U.S. Congress
Here's a look at documents from all members of the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate
Featured Stories
Sen. Banks Joins IndyCar, Penske at Freedom 250 Grand Prix Press Conference on the National Mall
WASHINGTON, March 10 -- Sen. Jim Banks, R-Indiana, issued the following news release on March 9, 2026:
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Sen. Banks Joins IndyCar, Penske at Freedom 250 Grand Prix Press Conference on the National Mall
Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) attended a press conference on the National Mall announcing the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, an upcoming race that will take place in Washington, D.C. in August as part of the celebration of America's 250th birthday.
The race will be August 22nd and 23rd, 2026 in Washington, D.C. The race will be free to the public and Secretary Duffy expects more than 1 million
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 10 -- Sen. Jim Banks, R-Indiana, issued the following news release on March 9, 2026:
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Sen. Banks Joins IndyCar, Penske at Freedom 250 Grand Prix Press Conference on the National Mall
Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) attended a press conference on the National Mall announcing the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, an upcoming race that will take place in Washington, D.C. in August as part of the celebration of America's 250th birthday.
The race will be August 22nd and 23rd, 2026 in Washington, D.C. The race will be free to the public and Secretary Duffy expects more than 1 millionspectators to attend. The race path is a 1.7-mile, seven-turn layout through the city of Washington, D.C. The route includes a sweeping 0.4-mile frontstretch along Pennsylvania Avenue, framed by the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol. The pit lane area will be on Pennsylvania Avenue, between Turns 1 and 2 on the circuit design.
See more details about the Freedom 250 Grand Prix here (https://monumentalsports.com/2026/03/freedom-250-grand-prix-unveils-historic-race-track-design-to-commemorate-americas-250th-anniversary-celebration/).
Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.): "The Freedom 250 Grand Prix is going to be a historic event for America! There is no better motor sport than IndyCar to celebrate our nation's 250th birthday. Thank you to President Trump and his administration for putting together a celebration we will cherish for years to come!"
In attendance were the following:
* Sean Duffy, U.S. Secretary of Transportation
* Doug Burgum, U.S. Secretary of the Interior
* Ambassador Monica Crowley, Chief of Protocol of the United States
* Muriel Bowser, Mayor of Washington, D.C.
* Bud Denker, President of Penske Corporation & Freedom 250 GP Chairman
* Ted Leonsis, Founder, Chairman, Managing Partner & CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment
* Eric Shanks, CEO of Fox Sports
* Josef Newgarden, INDYCAR and Indy 500 champion driver
See part of the press conference below or listen here (https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ppzieruymaomrc2zvrabh/Newgarden-Audio.mp3?rlkey=6byym42jzk5rdbtuo6vpe6ydt&st=qfyftova&dl=0).
Josef Newgarden, INDYCAR and Indy 500 champion driver: "I want to thank Senator Banks from the great state of Indiana. Thank you for being here. Great to see you as always. I am a Tennessee guy. I live in Nashville, Tennessee, but the state of Indiana and Indianapolis is basically my second home. And I'm going to kind of wrap that into the point that I wanted to make today. What I find so great about this event and what I hope people take from it is the inspiration of automobile racing."
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Original text here: https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-banks-joins-indycar-penske-at-freedom-250-grand-prix-press-conference-on-the-national-mall/
House Energy & Commerce Committee Chairman Guthrie Issues Commentary to Washington Post: Congress is Done Waiting for Big Tech to Protect Kids Online
WASHINGTON, March 10 -- Rep. Brett Guthrie, R-Kentucky, chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following commentary on March 9, 2026, to the Washington Post:
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Congress is Done Waiting for Big Tech to Protect Kids Online
The following op-ed by Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, appeared in the Washington Post (https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2026/03/09/congress-tech-online-safefy-social-media/) today.
"The most popular social media platforms are constantly changing and reinventing themselves, but one
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WASHINGTON, March 10 -- Rep. Brett Guthrie, R-Kentucky, chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following commentary on March 9, 2026, to the Washington Post:
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Congress is Done Waiting for Big Tech to Protect Kids Online
The following op-ed by Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, appeared in the Washington Post (https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2026/03/09/congress-tech-online-safefy-social-media/) today.
"The most popular social media platforms are constantly changing and reinventing themselves, but onechallenge has remained consistent over three decades: Kids are at risk when they go online.
