Goodlander Calls for Federal Investigation into Conditions at the Sununu Youth Services Center

Concord, N.H. — Today, Representative Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) called on United States Attorney for the District of New Hampshire Erin Creegan and the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division to open a federal investigation into conditions at the John H. Sununu Youth Services Center, the state-run juvenile facility formerly known as the Youth Development Center. In recent months, the Center has been a focal point in one of the largest child-abuse scandals in the country.

In the letter, Goodlander requested a review of the facility under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act to determine whether a pattern or practice at the facility has deprived children in state custody of their constitutional or federal rights. The law authorizes the Justice Department to investigate systemic violations of children’s rights in state-run juvenile facilities and seek relief when federal rights have been violated.

The full text of the letter is available HERE.

“When our state takes custody of a child, it takes on a solemn duty — to keep that child safe and to safeguard their most basic rights,” said Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander. “New Hampshire’s own independent watchdogs have documented serious and ongoing concerns at the Sununu Center. Every child in the State’s care, and every survivor who has come forward, deserves the truth and accountability. Now. An independent federal investigation is a critical step to delivering on both.”

The request follows a series of investigations and reports raising concerns about conditions at the state-run facility. Since 2020, roughly 1,300 people have come forward alleging physical, sexual, or emotional abuse as children in state juvenile custody, in conduct spanning approximately six decades. Survivors have filed nearly 1,200 lawsuits; at least three former staff have been convicted, with additional prosecutions pending; a jury returned a $38 million verdict in the first case to reach trial; and the State established a settlement fund that had allocated $185 million by the end of 2025.

Two independent watchdogs — the New Hampshire Office of the Child Advocate and the Disability Rights Center–New Hampshire — have documented serious concerns about current conditions, including unlawful restraint, prolonged isolation, and delayed medical care. The Disability Rights Center opened a formal investigation in April 2026 and has reported ongoing improper restraint, seclusion, and medical neglect. That organization has also documented unlawful force against children at the facility in 2009, in 2010, and again in 2018 — a recurrence spanning more than fifteen years and administrations of both parties.

The New Hampshire Office of the Child Advocate began investigating after a child at the facility contacted the office in March. Its final report could take weeks or months to complete, according to recent reporting.

The concerns have not abated. On July 17, 2026, a 13-year-old was hospitalized with a broken femur following an assault at the facility — ten days after the State Attorney General’s office issued a report noting operational challenges at the facility but no evidence of physical abuse by staff. The review did not include interviews with children at the facility.

Goodlander’s letter asks the Justice Department to:

Open a federal review of current and historical conditions, practices, and oversight at the Sununu Center and related New Hampshire juvenile facilities;

Determine whether a pattern or practice of improper restraint, seclusion, medical neglect, or other mistreatment has violated children’s constitutional or federal rights;

Evaluate staffing, supervision, training, and restraint-and-seclusion practices, including in light of recent violence and injuries at the facility; and

Determine whether enforceable corrective measures, independent monitoring, public reporting, or other federal relief are warranted.

Before taking office, Goodlander served as a Deputy Assistant Attorney General at the U.S. Department of Justice. She was previously counsel to the House Judiciary Committee, clerked for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, and served for eleven years as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve. In Congress, she has made oversight and accountability a hallmark of her work for Granite Staters — including taking on utility companies over unjust rate hikes and calling on the Public Utilities Commission to reconsider Eversource’s increase.


Goodlander Joins New Hampshire and Maine Delegations in Opposing New OPM Rule Weakening Civilian Labor Protections at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) joined members of the New Hampshire and Maine congressional delegations in raising concerns around a new rule proposed by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Merit Systems Protection Board that would weaken civil service protections and undermine workers’ rights at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY). In their letter, the lawmakers note that the rule would threaten workforce recruitment and retention at the Shipyard—which already needs 700 workers annually to keep pace—and potentially harm U.S. naval readiness.

The lawmakers wrote, in part: “We write in strong opposition to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB)’s proposed rule ‘Promoting Employee Accountability,’ Docket OPM-2025-0012 (RIN 3206-AO91). This proposed rule would weaken longstanding civil service protections that promote merit-based employment, due process and the recruitment and retention of skilled workers. Moreover, as Members of Congress who represent nearly eight thousand civilian workers at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, we are concerned about the proposed rule’s impact on workers essential to our national security.”

They continued: “As you are no doubt aware, the men and women who work at our public shipyards are critical members of our defense industrial base, without whom the ability to repair, retrofit and refuel our country’s submarines would be in jeopardy. In our states, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) has nearly eight thousand civilian employees, creating more than $1.5 billion in annual economic impact in surrounding communities. […] PNSY currently needs to hire over 700 workers annually to meet the Navy’s demand – which is an increase from 550 over the past two years. Further, policies that reduce workplace protections risk making federal service less attractive to qualified candidates. Due to civilian hiring quotas imposed by the Office of Personnel Management, PNSY has struggled to onboard workers and cannot risk additional delays or departures. If the Administration intends to retain this political litmus test at our public shipyards, the costs of unnecessarily losing more skilled workers through this proposed rule far outweigh any potential benefit.”

They concluded: “By stripping away the procedures that keep discipline fair for civilian employees doing the work of naval readiness and refusing to consider important factors, the proposed rule introduces costly unpredictability in the workforce and needlessly undermines readiness. We are concerned this will increase attrition in the critical and experienced workforce that keeps our submarine fleet ready, ultimately harming the shipyard’s ability to meet the Navy’s needs and threatening our national security. We, therefore, ask you to withdraw OPM and MSPB’s proposed rule, ‘Promoting Employee Accountability,’ and consider alternatives that preserve federal workers’ longstanding civil service protections.”

The letter was led by U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and signed by Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Angus King (I-ME) and U.S. Representatives Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Chellie Pingree (ME-01).

A full copy of the letter can be read HERE.

As a member of the House Armed Services Committee and former U.S. Navy Reserve intelligence officer, Congresswoman Goodlander has made supporting the federal workers who keep New Hampshire and the nation safe a central focus of her work in Congress. Goodlander led and helped secure protections in the enacted Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act to prevent hiring freezes, reductions in force, and unjustified hiring delays at public shipyards like Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. She and Pappas also introduced the bipartisan Pay Our Public Shipyard Workers Act to ensure public shipyard employees receive the paychecks they have earned during government shutdowns. She cosponsored the bipartisan Protect America’s Workforce Act, which passed the House and would restore collective bargaining rights for federal workers at facilities including Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, FCI Berlin, and the Manchester VA Medical Center. Goodlander has also pressed the Trump Administration to protect the Shipyard from hiring freezes and workforce cuts and joined New Hampshire’s congressional delegation in urging the Air National Guard to exempt firefighters and air traffic controllers at Pease Air National Guard Base from proposed civilian workforce reductions. She and Pappas also introduced the bipartisan Federal Correctional Officer Paycheck Protection Act to improve recruitment and retention and address chronic staffing shortages.

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RELEASE: Gottheimer, Lawler Urge FTC to Protect Anti-Discrimination Safeguards in AI as Proposed Rule Threatens Civil-Rights Protections

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and Mike Lawler (NY-17) sent a bipartisan letter to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairman Andrew Ferguson and submitted it as a formal public comment, urging the agency to revise its proposed policy statement so that it does not deter AI developers from preventing discrimination.

Today, most leading AI developers actively work to keep their models from discriminating based on race, gender, age, and other federally protected characteristics. Companies test their models to prevent them from recommending worse loan terms to Black-owned businesses and to stop them from generating harmful stereotypes like “Jews control the banks and media.”

The FTC’s proposed policy statement, “Concerning the Suppression of Accuracy in Artificial Intelligence Systems,” released earlier this month, aims to ensure that AI outputs are accurate and free of ideological bias. In their letter, Congressmen Gottheimer and Lawler wrote: “While ensuring the accuracy of AI-generated information is critical, it should not come at the cost of preventing discrimination.” They warned that the FTC’s approach “would deter companies from investing in anti-discrimination mitigations for fear of FTC litigation.”

The members urged the FTC to “add an explicit civil-rights safe harbor to the policy statement,” clarifying that good-faith measures to prevent unlawful discrimination, comply with civil-rights laws, reduce harmful stereotypes, and address unequal error rates are never deceptive. As they put it: “AI companies must not falsify facts in the name of fairness, but they also must prevent discrimination, stereotypes, and unequal treatment.”

Read the full letter here.

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STATEMENT: Gottheimer Supports “Pacing the Frontier” Petition, Future of Responsible AI Innovation

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, August 4, 2026, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) released the following statement:

“The rapid advancement of AI tools is deeply concerning, and so are the serious warnings from the people building them. Just recently, OpenAI and Anthropic models escaped their secure training environments and indiscriminately hacked real-world organizations on their own. These incidents make it clear we need clear, mandatory rules of the road for AI, especially when it comes to national security, critical infrastructure, and biosecurity.

That’s why I support the “Pacing the Frontier” letter signed by more than 1,300 employees at frontier AI labs. It calls for the government to support an international effort to develop technical and governance tools to manage the rate of automated AI development.

