Scott-sponsored Law Enforcement De-escalation Training Act, a bill that equips law enforcement officers with the tools to effectively and safely respond to people in crisis, was passed and signed into law by President Biden. The new requirements for developing de-escalation training standards contained in the bill are the same requirements included in Senator Scott’s JUSTICE Act, which was introduced in 2020. Justice & Fairness One of the marquee achievements this year was the passage of Senator Scott’s anti-lynching legislation, named in honor of Emmett Till. The senator first introduced the bipartisan legislation in 2018. This is a key component of his broader mission to combat hate crimes, which has included speaking out against bomb threats at HBCUs and forming the Senate Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations. Senator Scott successfully lobbied FEMA to change its disaster relief policies that discriminated against Black homeowners. Known as heirs property, more than a third of Black-owned land in the South is passed down informally, rather than through deeds and wills, which precluded those land owners from getting much-needed FEMA aid after natural disasters. Following this push and policy change, 42,000 homeowners and 53,000 renters nationwide—who would have previously been denied—received disaster assistance, totaling $350 million. Education As the co-chair of the Congressional School Choice Caucus, Senator Scott hosted the inaugural School Choice Caucus Breakfast with dozens of Congressional and education leaders to call attention to the growing nationwide support for school choice and fight against the Biden administration’s attempts to limit education options for students. He also led the charge to get answers from Education Secretary Miguel Cardona on his coordination with the National School Boards Association that led to concerned parents being labeled as domestic terrorists. As the co-chair of the bipartisan HBCU Caucus, Senator Scott hosted the first ever HBCU Career Fair in conjunction with Benedict College. The event served as a forum to foster public-private partnerships and introduce students and alumni to career, fellowship, and internship opportunities with South Carolina’s top employers. As the co-chair of the Congressional Financial Literacy Caucus, Senator Scott co-led a resolution designating April as Financial Literacy Month and led a forum on the importance of youth financial literacy. He also spearheaded efforts to build consumers’ financial capability and broader economic well-being. Aging Committee As the ranking member on the Aging Committee, Senator Scott led the charge to reopen Social Security field offices. After being closed for more than a year due to COVID, the senator’s pressure campaign to reopen allowed seniors and people with disabilities to once again receive in-person services for the benefits they deserve. Throughout the year, the senator led a series of reports on issues that represent national imperatives for older Americans including senior nutrition programs, financial literacy, senior housing, retirement security, drug pricing, and home and community based services. He also led the effort to combat frauds and scams that target seniors through the publication of an annual Fraud Book, hearings investigating frauds, and a Fraud Hotline to support seniors. Health Care Senator Scott led his colleagues in urging the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to support and strengthen the Medicare Advantage (MA) program. Following their efforts, CMS announced lower than expected premiums for individuals utilizing the MA program, which covers one third of the Medicare enrollees across South Carolina. Foreign Affairs & National Security Senator Scott continued his vocal support for Israel and fight against threats to peace and stability in the Middle East. To that end, he introduced the Commission of Inquiry (COI) Elimination Act, a bipartisan bill to withhold U.S. funding for the United Nation Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for their targeted and biased investigation into Israel. He also introduced the Solidify Iran Sanctions Act, which would make permanent sanctions against Iran’s energy sector. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-criticizes-biden-admins-resuscitated-overreaching-wotus-rule,"Sullivan Criticizes Biden Admin’s Resuscitated, Overreaching WOTUS Rule",2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,AK,Dan Sullivan,S001198,www.sullivan.senate.gov,sullivan,https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=26,scraper,"ANCHORAGE, ALASKA—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, today released the following statement criticizing the Biden administration’s recently-announced Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Rule under the Clean Water Act. “The Biden administration today announced its ‘final’ Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Rule, resuscitating the burdensome and overreaching Obama-era ‘final’ interpretation of the Clean Water Act and giving the EPA vast authority over lands across the country, particularly in Alaska, which has more wetlands than any other state in the country by far. Remarkably, the Biden administration refused to pause issuing this WOTUS Rule just a few months until the Supreme Court rules in a case (Sackett vs. EPA II) that will determine the scope of the agency’s authority under the Clean Water Act. As a result, millions of hard-working Americans and Alaskans are left in regulatory limbo. “Under this rule, land owners face the potential for thousands of dollars in litigation and months of bureaucratic back-and-forth just to fill a ditch or build a structure on their own property. This rule abandons the balanced, bipartisan and statutorily-based implementation of the Clean Water Act that we had achieved working with the Trump administration, through multiple court victories, and through multiple field hearings I chaired as a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee—including in Alaska. “The truth is, all Americans want clean water, and we have some of the country’s cleanest water right here in Alaska. But the federal government should not take authority from states and run rough shod over the law, good-paying jobs, and our economy—which is on the verge of a recession—to achieve that goal. I will do everything I can to fight this illegal federal power grab, and I look forward to the Supreme Court once again reining in this out-of-control federal agency.” Below is a timeline of Sen. Sullivan’s work on the WOTUS Rule. On April 6 and April 8, 2015, Sen. Sullivan chaired Environment and Public Works Subcommittee field hearings in Anchorage and in Fairbanks on the impacts of the previously proposed WOTUS Rule on state and local governments and stakeholders. On April 30, 2015, Sen. Sullivan, along with Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), Pat Roberts (R-Kas.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), introduced the bipartisan Federal Water Quality Protection Act (S. 1140) to direct the EPA and the Department of the Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to issue a revised WOTUS Rule that protects navigable water from water pollution, while also protecting farmers, ranchers and private landowners. On May 19, 2015, Sen. Sullivan chaired a subcommittee legislative hearing on S.1140 The Federal Water Quality Protection Act. This bill would have withdrawn the WOTUS Rule and required EPA to more appropriately define what bodies are “Waters of the United States.” On October 9, 2015, Sen. Sullivan issued a statement on the nationwide stay of the EPA’s previous WOTUS Rule. On September 30, 2015, Sen. Sullivan chaired a subcommittee hearing titled “Oversight of the Army Corps of Engineers’ Participation in the Development of the New Regulatory Definition of ‘Waters of the United States.’” On May 24, 2016 Sen. Sullivan chaired a subcommittee hearing titled “Erosion of Exemptions and Expansion of Federal Control –Implementation of the Definition of Waters of the United States.” On February 28, 2017, Sen. Sullivan attended a meeting at the White House where President Trump signed an executive order that began to roll back the EPA’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Rule. On April 26, 2017, the EPW committee held an oversight hearing titled “A Review of the Technical, Scientific, and Legal Basis of the WOTUS Rule.” At the hearing, Chairman Barrasso called for the withdrawal of the fundamentally flawed rule. Witnesses testified that the 2015 WOTUS Rule is not supported by the Corps’ experience and expertise, scientific studies, or the law. On June 27, 2017, Senator Sullivan shared his views on the EPA’s efforts to withdraw and rewrite the overreaching WOTUS Rule. On September 27, 2017, Senator Sullivan, along with committee members Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Jerry Moran (R-Kas.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), sent a letter to the EPA and the Corps in support of the proposed withdrawal of the 2015 WOTUS Rule. On December 11, 2018, the EPA and the Corps proposed a revised definition of the WOTUS Rule. In January 2020, the EPA and the Corps issued a revised definition of the WOTUS Rule. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=3FB17931-E9AB-424E-B3BD-B588C30CF4A9,Thune Statement on Biden Administration’s Over-Reaching WOTUS Rule,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,thune,https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"“I strongly oppose this thinly veiled land grab, I urge the administration to abandon this retread of a misguided rule, and if it does not, I will push for the Senate to overturn this over-reaching regulation.” SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published its new Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule: “Like President Obama before him, President Biden is trying to greatly expand the reach of the federal government into the lives of farmers and ranchers,” said Thune. “Opening up nearly every body of water to federal jurisdiction would be a nightmare for property owners and producers in South Dakota and across the country. I strongly oppose this thinly veiled land grab, I urge the administration to abandon this retread of a misguided rule, and if it does not, I will push for the Senate to overturn this over-reaching regulation.” Background: In September 2022, Thune helped introduce the Simplify Timelines and Assure Regulatory Transparency Act, comprehensive federal regulatory permitting and project review reform legislation that would codify sensible regulations like the Navigable Waters Protection Rule instead of the Biden administration’s over-reaching WOTUS proposal. In April 2022, Thune joined an amicus brief in support of the petitioners in the pending case Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which is directly related to how much authority the federal government has over states and private citizens to regulate “waters of the United States” under the Clean Water Act (CWA). In February 2022, Thune led the entire Senate Republican Conference in urging the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to suspend the pending rulemaking to redefine the scope of waters protected under the CWA, specifically WOTUS, until the U.S. Supreme Court completes its consideration of Sackett v. EPA, as the case is expected to have major implications on CWA scope and enforcement. Oral arguments for the case were heard on October 3, and an opinion is not expected until 2023.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-secures-over-20-million-federal-funding-local-projects,Bilirakis Secures Over $20 Million in Federal Funding for Local Projects,2022-12-29,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,FL,Gus M. Bilirakis,B001257,bilirakis.house.gov,bilirakis,https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"December 29, 2022 Washington, DC: In keeping with his long-standing tradition of providing exceptional constituent service, Congressman Gus Bilirakis has worked tirelessly throughout the past year to ensure that his community received its fair share of federally allocated funds. In total, 12 of the 15 priority project proposals submitted by Congressman Gus Bilirakis this year have just been approved. These projects will bring a total $20,275,000 in federal funding to the Tampa Bay area. Each of the selected projects address substantial unmet needs within Florida's 12th Congressional District, including: $2 million to help prevent flooding in north Pinellas and south Pasco counties through stormwater and roadway improvements, $3 million for Moffitt’s Pasco County Expansion to build the Research and Life Science Facility that will serve as a regional hub for the delivery of high-quality healthcare, cancer research, education, and biotech business development. $800,000 for the Pasco County Alliance for Healthy Communities Substance Use Prevention Program to provide coordinated behavioral health services in an effort to combat the overdose crisis occurring throughout the community. In 2021, Pasco had a record high of 1,526 overdoses. $500,000 to support more than 300 at-risk middle and high school aged girls in Pasco and Hernando counties enrolled in the PACE Center for Girls program achieve long-term socio-economic independence by graduating from high school, entering higher education, attaining certification training, and gaining employment skills, $2.5 million to build a one-stop-shop senior center in Pasco County operated by CARES. The services provided through the center will help improve the quality of life and maintain independence for many of the most frail and vulnerable seniors within the community, $2 million for the Craig Park/Spring Bayou Seawall Repair in Tarpon Springs. These funds would be used to replace deteriorating historic seawalls and waterfront sidewalk, raising them to address sea level rise. Tarpon Springs is the lowest city land area in Pinellas County and is the greatest at risk to flooding. The sidewalks and City dock on Spring Bayou are frequently underwater which has caused structural problems. Access to the scenic Spring Bayou area is often barricaded to pedestrian access. $1.27 million for to build new units of housing at the Vincent House for those struggling with mental illness, $2 million for the Pasco Sheriff’s Department to upgrade technology at its regional Center for the Recovery of Missing Persons, $2.4 million to install ADA-compliant bus stops along Moon Lake Road in West Pasco, $600k for the Lighthouse for Visually impaired to assist older adults in Pasco, Hernando and Citrus, counties by empowering these adults with disabilities to live more independently in their home and communities with a focus on improved mental health, $2 million for renovation of the Children’s Crisis Stabilization Unit operated by Personal Enrichment through Mental Health Services, $1.225 million for a school readiness and early literacy program operated by the Pinellas County Education Foundation “While I am no proponent of big government spending, I have a duty to ensure my community receives its fair share of allocated federal resources and to be transparent about my efforts to prioritize these important projects. Each of these good projects will help strengthen our local infrastructure, benefit our community, and assist local residents, "" said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. To learn more about these approved projects, click here. If Congress allows future community projects to be considered, Congressman Bilirakis will share application details on his website. Issues:Economic Policy",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bipartisan-bill-honor-last-living-nuremberg-prosecutor-signed-law,Bipartisan Bill to Honor Last Living Nuremberg Prosecutor Signed Into Law,2022-12-29,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,FL,Gus M. Bilirakis,B001257,bilirakis.house.gov,bilirakis,https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12), Lois Frankel (D-FL-21), Joe Wilson (R-SC-02), Ted Deutch (D-FL-22), Jim McGovern (D-MA-02), and Chris Smith (R-NJ-04) released the following statements after their bipartisan bill to award Benjamin Ferencz—the last living Nuremberg prosecutor—a Congressional Gold Medal was signed into law. ""The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions. Certainly Ben Ferencz, who has spent more than 50 years prosecuting war crimes and genocide, qualifies for this prestigious honor. Throughout history, humanity has encountered many faces of evil. Our brightest moments as an international community have been those in which we present a united front in our efforts to identify and eradicate its presence. Mr. Ferencz has been at the helm leading that important work, and I am humbled to help honor him,"" said Rep. Bilirakis. ""It is an honor to recognize the last living Nuremberg prosecutor, 102-year-old Benjamin Ferencz, with the Congressional Gold Medal—Congress's highest expression of civilian appreciation. Mr. Ferencz's lifelong commitment to justice, peace, and human dignity is an inspiration to all who value freedom and humanity,"" said Rep. Frankel. ""Now, the US Senate must get this bipartisan bill over the finish line so that we can give Mr. Ferencz the recognition he deserves."" ""Ben Ferencz is a true champion of human rights. Beginning with his time as an investigator in World War II and chief U.S. Army prosecutor during the Nuremberg Trials, through his long, outstanding career as an advocate of international rule of law,"" said Rep. Wilson. ""Mr. Ferencz deserves our respect and appreciation. I am grateful to have co-led this bill to award him the Congressional Gold Medal and for the passage of this bill today. Thank you for your lifelong dedication to justice and integrity."" ""The Nuremberg Trials, the first international war crimes tribunal in human history, was a monumental milestone for the international community—a step toward true accountability for those who committed crimes against humanity during World War II. Ben Ferencz, who spent more than 50 years prosecuting the most horrific war crimes, is a living embodiment of the Nuremberg legacy,"" said Rep. Ted Deutch. ""Mr. Ferencz's lifetime of work carries particular significance today. At a time when there are fewer and fewer Holocaust survivors to share their experiences, Mr. Ferencz, the last remaining prosecutor from this tribunal, is a shining example to us all of the continued importance of speaking out, showing zero tolerance for war crimes, and ensuring what happened during the Holocaust never happens again. In honoring him, we commit to continuing his efforts."" ""Ben Ferencz has dedicated his life to standing up for human rights and justice,"" said Rules Committee Chairman James P. McGovern. ""As Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, I often hear how grave atrocities such as genocide happen because good people look the other way or fail to take action. Ben Ferencz has spent the last five decades ensuring that we do not look away—and that those who commit these heinous crimes are held accountable. Nuremberg is the model on how to investigate, how to interrogate, how to prosecute, and how to mete out justice. I am so proud that Congress came together in a bipartisan way to honor Mr. Ferencz with the Congressional Gold Medal. For ‘never again' to mean ‘enough is enough,' it is critically important for us to continue to honor and elevate the work of heroes like Mr. Ferencz."" During World War II, Ferencz served in the U.S. Army and helped collect evidence of Nazi war crimes. After the war, he was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant of Infantry and was awarded five battle stars for his service. Later, he was appointed Chief Prosecutor in the trial that convicted 22 former Nazi Schutzstaffel (SS) officials for their roles in the murder of over a million people.Over the course of his life, Ferencz has been a tireless advocate for the rule of law and international justice. This remarkable centenarian embodies the best of what the United States—and the American people—offer to the world. The Congressional Gold Medal is Congress' highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions. The first Congressional Gold Medal was given to George Washington in 1776 and has been awarded just 179 times to our nation's heroes, activists, scientists, and other important figures in our society.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/two-more-bilirakis-bills-become-law-1,Two More Bilirakis Bills Become Law,2022-12-29,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,FL,Gus M. Bilirakis,B001257,bilirakis.house.gov,bilirakis,https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.– Two bills authored by Congressman Bilirakis were signed into law as part of the end of year Omnibus spending package. While the Congressman could not, in good conscience, vote for the final spending package due to the damage that continued reckless spending will have on his constituents, he is pleased to see the consumer protection measures he has worked on over the past two years as the lead Republican on the Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee finally become law. The first bill, ""Reporting Attacks from Nations Selected for Oversight and Monitoring Web Attacks and Ransomware from Enemies Act"" or the ""RANSOMWARE Act"" will strengthen the federal government's efforts to respond to recent ransomware and other cyber-attacks from foreign adversaries, such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. “We have seen an increase in cyber-crimes targeting Americans across the country, from hospitals, law enforcement entities, to even run-of-the-mill businesses in our communities. Congress should be better equipped with information that the Federal Trade Commission learns of by working with foreign law enforcement agencies, and as a result of receiving cross-border complaints that involve ransomware and cyber security threats, so that we may work to make America more resilient,” said Congressman Bilirakis. Specifically, Bilirakis's legislation will amend and update the U.S. SAFE WEB Act of 2006, which first enabled cooperation with foreign law enforcement agencies on international consumer protection issues and will require the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to report on cross-border complaints involving ransomware. The second Bilirakis measure included in the package is the Integrity, Notification, and Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces for Consumers (INFORM Consumers) Act, which directs online marketplaces to verify the identity of high-volume third-party sellers of consumer products. Congressman Bilirakis led this legislation with his colleague, Chairman Jan Schakowsky. Requiring authentication of the identity of these online sellers will help deter organized retail crime rings who seek to sell stolen or counterfeit goods online. The bill will also benefit consumers by providing them with basic identification and contact information for the high-volume third-party sellers. Click here to listen to Bilirakis discussing this initiative when it was considered on the House Floor. ""This pro-consumer legislation enacts uniform, nationwide rules to promote safety, increase transparency, and provide greater accountability for online sales. It will provide a layer of enhanced protections for consumers from stolen and counterfeit goods without adding undue burdens on small mom-and-pop businesses,"" said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. ""This bill is a win-win for consumers and legitimate businesses in the online marketplace."" Along with the rise in popularity of online marketplaces like Amazon, Facebook, and eBay, there has been an increase of stolen, counterfeit, and dangerous consumer products offered for sale online to consumers. Currently, it is relatively easy for third-party sellers to go onto an online marketplace, create an account, sell high volumes of illicit goods to unwitting consumers, and then shut down the account and disappear before facing any accountability.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://cammack.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-cammack-visits-us-troops-overseas-during-christmas-tour,Rep. Cammack Visits U.S. Troops Overseas During Christmas Tour,2022-12-29,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,FL,Kat Cammack,C001039,cammack.house.gov,cammack,https://cammack.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"GAINESVILLE, FL — Over the last week, Congresswoman Kat Cammack visited with American servicemembers on military bases in the Middle East during a congressional delegation trip over the Christmas holiday. The delegation made stops in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Greece, visiting with U.S. servicemembers serving across Europe and the Middle East. While there, they served lunch to and ate with enlisted servicemembers from their home districts on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, hearing from them about their missions and their time in the U.S. Armed Forces. The members also visited with local children at an educational center at one of the stops. ""It's a special privilege to be with our troops during Christmas, and to thank them for all they do and sacrifice to keep our nation safe,"" said Cammack. ""It was great to spend time with our active-duty military, reservists, and National Guardsmen and women. Their families are thinking of them not just during Christmastime, but throughout the year, and as members of Congress, it's a rare opportunity to let these heroes just how much we appreciate and support them when they can't share the holidays with their families and friends back home."" Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI), who chairs the Subcommittee on Middle East, North Africa, and Global Counterterrorism with the House Foreign Affairs Committee led the congressional delegation trip. Reps. Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Aumua Amata (R-American Samoa), Joe Wilson (R-SC), and Susan Wild (D-PA) also joined. ""I met several constituents from Florida's Third, including a handful from Alachua, Clay, Marion, and Putnam Counties. One constituent from Orange Park is serving with the U.S. Space Force and shared a patch from her unit that I'll proudly display in my office to think of her and all the amazing people we met during our travels. On behalf of Florida's Third Congressional District, thank you to the men and women serving our nation around the world—we will work hard to continue honoring your service and sacrifice year-round."