Rep. Nancy Mace's Skills-Based Federal Contracting Act Passes Senate Committee Unanimously

WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 6, 2026) — Today, Congresswoman Nancy Mace released the following statement on her bipartisan Skills-Based Federal Contracting Act passing unanimously out of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, bringing the legislation one step closer to becoming law:

“This is a win for American workers. For too long, the federal government has put a diploma ahead of ability. It has shut out millions of qualified Americans before they ever got a fair shot. Our bill ends this.

“Washington created the paper ceiling. This bill tears it down. A four-year degree should not be a government-mandated checkbox when hardworking Americans have already proven they can do the job. Demonstrated ability should open doors in this country.

“Federal contracting should reward the best person for the job. Taxpayers are footing the bill, they deserve results. Skills matter. Experience matters. Merit matters. A piece of paper shouldn’t stand in the way.

“A unanimous vote out of committee speaks for itself. This is not a Republican issue. This is not a Democrat issue. This is an American issue. Now it’s time for the full Senate to pass it and get it to the President’s desk.”

Read more about the billHERE.

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Chairman Diaz-Balart joins the United States Presidential Delegation to the Republic of Colombia to attend the Inauguration of His Excellency Abelardo de la Espriella

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations and Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs, announced he will join the United States Presidential Delegation to the Republic of Colombia to attend the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella:

“It is an honor to join the United States Presidential Delegation to the swearing-in ceremony of the incoming Colombian President, Abelardo de la Espriella. This ceremony represents the beginning of a new chapter for Colombia and an opportunity to strengthen our important partnership. I am optimistic that the incoming De La Espriella Administration will pursue a constructive relationship with the United States based on our shared democratic values and longstanding commitment to regional security and stability.

I look forward to working closely with Colombia's new leadership to revitalize U.S.-Colombia relations. A strong partnership between our nations serves the interests of both of our peoples. After four years during which the outgoing administration undermined cooperation on critical security priorities, and distanced Colombia from one of its closest allies, this transition offers a long-awaited opportunity to restore trust and renew our partnership.

The United States and Colombia must return to working side-by-side to combat transnational organized crime, narcoterrorism, illegal trafficking networks, corruption, and other criminal endeavors that threaten the security of both our nations. We have accomplished great things together over the years, and I believe the next chapter of our relationship can be even stronger.

I congratulate President De La Espriella and the people of Colombia on this historic occasion, and I thank President Trump and Secretary Rubio for allowing me to join the United States Presidential Delegation."

Members of the delegation:

• Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche

• Mr. Hugo Guevara, Charge d’Affaires, U.S. Embassy Bogota

• The Honorable Mario Diaz-Balart, Chairman of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Subcommittee, United States House of Representatives

• The Honorable Sara Carter, Director, Office of National Drug Control Policy

• The Honorable Terrance C. Cole, Administrator, United States Drug Enforcement Administration

• Mr. Cliff Sims, National Security Advisor to the Vice President

• Mrs. Viviana Bovo, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, United States Department of State

• Mr. Joseph M. Humire, Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Americas Security Affairs, United States Department of War

• Mr. Kris Jarvis, Chief of International Operations, Joint Task Force Vulcan, United States Department of Justice

Background:

Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart leads the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP). This subcommittee is responsible for funding U.S. foreign policy initiatives, international security efforts, and diplomatic operations. NSRP maintains jurisdiction over foreign assistance to Colombia, supporting areas such as counternarcotics, security cooperation, economic development, and migration.

During the Petro Administration, U.S. funding to Colombia experienced notable reductions and was subject to stricter conditions. These changes reflected bipartisan concerns regarding President Petro’s policy decisions.

In addition to his subcommittee leadership, Chairman Díaz-Balart is the founding co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Colombia. Established in 2009, this caucus brings together Members of Congress who are committed to strengthening the partnership between the United States and Colombia. The caucus played a pivotal role in advancing a vote on the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement in the House of Representatives.

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Congresista Diaz-Balart integrara la Delegación Presidencial de Estados Unidos a la República de Colombia para asistir a la ceremonia de toma de posesión presidencial de su Excelencia Abelardo de la Espriella

WASHINGTON, D.C. – El congresista Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), vicepresidente del Comité de Asignaciones de la Cámara de Representantes y presidente del Subcomité de Seguridad Nacional, Departamento de Estado y Programas Relacionados, anunció hoy que integrará la Delegación Presidencial de Estados Unidos a la República de Colombia para asistir a la ceremonia de toma de posesión del presidente electo, Abelardo de la Espriella:

“Es un honor ser parte de la Delegación Presidencial de Estados Unidos que asistirá a la ceremonia de toma de posesión del presidente electo de Colombia, Abelardo de la Espriella. Esta ceremonia marca el inicio de un nuevo capítulo para Colombia y representa una oportunidad para fortalecer nuestra importante alianza. Estoy optimista de que la nueva administración del presidente De la Espriella impulsará una relación constructiva con los Estados Unidos, basada en nuestros mutuos valores democráticos y nuestro compromiso histórico con la seguridad y la estabilidad regional.

Espero trabajar estrechamente con el nuevo liderazgo de Colombia para revitalizar las relaciones entre nuestros países, enuna sólida alianza que beneficie a ambos pueblos. Luego de cuatro años en los que la Administración saliente debilitó la cooperación en prioridades críticas de seguridad y alejó a Colombia de uno de sus aliados más cercanos, esta transición representa una oportunidad sumamente esperada para restaurar la confianza y renovar nuestra asociación.

Estados Unidos y Colombia deben volver a trabajar conjuntamente para combatir el crimen organizado transnacional, el narcoterrorismo, las redes de tráfico ilícito, la corrupción y otras actividades delictivas que amenazan la seguridad de nuestras naciones. A lo largo de los años juntos hemos logrado grandes avances y creo que el próximo capítulo de nuestra relación será aún más sólida.

Expreso mi sinceras felicitaciones al presidente De la Espriella y al pueblo colombiano por este momento en su historia y agradezco al presidente Trump y al secretario Rubio por permitirme ser parte de la Delegación Presidencial de Estados Unidos".

Miembros de la delegación:

• Fiscal General Interino Todd Blanche

• Sr. Hugo Guevara, Encargado de Negocios, Embajada de los Estados Unidos en Bogotá

• El Honorable Mario Díaz-Balart, presidente del Subcomité de Seguridad Nacional, Departamento de Estado y Programas Relacionados de la Cámara de Representantes de Estados Unidos

• La Honorable Sara Carter, directora de la Oficina de la Política Nacional para el Control de Drogas (DEA, por sus siglas en inglés)

• El Honorable Terrance C. Cole, administrador de la Administración para el Control de Drogas de Estados Unidos (DEA, por sus siglas en inglés)

• Sr. Cliff Sims, asesor de Seguridad Nacional del vicepresidente JD Vance

• Sra. Viviana Bovo, subsecretaria interina para Asuntos del Hemisferio Occidental del Departamento de Estado de Estados Unidos

• Sr. Joseph M. Humire, subsecretario adjunto de Guerra para Asuntos de Seguridad de las Américas, Departamento de Guerra de los Estados Unidos.

• Sr. Kristopher D. Jarvis, jefe de Operaciones Internacionales de la Fuerza de Tarea Conjunta Vulcan del Departamento de Justicia de Estados Unidos

Información adicional:

El congresista Mario Díaz-Balart es presidente del Subcomité de Asignaciones de la Cámara de Representantes sobre Seguridad Nacional, Departamento de Estado y Programas Relacionados (NSRP, por sus siglas en inglés). El Subcomité es responsable del financiamiento de las iniciativas de política exterior de Estados Unidos, los esfuerzos de seguridad internacional y las operaciones diplomáticas y por lo tanto ejerce jurisdicción sobre la asistencia exterior destinada a Colombia, respaldando áreas como la lucha contra el narcotráfico, la cooperación en materia de seguridad, el desarrollo económico y la inmigración.

Durante la administración del presidente Petro, el financiamiento de Estados Unidos destinado a Colombia experimentó reducciones significativas y estuvo sujeto a condiciones más estrictas. Estos cambios reflejaron preocupaciones bipartidistas respecto a las decisiones políticas del presidente Petro.

Además de su liderazgo en el Subcomité, el presidente Díaz-Balart es cofundador y copresidente del Comité Parlamentario a favor de Colombia, que fue establecido en 2009 y reúne a miembros del Congreso comprometidos con el fortalecimiento de la alianza entre los Estados Unidos y Colombia. Este Grupo Parlamentario desempeñó un papel fundamental para impulsar la votación para Tratado de Libre Comercio entre Estados Unidos y Colombia en la Cámara de Representantes del Congreso de Estados Unidos.

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Rep. John McGuire Hosts Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler for Fifth District Visit

LOUISA COUNTY, VA — On Wednesday, Representative John McGuire (VA-05) hosted Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler for a visit to Patriot Industries in Louisa County.

