Buchanan, Ross Reintroduce Bipartisan Petfax Act to Increase Transparency in Pet Sales

“Families Across America Deserve Transparency When Bringing a New Pet into Their Home, And Breeders Should Be Held to a Basic Standard of Accountability.”

Legislation Empowers Consumers and Cracks Down on Unregulated Puppy and Kitten Mills

WASHINGTON — Congressman Vern Buchanan, co-chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, recently joined Congresswoman Deborah Ross (D-N.C.) to reintroduce the Petfax Act. The legislation would improve transparency in pet sales by giving families the information they need to identify whether an animal came from a high-volume breeder, problematic dealer or puppy or kitten mill-type supply chain.

The Petfax Act would require that pet purchasers be provided with a “Petfax” report detailing the conditions in which the animal was bred and raised. The bill would also establish stricter criteria for obtaining and maintaining licenses to sell pets, helping to ensure that only legitimate and responsible sellers are allowed to operate in the industry.

“When you buy a car, you get a Carfax report detailing its full history. Adopting a pet should be no different,” said Buchanan. “Families across America deserve transparency when bringing a new pet into their home, and breeders should be held to a basic standard of accountability. The Petfax Act gives consumers the facts they need to make informed decisions and cracks down on inhumane puppy and kitten mills. As co-chair of the Animal Protection Caucus, I am proud to once again partner with Congresswoman Ross on this commonsense, bipartisan legislation.”

“Dog lovers across the country are unknowingly subsidizing bad breeders who mistreat animals because they don’t have access to the basic facts they need to make informed decisions,” said Ross. “Congress needs to step in to ensure that adopters aren’t kept in the dark about the history and breeding of their animals. The Petfax Act will require that prospective pet owners receive essential information about their new family members, a step that will promote greater transparency and more responsible practices in the industry. As a proud dog owner, I remain committed to creating a future where every pet finds a loving home through ethical and informed choices.”

Experts estimate there are at least 10,000 puppy mills operating in the United States, the vast majority of which are unregulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These inhumane commercial breeding facilities often sell animals in pet stores or online without disclosing key information about an animal’s history or health problems to potential adopters. By requiring disclosure of the history and health of animals to buyers, the Petfax Act will enforce transparency and accountability among breeders and sellers, and promote better treatment and breeding practices

Buchanan, who co-chairs the Animal Protection Caucus in Congress, is a leading advocate for protecting endangered species and ending animal cruelty, introducing and co-sponsoring dozens of important animal measures. He is also a two-time recipient of the Humane Society’s “Legislator of the Year” award, winning the award in 2015 and 2020.

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Carter secures $53 million for Garden City terminal

SAVANNAH, GA — Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) this week secured $53 million in Port Infrastructure Development Grants for the Georgia Ports Authority’s Lay Berth and Supply Chain Optimization Project in Garden City, Georgia.

Funding from the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration will support a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) evaluation and the construction of one lay berth capable of accommodating large container vessels. In addition, the project includes funding for NEPA-related planning for two additional lay berths to be developed in a future funding phase. The project will support critical port expansion and modernization efforts within Georgia’s First Congressional District, enhancing the efficiency and capacity of one of the nation’s key maritime logistics hubs.

“I am proud to have helped secure $53 million for Georgia’s First, continuing President Donald Trump’s ongoing commitment to strengthening America’s domestic supply chain infrastructure and supporting economic growth through modernized port facilities. The Georgia Ports are the economic engine of the Southeast, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and adding billions of dollars to the state’s gross domestic product (GDP),” said Rep. Carter. “This investment in critical infrastructure will help Georgia continue its 12-year streak as the best state in which to do business.”

“Vessel sailing schedule reliability is one of the most important performance metrics for ocean carriers. This lay berth project will enable us to significantly improve our berth utilization and productivity in the Port of Savannah,” said Griff Lynch, President and CEO, Georgia Ports Authority. “We are grateful for the continued support from Congressman Carter, Senator Warnock and Senator Ossoff.”

Read letter of support here.


Christianity Daily article on Smith's TLHRC hearing'U.S. Congressional Hearing Highlights Crisis in North Korean Human Rights Movement'

By Christianity Daily

Published April 30, 2026 at 4:34 EDT

Co-chaired by Smith and McGovern; testimony from Tara Oh and Suzanne Scholte highlights restrictions on information flow into North Korea and limits on defector-led activities

The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, a bipartisan human rights body under the U.S. Congress, held a hearing on North Korean human rights at 12:30 p.m. on the 28th at the Rayburn House Office Building near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., focusing on the importance of the flow of external information to North Korean citizens and the human rights movement led by North Korean defectors.

The official theme of this hearing was “North Korean Human Rights Movement: Current Prospects and Obstacles.” The hearing was co-chaired by Republican Congressman Christopher H. Smith (R-NJ) and Democratic Congressman James P. McGovern (D-MA). The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission lists both lawmakers as co-chairs; Representative Smith represents New Jersey’s 4th Congressional District, and Representative McGovern represents Massachusetts’ 2nd Congressional District.

Dr. Tara O and Ms. Suzanne Scholte, President of the North Korea Freedom Coalition, testified at the hearing. According to the committee’s announcement, Dr. O was introduced as the author of “The Collapse of North Korea: Challenges, Planning, and Geopolitics of Unification” and a member of the Academic Committee of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, while Ms. Scholte was introduced as the chair of the North Korea Freedom Coalition and Free North Korea Radio.

On the third day of the 23rd North Korea Freedom Week, a North Korean human rights hearing hosted by the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission is underway. Dr. Tara O (right) is delivering remarks, while Suzanne Scholte (left), chair of the North Korea Freedom Coalition, also testified at the hearing. | Photo credit: Christian Daily

“Information from the outside is getting into even the closed-off North Korea”

The hearing began by examining the North Korean regime’s information blockade and control mechanisms. In its announcement, the committee described North Korea’s human rights situation as among the most severe and repressive in the world, noting that the regime strictly restricts freedom of expression, movement, and access to outside information. It also stated that reports continue to indicate that North Korean authorities have further intensified their efforts to block outside information and control ideology since the COVID-19 pandemic.

In his opening remarks, Rep. Chris Smith said the North Korean regime denies freedom of expression, religion, and movement, and places particular emphasis on blocking citizens’ access to outside information, while noting that even within such a closed system, external information and ideas continue to seep in and become more valuable and powerful as the regime attempts to suppress them.

Congressman Smith explained the significance of the flow of information by citing testimonies from North Korean defectors, noting that a written testimony from a defector leader stated that everything changes when North Korean citizens come to understand the rights God has given them. He also mentioned another defector’s experience of listening to the radio, explaining that banned radio signals served as the first window through which they encountered freedom and hope. He further emphasized that the most powerful force capable of changing North Korea is not military might but information, adding that information changes people, and changed people ultimately change society.

“Policies that block the flow of information are not neutral measures”

Congressman Smith also directly addressed the changing environment in South Korea surrounding the North Korean human rights movement. He noted that while the U.S. Congress and government have long regarded South Korea as an ally of liberal democracy and a partner in promoting human rights, concerns regarding the North Korean human rights movement have recently been raised.

He specifically highlighted restrictions on activities aimed at introducing information into North Korea, stating that policies that suppress the flow of information into North Korea or punish those seeking to reveal the truth are not neutral acts. He further emphasized that such policies affect whether North Korean citizens can hear alternative voices, whether defectors can continue their work, and whether the cause of human rights will advance or retreat.

While noting that peace on the Korean Peninsula is necessary, Congresswoman Smith pointed out that North Korea cannot be deterred by suppressing the voices of freedom or restricting basic freedoms in the South. Referring to the North Korea Human Rights Act and bipartisan congressional engagement, he stated that the defense of human dignity and human rights is also a central issue in confronting the Kim regime’s nuclear threats.

Tara Oh Warns Shrinking Freedom in South Korea Undermines North Korean Human Rights Movement

Dr. Tara Oh, the first witness to testify, is a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel who has served as a researcher at the Institute for Korean-American Studies and a visiting scholar at the Pacific Forum. She majored in public policy and earned a bachelor’s degree from UC Davis, a master’s degree from Princeton University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Texas. Her major publication is “The Collapse of North Korea”.

Dr. Oh linked the issue of human rights in North Korea to the state of liberal democracy in South Korea. She argued that while North Korean defectors are recognized as citizens of the Republic of Korea upon arriving in South Korea, that space of freedom is being lost. He continued by stating that restrictions on freedom of expression and freedom of religion are increasing in South Korea, and that measures that suppress freedom are being codified into law.

Referring to the South Korean Constitution and the liberal democratic order, Dr. Oh raised issues including recent discussions of constitutional amendments, controversies over freedom of expression, debates over election fairness, and the influence of the Chinese Communist Party. She argued that while it may appear to be a subtle change in wording on the surface, it is a matter that alters the very foundation of the political and economic system, adding that we must be wary of the trend toward shifting from a liberal democratic and market economy to a socialist order.

She also cited the law penalizing the distortion of history regarding the May 18th Democratization Movement, as well as investigations into anti-China remarks and allegations of election fraud, noting that there is a growing trend of framing critical remarks as hate speech and subjecting them to investigation. This point reflects Dr. Oh’s arguments and concerns and is a matter of significant political and legal debate within South Korea as well.

