Wyden, Merkley, Colleagues Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Audit the Pentagon and End Wasteful Spending

Senators: The Pentagon failed its eighth consecutive audit last year, unable to fully account for $4.65 trillion in assets

Washington D.C.—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today said they joined Senate colleagues in reintroducing legislation that would impose financial consequences if the Pentagon fails to pass a full, independent audit. Any Pentagon department that fails to achieve a clean audit would have 2% of its budget withheld and returned to the U.S. Treasury for deficit reduction.

“Taxpayers cannot keep writing blank checks for a Department of Defense that repeatedly fails to account for trillions of dollars in assets,” Wyden said. “The Pentagon remains the only major federal agency incapable of passing a clean financial audit. It is long past time to enforce real financial consequences when the government mismanages taxpayer dollars. The Audit the Pentagon Act would hold the Defense Department to the basic standards of transparency and fiscal accountability that every other agency is expected to meet.”

“The Pentagon routinely fails audits without consequences, enabling fraud, waste, and abuse,” Merkley said. “This must come to an end. The American people deserve to know that their tax dollars are being spent efficiently.”

Despite accounting for more than half of the federal government’s discretionary spending and roughly two-thirds of all federal contracting activity, the Pentagon remains the only one of the federal government’s 24 major agencies to have never passed a clean financial audit — a requirement under federal law since the early 1990s and mandatory on an annual basis since 2018. In its eighth consecutive failed audit, which was released in December 2025 and covered $4.65 trillion in reported assets and $4.7 trillion in liabilities across all 50 states and more than 40 countries, the Pentagon Office of Inspector General identified 26 instances of the most severe auditing errors and two additional significant accounting issues in the department’s internal controls over financial reporting.

Examples of waste and fraud at the Pentagon include:

Almost $141 billion spent on a Northrop Grumman ballistic missile project that was supposed to cost $77 billion, and which is seven years behind schedule.

More than $126 billion spent on a General Dynamics submarine program which has run $17 billion over cost. The per-sub cost has nearly doubled since 2019.

More than $12 billion spent on one missile battery from Leidos and Dynetics that the Pentagon can’t confirm works.

More than $6 billion spent over 16 years on a Raytheon project to build a GPS system. The Pentagon cancelled the project in April due to “insurmountable” problems with its product.

Contrary to this record, Congress continues to expand the Pentagon’s budget every year. The Trump administration’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget request seeks approximately $1.15 trillion — the latest in a decades-long trend of rising Pentagon budgets that have never been matched by basic financial accountability. The Audit the Pentagon Act would finally hold the Pentagon accountable.

The legislation was reintroduced by U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa. In addition to Wyden and Merkley, the legislation was cosponsored by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Cory Booker, D-N.J., Tina Smith, D-Minn., Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., Mike Lee, R-Utah, Rand Paul, R-Ky. and Chris Murphy, D-Conn.

The summary of the bill is here.


Young Announces Support for Protect College Sports Act

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.), a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, announced his support for the Protect College Sports Act, legislation that aims to end the disorder facing college athletics by establishing nationwide standards for name, image, and likeness (NIL), transfers, eligibility, and enforcement.

In a Commerce Committee markup in June, Senator Young voted against the initial version of the Protect College Sports Act due to concerns expressed by the Big Ten Conference. Over the past several weeks, Young pushed for changes that are addressed in the final version of the bill released yesterday and supported by the Big Ten.

“Hoosiers love college sports, and we want to continue rooting for our favorite schools and athletes for generations to come,” said Senator Young. “The current college sports landscape is chaotic, and federal legislation can bring clear and fair rules, predictability moving forward, and protection for our athletes and institutions. Over the past several weeks, I’ve pushed for reforms to this bill to ensure the interests of all Indiana colleges and universities, including our two Big Ten schools, are represented. I am particularly grateful to Chairman Cruz and his team for their collaborative approach and willingness to make changes to the bill to address concerns raised by the Big Ten. I plan to support this legislation and believe it is the right approach to protect the future of college sports.”

Young is the only Republican Senator on the committee to represent two Big Ten universities.


Young Chairs Hearing on American Biotechnology Leadership, Building a Resilient Health Care Future

**Click here or above to watch Senator Young’s opening statement**

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.), Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee Subcommittee on Health Care, chaired a subcommittee hearingon the role of biotechnology in strengthening America’s health care system, securing medical supply chains, combating emerging health threats, and ensuring the United States remains the global leader in biotech innovation.

Young, who also serves as Chairman of the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB), discussed Indiana’s leadership in life sciences during his opening remarks.

He also warned that China has made biotechnology a strategic national priority, underscoring the need for the United States to strengthen domestic innovation, to maintain its competitive edge in this essential field.

Additionally, Young highlighted the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, emphasizing the need to spur the development of new antibiotics and other innovative therapies to address drug-resistant infections and bolster America’s long-term health security.

To watch Senator Young’s opening statement, click here.

Witnesses during the hearing included Dr. Alan D. Palkowitz, President and CEO of the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute, and Dr. Michelle Rozo, Vice Chair of the NSCEB.

More information on the hearing and full video can be found here.

Senator Young’s full opening statement, as prepared for delivery:

Over the past decade, biotechnology has emerged as a pivotal technology domain of the 21st century.

This technology has the potential to cure diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s, protect us from pandemics, and fuel our economy.

In Indiana alone, the life-sciences industry employs around 70,000 Hoosiers, providing good-paying jobs in local communities while producing critical innovation and health treatments.

Indiana also leads the United States in biomanufacturing, serving as the nation’s number one life sciences exporter in 2024.

However, China’s rise in biotechnology and the growing risks of antimicrobial resistance present new challenges to the United States.

For more than a decade, Beijing has poured enormous resources into their biotech sector in a deliberate bid for global dominance.

China’s rise puts the United States in a perilous position because leadership in this space provides America national and economic security.

Moreover, advancements in biotech help keep America healthy by preventing, treating, and curing diseases.

