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			<title>Congressman Andy Barr</title>
			<link>https://barr.house.gov/</link>
			<description>A collection of the latest records posted to Congressman Andy Barr.</description>
			

			<language>en</language>
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			<pubDate>Sat, 220 Aug 2026 00:00:01 GMT</pubDate>
			<lastBuildDate>Sat, 220 Aug 2026 00:00:01 GMT</lastBuildDate>
			
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				<guid>https://barr.house.gov/2026/7/kentucky-congressional-delegation-urges-president-trump-to-approve-kentucky-s-major-disaster-declaration</guid>
				<title>Kentucky Congressional Delegation Urges President Trump to Approve Kentucky’s Major Disaster Declaration</title>
				<link>https://barr.house.gov/2026/7/kentucky-congressional-delegation-urges-president-trump-to-approve-kentucky-s-major-disaster-declaration</link>
				<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Washington, D.C. &amp;ndash;&lt;/b&gt; Today, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY-06) led the Kentucky Congressional Delegation in urging President Donald J. Trump to swiftly approve the Commonwealth of Kentucky&amp;rsquo;s request for a Major Disaster Declaration following the devastating storms, flooding, tornadoes, and severe weather that struck communities across the Commonwealth between June 17 and June 30.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The delegation&amp;rsquo;s letter expresses strong support for the Commonwealth&amp;rsquo;s request and asks for immediate federal assistance to help Kentucky families and communities recover.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The prolonged weather event caused widespread damage across Kentucky, claiming the lives of six Kentuckians, including three residents of Madison County, while destroying homes, damaging businesses, washing out roads and bridges, and leaving thousands without power. Nineteen counties and thirteen cities declared states of emergency as multiple rounds of severe weather compounded the damage over nearly two weeks. The Commonwealth formally requested a Major Disaster Declaration on July 23.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;ldquo;Kentucky families have endured an extraordinary stretch of severe weather, and many communities are facing a long road to recovery,&amp;rdquo; &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;said Congressman Barr.&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; &amp;ldquo;The damage across Central Kentucky, especially in Madison County where lives were tragically lost and neighborhoods were devastated, underscores the urgent need for federal assistance. I&amp;rsquo;m joining together with the Kentucky Congressional Delegation to urge a swift approval of Kentucky&amp;rsquo;s disaster declaration request so that our communities have the resources they need to rebuild.&amp;rdquo;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;The delegation wrote to the President in part,&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; &amp;ldquo;A total of 42 homes were destroyed or rendered uninhabitable, and over 100 businesses have been affected. Many roads, bridges, and electric infrastructure are severely damaged, causing a considerable economic impact across the state. Volunteers along with state and local emergency response organizations have been working tirelessly to clear debris and muck out flooded homes. However, with the recent string of disasters that Kentucky has faced, many disaster response teams in the state are fatigued and overwhelmed. Given the substantial damage and the challenges faced by state and local resources, we believe Federal assistance is necessary.&amp;rdquo;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Commonwealth&amp;rsquo;s request seeks federal Public Assistance, Individual Assistance, and Hazard Mitigation funding for affected Kentucky communities.&lt;/p&gt;
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				<category>Press Releases</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 209 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST</pubDate>
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				<guid>https://barr.house.gov/2026/7/barr-introduces-lawful-hemp-protection-act-to-protect-kentucky-farmers-consumers-and-the-future-of-the-hemp-industry</guid>
				<title>Barr Introduces Lawful Hemp Protection Act to Protect Kentucky Farmers, Consumers, and the Future of the Hemp Industry</title>
				<link>https://barr.house.gov/2026/7/barr-introduces-lawful-hemp-protection-act-to-protect-kentucky-farmers-consumers-and-the-future-of-the-hemp-industry</link>
				<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Washington, D.C.&lt;/b&gt; &amp;ndash; Today, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY-06) introduced the &lt;i&gt;Lawful Hemp Protection Act,&lt;/i&gt; bipartisan legislation to establish the first comprehensive federal regulatory framework for hemp-derived consumer products while protecting Kentucky farmers, enhancing consumer and child safety, and preserving the long-term viability of the domestic hemp industry.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This legislation establishes a clear federal framework for the hemp industry by setting consistent standards for cultivation, manufacturing, testing, and labeling, while prohibiting synthetic cannabinoids in finished hemp-derived products. It also supports American farmers by only allowing hemp grown, cultivated, and packaged in the United States. To further strengthen consumer protection and child safety, Rep. Barr&amp;rsquo;s legislation limits retail sales of hemp-derived consumer products to individuals 21 years of age and older and prohibits the marketing or advertisement of any hemp products towards children.