Padilla, Wyden, Colleagues Press Trump Administration Over Chaotic Decisions on Substance Abuse, Mental Health Services

Senators demand answers from HHS over abrupt termination and reinstatement of Congressionally-appropriated funds for SAMHSA services

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), co-founder of the bipartisan Senate Mental Health Caucus, and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) led 18 of their Democratic Senate colleagues in pressing the Trump Administration for answers over its recent plan to cut nearly $2 billion in federal funding for critical substance abuse and mental health services, only to reverse course on its decision one day later, causing mass chaos and confusion for patients and providers nationwide.

“Cancelling these grants would have jeopardized critical work being done on the frontlines of the opioid crisis, which directly contradicts this administration’s own stated goals to tackle the opioid crisis,” wrote the Senators to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “Although HHS has since reversed course, much damage has already been done. Some staff were laid off or put on notice, services were paused, and trust between patients in need of these services and their providers has been permanently undermined. This is unacceptable, particularly during the ongoing public health emergency related to overdose and amid a nationwide mental health crisis.”

“The federal government has an obligation to administer programs lawfully, transparently, and responsibly, especially when lives are at stake,” continued the Senators. “While we appreciate the Department’s decision to reverse the grant cancellations, that action alone does not resolve the serious concerns raised by these actions.”

Last week, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) abruptly announced its plan to cancel over 2,000 active grants administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which provides key addiction and mental health treatment services with a focus on rural and underserved areas. Funding for many of these programs was just recently reauthorized by Congress on a bipartisan basis under the SUPPORT Act.

Less than a day later, HHS reversed course on its plan to cancel the grants, retaining current funding levels as appropriated by Congress. Despite this, the immediate cancellation of the grants followed by the sudden reinstatement caused mass confusion and chaos. Providers were left questioning if they had funding to continue their services, while patients were left unsure if they would continue to have access to the mental health and addiction treatment services they rely on.

The proposed grant cancellations came just months after the Administration purged critical staff working on the frontlines of America’s opioid crisis under SAMHSA. Senators Padilla and Wyden slammed that decision at the time, which left SAMHSA’s staff at less than 50 percent capacity.

Furthermore, the Senators emphasized that the abrupt issuance of these grant termination notices without warning, explanation, or apparent statutory basis, as was reported, would be a violation of federal grant law.

In addition to Padilla and Wyden, the letter to HHS was also signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).

As co-chair of the bipartisan Senate Mental Health Caucus, Senator Padilla previously condemned the Trump Administration’s proposed dissolution of SAMHSA as part of HHS’ restructuring plan and the White House Office of Management and Budget’s HHS budget proposal. Last year, Padilla led 12 Democratic Senators in warning HHS Secretary Kennedy that additional staffing cuts at SAMHSA would have disastrous ramifications for millions of Americans struggling with mental and behavioral health challenges.

Full text of the letter is available here and below:

Dear Secretary Kennedy:

We write regarding the recent decision by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to issue termination notices for more than 2,000 active grants nationwide, and subsequent reversal of those cancellations within 24 hours. While we are relieved that these terminations have reportedly been rescinded, the episode raises serious legal, operational, and governance concerns that demand explanation.

The issuance of mass, immediate termination notices for duly awarded and congressionally appropriated grants created chaos and upheaval across the nation’s mental health and substance use treatment infrastructure. Community mental health centers, addiction treatment providers, overdose prevention programs, and peer recovery organizations were thrown into crisis, leaving many providers unable to meet payroll, continue services, or assure patients that life-saving care would remain accessible. For providers already operating on razor-thin margins, even a brief disruption in funding carries real and lasting consequences.

These grants support essential services, including substance use disorder treatment, medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), overdose reversal and prevention efforts, crisis response and suicide prevention, and services for pregnant and postpartum individuals. Funding for many of these programs was just recently reauthorized by Congress on a bipartisan basis under the SUPPORT Act. Furthermore, the abrupt issuance of termination notices without warning, explanation, or apparent statutory basis – as was reported – is inconsistent with federal grant law, congressional intent, and basic principles of sound administration. Cancelling these grants would have jeopardized critical work being done on the frontlines of the opioid crisis, which directly contradicts this administration’s own stated goals to tackle the opioid crisis.

Although HHS has since reversed course, much damage has already been done. Some staff were laid off or put on notice, services were paused, and trust between patients in need of these services and their providers has been permanently undermined. This is unacceptable, particularly during the ongoing public health emergency related to overdose and amid a nationwide mental health crisis.

Accordingly, we request detailed responses to the following questions:

1. Given that these grants were funded with congressionally appropriated dollars and, in many cases, explicitly authorized by statute, how did the Department determine that terminating them was permissible under appropriations law?

2. Who approved the decision to issue these termination notices? Please identify the offices and senior officials involved in reviewing and authorizing this action.

3. How did SAMHSA conclude that programs supporting overdose prevention, MOUD, crisis response, and community mental health services no longer aligned with the agency’s statutory mission or federal priorities?

4. Why were grantees given no advance notice, transition period, or explanation – as is required under federal law – before receiving termination letters that were effective immediately? How does this comply with federal grant management standards and due process expectations?

5. What assessment, if any, did HHS or SAMHSA conduct regarding the potential impact of these terminations on patient safety, overdose risk, suicide prevention, and community capacity before issuing the notices?

6. What prompted the Department to reverse the terminations within one day? Did the Department realize that the terminations were illegal, or did Department officials belatedly realize the harm they were inflicting?

7. What steps is HHS taking to ensure that a similar breakdown in decision-making does not occur again and that grantees are not subjected to abrupt, destabilizing actions in the future?

The federal government has an obligation to administer programs lawfully, transparently, and responsibly, especially when lives are at stake. While we appreciate the Department’s decision to reverse the grant cancellations, that action alone does not resolve the serious concerns raised by these actions.

We expect prompt, complete responses to the questions above and look forward to continued oversight to ensure SAMHSA’s programs are administered in accordance with the law and the intent of Congress. The nation’s mental health and substance use treatment system cannot afford further disruption or uncertainty.

Sincerely,

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Senate Passes Bipartisan Funding Bill with Investments Peters Secured in Great Lakes, Michigan’s Water Infrastructure

WASHINGTON, DC – As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) secured robust investments for Michigan priorities and high-impact, local public projects in the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act that passed the Senate. The bill includes funding for strengthening Michigan’s water infrastructure, protecting our wildlife and environment, and improving access to clean drinking water for Michiganders. As Co-Chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, Peters also advocated and secured increased funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which plays a critical role in protecting and restoring Great Lakes waterways and habitats. The bill now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

“Protecting our Great Lakes and Michiganders’ access to clean drinking water have been some of my top priorities,” said Senator Peters, Co-Chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force. “This bipartisan legislation helps us accomplish those things by investing in our state’s water infrastructure, removing dangerous lead pipes, and working to protect folks from exposure to toxic PFAS contamination. The bill also makes sure the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, a historic program that keeps our Great Lakes healthy and vibrant, continues to receive funding to carry out essential cleanup projects in our state.”

The bill includes numerous measures led and supported by Peters, including:

Protecting our Great Lakes, Fisheries, and Environment

Funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative: Peters fought and secured $369 million in the bill for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). The GLRI is the largest investment in the Great Lakes’ health, ecosystem, and water quality. Since the program’s inception in 2010, roughly $4 billion has been used to fund over 8,000 projects to combat the greatest threats to the Great Lakes, including invasive species, harmful algal blooms, and loss of fish and wildlife habitats. During his time in the Senate, Peters has championed the GLRI. Earlier this Congress, he led the effort to introduce the Great Lakes Restoration Act of 2025, which would reauthorize the program and increase its annual authorized funding levels.

Keeping Invasive Carp Out of the Great Lakes: Invasive carp pose a grave risk to the lasting health of our Great Lakes. That’s why this bill provides funding for the Fish and Wildlife Service’s Aquatic Invasive Species program, which supports Great Lakes Basin-wide efforts to combat aquatic invasive species, including invasive carp. This work helps assess the threats posed by invasive carp to the Great Lakes and supports efforts to detect and respond to new invasive species. The bill also provides funding for the U.S. Geological Survey’s Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program which produces essential research, detection methods, and tools to help keep invasive carp out of the Great Lakes. Finally, the bill also provides funding for efforts to monitor, detect, and respond to aquatic nuisance species within the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain Systems.

Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration: The bill protects funding for the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act, which helps fund critical fish and wildlife projects in the Great Lakes Basin. Funding from this program has helped establish ecosystem management tools, restored wetlands and aquatic habitat, and advanced fish and wildlife monitoring and modeling.

Great Lakes Science Center: Peters secured $15 million in the bill to support the Great Lakes Science Center, which works to enhance our understanding of the Great Lakes’ complex ecosystem through studies and collaboration with a wide range of partners. Earlier this year, bipartisan legislation authored by Peters to reauthorize funding for the Great Lakes Science Center was signed into law.

Strengthening Michigan’s Water Infrastructure & Ensuring Clean Drinking Water

Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds: The bill restores funding for both the Drinking Water and the Clean Water State Revolving Funds, which the Trump Administration had proposed slashing by nearly 90 percent. The Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds are vital to protecting Michigan’s water resources and rebuilding critical water infrastructure. These projects provide Michigan residents with significant benefits, ranging from reduced exposure to pollution to lead-free drinking water. While the primary focus of the state revolving funds is offering financing solutions for water infrastructure for wastewater, storm water, and drinking water systems, the funds also reduce energy waste and decrease water system rates, improving affordability.

