Raskin Delivers More Than $16.5 Million in Federal Dollars for Maryland’s Eighth Congressional District to Fund Workforce Development, Public Safety and Infrastructure

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Jamie Raskin (MD-08) announced that he has secured more than $16.5 million in federal funding for projects in Maryland’s Eighth Congressional District, including significant investments in public safety, infrastructure and workforce development.

“Even at a time of chaos and polarization, we’re making major investments across Maryland’s beautiful Eighth Congressional District, from improving public safety to supporting workforce development and upgrading critical transportation and water infrastructure,” said Rep. Raskin. “At a time when Donald Trump and his team work every day to drain our democracy of resources and undermine our institutions, it’s a small but significant victory for the people of Montgomery County to see our taxpayer dollars come home to strengthen our community.

In FY26, Rep. Raskin is delivering more than $16.5 million in federal funding for 14 critical projects in Maryland’s Eighth Congressional District:

Montgomery County:

Rapid Bus Lanes in Montgomery County: Rep. Raskin secured $3,150,000 to help Montgomery County improve existing bus lanes, increasing driver awareness and compliance with the bus lanes along Georgia Avenue (MD 97) between downtown Silver Spring and Glenmont Metro. Federal funds would be used to upgrade pavement markings, painted lanes, signage and design modifications and lane transitions.

Real Time Crime Center Enhancement in Montgomery County: Rep. Raskin secured $2,100,000 to aid Montgomery County police officers with real-time intelligence to support faster, smarter decision-making in the field. This project will expand situational awareness, improve response times and increase officer and community safety.

Workforce Development and Technical Training in Montgomery County: Rep. Raskin secured $2,000,000 to aid Montgomery County in renovating and expanding an existing county-owned facility to create a fully equipped vocational training center. This adaptive reuse project will double the size of the existing facility to support vocational learning labs in key workforce fields and associated classroom and support spaces. The Workforce Development and Technical Training Center will train low- and moderate-income residents in construction, health care and other critical sectors in Montgomery County and enhance economic development.

Forensic Laboratory Capabilities Enhancement in Montgomery County: Rep. Raskin secured $1,192,000 to assist Montgomery County in acquiring important upgrades for the county’s crime laboratory. This funding will enhance forensic testing capabilities, reduce turnaround times, streamline investigations, reduce the backlog and contribute significantly to crime reduction and community safety.

Sewage Rehabilitation in Montgomery County: Rep. Raskin secured $1,092,000 to assist the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission to rehabilitate sewer infrastructure in Maryland, including in Montgomery County. The project in Montgomery County, concentrated in the Northwest Terrace project site along Northwest Branch, would rehabilitate and replace approximately half a mile of sewer mains and 12 manholes, in addition to stream stabilization work. The existing sewer mains were installed in the 1950s and are in critical need of upgrades.

Low-Income Home Weatherization in Montgomery County: Rep. Raskin secured $850,000 to help Montgomery County address the significant proportion of income-eligible homes in the county deferred from the State of Maryland's income-based weatherization programs due to health and safety issues. Montgomery County's home weatherization program would repair income-qualified homes to overcome that barrier so that these homes can take full advantage of the available energy efficiency and weatherization programs. The program aims to reduce energy burdens, improve indoor air quality and prevent home disrepair.

Strategic Reforestation and Habitat Restoration in Montgomery County: Rep. Raskin secured $785,000 to help Montgomery County plant 1,000 shade trees and structurally prune 1,000 previously planted shade trees on strategically selected county-owned land. The project will reduce soil erosion, enhance water supplies, improve water quality and increase wildlife habitat.

Security Cameras for Parking Garages in Montgomery County: Rep. Raskin secured $850,000 to assist Montgomery County with enhancing and replacing the existing safety and security-related surveillance systems in County parking garages across three Parking Lot Districts in Bethesda, Silver Spring and Wheaton. The funding will help the County deter crime by adding cameras and other electronic surveillance apparatus to cover previously excluded fields of view.

US-29 Critical Bike & Pedestrian Safety Improvements in Rockville: Rep. Raskin secured $500,000 to help fund Montgomery County’s bike and pedestrian safety infrastructure by connecting the Flash Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) station located along Lockwood Drive between Columbia Pike (US-15) and New Hampshire Avenue (MD-650). The project includes new and upgraded crosswalks, curb ramps and sidewalks and upgraded bicycle facilities in a densely populated and frequently walked and biked community in eastern Montgomery County.

Law Enforcement Training in Montgomery County: Rep. Raskin secured $487,000 to help nonprofit Roca Inc. train more than 450 front line staff and 1,200 police to provide more than 11,250 young people with the tools they need to disrupt community violence, remain out of prison and thrive.

Rockville:

Sewage Pipe Replacement in Rockville: Rep. Raskin secured $1,092,000 to aid the City of Rockville in replacing pipes that threaten residents with sewage backups, overflows and ground contamination. These risks can cause serious illness and pollute the local water system and soil. Installing new, reliable infrastructure will prevent costly emergencies, protect residents from harmful sewage exposure and ensure a cleaner environment for the community.

Wastewater Collection System Rehabilitation in Rockville: Rep. Raskin secured $1,092,000 to allow the City of Rockville to rehabilitate 54,196 linear feet of aging wastewater pipes in the Twinbrook neighborhood of Rockville. These pipes are in critical condition and at risk of failure, potentially leading to sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) and raw sewage backups into homes and businesses.

Lead Service Line Inventory in Rockville: Rep. Raskin secured $500,000 to help the City of Rockville complete its critical lead and copper water line inventory project. Through outreach to property owners and targeted excavations, this project will make Rockville’s drinking water safer.

Takoma Park:

Public Safety Dispatch Center and Crisis Response Upgrades in Takoma Park: Rep. Raskin secured $867,000 to allow the City of Takoma Park to further advance an innovative program employing two mental health counselors on a full-time basis to respond to calls involving residents in mental health crises.

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Congresswoman Luz Rivas Introduces Bill to Protect Immigrant Families in Public Housing

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Luz Rivas (CA-29) introduced H.R. 7374, the Housing Without Fear Act, to nullify the harmful Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) which allows for sharing noncitizens’ data between the two agencies.

“HUD’s pressure campaign on public housing authorities across the country will worsen the housing crisis for our most vulnerable and leave immigrant families homeless,” said Congresswoman Rivas. “My Housing Without Fear Act protects immigrant families – like mine in the San Fernando Valley – from eviction and blocks DHS and HUD from working together to weaponize immigrants’ personal data. Our federal agencies should work together to serve everyone, not carry out the Trump Administration’s racist anti-immigrant agenda.”

Background:

On March 24, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate data sharing with a focus on identifying noncitizens using federal housing programs. The MOU creates clear lines of communication between the two agencies to work to identify noncitizens who the departments deem ineligible for federal housing assistance. The agencies will use this data to take actions against these individuals, including referral for immigration enforcement actions, and the housing authorities where the individuals live.

On January 23, 2026, HUD announced that all Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) must re-verify tenant eligibility requirements. PHAs have 30 days from January 23 to comply or risk being sanctioned by the Trump Administration.

Congresswoman Rivas is a co-sponsor on bills preventing data sharing between federal agencies, including the Home Together Act and the LINE Act.

Bill text of the Housing Without Fear Act can be found here.

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Ross, Gillibrand, Luján, Cohen, DeSaulnier Introduce Legislation to Protect Drivers from Fatal Tractor Trailer Truck Accidents

Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) joined Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and U.S. Representatives Steve Cohen (TN-09) and Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) in introducing legislation to help prevent deadly truck underride crashes.

An underride crash occurs when a car slides under a large truck, such as a semi-trailer, during an accident. When these crashes happen, a car’s safety features are rendered useless because most of the car slides under the trailer and the trailer undercarriage crashes straight through the windows and into the passengers. The passengers in the car often suffer severe head and neck injuries, including decapitation. These accidents are frequently fatal, even at low speeds.

Studies and pilot programs show that a simple barrier attached to the lower area of a truck, called an “underride guard,” would help prevent a car from sliding underneath a truck in an accident. Under current federal law, unlike the rear of a truck, underride guards are not required to be on the sides or front of trucks. The Stop Underrides Act 2.0 would expand on current restrictions by instructing rulemaking to require side underride guards on new trucks, improving data collection, and directing additional research on underride crashes.

“Requiring trucks to have underride guards is a simple way to prevent hundreds of deaths on our roads,” said Congresswoman Ross. “These guards are a proven, effective safety measure that will reduce underride crashes as well as severe injuries and fatalities caused by underrides. I have heard directly from families in my district about the lives this improvement could save. I’m proud to introduce legislation that will prevent vehicle fatalities and make our roads safer for drivers in North Carolina and across the country.”