If we cede global biotechnology leadership to China, we risk a future where high-skilled biotech jobs migrate abroad, first-in-class therapies do not reach American patients first, and pharmaceutical supply chains are strategically weaponized.

Just as we face the threat of China’s rise in biotechnology, antimicrobial resistance has become a growing public health crisis in recent years.

In the United States alone, more than 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occur each year, resulting in over 35,000 deaths.

As antimicrobial resistance has spread, market failures have resulted in a lack of needed research and development for new therapies.

Many of the cutting-edge biopharmaceutical companies working to develop new antimicrobials have filed for bankruptcy and stopped producing these antibiotics completely.

While these two threats to the United States vary in substance, the solution to address both is simple: innovation.

American has a rich history of innovation. It is what we are best at, and, as policy makers, it is our responsibility to empower our innovators—whether through R&D incentives, partnering with allies to strengthen supply chains, or cutting red tapes.

Without an industrious, innovative, and self-sustaining domestic biotechnology sector, the United States will remain at risk—both of relying on China for new, life-saving therapies and basic drugs, and of being unprepared for the next public health crisis.

It is my hope that this hearing will explore ways we can ensure the United States remains the global leader in biotechnology.


Yakym Kicks Off “Hoosier Heartland” District Tour to Highlight Working Families Tax Cuts

GRANGER, Ind. — Today, Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) kicked off his “Hoosier Heartland Tour,” his annual August District Tour, traveling to all 11 counties of the Second District to visit manufacturers, farms, and local organizations and hear directly from constituents, including how the Working Families Tax Cuts are impacting Hoosier paychecks and businesses.

“This is easily the best part of my job, getting to spend August traveling to all 11 counties in Indiana’s Second District,” Rep. Yakym said. “I spend a lot of time traveling back and forth between Granger and Washington during session, and this work period every summer is carved out for exactly this reason — to make sure I can hear directly from Hoosiers and figure out what I can do for them.”

Stops include manufacturing floors at Plymouth Foundry, Morrison Products, Forest River, and Tire Rack; ag country visits with the Indiana Farm Bureau, Indiana Corn and Soy, Grass Creek Cattle Co., Parkman Farms, York Farms, and Hannah’s Country Road Greenhouse.

And stops at Miller Poultry Hatchery, Caterpillar Child Care, Standard Industrial, Winchester, and Larson Danielson Construction. Yakym will also visit community organizations including the Milford Food Bank and Friends of Medaryville Gym, plus a medal presentation honoring a constituent in Rochester.

Background:

Yakym, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, holds the Hoosier Heartland Tour every August work period.

This year’s tour also marks the one-year anniversary of the Working Families Tax Cuts, along with other legislative wins including the Farm, Food, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, and the SAVE America Act.


Congressman Al Green Helped to Secure Half a Million Dollars in Federal Funding to Revitalize Hiram Clarke and Fort Bend Communities

(Houston, TX) — On Thursday, August 6, 2026, a symbolic check for $500,000 will be presented to the Hiram Clarke/Fort Bend Redevelopment Authority (HCFBRA). The funding, awarded through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Community-Wide Brownfield Assessment Grant Program, will support HCFBRA's work serving Fort Bend County and Southwest Houston. This federal investment will help identify and assess environmentally impacted and underutilized properties in historically underserved communities; it will also support environmental site assessments, community engagement, and redevelopment planning. These efforts will lay the foundation for revitalization, encourage future economic investment, and help create safer, healthier neighborhoods for residents.

Congressman Al Green stated, “I am proud to have worked to help secure this federal funding for the communities I represent because the people of Hiram Clarke and Fort Bend County deserve neighborhoods that are healthy, safe, and positioned for opportunity. This grant will help identify and assess properties for future redevelopment, creating a pathway toward revitalization, economic growth, and a better quality of life. Every family deserves to live in a community where opportunity is not overshadowed by environmental hazards or years of underinvestment.”


ICYMI: The Hill video below, titled “As Haitians brace for end of TPS, some Republicans rejoice."

The Hill video below, titled “As Haitians brace for end of TPS, some Republicans rejoice,” speaks for itself.

You can access the video by clicking the link here.


Rep. Allen Touts Federal Funding for Veterans' Cemetery in Augusta

Today, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) participated in a press conference with several community leaders to tout federal funding for a new veterans' cemetery in Augusta, Georgia. With Congressman Allen's support, the funding for this project was appropriated via H.R. 5371, the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act for Fiscal Year 2026, and made available through the Veterans Cemetery Grant Program.

The grant opportunity will provide up to $10 million in federal funding to support the construction of a new veterans cemetery in the Augusta area. The grant will allow Georgia to expand burial options for the over 66,000 veterans and their eligible family members in East Central Georgia, ensuring dignified, accessible, and lasting honors for those who served.

Congressman Allen touts federal funding for Augusta VA Cemetery to crowd of local veterans, residents, and leaders


Bera, Tran, and Carbajal Lead 65 Members Urging Secretary Rubio to Address Dual-Use Restrictions Impeding Humanitarian Aid to Gaza

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06), Derek Tran (CA-45), and Salud Carbajal (CA-24) led a group of 65 Members of Congress in urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio to address overly broad and inconsistently enforced Israeli restrictions on dual-use goods entering the Gaza Strip.

“Israel faces real security challenges from Hamas and other actors, and we support disarming Hamas and replacing it with an alternative governing entity,” the Members wrote. “However, overly broad and inconsistently enforced restrictions on essential humanitarian goods do not increase Israel’s security.”

The letter raises concerns that restrictions are delaying or preventing the entry of supplies needed for medical care, shelter, sanitation, and public health, including ultrasound machines, prosthetic limbs, ventilators, pesticides, pipes, tent poles, and prefabricated structures. The Members also cited a lack of transparency and inconsistent enforcement, including reports that commercial traders have been able to import goods that humanitarian organizations cannot bring into Gaza.

“Legitimate security concerns must not be abused to prevent adequate aid to a civilian population in desperate need,” the Members continued.

