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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sam Graves (6th District of Missouri)

WASHINGTON, DC – The Eliminating Barriers to Rural Internet Development Grant Eligibility (E-BRIDGE) Act, was signed into law on Friday as part of the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (S. 4367).  S. 4367 was approved by both House and Senate in December 2024. 

The E-BRIDGE Act removes hurdles for broadband projects under Economic Development Administration (EDA) grants, including difficult last-mile efforts that often delay rural broadband deployment. It also ensures that local communities can partner with the private sector in carrying out broadband projects and gives communities more flexibility in complying with their funding match requirements.

By helping to increase the reach of broadband to rural and economically distressed communities, the E-BRIDGE Act will help attract new business and support current businesses in distressed regions of the country, lay the groundwork for economic recovery in these areas, and better prepare these communities for future disasters.

The E-BRIDGE Act was introduced in the House on March 23, 2023, during the 118^th Congress by Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO), along with Reps. Jenniffer González-Colón (R-PR), Tracey Mann (R-KS), and Michael Guest (R-MS). Chairman Graves also introduced the E-BRIDGE Act in the 116^th and the 117^th Congresses, and the legislation continued to gain broad bipartisan support leading up to its being signed into law last week.

“The E-BRIDGE Act has been an ongoing priority of mine for the last six years, and I’m extremely pleased to finally see it being signed into law,” said Chairman Sam Graves. “Unfortunately, too many of our communities, particularly in rural America, still lack broadband access. In some cases, just completing that ‘last mile’ is what stands in the way of connecting people to a job they need. The E-BRIDGE Act will help spur projects that attract jobs and businesses to expand economic development and opportunity in rural and poor communities.”

Read more about the E-BRIDGE Act here.  The text of the E-BRIDGE Act can be found in section 2223 of the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (S. 4367) here.

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sam Graves (6th District of Missouri)

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representatives Sam Graves (R-MO), Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), and Mark Alford (R-MO) re-introduced the Pony Up Act this week, which would protect consumers by putting the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) on the hook for late delivery of bills. The legislation was originally introduced in the 118^th Congress. Cosponsoring the legislation were Reps. Mike Bost (R-IL), Mike Collins (R-GA), Tracey Mann (R-KS), and Pete Stauber (R-MN).

Countless complaints have been registered by constituents whose mail hasn’t arrived on time, or at all in some cases. Many of those complaints have involved late fees needing to be paid regularly due to bills being delivered late. Multiple municipal utilities have also complained that their bills aren’t arriving to their customers in a timely manner. The legislation would require USPS to pay any late fees incurred on bills due to delayed delivery service.

“Constituents across my district are routinely frustrated by late mail delivery and they should be—the Postal Service isn’t getting the job done,” said Congressman Graves. “Folks expect their mail to show up on time, six days a week. Instead, they are constantly faced with late deliveries and it’s costing people money. If the Postal Service isn’t going to get the mail out of the processing center and to the mailbox on time, then they should pony up and pay the late fee.”  

“With extreme weather like we saw earlier this month, not to mention the complete failure of the Postmaster General’s Delivering for America Plan, families and small businesses across my congressional district continue to voice their frustration with delivery service from the USPS. Not only is it preventing them from getting timely information, but it is costing them their hard-earned dollars as they face late fees due to delayed delivery on monthly bills,” said Congressman Cleaver. “We need bipartisan action to ensure these costs are not levied on hardworking Americans who have no ability to prevent these delays, and I’m proud to introduce the Pony Up Act with Reps. Graves and Alford to provide relief.”

“The Postal Service is vital, especially for the many rural communities in Missouri’s Fourth District. The USPS has failed to fulfill their Congressionally mandated six-day delivery window. These delays carry tangible consequences; many Americans have shared accounts with delayed checks resulting in late fees on bill payments. It is only fair that the Postal Service should reimburse taxpayers for late fees accrued due to USPS delays,” said Congressman Alford.

The bill would enable anyone who incurred a late fee due to the late delivery of a bill to file a claim for a late fee repayment. Filing for the repayment would occur online through a portal or in person at any post office.

The legislation would also require a report on delayed mail, giving Congress relevant and accurate information to identify how effective the Postal Service is and what average delays look like.

You can view the bill here.

Over the last several years, Congressman Graves and Cleaver have voiced numerous concerns with the USPS about performance issues. In October 2022, Reps. Graves and Cleaver sent a letter to Postmaster General Dejoy expressing concerns about the agency’s failure to fulfill their congressionally mandated duty to provide six-day mail delivery. In December 2022, the Postal Service responded with complaints about low unemployment rates in the Kansas City region and encouraged residents to apply to work on the USPS, without offering a plan for the agency to meet their mandate. 

