Hal Rogers RSS Articles

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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Rogers Urges Urban Outfitters to Remove Controversial Rx Drug Products

Tue, 07 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC - Today,U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) sent a letter to the President and CEO of Urban Outfitters, Richard Hayne, urging the Fortune 500 company based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to remove its controversial product line of flasks, shot glasses and pint glasses designed to look like prescription pill bottles.

"For a company with sales of $2.79 billion in 2012 to trivialize the pain and suffering of those struggling with addiction is tasteless at best, but irresponsible at worst," stated Rogers in the letter. "I fear the sale of these items could have the unfortunate consequence of leading more teens to seek out prescription meds, or even worse, an increase in prescription drug related overdoses. I would encourage you to remove these items from the shelves immediately so as not to contribute to this epidemic."

In the letter, Rogers noted that someone dies every 15 minutes from a prescription drug overdose in the United States and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has characterized this problem as a national epidemic. Rogers says the company has simply gone too far.

"While I understand that your company's business model is predicated on the sale of controversial products, I believe marketing products to young people with an explicit allusion to the misuse of prescription medicines is simply a bridge too far," said Rogers, co-founder of the Congressional Causus on Prescription Drug Abuse.

Click here to read Rogers' letter to Urban Outfitters.

In 2009, Rogers joined with 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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Rogers Announces Winner of 2013 Congressional Art Competition

Fri, 03 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

SOMERSET, KY - Today, U.S. Representative Hal Rogers (KY-05) announced the winners of the 2013 Congressional Art Competition for Kentucky’s Fifth Congressional District.

The first place artwork, entitled “Deep in Slumber,” was painted by Jeffery Couch, a senior at Knott County Central High School. Jeffery utilized watercolors to capture his younger sister taking an afternoon nap. His art teacher is Carolyn Slone Gibson. Jeffery is the son of Jeff and Robin Couch of Kite, Kentucky.

“The Congressional Art Competition is a great way to highlight talented artists from across the country, and I'm thrilled to have our region represented by such talented students,” said Rogers. “Jeffery's artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for thousands of visitors from across the world to see and I am proud that everyone will know it came from southeastern Kentucky.”

The winning artwork will be displayed in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol Building where it will hang alongside artwork from congressional districts across the nation. First place artists are invited to a Congressional Art Competition reception on June 26, 2013 in Washington, D.C. and will receive two complimentary airline tickets to attend. Jeffery Couch will also eligible for a college art scholarship as the first place district winner.

The second place artwork, entitled "Empyrean" is a pastel painting of the artist, Anna Rogers, with her Thoroughbred horse, highlighting beautiful flowering trees on a farm. Anna is a freshman at Somerset Christian School. Her art teacher is Cece Butcher. Anna is the daughter of Kimberly and Sean Rogers of Somerset, Kentucky.

The third place artwork, entitled "The Girl with the Flower" was painted by Monica Withers, a junior at Monticello High School. Monica used oil pastels to capture, with post impressionist style, her identical twin wearing a medieval costume. Her art teacher is Tonya Marcum. She is the daughter of Tim Withers and Angela Denney of Monticello, Kentucky.

The second and third place winners will receive a Congressional Certificate of Recognition for their award-winning artwork.

The Congressional Art Competition, sponsored by the Congressional Institute, was initiated by Congress in 1982 to provide an opportunity for members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of young people living in their districts. More than 650,000 students have participated in the competition over the last 30 years.

1st Place Winning Artwork, "Deep in Slumber" by Jeffery Couch of Knott Central High School

2nd Place Winning Artwork, "Empyrean" by Anna Rogers of Somerset Christian School

3rd Place Winning Artwork, "The Girl with the Flower" by Monica Withers of Monticello High School

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Wooton Receives Congressional Tribute Upon Retirement

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Hazard, KY -- U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) announced the retirement of his Eastern Kentucky Field Representative, Pat Wooton, effective April 30, 2013. Wooton served as Rogers' Field Representative for six years, covering 18 counties in the eastern half of Kentucky's Fifth Congressional District.

"Pat has been a tireless advocate for the people of southern and eastern Kentucky, working with local leaders to assist with water and sewer projects, federal aid for natural disasters, and much more," said Rogers. "Pat has been a loyal adviser and close friend over the years and we'll certainly miss his presence on staff in the mountains. Even in his retirement, I imagine Pat will continue helping his hometown of Buckhorn, Kentucky and the surrounding areas."

Wooton's territory will be divided by Rogers' staff. Rogers' Field Representative Grayson Smith will now add Breathitt, Knott, Letcher and Perry Counties to the region he serves, while Field Representative Shannon Rickett will add Lee, Leslie and Owsley Counties.

Rogers honored Wooton upon his retirement with a Congressional Tribute in the U.S. House of Representatives, which follows:

"Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a dedicated employee of the U.S. House of Representatives and a staunch Kentucky Republican, Mr. Dennis Patrick Wooton, upon his retirement from my Hazard district office following six years of service as my trusted Field Representative.

