url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at
http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5228,"Rep. Houlahan Boards USS Lincoln at Sea, Finds Service Members Endured Grueling Deployment for Trump and Hegseth’s Unjustified Iran War",2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) joined a bipartisan Congressional embark led by Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao to visit the sailors of the USS Lincoln as they traveled home from the Middle East to the ship’s San Diego base.

Sailors on this deployment spent a record-breaking 321 days at sea, and 200 of those days without a single stop at a port of call. The original deployment was supposed to be to be for six months, with port calls roughly once a month. Rep. Houlahan, the lead Democrat on the House Military Personnel Subcommittee, sought answers about conditions on the USS Lincoln following reports of a grueling tempo of operations, inadequate food and showers, and far more suicide attempts than experienced in similar deployments.

“First and foremost, we have remarkable, talented, and resilient men and women in service of this country,” said Rep. Houlahan. “I had the opportunity to meet with support services, officers, and enlisted service members – including some who are my constituents from PA-06. I learned what went right and what went wrong. For the sake of our troops’ safety and security, many of the lessons, personnel details, and adjustments to be made cannot be shared publicly.”

“I will say this: no servicemember should ever feel like they have been denied decent treatment. Ever. And not one family member back home should have to worry that their loved one is not being treated well,” Rep. Houlahan continued. “But the real problem here goes beyond the USS Lincoln and beyond the stressors our troops face in times of war. The problem is the war itself.”

“President Trump and Secretary Hegseth have waged war with Iran for over seven months, despite neither the American public nor Congress approving it. If we ask our servicemembers to endure conditions like those on the USS Lincoln, we must be absolutely sure that their sacrifices are necessary and justified,” Rep. Houlahan concluded. “This Administration’s failure to prove that is an insult to the sailors I met this weekend, and to all of our brave men and women in uniform.”

Read Rep. Houlahan’s full reflection on her USS Lincoln visit here.",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-announces-october-town-hall-tour-across-western-pennsylvania,Deluzio Announces October Town Hall Tour Across Western Pennsylvania,2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CARNEGIE, PA – Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) announced his upcoming three-part October Town Hall Tour across Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District. These events are a chance for residents from Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District to share their opinions with Congressman Deluzio and hear directly from their elected voice in the U.S. House of Representatives. Congressman Deluzio regularly participates in open-question town hall events, with more than twenty such events during the current congressional session alone (2025-2026).

“A lot has happened down in Washington this year,” said Congressman Deluzio. “From the White House launching this reckless Iran War and ballooning the national debt, to devastating healthcare and SNAP cuts across our Commonwealth—there is a lot to discuss. Now, I’m home from Washington to hear directly from Western Pennsylvanians by launching my October Town Hall Tour. The tour is kicking off in Penn Hills on Monday, October 5th and will also stop in Carnegie and Beaver Falls. Hope to see you this October!”

Congressman Deluzio’s entire October Town Hall Tour is open to the public and the press upon RSVP. Each event has a limited capacity, and registration will be first come, first served. This is an event hosted by the congressional office. Members of the public can RSVP to next Monday’s Penn Hills stop of Deluzio’s October Town Hall Tour at bit.ly/DeluzioPennHills. The Carnegie stop of the Town Hall will be on Tuesday, October 13th at 5:30 PM and the third stop of the Town Hall Tour will be in Beaver Falls on Saturday, October 17th at 2:00PM.

Members of the press should RSVP by emailing or calling Communications Director Zoe Bluffstone at pa17comms@mail.house.gov or 202-225-2301.

###",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z
https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-boyle-unveils-new-legislation-support-firefighter-health-and,ICYMI: Boyle Unveils New Legislation to Support Firefighter Health and Wellness,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Brendan F. Boyle,B001296,boyle.house.gov,boyle,https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"PHILADELPHIA, PA – Today, Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) joined Philadelphia firefighters and local labor leaders at IAFF Local 22 to unveil the Public Safety Wellness Tax Credit Act, new federal legislation to improve health protections for the firefighters who put their lives on the line to keep the public safe. Boyle’s bipartisan legislation would create a federal tax credit for publicly funded, not-for-profit fire and EMS agencies that offer preventive medical and behavioral health programs.

“Firefighters put their lives and their health on the line every single day to protect us,” said Congressman Boyle. “The risks of the job can stay with firefighters long after they're on the job. Years or decades into retirement, they can feel the adverse health effects of such a difficult job. That is why I'm proud to announce new legislation that is focused on one simple goal: helping firefighters stay safe and get healthier. I think it's our moral obligation as a society to ensure that they get those services they need and that they've earned.”

Firefighters are at increased risk for occupational illnesses—including cancer, cardiac events, and post-traumatic stress. Congressman Boyle’s new targeted tax credit would improve firefighter health outcomes and reduce long-term municipal costs. To be eligible, fire and EMS agencies must be publicly operated and explicitly codify preventive health and wellness services through collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) with their employees.

Boyle was joined at today’s announcement by Mike Bresnan, President of the Philadelphia Firefighters’ & Paramedics’ Union, International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 22, members of IAFF Local 22, and other local labor leaders.

“I just want to take a moment to thank Congressman Boyle. He's always been there for us when we need some help with something,” said IAFF Local 22 President Mike Bresnan. “I want to thank Congressman Boyle for stepping up and spearheading this, and hopefully everybody gets on board and supports this.”

The Public Safety Wellness Tax Credit Act is co-led in the House by Congressman Mike Carey (OH-15).",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5213,"Rep. Houlahan, Members of Congress Demand Answers on Delayed Separation Pay Promised to Trans Troops Ousted by Trump",2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following reporting that the Department of Defense has failed to pay the promised separation pay to some transgender servicemembers who were separated from the armed forces under Trump’s ban on transgender military service in a timely manner or, in some cases, at all, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) led members of Congress to demand answers from Secretary of Defense Hegseth.

Rep. Houlahan, House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel Ranking Member, was joined by Congressional Equality Caucus (CEC) Co-Chair Rep. Sarah McBride, House Armed Services Committee (HASC) Ranking Member Rep. Adam Smith, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member and CEC Chair Rep. Mark Takano, HASC Member and CEC’s Transgender Equality Task Force Co-Chair Rep. Sara Jacobs, HASC Member and CEC Co-Chair Rep. Eric Sorensen, and CEC Co-Chair Rep. Everton Blair.

The members’ letter begins:

“We write in response to recent reporting that at least a dozen transgender troops have not received the separation funds they are owed. This is unacceptable and appears to be another broken promise by this Administration to those who have served.

Since the beginning of this Administration, you and President Trump have targeted transgender servicemembers—not only kicking them out of the military but also subjecting them to constant indignities along the way. President Trump has falsely stated that being transgender is incompatible “with a soldier’s commitment to an honorable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle.”

Under the trans military ban, the Services have been forced to ignore the sacrifice, years of service, and contributions by transgender service members. Some servicemembers were approved—and then rejected for—early retirement benefits. As we fight a war in Iran that has resulted in nearly 800 troops being injured, the Pentagon continues to waste valuable time and resources on scouring through servicemembers’ confidential medical records in order to identify transgender service members for separation.”

Members cite federal law and DoD instructions that authorize and establish procedures for separation pay, as well as DoD’s own guidance for implementing the transgender military ban, before identifying several ousted transgender servicemembers who reportedly did not receive their full separation pay in a timely fashion.

The members continue:

“Let us be clear: we strongly oppose the underlying transgender military ban. The House of Representatives recently rejected, on a bipartisan vote, an attempt to codify this ban into law, and we hope the Courts will permanently block this ban from being carried out against any transgender person who would and could be serving but for this ban. In the meantime, transgender servicemembers should receive the separation pay they are owed in a timely fashion—and we urge you to ensure this is handled expeditiously.”

The members conclude their letter by asking for Secretary Hegseth’s response to the following questions by October 14, 2026:

For each military branch, please provide the following calculations for servicemembers who were separated from the Armed Forces between January 20, 2025, and September 23, 2026, and were eligible for separation pay:

1. For each military branch, please provide the following calculations for servicemembers who were separated from the Armed Forces between January 20, 2025, and September 23, 2026, and were eligible for separation pay:

a. The average and median number of days it took following their separation for servicemembers to receive their separation pay in full.

b. For servicemembers who were separated pursuant to Executive Order No. 14183 and its implementing regulations and/or branch guidance, the average and median number of days it took following their separation for them to receive their separation pay in full.

c. For all other servicemembers (i.e. those who were not separated pursuant to Executive Order No. 14183 and its implementing regulations and/or branch guidance), the average and median number of days it took following their separation for them to receive their separation pay in full.

2. Please provide anonymized data for every servicemember who was eligible for separation pay and has been separated pursuant to Executive Order No. 14183 and its implementing regulations that includes the following:

a. The amount of separation pay they have received;

b. The total amount of separation pay they were owed;

c. Whether they were voluntary or involuntary separated;

d. The date each payment was received;

e. The number of days between their date of separation and when they received their first payment of separation pay;

f. The number of days between their date of separation and when they received their separation pay in full; and

g. For those who have not received their separation pay in full, the total amount outstanding and the date by which DoD expects that individual to receive all outstanding payments.

3. Please provide a copy of all guidance and communications relating to the processing of separation pay for servicemembers separated pursuant to Executive Order No. 14183 and its implementing regulations.

Citations omitted in press release. Read the full letter here.",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-padilla-ruiz-launch-effort-prohibit-firearms-polling-places-protect,"Deluzio, Padilla, Ruiz Launch Effort to Prohibit Firearms at Polling Places, Protect Voters and Election Workers",2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – With midterm elections just around the corner and threats to our elections at an all-time high, U.S. Representative Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17), U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Congressman Raúl Ruiz (D-CA-25) introduced bicameral legislation to protect voters and election workers from intimidation and threats of violence at polling places.

The Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act of 2026 would help ensure that every voter and election worker has the right to cast their ballot and conduct their official duties free from fear and intimidation. It would update existing anti-intimidation provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to limit the presence of visible firearms at locations where voters cast their ballot or election workers perform their official duties, empowering poll workers and election officials to continue safely administering elections.

“The right to vote is foundational to America's democracy, and part of protecting that right is keeping official ballot drop sites and polling places free from intimidation,” said Congressman Deluzio. “With the rising risk of political violence and ongoing threats to our democratic system, we need to strengthen the sanctity of our elections. The Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act of 2026 would help protect the rights of America’s voters and election workers so that they can vote and perform their official duties free from violent threats and intimidation. I’m proud to reintroduce this bill today alongside Senator Alex Padilla and Representative Ruiz.”

“No voter should have to walk past a gauntlet of firearms to exercise their right to vote, and no election worker should have to risk armed threats just to do their job,” said Senator Padilla. “Intimidation and violence have no place at our polls. These threats disenfranchise voters, undermine the fairness of our elections, and prevent nonpartisan election workers from doing their jobs. Our bill will keep visible firearms and other forms of violence away from polling places, ensuring every eligible voter can exercise their fundamental right safely, freely, and without intimidation.”

""With the midterms just weeks away, every American should be able to cast their ballot, and every election worker should be able to do their job without fear for their personal safety,” said Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz. “That is why I am proud to join Congressman Deluzio and Senator Padilla introducing the Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act. This legislation aims to help keep our polling places safe and more secure and protect the voters and election workers who make our democracy possible.""

The right to vote is fundamental to American democracy, but rising threats of political violence against voters and election workers threaten election security. As of April 2026, 32 percent of local election workers have reported experience threats, harassment, or abuse. Armed groups such as the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers who were involved in the January 6, 2021 assault on the U.S. Capitol have threatened to patrol polling places in recent elections. While intimidation is illegal under existing law, this new legislation is important to provide a clearer standard and further ensure safe polling locations.

Specifically, the Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act would:

Amend Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act to establish a rebuttable presumption that a person carrying a visible firearm while engaging in election-related activities is engaging in voter intimidation;

Provide civil remedies for individuals who experience this type of intimidation, including an emergency injunction that would allow the voter or election official to carry out their duties in peace; and

Recognize an exception for law enforcement officers acting within their official duties.

The Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act is endorsed by organizations including the Brennan Center, Defend the Vote Action Fund, and the Fair Elections Center.

""Congress must pass the Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act. We are grateful to Representative Deluzio, Senator Padilla, and other members of Congress for their work to keep our elections safe for everyone involved in the process. This legislation would bolster federal protections that empower voters, election officials, and election workers to seek legal recourse if they are intimidated. The bill would help protect our democracy by keeping intimidation and violence out of voting."" — Sean Morales-Doyle, Senior Director of the voting rights program, Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law.

""Our ability to hold elected leaders accountable to the people depends on ensuring every voter can access the ballot free from intimidation or harassment, and that election workers can run those elections without interference. Defend The Vote Action Fund applauds Rep. Deluzio and Sen. Padilla for their leadership on this critical bill that protects voters' rights to cast their ballots free from interference, while ensuring that poll workers and election officials can safely oversee and administer our elections."" — Brian Lemek, Executive Director of Defend the Vote Action Fund.

""To fully realize our civil rights, we need stronger protections against intimidation to make sure that election officials can do their jobs without fear, and that no American is stopped from exercising their right to vote. The Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act is one way we can defend our voting rights in the face of those who want to take power away from the people."" — Rebekah Caruthers, President and CEO of the Fair Elections Center.

This bill was first introduced in 2024. Full text of the 2026 bill is available HERE.

###",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2075,Ranking Member Scanlon Convenes Spotlight Hearing with National Experts on Defending the Right to Vote,2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Mary Gay Scanlon,S001205,scanlon.house.gov,scanlon,https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on the Constitution and Limited Government, this week convened a shadow hearing to reinforce for the American people the importance and resiliency of our elections and the safeguards in place to protect the right to vote ahead of November’s midterm elections.

The shadow hearing, titled “Protecting Democracy: Defending the Right to Vote,” convened as the Trump administration continues to undermine voting rights by pushing election integrity misinformation and voter suppression laws to disenfranchise voters. Over the past year and a half, Americans have overwhelmingly rejected the Trump administration’s policies through public opinion polls and special elections, yet the administration continues to sow division and stoke fear and confusion to prevent the American people from casting ballots that reject its policies of chaos, corruption, and division. To provide transparency ahead of the November midterms, a panel of expert witnesses shared critical information about the origins of the right to vote, voter education, and election security to reassure Members in attendance, and the American people, that their votes in November’s midterm election are safe and secure.

Members of Congress joining the hearing included Rep. Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, Rep. Joe Morelle (NY-25), Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration, Rep. Don Beyer (VA-08), Rep. Glenn Ivey (MD-04), and Rep. Jasmine Crockett (TX-30). The members heard testimony from Michael Waldman, President and CEO of the Brennan Center for Justice, Jessica Jones Capparell, Director of Government Affairs at the League of Women Voters of the United States, and Alysoun McLaughlin, former Deputy Elections Director for Montgomery County, Maryland, and Director of the Election Resilience Lab at the University of Maryland’s Center for Democracy and Civic Engagement.

The hearing builds on a shadow hearing Ranking Member Scanlon led last week at Widener University in Chester, PA alongside Ranking Member Morelle. That hearing focused upon the Supreme Court’s ruling rejecting the President’s attempt to interfere with vote-by-mail as unlawful, and election security in the Keystone State. Experts at both hearings expressed confidence that American elections are secure and accurate, and urged voters to exercise their right and responsibility to participate in America’s democratic elections in order to express their views.

Below are Ranking Member Scanlon’s remarks at this week’s hearing.

WATCH Ranking Member Scanlon’s full opening statement.

WATCH a recorded livestream of the event here.

I would like to start by thanking my colleagues and our expert witnesses for joining us here today.

I’m eager to hear from our experts about the security and resilience of our election systems and how we can best protect the right to vote. This topic is timely as rich and powerful forces, including many in the Trump administration, actively seek to undermine voters’ voices with untruths and unconstitutional attacks that could disenfranchise significant numbers of our fellow citizens.

As our country has sought to bend the arc of the moral universe towards justice, a constant part of that effort has been expanding access to the ballot. We’ve seen that from the very birth of our nation as our founders rejected the monarchy and claimed the right to determine their own destiny in a democratic republic. That effort continued as the right to vote expanded to those who are not property owners, those who were formerly enslaved or subjugated, to women, to those denied access to the ballot by Jim Crow laws, and to citizens under the age of 21.

At each step of the way, we’ve seen opposition by those in power—those who consider themselves elite—and who would lose power if they allowed others to participate in our government. That includes the king and nobility in 1776, slaveholders during the Civil War, men when women were granted suffrage, white plantation and business owners in the South, and politicians who sent young men to war in Vietnam. Those who stand to lose power have always tried to keep it in their grip.

The situation now is the same. The rich and powerful who have had a death grip on our government through lax campaign finance laws and the Supreme Court’s curtailment of rights are desperate to cling to power. This is not the way of leaders.

Throughout our history, U.S. presidents have been at the forefront of expanding and ensuring access to the ballot, whether it was George Washington leading the fight to establish a democracy, Abraham Lincoln fighting to free those enslaved, John F. Kennedy and LBJ joining forces with civil rights leaders, or each time the Voting Rights Act was extended with bipartisan support.

Up until now, it has always been assumed that a president would support the Department of Justice’s enforcement of civil rights laws, and reinforce, rather than attack, Americans’ faith in our democratic system.

As Ronald Reagan unequivocally declared when he signed into law the 1982 amendments to the Voting Rights Act: “[T]he right to vote is the crown jewel of American liberties, and we will not see its luster diminished.”

But at this moment, we see a president trying to undermine voters’ faith in our elections with phony claims about election integrity, by defunding the watchdogs and systems that protect our elections, and by trying to restrict access to the ballot with 21st-century voter suppression laws like the SAVE Act. It has become clear that this administration seeks to undermine our elections for the reasons that those in power have always tried to do so—because it can’t stand that Americans wish to chart a more equitable and just course for our future and our children’s future. Everywhere you look, the policies are only growing more undemocratic.

The administration is clamoring for voter suppression laws; usurping the powers of Congress to make laws, direct spending, and declare war; using the government and our criminal justice system to attack the president's enemies; and suppressing dissent and criticism by banning the press, television programming, and even comedians.

It is not hard to see why this administration would want to restrict access to the ballot, as Americans are roundly rejecting these policies of chaos, corruption, and cruelty unleashed by this administration. Everything from public opinion polls to special elections in the last year and a half, to the millions of Americans who have taken to the streets to express their dissent, points to Americans seeking a course correction in the midterm elections.

Your votes are the tool created by the framers of our Constitution for Americans to demand a course correction. Your vote is always the antidote to those who fail to act in our common interest or abuse the power that “We the People” have given to them with our elections.

And that is why we are holding this hearing today, to look at that history and examine: why our votes are so important - one could even call it a superpower; how we guard that precious voice for every American; and why it is so important that every eligible American be able to cast their ballot—and use their superpower to do so.

The rights etched into history by the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence were part of a “promissory note” to every American, in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The United States has defaulted on its promise many times over two and a half centuries. It failed initially to deliver on that promise to people of color, to women, to Indigenous tribes, to the impoverished. And yet, the American people never stopped striving to deliver.

Our history shows that, when asked who shall participate, the public ultimately declared that the vote should belong to every citizen. Not only that, but the American people have fought for this principle time and time again.

No matter what this president hopes to do or wants us to think, the American people remain steadfast in their devotion to the crown jewel of their citizenship and of this democracy - their right to vote.

On this, my Democratic colleagues and I could not agree more with President Reagan —the right to vote shall never see its luster diminished. Expanding the right to vote is a proud American tradition.

Unfortunately, the actions of the Trump administration and the Supreme Court’s recent decisions carving up the VRA are indications that reactionary forces are once again on the rise. But just as previous campaigns by the corrupt and powerful have failed to undermine Americans’ resolve to expand the franchise and exercise the vote, this latest attempt will fail as well. And our democratic experiment, which was forged in the summer heat of a Philadelphia assembly hall in 1776, will thrive.

Every American should be able to exercise our precious right to vote, and deserves to know that our ballot is secure. We urge you to Vote, and honor that sacred right. This November, and for every election that follows, the American people will make our voices known, and we will continue preserving our Constitution—a republic dedicated to the will of “We the People” and based upon the sanctity of our votes.

I look forward to our witnesses’ testimony and thank them again for being here with us today.

###",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-summer-lee-backs-paid-parental-leave-push-says-families-shouldn-t-have-to-choose-between-care-and-a-paycheck,"Rep. Summer Lee Backs Paid Parental Leave Push, Says Families Shouldn't Have to Choose Between Care and a Paycheck",2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Photos (Dropbox)

PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 24, 2026 — Today, Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12) joined Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17), members of the Allegheny County state legislative delegation, and family advocates at the Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank to voice her support for Allegheny County’s proposed paid parental leave policy and call for stronger federal investments in working families.

The revised county proposal would provide eligible workers with up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave during the first year following the birth or adoption of a child. The proposal would cover employers with 15 or more eligible employees and comes after months of public input from workers, families, public health experts, employers, and community members.

“No parent should have to choose between the time it takes to care for a new baby and the paycheck it takes to provide for one,” said Rep. Summer Lee. “We cannot keep treating those as competing responsibilities. And if the system keeps forcing those responsibilities apart, then it is our job to build one that lets families hold them together. Paid leave gives families the time and financial stability to do both. And that is exactly what Allegheny County is working to do here, and I am proud to support this effort.”

The proposal builds on growing efforts to treat paid parental leave as both an economic security and public health issue. Allegheny County health officials have pointed to the weeks immediately following birth as a medically vulnerable period for babies and birthing parents and say paid leave can support maternal recovery, infant health, and family stability.

Rep. Lee has made supporting working families a central part of her work in Congress. She is a cosponsor of the FAMILY Act, which would establish a national paid family and medical leave program providing up to 12 weeks of paid leave for workers welcoming a new child, caring for a loved one, or dealing with a serious health condition. She also cosponsors the American Family Act to expand the Child Tax Credit and provide families with more consistent financial support, has pushed for her Child Care for Working Families Act to bring down childcare costs, and also co-leads the Head Start for America’s Children Act to expand Head Start to more than 11 million eligible young children nationwide.

Rep. Lee also highlighted the unequal burden created by the lack of guaranteed paid leave, particularly for Black women and families already stretched by rising costs. Nearly 7 in 10 Black mothers are the sole or primary breadwinners for their families, yet research has found that 55 percent of parental leaves taken by Black women are unpaid. That gap carries real financial consequences as Black women lose an estimated $866 million in wages each year while taking parental leave, putting families who depend on that income at even greater risk of falling behind at the exact moment they need stability most.

Thursday’s press conference was held at the Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank, which provides diapers and other essential hygiene products to families across the region and works to address the financial and health consequences of diaper needs.",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://dean.house.gov/2026/9/congresswoman-dean-senator-schatz-reintroduce-bill-to-expand-education-opportunities-support-reentry-for-incarcerated-individuals,"Congresswoman Dean, Senator Schatz Reintroduce Bill to Expand Education Opportunities, Support Reentry for Incarcerated Individuals",2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Madeleine Dean,D000631,dean.house.gov,dean,https://dean.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), and Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) reintroduced the Promoting Reentry through Education in Prisons (PREP) Act to establish an Office of Prison Education within the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to ensure that incarcerated individuals receive the education needed to successfully reenter their communities after completing their sentences. Congresswoman Dean previously introduced this bicameral legislation in 2023, 2021, and 2019.

Providing incarcerated individuals with the resources to effectively reintegrate into society upon release can dramatically reduce recidivism. Two-thirds of formerly incarcerated individuals are rearrested within three years; however, incarcerated people who participated in educational programs had a 43 percent lower recidivism rate than those who did not receive such opportunities. The PREP Act would standardize educational opportunities and workforce training across federal and state facilities to support incarcerated individuals as they prepare for reentry.

“When someone gets a second change, we must ensure that they have the education, training, and resources to seize it — for themselves, their families, and their communities,” Rep. Dean said. “Education is a powerful tool in helping to reduce recidivism and guide formerly incarcerated individuals as they forge meaningful lives. I’m grateful for Senator Schatz's continued partnership on the PREP Act as we work to ensure success in reentry.”

Specifically, the PREP Act:

Establishes an Office of Prison Education within the Bureau of Prisons to standardize educational programs across all federal prisons, ensuring that BOP provides educational services for adult literacy, GED, postsecondary, workforce readiness, apprenticeships, career and technical education, and expanded opportunities for individuals with learning disabilities;

Establishes the Federal Prison Education Program to create partnerships between federal correctional facilities and education providers to create quality programs that promote successful community reintegration;

Trains and assists state and local correctional institutions to provide training and technical assistance to state and local correctional institutions that implement similar education programs; and

Notifies veterans of their eligibility to access education benefits and available programs in their federal or state correctional facility.

Read the full text of the bill here.

Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.

###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-deluzio-celebrates-federal-funds-next-generation-cancer-treatment,Congressman Deluzio Celebrates Federal Funds for Next-Generation Cancer Treatment Research Based in O’Hara Township,2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CARNEGIE, PA — Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) announced that the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has awarded a $306,756 grant to KaliVir Immunotherapeutics of O’Hara Township, PA for cancer treatment research. This federal funding is a Small Business Innovation Research Grant (SBIR) – Phase II from the National Cancer Institute.

KaliVir Immunotherapeutics develops next-generation, viral-based therapies (oncolytic viruses) that both directly destroy tumor cells as well as attract and activate an anti-tumor immune response.

“I’m proud to announce federal funding to support cutting-edge research for cancer treatment right here in Western PA,” said Congressman Deluzio. “KaliVir does life-saving work—and I’m excited to see the discoveries they make with this grant.”

“KaliVir Immunotherapeutics is grateful to Congressman Duluzio and his colleagues for voting to restore funding for the SBIR program,” said KaliVir’s Chief Executive Officer Helena Chaye, PhD, JD. “The STEALTH-001 study is a first-in-human, open-label, Phase 1/1b dose-escalation and expansion trial evaluating VET3-TGI, both as a monotherapy and in combination with atezolizumab in patients with pathologically confirmed, advanced, unresectable or metastatic solid tumors. The SBIR award will allow KaliVir to further strengthen the scientific foundation of our programs, and the full amount of the grant will directly impact the economy in the greater Pittsburgh area.”America's Seed Fund, including funding for SBIR Phase II Grants, provides technology-focused entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses with funding to develop their ideas and a pathway to commercialization. Powered by a network of federal agencies, entrepreneur support organizations, and the Small Business Administration (SBA), America's Seed Fund advances federal missions and fosters a culture of innovation in the United States.

The Trump Administration’s efforts to freeze funding and pause federal grants has created significant uncertainty for grantees, varying by agency and program. As of now, courts have paused many of these freezes. However, Congressman Deluzio’s office will continue to monitor these developments and fight to make sure this congressionally authorized funding keeps going to projects that make life better for Western Pennsylvanians. If you are the recipient of a federal grant and have been notified that this funding is no longer available to you or are experiencing other issues accessing your lawfully appropriated funds, please share your concerns with Congressman Deluzio’s office at PA17Grants@mail.house.gov.

###",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-rep-summer-lee-celebrates-grand-opening-of-uptown-flats-bringing-34-new-affordable-homes-to-pittsburgh,"ICYMI: Rep. Summer Lee Celebrates Grand Opening of Uptown Flats, Bringing 34 New Affordable Homes to Pittsburgh",2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Photos (Dropbox)

PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 23, 2026 — Yesterday, Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12) joined Bethlehem Haven, ACTION-Housing, Pittsburgh Mercy, local elected officials, housing advocates, community partners, and residents to celebrate the grand opening of Uptown Flats, a new 34-unit affordable permanent supportive housing community in Pittsburgh’s Uptown neighborhood.

Previously, Rep. Lee joined project partners for the groundbreaking of Uptown Flats in October 2024 and returned Tuesday as the nearly decade-long effort officially welcomed residents home.

“Today, we get to celebrate 34 new homes, 34 new beginnings, and one more example of what Western Pennsylvania can build when we put people first,” said Rep. Lee. “For someone coming out of homelessness, or a senior, veteran, or person with a disability who has spent too long wondering where they are going to lay their head at night, this kind of stability can mean the difference between surviving and finally having some room to breathe. Housing is a human right, and Uptown Flats shows us what that can actually look like in practice.”

Developed through a partnership between Bethlehem Haven and ACTION-Housing, Uptown Flats includes 11 studio apartments, 16 one-bedroom apartments, and seven two-bedroom apartments designed to provide safe, stable housing for people exiting homelessness and residents with disabilities and other special needs. All 34 apartments receive Project-Based Section 8 rental assistance, helping ensure residents can afford their homes based on their income. The development also provides accessible units, community spaces, and on-site supportive services to help residents build long-term stability.

The more than $22 million development brought together federal, state, county, city, nonprofit, and private investment, including federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and HOME-ARP funding. The development sits along Pittsburgh’s Bus Rapid Transit corridor and includes accessible housing designed for residents with mobility, hearing, and visual disabilities.

Rep. Lee has made expanding access to safe, affordable housing a central part of her work in Congress. Earlier this year, shesecured $3 million to help Allegheny County create affordable rental homes dedicated to people exiting homelessness anddelivered another $1 million to help convert vacant Downtown Pittsburgh office space into affordable housing. Last year, Rep. Lee alsojoined Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato to celebrate the “500 in 500” initiative, which helped house more than 600 people experiencing homelessness and identified hundreds of affordable housing units across the county.

In Congress, Rep. Lee helped reintroduce theStop Wall Street Landlords Act to curb large institutional investors’ ability to use taxpayer subsidies to buy up single-family homes and theHOMES Act to restrict tax breaks for large corporate investors purchasing local housing. Her affordable housing agenda also includes expanding federal rental assistance, strengthening tenant protections, preserving affordable housing, and preventing displacement and homelessness.",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5211,"Ahead of Xi White House Meeting, Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan Joins Democratic Veterans in Demanding Trump Hold Beijing Accountable for Providing Key Intelligence to Iran Resulting in U.S. Troop Deaths ",2026-09-22,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx,scraper,"On July 17th, an Iranian missile struck a U.S. base in Jordan killing three servicemembers and injuring four others; Wall Street Journal reporting has confirmed that Iran acquired high-resolution satellite imagery of the base – used to carry out the attack – from Chinese entities

Ahead of the September 23rd White House meeting between Trump and Xi, twelve Trump hold Xi accountable for Beijing’s role in U.S. troop deaths

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan and 12 fellow Democratic veterans in Congress called on President Trump to publicly condemn China's support for Iranian forces that are killing U.S. troops, ahead of his White House meeting with President Xi Jinping later this month.

On July 17th, an Iranian missile struck a U.S. base in Jordan killing three servicemembers and injuring four others. Recent reporting from the Wall Street Journal confirms that Iran acquired high-resolution satellite imagery of the base from Chinese entities.

Ahead of the September 23rd White House meeting between Trump and Xi, Houlahan and fellow Democratic veteran colleagues demandTrump hold Xi accountable for Beijing’s role in U.S. troop deaths, and that he publicly condemn China’s support for IRGC operations.

“22 brave Americans have lost their lives in Trump’s war with Iran. We now know that at least three of those deaths directly resulted from President Xi sharing key intelligence about U.S. positions with Iran. Instead of holding China accountable, Trump is rolling out the red carpet,” said Congressman Pat Ryan who led the initiative. “I served 27 months in combat in Iraq as an Army Intelligence Officer – I know just how critical and sensitive this information is, and how dangerous it can become in the wrong hands. What’s worse is that Trump knows, too, and hasn’t done a thing to stop it. He said he thinks Xi has been ‘well behaved.’ We disagree. From intelligence sharing to assistance with weapons manufacturing, President Trump must send a strong clear message to Beijing that aiding the IRGC to kill U.S. troops will not be tolerated.”

The letter to President Trump, sent from Democratic Congresspeople including Houlahan, Pat Ryan, Salud Carbajal, Gilbert Cisneros, Herbert Conaway, Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, Maggie Goodlander, Ted Lieu, Seth Moulton, Mike Thompson, Derek Tran, and Eugene Vindman – is included here, and in full below:

Dear President Trump,

Ahead of President Xi Jinping’s upcoming visit to the White House, we implore you to use your meeting to strongly condemn China’s sharing of satellite information that resulted in the deaths of three U.S. servicemembers in Jordan on July 17th, and demand that President Xi cease any support, cooperation, and information sharing with Iran and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

On July 17th, an Iranian ballistic missile struck sleeping quarters at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, killing three American soldiers and wounding four others. The Wall Street Journal has since reported that Iran acquired high-resolution satellite imagery of the base from Chinese entities both before and after the attack, intelligence that U.S. officials say was directly connected to the strike that killed our troops.

Your administration knew this coordination was happening. In May, the State Department sanctioned three China-based firms for supplying Iran with satellite imagery of American and allied military facilities. Senior officials in your administration reportedly spent months warning their Chinese counterparts that companies in their country were arming Iran with the targeting data.

The satellite imagery is only one piece of China’s material support to Iran; Chinese firms have supplied key raw materials for the production of Iranian Shaheds, delivered chipmaking equipment to the IRGC, and sold Iran shoulder-launched missile systems, including the weapon that was likely responsible for the downed American F-15E Strike Eagle.

Rather than hold Beijing accountable, you downplayed these findings. When asked aboard Air Force One whether you would raise the issue with President Xi, you told reporters, “I think he’s behaved reasonably well."" That is a direct and egregious betrayal of our troops.

Our servicemembers are paying the price in blood for this administration's pathetic refusal to confront Beijing. That must end now. Your meeting with President Xi presents an important opportunity to condemn China's role in arming and enabling Iran, and to demand an end to their support.

As veterans, we know what it means to send Americans into harm's way, and we know what is owed to them in return: the truth, and a Commander-in-Chief willing to hold accountable anyone and everyone who might do harm to our troops.

