PIKEVILLE — Two of Kentucky’s representatives to Washington will be in Eastern Kentucky next week, when the Southeast Kentucky Chamber hosts two events in Pike County.

U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers will be in Pikeville on Wednesday for a reception and session at the University of Pikeville. The reception will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. at Booth Auditorium and is free to the public.

Hal Rogers most recently made local news when he attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Martin Volunteer Fire Department building.

The second event will be a membership luncheon on Friday, that will feature U.S Sen. Rand Paul as the keynote speaker. The luncheon will be at the Hampton Inn in Pikeville, and will offer a full lunch buffet. This event will be sponsored by Coal Operators and Associates, East Kentucky Independent Oil and Gas Associates and the Pike County government. Tickets are $15 for members of the Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and $25 for future members and community members.

Paul is also expected to be the featured guest speaker at a “Stop the War on Coal” rally the following day, at the Knott County Sportsplex, near Hindman.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for our community to have a direct connection with the very people who are making decisions every day in Washington that affect our region,” says Brad Hall, Chamber president and CEO. “We expect a large crowd at both events as Congressman Rogers has been a long established representative that has made tremendous progress for eastern Kentucky as a whole, and Senator Rand Paul being a relatively new Senator representing our region. It will be important to hear what these legislators have to say on the issues facing our region, especially as it relates to energy and the EPA.”

Rogers has been serving Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District since 1981. Rogers is currently in his 16th term representing the people of southern and eastern Kentucky, and is the longest serving Kentucky Republican ever elected to federal office. Rogers currently serves as Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.

Paul is a freshman Senator from western Kentucky. He and his family live in Bowling Green, where Paul owned his own ophthalmology practice and performed eye surgery for 18 years.

Paul is credited as being a cofounder of the Tea Party caucus and has recently played the part of chief obstructionist in Washington, blocking legislation for pipeline safety, and benefits for elderly and disabled refugees.

“We hope that the Southeast Chamber can help educate our people on legislative issues that are currently on the table in Washington,” said Chamber Vice President Jared Arnett. “We also hope that the legislators who visit our area will be reminded of the needs of our people across Southeast Kentucky. Everyone is invited to both events.”

For information please call the Southeast Kentucky Chamber at (606) 432-5504 or (877) 738-4400, or visit www.sekchamber.com.