Reps. McGarvey and Garbarino Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Education Resources for Deafblind Children

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 05, 2026) – Today, Congressmen Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) and Andrew R. Garbarino (NY-02) introduced the Helen Keller Education Act, a bill to improve educational resources for children and youth who are blind and low vision or deafblind.

“Any kid without the right resources in a classroom is going to struggle to reach their full potential, and it’s no different for deafblind students,” said Congressman McGarvey. “The Helen Keller Education Act makes sure these students are getting specialized instruction with trained teachers in an environment that brings out their best. I appreciate Rep. Garbarino’s partnership and advocacy on this legislation as we keep fighting to get every student the education they deserve.”

“Every student deserves access to the tools and support they need to succeed in the classroom,” said Congressman Garbarino. “For children who are deafblind, that often requires specialized services and trained professionals who understand their unique needs. This bipartisan legislation will help ensure students have access to the resources necessary to receive a quality education. I’m proud to work with Congressman McGarvey to support these children.”

The Helen Keller Education Act aims to ensure deafblind youth receive the same education as their peers by:

Requiring states to identify deafblind children even if they are classified and receiving supports under a different disability category;

Including intervener services to Individuals with Disabilities Education Act related services;

Requiring states to file a deafblind services addendum within 2 years of enactment;

Strengthening evaluations and Individualized Education Program (IEP) requirements for deafblind students;

Improving early intervention; and

Expanding personnel preparation for teachers, interveners, and early intervention specialists.

The full text of the bill can be found here.

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Congressman Morgan McGarvey represents Kentucky’s Third Congressional District, including Louisville and Jefferson County. He serves on the House Veterans’ Affairs, Small Business, and Budget Committees.


Reps. McGarvey and Rutherford Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Help Children with Hearing and Vision Disabilities

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 05, 2026) – Today, Congressmen Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) and John H. Rutherford (FL-05) introduced the Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan Macy Act (Cogswell-Macy Act), a bill to improve educational resources for children and youth who are blind or low vision, deaf or hard of hearing, deafblind, or deafdisabled.

Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), are leading companion legislation in the Senate.

“No disability should get in the way of a student’s education, but right now too many students aren’t getting the specialized support they need to get the same education as their peers,” said Congressman McGarvey. “The Cogswell-Macy Act closes that gap for students who are deaf, blind, or deafblind so they don’t miss out on critical information in the classroom and makes sure every child is set up for success.”

“As the representative for the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind and as Co-Chair of the Congressional Deaf Caucus, I have advocated for Deaf and hard of hearing Americans throughout my career in Congress,” said Representative Rutherford. “My experience with Deaf and hard of hearing students across my district has taught me how valuable equitable access to education can be for individuals with disabilities. I am proud to join Representative McGarvey and our colleagues in reintroducing the bipartisan, bicameral Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan Macy Act, which would improve education and services for children and youth who are blind, visually impaired, Deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind. Every student deserves to learn in an environment that suits their needs.”

The legislation has been endorsed by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals, Addis Ababa University, Department of Special Needs and Inclusive Education, American Council of the Blind, American Council of the Blind of New York, American Council of the Blind of Ohio, American Council of the Blind of Western New York, Inc., Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired, Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired South Carolina, Carroll Center for the Blind, CATT Program at AIDB, Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth, Center of Vision Enhancement, Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf (CEASD), Council of Citizens with Low Vision International, Cultivating Inclusion, DeafBlind Community of Texas, DeafBlind Community United, DGCKids, Golden Triangle Council of the Blind, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Haramaya University College of Education Behavioral Science, Department of Special Needs & Inclusive Education, Hawaii Association of the Blind, Hunter College CUNY, Programs in Blindness/Visual Impairment, Illinois Council of the Blind, Kansas Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Inc., Lighthouse Louisiana, Lighthouse of Central Florida, Louisiana Association for the Blind, National Intervener & Advocate Association, Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind & Hard of Hearing, National Association of the Deaf, National Council on Independent Living, National DeafBlind Coalition, National Family Association for DeafBlind, New Mexico School for the Blind & Visually Impaired, New York Institute for Special Education, Pennsylvania Council of the Blind, Pennsylvania Partnership for the DeafBlind, St. Joseph's School for the Blind, Statewide Independent Living Center of Hawaii, Success Beyond Sight, Tampa Lighthouse for the Blind, Tempe Elementary School District 3, Texas School for the Deaf, The Alliance of and for Visually Impaired Texans (AVIT), The Gibney Family Foundation, Vermont Association to the Blind and Visually Impaired, VIA Visually Impaired Advancement, VisAbility, Vision Interventions and Parental Supports (VIPS), Wayfinder Family Services, Westchester Council of the Blind of New York, and Xavier Society for the Blind.

The full text of the bill can be found here.

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Congressman Morgan McGarvey represents Kentucky’s Third Congressional District, including Louisville and Jefferson County. He serves on the House Veterans’ Affairs, Small Business, and Budget Committees.


Messmer Celebrates House Armed Services Committee Passage of the FY27 National Defense Authorization Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today,Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN), a member of the House Armed Services Committee and co-chair of the Congressional Hypersonics Caucus, applauded committee passage of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) during this year’s markup process.

“My Republican colleagues and I are working together with President Trump to fortify our country’s national security, and this National Defense Authorization Act delivers on our shared goals,” said Rep. Messmer. “In order to keep Americans safe from harm, our defense industrial base must receive the support it requires to meet the threats facing our nation. The FY27 NDAA will strengthen critical supply chains, expand munitions and shipbuilding capacity, and accelerate the next generation of military technology. By making these crucial investments, this bill ensures that America’s military remains the strongest and most lethal force in the world.”

“Years of underfunding our national defense has left us with a hollowed-out industrial base, and an inability to produce for our warfighters at speed and scale,” said House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL). “Congressman Messmer understands the need to make a generational investment in our national security, and he’s provided valuable contributions to the FY27 NDAA. As the representative for the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane, he’s been a strong advocate for advancing our hypersonic capabilities and other strategic systems, which are needed both for our homeland defense and as a deterrent to our adversaries. With his continued leadership, we’ll rebuild the Arsenal of Freedom and strengthen American deterrence.”

BACKGROUND:

The FY27 National Defense Authorization Act includes provisions to revitalize the defense industrial base, restore critical weapons stockpiles, raise servicemember pay, strengthen missile and nuclear deterrence, accelerate the deployment of emerging technologies like hypersonics and autonomous systems, and improve accountability within the Department of War.

The legislation also expands domestic manufacturing capacity, strengthens supply chain security, supports workforce development initiatives, and reduces barriers for small businesses and innovative defense contractors.

The NDAA also contains several wins for Indiana’s 8th Congressional District, including:

Critical funding for defense programs that will be researched, tested, and developed at Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane, such as $175 million for the Nuclear Sea-Launched Cruise Missile;

Supports increased funding up to $1 billion for the MACH-TB program at Crane;

Advanced funding for Low-Cost Hypersonic Weapons;

A dedicated fund for the Golden Dome for America program, which will provide a foundation for a layered missile defense system; and

Accelerated production for more munitions and solid rocket motors.

To learn more about how Rep. Messmer is supporting America’s warfighters in the House of Representatives, click here.

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Rep. Rogers Praises Committee Passage of the FY27 NDAA

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03) released the following statement praising House Armed Services Committee passage of the Chairman’s Mark of H.R. 8800, the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (FY27 NDAA), advancing legislation that revitalizes the defense industrial base, strengthens American deterrence, and gives servicemembers the support they need to defend our nation.

“The world is becoming more dangerous and it has never been more important to have a strong, ready, and capable fighting force to defend our nation,” said Rep. Rogers. “The FY27 NDAA strengthens our ability to defend ourselves and deter our adversaries by revitalizing our defense industrial base, investing in innovative technologies, and restocking the Arsenal of Freedom. With this authorization of $1.15 trillion in discretionary funds, we’re delivering on President Trump’s commitment to bring defense spending up to 4.5% of our GDP, and to reach a topline investment of $1.5 trillion in FY27.”

“The FY27 NDAA reflects months of oversight, hearings, member engagement, and collaboration to ensure the U.S. military remains the most capable and lethal fighting force in the world,” Rogers continued. “I appreciate the bipartisan effort that went into this bill, and I look forward to advancing this legislation so we can give our warfighters the resources they need to strengthen our deterrence and defend our country.”

The bill was favorably reported to the House by a vote of 44-12.

Read more about the FY27 NDAA here:

FY27 NDAA Committee Markup

FY27 NDAA Factsheet - Rebuilding the Arsenal of Freedom

FY27 NDAA Chairman's Mark One Pager

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Congressman Moran Announces Texas First Congressional Service Award

U.S. Representative Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) announced the 2026 recipients of the third annual Texas First Congressional Service Award. The award exemplifies the spirit of community, leadership, and dedication to service that defines the students of East Texas.

“It is an incredible honor to recognize the next generation of East Texas leaders through the Texas First Congressional Award,” said Rep. Moran. “Each of these students embodies the values that make our communities strong—hard work, integrity, and a heart for service. I applaud each of them for going above and beyond to serve their schools, communities, and our great state of Texas.”

The Texas First Congressional Service Award is not a scholarship, but rather a service award to recognize deserving students in the First Congressional District of Texas. Nominees should be one male and one female from each school, preferably at the junior or senior level.