“Issues of Freedom of Expression and Religious Freedom Are Linked to the Flow of Information into North Korea”

Dr. Oh also addressed the issue of religious freedom separately. She claimed that some pastors have faced investigations, lawsuits, and pressure to be detained due to political statements, participation in rallies, or invited speeches within churches. She continued by noting that South Korea is one of the countries in Asia where Christianity plays a significant role, and that it is a serious contradiction for legal attempts to suppress religious freedom to emerge in a country where the Constituent Assembly began with prayer.

She believed that if the space for civil society, churches, and North Korean defector organizations to operate within South Korea were to shrink, efforts to send information to North Korean residents would inevitably be affected. Dr. Oh stated that blocking the flow of information into North Korea is not simply a matter of one or two activists, but a matter of blocking the channels through which North Korean residents can access the outside world.

Suzanne Scholte Says North Korean Human Rights Movement Faces Most Difficult Period in Its History

A delegation of North Korean defectors from South Korea, who attended for this year’s North Korea Freedom Week events, were also present at the hearing. | Photo credit: Christian Daily

Suzanne Scholte, who testified as the second witness, assessed that the North Korean human rights movement is facing an extremely difficult phase. She stated that they are currently facing the most challenging period in the history of the North Korean human rights movement, citing two reasons. First, she argued that for decades, the international community has not listened sufficiently to the voices of those who know North Korea best—namely, North Korean defectors. Second, she claimed that the South Korean government is neglecting its constitutional duty regarding North Korean human rights and the dissemination of information into North Korea.

Regarding the nature of the North Korean regime, Scholte pointed out that North Korea will not abandon its nuclear weapons and that the dictatorship is concerned only with its own survival, not its people. She continued by emphasizing that human rights are the Achilles’ heel of the North Korean regime, adding that everything will change when North Koreans realize they were not born as slaves to the Kim family, but as beings endowed by God with the right to freedom.

She raised issues regarding the South Korean government’s suspension of broadcasts to North Korea, the cessation of support for defector organizations, and the enforcement of the law banning leaflets to North Korea, asserting that for the first time South Korea has ended all radio broadcasts to North Korea and, for the first time, it has ended all support for defector organizations. She also stated that they are actively enforcing the law banning leaflets to North Korea, which has been ruled unconstitutional, adding that this criminalizes activities aimed at securing the freedom and human rights of North Korean citizens.

“North Korean defectors are the witnesses who know the reality of North Korea best”

Throughout her testimony, Scholte emphasized the role of North Korean defectors, describing them as the people who know the reality of North Korea best and urging the U.S. Congress, South Korea, and the White House to listen to their voices.

Citing the example of Radio Free North Korea, she shared the memory of a North Korean defector who secretly listened to foreign radio broadcasts in North Korea at the age of 13. The defector testified that he first encountered freedom and hope through that broadcast, and that it became a turning point in his life. Referring to this, Scholte stated that the most powerful force for changing North Korea is not military power but information, adding that information changes people and that changed people ultimately change society.

In the same vein, Congressman Smith remarked that North Korean defectors are the most reliable witnesses to what human dignity means and what is at stake between North Korea’s nuclear threats and the free world, adding that they are the agents of change who strengthen and educate the hearts of North Korean citizens. He continued by stating that both the U.S. government and South Korea must help ensure their voices are heard more widely within North Korea, adding that, as one defector testified, what the North Korean regime fears most is information from the outside.

“Operation Truth”… “Delivering Truth, Hope, and the Gospel”

Rep. Chris Smith (second from right) presides over the hearing. | Photo credit: Christian Daily

Scholte described the effort to send information to North Korean citizens as Operation Truth. She stated that their goal is to reach North Korean citizens by land, sea, and air, adding that this effort is not merely about sending supplies, but about delivering truth, hope, food, and the Gospel.

She explained that various items—including USB drives, small radios, medicines, $1 bills, and leaflets—have been delivered to North Korean residents, noting that these efforts have served as a channel to break through the North Korean regime’s information blockade. She specifically mentioned a case from May 2023 of a family that defected via the West Sea, noting that the family had been exposed to leaflets since childhood and, as adults, viewed them as a sign that the outside world has not forgotten them.

However, Scholte claimed that South Korean authorities have recently taken measures to block such activities, including deploying police, designating certain areas as danger zones, and encouraging the reporting of activists. She emphasized that North Korean residents cannot listen freely nor know freely, adding that Operation Truth is about delivering truth and hope to break down the walls of oppression.

Issues of Forced Repatriation and North Korean POWs Also Raised

The hearing also addressed the issue of the forced repatriation of North Korean defectors in China and the deployment of North Korean troops to the war in Ukraine. Scholte pointed out that North Korean defectors detained in China face a high risk of torture and punishment if repatriated to North Korea, urging the U.S. and the international community to take stronger action to halt China’s forced repatriations.

She also mentioned the issue of North Korean soldiers being deployed to the front lines in Ukraine to support Russia, arguing that North Korean soldiers who have been taken prisoner must not be sent back to North Korea. She stated that repatriation to North Korea means torture and retaliation, adding that the international community must respond responsibly so that these individuals can start new lives in a free and safe environment.

Q&A Session Addresses Controversies Over Chinese Influence in South Korea and Election Fairness

Following the two witnesses’ presentations, the Q&A session covered issues such as the influence of the Chinese Communist Party in South Korea, controversies over election fairness, and the direction of U.S. human rights policy toward North Korea.

Congressman Smith asked about the possibility of the Chinese Communist Party influencing public opinion, elections, and policy directions in South Korea. Dr. Oh expressed concern, citing the size of the Chinese resident population in South Korea, the issue of voting rights in local elections, and instances of election campaigning in Chinese in some regions. Regarding the election management system, she also argued that while there are calls from citizens for an investigation, the structure makes it difficult to address this through institutional channels.

In response, Rep. Smith stated that the concerns of the South Korean people must not be overshadowed by other international issues, indicating his intention to convey the testimony to the State Department and other relevant agencies. He emphasized that even when discussing nuclear issues, human rights must be at the forefront of the agenda from the very beginning, adding that North Korean human rights issues must not be pushed to the sidelines.

Scholte stated that the U.S. administration must once again speak out strongly on North Korean human rights issues. Recalling that President Donald Trump had specifically mentioned North Korea’s political prison camps, human trafficking, and religious persecution in a past address to the South Korean National Assembly, she expressed his hope that the United States would return to its position as a strong advocate for human rights.

“Juche Ideology Is a System of Religious Worship”… Christian Persecution Also Mentioned

In the latter part of the hearing, the significance of Juche ideology in understanding the North Korean regime was also discussed. Scholte pointed out that Juche ideology should be viewed not merely as a political ideology but as a system of religious worship. She explained that the cult of personality surrounding the Kim Il-sung family has distorted and appropriated Christian language and symbols, adding that this is why the North Korean regime fears Christianity so intensely.


The abortion pill is extremely dangerous to womenSmith applauds federal appeals court’s ruling in Louisiana v. FDA to pause the Biden FDA’s mail-order abortion drug scheme

Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus and leader of a congressional amicus brief in support of Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, issued the following statement in response to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals’ ruling in The State of Louisiana v. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which halted the Biden Administration’s dangerous mail-order abortion pill policy while litigation continues:

“Today’s ruling, which takes effect nationwide, underscores the extreme dangers posed to women by the Biden FDA’s 2023 decision to eliminate the longstanding in-person dispensing requirement for the chemical abortion drug mifepristone.

“Mifepristone—the baby poison pill—barbarically starves unborn babies to death and is extremely harmful to women. A historic report released by the Ethics and Public Policy Center found that more than one out of ten (10.93%) women who take this dangerous pill experience sepsis, infection, hemorrhaging, or another serious adverse event within 45 days.

“‘Abortion President’ Joe Biden’s FDA negligently and inexcusably allowed mifepristone to be easily ordered online and delivered through the mail, all without any in-person medical visits. The FDA’s reckless policy has endangered the lives of mothers and their unborn babies and prevented medical professionals from screening for contraindications, coercion, or other major health concerns.

“Putting a pause on the egregious practice of mail-order abortion will help save countless lives, as the fight to remove mifepristone from the market continues.”

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Congressman Cohen Protests Call for Redistricting

MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), who has represented a majority-Black district in Congress since 2007, responded to state Republican lawmakers’ call for a special legislative session to consider redistricting, and made the following statement:

“This transparent effort to create a seat for a member of Congress who will rubber stamp Trump’s increasingly bizarre and dangerous agenda will also dilute the Black vote in Tennessee to the point of irrelevance.

“I have been consulting with voting rights lawyers and other experts to fight this move with every option available, political and legal. The filing deadline for candidates for the 120th Congress has passed. Were the General Assembly to change the district maps, candidates already seeking office in one district could find themselves in the absurd situation of running in another – a wholesale injustice to voters and a mockery of democracy.

“Republican state lawmakers clearly have the votes to make this Machiavellian move. I hope fairness is part of their consideration and that they abandon it.”

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CORREA, BERGMAN LEAD CALL TO EXPEDITE REVIEW OF PSYCHEDELIC THERAPY

SANTA ANA, CA — Today, U.S. Representatives Lou Correa (CA-46) and General Jack Bergman (MI-01), co-chairs of the Psychedelics Advancing Therapies Caucus (PATH), led a bipartisan letter of 30 members of Congress sent to FDA Commissioner Martin A. Makary, urging the agency to advance its evaluation of rapid-acting novel therapeutics—including entactogen- and psychedelic-assisted therapies—for the treatment of serious mental health conditions. The letter follows the executive order that President Donald Trump signed on April 18 to increase research into psychedelic-assisted therapy, which has been a top priority of Rep. Correa.

