Alford, Mark RSS Articles

Alford Applauds Over $27.7 Million in Federal Investments for Missouri VA Medical Facilities

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) today announced more than $27.7 million in federal funding for key infrastructure improvements, safety upgrades, and facility modernization projects at Missouri Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities serving Fourth District veterans.

These investments were funded through the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, where Congressman Alford serves as Vice Chair.

“Our nation owes an immeasurable debt of gratitude to the men and women who served in uniform,” said Congressman Mark Alford. “As Vice Chair of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee, ensuring our veterans receive top-tier care in modern, safe, and fully equipped facilities remains one of my highest priorities. These investments in Columbia and Kansas City will directly improve healthcare services, facility safety, and patient experiences for thousands of veterans across Missouri and the Fourth District.”

Background:

Below is a breakdown of the funded projects across Missouri VA facilities:

Kansas City VA: $15,623,365.35

$1,300,000.00 – Boiler Plant Safety Device Repairs and Replacements | Kansas City, MO
$345,626.00 – Correct Miscellaneous Electrical Deficiencies | Kansas City, MO
$275,000.00 – Emergency Repair of Steam Condensate Line | Kansas City, MO
$5,437,692.00 – FCA - Correct Deficiencies from Physical Security Study Report | Kansas City, MO
$947,810.00 – Modernize Elevators - Kansas City, MO | Kansas City, MO
$165,473.00 – Prepare Site for High-Cost Medical Equipment - RF/Cath | Kansas City, MO
$6,681,370.00 – Renovate Building 26 for Pharmacy, Phlebotomy, and Police | Kansas City, MO
$470,394.35 – Upgrade Pharmacy and Pharmacy Compounding Suite HVAC | Kansas City, MO

Harry S. Truman VA in Columbia: $12,080,410.76

$487,630.26 – Correct Structural Deficiencies | Columbia, MO (Harry S. Truman)
$4,074,534.00 – Install Dedicated Pharmacy Air Handler | Columbia, MO (Harry S. Truman)
$4,370,000.00 – Modernize Elevators - Columbia, MO | Columbia, MO (Harry S. Truman)
$442,865.00 – Perform Mechanical System Repairs | Columbia, MO (Harry S. Truman)
$486,203.00 – Prep Site for Interventional Radiology Equipment Replacement | Columbia, MO (Harry S. Truman)
$497,781.00 – Prepare Site for Cath Lab 1 New Equipment | Columbia, MO (Harry S. Truman)
$5,000.00 – Renovate Behavioral Health Clinic Phase 2 | Columbia, MO (Harry S. Truman)
$1,162,574.80 – Renovate Behavioral Health Phase 3 | Columbia, MO (Harry S. Truman)
$235,266.70 – Repair Parking Structure Deficiencies | Columbia, MO (Harry S. Truman)
$318,556.00 – Replace Flooring in Emergency Department | Columbia, MO (Harry S. Truman)

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Alford Announces $16.2 Million U.S. DOT Grant to Modernize COLT Railroad in Columbia

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has awarded $16,207,000 through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program to the City of Columbia, Missouri.

The funding will support the COLT Railroad Modernization Program, a vital initiative to upgrade the 21.4-mile Columbia Terminal Railroad (COLT) connecting Columbia and Centralia. Rep. Alford strongly championed this project, helping to secure the grant funding through robust advocacy, including sending a formal letter of support with Rep. Bob Onder (MO-03) to the FRA.

"The COLT railroad is a critical economic lifeline for Mid-Missouri, connecting our local manufacturers, agricultural producers, and building materials suppliers to the national freight network," said Congressman Alford. "I was proud to lead the charge and help secure this grant to ensure our region remains at the cutting edge of transportation innovation. This major investment will modernize our infrastructure, enhance safety, and pioneer autonomous rail technology right here in Missouri—all while supporting local jobs and boosting our economic competitiveness."

