Alford, Mark RSS Articles

Rep. Mark Alford Applauds NSF’s $160 Million Kansas City Award Following His Push and Letter of Support

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mark Alford applauds the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) decision to award the University of Missouri-Kansas City-led Critical Materials Crossroads Engine up to $160 million in federal funding, following bipartisan advocacy efforts including a letter of support he sent to help secure the investment.

Rep. Alford joined colleagues in urging NSF to select the Kansas City region, highlighting its strong workforce, infrastructure and leadership in advanced manufacturing and research.

“This is a big win for Missouri’s Fourth District and for America’s future,” said Mark Alford. “Rebuilding our domestic supply chains for critical materials strengthens our national security, supports energy independence and drives economic growth. I was proud to send a letter supporting this effort, and I’m glad to see that work deliver real results for Missouri.”

The Critical Materials Crossroads Engine, led by the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), brings together more than 260 partners across higher education, industry, government and workforce organizations. The initiative aims to expand domestic production of materials essential to modern technologies, including semiconductors, batteries, aerospace components and medical devices.

The investment positions the Greater Kansas City region as a national hub for critical materials innovation, commercialization and workforce development. According to regional estimates, the effort could create approximately 10,000 jobs by 2036 and generate up to $40 billion in economic output.

“This investment reinforces that the Heartland has the workforce, infrastructure and expertise to lead in rebuilding America’s industrial base,” Alford added.

“Kansas City is uniquely positioned to drive innovation and ensure the United States is no longer dependent on foreign adversaries for the materials that power our economy and national defense.”

The award includes an initial $15 million over two years, with the potential to grow to $160 million over the next decade if key milestones are met.

The NSF Regional Innovation Engines program supports cross-sector partnerships to accelerate critical technologies, strengthen regional economies and maintain U.S. leadership in innovation.

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Alford Highlights America First Wins in House-Passed FY27 National Security Appropriations Bill

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC— Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the National Security, State Department, and Related Programs (NSRP) funding bill for fiscal year 2027.

“This FY2027 National Security, State Department, and Related Programs bill advances President Trump’s America First agenda,” said Congressman Alford. “We’re cutting spending $2.69 billion below last year’s level while delivering robust support for key allies like Israel and Taiwan and holding adversaries like Communist China and Iran accountable. This legislation prioritizes fiscal responsibility, protects American taxpayer dollars, promotes self-sufficiency in foreign assistance, and ensures our foreign policy strengthens U.S. national security.”

Congressman Alford secured several priorities in the NSRP funding bill, including:

Cutting all federal funding for the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) to ensure American taxpayers are not bankrolling left-wing content that undermines our national interest, while creating new global broadcasting programs under the direct oversight of the State Department.
Language to ensure more foreign assistance provided by American taxpayers is Made in America by strengthening domestic procurement requirements.
Provisions to advance President Trump’s America First Health Policy to ensure partner nations are increasing their cost-sharing.
Provisions to ensure timely processing of visas and passports associated with the upcoming World Cup, which Kansas City will host this summer.
Appropriate funding of National Security Investment Programs under the State Department to ensure that all foreign assistance is supporting national security—not woke projects overseas.
Provisions urging the State Department to ensure that American defense manufacturing remains dominant and prevent foreign entities from undermining our defense industrial base.

A summary of the bill is available here.

Bill text is available here.

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Rep. Mark Alford Announces $18 Million Federal BUILD Grant for Belton Infrastructure Project

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) announced that the City of Belton has been awarded an $18 million federal BUILD grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to support the “Belton to AMERICA” infrastructure project.

Earlier this year, Rep. Alford wrote a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation expressing his strong support for the project and highlighting its importance to regional infrastructure, economic growth, and job creation.

The funding will be used to construct a critical last-mile, multi-modal freight connection linking the Kansas City Inland Port to the interstate highway system. The project includes completion of the Markey Parkway and Bales Avenue connections and will enhance freight mobility, improve safety, and strengthen the region’s economic competitiveness.

“I was proud to support this project because it delivers exactly what our region needs—stronger infrastructure, safer transportation, and more good-paying jobs,” said Rep. Alford. “This investment will help position Belton and the entire Kansas City region as a national logistics hub while supporting American manufacturing and economic growth.”