"Small business owners are the perfect example of living the American Dream," said Rep. John McGuire (VA-05). "Daily they sacrifice, work tirelessly, and strategize to ensure their goals become reality. Virginia's Fifth District is home to many of these incredible men and women, pouring into the economy, reminding us all what's possible with hard work and determination. It was an honor to host Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler for a visit to the Fifth District to meet with our small business owners living out the American Dream."

"The America First agenda is strengthening local communities and bringing jobs and industries back home by creating more opportunities for small manufacturers like Patriot Industries,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “Today, in central Virginia, we saw the Working Families Tax Cuts and fair trade in action: they are driving expansion, growth, and new job creation across Virginia’s 5th Congressional District. Congressman McGuire’s work to cut taxes and strengthen our industrial base is restoring both economic and national security for all Americans.”

See below for photos from the Administrator's visit.


New Jersey Congressional Democrats Lead Letter to DHS Demanding Accountability for Medical Neglect, Deaths Connected to Delaney Hall

For Immediate Release: August 6, 2026

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — All nine Democratic members of the New Jersey House delegation — Reps. Analilia Mejia (NJ-11), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Robert Menendez (NJ-08), Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Nellie Pou (NJ-09), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Herb Conaway (NJ-03), and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) — today sent a letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Acting ICE Director David J. Venturella demanding immediate answers and accountability following the third death connected to Delaney Hall Immigration Detention Facility in less than a year.

For months, Members of Congress, New Jersey officials, medical advocates, attorneys, and former detainees have documented disturbing allegations of abuse and neglect inside Delaney Hall: delayed emergency care, denied prescription medications, untreated chronic illness, infectious disease outbreaks, and inadequate care for medically vulnerable detainees. The delegation's June oversight visit was meant to determine whether these were isolated incidents or signs of a deeper, systemic failure. Instead of reform, the facility has now seen a third death in less than a year.

“Three deaths, repeated allegations of medical neglect, restricted oversight, and less public transparency are a terrible track record of care for individuals in your custody,” wrote the lawmakers. “At this point, the question is no longer whether ICE knows what is happening inside Delaney Hall. It is, ‘why does ICE continue to allow the GEO Group to put lives at risk?’”

The letter states ICE quietly rescinded a longstanding policy requiring public reporting and congressional notification when a person dies within 30 days of being released from ICE custody – a change the delegation says was a deliberate rollback of transparency that makes it easier to obscure the government's responsibility for deaths connected to time spent in federal custody. The letter also highlights that the State of New Jersey was forced to sue after its own health inspectors were repeatedly denied full access to Delaney Hall, even as ICE's own inspections identified multiple deficiencies in detainee care and safety.

The delegation is requesting, no later than August 12, 2026, that DHS and ICE:

Provide a complete accounting of all three deaths connected to Delaney Hall since GEO Group assumed operations, including timelines, medical care provided, mortality reviews, and any corrective action taken

Explain ICE's current policy on detainee death reporting, including when a death is no longer considered a death in ICE custody, and identify any deaths connected to Delaney Hall excluded from public reporting under that policy

Produce all inspections, mortality reviews, audits, staffing assessments, corrective action plans, and internal communications concerning medical care at Delaney Hall since GEO Group assumed operations

Describe every contractual, financial, or administrative action ICE has taken against GEO Group in response to repeated allegations of inadequate medical care and the three deaths connected to Delaney Hall

Commit to granting members of Congress and New Jersey health officials full, unencumbered access to Delaney Hall, including housing units, medical facilities, records, surveillance footage, and relevant personnel

Click HERE to read the full letter text.

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Messmer Convenes Roundtable to Discuss Services for America’s Veterans

VINCENNES, IN – Today, Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN) convened a Hoosier Veterans Roundtable at Vincennes University, bringing together local, state, and federal veterans organizations to discuss services and care for Hoosier veterans. The discussion focused upon benefit expansion, strengthening coordination among organizations, and identifying legislative priorities to best serve those who make our nation so proud.

“Our veterans fulfilled their commitment to America, and we will always fulfill ours to them,” said Rep. Messmer. “I appreciate everyone who joined today’s discussion, and I will continue working to strengthen the VA, improve access to care, and fight for the veterans of Indiana's Eighth District.”

Representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs, and local Veteran Service Organizations shared updates on ongoing initiatives and discussed the needs of veterans across Southern Indiana, including access to care in rural communities.

To learn more about how Congressman Messmer is supporting America's veterans in the House of Representatives, visit Messmer.House.Gov.

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Meuser Participates in Vice President’s Fraud Task Force Roundtable

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09), joined Vice President JD Vance for a roundtable discussion with his Task Force to Eliminate Fraud. Created on March 16, 2026, by Executive Order 14395, the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud is tasked with restoring the integrity of taxpayer-funded programs. Since its establishment, the Task Force has identified $230 billion in fraud and has already halted $56 billion in fraudulent payments. As Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, Congressman Meuser has been a leading voice in Congress advocating for identifying and eliminating both taxpayer fraud and consumer fraud.

Congressman Meuser has used his position in Congress to advocate for legislation and support initiatives that strengthen protections against both taxpayer fraud and consumer fraud. This includes cosponsoring the Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act, legislation that would permanently allow the Social Security Administration to share its Death Master File with the Treasury Department’s “Do Not Pay” system to stop payments to deceased individuals. Congressman Meuser also introduced the Safeguarding Consumers from Advertising Misconduct (SCAM) Actto combat predatory online scam advertisements and require online platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent fraudulent and deceptive ads.

As Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, Congressman Meuser has held multiple hearings and roundtables investigating fraud and scams against the American people. On July 22, the Subcommittee released its staff report on fraud and scams, an exhaustive investigation into the growing threat of financial fraud facing the American public.

The roundtable was extremely timely following the U.S. Department of Justice charging 19 defendants in Philadelphia in an alleged $4 million Medicare and Medicaid fraud scheme involving home health care services. The scheme involved home health aides allegedly billing Medicaid for services while they were incarcerated, hospitalized, working other jobs, traveling overseas, or otherwise unable to provide care. Investigators identified widespread impossible billing patterns, with one aide allegedly submitting more than 64,000 hours of work and billed over 24 hours a day more than 1,000 times, resulting in more than $1.2 million in fraudulent Medicaid payments. Prosecutors also highlighted cases where beneficiaries allegedly participated in schemes, including one case involving more than $400,000 in alleged false claims by aides and Medicaid recipients. More than 96% of Pennsylvania personal care claims are coded as “illness unspecified,” limiting fraud detection efforts. Pennsylvania’s home care program has grown rapidly in recent years, with spending increasing from $120 million in 2018 to $8 billion in 2025.

“Fraud across federal programs is costing taxpayers enormous sums thanks in part to a lack of safeguarding government programs that many Americans depend upon,” said Congressman Meuser. “The money lost to Pennsylvania SNAP payment errors alone could revitalize communities throughout the Commonwealth and eliminate blight. I have spent the last two years working to eliminate taxpayer and consumer fraud as Chair of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. I’m glad to continue that work alongside Vice President Vance and Republicans in Congress to root out and eliminate taxpayer fraud as well.”

At the roundtable, Congressman Meuser outlined legislative solutions to reduce fraud against taxpayers, including:

Stricter criminal penalties for fraudsters

Require phone providers to notify customers when a call originates outside the U.S.

Creation of an Overpayment Czar to coordinate efforts to combat payments and fraud

Grants for state Attorneys General to fight fraud


ICYMI: Speaker Johnson Visits Manufacturing Facility to Discuss Historic Success of the Working Families Tax Cuts

WASHINGTON — Yesterday, Speaker Johnson joined Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent and Rep. Juan Ciscomani at the PepsiCo-Frito Lay manufacturing facility in Casa Grande, Arizona to discuss how the Working Families Tax Cuts have benefitted American workers and manufacturers.

Speaker Johnson toured the manufacturing facility, participated in a roundtable alongside local business leaders and PepsiCo-Frito Lay employees, and held a press conference with local Arizona media. Throughout their visit, the three leaders highlighted pro-growth, pro-worker WFTC provisions such as No Tax on Overtime, permanent and immediate expensing for domestic R&D, 100% bonus depreciation, and Trump Accounts.

Watch Speaker Johnson’s press conference remarks here.

“Thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts, American manufacturing is roaring back to life. In the one year since that legislation became law, hundreds of billions of dollars in investments have poured into American businesses and manufacturers, jobs are being created, working families are keeping more of what they earn, and we’re seeing long-term growth in all 50 states that’s raising wages for American workers,” Speaker Johnson said after the visit. “It was a pleasure to join Secretary Bessent and Rep. Ciscomani at the PepsiCo facility in Casa Grande today to witness firsthand how American businesses are benefitting from the Working Families Tax Cuts, and to discuss how Republicans’ pro-growth agenda is driving America’s industrial renaissance.”

“One year after President Trump signed the Working Families Tax Cuts into law, the promise of the American Dream is extending to every factory floor,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said. “It was great to join Speaker Johnson and Congressman Ciscomani at the Frito-Lay facility in Casa Grande, Arizona to discuss how the America First pro-growth economic agenda is giving manufacturers the confidence to invest, expand, and hire.”