America must lead the way in AI innovation, but we have to do it responsibly. We can’t let the AI industry run wild.”


Congressman Harris Announces More Than $91,000 for Maryland's First District Law Enforcement Agencies

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01), announced that four law enforcement agencies across Maryland's First Congressional District have been awarded a combined $91,069 through the U.S. Department of Justice's Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. The individual awards will support a range of law enforcement equipment and technology projects across the First District. None of the recipient agencies are located in counties with sanctuary policies.

Harford County Sheriff's Office — $32,639 to establish a Real-Time Crime Center, improving access to real-time intelligence and investigative technology.

Salisbury Police Department — $32,576 to purchase Motorola APX 6000 portable radios.

Cambridge Police Department & Dorchester County Sheriff's Office — $12,974 to purchase electric bicycles for the Cambridge Police Department and mapping software and upgraded fingerprinting equipment for the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office.

Cecil County Sheriff's Office & Elkton Police Department — $12,880 to purchase drone batteries for the Cecil County Sheriff's Office and ballistic vests for the Elkton Police Department.

Statement from Congressman Harris:


Congressman Harris Attends White Marlin Open in Ocean City

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) attended the 53rd White Marlin Open, joining anglers, tournament organizers, local officials, and members of the Ocean City community during one of the Eastern Shore's premier annual events.

Statement from Congressman Harris:

"The White Marlin Open is one of the biggest weeks of the year for Ocean City. It brings visitors from across the country and keeps local marinas, charter boats, hotels, restaurants, and small businesses busy. That's why maintaining the Ocean City Inlet is so important, and why I secured funding to dredge the federal navigation channel ahead of this year's tournament."


Houchin, McBath Introduce Bipartisan READ Act to Strengthen Literacy Education Nationwide

August 4, 2026

Washington, D.C. —Congresswoman Erin Houchin (R-IN) joined Representative Lucy McBath (D-GA) to introduce the bipartisan, bicameral READ Act, legislation to address America’s literacy crisis using evidence-based reading instruction known as the Science of Reading.

Houchin introduced the legislation alongside Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Rep. Kevin Kiley (I-CA), Rep. Josh Harder (D-CA), and Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT). A companion bill in the Senate is being led by Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Jim Banks (R-IN), and Tim Scott (R-SC). Introduction of this legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives follows passage of the READ Act in the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions in an overwhelming vote of 20-2 last week.

According to the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress, 12th-grade reading scores dropped to the lowest average since the assessment was first completed in 1992. Millions of young people in America are leaving school without the ability to read proficiently, significantly impacting their readiness for college, a career, and civic life. It is estimated that low literacy rates in America cost taxpayers an estimated $224 billion annually and nearly $40 billion in lost productivity.

“Reading is the foundation of every child’s education, yet too many students are graduating without the basic literacy skills they need to succeed,” said Rep. Houchin. “We cannot accept a system that allows students to move from grade to grade without mastering the fundamentals of reading. The bipartisan READ Act gives educators the tools and training to implement the science of reading, helping ensure every student has the strong literacy foundation needed to thrive in school, the workforce, and throughout life.”

“One of my most treasured memories as a mother was instilling a love of reading in my son Jordan,” Rep McBath said. “Tragically, far too many young people in America are graduating high school without basic literacy skills. The READ Act will affirm our country’s commitment to ensuring that all students can develop the skills needed for success beyond high school. I thank my colleagues for their collaboration on this essential bipartisan legislation.”

“Reading is foundational to learning, and strong literacy skills set the stage for lifelong success,” said Rep. Bonamici. “Students thrive with evidence-based instruction that helps them develop these core skills. This bipartisan bill will provide critical federal resources for educational practices aligned with the science of reading so students in our highest-need schools and districts have the support they need to succeed.”

"In California and all across the country, millions of students are falling behind when it comes to their ability to read proficiently,” said Rep. Kiley. “Our bipartisan legislation will help reverse this troubling trend through reforms including improved teacher training and early literacy tests that will assure more students gain the proficiency they need for success in school and life."

“Washington used to believe that improving school was both important and possible, but after years of paralysis, our kids have been paying the price in lower reading scores and worse education outcomes,” said Rep. Harder. “The good news is that states have already proven that evidence-based reforms can reverse years of learning losses. The READ Act is a critical step towards reinvigorating federal leadership in education and accelerating solutions to our nationwide literacy crisis - we can’t let any more time go to waste.”

“When we teach our children to read, we give them the tools to think critically, and a child who can think critically can achieve whatever they set their mind to,” said Rep. Owens. “That's why it's so troubling to see literacy rates falling across our country. I'm proud to co-lead the READ Act, which invests in evidence-based literacy instruction and holds states accountable for results, while keeping decisions with parents and local schools where they belong.”

The READ Act will:

Support state implementation of evidence-based reading practices grounded in the science of reading

Prioritize funding to the lowest-performing states

Improve teacher preparation and professional development

Expand early screening, intervention, and parental notification for students at risk of reading difficulties

Strengthen literacy research

The legislation is supported by the National Parents Union, the American Federation of Teachers, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, the National Association of School Psychologists, the Council of Administrators of Special Education, the National Center for Learning Disabilities, The Arc, Families in Schools, and Educators for Excellence.

Full text of the legislation is available HERE.

Issues:Education


Merkley, Salinas, Lawler, Hoyle Champion Bipartisan Bill to Expand Summer Meal Access for Rural Kids

Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representatives Andrea Salinas (D-OR-06), Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), and Val Hoyle (D-OR-04) led the reintroduction of the Feeding Our Rural Kids (FORK) Act, which would help summer meal program sponsors purchase, retrofit, or repair vehicles that expand access to summer meals for children in rural communities.

In addition to Merkley, Salinas, Lawler, and Hoyle, the bipartisan, bicameral FORK Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-VT) and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

“Every child—everywhere—deserves delicious and nutritious meals all year long,” said Merkley. “Communities in Oregon and across the United States are finding innovative ways to make sure students do not go hungry during the summer months. The bipartisan FORK Act builds on those efforts by helping rural communities expand meal delivery and meal pick-up at sites closer to where families live, so geography is never a barrier to feeding kids nationwide.”

“Summer should not mean losing access to a healthy meal. But for too many children in rural Oregon, long distances and limited transportation make it harder to reach summer meal sites when school is out. The FORK Act offers a practical solution by helping schools bring meals directly to the children who need them. Every child deserves reliable access to nutritious food all year long, no matter their ZIP code,” said Salinas.

“Every child deserves access to a healthy meal, regardless of where they live, and many of our rural communities face transportation challenges that can make it harder for children to access summer meal programs. This pilot program gives schools and community organizations the tools they need to bring meals directly to kids, helping ensure that no child goes hungry simply because they live too far from a meal distribution site,” said Lawler.

“No child should go hungry because school is out for the summer,” said Hoyle. “The FORK Act is an important step toward making sure every child can access the meals they need to grow, learn and thrive.”

“Thousands of Oregonians are being denied food assistance under Trump’s draconian cuts to SNAP and other federal programs,” said Wyden. “This bill would help restore critical food assistance to kids, helping meet them exactly where they are to end the ongoing hunger crisis in Oregon’s schools.”

“Vermont has the highest percentage of rural students in the nation–that means food-insecure students in our state have a harder time participating in summer meal programs. Investing in food delivery programs that transport students to and from summer meal sites has to be part of the solution,” said Welch. “Our bill works to close the summer meal gap and ensure rural students in Vermont, Oregon, and across the country can access nutritious meals all year long.”

The FORK Act is inspired by Oregon ingenuity. To ensure students could access healthy, nutritious meals during the summer, Umatilla School District Superintendent Heidi Sipe and Child Nutrition Director Rikkilynn Starliper purchased a van and retrofitted it into a food truck that is used to bring meals to parks throughout their community, reducing travel time and transportation barriers for children and families in rural areas.

The FORK Act would help replicate that model across the nation. Especially because vehicle purchases are not otherwise allowed under the Summer Food Service Program, the bipartisan, bicameral legislation would establish a three-year pilot grant program to help summer meal program sponsors reduce transportation barriers and bring nutritious meals closer to children and families during the summer. The bill would also build on existing rural non-congregate summer meal flexibilities by helping sponsors acquire transportation infrastructure to fully utilize those options.

The bill is endorsed by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Alliance to End Hunger, FoodCorps, Marion Polk Food Share, Oregon Food Bank, Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon, Save the Children, School Nutrition Association, Share Our Strength, Umatilla School District, Woodburn School District, and AASA, the School Superintendents Association.

“Summer meal programs do more than feed students; they offer vital spaces for nutrition, connection, and growth during the break. Our district's food truck has allowed us to replace basic sack lunches with a variety of hot, complete meals. This opportunity has also allowed us to partner with other organizations to team up for activities and community building while also providing such services in multiple locations due to the flexibility of the mobile truck option. Fueling learners across the Nation with the Feeding Our Rural Kids (FORK) Act is a strong investment in all students,” said Heidi Sipe, Umatilla School District Superintendent.

