The Pennsylvania Patriot

July 24 Advisory: General Assembly to Miss Court’s term

thepennsylvaniapatriot.com — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 16:54:14 +0000

Weekend.

Headlines. Deadline to reform state murder statute missed. Administrator Shapiro consulted with Amazon and data centers about the security of his tent. Podcast: Election Integrity. The smoothest cheeses for a weekend burger.

Your morning, pick me up. Saturday night is alright (to fight). Elton John

Weather in Pennsylvania
Presque Island | Sunny, 80
Raystown | Rising clouds, 82
Pocono Mountain | Sunny, 77

Sports PA
Phillies (56-47, 4.5GB, +2GB WC) | Free vs. NY Yankees
Pirates (53-50, 11.5 GB, 1 GB WC) | Friday vs. Chicago Cubs
Union (2W, 3D, 11L) | Saturday vs. Seattle

What we hear. “Senate Republicans take public safety and securing our communities seriously, which is why we have acted decisively and in a bipartisan manner. Since the day the House announced their return to session this week, we have not been contacted by the Governor or Democratic leaders in the House. The lack of commitment on such an important issue is seriously troubling and represents a complete failure of leadership.”

Tips. PoliticsPA is Pennsylvania’s leading source of unbiased political news and analysis. Tips and press releases can be submitted [email protected].

PoliticsPA Guide was developed by Steve Ulrich. To read in your browser click here.

The most significant story

1. Under pressure from a deadline, the AP House passes a bill reforming the murder sentencing statute

“On the eve of a court-mandated Friday deadline for the Legislature to reform the state’s murder law, the House narrowly passed a bill updating the controversial law.

But because the bill differs significantly from the bill passed by the Republican-controlled Senate in June, the Legislature still misses the deadline set by the state Supreme Court.

The changes in the law could impact the approximately 1,100 people in prisons across the state who have been convicted of second-degree murder, as well as every person convicted of this crime in the future.’ | Grandstand overview

Elsewhere

Shapiro joins lawsuit challenging immigration elections and conditions on federal grants. “In response to the Trump administration’s latest efforts to impose conditions on federal grants owed to the Commonwealth, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has joined more than two dozen other state leaders in the lawsuit.” | Penn Capital Star

House votes to end Iran war, but Senate Republicans vote to let Trump continue waging war. “The House approved a Democrat-led proposal to end the war in Iran by ordering President Donald Trump to withdraw military forces from hostilities. However, the resolution is not binding. The House voted 214 to 208, with four Republicans including Representative Brian Fitzpatrickjoining with all Democrats who will cast the deciding votes for this measure. The Senate voted 47 to 49 to reject a “joint resolution” to end the war with Iran, which would have had the force of law but would have been subject to a presidential veto. Senator John Fetterman I voted against the resolution.” | NBC News

100 Days Away: House GOP in danger zone. “Sunday is 100 days before the midterm elections. The House is out for five weeks. And things look bleak for most Republicans in the House.” | Punchbowl News

The US Senate has confirmed a up-to-date federal judge in Philadelphia. “Antonio Pozos will become the first new district court judge in the region appointed by President Donald Trump during his second term.” | Questioner from Philadelphia

Country

2. Administrator Shapiro consulted with Amazon and data centers about the security of his tent, the Records Show

“Governor Josh Shapiro spent months preparing a set of standards that he promised would “hold data center developers accountable.”

But behind the scenes, Shapiro’s top administration advisers were drafting the structure with input from Amazon and the powerful data center lobby, then sharing early drafts with company officials before making them public, records show.’ | Questioner from Philadelphia

Elsewhere

DCCC is targeting Republican-held seats with digital advertising to mark 100 days until the midterm elections. “The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee marks 100 days until the midterm elections with a new digital ad. Among the 25 targeted districts are Pennsylvania’s 1st, 7th, 8th and 10th districts. ” | Roll call

Perry, Stelson 10th Congressional District Race Most Expensive in Pennsylvania. “With more than $11.5 million raised so far this cycle and $4.3 million already spent this election cycle, the congressional race in Pennsylvania’s 10th District is the most expensive in the state.” | WITF

PA-09: Wallace confident in the fight for Meuser’s congressional seat. “Rachel Wallace faces several challenges in Pennsylvania’s heavily conservative 9th Congressional District, but in remarks at a fundraising event, she expressed confidence in unseating Rep. Dan Meuser after his four terms, calling him a “hilariously underrated villain who deserves to be fired.”” | NorthCentralPA.com

PA Health Insurers Want a Major Obamacare Rate Increase for 2027. “Pennsylvanians who insure themselves under the state’s Affordable Care Act (ACA) will face double-digit percentage increases next year, another shock to a market already reeling from the expiration of additional federal subsidies.” | PennLive

Around the Republic of Poland

3. Voices of reason: election integrity

In this episode of Voices of Reason, PoliticsPA’s Steve Ulrich and his guests discuss election integrity. What does election integrity mean to you? Is an ID document required to vote? Does he make sure non-citizens don’t vote? Do you want the government to have Pennsylvania voter rolls?

Mercer County Elections Director Thad Hall and Senior Advisor to the Committee of Seventy for Election Administration Benyo Team will share their thoughts on absentee ballots, the SAVE Act, and more. | PoliticsPA

Elsewhere

We asked, you answered: How confident are you that the PA election process is fair and secure? “With Pennsylvania’s elections approaching and the president once again attempting to cast doubt on the integrity of the election, we asked Keystone newsletter readers whether they believe Pennsylvania’s elections are fair and secure.” | (*24*)Key

Former DuBois City Manager Suplizio pleads guilty in federal corruption case. “The long-running public corruption case in DuBois appears to be coming to an end. Former DuBois City Manager John “Herm” Suplizio pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court to two felony charges stemming from the theft and misuse of city funds. | PoliticsPA

The elephant in the room: Views from the top of the defense, the Philadelphia election ruling and praise for Boyle and Fitzpatrick. “Pennsylvania companies large and small, along with universities, stood proud during the recent two-day Defense Summit at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, hosted by Senator Dave McCormick.” | Wide + Freedom

Trump administration withdraws demands for list of UPenn Jewish employees. “Court documents filed Thursday show that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the university have reached an agreement in which the agency will not enforce its subpoena for information on university employees. Penn will instead file a stipulation of dismissal.” | Policy

Editorial

4. What do you think about it?

1 item

5. The tastiest burger cheeses, tested and rated

“A great burger will be even better with a layer of melted cheese. Whether you’re grilling thick pub-style burgers over hot coals or pressing thin burgers in a blazing hot cast iron skillet, great cheese really makes a difference.”