For more information or to make nominations, please email MoranStudentServices@mail.house.gov.

Recipients of the 2026 Texas First Congressional Service Award:

Bishop Gorman High School

Samuel Vogler — 11th Grade

Molly McCabe — 11th Grade

Brook Hill High School

Danger Troy — 11th Grade

Jirah Park — 11th Grade

Carlisle High School

Yesenia Alvarez —12th Grade

Cole West — 12th Grade

Chapel Hill High School

Sebastian Sepulveda — 12th Grade

Christian Heritage Classical School

Michael Cherry — 12th Grade

Coleigh Buckland — 12th Grade

DeKalb High School

Diego Andres — 12th Grade

Amari Shaw — 12th Grade

Gladewater High School

Samantha Brown — 12th Grade

John Dru Watson — 12th Grade

Hallsville High School

Payton Rice — 12th Grade

Rianna de Paula Jund — 12th Grade

Laneville High School

Hallie Williams — 11th Grade

Longview High School

Kennedi Simmons — 12th Grade

Marshall High School

Rennick Taylor — 12th Grade

Teresa Lopez — 12th Grade

McLeod High School

Patrick Dickerson — 12th Grade

Molly Terry — 12th Grade

Mount Enterprise High School

Brody Black — 12th Grade

Kaydense Sprayberry — 12th Grade

Mount Vernon High School

Caden Johnson — 12th Grade

Lorena Castillo — 12th Grade

New Boston High School

Hope Hudson — 12th Grade

Corbyn Smithson — 12th Grade

Panola Early College High School

David Cawthon — 12th Grade

Pine Tree High School

Celeste Baker — 12th Grade

Dylan Medrano — 12th Grade

Texas High School

Yaneira Mendoza — 12th Grade

Iyanna Foreman — 12th Grade

Trinity School of Texas

Emilio Mendez — 12th Grade

Brianna Medina — 12th Grade

Tyler High School

Tristen Taylor — 12th Grade

Francesca Austin — 12th Grade

Tyler Early College High School

Irving Degollado — 12th Grade

Molly Johnson — 12th Grade

Tyler Legacy High School

Sydney Cook — 12th Grade

Jordan Harris — 12th Grade

West Rusk High School

Kylee Blackmon — 11th Grade

Mason Gibbs — 11th Grade

Whitehouse High School

Valen Preusse — 11th Grade

Emma Simpson — 11th Grade

Not Pictured:

Center High School

Priw Say — 12th Grade

Nathan Newton — 12th Grade

Chapel Hill High School

Shiloh Smith — 12th Grade

Lindale High School

Kylon Kincaid — 12th Grade

Mollee-Kate DeWolfe — 12th Grade

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Congressman Griffith’s Weekly E-Newsletter 6.5.26

Rural community representation is important for Virginia and the United States.

Our communities have unique needs and special interests. This applies in agriculture, health care and many other fields.

Virginia’s Ninth District is overwhelmingly rural.

This contrasts with other urban and suburban parts of the Commonwealth, like Northern Virginia.

I usually hear people express their concerns that politicians in Richmond and D.C. promote the interests of Northern Virginia at the expense of the rest of the state, primarily our rural communities.

These concerns simmered during the recent Democratic Party’s redistricting push in Virginia. Richmond Democrats sought to reduce Republican representation in the U.S. House from 5 seats to 1 seat.

To do so, the proposed districts would force many rural communities into districts dominated by Fairfax County.

Northern Virginia’s political power would grow even more!

Fights over representation extend across the Potomac River where Democrats want to make D.C. the 51st state.

In 2021, I voted against Democrats’ H.R. 1 which endorsed D.C. statehood.

I also voted against Democrats’ H.R. 51, the Washington, D.C. Admission Act, which granted D.C. statehood under the name “Washington, Douglass Commonwealth.”

I will continue to oppose partisan efforts that create two new seats in the U.S. Senate for the Democratic Party.

However, one proposal in Congress would impact D.C. representation and its influence on the Commonwealth.

The Make DC Square Again Act sets in motion the process for Arlington County and the City of Alexandria to retrocede to Washington, D.C.

Some argue that this move is the constitutional return of two jurisdictions back to is its rightful place.

In 1790, Congress passed the Residence Act.

This established a District of Columbia to serve as the capital seat of the national government starting in 1800.

This act had to comply with Article 1, Section 8, Clause 17 of the U.S. Constitution, which in part stipulates that Congress has the power to:

“exercise exclusive Legislation…over such District (not exceeding ten Miles Square) as may…become the Seat of the Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State…”

In order to establish this capital in D.C., Virginia and Maryland each consented to cede land.

The 1789 Virginia General Assembly, which composed of members like Patrick Henry, signed an act that ceded area south of the Potomac River.

As President Washington outlined in his proclamation defining the boundaries of the District of Columbia, the 10-square mile boundary would be the permanent seat for the U.S. government.

These boundary lines remained in place for many years until the 1840s, when slavery was among the matters complicating Congress.

That decade, Congress voted to abandon the 10-square mile arrangement and give the area south of the Potomac to Virginia.

While Virginia accepted the retrocession, I believe legal issues on this matter may remain.

Revival of the D.C. square concept debate today creates conflicts within Democratic circles. National Democrats continue to advocate for D.C. statehood.

I believe renewal of the D.C. square bolsters those who want D.C. statehood.

I think that is wrong and constitutionally questionable because the District of Columbia was set up to be a federal district, not a state, by the framers of the Constitution!

They specifically wanted a seat of government which owed allegiance to no state.

Thus, I think the proper solution is to retrocede the rest of the D.C. square to Maryland, reserving a small federal District of Columbia where the small number of voters would be allowed to vote in Maryland.

I have a bill that will give representation to D.C. residents without accommodating Democrats’ partisan demands to create a 51st state.

My Washington, D.C. Residents Voting Act retrocedes D.C. proper to Maryland. Every D.C. resident would become a Maryland resident and have Maryland representation.

Accordingly, these residents would access voting members in both the U.S. Senate and U.S. House.

Meanwhile, a new, condensed D.C. would consist of federal properties such as the White House, U.S. Capitol and U.S. Supreme Court.

My bill would unlock for Maryland a very similar process that Congress and Virginia exercised in the 1840s.

As a result, the D.C. square would be effectively buried in history.

This may turn the page on D.C. representation, but it will not change my resolve to fairly represent and protect the interests of rural communities in Virginia.

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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Moskowitz and Donalds Release Bipartisan Hurricane Preparedness PSA for Florida Families

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23) and Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL-19) released a bipartisan public service announcement urging Floridians to prepare now as hurricane season gets underway. The PSA covers critical preparedness steps every Floridian should take before a storm strikes, including assembling a disaster supply kit, understanding evacuation zones, and knowing the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning.

“Hurricanes don’t care whether you’re a Democrat or a Republican; they hit everyone,” said Congressman Moskowitz. “That’s why I’m proud to join Byron Donalds to deliver this message together. Floridians should not wait until a storm is on the radar to start preparing. Get your kit ready, have seven days of supplies, know your evacuation zone, and download the FEMA app today.”

“Protecting Florida communities is a shared duty that transcends any political divide. The safety and security of all Floridians is paramount, especially as we enter this hurricane season. I am proud to join my colleague, Congressman Moskowitz, in urging all Floridians to take proactive steps today. Don’t wait for a storm. Prepare today: get seven days of supplies, know your evacuation route, and stay ready,” said Congressman Donalds.The PSA urges Floridians to take the following steps before a storm arrives:

Assemble a disaster supply kit that can last you seven days, including water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, medications, and important documents.

Know your evacuation zone and follow instructions from local emergency management officials.

Understand the difference between a hurricane watch and a warning. A watch means hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours; a warning means they are expected within 36 hours.

Have a plan for pets. Know where you can take them, pack food and supplies, and make them part of your evacuation plan. Not all shelters accept pets, so it is imperative that you have planned where you’ll bring your pets ahead of time. Contact your veterinarian for a list of preferred kennels and facilities and make a plan to ask your local animal shelter if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets.

Download the FEMA app for real-time weather alerts and nearby shelter locations.

Businesses should plan ahead to protect employees, maintain communications, and secure property before a storm hits.

Floridians are encouraged to stay informed through their local emergency management office and the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

As the only former Director of Emergency Management in Congress, Moskowitz served as Florida’s Director of Emergency Management from 2019-2021, where he oversaw the state’s response to major disasters, including Hurricane Michael and the COVID-19 pandemic. He has continued that work in Congress, focusing on strengthening disaster preparedness and ensuring communities have the resources they need when disaster strikes.


Nadler, Goldman Statement on H.Con.Res.84 Vote

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressmen Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) Dan Goldman (NY-10) released the following statement following their vote against H.Con.Res.84:

Today we voted no on H.Con.Res.84, a war powers resolution dealing with the current conflict in Lebanon. We opposed this resolution because it would establish a dangerous precedent in the interpretation of the War Powers Resolution, but let us be clear: Our vote today should not be taken as an approval of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s prosecution of Israel’s military action in Lebanon.

Regardless of the intentions of this resolution, it is predicated upon a premise that is both flawed in its theory and dangerous in its application. The key legal trigger for war powers resolutions is demonstrating that the United States is engaging in “hostilities” in the context of a particular conflict. However, this resolution failed to include even that most basic standard in its drafting. To the extent that American armed forces are present in Lebanon, it is to support the current Lebanese government, which deserves our assistance.