“Truck underride guards are one of the best and easiest solutions for protecting passengers during collisions with large trucks,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The Stop Underrides Act 2.0 is commonsense legislation that will protect passengers and make our roads safer. I look forward to working across the aisle to get this passed.”

“I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing life-saving legislation to make our roads safer,” said Senator Luján. “The Stop Underrides Act will help prevent deadly underride crashes and protect families from tragic, preventable loss. I’m grateful for Senator Gillibrand’s leadership on this important issue, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this bill signed into law.”

“The Stop Underrides Act 2.0 would help prevent these terrible and too-often fatal truck-trailer accidents by ensuring that cars can no longer slide underneath trucks,” said Representative Cohen. “In introducing this legislation, I’m reminded of my constituents Randy and Laurie Higginbotham who lost their son in an underride crash in Memphis in 2014. The Stop Underrides Act 2.0 builds on important progress made in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and will save lives by helping to end these fatal crashes.”

"With truck underride collisions claiming the lives of at least 300 people per year, the time to act on reforms is now. Small changes will make a big difference, and we cannot leave any room for error,” said Congressman DeSaulnier. “I am proud to join my colleagues in advancing this bill to put an end to these avoidable tragedies.”

Specifically, this bill would:

Require the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to finalize rulemaking requiring side underride guards on commercial trucks.

Restart the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Advisory Committee on Underride Protection, to provide recommendations for how to reduce underride crashes and severe injuries and fatalities caused by underrides.

Require the DOT to publish a website making underrides research accessible to researchers, industry, and advocates.

Instruct the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a study on the prevalence of underride incidents, including those involving the fronts of large trucks.

Instruct the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study of the implementation of NHTSA’s 2022 rear underride rule and provide suggestions to better improve the rule.

Instruct NHTSA to review its Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and correct crashes in the database that should have been classified as an underride but were not.

Instruct NHTSA to create free, on-demand web-based training for state and local law enforcement to better identify and document underride crashes.

This bill is supported by the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, America Walks, AnnaLeah & Mary for Truck Safety, Cascade Bicycle Club, Casey Feldman Foundation, Center for Auto Safety, EndDistractedDriving.org, Families for Safe Streets, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, League of American Bicyclists, Institute for Safer Trucking, Kids and Car Safety, Ride Illinois, Ride of Silence, Road Safe America, Sylvia Bingham Fund, Safe Routes Partnership, Stop Underrides, and Truck Safety Coalition.

“We appreciate Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) for her leadership on legislation to reduce preventable deaths and injuries involving large trucks. The Stop Underrides Act 2.0 would help stop devastating underride crashes by advancing research-backed protections which are long overdue. We urge Congress to advance this bill without delay to prevent more people from being horrifically killed or injured in an underride crash,” said Cathy Chase, President, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety.

"I commend Senator Gillibrand and Congressman Cohen for introducing the Stop Underrides Act 2.0,” said Jennifer Tierney, Truck Safety Coalition and CRASH Board Member. “I lost my father, James Mooney, in a preventable side underride crash over 40 years ago. It is unconscionable that trailers still are not required to have side underride guards and my heart breaks for every single loss of life that could have otherwise been saved. This bill will save lives."

“The Stop Underrides bill was written to solve the decades old problem of vehicle occupants and vulnerable road users from dying under tractor-trailers. It’s not the crash that kills; it’s the underride. Underride protection around tractor trailers and large trucks is necessary to save lives,” said Lois Durso-Hawkins of the Stop Underrides advocacy group.

“Hundreds of people are killed or injured each year in side underride crashes, a preventable consequence of semitrailer design. Requiring side underride guards on new semitrailers will save lives, protecting motorists and people walking or biking,” said Eric Hein, Board Member, Institute for Safer Trucking; bereaved father of Riley Hein.

“I'm grateful to Senators Gillibrand, Lujan, Blumenthal, and Duckworth, as well as Representatives Cohen, DeSaulnier, and Ross for taking this next important step to bring about long overdue underride regulations,” said Marianne Karth of AnnaLeah & Mary for Truck Safety. “The provisions in this bill need to become law to bring Americans safely home. I don't want any more families to lose loved ones while engineering solutions gather dust on a shelf.

Bill text is available here.

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Rep. Rulli Secures $12 Million for Essential Infrastructure Projects

Earlier this week, Congressman Mike Rulli (OH-06) delivered on his promise to strengthen our communities by securing nearly $12 million in federal funds for infrastructure projects throughout the Ohio Valley. These long-awaited investments will address pressing local needs, strengthen essential public infrastructure, and improve quality of life for families in Eastern Ohio. Secured through sustained advocacy and close coordination with local leaders, these funds will deliver real, on-the-ground results for communities that have gone too long without adequate federal support. The following projects will directly benefit towns and neighborhoods across the district:

$3,840,000 for Belmont County

Improving safety and traffic flow at the Blaine Barton Road and US 40 intersection, adding pedestrian access to the Historic Blaine “S” Bridge, and enhancing access for residents and emergency services east of the bridge.

$1,198,000 for Cadiz

Completing Phase 3 of the Village’s Water System Improvement program, replacing deteriorated lines and eliminating all remaining lead from the public water system.

$1,500,000 for Boardman Township (Mahoning County)

Expedites completion of US 224 corridor improvements, addressing a high-crash area and improving traffic management by adding sidewalks, turn lanes, upgraded signals, and safer pedestrian crossings.

$1,062,500 for Mead Township (Belmont County)

Replaces the township hall, provides office space, meeting areas, document storage, and garage bays for federally funded vehicles. The new building will be handicap accessible and serve as an EMA heating and cooling center for the community.

$950,000 for Lisbon

Replaces a failing sewer line along N Market Street/State Route 45, completing Phase 10 of the Village’s Long Term Control Plan.

$800,000 for Struthers

Increases capacity and improves outflow quality at the wastewater treatment facility, unlocking future development in the Valley and allowing Struthers to better serve their citizens.

$750,000 for Wellsville

Replaces the State Route 45 water tank built in 1933 which is the only source of water for the Village, alleviating fire suppression and sanitary concerns.

$700,000 for Steubenville

Addresses foundation damage and prevents collapse or condemnation of their Wastewater Treatment Administration Building, protecting employees and critical equipment.

$600,000 for Dover

Increases sewer capacity to prevent overflows during storms and prepare the City’s northern corridor for planned development.

$500,000 for Scio

Completes the final phase of their waterline replacement plan, eliminating lead from the public system and bringing it into compliance with EPA standards.

“I love the small communities in our district, and over the past several years I’ve spent countless hours listening to the very real challenges our families face,” said Rep. Rulli. “For far too long, our critical infrastructure needs have gone unfunded. I’m proud of the work my office has done to finally deliver these long-overdue investments. From upgrading water and sewer systems to making our roads safer, these projects will strengthen our communities, protect public health, and lay the foundation for future growth. They deliver real, tangible results for the people of our district, and I will continue fighting every day to bring resources home for Ohio families.”


SALAZAR, BIPARTISAN LAWMAKERS INTRODUCE IRAN ACT TO DEFEND INTERNET FREEDOM AND COUNTER REGIME CENSORSHIP

WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, Rep. María Elvira Salazar joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers to introduce H.R. 7380, the Internet Reach and Access Now (IRAN) Act, legislation aimed at expanding internet freedom and access to information for the Iranian people.

Iran remains one of the most severe internet censors and abusers in the world. The regime routinely uses censorship, surveillance, and nationwide internet shutdowns to silence dissent, isolate citizens, and suppress democratic movements. As Iranians continue to demand basic human rights and freedom, access to an open and secure internet remains one of the most powerful tools to organize, communicate, and connect with the democratic world.

“There is nothing dictators fear more than an educated and connected people,” said Rep. Salazar. “That is why the Ayatollah’s regime always moves first to shut down the internet — to silence the Iranian people’s cry for freedom. The IRAN Act creates a permanent strategy to keep Iranians connected, expand access to VPNs and satellite internet, and push back against regime censorship. From Iran to Cuba, access to information is the first step toward breaking the chains of tyranny.”

“Oppressive regimes fall when the illusion of their power breaks, and the people of Iran are ready to break through,” said Rep. Eric Swalwell. “Iranians want freedom, a mission I’ve always supported. That’s why I’m introduced the Internet Reach and Access Now (IRAN) Act, to expand access to free internet for the Iranian people. Open internet access is a powerful tool for change and empowers the people to stand against the regime. Iranians want what people everywhere want: the freedom to choose their own future.”

