Neal Opening Statement at Tax and Tax Administration Markup

(As prepared for delivery)

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

It’s been over a year of the Republican trifecta in Washington, and the people still are left wondering when Republicans will finally come to the table ready to do something to make their lives easier, more affordable, and better.

Once promising relief, no new wars, and a stronger economy, the President has delivered the exact opposite. Soaring costs, growing conflicts abroad, and an economy increasingly unsteady and further out of reach for working families. Under Republicans’ watch, gas is nearing $4 a gallon, up 34% in just a month! Coffee has turned into a luxury with prices surging 26%. And Americans wanting to treat their families to a steak tonight can bet Trump added 13% to the bill. Yet, instead of tackling the costs they’ve driven up, Republicans are once again filling the House floor with busy work. What’s being marked up today won’t bring down costs or unlock opportunity, and any impact of the legislation here starts at-risk of the President’s ongoing rampage against taxpayer services.

As I’ve said repeatedly: the American people are owed a functional, transparent IRS that administers tax policy diligently and fairly. But in order to achieve that, the IRS needs to be adequately staffed, funded, and supported, set up to succeed and uphold the law. Democrats understand this, and it’s why when we were in charge, we made investments that lowered wait times, saved people money, collected billions in owed taxes from rich evaders, and better positioned the IRS for the future.

Unfortunately, House Republicans and the Trump Administration don’t share that vision. Their purge of dedicated workers who process tax returns and answer the customer service lines are leading to delays, service interruptions, and more headaches. Added bureaucracy by the President is currently holding the tax refunds of 1.4 million taxpayers hostage. Republican failure is costing families money and time while letting the ultra-rich off the hook. Addressing that is where our attention should be.

And the President’s willingness to extend his campaign of political retribution to families in need undermines any effort to expand disaster relief today. Earlier this week, Politico reported that under Trump, states with Democratic governors only had their disaster funding requests approved 23 percent of the time. For states with Republican governors, that number nearly quadruples, to 89 percent. Would Republicans like to put anything on the table that ensures the President can’t choose favorites when it comes to who gets help when their homes burn down?

The people deserve more than cosmetic fixes by a majority not interested in changing course. They need policies that will reverse the President’s harm and make their lives easier and fairer. Republicans’ record has been etched. The people are reminded of it every time they go to the checkout line, look at a medical bill, fill up their gas tank, or go to the airport.

More of the same failed playbook isn’t going to fix that. Democrats are the only ones in Washington fighting for a different path that brings fairness back, ends the President’s cruelty, and delivers sustained relief for working families.

I yield back.

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Neal Slams Republican Floor Stunt to Avoid Trump Administration Oversight

WASHINGTON, DC— Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) slammed House Republicans for sneaking a change in their rule that blocks Congress’s ability to bring forward Resolutions of Inquiry, a key oversight tool, for the remainder of this Congress:

“Republicans are finding more ways to run cover for the Trump Administration’s corruption, operating in secrecy and bad-faith procedural stunts to avoid transparency. Already blocking our repeated efforts to use this longstanding oversight tool to get answers for the people, Republicans have decided they’d rather not be put on the record at all. There’s only one reason they would sneak in this change under the cover of floor business. Republicans know the Trump Administration is endangering their constituents, and they’d rather cover it up than join with us to put a stop to it.

“Democrats won’t be deterred in our pursuit of the facts and to hold the Trump Administration accountable for threatening the people’s safety and security. No matter what games in obstruction Republicans try, we will continue pursuing the facts until the American people get overdue answers and accountability.”

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Rep. Pfluger's Mystic Alerts Act Passes Through Energy and Commerce Committee

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) spoke in favor of his legislation, the Mystic Alerts Act, during a House Energy and Commerce Committee markup. Since the devastating floods in Texas on July 4th, Rep. Pfluger has been at the forefront of strengthening emergency alert systems, especially in rural or remote areas.

The Mystic Alerts Act would integrate satellite networks into wireless emergency alert processes. This legislation passed through the Communications and Technology Subcommittee earlier this year. Expert witnesses testified in December that this legislation is a critical step toward closing the digital divide and strengthening public safety communications nationwide. The bipartisan legislation was passed unanimously by the House Energy and Commerce Committee and now awaits a vote on the U.S. House Floor.

"When disaster strikes, communication infrastructure is often the first thing to fail, especially in rural areas. After the devastating floods of July 4th in Central and West Texas, we must ensure every American receives life-saving emergency alerts when it matters most,"said Rep. Pfluger."I'm grateful the Mystic Alerts Act passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee today with unanimous, bipartisan support."

“My granddaughters were staying at Camp Mystic when the devastating floods claimed the lives of many young girls, including their cousin, Janie Hunt,” said Rep. Carter. “Camp should be a place of joy, adventure, and lasting memories. But for these girls, the trauma they experienced will stay with them forever. Like Representative Pfluger, this issue is deeply personal to my family, and I look forward to our continued work to pass the Mystic Alerts Act so that no child or family has to endure a tragedy like this again."

Read more on the bill here.

Watch Rep. Pfluger's full remarks in support of the Mystic Alerts Act HEREor by clicking the image below.

Read Rep. Pfluger's full remarks in support of the Mystic Alerts Act below:

Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman.

As many of you know, this issue is very personal for me. After the July 4 flooding that swept through Central Texas, including the all-girls Camp Mystic, where two of my daughters were attending, I knew Congress had to act to improve redundancy and reliability in the wireless emergency alert system to ensure alerts reach families and first responders even in the most challenging circumstances.

H.R. 7022, the Mystic Alerts Act, is the result of these efforts. This legislation ensures that during natural disasters, Wireless Emergency Alerts can still be delivered via satellite when traditional networks go down or service is unavailable.

This need for improvement was reinforced during last year's Communications and Technology Subcommittee meeting, titled "Legislative Improvements to Public Safety Communications in the United States." There, we heard from expert witnesses about the need to strengthen the WEA systems and the risks when Americans lose access to alerts due to damaged, overwhelmed, or nonexistent cellular infrastructure—especially in rural areas.

The Mystic Alert Act would close these gaps by incorporating space-based mobile broadband into the Wireless Emergency Alert system.

This Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute incorporates technical assistance into the Mystic Alerts Act to ensure sound implementation of the legislation with the WARN Act, as well as ensure that if a provider elects to transmit emergency alerts, they may not impose a fee for that service.

I'd like to thank my co-leads, Representatives Lizzie Fletcher and Mark Veasey from Texas, who are familiar with this camp and the need for this, and Representative Buddy Carter, who also had grandchildren that were at the camp. I'd like to thank them for working closely with my office, with myself to advance this bipartisan but also common sense legislation. Their collaboration has been instrumental in advancing this effort, and I think we owe it to the families that lost their lives to continue to do the best that we can, and I think this legislation represents that effort.

I urge my colleagues to support this important, bipartisan legislation. Thank you, and I yield back.


Rep. Pfluger Slams Democrats for the Reckless DHS Shutdown

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11), Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, slammed Democrats for their repeated failure to prioritize the security of the American people during a full committee hearing on the impacts of the Democrats' DHS shutdown.

During the hearing, committee members heard from the leadership of four DHS components about the direct impacts this shutdown has had on their agencies, missions, and workforce. The result is clear: frontline personnel are facing overwhelming operational strain due to repeated failures to fund the Department of Homeland Security. This is especially alarming given the heightened threats to the homeland.

Witnesses included Admiral Thomas Allan, Vice Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard; Ms. Ha Nguyen McNeill, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Administrator, Transportation Security Administration; Mr. Nicholas Andersen, Acting Director and Deputy Director, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency; Mr. Gregg Phillips, Associate Administrator, Office of Response and Recovery, Federal Emergency Management Agency.

In his opening remarks, Rep. Pfluger highlights that we are here today because Republicans are cleaning up a mess that Democrats made. Watch his opening remarks here or read them as delivered below.

Following the hearing, Rep. Pfluger joined The Hugh Hewitt Show. Watch it here.

Watch Rep. Pfluger's full questioning HEREor by clicking the image below.

Read Rep. Pfluger's opening remarks as delivered below.

Mr. Chairman, the reason we're here is because we didn't have a single hearing on border security while the ranking member was the chairman in 2021 and 2022. Not a single hearing. And yet, 10 million people were let in under President Joe Biden.

Where were the cries when Jocelyn Nungaray was murdered? Where were the video cameras when Laken Riley was brutally murdered? We don't have those. They didn't get that. That's why we're here.

We're here because we're cleaning up a mess that is on a level and on a scale that is unfathomable. President Trump has had to clean up a mess that is on a scale that was unthinkable.

100,000 people died as a result of fentanyl. Where were my Democrat colleagues down in McAllen, Texas, when I went down there and saw a two year old that was left in the brush? Yeah. The emotional outcry over here is the height of hypocrisy. It is so hypocritical.

