Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

Washington, D.C. – Senate Finance Subcommittee on Health Care Chairman Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) today convened a hearing to explore the effects of the medical device tax on patients, workers, and manufacturers. During his opening remarks, Sen. Toomey stated: “I am very hopeful that we will, in this Congress, be able to repeal the medical device tax. I am pleased that we have had bipartisan support for this concept.” You can watch Sen. Toomey’s full remarks below.

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...

WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Pat Toomey’s (R-Pa.) resolution honoring the 100th anniversary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) passed the Senate unanimously. The Senate approved Sen. Toomey’s resolution commending the members of the VFW for their courage and sacrifice in service to the United States and their steadfast support of and dedication to all veterans. The resolution also encourages all Americans to express their appreciation to veterans and to the VFW for all the work it does for veterans. “I am grateful to my colleagues in the Senate for backing my resolution honoring the VFW for its century of support for our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guard members,” said Sen. Toomey. “Our veterans deserve our unwavering support and appreciation for their courage and sacrifice in service to our country. I hope all Americans will join me in expressing appreciation for all the VFW has done and continues to do.” John A. Biedrzycki Jr., Senior Vice Comm...

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 ...

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement today regarding the Supreme Court’s decision in the cases involving Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood Specialties, an East Earl, Pa. company. “It is great news that the Supreme Court has ruled that closely held, for-profit businesses are entitled to religious protections and exempt from the Obamacare mandate. This is a win for religious liberty. “I am grateful for Conestoga Wood Specialties’ leadership in challenging this ill-conceived mandate. I congratulate them on the success and the relief this Supreme Court decision will bring for many closely held corporations that choose to follow their religious beliefs.” He supported Sen. Roy Blunt's (R-Mo.) bipartisan amendment to protect faith-based groups from being forced to violate their rights of conscience and wrote to former Secretary Sebelius expressing concern. HARRISBURG – Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-25) and Senate Bankin...

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) wants to protect the Allegheny National Forest and ensure the National Forest Service adequately manages our cherished woodlands before continuing to acquire additional property. Sen. Toomey joined Sen. John Thune and a group of seven senators in appealing to the Chairman and top Republican on the committee that designates funding for the National Forest Service that “Congress should ensure that the Forest Service prioritize limited resources to adequately manage the lands for which it is currently responsible, rather continue to acquire additional property.” “Our Allegheny National Forest is the gem of northwest Pennsylvania and a treasure all Americans can enjoy,” said Sen. Toomey. “The ANF, like other national forests, must be cared for and proactively managed to improve forest health before the government seeks to acquire more land with taxpayer dollars.” Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson, whose district includes most of the ...

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) is working to help victims of child pornography obtain full restitution for their suffering. Last month, the Supreme Court limited the remedies available to victims of child pornography under federal law. The case concerned Pennsylvania resident “Amy,” whose childhood was shattered when, at ages eight and nine, her uncle raped her and then traded the images. The Supreme Court ruled that Amy would have to find each of the tens of thousands of people who have viewed the images in order to obtain full restitution—something the Court acknowledged was not feasible. The Supreme Court called on Congress to fix the law. Today, Sen. Toomey responded by introducing the “Justice for Amy Act.” “The Supreme Court’s decision is a demoralizing setback for victims of child pornography. It perversely disadvantages those most in need of help. Under the Court’s decision, the more a child has been sexually abused, the harder it is for that ch...

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

If the European Union has its way you won’t be able to buy asiago, parmesan and muenster cheese anymore in American grocery stores. Actually, the cheese would be available – but with a different name. Senators Pat Toomey and Chuck Schumer are urging the US Department of Agriculture to fight the initiative by the EU that would prohibit American dairy farmers for using the names the union says are “geographical indicators” and can only be appropriately displayed on products made in certain areas of Europe Italy. For example, true parmesan cheese can only be made in Parma, Italy. Toomey says the new guideline are ridiculous and threaten Pennsylvania jobs. The National Milk Producers Association, International Dairy Foods Association, U.S. Dairy Export Council, American Farm Bureau Federation, Kraft, and others support Toomey and Schumer’s efforts. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) is working to advance a cure for Alzheimer’s through a bill that would direct proceeds from postage stamp sales to fund research on the cruel illness. The bipartisan legislation would instruct the United States Postal Service to issue and sell an Alzheimer's Disease Research Semi-Postal Stamp. Proceeds from the sale of these stamps would be transferred to the National Institutes of Health to fund Alzheimer’s research. Sen. Toomey joins bill sponsor Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) and fellow cosponsors Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). A similar piece of legislation has raised nearly $75 million for breast cancer research since it was enacted in 1998. “This is a simple but effective way to help raise funds to research a cure for Alzheimer’s,” said Sen. Toomey. “Most people I meet are familiar with the disease. But they might not know just how widespread it is in our ...

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) called on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to explain its inappropriate attempts to police news rooms nationwide. Senator Toomey and all of his Republican Senate colleagues signed a letter to the FCC Chairman asking him to explain the federal government’s intrusion into newsrooms. In recent weeks, Americans learned that the FCC was attempting to move forward with a Multi-Market Study of Critical Information Needs (CIN Study), which would investigate how news rooms select stories, “perceived station bias,” and even about why news stations do not spend more time reporting stories the Administration deems “critical.” After the study received national condemnation, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler suspended it and indicated that the survey would be subsequently “revised.” “It is impossible to imagine a rationale for the Commission to consider using the CIN Study under any circumstance given its flagrantly unconstitutional implication...