"Anxiety, depression, loneliness and self-harm rates are sky-high among teens and children, demonstrating the dangerous effects of social media.
"So, who is responsible for protecting America's youth? Every adult should consider themselves on the hook for that, but those of us in Congress have a special obligation to hold tech companies accountable for the products they design.
"That is why congressional Republicans are advancing meaningful legislation to protect kids, empower parents and guardians, and address the harms children and teens face online.
"We can no longer stand by and wait for others to act.
"We know progress can be made because we have already enacted a major piece of online safety legislation this Congress. Working alongside first lady Melania Trump, we passed -- and President Donald Trump signed -- the Take It Down Act, which targets the spread of sexually exploitative, nonconsensual AI-generated images.
"While that is a good first step, it is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. As the internet continues to evolve, we know that no single action can address every challenge. What's needed is a comprehensive approach that puts kids' well-being and parental empowerment at the center of the digital world.
"Last week, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved the Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act, a legislative package that will protect children and teens from online harms, empower parents and hold Big Tech accountable.
"For starters, the Kids Act represents an improved version of the previously proposed Kids Online Safety Act, preserving the bill's best ideas while addressing concerns about its constitutionality. After pairing the original proposal with additional measures to strengthen privacy, transparency and accountability across the online ecosystem, this version of the bill is stronger and more capable of surviving court challenges.
"Second, the Kids Act limits access to online pornography for minors. For too long, online websites with adult content have relied on an honor system where every user is assumed to be an adult. We know that isn't true. Children should not be accessing pornographic content. The Kids Act requires all websites that contain adult content to uphold this basic standard through age-verification measures -- just as a brick-and-mortar storefront would.
"Additionally, the act targets new internet threats, like artificial intelligence chatbots or predators using video game chat functions, head-on. Republicans are working to give parents the power to limit those communications as they see fit and to impose strict disclosure requirements on AI chatbots to prevent deceptive messaging.
"Acknowledging that government alone cannot solve this problem, the Kids Act facilitates the development of partnerships among parents, experts and industry to address these challenges and others sure to develop. New educational efforts will help empower a generation of parents to diagnose and respond to digital threats.
"Nevertheless, the Kids Act is not the end of our work.
"The committee also advanced the App Store Accountability Act this week. Unfortunately, smartphones often operate as a hidden layer between children and parents, as kids download apps and buy digital goods without a parent's permission. Instead of relying on another honor system, the App Store Accountability Act creates a simple, private and secure process to verify users' ages and require kids to first obtain a parent's permission. It leverages modern technology to put apps on notice that they are dealing with children and teens and, thus, have heightened safety obligations.
"Another bill we are working on, known as COPPA 2.0, would modernize kids' privacy protections that are already on the books.
"Until now, 13 has been treated as the age of digital adulthood, a relic of the internet's early days when Congress enacted the original Children's Online Privacy Protection Act in 1998. Back then, we never could have imagined how things would develop. Extended privacy protections for teens and a ban on targeted advertising to kids are long overdue.
"Collectively, these bills form a commonsense, comprehensive package designed to make the internet safer for kids. But this is not an academic exercise.
"This work is personal. Some of the loudest, most courageous advocates for reform are parents who have lost children due to online harms. Every member of our committee represents families who have endured unimaginable grief. They deserve more than gestures and idle promises. They deserve laws that work.
"We cannot rely on Big Tech companies that refuse to take responsibility for the products they put into the world. They've had years to self-regulate, and they have failed. Now it's time for Congress to act.
"By advancing this package of bills, we are one step closer to putting American families back on solid footing to make the best decisions about their digital well-being."
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Original text here: https://energycommerce.house.gov/posts/chairman-guthrie-op-ed-congress-is-done-waiting-for-big-tech-to-protect-kids-online
Chairman Cassidy to Host Roundtable With LSU Basketball Legend, Deputy Athletic Director on Fixing College Sports
WASHINGTON, March 10 -- Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-Louisiana, chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, issued the following news:
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LIVESTREAM LINK: Chairman Cassidy to Host Roundtable with LSU Basketball Legend, Deputy Athletic Director on Fixing College Sports
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, will host a roundtable on reforming college athletics to protect students and ensure they have opportunities to succeed on March 10, 2026. The senators will hear from a variety of panelists
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 10 -- Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-Louisiana, chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, issued the following news:
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LIVESTREAM LINK: Chairman Cassidy to Host Roundtable with LSU Basketball Legend, Deputy Athletic Director on Fixing College Sports
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, will host a roundtable on reforming college athletics to protect students and ensure they have opportunities to succeed on March 10, 2026. The senators will hear from a variety of panelistsincluding former Louisiana State University (LSU) basketball legend Collis Temple and LSU deputy athletic director Julie Cromer.
