Congressman Andy Barr

Barr Applauds Trump EPA Action to Unleash American Energy

Mon, 257 Sep 2026 12:00:00 EST

Washington, D.C.— Today, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY-06) applauded President Donald Trump and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin for taking historic action to roll back burdensome regulations on America’s power sector and unleash reliable, affordable American energy.

The EPA finalized the repeal of Biden-era greenhouse gas regulations on coal- and natural gas-fired power plants and announced additional action aimed at eliminating remaining federal greenhouse gas regulations on the power sector. The EPA has described the broader effort as the largest power-sector deregulatory action in U.S. history. The agency estimates its rollback of Biden-era power plant regulations will save Americans approximately $310 billion, while eliminating remaining greenhouse gas-related power plant regulations is projected to save companies an additional $370 million in direct compliance costs.

“Kentuckians have been paying high electric bills and losing energy jobs in our communities because of Barack Obama and Joe Biden’s war on Kentucky coal,” said Congressman Barr. “Today’s historic decision will put us closer to ending the war on coal, bringing back Kentucky coal jobs, and lowering energy costs for Kentuckians across the Commonwealth. I'll keep working with President Trump, Administrator Zeldin, and national leaders to unleash Kentucky coal and make American energy dominance permanent.”

“For over 15 years, the Obama and Biden administrations implemented a war on coal to destroy reliable and affordable energy. The Trump Administration has come in to protect American energy and to make sure you can afford to keep the lights on,” said EPA Administrator Zeldin. “Americans will see a decrease in electricity prices, but this is just the beginning. We are working to go even further so that American energy can be fully unleashed. Realizing the full potential of American energy means more jobs, lower prices, and a more prosperous America.”

"The Trump administration is saving Americans hundreds of millions of dollars through common sense energy solutions that put an end to the Biden administration's disastrous Green New Scam policies enacted at the cost of our nation's energy security and future," said Chairman of the National Energy Dominance Council and DOI Secretary Burgum. "This necessary reversal restores efficiency to our energy sector and allows our vital resources to be used for the benefit of the American people. Under President Trump, this administration will continue reversing course on out-of-touch Obama and Biden-era policies by unleashing American energy and securing our nation's energy independence for generations to come."

“The war on coal has driven up energy costs for families in Kentucky and across the country. Kentucky coal producers stand ready to lower costs, create good-paying jobs and keep America’s lights on,” said Sam McKown, President of the Kentucky Coal Association. “We commend President Trump and Administrator Zeldin for taking this important action, and we know Congressman Andy Barr will continue fighting in Washington to protect Kentucky coal and to support reliable and affordable energy.”

Alliance Resource Partners also released this statement, “Alliance Resource Partners applauds the groundbreaking regulatory actions announced today and commends the bold leadership of the Trump administration. Today’s actions help to remove senseless regulatory burdens that were forcing the premature closure of critical power infrastructure. Protecting the electric generating fleet is a national security priority and the key to ensuring affordable and reliable power for Kentucky and the nation.”

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said the Trump Administration’s actions are designed to protect American energy production and lower electricity costs for families and businesses. The repeal is also expected to remove regulatory barriers facing existing coal-fired power plants and the construction of new natural gas generation as electricity demand continues to grow nationwide.

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Barr Hosts CMS Administrator Oz in Lexington, Oz Confirms Rural Hospitals are Eligible for RHTP funds

Fri, 247 Sep 2026 12:00:00 EST

Lexington, KY — Today, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr welcomed Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz to Kentucky to meet with doctors and medical providers in Lexington.

Prior to the meeting with physicians, Administrator Oz confirmed that Kentucky rural hospitals are eligible to receive funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funding. Governor Andy Beshear falsely claimed that rural hospitals were ineligible to receive funding from the RHTP program administered by CMS.

Congressman Barr challenged Beshear to start using this money to rural hospitals in a letter on August 25. Barr also pointed to CMS guidance and states including Oregon, Georgia, and Minnesota that are directing Rural Health Transformation dollars toward rural hospitals.