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;ldquo;Kentucky farmers helped build America&amp;rsquo;s hemp industry and they deserve certainty,&amp;rdquo; &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;said Congressman Barr&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;. &amp;ldquo;The Lawful Hemp Protection Act protects Kentucky agriculture, safeguards consumers, and establishes a commonsense regulatory framework that allows this important industry to continue to grow while ensuring products are safe and kept out of the hands of children. Kentucky has demonstrated that hemp can be successfully regulated while supporting farmers and protecting consumers. This legislation builds on that success by creating a national framework that rewards responsible producers, eliminates bad actors, and ensures consumers have confidence in the products they purchase.&amp;rdquo;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;ldquo;Minnesota became the model for responsible hemp regulation when it established a regulatory framework that complied with federal law and enabled local farmers and businesses to thrive,&amp;rdquo; &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;said Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN), the lead Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;i&gt;.&lt;/i&gt; &amp;ldquo;My commonsense legislation will give regulatory clarity to Minnesota farmers, brewers and small business owners and provide an alternative to short-sighted federal policies that threaten Minnesota jobs and consumer choice. I am proud to have worked with Rep. Barr on a solution that protects our farmers and small businesses while also keeping our kids and communities safe.&amp;rdquo;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;"Reps. Andy Barr and Angie Craig deserve tremendous credit for stepping forward with a serious, science-based, and bipartisan solution at exactly the moment the hemp industry needs it most," &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;said Jonathan Miller, General Counsel of the U.S. Hemp Roundtable. &lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;"Their leadership on the Lawful Hemp Protection Act reflects a clear-eyed recognition that prohibition is the wrong path, and that American farmers, small businesses, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers deserve a workable federal framework built on responsible regulation. We are grateful for their willingness to engage stakeholders across the industry throughout the drafting process, and we look forward to continuing to work with them and their colleagues in Congress to advance a long-term federal solution."&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;ldquo;Reps. Craig and Barr understand that this isn't a partisan issue &amp;ndash; it's about protecting farmers who planted in good faith, small business owners who built legal companies, and consumers who deserve safe, tested, legal products instead of being pushed into an unregulated market,&amp;rdquo; &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;said HIFA Executive Director Brian Swensen.&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; "We appreciate all the hard work that brought us to this point. This bill is a strong step toward establishing a proper regulatory framework.&amp;rdquo;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;ldquo;Representative Barr&amp;rsquo;s bill is a smart, bi-partisan, stakeholder-supported solution,&amp;rdquo; &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;said Christopher Lackner, founder and president, Hemp Beverage Alliance.&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; &amp;ldquo;On behalf of the country&amp;rsquo;s hemp beverage suppliers, distributors, retailers, and responsible adult consumers, we urge Congress to fast-track this legislation.&amp;rdquo;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;ldquo;As longtime supporters of a comprehensive federal regulatory framework for hemp products, the Midwest Hemp Council thanks Congressman Andy Barr for his leadership in bringing stakeholders together to develop a national market structure. The hemp industry is united in supporting an extension of the November 12 deadline that would otherwise recriminalize the $40 Billion domestic hemp market. An extension will give lawmakers the time needed to enact a regulatory framework that unleashes opportunities for American farmers, meets consumer demand, and protects public health and safety,&amp;rdquo; &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;said Justin Swanson, President, MHC. &lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;ldquo;The Kentucky Hemp Association thanks Congressman Andy Barr for his leadership in introducing a comprehensive federal regulatory framework for hemp products,&amp;rdquo; &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;said Dee Dee Taylor, President of the Kentucky Hemp Association. &lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&amp;ldquo;Kentucky has already demonstrated that a strong, state regulated market can protect consumers while supporting responsible businesses, and hemp has become a critical replacement crop for many of the Commonwealth's tobacco farmers. To preserve these hard-earned gains, Congress must extend the November 12 deadline that would otherwise disrupt the legal hemp marketplace. An extension will give lawmakers the time needed to build a durable federal framework that protects public health, respects successful state regulatory programs like Kentucky's, and preserves economic opportunities for American agriculture.&amp;rdquo;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Kentucky has long been a national leader in hemp production, with Kentucky farmers growing approximately 4,700 acres of industrial hemp in &lt;a href="chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https:/www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/Todays_Reports/reports/hempan26.pdf"&gt;2025&lt;/a&gt;. The broader hemp marketplace supports thousands of jobs nationwide and contributes $30 billion to the U.S. economy. Under current law, restrictive provisions scheduled to take effect in November of this year threaten the future of lawful hemp production and virtually makes illegal overnight cultivation of this crop and sale of these products.