The assertion that general intelligence sharing alone constitutes engaging in “hostilities” is without merit. Critically, implementing such a standard would create a dangerous precedent around the world — implicating the United States in every conflict that includes any party with whom the United States shares intelligence. Such a proposition is as naïve as it is dangerous to American national security and global stability.

Our vote today was not to absolve Netanyahu of responsibility, nor was it to approve of the prosecution of the war in Lebanon. Indeed, when H.Con.Res. 108 – a war powers resolution that targets substantiated “hostilities” that may arise in Lebanon – comes to the floor, we intend to vote in favor.


Norcross’ workforce protections, investments in defense manufacturing pass House Armed Services Committee

WASHINGTON — Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01), ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee’s (HASC) Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee and Member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, today voted to advance the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

“America's self-defense is wholly reliant on the servicemembers and civilian workforce who dedicate their lives to keeping our country safe. At a time when seemingly everything else in Washington is broken, I’m proud of our committee’s bipartisan commitment to serving those irreplaceable workers and men and women in uniform,” Norcross said. “From essential workplace rights protections to investments in the critical manufacturing happening right in South Jersey, the provisions in this bill will make a meaningful difference in the security of our country and the rest of the world.”

The Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) NDAA improves military readiness and strengthens American industry by cutting red tape, fixing outdated systems, and supporting defense innovation. The FY27 NDAA also includes a 3.6% pay raise for all servicemembers and boosts access to housing and education for themselves and their families.

Norcross also authored a successful amendment to protect Department of Defense employees by restoring collective bargaining rights that President Trump illegally stripped in an executive order last year. His remarks to the committee in support of his amendment can be found here.

Other FY27 NDAA priorities secured by Norcross include:

Over $591 million for seven additional CH-47 helicopters, which will be manufactured by South Jersey workers in nearby Ridley Park across the Delaware River;

Over $3.8 million for four additional MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters that South Jersey workers will help build in Philadelphia;

Over $3.47 billion for the KC-46 refueler aircraft, which flies out of Joint Base McGuire-Dix Lakehurst;

$5 million to Rowan University for the development of hypersonic technologies;

Required a DoD study on the state of the skilled trade workforce essential to Navy shipbuilding to strengthen the training and workforce pipeline and increase our Maritime Industrial Base shipbuilding capacity;

Preserved critical airborne warning and control capabilities by protecting an $800 million investment in the E-7 Wedgetail program from cancellation;

Ensured shipbuilding jobs are kept in the U.S. by blocking the Navy from outsourcing warship construction to foreign countries.

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RILEY SECURES COMMITMENT FROM AG SECRETARY TO HELP PROTECT UPSTATE FARMLAND THREATENED BY SOLAR DEVELOPMENT

At a House Agriculture Committee hearing, Riley and Secretary Rollins agreed to work together to oppose the Shepherd’s Run project in Copake, keep farmland in the hands of Upstate farmers.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — At a hearing of the House Committee on Agriculture yesterday, Rep. Josh Riley (NY-19) and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins found bipartisan common ground on protecting Upstate New York farmland. The two agreed to work together at the federal level to defend the town of Copake, NY, where Albany bureaucrats have greenlit a proposed large-scale solar project against local opposition.

“The whole community pulled together–residents, farmers, small business owners, community leaders, Democrats, Republicans–everyone is trying to stop this thing,” said Riley. “But a bunch of unelected bureaucrats in Albany are letting the project plow ahead. They’re overruling our neighbors and handing beautiful Upstate farmland to an out-of-state corporate developer so they can pave it over and install Chinese solar panels.”

Proposed by Chicago-based Hecate Energy, the Shepherd’s Run project would convert roughly 215 acres of productive farmland in Copake into a 42-megawatt industrial solar facility. New York’s Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) issued draft permit conditions in November 2025, allowing the project to move ahead despite 17 local zoning violations and overwhelming opposition from the Town of Copake, the Columbia County Board of Supervisors, and local residents.

At the hearing, Riley pressed Secretary Rollins to work together at the federal level to protect farmland and towns like Copake. “I’m not sure that there’s a more righteous battle than the battle to save this farmland,” Rollins said. “I would welcome that.”

Riley’s advocacy is part of his broader work to protect Upstate agriculture. His legislation to stop foreign adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party from buying up American farmland, and more than a dozen measures to support Upstate agriculture and rural communities, were included in the bipartisan Farm Bill, which passed the House in May.

You can watch Rep. Riley’s remarks HERE, and see a transcript below:

REP. RILEY: I want to tell you about Copake. This is a beautiful rural town in Columbia County, a really tight-knit community of a few thousand people. They actually have this great car show that I like to take the kids to at Waubeeka Family Campground every summer. But today, Copake is being targeted by a billion-dollar out-of-state corporate developer called Hecate Energy that wants to cover our land with their solar panels. And it’s not just any solar panels — these are solar panels made by a Chinese company with ties to slave labor.

These developers should be using American supply chains, not Chinese supply chains. And if they’re building anywhere, build on parking lots and brownfields or the rooftops of cities, not in beautiful farmland in Upstate New York. But they’re targeting places like Copake because it’s a small town and they think they can steamroll us to make a buck for themselves.

Copake is small, but they fight. The entire community — residents, farmers, small business owners, Democrats, Republicans, independents — everyone got together to fight back against this thing, and passed 17 zoning laws to stop this project from coming in. But there’s this group called ORES. It’s a bunch of unelected bureaucrats in Albany, and they are overriding the residents of Copake and letting Hecate plow ahead. They’re literally overruling our neighbors and handing this beautiful Upstate New York farmland to corporate developers using Chinese supply chains.

If they succeed, this is going to be such a tragedy — not just for towns like Copake that deserve better. In 2024 and 2025 alone, we lost 500 farms and 100,000 acres of farmland in Upstate New York. And if we don’t change course, we’re going to lose it all.

One of the reasons I supported the Farm Bill is because it included my legislation to stop China from buying American farmland. This is basically the same thing we’re dealing with here.

I saw your tweet last week raising the alarm about this, including in Upstate New York. As you know, I’m always looking for ways to find common ground and shared values, and I think this might be one of them. So my question, with the time remaining, is: what can you and I do together at the federal level to protect our farmland and save towns like Copake?

SECRETARY ROLLINS: I’m not sure there’s a more righteous battle than the battle to save this farmland.

REP. RILEY: I look at it as like we have to take action federally to return control to local people. The power should be with the people in Copake, not a bunch of unelected bureaucrats. And if you and I need to work together federally to return that power to them, let’s do that.

SECRETARY ROLLINS: I would welcome that. We’re already on it, so let’s loop you into that work.

REP. RILEY: Thanks, Secretary. Appreciate it.

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Rouzer, Bipartisan Primary Care Caucus Co-Chairs Introduce P...

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman David Rouzer (R-NC-07), along with the bipartisan co-chairs of the Congressional Primary Care Caucus, Representatives Joe Courtney (D-CT-02), Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02), and Ami Bera (D-CA-06), introduced H.R. 8765, the Prioritizing Primary Care Act of 2026 to better understand how federal healthcare spending can guide policies to expand primary care access and improve patient outcomes nationwide.

Research consistently shows use of primary care systems are associated with better health outcomes, lower healthcare costs, and improved access to care. Despite these benefits, the United States currently dedicates just five percent of total healthcare spending to primary care. H.R. 8765 requires the federal government to submit reports on primary care spending under federal healthcare programs and establishes a working group on primary care.

“Families across the country, particularly in rural areas like Southeastern North Carolina, continue to face a shortage of primary care providers,” said Congressman Rouzer. “That shortage makes it harder to access the consistent, preventive care needed to improve health outcomes and save lives. This legislation will help us better understand how federal healthcare dollars are being spent and how those investments can more effectively support primary care, improve patient outcomes, and thereby lower healthcare costs for patients and taxpayers.”

"We know that investing in primary care results in better health outcomes for patients and savings on other services. By measuring federal spending on primary care services across federal agencies that provide health care coverage to Americans and standardizing accounting for those services, we can give ourselves the basis of knowledge we need to increase investment in primary care,” said Congressman Joe Courtney.

“Primary care plays a critical role in reducing long-term healthcare costs, preventing chronic illness, and limiting overcrowding in emergency rooms," said Congresswoman Jen Kiggans. "As a geriatric nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how access to quality primary care can improve outcomes and strengthen communities. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Prioritizing Primary Care Act to ensure federal healthcare dollars are being invested effectively and to improve access to quality care for families across the nation!”

“As a doctor, I know that primary care is the foundation of a healthier, more affordable health care system,” said Congressman Bera. “Investing in primary care helps prevent disease, improve patient outcomes, and lower costs over the long term. This bipartisan bill will help us better understand how federal health care dollars are being spent and identify ways to expand access to care, especially in rural and underserved communities."

The Prioritizing Primary Care Act of 2026:

Requires federal agencies to submit annual reports to Congress detailing the specific percentage of healthcare spending allocated to primary care.

Establishes a federal working group to develop targeted recommendations for expanding the primary care workforce, with a dedicated focus on rural and medically underserved communities.

You can find the full text of the Prioritizing Primary Care Act 2026 here.