Not a single person was down there at a hearing that we held on border security. Not a single Democrat had the decency to stand up for Laken Riley's parents at the State of the Union last year. Not a single person had the decency on the Democrat side of the aisle to stand up for Jocelyn Nungaray's parents, who were in our chamber.

Give me a break.


Pressley Applauds UN’s Support for Reparations, Continues Push for H.R. 40

Resolution Adopted on International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade Recognizes Grave Crime and Institutional Impact of Slavery

Pressley Also Denounces U.S. Ambassador’s Rejection of UN Resolution

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) issued the following statement praising the UN General Assembly for adopting a resolution expressing support for reparations and declaring the trafficking and racialized chattel enslavement of Africans as the gravest crime against humanity. The resolution was introduced by the Republic of Ghana at the UN General Assembly in New York this week. Rep. Pressley also denounces U.S. Ambassador Dan Negrea’s decision to reject the resolution, minimize the crime of slavery, and deny the need for reparations.

“The fight for reparative justice demands both moral clarity and transformational change—and this UN resolution marks an essential step in recognizing the inhumane enslavement of our African ancestors and addressing the systemic oppression of Black people. This resolution signifies international solidarity and a united conviction to build a more just world, accounting for and confronting the impact of slavery that has burdened generations of Black folks. Our movement for reparations—like my legislation, H.R. 40—is a pathway toward truth, reconciliation, and accountability for the deep, structural injustices that continue to ravage Black communities.

“As we celebrate this historic resolution, I vehemently denounce the U.S. Ambassador’s vote against the resolution and false claims against the movement for reparative justice. Hiding behind the notion that there’s no legal right to reparations just because slavery was once legal is morally bankrupt and historically inaccurate. Slavery was always a crime against humanity, no matter what the law said at the time, and its legacy is still harming Black communities today. That means we still have a responsibility to repair that harm. It is anti-Blackness that is rooted in the earliest sins of our nation, seen in the racist attacks coming out of this hostile White House, and enabling the systemic oppression rampant in every corner of our society. We have a duty and obligation to confront past wrongs and the centuries of trafficking, enslavement, and violence against Black people. Justice delayed is justice denied, and we will not back down in our pursuit of healing and reparatory justice.”

Congresswoman Pressley is the lead sponsor of H.R. 40, historic reparations legislation that would address the harmful legacy of slavery and establish a federal commission to develop reparations proposals for African American descendants of enslaved people.

In February 2025, during Black History Month, Rep. Pressley and Senator Cory Booker reintroduced H.R. 40, serving as a powerful counterweight to the unprecedented onslaught against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives from the Trump Administration and a call to action to address the systemic oppression of Black people.

In April 2025, Rep. Pressley met with Northeastern University’s Center for Law, Equity, and Race to discuss efforts and further action in a shared push for reparative justice. In June 2025, Rep. Pressley hosted a briefing on H.R. 40 to provide congressional staffers and their offices an expanded look into the bill, its 36-year legislative journey – led by Congressman John Conyers and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee – and its vital role in the reparative justice movement.

Throughout her time in Congress, Rep. Pressley has championed policies to address the harmful legacy of slavery and support the true liberation of Black America, including Baby Bonds, a People’s Justice Guarantee, student debt cancellation, addressing the Black maternal morbidity crisis, supporting Black-owned microbusinesses, promoting anti-racist public health policy, and more.

Congresswoman Pressley is the lead sponsor of the People’s Justice Guarantee (PJG) – her comprehensive, decarceration-focused resolution that outlines a framework for a fair, equitable and just legal system.

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Pressley Demands Accountability for Boston Police Shooting of Dorchester Constituent Stephenson King

“I am deeply alarmed by the recent shooting by police in Roxbury of Stephenson King. My heart is with his family as we grieve this killing and everyone impacted in our community,” said Rep. Pressley. “The District Attorney’s office moved quickly to bring charges, and it is essential that Stephenson’s family has access to body camera footage to ensure a full, truthful account of the shooting, along with critical resources to support their healing. While justice would mean Stephenson’s life was not taken in the first place, we must have transparency and accountability. That means holding everyone involved to account. The trauma of violence reverberates far beyond a single instance, so we must remain committed to enacting policies that truly keep us all safe.”


Rep. Takano Blasts Sheriff Bianco's Ballot Seizure

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative Mark Takano (CA-39) released the following statement after reports that Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco seized over 600,000 ballots:

"The Sheriff has sown distrust by seizing more than 600,000 ballots from last year’s special election. He has made no specific allegations of fraud and now has sole access to these ballots, raising serious concerns about oversight and transparency. I support state-level efforts to halt this politically motivated fishing expedition, which repeats the same unfounded attacks on voter confidence that we have seen since 2020. Our elections are safe and secure. No elected official should play politics with the integrity of the ballot box."

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Downtown Dayton Security Working Group Meets with City Leadership to Receive the City's Response to Group’s Recommendations

DAYTON, Ohio — The Downtown Dayton Security Working Group met Monday morning at CareSource Corporate Headquarters with Dayton Mayor Shenise Turner-Sloss to receive the City of Dayton’s response to the Working Group’s recommendations. The meeting marked an important step forward in the group’s ongoing effort working with the city to improve safety, coordination, and long-term confidence in downtown Dayton.

The Working Group expressed appreciation for the City’s presentation and for the progress being made to implement the group’s recommendations. Following the meeting, the Working Group sent a letter thanking Mayor Turner-Sloss and city leadership for their commitment to addressing downtown Dayton’s challenges and advancing a shared vision for progress, economic development, and growth.

In attendance were Congressman Mike Turner, Mayor Shenise Turner-Sloss, City Manager Shelley Dickstein, City Commissioner Chris Shaw, and members of the Downtown Dayton Security Working Group, including Erhardt Preitauer, President & CEO of CareSource; Jason Woodard, Principal of Woodard Development; Senator Willis Blackshear, Ohio Senate District 6; Representative Phil Plummer, Ohio House District 39; Representative Tom Young, Ohio House District 37; Representative Andrea White, Ohio House District 36; and Andy Horner, VP of the University of Dayton as a representative for member Eric Spina, President of the University of Dayton.

Downtown Dayton Security Working Group Initial Letter

City of Dayton Resolution 6914-26

City of Dayton's Response to Recommendations


Congressman Valadao Announces House Committee on Agriculture Appointment

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) released the following statement after he was appointed to serve on the House Committee on Agriculture.

“I’m honored Chairman Thompson has entrusted me with the responsibility of serving on the House Committee on Agriculture,” said Congressman Valadao. “As a dairy farmer, I understand firsthand the challenges our farmers, ranchers, and growers face, from rising input costs and labor shortages to unfair trade practices and the need for a strong agricultural safety net. I look forward to building on Congressman Doug LaMalfa's work to support our producers and strengthen American agriculture. Agriculture is at the heart of the Central Valley and a critical part of our nation's economy, and I'm ready to get to work on delivering results for the families and communities who depend on it."

"On behalf of the House Committee on Agriculture, I would like to extend a warm welcome to Rep. Valadao,” said Chairman Thompson. “As a producer who understands the ins and outs of a family operation, Mr. Valadao appreciates the opportunities and challenges facing farm country, and this is reflected in how deeply he cares about his community and the greater agricultural industry. I can think of no one better suited to carry on Doug LaMalfa’s legacy of being a true advocate for California agriculture. While a new addition to the agriculture committee, Rep. Valadao is no stranger to supporting our farm families in the halls of Congress. I look forward to seeing how he makes his mark on the work of the committee.”

Background:

The United States House Committee on Agriculture is a standing committee of the U.S. House of Representatives, responsible for developing legislation related to America’s food supply, agriculture, and rural communities. Working alongside its Senate counterpart, the Committee on Agriculture’s jurisdiction includes farm commodity programs, agricultural trade, nutrition programs, rural development, and research that helps keep American agriculture competitive and resilient. The Committee is also responsible for oversight of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Through its work, the Committee plays a vital role in ensuring a stable food supply, supporting rural economic development, and maintaining the strength of American agriculture.


Reps. Van Duyne and Larson Introduce the Outpatient Surgery Access Act of 2026

Washington, D.C. – Today, Reps. Van Duyne (R-TX-24) and Larson (D-CT-01) introduced the Outpatient Surgery Access Act of 2026 to modernize Medicare payments for ambulatory surgical centers and promote site-neutral policies that support lower-cost outpatient care for seniors.

Ambulatory surgical centers often perform the same procedures as hospitals at significantly lower cost, but Medicare payment policies have historically treated these sites differently. By aligning payment updates and removing outdated adjustments, this legislation supports greater site neutrality, expands access to outpatient surgery, and helps ensure seniors can receive care in the most appropriate and cost-effective setting.