"I'm incredibly honored to have welcomed Speaker Mike Johnson and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to Arizona's Sixth District to see the real, tangible impact of the Working Families Tax Cuts Act," Congressman Ciscomani said. "Manufacturing has long been a cornerstone of rural Arizona's economy, supporting hundreds of local jobs and strengthening communities across our district. Because of the legislation we passed and signed into law last year, hardworking Arizonans are keeping more of what they earn, and manufacturers have greater confidence to invest here in America. This is exactly what we set out to accomplish by putting more money back into the pockets of working families while creating an environment where businesses can grow and create more jobs here in Southeastern Arizona.”

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Griffith Announces More Than $1.9 Million in HHS Grants to Virginia Tech

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Virginia Tech, based in Blacksburg, Virginia, four research related grants worth $1,936,905. The funding breakdown of the grants is as follows:

$774,123 to support trial on safe drinking water in Appalachia

$667,837 to support research related to brain development in children and humans

$451,417 to support research into development of new painkiller treatments

$43,528 to support research into therapies for osteosarcoma, a bone cancer

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

“Scientific discoveries contribute to new treatments and better health outcomes.

“These HHS grants for more than $1.9 million help Virginia Tech use research results to better inform American scientists, doctors and patients.”

BACKGROUND

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

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Griffith Announces $80,921 HHS Grant for SWVA Black Lung Clinic Program

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded St. Charles Health Council Inc., based in Jonesville, Virginia, a grant of $80,921. The funding supports Stone Mountain Health Services and its black lung clinic program. In response to this grant notice, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“Black Lung clinics serve coal communities affected by this devastating illness.

“This HHS grant for more than $80,000 helps Stone Mountain Health Services promote Black Lung treatment resources for our coal communities.”

BACKGROUND

In May 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $1.1 million in federal funds for Stone Mountain Health Services and its black lung program.

Earlier this year, Congressman Griffith announced a separate grant of more than $5 million to St. Charles Health Council Inc. to support its health care center operations.

In a previous Health Subcommittee hearing with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Congressman Griffith expressed his support for working with the Trump Administration to help fight black lung disease.

The HHS National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recently provided free, confidential black lung screenings to coal miners in the region.

The awarding office of this grant is the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

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

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Moulton Reintroduces Building Safer Streets Act to Modernize Outdated Federal Road Design Standards

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06) reintroduced the Building Safer Streets Act, legislation to modernize the federal design standards that shape how roads are planned and built across the country. The legislation directs the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to update decades-old rules that have often prioritized vehicle speed over the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users. It also gives state and local engineers more flexibility to design streets that protect everyone who uses them.

More than 100 people die in traffic crashes in the United States every day, according to federal data, and pedestrian and cyclist deaths have risen even as overall vehicle miles traveled has leveled off. Safety advocates and engineers highlight outdated street design standards that protect car drivers more than they do pedestrians and cyclists as the main culprit for this continued growth.

The bill was originally introduced in response to the death of Sidney Mae Olson, a 5-year-old girl who was struck and killed by a tractor-trailer in May 2023 while crossing a marked sidewalk on Elm Street, in Andover, Massachusetts, on her way to class with the “walk” signal showing.

“More than 100 people dying per day in traffic crashes is a symptom of a failing transportation system. It shows that our streets were not designed with the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users in mind,” said Congressman Moulton. “The Building Safer Streets Act gives engineers the tools to build streets that protect everyone who uses them, not just those people behind the wheel of a car. We owe it to every victim and their family to fix what is broken before it costs another life.”

In the years since, Sidney’s parents, Eric Olson and Mary Beth Ellis, have become leading advocates for safer street design, founding the Sidney Mae Olson Rainbow Fund and helping launch a Massachusetts chapter of Families for Safe Streets.

The reintroduction comes at a moment when the risks facing everyone on Massachusetts streets remain top of mind: last month, a City of Boston transportation planner was struck and killed while cycling in Mission Hill. The case is a reminder of why modernizing street design standards for all road users remains an urgent priority.

The full bill text can be found here.

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Top Democrats on the House Natural Resources and Agriculture Committees Introduce the Wildfire Response and Readiness Act

A comprehensive legislative package comprising 25 bills that together outline a plan to respond to wildfires—protecting our lands, readying our communities, and giving federal firefighters the support they need and the benefits they deserve.

Washington, D.C. — Today, Colorado Congressman and Federal Lands Subcommittee Ranking Member Joe Neguse (CO-02), Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (CA-02), Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig (MN-02), Forestry and Horticulture Subcommittee Ranking Member Andrea Salinas (OR-06), and Congressman George Whitesides (CA-27) introduced the Wildfire Response and Readiness Act, a comprehensive package of wildland fire policy that meets the moment for Americans facing increasingly active, destructive, and life-threatening wildfires.

So far this year, wildfires have burned more than 5.5 million acres across the United States. Coupled with extreme weather conditions, including record-breaking drought across the West, and communities across the country are continuing to face increasingly dangerous wildfire conditions.

President Donald Trump and his administration have responded by gutting the public land management agencies and institutions responsible for keeping our lands resilient and accessible and our communities safe from catastrophic wildfire. This reckless approach places the United States in an untenable position, where the threat of wildfire has never been greater and federal land management agencies are less prepared than ever before.

The Wildfire Response and Readiness Act is House Democrats’ affirmative response to the growing threat of catastrophic wildfires. It includes practical, collaborative solutions that aim to better protect the people and places we love while ultimately saving lives.

“Colorado has experienced some of the most devastating wildfires in the country—and as we’ve worked together to recover and rebuild, we’ve also drawn from hard-earned lessons in the wake of these disasters to introduce this comprehensive package of policy proposals,” said Subcommittee Ranking Member Neguse. “The Wildfire Response and Readiness Act advances critical prevention, mitigation, and response strategies while delivering long-overdue support for our brave and heroic wildland firefighters, who risk life and limb to protect our communities and deserve fair compensation and benefits.”

“Hotter summers and drier forests mean wildfires are burning more intensely and reaching towns that never used to worry about them. President Trump watched some of the worst fire seasons this country has seen. His response? Fire the people who run toward the flames for the rest of us. He hollowed out the agencies, ignored the warnings, and left towns across the West more exposed than they've been in decades. Democrats see what families in fire country are up against, and we refuse to leave them on their own. The Wildfire Response and Readiness Act delivers what Americans need: fair pay and job security for wildland firefighters, real help for families fire-proofing their homes, and healthier forests that stop small fires from becoming catastrophes. This is the fight of our time, and we will not let up until every community has the protection they need,” said Ranking Member Huffman.

“Minnesotans are tired of waking up to smoky skies and of witnessing their beloved public lands, like the Boundary Waters, quite literally go up in flames. This critical legislation will help protect rural communities, restore healthy forests and fairly compensate the firefighters serving on the frontlines,” said Ranking Member Craig.

“Oregon is already experiencing one of our worst wildfire seasons on record. Families are living with smoke, farmers and small businesses are facing disruptions, and rural communities are shouldering the burden of increasingly costly fires. We owe Oregon’s firefighters the tools they need to respond safely, and we owe our communities a government that prepares before disaster strikes. The Wildfire Response and Readiness Act brings together a comprehensive plan to strengthen prevention, improve coordination, protect homes and working lands, and help communities recover. I’m proud to co-lead this effort to make Oregon and communities across the country safer and more resilient,” said Subcommittee Ranking Member Salinas.

“Wildfires are a large and growing threat that will only get worse if we do not take decisive action at the federal level,” said Congressman Whitesides. “From making our homes safer to better managing our forests to bolstering firefighter resources and pay, this package would make us more resilient and significantly improve our ability to manage the national wildfire crisis.”

The Wildfire Response and Readiness Act has three main pillars. They are outlined below.

Resilient Lands: The bill invests in wildfire prevention and post-fire restoration and recovery so that the forests and public lands around our homes and communities stay healthy and resilient to catastrophic fires. It also requires federal agencies to develop a 10-year wildfire plan so that the federal government coordinates with the people most impacted.

Fire-Safe Communities: The bill helps families make their homes more resistant to fires and gives communities the tools to plan ahead so they are ready before a fire breaks out. It also encourages the development of new tools to spot fires faster and takes steps to address the harmful impacts of wildfire smoke, making sure we have clean air.

Wildland Firefighter Safety and Workforce Security: Wildland firefighters put their lives on the line to keep the rest of us safe. This bill honors that work with better pay, leave, and retirement benefits. It also trains the next generation of wildland firefighters and expands the workforce. And after more than a quarter of land management agency staff were fired or left their jobs since January 2025, this bill prevents any more firings and keeps key wildfire and forestry research facilities open and running.

To learn more, click HERE.

Full bill text can be found HERE, and a section-by-section HERE.

The Wildfire Response and Readiness Act is endorsed by American Forests, Defenders of Wildlife, Earthjustice Action, Grassroots Wildland Firefighters, Megafire Action, National Federation of Federal Employees, Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club, Trust for Public Land, and Western Fire Chiefs Association.

To view their statements of support, click HERE.