The Congressional Primary Care Caucus, originally established in 2015 by Congressman David Rouzer (NC-07) and Joe Courtney (CT-02), works to educate Congress on the importance of a comprehensive, continuous, coordinated, and patient-centered primary care system for communities across the country.


Rep. Sara Jacobs Votes Against NDAA Due to Lack of Constraints on Weaponization and Politicization of Military

Following the egregious topline of $1.15 trillion and a lack of meaningful constraints on the Trump Administration’s illegal and reckless use and threats of the military, Rep. Sara Jacobs voted against the FY 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in the House Armed Services Committee.

Rep. Sara Jacobs said: “Millions of Americans can’t afford gas and groceries to get through the week, and yet my colleagues green-lit a $1.15 trillion military budget anyway. True security and strength won’t be created by endlessly building ships and planes that pad defense contractors’ bottom lines and embolden a military-first approach. It will come from investing in our best asset – the American people – which we’ve largely failed to do.

“President Trump has treated the military as his own personal enforcer to do his dirty work – whether that’s illegal deployments to American cities, strikes in Iran and off the coast of Venezuela, or conducting domestic law enforcement. He’s even threatened to send troops to polling locations and invade Greenland and Cuba. And yet, this bill fails to enact guardrails on this obvious politicization and weaponization of our military.

“While I’m proud of the provisions I secured to expand access to IVF, guarantee transparency on the Minab strike, deliver right to repair, and ensure transparency and accountability of the Pentagon’s use of AI, I can’t in good conscience support a bill that fails to protect the use of our military in such unprecedented times.”

Rep. Sara Jacobs secured the following provisions in the FY27 NDAA:

Improving Military Quality of Life

Expands TRICARE coverage of comprehensive infertility diagnoses and treatments – including in vitro fertilization (IVF) for active-duty service members and their dependents – through Rep. Sara Jacobs’ Bipartisan for Military Families Act

Increases the cost-of-living adjustment by lowering the threshold of what’s deemed a high-cost area, so more locations qualify and more service members receive greater, meaningful support

Urges the Secretary of Defense to create a military child care pilot program to increase the number of community infant and toddler care providers near select installations in areas with high child care costs or a significant lack of accessible child care

Modifies the child care nanny reimbursement process by allowing the Pentagon to pay families directly

Excludes the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) when calculating a service member’s eligibility to receive the Basic Needs Allowance, allowing more service members and their families access to necessary support

Codifies policy for TRICARE to allow Active Duty servicemembers, and their beneficiaries, to receive up to a full year’s supply of contraception.

Permanently allows the Secretary of Defense to authorize mid-year temporary adjustments to BAH to address sudden cost-of-living spikes and lowers the threshold from 20% to 15%, allowing for larger adjustments to service members

Strengthens oversight of military housing by mandating the reporting of window falls

Prohibits private military housing companies from asking military families to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)

Requires a chaperone to be present at any sensitive examination performed by an obstetrician-gynecologist at a military medical treatment facility

Prohibits military appellate courts from overturning verdicts based on factual sufficiency

Requires the Department of Defense to establish a policy banning the display of hate symbols by servicemembers and civilian employees, with guidance, training, and implementation oversight across the military

Requires a briefing on how the Department of Defense is implementing the recommendations outlined in the IG report about neglect and mistreatment of military working dogs.

Requires a report on the status of the statutorily required Military Justice Review Panel

Requires a briefing on how the Department of Defense is implementing the GAO recommendations on military suicide prevention training effectiveness

Directs GAO to review how the military services have implemented involuntary separations for non-disciplinary reasons from 2021–2026, with a focus on consistency, transparency, costs, and impacts on service members and force readiness.

Upholding Human Rights, Enforcing Domestic and International Laws, and Preventing Conflict

Requires the Pentagon to share its investigation with Congress into the strike on the girls’ elementary school in Minab, Iran, which reportedly killed more than 175 students and teachers, and make an unclassified version of the report available to the public

Requires a report listing all the DoD authorities subject to the Foreign Assistance Review

Authorizes full funding, consistent with FY2026 levels, for institutional capacity building of partner militaries through the Institute for Security Governance (ISG) account and humanitarian support and demining through Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster, and Civic Aid (OHDACA), and the Defense Institute of International Legal Studies (DIILS)

Requires a report on the Combatant Commanders’ implementation of their civilian harm mitigation response responsibilities, including personnel

Requires a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) to conduct a 20-year assessment of U.S. counterterrorism strategy and policy in Somalia

Requires a report on the Pentagon’s strategy to address armed violence in Nigeria

Requires a report on the status of Global Fragility Act implementation

Ensuring AI Transparency and Accountability

Preserves human accountability and responsibility for the use of force involving autonomous and AI-enabled systems by requiring policies to identify the human commanders or operators responsible for authorizing, supervising, and terminating such use of force.

Creates a Department-wide AI incident and vulnerability reporting program to report, track, analyze, and remediate AI incidents and vulnerabilities across the development, testing, procurement, fielding, and operation of DoD AI systems, including risks arising from human-machine teaming.

Promotes effective use of AI-enabled systems by requiring training to help operators appropriately rely on, question, or override AI outputs.

Requires common definitions or categories for AI systems deployed on Department enterprise AI platforms, including systems with agentic capabilities, to support acquisition clarity, testing, authorization, and operational adoption.

Requires DoD, in updating policies and guidance for autonomous and AI-enabled systems associated with the use of force, to adhere to existing law requiring human involvement in the nuclear launch process

Advancing Improved and Accountable Procurement at DoD

Delivers “Right to?Repair” for major weapons systems. Contractors must hand over the parts, tools, and technical data service members need to fix their own gear.

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Rep. Simpson Advances World Center for Birds of Prey Funding

WASHINGTON—Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson highlighted the inclusion of $8,500,000 in funding for the Global Conservation Education and Condor Recovery Center Project in Boise, Idaho, at his request through Community Project Funding (CPF) in the Fiscal Year 2027 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.

“The Peregrine Fund and Boise State University's collaborative efforts in raptor conservation, science, and species recovery will position Idaho as a continued leader in this field,” said Rep. Simpson. “As a longtime supporter of Boise State University, The Peregrine Fund, and the critical work that they both do, I am proud to advance funding for the proposed recovery center. The late Dirk Kempthorne, one of Idaho's most effective public servants and a dear friend of mine, championed species recovery efforts and strongly supported this project.”

“We are grateful to Congressman Simpson for securing this vital funding, which will help protect and preserve Idaho's birds of prey — magnificent animals that are deeply woven into our state's cultural identity and essential to the health of our ecosystems. This investment will advance critical scientific research and bring meaningful educational outreach to communities across Idaho, ensuring that future generations understand and appreciate the irreplaceable role these birds play in our natural world,” said Boise State University Vice President of Research and Economic Development Dr. Nancy Glenn.

“Congressman Simpson has long recognized that The Peregrine Fund's approach — rigorous science, durable partnerships, and measurable results — is exactly how endangered species get recovered. This investment doesn't just support the condor; it establishes Idaho as a global center for collaborative conservation excellence and ensures the next generation of scientists carries that model to ecosystems around the world,”said Chris Parish, President & CEO, The Peregrine Fund.

This funding will be used to enhance the partnership of Boise State University and the Peregrine Fund organization by constructing and renovating certain facilities and infrastructure at the World Center for Birds of Prey outside of Boise, Idaho.

Despite claims that CPF projects are "wasteful earmarks," Community Project Funding gives Members of Congress like Congressman Simpson the opportunity to bring Idaho tax dollars back home for Idaho priorities. These projects fill a clear and present need in communities across Idaho and enjoy broad community support. The federal dollars designated for CPF projects exist within existing budget limits. Rather than that money going to fund projects in different states, CPF projects give Idahoans a critical voice in determining where budgeted funding goes.

As Idaho’s only appropriator, Rep. Simpson has a unique opportunity to fight for Idaho’s priorities and ensure Idahoans’ hard-earned tax dollars return to Idaho.

The Global Conservation Education and Condor Recovery Center Project is a part of the Fiscal Year 2027 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. This measure has been approved by the House Appropriations Committee.


Stefanik Advances Historic Wins for Fort Drum, Rome Labs, Upstate New York, the North Country, and America in the FY27 National Defense Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, House Republican Leadership Chairwoman Elise Stefanik, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, voted to advance the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 out of Committee.

“Today, as a senior Member of the House Armed Services Committee, I was proud to help lead and shape this year’s national defense bill to strengthen our military in the face of rapidly evolving threats. This legislation restores peace through strength by rebuilding our defense industrial base, modernizing our military acquisition system, accelerating emerging technologies, and increasing the readiness and lethality of America’s fighting force,” said Chairwoman Stefanik.

“As the leading advocate for Fort Drum, the 10th Mountain Division, Rome Labs, and Upstate New York, I am proud to announce that I secured critical provisions and funding priorities that will strengthen our national security, support military families, expand cutting-edge defense innovation, and reinforce New York’s 21st Congressional District as a cornerstone of America’s defense and technological superiority. These provisions directly support President Trump’s America First national security agenda and ensure the United States remains the strongest military power in the world.”

The FY27 NDAA authorizes $1.15 trillion in investment in national defense modernization, emerging technologies, military readiness, missile defense, and servicemember quality of life - areas that I have led on throughout my tenure in Congress.

