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In this Update:
Operation Enduring Freedom Event
25TH ANNIVERSARY OF OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM Afghanistan became an important part of my life. I served several tours there, ultimately leading soldiers from 18 nations. We wore different uniforms and spoke different languages, but we shared the same mission and the same risks. As we commemorated the 25th anniversary of Operation Enduring Freedom, it was a tremendous honor to hear firsthand from several men who served in Afghanistan, including veterans and those still serving in uniform, as they shared their experiences and reflections. We were also blessed with wonderful musical performances made this commemoration even more meaningful. Twenty-five years later, I remember the soldiers, the Afghan children we helped, those who came home carrying unseen burdens, and especially those who never came home. The ending of the war was painful, but this remains true: Our soldiers did not fail. They served with courage, honor, and extraordinary professionalism. We owe our fallen more than gratitude. We owe them wisdom. May God bless all who served in Operation Enduring Freedom, our fallen and their families, and the United States of America. Civil Air Patrol Briefing
As Chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee, I convened an informational meeting with the leadership of the Pennsylvania Wing of the Civil Air Patrol. The Pennsylvania Wing includes more than 1,800 volunteers serving in 47 squadrons and six groups across the Commonwealth. As the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, Civil Air Patrol serves through three congressionally chartered missions: Aerospace Education, Cadet Programs, and Emergency Services, including search and rescue, disaster relief, and homeland security support. We received an excellent briefing from PA Wing Commander Col. Leslie Herr and her team, followed by the swearing-in of members of the Civil Air Patrol Legislative Squadron. I was especially impressed by the outstanding young people who joined us: Cadet 1st Lt. Lucy Draeger, Cadet Maj. Aaron Keohane, Cadet Maj. Sebastian Oprea, Cadet 2d Lt. Ava Shumway, and Cadet Maj. John White. Their professionalism, confidence, knowledge, and commitment to service were remarkable. Pennsylvania has much to be proud of in these young leaders. Thank you to everyone in the Civil Air Patrol for your dedication to our Commonwealth and nation. Beagle Bill Progress (SB 381)
We’re making historic progress for Pennsylvania’s dogs and cats! Our bipartisan Beagle Bill (SB 381) has cleared second consideration in the House and is now awaiting action by the House Appropriations Committee. If approved by the committee, the bill could advance to third consideration and a final House vote! After four years of tireless work alongside Senator Carolyn Comitta, we’re closer than ever to seeing this legislation reach the finish line. The fight for these animals continues, and we’re not giving up! Measures to Support Guard Spouses & Veterans with PTSD
The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, which I chair, advanced a bill and a resolution to establish a loan repayment program for Pennsylvania National Guard spouses and expand treatment options for veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Senate Bill 1471, which I sponsored, would allow a Guard member’s state education benefits to be applied toward repayment of their spouse’s existing student loan. The change was requested by the Pennsylvania National Guard Association and would not require any additional taxpayer funding. Senate Resolution 122, which I sponsored with five other veteran senators, would urge Congress to pass the TREAT PTSD Act, which would expand access to Stellate Ganglion Block therapy, a specialized PTSD treatment for veterans and members of the armed forces. I’m very proud of the committee’s work to help veterans and active-duty service members. These important measures help ensure those who put their safety on the line to protect our communities have the support they need to thrive. Read more about the bill and resolution here. Treat No Transport Reimbursement for EMS Agencies
Legislation I introduced to assist EMS agencies by ensuring proper Medicaid reimbursement for calls in which treatment is provided but the patient is not transported to a hospital was approved by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. Senate Bill 1147 would implement a set Medicaid reimbursement rate for “treat, no transport” calls, bringing financial clarity and predictability to EMS agencies. Current law requires reimbursement based on “reasonable costs,” resulting in varied payment amounts which are frequently less than the average cost for the service. EMS professionals put their safety on the line to care for us during the worst moments of our lives, yet their agencies are facing increasingly serious financial challenges. This bill is a commonsense step to strengthen public safety and sends a clear message that we support our first responders. Read more about this bill here. Veteran Service Officer Meetings
VETERAN SERVICES – CHAMBERSBURG DISTRICT OFFICE ** Our NEXT available appointment date is THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026 ** On the third Thursday of each month, starting September 17th, a Veteran Service Officer with the Pennsylvania American Legion will be available BY APPOINTMENT ONLY at my Chambersburg District Office to assist veterans and their families. Assistance is available with: State and Education Benefits Military Personnel and Medical Records Compensation and Pension Claims Burial and Survivor benefits Enrollment in the VA Health Care System. 📍 Chambersburg District Office Email: dmastriano@pasen.gov *Please note: Office hours are BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Please call or email to schedule an appointment. Our NEXT available appointment date is THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026 If you served our nation, we are here to serve you. Monthly Photo Submission
Monthly Photo Submission! Show Us What Makes Adams & Franklin Counties Special! Our communities are filled with incredible people, beautiful landscapes, historic places, and unforgettable moments. I want to help showcase the very best of Adams and Franklin Counties through a new Photo of the Month Contest! Whether it’s a breathtaking sunrise, a family farm, a community event, a veteran being honored, a historic landmark, wildlife, or a special moment that captures the spirit of our region, I encourage you to submit your favorite photos. At the end of each month, I will personally review the submissions and select a Photo of the Month. The chosen photo will be featured on my social media platforms, and the photographer will be recognized for their outstanding work. This is a great opportunity to celebrate the people, places, and moments that make Adams and Franklin Counties such wonderful places to live, work, and raise a family. Submit your best photos by clicking on the link provided and help tell the story of our communities! I look forward to seeing our counties through your lens. Throwback!