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Energy and Commerce Members Obernolte, Palmer and Pfluger Introduce Bills to Stop California’s Costly Emissions Mandates

WASHINGTON – Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-23), House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment Chairman Gary Palmer (AL-06) and Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) introduced three Congressional Review Act resolutions to rein in California’s use of special waivers granted by the Environmental Protection Agency under Democrat Administrations that empower California regulators to impose emissions mandates beyond federal standards, restrict consumer choice and drive up costs for families and businesses across the country.

All three lawmakers serve on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, which has jurisdiction over the EPA and the Clean Air Act. The legislation is part of a broader effort to exercise congressional oversight, hold federal and state regulators accountable and prevent California’s most burdensome policies from becoming national standards without congressional approval.

“As a representative from California, I have seen firsthand how burdensome regulations from the California Air Resources Board hurt businesses and raise costs for hardworking Americans by imposing mandates instead of allowing the market to drive innovation,” said Congressman Obernolte (CA-23). “Congress must exercise its oversight authority to prevent these policies from becoming a national standard. We must protect American jobs and supply chains while preserving the ability of consumers to choose what works best for them and their families.”

“California should not be allowed to dictate what kind of vehicles Texans and Americans across the country can drive. The Biden Administration's decision to reinstate California's waiver gave one state outsized power to impose its radical emissions standards and EV mandates on the rest of the country. I'm proud to introduce this CRA to restore consumer choice, protect American families from costly mandates, and put an end to California setting de facto national auto policy,” said Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11).

California has repeatedly used its outdated authority under the Clean Air Act to pursue regulations more aggressive than federal requirements. When other states adopt California’s rules and manufacturers are forced to adapt, policies written by unelected California regulators can effectively become national standards.

Small Off-Road Engine Amendments

Congressman Obernolte’s legislation would revoke the federal waiver allowing the California Air Resources Board to enforce its Small Off-Road Engine amendments. These rules impose costly emissions mandates on lawn and garden equipment and effectively push small businesses, landscapers and homeowners toward electric tools. The requirements ignore the real-world needs of workers who depend on reliable and affordable equipment, leaving them with higher costs and fewer practical choices.

Greenhouse Gas Emission Standards for 2009 and Subsequent Model Years

Chairman Palmer’s legislation would revoke the waiver allowing California to enforce its own greenhouse gas emissions standards for vehicles beginning with model year 2009. The waiver forces automakers to navigate competing standards and allows one state’s regulators to influence which vehicles are produced and sold nationwide. The added compliance costs are ultimately passed along to consumers through higher vehicle prices.

Reinstatement of Advanced Clean Cars I

Congressman Pfluger’s legislation would reverse the Biden EPA’s reinstatement of California’s Advanced Clean Cars I waiver. The Trump administration previously revoked the waiver, but the Biden administration brought it back and once again allowed California to enforce vehicle emissions requirements stricter than federal standards. These mandates limit the vehicles available to consumers and increase costs for American families.

Together, the bills would rein in CARB by revoking three specific waivers granted or reinstated by the EPA under Democratic administrations. The package would restore congressional oversight of these EPA decisions and prevent California regulators from using the waivers to impose costly mandates that affect consumers and businesses nationwide. As members of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Obernolte, Palmer and Pfluger will continue working to hold the EPA accountable, protect American jobs and supply chains, and defend consumer choice.


Ocasio-Cortez, Sanders, Ramirez Reintroduce the Green New Deal for Public Housing Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) reintroduced the Green New Deal for Public Housing Act, landmark housing legislation which would rebuild the United States’ public housing stock, address the longstanding capital backlog, and create thousands of union jobs. This bill provides a much-needed infusion of federal funding to update every public housing unit through weatherization, electrification, and modernization so that it may serve as a model of efficiency, sustainability, and resiliency for the rest of the nation.

This Congress, the bill was newly endorsed by three building trades unions: the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (IUBAC), the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART), and the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT).

“From record-breaking heat waves to extreme flooding displacing public housing residents, Americans are feeling the parallel impacts of the housing and climate crisis. Now more than ever, it is integral that Congress put forward bold solutions that ensure our nation’s housing stock is both affordable and resilient," said Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. “I am proud to reintroduce the Green New Deal for Public Housing Act alongside Representative Delia Ramirez and Senator Bernie Sanders to deliver a generational rebuild of our nation’s public housing stock, reduce emissions, and create hundreds of thousands of union jobs, including job opportunities for public housing residents. This Congress, we received our first endorsements from three building trades unions. We are proud to fight for a bold future for public housing alongside the people who will build it.”

"Safe, sustainable, resilient, affordable housing is a HUMAN RIGHT, plain and simple. The policies we advance in Congress must help us realize that truth for EVERYONE. As our nation reckons with both a worsening housing crisis and urgent climate crisis, we must fight for and realize bold policy action and investment," said Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez. "As the current administration attacks affordable housing funding, I am proud to stand with Representative Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Sanders to reintroduce legislation that will secure the future of our public housing, prioritize climate and racial justice, and boost our economy and labor force. The Green New Deal for Public Housing is a bold solution to our national housing problem”

“In the richest country in the history of the world, it is unacceptable that our nation’s public housing is in a state of chronic disrepair. It is unacceptable that hundreds of millions of Americans are facing the disastrous impacts of climate change while the fossil fuel industry makes huge profits. And it is unacceptable that far too many Americans are working multiple jobs just to keep a roof over their head,” Sanders said. “What the Green New Deal for Public Housing Act does is say that yes, we can create decent and affordable public housing for more than 1.5 million Americans that is based on energy efficiency and sustainable sources of power. And that when we do that, we can also create hundreds of thousands of good-paying, union jobs. That is a win-win-win situation.”

The bill would create seven grant programs under one application process to modernize our public housing stock through:

Deep energy retrofits to increase energy savings in nearly a million public housing units;

Workforce development programs, prioritizing good-paying job opportunities for residents;

Energy efficiency, building electrification, and water quality upgrades;

Community renewable energy generation, the profits of which will be controlled by Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) to boost their coffers and increase self-sufficiency;

Community resiliency and sustainability measures;

Climate adaptation and emergency disaster response systems.

“The United States faces a serious housing crisis, one which intensifies with every passing year. Grounded in strong protections for workers, the Green New Deal for Public Housing Act tackles this crisis in part by mandating fair wages, benefits, and labor standards as a requirement for funding public housing upgrades. The International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers urges Congress to act quickly to enact this much needed legislation,” said Tim Driscoll, President, IUBAC.

“The Green New Deal for Public Housing is the most significant investment in preserving and improving public housing that we've seen in generations. This bill will preserve hundreds of thousands of safe, affordable homes for those who need them the most, while centering public housing residents at every stage in the process. It enables communities to retain and modernize their homes by bringing units up to code, dramatically improving energy efficiency, and unlocking on-site renewable energy infrastructure, all while removing outdated limits on the construction of new public housing. NHLP is proud to endorse Sen. Sanders, Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, and Rep. Ramirez's vision for bringing public housing into the future,” said Shamus Roller, Chief Executive Officer of the National Housing Law Project.

"We are living through a housing crisis decades in the making. After years of federal underfunding, public housing residents are enduring record heat in homes that need repair. It does not have to be this way," said DaMareo Cooper, Executive Director of Popular Democracy. "The Green New Deal for Public Housing repairs the homes of 1.6 million tenants and families, creates 280,000 good union jobs with residents hired first, and puts working people at the center of decisions about their own communities. That is what democracy looks like."

The legislation is cosponsored by 40 representatives, including Representatives Brendan Boyle (PA-02), André Carson (IN-07), Troy Carter (LA-02), Greg Casar (TX-35), Judy Chu (CA-28), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-9), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10), Jesus Garcia (IL-04), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Adelita S. Grijalva (AZ-07), Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Summer Lee (PA-12), Ted W. Lieu (CA-36), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Grace Meng (NY-06), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jerold Nadler (NY-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-00), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Emily Randall (WA-06), Jamie Raskin (MD-06), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Adam Smith (WA-09), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Mark Takano (CA-39), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), and Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24).

The legislation also has 6 cosponsors in the Senate, including Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Peter Welch (D-VT).

The legislation is endorsed by The Alliance for a Greater New York (ALIGN), Alliance For Housing Justice, Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), California Green New Deal Coalition, Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) Action Fund, Churches United for Fair Housing (CUFFH), Citizen Action of New York, Climate and Community Institute, Climate Critical, Food and Water Watch, For the Many, Georgia Advancing Communities Together, Inc., Inner City Green Team, International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART), International Brotherhood of Teamsters, International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), Labor Network for Sustainability, Long Island Progressive Coalition, National Health Care for the Homeless Council, National Housing Law Project, National Low Income Housing Coalition, New York Progressive Action Network (NYPAN), Oil Change International, Popular Democracy in Action, Public Advocates Inc., Residents to Preserve Public Housing, Save Section 9, Sunrise Movement, The Point Community Development Corporation, UAW Region 9A, VOCAL-NY & VOCAL-US.

The full bill text is available here.

A one-pager of the bill is available here.

A section-by-section of the bill is available here.