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Lawful Hemp Protection Act provides a long-term solution by modernizing federal hemp policy and establishing clear rules for producers, processors, retailers, and consumers. It highlights these main provisions:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul type="disc"&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Creates separate regulatory categories for industrial hemp and consumable hemp products;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Changes the legal limitation of hemp to one percent total THC concentration on a dry-weight basis and requires testing at the finished-product level as well as throughout the manufacturing chain;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Prohibits synthetic cannabinoids and other non-naturally occurring compounds;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Requires consumable hemp products to be cultivated, processed, finished, and packaged in the United States;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Restricts the sale of all consumable hemp-derived cannabinoid products to individuals 21 years of age and older;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Establishes strict packaging, labeling, and marketing standards to prevent youth access and deceptive advertising;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Directs the Food and Drug Administration to establish maximum cannabinoid content limits for hemp-derived consumable products with &amp;ldquo;fallback&amp;rdquo; limits in case the FDA does not act within 12 months after passage;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a three-tiered system for hemp-derived beverages &amp;ndash; manufacturers, distributors, and retailers &amp;ndash; with strict tied-house restrictions to maintain separation among tiers; and.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Instructs the Treasury Department to collect a tax of 5 cents per milligram of THC in hemp-derived consumable beverages and 5% of the retail price on all other consumables that contain THC.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Lawful Hemp Protection Act preserves states&amp;rsquo; ability to enact stricter regulations while ensuring lawful interstate commerce for compliant hemp products. This legislation is supported by American Healthy Alternatives Association, American Herbal Products Association, Americans for Prosperity, Coalition for Adult Beverage Alternatives (CABA), Hemp Beverage Alliance, Hemp Industry &amp;amp; Farmers of America (HIFA), Kentucky Hemp Association (KYHA), Midwest Hemp Council, Team Hemp, Total Wine &amp;amp; More, U.S. Hemp Roundtable, Wine &amp;amp; Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA).&lt;/p&gt;
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				<category>Press Releases</category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 203 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST</pubDate>
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				<guid>https://barr.house.gov/2026/7/barr-votes-to-strengthen-america-s-military-support-servicemembers-and-confront-global-threats</guid>
				<title>Barr Votes to Strengthen America’s Military, Support Servicemembers, and Confront Global Threats</title>
				<link>https://barr.house.gov/2026/7/barr-votes-to-strengthen-america-s-military-support-servicemembers-and-confront-global-threats</link>
				<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Washington, D.C. &amp;mdash;&lt;/b&gt; Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY) voted today in favor of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, legislation that strengthens America&amp;rsquo;s military, supports servicemembers and their families, and ensures the United States is prepared to confront growing threats around the world.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The legislation delivers a 5% to 7% pay raise for America&amp;rsquo;s servicemembers, invests more than $11.7 billion through the Pacific Deterrence Initiative to counter Communist China, strengthens America&amp;rsquo;s defense industrial base, and improves military readiness.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The bill also reinforces America&amp;rsquo;s support for Israel, strengthens cooperation against shared threats in the Middle East, and ensures the United States and its allies have the capabilities necessary to confront Iran and its terrorist proxies.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;ldquo;America must lead from a position of strength,&amp;rdquo; said Congressman Barr. &amp;ldquo;This legislation includes a much deserved pay raise for the men and women who defend our nation, strengthens our ability to deter Communist China, stands firmly with our ally Israel, and ensures we are prepared to confront Iran and its terrorist proxies. It also invests in American workers, manufacturers, and innovators so our military remains the most capable fighting force in the world. Peace through strength requires a ready military, a strong defense industrial base, and an unwavering commitment to our allies.&amp;rdquo;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The FY27 NDAA:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul type="disc"&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Delivers a 5% to 7% pay raise for servicemembers and continues investments in military housing, childcare, and quality-of-life programs for military families.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Invests more than $11.7 billion through the Pacific Deterrence Initiative to strengthen America&amp;rsquo;s military posture in the Indo-Pacific and deter aggression from Communist China.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Reinforces America&amp;rsquo;s commitment to Israel and strengthens cooperation on missile defense and other shared security priorities.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Supports efforts to confront Iran, Iranian-backed terrorist organizations, and threats to American forces and allies in the Middle East.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Invests in American defense manufacturing and strengthens domestic supply chains to reduce dependence on foreign adversaries.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Accelerates procurement reforms to get advanced weapons and capabilities into the hands of American warfighters faster.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Strengthens oversight of the Department of Defense and targets waste, unnecessary bureaucracy, and inefficient spending.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