Project Summary

The total cost of the COLT Railroad Modernization Program is $20,827,000, backed by $16,207,000 in federal CRISI funding and $4,620,000 in non-federal cost shares contributed by private sector partners and the City of Columbia. Key components of the project include:

Autonomous Rail Technology Demonstration: Deploys self-propelled, autonomous railcar equipment to conduct the first documented demonstration of autonomous railcar operations on a regulated short line in the United States.
Phased Operational Safety Framework: Establishes an FRA-approved test program, progressing safely from terminal switching to maintenance-of-way activities and full mainline revenue-service demonstrations across 57 at-grade crossings.
Track and Infrastructure Upgrades: Procures and installs 36,000 sustainable, 100% American-made Evertrak composite rail ties, completes track tamping across approximately 6 miles of upgraded track, replaces three degraded turnout switches, and builds two Level 2 terminal charging units.
Workforce Development: Develops a comprehensive workforce training curriculum for remote operators, field engineers, and maintenance technicians in partnership with the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association.
Economic and Safety Growth: Preserves and expands rail access for Mid-Missouri businesses along a corridor that generates $670 million in total sales, supports 243 jobs, and drives state and local tax revenue.

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Alford to Host Staff-Led FY 2028 Community Project Funding Workshops

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Mark Alford announced Fiscal Year 2028 Community Project Funding (CPF) Workshops across Missouri’s Fourth Congressional District. These staff-led workshops will help eligible entities better understand the CPF application, approval, and disbursement process.

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

These workshops will be open to non-profits and local government officials that are eligible for CPFs.

Please find more information regarding eligibility here.
Eligible entities interested in participating in the workshops, please RSVP here.

They will also be open to the media. Any media organizations wanting to cover these workshops should please RSVP here.

Dates, times, and locations for the CPF Workshops can be found below:

Monday, October 19, 2026

Sedalia | 11 AM CT
Sedalia Public Library—Queen City Room
311 West 3^rd Street
Sedalia, MO

Columbia | 3 PM CT
Boone County Electrical Co-op—Amp Room
1413 Rangeline Street
Columbia, MO

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Warsaw | 11 AM CT
Truman Lake Visitors Center
29027 Visitors Center Road
Warsaw, MO

Buffalo | 2 PM CT
Buffalo Family Events
205 South Maple Street
Buffalo, MO

Rich Hill | 5 PM CT
Trent’s BBQ
720 E Walnut St
Rich Hill, MO

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Raymore | 9 AM CT
Raymore City Hall—Council Chamber
100 Municipal Circle
Raymore, MO

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Alford Introduces Legislation to Strengthen SBA’s Rural and Faith-Based Outreach

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04), Chairman of the House Small Business Committee’s Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations, introduced the Faith and Rural Small Business Act to strengthen the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) ability to serve rural and faith-based communities.

The legislation would codify the SBA’s Office of Rural Affairs and elevate its leadership to an Assistant Administrator. It would also establish a Center for Faith within the SBA’s Office of Entrepreneurial Development, led by a Director appointed by the SBA Administrator.

“The SBA should meet entrepreneurs where they are, whether that’s on Main Street in rural Missouri or in a faith community serving its neighbors. This legislation supports the SBA’s reorganization by strengthening its focus on rural America and faith-based entrepreneurship and ensuring more entrepreneurs can access the resources they need to succeed,” said Congressman Alford.

Read the full text of the legislation here.

Background:

The legislation builds on Alford’s efforts to make the SBA more responsive to communities outside Washington, D.C. In 2025, Alford introduced the Rural Innovation and Small Business Support Act to expand SBA outreach in rural communities and the Returning SBA to Main Street Act, which passed the House Small Business Committee and would decentralize SBA personnel across the country.

This legislation continues those efforts by strengthening the SBA’s Office of Rural Affairs and codifying a Center for Faith within the agency’s Office of Entrepreneurial Development.

The bill would amend the Small Business Act to formally establish both offices within the SBA’s organizational structure.

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Alford, Davids Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect America’s Medical Supply Chains, Support Kansas City Area Innovation

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, U.S. Representatives Mark Alford (R-MO-04) and Sharice Davids (D-KS-03) introduced the Critical Biomanufacturing Input Assessment Act. It’s a bipartisan bill that would help strengthen America’s biotechnology supply chains, support the growing medical industry in the Kansas City region, and address growing concerns about U.S. reliance on foreign suppliers — including China — for critical materials needed to produce medicines and other health products.

