Gluesenkamp Perez Ends a Successful Appropriations Season with a Number of Policy Wins

WASHINGTON, DC – As the Appropriations Committee markups come to a close, Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez is proud to announce a total of 51 of her policy priorities have been included in appropriations bills. Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez became a member of the Appropriations Committee at the start of the 119th Congress in January 2025. She sits on the Subcommittee on Agriculture and the Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government.

The Appropriations Committee is responsible for writing and amending the 12 pieces of legislation that fund the federal government. This process is critical to the function of the government and is a key oversight lever Congress can pull to make changes to governmental operations. Representatives can include provisions in either the base text of the bill or accompanying report, or in amendments, which are debated and have their inclusion in the bill voted on by the committee. This year, Rep Gluesenkamp Perez had 30 provisions included in the base text and 21 provisions in amendments adopted by the committee.

Among these 51 pieces of legislation, highlights include provisions to reduce the cost of childcare by streamlining regulations for food handling, funding and improvements for removal of invasive pinnipeds in the Columbia River, saving taxpayer dollars by creating a single House-managed Correspondence Management System, and a provision to strengthen recess in public schools. In total, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez spent approximately 86 hours voting in the Appropriations Committee on markups for all 12 funding bills.

“When I’m at the gas station or the grocery store, people aren’t shy about coming up to me when they see the federal government isn’t working for them.” Said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez, “On Appropriations, it’s my job to make sure those voices and those concerns are addressed in our funding decisions. I’m so proud of how much we’ve been able to get done for Southwest Washington this year.”

A complete list of all provisions Rep Gluesenkamp Perez introduced can be found below, listed in alphabetical order by committee:

The 30 provisions included in the base text of the bills and reports are:

Cranberry Markets – The Committee is concerned by the challenges specialty crop producers, specifically cranberry growers, face in accessing global markets. The Committee encourages the Secretary to investigate and eliminate these challenges on cranberry farmers competing with Canadian market preference.

Pacific Shellfish Research Unit – The Committee directs USDA ARS to maintain and fully support the Ecology Division at the Pacific Shellfish Research Unit, specifically maintaining the research ecologist position and the appropriate support staff.

Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network Program – The Committee recognizes the mental health and suicide risks in rural and farm communities and the benefits of preventative care and encourages NIFA to consider peer-to-peer counseling through the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network Program.

European Green Crab – The Committee encourages APHIS to assist shellfish growers who have been impacted by the spread of European Green Crab

Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA– HIP) – The Committee recognizes the important role of VPA–HIP in creating and enhancing fish and wildlife habitat and addressing a major barrier to hunting and fishing participation: lack of access to quality places to hunt and fish, including lakes, streams, wetlands, grasslands, forests, and agricultural land. This locally led, voluntary framework to incentivize private landowners to allow access for recreation stimulates rural economies by increasing hunting and fishing participation and enhances outdoor recreational opportunities nationwide. The Committee encourages NRCS to expedite the distribution of any funds allocated to this program and to support program continuity by issuing five-year grant awards

Seafood in the National School Lunch Program – The Committee appreciates the focus on seafood in the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and encourages FNS to prioritize local and regional seafood in the National School Lunch Program.

Accelerated FDA Reviews for Substance Use Disorder Treatments – The Committee encourages FDA to explore and, where appropriate, implement accelerated review approaches for qualifying substance use disorder treatments, including priority review, fast track designation, breakthrough therapy designation, and other expedited programs authorized under current law and available to the Commissioner. The Committee further encourages FDA to evaluate whether additional regulatory tools or administrative pathways could reduce development and review timelines for high-impact addiction treatments while maintaining rigorous standards for safety and efficacy.

Pinniped Removal – The Committee Recommendation provides $5,500,000 for Columbia River pinniped removals. The Committee reminds NOAA of the directive included in the Joint Explanatory Statement accompanying Public Law 119-74 requiring the study of pinniped removal strategies, and directs the NMFS to submit its findings within 90 days of the enactment of this Act. Additionally, the Committee encourages NMFS to identify ways to increase the number of annual takes to meet the annual potential biological removal level provided in Section 120f of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and establish additional removal strategies, such as seasonal takes to align with spring Chinook and winter Steelhead runs, community partnerships, and direct kill.

Mitchell Act Hatcheries – The recommendation provides $28,000,000 for the operation and maintenance of Mitchell Act hatcheries. NOAA is directed to limit the amount of Mitchell Act hatcheries funding withheld for administrative expenses to 10 percent.

Burrowing Shrimp Control Study – The Committee appreciates the efforts underway to study control methods, including integrated pest management, for mud shrimp, Upogebia pugettensis and ghost shrimp, Neotrypaea californiensis and other species of native burrowing shrimp species on bottom culture oyster beds. The Committee directs NMFS to provide a briefing on study findings within 180 days of the enactment of this Act.

Shellfish Genetics and Breeding Program – The Committee recognizes the economic importance of shellfish aquaculture for rural and coastal communities and the need for resilient, healthy stocks. The Committee supports NOAA’s efforts to develop an improved stock, promote enhanced disease resiliency, modernize production technologies, and transfer technology and improved stocks to shellfish farmers.

Fraud Language – Instructs law enforcement to work together across jurisdictions to combat fraud and scams.

The Committee encourages the Department to prioritize grants available within the Weatherization Assistance Program for manufacturing housing skirting, awning, and other traditional means of energy efficiency.

Prohibits funds to finalize or implement the Safety Standard Addressing Blade-Contact Injuries on Table Saws.

Search and Rescue Activities – The Committee reiterates the critical work done by small local law enforcement to conduct search and rescue activities on Federal lands and the financial burden such activities impose. The Committee directs the Department of the Interior, in coordination with other relevant agencies, to provide a briefing not later than 120 days following the enactment of this Act on the frequency and cost of such operations, the adequacy of reimbursement mechanisms, and additional resources needed to support these activities.

Outdoor Recreation – The Committee is concerned about the elevated suicide rates and mental health challenges facing law enforcement and first responders and recognizes the proven benefits of outdoor recreation. The Committee directs the Forest Service to provide a report not later than 90 days following the enactment of this Act on current activities and programs, or new opportunities, that support public law enforcement agencies and first responder agencies or volunteer agencies, specifically those related to community camp-style recreation.

Roads – The Committee urges the Forest Service to provide a briefing no later than 180 days following the enactment of this Act on the impacts of decommissioning forest roads. The Committee encourages the Forest Service to consider the impacts future timber needs before decommissioning occurs.

Food Preparation Impacts – The Committee is concerned that some State food safety regulations inadvertently limit access to fresh fruits and vegetables in child care settings. The Committee encourages the Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of Agriculture, to develop a classification for low-risk foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, that reflects the comparatively low risk of foodborne illness and other harms associated with food typically consumed raw or with minimal processing. The Committee further encourages the Secretaries to review and, as appropriate update, relevant nutrition, food safety, and food preparation regulations and guidance that may favor prepacked, ultra-processed foods, and to revise them to reflect such classification. The Committee also encourages the Departments to work with States to align their nutrition and food safety regulations with this approach so child care providers can prepare fresh fruits and vegetables for children.

Opt-Out of Active Shooter Drills – None of the funds made available in this Act may be used by any local education agency to conduct student-involved active shooter drills in schools without first providing student participants under 16 years old with the ability to opt out of such exercises with parental or legal guardianship consent.

Technical Education in Middle School – The Committee notes Congress’ intent for Perkins funding to provide career and technical education for the “middle grades,” which may include 5th and 6th graders in some States. Where applicable, the Committee supports efforts to limit barriers of Federal support not reaching all eligible populations.

Dual Enrollment Pathways – The Committee continues to urge the Department, in coordination with local education agencies and institutions of higher education, to expand dual enrollment pathways for technical work, such as welding and shop class, and encourages the Secretary to offer additional technical assistance to schools to support this use.

Skills-Aligned Instruction – The Committee recognizes that excellence in high school level career and technical programs is predicated on middle school career and technical programs that are flexible and achievable in all schools and for all skill levels, and that foundational career and technical programs can be achieved with programs such as cardboard model building with high quality instructors.

EMS Preparedness and Response Workforce Development – The Committee recognizes the significant workforce shortage in the emergency medical services (EMS) sector, particularly in underserved, rural, and Tribal communities, which limits access to critical prehospital ground ambulance medical services, including critical care transport. The Committee encourages the Department to utilize existing funds through the Workforce Opportunities for Rural Communities Initiative to prioritize sector-based workforce development strategies to address the ongoing EMS workforce shortage in high-need areas. These workforce development strategies should focus on the recruitment, training, and retention of emergency medical technicians and paramedics with an emphasis on creative career pathways and expanding employment opportunities in underserved, rural, and Tribal communities.

Student-Facing Educational Support Staff – The Committee recognizes that student-facing education staff are some of the most consequential figures in a student’s development and are critical for student success. In school districts facing budget shortfalls, the Committee is concerned that some districts opt to disproportionately layoff student-facing educational support staff, compared to administrative staff. In these situations, the Committee encourages schools to retain student-facing educational support staff to the extent possible in order to support student development and set students up for long-term success.

