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://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-al-green-releases-statement-passing-congresswoman-eddie-bernice,Congressman Al Green Releases a Statement on the Passing of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson,2023-12-31,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,algreen,https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Houston, TX) — On Sunday, December 31, 2023, Congressman Al Green released the following statement:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://crockett.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-jasmine-crockett-statement-passing-congresswoman-eddie-bernice,Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett Statement on Passing of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson,2023-12-31,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,TX,Jasmine Crockett,C001130,crockett.house.gov,crockett,https://crockett.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (TX-30) released the following statement on the passing of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. ""Today, the world has lost a trailblazer, and Texas has lost one of its most dedicated public servants and iconic leaders. Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson was a woman of many firsts; the first Black head nurse at the Dallas VA Hospital, one of two first Black women elected to the Texas House, the first nurse to be elected to Congress, and the first woman and African American to chair the Science, Space, & Technology Committee in the U.S. House. But while these accomplishments will be etched into our minds, hearts, and history books, they weren’t the things that Chairwoman Johnson prided herself in. ""Chairwoman Johnson was, as I liked to refer to her, a quiet storm. She prided herself in getting things done to better the lives of the people that she served. If you ever had the occasion to chat with her, she’d talk about investments that she brought to the district or historic infrastructure projects that she’d worked on. During her last session in Congress, Chairwoman Johnson ushered the CHIPS & Science Act into law. While most people will only know about the historic number of jobs that are being created throughout the country as a result of this law, many won’t know that Chairwoman Johnson required this bill to also have investments for STEM and research at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. For decades to come, her work will live on. ""While I was honored, I was also bewildered when Chairwoman Johnson called me and asked me to run to represent Texas 30. I was only a freshman in the Texas House, and never in my wildest dreams would I think that she was aware of anything that I was doing in the House. But that is the thing about her: she never slept. She was always working. She kept her finger on the pulse of what was going on in the Texas House, and while I didn’t fully understand what I was getting myself into, I trusted her, her judgment, and her mentorship. ""The Chairwoman didn’t take passing the torch on lightly, and likewise, I’ve not taken it lightly that she entrusted me to honor her work and legacy. Everyday that passes is a day that I dedicate to continuing her work and attempting to fill her shoes. The work has never been easy, but it has and always will be noble. As I conclude this statement, fighting back tears, I say rest easy to the Gentle Lady from Texas and just know that I will always fight to preserve the foundation that you laid over your 50 years of service to Texas and the United States."" ### Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett represents portions of Dallas and Tarrant Counties, with the cities of Dallas, Grand Prairie, DeSoto, Cedar Hill, Lancaster, Duncanville, Glenn Heights, Hutchins, Wilmer, Arlington, Ovilla, and Seagoville.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://katherineclark.house.gov/press-releases?ID=55217363-44E4-40A2-B2F6-9DA33DA8D4FE,Whip Clark Statement on the Passing of Former Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson,2023-12-31,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,MA,Katherine M. Clark,C001101,katherineclark.house.gov,clark,https://katherineclark.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) released the following statement on the passing of former Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson: “Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson was a trailblazing public servant who redefined what’s possible for generations of Americans. ""As a nurse, state legislator, and a distinguished Member of Congress, she broke barriers — fighting injustice, standing up to institutional racism, and always lifting up others along the way. ""As the first woman and person of color to Chair the Science, Space, and Technology Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives, she was a leader in the passage of the CHIPS & Science Act, securing key investments in HBCUs, and advancing our nation’s commitment to science and progress. “The halls of Congress and the country are better off because of Congresswoman Johnson’s powerful legacy. It was an honor to call her a colleague and friend, and I send my deepest condolences to her family, loved ones, and the entire Dallas community.” # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://lahood.house.gov/2023/12/year-in-review-16-from-2023-in-il16,Year in Review: 16 Snapshots from 2023 in IL16,2023-12-31,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"16 Snapshots from 2023 in the 16th Congressional District In 2023, I've been honored to begin representing the new 16th Congressional District of Illinois. With constituents in 21 counties covering central and northern Illinois, we've made it a priority to get into the community and discover what makes our state and region special. Over the course of the year we visited small businesses, community organizations, farms, factories, colleges, hospitals, energy facilities, and much more. To highlight an eventful year, I wanted to showcase 16 snapshots from the new 16th Congressional District! Happy New Year and see you in 2024! In January, I made my first official visit to Galena to meet with small businesses, elected officials, and the Chamber of Commerce to learn about what's happening in the community and issues impacting the region. Later in January, I visited the Rockford Airport to discuss the status of airport upgrades and what the future looks like for them. In February, I spoke at Eureka College in honor of one of their most famous alumni, President Ronald Reagan. President Reagan’s legacy of civic leadership continues to be carried out through the Ronald W. Reagan Leadership Fellows and it's always a privilege to celebrate the incredible students at Eureka. In March, I traveled to Morris in Grundy County to visit the LyondellBasell plant. They do a great job supporting their community by offering jobs and they are leaders in the low-carbon industry. Farmers are a key economic driver in the 16th District. In April, I visited Brian Duncan's family farm to help plant. I appreciate all the family farmers who feed and fuel our country. The Future Farmers of America (FFA) shape and educate the next generation of Illinois farmers. In May, I visited with the Livingston County FFA to check in on their projects and innovative work in agriculture. In June, I toured the Byron Nuclear Plant. Nuclear energy helps support our economy in Illinois and it is an important emission-free energy resource, which is critical to our all-of-the-above energy approach. Each year, I am honored to nominate young men and women to attend our nation's military academies. In June, I hosted those students who were appointed to one of the service academies in our Peoria District Office. One of my top priorities is providing high quality constituent services. In July and August, I was proud to join community leaders in Morris and Normal to open new Congressional Offices, which are open and accessible to all IL16 constituents. In September, I did a hard hat tour of the OSF's Cancer Institute in Peoria, which will make Peoria a hub for cancer research and treatment throughout our state and region. Precision Planting's new facility in Morton will support hundreds of jobs in the community and I was grateful to visit in September. My office was proud to secure a Community Funding Project award to support the new YMCA facility in Morris. I was honored to participate in a beam signing with local officials in October. The Rockford Chamber of Commerce is an important advocate for local small businesses and I joined them in November to provide a Congressional update. I am proud to champion legislation to strengthen the low income housing tax credit. In November, I was honored to break ground on the new Willis Senior Lofts project in Rochelle. In December, I visited with the Little Learners and Birth to Five Council at the CTE Academy in Elizabeth to talk about their mission to improve child care and support families. Wishing everyone a safe and happy New Year! I look forward to seeing many of you in 2024",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-statement-passing-chairwoman-eddie-bernice-johnson,Pelosi Statement on Passing of Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson,2023-12-31,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,pelosi.house.gov,pelosi,https://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"San Francisco — Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi issued this statement on the passing of Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson: “Today, families in the Dallas area and across America mourn the loss of Eddie Bernice Johnson: a tenacious trailblazer, a talented legislator and a devoted public servant. “For three decades, Chairwoman Johnson was a powerful force in the United States Congress, always focused on the future. As Chair of the Science, Space and Technology Committee, she insisted on investing in STEM education — with an emphasis on equity and inclusion — so that American minds shape the economy of tomorrow and solve the great challenges of our time. How fitting that Chairwoman Johnson’s legendary legacy, cemented with the CHIPS and Science Act that she helped craft, will transform America for decades to come. “The impact of Eddie Bernice Johnson’s masterful, patriotic leadership will be felt for generations. May it be a comfort to her beloved son Kirk, her dear grandchildren Kirk Jr, David and James, and her entire family that so many of her colleagues in the Congress and friends across the nation pray for them during this sad time.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://radewagen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/amata-highlights-pacific-islands-caucus-activities,Amata Highlights Pacific Islands Caucus Activities,2023-12-31,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,AS,Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen,R000600,radewagen.house.gov,radewagen,https://radewagen.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is highlighting the congressional activities of the bipartisan Pacific Islands Caucus, which she co-chairs. Efforts during 2023 emphasized U.S. commitment in the region, legislation and funding, and Congress’s role in international partnerships in the Pacific. Image Members of Congress Amata, Ed Case of Hawaii, and James Moylan of Guam “I appreciate my colleagues in the bipartisan Pacific Islands Caucus and the commitment we can show to the region together,"" said Co-Chairman Amata. ""We’ve gotten a lot done in relation to the Pacific Islands but there will be more to do in 2024, and I look forward to working with each dedicated Co-Chair and Member of our Caucus on behalf of the Pacific Islands, including our security, economies, and environmental priorities.” The Caucus’s Year in Review with specific actions and legislative details is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/veasey-statement-passing-congresswoman-eddie-bernice-johnson,Veasey Statement on the Passing of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson,2023-12-31,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,TX,Marc A. Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,veasey,https://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"FORT WORTH - Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) released the following statement about the passing of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30): “North Texas and our nation mourn the loss of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. Congresswoman Johnson was a trailblazer, friend, and mentor to many, including myself. “For decades, she served North Texans and became an unmatched leader in Congress on many issues, including science and transportation. I am deeply saddened by her passing and praying for her loved ones during this time. I am honored to have served alongside her and hope to continue to build on her extraordinary legacy.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-cruz-another-great-year-of-fighting-and-winning-for-texans,Sen. Cruz: Another Great Year of Fighting and Winning for Texans,2023-12-31,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Ted Cruz,C001098,www.cruz.senate.gov,cruz,https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) led the fight in the Senate this year against the Biden administration’s woke agenda and delivered pro-growth, pro-jobs, and pro-freedom policies to promote jobs, freedom, and security for Texans. Reflecting on the past year, Sen. Cruz said, “As your senator for Texas, I have been proud to lead the fight to defend our values and promote jobs, freedom, and security. This year, I’ve had the privilege of leading my Republican colleagues as ranking member on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. We formed bipartisan coalitions around Biden nominees to stop inexperienced and radical ones while supporting qualified public servants, and we worked in a bipartisan manner to advance policies that will benefit the families and businesses in the Lone Star State. As we look ahead to 2024, I excited to keep fighting for the Lone Star State, and defending your freedoms, strengthening our economy, and creating more jobs for hardworking Texans and their families.” Sen. Cruz’s 2023 Highlights: Delivering for Texas SIGNED INTO LAW: After months of legislative efforts from a bipartisan coalition of Texas lawmakers led by Sen. Cruz, the annual defense authorization bill included language to streamline the presidential permitting process for building key bridges across the Rio Grande in Brownsville, Laredo, and Eagle Pass, Texas. Sen. Cruz also wrote a letter to the Biden administration in support of the Puerto Verde Global Trade Bridge (PVGTB)presidential permit application. SECURED BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL SUPPORT: Sen. Cruz led the fight for U.S. diplomats and officials of the U.S. Section of the International Boundary Commission to have the necessary resources to ensure Mexico’s compliance with the 1944 Treaty on Utilization of Waters of the Colorado, Tijuana, and Rio Grande Rivers. A bipartisan majority of senators supported his efforts. PASSED THE U.S. SENATE: Sen. Cruz led efforts to formally name the Ports-to-Plains Corridor through Texas and New Mexico asInterstate 27, which will boost economic growth in Texas. Sen. Cruz participated in agriculture roundtables with industry leaders from the coast to the panhandle as he works to ensure our farmers and ranchers have the resources they need for Texas agriculture to thrive. Sen. Cruz sent a letter calling out FEMAfor rejecting the City of Corpus Christi’s appeal for additional funding for the Packery Channel Restoration Project to rebuild after damage caused by Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Sen. Cruz sent a letter to President Biden supporting Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s request for an emergency disaster declaration to provide federal assistance to Texans impacted by severe weather, including tornadoes and heavy rain, in Harris, Jefferson, Liberty, and Orange counties. Sen. Cruz sent a letter to the Biden administration supporting Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s request for an emergency disasterdeclaration to provide federal assistance to Texans impacted by Winter Storm Mara. Sen. Cruz introduced the Highway Formula Modernization Act, bipartisan legislation that would direct the Department of Transportation to reevaluate the funding formulas used to distribute federal highway dollars to ensure we invest properly in Texas highways and highways across the nation. Sen. Cruz introduced the Improving Access to Our Courts Act to provide an additional court – located in Alpine, Texas – to those served by the Pecos Division of the Western District of Texas. Following reports of mail theft in the Galveston area, Sen. Cruz introduced the Upholding a Secure Postal System (USPS) Act that would require the Comptroller General of the United States to submit a report to Congress on nationwide mail theft trends, and what the Postal Service is doing to combat theft. Boosting Jobs and the Economy Sen. Cruz was awarded the 2022 Club for Growth Defender of Economic Freedom Award for dedication to promoting economic growthand championing issues related to limited government. Sen. Cruz introduced the Cost Recovery and Expensing Acceleration to Transform the Economy and Jumpstart Opportunities for Businesses and Startups (CREATE JOBS) Act to generate much-needed investment in America’s workforce, create jobs, and provide relief for struggling Americans. Sen. Cruz introduced the Capital Gains Inflation Relief Act, and legislation to make permanent the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act’s middle-class tax cuts. Sen. Cruz introduced the Chemical Tax Repeal Act to eliminate the Superfund Tax imposed by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Sen. Cruz introduced an amendment to repeal a provision from the 2021 infrastructure package that created new reporting requirements for many cryptocurrency and blockchain companies. The amendment would remove harmful regulations on the cryptocurrency industry that stifle innovation, endanger the privacy of Americans, and would push key aspects of the industry overseas. Sen. Cruz introduced the Adopting Cryptocurrency in Congress as an Exchange of Payment for Transactions Resolution, also known as the ACCEPT Resolution. Sen. Cruz introduced legislation to prohibit the Federal Reserve from developing a direct-to-consumer central bank digital currency, which could be used as a financial surveillance tool by the federal government. Sen. Cruz introduced the Federal Permitting Modernization Act (FAST Act) and the 90-day Review Act aimed at streamlining and expediting federal permitting for major infrastructure projects by putting more stringent timetables on federal agencies and courts to review projects. Sen. Cruz introduced legislation that will prevent companies that manage investment funds held in federal employee retirement accounts from using those holdings to vote in corporate shareholder meetings to force leftist Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies onto private sector businesses. Sen. Cruz introduced legislation to eliminate the Office of Financial Research, a stark example of redundancy and unaccountability within the Treasury Department. Sen. Cruz introduced legislation to eliminate the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection. Protecting Our Independent Judiciary and Combating the Weaponization of Government Sen. Cruz introduced a proposed constitutional amendment that would ensure only nine justices could serve on the U.S. Supreme Court at a time. Sen. Cruz led a Supreme Court amicus brief in the case Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo arguing that the doctrine of “Chevron deference” violates Articles I, II, and III of the Constitution. Sen. Cruz filed a Supreme Court amicus brief in the case Washington Alliance of Technology Workers v. Department of Homeland Security in support of a Petition for a Writ of Certiorari, seeking Supreme Court review of the unlawful issuance of student visas by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Sen. Cruz sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland confronting the Department of Justice for surveilling the personal communications of attorneys advising congressional oversight committees. Sen. Cruz filed an amicus brief in the case Estados Unidos Mexicanos v. Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. with the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit to support the Second Amendment and American sovereignty. Sen. Cruz sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland at the Department of Justice requesting an investigation into why radical environmental organizations have been able to accept foreign money without registering under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). Sen. Cruz introduced Eric’s Law, a bill that aims to deliver justice to victims and their families in federal death penalty cases. Sen. Cruz introduced a joint resolution pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to fight a D.C. Council measure that would allow illegal aliens to vote in local D.C. elections. Sen. Cruz introduced a series of bills to stop the lingering authoritarian COVID-19 mandates and protect Americans fromunconstitutional federal mandates around the COVID-19 pandemic. Sen. Cruz led a coalition of Senate Republican committee ranking members in sounding the alarm over an attempt by the White House to hijack the rulemaking process to promote left-wing policy goals. Pushing Back on the Left’s Woke Agenda Sen. Cruz introduced bicameral legislation, the Safeguarding Free Speech Act, to prohibit federal agencies from forcing an employee or contractor to use personal pronouns that differ from an individual’s biological sex. Sen. Cruz introduced the Respect for Hispanic Americans Act, which would ban the use of the wholly-invented term “Latinx” in any official government communication by a federal agency or employee. Freeing American Energy and Dismantling Burdensome Environmental Regulations The International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) honored Sen. Cruz with the Legislator of the Year Award for championing policies and advocating and leading legislative efforts to promote U.S. energy. Sen. Cruz introduced the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act to counter the Biden administration’s executive overreachbanning gasoline powered vehicles and establishing an electric vehicle mandate. Sen. Cruz introduced the Public Water Supply Invasive Species Compliance Act and the Saving America’s Vulnerable and Endangered Species Act (SAVES Act), which would remove regulatory burdens for ranchers and conservators engaged in captive breeding of exotic wildlife while promoting animal conservation in the United States. Sen. Cruz introduced a resolution pushing back on the implementation of a carbon tax. The resolution addresses the negative impacts of instituting a carbon tax. Sen. Cruz sent a letter to the Executive Director of the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council (FPISC) against addingunnecessary bureaucratic barriers to the permitting process for domestic mining. Sen. Cruz introduced the Congressional Oversight of the Antiquities Act to reform the Antiquities Act of 1906 and require congressional approval for national monument designations. Sen. Cruz sent a letter calling on the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) to extend the public comment period for the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) financial assurance proposed rule. Sen. Cruz introduced legislation to amend the National Trails System Act and designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail without harming Texas and American energy development projects in the areas around Route 66. Sen. Cruz sent a bipartisan letter to the Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Jennifer Granholm raising concern about a proposed rule by the DOE to change efficiency standards on distribution transformers—critical electric grid components. Sen. Cruz sent a letter to Secretary of the Department of the Treasury Janet Yellen condemning efforts by the Biden administration to use the U.S. tax code to penalize American energy production. Sen. Cruz introduced the Natural Gas Export Expansion Act, which would expedite the federal approval process for exporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) and increase free trade. Sen. Cruz introduced the Energy Freedom Act, in order to make America energy secure again by accelerating federal permitting for energy projects and pipelines, mandating new onshore and offshore oil and gas lease sales, approving pending liquified natural gas (LNG) export licenses, and generally speeding up solar, wind, and geothermal development. Sen. Cruz introduced the Black Vulture Relief Act, which would alleviate burdensome government regulations and allow farmers to protect their newborn livestock from black vultures without a depredation permit whenever their livestock is threatened. Backing Law Enforcement PASSED THE SENATE: Sen. Cruz sponsored a resolution commemorating the bicentennial of the Texas Ranger Division of the Texas Department of Public Safety. Sen. Cruz introduced the Back the Blue Act, which would increase penalties for criminals who target law enforcement officers and provide new tools for officers to protect themselves. Sen. Cruz introduced legislation that would protect the brave men and women of law enforcement by criminalizing fleeing from agents or officers in a high-speed chase. The bill is named in honor of Border Patrol Agent Raul Gonzalez, Jr., who died in the line of duty while pursuing a group of illegal aliens near Mission, Texas. Combating the Drug Crisis and Increasing Healthcare Access SIGNED INTO LAW: Sen. Cruz’s Testing, Rapid Analysis, and Narcotic Quality (TRANQ) Research Act is now law. It will direct the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to take steps to enhance understanding of the dangerous animal tranquilizer xylazine, or tranq and other novel synthetic drugs, develop new tests for detection, and establish partnerships with front-line entities that are often the first points of contact with new street drugs. Sen. Cruz introduced bipartisan legislation to address the online sale of counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl. Sen. Cruz introduced the Reciprocity Ensures Streamlined Use of Lifesaving Treatments Act, to expand healthcare innovation and accessibility for Texans and all Americans by increasing access for all Americans to life-saving drugs, devices, and other medical therapies already approved in other trusted countries. Defending the Right to Life Sen. Cruz sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland demanding answers about allegations that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was secretly surveilling recent meetings of the pro-life group Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising (PAAU). Sen. Cruz led the effort to demand answers from Lonnie G. Bunch III, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institute, about the reported harassment of a pro-life Catholic school group at the National Air and Space Museum. Sen. Cruz sent a bicameral letter to the National Archives and Records Administration acting archivist Debra Steidel Wall urging a prompt response regarding the treatment of several pro-life Americans at the National Archives Museum on January 20, 2023. Championing Our Military and Veterans SIGNED INTO LAW: Sen. Cruz authored the bipartisan, bicameral bill that renamed a Texas post office after Spc. Vanessa Guillén, a 20-year-old soldier of the United States Army stationed at Fort Hood Army Base who was murdered by another soldier on base. SIGNED INTO LAW: Sen. Cruz’s Changing Age-Determined Eligibility to Student Incentive Payments (CADETS) Act expanded the age of eligibility for the Student Incentive Payment Program at the Maritime Administration, granting financial assistance to cadets who attend one of six state maritime academies, including Texas A&M Maritime Academy, and who commit to a post-graduation service obligation. SIGNED INTO LAW: Sen. Cruz spearheaded a bipartisan amendment to the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)prohibiting the sale of Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) crude oil to China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Sen. Cruz introduced an amendment to the FY24 NDAA that build on the NDAA of 2023, to support servicemembers who were wrongly discharged solely based on their COVID-19 vaccine status. Sen. Cruz introduced the Pay Our Coast Guard Act, bicameral, bipartisan legislation to ensure Coast Guardsmen are paid just like other military personnel in the event of a government shutdown. Sen. Cruz sent a bipartisan letter to the United States National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) requesting answers on the backlog of veterans’ service record requests impacting their access to critical government benefits and services. Sen. Cruz introduced legislation that creates an opt-in for military families to establish Military Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) to help fund their child’s education and expand access to personalized, high-quality educational experiences. SIGNED INTO LAW: Sen. Cruz introduced the Deterring Egregious State Infiltration of Schools’ Training (DESIST) Act, which would prohibit the Department of Defense from establishing or maintaining a Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program at any private school operated or controlled by entities linked to the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Chinese Communist Party (CCP), or the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). This amendment was included in the FY24 NDAA. Advocating for Our Students Sen. Cruz introduced and fought for the immediate passage of his Securing Our Schools Act and the Protect Our Children’s Schools Act, which would improve school security and access to student mental health resources and allow schools to use unspent, previously appropriated federal COVID-19 education-related funding to improve school security. Sen. Cruz sent a letter to Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, urging the Biden administration to address the growing rates of antisemitism in K-12 schools following Hamas’s war against Israel. Standing Up to America’s Enemies and Adversaries, While Standing with Her Allies PASSED THE U.S. SENATE: Sen. Cruz spearheaded the passage of his bipartisan legislation to rename the street outside of the Cuban embassy in Washington, D.C. as “Oswaldo Payá Way” after the Cuban dissident leader who was assassinated by Cuba’s communist regime. Sen. Cruz introduced the Protecting America from Spies Act, legislation that would make individuals who have committed acts of espionage or intellectual property theft against the United States ineligible for visas, as well as the family members of such individuals, for a period of five years. Standing with Israel Sen. Cruz sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken calling on him to rescind discriminatory guidance issued by the State Department halting bilateral scientific and technological cooperation in certain Israeli-held territories. Sen. Cruz sent a letter to Harvard University President Claudine Gay demanding that the university condemn the antisemitic statementsmade by student organizations on campus. Sen. Cruz introduced the Hamas Sanctions Act, the first piece of legislation to comprehensively target Hamas. The legislation wouldimpose sanctions on Hamas, its members and affiliates, and countries that provide funding and territory for Hamas operations. Countering the Iranian regime Sen. Cruz introduced the Strengthening Entry Visa Enforcement and Restrictions Act, or SEVER Act, to block the Biden administrationfrom allowing Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and other sanctioned individuals linked to the Iranian regime to enter the United States. Sen. Cruz introduced legislation to prohibit the Biden administration from waiving Congressional sanctions that prohibit cooperation on Iran’s nuclear program. Countering Communist China PASSED THE U.S. SENATE: Sen. Cruz gained unanimous support for his resolution calling for the release of wrongfully detained Texan Mark Swidan, who is imprisoned in China. Sen. Cruz introduced the Protecting Military Installations and Ranges Act, to stop adversaries from acquiring land near military bases, and military areas, which puts our military and national security at risk. Sen. Cruz introduced the Stop Higher Education Espionage and Theft (SHEET) Act to counter Chinese espionage efforts in American universities. Supporting freedom and opposing oppression in Central and South America Sen. Cruz introduced a resolution supporting the Alliance for Development in Democracy (ADD), a multilateral initiative by American allies in Latin America including Panama, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, and Ecuador. Sen. Cruz sent a letter to President Biden calling on his administration to reverse political concessions and increase pressure on the Maduro regime in Venezuela, after the administration eased economic pressure as part of a deal related to the Venezuelan elections in 2024. Sen. Cruz introduced the Corruption in Argentina Stymied by Enforcing Sanctions Act of 2023, or CASES Act, which would require the President to investigate five Argentinian officials for corruption, including Argentina’s Vice President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner. Fighting to Secure the Southern Border Sen. Cruz introduced the Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act, which would allow local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration authorities and would pull taxpayer-funded grants going to sanctuary cities. Sen. Cruz introduced the FINISH IT Act, which would require the federal government to use previously purchased and unused border wall panels to extend the wall along the U.S.-Mexico border or to transfer them to state governments to be used for wall construction. Sen. Cruz sent a letter to President Biden urging the White House to reverse the administration’s decision to end Title 42. Sen. Cruz led Republican Senate colleagues on a trip to the U.S.-Mexico border to Brownsville, Texas on the eve of the end of Title 42 to meet with U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, the Texas National Guard, and other law enforcement officials. Sen. Cruz introduced bicameral legislation to amend federal law and impose a mandatory minimum sentence of five years for any person who has multiple convictions, or a conviction for an aggravated felony, who enters the country illegally. Sen. Cruz traveled to Texas’ maritime border at South Padre Island to visit key Coast Guard stations and hear directly from the men and women of the Coast Guard about what resources they need to keep Texas’ maritime borders safe and secure. Sen. Cruz introduced the Schools Not Shelters Act, which passed the House with bipartisan support, to protect and prioritize students by prohibiting K-12 schools, colleges, and universities that receive federal funding from being used as shelters to house illegal aliens. Sen. Cruz introduced an amendment to add the Secure the Border Act to the continuing resolution to stop the Biden Border Crisis dead in its tracks and halt the invasion at our southern border. Sen. Cruz led Republican Senate colleagues on a trip to the U.S.