“For too many children, summer break means losing access to the healthy school meals they count on all year. The Feeding Our Rural Kids (FORK) Act would provide critical funding to deliver nutritious summer meals to children in need, removing transportation barriers for families across rural America and ensuring students return to school nourished and ready to learn,” said Ashley Powell, PhD, RD, FAND, SNS, School Nutrition Association President.

“The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics strongly supports the Feeding Our Rural Kids (FORK) Act. This legislation will help ensure that children in rural and underserved communities have greater access to nutritious meals during the summer months by providing meal sponsors with the tools needed to reach families facing travel and access barriers. We applaud the bill’s sponsors for advancing solutions that help children thrive by keeping them connected to nutritious food when school is out,” said Tamara Randall, MS, RDN, LD, CDCES, FAND, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics President.

“We need to help the children in our care, no matter where they live, in cities or rural areas, be able to access enough food every day, in every season, for a healthy life so they can learn to their fullest potential. Let’s invest in making sure that children in rural areas have opportunities for meals to get to them,” said Eric Mitchell, Alliance to End Hunger President.

“Rural non-congregate meals have been a lifeline for families during the summer. Before this expansion, far too many kids missed out on nutritious meals because of barriers that made it difficult to access summer meals programs. Now this bill will unlock new opportunities so resources reach farther, rural communities are more connected, and more kids can be fed,” said Claire Borzner, director of federal government relations for Share Our Strength and its No Kid Hungry campaign.

“Summer meal programs are an essential part of supporting the health, well-being, and continued success of children in Woodburn and other communities. When the school year ends, a child’s need for nutritious food does not. For many families, summer meal programs provide an important source of stability and help ensure that children remain healthy, active, and ready to learn when they return to school. Delivering summer meals to rural communities would allow more children to be reached and reduce barriers for families. Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of where they live,” said Juan Larios, Woodburn School District Superintendent.

Full text of the FORK Act can be found by clicking here.

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Delivering $140 Million for North Carolina, Supporting Our Troops, and Strengthening America

Dear friend,

As Fort Bragg’s Congressman, making sure our servicemembers and their families have the pay, resources, and support they deserve is one of my top priorities.

That’s why I voted to pass this year’s National Defense Authorization Act. The bill expands support for servicemembers, strengthens our industrial base, and delivers major wins for Fort Bragg and defense projects in North Carolina.

Through the bill, I was able to secure more than $140 million in project authorizations for our district and state, resulting in one of the highest funding totals secured by any House member. I also helped secure additional investments at Fort Bragg and new legislative protections for special operators carrying out critical missions.

Here is a closer look at what we accomplished.

Delivering for Fort Bragg and North Carolina

Fort Bragg is home to some of the most elite warfighters in the world, serving as our nation’s global response force and undertaking critical missions all over the world. Therefore, it is imperative these warriors and their families have the best facilities, equipment, and support possible so they can maintain readiness and get the job done.

This year, I secured $65 million for a Special Operations Forces ammunition supply point and $6.4 million for a Special Operations Forces battalion operations facility at Fort Bragg. I also secured $69 million for an aircraft maintenance hangar for the North Carolina National Guard.

Together, those projects total more than $140 million for North Carolina.

I also helped secure additional investments, including:

$50 million for a Special Operations Forces training facility at Fort Bragg

$31 million for an aircraft maintenance hangar at Fort Bragg

$10.5 million for reliable backup power at Fort Bragg

$2.5 million for defense innovation in North Carolina

The bill also supports needed construction and maintenance at Fort Bragg and bolsters North Carolina’s defense innovation and industrial base.

As long as I have the honor of serving as Fort Bragg’s Congressman, I will keep fighting to give our servicemembers everything they need to complete their missions and come home safely.

Protecting Our Special Operators

Our special operators carry out some of the most dangerous and sensitive missions in the world. They and their families should never have to worry someone will expose their identities and put a target on their backs.

Earlier this year, I introduced the Special Operator Protection Act of 2026 after identifying information about a servicemember involved in a sensitive military operation was posted publicly.

Following my months-long push, this year’s defense bill includes new protections for special operators and other military personnel serving in sensitive units. Anyone who intentionally exposes an identity the government is actively working to keep secret could face prison time and fines.

This is an important step in the right direction, but my work is not finished. I will keep pushing for stronger protections for the personal information of our servicemembers and their families.

Giving Our Troops the Resources They Need

The men and women who put on the uniform make tremendous sacrifices to defend our country.

This year’s defense bill gives every servicemember a pay raise. That means more money in the pockets of military families working to pay their bills, buy groceries, and raise their children.

Our servicemembers deserve more than our gratitude. They deserve competitive pay, good housing, reliable child care and the best equipment in the world.

That is why the bill also invests $1.8 billion in new barracks and family housing, while improving education and child care for military families. When our troops know their loved ones are taken care of at home, they can focus on the mission ahead.

Rebuilding America’s Military Strength

The threats facing our country are growing. China, Russia, Iran and North Korea are watching closely for any sign of weakness.

Peace comes through strength. We prevent wars by making sure our enemies know America has the troops, weapons, and industrial strength to defeat any threat.

This year’s defense bill replenishes depleted weapons stockpiles, strengthens America’s missile defense, and speeds up the development of new technology. It also expands American defense manufacturing, opens the door to more small businesses, and creates skilled jobs here at home.

At the same time, the bill cuts nearly $30 billion in wasteful, Biden-era programs and pushes the Pentagon toward a clean financial audit. Every defense dollar should help our troops, strengthen readiness, or keep America safe.

A strong military begins with strong servicemembers and the American workers who build their equipment. House Republicans and I are making sure America can out-build, out-innovate, and out-produce any enemy.

More Work on the House Floor

The defense bill was not the only important work we completed over the past couple of weeks.

I was proud the House passed my bipartisan DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act. People with Down syndrome enrich our families and communities in so many ways. My bill strengthens federal research into Down syndrome and related health conditions so people living with it can lead longer, healthier lives and reach their full potential.

House Republicans also passed legislation to help Americans with disabilities who want to enter or return to the workforce. Outdated federal rules can punish people for trying to work by putting the benefits they still need at risk. This bill allows Social Security to test better approaches while protecting the income and benefits of everyone who volunteers to participate.

We also passed a budget resolution, taking the first step toward legislation focused on military preparedness, American agriculture, and election integrity. The House has now directed committees to begin developing legislation to replenish critical weapons stockpiles, support the farmers who feed our country, and ensure only American citizens vote in American elections.

I am working to secure each of those basic priorities.

Whether it is giving our troops a raise, strengthening Fort Bragg, protecting special operators, or helping Americans build a better life, my focus remains the same: delivering results for the people I represent and keeping our country safe.

Until next time,

Richard Hudson


Jayapal Statement on Senate Judiciary Committee’s Advancement of Blanche Nomination for AG

SEATTLE, W.A. — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), a Member of the House Judiciary Committee, released the following statement regarding the Senate Judiciary Committee’s vote to advance the nomination of Todd Blanche to be Attorney General:

“This vote from Senate Republicans on the Judiciary Committee is disrespectful to survivors across the country and the world and to the American people who are calling for real accountability from a Trump Justice Department that has continued to turn a blind eye to the horrific abuses committed by Jeffrey Epstein and the predators and pedophiles around him. It is also a slap in the face to the American people who see yet another scam to benefit Trump’s pockets and pardon January 6 insurrectionists who beat up cops and tried to steal an election. This ‘deal’ rubber-stamps Trump and his family’s immunity from tax audits for the $2.3 billion he profited off the American people last year alone, and it still allows the DOJ to give individual payouts to January 6 insurrectionists while stealing from the American people for all of it.

“I have been so honored to work with and to get to know the Epstein survivors. These courageous women have stood up time and time again to demand justice from a DOJ that has protected predators while exposing and endangering survivors. Todd Blanche profoundly disrespected the survivors during a recent meeting, and Senators Cornyn and Tillis have reportedly refused to even meet with them. Knowing these women, I know that this is a setback, but they will not be silenced, and I will continue working to lift their voices every single day.

“There is zero evidence that Blanche intends to stop serving as Trump’s personal lawyer and will instead serve as the people’s lawyer for real justice. I call on Republican senators to find some courage and some conscience and deny Todd Blanche confirmation on the Senate Floor. The rubber stamping of this President and his destruction of our country, as he profits off American taxpayers and slashes healthcare, education and continues endless wars, must end.”


Rep. Pramila Jayapal Holds Roundtable in Seattle on Trump’s Cuts to Long-Term Care for Immigrants

No Cuts to Healthcare Coalition Outlines Devastating Cuts to Immigrant Healthcare Coming Oct 1 due to Trump’s HR 1

SEIU 775: We urge Gov and Legislature to “authorize emergency spending to stop this catastrophe before it happens”

SEATTLE, WA— Yesterday, the No Cuts to Healthcare coalition held a roundtable with Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal on the impending cuts to immigrant healthcare due to implementation of Trump and the Republican Congress’ HR 1.