“As Members of the House of Representatives, we have heard from countless Veterans, clinicians, and families seeking evidence-based alternatives, and many of us joined a bipartisan letter to President Biden in 2024 urging his administration to support access to MDMA-assisted therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), pending FDA approval,” the members said. “We are encouraged by your public statements recognizing these treatments as ‘a top priority for this FDA and this administration.’ We agree that the agency must conduct ‘an expeditious and rapid review’ of promising treatments, especially those that address urgent unmet needs in PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and other neuropsychiatric conditions.”

Millions of Americans continue to struggle with complex mental health challenges, and for many, existing treatment options fall short. This gap in care is felt acutely among Veterans, who experience rates of PTSD, depression, and suicide far exceeding those of the general population, and it has contributed to a growing and urgent public health crisis affecting individuals, families, and communities across the country.

“We remain committed to ensuring that Veterans and others living with treatment-resistant mental health conditions have access to safe, evidence-based care,” the members added. “We respectfully urge the FDA to continue its evaluation of entactogen- and psychedelic-assisted therapies with transparency, urgency, and scientific rigor as the agency carries out its statutory responsibilities.”

Rep. Correa co-founded the Congressional Psychedelics Advancing Therapies (PATH) Caucus with Rep. Bergman to address ways to alleviate the national mental health crisis through psychedelic science and research, which currently has 12 members. Representatives Correa and Bergman also led efforts in Congress to promote psychedelic treatments for veterans suffering PTSD, through advocating for more research funding and eventual inclusion of approved psychedelic therapies into veterans' VA care options once it is approved by the FDA.

Read the letter here

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CORREA CALLS OUT ILLEGAL IRAN WAR

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Representative Lou Correa (CA-46) released the following statement after Congress failed to address the 60-day deadline required by the War Powers Resolution of 1973 regarding the administration’s military efforts in Iran:

“I have been outspoken in my criticism of how the White House disregarded the Constitution by conducting the Iranian war without justifying its case to Congress and seeking our approval. Current law requires Congress to declare or authorize force within 60 days of military action. That deadline passed today after Congress left Washington without addressing the issue further.

“Regardless of a ceasefire, this conflict has dragged out long enough without a proper justification. It has cost the lives of U.S. soldiers and Americans billions of dollars, not only through their taxpayer money but also the gas pump. The President needs to justify this war to Congress and to the American people. Better yet, let’s end this war now.”

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Dingell, Stevens Introduce Vehicle Innovation Act

U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Haley Stevens (D-MI-11) introduced the Vehicle Innovation Act of 2026 to promote investments in research and development of clean vehicle technologies to increase fuel efficiency, reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign oil, strengthen our supply chains, and support American auto manufacturers and supplies.

“Innovation has always defined the American auto industry, and that must remain the case as we confront the climate crisis. The Vehicle Innovation Act invests in the research and development needed to improve vehicle efficiency, strengthen domestic supply chains, and produce cutting-edge clean vehicle technology. This legislation empowers American workers, companies, and inventors, and will help ensure that Michigan and the United States continue to lead the world in automotive innovation,” said Congresswoman Dingell.

“Michigan researchers and manufacturers are leading the charge to make our vehicles and our roads safer. I am proud to join Congresswoman Dingell in introducing our Vehicle Innovation Act, which will invest in critical research and development, strengthen American supply chains, and create good-paying jobs right here in Michigan,” said Congresswoman Stevens.

“Auto Innovators thanks Reps. Dingell and Stevens for their leadership in introducing the Vehicle Innovation Act,” said John Bozzella, President & CEO, Alliance for Automotive Innovation. “Automakers are committed to a cleaner, safer, smarter transportation future, including major investments that have improved vehicle efficiency and advanced new safety technologies. This important legislation will support critical research and development programs needed to advance those goals while ensuring the United States remains a global leader in automotive innovation.”

The Vehicle Innovation Act reauthorizes the Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office, which works with manufacturers and suppliers to research, develop and deploy advanced vehicle technologies that improve energy efficiency. The bill also provides the Department of Energy with clear direction to build on successful research programs and encourages the development of a wide array of technologies that have the potential to improve fuel efficiency and reduce traffic congestion.

Examples of potential fuel-saving technologies include vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2X) communications, mild hybrid, engine down speeding, power pack modeling and testing, advanced boosting systems, new vehicle sensing and communication, hydrogen and natural gas refueling and electric vehicle charging technology.

A copy of the legislation can be found HERE.


Dingell, Colleagues Slam Administration for Funding Cuts to Home Care for Seniors

U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and five of her House Democratic colleagues called out the Trump Administration for threatening to restrict Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) that provide support to older Americans and people with disabilities, providing a less expensive option for both families and the federal government. In a letter to Mehmet Oz, the Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the lawmakers stressed that millions of Americans rely on HCBS, and that cuts to these services would threaten access to necessary care.

“More than 8.4 million people with disabilities and older adults rely on HCBS to live and age independently in their homes and communities, and they — along with their families and workers that make care possible — cannot afford cuts, reductions, or frozen funding to these life-saving services,” the lawmakers said.

Congresswoman Dingell and the lawmakers rejected any implication that increased demand for HCBS constituted evidence of fraud. They also underscored how recent CMS actions to withhold and defer billions of dollars in Medicaid to fund tax cuts for big corporations is straining state budgets.

“Growth in Medicaid spending reflects the needs of a rapidly growing population that requires care, and decades of progress to ensure people can live, age, and work with dignity in their homes and communities,” they said. “Cuts to Medicaid harm people with disabilities, older adults, family caregivers, and workers which Medicaid is intended to support.”

In addition to Congresswoman Dingell, the effort is supported by U.S. Representatives Kim Schrier (D-WA-08), Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ-07), Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12), Troy Carter (D-LA-02), Nanette Barragan (D-CA-44)

A copy of the letter can be found HERE and text is below:

Dear Administrator Oz:

This letter is regarding the actions being taken by this Administration that threaten to restrict Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS), which will ultimately harm people with disabilities and older adults. More than 8.4 million people with disabilities and older adults rely on HCBS to live and age independently in their homes and communities, and they — along with their families and workers that make care possible — cannot afford cuts, reductions, or frozen funding to these life-saving services.

We are concerned by continued attacks on Medicaid, including actions by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that undermine HCBS. We reject the implication that increased demand for HCBS, including behavioral health services and other integral services for people with disabilities, or the growth in the number of direct care workers is evidence of fraud.

HCBS are essential supports that help older adults and people with disabilities with day-to-day activities such as bathing, dressing, managing medication, and participation in employment. More than one in four people in the U.S. have disabilities, and across the country, more than one in five adults receive ongoing support with everyday functional needs for aging and disability care. Family caregivers and direct care workers are also supported through Medicaid to provide life-saving, essential care. Growth in Medicaid spending reflects the needs of a rapidly growing population that requires care, and decades of progress to ensure people can live, age, and work with dignity in their homes and communities- which they often prefer- rather than costly institutional settings, often saving the government money.

Cuts to Medicaid harm people with disabilities, older adults, family caregivers, and workers which Medicaid is intended to support. States are already facing difficult decisions as they face more than $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and other public services to pay for tax cuts for the wealthiest and big corporations. At least 10 states — including Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Missouri, and Washington — have proposed eliminating or reducing some HCBS funding as they grapple with increasingly constrained budgets. Recent CMS actions to withhold and defer billions of dollars in Medicaid funds from Minnesota, including HCBS, further strain state budgets and threaten access to care.


Ezell Applauds Federal Grant Award to Port of Gulfport to Strengthen Infrastructure and Supply Chains

Today, Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04) announced that the Mississippi State Port Authority at Gulfport has been awarded $11.25 million in funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) to support critical infrastructure improvements at the Port of Gulfport.

The funding will support the Gulfport Strategic Seaport Infrastructure Improvement Project, a key initiative aimed at enhancing the Port’s ability to efficiently move both commercial and military cargo.

“This is a major win for Mississippi and for our nation’s supply chain,” Ezell said. “The Port of Gulfport plays a vital role in supporting our economy and our national defense. This investment will strengthen its capabilities, improve efficiency, and ensure it remains a critical asset for years to come. I was proud to support this application and advocate for these resources. This investment will deliver long-term benefits for our military, our businesses, and our local communities.”

“Securing this award required strong partnership at every level,” Jon Nass, CEO and executive director of the Port of Gulfport said. “We are grateful to Congressman Ezell for his tireless advocacy on behalf of the Port in Washington to advance the Port’s growth.”

The project includes significant rail improvements on the West Pier to expand capacity and increase operational efficiency, as well as the development of a new east-west rail connection to reduce congestion along U.S. 90. In addition, the Port will receive upgraded cargo handling equipment and infrastructure enhancements designed to improve resilience and reliability.

As one of the nation’s designated Strategic Seaports, the Port of Gulfport is essential to both military readiness and commercial operations along the Gulf Coast. The improvements funded through this grant will help reduce freight bottlenecks, improve public safety, and enhance the overall efficiency of the region’s transportation network.