“As we work to bring more manufacturing back to American soil, we must ensure our biotechnology supply chains are secure, transparent and resilient,” said Congressman Alford. “This commonsense, bipartisan legislation will help identify vulnerabilities, reduce reliance on foreign adversaries like China, and protect the critical materials needed to produce lifesaving medicines and animal health products. I’m proud to partner with Representative Davids to strengthen innovation in the Kansas City region and safeguard our nation’s health and economic security.”

“Kansas City is creating the next generation of medicines, health products, and technologies that improve people’s lives — and we need to make sure American companies have the supplies they need to succeed,” said Congresswoman Davids. “This bipartisan bill will help us identify weaknesses in our supply chains, reduce our dependence on countries like China, strengthen American manufacturing, and create good-paying jobs while lowering healthcare costs. I appreciate Representative Alford’s partnership on this important, bipartisan effort.”

Many products Americans rely on — including medicines, vaccines, and animal health products — are made using biotechnology. But many companies do not have a clear picture of where the materials and equipment they depend on come from. Some critical supplies are made overseas, including in China, creating potential risks for our economy and national security. This bill will help identify these vulnerabilities before a disruption occurs.

The Critical Biomanufacturing Input Assessment Act would require the Department of Commerce to regularly review America’s reliance on foreign sources for important biotechnology supplies and equipment.

The information collected through this review would help:

Help businesses make better decisions about where to source materials;
Identify potential supply chain problems before they become emergencies;
Encourage more companies to manufacture critical supplies in the United States; and
Strengthen America’s ability to compete in the global biotechnology industry.

The Kansas City region is one of the country’s fastest-growing biotechnology hubs. It is home to the KC BioHub, a partnership focused on making Kansas City a national leader in biotechnology research, innovation, and manufacturing. The region is also home to the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor, one of the largest concentrations of animal health companies in the world.

These companies and research institutions rely on specialized supplies and equipment to develop products that improve human and animal health. Making sure those supply chains are strong and reliable is critical to their continued success.

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Alford Applauds Dept. of War Awarding F/A-XX Contract to Boeing

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) issued the following statement applauding the Department of War’s announcement that the contract to build the F/A-XX sixth-generation fighter jet to Boeing—meaning it will be built by Missouri workers in the Show Me State.

“Today’s announcement that the sixth generation F/A-XX fighter jet will be built by Boeing is a huge win for Missouri workers and economic growth in our state,” said Congressman Alford. “We have been vocal advocates of this from the start and worked tirelessly with the Trump Administration to make it a reality. The Show Me State will be a cornerstone of the rebuilding of our defense-industrial base. This is another step forward for our years-long campaign to develop a new national security corridor in the heart of America—with the Fourth District, its two major military installations, and numerous other defense equities smack in the middle of it all.”

Congressman Alford is a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee and represents two military instillations—Fort Leonard Wood and Whiteman Air Force Base—in Missouri’s Fourth District.

Through his role on the Appropriations Committee, which controls the purse strings for the entire federal government, Congressman Alford has been a consistent advocate for robust and sustained funding for next-generation airpower like the F/A-XX.

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Alford, Real Estate Caucus Call on Copyright Office to Reconsider Fee Increase for Multiple Listing Services

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) led a letter with his Congressional Real Estate Caucus Co-Chairs—Reps. Lou Correa (CA-46), Tracey Mann (KS-01), and Brittany Petersen (CO-07)—to the U.S. Copyright Office. The Real Estate Caucus is urging the Copyright Office to reconsider its fee increase on non-photographic databases, which include many Multiple Listing Services (MLSs).

At a time when high prices driven many hardworking families farther away from the American Dream of homeownership, Congress has made housing affordability a bipartisan priority. Yet, this misguided fee increase would undermine this progress by reducing transparency and increasing costs.

Reps. Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), Jack Bergman (MI-01), Monica De La Cruz (TX-15), and Jimmy Patronis (FL-01) joined the Real Estate Caucus Co-Chairs in sending the letter.

Read the full letter here or below:

“Dear Register Perlmutter:

“We write as Co-Chairs and members of the Bipartisan Congressional Real Estate Caucus to express our concern with the U.S. Copyright Office's final fee schedule submitted to Congress on July 14, 2026. In particular, the proposal would increase the fee for group registration of updates and revisions to non-photographic databases - the category used by many Multiple Listing Services (MLSs) - from $500 to $700 per filing. This comes only six years after the same fee increased from $85 to $500. We urge the Office to reconsider this additional increase before it takes effect.