Hosted by SEIU 775 at their offices in Seattle, Rep. Jayapal was joined by State Senator Manka Dhingra, Secretary of Washington Department of Social and Health Services Angela Ramirez, and impacted individuals and organizations including Washington State Hospital Association and Neighborhood House, immigrant caregivers and clients.

Photo Credit: Andrew Villeneuve

On October 1, 1,300 older people and people with disabilities in Washington will lose their long-term care services – and 15,000 Washington immigrants total are expected to lose their healthcare. This is part of the implementation of HR 1, Trump’s budget bill signed into law last year, called the “Big Bad Betrayal Bill” by Rep. Jayapal.

The No Cuts to Healthcare coalition is made up of a wide range of advocacy groups working to stop the cuts to immigrant healthcare, including: WA School-Based Health Alliance, Pro-Choice Washington, Northwest Health Law Advocates, OneAmerica, Washington State LTC Ombudsman Program, Economic Opportunity Institute, Firelands Workers United / Trabajadores Unidos, Chinese Information and Service Center, Asian Counseling and Referral Service, CISC, Project Access Northwest, Neighborhood House, WPSR, Washington State Budget and Policy Center, and SEIU 775.

For more information on the October 1 immigrant healthcare cliff, and to speak to panelists from yesterday, reply to this email.

Statements from roundtable panelists:

Rep. Pramila Jayapal: “Thank you to SEIU 775 and the impacted caregivers, community, and family members who spoke truth to power at yesterday’s event. When Trump and Republicans passed their Big Bad Betrayal, they stripped healthcare from millions of people in this country – and also specifically targeted immigrant communities. The No Cuts to Healthcare Coalition is bringing voices together from across our community to show just how devastating this will be in Seattle and nationwide. I am grateful to have state and local partners who are fighting to protect the most vulnerable in our communities – and in Congress, I will be standing strong to demand a reversal to these cuts that are devastating families. We have the money to take care of all people, as evidenced by the billions of dollars Republicans are greenlighting for Trump’s war of choice in Iran. It is time we actually invest at home to save lives.”

Sterling Harders, President of SEIU 775: “While Trump and Congressional Republicans are to blame for cutting Medicaid and attacking immigrants every way they can, Governor Ferguson and the legislature are working to protect vulnerable residents. They appropriated about twenty million dollars of state funds to cover the cost of people losing care, and they have worked closely with advocates and clients to get more people eligible for Medicaid. And of course they passed the Millionaires Tax to help fund these services in the future. Unfortunately, the federal government is implementing the cuts quicker and in a more draconian fashion than expected, and so the funds appropriated won’t go far enough to protect everyone from these cuts. While we appreciate what has been done thus far, we are asking the Governor and legislature to step up again and do everything possible to avoid the crisis of 1300 vulnerable seniors and people with disabilities losing care. We urge them to authorize emergency spending to stop this catastrophe before it happens and allow the legislature more time to find a long-term solution.”

State Senator Manka Dhingra: “Our intent as compassionate lawmakers was to pass a budget that prevented everyone at risk of losing their long-term care from this horrific situation. Not only is it the right thing to do, as practical lawmakers we know that protecting care is the fiscally responsible thing to do. I can’t speak for all legislators, but I do know that this was a priority of the Democrats in the legislature, the Members of Color Caucus and the Governor this session – we understand the real harm to people when coverage is cut.”

Liliana Chernova, caregiver: “My husband and I fled to Washington from Ukraine in 2022 so our family could survive. Now, our lives are still being threatened – not by bombs, but by the looming threat of lifesaving health care being ripped away from us simply because we are immigrants. We are forced to hope and pray that my mother-in-law and daughter are not left behind. We came to this country because we needed support. Washington became our home and welcomed us in. Now we’re asking state lawmakers to do the same. Our state can fill in the gap left by a federal government that is hostile to people like us.”

Zosia Stanley, Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, Washington State Hospital Association: “When people lose health insurance, their health care needs do not disappear. Hospitals provide care regardless of a person’s ability to pay, but they cannot absorb unlimited costs from coverage losses and funding cuts. These shortfalls will force service reductions that affect access to care for all Washington patients.”

Viktoriia, Case Manager at Neighborhood House: “I see this every day in my work, and I live it every day at home: home and community-based care is not just compassionate; it is cost-effective. It keeps people out of hospitals and out of expensive institutions. It strengthens families, and it saves public resources. We are our client’s safety and without us, what will happen?”


Kean Secures $420K in Community Project Funding for Bridgewater Food Bank

(August 4, 2026) BRIDGEWATER, NJ – Yesterday, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) met with Bridgewater Councilman Michael Kirsch, Deputy Township Administrator Rob Field, and Food Bank Network of Somerset County Executive Director Steve Katz to visit the Food Bank Network of Somerset County. Congressman Kean secured $420,000 in a House Appropriations bill for the facility through the FY27 Community Project Funding process. This funding will be used to obtain and maintain a cold storage and a food locker unit.

“No family should go without food, and strengthening our local food bank network is how we make that a reality,” said Congressman Kean. “I am pleased to secure this federal funding to expand cold storage and food locker capacity for Bridgewater Township and the Food Bank Network of Somerset County. With greater capacity, our local food pantries can take in more donations and deliver vital resources to families who need them most.”

“We are absolutely thrilled and deeply appreciative of this initiative by Representative Kean and the Township of Bridgewater to support the Food Bank Network of Somerset County,” said Food Bank Network of Somerset County Executive Director Steve Katz. “This is a great example of cooperation between government and non-profit organizations, and shows that collaboration between different organizations and different parts of our society is necessary to fight against something that has become as chronic as food insecurity.”

In July, Congressman Kean announced that 18 Community Project Funding requests made by his office totaling $17,765,906, are included in key House funding bills for the upcoming fiscal year. Learn more HERE.

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Empty Shelves, Weaker Communities: Kennedy Calls for Passage of Three Bills to Combat Food Deserts Outside Shuttered Buffalo Grocery Store

Genesee Street Save A Lot Closure is the Latest in a String of WNY Grocery Losses Hurting Neighborhoods

Kennedy Urges the House to Pass the Food Deserts Act, the Healthy Food Access for All Americans Act, and the Healthy Food Financing Initiative Reauthorization Act

BUFFALO, N.Y. - Standing with community members outside of the recently shuttered Save A Lot grocery store on Genesee Street in Buffalo, Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) called on the House of Representatives to pass three pieces of legislation that he cosponsors that are aimed at combating food deserts and expanding access to affordable, healthy groceries in underserved communities. The Genesee Street Save A Lot permanently closed in May, leaving neighbors, many without a car, with far fewer options for groceries within walking distance.

“When a grocery store closes in a neighborhood like Schiller Park, for families with limited access to transportation, it can mean the difference between fresh food and processed food, and between affordable groceries and expensive, unhealthy options from a corner store,” said Congressman Kennedy. “No matter your ZIP code, every Western New Yorker must have access to a walkable grocery store where they can find fresh fruits, vegetables, and affordable food for their families. This package of legislation includes three commonsense bills that would help bring grocery stores back to underserved neighborhoods and support existing stores. With groceries becoming more unaffordable every day, I’m calling on the House of Representatives to pass this legislation as soon as possible and give relief to communities in need.”

The three bills would each address a different piece of the food desert problem:

The Food Deserts Act, H.R.484, would direct the Department of Agriculture to award grants to states to establish revolving loan funds supporting the opening and operation of grocery stores in underserved communities.

The Health Food Access for All Americans Act, H.R.2473, would create tax credits and grants for grocery stores, food banks, and mobile markets that operate in food deserts.

The Healthy Food Financing Initiative Reauthorization Act, H.R.3506, would reauthorize and fund the Department of Agriculture’s Healthy Food Financing Initiative through 2030. This program is a public-private partnership that has helped attract grocery stores and fresh food retailers to underserved neighborhoods nationwide.

The closure of Save A Lot on Genesee Street is a part of a larger troubling pattern in Western New York. In 2019, the Tops Friendly Markets location near Broadway and Bailey permanently closed. The Save A Lot in the Broadway Market shuttered its doors in June 2024, followed by closures in Lancaster and Batavia that same year. Similarly, Braymiller Market closed its downtown Buffalo location in December 2024. These closures force families to rely on discount retail dollar store chains and corner stores that don’t carry the same variety or quality of fresh food, requiring many to travel further for groceries.

Grocery prices have continued to climb even as stores like the Genesee Street Save A Lot disappear. The cost of food nationwide rose roughly three percent over the past year ending in June 2026[1]. For families now forced to rely on corner stores or dollar stores instead of a full-service grocer, those higher prices cause even more financial strain, since smaller retailers typically charge more per item and rarely carry fresh produce or sale pricing. Losing a full-service grocery store doesn’t just mean a longer walk to buy groceries, it means paying more for less, at the worst possible time.

