Warner, Himes Demand Answers from DNI on Delayed Whistleblower Complaint & Withheld Intelligence Report

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, and U.S. Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT), Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, sent a letter to Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard raising serious concerns about the handling of an urgent whistleblower complaint and the unprecedented withholding of an underlying intelligence report from congressional oversight committees.

In their letter, Warner and Himes noted that the Intelligence Community Inspector General transmitted the whistleblower complaint to Congress more than nine months after it was filed, citing delays within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. The lawmakers also highlighted that, despite clear statutory requirements, the whistleblower has still not received required guidance on how to securely communicate with Congress.

The lawmakers further raised concerns about access to the underlying intelligence report, writing: “Furthermore, upon reviewing the complaint, members of the Gang of Eight requested to view the underlying intelligence report referenced in the complaint itself. We were subsequently informed by your office that the IC is unable to provide the unredacted underlying intelligence report ‘due to the assertion of executive privilege.’ This response and assertion of privilege over this type of intelligence report is unprecedented. The request and provision of intelligence reports have been longstanding practice between the IC and its congressional oversight committees.”

Warner and Himes added, “Moreover, it is not clear how this intelligence report could implicate executive privilege, which typically protects the deliberation and communications of the President and his senior advisors. We are aware of recent press reporting that alleges the underlying intelligence involves discussions about the President’s son-in-law, Mr. Jared Kushner, but since the underlying intelligence report has not been made available to Congress and because the complaint itself was heavily redacted, we cannot confirm the accuracy of such allegations. However, we would note that if these reports were true, Mr. Kushner is not serving as a senior administration official and so there is no colorable argument that executive privilege could apply in this instance. Moreover, as you are well aware, the names of U.S. persons are routinely masked in disseminated intelligence reporting.”

They also questioned the basis for the privilege claim, asking whether “the President assert[ed] executive privilege over the underlying intelligence report,” and, “if so, when did he assert such privilege and on what basis.” If the President did not assert privilege, they requested clarity on “who asserted the privilege, when was it asserted, and what was the basis for that assertion.”

The letter concludes with a request that, if no valid claim of privilege exists, the relevant agency “provide the requested report to the Gang of 8 immediately,” and that the complainant be given “security guidance… so that the complainant is able to meet with the appropriate committees as afforded by the law.”

The full text of the letter is available here and below.

February 24, 2026

The Honorable Tulsi Gabbard

Director of National Intelligence

1500 Tysons McLean Drive

Mclean, VA 22102

Dear Director Gabbard:

As you are aware, on February 2, 2026, the Intelligence Community (IC) Inspector General (IG) made available to the “Gang of Eight” an urgent concern whistleblower complaint that had been filed over nine months earlier in May 2025. According to the accompanying letter from the IC IG, the transmission of this complaint to Congress was delayed because, among a variety of other reasons, you claimed the then-Acting General Counsel, Mr. Charles Newman, “had never informed [you] of the outstanding requirement” for providing security guidance. Concerningly, we understand that you still have not provided the complainant with security guidance as required under 50 U.S.C. § 3033(k)(5)(D)(ii). This provision clearly states that even if the IC IG does not find a complaint to be credible, the Director must still provide the complainant, through the IC IG, “direction on how to contact the congressional intelligence committees in accordance with appropriate security practices.”

Furthermore, upon reviewing the complaint, members of the Gang of Eight requested to view the underlying intelligence report referenced in the complaint itself. We were subsequently informed by your office that the IC is unable to provide the unredacted underlying intelligence report “due to the assertion of executive privilege.” This response and assertion of privilege over this type of intelligence report is unprecedented. The request and provision of intelligence reports have been longstanding practice between the IC and its congressional oversight committees.

Moreover, it is not clear how this intelligence report could implicate executive privilege, which typically protects the deliberation and communications of the President and his senior advisors. We are aware of recent press reporting that alleges the underlying intelligence involves discussions about the President’s son-in-law, Mr. Jared Kushner, but since the underlying intelligence report has not been made available to Congress and because the complaint itself was heavily redacted, we cannot confirm the accuracy of such allegations. However, we would note that if these reports were true, Mr. Kushner is not serving as a senior administration official and so there is no colorable argument that executive privilege could apply in this instance. Moreover, as you are well aware, the names of U.S. persons are routinely masked in disseminated intelligence reporting.

In light of these facts, we request your response to the following questions:

Did the President assert executive privilege over the underlying intelligence report?

If so, when did he assert such privilege and on what basis?

If not, who asserted the privilege, when was it asserted, and what was the basis for that assertion?

If there was no assertion of privilege, we request that you instruct the relevant agency to provide the requested report to the Gang of 8 immediately. Additionally, we wish to request that pursuant to 50 U.S.C. § 3033(k)(5)(D), you provide security guidance to the complainant through the IC IG so that the complainant is able to meet with the appropriate committees as afforded by the law.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

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‘* High-quality photographs of Sen. Mark R. Warner are available for download here *


Welch Joins Fiber Broadband Association to Celebrate Bipartisan Momentum in Rural Broadband Deployment

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, joined the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) for a public policy summit to discuss forward momentum in the deployment of fiber broadband networks to ensure digital equity and enable every community to leverage economic and societal benefits that only fiber can deliver.

Senator Welch highlighted his bipartisan ReConnecting Rural America Act, legislation that would reauthorize and strengthen the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) ReConnect Loan and Grant Program. ReConnect plays a central role in expanding access to high-speed broadband in rural communities.

“Whether you’re talking about Vermont or North Carolina, folks in rural America have got to have affordable broadband. You need it for the doctor, to start a business, work from home, and even go to school. We have to keep up the fight to ensure every house and farm on every dirt road has access to broadband,” said Senator Welch. “I’ll continue working across the aisle to find bipartisan solutions that expand high-speed broadband and get rural America connected.”

“The ReConnecting Rural America Act proves that closing the digital divide is not a partisan issue — it’s a national imperative,” said Gary Bolton, President and CEO, Fiber Broadband Association. “We thank Senator Welch for his bipartisan leadership and clear commitment to ensuring rural communities are not left behind in today’s economy or tomorrow’s AI-driven future. Fiber broadband gives every community, from bustling main streets to rural farms in Vermont, the reliable, high-capacity connectivity needed to innovate, grow, and compete.”

FBA’s annual public policy summit highlights policy and legislative issues related to the fiber broadband industry. Senator Welch was joined at the event by Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Reps. McClellan (D-VA-04) and Richard Hudson (R-NC-09), FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty, and fiber industry leaders including AT&T, Nokia, USDA-RD, Fidium, and others.

Senator Welch championed the BEAD program, which was created through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and signed into law by President Biden in 2021. In 2024, he announced the Biden-Harris Administration’s investment of nearly $230 million in high-speed, affordable broadband in Vermont. After NTIA’s final approval of Vermont’s BEAD plan earlier this month, funding will be distributed to Vermont BEAD applicants, who will soon connect households and businesses with fiber, fixed-wireless, and satellite internet.

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Chairman Wicker Proudly Appoints General Jack Keane (ret.) to the Commission on the National Defense Strategy

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced today he has appointed General Jack Keane (ret.) to serve as a member of the Commission on the National Defense Strategy. Following the announcement, Chairman Wicker issued the following statement:

“General Keane has faithfully served ourcountrysince the era of the Vietnam War. Few individuals in our have contributed so much to the ournationalsecurity efforts. Fittingly, President Trump awarded General Keane the Presidential Medal of Freedom during his first administration. Today, it gives me great pleasure to appoint General Keane to the Commission on the National Defense Strategy. Iam certain his expertise will be invaluable to the Commission’s work.


Wyden, Daines, Booker and Lee Reintroduce Bill to Create Transparency for Court-Ordered Surveillance

Bill would end practice of sealing orders indefinitely to hide surveillance of Americans’ emails and other digital data

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Steve Daines, R-Mont., today reintroduced legislation to require public reporting and notice of the hundreds of thousands of criminal surveillance orders issued by courts each year. Those orders are typically sealed, indefinitely, keeping government surveillance hidden for years, even when the targets are never charged with any crime.

Unlike phone wiretaps or bank record subpoenas, there is no requirement for people to be notified when their emails, location, and web browsing records and other digital information is obtained by the government. The Government Surveillance Transparency Act would change that and bring transparency to court-ordered surveillance.

The Government Surveillance Transparency Act is cosponsored by Sens. Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Mike Lee, R-Utah. Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Calif., and Rep. Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, are leading companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

“Law-abiding Americans deserve to know when and how their government tries to spy on them,” Wyden said. “This bill establishes a clear process to ensure the government can’t conduct surveillance operations in the dark by misusing sealing orders, with commonsense protections to make sure that active investigations aren’t compromised.”

“Montanans and Americans have the Constitutional right to protection from unreasonable searches and seizures,” Daines said. “I’m proud to work with my colleagues on the Government Surveillance Transparency Act to increase transparency and maintain integrity of investigations.”

“The government should not be able to read your emails, access your personal data, or surveil your digital life in secret,” Booker said. “But right now, the law lets them do exactly that. Congress has a responsibility to fix it, and it’s long overdue. Every American, every New Jerseyan, has a constitutional right to know when the government has searched their personal information. This bill makes that a reality and restores the transparency every American deserves.”

“This bill strikes an appropriate balance between protecting criminal investigations and notifying individuals when their private electronic communications are surveilled by the government,” Lee said. “Americans have a right against unreasonable searches and that includes in their digital communications and data. I am proud to cosponsor The Government Surveillance Transparency Act.”

