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Post by Press Release on Nov 13, 2012 20:28:23 GMT -5
Rogers tours visits Accelerated Opportunities classroom at the SKCTC Harlan Campus
Rogers speaks to employees at Middlesboro Bottling Company Congressman Hal Rogers Press Release
Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers focused on the "Fiscal Cliff" our nation faces and the ongoing "War on Coal" during his tour across the region last week, October 29th through November 1st. Rogers also celebrated local progress and strong leadership in southern and eastern Kentucky. On Thursday, November 1st, Rogers traveled to the Cumberland Valley region, making his first stop in Bell County to tour the Middlesboro Bottling Company and to meet with members of the Kentucky Beverage Association. Rogers then joined local leaders and 100 community members for a legislative update at the Pine Mountain State Resort Park in Pineville. Rogers shared his concerns for the coal industry and the state of the national economy. He also praised local efforts in the war on drugs and the PRIDE cleanup campaign. In Harlan County, Rogers visited with students, faculty and staff at the Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College who participate in the Accelerating Opportunities program on the Harlan Campus. The program offers expedited education and training for adults without a high school diploma or G.E.D. College officials told Rogers that a growing number of laid off coal miners have applied for the program. Rogers commended the students for their perserverance. Rogers also joined Kentucky National Guard Adj. Gen. Edward Tonini for a tour of the new Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy (ACA) in Grays Knob, KY with Executive Director Croley Forester. Rogers visited with the cadets and encouraged them to study hard and maintain self-discipline. More than 60 young men and women ages 16-18 are currently enrolled at the academy.
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Post by Press Release on Nov 28, 2012 17:47:46 GMT -5
Hal Rogers
Hal Rogers Re-elected to Second Term as House Appropriations Committee Chairman Congressman Hal Rogers Press Release
The House Republican Conference elected Congressman Hal Rogers to a second term as Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations. Chairman Rogers made the following statement: “I am honored and grateful to have been selected by the Republican Conference to serve a second term as Chairman of the Appropriations Committee. Over the past two years, I’ve been proud to oversee the Committee’s responsible shepherding of federal tax dollars under an open and transparent process – saving the American tax payer almost $100 billion.” Chairman Rogers said.
“I look forward to continuing this important work on behalf of the American people, making the necessary strides to get the nation’s finances on track, reducing unnecessary government spending, and investing in important programs that will benefit the nation both now and in the future.”
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Post by Press Release on Dec 4, 2012 19:56:44 GMT -5
Shannon Rickett
Rogers Welcomes New Field Representative Congressman Hal Rogers Press Release
Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) welcomes Shannon Rickett as his new Field Representative for the Cumberland Valley area. Rickett will serve Bell, Clay, Harlan, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Lincoln, McCreary, Rockcastle, Wayne and Whitley Counties. "Shannon was born and raised in Corbin and knows first-hand, many of the issues and concerns of the people of southern and eastern Kentucky,” said Rogers. "She is already well-known in the region, because of her volunteer efforts and her position with the National Institute for Hometown Security. Shannon's expertise and knowledge of government operations will be a great benefit for the counties she now serves.” Rickett brings a wealth of experience and education to the Rogers' team. She has a Juris Doctorate from the Baylor University School of Law and a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Louisville where she attended as a McConnell Scholar. For the last six years, Shannon has worked as the Director of Commercialization for the National Institute for Hometown Security in Somerset, Kentucky. “It is an honor to work with Congressman Rogers and to be a part of improving my home region,” said Rickett. "I'm eager to meet with community leaders to find ways to build upon the successful projects already in place in southern and eastern Kentucky." Rickett will work out of the Somerset District Office and joins Congressman Rogers' team of Field Representatives, including Grayson Smith who works in the Prestonsburg District Office and serves the counties in the Big Sandy Area Development District (A.D.D.), FIVCO A.D.D., and Gateway A.D.D.; Pat Wooton who works in the Hazard District Office and serves the counties in the Kentucky River A.D.D.; and District Director Chris Girdler who works in the Somerset District Office and serves Pulaski County. Danielle Smoot, who represented the Cumberland Valley area now serves as Congressman Rogers' Communications Director. Shannon lives in Corbin, Kentucky and is the daughter of Jerry and Elaine Rickett. 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: halrogers.house.gov
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Post by Press Release on Dec 18, 2012 18:20:48 GMT -5
Rogers Urges FDA to Keep Crushable Pain Pills Off the Market Congressman Hal Rogers Press Release
Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives urging the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to do more to combat prescription drug abuse. In particular, Rogers pressed the FDA to act swiftly in addressing an impending deadline with potentially dangerous consequences – the expiration of patents on the original formulations of highly addictive prescription painkillers like OxyContin and Opana ER that lack tamper-resistant properties. If the FDA fails to act by January 1, many fear that the marketplace could be flooded with cheap, generic crushable prescription pills ripe for abuse and misuse. “After OxyContin came on the market fifteen years ago, a wave of overdose deaths devastated entire towns in my region of Appalachian Kentucky before spreading like wildfire to big cities and suburban communities across the country,” said Rogers, Co-Chairman of the Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse. “By crushing these pain pills, abusers can experience a euphoric – but oftentimes deadly – high. But today, the FDA has an opportunity keep these crushable pills out of our children’s reach. A number of prescription medicines already on the market use tamper-resistant technologies that can cut back on abuse. No generic pill should come to market without these life-saving features.” halrogers.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=315593
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Post by Press Release on Jan 2, 2013 22:19:09 GMT -5
Rogers' Statement: EPA Chief Lisa Jackson Resigns Congressman Hal Rogers Press Release
Harold "Hal" Rogers released the following statement regarding the announcement that Lisa Jackson is resigning from her post as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) after a nearly four-year tenure. Rogers questioned Jackson on several occasions about the EPA's "war on coal" in Appalachia and consequently cut the EPA's budget below 1998 levels as Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. “News of Lisa Jackson’s resignation from the EPA is like a late Christmas gift to the Appalachian coal fields. Under her charge, the war on coal raged as the EPA overstepped Congress year after year, and her refusal to approve mining permits has cost our region thousands of jobs and further disrupted America’s economy. I hope her successor will understand the importance of coal and preserving our jobs with sensible environmental regulations. It’s time to get our coal miners back to work by embracing domestic energy solutions that will shore up our country’s economy for the long term.”