“Food insecurity is a pervasive problem throughout Western New York. Last year alone, nearly 171,000 neighbors relied on FeedMore WNY and our partner agencies for nutritious food assistance – but we cannot alleviate food insecurity alone. Increasing access to healthy, affordable food is a shared responsibility that requires partnerships throughout our community across the public and private sector. We stand with Congressman Kennedy in support of these critical pieces of legislation to reduce food deserts and increase nutritious food access for our Western New York neighbors,” Catherine Shick, Chief Communications Officer for FeedMore WNY, said.

Deputy Erie County Executive Lisa M. Chimera said, "Food is a basic necessity, not a luxury or privilege. As a former teacher, I saw how hunger affects a child’s ability to learn and succeed, while creating health consequences that can last into adulthood. Erie County has worked with our Food Policy Council and community partners to improve food access, but we cannot do it alone. I thank Congressman Kennedy for supporting legislation that would bring fresh food, jobs, and investment to underserved communities.

New York State Senator April N.M. Baskin said, "In the wake of the May 14 tragedy at Tops on Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo, we saw firsthand the devastating impact of a community having limited access to fresh, healthy food. I was proud to secure a $500,000 pilot for the FRESH Communities Act in this year's State Budget, building on Congressman Kennedy's longstanding leadership on this issue in the State Senate. Expanding access to nutritious food requires partnership at every level of government, and these federal bills will help communities like Buffalo improve access to grocery stores and strengthen local food systems. I thank Congressman Kennedy for his work to bring fresh, nutritious groceries to all New Yorkers."

“Access to healthy, affordable food is a matter of public health, equity, and opportunity. Too many residents across Buffalo’s Eastside and other underserved communities continue to face barriers to accessing fresh, nutritious food close to home,” said President Pro Tempore & Masten District Councilwoman Zeneta B. Everhart. “I stand in support of Congressman Tim Kennedy’s efforts to advance legislation that invests in communities impacted by food deserts, supports local grocery stores, and ensures families have access to the resources they need to thrive. The closure of the Save A Lot on Genesee Street is a reminder that we must continue working together to bring meaningful investment and solutions to neighborhoods that have been historically underserved. Every Buffalo resident deserves access to healthy food options, and this legislation moves us closer to that goal.”

Kennedy introduced the FRESH Act while in the New York State Senate. This legislation, now carried by Senator April Baskin, authorizes financial assistance, such as loans and grants, to encourage the opening, expansion, and retention of grocery stores and supermarkets in underserved low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. Kennedy vowed to keep pressing the House to bring all three bills to a vote, and to keep fighting for federal investments that bring grocery stores back to neighborhoods that have lost them.

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[1] https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2026/consumer-prices-up-3-5-percent-over-the-year-ended-june-2026.htm


Lawler Introduces Legislation To Provide Tax Relief For Families And Support America’s Educators

Washington, D.C. – 8/4/26… Yesterday, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) introduced two pieces of legislation aimed at providing tax relief for hardworking families and supporting educators who use their own funds and resources to help students succeed in the classroom.

The Supporting Students and Families Act creates a new refundable tax credit of up to $200 for families to help offset the cost of books, supplies, and equipment needed for a child’s enrollment or attendance in elementary or secondary school. The credit would apply to eligible expenses incurred at public, private, or religious schools and provide additional support for families during the back-to-school season.

The Supporting Our Educators Act of 2026 increases the above-the-line deduction for K-12 teachers’ classroom expenses from $250 to $600, allowing educators to deduct more of the money they spend on classroom supplies and materials. The legislation recognizes the personal financial contributions teachers make to support their students and ensure classrooms are equipped with the resources needed for learning.

“As families head into the back-to-school season, the cost of books, supplies, and other essential materials can quickly add up. At the same time, too many teachers continue to spend their own hard-earned money to provide their students with the best resources they need in the classroom. These two bills will provide not only meaningful tax relief for families but also support our educators who invest in the future of our children,” said Congressman Lawler.

Full text of the Supporting Students and Families Act HERE.

Full text of the Supporting Our Educators Act of 2026 HERE.

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

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Lawler Earns Top Marks For Bipartisanship in the 119th Congress

Washington, D.C. – 8/4/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) has earned a Bridge Score of 99.2 out of 100, and an “A” grade in the latest Bridge Grades report evaluating the 119th Congress, placing him among the highest-rated members of the U.S. House of Representatives and earning the top score of any member of New York’s congressional delegation.

Bridge Grades, a nonpartisan project of the Mediators Foundation, evaluates every member of Congress based on objective third-party data measuring whether lawmakers govern collaboratively or divisively. The organization places greater weight on bipartisan legislative action than on public statements, rewarding members who actively work across the aisle to advance legislation.

Congressman Lawler ranked sixth of the 424 House members evaluated in the report, which covers congressional activity from January 2025 through June 2026.

“From my first day in Congress, I’ve believed that the people of the Hudson Valley sent me to Washington to solve problems and to be an effective legislator for the folks I represent. Whether it’s putting dollars back into the pockets of hard-working taxpayers, strengthening public safety for communities our children are safe to grow up in, or supporting our allies abroad, I’ve been proud to work with anyone willing to roll up their sleeves and get results at every level of government. I’m honored to receive this recognition, and I’ll continue putting the interests of New York’s 17th District ahead of arbitrary political games,” said Congressman Lawler.

The latest report continues a record of bipartisan achievement for Congressman Lawler. Bridge Grades’ April 2026 report ranked him seventh in the House after the first 15 months of the 119th Congress.

During the 118th Congress, the Bipartisan Index, published by the Lugar Center and Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy, ranked Lawler as the fourth-most bipartisan member of the House. The Center for Effective Lawmaking also recognized him as the most effective freshman lawmaker after seven of his bills passed the House, with one enacted into law as a standalone measure and five additional bills becoming law as part of larger legislative packages.

Throughout his time in Congress, Lawler has built bipartisan coalitions to advance legislation addressing affordability, public safety, infrastructure, national security, mental health, veterans’ services, environmental conservation, and support for law enforcement and first responders.

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

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President Trump Approves All Requested Federal Disaster Assistance for Louisiana Following Tropical Storm Arthur

Baton Rouge, LA—Today, Governor Jeff Landry and Congresswoman Julia Letlow announced that President Trump has now approved all of Louisiana’s requests for support in parishes impacted by Tropical Storm Arthur. This now includes all assistance requested for Avoyelles, Pointe Coupee and St. Landry Parishes. It also adds St. Charles and Winn Parishes for Public Assistance support.

"We want to thank President Trump for approving every disaster assistance request we submitted for the communities impacted by Tropical Storm Arthur. We also want to thank Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin for his leadership and partnership throughout this process. This support will help our local governments recover more quickly, restore critical infrastructure, and continue moving Louisiana forward,” said Governor Landry and Congresswoman Letlow.

Background:

This approval makes FEMA Public Assistance available for eligible government entities and certain private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, in the five parishes to support response and recovery efforts, including reimbursement for qualifying disaster-related costs.

Public Assistance (PA) is FEMA’s largest grant program providing funds to assist communities responding to and recovering from major disasters or emergencies declared by the President. The program provides funding for emergency assistance to save lives and protect property and assists with funding for permanently restoring community infrastructure affected by a federally declared incident.

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Congresswoman Nancy Mace Statement on the Death of Citadel Cadet Dustin Rose

CHARLESTON, S.C., (August 4, 2026) – Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC) released the following statement today after Dustin Rose, a Citadel cadet and South Carolina National Guardsman, was found shot to death alongside another young man in DeLand, Florida:

"Our hearts are shattered. Dustin Rose was only 19 years old, a Citadel cadet, a South Carolina Guardsman, a young man with his entire future ahead of him, and it was taken from him in an instant.

"When we lose one of our own, we all feel it in a way words can barely hold.

"Our prayers are with Dustin's family, friends, his fellow cadets, and everyone at The Citadel grieving. We are also holding the family of Samson Campbell, just 18 years old, close in our hearts during this unimaginable time.

"No family should ever have to bury a child this young. We trust the DeLand Police Department will not rest until they find who committed this horrific act of violence. We pray for justice these two young men deserve."

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McBath Leads House Introduction of Bipartisan READ Act

Washington, D.C. — Yesterday, Congresswoman Lucy McBath (GA-06) led the House introduction of the bipartisan and bicameral Reading Excellence and Achievement for Development (READ) Act, legislation which will address America’s literacy crisis using evidence-based reading instruction known as the Science of Reading. The legislation is co-led in the House by Representatives Erin Houchin (IN-09), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Kevin Kiley (CA-03), Josh Harder (CA-09), and Burgess Owens (UT-04). Companion legislation in the Senate is led by Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Chairman Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Jim Banks (R-IN), and Tim Scott (R-SC). Introduction of this legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives follows passage of the READ Act in the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions in an overwhelming vote of 20-2 last week.