“Let me be clear: Kentucky can use Rural Health Transformation Program funding to support its rural hospitals,” said CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “CMS guidance allows states to partner with hospitals and other health care providers and direct these resources toward strengthening rural care. I urge the Governor to focus his energy on putting these resources to work for the people of Kentucky.”

“Administrator Oz’s visit should put this debate to rest, Kentucky can and should be using RHTP money for rural hospitals,” said Congressman Barr. “Rural hospitals are eligible. Now, Governor Beshear needs to establish a transparent process that gives our rural hospitals the opportunity to compete for these funds and get to work.”

Congressional Republicans created the 5-year $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program to invest in rural health care across America. Kentucky received $212.9 million for the first year of the program.

Barr has also worked with the Kentucky Hospital Association to strengthen rural hospitals, including helping preserve state-directed payments that resulted in an additional $5.2 billion for Kentucky rural hospitals.

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Trump Approves Kentucky FEMA Funds After Barr, Congressional Delegation Push for Approval

Tue, 244 Sep 2026 12:00:00 EST

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY-06) applauded President Donald Trump for approving $9.1 million in Public Assistance (PA) relief through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to Kentucky for severe weather impacting Kentuckians earlier this year from June 17-30. The President announced the approval via TruthSocial earlier tonight. Kentuckians in these counties are eligible for PA under the FEMA designation: Bullitt, Butler, Clinton, Cumberland, Garrard, Grayson, Green, Hardin, Henderson, Jackson, Jessamine, Madison, Meade, Mercer, Metcalfe, Ohio, Owsley, Rockcastle, Spencer, and Wayne.

Congressman Barr led the Kentucky Congressional Delegation in urging an approval of the FEMA request from Kentucky earlier this year in a letter to the President.

“I just informed Andy Barr that I am approving 9.1 Million Dollars for severe storms, winds, flooding, landslides, and mudslides, that they are recovering from. The Great People of Kentucky are resilient, smart, and tough, and I am with them all the way,” President Trump said in-part.

“Tonight, I spoke with President Trump over the phone. I am grateful that after I advocated for FEMA relief to recover from difficult storms that hit Kentucky earlier this summer, President Trump is approving $9.1M in federal funds to Kentucky,” said Congressman Barr. “I will always fight to deliver for the people of our Commonwealth.”

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Barr Calls Out Beshear Over Inaccurate Rural Hospital Claims

Tue, 237 Aug 2026 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY-06) called on Governor Andy Beshear to explain why his administration’s $212.9 million federal rural health plan does not clearly identify or prioritize the 35 Kentucky hospitals Beshear repeatedly claimed would close because of H.R. 1.

In a letter to Governor Beshear, Barr highlighted the discrepancy between the Governor’s repeated public warnings and his administration’s recently announced plan for $212.9 million in federal funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program.

For months, Beshear has told Kentuckians that 35 rural hospitals were at risk because of the legislation. On June 23, 2025, he stated that “35 rural hospitals in Kentucky will close.” Days later, Beshear warned that “35 hospitals are under the threat of closing, stripping care from families, cutting jobs and crippling local economies.” He later claimed Congress had voted to “close 35 rural hospitals in our state” and has continued repeating these claims dozens of times.

However, the Sheps Center analysis associated with the 35-hospital figure never concluded that 35 Kentucky hospitals would close. The analysis identified financially vulnerable hospitals from across the country but did not conclude that those hospitals would close because of H.R. 1. Senate Democrats later used their own selected criteria to identify 35 Kentucky hospitals as being at increased risk, but neither the Sheps analysis nor the Senators’ list concluded that those hospitals would close. The analysis was also conducted before the final bill became law and did not account for subsequent changes to the final law, including the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program.