This got me thinking: what cheese melts best on burgers? I’m not talking about the tastiest cheese, just the meltiest. While I had a clear favorite in the melting department, all of the cheeses I tested melted well and would be a worthy addition to any burger. | Food and wine

Thank you for starting your day with us.
Enjoy your weekend. See you on Monday.

Rep. Ben Waxman: Ethics matter for public trust in government

thepennsylvaniapatriot.com — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 04:02:35 +0000

When people believe the rules are rigged, trust in government declines.

Public trust is arduous to build and effortless to destroy. It disappears when elected officials appear to be using public office to enrich themselves, their families or their business partners. Therefore, ethical regulations are not a side issue. They are necessary for the functioning of democracy.

New financial assets, particularly cryptocurrency, have created modern opportunities for corruption and self-employment. Our laws need to catch up.

I sponsored cryptocurrency corruption legislation that recently passed the Pennsylvania House. But these protections are needed at every level of government.

Congress is currently considering the CLARITY Act, legislation that would establish federal rules for the cryptocurrency industry. But the bill doesn’t answer the most obvious ethical question: Should elected officials be able to profit from the industry while they write the laws to regulate it?

The answer should be no.

The Trump family has developed a enormous and growing financial interest in cryptocurrencies through digital asset companies, token offerings and related business partnerships. At the same time, the Trump administration and Congress are making decisions that could determine the future of the industry.

Regardless of your opinion on cryptocurrency or Donald Trumpthis is an obvious conflict of interest.

No president, member of Congress, cabinet official, or immediate family member should be able to make money from policies that person is responsible for creating, enforcing, or influencing. This standard should apply equally to Republicans and Democrats.

The risk is not theoretical. Before President Trump returned to office, a UAE-backed company poured hundreds of millions of dollars into a cryptocurrency venture linked to the Trump family. The administration later eased restrictions on the export of advanced artificial intelligence technology to the United Arab Emirates.

At the very least, this sequence of events raises earnest questions about whether American policy is shaped by the national interest or the private financial interests of those close to the president.

Congress should not ignore these questions.

The solution is elementary. The CLARITY Act should prohibit elected officials, senior executive appointees, and their immediate family members from owning, issuing, promoting, or profiting from cryptocurrency-related ventures while those officials are in office.

These rules should be clear, enforceable and apply to everyone.

Pennsylvania senators have an significant role to play. Senator John Fetterman he has repeatedly presented himself as someone willing to challenge powerful interests on behalf of working people. He should insist that significant ethics protections be included before the Senate takes a final vote.

Without these protections, he should oppose the bill.

The problem is bigger than cryptocurrency. The issue is whether Americans can trust that public officials write laws for the public, not themselves.

Ethics cannot be an afterthought added after the industry gets what it wants. Ethics must be the basis of law.

Until Congress closes the door on independent trade, the CLARITY Act is not ready to become law.

Rep. Ben Waxman represents the 182nd Legislative District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Keystone Showdowns: Millions of people weigh in on three Pennsylvania races that could decide control of the U.S. House of Representatives

thepennsylvaniapatriot.com — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 03:02:51 +0000

Millions of dollars have been poured into three Pennsylvania House races that could determine which party controls the chamber in November.

According to the Cook Political Report Home Race Ratingsin which the competitiveness of all 435 chamber elections is assessed, 18 competitions are assessed as a draw. Pennsylvania hosts three such races, the most of any state. All three districts are currently represented by Republicans and have played key roles in Democrats’ path to regaining the House majority, making Pennsylvania’s races some of the most closely watched.

Governor Josh Shapiro In particular, (D) did not hesitate to invest in these breeds. Just last week, Shapiro announced a multimillion-dollar statewide campaign to support elect Democrats across Pennsylvania, signaling the importance of these races to Democrats

The Republican outperformed the Democrat in two of the three races through June 30, but two Democrats enter the field with more money.

7th District (Lehigh Valley)

Republican Representative Ryan Mackenzie has raised over $4.3 million as of June 30 inclusive $631,000 in the second quarter of the year. Almost half of them are funds for the second quarter ($300,000) came from joint fundraising committees. JFC headed by announcer Mike Johnson (R-La.) – Grow the Majority PAC – contributed $88,281 to the campaign, while Defend Our Majority, another committee associated with Johnson and the National Republican Congressional Committee, contributed $49,244. Emmer Majority Builders, a committee affiliated with House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), $32,495 gift.

Another joint fundraising committee, Mackenzie for America, is affiliated with the National Republican Congressional Committee and is solely concerned with Mackenzie’s re-election, directs $76,225 for his campaign. Mackenzie just finished $2.9 million in cash as the race enters its final months.

Mackenzie who was approved By President Donald Trump he secured the presidency again in 2024 support as he runs for a second term.

Opposite Mackenzie on the ballot is a Democrat Bob Brookspresident of the Pennsylvania Firefighters Association. Brooks almost raised $2.4 million as of June 30 and most of this money ($1.9 million) came from individual contributions.

Stronger Together PA, a super PAC, spent over $1.8 million in ads supporting Brooks. It is mainly funded by trade unions such as the International Association of Firefighters Kamala Harrisaffiliated with Future Forward PAC and The Bench, a political action committee focused on “recruiting and supporting” the next generation of Democratic leaders, according to its website.

Brooks just finished 1 million dollars in cash as of June 30, after spending most of his war chest on: a very controversial primary school in May.

While Mackenzie continues to maintain a significant fundraising lead, Brooks significantly outperformed him in the second quarter, surpassing $1.2 million from April to June compared to Mackenzie $631,000. Brooks’ sturdy second-quarter fundraising suggests Democrats are increasing investment in a seat they believe is within reach.

8th District (Scranton/Northeastern Pennsylvania)

Republican Representative Rob Bresnahanwho is completing his first term in Congress, has raised the total amount $5.2 million this election cycle, spent $2.6 million. Bresnahan had $2.6 million in cash as of June 30.

In August 2025, End Citizens United – which advocates for campaign finance reforms – filed a proposal ethics complaint with the Office of Congressional Proceedings against Bresnahan, accusing him of failing to disclose ownership of a $1.5 million helicopter. Legislators are required to report in their annual financial reports any income received or assets worth more than $1,000.

