Hal Rogers RSS Articles

House Approves Fiscal Year 2014 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

On June 6, 2013, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the fiscal year 2014 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Appropriations bill (H.R. 2217) by a vote of 245-182. The legislation provides funding to help strengthen America’s homeland security efforts while cutting wasteful or unnecessary programs.

“I applaud the passage of this important legislation. In such austere budget times, this bill rightly prioritizes spending on programs that save American lives. Frontline protection, terrorism prevention and response, disaster recovery assistance, and a strong and security border – all of these are paramount to the safety and security of our homeland,” House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers said.

Click the picture above to see Congressman Rogers speaking on the House floor in support of the FY14 DHS Appropriations bill.

The legislation includes $38.9 billion in discretionary funding for DHS. This is a decrease of $617.6 million below the fiscal year 2013 enacted level and a decrease of $34.9 million compared to the President’s request. This funding level is approximately $981 million above the current, post-sequestration level for DHS as estimated by the Congressional Budget Office.

For a list of amendments to H.R. 2217 adopted by the House, please visit: http://appropriations.house.gov/UploadedFiles/06.05.13_FY_2014_Homeland_Security_Bill_-_Floor_Adopted_Amendments.pdf

Rogers has served Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia’s natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information visit www.halrogers.house.gov.

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Rogers Announces Expansion of KY Teleworks & Commends Coal Miner Hiring Program

Thu, 30 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

HAZARD, KY -- U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) joined the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program (EKCEP) in Hazard, Kentucky to announce the expansion of Kentucky Teleworks and to commend the organization for working with Community Action Agencies across the region to assist laid-off coal miners with career advising, furthering their education and finding quality employment through the Hiring Our Miners Everyday (H.O.M.E.) Program.

"Kentucky has lost 5,700 coal mining jobs in the last 18 months, devastating the industry that has been a key economic engine for our rural region," said Rogers. "I am always thrilled to talk about job creation and company expansions, but now more than ever before, economic development is vital to our coal mining families who are struggling to find comparable salaries. I'm especially proud of the HOME Program and our Community Action Agencies that are working around the clock to assist our coal mining families."

The H.O.M.E. Program offers to pay employers 75% of a former coal miner's salary during on-the-job training for a new career. Since December 2012, the program has assisted more than 1,000 coal miners and their spouses find a job or gain access to career training or post-secondary education, according to EKCEP officials. Rogers commended Bridgett Back for her tireless efforts to recruit employers and assist coal miners at the L.K.L.P. Community Action Agency.

Rogers also announced the expansion of EKCEP's Kentucky Teleworks program. The program works with national and global companies to provide customer service assistance from anywhere in the world, including your own home. Anyone with the required phone and internet services are eligible to apply for a pool of 1,000 jobs through Kentucky Teleworks. For individuals without the required phone and internet services, EKCEP created a hub at its Hazard headquarters where employees have access to the tools they need. After the event, officials participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of the Hazard hub for Kentucky Teleworks.

"Kentucky Teleworks is the newest resident of Silicon Holler," said Rogers. "The program has been so successful, EKCEP announced it will be opening an additional hub in Jackson County, in partnership with Jackson Energy and the Appalachian Regional Commission. These jobs remove travel restrictions and thanks to the EKCEP hubs, individuals will not be hampered by the lack of technology in their homes."

EKCEP Executive Director Jeff Whitehead said both initiatives fall perfectly in line with Rogers' vision for Eastern Kentucky's future.

"We truly can have it all. We can have our mountains and our coal mining, and new job opportunities," Whitehead said. "And now, thanks to 21st century technology, when it comes to economic development and bringing jobs to our region, we're as flat as Iowa."

During the event, Rogers recognized local efforts in partnership with the UNITE and PRIDE programs. This year, UNITE kicked off a scholarship program for high school seniors across the region who are active UNITE Club members and display leadership qualities at school and in the community. Nineteen high school seniors are receiving a $1,500 scholarship this year. Rogers applauded four of the local scholarship recipients, Jalon Morgan from Leslie County High School and three students from Knott County Central High School, Brian Catron, Kennedy King and Avery Shrum.