Wastewater Apprenticeships – The Committee commends the Department for awarding funding to address challenges of Registered Apprenticeship programs in rural areas and to address inadequacies in the water sector across rural America and U.S. territories. The Committee recommends $20,000,000 in grant funding available to establish, implement, expand, and administer registered apprenticeship programs consistent with the National Guideline Standards of Apprenticeship for Water and Wastewater System Operations Specialists to address nationwide shortages of qualified drinking water and wastewater operators, especially in rural America.

VA Care & Medical Companion Programs – The Committee remains concerned about barriers to care for undergoing outpatient or ambulatory procedures using sedation or anesthesia that requires a responsible adult available to assist in their care before and after the procedure. As a follow up to House Report 119-161, the Committee requests the Department to report to Congress about the development of more Medical Companion programs across the VHA system, including identifying barriers for setting up these programs and providing recommendations to support their continued development. The Committee reiterates the importance of ensuring any policy does not jeopardize the standard of care veterans receive.

Veteran Transportation – The Committee encourages the Office of Rural Health to use no less than FY26 for the continued partnership between the Veterans Transportation Program and the Office of Rural Health to continue providing transportation to VA appointments for veterans who live in rural areas.

Technical training partnerships – The Committee notes ongoing shortages of skilled trades, including welders and electricians, essential to maintaining and securing United States diplomatic operations and infrastructure abroad. The Committee encourages the Secretary of State to pursue partnerships with accredited technical training programs to expand apprenticeships and licensing that strengthens this workforce.

FHA Title I personal property loans – The Committee recognizes the challenges with using a Federal Housing Administration loan to purchase a manufactured home. Accordingly, the Committee encourages the Federal Housing Administration to update the limits for FHA Title I personal property loans to allow for realistic use to purchase a manufactured home that is not on a permanent foundation, and to coordinate with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to identify similar activities within their portfolios.

Headlight intensity – The Committee urges the Secretary of Transportation to brief the Committees on Appropriations regarding existing research and any gaps therein related to the impact of the intensity of low beam headlamps on the vision and safety of drivers, pedestrians, and other road users, including the effect of varied terrain

The 21 provisions adopted during committee markups are:

Child Care Food Preparation – The Committee is concerned by the impact of state food safety regulations inadvertently creating limitations on access to fresh fruits and vegetables in settings such as child care facilities. The Committee encourages the Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to develop a classification for low-risk foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, that considers the limited risks of food-borne illness and negative health impacts associated with foods typically consumed raw or with minimal processing. The Committee further encourages the Secretaries to review and, as appropriate, update relevant nutrition and food safety and preparation regulations and guidance that may favor prepacked, processed foods to reflect such classification. The Committee also encourages states to align their nutrition and food safety regulations with this approach to ensure child care providers may prepare fresh fruits and vegetables for students.

Apple Varieties – The Committee notes the importance of the National School Lunch Program to provide students with nutritious, locally-sourced foods. The Committee encourages the Department to update the list of Foods Available for Schools and Institutions to permit the procurement of regionally appropriate, high-quality apple varieties that are more likely to be consumed by students, including varieties such as Cosmic Crisp and SugarBee.

Callery Pears – The Committee urges APHIS to take the necessary steps to designate Callery pear (Pyrus Calleryana) as a Federal Noxious Weed.

Mitchell Act Hatchery Operations – The Committee is concerned by the rising cost ofMitchell Act hatchery operations. NOAA is directed to report to the Committee, no later than 90 days after the enactment of this Act, on the key factors driving the increase in hatchery operations costs. Furthermore, NOAA is encouraged to identify and implement any efficiencies that would mitigate the rising cost of hatchery operations.

Fisheries Take Reduction Teams – The Committee encourages NOAA to continue working alongside and leveraging the expertise of commercial fisheries groups, such as active crab fisherman, on take reduction teams

Crypto ATMs – The Committee is concerned by the rapid growth of fraud schemes targeting elderly and vulnerable populations through the use of cryptocurrency automated teller machines (crypto ATMs). The Committee encourages the Department, in consultation with state and local governments, to study the effect of siting Crypto ATMs near government buildings, such as police stations and courthouses, in limiting the frequency and severity of fraud. If favorable, the Department may issue guidelines to state and local governments.

Evaluating Prison Release Timing – The Committee is aware of concerns about the timing of prison releases and encourages the Department, to the extent practicable, to provide a report assessing State and local prison release times and any implications of the release times on public safety.

Gold Star Advisory Council – The Committee recognizes the sacrifices made by the families of service members who die while serving the nation, including members of the United States Coast Guard. The Committee notes that family members of fallen Coast Guard service members may not currently be represented on the Department of Defense Gold Star and Surviving Family Member Advisory Council. Therefore, the Committee directs the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security, to take appropriate steps to ensure that eligible family members of fallen Coast Guard service members are afforded the opportunity to serve on, and provide input through, the Gold Star and Surviving Family Member Advisory Council.

Dredging Costs – The Committee is aware of concerns regarding rising dredging costs and related strain placed on small ports and local governments. The Corps, in consultation with all relevant agencies, is directed to report to the Committee, no later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, on the key regulatory factors driving the increase in dredging costs. Furthermore, USACE is encouraged to identify and implement any efficiencies that would mitigate rising dredging costs.

Surviving Families Advisory – The Committee recognizes the important role that the families of deceased active-duty Coast Guard servicemembers play in informing the programs and support services for surviving families. The Committee encourages the Coast Guard to work alongside these families to improve the programs and services for surviving families.

Increase funding for the Chemical Safety Board to the FY26 enacted levels.

Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board – The Committee encourages the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB), as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, to consider relevant trade, craft, operations, maintenance, construction, and other industrial work experience when recruiting and hiring personnel for investigative positions. The Committee believes that a workforce reflecting a combination of technical, scientific, engineering, and hands-on industrial experience will strengthen the Board’s ability to understand workplace conditions, identify root causes, and develop recommendations that improve chemical process safety.

Off-Highway Vehicle Mixed-Use Analyses – The Committee supports the work of the Forest Service in their efforts to complete off-highway vehicle (OHV) mixed-use analysis’ and encourages the Forest Service to move expeditiously in completing reviews on Forests Service land, including within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The Committee reminds the Forest Service of the importance of making the national forests as accessible as possible to the American people and requests that the Forest Service work with States, local officials, communities, and partners as it implements the travel mixed-use analysis process.

Recess in Schools – The Committee recognizes the critical role of recess in K-12 schools in providing protected, unstructured time for children and adolescents, strengthening cognitive function and memory retention, and building problem-solving and communication skills. The Committee requests an update in the fiscal year 2028 congressional justification on the benefits of recess on the academic, social, and physical development of children and adolescents and recommendations on how to preserve recess time and remove unnecessary regulatory and administrative barriers, such as those limiting the use of wood chips on playgrounds.

Pain Management Improvements – The Committee directs the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to study pain management improvement strategies for miscarriage.

Correspondence Management Systems (CMS) – The Committee recognizes the critical role CMSs play in connecting constituents to their Members of Congress. The Committee appreciates the work that the CAO is doing regarding the CMS Innovation Project and supports their continued efforts on this project. The CAO is directed to keep the Committee apprised of this effort.

Congressional Quilt Showcase – The Committee celebrates the historical significance and shared heritage quilting and needlework bring to the United States. The Committee directs the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) to develop a quilting show that shall be administered by lottery and held each year among constituents of each Congressional district who won a ribbon from a county fair or received similar recognition. The AOC may display each quilt outside the respective congressional office in the House of Representatives at the discretion of the member.

Home Loan Flexibility – The Committee recognizes evolving housing preferences among veterans, including increased interest in non-traditional living arrangements–such as recreational vehicles (RVs) and manufactured or mobile homes–used as long-term or permanent residences. The Committee further recognizes that in certain housing markets, lower-cost alternatives such as RV-based living and manufactured housing may provide an accessible pathway to housing stability for some veterans. Accordingly, the Committee directs the VA to submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate, not later than 180 days after enactment of this Act, assessing the feasibility and policy implications of modifying existing authorities under chapter 37 of title 38, United States Code, to permit the use of the VA Home Loan Guaranty Program for the purchase of land on which an RV, manufactured, or mobile home would be permanently sited as a primary residence.

Safe Parking – The Committee recognizes the success of partnerships between Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Centers, including the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, and local communities to develop Safe Parking programs that provide veterans living in vehicles with secure overnight parking and access to support services. The Committee directs the VA to expand such partnerships, where feasible, and to submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate not later than 180 days after enactment of this Act describing existing programs, barriers to expansion, and a plan for scaling these programs in communities with demonstrated need, including any additional authorities or resources required.

DOT Registration Scammers – The Committee is concerned by the increasing number of reports of private entities soliciting motor carriers regarding DOT number registration, renewal, updates, and compliance requirements in a manner that may reasonably lead recipients to believe the communication originates from, or is endorsed by, the FMCSA or DOT. Such solicitations can impose unnecessary costs on motor carriers, particularly small businesses and owner-operators, and may create confusion regarding Federal registration requirements. The Committee directs FMCSA, within 180 days of enactment of this Act, to review the prevalence of misleading registration-related solicitations; assess the adequacy of existing authorities to address deceptive practices involving USDOT number communications; conduct outreach to motor carriers regarding legitimate Federal registration processes and associated fees; and provide a report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations identifying legislative, regulatory, and enforcement recommendations to protect motor carriers from deceptive or misleading registration-related solicitations. The Committee further directs FMCSA to ensure that all public-facing registration materials clearly inform motor carriers that registration, renewal, and update services may be completed directly through FMCSA and that third-party services are not required. The report shall include the number and nature of complaints received regarding misleading DOT number solicitations, enforcement actions undertaken, and recommendations for additional authorities, if necessary.