Bolstering Lead Abatement Programs: Lead poisoning continues to be a public health challenge in areas with aging infrastructure, causing life-long health impacts particularly among children. Peters helped secure much-needed funding for critical programs that support communities seeking to clean up lead contaminated waste sites, replace toxic lead pipes, and minimize exposure in surrounding areas. This includes funding for the Lead Testing in Schools Program, the Reducing Lead in Drinking Water Grant Program, and State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG) for lead hazard reduction.

Addressing PFAS: Michigan communities and residents continue to face severe challenges with toxic PFAS contamination. Michigan is home to a number of military installations where PFAS contamination has been detected, including Camp Grayling and the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda. The bill provides much needed funding for PFAS research and remediation efforts. Peters has led and championed numerous efforts in the Senate to address PFAS. Peters convened the first-ever hearing on PFAS contamination in the Senate, then convened a field summit in Grand Rapids in November 2018 to shine a light on how local, state, and federal governments are coordinating responses to address PFAS contamination. Peters introduced and advanced bipartisan legislation to reduce the spread of PFAS chemicals at commercial airports. Peters’ Preventing PFAS Runoff at Airports Act, which was signed into law in 2022, is working to deploy more existing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funding for commercial airports to purchase devices to test their firefighting equipment without discharging toxic PFAS chemicals. In 2022, Peters’ bill to help protect firefighters and emergency responders from PFAS exposure in the line of duty was also signed into law.

Mitigate PFAS Contamination, Provide Safe Drinking Water for Residents of Grayling Township: The bill provides $3,000,000 to deliver clean, safe drinking through a new municipal water system to residents whose water wells have been contaminated from PFAS migrating off the Grayling Army Airfield and Camp Grayling.

Improve Water Reliability in Grand Blanc: The bill provides $1,000,000 to modernize critical water infrastructure throughout Grand Blanc, reducing inefficiencies and water loss and improving water reliability for residents and businesses.

Increasing Access to Clean Drinking Water in Fenton Township: The bill includes over $1 million to support Fenton Township’s Water Line Replacement Project. The funding would be used to connect Fenton Township, the City of Linden, and Mundy Township to the Genesee County public water distribution system for potable water.

Building Resilient Stormwater Infrastructure in Auburn Hills: Peters helped secure $723,200 for the City of Auburn Hills to support improvements to two stormwater retention basins that help to protect people and property during extreme weather events.

Improving Drinking Water in Grand Haven: The bill includes over $1 million to help the City of Grand Haven address harmful coal pollutants near Harbor Island, which pose a threat to the city’s nearby water treatment center.

Replacing Lead Service Lines in Berkely: Peters secured over $1 million for the City of Berkely to support replacement of approximately 250 lead water service lines currently in use throughout the city.

Strengthen St. Ignace’s Water and Wastewater System: The bill provides $36,000 for St. Ignace to update its system that controls the alarms and communication between water wastewater plants as well as other facility operations.

Upgrade the Aging Freud & Conners Creek Pump Stations: The bill provides over $1,000,000 to make improvements to the aging Freud and Conner Creek pump stations in Detroit.

Improve Wastewater Management in Oakwood: The bill provides over $1,000,000 to improve wastewater management in Oakwood, Michigan.

Upgrade Marquette County K.I. Sawyer Wastewater Treatment Plant: The bill provides $1,370,000 to upgrade the disinfection system at the K.I. Sawyer Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Pontiac Drinking Water System Improvements: The bill provides $1,000,000 to improve drinking water quality and reliability for Pontiac residents.

Supporting New Drinking Water Well for Village of Bellevue: The bill provides $144,000 to help build a new drinking water well in the Village of Bellevue to ensure continued safe drinking water for the residents and surrounding community.

Improving Access to Clean Drinking Water in Cadillac: Peters helped secure $1,460,000 to support the City of Cadillac’s Water Distribution Project. Specifically, the funding will be used to connect 150 properties that are impacted by PFAS contamination to the City’s Municipal Water system in order to better ensure access to clean drinking water.

Protecting and Preserving Public Lands and Cultural Resources

Preservation of the Historic Freer House at Wayne State University: The bill provides $550,000 for Wayne State University to repair and replace damaged and deteriorating parts of the historic Charles Lang Freer House, which is an important part of Detroit’s cultural heritage.

Funding for the National Park Service: The bill includes more than $3 billion to support National Park Service (NPS) operations. This funding will allow NPS to more effectively manage its 433 national parks, monuments, historical sites, and other recreational areas that encompass nearly 84 million acres of land across the United States. Michigan is proud to be home to five National Parks, which draw more than 2.5 million visitors to the state annually.

Supporting the National Heritage Areas Program: Peters helped secure funding for the National Park Service’s Heritage Partnership Program. National Heritage Areas (NHAs) across the country commemorate, conserve, and promote important natural, scenic, historic, and cultural resources, delivering recreational and educational opportunities to visitors, residents, and entire regions. NHAs are key for economic development in their communities. Michigan’s MotorCities NHA alone creates an economic impact every year of nearly $490 million including 5,343 jobs and $40 million in tax revenues.

Forest Service: The bill provides robust funding for the Forest Service. These resources will help ensure adequate staffing levels and improve forest restoration and fire risk reduction efforts.

Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF): The bill allocates funding for federal land acquisition and financial assistance to states through the Great American Outdoors Act. This program is critical for improving recreational access to our federal lands, protecting iconic landscapes, delivering grants to states and local governments to create and protect urban parks and open spaces. It also provides farmers and ranchers with easements to allow them to continue to steward their private lands in the face of development pressures.

Addressing Wildfires: As catastrophic wildfires grow in size and frequency, it is essential that support for, and investments in, the federal firefighting workforce keep pace. As such, this bill fully funds essential wildfire preparedness and suppression efforts by providing $4.25 billion for wildfire suppression, of which $2.85 billion is for the Wildfire Suppression Operations Reserve Fund. The Reserve Fund provides the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior with an assured amount of funding to be used when major fire activity requires expenditures exceeding regular base suppression operations funding. This bill also provides much-needed funding to help prevent a devastating pay cut for the federal firefighting workforce.

Protecting Tribal Nations

Tribal Programs: In total, the bill provides $12 billion for Tribal programs across the Department of the Interior and the Indian Health Service, rejecting President Trump’s proposed cuts of nearly $1 billion from Tribal programs.

Indian Health Service (IHS): The bill provides $8 billion in total resources for IHS to maintain critically important health care services and maintain current staffing for doctors, nurses, and health services staff.

Supporting Tribal Self-Governance and Essential Services: The bill provides $1.91 billion, an increase in funding, for the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ operations of Indian programs. This funds essential government services in critical areas like roads and infrastructure, housing improvement, natural resources protection, Tribal courts, economic development, and social services. This funding is essential for Tribal governments exercising self-determination and crucial to upholding the federal government’s trust responsibility.

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Reed Says Trump’s Tariffs are ‘Making an Economic Mess for U.S. Consumers & Businesses,’ Vows Bipartisan Action to Block Trump’s Threats Against U.S. Allies

CRANSTON, RI – Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed condemned President Trump’s reckless, chaotic, and irresponsible tariff policies for fueling inflation, raising prices, and financially squeezing American families and businesses alike.

“Trump’s tariffs are a consumption tax on Americans and they are not in America’s best interests. He has concocted a scheme to misuse emergency powers to impose tariffs as a way to threaten opponents and settle personal scores against countries he feels has slighted him. Instead of threatening the security and prosperity of our allies, President Trump should be focused on strengthening America’s economy, creating jobs, increasing American paychecks, and lowering costs for working families,” said Senator Reed.

Last year, President Donald Trump raised U.S. tariffs to their highest level since the 1930s. As a result of Trump’s erratic trade war policies, Americans are experiencing rising costs and being forced to foot a higher share of the bill.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Americans absorbed 96 percent of the cost of Trump's tariffs last year. And Yale researchers estimate Trump’s tariffs cost American households around $1,700 last year.

“President Trump promoted tariffs as a way to revive American manufacturing, but the facts show the opposite: American manufacturing jobs are being lost under the Trump Administration. To deflect from his failure, Trump has also claimed tariffs will make other nations trade more fairly with the U.S. However, his tariffs are pushing countries to trade more with other nations instead of the U.S. Indeed, one of our closest allies – Canada – just signed a major deal with China. And today, the European Union halted their trade deal with us,” noted Reed.

The U.S. Senate has voted to cancel the President’s country-by-country tariffs, but House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), on the President’s orders, has bottled up bipartisan bills.

Reed vowed to help advance bipartisan legislation to block Trump’s recently-threatened tariffs against European allies. He also noted that the U.S. Supreme Court is currently weighing the legality of most of Trump’s tariffs, and could issue a ruling when the court returns to session in late February.

“I am hopeful the Justices will not simply find the President’s actions unconstitutional, but will also require the President to return an estimated $150 billion he has taken from Americans,” said Senator Reed, who is fighting to enact laws that will lower costs for families, including measures to:

Extend the Affordable Care Act subsidies to lower health care costs for millions of Americans.

Ensure data centers pay their fair share for the higher electricity prices they cause.

Construct new housing at price points Americans can afford, while pushing institutional investors out of the single-family housing market.