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Post by Press Release on Jan 3, 2013 21:47:10 GMT -5
Hal Rogers
Rogers Sworn in for 17th Term Congressman Hal Rogers Press Release
Harold "Hal" Rogers was sworn in with the 113th Congress on January 3, 2013, for his 17th term as the U.S. Representative for Kentucky's Fifth Congressional District. The Congress gains 84 new House members and 13 freshmen in the Senate. Rogers released the following statement about the start of the 113th Congress: "It is an honor to begin my 33rd consecutive year serving the people of southern and eastern Kentucky, many of whom have become dear friends, colleagues and advisors. Over the years, we have made steady improvements to our region’s infrastructure, job creation, environmental restoration, and economic growth, but the perilous fiscal condition of our country now requires even more leadership and wise decision-making.
"I will continue to press Washington to operate within its means, promote small business growth, enact meaningful entitlement and tax reform, and support our men and women in uniform and our nation’s proud veterans. The one thing I'm sure of, is that this is still America, the land of promise and opportunity.
"Thank you for standing shoulder to shoulder with me for progress across southern and eastern Kentucky, and entrusting me to be your voice on Capitol Hill for more than three decades."
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Post by Press Release on Jan 10, 2013 18:06:40 GMT -5
Rogers and Rahall Continue Efforts to Fight Drug Abuse Congressman Hal Rogers Press Release
On January 10, 2013, U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) and U.S. Rep Nick Rahall (WV-03) announced the re-launch of the bi-partisan Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse. The goal of the caucus is to raise awareness of abuse and to develop innovative and effective treatment, prevention, law enforcement and research policy solutions in the federal sphere. Rogers and Rahall will serve as co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse. “In Kentucky, the prescription drug abuse problem casts a dark shadow over our close-knit communities, particularly targeting our young people,” said Rogers. “Today, this drug problem not only affects my congressional district, but has magnified in scope and intensity, cross-cutting geographical and socio-economic boundaries, hitting communities across the country. As lawmakers began to recognize the scope and devastation of this scourge, the Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse was launched in 2009 to help unite legislators and interested parties in preventing the misuse of powerful narcotics. With the help of Congressman Rahall, I am confident that solutions are within reach and that we can continue to make a difference in Washington in this battle against prescription drug abuse.” “Every day in southern West Virginia, news stories confront us about the vicious cycle prescription drugs wreak upon on our communities: crime, child neglect, overdoses, death, and whole families torn apart,” said Rahall. “We are traveling a difficult and challenging path to save an entire generation of Americans, but working with my friend, Congressman Rogers, and the commitment of our colleagues in Congress for action on a national level, our goal is to explore, develop and expand solutions to conquer the problem of prescription drug abuse. This may be the biggest challenge of our society, and the only way this destructive trend can be reversed is if everyone — I mean, everyone – gets involved. Our nation’s future – our children’s and grandchildren’s future – hangs in the balance.” According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA), the number of emergency room visits from prescription drug abuse has nearly doubled in America over the last five years. Equally troubling, there has been a staggering 400 percent increase over the past decade in the number of hospital admissions for prescription drug abuse. Clearly, this is a growing and alarming trend which is impacting people of all ages, but it creates additional problems for our children and their families. In the 112th Congress, nearly three dozen members the Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse worked across the aisle to raise awareness of the problem nationwide and to help develop effective policy solutions. Of note, members of the Prescription Drug Abuse Caucus rallied behind initiatives to support prescription data sharing across state lines; participated in a congressional panel at the National Rx Drug Abuse Summit hosted by Operation UNITE in Orlando; engaged high-ranking officials in the Administration on the prescription drug epidemic through hearings, letters and briefings; and introduced legislation to keep crushable generic pain pills from flooding the streets and a bill to require continuing education for prescribers of powerful narcotics. Members also worked to secure federal funding for programs that address the issue of prescription drug abuse holistically, such as drug courts, prevention and treatment initiatives, support for collaboration among federal, state and local law enforcement, and vital research programs aimed at reducing the prescription drug abuse epidemic. Rogers joined with former Representative Mary Bono Mack to form the Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse in 2009. 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: halrogers.house.gov
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Post by Press Release on Jan 18, 2013 22:37:23 GMT -5
Rogers' Statement on Wolf Creek Dam Foundation Remediation Project Congressman Hal Rogers Press Release
Hal Rogers released the following statement relating to the announcement from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Nashville District that the Wolf Creek Dam Foundation Remediation Project is ahead of schedule. The Corps of Engineers is making plans to raise the water level about 20 feet in Lake Cumberland to an elevation of 700 to 705 feet for the summer. “Lt. Col. James DeLapp personally called me Thursday with wonderful news that construction at Wolf Creek Dam is ahead of schedule, meaning the crown jewel of Southern Kentucky will be ready for the summer tourism season. Our marinas, local businesses, and local lake enthusiasts have been patient, suffering business lows due to the low pool levels at Lake Cumberland and continuous delays in construction at the dam. However, I commend Lt. Col. DeLapp for bringing a renewed vigor to this project over the last year and understanding that Wolf Creek Dam is a national priority. Now it’s time to spread the word, Lake Cumberland is open for business.”
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Post by Press Release on Jan 28, 2013 19:46:29 GMT -5
Rogers Urges FDA to Restrict Hydrocodone Combination Drugs Congressman Hal Rogers Press Release
On Monday, January 28, 2013, U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers sent FDA Commissioner, Dr. Margaret Hamburg, a letter urging immediate action on the recent recommendations of the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee (DSaRM) regarding the prescription of hydrocodone combination drugs, like Vicodin and Lortab. During a two-day public meeting held by the FDA, which took place January 24- 25, a number of scientific studies highlighted the risks of hydrocodone combination drugs. At the conclusion of the meeting, DSaRM members voted to recommend tighter restrictions on those prescriptions. “Due in part to their widespread availability, hydrocodone combination drugs remain some of the most frequently abused prescriptions,” stated Rogers, co-founder and co-chairman of the Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse. “Unfortunately, countless families across the nation have experienced the devastation caused by abuse of drugs like these hydro-combo pills. With the recent recommendation of the FDA Advisory Panel, Commissioner Hamburg has an opportunity to make a positive impact in our Nation’s struggle against prescription drug abuse, and I encourage her to use her full authority to place additional restrictions on the prescription of hydro-combo drugs.”