Read The Action Lab, New York University’s Urban Democracy Lab, and the Climate and Community Institute’s full report on the Green New Deal for Public Housing and the Homes Act here.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — All nine Democratic members of the New Jersey House delegation — Reps. Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Analilia Mejia (NJ-11), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Robert Menendez (NJ-08), Nellie Pou (NJ-09), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Herb Conaway (NJ-03), and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) — today sent a letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Acting ICE Director David J. Venturella demanding immediate answers and accountability following the third death connected to Delaney Hall Immigration Detention Facility in less than a year.

For months, Members of Congress, New Jersey officials, medical advocates, attorneys, and former detainees have documented disturbing allegations of abuse and neglect inside Delaney Hall: delayed emergency care, denied prescription medications, untreated chronic illness, infectious disease outbreaks, and inadequate care for medically vulnerable detainees. The delegation's June oversight visit was meant to determine whether these were isolated incidents or signs of a deeper, systemic failure. Instead of reform, the facility has now seen a third death in less than a year.

“Three deaths, repeated allegations of medical neglect, restricted oversight, and less public transparency are a terrible track record of care for individuals in your custody,” wrote the lawmakers. “At this point, the question is no longer whether ICE knows what is happening inside Delaney Hall. It is, ‘why does ICE continue to allow the GEO Group to put lives at risk?’”

The letter states ICE quietly rescinded a longstanding policy requiring public reporting and congressional notification when a person dies within 30 days of being released from ICE custody – a change the delegation says was a deliberate rollback of transparency that makes it easier to obscure the government's responsibility for deaths connected to time spent in federal custody. The letter also highlights that the State of New Jersey was forced to sue after its own health inspectors were repeatedly denied full access to Delaney Hall, even as ICE's own inspections identified multiple deficiencies in detainee care and safety.

The delegation is requesting, no later than August 12, 2026, that DHS and ICE:

Provide a complete accounting of all three deaths connected to Delaney Hall since GEO Group assumed operations, including timelines, medical care provided, mortality reviews, and any corrective action taken

Explain ICE's current policy on detainee death reporting, including when a death is no longer considered a death in ICE custody, and identify any deaths connected to Delaney Hall excluded from public reporting under that policy

Produce all inspections, mortality reviews, audits, staffing assessments, corrective action plans, and internal communications concerning medical care at Delaney Hall since GEO Group assumed operations

Describe every contractual, financial, or administrative action ICE has taken against GEO Group in response to repeated allegations of inadequate medical care and the three deaths connected to Delaney Hall

Commit to granting members of Congress and New Jersey health officials full, unencumbered access to Delaney Hall, including housing units, medical facilities, records, surveillance footage, and relevant personnel

Click HERE to read the full letter text.


Pappas Joins Warren and Colleagues in Pressing Thune, Johnson on Republican Plans to Cut Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid

Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) joined U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA.), Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), in pressing Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Mike Johnson (LA-04) and Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) on Republican plans to cut Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.

The push comes amid Republicans’ months-long assault on these critical programs for seniors and Americans with disabilities, and recent comments indicate there may be more attacks to come. Speaker Johnson recently stated publicly that Republicans have a “plan” to cut Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid if they retain control of Congress next year, stating: “The reason we’re in trouble is because over 74% of federal spending is on autopilot, mandatory spending. That’s your entitlement programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and things like Social Security. They have to be adjusted and fixed. We have a plan to do that next year.” Just this week, another House Republican said Congress could “get into” Social Security.

“Americans deserve to have full transparency into Republican plans to attack earned benefits like Social Security,” wrote the lawmakers.

Since the start of President Trump’s second term, Republicans have relentlessly attacked Americans’ health insurance, retirement, and food security programs. Republicans passed legislation to rip away health coverage from roughly 15 million Americans, forced millions to lose food assistance by slashing funding from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), threatened to revive Bush-era efforts to privatize Social Security, and made it harder for Social Security beneficiaries to access their benefits.

Now, Republicans are threatening to launch further attacks on these crucial programs. Along with his comments regarding Republicans’ “plan” to slash critical programs, Johnson has blamed programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security for the national debt.

“Johnson's defense — that he is targeting only ‘waste, fraud, and abuse’ — is nothing more than a smoke-and-mirrors scheme to cover up benefit cuts,” wrote the lawmakers. “A plan you will not show the voters before they vote is not reassurance. It is a warning and revealing of Republican priorities.”

The lawmakers called on Speaker Johnson and Majority Leader Thune to reveal said plan to the American people.


CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN AND COMMUNITY ADVOCATES FIGHT TO PASS RYAN’S “LET KIDS PLAY ACT” TO KICK PRIVATE EQUITY OUT OF YOUTH SPORTS AMID MASSIVE RIPOFFS OF HUDSON VALLEY FAMILIES

Congressman Ryan joined Hudson Valley parents, coaches, sports organizations, and school representatives at the Middletown YMCA to discuss the rising cost of youth sports on hardworking families

Youth sports has become a $40 billion industry, with participation costs rising by 46% in just the last few years

Ryan’s “Let Kids Play Act” will ban private equity from turning youth sports into a cash grab that screws over families to line investors’ pockets and requires vulture investors to provide full refunds to families and wipe out any outstanding debts

MIDDLETOWN, NY – Today, Congressman Pat Ryan joined Hudson Valley parents, coaches, sports organizations, and school representatives at the Middletown YMCA to discuss the rising cost of participating in youth sports for hardworking families.

Over the last decade, youth sports have become prohibitively expensive. What was once an affordable, community-based tradition to give kids a chance to have fun and challenge themselves, has morphed into a $40 billion industry dominated by private equity, with the singular goal of extracting as much profit as possible from families.

Ryan and the youth advocates gathered at the Middletown YMCA discussed the importance of passing Ryan’s Let Kids Play Act – landmark legislation to stop Wall Street from pricing kids out of sports by banning private equity firms from youth sports, shut down the vulture practices they use to jack up costs, and get money back to the families who have been ripped off.

“Team sports are supposed to be the first place our kids learn teamwork, discipline, and community. Instead, it’s become a cash grab for Wall Street investors to make another buck while our kids miss out on this fundamental part of American childhood,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “It’s outrageous. Parents are already getting crushed by costs everywhere they turn, and now corporate investors are coming after one of the most important parts of childhood, too. Enough. The Let Kids Play Act cracks down on these abusive practices, lowers costs for families, forces the bad actors to pay them back, and puts the focus back where it belongs: on kids getting the chance to play. I’m grateful to have such exceptional community partners in the Hudson Valley, including here at the YMCA, who I know won’t back down in the fight for our kids and families.”

“It was an honor to welcome Congressman Pat Ryan, City of Middletown Mayor Joe DeStefano, Joan Day from Assemblymember Paula Kay’s team, and so many dedicated community partners such as the Boys & Girls Club and City of Middletown Parks and Recreation to the YMCA of Middletown as we came together to discuss the Orange County Youth Sports Initiative,” said Ross Miceli, CEO, YMCA of Middletown. “Every child deserves access to affordable, safe, and meaningful sports opportunities that build confidence, character, and a sense of belonging. When we work together to remove barriers and invest in our young people, we are not just strengthening youth sports, we are building a healthier, stronger future for our entire community.”

“The cost and accessibility of sports programs is a huge problem that directly affects our Boys & Girls Club members the most. Everyone knows the important role youth sports play in youth development,” said Daniel Whalen, CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Ulster County. “The skills obtained through sports translate to success in the classroom and throughout their adult lives. When these resources are inaccessible or unaffordable, we are hurting the development of our next generation, especially those who need it the most. Sports should be about raising our kids not financial gain. This has been a growing problem across our country for a long time. I want to personally thank Congressman Ryan and his office for giving attention to a problem that has flown under the radar for far too long. I look forward to continuing to be a part of the conversation and working toward a more equitable solution.”

“Congressman Ryan addressing the growing lack of affordability in youth sports demonstrates once again how attuned he is to the basic issues facing young families. I appreciate this issue on two fronts: as the father of 2 boys aged 9 and 7, and as the co-owner of a small business in the City of Newburgh,” said Paul Hayaklo, parent and owner of Newburgh Brewing Company. “Youth sports are an important part of the fabric of any community, particularly communities like Newburgh. Keeping them affordable and accessible means that all kids can play and learn vital life skills like sportsmanship, teamwork, and the importance of exercise. For-profit club programs, often fueled by private equity, threaten to box out kids who can't afford the high costs. And many of those kids are the ones who need sports the most.”

“Youth sports are among the most unifying settings in our communities. Kids from all backgrounds should have the opportunity to access, participate in, and compete in leagues around their communities, but unfortunately, each season, that is getting harder. These conversations are important to fostering a more well-rounded community where every kid has the opportunity to find their passions and scratch their competitive itch,” said Assembly Member Paula Elaine Kay. “The Let the Kids Play Act is an important step in making youth sports more equitable and affordable for all families throughout our country, and I commend Congressman Ryan for taking on this fight in Congress.”

