Alford, Mark RSS Articles

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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Alford, Real Estate Caucus Co-Chairs Increase American Home Building Efficiency Act

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) joined (KS-01), alongside Real Estate Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Tracey Mann (KS-01) and Lou Correa (CA-46), as well as Reps. Brad Finstad (MN-01) and Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), to introduce the Build American Efficiency Act, legislation to help home builders and manufacturers more easily comply with Build America, Buy America requirements and build American homes faster.

“I’m proud to join our Real Estate Caucus Co-Chairs in introducing the Build American Efficiency Act,” said Rep. Alford. "This commonsense bill will reduce regulatory burdens by making Buy America, Build America compliance easier for our home builders and manufacturers. This bill clarifies that HUD can recognize auditable, verifiable databases — like the Make It American Process Standard — to help document compliant American-made products. It does not mandate any database, but simply gives builders better tools so we can build more American homes faster with American products.”

“America needs more homes, not Washington red tape,” said Rep. Mann. “The Build American Efficiency Act is a commonsense bill that will help builders, manufacturers, and housing providers navigate complicated federal compliance requirements without sacrificing our commitment to American-made products. By allowing HUD to recognize auditable and verifiable systems that identify BABA-compliant materials, this bill will reduce unnecessary delays, cut down on waiver requests, and help get more homes built across the country."

“I am pleased to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan bill to speed up the building of new homes,” said Rep. Correa. “By cutting red tape, this bill helps builders comply with federal requirements to use American-made construction materials. It will increase our housing supply and make it easier for Southern Californians and others across the nation to afford the American Dream.”

“Determining compliance in the Build America, Buy America (BABA) program often wastes valuable time submitting waivers and trying to determine approvals," said Rep. Finstad. "The Build American Efficiency Act streamlines this process for our nation’s home builders and manufacturers, reducing costly delays, boosting efficiency, and helping build American homes faster. I’m proud to join Congressman Tracey Mannas an original cosponsor on this important legislation for our housing industry and those who build the spaces we call home."

“We need commonsense solutions to tackle our nation’s housing shortage and bring costs down for working families,” said Rep. Johnny Olszewski. “The bipartisan Build American Efficiency Act will make it easier for builders and manufacturers to comply with federal requirements, reducing unnecessary delays and helping to build more homes, faster. This is a practical solution that uplifts American-made products and American workers.”

The Build American Efficiency Act would:

Clarify that the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development has the authority to recognize auditable and verifiable systems that document products that comply with Build America, Buy America domestic content requirements
Allow HUD to treat documentation generated under the Make It American Process Standard, or similar standards that provide an auditable and verifiable certification process, as sufficient evidence for domestic content certification
Help manufacturers, builders, and funding recipients more easily determine which products comply with BABA requirements
Reduce time spent navigating waiver requests, duplicative paperwork, and uncertainty over which products have or have not been approved
Preserve flexibility by ensuring the bill does not mandate the use of any one database or prohibit recipients from using other lawful methods to certify compliance.

The Build American Efficiency Act is supported by ABB, Associated General Contractors, Eaton, National Association of Electrical Distributors, National Association of Realtors, National Electrical Contractors Association, National Electrical Manufacturers Association, Prysmian, Schneider, Siemens, and Southwire.

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Alford Advances $1.6 Million for Cass County Digital Forensics Unit

Mon, 08 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 $1,597,750 to modernize the Cass County Sheriff’s Digital Forensics Unit in the House-passed legislation.

This targeted investment will construct a secure addition to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office to address growing demand for digital evidence processing by providing updated laboratory space, climate-controlled evidence storage, upgraded infrastructure, and specialized forensic equipment to support law enforcement investigations.

“Through our work on the Appropriations Committee, we’re pursuing targeted investments for reasonable projects in the Fourth District focused on healthcare, law enforcement, and infrastructure,” said Congressman Alford. “I was proud to secure this funding for the Cass County Digital Forensics Unit. By modernizing and expanding the unit’s capability, we’re helping bolster public safety and protect our most vulnerable through the work of the Western Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Together, we will turn the ‘Show Me State’ into the ‘Grow Me State.’”

“I am very appreciative of Congressman Alford's work to secure funding for this project. It will directly strengthen our ability to protect children and support our partner agencies,” said Cass County Sheriff Jeff Weber. “Expanding our forensic capacity means faster analysis, quicker identification of offenders, and better outcomes for victims.”

Digital evidence now plays a role in nearly every major investigation. In 2025 alone, the Digital Forensics Investigative Unit processed 589 devices totaling 127 terabytes of data. Investigators assigned to the 7 county Western Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received 245 cyber tips, opened 190 investigations, and identified 36 child victims. Current facility limitations contribute to backlogs that can delay arrests, victim identification, and court proceedings.

