FETTERLETTER: FEBRUARY 2025

John Fetterman

United States Senator of Pennsylvania

February Highlights

Federal Funding Freeze

Senator Fetterman wants to hear from you about how the federal funding freeze is affecting Pennsylvania. While some restrictions have been lifted, programs like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA), and DEI initiatives remain blocked.

§ If your project has been impacted, please fill out our constituent impact form: https://forms.office.com/g/mFv2JAPxpC

§ If you are experiencing delays in individual payments, like Social Security or tax refunds, contact our casework team: https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/help-with-a-federal-agency/

Summer Internship applications close February 28^th

To learn more and apply, visit: https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/internships

Appropriation Requests

To receive updates from Senator Fetterman’s office on next fiscal year’s appropriation process, please fill out this form: https://shorturl.at/vDp5C

“I’m in the Business of Finding Wins for Pennsylvania”

Senator John Fetterman joined The View last month to discuss how he plans to continue delivering for Pennsylvania under the new administration. Watch a clip from the interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xr-L5FI6onw.

Legislative Update

Committee Membership

§ Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry: https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/

§ Commerce, Science, and Transportation: https://commerce.senate.gov/

§ Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: https://www.hsgac.senate.gov/

§ U.S. Helsinki Commission: https://www.csce.gov/

Useful Links

§ Press Releases: https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/newsroom/

§ Committees: https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/about-john/

§ Legislation: https://www.congress.gov/member/john-fetterman/F000479

§ Tours: https://airtable.com/appOgtgL1G6BNRLT8/pagsA5x5m5Z00MknW/form

Recent Legislation

§ Laken Riley Act

§ Kids Off Social Media Act

§ Whole Milk in Schools

§ Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act

Press Release Highlights

Delivering Nearly $15 Million For Hurricane Debby Recovery in Pennsylvania

§ Senator Fetterman secured $14.62 million in federal disaster recovery funding through HUD’s Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program for North Central PA.

§ This funding helps repair homes, support displaced families, and rebuild damaged infrastructure.

$132 Million For Semiconductor Manufacturing in The Lehigh Valley

§ The Department of Commerce awarded $79 million to expand Coherent’s Easton facility and $53 million for Infinera’s new Bethlehem operations.

§ These investments will support energy-efficient broadband production and create over 860 manufacturing jobs and 1,240 construction jobs.

New Rule To Boost Wages For Thousands of Pa Workers

§ Senator Fetterman worked with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to publish a rule affecting over 2,100 hourly federal employees in PA.

§ Starting October 1, 2025, these workers will receive raised wages, estimated to deliver $23.1 million in pay raises for Pennsylvanians in the first year.

Keystone Senators Call on Secretary Rubio to Bring Marc Fogel Home

§ Senator Fetterman, Senator McCormick, and the entire PA House delegation have sent a letter urging Secretary Rubio to focus his efforts on bringing Marc Fogel home.

§ Nearly 4 years ago, Fogel was detained by the Russian government for carrying an ounce of prescribed medical marijuana in his luggage.

Pushing Pennsylvania’s Whole-Home Repairs Program to The Federal Level

§ Senators Fetterman and Lummis (R-WY) reintroduced the bipartisan Whole-Home Repairs Act, a five-year pilot program to help low- and middle-income homeowners and small landlords afford critical home repairs.

§ This federal proposal builds on Pennsylvania’s successful Whole-Home Repairs Program, funding essential fixes like heating, roofing, and plumbing.

Two-Year Anniversary of Norfolk Southern Train Derailment

§ Senator Fetterman marked the anniversary of the derailment near the PA border and announced his intent to reintroduce the Railway Safety Act, originally a bipartisan effort to improve rail safety standards.

$52 Million Funding for Pennsylvania Infrastructure Projects

§ $7,750,000 to Philadelphia and Connersville to improve infrastructure and expand transportation routes.

§ $17,000,000 to rehabilitate the West Newton Bridge.

§ $800,000 to Turtle Creek Rail for street safety improvements.

What’s Happening in the Commonwealth?

Northern PA: Staff toured Erie Family Center-Diaper Depot and packaged 4,300 diapers for families in need.

Southern PA: Staff met with the President and CEO of the Women Veterans Museum, toured the facility, and provided resources at the Washington County Senior Fair.

Western PA: Senator Fetterman and staff visited the PA Farm Show and also attended the opening of the Brady Bike & Pedestrian Tunnel along the Armstrong Trail.

South Central PA: Staff attended the Assumption Ceremony for Commander Robert Noren of the PA Air National Guard.

Eagle Scout Awarded for Outstanding Conservation Service

Senator Fetterman recognized Sam Prescott, an Eagle Scout from Troop 4481 in Bedford, for his commitment to environmental stewardship with of a Gold Seal Letter. Sam received the BSA Distinguished Conservation Service Award, the highest conservation honor in Scouting. Prescott has restored a historic site and creating a pollinator garden in Shawnee State Park.

Constituent Services

Grants & Federal Funding Resources

Senator Fetterman launched a new webpage to help you find federal grants, loans, and assistance. Whether you’re a business, nonprofit, or individual, this page has the tools you need to navigate the funding process and apply for support.

§ Visit our Grants & Federal Funding page: https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/grants-and-federal-funding/

§ Find current grants and opportunities:

o Assistance Listings (SAM.gov): https://sam.gov/assistance-listings

o Grants.gov: https://www.grants.gov/

o Candid.org: https://candid.org/

§ Learn how to write a grant proposal: https://learning.candid.org/resources/knowledge-base/grant-proposals/

2024 Tax Returns

The deadline to file 2024 federal tax returns is April 15. Here are some tips:

§ E-file for free via IRS Direct File: https://www.irs.gov/filing/irs-direct-file-for-free

§ Use IRS Free File for guided software if your AGI is below $84,000: https://www.irs.gov/filing/irs-free-file-do-your-taxes-for-free

§ Free tax prep is available through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA).

§ For help, call the IRS helpline at 1-800-829-1040.

§ Check your tax withholding and explore tax credits like the EITC or Child Tax Credit.

Naval Academy

The U.S. Naval Academy has opened its applications for 2025 summer programs. Current 11th graders who wish to learn more about life at the Naval Academy can apply for Summer Seminar. Current 8th through 10th graders can apply for the Summer STEM program. Visit USNA Summer Programs to learn more.

Service Academy

Senator Fetterman has made his nominations for the Class of 2029 to the Naval Academy, West Point, the Air Force Academy and the Merchant Marine Academy. Students who are interested in a nomination for the Class of 2030 can apply starting in late February. Visit our Service Academy Nominations page to apply.

Stay Connected

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