Rogers also commended several PRIDE volunteers for their efforts in this year's PRIDE Spring Cleanup Campaign. Rogers presented Outstanding Volunteer Recruitment Certificates to Roger Hicks from Knott County, Barry Spivey from Jackson County, Angie Muncy from Leslie County, Gary Cornett from Letcher County, and Rosa Couch from Perry County. Together, they recruited a total of 2,745 volunteers for the month of April.

Additionally, Rogers presented Ashley Bowman a "Difference Maker" award for recruiting 2,000 volunteers in Wolfe County this year and his diligent efforts to raise awareness about the importance of recycling.

Rogers has served Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia’s natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information visit www.halrogers.house.gov.

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Rogers Joins Ribbon-Cutting for New Martin Fire Station

Wed, 29 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

MARTIN, KY -- U.S. Representative Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) joined local officials in Floyd County on Tuesday, May 28, 2013 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the completion of the new Martin Volunteer Fire Department as part of the Martin Redevelopment project designed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The project includes flood safe redevelopment, mandatory floodplain evacuation, voluntary flood proofing and acquisition, and relocation of public facilities.

“This new fire station is a symbol of hope for the City of Martin, where families and businesses have suffered far too long from major flooding,” said Rogers. “The redevelopment site is unique, but for a city that has suffered ten major floods in its history, a drastic plan was required.”

Rogers presented the volunteer firefighters with a U.S. Flag that had been flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor of this milestone for the City of Martin.

Rogers joined Col. Steven McGugan, Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Huntington District; Sam Howell, Mayor of Martin; R.D. “Doc” Marshall, Floyd County Judge Executive; and local residents to celebrate the first opening of several facilities planned for the City of Martin. Two additional public facilities are slated for relocation to the new site, the Martin Town Hall and Police Station, as well as the Floyd County Alternative School.

During the ceremony, Rogers honored Marlana VanHoose for inspiring thousands of people across Kentucky with her beautiful voice in spite of her physical challenges. VanHoose sang the National Anthem and received a “Hal Rogers Difference Maker Award."

Rogers has served Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia’s natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information visit www.halrogers.house.gov.

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Rogers Speaks to Regional Leaders at Big Sandy A.D.D.

Wed, 29 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

PRESTONSBURG, KY -- U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) gave a legislative update during a regularly scheduled monthly meeting of local leaders of the Big Sandy Area Development District (A.D.D.) on Tuesday, May 28, 2013 at the Big Sandy A.D.D. headquarters. Rogers commended local leaders for their diligent efforts to recover and rebuild over the last year since several deadly tornadoes swept through the region last March.

"Through your leadership, our students missed very little school, dozens of displaced families were provided with immediate housing, businesses quickly re-opened, and you paved the way for new opportunities and job creation after the storm and I applaud you," said Rogers. "I applaud your leadership in working with local, state and federal agencies through the recovery process and I'll continue to stand by you through your long-term efforts."

During the meeting, Rogers explained why the House voted last week to repeal ObamaCare for the 37th time since the Affordable Care Act passed three years ago.

"We're already losing jobs across the country and employers are finding it will be cheaper to pay the penalties than to provide health insurance for every single employee," explained Rogers. "We simply can't afford ObamaCare. I'm most concerned about our young workers who could see a 200% increase in premiums, according to the Congressional Budget Office."

Rogers recently co-sponsored the Coal Jobs Protection Act (H.R. 1829), which would automatically approve 404 coal mining permits if the Environmental Protection Agency fails to respond within 90 days.