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Post by Press Release on Mar 17, 2013 4:57:16 GMT -5
Watch the STOPP Act news conference on YouTube
Rogers Says STOPP Act Will Prevent Another Tidal Wave of Drug Abuse Congressman Hal Rogers Press Release
On March 15, 2013, U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers (R-KY) joined several Congressional colleagues to introduce the Stop the Tampering of Prescription Pills (STOPP) Act. It requires commonly abused painkillers to be made with abuse-deterrent formulations. Without Food & Drug Administration (FDA) action or passage of the STOPP Act, generic, easily crushable opioids, like Opana and Oxycontin, are likely to return to medicine cabinets for potential abuse and misuse. “When Oxycontin was first approved by the FDA over a decade ago, it seemed at first glance that its extended-release technology was a godsend for patients suffering from chronic pain. What no one could foresee was that when you crush these pills, they actually create pain in the form of addiction, abuse and senseless, tragic overdose deaths,” said Rogers, co-founder and co-chairman of the Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse. “Now we’ve got some promising technology to deter abuse, as well as the benefit of hindsight. This time around, we can see the train coming from a mile away – and we need to step out in front of it to stop another tidal wave of addiction. The FDA has confirmed that they have the authority to prevent these crushable pills from falling into the hands of our children, but time is of the essence. If the FDA will not act boldly, Congress will – with the STOPP Act. I am proud to join Rep. Keating in introducing this legislation which will save lives and promote innovation.” Rogers joined with former Representative Mary Bono Mack to form the Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse in 2009. 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: halrogers.house.gov
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Post by Press Release on Mar 21, 2013 16:28:25 GMT -5
Bill to Reschedule America's Most Abused Prescription Painkiller Congressman Hal Rogers Press Release
Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers co-sponsored the "Safe Prescribing Act of 2013" that was introduced on Wednesday, March 20, 2013. The federal bipartisan bill aims to combat prescription drug abuse by tightening restrictions on some of the most powerful addictive narcotics on the market. The "Safe Prescribing Act of 2013" reclassifies hydrocodone painkillers, such as Vicodin and Lortab, from Schedule III to Schedule II controlled substances to accurately reflect their high potential for addiction and abuse. "Hundreds of Kentucky families are suffering the deadly consequences of prescription drug-related deaths every year and its time we move these powerful painkillers to a more accurate category for prescribers," said Rogers. "Hydrocodone drugs are far too often, over-prescribed and over-used, and we cannot ignore the resulting devastating effects that are sweeping across the nation." While the United States makes up only 4.6 percent of the world’s population, it consumes 99 percent of its hydrocodone. Emergency room visits involving hydrocodone rose from 38,000 in 2004 to more than 115,000 in 2010. These drugs are now the most widely prescribed painkillers in the U.S. The DEA has supported this change since 1994 and an expert advisory panel to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently voted 19-10 in favor of re-classifying hydrocodone painkillers as Schedule II controlled substances. Several members of Congress, including Rogers, have since urged FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg to adopt the board’s recommendation immediately. The restrictions on prescribing and using Schedule III drugs are much less stringent than those for Schedule II products. Under Schedule II, a written prescription would be required in order to receive hydrocodone painkillers except in cases of emergency. Pharmacists would require patients to present an original prescription for refills, and traffickers would be subject to harsher fines and penalties. The "Safe Prescribing Act of 2013" has been co-sponsored by more than 40 bipartisan members of Congress. At the 2013 National Rx Drug Abuse Summit April 2-4 in Orlando, Florida, Rogers will deliver a keynote address and participate in a Congressional Panel on Prescription Drug Abuse. 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: halrogers.house.gov
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Post by Press Release on Mar 22, 2013 16:03:49 GMT -5
Rogers Co-Sponsors Bill to Combat Abuse of Oxycontin Congressman Hal Rogers Press Release
Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) co-sponsored the Stop Oxy Abuse Act of 2013 that was introduced on Thursday, March 21, 2013. This bill revises the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classification to ensure that Oxycontin is prescribed only for severe pain, rather than the current FDA guidance of “moderate to severe.” “Far too many young people in my region have fallen victim to the abuse of prescription drugs and tragically lost their lives to addiction,” said Rogers, co-founder and co-chairman of the Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse. “If we want to get serious about keeping these powerful narcotics out of the hands of our children and halting the lawlessness that comes with drug diversion, then we must ensure that these drugs are limited to only those who truly need it. I’m proud to join Congressman Stephen Lynch as a co-sponsor of this bill so that we can limit the use of dangerous drugs, such as Oxycontin, and ensure that they are being used to help and not hurt our communities." OxyContin was originally intended to be prescribed only for severe pain to help individuals battling with late stages of cancer and other severe illnesses. However, as time wore on, more and more individuals were prescribed this drug for less severe pain, heightening the potential for abuse and addiction of this powerful narcotic. In 2011, the Centers for Disease Control declared a worsening “epidemic” of overdose deaths associated with opioid painkillers, as these drugs were involved in 14,800 deaths that year. More recently, Source Safe Kids Worldwide released a report showing that a child is treated in the Emergency Room for medicine poisoning every eight minutes in the United States, and NIDA’s 2010 Monitoring the Future Study shows that two-thirds of students who misused prescription drugs obtained the medicines from friends or relatives. At the 2013 National Rx Drug Abuse Summit April 2-4 in Orlando, Florida, Rogers will deliver a keynote address and participate in a Congressional Panel on Prescription Drug Abuse. 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: halrogers.house.gov
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Post by Press Release on Apr 3, 2013 16:05:54 GMT -5
Rogers Joins UNITE at 2nd National Rx Drug Abuse Summit Operation UNITE Press Release
Harold "Hal" Rogers kicked off the 2nd National Rx Drug Abuse Summit, hosted by Operation UNITE in Orlando, Florida at the Omni Orlando Resort at Champions Gate. Nearly 900 people from 48 states are attending the sophomore conference focused on the national prescription drug abuse epidemic. Headliners include U.S. Drug Czar Gil Kerlikowske; Dr. Margaret "Peggy" Hamburg, Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA); Dr. Thomas Frieden, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); Dr. Nora Volkow, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA); U.S. Rep. Michael Grimm (NY-11); U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster (FL-10); and U.S. Rep. Bill Keating (MA-09). "Operation UNITE is the bringing prescription drug abuse epidemic to the national stage once again after last year's summit stirred poignant discussions, sparked new legislative options and new grassroots efforts," said Rogers. "With significant growth at the Summit this year, it's inspiring to know that more people are committed to stay on the front-lines of the on-going battle. There is hope and we intend to do everything we can to save lives and help families and communities across the nation." During the opening ceremony, keynote speakers set the tone for this year's goals. Director Kerlikowske called on Missouri to implement a prescription drug monitoring program, as the other 49 states have already done. Dr. Hamburg confirmed the FDA has the authority to take action on several pressing issues, like addressing generic narcotic medications without abuse deterrent formulas. Last year, Dr. Frieden announced that the CDC had classified the prescription drug abuse problem as an epidemic, but this year his message is 'we can stop this epidemic.' The Summit continues through Thursday, April 4th.