-Mexico border to witness the impacts of the millions of illegal immigrants who have flooded through the southern border, the rising rates of drug smuggling, and the increasing national security threats due to President Biden’s open border policies. Sen. Cruz sent a letter to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas calling on the Biden administration to address a text message, discovered by El Paso Sector Intelligence, soliciting personal information of Border Patrol agents and their families. Sen. Cruz sent a letter to Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas demanding that the Biden administration immediately address the influx of “special interest aliens” who have been arrested at the southern border. Leading Republican Legislative Initiatives as the Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce Committee PASSED THE U.S. SENATE: Sen. Cruz advanced legislation that would streamline the CHIPS permitting reform process, removing burdensome hurdles to achieving environmental reviews and permits. The amendment, which passed the Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support in July, would provide regulatory certainty and accelerate the construction of semiconductor manufacturing plants. Sen. Cruz introduced the bipartisan, bicameral AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act to require automakers to maintain AM broadcast radio in vehicles. In Texas, over 88,000 jobs are tied to radio. Sen. Cruz introduced bipartisan legislation that passed the Commerce Committee to require all event ticket sellers to display the total ticket price—including all required fees—in any advertisement or marketing materials. Sen. Cruz led bipartisan efforts to stop three Biden administration nominees over lack of experience or radical policy positions. Sen. Cruz introduced legislation to limit children’s access to social media at school by requiring schools receiving federal broadband funding to prohibit access on subsidized services, devices, and networks. Sen. Cruz unveiled a discussion draft of legislation aimed at addressing major issues in college athletics that have wrought a patchwork of pending litigation, inconsistent state laws, and labor complaints. Sen. Cruz and Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va), Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, introduced the Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act, legislation that would block the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) from banning gas stoves. Sen. Cruz and Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, introduced the Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act, legislation that would require the FTC to create reasonable disclosure guidelines for products that have audio or visual recording components, such as refrigerators, washers, dryers and dishwashers that are not clearly obvious. This legislation passed the Commerce Committee. Sen. Cruz sent a letter to Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) President and CEO Patricia de Stacy Harrison, expressing objections to a CPB mandate that radio and television stations must engage in affirmative action to qualify for grant funding. Sen. Cruz sent a letter to Eventbrite President and CEO Julia Hartz requesting details regarding the firm’s seemingly inconsistent enforcement of community guidelines targeting conservatives, which has resulted in the removal of events featuring comments from Riley Gaines, while permitting feature speakers espousing allegiance to Hamas. Sen. Cruz sent a letter to the U.S. Department of State, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and National Science Foundation (NSF) to turn over information regarding their role in helping facilitate the censorshipof Americans’ constitutionally protected speech online. Sen. Cruz led 27 of his colleagues in calling on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to rescind its draft order on “Digital Discrimination,” which would give the federal government control over nearly every aspect of the Internet while opening broadband providers to expansive, indeterminate, and crippling liability under a “disparate impact” standard. Sen. Cruz sent a letter to Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey demanding answers regarding the company’s decision to delete references to a donation the company made to the Black Lives Matter Global Network. Sen. Cruz asked the National Science Foundation (NSF) to turn over information regarding its taxpayer-funded censorship, including doling out tens of millions of dollars in grants to universities building online censorship tools and developing “trauma support” therapy for journalists. Sen. Cruz led more than 100 other lawmakers in calling on Congressional leaders to include Sens. Cruz and Kelly’s amendment to streamline the CHIPS permitting reform process in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Sen. Cruz led a bicameral coalition of federal lawmakers calling on the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to reverse its suspension of rules allowing liquefied natural gas (LNG) by rail. Sen. Cruz led Commerce Committee Republican members in sending a letter to companies X, Meta, TikTok, and Google seeking information on their content moderation policies during the Israel-Hamas war, and asking the companies to commit to fully preserving a documentary history of Hamas’s atrocities. Sen. Cruz led a group of senators in urging the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to withdraw a proposed rule designating more than 28,270 square miles of the Gulf of Mexico, an area larger than West Virginia, as a “critical habitat” for the newly discovered Rice’s whale—a clear attempt to shut down oil and gas operations in the area over a single sighting of a whale in 2017. Sen. Cruz sent a letter pressing Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg about the decision-making behind certain grants to the Amtrak NY-NJ Gateway Program and asked the Department of Transportation (DOT) to commit to giving fair consideration to the whole country for grants, rather than favoring the Northeast Corridor. Sen. Cruz sent a letter to the administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) demanding answers on whether the deployment of federal air marshals to assist along the southwest border is risking the safety of the flying public. Sen. Cruz sent a letter to the newly sworn-in Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner, Anna Gomez, urging her to oppose FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel’s plan to expand the E-rate program beyond school classrooms and libraries. The proposed expansion of funding, including to fund Wi-Fi hotspots on school buses, is not only unlawful (the statute only allows for connectivity spending for classrooms and libraries) but raises concerns about subsidizing children’s unsupervised internet access to social media sites like TikTok and Instagram on their bus rides to and from school. Sen. Cruz and House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) today sent a letter to the law firm Sher Edling LLP demanding information related to the firm’s barrage of lawsuits targeting energy companies, and the role the acting administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Ann Carlson, played in these lawsuits while serving as a professor at UCLA Law School. Sen. Cruz took to the Senate floor requesting unanimous consent to pass the Pay Our Coast Guard Act, bicameral, bipartisan legislation he introduced with Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.). The Pay Our Coast Guard Act would ensure Coast Guardsmen are paid just like other military personnel in the event of a government shutdown. Sen. Cruz led all Committee Republicans in sending a letter to President Biden, blasting the administration for violating the Vacancies Act by allowing Ann Carlson, who was effectively rejected by the Senate to be administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), to serve as acting head of the agency. Sen. Cruz joined Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), and Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) on an amicus brief in a case concerning the Biden administration’s decision to alter the terms of “Lease Sale 261,” an oil and gas lease sale in the Gulf of Mexico required by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Sen. Cruz released a fact-finding report on the single largest pot of federal money ever allocated for broadband—the $42.45 billion allocation for the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program. Sen. Cruz sent a letter to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairwoman Lina Khan seeking answers regarding her plans to regulate artificial intelligence for “disinformation” and “bias.” The letter explains that the FTC’s review of large language models used to train AI, which comes without any explicit statutory congressional authorization, may also infringe on constitutionally-protected speech. Sen. Cruz sent letters to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairwoman Lina Khan and the head of the European Union’s San Francisco office, demanding answers regarding the degree of coordination between the FTC and the EU to enforce the EU’s Digital Services Act (“DSA”) and Digital Markets Act (“DMA”) on U.S. soil. Sen. Cruz and Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Joe Manchin (D-W.Va), announced that they had secured a bipartisan amendment to prevent the Biden administration from banning gas stoves in households across America in the Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) funding bill. The amendment largely mirrors the bipartisan Gas Stoves Protection and Freedom Act that they had introduced together in February that would preclude CPSC from using federal funds to ban gas stoves or impose regulations that would substantially increase the costs of gas stoves to make them unaffordable for Americans. Sen. Cruz sent a letter to Vice Admiral Joanna Nunan, the superintendent of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), demanding answers about the safety of cadets in light of disturbing remarks by the school’s sexual assault prevention and response (SAPR) director. Sen. Cruz and Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) sent a bipartisan letter to seven automakers that either removed or planned to remove broadcast AM radio in their current and future vehicle models, including electric vehicles, urging the automakers to make a commitment to keep AM radio in their vehicles. Sen. Cruz sent a letter to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairwoman Lina Khan regarding the troubling drop in employee morale at the agency. Sen. Cruz led a coalition of Senate Republican committee ranking members in sounding the alarm over an attempt by the White House to hijack the rulemaking process to advance left-wing policy goals that have been rejected by Congress. Sen. Cruz published a 13-page memo to the beer industry’s self-regulatory body detailing how Bud Light’s sponsorship of Dylan Mulvaney violated industry standards that prohibit marketing to underage individuals. Sen. Cruz sent a letter to President Biden, urging him to immediately nominate a “serious and well-qualified person with substantial aviation experience” to serve as Federal Aviation Administration administrator. Sen. Cruz sent a letter to Meta Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg demanding answers about reporting from the Wall Street Journal describing how Instagram’s recommendation systems actively facilitated the production, purchase, and possession of child sexual abuse material. Sen. Cruz and Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) opened an investigation into and called on the beer industry’s self-regulatory body—the Beer Institute—to investigate whether Anheuser-Busch’s partnership with influencer Dylan Mulvaney violates the Beer Institute’s guidelines prohibiting marketing to underage individuals. The letter outlines evidence showing that Dylan Mulvaney’s audience skews younger than the legal drinking age and that Mulvaney’s social media content appeals to young viewers. Sen. Cruz sent a letter to the Federal Communications Commission Acting Inspector General asking that she open an investigation into whether FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel’s unprecedented actions against the Standard General-TEGNA transaction, including the decision to have the FCC’s Media Bureau designate the transaction for an Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”) hearing, were motivated by a biased desire to block the deal. Sen. Cruz and House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) sent bicameral letters to Consumer Reports, the Climate Imperative Foundation, and Stacey Abrams’ Rewiring America group. Sen. Cruz led his Senate Commerce Republican colleagues in sending a letter highlighting serious concerns regarding President Biden’s nominee to lead the National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA), Ann Carlson, and her past record of promoting green energy mandates for the automobile industry. Sen. Cruz and House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) sent a bicameral letter to Mary Daly, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (“SF Fed”), regarding the SF Fed’s failure to properly ensure the safety and soundness of Silicon Valley Bank (“SVB”) and to comply with congressional oversight requests about SVB’s collapse. Sen. Cruz sent a letter to Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg requesting information related to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) long-running inability to address congestion and air traffic controller shortages in the New York region. Sen. Cruz and Republican committee members sent a letter expressing concern that President Biden and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg are improperly favoring Northeastern states over the rest of the country with respect to Amtrak Board seats and a large taxpayer-funded rail grant program. Sen. Cruz sent letters to nine Big Tech firms seeking information about coordination with more than 40 government officials who were attempting to flag, censor, and investigate the content and accounts of Americans online. Sen. Cruz led a letter with more than a dozen Senate Republican colleagues to Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo urging the administration to strike a number of liberal social policy conditions that were attached to grants for domestic chip production. Few of the requirements on the $39 billion in money, such as requiring applicants to develop plans around mass transit use and affordable housing, were found in the CHIPS Act, a bill enacted last year meant to help re-shore semiconductor manufacturing. Sen. Cruz sent a series of letters to Biden regulators and left-wing environmental advocacy groups seeking information and preservation of documents regarding their role in the Biden administration’s recent efforts to ban gas stoves. Sen. Cruz and Rep. Jim Jordan opened a probe into the Federal Trade Commission’s investigation of Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover. Sen. Cruz called on the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to rescind its costly, radical proposed rule to require government contractors to provide extensive information about greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Sen. Cruz sent a letter to the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) seeking information about its lengthy delays in reaching decisions on applications for deepwater ports for exporting oil and natural gas. The letter also urged MARAD to meet its statutory deadlines to make decisions. Currently, four of the seven applications for licenses are for projects located off the coast of Texas. Sen. Cruz sent a letter to social media companies Meta, Google, Twitter, and TikTok launching an oversight investigation into these companies’ use of recommendation algorithms and their reported use of “blacklists,” “de-emphasizing,” and other means of “reduced distribution” of content from users, including many conservatives. Sen. Cruz, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), and Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) sent a letter to the CEOs of DirectTV and its controlling shareholders, AT&T and TPG, voicing deep concerns about DirecTV’s decision to drop conservative news network Newsmax. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-on-state-of-the-union-political-leaders-need-to-start-talking-about-the-emotional-state-of-america,Murphy on State of the Union: Political Leaders Need to Start Talking About the Emotional State of America,2023-12-31,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,CT,Christopher Murphy,M001169,www.murphy.senate.gov,chrismurphy,https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Sunday joined CNN’s State of the Union to discuss how government can help tackle the loneliness epidemic and why it’s important for Americans to have a national conversation about rebuilding community and connection. “Last year, we had more suicides in the United States than in any year in our lifetime. Rising rates of violence. More people taking withdrawal drugs and overdosing. It feels like people are having a harder time finding purpose and meaning than ever before. And part of the reason for that – a lot of people are lonely and feeling alone. 20 years ago, only 3% of Americans reported having no friends. Today, 12% of Americans say they have not a single friend. We report spending half as much time as we used to on a daily basis with family and friends. We’re withdrawing into ourselves, and with that comes a real sickness, emotionally, spiritually, physically. And it's something that I think political leaders need to start talking about because it impacts everybody in this country on the right and the left. And it's actually a wonderful unifying conversation because everyone in this country is feeling alone,” said Murphy. On bipartisan support for regulating social media, Murphy said: “The social media companies absolutely are determined to protect their addictive technology. Their entire business model is centered around trying to get us to look at our phones six to eight hours a day. They make less money if we're talking to each other rather than looking at our phones. But the good news is this conversation about social media regulation is one that actually brings Republicans and Democrats, the right and the left together. You talk to parents out there – it really has nothing to do with their ideology as to whether or not they want more help in trying to keep their kids off of TikTok, off of Instagram, especially when they see those sites really taking their children into a dark rabbit hole.” Murphy discussed how the political discourse is disconnected from what Americans are really feeling: “I think when you don't have leaders that are sticking up for you and plugging into the things that matter most to you, that makes you feel alone, right? You want a champion. You want somebody that understands what you're going through and is fighting for you. That's why I think we have to talk about the emotional state of America because that's a way for political leaders to directly plug into the actual things that people are feeling. And so when we just sort of talk about the price of health care or the unemployment rate – that isn't directly connected to the spiritual, emotional state of the country in a way a conversation about loneliness or purpose or meaning would be. I know that those are topics that feel very unfamiliar and distant to political leadership, but it actually, I think, would scratch the American public where they itch and make them feel less alone if they thought political leaders were actually talking about the way that they feel.” Murphy added: “You can’t just have a conversation simply about how people are feeling. You’ve got to say ‘how are you feeling,’ and then what can government do to make it better. If you talk about loneliness, part of the policy is social media regulation, but it's also free time and leisure time, right? Giving people the space where they can go join a church or a social club. It's about connection. I want a four-day work week. I want more functional third places. I want more community pools. And I want more vibrant churches. I want places where people can meet. You have to start the conversation around purpose and meaning and connection, but then I think you need to move pretty quickly to policy, but make sure that that's one conversation.” Earlier this month, Murphy authored an op-ed for the New Republic to make the case for a political realignment oriented around a set of solutions that would address America’s spiritual unspooling and enable Americans to have more economic control over their lives, more social connection, and more moral markets. Murphy and U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-Pa.) introduced the Addressing Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults (SILO) Act, legislation to establish a grant and training program for community-based organizations working to address social isolation among older adults and adults with disabilities – two populations at greater risk for loneliness. Earlier this year, Murphy introduced the National Strategy for Social Connection Act, which would create an Office of Social Connection Policy within the White House to work across federal agencies to develop effective strategies for improved social infrastructure and issue national guidelines for social connection similar to existing guidelines on sleep, nutrition, and physical activity. It would also provide funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to better understand the epidemic of social isolation and loneliness. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://balderson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2590,Balderson Recap: Looking Back at 2023,2023-12-30,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,OH,Troy Balderson,B001306,balderson.house.gov,balderson,https://balderson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=5,scraper,"This past January marked the beginning of the 118th Congress. With Republicans regaining control of the House of Representatives, we were able to bring oversight and fiscal responsibility back to Washington. At the start of the year, I was selected to serve on the Energy and Commerce Committee, which has the broadest jurisdiction of any committee in Congress–from securing our nation’s supply chains to ensuring all Americans have access to quality, innovative health care. The committee stayed busy all year, held 93 hearings, and sent 120 bills to the full House for consideration and passage. More importantly, I was able to continue working on behalf of the people of Ohio’s 12th Congressional District. Throughout the entire year, I criss-crossed the district’s 12 counties, holding hundreds of meetings with health care workers, small business owners, and individuals who work every day to improve the world around them. As I reflect on 2023 and look onward to 2024, I want to share with you a handful of issues that meant a lot to me this year. These are issues where I have been a leader among my House colleagues, and issues where I believe meaningful progress has been made. Boosting American Energy and Preserving Consumer Choice Earlier this year, the House passed H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act. This is House Republicans’ flagship legislation to boost U.S energy production and ensure an abundance of affordable, reliable energy for American families. The bill provides meaningful permitting reforms, streamlines the energy export process, and boosts domestic production. Simply put, this bill enables American energy producers to tap into the resources we have right beneath our feet in a timely manner by cutting red tape, instituting concrete timelines for permitting review, and incentivizing energy investment here at home. Relying on bad actors like Russia and Iran for our energy is shortsighted and reckless. And though this seems like commonsense, the policies coming out of the Biden White House today ignore this reality. If not stopped, the United States will remain dependent on hostile nations to meet our energy needs. Consumer choice has also come under assault this year. Activist bureaucrats are pushing bans on gas-powered cars and electric vehicle (EV) mandates. In March, I joined my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee in introducing the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act (H.R. 1435). This bill passed the House this summer that blocks California from implementing its all-out ban on gas-powered cars beginning in 2035. In order to carry out this ban, they need approval from the EPA through a waiver–our legislation would block the approval of this waiver and prevent this kind of ban in any other state going forward. I also was a co-sponsor of the CARS Act (H.R. 4468), which also passed the House this year and would prevent the EPA from finalizing a federal rule that would mandate two-thirds of all vehicles sold by 2032 be all-electric. Freedom of choice and the power of the American consumer make the United States the envy of the world. There is nothing wrong with buying an EV if it best fits your family’s needs, but no government agency should have the right to unilaterally take that decision away. Despite trying to require the adoption of all-electric vehicles, the Biden Administration is pushing to shut down power plants across the country, slashing the capacity to charge the very vehicles they seek to mandate. Their top proposal requires fossil fuel power plants to retrofit facilities to cut or capture their carbon dioxide emissions by 2040. The problem is carbon capture has yet to be successfully deployed at commercial level, and it would be prohibitively expensive for energy producers. In fact, this proposed rule would force many coal- and gas-fired plants to permanently shut down to avoid these cost-prohibitive retrofits. Report after report shows that American energy demand is growing while energy production is shrinking. In order to avoid a future where rolling blackouts and unexpected power outages become the norm, I introduced the Grid Reliability and Resiliency Improvements Act (H.R. 2875), which would provide increased transparency and information on the long-term reliability of America’s electrical grid. I also joined my fellow Energy and Commerce Committee Republicans in a letter to the EPA administrator demanding the agency extend its public comment period for their strict, costly proposed rules. Over the last year, the Committee has held the Biden Administration accountable for its reckless proposals, conducting a number of hearings where I have been able to underscore the importance of grid reliability with energy experts and agency officials. Promoting Innovation in Health Care For many Ohioans, access to affordable, quality health care can be a challenge. This is particularly true for those who live in more rural parts of the state and the elderly, who may have issues getting to and from their appointments. Telehealth is a critical tool that connects people to their health care providers regardless of their zip code or ability to travel. Telehealth boomed during the Covid-19 pandemic, and I have been working ever since to ensure that health care providers continue to cover telehealth services and invest in telehealth capabilities. Remote patient monitoring (RPM) lies at the heart of new, cutting-edge telehealth technologies. RPM lets patients remain in the comfort of home while doctors track their medication adherence and monitor vital signs. This can be especially useful when patients are prescribed opioids. My bill, the Remote Opioid Monitoring Act, aims to use this technology to combat the opioid epidemic by helping doctors identify and stop the misuse and abuse of lawfully prescribed opioids, preventing addiction from the outset. Last week, the legislation overwhelmingly passed the House 386-37 and now heads to the Senate for consideration. I have also introduced the Expanding Remote Monitoring Access Act (H.R.5394), which would ease restrictions on health care providers and allow more seniors to benefit from remote monitoring services. RPM became widely available during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) lowered the threshold for who could be eligible. During this time, we saw just how effective RPM can be at reducing long-term health care costs, improving health outcomes, and increasing options for seniors. My bill would extend the COVID-era rules so more seniors can benefit from this technology. The Expanding Remote Monitoring Access Act is still being considered by the Energy and Commerce Committee. Stopping the Border Crisis In 2023, the U.S. saw record-breaking numbers of migrants flow across our border. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, there have been 7.8 million illegal immigrant encounters nationwide since President Biden took office. These individuals are drawn to our country because of the Biden Administration’s lax immigration policies and feeble border enforcement. The crisis is only getting worse. Just days ago, on December 18th, the southern border saw a record 12,600 migrant encounters in a single day. Because of the President’s failure to secure our southern border, we are seeing a surge of deadly fentanyl smuggled across our border. This poison makes its way from the Mexico border to communities across the country–including here in Ohio. In a report released in December, the Ohio Department of Health found that fentanyl was involved in 81% of Ohio’s unintentional drug overdoses in 2022. The ongoing crisis at the southern border shows how misguided policy decisions in Washington can have widespread, tragic impacts nationwide. House Republicans immediately put together and passed a border security package when we regained control of the House earlier this year. The Secure the Border Act (H.R. 2), is the strongest border security bill ever put forward in Congress, and it takes a two-pronged approach to fight the immigration crisis. First, it secures the border by resuming construction of the border wall, deploying more border agents, and implementing new technologies to detect illegal crossings. Second, H.R. 2 reforms U.S. policies to deter migrants from illegally entering the country by ending catch and release, streamlining the asylum process, ending in executive abuse of immigration authority, and strengthening current law to protect unaccompanied children from human trafficking. This immigration package passed the House in May, yet the Democrat-led Senate has ignored the legislation while the White House continues to downplay the border crisis. Going into 2024, I will continue calling on Democrats in Washington to take the border seriously, and I will urge my counterparts in the Senate to follow House Republicans’ lead and pass H.R. 2. Supporting Israel For Israelis and Jewish people across the world, the shock of Hamas’s attack on October 7th was unimaginable. In a matter of hours, terrorists from Gaza invaded Israel to massacre and abduct innocent men, women, and children. Immediately following the attack, I signed on as an original co-sponsor to a resolution declaring that the United States unequivocally stands with Israel and its people. The resolution condemned Hamas’s brutal invasion and affirms American support for Israel as it continues to defend itself. Israel is our greatest ally and friend in the Middle East. That’s why I voted in support of a $14.3 billion security assistance package that provides equipment needed for their ongoing defense. The bill also replenishes American defense stockpiles and allocates funds to evacuate American citizens in Israel. I also signed on to the Stop Taxpayer Funding of Hamas Act, which would ensure that no American taxpayer dollars will be authorized to Gaza until the President certifies to Congress that these funds will not benefit terrorist organizations and that there are no hostages currently being held in Gaza. If we truly want to stand with Israel, in both our words and actions, then we must not give aid and comfort to the very terrorists carrying out barbaric acts of violence and kidnapping civilians. Let's Stay Connected As always, let me know if I can ever be of assistance to you or your loved ones by calling my office at (614) 523-2555 or sending me an email. Be sure to update your contact preferences, so I can keep you informed about the latest from Washington, D.C. and across the region. Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year! ### Related News Op-Ed – Keeping pace with innovation: Empowering Americans in the age of wearables February 25, 2026 | Posted in Articles House passes Rep. Troy Balderson’s bill to bolster grid reliability December 18, 2025 | Posted in Articles House Passes Balderson’s Reliable Power Act December 17, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases Balderson Joins President Trump for Announcement to Lower Car Prices and Protect Consumer Choice December 3, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases Balderson, Cotton Introduce Bill to Stop Frivolous Lawsuits Blocking American Energy Projects December 2, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-castro-releases-2023-report-for-the-20th-district-of-texas,Congressman Castro Releases 2023 Report for the 20th District of Texas,2023-12-30,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,TX,Joaquin Castro,C001091,castro.house.gov,castro,https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Read the Full Report SAN ANTONIO – Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released his end-of-year report detailing 2023 accomplishments on behalf of the 20th Congressional District of Texas. “Over the past two years, San Antonio residents have seen many reasons to be excited about the future. As the economy has rebounded and life has returned to normal, new jobs have brought thousands of families a better quality of life. As our city continues to grow, I want to make sure that no one is left behind,” said Congressman Joaquin Castro. “It’s an honor to represent my hometown, and I look forward to continuing my work to create good jobs, build a sound health care system, and strengthen the great public schools and universities that put San Antonians on track to pursue their dreams.” Key 2023 accomplishments include: 811 constituent cases resolved successfully, with $3.1 million in federal benefits recovered for the people of San Antonio, including more than $352,000 from the Department of Veterans Affairs. $521 million in federal grants secured for programs and services in San Antonio, including $20 million to expand and improve the San Antonio airport, $2 million to fund math and literacy tutoring in San Antonio schools, and hundreds of thousands of dollars to help LiftFund and other organizations support San Antonio small businesses as they grow and create jobs. 200+ bills sponsored and co-sponsored on behalf of the people of San Antonio.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-neguse-host-year-end-town-hall-estes-park,Rep. Neguse to Host Year-End Town Hall in Estes Park,2023-12-30,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,neguse,https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Lafayette, CO — On Saturday, December 30th, Congressman Joe Neguse will close out 2023 by hosting a town hall in Estes Park, Colorado. The Congressman will provide a legislative update and then take questions from attendees. Due to limited space, attendees are required to RSVP, find the link here. Estes Park | Saturday, December 30th | 2:00-3:00pm Congressman Neguse will be joined by Estes Park Mayor Wendy Koenig and Larimer County Commissioner Jody Shadduck-McNally.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-statement-on-need-for-congressional-oversight-of-weapons-transfers,Kaine Statement on Need for Congressional Oversight of Weapons Transfers,2023-12-30,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) and the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement regarding the Biden Administration’s decision to transfer weapons to Israel without congressional oversight: “Just as Congress has a crucial role to play in all matters of war and peace, Congress should have full visibility over the weapons we transfer to any other nation. Unnecessarily bypassing Congress means keeping the American people in the dark. We need a public explanation of the rationale behind this decision—the second such decision this month.” Kaine has long been a leading voice for the need to make decisions related to war and peace through a deliberate congressional process. This month, Kaine’s bipartisan legislation to prevent any U.S. president from unilaterally withdrawing from NATO without congressional approval was signed into law. Earlier this year, the Senate voted to pass Kaine’s bipartisan legislation to repeal the 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMFs) and formally end the Gulf and Iraq wars. Kaine strongly condemned Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attacks on Israeli civilians and has been vocal about the need to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He’s taken a series of steps to prioritize the release of hostages taken by Hamas, including directly engaging the Qatari and Egyptian governments, address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and protect civilians in Gaza and the West Bank, and counter Hamas’ terrorist threats. Kaine led his colleagues in calling for a short-term cessation of violence in order to ensure humanitarian assistance is reaching civilians in Gaza. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-december-podcast-king-discusses-new-gun-safety-legislation-with-senator-mark-kelly-and-former-maine-us-marshal,"In December Podcast, King Discusses New Gun Safety Legislation with Senator Mark Kelly and Former Maine U.S. Marshal",2023-12-30,2023,2023-12,Independent,Senate,ME,"Angus S. King, Jr.",K000383,www.king.senate.gov,angusking,https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Office of U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today released the December episode of his “Inside Maine” podcast, in which he discussed new gun safety legislation to save lives in Maine and across the country. During the podcast, U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) joined Senator King to discuss the GOSAFE ACT which they recently introduced to limit the sale, manufacture and transfer of gas-operated semi-automatic firearms like the one used during the October 25th attack in Lewiston. Later in the podcast, retired U.S. Marshal Chief Noel C. March shared insights from his four decades in law enforcement on gun safety, community engagement, and how the GOSAFE Act would save lives and make it easier for law enforcement to respond to mass shootings. According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been more mass shootings in the United States in 2023 than days. “For too long, communities across our country have felt the devastation and heartbreak of America’s gun violence epidemic – with each mass shooting and senseless act of violence leaving Americans to wonder if they or their loved ones will be next,” said Senator King. We owe it to the people of Maine, and victims of gun violence across the country, to prevent more gun violence while protecting the 2nd Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans. Saving lives remains my one and only goal.” As the son of two police officers, Senator Mark Kelly learned the value of public service at an early age. Senator Kelly earned his B.S. degree in marine engineering and nautical science from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and later an M.S. degree in aeronautical engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. As a Navy pilot, he made multiple deployments on the aircraft carrier USS Midway and flew 39 combat missions in Operation Desert Storm. Senator Kelly is the recipient of the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, and multiple Air Medals. He has logged more than 5,000 flight hours in more than 50 different aircraft and has over 375 carrier landings. Senator Kelly retired from the Navy with the rank of Captain. Senator Kelly is Chair of the Senate Armed Services Airland Subcommittee, where he plays a leading role in getting our airmen and soldiers the tools they need to do their jobs, while also expanding Arizona’s role in our national defense. Noel C. March is a Lecturer of Justice Studies and Director of the Maine Community Policing Institute at University of Maine at Augusta (UMA). From 2010 to 2018 he served as an appointee of President Barack Obama as the United States Marshal in Maine where he represented the U.S. Department of Justice in the protection of our federal courts and judges, the investigation and apprehension of federal fugitives, the investigation of registered sex offenders, confiscation of criminal assets and support of the witness protection program. Chief March is now a nationally recognized subject-matter-expert in Community Engagement, Community Oriented Policing and Campus Safety who has served on the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Board of Directors. Noel is a graduate of the 170th session of the prestigious FBI National Academy as well as the University of New England and the University of Maine Graduate School, where he earned degrees in Organizational Leadership and Peace & Reconciliation Studies, respectively. Senator King previously led bipartisan, common-sense legislation to address the gun violence epidemic in the United States while protecting the constitutional rights of law-abiding Americans. The Safer Communities Act, passed in 2022, includes increased mental health resources, funding for red flag laws, and enhanced background checks for buyers under 21. Bill text for the GOSAFE Act can be found here. Senator King’s new op-ed on the GOSAFE Act can be found here. The ""Inside Maine"" podcast airs on the last Saturday of the month and aims to keep Mainers informed about issues, how they affect life in the state, and how they factor into Senator King’s work. To listen to the December edition of Senator King’s podcast, click here. You can also find it on Apple Podcasts. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-administrations-decision-to-bypass-congressional-arms-sale-approval,Van Hollen Statement on Administration’s Decision to Bypass Congressional Arms Sale Approval,2023-12-30,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"News Alert: Share how President Trump’s Executive Orders are impacting you or your family News Alert: Share how President Trump’s Executive Orders are impacting y...",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5058,Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Releases 2023 Annual Report for Texas’ Seventh Congressional District,2023-12-29,2023,2023-12,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 2023 Annual Report detailing her work representing Texas’ Seventh Congressional District this year. The report highlights Congresswoman Fletcher’s work on legislation, events in the district, congressional work in DC, 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 2023 Annual Report, and I look forward to continuing my work for our community and our country ahead.” Highlights of the 2023 Annual Report include: Constituent Advocacy: This year, Congresswoman Fletcher’s office resolved more than 3,000 constituent matters, and reached the milestone of resolving more than 12,000 constituent matters since she assumed office. Regional Leadership Council: House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appointed Congresswoman Fletcher to the Regional Leadership Council where she works with President Biden and his administration on implementation of the historic legislation passed in the 117th Congress, including the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the CHIPS and Science Act, and more. Legislation: Congresswoman Fletcher has introduced several bills in the House of Representatives this year, including: the Ensuring Women’s Right to Reproductive Freedom Act, H.R. 782, to protect the constitutional right to travel across state lines, including for reproductive health care; the Connecting Our Medical Providers with Links To Expand Tailored and Effective (COMPLETE) Care Act, H.R. 5819, to help primary care providers improve mental health care access for Medicare beneficiaries in primary care settings; the Toxic-Free Beauty Act, H.R. 3619, which prohibits the use of certain hazardous chemicals from personal and professional care, beauty, and salon products sold in the U.S.; and the Strengthening Community Care Act, H.R. 2559, to reauthorize federal funding for Community Health Centers and the National Health Service Corps through 2028. To view the full 2023 Annual Report, click here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://flood.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-floods-new-years-statement,Congressman Flood’s New Year’s Statement,2023-12-29,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,NE,Mike Flood,F000474,flood.house.gov,flood,https://flood.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.