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				<category>Press Releases</category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 203 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST</pubDate>
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				<guid>https://barr.house.gov/2026/7/barr-leads-house-passage-of-main-street-capital-access-act-to-strengthen-community-banks-and-expand-opportunity</guid>
				<title>Barr Leads House Passage of Main Street Capital Access Act to Strengthen Community Banks and Expand Opportunity</title>
				<link>https://barr.house.gov/2026/7/barr-leads-house-passage-of-main-street-capital-access-act-to-strengthen-community-banks-and-expand-opportunity</link>
				<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;WASHINGTON, D.C.&lt;/b&gt;&amp;mdash;Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY-06), Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Financial Institutions, applauded House passage of the &lt;b&gt;Main Street Capital Access Act&lt;/b&gt;, legislation to strengthen community banks, expand access to credit, and support families, farmers, and small businesses across Kentucky.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The legislation modernizes outdated banking regulations that have made it harder for community banks to grow and compete. By reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens and encouraging the formation of new community banks, the bill helps preserve a competitive financial system while expanding access to capital on Main Street.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Subcommittee Chairman Barr said, &lt;i&gt;"Community banks are at the heart of Kentucky's economy. They finance our small businesses, stand by our farmers, and help hardworking families buy homes, start businesses, and build a better future. House Republicans are delivering on our commitment to strengthen Main Street by cutting red tape, expanding access to capital, and creating an environment where community banks can thrive. I'm grateful to Chairman French Hill for his leadership, and I'm proud the House is advancing this legislation to support the local financial institutions that keep our communities strong."&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;The Kentucky Bankers Association said in part, &lt;i&gt;&amp;ldquo;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;We sincerely appreciate your continuous support of Kentucky&amp;rsquo;s community banks and for all of your hard work on the Act.&amp;nbsp; We expressly support the Act. Specifically, the changes under the Act allow more flexibility with keeping deposits local, tailoring regulation appropriate with a bank&amp;rsquo;s size and risk profile, and halting uncertain methods and practices in supervision, all of which significantly benefit Kentucky&amp;rsquo;s community banks and the communities they serve.&amp;rdquo;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Commerce Lexington said, &amp;ldquo;Commerce Lexington supports policies that make it easier for businesses to access capital, grow, and create jobs. A modern, predictable regulatory environment is critical to attracting investment and keeping Kentucky competitive. We appreciate Chairman Andy Barr&amp;rsquo;s leadership in advancing commonsense reforms that strengthen our financial system and support long-term economic growth for businesses and communities across the Bluegrass.&amp;rdquo;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Main Street Capital Access Act includes a series of reforms to promote the creation and long-term success of community banks. Barr has been a leading advocate for policies that encourage &lt;b&gt;de novo&lt;/b&gt; bank formation, particularly in rural communities where access to financial services has declined in recent years. While 181 new bank charters were approved in 2007, fewer than ten new banks opened annually between 2010 and 2019. At the same time, rural America lost more than 1,500 bank branches across 794 counties between 2012 and 2017.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The legislation will:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul type="disc"&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Establish a three-year phase-in period for capital requirements, allowing newly chartered banks time to grow before meeting full regulatory standards.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Increase transparency in the chartering and supervisory process by requiring regulators to provide clearer guidance for new banks.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Better tailor federal banking regulations to a bank's size and risk profile, ensuring community banks are not treated like the nation's largest financial institutions.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Streamline reporting requirements for community and regional banks, reducing compliance costs and allowing more resources to flow toward lending.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Improve the bank examination process by promoting more consistent supervisory standards, including reforms to CAMELS ratings.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Strengthen competition by ensuring community banks and credit unions can better compete with the country's largest financial institutions.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Main Street Capital Access Act now heads to the Senate for consideration.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
				<category>Press Releases</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 202 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST</pubDate>