"In the last 18 months, Kentucky has lost 5,700 coal jobs and all but 200 of those were Eastern Kentucky coal miners," said Rogers. "I have grilled leaders of the EPA time and again, slashing the federal agency's budget with unprecedented cuts along the way, yet this administration has been relentless in its attack on coal. We must be diligent in helping these laid-off miners find employment and work to get our coal mines back on line. And Congress needs to pass the Coal Jobs Protection Act."

Shifting from the war on coal, Rogers commended local leaders for their tireless efforts in the war on drugs. Thanks to private donations, Operation UNITE kicked-off the "I Am UNITE" Scholarships for high school seniors on the non-profit organization's tenth anniversary. Nineteen students from across the region will receive a $1,500 scholarship this year.

"Some of these students have already helped their own families members and friends get help for drug and alcohol addictions. They are already changing lives with their bold efforts at school and at home. We wish them the very best as they go one to college," stated Rogers.

The PRIDE Spring Cleanup campaign wrapped up at the end of April and Rogers delivered some of the in-coming results from the region's successful volunteer efforts. Rogers presented "Outstanding Volunteer Recruitment Certificates" to Ella Clay who recruited 587 volunteers in Floyd County, Lillian Wheeler who recruited 68 volunteers in Johnson County, and Frankie Collett for recruiting 333 volunteers in Magoffin County.

Rogers also announced PRIDE's Volunteer of the Month for June is the Upper Chloe Improvement Club, led by Kenneth and Gerrie Kinder. The club collected 1,341 bags of trash, filled four dumpsters and removed 30 old tires across ten miles.

"Volunteers are the backbone of PRIDE and each year we are inching toward the milestone of removing one million old tires from our hillsides and streams," said Rogers. "There is nothing as beautiful as the canopy across our Eastern Kentucky mountains and I'm proud to be part of this great organization that reminds us to have PRIDE in our beautiful region."

Rogers has served Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia’s natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information, visit http://halrogers.house.gov/ or follow Rogers on Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/RepHalRogers or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/#!/CongressmanHalRogers.

PHOTOS: (left to right): Rogers with UNITE Scholars; Rogers with Ella Clay; Rogers with Lillian Wheeler; Rogers with Frankie Collett; Rogers with Upper Chloe Improvement Club; Rogers speaks at the Big Sandy A.D.D.

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Rogers Announces DHS Release of Security Funds to KY

Thu, 23 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Today, U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) announced the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has directed $8.7 million to Kentucky to enhance emergency response and preparedness initiatives. The Commonwealth is eligible for funding for Fiscal Year 2013 through two grants, the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) and the Emergency Management Preparedness Grants (EMPG). Specifically, $3.5 million in SHSP grant funding will be available to implement risk-driven, capabilities-based security strategies to address targets, and $5.24 million in EMPG funding will support Kentucky’s long-standing efforts to enhance, coordinate, and sustain first responders during natural disasters and acts of terrorism.

"I applaud these investments by the Department of Homeland Security to ensure each state is capable of sustaining and strengthening security efforts in the midst of budget cuts," said Rogers. "The deadly attack during the Boston Marathon was a reminder that we must maintain our diligence in preparedness and protection across the nation and in the Commonwealth. The Oklahoma tornadoes are also a solemn reminder of the importance of having expertly trained emergency response crews with state-of-the-art technology when disasters strike."

Kentucky’s FY 2013 SHSP grant of $3.5 million represents an increase of $658,000 over FY 2012. These funds will help build and sustain Kentucky’s preparedness capabilities while providing local law enforcement with additional tools to prevent and respond to pre-operational activity and other crimes that are precursors or indicators of terrorist activity. This includes new initiatives to support citizen preparedness drills and to strengthen mass casualty planning, training and exercises among law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical service providers. The EMPG Program assists state and local governments in enhancing and sustaining all-hazards emergency management capabilities.

Further information on DHS’ preparedness grant programs is available at www.dhs.gov and http://www.fema.gov/grants.