–U.S. Congressman Mike Flood issued a recorded statement ahead of New Year’s, which is observed January 1, 2024. Video of the remarks can be found by clicking here. News outlets are welcome to use the footage for their reporting purposes. The full text of the speech is below. Friends and fellow Nebraskans, as we enter 2024, I want to reflect on the moments and blessings 2023 gave us. There were many highs: House Republicans took control of the House and passed some historic bills, like the Lower Energy Costs Act and the Secure the Border Act. 2023 was my first full year in Congress. I introduced and passed my first bill on a bipartisan basis. My office assisted hundreds of constituents to resolve issues. I traveled around the world to meet with international leaders to strengthen America’s relationships – and that’s just a few of the most significant moments. I am so grateful for all the opportunities to serve you in Congress this year. I came to Washington to make life better for everyone in Nebraska’s First District, and together, we can continue work to achieve even more in 2024.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://kamlager-dove.house.gov/media/press-releases/kamlager-dove-highlights-first-year-accomplishments,Kamlager-Dove Highlights First-Year Accomplishments,2023-12-29,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,CA,Sydney Kamlager-Dove,K000400,kamlager-dove.house.gov,kamlager-dove,https://kamlager-dove.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"To view the end of year report, click here. TOP HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2023: Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove's office responded to over 23,000 constituent messages. Her staff helped close 778 constituent cases. Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove introduced 20 pieces of legislation and cosponsored over 300 more. She worked tosecure the release of Eyvin Hernandez, a CA-37 constituent who was detained in Venezuela for almost two years. Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove introduced the bipartisan and bicameral GRATEFUL Act that was signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act package for Fiscal Year 2024 —her first piece of legislation to be signed into law as a Member of Congress. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-highlights-2023-accomplishments,McClellan Highlights 2023 Accomplishments,2023-12-29,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,VA,Jennifer L. McClellan,M001227,mcclellan.house.gov,mcclellan,https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) released her 2023 Year in Review to highlight her legislative and constituent service accomplishments. McClellan won a special election and was sworn into Congress on March 7th, 2023. “It is the honor of my lifetime to serve Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District. As the first Black Congresswoman to represent Virginia, I work to bring my unique perspective and lived experiences to my work in Washington and the District,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “Despite Republicans’ dysfunction, I am proud of the work I was able to accomplish for Virginians, and I look forward to continuing my efforts in service to our Commonwealth.” To read the report, click here or click below. Image Some of McClellan’s major accomplishments in 2023 include: Introduced 8 original pieces of legislation and cosponsored 230 additional bills. Closed 892 constituent cases and returned $1,000,000+ to residents of Virginia’s Fourth. Her NATO Resolution to prohibit any President from withdrawing the United States from NATO without congressional approval was included in the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2024 and signed into law. Successfully securedfour additional amendments in the NDAA to improve the quality of life of servicemembers and their families.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases/pallone-secures-more-17-million-constituents-2023,Pallone Secures More than $1.7 Million for Constituents in 2023,2023-12-29,2023,2023-12,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 $1,750,476 for constituents who sought assistance from his offices in New Jersey in 2023. 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 2023, Pallone’s office successfully closed 2,415 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 2024, 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,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-jimmy-panetta-announces-student-winners-annual-congressional-app-challenge,Rep. Jimmy Panetta Announces Student Winners of Annual Congressional App Challenge,2023-12-29,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,CA,Jimmy Panetta,P000613,panetta.house.gov,panetta,https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"San Jose, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) announced the winner of California’s 19th District’s 2023 Congressional App Challenge. Caitlynn Sue, a student from Leland High School in San Jose received first place for her app, “Oakli”. Caitlynn will also be invited to the 2023 #HouseofCode Event in Washington D.C. in the Spring of 2024, as well as having the honor of her work being displayed at the U.S. Capitol for the remainder of the 118th Congress. The Congressional App Challenge promotes student innovation, creativity, and engagement in computer science through competition and the creation of a new digital application or “app.” This year, 40 students from across California’s 19th Congressional District participated in the challenge, developing 24 original apps tackling issues ranging from sustainability, education, and social justice. Student participants included middle and high school students. “With our daily lives becoming more and more integrated with our digital world, our young people will need to flex their creativity, ingenuity, and technical skills in order to compete in the global economy,” said Rep. Panetta. “The Congressional App Challenge provides a unique experience for students to test themselves and think outside-the-box to solve real world problems through the power of technology. Caitlynn, along with the other finalists and participants in this year’s Challenge, produced exceptional projects that should make us excited for future innovation in our community.” Caitlynn’s app, “Oakli,” helps people live more environmentally friendly by providing motivation, education, and resources. Oakli motivates users through its game-like system that educates users with detailed information, fun facts, and recycling tools. With a tap of their finger, the user can classify an object and get specific instructions for recycling that object from their county. Anya Li, from Valley Christian High School, and Andrew Li of Bellarmine College Prep in San Jose received second place for their app, “Green Habit,” which provides users with eco-friendly reminders throughout the day. Aarini Naskar and Shriyanka Hiremagalur, also from Notre Dame High School, received third place for their app, “Girlz Elevate,” which provides a trusted platform for young women to connect on topics such as mental health, academic and peer pressures, and self-esteem. A panel of leaders and academics in tech from California’s 19th Congressional volunteered to judge this year’s challenge. Judges included; Santa Cruz County Office of Education Chief Technology and Innovations Officer Jason Borgan, U.C. Santa Cruz Department Chair of Computational Media Magy Seif El-Sasr, Naval Post-Graduate School Assistant Professor of Computer Science Marko Orescanin, Owen Arden, U.C. Santa Cruz Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Engineering Owen Arden, and Western Growers Vice President of Innovation Walt DuFlock. 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 that 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 19th Congressional District. For more information on the Congressional App Challenge and how to get involved in future competitions, visit: https://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/ ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-thompson-travel-southern-border-speaker-johnson,Congressman Thompson to Travel to Southern Border with Speaker Johnson,2023-12-29,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,PA,Glenn Thompson,T000467,thompson.house.gov,thompson,https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Wednesday, January 3, U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson and Speaker Mike Johnson along with other Representatives, will travel to Eagle Pass, Texas to visit the border. They will meet with state and local officials to discuss the failures of the Biden Administration to enforce border policy and their experience on the ground. ""At every turn the Biden Administration has failed to address the crisis on our southern border,"" Rep. Thompson said. ""House Republicans have put forth solutions, and this trip will allow us to meet face to face with those brave men and women who serve in Customs and Border Protection, who have been sidelined by failed policies."" “America is experiencing the worst border crisis in our history, impacting every community in the country. While President Biden and Senate Democrats are asleep at the wheel, House Republicans will not cease in demanding transformative, immediate solutions to the madness. We look forward to meeting with the brave men and women of law enforcement and the citizens on the frontlines of this crisis who will help shine a light on the disastrous effects of this Administration’s border policies,” Speaker Johnson said. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-brauns-bipartisan-slow-down-move-over-resolution-passed-by-the-senate,"Blumenthal & Braun's Bipartisan Slow Down, Move Over Resolution Passed by the Senate",2023-12-29,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, DC] – The Senate passed the bipartisan “Slow Down, Move Over” resolution led by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Mike Braun (R-IN). The resolution raises awareness of Slow Down, Move Over state laws to reduce struck-by-vehicle injuries and fatalities and to recognize the important role fire and rescue personnel, emergency medical services personnel, law enforcement officers, tow truck operators, and transportation workers play in road safety. “I’m proud the Senate has unanimously passed our bipartisan Slow Down, Move Over resolution,” said Blumenthal. “Tragic collisions that injure and kill first responders and roadside assistance workers like Corey Iodice continue to happen. This resolution amplifies the simple yet effective way to keep workers safe on the roads: Slow Down and Move Over.” “Too many first responders and roadside assistance workers are killed in accidents on our highways,” said Braun. “This resolution is inspired by Corey Iodice, who was killed in such an accident, and is a reminder to all of us of the simple thing we can do to prevent these accidents: slow down, and move over.” All 50 states have Slow Down, Move Over laws that direct motorists to reduce speed or change lanes for stopped emergency and maintenance vehicles. Despite these laws, many motorists are unaware of them and roadside fatalities and injuries continue. On average, an emergency first responder is struck and killed every 4.65 days working on America's roadways, with 51 deaths occurring in 2022. The Slow Down, Move Over resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Mark Warner (D-VA), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Jon Tester (D-MT). It is inspired by Corey Iodice, a tow truck operator for his family’s business, who was tragically struck and killed on the Merritt Parkway in Connecticut in 2020 while assisting a driver. Following his death, his sister Cindy Iodice launched Flagman, a non-profit organization focused on raising awareness and educating drivers about the roadside dangers faced by first responders and highway workers. “Emergency responders are the unsung heroes of our nation’s roads,” said Iodice, “so it’s important to keep the message of Slow Down Move Over in the motoring public’s eye. This resolution does just that. It serves as a clear reminder that emergency responders and highway workers operate in dangerous situations to keep the roads open and safe for the traveling public. Prioritizing their safety is essential.” The resolution is supported by a number of organizations, including Towing and Recovery Association of America (TRAA), American Automobile Association (AAA), American Association of State Troopers, American Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, Connecticut Department of Transportation, Eastern Transportation Coalition, Governors Highway Safety Association, International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), National Association of Police Organizations, National Association of State EMS Officials, National District Attorneys Association, National Safety Council, National Sheriff’s Association, and National Volunteer Fire Council. The text of the resolution is available here. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-releases-2023-end-of-year-report,Murphy Releases 2023 End of Year Report,2023-12-29,2023,2023-12,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.) on Friday released his End of Year Report outlining the work he’s done for the people of Connecticut during 2023. The report details Murphy’s legislative priorities this year, including implementing the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, tackling the fentanyl crisis, rebuilding community and connection, protecting kids and holding social media companies accountable, supporting workers, making housing more affordable, and more. Murphy also helped deliver billions of federal dollars from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act to create good-paying jobs in Connecticut. This year, Murphy and his office: Introduced or co-sponsored more than 200 pieces of legislation, including 24 bills or resolutions as the lead sponsor. Completed his seventh Walk Across Connecticut: four days, 67 miles, 17 towns, and hundreds of people along the way. Traveled across the state, hosting 139 town halls, roundtables, listening sessions and more with Connecticut residents. Responded and reached out to Connecticut residents through over 529,883 calls, emails, and letters. Returned $3,189,384 to constituents, including owed Social Security payments, veterans’ benefits, tax refunds, and other savings from federal agencies. Helped over 8,100 constituents work through federal issues and get their owed benefits. Click here to download Senator Murphy’s 2023 End of Year Report. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2023/12/sen-johnson-announces-mobile-office-hours,Sen. Johnson Announces Mobile Office Hours,2023-12-29,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,WI,Ron Johnson,J000293,www.ronjohnson.senate.gov,ronjohnson,https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) announced that his staff will be available for mobile office hours at the times and locations listed below. These office hours give constituents the opportunity to meet with Sen. Johnson’s staff to request assistance with a federal agency or other federal matters. Note: Staff-led mobile office hours are closed to press. Recording devices of any kind are not allowed. These restrictions are put in place for the privacy of our constituents. Milwaukee County Office Hours Tuesday, January 2 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Washington Park Senior Center 4420 W. Vliet St., Milwaukee, WI 53208 ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://auchincloss.house.gov/media/press-releases/memorandum-re-jake-auchincloss-third-year-in-congress,Memorandum RE: Jake Auchincloss’ Third Year in Congress,2023-12-28,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,MA,Jake Auchincloss,A000148,auchincloss.house.gov,auchincloss,https://auchincloss.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Rep. Auchincloss was appointed to the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. In this committee he has fought for increased investment in science and education and an emphasis on sustaining U.S. leadership for the rules-based, international order instead of turning towards protectionism and isolationism. Unanimously passed legislation, the U.S. Supply Chain Security Review Act, through the House to assess the potential economic security and supply chain risks of foreign ownership of marine terminals at major U.S. ports. Led a letter with 67 House Members urging the inclusion of funding for safe firearm storage education in the Labor, Health and Human Services and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. Worked to lower health care costs and cut out greedy drug-pricing middlemen by co-leading or cosponsoring the following bills: the Drug Price Transparency in Medicaid Act, the Protect Patients Against PBM Abuses Act and the Help Ensure Lower Patient (HELP) Copays Act. Congressman Auchincloss continued his aggressive “go everywhere” media strategy this year, using his unique voice to meet audiences where they are. Called “as media-friendly as anyone on the Hill these days,” it was noted that “the second-term representative, [is] well, everywhere…[and] maintains a relatively aggressive schedule of cable TV appearances.” Thanks in part to this media strategy, Auchincloss “has emerged as a rising star in Massachusetts politics.” During his third year in office he has made over 225 local and national television appearances and penned national and local op-eds appearing in The Boston Globe, The Daily Beast, The Hill, The Economist, Iowa Starting Line, FOX, and Commonwealth Magazine. Congressman Auchincloss made headlines for being the first member of Congress to deliver a speech written by AI on the House floor. Auchincloss – who offers a unique perspective on emerging technologies as one of the few millennials in Congress and as someone with a background in the tech sector – helped kickoff one of the most closely watched debates on Capitol Hill, AI regulation. Congressman Auchincloss has used his position on the Select Committee on China and military background to become a leading voice in the Democratic Party on foreign policy issues including being an outspoken advocate for defending democracy abroad. He has taken a leading role in advocating for more aid for Ukraine, including during a speaking engagement at the Texas Tribune Festival; has been out front on supporting Israel’s right to defend itself; and calling for the US to stand with Taiwan and Indo-Pacific allies against Chinese aggression. Called the “defender in chief,” Auchincloss has taken a leading role in pushing back on bad faith attacks against President Biden and his agenda while in a Republican controlled House. An “outspoken defender of President Biden on foreign policy,” Auchincloss has stood up for Democratic values both locally and nationally – featured in publications such as The New York Times. Auchincloss will continue to be a strong surrogate for the administration as a compelling voice among emerging Democratic leaders who can talk to a diverse audience.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-don-davis-releases-end-year-report-highlighting-legislation,"Congressman Don Davis Releases End of Year Report, Highlighting Legislation, Constituent Casework, and Strong Bipartisanship Track Record",2023-12-28,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,NC,Donald G. Davis,D000230,dondavis.house.gov,dondavis,https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Find the End-of-Year Report here. WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) marked the culmination of his first year in Congress by unveiling his end-of-year report. The report highlights legislative achievements and successful constituent casework wins, underscoring his commitment to North Carolina’s First Congressional District. “As a native of eastern North Carolina, I am honored to serve the people of North Carolina’s First Congressional District. My team and I have fought hard to ensure that national leaders see and hear our voices. In 2023, I voted to avert two government shutdowns, which otherwise would have devastated the East, and prioritized tackling health care, the needs of rural America and agriculture, and national security,” said Congressman Don Davis. “Eastern North Carolinians have unique needs and interests. Many have conveyed concerns about inflation, good-paying jobs, housing, public safety, schools, the looming national debt, the crisis at the southern border, and child care. I will lead us in 2024 and beyond, working to address these issues. We must keep the American Dream within reach for our children and future generations.” SIGNIFICANT HIGHLIGHTS: Over $260 million in federal grant funds were distributed to invest in eastern North Carolina communities. More than $3.5 million from federal agencies returned to eastern North Carolina families, veterans, and seniors. Introduced 17 bipartisan pieces of legislation. More than $16 million was submitted for Community Project Funding. Over 1,000 meetings with constituents, stakeholders, and community leaders to ensure residents' voices are heard and amplified in Washington, D.C. Resolved nearly 1,000 constituent casework requests. A total of 85% of Congressman Davis’ votes were bipartisan. Rated #1 in his class seeking common ground solutions in Congress and the #3 most bipartisan House Democrat based on his voting record. Ranked #6 for advocating through Floor speeches in the House of Representatives. Inserted over 80 remarks into the Congressional Record highlighting residents of the East. ### dondavis.house.gov Follow Congressman Davis",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-statement-trump-ruling-maines-secretary-state,Wilson Statement on the Trump Ruling by Maine’s Secretary of State,2023-12-28,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,SC,Joe Wilson,W000795,joewilson.house.gov,joewilson,https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Congressman Joe Wilson issued the following statement: “The Trump derangement has appeared again today with the decision by Maine’s Secretary of State to bar Donald Trump from running for President in the state. This undemocratic move is contrary to what Americans should be working for which is to bring our country together with a fair and honest selection where all candidates can participate, especially one that is leading all the polls. It would be outrageous and insulting to the intelligence of any American that he or she should not be able to run without a conviction, as all Americans are presumed innocent until given a full and fair trial.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/malliotakis-announces-winners-high-school-congressional-app-challenge-2023,Malliotakis Announces Winners of High School Congressional App Challenge for 2023,2023-12-28,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,NY,Nicole Malliotakis,M000317,malliotakis.house.gov,malliotakis,https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(WASHINGTON, DC) - Today Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis announced Marta Bekirman from New Dorp High School placed first in the 2023 Congressional App Challenge for New York’s 11th Congressional District for developing the ""Helping Staten Island"" App. Tobias Lin of Coney Island Prep High School placed second for developing the ""Pick Up Share"" app. Bekirman's ""Helping Staten Island"" App was coded using Java, and allows users to locate different volunteering opportunities, both virtual and in person, throughout Staten Island, and track volunteering hours. I was proud to congratulate Marta for winning our office's Congressional App Challenge two years in a row,” Malliotakis said. “Helping Staten Island would be a fantastic resource for students looking to get involved in our community, track volunteer hours and find ways to give back. When young people volunteer in their communities, they develop essential life skills and a sense of social responsibility that encourages them to be more civically engaged. Marta is extremely creative and I’m proud to recognize her talent along with her efforts to make Staten Island a better place to live, work, and recreate."" ""I was not able to access many volunteering opportunities on Staten Island, so I wanted to create a resource that anyone could use to locate volunteering opportunities,"" Marta said. ""The intended audience is students or people on Staten Island who want to help the community become a better place for volunteering."" The runner up, Tobias Lin of Coney Island Prep High School, created ""Pick Up Share,"" an app that assists busy parents who need someone to drive their children to and from school. The app also includes a database of community trusted after school programs and a page where families can donate old uniforms. ""After witnessing the sheer quantity of emails my mom was receiving regarding busy parents looking for someone to pick up their children from school, I realized that there was nothing out there that would help parents balance their work and parenting at the same time,"" Tobias said. ""I understand that parenting can be very difficult, and many parents may not have the time or energy to take care of their children as much as they would like to due to their jobs. As a result, I set out to design a web application that could help parents all over the world be both better parents and better providers for their children.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-rep-diaz-balart-and-rep-mccaul-new-york-post-bidens-energy-plan,ICYMI: Rep. Díaz-Balart and Rep. McCaul in the New York Post: Biden’s energy plan means lights out for Africa,2023-12-28,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Mario Diaz-Balart,D000600,mariodiazbalart.house.gov,mariodiazbalart,https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Op-ed: Mario Díaz-Balart and Michael McCaul December 25, 2023 Read the full op-edhere: The Biden administration’s decision to impose oppressive, burdensome restrictions on developing African countries attempting to advance and lift themselves from destitution and dependence is profoundly concerning. Energy poverty is at the heart of Africa’s development challenges. No country on Earth became prosperous and self-reliant without access to affordable and plentiful energy. Energy security is the prerequisite for industrialization, job creation, advanced health care and effective education systems. Prosperity is only possible with ready access to inexpensive energy. Congress initiated the successful, bipartisan Power Africa program in 2015, with the underlying legislation mandating a commonsense “all-of-the-above” energy strategy with both conventional and renewable sources. Regrettably, the Biden administration has gutted Power Africa with its onerous restrictions. Instead of leveraging all available tools to pull Africa out of energy poverty, it only allows so-called “green-energy projects” to receive US funding and support. This policy is simply energy colonialism. Even worse, it is hypocritical and a huge waste of money and opportunities. President Biden’s unauthorized climate envoy,John Kerry, is flying around the world in jet planes while abandoning the African people to the impossible task of solving their serious energy crises with ineffective and counterproductive solutions: solar panels filled with parts made by forced labor in Communist China. Most recently he and other administration officials, including Vice PresidentKamala Harris, attended COP28 in the United Arab Emirates, where they pledged billions in taxpayer money to the Green Climate Fund — a slush fund for special-interest projects with no real oversight that has funded projects in China, the world’s second-largest economy. These pledges of billions in taxpayer money invested only in perceived “green” projects will do nothing to address the true drivers of pollution — like China — or empower the African continent. We find it unconscionable the administration is exploiting the continent’s dire needs for investments toward genuine modernization and advancement to appease its special interests and partisan agenda. It is wrong to hold still-developing African countries to a standard even the most advanced economies cannot achieve. This virtue signaling will have disastrous results for US interests in Africa. The burden on Africa is even more absurd when one considers Africa’s current emissions are entirely inconsequential, amounting to less than the margin of error in climate models used to speculate about the effects of climate change. In other words, if Africa were to reduce its emissions to zero, the enormous sacrifice that would entail would still have almost no effect on a global scale. And even if African countries tripled their current emissions levels from natural-gas power plants, it would still be negligible compared with China’s continuously growing carbon emissions. Instead of confronting the world’s second-largest economy, responsible for 27% of global emissions — more than six times the emissions of the entire continent of Africa — the Biden administration is holding undeveloped countries to an unfair standard. China has shown it’s eager to finance the conventional energy development Team Biden is trying to quash. Biden’s approach to Power Africa is wasteful, paternalistic and counterproductive. It’s wasteful because it devalues critical energy assistance to Africa and diverts it to less useful priorities. It’s paternalistic because it dictates oppressive burdens on Africa’s development the United States did not endure during its formative stages. It’s counterproductive because it hinders Africa’s advancement while driving countries into the waiting arms of the true problem in climate change: Communist China. In the Department of State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs appropriations bill for fiscal year 2024, which passed the House in September, there’s a provision to right this wrong. If enacted, the bill would simply require the president to return to the balanced approach of allowing countries in Africa to use all tools available to promote energy security and development. After all, the goal of Power Africa is not to mindlessly impose an ineffectual and wasteful climate-change agenda where it does not fit. Mario Díaz-Balart is a US representative for Florida’s 26th Congressional District, a senior member of the House Committee on Appropriations and chairman of the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee. Michael McCaul is a US representative for Texas’ 10th Congressional District, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and chairman emeritus of the House Committee on Homeland Security. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases/president-biden-signs-rep-neguses-bill-expand-mental-health-care-colorados,President Biden Signs Rep. Neguse’s Bill to Expand Mental Health Care for Colorado’s Military Families Into Law,2023-12-28,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,CO,Joe Neguse,N000191,neguse.house.gov,neguse,https://neguse.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Lafayette, CO — Last week, President Joe Biden signed Congressman Joe Neguse’s Mental Health for Military Families Act into law. The bipartisan bill, which expands access to counseling and mental health services for Colorado’s military families, was enacted as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24). The proposal was championed by Senator John Ossof in the United States Senate. “Today, through the enactment of the Mental Health for Military Families Act, we are doing our part to care for our nation’s service members and their spouses and children. These individuals sacrifice so much to defend our country, and by expanding access to critical mental health services we are making sure they have the support they need,” said Congressman Neguse. “Our bipartisan bill, which is now law, will expand free access to counseling and mental health services for servicemembers and their families who make great sacrifices for our nation, endure great stress in so doing, and deserve nothing less than the care they need — when they need it,” Sen. Ossoff said. Specifically, the Mental Health for Military Families Act allows the Secretary of Defense to waive out-of-pocket expenses for military families on TRICARE for their first three outpatient mental health visits per year, lowering costs and helping families access the treatment they need. “The Mental Health for Military Families Act allows family members of active-duty military personnel to access mental health services without restrictions for their first three visits, using their TriCare benefits. It acknowledges the sacrifices made by military families and aims to reduce the burden on them by facilitating access to mental health care. By providing avenues of care for family members, the act recognizes the challenges they face and supports their well-being. Overall, the VFW sees this as a positive step in ensuring that military families have the support they need and deserve, particularly regarding mental health services,” said Steve Kjonaas, Legislative Director of the Colorado Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. Congressman Neguse has been a strong advocate for veterans and service members. In May, he introduced a bipartisan legislative package to ensure that veterans can access the services and resources they deserve. Earlier this year, Congressman Neguse introduced the Veterans Jobs Training Act to increase funding for the highly successful Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP), which works to expand job training and placement services for our nation’s veterans. In that same vein, as part of the 2023 government funding bill, Rep. Neguse secured $650,000 for the Veterans Community Project Transitional Housing in Longmont, Colorado. This project supports the construction of tiny homes for unhoused veterans in Colorado's Second Congressional District.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4404,PLASKETT EXTENDS WELCOME TO PRESIDENT BIDEN AND DR. JILL BIDEN FOR HOLIDAY AND NEW YEAR VISIT,2023-12-28,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,VI,Stacey E. Plaskett,P000610,plaskett.house.gov,plaskett,https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland December 28, 2023 340-201-6453 PRESS RELEASE PLASKETT EXTENDS WELCOME TO PRESIDENT BIDEN AND DR. JILL BIDEN FOR HOLIDAY AND NEW YEAR VISIT Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Plaskett released the following statement: “I am pleased to welcome President Biden and his lovely wife, Dr. Jill Biden to once again spend the remainder of the holiday season and the new year with us on St. Croix. It is my hope that the President and Dr. Biden will enjoy this much needed respite. The Spirit of St. Croix exemplifies the best of America - a place steeped in rich history of multiple cultures come together; a people continually striving for liberty and equality; and an island which reveres its past, embraces community, and looks for prosperity for its children. Spending time on St. Croix during the Crucian Christmas Festival season is second-to-none; I am certain that President Biden and the First Lady will enjoy the spirit of the season that is distinctive to our beloved St. Croix during their time with us.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-continues-working-to-ensure-usps-fixes-mail-and-newspaper-delivery-issues-in-north-dakota-receives-commitment-to-address-dickinson-delivery-issue-minot-box-repairs,"Hoeven Continues Working to Ensure USPS Fixes Mail & Newspaper Delivery Issues in North Dakota, Receives Commitment to Address Dickinson Delivery Issue, Minot Box Repairs",2023-12-28,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven Continues Working to Ensure USPS Fixes Mail & Newspaper Delivery Issues in North Dakota, Receives Commitment to Address Dickinson Delivery Issue, Minot Box Repairs Senator Calls on USPS Meet with Communities before Moving Forward with Processing Changes ***Click here for Hoeven’s letter to USPS. Click here and here for USPS’s responses to Hoeven.*** BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven continued his efforts to ensure that the United States Postal Service (USPS) is fixing mail and newspaper delivery issues in North Dakota, and again called on the Postal Service meet with communities in the state before moving forward with mail processing changes. “From receiving the local newspaper to refilling prescriptions, paying bills, and sending packages to family and friends during the holiday season, our residents rely on the essential services provided by USPS,” said Hoeven. “We continue working to ensure that USPS is fixing delivery issues and at the same time have reiterated our concerns with proposed changes to mail processing in the state. USPS must meet with the impacted communities to answer any questions or concerns North Dakotans may have about the proposed change before moving forward with any processing changes.” Hoeven has repeatedly raised concerns regarding delayed delivery of mail, packages and newspapers, as well as concerns about proposed changes to mail processing facilities, to USPS officials including, Director of Midwest Processing Operations Kathy Hand and Minnesota/North Dakota District Manager Angela Bye. In response to Hoeven, the USPS: Committed to ensure that local newspapers are not sent to Fargo for processing but rather remain within their respective communities for prompt delivery. Committed to address delivery issues, particularly with mail and local newspapers, that are concentrated in an area located in downtown Dickinson. Committed to repair all USPS-owned cluster box units (CBUs) in Minot, North Dakota no later than January 5. -###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:56:20Z https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-and-merkley-announce-federal-investment-of-more-than-1-million-in-habitat-for-humanity-in-tillamook-county,Wyden and Merkley Announce Federal Investment of More Than $1 Million in Habitat for Humanity in Tillamook County,2023-12-28,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,OR,Ron Wyden,W000779,www.wyden.senate.gov,wyden,https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Federal loan will help Habitat open ReStore retail operations in Tillamook County Washington D.C.— U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced a federal investment of more than $1.1 million for Habitat for Humanity in Tillamook to secure space for its retail operations and administrative offices. “In my town halls in Tillamook County and throughout the state, I hear from Oregon families and businesses that housing poses a huge challenge,” Wyden said. “Housing is a human right, and Habitat for Humanity has been on the frontline providing much-needed homes for Oregonians struggling to afford a roof over their heads. This investment will allow Habitat for Humanity to continue serving the citizens of Tillamook County for years to come.” “Everyone should have a safe, affordable place to call home. This federal investment heading to Habitat for Humanity in Tillamook County will help more rural Oregonians access quality housing,” said Sen. Merkley, who formerly led one of Habitat for Humanity's Oregon chapters. “I have seen firsthand the difference that accessible homeownership makes for families and the inspiring dedication of Habitat's staff and volunteers, who are working to realize a world where everyone has a decent home in a decent community.” The $1.13 million Rural Development loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will be used to buy an 8,625-square-foot commercial facility for Habitat for Humanity of Tillamook County's ReStore's retail operations and the organization's administrative offices. Habitat for Humanity works with families, local communities, volunteers and partners to enable more people to live in affordable and safe homes. Its advocacy focuses on policy reform to remove systemic barriers preventing low-income and historically underserved families from having access to adequate, affordable shelter.