Press Releases

The Federal Communications Commission today authorized more than $10 million in funding over ten years to expand rural broadband in Massachusetts.  These investments will connect over 4,600 unserved rural homes and businesses in Massachusetts.  “Today’s announcement is another important step in our efforts to close the digital divide and connect rural residents of… Read more »

Today, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement on President Trump’s FY 2021 budget proposal:  “When I saw the President’s proposed budget today, I felt an immense sense of relief – relief that there is absolutely no chance of his ruthless cuts to critical programs ever becoming law. Slashing billions from… Read more »

(As prepared for delivery) Good morning and welcome to today’s hearing on the disappearing corporate income tax.  It has been two years since the Minority passed their tax bill without a single Democratic vote.  The Republican law was a massive giveaway to the wealthy and big corporations and provided only modest and temporary relief to hard-working Americans and… Read more »

Today, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-MA) and Ranking Member Kevin Brady (R-TX) released legislative text of the Consumer Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills Act of 2020, the Committee’s proposal to better shield patients from bankrupting surprise medical bills. The members’ plan puts patients first by protecting the patient from balance bills,… Read more »

BOSTON - The Massachusetts Department of Transportation Planning Department today released data on specific Preliminary Alternatives for passenger rail service between Pittsfield, Springfield, Worcester and Boston at a public meeting of the East-West Passenger Rail Study Advisory Committee.  The data is focused on six options made public last year and has comprehensive information on… Read more »

Boston, MA - United States Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA), along with Representatives Richard E. Neal (D-MA-01), James P. McGovern (D-MA-02), William Keating (D-MA-09), Joseph P. Kennedy III (D-MA-04), Katherine M. Clark (D-MA-05), Seth Moulton (D-MA-06) and Lori Trahan (D-MA-03), requested a Government Accountability Office (GAO) review of the Trump… Read more »

Today, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement on the U.S.-Kenya trade relationship after meeting with President Uhuru Kenyatta: “Today, I hosted President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya for a bipartisan meeting with the Members of the Ways and Means Committee. I have supported U.S. trade engagement with Africa through programs like AGOA… Read more »

Today, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement on Brexit: “The United Kingdom formally leaves the European Union today and starts a new chapter in its history. Many important questions remain open that the United States will need to work with the United Kingdom and the European Union to answer over the next months.  “As… Read more »

SPRINGFIELD, MA – Today, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-MA) sent a comment letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar expressing grave concern over the Trump Administration’s proposed Medicaid Fiscal Accountability Regulation (MFAR). Chairman Neal explained how the proposal would particularly hurt Massachusetts… Read more »

Top Democrats overseeing Social Security policy in the House and Senate today objected to a Social Security Administration (SSA) proposal that would cause people with disabilities to lose benefits if they are unable to navigate complex paperwork and red tape. Under the proposed rule, SSA would dramatically increase the number and frequency of reviews of Social Security Disability… Read more »