“Americans deserve transparency when the government obtains their data, but current rules allow law enforcement agencies to keep these activities hidden indefinitely,” Lieu said. “The Government Surveillance Transparency Act prevents the government from keeping the public in the dark forever. By adopting common-sense transparency measures, our bill ensures Americans are eventually notified about subpoenas and court-ordered surveillance of their electronic data. I’m pleased to work with my colleagues in the House and Senate on this important, bipartisan legislation.”

“Americans should not be subjected to secret government surveillance that stays sealed forever, with no notice and no accountability,” Davidson said. “This bipartisan bill restores constitutional balance by requiring eventual notice and ensuring transparency without compromising legitimate law enforcement needs.”

The bill draws on transparency best practices from other areas of surveillance law and reforms pioneered by several federal courts nationwide. Specifically, the Government Surveillance Transparency Act would:

Require law enforcement to notify targets about subpoenas and court ordered surveillance of their electronic data, similar to existing rules for wiretaps and bank subpoenas.

Permit providers and other interested parties to challenge sealing orders, requiring the government to pay the challenger’s costs and legal fees if it loses.

Require that surveillance applications and orders eventually be unsealed and docketed, ensuring they are available to the public and press once it no longer disrupts an investigation or puts individuals at risk.

Require courts to publish online basic data about every surveillance order they authorize, while not revealing any personal information that could disrupt an active investigation.

Require that law enforcement notify courts if they search the wrong person, house, or device pursuant to an order issued by the court or if a provider discloses data not authorized by the court.

Require the Administrative Office of the Courts to expand the annual wiretap reports to include data on the surveillance of stored communications, interception of metadata, and gag orders.

Provide grants to State and Tribal courts to implement the requirements of the bill.

Wyden has long been a champion for the privacy rights of Americans and opposed to unnecessary government surveillance. In July 2025, Wyden reintroduced legislation to protect Americans from warrantless government surveillance using cell-site simulators, such as Stingrays. In November 2023, Wyden introduced legislation to reform foreign and domestic surveillance laws and create strong privacy protections for law-abiding Americans. In November 2021, Wyden introduced legislation to end warrantless searches of Americans’ data from automobiles.

A summary of the bill is here.

A section-by-section summary of the bill is here.

The text of the bill is here.

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Wyden Demands Answers on the White House Hiding the Financial Cost of Tariffs to American Families

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden today demanded answers from the White House about its interference with an independent report concluding that tariffs are harming businesses and consumers in Oregon and nationwide.

In a letter with eight Senate colleagues, Wyden demanded that White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett formally retract his suggestion that Federal Reserve staff be “disciplined” for producing data demonstrating the true cost of Trump’s tariffs.

“We are deeply troubled with your public suggestion on February 18, 2026, that Federal Reserve officials be disciplined for an evidence-based study which concluded that American consumers and businesses are bearing the economic burden of President Trump’s chaotic tariffs,” the senators wrote Director Hassett. “Your comments undermine the Federal Reserve’s independent research, call into question the integrity of its future data, and suggest the Trump Administration is more interested in prohibiting Americans from learning the cost of its tariff regime than meaningfully lowering costs for American families.”

Wyden and his Senate colleagues pressed the White House on the protection of career civil servants, the independence of the Federal Reserve, and whether the White House has interfered or pressured agencies responsible for publishing other economic data, like the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ monthly jobs report.

“Demanding professional retribution against non-partisan staff is yet another example of the Trump Administration’s effort to take over the Federal Reserve, which generates uncertainty in the markets; distracts the Federal Reserve from its statutory mandate; and does nothing to address the affordability crisis,” continued the senators.

In addition to Wyden, the letter was led by Senators Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md., Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. The letter also was signed by Senators Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., Cory Booker, D-N.J., Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., and Raphael Warnock, D-Ga.


Wyden, Merkley Call on Supreme Court to Protect Birthright Citizenship Against Trump’s Unconstitutional Attacks

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today joined 27 colleagues in calling on the Supreme Court to protect birthright citizenship by striking down Donald Trump’s unconstitutional attempts to roll back a 150-year-old precedent.

“Children born in this country have only called the United States their home, and they are no different than any other U.S. citizen,” Wyden said. “The Supreme Court must uphold the U.S. Constitution and long-settled precedent to stop Donald Trump’s fascist fever dream from ripping away the citizenship of children born in America.”

“The Constitution is clear: every child born in the United States is an American citizen. It’s critical that the Supreme Court uphold this promise,” Merkley said. “The 14th Amendment guarantees birthright citizenship, and more than a century of Supreme Court precedent backs it up. Instead of endorsing a haphazard, patchwork approach, in which citizenship depends on the Trump Administration’s whims and not the Constitution, the Court must reaffirm this fundamental principle.”

In Trump v Barbara, Wyden and Merkley signed an amicus brief, underscoring that Trump’s executive order to strip automatic citizenship from children born in the United States violates the Constitution, more than a century of Supreme Court rulings, and laws enacted by Congress.

The amicus brief was led by U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., and Dick Durbin, D-Ill. Joining Wyden and Merkley, the amicus brief was also signed by Senators Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., Patty Murray, D-Wash., Michael Bennet, D-Colo., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Cory Booker, D-N.J., Chris Coons, D-Del., Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., John Fetterman, D-Pa., Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawai’i, Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M., Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., Alex Padilla, D-Calif., Jack Reed, D-R.I., Adam Schiff, D-Calif., Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., Tina Smith, D-Minn., Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Peter Welch, D-Vt., and Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I.


Young Joins “Innovate or Evaporate” Podcast

**Click here or above to listen to the full episode.**

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) joined the “Innovate or Evaporate” podcast, hosted by Elevate Ventures CEO Toph Day, for a conversation about ensuring the United States can out-innovate and outcompete our economic rivals like China.

During the conversation, Young discussed the importance of securing U.S. supply chains, why we need to build American ships again, the CHIPS and Science Act, and Indiana’s role in unleashing drone dominance. Young also discussed potential areas of growth for Indiana.


Smith Announces Upcoming Staff Outreach Events

WASHINGTON – Constituents of Third District Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) are invited to meet with a member of his staff during these outreach events in Dakota City, Hartington, Ponca, O'Neill, Sidney, Thedford, Kimball, Mullen, Stapleton, Tryon, Bridgeport, Greeley, Burwell and Tekamah.

A staff outreach event is an opportunity for constituents to meet directly with a member of Smith's staff about federal issues, receive assistance with a federal agency, or take advantage of the services available through his office.

Smith, who has offices in Grand Island, Scottsbluff, and Nebraska City, will provide a staff member at the following times and locations:

Monday, March 2, 2026

Dakota County Courthouse

1601 Broadway Street, Dakota City

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. CT

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Cedar County Courthouse

101 S. Broadway Avenue, Hartington

8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. CT

Dixon County Courthouse

302 W. 3rd Street, Ponca

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. CT

Monday, March 16, 2026

Holt County Courthouse

204 N. 4th Street, O'Neill

10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. CT

Cheyenne County Courthouse

1000 10th Avenue, Sidney

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. MT

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Thomas County Courthouse

503 Main Street, Thedford

10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. CT

Kimball County Transit Building

233 S. Chestnut Street, Kimball

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. MT

Hooker County Courthouse

303 NW 1st Street, Mullen

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. MT

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Logan County Courthouse

317 Main Street, Stapleton

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. CT

McPherson County Courthouse

500 Anderson, Tryon

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. CT

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

Morrill County Courthouse

606 L Street, Bridgeport

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. MT

Greeley County Courthouse

101 S. Kildare, Greeley

9:50 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. CT

Garfield County Courthouse

250 S. 8th Street, Burwell

12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. CT

Friday, March 27, 2026

Burt County Courthouse

111 N. 13th Street, Tekamah

10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. CT

For additional information, please contact Smith’s Grand Island office at (308) 384-3900, his Scottsbluff office at (308) 633-6333, or his Nebraska City office at (402) 874-6050.


Alford, Vernetti Introduce Bills to Protect Elections from Illegal Alien Influence

Today, Congressman Mark Alford (R-Lake Winnebago) and State Representative Jeff Vernetti (R-Camdenton) introduced complementary bills to restore the integrity of the citizen initiative petition process. Specifically, both bills will require non-profits that engage in election-related or political work to participate in the federal E-Verify program.

Following reports of illegal aliens being employed by out-of-state nonprofits to collect signatures for Missouri ballot initiatives, which was first uncovered by Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway, these bills will protect our ballot initiative petition process from being influenced by illegal aliens.

Read Congressman Alford’s federal legislation, the Protect our Ballots Act, here.

Read Rep. Vernetti’s state-level legislation, H.B. 3383, here.

“Election integrity is one of the most pressing issues facing elected officials at all levels,” said Congressman Mark Alford. “The sanctity of our elections, regardless of whether one is voting for President of the United States, a ballot petition, or a local school board, is paramount to the survival of our republic. Requiring nonprofits who engage in election-related activity to participate in the E-Verify program is a commonsense step to ensure our elections are not influenced by illegal aliens. I’m proud to parter with by good friend, Rep. Jeff Vernetti, on these critical bills.”

"I am proud to partner with Congressman Alford to combat out-of-state signature collectors, some of whom are employing illegal aliens to negatively affect Missouri's Constitution," said Representative Jeff Vernetti. "Requiring nonprofit corporations to use the E-Verify system is a vital step Missouri must take in order to protect the citizen initiative petition process."