Automated Kill Switches – None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to implement section 24220 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (49 U.S.C. 30111 note), except that the Secretary may study technology capable of preventing drunk driving deaths that do not include the following – (1) “”kill switch”” technology that enables any state, local, or federal agency, contractor, subcontractor, or grantee to exercise remote operation control over any motor vehicle; (2) in-vehicle technologies to monitor or transmit vehicle operational, location, biometric, or behavioral data; (3) technology that enables any state, local, or federal agency, contractor, subcontractor, or grantee to remotely access any data generated or transmitted from any motor vehicle; or (4) other invasive or coercive technology that is capable of violating driver privacy.

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IRS to provide in-person tax assistance in Bangor this week

WASHINGTON — The IRS announced that it will be in Bangor this week to provide in-person tax assistance for Mainers. Specifically, they will assist with tax law, refunds, payments, transcripts and forms.

IRS staff will be available in Suite 20300 of the Margaret Chase Smith Federal Building, located at 202 Harlow St. They will be onsite from July 21 to July 23, during the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The IRS asks that attendees bring a valid state or federal photo ID. Tax payments will not be accepted. For an appointment, call (615) 250-5331.

If you need assistance with the IRS but are unable to visit in person, please reach out to any of our district offices:

Bangor Office: 6 State Street, Bangor ME 04401. Phone: (207) 249-7400

Caribou Office: 7 Hatch Drive, Suite 230, Caribou ME 04736. Phone: (207) 492-6009

Lewiston Office: 179 Lisbon Street, Lewiston ME 04240. Phone: (207) 241-6767

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Rep. Jimmy Gomez Joins End Corruption Caucus

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) joined the End Corruption Caucus, a coalition of lawmakers committed to rooting out corruption in government, restoring transparency and accountability, and ensuring the federal government works for the American people and not the wealthy and well-connected.

“Americans are tired of watching our elected leaders use their position and power to cash in while working families struggle to afford the basics,” said Rep. Gomez. “I’m joining the End Corruption Caucus to stop insider trading in Congress, take dark money out of politics, and hold both parties accountable to the people.”

Rep. Gomez is a leading voice in the fight to expose corruption, demand accountability, and protect democratic institutions. He has consistently spoken out against abuses of power, called out efforts by President Trump to personally profit from the presidency, and used congressional oversight to hold the administration accountable.

Rep. Gomez has also backed legislation to strengthen ethics laws and restore public trust, including:

The Restore Trust in Government Act, which would ban Presidents, Vice Presidents, Members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from owning or trading individual stocks to eliminate conflicts of interest and ensure officials serve the public—not their portfolios.

The Don't Settle for Corruption Act, which would prevent federal agencies from allowing corporations and powerful individuals to escape accountability through settlement agreements that shield them from criminal prosecution.

The DISCLOSE Act, which would shine a light on dark money in federal elections by requiring organizations spending money to influence campaigns to disclose their major donors.

The End Corruption Caucus was launched by Representatives Jason Crow (CO-06), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), and Mike Levin (CA-49), and works to advance legislation that strengthens ethics laws, limits the influence of dark money in politics, increases government transparency, and restores Americans' trust in their elected leaders.


Congressman Gonzalez Introduces Hands Off Our Boca Chica Beach Act

Contact: Alexis Torres

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) introduced the Hands off Our Boca Chica Beach Act to federally protect the historic site from unnecessary name changes. His legislation would codify the name Boca Chica Beach and require the Domestic Names Committee—a key federal division of the U.S. Board of Geographic Names (BGN)—to notify the respective Member of Congress of a proposed name change that affects their district.

Geographic names established by an act of Congress, or those introduced as proposed legislation, are not bound by the BGN. Therefore, Congressman Gonzalez’s bill takes precedence over BGN’s principles, policies, and procedures, and no future proposal to rename Boca Chica Beach during this Congress will be considered.

“It is absurd that a name proposal from outside our state was able to threaten the very essence of a cultural and historic landmark in South Texas,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “The severe lack of transparency from the Domestic Names Committee almost shut out the people of Cameron County from a decision that directly impacted our daily lives—and would have created a financial burden for local municipalities responsible for replacing signage and other publicly used identifiers. While our community was able to quickly band together to stop this initial proposal from being adopted, my bill would ensure that Boca Chica Beach always remains the People’s Beach.”

On the evening of July 8, 2026, the BGN’s Domestic Names Committee provided less than 24 hours' notice to the people of Cameron County of a vote to rename the beach to “Cyber Beach.” The renaming request was driven by an individual from Mississippi and unanimously opposed by local officials and SpaceX. In response, Congressman Gonzalez immediately contacted the U.S. Department of the Interior and formally urged the Domestic Names Committee to reject the proposal. His call was heeded, and the proposal was rejected.


Goodlander, Pappas Lead Legislation to Combat Substance Use Disorder in House

Washington, D.C. — This week Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) and Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) introduced the Turn the Tide Act in the House of Representatives. This legislation would deliver more than $65 billion in federal funding over the next ten years for substance use treatment and prevention. This legislation would expand critical treatment programs, prioritize prevention and increase access to care by addressing workforce shortages.

“Our nation’s opioid epidemic has touched nearly every family in New Hampshire, leaving far too many families to grieve lives cut short,” said Congresswoman Goodlander. “Our Turn the Tide Act makes the long-term investments we need in prevention, evidence-based treatment, recovery housing, and the workforce that delivers lifesaving care. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues from New Hampshire in the House and Senate to ensure every Granite Stater struggling with addiction has a real opportunity to recover and rebuild.”

“It’s clear that investing in substance use treatment and prevention works,” said Congressman Pappas. “This administration has repeatedly tried to devastate our efforts to combat and prevent addiction, but what we actually need is continued investment to ensure treatment and prevention programs can reach everyone across our communities. This crisis is deeply personal for Granite Staters, and I will always fight to deliver New Hampshire the resources we need to save lives and help our communities stop this crisis.”

Specifically, the Turn the Tide Act:

Increases State Opioid Response (SOR) treatment grant funding to $5.5 billion per year over the next five years and provides needed flexibility so that providers can treat patients who have non-opioid related substance use disorders, such as methamphetamine or other substances.

Expands the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Recovery Housing Program and ensures states receive more consistent funding to support patients in recovery.

Establishes a new grant program modeled off of the successful Manchester Adverse Childhood Experiences Response Team program to assist children who have been exposed to trauma, often as a result of substance use disorders among family members or friends.

Requires that private insurers and Medicare Part D plans cover Naloxone without any co-pay or deductible requirements and prohibits insurers from setting up administrative barriers, like prior authorization, that delay start of medication-assisted treatment.

Last year, Goodlander joined Pappas in urging Health and Human Services Secretary Kennedy to reverse the cancellation of almost $12 billion in federal grants for state health services from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which included $80 million in public health funding for New Hampshire. He also led a call for the Administration to immediately reinstate illegally fired SAMHSA workers alongside leading members of the Addiction, Treatment, Recovery Caucus, Mental Health Caucus, and Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force. A court ultimately ordered that the workers be reinstated in December 2025.

In January 2026, the New Hampshire Congressional Delegation successfully pushed the Trump Administration to reverse its massive, sudden, and unexplained cuts to critical mental health and addiction prevention grant programs. After organizations across New Hampshire began to receive grant cancellation notices from the Department of Health and Human Services, they quickly pressed Secretary Kennedy to reverse the cancellations, and within days the Administration began reinstating this critical funding for New Hampshire organizations.

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RELEASE: Gottheimer Announces New Federal Actions to Combat Cyclospora, Other Foodborne Parasites to Promote Food Safety

Above: Gottheimer announces Foodborne Illness Rapid Response Act at Holy Name Medical Center.

TEANECK, N.J. — Today, Monday, July 20, 2026, at Holy Name Medical Center, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) announced new bipartisan federal actions and legislation to combat the ongoing, record-breaking Cyclospora outbreak.

Watch Gottheimer’s full remarks here.

The bipartisan “Foodborne Illness Rapid Response Act” with Rep. Don Bacon (NE-2) will:

Prevent staffing cuts within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) divisions responsible for foodborne illness surveillance for a year after any outbreak;

Demand the restoration of mandatory federal foodborne illness surveillance — including for Cyclospora — that the Trump administration made optional;

Ensure that state and local inspectors have access to the same critical food-safety information as federal regulators during outbreaks.

Currently, there are nearly 7,000 reported Cyclospora cases and more than 140 hospitalizations across at least 34 states. This is an alarming 2,700 percent increase from the roughly 249 cases reported nationally at this time last year. New Jersey’s Department of Health has logged more than 45 cases so far, with numbers expected to continue climbing. Continued uncertainty about the source of the outbreak underscores the need for stronger federal food-safety surveillance and outbreak response. No cases have been traced to Jersey-grown produce, though Gottheimer said New Jersey farmers are seeing sales drop as consumers grow wary of produce in general.