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Post by Press Release on Apr 12, 2013 5:30:04 GMT -5
Karen Kelly
Rogers Welcomes Karen Kelly as District Director Congressman Hal Rogers Press Release
Today, U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) announced that the Director of Operation UNITE, Karen Kelly will be joining his Fifth Congressional District Staff as District Director effective May 15, 2013. Concurrently, Rogers' District Director, Chris Girdler is announcing his transition to the private sector, while continuing to serve as State Senator for the 15th Senate District of Kentucky. "This announcement is bittersweet," said Rogers. "Chris Girdler has served as an effective and capable director of my district operations, and he has shown himself to be in command of the issues and concerns of our region and a tireless advocate for our people. I wish him the best with this new opportunity, as well as his role as State Senator. I have no doubt we'll continue to work closely to improve the lives of southern and eastern Kentuckians." "Fortunately, Karen Kelly has graciously agreed to step into this role and continue the great work of Bob Mitchell, Chris Girdler and the entire staff. Karen has demonstrated tremendous leadership at the helm of the PRIDE program, Operation UNITE, and most recently in coordination of the National Rx Drug Abuse Summit. I am confident her tenacity will shine through as we face tough economic challenges and work to create more jobs, healthier communities, economic development and educational opportunities." A Pulaski County native, Chris Girdler has served Rogers in various capacities over the past six years in addition to acting as a board member for both the Center for Rural Development and the Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce. On November 6, 2012, Girdler was elected State Senator for the 15th District of Kentucky. "Congressman Rogers has provided unbelievable opportunities to serve and execute his vision over the years and I will always be indebted to him. Our friendship has never been stronger," said Girdler. "For my family and me, this new opportunity in the private sector is exciting and it will allow me extend my passion for creating jobs and making critical investments in the future of southern and eastern Kentucky. Along with my new role in public service as State Senator, I am eager to work with my hometown region in a greater capacity." Karen Kelly returns to Rogers' office after 14 years. During that gap, Kelly effectively led the PRIDE program, an effort to improve the environment and waterways of southern and eastern Kentucky. In 2003, Kelly helped launch and even name, Operation UNITE (Unlawful Narcotics Investigations, Treatment, and Education), a regional anti-drug initiative culminating most recently in two consecutive successful, National Rx Drug Abuse Summits. Originally from Elkhorn City, Kentucky, Kelly served as a Field Representative for the 5th Congressional District in the mid 90's. "Congressman Rogers is an extraordinary leader and I am humbled by his faith in me to shepherd his district operation," said Kelly. "Chris and Bob are dear friends and have done an excellent job executing Congressman Rogers’ tremendous vision for our region and I look forward to doing my part to extend that vision. In working with UNITE and PRIDE, I've learned the value of partnerships and working across city, county and state boundaries. As we look foward with unity, I hope to continue those friendships as we work together for a better southern and eastern Kentucky."
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Post by Press Release on Jun 4, 2013 7:46:02 GMT -5
Coal Miner Hiring Program Expands Congressman Hal Rogers Press Release
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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Post by Press Release on Jun 27, 2013 7:31:09 GMT -5
President Obama's Climate Action Plan Congressman Hal Rogers Press Release
Harold "Hal" Rogers spoke on the House Floor on behalf of coal miners across the country, condemning President Obama's Climate Action Plan that was unveiled on Tuesday, June 25th. "Mister Speaker, American coal families are under attack – not from a foreign power or a natural disaster, but by an Administration that has resolutely, perversely, and now overtly proposed to end coal mining and coal-fired power generation in these United States.
"President Obama’s calamitous climate change plan, announced yesterday, is the latest job-killing bomb to be dropped on Kentucky, West Virginia, Illinois and dozens of other coal states already knocked down after four years of anti-coal policies. This Administration has used code words like, “streamlining” and “permit reviews” to shell our communities with regulations and red tape that even the most sophisticated businesses can’t adhere to.
"Now the White House is dismantling our strategic energy advantage and unilaterally disarming our economy in broad daylight! I quote White House climate adviser Daniel Schrag, “a war on coal is exactly what’s needed.” End quote.
"Mister Speaker, a war on coal is exactly what is not needed. A war on coal is a war on middle class Americans - it’s a war on jobs – all kinds of jobs. It’s already claimed 5,700 direct Kentucky jobs in just a year and a half – the vast majority of those in my economically challenged district! There is no recovery in Inez or high-tech boom in Harlan, Mr. President. My families are struggling to get back to work, pay their bills, or find salaries comparable to coal mining. And my communities are losing their main employers.
"This climate plan makes the situation worse, dimming the prospects of reopening the mines even further! Moreover, this disastrous climate change plan is a plan for America’s economic and security decline. This plan will only lead to higher electric bills and increased dependence on foreign energy sources.
"And to think someone has the audacity to say, “We need a war on coal.” We need a war on this line of thinking!
"This Administration’s stringent rules and absurd mandates are simply meant to force coal-fired power plants to stop burning coal or shutter the facilities altogether. I call it strangulation by regulation. Mr. Speaker, more than 200 coal plants have already closed across 25 states, and now seven new EPA regulations are on track to do even more damage. I’m losing one of the biggest employers in Lawrence County to this onslaught – 120 good-paying jobs.
"In total, the closure of mines, shuttering of power plants, and resulting hikes in electric rates are expected to cost the US economy some 887,000 jobs per year. Please tell me how this is in our national interest, how this is leading America forward.
"In 2008, this President promised to bankrupt the coalfields and yesterday he took another step toward his reckless, shameful goal."
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Post by Press Release on Jul 19, 2013 7:17:53 GMT -5
Delay ObamaCare for Everyone Congressman Hal Rogers Press Release
Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers applauds passage of two House bills (H.R. 2667 & H.R. 2668) that will delay the ObamaCare insurance mandates for both businesses and individuals. Earlier this month, the Obama Administration gave businesses a break on the new health care law by suspending the requirement for some companies to supply health insurance for employees until 2015, but failed to extend a similar delay to individuals. Today, House Republicans voted to ensure fair treatment for everyone. "The Obama Administration has known for months that this health care law is a train wreck, but instead of allowing everyone make a stop at the depot, the President sent individuals head-on toward penalties, while giving businesses a break," said Rogers. "With these two bills, House Republicans are ensuring everyone has more time to purchase insurance or make the switch over to the complicated and costly ObamaCare insurance exchange, before facing more out-of-pocket expenses through federal penalties. Ultimately, we need a permanent delay, rather than this temporary relief." Meanwhile, the jobs report for June revealed employers are concerned about the insurance mandates. The report revealed full-time jobs declined by 240,000, while part-time jobs rose to an all-time high. "some employers are choosing to cut back hours for employees to bypass these costly health care mandates," said Rogers. "The full-time, forty-hour work week is already dwindling, yet the President calls his health care law 'wonderful.' Millions of families across the country are not only still left without health care coverage, but they now face getting fewer hours on their paychecks." Additionally, the House version of the Fiscal Year 2014 Financial Services Appropriations Bill includes provisions to stop the IRS from implementing ObamaCare, including a prohibition on any transfers of funding from the Department of Health and Human Services for ObamaCare implementation, and a prohibition on funding for the IRS to implement an individual insurance mandate on the American people. With Rogers' leadership, this bill passed out of committee on July 17, 2013 and awaits House floor consideration.