“Pat has been my right hand on many issues impacting constituents in the eastern half of Kentucky's Fifth Congressional District, covering 18 counties. Anytime a natural disaster occurs in our region, such as flash flooding, tornadoes and damaging mudslides, Pat immediately reaches out to local officials to offer a helping hand and evaluate the potential need for federal assistance. He has been a loyal, reliable resource in the mountains of eastern Kentucky, always offering a friendly smile, his contagious humorous attitude, and a word of encouragement.

“Before serving as Congressional staff, Pat bravely served our U.S. Army in the Vietnam War. He was awarded several medals for his valiant efforts, including the honorable Bronze Star. He is a life-time member of V.F.W. Post 7378 and D.A.V. Chapter 64. Upon returning home, Pat was a teacher, baseball coach, and basketball coach at Buckhorn High School in Perry County, Kentucky, where he also became one of the most beloved principals in the history of the institution. In 2007, he was elected to the Kentucky High School Baseball Coach Hall of Fame. Through his dedicated efforts in the county, Pat gained the respect of the people of Perry County, who elected him Sheriff 2003-2006.

“Pat has also been a dedicated advocate for conservative Republican principles and currently serves as Chairman of the Perry County Republican Party.

“Pat has a true heart of service, which is displayed by his volunteer efforts across the Kentucky River region. His long list of service includes training the Buckhorn Volunteer Fire Department, serving on the Governor’s Smart Growth Task Force, the ARH Family Health Service and Community Advisory Boards, Buckhorn City Council, the Hazard Community and Technical College Board of Directors, and many more.

"Please join me in congratulating Mr. Pat Wooton on his retirement, and in appreciation of his brave military service to this nation. My wife, Cynthia, and I wish Pat and his wife, Veda, the very best in the years to come.”

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Rogers Speaks to Knox County Chamber

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Rogers speaks to Knox County Chamber of Commerce

Barbourville, KY - U.S. Congressman Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) spoke to the Knox County Chamber of Commerce in Barbourville, Kentucky on Tuesday, April 30th on the campus of Union College. Rogers commended Dr. Marcia Hawkins on her recent inauguration as the 19th President of Union College, and becoming the first female to take the helm in the history of the institution.

Rogers presented a legislative update during the meeting and explained how the impacts of the sequester have been turned into propaganda by the Obama Administration. Rogers cited the recent U.S. Federal Aviation Administration's reluctance to provide details about furloughs and delays to airports and airlines until three days before the sequester.

"This Administration has an imperialistic attitude, refusing to let the Congress know what each agency needs in order to prevent major setbacks," said Rogers. "If we could get the Obama Administration to come to the table to talk about the sequester, we could discuss alternatives and implement a plan that doesn't cut the good with the bad."

Rogers also criticized the Obama Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) war on coal. Our region lost 4,068 coal jobs between 2011 and 2012, and total Kentucky coal production fell 16.3% last year, the lowest level since 1965, according to a recent report by the Mountain Association of Community Economic Development (MACED).

"We've tried to do everything possible to stop this attack on Appalachian coal," said Rogers. "We've cut the EPA's budget more than ever before on the House Appropriations Committee, but the Obama Administration has been relentless in attacking the way of life of thousands of Kentucky coal miners."

Switching gears, Rogers said one area where we are seeing significant progress in southern and eastern Kentucky is saving lives in the prescription drug abuse epidemic.

"I applauded the U.S. Food and Drug Administration during a hearing last week, for blocking the original, crushable OxyContin from coming back to our streets," said Rogers who launched Operation UNITE and co-founded the Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse. "I truly believe the FDA's decision saved us from another deadly wave of prescription drug overdoses and deaths. It's evident that your voices are being heard. Parents, communities and local leaders across the region have joined the UNITE mission to let our national leaders know that enough is enough and its time for action."

As the PRIDE Spring Cleanup Month wraps up, Rogers also commended all of the PRIDE volunteers that have dedicated time to pick up litter along our roadways, hillsides and streams during the month of April.

"You've changed the way this region looks over the years and restored the natural beauty of the mountains," Rogers lauded.

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 Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/#!/CongressmanHalRogers.

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Rogers Urges Action on Chinese Currency Manipulation

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) urged the Department of Treasury to register China as a 'currency manipulator' during a budget hearing Thursday morning with Treasury Secretary Jack Lew. Rogers also co-sponsored the Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act (H.R. 1276), bipartisan legislation to stop China's illegal trade practices.

"There's not a soul in the world that doesn't believe that the renminbi is being manipulated by the Chinese for trade practice purposes and it's working, very smoothly, as a matter of fact," stated Rogers. "The Department of Commerce cannot move until you take action.

"Commerce can't levy counter-veiling duties unless Treasury registers China as a 'currency manipulator' and this has been going on for decades now and we're getting beat," Rogers continued. "Our economy is absolutely suffering tremendously, I think, because of the under-value of the renminbi. In fact, I'm told it's set now at 6.14 renminbis to the dollar, which is from my information, a reduction of about 3% from this time last year."