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:56:20Z https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-aderholt-announces-winner-fourth-congressional-district,Congressman Aderholt Announces Winner of Fourth Congressional District Digital App Challenge,2023-12-27,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,AL,Robert B. Aderholt,A000055,aderholt.house.gov,aderholt,https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) released the following statement to announce the winner of the 2023 Fourth Congressional District Digital App Challenge. The App Challenge is a nationwide contest held in each Congressional District for high school students to develop their own smart phone applications. “I’m proud to announce that Brilyn Hollyhand of Tuscaloosa has won this year’s Fourth District Digital App Challenge,” said Congressman Aderholt. “Brilyn’s app, called “Your Voice,” helps people quickly register to vote and helps them plan to vote. And it works for all 50 states! “Just like our annual art competition recognizes and encourages students’ artistic talents on the canvas, the app challenge is focused on talents for the important and growing digital world. I think it’s great that Brilyn used his gifts and abilities to help people exercise one of their most important rights, the right to vote.” Brilyn is a junior at Tuscaloosa Academy. He provided our office with this quote after learning he had won. “I couldn’t be more excited to have my app win the 2023 Congressional App Challenge! My app was designed to help people register to vote, and with a major election coming up in just a few short months, it’s such an important time to be talking about this! I’ll be voting for the first-time next November, and I hope this encourages all of my generation to get out and vote!” In the coming weeks, Congressman Aderholt will present Brilyn with a winning plaque sponsored by Nine Digital in Tuscaloosa. You can watch Brilyn’s demonstration video here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404428,"U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor Highlights ""Meaningful and Record-Setting 2023” for Tampa Bay area as Her Congressional Office Delivers $13.3M to Veterans and Neighbors and Secures $1B in Federal Grant Dollars to Lift Communities",2023-12-27,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,FL,Kathy Castor,C001066,castor.house.gov,castor,https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"TAMPA, FL – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced today that her team worked to deliver over $13.3 million in aid, benefits and refunds to veterans, seniors, small businesses and families in 2023, including over $1.7 million to veterans and service members. Over $1 billion in federal grants were secured for the community to invest in our schools and infrastructure, create good-paying jobs, lower costs, and foster safer, healthier neighborhoods. Local partners and nonprofits deserve kudos for playing a critical and collaborative role this year. “The Tampa and St. Petersburg constituent services team works tirelessly to cut through red tape on behalf of families, veterans and businesses. In a year with an unprecedented number of passport cases and the implementation of the historic Honoring Our PACT Act, my office has delivered favorable results to our neighbors and veterans across the Tampa Bay area. I am grateful for all that Steven Angotti, Tania Fernandez, Damaris Gonzalez and Sean Saintil – as well as the entire Castor Team – did this year. I couldn’t be prouder of my dedicated casework team that went above and beyond working weekends to save many Tampa Bay families thousands of dollars as they faced disruptions in their overseas travel due to this year’s unprecedented surge of passport issues. Their expertise and compassion are critical to ensuring that veterans receive the benefits they have earned, and that Social Security and Medicare benefits are delivered on time. “Amazingly, 207 federal grants bolstered neighborhoods from West Tampa to South St. Petersburg and more - for a total of $1,030,242,000 including important investments in righting the wrongs of the past with inclusive highway connections, safer streets, and fighting the Black maternal health crisis. I love my hometown and am committed to lifting every neighbor by revitalizing neighborhoods through meaningful environmental justice, supporting our youth, combatting extreme heat, and improving health outcomes for Black mothers and babies. There is so much to look forward to in the new year, as I champion investments that improve our lives through the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act to the Tampa Bay area and into your pockets. “This year I was also proud to introduce legislation to protect our children online, create lasting solutions to the changing climate, and create more high-quality, affordable health care options. With over 30 pieces of legislation introduced, I kept your needs and best interests at the forefront of my work so I could continue to deliver for you and your families. “Looking ahead, in 2024 we will bring home more investments to Tampa Bay families and communities by addressing our neighbors’ most critical needs through the Infrastructure Decade, combatting extreme weather, and strengthening the health and safety of our neighborhoods. The Tampa Bay area is a special community, and I will stand up for my neighbors to deliver solutions and advocate to bring every federal dollar home. I am grateful for the work of my team and the partnership of local leaders, businesses and nonprofits that allow our community to secure grants that will keep Tampa Bay an outstanding place to live.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5323,Congresswoman Gwen Moore Statement on Passing of Former Senator Herb Kohl,2023-12-27,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,WI,Gwen Moore,M001160,gwenmoore.house.gov,gwenmoore,https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"“I’m deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Senator Kohl. His service and dedication to Wisconsin left an indelible impact on our state. He was an incredibly giving person and as Senator, he championed the needs of children and families, including expanding access to affordable health care and our public schools. I send my condolences to his loved ones. He will be missed by many but will continue to serve as a model for what it means to be a tireless and courageous public servant.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://levin.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mike-levin-honors-jeffrey-olsen-as-december-2023-constituent-of-the-month,Rep. Mike Levin Honors Jeffrey Olsen as December 2023 Constituent of the Month,2023-12-27,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,CA,Mike Levin,L000593,levin.house.gov,levin,https://levin.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Vista Resident Jeffrey Olsen Selected for his 35 Years of Service Delivering Toys to Community Members in Need Vista, CA – Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) announced Jeffrey Olsen, also known as the “Vista Toy Man,” as his December 2023 Constituent of the Month. Mr. Olsen has graciously donated thousands of toys and clothing items to local residents and service members in need throughout 35 years of service to his community. Rep. Levin Honors Jeffrey Olsen as the December 2023 Constituent of the Month See below for Rep. Levin’s statement recognizing Jeffrey Olsen in the Congressional Record: “M. Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize public servant and Vista resident Jeffrey Olsen as my December 2023 Constituent of the Month. “Mr. Olsen is a generous local hero, helping over 57,000 people in his 35 years of service to the San Diego region. He largely uses his own money to buy the goods he donates, filling his shed with toys and clothes throughout the year. This past February, he also donated tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of sports memorabilia to help military families and veterans. During the holiday season, I am honored to recognize leaders, like Jeffrey, whose selfless dedication to giving back to others is truly admirable. He is a compassionate and inspiring member of our community, and I’m proud to honor Jeffrey Olsen as my December 2023 Constituent of the Month.” ABOUT CONSTITUENT OF THE MONTH PROGRAM: Rep. Levin’s Constituent of the Month program recognizes outstanding North County San Diego and South Orange County residents who have gone above and beyond to help their neighbors, give back to their community, and represent the best of our country. Rep Levin’s November Constituent of the month was Oceanside Veteran Dr. Jack Morgan, and his October Constituent of the Month was Del Mar CASA Advocate Bonnie Grossman. ##",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mann-kicks-60-county-listening-tour,Rep. Mann Kicks off 60-County Listening Tour,2023-12-27,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,KS,Tracey Mann,M000871,mann.house.gov,mann,https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Manhattan, KS - U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) will kick off his Fourth Annual 60-County Mann Listening Tour on January 2, 2024. Each year, Rep. Mann hosts one town hall meeting in each county in the Big First District of Kansas. Since being elected to Congress, he has hosted 186 town halls. “Fighting for Kansans is my top priority,” said Rep. Mann. “Each year, I host a town hall in every county in the Big First to meet with Kansans. Listening to their comments gives me the marching orders I need to serve them in Congress. I’m grateful for every Kansan who has participated in my past town halls, and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone again this year.” The start of Rep. Mann’s 2024 town hall tour will cover 4 days and 22 counties. Details for each stop can be found below, on social media, and on Rep. Mann’s website. MEDIA RSVP: Media is welcome at all the town halls below. Please contact Michaela Todd at Michaela.Todd@Mail.House.Gov to RSVP or for further information. Trego County WHERE: WaKeeney Public Library 610 Russell Ave | WaKeeney, KS TIME: 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM CT Graham Count WHERE: Graham County Auto and Arts Museum 322 W. Main Street | Hill City, KS TIME: 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM CT Sheridan County WHERE: Sheridan County Library 801 Royal Ave | Hoxie, KS TIME: 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM CT Decatur County WHERE: Oberlin City Library 104 E. Oak Street | Oberlin, KS TIME: 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM CT Rawlins County WHERE: Rawlins County Courthouse 607 Main Street | Atwood, KS TIME: 2:15 PM – 3:00 PM CT Cheyenne County WHERE: St. Francis Public Library 121 N. Scott Street | St. Francis, KS TIME: 4:00 PM –4:45 PM CT Sherman County WHERE: Goodland Public Library 812 Broadway Ave | Goodland, KS TIME: 4:30 PM – 5:15 PM MT Thomas County WHERE: Lions Community Center (Henry Hall) 313 Kansas Ave | Brewster, KS TIME: 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM CT Wallace County WHERE: The Events Center 404 E. Ramon Street | Sharon Springs, KS TIME: 8:15 AM – 9:00 AM MT Greeley County WHERE: First Farm Bank 522 Broadway Ave | Tribune, KS TIME: 9:45 AM – 10:30 AM MT Hamilton County WHERE: Council Room at Syracuse City Hall 109 Main Street | Syracuse, KS TIME: 11:15 AM – 12:00 PM MT Stanton County WHERE: Stanton County Public Library 103 E. Sherman Ave | Johnson, KS TIME: 2:30 PM – 3:15 PM CT Morton County WHERE: Morton County Library 410 Kansas Street | Elkhart, KS TIME: 4:15 PM – 5:00 PM CT Stevens County WHERE: Senior Center 624 S. Main Street | Hugoton, KS TIME: 5:45 PM – 6:30 PM CT Seward County WHERE: Liberal Chamber of Commerce (West Room) 4 Rock Island Road | Liberal, KS TIME: 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM CT Haskell County WHERE: Haskell County Courthouse 300 Inman Street | Sublette, KS TIME: 9:15 AM – 10:00 AM CT Grant County WHERE: Grant County Library (Cooper Clark meeting room) 215 E. Grant Ave | Ulysses, KS TIME: 10:45 AM – 11:30 AM CT Kearny County WHERE: Kearny County Courthouse 304 N. Main Street | Lakin, KS TIME: 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM CT Wichita County WHERE: Wichita County Library 208 S. 4th Street | Leoti, K TIME: 2:45 PM – 3:30 PM CT Scott County WHERE: Spencer Flight Center 300 S. Mesquite Road | Scott City, KS TIME: 4:15 PM – 5:00 PM CT Lane County WHERE: Lane County Library (Community Room) 144 S. Lane Street | Dighton, KS TIME: 5:30 PM – 6:15 PM CT",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases/pallone-lauds-continuous-medicaid-chip-coverage-children-going-effect-january,"Pallone Lauds Continuous Medicaid & CHIP Coverage for Children Going into Effect on January 1, 2024",2023-12-27,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,NJ,"Frank Pallone, Jr.",P000034,pallone.house.gov,pallone,https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) released the following statement today ahead of legislation he authored to require one year of continuous health care coverage for children in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) taking effect on January 1, 2024: “Over the last several months, we’ve seen Republican-led states use the end of COVID-era protections to take health care coverage away from millions of Americans. Unfortunately, nearly three million children have lost coverage as a result of these states’ choices. “Thankfully, legislation Democrats secured will go into effect on January 1st that will require states to provide one year of continuous coverage to children eligible for Medicaid or CHIP. This will bring some much-needed stability to health coverage for children and some peace of mind to parents. It will also help prevent some of the egregious Republican state efforts to put in place administrative roadblocks that strip away health coverage from kids. “I’m grateful to the Biden Administration for working hard to implement this important new protection for our nation’s children that will help ensure they can access the quality care they need. This is an important step in our ongoing efforts to protect and expand access to health care for all Americans.” During legislative negotiations last year, Pallone led Democrats in securing provisions in the fiscal year 2023 omnibus to require states to provide one year of continuous coverage for children enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP beginning January 1, 2024.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-jimmy-panetta-recognized-2023-hospice-action-network-angel-award-honoree,Rep. Jimmy Panetta Recognized as a 2023 Hospice Action Network Angel Award Honoree,2023-12-27,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,CA,Jimmy Panetta,P000613,panetta.house.gov,panetta,https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) was recognized for his leadership in Congress on improving access and oversight of hospice and palliative care by the Hospice Action Network (HAN), the advocacy affiliate group of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). Rep. Panetta received this honor alongside President Jimmy Carter and nine Congressional leaders for their work amplifying the voices of patients, families, and providers. Rep. Panetta has been a leading voice in Congress on improving hospice and palliative care. Rep. Panetta previously authored and passed into law the bipartisan HOSPICE Act which increased federal oversight, transparency, and accountability of Medicare hospice providers. In the 118th Congress, Rep. Panetta has consistently worked as a partner with hospice and palliative care providers to ensure quality care for his constituents. Rep. Panetta continues to work alongside a bipartisan coalition of elected leaders working to root out fraud and abuse in the hospice care system and develop tools to identify poor-performing providers. “I am committed to ensuring hospice and palliative providers are offering quality, transparent, and affordable care to every patient,” said Rep. Panetta. “Through my efforts on the House Ways and Means Committee, I continue to conduct robust oversight of hospice providers and develop bipartisan solutions to ensure a high standard of care for families facing difficult medical circumstances. It is an honor to be recognized for this work and I look forward to continuing my advocacy for the needs of patients in the years ahead.” Other Congressional honorees include Representatives Earl Blumenauer (OR-3), Beth Van Duyne (TX -24), and Brad Wenstrup (OH-2) as well as Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), John Barrasso (R-WY), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Shelley Capito (R-WV), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV). The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) is the nation’s largest and oldest membership association for providers who care for people affected by serious and life-limiting illness. Our members deliver and expand access to high-quality, person-centered interdisciplinary care to millions of Americans. NHPCO provides education and resources to support that mission.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pocan-passing-former-senator-kohl,Pocan on Passing of Former Senator Kohl,2023-12-27,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,WI,Mark Pocan,P000607,pocan.house.gov,pocan,https://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"MADISON, WI – Today, U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (WI-02), released the following statement on former Senator Herb Kohl who passed away earlier this afternoon. “Senator Kohl was a unique fixture in American politics. His giving spirit, both during and after public service, made him such an effective senator. Herb always put Wisconsinites first and always delivered for Wisconsin. My thoughts are with his family today.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases/reschenthaler-announces-january-mobile-office-hours,Reschenthaler Announces January Mobile Office Hours,2023-12-27,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,PA,Guy Reschenthaler,R000610,reschenthaler.house.gov,reschenthaler,https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chief Deputy Whip Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA) announced his staff will hold mobile office hours at various locations throughout Pennsylvania’s 14th Congressional District next month to offer increased assistance to constituents experiencing problems with a federal agency. During these mobile office sessions, constituents can receive help with Social Security and Medicare issues, federal grant funding, passports and visas, immigration and naturalization services, veterans’ benefits, and the IRS. January's schedule is outlined below: What: Greene County Mobile Office Hours Date: Thursday, January 4, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Location: Greene County Office Building, 93 East High Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370 What: Fayette County Mobile Office Hours Date: Friday, January 5, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Location: Fayette County Courthouse, 61 East Main Street, Uniontown, PA 15401 What: Indiana Mobile Office Hours Date: Wednesday, January 10, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Location: Indiana County Courthouse Annex, 827 Water Street, Indiana, PA 15701 What: Somerset Mobile Office Hours Date: Thursday, January 11, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Location: Somerset County Planning Conference Room, 300 North Center Avenue, Suite 540, Somerset, PA 15501 What: Connellsville Mobile Office Hours Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Location: Connellsville Municipal Building, 110 North Arch Street, Connellsville, PA 15425",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://strong.house.gov/media/press-releases/strong-secures-wins-north-alabama-2023,Strong Secures Wins for North Alabama in 2023,2023-12-27,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,AL,Dale W. Strong,S001220,strong.house.gov,strong,https://strong.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON— U.S. Representative Dale W. Strong (AL-05) released the following update on his work for Alabamians as he reaches the end of his first year in Congress: “It has been an honor to serve as your representative in Washington. I am proud of the wins our team has achieved for North Alabama. As a freshman member of Congress, I was appointed to serve on three committees that are crucial to the people of Alabama's Fifth Congressional District: Armed Services; Homeland Security; and Science, Space & Technology. After two years of Democrat control in Washington, D.C., Americans are paying the price for their failed policies: wasteful government spending, higher energy costs, skyrocketing prices for everyday goods, an overrun Southern border, weakness on the world stage, emboldening our adversaries, and a federal government backed by Biden to be weaponized against his opponents. I am proud to say that I hit the ground running with my Republican colleagues to fight for America. This year, the House has passed the most conservative border legislation in history, sliced bloated bureaucratic budgets, and prioritized our men and women in uniform. While we are making progress, we are still fighting an administration that refuses to implement these conservative priorities. Moving forward, I promise to continue fighting for our conservative values, commonsense policies to make life better for hardworking Americans, and our national security.” CONSTITUENT SERVICES 1,001 constituents served through casework with federal agencies, ranging from passports, VA benefits, tax returns, and many other casework issues constituents have had with federal agencies. Over $2.83 million in constituent benefits secured and returned to AL-05 by my office. 17,899 individual response letters sent to constituents regarding comments sent to my office. 720 visits to local businesses across all five AL-05 counties to hear their comments regarding issues and legislation that impact them. 15 Mobile Office Hour events held in communities across North Alabama, including: Stevenson, Triana, Ardmore, Falkville, and many more. Be on the lookout for Mobile Office Hours near you in 2024. KEY LEGISLATION INTRODUCED BY REP. STRONG FINISH IT Act The Biden Administration has forced the Department of Defense (DoD) to spend up to $130,000 a day to store and keep from using materials intended for the border wall, which the Biden Admin has refused to build. This bill would require DoD to use the construction materials to secure the southwest border as originally intended or transfer them to border states for that purpose. Protecting America’s Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act As of 2020, Chinese ownership of U.S. agricultural land was over $1.8 billion dollars in value. My legislation prevents the purchase or lease of this land by any individual associated with the government of China or other foreign adversaries. DHS Biodetection Improvement Act The anthrax attacks of 2001 opened our eyes to the threat of bioterrorism. Since then, we have worked across all levels of government to improve prevention, detection, and response capabilities, but work still remains. This legislation will ensure the Department of Homeland Security is fully leveraging every tool at its disposal to protect Americans against the threat of bioweapon attacks. STRENGTHENING OUR NATIONAL SECURITY & DEFENSE The NDAA provides authorization for funding of every aspect of the U.S. military. This year's NDAA ensures that U.S. military readiness remains at the highest level, combats aggression by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), guts the Biden Administration's woke policies & DEI bureaucracy, and increases oversight of U.S. taxpayer dollars to minimize waste. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I was able to secure several wins for North Alabama in this year's NDAA, including: Halting further construction of the Space Command’s interim headquarters in Colorado until the completion of two independent reviews into the Biden Administration's unprecedented political reversal of the Air Force's merit-based selection process, which named Redstone Arsenal as the best location for national security. A 5.2% pay increase for our men and women in uniform, the largest in over 20 years. The inclusion of my bill, the FINISH It Act, which will protect our Southern border and cut wasteful government spending by the Biden Administration. Gutting the Biden Administration's DEI bureaucracy in our military. Over $500 million in funding authorizations for research, development, and the continued improvement of Redstone Arsenal. Multiple provisions to ensure America remains on the cutting edge of development and maintains dominance over our adversaries. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-statement-on-passing-of-senator-herb-kohl,Senator Baldwin Statement on Passing of Senator Herb Kohl,2023-12-27,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WISCONSIN – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin released the following statement on the passing of former Wisconsin Senator Herb Kohl. “Herb was my role model. Herb was a true public servant, leading with compassion and humility, and uncompromising in putting Wisconsin first. It didn’t matter how powerful the opposing forces were or how long the fight was, Herb was willing to take on any challenge if it meant a brighter future for Wisconsin. Herb was as generous as they come – with his resources, his knowledge, his time, and his heart. Wisconsin is lucky to have had Herb Kohl in our corner and we are undoubtedly a better, more just place because of his service. He truly was nobody’s senator but ours. My heart goes out to his family, loved ones, and the entire Badger State as we mourn the loss of a Wisconsin giant.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-markey-call-on-tesla-to-recall-all-vehicle-components-that-pose-known-safety-risks,Blumenthal & Markey Call on Tesla to Recall All Vehicle Components that Pose Known Safety Risks,2023-12-27,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – After alarming reporting on Tesla safety flaws, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA) called on the company to immediately recall all vehicle components that pose a risk to consumers. A recent Reuters investigation revealed that Tesla knows about existing flaws in its cars, including serious issues with steering control and suspension caused by component failures, but conceals the causes of the flaws from U.S. regulators while blaming its customers for them. “We write with extreme concern following recent reporting about Tesla’s knowledge of safety flaws in its vehicles and concealment of the causes of these flaws from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA),” wrote Blumenthal and Markey to Tesla co-founder and CEO Elon Musk. “This reporting puts your statement from January that ‘Teslas are the safest car on the road’ at stark contrast with reality. We call on you to swiftly recall all Tesla components that pose a safety risk and correct the record with NHTSA to ensure it can properly do its job.” NHTSA is currently conducting investigations into one suspension connection point, the fore link, and power steering after failures experienced by Tesla drivers. In 2020, Tesla recalled the front suspension aft link and rear suspension upper link in China, suggesting the company is aware of these flaws in its vehicles, but no recall has yet taken place in the U.S. or other countries. “[W]e are disturbed that you would blame your customers for these failures. Reporting notes that Tesla repeatedly attributed the suspension failures to ‘vehicle misuse’ or ‘driver abuse,’ including when justifying to NHTSA why it was not pursuing the aforementioned suspension recall in the United States,” continued the senators. “It is unacceptable that Tesla would not only attempt to shift the responsibility for the substandard quality of its vehicles to the people purchasing them, but also make that same flawed argument to NHTSA.” The full text of the letter can be found here and below. Blumenthal and Markey have long pushed for autonomous vehicle (AV) technology safety. In August 2021, Blumenthal and Markey sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), calling for the agency to launch an investigation into Tesla’s advertising of driving automation systems. The full text of the letter can be found here. In February 2022, Blumenthal and Markey sent a letter to Tesla Co-founder and CEO Elon Musk following numerous reports of dangerous braking flaws in Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems and amid several federal safety investigations, voicing serious concerns with the implementation of the company’s technology. The full text of the letter to Musk can be found here. In June 2022, Blumenthal and Markey issued a joint statement applauding the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for upgrading its investigation into Tesla’s Autopilot system from a preliminary evaluation to an engineering analysis after identifying additional crashes at first responder sites. In October 2022, Blumenthal and Markey issued a joint statement on a reported DOJ investigation into Tesla’s misleading advertising of driving automation systems. In February 2023, Blumenthal and Markey issued a joint statement on Tesla’s recall of its vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta software due to crash risk, and in December 2023, the senators issued a joint statement on Tesla’s recall of 2 million vehicles with Autosteer, an Autopilot feature. December 27, 2023 Mr. Elon Musk Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Tesla 3500 Deer Creek Road Palo Alto, California 94304 Dear Mr. Musk, We write with extreme concern following recent reporting about Tesla’s knowledge of safety flaws in its vehicles and concealment of the causes of these flaws from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This reporting puts your statement from January that “Teslas are the safest car on the road” at stark contrast with reality.[1] We call on you to swiftly recall all Tesla components that pose a safety risk and correct the record with NHTSA to ensure it can properly do its job. An alarming Reuters report last week outlined repeated failures in steering control and suspension parts on Tesla vehicles shortly after purchase. The report detailed complaints about suspension connection points, including fore and aft links, and sudden losses of power steering – often while a vehicle was in motion.[2] We are encouraged that NHTSA is conducting investigations into the fore link and power steering.[3] However, it appears that Tesla knew about the flaws in its components and failed to take action: in 2020, Tesla recalled the front suspension aft link and rear suspension upper link in China after pressure from regulators, but no such recall occurred in the United States or elsewhere in the world, putting countless Americans and others on the road at undue risk.[4] We urge you to swiftly issue a recall for any component – power steering, suspension, or otherwise – that poses a threat to the safe functioning of a vehicle. Moreover, we are disturbed that you would blame your customers for these failures. Reporting notes that Tesla repeatedly attributed the suspension failures to “vehicle misuse” or “driver abuse,” including when justifying to NHTSA why it was not pursuing the aforementioned suspension recall in the United States.[5] It is unacceptable that Tesla would not only attempt to shift the responsibility for the substandard quality of its vehicles to the people purchasing them, but also make that same flawed argument to NHTSA. NHTSA exists to ensure roadway safety, but it cannot do its job with incomplete or incorrect information. In light of these apparent false and misleading representations, we demand that you correct the record in every respect and that you commit to providing accurate and truthful statements in the future. The credibility and reputation of your company is at stake – and even more importantly, the safety of motorists and others on the roads. As you are well aware, no company is above the law. We appreciate your urgent attention to this important matter, and we await your written response. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-highlights-2023-accomplishments-in-year-end-round-up,Duckworth Highlights 2023 Accomplishments in Year-End Round Up,2023-12-27,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – As 2023 comes to a close, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) highlighted several key accomplishments she secured over the last year: “From helping almost 4,000 Illinoisans recover more than $2 million the Federal Government owed them to bringing home hundreds of millions of dollars to get the lead out of children’s drinking water, and from protecting hundreds of jobs in Peoria to helping bring home Illinois hostages held abroad, I’m so proud of everything we’ve accomplished this year,” Duckworth said. “It’s a true honor to continue serving Illinoisans in the United States Senate and as I look forward to the year ahead, I know there’s still much work to do to help save working families money, protect and defend women’s rights, end preventable gun violence, invest in communities that have been ignored for too long, advocate for Illinois on a global stage, support our troops and make sure we keep the promises we’ve made to our Veterans. I’m eager to get back to work for Illinois in 2024.” Over the past year, Duckworth and her office responded to nearly 600,000 emails and other messages as well as assisted more than 3,500 Illinoisans who were experiencing difficulties navigating the federal bureaucracy, helping recover more than $2 million in Social Security payments, Veterans’ benefits, tax refunds and more. A select list of Duckworth’s accomplishments from the past year is below, and a comprehensive review of her first full term in the U.S. Senate, which ended on January 2, 2023, is available on the Senator’s website using the link here. Key Accomplishments: Helping get the lead out of our children’s water: Thanks in part to Duckworth’s Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act, this year Illinois received significant federal support for water infrastructure upgrades. Duckworth helped announce $332 million for Illinois’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund while in Rockford, and another $336 million in Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loans for Chicago. Safeguarding hundreds of jobs in Peoria: After years of sustained effort from Duckworth to establish a minimum inventory of C-130 aircraft, Duckworth this year celebrated the Air National Guard’s decision in selecting Peoria’s 182nd Airlift Wing as one of four preferred locations for new C-130J aircraft to replace the aging C-130H models. This announcement ensures the mission of the 182nd Airlift Wing is safeguarded, protecting the jobs of 1,200 Airmen and approximately 370 full-time employees. Pushing for Illinois’s leadership in future technology: Duckworth advocated for and championed Illinois in its selection for Tech Hub and hydrogen production and distribution hub initiatives. The Chicago Quantum Exchange’s The Bloch: End-to-end Quantum Solutions at Scale and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s Central Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing Hub were selected and are now eligible to apply for between $40-$75 million in CHIPS and Science Act funding to help Chicagoland remain at the cutting edge of technological innovation. The Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen’s (MachH2) regional clean hydrogen production and distribution hub was awarded $1 billion in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program, funded under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Honoring our state and nation’s history: After introducing her Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley, and Roberts Temple National Historic Site Act in 2021 and 2023, this year the Biden Administration designated the church that held Emmett Till’s pivotal open-casket wake in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood as a national monument. Duckworth also continues to push her Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument Act closer to becoming law and establishing the site as a national monument. This year the bill was reported favorably out of committee and sent to the full Senate after the National Park Service declared strong support for passing the legislation. Protecting reproductive rights: Duckworth has made protecting and expanding access to essential reproductive healthcare a top priority. With the U.S. Supreme Court agreeing to consider a case that could determine the future of widespread access to Mifepristone, Duckworth introduced a resolution in support of equitable, science-based policies governing access to medication abortion. Earlier this year Duckworth joined more than 250 members of Congress in submitting an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA and also helped introduce the Women’s Health Protection Act of 2023, which would guarantee access to abortion everywhere across the country. On the one-year anniversary of the disastrous Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization Supreme Court decision, Duckworth visited Southern Illinois’s CHOICES Center for Reproductive Health to learn more about the clinic’s work as one of the closest clinics for Americans in states across the South. And Duckworth hosted Dr. Erin King of the Metro East’s Hope Clinic as her guest at this year’s State of the Union address. Helping bring Illinois hostages home and pushing for humanitarian aid to Gaza: Following negotiations, Duckworth aided in the release of Illinoisans Judith and Natalie Raanan who were taken by Hamas terrorists during the October 7 attacks on Israel. Duckworth continued underscoring the need for all parties to remain laser-focused on the safe return of all hostages being held by Hamas and to take all possible measures to protect and deliver humanitarian aid to innocent civilians suffering in Gaza. Duckworth has consistently called for bringing sustained and greater humanitarian relief into Gaza to minimize the suffering of innocent civilians. Her efforts include urging for the inclusions of full humanitarian assistance in any national security funding packages, calling for humanitarian cessations of hostilities, pushing for fuel to be allowed into Gaza for hospitals and water treatment and more. Supporting union workers: When United Auto Workers authorized a strike against General Motors, Stellantis and Ford earlier this year, Duckworth joined striking workers in Naperville to show her solidarity as workers pushed for better wages. Duckworth commended President Biden’s visit to Stellantis in Belvidere to celebrate the agreement reached between UAW and Stellantis for a new contract that included re-opening the shuttered plant in that city as an electric vehicle battery plant. Helping families keep in touch with loved ones: Just days into the new year, Duckworth’s Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act was signed into law after years of Duckworth pushing for the law, which is already helping ensure consumers trying to keep in touch with their incarcerated loved ones are charged just and reasonable rates for all inter- and intra-state calls, regardless of the technology used. Supporting servicemembers and bolstering military readiness: As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Duckworth secured several important provisions in the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Her key provisions will help support a strong and ready total force, lead in the Indo-Pacific region, build the logistics enterprise for a combat-credible deterrent, tackle climate change and defend the environment and restore American competitiveness. This year’s NDAA also will help Illinois by supporting school districts near military bases and charting a sustainable future for C-40 aircraft. Condemning reckless Republican efforts harming our military: Throughout Senator Tommy Tuberville’s ultimately futile, damaging and failed blockade on more than 450 critical military promotions, Duckworth repeatedly called for Tuberville to end his nearly year-long hold that hurt our military readiness and national security, as well as forcing unnecessary harm on our military families. In September, Duckworth joined several of her Senate Democratic colleagues and military leaders in calling out Tuberville’s hold where she urged her Republican colleagues to stop simply disagreeing with Senator Tuberville in secret and to come forward and publicly condemn Tuberville’s dangerous military hold lest they be complicit in his efforts, too. In July, Duckworth also joined several of her Senate Democratic colleagues on the Senate floor to condemn Tuberville’s reckless, partisan hold. She also joined other SASC members in calling on U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to help end Tuberville’s hold. In a hearing, Duckworth called Tuberville out, arguing that his actions have left our Marines without a Commandant for the first time in more than a century, hold our servicemembers and military families hostage over an individual senator’s political agenda and threaten our military readiness and national security. Advocating for Illinois on an international stage: During her first year as a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Duckworth led a series of official visits abroad to champion Illinois and strengthen economic ties for our state. Throughout the year Duckworth led a series of trips to Japan, Indonesia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Romania and the United Kingdom to highlight the benefits of Illinois’s major exports as well as its position as a prime location for business expansion and investment in the U.S.