Rep. Steven Horsford Statement on Vote Regarding U.S. Military Assistance to Israel

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) issued the following statement regarding his vote on an amendment concerning U.S. military assistance to Israel:

“Congress has a constitutional responsibility to carefully review every dollar it appropriates and ensure that taxpayer funds reflect our values, our national interests, and the priorities of the American people. That responsibility is especially important when it comes to military assistance overseas.

Today’s amendment was buried within a broader partisan appropriations process that continues to neglect the challenges facing working families here at home. Instead of focusing on lowering costs and strengthening America’s future, Republicans continue advancing policies that raise costs for working families while failing to invest in the health care, housing, education, and economic opportunity Americans need to thrive.

For many Nevadans, this vote is fundamentally about priorities. They want their tax dollars to reflect the needs of their communities.

Congress has a responsibility to exercise meaningful oversight of U.S. military assistance provided to any country. American taxpayer dollars should never be appropriated automatically or without accountability. Security assistance should advance our national security interests, reflect our values, protect innocent civilians, and remain subject to rigorous congressional review.

I remain unwavering in my support for Israel’s right to exist and defend itself, for the U.S.-Israel strategic partnership, and for the safety and security of the Jewish people. I unequivocally condemn Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attacks and reject antisemitism in all its forms.

Nothing in this amendment affects U.S. support for Israel’s critical defensive systems - including Iron Dome, David’s Sling, Arrow, and THAAD - which remain essential to protecting Israeli civilians and maintaining regional security.

At the same time, support for an ally does not require Congress to abandon its oversight responsibilities. I believe Congress has a duty to ensure that assistance to every partner - including Israel - is consistent with American law, our national security interests, and our humanitarian values.

I recognize that Members of Congress, including Democrats, reached different conclusions on this amendment in good faith while sharing a common commitment to Israel’s security and America’s alliance with Israel.

This amendment is not a comprehensive solution, nor is it the final step toward achieving lasting peace and security in the region. I will continue working to support humanitarian assistance for innocent civilians in Gaza, oppose violence against civilians, including extremist settler violence in the West Bank, and advance the conditions necessary for Israelis and Palestinians alike to live in peace, security, dignity, and self-determination.”

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Hoyer: This Amendment Would Embolden the Enemies of Peace

"I rise in strong disagreement with this amendment, which would dangerously undermine America’s national security. If adopted, it would – as Leader Jeffries rightly pointed out – limit our ability to confront terrorist organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah that expressly target American citizens and military personnel. And it would make it harder for America to use our relationships with Israel and regional partners to promote a negotiated two-state solution, the only realistic path to deliver on the promise of peace, security, and self-determination for both Israelis and Palestinians.

"I understand the frustration many Members feel with some of the policies and actions of the current Israeli government – as well as their concerns about its commitment to the peace process and a two-state solution. However, this amendment would embolden the enemies of peace, those who seek the complete elimination of Israel, and those looking for an excuse to murder Jews. It is a vote to weaken our ability to engage in the region, and it is a vote against American security, against American interests, and against Americans’ safety. Vote 'no.'"


Hoyer: We Ought to Show Unwavering Support for Ukraine's Defense of Its Homeland

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) delivered remarks on the House Floor during general debate on H.R. 8595, the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027. Below are a video and transcript of his remarks:

Click here to watch a video of his remarks.


Maryland Democrats Urge OMB to Rescind Rule Politicizing Federal Grant Decision-Making

WASHINGTON, DC – Maryland Congressional Delegation members – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-MD), and U.S. Representatives Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), and Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) – are calling out the Trump Administration’s attempts to undermine and politicize the federal grant-making process. In a letter to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought, the lawmakers press OMB to rescind a new proposed rule that would overhaul the grantmaking and cooperative agreement processes across the entire federal government, centralizing power within OMB, reducing transparency and accountability, undermining Congress, and clearing the path for the Trump Administration to continue weaponizing and politicizing the federal grantmaking process.

“We write to express strong opposition to the Office of Management and Budget’s sweeping proposed “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance” rule that would completely overhaul and politicize the grantmaking and cooperative agreement processes across the entire federal government,” the lawmakers begin.

They go on to stress the importance of federal grants, noting, “Across the state, federal investment supports research into our ocean and waterways as well as our air, crops, livestock and soil. Federal grants support advancements in health and medicine including research into the treatment of diseases such as pediatric cancer and sickle cell disease and drive the development of new technologies that will keep Americans healthy. Grant-funded childcare through Head Start and Early Head Start serves families from the Eastern Shore to Garrett County. These dollars power cutting-edge developments in space technology, satellites, AI, and quantum computing. Federal funds also allow organizations to support victims of sexual assault, violence, and other crimes. The proposed Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance represents a threat to every one of those efforts to better American lives, strengthen our economy, and keep our country competitive.”

On the proposed rule, the lawmakers write, “In reality, if finalized, this more than 400-page rule will make significant, sweeping, and binding policy changes to the Uniform Guidance across more than 40 federal grant-making agencies and offices responsible for awarding billions of dollars in funding and federal financial assistance each fiscal year. It would codify the Trump Administration’s campaign to eviscerate our research infrastructure and authorize more arbitrary cancellations, job losses due to funding uncertainty, and disruptions of work that require consistent data collection to maintain scientific validity.”

“This rule would further centralize power within OMB giving it authority over the heads of dozens of federal agencies as well as merit-based processes in matters of grantmaking and cooperative agreements. In doing so, this rule would place layers of bureaucratic and political red tape between elected representatives who are Constitutionally-responsible for appropriations, the federal agencies whose resources support our state and help drive our local economies, and Marylanders who rely on grants to support valuable research and services,” they continue.

The lawmakers detail the impact of federal grants on Maryland, noting, “Since the beginning of the President’s term, the Administration and OMB’s intentional delay in spending appropriated funds, grant terminations and disruptions, and overall fewer federal grants being awarded has impacted billions of dollars in federal funding to Maryland, including our state and local governments, schools, and research institutions. As a result, hundreds of our constituents have lost their jobs, Maryland research institutions and universities are undergoing hiring freezes and layoffs, and graduate and post-doctoral programs have been forced to cut or limit admissions–all which threaten to stifle U.S. leadership and innovation for decades to come.”

“The people of Maryland and the United States deserve actual transparency, reliability, and accountability from our federal government, not arbitrary rules and political interference from OMB that would weaken our scientific and research enterprise, risk more jobs, and slow down hard-won progress. We urge you to rescind this proposed rule immediately,” the lawmakers conclude.

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

Dear Director Vought:

We write to express strong opposition to the Office of Management and Budget’s sweeping proposed “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance” rule that would completely overhaul and politicize the grantmaking and cooperative agreement processes across the entire federal government.


Oregon Delegation Welcomes Major Federal Investment in State’s Semiconductor Industry

Federal lawmakers: Oregon team of nearly 100 partners awarded NSF Regional Innovation Engine Award that sets up receiving up to $160 million to grow Oregon semiconductor industry

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senate and House members welcomed today’s announcement that Frontiers of Advanced Semiconductor Technology (FAST), an Oregon consortium including nearly 100 partners from across the state, will receive up to $160 million from the U.S. National Science Foundation over the next decade to grow the state’s semiconductor ecosystem.

Oregon State University is the administrative home for FAST.

“It’s always a good day when Oregon takes our deserved spot in the “FAST lane” for national leadership in semiconductor innovation and manufacturing,” said U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, who helped to lead the effort under the Biden administration to pass the CHIPS Act that aimed for federal investments just like this one in Oregon’s semiconductor industry. “Oregon is the beating heart of U.S. semiconductor production, which makes OSU a natural choice to lead one of just 12 new Regional Innovation Engines. This major federal investment will fuel cutting-edge research, good-paying jobs and economic growth in the Silicon Forest that will ripple throughout our entire state.”

“This investment in Oregon State University’s NSF FAST Engine will further supercharge Oregon’s innovative semiconductor industry,” said U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley. “By bringing together researchers, businesses, and local partners, it will help turn new ideas into good-paying jobs and strengthen our state’s leadership in emerging semiconductor technologies. I’ll keep fighting to ensure Oregon has the federal support it needs to compete and grow.”

“The NSF FAST Engine based at Oregon State University shows how government can successfully work with higher education institutions to spur regional innovation and career readiness in advanced fields,” said Rep. Suzanne Bonamici. “This significant investment in the semiconductor industry will strengthen our state's continued leadership in research, development, and a future-ready workforce.”

“I am proud that Oregon State University was selected to receive this well-deserved grant. Demand for semiconductors is rising, and the NSF FAST Engine will help OSU design the world’s most advanced semiconductor chips,” said Rep. Val Hoyle. “This grant will bring industries in Oregon closer together across the state and foster innovation. It will also strengthen statewide educational partnerships, support Oregon’s semiconductor industry and improve pathways to semiconductor careers for students.”