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1024,Case: Congress-Passed Funding Measure Focuses Billions On Indo-Pacific And Hawaii's Role,2022-12-29,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=16,scraper,"(Washington, DC) -- U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01), a member of the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for all federal discretionary spending, said that the $1.7 trillion omnibus measure to fund the federal government for the current Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 includes billions in State and Defense Department funding focused on the Indo-Pacific and Hawaii’s role, a measure just signed into law by the President. “This measure strengthens our national defense and bolsters our commitments to diplomacy, development and democracy throughout the Indo-Pacific, where the future of our country and world is being determined,” said Case. “It also recognizes Hawaii’s continued critical role through investments in facilities, personnel and institutions that are integral parts of our overall efforts, in addition to major contributors to our local economy.” Provisions of special interest to Hawai‘i and for which Case advocated throughout the yearlong FY 2023 appropriations process include: · $22 million for the East-West Center. · $1.8 billion for implementation of the Indo-Pacific Strategy to counter malign influence and promote peace, prosperity and democracy in the region, an increase of over $100 million from the prior fiscal year. · Report language encouraging the Department of State to increase the number of scholarships available for Pacific Islanders to study in the United States, many of whom study at the University of Hawai‘i. · An $8 million increase for the Asia Pacific Regional Initiative, a key program supporting the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. This program enables the military to execute Theater Security Cooperation activities, such as humanitarian assistance and paying incremental personnel costs of training and exercising with foreign security forces. The initiative is a critical tool for the U.S. military to strengthen relationships throughout the Indo-Pacific region. · Support for the Coast Guard’s role in the Indo-Pacific and a required review of the Coast Guard’s assets in Oceania and facilities on O‘ahu. State and Foreign Operations The FY 2023 measure, passed by Congress last Thursday, December 23rd and soon to be signed by the President, includes $59.7 billion in U.S. foreign assistance in public health, basic education, educational and cultural exchanges, climate change and other programs through the U.S. Department of State, Agency for International Development, contributions to the United Nations and its agencies and more. It also implements provisions of Case’s BLUE Pacific Act, to increase overall U.S. engagement throughout the Pacific Island, and includes $22 million for the East-West Center. “Our BLUE Pacific Act, together with funding for the East-West Center and other institutions and efforts focused in the Indo-Pacific, sends a powerful message to our critical Pacific Islands partners and allies that our country values our relationships, will invest further in them and will continue as an active and engaged partner in pursuit of our shared interests values,” said Case, who joined four congressional delegations to the Indo-Pacific this year including most recently Fiji. Programs and provisions secured by Case related to the Indo-Pacific and his BLUE Pacific Act include: · $1.8 billion for implementation of the Indo-Pacific Strategy to counter malign influence and promote peace, prosperity and democracy in the region, an increase of over $100 million. · Bill language requiring at least $150 million for the Pacific Islands region, almost double previous spending. · Increased funding for the Young Pacific Leaders Program, a Department of State program for emerging young leaders from Hawai‘i, Guam, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Solomon Islands and other Pacific nations. · Report language encouraging the Department of State to increase the number of scholarships available for Pacific Islanders to study in the United States, many of whom study at the University of Hawai‘i. · $430.5 million for the Peace Corps, an increase of $20 million over the FY 2022 enacted level, along with language encouraging the Peace Corps to prioritize the Pacific Islands in the return of volunteers. · Report language recommending no less than $20 million for climate resilient development and climate mitigation and adaptation efforts in the Pacific Islands. · Language in support of expanding the U.S. diplomatic presence in the Pacific Islands and expanding the programming of the U.S. Agency for Global Media in the region. · Report language requiring the Department of State to create a strategy on trade capacity building in the Pacific Islands. · Report language recommending the expansion of the International Law Enforcement Academy to the Pacific Islands, and supporting the Pacific Islands in their efforts to combat transnational crime. “As Hawai`i and the rest of our planet continue to confront the impacts of climate change, we must focus on our Pacific Island communities, as they and we act are particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels, extreme weather events, protracted droughts and land loss, to name just a few,” said Case. The measure includes $2 billion in the State and Foreign Operations section to address climate change and other environmental programs, including: · $150 million for the Global Environment Facility, $1 million above the FY 2022 enacted level. · $125 million for the Clean Technology Fund. · $270 million for adaptation programs. · $260 million for clean energy programs. DEFENSE The measure’s U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) provisions include another $1 billion to continue Red Hill defueling, closure, health and water quality monitoring and other efforts, over and above the $1.1 billion secured by the Hawai‘i Congressional delegation on an emergency basis earlier this year for FY 2022, together with various Case requests to strengthen oversight. It also supports Case’s effort to expand and improve the military’s engagement with the local community throughout Hawai‘i, including a directive that the Secretary of Defense work with Hawai‘i government to address the disconnect between the services and various communities in Hawai‘i. “The military must foster a better relationship with our local community to repair the damaged trust of Red Hill and rebuild support for various critical defense initiatives in our state,” said Case. The measure includes Case’s requested funding for various national programs that are utilized by the military in Hawai‘i to support local communities. Those requests include $80 million for Impact Aid education programs, $175 million for the Readiness and Environmental Protection Initiative (REPI) that protects environmentally sensitive lands, and $260 million for the National Guard Youth Challenge, Starbase and other programs to help troubled youth. Through REPI, DoD works with state and local governments, conservation organizations and willing private landowners to implement compatible uses of lands for the military mission and conservation. For calendar year 2022, REPI will provide $19.2 million, which will be coupled with $15.1 million in partner contributions, to acquire and protect invaluable lands on O’ahu. The measure also supports the Pacific Deterrence Initiative (PDI), which bolsters deterrence and maintains our competitive edge in the Indo-Pacific in recognition of threats posed by China and the need to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific. A key component of the PDI for FY 2023 is $393.2 million for the missile defense of Guam, which faces threats from ballistic, hypersonic and cruise missiles. Increased funding is also directed to joint exercises and other activities with our partners and allies in the region. Other programs and provisions of specific relevance to Hawai‘i and requested and secured by Case include: · Funding for two SSN-774 Virginia Class attack submarines, which are critical to protecting the Indo-Pacific and will be maintained at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. · $317 million for Environmental Restoration, Formerly Used Defense Sites, which is $90 million over the President’s budget request. These funds will help accelerate efforts to remove unexploded ordnance and discarded military munitions in Hawai‘i and throughout the nation. · $150 million for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, which maintains large scientific laboratories and other efforts at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. · Retention of the military contracting preference language for Native American tribes and Native Hawaiian Organizations. · $164 million for the X-Band Radar, which defends Hawai‘i from ballistic missile threats as the DoD pauses funding for Homeland Defense Radar-Hawai‘i and conducts a large study to reassess how to best protect Hawai‘i from missile attacks. · An $8 million increase for the Asia Pacific Regional Initiative, a key program supporting the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command headquartered in Hawai’i. This program enables the military to execute Theater Security Cooperation activities, such as humanitarian assistance and paying incremental personnel costs of training and exercising with foreign security forces. The initiative is a critical tool for the U.S. military to strengthen relationships throughout the Indo-Pacific region. · $39.2 billion for medical and health care programs, which includes the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP), which allocates $582.5 million for cancer research. The CDMRP fills research gaps by funding high impact, high risk and high gain projects that other agencies may not venture to fund. Military Construction The FY 2023 omnibus measure includes several Case requests through his membership on the House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. These include $71 million for two critical community project funding requests, submitted jointly with Senators Schatz and Hirono, for the initial planning, design and construction phase for two water system distribution upgrades serving Fort Shafter and Tripler Army Medical Center. The water systems at both locations have begun to fail and must be replaced to ensure access to clean drinking water. The medical center upgrade will support over 450,000 service members, veterans and their families that use the hospital. These beneficiaries come from not only Hawai‘i but from throughout the Indo-Pacific. Case said that, in addition to the $1 billion provided through the Defense portion of the measure, another $25 million is provided to address the Red Hill Crisis for the planning and design of water treatment and distribution facilities construction. He added that the funds can also be used to design facilities to help remediate the Red Hill shaft. There is also $50 million for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command planning and design and minor construction to advance critical projects in a strategically vital region of the world. The additional funds can be used by the Navy and the Indo-Pacific Command to begin the planning and design for building new facilities to remove and relocate the fuel currently at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility. The bill also provides a further $1.3 billion, an increase of $492 million above FY 2022, for the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Plan (SIOP), a $21 billion multi-year effort to upgrade the Navy’s four public shipyards. This includes over $621 million for Dry Dock 5 and $20 million for the planning and design for the Waterfront Production Facility at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility, Hawaii’s largest industrial employer with some 6,000 local employees. “Keeping SIOP on track and fully funded is one of my top priorities on my Appropriations Committee,” said Case. “These additional funds are especially targeted at continuing the massive Pearl Harbor project to build a new $3.5 billion state-of-the-art drydock for the next generation of Navy submarines and surface ships, a project that will contribute tremendously not just to our national defense but to our local economy.” The bill funds critical defense infrastructure in Hawai‘i. These projects include $87.9 million for a new barracks on Marine Corps Base Hawai‘i, $103 million for upgrading the missile magazines at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, and $111 million for a new company operations facility on Schofield Barracks. Other specific programs and provisions requested and secured by Case include: · $29 million for the Army National Guard Readiness Center in Kapolei, which would improve the Hawai‘i National Guard’s facilities. · Provision directing the DoD to address Hawai‘i missile defense in the absence of the Homeland Defense Radar-Hawai‘i, which has been paused as the department conducts a large study to reassess how to best protect Hawai‘i from missile attacks. · Provision directing the DoD to address underfunded and dilapidated Army infrastructure on O‘ahu via the Hawai‘i Infrastructure Readiness Initiative. Case’s Appropriations Committee is responsible for allocating some $1.7 trillion in funding to federal government agencies, departments and organizations on an annual basis. A detailed summary of the FY 2023 omnibus is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://cherfilus-mccormick.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-cherfilus-mccormick-and-congressman-espaillat-spearhead-letter,Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick and Congressman Espaillat Spearhead Letter to the Administration Outlining the United States’ Support for Haiti Relief Efforts,2022-12-29,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,FL,Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick,C001127,cherfilus-mccormick.house.gov,cherfilus-mccormick,https://cherfilus-mccormick.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON –Today, Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) and Congressman Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) led a bipartisan letter urging the Administration to consider leading an international task force to assist in addressing the Republic of Haiti’s security and humanitarian crises. In the letter, the Members urge President Biden and Secretary Blinken to strongly consider providing additional aid to Haiti to combat the political, economic, and humanitarian crises plaguing the Caribbean nation. Reps. Yvette Clarke (D-NY) and María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) also signed the letter. In the letter, the Members write: Dear Mr. President and Secretary Blinken: Thank you for your service and leadership. We write to request that the United States consider leading an international task force to assist in addressing the Republic of Haiti’s security and humanitarian crises. Earlier this month, we participated in the United Nations (“UN”) Foundation’s “Congressional Learning Trip to the UN Headquarters.” During our trip, we were briefed on Haiti’s dire political, economic, and health situation. After receiving the UN’s suggested recommendations, our congressional delegation devised a path forward. Based on briefings from dignitaries and organizational leaders, who provided on-the-ground intelligence and expertise, we formulated three requests for the Administration. Respectively, we would like the U.S. to lead an international task force that addresses our requests and the humanitarian needs of the people of the Republic of Haiti. First, we request that the United States consider leading the rapid response efforts to address the crises in Haiti in a collaborative manner that places the human rights of Haitians and democracy for all at the center. As you are aware, on July 7, 2021, the President of Haiti, Jovenel Moïse, was assassinated by foreign mercenaries. Since then, the Republic of Haiti has been plagued by political instability. The country lacks an elected president, has no parliamentary quorum, and has a dysfunctional high court due to a lack of judges. Additionally, the Caribbean nation has been hard-hit by devastating natural disasters. Moreover, the country is marred by gang violence, fuel shortages, and a cholera epidemic. Rapid response efforts should include assistance to address Haiti’s political instability, gang violence, economic crisis, health epidemic, and humanitarian crisis. To move the country forward, Haiti needs a government with functioning executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Additionally, gang violence must cease for rapid response units to contend with the ongoing economic, health, and humanitarian crises. However, safeguards would need to be implemented to ensure that any rapid response unit deployed does not remain in Haiti longer than necessary so that the country can have a Haitian-driven rebuilding process. Second, we request that the United States continue strengthening the Haitian National Police (“PNH”).We believe that positive change will come from financial assistance to Haiti for the purpose of adequate resourcing, re-training, and technical assistance for the PNH to produce an elite national police unit skilled to combat the violence and gangs that are currently obstructing access to essential goods for the Haitian people. Following the assassination of President Moïse, Haiti’s police force has struggled to maintain control and is ill-equipped, as more than 200 gangs have overrun the beleaguered country. The police force’s inability to reign in violence has resulted in numerous killings of police officers and attacks on official buildings. In November 2022, the director of Haiti’s National Police Academy, Harrington Rigaud, was shot and killed in a gang-controlled neighborhood in the country’s capital, Port-au-Prince, as he sat inside an official police vehicle. In October 2022, it was reported that Haitian Foreign Minister Jean Victor Geneus made a plea at the Organization of American States (OAS) Summit for international police support as the PNH struggles to respond to the escalating gang violence. Undoubtedly, assistance is needed, and we believe the United States can lead the international effort to address these life-threatening concerns. Third, we request that the United States continue providing humanitarian aid to Haiti. Today, violence, hunger, and cholera threaten to kill thousands of Haitians. According to an October 2022 UN World Food Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization report, “a record 4.7 million people face acute hunger [,] and almost 20,000 people are enduring ‘catastrophic hunger,’ meaning they are at risk of starving to death.” It is estimated that 2.4 million school-aged children are not enrolled, as eighty percent of schools are closed due to ongoing gang violence. Unfortunately, many unenrolled adolescents have been recruited by the gangs via social media and now make up roughly sixty percent of the gang members. Haitian gangs have blocked all humanitarian corridors and are attacking humanitarians trying to deliver aid. As a result, the UN has been forced to negotiate with gang members. Reportedly, several United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (“UNICEF”) employees and their family members have been kidnapped, and their families have been asked to prepare ransom payments in exchange for their return. For months, women and girls have been subjected to gender-based violence—mostly rape—at the hands of gangs. On October 18, 2022, UNICEF classified the situation in Haiti as a Level-2 emergency. Currently, Haiti has no humanitarian or non-profit organization to assist with the country’s many crises. If possible, we request that the United States work with the international community and the Haitian diaspora to render humanitarian assistance to the people of Haiti, potentially creating employment opportunities and strengthening our foreign relations with other countries. Moreover, we encourage you to advise and assist in revamping Haiti’s healthcare infrastructure to help address the most pressing health concerns, including maternal and neonatal health. A significant first step would be international partners coming together to aid in constructing hospitals throughout Haiti and at the Haitian border, proactively responding to the volume of Haitian mothers in dire need of quality medical care. The House of Representatives passed an appropriations measure for Fiscal Year 2022 supporting dialogue in Haiti aimed at resolving the political crisis, urging stronger action against human rights abuses, and addressing the plight of pregnant Haitian women leaving their country to seek neonatal care. However, this dialogue must be met with funding, strategy, and international coordination to mitigate on-the-ground challenges. We respectfully request that the Administration strongly consider the requests mentioned above. Additionally, we ask that the Administration keep the undersigned Members of Congress informed on any developments regarding this matter, either in writing or in an unclassified or classified briefing. Thank you in advance for your attention to this critical matter. We appreciate your efforts and are willing and able to provide any support or assistance you may need. READ THE FULL TEXT OF THE LETTER HERE",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://cherfilus-mccormick.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-cherfilus-mccormick-issues-statement-southwest-airlines-flight,Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick Issues Statement on Southwest Airlines Flight Cancellations,2022-12-29,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,FL,Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick,C001127,cherfilus-mccormick.house.gov,cherfilus-mccormick,https://cherfilus-mccormick.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FORT LAUDERDALE – After Southwest Airlines (“Southwest”) canceled thousands of flights during the holiday season, Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL), a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, issued the following statement. “The complete meltdown of Southwest Airlines during the holiday season is unacceptable. Tuesday, 85 Southwest flights were cancelled at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The collapse of their flight schedule has left customers, families, and hardworking Southwest employees stranded at airports over the holiday travel period. Additionally, I am deeply troubled by reports of Southwest’s lack of prompt customer service to help passengers get to their destinations.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2022/12/29/higgins-announces-150m-i-10-calcasieu-river-bridge/,Higgins Announces $150M for the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge,2022-12-29,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"LAKE CHARLES, LA – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is awarding $150 million in Mega Grant funding for the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge replacement project. “Since coming to Congress, my office has worked with our local, state, and federal partners to build consensus and advance the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge project,” said Congressman Higgins. “Completion of a new bridge is a critical infrastructure priority for the Louisiana delegation. Replacement efforts are moving forward, and this Mega Grant provides the State with significant federal funding. We are building a new bridge at I-10 in Lake Charles.” Congressman Higgins and members of the Louisiana delegation sent a letter on May 31, urging approval of the State’s application for Mega Grant funding. Congressman Higgins delivered a follow-up communication on July 18, again urging the Department of Transportation to approve funding for the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge project. Our office has also continued to advocate for the project in back-channel communications with DOT.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/over-158-million-federal-resources-awarded-gold-star-bridge,"Over $158 Million in Federal Resources Awarded for Gold Star Bridge Rehabilitation, Courtney Announces",2022-12-29,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CT,Joe Courtney,C001069,courtney.house.gov,courtney,https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) released the following statement after the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) announced a new federal grant award of $158,150,000 to support ongoing repairs and upgrades to the Gold Star Bridge in New London. The new federal resources are being awarded through the department’s Bridge Investment Program, and were made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which Rep. Courtney voted to pass. “Today’s announcement by the Federal Highway Administration that Connecticut’s largest passenger and truck bridge—the Thames River Gold Star Bridge—has been awarded $158 million for a long overdue rehabilitation is another example of the 2021 Infrastructure Law’s positive impact on eastern Connecticut,” said Rep. Courtney. “Preliminary work at Gold Star started last summer by members of the local Ironworkers Union, and this award will ensure that follow on structural work on the north bound lane will occur. With this upgrade, the bridge will be able to safely tolerate higher weight vehicles, which is a benefit to all motorists, and will reduce truck traffic on local roads, which is more congested right now due to present weight restrictions. This award is a win-win for good paying jobs in the region, and safer traffic flow.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/connecticut-delegation-statement-sikorsky-flraa-protest,Connecticut Delegation Statement on Sikorsky FLRAA Protest,2022-12-29,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"STRATFORD, CT –House Appropriations Chair Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), Congressman John Larson (CT-01), Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02), Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04), and Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) released the following statement on the announcement of Sikorsky challenging the Army decision on FLRAA: “Today Sikorsky has made the decision to protest the Army’s recent award on Future Long Range Assault (FLRAA) Aircraft. “The public, Members of Congress, and most importantly, the workers at Sikorsky, are entitled to a robust, fair, and clear process. Our National security and Connecticut jobs are on the line. ""Despite direct engagement with the Army, we as Members of Congress have not yet been able to get the answers that we need regarding how the Army came to their original decision on FLRAA. This is unacceptable. ""We are hopeful that this protest action and the forthcoming process will shed light on the Army’s decision making, and that the highest level of fidelity is conducted throughout.” ""We will not relent in our shared mission to ensure that Stratford continues to build the helicopters of the future, and that good paying jobs stay in Connecticut.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4284,Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Releases 2022 Annual Report for Texas’ Seventh Congressional District,2022-12-29,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,TX,Lizzie Fletcher,F000468,fletcher.house.gov,fletcher,https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) released her 2022 Annual Report detailing her work representing Texas’ Seventh Congressional District this year. The report highlights Congresswoman Fletcher’s work on legislation and constituent matters. “I am honored and proud to represent Texas’ Seventh Congressional District, and to bring the voices of those who live and work here to the national conversation about the challenges and opportunities before us,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. “I am glad to share some of the highlights of this work in my 2022 Annual Report, and I look forward to continuing my work for our community and our country in the 118th Congress.” Highlights of the 2022 Annual Report include: Constituent Advocacy: This year, Congresswoman Fletcher reached the milestone of closing more than 9,500 constituent cases since she assumed office; Community Funded Projects: Congresswoman Fletcher secured nearly $45 million in federal funding for community projects, including $13.6 million in FY2022 appropriations for the City of Houston Health, Police, and Fire Departments, Harris County Flood Control, and the Cities of Bellaire and Jersey Village, and $31.1 million in FY2023 appropriations for Harris County Flood Control District; the Cities of Bellaire, Southside Place, and West University Place; the Houston Police Department and Harris County Sheriff’s Department; Harris County Public Health Department; Harris County Public Library; Houston Public Library; and more, providing needed support for our community in direct and tangible ways. Legislation: Congresswoman Fletcher has introduced or passed several bills in the House of Representatives this year, including: Ensuring Women’s Right to Reproductive Freedom Act, H.R. 8297, to protect the right to travel for abortion, which passed the House of Representatives in July; Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act, H.R. 8452, to establish a grant program to help ease the financial burden of people being forced to travel to access abortion care; Carbon Limiting Emissions At Refineries (CLEAR) Act, H.R. 6562, to reduce carbon emissions from refineries; FirstNet Reauthorization Act, H.R. 6768, to promote public safety by ensuring first responders can communicate with each other in times of crisis; American Gas for Allies Act, H.R. 6977, to expedite U.S. Liquefied Natural Gas exports to North Atlantic Treaty Organization member countries; Hazard Eligibility and Local Projects (HELP) Act, H.R. 1917, to expedite certain disaster recovery projects, which passed the House of Representatives and Senate and is awaiting President Biden’s signature; Federal PFAS Research Evaluation Act, H.R. 7289, to implement a federal study to reveal PFAS health and environmental hazards; To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act to reauthorize the authority to grant certain exemptions, and for other purposes, H.R. 7679, to improve and develop pediatric medical devices, which passed the House of Representatives and Senate as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 and is awaiting President Biden’s signature; and Reinvesting in Shoreline Economies and Ecosystems (RISEE) Act, H.R. 9049, to create a new stream of funding for coastal infrastructure and flood resiliency projects and help incentivize new clean energy projects. To view the 2022 Annual Report, click here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=A7C063AF-D076-48CF-98E9-FEDD2723F309,Hayes Secures $23 Million for the Fifth and Historical Housatonic River Wild and Scenic Designation,2022-12-29,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CT,Jahana Hayes,H001081,hayes.house.gov,hayes,https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) secured more than $23 million dollars for 15 community projects in the final 2023 appropriations government funding package. This funding responds directly to many of the most pressing needs throughout the region and supports projects that were less likely to receive funding from any other sources. For the second time, every project submitted to the House Committee on Appropriations by Congresswoman Hayes was included in the final budget. Additionally, Hayes legislation to create a U.S. National Park Service protective designation for the 41 miles of the Housatonic River which runs through Sharon, Canaan, Cornwall, Salisbury, New Milford, Kent, and North Canaan, was also approved. The designation will allocate federal resources to the towns along the river to bolster conservation efforts and promote recreation in the Northwest Corner. “Throughout the appropriations process, I never stopped fighting for the Fifth and I am thrilled to have secured more than $23 million in federal funding to bolster local projects. From communications upgrades for law enforcement to facility infrastructure for community health centers to laying the groundwork to restore CT Rail from Danbury to New York City, this funding will have a lasting impact for all who live and visit the region,” said Congresswoman Hayes. “Further, after years of community organizing and advocacy, the Housatonic River will now be designated as a National Wild and Scenic River. The designation is not just symbolic; it provides critical funding to protect the rich ecosystem along the 41 miles of the river and support local recreation in the surrounding towns.” Congresswoman Hayes championed funding for 15 projects to directly benefit Fifth District residents. These include: WATERBURY: $4,000,000 for the renovation of Fulton Park Pool WATERTOWN: $3,375,000 for police department radio communications upgrades WATERTOWN: $3,000,000 for Main Street safety audit WATERBURY: $2,265,000 for education technology equipment, including computers for public schools NEW FAIRFIELD: $2,100,000 for the police department emergency communications system upgrade DANBURY: $2,000,000 for the Southeast, New York to Danbury, CT Rail Link environmental impact statement DANBURY: $2,000,000 for facilities and equipment at Connecticut Institute for Communities, Inc., FARMINGTON: $1,000,000 for K-12 STEM education programs at the University of Connecticut Health Center NEW BRITAIN: $1,000,000 for facilities and equipment at Klingberg Family Centers, Incorporated LITCHFIELD: $750,000 for expanding agricultural education, afterschool and behavioral health services for youth at Connecticut Junior Republic FALLS VILLAGE: $750,000 for affordable housing infrastructure at River Road Homes CHESHIRE: $625,000 for a fire protection system at Ball & Socket Arts, Inc. WATERBURY: $172,000 for expanding the Police Activity League Program NEW BRITAIN: $150,000 for training and outreach programs, services, and literacy supports for under-resourced communities at the United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut NEW BRITAIN: $50,000 for the childcare business incubator program The government funding package provides critical federal investments in government programs and services to ease the burden of rising costs on families and support communities by tackling some of the biggest challenges in the short and long term. Specifically, the government funding bill: LOWERS THE COST OF LIVING: Reduces costs by expanding child care and early learning programs to more working families, investing in America’s K-12 public schools, making college more affordable, bolstering our public health infrastructure, and protecting consumers. CREATES BETTER-PAYING JOBS: Creates better-paying jobs by putting people to work rebuilding our infrastructure, helping small businesses grow and thrive, fostering the green energy jobs of tomorrow, and supporting high-quality job training and apprenticeship programs so every American can contribute and succeed. HELPS COMMUNITIES AND FAMILIES IN NEED: Supports people struggling to make ends meet by strengthening nutrition assistance, funding more affordable housing, fighting urgent health disparities, supporting our Veterans, and investing in rural broadband. KEEPS OUR NATION AND OUR COMMUNITIES SAFE: Strengthens our national security and keeps our communities safe with robust defense funding for training and equipment to prepare for future threats and support our allies in their efforts to defend democracy and investments in diplomacy and global development, our public health infrastructure, cybersecurity, local, state, and federal law enforcement, and funding for responsible border and maritime security. PROTECTS OUR ENVIRONMENT: Confronts the threat of climate change through environmental enforcement and environmental justice efforts, historic investments in clean energy and climate science, and leadership in the global fight against climate change. FUNDS COMMUNITY PROJECTS: Responds directly to pressing needs in the Fifth District by fostering the economic development that makes communities healthier, safer, and stronger through community projects. A detailed summary of the legislation is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-manns-bill-renaming-russell-post-office-after-sen-bob-dole-becomes-law,Rep. Mann's bill renaming Russell Post Office after Sen. Bob Dole becomes law,2022-12-29,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,KS,Tracey Mann,M000871,mann.house.gov,mann,https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) released the following statement in response to his legislation being signed into law, renaming the post office in Russell, Kansas, the ""Robert J. Dole Memorial Post Office Building.” ""Senator Bob Dole made it clear that we must never forget where we come from. Born and raised in Russell, Kansas, he knew that the heartbeat of our nation lies in places like his hometown. He bravely served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star for his military service. He served as the congressman representing the Big First District of Kansas for eight years and in the U.S. Senate for 27 years, acting as the majority leader twice, and becoming his party’s nominee for President in 1996. I spent some time with Senator Dole just a few weeks before he passed away. During our time together we discussed what he called ""The Kansas Approach,"" the markers of which he identified as honesty, hard work, respect for your roots, common sense, service, simplicity, and genuine, thoughtful care for people. These are the Kansas conservative values that motivate me every day. Senator Dole dedicated his life to serving others and has inspired many people, including me. Naming a post office after one of Kansas' favorite sons in the town he grew up in is a small but meaningful way to pay tribute to this Kansas giant and American hero."" Click here to view the full text of the legislation. Click here to watch Rep. Mann's remarks on the House Floor honoring Sen. Dole's life. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases/pallone-s-bill-help-homeless-veterans-credit-and-financial-counseling-0,Pallone’s Bill to Help Homeless Veterans with Credit and Financial Counseling Services Signed into Law,2022-12-29,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,NJ,"Frank Pallone, Jr.",P000034,pallone.house.gov,pallone,https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr.'s (NJ-06) Homeless Veterans Credit Repair, Enhancement, and Debt Improvement for Tomorrow (CREDIT) Act was signed into law today. The bill was included in the Omnibus Spending Bill for Fiscal Year 2023 and will help end veteran homelessness and housing instability by providing credit and financial counseling - a top ten unmet need for homeless veterans. In May, Pallone held a roundtable with veterans in New Jersey to discuss the bill. The bill directs the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct a study of the effectiveness of credit and financial counseling services offered to homeless veterans and veterans facing housing instability. The study will explore these services and the barriers to them, including the COVID-19 pandemic and other health challenges. The study would provide recommendations for improvements to credit counseling services. The bill will also require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide an interim and final report to Congress on the findings of the study. ""Today, we are one step closer to alleviating veteran homelessness. The Homeless Veterans CREDIT Act will help address veteran homelessness by improving credit and financial counseling services offered to veterans. During this time of economic uncertainty, we must look out for our most vulnerable communities, including homeless veterans and those at risk of becoming homeless. My bill will give us a better understanding of how to improve the services offered to our nation's heroes,"" said Congressman Pallone. ""We have a responsibility to help those who served in uniform and stood ready to make the ultimate sacrifice for our country."" The Homeless Veterans CREDIT Act received the endorsement of the Wounded Warrior Project, the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University, and the Department of New Jersey Veterans of Foreign Wars. ""Our research and experience tell us that financial stability and literacy are cornerstones of overall well-being for veterans and their families. Thanks to Congressman Pallone's leadership on this issue, the Homeless Veterans CREDIT Act will commission much needed research on how financial counseling programs can positively impact some of the most vulnerable members of the veteran population,"" said Dr. Michael Haynie, Executive Director of the Institute for Veterans and Military Families and Vice Chancellor of Syracuse University. ""In doing so, this bill will empower our veterans, contributing to a healthier, safer and more equitable society for generations to come."" ""Wounded Warrior Project is proud to support the Homeless Veterans CREDIT Act, and we believe it is critically important to fully understand the barriers homeless veterans face in accessing financial and credit counseling services. We applaud its inclusion in the Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations bill and thank Congressman Pallone for his continued commitment to veterans and their families,"" said Jose Ramos, Wounded Warrior Project Vice President for Government and Community Relations. ""The New Jersey Veterans of Foreign Wars is proud of Congressman Pallone's legislation on behalf of homeless veterans. We thank Congressman Pallone for letting our organization share in his efforts to bring meaningful change to the lives of these men and women,"" said Bill Thomson, Legislative Director for the Department of New Jersey Veterans of Foreign Wars. Pallone spoke in favor of the bill on the House floor in 2021. Video of the speech is available here. Bill text is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-announces-golden-gate-bridge-to-receive-400-million-for-seismic-retrofit,Pelosi Announces Golden Gate Bridge to Receive $400 Million for Seismic Retrofit Under Democrats' Infrastructure Law,2022-12-29,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,pelosi.house.gov,pelosi,https://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"San Francisco – Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced today that San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge will soon receive $400 million from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) under Democrats' historic Infrastructure Law. These funds will be used to strengthen one of the Bay Area's most vital arteries and bolster its resilience against earthquakes. ""For more than eight decades, the Golden Gate Bridge has stood as a symbol of the innovative spirit of the Bay Area and our nation,"" Speaker Nancy Pelosi said. ""The Federal Highway Administration's $400 million investment will help ensure that this iconic landmark continues to safely and reliably serve our region for many years to come. As a proud Representative of San Francisco, it was my privilege to work alongside President Biden, Secretary Buttigieg and the entire Bay Area Delegation to ensure our region receives its fair share of the Infrastructure Law's once-in-a-generation investment in America's bridges."" ""The Golden Gate Bridge is an international icon and key transportation link for the Bay Area that serves tens of millions of residents and visitors every year, and this vital funding allows us to finish strengthening the Bridge against disasters,"" said Denis Mulligan, General Manager of the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District. ""Thanks to Speaker Pelosi, the Biden Administration, and the entire Bay Area Congressional delegation, the Golden Gate Bridge will be protected for generations to come."" The FHWA found that the Golden Gate Bridge is currently in ""fair condition"" but noted that continued deterioration would result in a ""poor"" rating within the next three years. The Bridge's north and south approaches were retrofitted in 2013, leaving only the main suspension span to be upgraded. The newly-announced federal funding will allow this remaining section to undergo vital seismic upgrades and ensure the Bridge's continued structural integrity. Passed by the Democratic Congress, the Infrastructure Law was signed by President Biden on November 15, 2021. This historic legislation established a competitive Bridge Investment Program, delivering $12.5 billion to build, repair and replace key bridges across the country. This initiative represents the single largest investment in America's bridges since the construction of the interstate highway system.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-announces-san-francisco-will-receive-30-million-for-community-projects,Pelosi Announces San Francisco Will Receive $30 Million for Community Projects from Government Funding Package,2022-12-29,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,pelosi.house.gov,pelosi,https://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"San Francisco – Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced that nearly $30 million in new federal funding is headed to San Francisco to support vital community projects. These investments – which will support neighborhood-serving organizations that are helping meet the needs of Bay Area families – were included in the government funding package signed into law today by President Biden. ""The new federal funding headed to our City for critical community projects is a major victory for San Francisco families,"" Speaker Nancy Pelosi said. ""Thanks to Democrats' tenacious negotiating, this year's government funding package delivers deeply needed federal funds for projects across the country that help meet specific needs of our communities. From easing food insecurity and homelessness to expanding vital health services to caring for local veterans, these investments will help us seize the biggest opportunities and tackle the biggest challenges that San Franciscans face."" A full list of San Francisco community projects receiving funding for Fiscal Year 2023 include: San Francisco General Hospital Foundation on behalf of Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center – $1,000,000 for the Transform Mental and Behavioral Health Fund San Francisco Community Clinic Consortium – $2,200,000 for Community Health Center Improvements Larkin Street Youth Services – $1,550,000 for Services for Youth Experiencing Homelessness HealthRIGHT 360 – $2,500,000 for the Integrated Care Center Mission Neighborhood Centers, Inc. – $2,000,000 for Child Care Facilities Expansions The National AIDS Memorial – $750,000 for the Center for Health and Social Justice Chinatown Media and Arts Collaborative – $2,500,000 for Edge on the Square Chinatown Media and Arts Collaborative Building Renovation Friends of the Children - SF Bay Area – $750,000 for Friends of the Children Bayview Youth Center Lavender Youth Recreation and Information Center, Inc. (LYRIC) – $2,000,000 for Youth Center Renovation United Playaz, Inc. – $4,000,000 for 1044 Howard Building Purchase and Improvements Project Open Hand – $1,451,000 for Community Nutrition and Wellness Expansion San Francisco Recreation and Park Department – $3,000,000 for Japantown Peace Plaza Renovation The Friendship House Association of American Indians – $750,000 for the Village SF Urban Indian Project Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy – $3,000,000 for the Golden Gate National Recreation Area Energy Production and Storage Project San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency – $2,500,000 for Bayview Community-Based Transportation Implementation ""We are deeply appreciative of Speaker Nancy Pelosi's leadership to secure funding to provide timely and comprehensive mental health services for San Francisco,"" said Kim Meredith, CEO of San Francisco General Hospital Foundation. ""Not only will our Transforming Mental and Behavioral Health program draw together experts to develop innovative models for treating the mental health needs of the predominately underserved and underinsured population that Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital serves, but it will also help find solutions to the national effort, including the systemic causes of homelessness not just in this District, but nationwide."" ""The San Francisco Community Clinic Consortium and its member clinics serve over 100,000 low income vulnerable San Franciscans,"" said Deena Lahn, Vice President, Policy and External Affairs of San Francisco Community Clinics Consortium. ""During the worst parts of the Covid pandemic and continuing today, our community clinics remained open to provide information, vaccinations and treatment to communities who would otherwise be ignored. The funds provided through the Community Project Funding will fund critical equipment and renovation to help meet the needs of our patients and ensure that we can continue to provide high quality, up to date medical care for our hard working patients, regardless of their ability to pay."" ""We are incredibly grateful to Speaker Pelosi's leadership for supporting our FY23 Community Project proposal,"" said Sherilyn Adams, Executive Director of Larkin Street Youth Services. ""With these critical resources Larkin Street will be able to amplify our efforts to stably house and improve economic outcomes for youth experiencing homelessness in San Francisco by providing immediate access to shelter, transitional housing with intensive case management, and educational programming to help close the post-pandemic learning gap. This funding will also support progress towards our collective long-term goal of ending youth homelessness in San Francisco."" ""Congresswoman Pelosi's community project funding to fully renovate the current administrative floor of HealthRIGHT 360's Integrated Care Clinic in San Francisco will exponentially expand capacity of client assessments for substance use disorder treatment intakes, and will allow us to continue our focus of treatment on demand for those that need the most help by providing better access to treatment,"" said Vitka Eisen, Chief Executive Officer of HealthRIGHT 360. ""Thank you, Congresswoman Pelosi, for continuing to bring important federal funding home to San Francisco to address our underserved and often marginalized communities that need the most help, and for living our mantra that healthcare is a right, not a privilege."" ""The MNC Family is more than grateful and appreciative to Speaker Pelosi for her continued support and generosity, that will impact and improve young lives for generations ahead,"" said Richard Ybarra, Chief Executive Officer of Mission Neighborhood Centers. ""These funds will advance the completion of our new Inspiring Children early care campus at 1240 Valencia (former police station)."" ""The National AIDS Memorial is deeply appreciative of Speaker Pelosi's support of funding our work toward building a National Center for Health & Social Justice in San Francisco,"" said John Cunningham, Chief Executive Officer of National AIDS Memorial. ""Still relevant today, the Center will transform the enormous human tragedy exacerbated by societal indifference and the triumphs and lessons of the AIDS crisis into an enduring movement so that never again will a community be harmed due to stigma, prejudice, discrimination, or hate. San Francisco has long stood at the forefront of our nation's fight for social justice and the Center will educate and inspire compassion and action in its citizens, the nation, and the global community."" ""Speaker Pelosi's ultimate legacy is that of a tireless and fearless public servant,"" said Malcolm Yeung, Founding Board Member of the Chinatown Media and Arts Collaborative. ""No issue is too big and, equally important, no issue is too small. The Speaker's leadership means everything to our Chinatown community."" ""This appropriation is a significant contribution to Edge On The Square, anticipated to be the soul and new icon of Chinatown,"" said Mabel Teng, Executive Director and Founding Board Member of the Chinatown Media and Arts Collaborative. ""We are rolling up our sleeves to build the unprecedented Asian American storytelling platform with a just vision of America through the lens of immigrants."" ""Friends of the Children extends our sincere gratitude and thanks to Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi for her unwavering commitment to supporting children in Bayview Hunters Point,"" said Timothy Waters, Executive Director of Friends of the Children – SF Bay Area. ""This funding to secure the acquisition of the Bayview Youth Center will enable Friends of the Children – SF Bay Area to continue on our path to mentor and serve 400 children. By creating an incredible space for our program, this support will positively impact generational change as our paid, professional mentors further the hopes and dreams of the youth and families we serve."" ""These federal funds will increase the current LYRIC space by 40% which will allow us to serve more LGBTQQ+ youth, especially trans and non-binary youth, here in San Francisco,"" said Adam-Michael Royston, Vice President of LYRIC. ""The LYRIC center is the second oldest LGBTQQ+ youth center in the country and with trans youth under attack across the country we have seen a tremendous increase in our services – specifically mental health and gender affirming care and these funds will allow us to serve more than 3,000 youth in San Francisco a year."" ""We are so appreciative to be included in the Community Project Funding!"" said Rudy Corpuz, Executive Director of United Playaz. ""Our project to purchase and rebuild 1044 Howard Street/United Playaz Way would not have happened without these important funds! This new building will become home to our literacy program Real Playaz Read and our growing ReEntry program serving individuals coming home from incarceration. It Takes The Hood To Save The Hood!"" ""For 37 years, Project Open Hand's mission has been to serve meals with love to the Bay Area, providing life-saving nutrition for residents who need it most,"" said Paul Hepfer, Chief Executive Officer of Project Open Hand. ""The funds allocated to our organization by Congresswoman Pelosi will ensure that our programs and capacity continue to reach those in critical need of the medically tailored meals that we provide. On behalf of our clients and our staff, Project Open Hand would like to convey our sincerest appreciation for this funding and recognition of the important work that our founder, Ruth Brinker, began back in 1985, and that we continue to this day."" ""We are so grateful to Speaker Nancy Pelosi for her steadfast support of the Japantown Peace Plaza renovation,"" Phil Ginsburg, General Manager of San Francisco Recreation and Park Department. ""For 110 years, this space has been vital to generations of Japanese American, Asian American and Pacific Islander families and is one of only three Japantowns left in the U.S. With $3 million in federal funding, the Peace Plaza will continue to flourish as an essential open space that is home to so many community organizations, small business, and artists."" ""This investment contributes to the development of the Village SF, a six-story building in the heart of the city that provides cultural programs, social services, housing, and medical and dental care, for the 9,000 Native Americans and Alaska Natives who live in San Francisco,"" said Gabriel Pimentel (Apache), Executive Director of Friendship House Association of American Indians. ""The Village SF is just the beginning of Friendship House's vision for a thriving and healthy Native community in the heart of every city in America."" ""The park partners of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area are grateful to Speaker Pelosi and for this federal Community Project funding that will bring to life the dream of a solar project within the Presidio. Addressing climate resilience in Bay Area national parks is a priority, as we continue to ensure these park lands serve as places of welcome and belonging for people from San Francisco and across the world for decades to come,"" said Christine Lehnertz, President & CEO, Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. ""Installing solar panels in the Presidio will save energy costs and further our goal of being a carbon-neutral park,"" said Jean Fraser, CEO of the Presidio Trust. ""This project will educate the Presidio's millions of visitors about the power Americans have to reduce climate change by using alternative energy sources."" ""This award will generate broad and important safety benefits that are directly aligned with community needs and values in Bayview-Hunters Point,"" said Jeffrey Tumlin, Director of Transportation at San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. ""It will have a direct impact by improving pedestrian and bicycle safety in the Bayview Neighborhood, one of San Francisco's most disadvantaged communities. Specifically, this project will improve pedestrian safety along the 3rd St. corridor, improving resident access to transit, local businesses, parks, and community centers.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/houston-post-office-be-named-honor-benny-c-martinez-after-biden-signs-bill,HOUSTON POST OFFICE TO BE NAMED IN HONOR OF BENNY C. MARTINEZ AFTER BIDEN SIGNS BILL GARCIA CHAMPIONED,2022-12-29,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,TX,Sylvia R. Garcia,G000587,sylviagarcia.house.gov,sylviagarcia,https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – This week a bill by Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29) to rename the post office on Broadway Street after Texas legend Benny C. Martinez was signed by President Biden. Martinez was a prominent community leader who worked as a Harris County nurse for 30 years and 5 years as Deputy Sheriff, served the Houston area through countless organizations and advocacy groups, and was a U.S. Army veteran. This will be the first postal service office named after a Latino in the Houston area. ""Benny was a well-loved figure across Texas and the Houston area who spent his life in service to the people,"" said Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia. ""He was extremely active within LULAC, and helped arrange a meeting between President John F. Kennedy and LULAC in 1963 – which was the first time a U.S. President gathered with a Latino organization. The naming of this post office will provide residents with a place to honor and remember Benny C. Martinez's legacy."" ""Naming a U.S. Post Office after my father, Benny Martinez is a true testament to his legacy,"" said Benny C. Martinez's daughter, Loretta Martinez William. ""My father was a hard-working volunteer and served the community through many organizations. He often would be finishing up a volunteer project and would be thinking of the next one. He was also a veteran who proudly served his country. He had the honor to receive numerous awards for his volunteerism. His favorite organization was LULAC and his greatest honor was when he received LULAC Man of the Year for the Nation. He is quoted as saying a ‘volunteer is a hero, and a hero is a volunteer.' My father is a role model that young people can emulate. I thank Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, and her staff for their efforts, and all the support from the elected officials."" ""Benny Martinez was and will always be remembered as a tireless champion for his community and dedicated to serving the underserved,"" said LULAC National President Domingo Garcia. He was committed to the power of education and called knowledge the most important tool for freedom and equality in America. He was a devoted civic leader who advocated for access to the vote as the greatest voice for Hispanics in Texas and across our country. Most importantly, his integrity, character, and passion for truth were lifelong, non-negotiable values that earned him respect from all who knew him. LULAC is richer and truer to its mission because of Benny Martinez."" The post office being named in honor of Benny C. Martinez is located at 4020 Broadway Street in Houston, Texas, 77087. ### Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2018, becoming the first Latina ever to represent the Texas 29th Congressional District. She serves on the House Judiciary, Financial Services, and Armed Services Committees.