Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

Washington DC- U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, released a statement following the markup of the Trade Promotion Authority legislation: “The bill voted out of committee this evening puts our nation on a fast track to fewer jobs and lower wages. This Trade Promotion Authority legislation is flawed and is set to leave Pennsylvania with the short end of the stick once again. Instead of focusing on boosting wages for the middle class, Congress is speeding toward another NAFTA-style deal. We’ve been told that previous trade deals would bring jobs and growth, only to find out that the benefits had been vastly oversold and the consequences had been severely underestimated. When it comes to debating economic policies we should consider whether they will grow middle class wages, create new jobs and bolster our manufacturing sector. Trade Promotion Authority legislation does none of these things.

U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released a statement following the capture of suspect Eric Frein: “I’m grateful for the tireless work our state and national law enforcement officers undertook to capture the suspect, Eric Frein. These brave law enforcement officers have worked day and night for weeks to ensure Eric Frein is captured. We owe these officers our deepest gratitude. Their determination to capture Eric Frein over these last weeks has been a stirring reminder of the sacrifices that our law enforcement officers make on a daily basis. Tonight my thoughts are with the family of Cpl. Dickson and Trooper Alex Douglass and his family.” U.S. Senator Pat Toomey released the following statement following the successful apprehension of Eric Frein: “My deepest thanks to the Pennsylvania State Police and the numerous other law enforcement agencies that diligently worked to successfully apprehend Eric Frein tonight in Monroe County. “Each Pennsylvanian owes a debt of g...

August Jobs Report a Stark Reminder  By Rep. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-5) Earlier this month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released its August jobs report that indicated only 142,000 jobs were added to the U.S. economy, marking the lowest amount of job growth in 2014. Perhaps worse, only 62.8 percent of the working aged population is currently employed. During the week of September 12th, 315,000 Americans applied for unemployment aid, an increase of 11,000 claims from the previous week and more than all summer. As the economy continues to creep along with marginal growth, more people continue to feel that the country is heading in the wrong direction. A recent POLITICO poll indicated that 57 percent of likely voters disapprove of President Obama’s handling of the economy. Unfortunately, we are caught in the president’s second term slump, where international crisis has risen to the forefront, while Americans continue to struggle at home. While President Obama cannot bear ...

U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released the following statement on the 70th anniversary of D-Day: “Today I am deeply honored to represent my fellow Pennsylvanians and all Americans in honoring the 70th Anniversary of the D-Day invasion on the beaches of Normandy today, where many American service members gave their lives to push back German forces and begin the fight to liberate Europe. Pennsylvanians contributed significantly to the World War II effort with nearly 1.2 million from the Commonwealth having served by June of 1945. The Anniversary of D-Day is a poignant reminder of the tremendous sacrifices made both past and present by our service members and their families. It is our solemn duty to honor their valor.” Below are photos from Senator Casey’s visit: A view of the bluffs at Pont du Hoc, where U.S. Army Rangers heroically climbed about 100 feet straight up. President Reagan famously delivered the following line in his 1984 speech: “These are the boys of Poin...

Washington, DC -- U.S. Senator Bob Casey is in Normandy as part of the U.S. delegation to commemorate the brave service of U.S. troops during World War II and the 70th anniversary of D-Day. Bradford native Elmer DeLucia proudly served in the US Army and was part of the D-Day invasion. According to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, more than1,170,000 Pennsylvanians were serving or had served in the wartime armed forces by 1945, and according to the National Archives, more than 15,000 Pennsylvanians were killed during WWII. Senator Casey also called on Congress to pass legislation to honor the bravery and sacrifice of our veterans. “I am proud to represent my fellow Pennsylvanians and all Americans in honoring the 70th Anniversary of the D-Day invasion,” said Senator Casey. “Pennsylvanians contributed significantly to the World War II effort with nearly 1.2 million from the Commonwealth serving in June of 1945. The anniversary of D-Day is a poignant reminder o...

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released the following statement on the ruling that Pennsylvania’s law banning same-sex marriage is unconstitutional: “I’m pleased that the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania today struck down the state’s ban on same-sex marriage. This was the right decision and is a step forward for equality in our Commonwealth and in the Nation. As a U.S. Senator representing Pennsylvania, I have heard from many LGBT Pennsylvanians and their families who want nothing more than equal rights under the law. As one mother from Pennsylvania said in a letter to me: ‘My kids have two proud and loving parents who are honest [and] work hard. I want my kids to know they are equal and our family is equal . . . I just want my family to be treated equally and with respect by my state and federal government.’ I believe this decision is a critical step toward achieving equal rights for all Pennsylvanians.” The news lead...

