Guthrie, Brett RSS Articles

Guthrie Votes to Protect Veterans' Second Amendment Rights and Expand Benefits for Severely Injured Heroes

Thu, 21 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – This week, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) voted in favor of legislation to protect veterans’ Second Amendment rights and expand benefits for brave Americans who were severely injured in the line of duty and Gold Star families. Passing these bills builds upon the recent work by the House of Representatives to fully fund the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and increase access to care.

“I am glad to see the House take bipartisan action and pass commonsense legislation to enhance benefits for America’s most disabled veterans and the surviving spouses of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation,” said Congressman Guthrie. “I am also proud to have voted this week to defend the Constitutional rights of veterans, who, under previous Administrations, had been stripped of their ability to own a firearm by bureaucrats in Washington, without due process. House Republicans continue to lead the charge to support those who have volunteered to serve in uniform.”

Background:

H.R. 6047, the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act of 2025, would:
- Increase monthly compensation benefits for service-connected disabled veterans, such as those with traumatic brain injuries or other severe disabilities that require regular, round the clock, in-home medical care, offering an additional $10,000 annually.
- Raise the base-rate of monthly benefits for surviving spouses of servicemembers killed in the line of duty by 1.5% over two years. This adjustment would be the first non-inflation increase of benefits for survivors since 1993 and would be in addition to the annual adjustment for inflation.
- In total, this legislation is expected to impact the well-being of over 500,000 veterans and their families over the next five years.
H.R. 1041, the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act, would:
- Codify the Trump Administration’s termination of a VA policy that allowed bureaucrats to submit the names and information of veterans or a beneficiary of VA benefits to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) if they have been appointed a fiduciary to help manage VA benefits.
- While in effect, this policy resulted in veterans being improperly stripped of their ability to purchase firearms without due process.

Chairman Guthrie Op-Ed – Fraud in Federal Health Programs

Mon, 18 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Bowling Green, KY – In a new op-ed in the Bowling Green Daily News, Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Brett Guthrie (KY-02), outlined how he and his Committee have led the charge to expose fraud being committed in federal health programs like Medicaid and Medicare.

Chairman Guthrie: Fraud in Federal Health Programs
Bowling Green Daily News
Chairman Brett Guthrie
May 16, 2026

“In November 2024, the American people sent President Trump and a Republican trifecta to Washington to restore common sense and, importantly, take action to root out waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government. Over the past 16 months, government agencies, special task forces, and even independent reporters have exposed a pervasive and nearly institutionalized level of fraud in programs across the federal government.

“Like so many Americans, I have been outraged by the fraud that has come to light.

“In Congress, I serve as the Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, which has a broad jurisdiction of health care policy, including Medicaid and parts of Medicare. Last year, Republicans in Congress took action to close loopholes in these programs that enabled fraud and abuse as a part of the work we did in H.R. 1, the Working Families Tax Cuts. Early this year, my Committee continued this work, conducting a series of hearings to examine fraud that has occurred in these programs.

“During a recent hearing, I asked Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about the most shocking examples of fraud he has seen uncovered since he took office.

“Secretary Kennedy highlighted the ways that, while in office, the Biden-Harris Administration enabled fraud to snowball in our government health programs. Some examples he gave included the establishment of a program that knowingly paid out fraudulent claims, the significant reduction in the staff of the program integrity office, the way in which the Biden-Harris Administration prevented the government from validating eligibility for benefits more than once a year, and more.

“Unfortunately, this isn’t a surprise. In our first hearing in this series, we heard from witnesses who work in various roles that identify and work to eliminate fraud in health systems across the country. For nearly three hours, these witnesses explained common schemes that they see which negatively impact Medicaid and Medicare. Examples included:
People’s identities being stolen, and benefits being used to pay scammers, which often results in a denial of care when the patient actually needs it.
Scammers, including foreign entities, setting up fake Medicare and Medicaid accounts to receive illegitimate benefits.
Bad-faith health providers and fraudsters billing the taxpayer for services they never provided to patients.
“We also conducted a hearing with Kimberly Brandt, who serves as the Deputy Administrator at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). During this hearing, Deputy Administrator Brandt discussed the work CMS is actively doing to combat fraud in the system.