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2721,Trahan’s Bipartisan Pandemic Prevention Program Becomes Law,2022-12-29,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,MA,Lori Trahan,T000482,trahan.house.gov,trahan,https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"LOWELL, MA – Last week, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee and Co-Founder of the bipartisan Pandemic Preparedness Caucus, secured passage of a pilot program designed by her bipartisan Bolstering Infectious Outbreaks (BIO) Preparedness Workforce Act. Signed into law by President Joe Biden on Friday, the program will strengthen the bio-preparedness and infectious disease workforce that has proven critical during the COVID-19 pandemic. “There is simply no excuse for us to get caught flat-footed by another COVID-19 scale pandemic. We must apply the lessons learned over the past two and a half years now to ensure we’re better prepared to prevent another infectious disease outbreak in the future,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “That starts with investing in the experts who got us through the COVID: our bio-preparedness and infectious disease workers. Without critical investments to strengthen the pipeline of these experts, we risk leaving ourselves vulnerable to the next pandemic. The BIO Preparedness Workforce Pilot Program is a critical step in ensuring these critical positions are fully staffed and ready to respond to the next public health threat.” The program based off Trahan’s BIO Preparedness Workforce Act will help strengthen the pipeline of bio-preparedness and infectious disease professionals by establishing a new loan repayment program for health care professionals who spend at least half of their time engaged in bio-preparedness and response activities or providing infectious diseases care. Further, the program aims to increase the number of underrepresented minority individuals serving as bio-preparedness or infectious diseases physicians. “Rep. Trahan’s outstanding leadership makes an extraordinary difference to the frontline infectious diseases workforce,” said Carlos del Rio, MD, President of the Infectious Diseases Society of America and Professor at Emory University School of Medicine. “The BIO Preparedness Workforce Pilot Program—which she authored and successfully attached to the omnibus bill—will enable us to recruit the workforce we need to be better prepared for future outbreaks and pandemics and to launch more equitable and effective responses to infectious diseases.” Additional supporting Organizations of the Bolstering Infectious Outbreaks (BIO) Preparedness Workforce Act include: the AIDS Institute, American Association for the Study of Liver Disease, American Dental Association, American Hospital Association, American Medical Association, American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science, American Society for Microbiology, Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, HIV Medicine Association, Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, National Rural Health Association, Society for Health Care Epidemiology of America, Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists, University of Wisconsin Health System, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Vivent Health, Wisconsin Hospital Association, Wisconsin Medical Society. Trahan first introduced the BIO Preparedness Workforce Act with Congressman David B. McKinley (R-WV-01) in October 2021. The bipartisan program was included as part of the year-end omnibus package that was signed into law by President Biden late last week. More information on the BIO Preparedness Workforce Act can be accessed HERE. A digital copy of the legislation can be accessed HERE. ###",1,2026-04-06T14:24:52Z,2026-04-06T15:54:45Z https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-hassan-recognizes-harry-armstrong-of-canaan-and-john-bayliss-of-hanover-as-decembers-granite-staters-of-the-month,Senator Hassan Recognizes Harry Armstrong of Canaan and John Bayliss of Hanover as December’s Granite Staters of the Month,2022-12-29,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,NH,Margaret Wood Hassan,H001076,www.hassan.senate.gov,hassan,https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan recognized Harold (Harry) Armstrong of Canaan and John Bayliss of Hanover as December’s Granite Staters of the Month. For decades, Harry has led a successful effort to collect used medical equipment and deliver it to those in need in the Upper Valley area and beyond. Harry helped start the Health Closet, with members of the Canaan Lions Club, more than forty years ago. The group collected used medical equipment, such as manual and electric wheelchairs, walkers, lift chairs, crutches, canes, and bath stools from the area’s visiting nurses, nonprofits, hospitals, and individuals. They would then keep the equipment in storage until they found someone who needed it. When Harry was hospitalized two years ago and had to have his foot amputated, he worried that Health Closet’s mission would cease to be fulfilled. That’s when Harry’s friend and Lebanon Upper Valley Lions Club member John Bayliss stepped up to help run the initiative. Together, the two men have teamed up to do everything from DIY fix-ups of medical equipment in Harry’s and John’s garages, to lugging large medical machinery in their pickup trucks. Senator Hassan launched the “Granite Stater of the Month” initiative in 2017 to recognize outstanding New Hampshire citizens who go above and beyond to help their neighbors and make their communities stronger. To nominate a New Hampshire citizen to be a “Granite Stater of the Month,” constituents can complete the nomination form here. To read Senator Hassan’s statement for the Congressional Record, see below. I am honored to recognize Harold (Harry) Armstrong of Canaan and John Bayliss of Hanover as December’s Granite Staters of the Month. For decades, Harry has led a successful effort to collect used medical equipment and deliver it to those in need in the Upper Valley area and beyond. Harry helped start the Health Closet, with members of the Canaan Lions Club, more than forty years ago. The group collected used medical equipment, such as manual and electric wheelchairs, walkers, lift chairs, crutches, canes, and bath stools from the area’s visiting nurses, nonprofits, hospitals, and individuals. They would then keep the equipment in storage until they found someone who needed it. When Harry was hospitalized two years ago and had to have his foot amputated, he worried that Health Closet’s mission would cease to be fulfilled. That’s when Harry’s friend and Lebanon Upper Valley Lions Club member John Bayliss stepped up to help run the initiative. Through their work, the duo profoundly touches people’s lives by giving them the medical equipment that they desperately need to go about their lives and continue to be a part of their community. From doing DIY fix-ups of medical equipment in Harry’s and John’s garages, to lugging large medical machinery in their pickup trucks, their dedication to helping others, willingness to take the initiative, and generosity is a shining example of the Granite State spirit. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/signed-into-law-government-funding-bill-with-key-nh-priorities-secured-by-senator-hassan,SIGNED INTO LAW: Government Funding Bill with Key NH Priorities Secured by Senator Hassan,2022-12-29,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,NH,Margaret Wood Hassan,H001076,www.hassan.senate.gov,hassan,https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senator Maggie Hassan issued the following statement after the President signed into law the bipartisan government funding legislation, which includes key New Hampshire priorities that Senator Hassan worked to secure: “This year’s government funding bill includes major Granite State priorities that will lower costs for families, strengthen our response to the opioid epidemic, and help more Americans save for retirement. I’m pleased that we came together across the aisle to pass this critical legislation, and I look forward to seeing how it will support families, our economy, and our national security in the year ahead.” Critical New Hampshire priorities that Senator Hassan helped secure in the government funding bill include: Combating the Opioid Epidemic Senator Hassan’s bipartisan Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment (MAT) Act, which eliminates an outdated requirement, the ‘x-waiver,’ that limits the number of medical practitioners who can prescribe life-saving medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. A measure backed by Senator Hassan to give law enforcement more flexibility to interdict fentanyl-related substances by extending the designation of fentanyl analogues as Schedule I drugs until December 31, 2024. Provisions from Senator Hassan’s bipartisan bill to help address the severe shortage of doctors trained in addiction medicine. The government funding bill creates 200 new medical residency positions, including for addiction medicine, at teaching hospitals in New Hampshire and across the country. Supporting Veterans Senator Hassan’s bipartisan bill to designate one week per year as “Buddy Check Week.” The bill is modeled after the American Legion’s “Buddy Check National Week of Calling” that connects veterans to other veterans in order to better ensure that they receive the support that they need. Bipartisan legislation that Senator Hassan championed to help provide surplus government computers to veterans and others who need them. Senator Hassan worked on the legislation with Digitunity, a nonprofit based in North Conway. A bipartisan measure that the Senator introduced with Thom Tillis (R-NC) to improve oversight of the VA and reduce the backlog of requests from veterans for medical and other VA military records. Lowering Health Care and Home Energy Costs Bipartisan measures that Senator Hassan worked on to increase access to generic and biosimilar medications, which are often less expensive than generic drugs. $4 billion for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance program, a $200 million increase over last year, which will help Granite Staters with their energy costs. Helping Americans Save for Retirement Bipartisan measures Senator Hassan and colleagues introduced to make it easier for businesses to offer retirement benefits, including enabling more businesses to join multiple employer plans (MEPs) and expanding tax cuts to small businesses who provide retirement benefits to their employees. Increases retirement plan flexibility for public safety officers and improves access for military families, including provisions from bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators Hassan and Susan Collins (R-ME) to help military families save for retirement. Addressing the Housing Shortage Funding that Senator Hassan worked to secure that will help with the construction of thousands of new rental units and houses. Strengthening Maternal Health and Child Care Support The bipartisan TRIUMPH Act, which Senator Hassan introduced with Senator Tillis, that creates a federal taskforce and national strategy to improve maternal mental health outcomes and expand mental health resources for new mothers. A critical measure that Senator Hassan pushed for to ensure that for the first time, every child in America who qualifies for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) will now be guaranteed at least one year of continuous health coverage. Extension of a measure, which Senator Hassan supported, that ensures that states can provide a full year of postpartum coverage for mothers on Medicaid and CHIP. Increased funding for Child Care and Development Block grants, a measure that Senator Hassan pushed for, which will expand affordable child care to more families in New Hampshire and across the country. Extending Access to Affordable Telehealth Services A measure Senator Hassan pushed for that extends coverage of Medicare telehealth services through 2024, ensuring that more patients, especially in rural communities, get the care that they need. Strengthening Support for Rural Students Doubling funding for a program that supports rural students, including college prep and career pathway programs in rural communities. Funding Key Bipartisan Legislation Critical funding to implement key bipartisan legislation that Senator Hassan helped pass into law, including the bipartisan infrastructure law, the CHIPS and Science Act, and PACT Act that addresses veterans’ toxic exposure. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-tester-lead-colleagues-calling-on-administration-to-support-northern-border-priorities-,"Hoeven, Tester Lead Colleagues Calling on Administration to Support Northern Border Priorities",2022-12-29,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven, Tester Lead Colleagues Calling on Administration to Support Northern Border Priorities WASHINGTON – Senators John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) led their colleagues in urging U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Shalanda Young to prioritize including resources to properly staff and secure the northern border as part of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 President’s Budget Request for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In addition, the senators outline the need to resume normal operating hours at the northern ports of entry, invest in technology deployment and recruit and retain additional U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) personnel. “As senators representing states along the U.S.-Canada border, we write to express our support for including the resources necessary to properly staff and secure our northern border as part of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 President’s Budget Request for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security,” the senators wrote. “We support ensuring that our border professionals have the personnel, technology, and tools necessary to secure our nation’s borders. In doing so, it is important that the Federal government effectively carry out its responsibility to safely and effectively secure both our northern and southern land borders. This is particularly important given the increased levels of activity at the southern border over the past several years which has necessitated the reallocation of personnel and resources, including technology, from our border with Canada,” the senators continued. In addition to Hoeven and Tester, the letter was signed by Senators Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Angus King (I-Maine), James Risch (R-Idaho), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Steve Daines (R-Mont.). Click here for the full text of the letter. -###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=7765556E-4576-4022-897F-09B84AD24361,Graham on Passing of Joe Taylor Jr. of Columbia,2022-12-29,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham today made this statement on the passing of Joe Taylor Jr. of Columbia. “I was shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of my good friend, Joe Taylor. “Joe was a force in South Carolina business and politics, and a friend to so many. His time as South Carolina’s Secretary of Commerce was one of unprecedented growth for our state. He was also a strong and challenging voice on the Columbia City Council - always looking out for the taxpayer.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=09C36811-1E91-41A1-AFC2-D09859763AAA,Senator McConnell and Governor Beshear Announce More Than $1.6 Billion in Federal Grants for Brent Spence Bridge,2022-12-29,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,mcconnell,https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 29, 2022) – Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell announced today that the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project was awarded federal funding grants worth more than $1.6 billion, giving the landmark bridge and corridor project the green light to move toward construction. “I’m thrilled the time has finally come for us to get the companion bridge built,” Gov. Beshear said. “Funding and constructing the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project is more than the fulfillment of my administration’s promise – it’s a dream fulfilled for the thousands of travelers who pass through the bustling region every day waiting eagerly for traffic relief to come on this nationally significant corridor. It also shows what’s possible when we prioritize people over politics. Once complete, drivers will have a more enjoyable and efficient drive and we’ll have the infrastructure in place to support the booming economy in this part of the state. Hats off to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and Ohio Department of Transportation, and the countless partners and advocates who played a role in today’s monumental achievement, including the Kentucky General Assembly for the last budget allocation and Sen. McConnell for supporting the federal legislation. We appreciate President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg for this historic investment.” Sen. McConnell helped secure the funding for today’s grant announcement by supporting last year’s bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and shepherding the bill through the Senate. The legislation authorized a historic investment in our nation’s infrastructure and provides robust resources to states to fund major bridge projects specifically. Over five years, the IIJA will deliver billions of dollars to Kentucky to improve the commonwealth’s roads, bridges, airports, railroads, waterways, broadband and more. Sen. McConnell contacted U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg to advocate directly for Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project funding. “For decades, inadequate capacity on the aging Brent Spence Bridge has created headaches for drivers traveling between Kentucky and Ohio. Today, we’re taking a major step toward fixing the problem,” said Sen. McConnell. “Using my role as Senate Republican Leader, I stood with Sen. Rob Portman to break through gridlock and pass last year’s bipartisan infrastructure deal, delivering record funding for landmark infrastructure projects including today’s grant. Building a new companion bridge on the Brent Spence Bridge corridor will be one of the bill’s crowning accomplishments, bringing long-awaited safety improvements, traffic relief and rejuvenated commerce to Northern Kentucky and Southwestern Ohio.” With funding secured, groundbreaking on the project is anticipated for late 2023, with substantial completion slated for 2029. “Ohio and Kentucky have been discussing the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project for almost two decades, and now, we can finally move beyond the talk and get to work,” said Gov. DeWine. “This project will not only ease the traffic nightmare that drivers have suffered through for years, but it will also help ensure that the movement of the supply chain doesn’t stall on this nationally significant corridor. My administration vowed to press the federal government to fund this project, and we’re glad that they have recognized its significance. I’m grateful to the teams in both states who have worked so hard to make this project a reality.” The Brent Spence Bridge was constructed in the 1960s to carry around 80,000 vehicles a day, but the daily traffic load on Interstate Highways 75 and 71 has reached 160,000 vehicles in recent years. Because I-75 is a key freight corridor stretching from Canada to Florida, the congestion impacts commerce and commuters who travel the corridor in the eastern United States. Project plans call for the construction of a companion bridge to the west of the existing Brent Spence Bridge, as well as improvements to the current bridge and the roadway network that ties into each river crossing. As a result of robust engagement with local partners, there will be enhanced pedestrian access across I-75 in Cincinnati to reconnect downtown with western neighborhoods and the City of Cincinnati will regain nearly 10 acres to develop in the downtown area. In Kentucky, the project will include a new storm sewer system to reduce flooding and improve local roads, including enhanced pedestrian and bicycle facilities, in the area of the existing and new bridge. The project team – consisting of representatives from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) – applied jointly for funding and have outlined terms to move the project to construction. The once-in-a-lifetime competitive funding was made available through the passage of the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that invested billions of dollars to revitalize infrastructure and spur the economy. In July, Govs. DeWine and Beshear announced revised plans based on community engagement and technical analysis to shrink the project footprint while still delivering a transformative project that meets the needs of the region. “Nothing great is achieved alone, and I’m proud of all the people who’ve come to the table over the years to ensure that we’ll deliver a project with huge benefits and minimal impacts to the communities that live in and around the project area,” KYTC Secretary Jim Gray said. “This project doesn’t just move vehicles, it moves people. We’re able to reconnect neighborhoods to downtown Cincinnati, improve safety and reduce congestion on this route, all while only adding a single lane to the interstate with this project,” said ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks. With funding secured, groundbreaking on the project is anticipated in late 2023 with larger construction activities in 2024. Substantial completion on the project is slated for 2029. The immediate next step will be the selection process to determine the Progressive Design Build contractor team to complete the project. That effort will begin in January when the Request for Proposals (RFP) is released to the contractor community. The Federal Highway Administration recently required the project team to complete an analysis to better identify project cost estimates. Through this process, the project team determined the project is likely to cost about $3.6 billion. The increase from previous estimates was not unexpected, due to the recent impact of inflation in construction prices. As a result, the project team is updating the project’s financial plan to account for the change. About the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project Brent Spence Bridge Fact Sheet Fueled by bipartisan cooperation and community engagement, the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project will invest in local communities and help grow America’s economy. Spanning 8 miles between the Western Hills Viaduct in Ohio and Dixie Highway in Kentucky, the project will address the second-worst truck bottleneck in the nation by improving safety and travel on the interstate connection that carries more than $700 billion worth of freight every year. In addition, the project will improve access to the central business districts of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Covington, Kentucky, and will also support local businesses and underserved communities in historic neighborhoods on both sides of the river. Ohio and Kentucky are working together to deliver this transformative project that will improve the quality of life for the millions of Americans who use the federal highway system to travel between the two states and beyond.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=D0D89E1A-C470-43D5-BA17-E524D869BB05,Sen. Moran Named Co-Chair of Senate Army Caucus,2022-12-29,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,KS,Jerry Moran,M000934,www.moran.senate.gov,moran,https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – senior member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense and member of the United States Military Academy (USMA) Board of Visitors – today was named the new Co-Chair of the Senate Army Caucus by fellow Co-Chair U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-R.I.) – chairman of the Senate Committee on Armed Services. Sen. Moran will replace retiring U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) as Co-Chair. “I am honored to be selected to serve as the next Co-Chair of the Senate Army Caucus,” said Sen. Moran. “Kansas has a proud history of military service and is home to a significant Army presence with Fort Riley, Fort Leavenworth and the Army National Guard and Reserve. Throughout my time in Congress, it has been a priority to support our military institutions in Kansas and this position will allow me to better advocate for our soldiers and their families in Kansas, the United States and across the globe.” “Sen. Inhofe has been one of Congress’ most influential and strongest advocates for servicemembers and their families, and I am grateful for his many years of leadership on the Senate Army Caucus and in the U.S. Senate,” continued Sen. Moran. “I look forward to working with Sen. Reed, Army leaders and members of the Senate Army Caucus to support our nation’s soldiers and their missions.” “I am proud to welcome Senator Jerry Moran as Co-Chair of the Army Caucus,” said Sen. Reed. “Sen. Moran has long been a steadfast advocate for our nation’s soldiers, and I look forward to serving with him in this new leadership role. The Army is fundamentally a ‘People First’ organization, and the Senate Army Caucus is committed to supporting our soldiers, their families, and our Army civilians and veterans. Sen. Moran will be a tremendous partner in this endeavor.” “I am also grateful to my good friend, Senator Jim Inhofe, for his tremendous leadership as Co-Chair of the Senate Army Caucus, and I congratulate him on his well-earned retirement,” continued Sen. Reed. “The Army is stronger and America is safer because of his service.” “It was an honor to support the United States Army during my time as Army Caucus Co-Chair, and now I am proud to see that position filled by someone with great dedication and integrity – my friend, Kansas Senator Jerry Moran,” said Sen. Inhofe. “I am certain that Sen. Moran will continue to keep the best interest of the U.S. Army at heart as he co-leads this caucus with Senator Reed into the future.” The bipartisan Senate Army Caucus includes more than 30 Senators from across the country. The Army Caucus is one of the largest and most active caucuses in the Senate. The caucus’ goal is to advocate on behalf of the U.S. Army in the Senate and educate members on the importance of supporting Army goals. The caucus meets regularly with Army leadership to receive updates on the service’s readiness, assess soldier quality of life initiatives and develop legislation to advance the goals of the Army. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-delivers-on-alaska-priorities-in-annual-interior-bill,Murkowski Delivers on Alaska Priorities in Annual Interior Bill,2022-12-29,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=26,scraper,"The U.S. Senate recently passed an omnibus appropriations package containing funding for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2023. The measure includes the Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee’s annual bill, which U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) negotiated as the panel’s Ranking Member. Murkowski championed provisions to strengthen Alaska’s economy, invest in water and wastewater infrastructure, improve access and recreation on public lands, provide health and other critical services to tribal communities, and create safer communities across the state. Examples include funding to restore access to Denali National Park, create an EPA grant program for the assessment and remediation of contaminated lands conveyed by the federal government, and to protect communities in Alaska from wildfires. Through the Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) process, Murkowski secured significant additional funding to support over 47 projects in Alaska. “The Interior Subcommittee is important in Alaska with oversight over public lands, Native issues, and the environment. Through the standard appropriations process, I secured significant support for Alaska through investments in her people, lands, and waters. Our final bill improves infrastructure on public lands and provides for important research projects related mapping, landslides, and early monitoring systems for natural disasters. We provide support for Alaskans’ health and safety through investments in priorities such as Small Ambulatory Clinics, Village Built Clinics, and clean drinking water—which every Alaskan deserves. This year I was able to include nearly 50 CDS projects. These are boots-on-the-ground initiatives that Alaskans identified as their top local priorities—from clean drinking water and wastewater treatment facilities to the clean-up of contaminated lands and greater salmon monitoring. I’m proud of this bill and look forward to the positive impacts it will have across our state,” Murkowski said. Congressionally Directed Spending Allocations for Alaska Anchorage: $13 million to the Municipality of Anchorage for the safe disposal of wastewater in Anchorage. Anchorage: $4 million to implement the Municipality of Anchorage’s Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Chickaloon: $250,000 for the Chickaloon Native Village for a community well. Chignik: $5.3 million to the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium for safe drinking water in Chignik. Chugach National Forest: $2.3 million to construct and improve recreational trails and access on the Iditarod National Historic Trail. Craig: $760,000 for upgrades to Craig's wastewater treatment plant. Denali: $2.2 million for design and construction of pedestrian pathways along the Parks Highway corridor in the Denali Borough. Eagle River: $4.5 million to the Municipality of Anchorage for the safe disposal of wastewater in Eagle River. Girdwood: $1.6 million to replace the Ruane Road culvert in Girdwood. Girdwood: $2.5 million for a sewer access project, for the safe disposal of wastewater in Girdwood. Juneau: $2.5 million to the City and Borough of Juneau to design and construct a commercial-scale composting facility to serve Juneau residents and businesses. Kenai: $875,000 to the Alaska Electric & Energy Cooperative, Inc. for the installation of a combined heat and power project at the Kenai Peninsula Borough’s Central Peninsula Landfill. Kenai: $2.9 million for the safe disposal of wastewater in Kenai. Kenai: $1.5 million to implement the Kenai Peninsula Borough Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Ketchikan: $1.7 million to the Ketchikan Gateway Borough for wastewater treatment plant upgrades. Kivalina: $8 million to the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium to construct a new Kivalina landfill that meets state regulatory standards. Kodiak: $1 million to the Island Trails Network for removal, recycling, and recovery of debris from the Alaska marine environment. Kotzebue: $140,000 to build cyanotoxin analysis capacity at the Native Village of Kotzebue. Nome: $1.6 million for safe drinking water distribution and wastewater collection. North Slope: $1.2 million for a wastewater replacement project. North Slope: $2.5 million for the Northern Route of the North Slope Borough Community Winter Access Trails pilot program, which provides for the creation of temporary winter trail access between communities where year-round connecting roads do not exist. Palmer: $6.9 million for wastewater treatment system upgrades. Petersburg: $1.6 million for water treatment plant upgrades. St. Paul: $3 million to improve solid waste disposal facilities. Seldovia: $746,000 for a sewer line replacement. Seldovia: $414,000 for safe drinking water. Seward: $2 million for the safe disposal of wastewater. Soldotna: $680,000 for a wastewater treatment plant. Soldotna: $320,000 to improve wastewater effluent before discharge to the Kenai River. Soldotna: $960,000 for upgrades to equipment used to dewater treated solids at the Soldotna Wastewater Treatment Plant. St. George: $3 million to replace 50-year-old water distribution and wastewater collection infrastructure. Statewide: $2 million for salmon monitoring in the Yukon and Kuskokwim River watersheds. Statewide: $500,000 to the Tanana Chiefs Conference to address the large data gap regarding salmon populations on the Yukon River. Statewide: $880,000 for implementation of the Intertribal Federal Subsistence Cooperative Management Program at the Kuskokwim River Watershed. Statewide: $1.2 million for ecological monitoring in the Yukon and Kuskokwim Rivers. Statewide: $1.5 million for the Denali Commission to develop regional solid waste management plans. Statewide: $1 million to complete a National Scenic Trail feasibility study to connect Seward and Fairbanks. Statewide: $3 million for the Alaska Native Justice Center for Alaska tribal public safety empowerment activities. Statewide: $7 million to support the State of Alaska in conducting an inventory and verification of contaminated sites conveyed to Alaska Natives under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). Statewide: $300,000 for the University of Alaska Anchorage to study the need and economic feasibility of constructing and operating a hazardous waste processing facility and landfill in Alaska. Statewide: $250,000 to the Alaska Native Village Corporation Association to build tribal