“I have two children, and like every parent in New Jersey, I want to know that when my family stops for lunch, has a barbecue, or grabs tacos on a Tuesday night, or picks up a bag of salad, that the food is safe. That no one will get sick, ” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “Right now, with what’s going on with Cyclospora, I can’t tell you with a straight face that it’s a guarantee. That’s a real concern for Jersey families, and I get it. We must do everything we can to take it on so that you don’t have to worry if your food is safe to eat.”

At the event, Gottheimer outlined three actions:

First, Gottheimer, joined by Congressman Don Bacon (NE-2), is introducing the bipartisan Foodborne Illness Rapid Response Act, which will bar staff cuts and hiring freezes at the CDC divisions responsible for foodborne illness surveillance for one year after an outbreak begins.

Second, Gottheimer is sending a letter to the CDC demanding it restore FoodNet — the nearly 30-year-old program that tracks Cyclospora and other pathogens — to full, mandatory, active surveillance after the administration made surveillance optional for Cyclospora and five other pathogens.

Third, Gottheimer is championing the bipartisan Federal and State Food Safety Information Sharing Act which will allow the FDA to share full, unredacted inspection data with the state and local inspectors who already conduct about 60 percent of all FDA food-processing inspections. Current bureaucratic red tape is causing delays and putting our public health at risk.

The outbreak has been made worse by cuts to federal public health agencies. The CDC is the nation’s first line of defense against foodborne disease outbreaks. When people get sick, the CDC works to detect these outbreaks, identify the culprit, and alert the public. That information is what then enables the FDA to trace contaminated food through the supply chain, identify the source, and quickly remove unsafe products from the market before more families get sick.

Since 2025, the CDC has fired more than 2,800 staff members – roughly a quarter of the agency – including a more than 70 percent reduction in the CDC’s parasite surveillance team responsible for tracking Cyclospora and other pathogens. The FDA has also fired more than 4,300 people.

In July 2025, the CDC also quietly downgraded Cyclospora and five other pathogens from mandatory to “optional” tracking, meaning health officials are no longer required to actively monitor and report Cyclospora cases in the same way they were for almost 30 years. Additionally, HHS has canceled 444 CDC grants worth $5.78 billion. These cuts flow right down to underfunded state and local health departments, which rely on the CDC for roughly 80 percent of their domestic public health funding.

Gottheimer was joined by Mike Maron, President & CEO of Holy Name; Dr. Suraj Saggar, Holy Name’s Chief of Infectious Diseases; Dr. Vasantha Kondamudi, Holy Name’s Chief Medical Officer; and Teaneck Deputy Mayor Karen Orgen.

Below: Gottheimer announces Foodborne Illness Rapid Response Act at Holy Name Medical Center.

Remarks as prepared for delivery below:

Good morning. Before I get to the topic at hand, I’d like to comment on Friday’s Third Circuit Court ruling, which significantly set back gun safety in New Jersey and our country. The Circuit Court overturned our State’s ban on extended or high-capacity magazines and AR-15s, which are weapons of war. I have no problem with folks who know what they’re doing from hunting or protecting themselves.

But, there’s no need for military-style weapons and high-capacity magazines — to me, after speaking to friends in the military and law enforcement, if you need that much firepower in the suburbs, the city, or on the farm, it just means you’re a bad shot. This should be settled law. Americans want background checks, people who carry to be trained, and they don’t want Uzis on their streets. We will do everything we can in the halls of Congress and in the courts to fight back and protect our families.

Onto some better news and some other explosive news … Congratulations to Spain and to New Jersey — and MetLife — for proving that no one hosts better than we do. Thanks to Holy Name Hospital for hosting us today. It’s great to be back at one of New Jersey’s best hospitals. Aside from providing top-notch care, with the best doctors, nurses, and EMTs around, Holy Name has been recognized by NJBIZ as one of the “Best Places to Work in New Jersey” every year since 2006. Yes, since 2006. And when you visit — like I have many times — you can truly see why.

We are here at this great hospital to discuss a serious foodborne health crisis facing families across Jersey and the nation.

I have two children, and like every parent in New Jersey, I want to know that when my family stops for lunch, has a barbecue, or grabs tacos on a Tuesday night, or picks up a bag of salad, that the food is safe. That no one will get sick.

Right now, with what’s going on with Cyclospora, I can’t tell you with a straight face that it’s a guarantee. That’s a real concern for Jersey families, and I get it. We must do everything we can to take it on so that you don’t have to worry if your food is safe to eat.

Let’s be clear — Cyclospora is no joke. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, is tracking a multistate outbreak — it’s a nasty parasite that sends you to your bathroom for weeks on end – or, in the most severe cases, especially with our more vulnerable populations, could send you to the hospital. And, the numbers are not small. As of this week, there were nearly 7,000 reported cases across at least 34 states, with more than 140 hospitalizations — including right here in Jersey.

To put that in perspective, that’s more than 30 times the number of cases than there were at this time last year. You heard that right — a 2,700 percent increase! According to the CDC, that’s considered a full-blown outbreak.

The symptoms are nasty. The most common symptom is watery, explosive diarrhea. Sorry to be so graphic on a Monday, but, hey, we’re with doctors, so you can talk about this stuff. You can also experience loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramping, bloating, increased gas, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, headache, body aches, and low-grade fever.

If your stomach issues persist, you should call your doctor and seek medical care, including antibiotics. If your symptoms come back or get worse, you should contact your doctor again. If you have a weakened immune system or signs of severe dehydration, including confusion, dizziness, dark-colored urine, or you’re not peeing as much as you should, then you should go to the hospital just to be safe.

To avoid getting sick in the first place, there are some easy steps you can take to protect yourself and your family. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before preparing or eating food. Thoroughly rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running water, even if they’re labeled “pre-washed.” Keep your kitchen surfaces and utensils clean and refrigerate cut or peeled produce as soon as possible. When you’re cooking, make sure your produce is cooked thoroughly, because heat kills the parasite. These are simple steps, but they can go a long way toward protecting you and your family.

Now, here’s what we know so far about the parasite and it’s march across America. Initially, we thought that a large portion of the cases were traced back to iceberg lettuce grown in Mexico, shipped in by Taylor Farms – and sold in places like Taco Bell and Walmart. But, now, just overnight, we learned from the FDA, that source was a false positive. So now, we don’t even know where it’s coming from, or if it’s even just lettuce, which is part of the whole problem at the CDC and the FDA. Past Cyclospora outbreaks in the U.S. have been linked to fresh produce such as raspberries, cabbage, basil, cilantro, parsley, broccoli, snow peas, sugar snap peas, and other leafy greens.

Now, here in New Jersey, our Department of Health has logged more than 46 cases, and the number of cases is still climbing. The parasite moves through national supply chains when fresh produce is contaminated with human feces, most commonly when produce is irrigated or washed with contaminated water. That means there’s a real risk it could show up on your dinner table tomorrow night. We know that our children, loved ones who are immunocompromised, and seniors are most at risk of being impacted, so we must especially make sure they are protected.

I want to be crystal clear about one thing: not a single case has been traced back to Jersey-grown produce. Our Jersey farmers are held to some of the toughest standards in the country. But, that hasn’t stopped this thing from clobbering them, too. I’m hearing from Jersey farmers that folks are scared off produce altogether, blueberry sales are tanking, and our local farmers are taking the hit for a mess they had nothing to do with.

So, why is this happening, and why is it so much worse than anything we’ve seen in recent years from this parasite? Part of the answer is simple: The Trump Administration fired a ton of cops on the beat who watch over America’s food safety. They aren’t at their full capacity to handle an outbreak of this nature and scale, which is evident by the fact that we still don’t know where it’s coming from.

Since 2025, the CDC has lost more than 2,800 staff members – roughly a quarter of the agency. The CDC’s own parasite surveillance team — the team responsible for tracking Cyclospora and other pathogens — was cut by more than 70 percent. And, here’s the kicker. In July 2025, the CDC quietly took Cyclospora and five other major pathogens off its mandatory tracking list, downgrading them to “optional.” It took NBC News almost two months just to even figure out that the CDC had stopped requiring mandatory tracking of certain parasites.

In other words, the CDC no longer requires our best public health officials to routinely communicate with the hundreds of clinical laboratories across the country that identify new Cyclospora cases. To keep our families safe, we need professionals tracking to see if cases are building up, and ensure all outbreaks are being properly reported. These are the people on the frontlines making sure that our food is safe, and right now, this Administration is cutting the very people responsible for detecting outbreaks and limiting what foodborne illnesses they track.

The reason this matters is simple: the CDC is the nation’s first line of defense against foodborne disease outbreaks. When people get sick, the CDC works to detect these outbreaks, identify the culprit, and alert the public. That information is what then enables the FDA to trace contaminated food through the supply chain, identify the source, and quickly remove unsafe products from the market before more families get sick. The Trump Administration has also gutted the FDA, where they’ve fired more than 4,300 people, including those experts responsible for handling foodborne illness response.

On top of staffing cuts, HHS has ripped up 444 CDC grants worth $5.78 billion – those are dollars that go right down to state and local health departments that track foodborne illnesses and pathogens. When the administration cuts, it’s our local public health folks — the ones actually doing the boots-on-the-ground outbreak investigation — who end up short-staffed and underfunded.