Bresnan donated $55,836 to his campaign committee, Rob of the AP, from January 31 to June 30. He also received $1.9 million in PAC contributions while his challenger, a Democrat Paige Cognetti, received $429,599 from PACs.

Cognetti is the current mayor of Scranton, the largest city in the 8th District, and as of June 30, she had raised $4.6 million and spent more than $1.2 million. Nearly 90% of its funding comes from individual donations.

Late in the second quarter, Cognetti had it just over $3.4 million in cash compared to Bresnahan $2.6 millionputting her in a fundraising leadership role as November approaches.

10th District (Harrisburg/York)

Democrat Janelle Stelson picked up $6.4 million from June 30, which makes it highest fundraiser Candidate for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives last year. Stelson’s fundraising lead grew in the last quarter, with the former TV host raising $1.7 million between April and June.

Individual contributions total almost 77% of the funds collected by Stelson $4.9 million.

Stelson $45,000 paid between January 2024 and October 2025, Voting for America produced four podcast episodes titled “Voices of Central Pennsylvania With Janelle Stelson”, which are no longer available online.

Vote for America is led by alumni of the Democratic National Committee and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Tax records show the group had total income of less than $50,000 in 2025.

As of June 30, Stelson did almost $4.5 million in cash, preparing for the rematch Rep. Scott Perry (R) who defeated her just over 1% in 2024

Perry, who served seven terms in Congress, including as chairman of the House Freedom Caucus from 2022 to 2024, raised $5.2 million and spent $2.4 million, leaving him $2.8 million in cash.

The veteran lawmaker’s coffers are dominated by individual contributions, accounting for 60% of his total dollars, with more than half coming from donors who gave more than $200 to the campaign. Perry also received over $650,000 in PAC contributionsWith $31,000 comes from the American Israel Public Affairs Commission and $77,430 comes from the PAC associated with the Club for Development, which supporters for free enterprise.

120 Days Approaching: Senators Jay Costa and Amanda M. Cappelletti Address Legislature’s Responsibility to Respond to Commonwealth v. Lee

thepennsylvaniapatriot.com — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 02:49:43 +0000

Harrisburg – July 23, 2026 – On March 26, 2026, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court found mandatory life sentences for people convicted of second-degree murder unconstitutional. The court’s landmark ruling was then put on hold, giving the Pennsylvania General Assembly 120 days to change the unconstitutional law and provide an alternative remedy for more than 1,100 incarcerated people who had been harshly or unjustly sentenced.

The legislator has no time left, and the deadline set by the Tribunal expires on Friday, July 24.

Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-43, Allegheny) AND Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti, Democratic Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee (D-17, Delaware/Montgomery)issued the following statement:

“The Tribunal’s ruling regarding Commonwealth v Lee gave the state legislature a historic opportunity to right long-standing injustices. Pennsylvania is one of only four states that provides life in prison without the possibility of parole for people convicted of second-degree murder. Such judgments do not take into account whether the actor intended to take his life when committing the crime. They also do not take into account the degree of their involvement in the crime. Essentially, the way Pennsylvania sentenced people convicted of murder was often disproportionate to the crimes committed and considered “cruel punishment” under the Pennsylvania Constitution.

“Legislator he knew regarding the July 24 deadline for considering the Tribunal’s ruling. Instead of taking action to ensure a fair resolution for incarcerated Pennsylvanians serving these sentences, Pennsylvania Senate Republicans have spent the last 120 days spreading misinformation about the public safety importance of this ruling while refusing to cooperate.

“While Republican senators are content to perpetuate the false lie that more than 1,100 people serving these sentences will be released from prison on July 24, the truth is that if the Legislature fails to act, the actual expected result will be injuries. years process. It is likely that many inmates affected by this ruling could still receive life sentences. The verdicts require the full utilize of our court system, which will severely burden our public defenders and prosecutors and lead to inconsistent results across the state.

“It is also true that Senate Republicans claimed they were taking action by enactment Senate Bill 1400 in June. However, Republican senators not only proceeded without feedback, they also avoided participating in ongoing conversations among stakeholders as they worked to develop a comprehensive solution. Instead of acting in a bipartisan manner, they circulated the proposed legislation less than 24 hours before the Senate Judiciary Committee voted, without any input from interested parties or Democrats, in order to force a perfunctory resolution in the House. In our divided legislature, when bipartisan consensus is necessary, these performative measures are unacceptable.

“A real solution to this issue would be to provide an appropriate sentence for second-degree murder that is appropriate under Pennsylvania’s current sentencing guidelines and proportionate to the role the actor played in the crime, the possibility of parole for those currently serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole for murder after serving the minimum number of years, and a process to ensure that a judge will reach a guilty verdict if a life sentence without parole is imposed.

“Together with our Senate Democratic colleagues, we look forward to passing collaborative, comprehensive and meaningful legislation that actually delivers justice.”

Read more at the Abolitionist Law Center about Commonwealth v. Lee.

Read the letter to the Pennsylvania Sentencing Commission from Senators Costa and Cappelletti.

###

Vance Boelter sentenced to two life sentences plus 40 years for murdering Minnesota lawmaker and her husband

thepennsylvaniapatriot.com — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 00:04:50 +0000

In this flyer provided by the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, Vance Luther Boelter poses for a photo during a reservation on June 16, 2025 in Green Isle, Minnesota.

Melissa and Mark Hortman were killed in less than 30 seconds on June 14, 2025, in a shocking act of political violence.

But their quick deaths provided little comfort to their son, Colin Hortman, who told a federal judge Thursday that he fell asleep every night imagining a waterfall of blood cascading down the steps of his childhood home in Brooklyn Park. It’s the same image he wakes up with.

The quick death of his parents was of little comfort, he said, because the last thing his mother saw before she died was her husband and the shooting of her beloved dog multiple times.

Now he has trouble remembering his parents, but not the bullet holes in their bodies.

The horror of the killing and the impact of the attacks on Minnesota’s political system were told in detail by Hortman’s children, Colin and Sophie, as well as 12 other victims in the federal courthouse in Minneapolis, who told how their lives were ruined by the man sitting next to them in an orange jumpsuit: Vance Boelter.