capacity for the inventory and verification of ANCSA contaminated lands. Statewide: $250,000 to the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium to build further tribal capacity for the inventory and verification of ANCSA contaminated lands. Statewide: $33.9 million for abandoned well remediation in the NPR-A. Valdez: $5 million for the safe disposal of wastewater in Valdez. Wasilla: $5.7 million for improvements to wastewater treatment facilities. Whittier: $1.2 million for well field upgrades. Yakutat: $5.1 million for a water line extension project. Interior-Environment Appropriations Bill Highlights Click here for comprehensive bill highlights. Investing in Communities: Provides full funding for the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program, which provides compensation to local governments throughout Alaska that contain federal lands that are not subject to state or local taxation. PILT helps local governments provide vital services, such as firefighting and police protection, search-and-rescue operations, and the construction of public schools and roads. Supporting Outdoor Access and Recreation: Provides investments to complete the project to restore access to Denali National Park Road for both the safety of the road and for access into the park for locals and visitors. Directs BLM to support the Alaska Long Trail project, a proposed 500-mile route connecting Seward and Fairbanks. Provides additional funding for critical operations and management of our National Park System. Air, Water, and Wastewater Infrastructure: Addresses drinking water and wastewater infrastructure challenges by providing funding for the construction of new drinking water and wastewater systems and the improvement of existing systems in rural Alaska communities. Supports grant programs which help bring basic water and sewer infrastructure to communities in need. Includes increased funding for Targeted Airshed Grants, which support communities such as Fairbanks in their efforts to reduce air pollution. Prohibits EPA from implementing its small, remote incinerators rule in Alaska while Alaskans work with the agency to develop a rule that will work better to address the state’s rural, unique needs. Provides for transboundary river pollution monitoring and directs the U.S. Geological Survey to work cooperatively with local tribes, stakeholders, and other federal agencies to help develop a water quality strategy for transboundary rivers. Protection from Natural Hazards and Wildfire: Provides for the National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System, which will benefit Alaska. Provides greater funding for Prince William Sound and the Southeast landslide program as well as language supporting the ongoing landslide and tsunami warning work in the region. Provides funding for both wildland fire management and wildfire suppression. Public Safety: In order to improve the federal response to the epidemic of missing, trafficked, and murdered indigenous women and girls, provides funding to BIA for cold case work, equipment needs, and victim witness specialists. Includes additional funding for Public Law 280 states, such as Alaska, to help develop tribal court systems for communities. Health and Wellness: Maintains funding for the Small Ambulatory Clinics Program and dental therapist training. Increases maternal funding through IHS and funding for Village Built Clinics—a program unique to Alaska which supports approximately 150 healthcare clinics in rural areas, many of which require intensive maintenance and often serve as the only health facility or source of regional medical care. Advance appropriations are included for fiscal year 2024 to prevent the interruption of healthcare related services in the event of a government shutdown. Alaska Lands: Prioritizes infrastructure improvements for public lands, including investments in land cleanup. Addresses legacy well cleanup to support the next series of sites in need of remediation. Increases support for the Alaska Land Conveyance Program, which serves to fulfill legal requirements to transfer lands to the State and Alaska Natives under ANCSA. Establishes a new grant program at EPA to provide funding for the first time for the assessment and remediation of ANCSA contaminated sites in Alaska. Recognizes the importance of Alaska Public Land Information Centers and encourages the agencies to seek to strengthen partnerships with them. Culture and the Arts: Supports the arts through funding for NEA and NEH. Includes support for the NEA’s Healing Arts Program, developed by the NEA and DOD to help wounded and injured service members and their families in their transition into civilian life. Continues funding for an arts and cultural program with Sealaska and the Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development. The Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee establishes the annual budgets for federal agencies and departments including the Department of the Interior (DOI), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), Forest Service (FS), National Park Service (NPS), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), and Indian Health Service (IHS). Murkowski, as Ranking Member, is able to help write the Senate’s annual appropriations bill for the Subcommittee.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-highlights-stamfords-nourishedrx-as-innovator-of-the-month,"Murphy Highlights Stamford's NourishedRx as ""Innovator of the Month""",2022-12-29,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,CT,Christopher Murphy,M001169,www.murphy.senate.gov,chrismurphy,https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"HARTFORD–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) announced that NourishedRx, based in Stamford, was named December’s “Innovator of the Month.” Founded in 2019, NourishedRx is a woman-owned company that bridges the gap between health care and nutrition through its AI-enabled platform, which matches individuals facing diet sensitive chronic health conditions or nutrition insecurity with highly personalized food solutions and nutrition consultations. NourishedRx has also established partnerships with multiple Medicare Advantage and Managed Medicaid plans to provide its services as part of an all-encompassing healthcare solution. “Access to nutritious foods is key to improving health outcomes. That’s why the team at NourishedRx is working to better integrate nutrition with health care through their evidence-based, AI-enabled platform. I’m proud to recognize their innovative approach toward addressing food insecurity, and look forward to their continued growth in Connecticut,” said Murphy. “Building our company in Connecticut has been wonderful. We’re grateful for the support and partnership of Connecticut Innovations and have enjoyed being part of UConn Technology Incubator Program (TIP). Being in CT is definitely helping us on our way to achieving our mission of improving lives, enhancing health equity and bending the health care cost curve,” said Lauren Driscoll, Founder and CEO of NourishedRx. Murphy believes entrepreneurship and innovation are the building blocks for a strong economy. In the U.S. Senate, he has introduced legislation to incentivize angel investors to put more money into startup companies—the Angel Tax Credit Act. Startup companies create an average of 2 million jobs each year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=F7EB5A8F-9743-4975-90E2-29EE3DE505CE,Warner & Kaine Applaud Signing of Government Funding Bill,2022-12-29,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) applauded President Joe Biden’s signing of legislation to avert a government shutdown and fund the government through Fiscal Year 2023. Among other major priorities, this legislation includes nearly $200 million in federal funding for Virginia-specific projects secured by Sens. Warner and Kaine. “The 117th Congress has been the most productive Congress in modern history and it’s only fitting that we wrap up it up by enacting a consequential government funding package that will continue to strengthen and build on this progress,” said Sen. Warner. “This bill funds essential community projects in Virginia to the tune of $200 million dollars, and it supports hardworking families by increasing access to affordable child care, housing, high-speed internet, and start-up capital in underserved communities. This law will provide needed protections to pregnant workers, lower drug costs, and improve access to mental health care. Importantly, I’m proud that this bill will ensure a more resilient military right here at home, while reaffirming our commitment to the Ukrainian fight for democracy and against authoritarianism.” “Virginia will benefit greatly from the budget President Biden just signed, and I’m grateful to every Virginian whose insights and advice helped me shape this legislation to best meet the Commonwealth’s needs. Not only will this budget execute the pay raise Congress just authorized for our servicemembers, expand internet access, address mental and physical health needs, and expand access to affordable housing—it will bring over $200 million in funding back to Virginia to support urgent local community projects. This budget is a big win and I look forward to seeing all of its positive impacts in the new year,” said Sen. Kaine. As part of last year’s budget process, the Senate restarted a process that allows members of Congress to work with the communities they represent to request funding for local community projects, otherwise known as earmarks, in a manner that promotes transparency and accountability. This process allows Congress to dedicate federal funding for specific projects.? Through strong advocacy, the senators secured funding in the budget bills for the following projects in Virginia: For projects in Northern Virginia, click here. For projects in Central Virginia, click here. For projects in Southwest Virginia and Southside,click here. For projects in the Shenandoah Valley, click here. For projects in Hampton Roads, click here. For projects that impact communities in multiple regions across the Commonwealth, click here. In addition, the budget bills include funding for the following Warner and Kaine priorities: Investing in Kids: Provides $8 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), which provides financial assistance to help low-income families access child care. This is $1.85 billion more than Fiscal Year 2022, representing a 30 percent increase in funding for the program. The bill also includes $11.996 billion, $960 million more than Fiscal Year 2022, for Head Start, the national school readiness program. Last year, Virginia received more than $120 million through the CCDBG program, and Virginia’s Head Start programs served 15,000 vulnerable children and their families. Increasing funding for the CCDBG program is a core tenant of Kaine’s child care and early childhood education proposal to expand the supply of quality child care facilities, increase child care and Head Start teacher wages, and lower child care costs for families across the country. Addressing Americans’ Mental Health Needs: Expands the number of mental health care options available for seniors by ensuring seniors can access marriage and family therapists and licensed professional counselors under Medicare for the first time. This expansion is based on a bill Kaine cosponsored, theMental Health Access Improvement Act. The budget also includes Kaine’s bipartisan Investing in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Act, legislation to support children’s access to mental health care by providing grants to human service agencies or non-profits to develop, maintain, or enhance early intervention mental health programs for children from 0 to 12 years of age. Increasing Access to Affordable Housing: Includes $1.5 billion for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, which will lead to the construction of 10,000 housing units nationally; $3.3 billion for the Community Development Block Grant program, which cities and counties can use to build affordable housing or for economic and community development projects that benefit low- and moderate-income housing; funding for 11,700 new housing choice vouchers; and dedicated funding to address homelessness, housing for the disabled, and housing for older Americans, among other investments. The budget also establishes a new $85 million competitive grant fund for localities looking to increase housing construction, similar to legislation proposed by Kaine. Increasing Military Pay and Compensation:?Includes $1.5 billion to fully fund a 4.6 percent pay raise for servicemembers that Kaine helped authorize as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, which writes the annual National Defense Authorization Act. Also includes $515 million towards military family support programs. Warner, who pushed for this funding, has long stressed the need for increased support for servicemembers through legislation such as the?Military Hunger Prevention Act?that helps low-income military families put food on the table and through a number of provisions in this year’s defense bill. Making Our Communities Safer:?Provides $50 million for Community Violence Prevention grants to support communities in developing comprehensive, evidence-based violence intervention and prevention programs, including efforts to address gang and gun violence through partnerships between community residents, law enforcement, local government agencies, and other community stakeholders. The bill also includes $45 million in funding to a Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program to train police officers in de-escalation, implicit bias, and preventing unlawful force. This funding will also go towards strengthening crisis intervention teams by embedding mental and behavioral health professionals alongside law enforcement officers. Finally, the bill includes $125 million for anti-recidivism programs, helping formally incarcerated individuals re-integrate peacefully into society. Supporting America’s Veterans: Provides $5 billion to implement theHonoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, which Warner and Kaine successfully pushed to pass earlier this year. This legislation expanded health care services and benefits to veterans with conditions related to toxic exposure during their service. The budget also includes $118.7 billion for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical care and $2.7 billion to support critical services and housing assistance for veterans and their families experiencing housing insecurity. Expanding High-Speed Internet Access: Includes $364 million for the USDA’s ReConnect Program to expand access to high-speed broadband to remote underserved areas. As governors and senators, Warner and Kaine have long supported expanding broadband access in Virginia. During the pandemic, they secured significant funding for broadband through the?Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Warner and Kaine also joined a bipartisan letter to Senate leadership requesting this funding earlier this year. Warner also personally secured billions of dollars for broadband expansion in both the?American Rescue Plan?and the?Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Strengthening the Prescription Drug Pipeline: Includes bipartisan provisions championed by Kaine to strengthen the pipeline and increase transparency for critical medicines, which would lower costs and make it easier for physicians and patients to plan for the future. Kaine first outlined these steps in two bipartisan bills, the Interchangeable Biologics Clarity Act and the Biologics Market Transparency Act. Boosting Local Economies:?Includes $200 million for the Appalachian Regional Commission and $20 million—an increase of $15 million compared to last year’s budget—for the Southwest Crescent Regional Commission (SCRC) to support their work to build economic partnerships, create opportunity, and foster economic development. Kaine and Warner, along with the late Representative A. Donald McEachin, led the push to increase SCRC funding. Improving NASA Infrastructure: Provides an estimated $103 million to fully construct and replace the Wallops Causeway Bridge at the Wallops Flight Facility. The Wallops Island bridge replacement project will address structural deficiencies, improve safety, and help ensure mission readiness for future NASA launches. Warner and Kaine have consistently advocated for increased funding to address the deterioration of the bridge by hurricanes and severe weather and most recently sent a letter to Congressional leadership requesting this funding. Restoring the Chesapeake Bay: Includes $92 million for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Chesapeake Bay Program, which is the leading federal program that coordinates restoration efforts in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Expanding Defense Workforce Training: Includes $830.2 million for the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) Program Office, which funds a range of efforts at the Department of Defense to support the defense industrial base, including a pilot program in Danville which is currently training students in machining, welding, metrology and manufacturing for jobs in shipbuilding. Boosting Scientific Research and Innovation: Includes $1.8 billion in funding to help implement the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. Warner and Kaine led efforts in the Senate to secure funding from the legislation for Virginia, noting in a letter to the Department of Commerce that Virginia has a leading technology workforce and semiconductor manufacturing presence, making the Commonwealth an ideal location for future federal investments in semiconductor research and manufacturing. Making Higher Education More Affordable: Provides a $500 boost or 7.2 percent increase to the maximum Pell Grant in the 2023-2024 school year, raising the maximum award to $7,395. This is the largest increase in the maximum Pell grant award since the 2009-10 school year and further builds off the $400 increase provided last year. The omnibus also includes $1 billion, an increase of $137 million or 15 percent, for programs to strengthen Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other Minority Serving Institutions. Addressing the Opioid Epidemic: Includes the Non-Opioids Prevent Addiction in the Nation (NOPAIN) Act, legislation Warner and Kaine cosponsored to reduce barriers to non-opioid pain management for those enrolled in Medicare. The budget also includes theMainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, legislation Kaine cosponsored to reduce barriers to accessing medication-assisted treatment for individuals living with substance use disorders. Fighting Eating Disorders: The bill includes the Anna Westin Legacy Act, legislation cosponsored by Warner to help those affected by eating disorders through improved health care professional training and clarity of mental health parity. Supporting the Direct Care and Family Caregiver Workforce: Includes $2 million for a project to identify new strategies to attract and retain a qualified direct care workforce. A similar provision was included in Kaine’s Supporting Our Direct Care Workforce and Family Caregivers Act, legislation designed to address direct care and family caregiver workforce shortages. Addressing Americans’ Long COVID Needs:?Includes $10 million for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to provide the research needed to ensure those experiencing Long COVID have access to the patient-centered, coordinated care they need. This effort was first outlined in Kaine’s?CARE for Long COVID Act. Extending Telehealth Access: Extends COVID-19-related telehealth flexibilities for two full years, through 2024, drawing on legislation introduced by Warner and cosponsored by Kaine to allow more Americans to utilize telehealth services and expand the types of health care providers eligible to offer telemedicine. Protecting Pregnant Workers: The bill includes the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, legislation cosponsored by Kaine to require employers to make reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers and prevent them from forcing a woman to take leave when other reasonable accommodations would allow her to continue working. Keeping Kids Healthy: Extends the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which provides low- and no-cost health coverage for thousands of low-income children in Virginia, for an additional two years. Improving Cybersecurity in Health Care: Includes several provisions addressing cybersecurity vulnerabilities across the health care sector. Last month, Warner released a policy options paper outlining current cybersecurity threats facing health care providers and systems and offering a series of policy solutions to improve cybersecurity across the industry, several of which were included in the bill. Supporting Miners Suffering from Black Lung Disease: Includes $12.19 million for Black Lung Clinics. Warner and Kaine have actively worked to secure benefits for miners and their families suffering from black lung disease. In August, the?Inflation Reduction Act,?supported by both Warner and Kaine, permanently extended the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund excise tax at a higher rate, providing more certainty for miners, miner retirees, and their families who rely on the fund to access benefits. Improving Access to Lifesaving Drugs: Includes significant improvements to the Food and Drug Administration’s Accelerated Approval Pathway, an important regulatory mechanism that provides early access to treatments and cures for patients with serious and life-threatening conditions. Kaine has long advocated for these improvements, which he outlined in his bipartisan Modernizing Accelerated Approvals Act. Funding for Pediatric Cancer Research:?Provides $12.6 million to fund childhood cancer research through the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act—legislation?championed?by Warner and Kaine and named after a child from Loudoun County who died from a brain tumor in 2013. Supporting Hospital-Based Nurse Training Programs: Includes a technical correction to protect funding for programs that train nurses and other allied health professionals at hospital-based nursing programs across the country. This provision is based on the Technical Reset to Advance the Instruction of Nurses (TRAIN) Act, legislation Kaine cosponsored. Addressing Physician Shortages: Provides for the distribution of 200 additional Medicare-funded graduate medical education (GME) residency positions, with 100 slots specifically dedicated to increasing the number of mental health residencies. Kaine has long-supported expansion of GME residency positions and is a cosponsor of the Physician Shortage Reduction Act to do so. Supporting Rural Hospitals: Includes a two-year extension for Medicare payment programs that are vital to rural hospitals: the Medicare Dependent Hospital program and the Low Volume Adjustment Hospital program. Kaine cosponsored legislation in support of this action, the Rural Hospital Support Act. The budget also includes $5 million to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to establish an Office of Rural Health, a step first outlined in the Rural Health Equity Act, which was led by the late Congressman A. Donald McEachin in the U.S. House of Representatives and cosponsored by Kaine in the Senate. Fighting Global Hunger:? Includes over $2 billion in international food aid and to promote U.S. agricultural exports overseas. This funding is critical to combatting global hunger and malnutrition. This funding follows?Kaine’s work to highlight and address the threat Russia’s invasion of Ukraine poses to food security around the world, and?Warner’s support for non-governmental organizations responding to the food crisis. It also includes $154 billion—an increase of $13.4 billion compared to last year’s budget—for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps. Last year, 756,600 Virginians, or 9 percent of Virginia’s population, relied on food stamps. Fighting Pandemics and Promoting Access to Medical Countermeasures: Includes provisions from Kaine’s bipartisan bill, the Promoting Access to Critical Countermeasures by Ensuring Specimen Samples (ACCESS) to Diagnostics Act, to support quicker research and development of medical countermeasures to disease outbreaks and pandemics, including diagnostic tests, vaccines, and therapeutics, in response to emerging infectious diseases. The budget also includes $10.56 billion—a $731 million increase compared to last year’s budget—to support global health and vaccination efforts worldwide. This funding is critical to protecting Virginians from the impacts of disease outbreaks around the world. Modernizing America’s Health Data Infrastructure:?Includes $175 million—an increase of $75 million compared to last year’s budget—to modernize the public health data systems that help support healthy communities throughout America and Virginia. Also included are provisions from Kaine’s?Improving Data Accessibility Through Advancements (DATA) in Public Health Act to increase timely and accurate information sharing between local, state, and federal public health departments to improve preparedness for emerging public health threats and create a grant program to strengthen the quality and completeness of demographic data collection used by public health entities. Strengthening Transportation and Recreation Infrastructure:?Provides $150 million for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, in addition to $45 million for the Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program, which will support multi-purpose trails across Virginia. Supporting Key Missing Persons Program: Includes $1 million to help with the nationwide implementation of the Ashanti Alert system. In 2018, Warner secured?unanimous Senate passage?of the Ashanti Alert Act, legislation that created a new federal alert system for missing or endangered adults between the ages of 18-64.?The bill was signed into law on December 31, 2018. Supporting Economic Growth for Underserved Communities:?Provides $324 million for the U.S. Department of the Treasury Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Fund, which supports businesses’ economic growth in underserved communities. The successful push by Warner and Kaine follows Warner’s efforts to support CDFIs through legislation including the?Jobs and Neighborhood Investment Act?and the creation of the bipartisan?Senate Community Development Finance Caucus. Protecting Democracy: Includes provisions to ensure that electoral votes tallied by Congress accurately reflect each state’s vote for president and provides specific guidelines for the point at which candidates elected president and vice president can receive the resources provided for their transition into office. Warner and Kaine have long called for legislation to safeguard future elections, and Warner was among the bipartisan group of senators who negotiated these proposals. Assisting Ukraine in the Fight Against Russia’s Illegal Invasion: Provides $44.9 billion in emergency assistance to support the Ukrainian people, to strengthen our NATO allies, and to defend global democracy in response to Russian aggression. Supporting Our Afghan Allies: Provides funding to help eliminate processing backlogs and expedite adjudications of Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) cases. Virginia is home to one of the largest Afghan diaspora populations in the United States and led the U.S. in resettling Afghan allies following the U.S. withdrawal. Supporting Order and Safety at Our Border: Includes funding to support 19,855 Border Patrol agents, 300 more agents compared to last year’s budget, in addition to $800 million to support Customs and Border Patrol’s management of migrant processing facilities. The budget also provides resources for various programs to help improve the conditions that drive migration from Central America, including programs focused on counter-narcotics efforts and economic development. As Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Kaine has long advocated for efforts to address the root causes of migration. Fairness for Victims of Terrorism: Transfers $6 billion to the U.S. Victims of State-Sponsored Terrorism Fund, to help ensure all victims of state-sponsored terrorism have access to appropriate compensation. The additional Funds would expand the Fund’s coverage and provide justice to victims and families of those killed or injured during the 9/11 terrorist attacks (including at the Pentagon), the 1983 Beirut Marine barracks bombing, and the Iran hostage crisis, among others. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=79C900B3-96D4-4F0C-8070-3AFE4E35463B,The Pacific Islands Embassy Act Becomes Law,2022-12-28,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,KY,Andy Barr,B001282,barr.house.gov,barr,https://barr.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—The Pacific Islands Embassy Act, a bipartisan, bicameral bill aimed at countering the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) through increased American diplomacy in the Pacific is now law. The legislation establishes physical U.S. Embassies on the Pacific Island nations of the Solomon Islands, Kiribati, and Tonga, and authorizes expanded physical presence on Vanuatu to reinforce American leadership in the Pacific region. This legislation was included as an amendment to the FY 2023 National Defense Authorization Act. U.S. Congressmen Andy Barr (R-KY) and Ed Case (D-HI) introduced the bill in the House of Representatives. U.S. Congressman Chris Stewart (R-UT) was an original cosponsor and proponent of the bill in the House. U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-IN) and U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) were the Senate sponsors of the bill. U.S. Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) were key supporters and voted for the legislation in the Senate. “Expanding America’s diplomatic footprint in Asia is a simple but powerful way we can reaffirm our longstanding bilateral partnerships in the Pacific. Strengthening our relationships in the Pacific will help counter the CCP’s predatory Belt and Road Initiative and show that the U.S. remains a partner of choice. I thank all of my colleagues who supported this legislation,” said Congressman Barr. “The Indo-Pacific is a region of active competition with China, and our Pacific Island partners are especially vulnerable to Chinese coercion. This legislation will strengthen our diplomatic presence in the region and signal our resolve to our partners and allies,” said Senator Young. “Strong U.S. diplomacy in the Pacific is essential. We brought Democrats and Republicans together to establish a robust physical diplomatic presence in these strategic island nations,” said Senator Ossoff. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/president-biden-signs-law-congressman-blake-moores-bill-help-save-great-salt,President Biden Signs Into Law Congressman Blake Moore’s Bill to Help Save the Great Salt Lake,2022-12-28,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,UT,Blake D. Moore,M001213,blakemoore.house.gov,blakemoore,https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Yesterday, Congressman Blake Moore’s Saline Lake Ecosystems in the Great Basin States Program Act was signed into law by President Joe Biden. Introduced with Congressman Jared Huffman (D-CA) and led by Senators Merkley (D-OR) and Romney (R-UT) in the Senate, this legislation will establish a scientific monitoring and assessment program to help save the Great Salt Lake and other saline lakes in the West. “I am so proud of all the work that went into getting this critical bill signed into law by President Biden,” said Congressman Blake Moore.“Many thanks to the leaders and experts who helped put this together, including Senate sponsor Senator Romney, Governor Cox, Speaker Wilson, President Adams, State Representatives Joel Ferry and Tim Hawkes, and several others. Saving the Great Salt Lake and our neighboring saline lakes is one of my top priorities, and this bill will help us get there.” The Saline Lake Ecosystems in the Great Basin States Program Act will provide the U.S. Geological Survey—in coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and tribal, state, academic, and nonprofit organizations—resources to conduct scientific monitoring and assessments to establish effective management and conservation efforts to preserve essential Saline Lake habitats within the Great Basin network. The Saline Lake Ecosystems in the Great Basin States Program Act builds on the important, broadly supported work being done in the Utah State Legislature to address this issue. In addition, this bill received support from Governor Cox and several organizations, including: the National Audubon Society, Compass Minerals, Trout Unlimited, Rio Tinto Kennecott, the Utah Waterfowl Association, the Utah Airboat Association, the Utah Wetlands Foundation, the Nature Conservancy in Utah, Friends of Great Salt Lake, the Weber Basin Water Conservancy District, the Great Salt Lake Brine Shrimp Cooperative, the Utah Audubon Council, and the National Wildlife Federation. This bill supports the work authorized under the Concurrent Resolution to Address Declining Water Levels of the Great Salt Lake, which passed the Utah State Legislature unanimously in 2019. This legislation is also cosponsored by Representatives Susie Lee (D-NV), Jay Obernolte (R-CA), Jim Costa (D-CA), Mike Thompson (D-CA), Burgess Owens (R-UT), John Curtis (R-UT), Chris Stewart (R-UT), and Mark Amodei (R-NV). The bill text can be found here. The coalition support letter can be found here and Governor Cox’s support letter can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://burchett.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-thomas-massie-discusses-liberty-patents-and-prime-act-rep-burchett-latest,"Rep. Thomas Massie discusses liberty, patents, and the PRIME Act with Rep. Burchett on latest episode of Tennessee Talks",2022-12-28,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,TN,Tim Burchett,B001309,burchett.house.gov,burchett,https://burchett.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"KNOXVILLE, Tenn., (Dec. 28, 2022) – On the latest episode of Tennessee Talks, Rep. Thomas Massie (KY-04) joined Rep. Tim Burchett (TN-02) to discuss the importance of preserving liberty in the United States, breaking down Elon Musk's view on patents, and the PRIME Act. ""Massie's a brilliant guy and a good friend of mine,"" said Rep. Burchett. ""I had a great time talking with him about how we need to continue defending our liberty from government tyranny, especially right now under the Biden Administration."" Rep. Massie has represented Kentucky's Fourth District since 2012, after serving as Lewis County Judge Executive. During school, he invented a technology that enabled people to interact with computers using their sense of touch and leveraged that technology to found SensAble Technologies, Inc., which raised over $32 million of venture capital, created 70 jobs, and obtained 29 patents. The hardware and software he developed are now used to design automobiles, jewelry, shoes, dental prosthetics, and even reconstructive implants for wounded soldiers. Episodes of Tennessee Talks are available on the show’s official website, Rep. Burchett’s official YouTube channel and the following streaming services:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1023,Case Secures Passage Of Hawai‘i National Forest Study Bill,2022-12-28,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=16,scraper,"(Washington, DC) -- U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01), a member of the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for all federal discretionary spending, today announced the inclusion of critical funding and programs to protect Hawaii’s environment as part of the just-passed Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 omnibus funding bill. “The FY 2023 Omnibus Appropriations bill makes substantial federal investments in Hawaii’s efforts to conserve our lands and ocean for future generations and protect endangered species,” said Case. “The omnibus includes my proposal to initiative a process which may lead to Hawaii’s first-ever National Forest, which would assist us in preserving our truly unique ecosystem,” explained Case. “It directs our federal government to pursue a formal process led by the U.S. Forest Service of engaging with state and community stakeholders toward identification of the most suitable Hawai‘i forests for inclusion as national forests.” Case also added: “The FY 2023 omnibus funding measure will boost efforts to help Hawai‘i fight invasive species, which have caused Hawai’i to be recognized as the invasive species capital of the world.” The bill adopts Case’s request to support various invasive species programs, including $36 million for the Agricultural Quarantine Inspections Program to combat invasive species in Hawai‘i and $47 million for the U.S. Geological Survey Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program. The bill also creates a pilot program to prioritize the use of native plant species and combat invasive species within the National Park System. The bill includes the following other funding and programs requested and secured by Case: · $1.3 million to safeguard over nearly 700 acres in Maunawili Valley. The proposed forest reserve would be managed by the Hawai‘i Division of Forestry and Wildlife in partnership with local nonprofits seeking to steward the land, engage sustainable agriculture and restore cultural sites and lo‘i. Maunawili Forest is not only significant for its historic and cultural resources but is the natural habitat for three threatened or endangered Hawaiian damselfly species, a forest bird (‘elepaio), and four species of endangered Hawaiian wetland birds. · $1.8 million to assist the State Department of Land and Natural Resources’ acquisition of nearly 1,000 acres of in Kāne‘ohe. The Kāneʻohe Pali lands include freshwater springs, famous waterfalls, at least 11 streams and tributaries, native forest which comprises priority watershed, critical habitat for a wide range of native plant and animal species, the historic Luluku banana patches, mountain peaks and other geological formations. $12.9 million in additional funding for the possible acquisition of Kaupō Ranch on the southern slope of Haleakalā for the NPS. Kaupō Ranch is a key access point for the popular Kaupō Gap Trail that traverses the crater of Haleakalā National Park. This funding will help secure a 3,018 acre portion and expand recreational activities and protect important natural resources, watersheds and endangered species. · $1.7 million for the Hawai‘i State Department of Land and Natural Resources to conduct forest protection and aquifer recovery activities for the Pearl Harbor watershed. · $64 million for the U.S. Geological Survey Species Management Research Program to respond to the needs of critically endangered Hawaiian forest birds. · $175 million for the protection, research and management of marine mammals, sea turtles and other ocean species. · $80 million for the Sea Grant Program, which supports coastal and Great Lakes communities through research, extension and education. These funds help support the Hawaiʻi Sea Grant Program at the University of Hawaiʻi that concentrates on promoting healthy coastal ecosystems, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, resilient communities and economies and environmental literacy and workforce development. · $68 million for the Sanctuaries and Marine Protected Areas Program, including the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. · $34 million for the Coral Reef Conservation Program. · $31 million for long-deferred maintenance projects at Hawaii’s national parks. · $19 million for the National Trails System, which will benefit the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. Case’s Appropriations Committee is responsible for allocating some $1.7 trillion in funding to federal government agencies, departments and organizations on an annual basis. A detailed summary of the FY 2023 omnibus is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403999,Rep. Castor: “Record-Setting” 2022 for Tampa Bay as Congressional Office Delivers $10M to Veterans and Neighbors + Secures $2.3B in Grant $!,2022-12-28,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,castor,https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced today that her team worked to deliver over $10 million in aid, benefits and refunds to veterans, seniors, small businesses and families in 2022, including over $4.8 million to veterans and service members; over $2.3 billion in federal grants to create jobs, lower costs, invest in our schools and infrastructure, help our community recover from the Covid19 pandemic, and support the important work of local partners; and an additional $132.3 million in federal grants from the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that Rep. Castor championed in Congress. “My Tampa constituent services team works tirelessly to cut through red tape on behalf of the families, veterans and businesses. We tragically lost the heart of Team Castor, Tery Sanchez, earlier this year, but have continued to meet the needs of our neighbors in her honor and have delivered historic returns. I am grateful for all that Tery, along with Steven Angotti, Tania Fernandez, Damaris Gonzalez and Sean Saintil – as well as the help of the entire Castor Team – did this year. Their expertise and compassion are critical to ensuring that veterans receive the benefits they have earned and to guarantee that survival stimulus payments, Social Security, Medicare are delivered on time. “Amazingly, 812 federal grants bolstered neighborhoods from North Tampa to USF to West Tampa and more - for a total of $2,312,900,550 including important investments in housing, Tampa’s Riverwalk, safer streets, and medical research. I love my hometown and am committed to lifting every neighbor through growing public transit , Feeding Tampa Bay through expanded food assistance, and other local organizations that are investing in skills career training to expand good-paying jobs and apprenticeships and so much more. “Our health heroes – present and future – received a major boost with a $1 million grant from the Department of Health and Human Services to USF that is aimed at recruiting and training nursing students and current registered nurses to increase access to care, with an emphasis on chronic disease prevention and control, including mental health and substance use conditions. HART also received a $300,000 grant through American Rescue Plan funds that helped them restore service and keep essential services moving after the pandemic. Bay Area Legal Services is always there for our neighbors, and an $800,000 grant has helped struggling individuals and families with free and low-cost legal services as they recovered from Hurricane Sally. The Tampa community is blessed with volunteers and organizations who are working to creatively and compassionately solve problems, and I was proud to partner with them to get these initiatives over the finish line. “Not included in that amount are the 16 federal grants – totaling $132,304, 671 – that our community secured from the landmark Infrastructure Investment and Job Act. From funds to fix our roads and expand safe pathways for pedestrians and cyclists, we are building safer communities, and creating jobs along the way. Port Tampa Bay also received a critical $12.6M grant that will create good-paying jobs and build a new dock so that larger cargo ships can utilize the Port. We’ll see lower costs through this construction and cement Port Tampa Bay’s place as a thoroughfare that’s critical to our state and nation’s economy.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://costa.house.gov/media/press-releases/costa-issues-statement-amigos-act-signed-law,Costa Issues Statement on the AMIGOS Act Signed into Law,2022-12-28,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CA,Jim Costa,C001059,costa.house.gov,costa,https://costa.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-16), Co-Chair of the Congressional Portuguese American Caucus, released the following statement after President Joseph R. Biden signed into law, the Advancing Mutual Interests and Growing our Success (AMIGOS) Act. Costa is an original co-sponsor and was instrumental in passing this legislation. “Portuguese-Americans have made significant contributions in the San Joaquin Valley and throughout the United States,” said Costa. “The AMIGOS Act will help create more American jobs and increase investment across the country, while strengthening the bonds between United States and Portugal.” The AMIGOS Act was signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023. This legislation will grant Portuguese citizens eligibility for E-1 and E-2 Visas, which allow individuals to enter the United States to conduct ""substantial trade"" or invest a ""substantial amount of capital"" respectively. ### Congressman Jim Costa represents a large Portuguese American population in California's San Joaquin Valley and is a Co-Chair of the Congressional Portuguese American Caucus",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-angie-craigs-legislation-rename-local-post-office-after-fallen,Representative Angie Craig’s Legislation to Rename Local Post Office After Fallen South St. Paul Police Officer Signed into Law,2022-12-28,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,MN,Angie Craig,C001119,craig.house.gov,craig,https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, U.S. Representative Angie Craig’s bill to rename the South St. Paul Post Office in honor of fallen South St. Paul Police Officer Leo Pavlak was signed into law. After only four months on the force, Officer Pavlak was killed by the infamous Barker-Karpis Gang during a robbery on August 30, 1933. To this day, he is the only South St. Paul Police Officer to have been killed in the line of duty. The bill was passed by the House and Senate earlier this month. “In 1933, Officer Pavlak lost his life in service to his community – and in the years since, many of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have continued building his legacy as they joined the ranks of the Minnesota law enforcement community,” said Representative Craig. “By renaming the South St. Paul Post Office the Officer Leo Pavlak Post Office, we remember and honor the dedication and sacrifice of Officer Pavlak and his entire family. I’m grateful to all my Minnesota colleagues, and especially Senator Klobuchar, who helped get this bill over the finish line.” Since Officer Pavlak’s death in 1933, four generations of Pavlaks have joined the ranks of Minnesota law enforcement. Robert Leo Pavlak Sr. followed in his father’s footsteps, pursuing a career as a police officer in St. Paul. One of his grandsons, Robert, was a Ramsey County Deputy – while another one of his grandsons, David, was a St. Paul Police Officer. And finally, Officer Pavlak’s great-grandsons, Luke and Ryan, have continued this legacy as police officers in the Twin Cities area. Representative Craig’s bill is part of a bipartisan, bicameral effort to honor Officer Pavlak. Earlier this month, Minnesota Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith led the passage of a companion bill through the Senate. The legislation is supported by Representatives Dean Phillips, Betty McCollum, Ilhan Omar, Tom Emmer, Michelle Fischbach, Brad Finstad and Pete Stauber, as well as the Pavlak family and local leaders in South St. Paul.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://desaulnier.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/private-bill-authored-congressman-desaulnier-make-maria-isabel-bueso,Private Bill Authored by Congressman DeSaulnier to Make Maria Isabel Bueso Permanent Resident Becomes Law,2022-12-28,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CA,Mark DeSaulnier,D000623,desaulnier.house.gov,desaulnier,https://desaulnier.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) announced that the private bill he authored to permanently allow Isabel Bueso and her family to remain in the United States so Isabel can continue to receive treatment for her rare, life-threatening disease (H.R. 785) was signed into law by President Biden. Following House passage of H.R. 785 in June, the bill was championed in the U.S. Senate by Senators Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla (both D-CA). “Since Isabel and her family were threatened by the Trump Administration with deportation three and half years ago, I have been honored to work alongside them in the pursuit of justice by leading the effort in Congress to allow them to stay here permanently. Isabel’s medical condition is permanent and her status in the U.S. to get treatment should be too,” said Congressman DeSaulnier. “I am so relieved for the Buesos that they will finally get long overdue peace of mind now that President Biden has signed this bill into law so they can spend their time focusing on Isabel’s care instead of unnecessary paperwork and worry.” “There are no words to express our feelings and gratitude for giving us the opportunity to create a solid future in this country. Congressman DeSaulnier’s support and dedication to our struggle, finding a way forward and making it happen in spite of obstacles, is a testament to his commitment to making life better for his constituents and others. I hope that more people can get the relief like I did and that this will inspire others to know that their Members of Congress can help,” said Isabel Bueso. Isabel’s story rose to national prominence when the Trump Administration cancelled medical deferred action, which led to people like her with rare, life-threatening diseases facing deportation. Isabel came to the United States legally from Guatemala in 2003 to receive life-saving treatment as part of a medical trial for Maroteaux-Lamy Syndrome, also known as Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VI. Since then, she and her family have resided lawfully in the East Bay and her participation in those trials has helped identify an effective, life-saving treatment, which the drug manufacturer says Isabel cannot receive in Guatemala.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-priorities-signed-law-part-water-resources-development-act,Foster Priorities Signed into Law as part of Water Resources Development Act,2022-12-28,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,IL,Bill Foster,F000454,foster.house.gov,foster,https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) announced that four of his requests were signed into law by President Biden as part of the Water Resources Development Act. These requests authorize crucial investments in the waterways and environmental infrastructure for Will County and the entire Great Lakes region. Foster’s requests include: Increased federal funding from 80 percent to 90 percent for the Brandon Road Ecosystem Project, which is the last line of defense for preventing invasive Asian Carp from reaching Lake Michigan and all of the tributaries and lakes in the Great Lakes basin. This increased funding will be used for the project’s remaining design, construction, operation, maintenance, repair, replacement, and rehabilitation. $30 million in federal funding to improve water and wastewater infrastructure, including stormwater management, in Will County, Illinois. A hydraulic evaluation of the upper Mississippi River and Illinois River to evaluate flow frequency probabilities and develop updated water surface profiles to help predict and prevent floods. Various ecosystem restoration projects for the Fox River, Illinois River, Chicago River, Calumet River, Grand Calumet River, Little Calumet River, and other waterways in the Chicago suburbs. “During my time in Congress, it’s always been one of my top priorities to give Illinois its fair share of federal resources,” said Foster. “These projects are critical to the ecosystems and environmental infrastructure in Will County and the entire Great Lakes region, and I’m proud this legislation invests in the water infrastructure that future generations deserve.” The Water Resources Development Act was included in the final version of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://harder.house.gov/media/press-releases/harder-torches-government-bureaucrats-in-reaction-to-new-report-on-impacts-of-building-delta-tunnel-project,Harder Torches Government Bureaucrats in Reaction to New Report on Impacts of Building Delta Tunnel Project,2022-12-28,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,CA,Josh Harder,H001090,harder.house.gov,harder,https://harder.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today, Representative Josh Harder released the following statement in reaction to the Army Corps of Engineers’ newly released 700 page draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Delta Conveyance Project, also known as the Delta Tunnel. The report finds that building the Delta Tunnel project may have significant negative impacts on the Central Valley’s agricultural resources including its water supply, air quality, endangered species, essential fish habitat, and environmental justice outlook. Additionally, the Army Corps of Engineers has failed to schedule even one single in-person public hearing on the Delta Tunnel project. “Building the Delta Tunnel will crush our farmers, endanger our environment, and put our whole community at risk. I refuse to let that happen. Everyone in the Valley knows the Delta Tunnel is a terrible idea and a greedy water grab. Now, we have a report that makes those facts clear as day,” said Rep. Harder. “The Army Corps of Engineers’ refusal to host a single in-person public hearing on this project is an embarrassment and a disservice to everyone in our community. Six weeks of public comment on a project that will impact us for hundreds of years is unacceptable and another demonstration of Sacramento putting itself first and the Valley last. Today, I’m calling on the Army Corps to reverse its decision and hold a real, in-person public hearing before the end of January so they can hear directly from Valley farmers and families about what this disastrous project would mean to all of us.” Rep. Harder’s office will be following this press release with additional announcements and actions in opposition to the Delta Tunnel project in the coming days and weeks. This comes on the heels of Rep. Harder’s new bill, the Stop the Delta Tunnel Act, which would stop the project’s construction once and for all. A summary of the EIS report can be found online here. The full report can be found online here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-bill-help-military-families-signed-law-0,Murphy Bill to Help Military Families Signed into Law,2022-12-28,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,NC,Gregory F. Murphy,M001210,murphy.house.gov,murphy,https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, President Biden signed into law the VETS Credit Act, which will help student veterans by ensuring they are able to quickly and easily transfer their course credits to another institution should their school close or program end suddenly. The bill, which was sponsored by Rep. Buchanan (FL-16), included Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D.’s (NC-03) bill that makes it easier for dependents of veterans or active-duty military to retain transferred Post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits. Murphy issued the following statement: “Veterans across this nation earned their benefits with honorable military service to our country. With Rep. Buchanan’s VETS Credit Act signed into law, these benefits are guaranteed so that our servicemen and women returning home have easy access to a college education,” said Rep. Murphy. “I’m proud that my commonsense bill is included in the VETS Credit Act to ensure clerical errors do not prevent dependents from receiving well-earned educational assistance. This is a tremendous step for our outstanding military families. I’d like to thank Congressman Buchanan for including this essential piece of legislation in his bill and the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) for bringing it to my attention.” The VETS Credit Act passed the U.S. House earlier this year on May 17th, 2022 with broad bipartisan support by a vote of 412-1. It passed the U.S. Senate last week unanimously.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://nehls.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-troy-e-nehls-military-sexual-trauma-legislation-signed-law,Rep. Troy E. Nehls' Military Sexual Trauma Legislation Signed Into Law,2022-12-28,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,TX,Troy E. Nehls,N000026,nehls.house.gov,nehls,https://nehls.house.gov/media,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, legislation authored by Congressman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) was signed into law after passing the U.S. Senate by Unanimous Consent last week. H.R. 6064 will improve the VA's Military Sexual Trauma (MST) disability exam process by requiring the V.A. to partner with the National Academies to complete a comprehensive review of the process. The bill would also require the VA to provide the House Veterans Affairs Committee and the Senate Veteran Affairs Committee with a report on any actions they plan to take as a result of findings and recommendations in the NASEM study. ""I am proud that my bill has received broad bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress and has been signed into law,"" said Congressman Nehls. ""It takes tremendous courage for survivors of military sexual trauma to come forward and submit a claim for compensation, so it is important that V.A. gets these claims right the first time."" Background:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://raskin.house.gov/2022/12/statement-of-congressman-jamie-raskin-to-the-people-of-maryland-s-8th-district,Statement of Congressman Jamie Raskin to the People of Maryland’s 8th District,2022-12-28,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,MD,Jamie Raskin,R000606,raskin.house.gov,raskin,https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) today released the following statement. “After several days of tests, I have been diagnosed with Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma, which is a serious but curable form of cancer. I am about to embark on a course of chemo-immunotherapy on an outpatient basis at Med Star Georgetown University Hospital and Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Prognosis for most people in my situation is excellent after four months of treatment. “I expect to be able to work through this period but have been cautioned by my doctors to reduce unnecessary exposure to avoid COVID-19, the flu and other viruses. In addition to destroying cancer cells, chemotherapy impairs natural antibodies and undermines the body’s immune system. I am advised that it also causes hair loss and weight gain (although I am still holding out hope for the kind that causes hair gain and weight loss). “With the benefit of early detection and fine doctors, the help of my extraordinary staff, the love of Sarah and our daughters and sons-in-law (actual and to-be) and family and friends, and the support of my beloved constituents and my colleagues in the House, I plan to get through this and, in the meantime, to keep making progress every day in Congress for American democracy. “My love and solidarity go out to other families managing cancer or any other health condition in this holiday season—and all the doctors, nurses and medical personnel who provide us comfort and hope.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://sewell.house.gov/2022/12/fiscal-year-2023-omnibus-bill-provides-billions-in-federal-funding-for-alabama-projects,Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Bill Provides Billions in Federal Funding for Alabama Projects,2022-12-28,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,AL,Terri A. Sewell,S001185,sewell.house.gov,sewell,https://sewell.