The Let Kids Play Act stops Wall Street from pricing our kids out of sports by banning both private equity vulture investors and the vulture practices they use, and establishes strong enforcement tools to hold private equity accountable for the damage they cause by requiring:

Mandatory exit from youth sports: Private equity firms are automatically designated as vulture investors and banned from youth sports -- leagues, facilities, tournaments, and player platforms -- unless they prove they have never used vulture practices. Banned investors must sell their ownership stakes and management rights in youth sports within two years.

Refunds to families: This bill requires vulture investors to provide full refunds for any junk fees collected through vulture practices, cancels any predatory contracts, and wipes out any outstanding debts, interest, or late fees that were imposed by the private equity firms.

Liability for debts and safety violations: Private equity vulture investors are held personally and financially responsible for any debts, legal judgments, or law violations, including child safety and labor infractions, that occur while they are in charge.

Creation of Youth Sports Fund: Any penalties paid or money taken from these private equity firms is placed into a dedicated fund to provide scholarships, reduce costs for families, and keep local fields open for free community use.

Rights for communities and families be respected: This bill gives states and parents legal standing to sue private equity firms in youth sports, stop their vulture practices, and receive compensation for any financial losses or harm they have caused.

The bill is endorsed by the American Economic Liberties Project (AELP), Groundwork Action, Sports Fans Coalition, Open Markets Institute, and the Americans for Tax Fairness (ATF).

Katie Van Dyck, Senior Legal Fellow, American Economic Liberties Project, said “Private equity has transformed youth sports from a public good into a profit center, with children and families paying the price. The Let Kids Play Act goes after their vulture practices with conviction — banning the consolidation, debt loading, and asset stripping that have hollowed out local clubs; eliminating the liability shields that protect the worst actors while leaving communities in the dust; and giving public and private enforcers the tools to hold them accountable. Kids and families deserve to enjoy sports without emptying their bank accounts. This bill makes that possible.”

Lina Khan, former FTC chair, said “No kid should have to quit a sport because private equity has made it too expensive. It’s great to see this bill take on the vulture investors preying on families.”

Alex Jacquez, Chief of Policy and Advocacy, Groundwork Action, said “For years, private equity firms have been buying up youth sports leagues and turning one of the most important parts of childhood into a cash extraction scheme. Firms are piling on junk fees, locking families into predatory contracts, and mandating expensive travel programs, all so Wall Street investors can squeeze more profits out of kids and parents. The result is that millions of children are being priced out of sports that used to be a basic part of growing up. The Let Kids Play Act would ban these vulture tactics outright and kick private equity out of youth sports, putting families, kids, and communities back at the center of the game.”

Brian Hess, Executive Director of Sports Fans Coalition, said “There's no bigger fan than a parent. Watching your kid compete is the purest experience sports has to offer. But private equity is exploiting that love. Buying up local leagues, forcing families into pay-to-play schemes, preventing kids from playing in other tournaments, and harvesting children's biometric data for profit doesn't just drain working families' bank accounts — it sucks the soul out of youth sports. The Let Kids Play Act attacks this problem at the root by banning these predatory practices and forcing vulture investors out of youth sports for good. Sports Fans Coalition proudly endorses this legislation and commends Sen. Murphy and Rep. Deluzio for standing up for the most passionate fans in America — the parents on those sidelines.”

Audrey Stienon of the Open Markets Institute said “Private equity firms have shown, again and again, what happens when short-term investors move into community institutions: costs go up, quality and access go down, and families are left paying the price. This bill recognizes that youth sports should be about kids and communities, not financial extraction, and it could help establish a broader standard for identifying and pushing out the kinds of investors whose business model depends on harming the people they’re supposed to serve.”

David Kass, executive director of Americans for Tax Fairness, said “For decades, private equity firms have used tax loopholes like carried interest to avoid paying billions in taxes, while using money taken from taxpayers to buy up companies and raise prices for millions of Americans already struggling in an unaffordable economy. The Let Kids Play Act would ensure that private equity firms already taking from taxpayers cannot price kids out of their communities’ sports programs. These programs are essential to our children’s and community development. No kid should be shut out.”

A one-pager of the bill is available here. Full bill text is available here.

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Pfluger, Palmer, and Obernolte Push Back on California's EPA Waivers

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11), House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment Chairman Gary Palmer (AL-06), and Congressman Jay Obernolte introduced a legislative package to strip away burdensome EPA waivers handed to California under previous Democratic Administrations. These waivers let unelected California regulators impose emissions standards stricter than federal law, allowing one state to dictate standards that have consequences for consumers and businesses nationwide.

All three lawmakers sit on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees the EPA and the Clean Air Act. The push is part of a broader fight to rein in regulators, restore accountability, and stop California's most extreme mandates from quietly becoming the law of the land, without a single vote in Congress.

Together, their three resolutions put Congress back in the driver's seat — reclaiming oversight of EPA's waiver decisions and stopping CARB from imposing its costliest mandates on the rest of the country.

“California should not be allowed to dictate what kind of vehicles Texans and Americans across the country can drive. The Biden Administration's decision to reinstate California's waiver gave one state outsized power to impose its radical emissions standards and EV mandates on the rest of the country. I'm proud to introduce this CRA to restore consumer choice, protect American families from costly mandates, and put an end to California setting de facto national auto policy,” said Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11).

"California should not be allowed to set de facto national vehicle standards for the rest of the country. This resolution reaffirms that the Clean Air Act cannot be used to give one state the power to reshape America's auto market. Families deserve affordable, reliable vehicles. Instead, they’re getting mandates driven by California's radical political agenda. I'm proud to introduce this resolution and work with Congressman Pfluger and Congressman Obernolte to protect consumer choice and American manufacturing,” said Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06).

"As a representative from California, I have seen firsthand how burdensome regulations from the California Air Resources Board hurt businesses and raise costs for hardworking Americans by imposing mandates instead of allowing the market to drive innovation," said Rep. Jay Obernolte (CA-23). "Congress must exercise its oversight authority to prevent these policies from becoming a national standard. We must protect American jobs and supply chains while preserving the ability of consumers to choose what works best for them and their families."

Reversing Reinstatement of Advanced Clean Cars I Waiver

Rep. Pfluger's resolution would undo the Biden EPA's decision to bring back California's Advanced Clean Cars I waiver — a waiver the Trump administration had already revoked. Its return means stricter-than-federal vehicle mandates, fewer choices at the dealership, and higher costs for American families.

Repealing Greenhouse Gas Standards for Model Year 2009 and Beyond

Rep. Palmer's resolution would revoke California's waiver to set its own greenhouse gas standards for vehicles from model year 2009 on. The result: automakers juggling competing rulebooks, one state's regulators deciding what gets built and sold nationwide, and higher sticker prices for consumers footing the bill.

Revoking the Small Off-Road Engine Mandate

Rep. Obernolte's resolution would kill the waiver behind CARB's Small Off-Road Engine amendments — rules that saddle lawn and garden equipment with costly mandates and push landscapers, small businesses and homeowners toward electric tools whether they want them or not. Workers who need reliable, affordable equipment get higher costs and fewer options instead.


Amata Highlights Possibilities for American Samoa in International Meetings

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata accepted an invite from her House classmate, Chairman Brian Babbin, who leads the Committee on Science, Space and Technology, to take part in a series of discussions in a bipartisan Congressional Delegation to several nations over the weekend at the start of the House’s August work period.

Amata’s visit expands on her service in the House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC), specifically in the Africa Subcommittee as well as the East Asia and the Pacific Subcommittee, allowing her to work with another committee’s issues, and she expressed her several purposes in relation to American Samoa:

In their first stop, Cabo Verde, Members of Congress were briefed at a weather balloon facility and observed a weather balloon launch. Congresswoman Amata conveyed interest in American Samoa being the site of similar research and studies, highlighting key geographic comparisons and suitability. The Republic of Cabo Verde (meaning Green Cape) is an archipelago of ten islands west of continental Africa with a large majority Christian population. Their islands are just inside the Tropic of Cancer in the Atlantic, much as American Samoa is just inside the Tropic of Capricorn in the Pacific, and the islands share similarities in their meridian positions on opposite sides of the world.

In Tanzania, also a coastal country which includes islands in the Indian Ocean at the far border of the Indo-Pacific region, while American Samoa is relatively near the center of the vast region, Congresswoman Amata and other Members of Congress met with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regional Wildlife Law Enforcement Attache Kathy Spengler, who is stationed at the U.S. Embassy through the Department of the Interior. They held productive discussions including the state of mineral exploration – which Amata opposes near American Samoa – and Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing in those waters, a shared concern in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Finally, starting the return trip with a rest and refueling in Lisbon, Portugal, a U.S. ally known for their own fishing industry focused on sardines, they met with the Portuguese Space Agency, which is actively implementing ambitious national strategic efforts. Amata highlighted American Samoa’s historic ties to the U.S. space program and numerous Apollo missions, and conveyed that, in cooperation with the U.S., American Samoa would make them welcome should a splashdown site on the earth’s opposite side ever be needed in their growing program and activities.