—touting the state’s strong workforce, educational and research institutions, and energy and transportation infrastructure. Following her trip to Japan, Japan announced a regulatory change that will lead to an increase in imports from U.S. biofuel producers, supporting our farmers and growing Illinois’s economy. Duckworth highlighted her efforts this year at fireside chats at City Club Chicago and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Enhancing Medicare for the disability community: After years of sustained and determined efforts led by Duckworth, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)—for the first time in history—expanded Medicare coverage for seat elevation systems embedded in power wheelchairs, which are vital durable medical equipment that enable wheelchair users to independently perform activities of daily living, such as getting into and out of a power wheelchair, dressing and preparing meals. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:56:20Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-announces-federal-highway-administration-has-heeded-his-calls-and-approved-plan-for-long-sought-crash-gate-for-emergency-vehicles-to-improve-safety-on-i-84,SCHUMER ANNOUNCES FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION HAS HEEDED HIS CALLS AND APPROVED PLAN FOR LONG-SOUGHT CRASH GATE FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES TO IMPROVE SAFETY ON I-84,2023-12-27,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"After launching his push earlier this year following the bus crash on I-84 in Orange County that tragically killed two adults and injured dozens of Farmingdale High School students, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer today announced that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has heeded his calls to assist New York State and local officials with the creation of an emergency vehicles-only access road, also known as a “crash gate” on I-84. “The tragic bus crash in Orange County this past September was just one of many a horrific tragedies that have taken place on Interstate 84 and plagued communities across New York with fear about the ability of first responders to quickly respond to these dangerous and sometimes deadly accidents,” said Senator Schumer. “First responders in Orange County have long called for the installation of a life-saving crash gate, and finally, after I called on the FHWA to support our local officials and help keep New Yorkers safe by working with them to greenlight this long desired safety project, I am proud to announce the federal agency has heeded our calls and has officially approved construction on an emergency crash gate for I-84. In an emergency every minute and second counts, and I will continue to fight to deliver the federal resources needed so our first responders can continue to save lives in Orange County and beyond.” A copy of Schumer’s original join letter to the Federal Highway Administration demanding further action to approve plans for the crash gate can be found here. Schumer said the construction of a crash gate for I-84 was first proposed over a decade ago, but the original proposal was never finalized. He explained that following his continued advocacy, the FHWA has officially approved the long-stalled state plan to install an emergency access point between the Goshen and Mountain Road exits — the more than a 10-mile stretch of the interstate that prevents timely emergency responses and currently sees about c per year. Currently, the Slate Hill Fire District’s trucks can only access the highway in a roundabout way, which makes response times longer. Schumer said that September’s bus crash and other recent accidents demonstrated the troubling lack of access to I-84 that exists for first responders in the area. The Slate Hill Fire District’s closest entrance to I-84 is four miles from the firehouse, requiring its trucks to travel into another neighboring fire district just to enter the interstate. By constructing a first responders-only access road built between the eastbound and westbound highways, a crash gate will allow first responders to access I-84 faster and potentially save lives. According to the Slate Hill Fire District Chief, had such a crash gate been available in September, they would have been able to respond 5 to 10 minutes sooner. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://kamlager-dove.house.gov/media/press-releases/kamlager-dove-recognizes-reopening-la-tijera-julian-dixon-post-office,"Kamlager-Dove Recognizes Reopening of the La Tijera, Julian Dixon Post Office",2023-12-26,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,CA,Sydney Kamlager-Dove,K000400,kamlager-dove.house.gov,kamlager-dove,https://kamlager-dove.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - December 26, 2023 Media Contact:Maya Valentine |maya.valentine@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove issued the following statement after the La Tijera, Julian Dixon Post Office on Crenshaw Boulevard reopened: “I am glad that my constituents in California’s 37th District once again have access to the Julian Dixon Post Office. This location suffered storm damage from Hurricane Hilary and needed renovations to be fully operational to properly serve its daily customers. “My office was committed to ensuring that the renovations stayed on track and were finished on time. I was excited to see the Post Office opened in time for the holiday season. I want to thank the construction team and staff at the Julian Dixon Post Office for their dedication to customer service and ensuring mail continues to reach Angelenos and their family and friends across the country. “I will continue to work with my District staff to address local issues whenever possible as we leverage our relationships with our federal agency partners.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://donalds.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1382,Donalds Statement On The 2023 Christmas Holiday,2023-12-25,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Byron Donalds,D000032,donalds.house.gov,donalds,https://donalds.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"NAPLES, Fla. – Today, Congressman Donalds issued the following statement regarding the 2023 Christmas holiday: “The Christmas season is a magical time of faith, family, community, and generosity. While Christmas celebrations and traditions have expanded and evolved over time, it is critical that we pause to highlight the true meaning of the holiday: the miracle of the birth of Jesus Christ. “Our Southwest Florida community is strong, resilient, and most importantly caring. We have come a long way since the historic destruction of Hurricane Ian, but there is still much more to be done. In the spirit of the season, as you and your loved ones gather this Christmas, let us remember to not only Keep Christ in Christmas but help your neighbors who may have fallen upon hard times. “Merry Christmas! Wishing you a joyous and blessed holiday.” More:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/ndaa-signed-into-law-with-key-wins-for-rhode-island,NDAA Signed into Law with Key Wins for Rhode Island,2023-12-24,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,RI,Jack Reed,R000122,www.reed.senate.gov,jackreed,https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC -- President Joe Biden signed the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY 24) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), annual defense authorization bill into law yesterday, confirming the largest raise in military basic pay in decades for servicemembers and the Department of Defense civilian workforce. The NDAA bolsters the defense industrial base and military readiness, providing the U.S. military with strong and versatile capabilities. Passage of the NDAA – which was approved by Congress earlier this month -- was led by U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, who worked on a bipartisan basis to pass a comprehensive NDAA that focuses on delivering the resources and equipment our troops need. “This bipartisan NDAA makes America safer and stronger. It enhances our alliances, improves national security, and supports our servicemembers, their families, and the U.S. economy,” said Senator Reed. Totaling $883.7 billion in national security investments, the NDAA establishes the policies and funding levels for the Department of Defense and the national security programs of the Department of Energy. This year’s NDAA addresses significant national security priorities, including: strategic competition with China and Russia; disruptive technologies like hypersonic weapons, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing; modernizing America’s ships, aircraft, and combat vehicles; and improving the lives of our servicemembers and their families. Notably, the FY 24 NDAA supports the trilateral security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States (AUKUS) by facilitating the transfer of significant Australian funding to support the U.S. submarine industrial base and the future sale of Virginia-class submarines to Australia. “The defense bill is essential for supporting the brave servicemen and women who volunteer to safeguard America’s freedom, security, and interests at home and across the globe. Now that the NDAA has passed the Senate on a strong, bipartisan basis, I urge the House to follow suit,” said Reed. Reed noted the NDAA is good news for Rhode Island and a major win for America’s national security. “This forward-looking defense bill will go a long way toward keeping the American people safe, deterring conflict, and confronting the national security threats we face,” said Senator Reed. “This bipartisan NDAA provides a historic level of support for our troops and their families, including the largest military pay raise in decades. It authorizes record-level investments in the people, platforms, and programs that our forces need to safeguard the nation and advance U.S. interests worldwide. This NDAA accelerates U.S. military research, development, and technology investments to provide our forces with advantages on the battlefield, while also ensuring the U.S. is better equipped to counter disinformation, cyberattacks, and other hybrid threats.” The NDAA bolsters U.S. alliances and partnerships to operate successfully in competition with rival powers, particularly in the Indo-Pacific and Europe. Notably, the bill makes key progress toward deterring and countering America’s adversaries, including by reducing dependence on China for raw materials used in defense technologies. The bill also takes steps to crack down on fentanyl trafficking. Reed highlighted several key provisions of the bill that will benefit Rhode Island’s defense workers and industry, including: More than $10 billion to fully support construction of 2 Virginia-class submarines; More than $240 million for workforce and training initiatives to support the production of the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine and the continued construction of Virginia-class submarines; $74 million for Navy applied research on undersea warfare technologies, led by the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC); $20 million for the Defense Established Programs to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR), which ensures Rhode Island universities may compete to perform cutting-edge basic research and partner with defense labs; $50 million in supplemental Impact Aid and $20 million in Impact Aid for schools with military dependent children with severe disabilities; and $32 million in military construction funding for the RI Army National Guard. Additionally, the bill includes several provisions to support small businesses, including language that improves the functioning of the Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP), now known as the APEX Accelerators program; language to improve the timeliness of payments made to all small businesses; and updates to the Defense Rapid Innovation Program to support the transition of technologies from small businesses into fielding and use. Hundreds of small businesses across Rhode Island supply the U.S. Department of Defense, and hardworking Rhode Islanders contribute to the creation of a wide range of military products, equipment, and services. Additionally, Rhode Island is home to the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport; Naval Station (NAVSTA) Newport; and the Naval War College. These facilities, along with leading academic research institutions and a network of suppliers and small businesses, are contributing to a booming defense industry that is boosting Rhode Island’s economy and leading to advancements in technology and innovation. A recent report by SENEDIA shows that the total direct and indirect economic impact from defense spending in Rhode Island accounted for $7.6 billion in 2022. The report found that Rhode Island’s defense industry is growing and supported a total of 34,068 direct and indirect jobs across the Ocean State with an annual payroll of $3 billion. Reed noted that Congress must still enact a full fiscal 2024 appropriations bill when it returns to session in January, as well as a national security supplemental appropriations package that includes additional funds for submarine production. The Department of Defense is currently funded under a short-term continuing resolution that will expire after February 2, 2024.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/the-christmas-spirit,The Christmas Spirit,2023-12-24,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"From my family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! As we celebrate Christmas with our loved ones, we remember the true reason for the season: the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and the promise of a loving God who offered to us His only son. On Christmas Eve, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the idea of the Christmas Spirit. Many may think of the Christmas Spirit as baking cookies or decorating the Christmas tree. While this is true, the Christmas Spirit also manifests in how we treat one another. The true Christmas Spirit reflects the teachings of Jesus: love one another, share our gratitude for all of the good things in our lives and give back to those less fortunate. Showing kindness is the Christmas Spirit. Counting our blessings is the Christmas Spirit. Giving back in our communities is the Christmas Spirit. Thanking others is the Christmas Spirit. Helping our neighbors – strangers, too – is the Christmas Spirit. One of the blessings I’m giving thanks for this Christmas is the service of our brave men and women in uniform overseas. Our service members and their families sacrifice time together on Christmas so the rest of us can celebrate with our families in peace. We owe them a debt we can never truly repay. I’m looking forward to spending this evening the same as I do every Christmas Eve: hosting dinner at my home in Fort Pierre with around 100 of my family members, including my kids and grandkids. I hope that you are able to celebrate your traditions this Christmas with your family, friends and loved ones. Wishing you and your families a blessed Christmas and a joyful holiday season. It is an honor to work for you in the United States Senate. Thank you for all you to do make South Dakota the greatest place in the world to call home.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://boebert.house.gov/PJASigned,Pueblo Jobs Act Signed Into Law!,2023-12-23,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,CO,Lauren Boebert,B000825,boebert.house.gov,boebert,https://boebert.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Congresswoman Boebert’s Pueblo Jobs Act was signed into law as part of the fiscal year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The passage of this bill will provide a much-needed economic boost in the region and create at least 1,000 jobs. This historic piece of legislation is Congresswoman Lauren Boebert’s first bill signed into law. Congresswoman Lauren Boebert (CO-03) said, “The Pueblo Jobs Act will create at least a 1,000 new jobs in Pueblo and repurpose billions of dollars of infrastructure from the Pueblo Chemical Depot, providing southern Colorado with a much-needed economic boost. This bipartisan and bicameral effort was locally-driven and crafted from the bottom-up. Special thanks to the local officials, the House Armed Services Committee, and the outstanding individuals at PuebloPlex who worked with me to get this important legislation done.” Background: On Friday, the fiscal year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) was officially signed into law by the President. Congresswoman Boebert’s bipartisan Pueblo Jobs Act was a key element of this bill and will create at least 1,000 jobs following the closure of the Pueblo Chemical Depot. This legislation ensures that the federal government adheres to the rigorous Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process under the supervision of the Secretary of the Army. This strategic move provides certainty for Pueblo's economic landscape and fosters the creation of future employment opportunities. Back in 1988, the Base Closure Commission recommended the realignment of the Pueblo Chemical Depot, exempting 7,000 acres, including the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant (PCAPP) and additional facilities, from standard BRAC requirements. Congresswoman Boebert's Pueblo Jobs Act closes this loophole, safeguarding the multi-billion-dollar infrastructure investment represented by PCAPP and the additional facilities on the protected 7,000 acres. The bill ensures that this valuable infrastructure will actively contribute to Pueblo's prosperity, rather than facing demolition. With the passage of Congresswoman Boebert's bill, PuebloPlex is already working with industries to harness this remarkable facility for the creation of high-paying jobs in Pueblo. The Pueblo Jobs Act, championed by Congresswoman Boebert, mandates the adherence to the standard BRAC process by the Army, yielding several benefits for the Pueblo community. This legislation prevents billions of dollars of infrastructure from being torn down and bulldozed. The bill enables PuebloPlex to access federal grant funding for planning and mitigating the economic impacts of the Chemical Depot closure. The Pueblo Jobs Act allows Pueblo to receive substantial environmental indemnifications, aiding in the redevelopment and reuse of the property. The legislation allows for conveyance of the property at less-than-fair market value for economic development purposes. Collectively, these resources are pivotal in sustaining Pueblo as the Chemical Depot undergoes closure, welcoming new businesses to the area. Some of the economic development and job opportunities the Pueblo Jobs Act support include PuebloPlex, the Pueblo Memorial Airport Industrial Park, the federal Transportation Technology Center, and the implementation of a regional workforce development project led by local colleges including Pueblo Community College and Colorado State University-Pueblo. Throughout the legislative process, Congresswoman Boebert collaborated closely with PuebloPlex, Senators Hickenlooper and Bennet, Congressman Doug Lamborn, and the House Armed Services Committee. The full text of the Pueblo Jobs Act is available here. Additional NDAA Information Courtesy of the House Armed Services Committee: The focus of this year's NDAA is on strengthening the military in response to threats from Iran, North Korea, Russia, and China. The bill authorizes $886.3 billion in national defense funding and aims to enhance benefits for servicemembers, including a 5.2% pay increase, allocation of $280 million for new schools for military children, and correction of personnel files for those discharged for not taking the COVID-19 vaccine. The NDAA also addresses ""wokeness"" in the military by banning Critical Race Theory, implementing a pay cap on DEI programs, introducing a Parents' Bill of Rights in DoD schools, and cutting climate change programs. To address global threats and protect our borders, the bill modernizes the nuclear triad, prohibits sourcing operational energy from Russia or China, prevents the retirement of certain capabilities, increases funding for military construction and logistics, reassesses missile defense posture due to North Korea's ICBM developments, mandates the use or transfer of border wall materials to border states, and addresses threats posed by fentanyl trafficking. Additionally, the bill fully funds the deployment of National Guardsmen in support of Border Patrol activities.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/merry-christmas-and-happy-holidays-0,Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!,2023-12-23,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,NY,Adriano Espaillat,E000297,espaillat.house.gov,espaillat,https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"From my family to yours, Merry Christmas! May your holiday be filled with warmth, comfort, and joy. 2023 has been a remarkable year, and I have been proud to work on your behalf to promote job growth, fight inflation, bolster education and training, and provide relief and opportunities for families across my district. As we enter the New Year, I’m proud of what we have accomplished together, and I look forward to continuing my work on behalf of NY-13 and the families who call my district home. May your holiday season be filled with joy, peace, health, and family.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-signing-fy24-national-defense-authorization-act,Wilson on Signing of FY24 National Defense Authorization Act,2023-12-23,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,SC,Joe Wilson,W000795,joewilson.house.gov,joewilson,https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.– Congressman Joe Wilson, Senior Member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement after the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 was signed into law. “This bill represents the commitment of Congress to our service members, their families, and our national security. “This year’s NDAA supports strategic deterrence initiatives, modernization of our critical weapons systems, and most importantly, the needs of service members and their families. One of the provisions is a 5.2% pay increase for our service members, the largest in over 20 years. As our service members and their families make sacrifices, Congress has the duty to ensure they are taken care of. “Additionally, I was grateful that this NDAA included provisions that rejected divisive and unnecessary programs to promote certain agendas. Our military has already succeeded in bringing together people of all backgrounds to serve in the United States Armed Forces and uphold the Constitution. “As our adversaries continue to threaten and attack our Armed Forces around the globe, Congress needs to ensure our military is prepared to face the threats of today and tomorrow. “The NDAA authorizes critical funding for South Carolina military bases and the missions at the Savannah River Site. With China sharply expanding their nuclear stocks and capability, the U.S. needs to modernize its own nuclear arsenal and its infrastructure to maintain its nuclear deterrent. “I was grateful to have my legislation expanding mutually beneficial defense and technology collaboration with Israel included in the NDAA. This gives the opportunity for both countries to collaborate on defense projects in areas of emerging technologies, such as AI. With our adversaries looking to surpass us in technology, the U.S. and its allies must be at the forefront. “Also included is the Foreign Extortion Prevention Act, which I led in the House. It prevents foreign officials from demanding bribes of American companies and has been referred to as the most significant legislation targeting foreign corruption in over forty years. This provides a vital tool for protecting Americans and American businesses from foreign corruption. ""As a veteran and father of four sons who have served in the military overseas, I appreciate these victories for our military and am committed to continuing to work for our service members and their families. I am thankful this bill was signed into law. Highlights of the FY24 NDAA Savannah River Site (SRS) Includes funding authorizations for the missions of the Savannah River Site, including for the Savannah River Plutonium Processing Facility and modernization of our nuclear triad. Supports funding for the Tritium Finishing Facility and adds a deadline of December 31st, 2036, for the facility to commence operations, which prevents any unnecessary delays. Authorizes funding for Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PiLT) to support schools, emergency services, and county operations in counties surrounding Savannah River Site. Caring for our Military Service Members and their Families Supports a 5.2% increase in service member basic pay, the largest pay raise in over 20 years to combat inflation. Expands Basic Needs Allowance to assist low-income service members supporting a family. Military Readiness Increases funding for military exercises ensuring the U.S. military is prepared to fight in any theater. Prevents the Biden administration from retiring certain weapons systems that are still useful. Department of Defense Support for Border Security Requires DOD to use or transfer all border wall materials in its possession to southwest border states. Fully funds the deployment of the National Guard to the Southern Border to support CBP officers. Promoting Defense Research and Development Cooperation between the United States and Israel Adds $47 million above the President’s budget request to research and develop advanced technology with Israel, which has benefited the U.S., including at our border. Extends the US-Israel Anti-Tunneling Cooperation Program, which could be used at the Southern Border, by two years.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://nunn.house.gov/2023/12/23/nunn-bill-expanding-parental-leave-military-families-signed-law/,Nunn Bill Expanding Parental Leave for Military Families Signed into Law,2023-12-23,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Zachary Nunn,N000193,nunn.house.gov,nunn,https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/,scraper,"DES MOINES — U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) today announced his bipartisan legislation to expand parental leave eligibility for parents serving in the drilling Reserve or National Guard was signed into law. The Reserve Component Parental Leave Parity Act, co-led with Representative Jeff Jackson (NC-14), was included in the National Defense Authorization Act signed into law by President Joe Biden. “As a father and current Air Force Reserve member, I’ve experienced firsthand the sacrifices parents make to serve our country. I’m proud that our bipartisan bill has been included in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act to make life easier for military families,” Rep. Nunn said. “This law will ensure Reserve and National Guard parents have the same access to leave as their active duty counterparts. Any servicemember who serves our country deserves time with their new children.” The Reserve Component Parental Leave Parity Act addresses a disparity under current policies implemented in 2021 that expanded parental leave for fathers and adoptive parents in active duty but did not include drilling members of the Reserve and National Guard. Currently, leave policies for those servicemembers are offered to new mothers but not fathers or adoptive parents. This bill equalizes leave policies for all service members. The bill, which was originally introduced on April 13, 2023 at the American Legion in Bondurant, Iowa, passed the House of Representatives on December 14, 2023 and Senate on December 13, 2023 as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. The President signed the bill into law on Friday, December 22, 2023. ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND Rep. Nunn currently serves in the Air Force Reserve. With six children, including two recently adopted foster daughters, Rep. Nunn has experienced the policy disparity firsthand. Video from the press conference announcing the bill can be found here. Text of the legislation can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://radewagen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/amata-s-focus-veterans-2023,Amata’s Focus on Veterans in 2023,2023-12-23,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,AS,Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen,R000600,radewagen.house.gov,radewagen,https://radewagen.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata focused on Veterans throughout 2023, and is providing a year-end summary of the efforts in the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee (HVAC), one of her three Committee assignments in Congress. At the start of the year, Amata was named Vice Chairman of the Committee, which is led by Chairman Mike Bost (R-IL.), and she serves on the Veterans Health Subcommittee, her top selection on behalf of American Samoa’s Veterans, as well as the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, tasked with oversight of the Veterans’ Administration (VA). She also served as Chairman of the Women Veterans Task Force. Image At the Coastwatchers Memorial in Honiara - Uifa’atali Peter T. Coleman served in Solomon Islands during World War II aboard a ship assigned to the Army placing and supporting these Coastwatchers “I so appreciate our Veterans, as they provide leadership in American Samoa throughout our community, and the United States,” said Vice Chairman Amata. “I treasure the opportunity to work on behalf of our Veterans in Congress.” Through hearings and legislation, the Committee has directed attention to implementing the major legislative overhaul efforts of recent years, such as the PACT Act, while listening to Veterans at every opportunity and working to improve services in general, health care, and response times, while reducing backlogs, continuing the updates in VA technology, and insisting on VA personnel reforms. In January, Amata highlighted nine new Veterans services bills completed at the close of the prior Congress that became law or took effect in January, such as the bipartisan Faster Payments to Veterans' Survivors Act of 2022, which she cosponsored. The others were the bipartisan Guaranteeing Healthcare Access to Personnel Who Served Act, a bipartisan effort addressing gaps in veteran health care to improve VA reach to serve veterans better in hard-to-reach places; The Veterans Prostate Cancer Treatment and Research Act; The Reaching Every Homeless Veteran Act; The VA Supply Chain Resiliency Act; The Department of Veterans Affairs Provider Accountability Act; The Rural Veterans Travel Enhancement Act; The Post-9/11 Veterans’ Mental Health Care Improvement Act; The Revising and Expediting Actions for the Crisis Hotline (REACH) for Veterans Act. Also in January, as she does yearly, she celebrated her announcements of those selected to the prestigious U.S. Service Academies. Also yearly, she visits and tours again our local Eni F. H. Faleomavaega VA Clinic, as she did recently, and meets often with American Samoa’s veterans seeking VA services in Honolulu as well as health officials at Tripler Center. In February, as original cosponsor, she took part in introducing the bipartisan Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding (GUARD) VA Benefits Act, to protect Veterans from predatory claim sharks, a bill supported by numerous Veterans national organizations. In March, which is when Committees are organized and the schedule is underway, Amata took part in oversight hearings on VA accountability, welcomed a VFW delegation in the congressional office to talk priorities, spoke up about women veterans care issues in a VA oversight hearing, apprised Veterans of congressional oversight to correct inaccuracies on the Korean War Memorial’s Wall of Remembrance, participated in a bipartisan oversight letter to the VA Secretary bipartisan letter to address discrepancies in suicide data and insist on transparency; and highlighted HVAC passage of these four bills: H.R. 502, To amend title 38, United States Code, to ensure that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs repays members of the Armed Forces for certain contributions made by such members towards Post-9/11 Educational Assistance; H.R. 815, the RELIEVE Act; H.R. 753, VA COST SAVINGS Enhancements Act; and H.R. 1226, the Wounded Warrior Access Act. Image Laying wreaths at the American War Memorial to honor the service of heroes who fought to secure freedom Also in March, she visited Service Members, our future Veterans, in touring nine military installations on the U.S. east coast, including each branch of the Armed Forces, and seeing many of our Toa o Samoa. In May, the House passed the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Act of 2023, signed into law in June. This followed the 2023 COLA increase of 8.7 percent, through a 2022 bill, the largest increase in many years. Also in May, the House passed H.R. 1669, the VET-TEC Authorization Act of 2023, supporting Veterans educational goals in technology courses, and H.R. 366, the Korean American VALOR Act. Amata took part in the 25th Annual Women in Military Service Wreath Laying Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in May with the bipartisan Congressional Women’s Caucus, in which each Member of Congress speaks in honor of a selected woman Service Member. She also spoke in a joint hearing of two Veterans’ Subcommittees – she serves on both – the Health Subcommittee, and Oversight and Investigations, examining challenges in VA health care hiring, staffing, and retaining. That month, Congress got a first look at the the Fiscal Year 2024 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which fully funds the VA plus an $18 billion increase over 2023 in discretionary programs, boosts Pacific deterrence and projects at Arlington National Cemetery. On June 12th, Amata highlighted Women Veterans Recognition Day, specifically honoring women who have served in the Armed Forces. Also in June she helped introduce as original cosponsor, the bipartisan Care for Compact of Free Association (COFA) Veterans Act. In June, leading up to the 4th of July, she visited Normandy’s Wall of the Missing in Normandy American Cemetery, Colleville-sur-Mer, France, specially remembering the heroic service and sacrifice of Henry Saaga enshrined there. He landed on Omaha Beach and fought with valor in the hedgerows, earning the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. She went on to visit several Veterans sites, American military cemeteries, and battle memorials there. In July, Vice Chairman Amata helped introduce the bipartisan Veteran Service Recognition Act as original cosponsor, an effort led by Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-CA), which Amata has supported with public remarks, to help U.S. Veterans who are noncitizen/non-US nationals obtain legal permanent resident status, and assist noncitizen U.S. Service Members in applying for citizenship if desired during basic training. Also in July, she highlighted HVAC passage of 11 bills including two she worked for as cosponsor: The Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act, H.R. 4278, and the bipartisan Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act of 2023, H.R. 542. In a busy July, she also toured Landstuhl Medical Center, an Army medical facility, for input on telehealth and services to geographically remote locations. This year, in August, she was able to lay a wreath at the American War Memorial, Guadalcanal, and take a special visit to the Coastwatchers Memorial in Honiara, as Uifa’atali Peter T. Coleman served in Solomon Islands during World War II aboard a ship assigned to the Army placing and supporting these brave Coastwatchers. In September, in both a letter to the VA Secretary and in an oversight hearing, she strongly urged adherence to Buy American law and federal policies in buying practices, as this remains a key issue for the U.S. government regarding buying American produced tuna. Also in September, Amata co-led introduction of the bipartisan Passports for Purple Hearts Act, to waive fees and specially honor Purple Heart Veterans. In November, the Committee released a findings report on the work of the Women Veterans Task Force, chaired by Amata, which led fact finding roundtable meetings with women veterans on their specific challenges in healthcare, educational goals, small business efforts and more. Also that month, Vice Chairman Amata congratulated Air Force Veteran Fa’alagiga Nina Tuā’au-Glaudé upon her appointment to advise the VA on behalf of local and Pacific region Veterans, putting into effect the legislation that Amata co-led creating this position, H.R. 3730, as an original cosponsor. On Veterans Day, Amata observed the federal holiday with a statement thanking and honoring Veterans. Throughout the year she also honored Armed Forces Day and Military Appreciation Month in May, Purple Heart Day, as well as birthdays of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, also commemorating D-Day, the Battle of Midway, and Pearl Harbor Day. In December, the House passed three Veterans bills from the Committee, including the bipartisan Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act that Amata cosponsored. Also in December, HVAC passed 11 more bills for consideration by the full House, two of which Amata cosponsored: H.R. 1753, Jax Act, named after female Veteran Jaclyn “Jax” Scott; and H.R. 522, Deliver for Veterans Act, sponsored by Congressman Jim Moylan of Guam. Work on these bills will continue in 2024 for final passage to be signed into law.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-statement-un-passage-gaza-aid-resolution,Rep. Smith Statement on U.N. Passage of Gaza Aid Resolution,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,WA,Adam Smith,S000510,adamsmith.house.gov,adamsmith,https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"SEATTLE, WA – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) issued the following statement regarding the United Nations (U.N.) Security Council’s adoption of a resolution calling for a surge in aid to civilians in Gaza. “As I’ve said repeatedly, Israel has a right and duty to respond to the horrific terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas on October 7th and to do everything they can to ensure that Hamas is never able to commit such atrocities again. I also welcome today’s vote by the U.N. Security Council calling for actions to enable rapid access to crucially needed aid to civilians in Gaza. “As the Biden Administration has made clear, the United States will continue to stand strong with Israel. It is also critical to ensure that more humanitarian aid reach those who need it in Gaza. I urge Israel, Egypt, and the United Nations to do all they can to facilitate rapid, safe access for humanitarian response efforts. It is also essential for Israel to heed the urgings of the Biden Administration and do everything they can to take a more targeted approach against Hamas militants to reduce civilian casualties and, in doing so, advance the long-term security of Israel.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://adriansmith.house.gov/media/press-releases/smith-announces-upcoming-staff-outreach-events-4,Smith Announces Upcoming Staff Outreach Events,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,NE,Adrian Smith,S001172,adriansmith.house.gov,adriansmith,https://adriansmith.