“The U.S. economy is resilient, but instead of promoting prosperity, President Trump is impeding economic growth. President Trump needs to stop imposing tariffs that punish American families and businesses. He is holding America back and constraining economic output. It’s time to terminate these tariffs, help lower prices, repair relationships with our allies, and halt the unchecked expansion of presidential power. Let’s return this money to the American people and get our economy working again,” Reed concluded.


Sens. Rick Scott, Banks, Mullin Send Letter to Secs. Noem and Burgum Urging Closure of Visa Program Allowing Communist Chinese Birth Tourism

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Senators Rick Scott, Jim Banks, and Markwayne Mullin sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum urging the closure of dangerous Biden- and Obama-era programs that allow nationals from Communist China fast-track access to United States citizenship and exploit the U.S. surrogacy program, putting the safety of our country and its citizens at risk. In the letter, the senators outline how the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, which was established by President Obama and expanded by the Biden administration, allows Chinese nationals to visit the U.S. territory without a visa and, upon giving birth there, puts them on track to eventual U.S. citizenship through their children and grandchildren. This has created an imminent national security vulnerability that must be addressed immediately.

The senators’ letter follows Senator Scott’s introduction of the SAFE Kids Act to prevent adversarial nations, including Communist China, from using American surrogates to obtain U.S. citizenship for their children and traffic infants abroad.

Read the full letter HERE and below. Read more on Senator Scott’s efforts in CBS News HERE.

Dear Secretary Noem and Secretary Burgum:

We write to express our gratitude for your commitment to protecting the homeland from foreign threats. As the Trump administration continues working to Make America Safe Again, a lingering Obama- and Biden-era policy allows nationals from China – a country that has declared itself our enemy – to obtain fast-track American citizenship. This is a clear and significant short- and long-term national security risk.

A recent Wall Street Journal investigation highlights a related national security concern: Chinese nationals are increasingly using the U.S. surrogacy system to obtain American citizenship for their children, often outside traditional immigration vetting processes. This growing practice demonstrates how U.S. laws and programs are being strategically exploited by individuals linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and affiliated business interests.

In 2009, former President Obama created a categorical parole program that enabled Chinese nationals to visit the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) without a tourist visa and the vetting that entails. This has opened the United States to significant security threats by creating a veritable cottage industry of Chinese nationals giving birth in the CNMI and gaining access to U.S. citizenship.

The Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program (G-CNMI VWP) was created in 2009 and allows holders of a Hong Kong passport visa-free access to the CNMI for up to 45 days at a time. A subset of this program, the CNMI Economic Vitality & Security Travel Authorization Program (EVS-TAP), created by the Biden administration in 2024, also allows Chinese nationals visa-free access to the CNMI for 14 days.

Since these programs were implemented, birth tourism in Saipan has exploded. Births by visiting Chinese mothers jumped from fewer than 10 annually in 2009 to nearly 600 by 2018, leading to more foreign births in Saipan than U.S. births. According to a VOA News investigation, more than 3,300 babies have been born in Saipan to Chinese mothers since 2009, with 55 births occurring last year alone.

Under U.S. immigration laws, once these children turn 21, they can petition for green cards for their parents, potentially leading to chain migration. Arguably more concerning: their children - the grandchildren of the Communist Chinese birth tourists - can themselves become U.S. citizens regardless of where they are born, thanks to provisions under the Child Citizenship Act.

In the next 10 to 20 years, the first beneficiaries of this Obama-era policy could easily apply for high positions within the U.S. federal government and likely receive priority consideration due to fluency in Mandarin. This is an ongoing security vulnerability that Xi Jinping and his successors in the CCP will be more than happy to exploit.

When the Biden administration and Secretary Mayorkas created the EVS-TAP program in 2024, they called it essential to the CNMI's economic vitality. While the federal government has the responsibility and authority to create growth in the CNMI economy, it can do so without allowing Communist Chinese infiltration and exploitation. Too often, this visa program has created a drain on CNMI economic resources, not an economic gain, all while putting our national security at risk.

An example of this drain is the impact that Chinese birth tourism has on the CNMI’s medical facilities and the support they can give to the people of the CNMI. Former Governor Arnold Palacios, who tragically passed away in July, indicated that CNMI “birth tourism” overwhelmed CNMI’s medical facilities, including its only public hospital, the Commonwealth Health Center, as there was no documentation as to the essential characteristics of each pregnancy (i.e. whether it was high-risk or if there were other relevant factors for local physicians to consider).

Continuing to permit the large-scale entry of Chinese nationals – fueling the commodification of babies and U.S. citizenship and propping up a billion-dollar Chinese-dominated gambling industry – also does nothing to advance the long-term economic security of the people of the CNMI. Increasingly relevant to U.S. policymakers is the CNMI gambling industry’s longstanding affiliation with systematic human smuggling concerns, egregious wage and overtime violations, including paying subcontractors below minimum wage8, money laundering and wire fraud, and sexual harassment and discrimination. The Chapter 11 filing of the Hong Kong-based Imperial Pacific International was a welcome development; for years the company – deeply influenced by CCP-aligned interests – leveraged its enormous revenues to sway local politics and the islands’ Casino Commission. Unfortunately, its casino assets has since been transferred to an LLC with troubling and well-documented connections to the former owners.

In yet another refutation of the argument that Chinese visa waiver policy is required for CNMI economic benefit is the not-so-insignificant number of People’s Republic of China (PRC) citizens who abuse their visa-free travel to Saipan in order to unlawfully enter another part of the United States. In February 2025, PRC national Kangle Jiang was sentenced to prison after working with a man in Saipan to transport eight total Chinese nationals to Guam by boat – Chinese nationals who were later apprehended in or near sensitive military installations, including Andersen Air Force base. In November, the District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands sentenced four men for conspiring to transport illegal aliens from Saipan to Guam by boat. These individuals, guided by malintent to smuggle 21 Chinese nationals, hardly offered a reliable source of economic development for U.S. citizens and residents residing in the Marianas.

Given this threat and your continued commitment to securing the homeland, I ask that you respond by COB January 28, 2026, regarding the administration’s efforts to revoke the Biden-era EVS-TAP visa waiver for nationals of Communist China. We would strongly urge that you require a standard tourist visa for Chinese nationals visiting the CNMI, which is a unilateral decision that can be made by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

We would also strongly recommend that you work with the administration to end Hong Kong’s participation in the G-CNMI VWP. Since its aggressive and violent takeover in 2020, Hong Kong remains under Xi Jinping and the CCP’s control and should be treated as such.

The people of the CNMI deserve a better future than the empty promises offered by Communist China, and we should be prepared to work as equal partners to secure that future.

Thank you again for your service and sacrifice to the nation, and for your commitment to the long-term security of the United States. We look forward to hearing from you.

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SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $1.5 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING ON THE WAY TO NEW ROCHELLE FOR SHELDRAKE RIVER STORMWATER IMPROVEMENT

Schumer And Gillibrand Say This Funding Will Help City Design And Develop Plans To Improve Stormwater Infrastructure Including A New Culvert, Drain Pipes, Catch Basins And More

Schumer And Gillibrand Secured Funding Authorization Two Years Ago And Have Pushed To Clear Final Hurdle To Deliver $$ For New Rochelle

Schumer, Gillibrand: Fed $$ Is Flowing To New Rochelle For Start Planning For Upgraded Stormwater Infrastructure!

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced they have delivered $1,500,000 in federal funding for New Rochelle to design and develop plans for stormwater improvements at Kewanee Road and Stratton Road, including a new culvert, drain pipes, catch basins, and more, which is now thanks to Schumer on its way to being signed into law as part of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 spending bill. This project will help make New Rochelle more storm-resilient while creating good-paying construction jobs. Schumer and Gillibrand previously secured authorization for this federal funding two years ago and pushed for its inclusion in the final spending bill.

“Federal funding will soon begin to flow for critical stormwater infrastructure upgrades in New Rochelle! For years, New Rochelle’s neighborhoods have suffered from flooding during storms. New Rochelle is no stranger to heavy flooding, and after years of working with the city, I am proud to deliver $1.5 million in federal funding so New Rochelle can make plans to improve its stormwater infrastructure,” said Senator Schumer. “This critical investment will support the design and engineering stages of installing a new culvert, drain pipes, and catch basins at the Kewanee and Stratton Road area. Strengthening our water infrastructure systems is fundamental, which is why I fought to authorize this funding two years ago and ensure its inclusion in this year’s budget bill. I will always fight to keep New York’s communities safe.”

“Severe flooding across Westchester has been catastrophic for residents, businesses, and commuters. I was proud to secure $1.5 million in federal funding to ensure New Rochelle can enact critical infrastructure upgrades,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Major flooding can trap cars and slow vital services like first responders, putting New Yorkers in dangerous and sometimes deadly situations. As severe storms and floods become more frequent, it is essential that New York’s infrastructure can keep up. I’m proud to bring these federal dollars back home, and I will keep working to deliver the resources New Rochelle needs to strengthen its infrastructure and build resilience for the future.”

"The City of New Rochelle is grateful for Senator Schumer and Gillibrand’s successful efforts in securing $1.5 million to support design and planning for stormwater drainage improvements along the Sheldrake River. This project will help our residents in the flood-prone area near Kewanee and Stratton Roads reduce roadway flooding and enhance resilience in surrounding residential neighborhoods,” said New Rochelle Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert. “We look forward to working with the Senators and the Congressional delegation to secure additional project funding for our Citywide flood mitigation program.”