“For example, CMS has uncovered schemes in which scammers will fraudulently bill Medicare for durable medical equipment, genetic testing, and clinical laboratory testing that are either medically unnecessary or were never provided. They have also shockingly uncovered schemes in which Medicare beneficiaries without terminal illnesses are being unknowingly signed up for hospice care. Bad actors are undermining Americans’ trust in these programs and risking the integrity of Medicaid and Medicare; it cannot be allowed to continue.

“The fact is, billions of taxpayer dollars are being scammed from federal health programs annually, and it is negatively affecting the Medicare and Medicaid programs for those who need it most: seniors, expectant mothers, children, and people with disabilities.

“Rather than seeing this as an opportunity to work across the aisle and find bipartisan ways to end fraud, my Democrat colleagues have spent the past months fighting against transparent investigations, undermining the important work carried out by this Committee… even wasting time debating the definition of 'fraud.' This is sadly all an attempt to cover up the fact that the policies of the Biden-Harris Administration enabled fraud to run rampant for years. Some things you just can’t make up.

“From California, to Minnesota, to New York, fraud in federal health care programs have created real consequences for the most vulnerable Americans who rely on Medicaid and Medicare. To preserve the integrity of these important programs, we must close loopholes, prosecute bad actors, and safeguard the most vulnerable in our communities.

“I am grateful for the work the Trump Administration has already undertaken to combat the rampant fraud in federal health programs, and I look forward to continuing to collaborate with my colleagues in Congress to end this concerning trend to guarantee that benefits are available to those who need them most.

“Congressman Brett Guthrie serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, which has a broad health care jurisdiction, including Medicaid and some Medicare policy.”

Congressman Guthrie Op-Ed – Supporting Much-Needed Certainty and Relief for Kentucky Farmers

Mon, 18 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Bowling Green, KY – In a new op-ed in the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) outlined the ways that, in passing the 2026 Farm Bill, the House of Representatives has delivered much-needed certainty and relief for Kentucky farmers.

Congressman Guthrie: Supporting Much-Needed Certainty and Relief for Kentucky Farmers
Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer
Congressman Brett Guthrie
May 15, 2026

“For hundreds of years, Kentucky agriculture has been at the core of the Commonwealth’s culture and economic prosperity.

“In Kentucky’s Second District alone, nearly 20,000 farms help feed and clothe our nation while supporting the rural communities that so many Kentuckians call home.

“Unfortunately, since the last Farm Bill was authorized in 2018, farmers have faced rising input costs, market uncertainty, workforce shortages, and severe weather that have made it hard to do business.

“Since the beginning of the 119th Congress, Republicans have been working to enact solutions and provide agriculture producers the certainty and support they deserve.

“Last summer, Republicans in Congress took our first step, passing H.R. 1, the Working Families Tax Cuts. This bill notably strengthened the farm safety net by making a $56 billion investment in commodity programs, including raising reference prices and increasing Marketing Assistance Loan rates. It also invested $6 billion in crop insurance, making stronger coverage more affordable for producers facing unpredictable conditions.

“Additionally, the Working Families Tax Cuts provided additional certainty for farmers by establishing a standing framework for providing support for specialty crop producers in times of economic peril, creating a standing block grant authority for future disaster payments, and ensuring producers are able to repay their marketing loans in the event of a government shutdown.

“While H.R. 1 delivered critical, much-needed relief, particularly in commodity pricing, we still had more work to do. That’s why, recently, the House took action, passing H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act, also known as the 2026 Farm Bill.

“This historic legislation, along with H.R. 1, is the largest investment for American farmers in a generation. Once enacted, the Farm Bill will strengthen our rural economy, increase affordability throughout the food supply chain, and bolster the competitiveness of American producers on the global market.