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Alford, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Expand Critical Access Hospital Benefits for Rural Facilities

Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) introduced the Sustaining Rural Healthcare Act. This legislation will expand access to care and provide a financial lifeline for struggling hospitals in rural communities by creating a new “In Character” Critical Access Hospital designation.

This comes after the Center for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) services instituted an updated mapping framework, causing some rural hospitals to lose eligibility for Critical Access Hospital (CAH) designation, despite the physical location of the facility being unchanged. This designation will create parity for the financial benefits between typical Critical Access Hospitals and those under the newly created In Character Critical Access Hospital designation.

Read the text of the legislation here.

“We aren’t just talking about supporting Missouri’s rural hospitals, we’re taking action,” said Congressman Alford. “This vital legislation will sustain our rural hospitals like Bates County Memorial, preventing closures and ensuring continued access to emergency care for communities like those in the Fourth District. After visiting almost every rural hospital in the Fourth District, I’ve seen first-hand how these facilities are often the only places families can turn to when they need care. We’re proud to introduce the Sustaining Rural Healthcare Act and double down on our efforts to support rural health care providers.”

For example, Bates County Memorial Hospital would gain eligibility to become an In Character Critical Access Hospital and receive the corresponding financial benefits. While CMS maintains it is less than 35 miles from the next nearest hospital, which would block its eligibility under the current CAH framework, the mileage is not indicative of travel time for many Bates County residents due to the lack of infrastructure and isolation of some areas.

“Bates County Memorial Hospital is not designated as a Critical Access Hospital, yet we serve a largely rural population with Medicare and Medicaid as our primary payers. Unlike nearby Critical Access Hospitals, which receive cost-based reimbursement and access to the 340B program, we are paid under a system that does not reflect the true cost of providing 24/7 emergency and essential services in a low-volume rural setting. Those hospitals can better absorb inflation and rising labor costs — protections we do not have — even as we compete with them for limited clinical staff,” said Bates County Memorial Hospital CEO Greg Weaver M.A., MHA, EMT-P.

“To sustain services, we have relied on reserves to cover operational losses. While this has protected access in the short term, it reduces our days' cash on hand and is not sustainable. Without change, we risk becoming another rural Missouri hospital closure. Seeking Critical Access Hospital designation is not about growth — it is about financial stability, equitable reimbursement, and proactively protecting healthcare access for our community.”

The Sustaining Rural Healthcare Act is co-led by Reps. Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15), and Jill Tokuda (HI-02).

“Border communities like ours in South Texas rely on rural hospitals to deliver care close to home,” said Rep. Cuellar. “In many of these areas, the nearest alternative may be miles away, and when a hospital is forced to scale back services or risks closure, families feel the impact immediately. Our bill provides rural hospitals with the stability they need to keep essential health care services accessible for our communities. It also strengthens technical assistance efforts to help these facilities improve operations and long‑term financial stability. I’m proud to co‑lead this bipartisan effort to support the providers who keep rural Texas strong, healthy, and cared for.”

“Rural America continues to face challenges when it comes to delivering health care services,” Rep. Thompson said. “By expanding and providing increased flexibility for at-risk rural hospitals, we can help ensure our communities continue to have robust access to world-class care.”

“For Hawaiʻi’s neighbor islands, rural hospitals are lifelines, but outdated federal rules are keeping critical resources and designations out of reach,” said Rep. Tokuda. “Current Critical Access Hospital criteria disqualify facilities serving some of our most isolated and high-need populations. This bill stabilizes rural hospitals so they can keep their doors open and continue delivering critical access care to the communities that depend on them. We’re ensuring rural hospitals have the support and flexibility to provide high-quality care close to home, where patients belong.”

Background:

CAH Designation:

Allows hospitals to receive cost-based Medicare reimbursement, which improves financial viability for small, isolated facilities.

Prevents closures to ensure rural communities can access to emergency and acute care, while allowing operational flexibility, such as operating swing beds, to meet community needs.

Makes hospitals eligible to receive funding through their respective state's Rural Health Transformation Program allotment.

The Sustaining Rural Healthcare Act:

This bill intends to provide financial relief to our rural hospitals and increase access to health care for patients in rural communities by:

Ensuring continued Critical Access Hospital designation for those already designated

Allowing the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) discretionary authority to designate facilities as In Character Critical Access Hospitals for up to 3 years if they meet certain criteria, including:

Facilities in a designated rural area;

Facilities facing healthcare staffing shortages;

Facilities serving a medically underserved population;

Facilities providing inpatient and outpatient services to a high proportion of Medicare beneficiaries; and

Facilities facing significant risk of partial or full closure of services.

Directing HHS to issue guidance on eligibility standards, documentation requirements, and renewal conditions

Directing HHS to establish monitoring and reporting requirements for “In Character” CAH facilities to ensure performance, patient access, and financial stability improvements during the in-character designation

Directing HHS to collaborate with U.S. Department of Agriculture in making available technical assistance free of charge to the in-character designated facilities to help strengthen financial and operational status during the designation period

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During Rare Disease Week, Bacon & Gottheimer Announce Bipartisan Endorsement from Problem Solvers Caucus for Cameron’s Law

Boosts Rare Disease Research

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) announced that the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus endorsed Cameron’s Law, his legislation to fully restore the Orphan Drug Tax Credit and strengthen investment in research and development for treatments targeting rare diseases.

Cameron’s Law would reverse cuts made under the 2017 Tax Hike Bill that reduced the Orphan Drug Tax Credit by half, a change that has slowed innovation and made treatments for rare diseases even harder to develop and access.

The legislation is named after 8-year-old Cameron Hyman of Wyckoff, New Jersey, who is diagnosed with Sanfilippo Syndrome, a rare genetic disease that affects the central nervous system. Currently, there are no FDA-approved treatments for Sanfilippo Syndrome. Despite scientific advances, more than 90% of rare diseases still do not have therapies or treatments.

“Cameron’s Law will create incentives, through tax credits, for pharmaceutical companies to create drugs to treat these diseases and get them to patients as quickly and safely as possible. Rare diseases have hit close to home, as two of my staffers have been affected by rare diseases, but thankfully, drugs and treatments were available to them. It is my hope that like them, all those suffering from rare diseases will have increased access to lifesaving drugs,” said Congressman Don Bacon (NE-2). “I’m glad to be a co-lead on Cameron’s Law. Many patients are desperately waiting for drugs, and this bill will incentivize pharmaceutical companies to continue development and trials so they can get these drugs to the people that need them.”

“Families like Cameron’s are counting on Congress to step up,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “By fully restoring this tax credit, Cameron’s Law will help drive critical investment into research for rare diseases — many of which still have no FDA-approved treatments. I’m proud that the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus is backing my commonsense legislation to support innovation, deliver hope to families, and strengthen Jersey’s leadership in life sciences.”

"Cutting the Orphan Drug Tax Credit in half puts life-saving research for rare diseases at risk, slowing progress for patients and families who are counting on medical breakthroughs,” said Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-19). “With the formal endorsement of the Problem Solver's Caucus, it's clear that there is strong, bipartisan support behind Cameron’s Law to restore the full tax credit and help ensure that developing treatments for rare diseases remains a priority. By doubling this credit, we can incentivize innovation, provide certainty for continued investment, and give hope to those who need it most.”

“Regardless of politics, no one wants to watch a loved one suffer, especially from a rare disease with no treatment in sight,” said Congressman Tom Suozzi (NY-3). “Cameron’s Law is a bipartisan measure that rewards ingenuity, innovation, and compassion by incentivizing researchers to take on the enormous risk involved in developing a complex drug for a small number of patients. As Co-Chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus, I’m proud to co-lead this bipartisan bill with Congressmen Gottheimer, Bacon, Panetta, Miller, and Fitzpatrick that puts values above politics, making sure we never leave our most vulnerable without hope.”

“More than 90 percent of rare diseases still have no FDA-approved treatment. That is unacceptable, and demands action. The Orphan Drug Tax Credit has long been a cornerstone of rare disease innovation, helping bridge the gap between discovery and delivery. Weakening it slowed progress in a space where urgency matters most.

Cameron’s Law restores the full 50 percent credit, strengthens incentives for early-stage research, and reaffirms our commitment to families facing the toughest diagnoses. We know this model works. Now we are restoring it—fully and responsibly—to accelerate breakthroughs and save lives,” said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1).

“I’m thankful for PSC’s endorsement of this commonsense legislation,” said Congressman Max Miller (OH-07). “By restoring the Orphan Drug Tax and accelerating the development of life-saving treatments, this bill could make a real difference, and it merits broad support.”

“BioNJ applauds Representative Josh Gottheimer for his continued leadership in supporting the nation’s rare and orphan disease community. With more than 10,000 rare diseases identified — and only five percent having an FDA‑approved treatment — restoring the Orphan Drug Tax Credit to its pre‑2017 level is essential to accelerating innovation for Patients with few or no therapeutic options. Because life sciences R&D is complex, costly and especially high risk for orphan therapies, strong research incentives are critical to driving breakthroughs where unmet need is greatest. As the second largest biopharma hub in the U.S., including many companies focused on rare diseases, New Jersey is well-positioned to advance this work, and BioNJ urges the rest of the State’s congressional delegation to support this important legislation for Patients and families who cannot wait,” said a spokesperson for BioNJ.