According to a new report from the nonpartisan Peterson Institute of International Economics, our economy has lost between one and five million jobs as a result of currency manipulation by China and other foreign countries. The practice of undermining the free exchange of currencies to benefit China's own exporters violates international trade agreements and weakens manufacturing in America.

The Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act gives domestic manufacturers the tools needed to fight back against countries that won't live up to their trade obligations. It helps American companies and workers compete on a level playing field when imports from counties engaged in currency manipulation cause "material injury" to a U.S. industry and adheres to World Trade Organization rules.

Click here to watch a YouTube video of the Budget Hearing with Treasury Secretary Lew

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 at https://twitter.com/#!/RepHalRogers or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/#!/CongressmanHalRogers.

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Rogers Announces $207,000 Grant for Hazard Fire Dept.

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC— U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers (KY-05) announced the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will award the Hazard Fire Department $207,438 to upgrade all communications for the agency.

“Whether it’s responding to a traffic accident, a medical emergency, or a burning building, modern communications equipment is essential for our first responders to do their jobs effectively,” said Rogers. “This federal investment will go a long way towards increasing the safety of our brave fire fighters in the City of Hazard.”

The Hazard Fire Department plans to purchase new radio equipment for 24 vehicles, 26 fire fighters, along with new repeaters to comply with new regulations from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

The primary goal of FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Program is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations. Since 2001, these grants have helped firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire-related hazards. This award is at the sole discretion of FEMA.

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 at https://twitter.com/#!/RepHalRogers or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/#!/CongressmanHalRogers.

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Rogers Announces $72,000 Grant for Lily Fire Dept.

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC— U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers (KY-05) announced the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will award the Lily Volunteer Fire Department $72,105 to purchase new safety gear.

“Whether it’s responding to a traffic accident, a medical emergency, or a burning building, modern equipment is essential for our first responders to do their jobs effectively,” said Rogers. “This federal investment will go a long way towards increasing the safety of our brave fire fighters in the Lily community and in Laurel County.”

The Lily Volunteer Fire Department plans to purchase eight new self-contained breathing apparatus (S.C.B.A.) units with spare cylinders and masks. The department will also replace some buffer gear that was destroyed in a recent house fire.

The primary goal of FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Program is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations. Since 2001, these grants have helped firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire-related hazards. This award is at the sole discretion of FEMA.

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 at https://twitter.com/#!/RepHalRogers or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/#!/CongressmanHalRogers.

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Rogers Blasts FAA Over Late Furlough Details

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) questioned Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator, Michael Huerta, during a House Transportation-HUD Appropriations Subcommittee budget hearing. The hearing also focused on the impact of the sequestration on the FAA and the Administration's failure to inform Congress and adequately detail industry shareholders on the decision to furlough federal air traffic control employees. The FAA began furloughing controllers on Sunday, April 21st, leading to aviation delays nationwide.

In Rogers' opening statement, he expressed disdain over the failure of the Obama Administration and FAA to detail the projected operational impacts of sequestration.

"You didn't inform the Congress of this sequester impact and what you planned to do about it. In fact, the entire Administration has done the same thing. They've not told the Congress how the sequester impact will impact each agency and the Congress can't operate like that. This imperial attitude on a part of the Administration, and you're the most recent example of that imperialism, is disgusting. And then, to turn around and try to blame the difficulties in flying on the Congress having not informed us of what you planned to do is unacceptable."

During the hearing Rogers, questioned Administrator Huerta specifically about the decision to impose across-the-board furloughs.

"I wish you had told us earlier, so we could have planned and perhaps try to find a way around the problem," said Rogers. "Now, when you decided to close those 149 contract towers, you said that your goal was to minimize the disruption to the maximum number of travelers. But when you decided to find savings in labor costs, just now, you imposed eleven days of furloughs across all FAA employees, regardless of how critical those employees are to the mission of safe, efficient air traffic control. It seems to me, we have contradictory reasoning when it came to decisions regarding contract towers versus the FAA and air traffic control workforce who are furloughed equally, regardless of how operationally essential they are."

Rogers also demanded answers about the FAA's failure to adequately inform industry stakeholders, namely airports and airlines, about it's plans.

“We told them that they should expect significant impacts at major hub facilities,” explained Huerta.

“Well, la-ti-da, everyone knew that, that’s what sequester is all about," responded Rogers. "But it’s important for them to plan their schedules, their hours, and their planes and the airports, their management personnel. They needed to know detailed impact on them as early as could be had, and you had months to do that, and yet, you refused. I find that shocking.”

Click the photo to see Rogers' opening statement during the FAA Hearing

Click the photo to watch Rogers' questions during the FAA Hearing on YouTube

Click to the photo to watch the second round of FAA questioning focused on informing industry stakeholders

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 Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/#!/CongressmanHalRogers.

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