You don’t need a PhD to figure this one out: You don’t gut the food safety surveillance system, thin out the workforce, and slash the funding to local health departments in the middle of the biggest Cyclospora outbreak this country has ever recorded and call that good government. When cases are spiking, that’s exactly the moment you want your public health team at full strength — not running on fumes.

We can’t just sit back and watch. That’s why, today, I’m taking the following actions:

First, with Congressman Don Bacon of Nebraska, I’m introducing new bipartisan federal legislation, the Foodborne Illness Rapid Response Act, which outlaws all massive staff cuts and random hiring freezes at the CDC foodborne illness surveillance divisions for a year after any outbreak is detected. Basically, this will stop any administration going forward from doing mass firings or hiring freezes on a whim and undermining food safety in our country. This bipartisan legislation will protect the critical food safety CDC staff who are actively ensuring that our families’ meals are safe from foodborne illnesses.

Second, I’m sending an urgent letter to the CDC telling them, in no uncertain terms, to restore FoodNet, the CDC team that tracks pathogens, and requires them, once again, to track the foodborne diseases they used to — including Cyclospora. For almost thirty years, FoodNet gave us the real, hard data to see these trends coming. This Administration took away that requirement last year — in effect a cross-government coordinated alert system — and now we have a Cyclospora outbreak. We are clearly worse off for that hasty decision by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Finally, I’m backing — and championing — the bipartisan Federal and State Food Safety Information Sharing Act, which cuts red tape and allows the FDA to immediately share findings with local food and health inspectors. Right now, state and local inspectors do much of the on-the-ground work inspecting food processing facilities for the FDA. But, if the FDA discovers where contaminated food came from or where it was shipped, it can’t always share all of that information with the very state and local officials helping investigate the outbreak because it’s considered “proprietary.” That’s bureaucratic red tape nonsense, especially when people’s health is on the line.

This bipartisan bill fixes that, so that state and local folks doing the actual legwork get the real information, fast. We’ve seen this pay off before — coordination between federal and North Carolina officials is exactly what got lead-contaminated applesauce off shelves nationwide in 2024. That’s the model. Let’s do more of it and get it done.

Finally, let me say that none of this is about pointing fingers just to score points. It’s about making sure the next time something nasty shows up in our food supply, we are ready.

Whether it’s a parasite, bacteria, or something else putting our families in danger, the people whose job it is to catch it have the staff, the data, the support, and the coordination to do it fast — before thousands of people get sick, not after.

Food safety isn’t a red issue or a blue issue. Nobody wants their kid to be sick and doubled over with stomach cramps because of a bag of salad. It’s just about basic safety and common sense.

As a proud member of the Food Safety Caucus, I teamed up with my colleagues on the SAFE American Food Exports Act, to protect our farmers’ ability to keep exporting safely, even when there’s an animal disease outbreak somewhere in the country. And, I’ve backed the bipartisan Protecting America’s Food Supply Act to make sure the FDA is actually doing its job inspecting food coming in from overseas. This is what I do. Food safety isn’t a one-off for me — it’s a priority.

Every family in Jersey — every family in this country — should be able to grab lunch, grill at home, order takeout, or do their weekly grocery run without wondering if it’s going to make their child or parent sick. That’s not a big ask. That’s just the job.

I know that if we work together to keep our families safe, here in the greatest country in the world, our best days will always be ahead of us. Thank you, God bless you, and God bless the United States of America.


STATEMENT: Gottheimer: Third Circuit Ruling on Assault Weapons is a Dangerous Step Backward for Public Safety

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Monday, July 20, 2026, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) released the following statement:

“Friday’s ruling from the Third Circuit is a significant setback for gun safety in New Jersey and across the country. The Circuit Court overturned our state’s ban on extended or high-capacity magazines and AR-15s. These are weapons of war designed for the battlefield, not our streets. There’s no need for military-style weapons and high-capacity magazines.

This should be settled law. Americans want background checks, they want people who carry to be trained, and they don’t want machine guns on their streets. We will do everything we can in the halls of Congress and in the courts to fight back and protect our Jersey families.”

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Grijalva, Stanton, Ansari Introduce Bill to Redirect ICE Funding to Public Schools, Require Sale of Detention Warehouses

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Adelita S. Grijalva, and Representatives Greg Stanton (AZ-04) and Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), introduced the Fund Schools, Not ICE Act, legislation that would redirect billions of dollars in funding provided to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under Republicans' second reconciliation bill to Title I public schools and require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to sell 11 recently purchased warehouse detention facilities.

Title I, Part A is the nation's largest federal K-12 education program, supporting schools serving low-income students. Nearly 20 percent of public school funding in Arizona comes from the federal government, making federal investments critical to supporting Arizona classrooms facing chronic underfunding.

The legislation would transfer any unobligated ICE funding provided under Republicans' reconciliation bill—which gave ICE an additional $38.5 billion in funding through 2029—to Title I, Part A grants for local school districts. As of May, ICE has $62 billion on hand.

"Instead of wasting billions of taxpayer dollars on inhumane, for-profit detention warehouses and pouring even more money into a lawless agency that is murdering people on our streets, we should be investing in our children and strengthening our public schools," said Rep. Adelita Grijalva. "At a time when the Trump administration is systematically defunding public education, this bill puts our students ahead of Trump's cruel mass deportation agenda."

"Public school districts across the country are facing massive challenges and chronic underfunding, yet again this Administration funneled billions in taxpayer funds for its dangerous mass deportation agenda," said Rep. Greg Stanton. "ICE's poorly trained force is not making Americans safer—it's causing chaos and fear. My legislation ensures that our classrooms, not ICE, have the resources and support they need to educate our next generation."

"ICE has done nothing to keep our communities safe. Instead, they have used the billions of dollars in funding handed over by Trump and Republicans to terrorize our communities and murder American citizens," said Rep. Yassamin Ansari. "Our schools are safe places, and our resources should be used to support students, not expand ICE's presence in our communities. I'm proud to stand with my colleagues in introducing this legislation."

In addition to redirecting unused ICE funding to public schools, the Fund Schools, Not ICE Act would require DHS to sell, within 60 days of enactment, the 11 warehouse facilities it purchased earlier this year for nearly $1 billion to use as immigration detention centers—including the warehouse in Surprise, Arizona.


Rep. Grijalva Statement After Helping Reunite 90 Day Fiancé Star Armando Rubio with His Hospitalized Daughter

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva released the following statement after 90 Day Fiancé star Armando Rubio was re-united with his 13-year-old daughter, Hannah. Hannah was flown from Mexico to Arizona for specialized medical treatment after doctors discovered bleeding in her brain.

After learning about Rubio’s difficulties in gaining entrance to the United States, Rep. Grijalva's office worked with CBP Office of Field Operations to help facilitate Rubio's travel so he could be by his daughter's side.

“Every parent should be able to be with their child during a medical emergency. I’m grateful that my office could assist in working with Armando and the CBP Office of Field Operations to ensure that he can be by Hannah’s side, where he belongs.”


Congressman Johnson Introduces Historic Bill To Prevent Judges, Justices From Trading Stocks

Johnson leads House effort requiring judges and justices to place financial assets into blind trusts

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) introduced The Justice is BLIND Act, which would prevent judicial conflicts of interest by requiring federal judges and Supreme Court justices to place their financial assets into blind trusts.

Under this bill, all federal judges, Supreme Court justices, magistrate judges, and bankruptcy judges, as well as their spouses and dependent children, must place covered financial interests into a qualified blind trust within 90 days of enactment or being sworn into office. Judges must provide a written compliance attestation within 15 days of establishing the trust, which the Administrative Office of the United States Courts will publish on a searchable public database.

In the Senate, this legislation is led by Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and is co-sponsored by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.). In the House, the bill is cosponsored by Reps. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), and Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03).

“Transparency and accountability are at the heart of the public’s trust in government,” said Rep. Johnson, Ranking Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet. “Americans deserve to know that officials in every branch of government — including the judiciary — are acting honorably and in the interest of the people, not their bank accounts. The Justice is BLIND Act would go a long way in preventing any conflicts of interest that might arise and help restore trust in our judiciary by requiring judges and justices to place their financial assets in blind trusts.”

“The federal judicial system is desperately in need of reform to prevent further ethical lapses. The Supreme Court, and our federal judiciary at large, must be held to the highest standards, but time after time, judges have engaged in troubling acts, putting personal interests above the law and Constitution. I have long called for necessary reforms to regain trust in our system. We must hold judges to the same ethical standards as other federal officials, enhance transparency within the court system, and ensure cases are decided based on merit, not profits. Americans deserve nothing less,” said Senator Schiff.

In the wake of an unprecedented Supreme Court term defined by historic rollbacks of the Voting Rights Act and other democratic guardrails, Johnson is supporting a legislative package that includes bills to restore faith in the federal judiciary and address abuses of power, including by Supreme Court Justices. The bills would apply conflict of interest ethical standards to federal judges and Justices, and require judges and Justices to place financial assets into blind trusts.

Background:

A steady stream of alarming revelations in recent years has severely undermined public faith in the independence and integrity of the federal judiciary, including the U.S. Supreme Court. Investigative reports have uncovered a pervasive culture of undisclosed luxury gifts and glaring conflicts of interest, all while Justices refuse to recuse themselves from major cases tied directly to their benefactors' financial or political advantage.