###",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-joins-new-push-stop-tax-giveaways-data-centers,Deluzio Joins New Push to Stop Tax Giveaways for Data Centers,2026-09-22,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CARNEGIE, PA — Last week, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) helped introduce the Reverse Big Ugly Tax Breaks for Data Centers Act, which would reverse tax giveaways for data center development from the Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill. Congressmembers Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08) and Don Davis (NC-01) lead the bill, and Congressman Deluzio is a co-sponsor of the measure.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) that Donald Trump and congressional Republicans passed into law in 2025 cut more than $1 trillion from Medicaid and SNAP food assistance and added trillions in debt to pay for reckless tax giveaways for things like AI data construction. The Reverse Big Ugly Tax Breaks for Data Centers Act would end these tax giveaways for AI data centers. Specifically, the bill would keep data centers from being able to take the 100% bonus depreciation tax deduction and from being eligible for Opportunity Zone tax benefits.

“It is ridiculous that Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans slashed healthcare for Pennsylvanians and jacked up the debt by trillions to help pay for reckless tax giveaways to AI data center developers,” said Congressman Deluzio. “Let’s repeal these giveaways and get our government focused on making sure hard work delivers the good life that people have earned.”

The bill text can be found HERE, and a one-pager on the bill can be found HERE.

Other members co-sponsoring the bill include Representatives Kathy Castor (FL-14), Sharice Davids (KS-03), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Greg Landsman (OH-01), Rick Larsen (WA-02), Mike Levin (CA-49), John Mannion (NY-22), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Dina Titus (NV-01), Norma Torres (CA-35), Derek Tran (CA-45), Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25)

###",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2062,Scanlon Introduces Bill to Lower Costs of Meat and Poultry and Target Corporate Greed,2026-09-21,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Mary Gay Scanlon,S001205,scanlon.house.gov,scanlon,https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) last week introduced the Packers and Stockyards Improvements Act, legislation to address rising meat and poultry prices due to corporate mergers and takeovers. The bill would improve the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) enforcement tools under the Packers and Stockyards Act and prohibit anti-competitive behavior in the meat and poultry industry.

“As mergers and corporate takeovers have consolidated power in the meat and poultry industry, consumers and producers have paid the price. The Packers and Stockyards Act has been crucial for enforcing compliance, but lacks sufficient tools to protect Americans from paying outrageous costs,” said Rep. Scanlon. “The Trump administration’s deregulation of the industry will only help his corporate buddies to maximize profits while continuing to hurt ranchers, farmers, and American families. I’m proud to introduce the Packers and Stockyards Improvements Act to lower costs for consumers and strengthen protections for our ranchers and farmers.”

In recent years, the meat and poultry sector has undergone a drastic shift with just four major corporations - Tyson Foods, JBS, Cargill, and National Beef - controlling about 85% of the U.S. beef packing, 67% of the pork market, and 60% of poultry processing, resulting in skyrocketing prices for consumers. The Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 was passed to promote fair competition and trade practices, but has been unable to prevent increasing consolidation and subsequent price increases. This has further exacerbated the cost of living crisis as working class Americans struggle to put food on the table. In August 2026, the cost of ground beef reached a record high of $7.158 per pound. Beef prices have risen more than 22% since January 2025, as the Trump administration continues to pursue trade wars and failed to prevent a screwworm outbreak.

To address major changes from the first Trump administration, including the weakening of Packers and Stockyards protections, the USDA released a study entitled Agricultural Competition: A Plan in Support of Fair and Competitive Markets as part of President Biden’s Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy to use existing authorities to promote competition and protect ranchers and farmers from abusive meatpacker practices. Based on the report’s findings, the USDA implemented two rules and proposed a third. However, in July 2026, the Trump administration announced that it was rescinding those rules.

To address these insufficiencies, the Packers and Stockyard Improvements Act would:

Add poultry growers to administrative litigation authority under USDA.

Allow the Packers and Stockyards Division to have regular access to Livestock Mandatory Reporting Data to better monitor for violations.

Give USDA civil investigative demand authority for potential violations of the Packers and Stockyards Act.

Provide a standard whistleblower protection for employees and contractors of regulated businesses who report suspected violations of the Packers and Stockyards Act.

The Packers and Stockyards Improvements Act would further strengthen our ability to combat contemporary anticompetitive practices in meat and poultry markets, and add a new list of per se violations to address commonly used practices that lessen competition and punish suppliers, growers, and farmers.

The bill is endorsed by the American Economic Liberties Project, Campaign for Contract Agriculture Reform, National Farmers Union, Farm Aid, National Family Farm Coalition, RAFI, and Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance.

Find the full bill text here.

###",1,2026-09-22T09:42:49Z,2026-09-22T09:44:35Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-leads-110-colleagues-message-tech-industry-we-will-reject-reckless,Deluzio Leads 110 Colleagues in Message to Tech Industry: We Will Reject Reckless Data Center Development,2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17) sent a bipartisan letter with 110 of his congressional colleagues to tech industry leaders demanding all data center construction follow strict guardrails to protect consumers from electricity and water price hikes, to ensure strong labor and environment standards, and to stand up for affected communities. The signing congressmembers made clear that they would oppose projects failing to meet these standards.

Incorporate strong labor standards from the supply chain through operations and maintenance

Employ local workers and pay at least the prevailing wage

Use registered apprentices

Negotiate community benefits agreements with local stakeholders

Establish strong safety practices and procure from domestic sources

Pay your fair share for the resources used to operate and maintain data centers

Mitigate impacts on local air quality, drinking water and water supplies”

The 111 signers of the letter are: Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17), Gabe Amo (D-RI-01), Jake Auchincloss (D-MA-04), Becca Balint (D-VT-AL), Nanette Barragán (D-CA-44), Wesley Bell (D-MO-01), Brendan Boyle (D-PA-02), Rob Bresnahan (R-PA-08), Julia Brownley (D-CA-26), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), André Carson (D-IN-07), Troy Carter (D-LA-02), Greg Casar (D-TX-35), Kathy Castor (D-FL-14), Gil Cisneros (D-CA-31), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MI-05), Steve Cohen (D-TN-09), Herb Conaway (D-NJ-03),Joe Courtney (D-CT-02), Angie Craig (D-MN-02), Sharice Davids (D-KS-03), Don Davis (D-NC-10), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), Suzan DelBene (D-WA-10), Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), Sarah Elfreth (D-MD-03), Veronica Escobar (D-TX-16), Dwight Evans (D-PA-03), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX-07), Laura Friedman (D-CA-30), Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL-04), Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29), Laura Gillen (D-NY-04), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05), Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ-07), Jahana Hayes (D-CT-05), Steven Horsford (D-NV-04), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06), Val Hoyle (D-OR-04), Jared Huffman (D-CA-02), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL-01), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-09), Thomas Kean (R-NJ-07), Bill Keating (D-MA-09), Tim Kennedy (D-NY-26), Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Greg Landsman (D-OH-01), Rick Larsen (D-WA-02), Michael Lawler (R-NY-17), Susie Lee (D-NV-03), Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-NM-03), Mike Levin (D-CA-49), Ted Lieu (D-CA-36), Stephen Lynch (D-MA-08), Seth Magaziner (D-RI-02), John Mannion (D-NY-22), Doris Matsui (D-CA-07), Sarah McBride (D-DE-AL), April McClain Delaney (D-MD-06), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI-08), Morgan McGarvey (D-KY-03), Analilia Mejia (D-NJ-11), Christian Menefee (D-TX-18), Rob Menendez (D-NJ-08), Gwen Moore (D-WI-04), Joe Morelle (D-NY25), Kelly Morrison (D-MN-03), Seth Moulton (D-MA-06), Frank Mrvan (D-IN-01), Kevin Mullin (D-CA-15), Donald Norcross (D-NJ-10), Johnny Olszewski (D-MD-02), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19), Nancy Pelosi (D-CA-11), Scott Peters (D-CA-50), Brittany Pettersen (D-CO-07), Mark Pocan (D-WI-02), Emily Randall (D-WA-06), Josh Riley (D-NY-19), Raul Ruiz (D-CA-25), Andrea Salinas (D-OR-06), Linda Sánchez (D-CA-39), Janice Schakowsky (D-IL-09) Brad Schneider (D-IL-10), Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03), Kim Schrier (D-WA-08), Bobby Scott (D-VA-03), Brad Sherman (D-CA-32), Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12), Eric Sorensen (D-IL-17), Haley Stevens (D-MI-11), Marilyn Strickland (D-WA-10), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA-10), Thomas Suozzi (D-NY-3), Emilia Sykes (D-OH-13), Bennie Thompson (D-MI-02), Dina Titus (D-NV-01), Jill Tokuda (D-HI-02), Paul Tonko (D-NY-20), Ritchie Torres (D-NY-15), Lori Trahan (D-MA-03), Derek Tran (D-CA-45), Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14), Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-02), Marc Veasey (D-TX-33), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12), and Frederica Wilson (D-FL-24).

The local community must have a say in whether or not they want a data center in their area—and their voices must be listened to.

The centers must bring and provide their own power, without raising costs or depleting a community’s energy supply.

The centers must not pollute a community’s air or water or deplete a community's water supply.

###",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z
https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-summer-lee-joins-pa-democrats-demanding-answers-on-moshannon-detention-center-finances,Rep. Summer Lee Joins PA Democrats Demanding Answers on Moshannon Detention Center Finances,2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 — Yesterday, Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12) joined Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) and fellow Pennsylvania Democrats in demanding answers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the GEO Group, Inc. (GEO), and Clearfield County about the financial relationship behind the Moshannon Valley Processing Center, the largest ICE detention center in the Northeast.

The lawmakers are seeking invoices, payment records, contracts, and communications detailing how taxpayer dollars are being spent at Moshannon as ICE solicits bids for a new contract that could extend immigration detention at the facility for another 10 years. The current five-year agreement is set to expire this month.

The letter is also signed by Reps. Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), and Chris Deluzio (PA-17).

“As Members of Congress, it is our responsibility to conduct oversight of government spending and executive action. GEO has reported record profits driven by this administration’s mass deportation and immigrant surveillance campaigns. As part of these efforts, ICE and Clearfield County have both funneled Pennsylvanians’ taxpayer dollars to GEO. More importantly, our constituents have been detained at Moshannon. It is incumbent on us, as their elected representatives, to investigate the contract terms that peg their detention to GEO’s profit,” the members wrote.

ICE recently issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to solicit contract bids that would extend immigration detention at Moshannon for another 10 years. The current five year contract is due to expire this month. The RFP sets an expedited timeline — just two weeks of visibility for the public from the time it was posted online (August 28, 2026) to when the Phase 1 Proposal(s) were due (September 11, 2026). This timing is in line with other attempts by the administration to rush government contracts and obscure how taxpayer funds are being spent.

Both Congress and the public must be able to evaluate the financial impact of the current agreement governing Moshannon before a new contract is awarded. Currently, an Intergovernmental Service Agreement (IGSA) between ICE and Clearfield County provides for the operation of the Moshannon facility and services related to the detention of persons in ICE custody, with GEO as the approved private contractor delivering those services. This contracting structure thwarts oversight because it delays the availability of crucial financial details.

The IGSA agreement requires that the County submit an itemized operating fee to ICE on a monthly basis, which ICE then reviews and approves for payout. According to recent reports, the monthly fixed rate includes a monthly operating fee, which began as $2.95 million per month and may have adjusted over time, a per diem fee of $10 per day for 1 through 800 detainees and $40 per day for 801 to 1876 detainees, reimbursement of one dollar per day for the detainee work program, transportation fees, and fees for guards.

“We request that you provide us with any and all monthly invoices for services provided pursuant to the IGSA and all communications regarding such invoices and payments made for such services at Moshannon from January 1, 2025, to present, by and among ICE, GEO, and Clearfield County,” the members continued. “We also request all invoices, payments, and communications by and among the parties and detainees regarding payments for and operation of the “detainee work program,” from January 1, 2025, to the present.”

“Finally, to the extent that additional agreements exist directly between GEO and Clearfield County, we request such agreements, corresponding contracts, any amendments or modifications, payment receipts, invoices, and supplemental documentation,” the members concluded.

In the letter, the members have requested a number of materials by September 25, 2026 — prior to the expiration of the current IGSA between ICE and Clearfield County, which is set to expire on September 28, 2026.

Find the full text of the letter here.

Congresswoman Lee has repeatedly conducted oversight of conditions at the Moshannon Valley Processing Center. In August 2025, Rep. Lee and a Human Rights First advocate attempted an oversight visit following reports of abuse and the death of a person detained at the facility, but ICE officials denied them entry. In May 2026, Rep. Lee returned with Rep. Chris Deluzio for an unannounced oversight visit. The lawmakers spent approximately two hours inside the facility and heard directly from people detained there about concerns including inadequate medical care, food quality, and conditions for pregnant women. Congressional staff and translators were denied entry, limiting the lawmakers’ ability to communicate with people detained inside.

In the weeks surrounding that oversight effort, additional reports raised concerns about retaliation against people who spoke out about conditions at Moshannon, including a detained man who said he was placed in solitary confinement and later transferred out of state after being accused of encouraging others to refuse meals in protest. Rep. Lee has continued pressing ICE and GEO for answers about conditions, medical care, treatment of detained people, retaliation, and efforts to obstruct congressional oversight, including joining Pennsylvania colleagues in an August 2026 demand for additional records and accountability from ICE and GEO. Rep. Lee also helped introduce the Oversight Access Act to strengthen lawmakers’ ability to conduct unannounced oversight at ICE facilities.",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z
http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5198,"Reps. Houlahan, Ryan, House Democratic Veterans Introduce “Honoring the Sacrifice of Troops in War Act,” Demand Trump and Hegseth Stop Hiding True Cost of Iran War",2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx,scraper,"To ban the Secretary of Defense from hiding the true cost of war, the Honoring the Sacrifice of Troops in War Act specifically:

Bans arbitrary, unjustified recategorizing of designated contingency operations by prohibiting redesignating an ongoing conflict if the Administration continues to mobilize forces against the same enemy;

Prevents manipulation of casualty records by prohibiting manipulation of casualty records by falsely redesignating a contingency operation;

Restores casualty records of our fallen and wounded heroes in the Iran War by requiring restoration of casualty records for Iran-related operations since February 28, 2026, and notify next-of-kin about the correction;

Bans cutting hard-earned benefits for troops and civilian personnel by prohibiting the modification of eligibility for deployment-related personnel benefits on the basis of falsely redesignating a contingency operation; and

Restores benefits to personnel supporting Iran War by retroactively restoring all covered benefits entitled to members of the Armed Services and civilian employees who have supported Iran-related operations since February 28, 2026.

--end--",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-joins-push-stop-trump-hiding-true-cost-iran-war-dishonoring-fallen,"Deluzio Joins Push to Stop Trump from Hiding True Cost of Iran War, Dishonoring Fallen Servicemembers",2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Iraq War veteran and House Armed Services Committee member Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) helped announce the new Honoring the Sacrifices of Our Troops in War Act. This legislation, which he co-sponsors, would stop President Donald Trump’s attempt to hide both the duration and the true cost of his Iran War from the American people.

This bill introduction follows the Pentagon’s unprecedented move to recategorize recent casualties from Trump’s Iran War—including four killed and over 200 wounded servicemembers—under a separate category outside Operation Epic Fury in a shameless attempt to downplay the damage done and evade accountability to the American people.

“I will not allow Donald Trump to dishonor the service of our troops just because it benefits him politically to downplay the length and bloody cost of his Iran War,” said Congressman Deluzio. “Trump knows his reckless Iran War is failing, which is why he’s manipulating casualty records to try and fool the American people. It is disgusting that this administration is trying to play games with the deaths of the men and women who gave their lives serving this country.”

The legislation is endorsed by VoteVets and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA).

Congressman Deluzio has been opposed to this Iran War since Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth started it, criticizing the administration for launching it without a clearly defined strategy or exit plan. Congressman Deluzio is also a House co-lead of the No Funds for Iran War Act which would prohibit the use of additional public money for military action against Iran in the absence of an Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) or declaration of war from Congress. He also put Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth through the ringer with intensive questioning in a hearing in front of the House Armed Services Committee.

Specifically, to ban the Secretary of Defense from hiding the true cost of war, the Honoring the Sacrifices of Our Troops in War Act:

Bans Arbitrary, Unjustified Recategorizing of Designated Contingency Operations by prohibiting redesignating an ongoing conflict if the Administration continues to mobilize forces against the same enemy;

Prevents Manipulation of Casualty Records by prohibiting manipulation of casualty records by falsely redesignating a contingency operation;

Restores Casualty Records of Our Fallen and Wounded Heroes in the Iran War by requiring restoration of casualty records for Iran-related operations since February 28, 2026, and notify next-of-kin about the correction;

Bans Cutting Hard-Earned Benefits for Troops and Civilian Personnel by prohibiting the modification of eligibility for deployment-related personnel benefits on the basis of falsely redesignating a contingency operation; and

Restores Benefits to Personnel Supporting Iran War by retroactively restoring all covered benefits entitled to members of the Armed Services and civilian employees who have supported Iran-related operations since February 28, 2026.

###",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-secures-wins-western-pa-biennial-water-resources-bill,Deluzio Secures Wins for Western PA in Biennial Water Resources Bill,2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) joined his colleagues to pass H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (otherwise known as WRDA) unanimously off the floor of the House of Representatives. This biennial, bipartisan legislation also passed out of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee with unanimous support.

The WRDA bill is a comprehensive legislative package that authorizes language for conservation, water, and the development of water and water-related resources. It authorizes the Secretary of the Army, through the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, to conduct studies, construct projects, and research activities that can improve rivers and harbors of the United States. Next, the bill heads to the Senate for consideration.

“Inland waterways connect Western Pennsylvania economically, geographically, and culturally,” said Congressman Deluzio. “I am proud that I included important provisions in the 2026 water resources bill that support the waterways in our region and the people who work or play on or around our rivers.""

Specifically, the additions that Congressman Deluzio successfully advocated for in this year’s WRDA bill are:

Studying Recreation on the Allegheny River as a Focus of Future Funding Opportunities

This request authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to study the addition of recreation on the Allegheny River as a project purpose.

Adding recreation as a project purpose would allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Pittsburgh District to compete for recreation funding in the annual O&M budget and appropriations process.

Expand Army Corps of Engineers Collaborations Across Pennsylvania",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2060,Scanlon Leads PA Dems to Demand Answers About Private Detention Center Financials,2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Mary Gay Scanlon,S001205,scanlon.house.gov,scanlon,https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) today led her Pennsylvania Democratic House colleagues in pressing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the GEO Group, Inc.(GEO), and Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, for transparency on their intentionally opaque financial relationship with Moshannon Valley Processing Center, the largest immigration center in the Northeast. The push comes following Rep. Scanlon’s unannounced oversight visit to Moshannon Valley Processing Center on July 29, 2026.

The letter is signed by Reps. Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Summer Lee (PA-12), and Chris Deluzio (PA-17).

“As Members of Congress, it is our responsibility to conduct oversight of government spending and executive action. GEO has reported record profits driven by this administration’s mass deportation and immigrant surveillance campaigns. As part of these efforts, ICE and Clearfield County have both funneled Pennsylvanians’ taxpayer dollars to GEO. More importantly, our constituents have been detained at Moshannon. It is incumbent on us, as their elected representatives, to investigate the contract terms that peg their detention to GEO’s profit,” the members wrote.

ICE recently issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to solicit contract bids that would extend immigration detention at Moshannon for another 10 years. The current five year contract is due to expire this month. The RFP sets an expedited timeline — just two weeks of visibility for the public from the time it was posted online (August 28, 2026) to when the Phase 1 Proposal(s) were due (September 11, 2026). This timing is in line with other attempts by the administration to rush government contracts and obscure how taxpayer funds are being spent.

Both Congress and the public must be able to evaluate the financial impact of the current agreement governing Moshannon before a new contract is awarded. Currently, an Intergovernmental Service Agreement (IGSA) between ICE and Clearfield County provides for the operation of the Moshannon facility and services related to the detention of persons in ICE custody, with GEO as the approved private contractor delivering those services. This contracting structure thwarts oversight because it delays the availability of crucial financial details. When Congresswoman Scanlon visited Moshannon in July, onsite managers of the facility claimed that they could not provide the Congresswoman with a copy of the contract or other current billing details.

The IGSA agreement requires that the County submit an itemized operating fee to ICE on a monthly basis, which ICE then reviews and approves for payout. According to recent reports, the monthly fixed rate includes a monthly operating fee, which began as $2.95 million per month and may have adjusted over time, a per diem fee of $10 per day for 1 through 800 detainees and $40 per day for 801 to 1876 detainees, reimbursement of one dollar per day for the detainee work program, transportation fees, and fees for guards.

“We request that you provide us with any and all monthly invoices for services provided pursuant to the IGSA and all communications regarding such invoices and payments made for such services at Moshannon from January 1, 2025, to present, by and among ICE, GEO, and Clearfield County,” the members continued. “We also request all invoices, payments, and communications by and among the parties and detainees regarding payments for and operation of the “detainee work program,” from January 1, 2025, to the present.”

“Finally, to the extent that additional agreements exist directly between GEO and Clearfield County, we request such agreements, corresponding contracts, any amendments or modifications, payment receipts, invoices, and supplemental documentation,” the members concluded.

In the letter, the members have requested a number of materials by September 25, 2026 — prior to the expiration of the current IGSA between ICE and Clearfield County, which is set to expire on September 28, 2026.

Find the full text of the letter here.

###",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5206,"Houlahan Joins Scanlon, PA Dems to Demand Answers About Private Detention Center Financials",2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) joined Representative Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) and their Pennsylvania Democratic House colleagues in pressing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the GEO Group, Inc.(GEO), and Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, for transparency on their intentionally opaque financial relationship with Moshannon Valley Processing Center, the largest immigration center in the Northeast. The push comes following Rep. Scanlon’s unannounced oversight visit to Moshannon Valley Processing Center on July 29, 2026.

The letter is signed by Reps. Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Summer Lee (PA-12), and Chris Deluzio (PA-17).

“As Members of Congress, it is our responsibility to conduct oversight of government spending and executive action. GEO has reported record profits driven by this administration’s mass deportation and immigrant surveillance campaigns. As part of these efforts, ICE and Clearfield County have both funneled Pennsylvanians’ taxpayer dollars to GEO. More importantly, our constituents have been detained at Moshannon. It is incumbent on us, as their elected representatives, to investigate the contract terms that peg their detention to GEO’s profit,” the members wrote.

ICE recently issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to solicit contract bids that would extend immigration detention at Moshannon for another 10 years. The current five year contract is due to expire this month. The RFP sets an expedited timeline — just two weeks of visibility for the public from the time it was posted online (August 28, 2026) to when the Phase 1 Proposal(s) were due (September 11, 2026). This timing is in line with other attempts by the administration to rush government contracts and obscure how taxpayer funds are being spent.

Both Congress and the public must be able to evaluate the financial impact of the current agreement governing Moshannon before a new contract is awarded. Currently, an Intergovernmental Service Agreement (IGSA) between ICE and Clearfield County provides for the operation of the Moshannon facility and services related to the detention of persons in ICE custody, with GEO as the approved private contractor delivering those services. This contracting structure thwarts oversight because it delays the availability of crucial financial details. When Congresswoman Scanlon visited Moshannon in July, onsite managers of the facility claimed that they could not provide the Congresswoman with a copy of the contract or other current billing details.

The IGSA agreement requires that the County submit an itemized operating fee to ICE on a monthly basis, which ICE then reviews and approves for payout. According to recent reports, the monthly fixed rate includes a monthly operating fee, which began as $2.95 million per month and may have adjusted over time, a per diem fee of $10 per day for 1 through 800 detainees and $40 per day for 801 to 1876 detainees, reimbursement of one dollar per day for the detainee work program, transportation fees, and fees for guards.

“We request that you provide us with any and all monthly invoices for services provided pursuant to the IGSA and all communications regarding such invoices and payments made for such services at Moshannon from January 1, 2025, to present, by and among ICE, GEO, and Clearfield County,” the members continued. “We also request all invoices, payments, and communications by and among the parties and detainees regarding payments for and operation of the “detainee work program,” from January 1, 2025, to the present.”

“Finally, to the extent that additional agreements exist directly between GEO and Clearfield County, we request such agreements, corresponding contracts, any amendments or modifications, payment receipts, invoices, and supplemental documentation,” the members concluded.

In the letter, the members have requested a number of materials by September 25, 2026 — prior to the expiration of the current IGSA between ICE and Clearfield County, which is set to expire on September 28, 2026.

Find the full text of the letter here.",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z
http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5197,Statement on voting YES on Senate Amendments to H.R. 5334,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx,scraper,"“For more than four years, the people of Ukraine have stared down Russian aggression and have done what seemed impossible: they have survived. They have stood their ground. And, with our support, they will outlast this brutal invasion.

Supporting Ukraine is deeply personal to me, as my father fled Ukraine (formerly, Poland) with his mother to escape the Holocaust, but it is also in the best interest of all Americans. A stronger Ukraine means a stronger United States. A more secure Ukraine means a more secure United States. A Ukraine free from Putin’s grasp ensures a United States free from Putin’s grasp, too. That is why I voted YES on Senate Amendments to H.R. 5334 to sanction Russia.

I recognize that some of my colleagues have real concerns about how this legislation expands executive tariff authority, especially under this Administration. I take these concerns seriously. But I also know that the tariff authority in this bill is strictly limited to those propping up the Kremlin. President Trump’s attempts to enact unlawful and broadly harmful tariffs have been blocked by the Supreme Court. With this bill, tariffs beyond the scope of Russian sanctions will remain unlawful.

Together, Ukraine and the United States will not cower to destructive authoritarians. My vote today affirms that.”",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://dean.house.gov/2026/9/congresswoman-dean-issues-statement-on-vote-for-russia-and-iran-sanctions-act,Congresswoman Dean Issues Statement on Vote for Russia and Iran Sanctions Act,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Madeleine Dean,D000631,dean.house.gov,dean,https://dean.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04), member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement regarding her vote for the Russian and Iran Sanctions Act:

“For four-and-a-half years, I have stood with the people of Ukraine in their fight for sovereignty against Russia’s illegal, brutal invasion. I have urged two administrations to stand with our ally Ukraine — to give them what they need to win.

I voted for sending advanced weapons, for passing supplemental funding packages, and for expanding Ukraine’s strike capabilities. I joined a bipartisan delegation to Ukraine in 2024 to meet with our troops in Poland, Ukrainian troops in Ukraine, and President Zelensky in Kyiv. And I condemned President Trump’s repugnant treatment of President Zelensky in the Oval Office on February 28, 2025. I have always stood with the people of Ukraine and the Ukrainian American community — including the large, welcoming population in my district — who have never given up hope.

Today, the Ukrainian people are asking us again to stand with them, with their young democracy, as their indispensable ally. To offer hope.

I did not agree often with Senator Graham. Yet, he saw the moral imperative of supporting Ukraine in this war. This bill is not perfect, but it can do one important thing. To end this conflict, we must turn off the spigot of Russian fuel sales.

Our work in Congress does not stop here. We must prevent President Trump from abusing any tariff authority or using them for his personal benefit, as he has continuously done before. We must ensure Russia’s war machine — not American families — bears the costs of Putin’s war crimes. We must reclaim our constitutional authority over trade and create coherent policies that strengthen our economy and our national security. Finally, we must force the administration to provide the $400 million Congress has already appropriated to Ukraine.

And in the meantime, I will not stop fighting to bring home the at least 20,000 precious Ukrainian children kidnapped by Russia.

These are the challenges ahead, but today, the most important question is — What are the people of Ukraine asking for? They are asking for hope, and that we cannot deny them.

In this narrow window before another Ukrainian winter or war, I voted ‘Yes’ to offer help and hope to the people of Ukraine.

Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.

###",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-calls-house-republicans-keep-congress-washington-dc-regulate-ai,"Deluzio Calls for House Republicans to Keep Congress in Washington, D.C. to Regulate AI Superintelligence",2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) joined more than 100 members of Congress in calling for Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson to keep the U.S. House of Representatives in session and working at the nation’s Capitol until Congress advances a bill with significant AI safeguards.

Without this extension, members of the House are scheduled to leave this week and not return until Monday, November 9—an absence of more than 50 days while AI industry leaders and researchers themselves sound the alarm to slow down the development of AI superintelligence. With AI superintelligence advancing so quickly, the landscape of this technology could change vastly over more than 50 days of congressional inaction.

“Pennsylvanians send me down to Washington to pass laws to make life better for all of us,” said Congressman Deluzio. “Right now, the American people are screaming at Congress to do something about a technology that they’re hearing may eliminate their jobs, upend their lives, or even wipe out humanity—but House Republican leadership has their ears plugged. We need national action and global coordination under America’s leadership on superintelligence. Everyone seems to want AI safety—except our government’s Republican leaders. This is an emergency. We should act like it.”

Congressman Deluzio and his colleagues write in their letter, “A series of proposals have emerged from our colleagues that deserve consideration, public debate, thoughtful amendment, and action. They include bills mandating transparency and evaluation of frontier models, ‘kill switch’ requirements, and a waiver of antitrust laws to enable critical industry-wide collaboration on safety and security. Whether with these proposals or any other variants, AI experts and leading companies agree that the United States can lead the world in artificial intelligence while establishing reasonable safeguards that protect Americans and our national security. We can—and must—do both.”

“To our children who will have read a post-apocalyptic history, 'Why Congress Slept' — likely written by agentic AI — our inaction will be inexplicable, and unforgivable,” they conclude.

The full text of the letter is available HERE.

###",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-statement-hr-5334,Deluzio Statement on H.R. 5334,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"“Ukraine is in a righteous fight against Russia’s illegal invasion, and I will continue to support Ukraine’s valiant efforts.

But I refuse to hand over even more tariff authority to Donald Trump, who has corruptly and recklessly deployed tariffs.”",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5195,"Reps. Houlahan, Goodlander, Whitesides, Ryan Introduce Protect Our Polls Act, Blocking Armed Federal Agents at Polls",2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx,scraper,"“Americans should never have to walk past armed federal agents or military personnel to cast their ballot,” said Rep. Houlahan. “Since the Civil War, federal law has kept troops away from our polling places, and for good reason. Our military exists to defend the Constitution and the American people, not to police our elections.

“When I asked a senior military official whether troops could be deployed to polling places this November, I could not get a commitment that they would not be. That should alarm every American. We should not have to rely on the restraint of this or any President or administration when something as fundamental as the right to vote is at stake. The Protect Our Polls Act makes the guardrails unmistakable: no President gets to put armed federal forces at our polls without Congress and the law standing in the way.”

“The right to vote is the fundamental right from which all of our rights flow as Americans, and free and fair elections are the foundation of our republic,” said Rep. Goodlander. “At a moment when this President is hellbent on sowing chaos and confusion in our elections, our commonsense bill makes a bedrock American principle crystal clear: the ballot box belongs to the American people—not any President.”

“Trump’s second term has been defined by crushing cost increases, a war in Iran – which has cost us billions in taxpayer dollars and the lives of 18 brave Patriots – and historic cuts to programs like SNAP and Medicaid,” said Rep. Ryan. “That’s not a winning message, and Trump knows it – that’s why he’s doing everything in his power to silence the American people ahead of the election. This legislation would help ensure that every American has unencumbered access to their polling place in November, and stop the President from yet again using our Patriots in uniform as pawns in his political games.”

“This administration has spent months trying to chip away at Americans' confidence in our elections – from executive orders targeting mail voting, to threats against states that don't fall in line,” said Rep. Whitesides. “That's not how democracy is supposed to work. The right to vote doesn't belong to whoever holds power in Washington; it belongs to the American people. The Protect Our Polls Act strengthens existing guardrails to require Congressional approval before the President can make any kind of decision to deploy armed agents to polling places.”",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5191,Houlahan Leads PA House Democrats Seeking Answers on Pennsylvania Election Cybersecurity Ahead of Midterms ,2026-09-14,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx,scraper,"West Chester District Office

709 E. Gay Street, Suite 4

West Chester, PA 19380

Phone: (610) 883-5050

Open:

Monday-Wednesday

9:00am-5:00pm

Open by Appointment:

Thursday and Friday

Sí, se habla español

Reading District Office

201 Penn Street, Suite 201

Reading, PA 19601

Phone: (610) 295-0815

Open:

Wednesday-Friday

9:00am-5:00pm

Open by Appointment:

Monday and Tuesday

Sí, se habla español",1,2026-09-15T09:50:21Z,2026-09-15T09:52:05Z
https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-boyle-announces-legislation-plan-celebration-250th-anniversary-us,ICYMI: Boyle Announces Legislation to Plan Celebration for 250th Anniversary of U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia,2026-09-14,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Brendan F. Boyle,B001296,boyle.house.gov,boyle,https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"PHILADELPHIA, PA – Today, Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) announced new federal legislation to establish a national commission charged with planning the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States Constitution in 2037.

Boyle announced the legislation at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia alongside Vince Stango, Interim President and CEO of the National Constitution Center.

“I distinctly remember the bicentennial of our Constitution being celebrated here in Philadelphia in 1987. It was a massive event, and I look forward to ensuring that 2037 will be at least as significant as 2026 and 1987,” said Congressman Brendan F. Boyle. “This is a great bipartisan effort. I think it is badly needed in our times that we keep this not as a Democratic thing or a Republican thing, but as an American thing. It is also an opportunity over these next few years to tell the story of our nation's Constitution and why it matters today. These anniversaries are not just about honoring the dead, they're about educating the living.”

The United States Constitution was drafted during the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787 and signed at Independence Hall on September 17, 1787. Boyle’s legislation would begin the work of ensuring that the Constitution’s semiquincentennial is commemorated on a national scale while recognizing Philadelphia’s unique role in the nation’s founding.