The Sheldrake River Stormwater Improvements project will make stormwater drainage improvements at Kewanee Road and Stratton Road, including the installation of a new culvert, drain pipes, and catch basins. These improvements would alleviate flooding on roads and in the surrounding areas. These neighborhoods suffer from flooding during heavy rainfall events, and this project aims to make the area more resilient during storms. The funding Schumer and Gillibrand delivered will help the city with design and engineering efforts, resulting in a completed design effort.

Schumer and Gillibrand helped secure authorization for this federal funding two years ago in the Water Resources Development Act of 2024, which Schumer led to passage in the Senate. With the funding authorization in hand, Schumer and Gillibrand pushed for this funding to be included in the final FY 2026 Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill that passed the Senate earlier this month after passing the House of Representatives. The federal funding will be delivered through the Army Corps of Engineers.

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Tuberville Announces 47 Alabamians Nominated to U.S. Service Academies for Class of 2030

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) announced his nomination of 47 Alabama students to attend one of the four U.S. service academies as part of the class of 2030: the United States Air Force Academy, Military Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, and Naval Academy.

“I’m proud to nominate a strong group of young, patriotic Alabamians to represent our state in the class of 2030,” said Sen. Tuberville. “Their desire to serve in our nation’s military is admirable and gives me great hope for the future of our country. I look forward to following their continued accomplishments.”

A complete list of the nominees can be found below.

United States Air Force Academy:

James Michael Alford: Helena, AL; Helena High School; son of John and Elizabeth Alford

Stella Marie Gallaspy: Theodore, AL; St Paul’s Episcopal School; daughter of Glenn and Jennifer Gallaspy

Campbell Christian Hooks: Auburn, AL; Auburn High School; daughter of Stephen and Michelle Hooks

Antonio Damar Little: Madison, AL; James Clemens High School; son of Antonio Little and Terri Warner

James Davis Mazzei: Hoover, AL; University of Florida; Alabama Connections Academy; son of Matthew and Lacey Mazzei

Brody Alexander McConnell: Madison, AL; Bob Jones High School; son of Joseph and Robin McConnell

Richard Joe Raleigh: Huntsville, AL; Huntsville High School; son of Richard and Shannon Raleigh

Mark William Sergey: Prattville, AL; Prattville High School; son of Mark and Patricia Sergey

Zoey Alexis Smith: Daphne, AL; Daphne High School; daughter of Charles and Josie Smith

Jimmie Ray Sosa: Clanton, AL; Isabella High School; son of Jason and Amanda Sosa

Ryan Christopher Spann: Helena, AL; Helena High School; son of Chris and Cindi Spann

Zackery Scott Thurber: Marion, AL; Marion Military Institute; Breakthrough Charter School; son of Paul and Heather Thurber

Bella Frances Tumminello: Mobile, AL; Baker High School; daughter of Marc and Tracy Tumminello

John Cason Williams: Chelsea, AL; Alabama School of Cyber Technology & Engineering; son of Cole and Monica Williams

George Henry Youngblood: Decatur, AL; Decatur High School; son of John and Megan Youngblood

United States Military Academy:

Taylor George Aboud: Mobile, AL; Kwajalein High School; son of Kristian and Mary Aboud

Olivia Rose Carroll: Vestavia, AL; Vestavia Hills High School; daughter of Hunter and Monica Carroll

Thompson Brooks Coker: Fairhope, AL; Bayside Academy College Prep School; son of Henry and Anne Coker

Brody McQuate Davis: Enterprise, AL; New Brockton High School; son of Robert and Amanda Davis

Ryanne Elise Ezekiel: Birmingham, AL; Homewood High School; daughter of Klae and Sheila Ezekiel

Joshua Oladele Hahn: Vestavia, AL; Vestavia Hills High School; son of Alan and Bashirat Hahn

Sequoah Eugene Hicks Jr: Birmingham, AL; Marion Military Institute; John Carroll Catholic High School; son of Karlos Dansby and Tara Crawford

Cayden Walker Hofbauer: Mountain Brook, AL; Mountain Brook High School; son of Lutz and Gina Hofbauer

Stanley Hawkins McConnell: Mobile, AL; UMS-Wright Preparatory School; son of Stan and Anna McConnell

Jason Parker Love: Chelsea, AL; Briarwood Christian School; son of Michael and Pam Love

Joseph Wallace Porter: Birmingham, AL; The Altamont School; son of James and Kristin Porter

Kai Moseley Price: Orange Beach, AL; Orange Beach Middle/High School; son of Cameron and Cam Price

Kate Madison Seidel: Vinemont, AL; Indian Springs School; daughter of Steven Seidel

Molly Shilo Seidman: Auburn, AL; Auburn High School; daughter of Bruce and Mindy Seidman

Cammi Emma Tillery: Enterprise, AL; U S Military Academy Prep School; Enterprise High School; daughter of Robert and Heidi Tillery

United States Naval Academy:

Simone Margaret Bermudez: Birmingham, AL; Indian Springs School; daughter of Michael and Shaheen Bermudez

Rayner Michael Brom: Mountain Brook, AL; Mountain Brook High School; son of Steven and Candace Brom

Dominick Diesel Clausen: Piedmont, AL; Piedmont High School; son of Jesse and Gigi Clausen

Christopher Boyd Cooper: Birmingham, AL; Mountain Brook High School; son of Christopher and Mandi Cooper

David Ronald Guthrie Jr: Satsuma, AL; Satsuma High School; son of David and Alyssa Guthrie

Maggie Christine Mae Ingram: McCalla, AL; Marion Military Institute; Heritage Christian Academy; daughter of Jason and Cheryl Ingram

Truman Benson Lee: Mountain Brook, AL; Mountain Brook High School; son of Tommy and Nidia Lee

Braden Newton Little: Mountain Brook, AL; Mountain Brook High School; son of Philip and Leigh Little

Jay William Merchant: Vestavia, AL; Vestavia Hills High School; son of William and Joanna Merchant

Isaac Aiden Meyers: Newton, AL; Houston Academy; son of Jonathan and Julie Meyers

Jonathan Avery Meyers: Newton, AL; Houston Academy; son of Jonathan and Julie Meyers

Lane Michael Mitchell: Alabaster, AL; Thompson High School; son of Mason and Hailey Dye

Layton Matthew Towery: Auburn, AL; Auburn High School; son of Pamela Gaylor

Savannah Grace Trejo: Auburn, AL; Naval Academy Prep School; Auburn High School; daughter of Charles and Jazzmin Hussey

John Franklin Wilhite: Auburn, AL; Alabama School of Math and Science; son of Ray and Angela Wilhite

United States Merchant Marine Academy:

Lillian Yasmin Moreno: Daphne, AL; Fairhope High School; daughter of Antionette Moreno

Caleb Scott Shultz: Huntsville, AL; Huntsville High School; son of Mary Scott Hunter and the late Jonathan Shultz

Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

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Warner, Kaine Statement on Lindsay Halligan's Departure from EDVA

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) released the following statement regarding Attorney General Pam Bondi’s announcement that Lindsey Halligan—whom a federal judge ruled was unlawfully appointed to her position—was leaving the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA):

“Virginia Senators of both parties have always worked closely with presidential Administrations, regardless of party, on Virginia nominations. That fair and deliberate process has always included at least one meeting with the nominees to discuss their qualifications—until now. It has been over 16 weeks since the Trump Administration nominated Lindsey Halligan, but neither she nor the White House ever reached out to meet with us or even introduce herself. It’s clear this Administration never expected her to be confirmed by the Senate given her lack of qualifications to serve as a U.S. Attorney, and instead wanted to end-run around the Senate and the Judiciary Committee.”

On January 21, 2025, the Trump Administration appointed Erik Siebert as the interim U.S. Attorney for the EDVA. In April of 2025, after an extensive interview process that included the input of a bipartisan panel of former Virginia U.S. Attorneys and other well-respected members of the Virginia legal community, Warner and Kaine sent a letter to the White House recommending Siebert for the U.S. Attorney position. In May of 2025, the White House announced that Siebert was formally nominated for the role. Siebert was serving in an interim capacity because he had not yet been confirmed by the U.S. Senate. On May 9, 2025, the District Judges of the Eastern District of Virginia unanimously voted for Seibert to continue as the interim U.S. Attorney.


Warren Opposes Budget Deal Funding Trump’s Abuses of Power

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement ahead of a vote on Congress’s $1.2 trillion funding deal:

“I have been clear that I will not vote for any budget deal that does not lower costs for families and ensure that Donald Trump can’t just take back funding later whenever he feels like it. Congress must also use its power of the purse to restrict spending on forever wars overseas and stop ICE’s terror here at home.

“This deal does nothing to lower costs like health care. This bill does not restrict Trump’s military adventurism in Venezuela and Greenland. This legislation does not halt ICE’s dangerous abuses of power and prevent ICE’s chaos in every American city.

“I will vote no on these funding bills. Donald Trump does not need more power and more funding to make life more dangerous and more expensive for American families.”

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Welch Joins Colleagues in Demanding Noem Halt Workforce Cuts at FEMA Amidst Critical Staffing Shortage

Senators: “FEMA has long struggled to recruit and train enough skilled workers, a problem that the current Administration’s policies and decisions has exacerbated.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, joined U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security Subcommittee on Governmental Affairs, and U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, and a group of Democratic Senators in condemning proposed staffing cuts at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). In their letter to Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, the Senators highlight how the Trump Administration’s planned cuts would risk the FEMA’s ability to fulfill its mandated duties supporting communities and protecting people’s lives and livelihoods.