“The 2026 Farm Bill improves access to precision agriculture technologies and services, helping producers increase efficiency and productivity while conserving resources. It also supports rural development by encouraging private capital investment in rural communities through the renewal of existing business and cooperative development programs, and investing in programs that address workforce shortages that continue to impact rural areas across the country.

“Additionally, the bill reauthorizes programs that strengthen rural communities by helping bridge the digital divide through expanded broadband connectivity and increased access to telehealth services through programs such as the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program.

“Kentucky farmers know that healthy, sustainable farmland is necessary for farmers to be able to efficiently carry out their work. For generations, they have been at the forefront of responsible farming, and I am proud to report that our bill enacts important conservation efforts to support soil health, water quality, and prevent future erosion.

“Importantly, the Farm Bill also builds upon efforts in the Working Families Tax Cuts to improve nutrition outcomes and bolster the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). By enacting reforms that increase state partnerships and improve individual accountability, the Farm Bill closes loopholes that have enabled fraud so that the program remains viable for those it is intended to serve well into the future. It also takes action to improve nutrition by codifying updated dietary guidelines that emphasize nutrient-dense foods.

“Finally, this Farm Bill includes Congressman Andy Barr’s White Oak Resilience Act, which I was proud to help lead as an original co-sponsor. This bill will help to promote the long-term health of the American white oak — a keystone species essential to forest ecosystems and a critical component of Kentucky’s economy.

“The House passage of the 2026 Farm Bill is an important step toward providing long-term stability and certainty for America’s farmers and rural communities. Our agricultural producers work tirelessly every day to keep our nation fed and clothed. They deserve policies that support their success, strengthen rural economies, and ensure American agriculture remains the strongest in the world.

“This Farm Bill delivers on that mission.

“Congressman Brett Guthrie has served the people of Kentucky’s Second District in Congress since 2009. He currently serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.”

Congressman Guthrie Votes to Fully Fund Department of Veterans Affairs and Support Military Infrastructure Projects

Fri, 15 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) issued the following statement following the House passage of H.R. 8469, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2027, which fully funds the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and invests in critical infrastructure projects to support the readiness of our armed forces.

“Our nation will never be able to fully express our gratitude to those who have chosen to serve our nation in uniform. The House-passed, bipartisan appropriations package allocates nearly $470 billion in overall funding for veterans’ health care and other benefits, invests in VA facilities throughout the nation, and supports construction projects on U.S. military bases, including military family housing,” said Congressman Guthrie. “I am particularly glad to see provisions included in this bill that defend veterans’ Second Amendment rights, expand access to Community Care, and defend the lives of the unborn. This bill is an incredible win for our American heroes.”

Background:
H.R. 8469, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2027, supports our veterans and essential upgrades to U.S. military installations by:
– Providing $450.29 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs, which is $83.6 billion above the previously enacted level,
Funding veterans’ medical care and benefits,
–Protecting the Second Amendment rights of veterans, preventing the VA from sending information to the FBI about veterans without a judge’s consent,
–Funding the Community Care account, which empowers veterans to seek specialty care to meet their unique needs,
– Affirming the Trump Administration’s prohibition on taxpayer-funded abortion, and
– Providing $19.2 billion for Department of Defense (DoD) military construction and family housing projects to promote our national security and support the quality of life for servicemembers and their families, like barracks, child development centers, and military family housing.

Guthrie, House of Representatives Take Action to Honor Law Enforcement and Crack Down on Crime During Police Week

Thu, 14 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – This week, Congressman Guthrie took action to celebrate National Police Week, voting in favor of several bills supporting law enforcement and cracking down on crime in American communities. Additionally, Congressman Guthrie entered a statement into the Congressional Record highlighting the important work that Kentucky law enforcement does to keep the Commonwealth safe.