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				<guid>https://barr.house.gov/2026/7/rep-barr-on-aligning-commercial-diplomacy-between-state-and-commerce-in-hfac-7-15-26</guid>
				<title>Rep. Barr on Aligning Commercial Diplomacy Between State and Commerce in HFAC 7.15.26</title>
				<link>https://barr.house.gov/2026/7/rep-barr-on-aligning-commercial-diplomacy-between-state-and-commerce-in-hfac-7-15-26</link>
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				<category>Videos</category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 196 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST</pubDate>
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				<guid>https://barr.house.gov/2026/7/rep-barr-hammers-cfpb-calls-for-reform-in-fsc-7-15-26</guid>
				<title> Rep. Barr Hammers CFPB, Calls for Reform in FSC 7/15/26</title>
				<link>https://barr.house.gov/2026/7/rep-barr-hammers-cfpb-calls-for-reform-in-fsc-7-15-26</link>
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				<category>Videos</category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 196 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST</pubDate>
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				<guid>https://barr.house.gov/2026/7/rep-barr-questions-federal-reserve-chair-kevin-warsh-in-fsc-7-14-26</guid>
				<title> Rep. Barr Questions Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh in FSC 7.14.26</title>
				<link>https://barr.house.gov/2026/7/rep-barr-questions-federal-reserve-chair-kevin-warsh-in-fsc-7-14-26</link>
				<description/>
				<category>Videos</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 195 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST</pubDate>
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				<guid>https://barr.house.gov/2026/7/rep-barr-fsc-on-oversight-of-prudential-regulators-6-4-26</guid>
				<title> Rep. Barr FSC on Oversight of Prudential Regulators 6.4.26</title>
				<link>https://barr.house.gov/2026/7/rep-barr-fsc-on-oversight-of-prudential-regulators-6-4-26</link>
				<description/>
				<category>Videos</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 195 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST</pubDate>
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				<guid>https://barr.house.gov/2026/7/house-passes-barr-led-bill-protecting-second-amendment-privacy</guid>
				<title>House Passes Barr-Led Bill Protecting Second Amendment Privacy</title>
				<link>https://barr.house.gov/2026/7/house-passes-barr-led-bill-protecting-second-amendment-privacy</link>
				<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Washington, D.C.&amp;mdash;&lt;/b&gt;Today, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY-06) helped lead key legislation protecting the Second Amendment through the House of Representatives. Barr&amp;rsquo;s legislation, the &amp;ldquo;Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act,&amp;rdquo; prohibits financial institutions from using a new Merchant Category Code (MCC) to track purchases of firearms and ammunition.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This legislation stops banks and credit card companies from compiling and analyzing sensitive data on law-abiding Americans exercising their Second Amendment rights to own and purchase firearms.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;ldquo;Law-abiding Kentuckians should not be targeted for exercising their constitutional rights,&amp;rdquo; &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;said Congressman Barr&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;i&gt;.&lt;/i&gt; &amp;ldquo;Creating a system that flags firearm purchases opens the door to data collection schemes, discrimination against responsible gun owners, and a weaponized federal government that could choke off access to financing for gun stores.&amp;rdquo;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;ldquo;The implementation of Merchant Category Codes to surveil lawful purchases is nothing more than an ill-conceived attempt to create a de facto national firearms registry,&amp;rdquo; &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;said John Commerford, Executive Director of NRA-ILA.&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; &amp;ldquo;On behalf of millions of NRA members and gun owners nationwide, we thank Representatives Moore, Hudson, and Barr for protecting our Second Amendment rights and our privacy.&amp;rdquo;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Merchant Category Codes are commonly used across the financial industry to catogrize transactions, but applying a district identifier to firearm related purchases has raised concerns about privacy, data security, and potential misure by both private institutions and government actors.&lt;/p&gt;
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				<category>Press Releases</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 195 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST</pubDate>
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				<guid>https://barr.house.gov/2026/7/rep-barr-on-h-r-1181-protecting-privacy-in-purchasing-act-7-14-26</guid>
				<title>Rep. Barr on H.R. 1181 - Protecting Privacy in Purchasing Act 7/14/26</title>
				<link>https://barr.house.gov/2026/7/rep-barr-on-h-r-1181-protecting-privacy-in-purchasing-act-7-14-26</link>
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				<category>Videos</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 195 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST</pubDate>
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				<guid>https://barr.house.gov/2026/7/thirty-years-of-healing-thanks-to-the-post-clinic</guid>
				<title>Thirty Years of Healing Thanks to the Post Clinic </title>
				<link>https://barr.house.gov/2026/7/thirty-years-of-healing-thanks-to-the-post-clinic</link>