The House version of the NDAA will next be considered by the full House of Representatives.

Chairwoman Stefanik secured numerous provisions to support Fort Drum, the 10th Mountain Division, Rome Labs, Upstate New York, military families, America’s defense industrial base, and our strategic allies, including the following:

Strengthening Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division

Directs the Secretary of the Army, in coordination with the Commanding General of the 10th Mountain Division, to provide a briefing to the House Committee on Armed Services regarding next-generation weapons systems and Army modernization efforts.

Supports continued multi-domain operational modernization and experimentation activities benefiting Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division.

Requires the Secretary of the Army to establish a plan to diversify counter-unmanned aircraft systems to better protect American forces from evolving drone threats.

Supports operational experimentation and advanced lethality modernization initiatives benefiting close combat formations.

Supports continued investments in multi-domain operational readiness and contested environment modernization.

Delivering Major Wins for Rome Labs, Upstate New York, and the North Country

Secured more than $38 million in committee-approved funding and authorizations supporting quantum computing, quantum networking, defense innovation, operational experimentation, and next-generation military technologies.

Secured $10 million to support quantum entanglement distribution research, advancing next-generation secure military communications and resilient networking capabilities.

Secured $10 million to demonstrate a Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Quantum System, strengthening America's ability to operate in contested environments where GPS may be degraded or denied.

Secured $5 million for Ion-Trap Quantum Computer research supporting next-generation Air Force applications and operational capabilities.

Secured $3 million to expand Defense Innovation Unit ONRAMP activities that accelerate the transition of innovative technologies from startups and nontraditional defense contractors to warfighters.

Authorizes $2.5 million for the Future Flag Operational Experimentation Testbed supporting Air Force Research Laboratory Rome and operational experimentation activities conducted in Lewis, New York.

Authorizes $2.5 million for Photonic Quantum Computing research and operational transition activities associated with Air Force Research Laboratory Rome.

Authorizes $2.5 million for Distributed Quantum Networking Testbed and Quantum Cloud Computing Environment activities supporting secure military communications and operational resilience.

Authorizes $2.5 million for Autonomous Battle Management Across the Full Spectrum of Conflict (ABaMASC) supporting next-generation operational command and control capabilities.

Supports continued Air Force Research Laboratory quantum modernization initiatives and operational experimentation efforts.

Supports advanced LiDAR-enabled Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) technologies to improve force protection against emerging drone threats.

Directs the Department of Defense to provide a report on the use of rare earth magnets and recognizes the importance of establishing a secure domestic supply chain for critical materials and permanent magnets.

Directs the Department of Defense to provide a report regarding domestic production capabilities for aluminum-lithium alloys manufactured in Massena, New York.

Supports strengthening the Northeast defense innovation ecosystem and opportunities for nontraditional defense contractors.

Supports expansion of quantum networking, artificial intelligence, operational experimentation, and defense innovation partnerships across New York’s 21st District.

Supporting Military Families and Servicemembers

Supports the largest pay raise and compensation improvements for servicemembers and their families, strengthening recruitment, retention, and military readiness.

Includes provisions to reduce challenges military families encounter when relocating across state lines, particularly regarding school enrollment, credit transfers, academic continuity, and access to special education services.

Supports Department of Defense Impact Aid programs that help school districts serving Fort Drum military families meet the unique needs of military-connected students.

Requests a pilot program focused on improving childcare workforce compensation and expanding access to affordable, high-quality childcare for military families.

Requires a report evaluating Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) policies regarding student cell phone usage and screen time impacts to support student achievement and well-being.

Strengthens military housing oversight and quality-of-life initiatives to improve living conditions for servicemembers and their families.

Expands support for spouse employment, educational opportunities, and family readiness programs that help military families thrive while serving our nation.

Supporting America’s Ally Israel

Requests a report on the current status, condition, and adequacy of the War Reserves Stockpile for Allies–Israel (WRSA-I) to ensure critical readiness and deterrence capabilities.

Modifies and extends the United States-Israel Anti-Tunnel Cooperation Program through 2028 to strengthen joint efforts against terrorist tunnel networks.

Modifies and extends United States-Israel Counter-Unmanned Systems (C-UAS) cooperation authorities to improve defenses against evolving drone threats.

Authorizes robust funding for United States-Israel cooperative missile defense and security programs, reinforcing America's commitment to Israel's security.

Establishes expanded emerging technology cooperation initiatives with Israel focused on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, quantum technologies, automation, and other critical defense capabilities.

Strengthens bilateral defense research, development, testing, and evaluation efforts to accelerate innovation and maintain our shared technological edge.

Reinforces the strategic partnership between the United States and Israel in the face of growing threats from Iran and its terrorist proxies.

Confronting Communist China and Foreign Adversaries

Prohibits defense companies from contracting with the Department of Defense if they work with Chinese military companies or their subsidiaries.

Secured inclusion of the Trucking Security and CCP Disclosure Act, requiring motor carriers transporting Department of Defense freight to certify that they are not owned, controlled by, or maintaining significant business relationships with Chinese military companies identified under the Department of Defense's Section 1260H list.

Establishes a Secure Defense Freight Carrier Registry to strengthen national security vetting of motor carriers handling Department of Defense freight and help prevent adversary-linked entities from accessing sensitive military supply chains.

Establishes additional safeguards involving Department of Defense research and post-employment restrictions.

Clarifies that projects removing Communist Chinese port crane hardware and software remain eligible for federal grant funding.

Supports efforts to strengthen domestic critical mineral, semiconductor, microelectronics, and rare earth supply chains.

Supports strengthening America’s strategic position in the Indo-Pacific and confronting Chinese military aggression.

Keeping Pace with Emerging Technologies in the 21st Century

Supports accelerated modernization of artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, autonomous systems, and advanced operational experimentation.

Encourages expanded use of secure communications technologies supporting Special Operations Forces and contested environment operations.

Supports continued modernization of defense software acquisition and emerging technology procurement.

Authorizes the Department of Defense to expand Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) activities to strengthen innovation partnerships and accelerate operational technology transition.

Supports operational experimentation involving advanced autonomous systems, AI-enabled battle management, and secure quantum communications.

Strengthening America’s National Defense

Supports acquisition reform initiatives to reduce bureaucracy, accelerate modernization, and improve efficiency for taxpayers.

Supports continued investments in missile defense modernization and next-generation air and missile defense architecture.

Authorizes robust investments supporting force readiness, operational modernization, and advanced military technologies.

Supports efforts to strengthen America’s defense industrial base and secure critical supply chains.

Advances policies designed to ensure the United States maintains military superiority against adversarial threats.

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Stefanik Leads Intelligence Committee Review of Post 9/11 Intelligence Reforms

House Republican Leadership Chairwoman Elise Stefanik led an Intelligence Committee hearing to discuss the progress made on intelligence-related recommendations made in the 9/11 Commission Report and identify possible gaps and areas for improvement. This hearing is part of a year-long bipartisan review of the 9/11 Commission Report recommendations ahead of the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks later this year.

Read a full transcript of her opening statement as prepared for delivery:

Elise Stefanik: Thank you to Chairman Crawford, Ranking Member Himes, and my Co-Chair Congressman Gottheimer for working with me to convene today’s vitally important hearing. This is our FIFTH hearing or briefing as part of this commission.

Twenty-five years ago, our Nation endured the September 11th terrorist attacks that were beyond comprehension and forever changed the course of American history.

In the aftermath of 9/11, it became clear that our national security and intelligence architecture needed to evolve to meet a rapidly changing threat landscape. The reforms that followed strengthened coordination, intelligence sharing, and our ability to detect and disrupt threats on our homeland.

Today’s hearing is an opportunity to examine those reforms, assess what has worked, identify areas that require modernization, and ensure we continue adapting to emerging threats of today and the future.

The purpose of this commission is to review the effectiveness of the reforms that emerged from the 9/11 Commission Report and to evaluate whether our intelligence and national security institutions are fully equipped to address today’s challenges and tomorrow’s threats.

While the world has changed dramatically over the past twenty-five years, one reality remains constant: America continues to face determined adversaries who seek to exploit vulnerabilities and undermine our national security.

We are now confronting a rapidly evolving threat environment that includes advanced drone technologies, foreign malign influence operations, cyberattacks, biothreats, and artificial intelligence developments with profound national security implications.

Congress has a responsibility to confront these issues directly. We must ensure that our national security and intelligence institutions remain agile, forward-looking, and prepared to stay ahead of the evolving threat landscape before our adversaries can exploit gaps.

Today we are joined by a panel of witnesses who played significant roles in strengthening our intelligence community and national security framework in the years following 9/11.

Thank you all for being here today. I look forward to your testimony and to a thoughtful discussion on how we continue protecting the American people in an increasingly complex threat environment.

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Rep. Steube and Sen. Cotton Introduce No Safe Haven for Terrorist Families Act

WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) and Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) have introduced the No Safe Haven for Terrorist Families Act, legislation to revoke visas from close family members of terrorists and close loopholes to prevent them from obtaining visas in the future.

“Terrorists and their families should not be allowed to take advantage of our immigration system and live comfortably in the United States,” said Rep. Greg Steube. “If you are related to someone who has committed acts of terrorism against Americans, you should not be welcomed into our country. The No Safe Haven for Terrorist Families Act puts Americans’ safety first and closes this dangerous loophole.”