Boelter last month confessed to the murder of Melissa Hortman — a former Democratic House speaker and one of Minnesota’s most vital legislative leaders — and her husband, Mark, as well as the shooting of Democratic state senator John Hoffman and his wife.

Thursday’s hearing marks the latest chapter in a year-long saga that has scarred the state and introduced a novel level of fear into politics.

U.S. District Judge John Tunheim sentenced Boelter to two consecutive life sentences plus an additional 40 years. There is no parole in the federal justice system, so it’s extremely likely that Boelter will spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Tunheim said it was the longest sentence he had ever imposed on an individual out of thousands of cases he had heard in his career.

“I think it’s deserved,” Tunheim told Boelter.

Boelter read a low statement in court in which he apologized aloud to the victims: “I am truly sorry to anyone I have caused loss, pain, heartache, confusion, sadness or loneliness.”

Boelter has previously pleaded guilty to all charges against him government fees: two counts of stalking, Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman; two counts of murder in connection with the Hortman killings; and two firearm offenses in the shooting of the Hortmans and Hoffmans and the attempted shooting of Hope Hoffman, who managed to call 911 during the bloody attack.

He admitted in court that he planned the murders months in advance, writing down the addresses of his victims and buying a highly realistic silicone mask to impersonate a police officer.

In the early morning hours of June 14, Boelter drove to the Hoffman home and shot John and Yvette Hoffman through the front door. He then drove to Rep. Kristin Bahner’s home in Maple Grove, but she was on vacation. He then drove to Senator Ann Rest’s home, where he was spotted by a real police officer who assumed he was a police officer conducting a welfare check.

He then drove to the Hortmans in Brooklyn Park and parked his Ford Explorer in the driveway with phony police lights on. He rang the doorbell and said he was doing a welfare check. He told Mark Hortman he needed to meet Melissa, then shot him. He shot Melissa several times as she tried to escape down the stairs. Boelter then shot her in the head.

Minnesota U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen wrote in the government’s sentencing memo that Boelter “expressed great contempt” for the Democratic Party.

“And he knew that the Minnesota Legislature was so deeply divided that killing four state legislators would inevitably result in changing the balance of power in both legislative houses,” Rosen wrote. “The astonishing damage that Boelter inflicted on his victims and the state of Minnesota will never be repaired. Justice demands that Boelter never be free again.”

Bahner was the first to read her victim’s statement aloud. She told Boelter that she would have answered the door if she had been home that day because she trusted law enforcement. She told Boelter that he had failed in his mission because she was still alive, and he strengthened her resolve to continue to advocate for her constituents.

John Hoffman, Yvette Hoffman and Hope Hoffman also reached out to Boelter. Hope Hoffman criticized the media, which incorrectly reported in the aftermath of the shooting that Yvette Hoffman jumped on top of her to save her from Boelter’s bullets.

John Hoffman read several Bible passages to Boelter, including Matthew 7:16: “You will recognize them by their fruits. Do they gather grapes from thorns and figs from thistles?”

These are, according to Hoffman, “words of faith that the defendant allegedly represented.”

He added: “(Boelter’s) actions spoke louder than any sermon he ever preached.”

Many people wiped away tears in the packed courtroom as lawmakers and family members told Boelter how his decision to kill their loved ones not only ruined their lives but also irrevocably changed Minnesota.

A woman prays in front of the caskets as Melissa and Mark Hortman lie in state with their dog Gilbert, Friday, June 27, 2025, at the Minnesota State Capitol. (Photo: Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer)

J. Carroll Hortman, Mark Hortman’s father, said his daughter-in-law Melissa was witty and brilliant. She had a radiant future ahead of her and had not yet experienced the joy of being a grandfather.

“I believe she could be the next governor of this state,” he said.

Mark Hortman’s family, including his brother and sister, told the judge they were upset that Boelter’s guilty plea deprived them of a trial and the opportunity to see Boelter receive the death penalty. They hated the idea of Boelter living a comfortable life in prison.

Carroll Hortman said he blames acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche, who he believes did the country a disservice by agreeing to the settlement. He also questioned why on June 14, Brooklyn Park police watched from a distance as Boelter killed his son, then entered the home and shot his daughter-in-law.

The Hortmans’ daughter, Sophie Hortman, said she has been working on her testimony all year since she lost her parents.

“I miss my mom. I miss my dad. I miss my best friends and I miss my faith in the goodness of humanity. The pain will never go away,” she said.

She also detailed the heartbreaking decision to put down the family dog, Gilbert, who Boelter shot multiple times before killing Melissa Hortman.

On the morning of June 14, Sophie and Colin received conflicting information about whether Gilbert was alive and went to the vet.

The vet carried Gilbert into the room on a metal tray. Colin started screaming when he saw Gilbert. He was shot multiple times, including in the head. Despite his condition, Gilbert still wagged his tail when he saw the Hortman children and kissed them with his large tongue.

The Hortman children asked the vet if he would let their dog live with Gilbert’s condition. The vet said no.

“Colin and I agreed: Gilbert would like to be with his parents,” Sophie said. “I told him he would see his mom and dad soon.”

This story was originally produced by Minnesota reformerswhich is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network that includes Pennsylvania Capital-Star, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.

As death rates declined across the country, some states fared better than others

thepennsylvaniapatriot.com — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 13:00:14 +0000

A patient walks into University Hospitals in Newark, New Jersey, according to a Stateline analysis. New Jersey has seen one of the largest declines in the death rate since 2015. (Photo by Terrence McDonald/New Jersey Monitor)

Youth deaths could fall to historic lows in 2025 as homicides of youthful people caused by drug overdoses, gun homicides and traffic accidents continued to decline in 2025, according to modern federal statistics.

However, according to Stateline’s analysis of interim data, states did not share the success equally. And the low attrition may reflect the effects of past health care expansion efforts that are threatened by today’s moves by the Trump administration to limit Medicaid expansion and cut funding for rural hospitals.

Some states in the Northeast saw the greatest declines in deaths between 2015 and 2025, led by New Jersey (down 8.3%), Rhode Island (down 8%), New York (down 7.9%), Massachusetts (down 7.4%), and the District of Columbia (down 7.0%). Some experts place the importance of states on health care, traffic problems and gun violence.

New Jersey took the lead in declines because of its long-term commitment to expanding health care coverage to low-income people, said Stephen Crystal, director of the Center for Health Services Research at Rutgers University.