				<description>&lt;p&gt;Three decades ago, a small group of advocates in Mt. Sterling opened the doors of the Post Clinic with a simple mission: expanding access to primary medical and dental care for Kentuckians who couldn&amp;rsquo;t afford it. Three decades later, that mission is still alive in every exam room.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt; I&amp;rsquo;ve watched this clinic grow up close. Back in 2022, I secured a $1 million federal grant that empowered the Post Clinic build a new facility &amp;mdash; funding that, paired with local and state support, helped the clinic expand its reach from roughly 400 patients a year to as many as 4,000 across Montgomery, Bath, and the surrounding counties. That&amp;rsquo;s not a number on a spreadsheet. That&amp;rsquo;s thousands of our friends, coworkers, and family members who now have somewhere to go when they need care &amp;mdash; Kentuckians who might otherwise have gone without care altogether.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt; I think back to what Mt. Sterling Mayor Al Botts said the day we broke ground on that expansion: it took local, state, and federal leaders all pulling in the same direction, because a healthy Montgomery County starts with making sure everyone has access to a doctor. He was right then, and he&amp;rsquo;s still right today. Thirty years of the Post Clinic is proof of what this community can build when it refuses to let its neighbors fall through the cracks.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt; This anniversary also comes at an important time for rural healthcare here at home. Clinics and hospitals in small towns like ours are stretched thin &amp;mdash; competing for nurses and doctors, working with aging buildings, and trying to serve wide, spread-out communities without the resources a big city hospital has. &lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt; That&amp;rsquo;s a fight I&amp;rsquo;ve taken seriously in Washington. I helped write reforms to the Medicaid program that will ensure dollars are going where they should be: to Kentuckians who need Medicaid. We also established the $50B Rural Health Transformation Program, which will target federal support to Kentucky over the next five years to help rural providers like the Post Clinic modernize, recruit and keep good clinicians, and bring new tools like telehealth to patients who&amp;rsquo;d otherwise have to drive an hour for care.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt; But no program out of Washington replaces what happens here in Mt. Sterling every day &amp;mdash; volunteers, donors, local physicians, and a dedicated staff showing up for their neighbors. My job is to make sure they have the resources to keep doing it. That means continuing to back facilities like the Post Clinic, and making sure Montgomery County gets its fair share of the new rural health funding coming to Kentucky.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt; The founders who opened those doors thirty years ago built something that&amp;rsquo;s now cared for three generations of local families. Here&amp;rsquo;s to making sure the next thirty years are just as strong.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt; Happy 30th anniversary to the Post Clinic. Montgomery County is healthier because of you.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY-06) represents Montgomery County in the U.S. House of Representatives.&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
				<category>Press Releases</category>
				<pubDate>Mon, 194 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST</pubDate>
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				<guid>https://barr.house.gov/2026/6/barr-votes-to-fund-border-security-through-2029</guid>
				<title>Barr Votes to Fund Border Security through 2029 </title>
				<link>https://barr.house.gov/2026/6/barr-votes-to-fund-border-security-through-2029</link>
				<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Washington, D.C.&amp;mdash;&lt;/b&gt;Today, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY), one of the strongest members on border security in the U.S. House of Representatives, voted to approve &lt;a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2"&gt;almost&lt;/a&gt; $70B in funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The Secure America Act fully funds border security through September of 2029, delivering $39B for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), $26B for Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and $5B to DHS for other border security priorities.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;ldquo;For six months out of the last year, Congressional Democrats kept DHS shut down,&amp;rdquo; &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;said Congressman Barr. &lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&amp;ldquo;They want to abolish ICE, end border security, and open the border just like they did under Joe Biden&amp;rsquo;s failed Presidency. I will not let that happen. I&amp;rsquo;m proud to stand with CBP and all our patriots serving at the DHS to secure our border and keep America safe.&amp;rdquo;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Barr voted for the Big Beautiful Bill, the largest border security investment in history, enacted in July of 2025. Barr has a &lt;a href="https://barr.house.gov/2025/10/barr-receives-a-grade-from-numbersusa-for-championing-border-security-priorities-in-congress"&gt;perfect&lt;/a&gt;, A+ Rating from NumbersUSA, the preeminent border security advocacy group in the country. He&amp;rsquo;s currently championing the Dalilah Act, legislation that would crack down on states that issue commercial driver&amp;rsquo;s licenses (CDLs) to illegal persons.&lt;/p&gt;
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				<category>Press Releases</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 160 Jun 2026 12:00:00 EST</pubDate>
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				<guid>https://barr.house.gov/2026/6/barr-applauds-trump-s-investment-in-kentucky-coal-to-create-jobs-lower-costs</guid>
				<title>Barr Applauds Trump’s Investment in Kentucky Coal to Create Jobs, Lower Costs</title>
				<link>https://barr.house.gov/2026/6/barr-applauds-trump-s-investment-in-kentucky-coal-to-create-jobs-lower-costs</link>