The Members urged Secretary Rubio to press the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories to publish a comprehensive list of restricted dual-use items and facilitate the entry of supplies needed for shelter, hygiene, sanitation, and medical care. They also asked the State Department to clarify whether it has access to the full list of restricted items and, if so, provide the list and the justification for each designation to Congress. The Members further requested that the Department identify items that can be removed, address disparities between commercial and humanitarian shipments, and explain how dual-use designations are made, reviewed, and challenged.


ICYMI: Boyle Stands with Research Leaders to Oppose Cuts to Philadelphia Health Research Programs and Announce Letter Demanding Answers from Trump Administration

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, joined Philadelphia health research leaders to oppose the Trump Administration’s cuts to programs at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the University of Pennsylvania (Penn). Congressman Boyle also announced that, as the top Democrat on the Budget Committee, he sent a formal letter today to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Director Roger Klein, demanding answers on these cancellations.

“This funding isn't partisan, nor is it controversial. It represents exactly what our federal government should be doing, creating jobs and saving lives by funding critical medical research,” said Congressman Brendan Boyle (PA-02). “As the top Democrat on the House Budget Committee, I'm using my authority to demand answers. Hardworking Philadelphia scientists are counting on this funding. So are the patients across the country, our most vulnerable, who benefit from their work.”

Boyle sent the letter in his capacity as Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, which has jurisdiction over the budget process, including illegal impoundments or funding freezes.

In the letter, he demanded the detailed information needed to determine whether the terminations are illegal, pressed the Administration to identify the authority it claims in canceling these grants, and asked whether the cuts are politically motivated. Boyle also demanded to know whether the Trump Administration will commit to fully spending the funding Congress appropriated for AHRQ.

The full letter can be read here.

In recent weeks, AHRQ cut funding for dozens of grants nationwide, including several major programs at CHOP and Penn. AHRQ has also frozen or halted funding for other research grants, often without notice.

Congressman Dwight Evans (PA-03) said, "I stand with my colleague Congressman Boyle in demanding the Trump-Vance administration provide answers about canceling federal grants to CHOP, Penn and other important centers that do life-saving health research."

Congressman Boyle was joined by Dr. Christopher Forrest, Professor of Pediatrics at CHOP and Scientific Director of PEDSnet; and Dr. Rachel Werner, Professor of Medicine at Penn’s Perelman School of Medicine and Research Education Core Leader at PennPORTAL. Boyle was also joined by Drs. Kit Delgado, Meeta Kerlin, and Jaya Aysola with Penn Medicine.

“Seven years ago, we started a program called PEDSnet Scholars. That program has trained 44 physicians, psychologists, and nurses who are now improving health care and improving the health and well-being of children,” said Dr. Christopher Forrest. “Our scientists have focused on conditions like kidney disease, mental health disorders like ADHD and substance use, pain, infections, high blood pressure, lung diseases like asthma and cystic fibrosis. Without this funding, this program is going to be terminated, and I thank Congressman Boyle for his leadership.”

“Along with a number of my colleagues here today, and with the AHRQ's support, we built a program called PORTAL, which trains clinicians to become leaders in building a healthcare system that provides better care for patients,” said Dr. Rachel Werner. “What specifically do we lose from these terminations? First, they mean fewer discoveries that can make healthcare safer and more effective. Second, they mean the immediate loss of jobs. And third, they mean losing the next generation of scientists.”


Rep. Clyde Urges ATF to Limit Firearm Record Retention and Destroy Illegal Gun Registry

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) led nearly 30 of his House Republican colleagues in sending a letter Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Director Robert Cekada urging the agency to limit the retention of firearm records to 20 years and immediately destroy digitally recorded firearm registration records.

On May 6th, the ATF issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) titled “Firearm Records Retention Periods” (RIN 1140-AA95). This NPRM proposes that Form 4473s be retained for either 20 or 30 years by both federal firearms licensees (FFLs) and the ATF — meaning a firearm transaction record could be retained for up to 30 years by the selling FFL and an additional 30 years by the ATF after transfer to the National Tracing Center (NTC), for a potential maximum combined retention period of 60 years.

In response, the lawmakers urge ATF Director Cekada to revise the agency’s proposed rule and destroy any digitized firearm transaction records.

“In our view, the current practice of indefinite retention of firearm transaction records, and even the proposed retention period of up to 60 years, are excessive and risk infringing on the privacy of lawful gun owners. We therefore urge the ATF to revise this NPRM and instead promulgate a rule establishing a 20-year total retention policy, from the date of sale, for the physical, non-digitized firearm transaction records held by FFLs or the ATF and to provide for the immediate destruction of all such records older than 20 years. Furthermore, we urge the ATF to comply with existing law prohibitions on the recording and digitization of such firearm transaction records, and to immediately destroy any recordings of such records already in its possession.”

Rep. Clyde and his colleagues cite the Firearm Owners' Protection Act of 1986 (FOPA) and a critical appropriations rider as explicit legal prohibitions on the ATF's current recordkeeping practices.

“Read together, these two prohibitions permanently preclude the ATF from recording or digitizing any firearms transaction records, regardless of the retention period otherwise applicable to those records. The ATF's digitized records exhibit every characteristic of a registry, containing personally identifying information, physical addresses, and detailed firearm characteristics. Therefore, the ATF's continued recording of such records remains out of compliance with current law.”

The lawmakers further argue that the ATF's proposed rule is vulnerable under the Administrative Procedure Act as “in excess of statutory jurisdiction, authority, or limitations” and note the agency must address the statutory prohibitions raised or face reversal challenges.

“Both statutory prohibitions go directly to the question of whether the ATF has any authority to record or digitize these records at all – an issue the NPRM does not appear to have considered, let alone resolved. Agencies are obligated to respond meaningfully to significant comments raised during notice-and-comment rulemaking, and a final rule that fails to grapple with statutory prohibitions raised in the comment record is vulnerable to reversal on that basis alone. Should the ATF finalize this rule without directly addressing the FOPA and appropriations-rider prohibitions identified in this letter, the final rule would be independently vulnerable to challenge on the ground that the ATF failed to consider an important aspect of the problem before it.”