“Relatives of terrorists have no business being in our country. My bill would revoke visas from family members of terrorists to keep Americans safer,” said Senator Tom Cotton.

“America must never be a safe haven for the families of terrorists who seek to exploit our immigration system while promoting anti-American and antisemitic extremism. I am proud to support the No Safe Haven for Terrorist Families Act which closes dangerous loopholes that have allowed relatives of designated terrorists to legally reside in the United States such as those tied to the Islamic Regime of Iran and Hamas,” said Chairwoman Elise Stefanik.

In addition to Sen. Cotton and Chairwoman Stefanik, this legislation is also co-sponsored by Reps. Byron Donalds, Wesley Hunt, and Barry Moore.

The No Safe Haven for Terrorist Families Act would revoke existing visas from terrorists’ close family members and prohibit them from obtaining future visas. This legislation would create a permanent ground of inadmissibility preventing spouses, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews of designated terrorists from receiving visas or immigrating to the United States.

The legislation also requires the Secretary of State to revoke any existing visa held by a covered family member within 30 days after determining that the family member is inadmissible. By closing this loophole, the No Safe Haven for Terrorist Families Act ensures terrorists’ close family members cannot use America’s immigration system to gain entry into or remain in the United States.

Background: Iranian Quds Force Commander Qasem Soleimani’s niece and grandniece, known for spreading anti-American and pro-terror propaganda, were allowed to legally reside in the United States on visas for years.

Current U.S. immigration law does not automatically prohibit close family members of designated terrorists from obtaining tourist, student, or work visas. Therefore, relatives of individuals responsible for terrorism against the United States and its allies have been able to enter and remain in the country.


Strickland Secures Quality of Life Improvements for Servicemember and their Families

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA10), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after the House Armed Services Committee passed H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027 (NDAA).

“Improving the lives of our servicemembers, their families, and the thousands of others serving JBLM continues to be my top priority in the annual defense policy bill,” said Strickland. “This bill is set to build on the quality of life for servicemembers and their families, housing, access to healthcare, childcare support, nutrition, and continued support for JBLM, and so much more. The legislation is a bipartisan commitment to showing up for those who serve our country.”

Under Strickland’s leadership and advocacy, the bill includes key provisions to boost the quality of life for servicemembers and their families:

Confederate Base Names

Renames bases to follow the recommendations from the Congressionally established Confederate Naming Commission for military bases that honored Confederate leaders.

Housing

Removing the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) from the calculation of gross household income to determine a servicemember’s eligibility for a basic needs allowance.

Create an assessment to evaluate whether faster, more cost-effective replacement authorities are improving living conditions and accelerating modernization.

Give permanent authority for Temporary BAH Increases- making it easier for the Department of Defense (DoD) to provide temporary BAH increases in places with housing market spikes or major disruptions.

Childcare + Healthcare

Providing no-cost dental coverage under TRICARE for some junior enlisted members of the Selected Reserve.

Military healthcare provisions that will improve the Defense Health Agency’s accountability, military treatment facility administration, TRICARE beneficiary protections, maternal health, autism care, suicide prevention, and more.

An assessment to look into the DoD’s pilot program to expand childcare capacity through partnerships with commercial providers and identify opportunities for expansion.

$50 million for Impact Aid and $20 million for students with disabilities, and supporting military-connected children with severe disabilities – including additional targeted support for local educational agencies.

Health + Nutrition

Requiring the DoD to provide information regarding food access and childcare to servicemembers receiving permanent change of station orders.

An amendment pushing DoD to publicly display inspection ratings and improve accountability for food service quality.

Create a process for DoD claims related to service-connected asbestos exposure and remove time limitations associated with long-latency diseases.

Joint Base Lewis McChord

$89 million for an Airfield Fire and Rescue Station at JBLM.

$35 million for a SOF Tactical Equipment Maintenance Facility at JBLM.

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is Whip of the New Democrat Coalition, Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus, and is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress.

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Rep. Dina Titus Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Public Lands

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01) introduced bipartisan legislation, H.R.9167, with Representatives Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Joe Neguse (CO-02), and Ryan Zinke (MT-01) to prevent future efforts to sell off public lands through the Congressional reconciliation process.

“Our precious public lands should never be used as revenue raisers for partisan issues,” said Congresswoman Titus. “Last year, I spearheaded the effort to stop the proposed sale of 65,000 acres of land in Southern Nevada without our consent. Now I am joining Representatives Vasquez, Ciscomani, Neguse, and Zinke to introduce legislation that would prevent similar proposals from advancing in the future.”

Under the Congressional Budget Act, Congress can pass legislation affecting revenue and spending through both chambers with a simple majority vote. The Public Lands Integrity Act would designate any reconciliation provision to sell or dispose of public lands as “extraneous” under this process, preventing land grabs from advancing in the U.S. Senate under the so-called “Byrd rule.” This will help ensure that land sales in Nevada are not conducted outside of the SNPLMA process, and that proceeds are not diverted back to Washington to pay for initiatives that do not directly benefit the residents of the Silver State.

"Public lands belong to the American people, not the highest bidder," said Congressman Vasquez. "Last year, we saw serious attempts to sell off millions of acres of public land through a fast-tracked process that limited public input and debate. This bipartisan bill makes sure future Congresses cannot use reconciliation as a backdoor to sell lands that belong to hunters, anglers, ranchers, Tribes, outdoor businesses, and families across the country.”

“Our public lands should never be subject to backroom deals or rushed budget negotiations. Selling or disposing of them through reconciliation is the wrong approach,” said Congressman Ciscomani. “That’s why I’m proud to co-lead the bipartisan Public Lands Integrity Act. Southern Arizona is home to some of the nation’s most beautiful and treasured public lands, including Saguaro National Park, Mount Lemmon, and Sabino Canyon. The Public Lands Integrity Act ensures decisions about our public lands are made openly, through regular order, and with full public input. This legislation protects these treasured spaces and helps ensure future generations can experience and enjoy the same natural beauty that makes Arizona and our country so special.”

“Our nation's public lands belong to the people and are held in trust for future generations. They don’t belong to political appointees or special interests, and I'm proud to partner with my colleagues to ensure that remains true,” said Congressman Neguse. “Last summer we fought off efforts to sell-off millions of acres across the Rocky Mountain West—and we must continue to fight to ensure the reconciliation process cannot be used as a vehicle to force the sale of these treasured spaces. Republican or Democrat—representing red, purple, or blue districts—one sentiment continues to ring true: our public lands are not for sale.”

Senators Bennet, Wyden, and Heinrich have introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

Background:

Congresswoman Titus is a founding member of the Public Lands Caucus and a staunch defender of Southern Nevada’s public lands.

In September 2025, Congresswoman Titus introduced the first ever Congressional resolution recognizing National Public Lands Day.

Last year, after House Republicans added provisions to the reconciliation bill to sell off 65,000 acres of land in Southern Nevada to pay for tax cuts for billionaires, Congresswoman Titus successfully removed those provisions through an amendment.

Congresswoman Titus has championed efforts to establish National Monuments throughout Nevada, including Avi Kwa Ame in 2023, Gold Butte in 2016, and Basin and Range in 2015.

On January 7, 2026, Congresswoman Titus sent a letter to the leaders of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee urging them to oppose Stevan Pearce’s nomination to serve as Director of the Bureau of Land Management over concerns about his record on public lands and National Monuments.

On February 14, 2025, Congresswoman Titus led Nevada’s Congressional Democratic Delegation in a letter to Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum urging him not to roll back designations of national monuments.

Congresswoman Titus leads an annual appropriations letter calling for robust funding for the Bureau of Reclamation’s National Conservation Lands account.

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Rep. Tokuda Fights to Protect Hawaiʻi Lands, Secures Key Priorities in Annual Defense Policy Bill

Washington D.C. – U.S. Representative Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, helped advance H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2027. During the day-long committee markup, Rep. Tokuda successfully blocked a provision to authorize unilateral condemnation by the Army of military training lands in Hawaiʻi. The congresswoman also secured key priorities brought forward by constituents during state-wide listening veterans' sessions, such as expanding emergency disaster response and increasing funding for barracks maintenance. The measure passed the House Armed Services Committee by a 44-12 vote, with Rep. Tokuda voting in favor of its passage.

“The annual defense bill is a critical vehicle for ensuring national security, but my top priority will always be making sure those goals respect the people, land, and culture of Hawaiʻi,” said Rep. Tokuda. “My goal in these negotiations was to keep land condemnation entirely out of this defense bill. Working with the leadership of our committee, we are ensuring federal overreach is stopped at the starting line and that any future for our training lands must be built on good-faith negotiation with our local community.”

“While we successfully locked in critical constituent-driven wins, from expanding immediate local disaster response to patient chaperones at military clinics and recognizing atomic civilian employees, our work is far from over,” continued Rep. Tokuda.

The Committee voted to include several provisions authored by Rep. Tokuda, many of which were proposed by her constituents, including:

Increasing the military's ability to respond swiftly to community needs after natural disasters—such as the recent Kona Low Storms—by extending the immediate response window from the current 72 hours to one week.

Adding new and expanded requirements to invest in barracks maintenance and renovation, which will enable more service members to live in quality on-base housing and reduce the burden on the community’s limited housing supply.