“The Rural Health Transformation Program gives Governor Beshear the resources to protect rural hospitals,” Rep. Barr said. “If 35 hospitals are truly on a path toward closure, as Governor Beshear repeatedly claims, why doesn’t his plan prioritize those hospitals and reinforce them with the hundreds of millions of dollars that Congressional Republicans provided his administration in July of last year? If he stands by that claim, why doesn’t his plan reflect it?”

Congressional Republicans created the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program to help rural providers navigate the Medicaid reforms and preserve access to care. Kentucky has now received $212.9 million in first-year funding through that program.

The law also reforms Medicaid to strengthen eligibility and program integrity while putting the program on a more sustainable fiscal path. Importantly, the reforms do not eliminate Medicaid funding or stop its growth. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, federal spending on Medicaid and CHIP is still projected to rise from $668 billion in 2026 to $892 billion in 2036, an increase of roughly one-third.

With Kentucky now receiving $212.9 million specifically to strengthen rural health care, the Beshear administration still has not explained how that funding will address the 35 hospitals the Governor repeatedly warned were at risk. Its plan does not identify those hospitals, specify how much funding they will receive or explain how its five initiatives would prevent the closures and healthcare job losses he predicted.

Barr is requesting that the Beshear administration:

Provide the evidence supporting the claim that 35 Kentucky hospitals would close and state whether the administration conducted its own hospital-by-hospital analysis or relied on the pre-enactment Sheps Center analysis and related Senate materials.
State whether the administration still believes each of those hospitals is at risk of closure.
Explain how much of Kentucky’s $212.9 million award will directly benefit those hospitals.
Explain how the administration will address any hospital that does not receive or directly benefit from that assistance. State whether Beshear continues to stand by his assertion that 35 Kentucky hospitals will close and, if not, publicly correct the record.

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Secretary Duffy, Rep. Barr at Blue Grass Airport 08.14.26

Fri, 226 Aug 2026 12:00:00 EST

Kentucky Congressional Delegation Urges President Trump to Approve Kentucky’s Major Disaster Declaration

Tue, 209 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST

Washington, D.C. – 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’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.

The delegation’s letter expresses strong support for the Commonwealth’s request and asks for immediate federal assistance to help Kentucky families and communities recover.

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.

“Kentucky families have endured an extraordinary stretch of severe weather, and many communities are facing a long road to recovery,” said Congressman Barr. “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’m joining together with the Kentucky Congressional Delegation to urge a swift approval of Kentucky’s disaster declaration request so that our communities have the resources they need to rebuild.”

The delegation wrote to the President in part, “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.”

The Commonwealth’s request seeks federal Public Assistance, Individual Assistance, and Hazard Mitigation funding for affected Kentucky communities.

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Barr Votes to Strengthen America’s Military, Support Servicemembers, and Confront Global Threats

Wed, 203 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY) voted today in favor of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, legislation that strengthens America’s military, supports servicemembers and their families, and ensures the United States is prepared to confront growing threats around the world.

The legislation delivers a 5% to 7% pay raise for America’s servicemembers, invests more than $11.7 billion through the Pacific Deterrence Initiative to counter Communist China, strengthens America’s defense industrial base, and improves military readiness.

The bill also reinforces America’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.

“America must lead from a position of strength,” said Congressman Barr. “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.”

The FY27 NDAA:

Delivers a 5% to 7% pay raise for servicemembers and continues investments in military housing, childcare, and quality-of-life programs for military families.
Invests more than $11.7 billion through the Pacific Deterrence Initiative to strengthen America’s military posture in the Indo-Pacific and deter aggression from Communist China.
Reinforces America’s commitment to Israel and strengthens cooperation on missile defense and other shared security priorities.
Supports efforts to confront Iran, Iranian-backed terrorist organizations, and threats to American forces and allies in the Middle East.
Invests in American defense manufacturing and strengthens domestic supply chains to reduce dependence on foreign adversaries.
Accelerates procurement reforms to get advanced weapons and capabilities into the hands of American warfighters faster.
Strengthens oversight of the Department of Defense and targets waste, unnecessary bureaucracy, and inefficient spending.