“Across the Commonwealth and our nation, police officers put on their uniforms each day knowing they may face danger and spend long hours away from their loved ones, all in an answer to a call of duty to protect and serve their community,” said Congressman Guthrie. “In honor of National Police Week, I was proud to vote in favor of legislation that supports the men and women who wear the badge and keep our communities safe. To every law enforcement officer serving today, thank you. America is stronger and safer because of your dedication and commitment.”

Background:
This week, the House voted on seven pieces of legislation that support law enforcement officers and hold criminals accountable. This includes:
H. Con. Res. 96 – Expressing support for law enforcement officers.
H. Res. 1252 – This resolution honors the 363 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty during 2025. Congressman Guthrie was a cosponsor of this legislation.
H.R. 2853, Combating Organized Retail Crime Act – This legislation would establish a Center to Combat Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime within the Department of Homeland Security to provide additional collaboration between federal and state law enforcement, as well as the retail industry, to enhance the ability to investigate and prosecute retail crimes.
H.R. 2267, the NICS Data Reporting Act – This bill would require the Department of Justice to annually report to Congress about the denials of firearm purchases within the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
H.R. 8352, the Criminal History Access Act – This legislation would permit state agencies to access federal criminal databases in order to properly vet applicants for law enforcement positions.
Additionally, on May 11, 2026, Congressman Guthrie entered a statement into the Congressional Record honoring the brave men and women of Kentucky’s law enforcement. The full text of Congressman Guthrie’s entry can be read below. You can view the entry here.

HONORING THE DEDICATION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS ON POLICE WEEK
HON. BRETT GUTHRIE
OF KENTUCKY
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
May 11th, 2026

I rise today to celebrate National Police Week and honor the brave men and women who wear the badge.

Across the Commonwealth and our nation, police officers put on their uniforms each day knowing they may face danger and spend long hours away from their loved ones, all in an answer to a call of duty to protect and serve their community.

To everyone who has volunteered to serve in law enforcement, thank you.

Over the past 15 months, Congress has taken action to back the blue. Last year, I was proud to see the Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act signed into law to honor former Tompkinsville and Monroe County Police Chief Herbert D. Proffitt, who was killed in 2012 by a suspect whom he had arrested years earlier. This legislation allows retired officers and their families to be eligible for benefits if they suffer permanent disability or death in an event related to their service.

I have also supported the Thin Blue Line Act, which would strengthen penalties for criminals who target law enforcement officers, and the Protect and Serve Act which strengthens federal criminal penalties for knowingly assaulting a law enforcement officer.

Law enforcement officers are a core part of our communities; they are our neighbors, coaches, community leaders, and so much more. They serve on the front lines to protect our families and keep our communities safe.

This week we especially remember the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Their service will never be forgotten, and we owe their families a debt of gratitude that can never fully be repaid.

To every law enforcement officer serving today, thank you. America is stronger and safer because of your dedication and commitment.

Guthrie Votes in Favor of 2026 Farm Bill, Providing Certainty and Relief to Kentucky Farmers

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) voted in favor of H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, also known as the Farm Bill. The long-overdue Farm Bill includes 12 titles to provide stability in commodity pricing, make investments in conservation programs to address soil health, erosion, and water quality, as well as continue the long history of bipartisan support for rural development initiatives that ensure a strong rural economy.

“Kentucky’s Second District is home to nearly 20,000 farms that I represent. That’s why, I was proud to vote in favor of the 2026 Farm Bill to support our nation’s agricultural producers, invest in our rural communities, and increase affordability in our food supply,” said Congressman Guthrie. “This historic legislation, along with H.R. 1 are the largest investment for American farmers in a generation. Building upon the work of the Working Families Tax Cuts, our Farm Bill invests in rural economies, provides relief from market volatility, and continues important conservation efforts. The House passage of the 2026 Farm Bill is the first step in guaranteeing stability and relief for our farmers who work tirelessly to keep our nation fed and clothed.”