To regain the American people’s trust in our courts, Congress must pass rigorous, binding statutory guardrails that ensure no federal judge can operate above the ethical standards expected of other public servants.

Read The Justice is BLIND Act: here

Ranking member Johnson’s slate of court reform legislation include: The Judiciary Act: Expands SCOTUS to make it more responsive to our growing country; The Supreme Court Ethics Act: Requires justices follow a binding code of ethics; The Judicial Accountability Act: Requires courts to protect their employees from workplace harassment; The 21st Century Courts Act: Enhances accountability & transparency of the federal judiciary by instituting a comprehensive suite of reforms & modernizes our courts for the 21st century; District Court Judgeships Act: Alleviates case backlog by creating 203 new district court judgeships; AMICUS Act: Brings transparency to amicus-based judicial lobbying for the first time; Open Courts Act: Modernizes the federal judiciary’s court records system (called CM/ECF) & makes court records freely available to the public (PACER); The Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency (SCERT) Act: Requires justices of the Supreme Court to adopt and follow a code of ethics, places transparency standards on gifts and travel, codifies recusal standards and requires the court to disclose lobbying and dark money interests before it; The Supreme Court Tenure Establishment and Retirement Modernization (TERM) Act: Would establish term limits for Supreme Court justices while preserving constitutional protections for judicial independence in decision making.

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ICE AUDIT: Harder Demands Updates on Stockton ICE Operations in New Letter to Acting Director

Harder held oversight inspection at local facility in January, announced key reforms to rein in ICE

New letter demands details on current operations, updates on legally-required identification, warrant orders

WASHINGTON – Last week, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) escalated efforts to rein in the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency by announcing a new audit of ICE operations in the Valley. Following his oversight inspection of the Stockton ICE facility in January, Harder sent a letter to ICE Acting Director David Venturella demanding answers about local detainments, uses of force, and current operations, as well as compliance with legally-required orders and department policies.

ICE is out of control in the Valley and across the country:

Violent Operations – Last fall, dozens of people were detained at the Stockton ICE facility and demonstrators have been maced in response to community oversight efforts. Since then, ICE has continued violent operations in the Valley and across the country, which most recently led to fatal shootings in Texas and Maine.

Illegal Policies – Despite court orders and new policies, ICE continues to conduct unlawful warrantless operations, ignore body camera mandates, and obscure identification.

Resistance to Oversight – During Harder’s oversight visit, local personnel refused to answer basic questions about conditions, detainments and transfers, and ongoing enforcement activity operating out of the Stockton ICE facility.

“ICE's continued failure to provide basic information to either the public or Congress directly harms our community, frustrates Congress's constitutional oversight responsibilities, and leaves my constituents without answers about actions that have profoundly affected their families and community,” wrote Rep. Harder in the letter. “My constituents deserve clarity and accountability from the federal government. I look forward to your prompt response.”

Harder’s letter demands direct answers by July 28, 2026:

Oversight Visit – Complete written responses to questions provided in writing and in-person to personnel at the Stockton ICE facility.

Community Concerns – Past, current, and upcoming enforcement activities, as well as details on access to counsel, food, water, medical care, interpretation services, and accommodations for children during detainments at the local facility.

Policy Compliance – Current policies used by agents operating out of the Stockton ICE facility regarding unmarked vehicles, activities near schools and other locations used by children, and compliance with legally-required court orders and federally-mandated policies.

Read the full letter here.

Harder has been pushing for reforms at ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for months, including leading successful calls for former Secretary Kristi Noem’s firing. Following her departure, Harder demanded the new Secretary Markwayne Mullin prioritize clear standards for enforcement, bans on face coverings, mandatory identification, new use-of-force policies, and bans on racial profiling. Harder has also continued to oppose any new federal funding for ICE until these reforms are enacted.

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Hernández Rivera: Para quitarle poder a la claque hay que darle más poder al pueblo

BARRANQUITAS, Puerto Rico – El Comisionado Residente, Pablo José Hernández propuso tres reformas democráticas en un discurso donde le cayó encima a la "claque politiquera y corrupta" que controla o se deja controlar por el gobierno de Puerto Rico. Las expresiones se dieron durante su mensaje en los actos del natalicio de Luis Muñoz Rivera en Barranquitas.

"En el gobierno hay gente que compra y en Puerto Rico hay gente que se vende, y no podemos dejar que esa conducta se normalice", afirmó el Comisionado Residente, quien describió una lista de perfiles que integran la claque: desde el político que usa el presupuesto y los destaques para comprar silencio, hasta el analista que cobra del gobierno y presume de objetividad, pasando por el secretario de la Gobernación que, en sus palabras, "presume que puede matar historias negativas en la prensa".

El comisionado residente fue enfático en que la claque no distingue partidos. "La claque tiene gente de todos los colores, de todos los partidos y de todas las tendencias —y no tengo miedo en decirlo", sostuvo. “En 1896, Luis Muñoz Rivera no tuvo miedo en decir que su partido solo vivía y subsistía ‘para servir de apoyo y de tapadera a las gestiones’ de la oposición. En el 2026, nosotros no tenemos miedo en decir que hay una claque que trasciende partidos y que sirve de apoyo y tapadera a las gestiones de un gobierno que le falla al pueblo.”

El Comisionado Residente reiteró, además, su exigencia de que la gobernadora destituya al secretario de la Gobernación, Francisco Domenech, y a su claque. El comisionado residente advirtió que las alegaciones de corrupción en su contra —que tildó de “creíbles, constantes y ya bajo investigación”— laceran la reputación de Puerto Rico en Washington y ponen en riesgo fondos federales, incluyendo los del Plan Vital, que vencen en el 2027.

"Para quitarle poder a la claque, hay que darle más poder al pueblo", planteó el Comisionado Residente, quien presentó tres cambios a la democracia puertorriqueña para comenzar la discusión:

Primero, que el pueblo pueda remover al gobernador antes de que culmine su término. La herramienta sería un referéndum revocatorio, como existe en 20 estados. Que la claque sepa que si abusa desde el Gobierno, como está abusando ahora, los podemos sacar antes de que termine el cuatrienio.

Segundo, que votemos por orden de preferencia, como ya se hace en 49 jurisdicciones en los Estados Unidos. O que se requiera una segunda vuelta entre los dos candidatos más votados, como ya se hace en 13 estados. Que la claque pierda el sentido de impunidad y arrogancia que le brinda el pensar que pueden ganar con 33% y una oposición dividida.

Y tercero, que el pueblo pueda someter y votar por legislación o enmiendas a la constitución por firmas y referéndum, como ya se hace en 26 estados. Que la claque sepa que si aprueban leyes o derrotan leyes en contra del interés del pueblo, el pueblo entrará en escena para corregir su fechoría.

"Estas propuestas son un punto de partida", aclaró el comisionado residente. "Corresponde ahora debatir los detalles y construir consenso sobre cómo fortalecer nuestra democracia."

El Comisionado Residente cerró su mensaje invocando el legado de Muñoz Rivera y repitiendo tres veces la consigna que dio nombre al discurso: "El pueblo contra la claque. Como dijo Muñoz Rivera: Si esa es la rebeldía, seamos rebeldes."

El mensaje marcó el regreso del tradicional peregrinaje al natalicio de Luis Muñoz Rivera como foro para la reflexión política y la presentación de propuestas dirigidas a fortalecer las instituciones democráticas de Puerto Rico.

Lee su discurso completo.

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Houchin Applauds House Passage of Sunshine Protection Act

July 20, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Erin Houchin (R-IN-09), a cosponsor of the Sunshine Protection Act, released the following statement after the House passed the legislation to make Daylight Saving Time permanent.

"Twice a year, families have to adjust their schedules, parents lose an hour of sleep, and businesses and schools deal with unnecessary disruption,” said Rep. Houchin. “For our farmers, an extra hour of evening daylight can also mean more time to work the fields. Making Daylight Saving Time permanent is a commonsense change that gives Americans more daylight in the evenings to spend time with family, enjoy the outdoors, support local businesses, and participate in youth sports and community activities. I'm proud to support this bipartisan effort to end the twice-yearly clock changes once and for all."

The Sunshine Protection Act permanently establishes Daylight Saving Time nationwide by eliminating the twice-yearly time changes that have been required under current federal law. States that have previously exempted themselves from observing Daylight Saving Time would retain flexibility under the legislation.

The Sunshine Protection Act now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Read the full bill text here.


Hoyer, Governor Moore Tour Francis Scott Key Bridge Progress

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) joined Governor Wes Moore to tour the progress being made on the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild with Members of the Maryland Congressional Delegation and other congressional leaders to highlight the critical importance of the bridge both to the state and to the entire nation. They were joined by Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Chair of the House Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee U.S. Representative Steve Womack (AR-03), as well as U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), U.S. Representatives Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), and Former U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD).

“From day one, Team Maryland has worked together closely to ensure that the Key Bridge is rebuilt as safely, quickly, and cost-effectively as possible,” said Congressman Steny Hoyer (MD-05). “I thank Governor Moore and my colleagues for their efforts to ensure proper Congressional oversight for this critical project for Maryland and the nation.”