The project is also expected to leverage significant private investment, further amplifying its economic impact and reinforcing the Port’s role as a key driver of growth in Mississippi’s Fourth District.


CONGRESSMAN CARLOS A. GIMENEZ BACKS EXECUTIVE ORDER IMPOSING SANCTIONS ON CUBAN REGIME OFFICIALS

MIAMI, FL - Today Congressman Carlos A. Gimenez issued the following statement in support of President Donald J. Trump's Executive Order, Imposing Sanctions on Those Responsible for Repression in Cuba and for Threats to United States National Security and Foreign Policy:

Congressman Carlos A. Gimenez said, "The newly implemented sanctions against the Cuban regime are necessary to target its security apparatus—the machine that jails political prisoners and oppresses its people.

"Anyone who props up this tyranny will face serious consequences.

"We must end this repressive regime that continues to pose a significant threat to our national security. The days of impunity are over. Freedom and our security are not negotiable."

Read President Trump's Executive Order HERE.

Read the White House Fact Sheet HERE.


Rep. Grijalva Joins Healthcare Providers, Advocates to Spotlight Dangerous GOP Cuts to Medicaid

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva recently joined Protect Our Care Arizona to mark the ninth annual Medicaid Awareness Month and hold Donald Trump and Republicans accountable for slashing over $1 trillion from Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act to fund and major corporations. Medicaid is the largest health insurance provider in the country, covering over , including 1,565,458 Arizonans, and Republicans pulled the rug out from under the program. Children, seniors, people with disabilities and working families who rely on Medicaid are already facing the fallout of this Republican-manufactured health care crisis, as over 108,824 Arizonans have already lost their coverage.

These cuts put hospitals, nursing homes, maternity wards, and critical providers across the state at risk of closing their doors, creating health care deserts and forcing rural communities to travel hours for essential care. So far, eight Arizona hospitals and clinics have closed, risk closure or have announced budget cuts, which will send shockwaves throughout the entire state while also taking away health care workers’ jobs. Panelists discussed the consequences of gutting Medicaid, and held Trump and Republicans accountable for their decision to put tax breaks for billionaires ahead of health care for families.

“They are literally trading the health of our neighbors for the profits of a few,” said Rep. Grijalva. “Medicaid is the largest health insurance provider in this country, covering 68 million Americans. Here in Arizona, it is a lifeline for more than 1.5 million people. These are our children, our seniors, and our families who work multiple jobs just to keep the lights on.”

“Republicans pretend to be ‘anti-bureaucracy’ – yet they pass laws that are designed to bury Arizonans in red tape and prevent them from getting Medicaid coverage. This will cause an to lose health care coverage. Meanwhile almost already because Republicans refused to extend Affordable Care Act premium assistance.

This isn’t just about insurance coverage; it’s about the very infrastructure of our state. When you gut Medicaid, you also gut our hospitals. In our rural communities—places like Nogales and Bisbee—this is a matter of survival. Rural hospitals rely on Medicaid to keep their doors open. showed that multiple hospitals across the state are at risk of closing due to Medicaid cuts.”

“I'm a primary care provider and I am on the front lines witnessing something I could have never imagined I would see in this country,” said Joy Maines, PA-C MMS. “The unraveling of care, compassion and the basic solidarity that wants to find us as a nation. It's happening now. It's real and it's frightening. $900 billion dollars or almost a trillion, but I'll say $900 billion dollars in Medicaid cuts, it may sound like a statistic, but statistics don't sit in waiting rooms. Statistics don't receive life altering diagnoses. Statistics don't lose their jobs, their homes or their hope. People do. Our neighbors, our co-workers, the very individuals who hold our communities together.”

“And it's also important for everyone to realize that people that are on Medicaid, they're not poor, they're not lazy, they're not trying to scam the system,” said Chris Fells, Tucson mother and advocate. “People are working and still need to be on Medicaid because they don't have another health insurance option. People on disability go through an extremely difficult process before that is approved. So, I think this stigma that some of our Republican leadership tries to portray, that everyone is out scamming the system and abusing it for Medicaid, is just a ridiculous concept that is so untrue and has to be really focused on so we take that stigma away from people that are on Medicaid and that truly need that.”

You can watch the full event .

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Rep. Grijalva Leads Effort to Rein in For-Profit Charter Schools With New Bill

CHARTER Act would ensure every charter school follows federal law

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva joined Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici in co-leading the Championing Honest and Responsible Transparency in Education Reform (CHARTER) Act, legislation that would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to ensure funds made available under these Acts are not awarded to charter schools that enter into contracts with a for-profit entity for operating, overseeing, or managing the charter school.

“For too long, for-profit companies in Arizona and across the country have exploited loopholes to cash in on our public education system — putting profits ahead of students and operating with little accountability,” said Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva. "That’s unacceptable. Every dollar meant for our kids should be going into classrooms, teachers, and resources — not into corporate pockets. I'm grateful to join Congresswoman DeLauro in introducing the CHARTER Act so that we can make clear that our children are not a business model to be profited off of."

“For-profit companies are disguising themselves as schools, trading in taxpayer funds for boosted profits at the expense of our children’s learning,” said Congresswoman DeLauro. "For-profits, unlike non-profit organizations, are responsible for maximizing profit for their owners and investors, and that creates tension between what is best for students and what is best for profiteers. The CHARTER Act would reaffirm federal law and ensure that for-profit education management organizations can no longer exploit loopholes that have given them access to funding intended for non-profit entities. Education empowers the American Dream, and every child deserves access to a quality education that puts them first— not profits for owners and investors.”

“Profit should never be a driving force in public education, and charter schools should not be exploited to siphon federal funding into for-profit schemes,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “I’m grateful to be leading this initiative with Rep. DeLauro to keep student funding in public schools where it belongs.”

In 2006, the United States Court of Appeals Ninth Circuit Court in Arizona State Board v. United States Department of Education found that the terms ‘‘elementary school’’ and ‘‘secondary school’’ in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) were limited to nonprofit entities, holding that for-profit charter schools were ineligible for Federal funds under the ESEA and the IDEA. In response to the decision, many for-profit charter schools reorganized as for-profit operators of nonprofit organizations, enabling them to continue to receive federal funds under the ESEA and the IDEA. Using this loophole, charter schools run by for-profit education management organizations (EMOs) or other charter school “operators” receive federal funds only to have their schools run by low-quality, for-profit companies determined to extract taxpayer dollars with little to no public transparency.

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Rep. Grijalva Statement on Bulldozing of 1,000 Year-Old Cultural Site During Border Wall Construction on the Tohono O’odham Nation

Tucson, AZ – Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva released the following statement after a Department of Homeland Security contractor damaged a 1,000-year-old cultural site, the Las Playas Intaglio, during border wall construction on the Tohono O’odham Nation. This is not the first instance a cultural site on the Tohono O’odham Nation has been damaged.

“Bulldozing a 1,000-year-old sacred site is not an accident – it’s the predictable result of rushing forward with a (second) wasteful border wall. It is a blatant act of disrespect and an unacceptable violation of tribal sovereignty, traditions, and the ancestry of the O’odham people,” said Rep. Grijalva. “This is not just temporary damage to land – it is irreparable destruction of a sacred place tied to the O’odham people’s history, identity, and spiritual practices, passed down across generations. Unfortunately, this is not the first time a sacred site has been desecrated by border wall construction – and it will not be the last until the federal government takes its legal obligation to tribal consultation and following environmental laws seriously.”

“The Tohono O’odham Nation has been clear: these walls divide their communities, desecrate sacred land, and do nothing to make us safer. DHS must immediately halt construction, fully investigate this incident, and be held accountable for the damage already done. Instead of wasting $46 billion on a harmful and useless second border wall, this Administration should be investing in real solutions that strengthen our communities.”

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U.S. Senate Unanimously Approves Congressman Hamadeh’s Effort to Preserve F-14 Tomcat Legacy

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Wednesday, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the companion bill to Congressman Abe Hamadeh’s Maverick Act of 2026. Congressman Hamadeh’s bill will preserve the last three F-14 Tomcats for public display and educational purposes.

The Maverick Act of 2026 creates a narrow exception to the post-retirement restrictions that have destroyed nearly all F-14s, ensuring that its legacy is preserved. The Maverick Act allows three of the world’s final Tomcats to be demilitarized and transferred for public display and education under strict national security safeguards. It does not restore combat capability or reopen foreign transfer.

“I want to thank Senator Sheehy and his colleagues for passing this legislation aimed at preserving for history one of the most iconic aircraft ever flown,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “As a former U.S. Army officer, I know that many of the men and women I served with felt the same way. That is why I proudly introduced this legislation.”

“I am also grateful to the cosponsors of the bill in the House, who have already offered their enthusiastic support,” stated Congressman Hamadeh.

Original cosponsors of Congressman Hamadeh’s bill include Congressman Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (R-VA), Congressman Austin Scott (R-GA), Congressman Rich McCormick (R-GA), Congressman Jack Bergman (R-MI), Congressman Jake Ellzey (R-TX), Congressman Don Davis (D-NC), and Congressman James Moylan (R-GU).

BACKGROUND:

In an amendment to the FY26 defense bill signed into law by President Trump, Congressman Hamadeh also secured five T-37 jet trainer aircraft from Tucson’s boneyard, saving them from final destruction. These jets trained aces, astronauts, and our first female aviators and now, the Arizona Aviation Historical Group will bring one back to its former glory, promoting historical preservation, STEM, aviation education, and recruitment.