“Outdated Medicare policies are limiting access to high-quality and lower-cost care,” said Rep. Beth Van Duyne. “Our healthcare system should reward high-quality, lower-cost care, not stand in its way, like current rules fail to treat outpatient surgical centers fairly. This bipartisan legislation supports expanded access to outpatient surgery facilities and ensures our nation's seniors can receive the best care.”

“Ambulatory Surgical Centers provide preventive services and essential procedures to thousands of patients across the State of Connecticut every year,” said Rep. John B. Larson. “I’m proud to join with my colleague, Rep. Beth Van Duyne, on this common-sense, bipartisan bill to protect outpatient care for Connecticut residents and Americans across the country. We will continue to work together on solutions that connect patients with the care they need and save taxpayer money.”

“Surgery centers perform millions of essential elective procedures for Medicare beneficiaries every year,” said Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA) Chief Executive Officer Bill Prentice. “Ensuring an accurate and stable payment system is key to protecting patient access to low-cost, high-quality surgery centers. ASCA thanks Representatives Larson and Van Duyne for introducing this important bill.”

Background

The Outpatient Surgery Access Act of 2026 aligns how Medicare updates payments for ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) with hospital outpatient departments beginning in 2027, and removes outdated adjustments that suppress ASC reimbursement. These changes modernize Medicare’s payment structure and better reflect the shift toward lower-cost outpatient surgical care.

The legislation:

Aligns annual payment updates for ASCs with hospital outpatient departments starting in 2027.

Eliminates ASC-specific budget neutrality adjustments that suppress payments.

Requires CMS to consider ASC spending when calculating outpatient payment adjustments.

Together, these reforms modernize the ASC payment framework and help ensure Medicare policies keep pace with the shift of surgical care from hospitals to outpatient facilities.

Click HERE to read bill text.


“Democrats are treating TSA officers like sacrificial lambs.”

Today, Rep. Matt Van Epps (TN-07) spoke at the House Homeland Security Committee hearing titled, “Funding Lapse and Security Gaps: Assessing the Harmful Impacts of the DHS Shutdown on Americans.” The hearing detailed how the ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown is disrupting operations and placing direct strain on the workforce. The committee also examined the resulting gaps in national security and public safety, while emphasizing the need to fully fund DHS ahead of major national events, including the 2026 World Cup and America250.

Image

“We are nearly 40 days into this feckless shutdown. The cost of this Democrat political stunt is the invaluable human capital of the men and women that serve DHS.

Under the Biden administration’s open border policies, we had criminals coming into the country that are putting American lives at risk. Like in the case of 18-year-old Sheridan Gorman––just this week, murdered by an illegal alien who shouldn’t have been here in the first place. Her sister is a student at Vanderbilt University in my district. This family is suffering unimaginable loss and pain—and I’m sick of it.

And yet Democrats are still keeping DHS shut down––the very department in charge of protecting Americans at home.

Because of Democrats’ political games, TSA personnel have gone multiple pay periods without compensation. Ninety-five percent of TSA’s workforce is deemed essential, and we rely on them every day to keep us safe.

These agents serve our country and keep us safe every day— and I’m thankful for President Trump and this administration for doing so. Yet Democrats are treating them like sacrificial lambs. This is absolutely no way to thank these brave men and women!

Not only that, but Democrats are creating a compounding workforce shortage crisis for TSA. Already, over 400 Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) have separated from TSA. And because it takes four to six months to train a TSO, TSA hasn’t finished fully training those hired to replace the officers that left during the last shutdown.

So, here we are in March, with the first World Cup events only a few months away, and even if we reopen today, we won’t be able to fully replace the officers that have quit because of Democrats’ unnecessary and destructive shutdown.

Ahead of summer, America’s busiest travel season, and major events like FIFA, the Olympics, and America 250––not to mention the increased terror threat due to the conflict with Iran––Democrats are foolishly crippling TSA and putting American lives at risk.

This ridiculous shutdown has gone on long enough. It’s time for my Democrat colleagues to come to their senses.”

During the hearing, the Congressman asked Ha Nguyen McNeill, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the TSA Administrator, how TSA is preparing to accelerate preparedness in anticipation of increased high traffic due to upcoming major events.

She stated, “We are in a dire situation when it comes to staff multiple different locations for the FIFA World Cup as well as the basecamps where the teams are going to be. This is going to be a really complex operation and… what we are seeing in this shutdown is that more experienced officers are leaving and that expertise you can only make up with time and experience.”

He also asked Admiral Thomas G. Allan, Vice Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, how the shutdown has affected the Coast Guard’s access to maintenance facilities.

Admiral Allan replied, “The United States’ defense industrial base is already suffering. There is not enough capacity within it. We work very hard to get the capacity we need, [but] now that we have ships in those yards, [where we’re] doing maintenance, we haven’t been able to pay them for forty days. We are seeing stop work orders come in on several of our ships. And several of our vendors are saying they aren’t going to be able to work with the Coast Guard because we can’t guarantee pay.”

The Congressman followed up, “Those are the cutters, aircrafts, small boats, critical systems that are under contract that must be paused during the shutdown?”

The admiral replied that the payment of this maintenance is paused and the number of vendors unwilling to work with the Coast Guard is growing every day.

Background


Vindman, Walkinshaw demand answers on uscis processing delays affecting ukrainians seeking humanitarian parole & work authorization requests

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) and James Walkinshaw (Va.-11) led a letter to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joseph B. Edlow demanding answers about delays affecting Ukrainian humanitarian parole and re-parole applications, as well as related employment authorization requests.

The letter, also signed by Reps. Ami Bera (Calif.-06), James P. McGovern (Mass.-02), Ilhan Omar (Minn.-05), Delia Ramirez (Ill.-03), Kim Schrier (Wash.-08), Josh Riley (N.Y.-19), and Suhas Subramanyam (Va.-10) raises alarm over prolonged backlogs that are leaving thousands of Ukrainian nationals in uncertainty despite following all legal requirements.

“Ukrainian families who came to the United States through the Uniting for Ukraine program followed the rules and met every requirement, and they deserve timely responses from our government,” said Vindman. “Instead, many are now facing processing delays that put their ability to work and maintain lawful status at risk. These backlogs are not just administrative failures — they are disrupting the lives of thousands who have already endured immense hardship and are trying to build a safe, stable life here.”

“Thousands of Ukrainians who came to the United States lawfully under the Uniting for Ukraine program are being left in prolonged uncertainty because of unacceptable processing delays,” said Walkinshaw. “These families followed the rules. They filed on time. They did everything asked of them. They should not lose the ability to work or maintain lawful presence because of the Trump administration’s failure.”

In the letter, the lawmakers wrote, “We write to express serious concern regarding ongoing delays in the processing of Ukrainian humanitarian parole and re-parole applications, as well as related employment authorization requests, which continue to place thousands of Ukrainian nationals in prolonged uncertainty.”

They also warned that many applicants remain stuck in backlogs, resulting in “lapses in work authorization and the loss of lawful presence through no fault of their own.”

Although USCIS resumed processing these applications following a June 2025 federal court order lifting the administrative freeze on parole renewals, the lawmakers noted that many cases still appear effectively stalled.

The lawmakers are requesting answers from USCIS on several urgent issues, including the steps the agency is taking to reduce the backlog, the causes of current delays and lower approval rates, whether enhanced security reviews or manual processing are contributing to the problem, what is being done to prevent lapses in work authorization, and whether streamlined or blanket relief is under consideration while delays persist.

Read the full letter below or here.

Dear Director Edlow,

We write to express serious concern regarding ongoing delays in the processing of Ukrainian humanitarian parole and re-parole applications, as well as related employment authorization requests, which continue to place thousands of Ukrainian nationals in prolonged uncertainty.

Our offices regularly assist constituents who lawfully entered the United States under the Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) program and who have timely filed applications for re-parole and Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). Despite compliance with all filing requirements, many of these individuals remain in extended processing backlogs, resulting in lapses in work authorization and the loss of lawful presence through no fault of their own.

It has come to our attention that a significant number of Ukrainian re-parole applications filed in early and mid-2025 remain pending well beyond posted processing timeframes. Although U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has resumed processing these applications following the June 2025 federal court order1 lifting the administrative freeze on parole renewals, many cases appear to be functionally stalled, with limited approvals issued to date. As a result, many of our constituents remain unable to work, support their families, or maintain financial stability while awaiting adjudication.

Our offices have also experienced increasing difficulty obtaining timely and substantive responses through congressional inquiries. In many instances, cases remain pending despite clear eligibility and evidence of timely filing, limiting our ability to assist constituents effectively and undermining confidence in the parole renewal process.