The Senators also outline the considerable damage already done by the Trump Administration’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cuts, how DHS mandated reductions violate congressional statute put in place to bolster FEMA’s disaster response after Hurricane Katrina, and specifically warned about any further cuts to critical On-Call Response/Recovery Employees (CORE).

Joining Senators Welch, Kim, and Peters on the letter are Sens. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.).

“Reducing CORE employees at a time when FEMA’s workforce is already severely understaffed due to the Administration’s efforts to dismantle FEMA will only make our nation less prepared to help communities before, during, and after disasters,” wrote the Senators. “Additionally, the personnel decisions your office has taken most certainly reduce FEMA’s ability to perform its mission, raising concerns about potential violations of the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act (PKEMRA).”

FEMA CORE employees make up approximately 40% of FEMA’s workforce and are deployed, as needed, to disaster areas to assist with response and recovery. In 2023, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that in recent years, the gap between planning staffing targets and actual levels grew to almost 35% deficits across various positions.

The Senators continue: “Any gap, let alone a 35% shortfall in workforce target numbers, means that FEMA lacks the staff needed to properly respond to disasters. On top of this gap, the additional reductions reported by GAO in 2025 led the oversight watchdog to conclude ‘that a reduced number of staff across the same or a higher number of disasters nationwide could reduce the effectiveness of federal disaster response for upcoming disasters.’”

The Senators further outline how the Trump Administration’s workforce reductions appear to violate PKEMRA, a requirement Congress imposed after DHS’s catastrophic interference in FEMA’s response to Hurricane Katrina that prohibits the DHS Secretary from substantially or significantly reducing FEMA’s authorities, responsibilities, or functions, or the capability of the agency to perform those missions, authorities, responsibilities.

In their letter, the Senators make clear: “By unilaterally reducing the number of FEMA personnel, you are clearly hindering FEMA’s ability to perform its mission, in clear violation of statute.”

Senator Welch has been outspoken in opposing any attempt by the Trump Administration to dismantle FEMA. In July, Senator Welch called for the resignation of Secretary Noem citing, in part, her mismanagement of FEMA. Senator Welch also published a guest essay in The New York Times entitled: “Don’t Kill FEMA. Fix It.” In his piece, Senator Welch outlined why President Trump and Secretary Noem’s actions to undermine and potentially dissolve FEMA are misguided—but also committed to working on good faith efforts to reform the agency’s long-term recovery process.

Read and download the Senators’ full letter to DHS Secretary Noem.

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Wicker, Klobuchar Introduce Voluntary Limited Accreditation for Adoption Services Act

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., introduced the Voluntary Limited Accreditation for Adoption Services Act. This legislation would cut through the federal government’s bureaucracy and expand international adoption options for Americans.

“Today, there are thousands of children around the world who are in need of loving families and permanent homes. Unfortunately, bureaucratic red tape makes the accreditations process difficult for international adoption agencies to obtain,” said Senator Wicker. “The one-size-fits-all accreditation standard doesn’t work for children needing stability and international agencies who facilitate the adoption process. Our bill is pro-family and puts more children in loving homes.”

“Local adoption agencies help children around the world find the loving homes they deserve. But too often, families struggle to find accredited adoption service providers to assist them through the process,” said Senator Klobuchar. “By creating a new pathway for providers that offer critical services like background and home studies, our bipartisan legislation ensures that families have trusted local agencies to help them navigate the adoption process and give children safe, stable homes.”

Current federal government regulations require any organization wishing to provide international adoption services to be accredited under a single standard. This forces adoption agencies to jump through additional, unnecessary obstacles to keep their doors open.

The Voluntary Limited Accreditation for Adoption Services Act would provide adoption agencies multiple avenues to pursue necessary accreditation.

Senators Wicker and Klobuchar’s bill would modify the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000 to allow for a voluntary limited accreditation for adoption agencies for the following services:

• Performing a background study on a child in an outgoing case and reporting on such a study.

• Performing a home study on the prospective adoptive parent(s) in an incoming case and reporting on such a study.

• Monitoring a case after a child has been placed with prospective adoptive parent(s) until final adoption, including preparing post-placement reports.


Wyden, Padilla, Colleagues Press Trump Administration Over Chaotic Decisions on Substance Abuse, Mental Health Services

Letter to HHS seeks answers over abrupt termination and reinstatement of Congressionally-appropriated funds for SAMHSA services

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Alex Padilla, D-Calif., today led 18 Democratic Senate colleagues in pressing the Trump administration for answers over its recent plan to cut nearly $2 billion in federal funding for critical substance abuse and mental health services, only to reverse course on its decision one day later, causing mass chaos and confusion for patients and providers nationwide.

“Cancelling these grants would have jeopardized critical work being done on the frontlines of the opioid crisis, which directly contradicts this administration’s own stated goals to tackle the opioid crisis,” the senators wrote in their letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “Although HHS has since reversed course, much damage has already been done. Some staff were laid off or put on notice, services were paused, and trust between patients in need of these services and their providers has been permanently undermined.”

Last week, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) abruptly announced its plan to cancel over 2,000 active grants administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Funding for many of these programs was just recently reauthorized by Congress on a bipartisan basis under the SUPPORT Act.

Less than a day later, it was reported that HHS had reversed course on its plan to cancel the grants, retaining current funding levels as appropriated by Congress. Despite this, the immediate cancellation of the grants followed by the unexpected reinstatement caused mass confusion and chaos. Providers were left questioning if they had funding to continue their services, while patients were left unsure if they would continue to have access to the mental health and addiction treatment services they rely on.

The proposed grant cancellations came just months after the administration purged critical staff working on the frontlines of America’s opioid crisis under SAMHSA. Wyden and Padilla slammed that decision at the time, which left SAMHSA’s staff at less than 50 percent capacity.

Furthermore, the senators noted in their letter that the abrupt issuance of these grant termination notices without warning, explanation, or apparent statutory basis, as was reported, would be a violation of federal grant law.

In addition to Wyden and Padilla, the letter to HHS was signed by Senators Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md., Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., Tina Smith, D-Minn., Jack Reed, D-R.I., Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., Gary Peters, D-Mich., Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz, Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., Cory Booker, D-N.J., Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.

The text of the letter is here.

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Young, Colleagues Introduce Legislation Promoting U.S. Sports Diplomacy

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), John Curtis (R-Utah), and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) introduced legislation to boost American sports diplomacy as the U.S. kicks off a decade of hosting large worldwide sporting events, which will help increase the number of tourists coming to the United States to attend them.

The American Decade of Sports Act would require the Department of State to develop a comprehensive sports diplomacy strategy that leverages the many global sporting events the United States will host over the next decade, establishing the “Mega-Decade of Sports Diplomacy.” Working through the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the strategy would guide U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide, coordinate with U.S. host cities and states, engage key diaspora communities, and promote American sports culture, alongside U.S. industry and tourism, to international audiences.

“Over the next decade, the United States will have the opportunity to share our values and culture with sports teams and fans from around the globe,” said Senator Young. “Our bill will ensure the U.S. maximizes these moments to showcase American excellence, strengthen relationships with allies, and demonstrate that when America hosts the world, we do it better than anyone.”

“The United States is preparing to host multiple, exciting, large worldwide sporting events, and we must seize the opportunity to show the world the best we have to offer,” said Senator Rosen. “As the eyes of the globe fall on the United States during this American Decade of Sports, our bipartisan bill will help promote our nation through sports diplomacy, incentivize the exchange of American values to the rest of the world, and bring more visitors to our cities to boost our local tourism economies. By leveraging all of our diplomatic might, we will ensure this decade is for us to win.”

“America is in a decade of sports, with multiple international games taking place in the United States, culminating in the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Utah,” said Senator Curtis. “The American Decade of Sports Act ensures that our State Department can do the games justice and is well-equipped to handle the numerous athletes, spectators, and official delegations that will visit the United States.”

“As California hosts the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games and multiple 2026 FIFA World Cup matches, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity on the world stage to showcase American innovation while strengthening our economy,” said Senator Padilla. “This bill is about growing the global fan base for American sports and culture. It would advance a cost-effective solution that expands U.S. global engagement with our international partners, promotes American values, and coordinates streamlined visa processing to help ensure the next decade of sports in America is a success.”


Smith Confirms Commitment to Securing Nationwide Year-Round E15

Today, during an emergency session of the House Rules Committee, Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE), reaffirmed his commitment to securing nationwide, year-round E15 ahead of the summertime driving season.

During his testimony, Smith confirmed his participation in the newly formed E15 Rural Domestic Energy Council. Additionally, Smith stressed a results-driven commitment to securing a viable path forward for the updated proposal of his Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailers Choice Act.

Image

Click the image above to watch a video of Smith’s testimony.

Click here to download audio.

Click here to download video.


Joint Leadership Statement On Homeland Security Funding Bill

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar issued the following statement:

Donald Trump promised the American people that his deportation policy would focus on violent felons who are in the country illegally. Instead, Immigration and Customs Enforcement has aggressively targeted American citizens and law-abiding immigrant families.

Kristi Noem and ICE are out of control. Taxpayer dollars are being misused to brutalize U.S. citizens, including the tragic killing of Renee Nicole Good. This extremism must end.

For weeks, Democrats have pushed House Republicans to adopt strong guardrails and accountability measures, including a judicial warrant requirement, prohibition on the detention and deportation of American citizens, use of excessive force restriction, enhanced training, body camera mandate and mask ban. These common sense measures are designed to ensure that ICE conducts itself like every other law enforcement agency in America.