From Naval History and Heritage Command:

The F-14, a carrier-based aircraft, entered the U.S. Navy inventory in 1972 and retired in September 1996.

Known for its AIM-54 Phoenix missile system and its portrayal in Top Gun, it saw extensive service in the Gulf War, the Balkans, and Iraq.


Comisionado Residente: “Al puertorriqueño no le importan las peleas internas; le importa su bolsillo”

RÍO GRANDE, Puerto Rico — El Comisionado Residente de Puerto Rico, Pablo José Hernández, afirmó que Puerto Rico tiene una oportunidad concreta de atraer mayor inversión en manufactura en la agenda federal, y subrayó que capitalizar dependerá de una mayor alineación entre el sector público y privado.

Durante la Convención de la Asociación de Industriales de Puerto Rico, y en el marco del foro “Puerto Rico en la agenda federal: Agilidad, política y oportunidades de desarrollo,” el Comisionado destacó medidas como el Supply Chain Security and Growth Act (H.R. 3128), del cual es coauspiciante, dirigidas a posicionar a Puerto Rico como un destino estratégico para manufactura dentro de cadenas de suministro críticas en Estados Unidos.

“Puerto Rico tiene con qué competir, pero tenemos que estar listos para aprovechar las oportunidades que se están abriendo en Washington.” expresó el Comisionado.

El Comisionado explicó que el entorno actual está redefiniendo dónde se invierte y se produce, creando un escenario competitivo donde Puerto Rico puede avanzar si actúa con enfoque y coordinación. En ese contexto, reafirmó la importancia de fortalecer factores clave para la competitividad, incluyendo un sistema energético confiable y costo-efectivo, con mayor supervisión, inversión en la red eléctrica y resiliencia ante desastres.

A la vez, subrayó que la estabilidad económica también requiere fortalecer el sistema de salud, señalando que asegurar la continuidad de fondos de Medicaid y atender las disparidades en Medicare es fundamental para sostener el crecimiento.

“Cuando ustedes hablan de Medicaid, son la base económica de Puerto Rico explicando lo que pasa si colapsa nuestro sistema de salud… Esto no es caridad. Es estabilidad económica,” expresó.

El Comisionado instó a trascender diferencias partidistas y a que el sector privado se inserte activamente en Washington, enfatizando que atender los retos estructurales del país y capitalizar las oportunidades federales requiere un esfuerzo conjunto. “Las metas comunes deben trascender la política partidista,” puntualizó.

La participación del Comisionado Residente forma parte de una estrategia más amplia para alinear al sector público y privado en torno a una agenda federal que promueva crecimiento económico, estabilidad institucional y mejores condiciones de vida para Puerto Rico.

Para ver la transcripción completa de sus expresiones, accede AQUÍ.

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RELEASE: HILL STAFFER AWARDED WCSA OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARD

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. French Hill (AR-02) today announced that Savannah Berryman, his Director of Operations, was selected as the recipient of the 2026 Operational Excellence Award by the Women’s Congressional Staff Association (WCSA).

The Operational Excellence Award recognizes a scheduler or operations professional whose organization, coordination, and execution are essential to the success of a congressional office. Ms. Berryman was nominated by other Hill staffers in recognition of her exceptional leadership, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to serving Arkansas’s Second Congressional District.

Rep. Hill said, “Savannah is the backbone of this office. She ensures that central Arkansans have every opportunity to meet with my team and me, and she keeps my days on schedule, all while making sure the office runs smoothly. This award is well-earned. I couldn’t be prouder of her, and I’m deeply grateful to have such an outstanding performer on my team.”

Ms. Berryman has been with Congressman Hill’s office for nearly 3 years.

The award was presented on Friday, April 17 at the WCSA Awards Celebration, where Berryman was honored alongside other outstanding congressional staff on Capitol Hill.

The Women's Congressional Staff Association is a bipartisan organization dedicated to fostering professional development and strengthening support systems for women staffers on Capitol Hill, regardless of party affiliation, background, or job title.


Hoyer Statement on Passage of  FY26 Department of Homeland Security Funding Bill

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement on the passage of a bill to fund all agencies within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), except Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE):

"On February 11th, 2026, Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro and I introduced a bill that would fund the law-abiding agencies within the Department of Homeland Security, excluding ICE and CBP. House Republicans rejected this legislation, and DHS shut down 3 days later. On March 27th, 2026, the Senate passed essentially the same bill by unanimous consent, which, again, House Republicans rejected. On April 30th, 2026, the House passed legislation that accomplishes the very objective that Democrats have been pushing for since February 11th – 78 days later.

"After passage of the bill, Speaker Johnson immediately went on to say that every Democrat is against immigration enforcement and border security. That is false. Democrats are against the lawlessness that has resulted in the death and illegal incarceration of U.S. citizens and other individuals. These continued attempts to flip the narrative and avoid accountability for holding this critical funding hostage are shameful. House Republicans kept DHS shut down for over 70 days due to their unwillingness to work across the aisle and find common-sense reforms that protect the American people from the criminal and unconstitutional conduct of ICE and CBP.

"Moving forward, I encourage my Republican colleagues to abandon their partisan agenda and work with Democrats to create substantial reforms to our country’s immigration enforcement."


Rep. Ronny Jackson Secures Major Wins for TX-13 in the 2026 Farm Bill

WASHINGTON — Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) is proud to have secured major wins for TX-13 farmers, ranchers, and producers with passage of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 in the House. The legislation now heads to the Senate for consideration and marks an important step toward strengthening America’s agricultural economy, food supply, and rural communities.

“This legislation delivers certainty for our agricultural producers, strengthens our food supply chain, and ensures the viability of our rural communities,” said Rep. Jackson. “At a time when our farmers and ranchers are facing increased production challenges, moving this bill forward is a critical step towards keeping U.S. agriculture competitive, resilient, and secure.”

Rep. Ronny Jackson’s Included Provisions:

Feral Swine Eradication and Control Program Coordination with Land Grant Universities: Directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to partner with qualified land grant universities, like Texas A&M, to strengthen feral swine control, eradication, and land remediation efforts

Dietary Guidelines Reform Act: Codifies the Trump administration’s evidence-based reforms to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) and removes the Biden administration’s weaponization that promoted radical environmental policies and attacked conventional protein sources

Rural Health Care Technical Assistance Program Act: Codifies and expands USDA’s Rural Hospital Technical Assistance Program, helping to enhance financial and operational capabilities for critical health care facilities in rural America

Pilot Program to Review Effectiveness of Coverage Penalty: Establishes a USDA pilot program to evaluate the effectiveness of crop insurance coverage penalties for late-planted crops in the Texas Panhandle

Agriculture Infrastructure Stability Act: Directs the USDA Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) to develop a crop insurance policy to help cotton producers manage increased risks associated with harvesting crops that were failed in the early growing season, ensuring additional cotton bales are processed throughout the cotton industry supply chain

Enhanced Biosecurity During a Foreign Animal Disease Outbreak: Strengthens USDA’s foreign animal disease preparedness and response capabilities by explicitly including biosecurity assistance and the costs of enhanced biosecurity measures in producer support programs

Lamb Industry Insurance Policy Study: Requires the USDA to conduct a study evaluating the feasibility and design of a federal insurance program for the domestic lamb industry, assessing options to provide sheep producers with risk management tools comparable to those available in other livestock sectors

Adverse Weather Exemption for Livestock Risk Protection Insurance: Directs the USDA to evaluate the potential for additional flexibilities under the Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) program that would allow feeder cattle producers impacted by adverse weather events, including wildfires, to sell covered livestock outside the current 60-day marketing window without losing insurance coverage

15% Cap for Administrative Fees on USDA Animal Disease Program: Ensures more federal funding for the National Animal Health Laboratory Network and National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program is used by eligible entities to conduct critical animal disease surveillance, prevention, and diagnostic work that keep America’s livestock producers safe by capping eligible entities’ administrative costs at no more than 15%

Topline Wins:

Credit:

Updates and modernizes USDA farm loan limits to reflect real-world land values and rising input costs, increasing Guaranteed Operating Loans to $3 million and Guaranteed Ownership Loans to $3.5 million

Allows distressed guaranteed loans to be refinanced into direct loans, helping family farmers and ranchers navigate high-interest-rate environments and volatile commodity markets while maintaining operational stability

Streamlines experience requirements for beginning farmers and ranchers to expand access to credit for new agricultural producers

Establishes a pre-approval pilot program for ownership and operating loans to streamline producer’s access to capital

Strengthens the Farm Credit System and expands partnership flexibility with community lenders to finance essential rural facilities, including health care, childcare, and emergency services infrastructure

Conservation:

Integrates precision agriculture technologies into Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), expanding cost-share support for water conservation, irrigation efficiency, and innovative soil health practices

Maintains the statutory 50% livestock allocation within EQIP, ensuring cattle producers in the Texas Panhandle remain prioritized under working lands conservation programs

Rural Development:

Invests in rural water and wastewater infrastructure through zero- and low-interest loans, principal forgiveness for distressed systems, emergency assistance grants, and codification of the Circuit Rider Program

Reauthorizes and strengthens rural broadband programs, raises minimum speed standards, prioritizes truly unserved areas, and limits overbuilding to ensure responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars while expanding high-speed connectivity across rural America


John James votes to strip pesticide liability shield out of farm bill

Congressman John James (R-Shelby Township, MI-10) issued the following statement after voting for the farm bill, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday:

“This is the biggest win for clean food that we’ve had in my lifetime. I’m pumped about this.