“When Congress created the Orphan Drug Tax Credit (ODTC) as part of the landmark Orphan Drug Act in 1983, they recognized the importance of using every available tool to drive investment in treatments for the 30 million Americans living with rare diseases. However, cutting the credit in half in 2017 weakened one of those critical tools. It is time to restore the ODTC to its original 50% value. Protecting and strengthening this credit is essential to ensuring that patients are not left behind in the search for treatments and cures. The EveryLife Foundation is grateful to the Problem Solver's Caucus for its endorsement of Cameron's Law and what it signals about our nation’s commitment to the rare disease community and the urgent need to ensure that research and innovation continue to thrive,” said Jamie Sullivan, Senior Vice President of Policy at Every Life Foundation.

“During Rare Disease Week, we are reminded that while the Orphan Drug Tax Credit has helped advance hundreds of rare disease treatments, most rare diseases still have no FDA-approved therapy,” said Stacey Frisk, Executive Director of the Rare Disease Company Coalition. “Cameron’s Law would restore a vital incentive and strengthen the fragile ecosystem that makes rare disease innovation possible. RDCC applauds the Problem Solvers Caucus for its bipartisan support and continued leadership on behalf of people living with a rare disease.”

By restoring the full Orphan Drug Tax Credit, Cameron’s Law will incentivize life sciences companies to accelerate research and development for orphan diseases. The bipartisan legislation will also help grow New Jersey’s talent pipeline for high-quality life sciences jobs through expanded training partnerships and apprenticeship programs, ensuring the state remains a national leader in biotechnology and medical innovation.

The bipartisan endorsement from the Problem Solvers Caucus underscores the broad support across the aisle for advancing solutions that improve public health, support American innovation, and help families battling rare diseases.

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Barr Applauds Zeldin, Trump for Approving Louisville’s RFG Withdrawal

Washington, D.C.— Today, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY-06) credited U.S. President Donald Trump and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin for approving Louisville’s withdrawal from Reformulated Gas (RFG) program. The removal will be effective on May 27, 2026.

Barr advocated directly with the Administrator for the approval of this request to benefit Sixth District businesses who do commerce in the City. Participation in the RFG program adds 20 to 25 cents per gallon of gas according to estimates from the Kentucky State Senate.

“I applaud President Trump and Administrator Zeldin for approving Louisville’s withdrawal from the Reformulated Gas program,” said Congressman Barr. “This is a major win for Kentucky families and small businesses who have been burdened by higher fuel costs for too long. I advocated directly with Administrator Zeldin for this commonsense change, and I’m grateful the Trump Administration came through in a big way once again for Kentucky. Lower costs, fewer mandates, and more freedom for our local economy — that’s how we keep Kentucky competitive.”

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Beyer, Mullin, and Schiff Introduce Legislation to Incentivize Standardized Emissions Disclosures, Champion Greater Transparency for Environmental Footprint

U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA) and Kevin Mullin (D-CA) introduced the Standardized Calculation of Operational Polluting Emissions (SCOPE) Act to direct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish voluntary guidance for companies to disclose their indirect Scope 3 emissions, ensuring greater and uniform transparency for the public and consumers about a company’s environmental footprint. By directing the EPA to provide clear and specific guidance for Scope 3 emissions from direct emitter companies, this bill would help companies adhere to one set of standardized methodologies for calculating and disclosing their indirect emissions instead of having every company use a different system.

“By creating a uniform framework for companies on how to calculate and report indirect greenhouse gas emissions along their supply chain, our legislation would empower companies and the American public with clear, comparable information about the environmental footprint of the products and services they rely on,” said Congressman Beyer. “This information will help companies and consumers understand the full scope of sustainability of these supply chains.”

“Communities in California and across the country are already feeling the impacts of climate change, and Americans deserve transparent information about corporations’ greenhouse gas emissions. I'm proud to co-lead the SCOPE Act, which would make it easier for companies to report on their environmental footprint – an important step toward increasing corporate accountability,” said Congressman Mullin.

U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) leads companion legislation in the Senate.

"As the Trump administration rolls back regulations on greenhouse gas emissions and climate goals, we must work to redouble our efforts to safeguard longstanding environmental protections. Our legislation will direct the EPA to provide across-the-board guidance to companies so we have full transparency on the environmental impact of their operations,” said Senator Schiff.

The bill is endorsed by Environment America, Sierra Club, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), League Of Conservation Voters (LCV), and Environment California.

“Many companies have made commitments to protecting clean air and a livable climate, but tracking progress can be challenging,” said Lisa Frank, Executive Director of Environment America. “The SCOPE Act would help ensure progress towards a healthier environment by giving businesses, consumers and the public easily comparable information on emissions, so that we can better prevent and clean up pollution.”

"It's more important than ever to have a clear picture of companies' Scope 3 emissions, and Sierra Club strongly supports Senator Schiff, Representative Beyer, and Representative Mullin’s SCOPE Act. We cannot make progress on the climate crisis if we don't have an accurate accounting of our emissions. The SCOPE Act is critical for transparency across all industries as we work to protect our communities from the impacts of the climate crisis,” said Patrick Drupp, Director of Climate Policy of Sierra Club.

“At a time when the Trump administration is turning its back on the calculations and impacts of pollution, this bill takes an important step toward ensuring transparency around the climate impacts of corporate supply chains. It shines a spotlight on the need for companies to provide consistent, comparable and reliable data regarding their largest greenhouse gas emissions sources,” said Sam Goodstein, Managing Director of Federal Affairs of NRDC.

“Corporate action on climate change remains a critical lever to drive U.S. innovation, economic competitiveness, and resilience. Senator Schiff, Rep. Beyer, and Rep. Mullin’s SCOPE Act recognizes the importance of getting a full picture of companies’ greenhouse gas emissions. Emissions reporting provides valuable information for markets and the public. At the same time, it helps American companies spot ways to mitigate risk, seize market opportunities and drive efficiency across supply chains and business activities,” said Joanna Slaney, Vice President for Political and Government Affairs of EDF.


Beyer Joins Warren, Sherman, Lawmakers to Introduce Direct File Act to Guarantee Free, Easy Tax Filing for Americans

U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Chris Coons (D-De.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, and Representatives Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), Don Beyer (D-Va.), Judy Chu (D-Calif.), Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), and Mark Pocan (D-Wisc.) led over 150 lawmakers in introducing the Direct File Act, new legislation that would reverse the Trump administration’s decision to end the highly successful Direct File program — which allowed taxpayers to file their taxes online, for free, and directly with the government — and make the program permanent.

“It’s a no-brainer: Americans should be able to file their taxes easily and for free. Donald Trump canceled Direct File after giant tax prep companies spent millions lobbying to protect their profits,” said Senator Warren. “We’re fighting to lower costs for families by bringing Direct File back and making it the law of the land.”

“Americans shouldn’t have to waste valuable time or hard-earned money just to file their taxes,” said Representative Sherman. “The Direct File Act expands on the successful 2024 pilot and offers a straightforward, no-cost filing option that will make the process simpler and more affordable for working families.”

The average American taxpayer spends eight hours and $160 each year filing their taxes with tax prep companies. In 2024, the IRS launched Direct File to save families time and money. 94% of users described their experience as “excellent” or “above average,” and more than 70% of taxpayers said they would use Direct File if they were eligible. If fully implemented, Direct File was projected to save families up to $23 billion annually in fees, time, and tax credits.

Despite Direct File’s success, the Trump Administration ended the program after extensive lobbying efforts by tax prep companies. This decision contradicts recommendations from the independent Government Accountability Office and Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, ultimately raising costs for Americans and making the tax filing experience even more burdensome.

In addition to directing the IRS to establish and operate a free online tax preparation and filing program, the Direct File Act would:

Prohibit the IRS from entering into agreements that restrict its ability to provide free online tax preparation or filing services.

Direct the IRS to publish an annual report on use levels, patterns of usage, and ways to improve access to Direct File.

Direct the IRS to enable seamless integration between state tax filing systems and Direct File, including through information sharing and a new grant program for states.

Reduce tax fraud by getting third-party income information to the IRS earlier in the tax season, allowing the agency to verify this information before issuing refunds.

“Direct File helped hundreds of thousands of American taxpayers file their taxes quickly, easily, and for free – so of course President Trump and Republicans killed it. This year, those Americans will have to go back to expensive tax preparation services owned by President Trump’s donors. This legislation would bring back Direct File, because tax season is already hard enough without having to pay a company to pay your taxes,” said Senator Coons.

“Trump and the Republicans shut down the IRS Direct File program because they’re bought and paid for by the tax software industry and don’t have a problem with middle-class taxpayers getting ripped off every spring,” said Senator Wyden. “This bill is a promise that Democrats are going to restore Direct File the next time we’re in charge of the IRS, and in the meantime, it’s a shame that the Trump administration is a threat to any public service that saves Americans time, hassle and money.”

“The senseless destruction of the IRS’ popular Direct File program last year was just another example of the Trump Administration going out of its way to make life more difficult for the American people,” said Representative Beyer. “The program allowed hundreds of thousands of Americans to file their taxes easily and for free directly with the IRS instead of being forced to go through middlemen. This legislation would codify this important program and prioritize ordinary Americans already struggling with high costs of living ahead of special interests.”

“Direct File worked. It saved everyday taxpayers over $5.5 million in tax preparation fees and it saved them time. But Trump and Republicans killed it, because making the tax filing process simple and free doesn’t benefit their billionaire donors and the giant tax prep companies that profit off of confusion and fees. That’s why I joined Representative Brad Sherman and Senator Elizabeth Warren to introduce the Direct File Act of 2026, which would restore and permanently codify the IRS’s free, government-run online tax filing program so more Americans can file their taxes quickly and at no cost. I am committed to ensuring we bring Direct File back and stop Trump from rigging the system against the people it’s intended to serve,” said Representative Chu.