As part of his efforts to fix college sports, Cassidy also is requesting information from stakeholders on how Congress can address issues affecting all student-athletes.
Please submit any responses to opportunitiesforathletes@help.senate.gov by April 10, 2026.
Roundtable Panelists:
Collis Temple, former professional basketball player, LSU Athletics Hall of Famer
Julie Cromer, Executive Deputy Athletic Director/Chief Operating Officer, LSU
Jim Carr, President & CEO, National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)
Emily Surcey, Former Division I Student-Athlete and Development Officer, Samford University Athletics
Bernard Dennis III, Principal, Jackson Lewis PC
Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM ET/ 9:00 AM CT
Location: 430 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Click here (https://www.youtube.com/live/EuXpsuA0j_g) to watch live
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If you are a member of the press and plan on attending in person, please RSVP to Stephen_Lewerenz@help.senate.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.help.senate.gov/rep/newsroom/press/livestream-link-chairman-cassidy-to-host-roundtable-with-lsu-basketball-legend-deputy-athletic-director-on-fixing-college-sports
Bergman, Golden, Bacon, Suozzi Introduce Bill to Formally Review Mental Health Programs for Servicemembers and Veterans
WASHINGTON, March 9 -- Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Michigan, issued the following news release:
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Bergman, Golden, Bacon, Suozzi Introduce Bill to Formally Review Mental Health Programs for Servicemembers and Veterans
Reps. Jack Bergman (MI-01), Jared Golden (ME-02), Tom Suozzi (NY-03), and Don Bacon (NE-02) have introduced the bipartisan Improving Mental Health Support for Servicemembers and Veterans Act, which would launch a formal review into the effectiveness of the federal government's mental health programs for Veterans and transitioning servicemembers in an effort to address longstanding
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WASHINGTON, March 9 -- Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Michigan, issued the following news release:
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Bergman, Golden, Bacon, Suozzi Introduce Bill to Formally Review Mental Health Programs for Servicemembers and Veterans
Reps. Jack Bergman (MI-01), Jared Golden (ME-02), Tom Suozzi (NY-03), and Don Bacon (NE-02) have introduced the bipartisan Improving Mental Health Support for Servicemembers and Veterans Act, which would launch a formal review into the effectiveness of the federal government's mental health programs for Veterans and transitioning servicemembers in an effort to address longstandingaccessibility issues.
"I've seen firsthand how the transition from active duty to civilian life can be one of the most vulnerable periods in a servicemember's career. We owe our men and women in uniform more than gratitude - we owe them accountability and results," Bergman said. "The Improving Mental Health Support for Servicemembers and Veterans Act ensures the Department of War and VA are working together effectively, eliminating gaps and duplication, and delivering real access to mental health care when it matters most. By requiring measurable standards, regular review, and transparency to Congress, this bill strengthens the transition process and helps ensure no Veteran falls through the cracks."
"When I came home from the Marines, I saw how important it is to have a strong support system in your corner. The VA is full of skilled public servants who do that work, but there's only so much an individual employee can do about the fundamental gaps in service created by an imperfect system," Golden said. "I'm grateful for the partnership of Congressmen Bergman, Bacon and Suozzi in the effort to show VA leaders just how lacking the agency's outreach, rural logistics, and staffing efforts have been."
"Too many veterans and service members fall through the cracks when transitioning from active duty to civilian life. We have to do better," Suozzi said. "It's our responsibility as lawmakers and Americans to make sure that everyone who serves our country receives the healthcare, including mental healthcare, they deserve," said Suozzi. "It's common sense to assess and improve veterans' health services of all kinds as time goes on. This bipartisan bill does just that, and I'm glad to join my colleagues, Congressmen Golden, Bergman, and Bacon, who I also thank for their service. Never forget the vet! "
"The transition to civilian life is one of the most vulnerable periods in a servicemember's career. We must ensure our mental health screening tools are validated, effective, and connecting people to care," Bacon said. "The Improving Mental Health Support for Servicemembers and Veterans Act strengthens oversight, improves coordination between the Department of Defense and the VA, and helps ensure no servicemember falls through the cracks. I'm pleased to co-lead this bipartisan legislation with Rep. Golden on this important effort to better support our servicemembers and veterans."