Additionally, Congressman Clyde and his colleagues sound the alarm on the staggering scale of the ATF's existing digitized records and the grave threat they pose to Americans’ Second Amendment liberties.

“Let us be clear, gun owners should be able to exercise their Second Amendment rights privately and free from federal government infringement. Yet, the ATF's recording and digitizing of out-of-business records jeopardizes Americans' Second Amendment freedoms by giving the government access to extensive records on who owns firearms, where they are located, and what types are owned. We are alarmed by recent reports indicating that the ATF may possess over one billion digitally recorded firearm registration records, and the agency has acknowledged digitizing more than 50 million records annually. Historically, we note that firearm registration has repeatedly served as a precursor to firearm confiscation. Expanding firearm registration poses a serious threat to law-abiding Americans free exercise of their Second Amendment rights going forward.”

In closing, the lawmakers highlight the agency’s positive direction under Director Cekada’s leadership, yet note the need for additional changes to the ATF’s recordkeeping to protect and restore Americans’ Second Amendment rights.

“We remain encouraged by the direction the ATF has taken under your leadership. However, the changes proposed in this NPRM perpetuate an illegal gun registry scheme that jeopardizes the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans. We urge you to adjust course and adopt the suggestions outlined herein, in the interest of advancing and protecting the Second Amendment liberties of all Americans.”

Read the full letter HERE.

Cosigners include (28) Representatives Rick Allen (GA-12), Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Sheri Biggs (SC-03), Lauren Boebert (CO-04), Josh Brecheen (OK-02), Eric Burlison (MO-07), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Ben Cline (VA-06), Michael Cloud (TX-27), Mike Collins (GA-10), Scott DesJarlais (TN-04), Paul Gosar (AZ-09), Morgan Griffith (VA-09), Andy Harris (MD-01), Mark Harris (NC-08), Diana Harshbarger (TN-01), Clay Higgins (LA-03), Brian Jack (GA-03), Barry Loudermilk (GA-11), Rich McCormick (GA-07), Mary Miller (IL-15), Riley Moore (WV-02), Andy Ogles (TN-05), John Rose (TN-06), Chip Roy (TX-21), Austin Scott (GA-08), Keith Self (TX-03), Derrick Van Orden (WI-03).


Congressman Cohen Announces $100,000 Grant to the Soulsville Foundation

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced that the Soulsville Foundation will receive a grant of $100,000 from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to implement a curator-in-residence program.

The Stax Museum of American Soul Music program, according to IMLS, will be designed to strengthen the museum's interpretive capacity, expand access to its collections, and deepen scholarship related to African American music history and the global legacy of Stax Records. Each resident curator will conduct research using the museum’s archives and artifact collections; collaborate with staff to develop interpretive materials, exhibitions, and digital storytelling content; and lead public programs such as lectures, listening sessions, and youth workshops.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“The Stax Museum is one of our city’s most prized cultural institutions. This grant funding, and the prestige it adds to the museum’s outreach efforts, will enhance its international reputation. I commend Soulsville Foundation President and CEO Pat Mitchell Worley and the entire staff of the museum for this significant and well-deserved recognition.”

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Rep. Crane Listens to and Advocates for Rural Arizonans

Last week, Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) traveled across rural Arizona to meet with constituents, key stakeholders, and industry leaders. Unfortunately, Congress is not in session to finish critical work on behalf of the American people. However, Rep. Crane is using the district work period to strengthen relationships, hear directly from Arizonans, and advance priorities across agriculture, energy, education, and public lands.

On Wednesday, Rep. Crane joined Reps. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) and Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) for a major announcement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Douglas. With the New World screwworm threatening American livestock, Secretary Brooke Rollins unveiled a $25 million investment to construct a new sterile fly facility in Arizona, improving the nation’s long-term response to the pest. This followed a letter co-signed by Rep. Crane, urging the USDA to take action on a modernized facility in Douglas.

The group also toured livestock inspection facilities at the Douglas Port of Entry, underscoring the preparedness measures ahead of the port’s planned reopening to livestock trade on August 24, 2026.

Following Wednesday’s engagement, Rep. Crane traveled to Show Low to visit Linden Valley Arena for an up-close look at the operation. Linden Valley is an iconic destination for the roping community, and the arena has been owned and operated by Kay and Dee Perkins since 2010.

The next morning, Rep. Crane had the honor of speaking to teachers and staff from the Show Low Unified School District ahead of the start of the school year. He shared lessons on leadership and teamwork drawn from his experience as a former Navy SEAL and small business owner. Rep. Crane thanked the district’s educators for their dedication as they prepared to welcome students back to the classroom.

This visit came on the heels of a major legislative win for rural schools across the district. Last year, Rep. Crane worked to build support for a three-year reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools program, which was ultimately signed into law. It guarantees continued funding for local education and essential services in communities near national forest land, delivering real stability for every county in Arizona’s Second Congressional District.

After concluding his engagements in Show Low, Rep. Crane traveled to Holbrook to visit Northland Pioneer College, where he met with staff to discuss progress on its Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program.

In Washington, the Trump administration launched the Freedom Haulers Initiative, a federal effort to expand the pipeline for veterans to enter the industry. Rep. Crane appreciated the administration’s prioritization of the issue and applauded Northland Pioneer College’s development of its CDL program.

Later that afternoon, Rep. Crane visited H Bar and Y Ranch in Holbrook to meet with Casey and Meggan Murph and their family. The Murphs have run cattle on Arizona State Land Department grazing leases since before statehood, yet they now face the prospect of losing those leases due to a proposed solar project by a foreign company.

Rep. Crane believes this betrays the interests of hardworking Arizonans and has worked behind the scenes to help resolve the situation. Last month, Rep. Crane joined the Murphs at the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to address lawfare complaints from America’s farmers, ranchers, and producers.