“As Americans across the country have come together to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we must see 2026 not as an end point, but as the beginning of a longer national effort,” said Vince Stango, Interim President and CEO of the National Constitution Center. “The Civic Decade gives us an opportunity to sustain the partnerships, infrastructure, and spirit of coming together that this anniversary has inspired, and to continue deepening investments in the civic, educational, and cultural institutions that connect Americans to our constitutional story. We are inspired by Congressman Boyle’s leadership to introduce this bipartisan legislation into Congress and honored to announce this effort with him today. As we build together toward the Constitution’s 250th anniversary in 2037, and ultimately the Bill of Rights’ in 2041, the National Constitution Center is proud to help lead that work in Philadelphia and across the country.”

The announcement builds on Boyle’s ongoing efforts to highlight Philadelphia’s central role in the founding of the United States. Earlier this year, Boyle brought a bipartisan Congressional delegation to Philadelphia as part of the national commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States.

The new commission would bring together federal, state, local, and civic leaders to begin preparing for the Constitution’s 250th anniversary and coordinate efforts surrounding the national commemoration, similar to the effort that began a decade ahead of the nation’s 250th birthday.

The Constitutional Convention convened in Philadelphia in May 1787. After months of debate, delegates completed a new framework for the federal government, and the Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787. The 250th anniversary of its signing will occur on September 17, 2037.",1,2026-09-15T09:50:21Z,2026-09-15T09:52:05Z
https://evans.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-evans-septa-announce-80-million-federal-grant-trolley-station-ada,"Rep. Evans, SEPTA Announce $80 Million Federal Grant for Trolley Station ADA Improvements",2026-09-14,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Dwight Evans,E000296,evans.house.gov,evans,https://evans.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"PHILADELPHIA (September 14, 2026) – Today, U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans (D-PA-3) and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) announced that SEPTA has been awarded $80 million in federal All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP) funding to make three stations in the Center City Trolley Tunnel fully accessible.

“When we invest in our public transit accessibility, we invest in our community,” said Rep Evans. “That’s why I was proud to help establish this vital grant program through President Biden’s historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and fight for SEPTA to receive this critical federal funding. It will increase accessibility at stations throughout Philadelphia- improving the transit experience for all riders.""

“Ensuring that every customer can access transit service that is safe, clean and reliable is a core part of SEPTA’s mission,” said SEPTA Board Chair Kenneth E. Lawrence Jr. “Station accessibility projects like those this grant will fund are critically important to that effort. I want to thank our Congressional delegation for establishing this vital program and working to support our application.”

ASAP funding will allow SEPTA to construct accessibility improvements at 22nd Street, 33rd Street and 36th Street T Stations, which are all located in Philadelphia’s 3rd Congressional District, in the Center City Trolley Tunnel. Originally built in 1955, these three stations are only accessible via stairs, preventing individuals with disabilities that require the use of a mobility device, families with strollers, or anyone who is physically unable to use stairs from traveling to and from these destinations. The projects will bring the stations into full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Each station will be retrofitted with elevators connecting street level to the underground boarding areas. Raised platforms and other enhancements will also be constructed to accommodate the new fleet of low-floor streetcars that SEPTA is procuring as part of Trolley Modernization.

“Accessibility is critical for SEPTA and our riders,” said SEPTA General Manager Scott A. Sauer. “Across the SEPTA system, we are currently advancing more than a dozen Metro and Regional Rail station accessibility projects that will greatly improve the customer experience. This major ASAP grant will expand our capacity to deliver these critical improvements, and we are grateful for the FTA’s confidence in our program in awarding this grant.”

This is SEPTA’s second ASAP grant. The Authority was previously awarded $56 million to support ADA station improvement projects at five Metro stations. At Erie Station on the B, SEPTA became the first transit agency in the nation to advance to construction on an ASAP-funded project. Last month, SEPTA broke ground on a $44 million ASAP-funded accessibility project at 11th Street Station on the L.

“This investment is a win for every Philadelphia resident who relies on safe, accessible, and modern public transportation,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “Making the T stations at 22nd, 33rd, and 36th Streets fully accessible is more than an infrastructure upgrade. It’s a commitment to equity, and ensuring Philadelphians can visit family and friends, attend school or get to work. I am proud that with our partners at the Federal Transit Administration and SEPTA, we are building a transit system that serves everyone.”

“This money will make all the difference for our seniors, for Pennsylvanians with disabilities and for anyone who relies on SEPTA,” said U.S. Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA). “I’m proud of the steps SEPTA has already taken to make its system more accessible for all riders, and I’m grateful for the FTA’s support of this important work.”

“This $80 million investment is a major win for SEPTA riders and will help make three of Philadelphia’s trolley stations more accessible for all Pennsylvanians who rely on public transportation,” said U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick (R-PA). “I’m committed to reauthorizing the All Stations Accessibility Program along with Senator Duckworth to ensure this important program continues delivering for communities in Pennsylvania and across the country.”

Evans represents the 3rd Congressional District, which includes Northwest and West Philadelphia and parts of North, South, Southwest and Center City Philadelphia. Evans’ website is evans.house.gov and his social media handle is @RepDwightEvans on Youtube, Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads.

###",1,2026-09-15T09:50:21Z,2026-09-15T09:52:05Z
https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2058,Scanlon and Congressional Colleagues Host Hearing on Protecting American Democracy and the Right to Vote at Widener University,2026-09-14,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Mary Gay Scanlon,S001205,scanlon.house.gov,scanlon,https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Chester, PA – Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) and Ranking Member Joe Morelle (NY-25), Committee on House Administration, today hosted a shadow hearing with Reps. Norma Torres (CA-35), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), and Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) featuring presentations from experts about protecting American democracy, including election security, electoral reforms, voting rights, and anti-corruption efforts.

Experts at today’s shadow hearing included:

Omar Noureldin, Senior Vice President of Policy and Litigation, Common Cause

Amy Widestrom, Executive Director, League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania

Lauren Cristella, President and CEO, Committee of Seventy

Marian Schneider, Adjunct Professor of Law, Villanova University and former PA election official

This shadow hearing takes place amid widespread concerns over proposals by Republicans and the Trump Administration to restrict voting and allow federal takeover of state elections. Proposals include the SAVE America Act, which could potentially disenfranchise hundreds of millions of American citizens, and efforts to restrict voting by mail.

“Our democracy ultimately depends on Americans choosing to participate in it. When the White House sows propaganda and injects chaos in our elections, it suppresses voter participation,” said Rep. Scanlon. “Americans should have confidence that when they cast a lawful ballot, that ballot will be counted. I’m grateful to the experts who joined today’s hearing to provide truthful information about our elections, and the various ways that every American can participate in and be an ambassador for our democracy.”

“The President and his allies want to take over this election,” said Ranking Member Morelle. “Our planned, targeted responses include litigation, effective community organization and mobilization, and promoting early voting. This work is ongoing every day. It’s iterative, and there’s still a long road ahead, but I’m confident that through this work we will be more prepared than ever this fall and beyond.”

Watch a recorded livestream of the event here.

###",1,2026-09-15T09:50:21Z,2026-09-15T09:52:05Z
http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5193,"Houlahan, Pfluger Introduce the Biosecurity Modernization and Innovation Act",2026-09-14,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) introduced the bipartisan Biosecurity Modernization and Innovation Act alongside Representative August Pfluger (TX-11) to keep dangerous actors from misusing DNA synthesis technology while keeping America at the forefront of biotechnology.

Gene synthesis has transformed medicine, agriculture, and manufacturing, helping scientists build lifesaving treatments and develop hardier crops. However, these same tools could be misused to create dangerous pathogens if left unchecked. Currently, screening of nucleic acid orders is voluntary, leaving a gap that bad actors could exploit, especially as new desktop machines make it easier to generate genetic material outside the traditional supply chain.

The Biosecurity Modernization and Innovation Act would close this dangerous gap by requiring companies that sell synthetic DNA, as well as the manufacturers of the machines that produce it, to know their customers and exactly what they're being asked to make.

“Biotechnology is creating enormous opportunities to improve lives and transform our economy, but like all emerging technologies, the related security policies must keep pace,” said Rep. Houlahan. “The Biosecurity Modernization and Innovation Act is an important step toward ensuring that the federal government has the flexibility and agility to respond to new technologies and emerging threats as they evolve. As Co-Chair of the bipartisan BIOTech Caucus, I am committed to ensuring that we strengthen our biosecurity posture while preserving the responsible innovation that keeps America at the forefront of biotechnology.”

“Biotechnology is one of America's greatest strategic advantages. Right now, there's a dangerous gap between how fast this technology is moving and the safeguards we have in place to keep it out of the wrong hands,” said Rep. Pfluger. “The Biosecurity Modernization and Innovation Act closes this gap without slowing down the innovation saving lives while strengthening our economy.”

The legislation is a House companion to bipartisan legislation introduced by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) and was developed in consultation with key industry stakeholders in the biotechnology and gene-synthesis sector.

Read full text of the bill here.",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5174,"Houlahan Introduces Bill to Build Four Million New Homes, Declare National Housing Emergency",2026-09-11,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) introduced legislation this week declaring a national housing emergency, incenting housing production to build or restore four million new homes. The National Housing Emergency Act, led by Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) in the Senate, will boost domestically produced materials to support the construction and rehabilitation of housing and push states and localities to cut red tape currently standing in the way of building middle class housing.

“Constituents across my district, from young families to aging seniors and everyone in between, are all facing the same problem: housing is too expensive,” said Rep. Houlahan, “We need to start treating the high cost of housing like the crisis it is, and that’s exactly what the National Housing Emergency Act does. This legislation relieves some of the supply constraints, building and restoring four million homes to stop the cycle of high costs for buyers and renters at every stage of life.”",1,2026-09-12T09:02:30Z,2026-09-12T09:03:27Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-leads-pa-colleagues-demanding-stronger-data-transparency-ice,Deluzio Leads PA Colleagues in Demanding Stronger Data Transparency from ICE,2026-09-11,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) led his Pennsylvania colleagues Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), and Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12) on a letter to the Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) exposing the lack of data transparency in current ICE records management and reporting. ICE is refusing to document in public records which local law enforcement agencies with a 287(g) agreement are involved in arrests, thereby hiding from public view how local law enforcement is involved in ICE’s mass deportation regime.

Specifically, the Congressmembers are pushing for training records, complaints, and oversight records about 287(g) programs in Pennsylvania to be made public. The 287(g) program sets up partnerships between ICE and state or local law enforcement agencies to authorize selected officers to carry out federal immigration enforcement or deportation. Reps. Deluzio, Dean, Scanlon, and Lee are demanding ICE require its agents to fully complete the 287(g)-designation field in its arrest records and identify the participating agencies involved in arrests. They also make specific demands that more data, details, and records be released to the public.

The Pennsylvania congressmembers write in the letter:

“According to published federal records between January 1 to August 6, 2026, of the 1,227 Pennsylvania 287(g) arrest records, only 12 of those records included the task force designation agency that was involved in arrest. ICE chose to withhold that information more than 1,000 times so far this year despite such information being a designated field included in arrest records. This discrepancy undermines transparency and leaves the public without a clear understanding of which agency or department was involved.

The members continue:

“The public has a right to clear and complete information about the nature of the enforcement activities taking place in our neighborhoods and the departments or agencies responsible for carrying them out. Programs between federal and local law enforcement agencies must meet the highest standards of transparency.”

The full text of the letter is available HERE.

Congressman Deluzio is actively fighting back against Trump’s mass deportation scheme. In May 2026, he and Congresswoman Summer Lee conducted an unannounced oversight visit to Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Clearfield County, PA, where they found that the overwhelming majority of people locked up inside the ICE facility were considered low-security level—meaning that they have not been accused of serious, violent crimes or engaged in similar conduct while detained.

During this visit, the two congressmembers were blocked from bringing congressional staff inside the facility. These staff were immigration policy experts and able to provide translation services, limiting the congressmembers’ ability to communicate with people inside Moshannon. After this, Congressman Deluzio introduced the Oversight Access Act, a new bill which would permit Members of Congress to bring one member of their staff inside Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities when conducting oversight, without prior notice.

Rep. Deluzio led and joined his Pennsylvania colleagues on recent letters to ICE and the GEO Group, the for-profit prison corporation that owns and operates the Pennsylvania Moshannon Valley Processing Center to demand answers on GEO’s failure to comply with federal standards of adequate staffing and medical care to detainees and to stop obstructing congressional oversight.

###",1,2026-09-12T09:02:30Z,2026-09-12T09:03:27Z
https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/reps-lee-deluzio-pa-colleagues-demand-stronger-data-transparency-from-ice,"Reps. Lee, Deluzio, PA Colleagues Demand Stronger Data Transparency from ICE",2026-09-11,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Text of Letter (PDF)

PITTSBURGH, PA – September 11, 2026 — Yesterday, Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12) joined Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) and their colleagues Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04) and Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) on a letter to the Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) exposing the lack of data transparency in current ICE records management and reporting. ICE is refusing to document in public records which local law enforcement agencies with a 287(g) agreement are involved in arrests, thereby hiding from public view how local law enforcement is involved in ICE’s mass deportation regime.

Specifically, the Congressmembers are pushing for training records, complaints, and oversight records about 287(g) programs in Pennsylvania to be made public. The 287(g) program sets up partnerships between ICE and state or local law enforcement agencies to authorize selected officers to carry out federal immigration enforcement or deportation. Reps. Lee, Deluzio, Dean, and Scanlon are demanding ICE require its agents to fully complete the 287(g)-designation field in its arrest records and identify the participating agencies involved in arrests. They also make specific demands that more data, details, and records be released to the public.

The Pennsylvania congressmembers write in the letter:

“According to published federal records between January 1 to August 6, 2026, of the 1,227 Pennsylvania 287(g) arrest records, only 12 of those records included the task force designation agency that was involved in arrest. ICE chose to withhold that information more than 1,000 times so far this year despite such information being a designated field included in arrest records. This discrepancy undermines transparency and leaves the public without a clear understanding of which agency or department was involved.

The members continue:

“The public has a right to clear and complete information about the nature of the enforcement activities taking place in our neighborhoods and the departments or agencies responsible for carrying them out. Programs between federal and local law enforcement agencies must meet the highest standards of transparency.”

The full text of the letter can be found here.",1,2026-09-12T09:02:30Z,2026-09-12T09:03:27Z
https://dean.house.gov/2026/9/dean-pa-delegation-demand-stronger-data-transparency-from-ice,"Dean, PA Delegation Demand Stronger Data Transparency from ICE",2026-09-11,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Madeleine Dean,D000631,dean.house.gov,dean,https://dean.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Summer Lee (PA-12), and Chris Deluzio (PA-17) wrote a letter to the Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) exposing the lack of data transparency in current ICE records management and reporting, specifically in its partnerships with state and local law enforcement.

“According to published federal records between January 1 to August 6, 2026, of the 1,227 Pennsylvania 287(g) arrest records, only 12 of those records included the task force designation agency that was involved in arrest. ICE chose to withhold that information more than 1,000 times so far this year despite such information being a designated field included in arrest records. This discrepancy undermines transparency and leaves the public without a clear understanding of which agency or department was involved,” the lawmakers wrote.

The 287(g) program established a partnership between ICE and state or local law enforcement to authorize selected officers to carry out federal immigration enforcement or deportation. Specifically, the lawmakers are demanding training records, complaints, and oversight records about 287(g) programs in Pennsylvania to be made public.

“The public has a right to clear and complete information about the nature of the enforcement activities taking place in our neighborhoods and the departments or agencies responsible for carrying them out. Programs between federal and local law enforcement agencies must meet the highest standards of transparency,” the lawmakers continue.

Following a recent visit to Moshannon Valley Processing Center in central Pennsylvania, Congresswoman Dean lead her Pennsylvania colleagues in letters to ICE and the GEO Group, the for-profit prison corporation that owns and operates MVPC, to demand answers on GEO’s failure to comply with federal standards of adequate staffing and medical care to detainees, as well as obstruction of congressional oversight.

Congresswoman Dean also recently introduced theOversight Access Act to expand congressional oversight at ICE facilities without prior notice and the No Shock Act to ban the use of electric shock gloves by ICE agents.?

Read the full text of the letter here.

Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.

###",1,2026-09-15T09:50:21Z,2026-09-15T09:52:05Z
http://houlahan.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=5159,Rep. Houlahan's Fourth Annual Medicare Town Hall,2026-09-10,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx,scraper,"West Chester District Office

709 E. Gay Street, Suite 4

West Chester, PA 19380

Phone: (610) 883-5050

Open:

Monday-Wednesday

9:00am-5:00pm

Open by Appointment:

Thursday and Friday

Sí, se habla español

Reading District Office

201 Penn Street, Suite 201

Reading, PA 19601

Phone: (610) 295-0815

Open:

Wednesday-Friday

9:00am-5:00pm

Open by Appointment:

Monday and Tuesday

Sí, se habla español",1,2026-09-10T09:25:58Z,2026-09-10T09:27:09Z
https://dean.house.gov/2026/9/rep-dean-reintroduces-bill-to-lower-treatment-costs-for-opioid-use-disorder,Rep. Dean Reintroduces Bill to Lower Treatment Costs for Opioid Use Disorder,2026-09-10,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Madeleine Dean,D000631,dean.house.gov,dean,https://dean.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04) reintroduced the Maximizing Opioid Recovery Emergency (MORE) Savings Act to lower costs for the more than 20 million Americans seeking treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), including life-saving medications and outpatient treatment services. This legislation would eliminate cost-sharing for opioid treatment and recovery support services for people with private insurance, Medicaid, and for people enrolled under a new Medicare pilot program.

“Every family, every community has been scarred by the disease of addiction — and as the Trump Administration systematically strips away affordable healthcare, it is critical that we expand access to treatment and recovery,” Rep. Dean said. “Because of the so-called Big Beautiful Bill, 100,000 Pennsylvanians struggling with substance use disorder, including OUD, lost coverage. The MORE Savings Act will help lower costs so that the more than 20 million Americans seeking treatment can find hope and joy in recovery.”

The MORE Savings Act would require individual and group health insurance plans to cover medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), overdose reversal medications, treatment in outpatient settings, and recovery support services with no cost-sharing for patients. The bill would also establish a 5-year pilot program in 15 states to eliminate cost-sharing under Medicare and provide an enhanced federal match under Medicaid for people accessing treatment and recovery services.

Congresswoman Dean previously introduced the MORE Savings Act in the 118th Congress.

Read the full text of the bill here.

Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.

###",1,2026-09-12T09:02:30Z,2026-09-12T09:03:27Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-highlights-25000-investment-job-training-opportunities-beaver-county,"Deluzio Highlights $25,000 Investment in Job Training Opportunities for Beaver County Youth",2026-09-09,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CENTER TOWNSHIP, PA — Today, Congressman Deluzio announced that Beaver County is receiving $25,000 in federal funding to invest in educational and job opportunities for Beaver County youth. The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) awarded the funding to Flourish Beaver County to develop a three-year strategic plan for these opportunities.

“Young people throughout Western PA should have every tool at their disposal to get a good education, find a solid job, build their lives, and earn their own slice of the American Dream,” said Congressman Deluzio. “This federal funding is a win for Beaver County youth, and I look forward to seeing all that Flourish Beaver County will do with it.”

“This investment from the Appalachian Regional Commission will help Flourish build the organizational capacity needed to keep young people at the center of our work,” said Jennifer Marino, CEO of Flourish Beaver County. “With a stronger, more sustainable foundation, we can expand our ability to bring school districts, higher education, employers, and community partners together to help Beaver County youth discover their strengths, explore future careers, and access the education and training that can help them thrive. We are grateful to Congressman Deluzio and his team for supporting this work.”

The Appalachian Regional Commission’s READY Appalachia Grant Program awarded the funding to Flourish Beaver County—a nonprofit that invests in support opportunities for Beaver County youth. The initiative helps Appalachian communities, organizations, and individuals obtain the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to strengthen their local economies

The Trump Administration’s efforts to freeze funding and pause federal grants has created significant uncertainty for grantees, varying by agency and program. As of now, courts have paused many of these freezes. However, Congressman Deluzio’s office will continue to monitor these developments and fight to make sure this congressionally-authorized funding continues going to projects that make life better for Western Pennsylvanians. If you are the recipient of a federal grant and have been notified that this funding is no longer available to you or are experiencing other issues accessing your lawfully appropriated funds, please share your concerns with Congressman Deluzio’s office at PA17Grants@mail.house.gov.

###",1,2026-09-10T09:25:58Z,2026-09-10T09:27:09Z
https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-boyle-demands-answers-usps-vote-mail-calls-congress-pass-vote,"ICYMI: Boyle Demands Answers from USPS on Vote-By-Mail, Calls for Congress to Pass Vote by Mail Protection Act",2026-09-08,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Brendan F. Boyle,B001296,boyle.house.gov,boyle,https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"PHILADELPHIA, PA – Today, Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) held a press conference outside the Northeast Philadelphia Satellite Election Office, calling on Congress to urgently pass H.R. 8666, the Vote by Mail Protection Act, to stop President Trump’s efforts to restrict access to the ballot. Boyle also announced a new oversight letter to the United States Postal Service, demanding answers about new procedures that could interfere with the delivery of mail-in ballots and pressing USPS to fully comply with court orders protecting voters.

“We are now exactly eight weeks from what perhaps may be one of the most consequential congressional elections in our lifetime. There are many people throughout the nation who vote by mail, including President Donald Trump,” said Congressman Boyle. “Unfortunately, this White House continues its unprecedented assault on vote-by-mail. First, I am calling on Congress to pass a bill that I'm proud to co-sponsor, the Vote by Mail Protection Act. Second, I am sending an oversight letter today to the Postmaster General demanding answers about this new system and what it could mean for Philadelphia. These are basic questions, and voters — whether Democrat, Republican, or Independent — deserve these answers.”

In the 2024 general election, 200,000 Philadelphians voted by mail or absentee ballot. In his letter, Boyle demands answers about reports that USPS is rushing to make changes to the handling of mail-in ballots at the direction of the Trump administration. Boyle also calls on USPS to provide information about how these changes could impact Philadelphians who vote by mail, what safeguards are in place, and what communications USPS has had with the White House.

The full text of Boyle’s letter to Postmaster General David Steiner can be found here.

Boyle was joined at today’s event by Philadelphia City Commissioner Lisa Deeley and leaders from the American Postal Workers Union.

“We know this playbook,” said City Commissioner Deeley. “It's been the same playbook since 2016. The trick plays have gotten a little more elaborate, but the message is clear: to create confusion and to stop people from exercising their right to vote. I remind everybody, as the Congressman said, you have time, and most importantly, I remind you that it's preparation, not panic, that will win the day for democracy on November the 3rd.”

“The American Postal Workers Union represents over 200,000 postal workers, covering the clerks that you see at the window, the folks that process the mail, the maintenance employees that fix the machines, those that clean, and our drivers. Vote-by-mail works. There's no evidence whatsoever that there's been fraud in elections. And we take pride in doing it. We hope it continues. I appreciate Congressman Boyle, what he's doing for this, and we hope for the best,” said Vince Tarducci, Eastern Region Coordinator, American Postal Workers Union.

###",1,2026-09-09T09:27:09Z,2026-09-09T09:29:04Z
https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-summer-lee-celebrates-new-schoolyard-supported-by-400k-in-federal-funds-highlights-bill-to-transform-schoolyards,"Rep. Summer Lee Celebrates New Schoolyard Supported by $400K in Federal Funds, Highlights Bill to Transform Schoolyards",2026-09-04,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Photos (Dropbox)

PITTSBURGH, PA – September 4, 2026 — Today, Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12) joined Trust for Public Land (TPL), Greenfield PreK-8 Neighborhood School, and community leaders to celebrate the opening of a new community schoolyard. The Congresswoman secured $400,000 in FY26 community project funding to support the transformation. The new schoolyard showcases how transforming paved and underused schoolyards can expand access to parks, create places for children to learn and play, and help neighborhoods become more climate resilient. The event, hosted at Greenfield Elementary, included a brief speaking program and a walkthrough of the new community schoolyard with students and parents.

During her remarks, Rep. Lee highlighted her Revitalizing America’s Schoolyards Act, legislation to help schools nationwide transform their schoolyards into vibrant, nature-rich spaces for learning, play, and community use. She introduced the bill in April 2026 with Senator Martin Heinrich from New Mexico.

“Greenfield Elementary’s transformed schoolyard is a powerful example of what public investment can mean for a community: a safe place for children to play, a green space where families can gather, and a third space where neighbors can connect with one another and with nature,” said Rep. Lee. “I’m proud to have supported this incredible transformation with $400,000 in federal funds and to have introduced the Revitalizing America’s Schoolyards Act to help communities across the country follow Greenfield’s example and transform schoolyards into greener, healthier, more resilient spaces for generations to come.”

“Greenfield shows that a schoolyard can be so much more than a place for recess—it can be a park, a classroom, a gathering place, and a tool for building healthier, more resilient neighborhoods,” said Danielle Denk, Director of the Community Schoolyards Program at Trust for Public Land. “These spaces also give children more opportunities to put down their screens, get outside, and connect with nature and one another. Congresswoman Summer Lee’s leadership in advancing the Revitalizing America’s Schoolyards Act recognizes the power of these spaces and the need for investment to help communities across the country transform asphalt into vibrant places where children and families can connect with the outdoors.”

“We are grateful to Congresswoman Summer Lee for securing this important investment, which will transform Pittsburgh Greenfield’s schoolyard into a space shaped by student voice and designed to support learning, play, connection and well-being,” said Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Wayne N. Walters. “We appreciate Congresswoman Lee’s partnership, her advocacy for our students and her recognition of the important role our school spaces play in supporting students and strengthening communities.”

Greenfield is a powerful local example of what public investment can accomplish. Led by Trust for Public Land’s Community Schoolyards program, the project transformed the schoolyard into a greener, more welcoming space with new play equipment and connection to nature. The project will serve Greenfield’s students and more than 2,500 neighbors within a 10-minute walk.

The project also illustrates the role schoolyards can play in addressing extreme heat and building climate resilience. Students at Greenfield helped develop the design through 8 weeks of participatory design, with focused STEAM lessons focused on climate and health challenges facing their community.

Photos from the event can be found here.",1,2026-09-05T08:49:07Z,2026-09-05T08:50:44Z
https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/boyle-bynum-introduce-back-school-supplies-affordability-act,"Boyle, Bynum Introduce Back-to-School Supplies Affordability Act",2026-09-03,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Brendan F. Boyle,B001296,boyle.house.gov,boyle,https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) and Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) introduced the Back-to-School Supplies Affordability Act to lower the cost of school supplies for students and teachers. The legislation would exempt school supplies and educational materials from President Trump’s tariff taxes, which have raised prices for families across the country.

“Like families across the country, my wife and I felt the sticker shock when we went back-to-school shopping this year,” said Congressman Boyle. “Families are already stretching every dollar, and they shouldn’t be forced to pay even more for basic school supplies because of President Trump’s reckless tariff taxes. I’m proud to help lead this bill to eliminate tariffs on back-to-school essentials and give parents, teachers, and students some much-needed relief.”

“Between gas, groceries, and rent, our families are already struggling with rising costs,” said Congresswoman Bynum. “School supplies are the latest example of how Trump’s tariffs are pricing people out of the essentials. With costs up and school supply lists out, families are having to make hard financial decisions. This bill is about giving parents and teachers a break, while still setting our children up for success in the classroom.”

According to Groundwork Collaborative and the Century Foundation, the cost of school supplies has increased 8 percent this year, with many essential items facing even larger cost increases. Lunchbox prices have increased 27 percent, while notebooks have become 23 percent more expensive.

The Back-to-School Supplies Affordability Act directs the Secretaries of Commerce and Education to work together to create a list of tariff-free school supplies, and specifically exempts:

Office and school supplies

Backpacks

Notebooks, memorandum pads, and similar paper products

Children’s picture, drawing, and coloring books

Calendars

Computer keyboards

Hairbrushes

Pencils, crayons, chalk, and other drawing materials

Pens, markers, and related writing instruments

The bill preserves congressional oversight by allowing Congress to disapprove the designation of specific items for tariff exemptions through a Joint Resolution of Disapproval.

In the House, the legislation is cosponsored by Representatives Angie Craig (MN-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Sarah McBride (DE), Juan Vargas (CA-52), and Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08).

This legislation is led in the Senate by Senator Angela Alsobrooks (MD). The bill is cosponsored by Senators Chris Van Hollen (MD), Chris Coons (DE), Andy Kim (NJ), Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE), Jacky Rosen (NV), and John Hickenlooper (CO).

Boyle is the Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee and serves on the Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over federal tax policy.

The full text of the Back-to-School Supplies Affordability Act is available here.",1,2026-09-04T09:19:37Z,2026-09-04T09:20:58Z
https://dean.house.gov/2026/9/reps-dean-ramirez-introduce-bill-to-ban-ice-use-of-shock-gloves,"Reps. Dean, Ramirez Introduce Bill to Ban ICE Use of “Shock Gloves”",2026-09-03,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Madeleine Dean,D000631,dean.house.gov,dean,https://dean.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Madeleine Dean (PA-04) and Delia Ramirez (IL-03) introduced the No Shock Act to ban the use of “shock gloves” by U.S. Immigration and Enforcement (ICE) agents. This month, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced their plan to spend $17 million on 6,000 shock gloves — electric gloves designed to inflict painful shocks with just a touch of the hand — for ICE officers to enforce the Trump Administration’s policy of mass deportations.

“For nearly two years, we have witnessed grotesquely un-American behavior from ICE agents — the tragic killing of innocent Americans, the wrongful arrests of lawful residents and peaceful protesters, and the inhumane conditions at ICE facilities across the country,” Rep. Dean said. “Now, DHS seeks to further arm ICE agents with electric shock gloves, enabling them to inflict even more pain with zero accountability. My bill will prohibit these devices from being used in any immigration enforcement.”

""For years, DHS has spent billions of taxpayer dollars to amass paramilitary weapons while simultaneously attempting to shield itself and its agents from accountability. Using surveillance tech and tools of torture, DHS has already proven its capacity to perpetrate state-sanctioned abuse and arbitrary cruelty. Under no circumstances can DHS be trusted with electric shock gloves and the power to inflict ‘sudden’ death,” Rep. Ramirez said. “After opening a Congressional inquiry to demand that DHS immediately halt the acquisition and deployment of electric shock gloves, I’m joining Rep. Dean to prohibit these cruel devices from being used during immigration enforcement. We cannot continue letting a dangerous agency access more tools to wage war on our communities. We have to take every weapon, every dollar, every authority away. We have to dismantle DHS.""

The Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter (G.L.O.V.E.) devices are manufactured in Lexington, Kentucky by Compliant Technologies LLC. They are being purchased by DHS through a no-bid contract — a process typically reserved for emergencies. The No Shock Act would prohibit the use of these gloves for all DHS immigration enforcement, including ICE and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), as well as state and local officers enlisted to carry out federal immigration enforcement.

Following an alarming visit to the Moshannon Detention Center in central Pennsylvania,Congresswoman Dean recently introduced the Oversight Access Act to expand unannounced congressional oversight at ICE facilities.

Read the full text of the bill here.

Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.

###",1,2026-09-04T09:19:37Z,2026-09-04T09:20:58Z
https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/reps-lee-hayes-introduce-bill-to-provide-free-school-supplies-to-school-districts,"Reps. Lee, Hayes Introduce Bill to Provide Free School Supplies to School Districts",2026-09-03,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Text of Bill (PDF)

WASHINGTON, DC – September 3, 2026 — Today, Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12) and Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) introduced the Access to School Supplies Act of 2026, legislation that would invest $500 million in a federal pilot program to provide school supplies at no cost to students, teachers, librarians, and support staff. Rep. Lee touted the bill’s introduction last year during a school supply distribution event at The Education Partnership. The bill was initially introduced by former Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01).

“Each school year, millions of students, families, and educators across the country struggle to afford the basic supplies students need to succeed in the classroom. We are already in an affordability crisis. In the wealthiest country in history, basic expenses should not stand between a child and a quality education,” said Rep. Lee. “The Access to School Supplies Act of 2026 is common-sense legislation that would help ensure our classrooms are equipped to serve teachers and students. I’m proud to carry this bill forward with my colleagues and our education partners.”

“Too often students attend school without basic supplies, while teachers reach into their own pockets to provide them. I know firsthand how limited resources can negatively impact an educational experience,” said Rep. Hayes. “As school budgets shrink, the Access to School Supplies Act is a commonsense investment in our students, our teachers, and our classrooms. I look forward to working with Representative Lee to ensure every child has the tools they need to succeed.”

School supply prices are up nearly 8% this year, with families spending an average of nearly $200 on supplies and nearly $900 on total back-to-school costs. Teachers are feeling the burden as well: during the 2024–25 school year, educators spent an average of $895 out of pocket on supplies for their students—a 49% increase since 2015.

For too many students, these rising costs mean reusing old supplies, purchasing lower-quality materials, or showing up to school without the tools they need to learn. The Access to School Supplies Act of 2026 would strengthen federal support for public schools and help ensure that a family’s income does not determine whether a student has the basic materials they need to succeed.

The purpose of the legislation is to:

Provide school supplies at no cost to students and instructional staff;

Increase the number of students who have access to the supplies needed to maintain a stable learning environment; and

Improve student academic achievement, particularly for students from low-income families.

Under the legislation, the Department of Education would allocate $100 million annually through a pilot program to:

10 local educational agencies (LEAs) with at least one high-poverty school in their district through competitive grants administered by the Department of Education; and

The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) and outlying areas through formula grants that do not require applications, reducing the burden on smaller communities and ensuring they are not forced to compete with larger LEAs for critical resources.

The bill is cosponsored by Representatives Alma Adams, Wesley Bell, Suzanne Bonamici, Shontel Brown, Troy Carter, Greg Casar, Yvette Clarke, Chuy García, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Jonathan Jackson, Pramila Jayapal, Ayanna Pressley, Rashida Tlaib, and Frederica Wilson.

The bill is endorsed by The Education Partnership, American Federation of Teachers (AFT), National Education Association (NEA), SchoolHouse Connection, All4Ed, EdTrust, Children's Defense Fund Action (CDF Action), and Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children.