“Oregon is called the Silicon Forest for a reason. If we want to maintain our position as a leader in semiconductor research and technology, then we need to keep innovating,” said Rep. Andrea Salinas. “This grant from the National Science Foundation will help ensure we remain on the cutting edge of the technology revolution while utilizing the talents of the Oregon workforce by providing training and jobs throughout the high tech innovation economy.”

“Proof that Oregon is THE place to invest in semiconductor research, development, and manufacturing. Another great bet on some of our country's best technology and brightest students,” said Rep. Janelle Bynum. “This funding makes sure that Oregon's next generation of innovators, leaders, and experts have the resources they need to secure good paying jobs and continue to build a strong economy”.

More information about the project is here.

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Rep. Huffman Statement on State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Amendment #8 Vote

Washington, D.C. - Today, Representative Jared Huffman (CA-02) released the following statement after voting on the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act and Representative Thomas Massie’s (KY-04) amendment #8:

“I almost never vote ‘present,’ but this amendment leaves me little choice. I support the central message behind it and have consistently opposed the Israeli government's unhinged policies of aggression, brutality, and territorial expansion. I've demonstrated that through my support for measures like the Lebanon War Powers Resolution, the Block the Bombs Act, Rep. McCollum's justice for Palestinians initiatives, and countless other legislative efforts to hold the Israeli government accountable for reprehensible actions.

But I cannot offer blanket support for an amendment so poorly drafted that it could be construed to go far beyond blocking offensive military assistance. As written, it risks cutting off support for humanitarian organizations, peacebuilding efforts, and protections for vulnerable Palestinians. On an issue this consequential, Congress has a responsibility to legislate with precision, not substitute sloppy drafting for serious policymaking.”

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WASHINGTON – Maryland Congressional Delegation members – U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, April McClain Delaney, and Johnny Olszewski (all D-Md.) – are calling out the Trump Administration’s attempts to undermine and politicize the federal grant-making process. In a letter to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought, the lawmakers press OMB to rescind a new proposed rule that would overhaul the grantmaking and cooperative agreement processes across the entire federal government, centralizing power within OMB, reducing transparency and accountability, undermining Congress, and clearing the path for the Trump Administration to continue weaponizing and politicizing the federal grantmaking process.

“We write to express strong opposition to the Office of Management and Budget’s sweeping proposed “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance” rule that would completely overhaul and politicize the grantmaking and cooperative agreement processes across the entire federal government,” the lawmakers begin.

They go on to stress the importance of federal grants, noting, “Across the state, federal investment supports research into our ocean and waterways as well as our air, crops, livestock and soil. Federal grants support advancements in health and medicine including research into the treatment of diseases such as pediatric cancer and sickle cell disease and drive the development of new technologies that will keep Americans healthy. Grant-funded childcare through Head Start and Early Head Start serves families from the Eastern Shore to Garrett County. These dollars power cutting-edge developments in space technology, satellites, AI, and quantum computing. Federal funds also allow organizations to support victims of sexual assault, violence, and other crimes. The proposed Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance represents a threat to every one of those efforts to better American lives, strengthen our economy, and keep our country competitive.”

On the proposed rule, the lawmakers write, “In reality, if finalized, this more than 400-page rule will make significant, sweeping, and binding policy changes to the Uniform Guidance across more than 40 federal grant-making agencies and offices responsible for awarding billions of dollars in funding and federal financial assistance each fiscal year. It would codify the Trump Administration’s campaign to eviscerate our research infrastructure and authorize more arbitrary cancellations, job losses due to funding uncertainty, and disruptions of work that require consistent data collection to maintain scientific validity.”

“This rule would further centralize power within OMB giving it authority over the heads of dozens of federal agencies as well as merit-based processes in matters of grantmaking and cooperative agreements. In doing so, this rule would place layers of bureaucratic and political red tape between elected representatives who are Constitutionally-responsible for appropriations, the federal agencies whose resources support our state and help drive our local economies, and Marylanders who rely on grants to support valuable research and services,” they continue.

The lawmakers detail the impact of federal grants on Maryland, noting, “Since the beginning of the President’s term, the Administration and OMB’s intentional delay in spending appropriated funds, grant terminations and disruptions, and overall fewer federal grants being awarded has impacted billions of dollars in federal funding to Maryland, including our state and local governments, schools, and research institutions. As a result, hundreds of our constituents have lost their jobs, Maryland research institutions and universities are undergoing hiring freezes and layoffs, and graduate and post-doctoral programs have been forced to cut or limit admissions–all which threaten to stifle U.S. leadership and innovation for decades to come.”


Michigan Republicans: Canada's apologies won't clear Michigan's skies

Washington – Today, Reps. Jack Bergman, John James, Lisa McClain, and John Moolenaar are demanding immediate action from the Canadian government as another wildfire season brings dangerous smoke across the border and into Michigan communities.

After repeated conversations sharing concerns, and a lack of meaningful progress, the members are making it clear that continued inaction from Canada is unacceptable. The members say Canadian leaders have had years to address the underlying causes of worsening wildfires, yet American families continue to bear the consequences.

In a joint letter to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Michigan Republicans warned that patience has run out and called on Canada to move beyond promises and take real action to protect communities on both sides of the border.

In their letter, the members argued that, "We write today as members of Michigan's congressional delegation to raise our voices on an issue that has already drawn letters from our colleagues in past years: wildfire smoke drifting across the border from Canada into our communities. Additionally, last year, Reps. James and Bergman each wrote letters to your government to raise the alarm about wildfire smoke pouring across our border from Canada into our communities. We write jointly this time because a year has passed, the season has come around again, and nothing has changed except that our patience has run out."

The letter to Carney continued, "We were told last year that this would be treated with urgency. It was not. We were told the causes, chronic under-investment in forest thinning, fuel reduction, and prescribed burns, along with inadequate enforcement against arson, were being addressed. They were not, or not adequately enough to matter to the people we represent. Provincial leaders have offered excuses instead of results, and in some cases have openly dismissed the health of American citizens as an inconvenience to their own summer. That attitude is unacceptable from a neighbor and an ally."

"We are done accepting apologies in place of action. If Canada will not manage its forests to prevent these fires, the United States will look elsewhere, and act on our own, to protect our people. That means our own agencies exploring direct involvement in cross-border fuel reduction and firefighting capacity. It means reconsidering how much benefit of the doubt this relationship continues to earn on an issue where American lungs are paying the price for Canadian inaction, year after year. Sovereignty comes with responsibility, and the responsibility to prevent a foreseeable disaster from crossing into another country's airspace has not been met."

Read the full letter here.


Jayapal, Garcia, Pingree, Raskin, Thompson Demand Independent Investigations into Killings of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, Johan Sebastian Guerrero

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration, Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, and Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, are leading nearly 200 Members in calling for independent investigations into Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Johan Sebastian Guerrero’s deaths and are demanding that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) halt removal proceedings against the witnesses.

“Both of these incidents have created enormous fear and outrage in the community, and raise serious questions about the safety of community members, regardless of immigration status,” wrote the Members. “Far too many people, Americans and noncitizens alike, are dead as a result of DHS’s reckless actions. There must be accountability and independent investigations.”

On July 7th, ICE agents shot and killed Mr. Salgado Araujo, a father of three U.S. citizens who had resided in the country for 35 years. He was reportedly not ICE’s target in their operation, and despite ICE’s claims that Mr. Salgado Araujo “weaponized his vehicle,” no evidence to substantiate that claim has been presented, and it is disputed by witnesses in the vehicle.

On July 13th, ICE agents shot and killed Mr. Guerrero, a father who also was reportedly not the target of enforcement actions. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims to have shot him in concern for “public safety” after he “attempted to flee.” The agency does not allege that at any point officers feared for their safety. Video of this killing shows ICE officers handcuffing Mr. Guerrero even after he had been shot in the head.

DHS agents, including ICE agents, have shot at least 21 people just since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term. Six of these shootings have been fatal, resulting in the death of U.S. citizens and individuals who posed no public safety threat. In two previous shootings, ICE has claimed that victims were also “weaponizing” their vehicles, claims that have turned out to be false statements as evidence emerged.

In addition to the demands for an independent investigation and the commitment that witnesses to the killing of Mr. Salgado Araujo not be deported, the Members are asking for a detailed breakdown of all training materials and guidelines around vehicle stops.

The full text of the letter to DHS Secretary Mullin and ICE Acting Director Venturella can be read here.