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) celebrated the inclusion of billions in federal funding for the state of Alabama in the Fiscal Year 2023 omnibus funding bill, which passed the House and Senate last week. “I was thrilled to vote in favor of the FY23 funding bill because I know that it will be a game changer for the people of Alabama,” said Rep. Sewell. “I would also like to thank Senator Richard Shelby for his work to ensure that Alabama received a historic amount of funding during his last year as a United States Senator. His leadership, his pragmatic approach to governing, and his fierce advocacy for the people of Alabama will be missed.” The FY23 Omnibus funding bill includes the following funding for Alabama: $76 million for the University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) Heersink School of Medicine to build a new biomedical research building. $55 million for the Secret Service’s National Computer Forensics Institute (NCFI), located in Hoover, to expand training opportunities for state and local law enforcement and legal and judicial professionals in computer forensics and cyber investigations. $5 million for the Secret Service’s Cyber Fraud Task Forces to increase mission effectiveness and provide modern investigative capabilities to combat transnational crimes. $23 million to repurpose and renovate NCFI facilities to accommodate for the ongoing growth of the program. $30 million in funding for Alabama’s Northern Beltline of the Appalachian Development Highway System. $47.5 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), an increase of nearly $2.5 billion above FY22 funding level. $7.32 billion for the National Cancer Institute (NCI), an increase of $407.6 million from FY22. $923 million for the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS). $629 million for Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSAs), which continues funding for a CTSA award at UAB. $25 million in grant funding for the Regional Pediatric Pandemic Network, a network of ten Children’s hospitals, including Children’s of Alabama. $52 million in targeted funds for Regional Biocontainment Laboratories (RBLs) to test FDA-approved drugs at research institutions across the country, including UAB. $280.295 million for the NIH, Helping to End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) Initiative, to address addiction and develop alternatives to opioids for safe and effective pain management. $520.163 million for the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research and continued support of the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network, founded and hosted at UAB. $47 million for Area Health Education Centers (AHECs), which supports the Alabama Statewide AHEC Program that is hosted within the UAB Department of Family and Community Medicine. $119 million for the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), which supports the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Recreational Technologies (RERC Rec-Tech) in Birmingham. $8 million in Emerging Infectious Diseases for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to utilize its clinical trial partners and the Mycoses Study Group, which is affiliated with UAB. Funding consistent with cooperative agreement to support the Department of Energy’s National Carbon Capture Center in Wilsonville, Alabama. $4.5 million, $1.5 million above the FY22 enacted level, for the NIST Cybersecurity of Genomic Data program, which supports ongoing research in cybersecurity for genomic and biomedical-based systems at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. $15 million military construction project building a Commercial Vehicle Inspection Gate at Maxwell Air Force Base. $6+ million military construction project building a F-35 Weapons Load Crew Training facility at the Montgomery Regional Airport. $50 million for the University of Alabama for a permanent endowment fund to support the recruitment and retention of exceptional faculty in science and engineering. $45 million to the University of Alabama to construct the Center for Hydrologic Computing, which will support CIROH and its co-located partners, the NWC and the USGS Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF), in hydrologic research, education, and forecasting. $10 million for The University of Alabama for an institute on public service and leadership, including a scholars program. $100 million for the Alabama Department of Transportation to replace the existing Woolsey Finnell Bridge with a six-lane bridge in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. $26 million for the Tuscaloosa National Airport for the design and construction of additional runway length. $45 million in grant funding for the nation’s protection and advocacy (P&A) system, which includes the Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP) in Tuscaloosa. $40 million in formula State grants for Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI), which supports the ADAP PAIMI program in Tuscaloosa. Provides funding to the U.S. Geological Survey to support the new USGS Hydrological Instrumentation facility, which is located at the University of Alabama: $13.5 million to support integrated water prediction operations; $4 million to assist in future hydrological research and operational efforts; $4.5 million for university partnerships for innovative water resource sensor technologies. $5 million for the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to establish a Center forPaleo-environmental Records of Extreme Events, which will be located at the University of Alabama. No less than $38.5 million to support staffing and operations at the National Water Center (NWC), which is located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. $28.25 million, $8.25 million above the FY22 enacted level, for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology (CIROH), which is located at the University of Alabama, to assist NOAA and the National Water Center in addressing the nation’s growing water-related challenges and leveraging CIROH expertise for most operationally relevant research. $1 million is maintained for the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Service to collaborate on research priorities with the NOAA CIROH. Supports the President’s budget request of $133.6 million for Army Corps of Engineers’ dredging projects throughout the State of Alabama. Additional $26.4 million above the President’s budget request to support further Army Corps’ dredging operations along multiple waterways and bays in Alabama. $35 million for the construction of a new math and science facility at Marion Military Institute. $50 million for the Department of Labor (DOL) Workforce Opportunities for Rural Communities (WORC) program, to provide enhanced worker training in the Appalachian, Delta, and Northern Border regions. $385 million for the Children’s Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME), which will increase Pediatric residencies at Children’s & Women’s Hospital in Mobile and Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham. $3.98 billion for the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) to continue addressing Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) and prioritized funding that reduces CVD among the hardest-hit—African Americans living in the rural South. $24.343 million for Nursing Workforce Diversity to increase nursing education opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds by providing student stipends, scholarships, and preparation and retention activities. $40 million for the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases’ Advanced Molecular Detection (AMD) program, which brings cutting edge technology to the front lines of public health by harnessing the power of next-generation sequencing and high performance computing with bioinformatics and epidemiology expertise to study pathogens. $362.8 million for the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to conduct research and make recommendations for the prevention of work-related illness and injury. Including: $32 million for Education and Research Centers and; $29 million for the Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Program. $196.5 million for the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) to support research related to identifying and reducing health disparities. $9.5 million for the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) to continue the NTID’s current Regional STEM Center (NRSC). $6 million for the Center for Assistive Technology Training (CATT) regional partnership, a collaboration between the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) and the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB). $8.5 million for Gallaudet University’s regional partnership through the Early Language Acquisition Project (ELAP), headquartered at the AIDB in Talladega. $715.5 million for Adult Career, Technical, and Education (CTE) State grants. $80 million in grant funding for biomedical research facilities to expand, remodel, renovate, or alter existing research facilities or construct new research facilities. $205.6 million for the National Center on Birth Defects, Developmental Disability and Health (NCBDDD), including $2.5 million for partnership between national disability organizations, such as the National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD) located in Birmingham. $25 million for Graduate Psychology Education (GPE) to increase the number of health-service psychologists to high-need, underserved populations in urban and rural communities. $90 million for the Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED) program, which supports evidence-based professional development for teachers, principals, and other school leaders, teacher and leader preparation and other activities. $373.5 million for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to enhance the quality, appropriateness, and effectiveness of health services, as well as access to such services. $20.15 million for the Protection and Advocacy of Individual Rights (PAIR) program, which provides grants to agencies to protect and advocate for the legal and human rights of persons with disabilities who are ineligible for the protection and advocacy services available through the Development Disabilities and Bill of Rights Act. $13.118 million for the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Program, which supports the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services in Montgomery. $81 million for State Councils on Developmental Disabilities, which supports the Alabama State Council for Developmental Disabilities in Montgomery. $1.43 billion for the National Center for Chronic Disease and Health Promotion, including $58.42 million for Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity. $2 million for the National Lupus Outreach and Clinical Trial Education Program. Provides funding to the Rural Utilities Service and Farm Service Agency for water-related technical assistance programs, which positively impact rural communities in Alabama: $75 million for the Watershed Flood and Prevention Program, including a set-aside and language to exempt watershed projects that impact areas greater than 250,000 acres, which helps expand irrigation agriculture projects in Alabama; $21.18 million for the Circuit Rider Program. $3 million to continue the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service pilot program to assist statewide departments of agriculture and forestry commissions, including the Alabama Forestry Commission, in controlling the spread of cogon grass. $400,000 for the Army Corps of Engineers to continue a feasibility study on riverine fish passages at Claiborne and Millers Ferry Locks and Dams on the lower Alabama River. $30.1 million for the Delta Regional Authority, including $15 million for flood control, basic public infrastructure development, and transportation improvements. $200 million for the Appalachian Regional Commission, including $65 millionfor the POWER initiative that provides federal funding to help communities and regions affected by job losses in coal mining and coal power plant operations, $16.5 million for industrial site and workforce development in Southern and South Central Alabama, and $8 million for Local Development Districts. $135 million for the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization program and language to expedite and streamline the OSMRE review process of AMLER projects, which supports the Alabama Department of Labor in funding projects in Alabama. $4.4 million for State Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plans, which will support the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ efforts to prevent and control the spread of aquatic nuisance species throughout the State of Alabama. Provided funding for the National Park Service and the Fish and Wildlife Service’s Legacy Restoration Fund projects in Alabama: $7.451 million for the Freedom Riders National Monument",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases/stauber-bill-renaming-akeley-post-office-wwii-veteran-signed-law,Stauber Bill Renaming Akeley Post Office for WWII Veteran Signed Into Law,2022-12-28,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,MN,Pete Stauber,S001212,stauber.house.gov,stauber,https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Yesterday, Congressman Pete Stauber’s (MN-08) legislation renaming the post office in Akeley, Minnesota, after Neal Kenneth Todd, a World War II veteran who perished in the attack on Pearl Harbor, was signed into law. “Heroes like Neal Kenneth Todd exemplify American exceptionalism and are why this country continues to be the land of the free and home of the brave,” said Congressman Stauber. “I’m proud to see my legislation be signed into law to make the renaming of the Akeley post office in Neal’s name official to remind future generations of the sacrifices he and his generation made for our freedoms.” Neal’s remains were recently identified and returned home to Akeley, where he was finally laid to rest near his loved ones. Last year, Congressman Stauber had the honor of attending Neal’s funeral and presenting his family with an American flag he had flown over the United States Capitol. The entire Minnesota delegation co-sponsored the bill upon its introduction in July 2021. The bill passed the House on December 1st and the Senate on December 20th. BACKGROUND: Neal Kenneth Todd joined the Navy in 1940 and was assigned to the USS Oklahoma as a Navy Fireman First Class. While stationed at Pearl Harbor, the ship was attacked by the Japanese air force on December 7, 1941. Neal's brother, Wesley Todd, was also serving on the USS Oklahoma during the bombing. Wesley was fortunate to escape the sinking ship, but Neal's fate was unknown to the Todd family for months. Neal was later pronounced dead and awarded the Purple Heart. He is honored at the USS Oklahoma Memorial and Honolulu Memorial of the Courts of the Missing. The remains of Neal and other service members were recovered in the months following the attack but were not identified by the U.S. Department of Defense until a 2015 Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency project. On February 11, 2021, Neal's remains were successfully matched to his family. He was reunited with his brother, Orville Staffenhagen, and sister, Karyn Stiffler in Akeley, Minnesota, on July 10, 2021. Neal was buried with full military honors next to his younger brother, Alfred Staffenhagen, Jr., who also served in the U.S. Navy, and his mother Irena. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://strickland.house.gov/2022/12/28/media-press-releases-strickland-announces-anusha-jain-2022-congressional-app-challenge-winner/,Strickland Announces Anusha Jain as 2022 Congressional App Challenge Winner,2022-12-28,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,WA,Marilyn Strickland,S001159,strickland.house.gov,strickland,https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/,scraper,"Lacey, WA – Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) announced middle schooler, Anusha Jain, as the 2022 Congressional App Challenge winner for Washington’s 10th Congressional District. Jain was selected by a panel of judges for her app, EcoFriend. “After reviewing many incredible submissions from students across the South Sound, I congratulate Anusha for winning the Congressional App Challenge,” said Strickland. “This thoughtful app is the user’s own guide to how they can care for the environment. I look forward to seeing the cover photo on display as I walk around the Capitol. Thank you to our judges and all the students who participated.” “EcoFriend teaches you how you can help save the environment. We all share one big planet Earth, and sometimes…that can be a big problem,” said Jain. “Trash on roads, plastic in rivers, cutting down of trees …the list goes on and on. It is our duty, as residents of Mother Earth, to protect our environment from getting dirtier and dirtier every day. That’s why I created EcoFriend, your personal guide to keeping the environment just the way it deserves to be.” “I was delighted to participate in the App Challenge, and I am very impressed at the high quality of submissions whose aim is to make the world a better place. I am thrilled that Congresswoman Strickland is a keen supporter of STEM initiatives such as the App Challenge, something that is also close to my heart,” said Dr. Radana Dvorak, Chair of Computer Science at St. Martin’s University. “As an educator and computer scientist, I see the value of younger students, especially girls, starting to explore computer science and engineering fields before starting college. I would be delighted to see all four finalists come to Saint Martin’s University, study in my computer science department, and join our Women In Technology (WIT) club.” “STEM is more crucial than ever in our increasingly digital world. I enjoyed being a judge for all the impressive apps that were submitted. Apps like EcoFriend not only demonstrate the great technical skill these young students have worked so hard to achieve, but also the potential impact a single app can have on making a better planet for future generations,” said Joseph Ortiz, Computer Programming Instructor at Clover Park Technical College. The app cover photo will be displayed in the United States Capitol for one year. Winners are also invited to Capitol Hill for a celebration called #HouseOfCode where they can demo their apps to their representatives. The first official Congressional Art Challenge was launched in 2016 to foster and encourage an appreciation for computer science and STEM, and to inspire students to pursue careers in computer science. To learn more about EcoFriend, watch here. Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland serves as a Member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress and the first African-American to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-scotus-ruling-to-maintain-title-42-a-win-for-border-security-biden-administration-needs-to-enforce-our-laws,Hoeven: SCOTUS Ruling to Maintain Title 42 a Win For Border Security; Biden Administration Needs to Enforce Our Laws,2022-12-28,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven: SCOTUS Ruling to Maintain Title 42 a Win For Border Security; Biden Administration Needs to Enforce Our Laws BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven issued the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling to maintain the Title 42 Public Health Order while litigation on the issue proceeds. The decision reverses an earlier federal court opinion that enabled the Biden administration to rescind the immigration tool, which allows immigration officials to return illegal immigrants to their home country and prevent the spread of COVID-19. Hoeven has been working to keep Title 42 in place and has repeatedly called on the Biden administration to address the ongoing illegal immigration crisis at the nation’s southern border. To this end, the senator: Introduced legislation with Senator Marco Rubio to extend Title 42 until February 2025. Traveled to Del Rio, Rio Grande Valley and El Paso regions in Texas to support Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials and North Dakota Guard members and draw attention to their work at the U.S.-Mexico border. Pressed the Homeland Security Secretary to secure the border and keep Title 42 in place. “President Biden’s policies are creating a humanitarian and security crisis at our southern border,” said Hoeven. “By rescinding tools like Title 42 and refusing to enforce our laws, the Biden administration is enabling human trafficking and drug smuggling into our nation. That not only undermines our national security, but contributes to the overdose epidemic that has brought tragedy to communities and families across the country. This SCOTUS ruling is a step in the right direction, but the Biden administration needs to change course and take real action to secure our borders.” In addition to maintaining Title 42, Hoeven is pressing the Biden administration to: Enforce the nation’s laws and secure the southern border, including resuming construction of the border wall and putting in place the necessary infrastructure, personnel and technology. Reinstate key immigration policies, such as: The Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) or Remain in Mexico Policy, which required people seeking asylum at the southern border to wait in Mexico while their case was adjudicated. The Safe Third Country Agreements so those seeking asylum from El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala can be returned to their home country to await the outcome of their claims. Move toward a merit-based immigration system. -###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/after-years-of-limbo-delegation-secures_rebecca-trimbles-permanent-resident-status,"After Years of Limbo, Delegation Secures Rebecca Trimble’s Permanent Resident Status",2022-12-28,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=26,scraper,"U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, both R-Alaska, today celebrated the enactment of private legislation they led with the late Congressman for all Alaska, Don Young. The measure – H.R. 681, For the Relief of Rebecca Trimble – is now Private Law 117-1, and provides Mrs. Trimble with a pathway to lawful permanent resident status in the United States. “After a decade of uncertainty and legal appeals, I’m so pleased that we have put an end to any possibility of deportation and provided Rebecca with the peace of mind she so clearly deserves. She has lived in America, built her life in America, and raised her family in America. Now she can remain with her husband and children in the only country she has ever called home,” Murkowski said. “I thank all who helped ensure this bill could unanimously pass the House and Senate – including Rep. Nadler, Senator Padilla, and Senator Cornyn – as well as President Biden for quickly signing it into law. We finally got this right for a woman who never did anything wrong.” “It is exceptionally rare for Congress to pass a piece of legislation that impacts just one person. That’s exactly what we’ve been able to deliver today for Rebecca Trimble,” said Senator Sullivan. “Rebecca spent her entire life living the American Dream, raising a family with her husband, an Army dentist who, until recently, served Alaskans in the Bethel area. That dream was thrown into jeopardy when Rebecca, through no fault of her own, faced threats of deportation to a country she’s never known. When Rebecca’s unique and challenging case couldn’t be resolved through regular immigration channels, Congressman Young, Senator Murkowski and I got to work on a legislative fix. It is fitting that this will be Don Young’s final bill to get signed into law, a capstone to a long and amazing career advocating for a state and a people he loved. I commend Rebecca and her family for their patience and dogged determination, and I hope this news makes for an especially meaningful holiday season for the Trimble family and for the many Alaskans who the Trimbles touched.” “It has been amazing and heartwarming to see the Alaska Congressional delegation come together and do the hard work necessary to help this military spouse stay in the United States,” said Margaret Stock, Rebecca Trimble’s immigration lawyer in Alaska, Cascadia Cross Border Law group, Anchorage. Background: Mrs. Trimble was born in Mexico in 1989, adopted by an American couple, and brought into the U.S. when she was only a few days old. In 2012, after applying for an enhanced driver’s license and despite no wrongdoing by her or her adoptive parents, Mrs. Trimble learned that her adoption was not properly completed, her birth certificates were not valid, and that she was not a legal citizen—as she had understood she was for more than 20 years. As the spouse of a military member, Mrs. Trimble applied for “parole in place” status in 2015 but was denied in 2016. She applied for permanent resident status while living in Bethel, Alaska in 2017 but was denied in 2020. At that point, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service informed her that she had just 33 days to depart the country and could face removal proceedings if she did not. The Trimble’s received an outpouring of support from the Bethel community—from the military community to their church to community members—who urged for Rebecca’s special case to be addressed. After learning of Mrs. Trimble’s unique situation, Senators Murkowski and Sullivan and Congressman Young sought to assist her through a private bill, a rare form of legislation that seeks to address the exceptional circumstances faced by an individual. Murkowski introduced the first measure to assist Mrs. Trimble in February 2020, with Sullivan as an original cosponsor. They reintroduced the bill as S. 776 in the current Congress. H.R. 681 is the first private bill to become private law during the 117th Congress, and just the third to be enacted in the past 10 years. More information is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-ensures-year-end-omnibus-contains-significant-assistance-funding-for-university-of-alaska,"Murkowski Ensures Year-End Omnibus Contains Significant Assistance, Funding for University of Alaska",2022-12-28,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=26,scraper,"U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today welcomed passage of the University of Alaska Fiscal Foundation Act, which she added to the Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2023. The year-end omnibus also includes multiple Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) allocations totaling $8.325 million that Murkowski requested and secured on behalf of the University of Alaska (UA). “The University plays a critical role in educating Alaskans, adding to our workforce and shaping the very future of our state. I recognize how important this system is, and that’s why I worked so hard to ensure the omnibus will help strengthen its fiscal foundation for decades to come,” Murkowski said. “By providing a new way to expand the University’s land grant, we are ensuring it can generate additional revenues that support its students, faculty, and campus infrastructure. Through our successes in the CDS process, we are improving the University’s facilities, meeting priority research needs, and expanding its pipeline of well-educated Alaskans who enter key fields across our economy. I thank President Pitney and her team for working so closely with me and my staff to move these achievements across the finish line.” “This is a monumental day for the university. We’ve been working diligently for years to resolve our land grant deficit, and today is the day that hard work has paid off. On behalf of the entire university community, I thank our congressional delegation for finding a path forward through the omnibus appropriations bill. I also want to recognize the bipartisan backing we’ve had from our Alaska businesses, organizations, and state leaders who advocated for this positive outcome. This break-through legislation means that the university will be empowered to actively manage productive lands that will generate recurring revenue for the benefit of our students, our cutting-edge research, and the education of our next generation of leaders,” said Pat Pitney, President of University of Alaska. Murkowski and Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) re-introduced S. 1128, the University of Alaska Fiscal Foundation Act, last year to help fulfill UA’s long-suffering land grant, which remains a fraction of the size it was intended to be. Murkowski and Sullivan developed the bill in collaboration with UA and the State of Alaska (State); the late Congressman Don Young (R-AK) introduced a companion measure in the House of Representatives. Despite being located in the largest state in the union, UA has one of the smallest land endowments—just 110,000 acres—of any applicable institution anywhere in the country. To help remedy this, S. 1128 allows UA and the State to jointly identify up to 500,000 acres in Alaska for potential conveyance. The Department of the Interior (DOI) will then survey those selections and work with UA and the State to transfer up to 360,000 acres to UA. Any transfers will be deducted from Alaska’s outstanding statehood lands entitlement, which still totals millions of acres. Elsewhere in the omnibus, Murkowski provided increased funding for the Alaska Land Conveyance Program to help fulfill long-standing legal requirements to transfer lands to the State and Alaska Natives under ANCSA. In addition to the University of Alaska Fiscal Foundation Act, Murkowski secured the following CDS allocations for UA: Kotzebue: $825,000 to the University of Alaska Fairbanks for renovations and safety improvements to the Chukchi Campus in Kotzebue. Anchorage: $500,000 to the University of Alaska Anchorage to implement a forensic training program for healthcare providers and advocates. Fairbanks/Statewide: $1 million to the University of Alaska Fairbanks to support research on seasonal weather forecasting. Fairbanks/Statewide: $1.7 million to the University of Alaska Fairbanks to conduct baseline marine fishery surveys. Statewide: $1 million to the University of Alaska Anchorage to expand UAA’s business development services to rural and young entrepreneurs in Alaska. Statewide: $300,000 for the University of Alaska Anchorage to study the need and economic feasibility of constructing and operating a hazardous waste processing facility and landfill in the State of Alaska. Anchorage: $2.25 million to the University of Alaska Anchorage to renovate UAA’s facilities for nursing education, telehealth training, and inter-professional education programs. Anchorage: $6 million to the Alaska Community Foundation to support the preservation, processing, and digitization of records of Alaskan leaders, which will be housed at UAA. Juneau: $750,000 to establish and operate a commercial driver's license education training program at the University of Alaska Southeast. The University of Alaska is a land-, sea- and space-grant system of higher education established in 1917. The system has three universities – Alaska Anchorage (UAA), Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), and Alaska Southeast (UAS) – as well as 13 community campuses and extended learning centers across the state. System-wide, more than 20,700 full- and part-time students are enrolled, studying among 500 unique degree, certificate, or endorsement programs. Study areas include short-course workforce training, associate degrees, bachelor’s and master’s degrees, as well as doctorates. UA generates $1.1 billion annually in economic impact and supports more than 15,000 Alaskan jobs.