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, D.C. – U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) announced today his latest effort to protect consumers and employers from wasteful mandates that drive up the price of food and gasoline. Sen. Toomey is calling on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to lessen the renewable fuel standard (RFS) that refiners must meet when manufacturing gasoline – and to do so in a timely manner. According to federal law, every November, the EPA must announce a sensible RFS mandate for the upcoming calendar year. Unfortunately, the EPA failed to meet this responsibility last year when it ignored the deadline and increased the RFS mandate on gasoline manufacturers. This lead to increased compliance costs for many Pennsylvania employers, including refineries located in Southeast Pa. “The EPA’s failure to follow the law last year put many family-sustaining jobs in Southeast Pa. in jeopardy. I urge the EPA to follow federal law and announce the RFS for 2014 in a timely manner,” said...

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The 362,000-member National Taxpayers Union (NTU), a nonpartisan citizen group, has announced that U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) has won the 2012 Taxpayers’ Friend Award. The Taxpayers’ Friend Award is given to members of Congress that achieve an “A” grade in NTU’s annual ratings. The rating, which is based on every roll call vote affecting fiscal policy, assigns a score to each member of Congress that indicates his or her support for reducing or controlling federal spending, taxes, debt, and regulation. “I made a promise to the taxpayers of Pennsylvania that I would fight for them by tackling Washington overspending while championing lower taxes and less government red tape. To help boost our economy and job growth, I will continue my efforts to lessen the tax burden families and employers shoulder,” said Sen. Toomey. “I thank the NTU for recognizing and supporting my efforts on behalf of Pennsylvania taxpayers.” “As our nation continues to confro...

U.S. Senator Pat Toomey will host a couple of of town hall meetings with constituents in the region next week. At 3 p.m. Wednesday he will be at VFW Post 813, 114 Fuller Street in DuBois. At 12:20 p.m. Thursday he will be at the Gunzburger Building, One North Main Street in Coudersport. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) was honored last night by The Boy Scouts of America, Minsi Trails Council in Lehigh Valley with the Distinguished Citizen and Distinguished Eagle Scout Awards. Sen. Toomey, an Eagle Scout, accepted the two awards at the Lehigh Valley Leadership Dinner in Fogelsville. “I am honored to be recognized by the Boy Scouts of America, Minsi Trails Council in Lehigh Valley. Scouting was an important part of my life growing up,” said Sen. Toomey. “It reinforced the lessons my parents taught me about leadership, character, and achievement. That is why I am particularly pleased that my parents could join me for this celebration and proud that my son Patrick has been a Scout for five years now.” The Distinguished Citizen Award recognizes individuals or organizations that set positive examples for others and demonstrate selfless concern and care for their communities. Sen. Toomey was recognized by area Scouts, friends, family, and business and community ...

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) introduced a resolution in the Senate today to recognize the anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie, a pivotal contest in the War of 1812. Bicentennial celebrations to commemorate the battle and its participants will commence this Memorial Day weekend in Erie, Pa. “I’m proud to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie,” said Sen. Toomey. “This dramatic encounter breathed new life into a damaged American war effort. Contributing in no small way to this victory was the city of Erie, which provided the safe locale, supplies, and muscle necessary to build the victorious fleet in limited time. I thank the city of Erie and the Perry 200 Commemoration Commission for their efforts to ensure the appropriate recognition of this historic event over the course of this summer.” William P. Garvey, Ph.D., General Co-Chair of the Perry 200 said, “We are grateful that Senator Toomey is advancing a Congressional Proclamation to co...

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) today released the following statement on The Public Safety And Second Amendment Rights Protection Act, the amendment that he and Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) are offering to the gun bill currently on the Senate floor. “Pennsylvania has a long, bipartisan tradition of supporting gun rights. I am a proud part of that tradition. I am a gun owner. I revere the rights enshrined in our Second Amendment. My record shows this. “Criminal background checks are just common sense. If you pass a criminal background check, you can buy a gun. It’s the people who fail a criminal or mental health background check that we don’t want having guns. “That can be done without infringing on law-abiding people’s gun rights. And we ought to do it.” The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) discussed solutions to return our country to a sustainable fiscal path with members of the Pennsylvania chapter of Fix The Debt this morning in Allentown. Senator Toomey met with Pennsylvania Fix The Debt co-chairs T.J. Rooney, a former state representative from Northampton County and immediate past chair of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, and Thom Rippon, a central Pennsylvania entrepreneur and former GOP candidate for lieutenant governor as well as other members. The Campaign to Fix The Debt members support a bipartisan solution to our nation’s debt through reform of taxes, entitlements and government spending. “Our government is heading toward a fiscal crisis and now is not the time to take out yet another credit card," Senator Toomey said. "The fact is, we have a burden of debt that is costing us jobs and economic growth in this country. We don't have the luxury of simply passing the tab to our children and grandchildr...

WASHIGNTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) spoke today from the Senate floor in favor of legislation he authored with Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) to allow the president and federal agency mangers to implement the sequester cuts in a more sensible way. Click here to watch Toomey’s full speech. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947