The letter was also signed by Alma S. Adams (NC-12), Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Gabe Amo (RI-01), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), Becca Balint (VT-At Large), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Wesley Bell (MO-01), Ami Bera (CA-06), Donald Beyer (VA-08), Sanford Bishop (GA-02), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Shontel Brown (OH-11), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Janelle Bynum (OR-05), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), André Carson (IN-07), Troy Carter (LA-02), Greg Casar (TX-35), Sean Casten (IL-06), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Judy Chu (CA-28), Gilbert Cisneros (CA-31), Katherine Clark (MA-05), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), James E. Clyburn (SC-06), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Herbert Conaway (NJ-03), J. Luis Correa (CA-46), Jim Costa (CA-21), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Angie Craig (MN-02), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Jason Crow (CO-06), Sharice Davids (KS-03), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Cleo Fields (LA-06), Shomari Figures (AL-02), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Bill Foster (IL-11), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), John Garamendi (CA-08), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Al Green (TX-09), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Pablo Jose Hernández (PR-At Large), Jim Himes (CT-04), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Julie Johnson (TX-32), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), William R. Keating (MA-09), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Timothy M. Kennedy (NY-26), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Greg Landsman (OH-01), Rick Larsen (WA-02), John Larson (CT-01), George Latimer (NY-16), Susie Lee (NV-03), Summer Lee (PA-12), Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), Mike Levin (CA-49), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), John Mannion (NY-22), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Lucy McBath (GA-06), Sarah McBride (DE-At Large), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Kristin McDonald Rivet (MI-08), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), James P. McGovern (MA-02), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Gregory Meeks (NY-05), Analilia Mejia (NJ-11), Christian Menefee (TX-18), Robert Menendez (NJ-08), Grace Meng (NY-06), Dave Min (CA-47), Gwen S. Moore (WI-04), Joseph D. Morelle (NY-25), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Richard Neal (MA-01), Joe Neguse (CO-02), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Scott Peters (CA-50), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Nellie Pou (NJ-09), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Emily Randall (WA-06), Josh Riley (NY-19), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Pat Ryan (NY-18), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Hillary Scholten (MI-03), Kim Schrier (WA-08), Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Adam Smith (WA-09), Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Haley Stevens (MI-11), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Thomas R. Suozzi (NY-03), Emilia Sykes (OH-13), Mark Takano (CA-39), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), Norma Torres (CA-35), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Derek Tran (CA-45), Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), James Walkinshaw (VA-11), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), George Whitesides (CA-27), Nikema Williams (GA-05), and Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24).


Drs. Joyce, Murphy, and Schrier Introduce Bipartisan Patients First Act

July 15, 2026

Comprehensive Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) Reform Legislation Will Keep Patients Healthy, Preserve Competition, and Deliver Affordability

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Reps. John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03), and Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), respective chairs of the GOP and Democratic Doctors Caucuses, introduced the bipartisan Patients First Act–comprehensive Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) reform legislation.

The Patients First Act is necessary to keep patients healthy, preserve competition, and deliver affordability. The legislation will reform the Medicare physician fee schedule, improving seniors’ access to care by strengthening the incentives for independent practice and reversing decades of consolidation that drives up the cost of care, especially in rural and underserved areas.

"The House of Medicine is at a crossroads. We can maintain the status quo that rewards more costly, less personalized care, or we can put our heads together to build a modern framework that addresses the challenges that impede physicians’ ability to care for their patients," said Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13). "We often talk about expanding access to high-quality care, but without meaningful Medicare reimbursement reform, that mission becomes nearly impossible to achieve. Putting patients ahead of politics, we worked together to develop this comprehensive legislation to address a system that has for far too long undermined patient access to affordable, physician driven care within their communities. We can and must do better. This proposal deserves serious consideration because the future of patient care, the strength of our physician workforce, and the survival of independent practice all hinge on whether we choose to act rather than accept inaction. "

"As a practicing urologist for more than 30 years, I've seen firsthand the challenges physicians face in keeping their doors open while providing the highest quality care for their patients," said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03). "Our current Medicare physician payment system is unsustainable. It has fueled consolidation, increased administrative burdens, and made it harder for independent physicians in rural communities to continue serving the patients who rely on them. The bipartisan Patients First Act delivers long-overdue reforms that strengthen independent practices, invest in primary care, and ensure physicians can spend more time caring for patients instead of navigating bureaucracy. When physicians succeed, patients receive better care, and that's exactly what this legislation is designed to achieve."

"Our nation is in a primary care crisis, and if we don’t act swiftly to reform the system, patients will lose access to care, costs will rise, and physician practices will continue to close,” said Congresswoman Dr. Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08). “Consolidation in our healthcare system is forcing small, independent physicians to sell their practices to corporate entities, decreasing choice and competition, and increasing costs for patients without delivering better quality. This bill gives stability to independent practices, reduces red tape and burdensome paperwork, and invests in primary care. By introducing the Patients First Act, we are addressing the challenges physicians face with a commonsense, bipartisan solution. Patients deserve better, and this bill delivers on that promise."

KEY BACKGROUND:

The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) is bipartisan legislation signed into law on April 16, 2015.

MACRA:

Repealed the SGR methodology for determining updates to the Medicare physician fee schedule (MPFS)

Established a merit-based incentive payment system (MIPS) to consolidate and replace several existing incentive programs

Incentivized the development of, and participation in, alternative payment models (APMs)

In a rapidly consolidating health care landscape, nearly seventy percent of medical practices nationwide are owned by hospitals or other corporations. One in ten physicians works for UnitedHealth or an affiliate. Running an independent physician practice is costly, with physicians increasingly forced to either close their doors or sell their practices due to low reimbursement rates and increasing practice expenses. When physician practices are acquired, costs go up for patients.

Not only is care becoming more consolidated and costly, America is also facing a primary care crisis. Primary care providers foster a life-long relationship with patients and provide disease prevention, treatment and management. Today, less than five cents of every Medicare dollar go to primary care, even though it accounts for more than half of all physician visits. It’s no coincidence that more than 100 million Americans don’t have access to regular primary care.

THE PATIENTS FIRST ACT:

Ties physician reimbursement to an inflationary measure.

Establishes a primary care hybrid payment pilot program that pays PCPs a per-member-per-month payment along with regular services, better capturing the work PCPs do.

Establishes the POINTS program, which creates a physician and clinician-led task force at CMS to develop quality metrics that are streamlined and reduce administrative burden.

Freezes A-APM participation thresholds for three years and creates notice and comment periods for CMMI mandatory models.

Increases the budget neutrality threshold from $20 million to $54.3 million.

Click HERE for more information on the Patients First Act.

Issues:Health


Brownley Statement on Massie Amendment to Foreign Aid Budget Bill

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) released the following statement after passage of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027 (H.R. 8595).

“I unequivocally believe in Israel’s right to exist as a sovereign Jewish state, and I am unwavering in my belief that Israel has the right to defend its people against hostile governments and proxy groups that seek its destruction. I also firmly believe that the Palestinian people have a right to dignity, security, and self-determination.

“I also believe that Prime Minister Netanyahu’s actions in the Middle East have deeply undermined these efforts and recklessly escalated tensions in the region. His government’s actions have not advanced the cause of peace or security and have instead left both Israelis and Palestinians less safe. I do not see how we can continue down this path without a course correction.

“I recognize that Rep. Massie’s amendment is not a serious effort to solve the current state of affairs in the Middle East. It’s also clear to me that the Republicans and the President have long ago ceased to want to take this historically bipartisan issue seriously, and to thoughtfully engage with Democrats to provide the leadership necessary to find a path forward to ending the violence, rebuilding Gaza, and securing the region.

“My vote in favor of the Massie amendment is simply a vote for that course correction.”

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Kamlager-Dove Statement on the Massie Amendment

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) released the following statement on Massie Amendment 8, which blocks U.S. military assistance to Israel in the 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act. In this bill, 98.5% of the funding appropriated for Israel is designated for Foreign Military Financing.

"When I signed onto the Block the Bombs Act, I committed to opposing offensive military aid to the Netanyahu government while still supporting funding for defensive programs. That's why, after receiving assurances that funding for the Iron Dome would be unaffected, I voted to block taxpayer funding to Israel in the 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act.

"Key to my vote was the elimination of $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing to Israel. Over the years, Prime Minister Netanyahu has repeatedly used U.S. military assistance to commit gross violations of human rights, prolong conflict, and retain his hold on power. I cannot in good conscience support using U.S. taxpayer dollars to help finance Netanyahu's war apparatus.”


Kaptur Introduces Ratepayer Justice and Commercial Power Accountability Act

Washington, DC — Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) introduced H.R. 9700, the Ratepayer Justice and Commercial Power Accountability Act, to protect ratepayers in cases where utility companies engage in corruption and misconduct that adversely impacts ratepayers and businesses and raises their utility bills. The legislation will create the Ratepayer Justice Fund to return money to both residential and business victims whose utility rates were increased as a result of corruption. The bill also invests in communities harmed by the corruption through grants and prioritized Federal funding for electric grid modernization. The legislation is designed to prevent a future FirstEnergy scandal from ever occurring again.

“Utilities and utility executives have long engaged in corruption at public expense to turn an extra profit for themselves,” said Congresswoman Kaptur (OH-09). “Thousands of hardworking people across Northwest Ohio and many more across our Buckeye State were victims of the corrupt FirstEnergy scandal in which greedy utility executives gamed the system by bribing public officials, so they could in turn line their own pockets. Ratepayers were forced to pay over $1 Billion due to the executives’ actions and never got their money back. This new legislation creates a Federal system to return ratepayers’ their hard-earned money that was taken from them unjustly, and to support communities that have been wronged. By holding wealthy utilities, executives, and crooked politicians accountable for their malicious actions, we protect Americans’ wallets and prevent more scandals from taking place.”