We have a broken immigration system that should be fixed in a comprehensive and bipartisan manner. Democrats fought for meaningful, reasonable and necessary reforms meant to protect everyday Americans and immigrant families from the administration’s reckless and violent tactics.

Unfortunately, House Republicans have rejected the effort to address the serious concerns raised by the American people about the lawless conduct by ICE. For this reason, we are voting No on the Homeland Security appropriations bill.


Alford Touts Completion of All 12 Government Funding Bills

Watch Congressman Alford’s remarks on the House floor here or by clicking the image above.

“Today, House Republicans delivered. We finished the government funding process, advancing the America First agenda and cutting government spending,” said Congressman Alford. “The mainstream media said it was impossible, but we proved them wrong once again. This historic achievement sends a message that the House is back to governing through an open, transparent process.

“These final four appropriations bills strengthen our national defense, solidify President Trump’s secure border, as well as prioritize public health and safety, all while cutting funding for woke and wasteful programs. With robust investments in the B-21 Raider program and Whiteman Air Force Base as well as more than $12.3 million for reasonable projects in our communities, this legislation will make a real difference in the Fourth District.

“As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I’m proud of our work to execute President Trump’s agenda, and prevent another disastrous Democrat Shutdown.”

Background:

Congressman Alford secured almost $12.7 million in federal investments for responsible projects across the Fourth District, including:

$6,000,000 for the Skyhaven Airport expansion at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, MO

$6,000,000 for the Workforce Training Center for Agriculture Advancement at State Fair Community College in Sedalia, MO

$397,000 for the White Road Bridge replacement in Oak Grove, MO

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Congressman Allen's Clean Air and Building Infrastructure Act Advanced by Committee

Yesterday, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce advanced H.R. 4214, the Clean Air and Building Infrastructure Act. This critical legislation, introduced by Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) this Congress, is a necessary solution in response to the Biden-Harris Administration's harmful final rule for Fine Particulate Matter, otherwise known as PM 2.5 standards.

This legislation would modernize the process for obtaining preconstruction permits and meeting compliance requirements for revised National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).

During yesterday's markup, Congressman Allen delivered the following remarks, as prepared for delivery, prior to the bill's passage:

"Simply put, the Biden-Harris Administration's unworkable rule to revise PM 2.5 standards tied the hands of job creators and manufacturers. It was the result of a bad process and provisions that allowed the Biden-Harris Administration to exploit the Clean Air Act to unfairly punish job creators and manufacturers. This bill provides much-needed clarity that will prevent these abuses from happening again.

"The Golden Age of America is upon us, and House Republicans are committed to eliminating unnecessary compliance and implementation burdens that harm our states, business communities, and economic development.

"My legislation provides much-needed clarity for the process of obtaining preconstruction permits and meeting compliance requirements for revised National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Importantly, it protects American job creators from attempts in future administrations to abuse the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Specifically, this bill would require the EPA to publish implementing regulations and guidance when establishing or revising National Ambient Air Quality Standards.

"Too often, understaffed state agencies are forced to implement regulations on tight timelines with little to no guidance from the EPA. Currently, regulations go into effect as soon as they are final, but it often takes EPA months or even years to release implementation guidance on the rule. States depend on EPA’s implementation guidance to understand the requirements and come into attainment.

"This bill also requires guidance on how to submit preconstruction permit applications under new or revised standards. If EPA fails to do its job, then new standards will not apply to permit applications.

"This is about streamlining permitting and ensuring our state agencies have the proper guidance needed to properly do their jobs. It will remove costly delays and uncertainty that industries and developers often face when they try to build and invest in America.

"The Clean Air and Building Infrastructure Improvement Act will pave the way for more manufacturing and investment in America, creating jobs and investment while also protecting our environment. Thank you, and I yield back."


Amo Votes NO on Funding Department of Homeland Security

“Once again, Trump has led the United States into a moral abyss. Trump and his Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, have turned ICE into an out-of-control paramilitary force of masked men terrorizing our communities.

Rather than receive due process, immigrants and citizens alike are subject to warrantless search and detention, forced to prove their citizenship to move freely in our cities and towns, and targeted with violence if they don’t comply or exercise their First Amendment rights. I cannot in good conscience vote to fund the Department of Homeland Security and ICE’s unchecked power.

I support our TSA agents providing security at our airports, Coast Guard members protecting our waters, and our federal emergency response enterprise, but we must meet this moment with moral clarity. We cannot and must not empower Trump’s police state to trample on the rights of the residents of our nation.”


Arrington: America First, Pro-Growth Policies Are Working

Washington, D.C. – Today, House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) released the following statement on the two U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) reports published this morning. The BEA’s updated gross domestic product (GDP) report showed 4.4 percent annual growth in the third quarter of 2025 and the Personal Consumption Expenditures price index (PCE) report showed an annual increase of 2.7 percent in October and 2.8 percent in November 2025:

“Today’s promising economic reports are more proof President Trump’s and Republicans’ America First, pro-growth policies are working. GDP growing at its fastest pace in two years confirms the historic, pro-growth policies enacted in the One Big Beautiful Bill—permanent tax relief, energy deregulation, and reduced federal spending—are spurring private investment and putting more money back into the pockets of hardworking families. While Americans are still recovering from Biden’s self-inflicted affordability crisis, under President Trump, wages are up and outpacing inflation and Americans’ purchasing power has been supercharged.

“But we’re not done yet. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) was the first step in reversing Democrats’ fiscal failures and Making America Affordable Again. Now we must finish the job. Reconciliation 2.0 is the most consequential legislative tool available for us to finish what we started in OBBB, make health care affordable again, double down on eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse, and lock-in Trump’s trade wins.

“We must not shrink back in this historic moment. We must honor our commitment to the American people—who gave us unified Republican leadership—and do everything in our power to Make America Safer, Stronger, and More Prosperous.”

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Congressman Baird Introduces Legislation to Award the Medal of Honor to Kareem Dockery

Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) introduced the Kareem N. Dockery Medal of Honor Act to allow the President of the United States to award former Major Kareem Nicholas Dockery with the Medal of Honor for his heroism in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Dockery is an Indianapolis, IN native and one of only two U.S. officers to receive two Silver Stars for gallantry in the post-9/11 era.

“Former Major Kareem Dockery has demonstrated extraordinary selflessness and heroism while serving in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom,” said Congressman Baird. “He has truly gone above and beyond the call of duty and repeatedly put the mission and the lives of his soldiers ahead of himself. As a U.S. Army veteran myself, I could not be more pleased to introduce this legislation to allow Major Dockery to receive the Medal of Honor, an award I believe he has rightly earned.”

Former Major Kareem N. Dockery graduated from the U.S. Military Academy (West Point) in 2011. Following his graduation, he was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. As a then-Second Lieutenant, he served as an Infantry Rifle Platoon Leader with the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Light), 4th Infantry Division. Dockery received a Silver Star for his heroism on October 2, 2012, when his platoon and a platoon of Afghan National Army troops were ambushed by the Taliban while maintaining a security perimeter around the provincial governor’s compound. During the engagement, Lieutenant Dockery saw one of his soldiers was missing. After entering an alleyway, he saw two Taliban fighters dragging his soldier away. Dockery killed both enemy fighters and saved his soldier’s life. He and his platoon went on to suppress the remaining enemy troops.

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Reps. Balint and Jayapal Push Meta and Google to End ICE Ad Partnerships Using White Nationalist Propaganda

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Becca Balint (VT-AL), Vice Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee and Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, have sent letters demanding answers from Meta and Google after reports that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is using their platforms to run immigration enforcement recruitment for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) using “self-deportation” and other advertisements that rely on white nationalist imagery and rhetoric.

In letters sent yesterday, the lawmakers warn that these advertising campaigns are part of an effort to massively expand ICE recruitment, including to surge ICE officers to cities like Minneapolis, Chicago, Portland, and New Orleans. To meet these recruitment targets, ICE has lowered hiring standards and turned to paid digital ads across major platforms.

The letter to Meta cites reporting that DHS has spent millions of dollars on paid ads with their platforms, including ads clearly connected to white nationalist themes, using images and slogans historically used by neo-Nazi groups. In one recent example, “DHS posted a recruitment ad on Instagram proclaiming ‘we’ll have our home again’, which is a song popularized in neo-Nazi spaces and used in white nationalist calls for a race war.” The letter to Google also calls out a reported $3 million in ICE advertisements on Google and YouTube that promoted ‘self-deportation,’ a strategy being used by the Trump administration to intimidate immigrants into leaving the country. In total, ICE placed $5.8 million in ads with Meta and Google last year.

Reps. Balint and Jayapal underscored the real-world consequences of expanded and insufficiently vetted immigration enforcement, citing deaths, warrantless arrests, mass raids, and a record number of deaths in ICE custody. “The impact of an unqualified army of ICE agents being unleashed across the country has been severe,” the lawmakers said.

The lawmakers are demanding transparency about the scope of the companies’ agreements with DHS and are calling on Meta and Google to commit to ending their digital advertising partnerships with the agency. They also raised concerns that the advertisements may conflict with the companies’ own content and advertising standards, questioning how this material was permitted to run on their platforms in the first place.

The lawmakers’ letter to Meta can be viewed here.

The lawmakers’ letter to Google can be viewed here.

