Senator Mastriano

It was also great to reconnect with Colonel Peter Nieuwenhuis, Netherlands Military Attaché to the United States. I had the privilege of serving as his Strategic Research Project advisor at the U.S. Army War College and later worked with him as part of Project 1721, developing strategic approaches to the defense of the Baltic nations. A good man and a dedicated professional, it was an honor to see him again.

THROWBACK THURSDAY: First day as Senator - June 10, 2019 #ThrowbackThursday

On April 23, 1791, James Buchanan, the 15th President of the United States, was born in Pennsylvania.

Buchanan served as President from 1857 to 1861 during one of the most challenging periods in American history, just before the outbreak of the Civil War. Prior to his presidency, he held many roles in public service, including Congressman, Senator, Secretary of State, and U.S. Minister to the United Kingdom.

Honored to attend the International Fellows Hall of Fame induction at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle recognizing General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Staff of the Indian Army, and Lieutenant General Nico Tak of the Netherlands. I had the privilege of serving as General Dwivedi’s instructor in 2016 and previously worked alongside Lt. Gen. Tak during NATO’s Steadfast Pinnacle exercise in the Baltics. Proud to reconnect with both leaders and celebrate their distinguished service and continued leadership on the world stage.

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Mastriano Guides Bills to Support Volunteer First Responders through Committee

HARRISBURG — The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee approved five bills today to support and enhance the important work of Pennsylvania’s first responders, according to Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33), who chairs the committee.

“Our brave firefighters and EMTs, who put their lives on the line to protect us during our worst moments, have been facing serious challenges in recent years,” Mastriano said. “From protecting firefighters from toxic chemicals, to removing burdensome requirements, to ensuring all dispatchers have access to key resources, these bills help support our first responders as they work to keep us safe.”

The committee advanced two measures to restrict the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a toxic “forever” chemical, in firefighting foam. Senate Bill 980, sponsored by Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) and Sen. Nick Miller (D-14), and House Bill 1261, sponsored by Rep. Brian Munroe (D-144) and Rep. Zachary Mako (R-183), ensure firefighters and communities across Pennsylvania are protected from the harmful, long-term effects of PFAS exposure.

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On April 22, 1864, Congress passed an act allowing the phrase “In God We Trust” to be included on newly minted United States coins for the first time.

First appearing on the two-cent coin during the Civil War, the motto reflected the nation’s reliance on faith and hope during one of the most difficult periods in American history. Over time, “In God We Trust” would become a lasting symbol of the country’s heritage and values, later adopted as the official national motto of the United States in 1956.