Background:

The Working Families Tax Cuts strengthened farm safety net provisions with a $56 billion investment in commodity programs, including reference price increases and increasing Marketing Assistance loan rates. It also included a $6 billion investment in crop insurance, making higher levels of coverage more affordable. H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, builds upon this work by:
– Establishing a standing framework for providing support for specialty crop producers in times of economic peril,
– Creating a standing block grant authority for future disaster payments, and
– Ensuring producers can repay their marketing loans during a shutdown.

This Farm Bill invests in rural communities across Kentucky by:
– Improving precision agriculture practices and increasing the accessibility of precision agriculture services,
– Encouraging private capital investments in rural communities through existing rural development business and cooperative programs, and
– Addressing existing workforce challenges within rural communities to effectively meet their needs.

H.R. 7567 also prioritizes taxpayers, farmers, and our neighbors in need by advancing policies that expand the reach of critical feeding programs and improve nutrition, including:
– Codifying the updated nutrition guidelines that put an emphasis on the consumption of nutrient-dense, foods,
– Builds upon reforms included in the Working Families Tax Cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by closing loopholes and reauthorizing the SNAP Fraud Framework Implementation Grant Program to expand fraud prevention and ensure the program is viable for those who it is intended to serve.
– Additionally, the 2026 Farm Bill also includes the White Oak Resilience Act, of which Congressman Guthrie was an original co-sponsor. This bill promotes the long-term health of the American white oak—a keystone species essential to forest ecosystems and a critical component of Kentucky’s economy.

An overview of each section included in the Farm Bill can be found here.

Guthrie Leads Efforts to Lower Energy Costs, Protect Ratepayers

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, issued the following statement at today’s Subcommittee on Energy hearing titled: AI and the Grid: Meeting Growing Power Demand While Protecting Ratepayers.

This legislative hearing is the latest in the Committee’s work to meet the nation’s growing energy demand and secure our grid while providing affordable and reliable electricity to the American people.

Chairman Guthrie’s Remarks as Prepared for Delivery:

"Thank you, Chairman Latta, for holding this hearing, and thank you to the witnesses for appearing before us to examine seven proposals to modernize our electric system to meet the needs of the 21st Century.

"Throughout this Congress, the Energy and Commerce Committee has spent considerable time examining the opportunities that arise from U.S. leadership in Artif
icial Intelligence development.

"We’ve evaluated the benefits of AI across every sector of our economy.
The national security issues with AI and adversarial nations like China and having whose values control AI is vitally important.

"We’ve looked at ways AI data growth and how it interacts with our electric system. The world is at a precipice of great change, and we must get this right.

"It is no secret that energy demands coming from data centers are raising concerns about affordability in our communities.

"But we are charting a path to ensure, and as the ranking member said, ' we can find common ground' on that data center growth works for all Americans, and not just big tech companies.

When done right, research and evidence continue to show that load growth coming from data centers actually lowers costs for communities because new data centers bring needed investment into the grid modernization, while connecting baseload energy that keeps the lights on for everybody for 365 days a year.

"Even more, these investments raise significant tax revenue. We're looking at one in my district that is going to raise significant tax revenue, and they can use that to pay for local communities, schools, public safety, and recreational parks.

"It should generate a nice source of revenue, and if you're going to locate in a community, it should generate revenue in that community. And that is why legislation before us today focuses on ways to methodically plan, build, and pay for a grid that works for all the American households.

"These bills enhance the states’ important role in planning a more affordable, reliable grid. We are also ensuring that data centers are paying their fair share. Data centers should pay for the load that comes into the data centers.

"So, while we may not agree with every provision in the bill, these proposals will foster discussion on how to implement a vision of our electric system that keeps costs low for households and ensures U.S. leadership in the next generation economy.

"I look forward to today’s discussion, and I absolutely do look forward to continued discussions amongst all members of this committee to see that we beat China in the race.

"Thank you, and I yield back."

Chairman Guthrie’s five minutes of questions during today’s hearing can be found here.