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Rep. Becca Balint’s Statement Following Former Special Counsel Jack Smith’s Public Testimony Before the Judiciary Committee

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL), Vice Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement after former Special Counsel Jack Smith testified publicly before the Committee, detailing his investigations into President Donald Trump’s criminal attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 election:

“Today’s testimony confirmed that President Trump was the principal architect of the January 6th insurrection. Mr. Smith laid bare the pattern of threats, intimidation, and retaliation he and his team have faced from Trump and his loyalists for simply following the facts and the law. The President has repeatedly attacked him by name, fired career prosecutors and FBI agents who worked on the investigation, and made clear that retribution—not justice—is the goal.

“This is the same dangerous playbook that led to January 6: undermine the truth, target those who enforce the law, and incite others while avoiding giving direct orders. No President is above the law, and the American people should be outraged that the independence of our justice system is being dismantled in plain sight.”

While Special Counsel Smith was able to provide information about most of his work, there is information about the classified records investigation subject to a gag order from Trump appointed Judge Aileen Cannon. House Judiciary Democrats have requested a follow-up hearing to hear more from Special Counsel Smith when the gag order is lifted on his full work into the classified documents aspects of the case.


“Today’s testimony confirmed that President Trump was the principal architect of the January 6th insurrection. Mr. Smith laid bare the pattern of threats, intimidation, and retaliation he and his team have faced from Trump and his loyalists for simply following the facts and the law. The President has repeatedly attacked him by name, fired career prosecutors and FBI agents who worked on the investigation, and made clear that retribution—not justice—is the goal.

“This is the same dangerous playbook that led to January 6: undermine the truth, target those who enforce the law, and incite others while avoiding giving direct orders. No President is above the law, and the American people should be outraged that the independence of our justice system is being dismantled in plain sight.”

While Special Counsel Smith was able to provide information about most of his work, there is information about the classified records investigation subject to a gag order from Trump appointed Judge Aileen Cannon. House Judiciary Democrats have requested a follow-up hearing to hear more from Special Counsel Smith when the gag order is lifted on his full work into the classified documents aspects of the case.


Barr Honors Tatum Dale on the House Floor

Washington, D.C.— Tonight, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY) honored the life of Tatum Elizabeth Dale, his longtime staffer and Deputy Chief of Staff, who passed away on Christmas Eve from complications of Moya Moya. The full transcript of Barr’s speech is below:

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Tatum Elizabeth Dale, a proud Kentuckian, a dedicated public servant, and one of the best people I’ve ever had the blessing of serving with.

“Tatum was my Deputy Chief of Staff and she passed away at the young age of 35 years old on Christmas Eve, from complications of Moya Moya. For over 15 years, Tatum served side-by-side with me for the people of the Sixth Congressional District and the Commonwealth she loved.

“She held almost every job you could hold in my office – Scheduler, Field Representative, Deputy District Director, District Director, and finally, Deputy Chief of Staff.

“She earned every role, not through ambition, but through trust. Titles never defined Tatum. Results did.

“Tatum was Kentucky through and through. She grew up on a farm outside of Murray, where she learned the values that would guide her entire life: hard work, humility, faith, loyalty, and service to others, the cause of life. Those values shaped everything she did.

“She knew our district better than anyone else. She knew the communities, the leaders, the families, and the history. She remembered names, conversations, and details others would forget. Constituents didn’t see her as a staffer or my district director — they saw her as an advocate who listened, followed through, and fought for them. She was Tatum. She wasn’t the Congressman’s District Director, she was Tatum.

“Tatum had a special devotion to Eastern Kentucky. She knew the hollers and highways, the county judges and community leaders, and the unique challenges facing those communities. She made sure they were never overlooked.

“One of the best examples of that commitment came in Menifee County, where she loved the people, loved the community, and where she took on the U.S. Forest Service over the proposed removal of safety buoys at Cave Run Lake. Tatum single-handedly organized, advocated, and ultimately won — protecting tourism, safety, and local economic development. When the county newspaper ran a front-page story about this victory, she proudly displayed it in her office throughout the rest of her career.

“She also poured herself into addiction recovery efforts, helping establish the Sixth District Addiction Recovery Working Group and securing millions of dollars in federal grants for Narcan distribution, counseling, recovery services, and transitional housing. Her work saved lives.

“She was a fierce advocate for our veterans, helped set-up and do casework for the Sixth District Veterans Coalition.

“Beyond government, Tatum lived her faith. Through her church, she participated in mission trips to Haiti, where she served children living in deep poverty. She loved them, prayed for them, and gave them hope. Service, for Tatum, was not confined to a job description. She made a difference wherever she went.

“Inside our office, Tatum was the heartbeat of the team. Her leadership philosophy was simple: last to eat, first to fight. She mentored young staff, protected her colleagues, and demanded excellence — always with kindness. She showed up early, stayed late, and never asked anyone to do something she wouldn’t do herself.

“She was also my most trusted advisor. She knew when to challenge me and she knew when to steady me. She made me a better Congressman, and she made our team better public servants.

“Kentucky lost a daughter who honored her home in everything she did. Our office lost a leader. Our communities lost a fierce advocate. And all of us lost a friend.

“But her legacy lives on — in the lives she helped, the problems she solved, and the example she set for what public service should be.

“Tatum Dale served others every single day of her life. She loved people. And she did her work beautifully. We will honor her best by carrying forward the standard she set.

“Rest well, Tatum. You are missed, you are remembered, and you will never be forgotten.”


Barr Votes to Finalize FY26 Funding, Delivering Strong Defense and Investments for Kentucky

Washington, D.C.— Today, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY) voted YES on H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, finalizing Fiscal Year 2026 funding and advancing a responsible, Republican-led agenda aligned with President Trump’s America First priorities.

“This vote finishes the job — fully funding our government, strengthening America’s military, cutting wasteful spending, and delivering real results aligned with President Trump’s America First agenda,” said Congressman Barr. “That’s what responsible Republican governance looks like. I’ve also secured nearly $10 million for Kentucky’s Sixth District, including critical improvements at Blue Grass Airport and important infrastructure projects throughout Central Kentucky.”

In addition to strengthening national defense and restoring fiscal discipline, the legislation includes targeted Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) investments secured by Congressman Barr to support economic growth, infrastructure modernization, and public safety across Kentucky:

$2,000,000 — Mercer County’s Wilkinson Farm Megasite Industrial Park Improvements

$2,000,000 — Scott, Fayette, and Madison Counties’ Central Kentucky Regional Business Park

$1,400,000 — Versailles’ Road and Utility Infrastructure Improvements

$1,400,000 — Montgomery County’s Industrial Park Improvements

$1,000,000 — Berea’s Kenway Extension for Community Safety and Mobility

$1,200,000 — Estill County’s Water System Improvements


Bean Receives an A+ for His Pro-Life Stance in the House

WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) has earned an “A+” rating on the latest Susan B. Anthony List (SBA) National Pro-Life Scorecard, a tool for holding members of Congress accountable for their legislative records on life and highlighting leadership in the fight to protect unborn children and their mothers.

“The right to life is one of our nation's founding principles, and I’m proud to help protect the most vulnerable in our society. I’m grateful for the SBA List and will continue to be a strong voice for the voiceless in the House,” said Congressman Bean.

“Rep. Bean has voted consistently to protect the lives of the unborn and to stop forced taxpayer funding of abortion. This includes delivering the largest pro-life legislative victory in two decades by defunding Big Abortion businesses, like Planned Parenthood, of Medicaid dollars for one year through the reconciliation bill H.R.1. Rep. Bean also stood strong against attempts to further subsidize plans that cover elective abortion,” said Jamie Dangers, Director of Federal Affairs, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America.

BACKGROUND

During the 119th Congress, Bean voted in favor of H.R. 21, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, to ensure that infants who survive an attempted abortion receive the same care as any other newborn. He also supported legislation to block taxpayer funding of abortion and opposed efforts to expand taxpayer-funded coverage through Obamacare without critical Hyde protection.

Also, in 2025, Bean co-led a letter to the Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Martin Makary and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy to prevent the expansion of chemical abortion drugs.

Bean’s Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life Scorecard is available HERE.

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Congressman Bean: “Is the Sun Rising or Setting on America?”

WASHINGTON—This week, U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) spoke on the House floor reflecting on the one-year anniversary of President Trump’s return to office. Quoting Benjamin Franklin’s famous question at the Constitutional Convention — “Is the sun rising or setting?” — Congressman Bean celebrated the accomplishments of the past year and the wins for Northeast Florida families.

To watch Congressman Bean’s speech, click HERE.

Full speech, as prepared for delivery, is below:

Mr. Speaker, at the Constitutional Convention in 1787, Benjamin Franklin famously looked at the chair behind the presiding officer—carved with a sun—and asked a question that still echoes through history: was the sun rising or setting? In that moment, the future of a fledgling nation hung in the balance, and even the Founders did not yet know whether liberty would prevail.

For too long, the American people have felt that same uncertainty. Years of what many viewed as America-Last policies left families struggling, dreams deferred, and our nation asking itself: are we on the rise, or in decline?

To answer that question, we need only look at the results delivered over the past year under House Republican leadership and President Trump.

Together, we’ve delivered real relief for American families with the Working Families Tax Cut—the largest tax cut in U.S. history—so workers keep more of what they earn, with no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, and no tax on Social Security benefits. We’ve also unleashed American energy, restored our independence, and brought down costs at the pump.

We’ve restored law, order, and accountability by securing the border, supporting law enforcement, strengthening the rule of law, shrinking the federal bureaucracy, cutting wasteful spending, and demanding accountability for every taxpayer dollar.

