NOVEMBER FETTERLETTER

 

John Fetterman

United States Senator for Pennsylvania

X   |   Facebook   |   Instagram   |   Threads   |   Bluesky

 


 

MEDIA SPOTLIGHT

 

The Joe Rogan Experience

Image Description: Senator Fetterman sits across from Joe Rogan in a recording studio, wearing his signature black hoodie and gesturing expressively.

Senator Fetterman sat down with podcast host Joe Rogan for a two-hour discussion. Topics included public service, destigmatizing mental health, improving access to care, and comprehensive immigration reform.

Watch Video 

Audio Only

 

“Buckle up and pack a lunch—it’s going to be four years of this”

Image Description: Black and white headshot of Fetterman.

In an interview with The New York Times’ Jess Bidgood, Senator Fetterman shared his perspective on the post- election climate in Washington and what lies ahead. Calling for focus, resilience, and strategic action as the next four years unfold. “I’m not that dude, and I’m not that Democrat. I’m going to pick my fights.”

Full Interview

 


 

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

 

Useful Links

Press Releases

Committees

Legislation

DC Tour Request

 

Committee Membership

Banking, Housing, & Urban Affairs

Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry

Environment  & Public Works

Aging

 

Recent Legislation

Student Food  Security Act

Maternal Health for Military & Dependent

Burial Benefits for Veterans & Families

Mental Health Care for Selected Reserve Act

 

Fetterman’s Home Repair Bill Gains Bipartisan Momentum

Senator Fetterman’s Whole-Home Repairs Act continues to gain traction with bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress. Representatives Flood (R-NE) and Williams (D-GA) introduced a companion bill in the House, while Senators Rounds (R-SD) and Smith (D-MN) joined as cosponsors in the Senate.

 

The bill brings the Pennsylvania program to the national level, creating a one-stop-shop for low- and moderate-income homeowners to apply for grants and loans to make critical home repairs that may have been deferred due to high repair and utility costs.

Press Release

 

Over $43 Million Awarded to Protect Pennsylvania Families from Lead Hazards

Senator Fetterman, Senator Casey, and House colleagues announced over $43 million in federal funding from HUD’s Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Grant Program. This funding will help communities across Pennsylvania, including Allegheny County, Allentown, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Philadelphia, Delaware County, Montgomery County, and Erie, address dangerous lead paint in older homes.

 

“This is a huge win for Pennsylvania families. These grants will make homes safer, healthier, and more affordable, while also supporting efforts like Pennsylvania’s Whole-Home Repairs program to combat blight and strengthen our communities,” said Senator Fetterman.

Press Release

 

$407 Million for Southeastern PA Rail Improvements

Senators Fetterman and Casey, with House colleagues, secured over $407 million in federal funding to upgrade rail infrastructure in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, these grants will support major improvements to Amtrak’s Keystone Corridor and SEPTA’s Regional Rail. The funding will enhance rail safety, expand capacity, and

ensure more efficient service for generations.

Press Release

 

Standing Up for Federal Workers

After leading the fight for more than a year, Senator Fetterman celebrated the Biden-Harris Administration's announcement of a proposed rule that would end the long-standing pay disparity between hourly and salaried federal workers, giving more than 2,100 Pennsylvanians a raise. He's also backing three critical bills critical bills supporting federal workers.

 

The Equal COLA Act would ensure all federal retirees receive fair cost-of-living adjustments, regardless of their retirement plan. The Saving the Civil Service Act protects career federal employees from political reclassification and job threats. Lastly, the VA Employee Fairness Act ensures VA health care providers have full collective bargaining and grievance rights. These bills are about fairness, security, and protecting those who serve our nation.

Press Release

 

Continuing the Fight for Universal School Meals

Senator Fetterman joined Senator Warren and six other senators in urging the USDA to repeal a rule that allows companies to charge families fees to add money to their child’s school meal account. These fees unfairly burden low-income families, who often add small amounts frequently and face flat fees each time. Senator Fetterman is committed to ensuring every child has access to meals without unnecessary financial barriers for their families.