The agreement formalizes cooperation between the USDA Lawfare Portal and the SBA’s Office of National Ombudsman to ensure complaints are routed, investigated, and resolved rather than slipping through the cracks. Over the past two years, the USDA Lawfare Portal has logged more than 400 submissions from 47 states documenting anti-agricultural legal harassment.

Afterwards, Rep. Crane toured the Cholla Power Plant, which began operating in 1962 and ceased burning coal in March 2025. Arizona Public Service is now pursuing plans to convert the facility to natural gas, a project expected to add approximately 380 megawatts of capacity and support jobs in the surrounding community. Rep. Crane appreciated the updates on this transition and its potential to sustain local employment and reliable power generation.

On Saturday, Rep. Crane headed to Williams for the Coconino County Farm Bureau and Cattle Growers Association’s annual banquet. Rep. Crane gave remarks updating business leaders on several legislative priorities.

Regarding the House-passed Farm Bill, Rep. Crane detailed key wins in the legislation, including new Buy American requirements for school meals, a reporting requirement on agricultural land purchases by foreign adversaries, and strengthened farm credit and crop insurance programs. He also noted the inclusion of his amendment to expedite recovery following the White Sage Fire, as well as his support for amendments to remove pesticide liability protections and guarantee compensation for predation caused by Mexican wolves.

Furthermore, Rep. Crane updated attendees on the status of the House-passed Fix Our Forests Act and North Rim Restoration Act of 2025. The former would bolster Arizona’s forest health through new technology, reduce litigation, and focus on high-risk areas. The latter would help expedite rebuilding of the Grand Canyon’s North Rim following the Dragon Bravo Fire by streamlining federal contracting.

Although these measures passed the House with strong bipartisan support, the Senate has yet to give final approval. Rep. Crane remains hopeful the upper chamber will finish the job and send them to the president’s desk.

On the final stop of the trip, Rep. Crane visited Camp Verde for a discussion with ranchers facing issues with the U.S. Forest Service. After updating attendees on the latest from Washington, he heard directly from constituents on challenges they face. Rep. Crane is drafting legislation geared toward helping implement fence repairs after natural disasters, as well as restricting the widespread abuses of the Equal Access to Justice Act.

In addition, the district received new federal support this week through the U.S. Department of Transportation. In total, the agency awarded more than $5 million for airport infrastructure improvements. Rep. Crane welcomed the news, which follows last month’s $4 million and $6 million grants for Polacca Airport and Coolidge Municipal Airport, respectively.


Crow, Hickenlooper Demand Answers from DHS on Shooting Outside Aurora ICE Facility

AURORA — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO) and Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO) are leading Colorado’s Democratic Congressional delegation to demand answers from the Trump Administration on a recent shooting outside a GEO-operated ICE facility in Aurora. During demonstrations outside the detention center, a GEO group employee shot a 21-year-old woman with his personally-owned firearm, striking her in the foot.

In their letter to Department of Homeland Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Crow, Hickenlooper, and their colleagues push DHS and ICE to uphold the right of lawful protestors and press the Secretary to answer how his Department will do that. They ask for clarity on how the Department is protecting peaceful protestors outside federal detention facilities; what types of de-escalation, use-of-force, and crowd management training are required for agents and contractors; what screening and vetting processes are in place for contractors before they are assigned to ICE facilities; and how the agency is cooperating with law enforcement around this incident.

“Immigration enforcement officers and the contractors supporting them have an obligation to protect public safety while exercising restraint and professionalism. Protests outside immigration detention centers are routine occurrences. An agency responsible for operating secure facilities should be equipped to maintain safe access, communicate with employees, coordinate with local law enforcement, and prevent confrontations between the community and facility personnel from escalating. Just as we believe law enforcement should never be targeted with violence, we believe lawful protesters should be protected – not attacked – by federal officials or those contracted by the government,” the group wrote.

“The incident in Aurora, and the broader pattern of shootings involving Department of Homeland Security (DHS) personnel across the country, undermine public trust and threaten community safety,” they continued. “As members of the Colorado Congressional delegation, we are responsible for defending the constitutional rights of our constituents and protecting our communities and our law enforcement. The events in Aurora raise questions about whether current DHS policies and practices keep communities, protesters, and law enforcement safe.”

Since his election to Congress, Crow has fought to promote transparency, oversight, and accountability in federal immigration detention centers. He introduced bipartisan legislation guaranteeing Members of Congress the right to conduct unannounced, in-person oversight visits of ICE detention facilities, including to check on any concerns related to public health and the humane treatment of detained individuals. He has also led the charge calling for the end to private for profit immigration detention facilities. Crow regularly conducts oversight of Aurora’s immigration detention facility. Since 2019, Crow and his staff have visited the facility to conduct oversight more than 100 times. Public reports of such visits, along with conditions at the facility, are published on Crow’s website.

A PDF of the letter can be found here, with full text appearing below:

Secretary Mullin,

We write to express our concern over the July 16, 2026 shooting of a 21-year-old woman near the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Aurora, Colorado. While we are relieved that her injuries were not life-threatening, we must ensure that personnel operating at federal immigration detention facilities are adequately screened and trained to prevent incidents like this one. According to the Aurora Police Department, GEO Group employees reporting for their shifts that day were unable to enter the facility because of protest activity. Police allege that two protesters verbally confronted GEO employees and photographed their vehicles before walking away. One employee then retrieved a personally owned firearm and fired in their direction, striking one woman in the foot. He has been charged with seven offenses, including attempted second-degree murder.

Immigration enforcement officers and the contractors supporting them have an obligation to protect public safety while exercising restraint and professionalism. Protests outside immigration detention centers are routine occurrences. An agency responsible for operating secure facilities should be equipped to maintain safe access, communicate with employees, coordinate with local law enforcement, and prevent confrontations between the community and facility personnel from escalating. Just as we believe law enforcement should never be targeted with violence, we believe lawful protesters should be protected – not attacked – by federal officials or those contracted by the government.