To ensure USCIS addresses these concerns, we respectfully request thorough answers to the following questions:

– What steps is USCIS taking to reduce the backlog of Ukrainian humanitarian re-parole applications and ensure timely adjudication?

– What are the primary drivers behind the current delays and the decline in approval rates?

– To what extent are enhanced security reviews or manual case processing contributing to current delays?

– What measures are in place to prevent lapses in employment authorization for individuals who have timely filed re-parole and EAD renewal applications?

– When does USCIS anticipate processing times for Ukrainian re-parole and related EAD applications will return to reasonable and predictable levels?

– Is USCIS considering streamlined or blanket relief mechanisms for Ukrainian parolees while backlogs persist?

We share your commitment to ensuring that USCIS adjudications are both thorough and timely. However, Ukrainians who fled a war and sought safety here because of U.S. humanitarian commitments should not be left in legal and economic limbo due to prolonged administrative delays. We look forward to your response outlining the steps USCIS is taking to address these urgent issues.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your continued service.

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Wittman Secures Funding for Bethel Manor Elementary School

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) presented $3,254,000 to Bethel Manor Elementary School for an expansion project. The funds, submitted through Community Project Funding (CPF) in the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Act, 2026, were signed into law on February 3rd.

The funding will be used by Bethel Manor Elementary to construct six new, modern classrooms, restrooms, and a secure Intermediate Distribution Frame (IDF) room, which will house critical networking and communications infrastructure. The school has a highly mobile student population that is 97% military-connected, and adding additional classrooms will meet the growing enrollment demand. The new IDF room will house critical networking and communications infrastructure that will enable teachers to use modern technologies in their curricula.

Community Project Funding (CPF) allows Members of Congress to bring tax dollars back home for district-specific priorities. Members have firsthand knowledge of their district’s needs and can prioritize federal funding for the most critical local projects—rather than leaving those decisions to unelected bureaucrats in Washington who lack a direct connection to the community. For Congressman Wittman, these projects address clear and present needs in communities across Virginia and enjoy broad support. The federal dollars designated for CPF projects exist within existing budget limits, reinforcing Congress’s control over the power of the purse. Rather than allowing that money to fund projects in different states, Community Project Funding gives Congressman Wittman the ability to empower Virginians by ensuring they have a critical voice in determining where budgeted funding goes.


Chairman Womack Leads Hearing for Lawmakers to Share Transportation and Housing Funding Requests

WASHINGTON, D.C. — March 25, 2026… Today, House Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD), and Related Agencies Subcommittee Chairman Steve Womack (AR-3) led an open hearing, in which all Members of the House of Representatives were invited to testify on their priorities for the Fiscal Year 2027 THUD Appropriations bill.

Chairman Womack delivered the following remarks during the hearing, “Today, we welcome our colleagues to testify on their priorities for the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Transportation for Fiscal Year 2027. Member engagement is key to the appropriations process, and especially important for our bill, because every district has housing and transportation assets. As a former Mayor, I value the local perspective from districts nationwide. That’s why I am looking forward to hearing from our colleagues.”

Chairman Womack’s full remarks as prepared are available HERE.

A full recording of the hearing is available HERE.

Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District since 2011. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

womack.house.gov


Alsobrooks, Blumenthal, McBath Introduce Extending WIC for New Moms Act

March 25, 2026

WASHINGTON, DC – Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) introduced the Extending WIC for New Moms Act, a bicameral bill to expand eligibility and support mothers and infants into the postpartum and breastfeeding periods through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) programs. This legislation extends WIC eligibility in the postpartum period from 6 months to 24 months and in the breastfeeding period from 12 months to 24 months. Congresswoman Lucy McBath (D-Ga.-06) is introducing this legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Cosponsors include Senators Booker (D-N.J.), Durbin (D-Ill.), and Duckworth (D-Ill.).

“For children in low-income homes, food scarcity can impact their overall health for the rest of their lives. After Republicans decimated food assistance programs like SNAP in their ‘big, beautiful bill,’ we need to re-double our efforts to support vulnerable new moms to ensure their families are able to grow and thrive together. Extending WIC eligibility for mothers in postpartum and breastfeeding periods just makes sense and is a critical part of our plan to improve maternal and child health,” said Senator Alsobrooks.

“This critical legislation extends WIC eligibility for breastfeeding and postpartum mothers to improve maternal and infant health outcomes. Lack of access to nutritious food has serious impacts on a child’s health and development. With the Extending WIC for New Moms Act, we will support vulnerable families and strengthen their ability to grow, thrive, and stay healthy,” said Senator Blumenthal.

“Access to nutritious food in the earliest stages of life is essential to a child’s health and development. WIC is a proven lifeline for families, but we must do more to support mothers beyond their first few months after childbirth. Extending WIC eligibility—for both breast-feeding and formula-fed babies—is a commonsense step to improve maternal health and give every child a stronger start,” Senator Durbin said. “I’m cosponsoring the Extending WIC for New Moms Act to provide more comprehensive health care for mothers and their babies, improving their health outcomes across the United States.”

“We should be doing everything we can to ensure families have what they need to keep their babies fed and healthy—instead, Donald Trump is focused on building a ballroom for his billionaire buddies and starting the kind of taxpayer-funded forever wars he promised to get us out of while American families struggle,” said Senator Duckworth. “Extending WIC eligibility during the critical postpartum and breastfeeding months is a simple way to ensure moms and babies get the nutrition they need to thrive. I’m proud to introduce this legislation to support young families through the often overwhelming moments of becoming a new parent.”

“No mother should be cut off from essential nutritional support just months after giving birth—especially when the postpartum and breastfeeding periods are among the most critical windows for both maternal and infant health,” said Senator Booker. “This legislation extends nutritional support, so mothers can continue receiving nutrition assistance and care for up to two years after childbirth. Congress has a duty to ensure all mothers and babies have the support they need to stay healthy.”

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a critical federal program to provide supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum people, as well as infants and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk.

Data on WIC’s effectiveness show the benefits of the program for moms and babies: pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding WIC participants have lower likelihoods of pregnancy-related risk factors, lower risk of preterm birth, and lower risk of low-birthweight infants. Maternal WIC participation is also associated with reductions in infant mortality and improved nutrition and health outcomes for infants and children. By extending eligibility for WIC in the postpartum and breastfeeding periods, the Extending WIC for New Moms Act will make sure the nutritional needs of moms and babies are met, improving maternal and child health outcomes and advancing birth equity across the United States.

This Women’s History Month, Senator Alsobrooks remains focused on protecting and fighting for additional funding for women’s health care. She is fighting for women suffering with uterine fibroids through her bipartisan U-FIGHT Act. She is tackling the heart disease crisis through her bipartisan Women’s Heart Health Expansion Act. The Extending WIC for New Moms Act and the Social Determinants for Moms Act are part of her mission to ensure mothers and pregnant women have access to the care they need.

Read full bill text here.

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Alsobrooks, Hagerty Introduce Deposit Insurance Legislation

March 25, 2026

WASHINGTON, DC – As reported in Semafor, Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) introduced the Main Street Depositor Protection Act.

“I am proud to have worked with Senator Hagerty to introduce our updated Main Street Depositor Protection Act with Senators Cortez Masto, Hyde-Smith, Gallego, and Banks. This bipartisan legislation would require a data driven process to increase deposit insurance coverage levels for business checking accounts at most banks and credit unions. Our small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, and they often rely on community banks and credit unions. Responsibly raising the deposit insurance threshold will protect employees and businesses in times of crisis and strengthen our overall financial system,” said Senator Alsobrooks.

“The banks that serve Main Street must have the same chance to succeed as the banks that serve Wall Street. This bipartisan, bicameral bill advances the Administration’s priority of preserving the central role of regional and community banks in the financial system of the future. It’s narrowly targeted to address a very specific concern that manifested itself during the Silicon Valley Bank collapse — a run on non-interest bearing transaction accounts typically used to make payrolls by small businesses that are very important customers for our local and regional banks,” said Senator Hagerty.

“In times of financial crisis, the biggest banks are bailed out and their customers are protected. Small businesses, especially those in rural Arizona who rely on small and community banks, deserve the same reassurance that their hard-earned money is safe,” said Senator Gallego. “This bipartisan bill levels the playing field and ensures that the backbones of our local economies remain strong and secure.”

“The small businesses that support our neighborhoods deserve peace of mind that the bank accounts they use for payroll and purchases will be insured,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Increasing the insurance coverage levels on bank accounts that don’t generate interest is a commonsense way to ensure America’s main street is also protected if their bank unexpectedly fails.”

“Community banks and credit unions represent a cornerstone for upholding most small businesses and start-ups in Mississippi and other states. This bipartisan legislation authorizing the FDIC to raise the deposit insurance cap will protect not only these financial institutions, but also the small businesses that rely on access to their capital,” Senator Hyde-Smith said. “Enacting this bill would be a win for small business growth, rural America, and our economy.”