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Post by Press Release on Jul 25, 2013 5:45:16 GMT -5
We need jobs, not more bankrupt cities and families Congressman Hal Rogers Press Release
Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers released the following statement in response to President Obama's economic speech today in Illinois: "What America needs right now is more jobs, not more repetitious speeches full of ideas that are costing the middle class their 40-hour work weeks and higher health care premiums. It was great to hear the President say he "will not let more inaction get in our way." Mr. President, we agree, it's time for action. It's time to save small businesses and individuals from the unaffordable, unworkable ObamaCare plan; it's time to build the Keystone pipeline; it's time to end the war on coal across the Appalachian region; and it's time to stop pushing an agenda that pulls more taxes out of paychecks. We need jobs, Mr. President, not more bankrupt cities and families."
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Post by Press Release on Jul 26, 2013 16:45:12 GMT -5
Rogers Votes for Legislation to Rein in EPA Congressman Hal Rogers Press Release
U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers supported several pieces of legislation this week to rein in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Since 2008, President Obama and the EPA have targeted the coal industry in the Appalachian region with overreaching regulations, questionable spending, and a halt on mining permits. In the last year and a half, Kentucky lost 5,700 coal mining jobs, while more than 200 coal-fired power plants across the country have been shut down. "The President has made his mission to bankrupt coal very clear, but I'm fighting for every single coal miner by working to rein in the EPA and this Administration's job-killing agenda," said Rogers. "At every turn, I’ve tried to throw roadblocks in front of the EPA’s destructive rules and rein in the Agency’s out-of-touch regulatory overreach with cuts to its budget. While this Administration has shuttered coal-fired plants and destroyed jobs, Congress is working overtime to protect the American way of life." On July 25, 2013, the House passed the Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act of 2013, H.R. 2218, which would allow States to develop "coal ash" permit programs, as long as they meet the Federal minimum requirements provided in the bill. In effect, this bill ensures that coal will continue to be an affordable part of our country’s energy supply, while also ensuring that leftover “coal ash” can be recycled for use in our roads, bridges and buildings. Rogers co-sponsored the bill, which now heads to the Senate for action. Earlier this week, the House Appropriations Committee, where Rogers serves as Chairman, introduced the House Appropriations Fiscal Year 2014 Interior and Environment Bill. The bill cuts EPA funding by 34% and includes provisions to address potentially job-killing regulatory actions by the Administration. The bill includes a number of provisions to protect coal mining in Appalachia, including language that would prevent the Administration from moving forward with new regulations on greenhouse gas emissions; the “Stream Buffer Rule;” or the definition of “navigable waters” or “fill material” under the Clean Water Act. Rogers also authored a letter on July 22nd that was co-signed by 22 Members of Congress, opposing EPA mandates that regulate greenhouse gases.
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Post by Press Release on Aug 6, 2013 18:31:25 GMT -5
Rogers Speaks at Business & ObamaCare Roundtable Congressman Hal Rogers Press Release
Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers participated in a "Business and ObamaCare Roundtable" with the London-Laurel County Chamber of Commerce on Monday, August 5, 2013. Local business owners and insurance agents shared their concerns about the new "Affordable Care Act," also known as ObamaCare. "There is nothing affordable about the "Affordable Care Act" and that's why I have voted to repeal the law 40 times," said Rogers. "We're still waiting for a lot of answers about ObamaCare, but we know that insurance premiums in Kentucky are expected to increase somewhere between 65 and 100-percent; employers are already starting to cut full-time employees down to part-time; the law puts government between you and your doctor; and after all is said and done, 30 million Americans could still be uninsured."
One hundred people attended the Chamber event, including local business owner, Shane Richmond from Wildcat Harley-Davidson in London, Kentucky. "We have been looking to expand," explained Richmond, who employees about 50 people in London. "We would like to open a store in Somerset, but we're pulling back until we find out how these laws will work."
Under the current law, small business owners who employ 50 or more full-time employees, are required to provide healthcare insurance. In effort to slow down ObamaCare, the House Appropriations Committee, of which Rogers serves as Chairman, passed a bill last week that cuts the IRS budget by 32% and restricts the federal agency from utilizing any funding to enforce ObamaCare or collect penalty fees. During the roundtable discussion, John Clay, of Better Source Benefits, presented Rogers with a Congressional Service Award from the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA).
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Post by Press Release on Aug 16, 2013 23:00:07 GMT -5
Hazard Open House to Feature Jimmy Rose Congressman Hal Rogers Press Release
U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers invites everyone to an Open House of his new Congressional Office on Monday, August 19th at 3:30 p.m. in Hazard, Kentucky. The celebration will feature rising country music star Jimmy Rose, as well as Dean Osborne and students from the Kentucky School of Bluegrass and Traditional Music. "I hope everyone will join us for a great day of fellowship, food and music at my new Hazard office location," said Rogers. "The Open House will give folks a chance to get acquainted with my staff and find out more about the services that are available for the people of Southern and Eastern Kentucky." The new Hazard office is located at 48 South Kentucky Highway 15 beside CVS Pharmacy. Extra parking will be available in the Black Gold Shopping Center and shuttle service will be provided. For more information call Congressman Rogers' office toll-free at 1-800-632-8588.