Rebbie and I during our college days at Eastern College (now University) in St. Davids, Pennsylvania, just a few months before I proposed. We didn’t know all the adventures, challenges, and blessings that lay ahead. We just knew we wanted to face them together. Senate Acts to Strengthen Property Rights
Property rights are enshrined in both the U.S. and the Pennsylvania constitutions, and the Senate approved legislation to strengthen protections against warrantless entry onto private property by Pennsylvania Game Commission personnel. Senate Bill 1431 would require Game Commission personnel to obtain a valid warrant before entering private property, including posted land, unless a judicially recognized exception to the warrant requirement applies. Current law gives Game Commission personnel broad authority to enter land outside buildings, whether posted or otherwise. Senate Bill 1431 would place clear limits on that authority while preserving recognized exceptions to the warrant requirement. Read more about the effort to strengthen property rights. School Bus Driver Safety Bill Approved by Senate
Approximately 1.5 million children are transported on school buses every day in Pennsylvania, and the Senate approved legislation aimed at keeping reckless bus drivers from getting behind the wheel. Senate Bill 1262 would increase penalties for school bus drivers who transport children while under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance or a dangerous combination of both. Read more about this school bus safety measure. The latest Senate action follows passage last year of Senate Bill 65, which would increase the required stopping distance for drivers approaching from the opposite direction when a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing. Both bills await passage in the House of Representatives. Senate Passes Bill to Establish Animal Abuser Registry
The Senate approved Senate Bill 1311, known as Aimee’s Law, to help prevent convicted abusers from obtaining more animals by establishing a statewide animal abuser registry. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. People selling, transferring or offering dogs, cats or horses for adoption would be required to check the registry, which would be maintained by Pennsylvania State Police, and refuse placement with anyone listed. These requirements will help shelters, rescues and others placing animals in new homes identify convicted abusers before another animal is put at risk. The legislation is named after a six-month-old husky found abandoned in a crate beneath a bridge in Erie during subzero temperatures. She was severely underweight, covered in filth and suffering from frostbite on all four paws. Despite the rescuers’ efforts to save her, Aimee did not survive. Read more about Aimee’s Law. Measures Helping Nonprofit Fundraising Efforts Approved by Senate
The Senate approved two bills to give a boost to civic organizations, fire companies, veterans’ groups and other Pennsylvania nonprofits that rely on small games of chance for crucial fundraising. Under current law, clubs and organizations are limited to awarding no more than $35,000 in prizes from small games of chance each week. That cap has not been updated since 2013, despite inflation and the rising costs of programs these organizations fund. Senate Bill 995 would raise the weekly limit to $60,000, ensuring local groups can continue generating the revenue they rely on to support vital community programs and services. Read more about this bill. Senate Bill 465 would allow licensed clubs to retain up to 50% of their small games of chance proceeds, up from the current 40%. Clubs would continue to be required to use at least 50% of proceeds for public interest purposes. The change would provide clubs with more flexibility to cover operating costs while continuing to support their communities. Read more about this measure. The bills were sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Standing with Breast Cancer Survivors
I was proud to join the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition at the State Capitol as we kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness Month by turning the East Wing Fountain pink. It was especially meaningful to stand alongside breast cancer survivors and thrivers, advocates and families from across Pennsylvania who continue to bring hope and strength to this important cause. The event was a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection and ensuring women have access to the screenings, care and support they need. And here in Pennsylvania during October, we’re reminded that breast cancer is not a red or blue issue – it’s pink. It affects every one of us. Together, we can raise awareness, support those facing breast cancer and celebrate the survivors and thrivers who inspire us every day. |
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