“This bill helps keep deposits in Indiana banks and supports small businesses that are the backbone of our communities,” said Senator Banks.

“We want to thank Senators Angela Alsobrooks and Bill Hagerty for sponsoring the Main Street Depositor Protection Act, a significant step forward for credit unions serving businesses in their communities,” said John Bratsakis, President/CEO, MD|DC Credit Union Association. “By strengthening and modernizing the federal deposit insurance system, this legislation expands protection for small business accounts – helping credit unions and local financial institutions build greater trust, ensure stability, and support long-term growth on Main Street.”

“A strong relationship between women business owners and their financial institutions is vital to helping them grow and scale,” said Jen Earle, CEO of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). “Equally important, in times of crisis, women business owners must be able to trust that no matter where they bank, they can make payroll. That’s why we support the reintroduction of the [Main Street Depositor Protection Act], and applaud Senators Alsobrooks and Hagerty for working across party lines this Congress to help smaller banks and protect women business owners, ensuring they remain solvent even in the toughest times.”

Read full bill text here.


Baldwin, Merkley, Moore Introduce Legislation to Address Maternal Health Crisis, Expand Access to Care

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-WI-04) introduced the Perinatal Workforce Act, legislation to address the urgent maternal health care crisis in the United States. Specifically, the bill will help grow the perinatal workforce by creating grant programs to increase the number of maternity care providers and workers who provide care during and after pregnancy.

“No mother should have to worry about whether she can find quality care during one of the most important moments of her life. Sadly, the reality is that too many women — especially women of color — face dangerous gaps in maternity care that put their and their babies’ lives at risk,” said Senator Baldwin. “That’s why I am proud to work with my colleagues to help address disparities and ensure that every mother has access to the care and support that she not only needs, but deserves.”

“More than 80 percent of maternal deaths are preventable, so we must make critical interventions to save lives. Our Perinatal Workforce Act helps build the maternal workforce that we need to keep mothers and their babies healthy while meeting their cultural needs and addressing the shortage of perinatal workers. Congress must pass the Perinatal Workforce Act as well as the other bills in the Momnibus, as they are critical first steps in addressing the maternal health crisis,” said Congresswoman Moore.

“It is disturbing and unacceptable that Black, American Indian, and Alaska Native women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women—a glaring sign that the inequities in our health care system are costing lives and hitting communities of color the hardest,”?said Senator Merkley.?“We must do everything we can—including supporting more diversity and representation within our perinatal workforce—to fix this and ensure that every person in America receives high-quality maternity care.”

The U.S. has the worst maternal health outcomes and maternal health disparities of any high-income country and it’s rapidly getting worse. One driving force of the U.S. maternal health crisis is a lack of access to maternity care, and to culturally congruent maternity care and support specifically. More than 1,100 American counties are “maternity care deserts,” with no hospitals offering obstetric care and zero obstetric providers, and more than 2.3 million women of childbearing age live in maternity care deserts.

Women in maternity care deserts are more likely to have asthma and hypertension than women in counties with full access to maternity care, putting them at greater risk for pregnancy complications and pregnancy-related death. Research shows a wide range of community-based approaches could improve maternal health outcomes and patients’ experiences, including efforts to ensure that providers are better trained to address racism and work to build a more diverse health care workforce.

The Perinatal Workforce Act will:

Require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to (1) provide guidance to states on the promotion of racially, ethnically, and professionally diverse maternity care teams and (2) to study how culturally congruent maternity care promotes better outcomes for moms, especially in communities of color.

Provide funding to establish and scale programs that will grow and diversify the maternal health clinical and non-clinical workforce, increasing the number of nurses, midwives, physician assistants, doulas, and other perinatal health workers who moms can trust throughout their pregnancies, labor and delivery, and the postpartum period.

Study the barriers that prevent women – particularly from underserved communities – from entering maternity care professions and receiving equitable compensation.

The Perinatal Workforce Act is supported by a number of Wisconsin organizations, including Planned Parenthood Wisconsin, Wisconsin Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association, United Way of Dane County, Children’s Wisconsin, Kids Forward, The Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness, African American Breastfeeding Network, Black Child Development Institute, Black Leaders Organizing for Communities (BLOC), Wisconsin Doulas of Color Collective Inc., State Senator Dora Drake, State Rep. Robyn Vining, and Wisconsin DHS Secretary Kirsten Johnson.

“As a mom and fierce advocate for maternal healthcare access in Wisconsin, I am proud to again support the Perinatal Workforce Act! Every pregnant person deserves affordable, accessible healthcare, and through legislation like the Perinatal Workforce Act, we can take critical steps to address maternal health, and the racial disparities in maternal healthcare. I want to extend my gratitude to Senator Baldwin and Congresswoman Moore for their work on this legislation,” said Wisconsin State Representative Robyn Vining.

“The Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness proudly supports the reintroduction of the Perinatal Workforce Act. At a time when maternal health providers are declining in many parts of the country and maternity care deserts continue to expand, investing in a diverse perinatal workforce has never been more urgent. Expanding support for midwives, nurses, physicians, doulas, and community health workers who provide culturally congruent care will help ensure that mothers and babies receive the care and advocacy they deserve throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. For Black families, who continue to experience the most severe maternal and infant health disparities in the nation, these investments are not optional—they are lifesaving. The Perinatal Workforce Act represents a smart, evidence-based pathway to strengthen care teams, improve birth outcomes, and move our nation closer to true maternal health equity,” said Lisa M. Peyton, CEO & President of The Foundation for Black Women's Wellness.

“The Perinatal Workforce Act represents a vital step toward ensuring that every family has the support they need from pregnancy through postpartum. By expanding and diversifying the perinatal care workforce, we are not only addressing the maternal health crisis but also building a foundation for healthier communities. This legislation recognizes that culturally competent care saves lives and strengthens families, and I join Senator Baldwin and Congresswoman Moore in urging Congress to pass this critical bill without delay,” said Wisconsin State Senator Dora Drake, Chair of the Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus.

“Making sure all moms receive respectful and culturally congruent care leads to healthy pregnancies, positive birth experiences, and a strong start for their babies. I commend Senator Baldwin and Representative Moore for introducing the Perinatal Workforce Act to grow and diversify this vital workforce and to improve maternal health outcomes in Wisconsin and across the country,” said Wisconsin DHS Secretary Kirsten Johnson.

A one-pager on the bill is available here. Full text of the bill is available here.

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Republicans Block Baldwin, Colleagues Effort to End Trump’s Illegal Iran War

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Last night, the majority of Senate Republicans again blocked an effort to stop President Donald Trump’s illegal war in Iran. The resolution, sponsored by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), would have forced the United States to withdraw U.S. troops from hostilities in and against Iran. On the Senate floor, Baldwin emphasized the cost to taxpayers of the President’s unconstitutional war and how those tens of billions of dollars could instead be invested in addressing the American people’s kitchen table needs.

It has been nearly a month since President Trump chose to launch his war with Iran that has resulted in the death of at least 13 and injury of nearly 300 U.S. servicemembers. As of this week, 5,000 Marines and roughly 3,000 soldiers trained to parachute into enemy territory are being deployed to the Middle East for possible ground combat inside Iran.

This is the third War Powers Resolution on Iran that the senators forced the Senate to vote on and is part of the Senators’ continued efforts to demand public hearings and stop Trump’s unauthorized war of choice. Leader Thune has yet to announce or hold public hearings on the war or get testimony from the Secretaries of State or Defense under oath. The group of Senators has pledged to keep debating and voting on the War Powers Resolutions until there are public hearings.

Watch a full recording of the floor speech here.

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Barrasso Blasts Democrats for Prolonging Shutdown Pain

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) today spoke about the prolonged pain of the Democrat Shutdown of American Security.

Click HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.

Sen. Barrasso’s remarks:

“I come to the Floor today after hearing the Minority Leader talk about the ongoing problem that the country is seeing before their very eyes, which is the shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security caused by the Democrats.

“Republicans have continually come to the Floor to vote to open the Department of Homeland Security. And working with the Democrats, there have been a number of proposals, one of which the Democrats actually agreed to the other day. And yet today on the Floor, the Senate Minority Leader said, oh, no, that is just ‘poppycock.’ That was his word.

“The Democrats have continued to move the goalposts over all of this time where we’re talking about the importance of funding the Department of Homeland Security. A Department that was set up after 9/11 to deal comprehensively with our nation’s security. There’s issues of border security, cybersecurity, flight security, the TSA is part of that.

“This has gotten so bad. I saw in the news this morning that there are members of the Department of Homeland Security who are not getting paid, who are working every day, and who are now donating their plasma. But not donating but giving it to get paid. That’s what the Democrats are doing. Talk about getting blood out of it. That’s what the Democrats are doing. Blood is on their hands, and we are seeing this today with the unfunding of the Department of Homeland Security.

