Congress

Rep. Massie Turns Down Federal Pension Benefit

Kentucky Public Radio's Dan Conti — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 16:00:09 +0000

Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie is declining the federal pension benefit given to Capitol Hill lawmakers.

The freshman Republican legislator represents northern Kentucky’s Fourth Congressional District.

Massie says he has declined to accept payments to his retirement fund since taking office.

In Farewell Speech, Lugar Calls for More Unity, Less Posturing

Rick Howlett and Associated Press — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 21:24:48 +0000

Outgoing U.S. Senator Richard Lugar of Indiana says Congress and the president need to establish a closer working relationship, especially in the area of national security.

The Republican, who’s leaving Capitol Hill after 36 years, delivered his farewell address on the Senate floor today , saying the current dialogue on national security is one of the least constructive he’s ever witnessed.

Fischer, Other Mayors Push Congress for Action on Fiscal Cliff

Gabe Bullard — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 20:04:47 +0000

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer is among several municipal leaders from across the country pushing Congress to act now to address the upcoming fiscal cliff.

Several measures will take effect or expire at the end of the year, and if Congress doesn't act, $100 billion in spending cuts and $380 billion in tax increases will hit simultaneously. The U.S. Conference of Mayors, of which Fischer is a member, has sent congressional leadership a letter urging them to act.

Coal Executive Threatens to Sue Rep. Chandler for Slander

Gabe Bullard and The Associated Press — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 18:00:42 +0000

A coal executive is threatening to sue Congressman Ben Chandler over a recent campaign ad.

Chandler is facing Republican Andy Barr in the November election. Executive Heath Lovell appeared in a Barr ad recently wearing a hardhat and miner's garb.

Yarmuth Endorses Yoder for Congress

Phillip M. Bailey — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 21:59:44 +0000

Kentucky Congressman John Yarmuth endorsed fellow Democrat Shelli Yoder on Friday in Indiana’s Ninth Congressional District race.

Yoder is facing Republican incumbent Todd Young in the fall campaign and has challenged him to a dozen debates across the district. The two campaigns have squabbled over the schedule of those forums in recent weeks.

Yarmuth says he looks forward to having Yoder as a partner in Congress, adding that she is a practical thinker.

"Shelli shares my commitment to making health care more affordable and insurance companies more accountable, protecting Medicare for this generation of seniors and the next, creating an economy that works for everyone, and standing up for our veterans," Yarmuth said in a news release.

Congressman Geoff Davis Resigns

Gabe Bullard and Phillip M. Bailey — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 22:43:49 +0000

In a surprise statement, Congressman Geoff Davis, R-Ky., resigned Tuesday.

Last December, Davis announced that he would not be seeking re-election for a fifth term in Congress citing a need to spend more time with his family. Today's announcement echoes that sentiment and comes fives months ahead of schedule.

In a statement on his website, Davis says he will step down effective immediately and cites family health concerns.

Recently, a family health issue has developed that will demand significantly more of my time to assist. As a result, I cannot continue to effectively fulfill my obligations to both my office and my family. Family must and will come first.

Congress Reaches Agreement on Transportation Bill, Student Loans

Phillip M. Bailey — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 18:15:17 +0000

The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed legislation Friday that funds transportation programs and averts an increase in interest rates on loans for college students.

The packaged measure passed by a 373-to-52 vote and avoids a looming deadline that would have doubled Stafford loan rates to 6.8 percent on July 1. The bill also pays for construction of highways, bridges and other projects over the next two years.