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Post by Press Release on Sept 10, 2013 17:57:44 GMT -5
Rogers Applauds Safer FDA Labels for Painkillers Congressman Hal Rogers Press Release
Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) applauds the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) new class-wide safety labeling changes for prescription painkillers. For more than a decade, Rogers has pushed the FDA to take action to reduce the abuse of these powerful medications. Specifically, Rogers has urged that the indication for opioid narcotics be changed from "moderate-to-severe pain" to "severe pain" only, so that physicians are fully aware of the safety concerns before unnecessarily prescribing highly addictive painkillers to patients. Today's announcement by the FDA will help ensure that these drugs are only prescribed for patients suffering from chronic, long-term pain. "Step by step, we are paving the way for smarter, life-saving practices for prescription painkillers. For far too long, misguided labels, over-prescription, and misunderstanding about the power of pain pills have led to unnecessary addictions. These practices have resulted in untold societal costs of drug treatment, lost wages and jobs, drug-exposed babies, and thousands of accidental overdose deaths nationwide," said Rogers, co-founder and co-chairman of the Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse. "This announcement by the FDA is potentially a game-changer, and I applaud Dr. Hamburg for using her authority to tighten the guidelines for prescribing these powerful drugs. Lives will be saved because of this decision." FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg, M.D. said the agency invoked its authority to require safer labels "to combat the crisis of misue, abuse, addiction, overdose, and death from these potent drugs that have harmed too many patients and devastated too many families." This decision comes after Rogers and six members of the Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse pressed the FDA to take action on safety labeling of opioids in August 2012. In a letter to the FDA, the Caucus noted that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had reported the amount of painkillers sold was four times larger in 2010 than in 1999. The letter warned the FDA of the correlation between increased sales and the growing number of overdose deaths and substance abuse treatment admissions. The new labels will include a new boxed warning on neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, and new postmarked study requirements for all extended-release and long-acting (ER/LA) opioid analgesics intended to treat pain. FDA is requiring a new boxed warning on ER/LA opioid analgesics to caution that chronic maternal use of these products during pregnancy can result in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS), which may be life-threatening and require management according to protocols developed by neonatology experts. NOWS can occur in a newborn exposed to opioid drugs while in the mother’s womb. Symptoms may include poor feeding, rapid breathing, trembling, and excessive or high-pitched crying. In Kentucky, reports show a 2,400% increase in drug-exposed newborns in a decade. In 2011, 730 babies were reportedly diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) compared to only 67 in 2001. Meanwhile, nurseries across the nation reported a 330% increase in NAS from 2000 to 2009, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association. These new FDA labels are designed to raise awareness of newborn dependency as well.
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Post by Press Release on Sept 28, 2013 12:43:26 GMT -5
Coalfields of Central Appalachia pro-coal, pro-jobs press conference Congressman Hal Rogers Press Release
Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers and several colleagues representing the coalfields of Central Appalachia joined a pro-coal, pro-jobs press conference in response to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) latest assault on coal with new overreaching regulations. The event was hosted by the House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Ed Whitfield and included the entire Kentucky Republican delegation: Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, Senator Rand Paul, Congressman Brett Guthrie, Congressman Andy Barr, and Congressman Thomas Massie. "Through the President's deliberate strangulation by regulation, 6,200 coal miners in my district are out of a job," said Rogers to the crowd outside of the U.S. Capitol Building. "This administration needs to realize that coal is our best strategic energy resource and keeps our utility bills low. Coal puts food on the table and keeps our manufacturing businesses humming. Coal keeps the lights on!" On Friday, September 20th, the EPA released the first-ever proposed carbon limits on future coal-fired power plants in an effort to move the country away from burning one of the nation's cheapest sources of energy. The President also gave the EPA a timeline to set new standards for the nation's current coal-fired power fleet next summer. In an effort to halt the President's War on Coal, Congressman Rogers has slashed the EPA's budget by 46%, supported pro-coal legislation, like the Ensure Reliable and Affordable American Energy Act (H.R. 3104), and continues to meet with a number leaders across the country and the Commonwealth to develop pro-growth solutions for the Fifth Congressional District and the Central Appalachian coalfields.
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Post by Press Release on Oct 5, 2013 8:25:14 GMT -5
No EPA Listening Sessions scheduled in Coalfields Congressman Hal Rogers Press Release
President Obama has announced that the EPA would propose regulations on greenhouse gas emissions for existing coal-fired power plants next summer, in June 2014. This follows on the heels of the Administration's new and controversial carbon sequestration requirements for new coal-fired power plants, announced on September 20, 2013. On September 30, 2013, the EPA announced its public listening sessions scheduled in preparation for those regulations would be held in Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Denver, Lenexa, San Franscisco, Washington, D.C., Dallas, Seattle, and Chicago. Nearly 40-percent of all electricity generated in the United States comes from coal. However, not a single session was scheduled in one of the top ten states with the highest percentage of electricity generated from coal. U.S. Rep. "Hal" Rogers cosponsored a house resolution requesting the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hold its public listening sessions on a forthcoming carbon dioxide rule in leading coal states. The proposed rule will significantly impact existing power plant emissions. The resolution requests the sessions to be held in each of the ten states with the highest percentage of electricity generated by coal in 2012. Those states include Kentucky, Indiana, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, West Virginia and Wyoming. Currently, the EPA has omitted major coal generating states from its public schedule. "If the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) wants to hear from real stakeholders about its latest climate change initiative, the agency ought to include a public hearing stop in Central Appalachia. There's no region with more at stake in Obama's new climate agenda than our coalfields and the region's existing fleet of coal plants - a region where more than 6,200 eastern Kentucky coal miners have already lost their jobs in less than two years and where coal plants are struggling to make costly environmental upgrades," said Rogers. "Our people would love to 'play an important role in helping EPA develop smart, cost-effective guidelines' without having to attend a hearing thousands of miles away."
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Post by Press Release on Oct 25, 2013 13:47:01 GMT -5
Hydrocodone combo drugs are now Schedule II controlled substance Congressman Hal Rogers Press Release
Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) applauds today's announcement by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to re-classify America's most abused painkillers, hydrocodone combo drugs, to reflect the high potential for addiction and abuse. The FDA's decision follows an expert advisory panel's recommendation to re-classify painkillers like Vicodin and Lortab from Schedule III to Schedule II controlled substances. "This is a huge, life-saving victory in the fight against the prescription drug abuse epidemic," said Rogers, co-founder and co-chairman of the Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse. "The FDA has wisely tightened restrictions on these powerful painkillers in response to the skyrocketing rate of pain pill addiction that has swept the country. I believe this will lead to smarter medicine and a reduction in the deadly consequences of abuse and misuse of these hydrocodone drugs. I applaud the serious leadership on this issue of FDA Commissioner Dr. Margaret Hamburg." While the United States makes up only 4.6 percent of the world’s population, it consumes 99 percent of its hydrocodone. Emergency room visits involving hydrocodone rose from 38,000 in 2004 to more than 115,000 in 2010. These drugs are now the most widely prescribed painkillers in the U.S. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has supported this change since 1994 and an expert advisory panel to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently voted 19-10 in favor of re-classifying hydrocodone painkillers as Schedule II controlled substances. Earlier this year, several members of Congress, including Rogers, urged FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg to adopt the board’s recommendation immediately. In March, Rogers also joined more than 40 bipartisan members of Congress to co-sponsor the "Safe Prescribing Act of 2013" (H.R. 1285). The restrictions on prescribing and using Schedule III drugs are much less stringent than those for Schedule II products. Under Schedule II, a written prescription is required in order to receive hydrocodone painkillers except in cases of emergency. Pharmacists must require patients to present an original prescription for refills, and traffickers are be subject to harsher fines and penalties.