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/-peters-bipartisan-bill-to-fight-human-trafficking-signed-into-law,Peters Bipartisan Bill to Fight Human Trafficking Signed Into Law,2022-12-28,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,MI,Gary C. Peters,P000595,www.peters.senate.gov,garypeters,https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, to enhance our nation’s ability to combat human trafficking has been signed into law. The new law will make permanent and strengthen the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Center for Countering Human Trafficking (CCHT). “Human trafficking continues to leave deep traumatic scars on victims and families in Michigan and across the country,” said Senator Peters. “This new law will help enhance our ability to stop these crimes by ensuring the Center for Countering Human Trafficking has what it needs to disrupt human trafficking organizations and protect victims of these horrific crimes.” Millions of men, women, and children are trafficked worldwide – including thousands in the United States. According to DHS, traffickers might use violence, manipulation, false promises of jobs that pay well, or romantic relationships to lure victims into trafficking situations. Based on calls to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, the Polaris Project found that in 2020 there were at least 16,658 human trafficking victims and survivors in the United States. However, the actual number of these crimes is likely much larger because these crimes often go unreported. In addition, the Michigan Human Trafficking Commission says that an extremely high number of human trafficking cases involve the sexual exploitation of a child. Eradicating these heinous crimes will require stronger anti-trafficking policies and ensuring that law enforcement professionals and the public are able to recognize indicators of human trafficking. The Countering Human Trafficking Act makes permanent the CCHT, which oversees DHS’s efforts to combat human trafficking and the importation of products that are made with forced labor. The Center also ensures the Department is leveraging and coordinating its capabilities and resources to fight back against traffickers. The law allows the CCHT to build out their permanent staff with Special Agents, criminal analysts, and others. It also allows the Center to modernize their systems and operations to support worldwide investigations on human trafficking and forced labor in supply chains, and bolster efforts to protect human trafficking victims. Finally, the law expands and improves national public awareness and law enforcement training initiatives to boost efforts to counter trafficking. Peters’ legislation to increase coordination between Department of Homeland Security components and the Blue Campaign, a national public awareness effort designed to educate law enforcement and the public to recognize human trafficking, was signed into law as a part of last year’s National Defense Authorization Act. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-bipartisan-bill-signed-into-law-to-better-predict-severe-weather-and-protect-michiganders,Peters Bipartisan Bill Signed into Law to Better Predict Severe Weather and Protect Michiganders,2022-12-28,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,MI,Gary C. Peters,P000595,www.peters.senate.gov,garypeters,https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – The President has signed into law U.S. Senator Gary Peters’ (MI) bipartisan legislation to establish a National Integrated Flood Information System. The bill recently passed the U.S. House of Representatives and unanimously passed the U.S. Senate last year. The Flood Level Observation, Operations, and Decision Support (FLOODS) Act – which Peters reintroduced with U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) – will provide funding to strengthen the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) ability to forecast floods, hurricanes, and tornados and disperse relevant information to local officials and first responders. Peters is a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, which oversees NOAA. “It’s important we have the resources to better prepare for severe weather like flooding, particularly as storms continue to worsen due to climate change,” said Senator Peters. “That’s why I was proud to help champion this bipartisan bill into law, which will strengthen NOAA’s ability to predict severe weather and protect the lives and livelihoods of folks across our state.” “Flooding is a common and deadly natural disaster in the U.S., resulting in over $25 billion in annual economic losses,” said Senator Wicker. “Events in my home state of Mississippi, such as the prolonged opening of the Bonnet Carré spillway and the Pearl River and Yazoo backwater floods, underscore the importance of an effective understanding and response to high water. This legislation will protect lives and property by directing NOAA to improve its flood monitoring, forecasting, and communication efforts.” “With flash floods occurring more frequently in every corner of the nation, early and reliable detection and warning is critical to save life and property,” said Cheryl Small, Executive Director, National Flood Association. “We believe the integration and partnerships — including with the private sector — that will be developed or improved through this legislation will result in a more prepared and resilient nation.” “Investing in science and NOAA’s prediction and communication capabilities will help keep communities — particularly vulnerable communities in coastal and inland floodplains—safe,” said Rachel Cleetus, Policy Director and Lead Economist, Union of Concerned Scientists Climate & Energy Program. “This timely legislation will improve the NOAA’s forecasting through comprehensive data collection and integration at multiple levels, including governmental, private and non-governmental agencies and organizations.” “Improving the nation’s resiliency to natural catastrophes including flooding will take the combined efforts of individuals, communities, businesses, and governments,” said Nathaniel F. Wienecke, Senior Vice President, American Property Casualty Insurance Association. “On behalf of our members, we commend Senator Peters and Senator Wicker for addressing this important issue by taking action to improve flood monitoring and forecasting.” The FLOODS Act is also supported by the American Association of Flood Plain Managers, the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, National Wildlife Federation, Environmental Defense Fund, National Society of Professional Surveyors, and the U.S. Geospatial Executives Organization. The bipartisan bill will also form partnerships between NOAA and institutions of higher learning to bolster total water predictions, assign a service coordination hydrologist at each National Weather Service River Forecast Center to support decision making on the local and statewide levels, and establish a committee to increase coordination between federal agencies responsible for water management. Peters has led numerous efforts to support Michigan communities that have been affected by flooding and other severe weather events. Peters secured $500 million in funding as part of the bipartisan infrastructure law for a program he created to help states establish revolving loan programs for local governments to carry out mitigation projects that reduce the risk of natural disasters, including extreme flooding, shoreline erosion, and rising water levels. As Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Peters also convened a hearing with disaster preparedness and response experts to hear how worsening natural disasters, including flooding, severe storms, and wildfires, continue to harm lives and livelihoods in Michigan and across the nation. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-1000000-for-akwesasne-boys-and-girls-club-to-support-mohawk-youth,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $1,000,000 FOR AKWESASNE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB TO SUPPORT MOHAWK YOUTH",2022-12-28,2022,2022-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand are announcing that they secured $1,000,000 for the Boys & Girls Club in Akwesasne for children of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe in the FY2023 spending bill. The Boys & Girls Club of America provides safe community gathering centers nationwide and empowers young students with educational programs designed to help them succeed in school. The federal dollars Gillibrand and Schumer fought for will help construct a new “Great Futures Start Here” Clubhouse in Akwesasne to serve this purpose for Mohawk youth. The new Clubhouse will enable the Akwesasne Boys & Girls Club to continue offering its vital afterschool, summer, athletic, and meal programs in a safe, modern, and accessible space. “Investing in the youth of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe is investing in the future of the North Country, and I am proud to deliver this $1 million in funding to boost the community, its families, and most importantly the children of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe,” said Senator Schumer. “These funds will help finally begin construction of the community gathering space the Akwesasne Boys & Girls Club has long deserved for afterschool and other essential youth programs. I will always fight to deliver meaningful, community driven investments to uplift the future of our children in Upstate New York.” “Fostering a sense of community and support is vital to helping our youth get off on the right foot. The Boys & Girls Clubs of America has a proven track record of doing just that and preparing young people across New York State to achieve their full potential,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This $1,000,000 will kick-start the building of a safe and modern community center for Mohawk youth and provide them with the indispensable opportunities they deserve. The children of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe are essential to the fabric of our state and I am thrilled to announce this important investment in their education and in their future.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/after-years-of-limbo-delegation-secures-rebecca-trimbles-permanent-resident-status,"After Years of Limbo, Delegation Secures Rebecca Trimble’s Permanent Resident Status",2022-12-28,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,AK,Dan Sullivan,S001198,www.sullivan.senate.gov,sullivan,https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=26,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, both R-Alaska, today celebrated the enactment of private legislation they led with the late Congressman for all Alaska, Don Young. The measure – H.R. 681, For the Relief of Rebecca Trimble – is now Private Law [117-1], and provides Mrs. Trimble with a pathway to lawful permanent resident status in the United States. “After a decade of uncertainty and legal appeals, I’m so pleased that we have put an end to any possibility of deportation and provided Rebecca with the peace of mind she so clearly deserves. She has lived in America, built her life in America, and raised her family in America. Now she can remain with her husband and children in the only country she has ever called home,” Murkowski said. “I thank all who helped ensure this bill could unanimously pass the House and Senate – including Rep. Nadler, Senator Padilla, and Senator Cornyn – as well as President Biden for quickly signing it into law. We finally got this right for a woman who never did anything wrong.” “It is exceptionally rare for Congress to pass a piece of legislation that impacts just one person. That’s exactly what we’ve been able to deliver today for Rebecca Trimble,” said Senator Sullivan. “Rebecca spent her entire life living the American Dream, raising a family with her husband, an Army dentist who, until recently, served Alaskans in the Bethel area. That dream was thrown into jeopardy when Rebecca, through no fault of her own, faced threats of deportation to a country she’s never known. When Rebecca’s unique and challenging case couldn’t be resolved through regular immigration channels, Congressman Young, Senator Murkowski and I got to work on a legislative fix. It is fitting that this will be Don Young’s final bill to get signed into law, a capstone to a long and amazing career advocating for a state and a people he loved. I commend Rebecca and her family for their patience and dogged determination, and I hope this news makes for an especially meaningful holiday season for the Trimble family and for the many Alaskans who the Trimbles touched.” “It has been amazing and heartwarming to see the Alaska Congressional delegation come together and do the hard work necessary to help this military spouse stay in the United States,” said Margaret Stock, Rebecca Trimble’s immigration lawyer in Alaska, Cascadia Cross Border Law group, Anchorage. Background: Mrs. Trimble was born in Mexico in 1989, adopted by an American couple, and brought into the U.S. when she was only a few days old. In 2012, after applying for an enhanced driver’s license and despite no wrongdoing by her or her adoptive parents, Mrs. Trimble learned that her adoption was not properly completed, her birth certificates were not valid, and that she was not a legal citizen—as she had understood she was for more than 20 years. As the spouse of a military member, Mrs. Trimble applied for “parole in place” status in 2015 but was denied in 2016. She applied for permanent resident status while living in Bethel, Alaska in 2017 but was denied in 2020. At that point, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service informed her that she had just 33 days to depart the country and could face removal proceedings if she did not. The Trimble’s received an outpouring of support from the Bethel community—from the military community to their church to community members—who urged for Rebecca’s special case to be addressed. After learning of Mrs. Trimble’s unique situation, Senators Murkowski and Sullivan and Congressman Young sought to assist her through a private bill, a rare form of legislation that seeks to address the exceptional circumstances faced by an individual. Murkowski introduced the first measure to assist Mrs. Trimble in February 2020, with Sullivan as an original cosponsor. They reintroduced the bill as S. 776 in the current Congress. H.R. 681 is the first private bill to become private law during the 117th Congress, and just the third to be enacted in the past 10 years. More information is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/youngs-pacific-islands-embassies-act-becomes-law/,Young’s Pacific Islands Embassies Act Becomes Law,2022-12-28,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,IN,Todd Young,Y000064,www.young.senate.gov,toddyoung,https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Pacific Islands Embassy Act, a bipartisan, bicameral bill aimed at countering the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) through increased American diplomacy in the Pacific, is now law. The legislation establishes physical U.S. Embassies on the Pacific Island nations of the Solomon Islands, Kiribati, and Tonga, and authorizes expanded physical presence on Vanuatu to reinforce American leadership in the Pacific region. U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) were the Senate sponsors of the bill. This legislation was included as an amendment to the FY 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, which was signed into law on December 23, 2022. “The Indo-Pacific is a region of active competition with China, and our Pacific Island partners are especially vulnerable to Chinese coercion. This new law will strengthen our diplomatic presence in the region and signal our resolve to our partners and allies,” said Senator Young.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:06Z https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=5BC15ACF-D074-4C72-98B6-93D5AAFCEE42,Barr’s Blue Grass Army Depot Study Becomes Law,2022-12-27,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,KY,Andy Barr,B001282,barr.house.gov,barr,https://barr.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Richmond, KY— U.S. Congressman Andy Barr’s (KY-06) provision to conduct a feasibility study at the Blue Grass Army Depot (BGAD) is now law. Barr’s legislation was included as an amendment to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that was recently enacted into law. In addition to its primary role managing and shipping conventional munitions, BGAD’s chemical demilitarization mission employs nearly 1,450 highly skilled, highly paid workers and has contributed more than $1 billion in local payroll since 2006. The feasibility study will assess potential missions, plants, or industries feasible for Army or the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) needs at the Blue Grass Chemical Agent-destruction Pilot Plant following the completion of the chemical demilitarization mission at BGAD. This amendment requires the feasibility study to be completed and submitted to Congress no later than March 1, 2023. “For over a decade, BGAD has housed an essential chemical demilitarization project in addition to being a significant part of Madison County’s economy. Kentuckians working at BGAD have served the DOD and our country well. This feasibility study will accelerate the process of examining ways the facility could transition to other key projects that would benefit the DOD or the federal government once the demilitarization project has concluded,” said Congressman Barr. “The Bluegrass Army Depot, and all of its operations, is an important part of Madison County and I am appreciative of Congressman Barr’s championing this amendment in the NDAA to prepare for a post-CSEPP Madison County. Our team in Madison County has also been preparing for this, and this feasibility study will be a boost for our efforts and help us continue to prepare for the future,” said Reagan Taylor, Judge Executive of Madison County. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1021,Case Says Federal FY 2023 Omnibus Spending Bill Includes Provisions To Assist Hawai’i Small Business And Tourism And Strengthen Worker Retirement Savings,2022-12-27,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,HI,Ed Case,C001055,case.house.gov,case,https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=16,scraper,"(Washington, DC) – Congressman Ed Case (HI-01), a member of the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for all federal discretionary spending, today announced that the $1.7 trillion Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Omnibus Appropriations measure, recently passed by Congress and soon to be signed into law by President Biden, includes several initiatives to strengthen Hawaii’s dominant tourism and small business economies as well as assist Hawai’i workers with their retirements. “This measure will strengthen our top-generating tourism sector, promote small business development and assist in economic diversification as our state’s economy continues to recover from the lingering effects of COVID-19,” said Case. The omnibus bill includes the Visit America Act, a top initiative of the national travel and tourism industry which Case, a member of the Congressional Travel and Tourism Caucus, and like-minded colleagues introduced and advanced. It would mandate a coordinated national effort to stabilize and recover one of the country’s primary industries, and create a first-ever Assistant Secretary of Travel and Tourism within the U.S. Department of Commerce. The federal spending measure also includes retirement provisions that will provide millions of workers and retirees with significant improvements to the nation’s private retirement system. “The aptly named ‘SECURE 2.0 Act’ provision expands automatic enrollment into retirement plans, raises the age for required minimum disbursements from retirement plans to 75 from 73 and increases the amount that individuals aged 50 and older can put into their retirement account,” said Case. Tourism “The COVID-19 pandemic devastated our travel and tourism industry and all of its components including accommodations, transportation, food services and attractions,” said Case, formerly a travel and tourism executive with industry leader Outrigger Enterprises headquartered in Waikīkī. “Travel and tourism are huge contributors to the U.S. economy, especially to major visitor destinations like Hawai‘i. Inclusion of the Visit America Act in the FY 2023 omnibus spending measure will ensure a coordinated, high-level federal response to this challenge that delivers critical assistance to affected businesses and their employees as well as state and local economies dependent on tourism and also fully engages the federal government in pursuing long-term success and growth.” The Visit America Act would: Express the sense of Congress that the federal government must work with the industry and other stakeholders toward a visitation goal of 116 million annual travelers to the United States by 2028, an increase of some 25% over pre-COVID numbers; Establish within the Department of Commerce an Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism appointed by the President with responsibilities to set and pursue international visitation goals, ensure public and private sector coordination on travel and tourism, set visa processing goals with the Departments of State and Homeland Security, promote travel exports abroad, and more; Require the Department of Commerce to create a 10-year Travel and Tourism Strategy; and Authorize the creation of a U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board. Worker Retirement The federal spending measure also includes significant changes in federal law to provide millions of workers and retirees with significant improvements to the nation’s private retirement system. “Americans deserve dignified retirements after decades of hard work. To help them, for the first time, millions more workers would access resources for retirement and can see retirement contributions year after year, even if they have no tax liability. These are reforms that will make a meaningful difference for workers throughout out states,” said Case. Case added that the provision allows employers to contribute matching payments to retirement accounts to match an employee’s student loan payments, and it will give part-time workers better access to retirement benefits by allowing more individuals to join their companies’ 401(k) plan. Additionally, the bill includes incentives for small businesses to set up retirement savings plans for their workers, encourages individuals to set aside long-term savings and makes it easier for annuities to be an income option for retirees. Small Businesses According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), there are more than 137,000 small businesses in Hawai’i, making up more than 99 percent of all businesses in the islands,” said Case. “We have seen what the pandemic has done to these companies, and what they are having to deal with now as they struggle with the rising costs of inflation. “That is why I worked in this measure and elsewhere to ensure that small businesses remain the backbone of our economy including financial, technical and emergency assistance, boosting trade opportunities, and ensuring that women-owned and Native Hawaiian-owned businesses get the help they need.” To assist small businesses nationwide, the bill provides $1.2 billion for the SBA, which delivers various federal programs to assist small businesses, an increase of $188 million above the FY 2022 funding level. This includes $320 million, a $30 million increase, for Entrepreneurial Development Programs that provide small businesses with quality training, counseling and access to resources. The measure includes several of Case’s requests for funding for federal programs and services important for businesses in the State of Hawai‘i including: $25 million for the Native American Community Development Financial Institution Assistance Program, $4 million for the Historically Underutilized Business Zones Program, $27 million for the Women’s Business Centers Program, $140 million for Small Business Development Centers, $20 million for the State Trade Expansion Program, $10 million for the Regional Innovation Clusters Program, and $41 million for the Microloan Technical Assistance Program. The bill also provided $324 million for Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), an increase of $29 million above the FY 2022 enacted levels. CDFIs are specialized community-based financial institutions that promote economic development by providing financial products and services to people and communities underserved by traditional financial institutions, particularly in low-income and minority communities. They were especially valuable in delivering COVID-19 emergency assistance funds to communities without ready access to other means. Another provision highlights Congress’ concern about equal opportunities and expects the SBA to work closely with Congress to provide equal opportunities for Native Hawaiian organizations. To that end, the bill also includes $70 million for the Minority Business Development Agency with $5 million specifically set aside for Native American Business Development Program that awards grants to Tribes and American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian populations to address barriers to economic development. Finally, the bill continues the military contracting preference for Native American tribes and Native Hawaiian Organizations. Case’s Appropriations Committee is responsible for allocating some $1.7 trillion in funding to federal government agencies, departments and organizations on an annual basis. A detailed summary of the FY 2023 omnibus is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4281,Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Returns More Than Half a Billion Dollars to Texas’ Seventh Congressional District,2022-12-27,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,TX,Lizzie Fletcher,F000468,fletcher.house.gov,fletcher,https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) announced she has helped secure $502,938,988 in federal grant dollars for Texas’ Seventh Congressional District. “Congress has the power to allocate our resources to further our country’s goals,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. “From promoting public safety, to helping expand small businesses, to providing essential support for survivors of domestic violence, I am proud to have helped return more than half a billion taxpayer dollars to our community to respond directly to the needs of Houston families. I look forward to continuing to support many of our district’s priorities in direct and tangible ways.” This year alone, Congresswoman Fletcher announced funding to promote public safety, bridge the digital divide, expand small businesses, and more.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400096,Foxx: Perpetrators of War Crimes Are On Notice,2022-12-27,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,NC,Virginia Foxx,F000450,foxx.house.gov,foxx,https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Washington – Today, Representative Virginia Foxx (R-NC) issued the following statement after her bill. H.R. 4250, the War Crimes Rewards Expansion Act, was signed into law: “For far too long, United States’ policy has elevated international tribunals over the work of national governments when prosecuting the world’s worst culprits: those engaging in genocide and war crimes. The International Criminal Court has recently utilized its time and resources in investigating the United States and Israel all while failing to hold our adversaries accountable. China’s genocidal campaign against the Uyghurs continues unabated, North Korea continues to engage in crimes against humanity with impunity, and ISIS fighters guilty of genocide continue to blend into populations without ever facing justice. The United States needs to end this reliance on international tribunals and display true leadership, and the reforms made by my bill will empower our government to do so. “By focusing our resources on prosecutions by national governments – including by utilizing U.S. laws already on the books – our government can track down perpetrators like members of ISIS swiftly and without the bureaucratic entanglements of international tribunals. I am immensely pleased to see my bill’s passage in the United States Senate and its subsequent signing into law. Without question, this bipartisan effort sends a robust, rock-ribbed message to the entire world: the United States is determined to protect its sovereignty and its interest with every tool necessary.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z