Latest news with #DanMeuser
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Rep. Meuser resolution marks anniversary of attempted Trump assassination
Jul. 12—WILKES-BARRE — U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Dallas, co-sponsored H. Res. 571 this week. The resolution, introduced by U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Pittsburgh/Erie, specifically recognizes the tragic events of July 13, 2024, in Butler, where President Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt during a campaign rally. Corey D. Comperatore lost his life protecting his family from gunfire, while David Dutch and James Copenhaver were critically injured. The resolution condemns all forms of political violence and denounces the dangerous rhetoric that incites such attacks. It also highlights similar recent assaults on elected officials, including Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Minnesota legislators Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman, emphasizing that violence undermines democratic values and endangers public servants. In addition to honoring the victims, the resolution expresses gratitude to law enforcement officers, first responders and medical personnel for their professionalism and bravery during and after the attack. It reaffirms support for the United States Secret Service as essential to protecting national leaders and preserving constitutional governance. "I was in Butler, Pennsylvania, that day when the shots rang out, and witnessed first-hand the horrific event, as well as the heroism of our law enforcement and first responders," said Meuser. "While we honor the bravery of those who stood in harm's way, it is clear that serious lapses allowed this tragic attack to occur. We must thoroughly review and strengthen security measures to ensure this never happens again. Our country must unite against political violence in all forms, and we will continue to reject rhetoric that threatens our democratic process. This resolution is a strong statement that violence has no place in American politics." The resolution was referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and awaits further consideration. Shapiro Administration launches new commuter benefit Secretary of Administration Neil Weaver announced this week that Commonwealth employees can save money on transit and parking expenses through a new commuter benefit. Eligible employees under the governor's jurisdiction can now set aside a portion of their pay on a pre-tax basis to pay for qualified transit and parking expenses. "Commonwealth employees show up to work each day to serve their fellow Pennsylvanian," Weaver said. "With this new benefit, they can make their trip to work more affordable. We're also helping to incentivize the use of mass transit services that reduce traffic congestion and environmental pollution, as well as provide access to jobs and essential services for thousands of people." The Internal Revenue Code permits employers to provide a qualified transportation benefit program (commuter benefits) to eligible employees. Under the program, employees may set aside money from their paychecks on a pre-tax basis to pay for qualifying expenses such as parking and transit, such as a bus, subway, or train. Fuel and use of a personal vehicle are not qualifying expenses. Jawnt, a Pennsylvania-based company, will administer the new benefit. Bresnahan highlights 'major milestones' and 'district impact' U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan, R-Dallas Township, recognized the six-month mark of representing Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District this week. "What I said on day one only rings truer today — this job is not about me, it is about the constituents of Pennsylvania's 8th District," said Bresnahan. "I am proud of the work we've accomplished thus far, returning taxpayer dollars to constituents, resolving important paperwork issues for seniors and veterans and bringing the federal government directly to the people." In his first six months, Rep. Bresnahan said he has: —Opened four district offices in Forty Fort, Scranton, Scotrun and Hazleton, making it easier for constituents across the region to access federal resources, get help with casework, and stay connected to the congressman. —Launched the first mobile constituent service office in the Commonwealth, the BresnaVan, bringing vital services directly to communities across the district and ensuring every voice is heard. —Responded to more than 53,000 constituent inquiries, providing support and updates on federal issues. —Completed nearly 900 casework requests, helping individuals navigate federal agencies and access the services they need. —Returned over $2 million taxpayer dollars to constituents through successful casework assistance. —Worked with 38 different federal agencies, including the IRS, VA, and Social Security administration. —Attended over 112 community events, connecting directly with constituents and local leaders across Northeast Pennsylvania. Bresnahan announces $3M federal grant for municipal airport Bresnahan announced a $3 million grant to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania this week for the construction of a T-Hangar building at the Pocono Mountains Municipal Airport. "This grant is a win for Monroe County and the entire Pocono region," he said. "Investing in our local airports strengthens regional connectivity, supports local economy and improves the infrastructure needed to keep our communities and businesses moving." This $3 million investment will fund the construction of a new T-Hangar building at MPO, increasing aircraft storage capacity and supporting general aviation operations. MPO plays a critical role in the region's transportation network, including emergency response. This grant was originally a community project funding request submitted by then-Rep. Matt Cartwright for FY 2023, and Rep. Bresnahan has continued the fight to ensure the grant was fully awarded to MPO. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Fox News