""Teachers should not have to buy their own classroom. The Education Partnership distributes free supplies, everything from pencils and desk chairs to snacks and clothing, into the hands of 12,500 educators and their 82,000 students across southwestern Pennsylvania every year, and Congresswoman Lee's Access to School Supplies Act would bring that same relief to classrooms nationwide. Of critical concern, nearly 68 percent of the educators we serve tell us this support factored into their decision to stay in the classroom. We are proud to stand with Congresswoman Lee and all educators in providing the right resources for education to flourish today and tomorrow,” said Josh Whiteside, Executive Director of The Education Partnership.

“At SHC, we know that access to basic school supplies isn’t a luxury - it’s a lifeline for students, especially those experiencing homelessness. By equipping local schools in high-poverty areas, the Access to School Supplies Act will enable school districts to have more tools in the fight to reduce chronic absenteeism and create the stable, supportive environments every student deserves. We wholeheartedly endorse this legislation and urge Congress to act swiftly to ensure no child falls behind for lack of the most fundamental tools,” said Barbara Duffield, Executive Director of SchoolHouse Connection.

A copy of the bill text can be found here.",1,2026-09-04T09:19:37Z,2026-09-04T09:20:58Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-releases-new-data-showing-pennsylvanians-have-had-spend-additional,"Deluzio Releases New Data Showing Pennsylvanians Have Had to Spend an Additional $4,200 on Everyday Essentials Under Trump",2026-09-02,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) released new data from the Joint Economic Committee Democrats showing that American families have had to spend an additional $4,200+ on goods and services since President Trump took office in January 2025.

“Under the Trump Administration and full Republican control in Congress, the cost of gas, healthcare, housing, and groceries are all rising—with no end in sight,” said Congressman Deluzio. “Trump’s Iran War and reckless tariffs are jacking up costs and leaving hardworking families struggling to cover life’s necessities. Reversing Trump’s disastrous decisions would make life more affordable, but we must do so much more so that people’s hard work delivers the good life they have earned in America.”

The updated data shows that Trump Administration policies have hit Pennsylvanians have harder than other Americans—with people in the Commonwealth paying around $400 more than the average American family since Trump’s inauguration.

Other takeaways from these new reports include:

HOUSING: Pennsylvania families have had to spend an additional $924 on housing costs like rent and mortgage payments since President Trump took office.

ENERGY: People across PA‐17 have spent an additional $124 million on gas since the beginning of the Iran War, costing the average family in PA‐17 an additional $408 in gas costs.

HEALTHCARE: Monthly ACA premiums rose more than 50 percent on average in 2026 compared to last year. Meanwhile deductibles surged to record highs increasing by more than $1,000 on average.

The new reports for Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania's 17th Congressional District and others are available on the Joint Economic Committee website.

###",1,2026-09-03T09:29:33Z,2026-09-03T09:31:32Z
https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2056,Ranking Member Scanlon’s Opening Statement Blasting Republicans for Trying to Strip American Children of Their Constitutional Right to Citizenship,2026-09-02,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Mary Gay Scanlon,S001205,scanlon.house.gov,scanlon,https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WATCH Ranking Member Scanlon’s opening statement.

Ranking Member Mary Gay Scanlon

Subcommittee on the Constitution and Limited Government

Hearing on “‘Subject to the Jurisdiction Thereof’: Birthright Citizenship and the Fourteenth Amendment, Part II”

September 2, 2026

“Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It seems that my Republican colleagues believe that no matter how false or bizarre a claim, repeating it over and over again will somehow make it true. What else can explain the hearing that they’ve scheduled for today?

As I explained last time the majority swung and missed on this topic, the text and legislative history of the 14th Amendment clearly establish that, aside from rare exceptions, a person’s birth in the United States guarantees citizenship in the United States. To suggest otherwise is nothing more than a disingenuous attempt to rewrite our nation’s history and the very words of the Constitution.

And you don’t have to take my word for it. The Supreme Court resoundingly agreed just two and a half months ago in its decision on this issue in Trump v. Barbra: the 14th Amendment guarantees that “all persons born in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States.” That plain text is about as clear as the law can be. The Supreme Court and our Constitution only recognize two very narrow exceptions for children of foreign diplomats and children of an occupying army’s soldiers—situations where U.S. law cannot be applied. Simply tweeting that there is “an invasion” of immigrants is nothing more than a desperate and bigoted attempt to fabricate an end run around birthright citizenship, and doesn’t meet either of those exceptions.

The American children of undocumented immigrants and the American children of visa holders are persons born here in America at the moment of their birth. They’re subject to the same laws of the United States as me or you or the Chairman here with an undeniable constitutional claim to the rights, duties, and protections of that reciprocal relationship. In other words: citizenship.

So why are Donald Trump and our Republican colleagues continuing to question the plain, long-settled meaning of the 14th Amendment? Why are they peddling obviously unconstitutional proposals to end birthright citizenship, even after the Supreme Court settled the matter? Once again, it’s because Donald Trump and his Republican flunkies think they can profit at the polls if they strip away from an entire group of our American neighbors their rights, their votes, and their identities, and turn them into a permanent underclass. These Republicans want to pick and choose who is worthy of citizenship, based solely upon who someone’s parents are and where their parents are from.

In our country, where the Founders banned noble titles and declared that no man is guilty for his father’s sins, there’s nothing less American than that. In short, the people who want to end birthright citizenship are proposing to resurrect the infamous Dred Scott decision, which tried to make bloodline the mark of citizenship. Thankfully, most Americans reject this bigoted view, one that is diametrically opposed to our nation’s long-standing history and ideals. Patriotism requires us to resist the backsliding and injustice that the president and his allies are pushing. Our history, our quest for a more perfect union, has always been about opening up opportunity and civic participation, not ripping it away. Expanding our electorate has been an important part of that progress—enfranchisement, not disenfranchisement.

We passed constitutional amendments that guarantee citizenship and access to the ballot box, no matter a person’s race or sex. In doing so, we’ve made our country and its government more representative, more fair, and, slowly but surely, more perfect. That’s a vision shared by patriotic Americans and rooted in fundamental American ideals. Any attempt to radically reinterpret the citizenship clause only serves the schemes of right-wing extremists and limits who can have a political voice in this country.

Donald Trump’s unconstitutional executive orders to end birthright citizenship, not to mention copycat legislation by our Republican colleagues—even after the Court’s Barbara decision—would drag us backwards. Their efforts would upend the promise of America and consecrate a government that’s not for “the” people, but for “some” people.

It’s been nearly 160 years since the 14th Amendment rebuked the Dred Scott decision and reestablished birthright citizenship as the law of our land. In that time, the U.S. has been made better by Americans born here to immigrants, regardless of their parents’ birthplace or citizenship status. Countless prominent Americans are U.S.-born children of immigrants, including the Chairman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Congressman Greg Casar, the Chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, Congressman Andy Harris, and for the region I represent, one of the greatest Eagles players of all time, Chuck “Concrete Charlie” Bednarik.

If you’re looking for prominent Americans who’ve benefited from birthright citizenship, you can look no further than senior officials in the Trump Administration like Marco Rubio or Nikki Haley, who were born to non-citizens and received their U.S. citizenship at birth.

Defending birthright citizenship is a moral as well as a constitutional imperative. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops wrote in its Trump v. Barbara amicus brief that “ending birthright citizenship denies the innate dignity and freedom of the person.” The moral imperative, historical evidence, legal arguments, and U.S. Constitution are apparently no obstacle to our Republican colleagues, however.

As they persist in conjuring up all kinds of nonsense to justify limiting birthright citizenship, we’ve already heard some of our colleagues’ hallucinations about “birth tourism” and anchor babies. The claim that nefarious, expectant mothers enter the country on tourist visas just to give birth. Setting aside the fact that the Republicans own witnesses cannot show actual proof that birth tourism happens on any meaningful or widespread basis, any congressional response certainly does not involve upending constitutional fundamentals about the meaning of American citizenship. In fact, birthright citizenship is about as American as apple pie. Americans overwhelmingly back birthright citizenship, and extremists like Stephen Miller know they don’t have the votes or the public support to pass a constitutional amendment to repeal it.

So instead, they’re trying to do an end run by obliterating more than a century and a half of legal analysis and forcing a tortured reading of the English language, which the Supreme Court just rejected again.

Finally, let’s be abundantly clear. The through line that links this attempt to end birthright citizenship and every cruel immigration policy propped up by this administration serves the same goal: turning our melting pot democracy into a white nationalist ethnostate. And we will do everything in our power to fight that vision as a Congress, as a government, as a nation.

We should not be in the business of turning back the clock and allowing our country to backslide into the most shameful parts of its past. Instead, we should be passing laws that shepherd it towards a brighter future, where the promise to form a more perfect union rings true for all, rather than just a titled few.

Policies that bring us toward this vision of a more, just, more fair America, guided by all Americans, are exactly what I and my Democratic colleagues will use this Committee to fight for, and with that, I yield back.”

###",1,2026-09-04T09:19:37Z,2026-09-04T09:20:58Z
http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5163,My Statement on H.R.6500,2026-09-01,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx,scraper,"When Speaker Johnson tried to pass a Continuing Resolution in July, I voted against it, because we still had months before the federal government’s budget would expire. I wanted to use that time to broker a better deal. Now, I can say that holding out was worth it.

Today, I voted to pass a far better Continuing Resolution than the one offered two months ago. This CR closes a loophole that would have allowed the Trump Administration to funnel more money to ICE and CBP, blocks the White House’s attempt to restrict federal grant funding based on recipients’ political views, and keeps Congressional Republicans from further slashing funding for the programs our community relies on.",1,2026-09-02T09:19:58Z,2026-09-02T09:20:51Z
http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5164,Statement on my vote on H.Res.1490,2026-09-01,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx,scraper,"H.Res.1490, an ostensible resolution to “condemn socialism,” calls out the harm of totalitarian regimes, reaffirms the importance of free and fair elections, and recommits us to protecting our Constitution. All valid concerns – concerns we have already voted on, and that I have already voted for. Then the resolution nonsensically concludes that, because of these concerns, we need the SAVE America Act, an unrelated Act that I have already voted against. Several times.

This bill takes two separate ideas and asks us to vote on them as if they are related. In other words, it’s a desperately laid trap by a flailing Republican majority. I am not here in Washington to play games with the people’s precious time. So, today I voted PRESENT on H.Res.1490. Because I already voted for a resolution condemning authoritarian socialist regimes and because I already voted against the SAVE America Act.

This “resolution” is purely symbolic and does not have the force of law. It is not binding nor is it likely to even get a vote in the Senate. It does nothing substantive to fix our economy or help our families, or to protect our elections from foreign or domestic interference or to prevent oppressive governments of any ideology.

If Speaker Johnson is truly interested in protecting our elections, he should bring real voting rights legislation for a vote instead of meaningless resolutions that may look like we're taking action but in fact, are not. If Congressional Republicans want to protect us from authoritarian rule, they should take real action to reign in President Trump’s lawless administration.",1,2026-09-02T09:19:58Z,2026-09-02T09:20:51Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-lee-announce-nearly-83-million-pittsburgh-rapid-transit-replace-t,"Deluzio, Lee Announce Nearly $83 Million for Pittsburgh Rapid Transit to Replace ‘T’ Light Rail Vehicles",2026-09-01,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) and Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12) celebrated that $82,774,074 in federal funding is coming to Pittsburgh Rapid Transit (PRT) to replace T train cars. Congressman Deluzio wrote a letter in support of PRT’s successful grant application.

“I’m proud that I helped secure more than eighty-two million dollars in federal funding to replace old T train cars,” said Congressman Deluzio. “The T keeps our communities moving, and upgrading PRT’s aging train cars will make service safer, more comfortable, and more efficient—helping folks get to where they need to go. I will keep up the work to deliver federal money to strengthen and modernize Western Pennsylvania’s infrastructure.”

“This multi-million-dollar investment in PRT is welcome news for Pittsburgh and for the thousands of riders who depend on public transit every day,” said Congresswoman Summer Lee. “Replacing aging rail cars and investing in an updated fleet will help keep the T running on time, reduce maintenance costs and disruptions, and provide riders with safer, more dependable service. I’m proud to partner with our local and federal leaders to make these critical investments in an accessible PRT system that keeps our communities connected and our region moving.”

These replacements will help PRT’s buy 45 new 170-foot light rail vehicles. The new vehicles will replace PRT’s 76 existing 80-foot light rail vehicles, which are more than 30 years old and reached technical obsolescence. These purchases will help modernize the trains, preserve service, reduce service disruptions, save energy across the light rail network, improve the rider experience, and strengthen the transportation infrastructure that working families and businesses count on every day.

This federal funding comes from the Rail Vehicle Replacement(RVR) Program, which is a discretionary grant program to help local transit systems replace rail rolling stock. Rail rolling stock is defined as revenue service, passenger-carrying vehicles, or propulsion (locomotive) vehicles necessary for the provision of rail public transportation.

“I’m thrilled we’ve brought this substantial investment in rail cars home to Allegheny County and thank you to our federal partners who helped secure these important funds for PRT,” said Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato. “Strategic investments in our fleet help ensure reliability and improve accessibility for our riders. Modernizing the PRT system for today’s riders and future generations is a legacy we can all be proud of.”

“I want to thank everyone who played a role in making this funding possible” said PRT CEO Katharine Kelleman. “This investment will help us move forward with a new fleet of rail cars that will provide riders with a safer, more accessible, more comfortable, and more reliable experience for decades to come.”

###

.",1,2026-09-02T09:19:58Z,2026-09-02T09:20:51Z
https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/reps-lee-deluzio-announce-nearly-83-million-for-pittsburgh-rapid-transit-to-replace-t-light-rail-vehicles,"Reps. Lee, Deluzio Announce Nearly $83 Million for Pittsburgh Rapid Transit to Replace ‘T’ Light Rail Vehicles",2026-09-01,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – September 1, 2026 — Today, Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12) and Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) celebrated that $82,774,074 in federal funding is coming to Pittsburgh Rapid Transit (PRT) to replace T train cars.

“This multi-million-dollar investment in PRT is welcome news for Pittsburgh and for the thousands of riders who depend on public transit every day,” said Rep. Lee. “Replacing aging rail cars and investing in an updated fleet will help keep the T running on time, reduce maintenance costs and disruptions, and provide riders with safer, more dependable service. I’m proud to partner with our local and federal leaders to make these critical investments in an accessible PRT system that keeps our communities connected and our region moving.”

“I’m proud that I helped secure more than eighty-two million dollars in federal funding to replace old T train cars,” said Rep. Deluzio. “The T keeps our communities moving, and upgrading PRT’s aging train cars will make service safer, more comfortable, and more efficient—helping folks get to where they need to go. I will keep up the work to deliver federal money to strengthen and modernize Western Pennsylvania’s infrastructure.”

This federal funding comes from the Rail Vehicle Replacement (RVR) Program, which is a discretionary grant program to help local transit systems replace rail rolling stock. Rail rolling stock is defined as revenue service, passenger-carrying vehicles, or propulsion (locomotive) vehicles necessary for the provision of rail public transportation.

“I’m thrilled we’ve brought this substantial investment in rail cars home to Allegheny County and thank you to our federal partners who helped secure these important funds for PRT,” said Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato. “Strategic investments in our fleet help ensure reliability and improve accessibility for our riders. Modernizing the PRT system for today’s riders and future generations is a legacy we can all be proud of.”

“I want to thank everyone who played a role in making this funding possible” said PRT CEO Katharine Kelleman. “This investment will help us move forward with a new fleet of rail cars that will provide riders with a safer, more accessible, more comfortable, and more reliable experience for decades to come.”",1,2026-09-02T09:19:58Z,2026-09-02T09:20:51Z
https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/boyle-announces-133-million-federal-funding-modernize-septa-regional,Boyle Announces $13.3 Million in Federal Funding to Modernize SEPTA Regional Rail Fleet,2026-08-31,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,PA,Brendan F. Boyle,B001296,boyle.house.gov,boyle,https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"PHILADELPHIA, PA – Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) today announced that the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) will receive $13,263,248 in federal funding to support the replacement of its aging Silverliner IV Regional Rail cars.

The funding comes through the Federal Transit Administration’s Fiscal Year 2026 Rail Vehicle Replacement Grant Program and was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Congressman Boyle helped pass.

“Regional Rail is essential for thousands of people across Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania,” said Congressman Boyle. “The Silverliner IV cars have served our region for half a century, and this federal investment will help SEPTA move forward with replacing this aging fleet with modern and accessible trains. I was proud to champion the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and I’m thrilled to see another $13.3 million from that law coming home to ensure safer and more reliable service for passengers across our region.”

SEPTA’s Silverliner IV cars make up the bulk of its electric Regional Rail fleet. The 230-car fleet was built between 1974 and 1976 and has become increasingly costly and difficult to maintain as the vehicles have aged.

SEPTA is working to replace the Silverliner IV fleet with new Silverliner VI cars as part of a long-term modernization of its Regional Rail system. The next-generation cars are expected to improve reliability and energy efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, enhance accessibility, and provide an improved experience for Regional Rail riders.

The Federal Transit Administration’s Rail Vehicle Replacement Grant Program provides competitive federal funding to help transit agencies replace aging passenger rail cars and locomotives and bring rail systems into a state of good repair.

###",1,2026-09-01T09:48:49Z,2026-09-01T09:49:51Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/video-deluzio-delivers-more-13-million-street-safety-improvements-outside,"VIDEO: Deluzio Delivers More than $1.3 Million for Street, Safety Improvements Outside Crafton Elementary",2026-08-31,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CRAFTON, PA – Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) released a new video about the $1,338,581.00 in federal funding that he delivered for street and safety improvements on Crafton Boulevard outside Crafton Elementary School. Right now, school buses have to load and unload students directly on Crafton Boulevard, with no protection from nearby traffic. The project will adjust the width of the street, design and install a dedicated school bus lane, and update the surrounding area for pedestrians, students, and families.

“This is about keeping kids safe. Crafton and the Carlynton School District did a great job to put me in the position to secure more than $1.3 million to help fix up Crafton Boulevard,” said Congressman Deluzio. “This is a really important project for Crafton that is all about making families and kids safer heading to school—I am proud to help bring these federal dollars here to Crafton.”

The video features stories and insights from Crafton leaders including Crafton Mayor Coletta Perry, Crafton Borough Council President John Oliverio, Crafton Borough Council Member Greg Wozniak, and Carlynton School Board President Jim Schriver.

The video is live here and is downloadable here. Photos from the check presentation are available here.

This funding for Crafton is one of Congressman Deluzio’s community funding project selections for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. He successfully secured more than $193 million for fourteen projects across his Western Pennsylvania district, earning the title as the U.S. House Democrat who secured the most funding for their district out of the FY 2026 spending bills. This makes Congressman Deluzio third out of all 435 U.S. House Members. More details on all of those here.

###",1,2026-09-01T09:48:49Z,2026-09-01T09:49:51Z
https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pennsylvania-democratic-congressional-delegation-statement-us-v-mciver,Pennsylvania Democratic Congressional Delegation Statement on U.S. v. McIver,2026-08-28,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,PA,Brendan F. Boyle,B001296,boyle.house.gov,boyle,https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"PHILADELPHIA, PA — Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), Dean of Pennsylvania’s Democratic Congressional Delegation, along with Representatives Dwight Evans (PA-03), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Summer Lee (PA-12), and Chris Deluzio (PA-17) released the following statement:

“This ruling sets a dangerous precedent. Members of Congress must be able to conduct legitimate oversight of the Executive Branch without fear of criminal retaliation. Weaponizing the Justice Department against lawmakers for doing their jobs threatens the checks and balances at the heart of our democracy.

This case is bigger than any one particular Member. No president should be able to use federal law enforcement to intimidate political opponents or silence congressional oversight. We stand with Congresswoman LaMonica McIver as she continues this fight, and we will not be intimidated from carrying out our constitutional responsibilities.”

###",1,2026-08-29T11:31:28Z,2026-08-29T11:32:37Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-celebrates-groundbreaking-new-churchill-playground-500000-federal,"Deluzio Celebrates Groundbreaking of New Churchill Playground With $500,000 in Federal Funding",2026-08-28,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CARNEGIE, PA – Yesterday, staff from the office of Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) attended the groundbreaking of the new, all-inclusive playground built in Churchill, PA. The new, ADA-accessible playground will be built in Blackridge Community Park on Beaulah Drive—the only park in the Borough of Churchill. Congressman Deluzio brought home $500,000 in federal funding to help bring this project to life.

“I am proud that I brought home half a million federal dollars to make this new playground in Churchill a reality,” said Congressman Deluzio. “This new playground will help more kids and families have fun playing and exercising in Blackridge Community Park. I can’t wait to celebrate its grand opening next year!”

The updated park will include a new pavilion, walking trail, ADA-accessible merry-go-round, ADA-accessible swings and other types of inclusive playground equipment. Along with $500,000 in federal funding from Congressman Deluzio, the project was also supported by state and local funding sources. Construction will begin soon, and the playground is expected to be opened in the spring of 2027.

This playground funding is just one of Congressman Deluzio’s fourteen community funding project selections for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. He successfully secured more than $193 million projects across Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District, earning his title as the Democrat in the United States House of Representatives when it comes to securing the most funding for their district out of the FY 2026 spending bills. This makes Congressman Deluzio third out of all 435 U.S. House Members. More details on all of those here.

Photos of the groundbreaking in Churchill are available upon request.

###",1,2026-08-29T11:31:28Z,2026-08-29T11:32:37Z
https://evans.house.gov/media/press-releases/pennsylvania-democratic-congressional-delegation-statement-us-v-mciver,Pennsylvania Democratic Congressional Delegation Statement on U.S. v. McIver,2026-08-28,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,PA,Dwight Evans,E000296,evans.house.gov,evans,https://evans.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"PHILADELPHIA (Aug. 28, 2026) — Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), Dean of Pennsylvania’s Democratic Congressional Delegation, along with Representatives Dwight Evans (PA-03), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Summer Lee (PA-12), and Chris Deluzio (PA-17) released the following statement:

“This ruling sets a dangerous precedent. Members of Congress must be able to conduct legitimate oversight of the Executive Branch without fear of criminal retaliation. Weaponizing the Justice Department against lawmakers for doing their jobs threatens the checks and balances at the heart of our democracy.

This case is bigger than any one particular Member. No president should be able to use federal law enforcement to intimidate political opponents or silence congressional oversight. We stand with Congresswoman LaMonica McIver as she continues this fight, and we will not be intimidated from carrying out our constitutional responsibilities.”",1,2026-08-29T11:31:28Z,2026-08-29T11:32:37Z
https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-summer-lee-joins-pennsylvania-democratic-delegation-in-condemning-us-v-mciver-ruling,Rep. Summer Lee Joins Pennsylvania Democratic Delegation in Condemning U.S. v. McIver Ruling,2026-08-28,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"PITTSBURGH, PA – AUGUST 28, 2026 — Today, Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12) joined Pennsylvania Democratic Congressional Delegation Dean Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) and Representatives Dwight Evans (PA-03), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), and Chris Deluzio (PA-17) in condemning the ruling in U.S. v. McIver and warning of the dangerous precedent it could set for congressional oversight.

The members released the following joint statement:

“This ruling sets a dangerous precedent. Members of Congress must be able to conduct legitimate oversight of the Executive Branch without fear of criminal retaliation. Weaponizing the Justice Department against lawmakers for doing their jobs threatens the checks and balances at the heart of our democracy.

This case is bigger than any one particular Member. No president should be able to use federal law enforcement to intimidate political opponents or silence congressional oversight. We stand with Congresswoman LaMonica McIver as she continues this fight, and we will not be intimidated from carrying out our constitutional responsibilities.”",1,2026-08-29T11:31:28Z,2026-08-29T11:32:37Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-finstad-reintroduce-water-authority-cybersecurity-protection-act,"Deluzio, Finstad Reintroduce ‘Water Authority Cybersecurity Protection Act’ Following Recent Hacks on Water Systems Across America",2026-08-27,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CARNEGIE, PA – Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17) and Congressman Brad Finstad (R-MN-01) announced the reintroduction of the Water Authority Cybersecurity Protection Act. This now bipartisan bill doubles the amount of funding available in certain grants and technical assistance to local water authorities to strengthen cybersecurity efforts.

Congressman Deluzio first introduced the bill in December 2024 following an Iranian-based hack of the Municipal Water Authority of Aliquippa on November 24, 2023 that suddenly shut down water pressure technologies. Congressman Deluzio led a call for a Department of Justice investigation into the incident.

Since then, hackers have launched cyberattacks on water systems across the country. So far in the summer of 2026, at least 12 states have reported possible cyberattacks to their water systems—with some experiencing flooding and reduced water pressure or going offline completely. At least 100 municipalities have reported potential hacking efforts to their water systems. U.S. intelligence again suggests that Iranian hackers are to blame.

“Any attack on our nation’s critical infrastructure is unacceptable, and the 2023 Iranian hack in Western Pennsylvania should have been a major wake-up call for our federal government,” said Congressman Deluzio. “Especially while the Iran War continues, we need to make sure our local water authorities have the resources and training they need to defend against cyber threats from the Iranians and others. Residents should be able to trust that their drinking water is safe from attacks. I am proud to reintroduce the Water Authority Cybersecurity Protection Act to help local leaders better secure our water system.”

“We have seen far too many instances of cybersecurity threats to our critical water systems,” said Rep. Finstad. “Just this summer, Minnesota experienced over 30 cyberattacks targeting operational technologies that our communities rely on. I am proud to join Congressman Deluzio in introducing this important, bipartisan legislation that will help ensure our local water authorities have the proper capabilities to respond to threats from foreign adversaries.""

This legislation would renew the Drinking Water Infrastructure Risk and Resilience Program through 2029 and provide grants to owners and operators of community water systems based on community size. The bill authorizes $50 million each fiscal year to assist local water authorities plan, design, and implement programs for emergency responses. Key among these is improvements for automated and remote systems, and training programs for security and resilience.

The full text of the bill is available here.

###",1,2026-08-28T17:11:49Z,2026-08-28T17:13:14Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-presses-irs-answers-high-call-volumes-lack-live-support,"Deluzio Presses IRS for Answers on High Call Volumes, Lack of Live Support",2026-08-25,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CARNEGIE, PA — Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) shared a recent letter that he sent to the CEO of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Frank J. Bisignano, pressing for answers about the wide range of issues Western Pennsylvanians face when trying to contact the agency.

The Congressman and his office hear regularly from constituents receiving notices in the mail that request time-sensitive, personal information. Western Pennsylvanians tell Congressman Deluzio’s team that they face hour-long wait times on the phone or get a message telling them to try again at a different time. This has even prompted some to request time off work in the hopes of finally reaching a live agent on the phone for assistance.

Congressman Deluzio’s letter to the IRS reads, “Constituents receive no answers and waste an unreasonable amount of time trying to fulfill their duties to pay taxes and to address their issues with the IRS.”

The letter continues, “Americans should be able to have their questions answered and receive assistance in a timely manner without spending days and weeks at a time trying to get connected to an agent by phone.”

In his letter, Congressman Deluzio requested information regarding any steps the IRS is taking to address high call volumes, whether the agency is prioritizing automated systems over human agents, and if there are any technology and staffing improvements in the works. He requested a response by September 4, 2026.

Read the full letter HERE.

Congressman Deluzio’s congressional office offers casework services to constituents of Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District who have problems and questions with federal programs or agencies. To date, his congressional office has closed more than 4,650 constituent cases and helped return over $11.5 million to Western Pennsylvanians.

###",1,2026-08-26T05:33:32Z,2026-08-26T05:34:56Z
https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-summer-lee-delivers-1-million-for-biddle-mine-cleanup-and-turtle-creek-watershed-restoration,Rep. Summer Lee Delivers $1+ Million for Biddle Mine Cleanup and Turtle Creek Watershed Restoration,2026-08-25,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Photos (Dropbox)

PITTSBURGH, PA – AUGUST 25, 2026 — Today, Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12) joined Westmoreland County leaders in Irwin and North Huntingdon to celebrate $1,075,000 in federal Community Project Funding she secured to address abandoned mine drainage from the Biddle Mine and help restore the Turtle Creek watershed.

Congresswoman Lee toured Tinkers Run and Brush Creek, where pollution from the Biddle Mine continues to visibly impact local waterways, including stretches of creek turned orange by mine runoff. She also visited the future site of a treatment facility that will help clean polluted water before it reaches the surrounding watershed.

Following the tour, Congresswoman Lee presented Westmoreland County Commissioners with a ceremonial $1+ million check representing the federal investment she helped bring home for the project.

“When you can stand next to a creek and quite literally see the water turning orange from mine pollution, you don’t need anybody to explain why this investment matters,” said Rep. Lee. “For generations, communities across Western Pennsylvania have lived with the environmental consequences left behind by industries that built enormous wealth off our region, impacting their health, quality of living, and cleanup costs. That’s why I fought to bring home more than $1 million for this project, so we can clean up these waterways, protect the Turtle Creek watershed, and invest in a healthier future for the people who live here.”

“As a Biddle native this area often served as a playground for me and my friends. Our children today and in the future deserve better. This is a really important project for our environment and our community. And I am so grateful for all of the project partners, including Congresswoman Summer Lee for the federal support,” said Westmoreland County Commissioner Ted Kopas.

The project will support efforts to remediate mine drainage associated with the Biddle Mine and reduce pollution entering Tinkers Run, Brush Creek, and the broader Turtle Creek watershed.

Congresswoman Lee was joined by Westmoreland County Commissioners Ted Kopas, Sean Kertes, and Doug Chew, along with local officials and community partners involved in the remediation effort.

The $1,075,000 investment was included in the Fiscal Year 2026 federal funding package as a Community Project Funding request secured by Congresswoman Lee.

Through her Community Project Funding efforts, Rep. Lee has secured direct investments for community-based organizations, including a $1 million CPF award to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, $450,000 to the Trade Institute of Pittsburgh, over $1.5 million in federal support for the Tree of Life rebuilding and healing initiatives, $1 million in Community Project Funding for historic renovations at the Carnegie Library of Homestead, more than $1 million in federal funding to combat blight and revitalize housing in North Braddock, and $1 million to help turn vacant office space into affordable homes, create good-paying jobs, and bring new life to downtown Pittsburgh.

These projects are part of more than $24.9 million in Community Project Funding secured during her time in Congress. Rep. Lee’s office has consistently directed federal dollars to historically overlooked communities to ensure equitable access to opportunities and long-term regional growth and stability.",1,2026-08-26T05:33:32Z,2026-08-26T05:34:56Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-deluzio-opens-service-academy-nominations,Congressman Deluzio Opens Service Academy Nominations,2026-08-21,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CARNEGIE, PA – Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) announced that his office is accepting nomination applications from eligible constituents to attend a United States service academy. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy himself, in his role as a United States Congressman, Congressman Deluzio now nominates Western Pennsylvanians to attend our country’s service academies.

“It’s a great honor to nominate outstanding young constituents to the nation’s service academies, especially as Naval Academy alum myself,” said Congressman Deluzio. “I encourage any patriotic young person interested in military service to apply.”

Eligible constituents must be at least 17 years old, must reside within Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District, and must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. More information, including further eligibility criteria, is available HERE.

Applicants can access the nomination application HERE. Any questions should be directed to PA17ServiceAcademyNominations@mail.house.gov or with a call to the Flagship Carnegie Office: (412) 344-5583.

Applications close at 5:00pm EST on Friday, October 9th, 2026.

The United States service academies are: the U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs), the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (no congressional nomination required), the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point), the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), and the U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis).

###",1,2026-08-22T05:24:59Z,2026-08-22T05:26:16Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-deluzio-celebrates-13100-wilkinsburg-police-department-safety,"Congressman Deluzio Celebrates $13,100 for Wilkinsburg Police Department Safety Upgrades",2026-08-20,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CARNEGIE, PA – Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) announced that the Borough of Wilkinsburg Police Department was awarded $13,100 to upgrade their street camera and license plate reader systems. The federal funding comes from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).

“Our cops keep our communities safe, and we need to make sure they have the necessary resources to do their important work,” said Congressman Deluzio. “I’m happy to announce more than $13,000 in federal funding for the Wilkinsburg Police Department today.”

“We are incredibly thrilled to have been selected as a recipient of this grant,” said Wilkinsburg Police Chief Christopher Duncan. “On behalf of the Wilkinsburg Police Department, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to Congressman Deluzio.”

This funding was awarded through the DOJ’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program for FY 2025. The BJA provides a variety of funding opportunities to state, local, and tribal jurisdictions, aiming to reduce and prevent crime and to reform the U.S. criminal justice system. Further grantee eligibility information is available here.

The Trump Administration’s efforts to freeze funding and pause federal grants has created significant uncertainty for grantees, varying by agency and program. As of now, courts have paused many of these freezes. However, Congressman Deluzio’s office will continue to monitor these developments and fight to make sure this congressionally-authorized funding keeps going to projects that make life better for Western Pennsylvanians. If you are the recipient of a federal grant and have been notified that this funding is no longer available to you or are experiencing other issues accessing your lawfully appropriated funds, please share your concerns with Congressman Deluzio’s office at PA17Grants@mail.house.gov.

###",1,2026-08-21T05:30:57Z,2026-08-21T05:32:22Z
https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/boyle-sends-letter-secretary-state-rubio-demanding-investigation,Boyle Sends Letter to Secretary of State Rubio Demanding Investigation Into Detention of U.S. Citizen Hussein Jabarin,2026-08-18,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,PA,Brendan F. Boyle,B001296,boyle.house.gov,boyle,https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"PHILADELPHIA, PA – Today, Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanding a formal investigation into the harassment and detention of Mr. Hussein Jabarin, a U.S. citizen and constituent. This follows the letter Boyle sent to U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee on Thursday, August 13, demanding he take action to secure Mr. Jabarin’s release.

“While I am relieved that Mr. Jabarin was eventually released from Israeli custody on August 16, 2026, I am horrified by how he and his family were apparently treated by these Israeli settlers and authorities over the past week,” Boyle wrote. “This treatment follows a long pattern of violence and aggression that Mr. Jabarin’s family has endured in the West Bank over the last year and a half.”