Background:
This legislative hearing examined seven bills, including the Ratepayer Protection Act, Load Forecasting Enhancement Act, and Affordable Innovation for the Grid Act.

– The Ratepayer Protection Act would protect ratepayers from footing the bill for large-load energy customers, like AI data centers, by requiring State regulatory authorities to consider establishing a large-load standard designed to cover the full cost of any upgrades to power generation, transmission, or distribution.

– The Load Forecasting Enhancement Act would require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to hold regional joint boards with State public utility commissions to study and identify best practices to plan out future electricity needs and how to deploy energy utilities effectively to customers.

– The Affordable Innovation for the Grid Act would direct the Department of Energy, in consultation with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, to study and report to Congress on opportunities to utilize AI and other high-performance computing technologies to enhance the capacity, reliable operation, and operational efficiency of the bulk power system.

ICYMI: Guthrie Touts Elimination of Taxes on Tips and Overtime at Elizabethtown Roundtable

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Elizabethtown, KY – In case you missed it, this week, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) hosted a roundtable discussion with Kentucky workers about how the Congressional Republicans’ Working Families Tax Cuts have improved their financial well-being ahead of Tax, April 15th. During the event, Congressman Guthrie heard from local servers and law enforcement officers about how these historic tax cuts have enabled them to keep more of their hard-earned money.

“The Working Families Tax Cuts are a tremendous win for workers across the nation, especially right here in Kentucky. From law enforcement officers who work extra hours to keep our communities safe, to servers who rely on tips to pay their bills, to factory workers who work long hours to build p
roducts in the USA – Republicans’ tax policies have put the American worker first,” said Congressman Guthrie. “This Spring, Kentuckians from all walks of life are seeing lower tax bills and higher returns thanks to commonsense legislation that keeps more of your money in your pocket. This is responsible, conservative governance in action.”

Pictures of this roundtable can be found here.

Short testimony videos with Elizabethtown law enforcement can be found here.

Short testimony from a tipped worker and college student can be found here.

B-Roll footage can be found here.

Background:

No Tax on Tips:
– The Working Families Tax Cuts established a new deduction for qualified tips received by an individual who works in a profession that traditionally and customarily receives tips in a given taxable year, such as servers, delivery/rideshare drivers, hairdressers, baristas, and more.

– Qualifying individuals may deduct up to $25,000 in tips from their total taxable income as long as they have a modified adjusted income below $150,000 for individuals or $300,000 for married couples filing jointly.

– Tips must be paid voluntarily, not subject to negotiation, and must be determined by the payor.

No Tax on Overtime:
– This legislation established a new tax deduction for overtime premium payments, which is the amount paid in excess of the regular rate at which an individual is paid.

– This deduction enables qualifying individuals to subtract up to $12,500 of overtime revenue for individuals and $25,000 of overtime revenue for joint returns made through overtime from their adjusted gross income.
– To qualify, individuals must have a modified adjusted gross income below $150,000 or $300,000 for married couples filing jointly. Certain restrictions apply to employees who are employed with contracts that exempt them from the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act regulations.

Additional Tax Provisions Included in the Working Families Tax Cuts:
– Extends the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act tax reductions, that if not extended would have resulted in a 25% tax increase on Kentucky families.
– Makes permanent the Enhanced Child Tax Credit, established in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This bill also increased this tax credit by $200, to $2,200, per child in 2025, and contains provisions to adjust the Child Tax Credit for inflation.
– Permanently increases the standard deduction for individuals and married couples to $16,100 and $32,200, respectively. This is an increase of $750 for individuals and $1,500 for families.
– Establishes Trump Accounts for children under 18, creating additional savings opportunities for children. For children born between January 1, 2026 and December 31, 2028, the federal government will contribute a $1,000 deposit into the child’s account. Parents can invest up to $5,000 annually, and may invest the balance in a mutual fund or an ETF. Employers may contribute up to $2,500 annually.