The project is expected to improve freight efficiency and expand access to markets, allowing goods to reach nearly half of the U.S. population within one day. It will also support future industrial development and job creation in the area, particularly at the Markey Business Park.

“We are so proud and excited to receive this grant,” said Greg Rokos, Assistant City Manager and Public Works Director. “We will use these funds to provide access to Markey Business Park that will help increase jobs in the City.”

In addition to freight improvements, the project includes multimodal enhancements such as a multi-use trail and sidewalk to ensure safer access for pedestrians and cyclists.

“This is a big win for Missouri’s Fourth District. I look forward to seeing this project move forward and deliver lasting benefits for our communities,” Alford concluded.

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Alford Leads Missouri Delegation in Urging Transparency and Continued Investment in Fort Leonard Wood’s Critical Training Mission

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. — This week, U.S. Congressman Mark Alford announced he and members of the Missouri Congressional Delegation have sent a formal letter to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll seeking clarity and transparency regarding any internal proposals that could affect the future of Basic Combat Training (BCT) at Fort Leonard Wood.

The delegation emphasized that while it strongly supports Army modernization and force optimization efforts, that any changes affecting foundational training missions must be deliberate, fully vetted, and aligned with long-term readiness goals.

“Fort Leonard Wood is not just a Missouri installation—it is a national asset that underpins the Army’s ability to train and deploy a ready fighting force,” said Congressman Alford. “We fully support efforts to strengthen and modernize the Army, but that must include growing and sustaining the training footprint that produces the engineers, military police, and CBRN specialists our military depends on.”

Alford also underscored concerns that incremental personnel or mission shifts could, without proper oversight, effectively alter the installation’s role without congressional review.

“There must be full transparency with Congress when it comes to decisions of this magnitude. Any proposal that impacts Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood must be evaluated openly, with clear analysis of readiness, cost, and long-term training capacity to ensure we are strengthening—not weakening—the Army’s ability to fight and win,” concluded Alford.

The letter requests a detailed briefing from the Department of the Army and the Office of the Secretary of War regarding any ongoing assessments, including impacts on readiness, infrastructure investment, military construction needs, recruiting pipelines, and community effects.

The delegation reiterated its commitment to ensuring that Missouri remains a central hub for military training excellence and that Fort Leonard Wood continues to play a growing role in supporting Army readiness in the years ahead.

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Alford, Correa Introduce Bipartisan “Online Accessibility Act” to Expand Access & Protect Small Businesses

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) and Congressman Lou Correa (CA-46) introduced the Online Accessibility Act, bipartisan legislation to modernize the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for the digital age while protecting small businesses from abusive website lawsuits.

The legislation establishes clear, uniform accessibility standards for consumer-facing websites and mobile applications and creates a structured process to ensure issues are fixed—rather than exploited.

“Missouri small businesses want to do the right thing—they want their websites accessible to everyone,” said Congressman Alford. “What they don’t want is to be hit with vague demand letters or forced into costly settlements over technical issues they weren’t given a chance to fix. This bill brings clarity, fairness, and accountability to the system—protecting access for individuals with disabilities while also protecting small businesses from predatory lawsuits.”

The Online Accessibility Act:

Establishes clear federal accessibility standards for websites and mobile applications

Requires notice and an opportunity to fix accessibility issues before legal action
Creates a structured enforcement process through the Department of Justice
Provides flexibility for small businesses working in good faith to comply

Across Missouri and the country, small businesses have faced a growing wave of website accessibility lawsuits—often over minor or unclear violations—with little opportunity to correct issues before legal action is taken.

State-level efforts have also begun to address the issue. According to the Missouri Independent, more than 100 locally owned businesses in Missouri have been targeted by website-related ADA lawsuits, with some forced to pay significant settlements or shut down operations.

Accessibility matters, and it should be the goal, not an afterthought,” Alford continued. “This bill makes sure the focus is on fixing problems and expanding access, not enriching trial lawyers.”'

“Websites need to be accessible to all customers. Small businesses in Southern California work hard to be accessible to all, but for too long there’s been a lack of clarity and guidance for them,” said Congressman Correa. “This bill will increase accessibility while also providing clarity to small businesses and giving them a chance to fix issues before being hit with costly lawsuits.”