“The Iranian people have shown extraordinary courage in demanding basic freedoms from a regime that fears open communication,” said Congresswoman Claudia Tenney. “Instead of listening, the regime responds with censorship, surveillance, and internet shutdowns meant to isolate people from one another and from the world. The IRAN Act requires the U.S. government to implement and periodically update its strategy to expand access to the open internet for Iranian civilians. It ensures our sanctions are not unintentionally blocking essential communication tools and directs the State Department to address VPN access and internet blackouts head-on. This legislation is about matching the courage of the Iranian people with real, sustained support.”

The IRAN Act directs the U.S. government to modernize and strengthen its strategy to promote internet freedom in Iran, ensuring American sanctions do not unintentionally block tools that allow civilians to communicate freely and securely.

The IRAN Act would:

Require the Secretary of State to implement and regularly update a comprehensive strategy to promote internet freedom in Iran, coordinating across federal agencies.

Require the State Department to update the Comprehensive Strategy to Promote Internet Freedom and Access to Information in Iran, as required by the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 (22 U.S.C. 8754).

Add three new objectives to ensure the strategy reflects technologies used by Iranian civil society, including:

Evaluating the use of virtual private networks (VPNs), satellite internet, and direct-to-cell (DTC) satellite technologies by civil society and human rights activists in Iran, and developing strategies to increase access to these technologies;

Working with Treasury and Commerce to ensure sanctions enforcement does not prevent companies from providing the technology and tools necessary to access the open internet;

Assessing the Iranian regime’s ability to cut off all internet access and developing strategies to circumvent internet blackouts.

Require all new or modified satellite or direct-to-cell internet licenses granted by the FCC to refrain from disabling or geo-blocking satellite or DTC coverage over the land territory of Iran, except where explicitly required by federal law or other applicable regulations.

Require the Secretary of State, acting through the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, to establish programs providing cybersecurity training and commercially available digital safety tools to help Iranians circumvent the Iranian regime’s repressive censorship tools.

Authorize the appropriation of $15,000,000 per year for FY2027 and FY2028 to fund these technologies in Iran, especially VPNs.

The IRAN Act is endorsed by the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA), FDD Action, Lantern, Psiphon, and NetFreedom Pioneers.


Congresswoman Schrier Introduces the Know Before You Drive Act to Improve Road Safety

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), introduced the Know Before You Drive Act, a bill aimed at improving road safety and saving lives by ensuring that car manufacturers accurately explain and represent the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) limitations in their vehicles.

“Advanced Driver Assistance Systems features such as collision warnings, driving control assistance, and blind-spot monitoring are becoming very common in new vehicles and can be incredible safety tools if used appropriately. However, these tools that are meant to keep us safe can actually cause significant danger when manufacturers misrepresent their capabilities, and drivers don’t clearly understand their limitations,” said Congresswoman Schrier, M.D. “My bill will improve safety on our roadways by preventing manufacturers from making false and misleading claims about a car’s driver assistance systems and will require them to provide understandable explanations of what these systems are capable of and what responsibilities drivers need to maintain.”

The Know Before You Drive Act prohibits car manufacturers from making any representations that a partial driving automation system can function as an automated driving system or has capabilities beyond what the system or feature can perform. This legislation also requires manufacturers and dealers to provide a notice to customers at the time of sale, detailing the partial driving automation system, its capabilities and limitations, and the subtasks the driver is still expected to perform. Subtasks include object event detection and response, supervising a partial driving automation system, and responding to the system’s request to intervene or performance-relevant system failures.


Rep. Peters, Sen. Whitehouse Call on European Union Leadership to Uphold Strong Methane Standards

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Scott Peters (CA-50) and U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, led 24 Members of Congress in urging the European Union to maintain robust and consistent implementation of the European Union Methane Regulation (EUMR) in the face of Trump Administration attacks. As the lawmakers made clear, weakening the EUMR or providing broad exemptions would undermine global energy security, worldwide climate progress, and fair competition for responsible U.S. energy producers.

In a letter to the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Members emphasized how strong methane standards prevent natural gas waste and cut pollution around the world, writing, “The EUMR is a critical tool to incentivize the capture of natural gas that would otherwise be wasted and emitted into the atmosphere. Setting clear, consistent rules for all suppliers is essential to reduce trade barriers between countries with cleaner oil and gas, provide a credible foundation to reward producers—like many in the United States—that deploy readily available common-sense methane reduction technologies, and alleviate the EU’s dependence on dirty natural gas from Russia.”

Globally, methane emissions from the oil and gas sector waste 200 billion cubic meters of natural gas each year, which is nearly as much natural gas as the United States exports annually. Many U.S. companies are already world leaders on methane management and could easily comply with EUMR requirements. “U.S. industry is in a strong position to be a reliable supplier to the EU and comply with EUMR requirements, so long as it can rely on a durable and transparent EU regulatory landscape,” wrote the lawmakers.

Despite the health and economic harms of failing to capture wasted gas, the Trump Administration has increasingly attacked the EUMR. In December, the Department of Energy wrote a letter demanding that the EU delay U.S. data reporting requirements, grandfather all U.S. contracts, and waive penalties for non-compliance from U.S. exports, all of which would enable continued methane pollution and undermine the durability of the EU’s regulatory landscape. These efforts to weaken international methane standards mirror the Trump Administration’s damaging domestic agenda, where the Environmental Protection Agency has delayed and intends to revise domestic methane regulations that would have generated billions of dollars in benefits for Americans.

Calling for a strategic and durable approach, the lawmakers urged the European Commission to address technical issues as they arise rather than grant broad, unearned exemptions. “We encourage the European Commission to conduct necessary technical consultations with relevant experts across American federal and state governmental entities, industry, academia, and non-governmental organizations to support implementation of the EUMR, in lieu of issuing sweeping exemptions that go far beyond the technical and methodological implementation questions at hand,” wrote the Members of Congress.

While urging continued, timely enforcement of the EUMR to support responsible energy producers and protect the climate, the Senators and Representatives reaffirmed their commitment to working with the EU, American industry, and the Trump Administration to address implementation challenges.

In addition to Rep. Peters and Ranking Member Whitehouse, the letter was signed by Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Representatives Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Don Beyer (VA-08), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Troy Carter (LA-02), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Daniel Goldman (NY-10), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Janice Schakowsky (IL-09), Kim Schrier (WA-08), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), and George Whitesides (CA-27).

In September, Rep. Peters and Senator Whitehouse also led 15 Members of Congress in calling for the European Commission’s swift implementation of the EUMR.

Read the full letter here.

Background:

As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Environment Subcommittee, Rep. Peters has been a leader in federal methane policy, working to rein in this potent climate pollutant.

He was an original co-sponsor of the bipartisan Methane Emissions Mitigation Research and Development Act to advance methane detection and mitigation technologies, and introduced House version of the Gas Pipeline Leak Detection and Repair Act to modernize methane leak surveying and repair standards for natural gas infrastructure.

Rep. Peters also led a bipartisan resolution, signed by President Biden, to reinstate two key Obama-era rules that set stronger regulations on methane pollution emitted by the nation's oil and gas industry.

Regulating methane is essential because it is one of the fastest-acting drivers of climate change, responsible for roughly 30 percent of the warming we’re experiencing today. It's also a major contributor to smog that threatens public health in communities across the country.

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Congressman Pete Sessions Secures $750,000 for Pflugerville Water Infrastructure, Announces Funding at Press Conference with Mayor Doug Weiss

Pflugerville, Texas – Today, Congressman Pete Sessions held a press conference alongside Pflugerville Mayor Doug Weiss to announce $750,000 in federal funding he secured for the City of Pflugerville’s Pump Station and Storage Tank Project, a critical investment in local water infrastructure that will support current needs and future growth.

The funding was included in H.R. 6938, the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2026, which passed both chambers of Congress and was signed into law by the President on January 23, 2026.

This investment will help modernize Pflugerville’s water system, strengthen reliability, and ensure the city can continue to serve residents and businesses as the community grows. The project reflects the importance of proactive infrastructure planning to protect public health and sustain economic development across Texas’ 17th Congressional District.

Speaking at today’s press conference, Congressman Sessions highlighted his efforts to deliver results for Pflugerville and communities across TX-17, emphasizing that federal appropriations should prioritize projects with clear, local impact.

"This investment ensures that our infrastructure keeps pace with growth and that our community continues to receive safe, reliable water service," said Pflugerville Mayor Doug Weiss. "Congressman Sessions, thank you again for your partnership, your commitment to our city, and your continued support of the communities you serve."

“I am proud to have secured this funding for Pflugerville and for the people of Texas’ 17th Congressional District,” said Congressman Pete Sessions. “Announcing this investment today with Mayor Weiss underscores our shared commitment to strengthening local infrastructure and ensuring our community is prepared for the future.”