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Constituents of Third District Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) are invited to meet with a member of his staff during the month of January in Harrison, Pawnee City, Chadron, Beatrice, Rushville, Tecumseh, Alliance, and Auburn. A staff outreach event is an opportunity for constituents to meet directly with a member of Smith's staff about federal issues, receive assistance with a federal agency, or take advantage of the services available through his office. Smith, who has offices in Grand Island, Scottsbluff, and Nebraska City, will provide a staff member at the following times and locations: Tuesday, January 2nd Sioux County Courthouse 325 Main Street, Harrison 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. MT Tuesday, January 9th Pawnee County Courthouse 625 6th Street, Pawnee City 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. CT Dawes County Courthouse 451 Main Street, Chadron 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. MT Wednesday, January 10th Beatrice Chamber of Commerce 218 N. 5th Street, Beatrice 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. CT Tuesday, January 16th Sheridan County Courthouse 303 East 2nd Street, Rushville 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. MT Johnson County Courthouse 351 Broadway Street, Tecumseh 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. CT Wednesday, January 17th Box Butte Courthouse, 1st Floor 515 Box Butte Avenue, Alliance 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. MT Nemaha County Courthouse 1824 N Street, Auburn 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. CT For additional information, please contact Smith’s Grand Island office at (308) 384-3900, his Scottsbluff office at (308) 633-6333, or his Nebraska City office at (402) 874-6050. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-beatty-urges-the-cfpb-to-include-ebt-accounts-in-open-banking-rulemaking,Congresswoman Beatty Urges the CFPB to Include EBT Accounts in Open Banking Rulemaking,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,OH,Joyce Beatty,B001281,beatty.house.gov,beatty,https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC — Congresswoman Joyce Beatty and 15 of her colleagues sent a letter to Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Director Rohit Chopra urging the Bureau to include Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Accounts in its final rule implementing Section 1033 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. More than 41 million people across the country, including nearly 1.5 million in Ohio receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. These EBT households often experience data unavailability, slow connectivity, and intentional restrictions when checking their account balances. Inclusion of these accounts in the Section 1033 final rule will empower financially vulnerable consumers to access and monitor their EBT accounts in a safe and secure manner, protect themselves from fraud and benefits theft, and plan for unexpected emergencies down the road. “The CFPB must ensure that all American consumers, regardless of economic status or background, enjoy the same rights and protections over their financial data,” said Congresswoman Beatty. “Families that rely on SNAP benefits to put food on the table shouldn’t have to struggle to check their account balance or protect themselves from financial crime. EBT accounts must be included within the scope of the final open banking rule to facilitate a safe and competitive marketplace.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-house-senate-lawmakers-demand-supreme-court-block-white-house-eco,"ICYMI: House, Senate lawmakers demand Supreme Court block White House eco actions: 'Set the record straight'",2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"https://www.foxnews.com/politics/house-senate-lawmakers-demand-supreme-court-block-white-house-eco-actions-set-record-straight By Thomas Catenacci - Fox News FIRST ON FOX: A group of dozens of House and Senate Republicans filed a legal brief Monday to urge the Supreme Court to take up two cases related to President Biden's authority to lock up public lands from resource development and other uses. In the brief first obtained by Fox News Digital, the lawmakers — led by Rep. Cliff Bentz, R-Ore., and joined by House Natural Resources Committee Chair Bruce Westerman, R-Ark., Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., and 26 other lawmakers including three senators — argued that the president's use of the 1906 Antiquities Act is an example of federal overreach and violates the U.S. Constitution. The lawmakers specifically asked the high court to hear both American Forest Resource Council v. United States of America and Murphy Company v. Biden, two cases challenging the expansion of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument in southwest Oregon. Plaintiffs have argued that the monument expansion was both illegal and caused significant economic damage, particularly to the timber industry. ""We urge the Supreme Court to hear these cases and send a clear message that the President cannot simply bypass Congress and rewrite our nation's land laws with the stroke of a pen,"" Bentz said in a statement. ""This is about upholding the Constitution, protecting our rural communities, and ensuring responsible management of our public lands."" The Antiquities Act, designed as a federal conservation tool, grants the president broad authority to establish national monuments on existing federal lands. Since taking office in 2021, Biden has established five such monuments in Colorado, Nevada, Texas, Mississippi and Arizona, which have faced opposition from industry, lawmakers and garnered legal challenges. Invoking the Antiquities Act and establishing a national monument effectively blocks the designated lands from normal uses. Under separate legislation passed in the 1970s, Congress established the so-called ""multiple-use"" and sustained yield mandate, requiring the Bureau of Land Management to open the lands it manages to various uses including energy development like drilling, grazing, recreation and mining. ""For far too long the executive branch has abused the Antiquities Act to cut off millions of acres of public lands, an action that greatly impacts rural communities across the country and ignores Congress’ directive on how those lands must be responsibly managed,"" Westerman said Tuesday. ""The president does not have the constitutional authority to lock away our federal land and waters, especially without any local input,"" he said. ""I urge the Supreme Court to take up these two critical cases and set the record straight on the executive branch’s authority when it comes to regulating our federal lands and waters."" But while the two cases are focused on that monument, they have much wider ramifications for future use of the Antiquities Act and national monuments created by Biden over the last two years, according to plaintiffs. Biden's designation of the Avi Kwa Ame National Monument in Nevada and Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni National Monument in Arizona, for example, have faced opposition that included legal challenges from state governments as well as mining, livestock and agriculture groups. ""Whether you’re living in southwest Oregon near the illegal expansion of the monument, in Utah where numerous presidential proclamations have placed massive areas off-limits in recent years, or in Washington, D.C., where concerns about the protection of our democracy and constitutional processes are top of mind, this case and its outcome are critical to the future management of our federal lands,"" American Forest Resource Council (AFRC) President Travis Joseph said last month. In 2019, after the AFRC sued the federal government over the designation of Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, a lower court ruled in favor of the group and said the executive branch lacked authority to override the will of Congress which, in separate legislation, defined sustained-yield timber harvest as the dominant use of public land in Oregon. Then in July, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed that decision. Months earlier, in April, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals came to a similar conclusion in Murphy Company v. Biden, the second case that Republicans asked the Supreme Court to review.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6052,"Beyer, Eshoo Introduce Landmark AI Regulation Bill",2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,VA,"Donald S. Beyer, Jr.",B001292,beyer.house.gov,beyer,https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA), who serve as Vice Chair and Co-Chair, respectively, of the Congressional Artificial Intelligence (AI) Caucus, today introduced the AI Foundation Model Transparency Act, ambitious legislation to promote transparency in artificial intelligence foundation models. Foundation models are AI models trained on broad data; they power the generative AI websites and chatbots that have drawn international focus over the past year. Information about the data these models are trained on generally is not available to the public, and AI models often produce inaccurate, imprecise, or biased responses due to limitations or biases in the model’s training data or how the model was trained. This often results in racial or gendered bias, which can have serious real-world impacts in areas including health-related AI inferences, loan granting, housing approval, or predictive policing. The AI Foundation Model Transparency Act would direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), in consultation with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), to set standards for what information high-impact foundation models must provide to the FTC and what information they must make available to the public. Information identified for increased transparency would include training data used, how the model is trained, and whether user data is collected in inference. “Artificial intelligence foundation models commonly described as a ‘black box’ make it hard to explain why a model gives a particular response. Giving users more information about the model—how it was built and what background information it bases its results on—would greatly increase transparency,” said Beyer. “This bill would help users determine if they should trust the model they are using for certain applications, and help identify limitations on data, potential biases, or misleading results. When a model’s bias could lead to harmful results like rejections for housing or loan applications, or faulty medical decisions, the importance of this reform becomes clear and very significant.” “AI offers incredible possibilities for our country, but it also presents peril. Transparency into how AI models are trained and what data is used to train them is critical for consumers and policy makers,” said Eshoo. “The AI Foundation Model Transparency Act directs the Federal Trade Commission and NIST to establish standards for data sharing by foundation model deployers. This critical legislation will provide necessary information and empower consumers to make well informed decisions when they interact with AI. It will also provide the FTC critical information for it to continue to protect consumers in an AI-enabled world.” The AI Foundation Model Transparency Act would: Direct the FTC, in consultation with NIST, the Copyright Office, and OSTP, to set transparency standards for foundation model deployers, by asking them to make certain information publicly available to consumers; Direct companies to provide consumers and the FTC with information on the model’s training data, model training mechanisms, and whether user data is collected in inference; and Protect small deployers and researchers, while seeking responsible transparency practices from our highest-impact foundation models. The bill would also help copyright owners protect their copyrights, addressing widespread concerns from businesses and individuals about AI, by giving users more information to help them begin to determine if their copyrights were included in an AI foundation model’s training data. Text of the AI Foundation Model Transparency Act is available here, with a one-pager on the bill here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6053,Beyer Highlights Strong Economic Indicators Showing Solid Growth At The End Of 2023,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,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), Senior House Democrat on Congress’ Joint Economic Committee, today highlighted a raft of strongly positive economic indicators showing solid, sustained growth heading into the end of 2023. Twelve headlines show the breadth of America’s economic strength heading into 2024: Wall Street Journal: Prices Fell in November for the First Time Since 2020. Inflation Is Approaching Fed Target. Bloomberg: US Consumer Confidence Surges Most Since 2021 in Broad Upturn Reuters: Solid US Job Growth, Drop In Unemployment Rate Underscore Labor Market Resilience New York Times: Gas Prices Are Falling Fast, Helping Tame Inflation Yahoo Finance: Strong Wage Growth Gave Americans A $1,000 Spending Boost In 2023 Washington Post: Dow Jones Hits An All-Time High As Investors Cheer Progress On Inflation Forbes: This Key Inflation Metric Finally Hit Federal Reserve’s Target ABC: Federal Reserve Expects To Cut Interest Rates Next Year, Fed Chair Jerome Powell Says Associated Press: US Economic Growth for Last Quarter Is Revised Up Ro A 5.2% Annual Rate CNN: 2022 Had The Lowest Total Unemployment Rate Ever MarketWatch: U.S. Housing Starts Surge To Highest Level Since May CNN: Recession Fears Are Starting To Fade For Americans",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wittman-kiggans-scott-mcclellan-urge-dod-ensure-funding-hampton-roads,"Wittman, Kiggans, Scott, McClellan Urge DOD to Ensure Funding For Hampton Roads Shipbuilding Ecosystem",2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,VA,"Robert C. ""Bobby"" Scott",S000185,bobbyscott.house.gov,bobbyscott,https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON– Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01), vice chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, was joined by Virginia delegation members Reps. Jen Kiggans (VA-02), Bobby Scott (VA-03), and Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) in urging Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to ensure aircraft carrier procurement funding remains on track. “Stable and predictable shipbuilding timelines help to maintain a healthy industrial base ecosystem while providing economic benefits for thousands of Virginians in the greater Hampton Roads region,” said Congressman Wittman. “Any delays in funding for the next Ford­­-class carrier would be extremely disruptive to our Navy’s ability to project power and provide for our national security.” The Virginian delegation members also touted the more than $5 billion in cost savings and stability that multi-ship buys would generate for the Navy and the shipbuilding industrial base. “At a time when our nation is facing threats from multiple fronts, it is critical to prioritize our shipbuilding schedule,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “Our aircraft carriers are the best in the world and the cornerstone of our ability to project power around the globe. Additionally, the shipbuilding industry provides stable, good paying jobs for Hampton Roads and is a major contributor to our local economy and an economic driver for our Commonwealth. I’m proud to join my colleagues to urge Secretary Austin to keep our shipbuilding plan on schedule. Any delay would directly impact our national security and that is unacceptable.” “Consistent Navy procurement schedules for shipbuilding are critical to ensuring that Hampton Roads’ shipbuilders and our industrial base as a whole are supported,” said Congressman Scott.“Uncertainty in the production line leads to uncertainty in our national security capabilities, and I remain committed to ensuring reliable funding for the Ford-class and our nation’s entire shipbuilding program.” To read the full letter to Secretary Austin, click here or scroll below. ___ The Honorable Lloyd Austin Secretary of Defense 1000 Defense PentagonWashington, DC 20301-1000 Dear Secretary Austin: As you continue preparation of the fiscal year 2025 Budget Request for the Department of Defense, we are writing to express our support for the procurement of Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers on steady and predictable construction intervals. The President’s Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2024 forecasts two years of advance procurement (AP) for CVN 82, the fifth ship in the Ford-class of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers in fiscal years 2026 and 2027 with incremental funding beginning in fiscal year 2028. This procurement timeline for CVN 82 is consistent with the Navy’s most recent 30-year shipbuilding plan, which acknowledges the importance of stable, executable acquisition profiles to the development and retention of highly-skilled workforces and investment in world-class manufacturing and shipbuilding facilities. It is disheartening, therefore, to see recent reports suggesting that the Department may be considering delays to CVN 82 in the fiscal year 2025 budget request – something that would be extremely disruptive to the shipbuilding industrial base and detrimental to national security. In accordance with Section 132 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (P.L. 117-263), the Secretary of the Navy recently submitted a report to the congressional defense committees highlighting the overwhelming benefits of a Ford-class acquisition strategy that leverages the block buy purchase of CVN 82 and CVN 83 with sufficient advance procurement funding on consistent and predictable 4-year construction intervals. Similar to previous multi-ship procurement strategies that have proven successful across numerous shipbuilding programs (to include CVN 80 and CVN 81), it is estimated that a block buy procurement of CVN 82 and CVN 83 in FY28 would save the nation more than $5 billion and inject much needed stability into an otherwise fragile shipbuilding industry. As recent events have shown, our nation’s aircraft carrier fleet remains in constant demand, with more than 1/3 (4 of 11) of the nation’s aircraft carriers recently deployed worldwide to protect vital national interests. Foundational to this deterrent presence is our nation’s aircraft carrier industrial base, which has been dramatically reduced to approximately 2,000 across the country. These remaining suppliers – many of which support both submarines and aircraft carriers as part of the nation’s nuclear industrial base – rely on the Navy’s commitment to steady, executable procurement timelines to avoid the “boom and bust” acquisition profiles and breaks in production lines referenced in the 2024 shipbuilding plan. As such, we urge the Department to remain on course with the procurement of CVN 82 in 2028 and strongly encourage consideration of the optimum acquisition strategy for Ford-class aircraft carriers delineated in the Navy’s report to the defense committees earlier this year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://buchanan.house.gov/2023/12/two-more-buchanan-bills-signed-into-law,Two More Buchanan Bills Signed Into Law!,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,FL,Vern Buchanan,B001260,buchanan.house.gov,buchanan,https://buchanan.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan announced that two of his proposals included in the final version of the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), have been signed into law. This marks Buchanan’s 31st and 32nd legislative initiatives signed into law since he first came to Congress in 2007. Buchanan has had four initiatives signed by President Bush, six by President Obama and 13 by President Trump. He has also seen nine legislative proposals signed into law by President Biden so far. “These two proposals are going to address the well-being and safety of our active-duty service members and their families,” said Congressman Buchanan. “I’m extremely pleased to see these provisions signed into law and am committed to securing more wins for our country and our community in Southwest Florida.” The two Buchanan provisions include: An amendment to examine the benefits and feasibility of utilizing black box data recorders in tactical military vehicles to prevent future accidents. The Rachael Booth Act (H.R. 975), which aims to fix a gap in current law that prevents some individuals who suffer domestic abuse at the hands of a service member from receiving much-needed financial assistance. Buchanan’s first provision will evaluate if equipping tactical vehicles with black box data recorders could prevent future military training accidents, previously introduced as the DRIVE SAFE Act (H.R. 4399). Buchanan has been a leading advocate in Congress for reforming current military training procedures and improving emergency response capabilities in Congress after his constituent, Army Specialist Panipinto, died when the M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle he was driving overturned during a road test in 2019 in South Korea. Numerous safety and training failures contributed to SPC Panipinto’s death, including malfunctions of the vehicle’s communication systems, defective or broken equipment, a lack of medical services on base and significant delays in medical response to the scene of the accident. ""There just isn't an end to this sadness. Our hearts are forever broken. The only thing we can do now is try to prevent this from happening again,” said Kimberly Weaver, mother of Army Specialist Panipinto. “Congressman Buchanan heard us. He has been relentless in the fight to demand accountability and secure a safer future for our service members. Rollovers account for 63% of military vehicle deaths. Data retrieving devices on tactical vehicles will help to collect accident data and diagnose mechanical failures before they become fatalities or blamed upon the victim who no longer has a voice. We are forever grateful to Congressman Buchanan for his devotion to this cause and the procurement of a safer future for our military sons and daughters."" Buchanan’s second provision, the Rachael Booth Act, was named after his constituent from Lithia, FL. She found herself unable to access the financial assistance she should have been eligible for when her husband was convicted of domestic abuse in a civilian court and then discharged from the military on an unrelated offense. This new law will help dependents of service members more easily access Transitional Compensation to help them transition to financial independence after the service member has been discharged from the military for a domestic abuse offense. “The passing of this Act is an emotional triumph for me,” said Rachael Booth. “Knowing victims will have swift access to the help they need, empowering them with the assistance they need to reclaim their lives is a beacon of hope.” Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), who introduced companion legislation in the Senate, said, “The Rachael Booth Act is a bipartisan, common sense solution to an urgent problem. This law will fix the error that prevented victims whose cases are handled by civilian courts from being eligible for transitional compensation. I am proud to have named this law after a courageous Floridian who shed light on the current system.” Buchanan had a series of sweeping military training reforms included in the FY22 NDAA that required the Pentagon to implement more realistic training practices, develop stricter enforcement standards and ensure better oversight to prevent future military training accidents and deaths. In 2020, Buchanan also offered an amendment to the FY21 NDAA that was successfully signed into law. His amendment required the DoD to examine emergency response capabilities and services currently available at U.S. bases around the world, and to report to Congress on the potential benefits and feasibility of requiring bases to have properly functioning MedEvac helicopters and fully stocked military ambulances.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1779,Carbajal-Bice Bill to Combat Threat of Fentanyl Signed into Law,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,CA,Salud O. Carbajal,C001112,carbajal.house.gov,carbajal,https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, President Joe Biden signed into law legislation written by House Armed Services Committee member Salud Carbajal (D-CA) and Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-OK) to combat fentanyl trafficking. The Disrupt Fentanyl Trafficking Act, originally introduced by the lawmakers along with Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) in May, will increase federal attention on fentanyl trafficking by utilizing the tools of the Department of Defense (DoD) and involving Mexico as an active partner to combat the flow of the illicit opioid and disrupt drug cartel and trafficking activity. “The Central Coast of California has been devastated by the scourge of fentanyl on our streets, with some areas seeing a 700% spike in overdose deaths in recent years. We need an international and all-hands approach to curbing these overdose deaths–and it starts with cutting off the supply before it reaches our communities,” Representative Salud Carbajal said. “As one of this year’s NDAA conferees, I was proud to see the final agreement include our bipartisan measure to declare fentanyl trafficking a national security threat and enhance cooperation with Mexico to crack down on the flow of this deadly drug – and I am proud to see it signed into law today.” “I am proud that the Disrupt Fentanyl Trafficking Act was included in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act. This legislation is critical in empowering the Department of Defense to take steps to halt cartel trafficking. Fentanyl is killing countless Americans, and we must take steps to halt this crisis. I am grateful for the support of my colleagues in the House and Senate as we worked to ensure this legislation was included in the final bill,” said Rep. Bice. The legislation was included in the final agreement on the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (FY24 NDAA) announced earlier this month. The fentanyl measure was first added to the NDAA as an amendment in the House authored with the help of Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA). Senators Ernst and Kaine also included the measure in the Senate Armed Services Committee version of the legislation via amendment in June. Fentanyl is a leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-45, and an estimated 196 Americans are dying every single day due to fentanyl. Of the 168 overdose deaths in Santa Barbara County in 2022, 115 were fentanyl related, compared to 75 in 2021 and 32 in 2019. In Ventura County, fentanyl-related overdose deaths have risen more than 800% in recent years – with 181 deaths in 2022 compared to 22 in 2017. In San Luis Obispo County, overdose deaths involving fentanyl climbed from 9 in 2019 to 74 in 2021. The Department of Defense plays a crucial role in the nation’s counter-drug intelligence and monitoring operations, and these operations are meant to provide federal law enforcement with actionable intelligence to further investigations. However, a lack of interagency cooperation has hampered our government’s counter-fentanyl efforts. Specifically, the Disrupt Fentanyl Trafficking Act of 2023 will work to strengthen these efforts by:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1780,"President Biden Approves Bipartisan Effort led by Reps. Carbajal, Bacon, and Gallagher to Strengthen U.S. Nuclear Cybersecurity Standards",2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,CA,Salud O. Carbajal,C001112,carbajal.house.gov,carbajal,https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, President Joe Biden signed into law language championed by Congressmen Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Don Bacon (NE-02) and Mike Gallagher (WI-08) to strengthen the cybersecurity practices for the United States’ nuclear weapons system. Reports from the Government Accountability Office published in September 2022 and June 2023 found that the National Nuclear System Administration was delinquent in fully implementing federally-recommended cybersecurity practices. The legislation first proposed earlier this year and approved today will set up a Cybersecurity Risk Inventory, Assessment, and Mitigation Working Group within the Department of Defense, requiring them to inventory nuclear systems at risk, and develop and implement a strategy for meeting the recommendations of the GAO report. “There are some causes that may not seem worth Congress’ time at first glance. Closing gaps in the cybersecurity practices of our nation’s nuclear systems is not one of them,” said Rep. Carbajal. “I am glad that this bipartisan proposal received bipartisan support throughout our push for its inclusion this year, and that President Biden has also recognized that our proposal is a straightforward pathway to ensuring we have no reason to doubt the security of our most dangerous weapon systems.” “Our nuclear forces are the backbone of our Nation’s strategic deterrence,” said Rep. Bacon. “We should put every effort into protecting our nuclear arsenal and be vigilant about cybersecurity risks. I thank Rep. Carbajal for leading this important amendment with me so that we can have confidence in the security of our nuclear weapons.” “A ready and resilient nuclear force is critical to American deterrence. I am proud to co-sponsor this bipartisan effort to ensure that the systems keeping our nuclear forces capable are cyber secure—free from adversarial interference and prepared for action at all times,” said Rep. Gallagher. The Working Group would be required to brief the Congress within 120 days of the enactment of the proposed language, and submit a completed strategy to the Armed Services committees by April 1, 2025.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://chu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-chu-leads-colleagues-advocate-dhs-immediately-close-adelanto-ice,Rep. Chu Leads Colleagues to Advocate that DHS Immediately Close Adelanto ICE Processing Center,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,CA,Judy Chu,C001080,chu.house.gov,chu,https://chu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Members call for “more humane and conscientious approach to our immigration system” WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) led a letter, co-signed by 19 House colleagues, to the Department of Homeland Security, expressing strong support for the closure of the Adelanto ICE Processing Center located in Adelanto, California. “We write to express our support for the immediate closure of the Adelanto ICE Processing Center and urge the Department of Homeland Security to take immediate steps to terminate the contract,” the Members wrote to Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. “Earlier this month, Fox News reported that the nearly 2,000 bed-capacity Adelanto Center is on the verge of closing. Adelanto’s deplorable conditions have been widely reported and the GEO Group, which runs the facility, has long been responsible for violating the constitutional rights of the people in its custody. The GEO Group, which operates the facility, has a history of violating detainees' constitutional rights and a deadly track record of denying necessary medical and mental health treatment to immigrants at Adelanto, resulting in eight preventable deaths according to ICE's investigation.” Members of Congress have consistently raised concerns about the unconstitutional conditions and health care risks posed to detained immigrants within the low-capacity Adelanto facility, including in a 2015 letter to DHS. Despite this and outlined recommendations for improvement, California and federal oversight agencies responsible for inspecting immigrant detention facilities have consistently determined that GEO is unable to provide adequate health and mental health care at Adelanto and other facilities it operates. The Members continue, “we urge you to redirect the financial resources currently invested in the Adelanto ICE Processing Center towards programs that support community development, education, healthcare, or other vital services that would be a more effective and just use of taxpayer dollars. Doing so would not only demonstrate a commitment to fiscal responsibility but also reflect a more humane and conscientious approach to our immigration system.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-garcia-johnson-renew-fight-for-stronger-truck-insurance-requirements,"Reps. García, Johnson Renew Fight for Stronger Truck Insurance Requirements",2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,IL,"Jesús G. ""Chuy"" García",G000586,chuygarcia.house.gov,chuygarcia,https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressmen Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) and Hank Johnson (GA-04) introduced the Fair Compensation for Truck Crash Victims Act, legislation that would strengthen insurance requirements for interstate motor carriers and protect American families from the financial devastation caused by catastrophic truck crashes. The Fair Compensation for Truck Crash Victims Act proposes two key changes: Increasing the minimum insurance requirement for interstate motor carriers from $750,000 to $5,000,000. This outdated figure, which has not changed since 1980, does not reflect rising medical costs and potential losses from serious crashes. The new minimum would reflect the true cost of a tragic truck crash. Indexing the new minimum insurance requirement to inflation. This critical provision ensures that financial protection for crash victims does not erode over time, keeping pace with the rising cost of healthcare and other expenses. “For too long, truck crash victims and their families have been burdened by tremendous emotional and financial consequences, facing a mountain of medical debt and shattered lives,” said Congressman García. “The Fair Compensation for Truck Crash Victims Act is about justice, responsibility, and protecting our communities. It's time to ensure that trucking companies have adequate insurance to cover the true cost of their actions and prevent families from being financially destroyed by crashes they had no control over.” Kate Brown is a board member for the Institute for Safer Trucking (IST), a non-profit committed to helping truck crash victims and survivors throughout the U.S. Her son Graham was severely injured in a truck crash in 2005. The trucking company only had a $750,000 policy. “Our family still struggles with the physical, emotional, and financial burdens of that crash,” Kate Brown said. ""The inadequate insurance barely covered a fraction of Graham's medical needs, leaving us buried in debt. The Fair Compensation for Truck Crash Victims Act would help prevent other families from facing the same nightmare.” “The fact that minimum insurance requirements for interstate motor carriers haven’t been updated since 1980 is ridiculous,” said Congressman Johnson. “Families like the Karths—who lost their beloved AnnaLeah and Mary on I-20 in Georgia—and so many others who have lost loved ones in truck crashes should not also be financially devastated in the aftermath of these tragedies.” “An increase in the minimum liability insurance requirement for trucking companies is long overdue. $750,000 is a value which doesn’t come anywhere close to DOT’s determination of the Value of a Statistical Life at $12.5 million for 2022.” said Marianne and Jerry Karth, co-founders of AnnaLeah & Mary for Truck Safety. “We lost two daughters, AnnaLeah and Mary, in 2013 due to a truck crash. The trucking company’s insurance policy had to cover all the costs no matter how many parties or victims were involved. We need a commonsense solution to this ongoing predicament so victims no longer have to bear the financial burden and so trucking companies are incentivized to adopt available safety technologies.” Dexter Culclager, an IST board member, who lost his entire family in a 2015 truck crash, added his support for the legislation. “My wife, Yakel, and our three children, Tre'Quis, Tra'Desia, and Tra'Veion, were taken from us in an instant because of a negligent trucking company,” Culclager said. ""There's nothing that can bring them back, but the Fair Compensation for Truck Crash Victims Act could prevent other families from experiencing the same devastating loss by incentivizing the insurance companies to play a larger role in keeping unsafe trucking companies off our roads.” The Fair Compensation for Truck Crash Victims Act is cosponsored by Representatives Jared Huffman (CA-02), John Garamendi (CA-03), Steve Cohen (TN-09), and Adriano Espaillat (NY-13).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases/following-ciscomanis-urging-va-adds-outstation-sierra-vista,"Following Ciscomani’s Urging, VA Adds Outstation in Sierra Vista",2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,AZ,Juan Ciscomani,C001133,ciscomani.house.gov,ciscomani,https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Following pressure from U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is opening of a Vet Center Outstation in Sierra Vista, Arizona. The announcement of the new location comes after the Vet Center Community Access Point in Cochise County closed in May. In July, Congressman Ciscomani wrote a letter to the VA demanding answers on the closure and pressing the agency for a timeline for the opening of a new location. The shuttering of the access point left the nearest Vet Center more than 75 miles away, creating an immense burden for the 18,000 veterans that call Cochise County home. “I am pleased to see the VA take concrete steps to open a new location in Cochise County,” said Congressman Ciscomani, a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “Our veterans already face onerous red tape when receiving the benefits they deserve, and we must do all we can to eliminate those burdens. Whether it’s reducing wait times, finding more convenient locations, or expanding access to care, I will always strive to find ways to better serve our veterans.” “The closure of the Vet Center in May left veterans in Cochise County without convenient, accessible care,” said Army veteran Jane Strain. “Thanks to the advocacy of Congressman Ciscomani, the VA recognized the need for a location in Sierra Vista. As a result, our veteran community will once again be able to receive the care they need in an expedient and localized manner.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-courtney-statement-president-bidens-signing-fy24-national-defense,Rep. Courtney Statement on President Biden’s Signing of the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,CT,Joe Courtney,C001069,courtney.house.gov,courtney,https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"NORWICH, CT – Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) issued the following statement after President Biden signed the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act into law – the 63rd consecutive year in a row the annual defense authorization bill has been signed into law. Last week, Rep. Courtney, the Ranking Member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, joined a bipartisan coalition in the House to pass the FY24 NDAA by a vote of 310-118. “Today’s signing of the bill codifies the tireless efforts of a bipartisan coalition to strengthen our national security and support our servicemembers and their families,” Courtney said. “Of particular note, the bill provides a 5.2% pay increase – the highest increase in decades – for active duty, national guard, reserve, and civilian personnel at the Department of Defense. That increase will go into effect on January 1, 2024, regardless of whether a defense appropriations bill has passed, and benefits the thousands of military personnel across Connecticut. In eastern Connecticut, home of 9,000 military personnel at Groton Sub Base, this is welcome news. I thank President Biden for his support of this year’s bill.” To read more about House passage of the FY24 NDAA, clickhere. To read more about the priorities Rep. Courtney secured to support eastern Connecticut, click here. To read more about the priorities Rep. Courtney secured to support our seapower capabilities, click here. To read more about the priorities Rep. Courtney secured to support the AUKUS mission, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://crane.house.gov/2023/12/22/media-press-releases-crane-announces-winner-2023-congressional-app-challenge/,Crane Announces Winner of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,AZ,Elijah Crane,C001132,crane.house.gov,crane,https://crane.house.gov/media/,scraper,"Washington, DC – Today, Representative Eli Crane (R-AZ) announced Skanda “Jai” McCabe as the winner of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge for Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District. Jai is currently a 9th Grader at Coconino High School in Flagstaff, AZ. He built his first gaming computer when he was 11 and is very passionate about coding, programing, and hardware development. He plans on using utilizing his gifts to become a computer engineer. “It is inspiring to know young individuals like Jai have a passion for coding, programing, and hardware development,” said Rep. Crane. “His skills and talent will surely help our nation in the future, as we endeavor to preserve America’s security and prosperity by advancing transformative science and technology.” Jai’s app, Notes2, is an innovative and efficient text editing platform that offers users visually dynamic interfaces. The Congressional App Challenge is a prestigious prize in student computer science. Participation in the challenge has grown exponentially since the program’s inception. Most students who win this challenge are just learning how to code a fully functioning app from start to finish. As the winner of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge, Jai will receive the following: Recognition: Rep. Eli Crane and the Congressional App Challenge community will officially recognize the achievement. The winning app will be: Displayed in the US Capitol Building for one year Featured on House.gov for one year Featured on CongressionalAppChallenge.us Certificate of Achievement: A formal certificate acknowledging the victory in the 2023 Congressional App Challenge will be presented by the office of Rep. Eli Crane. #HouseofCode: The winner will be invited to attend #HouseofCode, located at the US Capitol Building, and will take place in April 2024. ARTS Act Copyright Waiver: The winner of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge is entitled to have their registration fees waived if they elect to copyright their creation. To learn more about the Congressional App Challenge, click here. Be on the lookout for information regarding next year’s competition. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://crenshaw.house.gov/2023/12/crenshaw-s-psychedelic-research-provision-signed-into-law,Crenshaw's Psychedelic Research Provision Signed into Law,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,TX,Dan Crenshaw,C001120,crenshaw.house.gov,crenshaw,https://crenshaw.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC - Legislation led by Representative Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) to research the use of psychedelics to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) in active-duty servicemembers was signed into law as part of this year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Originally introduced as H.R. 3684, this provision is focused on ending the suicide epidemic plaguing our active-duty and veteran populations. “I’ve led this two years in a row in the House, and now finally got it into the final bill with the Senate,” said Crenshaw. “I’m thrilled. This will save lives and potentially revolutionize the way we treat all types of PTSD.” “The inclusion of psychedelic research in the NDAA marks a pivotal turn in our journey to revolutionize mental health care for our military,” said Amber Capone, CEO and co-founder of Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS). “The unwavering support and dedication of our community, combined with the collaborative efforts of policymakers like Rep. Crenshaw, have been instrumental in achieving this milestone. This is more than a legislative success; it's a beacon of hope, promising innovative and effective treatments for those who have selflessly served our nation.” “This legislation is a historic accomplishment for our Country, our servicemembers, and for science. This achievement, coupled with the recent actions of the VA, have shown psychedelic-assisted therapies are moving from theoretical ideas to tangible therapeutic treatments,” said former Congresswoman Mimi Walters, chair of the patient advocacy group, Apollo Pact. “This will give our active-duty service men and women more options to heal. I commend Reps. Crenshaw & Luttrell on their leadership to bring innovative solutions to the forefront.” Background Retired U.S. Navy SEAL Representative Morgan Luttrell co-led the legislation and offered it as an amendment to this year’s NDAA. Under Crenshaw’s bill, the Secretary of Defense is directed to establish a clinical trial grant program for the use of psychedelic substances to treat PTSD and TBI in active-duty servicemembers. A recent FDA Phase 3 Trial of MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD found that 71% of participants who received three MDMA-assisted therapy sessions no longer qualified for a PTSD diagnosis and 86% experienced a clinically meaningful reduction in symptoms, underscoring the significant impact psychedelic treatment can have on those suffering from trauma-related disorders. The bill has a broad, bipartisan coalition of co-sponsors: Reps. Luttrell, Bergman, Van Orden, Zinke, Gaetz, Ocasio-Cortez, Laurel Lee, Mace, Correa, Moskowitz, Khanna, Blumenauer, Trone, and Bill Johnson.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-concerned-announced-rules-would-hurt-clean-hydrogen-production-western,Deluzio Concerned Announced Rules Would Hurt Clean Hydrogen Production in Western Pennsylvania,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CARNEGIE, PA – Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) released the following statement in response to the Biden Administration’s newly proposed guidance for the 45V Hydrogen Power Tax Credit elements of the Inflation Reduction Act. The proposed guidance announced leaves the eligibility of blue hydrogen for these tax credits uncertain. “While these proposed rules aren’t final, I’m disappointed to see the limits placed on hydrogen production and am concerned about their impact on the future of hydrogen power in places like Western Pennsylvania. “The language of the Inflation Reduction Act is clear: we should not be picking winning technologies or restricting flexibility in this new energy sector. Rules like the ones proposed today risk slowing or undermining Western Pennsylvania’s ability to grow the solid union jobs that hydrogen power can deliver. “Expanding the types of technologies eligible for the tax credit will not just jumpstart the hydrogen power industry, but will also keep Western Pennsylvania as a leader in powering the country, securing our energy future, and meeting our climate goals.” Thanks to funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the Biden Administration is investing $7 billion in Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs, one of which includes parts of Rep. Deluzio’s district in Western Pennsylvania. Blue Hydrogen, which uses natural gas in the electrolysis process of making hydrogen, but then captures and sequesters any carbon dioxide emissions underground, is carbon neutral. This type of energy is the one targeted for many nascent hydrogen power projects in Western Pennsylvania and its forthcoming hub. In a December 12th letter to President Joe Biden, Rep. Deluzio raised concerns to the President that rigid restrictions on Blue Hydrogen could result in unintended consequences and squash job-creation—especially in Pennsylvania's 17th Congressional District. In the letter, the Congressman urged the President to consider energy communities like southwestern Pennsylvania, along with “the solid union jobs that power them, before finalizing any rules that would unnecessarily exclude viable carbon neutral energy projects.” The rules proposed by the Treasury Department today will be open for public comment soon. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-provisions-signed-law,Johnson Provisions Signed into Law,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, two provisions led by U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) in the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) were signed into law. The provisions would create a congressional charter for the National American Indian Veterans (NAIV) organization and ban the use of LOGINK, a Chinese Communist Party (CCP) state-controlled shipping platform, at U.S. ports. “Securing these provisions will protect our imports and exports from the CCP’s spying eyes and ensure our Native American veterans get long-overdue recognition they deserve,” said Johnson. “After years of hard work and team effort, I’m glad to see more success for South Dakota.” “Signing the NDAA into law is important for our country in so many ways and strengthens our military. This bill includes a provision the NAIV has been working on for many years: a provision to grant NAIV a federal charter. On behalf of all of our Native veterans, I want to thank Congressman Dusty Johnson and all the supporters of this section that means so much to the Native men and women who have honorably served for more than 200 years,” said Don Loudner, National Commander, National American Indian Veterans. LOGINK Background: LOGINK is used at more than 20 ports worldwide and stores unrivaled data and visibility into global shipping container flows. It’s estimated the CCP and its state-controlled shipping platform have contact with at least half of the global shipping container flows. If LOGINK gained access to U.S. carriers and ports, the CCP would be at an extreme competitive advantage, allowing them to underbid foreign competitors and further increase dependency on Chinese markets. In March, Johnson introduced legislation to ban LOGINK. Read the full amendment text here. National American Indian Veterans Congressional Charter Background: Congress grants charters to recognize patriotic and national organizations that operate solely for charitable, literary, educational, scientific or civil improvement purposes. Headquartered in South Dakota on the Cheyenne River Reservation, the NAIV is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for tribal veterans nationwide. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, there are more than 140,000 Native American veterans in the United States. While congressional charters have been granted to Italian-American, Polish-American and Catholic-American veterans groups, as of today, no Native American veterans’ organization has received one, yet Native Americans serve in our military at five times the national average. Originally established in 2004, today the NAIV serves the needs of Native American veterans in all 50 states. NAIV was formed as a result of a request by former Senators Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii), Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) and Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-Colo.) during a Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing in 2004.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-espaillat-and-torres-introduce-bold-legislative-package-addressing,Reps. Espaillat and Torres Introduce Bold Legislative Package Addressing Shortfalls that Contributed to Bronx Building Collapse,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,NY,Adriano Espaillat,E000297,espaillat.house.gov,espaillat,https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, U.S. Representatives Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) and Ritchie Torres (NY-15) introduced a legislative package containing two bills, the Building Collapse Prevention Act and the LIHTC Landlord Accountability Act, and a letter to Commissioner Jimmy Oddo of the NYC Department of Buildings. The package was first reported yesterday in the New York Daily News. On the package, Rep. Adriano Espaillat said: “The partial collapse of what we witnessed at Billingsley Terrace or what could potentially happen at any building in and around New York City is deeply troubling and could have devastating consequences in a city as populously dense as ours. This shocking and unfortunate incident could have been prevented and it remains incumbent on us, as public officials, to ensure the necessary resources and oversight to prevent incidents like this from occurring in the future. Our legislative package ensures necessary mechanisms are in place to provide oversight and accountability to advance the safety and integrity of buildings across our city.” Rep. Ritchie Torres said: “Building safety is a matter of life and death. If we as elected officials see something on the ground, it is incumbent on us to say something. And more than saying something, we should have the power to act. The federal government is the principal funder of affordable housing in the country. And therefore, we in the federal government have a vested interest in ensuring that affordable housing is structurally sound and that the people who live there are physically safe. I am proud to partner with Congressman Espaillat on these crucial pieces of legislation to protect our communities and ensure that we do whatever we can to prevent another building collapse.” The Building Collapse Prevention Act would require the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish a program with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to inspect federally assisted rental housing, including public housing, buildings that accept Section 8 funds, and any other building that accepts federal housing funding. NIST must inspect a building if HUD, a member of the House of Representatives or Senate requests an inspection of a building or a building collapses. A member of the House may only request an inspection of a building that is within the Congressional district that they represent, and a Senator may only request an inspection of a building that is within their state. This request can only be made if there has been a violation of local construction or building safety codes or an inspection report that finds structural issues with a building and therefore could lead to a building collapse. The LIHTC Landlord Accountability Act would require all Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) buildings, both new and existing, to prove complete architectural safety in order to receive the affordable housing tax credit. It would mandate that landlords submit an annual report to the U.S. Department of Treasury detailing their eligibility and structural soundness that must be proved through a thorough architectural analysis. It would require that the Department of Treasury fine LIHTC landlords $500,000 for noncompliance in these annual reports. Lastly, it would require the Department of Treasury, in consultation with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, to publish a report on best practices for LIHTC landlords to employ to ensure safety and integrity in our nation’s largest affordable housing program. The letter to Commissioner Oddo includes the following ask from the two Congressmen: “We are formally requesting the New York City Department of Buildings (NYC DOB) provide a report to our offices of measurements to be taken to prevent the recurrence of such incidents and recommendations that the city, state, and federal government can take to help the NYC DOB advance the safety and integrity of buildings in our city. We are also requesting that the NYC DOB submit a list of structurally unsound, unstable, and defective buildings broken down by neighborhood. Finally, we are requesting an investigation into the possible role the nearby Department of Design and Construction water main installation may have played in the degradation of the structural integrity of the building. This report should be submitted within 14 days of receiving this letter, considering the urgency and gravity of the situation.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/my-weekly-column-supporting-our-police-officers-and-their-k9-partners,My Weekly Column: Supporting our police officers and their K9 partners,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Our police and law enforcement officers make incredible sacrifices to protect our families and communities and undertake many responsibilities outside of the public eye. That includes caring for police K9s – which assist officers in seizing drugs, tracking missing people, and detaining criminals – during their service and after their retirement. These police K9s are vital partners in ensuring public safety and spearheading the fight against crime and the fentanyl epidemic. In my conversations with police and sheriffs across the 4th Congressional District on my 36 County Tour, I have learned that officers themselves often cover the expenses of routine veterinary visits and assume other costs. According to some estimates, approximately 40% of the lifetime veterinary expenses for police dogs occur in the last two years of their lives, meaning the handler could expect $5,000 or more in veterinary bills in the final years of a police dog’s life. That’s wrong and requires real solutions. At a time when our police forces are still struggling to hire new officers and our law enforcement officers already have enough on their plates, they shouldn’t be expected to spend their hard-earned paychecks on routine police dog care and checkups. That’s why I introduced legislation – the Honoring Police Officer and K9 Service Act – to help our police cover the costs of maintaining K9s in their departments and ensure that police dogs receive the quality care and treatment that they deserve after a lifetime of service. More specifically, this initiative would establish a $5,000,000 authorization for a grant program within the U.S. Department of Justice to financially assist law enforcement officers with expenses incurred by active and retired K9s. The U.S. Attorney General would then award grants to eligible nonprofits that assist owners of former law enforcement K9s with costs associated with veterinary care, medication, or other medical expenses.Any grant recipient would further be required to deliver a detailed annual report to the U.S. Attorney General outlining how grant funds were deployed, and the Attorney General would then submit a joint report of all grant funds to Congress to ensure program accountability, efficacy, and transparency. I am also glad to report that this legislation enjoys wide support and endorsements from major police and law-enforcement organizations across the country. The National Police Dog Foundation, the National Police Association, the National Sheriffs’ Association, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the International Union of Police Associations, and Major County Sheriffs of America have all expressed their strong support for this bill. They have specifically underscored how the Honoring Police Officer and K9 Service Act will make a real difference in the lives of police K9s and alleviate financial stress for police departments so that they can focus on doing their jobs and protecting our communities. Our police and law enforcement officers – and their K9 partners – put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities and keep our families safe. I am encouraged that my bill will give our police officers the resources and the peace of mind to protect our families and deliver the high-quality care that police dogs deserve on the job and during retirement. As a strong ally of our law enforcement community, I will always back the blue 100%, which includes our four-legged friends and heroes.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://flood.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-flood-slams-bidens-border-mismanagement,Congressman Flood Slams Biden’s Border Mismanagement,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,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 regarding the reopening of rail crossings on the U.S.-Mexico border. “Closing rail crossings only to reopen them days later under pressure is just the latest example of Secretary Mayorkas’ mismanagement of border policy. I’m glad he reopened the crossings, however, they never should have been shut in the first place. This decision only added chaos and needless complexity to an already busy holiday season. President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas need to put their focus on getting control of our border and building the wall instead of shutting down transportation that’s critical to our economy.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://flood.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-floods-christmas-statement-0,Congressman Flood’s Christmas Statement,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,NE,Mike Flood,F000474,flood.house.gov,flood,https://flood.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.–U.S. Congressman Mike Flood issued a recorded statement ahead of Christmas, which is observed December 25, 2023. Video of the remarks can be found by clicking here. News outlets are welcome to use the footage for their reporting purposes. The full text of the speech is below. Friends and fellow Nebraskans, as we enter this season, I want to take a moment to briefly reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. More than two thousand years ago, Jesus Christ was born, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger. His birth was announced to shepherds. It was a humble beginning for the Savior of the world – an unexpected one that shattered the expectation of some that the Messiah would be a politically powerful figure. Two millennia later, the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus continues to offer hope, grace, and salvation. As we gather with family and friends to celebrate Christmas, let’s give thanks for what we’ve received this year. We are richly blessed with a country in which we are free to live, work, and raise a family. If you’re traveling throughout the holidays, please be sure to watch the weather closely, buckle up, and have fun celebrating!",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3661,Florida Democratic Delegation Urges Governor to Enroll in Summer Food Assistance Program,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,FL,Lois Frankel,F000462,frankel.house.gov,frankel,https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Representatives Lois Frankel (FL-22), Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (FL-25), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Frederica Wilson (FL-24), Darren Soto (FL-09), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), and Jared Moskowitz (FL-23) sent a letter urging Gov. DeSantis to enroll Florida in the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Program, which would provide food assistance to two million children across the state. Florida would be set to receive $248 million for this program, however the state has yet to take any action to apply for these funds ahead of the January 1st deadline. “For many working and low-income families, the only nutritious meal a child receives is at school. Unfortunately, during the summer when school is out, children are missing out on the opportunity of a healthy meal,” the Members wrote. “We urge you to apply for these funds before the deadline to ensure the children of our state don’t go hungry next summer.” The full letter may be viewed here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://goldman.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-dan-goldman-announces-1-million-agriculture-and-food-research,Congressman Dan Goldman Announces $1 Million Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Grant to New York University School of Medicine,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,NY,Daniel S. Goldman,G000599,goldman.house.gov,goldman,https://goldman.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Grant Would Fund the 'Prenatal Starting Early Program,' Focused on Improving Nutrition and Physical Activity During Pregnancy New York, NY – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) today announced the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded a $969,953 Agriculture and Food Research Initiative grant to New York University School of Medicine for a mobile health intervention program focused on improving nutrition and physical activity during pregnancy. “I am extremely proud to announce that NYU Medicine will be receiving this Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Award,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “StEP:Prenatal will be critical to meaningfully improve health outcomes for pregnant patients and young children. I’m confident this will be a successful program and am looking forward to working in partnership with NYU to ensure that we can provide this program to patients across the country.” The grant is for the Prenatal Starting Early Program (StEP:Prenatal), a mobile health intervention in prenatal care and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Currently, even though 80 percent of pregnant patients in safety-net prenatal clinics receive WIC and have high rates of nutrition related pregnancy risk factors, such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension, the WIC care and care they receive at the clinics are not coordinated. StEP:Prenatal will divide participants into control and intervention groups to test effects, such as diet, physical activity, pregnancy outcomes, changes in nutrition knowledge among families and nutrition providers, and access and use of StEP:Prenatal materials. Through this program, WIC nutritionists will use mobile health to incorporate StEP:Prenatal content in pregnancy certification visits. Mobile health interventions can significantly impact diet and lifestyle behaviors linked to nutrition related chronic diseases, are cheaper to implement, and are more accessible for patients. Congressman Dan Goldman is committed to improving maternal health outcomes in moms across the United States. In May, Congressman Goldman cosponsored the ‘Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act,’ which includes twelve individual bills that together would comprehensively address the maternal mortality crisis in the United States, including the significant racial and ethnic disparities in outcomes. In October, Goldman cosponsored the ‘WIC For Kids Act,’ which would simplify the enrollment process for WIC by automatically granting WIC eligibility for mothers and children who reside in a household in which a member participates is other assistance programs such as SNAP or Medicaid. Congressman Dan Goldman is a founding member of the Congressional Dads Caucus, which advocates for paid family and medical leave policies for all parents, expanding the Child Tax Credit, increasing access to childcare, and other policies that reduce poverty and ease the burden on working parents. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://goldman.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-dan-goldman-applauds-executive-office-immigration-reviews-decision,Congressman Dan Goldman Applauds the Executive Office for Immigration Review’s Decision to Implement Directive from Goldman’s Bipartisan ‘Children’s Court Act’,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,NY,Daniel S. Goldman,G000599,goldman.house.gov,goldman,https://goldman.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Executive Office for Immigration Review Issues Directive for the Establishment of Specialized Children’s Docket Following the Introduction of Congressman Goldman’s Bipartisan ‘Children’s Court Act’ Goldman Also Sent Letter to House Appropriators in March 2023 Requesting Creation of Specialized Children’s Docket within Executive Office for Immigration Review Read EOIR’s Guidance Here Read More on Goldman’s ‘Children’s Court Act’ Here Read Goldman’s Letter to House Appropriators Here New York, NY – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) today applauded the Executive Office for Immigration Review’s (EOIR) newly released guidance for children’s immigration proceedings that ensures specialized children’s dockets in each immigration court that will be held separate from adult cases and overseen by dedicated judges. This directive from EOIR follows the introduction of Congressman Goldman’s bipartisan ‘Children’s Court Act’ which would codify the establishment of a Children’s Court within the EOIR focused on the adjudication of unaccompanied children’s removal proceedings, as well as a letter Goldman sent to House appropriators in March 2023 requesting the establishment of a specialized Children’s Court within the EOIR. “We have an obligation to protect the children who arrive at our borders without their families, and I am glad that the Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review has responded to the requests by me and my colleagues by issuing a directive establishing a children’s docket that will cater to the specific needs of these children,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “This is welcome progress and reflects the Biden Administration’s acknowledgement of the gaps in our legal system. But we must build on this effort from the Executive Branch by passing my bipartisan Children’s Court Act to codify the creation of a separate Children’s Court into law.” In November 2023, Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10), joined by Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO), Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-27), introduced the bipartisan ‘Children’s Court Act’ to combat the immigration court backlog and strengthen due process rights for children. U.S. Representatives Hillary Scholten (MI-03), and Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05) also joined as original cosponsors of this legislation. Unaccompanied migrant children face unique obstacles as they navigate the complex U.S. immigration system. After they are placed into removal proceedings, many unaccompanied children appear alone before a judge in immigration court. Children’s cases are legally complex and often take longer than adult cases to hear. As a result, there are more than 62,000 pending unaccompanied children’s cases in the United States. The bipartisan, bicameral Immigration Court Efficiency and Children’s Court Act is a commonsense proposal to strengthen due process for vulnerable children and combat the immigration court backlog. The legislation would establish a Children’s Court within the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) focused on the adjudication of unaccompanied children’s removal proceedings. Pursuant to passage, the newly established Children’s Court would require: Specially Trained Personnel: Children’s Immigration Court judges would receive special training on child trafficking, developmental and trauma-informed practice, and docket management tools. Child Participation Protocols: The Children’s Court would ensure that children can easily attend court, actively engage in the process, and fully understand their rights to help overcome typical challenges in children’s proceedings. The bill would require that the Court utilize child-appropriate procedures to help ensure that children comprehend the proceedings, are treated appropriately for their developmental stage, and have sufficient time to secure counsel. Coordination with Legal Services Organizations: Legal services organizations would coordinate with the Court to help children access legal screening and immigration proceedings at the same time and place to ensure that children obtain counsel faster and more efficiently. This approach reduces unnecessary time in court and can prevent procedural delays. In March 2023, Congressman Goldman and Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (MI-03) led colleagues in requesting that House appropriators direct the EOIR to ensure that each immigration court establishes specialized children’s dockets designed to create developmentally appropriate adjudications for unaccompanied children. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://hageman.house.gov/media/press-releases/hageman-statement-extension-comment-period-natural-asset-companies,Hageman Statement on Extension of Comment Period for Natural Asset Companies,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,WY,Harriet M. Hageman,H001096,hageman.house.gov,hageman,https://hageman.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Today, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced an extension of the public comment period for Natural Asset Companies (NACs) and provided additional information on these proposed NACs. In response to this extension, Rep. Harriet Hageman stated “The SEC tried to quickly sneak NACs past Congress and the American public. Thirty-one members of the House of Representatives joined me in a letter demanding a longer public comment period than the ridiculous 21 days originally provided. I am happy to report that today the SEC quietly published an order extending the deadline for comments on the proposed NAC rule. The order issued by the SEC sets forth additional information and addresses concerns regarding how NACs would operate and areas of inquiry. A link to the SEC’s order can be found here - I encourage all of you to weigh in on this potentially devastating effort to securitize our national heritage lands and private property rights!",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/hinson-washington-examiner-china-capitalizing-hamas-terrorist-attacks,Hinson in the Washington Examiner: China is capitalizing on Hamas terrorist attacks,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Ashley Hinson,H001091,hinson.house.gov,hinson,https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Rep. Ashley Hinson The Washington Examiner December 22, 2023 Last year, I visited Israel with a bipartisan group of lawmakers. I met wonderful Israelis, including at Kibbutz Kfar Aza, which was savaged by Hamas on Oct. 7, and was struck by how they lived under constant fear of attack each day. That constant dread became reality earlier this year, when Hamas launched its brutal terrorist attacks against Israel. Following the horrific attacks on innocent Israeli citizens at the hands of Hamas terrorists, freedom-loving countries and moral people everywhere rightly condemned Hamas and shared their support for Israel. However, communist China did not let this crisis go to waste. The Chinese Communist Party capitalized on the death and destruction to prop up Hamas terrorists, gain favor from Iran and its proxies, and sow division within the United States. In its first statement following the strikes, China urged both sides to “exercise restraint” and “remain calm” without so much as mentioning the innocent Israelis who were brutalized and murdered by Hamas terrorists. This did not come as a shock, given the CCP’s genocide against Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang. China’s conciliatory tone toward Hamas is part of its larger strategy to displace and undermine American global leadership, particularly in the developing world. China’s growing engagement in the Middle East has been calculated. From its predatory lending practices in African countries struggling with jihadi insurgents and armed militias to building significant trade relationships with anti-democratic dictators, the CCP has long been working to tip the global geopolitical scales in its favor. Most concerning is the rising friendship between China and Iran, and both have a vested interest in seeing America’s foreign policy objectives fail. In true ""the enemy of my enemy is my friend” fashion, China and Iran’s relationship capitalizes on their shared anti-Western ideologies. China is the No. 1 buyer of Iranian oil, meaning Iran gets to sell its oil and avoid U.S. sanctions while China gets to buy it at a discount, saving billions. Chinese ports serve as major destinations for Iranian tankers conducting illicit trade, also in violation of U.S. sanctions. Shortly after Hamas’s terrorist attacks, the CCP dispatched diplomats across the Middle East. This was not only an attempt to cast itself as a peace broker on the world stage but to degrade America’s effective diplomacy in the region following the success of the Abraham Accords. Naturally, CCP diplomats discredited Hamas’s brutality and refused to condemn Iran, its major oil supplier and partner in chaos, and its influence and funding for Hamas. China’s opportunistic response is not confined to Iran and its proxies in the Middle East. The CCP has also attempted to sow discord here at home in the U.S. The CCP has intentionally promoted anti-Israel, pro-Hamas content on TikTok, targeting young people who get their news from this dangerous app. The People’s Forum, a “nonprofit” organization with dubious ties to the CCP, is reportedly backing pro-Hamas protests across the U.S. in support of a ceasefire that would undermine Israel’s necessary ground offensive and American efforts to bring hostages home safely. China has a vested interest in Iran, through its terrorist proxies, achieving its goal of destroying the Jewish state of Israel and eliminating America’s closest and most important ally in the region. We cannot allow the CCP to take the moral high ground publicly while actively supporting Hamas, meddling in American politics, and working to subvert U.S. diplomacy abroad. Standing with Israel means calling out the supporters and enablers of the Oct. 7 massacre — and anyone who refuses to denounce them.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3707,Biden to Sign Dozens of Houlahan’s Initiatives in Annual Defense Bill into Law,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) celebrated the dozens of her legislative efforts in H.R. 2670, the bipartisan, bicameral FY24 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that will be signed into law before the New Year. As a returning member of the House Armed Services Committee, the ranking member of the committee’s Quality of Life Panel, and a member of the bipartisan, bicameral NDAA Conference Committee that negotiated the final version of the bill, Houlahan has been working for months to advance efforts to support military personnel and strengthen the U.S.’ national security. Those efforts include expanding paid leave for veterans, growing the nation’s cybersecurity workforce, increasing opportunities for small business contracts with the Department of Defense (DoD), cracking down on fentanyl, and more. The bill passed the House 310-118. “As should be the case with legislation involving our national security, this year’s annual defense bill defied the narrative of our otherwise fractured Congress and passed with broad bipartisan support,” said Houlahan. “For 63 consecutive years, Congress has come together to pass the National Defense Authorization Act – the only bill to have such a record.” Houlahan championed 36 bills/provisions in the NDAA, including the following highlights that will: · Expand paid leave eligibility to veterans in the federal workforce by counting their service in uniform towards the Family and Medical Leave Act’s (FMLA) 12-month work requirement · Grow the current DoD cyber and digital scholarship program to include career opportunities in all parts of the intelligence community · Increase funding for Army Humanitarian Demining program by $2 million to help affected nations around the world recover from conflict · Protect military personnel’s access to life-saving medicines by identifying pharmaceutical and medical device supply chain vulnerabilities, developing a strategy for increased domestic production, and executing a plan for a 180-day stockpile program · Support service-disabled veteran owned small businesses (SDVOSB) by increasing the federal government’s procurement goal for SDOSB program participants from 3% to 5% · Improve maternity care for service women and military dependents by increasing access to doula and lactation certifications · Increase retention by clarifying remote work eligibility for military spouses and requiring further reporting on the effects of remote work in federal spaces · Require reporting on dozens of issues including access to critical minerals, prevention and treatment of perinatal health conditions, our security clearance screening process, improved access to fertility treatments for servicemembers, and more. Houlahan added: “I’m extremely proud to play such an integral role in this legislation and secure dozens of priorities on behalf of my community, Commonwealth, and country. I want to show service members, military dependents, veterans, and all Americans that I will always place their best interests above partisan politics, and I hope the accomplishments our office secured this year does exactly that.” Included in the annual defense bill was a four-month extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). This bipartisan extension enables the U.S. intelligence community to continue collecting online communications on non-U.S. persons abroad to protect American lives. As a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Houlahan authored a provision to combat the fentanyl crisis by requiring detailed explanations of counternarcotic efforts in the Director of National Intelligence’s annual budget request. Additional provisions in the expansive bill that Houlahan supported will: · Provide a 5.2% pay raise for servicemembers, the largest in two decades · Improve military families’ quality of living with funding for housing and child care · Fund energy conservation projects and research · Invest $150 million in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUS) The bill also includes provisions to support our allies, authorizing $300 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative and affirming Congress’s commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3813,Chesco Lawmaker's Initiaves For Defense Are Set To Be Signed By Biden,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx,page_html,"U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, a Chester County Democrat, said she has been working to advance support for the military. Originally posted by Patch. WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan celebrated the dozens of her legislative efforts that were used in crafting the National Defense Authorization Act. President Biden is expected to sign the act into law before the New Year. “I’m extremely proud to play such an integral role in this legislation and secure dozens of priorities on behalf of my community, Commonwealth, and country,” said Houlahan, a Chester County Democrat. Houlahan said that she has been working for months to advance efforts to support military personnel and strengthen U.S. national security. The efforts include expanding paid leave for veterans, growing the nation’s cybersecurity workforce, increasing opportunities for small business contracts with the Department of Defense, cracking down on fentanyl, and more. The bill passed the House 310-118. Houlahan championed 36 bills/provisions in the Act, including these provisions: Expand paid leave eligibility to veterans in the federal workforce by counting their service in uniform towards the Family and Medical Leave Act’s 12-month work requirement; Grow the current DoD cyber and digital scholarship program to include career opportunities in all parts of the intelligence community; Increase funding for the Army Humanitarian Demining program by $2 million to help affected nations around the world recover from conflict; Protect military personnel’s access to life-saving medicines by identifying pharmaceutical and medical device supply chain vulnerabilities, developing a strategy for increased domestic production, and executing a plan for a 180-day stockpile program; and Improve maternity care for servicewomen and military dependents by increasing access to doula and lactation certifications.",1,2026-04-08T14:14:11Z,2026-04-08T14:23:06Z https://ivey.