Washington DC- U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released a statement following steps taken by the Department of Transportation to remove Bradford, Venango and Lancaster from the Essential Air Services Program. “I’m disappointed in that the Department of Transportation (DOT) has taken steps to remove Bradford, Venango and Lancaster from the Essential Air Services Program (EAS). EAS plays an important role in providing air services to communities across Pennsylvania, which in turn has positive impact on our economy. Reliable and effective air transportation is a necessary building block for economic growth. If DOT makes this decision final, I will actively support these communities should they choose to appeal.” The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Washington, DC - Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) urged the U.S. Forest Service to conduct a study to determine whether a successful strategy in place in the southern U.S. to combat an invasive species, the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA), could be used in the northern U.S. as well. If effective this strategy could help the Allegheny National Forest (ANF) which is battling the HWA. The HWA is rapidly destroying hemlock trees which are a major part of the ANF’s ecosystem. The ANF is a key source of Pennsylvania’s timber industry which accounted for $7.2 million in sales in 2012 that have been as high as $25.6 million in the last decade. The new strategy, in place in West Virginia, has deployed a beetle to biologically control the HWA. “The Allegheny National Forest is one of Pennsylvania’s great natural treasures and an important element of Northwestern Pennsylvania’s economy,” Senator Casey said in a news release sent to WESB. “Conducting this study has the potential to determi...

Senator Bob Casey and a bipartisan group of 10 other senators are urging the US Army Corps of Engineers to aggressively work toward implementing short term measures, and finding a long term solution to stop the spread of Asian carp into the Great Lakes. Casey says fighting the invasive fish is important to the economy of Northwestern Pennsylvania, and getting this right will protect the region’s tourism industry and play a substantial role in future economic growth. He says Lake Erie’s coastal region supports more than 1.2 million Pennsylvania jobs and is an integral part of Pennsylvania’s economy. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that he has weighed in with the Department of Defense about proposed budget cuts which could impact members of the National Guard across Pennsylvania. Casey released a letter that was joined by a bipartisan group of 12 Senators that expressed concern about the impact that budget cuts would have on our national security and readiness. Currently the Department of Defense is considering a plan that would move assets like Apache helicopters away from the National Guard to the Active component. Casey also spoke to Acting Deputy Secretary of Defense Christine Fox to emphasize the importance that the National Guard has across Pennsylvania and the critical need to maintain a robust role for the National Guard in the nation’s defenses. “The women and men of Pennsylvania’s National Guard have made incredible sacrifices on behalf of our nation and contributed to keeping our country safe,” Senator Casey said. “As we drawdown in Afghanistan and ...

The airline that provides service to Bradford Regional Airport plans to end that service by May 15. Silver Airlines today said it provided the US Department of Transportation with a 90-day notice of its intent to discontinue service between Cleveland and airports in Bradford, Jamestown, DuBois and Franklin, as well as Parkersburg, West Virginia. Dave Pflieger, president and CEO of Silver Airways, said in a news release that “multiple factors have combined to make it economically impossible for us to continue flying” between Cleveland and the five markets. Shortly after Silver’s announcement Senator Bob Casey said he’s committed to ensuring that Northwestern Pennsylvania has access to safe and reliable air transportation. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Washington DC- As deadly heroin tainted with fentanyl has claimed the lives of 22 Pennsylvanians, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) has asked the Drug Enforcement Administration to continue and increase its aid to the state. Even though an arrest has been made, there are new fears that drug dealers in possession of the tainted heroin may rebrand it. “I’m asking the DEA to increase federal coordination on this effort in order to protect Pennsylvanian’s residents from this deadly drug,” Senator Casey said. “Rebranding this fentanyl-laced heroin could endanger more Pennsylvanians. It’s critical that residents remain vigilante and that the DEA work with state and local law enforcement to make every effort to get this drug off the street.” The full text of Senator Casey’s letter is below: Dear Administrator Leonhart: I am writing today with great concern over a recent spread of deadly contaminated heroin in western Pennsylvania. As the Drug Enforcement Administration continu...