The $750,000 allocation underscores Congressman Sessions’ continued focus on advancing district priorities through the federal appropriations process and working closely with local leaders to deliver meaningful outcomes for Central Texas communities.

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Rep. Sewell Secures $9.5 Million in Direct Funding for Local Projects Through Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations Process

Washington D.C. — Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) announced that she secured $9,571,000 in direct funding for 14 local projects in Alabama's 7th Congressional District. Funding for these projects was passed by Congress and signed into law as a part of the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process.

Watch Rep. Sewell's social media video here.

"I’m so proud to have secured $9.5 million for 14 community-driven projects that will make our district safer, stronger, and more prosperous," said Rep. Sewell. "These investments reflect the priorities I hear from families, local leaders, and small businesses every day—safer streets, better infrastructure, and more opportunity. I will keep fighting to bring resources back to our community and to ensure that every federal dollar works for the people I represent.”

Projects include:

$250,000 for improvements to Craig Field Airport in Selma, including upgrades to the precision approach path indicating system, taxiway and runway signage, and parking asphalt repairs;

$1,656,000 for the City of Selma to revitalize Alabama Avenue by assessing, renovating, and converting fourteen existing buildings;

$500,000 for Auburn University to construct ten prototype "resilient homes" in Selma made from high-performance materials to withstand extreme weather elements;

$850,000 for the Bessemer Housing Authority toward construction of a multi-purpose community center;

$250,000 for the City of Homewood to upgrade and expand culvert capacity in the neighborhoods surrounding Edgewood Elementary School;

$250,000 for the Jefferson County Greenway Commission to upgrade and renovate the entrance and guest parking lot of Red Mountain Park;

$700,000 for the City of Pleasant Grove to install 2.57 miles of new sidewalks, strategically add pedestrian lighting, and repair 1.26 miles of deteriorated sidewalk;

$850,000 for the City of Hueytown to improve roadways and walkways in the community by resurfacing streets and installing new sidewalks; and

$250,000 for the City of Tuscaloosa toward upgrades and renovations to the infrastructure of the Tuscaloosa Public Library.

$750,000 to strengthen public safety in the City of Brighton by equipping local law enforcement with updated materials and tools, improving emergency response, supporting crime prevention efforts, and helping residents feel more secure in their community.

$500,000 to transform the Marion National Guard Armory, into a multi-purpose community center offering workforce development training, a temporary shelter for families during emergencies, and a community hub for the deployment and distribution of essential supplies;

$1,015,000 for Rural Health Medical Program, Inc. (RHMPI) to renovate the Uniontown Health Center by upgrading clinical equipment, labs, X-ray capabilities, and IT systems, and by enhancing the roads and parking facilities around the center;

$1,000,000 to construct a new joint police and volunteer fire station in Aliceville, helping first responders better serve the residents of Pickens County and West Alabama; and

$750,000 for the Sumter County Commission for a new community center where residents of all ages can gather, connect, and engage in activities that promote community empowerment and resilience.

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Brown to Deliver State of the District Address February 12 in Cleveland

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) will deliver her State of the District Address on Thursday February 12 in Cleveland.

Brown will address the local impact of Trump Administration cuts to the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid, and SNAP, respond to Trump’s lawless and dangerous immigration policy, and outline how her office has responded to support constituents and bring federal funding back home. The event will also celebrate local leaders who have made a difference in the past year.

The event is open to the public. Constituents wishing to attend are asked to register here.

Media are asked to RSVP to will.mcdonald@mail.house.gov

WHAT: 2026 State of the District

WHO: Congresswoman Shontel Brown, Community Leaders

WHEN: Thursday Feb 12 6:00 PM (Doors open 5:30 PM)

WHERE: Arnold Pinkney East Professional Center, 1349 E. 79th Street, Cleveland OH 44103

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After Community Backlash, Stanton, Ansari, Grijalva Demand Transparency on Surprise Detention Facility

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) and Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07) sent two letters demanding greater transparency regarding the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) recent acquisition of a warehouse reportedly intended to be converted into a 1,500-bed detention facility in Surprise, Arizona.

“Arizonans don’t want a detention facility across the street from their house or the neighborhood high school. DHS hasn’t done the bare minimum to communicate with local and county officials about how they’ll mitigate the impacts on the West Valley community, and they haven’t communicated to Congress how they’ll make an industrial warehouse fit to hold human beings,” said Rep. Stanton. “Let’s be clear: this is Trump’s disastrous mass deportation machine in action.”

“The purchase of a warehouse in Surprise for proposed use by ICE is extremely alarming. I’m doing everything in my power to rein in ICE, including legislation to rescind $75 billion from the reckless Big Ugly Bill that handed ICE a slush fund for warehouse detention facilities like this one,” said Rep. Ansari. “I’ve heard from countless conservatives, libertarians, and independents across our state who don’t want ICE in our communities. My colleagues and I will continue to stand together to make that clear.”

"Recent deaths at immigration detention centers are deeply disturbing and underscore the grave dangers of the rapid expansion of private, for-profit facilities across the country. Communities are waking up to massive detention centers being dropped into their neighborhoods with no warning, no transparency, and no accountability. These facilities are not about public safety — they are a central pillar of Trump’s cruel and unconstitutional deportation machine, designed to disappear people behind warehouse walls while denying basic standards of care and due process,” said Rep. Grijalva.

In a letter directed to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Todd Lyons, the members demand the federal government provide far greater detail about the facility’s proposed operational footprint, its plan to coordinate with impacted county and city officials, and how it would mitigate real local concerns–including increased traffic and transportation activity, emergency response needs, medical care capacity, and conditions of confinement within a warehouse setting.

“Local officials have stated publicly that the city was not informed of the purchase in advance and remains without basic information about the facility’s intended use, timeline, and impacts. This transaction has generated substantial concern in the community,” the members write.


Rep. Steube Requests DOJ Action on Religious Freedom

WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) led a group of lawmakers in a letter to the Department of Justice yesterday calling on Attorney General Pam Bondi and Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon to pursue legal action against states that refuse to provide a religious exception for vaccine mandates.

“Religious freedom is the cornerstone of our Republic,” said Rep. Steube. “It is inexcusable that New York, California, Maine, and Connecticut refuse to provide people of faith with a religious exemption from their vaccine mandates. This is not only a direct violation of the Free Exercise Clause, but it is also a grave assault on civil liberties. Your constitutional rights should never take a backseat to a vaccine mandate. That is why I am requesting Attorney General Pam Bondi and Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon launch formal investigations of all states that continue to violate the constitutional rights of the American people via coercion and infringement on their religious beliefs.”

Rep. Steube is joined by Representatives Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), Ben Cline (R-Va.), Michael Cloud (R-Texas), Warren Davidson (R-Ohio), Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), Troy Downing (R-Mont.), Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.), Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.), Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), Keith Self (R-Texas), and Beth Van Duyne (R-Texas).

Background: Under the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment, Americans are guaranteed the right to practice their faith without undue interference from the government. However, there are no religious exemptions to mandates under the existing laws of California, Connecticut, Maine, and New York. This is despite the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Mahmoud v. Taylor that held public schools must provide opt-out provisions for families with objections based on religious grounds.


Congressional Scouting Caucus Introduces Resolution Celebrating Scouting America Day

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, the Congressional Scouting Caucus, led by U.S. Representatives Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA), Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA), and Pete Sessions (R-TX), introduced a resolution celebrating Scouting America Day.

Scouting America was incorporated in Chicago, Illinois, on February 8, 1910. Since then, millions of young men and women have joined Scouting and have learned the values of patriotism, courage, and self-reliance.

“I have been involved in Scouting for more than 50 years, which has made a profoundly positive impact upon my life,” Rep. Thompson said. “The lessons learned from Scouting are invaluable. I am grateful for my colleagues on the Scouting Caucus for celebrating this cause and ensuring the legacy of Scouting will continue to grow for generations to come.”

“I am proud to join my colleagues, fellow Eagle Scouts and co-Chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Scouting Caucus, Representatives Thompson and Sessions, in introducing today’s resolution,” Rep. Bishop said. “Congress continues to recognize that Scouting engages young men and women, instills in them values, builds their character, and promotes leadership. All of this makes our nation stronger from coast-to-coast, across industries, and in public service – from Congress and our courts to the White House and our Armed Forces as well as state and local governments throughout the country.”

