Dear John,

Today, the House passed the Fiscal Year 2023 government funding bill, which will deliver historic investments in American families and workers. 

Closer to home, this funding legislation includes $52.7 million for local projects that promote economic development, expand medical and mental health services, and provide much-needed infrastructure upgrades.

Also included are funds to support area law enforcement, police and emergency first responders.

Bringing our fair share of federal tax dollars back to our region is the main reason I ran for Congress. These Community Project Funding dollars directly respond to some of the most pressing needs here in Northeast Pennsylvania by creating jobs with better pay, making us safer, and strengthening our local communities.

As a senior member of the powerful House Committee on Appropriations and Chairman of its Commerce, Justice and Science Subcommittee, I proudly rank Number One in Pennsylvania and among the Top Ten in the country for securing federal tax dollars for our district.

For a full list of Community Project Funding amounts coming home to NEPA, click here. 

Last week, I also announced another $250,000 in federal funds are coming back to our region to support Lackawanna County's efforts to train 600 police officers in de-escalation techniques.  

The De-escalation and Crisis Intervention Collaboration Project, a cooperative effort between Lackawanna County and the Advocacy Alliance, 

will provide strategies and tactics to law enforcement professionals on how to reduce the use of deadly force when responding to mental health and addiction-related calls. The grant funding will also provide officers with the resources and skills to manage their own emotional demands of the job.

I'm always proud to fight for funding that provides area law enforcement the tools, training and resources they need to keep themselves and our communities safe.

To read the read the entire funding announcement, click here. 

Congressman Dan Meuser and I will be on hand at WVIA studios for a televised town hall on Sunday, January 8th, starting at noon. 

We hope you can join us for Keystone Edition's "Meet Your Congressman" as a member of the live studio audience where you'll be able to ask us questions and offer your comments. 

To reserve your free seats for this interactive event, click here. 

Merry Christmas to all who are celebrating this weekend! Wishing you and your family all the joys of the season and much happiness throughout the coming year.  

Happy Holidays,