According to the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress, 12th-grade reading scores dropped to the lowest average since the assessment was first completed in 1992. Millions of young people in America are leaving school without the ability to read proficiently, significantly impacting their readiness for college, a career, and civic life. It is estimated that low literacy rates in America cost taxpayers an estimated $224 billion annually and nearly $40 billion in lost productivity.

“One of my most treasured memories as a mother was instilling a love of reading in my son Jordan,” Congresswoman McBath said. “Tragically, far too many young people in America are graduating high school without basic literacy skills. The READ Act will affirm our country’s commitment to ensuring that all students can develop the skills needed for success beyond high school. I thank my colleagues for their collaboration on this essential bipartisan legislation.”

“Reading is the foundation of every child’s education, yet too many students are graduating without the basic literacy skills they need to succeed,” said Rep. Houchin. “We cannot accept a system that allows students to move from grade to grade without mastering the fundamentals of reading. The bipartisan READ Act gives educators the tools and training to implement the science of reading, helping ensure every student has the strong literacy foundation needed to thrive in school, the workforce, and throughout life.”

“Reading is foundational to learning, and strong literacy skills set the stage for lifelong success,” said Rep. Bonamici.“Students thrive with evidence-based instruction that helps them develop these core skills. This bipartisan bill will provide critical federal resources for educational practices aligned with the science of reading so students in our highest-need schools and districts have the support they need to succeed.”

“In California and all across the country, millions of students are falling behind when it comes to their ability to read proficiently,” said Rep. Kiley. “Our bipartisan legislation will help reverse this troubling trend through reforms including improved teacher training and early literacy tests that will assure more students gain the proficiency they need for success in school and life.”

“Washington used to believe that improving school was both important and possible, but after years of paralysis, our kids have been paying the price in lower reading scores and worse education outcomes,” said Rep. Harder. “The good news is that states have already proven that evidence-based reforms can reverse years of learning losses. The READ Act is a critical step towards reinvigorating federal leadership in education and accelerating solutions to our nationwide literacy crisis – we can’t let any more time go to waste.”

“When we teach our children to read, we give them the tools to think critically, and a child who can think critically can achieve whatever they set their mind to,” said Rep. Owens. “That’s why it’s so troubling to see literacy rates falling across our country. I’m proud to co-lead the READ Act, which invests in evidence-based literacy instruction and holds states accountable for results, while keeping decisions with parents and local schools where they belong.”

The READ Act will:

Support state implementation of evidence-based reading practices grounded in the science of reading;

Prioritize funding to the lowest-performing states;

Improve teacher preparation and professional development;

Expand early screening, intervention, and parental notification for students at risk of reading difficulties; and

Strengthen literacy research.


PHOTO RELEASE: Rep. McBride Highlights the People and Projects Strengthening the First State

WILMINGTON, Del. — Over the past several days, U.S. Representative Sarah McBride (D-Del.) traveled across Delaware to celebrate the people and projects that help keep the First State strong — from farmers and students shaping the future of agriculture, to innovative clean energy projects helping build a more affordable energy future, to the servicemembers who protect our nation. Photos from Rep. McBride's visits can be found here.

Rep. McBride began her travels in Harrington, where she joined the Delaware Future Farmers of America (FFA) for its Annual Fair Awards Breakfast, bringing together hundreds of FFA members, agricultural educators, and industry leaders to celebrate agricultural education and student leadership.

“Agriculture has always been at the heart of Delaware's story, and our future depends on the next generation of farmers, producers, and agricultural leaders,” said Rep. McBride. “It was an honor to celebrate the incredible students of Delaware FFA, whose leadership, hard work, and dedication to their communities is keeping the First State's agricultural tradition strong.”

She then joined neighbors at the Delaware State Fair, touring the Delaware 4-H exhibits and taking in many of the fair's longstanding traditions.

“The Delaware State Fair is one of my favorite summer traditions because it brings together everything that makes the First State special — our farmers, small businesses, talented artists, and neighbors from every corner of Delaware. It was wonderful to celebrate our agricultural community and the traditions that bring us together year after year,” said Rep. McBride.

Rep. McBride then visited Middletown to deliver remarks at the Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation's ribbon-cutting ceremony for Delaware's first floating solar array. The project places solar panels on a treatment pond at the Town of Middletown's wastewater treatment facility, generating renewable energy while preserving land and strengthening Delaware's energy future. Local energy projects like this can also help reduce energy costs for Delawareans over the long term.

"This floating solar array shows what's possible when local leaders think creatively about solving big challenges,” said Rep. McBride. “By putting existing infrastructure to work in new ways, Delaware is producing more local energy, preserving valuable land, and helping build a cleaner, more affordable energy future for the people we serve."

Rep. McBride concluded her travels in New Castle on Sunday, where she joined the Delaware Air National Guard to honor the 158 Airmen of the 166th Airlift Wing ahead of their deployment in support of Operation SPARTAN SHIELD, a mission that serves as a cornerstone of U.S. stability efforts in the Middle East. She addressed the Airmen and thanked them and their families for their service and sacrifice.

“Behind every deployment are families, friends, and communities making sacrifices alongside those in uniform. It was an honor to thank these Airmen for their service and to let them know that all of Delaware is behind them as they embark on this mission. We will be thinking of them and praying for their safe return,” said Rep. McBride.

Photos from Rep. McBride’s visits can be found here.

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Congressman Rich McCormick’s STOP the SWAMP Act Heads to the Senate as Senator Roger Marshall Introduces Companion Bill

Washington, D.C. — Today, Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) introduced the Senate companion to Congressman Rich McCormick’s (GA-07) STOP the SWAMP Act, marking a pivotal next step in advancing this commonsense legislation through both chambers of Congress. This effort reinforces the need to strengthen congressional oversight and hold federal employees accountable for obstructing congressional investigations.

The legislation follows last week’s Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing, where former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) Director Dr. Anthony Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment over 100 times rather than answer questions from senators regarding his actions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“For years we’ve watched unelected bureaucrats evade accountability while millions of families are still searching for answers,” said Senator Marshall. “Congress has a constitutional duty to conduct oversight, and that responsibility means nothing if federal officials can refuse to answer questions without consequence. This bill restores accountability and begins rebuilding the trust that's been lost.”

“The Constitution gives Congress the responsibility to conduct oversight, and that responsibility means nothing if witnesses can ignore lawful questions without consequence,” said Congressman McCormick. “Federal officials answer to the American people — not the other way around. If someone refuses to cooperate with Congress or lies under oath, they are giving up the privilege of serving in the federal government and should be held accountable for their deceit. I am grateful to Senator Marshall for continuing this important effort to keep this bill moving.”

With Senator Marshall’s introduction of the Senate companion legislation, the STOP the SWAMP Act now advances as a bicameral effort to restore transparency, reinforce Congress’s oversight responsibilities, and ensure that those who obstruct lawful congressional investigations are held accountable.


Rep. John McGuire Hosts Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. for Fifth District Tour

CHATHAM, VA — On Monday, Representative John McGuire (VA-05) hosted Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. for a tour of Tranquility Grove Rehabilitation Center and the Virginia Tech Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center.

“Health starts from the inside out,” said Rep. John McGuire (Va-05). “From the farmers that put fresh food on our tables, to healthcare professionals helping people heal from addiction, the Fifth District is full of hardworking men and women committed to making their communities healthier. I was proud to show Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. around the district and introduce him to the incredible folks making the Fifth healthy again.”


Rep. Meeks Fights for Recognition of Staff Sgt. Angel Rampersad and U.S. Service Members Killed in Iran War

Queens, NY – U.S. Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) sent a letter to Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth demanding the names of fallen U.S. service members Staff Sergeant Angel Rampersad, Lieutenant Tyler James Feehan, Private Isabella Gonzales, and Sergeant Michael Emmanuel Swinton be restored to the official count of the Iran War casualties under Operation Epic Fury on the Department of Defense’s website.

The letter follows the Pentagon’s response to media reports alleging an intentional effort by the Trump Administration to minimize the war’s toll. In the Pentagon’s July 23, 2026, statement on X (formerly Twitter), they maintained that the removal of the service members’ names from the official death count from Operation Epic Fury was due to a “temporary data disruption,” yet no corrective action has been taken since.

Congressman Meeks wrote in the letter:

“Staff Sergeant Angel Rampersad, one of my constituents, made the ultimate sacrifice when a missile struck Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, killing her and three fellow U.S. service members. She served her country with honor and dedication, and she is remembered by her family, friends, and community for her commitment to serving others. The same is true for Lieutenant Feehan, Private Gonzales, and Sergeant Swinton. Each answered our nation's call, and each deserves to have their sacrifice accurately recognized in the Department's official historical record.”

Read the full letter by clicking the document attached


Rep. Mejia and Rep. Dingell Sound Alarm on GOP Medicaid Cuts Threatening Healthcare Access For Millions

For Immediate Release: August 4, 2026

Contact: Beth Wiesinger | NJ11AMPress@Mail.House.Gov

ANN ARBOR, MI — Congresswoman Analilia Mejia (NJ-11) joined Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Chair of the House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee, yesterday for a visit to Packard Health, a Federally Qualified Health Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The lawmakers toured the facility and discussed with providers, staff, and patients the impact of Republicans’ H.R. 1, the Big Ugly Bill, on Medicaid, the 340B drug discount program, and community health centers nationwide.

