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In this Update:
The US Navy’s 250th Birthday Commemoration
Tuesday’s Navy 250th Birthday event was outstanding! I was honored to have the Chambersburg Navy JROTC Color Guard present a beautiful Presentation of the Colors. Vocalist Elijah Hipkins absolutely knocked it out of the park with his moving rendition of the National Anthem. Bruce Apgar, Retired Commander, United States Navy, delivered a dynamic and inspiring speech, and my amazing wife Rebbie led us in a powerful prayer that set the tone for the day. I was especially proud to honor my favorite sailor — Aviation Mate First Class Richard Mastriano, my father. He served 20 years across the Pacific, Atlantic, Arctic, and even the Antarctic — keeping our fleet flying and our nation strong. He was the hardest-working, most patriotic man I’ve ever known. He taught me what service and endurance truly mean. Happy 250th Birthday to the United States Navy — and thank you to all who have served under the flag of freedom. On the Middle East Peace Agreement and the Release of Israeli Hostages
Monday, we witnessed the kind of leadership the world has been waiting for. Under the bold and decisive direction of President Donald J. Trump, the October 2025 Middle East Peace Plan has achieved what many said was impossible — a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and the release of twenty Israeli hostages who had been held in brutal captivity. This is not just diplomacy. It is courage in action. President Trump’s peace plan represents the most significant breakthrough for stability in the region in decades. It couples strength with compassion — the hallmark of true American leadership. By demanding the release of hostages, ensuring a verified ceasefire, and laying the groundwork for lasting security, this plan restores both hope and humanity to a region torn by violence. As a veteran who has seen the cost of war firsthand, I am deeply grateful for any act of statesmanship that spares innocent life and upholds justice. President Trump has shown that peace is not weakness — it is the triumph of resolve and faith. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania stands with the people of Israel, celebrates the safe return of these hostages, and commends President Trump for proving that principled American leadership can still move the world toward peace.” Bill Targeting Catalytic Converter Thefts Passed by Senate
Pennsylvania is one of the top states in the country for catalytic converter thefts, with thieves targeting the car part for its precious metals – leaving families and businesses to deal with the costly aftermath. We passed legislation to strengthen regulations and equip law enforcement with better tools to track and prosecute offenders. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 914 repeals the Scrap Metal Theft Prevention Act and moves the requirements to Title 18, the Crimes Code. Title 18 requires scrap processors and recycling facilities to collect buyer information, set commercial-account rules, restrict purchases of certain materials and create penalties. Senate Votes to Expand College Aid for Foster Children
The Senate approved legislation to expand tuition aid for foster children and adopted youth to cover those from other states, attracting talented students to help fill in-demand jobs and boost the commonwealth’s weak population growth. Senate Bill 432 would expand the Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program, which waives higher education tuition and fees for children in the foster care system and those who were adopted. The program is currently available only to state residents and the legislation would expand it to eligible nonresident students for undergraduate courses at Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education schools. The measure builds on the GROW PA plan I supported last year to improve Pennsylvania’s competitiveness by, among other steps, attracting and retaining students to pursue college degrees. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Open Government: Tracking How Your Tax Dollars are Spent
Government is funded by money paid by taxpayers, and these resources are available to shed light on how those dollars are being spent by the commonwealth. The PennWATCH website allows citizens to keep tabs on the state budget, spending and revenue. Pennsylvania also makes it easy for people to review state purchases, lobbyist registrations and reports and campaign finance reports. Announced earlier this year by state Treasurer Stacy Garrity, OpenBookPA is a vast resource of data and information related to state finances. It includes the Fiscal Health Scorecard, the daily balance of every state fund and the Contracts e-Library, which allows people to search all state contracts valued at $5,000 or more. Give Your Feedback on PennDOT Construction, Maintenance Services
Through Oct. 21, motorists can take an online survey to give their feedback on Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) construction and maintenance services. The 22-question survey asks participants how they receive PennDOT roadway information and how often PennDOT meets or exceeds expectations in construction and maintenance activities. Respondents are also asked about experiences with reporting concerns to the department, and whether or how they use the state’s 511PA traveler information services. PennDOT is directly responsible for nearly 40,000 miles of highway and 25,400 bridges. A summary of recent projects and funds spent can be found in the 2024 Annual Report. Expanding Coverage of Breast Cancer Screenings
Earlier this year, the Senate passed a bill to expand insurance coverage for breast cancer screenings, including MRIs and ultrasounds, with no out-of-pocket costs. It was another major step forward in early detection and access to care. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I’m hopeful the House of Representatives will pass this legislation, so more Pennsylvanians have access to these lifesaving screenings. Read more about breast cancer risk and new resources available for early detection here.
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