On a personal level while briefly in Lisbon, Amata was delighted that the U.S. Embassy residence is named Casa Carlucci (the Carlucci House), a restored 1861 manor, in honor of her old friend and former employer, Frank Carlucci, who served there as U.S. Ambassador to Portugal, and later served as Secretary of Defense under President Ronald Reagan, part of his career with four Presidents. Amata worked for him at the U.S. Office of Economic Opportunity and the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare.

“I value these opportunities to emphasize American Samoa to colleagues and government officials, and build relationships while working with other committees, but my original reason for working with Africa Subcommittee issues is its jurisdiction over the most important religious freedom and human rights global efforts that Congress is involved in,” said Congresswoman Amata. “These efforts have a worldwide impact not at all limited to Africa, including oversight of American-supported international organizations that work in many nations from Africa to the Pacific. I wanted to continue working on these issues with respected Chairman Chris Smith, who has long been the foremost champion in Congress for religious freedom and human rights, and many of these efforts dovetail with issues in the Pacific. For instance, earlier this Congress, the House passed a foreign affairs bill I cosponsored, the bipartisan PARTNER Act, that enhances U.S. relations in both the Pacific Islands and Africa.”

The House-passed PARTNER Act extends diplomatic privileges to the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), while also extending those privileges to the African Union’s Observer Mission to the United Nations. Amata is an original cosponsor co-leading the bill in a group of three Republicans and six Democrats.

In another example of a global effort with Pacific ties to the HFAC Africa Subcommittee, Amata spoke on the House floor on September 23, 2024, while serving as Floor Manager for House passage of the reauthorization of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), S. 3764, a bipartisan effort which then passed by a vote of 365-20. (A four-minute video of her House floor speech is available HERE.)

See more pictures here

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HOUSE PASSES RILEY-BACKED BILL TO SPEED UP DEMENTIA DIAGNOSES

WASHINGTON, DC – The House has passed a bipartisan bill cosponsored by Congressman Josh Riley (NY-19) to help rural families get faster, more accurate diagnoses of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. The Accelerating Access to Dementia and Alzheimer’s Provider Training (AADAPT) Act (H.R.3747) helps primary care providers better identify, diagnose, and manage Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias — particularly in rural and underserved communities.

“More than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, but in rural communities like ours, getting a timely diagnosis can be a real challenge,” said Congressman Riley. “An early diagnosis helps families plan, gives patients more treatment options, and leads to better health outcomes. This bill makes sure providers across Upstate New York have the training they need to catch Alzheimer’s and other dementias early, and get folks connected to the care they need.”

Around 426,500 New Yorkers aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, only half of those living with Alzheimer’s have received a diagnosis, and 85% of initial diagnoses are made by primary care providers who do not specialize in dementia.

The AADAPT Act addresses this gap by connecting primary care providers with specialists through virtual training, mentorship, and case-based learning. Because primary care providers are often the first health care professionals patients see when memory loss begins, expanding access to specialized training can help improve early diagnosis and patient outcomes.

Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

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Congresswoman Luz Rivas Introduces Bill to Protect Public Health and Our Environment, Holds Oil and Gas Accountable

LOS ANGELES — Congresswoman Luz Rivas (CA-29), member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, introduced the Methane Pollution Accountability Act, a bill that holds oil and gas companies accountable for the harmful pollutants and toxins released into communities through venting, flaring, and leaking processes. These communities are often subjected to worse public health, with increased rates of disease such as asthma or cancer.

“For far too long, oil and gas companies have treated environmental justice communities as a dumping ground at the expense of the health and well-being of the families who live there,” said Congresswoman Rivas. “In the San Fernando Valley, decades of harmful emission practices have led to higher rates of asthma, respiratory illnesses, organ damage, and other serious health conditions. My Methane Pollution Accountability Act holds oil and gas companies accountable for their harmful practices to minimize the pollutants being leaked into environmental justice communities like ours. It is my hope that House Republicans put our communities ahead of oil and gas interests and bring this bill to the floor.”

“We are grateful for Representative Rivas’ leadership in holding big polluters accountable for the damage they continue to cause to our health and the environment,” said Madeleine Foote, Healthy Communities Program Director at League of Conservation Voters. “At a time when the Trump Administration caters to the fossil fuel industry and their profits rather than the health and safety of our families, it is more important than ever for Congress to step up and ensure we are prioritizing clean air for every community.”

“Companies who refuse to adopt readily-available technology to reduce routine venting and flaring should absolutely have to have a plan in place to minimize pollution and leaks or pay for their waste,” said Mahyar Sorour, Director of Beyond Fossil Fuels Policy at the Sierra Club. “Methane gas pollutes our air, harms our health, and contributes to rising energy prices. The Trump Administration is blocking safeguards that would stop the practice of routine flaring, so this bill is a critical step to ensure accountability from these bad actors.”

“Curbing pollution from the oil and gas industry is critical to protecting public health," said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. "Not only is methane a powerful greenhouse gas, oil and gas production can also send harmful pollutants like volatile organic compounds, benzene and formaldehyde into the air. Efforts to reduce venting, flaring and negligent releases of methane will help reduce avoidable pollution and hold polluters accountable for wasted resources. We thank Representative Rivas for working to protect the air we all breathe."

Background:

The Methane Pollution Accountability Act requires oil and gas operators with leases on federal land or the Outer Continental Shelf to pay royalties on all methane gas that is consumed or lost by venting, flaring, or other negligent methods. Oil and gas operators must also produce a plan to minimize the harmful pollutants that are being released into environmental justice communities across the country.

This royalty was initially included as Section 50263 of the Inflation Reduction Act. The Trump Administration and House Republicans eliminated the collection of this royalty with the passage of H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). The Biden Administration finalized the Methane Waste Prevention Rule in 2024, and the Trump Administration announced plans to roll it back.

The Methane Pollution Accountability Act has two original co-sponsors and is endorsed by the American Lung Association, the League of Conservation Voters, and the Sierra Club.


Rep. Kelly awards $850,000 to City of Paxton for Market Street streetscape improvements

Paxton, IL. – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) joined state Sen. Chris Balkema, state Rep. Jason Bunting, and Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold yesterday to award $850,000 in federal funding to the City of Paxton to continue streetscape improvements along Market Street in the city's downtown core. Rep. Kelly secured the funding through the annual Community Project Funding request process.

The investment builds on a first phase of Market Street streetscape work, completed with $1.1 million from the now-terminated HUD CDBG Revolving Loan Fund, that repaired sidewalks and added ADA-accessible curb ramps, lighting, and landscaping from State to Pells Street. This next phase will extend those upgrades from Pells to Center Street—a block home to 17 storefronts, 15 businesses, Majestic Park, and City Hall. The improvements will create a safer Market Street that supports downtown businesses and closes remaining ADA and pedestrian safety gaps. Sales tax revenues along the corridor have grown since the streetscape plan began, reflecting the strong private investment and community support behind Paxton's downtown revitalization.

“I am proud to have brought home $850,000 to continue the revitalization of Market Street,” said Rep. Kelly. “This investment tells small businesses and families that Paxton is a place worth investing in, and with sales tax revenue up more than 50 percent along this corridor, it's clearly working. Thank you to Mayor Ingold and the City of Paxton for seeing this through.”

“Strong communities are built through strategic investments and leaders who are willing to work together to get things done,” said State Senator Chris Balkema (R-Channahon). “I appreciate Congresswoman Robin Kelly's efforts to secure this investment for the City of Paxton, and I congratulate the city on this important milestone. Revitalizing downtown Paxton will strengthen local businesses, enhance quality of life, and help ensure the community continues to thrive for generations to come.”

“With this grant, the City of Paxton is able to move forward with its vision of changing and improving the downtown to become a destination point for visitors, shoppers and even those looking for a new home,” said Bill Ingold, Mayor of Paxton.


Rep. Salinas Introduces Legislation to Stop Trump from Selling Insider Access to His Presidential Posts

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Andrea Salinas (OR-06), alongside Reps. Janelle Bynum (OR-05) and Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) and Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D.C.), introduced the Stop Corrupt Trading Act, companion legislation to a bill introduced by U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), to ban the President and Vice President from selling early or exclusive access to their official social media posts for profit.

On August 1, Trump Media Group began selling early access to President Trump’s Truth Social feed, charging trading firms up to $100,000 a month for the privilege. Those posts can move markets within seconds, especially as Trump weighs in on the ongoing Iran war. The Truth Social API gives these firms an advantage. It hands them information before anyone else, giving them a chance to act ahead of people who can’t afford the $100,000-a-month subscription. Getting information even a few milliseconds before anyone else can be worth tens of millions of dollars to a trading firm.

"No President should allow Wall Street firms to pay for privileged access to the Oval Office," said Rep. Salinas. "Trump is letting firms pay up to $100,000 a month to receive his Truth Social posts faster, including announcements that can affect financial markets. This pay-to-play scheme reeks of Tony Soprano-style corruption. Wealthy traders should not get a head start while working people and small investors play by a different set of rules. The Stop Corrupt Trading Act will close that door and make clear that public office must serve the American people, not anyone's mob-style profiteering."