“As an Eagle Scout, I know firsthand that Scouting America is more than an organization; it is a proving ground for character,” Rep. Sessions said. “For 116 years, Scouting has instilled duty to God, service to country, and responsibility to others in generations of young Americans. This resolution recognizes an institution that strengthens our communities, prepares leaders, and quietly builds the moral backbone of our nation, and I am proud to serve as a co-lead in honoring its legacy."

“On behalf of the entire Scouting movement, we extend our gratitude to the Scouting Caucus and to our nation’s leaders for this joint resolution recognizing Scouting America Day,” said Roger Krone, President and CEO of Scouting America. “Across the country each day, Scouts commit themselves to serving God and country. They hike, climb, shoot, paddle, and build character and leadership through service to their communities and to the nation. None of this would be possible without the steadfast support of our religious and civic partners and the dedication of more than half a million volunteer leaders.”

Read the full resolution text here.


First Lady Melania Trump Announces 2026 White House Easter Egg Roll

Please see the following information from the White House:

Ticket Lottery

As in years past, the Easter Egg Roll lottery provides a process for the inclusion of guests from all 56 states and territories. White House Easter Egg Roll tickets are free and will be made available via an online lottery.

To enter, visit Recreation.Gov and create an account. The 2026 lottery page will open on February 26th at 12:00 PM EST and close on March 4th at 12:00 PM EST. Lottery Results will be announced on March 10th.

Entrants must specify the number of adults/children on the ticket request screen along with their time preference. Choose multiple time slots if you are flexible.

There must be at least one child (age 13 and under) and one adult to apply with a maximum of two adults per application. Each household will be limited to one lottery application for a maximum of six tickets.

Email notifications from Recreation.gov will be sent to the lottery winners with instructions for obtaining tickets.

Volunteers

The White House Easter Egg Roll would not be possible without the help of hundreds of dedicated volunteers! If you are interested in volunteering at the 2026 event, please submit your application below by Friday, February 27th at 5:00 PM EST.


Trahan, Massachusetts Members Demand Accountability After Trump Administration Moves to Dismantle ARPA-H Investor Catalyst Hub

LOWELL, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee, was joined by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Representatives Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Seth Moulton (MA-06), and Richard E. Neal (MA-01) in demanding immediate answers from the Trump Administration following reports that the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) has issued a stop-work order and notice of intent to terminate and wind down the ARPA-H Investor Catalyst Hub.

In a letter to President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the lawmakers called for an immediate explanation and justification for the decision, warning it could disrupt lifesaving biomedical innovation and waste years of federal investment.

“Terminating the Investor Catalyst Hub’s work at this stage would be a profound mistake and a blatant waste of taxpayer dollars and federal investment,” the lawmakers wrote. “Halting this work now would squander years of progress, disrupt momentum across multiple ARPA-H programs, and undermine the agency’s core mission of translating high-impact research into treatments and cures that reach the American people.”

The Investor Catalyst Hub, based in the greater Boston area, plays a central role in ensuring promising innovations successfully transition from federal research investment into real-world treatments and cures. The Hub was strategically located in Massachusetts because of the Commonwealth’s globally recognized life sciences and biotechnology ecosystem, and unmatched concentration of research institutions, hospitals, and health innovators.

Congress recently reaffirmed its commitment to ARPA-H by appropriating $1.5 billion in fiscal year 2026 funding to accelerate high-impact biomedical innovation and strengthen pathways that move breakthroughs from discovery to deployment. The delegation noted that the Investor Catalyst Hub has been fully operational for two years and is already supporting projects focused on improving cancer surgery, expanding hospital-level care to rural communities, and advancing the diagnosis and treatment of lymphatic diseases.

“With Congress' support, the Investor Catalyst Hub was created precisely to ensure that ARPA-H–funded breakthroughs do not stall out in the lab but instead move efficiently toward real-world deployment,” the lawmakers continued.

The members requested a congressional briefing, a clear justification for the decision, and a detailed contingency plan explaining how ARPA-H will maintain continuity of the Investor Catalyst Hub’s work. They asked the Administration to respond no later than February 13, 2026.

A copy of the letter sent today can be accessed HERE.

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Congressman Carter Convenes Oversight Trip and Field Hearing to Fight Back Against ICE Tyranny in Louisiana and Across the Country

NEW ORLEANS, LA – Last week, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) and Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, convened a Democratic Field Hearing at City Council Chambers at City Hall in New Orleans. Congressman Carter and Ranking Member Thompson were joined by Congressman Seth Magaziner (D-RI) and Congressman Tim Kennedy (D-NY) to hear firsthand accounts of the Trump administration’s terror campaign on Louisiana communities.

“This hearing represented a crucial opportunity for the Homeland Security Committee to hear directly about those abuses and to understand the real impact on citizens and migrants alike since the Trump administration began its harsh immigration enforcement round-up. What we learned will help us investigate and hold this administration accountable for its actions,” said Rep. Carter.

Witnesses at the hearing included Mayor Helena Moreno, Mayor of New Orleans, President JP Morrell, New Orleans City Council, Alanah Odoms, Executive Director, Louisiana ACLU, Homero Lopez, Legal Director of Immigration Services & Legal Advocacy, Tania Wolf, Southeast Advocacy Manager for the National Immigration Project, and Reverend Shawn Anglim, Pastor of First Grace United Methodist Church.

“I was grateful for the opportunity to visit New Orleans to examine the impacts of ICE and Border Patrol operations and to hear directly from people affected. I thank Representative Carter for hosting and our witnesses for their testimony, which highlighted serious concerns about how DHS is operating on the ground. What we heard reflects a broader, nationwide pattern that demands Congress rein in ICE, restore accountability, and ensure immigration enforcement respects the law and the rights of our communities,” said Ranking Member Thompson.

“More than two-thirds of our country now believes that ICE enforcement has gone too far. I’m hearing from people on the left and on the right who say that this is ultimately Unamerican. What we have witnessed in New Orleans is nonviolent individuals being overwhelmingly targeted and profiled. This has caused widespread fear across our city and our region. Parents took their kids out of school, workers stopped showing up at their jobs, and my church - where we have a large Spanish speaking service - people stopped coming to worship. I want to thank Congressman Carter for convening the hearing as we work together to keep our communities safe,” said Mayor Helena Moreno.

Reps. Carter, Thompson, Magaziner, and Kennedy also convened a roundtable with local immigration advocates, faith leaders, and other stakeholders to discuss immigration enforcement actions in the greater New Orleans area, including the impacts of the recent surge of federal officers from “Operation Catahoula Crunch.”

They also conducted an oversight visit of the New Orleans ICE field office in St. Rose, LA. The office serves as a processing facility for recently detained migrants in the New Orleans region. Detainees are brought there before being taken to long-term detention facilities across the state. Visiting the ICE facility allowed the Members to personally verify the conditions under which migrants are held—including access to medical care, food quality, sanitation, sleeping arrangements, and staff treatment.

Background:

On December 3rd, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the launch of the federal law enforcement operation in New Orleans, Louisiana dubbed “Catahoula Crunch.” DHS issued a press release stating this operation would target criminal illegal aliens roaming free thanks to sanctuary policies that force local authorities to ignore U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) arrest detainers.

Agents have been patrolling and arresting people across the New Orleans metro area, especially in Kenner, with nearly 20,000 Hispanic residents. At a Kenner city council meeting, one resident said, “I have been asked for my papers twice, and I even had to call my husband to send another type of identification — my birth certificate.” These actions have led residents to question whether agents are racially profiling people who appear Hispanic rather than focusing on criminals. Many Hispanic-owned businesses are temporarily closing due to owners’ concerns about employees and customers being questioned by immigration agents.

View photos from the events here.

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Representatives Carter, Bresnahan Launch the Bipartisan Opportunity Youth Caucus for the 119th Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) and Congressman Rob Bresnahan Jr. (R-PA) announced the re-launch of the Bipartisan Opportunity Youth Caucus (BOYC) for the 119th Congress. This first-of-its-kind caucus will highlight bipartisan federal policies that support young people aged 16-24 who are disconnected from school and work or are at-risk of experiencing disconnection – also known as “Opportunity Youth” (OY).

Co-chaired by Reps. Carter and Bresnahan, the caucus will allow Members of Congress to discuss policies and local programs that help constituents have successful careers and positive educational outcomes and highlight Opportunity Youth research and statistics. Nearly 150 national, state, and local organizations signed a letter to the co-chairs in support of the caucus.

“No two people have the same background or path in life. It's our responsibility to ensure everyone has access to the opportunities and the resources to achieve their dreams,” said Rep. Carter. “Some young people are disconnected from work or school, and they need help. I want all our youth not just to survive but thrive.”