Guthrie Announces Winners of 2026 Congressional Art Competition

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Bowling Green, KY – Last night, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) hosted the awards ceremony for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition on the campus of Barren County High School.

“Every year, I look forward to seeing the creativity of our young people expressed in the submissions for the Congressional Art Competition – this year was no different,” said Congressman Brett Guthrie. “It was an honor to visit with these extraordinarily talented students, their families, teachers, and friends to celebrate their incredible accomplishments. I know that all of these artists have bright futures ahead, and I look forward to seeing our winning submissions proudly displayed on the walls of the U.S. Capitol and my offices. Great work!”

2026 Congressional Art Competition Reception and Awards Ceremony

The Congressional Art Competition allows high school students in Kentucky’s Second Congressional District to compete for the chance to have their artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. This week’s reception gave artists from across the district the opportunity to showcase their artwork for their peers, family members, and judges.

The competition is judged by art professionals and professors from colleges and universities in the district. The "Overall First Place" winning artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. The second and third place submissions, in addition to the "Facebook Favorite", will be displayed in Congressman Guthrie's various Congressional offices.

All submitted artwork for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition can be found here.

Pictures from yesterday’s reception can be found here.

1st Place Overall:
Tristan Sweeney - Midnight Masquerade

2nd Place Overall:
Blake Newton – The Space Between

3rd Place Overall:
Ashley Banet – Aspire to be a Vulture

Facebook Favorite:
Danika Brown – Christmas Truce

Overall Honorable Mentions:

1. Shelby Hollis – The Bird

2. Samantha Gex – The Modern Knight

3. Willow Romans – Wrapped Up

County Winners:

Butler County:

1. Mae Givens – Portrait Unveiling

2. Samuel Morris – Jelly Fish

3. Willow Romans – Wrapped Up

Hardin County:

1. Emma Ryker – My Favorite World

Hart County:

1. Ashley Banet – Tardigrade Hare

2. Jaxon Minor – The Printing Mantis

3. Carly Chenoweth – Change of Plans

Marion County:

1. Blake Newton – The Space Between

Meade County:

1. Samantha Gex – The Modern Knight

2. Danika Brown – The Christmas Truce

Muhlenberg County:

1. Kyleigh Daugherty – Still Life of Glasses and Fruit

2. Damien Berkley – Aphrodite

3. Leila Carter – My Old Kentucky Mason Jar

Nelson County:

1. Ava Alford – Red Cross Nurses

Warren County:

1. Tristan Sweeney – The Raven

2. Addyson Spencer – Draped in Eternal Stillness

3. Liam McDonald – Harris Hawk

ICYMI: Guthrie Continues Leading Effort to Combat Illicit Drugs That Harm American Communities

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, continued his efforts to counter the devastation in American communities that has been caused by the distribution and use of illicit drugs.

Last week, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health conducted a legislative hearing titled Policies to Protect Our Communities from Illicit Drug Threats. It focused on over one dozen bills that aim to crack down on illicit drug threats facing our nation. By examining the supply chain dynamics of these drugs and their precursors, in addition to looking at new and emerging illicit drug threats, the subcommittee took a comprehensive look at the crisis that has ravaged communities and killed hundreds of thousands of Americans for decades.

This hearing built upon the work Chairman Guthrie and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce have done throughout the 119th Congress to prevent overdose death and support those battling addiction; including the passage of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act and HALT Fentanyl Act – both of which were signed into law by President Trump last year.

Additional information about this hearing can be found HERE.

You can watch the full subcommittee hearing HERE.

Chairman Guthrie’s Opening Statement, as Prepared for Delivery:

“Thank you, Chairman Griffith. And thank you to all of the witnesses for being here.

“Today, we will hear from a diverse panel about existing and emerging drug threats and discuss policies designed to help keep our communities safe.

“These drug threats continue to evolve from opioids like oxycodone and heroin, to illicit fentanyl—to now—the prevalence of nitazenes, as well as synthetic 7-OH, known as ‘gas station heroin.’