“Americans are rising up to say to the Democrats, ‘We care about these people that are working and not getting paid.’ My own Rotary Club in Casper, Wyoming, came out today with an email to all the Rotarians. One of the members of the club has offered a matching donation of up to $2,000 for supplies and gift cards to be donated to TSA employees at the airport.

“Now, these people have been working without pay because the Democrats shut down the Department of Homeland Security. It says, ‘Please consider supporting the local TSA personnel and help secure the matching donation by donating supplies or gift cards.’

“It goes on to say, ‘Currently there are approximately 40 TSA employees in Casper who are not being paid. The airport is collecting food and other supplies: dog food, cat food, toilet paper, etc.’ Because of what we’re facing here and with an offer we made, and Democrats are now saying, well, it’s all ‘poppycock.’ They don’t seem to care.

“It goes on to say, ‘The employees cannot accept cash, cannot accept cash-equivalent cards like Visa gift cards. However, they can accept gas cards and gift cards to places like Wal-Mart or Target which gives them the flexibility to purchase what they truly need.’

“This is what we’re seeing here in this chamber with what the Democrats are doing because they do not want to fund the Department of Homeland Security that keeps our nation safe.

“Well, there is now circulating – it is evident, and Republicans have all seen –which is a Democrat member of the Senate on television telling the nation – this is a clip – this is a Democrat – ‘the people we care most about,’ he says, ‘are the undocumented.’ Not these people who are working every day. The people that Democrats care most about are the undocumented, the illegal immigrants, the people who are not citizens of this country, but who are here and have been unleashed into this country. Ten million or more during the Biden administration.

“And that is what we are talking about here today on the Floor, and why we will be voting later today, on the proposal that the Republicans have made that the Democrats agreed to two days ago. But now they’ve withdrawn their support, because as we hear from a Democrat spokesman and a Democrat Senator, ‘the people they care most about’ are not the citizens of the United States. They’re the undocumented, the illegal immigrants who are here among us today.”

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Barrasso, Coons Introduce Bill to Support Mental Health Service Providers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) introduced bipartisan legislation to support mental health providers and strengthen access to mental health care services. The Mental Health Access and Provider Support Act would increase Medicare reimbursement rates for clinical social workers (CSWs), marriage and family therapists (MFTs), and mental health counselors (MHCs).

“Rural communities in Wyoming and across the country often face the greatest shortage of mental health providers,” said Senator Barrasso. “As a doctor, I know firsthand how important it is to recruit and maintain quality mental health professionals. Our bill addresses these issues by ensuring mental health service providers are compensated fairly under Medicare. This will help expand access to mental health services and address workforce challenges in rural communities.”

“Mental health care is health care, and the professionals who provide that care deserve to be paid fairly for their work,” said Senator Coons. “This bipartisan bill will fix the harmful and longstanding practice of paying mental health care workers less than other providers, so we can keep and recruit more mental health care providers and make sure Americans get the care they need.”

The Mental Health Access and Provider Support Act would increase Medicare reimbursement rates for CSWs, MFTs, and MHCs from 75 percent to 85 percent of the Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) amount for covered mental health services. This legislation will help expand access to mental health services and address workforce shortages by aligning reimbursement rates with those of other mental health providers.

The Mental Health Access and Provider Support Act is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.). A companion bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Penn.) and Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.).

The legislation is endorsed by the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, American Counseling Association, Centerstone, Clinical Social Work Association, Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition, National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Association of Social Workers, and the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).

“The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) supports all avenues that strengthen the mental health workforce throughout the United States. NASW applauds Senators John Barrasso, MD and Chris Coons’ actions to increase Medicare reimbursement for clinical social workers (CSWs) via the Mental Health Access and Provider Support Act. Providing adequate reimbursement for CSWs not only increases compensation that has remained stationary since the 1990s but ensures their ability to provide much-needed support and services to Medicare beneficiaries who need access to critical mental health services. This legislation would help clinical social workers support those experiencing mental health crises without concern for reimbursement,” said Anthony Estreet, PhD, MBA, LCSW-C, Chief Executive Officer, NASW.

“The Mental Health Access and Provider Support Act is necessary to help address the lack of access to behavioral health services that Medicare beneficiaries encounter. By increasing the Medicare reimbursement rates for marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers and mental health counselors, this legislation will increase the number of Medicare-eligible behavioral health providers. The American Association for Marriage and Family is pleased to join with our colleagues in the clinical social work and mental health counseling professions in support of this legislation,” said Christine Michaels, Chief Executive Officer with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

“Addressing the nation’s mental health workforce shortage requires meaningful investment in the providers delivering care,” said Hannah Wesolowski, Chief Advocacy Officer at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). “Ensuring providers are fairly compensated is critical to expanding the mental health workforce and ensuring people covered by Medicare can get the care they need, when they need it. The Mental Health Access and Provider Support Act would strengthen access by increasing reimbursements for mental health providers under Medicare. NAMI is proud to support this bipartisan legislation and thanks Sen. John Barrasso and Sen. Chris Coons for their leadership in addressing our nation’s mental health needs.”

“The National Board for Certified Counselors strongly supports the Mental Health Access and Provider Support Act. Mental health counselors are essential healthcare providers serving Medicare beneficiaries with serious mental health conditions, yet we’re reimbursed at 75 percent of the physician fee schedule—a disparity that undermines recruitment, retention, and access to care. This bill increases reimbursement to 85 percent, acknowledging the value of counseling services, incentivizing providers to serve older adults, and directly expanding mental health access for seniors who desperately need these services. This is not just fair compensation—it’s an investment in the mental health of America’s older adults,” said Kylie P. Dotson-Blake, President & CEO of the National Board for Certified Counselors.

“The Mental Health Access and Provider Support Act represents a critical step forward. Increasing reimbursement rates would provide much-needed support to the provider workforce, ensuring they are fairly compensated for the essential, life-changing work they do every day. These providers play a vital role in expanding access to mental health care, and investing in them is an investment in healthier communities,” said Brian Banks, CEO of the American Counseling Association.

Background:

Communities across the country, particularly in rural states, continue to face significant shortages of mental health providers. CSWs, MFTs, and MHCs play a critical role in delivering behavioral health services, yet Medicare reimburses these clinicians at a lower percentage of the PFS than other mental health professionals.

In the 117th Congress, portions of Senator Barrasso’s Mental Health Access Improvement Act were enacted to expand Medicare coverage to MFTs and MHCs, improving access to care. However, that law did not address reimbursement rates or include CSWs. As a result, Medicare payment policy has not kept pace with the growing demand for mental health services or the need to support and retain the workforce.

Currently, 40 percent of the U.S. population, approximately 137 million people, live in a mental health professional shortage area, and rural counties are the most impacted. Strengthening support for the more than 166,000 CSWs, MFTs, and MHCs enrolled in Medicare Part B will help expand access to mental health services and address workforce shortages.

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Barrasso Highlights Democrat Voter ID Hypocrisy

“Tomorrow, we are going to give every single Senate Democrat in this chamber the chance to go on the record. They will have the opportunity to show the American people where they stand on common sense requirements for photo ID. This vote is a clear yes or no for Democrat Senators.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) today spoke about an amendment to the SAVE America Act, introduced by Senator Jon Husted (R-Ohio), that would require voters to present a photo ID at the polls.

Click HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.

Sen. Barrasso’s remarks as prepared:

“I’ve heard Senate Democrats say that when it comes to voting, they’re open to the requirement of photo ID. Senator Schumer said last week that his Democrat caucus is not opposed ‘to a photo ID when you show up to vote.’

“We now have a pending amendment to the SAVE America Act to do just that. It is a straightforward amendment from Senator Jon Husted of Ohio. It simply requires a photo ID when Americans show up to vote.

“Democrats blocked this very bill on this Floor last week. Then, they offered a counterproposal – a nationwide ban on photo ID requirements. Democrats did this even though 32 states currently require photo ID to vote. Twenty-one Democrats in this very chamber represent states where voter ID is already the law of the land. They live by it. They vote under it. They were elected by it. Why do Democrats believe voter ID is good enough for their home states, but not for our country?

“Tomorrow, we are going to give every single Senate Democrat in this chamber the chance to go on the record. They will have the opportunity to show the American people where they stand on common sense requirements for photo ID.

“This vote is a clear yes or no for Democrat Senators. It does not touch voter rolls. It does not touch mail-in voting. It is a clean, up or down vote on photo ID. This bill offers a broad definition of photo IDs. Voters can use a driver’s license. They can use a state ID. They can use a U.S. passport. They can use a military ID. They can use a tribal ID. These are IDs Americans carry and use every single day to cash a check, to board a plane, and to buy a beer. Asking for a photo ID at the ballot box is common sense and common practice in states all across our country.