“The Bipartisan Opportunity Youth Caucus is about meeting young people where they are and connecting them to real pathways to work, education, and long-term success,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “By bringing both parties together, we can support proven programs like Job Corps and earn-while-you-learn training that strengthen our workforce and our communities. Re-engaging Opportunity Youth isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s an investment in our country’s future.”

“JobsFirst NEPA applauds Representatives Bresnahan and Carter for their leadership in relaunching and co-chairing this first-of-its-kind caucus. By championing the Bipartisan Opportunity Youth Caucus, they are committing to advocate for workforce and economic investment for young adults across the country, including in Northeastern Pennsylvania, who are without a clear path to school completion or stable work. JobsFirst NEPA is ready to support this focused, collaborative approach to turn opportunity into economic mobility for young people,” saidShanie Mohamed, Executive Director, JobsFirst NEPA.

“LOYAL would like to thank Rep. Troy Carter for his tremendous leadership in forming the Bipartisan Opportunity Youth Caucus. His demonstrated commitment to opportunity youth is vital to ensuring federal programs and policies are responsive to the unique needs of today’s youth. We are grateful for his leadership and look forward to working with BOYC in support of opportunity youth in Louisiana and the nation. The Louisiana Opportunity Youth Alliance (LOYAL) is a network of direct service providers and advocacy organizations that focuses on creating a stronger connective fabric to support all young people as they transition from school to the workforce,” saidR. Danielle Barringer-Payton, Director of Louisiana's Opportunity Youth Coalition.

“We commend Representatives Bresnahan and Carter for their leadership in co-chairing the Bipartisan Opportunity Youth Caucus, which will educate congressional leaders about opportunity youth, the challenges they face, evidence-based best practices to support them, and bipartisan policy solutions to reduce youth disconnection. The National Youth Employment Coalition stands ready to support the Caucus by recruiting additional members and advancing policy solutions that strengthen outcomes for our nation’s young people," said Dr. Mary Ann Haley, Executive Director of National Youth Employment Coalition.

Background:

The BOYC is a ground-breaking congressional caucus focused on the unique issues of youth disconnection and will highlight the importance of re-engaging youth with work, school, and support systems as they transition into adulthood. Rep. Michelle Steel (R-CA) and Rep. Carter (D-LA) co-chaired the BYOC in the 118th Congress.

Previously referred to as “disconnected youth,” the term Opportunity Youth emerged as a way to emphasize the societal and economic potential of re-engaging these young people and recognize their potential. According to the latest research, the national youth disconnection rate is nearly 11 percent, or over 4.1 million opportunity youth.

Youth disconnection knows no political or geographic boundaries, with rural areas facing rates of 17.3 percent, compared to 11.2 percent in urban centers, and 9.9 percent in suburbs. When Opportunity Youth are connected to education, training, and quality employment, they contribute powerfully to their families, communities, and the nation’s economic and civic life.

You can view photos from the event launch here.

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Statement from Congressman Van Drew

Washington, DC - "The video in question has been deleted, and I want to be very clear: I condemn racism in any form," said Congressman Van Drew. "These types of videos are morally wrong. Sadly, this kind of behavior happens on both sides of the aisle, and it needs to stop. We should be holding ourselves to a higher standard."


Rep. Van Epps Celebrates Joining the Republican Study Committee, The House’s Largest Conservative Caucus

WASHINGTON, D.C. —Today, the Republican Study Committee (RSC) announced that Rep. Matt Van Epps (TN-07) joined the largest conservative caucus in Congress. The RSC has served as the conservative caucus of House Republicans and a leading influencer on the Right since its original founding in 1973.

Chairman August Pfluger (TX-11) released the following statement welcoming Rep. Van Epps to the RSC, “Matt Van Epps spent his career defending our nation, now he's defending the American values that make our country so great in Congress. Tennessee sent the Republican Study Committee a conservative fighter who's ready to deliver on the mandate. We're proud to have him join our ranks along with over two-thirds of House Republicans.”

Rep. Van Epps celebrated the announcement, “Once I became a member of Congress, joining the RSC was a no brainer. I wanted to connect and partner with fellow conservatives who are not only like-minded, but who are guided by a deep commitment to the founding principles of this great country. I’m here to get things done and to make a difference, and I am confident that under Rep. Pfluger’s leadership, the Republican Study Committee is the place to do that. The RSC’s commitment to limited government, fiscal responsibility, a strong national defense, and preserving traditional values is second to none in Congress. I’m excited to work with them to make our country a freer and safer place to live for Americans.”

Read the RSC’s press release here.


Rep. Vasquez Pressures House Leadership to Cut Red Tape and Overhaul FEMA Disaster Relief for New Mexicans

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On February 2, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) pushed to make the federal emergency management system more efficient by cutting red tape to help communities impacted by disasters — like Ruidoso — recover and rebuild faster. In a letter to Speaker Johnson and Leader Jeffries, Rep. Vasquez pressured House leadership to bring the bipartisan Fixing Emergency Management for Americans (FEMA) Act, which he is cosponsoring, to the floor for a vote.

In response to recent flooding in Ruidoso and the Salt and South Fork fires, the Congressman has been working to reform FEMA and bring more disaster preparedness funding to New Mexico. The letter is joined by 49 bipartisan cosigners and the legislation has strong bipartisan support.

“I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact of natural disasters and the tragedy they bring to our communities and rural economies, as was the case with the recent Salt and South Fork fires and subsequent flooding,” said Vasquez. “FEMA must be drastically improved to provide timely and effective relief and economic assistance. That’s why I’m proud to support this bipartisan, commonsense bill to get disaster funding to our communities sooner. Let’s cut the red tape and allow our communities to rebuild as quickly as possible.”

The Congressman’s bill would help communities prepare for and respond to natural disasters by implementing significant, commonsense reforms, including:

Directing FEMA to apply practical, survivor-focused solutions that expedite assistance to disaster victims and reduce overall costs to taxpayers

Putting disaster-impacted states at the center to help funding reach communities faster and making critical improvements to improve the rebuilding process

Ensuring that politics do not play a role in disaster response and increasing transparency and accountability requirements for FEMA

Cutting bureaucratic red tape to streamline disaster recovery assistance applications, creating a "Universal Application” that allows disaster survivors to apply for and receive assistance more quickly

Strengthening efforts to protect communities before disasters occur and overhauling FEMA’s existing mitigation framework to accelerate project timelines, reduce long-term disaster costs, and ensure greater coordination at all levels of government

Establishing programs to protect individuals affected by disasters, including requiring an assessment of identity and fraud risk and creating a Veterans’ Advocate within FEMA

Vasquez has pushed to improve disaster prevention and response at both the federal and local level, including:

Introducing the bipartisan Championing Local Efforts to Advance Resilience (CLEAR) Act, a bill to help communities better prepare for and recover from extreme weather and natural disasters.

Working to improve Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and get funding to New Mexican communities in need, including sending a letter to DHS Secretary Noem to reverse a policy that requires her personal approval on all projects over $100,000 — a policy that delayed critical aid after summer flooding in Ruidoso in 2025.

Supporting robust funding for FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund, which supports critical support for wildfire, flooding and disaster response.

Securing $137 million in federal investments for wildfire recovery and flood mitigation in Southern New Mexico.

Rep. Vasquez was also among the first House Democrats to call for the impeachment of Secretary Noem, who oversees FEMA, and he remains a leading voice in calls for her removal.

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Rep. Watson Coleman Reintroduces PrEP Assistance Program Act

Today, Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) announced the reintroduction of the PrEP Assistance Program Act to make the preventative HIV drug PrEP more affordable and accessible to underserved and high-risk populations. The bill would provide grants to cover medication costs, clinic and testing fees, physician visits and community outreach programs.

Although PrEP has been available for several years, many Americans lack access to and awareness of the medication. The PrEP access gap is especially prevalent in Black and Latinx communities, who also suffer from disproportionately high rates of HIV.

“Thanks to decades of scientific advancement, we now have the tools to end the HIV epidemic once and for all. The next step is getting those tools into the communities that need them most,” said Congresswoman Watson Coleman. “This is not just a public health issue — it’s a social justice issue too. The PrEP Assistance Program Act is an important step toward both eliminating HIV and advancing healthcare equity.”

The PrEP Assistance Program Act is endorsed by PrEP4All, an organization of community members, healthcare professionals, lawyers, and academics all dedicated to increasing access to lifesaving HIV medication and NMAC, formally the National Minority AIDS Council, a national HIV organization that offers capacity building, leadership development, policy education, and public engagement to end the HIV epidemic among communities most impacted in the United States.