Whether utilities and their executives bribe public officials or manipulate regulators to increase electric and gas bills, the cost of this corruption falls on the customer. Congresswoman Kaptur’s legislation provides for a new Ratepayer Justice Fund which will capture the monies that utilities and utility executives gained through increasing their customers’ rates and return that money to ratepayers in the form of direct relief payments and grants to harmed communities.

Business and residential victims would be able to file a claim for reimbursement through their annual Federal tax return and receive payment in the form of a refundable tax credit. Affected communities can also seek Ratepayer Community Restoration Grants from the US Department of Energy to repair economic damage and invest in infrastructure and clean energy. Congresswoman Kaptur has long championed accountability for FirstEnergy executives and to find ways to make ratepayers whole while preventing future malfeasance from utility companies.

Additionally, the bill requires mandatory jail time for any public official, utility executive, or lobbyist convicted of public corruption, fraud, or bribery in connection with utility misconduct.

Introduction of the bill comes on the heels of a mistrial last April in the public corruption case against the former FirstEnergy CEO and former FirstEnergy Senior Vice President, the one-year anniversary of FirstEnergy asking the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio to be free of any punitive damages for their admitted misconduct, and the seventh anniversary of House Bill 6 becoming law in the State of Ohio (July 23, 2019)—a centerpiece of the FirstEnergy scandal and the largest public corruption case in Ohio’s history.

It also comes as FirstEnergy is asking the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio for approval to increase rates for ratepayers for three years beginning next summer. “I will not stand for FirstEnergy increasing any Ohioan’s electricity bills until justice is delivered to ratepayers and we have a full accounting of the criminality that occurred at the expense of our people. Justice delayed is justice denied. It is time for Federal action,” Kaptur added.

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Whip Clark Statement on Massie Amendment to GOP Foreign Aid Budget Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) released the following statement:

“This week, House Republicans are putting forward a foreign aid budget bill that decimates American diplomacy, cuts desperately needed humanitarian aid, and further undermines our national security and right to vote.

“Republicans have also included an overly broad amendment by Rep. Massie that blocks all foreign aid to Israel, including humanitarian funding for Palestinian refugees and civilians in Gaza. This is not an attempt to have a serious and necessary debate about offensive military aid to Israel. It’s more stunts from Congressional Republicans who would rather score cheap political points than lead.

“However, it is clear that the status quo is not tenable. We should not provide a blank check for military aid to any country that does not comply with U.S. law, interests, and values. The Netanyahu government has failed to meet that standard. I will be voting yes, not because I agree with the entirety of the amendment, or the GOP’s cynical motivations for its consideration, but because I believe we must change course. While Democratic Members will make different decisions on this amendment in good faith, we are absolutely united in our shared goal of permanent peace.

“Israel has the right to exist as a sovereign, secure, and democratic Jewish state. They have the right to defend their people and their territory. The United States should continue to have a strong strategic alliance with Israel and support its defense against governments and proxy groups that seek its destruction. We must continue to support Israel’s defensive systems like the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow and Thaad — which are not impacted by this amendment. And we must fight against the scourge of antisemitism whenever and wherever it appears.

“There must be a new and sustainable path for true security in the Middle East. It cannot be achieved without surging aid to Gaza, halting construction of settlements in the West Bank, ending settler violence, and upholding the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. We cannot give up on peace and our work to build a better future for all children.”

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Kean Introduces Legislation to Reduce Healthcare Costs for Seniors

(July 15, 2026) WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) announced the introduction of the Medicare Premiums Reduction Act of 2026, legislation that would reduce Medicare premiums for seniors to help address affordability challenges.

Under current law, Medicare Part B and D each add the Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) surcharge to monthly premiums for seniors with an annual income of $109k or more.

This legislation would eliminate a surcharge on Medicare Parts B and D premiums for seniors making between $109,000 and $171,000 as an individual and between $218,000 and $342,000 as a married couple. This could provide an individual senior with savings of up to $241 per month or a senior couple with savings of up to $482 per month.

“Healthcare costs, especially for seniors, can be a tremendous burden,” said Congressman Kean (NJ-07). “Reducing healthcare costs for every New Jersey family remains one of my top priorities. By eliminating unnecessary Medicare costs, we can help ensure seniors have access to the care they depend on without being forced to sacrifice their hard-earned savings.”

"Seniors in high-cost areas like Southern California should not be penalized with extra Medicare surcharges on top of their premiums simply because of where they live," said Rep. Young Kim (CA-40). "The Medicare Premiums Reduction Act of 2026 provides real, immediate real relief so our seniors can keep more of their hard-earned retirement savings. I’m proud to team up with Rep. Kean to cut these unfair costs and give seniors the breathing room they deserve on their health care expenses.”

“I contacted Congressman Kean because I know firsthand how the Medicare surcharges are hurting seniors,” said Peter Derosa, from Green Brook, New Jersey. “I am a certified financial planner with a master’s degree in economics from Rutgers University, have been doing retirement planning over 50 years, and am now semi-retired. Almost any distribution or rollover from a retirement plan now triggers IRMAA. The current tier levels are far too low. They are simply a backdoor way to increase the cost of Medicare for people who have worked their entire lives for the benefit. By eliminating the first two tiers of income that are currently subject to Medicare surcharges, Congressman Kean’s bill is identifying a problem and providing a solution for many seniors.”

Congressman Kean has championed efforts to address affordability in Congress. In the 2025 Reconciliation package, Congressman Kean led the fight to quadruple the State and Local Tax (SALT) Deduction to $40,000, delivering a major victory for New Jersey families.

The full text of the Medicare Premiums Reduction Act of 2026 can be found HERE.

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Congressman Keith Self Introduces the PRIVACY Act to Protect Americans’ Fourth Amendment Rights

Congressman Keith Self (TX-03) introduced the Protecting Rights in Video and Equipment Acquired Discovery (PRIVACY) Act. The legislation would require federal law enforcement agencies to obtain a warrant before accessing or querying surveillance data collected by state and local systems, including automated license plate readers (ALPRs) and other technologies.

“Americans’ Fourth Amendment right to be secure in their privacy does not disappear just because of new technology or artificial intelligence,” said Congressman Self. “Americans have a constitutional right to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, and our government is supposed to get a warrant before invading that privacy. This bill simply restores that protection. Get a warrant.”

The PRIVACY Act protects Fourth Amendment rights by:

Creating a list of intrusive technologies and requiring federal law enforcement to obtain a warrant before accessing or querying data from those systems.

Limiting retention of data obtained under a warrant to 30 days, unless the data constitutes evidence in a prosecution or a court grants a limited extension.

Prohibiting the use of federal funds to purchase or install of such intrusive technologies, with narrow exceptions.

Congressman Eli Crane (AZ-02) and Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) are original cosponsors.

“For decades, Americans’ Fourth Amendment rights have been desecrated as government entities adopt increasingly intrusive surveillance technologies. State and local systems now collect vast amounts of data, and federal agencies use that information to bypass warrant requirements and core privacy protections,” said Congressman Crane. “To counter these Orwellian tendencies, I’m proud to join Representative Self as an original cosponsor of the PRIVACY Act. This legislation closes these loopholes, limits retention of unrelated data, and restores the constitutional protections owed to every American.”

“As the mass surveillance state has drastically expanded and evolved, so too have threats and violations of Americans' constitutional liberties — often in the name of improving public safety. Yet the American people’s Fourth Amendment rights have not changed and are not a suggestion; they are law,” said Congressman Clyde. “The PRIVACY Act provides critical protections to combat the federal government’s dangerous web of warrantless surveillance and data collection, including by devices like Flock cameras. I’m proud to support Rep. Self’s legislation, and I remain committed to restoring Americans’ Fourth Amendment freedoms amidst the rise of intrusive technologies.”

Background:

Over 6,000 communities in 49 states have installed more than 120,000 Flock, Axon and other manufacturers' cameras that line our roadways and city parks, tracking Americans more than a billion times a day. Add in the other technologies such as electronic tracking of cell tower connections, device emissions and wide-area microphones, no American can avoid the reach of technological tracking.

The average American driver has their vehicle surveilled 6-8 times a day, allowing AI to determine their driving habits and track their movements, all without the need for a warrant. This allows large nationwide databases to be established to track every American even when they are not suspected of any particular malfeasance.

The 4th Amendment protection that Americans would be “secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects,” a promise that cannot be honored unless federal law enforcement operates with warrant requirements and with limited time for information retention.

Compromises between 4th Amendment rights and law enforcement have always been part of the American landscape, but technology cannot be allowed to upset that balance. The Supreme Court has ruled that law enforcement cannot collect months of historical location records for no specific purpose, merely because they might want it later. This act codifies the Supreme Court rulings for federal law enforcement, setting specific bounds.