“As I said earlier, 36 states require or request an ID to vote. Of these 36 states, 32 states require a photo ID. That’s most of the country. And yes, that includes Democrat states. Of course, we know that many large and liberal states lack voter ID laws entirely. Sanctuary states like California, New York, Oregon, Illinois don’t protect their voter rolls. So once again, we are seeing Democrats angling for illegal immigrants to have an impact on our elections.

“After Democrats allowed 10 million illegal immigrants to flood into our country, the lesson is clear. Illegal immigration undermines and erodes the integrity of our elections. Adding photo ID requirements would be a significant step towards restoring confidence in our elections in all 50 states.

“I want to thank Senator Jon Husted of Ohio. Senator Husted knows about administering elections better than any member of this body. He spent eight years as Ohio’s Secretary of State. His job was to run fair, safe, and secure elections. He succeeded. He succeeded in one of the most closely watched battleground states in America.

“His amendment makes it easy to vote and harder to cheat. And it does so nationwide. A clean, simple photo ID amendment leaves Democrats with no excuses. They cannot claim photo ID is too hard, too confusing, or too burdensome.

“The question before the Senate is: Will Democrats take a reasonable and responsible step towards what most Americans consider common sense.”

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Bennet, Warnock, Lankford Fight for Student Debt Tax Relief for Married Couples

The bipartisan Student Loan Marriage Penalty Elimination Act would end the marriage penalty for deducting student loan debt interest payments for married couples

Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet joined Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), James Lankford (R-OK), and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), to introduce the bipartisan Student Loan Marriage Penalty Elimination Act, legislation that would end the marriage penalty for deducting student loan debt interest payments. Senators Bennet, Warnock, and Lankford are all members of the Senate Finance Committee, with jurisdiction over tax legislation.

“I hear repeatedly from Coloradans who are struggling in an economy they feel has left them behind — and rising student loans have not made it easier. This is especially true for married couples who face an unfair penalty when deducting student loan debt interest payments. The Student Loan Marriage Penalty Elimination Act will undo this unfair obstacle for married couples so that they can purchase homes, start a business, and build a family,” said Bennet.

“Couples shouldn’t be penalized for affirming their love for one another,” said Warnock. “The bipartisan Student Loan Marriage Penalty Elimination Act shows that what is often the right thing to do is also the smart thing to do. This bill will put dollars back into the pockets of married couples and families, and I am proud to work alongside Senator Lankford on this commonsense bill.”

“Marriage should never come with a tax penalty. For too long, couples with student loan debt have been treated unfairly simply because they file jointly. I’ve long worked to eliminate marriage penalties in the tax code, and this bill takes a commonsense step to ensure married couples are treated fairly,” said Lankford.

“Marriage shouldn’t come at the price of unfair tax penalties,” said Lummis. “The Student Loan Marriage Penalty Elimination Act removes unnecessary tax burdens, strengthens financial stability for American families, and puts more money back where it belongs—into their households. I’m proud to join Senator Lankford and Senator Warnock on this commonsense measure.”

Under current law, individuals may deduct up to $2,500 in student loan interest payments from their income. Married individuals are subject to the same $2,500 total limit, even if both individuals in the couple have made student loan interest payments. The Student Loan Marriage Penalty Elimination Act would remove this marriage penalty so that the deduction could be claimed by each person in a married couple: $5,000 total.

The text of the bill is available HERE.

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Blackburn Statement on Landmark Social Media Addiction Case Verdict

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after a California jury found Meta and Google liable in the landmark social media addiction trial for designing their products to addict young users:

“Today’s verdict marks a monumental victory for parents, children, families, and survivors who have taken Big Tech to court to demand accountability after having the door slammed in their face by these social media companies for years,” said Senator Blackburn. “Big Tech has done everything in its power to blame parents and children instead of taking responsibility for designing their products to addict and harm children. Now that Big Tech has been found liable for the harms they have pushed on our kids, it’s time for Congress to enshrine protections for American families into law by passing the Kids Online Safety Act.”

Today, Senator Blackburn called on Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) to advance the Senate version of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) out of the committee.

RELATED

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Blumenthal & Alsobrooks Introduce Bill to Extend WIC Eligibility for New Moms

[Hartford, CT] — Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) introduced the Extending WIC for New Moms Act, a bicameral bill to expand eligibility and support mothers and infants into the postpartum and breastfeeding periods through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) programs. This legislation extends WIC eligibility in the postpartum period from 6 months to 24 months and in the breastfeeding period from 12 months to 24 months.

Cosponsors include U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL).

“This critical legislation extends WIC eligibility for breastfeeding and postpartum mothers to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.” said Blumenthal. “Lack of access to nutritious food has serious impacts on a child’s health and development. With the Extending WIC for New Moms Act, we will support vulnerable families and strengthen their ability to grow, thrive, and stay healthy.”

“For children in low-income homes, food scarcity can impact their overall health for the rest of their lives. After Republicans decimated food assistance programs like SNAP in their ‘big, beautiful bill,’ we need to re-double our efforts to support vulnerable new moms to ensure their families are able to grow and thrive together. Extending WIC eligibility for mothers in postpartum and breastfeeding periods just makes sense and is a critical part of our plan to improve maternal and child health,” said Alsobrooks.

“No mother should be cut off from essential nutritional support just months after giving birth—especially when the postpartum and breastfeeding periods are among the most critical windows for both maternal and infant health,” said Booker. “This legislation extends nutritional support, so mothers can continue receiving nutrition assistance and care for up to two years after childbirth. Congress has a duty to ensure all mothers and babies have the support they need to stay healthy.”

“Access to nutritious food in the earliest stages of life is essential to a child’s health and development. WIC is a proven lifeline for families, but we must do more to support mothers beyond their first few months after childbirth. Extending WIC eligibility—for both breast-feeding and formula-fed babies—is a commonsense step to improve maternal health and give every child a stronger start,” Durbin said. “I’m cosponsoring the Extending WIC for New Moms Act to provide more comprehensive health care for mothers and their babies, improving their health outcomes across the United States.”

“We should be doing everything we can to ensure families have what they need to keep their babies fed and healthy—instead, Donald Trump is focused on building a ballroom for his billionaire buddies and starting the kind of taxpayer-funded forever wars he promised to get us out of while American families struggle,” said Duckworth. “Extending WIC eligibility during the critical postpartum and breastfeeding months is a simple way to ensure moms and babies get the nutrition they need to thrive. I’m proud to introduce this legislation to support young families through the often overwhelming moments of becoming a new parent.”

WIC is a critical federal program to provide supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum people, as well as infants and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk.

Data on WIC’s effectiveness show the benefits of the program for moms and babies: pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding WIC participants have lower likelihoods of pregnancy-related risk factors, lower risk of preterm birth, and lower risk of low-birthweight infants. Maternal WIC participation is also associated with reductions in infant mortality and improved nutrition and health outcomes for infants and children. By extending eligibility for WIC in the postpartum and breastfeeding periods, the Extending WIC for New Moms Act will make sure the nutritional needs of moms and babies are met, improving maternal and child health outcomes and advancing birth equity across the United States.

Congresswoman Lucy McBath (D-Ga.-06) is introducing this legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Read full bill text here.

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Blumenthal Statement on CRA Vote to Overturn Trump VA's Abortion Ban

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today released the following statement on a failed vote to strike down the Trump Administration’s abortion ban at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which prohibits abortion counseling and care for more than 462,000 women veterans of reproductive age—even in cases of rape, incest, or if a veteran’s health is endangered.

“Republicans just voted to uphold an abortion ban for 462,000 women veterans—even in cases of rape, incest, or if their health is endangered. Shamefully, they are denying women veterans who have been raped or whose health is at risk the essential health care they need. Today, Republicans showed America they believe in abortion bans—and make no mistake, veterans will suffer as a result.”

50 Senate Republicans voted to strike down Blumenthal’s Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution, which aimed to overturn the Trump Administration’s policy ending abortion counseling entirely and abortion care for veterans who have been raped or whose pregnancy is threatening their health. The vote failed 48-50.

Ahead of the CRA vote, Blumenthal took to the Senate floor to underscore the danger of the Trump Administration’s policy for hundreds of thousands of women veterans. He emphasized the harm of this policy by sharing real-life stories of veterans who have experienced life-endangering complications from pregnancy and sexual assault. A video of Blumenthal’s floor remarks are available here.

Blumenthal’s CRA follows a final rule filed by the Trump VA to end VA’s ability to provide these services for veterans. A CRA resolution is an oversight tool Congress can use to overturn final rules issued by federal agencies with a simple majority vote.