Crystal said that even before the expansion of Medicaid under the federal Affordable Care Act, New Jersey and Massachusetts, among others, pooled funding with hospitals to provide care to more low-income residents.

“New Jersey has been doing this for a long time and you can see the results in lower death rates for the big killers,” he said.

The state has the distinction of having less than half the national rate of gun deaths, both suicides and homicides, and deaths from heart and kidney disease caused by high blood pressure. The road accident death rate is also much lower than the national rate.

He added that in the northeast of the country there is also a more confrontational approach to speeding and less tolerance for weapons.

“Here’s something that upsets a lot of New Jerseyans. State troopers have the guts to pull you over if you’re driving on Highway 90. That’s not the case in Wyoming,” Crystal said. “And if you go to the West where gun ownership is very high, gun suicides become huge.”

Nationally, most of the declines in 2024–2025 concerned youthful age groups. The factors most likely to kill them have declined after a spike in the early phase of the pandemic, including drug overdoses, traffic accidents, gun violence and suicide, according to the study. analysis The death count was conducted by Mary Pat Campbell, an actuary and life insurance analyst in New York State.

She said the northeastern states have an advantage in solving these problems based on wealth.

“There has been an increasing disaggregation of mortality factors by socioeconomic status,” Campbell said, noting that traffic accidents are less common in places like New Jersey, in part because so many people commute to work by public transportation.

“In New Jersey’s case, it’s really a group of high-income people who have a lower-than-average death rate, just like people on Long Island and wealthy parts of Westchester [in New York state]– she added.

Some states have seen no improvement since 2015 in interim statistics analyzed by Stateline, which could change as the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention makes modern age adjustments at the state level.

New Mexico’s age-adjusted death rate was 9% higher last year than it was 10 years ago, as drug overdose deaths continue to plague the state and are more than twice the national rate.

In June, Democratic New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham called for such a solution restitution from the federal government over allegations that U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration officials knowingly released supplies of fentanyl into the state during multiple presidential terms. In one case, a whistleblower alleged, agents were eyeing the trade of 1.8 million fentanyl pills in hopes of catching higher-ranking dealers and suppliers.

New Mexico also faces higher rates of deaths from alcohol-related liver disease and gun homicides. Neighboring Arizona, where the death rate is 5% higher than 10 years ago, also has a high rate of overdose deaths and a high rate of gun suicide.

Death rates in Iowa and Oklahoma also increased by 5% compared to 2015. Iowa has a higher than national rate of deaths from falls, typical of an aging rural population lacking daily supervision. Oklahoma has a similarly high rate of deaths from falls, as well as nearly four times the national rate of deaths from high blood pressure and hardening of the arteries – both problems that can be controlled with medications.

Iowa “recognizes fall-related deaths as a serious public health issue,” state Department of Health and Human Services spokeswoman Danielle Sample wrote in an emailed statement. This decline is related to older age groups and probably rural areas’ access to health care and preventive services, she added.

The state has a fall prevention system program which emphasizes exercises to maintain mobility and monitoring excess medications that can cause dizziness, destitute vision and unsafe home conditions.

Campbell told Stateline that almost two-thirds of the improvement in the nation’s death rate from 2024 to 2025 came from people aged 15 to 44.

The improvement was particularly enormous for youthful people ages 25 to 34, which includes younger Millennials and older Generation Z, which was hit tough early in the pandemic by homicides and drug overdose deaths, Campbell told Stateline. She said the accident rate, a category that includes drug overdoses, gun accidents and traffic accidents, dropped 6% in one year, and the homicide rate dropped 14%.

It’s tough to be sure how much the death rate has changed from 2024 to 2025 because the methodology has changed, Crystal noted, accusing the CDC of “grabbing a good news headline” by chronicling the seemingly historic decline prominently on the blog item.

For 2025, the CDC used a variety of methods to calculate the rates, including more adjustments to 2020 Census data serving as the basis for age adjustments, noting in the report that the results are subject to change and “should be interpreted with caution.”

When asked about the issue, the CDC said in a statement to Stateline that “because this is an interim report, we have not delved into changes in population denominators” and that it “plans a short report that will show the impact” of changes in death and birth rates in the modern statistics.

In any case, the Trump administration probably can’t take credit for the current decline in the death rate, which would reflect years-old policy changes that are slowly taking effect, Crystal said.

“This is not the time to see the impact of what Trump is doing now. It will take five years,” Crystal said.

Not a single youth killer has dropped: The gun suicide rate has increased 14% since 2015, according to a Stateline analysis. Suicide has affected youthful people from Generation Z to a greater extent than previous generations.

Rates for blacks and Latinos have increased over the past 10 years, while rates for other groups have declined, according to Stateline’s analysis.

“We are improving as a country. We should celebrate that. But many segments of the population are lagging behind,” said Ali Mokdad, a professor of health metrics sciences at the University of Washington.

Mokdad credited medical advances with the reduction in heart disease that occurred despite increased obesity.

“The decline in cardiovascular disease was due to better blood pressure control,” Mokdad said. “Blood pressure medications were very expensive when they first came out. Now blood pressure medications are so cheap that you can buy a three-month supply of them for less than the price of a cup of coffee.”

Stateline reporter Tim Henderson can be reached at: thenderson@stateline.org.

This story was originally produced by state linewhich is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network that includes Pennsylvania Capital-Star, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.

July 23 advisory: Millions pour into key congressional fights

thepennsylvaniapatriot.com — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 12:46:10 +0000

Thursday. One day away

Headlines. Millions attend three races in Pennsylvania. ‘No solution’ before murder sentencing deadline. ICE formally withdraws plans to build two AP detention centers. The 10 best ice cream flavors in America

Your morning, pick me up. Passenger. Iggy Pop

Weather in Pennsylvania
Cochranton | Sunny, 74
McConnellsburg | Sunny, 79
Berwick | Sunny, 80

What we hear. A fresh Emerson College Polling survey of likely 2026 voters shows Democrats have an 11-point lead over Republicans on overall congressional ballots, leading 53% to 42%.

Voices of reason. In the latest episode of Voices of Reason, PoliticsPA’s Steve Ulrich and his guests discuss the integrity of the elections. What does election integrity mean to you? Is an ID document required to vote? Does he make sure non-citizens don’t vote? Do you want the government to have Pennsylvania voter rolls? Mercer County Elections Director Thad Hall and the Committee of 70 Senior Advisors on Electoral Administration Benyo Team will share their thoughts on absentee ballots, the SAVE Act, and more.