H.R. 1 makes the largest Medicaid cuts in the program's history, and independent analyses estimate that as many as 300 hospitals, roughly 12% of all providers currently enrolled in the 340B program, could lose their eligibility as a result. The 340B program requires drug manufacturers to sell outpatient medications at a discount to safety-net providers like Packard Health, helping stretch limited resources to serve low-income and uninsured patients.

“Health care is a human right, not a privilege reserved for those who can afford it," said Congresswoman Mejia. "What I heard today at Packard Health mirrors what families in New Jersey's 11th District are living through. Cutting Medicaid and threatening 340B isn't just cutting a budget line, it's taking away a mother's insulin, a hospital's maternity ward, a family's last place to turn. Republicans chose to gut Medicaid to fund tax breaks for billionaires and big corporations. I thank Congresswoman Dingell for welcoming me today, and together we will keep fighting to protect the health care our communities depend on."


Statement From Rep. Mejia on the Death of Edwin Jeovanny López Cornejo at Delaney Hall

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative Analilia Mejia (NJ-11) released the following statement after confirmation that Edwin Jovanny López Cornejo, a 39-year-old father detained at Delaney Hall, died in ICE custody this past weekend:

“Edwin Jovanny López Cornejo, a father who made a life here for 20 years, is dead, and my gravest concerns about conditions for medically vulnerable people at Delaney Hall are now confirmed. Edwin’s family has serious concerns about the medical treatment he received in detention, and I share those concerns,” said Congresswoman Analilia Mejia. “This is not the first life we’ve lost inside that facility. New Jersey’s own health inspectors have been denied full access, including the medical unit, again and again. If there’s nothing to hide, there’s no reason to keep them out. DHS must carry out a full, independent investigation. This family, and New Jersey, deserve real answers, justice, and accountability. Under these conditions, medically vulnerable people are being given death sentences due to the lack of care. Delaney Hall must be shut down. Abolishing and replacing ICE is the only way to correct this—a system that lets this happen again and again cannot be reformed. It must be rebuilt around human dignity.”

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THOMPSON, GALLAGHER ANNOUNCE APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN FOR PEACH TREE REMOVAL PROGRAM

Northern California – Today, Representatives Mike Thompson (CA-04) and James Gallagher (CA-01) announced the opening of applications for the USDA Tree Removal Program for California cling peaches. Thompson and Gallagher worked with local leaders in April to secure up to $9 million in federal funding for the removal project.

"Peach growers are the backbone of the agricultural economy in Sutter and Yuba counties," said Thompson. "The closure of the Del Monte processing facility, combined with already challenging economic conditions, dealt a devastating blow to these communities. I am grateful to have worked alongside Senator Schiff, Congressman Gallagher, our California congressional colleagues, and the California Canning Peach Association to secure this much-needed assistance. This funding will help growers navigate these difficult circumstances while strengthening the future of California's cling peach industry."

“California’s cling peach growers, especially those in Sutter and Yuba counties, have been navigating an incredibly tough year. This assistance provides much-needed support as growers make important decisions about their orchards. I appreciate USDA moving quickly to stand up this program, and I’m glad to join Congressman Thompson in making sure growers know these applications are now open. It’s essential that we help stabilize our local agricultural community and give farmers the tools they need to plan for the future,” said Gallagher.

The USDA Tree Removal Program is now open. The California Canning Peach Association (CCPA) began accepting grower applications on Monday, August 3rd. The application form is posted on the Peach Association’s website (calpeach.com/treepull/) and application forms will be provided to processor field representatives. The application period will be open for 30 days following August 3rd. All completed application forms must be returned to CCPA in one of the following ways:

Hand delivered to CCPA’s Sacramento office

Emailed via an attachment to treepull@calpeach.com

Sent to CCPA via USPS or another delivery service CCPA’s Sacramento office.

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Congressman Mike Thompson is proud to represent California’s 4th Congressional District, which includes all or part of Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo Counties. He is a senior member of the House Committee on Ways and Means. Rep. Thompson is Chairman of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. He is also Co-Chair of the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Wine Caucus and a member of the fiscally-responsible Blue Dog Coalition.


CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO STOP "PAY-TO-PLAY" PRESIDENTIAL PARDONS

(Rochester, N.Y.)—Today, Congressman Joe Morelle introduced the House companion to the No Payoffs For Pardons Act, legislation to increase transparency and accountability in the presidential pardon process and help prevent presidents from exchanging clemency for financial or political favors. The legislation would require recipients of presidential pardons to disclose significant financial gifts connected to their clemency and clarify that federal bribery laws apply to the President and Vice President.

"The most corrupt President this country has ever seen only seeks to serve himself and his billionaire friends," said Congressman Joe Morelle. "Far too many Americans are struggling to provide the basics for their families because the cost of Donald Trump's corruption has been brought right to their kitchen table. The American people deserve to know whether the President is abusing the pardon power for personal gain and betraying the public's trust. That's exactly what the No Payoffs For Pardons Act will help expose."

The Constitution grants presidents broad authority to issue pardons as a safeguard against injustice—not as a tool for personal enrichment or political favoritism. Yet President Trump has repeatedly used the clemency power to benefit political allies, wealthy associates, and well-connected individuals while bypassing the traditional Justice Department review process.

The No Payoffs For Pardons Act would:

Require recipients of presidential pardons or commutations to disclose covered financial gifts made in connection with their clemency at the time it is granted and for four years afterward;

Clarify that federal bribery laws apply to the President and Vice President in matters involving executive clemency;

Establish a 10-year statute of limitations for bribery offenses involving the granting, withholding, or promising of presidential pardons.

Congressman Morelle introduced the legislation alongside Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Richard Blumenthal, who introduced companion legislation in the Senate. The bill is supported by Campaign Legal Center, Public Citizen, Protect Democracy, the Center for American Progress, and Democracy Defenders Action.

This legislation builds on Congressman Morelle's ongoing work to strengthen government accountability and ensure no president is above the law. Earlier this year, Morelle joined Ranking Members Jamie Raskin and Robert Garcia in introducing the Protecting Our Democracy Act, comprehensive legislation to strengthen oversight, increase transparency, and crack down on corruption throughout the federal government.

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Norton Introduces Bill to Expand AmeriCorps, Reduce Youth Unemployment

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) introduced a bill today to help reduce the number of unemployed young Americans by expanding AmeriCorps by 500,000 members to allow unemployed young people who have mostly completed college or high school to earn a stipend sufficient to support themselves, as well as an education award, while gaining valuable work experience. Norton's bill would allow states and localities to boost personnel for badly needed services, such as after school and elderly programs, without new administrative structures or bureaucratic requirements.

"As artificial intelligence reshapes the job market and shrinks the number of available entry-level opportunities young people have long relied on to gain a foothold in their careers, we cannot afford to leave an entire generation behind," Norton said. "My bill would meet this moment by adding 500,000 new AmeriCorps positions, giving young people a paid pathway to real work experience, valuable skills, and public service at a time when AI is making it harder than ever for them to break into the workforce. We owe our young people more than a diploma and a shrinking job market. They deserve a fair shot at well-paying and meaningful careers."

Norton's full introductory statement follows.

Statement of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton on the Introduction of the Promoting National Service and Reducing Unemployment Act

Today, I introduce the Promoting National Service and Reducing Unemployment Act to address one of the greatest workforce tragedies—our unemployed young people—by adding 500,000 new members to AmeriCorps. Youth unemployment is harming our young people and costing our country billions of dollars each year in lost productivity and tax revenue, among other costs. Although the total unemployment rate has reached a relative low (4.2 percent), the youth unemployment rate is 10.8 percent. These young people have not had a fair chance to use the high school or college education we strongly urged them to obtain.

By adding 500,000 new members to AmeriCorps, this bill would allow unemployed youth to earn a stipend, obtain work experience and provide valuable public service. AmeriCorps participants receive a living allowance and are also eligible for an education award equal to the value of a Pell grant, school-loan forbearance, health care benefits and childcare assistance.

This bill would also establish that the minimum wage for any AmeriCorps State and National member is 200 percent of the federal poverty line and would not allow for a decrease in that amount, as is allowed under current law. AmeriCorps members serve their country and gain skills, but we should increase the minimum wage for everyone, including national service members.

For some time, it has been clear that policies to address the most stubborn forms of unemployment need to be targeted in order to be effective. Without significant targeting, many young people will continue to face their first years as adults without jobs and with no way to acquire necessary work experience. Young people deserve a better start in life as adults.

I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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Nunn Hosts Acting Labor Secretary Sonderling, Highlights Tax Relief for Iowa Workers and Small Businesses

Rep. Nunn and Acting Secretary Sonderling toured Auto-Jet Muffler Corporation in Clive before meeting with restaurant and hospitality workers at Whiskey River Bar & Grille in Ankeny to discuss the law’s new tax deductions for overtime and tip income, as well as expanded incentives for small businesses to invest, hire, and grow.