Requiring the Defense Department to expand procurement of fresh local food for commissaries and dining facilities for service members in the Indo-Pacific region, helping to grow local agricultural industries.

Establishing a DoD commemorative service medal for U.S. Government civilian and contractor employees who participated in the cleanup of radioactive material in the Pacific Islands and elsewhere.

Responding to hundreds of instances of abuse of patients at Tripler Medical Center and Fort Hood, a requirement that patients be provided trained chaperones during sensitive examinations and procedures performed by an obstetrician-gynecologist at a military clinic or hospital.

Prohibiting awarding defense contracts to contractors that employ individuals convicted of sex trafficking.

Requiring the military to notify law enforcement no later than three hours, and next of kin no later than 8 hours, after commanders learn that a service member is missing.

Expanding the health care workforce by establishing new behavioral health programs at Uniformed Services University and authorizing residency programs for civilian medical providers working in the Military Health System.

Strengthening the military justice system by limiting the ability of military courts of appeals to overturn verdicts based on disagreements with factual findings of the trial panel, beginning the process to establish a standalone offense of hazing under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and requiring that investigations of alleged sexual harassment by Marines and sailors be conducted by professional investigators at the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.

Increasing pay for JROTC instructors in Hawaiʻi and other locations outside of the continental United States to reflect the higher cost of living.

Establishing a new, $1,000 funeral and burial benefit for military retirees who elect the survivor benefit plan and are predeceased by a beneficiary spouse.

Requiring the Defense Department to publish an annual report on vulnerabilities to military installations resulting from extreme weather.

A summary of the FY 2027 NDAA can be found here.

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Valadao, Bonamici, Bacon Lead Effort to Provide Greater Access to Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Services

WASHINGTON – Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Reps. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) and Don Bacon (NE-02) to reintroduce the Connections to Health Infrastructure and Emergency Recovery Services (CHIERS) Act. This bipartisan bill would create a grant program to provide transportation for people in need of overdose prevention services, substance use disorder treatment, detoxification, and other related supportive services.

Congressman Valadao was an original co-sponsor of this legislation in the 118th Congress.

“In the Central Valley, we’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact of the opioid epidemic,” said Congressman Valadao. “Too often, people seeking treatment in our communities face long travel times, high transportation costs, and difficulty receiving timely care. We should be doing everything we can to make it easier for people suffering from substance use disorder to get the help they need and break the cycle of addiction. I’m proud to help introduce the bipartisan CHIERS Act to remove barriers to treatment and expand access to timely, life-saving care.”

“People shouldn’t be held back from getting the care they need because they do not have a way to get there,” said Congresswoman Bonamici. “For years people in Portland benefitted from the CHIERS van, which helped transport people in need to sobering centers. I’m working with my bipartisan colleagues to expand on this model and make rides to treatment available to more people across the country who are intoxicated or at risk.”

“Everyone deserves a second chance,” said Rep. Bacon. “The CHIERS Act will improve access to developing services that provide individuals with transportation to and from substance use disorder treatments or support services. This program will help thousands of citizens get the help they need, and I’m grateful to work with Rep. Bonamici on this important effort.”

The CHIERS Act would:

Create a grant program with funding that could be used to train staff, purchase vehicles, and contract with ridesharing services to cover transportation.

Direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to award grants to eligible entities, including community health centers; Continuum of Care Program participants; opioid recovery centers; state, Tribal, and local governments; and nonprofit organizations.

Background:

Communities across Kings, Kern, and Tulare Counties continue to face significant barriers to accessing treatment for opioid use disorder, particularly in rural and low-income areas where treatment centers are limited and transportation options are scarce. Individuals seeking Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) often must travel long distances to reach care, relying on friends or family members for transportation or forgoing treatment altogether due to cost and accessibility challenges. With only eight substance treatment centers serving the three-county region, many residents struggle to receive timely, life-saving services. Expanding grant support for affordable transportation options can help connect residents to critical treatment services—reducing barriers to recovery and improving public health outcomes.

Read the full bill here.


House Armed Services Committee Advances Rep. Van Epps’ Gold Star Families Act in FY27 NDAA

Today, Rep. Van Epps released the following statement after core components of the HONOR Gold Star Families Act were included in the House Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Now that the NDAA has advanced out of the House Armed Services Committee, the full House is expected to vote on the bill.

The amendment, introduced by Rep. Jen Kiggans (VA-02) and supported by Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02), increases the death gratuity for survivors from $100,000 to $165,000 and includes a cost-of-living adjustment to ensure future payments keep pace with inflation. This is the first major update to the death gratuity since 2006.

Rep. Van Epps said, “Whether it's being left to raise children on your own or spending the rest of your birthdays without your mother or father present, Gold Star families endure immense pain and grief. The least a grateful nation can do is to ensure that these brave Gold Star families are taken care of financially. That’s why I promised that the first bill I introduced was going to be for Gold Star families.”

He continued, “I’m pleased that a version of my legislation made it into the FY27 NDAA. I am grateful to Rep. Kiggans for introducing this bill and for the House Armed Services Committee for advancing it. Though we can’t ease the grief these military spouses, children, and loved ones feel, we can ease the financial burden. I am glad that my legislation is one step closer to becoming law.”

More about my HONOR Gold Star Families Act:


Rep. Van Epps Condemns the Biden EPA’s Overreach During  an Environment Subcommittee Hearing

Yesterday, Rep. Van Epps participated in a Space, Science and Technology Environment Subcommittee hearing titled, “Advancing Environmental Protection Through Science and Technology.” The purpose of this hearing was to discuss and review the science and technology activities at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the new Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions (OASES), and how it relates to the Agency’s long-term research and development efforts and the use of science in the Agency’s regulatory decision-making processes.

Watch Rep. Van Epps' statement here.

Read Rep. Van Epps’ opening remarks here:

Rep. Van Epps stated, “Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you, Dr. Gwinn, for being here today. For years, the EPA has rightly received criticism from the public for operating without congressional authority and lacking transparency. More alarming is that the agency has been captured by the left for political ends, resulting in major mission drift from its intended purpose: to protect public health and the environment in cooperation with the states.

Both the Obama and Biden administrations diverted the EPA’s mission by assaulting the American energy sector and stifling growth in the industrial sector, contracting our economy and killing jobs, while doing little to protect the environment and the public.

Thankfully, the Trump administration and Administrator Zeldin have taken decisive action to direct the EPA back to its core mission, driven by clear mandates, streamlined processes, state leadership, and rigorous science.”

Read Rep. Van Epps’ questions here:

Rep. Van Epps said, “Notably, last year, Administrator Zeldin announced EPA would shift staff from the Office of Research and Development into EPA program offices while establishing the new Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions to align the EPA’s scientific functions with the agency’s rulemaking authority. This is meaningful reform after the Office of Research and Development has acted without accountability for decades, shrugging Congressional and public input to pursue political ends.

One of the major criticisms of the Office of Research and Development was that the office conducted scientific activities without Congressional authorization. At the same time, these activities were driving regulation and enforcement.

Dr. Gwinn, how have the reorganization efforts ensured that scientific activities are transparent and aligned with EPA’s regulatory authority, and can you assure this committee that the Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions is only conducting scientific activities that Congress has authorized?”

Deputy Associate Administrator for the EPA’s OASES, Dr. Maureen Gwinn, replied, “...Thank you for that question. One of the things, just going back again to the reorganization, I know you had described some of that, and some of the shifts from ORD. The reorganization has moved science activities directly to the program offices, where those regulatory decisions are made, in part to strengthen the relationships and collaboration there, and the understanding of the science for decisions and the decisions that inform the science that we do. With OASES, we're also doing applied research that is in coordination with those program offices. So, I think that gets to the heart of your question, in terms of ensuring that it is research that has been authorized by Congress. The research that OASES is doing is being done largely in collaboration through development of projects and problems, problem formulation, together with the program offices to make sure that the work is indeed responsive to the needs of the programs and the agency and will help inform the statutory requirements and the mission to protect human health and the environment.”

Rep. Van Epps stated, “With over 60,000 chemicals and refining-related jobs supporting 520 businesses, Tennessee is helping to lead American innovation in advanced chemical manufacturing. In my district, Clarksville, Tennessee, is home to a growing manufacturing hub with companies conducting advanced chemical manufacturing activities, many of them in the early stages of launching new projects. The primary environmental statute that impacts these new manufacturing projects is the Toxic Substances Control Act, New Chemicals Program.

Dr. Gwinn, the New Chemicals Program has long had a backlog in reviewing new chemicals for manufacturing. There are tools like computational toxicology that may help the Agency chip away at that. Can you tell me what work is going on in areas like computational toxicology to advance scientific approaches that can help speed-up new chemical reviews, especially considering your expertise in toxicology?”


Vindman Condemns Republican Move to Block Lower Prescription Drug Costs for Military Families

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) today released the following statement after Republicans who serve with him on the House Armed Services Committee used a procedural maneuver to block lowering prescription drug costs for military families.

“At a time when service members, veterans, and military families are paying more for everything from groceries to gas to healthcare, I am appalled that my Republican colleagues chose to hide behind a procedural maneuver rather than help lower prescription drug costs for those who served our nation,” said Vindman. “The last thing anyone who has worn the uniform should have to worry about is whether they can afford the medications they need. These brave men and women deserve leadership that matches their sacrifice. Today, they didn’t get it.”