“The federal government requires Americans to pay their taxes, thus it ought to provide them a free and easy way to do so. That's why I helped lead Democrats' efforts to establish Direct File through the Inflation Reduction Act: to save Americans time and money. That logic is lost on the Trump Administration. Trump may not care about lowering Americans' costs, but Democrats still do,” said Representative Hoyer. “We will keep fighting to bring back Direct File and to expand it nationwide.”

“Direct File is a popular program that allows Americans to file their taxes for free, cutting out the middleman. But big tax-prep companies like TurboTax and H&R Block pushed the Trump administration to kill it,” said Representative Pocan. “It's time to bring back Direct File permanently nationwide, saving taxpayers time and money.”

In total, 40 Senators cosponsored the legislation, including Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.)

120 Members of the House of Representatives cosponsored the bill as well, including: Representatives Alma Adams (D-N.C.), Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.), Gabe Amo (D-R.I.), Becca Balint (D-Vt.), Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.), Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.), Andre Carson (D-Ind.), Sean Casten (D-Ill.), Kathy Castor (D-Fla.), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.), Gilbert R. Cisneros Jr. (D-Calif.), Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.), Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), Herb Conaway (D-N.J.), Lou Correa (D-Calif.), Jim Costa (D-Calif.), Danny Davis (D-Ill.), Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.), Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.), Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.), Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.), Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas), Sarah Elfreth (D-Md.), Cleo Fields (D-La.), Lizzie Fletcher (D-Texas), Bill Foster (D-Ill.), Valerie Foushee (D-N.C.), Lois Frankel (D-Fla.), Laura Friedman (D-Calif.), Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.), John Garamendi (D-Calif.), Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas), Jesús “Chuy” García (D-Ill.), Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.), Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.), Al Green (D-Texas), Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.), Josh Harder (D-Calif.), Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.), Jim Himes (D-Conn.), Steven Horsford (D-Nev.), Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Glenn Ivey (D-Md.), Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), Robin Kelly (D-Ill.), Tim Kennedy (D-N.Y.), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), Greg Landsman (D-Ohio), Rick Larsen (D-Wash.), George Latimer (D-N.Y.), Summer Lee (D-Pa.), Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.), John Mannion (D-N.Y.), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.), Sarah McBride (D-Del.), April McClain Delaney (D-Md.), Jennifer McClellan (D-Va.), Betty McCollum (D-Minn.), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Mich.), Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.), Rob Menendez (D-N.J.), Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Johnny Olszewski (D-Md.), Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.), Emily Randall (D-Wash.), Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.), Linda Sanchez (D-Calif.), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pa.), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), Kim Schrier (D-Wash.), Bobby Scott (D-Va.), David Scott (D-Ga.), Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.), Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Darren Soto (D-Fla.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), Suhas Subramanyam (D-Va.), Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.), Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.), Bennie G. Thompson (D-Miss.), Dina Titus (D-Nev.), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii), Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.), Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.), Lori Trahan (D-Mass.), Juan Vargas (D-Calif.), Marc Veasey (D-Texas), Nydia M. Velazquez (D-N.Y.), Eugene Vindman (D-Va.), James Walkinshaw (D-Va.), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.), and Nikema Williams (D-Ga.).

The bill is endorsed by 115 unions, advocacy groups, and national organizations, including Public Citizen, Americans for Tax Fairness, Economic Security Project Action, Groundwork Collaborative, AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers (AFT), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Communications Workers of America, Americans for Financial Reform, National Consumer Law Center (on behalf of its low-income clients), Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Main Street Alliance, Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, P Street, Patriotic Millionaires, Institute for Policy Studies - Program on Inequality, MoveOn, UnidosUS, 20/20 Vision, Advancing CT Together, Alliance for Retired Americans, Allons Babies, Americans for Democratic Action (ADA), Arkansas Asset Builders, Brazilian Worker Center Inc, California Alliance of Caregivers, CASH Campaign of Maryland, Catalyst Miami, Center for New Revenue, Center for the Study of Social Policy, Children's HealthWatch, Church Women United in New York State, Coalition on Human Needs, Color Of Change, Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, Colorado Fiscal Institute, Community Change Action, Connecticut Voices for Children, Consumer Action, Courage California, Demand Progress, Elevate Idaho Families, End Child Poverty CA powered by GRACE, Fair Share America, Faith in Minnesota, Financial Empowerment Network, Futures Without Violence, Garrett County Community Action Committee, Inc., Golden State Opportunity, Grow Brooklyn, Hawaii Children's Action Network Speaks!, Housing Action Illinois, Idaho Center for Fiscal Policy, In the Public Interest, Income Movement, Indivisible Georgia Coalition, ISAIAH (MN), Jobs with Justice, LIFT Inc, LIFT-DC, Maine Center for Economic Policy, Maine Equal Justice, MakingChange, Inc, Marion County Commission on Youth (MCCOY), Maryland Center on Economic Policy, Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service, Meals4Families, Minnesota Budget Project, Mothers Outreach Network, My Money Story, National Association of Social Workers, National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, National Council of Jewish Women Los Angeles, National Organization for Women, National Rural Social Work Caucus, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, New Jersey Policy Perspective, New Mexico Voices for Children, Northern Santa Barbara County United Way, Northwest Progressive Institute, Oregon Center for Public Policy, Oxfam America, Prepare + Prosper, Prosperity Indiana, Public Good Law Center, RAISE Texas, Responsible Wealth, RESULTS, RESULTS DC/MD, RESULTS.org-Massachusetts, Rise Up WV, RootsAction, San Diego for Every Child, SiX Action, Social Work Grand Challenge to Reduce Extreme Economic Inequality, State Innovation Exchange, Strong Economy For All Coalition, The Arc of the United States, Touch Stones Financial Wellness Services, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Hidalgo County Texas, Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice, United for a Fair Economy, United for Respect, United Way of Frederick County, United Ways of the Pacific Northwest, Upper West Side Action Group, Vesta Prosperity, Voices for Progress, Washington Anti-Hunger & Nutrition Coalition, Washington State Budget and Policy Center, Women Employed, and Young Invincibles.

“A free, direct e-filing tax return system is a fundamental taxpayer right,” said Nina Olson, Executive Director of the Center for Taxpayer Rights and former National Taxpayer Advocate. “Just as the government designs and printed paper tax forms for years, so should it design and maintain a user-friendly electronic filing option for individual taxpayers.”


Buchanan Secures $22.5 Million for Community Projects Across Florida’s 16th District

“These Are Practical Investments that Improve Safety, Create Opportunity and Protect Our Quality of Life.”

Funding Supports Veterans, Infrastructure, Small Businesses, Cancer Research, Water Quality and More

WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan announced that he has secured $22,550,550 in Community Project Funding for critical infrastructure, economic development, public safety, veterans services and health initiatives across Florida’s 16th Congressional District.

“I’m proud to have secured more than $22.5 million for Florida’s 16th District is about delivering for the people who live and work here,” said Buchanan. “This funding supports veterans, strengthens infrastructure, protects our water resources and advances lifesaving medical research. These are practical investments that improve safety, create opportunity and protect our quality of life. These projects will make a real difference for families across our community and strengthen our future for years to come.”

The funding, included in the fiscal year 2026 appropriations packages, will support projects that strengthen transportation networks, improve water quality and storm resiliency, expand cancer research and support small businesses.

University of South Florida Center for Entrepreneurship ($3,000,000): Establishes a state-of-the-art entrepreneurship center on USF’s Sarasota-Manatee campus to support students, startups and small businesses.

Gateway Greenway Rails to Trails ($1,500,000): Advances design and construction of trail segments connecting Palmetto to Parrish, improving recreation and mobility.

Manatee County Veterans Service Center ($2,800,000): Supports construction of a 12,000-square-foot facility providing critical services to local veterans and their families.

51st Street West Extension ($1,500,000): Funds roadway expansion to improve infrastructure, safety and economic development in Southwest Manatee County.

SeaPort Manatee Channel Extension Reimbursement ($3,345,000): Provides federal reimbursement for prior port channel improvements essential to long-term port growth.

State Road 64 Improvements ($1,000,000): Supports intersection upgrades, pedestrian safety improvements and congestion reduction.

Bradenton City Park Stormwater Improvements ($3,000,000): Modernizes stormwater infrastructure as part of a broader community park and recreation expansion.

New College of Florida Pedestrian Greenway Corridor ($800,000): Improves pedestrian safety along the north-south corridor.

Holmes Beach Spine Flood Improvement Project ($1,500,000): Reduces flooding and strengthens stormwater infrastructure along Marina Drive in Holmes Beach.

Wimauma Septic-to-Sewer Conversion ($2,000,000): Converts failing septic systems to centralized sewer service to protect public health and water quality.

South Hillsborough Aquifer Recharge Program ($750,000): Supports recharge well construction to protect the Upper Floridan Aquifer and safeguard long-term water supply.

Moffitt Cancer Center Quantum-Inspired Imaging Research ($750,000): Funds advanced imaging technology to accelerate development of new cancer treatments.

Manatee Children’s Services Facility & Equipment Upgrades ($605,550): Enhances medical equipment, ADA accessibility, safety infrastructure and trauma-informed services for vulnerable children.

Local leaders praised the funding and highlighted its impact on their communities:

“We are grateful to Congressman Buchanan and thank him for his support of our university. This funding will allow the University of South Florida to create a world-class collaborative space for students, as well as entrepreneurs and small business professionals with state-of-the-art technology that is often something small businesses need but lack the resources to acquire,” said the University of South Florida President Moez Limayem.