Tips. PoliticsPA is Pennsylvania’s leading source of unbiased political news and analysis. Tips and press releases can be submitted [email protected].

PoliticsPA Guide was developed by Steve Ulrich. To read in your browser click here.

The most significant story

1. Key battles: Millions of people weigh in on three Pennsylvania races that could decide control of the chamber

“Millions of dollars have been poured into three Pennsylvania House races that could determine which party controls the chamber in November.

According to the Cook Political Report’s House Race Ratings, which assesses the competitiveness of all 435 chamber elections, 18 contests were rated as toss-ups. Pennsylvania hosts three such races, the most of any state. All three districts are currently represented by Republicans and have played key roles in Democrats’ path to regaining the majority in the House of Representatives, making Pennsylvania’s races some of the most closely watched.” | Open secrets

Elsewhere

Josh Shapiro may be the biggest fundraising juggernaut in Pennsylvania history. “A governor seeking re-election with an eye on a presidential run is raising more money than any other Pennsylvania chief executive since at least 2010.” | Questioner from Philadelphia

House lawmakers passed a bill restricting trading in congressional stock. “The House passed a bill on Wednesday that would prevent members of Congress, their spouses and children from buying individual stocks. But the bill is unlikely to advance to the Senate, where Republican leaders have shown little interest in the issue. ” | known

The family of US Representative Dan Meuser bought shares of Musk’s SpaceX. “Four members of Congress, incl Representative Dan Meuser (R-09), who sit on committees that directly regulate Elon Musk’s SpaceX, now have a family stake in the company’s stock. All four serve on powerful House committees that could influence SpaceX’s business activities – two on the House Armed Services Committee, which is tasked with drafting the annual defense authorization bill and overseeing SpaceX, a major defense contractor. | known

‘No amnesty!’: Migrant farmer bill causes major split in GOP. “Conservatives are brutally destroying the Republican-led legislation as a ‘betrayal’ of the party’s immigration agenda and mobilizing President Donald Trump’s base to halt years of efforts to help farmers. A bill introduced by veteran House Agriculture Chairman GT Thompson proposes the possibility of gaining temporary legal status for some farm workers who entered the country illegally – language that has gained support from industry groups and dozens of House co-sponsors.’ | Policy

Self-proclaimed Everyman of the Republican Party caught with luxurious habits. “The Republican lawmaker who was exposed for secretly possessing a helicopter also spent thousands of dollars renting a private jet — all while campaigning as an ordinary Pennsylvanian. Rep. Rob Bresnahan, 36, spent more than $23,000 on a private charter flight in May, documents show. ” | Everyday Beast

Country

2. AP House Democrats Expect ‘No Resolution’ Before Crime and Murder Sentencing Deadline

“While top prosecutors are pushing for the state House to approve a Republican-sponsored murder regret measure, a spokesman for House Democratic leaders says no deal has still been reached despite a last-minute voting session scheduled for Thursday.

And while the state Senate proposal has passed twice with bipartisan support, House Democrats are not expected to approve the GOP-backed legislation. | THAT’S ALL

Elsewhere

The deadline for a decision on Pennsylvania’s “crime of murder” statute is approaching.. “Pennsylvania is less than 48 hours away from the state Supreme Court’s deadline to change its second-degree murder sentencing laws.” | PoliticsPA

McNeil leaves, Aguilera enters General Services. “Changes are coming in the Shapiro administration. Gov. Josh Shapiro announced Wednesday that Department of General Services Secretary Reggie McNeil “will terminate his term of service effective July 31, 2026.” “Deputy Executive Secretary Sandra Aguilera will take over McNeil’s role the following day.” | PoliticsPA

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved Mastriano’s nomination as ambassador. “After a heated hearing before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, State Senator Doug Mastriano is one step closer to being confirmed as U.S. Ambassador to Slovakia.” | PoliticsPA

‘Squad’ member Summer Lee confuses two Jewish Democrats – then Ilhan Omar tries to defend her and is reminded of her own voice. “What kind of name is that?” “Branch” Rep. Summer Lee confused two Jewish Democrats with the surname “Josh” on Tuesday in an attempt to impinge on Rep. Josh Gottheimer after he warned about the rise of socialism in the party. | New York Post Office

Around the Republic of Poland

3. ICE formally withdraws plans to build two detention centers in Pennsylvania

“The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has formally changed its plans to create two ICE detention centers in Pennsylvania that would house up to 9,000 immigrants, Governor Josh Shapiro said Wednesday.

The decision, made amid opposition from the state and local communities, marks the end of efforts to convert warehouses in Berks and Schuylkill counties as the Trump administration works to vacate some facilities that were intended to support its mass deportation program.’ | Questioner from Philadelphia

Elsewhere

Muth criticizes budget gimmicks and failure to comply with data center regulations. “State Sen. Katie Muth took to town hall online Monday, focusing on the recently passed state budget she voted against and data centers. She pulled no punches.” | Pottstown Mercury

Lehigh Valley Town officials have signed confidentiality agreements with the company at the center of the data center dispute, Records Show. “The debate surrounding the Lower Mount Bethel Township data center proposal went beyond environmental and quality of life concerns and included sharp questions about the level of transparency elected officials owe voters.” | Morning talk in Allentown

FBI: More than 100 files of child pornography found in former Pittsburgh-area lawmaker’s home. “According to a complaint filed in federal court, former Democratic Rep. Jesse White told agents he collected more than 100 files while searching the dark web using encrypted accounts. After Tuesday’s search of White’s home in Upper Allen Township, he was arrested on two federal child pornography charges.” | PennLive

Lackawanna County commissioner’s top aide resigns after accusation of political ‘bulky arming’. “The manager of the Electric City Trolley Museum says a Lackawanna County employee told him his job could be in jeopardy if he did not support the employee’s candidacy for a Democratic Party county office last week.” | WVIA

Editorial

4. What do you think about it?

US Senator John Fetterman and the long game plan in the political arena | David Reel
Fetterman, do what you can to stop corruption | Amy Kurland
Why did Josh Shapiro appoint this anti-transgender Republican to the Pennsylvania Civil Rights Commission? | Christopher Wiggins
Why aren’t more 18-year-olds registering to vote in Pennsylvania? | Grandstand overview
Election security, declassified documents and local response | Felicia Good
Krasner’s office is accused of lying and cutting corners to get an acquittal – and the wrongly convicted may pay the ultimate price | Questioner from Philadelphia
Why is Pennsylvania fighting to keep the list of deceased voters secret? | Beth Ann Rosica

1 item

5. Here are the 10 most popular ice cream flavors in America

“There’s no shortage of kid-friendly delight in the ice cream aisle. From better-for-you pints to maximalism and vegan options, there’s never been more variety. But according to new data, nothing beats the classics.”