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Rogers Helps Stock Owsley County Library

Thu, 23 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Photo: Rogers Sends Books to Owsley County Public Library

Congressman Rogers' Field Rep. Shannon Rickett and Library Director Lesa Marcum

SOMERSET, KY - Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) has been collecting surplus books from the Library of Congress to help stock and replace books in small public libraries across southern and eastern Kentucky. On Wednesday, May 22, 2013, Rogers' Field Representative Shannon Rickett delivered more than 100 books to the Owsley County Public Library in downtown Booneville, Kentucky.

“Since the Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, it receives duplicate copies of books that can be donated to other libraries in need," said Rogers. "So, this is a simple way to help our public libraries stock their shelves and replace older books during tough economic times."

Rickett presented Owlsey County Public Library Director, Lesa Marcum with several boxes of literature.

"We are so thankful that the Congressman took time to think about us here at the Owsley County Library," said Marcum. "These books will be a nice addition to our collection for the public to enjoy."

So far, Rogers has collected books for West Liberty Elementary School and Public Libraries in Knott, Lee, Magoffin, McCreary, and Pulaski Counties.

Rogers has served Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia’s natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information, visit http://halrogers.house.gov/ or follow Rogers on Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/RepHalRogers or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/#!/CongressmanHalRogers.

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Rogers Applauds Passage of Freedom to Fish Act

Tue, 21 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) announced the "Freedom to Fish Act" (S.982) unanimously passed the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislation passed the Senate late last week. The "Freedom to Fish Act" prohibits the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from restricting public access to waters surrounding dams or civil work structures along the Cumberland River in Kentucky and Tennessee for a two-year period.

“I’m pleased to see the House agree to a two-year delay of the Corps’ unconvincing tailwaters access restriction. With lake levels rising, folks are gassing up their boats and getting excited about the 2013 summer season," said Rogers. "The 'Freedom to Fish Act' will ensure lake enthusiasts have full access to prime fishing spots. This legislation keeps the Corps from moving forward with physical barriers, while allowing for signage and alert systems to inform individuals of potential water-flow changes. Communities around Kentucky’s fine lakes rose up in opposition to the Corps’ policy and now have reason to celebrate and fish to catch.”

In 2012, the Army Corps of Engineers re-interpreted a 1996 policy to permanently restrict access to the tailwaters of ten dams in the Cumberland River basin. In April, the Corps officially announced it would implement the new restrictions. However, this bill directs the Corps to remove any permanent physical barriers constructed for the restricted areas. The "Freedom to Fish Act" now proceeds to the President's desk to be signed into law.

Rogers has served Kentucky's Fifth Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia's natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information, visit http://halrogers.house.gov or follow Rogers on Twitter and Facebook.

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PRIDE Volunteers Knock Out Litter for Generations

Mon, 20 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Column By, Congressman Hal Rogers
322 Words

One of the missions of PRIDE is improving environmental education in Southern and Eastern Kentucky. Each April, our region gets a hands-on lesson. I have talked to dozens of volunteers who admit they used to throw soda cans or snack wrappers out the window, until they started volunteering with PRIDE to pick up that same garbage. And with 16 years under our belts, the message is now spreading to each generation.

In McCreary County, three generations of one family joined together to volunteer during the Highway 27 Spring Clean-up. Jo Jo Stephens rallied together her mother, Faye Hatfield; her aunt, Betty Hatfield; and her children, George, Josie, and Casey Stephens to pick up litter this year. Not only did they help collect 220 bags of trash in McCreary County, but Betty Hatfield also won the award for being the oldest volunteer at the age of 88. Additionally, her son, Casey designed the 2013 volunteer t-shirts and came up with this year’s slogan, “Be a PRIDE Champion: Knock Out Litter.” Jo Jo Stephens’ family is an inspiration and adds a whole new meaning to the PRIDE we have in this region. It’s examples of generational change like this, which will carry PRIDE in our region for the long haul.