“SeaPort Manatee deeply appreciates the support of Congressman Buchanan in securing reimbursement of $3.345 million in federal funding for a critical project that, for the past decade, has been vital to the port’s continuing growth,”said Manatee County Port Authority Chairman Mike Rahn.

“Thanks to our Congressman Vern Buchanan, these federal investments represent real momentum for Manatee County. They help us deliver on key community goals—improving quality of life, strengthening transportation networks and ensuring our veterans and their families have the support they deserve,” said Manatee Board of County Commissioners Chair Tal Siddique.

“We are grateful to Congressman Buchanan and his team for securing this $4 million investment for Bradenton. The improvements along State Road 64 will enhance safety and mobility for residents and visitors. The stormwater funding for City Park is a key step that allows us to move forward with a larger vision for expanded recreation, youth programs, and community space around LECOM Park. Together, these projects strengthen essential infrastructure and directly benefit the people who call Bradenton home,” said Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown.

“The City of Holmes Beach is thrilled to hear about the THUD appropriations bill being signed into law and is looking forward to beginning its review of stormwater infrastructure improvements along Marina Drive. Improving the drainage in this portion of the City will help residents and first responders navigate the critical north/south roadway on Anna Maria Island. The funding will help us improve services and is greatly appreciated. Congressman Buchanan has always been a strong advocate for our city and we are most grateful for his support in our resiliency,” said Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth.

“We are honored to receive federal funding for the Pedestrian Greenway Corridor. We are so grateful to Congressman Buchanan for securing this funding for New College of Florida, which will help create a brighter future for the college, our students, and the entire community,” said the New College of Florida President Richard Corcoran.

“This generous investment through the Community Project Funding is truly transformative for Manatee Children’s Services and, most importantly, for the children and families who turn to us during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. This support allows us to enhance the safety and quality of abuse examinations, strengthen our technology and infrastructure, and create a more secure, welcoming, and child-friendly environment across our campus. From updated medical and therapeutic equipment to ADA-accessible improvements and disaster preparedness, these funds help ensure that every child we serve receives compassionate, trauma-informed care in a space designed for healing. We are deeply grateful for this support, which strengthens our ability to protect children, promote recovery, and build a safer, more hopeful future for our community,” said Manatee Children’s Services CEO Melinda Thompson.

“Thanks to Rep. Buchanan’s advocacy, this funding allows us to build next-generation imaging capabilities that translate directly into better tools for understanding, detecting, and ultimately treating cancer. We are using this technology to follow how tumors evolve in three dimensions, and how individual tumor cells work to evade the immune system, and resist therapies. We will use these tools to find new treatments for the most dangerous cancers. It pairs so well with our existing strengths in imaging and patient avatars,” said Moffitt Dr. W. Gregory Sawyer.

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Casten Introduces Bill to Incentivize Utilities to Lower Costs for Ratepayers, Lower Emissions

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) introduced the Shared Utility Rewards for Grid Efficiency (SURGE) Act, legislation to lower bills for American energy consumers by realigning transmission utility incentives with customer cost savings and rewarding improvements in grid efficiency.

“One of the most impactful things we can do to lower costs for American consumers is to give utility companies an incentive to save their customers money and lower emissions at the same time,” said Rep. Sean Casten. “The SURGE Act does just that by realigning utility incentives so utilities are rewarded for making their systems more efficient, lowering energy bills in the process.”

“Modernizing our power grid has never been more essential for affordability, reliability, and meeting our climate goals,” said John Moore, Senior Attorney and Director of the Sustainable FERC Project at the Natural Resources Defense Council. “By authorizing innovative federal and state shared-savings standards, the SURGE bill ensures that proven solutions like advanced conductors and grid-enhancing technologies are deployed at scale—saving billions of dollars in energy costs, cutting pollution, and strengthening our clean energy future.”

“The SURGE Act represents a pragmatic, forward-looking approach to modernizing the electric grid,” said Exelon. “Exelon fully supports actions that utilize proven innovations to deliver a more affordable, reliable and resilient grid. Representative Casten offers a smart shared savings pathway to accelerate grid modernization while ensuring consumers benefit.”

Under current ratemaking, utilities earn returns mainly by building new infrastructure, even when lower-cost operational or efficiency improvements could deliver equal or greater system value. The SURGE Act addresses this misalignment by directing the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to establish a standardized “shared savings” framework that allows transmission utilities to earn a portion of the real, verified savings they deliver to ratepayers through specific actions. This means that if ratepayers do not see savings from a utility’s action, the utility does not receive the incentive.

The SURGE Act also creates a state-level grant program, run out of the Department of Energy, so states that want to create their own shared savings framework for their grid can get the technical support they need to design and implement it.

The opportunity for savings to ratepayers is significant. Research from GridStrategies shows that deploying advanced conductors, one of the solutions advanced by this legislation, could prevent roughly 21 million MWh of annual transmission losses, generating more than $2.2 billion per year in consumer savings, and reducing power sector greenhouse gas emissions by 8 million metric tons annually. This legislation would also accelerate low-cost grid-enhancing technologies (GETs) and operational improvements, providing further savings and emissions reductions, including secondary and tertiary benefits of reduced congestion, lower renewable curtailment, faster interconnection of new generation, and avoided construction of new transmission lines. The SURGE Act unlocks these savings and emissions reductions by making efficiency financially attractive to utilities.

Text of the legislation can be found here.

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WATCH: Free Jimmy Lai: Rep. Chris Smith & Claire Lai | The World Over with Raymond Arroyo

Washington, Feb 26, 2026

EWTN

Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), and Claire Lai, daughter of Jimmy Lai, sat down with host Raymond Arroyo on EWTN's The World Over with Raymond Arroyo to discuss the latest on Jimmy Lai's incarceration in Hong Kong, and the hope that diplomatic pressure will continue to be applied by the US and UK governments to eventually secure Jimmy's release from prison in Hong Kong. The full interview can be viewed by clicking here.

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Truth Nigeria article on Smith-Moore Nigeria bill'Religious Freedom Watchdog Slams Nigeria's Desperate Bid to Dodge Shame Label'

By Ezinwanne Onwuka

Published February 26, 2026

The bipartisan U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is urging Congress to ban the world’s religion bullies from hiring lobbyists to spin their false narratives. Case in point is Nigeria’s $9 million lobbying contract in Washington intended to downplay its Christian-persecution problem.

Nigeria’s CPC Status and Lobbying Contract

Nigeria signed a six-month, $9 million contract with Washington lobbying firm DCI Group amid heightened attention from Washington under President Trump. The agreement, executed December 17, 2025, runs through June 30, 2026, with automatic renewal.

According to the contract documents seen by TruthNigeria, DCI Group will “assist the Nigerian government through Aster Legal in communicating its actions to protect Nigerian Christian communities and maintaining U.S. support in countering West African jihadist groups and other destabilizing elements.”

That comes out to $750,000 monthly retainer, paid in two six-month installments of $4.5 million each. Nigeria paid a $4.5 million retainer on December 12, 2025, covering the first six months of the agreement.

Good work, if you can get it.

On October 31, 2025, President Donald J. Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act. Under U.S. law, the label is reserved for governments that engage in or tolerate “particularly severe” violations of religious freedom.

The designation followed pressure from U.S. lawmakers worried that Nigeria’s Muslim-heavy government has failed egregiously to protect Christian communities from attacks by Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Fulani ethnic militias.

USCIRF’s 2025 Annual Report states that roughly 30,000 Fulani bandits operate in multiple armed groups across northwest Nigeria, often targeting Christian communities. Attacks peak on Christian holidays, with security forces rarely intervening despite nearby checkpoints.

Abuja rejects the genocide label and even insists Christians are not suffering extraordinary persecution. Officials claim the country’s violence is driven by terrorism, criminality, and land disputes, not state-backed religious repression.

Separately, Nigerian billionaire Matthew Tonlagha signed a $120,000-a-month contract with Washington-based consulting firm Valcour to lobby U.S. media, Congress, and the Trump administration “for the purpose of strengthening the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Nigeria.” The contract will run from December 15, 2025, to June 14, 2026.

Capitol Hill Presses for Accountability

During a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing earlier this month titled Defending Religious Freedom Around the World, lawmakers voiced concern that lobbying contracts could soften scrutiny of Nigeria’s CPC status.

Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) said he was troubled by efforts to counter that designation through lobbying.

Smith, who has chaired 13 hearings on religious persecution in Nigeria, recently introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 alongside Rep. Riley Moore (R-WV).

The bill would require the Secretary of State to submit a comprehensive report to Congress on U.S. efforts to address religious persecution and mass atrocities against Christians in Nigeria.

“For years, Christians in Nigeria have faced unspeakable violence—churches burned, villages destroyed, families slaughtered—while the global community looked away. As part of the investigation President Trump asked me to lead, I visited Nigeria and witnessed firsthand the horrors our brothers and sisters in Christ face and saw the security challenges Nigeria faces,” Rep. Moore said in a press release.

USCIRF’s Targets PR Campaigns by Rights Violators

USCIRF is recommending that Congress should bar CPC-designated governments from engaging in paid lobbying or public relations campaigns aimed at influencing lawmakers.

“Every day, we hear heartbreaking stories of religious minorities suffering horrendous persecution perpetrated or tolerated by foreign governments who then distort their records in the halls of Congress,” said USCIRF Chair Vicky Hartzler in a press statement.