The Improving Mental Health Support for Servicemembers and Veterans Act would require the Department of Defense-Veterans Affairs Joint Executive Committee (JEC) to assess the effectiveness of their programs and processes in facilitating access to mental health services for veterans returning to civilian life.
Included in JEC's review would be a complete inventory of the government's mental health programs, along with metrics, milestones and plans of actions to identify inefficiencies and gaps in programming. There would be a 180-day deadline to present the report to the House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committees.
The legislation would also require the JEC to update its existing Joint Separation Health Assessment (SHA) every two years. The SHA currently uses an outdated process to infrequently catalog veterans' generalized health needs -an issue that forces policymakers to contend with data that isn't specific nor timely enough.
" The American Legion is proud to support the Improving Mental Health Support for Servicemembers and Veterans Act," Matthew Jabaut, chairman of the American Legion's National Legislative Commission said. "On behalf of our nearly 1.5 million members, we commend Representative Golden for advancing oversight-driven reforms that reinforce mental health support and help ensure no servicemember or veteran falls through the cracks."
" We are happy that Congressman Jared Golden continues to focus on mental health for our Service Members and Veterans," said Steve SanPedro, national legislative committee member and chief of staff for the Department of Maine Veterans of Foreign Wars. "These invisible injuries need to be addressed so these men and women can live a healthy life after service to their country."
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Original text here: https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1498
Barrett Applauds Trump Administration's Expansion of Faster VA Appointment Scheduling
WASHINGTON, March 9 -- Rep. Tom Barrett, R-Michigan, issued the following news release:
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Barrett Applauds Trump Administration's Expansion of Faster VA Appointment Scheduling
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Washington, D.C. - Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) today applauded the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) announcement (link is external) that all VA facilities are now using a simplified scheduling interface to book appointments for veterans more quickly. The news aligns with the goal of legislation Barrett is leading, the Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act ( H.R. 3482 (link is external) ), which recently
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 9 -- Rep. Tom Barrett, R-Michigan, issued the following news release:
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Barrett Applauds Trump Administration's Expansion of Faster VA Appointment Scheduling
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Washington, D.C. - Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) today applauded the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) announcement (link is external) that all VA facilities are now using a simplified scheduling interface to book appointments for veterans more quickly. The news aligns with the goal of legislation Barrett is leading, the Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act ( H.R. 3482 (link is external) ), which recentlypassed out of committee.
"The VA's expansion of the streamlined scheduling system is welcome news for veterans," said Barrett. "Too often, veterans are left waiting while staff place lots of phone calls back and forth between veterans and providers to find available community care appointments. I personally experienced this frustration, which is why I introduced the Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act last year. I'm proud the VA is adopting the reforms from my bill, and I will continue pushing to get this bill signed into law to make sure these improvements are fully and permanently implemented for every veteran."
The External Provider Scheduling (link is external) (EPS) system is a single digital interface that enables VA staff to simultaneously view available appointments at participating community care providers -health care providers outside the VA. The unified system allows staff to find veterans the best, earliest available appointment at either the VA or a community care provider, reducing wait times. The VA also announced that it is getting more community care providers to share their appointment information for EPS.
Under the previous system, the process to book an appointment for a veteran could take days or weeks as a result of VA staffers only being able to book a handful of community care appointments each day. The EPS system will enable all VA employees to book as many as 25 appointments per day. The system has existed for several years, but it was previously not deployed at most VA facilities.
The Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act ( H.R. 3482 (link is external) ), which Barrett introduced last May, would permanently reduce health care wait times for veterans by mandating nationwide implementation of EPS.
Currently, 27,000 community care providers have already opted to share their scheduling information for EPS, and the VA is continuing to expand that list. Providers can learn more about how to participate by clicking here (link is external).
Click here for more information on Barrett's Community Care Scheduling Act.