“I voted to strip legal protection from companies that make pesticides and give it back to you. Cancer is on the rise in the Midwest and in much younger people as well. There are serious questions about what pesticides are doing to our bodies, and courts across the country have been ruling against these corporations for years. They’ve been sprayed on food that our kids are eating and for far too long, companies have avoided accountability while Americans pay with our lives. Not anymore. This is the biggest MAHA win yet.

“I also voted to ban foreign governments like China from buying American farmland. It’s our soil, our food supply, and our national security is not for sale.”


Brownley, 47 Members Demand Transparency on Migrant Facility Housing Pregnant Girls

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) and 47 Members of Congress sent a letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. demanding transparency on its alleged policy of detaining girls, including pregnant girls, at the Urban Strategies San Benito (USSB) ORR facility in Texas. In the letter, the members condemned the Trump administration for violating established legal precedent requiring unaccompanied minors have access to all reproductive healthcare options and requested information regarding their care.

The Members requested transparency on HHS’s practice of housing pregnant girls in Texas, a state without access to abortions, writing, “We write to confirm your agency’s alleged practice of placing all pregnant unaccompanied children in the care of a single Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) shelter in San Benito, Texas. If so, this policy would contradict your agency’s Field Guidance #21, which requires ORR to place unaccompanied pregnant minors in states that provide access to the full range of reproductive healthcare options.”

The members continued, writing, “These children have survived extraordinary hardship to arrive in the United States. All are entitled to the full range of medical care, including reproductive health care, as required by ORR’s own regulations. Deliberately placing them in a medically inadequate facility in a state that bans abortion over the objections of the agency’s own health officials is a political decision, not based on the welfare of children.”

Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) led the letter. Other members who signed the letter include: Reps. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (D-GA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Andrea Salinas (D-OR), Veronica Escobar (D-TX), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Maxine Waters (D-CA), Sylvia Garcia (D-TX), Jonathan L. Jackson (D-IL), Danny K. Davis (D-IL), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), James P. McGovern (D-MA), Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Doris Matsui (D-CA), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), Gilbert Ray Cisneros, Jr. (D-CA), Sara Jacobs (D-TX), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Judy Chu (D-CA), Dan Goldman (D-NY), Frederica Wilson (D-FL), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (D-IL), Adam Smith (D-WA), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Maxine Dexter (D-OR), Kelly Morrison (D-MN), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Darren Soto (D-FL), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Dina Titus (D-NV), Deborah K. Ross (D-NC), Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Nydia Velázquez (D-NY), Greg Casar (D-TX), Summer L. Lee (D-PA), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D-FL), James R. Walkinshaw (D-VA).

The full letter is available here.

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With Nearly 200 Prescription Drugs Facing Shortages, Kennedy Delivers $338,000 to D’Youville University School of Pharmacy for New Drug Compounding Space

New, Secure, and Regulated Space will Feature Sterile and Non-Sterile Compounding, Promoting Research and Innovation

Ensuring the Availability of Hazardous Compounding Services is Vital for Treatment of Conditions Such as Cancer

BUFFALO, N.Y. - Congressman Tim Kennedy visited D’Youville University today to announce he secured $338,000 in federal funding for DYU’s School of Pharmacy’s drug compounding space. The project will transform the facility into a secure, regulated space featuring sterile and non-sterile compounding services. The project will promote research and innovation at DYU while addressing critical service gaps in Western New York. Ensuring the availability of hazardous compounding services is crucial given their vital role in treating conditions such as cancer.

“Modern healthcare professionals need access to modern medicine,” said Congressman Kennedy. “D’Youville University’s School of Pharmacy plays a key role in filling the need for highly-trained pharmacists. With this funding, we’re ensuring students have real hands-on experience with the latest cutting-edge technologies, while simultaneously providing access to lifesaving drugs for Western New Yorkers who are facing shortages. As a D’Youville alumnus, I’m incredibly proud to see my alma mater continue to lead the way in innovation and public service.”

“This investment strengthens pharmacy education while directly expanding access to critical healthcare services in our community,” said D’Youville University President Lorrie Clemo, PhD. “By modernizing our compounding facilities, we are better preparing students for high-demand careers and addressing a significant gap in access to complex medications for patients across Buffalo and Western New York.”

New York State Senator April N.M. Baskin said, "Healthcare access remains a challenge in many communities throughout Western New York, so any investments to help bridge that gap are critical. I'm grateful to Congressman Tim Kennedy for securing this funding, which will expand access to life-saving treatments and create new opportunities for students pursuing careers in healthcare."

“I commend Tim Kennedy for securing this funding,” said New York State Senator Jeremy Zellner. “D’Youville University is quickly emerging as a healthcare hub for Western New York, and this investment strengthens both access to care and the workforce pipeline we urgently need. At a time when drug shortages are already impacting patients, expanding safe, regulated compounding capacity locally isn’t optional — it’s necessary.”

Deputy County Executive Lisa M. Chimera said, “At a time when drug shortages are impacting communities across the country, this investment at D’Youville is an important step forward for Erie County. Expanding compounding capacity means patients, especially those undergoing critical treatments like cancer care, can access the medications they need, when they need them. I want to thank Congressman Tim Kennedy for his tireless advocacy and for being a strong partner in delivering resources that strengthen public health across our community.”

Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera said, “This investment in D’Youville University’s School of Pharmacy is a major step forward for both healthcare access and innovation in Western New York. By expanding sterile and hazardous compounding capabilities, this project will help ensure that patients, especially those undergoing complex treatments like cancer care, can receive the medications they need close to home. I thank Congressman Kennedy for delivering this critical funding, which will strengthen our local healthcare infrastructure, support cutting-edge research, and make high-quality, affordable care more accessible for families across the Buffalo community.”

“Thanks to the leadership of Congressman Timothy Kennedy, this investment in D’Youville University will expand access to critical healthcare services and help ensure patients in Buffalo can receive essential treatments closer to home,” said Erie County Legislator Lawrence Dupre. “D’Youville has long been a leader in advancing healthcare access for underserved communities on the West Side, and this project builds on that legacy while making care more accessible and equitable for all.”

The ability to offer hazardous compounding services will allow critical treatments to seamlessly integrate into the local healthcare landscape, promoting convenience, accessibility, and affordability for community members. This project will also enable DYU's School of Pharmacy to meet critical industry standards, which provide for the safe handling of hazardous drugs and compounding quality nonsterile preparations. With the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting more than 14,000 job openings for pharmacists each year for the next decade, the need to prepare students to meet the needs of patients has never been greater. Additionally, the American Society of Hospital Pharmacists reports that there are currently 189 drugs in a state of shortage, further underscoring the need for expanded compounding services to help bridge that gap.

Currently, the nearest sterile, non-sterile, and hazardous compounding provider is approximately 15 miles away, creating transportation and access challenges for many patients, particularly those requiring complex therapies such as genetic, oncology, and research treatments.

Rep. Kennedy is a D’Youville graduate, having earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees in occupational therapy. Prior to entering public service, Kennedy actively practiced as an OT for more than a decade.

About D’Youville University

D’Youville University is a nationally ranked private university founded in 1908 and headquartered in Buffalo, New York, which offers degrees in the health sciences and business. D’Youville University promotes a healthy mind, body, and spirit. Through transformational educational experiences, students are prepared for growth, career success, and upward mobility. For more information, visit dyu.edu.

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$143K for Wildlife Conservation

The Commonwealth’s Division of Fish and Wildlife will receive $143,053, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced Tuesday. This funding is part of $57 million in State Wildlife Grants apportioned for fiscal year 2026 to states and territories nationwide. The award will support conservation efforts for species of greatest conservation need, as identified in the CNMI’s State Wildlife Action Plan. Eligible projects include research, restoration, monitoring, habitat management, and other proactive measures to protect and sustain these species. Congratulations to DFW on t

his investment in conservation.


The Airport and the Road to Recovery

Having served as Chairwoman of the Commonwealth Ports Authority, it was difficult to see the damage at the Saipan International Airport after the super typhoon. I toured the facility on Friday with CPA Executive Director Esther Ada and her team to assess the extent of the impact. The airport took a significant hit. Rebuilding homes and communities is a major task, but restoring our economy is just as important. The airport is central to that. It is how supplies come in, how relief reaches us, and how we reconnect to the outside world. I am grateful to the CPA team for keeping operations moving, supporting incoming relief flights, and working toward restoring full access as part of our recovery.


Assessing Sinlaku’s Impact on Tinian’s Power Plant

On Tuesday, we toured the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation power plant in Tinian to assess firsthand the damage caused by Super Typhoon Sinlaku. We met with CUC Tinian Resident Manager Evelyn Manglona and her dedicated staff who have been working tirelessly to restore essential services in the aftermath of the storm. I was joined by Tinian Mayor Edwin Aldan and Chief of Staff Allen Perez as we discussed immediate recovery needs, long-term resiliency improvements, and the federal support necessary to strengthen our islands against future disasters.