“The U.S. Congress should prohibit any person from receiving compensation for lobbying on behalf of foreign governments of countries that the United States has designated as CPCs.”

Vice Chair Asif Mahmood echoed that warning. “Rather than working to meet their obligations under international law, CPC designated governments are trying to misconstrue religious freedom violations in their countries,” he said.

“Congress should introduce legislation that sufficiently restricts the efforts of foreign, CPC designated governments to pay lobbyists to conceal their particularly severe religious persecution.”

Ban on Paid Lobbying, Not Diplomacy

When asked directly whether USCIRF wants Nigeria’s $9 million contract canceled, Commissioner Mohamed Elsanousi told TruthNigeria: “This would be dependent on what the U.S. Congress determines the parameters of the legislation should be.”

He stressed that the commission is not seeking to cut off diplomacy altogether.

“USCIRF’s recommendation is that CPC designated countries should be prohibited from paying lobbyists,” Elsanousi said. “It is up to foreign governments to determine how they engage, subject to existing law or any new legislation that may be passed.”

The goal, he added, is not to “unduly punish governments without justification,” but to incentivize reforms and reduce violations of freedom of religion or belief.

Wider Lobbying Campaigns beyond Nigeria

Nigeria is not alone. USCIRF also cited Saudi Arabia and India as examples of governments allegedly using public relations strategies to soften narratives around religious freedom concerns.

According to USCIRF, Saudi Arabia continues to use public relations firms to hide executions of Shi’a Muslims, including minors arrested as teens. Shi’a face discrimination in jobs, courts, and military access.


Ciscomani's FY2027 Appropriations Requests are Now Open

Tucson, AZ - Congressman Juan Ciscomani is proud to announce that appropriations requests for Fiscal Year 2027 are now open. This announcement comes after a total of more than $61 million was secured for AZ-06 community projects between Fiscal Year 2024 and Fiscal Year 2026.

Leaders of local government agencies or eligible non-profit organizations that could benefit from federal funding for FY2027 can fill out an appropriations request HERE.

If your organization is looking to request funding and legislative language generally for federal Agencies and programs, please fill out the Appropriations Programmatic and Language Request Form HERE.

Additionally, if your organization is looking to fund a specific community project in AZ-06, please fill out the Community Project Funding Request Form HERE.

As the only Member of the Arizona Delegation serving on the House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Ciscomani works to bring money back to our communities in the areas they need it most. Ciscomani looks forward to securing more funds for critical projects and programs in Arizona’s Sixth Congressional District in the upcoming fiscal year.

Information on the funding secured for FY2024 community projects can be found HEREand FY2026 community projects can be found HERE and HERE.

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Rep. Cuellar Co-Leads Bipartisan Bill to Protect Critical Access Hospitals and Strengthen Rural Hospitals

Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), co-led the introduction of the Sustaining Rural Healthcare Act alongside Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04), Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15), and Congresswoman Jill Tokuda (HI-02). The bipartisan bill expands access to care and provides a financial lifeline for struggling hospitals in rural communities by designating rural hospitals that serve underserved communities as “Critical in Character”.

This comes after the Center for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) services instituted an updated mapping framework, causing some rural hospitals to lose eligibility for Critical Access Hospital (CAH) designation, despite the physical location of the facility being unchanged. The bill ensures continued designation of certain Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs), when loss of status would reduce local healthcare access. It also adds a discretionary authority to temporarily designate certain rural hospitals providing service to underserved populations as “Critical Access in Character,” enabling them to receive CAH-level Medicare reimbursement for up to 3 years to preserve access to healthcare for our rural communities.

Read the text of the legislation here.

“Border communities like ours in South Texas rely on rural hospitals to deliver care close to home,” said Rep. Cuellar. “In many of these areas, the nearest alternative may be miles away, and when a hospital is forced to scale back services or risks closure, families feel the impact immediately. Our bill provides rural hospitals with the stability they need to keep essential health care services accessible for our communities. It also strengthens technical assistance efforts to help these facilities improve operations and long‑term financial stability. I’m proud to co‑lead this bipartisan effort to support the providers who keep rural Texas strong, healthy, and cared for.”

“We aren’t just talking about supporting Missouri’s rural hospitals, we’re taking action,” said Congressman Alford. “This vital legislation will sustain our rural hospitals like Bates County Memorial, preventing closures and ensuring continued access to emergency care for communities like those in the Fourth District. After visiting almost every rural hospital in the Fourth District, I’ve seen first-hand how these facilities are often the only places families can turn to when they need care. We’re proud to introduce the Sustaining Rural Healthcare Act and double down on our efforts to support rural health care providers.”

“Rural America continues to face challenges when it comes to delivering healthcare services,” Rep. Thompson said. “By expanding and providing increased flexibility for at-risk rural hospitals, we can help ensure our communities continue to have robust access to world-class care.”

“For Hawaiʻi’s neighbor islands, rural hospitals are lifelines, but outdated federal rules are keeping critical resources and designations out of reach,” said Rep. Tokuda. “Current Critical Access Hospital criteria disqualify facilities serving some of our most isolated and high-need populations. This bill stabilizes rural hospitals so they can keep their doors open and continue delivering critical access care to the communities that depend on them. We’re ensuring rural hospitals have the support and flexibility to provide high-quality care close to home, where patients belong.”

Background:

CAH Designation

Allows hospitals to receive cost-based Medicare reimbursement, which improves financial viability for small, isolated facilities.

Prevents closures to ensure rural communities can access to emergency and acute care, while allowing operational flexibility, such as operating swing beds, to meet community needs.

Makes hospitals eligible to receive funding through their respective state's Rural Health Transformation Program allotment.

The Sustaining Rural Healthcare Act

This bill intends to provide financial relief to our rural hospitals and increase access to health care for patients in rural communities by:

Ensuring continued Critical Access Hospital designation for those already designated

Allowing the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) discretionary authority to designate facilities as In Character Critical Access Hospitals for up to 3 years if they meet certain criteria, including:

Facilities in a designated rural area;

Facilities facing healthcare staffing shortages;

Facilities serving a medically underserved population;

Facilities providing inpatient and outpatient services to a high proportion of Medicare beneficiaries; and

Facilities facing significant risk of partial or full closure of services.

Directing HHS to issue guidance on eligibility standards, documentation requirements, and renewal conditions

Directing HHS to establish monitoring and reporting requirements for “In Character” CAH facilities to ensure performance, patient access, and financial stability improvements during the in-character designation

Directing HHS to collaborate with U.S. Department of Agriculture in making available technical assistance free of charge to the in-character designated facilities to help strengthen financial and operational status during the designation period

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Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. is a senior member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee. Previously, he served as a Texas State Representative and Texas Secretary of State.

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Davids Showcases New Grant to Make Olathe Roads Safer

OLATHE, KS — Today, Representative Sharice Davids visited Olathe to see firsthand how a federal grant she helped secure will improve road safety in the city. The $691,000 grant comes from the Safe Streets and Roads for All program, created by the bipartisan infrastructure law — legislation Davids was the only member of the Kansas delegation to support.

“Chatting with folks in Olathe and seeing firsthand how this grant will be used reminded me that road safety is about protecting families, cyclists, and pedestrians every day,” said Davids. “Thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure law, this federal investment will fund speed management, roundabouts, and safety audits that give residents peace of mind and make our streets safer for everyone. Investments like this show how thoughtful federal policy can have a real, tangible impact on communities across Kansas’ Third District.”

City of Olathe: $691,200

Funds will be used to develop a citywide Speed Management Plan, a quick-build compact roundabout, and a road safety audit to inform standards and future projects.

Davids previously released a report examining transportation safety in Kansas’ Third District, which found that 21 percent of the state’s pedestrian crash–related deaths in 2020 occurred within the district. The grant highlighted today will help address these safety challenges and improve outcomes.

“We know being able to drive throughout Olathe in a safe and timely manner is a top priority for our residents, and it is for us as well,” said John Bacon, Mayor, Olathe. “This grant money will help us protect our residents while also improving the quality of life for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. Thank you to our federal partners for your support of Olathe.”


Davids statement on Kansas ID Law

Today, Representative Sharice Davids issued the following statement in response to the Kansas legislature’s passage of Senate Bill 244, which prohibits transgender Kansans from changing the gender markers on government identification like driver’s licenses and invalidating those that were previously changed.

“It’s extremely disappointing that instead of focusing on lowering costs and making life more affordable for Kansans, extremists in the state legislature have instead worked to make life harder for transgender Kansans and cost taxpayers more money. Taking away someone’s ID doesn't make us safer; it actually undermines public safety and means people can’t go to work, drive to the grocery store, or take their kids to school. It’s an unnecessary, unfair, and harmful law attempting to score cheap political points.”


Congresswoman Escobar, 23 Other Members of Congress Call on Camp East Montana to be Shut Down

Today, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) - joined by Representative Pramila Jayapal, the Ranking Member of the Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee, and 22 other Members of Congress - sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd Lyons calling for the immediate closure of Camp East Montana in El Paso. They cite urgent humanitarian concerns following multiple deaths in custody, documented unsafe conditions, and serious deficiencies in medical care.

This marks the fourth letter Congresswoman Escobar has sent to DHS and ICE leadership. The previous three letters have gone unanswered.

The letter can be found in its entirety below and here

“Secretary Noem and Acting Director Lyons:

We are urgently calling on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS or the Department) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to shut down Camp East Montana in El Paso, Texas.