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Original text here: https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/barrett-applauds-trump-administrations-expansion-faster-va-appointment
Bacon, Larson Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Provide Tax Relief and Lower College Costs for AmeriCorps Volunteers
WASHINGTON, March 9 -- Rep. Don Bacon, R-Nebraska, issued the following news release:
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Bacon, Larson Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Provide Tax Relief and Lower College Costs for AmeriCorps Volunteers
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Washington - Kicking off AmeriCorps Week, Reps. Don Bacon (NE-02) and John B. Larson (CT-01) introduced the bipartisan Segal AmeriCorps Education Award Tax Relief Act. Their legislation would provide tax relief for AmeriCorps members who earn Segal Education Awards through their service to help pay for higher education costs and reduce barriers for young people to access the financial assistance
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WASHINGTON, March 9 -- Rep. Don Bacon, R-Nebraska, issued the following news release:
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Bacon, Larson Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Provide Tax Relief and Lower College Costs for AmeriCorps Volunteers
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Washington - Kicking off AmeriCorps Week, Reps. Don Bacon (NE-02) and John B. Larson (CT-01) introduced the bipartisan Segal AmeriCorps Education Award Tax Relief Act. Their legislation would provide tax relief for AmeriCorps members who earn Segal Education Awards through their service to help pay for higher education costs and reduce barriers for young people to access the financial assistancethey've earned.
"I'm pleased to join Rep. Larson in reintroducing the bipartisan Segal AmeriCorps Education Award Tax Relief Act to ensure AmeriCorps volunteers receive the full value of the education benefit they earn through service," said Rep. Bacon. "These dedicated Americans shouldn't have to pay taxes on a benefit they receive while in turn providing valuable services for our country. We don't make Pell Grant recipients pay taxes on their grants, and neither should these individuals."
"AmeriCorps members serve our country on behalf of communities in need, and our nation has a responsibility to reward them with an education benefit that both shows our appreciation for their work and significantly reduces college costs," said Rep. Larson. "Unfortunately, the current federal tax on the Segal award diminishes its value and undermines the original intent of the program to help AmeriCorps alumni overcome financial barriers and afford a college education. I am proud to introduce this legislation, originally championed by my late friend and colleague, Rep. John Lewis, and work with my Republican colleague Rep. Don Bacon to correct this injustice, encourage more young people to pursue national service, and advance real solutions to lower higher education costs."
AmeriCorps members who complete a full term of national service can earn a Segal Education Award to help pay for current education expenses or repay student loans. The award is generally valued at the maximum Pell Grant amount ($7,395 for 2026-27) for that year and expires seven years after the AmeriCorps service term ends. However, unlike Pell Grants, Segal Education Awards are currently considered taxable income, creating a barrier that may discourage young people from taking advantage of the financial assistance they've earned.
This legislation would exclude Segal Education Awards from federal taxable income, honoring the intent of federal education awards, helping recipients pay for higher education, and removing this financial barrier.
The bipartisan Segal AmeriCorps Education Award Tax Relief Act is endorsed by 64 organizations, including Voices for National Service, Habitat for Humanity International, the National Youth Leadership Council, Serve Connecticut, and Teach for America.
"The tax on the AmeriCorps education award creates an unexpected and unfair tax burden on the dedicated Americans who commit to serving their country through AmeriCorps. It's essentially a tax on service. We don't tax Pell Grants or GI Bill Benefits, and we shouldn't tax the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. We're grateful to Representatives Don Bacon and John Larson for leading the effort to make the award tax free so AmeriCorps members can receive the full value of the benefit they've earned, and we urge their colleagues to support the bill," said AnnMaura Connolly, President of Voices for National Service.
Full text of the bill is available HERE.
A full list of endorsing organizations is available HERE.
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Original text here: https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2874
As Trump's War Causes Gas Prices to Soar, Krishnamoorthi Calls for Tapping the Strategic Petroleum Reserve
WASHINGTON, March 9 -- Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Illinois, issued the following news release:
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As Trump's War Causes Gas Prices to Soar, Krishnamoorthi Calls for Tapping the Strategic Petroleum Reserve
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WASHINGTON - Following this weekend's surge in oil prices -with the price per barrel climbing into triple digits, the highest level in four years -Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) called on President Trump to act immediately to lower costs at the pump:
"Because of President Trump's war in Iran, the average price per gallon in Illinois has soared by nearly fifty cents in just
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 9 -- Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Illinois, issued the following news release:
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As Trump's War Causes Gas Prices to Soar, Krishnamoorthi Calls for Tapping the Strategic Petroleum Reserve
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WASHINGTON - Following this weekend's surge in oil prices -with the price per barrel climbing into triple digits, the highest level in four years -Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) called on President Trump to act immediately to lower costs at the pump:
"Because of President Trump's war in Iran, the average price per gallon in Illinois has soared by nearly fifty cents in justthe past month. President Trump might say this is a 'very small price to pay,' but families struggling to fill their tanks disagree. By now it's clear that the President started this war with no strategy, no plan to end it, and no concern for its impacts on hard-working Americans.