The incident in Aurora, and the broader pattern of shootings involving Department of Homeland Security (DHS) personnel across the country, undermine public trust and threaten community safety. As members of the Colorado Congressional delegation, we are responsible for defending the constitutional rights of our constituents and protecting our communities and our law enforcement. The events in Aurora raise questions about whether current DHS policies and practices keep communities, protesters, and law enforcement safe. We believe a thorough review of the Department's policies is necessary to ensure that similar incidents do not recur.

Given this urgent need, we request written responses to the following questions by August 14, 2026:

What coordination has DHS and ICE undertaken with state and local law enforcement to manage public demonstrations while ensuring employees can safely access their places of work? What will that coordination look like moving forward?

What de-escalation, use-of-force, crisis intervention, threats against employees, and crowd-management training is required for DHS personnel and contractor employees assigned to ICE facilities? What training has been provided to the employees at the Aurora facility concerning de-escalation, use-of-force, crisis intervention, threats against employees, and crowd-management training? Which of these trainings did the employee charged in the July 16 shooting complete and on which dates did he complete them?

What screening and vetting procedures does DHS require for contractor personnel before they are assigned to ICE facilities? What screening was conducted for the individual charged in the July 16 shooting?

What policies and operational plans do DHS and ICE have in place to protect both protesters and employees outside DHS and ICE facilities, including contracted facilities? Does ICE require its detention contractors to designate alternative entrances, transportation arrangements, or other measures for employees during demonstrations or other disruptions to access?

GEO Group has placed the employee on unpaid leave and stated that it is cooperating with law enforcement. Beyond the ongoing investigation, what additional steps will DHS and ICE take to determine whether similar vulnerabilities exist at other contracted detention facilities? How will DHS and ICE strengthen oversight of its personnel and contractors and prevent similar incidents from occurring?

In addition to providing the information above, we urge the Department to conduct an independent review of its security procedures, contractor oversight, employee training, and firearms policies, especially as they relate to anticipated confrontations, and to make its findings and recommendations publicly available.

We appreciate your prompt attention to this urgent matter and look forward to your response.


Davids Highlights Support for Local Small Businesses, Work to Secure Tariff Refunds

PRAIRIE VILLAGE, KS — Today, Representative Sharice Davids visited local small businesses in Prairie Village to discuss the economic challenges of reckless tariffs. She highlighted her efforts in Congress to secure tariff refunds for small businesses, strengthen supply chains, and support small business growth.

“When tariffs hit local favorites like toy stores and craft shops, it’s Kansas families who end up paying the price at the register,” said Davids. “Our local shops shouldn't be forced to choose between raising prices on neighbors or cutting jobs while big corporations with fancy lawyers get easy refunds. I’m pushing to make these refunds automatic for small businesses, so they get immediate relief and can keep prices down for everyone in our community.”

During the tour, Davids met with the owners and employees of The Learning Tree, a local toy and educational store in Prairie Village; Made in KC, a local store showcasing goods from regional artisans and makers; and Casa Ama, a Mexican restaurant in Prairie Village.

Reckless tariff policies have hit Kansas hard, driving up costs for families and threatening small businesses and farmers. According to estimates, average American households will pay roughly $2,500 more this year because of these policies, and small businesses lost 4.5 times more jobs in 2025 than in 2020 during the pandemic. Local industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and retail have faced higher costs for imported goods, forcing some businesses to raise consumer prices, cut jobs, or close entirely.

Tariff refunds are ongoing, but under the current system, small businesses often lack the resources to reclaim funds, while large corporations can pursue lengthy litigation to recover tariff payments. Davids supports the RELIEF Act, legislation that would provide automatic refunds to small businesses and families forced to pay President Trump’s reckless tariffs.

The RELIEF Act would:

Require automatic refunds for all tariffs collected since January 1, 2025 – so small businesses and families don’t have to wait years or hire lawyers to get back the money they were forced to pay.

Ensure refunds are processed within 90 days of enactment – giving immediate relief to businesses struggling with higher costs and helping keep prices lower for everyday consumers.

Eliminate the need for individual applications or formal protests – removing bureaucratic hurdles so small businesses and families can actually access the refunds without extra cost, confusion, or delay.

"Small and local businesses are what make communities unique and special, and unfortunately they often get overlooked in macroeconomic policy,” said Keith Bradley, Owner, Made in KC. “Getting to share our experience with our local representatives who have a voice and seat at the larger table is important not only for the health and longer-term viability of small and local businesses but also for our communities which they are tied to."


Dean, Deluzio, and Lee Demand Answers from ICE, GEO Group about Violations at Moshannon Detention Center

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Madeleine Dean (PA-04), alongside U.S. Representatives Chris Deluzio (PA-17) and Summer Lee (PA-12), wrote letters to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the GEO Group, the for-profit prison corporation that owns and operates Moshannon Valley Processing Center (MVPC) in Philipsburg, PA, to demand answers on GEO’s failure to comply with federal standards of adequate staffing and medical care to detainees, as well as obstruction of congressional oversight.

Ahead of GEO’s Second Quarter Earnings Call, the Pennsylvania lawmakers are clear: “There shouldn’t be earnings calls for human detention.”

As ICE’s reckless, and at times fatal, arrests proliferate across the country, Congresswoman Dean conducted an announced congressional oversight visit to MVPC — which began operating as an ICE facility in 2021 — on June 17. Congressman Deluzio and Congresswoman Lee had previously conducted unannounced oversight on May 28.

“As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, it is my constitutional duty to ensure that federal contractors honor their legal obligations and that taxpayer dollars do not fund systemic neglect or cruelty. What I uncovered at MVPC did not reassure me; rather, it confirmed serious reports of medical neglect, safety violations, and explicit contract violations,” Rep. Dean wrote.

During Congresswoman Dean’s oversight at Moshannon, senior MVPC leadership repeatedly admitted that initial medical screenings occurred 24 to 72 hours upon arrival — violating ICE’s national standard of comprehensive screening within 12 hours of every detainee’s arrival.