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Kelly, DelBene celebrate Ways & Means Committee's unanimous passage of "Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act"

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (PA-16) and Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released a joint statement after their legislation, H.R. 3514, the "Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act," passed the Ways & Means Committee. The legislation passed unanimously by a vote of 42-0.

The legislation, which has a bipartisan supermajority of nearly 300 House co-sponsors, now advances to the full U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.

"We are incredibly pleased to see the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act advance out of our committee and move to the full U.S. House of Representatives," the Members said. "This legislation puts patient care and patient outcomes first, and it will greatly modernize and streamline the prior authorization process. Today's vote moves this critical legislation one step closer to becoming law."

“Patients should be able to make medical decisions with their doctors without unnecessary red tape standing in the way,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08). “The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act builds on the Ways and Means Committee’s bipartisan work to improve the prior authorization process and ensure Pennsylvania seniors have timely access to the treatments and care that are best for them. Medicare Advantage insurers should not excessively use prior authorization as a barrier to delay needed care. I appreciate Representative Kelly’s leadership in advancing reforms that increase transparency, reduce burdens, and put patients and their doctors back in charge of health care decisions.”

You can WATCH and DOWNLOAD Kelly's full committee remarks in the YouTube link above.

BACKGROUND

Prior authorization is a tool used by health plans to reduce unnecessary care by requiring health care providers to get pre-approval for medical services. But it’s not without fault. The current system often results in unconfirmed faxes of a patient’s medical information or phone calls by clinicians which takes precious time away from delivering quality and timely care.

Prior authorization continues to be the #1 administrative burden identified by health care providers, and three out of four Medicare Advantage enrollees are subject to unnecessary delays due to prior authorization. In recent years, the Office of the Inspector General at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)raised concerns after an audit revealed that Medicare Advantage plans ultimately approved 75% of requests that were originally denied. More recently, HHS OIG released a report finding that MA plans incorrectly denied beneficiaries’ access to services even though they met Medicare coverage rules

Health plans, health care providers, and patients agree that the prior authorization process must be improved to better serve patients and reduce unnecessary administrative burdens for clinicians. In fact, leading health care organizations released a consensus statement to address some of the most pressing concerns associated with prior authorization.

More than 35 million American seniors, including more than 1.5 million Pennsylvanians, are enrolled in Medicare Advantage.

Specifically, the bill would:

Establish an electronic prior authorization process for MA plans including a standardization for transactions and clinical attachments.

Increase transparency around MA prior authorization requirements and its use.

Clarify HHS’ authority to establish timeframes for e-prior authorization requests including expedited determinations, real-time decisions for routinely approved items and services, and other prior authorization requests.

Expand beneficiary protections to improve enrollee experiences and outcomes.

Require HHS and other agencies to report to Congress on program integrity efforts and other ways to further improve the e-PA process.

Previously, Rep. Kelly led similar legislation in the 118th Congress. The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act unanimously passed the House in the 117th Congress and was cosponsored by a majority of members in the Senate and House of Representatives.


Rep. Mullin’s Statement on Foreign Aid Funding Vote

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Mullin (CA-15) issued the following statement:

“Today I voted NO on the House Republicans’ foreign aid funding bill because it threatens American diplomacy, slashes vital humanitarian aid, undermines our national security, and tries to strip away voting rights from Americans.

While I voted no on the bill, I voted YES on an amendment to cut military and other funding to Israel. I did this to send a clear message to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu: stop the wars and seek peace in the region. I strongly support Israel’s right to exist and protect its citizens, but I cannot agree to continued American support of Netanyahu’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank that I believe stray from American values and law.

This was a deeply imperfect and overly broad amendment, and it was a difficult decision as I firmly believe we need more diplomatic, humanitarian, and refugee programs that promote peace. However, I oppose the Trump-Netanyahu war in Iran and believe Netanyahu’s war in Gaza has been a horrific and disproportionate response to the brutal attacks by Hamas on October 7th. Innocent Palestinians have suffered and I deeply oppose the settlement expansion and violence in the West Bank that every day further threaten chances of peace.

I have long supported Israel’s defense from those who seek its destruction. Iron Dome and other purely defensive funding would not have been affected under this amendment. But I firmly believe that further loss of innocent life will never be the answer to this decades-long conflict.

For the sake of Israel’s global standing and for the security of the world, we need a change of course in the Middle East. The valued relationship between the U.S. and Israel will need repair and a full reset in a post-Trump and post-Netanyahu world. And as difficult as it may be, we cannot abandon work toward a future Palestinian state co-existing in peace with a Jewish and democratic Israel.”

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Rep. Mullin’s Statement on ICE Shootings in Maine and Texas

In the last week alone, ICE has shot and killed two more people on our streets – neither of whom were targets of their operations.

The inhumanity and racism from the Trump Administration and his rogue assassins are making our communities less safe.

ICE cannot be trusted, and Americans deserve independent investigations into these heinous shootings and the agents who break the law must be criminally prosecuted.

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Kiggans Supports FY27 Funding Bill that Bolsters National Security and Supports American Priorities Abroad

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) voted in favor of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027, the third of twelve Appropriations bills needed to fund the federal government for Fiscal Year 2027.

This bill shifts America’s foreign assistance programs to better align with domestic priorities while supporting our global allies. These measures strengthen our ability to counter threats from the People’s Republic of China and Iran, while supporting efforts to stop cartels from trafficking dangerous drugs, including fentanyl, across our southern border.

Congresswoman Kiggans said, “If the United States wants to remain the strongest fighting force in the world, we must commit to making the necessary investments at home. This appropriations bill will support our allies, keep our adversaries on notice, and combat the flow of dangerous drugs into our communities. At a time of increasing global instability, these investments help ensure the United States remains secure, competitive, and prepared to meet the challenges ahead.”

The bill funds:

$15.15 billion for the Department of State and related agencies, including:

$6.15 billion for improvements in Embassy Security to protect U.S. personnel,

And $186.1 million for the OIG to ensure accountability and transparency.

$9.64 billion for the Department of State to conduct international security assistance, including:

$1.66 billion for International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement programs to combat fentanyl trafficking and transnational criminal activity,

$6.75 billion for the Foreign Military Financing Program to provide security assistance in Israel, Taiwan, and the Philippines to strengthen deterrence in the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific,

And $870 million to conduct Anti-terrorism operations.

Nearly $1.9 billion to counter China’s aggression, including:

$1.8 billion to counter the PRC’s influence and protect U.S. national security interests in the Indo-Pacific,

And $400 million for the Countering PRC Influence Fund.

The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.


Knott Serves Over 300 Veterans at Second Annual Veterans Event

LILLINGTON, N.C. – Congressman Brad Knott (NC-13) hosted his second-annual Veterans Service Initiative Event in partnership with Harnett County, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and over 30 veterans-supporting vendors. The event was hosted at the Harnett County Library bringing together a wide variety of resources in one place to efficiently provide veterans the support they need. Congressman Knott’s event served over 300 veterans through on-site VA claims, vendor services, health screenings, dental care, and more.

“Our veterans continually sacrifice so much for this country. Making sure they can easily access the care, benefits, and support they’ve earned is a responsibility I take seriously. No veteran should have to wander in a bureaucratic maze or feel like help is out of reach. I am eager to assist our veterans in getting through any of these complications to secure their benefits. Meeting with so many wonderful North Carolina veterans this weekend only reinforced how important this work is. I am committed to building on this momentum and continuing to show up for those who have served all of us, and I look forward to having more events like this in the future. If you are a veteran, please know my office is here for you. We are ready to help, and I encourage you to reach out.” - Congressman Brad Knott (NC-13)

"VA is proud to work with Congressman Knott to connect North Carolina Veterans with the benefits they earned and deserve. He is a strong advocate for NC-13 Veterans, and the annual VSI represents an incredibly successful proactive effort to reach that community," Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins said. "When we work together to put Veterans first, good things happen."