“Representative Watson Coleman’s PrEP Assistance Program Act advances the kind of streamlined, modernized approach to PrEP access that PrEP4All has advocated for since 2018, said PrEP4All Executive Director Jeremiah Johnson. “By establishing a federal PrEP Pass for uninsured populations, a concept we championed in a 2024 report, the Congresswoman’s bill eliminates complex and fragmented approaches to addressing costs for medications and required lab work that have severely limited PrEP scale up. This is a visionary piece of legislation that will end HIV as an epidemic by opening up the floodgates on PrEP for communities that have not equitably benefited from PrEP access.”

“NMAC is proud to support the PrEP Assistance Act, which would deliver affordable HIV prevention drugs, HIV testing, and prevention education to communities that are still at risk,” said Harold Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of NMAC. “To end the HIV epidemic we must guarantee access to HIV prevention medications and services for the communities most affected. NMAC applauds the leadership of Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, a long-time champion of the HIV community, in introducing this legislation and working to increase equitable PrEP access.”

The PrEP Assistance Program Act is cosponsored by Reps. Andre Carson (IN-07), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large), Bill Keating (MA-09), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Bennie Thompson (MS-02), and Sylvia Garcia (TX-29).

You can read the full text of the bill here.


REP. WATSON COLEMAN SENDS LETTER TO HOME DEPOT EXECUTIVES, DEMANDING ANSWERS

Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) sent a letter to the CEO of the Home Depot demanding answers about the company’s repeated allowance of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity at its stores, including a December 2025 incident at a store location in Ewing, NJ.

Across the country, Home Depot locations have become reliable sites for ICE enforcement, putting day laborers, employees, and customers at risk. The reckless actions of DHS have resulted in detentions, community unrest, and deadly consequences, including the killing of a father during an ICE raid at a Home Depot in southern California.

In Ewing, ICE activity at Home Depot was followed by a community protest and the appearance of the Proud Boys, needlessly intensifying fear and instability in a historically diverse community. These outcomes were predictable, but completely avoidable. Home Depot continues to profit from immigrant labor while allowing its stores to be used for enforcement actions that endanger lives and tear at the fabric of local communities.


Senator Jim Banks Introduces SAFE Drugs Act to Crack Down on Risky and Fraudulent Weight Loss Drugs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week,Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) introduced the Safeguarding Americans from Fraudulent and Experimental (SAFE) Drugs Act. The bill would strengthen existing guardrails and close loopholes in the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to stop unapproved compounders from mass-producing risky drugs in unregulated and uninspected facilities. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) cosponsored the bill.

Alliance for Safe Online Pharmacies: “The Alliance for Safe Online Pharmacies (ASOP Global) applauds introduction of the SAFE Drugs Act in the Senate and thanks lawmakers for prioritizing patient safety in the rapidly evolving online drug marketplace,” said ASOP Global Board Member Leigh Verbois. “By closing dangerous regulatory loopholes and strengthening FDA oversight, this bipartisan legislation takes an important step toward protecting patients from unsafe, unapproved, and fraudulent medicines, no matter where or how they are sold.”

National Association of Manufacturers Managing Vice President for Policy Charles Crain: “Manufacturers appreciate the efforts of Sen. Banks and Sen. Heinrich to protect the safety and reliability of the U.S. drug supply from unsafe medication caused by unsound compounding practices through introduction of the SAFE Drugs Act. Strengthening guardrails, increasing oversight, and appropriately resourcing FDA to inspect outsourcing facilities will ensure patient safety comes first for manufacturing workers, their families, and all Americans.”

Partnership for Safe Medicines Executive Director Shabbir Safdar: “The Partnership for Safe Medicines has consistently warned about the dangers of mass-produced compounded injectable medications and the use of unregulated foreign ingredients in these products. The SAFE Drugs Act aims to restrict illegal mass compounding operations while preserving the essential role of compounding in serving patients whose medical needs can’t be met with a commercial product. Through its reporting and inspection provisions, the SAFE Drugs Act will bring much needed transparency to the mass marketing of compounded drugs and strengthen compliance at outsourcing facilities. Congress must act swiftly to pass this bill to establish these vital safeguards to patient safety.”

American Diabetes Association Vice President Catherine Ferguson: “While compounded medications play a critical role in our health care system, concerns have emerged regarding the widespread availability and promotion of non-FDA approved compounded GLP-1 and dual GIP/GLP-1 RA medication classes to treat obesity directly to patients. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) issued a statement recommending against the usage of compounded GLP and dual GIP/GLP-1 RA medications due to uncertainty about their content, safety, quality and effectiveness. The ADA is committed to ensuring patients have access to safe and effective FDA approved medications to treat their diabetes and obesity. Additional FDA oversight is needed regarding these compounding practices for these medication classes and entities manufacturing them to protect patients with diabetes and obesity.”

Read the full text here.

Key Provisions of the Safeguarding Americans from Fraudulent and Experimental Drugs (SAFE) Act:

Clarify that compounded drugs with the same active ingredient as an approved medicine are considered “essentially a copy” unless clinically different for a specific patient.

Set a clear monthly limit on how many “essential copies” a 503A compounder may produce to ensure consistency and reduce litigation.

Define “commercially available drug product” to prevent 503A compounders from mass-producing approved medicines.

Require 503A compounders to report to the FDA any out-of-state shipments of compounded drugs containing approved active ingredients above a prescription threshold.

Require FDA inspections of outsourcing facilities before large-scale compounding begins, with follow-up inspections every two years.

Increase the base outsourcing facility user fee to a level set by HHS to support timely and regular inspections.

Background:

Americans rely on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure that prescription drugs are safe and effective. Typically, prescription drugs cannot be marketed or sold without FDA approval. Compounding is a narrow exception to that rule and is allowed only when approved medicines cannot meet a patient’s unique medical needs or in times of extreme drug shortages. However, over the past several years, some compounders began abusing these narrow exceptions by mass-producing and marketing unapproved drugs. These unapproved compounded drugs are not produced in FDA-inspected facilities and often use active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) that are made in foreign, unregistered, and unregulated facilities, increasing the safety risk.

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Bennet Joins Capito & Shaheen on Bipartisan Bill Expanding Veterans’ Access to Non-Opioid Alternatives

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) joined Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) as a co-sponsor of the Non-Opioids Prevent Addiction in the Nation (NOPAIN) for Veterans Act. The legislation would expand veterans’ access to non-opioid alternative treatments by providing pathways for the inclusion of such treatments, pending approval by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)’s National Formulary (VANF).

“Veterans have sacrificed so much to keep us safe. We must do everything we can to ensure they have the care and resources they deserve,” said Bennet. “Our bipartisan bill is an important step toward ensuring veterans’ access to non-opioid alternatives while countering the opioid crisis.”

“Our veterans deserve the very best care we can provide, including safe and effective options to manage pain without exposing them to unnecessary risk,” said Capito. “By ensuring FDA-approved non-opioid treatments are included on the VA National Formulary, our legislation will make these alternatives easier to prescribe and easier for veterans to access.”

“In New Hampshire, we’re finally seeing the tide turn on the opioid epidemic through declining overdose deaths, and that progress has been fueled in part by policies that encourage doctors to prescribe alternatives to opioids for patients struggling with pain management,” said Shaheen. “Last year, CMS implemented the legislation Senator Capito and I got signed into law that encourages use of non-opioid treatments for Medicare patients struggling with pain management – and our veterans deserve equal access to these non-opioid treatment options. This bipartisan legislation would advance veteran health care by maximizing access to safe, effective FDA-approved non-opioid alternatives and furthering efforts to tackle the opioid epidemic.”

Despite the existence of safe and effective FDA-approved non-opioid alternatives for postoperative and acute pain, America’s veterans need legislation to access such treatments through the VANF. The NOPAIN for Veterans Act would enable this.

The NOPAIN for Veterans Act is endorsed by the Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America, The American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, and Voices for Non-Opioid Choices, among other organizations.

In addition to Bennet, Capito, and Shaheen, U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Angus King (I-Maine), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), and John Boozman (R-Ark.) also cosponsored this legislation.

The text of the bill is available HERE.

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Blackburn, Klobuchar Bill to Support Organizations Assisting Law Enforcement in Investigation of Child Exploitation Passes Judiciary Committee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) released the following statements after their Safe Cloud Storage Act advanced unanimously out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. This legislation would provide limited liability protections to law enforcement-approved vendors to securely store and transfer child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to assist in investigations of child sexual exploitation.

“Those helping law enforcement in the fight against child sexual exploitation must be able to securely store evidence of these horrific crimes,” said Senator Blackburn. “Our bipartisan Safe Cloud Storage Act would ensure investigators can securely handle and store CSAM evidence in the cloud by providing limited liability protections, and I’m pleased it is one step closer to becoming law.”