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Barr Introduces Lawful Hemp Protection Act to Protect Kentucky Farmers, Consumers, and the Future of the Hemp Industry

Wed, 203 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY-06) introduced the Lawful Hemp Protection Act, 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.

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’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.

“Kentucky farmers helped build America’s hemp industry and they deserve certainty,” said Congressman Barr. “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.”

“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,” said Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN), the lead Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee. “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.”

"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," said Jonathan Miller, General Counsel of the U.S. Hemp Roundtable. "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."

“Reps. Craig and Barr understand that this isn't a partisan issue – 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,” said HIFA Executive Director Brian Swensen. "We appreciate all the hard work that brought us to this point. This bill is a strong step toward establishing a proper regulatory framework.”

“Representative Barr’s bill is a smart, bi-partisan, stakeholder-supported solution,” said Christopher Lackner, founder and president, Hemp Beverage Alliance. “On behalf of the country’s hemp beverage suppliers, distributors, retailers, and responsible adult consumers, we urge Congress to fast-track this legislation.”

“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,” said Justin Swanson, President, MHC.

“The Kentucky Hemp Association thanks Congressman Andy Barr for his leadership in introducing a comprehensive federal regulatory framework for hemp products,” said Dee Dee Taylor, President of the Kentucky Hemp Association. “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.”

Kentucky has long been a national leader in hemp production, with Kentucky farmers growing approximately 4,700 acres of industrial hemp in 2025. 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.

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:

Creates separate regulatory categories for industrial hemp and consumable hemp products;
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;
Prohibits synthetic cannabinoids and other non-naturally occurring compounds;
Requires consumable hemp products to be cultivated, processed, finished, and packaged in the United States;
Restricts the sale of all consumable hemp-derived cannabinoid products to individuals 21 years of age and older;
Establishes strict packaging, labeling, and marketing standards to prevent youth access and deceptive advertising;
Directs the Food and Drug Administration to establish maximum cannabinoid content limits for hemp-derived consumable products with “fallback” limits in case the FDA does not act within 12 months after passage;
Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a three-tiered system for hemp-derived beverages – manufacturers, distributors, and retailers – with strict tied-house restrictions to maintain separation among tiers; and.
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.

The Lawful Hemp Protection Act preserves states’ 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 & Farmers of America (HIFA), Kentucky Hemp Association (KYHA), Midwest Hemp Council, Team Hemp, Total Wine & More, U.S. Hemp Roundtable, Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA).

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Rep. Barr on the Main Street Capital Act 7.21.26

Tue, 202 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST

Rep. Barr in FSC Hearing on FinCEN

Tue, 202 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST

Barr Leads House Passage of Main Street Capital Access Act to Strengthen Community Banks and Expand Opportunity

Tue, 202 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY-06), Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Financial Institutions, applauded House passage of the Main Street Capital Access Act, legislation to strengthen community banks, expand access to credit, and support families, farmers, and small businesses across Kentucky.

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.

Subcommittee Chairman Barr said, "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."

The Kentucky Bankers Association said in part, “We sincerely appreciate your continuous support of Kentucky’s community banks and for all of your hard work on the Act. We expressly support the Act. Specifically, the changes under the Act allow more flexibility with keeping deposits local, tailoring regulation appropriate with a bank’s size and risk profile, and halting uncertain methods and practices in supervision, all of which significantly benefit Kentucky’s community banks and the communities they serve.”

Commerce Lexington said, “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’s leadership in advancing commonsense reforms that strengthen our financial system and support long-term economic growth for businesses and communities across the Bluegrass.”

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 de novo 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.

The legislation will:

Establish a three-year phase-in period for capital requirements, allowing newly chartered banks time to grow before meeting full regulatory standards.
Increase transparency in the chartering and supervisory process by requiring regulators to provide clearer guidance for new banks.
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.
Streamline reporting requirements for community and regional banks, reducing compliance costs and allowing more resources to flow toward lending.
Improve the bank examination process by promoting more consistent supervisory standards, including reforms to CAMELS ratings.
Strengthen competition by ensuring community banks and credit unions can better compete with the country's largest financial institutions.