In September 2022, VA began to offer abortion counseling to all pregnant veterans and CHAMPVA beneficiaries, and abortion care in cases of rape, incest, or life or health endangerment of the veteran or CHAMPVA beneficiary. This was in response to the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling, which created urgent risks to the lives and health of pregnant veterans and CHAMPVA beneficiaries in states that banned or otherwise severely restricted access to abortion.

More than 462,000 women veterans of reproductive age are enrolled in VA health care, and more than 112,000 women of reproductive age are enrolled in CHAMPVA. More than half of these women live in states that have enacted abortion bans or restrictions.

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Blumenthal Statement on Verdict in Landmark Social Media Addition Trial Finding Meta, YouTube Liable

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) released the following statement today after a jury in Los Angeles determined that Meta and YouTube had designed their products to be addictive and had caused immense harm to the plaintiff as a child and teen:

“This verdict is the beginning of real justice for parents across the country that have suffered and faced heartbreaking loss from Big Tech’s greed. It is also powerful proof that the Kids Online Safety Act—to provide accountability and protections for all young people in America—is urgently needed. I would urge any member of Congress that continues to do Mark Zuckerberg’s bidding to look at this verdict and their conscience. It’s time to enact the Kids Online Safety Act into law.”

Blumenthal is the author of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) with U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN).

Blumenthal and Blackburn first introduced KOSA in February 2022, following reporting by the Wall Street Journal and after spearheading a series of five subcommittee hearings with social media companies and advocates on the repeated failures by tech giants to protect kids on their platforms. KOSA will require platforms to enable the strongest privacy settings by default, force platforms to prevent and mitigate specific dangers to minors, provide parents and educators new controls to help protect children, and require independent audits and research into social media companies.

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NEWS: Senators Blunt Rochester and Grassley Introduce Resolution Marking Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Awareness Month

Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) introduced a bipartisan resolution to recognize March as Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Awareness Month. Deep vein thrombosis is a condition where blood clots form in the deep veins of the body, such as the arm, abdomen, brain, and legs, whereas a pulmonary embolism can result from a blood clot breaking off and traveling to the lungs.

“Almost 12 years ago, my husband Charles lost his life to a pulmonary embolism. The pain it caused is a pain no spouse, sibling, friend, or parent should go through,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “Nearly 100,000 Americans die from blood clots every year, which is why passing this resolution is essential. The more we educate on the signs and symptoms, the more lives we can save.”

“Americans who live with increased risks of blood clots include: patients with cancer or older Americans or surgery patients and pregnant women,” said Senator Grassley. “Now, there are preventative measures all Americans can take to prevent blood clots. This includes knowing your risks, the signs and the symptoms of blood clots.”

Senator Blunt Rochester serves on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee. In 2023, as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Senator Blunt Rochester introduced the bipartisan Charles Rochester Blood Clot Prevention and Treatment Act, named after her late husband who passed away suddenly from a pulmonary embolism. The bill would invest in educating the American people about blood clots and increase educational resources for health care providers so they can better identify and treat blood clots. Then, in 2024, Blunt Rochester unveiled her Blood Clot Awareness, Action, and Advocacy: The Toolkit, a compilation of resources and information for medical providers and members of the public.

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Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester represents Delaware in the United States Senate where she serves on the Committees on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Environment and Public Works; and Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.


NEWS: Senators Blunt Rochester, Hirono & Representative McIver Lead Colleagues in Introducing Working Women’s Bill of Rights

Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and U.S. Representative LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.-10),along with Representatives Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.-3) and Chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-N.M.-3), led 16 of their colleagues in introducing a Working Women’s Bill of Rights. The resolution recognizes the duty of Congress to meet the needs of working women. Women comprise nearly half of the nation’s workforce, serving as leaders in vital industries like education, health care, public service, and caregiving. The resolution, introduced during Women’s History Month and the week of Equal Pay Day, recognizes Congress’s obligation to address recent executive and administrative actions that have caused disproportionate harm to women’s workplace rights, freedoms, and protections, by safeguarding workers from unequal treatment.

“Women across America are bearing the brunt of wealth inequality, discrimination in the workplace, and stifled professional advancement – and the Trump administration’s harmful policies are making things worse,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “I’m proud to be introducing a Working Women’s Bill of Rights alongside Senator Hirono and Congresswoman McIver because these disparities – which are heightened for women of color – are simply unacceptable. I hope my colleagues on both sides of the aisle stand up for economic justice.”

“From unequal pay to a lack of professional advancement, gender inequity and discrimination in the workplace are still far too common in our country despite the critical work women do,” said Senator Hirono. “Now, as Trump and Republicans continue attacking workplace rights, freedoms, and protections, I am proud to introduce this resolution recognizing the important work women do across our country and reaffirming our commitment to safeguarding gender equity in the workplace.”

“It’s no surprise that working women are being forced to bear the burden of Trump’s disastrous economic policies—he has shown us over and over again that he doesn’t care about us,” said Representative McIver. “We are seeing bleak statistics: an increasing wage gap and a sharp rise in unemployment. And there’s a real human cost to those numbers. Women are shouldering that cost, as this president so often forces them to do. I introduced this resolution to sound the alarm because no one should be able to bully women out of their rightful place in the economy. As much as this administration wants to ignore us, we’re demanding Trump and Republicans’ attention to the damage they are doing to women.”

“Trump and Republicans have failed working women at every turn. More than 450,000 women left the workplace last year because of rising child care costs, job loss, and Trump’s attacks on federal employees. Our women workers—many who balance the demands of work and caretaking—deserve far better,” said Representative Leger Fernandez, Chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus. “Women workers deserve a better future with fair pay, protections from discrimination, support when we’re pregnant or caring for loved ones, and an affordable life. The Democratic Women’s Caucus reaffirms our commitment to fighting for that better future today and every single day.”

The resolution is endorsed by A Better Balance, Advocates for Trans Equality, American Association of University Women, Arise Chicago, Asset Building Strategies, Black Labor Week Project Inc., Center for Economic and Policy Research, Center for Law and Social Policy, Chicago Women in Trades, Clearinghouse on Women’s Issues, Community Change Action, Economic Policy Institute, Equal Rights Advocates, Family Values @ Work, Family Values @ Work Action, Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies, Feminist Majority, Institute for Women’s Policy Research, Jobs with Justice, Justice for Migrant Women, Maine Women’s Lobby, MANA, A National Latina Organization, Mississippi Black Women’s Roundtable, MomsRising, National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, National Association of Letter Carriers, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation/Black Women’s Roundtable, National Council of Jewish Women, National Employment Law Project, National Immigration Law Center, National Organization for Women, National Partnership for Women & Families, National Urban League, National Women’s Law Center, Oxfam America, Paid Leave for All Action, PHI, Raise The Floor Alliance, Reproductive Freedom for All, Sakhi for South Asian Survivors, The Restaurant Opportunities Center of Pennsylvania, United for Respect, Women Employed, and YWCA USA.

“When women have what they need to not only survive, but thrive, it benefits everyone,” said Emily Martin, Chief Program Officer at the National Women’s Law Center. “But today baseline protections for women in the workplace are under attack, as the Trump administration seeks to coerce employers into rejecting the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion that open doors to opportunity. This puts the 75 million working women in this country at risk—especially women of color, mothers, and low-wage workers. At a time when women’s rights and protections are being targeted, lawmakers must urgently address the economic challenges facing women across the country by showing up for safety, dignity, and equality at work.”

“Too many women are still being forced to make impossible choices between caring for themselves and their families or risking losing their paychecks and jobs,” said Jocelyn Frye, President of the National Partnership for Women and Families. “When women lack access to fair pay, safe workplaces, and other essential support they need, the impact is felt at every level, from the financial stability of our households to the strength of our economy as a whole.”

“Women’s economic security drives progress. But at every turn, that progress is under threat. From the disproportionate number of Black women who’ve faced job loss, to policies that have eroded access to affordable education, reproductive health care, and quality child care,” said Dr. Jamila K. Taylor, President and CEO of the Institute for Women’s Policy Research. “As the leading national think tank committed to promoting research that improves the lives and economic well-being of all women, the Institute for Women’s Policy Research is proud to support this important resolution that calls on Congress to implement the evidence-informed solutions to addressing the needs of working women to help them, their families, and communities thrive and the nation prosper.”

In addition to Senators Blunt Rochester and Hirono, the resolution was cosponsored in the Senate by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.).

In addition to Representatives McIver, DeLauro, and Leger Fernandez, the resolution was also cosponsored by Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.-6), Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.-10), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.-8), Sarah McBride (D-Del.-AL), Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.-3), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.-9), Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.-12), Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.-20), and Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.-24).

The full text of the resolution is available here.

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Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester represents Delaware in the United States Senate where she serves on the Committees on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Environment and Public Works; and Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.