“The Francis Scott Key Bridge was a vital economic engine and our commitment to rebuilding it is crucial to the continued prosperity of our nation,” said Governor Moore. “Together with our federal and regional partners, we will rebuild this bridge as quickly, safely, and cost efficiently as possible to ensure that this vital corridor bounces back stronger for generations to come.”

“I am grateful to Governor Moore and his administration for their transparency about the rebuilding of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and for inviting me to tour the site in-person today,” said Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV). “As Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, I look forward to continuing to partner with Governor Moore and the U.S. Department of Transportation to ensure that congressional funding is used effectively to reopen this critical pathway for people and goods across the region.”

“Proper oversight of the American taxpayer dollars being used to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge is a responsibility I do not take lightly,” said Chair of the House Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee U.S. Representative Steve Womack (AR-03). “This bridge is a vital artery for the movement of people and goods, and its success unlocks the full potential of commerce along our Eastern seaboard. As Chair of the House Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee, I am committed to working with President Trump, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and Maryland Governor Wes Moore to ensure this project receives the necessary resources for a safe and efficient rebuild that will prevent a future catastrophe.”

"We’ve always known Team Maryland will fight to rebuild our Francis Scott Key Bridge, and we won’t rest until it’s done. We won’t rest because we’re doing it for all of Maryland: the six Marylanders that lost their lives that day, the brave Marylanders that dove into the frigid water during the rescue operation, and the strong Marylanders whose businesses and livelihoods were impacted by the collapse,” said U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD). “We’re also doing it for our regional and national economy and everyone who depends upon the Port of Baltimore, which supports our national agriculture and auto industries among many others. It is so exciting to see construction actively underway today. This project highlights what strong federal partnership can accomplish as we remain focused on ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly while delivering a safe, sustainable bridge.”

“The rebuilding of the Francis Scott Key Bridge represents what can be accomplished when leaders at every level of government come together with a shared purpose,” said U.S. Representative Kweisi Mfume (MD-07). “I am thankful for Governor Moore’s partnership and the unwavering commitment of our federal delegation to restore this critical transportation corridor as safely and as quickly as possible. This project is about restoring economic opportunity, strengthening our supply chain, and reaffirming our commitment to the workers, families, businesses, and communities that depend on the Port of Baltimore. Together, we are delivering on our promise to rebuild stronger than before.”

"Today's tour underscored what we've known from the beginning: rebuilding the Key Bridge is not just a Maryland priority — it's a national and bipartisan imperative," said U.S. Representative Johnny Olszewski (MD-02). "We have to keep the momentum going and do everything possible to rebuild it as quickly, safely and cost-effectively as we can."

"The progress being made on the Francis Scott Key Bridge is a testament to what can be accomplished when federal, state, and local partners work together,” said U.S. Representative Glenn Ivey (MD-04). “As Congress continues to support this effort, we have a responsibility to work with Governor Moore to ensure taxpayer dollars are invested wisely and that this project moves forward safely, efficiently, and without delay. I look forward to continuing our partnership to rebuild this bridge and restore the critical connection that supports Maryland families, businesses, the Port of Baltimore, and our nation's economy."

“Thanks to Governor Moore’s leadership, Maryland is working around the clock to rebuild the Key Bridge,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary Katie Thomson. “We appreciated the opportunity to show our congressional partners the significant progress our teams are making as we continue to work together on this nationally significant project."

"It was a pleasure to show our federal partners the ongoing construction of the bridge as we serve as good stewards of both federal funding and the settlement secured by the State through Attorney General Anthony Brown,” said Maryland Transportation Authority Executive Director Bruce Gartner. “The tour highlighted the tremendous scale of work underway across the Key Bridge Rebuild project, and our crews are making strong progress as we work to safely and efficiently reconnect our communities.”

The Francis Scott Key Bridge was a vital economic and transportation artery for the region, connecting thousands of Maryland commuters and commercial vehicles daily. Its critical function supported the Port of Baltimore, which generates an annual economic impact of more than $70 billion and links more than 273,000 jobs to its activities.

Immediately following the collapse of the bridge, state, local, and federal partners worked tirelessly to advance recovery operations. In only 78 days, the Unified Command removed more than 50,000 tons of debris from the Patapsco River to restore the Fort McHenry Federal Channel, welcoming back global shipping businesses and cruises and getting Marylanders back to work.

The recovery mission included the distribution of more than $42 million in emergency funding from State agencies to keep impacted businesses open and support affected workers in surrounding communities. The rapid response to the crisis—driven by more than 1,500 people from federal, state, and local agencies—allowed the rebuilding to start quickly, while jumpstarting the Port of Baltimore’s recovery.

Pre-construction activities for the rebuild began in January 2025, including detailed engineering tests that provided vital data points to inform design and construction decisions. The project’s test pile program—a critical process to ensure a sound foundation design—began in the fall of 2025 and reached completion ahead of schedule last month. January of this year marked the beginning of platform construction, which will allow supplies, construction personnel, and equipment to reach the pier sites more efficiently to accelerate the construction process.


Hudson Bill to Advance Down Syndrome Research Passes House

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09) applauded House passage of the bipartisan DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act, legislation he introduced to strengthen Down syndrome research and improve health outcomes for people living with the condition.

“People with Down syndrome enrich our families and communities in so many ways,” said Rep. Hudson. “I’m proud the House passed my bill to support research that can help them live longer, healthier lives and reach their full potential without barriers standing in their way.”

The legislation formally authorizes the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) INCLUDE Project, which supports research into Down syndrome and health conditions that often occur alongside it. It also requires NIH to coordinate its Down syndrome research, avoid duplicating existing work, consult with patient advocates, and report to Congress on its research and how it can improve medical care.

Hudson was joined by U.S. Representative Diana DeGette (D-CO) in introducing the legislation.

A previous version of the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act passed the House unanimously during the 118th Congress.

In May of 2024, Hudson was one of two honorees who receivedthe Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award for their work in Congress to support those with Down syndrome.

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LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON ATTACK AT 26 FEDERAL PLAZA

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Brownley, New Dem Colleagues Call on Trump Administration to Retain USMCA

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) joined New Dem Trade and Tariffs Task Force Chair Rep. Don Beyer (VA-08), Global Competitiveness Task Force Chair Rep. Greg Stanton (AZ-04), and 26 New Dem colleagues in a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer calling on him to retain and, if possible, strengthen the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), warning that prolonged uncertainty over the agreement threatens American jobs, hurts workers, raises costs for families, and undermines North American competitiveness. This follows the administration’s decision not to extend the agreement on July 1.

USMCA supports roughly 13 million American jobs and nearly $2 trillion in annual trilateral trade, serving as the backbone of integrated North American supply chains in agriculture, manufacturing, and the automotive sector. Allowing uncertainty surrounding the agreement to persist will discourage long-term investment, weaken U.S. competitiveness, and ultimately increase prices on everyday goods for American consumers already struggling with high costs.

The letter reads in part:

“USMCA is a cornerstone of North American competitiveness, American agriculture, and an essential tool for cross-border cooperation. The more the renewal negotiations drag on, the more uncertainty compounds across supply chains and puts at risk the 13 million American jobs and $2 trillion in trilateral trade this agreement supports. While there are important issues that need to be addressed, the core agreement must be retained to enable American workers, businesses, and communities to continue to prosper in the future.”

Through the Coalition’s Governing Agenda, New Dems have championed policies that strengthen domestic manufacturing, reinforce resilient supply chains, expand trade with trusted allies, with the goal of lowering costs for working families. At a time when businesses need certainty to invest and grow, New Dems are urging the Administration to move quickly to preserve the foundation of North American trade while working collaboratively with Canada and Mexico to modernize the agreement, address outstanding labor and trade concerns, and ensure countries like China cannot exploit loopholes in the North American market.

This letter comes after New Democrat Coalition members penned a letter to Ambassador Greer in November 2025 calling on negotiators to “update and expand the existing framework without undermining the successes and essential components” that have benefited all parties of the agreement.

The full letter can be found here, and below:

Dear Ambassador Greer,

Following the Administration’s decision not to renew the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) for another 16 years, we write to express our strong support for retaining and enhancing, not exiting, the existing agreement. USMCA is a cornerstone of North American competitiveness, American agriculture, and an essential tool for cross-border cooperation. The more the renewal negotiations drag on, the more uncertainty compounds across supply chains and puts at risk the 13 million American jobs and $2 trillion in trilateral trade this agreement supports. While there are important issues that need to be addressed, the core agreement must be retained to enable American workers, businesses, and communities to continue to prosper in the future.

The decision not to extend USMCA has profound consequences for American businesses and consumers, creating the kind of uncertainty that discourages investment, unnecessarily complicates supply chains, and decreases U.S. competitiveness. Most supply chains require thirty-year lead times to be built, not just five, especially in manufacturing industries where factories can take years to become operational. The longer the negotiations drag on, the more uncertainty will result, and there will be fewer incentives to invest. A destabilized USMCA would ripple through the entire economy and weigh on growth and employment in every sector. Leaving USMCA will result in job losses in any industry dependent on trade with Mexico and Canada, including the agricultural, automobile, and advanced manufacturing sectors. Over time, the supply chain disruptions and the absence of tariff-free trade will raise costs for consumers whose cars, groceries, and other household goods depend on tightly interconnected production networks. Affordability has become a central concern for our constituents. Creating more frictions between Mexico, Canada, and the U.S. is going to make things more expensive here at home. Therefore, what might have seemed like an inconsequential deadline will likely result in profound economic impacts for decades to come.