Gettysburg - Today, on the 150th Anniversary of the Gettysburg Address, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) spoke at the commemoration of the dedication ceremony at Gettysburg’s Soldiers’ National Cemetery. Senator Casey also joined a Ken Burns project to commemorate President Lincoln’s words. Vide of Senator Casey’s submission can be seen here: http://www.learntheaddress.org/#mZkMK-IUzH4 "Today’s ceremony was truly moving and I was honored to attend,” Senator Casey said. “I hope that today’s marking of this anniversary will call attention to the work our country needs to do on behalf of our veterans. As we commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address, we are reminded of how much we owe to those who have given ‘the last full measure of devotion.’” Photo provided by Casey's office The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Pete Rahn of HNTB Corporation chats with Anne Holliday about a study from a transportation research group that found 27 percent of America’s roads are in substandard condition. Listen here . PA US Senator Bob Casey PA US Senator Pat Toomey PA Congressman Glenn "GT" Thompson NY US Senator Chuck Schumer NY US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand NY Congressman Tom Reed The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that he has sent a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) urging the agency to expedite the development of plan to combat Asian Carp in the Great Lakes. In a letter that was joined by 15 other senators, Casey urged the Army Corps to swiftly develop and implement a comprehensive plan to combat Asian Carp when the Corps releases its feasibility study on the transfer of invasive aquatic species between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins in January 2014. “Combatting Asian Carp is important to Northwestern Pennsylvania’s economy,” Senator Casey said. “The Army Corps should move as swiftly as possible to put in place a comprehensive, effective plan. Getting this right will protect the region’s tourism industry and play a substantial role in future economic growth.” The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Washington DC - U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released the following statement regarding the incident today on the Capitol Grounds. “My office has received countless calls of concern regarding the incident on the Capitol Grounds today. I was walking outside of the Capitol when I heard a popping noise that sounded like gunfire and the Capitol Police quickly directed us to appropriate nearby shelter. Once the Capitol Police gave the ok, I returned to my office. My staff sheltered in place during the incident. I appreciate the concern of Pennsylvanians. I am grateful for the fast action and professionalism of the Capitol Police and my thoughts and prayers are with officer who was injured in the incident.” Read the story from NBC News here . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Washington, DC- As Pennsylvania struggles to upgrade bridges across the state, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today unveiled a bipartisan proposal to increase funding for bridges owned by counties and municipalities. McKean County has the highest percentage of structurally deficient bridges in the state with 96 of 221 (43.4 percent) listed as deficient, according to figures provided by Casey's office. Casey’s bipartisan bill was introduced with Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) and could increase funding for these so-called ‘off system’ bridges by about $30 million in Pennsylvania. During last year’s transportation bill, Casey and Blunt successfully teamed up to add additional funds to these bridges and this legislation will renew that effort. That effort resulted in $74 million being set aside for Pennsylvania bridges in fiscal year 2013. “Investing in our state’s crumbling bridges will create jobs and ensure our counties and municipalities have safe and reliable transportation...

US Senator Bob Casey and Congressman Glenn "GT" Thompson released the following statements on the anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks: “Today, we remember those we lost on September 11th and the uncommon courage Americans showed during one of our Nation’s most difficult times," Casey said. "In Shanksville, at the Pentagon and in the streets of Manhattan, Americans came together and in some cases made the ultimate sacrifice to protect others. This 12th anniversary of 9/11 is a day to renew our commitment to confront our security and economic challenges in a spirit of unity and cooperation. "While the Senate was in session this week, my wife Terese was able to attend remembrance events in Shanksville on my behalf. We pray today for those who died on 9/11, for their families and for our troops serving around the globe; we also pray for ourselves, that we may be worthy of their valor.” Thompson said, “Today marks the 12th anniversary of th...

Washington, DC - Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that he has sent a letter to the Chief of U.S. Forest Service, Tom Tidwell, urging the agency to develop a plan to combat a new threat of invasive species in the Allegheny National Forest (ANF). Right now the ANF is beset by Hemlock Woolly Adelgid and the Emerald Ash Borer, threatening Pennsylvania’s timber industry in Northwestern Pennsylvania, which last year alone saw $7 million in timber sales. In his letter, Casey asked the U.S. Forest Service to model any efforts to combat the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid and the Emerald Ash Borer after other efforts to confront the growth of the Gypsy Moth. “The Allegheny National Forest is one our state’s treasures and a key part of the economy in Northwestern Pennsylvania,” Senator Casey said. “The health of the Allegheny National Forest is directly related to the health of Northwestern Pennsylvania’s timber industry and the jobs it supports. I’m urging the Forest Service to tak...

Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that he has sent a letter to Michele Leonhart, Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), urging the agency to provide more technical assistance to local police departments across Pennsylvania as they battle meth. From Shickshinny in Northeastern Pennsylvania to Johnstown in Western Pennsylvania, local police departments have been forced to tackle a rise in meth use and a more frequent use of hard to detect mobile meth labs. DOJ technical assistance can take the form of increased consultation and coordination, aid for police departments to raise awareness about the dangers of meth and access to federal government databases about discovered labs across the state. “Meth is putting a serious strain on families, communities and our police departments in Pennsylvania,” Senator Casey said. “The DEA has incredible resources that need to be leveraged for our local police so that communities can better combat meth use a...