The legislation builds on growing bipartisan momentum at both the state and federal level to curb abusive litigation practices while strengthening accessibility protections.

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Alford Bill to Facilitate Small Business Technology Adoption Passes House

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC—Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Congressman Mark Alford’s (MO-04) Small Business Technological Advancement Act (H.R. 915), bipartisan legislation that ensures small businesses can use SBA 7(a) loans to invest in modern digital tools and technology needed to compete in today’s economy.

“Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy. They create jobs, strengthen communities, and drive innovation across this country,” said Congressman Alford. “But in today’s economy, they cannot compete without access to modern technology and digital tools.

This bill provides a simple, commonsense fix by making clear that SBA 7(a) loans can be used for the technology that keeps Main Street competitive — including software, cloud services, cybersecurity, and other essential tools. It removes uncertainty, expands opportunity, and helps entrepreneurs focus on what they do best: growing their businesses and creating jobs," said Congressman Alford.

Watch Congressman Alford’s remarks on the House floor here.

The bill clarifies that loan funds may be used for essential business technologies such as accounting software, payroll systems, cybersecurity tools, inventory management platforms, cloud services, and emerging artificial intelligence applications. By codifying current federal guidance, the legislation streamlines access to capital and helps small businesses modernize and grow.

The House Small Business Committee previously advanced the legislation with strong bipartisan support.

The bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration.

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Alford leads Resolution Honoring Kansas City’s Efforts Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) introduced a resolution honoring the tremendous effort undertaken by the people of Kansas City, Missouri, Kansas, and surrounding communities in preparing to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Representatives Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Tracey Mann (KS-01), and Wesley Bell (MO-01) joined the resolution as original cosponsors.

“Kansas City and the surrounding communities have stepped up in a truly incredible way to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. From our first responders and local leaders to small businesses and volunteers, this is truly a team effort. We’re not just ready to host the world—we’re ready to show it what the heartland can do, and I’m proud to lead this effort in Congress on behalf of Missouri's Fourth District and surrounding areas,” said Congressman Alford.

“Kansas City is the soccer capital of America, and whether it is the barbecue or the Midwest manners, we’re excited to welcome the world as we share all that our great city has to offer,” said Congressman Emanuel Cleaver. “After years of preparation and regional cooperation to get to this point, I look forward to the joy and economic benefits the World Cup will bring to the people of Kansas City, our small business community, and the workers who have made it all possible.”

“Kansas City is the soccer capital of the United States, and this World Cup has already proven why,” said Congressman Tracey Mann. “I am grateful for the leadership that went into planning this moment and setting Kansas City up for success so that our community can show fans from around the globe what Midwestern hospitality is all about.”

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to be the largest tournament in history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and drawing an estimated global audience of more than 6 billion viewers.

Kansas City, one of 11 host cities in the United States, has quickly established itself as the “Soccer Capital of America” due to its world-class facilities, central location, and strong culture of hospitality.

The resolution:

Honors the dedication and hard work of Kansas City-area communities in preparing to host the World Cup;
Recognizes the scale and complexity required to organize a global event of this magnitude;
Affirms that international events of this caliber can be successfully hosted outside of major coastal cities; and
Commends the small businesses, teams, schools, volunteers, and public officials working to welcome the world.

Read the full text of the resolution here.

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Alford Celebrates Appropriations Committee Advancing America First Homeland Security Funding Bill

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) issued the following statement after the House Appropriations Committee passed the Homeland Security funding bill for fiscal year 2027 early this morning.

"Securing our nation means protecting the heartland, and the Homeland Security funding bill for 2027 does exactly that,” said Congressman Alford. “Beyond providing the aggressive resources needed to secure our borders and deport criminal aliens, this legislation champions our local heroes right here in Missouri. By delivering $3.8 billion in crucial grant funding—including millions explicitly for our firefighters and first responders—we are ensuring our local communities remain resilient. From taking fentanyl off our streets to investing in the frontline defenders of our land and maritime borders, this bill safeguards both American security and taxpayer dollars."