“We must do everything we can to protect our children from online exploitation and abuse,” said Senator Klobuchar. “Our commonsense, bipartisan bill would improve investigations and prosecutions by allowing law enforcement to safely store and transmit evidence using cloud systems – saving time and resources.”

The Safe Cloud Storage Act is also co-sponsored by Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), and Ashley Moody (R-Fla.).

BACKGROUND

In 2024, Senator Blackburn’s REPORT Act was signed into law, which—among other things—provided limited liability protections for National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC)-contracted vendors to store and transfer CSAM for investigative purposes.

These civil and criminal liability protections were incredibly important for NCMEC as it reviews horrific evidence of child pornography during investigations of reports of exploitation received from online platforms.

Other third-party law enforcement vendors similarly need the ability to store and handle this investigative material without facing criminal or civil liability.

SAFE CLOUD STORAGE ACT

The Safe Cloud Storage Act would build upon Senator Blackburn’s REPORT Act by ensuring that law enforcement-approved vendors who assist in investigations of child exploitation are permitted to securely store this evidence that is critical to holding these criminals accountable.

Specifically, this bipartisan bill would permit law enforcement-approved vendors to provide secure, cloud-based storage of CSAM evidence without facing a civil claim or criminal charge—giving law enforcement the flexibility they need as they work to investigate and target these horrific criminals.

As with the REPORT Act, this legislation would require vendors to adhere to strict cybersecurity standards to ensure that this material is securely stored. Importantly, these law enforcement-approved vendors would not be shielded from civil or criminal claims under this bill’s limited liability protections if they engage in intentional misconduct, negligent conduct, or if they act with malice.

ENDORSEMENTS

This legislation is endorsed by Raven, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), Thorn, International Justice Mission, Fraternal Order of Police, Child Rescue Coalition, National District Attorneys Association, Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, and National Center on Sexual Exploitation.

“The Safe Cloud Storage Act is a critical step forward in modernizing how law enforcement investigates child sexual exploitation. By authorizing secure, cloud-based storage for CSAM evidence, this bill ensures that investigators can move cases faster, identify victims sooner, and hold offenders accountable, all while maintaining the highest cybersecurity standards. RAVEN strongly supports this effort to give law enforcement the 21st-century tools they need to protect children online,” said Jennifer Dunton, Director of Legislative Affairs at Raven.

“The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) is proud to support the Safe Cloud Storage Act and thanks Senator Blackburn, Senator Klobuchar, Senator Cornyn, and Senator Blumenthal for introducing this important piece of legislation. The bill will modernize law enforcement’s use of advanced technologies, enabling more streamlined investigations of cases of child sexual exploitation. We look forward to continuing our work with the bill’s sponsors to see this legislation advance,” said Michelle DeLaune, CEOof NCMEC.

“Thorn is proud to endorse the Safe Cloud Storage Act and is grateful for Senator Blackburn and Senator Klobuchar for their leadership on this legislation. This Act would make a critical legal update that would allow law enforcement to safely use cloud storage in the process of investigating child sexual exploitation and abuse victims. This update will allow law enforcement to more efficiently investigate these crimes at scale and protect children from sexual abuse,” said Emily Slifer, Director of Policy at Thorn.

“The Safe Cloud Storage Act will modernize and accelerate CSAM investigations conducted by law enforcement. This needed legislation builds upon recently increased reporting requirements through the REPORT Act by ensuring that law enforcement-approved vendors who assist in CSAM investigations can legally and securely store evidence that is critical to holding perpetrators accountable, including U.S.-based CSAM offenders who direct and consume live child sexual abuse of children in countries like the Philippines,”said Nate King, Director of Congressional Affairs at International Justice Mission.

“The National Fraternal Order of Police strongly supports Safe Cloud Storage Act. This important piece of legislation modernizes how critical digital evidence is securely stored and shared, helping officers investigate serious crimes more efficiently while protecting victims’ privacy. The FOP is grateful for Senator Blackburn’s leadership, alongside Senators Klobuchar, Cornyn, Blumenthal, Britt, Coons, and Lee, in ensuring police have the reliable, secure tools we need to keep pace with increasingly digital threats to public safety,” said Patrick Yoes, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police.

“At Child Rescue Coalition, our innovative technology empowers law enforcement to identify and arrest child predators faster and more effectively. The SCSA strengthens and modernizes how law enforcement can securely store, share, and interact with CSAM, accelerating the identification of offenders and the rescue of victims. This bill reinforces trust, accountability, and innovation, ensuring critical safeguards evolve alongside the technology law enforcement relies on every day to protect children,” said Greg Schiller, CEO of the Child Rescue Coalition.

“The Safe Cloud Storage Act equips prosecutors and law enforcement with the modern, secure tools that are necessary to safely store and analyze CSAM while maintaining the strictest and highest standards of security and accountability. This legislation strengthens investigations, protects victims and ensures that highly sensitive evidence is properly stored,” said Nelson Bunn, Executive Director of the National District Attorneys Association.

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Blackburn Applauds President Trump’s Approval of Major Disaster Declaration Request in Wake of Winter Storm Fern

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after President Donald Trump approved Governor Bill Lee’s request for an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration following significant impacts from Winter Storm Fern:

“The Tennessee Department of Health has reported dozens of fatalities as a result of Winter Storm Fern, and thousands of Tennesseans are still without power and displaced from their homes,” said Senator Blackburn. “We are grateful to President Trump for approving Governor Lee’s disaster declaration request to help individuals, families, and businesses recover from the damage caused by Winter Storm Fern.”

BACKGROUND

Senator Blackburn led the Tennessee delegation in urging President Trump’s swift approval of Governor Bill Lee’s request for both FEMA individual and public assistance in 23 counties.

Individual assistance would make federal aid available directly to Tennesseans to help with temporary housing, home repairs, and other disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance. Public assistance would provide reimbursement to state and local governments as well as eligible nonprofit organizations for emergency response costs and repairs to damaged public infrastructure.

These counties include Cheatham, Chester, Clay, Davidson, Decatur, Dickson, Hardeman, Hardin, Henderson, Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, Macon, McNairy, Maury, Perry, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Trousdale, Wayne, Williamson, and Wilson.

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Blumenthal, Takano, Jacobs Reintroduce Commission on Equity & Reconciliation in the Uniformed Services Act

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) along with House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-CA) and U.S. Representative Sara Jacobs (D-CA) reintroduced the Commission on Equity and Reconciliation in the Uniformed Services Act, legislation establishing a commission to investigate the historic and ongoing impacts of discriminatory military policies on LGBTQ+ servicemembers and veterans.

“LGBTQ+ servicemembers have long been the target of dangerous and discriminatory policies—resulting in harassment, involuntary discharge, and barriers to their earned benefits,” said Blumenthal. “Establishing this commission is an important step to understand the full scope of harm and address the damage caused by policies like ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’ As LGBTQ+ servicemembers and veterans face repugnant and blatant bigotry under the Trump Administration, we will keep fighting to secure a more equitable future for all who serve our country in uniform.”

“Qualified servicemembers were hunted down and forced to leave the military at the direction of our government,” said Takano. “These practices have continued, now with our government targeting transgender servicemembers. The forced separation and dishonorable discharges LGBTQ+ people received must be rectified, benefits fully granted, and dignity restored to those who have protected our freedoms.”

“Instead of righting wrongs and making amends to our LGBTQ+ service members and veterans who’ve suffered injustices for decades, I’m ashamed that the Trump Administration has doubled down: kicking trans folks out of the military and banning their enlistment,” said Jacobs. “We know that LGBTQ+ service members and veterans have faced so much ugliness – discrimination, harassment, professional setbacks, and even violence – that has led to unjust discharges and disparities in benefits, but we still don’t have a full picture of all the harm caused. That needs to change. That’s why I’m proud to co-lead this bill to investigate these harms, address the impacts of discriminatory official policies like ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ and the transgender military ban, and ensure equity and justice for our LGBTQ+ service members and veterans.”

Last week marked the one-year anniversary of the Trump Administration’s Executive Order banning transgender servicemembers from openly serving in the Armed Forces, forcing the separation of thousands of capable and dedicated servicemembers. There are approximately one million LGBTQ+ veterans in the U.S., many of whom were either discharged based on their sexual orientation or otherwise impacted by harassment during their time in service. Veterans who were discharged on discriminatory grounds are often unable to access their benefits, and under the Trump Administration, LGBTQ+ veterans and servicemembers have been openly persecuted.

The Commission on Equity and Reconciliation in the Uniformed Services Act is supported by: Minority Veterans of America, Human Rights Campaign, Equality California, SPARTA, and the Transgender Americans Veterans Association.

The bill text can be found here.

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