“We work hard in Harnett County and throughout the district to serve veterans to the best of our ability. Holding big events such as this one expands services and provides a greater resource capability. Resources and information are key to veterans and their families or caregivers, especially as they navigate their way through the Veterans Administration. Two full days of providing claims, benefits, resources, medical and dental services with astounding results made every moment of planning and servicing worth it! Special thanks to Congressman Knott and his staff, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, service officers from Johnston, Lee, Cumberland, Sampson, Harnett and the Garner Service Center Campbell University medical students and the dental team who serviced the veterans directly. Thanks again to all of the vendors and volunteers that made these days possible. What a great event!” - Amy Noel, Harnett County VSO Assistant Director

“On behalf of the leadership team at Warrior Connection, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude and deepest appreciation to Congressman Brad Knott and his team for facilitating and including us in the 2026 NC-13 VSI / Stand Down event. This was such a tremendous opportunity for Warrior Connection to reach so many of our combat veterans who could truly benefit from the Warrior Connection program. Furthermore, there were so many other resources and organizations who were brought together, all in one location, in the effort to support and care for America's greatest asset, her warfighters. Overall, the event was well organized and certainly beneficial to our veteran community in NC-13. Thank you, Congressman Brad Knott, and to your incredible team for all your hard work and efforts. The veterans of NC-13 can rest assured that they are not alone and never forgotten.” - Jason Eckman, Vice President of Warrior Connections

The event featured:

On-site VA claims

Family-friendly activities for veterans and their families

More than 30 vendors serving veterans

Free medical screenings

Complimentary breakfast and lunch

During the second Trump Administration, VA has:


Krishnamoorthi, Lawler, Davids, Moulton, Mental Health Leaders Call on Trump Administration to Immediately Restore LGBTQ+ 988 Lifeline Youth Crisis Services

WASHINGTON — On Wednesday, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) joined Representatives Mike Lawler (R-NY), Sharice Davids (D-KS), and Seth Moulton (D-MA), along with leaders from The Trevor Project, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and the Mental Health Liaison Group, to call on the Trump Administration to immediately restore the specialized LGBTQ+ youth crisis services formerly available through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline's "Press 3" option. Although the Department of Health and Human Services has committed to restoring the services before the end of the year, the bipartisan coalition urged the Administration to immediately implement the funding Congress has already appropriated and restore the specialized LGBTQ+ youth crisis services without further delay.

"Before the Trump Administration ended it, the 988 Lifeline's specialized LGBTQ+ youth crisis services connected with nearly 1.6 million young people during some of the darkest moments of their lives. When you reach that many young people, you're meeting a real need and making a real difference. Congress came together on a bipartisan basis to restore these lifesaving services and appropriated the funding to make it happen. Congress did its job. Now the Trump Administration must implement the law and restore these services without another day's delay," Krishnamoorthi said.

Congressman Krishnamoorthi helped secure $33.1 million to restore the 988 Lifeline's specialized LGBTQ+ youth crisis services and introduced bipartisan legislation to protect them permanently. According to The Trevor Project, 41 percent of LGBTQ+ young people in Illinois seriously considered suicide in the past year, including 48 percent of transgender and nonbinary youth.


Krishnamoorthi Warns Trump's Devastating Research Cuts Threaten America's Scientific Leadership

WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) warned today that the Trump Administration's proposed cuts to American scientific research are undermining U.S. competitiveness with China, threatening America's scientific leadership, and driving away top scientific talent during a House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party hearing on research security.

Questioning senior career officials from the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and Department of Energy (DOE), Krishnamoorthi highlighted the Administration's proposed FY2026 budget cuts to each agency, including nearly a 60 percent reduction for NSF, a 40 percent reduction for NIH, and significant cuts to the Department of Energy's Office of Science, including Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois. Each official confirmed the proposed funding levels reflected in their agencies' own budget documents. Krishnamoorthi contrasted those reductions with OECD data showing China has surpassed the United States in research and development spending.

The Congressman said:

“Research security is obviously a national priority, but unfortunately, research is insecure not just because of external threats, but because of internal ones due to unprecedented cuts, posing, I think, an existential threat to our research. While President Trump wants to cut funding, China is investing. This spring, OECD showed that China has topped the U.S. in R&D spending. We're killing the very research that we're attempting to protect. And that's wrong.”

Krishnamoorthi then highlighted what he described as the real-world consequences of the Administration's cuts, citing canceled vaccine research, rising measles cases, the spread of New World screwworm, and Ebola before warning that the reductions were endangering Americans' health.

Finally, Krishnamoorthi highlighted the experience of Nobel Prize-winning scientist Ardem Patapoutian, whose NIH grant was frozen before China offered to relocate his laboratory with guaranteed long-term funding. Citing a Nature poll showing that 75 percent of U.S. scientists are considering leaving the country, Krishnamoorthi warned that America's research enterprise is being weakened from within while China actively recruits top scientific talent.

The Congressman concluded:

"Trump's cuts are driving away talent. Trump's cuts are making us less healthy. Trump's cuts are leaving us with nothing left to steal. Research needs to be secure. But if there's no research left to steal, what's the point?"


Congressmembers Langworthy, Schrier Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Lower Prescription Drug Costs by Expanding Access to Biosimilars

Washington, D.C.—July 15, 2026… Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) and Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) today announced the introduction of the Expedited Access to Biosimilars Act, bipartisan legislation to modernize the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) biosimilar approval process, reduce unnecessary regulatory barriers, and help bring lower-cost prescription drugs to patients faster.

Biologics are among the most advanced medicines available, treating serious conditions including cancer, arthritis, Crohn's disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. Because of the extensive research and development costs that are associated with these cutting-edge treatments, they are among the most expensive drugs on the market. However, once the patent on a biologic expires, manufacturers can develop a biosimilar, which the FDA must determine has no clinically meaningful differences from the original medicine in terms of safety or effectiveness. Biosimilars create competition in the marketplace and typically cost 15 to 35 percent less than their brand-name counterparts.

Although the FDA already requires extensive scientific evidence before approving a biosimilar, manufacturers are often expected to conduct additional clinical studies even when existing evidence demonstrates the biosimilar is just as safe and effective as the original product. Those unnecessary studies can cost millions of dollars, delay competition, and keep lower-cost treatment options out of patients' hands.

The Expedited Access to Biosimilars Act eliminates unnecessary regulatory hurdles while preserving the FDA's authority to require additional clinical studies whenever they are scientifically warranted.

"Americans deserve access to safe, effective, and more affordable prescription drugs, and one of the best ways to lower costs is by encouraging competition," said Congressman Langworthy. "Today, biosimilar manufacturers are often forced to complete duplicative clinical studies even when the science already demonstrates their products are just as safe and effective as the original biologic. Our bipartisan bill cuts unnecessary red tape, provides greater regulatory certainty, and helps bring lower-cost treatment options to patients faster without compromising the FDA's rigorous safety standards. This is a commonsense reform that will increase competition, expand patient choice, and help reduce prescription drug costs for families.”

“As a doctor with Type 1 diabetes, I have seen firsthand how skyrocketing insulin prices have threatened access to lifesaving medication for too many Americans,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “It is past time the Food and Drug Administration improve the approval process for biosimilars, which are lower-cost, lifesaving, and effective treatments. I am glad to introduce this legislation to streamline the FDA’s process, lower drug prices, and make medicine more accessible for patients across the country.”

The legislation would:

Clarify that additional clinical studies are not automatically required before the FDA may approve a biosimilar when existing scientific evidence is sufficient.

Preserve the FDA's authority to require additional clinical studies whenever they are necessary to ensure a biosimilar is safe and effective.

Require the FDA to notify manufacturers early in the review process if additional clinical studies will be required, providing greater certainty and helping avoid unnecessary delays.

The legislation is supported by a broad coalition of healthcare providers, patient advocates, employers, insurers, and biosimilar manufacturers, including Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), the Campaign for Sustainable Rx Pricing (CSRxP), the Association for Accessible Medicines (AAM), the ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC), the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), and Americans for Prosperity (AFP).

“Biosimilars represent a significant and growing proportion of the therapies cancer centers like Roswell Park use today in caring for our patients. We are proud to support this important legislation from Congressman Langworthy because it helps expand and accelerate access to a broader range of effective, appropriate cancer treatments for people across our region.” -- Dr. Candace S. Johnson, President and CEO, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center

"For large employers who provide health coverage to millions of American workers and their families, the Expedited Access to Biosimilars Act is an essential step forward that modernizes the biosimilar approval pathway. We applaud Representatives Langworthy and Schrier for introducing this bipartisan, commonsense reform that will break market monopolies, expand therapeutic choices, and lower costs for employees that want to use biosimilars." -- Melissa Bartlett, Senior Vice President, Health Policy, The ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC)

“The bipartisan Expedited Access to Biosimilars Act would streamline the approval process for more affordable alternatives to high-priced brand name biologic drugs to foster greater competition and help lower drug prices for American patients. Removing costly, duplicative clinical testing requirements and adopting a more efficient Food and Drug Administration (FDA) review standard will remove regulatory challenges to bringing more biosimilar competition to market, more quickly. CSRxP supports this bipartisan, market-based solution, and encourages Congress to swiftly pass it into law.”—CSRxP

“We congratulate you, Congressman Langworthy, on introducing a commonsense proposal that will benefit millions of Americans with no downsides. Removing needless barriers to lifesaving and life-enhancing therapies is exactly the sort of reform AFP exists to promote. Our activists will be working to help you enact this bill swiftly.” --Americans for Prosperity


In Comment Letter, Connecticut Delegation Members Slam Trump Administration’s New “Medical Frailty” Restrictions

Washington, D.C. – Today, Reps. John B. Larson (CT-01), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Jim Himes (CT-04), and Jahana Hayes (CT-05) slammed the latest health care cuts imposed by the Trump Administration.