Boyle continued, “I am demanding that you investigate who specifically was involved in the heinous acts that led to the harassment and beating of Mr. Jabarin and his family and to the theft and destruction of their property. Additionally, I demand you investigate which specific individuals aided in Mr. Jabarin’s detainment, arrest, and holding without charge.”

In the letter, Boyle condemned the violence and aggression from Israeli settlers towards Mr. Jabarin and his family, and urged Secretary Rubio to explore formally sanctioning the individuals found to have engaged in these egregious acts.

The full text of Boyle’s letter is available here.

###",1,2026-08-19T05:29:02Z,2026-08-19T05:30:24Z
https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-boyle-announces-legislation-lower-cost-back-school-supplies-calls,"ICYMI: Boyle Announces Legislation to Lower Cost of Back-to-School Supplies, Calls on Trump to End Tariff Taxes on School Supplies",2026-08-18,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,PA,Brendan F. Boyle,B001296,boyle.house.gov,boyle,https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"PHILADELPHIA, PA – Today, Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) announced the Back-to-School Supplies Affordability Act, legislation to lower the cost of school supplies for students and teachers. This bill would exempt school supplies and educational materials from the Trump administration’s costly tariff taxes, which are increasing prices for families. Boyle also called on the White House to take immediate action to exempt these products from the tariffs.

“My wife and I were shocked when we discovered this firsthand just last week when we were buying a new lunchbox for our daughter,” said Congressman Boyle. “Other goods — pencils, pens, anything you can name — are up and through the roof. I am proud to announce that I am introducing legislation in the House to exempt school supplies from these tariff taxes. I also want to urge the Administration to act now. The White House could act today to exempt these products from their tariffs.”

According to Groundwork Collaborative and the Century Foundation, the cost of school supplies has increased by 8 percent this year. Lunchboxes have increased 27 percent, while notebooks have become 23 percent more expensive.

The Back-to-School Supplies Affordability Act directs the Secretaries of Commerce and Education to work together to create a list of tariff-free school supplies, but also specifically exempts:

Office and school supplies

Backpacks

Notebooks, memorandum pads, and similar paper products

Children’s picture, drawing, and coloring books

Calendars

Computer keyboards

Hairbrushes

Pencils, crayons, chalk, and other drawing materials

Pens, markers, and related writing instruments

The bill preserves congressional oversight by allowing Congress to disapprove the designation of specific items for tariff exemptions through a Joint Resolution of Disapproval.

Boyle will lead the effort to pass the Back-to-School Supplies Affordability Act in the House. This legislation is led in the Senate by Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (MD). Senate cosponsors include Chris Van Hollen (MD), Chris Coons (DE), Andy Kim (NJ), Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE), Jacky Rosen (NV), and John Hickenlooper (CO).

Boyle is the Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee and serves on the Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over federal tax policy.

###",1,2026-08-19T05:29:02Z,2026-08-19T05:30:24Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-announces-850000-penn-hills-verona-road-bridge-project,"Deluzio Announces $850,000 for Penn Hills Verona Road Bridge Project",2026-08-18,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"PENN HILLS, PA – Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) was in Penn Hills, Pennsylvania to celebrate that he secured $850,000 in federal funding for the Verona Road Bridge Replacement in Penn Hills. At the check presentation and press conference, Congressman Deluzio was joined by State Representative Joe McAndrew, Penn Hills Mayor Pauline Calabrese, Jason Zang, District Executive for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's (PennDOT) Engineering District 11, and other Penn Hills and Verona leaders.

“I’m proud that I secured $850,000 in federal funding to help replace and upgrade the bridge on Verona Road in Penn Hills,” said Congressman Deluzio. “Our community should have the best infrastructure out there, and I’m proud I could help Penn Hills and PennDOT do this important bridge replacement. I’ll always fight to bring home federal money to make life better for all of us in Western Pennsylvania.”

The Verona Road Bridge Replacement project would replace the full existing bridge over Sandy Creek between Mt. Carmel Rd and Lincoln Rd. It would be replaced with a structure that would ensure the safety and reliability of this State Route 2058 corridor. The proposed project would improve any structural and geometric deficiencies of the existing bridge and approach roadway to ensure uninterrupted traffic movements and reduce ongoing maintenance costs. According to PennDOT, the full project cost is $4.7 million and is expected to complete construction at the end of 2028.

“We are seeing real injections of infrastructure project funding in our region because we want to maintain this infrastructure for generations to come. This project is a testament to the fact that we see an issue that is not just effecting the roadway, but also the primary source of funding for our Fire Department, Engine #221, and we are address this issue for the region.” – Pennsylvania State Representative Joe McAndrew (House District 32)

“We are grateful that Congressman Deluzio once again is delivering real results for us. His work to secure funding for this critical project directly protects public safety by clearing the way for emergency vehicles, school buses, and our residents who drive over that bridge every day.” – Pauline Calabrese, Mayor of Penn Hills

“Congressman Deluzio has been a strong advocate for transportation funding in Western Pennsylvania and consistently delivers critical funding year after year. We are extremely grateful for the funding secured for this critical link for the community. The Verona Road Bridge project, when complete, will continue to serve the community for many years to come.” – Jason Zang, District Executive for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's (PennDOT) Engineering District 11

This $850,000 PennDOT award is one of Congressman Deluzio’s community funding project selections for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. He secured more than $193 million for fourteen projects across his Western Pennsylvania district, earning the title as the U.S. House Democrat who secured the most funding for their district out of the FY 2026 spending bills. He is third out of all U.S. House Members—of which there are 435. More details on all of those here.

Photos and video from the event are available here.

###",1,2026-08-19T05:29:02Z,2026-08-19T05:30:24Z
https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2054,"Scanlon, Deluzio, Dean, Lee, Evans Introduce Bill to Expand Congressional Oversight at ICE Facilities",2026-08-18,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,PA,Mary Gay Scanlon,S001205,scanlon.house.gov,scanlon,https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) yesterday joined Reps. Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Summer Lee (PA-12), and Dwight Evans (PA-03) in introducing the new Oversight Access Act of 2026.

This bill would allow for Representatives to bring one member of their staff inside Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities when conducting oversight, without prior notice. This would allow for additional translation services and more capacity to conduct oversight. Under a current Trump Administration rule, Members of Congress can enter the facility unannounced but interpreters and other staff must receive prior approval, defeating the purpose of unannounced oversight visits.

“When a Member of Congress visits an ICE detention facility to conduct congressional oversight, they must be able to do so effectively,” said Rep. Scanlon. “That includes being able to bring an essential staff member or interpreter to support this critical duty. I am proud to lead the Oversight Access Act with Reps. Deluzio, Dean, Lee, and Evans to ensure that future unannounced oversight visits include a staff member.”

“Moshannon officials blocked my staff from joining our oversight visit this May, and it limited the conversations we could have with people detained inside. Unannounced congressional oversight visits to federal facilities are powerful and important accountability measures,” said Rep. Deluzio. “However, unannounced oversight would be far stronger if Members of Congress could be accompanied by a staff member who could provide translation services, legal guidance, or policy expertise. I’m introducing the Oversight Access Act to make this fix and expand congressional oversight at ICE facilities.”

“Congress has a solemn duty to conduct oversight at ICE facilities in Pennsylvania and across the country, but ICE’s arbitrary rules have made that more difficult. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I care deeply about ensuring that any facility receiving federal dollars lives up to the highest standards of care, decency, and safety,” said Rep. Dean. “I am grateful to Congressman Deluzio, Congresswoman Scanlon, Congresswoman Lee, and Congressman Evans for their partnership on this critical legislation, which would strengthen Congressional oversight and make it easier for members of Congress and our staff to visit ICE facilities unannounced.”

“Congressional oversight works when Members of Congress have the proper tools they need, and our staff play a critical role in that work, from providing translation services to bringing legal and policy expertise to the table,” said Rep. Lee. “It’s been made clear abuse, neglect, and inhumane conditions have plagued detention centers. Members of Congress have a constitutional responsibility and right to conduct oversight, and we must be able to do our jobs without obstruction or intimidation. No administration is above accountability.”

“Over the past year and a half, we have seen numerous reports of inhumane, even deadly conditions of ICE detention facilities,” said Rep. Evans. “I’m proud to join this effort to demand more transparency and oversight of the Trump-Vance Administration’s actions.”

Rep. Scanlon joined her House colleagues in introducing this bill after she conducted an unannounced oversight visit of ICE’s largest detention center in Pennsylvania, the Moshannon Valley Detention Center. At the site, the Congresswoman was not permitted to bring congressional staff inside the facility. ICE blocking congressional staff from entering the facility limited the ability to communicate with people detained inside Moshannon.

Specifically, the bill would:

Remove the requirement of prior notice for a Member or an employee to enter any facility operated by or for the Department of Homeland Security.

Prohibits temporary modification in any such facility that would alter what is observed by a Member of Congress while conducting oversight.

Prohibit the Secretary of Homeland Security from preventing Members of Congress and congressional employees accompanying a Member from entering a facility with the purpose of conducting oversight.

Find the full bill text here.

###",1,2026-08-19T05:29:02Z,2026-08-19T05:30:24Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-pa-colleagues-introduce-bill-expand-congressional-oversight-ice,"Deluzio, PA Colleagues Introduce Bill to Expand Congressional Oversight at ICE Facilities",2026-08-17,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12), and Congressman Dwight Evans (PA-03) introduced the new Oversight Access Act of 2026.

This bill would allow for Representatives to bring one member of their staff inside Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities when conducting oversight, without prior notice. This would allow for additional translation services and more capacity to conduct oversight. Under a current Trump Administration rule, Members of Congress can enter the facility unannounced but interpreters and other staff must receive prior approval, defeating the purpose of unannounced oversight visits.

“Moshannon officials blocked my staff from joining our oversight visit this May, and it limited the conversations we could have with people detained inside. Unannounced congressional oversight visits to federal facilities are powerful and important accountability measures. However, unannounced oversight would be far stronger if Members of Congress could be accompanied by a staff member who could provide translation services, legal guidance, or policy expertise. I’m introducing the Oversight Access Act to make this fix and expand congressional oversight at ICE facilities.” – Congressman Chris Deluzio

“Congress has a solemn duty to conduct oversight at ICE facilities in Pennsylvania and across the country, but ICE’s arbitrary rules have made that more difficult. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I care deeply about ensuring that any facility receiving federal dollars lives up to the highest standards of care, decency, and safety. I am grateful to Congressman Deluzio, Congresswoman Scanlon, Congresswoman Lee, and Congressman Evans for their partnership on this critical legislation, which would strengthen Congressional oversight and make it easier for members of Congress and our staff to visit ICE facilities unannounced."" – Congresswoman Madeleine Dean

“When a Member of Congress visits an ICE detention facility to conduct congressional oversight, they must be able to do so effectively. That includes being able to bring an essential staff member or interpreter to support this critical duty. I am proud to lead the Oversight Access Act with Reps. Deluzio, Dean, Lee, and Evans to ensure that future unannounced oversight visits include a staff member.” – Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon

“Congressional oversight works when Members of Congress have the proper tools they need, and our staff play a critical role in that work, from providing translation services to bringing legal and policy expertise to the table. It’s been made clear abuse, neglect, and inhumane conditions have plagued detention centers. Members of Congress have a constitutional responsibility and right to conduct oversight, and we must be able to do our jobs without obstruction or intimidation. No administration is above accountability.” – Congresswoman Summer Lee

“Over the past year and a half, we have seen numerous reports of inhumane, even deadly conditions of ICE detention facilities. I’m proud to join this effort to demand more transparency and oversight of the Trump-Vance Administration’s actions.” – Congressman Dwight Evans

Deluzio and his colleagues are introducing this bill after he and Congresswoman Lee conducted an unannounced oversight visit of ICE’s largest detention center in Pennsylvania, the Moshannon Valley Detention Center. At the site, the congressmembers were not permitted to bring their congressional staff inside the facility. These staff were immigration policy experts and able to provide translation services. ICE blocking congressional staff from entering the facility limited the congressmembers’ ability to communicate with people detained inside Moshannon.

Specifically, the bill would:

Remove the requirement of prior notice for a Member or an employee to enter any facility operated by or for the Department of Homeland Security.

Prohibits temporary modification in any such facility that would alter what is observed by a Member of Congress while conducting oversight.

Prohibit the Secretary of Homeland Security from preventing Members of Congress and congressional employees accompanying a Member from entering a facility with the purpose of conducting oversight.

The full text of the Oversight Access Act is available here.

###",1,2026-08-18T05:27:41Z,2026-08-18T05:29:06Z
https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2053,Scanlon Introduces Legislation to Expand Eviction Diversion Programs,2026-08-17,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,PA,Mary Gay Scanlon,S001205,scanlon.house.gov,scanlon,https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) last week introduced the Stable Homes Act, legislation that would establish a competitive grant program to help local governments create or expand eviction diversion programs. More than two million eviction cases are filed each year across the country, roughly one filing every four minutes. Only 3% of tenants - compared to more than 80% of landlords - have legal representation. Eviction diversion programs (EDPs) have produced benefits for tenants, landlords, and local court systems by resolving disputes before an eviction filing is ever made.

EDPs help tenants avoid long-term consequences of an eviction record, such as barriers to future housing and damage to credit, while landlords benefit through mediation and supported negotiation to help resolve payment disputes and avoid court and attorney fees associated with formal eviction proceedings. EDPs also connect families to rental assistance, housing counseling, legal representation, and other resources to keep them housed.

“At a time when working-class Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, we need programs that help individuals and families stay in their homes and prevent housing insecurity,” said Rep. Scanlon. “Eviction diversion programs promote faster, fairer, and more sustainable resolutions for both landlords and tenants. I’m proud to introduce the Stable Homes Act to strengthen our housing market and keep our most vulnerable neighbors housed.”

Locally, Philadelphia’s EDP has demonstrated how pre-filing mediation can transform a city’s eviction landscape. In its first full year, 85% of cases entering the program avoided eviction court entirely, contributing to a dramatic decline in eviction filings from 20,000 annually to 7,000 in 2021. The program also relieved the local court system, reducing hearing wait times by two-thirds.

The Stable Homes Act would provide funding for localities to:

Establish eviction diversion programs, offering mediation services between tenants and landlords before an eviction filing occurs.

Support productive negotiation by providing direct rental assistance, legal representation, and housing counseling for the tenant.

Collect data and evaluate outcomes to measure program effectiveness and inform future policy.

The bill is endorsed by the National Housing Law Project and the National Alliance to End Homelessness.

Find the full bill text here.

###",1,2026-08-18T05:27:41Z,2026-08-18T05:29:06Z
https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/reps-lee-deluzio-pa-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-expand-congressional-oversight-at-ice-facilities,"Reps. Lee, Deluzio, PA Colleagues Introduce Bill to Expand Congressional Oversight at ICE Facilities",2026-08-17,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Text of Bill (PDF)

PITTSBURGH, PA – August 17, 2026 — Today, Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12), Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), and Congressman Dwight Evans (PA-03) introduced the new Oversight Access Act of 2026.

This bill would allow for Representatives to bring one member of their staff inside Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities when conducting oversight, without prior notice. This would allow for additional translation services and more capacity to conduct oversight. Under a current Trump Administration rule, Members of Congress can enter the facility unannounced but interpreters and other staff must receive prior approval, defeating the purpose of unannounced oversight visits.

“Congressional oversight works when Members of Congress have the proper tools they need, and our staff play a critical role in that work, from providing translation services to bringing legal and policy expertise to the table. It’s been made clear abuse, neglect, and inhumane conditions have plagued detention centers. Members of Congress have a constitutional responsibility and right to conduct oversight, and we must be able to do our jobs without obstruction or intimidation. No administration is above accountability,” said Congresswoman Summer Lee.

“Moshannon officials blocked my staff from joining our oversight visit this May, and it limited the conversations we could have with people detained inside. Unannounced congressional oversight visits to federal facilities are powerful and important accountability measures. However, unannounced oversight would be far stronger if Members of Congress could be accompanied by a staff member who could provide translation services, legal guidance, or policy expertise. I’m introducing the Oversight Access Act to make this fix and expand congressional oversight at ICE facilities,” said Congressman Chris Deluzio.

“Congress has a solemn duty to conduct oversight at ICE facilities in Pennsylvania and across the country, but ICE’s arbitrary rules have made that more difficult. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I care deeply about ensuring that any facility receiving federal dollars lives up to the highest standards of care, decency, and safety. I am grateful to Congressman Deluzio, Congresswoman Scanlon, Congresswoman Lee, and Congressman Evans for their partnership on this critical legislation, which would strengthen Congressional oversight and make it easier for members of Congress and our staff to visit ICE facilities unannounced,” said Congresswoman Madeleine Dean.

“When a Member of Congress visits an ICE detention facility to conduct congressional oversight, they must be able to do so effectively. That includes being able to bring an essential staff member or interpreter to support this critical duty. I am proud to lead the Oversight Access Act with Reps. Deluzio, Dean, Lee, and Evans to ensure that future unannounced oversight visits include a staff member,” said Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon.

“Over the past year and a half, we have seen numerous reports of inhumane, even deadly conditions of ICE detention facilities. I’m proud to join this effort to demand more transparency and oversight of the Trump-Vance Administration’s actions,” said Congressman Dwight Evans.

The lawmakers are introducing this bill after Rep. Lee and Rep. Deluzio conducted an unannounced oversight visit of ICE’s largest detention center in Pennsylvania, the Moshannon Valley Detention Center. At the site, the congressmembers were not permitted to bring their congressional staff inside the facility. These staff were immigration policy experts and able to provide translation services. ICE blocking congressional staff from entering the facility limited the congressmembers’ ability to communicate with people detained inside Moshannon.

Specifically, the bill would:

Remove the requirement of prior notice for a Member or an employee to enter any facility operated by or for the Department of Homeland Security.

Prohibits temporary modification in any such facility that would alter what is observed by a Member of Congress while conducting oversight.

Prohibit the Secretary of Homeland Security from preventing Members of Congress and congressional employees accompanying a Member from entering a facility with the purpose of conducting oversight.

The full text of the Oversight Access Act is available here.

Congresswoman Summer Lee has been a leading voice in Congress demanding accountability, transparency, and an end to ICE’s cruel detention and deportation system. She recently wrote letters to the ICE and the GEO Group, the for-profit prison corporation that owns and operates Moshannon Valley Detention Center in Philipsburg, PA, to demand answers on GEO’s failure to comply with federal standards of adequate staffing and medical care to detainees, as well as obstruction of congressional oversight. She also sent a letter with Rep. Deluzio to the HHS and Office of Refugee Resettlement demanding answers about ORR's decision to place unaccompanied migrant children at Abraxas Academy in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, despite the facility's extensive record of documented child abuse violations.

Rep. Lee has called to abolish ICE and oppose billions in additional ICE funding, introduced legislation to end ICE detention and redirect funding toward care, due process, and community-based services, demanded answers from ICE after the detention of a Brentwood asylum seeker, visited and called for the closure of the Moshannon Detention Facility following reports of abuse, retaliation, and a hunger strike, and recently conducted oversight of ICE detention conditions at Moshannon Valley ICE Detention Center after being illegally denied entry. She also released a statement after public reporting confirmed that the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the death of Daphy Michel, a 31-year-old Haitian immigrant who died after being released from ICE custody, a homicide.",1,2026-08-18T05:27:41Z,2026-08-18T05:29:06Z
https://dean.house.gov/2026/8/dean-deluzio-pa-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-expand-congressional-oversight-at-ice-facilities,"Dean, PA Delegation Introduce Bill to Expand Congressional Oversight at ICE Facilities",2026-08-17,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,PA,Madeleine Dean,D000631,dean.house.gov,dean,https://dean.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Summer Lee (PA-12), and Chris Deluzio (PA-17) introduced the Oversight Access Act to allow Members of Congress to bring one staff member inside Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities when conducting congressional oversight without prior notice.

In June, Congresswoman Dean conduted oversigt at the Moshannon Valley Detention Center — which began operating as an ICE facility in 2021 — in Philipsburg, PA on an announced visit. Although she was permitted to bring staff, Rep. Dean was blocked from speaking directly with people detained. In May, Congressman Deluzio and Congresswoman Lee conducted unannounced oversight. However, their staff members were not permitted to enter the ICE facility.

Under a current Trump Administration rule, U.S. Representatives can enter the facility unannounced but interpreters and other staff must receive prior approval, defeating the purpose of unannounced oversight visits. This bill would allow for additional translation services and more capacity to conduct oversight.

“Congress has a solemn duty to conduct oversight at ICE facilities in Pennsylvania and across the country, but ICE’s arbitrary rules have made that more difficult. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I care deeply about ensuring that any facility receiving federal dollars lives up to the highest standards of care, decency, and safety. I am grateful to Congressman Deluzio, Congresswoman Scanlon, Congresswoman Lee, and Congressman Evans for their partnership on this critical legislation, which would strengthen Congressional oversight and make it easier for members of Congress and our staff to visit ICE facilities unannounced,"" Rep. Dean said.

“Over the past year and a half, we have seen numerous reports of inhumane, even deadly conditions of ICE detention facilities. I’m proud to join this effort to demand more transparency and oversight of the Trump-Vance Administration’s actions,"" Rep. Evans said.

“When a Member of Congress visits an ICE detention facility to conduct congressional oversight, they must be able to do so effectively. That includes being able to bring an essential staff member or interpreter to support this critical duty. I am proud to lead the Oversight Access Act with Reps. Deluzio, Dean, Lee, and Evans to ensure that future unannounced oversight visits include a staff member,"" Rep. Scanlon said.

“Congressional oversight works when Members of Congress have the proper tools they need, and our staff play a critical role in that work, from providing translation services to bringing legal and policy expertise to the table. It’s been made clear abuse, neglect, and inhumane conditions have plagued detention centers. Members of Congress have a?constitutional responsibility and right to conduct oversight, and we must be able to do our jobs without obstruction or intimidation. No administration is above accountability,"" Rep. Lee said.

“Moshannon officials blocked my staff from joining our oversight visit this May, and it limited the conversations we could have with people detained inside. Unannounced congressional oversight visits to federal facilities are powerful and important accountability measures. However, unannounced oversight would be far stronger if Members of Congress could be accompanied by a staff member who could provide translation services, legal guidance, or policy expertise. I’m introducing the Oversight Access Act to make this fix and expand congressional oversight at ICE facilities,"" Rep. Deluzio said.

Specifically, the Oversight Access Act would:

Remove the requirement of prior notice for a Member or an employee to enter any facility operated by or for the Department of Homeland Security;

Prohibit temporary modification in any such facility that would alter what is observed by a Member of Congress while conducting oversight; and

Prohibit the Secretary of Homeland Security from preventing Members of Congress and congressional employees accompanying a Member from entering a facility with the purpose of conducting oversight.

Read the full text of the bill here.

Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.

###",1,2026-08-19T05:29:02Z,2026-08-19T05:30:24Z
https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/boyle-statement-91st-anniversary-social-security,Boyle Statement on the 91st Anniversary of Social Security,2026-08-14,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,PA,Brendan F. Boyle,B001296,boyle.house.gov,boyle,https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, issued the following statement on the 91st anniversary of President Franklin D. Roosevelt signing the Social Security Act:

“Social Security is the greatest anti-poverty program in American history. But 91 years after its creation, Republicans in Washington are still trying to break Social Security’s sacred promise. After passing the largest health care cuts in our nation’s history, Speaker Johnson now says he has a ‘plan’ to cut Social Security.

I will always defend Americans’ hard-earned benefits against Republican cuts. My Medicare and Social Security Fair Share Act proves that we can protect and strengthen these programs by making millionaires and billionaires pay their fair share. It’s time to pass my bill and keep the promise of Social Security for all generations.”

Background:

Congressman Boyle has introduced the Medicare and Social Security Fair Share Act, legislation that would protect Social Security for all generations by making the nation's highest earners contribute their fair share.

The independent actuaries at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Social Security Administration have confirmed Boyle’s legislation will extend solvency indefinitely.

To read more about Boyle’s Medicare and Social Security Fair Share Act, click here.

###",1,2026-08-15T05:23:20Z,2026-08-15T05:24:50Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-deluzio-announces-999000-center-township-waterline-improvements,"Congressman Deluzio Announces $999,000 for Center Township Waterline Improvements",2026-08-12,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CENTER TOWNSHIP, PA – Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) announced that Center Township in Beaver County, PA is receiving $999,000 for upgrades to their waterline infrastructure. This funding will pay for a section of replacement waterline. Replacing this waterline will improve water service and reduce maintenance work for the Township.

“Every community should have safe, clean drinking water that they can count on,” said Congressman Deluzio. “I’m glad to announce this funding for the people of Center Township. Thank you to former Congressman Conor Lamb for his work on this project in the 117th Congress.”

“The management and investigative efforts [from this funding] will protect the health and safety of residents,” said Bill DiCioccio, Jr., Chairman of the Board of Supervisors for Center Township.

The waterline infrastructure funding was appropriated by Congress in 2022 under the Consolidated Appropriations Act and is granted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through the State and Tribal Assistance Grants’ (STAG) State Revolving Fund.

The Trump Administration’s efforts to freeze funding and pause federal grants has created significant uncertainty for grantees, varying by agency and program. As of now, courts have paused many of these freezes. However, Congressman Deluzio’s office will continue to monitor these developments and fight to make sure this congressionally-authorized funding continues going to projects that make life better for Western Pennsylvanians. If you are the recipient of a federal grant and have been notified that this funding is no longer available to you or are experiencing other issues accessing your lawfully appropriated funds, please share your concerns with Congressman Deluzio’s office at PA17Grants@mail.house.gov.

###",1,2026-08-13T06:17:16Z,2026-08-13T06:18:13Z
http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5146,"Rep. Houlahan, Sen. Warren, Lawmakers Slam Trump Admin for Efforts to Tear Apart Military Families, Convert Military Bases Into “Traps” for Non-Citizens",2026-08-10,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), with Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Representatives Maggie Goodlander (D-NH), Delia Ramirez (D-IL), and Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX) led a bicameral letter pressing the Department of Defense (DoD), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Veterans Affairs (VA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on their efforts to coordinate to arrest, and detain, and deport hundreds of veterans and military families. In April 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) rescinded its long-standing policy that treated military service a “significant mitigating factor” when deciding whether to pursue immigration enforcement, and replaced it with a new policy stating that military service alone “does not automatically exempt” non-citizens from enforcement actions.

In September 2025, Rep. Houlahan, Sen. Warren, and other lawmakers opened an investigation into the impacts of these policy changes on military families. The investigation revealed that ICE has attempted to deport 282 veterans and their relatives. But DHS refused to disclose the number of active-duty troops and their families who have been threatened by the administration’s policy.

But new reports indicate that DoD and DHS appear to be coordinating to convert military bases into “traps” for individuals this administration deems deportable and has detained non-citizens during routine check-ins, visits, and drop-offs at or near military installations. At the same time, DoD has continued to recruit new service members with the promise of immigration protections.

Recent reporting by the Associated Press reveals that, since January 2025, more than 50 parents and spouses of active-duty service members have been detained, and at least six have been deported. ICE’s statistics show that the agency has arrested 16 non-citizen armed forces members since the beginning of Fiscal Year 2026. Some service members have reportedly needed to take leave or delay deployment because ICE detained their families.

“These efforts imperil military readiness, weaken service members’ morale, and betray America’s promises to the people who put their lives on the line for our nation,” wrote the lawmakers. Alarmingly, DoD has been reportedly targeting individuals at military installations, detaining them on military property, and turning them over to ICE — effectively converting military bases into “traps” for noncitizens. For example, a 22-year-old military wife was recently detained while attempting to obtain a military spouse I.D. Military officials allegedly called DHS and held her in a room until ICE agents arrived to take her to a detention center.

“DoD’s participation in civil immigration enforcement activities raises both ethical and legal concerns, including potential violations of the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits using the armed forces of the military for civilian law enforcement,” wrote the lawmakers.

The coalition warned that if service members were to be swept up in any of these enforcement actions, it could separately constitute a violation of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, which provides protections to all members of the United States military on active duty, including non-citizens, from civil actions—such as immigration proceedings—that interfere with their military duties.

“Service members must have confidence that their sacrifices will be honored, not used against them or to target their loved ones,” wrote the lawmakers. “DoD’s new anti-immigrant practices risk deterring future recruits and damaging the credibility of military recruitment efforts—which promised to care for service members even after their time in uniform.”

The lawmakers requested that the agencies explain the enhanced coordination between DoD and DHS, restore long-standing immigration protections for family members of service members, and explain what steps they are taking to protect troops, veterans, and their families from unjust immigration enforcement by August 23, 2026.

The letter was signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

Representatives Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.), Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.), André Carson (D-Ind.), Greg Casar (D-Texas), Sean Casten (D-Ill.), Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), Gil Cisneros (D-Calif.), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.), Daniel Davis (D-Ill.), Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.), Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.), Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.), Veronica Escobar (D-Texas), Bill Foster (D-Ill.), Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.), Chuy García (D-Ill.), Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas), Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.), Jonathan Jackson (D-Ill.), Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), John Larson (D-Conn.), Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.), Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.), Marilyn Strickland (D-Wash.), Suhas Subramanyam (D-Va.), Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Dina Titus (D-Nev.), Marc Veasey (D-Texas), Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.), joined in signing the letter.

The letter was endorsed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Immigration Defenders Law Center, the Seattle Clemency Project, Common Defense, Repatriate Our Patriots, and League of United Latin American Citizens.

""It is hard to imagine a more profound betrayal than targeting service members, veterans, and military families for deportation,” said Jennie Pasquarella, interim executive director of the Seattle Clemency Project. ""This administration is abandoning decades of bipartisan policies that recognized a simple truth: protecting those who serve makes our military stronger and our nation safer. Targeting the very communities that have sacrificed for this country is not just morally indefensible, it is a direct attack on military readiness, recruitment, and trust.""

""This administration has made a conscious decision to abandon its promises to military families and fail those who put their lives on the line for our nation,” said Amanda Schuft, director of legal services at Immigrant Defenders Law Center. “We have seen the devastating human cost firsthand. Our client, the father of an active-duty Army service member, was detained by ICE despite suffering from terminal renal failure, forcing his son to take leave from military service to plead for his release and provide evidence of his grave medical condition. The government ignored those pleas. After his health deteriorated in detention, our client was eventually released, only to die within weeks.”

“Family readiness directly impacts mission readiness. Behind every military spouse or parent in detention is a servicemember who could deploy at any moment. Without a strong homefront, we cannot have a ready force. Our government must honor its commitments to those who serve,” said Danitza G. James, MSW, President, Repatriate Our Patriots.

--end--",1,2026-08-11T05:54:29Z,2026-08-11T05:56:25Z
https://evans.house.gov/media/press-releases/evans-introduces-bill-build-more-accessible-affordable-housing,"Evans Introduces Bill to Build More Accessible, Affordable Housing",2026-08-10,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,PA,Dwight Evans,E000296,evans.house.gov,evans,https://evans.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"PHILADELPHIA (Aug. 10, 2026) – U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans (D-PA-3) introduced the Visitable Inclusive Tax Credits for Accessible Living (VITAL) Act to strengthen the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) to expand the supply of affordable, accessible housing for older adults and people with disabilities.

Evans’ lead House co-sponsor is Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1), and U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), ranking member of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

Evans said, “About 26 percent of people in the United States have a disability, yet less than 6 percent of the national housing supply is designed to be accessible at even a basic level. This bill would change that by expanding low-income housing tax credits to make affordable housing more accessible for seniors and people with disabilities. The need for accessible housing will only continue to grow as America’s senior population grows! I want to thank Congressman Fitzpatrick and Senators Klobuchar and Gillibrand for partnering on this much-needed bill.”

“As we work to increase housing supply and make homes more affordable, we must also build with the needs of our seniors and Americans with disabilities in mind. The VITAL Act uses the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit to promote accessible, adaptable homes in communities connected to transportation and essential services. This legislation reflects the kind of housing policy I will always champion — one that strengthens independence, expands opportunity, and helps every person live with dignity,” Fitzpatrick said.

“For far too many Americans living with disabilities and older adults with mobility issues, safe housing is out of reach due to a lack of affordable and accessible options,” Klobuchar said. “This legislation would increase the number of new homes that are located in walkable or wheelchair-friendly communities to increase access to housing for all.”

“As our aging population continues to grow, it is critical that we invest in affordable housing units with accessible features,” Gillibrand said. “The VITAL Act would help ensure that affordable housing meets the mobility and accessibility needs of New York seniors and people with disabilities, allowing them to age comfortably in the communities of their choice. As the top Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee, I am proud to lead this bill, and I encourage my colleagues to support it.”

The LIHTC is a federal program providing tax credits to developers who build new housing for low-income renters. The VITAL Act would increase state LIHTC allocations, provide an enhanced tax credit for qualifying affordable housing developments that include accessible units for people with disabilities in walkable communities, and incentivize state housing finance agencies to prioritize the development of more accessible housing.

The VITAL Act is endorsed by The Kelsey, LeadingAge, Pathways to Housing PA, TriageCancer, National Low Income Housing Coalition, Liberty Housing Development Corporation, National Council on Independent Living, National Disability Rights Network, Autistic Self Advocacy Network, The Arc of the United States, Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund, Justice in Aging, National Housing Law Project, National Council on Aging, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs, Muscular Dystrophy Association, National NeighborWorks Association, Paralyzed Veterans of America, TASH, ANCOR, Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, The Amputee Coalition, Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, YIMBY Action, Disability Empowerment Center of Lancaster PA, American Foundation of the Blind, America Walks, National Homelessness Law Center, Caring Across Generations, National Association of the Deaf, Community Solutions, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), American Council of the Blind, HDC MidAtlantic, New Disabled South, and Autism Speaks.",1,2026-08-11T05:54:29Z,2026-08-11T05:56:25Z
http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5145,"Reps. Houlahan, Whitesides, Haridopolos Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Bolster Military Readiness for Natural Disasters",2026-08-07,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), George Whitesides (CA-27), and Mike Haridopolos (FL-08) introduced the bipartisan Military Readiness Through Resilient Lands Act, legislation that instructs the Department of Defense to develop and maintain goals and metrics to assess natural resources on military installations. Natural disasters, such as wildfires and floods, and deterioration of environmental conditions can compromise important operations on military installations, reducing military preparedness and posing risks to national security. This bill asks the Department of the Defense to assess technologies that could be used to monitor their natural resources, which would enable better preparation on military installations for natural disasters and other threats to the ecosystem.