In March 2023, Reps. Graves and Cleaver called on Postmaster General DeJoy to deliver a plan to address mail delivery delays, fulfill the USPS’s legal obligation to deliver mail 6 days per week, and listen to the concerns of Kansas City residents that had been frustrated with the performance of their local USPS branches. Following that letter, the USPS OIG announced they would conduct an audit of delayed mail and delivery operations in the Northland and the Kansas City area. The audit was completed in August of last year.

In January 2024, Graves and Cleaver led a cohort of fellow lawmakers calling on USPS to halt price increases on stamps, following the agency’s record-breaking fourth rate increase in the last eighteen months. The legislators demanded USPS address the failings of the Delivering for America Plan and turn around performance issues of the USPS in order to legitimize a price hike for consumers.

In August 2024, Graves also called for USPS to audit the St. Louis Processing and Delivery Center, answer for their absentee ballot delivery issues and present a report on potential effects of their misguided proposal to reduce rural mail pickup times. 

In September 2024, Graves, Cleaver, Alford and other legislators called on the USPS to implement the audit recommendations from the OIG’S report on the Kansas City P & DC. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sam Graves (6th District of Missouri)

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) released the following statement after voting for the FY25 Budget Resolution:

“We just passed the first step in implementing President Trump’s agenda to cut wasteful spending, secure our border, defend our country, and give working Americans much-needed tax relief,” said Graves. “President Biden’s wasteful spending, out-of-control regulations, and radical open border policies have dramatically raised the cost of living for American families and made our communities less safe. To get our country back on track and fight inflation, we have to start at the source, stop all the waste, fraud, and abuse of our tax dollars, finish the wall, enforce our immigration laws, and secure our border. This budget resolution is the first step in fulfilling those promises.” 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sam Graves (6th District of Missouri)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) joined U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann (KS-01) and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson (PA-15), House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig (MN-02) and 73 of their colleagues in reintroducing the bipartisan Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act. In July 2024, provisions from the Federal Application For Student Aid (FAFSA) Simplification Act altered the federal formula for determining student aid. The Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act seeks to restore the decades-old standard that exempts the value of assets found on family farms and small business from being assessed as part of a family’s net worth.

“Growing up on a family farm shouldn’t disqualify anyone from receiving financial aid to go to college,” said Rep. Graves. “Families shouldn’t be forced to sell off the farm just to pay their children’s way through school either. The Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act restores standard exemptions that have been around for decades to ensure this is never allowed to happen again. It’s just plain common sense.”

Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) introduced the legislation in the U.S. Senate. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sam Graves (6th District of Missouri)

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) released the following statement after President Trump addressed a Joint Session of Congress:

“It was an honor to welcome President Trump back to the People’s House and hear his vision for renewing the American Dream. It is a new day in Washington and President Trump is doing exactly what he promised to do. Our border was out of control, but it has taken him no time to stem the tide of illegal immigration. Green New Deal spending was rampant, but the President has shut off the spigot for far-left pet projects. Energy prices are crushing American families, but President Trump is reducing regulations and unleashing American energy independence. The federal government desperately needed to be reined in, and the President is doing exactly that. Common sense is back and I look forward to continuing to work with President Trump to ensure America becomes even stronger. Welcome to the Golden Age of America.” 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Thompson (5th District Pennsylvania)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) and Kim Schrier (D-WA) and Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS), Peter Welch (D-VT), Dave McCormick (R-PA), and John Fetterman (D-PA) today led the introduction of the bipartisan, bicameral Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which will allow for unflavored and flavored whole and reduced fat (2 percent) milk to be offered in school cafeterias.

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 highlights the many health benefits and nutrients milk provides to young Americans, including better bone health, lower blood pressure, and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease or Type 2 diabetes. According to the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs), milk is a source of two under-consumed nutrients – calcium and vitamin D – along with other key nutrients. In order for students to benefit from the nutritional content of milk, they must actually consume the milk, which is more likely to occur with varieties and options.

“Federal policy, based on flawed, outdated science has kept whole milk out of school cafeterias for more than a decade,” said Rep. Thompson. “Milk provides 13 essential nutrients that supplement growth and health, two key factors contributing to academic success. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 provides schools the flexibility they need to offer a variety of options, while supporting students and America’s hard-working dairy farmers.”  