Each and every PRIDE Spring Clean-up volunteer deserves great recognition for being a part of restoring beauty along our roadways and lakesides in Southern and Eastern Kentucky. The clean-up totals are just starting to roll in, but I’m pleased to announce more than 7,300 bags of trash were removed in eight clean-up events alone. Way to go!

It is such an honor to be a part of this great region. When other leaders ask how we’ve cleaned up our mountains, I point to the photos of volunteers in my office and share stories about people like Jo Jo Stephens and her family who are making the difference. Congratulations on another successful PRIDE Spring Cleanup!

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Rogers Votes to Repeal ObamaCare

Thu, 16 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) announced the U.S. House of Representatives voted to repeal President Obama's Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) with a vote of 229 to 195. Since the law passed three years ago, the Republican-led House has voted to repeal the law 37 times.

"Across the country and in our region, Americans are rightly worried about ObamaCare's dreadful impact and the looming increased health care costs it will bring, along with more Washington waste, and lost jobs this law will bring," said Rogers who voted to repeal ObamaCare again. "Even after all the promises, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates 30 million Americans will remain uninsured and insurance premiums could rise 200% for younger workers. The Affordable Care Act isn't 'affordable' when you consider the projected job losses and higher-out-of-pocket medical expenses for hardworking American taxpayers. And ObamaCare isn’t about ‘care’ when you put a bureaucrat between you and your doctor. This is the wrong medicine for Kentucky families. We can do better."

Rogers has served Kentucky's Fifth Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia's natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information, visit http://halrogers.house.gov or follow Rogers on Twitter and Facebook.

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Rogers Disappointed by FDA Painkiller Decision

Fri, 10 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) issued the following statement about the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) decision to leave the powerful painkiller, Opana Extended-Release Tablets (Opana ER) on the U.S. market for "reasons of safety or effectiveness." The decision allows generic versions of the original, easily-abused painkiller to be sold.

“I’m disappointed that the FDA is allowing cheap crushable pain pills to stay on the market in the United States," said Rogers who co-founded the Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse. "These powerful drugs have caused far too many overdoses and deaths around the country when misused, and in Kentucky, they have proved to be a gateway drug for heroin abuse. The bottom line is that we need better technology to deter tampering and abuse of prescription meds to fix our country’s pain pill addiction, and the sooner we can incentivize the development and approval of safer, tamper-resistant pills, the better we all will be.”

The FDA was required to respond to a petition from the drug manufacturer, Endo Pharmaceuticals, seeking an abuse-deterrent label for Opana ER on Friday, May 10, 2013. The federal agency's response was also due for a Citizen's Petition to keep the original drug off the shelves. In a personal phone call to Congressman Rogers on Friday, FDA Commissioner Dr. Peggy Hamburg explained the agency did not have the authority to pull the original Opana ER off the market at this time.

Last month, Congressman Rogers applauded the FDA and Dr. Hamburg for blocking the original, crushable OxyContin from returning to U.S. markets on April 16, 2013. During the National Rx Drug Abuse Summit in Orlando, Florida April 2-4, 2013, Rogers and Dr. Hamburg spoke privately and publicly about the prescription drug abuse epidemic and their concerns for opioids that do not contain abuse-deterrent measures. Rogers told the nearly 1,000 Summit attendees that Congress was prepared to act if the FDA failed to do so. Four drug-related bills in the U.S. House include the Safe Prescribing Act (H.R. 1285), the Stop Oxy Abuse Act (H.R. 1366), the Stop Tampering of Prescription Pills (STOPP) Act (H.R. 486), and the Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (H.R. 672).

The prescription drug abuse epidemic now claims more American lives than car crashes. Rogers also joined a bipartisan group of members in introducing H.Res. 161 last month, expressing the Sense of the House of Representatives that the FDA should require generic versions of abuse-deterrent painkillers to use comparable abuse-deterrent features.

In 2009, Rogers joined former Representative Mary Bono Mack to form the Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse. Rogers has served Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia’s natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information, visit http://halrogers.house.gov or follow Rogers on Twitter and Facebook.

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