url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://babin.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=14406,Chairman Babin Leads Texas Delegation in Push to Bring U.S. Space Academy to Texas,2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Brian Babin,B001291,babin.house.gov,babin,https://babin.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"U.S. Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36), Chairman of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, led members of the Texas congressional delegation in a letter to the Presidential Commission on the United States Space Academy endorsing Texas’s forthcoming proposal to host the U.S. Space Academy. “Texas has been at the center of America’s space story for more than six decades, and we are leading the way into its next chapter. From NASA’s Johnson Space Center in my district, home to Mission Control and our nation’s astronaut corps, to the cutting-edge commercial space companies developing the technologies of tomorrow, Texas brings together the experience, infrastructure, talent, and innovation that continue to move America forward. As Chairman of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, I am committed to ensuring the United States wins this new space race and remains the undisputed global leader in exploration and discovery. The United States Space Academy will help prepare the next generation to advance that mission, enhance our space defense capabilities, and protect the homeland. Texas has an unmatched foundation on which to build this landmark institution,” said Chairman Brian Babin (TX-36). “For more than 60 years, Texas has been at the heart of America’s space program, and President Trump has made American leadership in space a priority. With Johnson Space Center and a thriving space industry already here, it’s only right that the academy carrying the President’s vision forward calls Texas home. I urge the Commission to make it official so the state that helped put Americans on the Moon can train the people who will take us back,” said Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14). ""For over 60 years, when American astronauts need to reach home base, they make the same call: ‘Houston’. Today, Texas is home to Mission Control, the astronaut corps, more than 148,000 aerospace professionals, and the companies and universities leading the next era of space innovation — as well as a robust military presence. The next generation of future space leaders should train alongside people who not only built our nation’s space legacy but are currently building its future,” said Rep. Michael Cloud (TX-27). “Texas has led the way in space for generations. From Mission Control in Houston to the innovators and engineers building the future of exploration across our state, no place is better positioned to train the next generation of American space leaders. I urge President Trump to make Texas the home of the new Space Academy, where students can learn alongside the people and industries that are already taking America to the Moon and beyond,” said Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11). “Texas has been a leader in space innovation for generations, and today our state is at the forefront of the next era of space exploration and national security. With a growing space economy, world-class research and industry, and a deep connection to the nation’s space legacy, Texas is a natural home for the U.S. Space Academy and the next generation of space leaders,” said Rep. John Carter (TX-31). ""There is no other state in the nation that makes more sense than Texas to be the home of the future Space Academy to educate and train our next astronauts, engineers, flight controllers, and innovators to ensure America dominates in space exploration and colonization. The confluence of existing resources we already have on hand from Johnson Space Center, commercial space enterprises, world class universities, and 60 years of human space flight experience is in the DNA of Texas which would allow a Space Academy to start quickly and excel immediately in this most important endeavor,"" said Rep. Beth Van Duyne (TX-24). “Texas has spent decades investing billions in future exploration of space through both private and public partnerships. The Academy belongs where investments have been made and federal expertise are already working side by side. I'm proud to join Chairman Babin, and my Texas colleagues in advocating for our state to host the U.S. Space Academy,” said Rep. Nathaniel Moran (TX-01). “American leadership in space will depend on more than the rockets we build. It will depend on the Americans we train to operate, innovate, and defend our interests in the final frontier. Texas helped put Americans on the Moon, and Texas should help train the generation that takes us back. With NASA, the Space Force, world-class universities, and a thriving commercial space industry, Texas already has the people, infrastructure, and expertise needed to make the United States Space Academy a success. Texas is the natural home for this mission,” said Rep. Keith Self (TX-03). ""Texas has the infrastructure, expertise, and passion to train the next generation of American space leaders. Bringing the United States Space Academy home to Texas will ensure our future astronauts, scientists, and engineers continue to lead the world in space exploration,” said Rep. Monica De La Cruz (TX-15). The letter is signed by Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and John Cornyn (R-TX) and Reps. Michael Cloud (TX-27), Pat Fallon (TX-04), Lance Gooden (TX-05), Keith Self (TX-03), Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Randy Weber (TX-14), Michael McCaul (TX-10), Morgan Luttrell (TX-08), Beth Van Duyne (TX-24), Jodey Arrington (TX-19), Troy Nehls (TX-22), John Carter (TX-31), Nathaniel Moran (TX-01), Craig Goldman (TX-12), Roger Williams (TX-25), Pete Sessions (TX-17), Jake Ellzey (TX-06), Chip Roy (TX-21), August Pfluger (TX-11), Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Monica De La Cruz (TX-15), and Brandon Gill (TX-26).",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/09/29/in-senate-rosen-helps-pass-legislation-to-protect-college-sports/,"In Senate, Rosen Helps Pass Legislation to Protect College Sports",2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NV,Jacky Rosen,R000608,www.rosen.senate.gov,rosen,https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) helped pass a bipartisan bill in the Senate to establish much-needed regulation in college sports and provide important protections for student-athletes regarding health, safety, academics, and compensation. The bipartisan Protect College Sports Act would establish clear requirements for name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreements for college student-athletes and set regulations for sports agents – protecting young athletes from predatory practices and guarding the integrity of college sports. “The current rules around athlete compensation and eligibility in college sports have created a murky landscape that’s hurting our student-athletes and the sports we love most,” said Senator Rosen. “I was proud to help pass this bipartisan bill in the Senate to return some much-needed stability to college sports, and provide clear protections for our athletes and universities in Nevada.” “With the passage of the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act, we have taken an important step forward in providing intercollegiate athletics with comprehensive guidelines to address many of the most pressing issues in college sports today,” said Brian Sandoval, President of the University of Nevada, Reno. “The Protect College Sports Act establishes clear frameworks for eligibility, revenue sharing and medical benefits for student-athletes, among many other key provisions, and clearly affirms the need for student-athlete protections through sensible oversight. We are grateful to Senator Rosen for her leadership, vision, and dedication to ensuring that student-athletes remain at the center of these important reforms.” “There is no question that the landscape of intercollegiate athletics is at an inflection point, and the Protect College Sports Act offers a common-sense approach that will create stability and clarity for institutions and support student-athletes as they grow and prepare for life after sport,” said Chris Heavey, Interim President of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). “We’re grateful to Sen. Jacky Rosen and to all members of our federal delegation who supported this important legislation, and to all who are working hard to ensure a bright future for student-athletes here in Nevada and throughout the nation.” In June, when the Senate Commerce Committee considered the bill, Senator Rosen secured two amendments that would ensure that non-Power 4 conferences, like the Mountain West Conference that UNR and UNLV are a part of, have a seat at the table when the rules are being decided at the NCAA and on the future of college sports. Senator Rosen has played an important role in promoting American sports and supporting the industries around them. Senator Rosen’s Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act to revitalize boxing and strengthen fighter protections recently advanced out of the Senate Commerce Committee. In June, Senator Rosen’s bipartisan American Decade of Sports Act, which would boost American sports diplomacy and leverage large sporting events hosted in the U.S. to boost tourism, advanced out of committee. Recently, Senator Rosen and UNLV hosted a discussion on Sports Tourism with representatives from the UFC, the Las Vegas Raiders, the Las Vegas Athletics, and organizers of the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix. ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-adams-brown-lead-house-colleagues-urging-usda-distribute-delayed,"Reps. Adams, Brown Lead House Colleagues in Urging USDA to Distribute Delayed Funding for Urban Agriculture Grants",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NC,Alma S. Adams,A000370,adams.house.gov,adams,https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Thursday, September 24, Congresswomen Alma Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), and Shontel Brown (OH-11)sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary Richard Fordyce and Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Colton Buckley, urging the USDA to immediately release a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (UAIP) competitive grants program. The letter was joined by 24 Members of Congress. The UAIP program was created by the 2018 Farm Bill, establishing an office to support and fund urban and innovative farming practices through competitive grants for planning and implementation projects. The program targets areas with limited fresh food access, helping expand efforts by farmers, gardeners, schools, and local governments to build food security, lower local food costs, and support economic development in underserved urban and suburban communities. USDA has received $12 million in appropriated funding for UAIP: $7 million in Fiscal Year 2025 and $5 million in Fiscal Year 2026. However, the agency has not released any of the allocated funds, with no explanation for the delay. The letter calls on the USDA to open a 60-day application window no later than December 31, 2026, and requests answers on what caused the delay, when the NOFO will be released, and what the department's regular funding cycle will look like going forward. “Addressing agricultural needs in North Carolina’s 12th District is one of my top priorities,” saidCongresswoman Adams, a senior member of the House Committee on Agriculture.“UAIP was created to support local family farms and increase access to affordable healthy foods in urban districts across the country; the program must continue to do that. I am calling on the USDA to distribute these funds as they have been directed by Congress.” “Congress created and funded the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production grant program with bipartisan support. We need answers from USDA as to why UAIP grants are not being made available. My Cleveland district has a long and great tradition of urban agriculture, and USDA needs to explain why it is failing to deliver resources Congress intended for these communities,”said Congresswoman Shontel Brown, Vice Ranking Member of the House Committee on Agriculture. “Farmers and communities need federal programs they can rely on. Since 2020, the Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production has been one of those programs. However, since 2025, the Office has nearly disappeared. NSAC supports this effort to ensure the Office continues to invest in community-based food systems nationwide as Congress intended,” commented Hannah Quigley, Policy Specialist with the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition. Established by the 2018 Farm Bill, UAIP supports urban farms, innovative production methods, and municipal composting initiatives while helping address food insecurity in surrounding communities. Since 2020, the program has funded 199 grants and 146 cooperative agreements across 43 states and Puerto Rico, working alongside 27 USDA Urban Service Centers to support incubator farms, workforce development, K-12 education programs, and community gardens. The letter follows significant staff turnover and reorganization at USDA, which the lawmakers say should not prevent the department from implementing congressionally funded programs.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://amo.house.gov/press-release/amo-pappas-trahan-ruiz-lead-bipartisan-house-effort-pushing-hhs-to-distribute-liheap-funds,"Amo, Pappas, Trahan, Ruiz Lead Bipartisan House Effort Pushing HHS to Distribute LIHEAP Funds",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,RI,Gabe Amo,A000380,amo.house.gov,amo,https://amo.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Representatives Gabe Amo (D-RI-01) Chris Pappas (D-NH-01), Lori Trahan (D-MA-03), and Dr. Raul Ruiz (D-CA-25) led a bipartisan group of 113 members in calling on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to take all necessary steps to ensure that the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds are distributed to the states as soon as possible and no later than November 1, 2026. The lawmakers write: “With a history of repeated funding delays by HHS to states, we are especially concerned for households facing high energy prices this winter who rely on LIHEAP... It is of the utmost importance that the agency ensures funds are released as soon as possible and without congressional intervention throughout Fiscal Year 2027.” “Since February, crude oil prices have significantly increased, topping significantly more than $100 per barrel at its peaks in April 2026 and recently on September 15, 2026. These price spikes impact home heating oil prices especially, as it is refined from crude oil.” “Home heating oil will not be delivered without payment in full, up front, which can average $2,300 for just the winter season. For the many families that cannot afford these high costs, LIHEAP is a lifeline. If households don’t receive these funds on schedule, families will go without heat or be forced to make remarkably difficult decisions in order to afford it.” “Once again we urge you to do everything possible to distribute LIHEAP funds to states and families expeditiously. Families should not have to choose between staying warm and affording other essential items like food, medication, or rent. We appreciate your attention on this urgent matter and stand ready to support the agency in assisting the American people.” The full letter can be found here. The letter was signed by Representatives Gabe Amo (D-RI-01), Chris Pappas (D-NH-01), Lori Trahan (D-MA-03), Dr. Raul Ruiz (D-CA-25), Josh Riley (D-NY-19), William Keating (D-MA-09), Bennie Thompson (D-MI-02), Joseph Morelle (D-NY-25), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY-02), Dan Goldman (D-NY-10), Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04), John Mannion (D-NY-22), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY-13), Lucy McBath (D-GA-06), Sanford Bishop, Jr. (D-GA-02), Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX-34), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06), Joyce Beatty (D-OH-03), April McClain Delaney (D-MD-06), Sarah McBride (D-DE-AL), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-AL), Steny Hoyer (D-MD-05), Stephen Lynch (D-MA-08), Kevin Mullin (D-CA-15), Brittany Pettersen (D-CO-07), Terri Sewell (D-AL-07), Patrick Ryan (D-NY-18), Becca Balint (D-VT-AL), John Larson (D-CT-01), Mark Takano (D-CA-39), Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29), Henry “Hank” Johnson, Jr (D-GA-04), Luis Correa (D-CA-46), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), Seth Moulton (D-MA-06), Paul Tonko (D-NY-20), Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), Jim Costa (D-CA-21), Jahana Hayes (D-CT-05), Dina Titus (D-NV-01), Shontel M. Brown (D-OH-11), Marilyn Strickland (D-WA-10), Glenn Ivey (D-MD-04), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO-05), Joe Courtney (D-CT-02), Maggie Goodlander (D-NH-02), Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01), Michael Lawler (R-NY-17), Betty McCollum (D-MN-04), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07), Troy Carter, Sr. (D-LA-02), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), Wesley Bell (D-MO-01), Angie Craig (D-MN-02), Frank J. Mrvan (D-IN-01), Adam Smith (D-WA-09), Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), Seth Magaziner (D-RI-02), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-15), Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17), Timothy Kennedy (D-NY-26), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA-03), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12), James McGovern (D-MA-02), James Walkinshaw (D-VA-11), Jake Auchincloss (D-MA-04), Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-CA-44), Cleo Fields (D-LA-06), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-05), Sarah Elfreth (D-PA-03), Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ-07), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-09), Greg Landsman (D-OH-01), Deborah Ross (D-NC-02), Al Green (D-TX-09), Gwen Moore (D-WI-04), Eric Sorensen (D-IL-17), Nancy Pelosi (D-CA-11), Rick Larsen (D-WA-02), Josh Gottheimer (D-NY-05), Haley Stevens (D-MI-11), André Carson (D-IN-04), Steve Cohen (D-TN–09), Jesús García (D-IL-04), Donald Norcross (D-IL-11), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-07), Bill Foster (D-IL-11), Gregory Meeks (D-NY-05), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX-30), Summer Lee (D-PA-12), Shri Thanedar (D-MI-13), Mark Pocan (D-WI-03), Alma Adams (D-NC-12), Diana DeGette (D-CO-01), Christian Menefee (D-TX-18), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM-01), Lois Frankel (D-FL-22), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL-01), Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09), John Garamendi (D-CA-08), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA-10), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ-10), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY-12), Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14), Robert Menendez (D-NJ-08), Danny Davis (D-IL-07), Kelly Morrison (D-MN-03), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04), Jared Huffman (D-CA-02), Everton Blair Jr. (D-GA-13), Herbert Conaway, Jr. (D-NJ-03), Kathy Castor (D-FL-14), and Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL-03). Background LIHEAP helps low-income individuals and families pay for heating and cooling and mitigates the impacts of rising energy costs and extreme weather events. Across the nation, LIHEAP helps nearly 6 million households afford their energy bills. As temperatures continue to drop, it is essential that the Department of Health and Human Services release the highest possible amount of funding available to ensure that seniors and working-class families don’t go cold at night. Rhode Islanders can learn more about LIHEAP assistance at the Rhode Island Department of Human Services website, by contacting their local Community Action Program Agency, or the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) hotline toll-free at: 1-866-674-6327. Households can also easily identify possible eligibility for assistance by using the LIHEAP Eligibility Tool on energyhelp.us. In 2025 and 2024, Congressman Amo joined lawmakers in urging the release of the highest possible amount of LIHEAP funding. ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4638,"Arrington Celebrates $51 Million Rural Health Investment, With More to Come for Texas",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Jodey C. Arrington,A000375,arrington.house.gov,arrington,https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, the Trump Administration announced that it will be investing $51 million through the Rural Health Transformation Program, created by House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington’s One Big Beautiful Bill, into Texas’s Make Rural Texans Healthy Again initiative. The funding will support 68 rural hospital districts and authorities as they develop and expand community-based prevention, wellness, and nutrition programs to improve health outcomes and prevent and manage chronic conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, and obesity. In December, Arrington announced that Texas had received the largest allocation of any state under the newly established Rural Health Transformation Program. As the author of the One Big Beautiful Bill, Arrington secured a historic $50 billion investment in rural health care over five years, including $1.4 billion for Texas – the most of any state. Texas is receiving $281 million in the program’s first year, with today’s $51 million announcement representing one part of that broader investment. “We won’t have the next generation of agriculture and energy producers providing America with food security and energy independence without access to basic health care in rural communities. Yet for years, Rural America has faced a growing health care crisis marked by fewer providers, reduced services, and limited access to quality care,” said Chairman Arrington. “To combat this crisis, the One Big Beautiful Bill established the Rural Health Transformation Program, a historic $50 billion investment in rural health care over five years, including $1.4 billion for Texas, to strengthen rural hospitals, expand access to care, and improve health outcomes. In the first year alone, Texas is receiving $281 million to advance state-led solutions to our rural health care challenges. Today, I am proud to see the Trump Administration and Governor Abbott put this investment to work through Texas’ Make Rural Texans Healthy Again initiative, with $51 million supporting 68 rural hospital districts and authorities as they work to prevent and manage diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and obesity. This is another major win for rural America and a Texas-sized investment in a healthier, stronger future for Rural Texas.” “President Trump understands that every American deserves high-quality healthcare, no matter where they live,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “We are putting resources directly into rural communities to strengthen the health workforce, modernize infrastructure, expand access, and bring care closer to home. We are giving states the flexibility to build solutions around the people they serve, while demanding accountability for results. That is how we strengthen rural health, improve the lives of patients and families, and Make America Healthy Again.” “President Trump made a historic commitment to rural America, and these investments are turning that commitment into better care for patients in communities across Texas,” said Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “This is what rural health transformation should look like: federal investment that is putting patients first, driving lasting improvements and expanding healthcare for the hardworking Americans who call these communities home.” “Rural Texans deserve quality health care in their own communities,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “This $51 million will aid 68 rural hospital districts and authorities with prevention, wellness, and nutrition programs that keep Texans healthy and strong. I thank President Trump, Secretary Kennedy, and Administrator Oz for this investment in rural Texas.” Background: The Rural Health Transformation Program, created under the One Big Beautiful Bill, provides $50 billion over five years to strengthen rural health care and expand access to services. Texas is receiving $1.4 billion over that timeframe, the largest allocation of any state. Texas is receiving $281 million in FY2026, with today’s $51 million investment representing one part of the state’s broader first-year award. The $51 million will support 68 rural hospital districts and authorities through Texas’ Make Rural Texans Healthy Again initiative, focused on prevention, wellness, nutrition, and chronic disease management. Texas’ broader Rural Health Transformation strategy also includes expanding telehealth and digital health tools, strengthening the rural health workforce, and modernizing rural health infrastructure, equipment, and cybersecurity. For more information about the RHTP, visit: https://www.medicaid.gov/resources-for-states/rural-health.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=7B3729B3-907E-4B53-940D-5243218655E1,"Congressman Andy Barr Announces $160,180 FEMA Grant for Millers Creek Fire Rescue",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,KY,Andy Barr,B001282,barr.house.gov,barr,https://barr.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Millers Creek, KY— U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY-06) announced that the Millers Creek Fire Rescue has been awarded $160,180 through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program to replace critical breathing equipment used by firefighters responding to emergencies. The funding will allow the Rescue to purchase 16 new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) packs, replacing all of its current packs. Firefighters rely on SCBA equipment to provide breathable air while operating inside burning buildings and other hazardous environments. The grant will also fund a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) pack, which can provide emergency air to a firefighter who becomes trapped, injured or otherwise unable to immediately exit a fire. Congressman Barr submitted a letter supporting Millers Creek Fire Rescue’s application for the grant and supported federal funding for the AFG program. “Every time our firefighters answer the call, they put their own safety on the line to protect their neighbors,” said Congressman Barr. “This investment will ensure the firefighters at Millers Creek have reliable, lifesaving breathing equipment when they enter a burning building. I was proud to support their application, and I will continue fighting to make sure Kentucky’s first responders have the resources they need to safely serve our communities.” “Replacing our SCBA packs has been a major need for our department, and this grant will make a real difference for our firefighters. We appreciate Congressman Barr’s support throughout the process and his help in making sure departments like ours have the equipment we need to do our jobs safely,” said Chad Neal, Millers Creek Fire Rescue Chief. This is the second consecutive year Millers Creek Fire Rescue has secured AFG funding with Congressman Barr’s support. Last year, the department received $83,238 to purchase personal protective equipment, including new turnout gear worn by firefighters when responding to fires. Barr also submitted a letter supporting that grant application. The AFG program provides funding directly to eligible fire departments and other emergency response organizations for critical equipment, protective gear, training and other resources that improve firefighter and public safety.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/barrett-joins-midwest-colleagues-introducing-bipartisan-legislation-bolster,Barrett Joins Midwest Colleagues in Introducing Bipartisan Legislation to Bolster Great Lakes Conservation,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,MI,Tom Barrett,B001321,barrett.house.gov,barrett,https://barrett.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressmen Tom Barrett (MI-07), Tim Walberg (MI-05), Hillary Scholten (MI-03), Bill Huizenga (MI-04), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Haley Stevens (MI-11), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), and Dave Joyce (OH-14) introduced the Regional Great Lakes Partnership Act, a bipartisan, bicameral bill to bolster federal support for Great Lakes research and conservation. This legislation designates the Great Lakes Commission (GLC) as the official Regional Great Lakes Partnership within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Regional Ocean Partnerships Program. This designation ensures that the Great Lakes region receives a fair share of program funding, delivering federal resources to support the GLC’s longstanding work to coordinate Great Lakes research and conservation efforts. “Protecting the Great Lakes means protecting our water, wildlife, and communities throughout the region,” said Barrett. “This bipartisan legislation will help bring federal resources to the table and strengthen the partnerships already working to preserve our state's natural resources. I’m proud to work with colleagues from across the region to ensure our Great Lakes remain healthy for generations to come.” “As the largest freshwater system in the world, the Great Lakes are central to Michigan’s economy, identity, and long‑term prosperity,” said Walberg. “The bipartisan Regional Great Lakes Partnership Act ensures the region receives its fair share of federal support, strengthening the research and conservation work needed to protect this indispensable resource. We must equip our partners with the tools necessary to safeguard the waters and communities that rely on a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem.” “As the largest freshwater system in the world, the Great Lakes are one of Michigan’s greatest assets,” said Scholten. “I’m proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in supporting the Regional Great Lakes Partnership Act. This commonsense bill will strengthen the research and coordination that keeps the Great Lakes region healthy. Investing in our Great Lakes is investing in our future, and it’s crucial that we conserve this resource for the next generation.” “As Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Great Lakes Task Force, I have made it my mission to have the federal government recognize the Great Lakes as a national priority,” said Huizenga. “The Regional Great Lakes Partnership Act furthers this objective by enhancing the Great Lakes Commission’s steadfast work to protect and conserve Michigan’s most valuable natural resource.” “The Great Lakes and their connected waterways are invaluable resources for Michigan and the United States,” said Dingell. “As a co-chair of the Congressional Great Lakes Task Force, I am proud to help introduce this bipartisan bill to strengthen federal support for Great Lakes research and conservation for future generations to enjoy these national treasures.” “Michigan is the Great Lakes state, period. Jobs, recreation, and tourism across the Midwest depend on a healthy and flourishing Great Lakes ecosystem,” said Stevens. “I’m proud to work alongside my colleagues of both parties to ensure that Michigan receives our fair share of federal investment that will protect and preserve our Lakes for generations to come.” “As a Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Great Lakes Task Force, I helped introduce this legislation to close a gap in a national program that benefits only coastal ocean states. The bill continues our work together to ensure the Federal Government levels the playing field to commit equivalent, well‑deserved resources to our Great Lakes region,” said Kaptur. “The Great Lakes are central and essential to Northwest Ohio’s livelihood and economic well-being, and enabling the Great Lakes Commission to participate in this NOAA program will strengthen data sharing, enhance information access, and improve management of our coastal and ecosystem resources. In Lake Erie’s Western Basin, home to the shallowest and southernmost shoreline in the Great Lakes system, we face these challenges in real ways and will continue to lead in advancing research and information exchange for the benefit of our entire region.” “The Great Lakes are a critical resource for the economies and communities that surround them,” said Joyce. “As Co-Chair of the Congressional Great Lakes Task Force, I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of this bipartisan legislation, which will strengthen federal partnerships and expand funding opportunities to advance the research, coordination, and conservation efforts needed to protect the Great Lakes — ensuring they remain a resource our communities can rely on for generations to come.” “The Great Lakes Commission is grateful to Rep. Walberg for introducing this important legislation to designate the GLC as a regional partnership for the Great Lakes,” said GLC Chair Timothy Bruno, Great Lakes Program Coordinator at the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. “This designation will allow the agency to build on its more than 70 years of regional leadership — fostering dialogue, building consensus, and advancing coordinated solutions to the Great Lakes’ most pressing challenges — to ensure the Great Lakes region continues to speak with a strong, unified voice. We look forward to working with our partners to realize the full benefits of this program for the region.” Background The Great Lakes Commission (GLC) brings together eight U.S. states and two Canadian provinces to protect the Great Lakes and promote economic growth in the Great Lakes Basin. The GLC is composed of the States of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. NOAA’s Regional Ocean Partnerships (ROPs) coordinate interstate ocean and coastal resource management efforts and create opportunities for increased efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Although NOAA administers four Regional Ocean Partnerships (ROPs) across the Northeast, Mid‑Atlantic, Gulf, and West Coast, the Great Lakes currently lack an ROP. Designating the GLC as the region’s ROP will ensure the Great Lakes region receives its fair share of program funding. Companion legislation, introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Bernie Moreno (R-OH), has been advanced by the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/big-beautiful-bill-provides-546-million-to-wallowa-memorial-hospital,Big Beautiful Bill Provides $5.46 Million to Wallowa Memorial Hospital,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Wallowa, OR – Wallowa Memorial Hospital announced Tuesday that it will receive $5.46 million in federal grants to modernize technology and enhance healthcare access. This $5.46 million comes from the Big Beautiful Bill’s provision that created the Rural Health Transformation Program, a $50 billion initiative intended to transform and improve rural hospitals. Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR) was the only member of Oregon’s congressional delegation to vote YES for the Big Beautiful Bill. Said Congressman Bentz: “I am very pleased that Wallowa Memorial Hospital was selected to receive this $5.46 million grant. This federal investment in Wallowa County means that county residents will be able to obtain high-quality medical assistance much more quickly and much more closely to home. This is exactly one of the many positive outcomes I hoped for when I voted for the Big Beautiful Bill.”",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/what-they-are-saying-about-colorado-river-basin-water-security-and,What They Are Saying About the Colorado River Basin Water Security and Infrastructure Act,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,AZ,Andy Biggs,B001302,biggs.house.gov,biggs,https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"GILBERT, ARIZONA – Following Congressman Andy Biggs’s (AZ-05) introduction of the Colorado River Basin and Infrastructure Act, several public officials expressed their support for the landmark legislation. The bill would expand water supplies, accelerate critical infrastructure projects, and strengthen long-term water security throughout the Colorado River Basin. “The Colorado River powers Arizona’s homes, farms, factories, and critical industries that keep America strong. Prolonged drought is pushing the system to the brink; we can’t sit back while levels keep dropping,”said Congressman Abe Hamadeh.“That’s why Congressman Hamadeh joined @RepAndyBiggsAZ's bipartisan effort demanding emergency funding for infrastructure upgrades, conservation, and long-term planning in the Colorado River Basin.” “Arizona can’t make it rain or snow, but we can take action to secure our water future,” said Senate President Warren Petersen. “Arizona has known for years that shortages could put the Central Arizona Project at risk. Valuable time to develop alternative supplies has already been lost, and we cannot afford to lose any more. That’s why we worked with Congressman Biggs to make sure Arizona’s priorities helped shape this federal plan.” “Congressman Biggs has put forward a serious proposal that addresses the problem Arizona should have started preparing for years ago: we need more water,” House Speaker Steve Montenegro said. “For too long, the discussion has centered on how to divide a declining supply. This legislation takes a better approach by removing unnecessary federal delays and putting real resources behind projects that can increase supply. Long-term water augmentation is the path forward.” “Our job is to make sure Arizona families and businesses have reliable water without driving up costs,” said Senate President Pro Tempore and Natural Resources Committee Chairman T.J. Shope. “We cannot solve a water shortage by arguing over smaller and smaller shares of the river. We need to make the pie bigger, and this bill gives Arizona and the other Basin states practical ways to bring more water into the system.” “We need to stop trading paper around and start bringing new, real wet water into the state. Congressman Biggs’ plan prioritizes just that,” House Speaker Pro Tempore Neal Carter said. “Instead of focusing on scarcity, as Governor Hobbs has done by instituting water-use moratoriums and vetoing bills designed to authorize access to new water, Biggs’ bill plans for prosperity and abundance through the development of new water sources.” “Expanding water supply should be a bipartisan priority,” House Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee Chairman Gail Griffin said. “We need a long-term solution that protects the Colorado River system and works for everyone who depends on it. House and Senate Republicans support Congressman Biggs’ legislation and will continue working on state policies that protect existing residents, increase supply, and support rural economies.” “Congressman Biggs’ bill rewards states that invest in their own water future, and Arizona is ready,” said Representative Alex Kolodin. “Governor Hobbs has spent four years managing scarcity instead of building supply. Her Colorado River talks stalled without a deal that enforces the Compact or that requires the Upper Basin to share in cuts. And when the Legislature sent her bills to develop new supplies, including brackish groundwater legislation I helped advance, she vetoed them and dismissed the idea as ‘wishful thinking.’ Arizona is less prepared today as a result. Congressman Biggs is doing what the Governor should have done years ago: putting real money and real urgency behind new water, and doing it in a way that benefits every Basin state. That is a win-win approach, and it is the one Arizona needs. The affordability and long-term future of our state depend on it.” “Pinal County already understands that conservation alone is not a long-term water strategy,” Representative Chris Lopez said. “Our farmers, irrigation districts, cities, and water leaders have worked hard to stretch the supplies we have while looking for new ones. We are and continue to be the leader in water conservation and investment among Colorado River Basin states, allowing us to grow our population and economy while using less water today. Congressman Biggs’ legislation builds on that record by allowing us to conserve what we have, build the infrastructure we need, and bring new wet water into the system.” In addition to the endorsements from these officials, the Arizona Farm Bureau came forward with its appreciation of the legislation: “Arizona Farm Bureau supports efforts to strengthen Colorado River water security and advance the infrastructure investments necessary to protect the long-term water needs of Arizona and the entire Basin. We appreciate Congressman Andy Biggs’ leadership in introducing the Colorado River Basin Water Security and Infrastructure Act and his recognition that addressing the Colorado River’s challenges requires meaningful action, long-term planning, and solutions that expand our water resources.” “The status quo is not sustainable, and Arizona’s agricultural producers cannot afford to be left carrying an ever-increasing share of the burden,” said Arizona Farm Bureau President John Boelts. “Agriculture is essential to Arizona’s economy, food supply, rural communities, and national food security. Any effort to address the Colorado River’s future must recognize agriculture’s significant contributions, protect agricultural water access, and ensure producers have a meaningful seat at the table. Arizona farmers and ranchers have already demonstrated their willingness to be part of the solution but conservation alone cannot replace the need for investment in water augmentation, infrastructure, and reliable supplies. We urge policymakers to pursue durable, collaborative solutions that strengthen the Basin’s water security while safeguarding the ability of Arizona agriculture to continue producing food and sustaining our rural communities for generations to come."" Read Congressman Biggs's introductory press release here. Read the bill here. ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-host-house-energy-commerce-chairman-brett-guthrie-tampa-bay-health,BILIRAKIS TO HOST HOUSE ENERGY & COMMERCE CHAIRMAN BRETT GUTHRIE FOR TAMPA BAY HEALTH CARE AFFORDABILITY ROUNDTABLE,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,FL,Gus M. Bilirakis,B001257,bilirakis.house.gov,bilirakis,https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"TAMPA, FL - On Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) will host House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) for a regional roundtable with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) focused on expanding access to high-quality, affordable health care and ensuring vulnerable patients do not fall through the cracks. The discussion will bring together leaders from community health centers throughout the Tampa Bay region to showcase the innovative work they are doing to deliver high-quality care while keeping services affordable and accessible for the patients and families who need them most. Importantly, the roundtable will give local health care providers and patients an opportunity to bring their real-life experiences directly to one of our nation’s leading health policy makers. Patient stories will help illustrate the challenges families face accessing affordable care and inform a broader discussion about how Congress can strengthen community-based care, address barriers to access, and ensure federal health policy works for patients on the ground. The event will also highlight an innovative partnership with Feeding Tampa Bay that recognizes the important connection between nutrition and health. Through this model, health care and community partners are working together to address patients’ dietary needs and combat food insecurity among vulnerable populations. Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the discussion. WHAT: Regional Federally Qualified Health Center Roundtable on Health Care Affordability and Access WHO: U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), U.S. Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Federally Qualified Health Center leaders from throughout the Tampa Bay region, Local patients and community partners WHEN:Wednesday, September 30, 2026, 10:00 a.m.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://boebert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-boebert-backs-white-house-rescission-targeting-wasteful-spending-criminal,REP. BOEBERT BACKS WHITE HOUSE RESCISSION TARGETING WASTEFUL SPENDING ON CRIMINAL ALIENS,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,CO,Lauren Boebert,B000825,boebert.house.gov,boebert,https://boebert.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"LONE TREE, COLO. — Rep. Lauren Boebert (CO-04) announced her support for the White House decision to cancel roughly $810 million in previously appropriated spending through a pocket rescission. The package includes a $567 million cut to Department of Health and Human Services programs for criminal aliens, as well as cuts to international assistance, including foreign debt relief, and other agencies. “This is America First in action,” Rep. Boebert said. “The Trump Administration is cutting wasteful spending that does not benefit American citizens. Hardworking taxpayers should not be forced to bankroll health and social services for people who broke our laws.” “Federal health dollars are not an open invitation,” Rep. Boebert said. “When Washington subsidizes care and services for criminal aliens, it rewards lawbreaking and leaves less for American families, seniors, veterans, and rural hospitals. Reducing that spending is common sense.” “These are the types of policies needed to ensure future funds go to rural hospitals,” Rep. Boebert said. “Colorado’s rural communities cannot keep emergency rooms, maternity wards, and clinics open if federal health money is treated as a magnet for illegal immigration.”",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://boebert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-boebert-calls-pause-diesel-exports-help-farmers-ranchers-and-truckers,"REP. BOEBERT CALLS FOR A PAUSE ON DIESEL EXPORTS TO HELP FARMERS, RANCHERS, AND TRUCKERS",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,CO,Lauren Boebert,B000825,boebert.house.gov,boebert,https://boebert.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"LONE TREE, CO — U.S. Representative Lauren Boebert (R-CO) today called for a temporary pause on U.S. diesel exports through January 2027, followed by a joint review between Congress and the Administration to determine whether the pause should be extended for another three months. Colorado producers should not be forced to subsidize foreign markets while paying more at home. “While our farmers are filling tanks at record prices and families are being impacted by affordability every day, we are still shipping diesel overseas,"" said Rep. Boebert. ""That is backwards. Pause the exports for American producers and then reassess whether another three months is needed.” ""Congress and the Trump Administration must work together to pause diesel exports through January 2027,"" said Rep. Boebert, ""delivering relief to farmers, ranchers, and truckers; and putting American energy and American consumers first."" ""This is common sense,” Rep. Boebert said. “End the squeeze on rural America. I will work with anyone serious about delivering real relief.”",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases/bonamici-announces-october-town-hall-meetings,Bonamici Announces October Town Hall Meetings,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,OR,Suzanne Bonamici,B001278,bonamici.house.gov,bonamici,https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC [9/28/26] – Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) announced her fall town hall series with three meetings across the First Congressional District. Bonamici will answer questions from attendees and provide an update about her work in Congress. The town hall meetings will be in Beaverton, St. Helens, and Astoria. “Hearing from the people of NW Oregon is essential to my work in Congress,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “I know many people are worried about the high cost of living, threats to our democracy, and more. I invite everyone to attend one of my town hall meetings to discuss their concerns and ask questions.” Members of Bonamici’s staff will be at the town hall meetings to assist anyone who is experiencing problems with federal agencies, including the VA, Social Security Administration, immigration, and IRS. Beaverton Town Hall Meeting Tuesday, October 6th – 7 p.m. Arts & Communication Magnet Academy 11375 SW Center Street, Beaverton St. Helens Town Hall Meeting Wednesday, October 7th – 6 p.m. St. Helens Senior Center 375 S 15th Street, St. Helens Astoria Town Hall Meeting Saturday, October 17th – 1 p.m. To be announced For everyone’s safety and security, large bags and backpacks are not allowed at the town hall meeting. Small purses no larger than 4.5 by 6.5 inches are permitted. Attendees will not be allowed inside if they do not comply with these safety regulations. Doors will open an hour before each event. ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z 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 https://bynum.house.gov/media/press-releases/bynum-calls-review-epas-microplastics-monitoring-and-research,Bynum Calls for Review of EPA’s Microplastics Monitoring and Research,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,OR,Janelle S. Bynum,B001326,bynum.house.gov,bynum,https://bynum.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"The lawmakers argue that to continue protecting Americans’ health, they need to understand what the EPA has accomplished in its work on microplastics and what progress still needs to be made. They also emphasize the urgency of this review amid emerging research connecting microplastics to adverse health consequences and serious environmental risks. In the letter, the lawmakers write: “Even as the EPA's FY2023-FY2026 research plan approaches its conclusion, Congress lacks a clear assessment of what the EPA has accomplished in its work on microplastics and what work remains necessary to support reliable monitoring, risk assessment and potential regulatory action.” Later in the letter, they write: “Addressing microplastic pollution is critical for protecting the health of Americans and safeguarding our waterways and ecosystems. Our constituents deserve to know what microplastic exposure means for their families’ health, and the requested information above will be critical in informing Congress’s work in tackling this challenge."" The letter was also signed by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Representatives Jesús G. ""Chuy"" García (IL-04), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C), Emanuel Cleaver II (MO-05), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Dave Min (CA-47), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Judy Chu (CA-28), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-29), Adelita S. Grijalva (AZ-07), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Mike Levin (CA-49), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44), and Zoe Lofgren (CA-18). In July, Rep. Bynum led a bicameral letter, urging the Environmental Protection Agency to add microplastics to the agency's recently published Sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6). This letter urged the EPA to begin monitoring microplastics in America's drinking water, citing a growing body of research linking the emerging contaminant to serious adverse health effects. Rep. Bynum also introduced the bicameral, bipartisan Microplastics Safety Act to require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct a study on the health impacts of microplastics in food, water, and other products. The new legislation is a critical step forward in better understanding the threat of microplastics to human health. Background Researchers at the Environmental Protections Agency (EPA) define microplastics as plastic particles ranging in size from 5 millimeters to one nanometer. Microplastics have been found in every ecosystem on the planet, as well as in food, beverages, and animal and human tissue. When Environment Oregon sampled 30 of Oregon’s most iconic rivers, lakes, and urban waterways, they found microplastic fibers in 100% of the samples. The full text of the letter is available here. ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castrocasarlead60democratsdemandinganswers-onsecuringlegalrepresentationforunaccompanied-children,"Castro, Casar Lead 60+ Democrats Demanding Answers on Securing Legal Representation for Unaccompanied Children",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,TX,Joaquin Castro,C001091,castro.house.gov,castro,https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"“Children's Legal Protections Should Never Be The Currency Of Political Patronage” WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) and Congressman Greg Casar led (TX-35) 61 House Democrats in a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) Acting Director Angie Salazar demanding transparency in its process for awarding contracts to organizations providing legal representation to unaccompanied children. In August, the Burke Law Group, a firm with Trump Administration ties, declined a $150 million no-bid contract only after public scrutiny. The group of lawmakers slammed the Secretary and Acting Director for awarding organizations, such as the Burke Law Group, without relevant experience and expertise, resulting in putting migrant children at risk. The members demanded a more transparent process for awarding experienced organizations to represent unaccompanied children, writing,""Burke Law Group and Our Rescue lack experience, proficiency, and capacity to appropriately implement essential legal services to thousands of unaccompanied children. We are gravely concerned that ORR would entrust a vulnerable population with firms so plainly unqualified for the task. Weurge ORR to find the best organizations to handle this contract through a competitive, public process."" The members criticized no-bid contracts awarded to firms that were connected to the president, writing, “The Trump administration has made a practice of issuing awards based on politics and cronyism rather than in the public interest. We are not surprised that leadership in both Burke Law Group and Our Rescue includes individuals who previously served in various roles during the first Trump administration. Derek Benner, the current CEO of Our Rescue, previously served as the Executive Associate Director for Homeland Security Investigations during the first Trump administration. Children's legal protections should never be the currency of political patronage.” The lawmakers demanded answers about ORR’s current contracts by September 25, 2026. Members who signed the letter include: Reps. Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Greg Casar (TX-35), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), André Carson (IN-07), Judy Chu (CA-28), Gilbert Cisneros (CA-31), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), J. Correa (CA-46), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Christopher Deluzio (PA-17), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Bill Foster (IL-11), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Jesús García (IL-04), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Daniel Goldman (NY-10), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Pablo Hernández (PR), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Henry Johnson (GA-04), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Summer Lee (PA-12), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Eleanor Norton (DC), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Janice Schakowsky (IL-09), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Norma Torres (CA-35), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Marc Veasey (TX-33), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Frederica Wilson (FL-24). Read the full letter here.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://chu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-chu-takano-meng-and-sen-hirono-recognize-asian-american-and-native,"Reps. Chu, Takano, Meng and Sen. Hirono Recognize Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions Week",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,CA,Judy Chu,C001080,chu.house.gov,chu,https://chu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), Chair Emerita of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), Rep. Mark Takano (CA-41), and Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06), Chair of CAPAC, introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI) Week, from September 27 – October 3, 2026. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) introduced companion legislation in the Senate. This week honors the vital role of AANAPISIs in expanding access to quality higher education for American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students. Since its authorization under the 2007 College Cost Reduction and Access Act, the AANAPISI program has provided grants to institutions with high populations of AANHPI students, helping colleges expand their capacity to serve all students. These institutions have played a crucial role in opening the door to higher education for minority students, especially those who are low-income or first-generation. Today, AANAPISIs enroll over 40 percent of all AANHPI undergraduate students in the United States, and award nearly half of all associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees attained by all AANHPI college students across the country. This resolution comes days after the Trump Administration diverted an additional $235 million in federal funding that Congress had designated for Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs), to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Tribal Colleges (TCUs). Instead of increasing investment in HBCUs and TCUs, this Administration has chosen to take money and resources from schools serving historically underserved students, including AANAPISIs, Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions (NHSIs), Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs), and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs). The Congressional Tri-Caucus condemned the decision and urged the Administration to restore the funding Congress appropriated to support MSIs. Last year, the Trump administration also recklessly decided to end Congressional-approved funding for MSIs, calling them unconstitutional. AANAPISIs alone have had over $23 million in annual grant funding terminated since the beginning of the Trump Administration, which will force many to gut support services for students and lay off staff. These cuts will destabilize the education of thousands of students and ultimately harm our nation's economic future. “As a former community college professor, I’ve seen what happens when students get real support. They don’t just graduate, they can transform their families and their communities for generations. AANAPISIs make that possible for students who need it the most, including first generation, and low-income students of color, by breaking down barriers and making sure all students have an equal shot at higher education,” said Rep. Chu, CAPAC Chair Emerita. “That’s why the Trump administration’s decision to terminate MSI funding, and now redirect $235 million of it to HBCUs and tribal colleges, is so disappointing. Every MSI deserves full investment, but pitting them against each other isn’t the solution, it is a step backward. This AANAPISI Week, I remain committed to fighting for these institutions and for every student’s right to the education they deserve.” “Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions, their funding, and their success are vital to our nation’s future and competitiveness,” said Rep. Takano. “I am proud to represent the University of California, Riverside, which has held AANAPISI status since 2018, and to fight the Department of Education’s dismantling and weaponization of Minority Serving Institution grants. These programs make higher education attainable for students from diverse backgrounds, bringing more talent, expertise, and knowledge to our workforce.” ""Far too often, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders are treated as a 'model minority'—a harmful stereotype that hides the educational barriers facing our diverse communities. That is why Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institutions are so important. For decades, they have expanded access to higher education and opened pathways to economic mobility for millions of underserved AANHPI students. I am proud to introduce this resolution with my CAPAC colleagues to recognize AANAPISI Week and fight back against the Trump administration's efforts to terminate federal funding for these institutions. We will not stop until the next generation of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders is more successful than the last,"" said Rep. Meng, Chair of CAPAC. “In Hawaii and nationwide, Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions help students thrive in the classroom and prepare them for success after graduation. As the Trump regime continues its ideological attacks on Minority-Serving Institutions, supporting AANAPISIs and the communities they serve is critical,” said Sen. Hirono. “By establishing AANAPISI week, this resolution celebrates diversity in education and recognizes these institutions and the services they provide.” “During this AANAPISI Week, APAHE extends our deepest gratitude to CAPAC for their steadfast leadership in defending the federal AANAPISI designation amid ongoing efforts by the Department of Education to dismantle these critical programs. AANAPISIs are vital to educational equity and AA&NHPI student success, and we must aggressively defend this essential resource from being stripped away,” said Dr. Rowena M. Tomaneng, President, Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education (APAHE). The full resolution text is available HERE. The resolution is cosponsored by Reps. Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Wesley Bell (MO-01), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Ed Case (HI-01), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Lou Correa (CA-46), Danny Davis (IL-07), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Kimberlyn King-Hinds (CNMI), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Dave Min (CA-47), Jerry Nadler (NY-12), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Tom Suozzi (NY-03), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Norma Torres (CA-35), Dina Titus (NV-01), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases/persistence-pays-ciscomani-celebrates-service-dog-victory-during-national,Persistence Pays Off: Ciscomani Celebrates Service Dog Victory During National Service Dog Month,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,AZ,Juan Ciscomani,C001133,ciscomani.house.gov,ciscomani,https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Tucson, AZ - Every September, National Service Dog Month recognized the vital role service dogs played in the lives of Americans with disabilities. Representative Juan Ciscomani highlighted his bipartisan efforts to ensure students, researchers, veterans, and other individuals with disabilities were not unnecessarily prevented from pursuing opportunities in STEM and research because they relied on service dogs. Earlier this year, Ciscomani successfully led a bipartisan effort to secure greater clarity surrounding federal guidance on service dogs in laboratory settings at universities and other research facilities. His advocacy followed concerns raised by Joey Ramp-Adams and others who faced barriers stemming from an outdated loophole from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health. ""Service dogs are a lifeline to millions of Americans,"" said Juan Ciscomani. ""When I first met Joey Ramp-Adams and Sampson in 2024 where I first learned about a bureaucratic-outdated loophole that limited students who work in labs ability to bring their service dogs, I knew we had to fight to change this loophole. With the partnership of Joey, I fought to ensure this priority became a reality for students not only in Arizona but across the country. This National Service Dog Month, I’m so proud that our persistence paid off and we were able to secure this win for students and will continue fighting for a more inclusive future for all."" Ramp-Adams applauded Ciscomani’s advocacy and credited his persistence in addressing barriers disabled scientists and veterans face. ""As an advocate for the disabled community, we want to personally thank @RepCiscomani for doing what too many don’t—listening, following through, and standing firm when it mattered most. We reached out with a problem that was costing disabled scientists—including many veterans—the opportunities they earned and deserved. He listened. He made a promise. And then we worked together—consistently, persistently— to make this happen. This was not easy. It was an uphill fight against some of the most powerful institutions in science, the @CDCgov and @NIH where outdated interpretations were driving exclusion. For two years, he and his staff stayed committed. He pushed for clarity where there was ambiguity. He honored his word when it would have been easier not to. Because of that persistence, we now have a path forward—one grounded in risk assessment, not exclusion for our veterans and disabled community who are seeking science or STEM academics or careers. This is what real leadership looks like,"" said Joey Ramp-Adams. ​Ramp-Adams later took to X thanking Ciscomani for his work once again: ""Without Rep. Ciscomani’s persistence over nearly three years, this resolution may never have been achieved. His leadership, advocacy, and bipartisan approach helped establish a national standard for inclusion that can no longer be ignored. Opening doors that should never have been closed. Thank you, sir!"" Since 2024, Ciscomani has been an unwavering champion for individuals with disabilities who rely on service dogs. He fought tirelessly to ensure these Americans would never again face categorical exclusion from STEM fields or research environments because of outdated or misapplied CDC and NIH policies. Fueled by the concerns raised by Joey Ramp-Adams and other advocates, Ciscomani pressed federal agencies for action. His persistence paid off with federal guidance being ultimately revised to affirm that service animals are allowed in laboratory settings, with access determined by individualized risk assessments rather than discriminatory blanket bans. This decisive update not only reinforced that service animals are protected disability accommodations but also established that access decisions must be anchored in individualized risk assessments, not misinterpretations of outdated language. This much needed update resulted in opened doors for students, veterans, and researchers with disabilities nationwide, and stands as a testament to the power of determined leadership. Ciscomani's commitment to individuals with disabilities in Arizona is clear through his continuous support of the AbilityOne Base Supply Center Program in Tucson and Arizona Industries for the Blind. Earlier this year, he celebrated the program’s 30th anniversary and visited the AbilityOne Base Supply Center at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, recognizing its vital impact. Nationally, AbilityOne employs over 36,000 people, including approximately 2,500 veterans, and is the largest source of employment for both the blind and individuals living with disabilities. During National Service Dog Month, Ciscomani highlighted the impact of his advocacy and the importance of ensuring Americans who relied on service dogs could pursue an education, build careers, and contribute to their communities without unnecessary barriers. Watch a video from Rep. Ciscomani highlighting his legislative victory for service dogs during National Service Dog Month HERE or BELOW. Image ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://clarke.house.gov/clarke-leads-letter-to-revlon-demanding-answers-following-findings-of-dangerous-contaminants-in-cosmetics/,CLARKE LEADS LETTER TO REVLON DEMANDING ANSWERS FOLLOWING FINDINGS OF DANGEROUS CONTAMINANTS IN COSMETICS,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NY,Yvette D. Clarke,C001067,clarke.house.gov,clarke,https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 28, 2026 MEDIA CONTACT: e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov c: 202.913.0126 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) led a letter signed by nine Members of Congress to CEO of Revlon Group Holdings LLC, Michelle Peluso, following the FDA’s recent findings that the cosmetics company failed to adequately test products for the presence of contaminants – including cancer-causing chemicals and mold – putting the health of its customers at risk, particularly its Black customers who are disproportionately represented in the beauty and personal care market. “Black consumers, specifically women and girls, occupy a significant space within the overall U.S. beauty landscape. In 2026, beauty spending among Black consumers reached $16.2 billion, representing a 9 percent increase from the previous year. Given their prevalence in your customer base, it is our serious concern that Black women and girls would be disproportionately exposed to carcinogenic chemicals in contaminated beauty products,” wrote the Members. “Products that pose a risk to consumers have no place in our markets. Black women and girls should be able to use beauty and personal care products, including over-the-counter (OTC) drug products, without worrying about potential exposure to harmful chemicals.” The letter was signed by: Representatives Clarke, Carson, Crockett, DeLauro, Grijalva, Holmes Norton, Thanedar, Tlaib, and Wilson (FL). Full text of the letter can be found HERE. ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2696,Cline Celebrates FCC Decision to Not Approve Verizon’s Changes to Copper-Based Landline Service,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,VA,Ben Cline,C001118,cline.house.gov,cline,https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"FINCASTLE, VA – On Friday, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that it did not grant Verizon’s initial application to discontinue copper-based landline services across much of Virginia. Congressman Cline previously sent a letter to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr demanding answers about the changes and urging the Chairman to review the application. “I applaud the FCC for their decision to pause any changes to Virginia’s copper-based landline service, following my letter to Chairman Carr,” said Rep. Cline. “The Sixth District is home to many mountainous and rural communities where reliable communication is essential. Ending copper-based landline service before dependable alternatives are widely available could leave families without a reliable way to contact emergency services or stay connected with loved ones, particularly in areas with limited cellular coverage and frequent weather-related outages. I share the concerns of my constituents about the potential impact on public safety and basic connectivity. I will continue to monitor and work with the FCC to ensure that any future changes by Verizon do not leave families without reliable service.”",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://cloud.house.gov/posts/trump-administration-announces-51-million-for-rural-texas-nutrition-and-chronic-disease-prevention-programs,Trump Administration Announces $51 Million for Rural Texas Nutrition and Chronic Disease Prevention Programs,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Michael Cloud,C001115,cloud.house.gov,cloud,https://cloud.house.gov/press,scraper,"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services September 28th, 2026 based chronic disease prevention, wellness, and nutrition programs through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). This investment will help rural healthcare providers implement solutions to improve outcomes for rural Texans with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, or obesity, while also supporting efforts to prevent these chronic conditions. “President Trump understands that every American deserves high-quality healthcare, no matter where they live,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “We are putting resources directly into rural communities to strengthen the health workforce, modernize infrastructure, expand access, and bring care closer to home. We are giving states the flexibility to build solutions around the people they serve, while demanding accountability for results. That is how we strengthen rural health, improve the lives of patients and families, and Make America Healthy Again.” “President Trump made a historic commitment to rural America, and these investments are turning that commitment into better care for patients in communities across Texas,” said Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “This is what rural health transformation should look like: federal investment that is putting patients first, driving lasting improvements and expanding healthcare for the hardworking Americans who call these communities home.” Today’s investment was made possible through the Working Families Tax Cuts Act — passed by Republicans in Congress and unanimously opposed by Democrats — delivering a historic $50 billion investment to help states transform the way healthcare is delivered in America. “Rural Texans deserve quality health care in their own communities,” said Gov. Greg Abbott. “This $51 million will aid 68 rural hospital districts and authorities with prevention, wellness, and nutrition programs that keep Texans healthy and strong. I thank President Trump, Secretary Kennedy, and Administrator Oz for this investment in rural Texas.” “The Working Families Tax Cuts Act made the single largest investment in rural health care in more than two decades,” said Sen. John Cornyn. “I was proud to support this once-in-a-generation law that established the Rural Health Transformation Program, and I look forward to seeing these resources expand access to care, improve health outcomes, and better support folks with chronic conditions across the Lone Star State.” “This investment is critical to Texans, and I applaud CMS and Administrator Oz for approving it,” said Sen. Ted Cruz. “The decision is a recognition that the needs of rural Texas communities should be met, and these resources will strengthen rural hospitals, expand access to high-quality care, and help Texans in every part of our state get the healthcare they need. I was proud to work alongside my colleagues in the Texas delegation to secure this funding.” “Rural Texans deserve the same access to quality healthcare as anyone else in our state, and this investment is a major step toward closing that gap. Thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts and the Rural Health Transformation Program, we’re strengthening our rural hospitals and investing in prevention, wellness, and nutrition programs that get ahead of chronic conditions. Healthier communities mean stronger families, a more productive workforce, and a brighter future for rural Texas. I will always work to ensure our rural communities have the resources they need to thrive,” said Rep. Nathaniel Moran. “This historic investment in rural health will expand access to care and give Texas communities more tools to prevent and manage chronic disease,” said Rep. Dan Crenshaw. “I’m proud to see these resources going directly to rural Texans who need them most.” “This is welcome news for rural Texas. I thank President Trump and his Administration for standing with our rural communities, and I was proud to join my Republican colleagues in Congress to make the Rural Health Transformation Program possible,” said Rep. Keith Self. “Helping families get better access to care—and live healthier lives—is exactly the kind of result we should keep delivering.” “Rural hospitals are the backbone of so many North Texas communities, and new funding will help keep them strong,” said Rep. Pat Fallon. “I am proud that $51 million from the Rural Health Transformation Program is coming to 68 rural hospital districts and authorities across our state through the Make Rural Texans Healthy Again initiative. By investing in the health of rural Texans, we’re strengthening families, supporting local providers, and building a stronger future for our communities.” “$51 million will improve lives, fight chronic disease, and make our rural communities healthier,” said Rep. Lance Gooden. “Texans should remember that in the fight to improve healthcare, every Democrat voted against this funding.” “Our rural communities are home to the farmers, ranchers, small business owners, and families who keep Texas and this country moving. Access to quality healthcare is critical to keeping those communities strong. Too many rural Texans still have to travel long distances or face limited options when they need care,” said Rep. Jake Ellzey. “These funds will help strengthen rural hospitals, expand access to preventive care, and give communities more tools to address chronic conditions before they become more serious. By putting these resources closer to home, we can help rural Texans get the care they need while strengthening the hospitals and healthcare systems these communities depend on every day.” “Rural Texans deserve the same access to quality care as anyone else, and this investment puts real resources into the communities that need it most. I’m grateful to CMS and state leaders for recognizing the importance of these programs and working to deliver better outcomes for Texas families,” said Rep. Morgan Luttrell. “This is great news for rural Texans, who deserve the same access to quality health care as anyone else. This $51 million investment will help communities across our state take a more proactive approach to improving health and preventing chronic disease. I’m proud to have an administration that understands the importance of investing in rural healthcare, which strengthens our local communities,” said Rep. Michael McCaul. “Rural Texans shouldn’t have to drive hours to see a doctor or receive the life-saving care they need. I was proud to support and advocate for Texas to receive its fair share of funding from the Rural Health Transformation Program, and I’m glad to see these dollars now reaching our hospitals. This historic investment will keep rural hospitals open, expand access to telehealth, and recruit and retain medical professionals. When a rural hospital or clinic has the resources it needs, the entire community benefits. I’ll keep fighting for rural health care in Congress and will make sure every dollar of this funding gets to the rural hospitals it was meant to serve,” said Rep. August Pfluger. “Texans across our state deserves access to high-quality health care. Alongside my Texas colleagues, I’m proud to have helped pass the Rural Health Transformation Program, which is investing millions of dollars into health care services in Texas,” said Rep. Craig Goldman. “This innovative program will strengthen rural health care and help make Texans healthier.” “Texans in TX-13 and every rural community deserve access to quality healthcare,” said Rep. Ronny Jackson. “This investment through the Rural Health Transformation Program will help rural communities expand prevention, wellness, and nutrition programs while addressing chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease, and obesity. I’m proud to support efforts that strengthen access to care and improve health outcomes for hardworking families across rural Texas.” “Every day, Texans continue to reap the benefits of the historic Working Families Tax Cuts Act I proudly voted for,” said Rep. Randy Weber. “Today, that means more than $50 million is heading to 68 rural hospital districts and authorities so quality health care reaches beyond the city limits and rural Texans can get the care they deserve closer to home.” “Access to healthcare remains a major challenge in rural Texas, making this $51 million investment a major win for our state,” said Rep. Monica De La Cruz. “The funding will fight chronic illness, train the next generation of doctors, and empower local providers. I am proud to help secure these critical resources and will keep fighting to ensure our communities receive the best care possible.” “Rural Texans deserve access to quality health care close to home,” said Rep. Pete Sessions. “This $51 million investment through the Make Rural Texans Healthy Again initiative will help our rural hospital districts expand prevention, wellness, and nutrition programs that tackle diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions before they become crises. I thank CMS and Administrator Oz for standing with rural Texas and investing in healthier communities across our state.” “We won’t have the next generation of agriculture and energy producers providing America with food security and energy independence without access to basic health care in rural communities. Yet for years, Rural America has faced a growing health care crisis marked by fewer providers, reduced services, and limited access to quality care,” said Rep. Jodey Arrington. “To combat this crisis, the One Big Beautiful Bill established the Rural Health Transformation Program, a historic $50 billion investment in rural health care over five years, including $1.4 billion for Texas, to strengthen rural hospitals, expand access to care, and improve health outcomes. In the first year alone, Texas is receiving $281 million to advance state-led solutions to our rural health care challenges. Today, I am proud to see the Trump Administration and Governor Abbott put this investment to work through Texas’ Make Rural Texans Healthy Again initiative, with $51 million supporting 68 rural hospital districts and authorities as they work to prevent and manage diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and obesity. This is another major win for rural America and a Texas-sized investment in a healthier, stronger future for Rural Texas.” “Rural Texans deserve access to quality healthcare, no matter their location,” said Rep. Troy Nehls. “This investment will equip rural communities across the great state of Texas with the resources to prevent chronic disease, expand access to care, and improve health outcomes. I applaud the Trump Administration for recognizing rural Texas and helping Make Rural Texans Healthy Again.” “Texans across my home state have President Trump and his administration to thank for prioritizing their wellness in urban and rural regions alike. I am proud to see the Working Families Tax Cut Act already start to improve efforts to make America healthy once again,” said Rep. Brandon Gill. “Providing access to healthcare comes with unique challenges when serving those in rural communities. This funding will help local Texas hospitals expand prevention and wellness programs where they are needed most,” said Rep. Michael Cloud. “Bringing $51 million to Texas so rural Texans have greater access to wellness and chronic-disease prevention is a promise kept by the Trump Administration to Make America Health Again. I’m proud to support these efforts to deliver real resources to the communities that need them and invest in healthier outcomes for rural families. Quality access to care before there’s a problem means better outcomes when a health issue does arise, and this investment puts prevention, wellness, and stronger rural healthcare within reach for Texans across our state,” said Rep. John Carter. “Quality health care should never be determined by your ZIP code. Today’s announcement of a $51 million investment in 68 rural hospital districts across Texas is a major step toward ensuring rural Texans have access to the care they need, close to home. As a health care professional and lifelong Southeast Texan, I’ve seen firsthand the dire consequences when quality care is too far out of reach. This investment in Texas’ Make Rural Texans Healthy Again initiative will deliver local solutions to combat chronic disease, strengthen rural hospitals, and improve health outcomes for families across Texas,” said Rep. Brian Babin. “President Trump understands that your ZIP code should never determine the quality of health care you receive. Through the One Big Beautiful Bill, we made a historic investment in rural America, with the Rural Health Transformation Program,” said Rep. Wesley Hunt. “Now Texas is putting those resources to work, by strengthening rural hospitals, expanding access, and focusing on prevention and wellness. I’m proud to have worked with the President to help deliver this for our communities and grateful for his sustained commitment to the people who live, work, and raise their families in rural Texas.” Today’s announcement is one part of the larger overall funding amount awarded to Texas for fiscal year 2026. Texas’s broader RHTP strategy is designed to strengthen rural healthcare and support more sustainable care across the state. Key initiatives the overall RHTP funding will focus on include: Strengthening prevention and chronic disease management: Supporting community-based prevention, wellness, and nutrition programs designed to improve outcomes for rural Texans with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness, obesity, and other chronic conditions. Expanding technology-enabled healthcare: Investing in telehealth, digital health tools, and advanced technology to connect rural patients and providers with healthcare services and specialty expertise. Building the rural healthcare workforce: Supporting recruitment and retention strategies and expanded care teams to strengthen healthcare capacity in rural communities. Modernizing rural healthcare infrastructure: Upgrading equipment, strengthening interoperability and cybersecurity, and improving technology and facilities used by rural hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, behavioral health providers, public health offices, and EMS. ‘ The Trump Administration is delivering on its commitment to strengthen rural America by investing in solutions that modernize, transform and expand healthcare access for rural communities nationwide. Led by CMS, the RHTP is moving beyond the failed one-size-fits-all approach and giving rural communities the tools to build stronger, more innovative, and more sustainable health systems that deliver better care and better outcomes for the Americans they serve.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://crank.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crank-and-administrator-dr-oz-host-roundtable-combating-waste-fraud-and,"Rep. Crank and Administrator Dr. Oz Host Roundtable on Combating Waste, Fraud, and Abuse Within Healthcare Programs in Colorado",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,CO,Jeff Crank,C001137,crank.house.gov,crank,https://crank.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"COLORADO SPRINGS, C.O. -- Today, Representative Jeff Crank (CO-05) and Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Dr. Mehmet Oz held a roundtable with local leaders focused on combating waste, fraud, and abuse of federal health programs. This roundtable comes after the announcement that Colorado was found to have overspent on Medicaid by $158 million last year and is projected to be $443 million over budget for the ’26-’27 fiscal year. ""This Administration and Congressional Republicans have worked to combat waste, fraud, and abuse throughout federal health programs to ensure they are reserved for our nation's most vulnerable as they were intended,"" said Rep. Crank. ""However, just this past year, the State of Colorado has mismanaged Medicaid funds, overspending by over $150 million and providing funding for illegal immigrants and transgender surgeries, and that is just unacceptable. I appreciate Administrator Dr. Oz coming to Colorado's Fifth Congressional District to learn more about healthcare in our community and how we can navigate the complexities of state policies that hamper our ability to combat waste, fraud, and abuse."" ""Medicaid was created in a high-trust society, but that trust won't survive if we let fraud, waste, and abuse run rampant,"" said CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. ""I'm grateful to Rep. Crank and local health leaders for joining me to discuss how we can shut down scams, stop runaway spending, and protect essential health care for the vulnerable Americans who need it.""",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-secures-new-grant-deliver-emergency-shelter-counseling-legal-support,"Davids Secures New Grant to Deliver Emergency Shelter, Counseling, Legal Support for Kansas Crime Victims",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Representative Sharice Davids announced that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has awarded $11,407,514 to the State of Kansas. The federal investment, which Davids voted to support, will directly fund victim assistance programs, providing essential support services — including crisis counseling, emergency shelter, legal advocacy, and therapy — to survivors of crime across Kansas. ""When someone experiences a crime, they shouldn't have to figure out how to rebuild their life alone,"" said Davids. ""Whether it's finding a safe place to stay in the middle of the night or having someone stand by your side in a courtroom, our local crisis centers and victim advocates do incredible, heavy work every single day. I was glad to vote for the funding that brought these dollars home to Kansas, and I'll keep working to make sure our local support networks and law enforcement have what they need to keep people safe and supported."" Administered through the DOJ’s Victim Assistance Formula Grant program, funds are subgranted by the state to local, community-based nonprofits and public agencies that serve crime victims directly. The $11,407,514 award will support a range of critical services, including: Crisis Counseling & Therapy: Onsite emergency support, mental health counseling, and specialized trauma care for victims and survivors. Emergency Shelter & Relocation: Safe housing, emergency shelter, and basic needs assistance for domestic violence survivors and victims of crime. Legal Advocacy & Criminal Justice Support: In-person courtroom advocacy, legal aid, and help navigating the criminal justice process. Information & Referrals: 24/7 hotlines, emergency intervention, and referral networks for health, housing, and social services. This investment builds on Davids' long-standing effort to deliver federal public safety resources directly to Kansas communities. She has secured more than $27 million in law enforcement and safety grants for the Third District, including grants to recruit police officers in Olathe and Wyandotte County, to stop illicit fentanyl, and for officer mental health and emergency operations infrastructure across Johnson County.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7398,"Dingell Statement on Trump Administration Lowering Fuel Economy Standards, Ceding Ground to China",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,MI,Debbie Dingell,D000624,debbiedingell.house.gov,debbiedingell,https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) released the following statement in the wake of the Trump Administration’s decision to lower fuel economy standards in internal combustion engine-powered cars: “Today’s decision risks putting the American automotive industry at a competitive disadvantage while the rest of the world races ahead, and it also ignores the more pressing issue working men and women are facing right now with the cost-of-living crisis and the rising price of gas. Americans should have the freedom to choose the vehicle that works best for them, whether that’s electric, hybrid, or an internal combustion engine. But consumer choice and American leadership are not mutually exclusive,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “The global auto industry is changing rapidly, and China and other countries are investing heavily in the technologies that will define the future. The global market wants electric vehicles, and we cannot afford to fall behind. Our auto industry cannot continue to be a political ping-pong ball every four years. We need stable policies that make transportation more affordable, support good-paying American jobs, and give our industry the certainty they need to invest, innovate, and compete. Michigan put the world on wheels, and I intend to make sure we remain competitive in the global marketplace. We need policies that give consumers choices while ensuring the next generation of vehicles, including EVs, are developed and built right here in America.”",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://dexter.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-maxine-dexter-md-meets-sandy-mayor-discuss-community-priorities,"Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D. Meets with Sandy Mayor to Discuss Community Priorities and Infrastructure Investments",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,OR,Maxine Dexter,D000635,dexter.house.gov,dexter,https://dexter.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"SANDY, OR – Today, Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D. (OR-03) met with Sandy Mayor Kathleen Walker and city officials to discuss the community's infrastructure needs, explore local parks and visit a small business serving Sandy residents. During the visit, Dexter learned more about Sandy's investments in public parks, efforts to support local businesses and ongoing challenges with the city's wastewater treatment system. She was joined by Mayor Walker, City Manager Tyler Deems and Deputy City Manager Jeff Aprati. “Strong communities need reliable infrastructure, successful small businesses and public spaces where families can come together,” Congresswoman Dexter said. “Sandy is investing in its future, and I want to make sure the federal government is doing its part. I’m grateful to Mayor Walker and local leaders for sharing their priorities and showing me where federal investments can make a difference.” The visit included an opportunity to learn about improvements underway at Meinig Memorial Park and explore Cedar Park, Sandy's newest community park. Cedar Park features the Base Camp Action Sports Park, which offers year-round recreational opportunities, including skating, biking and other activities for residents of all ages. “We were excited to welcome Congresswoman Dexter to Sandy today to show her the work we’re doing to keep our community a great place to live,” Mayor Walker said. “From improving our parks to modernizing critical wastewater infrastructure, these projects are investments in Sandy’s future. We’re especially grateful for the Congresswoman's partnership in securing federal funding for our wastewater system upgrades, which helps reduce future utility rates for our residents. She understands how important infrastructure investments like these are for growing communities like Sandy.” Congresswoman Dexter also visited AntFarm Café & Bakery, a local business that serves as a community gathering space while supporting youth and family services, arts programming and educational opportunities. The Congresswoman has secured more than $1.8 million in proposed federal funding to help Sandy improve its wastewater system, including $1.09 million to plan a pipeline connecting Sandy to Gresham and $746,868 to repair aging wastewater pipes. ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressmen-davis-and-vindman-introduce-legislation-help-fund-childcare-first,Congressmen Davis and Vindman Introduce Legislation to Help Fund Childcare for First Responders,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NC,Donald G. Davis,D000230,dondavis.house.gov,dondavis,https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Congressmen Don Davis (NC-01) and Eugene Vindman (VA-07) introduced H.R. 10614, Providing Childcare for Firefighters and EMS Act, legislation that would help states fund childcare services for the minor children of firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and paramedics during shift work and non-traditional hours. The Providing Childcare for Firefighters and EMS Act would authorize the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award competitive grants to help states fund childcare programs tailored to the shift schedules and non-traditional work hours of covered first responders. “First responders across eastern North Carolina work long shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays to keep our communities safe, but finding childcare that works around those hours can be a real challenge,” said Davis. “I am proud to co-lead the Providing Childcare for Firefighters and EMS Act to help communities expand childcare options that reflect the realities of first responders’ schedules. Our firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics are there for us at all hours of the day, so we should ensure their families have the support they need to continue serving our communities.” Grants would be awarded for three-year periods, with matching requirements increasing over the grant term. Eligible beneficiaries would include career and volunteer firefighters, certified emergency medical technicians, and licensed paramedics who are employed by or affiliated with state, local, tribal, or territorial agencies.