Vanilla continues to top shopping charts as America’s favorite ice cream flavor, according to a fresh report from delivery platform Instacart. About 21% of all ice cream orders in 2025 contained vanilla, making it the most frequently purchased purchase in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

“It’s easy to dismiss this option as the default, but vanilla is a great social equalizer in the freezer aisle” – Instacart Trend Analyst Alex Orellana explains.” | Food and wine

Thank you for starting your day with us.
We turn around and head towards the weekend. See you on Friday.

Doug Mastriano’s nomination to be ambassador to Slovakia is moving forward in the U.S. Senate

thepennsylvaniapatriot.com — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 21:46:19 +0000

State Sen. Doug Mastriano, R-Franklin, addresses a crowd of Trump supporters at the Pennsylvania State Capitol on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, the day the presidential race was called for Democrat Joe Biden (Capital-Star photo).

On Wednesday, the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted along party lines to nominate state Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-Franklin) as ambassador to Slovakia.

The former Republican Party candidate for governor was selected for the position by President Donald Trump in May.

Mastriano said he will continue to serve in the Pennsylvania Senate as the confirmation process moves forward. With the committee vote on Wednesday, Mastriano will face a vote in the GOP-controlled U.S. Senate.

During a committee hearing last week, members of the Democratic Party questioned Mastriano about his views and actions regarding the 2020 election.

Nearly six years ago, Mastriano became one of Pennsylvania’s most vocal supporters of Trump’s debunked claims that the election was stolen from him. As a state senator, he unsuccessfully urged the Pennsylvania Legislature to overturn the commonwealth’s popular vote, hosted Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani at a partisan Senate committee hearing in Gettysburg weeks after the 2020 election, attended the Jan. 6 rally that led to a violent riot at the Capitol, and spent campaign money to fly supporters to Washington that same day.

Under questioning by Sen. Tim Kaine (R-Va.), Mastriano declined to directly answer questions about the winner of the 2020 election.

“Joe Biden has been certified,” Mastriano said in response to a question about who won the popular vote and the electoral college.

Pennsylvania Republican Sen. Dave McCormick, who also served on the committee, advocated for Mastriano. Introducing him, he emphasized the legislator’s military service.

During his thirty-year military career, Mastriano spent time in Europe, first in Germany and Czechoslovakia at the end of the Cold War, and later at NATO Headquarters in Germany. He served in Operation Desert Storm and the war in Afghanistan, and retired as a colonel in 2017 after conducting strategic studies at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle.

“The Slovak Republic is an important NATO ally located at the strategic crossroads of Central Europe,” McCormick said. “At a time when this alliance faces significant security challenges… this position requires a leader with strategic judgment, deep knowledge of NATO’s inner workings and first-hand experience working with our allies, with an unwavering commitment to America’s interests.”

Senator Doug Mastriano (R-Franklin) speaks at the State Capitol. (Photo: Whitney Downard/Pennsylvania Capital-Star)

In addition to investigating his activities surrounding the 2020 election, Democrats are questioning Mastriano over his past comments and allegedly anti-Semitic statements.

Sen. Jacky Rosen (R-Nev.) accused Mastriano of having contacts with Holocaust deniers and making anti-Semitic statements. She asked him about his story comparing US policies, which he dislikes, to the Holocaust AND citing the persecution in Nazi Germany to describe his own Gov. Josh Shapiro’s double-digit defeat in 2022.

Mastriano said he has since worked with Pennsylvania’s Jewish community to raise funding for Holocaust education and said, “I wouldn’t do it today.”

The committee’s 12-10 majority vote came after Texas Republican John Cornyn’s threats to derail Mastriano’s nomination.

Cornyn told a Semafor reporter that he would block the nominations of Mastriano and another Trump ally, Kari Lake, who was nominated to be ambassador to Jamaica, unless the Trump administration began making funds available to fight AIDS in Africa.

Finally, Cornyn voted for Mastriano’s nomination Wednesday.

The birth of American fine art: Philadelphia celebrates the opening of the nation’s first art museum and school

thepennsylvaniapatriot.com — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 21:29:18 +0000

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Imagine America in 1805.

At this point, the United States – all 17 of them – had established a working constitution and were pioneering a democratic system of government. The country celebrated its 29th year and was entering adulthood. Americans not only asked themselves how to build a nation, but also how to cultivate it.

“We look at the landscape and say, ‘Well, what’s missing?’” said Brittany Lewis, PAFA’s director of education and community engagement. “How are you going to protect art and culture? We will not only need a museum, but we will need a school so that we can create works of art that will hang in the museum.”

Artists such as painter and scientist Charles Willson Peale and sculptor William Rush joined forces. They founded the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, a space created by creators for creatives.

“At the time, Charles Willson Peale was thinking, ‘I’m an artist and I know it’s important for America to embrace our heritage, so I’m going to start doing that,’” Lewis said. “When I’m in a historic building, in our rotunda in front of Peale’s – in his museum – I explain to our guests that this is an innovation.”

“It’s Peale who says we need a museum in the United States, so I’m going to create one here in Old Town.”

Brittany Lewis, PAFA Director of Education and Community Engagement (Nick Kariuki/Billy Penn)

Since its inception, PAFA has paved the way for future world-renowned institutions in our country, such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. PAFA recently partnered with PMA to host a major centennial event, “A Nation of Artists,” showcasing great works by American artists over the last 250 years. The exhibition includes loaned works of art from The Middleton Family Collection, including: Painting “Flag” by Jasper Johns.

“I hope the people of Philadelphia remember that just because we’re first doesn’t mean we’re first,” Lewis said. “I need the community to come visit us, see ‘A Nation of Artists,’ and look at it not as an exclamation point, but as a question mark. “What is American Art?”

PAFA’s first sculpture #1 by artist and alumnus Jonathan Laidacker.