In a letter sent last week, the Members expressed their opposition to a new rule announced last month by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Department of Health and Human Services, which exceeds the law’s requirements in implementing new work reporting requirements and creates an unworkable and burdensome process for patients, providers, and states. Under the new restrictions, cancer patients and patients suffering from other debilitating diseases will be required to document that the disease actually impairs their ability to work or face losing their health care coverage.

“The overwhelming impact of this rule is that eligible citizens will be denied Medicaid coverage, states will expend unacceptable resources processing complex paperwork, safety-net providers will be further burdened, and population health will decline,” the Members wrote.

The letter was submitted under a comment period for the rule, which is set to take effect on January 1st, 2027. Read the full letter text here.


Connecticut Delegation Leads Rail Corridor Lawmakers in Calling for Sustained Federal Railway Improvement Funding

Washington, D.C. — Today, Reps. John B. Larson (CT-01), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Jim Himes (CT-04), and Jahana Hayes (CT-05), and Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy led 25+ lawmakers in requesting Congressional Leaders include multi-year federal funding for passenger rail improvement projects in the BUILD America 250 Act, Congress’ upcoming five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill.

“Major rail infrastructure projects often take years to move from conception to completion. Because these investments require long-term planning and sustained commitments, uncertainty in future funding can delay project delivery and increase costs,” wrote the Members of Congress.

“At a time when passenger rail ridership is growing, with Amtrak reporting 34.5 million customer trips in Fiscal Year 2025, and states are making significant investments in rail transportation, Congress should ensure that federal funding mechanisms reflect the realities of how these projects are delivered,” continued the lawmakers.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021—the most recent surface transportation reauthorization passed by Congress—provided $66 billion in advance appropriations for rail programs through 2026. Since the legislation’s enactment, Connecticut has received approximately $2 billion in U.S. Department of Transportation rail grants. As currently drafted, the BUILD America 250 Act does not include multi-year appropriations for rail projects, undermining federal support for long-term rail improvement initiatives.

The Federal Railroad Administration's 2026 Northeast Corridor Project Inventory identifies 26 Connecticut projects that remain in development, under construction, or awaiting completion, including the WALK Bridge, Devon Bridge, and Connecticut River Bridge replacement projects. Improving the rail infrastructure located within the Northeast Corridor is critical given it is the nation’s busiest passenger corridor, carrying more than 694,000 passengers on weekdays and 367,000 passengers on weekends.

In addition to the Connecticut’s Congressional Delegation, Representatives Doris Matsui (CA-07), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Sarah McBride (DE-AL), Frederica Wilson (FL-24), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Chuy García (IL-04), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Richard E. Neal (MA-01), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Tom Suozzi (NY-03), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Jerry Nadler (NY-12), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Gabe Amo (RI-01), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), Don Beyer (VA-08), Emily Randall (WA-06), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), and Gwen Moore (WI-04) signed the letter in support of multi-year federal funding for rail improvement projects.


Larson Statement on the Massie Amendment

“The humanitarian crisis in Gaza demands an immediate surge of aid to innocent civilians. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s blockade and President Trump’s failure to enforce existing human rights laws have prolonged needless suffering for far too long,” said Larson. “The amendment before us today would make that crisis worse by blocking aid to Palestinian refugees, defunding peacebuilding programs, and pushing a two-state solution further out of reach. That is why I voted against it. Hamas’s attack on October 7 was abhorrent. The indiscriminate bombing and suffering of the Palestinian people are abhorrent. The rise in antisemitism around the world is abhorrent. We must condemn all of these injustices clearly and without contradiction.

“I will continue to oppose anyone who undermines peace, including actions by the Netanyahu government that threaten a viable two-state solution,” Larson continued. “The Trump Administration must enforce existing restrictions on weapons transfers while ensuring that food, medicine, shelter, and other humanitarian aid reach civilians. Prime Minister Netanyahu must restore access to Gaza for aid workers and halt any effort to annex the West Bank. I am a cosponsor of the West Bank Violence Prevention Act, which would sanction those who commit violence in the West Bank, and I support restoring funding for UNRWA to help deliver humanitarian relief at the scale this crisis requires. The United States must protect civilians, uphold international law, and pursue a lasting peace in which Israelis and Palestinians can live with safety, dignity, and self-determination.”


Ways and Means Committee Votes to Advance Larson-led Essential Caregivers Act

Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) and every member of the House Ways and Means Committee voted to advance Larson and Senator Richard Blumenthal’s Essential Caregivers Act to the House floor on a bipartisan, unanimous basis. Larson and Blumenthal introduced their bill last year with Rep. Claudia Tenney (NY-24) and Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), which would allow residents in nursing homes and similar facilities to designate two loved ones as “essential caregivers,” so everyone has in-person access to a loved one, including when visitations are restricted due to a declared emergency. These caregivers would maintain visitation rights to provide care and support to residents, while following the same health protocols as staff.

View Rep. Larson’s full remarks here.

“I have heard heartbreaking stories from constituents who were separated from their loved ones in long-term care during the pandemic, even families forced to miss a parent or grandparent’s final moments,” said Larson. “We can never allow the isolation that took place to happen again. That’s why Senator Blumenthal and I teamed up with our Republican colleague, Claudia Tenney from New York, to guarantee visiting access during future emergencies and also protect the safety of nursing home residents. I want to thank my colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee for today’s strong, bipartisan vote to advance the Essential Caregivers Act. Congress owes it to the steadfast advocates who have bravely come forward with their stories to pass this bill.”

“Today’s bipartisan vote by the Ways and Means Committee is an important step toward ensuring we never repeat the tragic, isolation nursing home residents faced during the pandemic," said Senator Blumenthal. "This bill establishes a vital lifeline by guaranteeing access to essential caregivers when visitations are restricted, giving nursing home residents an invaluable connection to their loved ones. Our work is not finished, but I’m grateful to Representatives Larson and Tenney, Senator Cornyn and our bipartisan coalition for their invaluable collaboration as we work to pass this bill and continue efforts to protect both public health and human dignity."

The Essential Caregivers Act seeks to prevent a repeat of the prolonged isolation and lack of care that long-term care residents suffered from during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, Larson and Blumenthal’s bill ensures that in any future emergency, at least one designated essential caregiver is able to access their loved ones in a manner consistent with all applicable health and safety protocols. The bill also requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to set clear and fair guidelines for essential caregivers to enter facilities during an emergency that protect the safety of facility staff and residents.


Rep. Laurel Lee’s Safe Cloud Storage Act Advances Out of House Judiciary Committee

Washington, D.C. — Today, the House Judiciary Committee advanced Congresswoman Laurel Lee’s bipartisan Safe Cloud Storage Act, legislation to help law enforcement modernize how it securely handles digital evidence in child sexual exploitation investigations.

The bill is led by Representative Laurel Lee and co-led by Steve Cohen (D–TN), Madeleine Dean (D–PA), and Brad Knott (R–NC). Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) is leading the Senate version of the Safe Cloud Storage Act, reflecting strong bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress. The Safe Cloud Storage Act gives investigators access to secure, modern technology that can help accelerate investigations while protecting highly sensitive evidence.

“As technology continues to evolve, law enforcement must have access to the modern tools necessary to protect children and bring predators to justice,” said Rep. Laurel Lee. “Too many investigators are still forced to rely on outdated storage methods that slow investigations and delay justice for victims. The Safe Cloud Storage Act provides a secure, accountable process that allows trusted technology partners to assist law enforcement while maintaining rigorous protections for sensitive evidence. I am grateful to my colleagues on the House Judiciary Committee for advancing this bipartisan legislation.”

“We must do everything in our power to protect children from abuse and prosecute those who commit such despicable crimes — that include modernizing how law enforcement stores sensitive information so they can better purse justice,” Rep. Dean said. “Our bipartisan bill is a commonsense measure to enable law enforcement to securely use cloud-based storage to store materials for child sexual abuse material (CSAM) investigations, making arrests for online child exploitation more efficient. I’m grateful to work with Congresswoman Lee, and our colleagues in the House and Senate, as we continue to advocate for this important legislation.”

“Our bipartisan Safe Cloud Storage Act is an important measure that will ensure law enforcement has access to important cloud-based tools to store evidence,” said Rep. Steve Cohen. “This bill removes a needless complication that can slow arrests and prosecutions for online child exploitation. I’m pleased to work with Representatives Laurel Lee (R–FL-15), Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04), and Brad Knott (R–NC-13) in moving this important bill to passage.”

“I’m proud to work with Congresswoman Lee on this critical legislation, and I’m pleased to advance it out of Committee. As a former federal prosecutor, I know how essential it is to modernize evidence handling in the most horrific and sensitive cases,” said Rep. Brad Knott. “This bill will help ensure that heinous offenders are brought to justice more efficiently, that victims see accountability, and that strict standards govern the handling and protection of sensitive evidence; goals that clearly earned strong, bipartisan support today.”