We’ve rebuilt American strength at home and abroad—revitalizing our military, advancing peace through strength, standing firm with allies, and deterring adversaries. And we’ve put veterans first by expanding access to care and ensuring they receive the benefits they earned.

We’ve brought transparency and common sense back to our institutions, dismantling DEI mandates, and restoring fairness, merit, and basic common sense.

And we’ve begun making America healthy again by empowering patients, expanding health savings accounts, and improving access and accountability across our healthcare system.

We ran on these promises. We delivered on these promises. And we’re just getting started.

So, Mr. Speaker, is the sun rising or setting? I can say with absolute certainty—the sun is rising under the leadership of President Trump and House Republicans.

And make no mistake—there is more to come. As the sun rises, we are ushering in America’s Golden Age: a time of renewed strength, prosperity, and opportunity for every citizen, in every community, across this great land. The best days for our nation are still ahead, and together, we will make America stronger, safer, and greater than ever before. Thank you, and I yield back.

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Rep. Bera Introduces Bill to Expand Access to General Surgery in Underserved Communities

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06) introduced the Ensuring Access to General Surgery Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation to strengthen how the federal government identifies communities that lack access to general surgeons and to help expand access to care by establishing a framework for general surgery shortage areas. Rep. Bera was joined by Representatives Scott Peters (CA-50), Don Bacon (NE-02), and John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) in introducing the legislation.

Rural communities face persistent workforce challenges when accessing general surgery care. A 2020 HRSA report found that rural areas have only 69 percent of the general surgeons needed to meet demand. The Association of American Medical Colleges projects that demand for surgeons will continue to outpace supply nationwide, resulting in a shortage of 10,100 to 19,900 surgeons by 2036.

As a member of the Rural Caucus, Rep. Bera is committed to ensuring rural and other underserved communities can access essential health care services, including surgical care.

“As a physician, I’ve seen how delays in care can turn treatable conditions into emergencies,” said Rep. Bera. “When families can’t access a general surgeon close to home, it can mean hours on the road, longer wait times, and worse outcomes. This bipartisan bill will help us better identify where the gaps are so we can strengthen access to timely surgical care and make sure your ZIP code doesn’t determine whether you can get the care you need.”

"Americans should receive quality health care, no matter where they live," said Rep. Peters. "Unfortunately, many communities don't have access to general surgery, preventing many patients from getting the care they need. The first step toward improving access to general surgery is knowing where these underserved populations are. Then, we can work to expand access to care and lower costs for San Diegans and patients everywhere."

“I'm pleased to join Rep. Bera in introducing the Ensuring Access to General Surgery Act, which will direct HRSA to conduct a comprehensive, data-driven study of how we can better identify general surgery shortage areas,” said Rep. Bacon. “By examining factors from travel times to hospital capabilities, we can ensure federal resources are targeted where they're needed most to help families in rural Nebraska and communities nationwide.”

"As a physician, I know firsthand how important it is for American patients to have access to the care they need, where they live. This is particularly relevant in rural areas such as Pennsylvania’s 13th Congressional District," said Rep. Joyce. "Every American should have access to high-quality care, including general surgery, in their community. By investing in data to pinpoint geographical gaps in patient care, this legislation would address long-standing imbalances and adequately expand access for patients throughout the country."

“In light of growing evidence demonstrating a maldistribution of general surgeons, the American College of Surgeons believes that additional research is necessary to better understand where critical shortage areas exist,” said Patricia L. Turner, MD, MBA, FACS, Executive Director and CEO of the American College of Surgeons. “Determining where patients lack access to surgical services and designating a formal surgical shortage area will provide the Department of Health and Human Services with a valuable new tool for increasing access to the full spectrum of high-quality health care services. Incentivizing general surgeons to locate or remain in communities with workforce shortages is critical in guaranteeing all patients, regardless of geographic location, have access to quality surgical care. We thank Representatives Ami Bera, MD, John Joyce, MD, Scott Peters, and Don Bacon for their continued leadership on this important issue.”

The Ensuring Access to General Surgery Act directs HRSA to study how underserved populations access general surgeons and evaluate whether existing federal shortage designations accurately reflect access to surgical care. The bill directs HRSA to evaluate a data-driven method to identify general surgery shortage areas, taking into account factors like travel time, wait times, health outcomes, and critical access hospitals with surgical capabilities but lacking a general surgeon. The legislation would ensure consultation with stakeholders, require a report to Congress within one year, and provide for ongoing public reporting and regular updates to shortage area designations.


Bergman, Budzinski Introduce Legislation to Make Gerald's Law Permanent

Today, Reps. Jack Bergman and Nikki Budzinski announced the reintroduction of Gerald's Law, legislation to permanently close a loophole in federal law that has denied burial benefits to some Veterans based solely on where they spent their final days.

Gerald’s Law was previously included as a pilot provision in the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act of 2025, but that authority is set to expire later this year.

Under prior law, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) could provide a burial allowance to the surviving family of a Veteran who died while in the care of a qualifying VA facility, such as a VA hospital or VA-funded nursing home. However, terminally ill Veterans who were discharged from a VA facility and received VA-furnished hospice care at home were deemed to have died outside a qualifying facility, even though VA remained responsible for their care.

As a result, some families lost eligibility for burial benefits simply because their loved one chose to spend their final days at home. This gap in the law created a perverse incentive that discouraged Veterans from choosing home-based hospice care out of concern that doing so would forfeit their earned burial benefits.

Gerald’s Law is named in honor of Gerald “Jerry” Elliott, a U.S. Army Veteran from Dickinson County, whose family was denied burial benefits under this loophole. Denise Formolo, the Veterans Service Officer for Dickinson County, originally brought Jerry’s story to Rep. Bergman, inspiring the legislation.

Rep. Bergman said, “Veterans should not be penalized for choosing to spend their final days at home, surrounded by loved ones. Forcing families to forfeit earned burial benefits is unacceptable, and what happened to Jerry must never happen again.”

"For surviving families, VA’s burial allowance eases the burden of funeral and burial costs, allowing them to properly honor their loved one who gave so much in service to our country. It’s wrong for a veteran to be denied this earned benefit just because they choose to pass away in the comfort of their own home. Congress temporarily closed this loophole last year, now it's time to fix this injustice permanently,” said Rep. Budzinski

Gerald’s Law has received the support of a number of key stakeholders:

“We are deeply grateful for the reintroduction of Gerald’s Law by Representatives Bergman and Budzinski. This critical legislation ensures that veterans and their families can continue to choose comfort over cost when selecting an end-of-life care setting, without having to risk the loss of crucial burial benefits,” said Dr. Steve Landers, CEO of the National Alliance for Care at Home. “While Congress previously addressed this issue on a temporary basis, veterans and their families deserve certainty and permanence. We thank both Representatives for their bipartisan leadership and look forward to supporting efforts to make this protection permanent and ensure continued access to care at home for our nation’s veterans.”

"No veteran should ever be forced to choose between the comfort of their own home and the burial benefits they earned through honorable service. The Gerald’s Law Act closes a technical loophole that currently penalizes families when a veteran transitions from a VA facility to VA approved and funded home hospice care. DAV is proud to support this bill and commends Reps. Bergman and Budzinski for their leadership in upholding the dignity of every veteran’s end-of-life journey," said DAV National Legislative Director Jon Retzer.

“Gerald's Law was introduced to ensure veterans who choose to receive VA-furnished hospice care at home with their families were not penalized and denied benefits based on that choice. The passage of S. 141, the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, codified Gerald's Law, but only until October 2026. As a pilot program, Gerald’s Law demonstrated how critical it was to address the gaps in veteran end of life benefits. NACVSO has long supported this initiative and looks forward to working with Representatives Bergman and Budzinski to make Gerald's Law permanent. The pilot provision has been successful and now is the time to do the right thing for our veterans," said Andrew Tangen, President of National Association of County Veteran Service Organizations.

"AMVETS fully supports making Gerald's Law permanent, allowing veterans to receive hospice care at home without their families losing crucial burial benefits. By passing this legislation, Congress will ensure that veterans are never penalized for choosing to spend their final days surrounded by their loved ones,”said Paul Shipley, AMVETS National Commander.

“Veterans who choose to spend their last days in hospice care are being denied the burial benefits and dignity they deserve. Service to their nation should determine their benefits, not the location of their passing,” said Rye Barcott, Co-Founder and CEO of With Honor. “With Honor is proud to endorse the Gerald’s Law Act, and we thank For Country Caucus member Rep. Jack Bergman for his commitment to our veterans and their right to choose the location of their treatment.”

“The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is grateful to Representatives Bergman and Budzinski for reintroducing the Gerald’s Law Act. This vital bipartisan legislation ensures that veterans receiving VA-furnished hospice care qualify for the burial allowance, regardless of whether that care is provided at home,” said Bonnie Carroll, TAPS President and Founder. “On behalf of our nation’s surviving families, who honor their loved one’s final wishes, TAPS looks forward to this important bill’s swift passage.”

"Gold Star Spouses of America (GSSA) understands firsthand the lasting impact that end-of-life decisions have on military families. Gerald’s Law ensures that Veterans are treated with equal respect at the end of life, supports family-centered care decisions, and provides clarity and fairness in VA burial benefits. It affirms that a Veteran’s final chapter, wherever it is written, does not diminish their service or sacrifice. Gold Star Spouses of America urges Congress to advance and pass Gerald’s Law without delay. This legislation is a meaningful step toward honoring Veterans, supporting surviving families, and ensuring compassion and equity in VA policy," said Tamra Sipes, National President of Gold Star Spouses of America.