Today, I am calling on the White House to immediately tap the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to reduce the price of gas. President Trump's failure to tap the Reserve -which we did most recently when the war in Ukraine began -is inexplicable. It's simple: Illinois families did not want President Trump's war, and they certainly should not be forced to pay for President Trump's war."
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Original text here: https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/trumps-war-causes-gas-prices-soar-krishnamoorthi-calls-tapping-strategic
Arrington Secures Significant Wins for West Texas in the 2026 Farm Bill
WASHINGTON, March 9 -- Rep. Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, issued the following news release:
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Arrington Secures Significant Wins for West Texas in the 2026 Farm Bill
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Washington, D.C. - House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) issued the following statement after the Farm, Food, and National Security Act, also known as the Farm Bill, advanced out of the House Agriculture Committee. The Farm Bill included Arrington's USDA Communication Regarding Oversight of Pesticides (CROP) Act of 2025 and a pilot program aimed at incentivizing cotton harvesting, which Arrington co-led with Rep. Ronny
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 9 -- Rep. Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, issued the following news release:
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Arrington Secures Significant Wins for West Texas in the 2026 Farm Bill
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Washington, D.C. - House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) issued the following statement after the Farm, Food, and National Security Act, also known as the Farm Bill, advanced out of the House Agriculture Committee. The Farm Bill included Arrington's USDA Communication Regarding Oversight of Pesticides (CROP) Act of 2025 and a pilot program aimed at incentivizing cotton harvesting, which Arrington co-led with Rep. RonnyJackson:
" Last year, I was proud to deliver historic wins for American agriculture through passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill -strengthening the farm safety net with a historic $66 billion investment, boosting reference prices and crop insurance, promoting trade, and securing long-overdue SNAP reforms.
"We're buildin g on that success with the 2026 Farm Bill.
" This year's Farm Bill authorizes the remaining agriculture programs not included in H.R. 1 and advances key provisions I've fought for -including my USDA CROP Act to give producers a stronger voice in pesticide decisions and a pilot crop insurance program that will incentivize farmers to bring their cotton to harvest. It strengthens trade promotion, supports new farmers, invests in conservation and precision agriculture, and continues holding states accountable for SNAP mismanagement.
" After years of Farm Bill inaction -with Democrats holding our farmers hostage to protect bloated and broken welfare programs -we changed the equation. By securing the core agriculture reforms last year, we removed the political leverage that had long blocked meaningful change and we delivered real results for Rural America.
" West Texas producers deserve certainty. The Farm Bill should be about farmers -and that's exactly what Republicans are delivering." - Chairman Arrington.
Background:
USDA Communication Regarding Oversight of Pesticides (CROP) Act of 2025:
* This Farm Bill includes Rep. Arrington's bill requiring the USDA Office of Pest Management Policy (OPMP), which frequently communicates with producers, to have a meaningful voice in the regulation of crop protection products.
* Currently, the OPMP provides feedback to the EPA on the safe use of crop protection products, but EPA is not required to respond or consider OPMP's guidance, giving the EPA disproportionate input in regulation.
* The USDA CROP Act will create a more equitable balance of USDA and EPA input, ensuring that regulations reflect both producer and environmental considerations.
* U.S. farmers and ranchers are coping with record inflation and broken supply chains -the last thing they need is the severe limitation of traditional farming tools and methods. If these producers lose the ability to use certain crop protection products, farms will be forced to forgo conservation practices, like no-till farming, and revert to full tillage methods to control pests.
* It is vital that OPMP, which coordinates frequently with producers, has a role in this process to help EPA use the best science possible in conducting pesticide registrations and rulemakings to ensure users are not subjected to unnecessary, unscientific conditions.
Harvest Cost Endorsement:
* The Farm Bill includes a pilot program known as the Harvest Cost Endorsement which would advance a new risk-management proposal developed by cotton farmers with strong support throughout the cotton supply chain.
* This program would allow cotton producers to purchase additional coverage on existing policies and receive an indemnity payment if annual production falls significantly below their Actual Production History (APH).
* To receive an indemnity payment, producers would be required to bring their crop to harvest, providing ginners, shippers, and warehouses more certainty on available cotton in the marketplace.
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Original text here: https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4381