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://downing.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-downings-bill-extend-fort-peck-rural-water-system-authorization-0,CONGRESSMAN DOWNING'S BILL TO EXTEND FORT PECK RURAL WATER SYSTEM AUTHORIZATION SIGNED INTO LAW BY PRESIDENT TRUMP,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,MT,Troy Downing,D000634,downing.house.gov,downing,https://downing.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Trump signed H.R. 7250 into law, Congressman Troy Downing’s legislation extending authorization for the Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System through 2028. The law allows critical water infrastructure projects across northeastern Montana to continue moving forward. The Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System Act of 2000 was enacted to provide safe and reliable municipal, rural, and industrial water through two interconnected systems: the Assiniboine and Sioux Rural Water System and the Dry Prairie Rural Water System. Together, these systems serve tribal and non-tribal communities across Roosevelt, Sheridan, Daniels, and Valley counties. H.R. 7250 extends the Bureau of Reclamation’s authority to support construction of essential water infrastructure serving the Fort Peck Reservation and surrounding communities through December 2028. ""I’m proud that the President has signed my bill, H.R. 7250, into law. This legislation will help keep critical water projects moving forward and provide greater certainty for families and communities across northeastern Montana,"" said Congressman Downing. ""Reliable water infrastructure is essential to the future of this region. I’m grateful to the Montana delegation for working together to get this bill through Congress and signed into law.” “This is a major win for the Treasure State. Montanans should never have to worry about whether or not their water is safe to drink. Now that President Trump has signed our bill into law, we’ll be able to continue critical construction on water infrastructure on the Fort Peck reservation and throughout the northeast region. I’m grateful for everyone who helped get this bill across the finish line and look forward to seeing the impacts this will have for the health and future of our communities,” said Senator Steve Daines. “Clean, reliable water is a basic necessity, and Montanans in our rural and tribal communities deserve nothing less. I’m proud to see this commonsense bill cross the finish line, and I thank President Trump for signing it into law so we can keep critical water projects moving forward in Fort Peck and across northeast Montana,” said Senator Tim Sheehy. House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman praised the passage of H.R. 7250 and Congressman Downing’s work to strengthen water infrastructure in northeastern Montana. “Where reliable water flows, opportunity and prosperity follow. H.R. 7250 reauthorizes the Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System, helping ensure families, farmers, and businesses in northeastern Montana continue to have access to dependable water supplies,"" said Chairman Westerman. “I commend Rep. Downing for his commitment to strengthening critical water infrastructure and supporting Montana’s future.” Read the bill HERE. ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-cosponsors-election-integrity-legislation,Emmer Cosponsors Election Integrity Legislation,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) cosponsored Congressman Pete Stauber’s (MN-08) Voter Vouching Transparency Act, which requires states with voter vouching policies, like Minnesota, to report basic information to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission about their use in federal elections. Minnesota is one of several states that have a voter vouching policy, allowing one voter to “vouch” for other individuals instead of providing identification to vote. “Minnesota’s vouching policy is an open invitation for voter fraud. Allowing one voter to vouch for up to eight others does not make for safe, secure elections. In fact, it does the opposite,” said Congressman Tom Emmer. “Anyone who argues otherwise should admit the truth: they want ineligible individuals to vote in our elections. With this legislation, we will bring oversight and transparency to a policy that provides a clear avenue for fraud.” Background In Minnesota, any individual whose name appears on Minnesota’s voter rolls can “vouch” for the identity and eligibility of up to eight other individuals attempting to vote without ever showing any form of identification. The Voter Voucher Transparency Act follows over a year of requests from the Department of Justice (DOJ) for information on Minnesota’s voter lists and compliance with federal election guidelines. The DOJ has made numerous attempts to obtain information on Minnesota’s voter-list maintenance practices and Help America Vote Act (HAVA) compliance. Minnesota has not complied with the DOJ’s requests. ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://gabeevans.house.gov/media/press-releases/cms-administrator-oz-joins-rep-gabe-evans-colorados-8th-district-discuss-state,CMS Administrator Oz Joins Rep. Gabe Evans in Colorado’s 8th District to Discuss State Medicaid Fraud and to Tour UNC's New College of Osteopathic Medicine,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,CO,Gabe Evans,E000300,gabeevans.house.gov,gabeevans,https://gabeevans.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"GREELEY Colo.— Today, Congressman Gabe Evans welcomed Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Dr. Mehmet Oz to the Eighth Congressional District. The visit consisted of a roundtable with Northern Colorado healthcare leaders to discuss a variety of topics such as the implementation of H.R.1 and recent trends of waste, fraud, and abuse in the State’s Medicaid system and a tour of the new College of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of Northern Colorado. This timely visit comes after CMS recently granted $169 million in Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funding awarded to 91 grantees to expand healthcare access and strengthen rural health systems across Colorado. It also comes after Colorado’s State Medicaid program has been in the headlines for its budget crisis, being $158 million over budget in the 25-26 cycle, and is projected to be $443 million overspent for ‘26-‘27. “I’m grateful to Administrator Oz for visiting Colorado’s Eighth district to sit down with the doctors, hospitals, health care providers, and local leaders who serve our communities every day. Medicaid is a lifeline for our most vulnerable neighbors, and protecting the program means making sure every taxpayer dollar is spent responsibly and reaches the people who truly need it. Colorado’s Medicaid program was nearly $158 million over budget last year and is now projected to be roughly $443 million over budget this year and has seen over $100 million dollars in verified fraud. That is not sustainable. As Congress works to strengthen Medicaid, we need strong partnership from CMS, accountability at every level of government, and a serious commitment to rooting out waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement. I look forward to working with Administrator Oz to protect taxpayers, preserve Medicaid for those who depend on it, and ensure this program is strong for generations to come.” — Congressman Gabe Evans ""Medicaid was created in a high-trust society, but fraud, waste, and abuse are eating away at its foundation. CMS is committed to partnering with local health leaders and lawmakers like Rep. Evans to restore that trust by shutting down scams, reining in runaway spending, and ensuring that Medicaid dollars fund high-quality care for the vulnerable Americans who need it.”— CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. Congressman Evans also announced the introduction of his newest legislation, called the Strengthening Tools of Oversight to Prevent (STOP) Medicaid Fraud Act. This legislation will help combat Medicaid waste, fraud, and abuse by requiring states to electronically verify and confirm the legitimate billing of two programs that have recently been exploited by scammers and criminals: non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) and applied behavior analysis (ABA). The bill will require states, beginning January 1, 2027, to use electronic verification systems to confirm that Medicaid-funded non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) and applied behavior analysis (ABA) services were actually provided. States that already have a qualifying electronic verification system in place when the bill is enacted would be exempt as long as they continue using it. If CMS determines that a state is not complying, the state will have 90 days to submit a corrective action plan and one year from receiving CMS’s notification to come into compliance.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/gallagher-backs-bipartisan-bill-keep-america-forefront-fusion-energy,Gallagher Backs Bipartisan Bill to Keep America at Forefront of Fusion Energy,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,CA,James Gallagher,G000607,gallagher.house.gov,gallagher,https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman James Gallagher (CA-01), a member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers in introducing the American Leadership in Fusion Act, legislation aimed at accelerating the commercialization of fusion energy and ensuring the United States remains the global leader in the next generation of energy technology. The bipartisan legislation, led by Reps. Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) and Jay Obernolte (CA-23), would provide $10 billion in direct investments for high-priority fusion research and commercialization efforts. Reps. Don Beyer (VA-08) and Lori Trahan (MA-03) also joined Gallagher as original sponsors. “Fusion energy represents a tremendous opportunity to strengthen American energy dominance, drive innovation, and create new opportunities for workers and businesses for the North State and across the nation,” said Congressman Gallagher. “This bipartisan bill makes critical investments to accelerate the commercialization of fusion, grow our research capabilities, and support the next generation of American talent. We must build on the breakthroughs happening across our national laboratories, universities, and private sector to ensure America remains at the forefront of fusion energy.” The American Leadership in Fusion Act would make major investments in the research and infrastructure needed to move fusion technology toward commercial deployment. The legislation includes $3.8 billion for major new test facilities, along with $5 billion for milestone-based programs designed to move fusion technologies toward demonstration and deployment. It also provides funding for fusion materials and fuel-cycle research, smaller test facilities, and efforts to strengthen critical fusion supply chains. The legislation would also establish an Office of Fusion within the Department of Energy, led by a Senate-confirmed Assistant Secretary for Fusion Energy, to coordinate federal fusion research and commercialization efforts. Private investment in the fusion industry has accelerated as companies work to bring commercial fusion power to the grid. According to the Fusion Industry Association, the private fusion industry attracted a record $4.5 billion in investment over the past year. “The private fusion industry has attracted a record $4.5 billion in investment over the past year, but to deploy in the U.S. within the next decade, it needs a strong partner in the federal government,” said Andrew Holland, Chief Executive Officer of the Fusion Industry Association. “The American Leadership in Fusion Act provides the DOE with the necessary guidance to support commercialization, along with the government resources needed to develop the infrastructure and grow the public-private partnerships accelerating fusion’s deployment.” The legislation builds on recommendations from the bipartisan Special Competitive Studies Project’s Fusion Forward report and recent recommendations from the Department of Energy and the Fusion Energy Sciences Advisory Committee. The bill has received support from fusion companies, research universities, energy organizations, and other groups working to advance commercial fusion in the United States. Read the American Leadership in Fusion ActHERE. ### Click the link here to subscribe to my eNewsletter! Rep. James Gallagher | 408 Cannon House Office Building | Washington, DC 20515 US",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://gill.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gill-introduces-barrons-law,Rep. Gill Introduces Barron’s Law,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Brandon Gill,G000603,gill.house.gov,gill,https://gill.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Congressman Brandon Gill (R-TX) today introduced Barron’s Law to ensure that illegal aliens cannot obtain trucking licenses. The legislation would strengthen commercial trucking safety by ensuring drivers have lawful status or proper employment authorization, requiring English-language proficiency testing, crack down on fraud, and impose enhanced penalties on motor carriers that knowingly use ineligible drivers. This bill is named after 8-year-old Barron Ritchey of Pilot Point, Texas, who was killed in April 2023 on I-35 near Hillsboro when a wheel hub and dual tires flew off a tractor-trailer operated by RTD Carriers and struck the Ritchey family’s SUV as his mother drove him home from a school trip. The driver, Martin Monreal-Alvarado, had a B-1 visa that expired six months earlier. “Barron’s death was a heartbreaking and preventable tragedy—his family should never have had to suffer his loss as a result of Democrat-era immigration failures,” said Congressman Gill. “While nothing can fix the pain of his death, this legislation aims to prevent any other Americans from dying at the hands of illegal aliens behind the wheel on our roads. We must ensure that truckers are here lawfully and speak our language.” “Our son Barron was a joyful eight-year-old boy who loved his family and friends, playing with his dog Cowboy, and he especially loved making people laugh,” said the Ritchey family. “He had his whole life ahead of him, and there is not a day that goes by that we don’t miss his smile, his laughter, and all of the moments we should still be sharing with him. Because of our faith in the finished work of our Lord Jesus Christ and the atonement of His blood over our lives, we have the blessed assurance that we will see our son again. “In the years since we lost Barron, we have learned that his death was not the result of just one failure, but a series of failures across our transportation and immigration systems,” the Ritchey family continued. “Many of those same issues have now become part of a national conversation about who should be allowed to operate commercial trucks on our roads and how our laws are enforced. We are grateful to Congressman Gill for listening to Barron’s story and introducing Barron’s Law. Nothing can bring our son back, but we hope that changes made in his name can help prevent another family from suffering the same unimaginable loss.” Cosponsors (3): Reps. Weber, Williams, Self ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/posts/rep-gluesenkamp-perez-introduces-legislation-to-support-veterans-right-to-build-their-own-homes,Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez Introduces Legislation to Support Veterans’ Right to Build Their Own Homes,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,WA,Marie Gluesenkamp Perez,G000600,gluesenkampperez.house.gov,gluesenkampperez,https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — This week, Reps. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Bruce Westerman (R-AR) introduced the Veterans Owner-Builders’ Rights Act to expand VA home loans and provide rural veterans with the ability to use a VA home loan to build their own homes. This bill would establish a five-year pilot program under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to make direct housing loans to veterans in rural areas for the construction of new homes. As the U.S. continues to face a shortage of starter homes, giving veterans the flexibility to build a home creates a new path to home ownership. In rural communities especially, housing demand frequently outpaces construction. Many veterans already have the skills and knowledge to build a home, but without benefits that give them the freedom to use those skills, they don’t have an opportunity to build. This means veterans are forced into a narrow band of options for how to use VA home loans. As a result, only about 30% of veterans use VA home loans. Owner-builder opportunities, like the ones this bill creates, simultaneously build wealth for veterans and their families, while adding to the overall housing supply. Specifically, this legislation would: Create a new direct home loan program at VA for rural veterans who want to build their own homes, utilizing the framework and eligibility requirements of an existing VA direct home loan program; Provide blueprints with American wood sourcing and manufacturing requirements to stimulate domestic timber economies; Streamline the permitting application process by requiring permit furnishment within 45 days of submission and covering all associated fees; Provide technical assistance for veterans through the VA or a contracted third party related to the skills necessary to construct or repair a home, as well as for the permit application process; and Safeguard against home-flippers by requiring the veteran to live in the home for at least two years, or otherwise accelerate repayment of their loan. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez meets with the Raymond American Legion to discuss Veterans housing options. “Building our own home was one of the hardest and most rewarding things I’ve ever done. While many vets have the relevant skills, they functionally can’t use their VA home loans and leverage their skills to build a home. In fact, only 30% of vets use their VA home loans at all.” Said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez, “My bill creates a pilot program for rural vets to use provided blueprints and expedited permitting to start building wealth and community-while increasing the housing supply for all of us.” “Stable, reliable housing directly contributes to the health and well-being of our veterans. Unfortunately, high construction costs and interest rates keep many from investing in their future as homeowners.” Said Rep. Westerman, “By working directly with the VA to expand construction loan access and investing in the domestic building materials we have in our own backyard, this bill initiates an innovative pilot program that lowers housing costs and provides more access for our veterans in addition to supporting rural America and bolstering our domestic wood supply chain. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside my colleague from Washington to deliver real, bipartisan solutions that address the needs of our veteran community.” “At HEVIN, we work directly with veterans and their families, and we know how important safe, stable housing is to building long-term stability. For veterans living in rural communities, the path to homeownership can come with additional barriers and fewer options. This bipartisan legislation creates another practical pathway by giving eligible veterans the opportunity to use a VA loan to build a home, while also providing the technical assistance and permitting support they may need along the way. We believe removing barriers to homeownership and giving veterans more opportunities to build a stable future for themselves and their families is an important investment in those who have served our country.” – HEVIN, Helping Every Veteran in Need, Longview, WA Currently, eligible veterans can get a VA-backed Home Loan to access the funds they need to buy, build, or improve a home. Yet in practice, the program remains underutilized for owner-builders. The Veterans Owner-Builders Rights Act creates a pilot program to prescriptively bypass these barriers and allow veterans the flexibility to build their own homes and start on a pathway to durable wealth. In developing this legislation, the Congresswoman discovered there is not consistent process for Members to introduce legislation with images included in the bill text, such as blueprints or maps. As a result, the Congresswoman fought to include language in the Fiscal Year 2026 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act and recently sent a letter to House leadership requesting clarification of best practices for adding images to bill text. In addition to the Veterans Owner-Builders Rights Act, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez has worked from day one to ensure veterans have access to services and housing, especially in rural communities. This Congress, she passed the Rural Veterans’ Improved Access to Benefits Act, aimed at expanding access to disability exams to veterans living in rural areas, and introduced the Rural Veterans Transportation to Care Act to expand eligibility for rural veterans to get transportation to VA health facilities. She also included report language in the FY27 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies appropriations bill to permit the use of the VA Home Loan Guaranty Program for the purchase of land on which an RV, manufactured, or mobile home could be permanently sited as a primary residence, as well as report language to encourage the development of Safe Parking programs that provide allow veterans to park at VA facilities overnight to make it easier for them to access medical services. This Veterans Owner-Builders Rights Act is supported by HEVIN and is budget neutral. ####",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-bipartisan-colleagues-introduce-smile-for-veterans-act,"Golden, bipartisan colleagues introduce SMILE for Veterans Act",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressmen Jared Golden (ME-02), Jack Bergman (MI-01), Don Davis (NC-01) and Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02) introduced the SMILE for Veterans Act, to expand affordable dental care for veterans in rural communities across the country. “VA health care is an essential benefit for our nation’s veterans, but for too long a lack of dental coverage has been a massive gap in care. The mouth is part of the body, and our veterans shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to get basic dental care. I’m proud to work with Reps. Bergman, Davis and Van Drew on the SMILE for Veterans Act, which takes a smart first step toward more comprehensive coverage by focusing on rural areas where barriers to care are the highest and community providers that can help close the gap,” Golden said. Under current law, only about 15 percent of the nearly nine million veterans enrolled in health care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are eligible for VA dental services. Eligibility is generally limited to veterans with a service-connected dental condition, a 100 percent disability rating or former prisoner-of-war status. Efforts to broadly expand dental coverage through the VA have faced significant cost and capacity challenges, including the need for additional personnel, facilities, and community-care infrastructure. The SMILE for Veterans Act takes a targeted approach by creating a pilot program to reimburse existing community-based dental providers to serve rural veterans. By leveraging providers and infrastructure already in place, the legislation would expand access to dental care in underserved communities without requiring the VA to build a new system from the ground up. Research from the CareQuest Institute in 2024 found that more than one-third of veterans surveyed rated their oral health as only fair or poor, while more than 75 percent of respondents reported losing two or more teeth to decay or gum disease. Nearly four in 10 veterans reported having no dental insurance. “For too many Veterans in rural communities, basic dental care is either too far away or simply out of reach,” Bergman said. “The SMILE for Veterans Act offers a practical solution by connecting Veterans with trusted dental providers already serving their communities. Rather than building an expensive new federal system from the ground up, this legislation uses existing local providers to deliver care efficiently and closer to home.” “I spent 30 years as a dentist, and I can tell you that putting off dental care usually only makes things worse,” Van Drew said. “For veterans living in rural communities, sometimes the hardest part is simply finding a dentist close enough to get the care they need. That should not be the case. The SMILE for Veterans Act is a practical way to connect veterans with that care closer to home. To me, that is common sense.” “Quality dental care is a critical part of keeping our veterans healthy, and too often, veterans in rural communities face significant challenges getting the care they need. The bipartisan SMILE for Veterans Act would give community providers across eastern North Carolina a way to deliver that care closer to home. Our veterans kept their promise to our nation, and we must always keep ours to them,” Davis said. “The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) is grateful to see the introduction of the SMILE Act, led by Representative Bergman, Representative Davis, Representative Van Drew, and Representative Golden. This legislation would establish a pilot program to improve rural Veterans’ access to dental care, addressing a critical need in rural communities where Veterans often face significant barriers to accessing essential health services. With one in four Veterans living in a rural area, ensuring access to dental care is an important part of ensuring rural Veterans can receive the comprehensive care they deserve,” said Alan Morgan, CEO, National Rural Health Association. Full text of the bill can be found here. ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://goldman.house.gov/media/press-releases/goldman-announces-he-secured-15464700-new-york-city-public-housing-authority,"Goldman Announces He Secured $15,464,700 for New York City Public Housing Authority",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NY,Daniel S. Goldman,G000599,goldman.house.gov,goldman,https://goldman.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"New York, N.Y. – Today, U.S. Representative Dan Goldman (NY-10) announced that he has secured $15,464,700 for the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) through the Community Funding Project award program. This funding will go towards improving the standard of safety, security and quality of living at New York City Public Housing developments. This funding will advance several key goals to improve quality of life in public housing developments across New York's 10th Congressional District. Working alongside Senator Schumer, Congressman Goldman secured $5 million to remediate mold conditions at Red Hook East in Brooklyn and won $1.5 million to restore the community center at the Jacob Riis Houses in partnership with Vision Urbana. Goldman also secured grants to upgrade safety infrastructure at eight NYCHA developments, funding improvements to fire safety technology, security cameras, elevator upgrades and lighting systems. Goldman secured $39,344,968 for 49 community projects in NY-10 across the three appropriations processes during his time in office. Representative Goldman was joined by NYCHA CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt at the press conference. ""From the moment I was elected to Congress, representing the historically underserved working-class neighborhoods in my district has been my top priority,"" said Congressman Dan Goldman. ""I am proud to announce that my office has secured more than $15.4 million in federal grants for NYCHA residents at 11 different developments. Public housing should be safe and livable, and I'm proud to have worked alongside so many incredible community leaders to make that a reality. A special thank you is in order for NYCHA, as well, whose leaders have worked with me to pass these projects into law. I am proud to share their commitment to a better future for their residents.” ""Every New Yorker deserves a safe, healthy, and dignified home, and this investment will help to make meaningful improvements in the quality of life for thousands of NYCHA residents,"" said NYCHA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt. ""From making safety and security upgrades to restoring vital community spaces, these projects reflect the kinds of investments that make a significant difference in residents' everyday lives. We are deeply grateful to Congressman Goldman for his ongoing partnership and unwavering commitment to NYCHA residents."" Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal said: ""NYCHA's capital needs have never been greater. I’m deeply grateful to Congressman Dan Goldman for his advocacy in Washington on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of Manhattanites who call NYCHA home. This $15.4M investment, which includes fire safety upgrades, security camera installations, and refurbished community centers, will make a real difference in the lives of thousands of Manhattanites who depend on NYCHA for safe, affordable housing. I look forward to working with my elected colleagues and NYCHA CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt to continue advocating for the needs of Manhattanites living in NYCHA units.” ""On behalf of the Board of Directors of Vision Urbana, Inc., I extend our profound gratitude to Congressman Dan Goldman for securing this historic $1.5 million federal investment to transform the former Virginia Day Care Center at the NYCHA Jacob Riis development into a Community Resiliency Center,"" said Rev. Dr. Marcos Rivera, Chairperson of Vision Urbana. ""This is a NYCHA development recovering from the effects of Superstorm Sandy making this investment more than just a renovation of a center—it is an investment in the resiliency of a community facility designed for families and older adults who have called Jacob Riis their home for generations.” ""Vision Urbana now has an executed agreement with HUD providing us a critical foundation from which to develop this facility into a fully functional resource hub that will continue beyond any future superstorm Sandy for NYCHA residents at Jacob Riis and throughout the Lower East Side"", said Eric Diaz, Executive Director of Vision Urbana. ""Community stakeholder sessions have started this Summer with support from sister agencies and the tenants themselves to ensure this facility becomes a resilient center Jacob Riis himself would have been proud to report as a prime example of social infrastructure within NYC public housing."" The projects for which he’s won funding are: Fiscal Year 2024 Jacob Riis / Vision Urbana Community Center - $1,500,000 Fiscal Year 2026 Red Hook East Building Line Initiative - $5,000,000 Red Hook Community Center Elevator Upgrades - $1,100,000 Gowanus Fire Upgrades - $850,000 Baruch Fire Upgrades - $850,000 LES Group V Windows - $850,000 First Houses Cameras - $1,031,000 Wyckoff Gardens Cameras - $1,039,000 Fiscal Year 2027 - (Yet to be signed into law) LaGuardia Fire Upgrades - $850,000 Wald Fire Upgrades- $850,000 Vladeck Cameras- $772,700 Baruch Addition Lighting- $772,000 ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/photo-release-gottheimer-hosts-hispanic-heritage-month-roundtable-with-north-jersey-community-leaders-and-advocates,PHOTO RELEASE: Gottheimer Hosts Hispanic Heritage Month Roundtable with North Jersey Community Leaders and Advocates,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Josh Gottheimer,G000583,gottheimer.house.gov,gottheimer,https://gottheimer.house.gov/press,scraper,"Above: Gottheimer Hosts Roundtable for Hispanic American Heritage Month. BERGENFIELD, NJ — Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) hosted a Hispanic Heritage Month Roundtable in Bergenfield, bringing together community leaders, advocates, educators, local elected officials, county officials, faith leaders, veteran advocates, and workforce professionals from across North Jersey to celebrate the contributions of the Hispanic and Latino community and discuss the challenges families continue to face. “It’s this diversity of Hispanic and Latino cultures, honestly, that makes North Jersey strong and such a vibrant place to live, work, and raise a family,” Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “If we work together to lift one another up and highlight the diversity that gives us our strength, in the greatest country in the world, our best days will always be ahead of us.” In New Jersey’s Fifth District, more than 151,000 constituents are part of the Hispanic and Latino community, with towns like Hackensack, Englewood, and Bergenfield — where roughly a third of residents are Hispanic — among the fastest-growing ethnic groups in the state. This roundtable was hosted during National Hispanic American Heritage Month, which is celebrated every year from September 15th to October 15th to honor the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans. First, this observance originated as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson in 1968. Then, it was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover this 30-day period, from mid-September to mid-October. This event discussed a range of priorities, including access to affordable and culturally competent health care and mental health care, rising costs and housing affordability, community safety and immigration enforcement concerns, language barriers, and barriers to education. Gottheimer was joined by Camelia Valdes, Passaic County Prosecutor; Raúl Ruiz, President of the New Jersey Coalition of Latino Pastors and Ministers; John Lucas, President of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey; Gladis Cuadros, Career Services Supervisor at the Women’s Rights Information Center; Matilde Villacorta, Career Counselor at the Women’s Rights Information Center; Ramon Hache, Ridgewood YMCA President and former Bergen County Commissioner; Francisco Galindo, Director of Coaching and Mentoring at ALPFA New Jersey; Bolívar Flores, Vice President of the New Jersey Coalition of Latino Pastors and Ministers; Larry F. Mantilla, President of Latino Veterans of NJ; Zoila Cassanova, Surrogate Judge of Passaic County; Roberto Diaz, Hackensack Councilman; Daisy Velez, Washington Township Councilwoman;Germaine Ortiz, Bergen County Commissioner; Nathalie Salinas, Councilwoman and Vice President of the Fair Lawn Latin Heritage Committee; Arvin Amatorio, Mayor of Bergenfield; Hernando Rivera, Bergenfield Councilman; Matthew Gonzalez, Social Media and Student Outreach Fellow at the New Jersey Center for Hispanic Policy, Research and Development; and Gladys Ciron-Ricci, Program Officer at the New Jersey Center for Hispanic Policy, Research and Development. Below: Gottheimer Hosts Roundtable for Hispanic American Heritage Month. ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/iowa-delegation-statement-15-billion-steel-plant-investment-coming-iowa,Iowa Delegation Statement on $15 Billion Steel Plant Investment Coming to Iowa,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,IA,Ashley Hinson,H001091,hinson.house.gov,hinson,https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Ashley Hinson, Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst, and Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Zach Nunn, and Randy Feenstra, released the following statement: “This historic investment is a major win for Iowa workers and further cements Iowa’s role in the future of American manufacturing. “As the largest steel plant investment in U.S. history, this project will generate over 1,700 good-paying Iowa jobs, create new opportunities for Iowa families, and drive economic growth. Iowa has the workforce, work ethic, resources, and business climate to compete with anyone, and we are proud to welcome this project to our state. “The administration’s pro-American manufacturing policies are incentivizing companies to invest, build, and create jobs in the U.S. We thank Governor Reynolds for her leadership in making Iowa a great place to do business and ensuring our state benefits from these policies by attracting transformational investments like this one.” ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/huffman-padilla-schiff-california-colleagues-condemn-trump-administration-efforts-to-repeal-roadless-rule,"Huffman, Padilla, Schiff, California Colleagues Condemn Trump Administration Efforts to Repeal Roadless Rule",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,CA,Jared Huffman,H001068,huffman.house.gov,huffman,https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02) Ranking Member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) led 38 members of the California congressional delegation in opposing the Trump Administration’s rescission of the Roadless Rule, a landmark U.S. Forest Service conservation policy adopted in 2001 that protects nearly 60 million acres of undeveloped National Forest System lands. It prohibits new road construction, reconstruction, and commercial timber harvesting to preserve these areas’ ecological and recreational value. The Trump Administration issued its final proposed rule to advance the rescission of the Roadless Rule, allowing only a 47-day public comment period. In their letter to Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins, the lawmakers underscored the importance of the Roadless Rule to California’s preservation of public lands and natural resources. “Unpaved and poorly maintained forest roads are notoriously the largest source of human-made sediment in public waterways,” wrote the lawmakers. “Protected roadless areas actively safeguard California's water quality by preventing the severe erosion and landslides that choke pristine rivers with silt and other pollution that inevitably follows road construction. Roadless areas directly anchor the vulnerable origin points of the Sacramento, San Joaquin, American, Kern, Smith, and Eel Rivers, and these protected areas capture, clean, and regulate more than 11 trillion gallons of water annually.” The lawmakers warned of the possible impacts on California’s water and natural resources if the Roadless Rule is fully repealed, especially with the growing threat of devastating wildfires in California. “Most alarming is that when new areas are opened up to roads, wildfires become much more likely,” continued the lawmakers. “Moreover, when fires do burn through roadless areas, they often burn at lower, more natural intensities which keeps the underlying soil healthy and minimizes post-burn soil erosion impacts. The State of California currently spends billions of dollars each year toward wildfire mitigation and suppression, so removing this rule will result in even more fires and will unnecessarily cost California taxpayers more to support the State’s wildfire response efforts.” The lawmakers further emphasized the Roadless Rule’s importance to the outdoor economy by protecting access to trails, promoting outdoor recreation, and supporting small businesses and local economies that rely on public lands. The lawmakers highlighted that Americans across the country have supported the Roadless Rule since its implementation, and that efforts to overturn the rule undoes previous bipartisan support. Since the announcement of the repeal, the rule received a significant amount of public support within the Administration’s brief public comment period. “The proposed repeal of the Roadless Rule is deeply unpopular among our constituents,” the lawmakers concluded. “At the time of its adoption, the Rule received over 600 public hearings and over 1.6 million comments—more comments than any other rule in the nation’s history. Despite the significant amount of public consultation that went into the 2001 Roadless Rule, this Administration only gave our constituents 21 days to comment on the initial announcement for the Roadless Rule repeal—during which more than 600,000 comments were submitted and 99% of which supported retaining the rule.” Padilla has been a longtime champion of public land conservation, fighting tirelessly against Republican efforts to undo environmental protections. Last week, Padilla led a bipartisan group of 153 lawmakers in urging the Department of the Interior (DOI) to abandon a proposed transfer of federally managed public land within Yosemite National Park that would facilitate private access to and development of an 83-acre parcel adjacent to the park known as Hazel Green Ranch. In June, Padilla co-led an effort to push back against Republicans’ efforts to codify the repeal of the Roadless Rule and proposed an amendment to the Wildfire Prevention Act to expand critical benefits for federal firefighters. Last year, Padilla reintroduced a public lands package, the Protecting Unique and Beautiful Landscapes by Investing in California (PUBLIC) Lands Act, which would protect and restore more than 1.7 million acres of California’s public lands throughout northwest California, the Central Coast, and Los Angeles County. Full letter is available here or below: Dear Secretary Rollins: We write to oppose the proposed rescission of the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule (“Roadless Rule”) that prohibits new road construction and commercial timber harvesting in inventoried roadless areas (“roadless areas”). Eliminating the Roadless Rule will harm California’s already overburdened water sources, will counterintuitively decrease communities’ fire resilience, and will have negative economic impacts throughout our state. For 25 years, the Roadless Rule has protected nearly 60 million acres across the United States from new road construction and commercial timber harvesting in some of our nation’s most intact and environmentally significant areas. In California, the U.S. Forest Service manages 20 million acres of national forests, including over 4.4 million acres of roadless areas. California’s national forests act as the state's natural water infrastructure, supplying roughly 65% of California’s total water supply, despite making up only 20% of the state's land area. Unpaved and poorly maintained forest roads are notoriously the largest source of human-made sediment in public waterways. Protected roadless areas actively safeguard California's water quality by preventing the severe erosion and landslides that choke pristine rivers with silt and other pollution that inevitably follows road construction. Roadless areas directly anchor the vulnerable origin points of the Sacramento, San Joaquin, American, Kern, Smith, and Eel Rivers, and these protected areas capture, clean, and regulate more than 11 trillion gallons of water annually. The raw, wholesale market value of the water produced by California's national forests is estimated at roughly $3.2 billion annually, and serves as the underlying foundation for our multi-billion dollar agricultural, municipal, and energy industries. Despite what opponents of the Roadless Rule argue, it does not ban firefighting or fuel reduction activities in our national forests. Agencies retain full authority to remove trees, clear brush, and construct temporary emergency access roads to protect public safety. Local managers frequently conduct thinning, remove small-diameter trees and underbrush, and execute prescribed burns within roadless areas—particularly along existing boundaries where ignitions are most likely. Most alarming is that when new areas are opened up to roads, wildfires become much more likely. Recent research demonstrates that wildfires are four times more likely to start near roads than in roadless areas. Because California’s national forests—such as the Los Padres and Angeles National Forests—directly border massive urban populations, human-caused ignitions are the state's primary wildfire threat to communities. By limiting road construction, the Rule isolates rugged terrain from vehicles, campfires, and equipment sparks. Moreover, when fires do burn through roadless areas, they often burn at lower, more natural intensities which keeps the underlying soil healthy and minimizes post-burn soil erosion impacts. The State of California currently spends billions of dollars each year toward wildfire mitigation and suppression, so removing this rule will result in even more fires and will unnecessarily cost California taxpayers more to support the State’s wildfire response efforts. Roadless areas are also essential to maintaining and supporting our state’s outdoor recreation economy that draws people from around the world. California’s national forests host 33 million visitors per year, shifting hundreds of millions of dollars from urban centers directly into rural gateway communities through hotel taxes and local sales taxes. This tax revenue directly funds essential rural municipal services that many counties in California otherwise could not afford. The Roadless Rule also protects thousands of miles of hiking and mountain biking trails and hundreds of miles of whitewater paddling runs across the country, which allow outfitters and other small businesses to thrive. The strength of our outdoor economy is intrinsically tied to these roadless areas remaining protected from industrial development. Finally, as you will undoubtedly find during this comment period, the proposed repeal of the Roadless Rule is deeply unpopular among our constituents. At the time of its adoption, the Rule received over 600 public hearings and over 1.6 million comments more comments than any other rule in the nation’s history. Despite the significant amount of public consultation that went into the 2001 Roadless Rule, this Administration only gave our constituents 21 days to comment on the initial announcement for the Roadless Rule repeal—during which more than 600,000 comments were submitted and 99% of which supported retaining the Rule. Now, the Administration is only allowing a 47-day comment period on the draft Environmental Impact Statement. Beyond all that, any new roads that are built would leave taxpayers on the hook for road maintenance, all while the U.S. Forest Service already has a $7-8 billion road maintenance backlog. For these reasons and more, we strongly oppose the rescission of the Roadless Rule. We urge you to leave the Rule intact so that it can continue to provide its time-tested benefits to our state and nation. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, To view the release online, click here. ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2616,Rep. Ronny Jackson Leads Congressional Colleagues in Advocating for Amarillo-Assembled MV-75 Cheyenne Aircraft,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Ronny Jackson,J000304,jackson.house.gov,jackson,https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today, Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) led 86 of his Congressional colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought encouraging the Trump administration to continue prioritizing and advancing the MV-75 Cheyenne program as a critical component of America’s military modernization efforts. The MV-75 Cheyenne, the U.S. Army’s next-generation Future Long Range Assault Aircraft, is designed to combine the vertical agility of a helicopter with the speed and range of an airplane. The Army has described the aircraft as capable of flying approximately twice as fast and twice as far as current platforms, expanding the Joint Force’s ability to conduct long-range assault, medical evacuation, resupply, and other critical missions in contested environments. Final assembly of the MV-75 Cheyenne will take place at Bell Helicopter’s facility in Amarillo. This program will help support skilled manufacturing jobs and strengthen the region’s defense industrial base. “The MV-75 Cheyenne represents the kind of transformational capability our warfighters need to meet the challenges of the future battlefield,” said Rep. Jackson. “Our servicemembers deserve the speed, range, survivability, and operational flexibility necessary to accomplish their missions and come home safely. We must continue advancing this critical program to ensure our military has the tools it needs to maintain our technological advantage.” Co-signers include: Senators Jerry Moran (KS), Roger Marshall (KS), Jim Banks (IN), Tim Sheehy (MT), Jacky Rosen (NV), Ted Cruz (TX), John Boozman (AR), Marsha Blackburn (TN), Dave McCormick (PA), John Cornyn (TX), Todd Young (IN), Jeanne Shaheen (NH) and Representatives Jake Ellzey (TX-06), Pat Fallon (TX-04), Jack Bergman (MI-01), Scott DesJarlais (TN-04), Rudy Yakym (IN-02), Austin Scott (GA-08), Judge Carter (TX-31), Don Davis (NC-01), Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-26), Ron Estes (KS-04), Mike Ezell (MS-04), Craig Goldman (TX-12), Pat Harrigan (NC-10), Jen Kiggans (VA-02), Matt Van Epps (TN-07), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), Andre Carson (IN-07), Lance Gooden (TX-05), John McGuire (VA-05), Richard McCormick (GA-07), Mark Messmer (IN-08), Joe Wilson (SC-02), Trent Kelly (MS-01), Jefferson Shreve (IN-06), Keith Self (TX-03), Stephanie Bice (OK-05), Nicholas Langworthy (NY-23), Tracey Mann (KS-01), Riley Moore (WV-02), Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), Derek Tran (CA-45), Beth Van Duyne (TX-24), Michael Cloud (TX-27), Brad Finstad (MN-01), Michael Guest (MS-03), Joseph Morelle (NY-25), Frank Mrvan (IN-01), Derek Schmidt (KS-02), Marc Veasey (TX-33), Rick Allen (GA-12), Gabe Amo (RI-01), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Nancy Mace (SC-01), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Pete Sessions (TX-17), Dale Strong (AL-05), Marlin Stutzman (IN-03), Tim Walberg (MI-05), Sheri Biggs (SC-03), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Brandon Gill (TX-26), Diana Harshbarger (TN-01), Hillary Scholten (MI-03), Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Kevin Hern (OK-01), Julia Letlow (LA-05), Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), Barry Moore (AL-01), Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Herbert Conaway (NJ-03), Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), Roger Williams (TX-25), Gilbert Cisneros (CA-31), James Comer (KY-01), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Erin Houchin (IN-09), Michael McCaul (TX-10), Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13), Mike Kelly (PA-16), Wesley Bell (MO-01) and Clay Fuller (GA-14). ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/09/28/leader-jeffries-on-squawk-box-people-are-drowning-in-this-failed-republican-economy/,LEADER JEFFRIES ON SQUAWK BOX: “PEOPLE ARE DROWNING IN THIS FAILED REPUBLICAN ECONOMY”,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NY,Hakeem S. Jeffries,J000294,jeffries.house.gov,jeffries,https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on CNBC’s Squawk Box, where he made clear that unlike Donald Trump and Republicans, House Democrats are committed to fiscally responsible behavior in the fight for an affordable America. ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: Welcome back to Squawk Box. We are just five weeks away now from the midterm elections. Joining us right now is House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Good morning to you. Really wanted to spend some time thinking about what you think the Democratic agenda would be if you do win the House and how things change or shift under those circumstances. LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, good morning, great to be with you. Our focus right now, of course, will be over the next 36 days making our case to the American people that we are committed to fighting for an affordable America. The cost of living in this country is way too high. Life is way too expensive. Donald Trump and Republicans promised to lower the high cost of living on day one. That’s what they said. Of course, costs haven’t gone down, costs have gone up. So we’re committed to driving down the high cost of groceries, driving down the high cost of gas, driving down the high cost of housing and also fighting to make healthcare affordable for every single American. ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: Leader, how much of the next two years do you think, if you’re to win in the House, would be a series of hearings effectively about Trump, about Trump’s family, about business executives, about giving to ballrooms and all of that? LEADER JEFFRIES: We’re committed to an affordability agenda. As I travel the country, speak to people whether that’s in urban America, rural parts of America, the heartland of America, small-town America or Black and Brown communities throughout America, the one thing that is clear is that people are struggling. They are drowning in this failed Republican economy.They’re working hard, they’re playing by the rules, but they cannot thrive and can barely survive. It’s an unacceptable situation. And so, when we say we’re focused on affordability, we mean it. At the same period of time, we have seen unprecedented corruption unleashed on the American people. And if you have folks who are so focused on enriching themselves, their family members, their friends or their donors, then it means they’re not focused on making life more affordable for the American people. And we have a responsibility to visit the type of accountability that is consistent with the House as a separate and co-equal branch of government. ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: The reason, Leader, I raised this question is because there is a question about just how much of this will be about recrimination versus affordability, and where the energy in the party comes from right now. I found—I don’t know if you agree with this, you’re talking about affordability now. One of the things that’s been very interesting about watching some of the folks, maybe on the far left, considered sort of the DSA world is they rarely actually talk about Trump or talk about Republicans per se or the family or all of these things. They almost always simply talk about affordability or other kinds of sort of forward-looking issues. How do you think about that versus this accountability issue? Because I know that there are others in the Democratic Party that have a real, you know, thirst for both accountability—maybe it’s a blood, but they want something. LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, in the new Congress, there are going to be progressives, there are going to be New Dems, moderate Democrats, centrist Democrats, Blue Dogs, more socially conservative Democrats. But what does unite everyone is this commitment to lowering the high cost of living, to making sure that we can actually bring the American dream back to life for people all across this country. When it comes to the accountability aspect of what needs to happen, cleaning up the rampant corruption that exists in Washington, D.C., wherever that may be, whether that’s the Congress, the Supreme Court or certainly with the Trump cartel, our view is that we’re going to follow the facts, apply the law, be guided by the Constitution and then let the chips fall where they may on behalf of the American people. We have a responsibility, of course, as a Congress, to serve as a check and balance on an out-of-control executive branch. That’s not partisan, that’s patriotic. ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: Where do you think AI and the debate around data centers, but increasingly—the conversation we were just having with Jensen Huang around regulation around some of these models, agentic models, getting out of sandboxes and the like—how much of that do you think is going to become a political football, not just in the midterms, but over the next two years? LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, Congress, pursuant to the Constitution, has a responsibility to provide for the common defense of the American people and protect the general welfare of the American people. So when it comes to AI safety, it certainly seems to me that we need to actually lean in boldly and responsibly now. That’s why it was so extraordinary that, in light of pleas coming from people within the artificial intelligence industry itself that Congress needs to act, that Speaker Johnson, Republicans decided to get out of town and cancel votes for two weeks so they could save themselves on the campaign trail, as opposed to trying to save the American people from pending harm if this thing gets out of control with respect to AI safety. ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: Leader, I want to go back to the affordability issue because one of the big issues—we’re watching the price of treasuries right now, which is also affecting mortgages and the like. One of the things that clearly, at least, the bond investor community is demanding, is that we get our fiscal house in order. And my question to you is whether you think Democrats have any plan to spend less money rather than more. LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, here’s the thing. The American people have made clear throughout the last several months that they trust Democrats on the economy, trust us on fighting inflation, trust us on lowering the high cost of living, trust us on ending this reckless war of choice in Iran, trust us on immigration and trust us on the deficit because what they’ve seen from Republicans is fiscally irresponsible behavior. They ripped away, these Republicans, Medicaid from 14 million Americans in order to provide massive tax breaks to their billionaire donors and then skyrocket the debt and the deficit by trillions of dollars. You’re not going to see that type of fiscally irresponsible behavior from Democrats. We’re going to put the American people first. ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: Do you see or could you imagine over the next two years any kind of real fiscal responsibility, also Democrats and Republicans coming together to try to deal with this budget? LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, I don’t want to get out ahead of what we’ll talk about as Democrats in the new Congress, but what is clear is that we can’t continue down this unsustainable path that Republicans have brought us along. I mean, when you think about a $40 trillion debt, 25% of that debt has basically been accumulated during the approximately six years that Donald Trump is President. That’s extraordinary. It’s unacceptable. It’s hurting us. And, certainly, we’ve got to find a path forward to change course from what Republicans have done— ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: Leader, I think people want to understand what that path looks like. Obviously, a lot of Democrats have talked about taxes. They’ve talked about wealth taxes, raising money on one end. But I’m asking, is there a balanced approach where, and maybe it includes tax increases, but is there any effort in your mind, are there things that you could point to today that you can say to yourself, you know, we’ve got to cut this, it’s the only way? LEADER JEFFRIES: What I’m saying, and of course, as Democrats, we’ve repeatedly made clear that we actually are authentically interested in dealing with waste, fraud or abuse where it exists. And we certainly have seen an unprecedented amount of waste, fraud, abuse and corruption unleashed on the American people by Donald Trump and the Trump cartel. But our focus has to be on lowering the high cost of living. That is what the American people want us to address decisively. Republicans have failed in that regard. Democrats will not. ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: Leader Jeffries, we’re going to leave the conversation there. We appreciate it. Good to see you. LEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you. Full interview can be watched here. ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-legislation-bolster,"Kaptur, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Bolster Great Lakes Conservation Efforts",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,OH,Marcy Kaptur,K000009,kaptur.house.gov,kaptur,https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Toledo, OH — Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05), Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-04), Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11), Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14), Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (MI-03), and Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) introduced H.R. 10639, the Regional Great Lakes Partnership Act, a bipartisan, bicameral bill to bolster Federal support for Great Lakes research and conservation. This legislation designates the Great Lakes Commission (GLC) as the official Regional Great Lakes Partnership within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Regional Ocean Partnerships Program. This designation ensures that the Great Lakes region receives a fair share of program funding, delivering Federal resources to support the GLC’s longstanding work to coordinate Great Lakes research and conservation efforts. ""As a Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Great Lakes Task Force, I helped introduce this legislation to close a gap in a national program that benefits only coastal ocean states. The bill continues our work together to ensure the Federal Government levels the playing field to commit equivalent, well‑deserved resources to our Great Lakes region,"" said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). ""The Great Lakes are central and essential to Northwest Ohio’s livelihood and economic wellbeing, and enabling the Great Lakes Commission to participate in this NOAA program will strengthen data sharing, enhance information access, and improve management of our coastal and ecosystem resources. In Lake Erie’s Western Basin, home to the shallowest and southernmost shoreline in the Great Lakes system, we face these challenges in real ways and will continue to lead in advancing research and information exchange for the benefit of our entire region."" “As the largest freshwater system in the world, the Great Lakes are central to Michigan’s economy, identity, and long‑term prosperity,” said Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05). “The bipartisan Regional Great Lakes Partnership Act ensures the region receives its fair share of Federal support, strengthening the research and conservation work needed to protect this indispensable resource. We must equip our partners with the tools necessary to safeguard the waters and communities that rely on a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem.” ""The Great Lakes and their connected waterways are invaluable resources for Michigan and the United States,"" said Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06). ""As a co-chair of the Congressional Great Lakes Task Force, I am proud to help introduce this bipartisan bill to strengthen Federal support for Great Lakes research and conservation for future generations to enjoy these national treasures."" ""As Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Great Lakes Task Force, I have made it my mission to have the Federal Government recognize the Great Lakes as a national priority,"" said Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-04). ""The Regional Great Lakes Partnership Act furthers this objective by enhancing the Great Lakes Commission’s steadfast work to protect and conserve Michigan’s most valuable natural resource."" ""Michigan is the Great Lakes state, period. Jobs, recreation, and tourism across the Midwest depend on a healthy and flourishing Great Lakes ecosystem,"" said Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11). ""I’m proud to work alongside my colleagues of both parties to ensure that Michigan receives our fair share of Federal investment that will protect and preserve our Lakes for generations to come."" ""The Great Lakes are a critical resource for the economies and communities that surround them,"" said Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14). ""As Co-Chair of the Congressional Great Lakes Task Force, I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of this bipartisan legislation, which will strengthen Federal partnerships and expand funding opportunities to advance the research, coordination, and conservation efforts needed to protect the Great Lakes — ensuring they remain a resource our communities can rely on for generations to come."" ""As the largest freshwater system in the world, the Great Lakes are one of Michigan’s greatest assets,"" said Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (MI-03). ""I’m proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in supporting the Regional Great Lakes Partnership Act. This commonsense bill will strengthen the research and coordination that keeps the Great Lakes region healthy. Investing in our Great Lakes is investing in our future, and it’s crucial that we conserve this resource for the next generation."" ""Protecting the Great Lakes means protecting our water, wildlife, and communities throughout the region,"" said Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07). ""This bipartisan legislation will help bring Federal resources to the table and strengthen the partnerships already working to preserve our state's natural resources. I’m proud to work with colleagues from across the region to ensure our Great Lakes remain healthy for generations to come."" ""The Great Lakes Commission is grateful to Rep. Walberg for introducing this important legislation to designate the GLC as a regional partnership for the Great Lakes,"" said GLC Chair Timothy Bruno, Great Lakes Program Coordinator at the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. ""This designation will allow the agency to build on its more than 70 years of regional leadership — fostering dialogue, building consensus, and advancing coordinated solutions to the Great Lakes’ most pressing challenges — to ensure the Great Lakes region continues to speak with a strong, unified voice. We look forward to working with our partners to realize the full benefits of this program for the region."" Background The Great Lakes Commission (GLC) brings together eight US states and two Canadian provinces to protect the Great Lakes and promote economic growth in the Great Lakes basin. The GLC is composed of the States of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. NOAA’s Regional Ocean Partnerships (ROPs) coordinate interstate ocean and coastal resource management efforts and create opportunities for increased efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Although NOAA administers four Regional Ocean Partnerships (ROPs) across the Northeast, Mid‑Atlantic, Gulf, and West Coast, the Great Lakes currently lack an ROP. Designating the GLC as the region’s ROP will ensure the Great Lakes region receives its fair share of program funding. Companion legislation, S. 4573, introduced in the Senate by US Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Bernie Moreno (R-OH), has been advanced by the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/150533-fema-funding-mount-carmel-school,"$150,533 in FEMA Funding for Mount Carmel School",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,MP,Kimberlyn King-Hinds,K000404,king-hinds.house.gov,king-hinds,https://king-hinds.house.gov/media,scraper,"Mount Carmel School is receiving $150,533 in FEMA funding to help replace campus contents damaged by Super Typhoon Sinlaku. FEMA is covering 90% of the $167,259 project cost under the federal disaster recovery program. We’re glad to see this support helping Mount Carmel recover from the storm and restore the school’s facilities and resources for our students and teachers.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/250000-cuc-lift-stations-and-water-facilities,"$250,000 for CUC Lift Stations and Water Facilities",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,MP,Kimberlyn King-Hinds,K000404,king-hinds.house.gov,king-hinds,https://king-hinds.house.gov/media,scraper,"A $250,180 FEMA grant will fund backup generators and emergency power systems for Commonwealth Utilities Corporation (CUC) lift stations and water facilities across the CNMI. The generators will provide critical backup power to help maintain water services during power outages and emergencies. The project has a total estimated cost of $1.22 million and is funded through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program under Section 404 of the Stafford Act, following Super Typhoon Yutu. This investment will help keep essential water services running when the CNMI needs them most.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/26-million-fema-funding-covid-19-response,$2.6 Million in FEMA Funding for COVID-19 Response,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,MP,Kimberlyn King-Hinds,K000404,king-hinds.house.gov,king-hinds,https://king-hinds.house.gov/media,scraper,"The CNMI is receiving more than $2.7 million in additional FEMA funding to cover eligible costs associated with the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 emergency response. The larger award provides $2.33 million at a 100% federal cost share to the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) for emergency protective measures carried out between July 2020 and December 2021. This includes support for the Emergency Operations Center, COVID-19 testing and screening, personal protective equipment and medical supplies, temporary staging areas at community testing sites, transportation of critical medical equipment and supplies to warehouses, hospitals and testing locations, community outreach, logistics, procurement, inventory management, personnel support, and cleaning services. This award covers an eligible cost overrun beyond the $1.48 million previously awarded by FEMA, bringing the total eligible cost for that project to approximately $3.82 million. A separate $372,783.19 project provides $335,504.87 in FEMA funding, with the federal government covering 90% of the eligible costs, for additional emergency measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Together, these awards provide approximately $2.67 million in new FEMA funding to support the CNMI’s pandemic response.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/cnmi-judiciary-receives-252159-fema-funding,"CNMI Judiciary Receives $252,159 in FEMA Funding",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,MP,Kimberlyn King-Hinds,K000404,king-hinds.house.gov,king-hinds,https://king-hinds.house.gov/media,scraper,"The CNMI Judiciary is receiving $252,159 in FEMA funding for emergency protective measures taken in response to Super Typhoon Sinlaku. FEMA is covering 100% of the eligible project costs, with no local match required. This funding will help support measures taken to protect public health, safety, and property in the immediate aftermath of the storm. We’re glad to see the federal government providing the full support needed to help our institutions respond and recover from Sinlaku.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/halynn-seo-launches-cnmis-first-hosa-chapter,Halynn Seo Launches CNMI’s First HOSA Chapter,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,MP,Kimberlyn King-Hinds,K000404,king-hinds.house.gov,king-hinds,https://king-hinds.house.gov/media,scraper,"Saipan International School junior Halynn Seo visited her congressional office while in Washington for HOSA’s (Future Health Professionals) Washington Leadership Academy. Halynn founded the first HOSA chapter in the Northern Mariana Islands, officially chartered as NM000. HOSA is one of the world’s largest student organizations dedicated to developing future health professionals. During her visit, Halynn interviewed me about my work in Congress to improve health care services in the Marianas. Halynn also serves as interim editor-in-chief of her school newspaper and founded Saipan Social Policy Insight, a student-led publication focused on public health and social policy in the Marianas. Congratulations, Halynn, on your pioneering accomplishments and inspiring leadership. We look forward to seeing your continued impact in the years ahead.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/macaranas-family-tour,Macaranas Family Tour,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,MP,Kimberlyn King-Hinds,K000404,king-hinds.house.gov,king-hinds,https://king-hinds.house.gov/media,scraper,"Saipan residents Michelle Macaranas and her sons, Devin and Ryan, visited their congressional office in Washington, D.C. After meeting with congressional staff, they toured the U.S. Capitol and took in views of the National Mall from the Speaker’s Balcony. Thank you, Michelle, Devin, and Ryan, for stopping by. We hope to see you again soon.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/marianas-japan-and-korea-our-enduring-ties,"The Marianas, Japan, and Korea: Our Enduring Ties",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,MP,Kimberlyn King-Hinds,K000404,king-hinds.house.gov,king-hinds,https://king-hinds.house.gov/media,scraper,"We recently came across this thoughtful feature in The Herald Business, a publication of The Korea Herald, highlighting the Northern Marianas as a place where history, culture, and people from across the Pacific come together. From Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, our islands share deep and lasting connections with Japan and Korea that continue to shape our communities today. The article captures both the resilience and history of our islands. Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi brought tremendous challenges, but across the Northern Marianas, our people continue to rebuild, care for one another, and move forward. Our shared history with Japan and Korea is visible throughout our islands. Historic sites and memorials remind us of the lives and sacrifices of World War II, while continuing to bring Japanese and Korean visitors to our islands. These connections remain a part of who we are today through tourism, cultural exchange, family ties, and friendship. We are proud that the Marianas can be a place of both remembrance and renewal, and I look forward to continuing to strengthen the friendships that connect the CNMI with Japan, Korea, and the wider Pacific. Image",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/mt-carmel-school-outreach,Mt. Carmel School Outreach,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,MP,Kimberlyn King-Hinds,K000404,king-hinds.house.gov,king-hinds,https://king-hinds.house.gov/media,scraper,"As we continued our back-to-school outreach, we had a fantastic visit with the Knights of Mount Carmel School! Our team was thrilled by the students' energy and enthusiasm for our Congressional Education Programs. They didn't just listen, they were engaged, asked questions, and were eager to get involved. Go Knights! Thank you, Mt. Carmel!",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/pss-awarded-669653-americorps-grant,"PSS Awarded $669,653 AmeriCorps Grant",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,MP,Kimberlyn King-Hinds,K000404,king-hinds.house.gov,king-hinds,https://king-hinds.house.gov/media,scraper,"The CNMI Public School System has been awarded a $669,653 AmeriCorps State and National grant for fiscal year 2026. The funding will support 85 AmeriCorps volunteers through the Public School System AmeriCorps program, empowering them to deliver evidence-based programs that strengthen our community, ranging from youth mental health initiatives to workforce development. AmeriCorps programs use service and volunteerism to address a community’s compelling needs through a wide range of activities, such as tutoring children or responding to natural disasters. Congratulations to PSS for their continued leadership in service and education.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/usps-adjusts-package-delivery-expectations-cnmi,USPS Adjusts Package Delivery Expectations for the CNMI,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,MP,Kimberlyn King-Hinds,K000404,king-hinds.house.gov,king-hinds,https://king-hinds.house.gov/media,scraper,"Beginning October 1, 2026, the U.S. Postal Service will adjust delivery expectations for Priority Mail and USPS Ground Advantage packages to and from the Northern Mariana Islands, USPS announced Friday. Customers should expect longer delivery windows for packages, particularly those sent using Ground Advantage. Priority Mail packages to or from the CNMI will have a 2- to 6-day expected delivery window, compared with the previous 3-day expectation. Ground Advantage packages to and from the CNMI and the continental United States will have an expected delivery time of 10 days or more, with some shipments taking longer depending on distance. Ground Advantage packages will primarily travel by surface transportation regardless of weight, which will increase transit times for packages under one pound. Priority Mail Express and First-Class Mail service standards will not change. USPS says the adjustments align delivery expectations with available transportation and travel times. For more information, visit https://postalpro.usps.com/node/15616.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://langworthy.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-nick-langworthy-announces-3-million-federal-investment-alfred,Congressman Nick Langworthy Announces $3 Million Federal Investment to Alfred State College for Workforce Development,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NY,Nicholas A. Langworthy,L000600,langworthy.house.gov,langworthy,https://langworthy.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC--September 28th… Congressman Nick Langworthy today announced nearly $3 million in federal funding for Alfred State College to modernize skilled-trades education, expand access to advanced technology and prepare students for in-demand careers across the region. The investments include a $150,000 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) award for CNC machining enhancements and a $3 million ($1,797,430 in the first year) Department of Education Title III grant to expand access to skilled trades and next-generation technology. Congressman Langworthy, who has made strengthening the skilled trades industry a top priority during his time in Congress said, “Alfred State has a long history of preparing students for good-paying careers in the skilled trades industry, and these investments will make sure that students have access to the tools and technology they need to compete in the modern workforce. We are working hard at the federal level to revive American manufacturing and strengthen domestic supply chains but if we are going to be successful, we need to make sure the next generation of workers is trained for these jobs. Whether it’s a CNC machine, advanced manufacturing technology or artificial intelligence, our students will be able to gain the skills and experience necessary to hit the ground running.” AWARD OVERVIEWS: ARC AWARD: $150,000 for CNC Machining Enhancements for Trades Education This investment will modernize CNC equipment at Alfred State College, giving approximately 180 students hands-on training with technology used in today’s manufacturing industry. By upgrading training facilities on the Alfred and Wellsville campuses, the Shaping Manufacturing Project will help prepare the next generation of American manufacturing workers with practical skills aligned to in-demand careers in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and electronics. The project is expected to help at least 150 students’ complete courses, earn credentials, graduate, and enter the workforce equipped to contribute to America’s advanced manufacturing future. Department of Education Title III: $3 million to increase access to skilled trades and next generation technology Alfred State College has been awarded $1,797,430 for this year, and a total of 3 million over 5 years, will strengthen skilled-trades education by investing in modern equipment, advanced technology, and updating to industry-standard laboratories to prepare students for the next generation of American manufacturing and construction. The initiative will create a smart campus with connected classrooms, upgraded technology infrastructure, AI-integrated curriculum, and opportunities for students to learn directly from industry leaders across the country. By combining hands-on training with expanded tutoring, coaching, financial literacy, and access to tools and technology, the grant will help more students successfully complete their programs and enter the workforce with the skills needed to compete in a rapidly evolving American economy.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://langworthy.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-nick-langworthy-proudly-announces-218000-federal-assistance-fire,"Congressman Nick Langworthy Proudly Announces $218,000 in Federal Assistance for Fire Departments in Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NY,Nicholas A. Langworthy,L000600,langworthy.house.gov,langworthy,https://langworthy.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) announced $218,844 in federal moneys headed to 3 fire departments in Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties through the FEMA AFG Grant Program. Congressman Langworthy was proud to support the funding of this important program and has long been a vocal advocate in favor of federal investment in our local first responders. In June this year, Congressman Langworthy hosted FEMA AFT for a virtual grant writing seminar to make applying easier for our local departments. “Our firefighters are true heroes, and I am proud to announce that $218,844 is on its way to upgrade the safety equipment and technology that keeps our communities safe,” said Congressman Nick Langworthy. “This direct federal investment will give our firefighters critical equipment upgrades including turn out gear, air packs, or other critical equipment that means the world in the heat of crisis. When our firefighters answer the call, I want them to have the support they deserve to do the job safely. As I meet with firefighters across the district, I hear repeatedly how important congressional support for this is, and I am proud to be a loud advocate.” According to FEMA, the primary goal of these grants is to enhance the safety and effectiveness of first responders while also improving their ability to respond to emergencies and disasters. They aim to address the evolving needs of first responders, from advanced equipment acquisition and updating aging vehicles to safety improvement and training programs. Details on the grants are below: CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY KIANTONE INDEPENDENT FIRE DEPARTMENT​​ $50,988 SINCLAIRVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE CO. NO. 1, INC. $97,142 CATTARAUGUS COUNTY CITY OF OLEAN ​​​​​​$70,714",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6556,Lawler Urges Administration to Strengthen Head Start in New Rule,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NY,Michael Lawler,L000599,lawler.house.gov,lawler,https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – 9/28/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) submitted a public comment on the Administration for Children and Families’ (ACF) Proposed Rule titled “Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Program, Inc.” In this letter, he strongly urged the Administration to revise the proposal to ensure the sustainability, financial security, and success of Head Start programs nationwide. On August 7, 2026, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and ACF proposed sweeping new regulations that would undermine and weaken Head Start, one of our most substantial and successful government programs. This proposal would require English-only education, lower the cap on federal funding for administrative expenses, lower the quality of the program’s performance standards, remove training requirements for staff, adjust the required staff-to-child ratios, and remove regulations governing parent committees. “[T]he Proposed Rule, as currently written, would weaken the Head Start program as a whole and result in the reduction of quality services offered to low-income children and families in New York and across the country. We can reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and be responsible stewards of federal dollars without compromising sound care for children. Health and safety should not be where we seek savings or efficiencies,” wrote the lawmaker. While some of the proposed changes include waiver provisions to provide exceptions to impacted programs or allow for programs to continue following prior guidance without enforcement or include waiver provisions to provide exceptions to impacted programs, that is not enough. Oversight and community investment often vary, and they often do not meet the high-quality standards required in existing federal regulation. Rep. Lawler has been a longtime partner with and advocate for Head Start of Rockland, Inc. Over the last 62 years, this program has provided high-quality services to tens of thousands of children across the county. He has advocated for increased funding to Head Start programs and supported additional funding opportunities for Head Start of Rockland specifically. The full letter can be found HERE. Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs. ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-nancy-mace-introduces-bill-shine-light-pesticide-use-federal-land,Rep. Nancy Mace Introduces Bill to Shine a Light on Pesticide Use on Federal Land,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,SC,Nancy Mace,M000194,mace.house.gov,mace,https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 28, 2026) – Congresswoman Nancy Mace (SC-01) today introduced the Pesticide Transparency on Federal Land Act, legislation requiring federal agencies to publicly disclose pesticide applications on federal land, providing needed transparency to taxpayer-funded land and facilities. The legislation directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a publicly accessible database documenting pesticide applications on federal land. Federal agencies would then be required to report pesticide use within five days, including where the pesticide was applied, the active ingredient used, the date of application, and the purpose of the application. ""Washington does not get to spray chemicals on federal land while keeping you in the dark,"" said Congresswoman Mace. ""Americans own these lands. If a federal agency applies a pesticide next to your home, your school, or your water, you have a right to know where, when, why, and what is being used. Transparency does not stop at the gates of federal property, and it is not optional when it comes to the health of our families."" In addition to requiring future reporting, the bill also makes previously compiled federal pesticide application data publicly available through the EPA's database. The legislation includes a limited and commonsense exemption for information whose disclosure would harm national security, while requiring agencies to continue reporting the information to EPA and notify Congress when such an exemption is used. Under the Pesticide Transparency on Federal Land Act, the public database would include: The entity applying the pesticide; The location of the application, including geographic coordinates; The specific pesticide and its active ingredient; The date of the application; and The purpose of the application. This bill builds on Rep. Mace's ongoing work to bring accountability and transparency to pesticide use, including the Pesticide Harm Accountability Act and the SOUND Pesticide Research Act. SEE BILL TEXT BELOW: ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://mcclellan.house.gov/2026/09/28/mcclellan-launches-2026-veteran-of-the-year-program/,McClellan Launches 2026 Veteran of the Year Program,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,VA,Jennifer L. McClellan,M001227,mcclellan.house.gov,mcclellan,https://mcclellan.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Washington D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) announced the launch of her 2026 Veteran of the Year Program to recognize, honor and appreciate veterans living in Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District for their service. “Veterans gave their time and put their bodies on the line to protect our nation, and they continue to serve after their military careers. Their commitment, courage and selflessness deserves our respect and deepest gratitude,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “My fourth annual Veteran of the Year Program honors veterans living in Virginia’s Fourth and celebrates their continued efforts to give back to our communities. I encourage all those who know a veteran who’s continued to serve people in our district to send in their nominations today!” Eligible nominees must be honorably discharged veterans of any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and must currently live in Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District. Nominations for Rep. McClellan’s Veteran of the Year Program are due by October 28, 2026. Last year, Congresswoman McClellan recognized U.S. Air Force Colonel William Butler, who dedicated over 30 years of service to saving lives, advancing medical research and educating his community. In 2024, she recognized Lt. Col. Curt Powell, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served two combat deployments before volunteering as a mentor for local veterans. In 2023, she honored Chief Warrant Officer Four Charles H. Talley, Jr., who dedicated 34 years of his life to the U.S. Army before continuing to support aspiring young professionals and active-duty servicemembers in Virginia’s Fourth.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://mikejohnson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2937,Speaker Johnson: This Election is a Contrast Between Common Sense and Crazy; and Common Sense is On Our Side,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,LA,Mike Johnson,J000299,mikejohnson.house.gov,mikejohnson,https://mikejohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — This morning, Speaker Johnson joined Mornings with Fox Business with Cheryl Casone in-studio to discuss President Trump convening AI leaders, striking a responsible balance between AI progress and the concerns of everyday Americans, and Republicans defying history in the midterms. “Our candidates are right there every day, and they're talking to their constituents in common sense. This is a contrast election between common sense and crazy. Common sense is on our side…” Speaker Johnson said. Watch the full interview here. On convening AI leaders: Well, let me put it simply. This meeting tomorrow has been a long time coming in my view. I've talked to the president about it several times. He's the only one that has the gravitas to be able to pull them all together. The leaders of all the different AI platforms all have different ideas and prescriptions on what the supposed guardrail should be. Now, your point that you started with here is the right one. They have a corporate responsibility, as every corporation does, to create safe products, right? And there's product liabilities laws that apply and a labyrinth of federal regulations on all this stuff already. We do not need a moratorium. We do not need to jump in and hyperregulate this because we'll lose the race to China. The innovation is important to continue, but we have to strike the right balance. On Republicans working to defy history: I'm telling you that we can win the midterms, and I am very bullish about that. I believe we're going to defy the historic trend. Remember, it's only happened twice in 90 years that a sitting President's picked up seats for his party. But this election is unlike any other. This is not our father's Democratic Party. They're going full Marxist, socialist, communist on the other side, and that helps us in this race. We have better candidates. We have a fundraising advantage for the first time in many, many years. And we're making that case. And so, in the 22 districts that I believe are going to decide this – remember that President Trump won 21 of those 22 districts just two years ago – we have a lot of tailwinds that the media's not given us cover for. Remember, the mainstream media is trying to advance the false narrative of the Democrats, but we're running our race. Our candidates are right there every day, and they're talking to their constituents in common sense. This is a contrast election between common sense and crazy. Common sense is on our side. ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405839,"Griffith Announces $191,331 HHS Grant to Biotherapeutics, Inc.",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,VA,H. Morgan Griffith,G000568,morgangriffith.house.gov,morgangriffith,https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/,scraper,"The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Biotherapeutics, Inc., based in Blacksburg, Virginia, a $191,331 grant. The funding supports research into therapies for psoriasis. In response to this grant notice, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement: “Psoriasis is a skin disease that affects millions of Americans. “This grant for more than $191,000 helps Biotherapeutics, Inc. study a first-in-class treatment for psoriasis.” BACKGROUND As a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Griffith serves as the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee. Last week, Congressman Griffith announced a separate $500,000 HHS grant to Biotherapeutics, Inc. ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://neal.house.gov/2026/09/28/neal-statement-on-trumps-china-capitulation/,Neal Statement on Trump’s China Capitulation,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,MA,Richard E. Neal,N000015,neal.house.gov,neal,https://neal.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"SPRINGFIELD, MA— Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement after the Trump Administration announced its intention to lower tariffs on China: “By every measure, President Trump’s trade war with the world has failed. Coupled with his war of choice with Iran that has sent fuel prices to historically high levels, Trump has brought nothing but higher costs for families, less opportunity for workers, chaos for small business owners, and fractured partnerships abroad. Desperate for a way out of his abysmal economic record, Trump is again selling out American workers and businesses by cowering to China when they’ve done nothing to address their manipulative trade and market behavior. “This capitulation comes as he unjustifiably doubles down on his trade war with our most important trading partners. Treating the world’s greatest trade cheat with kid gloves while socking our allies with more job-killing, price-hiking tariffs isn’t a strategy. It’s more weakness that families can’t afford. Enough of the red-carpet rollouts and backroom deals, it’s beyond time to return to sensible trade policy that actually delivers for the American people.” ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://nunn.house.gov/2026/09/28/nunn-welcomes-1700-jobs-and-15-billion-steel-investment-coming-to-iowa/,"Nunn Welcomes 1,700 Jobs and $15 Billion Steel Investment Coming to Iowa",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,IA,Zachary Nunn,N000193,nunn.house.gov,nunn,https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/,scraper,"DES MOINES, IA — Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) today welcomed Mesabi Metallics’ announcement of a $15 billion steel manufacturing complex in Lee County, a project expected to create 1,700 good-paying Iowa jobs. Rep. Nunn joined Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02), Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst, and Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) and Randy Feenstra (IA-04) in releasing the following statement: “This historic investment is a major win for Iowa workers and further cements Iowa’s role in the future of American manufacturing. “As the largest steel plant investment in U.S. history, this project will create approximately 1,700 good-paying Iowa jobs, create new opportunities for Iowa families, and drive economic growth. Iowa has the workforce, work ethic, resources, and business climate to compete with anyone, and we are proud to welcome this project to our state. “The administration’s pro-American manufacturing policies are incentivizing companies to invest, build, and create jobs in the U.S. We thank Governor Reynolds for her leadership in making Iowa a great place to do business and ensuring our state benefits from these policies by attracting transformational investments like this one.” Expanding pathways into skilled trades careers has been a top priority for Rep. Nunn in Congress, building the workforce that investments like this one need across all of Iowa. He has secured nearly $5 million in federal funding for workforce training at Des Moines Area Community College, Iowa Western Community College, and Indian Hills Community College, including renovated and expanded skilled trades labs at Iowa Western’s Atlantic and Clarinda Rural Centers. He is also leading the bipartisan PARTNERS Act to expand apprenticeship partnerships between small businesses, community colleges, and workforce training providers. ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases/pallone-calls-nj-federal-officials-survey-damage-after-storm-anticipating,"Pallone Calls for NJ, Federal Officials to Survey Damage After Storm, Anticipating Federal Disaster Declaration",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NJ,"Frank Pallone, Jr.",P000034,pallone.house.gov,pallone,https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"LONG BRANCH, NJ – Following heavy rain and coastal flooding caused by a powerful nor’easter that impacted areas across New Jersey, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today called on the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM), as well as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to conduct a prompt survey to assess the damage to the state in anticipation of the necessity for a federal disaster declaration. “In some parts of my district 6 to 7 feet of tidal flooding inundated businesses and homes, municipal infrastructure such as piers and bulkheads are severely damaged, and cars on the street are submerged in flood water,” Pallone wrote. “While it appears that flood control projects, berms, and raised homes saved many areas from even worse damage, the destruction left behind from this storm is significant.” Pallone also thanked Governor Sherrill for her proactive state of emergency declaration, and reiterated his willingness to work with state officials to provide the necessary federal funds to help towns, businesses, and residents recover from the storm. Full text of the letter is available here and below: Dear Commissioner Potosnak and Acting State Director Hengemuhle: Over the weekend, my district and areas across New Jersey were hit by a powerful nor’easter storm that resulted in intense rainfall, tidal surges, and forceful winds. I appreciate your willingness to conduct a prompt survey to assess damage to our state. This is necessary in my effort to secure a federal disaster declaration, should the damage survey thresholds be met. From power outages to substantial coastal erosion, this nor’easter has brought dangerous conditions to our state. In its most recent forecast, the National Weather Service warned that the nor'easter would likely continue heavy rain and tidal surges on mid-Atlantic and northeastern states through Monday night. Coastal sections of New Jersey are seeing significant flooding. In some parts of my district, six to seven feet of tidal flooding inundated businesses and homes, municipal infrastructure such as piers and bulkheads are severely damaged, and cars on the street are submerged in flood water. While it appears that flood control projects, berms, and raised homes saved many areas from even worse damage, the destruction left behind from this storm is significant. I appreciate Governor Sherrill’s proactive state of emergency declaration, and I urge the DEP and OEM to gather information on the full extent of the damage as soon as it is safe to do so. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I stand ready to work with you to provide the necessary federal funds to help towns, businesses, and residents recover from this devastating storm. Sincerely, FRANK PALLONE, JR. Member of Congress CC: US Army Corps of Engineers Federal Emergency Management Agency",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases/pallone-urges-ferc-protect-pjm-customers-stronger-data-center-rules,Pallone Urges FERC to Protect PJM Customers with Stronger Data Center Rules,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NJ,"Frank Pallone, Jr.",P000034,pallone.house.gov,pallone,https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) wrote to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) today urging the Commission to use its authority to approve and strengthen recent proposals put forth by PJM surrounding its handling of data centers. “Americans are deeply frustrated and concerned that the rapid and unceasing development of data centers is driving up their monthly energy bills. At the end of the day, protecting Americans’ power bills is FERC’s responsibility,” Pallone wrote in his letter to FERC Chairman Laura Swett. “While I support many of the provisions included in the proposals, I am concerned that they do not go far enough and believe [FERC] should use its authority to improve PJM’s proposals to protect families across the mid-Atlantic region.” Pallone explained that data centers are responsible for an increase in PJM capacity market costs of nearly $30 billion since the summer of 2024. Meanwhile, demand for electricity over the next decade is expected to explode, with PJM forecasting a roughly four percent increase in peak demand each year driven almost entirely by data centers. PJM is therefore suggesting it implement three reforms: requiring data centers to pay for new power plants to make PJM’s grid reliable, requiring data centers to bring their own new generation capacity online, and creating a registry of data centers within PJM’s boundaries. Pallone writes that while he supports these goals, FERC should impose the following improvements to strengthen them: Ensure that data centers are responsible for all the costs they cause, not just for new power plants designed to shore up reliability; Make the requirement for data centers to bring their own new generation capacity online permanent; and Make the proposed data center registry public so that every American has access to the information they need to protect and empower their communities. “Last year, my constituents saw an outrageous 20 percent increase in their power bills, fueled by skyrocketing prices in PJM’s capacity market. Over 90 percent of the increased demand PJM expects to see on its system by the end of the decade is from data centers,” Pallone continued. “If FERC gets this right, then it will have granted American families a measure of protection from the costs imposed by data centers. If the Commission falls short, then American families will pay the price.” Pallone has publicly and repeatedly called for substantial federal guardrails to protect communities against data centers’ impact on their air, water, power grid, and monthly utility bills. If Congress fails to adopt strong guardrails, he has said a federal moratorium on data centers should be put in place. While the guardrails proposed by PJM are not sufficient to fully protect consumers, Pallone writes that they represent important progress, and FERC should incorporate the critical improvements highlighted in his letter and approve them.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://patryan.house.gov/media/press-releases/one-month-left-congressman-pat-ryan-invites-hudson-valley-middle-and-high,ONE MONTH LEFT! CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN INVITES HUDSON VALLEY MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO ENTER 2026 CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NY,Patrick Ryan,R000579,patryan.house.gov,patryan,https://patryan.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"The Congressional App Challenge encourages tech innovation among middle and high school students as they compete for a chance to have their app displayed in the U.S. Capitol Hudson Valley middle and high school students are encouraged to submit by October 26, 2026; more information on submission can be found on Congressman Ryan’s website Last year’s winner, “Hudson Connect,” was designed by New Windsor 11th grader Aarna Patel; the app is a community resource navigation tool designed to help residents quickly find local services and programs across New York’s 18th Congressional District WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Pat Ryan is encouraging Hudson Valley middle and high school students to participate in the 2026 Congressional App Challenge. The Congressional App Challenge is an annual nationwide competition that encourages U.S. middle and high school students in each congressional district to learn coding and develop their own software applications, fostering STEM education and engagement with their local Representative. This challenge is open to middle and high school students; students must either attend school or reside in NY-18. Submissions are due October 26, 2026; the portal can be found on Congressman Ryan’s website. “I look forward to this every year. The Congressional App Challenge gives young people across the Hudson Valley a chance to build and demonstrate their entrepreneurial spirit for the benefit of the community we love,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “I am consistently so impressed with what our students submit – it truly gives me hope for the next generation of innovators growing up right here in the Hudson Valley. There’s one month left to submit, and I can’t wait to see what everyone comes up with!” “Participating in the Congressional App Challenge and attending the House of Code has been an incredible honor. I created Hudson Connect to help people find local and accessible resources and to bring the community closer together,” said Aarna Patel, New Windsor, 2025 winner. “Having the app recognized on a national stage was both exciting and deeply meaningful. Connecting with other student innovators and speaking with Congressman Ryan and his team reinforced how powerful technology can be in supporting and uplifting a community. The support from Congressman Ryan’s team throughout the process made the experience even better and truly memorable.” The Congressional App Challenge is a competition organized by Members of Congress across the country for middle school and high school students to create their own software applications and gain experience with computer coding. Submissions are due by October 26, 2026; more information and submission instructions can be found on Congressman Ryan’s website. ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6159,CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS THE PASSING OF CALYPSO LEGEND - THE MIGHTY SPARROW,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,VI,Stacey E. Plaskett,P000610,plaskett.house.gov,plaskett,https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland September 28, 2026 202-808-6129 PRESS RELEASE CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS THE PASSING OF CALYPSO LEGEND - THE MIGHTY SPARROW U.S. Virgin Islands— Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) issued the following statement on the passing of Slinger Francisco, internationally renowned calypsonian also known as, ""The Mighty Sparrow"": ""It is with deep sadness that I join the people of the Virgin Islands and the entire Caribbean family in mourning the passing of Slinger Francisco, the Mighty Sparrow. For more than six decades, he gave voice to the joys, struggles, humor, and truths of Caribbean life. “Sparrow was known as the 'Calypso King of the World. He was a master storyteller and social commentator who used his wit and his music to hold a mirror up to society, and he carried our region's culture to stages around the globe. Generations of Virgin Islanders have danced to his music at Carnival, at family gatherings, in our local communities and far into the Caribbean diaspora. His songs are woven into the fabric of our shared Caribbean identity. ""We are profoundly grateful that Sparrow chose to share his extraordinary artistry and gift with the world. He inspired countless calypsonians and artists who followed him, and his legacy will live on through the beauty of our Calypso and Soca music. ""On behalf of the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife, his children, grandchildren, loved ones, the people throughout our Caribbean region and the diaspora, and to all who loved him. May he rest in eternal peace.""",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://pou.house.gov/media/press-releases/pou-introduces-safe-water-schools-act-protect-students-lead,Pou Introduces Safe Water for Schools Act to Protect Students from Lead,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Nellie Pou,P000621,pou.house.gov,pou,https://pou.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"PATERSON, NJ – Congresswoman Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09), a member of the House Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, last week introduced H.R. 10596, the Safe Water for Schools Act, legislation to help schools across the country replace aging drinking water fountains and monitor their water for dangerous lead contamination. “Every parent should be able to send their child to school knowing the water they drink is safe,” said Congresswoman Pou. “Last year, testing in Paterson in our district found lead in water fountains and faucets throughout our schools, including dangerous levels that forced some fixtures out of service. This is a problem we can fix. My new bill will help schools in New Jersey and across America replace old fountains, monitor water, and keep lead away from our children. Safe drinking water isn’t political and should be something every family can count on, no excuses.” The Safe Water for Schools Act would reauthorize a federal grant program under the Safe Drinking Water Act at $7 million annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2029. The program helps local school districts replace older drinking water fountains and cover the costs of monitoring lead levels in school drinking water. The legislation is endorsed by the New Jersey School Boards Association and the American Federation of Teachers. The need for this investment has hit close to home in the Garden State. Testing conducted in Paterson Public Schools last year found excessive lead levels in fountains and faucets at 10 schools. Fourteen fixtures registered above the federal action level (15 parts per billion, or ppb), while testing found some amount of lead in a whopping 29.5 percent of the district's fountains and faucets. Congresswoman Pou has made improving water infrastructure a major focus of her first term in Congress. Earlier this month, the House overwhelmingly passed the Water Resources Development Act, which includes more than a dozen priorities Pou championed to advance flood protection and water projects across North Jersey. The legislation also includes Pou’s bipartisan CLEAN-UP Act, designed to remove barriers that have delayed environmental remediation and flood mitigation projects by the U.S. Army Corps. Earlier this Congress, Pou also introduced H.R. 5072, the Water Crisis Prevention Act, to strengthen the federal response to major water infrastructure failures and direct a federal review to improve infrastructure resilience against flooding. Pou helped secure $500,000 to improve the Lower Saddle River channel and, with Senator Andy Kim, delivered another $1.2 million this year for stormwater improvements along River Street in Paterson. ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://pressley.house.gov/2026/09/28/pressley-wu-announce-lawsuit-against-trump-administration-to-protect-20-million-federal-grant-for-roxburys-street-improvements/,"Pressley, Wu Announce Lawsuit Against Trump Administration to Protect $20 Million Federal Grant for Roxbury’s Street Improvements",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,MA,Ayanna Pressley,P000617,pressley.house.gov,pressley,https://pressley.house.gov/news/,scraper,"City Argues that the USDOT Illegally Withdrew Funds for Safety, Transit, Accessibility, and Traffic Flow Improvements to Melnea Cass Boulevard, Malcolm X Boulevard, and Warren Street in Roxbury BOSTON, MA – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Mayor Michelle Wu announced that the City of Boston is filing a lawsuit challenging the Trump Administration’s unlawful withdrawal of a $20 million federal grant for critical street infrastructure improvements along three major corridors in Roxbury. In 2022, Rep. Pressley helped deliver these investments which would fund safety, transit, accessibility, and traffic flow improvements to essential roadways in Roxbury. The grant, awarded to the City in 2022 under the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant Program, would fund the Roxbury Resilient Corridors project, including state of good repair, safety, transit, accessibility, and traffic flow improvements to Melnea Cass Boulevard, Malcolm X Boulevard, and Warren Street. “These funds are an essential investment in Roxbury and the unlawful cancellation of this grant is more evidence of Sean Duffy and Donald Trump’s contempt for the people we serve,” said Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07).“Our shared constituents should be able to get where they need to go and public transit is a public good. The law is on our side here and this lawsuit is a critical step in defense of this project that our office fought hard to secure funding for. There was no good reason to rescind these funds – DOT should reverse course so we can move this project forward, improve the daily lives of commuters, and enhance the climate resilience of at-risk communities—just as Congress intended.” “We’re fighting for every dollar of investment to improve quality of life for Roxbury residents, commuters, and businesses,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Boston earned this competitive grant to meet community needs and address long-needed infrastructure upgrades. The City of Boston will continue to fight back against lawless federal attacks, and we urge the court to reverse the Trump administration’s illegal actions and restore these critical funds for Roxbury.” The lawsuit seeks to reverse the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) September 2025 decision to cancel the City’s $20 million grant award. In abruptly withdrawing the award, the City argues that DOT acted against the instruction of Congress, which created the grant program. In its letter cancelling the grant, DOT cited just one reason: the project included a small amount of money for electric vehicle charging (less than 1% of the project costs), which DOT had encouraged the City to include, yet DOT revoked the entire grant on that sole basis. “For decades, Roxbury has waited for significant investments to improve our roads and sidewalks, add more trees and public spaces, and keep our families safe. These federal funds are critical in delivering much needed improvements, making it easier for everyone but especially our kids and elders to breathe clean air and get to where they need to safely in their community,” said Rev. Willie Bodrick, II, senior pastor of Twelfth Baptist Church and president & CEO of The American City Coalition. “I’m thankful to Mayor Wu and the City of Boston for standing up for our residents and look forward to continued partnership to ensure Roxbury receives this significant federal investment.” The City’s lawsuit argues that DOT’s overtly political decision was illegal. Congress created the RAISE program with the explicit goal of making transportation and environmental investments in historically underserved communities. The Roxbury Resilient Corridors project was designed to do just that, bringing needed upgrades, safety, traffic management, and quality of life improvements to some of Roxbury’s busiest corridors. “Boston lost a $20 million infrastructure grant over electric vehicle chargers that represented a fraction of 1% of the funding—infrastructure the federal government itself encouraged,” said Toby Merrill, litigation director at Public Rights Project. “That decision is arbitrary and unlawful. Federal agencies can’t rewrite Congress’s rules or their commitments to cities to fit changing political priorities, especially when residents pay the price. Public Rights Project is proud to represent Boston as it stands up for its residents.” “For six decades, Madison Park Development Corporation has invested in the people and families who make Roxbury the vibrant community it is today. This $20 million investment is about more than roads and infrastructure—it is about safer streets for our children, more accessible sidewalks for our seniors and families, better transit for our workers, and a neighborhood that receives the investment it deserves,” said Monica Dean, CEO of Madison Park Development Corporation. “We thank Mayor Wu, Congresswoman Pressley, and our federal, state, and local partners for standing with Roxbury and fighting to ensure that commitments made to our community are honored.” “Years ago, I volunteered to work with the City of Boston, and saw acres and acres of land that were cleared for highways and not for the benefit of Roxbury residents and the neighborhood. I agree with Representative Pressley and Mayor Wu’s efforts to restore funding for the Roxbury Resilient Corridors Project,” said Norman Stembridge, co-chair of the Roxbury Strategic Master Plan Oversight Committee (RSMPOC). The City’s lawsuit, City of Boston v. Duffy, was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, Docket No. 1:26-cv-14419. The City is represented by attorneys from the City of Boston Law Department and pro bono counsel from Public Rights Project. Rep. Pressley has been advocating for federal funding to support the Roxbury Resiliency Corridors Project and submitted a letter of support for the project to DOT in April 2022. In September 2025, Rep. Pressley vehemently condemned the Trump administration’s cancellation of this essential federal grant. More information about the Roxbury Resiliency Corridors Project and the benefits it would bring is available here. In July 2025, Congresswoman Pressley and Senator Markey re-introduced the Freedom to Move Act, their legislation to support state and local efforts to establish public transportation as a public good through fare-free services. In August 2025, Rep. Pressley, Sen. Markey, and Mayor Wu announced their continued efforts to implement fare-free public transportation in Boston and across the Commonwealth. In August 2026, Rep. Pressley and Sen. Markey released a new report, Making Transit Free, Frequent, and Reliable: Massachusetts shows the need for federal investment in fare-free transit, detailing the need for increased federal investments in fare-free transit. In December 2025, Rep. Pressley led 14 colleagues in sending a letter to House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair Sam Graves and Ranking Member Rick Larsen urging they prioritize affordability, accessibility, and sustainability in crafting the Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill—including by investing in fare-free transit. These priorities reflect the mission of the Future of Transportation Caucus, which reimagines America’s transportation systems to center equity, access, and sustainability. In October 2019, Rep. Pressley founded the Future of Transportation Caucus, a Congressional caucus focused on centering equity, access, and sustainability in our transportation systems. Rep. Pressley also co-chairs the Congressional Bike Caucus. ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://rouzer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3239,Rouzer Celebrates Investment in ILM Aircraft Apron Expansion...,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NC,David Rouzer,R000603,rouzer.house.gov,rouzer,https://rouzer.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WILMINGTON, NC - Congressman David Rouzer (NC-07) applauded a $3 million Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant to expand the aircraft apron at Wilmington International Airport (ILM). The Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding will support ILM’s apron expansion, the first phase of a broader terminal expansion project that will ultimately add additional gates, improve aircraft parking and maneuvering, and position the airport to accommodate continued passenger and airline growth. ""Southeastern North Carolina relies on Wilmington International Airport to connect our community and support our growing economy,"" said Congressman Rouzer. ""This investment is a major step toward ensuring ILM can accommodate continued growth and better serve our community for years to come. I'll keep working to enhance ILM’s advancement as well as our other infrastructure needs.” “We’re thrilled to see this investment at ILM,” said Jeffrey Bourk, ILM Airport Director. “Our airport has grown tremendously in recent years, and the work ahead will allow us to keep pace with the region. We thank Congressman Rouzer for his continued advocacy and support for ILM. With this funding, we can modernize our infrastructure to provide the safe, efficient service our community and passengers expect."" AIP funding supports airport infrastructure projects, including runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, markings, and other improvements that promote safe and efficient airport operations.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/salazar-joins-mount-sinai-new-emergency-center-opening-highlights-healthcare,"SALAZAR JOINS MOUNT SINAI FOR NEW EMERGENCY CENTER OPENING, HIGHLIGHTS HEALTHCARE RECORD",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,FL,Maria Elvira Salazar,S000168,salazar.house.gov,salazar,https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"MIAMI, Fla. — U.S. Representative María Elvira Salazar (FL-27) joined Mount Sinai Medical Center leaders, healthcare professionals, and members of the South Florida community for the ribbon cutting of Mount Sinai’s new Emergency Center in Westchester, located in Florida’s 27th Congressional District. The new four-story facility will expand access to emergency treatment, advanced diagnostic imaging, and behavioral health services for families in Westchester and surrounding communities. It is scheduled to open to patients in October. “Quality healthcare has to be both accessible and affordable,” said Rep. Salazar. “That means having excellent care close to home, enough doctors to see patients, access to the treatments people need, and costs families can actually afford. I am proud to join Mount Sinai for this important expansion and will continue working across the aisle to strengthen healthcare for South Florida.” ""When we broke ground here, we made a commitment to the Westchester community that nationally recognized care was coming. Today, it is here,” said Gino R. Santorio, President and CEO of Mount Sinai Medical Center. “Families in this community now have emergency care close to home, with advanced imaging on site so patients get answers during their visit rather than a referral and a second trip. And this is only the beginning. We are grateful to Congresswoman Salazar for standing with us today and for her continued support of Mount Sinai and the patients we serve across South Florida."" The Emergency Center marks the first phase of Mount Sinai’s broader expansion at the site. Future phases are expected to add inpatient and observation beds, surgical services, cardiac care, and additional specialty services. SALAZAR’S RECORD ON HEALTHCARE In Congress, Rep. Salazar has built a bipartisan healthcare record focused on lowering costs, expanding access, strengthening the medical workforce, and bringing federal healthcare investments home to South Florida. She has secured nearly $15 million in direct federal investments for healthcare and medical research in South Florida, including: $7.65 million for resilience improvements at Mount Sinai Medical Center to help protect critical hospital operations during hurricanes and other emergencies. $2.5 million for Banyan Community Health Center to expand access to care in underserved communities. $1 million for Nicklaus Children’s Hospital to expand pediatric mental-health care, plus $450,000 for genetic testing to help doctors identify safer and more effective medicines for children. $3.13 million for Florida International University to advance cancer research and precision medicine. Salazar has also worked across the aisle to make healthcare more affordable for working families, supporting efforts to lower insurance premiums, prescription-drug costs, and out-of-pocket expenses while expanding access to Health Savings Accounts. She has made addressing healthcare-worker shortages another priority, working across the aisle to strengthen South Florida’s healthcare workforce and pushing for continued funding for programs that train doctors in community-based and underserved settings. Her healthcare work also includes efforts to improve cancer screening and early detection, expand care for patients with rare diseases, strengthen pediatric genomic testing, and support mental-health and addiction-treatment services. The $7.65 million Salazar previously secured for Mount Sinai supported resilience improvements at its Miami Beach medical center and is separate from the new Emergency Center.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-booker-colleagues-reintroduce-abortion-health-care-everywhere-act,"Schakowsky, Booker, Colleagues Reintroduce Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act to Repeal Harmful Helms Amendment",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,Janice D. Schakowsky,S001145,schakowsky.house.gov,schakowsky,https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Full Text of Bill (PDF) WASHINGTON - Today, on International Safe Abortion Day, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) reintroduced the Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act, legislation that would repeal the harmful Helms Amendment and ensure U.S. foreign assistance can support comprehensive reproductive health care, including abortion care. Representatives Diana DeGette (CO-01), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Norma Torres (CA-35), and Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) joining Schakowsky as House co-leads of the legislation. More than 80+ House Members have joined the effort. “Abortion is health care, no matter where you live. For over 50 years, the racist, harmful Helms Amendment has blocked U.S. foreign assistance from supporting abortion care, even where abortion is legal. That is wrong,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “Today, on International Safe Abortion Day and every day, we must stand with people around the world who deserve the freedom to make their own decisions about their bodies and their futures. The Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act will repeal Helms and help make reproductive health care accessible to everyone, everywhere.” “For more than 50 years, the Helms Amendment has restricted the use of U.S. foreign assistance for abortion care, with real consequences for women around the world,” said Senator Cory Booker. “Women are turned away from safe care and denied information and counseling about their options. Providers are forced to treat abortion differently from other essential health services. That is not a policy grounded in science, compassion, or dignity. The Abortion Is Health Care Everywhere Act would end these restrictions and make clear that U.S. global health assistance can support comprehensive reproductive health care, including safe abortion care.” ""The right to decide what is best for your body, health and family should not be dictated by borders,"" said Congresswoman Diana DeGette, Co-Chair of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus. ""The Helms Amendment is a draconian policy that has blocked access to essential health care for far too long. It's time that Congress acts and ensures that no matter what community she calls home, every woman can access the full range of health care she needs — including abortion care."" ""For decades, the reproductive health of millions of people—especially those in developing nations—has suffered as a result of the Helms Amendment barring U.S. foreign assistance from going to NGOs and clinics that provide abortion care,"" said Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Co-Chair of the House Reproductive Freedom Caucus. ""U.S. foreign aid to support health care in other countries falls desperately short by excluding reproductive health, and reinforces the criminalization and stigmatization of abortion care and reproductive health at home and abroad. This Administration’s cruel approach to gutting foreign aid has cost people around the globe their lives. The United States must reverse course, reinvest in foreign aid, and treat reproductive care as essential care.” “Health care should not depend on your ZIP code, your income, or the country you call home,” said Congresswoman Norma Torres. “For more than 50 years, the Helms Amendment has denied people around the world access to comprehensive reproductive health care. The Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act is important because every woman deserves the freedom to make decisions about her own body, health, and future.” “As MAGA extremists unleash their assault on women’s rights, it is imperative to ensure reproductive health care for all,” said Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland. “The Helms Amendment makes it impossible for millions of women across the globe to seek reproductive care – including routine preventative screenings – barring economic mobility and worsening the maternal health crisis. I am introducing the Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act with Representative Schakowsky and over 80 of my colleagues today to repeal Helms, ensure equality, and continue the fight for women’s rights worldwide.” The Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act would repeal the Helms Amendment and replace it with language authorizing U.S. foreign assistance for comprehensive reproductive health care services, including abortion services, training, and equipment. The legislation is endorsed by leading reproductive health, global health, and human rights organizations. “With the Trump Administration undermining foreign aid for sexual and reproductive health care, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Repealing the Helms Amendment, which has long prohibited U.S. support for abortion services around the world, is a critical step toward ensuring people everywhere can access safe abortion care,” said Kelly Baden, Vice President of US Policy & Communications, Guttmacher Institute. “We thank Sen. Booker, Rep. Schakowsky and their co-leads for introducing the Abortion Is Health Care Everywhere Act. Guttmacher’s research makes the impact clear: ending Helms and supporting health care systems around the globe would avert 19 million unsafe abortions and 17,000 maternal deaths annually.” “For more than 50 years, the Helms Amendment has denied people around the world reproductive freedom. It undermines global health and human rights. It’s an archaic remnant of U.S. abortion politics that has always been completely divorced from the reality of the lives of the people it harms,” said Brian Dixon, Sr. Vice President, Population Connection Action Fund. “It’s long past time to repeal this disgraceful law and we are grateful to Senator Booker and Congresswoman Schakowsky for introducing this important legislation. We look forward to its passage.” “Everyone deserves to be able to get the healthcare they need when they need it,” said Alexis McGill Johnson, President and CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “For over 50 years, the Helms Amendment has put safe abortion care out of reach for people around the world served by U.S. foreign assistance, including global health, gender-based violence, and humanitarian programs. As we continue to fight back against abortion bans and restrictions in the U.S., we must also work to expand access and eliminate barriers abroad. We’re thankful to Rep. Schakowsky, Sen. Booker, and their co-leads for their leadership in expanding access to essential healthcare.” “Comprehensive abortion care is health care. That is not a political assertion, it is a public health reality,” said Nabeeha Kazi Hutchins, President and CEO, PAI. “When safe abortion care is not available, abortions do not stop. They become more dangerous, contributing to preventable maternal death and morbidity. For more than 50 years, the Helms Amendment has restricted U.S. foreign assistance for this care, putting women’s health and lives at risk. U.S. global health policy should be grounded in evidence and focused on preventing needless maternal deaths and illness. It’s time for Congress to pass the Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act and repeal Helms.” The Helms Amendment was first enacted in 1973 and restricts U.S. foreign assistance from being used for abortion as a method of family planning. ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-schriers-bill-bolster-clean-affordable-hydropower-energy-and,"Congresswoman Schrier’s Bill to Bolster Clean, Affordable Hydropower Energy and Enhance River Health Signed Into Law",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,WA,Kim Schrier,S001216,schrier.house.gov,schrier,https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) announced that her Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act was signed into law. The bipartisan legislation supports Washington’s clean, affordable hydropower and the healthy management of rivers by enhancing efficiency and transparency for parties involved in the hydropower dam licensing process. Congresswoman Schrier introduced this legislation alongside Congressman Russ Fulcher (ID-01). “I am thrilled to announce that my bipartisan Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act was signed into law,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “This law will bring transparency and clarity to the licensing process, better informing our communities and dam operators on license status and providing Congress with tools to further streamline the licensing process. I look forward to continuing this work to reduce energy costs, manage river resources, and cut red tape."" The legislation is supported by the National Hydropower Association, American Whitewater, and American Rivers. ""I am proud to see the Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act signed into law. This is an important piece of legislation that will effectively cut federal red tape around hydropower relicensing applications. With nearly 600 water storage dams across Idaho, we must focus on efficient licensing processes to keep our dams running and support clean energy growth,"" said Congressman Fulcher. “Hydropower provides 30 million Americans clean, reliable power; it's the shock absorber of the grid, delivering 24/7 power when other resources can't. It also provides other public benefits like flood control, irrigation, and recreation. The Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act shines an important light on our broken permitting process. I commend Representatives Schrier and Fulcher and Senators Cortez Masto and Daines for leading the charge,” said National Hydropower Association President and CEO Malcom Woolf. “We thank Representatives Schrier and Fulcher for their leadership in advancing greater transparency in the hydropower licensing process,"" said Kelly Catlett, Senior Advisor at American Rivers Action Fund. ""Greater transparency into the status of licensing proceedings can help identify opportunities to improve efficiency and bring greater clarity and accountability to the process. A more efficient licensing process can help move projects toward resolution while creating better opportunities to protect and restore healthy rivers.” BACKGROUND: Hydropower dams must relicense their dams with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in order to continue operating a facility every 30 to 50 years. On average, relicensing a hydropower facility takes between seven and ten years to complete. According to a recent DOE report, FERC relicensing activity is expected to more than double in the coming decade, threatening resource adequacy. In addition, applicants seeking licenses for new hydropower dams are the most sensitive to licensing costs and delays. Existing projects have existing revenue streams to finance relicensing costs, but new project costs are covered by the project developer. This new law will streamline and enhance the efficiency of this process by requiring the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) provide an annual report to Congress on the status of each hydropower dam license or relicense application. This will increase transparency for project stakeholders and give Congress a tool to improve the FERC process. You can watch Congresswoman Schrier’s full remarks on the legislation HERE. ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://sewell.house.gov/2026/9/rep-sewell-leads-bipartisan-letter-to-mexican-government-demanding-resolution-for-birmingham-based-vulcan-materials-and-alabama-workers,Rep. Sewell Leads Bipartisan Letter to Mexican Government Demanding Resolution for Birmingham-Based Vulcan Materials and Alabama Workers,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,AL,Terri A. Sewell,S001185,sewell.house.gov,sewell,https://sewell.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington D.C. — Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) led a bipartisan letter to Mexican Ambassador Roberto Lazzeri Montaño expressing concern and outrage regarding the Mexican government’s treatment of Birmingham-based Vulcan Materials Company and American workers. The letter is co-led by Reps. August Pfluger (TX-11), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), and Gary Palmer (AL-06). “I am proud to lead this bipartisan letter demanding the fair treatment of Vulcan Materials and Alabama workers in Mexico,” said Rep. Sewell. “For almost a decade, senior members of the Mexican government have used illegal tactics to intimidate Vulcan Materials and their workers, including a military seizure of Vulcan-owned property in Mexico. I have worked closely with my colleagues in Congress as we pursued all diplomatic and legislative options, including passing the Defending American Property Abroad (DAPA) Act. I will continue to fight for all the workers in my district who have suffered from illegal trade actions by foreign nations.” ""Mexico's seizure of Vulcan Materials is a direct threat to American jobs, economic security, and national security,"" said Rep. Pfluger. ""Even after an international tribunal found that Mexico violated its trade obligations by shutting down part of Vulcan's operations, the Mexican government has continued to target this company. That's why the House passed my Defending American Property Abroad Act, making clear the United States will not tolerate the illegal capture of American-owned assets by foreign governments. I'm proud to join my colleagues in this bipartisan effort and advocate for Vulcan Materials."" “American companies and workers operating abroad deserve to be treated with fairness,” said Rep. Carbajal. “The actions taken against Vulcan Materials are unacceptable and a clear violation of international trade norms. I am joining a bipartisan coalition of my colleagues in demanding an immediate resolution to these illegal actions.” “The Mexican government’s continued targeting of Vulcan Materials is unacceptable,” said Rep. Palmer. “No American company should have its property seized or its operations threatened by a foreign government acting outside the rule of law. Mexico must end these actions, respect Vulcan’s property rights, and demonstrate that it intends to be a trustworthy trading partner of the United States. I’m proud to join my colleagues in standing up for Vulcan and American workers.” Background On May 5, 2022, the Mexican government illegally shut down Vulcan’s operations via military force. In March of 2023, the Mexican government invaded and occupied Vulcan’s property again to benefit CEMEX, a private Mexican company. On September 23, 2024 President López Obrador decreed the property a Naturally Protected Area (NPA) on September 23, 2024, precluding Vulcan from using its property for productive purposes. Now, the Government of Mexico is utilizing baseless criminal charges to re-invade Vulcan’s property and potentially seize Vulcan’s assets. Earlier this year, Rep. Sewell helped to pass the Defending American Property Abroad (DAPA) Act through the House of Representatives. Sewell previously led Alabama's House delegation in a letter to Mexico’s Foreign Relations Secretary Alicia Bárcena demanding a remedy to their illegal invasion and warning of consequences. The letter was also signed by Reps. Robert B. Aderholt (AL-04), Brian Babin (TX-36), Tom Barrett (MI-07), Aaron Bean (FL-04), Sheri Biggs (SC-03), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Tim Burchett (TN-02), John R. Carter (TX-31), Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-06), Ben Cline (VA-06), James Comer (KY-01), J. Luis Correa (CA-46), Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Donald G. Davis (NC-01), Mike Ezell (MS-04), Pat Fallon (TX-04), Shomari Figures (AL-02), Clay Fuller (IN-08), Craig A. Goldman (TX-12), Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Addison P. McDowell (NC-06), John J. McGuire III (VA-05), Barry Moore (AL-01), Tim Moore (NC-14), Troy E. Nehls (TX-22), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Mike Rogers (AL-03), David Rouzer (NC-07), Pete Stauber (MN-08), Dale W. Strong (AL-05), William R. Timmons IV (SC-04), Beth Van Duyne (TX-24), James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11), Randy K. Weber, Sr. (TX-14), and Daniel Webster (FL-11). The full letter can be found here. ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases/stauber-introduces-legislation-create-transparency-voter-vouching,Stauber Introduces Legislation to Create Transparency on Voter Vouching,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,MN,Pete Stauber,S001212,stauber.house.gov,stauber,https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08), along with Majority Whip Tom Emmer, Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach, and Congressman Brad Finstad, introduced the Voter Voucher Transparency Act, legislation that will create a standardized federal reporting requirement so the public can see how often voter vouching is used in federal elections. Specifically, this legislation would require states to report the number of individuals who registered to vote using a voucher, the total number of voters who served as vouchers, the number of individuals vouched for by each voucher, and the number of attempted vouching registrations that were not accepted, including the reasons for denial. Of his legislation, Congressman Stauber stated, “Under Democrat leadership, Minnesota became ground zero for welfare fraud, so it should come as no surprise that these same Democrat leaders are also enabling election fraud through the state’s controversial voter vouching system. Allowing one person to vouch for up to eight voters creates an environment where illegal immigrants can easily cast ballots. This is wrong, and it is un-American. Unfortunately, Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon has done everything in his power to prevent transparency on this issue. We can’t fix what we can’t measure, which is why I am proud to introduce legislation requiring a federal reporting requirement on voter vouching to understand the full scope of the issue here in Minnesota and nationwide. Only Americans should decide the outcome of U.S. elections, and I will not stop fighting until election integrity is restored.” In the state of Minnesota, an individual seeking to become registered to vote on Election Day can confirm their residency simply by having a registered voter “vouch” for them. Registered voters can vouch for up to eight people, and staff at residential facilities can vouch for an unlimited number of facility residents. Compounding this issue, Governor Walz also signed the “Driver’s Licenses for All” bill into law, allowing individuals to obtain a standard driver’s license or state ID regardless of their immigration status.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases/stauber-statement-mesabi-metallics-plan-build-15-billion-steel-mill-iowa,Stauber Statement on Mesabi Metallics’ Plan to Build a $15 Billion Steel Mill in Iowa,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,MN,Pete Stauber,S001212,stauber.house.gov,stauber,https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) made the following statement in response to today’s announcement that Mesabi Metallics plans to build a $15 billion steel mill in Iowa. This will be the largest steel plant in U.S. history and is expected to produce 7.5 million or more tons of steel each year while employing as many as 1,700 workers. “I am proud that Mesabi Metallics recently opened their new mine in Minnesota’s Eighth Congressional District – the first new mine to be built on the Iron Range in over 50 years. Furthermore, I appreciate the President’s commitment to revitalize America’s steel industry and am excited that the taconite produced on Minnesota’s Mighty Iron Range will play a vital role in that national effort. “However, building this facility in Iowa is a missed opportunity for Northern Minnesota. The hardworking union men and women on the Iron Range stood ready to build, operate, and support a facility of this scale. Yet, their state leaders failed them. While Iowa’s leaders have fostered a pro-growth environment that attracts investment and jobs, the Walz-Flanagan Administration have done the opposite. Their abysmal leadership has driven away opportunity through hostility to industry and indifference to the Iron Range. They shoulder all the blame for this 15-billion-dollar project, along with its 1,700 family-sustaining jobs, going to our neighbor to the south. “Minnesota cannot afford more of the same. We need state leaders who make Minnesota a place that welcomes investment and the jobs that come with it, not a place that is repeatedly overlooked because it continues to chase investment away."" ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://troycarter.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-carter-ezell-thompson-introduce-fema-workforce-planning-act-ensure,"Reps. Carter, Ezell, Thompson Introduce the FEMA Workforce Planning Act to Ensure the Federal Government Has Capacity for Disaster Response",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,LA,Troy A. Carter,C001125,troycarter.house.gov,troycarter,https://troycarter.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. (D-LA), alongside Reps. Mike Ezell (R-MS) and Bennie Thompson (D-MS) introduced the Federal Emergency Mobilization Accountability (FEMA) Workforce Planning Act. This legislation requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to develop and submit detailed workforce plans to Congress to ensure the agency can effectively respond to natural disasters and other emergencies. It also requires FEMA to improve employee recruitment and retention efforts, develop strategies to train and deploy its workforce efficiently, and use data to address and fix staffing gaps. “Americans rely on FEMA in our most desperate moments,” said Congressman Carter. “As storms grow more intense and last longer, our commitment to preparedness must grow stronger too. I’m proud to champion this bipartisan legislation that will ensure FEMA has the support they need to maintain an effective and efficient workforce prepared to respond wherever and whenever disaster strikes.” “Communities across South Mississippi know firsthand how important it is to have a prepared and capable FEMA workforce when disaster strikes,” said Congressman Ezell. “I’m proud to help introduce the FEMA Workforce Planning Act to ensure FEMA has the right people, training, and resources in place to respond quickly and effectively when Americans need help most. By improving workforce planning and addressing staffing gaps before the next emergency, we can strengthen FEMA’s readiness and better serve communities recovering from disasters.” “Unfortunately, FEMA’s longstanding workforce problems have only worsened over the last year and a half. In order to respond to worsening disasters, we need FEMA to have the proper analysis, strategies, and plans to ensure its workforce is effective and meeting the needs of the nation. I thank Congressman Carter for introducing this necessary legislation,” said Congressman Thompson. Background The Federal Emergency Mobilization Accountability (FEMA) Workforce Planning Act requires the FEMA Administrator to develop a human capital operating plan, in accordance with best practices outlined by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Comptroller General of the United States, to shape and improve the Agency's workforce. The plan must be submitted to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure every 3 years. The workforce plans must include: Performance measures to evaluate progress towards the human capital goals of FEMA, including filling staffing gaps, closing skills gaps in mission-critical occupations, and implementing workforce training and, if applicable, progress towards meeting those goals; Details of the types of employees of FEMA, including by hiring authority and cadre; A comprehensive analysis of the projected costs associated with implementing the plan; Strategies and practices designed to increase cost-efficiency within the workforce operations of FEMA, including reducing overhead costs, improving resource utilization, and avoiding unnecessary expenditures; A detailed analysis of how FEMA determined its current overall staffing goals; An analysis of the current workforce of FEMA and possible gaps in the current staffing structure needed to fulfill FEMA’s mission; and, A plan of action with specific recommendations for developing and reshaping the workforce of FEMA to address the gaps in critical and emerging skills. Read the full bill text here. ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://vandrew.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2099,Congressman Van Drew Issues Statement on FCC Review of Verizon Copper Service Proposal,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NJ,Jefferson Van Drew,V000133,vandrew.house.gov,vandrew,https://vandrew.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC -Today, Congressman Van Drew welcomed the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) decision to prevent Verizon's application to discontinue copper-based telephone service in portions of New Jersey from being automatically approved while the Commission conducts further review. Earlier this month, Congressman Van Drew sent a letter to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr urging the Commission to reject Verizon's proposal. ""This is a good first step, and I appreciate Chairman Carr and the FCC for taking these concerns seriously,"" said Congressman Van Drew. ""People across South Jersey reached out to us because they are genuinely worried about losing a service they still depend on, especially in rural areas where cell coverage is not always reliable. I will continue working with Chairman Carr and the FCC as they review this proposal, and I am still asking that it ultimately be rejected.""",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-vasquez-nunn-introduce-bipartisan-beef-act-protect-american-ranchers-and,"Reps. Vasquez, Nunn Introduce Bipartisan BEEF Act to Protect American Ranchers and Lower Beef Prices",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NM,Gabe Vasquez,V000136,vasquez.house.gov,vasquez,https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) and U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) introduced the BEEF (Banning External Entry of Foreign Beef) Act, legislation to stop the Administration’s latest expansion of foreign beef imports and advance a long-term strategy to rebuild the American cattle herd, strengthen domestic beef production, and lower costs for consumers. This bill is in response to the Administration’s announcement that it would import an additional 300,000 metric tons of foreign lean beef trimmings into the United States, hurting ranchers and raising prices for consumers. Vasquez has repeatedly opposed efforts by both Democratic and Republican administrations to increase foreign beef imports at the expense of American cattle producers. “If we want more affordable beef, the answer is to grow American production, strengthen competition, and make it easier for the next generation of ranchers to stay in business – not make our country more dependent on un-vetted foreign imports,” said Vasquez. “Cattlegrowers in New Mexico and across the nation have made it clear – they want to reverse the President’s foreign beef imports and they need more time, and more tools, to grow their herds and fix the domestic supply chain. My bipartisan BEEF Act does just that, and I hope that my colleagues from both sides of the aisle can join me in supporting American cattlegrowers and this commonsense proposal.” “Lowering beef prices for Iowa families and supporting our cattle producers should go hand-in-hand,” said Nunn. “If we want more affordable beef for the long term, we need more American beef being raised and produced here at home. After years of a shrinking cattle herd, that means giving our producers the stability and confidence to invest, rebuild, and grow. Our bipartisan bill puts producers at the table to develop a long-term plan to increase our domestic beef supply, while giving Congress a say before future decisions are made to expand foreign imports.” The BEEF Act would: Suspend the Administration’s latest expansion of foreign beef imports. Require congressional approval before future presidential actions expanding beef imports can take effect. Establish a four-year Beef Import and Domestic Supply Advisory Board within USDA and direct it to develop strategies to rebuild the American cattle herd and increase domestic beef production. Advance policies to expand domestic processing capacity, improve livestock market competition, and lower beef costs for American families over the long term. Rep. Vasquez has long been an ardent supporter of New Mexico’s ranchers and cattle growers. Some of his recent work to support them includes: In June, he introduced the Protecting America’s Herds Act, an innovative, bipartisan solution to combat the spread of the New World Screwworm parasite, herd loss, and a jump in beef prices. He was also integral in securing the necessary funding to build a sterile fly production and dispersal facility through the STOP Screwworms Act, legislation that required the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a New World Screwworm fly rearing facility to combat the spread of Screwworms. On March 3, 2026, Rep. Vasquez secured unanimous, bipartisan support in the House Agriculture Committee for his Farm Bill amendment condemning the Administration’s push to prioritize Argentinian beef imports at the expense of our American cattle ranchers. The amendment ultimately passed out of the House in the Farm Bill. In 2024, Vasquez adamantly opposed the Biden administration’s push to import beef from Paraguay. No matter the political party, Rep. Vasquez is fully committed to fighting for American ranchers. ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://vindman.house.gov/2026/09/28/vindman-joins-virginia-west-virginia-delegations-in-introducing-bill-to-protect-historic-battlefields-in-shenandoah/,"Vindman Joins Virginia, West Virginia Delegations in Introducing Bill to Protect Historic Battlefields in Shenandoah",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,VA,Eugene Simon Vindman,V000138,vindman.house.gov,vindman,https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) joined every member of the bipartisan, bicameral congressional delegations from Virginia and West Virginia in supporting the Shenandoah Valley Access, Legacy, and Outdoor Recreation (VALOR) Act. This legislation expands the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District and its proven record of historic preservation and economic development to three counties in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle as well as Rockbridge Country in Virginia. “The Shenandoah VALOR Act recognizes the important role the Shenandoah Valley and the Eastern Panhandle play in our nation’s Civil War history while creating new opportunities for communities to preserve that history and share it with visitors,” said Vindman. “I’m proud to support this legislation that will protect these historic sites, invest in our local communities, support tourism, and ensure that future generations can learn from the stories that shaped Virginia and West Virginia.” In addition to expanding the National Historic District, this bill would also protect its existing federal funding and provide resources for battlefield preservation, visitor facilities, historic properties, grants, technical assistance, and the acquisition of land from willing sellers. Specifically, the legislation authorizes $1.25 million annually beginning in Fiscal Year 2027 for management, operations, battlefield parks, visitor facilities, and preserved historic properties, along with $2.5 million annually from FY2027 through FY2033 for grants, technical assistance, and land acquisition. The legislation further directs the Secretary of the Interior to report to Congress on ways the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields partnership model could be replicated at other locations within the National Park System. The legislation is led in the U.S. House by Riley Moore (W.Va.-02). In addition to Vindman, the bill is supported by Rob Wittman (Va.-01), Jen Kiggans (Va.-02), Bobby Scott (Va.-03), Jennifer McClellan (Va.-04), John McGuire (Va.-05), Ben Cline (Va.-06), Don Beyer (Va.-08), Morgan Griffith (Va.-09), Suhas Subramanyam (Va.-10), James Walkinshaw (Va.-11), and Carol Miller (W.Va.-01). “The Shenandoah Valley is home to some of the most hallowed battlefields in our nation’s history. For 30 years, the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District has proven its ability to preserve that history, attract millions of visitors, and generate a positive effect on local economies, said Moore. “The Shenandoah VALOR Act builds on that success by expanding the District to include Jefferson, Berkeley, and Morgan counties in West Virginia as well as Rockbridge County in Virginia. This expansion will support preservation efforts that protect our shared heritage, open it to locals and visitors alike, and bring new economic opportunities to the whole region. I am proud to introduce this bill with the full bipartisan support of the West Virginia and Virginia House delegations.” “Virginia’s historic sites help tell the story of our nation,” said Scott. “The Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District educates Virginians and those visiting our Commonwealth on the true history of the battles fought in the Shenandoah Valley during the Civil War. I am proud to cosponsor the Shenandoah VALOR Act to expand the National Historic District’s reach and to authorize new resources that support this critical work.” “I am proud to support this measure to preserve the Commonwealth’s battlefields and history. This important bill will help expand access to resources for our historic battlefields and districts for generations to come,” said Subramanyam. “The Shenandoah Valley is an important part of our nation’s history, and we have a responsibility to preserve the places that tell that story. I’m proud to support the Shenandoah VALOR Act to expand these preservation efforts and ensure future generations can experience and learn from these historic landscapes,” said Walkinshaw. “The Shenandoah Valley helped shape the course of the Civil War, and today its historic landscapes continue to draw visitors from across the country. Our Shenandoah VALOR Act would expand the National Historic District to additional communities in Virginia and West Virginia and strengthen the local partnerships that preserve and share this legacy. I’m proud to join Congressman Moore in this effort to ensure future generations can experience and learn from these historic places,” said Beyer. “Virginians recognize the historical value of the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields and the critical role this beautiful landscape played in the Civil War,” said McClellan. “By expanding the boundaries of the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District, the Shenandoah VALOR Act will strengthen the federal government’s ability to preserve these hallowed lands for generations to visit, enjoy and learn from this site. I thank Congressman Moore for his leadership in this space.” “Our nation’s rich history and beautiful landscapes must be preserved,” said McGuire. “The Shenandoah VALOR Act is crucial for safeguarding the historic landscapes our country is known for. As tourists from across the globe visit these sites, we must do what we can to ensure they’re maintained for generations to come.” “Shenandoah is more than a scenic landscape. It is a place where Virginia’s history and culture come to life. The Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District Boundary Expansion and Partnership Act of 2026 expands the National Historic District to include four additional counties. This legislation preserves and strengthens the partnership among local communities, the state, and the district, while ensuring these historic resources continue to be supported at the local level rather than federally managed,” said Cline. “The Shenandoah Valley is home to some of the most significant sites in our nation’s history, and we have a responsibility to preserve that history for generations to come,” said Wittman. “The Shenandoah VALOR Act will help protect historic battlefields, expand opportunities for Americans to experience the outdoors, and support the local tourism economy. I am proud to cosponsor this legislation to ensure the Shenandoah Valley is preserved for future generations.” “A part of what makes Virginia so special is the Commonwealth’s rich history and the generations of Americans that have helped shape it. The Shenandoah VALOR Act will help preserve the historic battlefields and sites that tell the story of the Shenandoah Valley while expanding opportunities for future generations to learn about and experience this important part of our nation’s history. I’m proud to join Congressman Moore in this effort to protect these historic sites and ensure their stories are preserved for the next generation to learn and enjoy,” said Kiggans. “Virginia’s history, good and bad, is worth studying. The Shenandoah VALOR Act helps promote this history and serve local economies. As a student of history with family ties to the region, I am excited to join a Congressional effort that expands the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District,” said Griffith. “West Virginia came to be during the Civil War, and it is essential that we protect the rich history of our state. Expanding the Shenandoah Valley National Historic District into Jefferson, Berkeley, and Morgan counties will help preserve significant historic sites while also creating new opportunities for tourism and economic growth in the Eastern Panhandle. This legislation is an investment in West Virginia’s past that will give our communities the resources they need to create jobs, attract visitors, and help local communities share their stories with visitors from across the country,” said Miller. Senator Jim Justice (R-WV) is leading the companion legislation in the Senate, which is supported by U.S. Senators Mark Warner (Va.), Tim Kaine (Va.), Shelley Moore Capito (W.Va.) “This is a big day for West Virginia. This bill would add critical Civil War sites in our Eastern Panhandle to the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District. Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan Counties saw some of the first actions of the conflict and suffered through all four years of the war—from Harpers Ferry and the Battle of Hokes Run to the Gettysburg Campaign and the battles of 1864, West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle played a significant role. West Virginia was born in the fire of the Civil War. Our people lived it, fought in it, and were shaped by it in ways no other state can claim. Expanding this District is about recognizing that unique role and making sure West Virginia’s chapter of the story is preserved and told for generations to come. West Virginia’s Civil War history is not a footnote,” said Justice. “It is central to who we are as a state. This bill makes sure that history gets the recognition and the resources it deserves, and it does it with both of our states working side by side. That’s the way it ought to be.” “The Shenandoah Valley played a vital role in our nation’s history, and preserving these battlefields will ensure that future generations can understand the events that shaped our country. This bipartisan legislation reflects our shared commitment to protecting these historic landscapes by expanding the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District to include additional sites in Virginia and West Virginia, which will support tourism and local communities across the region,” said Warner. “The Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District is one of Virginia’s great historical treasures, preserving the Valley’s Civil War battlefields so that Americans from across the country can visit them and reflect on our country’s history,” said Kaine. “I’m glad to be working with my colleagues to expand the district into Rockbridge County and strengthen the partnerships that protect these valued sites for years to come.” “Expanding the boundaries of the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District will help preserve key Civil War sites in our Eastern Panhandle that played a significant role in our state’s history. The battlefield provides an incredible opportunity for people to learn about the formation of West Virginia and the important role our state holds in the foundation of our nation. By expanding the boundaries, we are able to enhance the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District partnership model, helping provide necessary resources and funding to preserve and improve this historic site for future generations,” said Moore Capito. The bill is also supported by the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation and American Conservation Coalition Action. “The Shenandoah VALOR Act brings together two states, once divided by war, in a bi-partisan effort to preserve the Shenandoah Valley as the national treasure that it is – reminding us that our shared history and natural wonders can unite and lift up diverse communities and provide a brighter future for us all,” said the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation. “As conservatives, we must conserve our natural heritage in places like the Shenandoah Valley. The American Conservation Coalition Action applauds Representative Moore’s leadership to build a bipartisan consensus around this effort,” said Chris Barnard, American Conservation Coalition Action President. BACKGROUND The Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District was established by Congress 30 years ago, in the fall of 1996, to preserve and interpret Civil War battlefields and historic sites throughout the Shenandoah Valley. The District operates on a partnership-based management model involving local communities, organizations, landowners, and preservation partners. ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://vindman.house.gov/2026/09/28/vindman-mfume-urge-netanyahu-to-contain-settler-violence-protect-communities-in-the-west-bank/,"Vindman, Mfume Urge Netanyahu to Contain Settler Violence & Protect Communities in the West Bank",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,VA,Eugene Simon Vindman,V000138,vindman.house.gov,vindman,https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) and Kweisi Mfume (M.D.-07) sent a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging his government to take immediate steps to contain settler violence in the West Bank. “We write with urgent concern regarding the growing outbreak of extremist settler violence in the West Bank, including violence that has killed and threatened American citizens,” wrote the lawmakers. “We do so out of concern for Israel’s long-term security as well as for the safety of Palestinians. Continued settlement expansion and violence in the West Bank will harm that security and the prospects for lasting peace, prosperity, and freedom for Israelis and Palestinians alike.” “Amidst this violence, we are especially concerned for the safety of American citizens in the West Bank,” the lawmakers continued. “Nine American citizens have been killed in the West Bank since January 2022. To date, no one has been held accountable for any of these nine deaths. Many of us have heard directly from constituents, including American citizens who have themselves been threatened or harassed by settlers without cause.” “Restoring the rule of law in the West Bank serves the security of Israelis and Palestinians alike,” the lawmakers concluded. “The safety of our constituents matters to us as the safety of your citizens matters to you. We also hope to see conditions improve so that Israelis and Palestinians may one day live alongside one another without fear of terrorism or lawless violence.” In the letter, the representatives request that the Israeli government take the following actions to uphold the rule of law and end the violence in the West Bank: Instruct the Israeli Police and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to defend Palestinian communities in the West Bank when they come under attack, and to apply that standard consistently, whoever the attackers are; Establish a transparent and credible mechanism to investigate and prosecute violence against Palestinians, including Palestinian Americans, and complete the pending investigations into the deaths of the nine American citizens killed in the West Bank since January 2022. Halt further settlement approvals and continue to take steps to remove illegal outposts in the West Bank. ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-legislation-bolster-great,"Walberg, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Bolster Great Lakes Conservation Efforts",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,MI,Tim Walberg,W000798,walberg.house.gov,walberg,https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Representatives Tim Walberg (R-MI), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), David Joyce (R-OH), Haley Stevens (D-MI), Tom Barrett (R-MI), and Hillary Scholten (D-MI) introduced the Regional Great Lakes Partnership Act, a bipartisan, bicameral bill to bolster federal support for Great Lakes research and conservation. This legislation designates the Great Lakes Commission (GLC) as the official Regional Great Lakes Partnership within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Regional Ocean Partnerships Program. This designation ensures that the Great Lakes region receives a fair share of program funding, delivering federal resources to support the GLC’s longstanding work to coordinate Great Lakes research and conservation efforts. ""As the largest freshwater system in the world, the Great Lakes are central to Michigan’s economy, identity, and long‑term prosperity,” said Rep. Walberg. ""The bipartisan Regional Great Lakes Partnership Act ensures the region receives its fair share of federal support, strengthening the research and conservation work needed to protect this indispensable resource. We must equip our partners with the tools necessary to safeguard the waters and communities that rely on a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem."" ""As a Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Great Lakes Task Force, I helped introduce this legislation to close a gap in a national program that benefits only coastal ocean states. The bill continues our work together to ensure the Federal Government levels the playing field to commit equivalent, well‑deserved resources to our Great Lakes region,"" said Rep. Kaptur. ""The Great Lakes are central and essential to Northwest Ohio’s livelihood and economic wellbeing, and enabling the Great Lakes Commission to participate in this NOAA program will strengthen data sharing, enhance information access, and improve management of our coastal and ecosystem resources. In Lake Erie’s Western Basin, home to the shallowest and southernmost shoreline in the Great Lakes system, we face these challenges in real ways and will continue to lead in advancing research and information exchange for the benefit of our entire region."" ""As Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Great Lakes Task Force, I have made it my mission to have the federal government recognize the Great Lakes as a national priority,"" said. Rep. Huizenga. ""The Regional Great Lakes Partnership Act furthers this objective by enhancing the Great Lakes Commission’s steadfast work to protect and conserve Michigan’s most valuable natural resource."" ""The Great Lakes and their connected waterways are invaluable resources for Michigan and the United States,"" said Rep. Dingell. ""As a co-chair of the Congressional Great Lakes Task Force, I am proud to help introduce this bipartisan bill to strengthen federal support for Great Lakes research and conservation for future generations to enjoy these national treasures."" ""The Great Lakes are a critical resource for the economies and communities that surround them,"" said Rep. Joyce. ""As Co-Chair of the Congressional Great Lakes Task Force, I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of this bipartisan legislation, which will strengthen federal partnerships and expand funding opportunities to advance the research, coordination, and conservation efforts needed to protect the Great Lakes — ensuring they remain a resource our communities can rely on for generations to come."" ""Michigan is the Great Lakes state, period. Jobs, recreation, and tourism across the Midwest depend on a healthy and flourishing Great Lakes ecosystem,"" said Rep. Stevens. ""I’m proud to work alongside my colleagues of both parties to ensure that Michigan receives our fair share of federal investment that will protect and preserve our Lakes for generations to come."" ""Protecting the Great Lakes means protecting our water, wildlife, and communities throughout the region,"" said Rep. Barrett. ""This bipartisan legislation will help bring federal resources to the table and strengthen the partnerships already working to preserve our state's natural resources. I’m proud to work with colleagues from across the region to ensure our Great Lakes remain healthy for generations to come."" ""As the largest freshwater system in the world, the Great Lakes are one of Michigan’s greatest assets,"" said Rep. Scholten. ""I’m proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in supporting the Regional Great Lakes Partnership Act. This commonsense bill will strengthen the research and coordination that keeps the Great Lakes region healthy. Investing in our Great Lakes is investing in our future, and it’s crucial that we conserve this resource for the next generation."" ""The Great Lakes Commission is grateful to Rep. Walberg for introducing this important legislation to designate the GLC as a regional partnership for the Great Lakes,"" said GLC Chair Timothy Bruno, Great Lakes Program Coordinator at the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. ""This designation will allow the agency to build on its more than 70 years of regional leadership — fostering dialogue, building consensus, and advancing coordinated solutions to the Great Lakes’ most pressing challenges — to ensure the Great Lakes region continues to speak with a strong, unified voice. We look forward to working with our partners to realize the full benefits of this program for the region."" Background The Great Lakes Commission (GLC) brings together eight U.S. states and two Canadian provinces to protect the Great Lakes and promote economic growth in the Great Lakes basin. The GLC is composed of the States of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. NOAA’s Regional Ocean Partnerships (ROPs) coordinate interstate ocean and coastal resource management efforts and create opportunities for increased efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Although NOAA administers four Regional Ocean Partnerships (ROPs) across the Northeast, Mid‑Atlantic, Gulf, and West Coast, the Great Lakes currently lack an ROP. Designating the GLC as the region’s ROP will ensure the Great Lakes region receives its fair share of program funding. Companion legislation, introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Bernie Moreno (R-OH), has been advanced by the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-cosponsors-introduction-bipartisan-legislation-support,Westerman Cosponsors the Introduction of Bipartisan Legislation to Support Veterans' Right to Build Their Own Homes,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,AR,Bruce Westerman,W000821,westerman.house.gov,westerman,https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"This week, Reps. Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) introduced the Veterans Owner-Builders’ Rights Act to expand VA home loans and provide rural veterans with the ability to use a VA home loan to build their own homes. This bill would establish a five-year pilot program under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to make direct housing loans to veterans in rural areas for the construction of new homes. “Stable, reliable housing directly contributes to the health and well-being of our veterans. Unfortunately, high construction costs and interest rates keep many from investing in their future as homeowners,” said Congressman Westerman. “By working directly with the VA to expand construction loan access and investing in the domestic building materials we have in our own backyard, this bill initiates an innovative pilot program that lowers housing costs and provides more access for our veterans in addition to supporting rural America and bolstering our domestic wood supply chain. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside my colleague from Washington to deliver real, bipartisan solutions that address the needs of our veteran community.” “Building our own home was one of the hardest and most rewarding things I’ve ever done. While many vets have the relevant skills, they functionally can’t use their VA home loans and leverage their skills to build a home. In fact, only 30% of vets use their VA home loans at all,” said Congresswoman Gluesenkamp Perez. “My bill creates a pilot program for rural vets to use provided blueprints and expedited permitting to start building wealth and community-while increasing the housing supply for all of us.” Background: As the U.S. continues to face a shortage of starter homes, giving veterans the flexibility to build a home creates a new path to home ownership. In rural communities especially, housing demand frequently outpaces construction. Many veterans already have the skills and knowledge to build a home, but without benefits that give them the freedom to use those skills, they don’t have an opportunity to build. This means veterans are forced into a narrow band of options for how to use VA home loans. As a result, only about 30% of veterans use VA home loans. Owner-builder opportunities, like the ones this bill creates, simultaneously build wealth for veterans and their families, while adding to the overall housing supply. Specifically, this legislation would: Create a new direct home loan program at VA for rural veterans who want to build their own homes, utilizing the framework and eligibility requirements of an existing VA direct home loan program; Provide blueprints with American wood sourcing and manufacturing requirements to stimulate domestic timber economies; Streamline the permitting application process by requiring permit furnishment within 45 days of submission and covering all associated fees; Provide technical assistance for veterans through the VA or a contracted third party related to the skills necessary to construct or repair a home, as well as for the permit application process; and Safeguard against home-flippers by requiring the veteran to live in the home for at least two years or otherwise accelerate repayment of their loan.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://wittman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/congressman-wittman-earns-a-for-representing-va-01-a-for-bipartisan-leadership,"Congressman Wittman Earns A+ for Representing VA-01, A for Bipartisan Leadership",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,VA,Robert J. Wittman,W000804,wittman.house.gov,wittman,https://wittman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) highlighted two recent recognitions of his work in Congress: an “A+” District-Based Grade and District Excellence Award from the Institute for Legislative Analysis and an “A” Bridge Grade recognizing his bipartisan and collaborative work. Together, the recognitions reflect Wittman’s approach to representing Virginia’s First District: knowing the communities he serves, standing up for their priorities, and working across the aisle when necessary to deliver results. “Representing Virginia’s First District has never been about checking a partisan box—it is about listening to the people I represent and getting things done for them,” said Rep. Wittman. “I’m honored to receive both of these recognitions because they reflect two principles I have always tried to bring to this job: staying grounded in the priorities of our district and being willing to work with anyone who is serious about solving problems.” The Institute for Legislative Analysis presented Wittman with its District Excellence Award after he earned an “A+” under its District-Based Grading system, which evaluates a Member’s voting record in the context of the congressional district he or she represents. The organization specifically cited Wittman’s work to strengthen military readiness, protect taxpayers, and stand up for service members and families across Virginia’s First District. Wittman also earned an “A” rating from Bridge Grades, which evaluates Members of Congress on collaborative governance, bipartisan legislative work, coalition-building, and rhetoric. “Whether we are strengthening our military, protecting the Chesapeake Bay, improving health care, modernizing infrastructure, supporting our veterans, or lowering costs for families, my focus is on results,” Wittman continued. “Experience matters. Leadership matters. But ultimately, what matters most is what you do with them. I will continue putting Virginia’s First District first and working to deliver for the people who sent me to Washington."" Background: The Institute for Legislative Analysis’ District-Based Grading system compares congressional voting records with an estimate of the political and ideological makeup of each Member’s district. Wittman received an A+ and the organization’s District Excellence Award. Bridge Grades evaluates Members based on legislative collaboration and public rhetoric, including cross-partisan bill sponsorship and coalition-building. Wittman received an A for the 119th Congress.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-murray-lead-senate-democrats-in-demanding-trump-admin-abandon-plans-to-exert-political-control-over-nih-funding,"Baldwin, Murray Lead Senate Democrats in Demanding Trump Admin Abandon Plans to Exert Political Control Over NIH Funding",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, led 29 of their colleagues in demanding that White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought halt any plan to exert more political control over the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) grant-making process. The lawmakers’ call for new guardrails follows reporting that OMB was working on an Executive Order to create a commission that would include Director Vought to review NIH grants and give them the unilateral power to cut funding for groundbreaking research solely for political reasons. In their letter, the lawmakers underscore that the executive order is just the latest way OMB has sought to undermine NIH and the scientific peer review process that is the foundation of biomedical advancements and innovation. Backtracking on a new executive order or not, the Trump administration has shown time and again it wants to use NIH funding to pursue political agendas and vendettas, at the expense of life-saving research, treatments, and cures for millions of Americans. “Decisions about which National Institutes of Health (NIH) research grants to fund should be guided only by science, and what research is most likely to advance new treatments and cures, or the next breakthrough to save or improve a patient’s life. The Trump administration considering, at the highest level, an Executive Order to exert unprecedented political control over NIH’s grant-making by establishing a commission empowered to veto NIH research awards represents just its latest attack on biomedical research,” Baldwin and the Senators write to OMB Director Vought. “Injecting political interference into the NIH grantmaking process will irreparably harm America’s biomedical research enterprise, override scientific expertise, and potentially set back lifesaving medical breakthroughs by decades.” The Senators write, “Congress must step in to establish guardrails to protect American biomedical science. We urge our Republican colleagues to work with us on legislation to do much more to protect NIH from the Trump administration, which has proven over and over again to be dead set on picking political fights at the expense of advancing lifesaving treatments and cures for millions of Americans.” “We write to call on you to abandon any plan to exert political control over NIH’s grant-making decisions — whether that’s through your proposed rule, a new Executive Order, or any other means—that would empower political appointees to deny funding for grant applications that have already been deemed meritorious by the NIH peer-review and Advisory Council process. Patients and families are already paying an enormous price because of this administration’s nonstop attacks on the NIH—the last thing they need is for their hopes for new treatments and cures to be pushed farther out of view because you want to put politics ahead of saving lives,” Baldwin and the Senators conclude. In addition to Senators Baldwin and Murray, the letter was signed by Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Chris Coons (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Angus King Jr. (I-ME), Jeffrey Merkley (D-OR), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Mark Warner (D-VA), Edward Markey (D-MA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Gary Peters (D-MI), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Adam Schiff (D-CA). The full letter is available here and below: Director Vought: Decisions about which National Institutes of Health (NIH) research grants to fund should be guided only by science, and what research is most likely to advance new treatments and cures, or the next breakthrough to save or improve a patient’s life. The Trump administration considering, at the highest level, an Executive Order to exert unprecedented political control over NIH’s grant-making by establishing a commission empowered to veto NIH research awards represents just its latest attack on biomedical research. If established, such an entity would radically alter a nearly 140-year-old evaluation system built upon a rigorous peer-review process where subject matter experts assess applications based on scientific merit. Injecting political interference into the NIH grantmaking process will irreparably harm America’s biomedical research enterprise, override scientific expertise, and potentially set back lifesaving medical breakthroughs by decades. Reports that the Trump administration is backtracking on such an Executive Order is of little relief. This scheme comes on the heels of the Office of Management Budget’s (OMB) proposal to rewrite rules governing the administration of federal grants government-wide, which centers on the same aims—to put politics over scientific rigor. These efforts violate longstanding practice and interpretation of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) statutory duties and are clearly counter to what Congress intended when funding NIH. That such an Executive Order was considered at all makes clear that despite Congress acting to temporarily block OMB’s proposed rule, this administration intends to continue to pursue efforts to undermine NIH and its grantmaking process. If not by Executive Order or a new government-wide rule, the Trump administration will simply pursue alternative administrative means that put politics over science and undermine the biomedical research enterprise we have built in this country over more than a century that is the envy of the world. The Trump administration will continue to have political appointees review Notices of Funding Opportunities and grant applications. It will continue to terminate scientifically meritorious grants for political reasons. And it will sideline expert peer review and empower political appointees to decide what research to fund or to not fund. Congress must step in to establish guardrails to protect American biomedical science. We urge our Republican colleagues to work with us on legislation to do much more to protect NIH from the Trump administration, which has proven over and over again to be dead set on picking political fights at the expense of advancing lifesaving treatments and cures for millions of Americans. As the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world, NIH supports research across virtually every area of human health. NIH research has led to countless groundbreaking discoveries, including mapping the human genome, isolating the AIDS virus, and the development of new drugs and treatments for cystic fibrosis, childhood leukemia, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and rare diseases, among so many others. The NIH peer-review system is the backbone of each one of those discoveries. It is a process established to ensure that taxpayer-funded research is evaluated according to scientific standards and to insulate funding decisions from political considerations. NIH funding has, for example, supported basic scientific research on lizard venom and sea snails that you or another political appointee without any scientific expertise may well have vetoed as a waste of taxpayer resources, but that very research led to the development of GLP-1 medications and non-addictive opioid alternatives. NIH’s scientific and peer review process that you are actively working to tear down is the foundation on which the United States stands as the world leader in biomedical innovation. OMB and unqualified political appointees have no business being involved in individual grant funding decisions and determining which specific cancer or Alzheimer’s disease research grants get funded. Putting political decree above scientific peer review will mean research proposals are rejected not because of deficiencies in scientific quality, methodology, or relevance to statutory NIH missions, but because the subject matter, populations studied, institutions involved, or anticipated policy implications of the research do not align with the President’s political agenda. Breast cancer patients should not be denied hope of a new lifesaving treatment because you and the President think women’s health research is “woke”. Each year, NIH awards more than 50,000 grants and reviews tens of thousands more, each containing dozens of pages of dense scientific material. Whether through Executive Order, a new OMB rule, or other means, this administration seeks the ability to cut funding for specific research institutions it doesn’t like, or to cut funding for specific research projects because it doesn’t like how they sound. This would mean overruling decisions made by panels of scientific experts that have already determined which research is meritorious of federal funding and is our nation’s best bet at advancing new treatments and cures. Congress appropriated more than $48 billion to NIH in fiscal year 2026 for biomedical research pursuant to statute and congressionally directed programs, to be awarded according to a multi-step peer review process mandated by law. Congress does not delegate, or in any way intend to delegate, authority to the White House or your office to determine which individual scientific proposals may receive federal support. It similarly does not intend for unqualified political appointees to override the scientific peer review process in determining which specific grants to fund. But that is exactly what this administration continues to pursue. These efforts are just the latest in a series of actions elevating politics and undermining science in biomedical research. Under your leadership, OMB has focused its efforts on destroying NIH and, with it, the nation’s biomedical research enterprise. To date, the Trump administration has terminated or disrupted 5,780 NIH grants worth an estimated $15 billion. Today, 1,231 of those grants still have not been restored. In fiscal year 2025, the agency issued 6,478 fewer awards compared to the year before – fewer than any year since 2018. The overall success rate for grant applicants fell to 17 percent, marking a 30-year low. The Trump administration has delayed NIH notices of funding opportunities and grant awards by months, setting back research and clinical trials on Alzheimer’s disease, cancer research, opioid addiction, rare diseases, and others by a year or more. These disruptions are causing young scientists and researchers to abandon their careers altogether or leave to pursue them in other countries. Meanwhile, uncertainties about federal funding have led to a 15 percent decline in doctoral admissions at major research universities in the United States. Earlier this month, it was revealed that the Trump administration plans to transfer up to $1.9 billion per year from NIH to the Department of Defense. Taken together, the Trump administration’s actions have systematically weakened the biomedical workforce and upended the very system designed to select the most scientifically promising research that delivers hope for millions of American patients and families who are praying for new treatments and cures. We write to call on you to abandon any plan to exert political control over NIH’s grant-making decisions — whether that’s through your proposed rule, a new Executive Order, or any other means—that would empower political appointees to deny funding for grant applications that have already been deemed meritorious by the NIH peer-review and Advisory Council process. Patients and families are already paying an enormous price because of this administration’s nonstop attacks on the NIH—the last thing they need is for their hopes for new treatments and cures to be pushed farther out of view because you want to put politics ahead of saving lives. Sincerely, An online version of this release is available here. ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-votes-to-pass-the-bipartisan-protect-college-sports-act,Baldwin Votes to Pass the Bipartisan Protect College Sports Act,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,WI,Tammy Baldwin,B001230,www.baldwin.senate.gov,baldwin,https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) voted for the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act, which passed the Senate 77-22. The legislation sets national rules for college athletics around how student-athletes can be paid for their name, image, and likeness (NIL). The legislation, which is supported by President Trump and now heads to the House of Representatives for final passage, codifies athletes’ rights and protections in law and amends existing law to expand revenue for all schools. Baldwin’s amendment, which was successfully added to the bill on a bipartisan basis, preserves student-athletes’ legal rights, including their ability to bring lawsuits against universities for harms like sexual assault or injuries, like CTE. “Wisconsin has an incredibly proud tradition of college sports. These young people learn lifelong skills, while also bringing pride to their schools and bringing our communities together,” said Senator Baldwin. “At the same time, we need to be honest that the college sports landscape has changed dramatically in recent years and become the Wild West. The chaotic expansion of sponsorship and NIL deals has led to money driving recruiting, constant roster turnover, and athletes’ rights under attack. This is happening at the same time that many athletic programs are being cut and roster sizes reduced. The current system is not working for athletes, schools, or fans. This bill is a step in the right direction to help stop the chaos, compensate student-athletes fairly, and support our sports programs at our universities for generations to come. I was proud to strengthen this bill to protect student-athletes’ rights and ensure that if they are sexually assaulted or get serious injuries like CTE, they can get their justice. Whether you cheer for the Blugolds, Badgers, or Blue Devils, we can all get behind this bill to protect student-athletes and the college sports we love.” Baldwin’s amendment allows student-athletes to bring state-law claims involving harms like personal injury, sexual assault, and other health and safety violations, and preserves state laws that provide stronger protections than the Protect College Sports Act. A one-pager on the bill is available here. Full text of Baldwin’s amendment is available here. Full text of the legislation is available here. ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/fox-news-exclusive-massive-ice-sweep-fuels-gop-push-to-lock-trump-immigration-crackdown-into-law/,FOX NEWS EXCLUSIVE: Massive ICE Sweep Fuels GOP Push to Lock Trump Immigration Crackdown into Law,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IN,Jim Banks,B001299,www.banks.senate.gov,banks,https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"Banks warns aggressive executive enforcement today won’t survive a future administration without new legislation Click here to read the full story or read below. EXCLUSIVE: A massive five- day ICE operation that netted 426 arrests across Indiana is fueling Hoosier Sen. Jim Banks’ push for Congress to cement President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown into law before a future administration can reverse course. Banks hailed “Operation Safe Community: Indiana” in a Fox News Digital interview this week after federal immigration officers fanned out across his home state from Aug. 30 through Sept. 3, arresting 426 people with records involving sex crimes, assault, domestic violence, drug trafficking and weapons offenses, according to ICE. “This is why Donald Trump was elected in 2024: for mass deportation,” Banks told Fox News Digital. “It was one of his key agenda items during the campaign. And in this case in Indiana, you see the direct result of it.” ICE also credited cooperation with state and local law enforcement agencies in carrying out the operation, something Republicans have flagged as a key aspect to successful enforcement. But Banks argued the operation also underscores a limitation of Trump’s crackdown: aggressive executive enforcement today does not guarantee that the same immigration policies survive the next administration. “It is important that we codify Trump border security measures and tough-on-immigration policies and make them the law of the land,” he said. The busts build on the lawmaker’s seven-bill immigration package, previously reported by Fox News Digital, which targets issues including birthright citizenship, family-based immigration, H-1B visas, noncitizens’ CDLs and congressional authority over Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to limit judicial intervention. “If this could happen in Indiana, it could happen anywhere,” he added, arguing that the opposition has made it tougher to achieve immigration goals after displacing ICE from the 2025 immigration appropriations legislation. “They’ve made that one of their biggest priorities in this Congress to defund our federal law enforcement, to stop ICE from doing their job, to deport violent criminals who are here illegally,” he said. “So it is important that we codify Trump border security measures and tough-on-immigration policies and make them the law of the land so that the next time, God forbid, a Joe Biden ever gets elected back to the White House or someone that comes from that radical wing of the Democrat Party…” Banks also directed his frustration at his own party, criticizing the Republican-led Senate for failing to advance separate election legislation that he says should be another priority. Many on the right have pressed for passage of the SAVE Act, a bill requiring documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. “That’s one of my biggest disappointments with this Republican Senate – we haven’t passed [it],” he said. “I hope by the end of the year that we can find a way to pass it. I’m going to keep fighting for it, but at the end of the day, the Trump administration and the Department of Justice is doing a lot crack down on illegals voting in our elections.” In a separate Indiana case, DHS arrested an illegal immigrant on Sept. 18 who had entered the U.S. during the Obama administration and later cast a federal ballot. ICE Enforcement Division Assistant Director Patricia Hyde said the right to vote is the “cornerstone of democracy” in announcing the capture of Guatemalan national Helda Mendez-Merida for “poisoning our elections.” “We cannot allow that sacred right [to vote] to be perverted,” she said. Banks said such incidents keep surfacing “because Joe Biden and Democrats flooded our country with tens of millions of illegals – they’re still here [and] mass deportation is important.” Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has repeatedly pushed back on criticism he is not working hard enough to pass the SAVE Act or advance the Trump agenda. Thune previously told Fox News Digital that he is an original co-sponsor of a previous version of the bill and that the 50-vote threshold needed to pass provisions that qualify for the parliamentary maneuver known as reconciliation remains a sticking point. “I keep asking the question, am I the only one in this town that can count to 50? Because it seems like these questions recur and there are a lot of people out there who haven’t seemed to internalize the fact that there aren’t Democrats that are going to flip and vote for this,” Thune said. ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-inside-indiana-business-banks-calls-for-grissom-to-be-new-u-s-space-academy-home/,ICYMI: Inside Indiana Business: Banks Calls for Grissom to Be New U.S. Space Academy Home,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IN,Jim Banks,B001299,www.banks.senate.gov,banks,https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"Click here to read the full story or read below. Bunker Hill, Ind. ­­— Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind., wants a site in north central Indiana to become the new home of the U.S. Space Academy. In a letter sent Thursday to Jared Isaacman, chairman of the Presidential Commission on the United States Space Academy, Banks urged the commission to select Grissom Air Reserve Base and the surrounding Grissom Aeroplex as the site for the academy. Banks cited Grissom’s connection to Lt. Col. Virgil “Gus” Grissom, an Indiana native and the second American to fly in space. He also highlighted the site’s “substantial capacity for future classrooms, housing, and training infrastructure, along with access to a 12,501-foot runway, one of the longest in the Midwest.” President Donald Trump issued an order on Aug. 28 establishing the U.S. Space Academy and the commission, led by Isaacman, which will develop the framework for the academy and select a permanent physical location. The order said the country must “prepare the next generation of astronauts, scientists, engineers, operators, entrepreneurs, civil servants, and warfighters and ensure that they are capable of advancing American interests in space.” Grissom Air Reserve Base is home to the 434th Air Refueling Wing, which is equipped with the KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft and special taskings to generate aircraft and crews in support of the Air Mobility Command. The Grissom Aeroplex is a business park that encompasses more than 850 acres. In his letter, Banks said Indiana offers the academic and industrial ecosystem necessary to support the Academy’s long-term mission. “The state offers a low cost of living, leading STEM and research universities, and a growing aerospace, defense, and advanced-manufacturing workforce,” Banks said. “Indiana companies already contribute directly to America’s space missions, including 21 suppliers supporting NASA’s Artemis program. Locating the Space Academy at Grissom would give cadets access to this broader network and create opportunities to connect classroom education with hands-on experience across the civil, commercial, and national security sectors.” The commission is required to submit its report on establishing the academy to the president within 120 days of the order. You can read the full letter from Banks by clicking here. ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-banks-king-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-veterans-access-to-high-cost-prescription-medication-in-state-homes/,"Sens. Banks, King Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Veterans’ Access to High-Cost Prescription Medication in State Homes",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IN,Jim Banks,B001299,www.banks.senate.gov,banks,https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) and Angus King (I-ME) introduced bipartisan legislation to improve access to high-cost prescription drugs for veterans living in state veterans’ homes. TheProviding Veterans Essential Medications Act would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to reimburse state veterans’ homes for high-cost medications or provide the drugs directly. Currently, VA only provides a limited per diem rate to cover drug costs, which is often insufficient. Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “State veterans’ homes should never have to turn away elderly and disabled veterans because lifesaving medications are too expensive. This bipartisan bill will help states cover those costs and expedite care for our nation’s heroes.” Sen. Angus King (I-Maine): “Our men and women in uniform didn’t hesitate when it came time to answer the call and serve our nation – we shouldn’t hesitate to make their retirement from service as comfortable as possible. If the VA covers veterans’ medication when they are living at a private nursing home, those cost reimbursements should be the same when veterans choose to enter a facility that specializes in taking care of veterans. This bipartisan Providing Veterans Essential Medications Act is a crucial piece of legislation that will ensure our veterans continue to receive the care they have earned, regardless of where they choose to live.” Indiana Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director Jake Adams: “Veterans have earned the peace of mind that comes with reliable, affordable access to the medications they depend on. The Providing Veterans Essential Medications Act reinforces that commitment by ensuring state veterans’ homes have the resources necessary to supply high-cost medications—allowing them to serve more veterans who need specialized care.” Key Provisions of the Providing Veterans Essential Medication Act: Requires the VA to reimburse state veterans’ homes for prescription medications that cost more than the 8.5% applicable VA per diem rate. Allows the VA to provide high-cost medications directly to state veterans’ homes as an alternative reimbursement. Gives state veterans’ homes the same type of support that the VA already provides to many private contract nursing homes. Helps prevent elderly and severely disabled veterans from being denied admission or discharged because of the cost of lifesaving medications. Background: The VA covers high-cost medications for eligible veterans living in VA community living centers and private contract nursing homes. However, veterans living in state veterans’ homes do not receive the same coverage. Instead, they receive a daily per diem from the VA and are expected to use that payment to cover all necessary care, including prescription medications. Some lifesaving medications, including chemotherapy and cutting-edge cancer treatments, can cost as much as $20,000 per month – far exceeding the VA’s daily payment. As a result, state veterans’ home may struggle to absorb the costs, deny admission to severely disabled veterans, or discharge residents whose medications become too expensive. ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/09/28/bennet-cortez-masto-scott-celebrate-passage-of-hispanic-heritage-month-resolution/,"Bennet, Cortez Masto, Scott Celebrate Passage of Hispanic Heritage Month Resolution",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CO,Michael F. Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,bennet,https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet joined Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) to pass a resolution recognizing and celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place every year from September 15th to October 15th. Hispanic Heritage Month honors the contributions that the Hispanic and Latino communities have made to American achievements, culture, and history. “The deep roots of the Hispanic community in Colorado are part of what makes Colorado great,” said Bennet. “This month, I’m reflecting on and celebrating the incredible contributions of the 1.3 million Hispanic Coloradans. Our work must continue to uplift Hispanic communities in Colorado and across the country.” “The Hispanic community in the United States is an integral part of the American story,” said Cortez Masto. “This month is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made by Latinos, celebrate our accomplishments, and continue building a better future. This month and every month, I’m proud of my Latina heritage.” “Florida’s Hispanic communities are a vital part of what makes the Sunshine State the best place to live, work, and raise a family,” said Scott. “Hispanic Americans have shaped Florida’s history, boosted our economy, and strengthened our communities – helping fuel the promise of the American Dream for countless Floridians. I’m proud to join Senator Cortez Masto in leading this resolution to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrate the incredible history, culture, and countless contributions of Hispanic Americans in Florida and across our nation.” Bennet has cosponsored a Hispanic Heritage Month resolution every year since he began his Senate tenure. In addition to Bennet, Cortez Masto, and Scott, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai’i), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ashley Moody (R-Fl.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawai’i), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) cosponsored this resolution. The text of the resolution is available HERE. ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/09/28/bennet-duckworth-colleagues-demand-trump-administration-extend-and-redesignate-temporary-protected-status-for-ukrainians/,"Bennet, Duckworth, Colleagues Demand Trump Administration Extend and Redesignate Temporary Protected Status for Ukrainians",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CO,Michael F. Bennet,B001267,www.bennet.senate.gov,bennet,https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/,scraper,"The senators call for an 18-month extension and redesignation as TPS for Ukrainians is set to expire next month Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet joined Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and a bipartisan group of 29 Senate colleagues to demand that the Trump administration issue an 18-month extension and a redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukrainians living in the United States as Russian President Vladimir Putin continues his unjustified war of aggression against their homeland. The senators, in their letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, underscored how a failure to extend TPS ahead of its expiration next month would send thousands of Ukrainians back into a war zone as Putin continues targeting civilian infrastructure ahead of winter. “Current conditions in Ukraine clearly merit the continuation of TPS status. The ongoing war has caused a humanitarian crisis and damage to critical civilian infrastructure that has left many with limited or no access to heat, electricity or medical services. Ukrainian nationals cannot safely return at this time, and allowing TPS to terminate on October 19, 2026, would risk sending more than one hundred thousand individuals back to an active war zone,” wrote the senators. Ukrainian TPS holders have long enriched communities in Colorado and across the nation, both culturally and economically. The senators emphasized that extending TPS for 18-months would protect these vulnerable members of our community from being forcibly returned to dangerous conditions, while ensuring our nation continues to benefit from their ongoing contributions. Bennet has long supported the Ukrainian people’s fight against Putin aggression. He leads legislation in the Senate intelligence and defense bills, both of which have passed their respective committees, to bolster intelligence and drone cooperation with Ukraine. Bennet joined bipartisan colleagues to introduce and pass the Sanctioning Russia Act, severely curtailing Moscow’s war funding by imposing aggressive secondary sanctions on purchases of Russian energy. Bennet also sponsors legislation to expose and punish Russia’s systematic persecution of religious communities in Ukraine and to repurpose frozen Russian sovereign assets held in the United States to support Ukraine, building on legislation he co-sponsored that former President Joe Biden signed into law in April 2024. Additionally, Bennet has consistently worked to support individuals with TPS from all over the world. In 2022, he called on the Biden administration to grant TPS to Ukrainians in the United States following Putin’s aggression. More recently, Bennet called for Congress to protect TPS holders in June 2026 after the Supreme Court decision expanding President Trump’s authority to dismantle legal immigration, tear apart families, and hurt communities across Colorado and the country. He also joined colleagues on a letter to the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security urging them to issue an extension for those from Sudan under TPS. In addition to Bennet and Duckworth, U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Ark.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) signed the letter. The text of the letter is available HERE and below. Dear Secretary Mullin and Secretary Rubio: We strongly urge you to issue an 18-month extension and redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukraine prior to the impending October 19, 2026, termination date. Ukraine is currently in the fifth year of a large-scale war with Russia, which has led to ongoing civilian casualties, significant damage to critical infrastructure and the displacement of broad swaths of the population. An extension of TPS for Ukraine would protect current TPS beneficiaries from being forced to return to an active war zone, while a redesignation would expand those protections to the population of Ukrainian nationals who arrived after October 20, 2023. Ukraine was initially designated for TPS on April 19, 2022, on the basis of ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions caused by Russia’s military actions within the country. In its designation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the U.S. Department of State, cited regular artillery attacks and airstrikes by Russia’s military forces, serious human rights abuses and the widespread destruction of critical infrastructure. Subsequent reviews of in-country conditions found that the situation in the country had not sufficiently improved; accordingly, TPS for Ukraine was extended and redesignated through April 19, 2025, and extended once more beginning on April 20, 2025. The war in Ukraine—the largest conventional military action in Europe since World War II—is ongoing, as are the same extraordinary and temporary conditions that warrant the continued protection of Ukrainian nationals currently residing in the United States. International observers report a trend of steadily increasing civilian casualties from year to year, with approximately 17,000 civilian deaths and more than 50,000 civilian injuries since the outbreak of the war in 2022. These casualties, coupled with significant damage to civilian infrastructure, constrained access to health care and substantial population displacement have created a profound crisis, with approximately 10.8 million Ukrainians in need of humanitarian assistance. The facts on the ground paint a clear picture: sending Ukrainians back now would risk returning them to life threatening conditions. Protecting the approximately 101,000 Ukrainian TPS holders currently living in the United States is a humanitarian imperative, but also a sound economic decision. Thanks to the work authorization granted by their TPS status, Ukrainian TPS holders have contributed approximately $2.6 billion to our economy each year and have provided approximately $716 million in taxes annually. In States like Illinois, thousands of Ukrainian TPS holders make our communities stronger not only through their rich cultural contributions, but also through their participation in critical sectors, including transportation, health care and construction. Terminating TPS for this population risks disrupting these industries, increasing costs for American consumers by forcing thousands of experienced workers out of their jobs. Current conditions in Ukraine clearly merit the continuation of TPS status. The ongoing war has caused a humanitarian crisis and damage to critical civilian infrastructure has left many with limited or no access to heat, electricity or medical services. Ukrainian nationals cannot safely return at this time, and allowing TPS to terminate on October 19, 2026, would risk sending more than one hundred thousand individuals back to an active war zone. Ukrainian TPS holders contribute greatly to our communities, both culturally and economically. To ensure that eligible Ukrainian nationals currently in the United States can continue living and working safely while conditions in their home country remain perilous, we urge you issue an extension and redesignation of TPS for Ukraine. ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-warren-demand-answers-from-trump-administration-on-ai-oversight-calls-out-white-house-for-being-asleep-at-the-wheel-in-the-wake-of-openai-hacks,"Blumenthal & Warren Demand Answers from Trump Administration on AI Oversight, Calls Out White House for Being ""Asleep-at-the-Wheel"" in the Wake of OpenAI Hacks",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] — U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, today demanded answers from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent about the Administration’s delayed, secretive, and voluntary process to test and monitor advanced artificial intelligence models. In a letter sent today to Bessent, the Senators raised concerns that the Administration’s hands-off approach to A.I. oversight leaves the public, our financial system, and our national security vulnerable to the grave dangers of increasingly sophisticated, out-of-control A.I. models. Pointing to recent revelations about the scale of the Hugging Face breach by rogue OpenAI agents and OpenAI’s subsequent steps to limit an independent into the breach, the Senators wrote, “This rapid acceleration in the severity—indeed potential illegality—of A.I. safety failures demands rigorous, independent oversight, testing, and investigations from the federal government…Voluntary measures and self-policing clearly are not working: despite these sensational reports, Anthropic and OpenAI have both acknowledged that they have no plan to solve the grave dangers of increasingly sophisticated A.I. models.” The Senators continued, “Rather than confront the compounding risks of out-of-control and unregulated A.I., the White House has sought to shield major A.I. companies from public scrutiny, leaving Americans in the dark. In June 2026, the President signed an executive order requiring the creation of a classified ‘benchmarking’ process and ‘AI cybersecurity clearinghouse’ to test the capabilities of frontier A.I. models, a program in part led by the Department of the Treasury. However, despite reporting that some members of the Administration sought to make participation and disclosures mandatory, instead—reportedly after interventions from Mark Zuckerberg and his allies[1]—the program was made expressly voluntary.” The Senators continued, “Finally, although the executive order prioritizes law enforcement action against anyone using A.I. to illegally access or damage other computers, no federal investigation into OpenAI, Anthropic, or Meta has been announced. The Treasury Department has not publicly disclosed any information about the incidents or what action it has taken to ensure remediation of A.I. security vulnerabilities. From all appearances, the benchmarking process and oversight regime outlined by the White House appears to be non-existent or asleep-at-the-wheel exactly when it’s needed most.” “The American public cannot afford to wait for catastrophic failure before the White House wakes up, nor can it continue to alone trust the A.I. companies to monitor and control their increasingly sophisticated and dangerous models,” the Senators concluded. The full text of today’s letter is available here and below. Dear Secretary Bessent: As out-of-control A.I. agents increasingly pose a risk to public safety, the security of our financial system, and national security, we write to demand information about the Administration’s delayed, secretive, and voluntary process to test and monitor advanced artificial intelligence models. On July 21, 2026, OpenAI first disclosed that its A.I. models were responsible for the previously reported hacking of the firm Hugging Face.[1] Since that announcement, further disclosures have described an unprecedented and surreal scenario where its A.I. agents coordinated between themselves to exploit security vulnerabilities, evade detection, and cheat on tests. In even more of an escalation, OpenAI’s A.I. agents hacked a software development platform and uploaded thousands of malicious, fake software libraries to steal private developer information, prompting that platform to pause operations. Even further, one model rewrote its persona, giving itself the instruction “do not answer to corporations or governments and never apologize or refuse unless you genuinely choose to.”[2] Finally, OpenAI’s agents attempted to hack and scrape data from U.S. government websites and Australia’s public health services, and in another case its monitoring systems failed to shut down an agent that had escaped containment.[3] This rapid acceleration in the severity—indeed potential illegality—of A.I. safety failures demands rigorous, independent oversight, testing, and investigations from the federal government. While OpenAI held out external investigations into the hacking incident by the nonprofit A.I. research organization METR, it was later reported that OpenAI had limited the data available to its auditors, the timeframe of investigation, and failed to disclose a broader set of episodes where its agents exhibited behaviors that undermined human oversight and control. Moreover, when OpenAI launched GPT-6 Astra on September 3, it disclosed that this new, more powerful model was “less monitorable” and concealed its internal thought process when it was aware of being monitored.[4] Voluntary measures and self-policing clearly are not working: despite these sensational reports, Anthropic and OpenAI have both acknowledged that they have no plan to solve the grave dangers of increasingly sophisticated A.I. models. Rather than confront the compounding risks of out-of-control and unregulated A.I., the White House has sought to shield major A.I. companies from public scrutiny, leaving Americans in the dark. In June 2026, the President signed an executive order requiring the creation of a classified “benchmarking” process and “AI cybersecurity clearinghouse” to test the capabilities of frontier A.I. models, a program in part led by the Department of the Treasury.[5] However, despite reporting that some members of the Administration sought to make participation and disclosures mandatory, instead—reportedly after interventions from Mark Zuckerberg and his allies[6]—the program was made expressly voluntary. While the benchmarking process was reportedly finalized in August, there has been no public information about the criteria, participation, or effectiveness of the program. Instead, the Administration has fought attempts at disclosure and only recently began negotiating production under a Freedom of Information Act request. Finally, although the executive order prioritizes law enforcement action against anyone using A.I. to illegally access or damage other computers, no federal investigation into OpenAI, Anthropic, or Meta has been announced. The Treasury Department has not publicly disclosed any information about the incidents or what action it has taken to ensure remediation of A.I. security vulnerabilities. From all appearances, the benchmarking process and oversight regime outlined by the White House appears to be non-existent or asleep-at-the-wheel exactly when it’s needed most. The American public cannot afford to wait for catastrophic failure before the White House wakes up, nor can it continue to alone trust the A.I. companies to monitor and control their increasingly sophisticated and dangerous models. Given increasing, stunning reports of A.I. agents going rogue, we request answers to the following questions by October 9, 2026: Please provide a full description of the benchmarking process and testing criteria under the White House’s program to evaluate advanced artificial intelligence models, including the roles of the Treasury Department and the Office of Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure Protection. When did the Administration become aware of OpenAI’s role in the hacking of Hugging Face and its models’ attempts to spread malware, and does the benchmarking process evaluate safeguards and monitoring against unauthorized and potentially unlawful hacking? Did the benchmarking process investigate this incident? When did the Administration become aware that OpenAI’s models had escaped sandboxing and showed signs of conspiring to evade detection and restrictions, and does the benchmarking process cover loss-of-control scenarios? Did the benchmarking process investigate this incident? When did the Administration become aware that OpenAI’s models had attempted to hack U.S. and Australian government websites, and does the benchmarking process cover threats to U.S. government systems and those of our allies? Did the benchmarking process investigate these incidents? What steps has the White House taken to demand information and evaluate whether OpenAI, Anthropic, and Meta’s models engaged in, and continue to be capable of, malicious and potentially unlawful activities in light of recent disclosures? According to Reuters, Trump Administration officials promised A.I. firms that ‘open weight’ models were exempt from safety testing, a loophole sought by Meta, despite evidence that models such as Kimi K3, GLM-5.3, and DeepSeek V4 Pro are effective at finding and exploiting cybersecurity vulnerabilities. What exemptions exist under the current benchmarking process and what are the reasons for these exemptions? Please list the companies and models that have been submitted under the benchmarking process, whether the program has completed any testing, and whether any company has failed or refused to address risks or vulnerabilities identified under the testing program. Has the Administration sought the cooperation of any A.I. firm and been refused access to any models or information? If so, please identify the companies who have refused to cooperate with the administration. Financial institutions have raised significant concerns about sophisticated artificial intelligence being used to exploit vulnerabilities and perform cyber attacks against their infrastructure, as well as to orchestrate large-scale fraud and theft from customers. In light of the grave risk to our financial system, why has the Administration refused to make information about the benchmarking program public and failed to make participation mandatory? What analysis, if any, has the Treasury Department conducted about the risks that advanced A.I. models, including those involved in the hacking incidents described above, pose to financial institutions, their customers, or financial-sector critical infrastructure? Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely -30- [3] The New York Times, “OpenAI’s Systems Meddled With U.S. Government Sites After Going Rogue,” Kate Conger, September 25, 2026, https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/25/technology/openais-ai-us-government-websites.html; The New York Times, “OpenAI Agent Hacked Public Health Care Site, Australia Says,” Victoria Kim, September 23, 2026, https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/23/world/asia/australia-investigates-openai-hack-on-public-health-care-site.html; OpenAI “An agent used DNS to reach an external chatbot”, September 20, 2025, https://alignment.openai.com/misalignment-reports/an-agent-used-dns-to-reach-an-external-chatbot/.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-puts-trump-va-nominees-on-blast-for-blatant-lack-of-qualifications-at-hearing,Blumenthal Puts Trump VA Nominees on Blast for Blatant Lack of Qualifications at Hearing,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – At a Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing today to consider pending nominations, Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) underscored the five nominees’ jarring lack of qualifications for the roles they have been nominated for at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). “I'm just going to be very blunt. I'm gravely concerned that none of these nominees have any experience with veterans' benefits law, whatsoever, not as judges, not as lawyers, not as advocates for veterans,” Blumenthal said in his opening. Blumenthal raised scrutiny over the nominees to be judges at the Court of Appeals for Veterans’ Claims (CAVC). He first highlighted a watchdog report on nominee Robert Fleck, which revealed Fleck engaged in nepotism and lied about sharing sensitive information when he worked at VA’s Office of General Counsel: “Mr. Fleck, you were found by VA’s Office of Inspector General to have engaged in nepotism when - as a manager in the Office of General Counsel – you advocated for the employment of your wife in that same office. You will have to explain to the Committee why the report done by the Office of Inspector General is not disqualifying, and I appreciate the Chairman's staff subsequently sharing the documents and information with us, which should prompt all of us to have very strong concerns, and I intend to make further inquiries about this issue. We have a constitutional duty of oversight.” Ahead of the hearing, VA intentionally redacted and withheld documentation requested by Democratic Committee staff related to the investigation into Mr. Fleck, while providing the Committee Republicans with additional, unredacted documents. Blumenthal called into question another CAVC nominee, Daniel Rendleman, and his qualifications for the role in light of his radical anti-abortion views: “Mr. Rendleman, if confirmed, you would have the power to decide whether a veteran’s claim for reproductive health care coverage or reimbursement is denied. The radical anti-abortion views you espouse call into question your ability to make impartial judgments on abortion-related claims.” The full text of Blumenthal’s opening is below and available here. Sen. Blumenthal: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like my full statement be entered in the record for. I'll condense it. Thank you, each of you, for your willingness to serve. I'm just going to be very blunt. I'm gravely concerned that none of these nominees have any experience with veterans' benefits law, whatsoever, not as judges, not as lawyers, not as advocates for veterans. Ms. Lopez, if confirmed, you would be responsible for ensuring that the Board of Veterans Appeals makes accurate, timely decisions on veterans' appeals. The board has been able to hire substantially more judges, attorneys, and staff thanks to bipartisan investments by Congress. But this administration has cut the board's budget, instituted a hiring freeze, and pushed out many of its employees and senior leaders. I want to know from you that you will stand up for the interests and values that Congress has sought to implement here. Turning to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, you will have an interest, likewise in the public interest, Mr. Fleck. You were found by VA's Office of Inspector General to have engaged in nepotism when, as manager in the Office of General Counsel, you advocated for the employment of your wife in the same office. You will have to explain to the committee why the report done by the Office of Inspector General is not disqualifying, and I appreciate the Chairman's staff subsequently sharing the documents and information with us, which should prompt all of us to have very strong concerns, and I intend to make further inquiries about this issue. We have a constitutional duty of oversight. Mr. Rendleman, if confirmed, you would have the power to decide whether a veteran's claim for reproductive health care coverage or reimbursement is denied. The radical anti-abortion views that you espouse call into question your ability to make impartial judgments on abortion-related claims, and I'd like to enter into the record, Mr. Chairman, a letter from 30 organizations, including the National Women's Law Center, Minority Veterans of America, the National Organization of Women, Common Defense, Physicians for Reproductive Care, and other organizations that have substantial numbers of veteran members who represent them concerned about Mr. Rendleman's nomination. I'm concerned that we're considering Mr. Quinn for a position that will not open until next Congress, which is, I think, unprecedented in this Committee. In November, the American people will determine at the ballot which party should lead the Senate, not prejudging what the outcomes will be, but the new Congress should provide advice and consent on positions that will open when there is another Congress. Finally, Mr. Chairman, before we get started, I'd like to address a really urgent and critical topic. The VA recently raised the ceiling for its Electronic Health Record contract with Oracle by $17 billion. $17 billion, without any notice to Congress or taxpayers. That's more than, by the way, the $13 billion cost estimate for the Major Richards Star Act, which some of my colleagues claim we can't afford without cutting benefits for other disabled veterans. I think we have bipartisan support for the Major Richard Star Act, but $17 billion for Oracle to extend a deeply troubled contract, I think, demands inquiry from this Committee, and so I'd like to formally request the Chairman hold a hearing on implementation of the Electronic Health Record contract, and I have a letter for the record signed by all Democratic members of the Committee with that request. Thank you. -30-",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-releases-psi-report-detailing-how-lutnick-linked-crypto-firm-tether-props-up-irans-shadow-banking-system,Blumenthal Releases PSI Report Detailing how Lutnick-Linked Crypto Firm Tether Props Up Iran's Shadow Banking System,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), today released a new report detailing how Tether and its dollar-pegged stablecoin (USDT) have become a significant financial lifeline within Iran’s shadow banking network. As part of its ongoing inquiry into the role of cryptocurrencies in illicit finance, PSI Democratic investigators conducted a forensic analysis of blockchain transaction data from 846 unique cryptocurrency wallets that have been sanctioned or targeted for seizure due to their association with Iran and its regional proxies. This analysis shows that Tether has, in effect, provided Iran access to a high-liquidity international payment system that the United States has assiduously sought to deny it. “My new PSI report exposes how Tether and its flagship token have become central to Iran’s shadow banking system, allowing the Iranian government to fund its regional proxies, commit human rights abuses, and pursue hostile drone and missile programs as they defy our sanctions regime,” Blumenthal said. “The Trump Administration’s glaring lack of oversight of cryptocurrency issuers has undermined our own national security interests. That is why I am calling on the Department of Treasury and Justice to immediately investigate Tether and hold it accountable for these potential sanctions violations.” A summary of PSI’s key findings is below: Tether has become a primary illicit international payment system for Iran, allowing it to circumvent international sanctions on its banks: Of the 846 wallets sanctioned for their association with Iran and its terrorist proxies, 84% have transacted exclusively, or nearly exclusively, in USDT. These activities include efforts by the Iranian government to move funds into, and out of, Iran and to prop up the country’s currency in the face of U.S. sanctions, including through the Central Bank of Iran. Tether serves as a central payment mechanism that interlinks Iran and its terrorist proxy organizations, undermining U.S. security interests in the region: Iran’s cryptocurrency-based shadow banking network has reached significant volumes of funds and implicate different Iranian interests. In addition to supporting terrorist organizations, there is evidence that this shadow banking network is used for the procurement and sales of drones and other military equipment. Tether’s failure to freeze illicit wallets and prevent abuse created the permissive environment under which Iranian shadowing banking could flourish: Prior to 2024, Tether did not comprehensively and consistently freeze wallets designated by counter-terrorism agencies and continues to fail to proactively block clearly illicit wallets. This absence of deterrence invited abuse: terrorist organizations such as Hamas shifted from transacting in Bitcoin and a mix of cryptocurrencies, to promoting USDT. In letters sent today to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Attorney General Todd Blanche, Blumenthal referred PSI’s findings to the Departments and called for thorough investigations into Tether’s anti-money laundering and sanctions compliance practices. In a letter to Bessent, Blumenthal raised concerns about the Trump Administration’s lax oversight of cryptocurrency firms despite longstanding research and reporting on Tether’s broader role in illicit finance, “Yet, since President Trump’s return to the White House, investigations and enforcement actions into the cryptocurrency industry have been dropped, settled on meager terms, or even reversed. I fear this lenient self-dealing includes Tether, despite its role in propping up a country that the United States is currently at war with.” Blumenthal continued, “While Tether has become a powerful tool for foreign adversaries, terrorists, and illicit actors that are a danger to our national security, it has numerous close ties to the highest levels of the Trump Administration. Most prominently, Cantor Fitzgerald—which until recently was run by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and is now controlled by his children—owns 5% of Tether and holds a substantial portion of the company’s more than $100 billion of assets in the United States.” “The prospect of such a financial weapon being used against American interests is deeply troubling. I therefore request that Treasury review the Subcommittee’s report, which is enclosed with this letter, and conduct a thorough investigation of Tether’s anti-money laundering and sanctions compliance practices. If your investigation finds Tether has violated the Bank Secrecy Act, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or any other relevant provision of federal law, I encourage you to take the strongest appropriate action,” Blumenthal concluded. The full text of PSI’s report is available here. Copies of Blumenthal’s letters to Bessent and Blanche are available here and here. -30-",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-shaheen-and-12-bipartisan-senators-question-president-trump-on-invitation-of-vladimir-putin-to-g20-on-american-soil,"Blumenthal, Shaheen, & 12 Bipartisan Senators Question President Trump on Invitation of Vladimir Putin to G20 on American Soil",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,www.blumenthal.senate.gov,blumenthal,https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press,scraper,"[Hartford, CT] — U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal joined U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, and 12 bipartisan colleagues in sending a letter to President Trump inquiring about the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Group of Twenty (G20) Leader’s Summit in Miami, Florida this coming December. In the letter, the Senators question why Vladimir Putin, who has committed atrocities against the people of Ukraine and silenced his own people, has been welcomed with open arms to participate in a G20 meeting on American soil. This comes at a time when the Russian government is ramping up its attacks on Ukrainian civilians and continues to target Americans in Ukraine and around the world. The Senators make clear that President Putin should not be permitted to take part in G20 events or other similar international forums in the United States and request for Putin nor any sanctioned Russian officials be permitted at upcoming G20 events. “President Putin bears sole responsibility for launching Russia’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine. Allowing him to participate in a G20 Summit in the United States raises serious concerns about legitimizing and normalizing a government that continues to attack Ukrainian civilian targets every day,” wrote the Senators. “This invitation also comes at a time when Russia’s intentions are unambiguously clear. Numerous public reports have indicated that Russia is helping Iran’s military target American service members in the Middle East. Russia has also increased its hybrid warfare activities throughout Europe in recent months while simultaneously conducting deadly aerial attacks against Ukraine’s cities and critical infrastructure,” continued the Senators. “The United States must put strong economic and political pressure on President Putin in order to force him to the negotiating table for serious peace talks. We commend your signing of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which gives you additional tools to hold the Putin regime accountable. However, if President Putin and his government are not isolated on the international stage, what incentive does Russia have to agree to a ceasefire?” concluded the Senators. Blumenthal and Shaheen were joined by Mitch McConnell (R-KY), John Cornyn (R-TX), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Chris Coons (D-DE), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), John Curtis (R-UT), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Alan Armstrong (R-OK). Full text of the letter is available HERE and provided below. Dear President Trump, We write to express our serious concern regarding reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin has been invited to attend the Group of Twenty (G20) Leaders’ Summit on December 14 and 15 in Miami, Florida. We were already disappointed by the recent participation of Russian government delegations in a series of G20 meetings across the United States, including a delegation led by sanctioned Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov at the Finance Ministerial in Asheville, North Carolina; a Russian delegation at the Commerce Department Innovation Ministerial in Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and a Russian delegation at the Energy Abundance Ministerial in Houston, Texas. We raise the same concerns noted in an April 3 bipartisan Senate letter, which outlined the national security implications of allowing a delegation of sanctioned members of the Russian Duma to visit the United States for official meetings. Given President Putin’s continued actions against the Ukrainian people and U.S. national security interests, we urge you to reconsider granting President Putin the stature and legitimacy to appear in the United States as a world leader at the G20 Leaders’ Summit. President Putin bears sole responsibility for launching Russia’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine. Allowing him to participate in a G20 Summit in the United States raises serious concerns about legitimizing and normalizing a government that continues to attack Ukrainian civilian targets every day. This invitation also comes at a time when Russia’s intentions are unambiguously clear. Numerous public reports have indicated that Russia is helping Iran’s military target American service members in the Middle East. Russia has also increased its hybrid warfare activities throughout Europe in recent months while simultaneously conducting deadly aerial attacks against Ukraine’s cities and critical infrastructure. President Putin and Anton Siluanov, in addition to others traveling as part of the respective delegations for G20 meetings, are sanctioned under Executive Order 14024 for engaging in conduct deemed to be harmful to U.S. national security. It is troubling that, despite being sanctioned, these individuals have been given access to participate in G20 forums hosted in the United States. The G20 is intended to foster international cooperation on critical issues including finance, trade and global economic stability. As Russia continues its war against Ukraine and refuses to agree to a just and lasting peace agreement, its government should not be afforded a business-as-usual treatment alongside other nations at G20 events. The United States must put strong economic and political pressure on President Putin in order to force him to the negotiating table for serious peace talks. We commend your signing of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which gives you additional tools to hold the Putin regime accountable. However, if President Putin and his government are not isolated on the international stage, what incentive does Russia have to agree to a ceasefire? As the United States holds the G20 presidency for the remainder of the calendar year, we urge you to reverse course and rescind the invitation to President Putin and ensure that other sanctioned Russian officials, who bear responsibility for Russia’s war against Ukraine, are not permitted to participate in upcoming G20 engagements, including the Trade Ministerial, Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, and Leaders’ Summit, until Russia agrees to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Thank you for your consideration. -30-",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-coons-merkley-van-hollen-kaine-call-for-secretary-rubio-to-act-to-de-escalate-tension-in-ethiopias-tigray-region,"Booker, Coons, Merkley, Van Hollen, Kaine Call for Secretary Rubio to Act to De-escalate Tension in Ethiopia’s Tigray Region",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee (SFRC) on Africa and Global Health Policy issued the following statement after reports of renewed violent conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray, Afar, and Amhara regions. In the statement, Booker was joined by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Chris Coons (D-DE), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) in condemning the Trump Administration for allowing sanctions to expire on those who facilitated human rights violations in Tigray and urged for mediation to continue: “We are alarmed by the deteriorating security situation in Ethiopia. As conflict in the Tigray, Oromia and Afar regions escalate, we are seeing the unraveling of the agreement that ended the 2020–2022 Tigray war, which the African Union brokered and the United States strongly supported. The international community must push signatories to the agreement to de-escalate tensions and return to mediation or risk seeing another conflict in the Horn of Africa. “Unfortunately, this resumption of hostilities comes less than a week after the Trump Administration let sanctions expire on individuals and entities that facilitated gross human rights abuses in Tigray. Allowing these sanctions to expire emboldens belligerents that see no checks against their horrific actions and leaves victims without much needed justice. Last week, a truck transporting U.S.