“As ranking member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel, I believe readiness begins with protecting our servicemembers and ensuring they have safe, resilient installations where they can live, work, and train. Wildfires, flooding, and other effects of a changing climate can threaten our people, disrupt operations, and undermine mission readiness,” said Rep. Houlahan. “I am proud to co-lead the Military Readiness Through Resilient Lands Act with Congressman Whitesides to give military leaders better data and modern tools to manage our natural resources, strengthen installation resilience, and keep our forces safe and ready.”

“As our nation’s military continues to protect our country, it is imperative that our bases and installations are prepared for potential threats, including natural disasters,” said Rep. Whitesides. “If a wildfire strikes a military installation, like we saw in Camp Pendleton earlier this year, it could shut down its operations, putting all of us at risk. Through the use of advanced technology and cutting-edge monitoring systems, our military can better understand the natural resources that exist on their installations, and take preventative actions to protect the installation from threats like natural disasters.”

“America’s military bases are critical to keeping our country safe, and it’s important that they stay strong and ready to do their jobs,” said Rep. Haridopolos. “The Military Readiness Through Resilient Lands Act protects our land and natural resources around these bases that are needed for training and operations, using improved technology and better information to make sure our military stays prepared to meet new challenges.”

Specifically, the Military Readiness Through Resilient Lands Act directs the Department of Defense to:

Evaluate, test, and, where appropriate, use, technologies and methodologies to improve natural resources programs on military installations.

Assess natural resources and ecosystem services on military installations to allow for the comparison of conditions and trends concerning wildfire risk and fuels conditions, flood risk, ecosystem conditions, and biodiversity within that installation.

Provide consistent and regular updates to data for use in integrated natural resource management plans.

Add additional information to a report that the Department of Defense gives to Congress concerning progress made and benefits of using the metrics, technologies, methods, and data.",1,2026-08-08T05:41:38Z,2026-08-08T05:43:24Z
https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-lee-joins-mon-valley-initiative-to-celebrate-completion-of-3-miller-ave-rehabilitation-in-rankin,Rep. Lee Joins Mon Valley Initiative to Celebrate Completion of 3 Miller Ave Rehabilitation in Rankin,2026-08-07,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Photos (Dropbox)

RANKIN, PA – AUGUST 7, 2026 — Yesterday, Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12) joined Mon Valley Initiative (MVI), Allegheny County Economic Development (ACED), elected officials, project partners, and community members to celebrate the completion of its rehabilitation of 3 Miller Ave with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, August 6. The renovated 3-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom home, located in Rankin, will soon welcome new homeowner Emily Perry and her family.

Congresswoman Summer Lee reflected on what the project means for the community. “The completion of 3 Miller Avenue shows what becomes possible when people invest in Rankin, work together, and deliver something real for the community. A home can change the direction of a family, and a block full of strong families can change the direction of an entire community,” she said.

“Since 2000, MVI has renovated 14 homes and built 9 new ones along this corridor. 3 Miller Avenue is the latest piece of that work, an over $340,000 investment that turns a vacant property back into a home a family can afford and build a future in,”said Laura Zinski, MVI CEO.

The approximately 1,759-square-foot home includes a front porch, an extra side yard lot, rear parking, a third-floor bonus room, and an unfinished basement, and was put on the market for $140,000. The property sits on a primary public transit corridor within walking distance or a short drive of the Swissvale Shopping Center, Edgewood Towne Center, and the Waterfront.

The renovation was funded through ACED’s HOME Investment Partnerships Program, which supports the redevelopment of vacant and underused properties across the county. Investments like this deliver value beyond the home itself. The borough, county, and school district will benefit each year from new taxes generated by the property, helping stabilize and grow the local market.

“HOME is a critical federal resource that allows us to invest in housing projects that strengthen neighborhoods. Restoring a vacant property like 3 Miller Ave supports new homeowners while also reinforcing neighborhood stability and long‑term economic growth. We’re grateful to MVI for their partnership on this project, and to the federal, state, and local programs that make these housing investments possible,” said Lauren Connelly, Director of ACED.

Perry, who is set to move into the home later this summer with her family, joined the ceremony and toured the finished property with guests.

About Mon Valley Initiative

Mon Valley Initiative (MVI), founded in 1988, works to improve the lives of people in the Mon Valley area by helping to rebuild community infrastructure, provide safe and affordable housing, and connect employers to people seeking new jobs and careers. We do this by delivering quality services to the people of the Mon Valley, including housing counseling, workforce development & financial coaching, real estate development, and community development. For more information, visit www.monvalleyinitiative.com.

For photos of the event, click here.",1,2026-08-08T05:41:38Z,2026-08-08T05:43:24Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-dean-lee-demand-answers-ice-geo-group-about-violations-moshannon,"Deluzio, Dean, Lee Demand Answers from ICE, GEO Group about Violations at Moshannon Detention Center",2026-08-06,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, Pennsylvania Congressmembers Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), and Summer Lee (PA-12) wrote letters to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the GEO Group, the for-profit prison corporation that owns and operates Moshannon Valley Processing Center (MVPC) in Philipsburg, PA, to demand answers on GEO’s failure to comply with federal standards of adequate staffing and medical care to detainees, as well as obstruction of congressional oversight.

Ahead of GEO’s Second Quarter 2026 Earnings Call, the Pennsylvania lawmakers said clearly that, “there shouldn’t be earnings calls for human detention.”

As ICE’s reckless, and at times deadly, arrests proliferate across the country, Congressman Deluzio and Congresswoman Lee conducted the first successful unannounced oversight to MVPC on May 28, 2026. MVPC began operating as an ICE facility in 2021 and is currently the largest ICE detention facility in Pennsylvania.

Congresswoman Dean conducted an announced congressional oversight visit to the same facility on June 17, 2026.

During Congressman Deluzio and Congresswoman Lee’s oversight at Moshannon, their staff members who could provide translation and casework services were denied entry. This limited their ability to speak with people detained in the facility. Still, they learned that the vast majority of people detained in Moshannon are considered “low-security,” meaning they have not been accused of serious, violent crimes or engaged in similar conduct while detained. Additionally, detained women in the facility had concerns about food and medical care, including care for pregnant women. Writ large, there were major differences between what Moshannon leadership told the members of Congress, and the stories that detained people shared, especially about medical care, food quality, and ability to stay updated on their legal cases.

Congresswoman Dean was denied from speaking with detainees during her announced oversight visit to the ICE facility.

Acting ICE Director David Venturella spent more than a decade as a GEO senior executive and then as a consultant—a grave conflict of interest.

The Congressmembers’ letter to GEO reads, “It is my constitutional duty to ensure that federal contractors honor their legal obligations and that taxpayer dollars do not fund systemic neglect or cruelty.”

And continues, “Having a former high-ranking GEO executive with an active non-compete clause serving as Acting Director of ICE raises profound questions of self-dealing, regulatory capture, and whether ICE will ever hold GEO to account for its material contractual breaches.”

The Pennsylvania lawmakers requested answers from both ICE and GEO regarding federal contract compliance, a commitment to congressional oversight, and recusal agreements governing former ICE and DHS officials currently employed by or consulting for GEO and current ICE and DHS employees formerly employed by or consulting for GEO.

Read the full letter to GEO here.

Read the full letter to ICE here.

###",1,2026-08-07T06:11:19Z,2026-08-07T06:12:42Z
https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-boyle-stands-research-leaders-oppose-cuts-philadelphia-health,ICYMI: Boyle Stands with Research Leaders to Oppose Cuts to Philadelphia Health Research Programs and Announce Letter Demanding Answers from Trump Administration,2026-08-05,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,PA,Brendan F. Boyle,B001296,boyle.house.gov,boyle,https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"PHILADELPHIA, PA – Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, joined Philadelphia health research leaders to oppose the Trump Administration’s cuts to programs at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the University of Pennsylvania (Penn). Congressman Boyle also announced that, as the top Democrat on the Budget Committee, he sent a formal letter today to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Director Roger Klein, demanding answers on these cancellations.

“This funding isn't partisan, nor is it controversial. It represents exactly what our federal government should be doing, creating jobs and saving lives by funding critical medical research,” said Congressman Brendan Boyle (PA-02). “As the top Democrat on the House Budget Committee, I'm using my authority to demand answers. Hardworking Philadelphia scientists are counting on this funding. So are the patients across the country, our most vulnerable, who benefit from their work.”

Boyle sent the letter in his capacity as Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, which has jurisdiction over the budget process, including illegal impoundments or funding freezes.

In the letter, he demanded the detailed information needed to determine whether the terminations are illegal, pressed the Administration to identify the authority it claims in canceling these grants, and asked whether the cuts are politically motivated. Boyle also demanded to know whether the Trump Administration will commit to fully spending the funding Congress appropriated for AHRQ.

The full letter can be read here.

In recent weeks, AHRQ cut funding for dozens of grants nationwide, including several major programs at CHOP and Penn. AHRQ has also frozen or halted funding for other research grants, often without notice.

Congressman Dwight Evans (PA-03) said, ""I stand with my colleague Congressman Boyle in demanding the Trump-Vance administration provide answers about canceling federal grants to CHOP, Penn and other important centers that do life-saving health research.""

Congressman Boyle was joined by Dr. Christopher Forrest, Professor of Pediatrics at CHOP and Scientific Director of PEDSnet; and Dr. Rachel Werner, Professor of Medicine at Penn’s Perelman School of Medicine and Research Education Core Leader at PennPORTAL. Boyle was also joined by Drs. Kit Delgado, Meeta Kerlin, and Jaya Aysola with Penn Medicine.

“Seven years ago, we started a program called PEDSnet Scholars. That program has trained 44 physicians, psychologists, and nurses who are now improving health care and improving the health and well-being of children,” said Dr. Christopher Forrest. “Our scientists have focused on conditions like kidney disease, mental health disorders like ADHD and substance use, pain, infections, high blood pressure, lung diseases like asthma and cystic fibrosis. Without this funding, this program is going to be terminated, and I thank Congressman Boyle for his leadership.”

“Along with a number of my colleagues here today, and with the AHRQ's support, we built a program called PORTAL, which trains clinicians to become leaders in building a healthcare system that provides better care for patients,” said Dr. Rachel Werner. “What specifically do we lose from these terminations? First, they mean fewer discoveries that can make healthcare safer and more effective. Second, they mean the immediate loss of jobs. And third, they mean losing the next generation of scientists.”",1,2026-08-06T07:37:31Z,2026-08-06T07:38:34Z
https://dean.house.gov/2026/8/dean-deluzio-and-lee-demand-answers-from-ice-geo-group-about-violations-at-moshannon-detention-center,"Dean, Deluzio, and Lee Demand Answers from ICE, GEO Group about Violations at Moshannon Detention Center",2026-08-05,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,PA,Madeleine Dean,D000631,dean.house.gov,dean,https://dean.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Madeleine Dean (PA-04), alongside U.S. Representatives Chris Deluzio (PA-17) and Summer Lee (PA-12), wrote letters to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the GEO Group, the for-profit prison corporation that owns and operates Moshannon Valley Processing Center (MVPC) in Philipsburg, PA, to demand answers on GEO’s failure to comply with federal standards of adequate staffing and medical care to detainees, as well as obstruction of congressional oversight.

Ahead of GEO’s Second Quarter Earnings Call, the Pennsylvania lawmakers are clear: “There shouldn’t be earnings calls for human detention.”

As ICE’s reckless, and at times fatal, arrests proliferate across the country, Congresswoman Dean conducted an announced congressional oversight visit to MVPC — which began operating as an ICE facility in 2021 — on June 17. Congressman Deluzio and Congresswoman Lee had previously conducted unannounced oversight on May 28.

“As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, it is my constitutional duty to ensure that federal contractors honor their legal obligations and that taxpayer dollars do not fund systemic neglect or cruelty. What I uncovered at MVPC did not reassure me; rather, it confirmed serious reports of medical neglect, safety violations, and explicit contract violations,” Rep. Dean wrote.

During Congresswoman Dean’s oversight at Moshannon, senior MVPC leadership repeatedly admitted that initial medical screenings occurred 24 to 72 hours upon arrival — violating ICE’s national standard of comprehensive screening within 12 hours of every detainee’s arrival.

In August 2025, 32-year-old Chaofeng Ge died by suicide at MVPC. In 2023, 37-year-old Frankline Okpu died in custody at MVPC. In December 2025, 46-year-old Fouad Saeed Abdulkadir died in custody at MVPC.

Following her visit, Congresswoman Dean learned that Acting ICE Director David Venturella spent more than a decade as a GEO senior executive and then as a consultant — creating a grave conflict of interest.

“These failures are not accidental; they are the predictable result of a privatized, for-profit detention business model. As a publicly traded entity, GEO has a strict legal obligation, a fiduciary duty, to act in the best interest of its shareholders. GEO’s focus on maximizing shareholder value drives aggressive cost cutting across medical personnel, nutritional quality, and translation services,” the lawmakers continued.

The lawmakers requested answers from both ICE and GEO regarding federal contract compliance, a commitment to congressional oversight, and recusal agreements governing former ICE and DHS officials currently employed by or consulting for GEO and current ICE and DHS employees formerly employed by or consulting for GEO.

Read the full letter to GEO here.

Read the full letter to ICE here.

Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.

###",1,2026-08-06T07:37:31Z,2026-08-06T07:38:34Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-celebrates-new-daily-amtrak-service-connecting-pittsburgh-commonwealth,"Deluzio Celebrates New, Daily Amtrak Service Connecting Pittsburgh to the Commonwealth",2026-08-05,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CARNEGIE, PA – Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) celebrated the news that Amtrak will add a second daily train to the Pennsylvanian route later this year. Outgoing Amtrak President Roger Harris made the announcement in a July 29th Board Meeting. The Pennsylvanian route connects Pittsburgh to New York City via Harrisburg and Philadelphia.

Back in December 2023, Congressman Deluzio helped announce a $143,629,028 federal grant from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to expand Amtrak passenger rail service on the Keystone West Corridor—specifically for a second daily round-trip between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg. This funding was from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021.

Congressman Deluzio released the following statement:

“Three years ago, I was thrilled to announce this massive $143.6 million federal investment in Western Pennsylvania’s long neglected passenger rail service,” said Congressman Deluzio. “Today, I’m proud to celebrate this step forward to get a second train heading east from Pittsburgh. But we must dream bigger: my goal is high-speed rail that is cheap and reliable connecting people all across Pennsylvania and our great country.”

###",1,2026-08-06T07:37:31Z,2026-08-06T07:38:34Z
https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/reps-lee-dean-deluzio-demand-answers-from-ice-geo-group-about-violations-at-moshannon-detention-center,"Reps. Lee, Dean, Deluzio, Demand Answers from ICE, GEO Group about Violations at Moshannon Detention Center",2026-08-05,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Letter to ICE | Letter to GEO Group

PITTSBURGH, PA – AUGUST 5, 2026 — Today, Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12), Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04), and Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) wrote letters to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the GEO Group, the for-profit prison corporation that owns and operates Moshannon Valley Detention Center in Philipsburg, PA, to demand answers on GEO’s failure to comply with federal standards of adequate staffing and medical care to detainees, as well as obstruction of congressional oversight.

Ahead of GEO’s Second Quarter 2026 Earnings Call, the Pennsylvania lawmakers are clear: “There shouldn’t be earnings calls for human detention.”

Congresswoman Lee and Congressman Deluzio previously conducted an unannounced oversight to Moshannon — which began operating as an ICE facility in 2021 — on May 28. They previously attempted to conduct a Moshannon visit in August 2025. Congresswoman Dean conducted an announced congressional oversight on June 17.

In August 2025, 32-year-old Chaofeng Ge died by suicide at Moshannon. In 2023, 37-year-old Frankline Okpu died in custody. In December 2025, 46-year-old Fouad Saeed Abdulkadir died in custody.

“These failures are not accidental; they are the predictable result of a privatized, for-profit detention business model. As a publicly traded entity, GEO has a strict legal obligation, a fiduciary duty, to act in the best interest of its shareholders. GEO’s focus on maximizing shareholder value drives aggressive cost cutting across medical personnel, nutritional quality, and translation services,” the lawmakers continued.

The lawmakers requested answers from both ICE and GEO regarding federal contract compliance, a commitment to congressional oversight, and recusal agreements governing former ICE and DHS officials currently employed by or consulting for GEO and current ICE and DHS employees formerly employed by or consulting for GEO.

Congresswoman Summer Lee has been a leading voice in Congress demanding accountability, transparency, and an end to ICE’s cruel detention and deportation system. She recently sent a letter with Rep. Deluzio to the Department of Health and Human Services and Office of Refugee Resettlement demanding answers about ORR's decision to place unaccompanied migrant children at Abraxas Academy in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, despite the facility's extensive record of documented child abuse violations. Rep. Lee has called to abolish ICE and oppose billions in additional ICE funding, introduced legislation to end ICE detention and redirect funding toward care, due process, and community-based services, demanded answers from ICE after the detention of a Brentwood asylum seeker, visited and called for the closure of the Moshannon Detention Facility following reports of abuse, retaliation, and a hunger strike, and recently conducted oversight of ICE detention conditions at Moshannon Valley ICE Detention Center after being illegally denied entry. She also released a statement after public reporting confirmed that the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the death of Daphy Michel, a 31-year-old Haitian immigrant who died after being released from ICE custody, a homicide.

Read the full letter to GEO here. Read the full letter to ICE here.",1,2026-08-06T07:37:31Z,2026-08-06T07:38:34Z
https://dean.house.gov/2026/8/dean-davidson-reintroduce-bill-to-protect-servicemembers-from-predatory-debt-collection-practices,"Dean, Davidson Reintroduce Bill to Protect Servicemembers from Predatory Debt Collection Practices",2026-08-04,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,PA,Madeleine Dean,D000631,dean.house.gov,dean,https://dean.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Madeleine Dean (PA-04) and Warren Davidson (OH-08) reintroduced the Fair Debt Collection Practices for Servicemembers Act (H.R. 10018), bipartisan legislation to address abusive debt collection practices affecting members of the military.Congresswoman Dean’s bill previously passed the House in the 116th Congress.

According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Office of Servicemember Affairs, 13.8% of complaints filed by servicemembers concern debt collection — as compared to only 6.6% by non-servicemembers. Debt collectors threaten the rank and security clearances of U.S. troops. And unfortunately, debt collectors also target military spouses, unfairly burdening our military families.

“Our service members are the very best of us, sacrificing their very lives for our protection and freedom — they should not fear that their careers will be marred by manipulative debt collectors,” Rep. Dean said. “Our bipartisan bill is a commonsense measure to protect U.S. troops, and our military families, from unfair debt collection practices.”

“Debt collectors have no business attempting to interfere with the military’s chain of command,” Rep. Davidson said. “I’m proud to support this bill to protect service members by ensuring they cannot be coerced by false threats to their rank or security clearance.”

The Fair Debt Collection Practices for Servicemembers Act strengthens protections for servicemembers by prohibiting a debt collector from conveying any threats to a servicemember or commanding office:

To have the servicemember’s rank reduced; or

To have the servicemember’s security clearance revoked.

The bill also requires the Government Accountability Office to report the impact of this act on military readiness and national security, including the extent covered members with security clearances would be impacted by uncollected debt.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices for Servicemembers Act is endorsed by the Military Family Advisory Network and the National Military Family Association.

“Military families already navigate financial pressures unique to military life, including frequent moves, disruptions to spouse employment, and unexpected out-of-pocket costs. No servicemember, recently separated veteran, or military family member should face collection tactics that exploit their connection to military service by threatening rank, security clearance, or prosecution. MFAN is proud to support the Fair Debt Collection Practices for Servicemembers Act, which provides important protections for military families while recognizing that their financial well-being is directly connected to military readiness and national security,” Shannon Razsadin, CEO, Military Family Advisory Network said.

Read the full text of the bill here.

Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.",1,2026-08-06T07:37:31Z,2026-08-06T07:38:34Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-lee-raise-alarm-federal-government-ending-legal-representation,"Deluzio, Lee Raise Alarm on Federal Government Ending Legal Representation for Hundreds of Unaccompanied Migrant Children in Pennsylvania",2026-07-31,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"“Our offices have heard concerns from an organization in our region that provides legal services to unaccompanied children about the continuity of children's legal cases and their clients' overall wellbeing in the absence of guidance from the government about how the cases will be transferred or managed… “If this organization (and others operating across the country) are unable to continue their work, approximately 20,000 unaccompanied children in federal custody and living in our communities will lose federally funded representation they are to receive under the law. Equally troubling, if the agency does not take action to continue these services, new children that enter ORR custody will be stripped of access to critical legal information and a trusted adult to help them understand their rights starting on August 1, 2026. “Children, many of which have fled violence and exploitation, should not be forced to appear in court alone without representation. Please provide responses to the following questions by August 10, 2026:

1. Why has ORR failed to present the Acacia center with guidance on case continuity?

2. How will the government ensure its compliance with statutory language and court order requiring that unaccompanied children receive legal services?

3. What plans are in place to ensure these unaccompanied minors' cases receive due process according to the law?

4. What is the Administration's plan to transfer or transition these cases and the work of these organizations?

5. When will the Administration release the payments owed to legal services providers?",1,2026-08-01T07:27:26Z,2026-08-01T07:28:22Z
https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2050,"Congresswoman Scanlon Conducts Unannounced Oversight Visit to Moshannon Valley Processing Center, Largest ICE Detention Center in Northeast",2026-07-31,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,PA,Mary Gay Scanlon,S001205,scanlon.house.gov,scanlon,https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Chester, PA — Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) this week conducted an unannounced Congressional oversight visit inside Moshannon Valley Processing Center, the largest ICE detention center in the Northeast. After a roughly 30 minute wait, Rep. Scanlon gained entry to the facility and was provided a tour of the Moshannon facility by ICE and GEO administrators for 3 hours. With one exception, she was not allowed to speak with detainees.

The visit occurred without prior notice to ICE after a March 2 court order blocked ICE actions to restrict access to detention facilities by Members of Congress and reaffirmed their legal right to conduct unannounced oversight visits to those facilities.

Moshannon Valley Processing Center is a former prison owned and operated by private prison contractor, GEO Group, and now used solely for immigration detention. While reports of poor conditions at Moshannon have circulated for years, they have dramatically increased since the start of the Trump Administration’s mass deportation efforts, including a hunger strike, reports of inadequate medical care and neglect, allegations of sexual assault, and two detainee deaths.

“The American people are entitled to know how their tax dollars are being spent. Given the billions of dollars in deficit spending that Congressional Republicans and the Trump White House are devoting to mass deportation, it is more important than ever that Congress conduct oversight of ICE and DHS operations to find out how those taxpayer dollars are being spent, and ensure that people being held in custody by the United States government are treated humanely,” said Rep. Scanlon. “Following numerous reports of unsafe living conditions, subpar medical care, and two deaths at this private prison facility, in which dozens of my community members and constituents have been detained against their will, it would be irresponsible not to inspect conditions at Moshannon firsthand. GEO charges us millions of dollars every month to detain people at Moshannon. Taxpayer dollars should be spent to improve the lives of Americans, not to inflict misery and make private prison contractors rich.”

Rep. Scanlon summarized her key takeaways as follows:

Administrators reported that the population at Moshannon during the visit was 1,634 — consistent with increased detention numbers across the country as ICE arrests have escalated in June and July 2026.

Officials at Moshannon indicated that 1,311 of the 1,634 individuals detained at the time of the visit were considered low-security. ICE’s FY2026 statistics confirm that the vast majority (8 out of 10) of people detained at Moshannon have no criminal record.

Only 46 (less than 3%) of detainees were women. This aligns with reports that ICE is targeting male breadwinners for detention in order to pressure self-deportation by entire family units (including children who are U.S. citizens).

The average stay at Moshannon was reported by administrators to be 34 days; current online statistics from ICE list a higher (46 days) average stay.

While ICE and GEO officials on site said that they did not know or could not disclose how much ICE pays GEO to operate the facility at Moshannon, public reporting indicates that GEO is receiving over $5.3 million per month, consisting of a monthly management fee of at least $3.4 million and an additional fee of $10 per person per day up to 800 detainees, and $40 per person per day for over 800 detainees. This fee structure provides a perverse incentive for private prisons to prolong detention. GEO Group representatives also confirmed that it charges the government additional fees for its expanding private transportation services.

If one prorates GEO’s monthly fees as reported for May 2025, before the most recent surge, it is costing taxpayers $43,741 per year to detain someone at Moshannon, which is about what it costs to send a student to Penn State University nearby for a year.

Moshannon Valley Processing Center is a former prison, and is run using prison practices. Detained individuals are required to wear color-coded prison garb and eat in their living quarters. There are severe constraints upon their liberty and their ability to contact family and anyone outside the facility.

By law, immigration detention is supposed to be a form of civil process, not criminal punishment, meaning the system is supposed to be used to manage flight or safety risks and ensure that people attend their court hearings. What detained individuals experience at Moshannon could not be described as anything other than punitive — at best.

Detainees must perform most of the labor at the facility where they are being involuntarily held, including cleaning showers, toilets, and living quarters, and supplying the majority of labor for food service and laundry. Only two full-time janitors service the entire facility, which has a capacity of more than 1,800 people. While GEO and ICE say that such labor is “voluntary,” an administrator acknowledged that these core functions could not be performed without detainee labor. By using detainee labor, rather than hiring employees or contractors at market rates, the private contractor increases its profits.

Many detainees avoid the institutional meals which administrators said are prepared to meet correctional facility caloric and nutrition standards. Due to poor food quality, detainees have initiated two hunger strike protests this year and rely upon food such as ramen noodles purchased from the facility’s commissary, using funds sent to them by friends or relatives. The Congresswoman saw such prepackaged food in the living quarters. She was provided with a lunch tray in the dining hall, which detainees cannot use, but was unable to compare it to what detainees were served.

While the facility denies using solitary confinement for punishment, its “Special Management Unit” currently has 29 detainees in single cells, separate from the general population. The physical setup of the unit, and admissions by management that some detainees were assigned there for infraction of facility rules, at least partially confirmed reports of abuse of solitary confinement standards. All cells were occupied by only one person. Some were on suicide watch. One had been held there for 220 days. Daily recreation for residents of that unit takes place in a cement block hall containing chain link cages in which “natural light and fresh air” is provided by 1’ x 3’ openings in the wall about 12 feet above floor level.

During her visit to Moshannon Valley Processing Center, Rep. Scanlon was able to speak with one of her constituents who had previously completed an ICE Privacy Waiver that authorizes the release of information to a third party, including a Congressional office. Moshannon administrators barred the Congresswoman from speaking with other detainees, which made it difficult to assess their actual treatment and conditions.

The July 29 visit follows an August 2025 visit to Moshannon, when Rep. Scanlon was denied entry under orders of former Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, and her January 2026 oversight visit to Philadelphia Federal Detention Center, which serves as a temporary holding facility for individuals detained in the area before they are transferred to Moshannon or elsewhere.

Rep. Scanlon, who is a member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, has previously visited a detention center and migrant shelter in Texas, ports of entry on both the northern and southern borders, and a family detention center in Berks County, PA, which has since been closed.

###",1,2026-08-01T07:27:26Z,2026-08-01T07:28:22Z
https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-lee-colleagues-press-hhs-on-decision-to-detain-migrant-children-at-facility-with-documented-abuse-record,"Rep. Lee, Colleagues Press HHS on Decision to Detain Migrant Children at Facility with Documented Abuse Record",2026-07-31,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Text of Letter (PDF)

PITTSBURGH, PA – JULY 31, 2026 — Today, Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12), Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04), and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) sent a letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) Acting Director Angie Salazar demanding answers about ORR's decision to place unaccompanied migrant children at Abraxas Academy in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, despite the facility's extensive record of documented child abuse violations.

The lawmakers expressed ""extreme concern"" over ORR's decision to award Abraxas Alliance a $9.2 million contract in August 2025 despite Pennsylvania officials documenting serious deficiencies and revoking one of the facility's licenses.

""It is appalling that ORR nevertheless decided to house unaccompanied minors in a facility with such a record, thereby potentially exposing these children to the possibility of abuse and in violation of federal rules,"" the Members wrote.

The letter details a troubling history at the facility, including repeated state findings of physical mistreatment of minors, allegations of sexual harassment and abuse by staff, and a pattern of institutional failures spanning more than two decades. Federal law requires ORR to place children in ""the least restrictive setting that is in the best interests of the child,"" yet children at the facility are reportedly being housed in locked cells.

The lawmakers also cited concerns stemming from a July 8, 2026 oversight visit by Rep. Dean, during which facility staff were reportedly unable to answer basic questions about allegations of abuse or explain legally required procedures for children who turn 18 while in ORR custody. ""This utter lack of knowledge of the basic, legally required functions of this facility raises serious concerns about the safety of the children living inside,"" the letter states.

The Members are demanding answers by August 14, 2026, including:

Who approved the decision to place children at Abraxas Academy and what child welfare assessments were conducted.

Why ORR proceeded with the contract despite Pennsylvania's documented findings of abuse and licensing violations.

Whether HHS has reviewed other ORR-contracted facilities for compliance with state and federal child welfare standards.

Why some children with parents or close relatives in the United States were reportedly placed in ORR custody instead of being reunited with family.

What safeguards exist to protect children from abuse and how staff are trained.

The nature of the financial and operational relationship between Abraxas Alliance and GEO Group.

In addition to seeking answers, the lawmakers urged HHS to immediately review all facilities used by ORR, suspend its contract with the Morgantown Abraxas Academy pending a full investigation, and provide Congress with a complete accounting of how the placement decision was made.

""The federal government bears a solemn responsibility to ensure the proper treatment and protection of every child in its care,"" the Members wrote. ""Allowing any child to be placed in an environment with a history of abuse is cruel and undermines the moral leadership of the United States.""

Congresswoman Summer Lee has been a leading voice in Congress demanding accountability, transparency, and an end to ICE’s cruel detention and deportation system. She has called to abolish ICE and oppose billions in additional ICE funding, introduced legislation to end ICE detention and redirect funding toward care, due process, and community-based services, demanded answers from ICE after the detention of a Brentwood asylum seeker, visited and called for the closure of the Moshannon Detention Facility following reports of abuse, retaliation, and a hunger strike, and recently conducted oversight of ICE detention conditions at Moshannon Valley ICE Detention Center after being illegally denied entry. She also released a statement after public reporting confirmed that the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the death of Daphy Michel, a 31-year-old Haitian immigrant who died after being released from ICE custody, a homicide.

A copy of the letter can be found here.",1,2026-08-01T07:27:26Z,2026-08-01T07:28:22Z
https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-summer-lee-joins-cbc-members-and-black-mayors-to-champion-community-driven-public-safety-solutions,Rep. Summer Lee Joins CBC Members and Black Mayors to Champion Community-Driven Public Safety Solutions,2026-07-31,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"VIDEO

PITTSBURGH, PA – JULY 31, 2026 — Yesterday, Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12) joined members of the Congressional Black Caucus, Black mayors, and public safety advocates for a virtual roundtable highlighting the community-driven strategies helping cities across the country reduce violence and make families safer.

Hosted by the Vera Institute of Justice, the conversation featured Congresswoman Lee (PA-12), Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11), Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott, Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, and Durham Mayor Leonardo “Leo” Williams. Vera Institute President Insha Rahman moderated the discussion.

Participants discussed how investments in housing, education, healthcare, economic opportunity, violence prevention, trauma recovery, and other community resources are helping drive crime rates down across the country. They also warned against the Trump administration’s efforts to cut effective public safety programs while returning to failed policies that criminalize Black communities and use fear to justify federal overreach.

“Communities in Western Pennsylvania and across the country are seeing declines in crime because leaders are investing in the resources that help people thrive--safe housing, good schools, accessible healthcare, living-wage jobs, and community-led violence prevention,” said Congresswoman Lee. “Instead of doubling down on failed policies that criminalize our communities, we should be scaling the solutions that make families safer and stronger. I'm proud to stand with the Congressional Black Caucus, local leaders, and advocates who are advancing a vision of public safety rooted in dignity, opportunity, and justice.”

“While Trump focuses on “tough on crime” fear-mongering and counter-productive gimmicks like deploying the National Guard, Black Mayors across the country are doing the real work to make cities safer. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus to set the record straight and advocate for real public safety solutions,” said Congresswoman Shontel Brown.

“In Baltimore, we know how to solve the issue of public safety,” said Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “It's about investing in public health, it's about getting rid of vacant houses and providing opportunities. It's about being focused on the very small percent who are responsible for the overwhelming amount of violence in our communities—going after guns and getting them off our streets. We are currently seeing a historic reduction in violence and homicides, and we want to push it even further. You don't do that without the support of the community.”

“Our approach in Newark is to treat crime and violence as a public health issue,” said Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka. “And what we see now in our city — with a homicide rate that hasn’t been this low since Eisenhower was president — is the result of us focusing on the kind of things that have been absent from our neighborhoods: investing in housing, investing in our young people, literacy, education, recreation and opportunity. When you start to add that, and at the same time address some of the symptomatic issues and build a community-based public safety ecosystem centered on violence prevention and trauma recovery, you’ll see that violence and crime gets reduce gradually. It’s all about putting the 'public' back into 'public safety.'""