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Post by Press Release on Oct 31, 2013 11:51:03 GMT -5
Bell County Judge Executive Albey Brock and Hal Rogers at the Rally for American Energy Jobs in Washington DC
Coal Miners Rally in Washington DC Congressman Hal Rogers Press Release
U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers joined thousands of coal miners and energy leaders for the "Rally for American Energy Jobs" on Capitol Hill. Along with Rogers, Bell County Judge Executive Albey Brock attended the rally and later testified at a U.S. Energy and Commerce Subcommittee hearing about the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Regulatory Threat to Affordable, Reliable Energy, with a focus on coal communities. "After five years, we know the President is trying to make good on one promise he made - his promise to bankrupt coal!" declared Rogers at the Rally for American Energy Jobs. "These new EPA regulations promise to not only continue dreadful layoffs at our mines, but in our power plants too. This administration needs to realize that coal keeps America running." Several members of Kentucky's Congressional delegation spoke at the rally including U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, U.S. Senator Rand Paul, and U.S. Representative Andy Barr. Following the rally, the House Energy Oversight Subcommittee held a hearing to investigate the impact of EPA rules on the coal-reliant communities and industries. Judge Executive Albey Brock was the first of seven witnesses to testify. "I cannot imagine that the EPA calculated the human impact of their decisions that have so negatively impacted the coal industry in Eastern Kentucky, put thousands of families at risk, and threatened decades of progress," said Brock. "But if they did, they callously disregarded that calculation and violated the most basic, moral imperative of our government, which is to protect its people." Rogers applauded Brock's efforts on Capitol Hill to speak out for the families and communities in Central Appalachia that have been devastated by the Obama administration's War on Coal. "We need more leaders like Judge Executive Brock to stand firm and demand that this Administration stem the tide of unemployment and poverty resulting from the loss of thousands of jobs and upwards of more than one billion dollars in earned wages in our region's economy," said Rogers. Earlier this month, Rogers cosponsored a house resolution requesting the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hold its public listening sessions on a forthcoming carbon dioxide rule in leading coal states. The proposed rule will significantly impact existing power plant emissions. The resolution requests the sessions to be held in each of the ten states with the highest percentage of electricity generated by coal in 2012. Those states include Kentucky, Indiana, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, West Virginia and Wyoming.
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Post by Press Release on Nov 15, 2013 19:09:09 GMT -5
Nearly 300,000 Kentuckians have received health insurance cancellation notices Congressman Hal Rogers Press Release
Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers applauds passage of the "Keep Your Health Plan Act of 2013" (H.R. 3350), an effort that won bipartisan support in the U.S. House of Representatives after hearing from hundreds of thousands of people who now face losing their healthcare plans due to ObamaCare. Nearly 300,000 Kentuckians alone have received notice of cancellation from their insurance providers. Rogers co-sponsored the bill to allow providers to continue to offer health insurance plans that individuals and families currently have through 2014. "Today, thousands of Kentucky mailboxes are filled with insurance cancellation notices. It's time to relieve Americans from being forced to find new healthcare coverage options as a result of multiple broken promises from the Obama Administration," said Rogers. "Even after admitting you can't keep your health care plan as promised, the President has threatened to veto this bill to fix it. None-the-less this bipartisan effort speaks loudly for people across the country who want to keep the coverage they have trusted year after year. I strongly urge the Senate and the President to listen to the outcry from Americans and move quickly to pass this legislation." Earlier this week, former President Bill Clinton said, "I personally believe even if it takes a change in the law, the President should honor the commitment to the federal government made to those people and let them keep what they got." In fact, Section 1251 of the Affordable Care and Patient Protection Act (ACA) states that “nothing in this Act (or an amendment made by this Act) shall be construed to require that an individual terminate coverage under a group health plan or health insurance in which such individual was enrolled on the date of enactment of this Act.” Congressman Rogers has repeatedly voted to repeal ObamaCare altogether.
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Post by Press Release on Jan 10, 2014 14:52:53 GMT -5
Rogers Praises Southeastern Ky Promise Zone Congressman Hal Rogers Press Release
Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers applauds Southeastern Kentucky's Promise Zone designation awarded by the President to the Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation to address economic needs in eight counties. Congressman Rogers was invited to the White House for the announcement, along with Kentucky Highlands President and CEO Jerry Rickett, Senate Leader Mitch McConnell and Senator Rand Paul. "I'm glad the Administration has finally awakened to the economic problems that are facing Southern and Eastern Kentucky due to the coal job losses. This is one of several awards that I hope to see headed our way in concert with the SOAR initiative, to help in 'Shaping Our Appalachian Region,'" said Rogers. "This program shows promise for recruiting private industry in several of our hard-hit counties. And what a great way to celebrate Kentucky Highlands' 45th anniversary. With Jerry Rickett at the helm, this organization has a proven track record of bringing thousands of jobs to our region, and helping entrepreneurs launch their businesses and grow our economy." Southeastern Kentucky was selected as one of the first five Promise Zones and serves as the only rural region in the nation to receive the designation. The Promise Zone includes Bell, Harlan, Letcher, Perry, Leslie, Clay, Knox, and part of Whitley County. The population is restricted to a maximum of 200,000 people. The first five Zones, located in San Antonio, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Southeastern Kentucky, and the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, have each put forward a plan on how they will partner with local business and community leaders to make investments that reward hard work and expand opportunity. In exchange, these designees will receive the resources and flexibility they need to achieve their goals. Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation plans to create jobs and grow small businesses by leveraging $1.3 million of private sector funds in a revolving loan fund targeted within the Promise Zone. The organization plans to create leadership and entrepreneur training for youth and industry-specific re-training opportunities for the local skilled workforce, by partnering with the University of Kentucky Economic Development Initiative and the East Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program. To ensure all youth have access to a high-quality education, Berea College will run evidence-based college and career readiness programs for high school students in the Promise Zone, while Eastern Kentucky University will expand technical education programs. A total of 20 Promise Zones will be announced over the next three years.