“MLSs are a critical part of America's housing market. These organizations maintain the property information used every day by buyers, sellers, real estate professionals, lenders, and appraisers. They are also generally small, local, subscriber-supported organizations, not large corporations that can simply absorb repeated cost increases. Because MLS databases are continuously updated, many MLSs must register multiple times each year to maintain meaningful copyright protection against unauthorized scraping, copying, and misuse.

“The proposed increase is especially difficult to justify because MLSs remain stuck using a more expensive paper-based registration process while nearly all other copyright applicants can file electronically. The Office's own analysis reportedly places the cost of processing an MLS registration at approximately $500, yet the proposed fee is $700. It makes little sense to charge MLSs above the reported cost of providing the service while denying them access to the lower-cost, modern filing system available to other registrants. Local MLSs should not be forced to subsidize a bureaucratic process they cannot avoid or modernization efforts from which they do not yet benefit.

“We support a modern, efficient Copyright Office and recognize the need to recover reasonable costs. But fees should be fair, recover the reasonable cost of the service being provided, and structured to encourage -- not discourage -- copyright registration. Stakeholders have warned that MLS registrations are price sensitive and have already declined as fees have increased. At a time when Americans are facing serious housing affordability challenges, Washington should be looking for ways to reduce unnecessary costs in the housing market, not add to them.

“Accordingly, we respectfully ask the Copyright Office to:

Reconsider or delay the proposed increase from $500 to $700 and explain how that amount is justified when the Office's reported processing cost is approximately $500, including how the fee complies with the fair-and-equitable requirements of 17 U.S.C. § 708(b)(4);
Explain how the Office interprets 17 U.S.C. § 708(b) and H. Rept. 105-25 to permit charging MLS registrants more than the Office's reported cost of processing MLS registrations, and identify the principles the Office applies in determining when and by how much a fee may exceed cost;
Explain why the Office lacks authority to delay or modify the proposed MLS fee increase, despite having done so for other proposed fees in prior proceedings, and explain any legal or procedural constraints that would prevent it from doing so in this case;
Provide a concrete plan and timeline for allowing MLS registrations to be filed electronically, including any technological or administrative barriers that remain; and
Explain how the Office accounted for stakeholder evidence that MLSs are generally small, local organizations, that registrations are price sensitive, and that prior fee increases have already reduced participation.

“Congress has a 120-day review period, through November 12, to approve or disapprove the new fee schedule. During that time, we urge the Office to work with MLS stakeholders on a reasonable alternative that lowers processing costs, expands electronic access, and preserves strong copyright protections without imposing another disproportionate fee increase.

“Please respond within 14 days of receipt of this letter. We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and look forward to working with you.”

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Alford Bill to Provide Flexibility for SBA 504 Lending Passes House Small Business Committee

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, the House Small Business Committee passed Congressman Mark Alford’s (MO-04) bipartisan 504 Program Level Flexibility Act, introduced with Representative Lateefah Simon (CA-12). The legislation would give the Small Business Administration (SBA) additional flexibility to meet increased demand for 504 loans that help small businesses make long-term investments in facilities, equipment, and expansion.

Read the full text of the 504 Program Level Flexibility Act here.

The bill allows the SBA Administrator to increase 504 loan commitments up to 115 percent of the annual authorization level if the agency determines demand could exceed that limit. The authority may be used once per fiscal year, and SBA must notify Congress at least 30 days before exercising it.

Watch Congressman Alford’s remarks in support of his legislation here or by clicking the image above.

“The 504 loan is one of the most important tools we have to help small businesses make long-term investments in their future,” said Congressman Alford. “As we work to bring manufacturing back to the United States and strengthen our domestic supply chains, demand for 504 financing is rising. This bill gives the SBA limited flexibility to meet that demand while maintaining congressional oversight. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort with Representative Simon.”

The legislation is part of a broader effort to expand access to SBA financing for small businesses and manufacturers. Congressman Alford’s STRONG Act would increase maximum loan sizes in the SBA’s 7(a) and 504 programs, while the Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act would further increase lending limits for small manufacturers seeking to purchase equipment, expand facilities, reshore production, and create jobs in the United States.