The Main Street Capital Access Act now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Rep. Barr on Aligning Commercial Diplomacy Between State and Commerce in HFAC 7.15.26

Wed, 196 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST

Rep. Barr Hammers CFPB, Calls for Reform in FSC 7/15/26

Wed, 196 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST

Rep. Barr Questions Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh in FSC 7.14.26

Tue, 195 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST

Rep. Barr FSC on Oversight of Prudential Regulators 6.4.26

Tue, 195 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST

House Passes Barr-Led Bill Protecting Second Amendment Privacy

Tue, 195 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST

Washington, D.C.—Today, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY-06) helped lead key legislation protecting the Second Amendment through the House of Representatives. Barr’s legislation, the “Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act,” prohibits financial institutions from using a new Merchant Category Code (MCC) to track purchases of firearms and ammunition.

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.

“Law-abiding Kentuckians should not be targeted for exercising their constitutional rights,” said Congressman Barr. “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.”

“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,” said John Commerford, Executive Director of NRA-ILA. “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.”

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.

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Rep. Barr on H.R. 1181 - Protecting Privacy in Purchasing Act 7/14/26

Tue, 195 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST

Thirty Years of Healing Thanks to the Post Clinic

Mon, 194 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST

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’t afford it. Three decades later, that mission is still alive in every exam room.

I’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 — 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’s not a number on a spreadsheet. That’s thousands of our friends, coworkers, and family members who now have somewhere to go when they need care — Kentuckians who might otherwise have gone without care altogether.

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’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.

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 — 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.

That’s a fight I’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’d otherwise have to drive an hour for care.

But no program out of Washington replaces what happens here in Mt. Sterling every day — 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.

The founders who opened those doors thirty years ago built something that’s now cared for three generations of local families. Here’s to making sure the next thirty years are just as strong.

Happy 30th anniversary to the Post Clinic. Montgomery County is healthier because of you.

U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY-06) represents Montgomery County in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Barr Votes to Fund Border Security through 2029

Tue, 160 Jun 2026 12:00:00 EST

Washington, D.C.—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 almost $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.

“For six months out of the last year, Congressional Democrats kept DHS shut down,” said Congressman Barr. “They want to abolish ICE, end border security, and open the border just like they did under Joe Biden’s failed Presidency. I will not let that happen. I’m proud to stand with CBP and all our patriots serving at the DHS to secure our border and keep America safe.”

Barr voted for the Big Beautiful Bill, the largest border security investment in history, enacted in July of 2025. Barr has a perfect, A+ Rating from NumbersUSA, the preeminent border security advocacy group in the country. He’s currently championing the Dalilah Act, legislation that would crack down on states that issue commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) to illegal persons.

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Barr Applauds Trump’s Investment in Kentucky Coal to Create Jobs, Lower Costs

Fri, 156 Jun 2026 12:00:00 EST

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.

Lexington, KY— This week, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY-06) attended President Trump’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.

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.

“Coal is not just part of Kentucky’s past, it is a key to our future,” said Congressman Barr. “Clean, beautiful, Kentucky coal can be a centerpiece of America’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.”

“President Trump is a champion for coal and that is a huge win for Kentucky’s coal country,” said Congressman Hal Rogers (R-KY-05). “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’s leadership.”

“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’s coal industry and EKPC’s mission,” said EKPC President and CEO, Don Mosier.

“President Trump’s announcement today highlights the critical role coal continues to play in strengthening America’s energy security, supporting high-paying domestic jobs, and maintaining grid reliability,” said The Kentucky Coal Association. “We appreciate the continued advocacy of Congressman Barr and many of Kentucky’s other federal delegation members on these important issues and their support for policies that help ensure a dependable and affordable energy future.”

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