Camp East Montana has been operational for six months, and at least three people have died at the site since December 2025: Francisco Gaspar-Andres, Geraldo Lunas Campos, and Victor Manuel Diaz. The El Paso County Medical Examiner has officially ruled Lunas Campos’ death a homicide, citing “asphyxia due to neck and torso compression.”

Camp East Montana was constructed in a matter of weeks and opened before construction was complete and it does not have enough federal staff on-site to provide adequate oversight. Over the last several months, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar, in whose district this facility is located, has sent multiple letters to DHS and ICE regarding concerns about the conditions at Camp East Montana, and has received no responses.

According to detainees, there have been constant and consistent problems at the facility since it opened, beginning with the facility’s poor construction and poor ambient temperature control. Upon opening, the drinking water at Camp East Montana tasted foul and made some detainees sick. Detainees continue to be served inadequate meals, including food that is rotten or frozen; last fall, the facility was also consistently failing to make dietary accommodations for detainees. Detainees have shared that they have sporadic access to outside spaces and recreational areas, and that their dormitory pods are cleaned only once every eight days, despite pods housing up to 72 people at a time. Laundry services are not consistent, and people are washing their clothes in the facility showers. Additionally, the facility experiences flooding and sewage backups when it rains, leading to stagnant water.

One of the biggest concerns with the Camp East Montana facility is the inadequate medical care being provided to detainees. Our offices have heard that only the most ill detainees are referred to the medical unit and that there are inconsistencies as to how soon after arriving detainees are able to undergo initial medical screenings. Detainees with chronic health issues who rely on regimented medications for their health have had difficulty accessing necessary medications, including blood pressure medication and insulin.

At least one of the deaths that occurred in ICE custody, the death of Francisco Gaspar-Andres, appears to partially be the result of poor medical care by staff at the facility. According to ICE’s own account, Gaspar-Andres sought medical attention from facility staff for increasingly serious symptoms, but was only transferred to an area hospital once his condition had severely deteriorated.

In addition to our concerns about poor medical care, we are also aware that detainees have experienced irregular access to their legal counsel, including instances of detainees having only two minutes allotted per phone call every 8 days, which is contrary to ICE’s Detention Standards on access to counsel, and that the belatedly created law library lacks adequate resources for the amount of people currently held at the facility. In January 2026, ICE announced the on-site death of Geraldo Lunas Campos “after experiencing medical distress.” ICE opened an investigation into the death, but did not provide a cause of death. However, The Washington Post later reported that another man detained at Camp East Montana had witnessed guards choking Lunas Campos when he refused to enter a segregated housing unit. Weeks later, the El Paso County Medical Examiner ruled that Lunas Campos had experienced “asphyxia due to neck and torso compression” and ruled his death a homicide.

Lunas Campos is the first detainee to die at Camp East Montana as a result of a use-of-force incident, but we are strongly concerned that he will not be the last if ICE is allowed to continue operating Camp East Montana.

ICE was given $45 billion in taxpayer dollars in the reconciliation bill, $1.2 billion of which were awarded to Acquisition Logistics, LLC, a company with no previous experience managing immigration detention facilities, to build and oversee Camp East Montana. However, in the wake of three deaths in custody so far, continued concerns about conditions at the facility, and ICE’s apparent disinterest in responding to oversight letters from Congress, we do not believe Camp East Montana is being run professionally or responsibly.

Camp East Montana must be shut down. For the safety of everyone at the facility, for an end to abuses to detainees, and for fiscal responsibility to the American people, the site cannot continue to operate. We are calling on DHS and ICE to move to immediately close operations at Camp East Montana.

We look forward to hearing from the Department promptly on this matter.

The other co-signers include Representatives Yassamin Ansari, Nanette Barragán, Yvette Clarke, Lloyd Doggett, Maxwell Frost, Jesús “Chuy” García, Sylvia Garcia, Daniel Goldman, Jimmy Gomez, Henry Johnson, Stephen Lynch, Seth Moulton, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Delia Ramirez, Andrea Salinas, Janice Schakowsky, Darren Soto, Rashida Tlaib, Paul Tonko, Lauren Underwood, Gabe Vasquez, and Nydia Velázquez.

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Rep. Estes Statement on Lesser Prairie Chicken Regulations Removed

Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kansas) released the following statement today after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) officially finalized the removal of the lesser prairie-chicken from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife.

“Today is a massive win for common sense, for Kansas, for the hardworking farmers and ranchers who have been the true stewards of our land for generations, the energy producers, and our community partners,” said Rep. Estes. “For too long, D.C. bureaucrats attempted to weaponize the Endangered Species Act to implement a hostile land grab, ignoring the stable population data and the successful voluntary conservation efforts already in place.

By officially stripping these overreaching protections, we are liberating Kansans from an unscientific and burdensome mandate that threatened our local economies and American energy independence. I have fought this battle in Congress since I came into office, and I am proud to see the Trump administration follow through on restoring local control and protecting private property rights. We have proven that we can protect our natural resources without the heavy hand of the federal government crushing the very people who feed and fuel this country.”


AI Commission Co-Chair Foushee Slams Pentagon Pressure on Anthropic Over Mass Surveillance and Autonomous Weapons, Raises Alarm over Safety Rollbacks

WASHINGTON, DC (February 26, 2026) — Today, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04), a Co-Chair of the House Democratic Commission on AI and the Innovation Economy, released the following statement in response to reports that Secretary Hegseth and the Department of War are pressuring Anthropic regarding the use of its AI systems for mass surveillance and autonomous weapons, as separate reports indicate the company is revising key AI safety commitments:

“Reports that Anthropic is stepping back from key safety commitments in the face of pressure from Secretary Hegseth and the Department of War are deeply troubling. AI companies have a responsibility to stand by the safeguards they publicly embraced and should not weaken them in response to political pressure. Doing the right thing should not depend on who is in the White House. Congress is watching.

“I firmly object to any effort by the Administration to strong-arm AI companies into enabling mass surveillance or developing weapons that operate without meaningful human control. These uses threaten civil liberties and human rights at home and around the world, and they raise profound moral and constitutional concerns. Targeting one of America’s leading AI companies because it refuses to abandon basic safety principles would also be strategically reckless and only strengthens China’s hand.

“I urge Secretary Hegseth and the Department to withdraw any demands that would undermine established AI safety guardrails. The United States must lead in responsible AI, not in abandoning safeguards or automating life-and-death decisions.”


Reps. Foushee, Ansari, Kamlager-Dove Introduce Legislation to End the OB-GYN Care Crisis in Federal Prisons

WASHINGTON, DC (February 26, 2026) — Today, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), and Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) introduced the Ensuring OBGYN Care in Prisons Act, which would require all Bureau of Prisons facilities with female populations to employ at least one full-time, on-site Obstetrician Gynecologist. The legislation responds to widespread evidence of inadequate and dangerous reproductive health care in correctional settings.

In November 2025, a yearlong investigation by NBC News and Bloomberg Law revealed systemic mistreatment of pregnant women before, during, and after labor. Cases included a Kentucky woman who gave birth alone on a jail floor and chewed through her umbilical cord; a Georgia woman who begged for thirteen hours to be taken to the hospital before delivering in her cell, her newborn dying days later; and a Mississippi woman who died from a ruptured ectopic pregnancy after days of reporting abdominal pain. These incidents underscore the urgent need for consistent, professional medical care for pregnant people in custody.

“Incarcerated individuals have constitutional rights to respectful, consistent, and high-quality comprehensive health care, including access to an Obstetrician Gynecologist,” said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04). “Access to health care is not a privilege—it is a fundamental human right that must be protected regardless of a person’s background. The reports of pregnant women giving birth alone in cells or being denied urgent medical attention is a profound failure of oversight and accountability within our correctional system. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation which will strengthen oversight and ensure that no one in federal custody is denied essential reproductive health care.”

“Having access to healthcare is a basic human right that extends to women's healthcare, including in the judicial system. I’m proud to co-lead the Ensuring OB-GYN Care in Prisons Act to make sure incarcerated women have access to critical screenings, prenatal and postpartum care, and the dignity every person deserves,” said Representative Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03).

“Every woman deserves health and dignity, regardless of incarceration status” said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. “I’m proud to co-lead this legislation, which alongside my Pregnant Women in Custody Act, would ensure proper health care for incarcerated women. Health care is a human right, and as the wealthiest nation on earth, we have an obligation to provide it for all.”

Additional research highlights the severity of the problem. In July 2025, the Birth in Jails Media Project at Johns Hopkins University found that two-thirds of jail births between 2013 and 2023 occurred inside jail cells, and one quarter of those births were stillborn or resulted in death within two weeks. While federal prisons and local jails differ in jurisdiction, these findings shed light on broader systemic failures in the treatment of pregnant people across the justice system.

The Prison Policy Initiative has endorsed the legislation, noting the critical need for improved access and oversight: “With increases in women’s incarceration far outpacing that of men’s in recent years, along with a lack of basic data on pregnancy outcomes in prisons and a lack of reporting around prenatal care and other services, it is more urgent than ever to ensure that pregnant people have quality prenatal care. The Ensuring OB-GYN Care in Prisons Act provides that pregnant prisoners will have on-site access to medical care throughout their pregnancy, ensures better data collection, and increases overall transparency. We at Prison Policy Initiative are happy to endorse this legislation and the welcome changes it brings.”

Specifically, the Ensuring OBGYN Care in Prison Act will:

The Ensuring OB-GYN Care in Prisons Act is endorsed by the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, House Democratic Women's Caucus, Prision Policy Initiative, and Reproductive Freedom for All.