“Crime rates continue to fall across the country to historic levels thanks to bold, community-first approaches to public safety like the ones discussed today. While the Trump administration continues its assault on immigrants and cities, while simultaneously gutting programs that we know increase safety, local and federal leaders—specifically Black leaders like Rep. Summer Lee, Rep. Shontel Brown, and Mayors Scott, Baraka and Williams are charting a path forward for all to follow. Their serious approach to safety is a model for how we can prevent crime before it happens and continue to help communities thrive,” said Vera President Insha Rahman.

Congresswoman Lee is the founder and co-chair of theCongressional Community Safety Caucus, where she works to advance proven, community-led solutions that prevent violence and address its root causes. She has fought toprotect federal funding for community violence intervention programs and expand access to trauma-informed services. Through legislation including thePeople’s Response Act, Lee is working to build a public safety system that prevents harm, supports survivors, and gives every community the resources it needs to not only survive, but to thrive.

The full conversation and Q&A can be viewed HERE.",1,2026-08-01T07:27:26Z,2026-08-01T07:28:22Z
https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/reps-summer-lee-chris-deluzio-raise-alarm-as-federal-government-ends-legal-representation-for-hundreds-of-unaccompanied-migrant-children-in-pa,"Reps. Summer Lee, Chris Deluzio Raise Alarm as Federal Government Ends Legal Representation for Hundreds of Unaccompanied Migrant Children in PA",2026-07-31,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"“Children, many of which have fled violence and exploitation, should not be forced to appear in court alone without representation.

Please provide responses to the following questions by August 10, 2026:

1. Why has ORR failed to present the Acacia center with guidance on case continuity?

2. How will the government ensure its compliance with statutory language and court order requiring that unaccompanied children receive legal services?

3. What plans are in place to ensure these unaccompanied minors' cases receive due process according to the law?

4. What is the Administration's plan to transfer or transition these cases and the work of these organizations?

5. When will the Administration release the payments owed to legal services providers?

Rep. Lee has consistently fought to protect immigrant children and families, defend due process, and hold federal immigration agencies accountable. She previously raised the alarm after the Trump administration canceled legal-service contracts that left children as young as two at risk of representing themselves in immigration court. Lee has also demanded answers following the detention of a Western Pennsylvania asylum seeker and introduced legislation to redirect federal immigration-enforcement funding toward legal assistance, housing, healthcare, and community-based services. As a member of the House Judiciary Committee, Lee continues working to protect constitutional rights and ensure every person receives fair treatment under the law.",1,2026-08-01T07:27:26Z,2026-08-01T07:28:22Z
https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/boyle-statement-61st-anniversary-medicare-and-medicaid,Boyle Statement on the 61st Anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid,2026-07-30,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,PA,Brendan F. Boyle,B001296,boyle.house.gov,boyle,https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, issued the following statement marking the 61st anniversary of President Lyndon B. Johnson signing the Medicare and Medicaid Act:

“For 61 years, Medicare and Medicaid have ensured that millions of Americans can live with dignity and get the medical care they need. Today, these bedrock programs are under attack like never before.

President Trump has been clear about his plans to cut these programs, saying we can’t afford Medicare and Medicaid because we’re ‘fighting wars.’ Millions of Americans have already lost Medicaid coverage under Trump, and millions more stand to lose their health care thanks to Republicans in Washington.

I won’t rest until we stop Trump’s cuts and defend health care for every American.”

Background:

As Ranking Member of the Budget Committee, Boyle has led the fight against the devastating impacts of Trump’s health care cuts. He is the author of the Protecting Americans’ Health Care Act, legislation to fully reverse the largest cut to Medicaid in American history.

Boyle previously filed a discharge petition to stop Trump’s cuts to Medicaid in the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill.” Boyle has also introduced a resolution urging the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to work with states to issue much-needed guidance on the impending Medicaid cuts.

Congressman Boyle has also introduced the Medicare and Social Security Fair Share Act, legislation that would protect Medicare for all generations by making the nation's highest earners contribute their fair share.

For more information on the impacts of Trump’s health care cuts and his cost-of-living crisis in congressional districts across the United States, visit democrats-budget.house.gov/costofliving.

###",1,2026-07-31T07:49:23Z,2026-07-31T07:50:48Z
http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5141,"Rep. Houlahan Joins Sen. Warren, Rep. Ryan to Investigate Reports that DoD Failed to Provide Sufficient Care for Service Members Injured in Iranian Strike ",2026-07-30,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee's Military Personnel Subcommittee, was one of 11 members of Congress to join U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel, and Representative Pat Ryan (D-NY), a member of the House Armed Services Committee in opening a new investigation into reports that the Department of Defense (DoD) failed to provide adequate medical care to service members injured in a March drone strike on a U.S. military post at Port Shuaiba in Kuwait. In a new letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the lawmakers asked him to provide clarity on the reports and DoD’s investigation into the Port Shuaiba strike.

In addition to Houlahan, Warren, and Ryan, the letter was signed by Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), all members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Representatives Gil Cisneros (D-CA), Jason Crow (D-CO), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Derek Tran (D-CA), Chris Deluzio (D-PA), and Maggie Goodlander (D-NH), all members of the House Armed Services Committee

“As President Trump once again ramps up his reckless war in Iran, and new reports indicate that additional American bases have come under attack, it is critical that DoD provide answers about its capacity to provide care for injured service members,” wrote the lawmakers.

In April, Senator Warren and Representative Ryan led investigations into reports that Secretary Hegseth failed to take basic steps to protect troops during President Trump's war in Iran, including during a strike that killed six service members and injured dozens in Kuwait. Following new reporting revealing that service members warned of safety issues ahead of the strike, the lawmakers pressed for answers on why troops injured in the attack have not received timely access to medical care and why the Trump administration failed to prepare for attacks on troops in the Middle East.

Survivors reported facing delays and challenges in getting necessary medical care, including injured service members who were flown to Germany for care being told they could only get limited treatment and had to wait in barracks because the hospital was unable to admit them. Other service members with symptoms of traumatic brain injuries from the strike were reportedly unable to get proper care for nearly a month, even after they were flown from Germany to Fort Hood in Texas.

The reports also raise serious concerns about DoD’s lack of preparation for a strike against Port Shuaiba. A soldier reportedly filed a complaint with the Inspector General stating the lack of safety measures at Port Shuaiba were so significant that the unit’s force-protection assessments “recommended against positioning any personnel at Shuaiba Port.” Survivors of the strike reported they believed that at least one victim of the attack could have survived if they had had proper access to care.

The Army reportedly downplayed injuries sustained during the strike, including by telling families that their loved ones were not seriously wounded despite suffering extensive injuries.

“These reports are also emblematic of a broader pattern of the Trump administration’s blatant dismissal and disregard for the injuries and deaths of service members in this war,” wrote the lawmakers.

The lawmakers also called out DoD’s revision of official casualty counts from the war in Iran. Last week, the DoD lowered the number of U.S. service members who had been killed in the war from 18 to 14, categorizing their deaths under “Overseas Operations” instead of Operation Epic Fury in an apparent attempt to hide the growing American casualty count from President Trump’s war against Iran.

“This is shameful and a complete and utter disrespect to these service members, their loved ones, and those who served alongside them…It dishonors their ultimate sacrifice to attempt to hide the real costs of this war from the American people,” said the lawmakers.

“As you and President Trump continue to risk the lives of service members in this reckless war, the American people deserve answers on whether you were adequately prepared to protect service members from Iranian attacks and get them the care they needed, and whether you will be prepared to do so if the war continues and escalates even further,” wrote the lawmakers.

The lawmakers asked Secretary Hegseth to provide answers related to the reports of insufficient medical care, injury classifications, and details of the Port Shuaiba attack and ensuing investigation by August 12, 2026.

The full copy of the letter with the lawmakers’ questions can be found here.",1,2026-08-01T07:27:26Z,2026-08-01T07:28:22Z
http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5142,Houlahan WARRIOR Act Bill Companion Introduced in Senate,2026-07-30,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Armed Services (SASC), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) led 19 of their Democratic colleagues in introducing a Senate version of U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA)’s legislation to codify the role of women in combat and protect women’s ability to serve through the creation of true gender-neutral standards. The Women Add Resourcefulness and Resilience to Improve Operational Readiness (WARRIOR) Act reinforces the principle that the U.S. military has always relied upon: standards must be based on the demands of the job, not gender. This legislation is critical for maintaining rigorous, gender-neutral standards, especially in light of the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Pete Hegseth’s decision to order a study examining “the effectiveness of women in combat jobs,” despite there being no evidence that the presence of women in combat units lowers standards. If passed, the WARRIOR Act would codify the commonsense DOD policy that ensures every service member is evaluated on validated and merit-based standards.

“From blocking the promotions of qualified servicewomen to ordering an unnecessary study re-examining what a decade of service has already proven, it’s clear that Secretary Hegseth is more interested in attacking women service members than he is in protecting the security of our nation. Building and maintaining the strongest military in the world depends on giving every qualified servicemember a fair chance to meet the required standards to serve our country,” said Senator Hirono. “This commonsense legislation honors the service of thousands of women who have served in combat roles with distinction, while strengthening our military by ensuring that every qualified service member is judged by their ability, not their gender.”

“Our nation would never be ready for battle without our brave women in uniform who have earned their place in our military,” said Senator Duckworth. “For all his bluster about meritocracy, Pete Hegseth continues to find slimy ways to push out warriors who have earned their right to serve. This threatens morale and readiness at every level. We must curb this Administration’s moronic agenda against our women in uniform by requiring gender-neutral standards that are scientifically rigorous and prohibiting gender-based exclusion in our Armed Forces, before our military is weakened any further.”

The WARRIOR Act updates outdated provisions of federal law to align with current DOD policy that ensures military occupational standards are based on validated requirements of the job and applied equally to all qualified service members. This bill codifies what more than two decades of experience has already proven: maintaining rigorous, gender-neutral standards strengthens our military readiness.

Despite this long-standing tradition of merit-based promotions and standards, recent reporting revealed that Secretary Hegseth blocked the promotions of seven senior Navy officers, five of whom are women or people of color. Secretary Hegseth’s unprecedented decision to overrule the promotion board means that for the first time in more than a decade, no female active-duty naval officers are likely to be promoted to admiral this year, officials said. These actions underscore the need for statutory protections to ensure that qualified service members are evaluated on merit, rather than gender.

Specifically, the WARRIOR Act reinforces merit-based standards in our Armed Forces by:

Establishing a clear, statutory prohibition on excluding any service member from a military occupational specialty, career field, or assignment based on gender;

Removing outdated language limiting protections to roles already “open to both male and female members,” ensuring all positions are covered;

Mandating that military occupational standards reflect the actual requirements of the job, including technical, tactical, cognitive, physical abilities, and requiring standards to be developed through a scientifically rigorous process;

Expanding congressional review of proposed changes, including costs, data, and rationale, and extending the review period to 180 days and requiring the Department of Defense to submit annual reports to Congress including:

Data on involuntary reassignments and separations

Changes to occupational standards

Justifications for personnel decisions;

Requiring that service members in good standing have at least 18 months to meet any new or revised standard and incorporating input from DoD medical and research experts, and;

Mandating submission to Congress of the full, unredacted study on combat unit effectiveness ordered by the Secretary of Defense in December and requiring a follow-up review by the Government Accountability Office (GAO).

In addition to Senators Hirono and Duckworth, the WARRIOR Act was cosponsored by Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Patty Murray (D-WA), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Ed Markey (D-MA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Cory Booker (D-NJ), John Fetterman (D-PA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Mark Warner (D-VA).

“Those who defend our freedoms deserve and must receive fair treatment,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The WARRIOR Act prevents the unjust exclusion of women from combat roles in our armed forces and establishes objective standards that will improve military readiness. I am proud to support this important legislation, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to honor the sacrifice that women service members have made for our country.”

“Arbitrarily blocking women from serving in combat roles hurts our military readiness and makes Americans less safe. We should be opening doors to anyone who meets our already high standards to serve - that’s what keeps our military strong,” said Senator Warren.

“Time and time again, Secretary Hegseth has proven that he is willing to jeopardize our nation’s security to promote his extreme ideology and deny qualified servicemembers the roles they have earned. Our servicewomen are essential to our nation’s military strength and readiness and must be given the same opportunity to serve as everyone else,” said Senator Rosen. “The WARRIOR Act ensures that every single servicemember is judged not by their gender, but by their ability to meet the merit-based standards that are the bedrock of our military effectiveness.”

“Women have long been integral to our status as the world’s strongest military. Questioning their effectiveness with unnecessary studies or dismissing qualified female officers undermines readiness and weakens national security,” said Senator Kelly. “This bill preserves gender-neutral standards and ensures any changes are driven by evidence and mission requirements, not politics.”

""Our fighting force is stronger when any American — regardless of their gender — can meet the toughest military standards in the world. With Pete Hegseth at the helm of the Department of Defense, it's critical that we send a clear mission that no position should be off limits solely based on gender,"" said Senator Shaheen.

""If we want to ensure our military remains the greatest in the world, it is absolutely critical that we pass the WARRIOR Act so that every service member is evaluated based on the demands of the job, not on their gender,"" said Senator Alsobrooks.

“Instead of unifying to celebrate our many strengths and celebrating the diversity of our servicemembers, the Trump Administration and Secretary Hegseth are focused on undermining women in our military. Ensuring that the United States military reflects the talents of all Americans and supports women servicemembers is critical to its strength and success. This legislation reinforces the long-held principle that every service member must be judged on merit-based standards, not partisan metrics or gender,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“Pete Hegseth has denigrated the role of women in the military in ways that are completely detached from the reality of the meaningful contributions of women servicemembers. As Secretary of Defense, he is stripping women’s roles in the military and stalling women servicemembers’ promotions. The contributions of our women servicemembers, their courage, and the immense sacrifices they make to keep us safe should never be demeaned,” said Senator Murray. “I am proud to lead this legislation alongside my colleagues to make it clear that servicemembers should be evaluated on merit-based standards, not their gender. And I want to send a strong message to every woman who bravely serves our nation: we stand with you, we celebrate you, and our country is forever grateful for your service.”

“Our military should judge every service member by their ability, not their gender,” said Senator Hickenlooper. “The more than 5,000 women who have served our nation with distinction in combat have shown that every qualified American who meets the appropriate standards deserves the opportunity to serve. This bill ensures this administration can't play politics with the careers of the service members who risk their lives to keep Americans safe.”

“Anyone with the will to serve their country and the ability to do the job shouldn’t be shut out of combat units due to their gender,” said Senator Wyden. “Pete Hegseth has made no secret of his contempt for women and transgender servicemembers. That's why Congress must pass the WARRIOR Act—to protect the fact that every qualified servicemember should be judged by merit, not by chauvinistic and outdated perceptions of gender roles.”

In addition to Houlahan, companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representatives Maggie Goodlander (D-NH), Gil Cisneros (D-CA), Jason Crow (D-CO), Pat Ryan (D-NY), Mike Thompson (D-CA), and Derek Tran (D-CA).

The WARRIOR ACT is endorsed by the: American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Service Women's Action Network (SWAN), Minority Veterans of America, Women in Service Coalition Inc. (WiSCI), National Women's Law Center Action Fund, Former JAGs Working Group, Vet Voice Foundation.

“Women play critical roles across the U.S. military, including in ground combat arms, and are integral to our miliary readiness. Removing qualified women from these roles would disrupt units, damage morale, gut retention and recruiting, and send an anti-women message with far-reaching impact across the force. WiSCI supports the WARRIOR Act to ensure that changes in personnel policy are based on evidence of impact to combat capability and not bias,” said Brenda S. ""Sue” Fulton, Executive Director WiSCI: Women in the Service Coalition, Inc.

""Service members have been meeting rigorous, job-specific standards for decades, particularly in operational and combat roles where requirements are tied to mission demands. This legislation affirms that service members must meet the standards required to succeed in today’s military and recognizes that excellence is defined by skill, performance, and ability, not gender,” said Lindsay Church, Executive Director of Minority Veterans of America. “Military readiness is best ensured by allowing every qualified person the opportunity to serve in any role, including in combat.""

“Women serve an invaluable role in our military, displaying courage, skill, and commitment. Our national security and today’s military readiness, recruitment and retention depend on the many women serving their country in the military, including in combat,” said Gaylynn Burroughs, Vice President for Education and Workplace Justice at NWLC AF. “But as this administration has made clear, too often their role is undermined and even attacked. The WARRIOR Act reinforces that individuals should be judged on individual merit and ability, not gender-based stereotypes. The bill recognizes the important role of women in the military by prohibiting any exclusions from military occupational specialties or assignments because of gender. We thank Senators Hirono and Duckworth for taking action and introducing this timely and important legislation.”

“The end of the discriminatory direct ground combat exclusion policy in 2013 and the opening of all jobs and units in 2016 was long overdue and much heralded. This change finally actualized the fundamental principles of meritocracy and skill that guide our institutions, rejecting policy premised on stereotypes and ideology,” said Mike Zamore, National Director of Policy and Government Affairs, ACLU. “For the past decade, service women have continuously met the standards and excelled in ground combat roles — all of which is now at risk. We applaud Sen. Hirono and Sen. Duckworth for introducing the WARRIOR Act. The legislation bars exclusions based on gender and authorizes congressional oversight of changes that may undermine the integration of women in combat roles. We urge all Members of Congress to support this legislation.”",1,2026-08-04T07:35:49Z,2026-08-04T07:37:27Z
https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-summer-lee-state-sen-maria-collett-and-pennsylvanians-sound-alarm-on-medicaid-rule-threatening-those-with-serious-illnesses-and-disabilities-as-deadline-looms,"Rep. Summer Lee, State Sen. Maria Collett, and Pennsylvanians Sound Alarm on Medicaid Rule Threatening Those With Serious Illnesses and Disabilities as Deadline Looms",2026-07-28,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,PA,Summer L. Lee,L000602,summerlee.house.gov,summerlee,https://summerlee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"VIDEO: Full Press Call

PITTSBURGH, PA – JULY 28, 2026 — Today, Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12) joined Pennsylvania State Senator Maria Collett, Medicaid recipients, caregivers, and health care advocates for a press call warning that a harsh new Trump administration rule could rip health coverage away from Pennsylvanians with serious and chronic illnesses.

The call, hosted alongside Unrig Our Economy, Action Together NEPA, and Affordable Pennsylvania, came just days before the public comment period for the proposed rule closes on July 31, 2026.

The proposed rule follows Republicans’ passage of the largest Medicaid cuts in the program’s history. Pennsylvania Republicans in Congress voted for the Republican tax law that opened the door to these new restrictions while providing additional tax breaks to billionaires and giant corporations.

Participants warned that the rule could put patients with cancer, multiple sclerosis, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, end-stage renal disease, sickle cell disease, and other serious and debilitating illnesses at risk of losing their health coverage. They also urged Pennsylvanians to submit public comments opposing the rule before the July 31 deadline.

“Medicaid is a lifeline for millions of Pennsylvanians. It is how parents take their children to the doctor, how seniors and people with disabilities receive care, and how people managing cancer, diabetes, HIV, sickle cell disease, and other chronic illnesses access lifesaving treatment,” said Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12). “The new Medicaid policies from Trump and Republicans will only make it harder for folks in my district and across the country. Nearly 20,000 people in my district alone could lose their coverage. Instead of making health care more affordable, these policies will force families to navigate more paperwork and place lifesaving care further out of reach.”

“Pennsylvania families should not lose health care because Washington politicians decided to make Medicaid harder to access,” said Pennsylvania State Senator Maria Collett. “I was a registered nurse before coming to the state legislature, and I cared for patients at the bedside. I made sure that Pennsylvanians had access to quality, affordable health care, and it is a top priority of mine to continue doing that. Unfortunately, we have seen time and again that that is not a priority that the Trump administration and Washington Republicans share. These new Medicaid rules will force recipients to navigate a confusing list of exemptions and repeatedly prove their eligibility. We should be cutting costs, not cutting people off from care.”

""Medicaid gave me the chance to heal and eventually return to work. People who are recovering from catastrophic injuries deserve the dignity of making medical decisions with their doctors – not having to prove over and over that they deserve health care,” said Krysten, a Medicaid recipient in Scranton. “Instead of making sick and injured Pennsylvanians jump through more hoops, Congress should be asking why billionaires and large corporations are getting another tax break at our expense. Congressman Rob Bresnahan should stand with families like mine and protect the health care that made my recovery possible.""

""Medicaid allows me to care for my partner, who has cerebral palsy, so he can live safely and with dignity at home,"" said Lynn, a homecare worker in Allentown. ""People with disabilities and their families know what they need to live healthy, independent lives – they shouldn't have to prove it over and over again through more paperwork and bureaucratic hurdles. If Congress wants more oversight, it should start with the billionaires and large corporations receiving massive tax breaks, not families who depend on Medicaid to survive. Congressman Ryan Mackenzie should stand with caregivers like me and protect the health care that allows our loved ones to live with dignity.""

""When I suffered a stroke at 20, Medicaid made it possible for me to receive the around-the-clock care I needed to recover,"" said Grace, a Medicaid recipient in Cresco. ""Living with a disability already means navigating challenges every day. People like me deserve the dignity of knowing we can access the care we need without constantly having to fight to prove we're sick enough or disabled enough. Instead of creating new barriers for people with serious illnesses, our leaders should be asking why billionaires and giant corporations are receiving tax breaks while basic health care is being put at risk. Congressman Rob Bresnahan should stand with his constituents and protect Medicaid.""

“Republicans in Congress like Rob Bresnahan, Ryan Mackenzie, and Scott Perry voted for massive cuts to Medicaid to fund tax breaks for billionaires. Now, Pennsylvanians with serious illnesses are at-risk of losing health care coverage altogether due to this Medicaid rule,” said Unrig Our Economy Campaign Director Leor Tal. “This is not an accident — this is the consequence of putting the wants of the ultra-rich over the needs of their constituents. We need everyone to speak out against this rule before the July 31 deadline, and, even better, we need Republicans in Congress to undo these devastating cuts to Medicaid that are jeopardizing Pennsylvanians’ lives.”

“At Action Together, we hear from people who are struggling to make impossible decisions regarding the health care that they need every single day. Last year, Ryan Mackenzie, Rob Bresnahan, and Scott Perry all voted to drastically cut Medicaid just to give billionaires and big corporations a tax break,” said Kristin Volchansky, Advocacy Director for Action Together NEPA. “As someone who has relied on Medicaid for treatments for a chronic disorder, I know that struggle all too well. We need to raise our voices against this new proposed rule that would only make it harder to access the care they desperately need. Members of Congress need to undo the damage they’ve done — the lives of Pennsylvanians depend on it.”

""Ryan Mackenzie, Rob Bresnahan, and Scott Perry voted to gut Medicaid so billionaires and giant corporations could get another tax break. This new rule is exactly what they voted for,"" said Rachele Fortier, Executive Director of Affordable Pennsylvania. ""When eligible Pennsylvanians lose Medicaid, they don't lose a government program — they lose chemotherapy appointments, home health aides, medications, and the care that keeps them out of the hospital. Our members of Congress should be fighting to protect their constituents, not defending policies that put their health at risk.""

Congresswoman Lee has made protecting and expanding affordable health care a core priority throughout her time in Congress. She has fought RepublicanMedicaid cuts, voted to extendACA tax credits, introduced theDrug Deal Disclosure Act, backed legislation addressingwrongful denials, and cosponsoredMedicare for All. She continues working to lower costs, hold powerful health care corporations accountable, and ensure every family can access quality care without going into debt.

Watch the full press call HERE.",1,2026-07-29T07:41:48Z,2026-07-29T07:42:57Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-launches-build-america-plan-reindustrialize-america,Deluzio Launches Build America Plan to Reindustrialize America,2026-07-27,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Pennsylvania Congressman Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17) announced his new Build America Plan to reindustrialize America and grow solid manufacturing jobs. Congressman Deluzio’s plan rejects the era of half-measures and piecemeal tax credits. Instead, it lays out a real industrial strategy to rebuild American manufacturing, invest in skilled workers, and make foreign polluters pay instead of letting them undercut cleaner, American-made products. Congressman Deluzio also released a video highlighting his Build America Plan.

This industrial policy plan follows the Trump Administration’s announcement of additional tariffs on trade partners, including Canada, and analysis showing that the last six years of President Trump’s signature United States Canada Mexico Trade Agreement (USMCA) saw a net loss in United States manufacturing jobs and failed to rebalance our North American trade deficit. This economic approach is failing. Congressman Deluzio believes it is time for America to build big things again—and that means investing in a strong 21st century industrial policy that can herald in a new era of booming American manufacturing.

""Today I’m proud to announce my Build America Plan—a bold vision to reindustrialize our country,” said Congressman Deluzio. “For too long, we’ve seen factories close, job shipped overseas, and entire American communities hollowed out alongside rising costs. The United States used to be the manufacturing powerhouse of the world—and I think it can be again if we stop letting our economic foes undercut us, fighting fire with fire, and make real investments in our workers. I want the next generation to know and inherit an America that builds and creates amazing things.”

Congressman Deluzio's Build America Plan has three pillars and three bills. They are as follows.

Build it HERE

Build America Fund: (bill text)

This bill creates a Manufacturing Sovereign Wealth Fund.to make direct investments and take equity stake in American manufacturing companies to bolster domestic manufacturing

This would allow the nation to keep up with our global economic competitors that subsidize their domestic industry

Extends direct benefit to all Americans through the Build America Dividend: an annual dividend paid out from the revenue raised in the Fund’s investments

The Build America Fund is endorsed by the United Autoworkers (UAW), Teamsters, United Steelworkers (USW), New American Industrial Alliance (NAIA), International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers (SMART), and AFL-CIO.

“Rebuilding our nation’s manufacturing infrastructure requires sustained effort and creative approaches that focus on both onshoring and creating good, community-sustaining jobs. Rep. Deluzio’s “Build America Fund Act” offers new ideas that helps put us on a path toward that goal. The USW looks forward to working with Rep. Deluzio and his congressional colleagues to grow U.S. jobs and industrial capacity.” – United Steelworkers (USW) President Roxanne Brown

“After decades of plant closures and union busting, we need a federal reinvestment strategy that can actively shape markets and take on corporate greed. Congressman Deluzio’s Build America Fund Act is a major step forward in aligning our country’s trade and industrial policies to make that happen. This legislation will ensure the next era of American manufacturing lifts up the working class and supports communities devasted by deindustrialization, offshoring, and a race to the bottom in labor standards."" – Rajiv Sicora, United Auto Workers (UAW) Legislative Director

""The Teamsters Union commends Congressman Deluzio for his legislation to bring good union manufacturing jobs back to this country. The United States is home to the most skilled manufacturers and tradespeople in the world—workers who deserve meaningful jobs, family-sustaining wages, and thriving local economies. This bill marks a bold investment in Teamsters and their communities, and we’re proud to support it."" – Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien

""Building in America again requires an all-of-the-above policy approach. The Build America Fund, a sovereign wealth fund that would invest directly in American manufacturing and industrial capacity, would expand builders' access to needed capital. We thank Rep. Deluzio for his leadership and ongoing support of American manufacturing."" – Julius Krein, CEO, New American Industrial Alliance

""This is a common-sense bill that invests in SMART members, American jobs and our country’s manufacturing industry — prioritizing our national interests while supporting the people who build and move our nation every day. We thank Rep. Deluzio for introducing this bill, and we urge every pro-worker member of Congress to support it.” – International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers Union (SMART) Spokesperson

Build it STRONG (bill text)

Pathway to Trades Act

Brings the trades back into the classroom by tying federal dollars to career and technical education

Expands opportunities for America’s young people beyond four-year college programs

Build it RIGHT

Fighting Foreign Polluters Act

Puts a fee on foreign polluters flooding our markets with their high-emission products and dirtying our air and waters

Specifies which goods are subject to this fee

Includes an incentive structure for domestic manufacturing

Reinforces the ideal that when the U.S. builds, we do it better and cleaner than anywhere else

###",1,2026-07-28T07:37:32Z,2026-07-28T07:38:50Z
http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5135,Democratic Veterans Demand Transparency on Iran War Casualties,2026-07-27,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following disturbing reports that the Department of Defense removed the names of four American troops from the official Iran War death toll, Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) joined 14 fellow Democratic veterans in urging the Administration to accurately and transparently account for U.S. servicemembers killed and wounded in the Iran war.

“As veterans of America’s wars, we have serious concerns about reports that the Department of War is delaying, removing or otherwise mischaracterizing the release of information about wounded and killed U.S. servicemembers,” wrote the lawmakers.

“The U.S. government owes U.S. servicemembers, their families, and every American the truth about all U.S. casualties in the War with Iran. It is imperative that these reports are timely, accurate and adequately explain the reason for amended or delayed reports,” they continued. “We urge you to commit to releasing timely and accurate information on all injuries and deaths of U.S. servicemembers.”

Following public outcry, the Department of Defense quietly restored the names of the four U.S. servicemembers removed from the Iran War death toll over the weekend. The Administration has not provided an adequate explanation as to why the servicemembers were removed in the first place.

The letter, led by Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04), was also signed by Representatives Pat Ryan (NY-18), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Derek Tran (CA-45), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), Jason Crow (CO-06), Bobby Scott (VA-03), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Gil Cisneros (CA-31), and Jared Golden (ME-02).

The full text of the letter can be found here and below.

Dear President Trump,

As veterans of America’s wars, we have serious concerns about reports that the Department of War is delaying, removing or otherwise mischaracterizing the release of information about wounded and killed U.S. servicemembers.

The U.S. government owes U.S. servicemembers, their families, and every American the truth about all U.S. casualties in the War with Iran. It is imperative that these reports are timely, accurate and adequately explain the reason for amended or delayed reports. Inaccurate and delayed reports from the Department of War about U.S. casualties is bad for morale and undermines our U.S. servicemembers.

We urge you to commit to releasing timely and accurate information on all injuries and deaths of U.S. servicemembers.

Sincerely,",1,2026-07-29T07:41:48Z,2026-07-29T07:42:57Z
http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5144,Hegseth Is Pushing Testosterone. The VA Has Already Struggled With the Treatment.,2026-07-24,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx,scraper,"Originally published in The Intercept

Written by Austin Campbell

Providing continuing hormone-replacement therapy at “the High-T Department of War,” as Secretary Pete Hegseth is calling it, may prove difficult for the federal government because the department in charge of healthcare for veterans has already documented a struggle to manage service members’ hormone therapy, The Intercept has found.

A person on testosterone therapy can’t just stop it abruptly. Dr. Adrian Dobs, a professor of medicine and oncology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, told The Intercept testosterone therapy can suppress the body’s natural production of the hormone and sperm, as well as create medical needs that persist after treatment stops. “We’re sort of creating a dependency on testosterone,” she said.

Under Hegseth’s new initiative, service members age 30 and older are slated for annual testosterone screening, regardless of whether they have any symptoms, while troops under 30 may request screening during their periodic health assessments. Doctors and endocrinologists warned that this proactive screening could lead to overprescription of hormone-replacement therapy for people who don’t need it. This could affect their fertility in the short term, Dobs said, because “men who take testosterone will have a reduction in their sperm counts.”

And after a service member leaves the military, they may require continued medical care. That care could eventually fall to the Department of Veterans Affairs, which has previously struggled with the same treatment.

In a 2018 review of testosterone replacement therapy, the VA Office of Inspector General found that providers often started patients on testosterone without adequately documenting symptoms or confirming low testosterone levels and frequently failed to conduct recommended follow-up after treatment began. Approximately 2 out of 3 patients did not get a documented discussion of the risks and benefits of the treatment before starting.

Dr. Alvin Matsumoto, a professor emeritus at the University of Washington School of Medicine and former attending physician and associate director at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System, said the findings show why testing for low testosterone is not enough to determine whether someone should receive treatment. Matsumoto helped develop the Endocrine Society’s clinical practice guidelines for testosterone treatment, which the inspector general found the VA had routinely violated in its 2018 review.

Testosterone levels can change depending on when a patient is tested, whether they have recently eaten, exercised heavily, or are sick, among other factors, Matsumoto said. In about a third of men whose testosterone initially tests low, a second test produces a normal result.

That creates a risk under a program that will routinely screen otherwise healthy troops and make testosterone therapy available to those subsequently diagnosed with a deficiency.

“Initiating testosterone therapy in men who have a single low testosterone [test] but no clinical manifestations of testosterone deficiency will likely result in treatment of some men who do not have hypogonadism,” Matsumoto told The Intercept.

Medical guidelines instead call for doctors to establish that a patient has symptoms and repeatedly low testosterone levels before beginning treatment. Matsumoto said those steps would need to occur either while a service member remains under Pentagon care or after they transition to Veterans Affairs.

The question becomes particularly important when those patients move between the two systems. Matsumoto said a VA provider inheriting a patient already receiving testosterone should review why treatment was started in the first place, including whether the patient had symptoms and repeatedly low testosterone levels.

But he does not expect that reassessment to routinely happen. Usually, “the diagnosis will be assumed to be correct,” Matsumoto said.

It’s a similar problem to one the inspector general identified in its review of VA care. Some providers appeared to be testing patients for low testosterone without first documenting symptoms suggesting a deficiency.

The inspector general made seven recommendations to bring VA practices up to standards, including repeat testing and monitoring. According to the inspector general, the VA implemented all seven recommendations and closed them as implemented, as the VA noted in response to questions from The Intercept.

Among the changes the VA implemented was a requirement that providers establish signs and symptoms of testosterone deficiency before testing a patient’s testosterone level for confirmation — a higher standard than Hegseth’s call for annual testosterone screening based on age alone.

“I would be against universal screening, which is what we’re talking about here,” said Dobs, a position consistent with guidance from the Endocrine Society, which represents physicians and researchers specializing in hormonal health.

The Pentagon’s new initiative presents a different question: What happens when service members arrive at the VA already receiving testosterone treatment initiated while they were on active duty?

The Intercept asked the VA whether it has the clinical capacity to continue testosterone treatment for veterans who begin therapy under the Pentagon’s new initiative, whether those prescriptions would automatically continue after separation or require a new VA evaluation, and whether the VA and the Pentagon have coordinated on transitioning those patients between the two healthcare systems.