“Bad actors are using illicit pill presses and fentanyl to make pills including punches and dyes imprinting logos onto those pills, making them look like legitimate prescription medication.

“Just last week, DEA announced a significant seizure in my home state of Kentucky from this past January. The DEA seized approximately 17 kilograms of fentanyl, two industrial grade pill presses, and two kilo-brick presses. According to DEA, this seizure prevented almost 9 million potentially lethal doses of fentanyl from reaching our communities.

“I’m proud of the work we’ve done in this Committee to crack down on the influx of illicit drugs and to uplift individuals and families struggling with substance use disorders—like getting the HALT Fentanyl Act and the SUPPORT Act signed into law—but there is still work to be done to ensure law enforcement can adequately detect and combat the proliferation and distribution of deadly substances. I’m thankful to my colleagues who are leading on these efforts.

“We have bills like the Combatting Illicit Xylazine Act to permanently place xylazine into schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act while ensuring veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers can continue to administer the sedative to animals, and the STOP Nitazenes Act to permanently place the drug class of nitazenes into schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act.

“Further, the END 7-OH Act would place synthetic 7-OH into schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, and we’ll consider a range of bills aimed at cracking down on the illicit distribution of pill press machines.

“We must work to advance policies that ensure those who make, import, and distribute these poisons in our communities are brought to justice on behalf of the families who have experienced so much pain already, and to help those with substance use disorders find treatment and recovery so we can save lives in the future.

“I thank the witnesses for their participation and look forward to today’s discussion. I yield back.”

Chairman Guthrie’s five minutes of witness questions can be found HERE.

Bullitt County

Fri, 01 Jun 2018 19:00:00 GMT

Bullitt County

Friday, June 1, 2018

3:00 - 4:00 p.m. EDT

Shepherdsville City Hall, 634 Conestoga Pkwy, Shepherdsville, KY 40165

Spencer County

Thu, 31 May 2018 15:00:00 GMT

Spencer County

Thursday, May 31, 2018

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. EDT

Spencer County Extension Office, 100 Oak Tree Way, Taylorsville, KY 40071

Washington County

Wed, 30 May 2018 15:00:00 GMT

Washington County

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. EDT

Washington County Extension Office, 245 Corporate Drive, Springfield, KY 40069

Mercer County

Wed, 30 May 2018 13:00:00 GMT

Mercer County

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

9:00 - 10:00 a.m. EDT

Mercer County Extension Office, Room B, 1007 Lexington Rd., Harrodsburg, KY 40330

Garrard County

Tue, 29 May 2018 18:00:00 GMT

Garrard County

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

2:00 - 3:00 p.m. EDT

First Southern National Bank, 27 Public Square, Lancaster, KY 40444

Hart County

Fri, 25 May 2018 04:00:00 GMT

Hart County

Friday, May 25, 2018

12:00 - 1:00 p.m. CDT

Hart County Extension Office, 505 A.A. Whitman Lane, Munfordville, KY 42765

LaRue County

Fri, 25 May 2018 14:00:00 GMT

LaRue County

Friday, May 25, 2018

10:00 - 11:00 a.m. EDT

LaRue County Extension Office, 807 Old Elizabethtown Rd., Hodgenville, KY 42748

Breckinridge County

Mon, 30 Apr 2018 14:00:00 GMT

Breckinridge County

Monday, April 30, 2018

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. CDT

Breckinridge County Public Library, 308 Old Highway 60, Hardinsburg, KY 40143

Meade County

Mon, 30 Apr 2018 18:00:00 GMT

Meade County

Monday, April 30, 2018

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. EDT

Meade County Public Library, 996 Old Ekron Rd., Brandenburg, KY 40108

Grayson County

Mon, 23 Apr 2018 16:00:00 GMT

Grayson County

Monday, April 23, 2018

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. CDT

Centre on Main, 425 S. Main St., Leitchfield, KY 42754