The Fiscal Year 2027 Homeland Security funding bill:

Champions public safety and homeland preparedness by:

Upholding the America First vision by realigning DHS priorities around its fundamental mission: defending the nation against the threat posed by terrorists, criminals, and foreign adversaries to ensure the safety and security of every American.
Enhancing resources to detect and counter the spread of deadly drugs, like fentanyl, that poison our communities.
Partnering with state and local law enforcement to enhance immigration enforcement and homeland defense capabilities.
Protecting vulnerable children by strengthening investigations of exploitation, human trafficking, and forced labor.
Bolstering disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts for U.S. communities through increased grant funding for firefighters and first responders.
Supporting security preparation and planning for the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, and other National Special Security Events.

Supports the Trump Administration and mandate of the American people by:

Enhancing the operational execution of the homeland security provisions of the Working Families Tax Cuts, which prioritize security and safety through long-term border security and immigration investments.
Funding the military pay raise for Coast Guard servicemembers.
Prohibiting funding for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts.
Ensuring no funding to non-governmental organizations that facilitated the Biden border crisis.
Codifying the Trump Administration’s reductions to bloated federal bureaucracy.

Bolsters U.S. national security and border protections by:

Providing $3.8 billion for ICE custody operations to strengthen the Trump Administration’s efforts to detain and deport all criminal and removable aliens.
Providing $439 million to sustain 22,000 Border Patrol agents.
Providing $226 million to improve baggage screening equipment at airports.
Providing $135 million to counter China by increasing the Coast Guard’s Indo-Pacific footprint.
Providing $97 million for unmanned systems to improve maritime domain awareness.

Safeguards American taxpayer dollars and preserves core functions by:

Reallocating $100 million from previous appropriations to sustain the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) core mission functions.

A summary of the bill is available here.

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Alford Applauds Labor-HHS-Education Funding Bill’s Focus on Mental & Rural Health Care

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) issued the following statement after the House Appropriations Committee passed the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education funding bill for fiscal year 2027.

“I was proud to support the Labor-HHS-Education funding bill, which delivers smart, targeted investments in biomedical research, rural health, and workforce training while slashing waste to save taxpayer money,” said Congressman Alford. “This legislation advances President Trump’s America First agenda by bolstering our national security through biodefense and domestic manufacturing, protecting taxpayer dollars from fraud and abuse, and prioritizing real solutions like mental health support and skilled trades apprenticeships. It also helps Missouri families and communities thrive without growing Washington’s bloated bureaucracy but delivering almost $3 million we secured in responsible investments to improve rural health care in the Fourth District.”

Through his role on the Appropriations Committee, Congressman Alford secured $2,800,000 in federal investments for critical healthcare projects in the Fourth District to help turn the “Show Me State” into the “Grow Me State,” including:

$1,000,000 for Jordan Valley Community Health in Lebanon, MO to contribute to the construction of a new 25,000-square-foot facility that will expand access to coordinated medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, and PACE services for seniors and medically underserved residents.
$1,000,000 for Citizens Memorial Hospital in Bolivar, MO to modernize the hospital’s emergency medical service system by replacing outdated and high-use equipment to improve patient care and protecting the safety of first responders.
$500,000 for Compass Health in Nevada, MO to support the construction of a new, fully integrated health care clinic providing comprehensive primary medical, behavioral health services and a 24/7 Behavioral Health Crisis Center to meet the health care needs of residents of Vernon County.
$100,000 for Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler, MO to assist in the purchase of a new HVAC system for the hospital, which is vital medical infrastructure that supports patient safety, infection control, and continuous operations.
$100,000 for Mercy Hospital in Lebanon, MO to upgrade mammography imaging equipment at its rural cancer center, improving patient outcomes, early detection, and access to care.
$100,000 for Preferred Family Healthcare in Columbia, MO to support the renovation and consolidation of the agency’s three Columbia-based Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) clinic sites into a single community clinic that will improve access to timely, coordinated, integrated, and multidisciplinary care.