In the Press

 

Student Food Security Act

Continuing the fight for universal school meals. Senator Fetterman joined Senator Warren and six other senators urging the USDA to repeal a rule allowing companies to charge families fees to add money to their child’s school meal account. These fees unfairly burden low-income families, who often add small amounts frequently and face flat fees each time.
Senator Fetterman: "No family should have to jump through hoops just to make sure their kid gets lunch at school."

 

Advocating for Improved Emergency Medical Services

Senator Fetterman cosponsored two bills that will protect access to critical emergency medical services in communities. Sen. Cortez Masto’s Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act would extend Medicare ambulance coverage, critical access point for rural and underserved communities. Sen. Welch’s Emergency Medical Services Reimbursement for On-Scene Care and Support Act would require Medicare to cover EMS treatment regardless of transportation to hospital, allowing emergency “treatment in place”.

 


 

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE COMMONWEALTH?

 

Northern Pennsylvania

Staff visited the St. Benedict Care and East Migrant Program in Erie, supporting migrant families in agriculture.

Image Description: Staff sitting with program coordinators at a long table in a meeting room.

 

Eastern Pennsylvania

Staff toured Wilkes-Barre Head Start, reading "Clifford the Big Red Dog" to students.

Image Description: Smiling children gathered around staff holding a copy of the book.

 

Staff attended a ceremony honoring the Moravian Church in Bethlehem as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Image Description: A speaker addressing an audience near the historic church buildings.

 

Western Pennsylvania

Staff participated in the opening of the Brady Bike and Pedestrian Tunnel, originally built in 1915.

Image Description: Ribbon-cutting ceremony in front of a refurbished tunnel entrance.

 

Volunteers at the Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank packed supplies for families in need.

Image Description: Staff packing diaper boxes in a warehouse setting.

 

Constituent services hosted a booth at the Washington County Senior Fair.

Image Description: Staff seated behind a table with "Fetterman" branding, handing out flyers.

 

Local Spotlights

 

Fiber-Optic Network Expansion in Erie

VNET Fiber completed their Phase-One fiber-to-the-home buildout to more than 16,000 homes throughout Erie County. Phase-Two, is underway and will provide an additional 16,000 households with access to VNET’s fiber-optic network. VNET is the only locally owned end-to-end fiber-optic network in Northwest Pennsylvania, expanding high-speed internet access while supporting the local businesses like Erie Bank.

Image Description: A technician installing fiber-optic cables on a utility pole.

 

Fiberglass Geese Take Flight in Mifflin County

The Goose Day legend, promising wealth and prosperity for those who dine on geese on Michaelmas Day, is a cherished tradition in the Juniata River Valley where local Amish herders raise geese in small flocks. Inspired by this local custom, Community Partnerships (RC&D) spearheaded the "Wild Geese: Flock Together" initiative. This region-wide public art project involves placing fiberglass geese sculptures painted by local artists throughout Mifflin County and the Juniata Valley.

Image Description: A colorful fiberglass goose sculpture displayed in a community park.

 


 

CONSTITUENT SERVICES

 

Need help with federal or state agencies?

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance with a state or federal agency, Submit a request: Federal Agency Assistance

 

Senator Fetterman’s team is here to assist with issues like passports, visas, and other travel needs. Email: casework@fetterman.senate.gov.

 

Interested in having one of our team members attend an event to share federal resources for Pennsylvania residents? Contact us at casework@fetterman.senate.gov.

 

Home Heating Assistance: Apply for LIHEAP by April 4, 2025.

 

Business Filing Reminder: Report ownership to FinCEN by January 1, 2025.

 


 

Subscribe: https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/subscribe

Unsubscribe: https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/unsubscribe

Website: www.fetterman.senate.gov