Building on the success of the Inflation Reduction Act’s drug price negotiation program, the MISSION Rx Act would require TRICARE and the Department of Veterans Affairs to pay either the CMS-negotiated price or the program’s original price for prescription drugs, whichever is lower.

By paying the lowest available government-negotiated price, TRICARE and the VA would reduce spending on prescription drugs for servicemembers and their families while saving taxpayers billions. CMS estimates this policy could save up to $6 billion annually.

As CMS expands its drug price negotiations, the bill is designed to grow alongside the program, applying to any additional drugs subject to negotiated pricing in the future.

The MISSION Rx Act is supported by Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Marine Corps League, the Fleet Reserve Association, Air Force Sergeants Association, and Commissioned Officers Association Public Health Service.

You can read full bill text here.

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Vindman Secures Key NDAA Wins for Virginia Service Members & Military Families

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07), a U.S. Army veteran and member of the House Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement after voting to advance the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) out of Committee.

“I was proud to secure bipartisan wins for Virginia’s service members and military families in this year’s NDAA. I backed a pay raise for our troops, led an effort to crack down on transnational criminal organizations that scam Americans, and championed a provision to reduce gas prices for warfighters and their families,” said Vindman. “As a 25-year Army veteran representing 36,000 service members, I know firsthand what our troops need to succeed. I was proud to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance this bipartisan package out of committee.”

The Committee’s 14-hour markup produced a bipartisan bill that strengthens U.S. military readiness, supports service members and their families, and reinforces American leadership in today’s complex global security environment.

Vindman introduced and secured passage of 19 amendments, cosponsored 47 amendments that passed to stand up for military families and best support our readiness.

Vindman passed one bill as part of the NDAA:

The Honor and Trust in Service Act to require the Secretary of Defense ban service members and civilian Department of Defense (DoD) personnel from using prediction markets to bet on national security-related events.

Vindman led and secured the following priorities in the NDAA to bolster military readiness, ensure lethality, and ensure the military services can innovate and field capabilities faster:

Secured $15 million for the first-ever procurement and research and development of fiber-optic drones

Established experimental, battalion-sized formations that integrate unmanned aircraft systems to carry out intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance and precision strike operations at-scale

Established a common operating system for UAS platforms, helping ensure the military can integrate new technologies faster and operate more effectively across services

Established pilot program that uses AI-powered digital twins — virtual replicas of critical infrastructure systems — to strengthen military base operations and improve resilience against cyberattacks from adversaries like China

Secured an additional $30 million in funding for the Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration program (REPI)

Led effort to counter transnational criminal organizations using cyberspace to conduct fraud, theft, and compromise private data

Led provision to require oversight before the Secretary of Defense can make major changes to the structure, organization, or responsibilities of the military’s Judge Advocate General Corps.

Required DoD to provide a briefing on the integration of AI enabled advanced manufacturing into the defense industrial base to increase munitions stockpiles

Secured $32 million for Gliding Offensive Lightweight Unmanned Munition (GOLUM) to reduce cost and lead time to produce various munitions

Preserved the editorial independence of Stars and Stripes, ensuring service members continue to have access to trusted, independent reporting free from political interference

Secured a provision to reduce gas prices for warfighters and their families

Vindman secured multiple NDAA provisions that came directly from conversations with constituents in Virginia’s Seventh District, including:

A provision addressing disparities in the quality of death investigations involving active-duty service members, helping ensure families receive thorough and consistent answers following a tragedy

Following a visit to Marine Corps Base Quantico,a provision establishing standardized munitions for one-way attack operations conducted by covered unmanned aircraft systems

A report examining how DoD can better support military families navigating major life changes

Overall, Vindman’s yes vote supported critical priorities for the warfighter, their families, and the nation including:

3.6% pay raise for all service members, a 7% raise for noncommissioned officers and junior enlisted service members, 6% for service members who rank E-6 to O-3, and 5% for O-4s and above

$125 million for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Serving Institutions (HBCUs)

Over $2 billion for new construction of quality-of-life infrastructure including barracks, dormitories, and government-owned family housing

$422 million for environmental cleanup at Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) sites, including a $50 million addition for Navy BRAC

$694 million for the Energy Resilience and Conservation Investment Program

$50 million for local educational agencies with military dependent students and $20 million for those that receive payment for children with severe disabilities

$1 billion for the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative and $210 million for European security cooperation, with $175 million for the Baltic Security Initiative

More than $25 billion in military construction projects, more than $60 billion in shipbuilding funding, and more than $19 billion for tactical air and land forces procurements

These provisions reflect Vindman’s commitment to holding the Department of Defense accountable, safeguarding our national security, and guaranteeing our servicemembers have the resources and support they need to succeed.

BACKGROUND

Congressman Vindman is a U.S. Army veteran. He served as an infantry officer and paratrooper including assignments in the 82D Airborne Division and as a company commander leading troops. Soon after, he transitioned to the U.S. Army Judge Advocate Generals (JAG) Corps. As a JAG, Vindman served as an international law advisor in Iraq; as the senior prosecutor in the busiest jurisdiction in the Army; and as a White House National Security Council (NSC) deputy legal advisor. In Congress, he sits on the House Armed Services Committee.

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Walkinshaw, Hoyer, Van Hollen Release Statement on Trump Administration Reclassification of Thousands of Federal Workers

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives James Walkinshaw (VA-11), Steny Hoyer (MD-05) and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), co-chairs of the Federal Workforce Caucus, released the following statement on the Trump Administration’s executive order reclassifying about 8,000 federal workers into the Schedule Policy/Career category, effectively tripling the number of at-will federal employees and opening the door for the Administration to carry out more politically-motivated firings without recourse for the employees to appeal.

“Americans across our country rely on the critical services that the nonpartisan, highly skilled federal workforce provides. Instead of supporting these workers, Donald Trump continues to attack them. The merit-based federal workforce is a cornerstone of our government, and this corrupt policy only undermines the quality of services delivered to the American people in favor of political cronyism. We will continue fighting back in support of our civil servants and the crucial work they do on behalf of the American people.”

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Walkinshaw & Blumenthal Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Protect & Expand National Scenic Trails

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11) and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal introduced legislation to preserve and expand America’s national trail system. The Complete America’s Great Trails Act gives a tax credit to landowners who voluntarily make land contributions towards the completion of National Scenic Trails, expanding the trail system and protecting the land from development.

“Here in Fairfax, trails are part of everyday life. With more than 22,000 acres of parkland and over 334 miles of trails in our county park system, they connect homes, schools, businesses, parks, and communities while giving families access to the outdoors. But across the country, too many National Scenic Trails remain unfinished or vulnerable to development. In honor of National Trails Day, I’m proud to introduce the Complete America’s Great Trails Act with Senator Blumenthal to create a new tax credit that helps landowners voluntarily conserve land along these trails. This bill will help complete America’s National Scenic Trails, protect open space, expand outdoor access, and preserve these natural treasures for future generations,” said Walkinshaw.

“This measure will enhance our nation’s scenic trails and protect public access to these treasured spaces,” said Blumenthal. “By encouraging landowners to support our trail system, our Complete America’s Great Trails Act will improve connectivity for hikers and families and preserve our country’s unique natural beauty for generations to come.”

Connecticut is home to two of the 11 National Scenic Trails—the Appalachian Trail, which extends 52 miles across the state from Salisbury in the north to Sherman in the south, and the New England Trail, which extends 117 miles across the state from Suffield in the north to Guilford in the south.

The legislation is cosponsored in the Senate by U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).

“For almost a decade now, I’ve gotten to experience the beauty of Connecticut’s great outdoors on my yearly Walk Across Connecticut,” said Murphy. “Between the Appalachian and New England trails, Connecticut has nearly 200 miles worth of National Scenic Trail space and I’m really proud to support legislation that will make it easier for Connecticut families to enjoy the transformative experience of being in nature.”

The legislation is endorsed by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), the Connecticut Forest and Parks Association (CFPA), and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

“The Complete America’s Great Trails Act is a practical, voluntary conservation tool that helps close critical trail gaps, expand public access, and conserve important landscapes. For trails that the Appalachian Mountain Club helps steward and enjoy, including the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and the New England Trail, this legislation can help create more complete and connected trail experiences for future generations. AMC is pleased to support this commonsense effort,” said Mandy Warner, Senior Director of Policy for AMC.

“Trails do more than connect destinations. They connect people to nature, history, and one another. We thank Senator Blumenthal for his leadership on the Complete America’s Great Trails Act, which will help conserve critical trail corridors and strengthen the long-term future of America’s great trail systems, including those here in Connecticut,” said Joey Listro, Executive Director of CFPA.

“The Appalachian Trail depends on partnerships that span public and private lands. By providing a tax credit to landowners who voluntarily donate conservation easements along National Scenic Trails, the Complete America’s Great Trails Act creates a practical incentive to protect trail corridors, expand outdoor recreation opportunities, and conserve the landscapes that make these trails possible. We applaud Congressman Walkinshaw and Senator Blumenthal for introducing this legislation and for recognizing the important role private landowners play in sustaining America’s National Scenic Trails for future generations,” said Dan Ryan, Vice President of Conservation and Government Relations, Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

The full text of the bill can be found here. A one-pager is available here.

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