The 504 Program Level Flexibility Act now advances from the House Small Business Committee.

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Congressman Alford Joins Members of Missouri Delegation in Resolution Honoring Partnership with Panama

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC—Today, Congressman Mark Alford (R-MO-04) joined Congressman Wesley Bell (D-MO-01) and three members of Missouri’s Congressional delegation in introducing a bipartisan resolution commemorating 30 years of partnership between Missouri and Panama.

In addition to Congressmen Alford and Bell, the bipartisan resolution was also co-led by members of Missouri’s Congressional Delegation, including Reps. Emanuel Cleaver II, Ann Wagner, and Sam Graves.

“For 30 years, the Missouri National Guard and Panama’s Public Forces have built a partnership grounded in trust, shared values and a commitment to strengthening our communities and our countries. What began as a military partnership has grown into a lasting relationship that reaches across education, trade, culture, and diplomacy. This anniversary is an opportunity to recognize the men and women who have helped build this partnership and to reaffirm our commitment to the strong ties between Missouri and Panama for years to come,” said Congressman Alford.

"For thirty years, Missouri and Panama have stood together as partners and as friends," said Congressman Bell. "What began in 1996 as a National Guard partnership has grown into something far greater – three decades of shared training, disaster response, and cooperation that have made both Missouri and Panama safer and stronger. This partnership is proof that one of America's greatest strengths lies in our alliances and the relationships we build with nations who share our values. I'm proud to lead this resolution honoring those who have sustained this friendship, and I look forward to deepening these ties for the next thirty years and beyond."

The National Guard's State Partnership Program (SPP) links U.S. states with partner nations around the world to build enduring military and civilian relationships, strengthen security cooperation, and advance shared interests. Established in 1996, the Missouri-Panama partnership is one of the program's longest-running, spanning three decades of joint training, disaster-response coordination, and exchanges that have strengthened both Missouri and Panama.

Over the past 30 years, the Missouri National Guard and Panamanian forces have worked side by side on everything from emergency preparedness to humanitarian assistance, forging bonds that extend well beyond the military and into a broader friendship between the people of Missouri and the Republic of Panama.

The Missouri-Panama State Partnership resolution text can be found HERE.

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Alford Receives Assurance Basic Combat Training Is Staying at Fort Leonard Wood

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

RAYMORE, MO—Congressman Mark Alford today announced that the U.S. Army has confirmed there are no plans to relocate Basic Combat Training from Fort Leonard Wood.

After hearing concerns about the future of Fort Leonard Wood’s Basic Combat Training mission, Alford went directly to Army leadership to get answers and make sure Missouri’s voice was heard.

In a response to Alford’s June 26 letter, the Department of the Army made its position clear: “The Army has no plans to relocate the Basic Combat Training from Fort Leonard Wood.”

The Army also confirmed that it expanded Basic Combat Training capacity at Fort Leonard Wood in Fiscal Year 2025 to support the Regular Army’s growing accession mission. The Army expects that mission to increase to 65,000 accessions in FY27 as it works toward an end strength of 476,000 by FY29.

“This is great news for Fort Leonard Wood, our soldiers, our military families, and the entire region that proudly supports this incredible installation,” said Congressman Mark Alford.

“When questions were raised about whether Basic Combat Training could be moved from Fort Leonard Wood, I wasn’t going to sit on the sidelines and wonder what might happen. I went straight to the Army and demanded answers.”

“And now we have them: Basic Combat Training is not going anywhere.”

“Fort Leonard Wood has a proud history of training the men and women who defend our country. It is a critical part of our Army’s readiness, and it is a tremendous economic and community asset for Missouri. I am proud to stand with the soldiers, families, veterans, and communities who make Fort Leonard Wood so strong.”

The Army’s response also noted that the U.S. Army Transformation and Training Command will continue assessing training capacity at Army Training Centers to meet future accession requirements and will keep Congress informed of its analysis.

Alford said he will continue to closely monitor the Army’s plans and advocate for Fort Leonard Wood and the soldiers who train there.

“This is another victory for Missouri,” Alford said.

“We’ll keep fighting to make sure Fort Leonard Wood remains a premier training installation and that Missouri continues to play a critical role in preparing the next generation of American soldiers.”

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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!