				<description>&lt;p align="center"&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY-06) joins President Trump in the Oval Office on Thursday, June 4, for the coal investment announcement by the White House. &lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Lexington, KY&amp;mdash;&lt;/b&gt; This week, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY-06) attended President Trump&amp;rsquo;s Oval Office event announcing a historic investment in Clean, Beautiful Coal. President Trump infused nearly $1 billion in federal funds into coal projects across the nation, including $124 million right here in Kentucky.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The two recipients in Kentucky are Eastern Kentucky Power Cooperative (EKPC) and Duke Energy Kentucky. These funds will go to upgrade and modernize coal-fired power plants in Boone, Lawrence, and Pulaski Counties. These plants have kept the lights on in hundreds of thousands of Kentucky homes for years, and this funding will help ensure they can continue doing so for many years to come. The announcement delivers on the commitment President Trump and Congressman Barr have made to restore American energy dominance, defend Kentucky coal jobs, and keep reliable coal-fired power powering homes across the Commonwealth.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;ldquo;Coal is not just part of Kentucky&amp;rsquo;s past, it is a key to our future,&amp;rdquo; &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;said Congressman Barr. &lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&amp;ldquo;Clean, beautiful, Kentucky coal can be a centerpiece of America&amp;rsquo;s energy dominance, create good paying jobs, and help us win the race for AI against China. President Trump understands all of this, and I commend him for taking another step to end the Obama-Biden war on coal.&amp;rdquo;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;ldquo;President Trump is a champion for coal and that is a huge win for Kentucky&amp;rsquo;s coal country,&amp;rdquo; &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;said Congressman Hal Rogers (R-KY-05).&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; &amp;ldquo;Coal keeps the lights on, keeps food on the table and will drive down our energy rates. This investment in EKPC and the Cooper Station in Pulaski County, is a game changer, and I am grateful for President Trump&amp;rsquo;s leadership.&amp;rdquo;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;ldquo;EKPC wants to thank President Trump and his Administration for this investment. This will support creation of good-paying jobs while maintaining reliable, low-cost electric service here in Kentucky. We also want to thank Congressman Andy Barr for his support of Kentucky&amp;rsquo;s coal industry and EKPC&amp;rsquo;s mission,&amp;rdquo; &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;said EKPC President and CEO, Don Mosier.&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;ldquo;President Trump&amp;rsquo;s announcement today highlights the critical role coal continues to play in strengthening America&amp;rsquo;s energy security, supporting high-paying domestic jobs, and maintaining grid reliability,&amp;rdquo;&amp;nbsp;&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;said The Kentucky Coal Association.&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;ldquo;We appreciate the continued advocacy of Congressman Barr and many of Kentucky&amp;rsquo;s other federal delegation members on these important issues and their support for policies that help ensure a dependable and affordable energy future.&amp;rdquo;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
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				<category>Press Releases</category>
				<pubDate>Fri, 156 Jun 2026 12:00:00 EST</pubDate>
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				<guid>https://barr.house.gov/2026/6/rep-barr-fsc-on-oversight-of-prudential-regulators-6-4-26</guid>
				<title> Rep. Barr FSC on Oversight of Prudential Regulators 6.4.26</title>
				<link>https://barr.house.gov/2026/6/rep-barr-fsc-on-oversight-of-prudential-regulators-6-4-26</link>
				<description/>
				<category>Videos</category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 155 Jun 2026 12:00:00 EST</pubDate>
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				<guid>https://barr.house.gov/2026/6/rep-barr-camp-lejeune-speech-6-4-26</guid>
				<title> Rep. Barr Camp Lejeune Speech 6.4.26</title>
				<link>https://barr.house.gov/2026/6/rep-barr-camp-lejeune-speech-6-4-26</link>
				<description/>
				<category>Videos</category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 155 Jun 2026 12:00:00 EST</pubDate>
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				<guid>https://barr.house.gov/2026/6/rep-barr-questions-secretary-rubio-in-hfac-6-3-26</guid>
				<title> Rep. Barr Questions Secretary Rubio in HFAC 6.3.26</title>
				<link>https://barr.house.gov/2026/6/rep-barr-questions-secretary-rubio-in-hfac-6-3-26</link>
				<description/>
				<category>Videos</category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 154 Jun 2026 12:00:00 EST</pubDate>
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				<guid>https://barr.house.gov/2026/5/rep-barr-fsc-hearing-on-modernizing-the-bank-secrecy-act-5-21-26</guid>
				<title> Rep. Barr FSC Hearing on Modernizing the Bank Secrecy Act 5.21.26</title>
				<link>https://barr.house.gov/2026/5/rep-barr-fsc-hearing-on-modernizing-the-bank-secrecy-act-5-21-26</link>
				<description/>
				<category>Videos</category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 141 May 2026 12:00:00 EST</pubDate>
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				<guid>https://barr.house.gov/2026/5/historic-housing-package-championed-by-congressman-andy-barr-sails-through-congress</guid>
				<title>Historic Housing Package Championed by Congressman Andy Barr Sails Through Congress</title>
				<link>https://barr.house.gov/2026/5/historic-housing-package-championed-by-congressman-andy-barr-sails-through-congress</link>