In August 2025, 32-year-old Chaofeng Ge died by suicide at MVPC. In 2023, 37-year-old Frankline Okpu died in custody at MVPC. In December 2025, 46-year-old Fouad Saeed Abdulkadir died in custody at MVPC.

Following her visit, Congresswoman Dean learned that Acting ICE Director David Venturella spent more than a decade as a GEO senior executive and then as a consultant — creating a grave conflict of interest.

“These failures are not accidental; they are the predictable result of a privatized, for-profit detention business model. As a publicly traded entity, GEO has a strict legal obligation, a fiduciary duty, to act in the best interest of its shareholders. GEO’s focus on maximizing shareholder value drives aggressive cost cutting across medical personnel, nutritional quality, and translation services,” the lawmakers continued.

The lawmakers requested answers from both ICE and GEO regarding federal contract compliance, a commitment to congressional oversight, and recusal agreements governing former ICE and DHS officials currently employed by or consulting for GEO and current ICE and DHS employees formerly employed by or consulting for GEO.

Read the full letter to GEO here.

Read the full letter to ICE here.

Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.

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De La Cruz Urges DHS Secretary Mullin to Prioritize Religious Worker Visa Applications

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) wrote Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin, urging the agency to prioritize processing religious worker visa applications.

Processing delays have impacted religious leaders in Texas and those who rely on these individuals for religious and community services. In the letter, De La Cruz urges DHS to use all available resources to minimize delays and ensure religious leaders are able to support their congregations.

In addition to the letter, De La Cruz co-sponsored the bipartisan Religious Worker Protection Act. The legislation would give DHS the authority to extend nonimmigrant religious worker (R-1) status until an individual’s application for permanent residence is finalized.

Read the full letter here or below.

Dear Secretary Mullin,

I write to urge the prioritization of religious worker visa applications. Churches and faith-based institutions serve as the foundation for our communities, and our religious leaders as an extension of our families. Our immigration system recognizes this by allowing for those in religious vocations to serve in the United States, including through the R-1 religious worker visas.

In January 2026, the Trump Administration acted to reduce wait times for religious workers wanting to continue serving our faith-based communities in the United States. Specifically, your department removed the previous one year foreign residency requirement, allowing R-1 workers who have reached the five year maximum to seek readmission without a mandatory one year period abroad.

While we commend the actions taken to speed up the immigration process for our religious workers, I urge you to prioritize reducing the processing times for religious worker visa applications, which U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) data states have processing times of 8.5 and 11.5 months, respectively, depending on the applicant type.

These processing delays are felt throughout our communities, who rely on our religious leaders for vital religious and community services. I urge you to use your available resources to reduce the processing timelines and stand ready to assist you in any way necessary.

Thank you for your continued efforts to safeguard our country and support the diverse faith communities that enrich our society. I look forward to continuing to work together to ensure that our immigration system functions in a way that strengthens religious freedom, supports the rule of law, and provides certainty for the communities we serve.

Sincerely,

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz


DeLauro on Trump Administration’s Head Start Changes: “A mandate to do more with less.”

Today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee and a longtime champion of Head Start, issued the following statement in response to reporting that the Trump administration is preparing to release a rule that guts the quality standards for Head Start programs:

The Trump administration is preparing to propose a rule rescinding Head Start’s 133 page performance standards. These regulations, put in place by the George W. Bush administration, have assured program quality since the Head Start Act was last updated in 2007.

Key changes reported include:


Deluzio Celebrates New, Daily Amtrak Service Connecting Pittsburgh to the Commonwealth

CARNEGIE, PA – Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) celebrated the news that Amtrak will add a second daily train to the Pennsylvanian route later this year. Outgoing Amtrak President Roger Harris made the announcement in a July 29th Board Meeting. The Pennsylvanian route connects Pittsburgh to New York City via Harrisburg and Philadelphia.

Back in December 2023, Congressman Deluzio helped announce a $143,629,028 federal grant from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to expand Amtrak passenger rail service on the Keystone West Corridor—specifically for a second daily round-trip between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg. This funding was from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021.

Congressman Deluzio released the following statement:

“Three years ago, I was thrilled to announce this massive $143.6 million federal investment in Western Pennsylvania’s long neglected passenger rail service,” said Congressman Deluzio. “Today, I’m proud to celebrate this step forward to get a second train heading east from Pittsburgh. But we must dream bigger: my goal is high-speed rail that is cheap and reliable connecting people all across Pennsylvania and our great country.”

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Congresswoman Escobar Announces Fall 2026 Youth Opportunities

Today, the Office of Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) announced leadership opportunities and ways for teens and young adults to get involved in public service and the community.

The Congressional App Challenge (CAC)

The Congressional App Challenge is hosted by Members of Congress for middle school and high school students to encourage participation in STEM education, develop coding skills, and create original applications that better their communities. The Congressional App Challenge is one of the most prestigious national prizes for students in computer science.

The CAC is open to middle and high school students who reside in or attend school in the 16th Congressional District of Texas. The deadline to apply is October 26, 2026 at 5pm MT. To learn more, click here.

The Congressional Youth Advisory Council (CYAC)

CYAC offers a unique opportunity for student to learn about the federal government, debate policy, and participate in an interactive experience. The CYAC works with Congresswoman Veronica Escobar’s office to research topics and bills while collaborating alongside their peers.

All students living in the district and in grades 10-12 are eligible to apply. The deadline to submit an application is September 15, 2026 at 5pm. To learn more, click here.

Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Congresswoman Escobar hosts an annual Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest.

The contest is open to current middle school students (Grades 6-8) residing in the TX-16 Congressional District. The deadline to submit an essay is September 20th at 5pm. For more information, click here.

Service Academy Nomination

Each year, Congresswoman Escobar has the privilege of nominating a limited number of extraordinary high schoolers to four of the five service academies.

The honor of attending a service academy comes with an obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. The deadline to apply is October 12, 2026 at 5pm MT. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible. For more information, click here.