Getting Updates on the Ground

We wrapped up the day at the Commonwealth Health Center, where we met with volunteers and staff from Samaritan's Purse providing free medical services to our community. Alongside CHCC CEO Esther Muna and her awesome team, we toured the hospital to assess the strain this disaster is placing on its capacity and operations. Thank you to the CHCC team and all the volunteers stepping in to make sure care remains available during this time.


On the Ground with Mayor RB

Mayor RB Camacho and the Saipan Mayor’s Office team have been out in the field since before the all clear was declared. You have seen them on the roads and in our villages, clearing debris, reopening access, and checking in on neighbors. In the middle of a busy schedule, Mayor RB took the time to drive me through some of the hardest hit areas. We talked through the realities of response, the needs of his team, and where additional federal support can make a difference. Thank you, Mayor RB, and to the entire Mayor’s Office team for the work you are doing across our island.


On the Ground in Tinian with the Mayor’s Office

I made my way to Tinian to see the impact of the storm on my home island and started with a visit to Mayor Edwin Aldan and his team. We talked through the extent of the damage, how this compares to the effects of Super Typhoon Yutu, and the work ahead to rebuild. It is clear the Mayor and his team know what needs to be done. The focus now is making sure their needs are clearly communicated and that the resources are there to support the work. Thank you, Mayor, and to your team for leading from the front.


Improving Care for Marianas Veterans

Right before Super Typhoon Sinlaku reached our islands, staff from the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee traveled to Saipan. I invited the Committee to the Northern Marianas to begin earnestly advancing the establishment of a Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in the CNMI. Every state and territory already has a CBOC. The CNMI remains the only exception, an unacceptable gap that continues to disadvantage veterans who have served our nation with honor. No veteran should have to board a plane or travel thousands of miles to access necessary medical care. They deserve dependable, local access to the services they’ve earned. This visit marks an important first step, and I want to thank the Committee staff for making the long journey to see firsthand the challenges our veterans face. Establishing our CBOC will take time, but I am committed to seeing it through and ensuring that our vets receive the care and services they deserve.


Meeting with World Central Kitchen Volunteers in Tinian

During my visit to Tinian, we had the opportunity to spend time with local residents who volunteered with World Central Kitchen to provide free meals to residents impacted by Super Typhoon Sinlaku. We are very grateful for their compassion and swift action, as well as the spirit of service they bring to our islands. It is refreshing to see a new generation of Tinian residents take part in the immediate relief and long-term recovery work for the people of Tinian and the CNMI!


Neighbors Showing Up for Neighbors

Our community continues to lead in taking care of one another. On Thursday, I stopped by the volunteer and donation distribution center set up by Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster and the many local partners and volunteers working alongside them. The team was already hard at work preparing to move relief goods out into the community. What stands out is how quickly people have stepped in to help, organizing, showing up, and making sure support reaches those who need it. If you are looking for a way to get involved, there are opportunities to volunteer and be part of this effort. Take a look at this link for more information.


Rota Manamko Center

In Rota, I also toured the Rota Aging Center to see how it was utilized as a shelter during Super Typhoon Sinlaku. I was encouraged to see the facility in good condition and functioning as an important place of safety for residents during the storm. I met with Valerie Apatang, who manages the center, and expressed my appreciation for her leadership and the care provided to our elders and community members. Facilities like this play a critical role in serving our seniors day-to-day, and also in providing refuge when emergencies arise.


Rota Mayor

On Tuesday, I met with Rota Mayor Aubry Hocog and her cabinet to discuss ongoing recovery efforts following Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Our conversation focused on the immediate needs of the community, the status of critical services and infrastructure, and the support required to help families and businesses get back on their feet. While Rota was not hit as hard as Tinian and Saipan, the storm still impacted the community, and it is important that recovery efforts continue without delay.


SAW YOU IN THE NEWS

In the wake of the recent typhoon and the challenges our islands continue to face, stories like this remind us of the strength and promise of our people. We are proud to congratulate Dr. Aliah Kei Hocog Manglona of Rota on earning her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree, becoming the first woman from Rota to achieve this milestone. Her journey is a testament to perseverance, family support, and a deep commitment to serving others. As she begins her medical residency, Dr. Manglona carries with her a vision of one day returning home to care for our community. At a time when access to healthcare remains a critical need in the CNMI, her dedication offers hope for a stronger, healthier future for our islands.


Tinian CHCC

While on Tinian, I toured the Tinian Health Center to assess the damage wrought by Super Typhoon Sinlaku and hear directly from the healthcare professionals serving our community. They provided care under extremely challenging conditions, and continue to work to recover from the storm’s impact on their facility. As recovery efforts move forward, I remain focused on ensuring our healthcare system in Tinian has the support and resources it needs to rebuild stronger and continue delivering quality care to our residents.


WCK Showing Up for Our Community in San Antonio

I stopped by the food distribution point in San Antonio supported by World Central Kitchen, where teams have been on the ground since soon after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Across the island, many have seen their presence. The focus has been simple and steady, making sure people have access to food as recovery continues. What stood out during the visit was the level of organization and care in how they are operating. Just as important, they are sourcing food and supplies locally, which keeps that support moving through our own economy. Thank you to World Central Kitchen for being here and for the work you are doing for our community.


Krishnamoorthi Presents Harper College with $765K He Secured for Quantum Science Education, Joins Roundtable on Quantum Program

PALATINE, IL — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), a senior member of the House Oversight Committee, today visited Harper College to present $765,000 in federal funding he secured to modernize science lab infrastructure and expand access to quantum science education.

“Quantum technology is already transforming our economy by revolutionizing industries like cybersecurity, healthcare, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing,” said Krishnamoorthi. “The funding I secured will help ensure students in our community have real access to this field—not just in theory, but through hands-on learning that leads to good-paying jobs. By building a stronger pipeline from the classroom to careers, we’re strengthening our workforce and keeping Illinois competitive. The future of this technology should be built here at home.”

“We are grateful to Congressman Krishnamoorthi for his ongoing support of Harper College, our students and our state,” said Dr. Avis Proctor, Harper president. “As a member of the Chicago Quantum Exchange, Harper has embraced what’s possible with quantum science and is committed to bringing those opportunities to our community. This funding will allow us to expand connections with our K-12 partners and introduce students to a field that is no longer theoretical, but full of real-world applications and career pathways.”

The funding will support hands-on learning opportunities that introduce students—from middle school through community college—to careers in quantum science and technology, including interactive demonstrations, classroom-based tools, and educator training. During the visit, Krishnamoorthi joined Harper College leadership, educators, and quantum industry partners for a roundtable discussion on the college’s quantum program and the growing demand for skilled workers. He also participated in a check presentation and met with students.

Quantum science focuses on how matter and energy behave at the smallest scales, enabling breakthroughs in fields such as cybersecurity, healthcare, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. As these technologies move from research to real-world application, demand for talent is accelerating—quantum job postings have increased by roughly 180 percent in recent years, with only about one qualified worker for every three open roles. These high-paying careers, averaging more than $130,000 annually, are driving innovation across the economy and highlight why investments like this are critical to ensuring our communities can compete for the jobs of the future.


Representatives Massie and Gluesenkamp Perez Introduce Bipartisan Bill to End Capital Gains Taxes on Family Farms

For Immediate Release

Contact:

John Kennedy, 202-225-3645 (Rep. Massie)

Vince Morris, 202-225-3536 (Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez)

Washington, D.C.- Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) announces the introduction of H.R. 8591, the No Capital Gains Tax on Family Farms Act. The bill removes capital gains on the sale or exchange of a farm between family members (including children, siblings, cousins, and their spouses). Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) is the co-lead on the legislation.

"This bill will allow farmers to sell their land to family members without being forced to pay punitive capital gains taxes," said Rep. Massie. "This change to the tax law will help sustain America's multi-generational family farms by reducing the financial pressure on landowners to sell productive farmland to real estate developers and data center operators."

“The wealth and health of our nation is married to the soil health and vitality of our farms-this bill recognizes that we need to change financial structures to advance the generational work of good farming,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “When a loved one dies and ag land is split up for taxation, it disrupts the generational work that it takes to build healthy soil. By its very nature, the work of building healthy soil can’t be done on the same cycle as a 30-year mortgage. We can’t treat land like any other financial asset, as though we’re just dividing nickels and dimes, and expect good results. Current tax policy breaks up generations of work and planning. The end result of that approach is an erosion of national health- I’m glad to work with my colleague on a solid step towards keeping farmland together and working.”

Under current law, if a farmer were to sell their land to a child and retire, the transfer would incur steep capital gains taxes. The No Capital Gains Tax on Family Farms Act changes this by allowing qualifying family-to-family transfers to happen without incurring capital gains tax. Under the terms of the legislation, gains from the sale of qualified farm property are excluded from gross income.

To discourage the immediate resale of farmland to property developers, the farm recipient retains the original basis of the property for a 10-year holding period. After that period, the basis steps up to the fair market value at the time of transfer, encouraging long-term family ownership while deterring short-term speculation.

Original cosponsors of H.R. 8591 include Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA), Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO), Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN), Rep. Eric Burlison (R-MO), Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA), Rep. Warren Davidson (R-OH), Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC), Rep. Julie Fedorchak (R-ND), Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC), and Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX).

The text of the No Capital Gains Tax on Family Farms Act is available at this link.