Today, many law enforcement agencies continue to rely on outdated or inadequate storage systems that can delay child exploitation investigations and increase operational burdens. The Safe Cloud Storage Act addresses a key barrier to modernizing evidence storage by providing limited liability protections to vetted, law enforcement-approved cloud service providers. This allows trusted technology partners to securely assist law enforcement while maintaining rigorous cybersecurity standards and protecting the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive evidence.

The legislation is supported by a broad coalition of law enforcement, child protection, and victim advocacy organizations, including the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), the Fraternal Order of Police, Thorn, Raven, the Child Rescue Coalition, the National District Attorneys Association, the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, and the International Justice Mission.

The bill now heads to the House Floor for consideration.


Chairman Lawler Introduces Bill to Replace UNRWA with Accountable Humanitarian Assistance

Washington, D.C. – 7/15/26… This week, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, and Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) introduced the Replace UNRWA with Real Humanitarian Assistance Act, bipartisan legislation requiring the State Department to develop a comprehensive strategy to work alongside our international partners to dismantle the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) while ensuring uninterrupted humanitarian assistance for civilians in need.

Specifically, this bill requires the State Department to submit to Congress a plan to dismantle UNRWA operations throughout the Middle East, identify qualified governments and international or non-governmental organizations to assume responsibility for the services UNRWA currently provides, and outline a detailed proposal for transitioning those services while ensuring continuity of critical humanitarian assistance. The plan must also include oversight measures to ensure successor organizations meet strict standards for neutrality, transparency, and accountability.

“UNRWA has repeatedly failed to meet the basic standards of accountability and neutrality that the international community should expect from any humanitarian organization. Credible reports have exposed serious failures within the agency, including employees with ties to terrorist organizations and educational materials that promote antisemitism and incite violence. Humanitarian aid must reach those who need it, not strengthen organizations that undermine peace and security. This legislation provides a responsible path to replace UNRWA with trustworthy partners while ensuring critical humanitarian assistance continues uninterrupted,” said Chairman Lawler.

“Democrats and Republicans agree: we can’t keep funneling money through an organization that teaches kids to hate and employs Hamas terrorists involved in the October 7th attack. That’s why our bill requires a responsible, phased transition to replace UNRWA with accountable partners and makes sure aid reaches the people who need it. Aid should feed families, not fund terror,” said Rep. Gottheimer.

“For decades, UNRWA has failed in its mission, and the status quo is simply not working. Following conversations with regional stakeholders, including the Christian Patriarchs in Jerusalem and Jordanian officials, regarding the stability of the region, I am convinced we need a new approach. Aid responsibilities need to be given to trusted partners who effectively deliver health care, education, and food, without lining the pockets of terrorist groups like Hamas. This legislation protects taxpayer dollars, advances our national security interests, and strengthens humanitarian efforts in the region,” said Rep. French Hill (AR-02).

“UNRWA is a deeply compromised organization that is beyond any capability for reform. It’s time for the U.S. to implement a serious plan to eliminate and replace UNRWA once and for all,” said Deryn Sousa, Spokeswoman for AIPAC.

“JINSA is proud to endorse the "Replace UNRWA with Real Humanitarian Assistance Act." After decades of documented terror ties, radicalization, and corruption, UNRWA has forfeited any claim to serve as a credible humanitarian partner in the Middle East. Israeli intelligence assessments estimate over 10 percent of UNRWA's Gaza staff have ties to terror groups and roughly half have close family ties to them, underscoring UNRWA does not in good faith fulfill its goal of ameliorating the humanitarian situation of Gazans. As JINSA’s Gaza Futures Task Force concluded in The Day After: A Plan for Gaza, UNRWA should be dismantled and replaced by alternative mechanisms that can accomplish that goal and facilitate a more stable and secure future for Gaza. This legislation takes the necessary step of requiring the State Department to chart that transition,” said Matt Kenney, Vice President, Government Affairs, JINSA.

“UNRWA does not resettle refugees; UNRWA recruits refugees. How an organization continues to exist for over half a century, despite receiving billions of dollars from the American taxpayer, yet has not managed to resettle one single refugee is beyond me. Even if one were to pretend that UNRWA wasn't overrun with terrorists, many of whom had a direct hand in 10/7, by any metric UNRWA is an institutional failure and deserves to lie in the dustbin of history,” said CUFI Action Fund Chairwoman Sandra Hagee Parker.

"UNWRA has failed to achieve meaningful refugee assistance and resettlement as an organization. UNRWA has allowed itself to be coopted by terrorist groups that only seek the continuation of conflict and the destruction of Israel. UNRWA is beyond repair and the UN as a body is incapable of providing services and staff that are free from terrorist influence. FDD Action supports the Lawler/Gottheimer bill along with the dismantlement of UNRWA and the creation of alternative service providers for the Palestinian people that will meet the humanitarian needs of the moment and help build a civil society free of Hamas,” said Tyler Stapleton, Senior Director of Government Relations, FDD Action.

In May 2026, Lawler led more than 90 Members of Congress in urging the Administration to dismantle UNRWA’s operations and transition its responsibilities to credible, transparent organizations that are free of ties to terrorism while ensuring humanitarian assistance continues uninterrupted. The Replace UNRWA with Real Humanitarian Assistance Act codifies that effort by requiring the State Department to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to achieve that transition.

The legislation is cosponsored by Reps. Michael McCaul (TX-10), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Don Bacon (NE-02), Randy Fine (FL-06), Pete Stauber (MN-08), Chris Smith (NJ-04), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Nick LaLota (NY-01), August Pfluger (TX-11), Joe Wilson (SC-02), Jefferson Van Drew (NJ-02), Ann Wagner (MO-02), Julie Fedorchak (ND-At large), Max Miller (OH-07), Adrian Smith (NE-03), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Barry Loudermilk (GA-11), Nick Langworthy (NY-23), Young Kim (CA-40), Bill Huizenga (MI-04), French Hill (AR-02), Darrell Issa (CA-48), and Craig Goldman (TX-12).

Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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Lawler’s Legislation Protecting Northeast Lobster Industry Advances Through Natural Resources Committee

Washington, D.C. – 7/15/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) applauded the House Natural Resources Committee’s passage of the Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation to extend critical relief for Northeast fisheries by maintaining the current regulatory framework that governs American lobster and Jonah crab fisheries in the Northeast.

This bill provides stability for these fisheries and prevents unnecessary disruptions that could lead to closures, while allowing additional time to create innovative solutions to protect both the North Atlantic right whale and the future of Northeast fisheries. The Trump Administration has expressed strong support for this policy, stating that it aligns with Executive Order 14276, Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness and offering strong support for its passage through Congress.

This legislation passed in the House Natural Resources Committee and now will advance to the House floor.

“Protecting the North Atlantic right whale and supporting America’s fishing communities are goals that can and must go hand in hand. By extending the current regulatory framework through 2035, the Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act provides the time needed to develop durable, science-driven solutions that protect this endangered species without imposing unnecessary burdens on fishermen. I’m grateful to Chairman Bruce Westerman for advancing this legislation through Committee and to Rep. Jared Golden for his partnership on this bipartisan effort,” said Congressman Lawler.

“Lobster fishing contributes billions of dollars to Maine’s economy and employs thousands of Mainers, yet it has dealt with extreme regulatory uncertainty. Rep. Lawler’s bill extends the timeline for the National Marine Fisheries Service to implement regulations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act from 2028 to 2035. This allows the regulations to be based on the most up-to-date, complete scientific information available without placing undue burdens on lobstermen. I thank Rep. Lawler for supporting this vital industry,” said Chairman Bruce Westerman, House Committee on Natural Resources.

“I’m grateful to Rep. Lawler and my colleagues on the committee for a strong show of bipartisan support for Maine lobstermen. In 2022, Congress enacted this regulatory pause and funded new efforts to gather information to support a data-driven process to establish rules that made sense for both the fishermen and the whales. But today the rulemaking process is behind schedule for reasons that have nothing to do with Maine fishermen. At the same time, those charged with gathering the necessary data say more time is needed to ensure regulations can incorporate the best available science. Maine fishermen are not asking for much. We just need more time,” said Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02).

This legislation amends the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 to maintain the existing moratorium on certain federal regulations affecting the American lobster and Jonah crab fisheries through 2035. This extension supports the development of innovative gear technologies, such as ropeless/on-demand systems and whale deterrents.

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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ICYMI: Lawler Continues to Call on Administration to Restore LGBTQ+ 988 Youth Crisis Services

Washington, D.C. – 7/15/26… Today, Reps. Mike Lawler (NY-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Sharice Davids (KS-03), and Seth Moulton (MA-06) stood alongside leaders from the Trevor Project and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention for a bipartisan press conference calling for the swift restoration of specialized LGBTQ+ youth crisis services within the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and welcoming the Administration’s commitment to restore them.

WATCH: LAWLER CONTINUES TO CALL ON ADMINISTRATION TO RESTORE LGBTQ+ 988 YOUTH CRISIS SERVICES