“As a pediatrician, I know how important a balanced and nutritious diet is for children’s health, well-being, and development,” said Rep. Schrier. “A healthy diet early in life leads to proper physical growth and improved academic performance, and can set the foundation for lifelong healthy eating habits. Milk is a significant part of many children’s diets and contains essential nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D. This bill simply gives schools the option of providing the types of milk most kids prefer to drink. ”

“Whole and reduced fat milk should never have been excluded from the National School Lunch Program,” said Senator Marshall. “Now, 13 years after its removal, nearly 75% of children do not receive their recommended daily dairy intake. I believe in a healthier future for America, and by increasing kids’ access to milk in school cafeterias, we will help prevent diet-related diseases down the road, as well as encourage nutrient-rich diets for years to come. Whole milk is an excellent source of 13 essential nutrients for students and adults alike in building strong bones. Plus, it tastes good.”

“Milk provides growing kids with key nutrients they need. Dairy is also an important part of Vermont’s culture and local economy, which is why our bipartisan bill to expand access to whole milk in our schools is a win for Vermont’s students and farmers,” said Senator Welch. “This bill helps provide our next generation grow stronger and helps dairy farmers do what they love–feed our communities. I’m proud to partner with Senator Marshall and Representative Thompson on this legislation, which will allow our schools to provide students with the healthy, high-quality, and locally-produced whole milk Vermont’s dairy farms have produced for generations.”

“The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act puts milk back in schools that our growing kids actually want to drink,” said Senator McCormick. “Pennsylvania’s dairy farmers supply this country with an abundant source of milk year-round. Allowing schools to serve whole milk and reduced-fat milk, in addition to low-fat and fat-free milk, in the lunchroom is just commonsense. I’m proud to support our dairy farmers and our students by supplying them with the essential nutrients found in milk to learn and grow.”

“Kids need wholesome, nourishing food to grow strong and stay healthy, and whole milk is packed with the nutrients they need,” said Senator Fetterman. “Let’s give them the option to enjoy it again in schools—it’s good for them, they’ll actually drink it, and it supports our farmers. This bill is a simple solution that benefits everyone.”

“NMPF commends Reps. Thompson and Schrier, and Senators Marshall, Welch, McCormick, and Fetterman for their leadership in boosting students’ access to crucial nutrition with their Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. Just last month, the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee reaffirmed that most Americans under-consume nutrient-dense dairy.  This much-needed bill lets schools offer students the healthful milk options that they are most likely to drink by permitting the serving of nutritious reduced fat and whole milk varieties, critically addressing kids’ under-consumption of milk’s essential nutrients. NMPF is ready to work with the bill’s bipartisan sponsors to move this commonsense, widely supported solution across the finish line this year,” said Gregg Doud, President and CEO, National Milk Producers Federation

“IDFA thanks Reps. Thompson and Schrier, Senators Marshall, Welch, Fetterman, and McCormick and scores of other co-sponsors for their bipartisan, bicameral introduction of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would allow schools to provide the nutritious milk options that children prefer. Whole milk provides them with milk’s 13 essential nutrients for growth, development, healthy immune function, and overall wellness. A wide majority of parents and medical and nutrition professionals know that offering whole milk increases school meal participation, reduces food waste, and provides nutritionally valuable school meals for children and adolescents,” said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., President and CEO, International Dairy Foods Association.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Thompson (5th District Pennsylvania)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson today issued the following statement after the inauguration of President Donald Trump:

“Today’s swearing-in of President Donald Trump is a pivotal change toward restoring economic strength, securing our borders, and ensuring that every American has the opportunity to achieve their dreams. I look forward to working with the Trump administration to create a stronger, safer, and more prosperous future.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Thompson (5th District Pennsylvania)

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Representatives Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA-15), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-1), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1), and Brad Schneider (D-IL-10) introduced the bipartisan Skills Investment Act to enhance workers access to skills training. This legislation aims to expand tax-advantaged savings opportunities for Americans pursuing new job skills and better career prospects through Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) – tax-advantaged savings accounts for educational expenses. Under this legislation, workers of all ages would be eligible to use Coverdell lifelong learning accounts to pay for skills training, apprenticeships, and professional development.

“Investing in a skilled workforce begins with enhancing educational opportunities,” said Rep. Thompson. “This common-sense legislation allows workers, at any point in their career, to further develop skills that will serve them in the future. As co-chair of the bipartisan Career and Technical Education Caucus, I am proud to support the Skills Investment Act to provide additional resources for workers to climb the next rung on the ladder of opportunity.”

“Education is a good investment, and the Skills Investment Act will help more Oregonians and Americans access career and technical education and workforce training,” said Rep. Bonamici. “The Act will allow Coverdell ESAs to pay for these additional opportunities. I’m pleased to join my colleagues in leading this bipartisan legislation that benefits workers, businesses, and the economy.”