				<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;WASHINGTON, D.C.&amp;mdash;&lt;/b&gt; Today, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act passed with overwhelming support in the U.S. House of Representatives. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY-06), a senior member on the House Financial Services Committee, helped draft the legislation that will cut red-tape to speed up home building and expand access to credit for community banks that power main street and rural communities.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;ldquo;We need more homes to lower the cost of housing and make the American Dream more affordable for Kentuckians all across the Commonwealth,&amp;rdquo; &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;said Congressman Barr&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;. &amp;ldquo;I&amp;rsquo;m proud to help lead the bipartisan 21st Century Housing Act to President Trump&amp;rsquo;s desk because it slashes big government regulations to accelerate homebuilding and gives our community banks the flexibility they need to make the goal of homeownership more attainable for the next generation of Kentuckians.&amp;rdquo;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The House amendment offers practical, results-driven solutions that will increase housing availability, lower costs, and strengthen communities nationwide. It focuses on these main provisions:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul type="disc"&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Delivering on Trump&amp;rsquo;s Agenda by limiting institutional investors&amp;rsquo; from competing against the American people looking to buy a home.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Removing unnecessary regulatory barriers through streamlining housing development and affordability.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Modernizing HUD programs in updating rules for manufactured homes, revamping the HOME Program, and exempting small-scale housing developments from burdensome federal reviews.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Enhancing community banking operations through cutting red tape, expanding access to community and rural banks, and supporting new banks.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Prohibiting the creation of a Central Bank Digital Currency to protect Americans&amp;rsquo; personal privacy.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
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				<category>Press Releases</category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 140 May 2026 12:00:00 EST</pubDate>
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				<guid>https://barr.house.gov/2026/4/barr-delivers-for-rural-america-with-2026-farm-bill</guid>
				<title>Barr Delivers for Rural America with 2026 Farm Bill</title>
				<link>https://barr.house.gov/2026/4/barr-delivers-for-rural-america-with-2026-farm-bill</link>
				<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;WASHINGTON, D.C.&amp;mdash;&lt;/b&gt;Today, U.S.&lt;b&gt; &lt;/b&gt;Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) stood with Kentucky farmers and voted to pass H.R. 7567&amp;mdash;&lt;i&gt;the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026&amp;mdash;&lt;/i&gt;a comprehensive, five-year reauthorization of critical food and agriculture programs that provides long-term certainty for America&amp;rsquo;s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This legislation delivers stability and predictability for producers navigating rising input costs, global competition, and market volatility. The bill strengthens the farm safety net, expands access to credit, and enhances risk management tools to help America&amp;rsquo;s agricultural community plan, invest, and grow.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;ldquo;Under President Trump's leadership, the Big Beautiful Bill ended the death tax on almost two million family farms, expanded crop insurance for farmers, and provided the largest investment ever in rural America,&amp;rdquo; &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;said Congressman Barr. &lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&amp;ldquo;The Farm Bill expands on the largest tax cut in American history by delivering the tools, certainty, and support that our farmers need to thrive.&amp;rdquo;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Additionally, the farm bill builds on prior reforms by improving accountability within nutrition programs, including stronger safeguards to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in SNAP while encouraging workforce participation and responsible spending of taxpayer dollars.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The bill further promotes active forest management to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires and increase domestic timber production, helping address construction costs and strengthen supply chains.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This legislation marks a significant step forward in strengthening America&amp;rsquo;s agricultural economy and rural communities. The Farm Bill passage will ensure Kentucky remains a national leader in agricultural innovation, production, and opportunity for future generations.&lt;/p&gt;
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				<category>Press Releases</category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 120 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST</pubDate>
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				<guid>https://barr.house.gov/2026/4/skip-navigation-congressman-barr-create-avatar-image-rep-barr-previews-kentucky-derby-blasts-bernie-sanders-for-china-ai-summit</guid>
				<title> Rep. Barr Previews Kentucky Derby, Blasts Bernie Sanders for China AI Summit</title>
				<link>https://barr.house.gov/2026/4/skip-navigation-congressman-barr-create-avatar-image-rep-barr-previews-kentucky-derby-blasts-bernie-sanders-for-china-ai-summit</link>
				<description/>
				<category>Videos</category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 119 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST</pubDate>
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