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Congressman Max Miller Introduces China-Africa Mining Transparency Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Max Miller (OH-07), alongside Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) and Congresswoman Young Kim (R-CA), today introduced the China-Africa Mining Transparency Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at exposing human rights abuses and environmental harm linked to Chinese-operated mining operations across Africa.

The legislation responds to growing concerns over the Chinese Communist Party’s role in exploitative mining practices tied to the global supply chain for critical minerals, including cobalt, gold, and iron.

“The United States cannot turn a blind eye while the Chinese Communist Party and its affiliated entities profit from forced labor, child labor, and environmental devastation,” said Congressman Max Miller. “This bill is about accountability, transparency, and ensuring American companies and consumers are not unknowingly supporting abusive mining operations abroad.”

“When America steps back, China steps forward, and nowhere is that more evident than in Africa. From labor abuses to environmental harm, vulnerable communities have been left worse off because of the unfair practices of the Chinese Communist Party,” said Rep. Jared Moskowitz. “It’s not right, and the United States cannot be complicit in it. I’m proud to work with Rep. Miller on this important legislation to shine a light on these horrific practices and ensure accountability where it’s long overdue. We cannot let exploitation define the global market. It’s time we hold these bad actors accountable and bring transparency back to our supply chains.”

“Nowhere are the costs of China’s mining practices more evident than in sub-Saharan Africa. From environmental degradation to labor abuses, Chinese firms have too often left communities worse off,” said Rep. Young Kim (CA-40), Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific. “I commend Rep. Miller for leading the effort to shine a light on these practices and hold bad actors accountable.”

Bill text available here.

One-pager here.

Editor’s note regarding Congressman Miller:

Congressman Max Miller represents Ohio’s Seventh District, which includes Medina and Wayne counties as well as parts of Cuyahoga and Holmes counties. Miller serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. The Republican sophomore members selected Miller as their representative to the Republican Steering Committee. He is a member of the Republican Study Committee and the Main Street Caucus. Before joining Congress, Miller spent six years in the Marine Corps Reserves and served in several senior positions for President Donald Trump. Please visit https://maxmiller.house.gov for more information.

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Congressman Griffith’s Weekly E-Newsletter 5.1.26

Supporting Parental Rights

As the father of three children, I understand the role the parent plays in supporting their child’s growth in education, athletics and health.

I believe the parent is a fundamental partner in nurturing the child’s growth. But this development is usually impacted by public schools.

All three of my children attended public schools for their K-12 education.

Like many parents in Virginia, I remember how concerned I was about critical race theory and gender ideology in 2021 when these issues came to people’s attention, primarily in Northern Virginia.

Some local Virginia public schools adopted policies that seemingly embraced these beliefs. Such misguided policies allowed boys in girls’ sports and locker rooms. Unfortunately, these ideas became a part of some classroom studies.

You may remember the infamous debate between then-gubernatorial candidate Glenn Youngkin and Democratic Governor Terry McAuliffe.

In that debate, McAuliffe showed his deference to critical race theory and gender ideology: “I don’t think parents should be telling schools what they should teach.”

And just like that, his comments sparked national attention on the issues of critical race theory and gender ideology.

Youngkin capitalized on these comments and Democrats’ standing on these issues. His 2021 upset victory was fueled in part from these issues.

In 2024, Trump also capitalized on these issues during his winning campaign.

Following Trump’s election, his Administration has worked to root out radical critical race theory and gender ideology in the federal government.

On Day One, Trump signed an Executive Order entitled “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government.”

This Executive Order defined the federal policy of recognizing two sexes, male and female.

As a result, federal agencies removed any language from agency communications, statements, policies, etc. that promote gender ideology. Among documents removed included the “White House Toolkit on Transgender Equality.”

The Order also barred federal funds from promoting “gender ideology.”

He also signed another Executive Order, entitled “Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation.”

The radical left’s push to indoctrinate children so that they can change their sex via so-called “gender-affirming care” has had profound consequences on American children.

Troubled minors that undergo such dangerous procedures subject their bodies to irreversible harms. Those who later regret mutilating themselves have no way to reverse the damage and conceive children.

Trump’s Executive Order cracks down on these life-altering procedures.

In response to Trump’s Order, numerous U.S. health systems stopped or downsized their sex change programs for minors.

In Virginia, the VCU Health and Children’s Hospital of Richmond suspended gender-affirming medication and gender-affirming surgical procedures.

Before Trump’s election and his Orders, House Republicans including me set in motion ideas to support pro-parent and pro-children policies.

Republicans’ push against gender ideology culminated in the Parents Bill of Rights Act.

This bill strengthened parents’ access to education curriculum and budget materials.

The then-Democratic majority in the Senate refused to stand with parents and blocked the Parents Bill of Rights Act.

This did not deter House Republicans, as we continue to work to codify the Trump Orders into law.

In the 119th Congress, I voted with House Republicans to pass the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act.

This legislation protects the integrity of female athletics and ensures that only biological women are allowed to participate in women’s sports programs.

Unfortunately, all House Democrats opposed this legislation. And sadly, the Senate has yet to act on the bill due to Democrats’ use of the modern filibuster.

Later in this Congress, I spoke on the House floor in support of the Protect Children’s Innocence Act.

While managing the procedural rule on this bill, I went toe-to-toe with Democrats in debate to speak in favor of this bill that protects minors from dangerous and permanent life-altering medical procedures.

The bill prohibits federal Medicaid dollars from funding gender transition procedures.

I will also be voting for the Stopping Indoctrination and Protecting Kids Act when it gets to the floor.

This bill strengthens parental consent in situations where a school is attempting to change a minor student’s gender markers, preferred name, and sex-based accommodations.

Radical gender ideology has no business in the classroom, in the locker room or on the ball field.

I will continue to fight the radical left’s anti-parent ideas, vote to protect children from dangerous life-altering procedures and advocate for American families.

If you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website at https://morgangriffith.house.gov/. Also on my website is the latest material from my office, including information on votes recently taken on the floor of the House of Representatives.

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Griffith Announces $983,749 in HHS Grants to Virginia Tech

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Virginia Tech, based in Blacksburg, Virginia, two grants that total $983,749. The breakdown for the grants includes:

$564,763 for Discovery and Applied Research for Technological Innovations to Improve Human Health on parent-infant interactions

$418,986 for Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research on the hypothalamus and its interactions with other organs

In response to these grant notices, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“Innovative research is fundamental to exploring improvements in human health.

“These HHS grants, which total nearly $1 million, help support Virginia Tech’s research.”

BACKGROUND

As a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Griffith serves as the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee.

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Nadler, 47 Members Demand Transparency on Migrant Facility Housing Pregnant Girls

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) and 47 Members of Congress sent a letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. demanding transparency on its alleged policy of detaining girls, including pregnant girls, at the Urban Strategies San Benito (USSB) ORR facility in Texas. In the letter, the members condemned the Trump Administration for violating established legal precedent requiring unaccompanied minors have access to all reproductive healthcare options and requested information regarding their care.

The Members requested transparency on HHS’s practice of housing pregnant girls in Texas, a state without access to abortions, writing, “We write to confirm your agency’s alleged practice of placing all pregnant unaccompanied children in the care of a single Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) shelter in San Benito, Texas. If so, this policy would contradict your agency’s Field Guidance #21, which requires ORR to place unaccompanied pregnant minors in states that provide access to the full range of reproductive healthcare options.”

The members continued, writing, “These children have survived extraordinary hardship to arrive in the United States. All are entitled to the full range of medical care, including reproductive health care, as required by ORR's own regulations. Deliberately placing them in a medically inadequate facility in a state that bans abortion over the objections of the agency's own health officials is a political decision, not based on the welfare of children.”

Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) led the letter. Other members who signed the letter include: Reps. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (D-GA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Andrea Salinas (D-OR), Veronica Escobar (D-TX), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Maxine Waters (D-CA), Sylvia Garcia (D-TX), Jonathan L. Jackson (D-IL), Danny K. Davis (D-IL), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), James P. McGovern (D-MA), Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Doris Matsui (D-CA), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), Gilbert Ray Cisneros, Jr. (D-CA), Sara Jacobs (D-TX), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Judy Chu (D-CA), Dan Goldman (D-NY), Frederica Wilson (D-FL), Julia Brownley (D-CA), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (D-IL), Adam Smith (D-WA), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Maxine Dexter (D-OR), Kelly Morrison (D-MN), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Darren Soto (D-FL), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Dina Titus (D-NV), Deborah K. Ross (D-NC), Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Nydia Velázquez (D-NY), Greg Casar (D-TX), Summer L. Lee (D-PA), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D-FL), James R. Walkinshaw (D-VA).


Neal Statement on Latest Trump Data Exposure

SPRINGFIELD, MA—Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement after the Washington Post discovered the Trump Administration exposed Social Security numbers in a new Medicare database:

“Enough is enough. The more we learn about how the Trump Administration handles the people’s most sensitive data, the clearer their incompetence becomes. Ways and Means Democrats have been sounding the alarm for well over a year, only to be ignored and utterly dismissed by House Republicans. Now, we learn the Trump Administration didn’t even realize it was advertising the Social Security numbers of Medicare providers in their latest half-baked database until they were told by the Washington Post. If that’s not enough to compel House Republicans to investigate, what will it take? Do House Republicans need to see their own data exposed before they do right by their constituents and act?

“The people need answers, and we won’t stop fighting until we get them.”

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