6 days ago
- Politics
- Fox News
One year after Trump rally shooting, witnesses say investigations leave more questions than answers
Butler, Pa. – One year after an assassin's near-miss attempt on President Donald Trump, many who witnessed the shooting firsthand say they remain deeply dissatisfied with official investigations, which they believe have failed to provide meaningful answers. "I'm highly dissatisfied with the lack of preparation," said Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Pa., who was seated in the front row at the rally. "The failures were almost unbelievable," he told Fox News Digital, echoing a widespread view that the breach was the result of avoidable missteps by law enforcement. Despite probes by multiple federal agencies and a formal congressional investigation, both local residents and lawmakers say they're still left wondering what went wrong. "The task force was bipartisan. And frankly, I don't think to this day they've gotten all the answers," Meuser said. Shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks was killed by law enforcement at the scene. Since then, the Secret Service has undergone a series of high-profile shakeups. A congressional select committee found in its report a "lack of planning and coordination between the Secret Service and its law enforcement partners," adding that the agency had been alerted to Crooks' suspicious movements for over 10 minutes before he fired a shot. But for those who were there, major questions remain: What was Crooks' motive? Why weren't agents stationed on a nearby pitched roof? Why was Crooks' presence on top of the AGR building not acted on sooner? How was he able to fire eight rounds before being neutralized by a Secret Service countersniper? In the absence of concrete answers, some attendees have drawn their own speculative conclusions. "There were certain stock transactions that transpired right beforehand," one rally-goer said. "CNN never airs Trump's rallies. Why did they air this one?" another asked. (CNN has said it aired the Butler rally in anticipation of Trump announcing his vice presidential pick.) "I don't think it was [Crooks]," another witness claimed. "Nobody that went to school with him believes he could have engineered that kind of event." Zach Scherer, a Butler local who has worked on all three of Trump's presidential campaigns, voiced ongoing skepticism. "We don't know anything about this kid from Bethel Park," he said. "The Comperatore family needs answers. The rest of the community does too. It affected every single person who was here." Corey Comperatore, a local firefighter, was killed during the shooting. "Investigations that were already done are very inconclusive," said Erin Autenreith, a GOP activist and rally attendee from Glenshaw, Pennsylvania. "There's just so much technology now – these videos have such high resolution they can actually see the bullets." "The American people, they don't trust the investigations," she added. "Nobody believes it. So I don't think it's good." Jim Hulings, chairman of the Butler County GOP, criticized Pennsylvania officials for what he called apathy toward the case. He singled out both the Republican district attorney and state attorney general. "Murder was never investigated," Hulings said. "We asked for the district attorney to call for a grand jury. He wouldn't do it. We gave him a letter and 8,000 signatures on a petition. He still wouldn't do it." "The AG doesn't really care either," Hulings added. "We got Dave Sunday elected, and he went persona non grata." Some argue the investigation should be elevated to the federal level, given its national implications. But longtime rally-goers agreed on one thing: a scant security presence was noticeable from the start of the day in Butler last year. "All the other rallies I'd been to, there was Secret Service everywhere, so I just assumed they were going to be there. And they weren't," said Lucie Roth. "There was no counter sniper teams visible. There was no drones. There was no helicopters," said Hulings. "Very few police." A number of factors have been blamed: technical issues with drones, high temperatures prompting Secret Service to seek refuge in the air conditioning, a force that was spread thin by long hours and unexpected overtime. A Senate report found that key resource requests were denied, and some were not even made: Secret Service did not request a surveillance team to help patrol the rally of 15,000 attendees, while an event for first lady Jill Biden had one assigned for her event of 400 individuals roughly an hour away. Until a fuller picture emerges, those who lived through that harrowing day say they won't stop pushing for accountability – not just for Trump, but for Comperatore and a shaken community still seeking closure.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Meuser explains decision not to run for Pennsylvania Governor; Garrity teases decision