Other Alford priorities secured in the Labor-HHS-Education funding bill include:

$575 million for rural health initiatives, including many provisions in support of rural hospitals to help combat the risk of closure.
- Language complementing Rep. Alford’s Sustaining Rural Healthcare Act to support rural healthcare facilities that are struggling financially but do not meet all the criteria for official Critical Access Hospital designation.
- A provision forcing federal agencies to recognize the ongoing crisis of rural hospital closures.
Increased funding for portable bio-containment units (PBCUs), like those manufactured by MRIGlobal in Kansas City, as part of the ongoing response to evolving infectious disease threats such as Hantavirus and Ebola.
Robust funding and numerous provisions to address the mental health crisis in Missouri and across America.
- $10 million increase for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline above FY26 levels.
- Increased funding for the Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Program.
- Language acknowledging suicide a growing public health problem that requires strategic prevention approaches.

Read more about the legislation here.

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Alford Secures $1 Million for El Dorado Springs Public Safety Building in House-Passed Funding Bill

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 8646, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027. Through his role on the Appropriations Committee, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) secured $1,000,000 in the House-passed legislation for the construction of a new public safety building in El Dorado Springs.

This targeted investment will help provide a new facility for both the police and fire departments, modernizing operations, improving response times, and enhancing the services first responders can provide to the El Dorado Springs community.

“We’re securing federal funding reasonable projects in Fourth District communities like El Dorado Springs to improve public safety and keep our neighborhoods secure,” said Congressman Alford. “This million-dollar investment will go toward a new facility to house the police and fire departments, which will significantly improve the city’s emergency response capabilities. With safer streets, families in our communities can grow and prosper. Together, we’re turning the ‘Show Me State” into the ‘Grow Me State.’”

Here’s what El Dorado Springs elected leaders are saying about this critical federal investment:

“The City of El Dorado Springs is very appreciative of your efforts in helping secure this much-needed assistance. Thanks to your support, our police and fire departments will be able to relocate from an outdated 1940s-era electric power plant that has become cramped and inefficient for modern public safety operations,” said El Dorado Springs Mayor Allen Hicks. “This funding will help make possible a modern facility designed to improve operational efficiency, better serve our community, and provide room for future growth. The positive impact of this investment will be felt for many years to come. On behalf of the City of El Dorado Springs, thank you for your commitment to our community and for helping make this important project a reality.”

"This $1 million Federal Agriculture Appropriations investment is a significant step forward for El Dorado Springs and the future safety of its residents,” said Missouri State Rep. Dane Diehl. “I'm grateful for the support we received from Congressman Alford and other federal leaders who recognize the importance of strengthening public safety infrastructure in our rural communities."

“The Cedar County Commission is pleased that Congressman Alford‘s efforts helped pass a $1 million rural community grant for our county,” said Cedar County Associate Northern Commissioner Ronald Alumbaugh. “The Cedar County Commission is in support of the continued efforts of the El Dorado Springs Police and Fire Departments in constructing and relocating to a much-needed appropriate modern facility. The existing facilities are outdated and extremely crowded. Included in the proposed construction plan is an area for developing a regional training facility. Fire Chief Bob Floyd, Chief of Police Bret Dawn, City Manager Bruce Rogers, and the City Council worked closely together in developing and submitting this proposal. The anticipated construction of the expanded training facility will better prepare fire, police, and first responders to provide services and deal with a variety of emergency situations. In addition, this modernization will better accommodate existing equipment, personnel and the development of area wide communication and training.”

Community Project Funding is a way for Members of Congress to direct federal money to specific local projects in their districts as part of the annual appropriations, or government funding, bills. This gives Members a tool to address real community needs, with new rules implemented to reduce waste and increase transparency compared to the previous earmark process.

Congressman Alford is the only Missourian on the powerful House Appropriations Committee, which controls the purse strings for the entire federal government. Through this role, Alford secured almost $23,000,000 in targeted investments in Fiscal Year 2026 for the Fourth District to help turn the “Show Me State” into the “Grow Me State.”

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Agriculture Listening Session on The Farm Bill

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 14:00:00 GMT

Event Date Monday, August 14, 2023 – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Address
2503 W 16th St
Sedalia, MO 65301
United States

I'm excited to share with y’all that I’m hosting an Agriculture Listening Session on the Farm Bill on August 14 at the Missouri State Fair. We’re thrilled to have Governor Mike Parson and Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson join us.

Agriculture is the backbone of our Missouri economy, and I know that the perspectives of our hard-working farmers and ranchers are crucial to shaping effective farm bill policies.

I hope to see you all there!

Please find all details in the graphic and mark your calendars!