With these consequences in mind, we urge you to use this review process to quickly reach a consensus with Mexico and Canada to strengthen the agreement and address key outstanding issues. These include our Section 232 “national security” tariffs, which were imposed without congressional oversight or efforts to coordinate with our neighbors. Additionally, any revisions to rules of origin and regional value content should be carefully calibrated to ensure that the continent remains an attractive destination for investment while also ensuring that labor concerns are addressed. Further, we should work with our trading partners to prevent any country, particularly China, from getting a duty-free back door into the North American market.

Finally, the U.S. relationship with Canada and Mexico goes beyond trade. President Trump has repeatedly threatened to annex Canada and turn it into the 51st U.S. state, as well as threatened to bomb targets in Mexico. At this precarious moment for cross-border relations, it is more important than ever that we renew confidence in our North American partnerships. That starts with quickly reaching an agreement to retain and, if possible, enhance the USMCA. We look forward to your prompt response as talks continue with Mexico and Canada in the coming weeks and months.

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Congressman Kean Brings Home More Than $100 Million to New Jersey’s Seventh Congressional District

(July 20, 2026) LEBANON BOROUGH, NJ – Today, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) announced that he has amassed more than $100 million for New Jersey’s Seventh Congressional District.

Since taking office in 2023, Congressman Kean has secured nearly $39 million through Community Project Funding and his office has successfully closed more than 5,400 constituent cases, recovering nearly $66 million.

“Delivering for the families and communities I represent is my top priority,” said Congressman Kean. “Whether through Community Project Funding or constituent casework, I am committed to fighting for every available federal dollar and bringing New Jersey taxpayers’ money back home where it belongs.”

Community Project Funding (CPF) is a process that allows Members of Congress to request direct funding for projects that benefit the communities they represent. This process includes robust eligibility, ethics, and transparency guidelines and is only available to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, as well as some non-profits. Additionally, only projects with evidence of strong support from the community will be considered, and evidence of this support and community need is required as part of your submission.

Through the CPF process, Congressman Kean has secured nearly $39 million in federal funding for New Jersey's 7th District and continues to advocate for additional funding for projects across the district. Of the nearly $39 million secured to date, more than $15 million has been directed toward law enforcement initiatives across all six counties. Projects include $4 million for the Camp Cromwell Facility Rehabilitation in Bridgewater Township and $2.4 million for the Phillipsburg Riverfront Park Revitalization. Read about the Congressman’s submissions for FY2027 funding HERE.

Every year, Congressman Kean’s office assists thousands of constituents by helping to resolve issues with federal agencies, such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Below are testimonials from constituents who contacted Congressman Kean’s office for casework assistance:

“From the very first moment of my request for urgent and immediate help, the staff were attentive and concerned. Reaching out to your office was a last resort and I never anticipated the splendid and empathetic welcome I received. For the assistance and support you all offered me, I am inexpressibly grateful.” - Lorraine, Bernardsville

“Rep. Kean's office made me feel like someone from the government not only listened to me, but directly addressed my issues. I couldn't be happier!” - Paras, Fanwood

“The staff was courteous, respectful, and highly professional. My concerns were handled promptly, and I received clear information within just a few days.” - Rose, Scotch Plains

“Beyond satisfied! The office was wonderful to work with and successfully resolved both my issues in an extremely timely manner! 5+ Stars!” - Karen, Budd Lake

“Since the moment we met your staff we felt respected, got our concerns addressed and the level of engagement throughout was simply outstanding!” - Elen, Phillipsburg

Constituents in need of federal agency assistance can contact Congressman Kean’s district office in Lebanon Borough at (908) 547-3307 or visit the "Help with a Federal Agency" page of his website HERE. Additionally, they can visit regional satellite office hours, which are held during the first week of each month across the district.

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Kelly legislation to end DOJ's weaponized surveillance passes House Judiciary Committee

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Last week, legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), the "Congressional Records Protection Act," which would protect the separation of powers enshrined in the United States Constitution and end the weaponized surveillance of Members of Congress, passed the House Judiciary Committee.

The legislation now advances to full consideration in the U.S. House of Representatives.

"Throughout the Biden administration, the Department of Justice repeatedly targeted and surveilled its political enemies. This legislation makes it clear: no matter your party, illegal surveillance of a Member of Congress, congressional employees and the American people is flat out wrong," said Rep. Kelly. "Partisan bureaucrats should not have the power to weaponize their prosecutorial power over fellow government officials without probable cause simply because they disagree politically."

"Rep. Mike Kelly’s Congressional Records Protection Act protects privileged legislative materials while preserving law enforcement’s ability to pursue legitimate criminal investigations. It also safeguards Congress against weaponized surveillance and helps prevent politically motivated witch hunts like the Arctic Frost and Jack Smith investigations," said House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH).

Original co-sponsors of the legislation include House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) and Representatives Lance Gooden (R-TX), Bob Onder (R-MO), Russell Fry (R-SC), Harriet Hageman (R-WY), and Wesley Hunt (R-TX).

BACKGROUND

The Congressional Records Protection Act would prohibit any governmental entity from seeking or obtaining a search warrant, grand jury subpoena, court order, statutory authorization, certification, subpoena, or administrative order that is likely to capture material implicating the Speech or Debate Clause. The U.S. Constitution’s "Speech or Debate Clause" provides that “for any Speech or Debate in either House, [Senators and Representatives] shall not be questioned in any other place." The Speech or Debate Clause shields records related to Members’ official duties from compelled disclosure.

During the Biden-Harris Administration, the Department of Justice (DOJ) disregarded this constitutional protection and the separation of powers by issuing secret subpoenas for Members’ phone records. This includes Rep. Kelly's phone records during former Special Counsel Jack Smith's partisan investigation known as "Arctic Frost."

The Congressional Records Protection Act would require prosecutors and investigators to notify Members and congressional staffers when seeking compelled disclosure of materials that may be protected by the Speech or Debate Clause under the Act’s limited exceptions.

The Congressional Records Protection Act states the target of a criminal investigation is the person whom the governmental entity has probable cause to believe has committed a crime. If the target is a Member or congressional employee, a judge must certify that probable cause exists prior to the governmental entity seeking or obtaining a search warrant, grand jury subpoena, court order, statutory authorization, certification, subpoena, or administrative order.


Mullin Calls Out Trump’s Undermining of the FDA & Medical Advancements

Washington, D.C. – The Trump Administration’s undermining of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is putting public health at risk and threatening advancements in the life sciences industry, prompting Rep. Kevin Mullin (CA-15) to call for more stability at the agency.

This week, Rep. Mullin sounded the alarm during an Energy and Commerce subcommittee meeting, which coincided with his sending a letter to the FDA that calls out the Administration’s harmful policies effecting its work. The FDA’s crisis stems from mass layoffs, that led to a nearly 20% reduction in staff last year and tumultuous leadership turnover, which have weakened the agency’s ability to protect consumers and regulate drugs entering the U.S. market.

Representing a congressional district that boasts a robust life sciences economy, Rep. Mullin emphasized how weakening the FDA hurts medical advancements and the patients who rely on these innovative developments.

“Given the vital role life sciences companies play in protecting public health and furthering our domestic economic development, I implore you to preserve the FDA’s reputation for being the world’s gold standard of leadership in the regulatory space,” Rep. Mullin wrote in his letter to the FDA. “Biotechnology companies require a consistent and reliable regulator to ensure that the safest and most effective drugs are getting to patients. Political whims cannot be allowed to continue to unnecessarily hinder this important domestic industry. Patients’ lives depend on timely scientific progress.”

Delays at the FDA significantly impact the economy and slow down therapies getting to patients. In 2025, the life sciences industry in the San Francisco Bay Area created $121.6 billion in economic output and employed over 135,000 workers. San Mateo County alone has more than 700 biotech companies, many of which are small business that are particularly vulnerable to long regulatory delays and changes in the market. These companies develop life-changing treatments for a variety of health conditions and diseases, from discovering new ways to address neurological disorders to reducing the spread of HIV. But these therapies depend on a predictable regulatory review process to get in the hands of patients.

Disastrous leadership turnovers and pressure for FDA staff to prioritize partisan politics over scientific judgement, in addition to layoffs under the direction of Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., have also added unnecessary uncertainty to the drug review process. Shockingly, one division at FDA alone has had five different directors since January 2025. In his letter to the FDA’s Acting Commissioner Kyle Diamantas, Rep. Mullin urges the FDA to reestablish certainty in its processes so that it can return to supporting American leadership in the biotechnology industry.

Read the full letter here.

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$338,000 to Support Delinquency Prevention

The Commonwealth’s Criminal Justice Planning Agency has been awarded two Department of Justice grants to support delinquency prevention efforts and strengthen the CNMI’s criminal justice programs. CJPA received $238,550 through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program to support crime prevention efforts and enhance criminal justice initiatives across the Commonwealth. CJPA also received $99,190 from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to support juvenile justice and delinquency prevention programs for youth throughout the Marianas. These awards will help sustain community-based services, support law enforcement and juvenile justice initiatives, and expand programs focused on improving public safety outcomes across the CNMI. Congratulations to CJPA for securing these important resources and continuing its work to serve our communities.