“At a time when the need for a skilled workforce has never been greater, it is imperative to expand the flexibility of education savings accounts and create broader pathways for Americans to access trade schools and skill training programs,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “By equipping individuals and families with the resources to advance their careers and achieve financial stability, our bipartisan, bicameral initiative will not only empower them to build brighter futures but strengthen our workforce and fuel sustainable economic progress across the nation.”

“To sustain and grow the American economy, American workers must have accessible pathways to high-paying jobs,” said Rep. Schneider. “We need to give our workforce the skills they need to successfully grow in their careers. By making career and technical education and skills training eligible for education savings accounts, the Skills Investment Act will help ensure workers of all ages are prepared for tomorrow’s economy and help employers better fill in-demand jobs with better trained workers.”
 

The Skills Investment Act is endorsed by the National Skills Coalition, Association for Career and Technical Education, Advance CTE, National Association of Workforce Boards, AASA – The School Superintendents Association, American Council on Education, Society for Human Resource Management, Jobs for the Future, and NAF.
 

Additional Information:

The Skills Investment Act introduces tax-advantaged savings accounts for lifelong skills development. Currently, in order to take advantage of Coverdell ESAs, a beneficiary must establish their account before they turn 18, and they must use any funds in the account before they turn 30 with only limited exceptions. This legislation raises the age limit on Coverdell accounts to 70 and broadens qualifying educational expenses that Coverdell funds can be used for, including career and technical education, literacy, and other workforce-focused programs.
 
This bill also focuses on upskilling and reskilling incumbent workers by allowing individuals over 30 to contribute $4,000 each year tax-free to their Coverdell account. To ensure workers receive education and training that aligns with the needs of today’s workforce, employers would also receive a 25% tax credit for any contributions to an employee’s Coverdell account.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Thompson (5th District Pennsylvania)

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson announced the North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission in Ridgway as the recipient of a $8,552,175 award from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Fiscal Year 25-26 Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant (MPDG). This investment will address longstanding infrastructure challenges by restoring and replacing several bridges throughout the region.

“Replacing and repairing aging infrastructure will lead to economic growth, job creation, and community well-being,” Rep. Thompson said. “Bridge replacement will provide safe routes through six counties in the Heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds, which will increase safety and further promote tourism and industry in our region.”

“We sincerely thank our federal partners and congressional delegation for securing this critical funding,” Jim Chorney, North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission Executive Director, said. “Their commitment to rural infrastructure is making a real difference, ensuring residents and businesses have the safe, modern transportation network they deserve. We appreciate their leadership in delivering these much-needed improvements to our region.”  

“We are thrilled to receive this significant investment from DOT to strengthen North Central Pennsylvania’s infrastructure,” Amy Kessler, North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission Community Development/Regional Planning Director said. “These bridge projects will improve mobility, support economic development, and enhance access to essential services. Addressing long-standing gaps in underserved areas ensures a safer, more connected future for our communities.”

Background: The project includes the replacement of five critical bridges and the rehabilitation of the Kramer Road Bridge in North Central Pennsylvania. Kramer Road Bridge will have a new superstructure with new rolled steel, galvanized, I-Beams and modern concrete deck measuring 60 feet in length and 29.8 feet in width. The Steam Mill Road Bridge, T-748 Mosquito Creek Bridge, Caledonia Pike Bridge, Arnold Avenue Bridge, and Big Moore’s Run Bridge will be replaced.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Thompson (5th District Pennsylvania)

WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA-15), Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, attended the 109th Pennsylvania Farm Show and hosted an Agriculture Listening Session.

“Agriculture is Pennsylvania’s number one industry and the Commonwealth’s producers are essential to feeding, clothing, and fueling our country and the world,” Chairman Thompson said. “As the first Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee from Pennsylvania in more than 170 years, our farmers have a seat at the table when it comes to crafting the future of federal farm policy. I am optimistic we can build upon the successes of the past two years and deliver for farm country during this Congress.” 

Opening Ceremony – To kick off the 109th Farm Show, Rep. Thompson delivered opening remarks highlighting and promoting Pennsylvania’s number one industry- agriculture! 

Farm Show Happenings – Rep. Thompson was joined by House Agriculture Committee members, Representative Angie Craig (D-MN-2), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Agriculture, and Representative Chellie Pingree (D-ME-1) on a tour of the event. 

Hearing from Pennsylvania’s Producers – Rep. Thompson hosted an Agriculture Listening Session to hear directly from Pennsylvania’s farmer, ranchers, producers, and consumers. Panelists included Representatives Craig and Pingree as well as Secretary Russell Redding, Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Agriculture.