Here’s what other Cass County elected leaders are saying about this critical federal investment:

“We are grateful to Congressman Alford for securing this funding to help protect children in Cass County and across western Missouri,” said Cass County Presiding Commissioner Bob Huston. “This investment strengthens the work of law enforcement and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force by providing the tools needed to investigate crimes against children, identify offenders, and help keep our youngest and most vulnerable citizens safe.”

"Public safety is a top priority,” said Missouri State Rep. Sherri Gallick (District 62). "Without safe communities, families, businesses, and economic growth cannot thrive. Thank you to Congressman Alford for securing this important investment for Cass County. Modernizing the Digital Forensics Unit will strengthen investigations, preserve critical evidence, and enhance law enforcement’s ability to keep our communities safe.

“I wish to convey my profound thanks to Congressman Alford for his unwavering support of Law Enforcement, especially his instrumental role in securing funding for the Cass County Sheriff's office to upgrade their digital evidence storage and processing capabilities,” said Missouri State Rep. Bill Irwin (District 55). Drawing from my experience as a retired Lees Summit Police Officer and my current role on the Crime and Public Safety Committee in the House of Representatives, I recognize the pivotal role this plays in ensuring the successful prosecution of crimes and protecting our citizens. Thank you, Congressman Alford, for your exceptional service; please keep up the fantastic work.”

“We greatly appreciate and strongly support Congressman Alford’s efforts to secure funding in the Agriculture Appropriations bill for the modernization of the Cass County Sheriff’s Digital Forensics Unit. This investment is especially important for a county like ours, where many of our communities are rural and often face unique funding challenges for such things. These improvements will strengthen law enforcement’s ability to investigate crimes, protect victims, and support the critical work of the Western Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force,” said Harrisonville, MO Mayor Mike Zaring.

“We appreciate Congressman Mark Alford’s continued leadership and commitment to representing communities of all sizes across our region. We are fortunate to have a representative who is so accessible and willing to advocate not just for larger cities, but also for the needs of the smaller rural municipalities,” Mayor Zaring continued. “His efforts are crucial in making sure all communities have a voice and access to the resources needed to remain safe and secure.

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 aiming to reduce waste and increase transparency compared to the previous earmark process.

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Alford Advances $15.2 Million for Fourth District as Appropriations Committee Passes Transportation and Housing Funding Bill

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Mark Alford issued the following statement after the House Appropriations Committee advanced the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies funding bill for fiscal year 2027.

“The House Appropriations Committee has now advanced three quarters of our funding bills through the full committee—ahead of time and under budget,” said Congressman Alford. “I’m incredibly proud this latest bill includes more than $15 million for critical Fourth District infrastructure projects as we work to turn the ‘Show Me State’ into the ‘Grow Me State.’ As communities across the Fourth District expand and we continue our efforts to attract additional growth to the region, it’s vital that our roads and bridges keep up. This bill also expands access to the American Dream of homeownership and will make housing more affordable, which are two of my top goals as Co-Chair of the Real Estate Caucus.”

Through his role on the Appropriations Committee, Congressman Alford secured $15,200,000 in federal investments for critical infrastructure projects in the Fourth District to help turn the “Show Me State” into the “Grow Me State,” including:

$5,200,000 for the I-70/Lefholz Road Interchange Project in Jackson County to bolster the development of a new interchange at I-70 by adding a new connection between McQuerry and Lefholz Roads to address continued growth in the eastern portion of the county, including in Grain Valley and Oak Grove.
$4,000,000 for the I-70 Expansion Companion Infrastructure Project in Columbia, MO, which will complement the existing state-led expansion by adding one lane in each way through the city and enhancing pedestrian safety features.
$3,000,000 for the Dallas-Laclede County Bridge Replacement Project, which will enhance multimodal connectivity by providing a shared-use path connection by replacing a functionally deficient bridge, as well as providing safety and operational improvements, along the 64 Highway corridor at the Dallas-Laclede County Line hear Bennett Springs State Park.
$3,000,000 for the Cedar-Polk 32 Highway Infrastructure Improvements Project, which will enhance safety and improve traffic operations along the 32 Highway corridor along the border of Cedar and Polk Counties by constructing turn lanes and curve realignments, while also replacing a functionally deficient bridge.

Other Alford priorities included in the Transportation & HUD funding bill include:

Language to provide Missourians with timely notifications of severe weather by ensuring the National Weather Service’s Weather Service Units at the Federal Aviation Administration’s air traffic control centers are fully staffed.
Investments in transportation safety to modernize air traffic control bu providing resources to hire 2,300 new controllers and replace dated telecommunication infrastructure—building on the investments from the Working Families Tax Cuts.
Requirements for HUD to study the impact of mortgage portability, which would allow federally backed mortgages to be carried between properties by a single borrower.
Directs agencies to support small and rural small and rural communities in navigating competitive grant processes, while increasing transparency in the evaluation and award selection process for discretionary grants.
Provisions to exempt first-time homebuyers who are first responders or teachers from mortgage insurance premiums, while encouraging HUD to consult with the Veterans Administration to examine whether VA Home Loans could be incorporated into a similar program.
Language to support manufactured housing, giving rural families more options for affordable housing and an additional path to the American dream of homeownership.