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Post by Press Release on Jan 14, 2014 11:51:44 GMT -5
Hal Rogers Joins State and Federal Leaders to Announce 2014 National Rx Drug Abuse Summit Congressman Hal Rogers Press Release
The third annual National Rx Drug Abuse Summit - the largest national collaboration of professionals on this issue - will be held April 22-24, 2014, at the Atlanta, Marriott Marquis. Both previous Summits were held in Orlando, Florida. Nearly 900 people from 49 states and two other countries participated in the 2013 Summit. That Summit brought together the nation's top legislators, physicians, nurses, pharmacists, treatment providers, law enforcement personnel, insurance payers and researchers to share the latest findings and strategies to make an impact in the battle against the prescription drug abuse and diversion epidemic. Recurring themes highlighted by presenters at the Summit included: the need to provide better education about drug abuse and diversion, especially for prescribers; greater use and seamless integration of state Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs; identifying and sharing best-practice solutions; openly admitting problems to facilitate provision of effective treatment and recovery programs; and adequately treating pain without over-prescribing narcotics that lack abuse-deterrent formulations.
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Post by Press Release on Jan 22, 2014 19:12:44 GMT -5
. Beshear, Rogers Announce Plan to Expand High-Speed Broadband Access Statewide Congressman Hal Rogers Press Release
Governor Steve Beshear joined Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers today to announce an ambitious state and federal investment to extend critically-needed high-speed broadband Internet access to the furthest reaches of the Commonwealth. The underserved eastern Kentucky region will be the first priority area for the project, which will be supported by $60 million in state bonds and $40 million in federal and private sources. “Access to high-speed and high-quality Internet is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity in the 21st century economy. Businesses and schools demand it,” said Gov. Beshear. “Our communities that lack reliable high-speed access will lag behind in economic development, distance learning and advanced health technologies, and that’s unacceptable.” “The new ‘Super I-way’ will level the playing field,” said Congressman Rogers. “It takes away our historic barriers to better jobs, the difficult terrain and isolation. All of a sudden, the world is flat and the famed superior work ethic of our people will be able to compete with the world from home.” Currently, Kentucky ranks 46th in high-speed broadband Internet availability. Nearly a quarter of the Commonwealth’s population -- 23 percent -- have no access to broadband. The Next Generation Kentucky Information Highway will offer affordable and accessible high-speed broadband to reduce the barriers of geography for businesses and citizens. The Commonwealth will partner with the Center for Rural Development for the first phase of the project in eastern Kentucky, leveraging various federal funds and private investment to attain access throughout the region. The Center has initiated a feasibility study that will be complete in the next several weeks outlining the costs and plans of meeting eastern Kentucky’s broadband needs. “I want to thank Gov. Beshear and Congressman Rogers for their leadership in giving the people of Eastern Kentucky a reason to hope and to have a brighter future,” said House Speaker Greg Stumbo. “Projects like this are crucial, because high-speed internet is an absolute must for our region to succeed in economic development, education, healthcare and elsewhere.” “Bringing high-speed internet to Eastern Kentucky will, in essence, flatten the mountains and put our region on a level playing field with the rest of the state," said Senate President Robert Stivers. "This access is a critical step in strengthening our region, as we set out to do in the SOAR conference.”
Internet access isn’t high-speed broadband Most households in the state have access to an Internet Service Provider (ISP), but that’s not the same as high-speed broadband. Broadband is considered “always on”, and is capable of carrying much larger amounts of information to a larger group of users. As the federal definition of broadband changes, and minimum speed increases (often in megabits per second, or MBS), Kentucky falls further behind because the service available to citizens does not meet these minimum qualifications. Today, only about half of the state’s households use broadband service, and nearly one-quarter can’t access broadband at all. “That’s not acceptable,” said Gov. Beshear. “We cannot get companies to even consider locating in an area that doesn’t have broadband. This is just one reason high-speed broadband Internet is important for the entire economy of Kentucky, not just urban areas.”
Next Generation Kentucky Information Highway to expand fiber infrastructure The initial phase of the Next Generation Kentucky Information Highway project, estimated to cost approximately $100 million, could take up two to three years to build nearly 3,000 miles of fiber infrastructure, which is often referred to as the “middle” mile. The project will incorporate the current and best available technology at a speed of up to 100 gigabits per second. Where available, existing fiber will be used. “This world-class Internet infrastructure will bring high-speed Internet, or broadband, closer to communities throughout the state,” said Lori H. Flanery, secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet. “It opens up possibilities for Kentuckians to connect with the world at the highest speeds available, allowing them to truly participate in today’s global environment.” Since 2010, the Kentucky Office of Broadband Outreach and Development in the Finance and Administration Cabinet has focused on identifying and mapping areas across the state that are unserved or underserved by affordable broadband service. Using that information and working with public partners, such as the Council on Postsecondary Education, along with private providers, the Finance and Administration Cabinet provided guidance to the governor about the Next Generation Kentucky Information Highway project. The initiative will be a partnership of government at all levels and the private sector. The private-public partnership – often referred to as a P3 – allows the state to leverage resources to fill service gaps. “This investment by the Commonwealth will pay dividends for years to come,” Gov. Beshear said. “Much like previous generations’ efforts to build our sewer and water systems, the electric grid and paved highways, this initiative will solidify Kentucky’s place in the new global economy.” A number of obstacles have prevented the full expansion of high-speed broadband into every home and business. Those issues include: • Sparse population: It’s a numbers game. When there’s not enough population to allow the service provider to get a return on investment, expansion doesn’t take place. • Affordability: Kentucky has a significant number of people who are at or near the poverty threshold. Broadband typically costs $20 or more per month, making it a luxury many Kentuckians assume they can’t afford. • Attitude: Many people have access and can afford high-speed broadband, but choose not to subscribe because they think they don’t need it.
Initial Steps Underway The Finance and Administration Cabinet is receiving responses to a request for proposal from consultants who are interested in working on the Next Generation Kentucky Information Highway project. The consultant will validate cost estimates and provide guidance on the most efficient and effective way to proceed with the project. The project is slated to begin in eastern Kentucky, closely aligning the state’s efforts with the Center for Rural Development and the “S.O.A.R.: Shaping Our Appalachian Region initiative in created by Gov. Beshear, U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers and other local and state leaders in that region. Gov. Beshear and Rep. Rogers organized the SOAR Summit to gather ideas and recommendations about how to move Kentucky’s Appalachian region forward. The SOAR Summit, held in Pikeville on Dec. 9, attracted more than 1,700 Kentuckians. Its report, released last week, is available online at www.governor.ky.gov/SOAR and through state libraries. Since the summit, Gov. Beshear has helped announce the recent federal designation of a Promise Zone in eastern Kentucky, the four-laning of the Mountain Parkway, a $2.6 million business loan pool for the region and USDA StrikeForce designation for rural area investments in eastern Kentucky.
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