The Department of Veterans Affairs did not answer any of those questions.

“VA provides testosterone testing and replacement therapy when medically necessary,” VA Press Secretary Quinn Slaven told The Intercept.

Defense Department personnel data from 2024 show roughly 451,000 active-duty troops were age 31 or older, a conservative figure that excludes 30-year-olds, who would also fall under Hegseth’s screening requirement. More than 1 million of the military’s 1.27 million active-duty service members were men.

“Here we have men who are in their prime of reproduction, and we’re causing a drop in their sperm counts when there really may not be sufficient benefit,” Dobs said.

The Pentagon did not provide The Intercept with the scientific evidence behind the mandate, say whether it assessed the fertility consequences that can follow testosterone treatment, or address safeguards to prevent unnecessary treatment.

Screening asymptomatic patients is “sort of opening up a can of worms,” Dobs said, citing the difficulty of interpreting test results and determining when treatment is warranted. She was particularly concerned about treating otherwise asymptomatic men whose levels fall within a low or low-normal range — a likely risk in a military overwhelmingly composed of young adults.

The Endocrine Society also recommends against starting testosterone therapy in men who are planning to father children in the near term.

In response to The Intercept’s questions, Defense Department officials pointed to Hegseth’s health and human performance directives, statements from Pentagon officials, and the “High-T Department of War” video.

“It’s not about artificial enhancement,” Hegseth said in his video. “It’s about restoring and optimizing your natural capabilities, protecting your longevity and ensuring you have the biological foundation required to sustain the fight.”

But testosterone treatment can interfere with overall health. Patients placed on testosterone may require continued clinical monitoring to ensure they are not receiving excessive amounts of the hormone. Testosterone can also increase the proportion of red blood cells in a person’s blood, requiring additional monitoring during treatment. It introduces a complex treatment regimen with “very little real proven benefit in this healthy population,” Dobs said.

And there’s the financial cost.

“Who is going to pay for this testosterone while they’re in the service, and who is going to pay for it after,” Dobs asked, “if they require it for many years afterwards?”

Healthcare Replacement Therapy

The virility program Hegseth introduced also intersects with a long-running gap in military reproductive healthcare.

In May, a Congressional Research Service report identified testosterone exposure among the factors that can contribute to infertility. Yet TRICARE, the health insurance military members have, generally does not cover assisted reproductive technologies, including in vitro fertilization, intrauterine insemination, and cryopreservation, which can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Congress nearly expanded that coverage last year. Both the House and Senate versions of the fiscal year 2026 defense authorization bill included provisions requiring TRICARE coverage of certain assisted reproductive technologies. Neither provision survived the final legislation.

The Pentagon is now preparing to routinely screen hundreds of thousands of troops and offer potentially unnecessary testosterone therapy even as TRICARE generally excludes treatments for infertility, one of its potential consequences.

And the plan gives scant consideration to another massive population.

“Nobody’s discussing women,” Dobs said.

Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., an Air Force veteran and member of the House Armed Services Committee, raised the same concern.

“Testosterone is important for both men and women,” Houlahan told The Intercept. “But when [Hegseth] says ‘biological foundation,’ clearly, he has only one sex in mind.”

Houlahan pointed to years of congressional efforts to expand access to fertility treatment for service members and their families.

“This administration not only has opposed efforts to expand access to IVF for service members and their families but has rolled back policies that enable them to take time off to get the full suite of health care they need,” Houlahan said.

She has pushed for research into how military service affects women entering perimenopause and menopause, including the potential effects of toxic exposure, combat, military sexual trauma, and post-traumatic stress disorder. “There is little to no research” on how those risk factors affect women’s health, Houlahan said.

Hegseth has repeatedly framed the testosterone initiative around military readiness and lethality. But “if Secretary Hegseth was truly looking to improve readiness, he would consider ways to support all service members, not just 49% of the population,” Houlahan said.

She was blunter about what she believes the testosterone initiative says about Hegseth’s priorities.",1,2026-08-07T06:11:19Z,2026-08-07T06:12:42Z
http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5134,"My Statement on H.R.8800, The 2027 National Defense Authorization Act",2026-07-22,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx,scraper,"Just a few years ago, the idea of voting against the National Defense Authorization Act would have been nearly unfathomable to me. For more than six decades, Congress understood that our national defense demanded serious, sober and bipartisan work. It still does. Even as Congress grew more divided, members of both parties tried to keep the NDAA focused on protecting our country and supporting our servicemembers. I have voted against the NDAA before, when partisan poison pills made a version of the bill impossible to support. But this year, my concerns go much deeper than any individual provision or poison pill amendment.

Congress is being asked to entrust more than a trillion dollars, the strength of our military, and the lives of our servicemembers to an administration that has shown reckless disregard for all three. We do not have to speculate about how President Trump and Secretary Hegseth will use that power. We are watching them use it right now and it is a terrible sight to behold. We are nearly five months into an unlawful war with Iran that Congress never authorized and most Americans never wanted. The Trump Administration entered this war without a clear strategy, defined objectives or a credible plan to end it. The consequences are being felt across our country, including in the higher prices Americans are paying for gas and other necessities.

But the cost is far greater for our military families. Hundreds of American servicemembers have been injured, and American lives have been lost. Sadly, I can’t tell you with any certainty if it’s 17, 19 or even more lives lost to date because the Pentagon is loathe to tell the American people the truth. While prosecuting this war poorly, Secretary Hegseth has also used his office to politicize the force, purge expertise, limit opportunities for qualified servicewomen and servicemembers of color, and substitute his own ideology for the professional military judgment our national security requires. Congress cannot claim to support our troops while giving their leaders money without limits, authority without oversight, and trust they have not earned.

That is why I spent months trying to make this bill one I could support. I offered eleven oversight amendments to impose accountability, protect the professionalism of our force, defend the people who serve, and prevent the further politicization of our military. My Republican colleagues blocked every single one. Every. Single. One. They rejected the guardrails, and now they are asking us to approve the money anyway.

To be clear, there are provisions in this bill that I support, including provisions I fought to secure. It makes investments our military needs and provides support our servicemembers deserve. I do not dismiss any of that, and I do not take this vote lightly. But the people entrusted to execute this bill have demonstrated that they are unworthy of unchecked trust, and Republicans have refused every opportunity to constrain them.

Supporting our military does not require Congress to surrender its judgment to the people currently leading it. Our constitutional responsibility is not to rubber-stamp the Pentagon or bow to the demands of an unchecked Executive Branch. It is to provide for the common defense, protect the people who serve, and hold their leaders accountable.

President Trump and Secretary Hegseth have not earned Congress’s confidence. I cannot and will not give them more money without accountability, more authority without restraint, or more opportunities to place American servicemembers at risk without a lawful mission and a coherent plan. Later today, with that responsibility in mind, I will vote no.",1,2026-07-23T07:31:02Z,2026-07-23T07:32:26Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-deluzio-celebrates-720000-sewer-upgrades-bellevue-borough,"Congressman Deluzio Celebrates $720,000 for Sewer Upgrades in Bellevue Borough",2026-07-22,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CARNEGIE, PA – Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) announced that the Borough of Bellevue is receiving $720,000 for upgrades to their sewer infrastructure. This funding will pay for improvements to sanitary sewer infrastructure along Straw Avenue in Bellevue—an important move for public health and safety and the longevity of the wastewater system.

“Strong, reliable, and well-funded public infrastructure keeps our communities running smoothly and safely,” said Congressman Deluzio. “This is a win for the Borough of Bellevue and its residents, and I’m thrilled to celebrate with them. Thank you to former Congressman Conor Lamb for his support of this project during the 117th Congress.”

“The Borough is extremely excited and appreciative of the funding we've received. This funding allows us to continue with the upkeep and to update part of our failing infrastructure, always a major concern for municipalities,” said Jim Kelly, Director of Administrative Services for the Borough of Bellevue. “Without funding like this, we would not be able to complete these very important projects that deeply impact public health and safety, and we are grateful to Congressman Deluzio and his staff for their support.”

The sewer improvement funding is appropriated by Congress and granted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through the State and Tribal Assistance Grants’ (STAG) Clean Water State Revolving Fund.

The Trump Administration’s efforts to freeze funding and pause federal grants has created significant uncertainty for grantees, varying by agency and program. As of now, courts have paused many of these freezes. However, Congressman Deluzio’s office will continue to monitor these developments and fight to make sure this congressionally-authorized funding continues going to projects that make life better for Western Pennsylvanians. If you are the recipient of a federal grant and have been notified that this funding is no longer available to you or are experiencing other issues accessing your lawfully appropriated funds, please share your concerns with Congressman Deluzio’s office at PA17Grants@mail.house.gov.

###",1,2026-07-23T07:31:02Z,2026-07-23T07:32:26Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-vote-no-defense-bill-increasing-funding-reckless-iran-war,Deluzio to Vote ‘No’ on Defense Bill Increasing Funding for Reckless Iran War,2026-07-22,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — After initially voting against the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in the House Armed Services Committee, Navy and Iraq War veteran Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) will again vote 'no’ on the NDAA in today's House Floor vote. The Pennsylvania Congressman’s opposition stems from several issues, including a $1.15 trillion increase to Department of Defense (DoD) funding amidst this deadly and expensive Iran War, and rising concerns about corruption and price gouging in the DoD’s defense contracting.

“I will not vote for unrestricted funding to blindly continue Donald Trump’s reckless, deadly, and expensive Iran War,” said Congressman Deluzio. “Amid many reports of corruption, self-dealing, and price gouging, this Defense Bill was a chance for the Congress to impose real oversight over the Defense Department and its contractors, to better protect public money, and to fight corruption. This bill failed to do that—and will instead hand over a $1.15 trillion check without meaningful guardrails to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s failed leadership.”

Congressman Deluzio continues, “We need our military ready for anything. That means pushing back against the defense industrial complex to fight for real competition and transparency in the Defense Department.""

The Republican House Majority refused to include Congressman Deluzio’s NDAA amendments that would have prevented defense contractors from issuing stock buybacks when they fail to properly invest in research, development, or their own infrastructure.

The final bill also dismissed Congressman Deluzio’s anti-corruption efforts that would have stopped Department and Administration officials from enriching themselves through DoD contracts and created ethics standards for DoD employees and contractors. A recent Washington Post article reported that two of President Trump’s sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, have built a new portfolio of defense technology investments since their father was elected a second time. The defense contractors linked to these investments have collectively generated billions in government business and contracts.

###",1,2026-07-23T07:31:02Z,2026-07-23T07:32:26Z
https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2043,"Scanlon, Thompson Introduce Legislation to Protect Grandfamilies Affected by Substance Misuse",2026-07-22,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,PA,Mary Gay Scanlon,S001205,scanlon.house.gov,scanlon,https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) and Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15) today introduced the bipartisan Help Grandfamilies Prevent Child Abuse Act, legislation that would strengthen support for grandfamilies and other kinship caregivers by ensuring they have access to the services and resources they need to help children thrive. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Susan Collins (R-ME) have introduced the Senate companion bill.

Nearly 2.5 million children are being raised in kinship families or “grandfamilies” by relatives or close family friends without their parents in the home, and the vast majority of these children are raised outside of the foster care system. For every child in foster care living with relatives, there are 18 being raised by relatives outside of the foster care system. Kinship caregivers often receive little or no support to meet the complex needs of children, especially those who have experienced trauma, and are left to navigate complicated child welfare support systems on their own.

“Navigating the child welfare system can be a stressful experience for children and caregivers already experiencing hardship, especially grandfamilies,” said Rep. Scanlon. “It’s important that we abolish systemic barriers that prevent all children and families from successfully navigating the child welfare system. I’m proud to introduce the Help Grandfamilies Prevent Abuse Act to set up children and families for brighter futures.”

""Stability is the foundation for a child's quality of life and future success. For many children, this stability is found in the care of a grandparent or kinship caregiver who can provide a safe and loving home,"" said Rep. Thompson. ""I am proud to support the Help Grandfamilies Prevent Child Abuse Act to ensure these caregivers and children have access to the services they need.""

The Help Grandfamilies Prevent Child Abuse Act would:

Ensure that grandfamilies and all kinship families are eligible for services under the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA).

Provide additional support to these families to meet the unique needs of children who have experienced trauma, including being exposed to substance misuse.

Call for specialized training to help kinship caregivers navigate the complicated supports and services they may be eligible to receive.

Coordinate with the Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network: A National Technical Assistance Center that Congress created to disseminate information on best practices used to support children being raised in kinship families within or outside of the child welfare system.

The bill is endorsed by the National Foster Youth Institute and Generations United.

“The National Foster Youth Institute proudly supports the Help Grandfamilies Prevent Child Abuse Act because it reflects what young people with lived experience have shared with us for years: kinship caregivers should be the first stop and are often the reason children remain connected to their family, culture, identity, and community, yet too many are left to do it without the support they need,” said Cortez L. Carey, Director of Government Relations at the National Foster Youth Institute. “We believe preserving those cultural connections is essential to a child's well-being. By investing in grandparents, relatives, and other trusted caregivers, this legislation strengthens families, honors cultural preservation, and helps more children heal, thrive, and have a support system beyond the age of 18.”

“Grandparents and other kin caregivers often step in during a family crisis to keep children safe, connected, and surrounded by people they know and trust. Yet the systems intended to support families do not always fully recognize or respond to the circumstances of kinship families,” said Kristen Kiefer, Executive Director of Generations United. “The Help Grandfamilies Prevent Child Abuse Act makes important, practical improvements to CAPTA by more clearly including kinship families in prevention services, caregiver training, and supports for children who have experienced trauma. Generations United is pleased to endorse this legislation again, and we thank Congresswoman Scanlon and the bill’s sponsors for their continued attention to the needs of kinship families.""

Find the full bill text here.

###",1,2026-07-23T07:31:02Z,2026-07-23T07:32:26Z
https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2044,"Scanlon, Dingell, Simon, Durbin, Duckworth, Wyden, Sanders Lead 100 Members of Congress in Calling on DOJ to Rescind Opinion Undermining Olmstead",2026-07-22,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,PA,Mary Gay Scanlon,S001205,scanlon.house.gov,scanlon,https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Reps. Debbie Dingell (MI-06) and Lateefah Simon (CA-12), and Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee; Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL); Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee; Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions today led 100 Members of Congress in a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche calling on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to rescind its June 18 Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) opinion that undermines decades of protections for disability rights that have ensured people with disabilities are not arbitrarily placed in segregated, institutionalized settings and instead can access services in integrated settings within their communities. The push comes in the middle of Disability Pride Month to celebrate disability identity and advocate for full inclusion in everyday life. DOJ’s opinion, titled “Application of the Rehabilitation Act and Americans with Disabilities Act to State Institutionalization of Patients with Severe Mental Illness or Disabilities,” would undermine both the scope and enforcement of the integration mandate under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

“The opinion represents a dramatic departure from decades of federal law, regulations, and judicial precedent protecting the civil rights of people with all types of disabilities and must be withdrawn,” the lawmakers wrote.

In enacting the ADA, Congress explicitly found that “historically, society has tended to isolate and segregate individuals with disabilities” and determined that such segregation constitutes a serious and pervasive form of discrimination. The ADA was designed not merely to prohibit intentional exclusion, but to ensure that people with disabilities have meaningful opportunities to live, work, learn, and participate fully in community life as full members of their communities.

In 1999, the Supreme Court affirmed these principles in Olmstead v. L.C., holding that unjustified institutional isolation of individuals with disabilities is discrimination under the ADA. The Court recognized that institutionalization perpetuates harmful stereotypes about the capabilities of people with disabilities and severely diminishes opportunities for family relationships, employment, economic independence, educational advancement, and participation in community life.

“For more than 25 years, federal courts across the country, Republican and Democratic administrations alike, the Department of Justice, and Congress have interpreted and implemented the Olmstead decision to require states and public entities to provide services in integrated settings when appropriate,” the lawmakers wrote. “This long-accepted interpretation has enabled hundreds of thousands of Americans with disabilities to avoid harmful and unnecessary institutionalization and remain connected to their families, schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, and chosen communities.”

The lawmakers’ letter continues, “The Department’s recent opinion rejects this settled understanding and threatens to undermine one of the most important civil rights protections for people with disabilities. Notably, the opinion itself acknowledges that its interpretation is ‘out of step with common understanding of that decision within Federal courts.’ Such an admission should give serious pause before the Department reverses decades of enforcement efforts or undertakes further regulatory actions. In order to protect the civil rights of disabled people, DOJ must meaningfully enforce the integration mandate.”

The consequences of weakening the integration mandate would be profound. Millions of Americans with disabilities rely on home and community-based services supporting them to be among their families, maintain employment, pursue education, and participate in civic life. The Department’s new interpretation risks creating, supporting, and encouraging policies that steer individuals into segregated settings such as nursing homes, psychiatric facilities, segregated work programs, and segregated classrooms. Such a result would be inconsistent with federal law, contrary to congressional intent, and harmful to people with disabilities and their families.

“We cannot return to a time when people with disabilities were denied basic civil rights, ripped away from their families, and institutionalized against their will. The disability community has spent decades advancing the promise that disability should never be grounds for exclusion from community life. The integration mandate is a cornerstone of that promise, and weakening it would reverse decades of bipartisan progress,” the lawmakers wrote.

The lawmakers’ letter concludes, “The integration mandate has transformed the lives of countless Americans with disabilities by expanding access to community living, employment, education, and self-determination. We urge the Department to honor both the letter and spirit of the ADA by rescinding this opinion and reaffirming its commitment to the civil rights of people with disabilities.”

In the letter, the lawmakers request responses to a number of questions no later than August 5, 2026.

Along with Scanlon, Dingell, and Simon, the letter is signed by Representatives Gabe Amo (D-RI-01), Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ-03), Nanette Barragán (D-CA-44), Joyce Beatty (D-OH-03), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01), Julia Brownley (D-CA-26), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), Janelle Bynum (D-OR-05), André Carson (D-IN-07), Troy Carter (D-LA-02), Ed Case (D-HI-01), Judy Chu (D-CA-28), Gil Cisneros (D-CA-31), Yvette Clarke (D-NY-09), Steve Cohen (D-TN-09), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX-30), Sharice Davids (D-KS-03), Danny K. Davis (D-IL-07), Diana DeGette (D-CO-01), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA-10), Maxine Dexter (D-OR-03), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX-37), Bill Foster (D-IL-11), Lois Frankel (D-FL-22), John Garamendi (D-CA-08), Robert Garcia (D-CA-42), Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL-04), Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ-07), Steven Horsford (D-NV-04), Steny Hoyer (D-MD-05), Val Hoyle (D-OR-04), Glenn Ivey (D-MD-04), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL-01), Hank Johnson (D-GA-04), Julie Johnson (D-TX-32), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Tim Kennedy (D-NY-26), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Rick Larsen (D-WA-02), Summer Lee (D-PA-12), Ted Lieu (D-CA-36), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-18), Seth Magaziner (D-RI-02), John Mannion (D-NY-22), Doris Matsui (D-CA-07), Lucy McBath (D-GA-06), Sarah McBride (D-DE), April McClain Delaney (D-MD-06), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04), Jim McGovern (D-MA-02), Christian Menefee (D-TX-18), Kweisi Mfume (D-MD-07), Kelly Morrison (D-MN-03), Seth Moulton (D-MA-06), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Chris Pappas (D-NH-01), Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01), Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09), Delia Ramirez (D-IL-03), Emily Randall (D-WA-06), Andrea Salinas (D-OR-06), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Marilyn Strickland (D-WA-10), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA-10), Mark Takano (D-CA-39), Shri Thanedar (D-MI-13), Dina Titus (D-NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), Paul Tonko (D-NY-20), Ritchie Torres (D-NY-15), Lori Trahan (D-MA-03), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12), Frederica Wilson (D-FL-24).

Along with Durbin, Duckworth, Wyden, and Sanders, the letter is signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).

The letter is endorsed by Justice in Aging, Caring Across Generations, Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, The Arc, and American Civil Liberties Union.

Find the full text of the letter here.

###",1,2026-07-24T07:30:11Z,2026-07-24T07:31:13Z
https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-jayapal-ryan-introduce-legislation-break-meatpacking-monopolies-drive,"Deluzio, Jayapal, Ryan Introduce Legislation to Break Up Meatpacking Monopolies, Drive Down Grocery Costs",2026-07-17,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,PA,Christopher R. Deluzio,D000530,deluzio.house.gov,deluzio,https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Pat Ryan (NY-18), three co-chairs of the Monopoly Busters Caucus, are introducing the Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act, legislation to break up dominant meatpacking monopolies, rein in foreign-controlled corporate giants, and end unfair pricing practices that raise costs for American families and box out local farmers and ranchers.

“Meatpacking monopolies are crushing hard-working small farmers, ranchers, and business owners—and are jacking up food prices for all of us,” said Congressman Deluzio. “In the richest country in the history of the world that likes our meat, we can’t let it become a luxury good. Let’s pass this bill to break up these monopolies and bring some relief to everyone they’re squeezing right now.”

“Massive corporations are driving up prices, making it unaffordable for working people to put food on the table,” said Congresswoman Jayapal. “It is a failure of our government to have allowed these corporate interests to swallow up the market, raising costs and putting hundreds of thousands of family farms out of business in the process. This bill is a critical step to level the playing field — to give independent ranchers and farmers a fair shot while ultimately lowering grocery bills for American families.”

“Every time we walk into the grocery store, Hudson Valley families are getting squeezed by high prices because a few greedy corporations are raking in record-breaking profits. That’s unacceptable. Instead of taking on the monopolies driving up costs, like the four meatpacking companies that dominate the market, our fundamentally broken system rewards their greed while punishing our family-run grocers, farms, and restaurants,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “As the President’s wars and tariffs hurt our small businesses, we should be focused on lowering costs, strengthening our supply chains, and putting working families ahead of corporate special interests. This bill would break up the monopolies jacking up costs and give our local grocers and farms some extra support. I'll keep fighting to crack down on price gouging, take on greedy monopolies, and make sure every family can afford to put food on the table.”

Meatpacking is a heavily consolidated industry in the United States. For example, 85 percent of the U.S. beef market is controlled by just four companies: Cargill, JBS, Tyson, and the National Beef Packing Company. This corporate consolidation allows these giants to unfairly extract value and take home maximum profits at the expense of farmers and consumers, all while stifling competition.

The Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act imposes structural reforms to restore competition to the industry. Specifically, it:

Makes it unlawful for a major meatpacking conglomerate to control more than one major type of meat, i.e., pork, chicken, beef;

Imposes hard caps on the concentration of beef markets at both the regional and national levels and authorizes the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to order divestiture from the market if those caps are exceeded;

Prohibits foreign leverage over the domestic meat market, empowering FTC to protect competition and national security;

Directs the FTC to enforce against discriminatory pricing practices in retail and wholesale meat markets that hit independent and neighborhood grocers the hardest;

Authorizes the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide financial assistance, loan guarantees, and technical assistance to farmers’ cooperatives and small business concerns to acquire meatpacking facilities divested under the Act; and

Creates enforceable penalties for corporations that fail to properly divest, enforceable under the FTC Act.

This legislation builds upon a field hearing hosted by the Monopoly Busters Caucus earlier this year in which an independent rancher testified to the harmful effects of consolidation in the meatpacking industry.

North Dakota has some of the highest quality beef in the nation, and my fellow ranchers deserve a larger share of the profit for their hard work,"" said Travis Anderson, North Dakota cattle rancher and member of Dakota Resource Council and the National Family Farm Coalition. ""Breaking up the dominant meat processing companies while addressing horizontal integration would make the overall industry more fair and competitive, while also providing consumers with more affordable and abundant choices at the grocery store.""

“The Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act takes on a root cause of the factory farm system that has devastated rural communities, workers, public health, and family farmers – the market power of a handful of giant meatpackers,” said Patty Lovera, policy advisor for the Campaign for Family Farms and the Environment. “It’s time to break up the massive companies that have consolidated livestock production and rigged the market against independent producers.”

""Today, we will lose 63 farmers, and at the same time, Americans struggle to feed their families, and that's no accident,” said Joe Maxwell, president of Farm Action Fund. “It's the predictable result of decades of unchecked consolidation that has allowed a handful of corporations to control our food system. As a fourth-generation family farmer, I have witnessed this takeover firsthand. The Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act begins restoring the freedom to farm, the freedom to compete, and the freedom for families to afford the food they need. We applaud Representatives Jayapal, Deluzio, Ryan, and the other sponsors for confronting concentrated corporate power and standing with America's farmers, workers, and consumers.""

“For decades, four meatpacking giants have used their monopoly power to drive up grocery bills and squeeze out the farmers and ranchers who feed America,” said Morgan Harper, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the American Economic Liberties Project. “Rep. Jayapal’s bill takes direct aim at the root of the problem by breaking up the big four meatpackers and restoring real competition. Americans deserve food markets that reward hard work, not corporate gatekeepers. Congress should seize this opportunity to stand with families, farmers, and independent businesses instead of monopoly power.”

The Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act is also sponsored by Representatives Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Becca Balint (VT-AL), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Jesus G. ""Chuy"" Garcia (IL-04), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Henry C. (""Hank"") Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Summer Lee (PA-12), Emily Randall (WA-06), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).

It is endorsed by American Economic Liberties Project (AELP), Campaign for Family Farms and the Environment (CFFE), Consumer Federation of America, Demand Progress, Farm Action Fund, Food & Water Watch, Groundwork Action, Montana Cattlemen's Association (MCA), National Family Farm Coalition (NFCC), Open Markets Institute (OMI), and Small Business Majority.

###",1,2026-07-18T06:58:50Z,2026-07-18T07:00:34Z
https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2039,Scanlon Introduces Legislation to Expand Social Security Survivor Benefits for Widowers and Surviving Divorced Spouses,2026-07-17,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,PA,Mary Gay Scanlon,S001205,scanlon.house.gov,scanlon,https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) today introduced the Surviving Widow(er) Income Fair Treatment (SWIFT) Act, legislation that would update arbitrary restrictions on benefits for widow(er)s and surviving divorced spouses, and increase Social Security benefits for more than one million Americans. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced the Senate companion bill.

Under current law, widow(er)s who develop a disability after their spouse dies are not allowed to claim survivor benefits until they reach the age of 50, and the value of these benefits is severely reduced if they claim them before reaching full retirement age. More than one-third of widow(er)s also have their benefits limited by an obscure provision known as the “widow(er)’s limit,” which permanently reduces widow(er)s’ survivor benefits if their deceased spouse claimed retirement benefits before retirement age.

“Social Security has been a critical and essential lifeline for retired, disabled, and low-income workers for decades,” said Rep. Scanlon. “Obscure benefit caps and outdated arbitrary legal restrictions have created obstacles for beneficiaries, particularly women, during some of the most vulnerable periods in their lives. I’m proud to introduce the SWIFT Act to tackle those barriers and increase Social Security benefits for deserving Americans in need.”

The Surviving Widow(er) Income Fair Treatment (SWIFT) Act would:

Allow widow(er)s and surviving divorced spouses with disabilities to receive 100% of the survivor benefit they are entitled to regardless of their age;

Give widow(er)s and surviving divorced spouses the ability to increase the value of their survivor benefits beyond current arbitrary caps;

Enable widow(er)s and surviving divorced spouses caring for children to receive child-in-care benefits until their children are age 18 or 19 if still in school; and

Require the federal government to proactively provide information to widow(er)s and surviving divorced spouses about benefits they are eligible for, claiming options, and important deadlines.

The bill is co-sponsored by Reps. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-11), Seth Moulton (MA-06), and Chellie Pingree (ME-01).

The bill is endorsed by the National Committee To Preserve Social Security and Medicare, Social Security Works, National Association of Disability Representatives, Strengthen Social Security Coalition, Alliance for Retired Americans, Justice in Aging, and AFL-CIO.

Find the full bill text here.

###",1,2026-07-18T06:58:50Z,2026-07-18T07:31:57Z
http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5132,House Intelligence Democrats Call on Intelligence Leadership to Rebut Trump’s Election Lies,2026-07-16,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx,scraper,"Washington, DC— Today, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) joined fellow Democratic Members of the House Intelligence Committee in a letter to Acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency John Ratcliffe, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Kash Patel, and Director of the National Security Agency Joshua Rudd, calling on them to protect the integrity of their agencies against Trump’s election conspiracies. The letter comes ahead of a speech by the President, in which he reportedly plans to reveal foreign plans to interfere in the 2020 election.

“It is concerning that at a time when the Intelligence Community is not complying with its legal responsibilities to protect our upcoming elections, it appears focused instead on discrediting past elections without evidence,” the Members wrote. “The facts of the 2020 election have long been settled. The Intelligence Community assessed in a declassified Intelligence Community Assessment from 2021 that, ‘We have no indications that any foreign actor attempted to interfere in the 2020 US elections by altering any technical aspect of the voting process.’ No intelligence to the contrary has ever been provided to the Committee, despite repeated requests for updates. This declassified finding is backed by detailed intelligence in a classified version of the same assessment, including a version that remains restricted to the Gang of 8. Notably, this Intelligence Community Assessment was prepared during President Trump’s first term in office and coordinated by then-Director of National Intelligence Ratcliffe.”

The Members continued: “The President is within his authority to declassify intelligence, but if he does so in a way that is intended to mislead Americans about the most basic foundation of our democracy and that may compromise sources and methods, it is incumbent on you to stand up for the agencies you lead. Before any intelligence is publicly disclosed, it should be coordinated with all relevant Intelligence Community elements, reviewed under applicable analytic tradecraft standards, and provided to the congressional intelligence committees.”

“We remind you that you are statutorily obligated to keep the Committee fully and currently informed, a requirement that should include notification of new intelligence related to election influence or interference as well as any significant declassification. A reckless effort to weaponize intelligence to support false claims about election security will have a lasting and destructive impact on the relationship between the Intelligence Community and its oversight committees, as well as on the trust of the American people. We sincerely hope you do not go down that road,” they concluded.",1,2026-07-17T07:15:58Z,2026-07-17T07:17:05Z
http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5133,Houlahan Paid Leave Bill Companion Introduced in Senate,2026-07-16,2026,2026-07,Democrat,House,PA,Chrissy Houlahan,H001085,houlahan.house.gov,houlahan,https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx,scraper,"Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and John Boozman (R-AR) introduced a Senate version of Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06) and Stephanie Bice (R-OK-05)'s historic bipartisan legislation to expand Americans’ access to paid family and medical leave. The More Paid Leave for More Americans Act would establish a competitive grant program for states that provide a minimum of six weeks of parental, caregiving, or medical leave, and it would create an interstate agreement to coordinate and harmonize paid leave benefits across participating states.

“Four years ago, when I founded the House Bipartisan Paid Leave Working Group with Rep. Bice, I did so with a simple goal: to find durable, bipartisan policy solutions that help American workers, businesses, and families gain access to paid family and medical leave,” said Rep. Houlahan. “Today, I am proud that our bill, the More Paid Leave for More Americans Act, now has a Senate companion, and I applaud Senators Gillibrand and Boozman for their leadership and partnership in advancing this effort. For more than three decades, roughly three in four American workers have lacked access to paid leave. We have a real opportunity to help states build programs that change that reality. Today, we've charted a clear bipartisan, bicameral path forward, and I urge House and Senate leadership to seize this opportunity and finally deliver paid leave for more American families.” “No American should have to choose between earning a paycheck and caring for a new baby, a sick parent, or their own health,” said Sen. Gillibrand. “The More Paid Leave for More Americans Act is a commonsense, bipartisan step toward solving a challenge facing millions of hardworking families. By empowering states to create robust paid parental, caregiving, and medical leave programs, this bill would help protect Americans’ financial security and allow them the flexibility to deal with life’s emergencies without sacrificing their income. I will fight to pass this bill through Congress and will continue working until every American has guaranteed access to paid family and medical leave.” “As a former business owner, father of three daughters and Member of Congress, I have learned just how much there is to gain from expanding paid leave resources for working families,” said Sen. Boozman. “Our bipartisan, bicameral approach offers a flexible way for more states and employers to help fewer Americans face the dilemma between career progression and financial security or meeting theirs or a loved one’s needs. I am optimistic this model will spur wider adoption across the country and appreciated collaborating with my colleagues alongside passionate advocates to achieve meaningful progress that will support families and our economy.” “After years of hard work and dedication, I am thrilled that my colleagues in the Senate have introduced companion legislation to my bipartisan bill, the More Paid Leave for More Americans Act,” said Rep. Bice. “As Co-Chair of the Bipartisan House Paid Family Leave Working Group alongside Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, I have been proud to work across the aisle to advance practical solutions that support both families and businesses. As a mother myself, I understand the challenges parents face and the importance of ensuring they do not have to choose between caring for a newborn and earning a paycheck. We must continue this momentum and advance policies that address the real needs of America’s families.” Currently, nearly three-quarters of American workers do not have access to paid family leave. This means that millions of Americans are forced to make impossible choices between earning a living and caring for themselves or their loved ones in times of need, such as when they have a new baby, contract a serious illness, or have to care for an aging parent. A large body of research has shown that paid leave improves workers’ mental health, boosts employee retention and productivity, and spurs economic growth.

The More Paid Leave for More Americans Act encourages states to work together with private companies to adopt or expand scalable, sustainable access to paid leave benefits. It also creates an Interstate Paid Leave Action Network (I-PLAN) to build coordination and harmonization across the growing number of paid leave states. The More Paid Leave for More Americans Act is endorsed by Engage: Promoting Women’s Economic Security, AARP, Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) Action, Third Way, Chamber of Mothers, the Georgetown Center on Poverty and Inequality, and Patriot Voices.

The full text of the Senate bill can be foundhere. The full text of the original House bill can be found here.

A section-by-section summary of the Senate bill can be foundhere.

A one-pager on the Senate bill can be foundhere.",1,2026-07-17T07:15:58Z,2026-07-17T07:17:05Z