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-announce-over-240-million-clean-water,Maryland Delegation Members Announce Over $240 Million for Clean Water Infrastructure Across Maryland,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,MD,Glenn Ivey,I000058,ivey.house.gov,ivey,https://ivey.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, David Trone, and Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) announced $240,451,000 to modernize clean water infrastructure across Maryland. The federal funding, provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program, will support the Maryland Department of the Environment’s efforts to provide low- or no-interest loans for critical water infrastructure projects, helping communities across the state maintain access to clean water. Most of the funding – $211,862,000 – comes from the once-in-a-generation Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which the lawmakers and the Biden-Harris Administration fought to enact to deliver historic federal investments in the country’s water infrastructure. This funding will supplement the $28,589,000 in federal funding appropriated to Maryland's Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs) that the lawmakers secured through annual appropriations for fiscal year 2023. “Modernizing our water infrastructure is a critical public health priority. That’s one of the reasons why we fought to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act – to advance our progress in communities across our state and improve their access to clean and safe drinking water. With these funds, we’re delivering on that objective for Marylanders,” said the lawmakers.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://kamlager-dove.house.gov/media/press-releases/kamlager-dove-celebrates-grateful-act-being-signed-law,Kamlager-Dove Celebrates the GRATEFUL Act Being Signed Into Law,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,CA,Sydney Kamlager-Dove,K000400,kamlager-dove.house.gov,kamlager-dove,https://kamlager-dove.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - December 22, 2023 Media Contact:Maya Valentine |maya.valentine@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) issued the following statement after President Biden signed the GRATEFUL Act into law, which Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove introduced in the House with Congresswoman Maria Salazar (FL-27). “I am thrilled to see President Biden sign the bipartisan Granting Recognition to Accomplished Talented Employees for Unwavering Loyalty (GRATEFUL) Act into law today as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act package. This bill, which I introduced in the House, was a top legislative priority for the State Department this year. Even in the midst of unprecedented Republican dysfunction, I was able to work with my colleagues in the Senate and at the State Department as a first-term Member in my first year in office to ensure this bill was signed into law. ""The GRATEFUL Act provides visas for locally employed U.S. embassy staff to immigrate to the U.S. after a career of service to the United States. It allows us to keep our promise to these individuals who have earned and deserve the opportunity to pursue a better life for themselves and their families in the U.S. Importantly, the embassy staff who will benefit from this provision come from countries in the Global South and other hot spots, where they work in often dangerous conditions on behalf of the United States. Currently, over 2,000 people who have spent their careers serving the United States abroad are waiting for visas that will be freed up as a result of the GRATEFUL Act. ""I came to Congress to advance meaningful policy initiatives and am glad to have my first bill signed into law. I would like to thank Congresswoman Salazar and Senators Van Hollen and Tillis for their support of this critical legislation.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://levin.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mike-levin-announces-winner-of-2023-congressional-app-challenge,Rep. Mike Levin Announces Winner of 2023 Congressional App Challenge,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,CA,Mike Levin,L000593,levin.house.gov,levin,https://levin.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Rep. Mike Levin with the Winners of the Congressional App Challenge Oceanside, CA – Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) announced Zonglin Zhang, Jingwen Mao, Liam Dowd, and Chongda You are the winners of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge for California’s 49th Congressional District. The local high school students created Ember, an iOS app that makes the world a safer place for teenagers facing mental health challenges. The students were inspired to create Ember in response to the rise in depression and suicide they have witnessed amongst their peers. “I was blown away by the level of creativity and skill shown by all the students who entered this year’s Congressional App Challenge,” said Rep. Levin. “Congratulations to this year’s winners for creating Ember, a phone app that will support students facing mental health challenges by providing them with a safe space to receive help. The winners’ commitment to serving their peers is admirable and reminds us of the importance of prioritizing mental health and self-care.” 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,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://matsui.house.gov/media/in-the-news/communications-daily-new-gop-criticisms-acp-signal-trouble-2024-stopgap-funding,COMMUNICATIONS DAILY: NEW GOP CRITICISMS OF ACP SIGNAL TROUBLE FOR 2024 STOPGAP FUNDING,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,CA,Doris O. Matsui,M001163,matsui.house.gov,matsui,https://matsui.house.gov/media,scraper,"Lead Republican lawmakers’ recent charge that the FCC was “deeply misleading” about the affordable connectivity program’s efficacy (see 2312150068) has solidified perceptions on and off Capitol Hill that it will be extremely difficult to reach a deal allocating additional money before the initiative's funding runs out next year, lobbyists and observers told us. Estimates peg ACP as likely to exhaust its initial $14.2 billion tranche from the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act during the first half of 2024 (see 2309210060). The White House is pushing for Congress to appropriate an additional $6 billion to fully fund the program through the end of 2024 (see 2310250075). There’s a “direct correlation” between Republicans’ concerns about the accuracy of FCC-provided ACP data and their skepticism about giving the program more money, Senate Communications Subcommittee ranking member John Thune, R-S.D., told us Monday. He was one of four GOP leaders who raised the ACP accuracy issue last week in a letter to FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. The others were Senate Commerce Committee ranking member Ted Cruz (Texas), House Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (Wash.) and House Communications Subcommittee Chairman Bob Latta (Ohio). If the FCC “can’t prove to us that all these things that are being claimed in terms of how the money is being spent, then I don’t know how you can make a case for why we ought to give them more funding,” Thune said. Latta voiced continued misgivings about promising more ACP money before there is a clear sense of the Commerce committees' direction on the program’s place within a potentially restructured USF apparatus. “I haven’t had an opportunity yet to sit down with” lawmakers in the USF working group, Latta told us last week. Thune and Senate Communications Chairman Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M., formed the group in May to evaluate moving forward on a comprehensive USF revamp (see 2305110066), Latta told us last week. He and House Communications ranking member Doris Matsui, D-Calif., joined the working group in September (see 2309210060). Republicans believe “we’ve got to look at what’s necessary, how much is necessary, what’s been the past experience” with the existing IIJA broadband money “and whether it’s been spent wisely,” Latta said. “For me, if dollars are already out there, you don’t want to be putting more” money into broadband without clear proof that it’s needed and that the federal government won’t mismanage it. Some lobbyists anticipate congressional Democrats will call on participating ISPs to continue the same discount for qualifying subscribers that they offered via ACP if Congress doesn’t allocate additional money before existing funding runs out. Crisis 'Momentum' “I have only heard support for ACP from the colleagues I’ve spoken to” on both sides of the aisle, reflecting the “strong bipartisan vote” in the Senate to pass IIJA in 2021, Lujan told us. He believes that his staff and aides to Thune, Latta and other USF working group participants “will be able to find some solutions” on USF “in one form or another.” Lujan is “optimistic"" that before ACP funding runs out both the House and the Senate will act in a way that President Joe Biden can support. “I don’t want to get out in front of the work product” that the working group is putting together, he said: “The group has been at it, working in good faith,” on something “that will yield results.” “As we get closer to” ACP’s anticipated funding exhaustion date in April, “people will begin losing access to affordable internet and that will focus everyone’s minds,” said Senate Appropriations Financial Services Subcommittee Chairman Chris Van Hollen, D-Md. “Momentum will build as crisis nears, but we’d like to avoid that point. We’d like to get started on that now, but it may only get real” for Republicans closer to the deadline. Matsui and other Democrats pointed to strong ACP subscriber figures in rural Republican areas as reason for that party’s lawmakers to support stopgap funding. “People who represent rural areas need to understand how critical this program is” for their constituents, Matsui told us. “They’re really going to disappoint their constituents unless they can help them out here,” which could be a motivator in the runup to the 2024 election. “That’s something I’m going to be talking about a lot” in the months ahead, she added. ACP “impacts so many different types” of House districts, “but especially ... rural” seats, said Rep. Yvette Clarke, D-N.Y., who intends to file legislation that would allocate stopgap ACP funding (see 2311300069). “It’s more expensive to build out the infrastructure” in rural areas, which in combination with lower population tends to increase subscription costs. Many rural lawmakers’ constituents “can’t afford” broadband service without ACP subsidies, she said. 'Budget Politics' ACP’s future will be “significantly more important” as a policy matter in 2024 than the push to renew the FCC’s spectrum auction authority, which has become entangled in stalled talks on a broader legislative package (see 2312040001), said New Street’s Blair Levin. “I wish the FCC were to devote as much time talking about ACP as they appear to be talking about auction authority, but more importantly I wish they had a strategy” to convince a bipartisan majority of lawmakers to give the program more money. “Congress needs to provide a couple more years of funding” for ACP “with the idea that there’s going to be this general rethink” of USF, added Levin, who’s also a Brookings Institution senior fellow. “I think there’s a strong political consensus that this should happen, but during a presidential election year it’s difficult to do rational things even when there’s a broad consensus that it should happen.” The Biden administration is already finding it difficult to reach a deal with Congress on aid to Israel and Ukraine “with all the attention being paid” to it, so “that suggests a certain kind of game theory about budget politics that makes getting ACP funding through more difficult,” he said. “It will be difficult for Congress to get something done on ACP,” said Jeffrey Westling, American Action Forum director-technology and innovation policy. “There doesn’t necessarily have to be a deal tying it in with USF reform, but there does need to be one on ACP itself.” If “it has to be tied to USF reform,” as some seek, there's unlikely to be much movement in the short term “because that’s such a big lift,” he said. An ACP-specific legislative package would likely center on “how it’s structured and who it’s targeting,” Westling added. “Right now, I can’t see Republicans blanket reauthorizing” the program as is. A lot of people are participating in ACP, and ""it’s going through a lot of money because it’s a large benefit and there’s a lot of fraud and abuse of the program that can be tamped down,” he said: A deal would likely involve a “much more targeted low income” participant base, though “this is one of the more fiscally conservative benefit programs.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-joins-wittman-kiggans-scott-urge-dod-ensure-funding-hampton-roads,"McClellan Joins Wittman, Kiggans, Scott to Urge DoD to Ensure Funding for Hampton Roads Shipbuilding Ecosystem",2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,VA,Jennifer L. McClellan,M001227,mcclellan.house.gov,mcclellan,https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) joined Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01), vice chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, and Virginia Reps. Jen Kiggans (VA-02), and Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) to urge Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to ensure aircraft carrier procurement funding remains on track. “Now more than ever, we must do everything to ensure a consistent shipbuilding schedule,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “Hampton Roads plays a vital role in supporting the U.S. Navy and supporting America’s national security priorities. I am glad to join my colleagues to urge the Defense Department to ensure the timely procurement of aircraft carriers and other military assets.” “Stable and predictable shipbuilding timelines help to maintain a healthy industrial base ecosystem while providing economic benefits for thousands of Virginians in the greater Hampton Roads region,” said Congressman Wittman. “Any delays in funding for the next Ford­­-class carrier would be extremely disruptive to our Navy’s ability to project power and provide for our national security.” “At a time when our nation is facing threats from multiple fronts, it is critical to prioritize our shipbuilding schedule,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “Our aircraft carriers are the best in the world and the cornerstone of our ability to project power around the globe. Additionally, the shipbuilding industry provides stable, good paying jobs for Hampton Roads and is a major contributor to our local economy and an economic driver for our Commonwealth. I’m proud to join my colleagues to urge Secretary Austin to keep our shipbuilding plan on schedule. Any delay would directly impact our national security and that is unacceptable.” “Consistent Navy procurement schedules for shipbuilding are critical to ensuring that Hampton Roads’ shipbuilders and our industrial base as a whole are supported,” said Congressman Scott. “Uncertainty in the production line leads to uncertainty in our national security capabilities, and I remain committed to ensuring reliable funding for the Ford-class and our nation’s entire shipbuilding program.” The Virginia delegation members also touted the more than $5 billion in cost savings and stability that multi-ship buys would generate for the Navy and the shipbuilding industrial base.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-commends-un-security-council-resolution-calling-surge-humanitarian,McCollum Commends UN Security Council Resolution Calling for Surge in Humanitarian Aid for Gaza,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,MN,Betty McCollum,M001143,mccollum.house.gov,mccollum,https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) released the following statement today: “I commend the UN Security Council for adopting its legally-binding resolution today calling for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors to enable full, rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access. “The brutal attacks by Hamas, a terrorist organization, on October 7th took the lives of innocent Israeli civilians, including children, and ignited horrific suffering throughout Gaza. More than twenty-thousand children and their family members in Gaza have been killed and millions are suffering without access to food, water, medical care, or safe shelter. Without an immediate humanitarian pause and the establishment of a regional ceasefire among all parties, this war could spread throughout the region. Humanitarian aid is urgently needed in Gaza, as is clarity about the strategic objectives for achieving peace and long-term stability. Global leaders must use the actions taken today to build a foundation for lasting peace in the future. “I continue to urge President Biden and Secretary Blinken to detail the administration’s strategic objectives for achieving de-escalation and stability in the region, and to work to establish a ceasefire via regional engagement and in cooperation with international humanitarian organizations.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mfume-maryland-delegation-members-announce-over-240-million-for-clean-water-infrastructure-across-maryland,"Congressman Mfume, Maryland Delegation Members Announce Over $240 Million for Clean Water Infrastructure Across Maryland",2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,MD,Kweisi Mfume,M000687,mfume.house.gov,mfume,https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congressman Kweisi Mfume, Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Jamie Raskin, David Trone, and Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) announced $240,451,000 to modernize clean water infrastructure across Maryland. The federal funding, provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program, will support the Maryland Department of the Environment’s efforts to provide low- or no-interest loans for critical water infrastructure projects, helping communities across the state maintain access to clean water. Most of the funding – $211,862,000 – comes from the once-in-a-generation Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which the lawmakers and the Biden-Harris Administration fought to enact to deliver historic federal investments in the country’s water infrastructure. This funding will supplement the $28,589,000 in federal funding appropriated to Maryland's Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs) that the lawmakers secured through annual appropriations for fiscal year 2023. “Modernizing our water infrastructure is a critical public health priority. That’s one of the reasons why we fought to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act – to advance our progress in communities across our state and improve their access to clean and safe drinking water. With these funds, we’re delivering on that objective for Marylanders,” said the lawmakers. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provides more than $50 billion to EPA over five years to improve the nation’s drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure – the single largest investment in water that the federal government has ever made.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://miller.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-colleagues-send-letter-biden-impact-recent-houthi-attacks-global-trade,"Miller, Colleagues Send Letter to Biden on the Impact of Recent Houthi Attacks on Global Trade",2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,WV,Carol D. Miller,M001205,miller.house.gov,miller,https://miller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) led a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to neutralize recent threats and attacks from an Iranian-backed militia, known as the Houthis, on trade cargo ships in the Red Sea near Yemen. The letter also urges the Biden Administration to work with our international partners to secure our trade lanes. These attacks have caused many major trade companies to redirect their cargo shipments which delays arrivals and increases costs for consumers. Click HERE for the full letter. Joining Congresswoman Miller in sending the letter are Representatives Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN), Randy Weber (R-TX), Cory Mills (R-FL), Mike Carey (R-OH), Nick LaLota (R-NY), August Pfluger (R-TX), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), and Claudia Tenney (R-NY). On the attacks by Houthi’s on the global trade market in the Red Sea: While the world remains stunned by the senseless violence committed by Iran-backed militias in Israel, Iran has stepped up their international attacks by having the Houthis, an Iran-backed militia group in Yemen, send shockwaves through the global trade market by attacking global shipping in the Red Sea, near the Suez Canal. The Suez Canal and Red Sea provide passage to about 12% of the world’s seaborne oil and 8% of its liquefied natural gas. As much as 8.2 million barrels per day of crude oil and oil products traversed the Red Sea from January to November of 2023 and 20% of all shipping containers globally rely on safe passage through it. The route through the Suez Canal is also the most direct route used to ship goods between Europe and Asia. On the impact of Houthi’s attacks on the global supply chain and rising shipment times and costs: These attacks have forced trade giants, such as BP and Maersk, to suspend passage through the Suez Canal and opt to direct their ships around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, a substantially longer and more expensive journey. Experts have estimated that traveling from Asia to Northern Europe around the Cape of Good Hope extends journey times from 31 to 40 days. This amounts to tens of millions of dollars being unnecessarily spent by companies to travel around the Cape of Good Hope, just to avert potential violence in the Suez Canal. The cost of this journey is unfairly passed on to consumers through increased prices. The Brent benchmark, a measure used to price more than three-quarters of the world’s traded oil, shows crude prices rose 1.6% within the first week of the Houthi attacks. Trade experts around the world have predicted substantial ripple effects across the global supply chain if the threat in the Red Sea is not neutralized within days. On the impact of trade relations with Egypt and the stability of global trade: We are cautiously optimistic that your initiative to spearhead the multinational task force to protect commercial passage will be successful and we compel the administration to take all necessary steps to ensure safe passage and encourage foreign nations to engage as well, especially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The Egyptian economy relies on the Suez Canal for 25% of its earnings and has already seen traffic drop 35%, worsening the financial crisis the country was already seeing. Further disruptions to trade through the Suez Canal could send Egypt, a key partner in ensuring peace in Israel and Gaza, into chaos. It is imperative that the Houthi violence is nullified in order to ensure the stability of global trade and the global economy. We look forward to quick and decisive action regarding this threat. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-attends-cop28-and-advocates-iowa-farmers,Miller-Meeks Attends COP28 and Advocates for Iowa Farmers,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Mariannette Miller-Meeks,M001215,millermeeks.house.gov,millermeeks,https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (IA-01) joined the bipartisan Energy and Commerce delegation to COP28 to advocate for Iowa and agriculture issues. This historic, bipartisan Congressional delegation (CODEL) to Dubai, United Arab Emirates was led by Energy and Commerce Committee Vice Chair Kelly Armstrong (R-ND). “We have a story to tell, and I was honored to represent our district and our agricultural priorities at COP28,”said Miller-Meeks. “At COP, I had the opportunity to speak at the U.S. Pavilion to discuss how Iowa farmers help fuel the world with lower carbon, cleaner emissions liquid fuels. In Iowa, we are taking advantage of the geographic composition and natural attributes of our state to support the entire gamut of renewables, from wind to solar to ethanol, biodiesel, biomass, manure, and compressed renewable natural gas and hydropower. I was also able to mention how our farmers across Iowa and the United States are the backbone of this country and our economy. I highlighted how Iowa is a leading producer of soybeans, corn, pork, and eggs in the United States, even while reducing fertilizer and pesticide use with adoption of sustainable regenerative Ag practices. I am excited to continue to tell the story about how we are a role model creating energy systems to reduce emissions to secure a cleaner, healthier planet for generations to come. Click here for the top photos from the historic, bipartisan Congressional delegation. Click here to read Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks’ column on COP28 featured in the Iowa Torch.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://nunn.house.gov/2023/12/22/nunn-leads-iowa-delegation-letter-calling-biden-mayorkas-stop-saddling-iowas-0/,"Nunn Leads Iowa Delegation in Letter Calling for Biden, Mayorkas to Stop Saddling Iowa’s Farmers with Results of Failed Border Policies",2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Zachary Nunn,N000193,nunn.house.gov,nunn,https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/,scraper,"DES MOINES — U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) led the Iowa congressional delegation in a letter urging President Joe Biden and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas to secure the border in response to a decision to suspend major rail crossings on the southern border. These rail crossings are critically important for transporting Iowa’s agricultural products, which support roughly one million U.S. jobs and 31 percent of American farm income. “Let us be clear: this punitive move to harm America’s farmers will exacerbate the pain already felt by families across the country because of the border crisis you caused,” said the legislators. “We, therefore, urge you to establish operational control of these passes to reopen the flow of legal goods as quickly as possible.” On Monday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection closed rail crossings between Eagle Pass and El Paso, Texas. More than one third of the nation’s business with Mexico is exchanged between Eagle Pass and El Paso, Texas. For every day the railways are closed, 60 trains sit idle and 4,500 Union Pacific rail cars face delay, contributing to the embargo of grain and other goods. Since the beginning of the Biden Administration, more than 6.4 million illegal immigrants have poured over the southern border and into our country. Failed policies have allowed a flood of illegal immigrants to enter our country, creating a national security and humanitarian crisis. Taxpayers are funding assistance, transportation and other services for those illegally entering our country. Cartels are exploiting the open border to traffic vulnerable people and illicit drugs that impact communities across the country. Text of the letter can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://nunn.house.gov/2023/12/22/nunn-leads-letter-urging-year-round-e15-sales/,Nunn Leads Letter Urging for Year-Round E15 Sales,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Zachary Nunn,N000193,nunn.house.gov,nunn,https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/,scraper,"DES MOINES — U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) today led the Iowa Members of the U.S. House of Representatives in a letter urging President Joe Biden to allow for the expanded, year-round sale of E15. “Iowa leads the nation in the production of biofuels thanks to our hardworking farmers and biofuel producers,” said the representatives in the letter. “Any delays in securing permanent, year-round E15 sales punishes Americans and farmers who have already faced record inflation, fuel prices, and market uncertainty as a result of your Administration’s economic policies.” Nearly every other row of corn grown in Iowa is used to create biofuels. Each day, our farmers provide access to homegrown fuel across the nation and the world. The biofuels industry supports countless jobs, reduces prices at the pump, and provides billions of dollars in exports.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-panetta-leads-letter-fema-support-emergency-repairs-reimbursement-monterey,Rep. Panetta Leads Letter to FEMA in Support of Emergency Repairs Reimbursement for Monterey County,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,CA,Jimmy Panetta,P000613,panetta.house.gov,panetta,https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) wrote a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in support of Monterey County’s appeal of the agency’s decision to deny more than $1.5 million in reimbursements for the County’s emergency road and culvert repairs following the 2020 Carmel Fire. Rep. Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) joined Rep. Panetta as a signatory of the letter. The 2020 Carmel Fire, a federally declared disaster, burned a total of 6,905 acres, destroying 73 structures and damaging seven more. The fire burned hot enough to make soils water-repellant, therefore increasing runoff, and causing road culverts to warp. Monterey County conducted emergency repair and replacement of culverts and guard railings on Cachagua Road due to ongoing risks to the community. FEMA has determined that repairs made to the damaged Cachagua Road were not eligible for reimbursement due to Endangered Species Act (ESA) violations. “We believe this determination fails to take into consideration the exigent circumstances under which repairs were made and the lack of impact on any species following the fires’ destruction,” wrote the lawmakers. “Fundamentally, in executing these repairs in a judicious manner, the County worked under exigent circumstances to save life and property. These actions proved prescient, given the storms that struck the area shortly after the fires. Without quick County action, the damages from the storms would have been far worse, closing roads and cutting off access to communities, and likely resulting in even larger FEMA reimbursement claims.” Monterey County’s repairs to Cachagua Road have sustained through two severe weather events, the 2021 atmospheric rivers as well as the 2023 winter storms, keeping this road open despite mudslides and landslides. The full letter can be found here and below. Dear Administrator Criswell: We write regarding Monterey County’s (County) and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services’ (Cal OES) appeal of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) determination to deny Public Assistance (PA) funding of $1,503,924.62 for Project Number (PN) 165078 (enclosed), and their request that FEMA reimburse the County without delay. In making emergency road and culvert repairs following the 2020 Carmel Fire, the County was working under exigent circumstances and, according to the county, their actions posed little to no threat to endangered species. We believe that denying these reimbursements ignores the facts that repairs were made under a categorical exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and did not impact any federal waterways. The 2020 Carmel Fire, a federally declared disaster, burned a total of 6,905 acres, destroying 73 structures and damaging 7 more. The fire completely razed the community of Sky Ranch, and virtually all vegetation was burned to ash. It burned hot enough to make soils water-repellant, therefore increasing runoff, and caused road culverts to warp. County Public Works, given the nature of the emergency, immediately began repairs and replacement of culverts and guard railings on Cachagua Road, the only County-maintained road into and out of the area. Work began before the FEMA declaration was made, due to ongoing risks to the community. This quick work proved wise, as the 2021 atmospheric river events caused large mud flows in the area. While these flows washed out other roads, including parts of Highway 1, mud flows in the Carmel Fire-burned area did not wash out Cachagua Road because of the work done by the County. Had it not been for the County’s immediate repairs after the fire, the road would likely have been compromised, potentially becoming impassable. The post-fire repairs also held up during the January 2023 and March 2023 winter storms, as the road remained open even amidst landslides. Unfortunately, FEMA has determined that repairs made to the damaged Cachagua Road were not eligible for reimbursement due to Endangered Species Act (ESA) violations. However, we believe this determination fails to take into consideration the exigent circumstances under which repairs were made and the lack of impact on any species following the fires’ destruction. The County’s appeal includes evidence that a categorial exemption to CEQA was filed given a state emergency, and that work was not performed in a “blue line” or named river, as culverts repaired and replaced on the road right-of-way do not convey flows from rivers. According to the county, no endangered species or Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area (ESHA) were visible in these burn areas, and given the destruction the fire caused, there is little chance of any species survival in the burn area. Fundamentally, in executing these repairs in a judicious manner, the County worked under exigent circumstances to save life and property. These actions proved prescient, given the storms that struck the area shortly after the fires. Without quick County action, the damages from the storms would have been far worse, closing roads and cutting off access to communities, and likely resulting in even larger FEMA reimbursement claims. Given these facts, we urge you to give the County’s appeal your full and fair consideration consistent with applicable law, rules, and regulations. Thank you for your consideration, and please do not hesitate to reach out to our offices with any questions Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://radewagen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/amata-supports-amicus-brief-concerning-antiquities-act-relation-primnm,Amata Supports Amicus Brief Concerning Antiquities Act in Relation to PRIMNM,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,AS,Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen,R000600,radewagen.house.gov,radewagen,https://radewagen.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata on Thursday filed a letter in support of the amici brief (here) in the Supreme Court concerning abusive use of the Antiquities Act, which has been used to create and expand the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument (PRIMNM). “The PRIMNM was over the size of California when first created, then expanded to four times that, and now proposals exist to make it as large an area as the United States,” said Congresswoman Amata. “It is just abusive to take away an area of waters the size of our country and potentially remove all our fishing rights in this immense area. I encouraged the Court along with my 28 congressional colleagues to oppose expansion and curb such abuses.” Congresswoman Amata’s letter to the Supreme Court of the United States supports a Congressional Amici Curiae Brief filed in the matters of American Forest Resource Council v. the United States of America and Murphy Company v. Biden. Congresswoman Amata’s letter states: “As Congresswoman of American Samoa and a Congressional Western Caucus Member and Vice Chair whose jurisdiction has been impacted by the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument creation and expansion I join my 28 Congressional colleagues in support of the Amici Brief related to Antiquities Act abuses.” She continues, “An Amicus Brief to the Supreme Court supporting the limiting of presidential authority under the Antiquities Act was filed in support of the petitions for writ of certiorari urging the Supreme Court to review American Forest Resource Council v. the United States of America and Murphy Company v. Biden. The brief is linked herein… Thank you.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://radewagen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/amata-welcomes-98418-ascjpa-grant-doj,"Amata Welcomes $98,418 ASCJPA Grant from DOJ",2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,AS,Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen,R000600,radewagen.house.gov,radewagen,https://radewagen.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming this week’s notice of a grant of $98,418 from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Justice Programs (OJP) to the American Samoa Criminal Justice Planning Agency for efforts to prevent juvenile delinquency. “Congratulations to CJPA Director Mariana Timu-Faiai along with her team for the work these federal funds support on behalf of our youth and their successful application efforts,” said Congresswoman Amata. The grant description states, “American Samoa is a family-oriented territory. It is the goal of the government to empower the cultural values of aiga-family to counsel, guide, and protect the younger generation. The foundation of programs under the Title II Formula Grant in American Samoa focuses on keeping juveniles out of the system and promoting positive youth development through activities such as sports that the youth enjoy. The Designated State Agency ensures that procedures and protocols within the American Samoa Juvenile Justice System comply with the core requirements of the Title II Act as documented and reported in the territorial Compliance Monitoring Manual. The goals of the local government align with the Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention mission to treat children as children.” Congress funded the DOJ in 2023 through the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, followed by short-term government funding extensions.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z