Specifically, Rep. Salinas’ legislation would:

Ban the President, Vice President, and related entities, including businesses or partnerships controlled by them or their immediate family, from selling nonpublic information for financial benefit, including exclusive data feeds of the President's official or personal statements. Violations carry a fine of up to double the value of the transaction and up to five years in prison.

Ban any person or firm from buying that nonpublic information, with penalties of up to double the value of the transaction.

Toll the statute of limitations for conduct that occurs while a person holds the office of President or Vice President, so the clock does not run out while they are still in office.

Give the Attorney General authority to bring civil action for disgorgement of profits, civil penalties, and other equitable relief, and direct the Office of Government Ethics to refer credible evidence of violations to the Justice Department and Congress.

"Americans are tired of a system where powerful politicians can profit from public office while families pay the price,” said Brian Lemek, Defend the Vote Action Fund Executive Director. “We applaud Senator Padilla and Congresswoman Salinas for leading the fight against corruption by introducing the Stop Corrupt Trading Act and taking an important step toward restoring trust in government. Public service should be about serving the American people—not personal financial gain."

"Hardworking Americans deserve public officials who work in the public interest, not for private gain to line their own pockets. Donald Trump has abused the presidency by profiting off cryptocurrency schemes, controversial settlements, and now, selling early access to market-moving non-public information through Truth Social," said Virginia Canter, Anticorruption and Ethics Chief Counsel and Director at Democracy Defenders Action. "This new pay-to-play scheme is just another reminder that Trump is willing to sell access to government policy to the highest bidder. We thank Congresswoman Salinas for introducing the Stop Corrupt Trading Act to help curb Trump's lawlessness, and we urge Congress to pass this and related anti-corruption legislation to rein in an out-of-control Administration."

This legislation is endorsed by Public Citizen, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), and Defend the Vote Action Fund.


Washington, D.C. — Today, Assistant Democratic Leader and Federal Lands Subcommittee Ranking Member Joe Neguse (CO-02), Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (CA-02), Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig (MN-02), Forestry and Horticulture Subcommittee Ranking Member Andrea Salinas (OR-06), and Congressman George Whitesides (CA-27) introduced the Wildfire Response and Readiness Act, a comprehensive package of wildland fire policy that meets the moment for Americans facing increasingly active, destructive, and life-threatening wildfires.

So far this year, wildfires have burned more than 5.5 million acres across the United States. Coupled with extreme weather conditions, including record-breaking drought across the West, and communities across the country are continuing to face increasingly dangerous wildfire conditions.

President Donald Trump and his administration have responded by gutting the public land management agencies and institutions responsible for keeping our lands resilient and accessible and our communities safe from catastrophic wildfire. This reckless approach places the United States in an untenable position, where the threat of wildfire has never been greater and federal land management agencies are less prepared than ever before.

The Wildfire Response and Readiness Act is House Democrats’ affirmative response to the growing threat of catastrophic wildfires. It includes practical, collaborative solutions that aim to better protect the people and places we love while ultimately saving lives.

“Colorado has experienced some of the most devastating wildfires in the country—and as we’ve worked together to recover and rebuild, we’ve also drawn from hard-earned lessons in the wake of these disasters to introduce this comprehensive package of policy proposals,” said Assistant Leader Joe Neguse. “The Wildfire Response and Readiness Act advances critical prevention, mitigation, and response strategies while delivering long-overdue support for our brave and heroic wildland firefighters, who risk life and limb to protect our communities and deserve fair compensation and benefits.”

“Hotter summers and drier forests mean wildfires are burning more intensely and reaching towns that never used to worry about them. President Trump watched some of the worst fire seasons this country has seen. His response? Fire the people who run toward the flames for the rest of us. He hollowed out the agencies, ignored the warnings, and left towns across the West more exposed than they've been in decades. Democrats see what families in fire country are up against, and we refuse to leave them on their own. The Wildfire Response and Readiness Act delivers what Americans need: fair pay and job security for wildland firefighters, real help for families fire-proofing their homes, and healthier forests that stop small fires from becoming catastrophes. This is the fight of our time, and we will not let up until every community has the protection they need,” said Ranking Member Huffman.

“Minnesotans are tired of waking up to smoky skies and of witnessing their beloved public lands, like the Boundary Waters, quite literally go up in flames. This critical legislation will help protect rural communities, restore healthy forests and fairly compensate the firefighters serving on the frontlines,” said Ranking Member Craig.

“Oregon is already experiencing one of our worst wildfire seasons on record. Families are living with smoke, farmers and small businesses are facing disruptions, and rural communities are shouldering the burden of increasingly costly fires. We owe Oregon’s firefighters the tools they need to respond safely, and we owe our communities a government that prepares before disaster strikes. The Wildfire Response and Readiness Act brings together a comprehensive plan to strengthen prevention, improve coordination, protect homes and working lands, and help communities recover. I’m proud to co-lead this effort to make Oregon and communities across the country safer and more resilient,” said Congresswoman Salinas.

“Wildfires are a large and growing threat that will only get worse if we do not take decisive action at the federal level,” said Congressman Whitesides. “From making our homes safer to better managing our forests to bolstering firefighter resources and pay, this package would make us more resilient and significantly improve our ability to manage the national wildfire crisis.”

The Wildfire Response and Readiness Act has three main pillars. They are outlined below.

Resilient Lands: The bill invests in wildfire prevention and post-fire restoration and recovery so that the forests and public lands around our homes and communities stay healthy and resilient to catastrophic fires. It also requires federal agencies to develop a 10-year wildfire plan so that the federal government coordinates with the people most impacted.

Fire-Safe Communities: The bill helps families make their homes more resistant to fires and gives communities the tools to plan ahead so they are ready before a fire breaks out. It also encourages the development of new tools to spot fires faster and takes steps to address the harmful impacts of wildfire smoke, making sure we have clean air.

Wildland Firefighter Safety and Workforce Security: Wildland firefighters put their lives on the line to keep the rest of us safe. This bill honors that work with better pay, leave, and retirement benefits. It also trains the next generation of wildland firefighters and expands the workforce. And after more than a quarter of land management agency staff were fired or left their jobs since January 2025, this bill prevents any more firings and keeps key wildfire and forestry research facilities open and running.

To learn more, click HERE.

Full bill text can be found HERE, and a section-by-section HERE.

The package is endorsed by American Forests, Defenders of Wildlife, Grassroots Wildland Firefighters, Megafire Action, National Federation of Federal Employees, Sierra Club, and Trust for Public Land.

To view their statements of support, click HERE.

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Rep. Sewell Marks the 61st Anniversary of the Signing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965

Birmingham, AL — Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) released a video message marking the 61st anniversary of the signing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Sewell honored the courage of the Civil Rights heroes who made the landmark law possible and called on Americans to continue the fight to protect the fundamental right to vote.

Watch Rep. Sewell's video message here.

Rep. Sewell: Today marks 61 years since President Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act into law—a law made possible by the courage of ordinary people who did extraordinary things right here in Alabama's 7th Congressional District.

From the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge to communities across our district, so many risked everything to secure the fundamental right to vote.

Today, that landmark law has never been more at risk. Years of court decisions have weakened the VRA, allowing extremists to make it harder for Americans to cast their ballots. It is a reminder that our progress isn’t guaranteed. Every generation must fight to preserve it and advance it.

That's why I'm proud to lead the fight in Congress to restore the full protections of the Voting Rights Act as the author and lead sponsor of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

But protecting our democracy isn't just Congress's job. We must answer these attacks the same way generations before us did: by voting. Voting like we've never voted before.

On this anniversary, let's honor those who came before us by continuing the fight to protect every American's freedom to vote.

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Spartz Calls for Real Price Transparency, Not Another Washington Messaging Exercise

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Victoria Spartz (IN-05) called on House leadership to strengthen pending health care price transparency legislation before it reaches the House floor, urging Congress to deliver reforms that empower patients instead of protecting entrenched health care interests.

In a letter to House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith, Spartz urged lawmakers to reconsider legislative text that relies on negotiated rates, complex reporting requirements, and cost estimates rather than providing patients with clear, upfront prices before they receive care.

“Americans deserve real price transparency - not another Washington messaging exercise,” said Rep. Spartz. “Patients should know the actual price of care before receiving treatment so they can compare options, shop for value, and benefit from true market competition.”

Spartz warned that the current proposals risk preserving the opaque pricing system that benefits large hospital systems and insurance companies while failing to deliver meaningful savings for American families. She also pointed to years of litigation, administrative burdens, and implementation challenges following the No Surprises Act as a reminder that Congress should avoid poorly drafted and difficult-to-enforce legislation.

Instead, Spartz urged House leadership to advance reforms that deliver meaningful transparency by requiring broader disclosure of negotiated prices and expanding access to health plan claims data to help identify overbilling and other practices that drive up costs.

“The goal should be simple: deliver actual prices, real competition, and lower costs for American families,” Spartz said. “Congress has an opportunity to put patients first by passing meaningful transparency reforms instead of protecting the status quo.”

Rep. Spartz copied House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise on the letter urging House leadership to strengthen the legislation before floor consideration.