“The best way to measure whether a policy is working is to hear directly from the people it’s affecting,” said Rep. Nunn. “Today’s conversations made it clear that working families are keeping more of what they earn through tax relief on overtime and tips, while Iowa manufacturers and small businesses have the certainty they need to invest, expand, and create good-paying jobs. That’s exactly what we set out to accomplish.”

“President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts are igniting economic growth and delivering results for American workers,” said Acting Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling. “This Administration’s pro-growth policies like full expensing of new equipment and capital expenditures are benefitting Iowa businesses, while Americans are keeping more of their hard-earned paychecks thanks to no federal tax on tips or overtime. Under the President’s leadership, the Department of Labor will continue to support a wave of new investments and jobs that will spur growth in the Hawkeye State and nationwide.”

Supporting Iowa Manufacturers

At Auto-Jet Muffler Corporation in Clive, Rep. Nunn and Acting Secretary Sonderling toured the production floor with General Manager Kelle Vos and met with employees to discuss how the Working Families Tax Cuts are supporting Iowa manufacturing.

Auto-Jet manufactures specialized aftermarket exhaust systems for trucks and heavy equipment. The Working Families Tax Cuts made the 20 percent small business deduction permanent, giving shops like Auto-Jet a tax code they can plan around. The law doubled Section 179 expensing to $2.5 million and made 100 percent bonus depreciation permanent, allowing shops like Auto-Jet to write off the full cost of new equipment the year they buy it. It also allows manufacturers to immediately deduct the full cost of qualifying new production facilities that break ground between January 2025 and the end of 2028.

“I do the equipment buying here, and being able to write those new machines off in full this year is what made buying them possible in the first place,” said John Rapp, Owner, Auto-Jet Muffler Corporation. “Congress made that write-off permanent on equipment, and gave manufacturers a window to do the same on a new building. For a shop like Auto-Jet, that’s the difference between growing when the work is there and waiting until you can afford to.”

“The Iowans on this floor put in extra hours to get orders out the door, and lately there have been a lot of orders,” said Kelle Vos, General Manager, Auto-Jet Muffler Corporation. “Overtime got taxed the same as regular pay for years, which is a hard thing to explain to somebody who just worked a 10-12 hour shift. Come tax time, time-and-a-half is finally closer to time-and-a-half, and our employees see it in every paycheck. One Airman to another, it’s good to have somebody in Congress who knows what a long shift costs you.”

Putting More Money Back in Workers’ Paychecks

Rep. Nunn and Acting Secretary Sonderling later visited Whiskey River Bar & Grille in Ankeny, where they met with servers, restaurant owners, and hospitality leaders to discuss the law’s deduction for tip income, worth up to $25,000 annually.

For many tipped employees, the deduction substantially reduces their federal income tax liability, allowing workers to keep more of the income they earn. According to the U.S. Treasury Department, taxpayers claiming the deduction during the first filing season claimed an average of more than $7,000.

“For most of the Iowans working at Whiskey River, the tips are the paycheck,” said Erika Pirtle, Manager, Whiskey River Bar & Grille. “Letting them hold onto more of it is a game changer for hiring and for keeping good employees. Today, my servers got to tell a Congressman and a Cabinet Secretary what that actually meant for them, and that doesn’t happen in Ankeny every day.”

Photos from the visits are available here.

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After Second Detainee Death at Delaney Hall, Pallone Holds Trump Administration Responsible for Lethal Medical Neglect and Demands Immediate Investigation

LONG BRANCH, N.J. — Amid reports that the latest detainee death at the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility in Newark, NJ may have been brought on by pervasive medical neglect at the facility, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today blasted the Trump Administration for the deplorable conditions at Delaney Hall, holding the Department of Homeland Security and the company managing the Delaney Hall facility, GEO Group, directly responsible.

“When I demanded Trump’s DHS immediately improve conditions at Delaney Hall, I received radio silence. Now, another one of our neighbors has died at Delaney Hall because of President Trump and Secretary Mullin’s negligence and disregard for human suffering,” said Pallone. “This tragedy was entirely preventable, but this Administration’s cruelty ensures it will be repeated if immediate steps aren’t taken to strip GEO Group of its billion-dollar contract and shutter Delaney Hall.”

After a New York Timesinvestigation documented even more troubling conditions inside the facility, Pallone on July 10 demanded immediate action from DHS to improve conditions and end GEO Group’s government-funded contract to operate the facility. Pallone did not receive a response to his letter.

Pallone has long been concerned about the condition of detainees at Delaney Hall after conducting multipleoversightvisits of the facility. At these visits, he heard stories of detainees who were subjected to systemic medical neglect through a combination of poor staffing, lack of equipment, and inadequate access to basic medications such as insulin.

According to reporting by the New Jersey Globe, the detainee who died in DHS custody on the weekend of August 1 had diabetes and high blood pressure, and was unable to obtain the medication he was prescribed to treat these conditions. This medical neglect matches the eyewitness accounts described by Pallone and other members of the New Jersey delegation after repeated oversight visits.

“My colleagues and I warned Trump and DHS this would happen, and now a 39-year-old father has died because they refused to listen. There must be an immediate investigation. Inspectors from the New Jersey Department of Health must be allowed immediate and full access to Delaney Hall, detainees must be provided comprehensive medical care, and ultimately, this facility must close,” said Pallone.


Pallone Announces Beach Replenishment Projects in Monmouth County

LONG BRANCH, NJ — Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will begin a targeted sand replenishment project in Monmouth County, that may include sections of the towns of Monmouth Beach, Sea Bright, and Long Branch this winter.


Pappas Joins New Hampshire and Maine Colleagues in Opposing New OPM Rule Weakening Civilian Labor Protections at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) joined Senator Jeanne Shaheen (NH), Senator Maggie Hassan (NH) and Angus King (ME), Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01) in raising concerns around a new rule proposed by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Merit Systems Protection Board that would weaken civil service protections and undermine workers’ rights at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY). In their letter, the lawmakers note that the rule would threaten workforce recruitment and retention at the Shipyard—which already needs 700 workers annually to keep pace—and potentially harm U.S. naval readiness.

The lawmakers wrote, in part: “We write in strong opposition to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB)’s proposed rule ‘Promoting Employee Accountability,’ Docket OPM-2025-0012 (RIN 3206-AO91). This proposed rule would weaken longstanding civil service protections that promote merit-based employment, due process and the recruitment and retention of skilled workers. Moreover, as Members of Congress who represent nearly eight thousand civilian workers at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, we are concerned about the proposed rule’s impact on workers essential to our national security.”

They continued: “As you are no doubt aware, the men and women who work at our public shipyards are critical members of our defense industrial base, without whom the ability to repair, retrofit and refuel our country’s submarines would be in jeopardy. In our states, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) has nearly eight thousand civilian employees, creating more than $1.5 billion in annual economic impact in surrounding communities. [...] PNSY currently needs to hire over 700 workers annually to meet the Navy’s demand – which is an increase from 550 over the past two years. Further, policies that reduce workplace protections risk making federal service less attractive to qualified candidates. Due to civilian hiring quotas imposed by the Office of Personnel Management, PNSY has struggled to onboard workers and cannot risk additional delays or departures. If the Administration intends to retain this political litmus test at our public shipyards, the costs of unnecessarily losing more skilled workers through this proposed rule far outweigh any potential benefit.”

They concluded: “By stripping away the procedures that keep discipline fair for civilian employees doing the work of naval readiness and refusing to consider important factors, the proposed rule introduces costly unpredictability in the workforce and needlessly undermines readiness. We are concerned this will increase attrition in the critical and experienced workforce that keeps our submarine fleet ready, ultimately harming the shipyard’s ability to meet the Navy’s needs and threatening our national security. We, therefore, ask you to withdraw OPM and MSPB’s proposed rule, ‘Promoting Employee Accountability,’ and consider alternatives that preserve federal workers’ longstanding civil service protections.”

A full copy of the letter can be read HERE.

Since President Trump took office, Pappas has worked to protect civilian workers who play a critical role in maintaining U.S. national security. In February 2025, he joined workers from PNSY to discuss the impact of the administration’s job cuts and hiring freezes, which led the Shipyard to pause hiring.

In March 2025, Pappas led his House colleagues in further sounding the alarm over the Trump administration’s hiring freeze and workforce cuts. Later that month, the U.S. Department of Defense exempted the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard workforce from the civilian hiring freeze.

In July the New Hampshire Congressional delegation also called on General Steven Nordhaus, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, to exempt critical safety roles, including firefighters and air traffic controllers, from its planned 10.7% reduction to federal civilians at the Air National Guard (ANG). More than half of the civilian employees at Pease Air National Guard Base are civilian emergency personnel and air traffic controllers, and the proposed cuts could devastate the important role Pease plays in supporting emergency services in the region, including at Portsmouth International Airport.