(WHTM) – If Congressman Dan Meuser (R-9) decided to run for Governor of Pennsylvania, he would've had the endorsement of President Donald Trump. That won't be the case in 2026, as Meuser announced Tuesday he will not seek the Republican Party's nomination. 'I think over the next 18 months I can do a lot more staying in Congress than campaigning around the commonwealth,' Meuser told abc27 News on Wednesday. Meuser has publicly acknowledged interest in running for governor since January, but says he's now focused on pushing forward the president's agenda in Congress. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now The Democratic Governors Association reacted to Meuser's decision, saying, 'Even longtime Congressman Dan Meuser — Donald Trump's hand-picked candidate for the Republican nomination for governor — knows he can't go up against Governor Josh Shapiro and win. State Senator Greg Rothman, who chairs Pennsylvania's Republican Party, disagrees with the DGA's assessment of the race. 'I don't buy that, I don't prescribe to that,' Rothman said Wednesday. 'I feel confident that we are going to roll out in probably the next few weeks a really perfect nominee to take on Josh Shapiro, someone who's going to be a great contrast.' Many in the political arena believe State Treasurer Stacy Garrity may be that candidate. While Rothman declined to confirm whether Garrity is the party's favored candidate, the twice-statewide elected Treasurer would bring both a military and business background to the campaign trail. Garrity told abc27 in a statement that she'll make a decision on whether or not to run 'very soon.' She's previously targeted this summer as a deadline to decide whether to challenge Shapiro and has ramped up donation emails in recent months. Last November, Garrity broke Shapiro's record for the most votes received by a state official in Pennsylvania in her re-election campaign. When asked about Meuser's decision on Wednesday, Shapiro declined to comment. State Senator Doug Mastriano, the 2022 Republican gubernatorial nominee who received Trump's endorsement, has previously said he is considering another run for Governor and believes he'd win another primary. Whoever runs against Shapiro in 2026 is likely to face opposing outside money coming into the race, with Shapiro viewed as a potential 2028 presidential candidate. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
GOP congressman won't run for governor in Pennsylvania, despite Trump's promise to support him
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser will not seek the Republican nomination for governor of Pennsylvania, despite having President Donald Trump's recent promise of support if he were to run. Meuser's decision to run again for his northeastern Pennsylvania seat rather than governor leaves the Republican Party with a shorter bench of candidates to challenge Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro in the 2026 election. 'My focus needs to remain on doing my job, serving my constituents, and executing the plans to strengthen our country,' Meuser said in a statement released Tuesday night. At a rally at a U.S. Steel plant near Pittsburgh in late May, Trump singled out Meuser in the crowd, telling him that 'if you run, you have my support totally, and you'll win.' Shapiro will lead Pennsylvania's Democratic ticket in 2026, when Republicans also must defend the seats of several members of Congress who won narrow races last year. Two-term Republican state Treasurer Stacy Garrity has said she is seriously considering running for governor. In a text message Wednesday, Garrity said she will make an 'announcement about the future of my career in service very soon' and that Meuser's decision not to run makes her more likely to run. Shapiro, the former two-term attorney general of Pennsylvania, is considered a possible contender for the White House in 2028 after he made Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris' shortlist for vice presidential running mates in last year's election. Shapiro has won three statewide races and carries a reputation as a disciplined messenger and powerhouse fundraiser. Shapiro won his 2022 contest by almost 15 percentage points, an election cycle Republicans would rather forget. Shapiro, 52, spent more than $70 million in that two-year campaign cycle, smashing Pennsylvania's campaign finance record. Republicans now regard him as a national figure in the Democratic Party whose fundraising ability will be as strong, or stronger, in his reelection bid. Garrity, by comparison, spent less than $3 million in her two campaigns for treasurer. Garrity, 61, a trained accountant, was a longtime executive for a powdered metals supplier in northern Pennsylvania before she ran for treasurer. She was also an Army reservist who retired as a colonel and served in Iraq, where she ran the detention center at Camp Bucca as part of the 800th Military Police Brigade. ___ Follow Marc Levy on X at:
Washington Post
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Washington Post
GOP congressman won't run for governor in Pennsylvania, despite Trump's promise to support him
HARRISBURG, Pa. — U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser will not seek the Republican nomination for governor of Pennsylvania, despite having President Donald Trump's recent promise of support if he were to run. Meuser's decision to run again for his northeastern Pennsylvania seat rather than governor leaves the Republican Party with a shorter bench of candidates to challenge Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro in the 2026 election.