To celebrate PAFA’s achievements, the academy is hosting a “Firstival” event this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to celebrate its status as the “first” art school in the country. Attendees can view painted sculpture #1 by PAFA alumnus Jon Laidacker and tour the museum. There will also be arts and crafts activities in which guests can take part.

“We will be doing tours of A Nation of Artists so you can see the exhibit,” Lewis said. “Our guides will be there. It is family warm. Pay what you want and juvenile people can make art to go, so there’s something for everyone at every age.”

Lewis also encourages Philadelphians to learn about PAFA’s educational programs.

“We are also a school,” she added. “So tell your friend we have our certificate program. We have youth classes and even [adults] I can come and take a printmaking class to a sculpture, anything you want.

Below you will find BP’s full guide to all this year’s Firstivals.

PAFA’s first sculpture #1 by artist and alumnus Jonathan Laidacker.

Completed

Week 1: Successful Balloon Flight in America (1793)

Week 2: Mummers Parade, the country’s first folk parade (1901)

Week 3: Volunteer Fire Department (1736)

Week 4: Professional Basketball League (1898)

Week 5: Public sale of Girl Scout cookies (1932)

Week 6: African Methodist Episcopal Congregation (1794)

Week 7: Abolitionist Society in America (1775)

Week 8: Authentic Chinese Gate Built in America (1984)

Week 9: Public Protest Against Slavery in America (1688)

Week 10: Flower Show (1829)

Week 11: Women’s Medical College (1850)

Week 12: Matches (1892)

Week 13: Medical School (1765)

Week 14: The Stadium (1895)

Week 15: Circus Performance (1793)

Week 16: Botanical Garden (1728)

Week 17: Postmaster (1737)

Week 18: American-made piano and sousaphone (1775 and 1893)

Week 19: Mother’s Day (1908)

Week 20: Hospital in America (1751)

Week 21: World’s Fair on American soil (1876)

Week 22: Steamer for carrying passengers and cargo (1787)

Week 23: The American Flag (1777)

Week 24: American Army (1775)

Week 25: Annual Reminder Demonstration (1965)

Week 26: Paper Manufacturer in America (1690)

Week 27: Bank of the United States (1791)

Week 28: Organized Baseball Team (1831)

Week 29: Ice Soda (October 1874)

Upcoming

• American Art School (1805)
July 25, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 118-128 N. Broad St.

• Scientific Society of Natural History (1812)
Aug. 1 at the Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

• The Zoo of America (1874)
Aug. 8, Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Ave.

• US Mint (1793)
August 15 (location to be determined)

• Selfie (1839)
August 22, Love Park, 1501 John F. Kennedy Blvd.

• Slinky (1943)
August 29, Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

• Signing of the Constitution (1787)
September 5, National Constitution Center, 525 Arch St.

• Continental Congress (1774)
September 12 at Carpenters’ Hall, 320 Chestnut St.

• Naming the United States (1776)
September 19, Independence Hall

• Ronald McDonald House (1974)
September 26, Ronald McDonald House, 3925 Chestnut St.

• Prison in America (1829)
Oct. 3, East Jail, 2027 Fairmount Ave.

• First Peoples
Oct. 10, Penn Museum, 3260 South St.

• United States Navy and Marine Corps (1775)
October 17, Arch Street Meeting House, 320 Arch St.

• Public screening of the film (1870)
October 24, Philadelphia Film Society, 1412 Chestnut St.

• A newfangled detective story written (1841)
Oct. 31, Edgar Allan Poe House, 532 N. 7th St.

• America’s Thanksgiving Parade (1920)
November 7, Benjamin Franklin Parkway

• University in America (1740)
November 14, Houston Hall, University of Pennsylvania, 3417 Spruce St.

• Children’s Hospital of America (1855)
Nov. 21, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Main Building, 3401 Civic Center Blvd.

• Pencil with attached eraser (1858)
November 28, National Freedom Museum, 321 Chestnut St.

• Weather office (1870)
December 5, Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St.

• Electronic computer (1945)
December 12, University of Pennsylvania, 3451 Walnut St.

• Public Lending in America (1731)
December 19, The Library Company of Philadelphia, 1314 Locust St.

• Philadelphia’s first dishes: cheesesteaks (1930s), water ice (1932) and bubble gum (1928)
December 26, Reading Terminal Market, 1136 Arch St.

Editor’s note: WHY President and CEO Bill Marrazzo serves as chairman of the board of trustees of the Independence Historical Trust.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved Mastriano’s nomination as ambassador

thepennsylvaniapatriot.com — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 19:53:53 +0000

After a stormy hearing before the Foreign Affairs Committee of the US Senate, St Senator Doug Mastriano (R-Adams/Franklin) is one step closer to being nominated as U.S. ambassador to Slovakia.

On Wednesday morning, the committee voted along party lines 12-10 in favor of Mastriano’s nomination. The nomination must still be approved by a Senate vote.

His. John Cornyn (R-Texas) threatened to withhold his support for Mastriano’s nomination unless the Trump administration provides evidence of progress in making funds available for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). After receiving assurances that the government’s worldwide HIV and AIDS treatment program would receive what it was owed, Cornyn voted for approval.

Mastriano’s nomination and Lake Kari for the Ambassador to Jamaica will now be sent to the full Senate for review and probable confirmation.

Mastriano, the GOP’s 2022 candidate for governor, was criticized by Democratic committee members over past comments.

“You have contact with anti-Semites and Holocaust deniers.” You. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) Mastriano said during a hearing last Thursday. “You have associated yourself with 9/11 conspiracy theorists. Your comments about foreign leaders are not diplomatic in nature.”

He told lawmakers he was present at Trump’s speech at The Ellipse and was not involved in the Capitol riot. When asked at the hearing who won the 2020 election, Mastriano told lawmakers that Joe Biden was declared the winner.

Mastriano was also asked whether “all U.S. political leaders should be Christians,” to which he replied that he had a proven track record of upholding the Constitution and its values.

Mastriano, a former U.S. Army officer, has represented Adams and Franklin counties since 2019. He previously served in West Germany, Iraq and Afghanistan before teaching at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle.

US Senator Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), who serves on the Committee on Foreign Affairs, expressed his support for Mastriano following his nomination.

“If confirmed, he will be a great ambassador,” McCormick said in May. “Doug dedicated his life to serving our nation in uniform and in public office, and I wish him all the best in this important role of representing America abroad.”