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House Passes Agriculture Funding Bill, $4+ Million for Fourth District Projects

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) celebrated the U.S. House of Representatives passing H.R. 8646, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027.

Watch Congressman Alford’s remarks on the House floor in support of H.R. 8646 here or by clicking the image above.

As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Alford secured $4,254,782 in reasonable federal investments for the Fourth District to help turn the “Show Me State” into the “Grow Me State,” including:

$1,597,750 to modernize the Cass County Sherriff’s Digital Forensics Unit, including the construction a secure addition to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office to address growing demand for digital evidence processing by providing updated laboratory space, climate-controlled evidence storage, upgraded infrastructure, and specialized forensic equipment to support law enforcement investigations.
$450,000 for water quality and fire protection improvements in the City of Lexington to enhance water quality, reliability, and public safety for residents and businesses in Lexington while strengthening the overall resilience of the community’s water system.
$1,000,000 to construct a new public safety building in El Dorado Springs for both the Fire and Police Departments, enhancing the services first responders can provide to the community.
$1,000,000 for wastewater infrastructure improvements in the City of Higginsville, including installation of a new wastewater pump station and force main, to centralize treatment and provide essential sanitary sewer services.
$207,032 to upgrade the 911 emergency system in Morgan County by modernizing the call handling system as well as hardware and software with support, enabling NextGen Core Services connection to the ESI net, implementing Text-to-911, and Net Clock.

Additional Alford priorities secured in the FY2027 Agriculture appropriations bill include:

Expands efforts to address foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land by improving the USDA’s tracking system for foreign-owned land and ensuring the Secretary of Agriculture remains a member of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to review agricultural transactions that implicate national security.
Continued support for agricultural research and education at the University of Missouri, including $3 million for Livestock Genetic Engineering and Health Research and dedicated funding for the Center for Agroforestry.
$10 million in dedicated funding for the National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP), which provides satellite and aerial imagery used for weather forecasting and agriculture.
The PURR Act, which establishes the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) as the sole regulatory authority over pet food for dogs and cats. The pet food industry is a major job creator in Missouri.
A provision to allow frozen fruits and vegetables in the GusNIP program, in line with Congressman Alford’s SHOPP Act.
A $500,000 increase in funding for the U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) to support Missouri pork producers.
Continued support for efforts to combat High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) to support Missouri poultry producers.
New support for research on diseases in cattle spread by Asian Longhorned Ticks to support Missouri cattle ranchers.
Enhanced support for Operation Stork Speed by bolstering the domestic infant formula supply by encouraging more efficient and streamlined formula manufacturing inspections.

Read the bill text here.

Read a summary of the legislation here.

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Alford, Missouri Delegation Urge President Trump to Grant Gov. Kehoe’s Request for Major Disaster Declaration

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Mark Alford joined the Missouri congressional delegation in sending a letter to President Trump in support of Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe’s request for a major federal disaster declaration, which would include Saline County. This comes after the devastating tornadoes and storms that struck Missouri from April 23 through April 28, 2026.

Joining Congressman Alford in the letter to President Trump are Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO), Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08), Congresswoman Ann Wagner (MO-02), Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06), Congressman Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Congressman Eric Burlison (MO-07), Congressman Bob Onder (MO-03), and Congressman Wesley Bell (MO-01).

Read the full letter here or below.

“Dear President Trump,

“We write to support Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe’s May 22 request for a major federal disaster declaration, pursuant to the Stafford Act, following devastating tornadoes, straight-line winds, severe storms, large hail, and flooding that struck Missouri from April 23 through April 28, 2026. If approved, this declaration would promptly authorize federal aid for affected residents and compensate local governments for their emergency response and recovery expenses in 12 counties throughout Missouri.

“These recent Missouri storms produced at least eight confirmed tornadoes and record-setting, nearly 5-inch hail. More than 140 households and significant public infrastructure have been affected across the dozen counties. Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments by federal, state, and local officials have documented more than $36 million in eligible damages—triple Missouri’s threshold to qualify for federal disaster assistance. The damage is well beyond the normal capacity of the affected communities to address without federal assistance.

“We respectfully urge your immediate consideration and approval of Governor Kehoe’s disaster declaration request so that Missouri families, local governments, and first responders can access the federal resources they urgently need.”

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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!