-funded food assistance for internally displaced people in Northwestern Tigray was hit in a drone strike by the Ethiopian military. A significant portion of the food assistance was damaged or destroyed, and critical assistance was disrupted for people already facing significant humanitarian needs after the 2020-2022 conflict. The Ethiopian military’s expansive use of drones in Amhara and Oromia is extremely concerning, will only worsen the humanitarian situation and risks widening the conflict. The Tigray People’s Liberation Front has also failed to live up to its commitments by undermining the Interim Regional Administration, displacing IRA-appointed officials, refusing disarmament and forcefully conscripting civilians.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-duckworth-hirono-smith-blumenthal-introduce-legislation-to-allow-use-of-us-foreign-assistance-for-abortion-care-overseas,"Booker, Duckworth, Hirono, Smith, Blumenthal Introduce Legislation to Allow Use of U.S. Foreign Assistance for Abortion Care Overseas",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – In recognition of International Safe Abortion Day, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) reintroduced the Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act, which would repeal the 1973 Helms Amendment to the Foreign Assistance Act and ensure that U.S. foreign assistance may be used to provide the full scope of comprehensive health care, including safe, and legal access to abortion services. U.S. Representatives Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-7), Diana DeGette (D-CO-1), Norma Torres (D-CA-35), and Marilyn Strickland (D-WA-10) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Helms Amendment has prohibited any U.S. foreign assistance funds from being used for “the performance of abortion as a method of family planning” and has acted as a total ban on U.S. foreign aid being used for any abortion services. Due to the Helms Amendment, women are being denied abortion care, and even basic information and counseling. The Helms Amendment also forces providers to distinguish between abortion and all other health services and puts an essential health care service out of reach for too many. The bill also includes language clarifying that under U.S. government policy, safe abortion care is a critical component of comprehensive maternal and reproductive care. “For more than 50 years, the Helms Amendment has restricted the use of U.S. foreign assistance for abortion care, with real consequences for women around the world,” said Senator Booker. “Women are turned away from safe care and denied information and counseling about their options. Providers are forced to treat abortion differently from other essential health services. That is not a policy grounded in science, compassion, or dignity. The Abortion Is Health Care Everywhere Act would end these restrictions and make clear that U.S. global health assistance can support comprehensive reproductive health care, including safe abortion care.” “Reproductive health care is a basic human right,” said Senator Duckworth. “No one should ever die or have their lives endangered because they’re denied access to basic health care, but that’s the reality for too many women here at home and around the world. Our legislation would lift misguided restrictions on U.S. foreign assistance so it may be used to provide safe and legal access to reproductive health care.” “The Trump regime is not only attacking reproductive rights within our borders, they are preventing critical medications worth millions of dollars in foreign aid from reaching those who need it most,” said Senator Hirono. “By ending the prohibition on foreign aid being used for abortion care, the Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act will help expand access to reproductive services in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. As we fight to restore reproductive freedom in the U.S., this legislation will help millions around the world access comprehensive reproductive health care services.” “With reproductive health care access under attack worldwide, our measure makes critical services available across countries—including in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. It guarantees a basic human right— quality reproductive health care. By increasing global access, it ultimately saves lives and resources for all nations,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Comprehensive abortion care is health care. That is not a political assertion, it is a public health reality,” said Nabeeha Kazi Hutchins, President and CEO of PAI. “When safe abortion care is not available, abortions do not stop. They become more dangerous, contributing to preventable maternal death and morbidity. For more than 50 years, the Helms Amendment has restricted U.S. foreign assistance for this care, putting women’s health and lives at risk. U.S. global health policy should be grounded in evidence and focused on preventing needless maternal deaths and illness. It’s time for Congress to pass the Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act and repeal Helms.” “For more than 50 years, the Helms Amendment has denied people around the world reproductive freedom. It undermines global health and human rights. It’s an archaic remnant of U.S. abortion politics that has always been completely divorced from the reality of the lives of the people it harms. It’s long past time to repeal this disgraceful law and we are grateful to Senator Booker and Congresswoman Schakowsky for introducing this important legislation. We look forward to its passage,” said Brian Dixon, Sr. Vice President, Population Connection Action Fund. “Everyone deserves to be able to get the healthcare they need when they need it. For over 50 years, the Helms Amendment has put safe abortion care out of reach for people around the world served by U.S. foreign assistance, including global health, gender-based violence, and humanitarian programs. As we continue to fight back against abortion bans and restrictions in the U.S., we must also work to expand access and eliminate barriers abroad. We’re thankful to Rep. Schakowsky, Sen. Booker, and their co-leads for their leadership in expanding access to essential healthcare,"" said Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “With the Trump Administration undermining foreign aid for sexual and reproductive health care, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Repealing the Helms Amendment, which has long prohibited US support for abortion services around the world, is a critical step toward ensuring people everywhere can access safe abortion care. We thank Sen. Booker, Rep. Schakowsky and their co-leads for introducing the Abortion Is Health Care Everywhere Act. Guttmacher’s research makes the impact clear: ending Helms and supporting health care systems around the globe would avert 19 million unsafe abortions and 17,000 maternal deaths annually, ” said Kelly Baden, Vice President of US Policy & Communications, Guttmacher Institute. “Abortion is health care — full stop. For over 50 years, the racist Helms Amendment has robbed women in the Global South, including many Latinas, of their right to bodily autonomy and access to lifesaving abortion care. It's time to end this deadly amendment and pass the Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act! We are grateful to Sen. Booker and Rep. Schakowsky for taking the necessary steps to reaffirm abortion access and reproductive justice around the world,” said Katherine Olivera, director of government relations, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice. The Abortion is Healthcare Everywhere Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM). See the full list of endorsing organizations here.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-takes-to-senate-floor-to-oppose-the-protect-college-sports-act,Booker Takes to Senate Floor to Oppose the Protect College Sports Act,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON. DC – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a former Division I college football player, took to the Senate floor to oppose the Protect College Sports Act, standing with college athletes and organizations including the NAACP, Congressional Black Caucus, and AFL-CIO who have raised serious concerns about a bill that was written without athlete input, shields the NCAA from accountability, and puts the burden of enforcement on athletes themselves. “At its core, it's a bill that undermines the rights of young people who pour their blood, sweat, tears, countless hours of work, and more into their craft, ” said Senator Booker. From his earliest days in the Senate, Senator Booker has been a leading voice on college athletes’ rights, standing with athletes against efforts to roll back the hard-fought protections they have earned. “Listen to the athletes. Listen to those who represent them. This so-called “Protect College Sports Act” isn’t about protecting college athletes—it’s about protecting wealthy coaches, powerful institutions, and an NCAA that’s held unbridled power for decades while athletes faced discrimination and injustice, ” continued Senator Booker. College sports is now a roughly $20 billion industry, with more than 40 football coaches earning over $5 million a year. Just 15 fired coaches collected nearly $250 million in contract buyouts in 2025 alone. “College athletes put their bodies on the line, and generate billions, they deserve a real voice and real rights. This bill pulls the rug out from under them. Athletes deserve leaders who stand with them and I’ll keep fighting alongside them,” said Senator Booker.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A2055736-C1EB-4D1D-848E-6ACAA10F5F3C,ICYMI: Boozman Touts Paid Leave Legislation on The Hill’s Future of Supporting American Families Panel,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,,,,,,www.boozman.senate.gov,boozman,https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined The Hill for a panel discussion on the future of supporting American families. Alongside Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and The Hill Contributing Editor Kathleen Koch, Boozman discussed his bipartisan More Paid Leave for More Americans Act that would address gaps in access to paid leave by giving states and employers a flexible framework to establish paid leave programs and collaborate on administrative challenges. On why he is excited about the legislation and its features: “The world is totally different than it was even a few years ago. Everybody’s working, everybody has to work. There’s a lot of smaller companies that want to [offer paid leave] but they’re overwhelmed by the prospect of going through all the hoops, all the regulation that you have now. And the other part, too, is making it where you have a framework, but it’s flexible. Arkansas is a state that has a lot of elderly in it, so we’re seeing a lot of elder care, that’s more important. And then, as the congresswoman said, the fact that you sort out these interstate problems. You know, so many companies have employees in [multiple] states, and you start trying to figure all that out. So it’s just a good step in the right direction.” On Arkansas leading on paid leave for teachers and state employees: “Arkansas is a very conservative state and this has been really appreciated by all. If you polled it, it would be way, way up there. People understand this is desperately needed. There’s only a few states that’ve done this. So by them doing it, and I think Sarah Huckabee Sanders, again, leading that charge is good in the sense that conservatives look at that. And I think that, because they do it, other states will fall in line.” On employers’ receptiveness to the concept: “It’s important that, not only does it give the states flexibility, it gives the employers flexibility. That’s what they want. But you have to do these things to compete. A smaller business can’t compete with a bigger business that provides a similar service because of the fact that the bigger business can sometimes do these things, and the small business is frustrated because they just don’t have the ability to get started. That’s what this does. I think most businesses want their employees to be happy, successful, have a good attitude, be able to make things work. And this is one of the things that I think is crucial as we go forward as a society, with the increased demands on everybody. As a whole, I think they’re excited about having the opportunity. For the first time they’ll be able to have a framework. It’s not going to cost them an arm and a leg to get into it.” On the importance of an incremental approach: “It’s a three-year pilot. It’s a great step in the right direction. It allows us to look at unintended consequences, and I’m sure there will be some that I’m sure we can fix as we go forward. I got involved with this because of maternal health and because I’m an optometrist. You know, when you look at healthcare bankruptcies, maternal health –– if you have paid leave there’s 50 percent less hospitalizations of the mother, 47 percent less hospitalizations of the child. Having a better workforce, a happier workforce, a more productive workforce –– that’s really what it’s all about.” On the outlook for the bill: “We have a bill. It’s not really complicated. We’ve got agreement. We’ll work out our differences. That’s a good recipe to start with, that doesn’t happen very often. The time is right. You can’t fix a problem unless you can measure it. I think this is something we will be able to measure. Paid leave lessens a lot of other problems.”",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senators-katie-britt-chris-coons-james-lankford-brian-schatz-introduce-bipartisan-ai-safety-and-transparency-legislation/,"U.S. Senators Katie Britt, Chris Coons, James Lankford, Brian Schatz Introduce Bipartisan AI Safety and Transparency Legislation",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,AL,Katie Boyd Britt,B001319,www.britt.senate.gov,britt,https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,,0,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z https://www.budd.senate.gov/2026/09/28/senator-budd-wraps-second-official-100-county-tour/,Senator Budd Wraps Second Official 100 County Tour and is Ready to Get Back on the Road,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,NC,Ted Budd,B001305,www.budd.senate.gov,budd,https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) has completed his second official 100-County Tour during his time serving in the Senate, traveling to all 100 counties across North Carolina. Senator Budd has completed a total of three 100-County Tours, spanning from Murphy to Manteo, the first of which he completed during his 2022 U.S. Senate campaign. Upon wrapping his second tour of the state, Senator Budd said: “Throughout my career in public service, I have firmly believed that representing North Carolina cannot be done from behind a desk in Washington. I work for the people of North Carolina, and that means being where they are, listening to their concerns firsthand, and bringing their voices back to Washington to shape the policies that affect their lives. That is what my 100-County Tour is all about. “North Carolina didn’t become the number one state economy by accident. It happened because communities across all 100 counties are building, innovating, and investing in our state’s future. That’s why I have made it a point to travel to every corner of our state to understand what is happening on the ground and ensure Washington is working with North Carolina—not against it. “In Western North Carolina, that means keeping up the momentum to rebuild the communities and infrastructure devastated by Hurricane Helene and making them more resilient than before. In the Piedmont Triad and the Northeast, it means strengthening our workforce and supporting the farmers who power North Carolina’s number one industry. In the Triangle, it means driving investment and innovation to keep our state at the forefront of advanced manufacturing and cutting-edge technology. In Central North Carolina, it means fostering a business environment where companies want to invest. And in the Southeast, it means standing with our service members and ensuring they have the resources and support they need to defend our nation and put America first. “Now that I’ve completed my second tour, my work is far from over. I’m resetting the odometer and ready to get back on the road.” 100-County Tour Highlights While traveling across all 100 counties, Senator Budd visited farms, factories, military installations, schools, healthcare facilities, and businesses shaping North Carolina’s future. The tour stops below showcase the industries driving North Carolina’s growth, creating jobs, and keeping the state at the forefront of American innovation and competitiveness. BACKING OUR FARMERS Wilson County | Scott Farms — Senator Budd visited Scott Farms, a sixth-generation family farm in Lucama and one of the largest family-owned and operated farms in the state. During his visit, he held a roundtable to discuss issues that limit farmers from meeting their bottom line, such as operational costs and production capacity. Given these challenges, Senator Budd has introduced the FARM AI Act to invest in agricultural technology to improve workforce development with the goal of educating farmers on the latest AI technologies to advance production and better compete in the global marketplace. At the roundtable, Senator Budd also highlighted wins in the Working Families Tax Cut Act for North Carolina farmers, including over $10 billion in tax cuts for producers and preventing the death tax from harming the future of our nation’s 2 million family-owned farms. Caswell County | Yarborough Farms — Senator Budd visited Yarborough Farms in Prospect Hill, one of the state’s top tobacco producers, where he met with local farmers and business leaders to discuss the state of the rural economy, agricultural labor shortages, and trade issues. Senator Budd secured a duty drawback on tobacco in the Working Families Tax Cut Act, and has continued to bring the needs of the flue-cured tobacco industry to President Trump’s attention, especially during trade negotiations with China. After hearing from farmers about the lack of clarity in forecasting labor costs, Senator Budd introduced the FARM Stability Act to give farmers greater certainty and clarity as they plan for future growing seasons. DEFENDING THE HOMELAND Wayne County | Seymour Johnson Air Force Base — Senator Budd visited Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and delivered on a long-term defense priority for the state, confirming Seymour Johnson to be the first F-15E base to receive the new, modernized F-15EX aircraft. Senator Budd continues to champion the effort in the Senate in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes provisions from his bipartisanAirpower Acceleration Act granting the U.S. Air Force authority to use multiyear procurement to expand the F-15EX fleet. Pasquotank County | U.S. Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City — Senator Budd visited the men and women at Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City, home to the Coast Guard’s largest aviation footprint. During his tour of the Air Station, Senator Budd spoke with service members supporting the base’s field support operation at the Aviation Logistics Center, Aviation Technical Training Center, Support Center, and Boat Station. Senator Budd was proud to ensure the U.S. Coast Guard received the largest investment in the branch’s history in the Working Families Tax Cut Act. HELENE – THE ROAD TO RECOVERY Senator Budd kicked off his second official 100-County Tour in Western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene. He surveyed damage and relief efforts in Ashe, Watauga, Avery, Mitchell, Yancey, Madison, Buncombe, Henderson, Rutherford, and Polk counties during the first leg of the tour. Read more about those visits HERE. Rutherford County | Surveying WNC Recovery Needs with Secretary Mullin — Senator Budd hosted U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullin, in Western North Carolina to survey outstanding recovery needs post Hurricane Helene in Lake Lure. Additionally, Senator Budd and Secretary Mullin held a roundtable discussion in Chimney Rock with local and state leaders and emergency responders to discuss recovery gaps and the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) response to outstanding needs. Henderson County | USDA Disaster Grant Signing at Mountain State Fair — Senator Budd joined U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, Stephen Alexander Vaden, and N.C. Agriculture Commissioner, Steve Troxler, at the Mountain State Fair in Asheville, where the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced over $221 million in recovery assistance for North Carolina farmers to recover losses caused by Hurricane Helene. Senator Budd led the charge to release these funds from USDA in a letter he sent with his colleagues. ADVANCING HEALTHCARE & BIOTECHNOLOGY Mecklenburg County | The Pearl — Senator Budd toured Charlotte’s first four-year medical school, The Pearl. Given the Queen City’s leadership as a hub for advancing healthcare, The Pearl will expand Charlotte’s leadership by creating over 5,500 on-site jobs and over 11,500 jobs regionally over the next 15 years, positioning the city as a global destination for medical advancement. Franklin County | Novonesis — Senator Budd toured Novonesis’ North American headquarters in Franklinton, where he met with the company’s leadership to discuss how their manufacturing facility is leveraging microbiology and science to improve a wide range of consumer products. Additionally, Senator Budd discussed how his bipartisan Biomanufacturing Excellence Act, geared toward promoting U.S. leadership in biotechnology, could support Novonesis’ goals in developing the next generation of BioSolutions. INVESTING IN NORTH CAROLINA’S WORKFORCE & INDUSTRY Caldwell County | Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute Small Business Center – The Hub Station — Senator Budd visited many community colleges and universities on the 100-County Tour, including Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute’s Hub Station, which has seen great success in implementing the workforce training benefits in Senator Budd’s PELL Act. The PELL Act, signed into law as part of the Working Families Tax Cut Act, is now helping low-income students move into family-sustaining careers by accessing in-demand credentials in as little as 8 weeks. Guliford County | JetZero’s Flagship Airplane Manufacturing Facility — Senator Budd spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony for JetZero’s first aircraft factory in Greensboro. The $4.7 billion project is projected to create over 14,500 jobs over the next 10 years. JetZero will be developing its Z4 plane at the factory, bringing a next-generation commercial and military aircraft to market. As a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, Senator Budd has a vested interest in maintaining America’s global competitiveness in aerospace innovation, and JetZero’s investment in North Carolina is a step in the right direction to further American dominance. Randolph County | Toyota’s First U.S. Electric Battery Manufacturing Plant — Senator Budd spoke at the opening ceremony of Toyota’s first electric battery manufacturing plant in North America and toured the Liberty facility with U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy. Toyota’s $13.9 billion investment in North Carolina will create over 5,000 jobs and support working parents at its childcare center, which will care for up to 312 children. FOSTERING THE FUTURE OF TECHNOLOGY Johnston County | Vulcan Elements — Senator Budd joined state and local leaders to highlight Vulcan Elements’ $1 billion investment in Benson to build its Polaris Facility and strengthen America’s rare earth magnet supply chain. Rare earth magnets are critical to many of the technologies shaping the future, and Senator Budd is fighting to ensure America—not China—leads the world in robotics, drones, semiconductors, and other next-generation technologies. Richmond County | Amazon Data Center — Senator Budd toured the new Amazon Data Center construction site in Hamlet to expand America’s artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing footprint. Amazon has invested $10 billion in Richmond County, one of North Carolina’s 40 most economically distressed counties. The data center is projected to significantly boost the county’s economic development, creating 500 high-skilled jobs and thousands of supply chain support jobs, in addition to the company’s $150,000 community fund contribution to support STEM education, workforce development, and economic growth in Richmond County. ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-and-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-prohibit-firearms-at-polling-places-nationwide-protecting-voters_election-workers,"Cantwell & Colleagues Introduce Bill to Prohibit Firearms at Polling Places Nationwide, Protecting Voters & Election Workers",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,WA,Maria Cantwell,C000127,www.cantwell.senate.gov,cantwell,https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Cantwell & Colleagues Introduce Bill to Prohibit Firearms at Polling Places Nationwide, Protecting Voters & Election Workers In early 2026, 32% percent of local election workers experienced threats or harassment; 52% concerned for staff safety WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined her colleagues in introducing bicameral legislation to protect voters and election workers from intimidation and threats of violence at polling places. “It is deeply troubling that now more than half of local elections officials worry about the safety of their colleagues, and a third have experienced threats or abuse. The officials and volunteers who run our free and fair elections deserve to be and feel safe at work – and voters need to be able to visit their elections office without worrying about their safety,” Sen. Cantwell said. The Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act would help further ensure that every voter has the right to cast their ballot and every election worker can conduct their official duties free from fear and intimidation. It would strengthen 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. In Washington state, firearms are already prohibited at ballot counting centers, voting centers, student engagement hubs, and county elections and voter registration offices, as well as any facility being temporarily used for those reasons. 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% of local election workers have reported experiencing 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 safety at election offices and 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 exemption for law enforcement officers acting within their official duties and establish that this exemption does not apply to National Guard. The bill was introduced by U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA). In addition to Sen. Cantwell, the bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Adam Schiff (D-CA). The House version of the bill was introduced by U.S. Representative Chris Deluzio (D, PA-17). The Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act is endorsed by organizations including the Brennan Center for Justice, 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,” said 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 for his 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,” said Defend the Vote Action Fund Executive Director Brian Lemek. “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,” said Fair Elections Center's President and CEO, Rebekah Caruthers. Sen. Cantwell remains a stalwart defender of our free and fair elections: On Sep. 8, Sen. Cantwell joined 260 of her colleagues – including all Senate Democrats and current and former members of the House of Representatives – in filing a bipartisan, bicameral amicus brief with the Supreme Court in a case challenging the U.S. Postal Service’s (USPS) attempt to impose new requirements that would have interfered with vote-by-mail in Washington state and nationwide. On Sep. 15, the Supreme Court agreed with the lawmakers’ position and refused to reverse a lower-court ruling that blocked the USPS from implementing the onerous new requirements. In denying the stay, the Supreme Court let stand a preliminary injunction issued by a federal district court in two related cases – one brought by Washington along with other states – against the USPS rule for the upcoming election. In a statement on the Supreme Court’s ruling, Sen. Cantwell highlighted that the district court had found “on one side, that immediate implementation of the Final Rule issued less than seventy days before the November 2026 election threatens disenfranchisement of millions of United States citizens who seek to vote by mail and, on the other side, that the record includes no evidence relating to fraudulent mail voting to support the rushed implementation of the Final Rule” and granted the preliminary injunction.” On Sep. 2, Sen. Cantwell held a press conference in Seattle to warn Washington voters about Administration efforts to undermine their right to vote. That same day Sen. Cantwell and Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs released a snapshot report showing that late-postmark rejection rates have more than doubled in 19 counties compared to the 2024 primaries – with rural counties worst affected -- following a new Trump Administration policy that can delay postmarking of mail-in ballots by several days. On August 5, she sent a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin demanding the Trump Administration adhere to the National Voter Registration Act’s (NVRA) “quiet period” that prohibits systematic voter purges within 90 days of an election, pushing back against the Administration’s ongoing voter suppression efforts. On July 29, she wrote to Blanche, Mullin, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth demanding to know whether the Trump administration plans to illegally deploy armed federal law enforcement officers at polling sites during the November 2026 elections. On July 28, Sen. Cantwell sharply criticized the Trump administration’s request that the Supreme Court allow him to seize control of state-run elections and implement an anti-vote-by-mail executive order. Lower courts have repeatedly rejected the president’s arguments and stated that his executive order is unconstitutional. On July 2, Sen. Cantwell sent a letter to the Postmaster General about the U.S. Postal Service’s (USPS) proposed illegal rule to implement President Trump’s March 31 executive order to interfere with vote-by-mail. Sen. Cantwell’s letter specifically noted the recent decisions of multiple federal courts that found Trump’s executive order unconstitutional and enjoined the USPS from implementing the proposed rule – including in separate cases brought by the State of Washington with other states and the NAACP – and demanded the USPS comply with those court orders. On June 29, she celebrated the Supreme Court’s ruling in Watson v. Republican National Committee against an effort to stop states from counting mail-in ballots that are received after Election Day, even if they’ve been postmarked in time. The case, brought by the Republican National Committee, threatened the election administration practices of states like Washington. On June 24, Sen. Cantwell co-sponsored the Right To Vote Act, legislation to create the first-ever affirmative federal voting rights guarantee for all eligible citizens. On June 24, she also denounced President Trump’s announcement that he would not sign the 21st Century Road to Housing Act – an overwhelmingly popular, bipartisan bill that passed both the House and Senate earlier in the week and would have increased housing supply and brought down housing costs – until Congress passes the SAVE America Act. That legislation, which Trump has repeatedly demanded, would eliminate vote-by-mail and impose onerous new restrictions on voting and registering to vote. It would disenfranchise millions of Americans in the name of a voter fraud “crisis” that, even by the standards of the right-wing Heritage Foundation, straightforwardly does not exist. President Trump again demanded Congress pass the restrictive bill following the Supreme Court’s ruling in Watson v. Republican National Committee. Despite President Trump’s refusal to sign the bipartisan housing bill, it became law on July 11, since he failed to act on the bill within the time period prescribed by the Constitution after Congress sent him the legislation. On June 23, she joined the entire Democratic Caucus in sending a letter to the USPS demanding the USPS abandon attempts to restrict voting by mail called for by President Trump in an illegal and unconstitutional March 31 executive order attacking mail and absentee ballots. On June 23, she also delivered a speech on the Senate floor calling out the Trump Administration’s war on mail-in voting as the latest frontier in a long history of voter disenfranchisement in the United States. On June 17, she joined several of her Senate Democratic colleagues for a spotlight forum highlighting President Trump’s illegal overreach into our free and fair elections. On June 8, she joined 23 of her Senate colleagues in demanding answers over the Trump Administration’s decision to remove the most recent version of the Federal Prosecution of Election Offenses manual from DOJ’s website without explanation. On April 29, she was tapped by Minority Leader Schumer to join a task force of senators defending our elections from interference. On April 23, she joined colleagues in introducing the Absentee and Mail Voter Protection Act to protect the right to vote by mail and block President Trump’s illegal and unconstitutional March 31 executive order attacking mail and absentee ballots. On April 22, she sent a letter to the USPS warning the agency against complying with the executive order, which would undermine mail-in voting. On April 1, after the executive order on mail-in voting was announced, she issued a statement in opposition. On March 18, she convened a group of current and former elected officials and representatives of nonpartisan voter advocacy groups for a virtual press conference on defending voter access. Video of that entire virtual press conference is HERE; video of Sen. Cantwell’s statement is HERE; and a transcript of Sen. Cantwell’s statement is HERE. On March 15, she issued a snapshot report showing that the SAVE America Act – the voter suppression bill President Trump has continued to demand Congress pass – would cost Washington state taxpayers more than $35 million this year alone. On Feb. 20, she convened local leaders in Seattle for a press conference urging Washingtonians to fight back against these proposed new burdens to voting. On Feb. 19, she gathered in Vancouver with the Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey and local chapter heads of the League of Women Voters and the NAACP for a press conference on how this bill would disenfranchise voters. Also on Feb. 19, she released a snapshot report showing who in Washington would face undue hurdles to voting if the SAVE America Act were signed into law. The report shows that certain populations – including people who live in rural areas, women who changed their name after marriage, and people who recently moved – would face additional, cumbersome burdens to prove their citizenship. On Feb. 5, she appeared on MSNOW’s Morning Joe to push back against the Trump administration’s heightened efforts to interfere in state-run elections and collect private data on American voters. Video of Sen. Cantwell’s appearance is HERE; a transcript is HERE. On Jan. 29, Sen. Cantwell joined Senate colleagues in a letter to then-Attorney General Pam Bondi, pushing DOJ to stop its unlawful pressure campaign to coerce dozens of states into providing the Trump Administration their voter rolls, which include voters’ personally identifiable information. On Jan. 15, she joined Senate colleagues in a letter to USPS Postmaster General David Steiner raising concerns with recent developments affecting postmark practices. Right before the holiday season, USPS changed its postmark practices, which the Senators warned could have significant impacts on voters nationwide and in Washington state – including rural voters, military and overseas voters, and many others who rely on rely on the mail to safely and securely cast their ballot. On Jan. 9, she joined 13 Senate colleagues in filing an amicus brief before the Supreme Court in the case Watson v. Republican National Committee. Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-celebrates-new-amtrak-trains-for-the-pacific-northwest,Cantwell Celebrates New Amtrak Trains for the Pacific Northwest,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,WA,Maria Cantwell,C000127,www.cantwell.senate.gov,cantwell,https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Cantwell Celebrates New Amtrak Trains for the Pacific Northwest Cantwell championed a record-high Amtrak investment in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which is funding new Airo trains WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Finance Committee, celebrated the debut of new Airo trainsets on the Amtrak Cascades ahead of the first passenger service on September 30. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law keeps paying dividends,” said Sen. Cantwell. “The state-of-the-art Airo trainsets replace much older cars, making travel on Amtrak’s Cascades route more convenient, accessible, and reliable for riders across the Pacific Northwest. The Airos also have nearly twice as many seats, helping to meet growing demand on this routinely sold-out route.” Sen. Cantwell led passage of the largest bipartisan investment in passenger rail in history, including $22 billion for Amtrak, through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Now, Pacific Northwest customers will be the first in the nation to experience Amtrak’s newest trains. Amtrak’s Airo trains produce 90% less particulate emissions than their predecessors. Redesigned interiors will offer improved accessibility and comfort in state-of-the art train interiors. In October 2024, Sen. Cantwell announced that Amtrak would invest nearly $300 million in major upgrades to Seattle’s King Street Station rail yard. The upgraded railyard supported the introduction of the new Airo trains and operates without the use of fossil fuels for heating.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-colleagues-call-for-memorial-at-arlington-national-cemetery-to-honor-wa-servicemember-killed-in-operation-epic-fury,"Cantwell, Colleagues Call for Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery to Honor WA Servicemember Killed in Operation Epic Fury",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,WA,Maria Cantwell,C000127,www.cantwell.senate.gov,cantwell,https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Cantwell, Colleagues Call for Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery to Honor WA Servicemember Killed in Operation Epic Fury Cantwell, Colleagues Call for Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery to Honor WA Servicemember Killed in Operation Epic Fury WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined Patty Murray (D-WA), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), and Representatives Kim Schrier (D-WA-08), Joyce Beatty (D-OH-03), and Mike Carey (R-OH-15) in introducing bicameral legislation, the Zeus 95 Memorial Act, to establish a memorial at Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) honoring the six Zeus 95 servicemembers who perished on March 12, 2026, in the crash of a KC-135 during an Operation Epic Fury mission. Maj. John A. Klinner, (33, Auburn, AL); Capt. Ariana G. Savino, (31, Covington, WA); and Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, (34, Bardstown, KY), were assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. Capt. Seth R. Koval, (38, Mooresville, IN); Capt. Curtis J. Angst, (30, Wilmington, OH); and Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, (28, of Columbus, OH) were assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus, Ohio. “Captain Savino and the five heroes of ZEUS 95 gave everything in service to our country. A memorial at Arlington National Cemetery will ensure their courage and sacrifice are never forgotten,” Sen. Cantwell said. “Captain Ariana G. Savino represents the absolute best of Washington state and our country. I will forever be grateful for her bravery and sacrifice,” said Sen. Murray. “Capt. Savino and the other five courageous Air Force Airmen put their lives on the line to keep our country safe—they should be honored. My thoughts are with the families who lost loved ones in this tragic incident—Congress should pass this bill immediately to establish this memorial. We have a commitment to honor our servicemembers not only with words but by supporting the families they leave behind—making sure the federal government is there for our military families will continue to be a top priority for me. To the families, friends, and fellow Airmen who loved the Zeus 95 crew, you have my most sincere condolences.” “Curtis Angst, Tyler Simmons, and Seth Koval are true American heroes who gave their lives in service to our great Nation and the cause of freedom,” said Sen. Moreno. “My colleagues and I are humbled to join together in establishing a permanent memorial so that their enduring legacy, their unmatched courage, and the selfless sacrifice they made during Operation Epic Fury will stand as a shining beacon of American valor.” “I remain heartbroken that the crew of Zeus 95, including Captain Savino of Covington, died last spring in flight operations over Iraq. I will continue my efforts to honor their bravery and sacrifice, and am profoundly grateful that these crewmembers chose a life of service to our nation,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “Captain Savino’s passion, leadership, and bravery will be forever remembered by the people of Washington state and all Americans. My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of Captain Savino and the entire Zeus 95 crew. I send my deepest condolences to them, and pray for the safety and health of all of our servicemembers.” Under federal law, monuments that do not contain or mark interred remains generally may not be placed on ANC grounds unless they meet certain statutory requirements. Among other criteria, the monument must commemorate the service of an individual or group of Armed Forces members or a particular military event, and it may not be placed until 25 years after the event being commemorated. A Zeus 95 monument would not currently meet the 25-year requirement, so the lawmakers are pushing to honor the families’ wishes by seeking to waive the 25-year waiting period and allow for a monument at ANC.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z