Congresswoman Escobar offers leadership opportunities and competitions year-round for teens and young adults in El Paso. El Pasoans are encouraged to subscribe to her newsletter, check her website, and follow her social media pages @repescobar to stay informed.


Rep. Foster Leads 50 Colleagues in Urging Continued Funding for School and Library Broadband

Washington, DC — Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) led 50 of his colleagues in demanding continued support of the E-Rate program from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to fund broadband for low-income schools and libraries.

E-Rate provides libraries and schools with discounts of 20 to 90% on telecommunications services and equipment. It has helped libraries and schools afford broadband connectivity since its creation in the Telecommunications Act of 1996, when only 14% of libraries and schools had internet access. Today, that figure is nearly 100%, and the program supports over 12,500 libraries and 106,000 schools nationwide.

The letter comes in response to recent statements from the FCC indicating that they may consider terminating E-Rate, or limiting eligibility exclusively to rural areas, citing concerns about excessive screentime for students. Limiting E-Rate would imperil funding for essential services like internet access at low-income schools and libraries across the country.

In the letter to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, the Members wrote:

“The FCC has overseen the E-Rate program through both Democratic and Republican administrations, and the program has historically enjoyed broad bipartisan support. The FCC itself has acknowledged E-Rate’s importance, calling it an “extraordinary success as the federal government’s largest education technology program.”

“Cuts to E-Rate would place significant financial strain on schools across the country, particularly those serving low-income communities. As such, we respectfully urge the Commission to preserve the E-Rate program and address any concerns regarding student screen time through policies that do not undermine the digital infrastructure on which libraries and schools depend.”

A copy of the letter and a list of cosigners is available here.

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Rep. Gillen Announces $250,000 in Federal Funding for Franklin Square Public Library Renovations

FRANKLIN SQUARE, NY — Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) joined library board members at the Franklin Square Public Library to highlight $250,000 in new federal Community Project Funding (CPF) she secured through the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process to replace the roof and HVAC at the library.

“Our public libraries are essential to our communities, providing far more than books. The Franklin Square Public Library serves as a community space, cooling center and a safe haven during storms,” said Rep. Gillen. “This $250,000 investment will help ensure that the Franklin Square Public Library continues to meet the needs of our community. I was proud to secure this federal funding and look forward to seeing how this investment will help support this library and those who enjoy it.”

“The Franklin Square Public Library is the heart of our community,” said Carl Gerrato, Library President, Franklin Square Public Library. “Thanks to Congresswoman Laura Gillen's leadership and support, this critical investment will help preserve that heart and ensure our library continues to serve the people of Franklin Square for generations to come.”

“We are so lucky to have Laura Gillen as our advocate,” said Aviva Kane, Library Director, Franklin Square Public Library. “True advocacy is about standing up for your neighbors when they need help, and Laura Gillen did exactly that by securing the funds to help us fix our library's roof. We are so incredibly thankful for her heart and hard work, which will keep our community’s shared home safe, dry, and thriving for years to come.”

During the event, Rep. Gillen discussed the areas slated for renovation and how the enhanced facilities will support Franklin Square residents. The facility and its outdated 10-unit HVAC System is currently battling active leaks, poor drainage, mold and temperature regulation issues. The renovations will help protect members of the community and the library’s collections, in addition to lowering the library’s energy costs.

This project received calls for support from a bipartisan group of leaders, including Assemblyman Ed Ra, Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages and the Franklin Square Historical Society.

The funding for Franklin Square Public Library is part of more than $13 million in Community Project Funding Rep. Gillen secured for Nassau County to invest in community infrastructure, enhance public safety, support our local law enforcement and first responders, and improve the quality of life for residents across Nassau County.

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Rep. Gillen Hosts Roundtable on Impact of Rising Health Care Costs on Long Islanders

ROOSEVELT, NY — Yesterday, Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) hosted a roundtable discussion on the impact of rising health care costs on Long Islanders at Harmony Health in Roosevelt. Rep. Gillen was joined by Vanessa Baird-Streeter, CEO of the Health and Welfare Council of LI; David Nemiroff, CEO of Harmony Health; Stacey Jackson-Harley, COO of Harmony Health; Karen Brandon, a Floral Park resident and two Harmony Health patient board members from Freeport and Roosevelt.

“I hear from Long Islanders all the time that health care is too expensive. I’m fighting in Congress to lower costs and ensure every family has access to affordable health care,” said Rep. Gillen. “I’m grateful to everyone who joined this round table and shared their story. I will continue to bring these stories with me to Washington to fight for Nassau County.”

During the roundtable, Rep. Gillen and the community contributors highlighted the growing challenge of unaffordable healthcare costs facing Long Islanders and discussed the importance of ensuring residents across New York’s 4th Congressional District have access to high-quality, affordable healthcare. They also discussed ways to lower insurance premiums and prescription costs for families across Long Island. Rep. Gillen heard directly from attendees about their experiences and shared how she will continue to fight for them in Washington, D.C.

Since taking office, Rep. Gillen has worked to expand access to affordable, high-quality health care and protect critical health programs for Long Island families. She has fought against Republican cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, led and signed bipartisan letters opposing policies that would increase health care costs or jeopardize cancer research and safety-net hospitals, and called on congressional leadership to protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.

Rep. Gillen has also supported legislation to lower prescription drug costs by expanding Medicare drug price negotiations, permanently extend Affordable Care Act tax credits, protect safety-net hospitals, streamline Medicare Advantage prior authorization for seniors, and increase transparency and affordability in dental and vision coverage. She also highlighted Floral Park resident Karen Brandon as her guest at the State of the Union to highlight the impact of rising health care costs on local families.

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Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez Tours Roadmaster, a Local Manufacturer of Automotive Systems and Accessories

VANCOUVER, WA — Today, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez is out in Clark County where she toured Roadmaster Inc, a local manufacturer of tow bars, suspension, brakes, and other automotive systems. Roadmaster has long been a fixture of this community, where it has been owned by the same family since 1970. The Congresswoman spoke with workers and owners about what it takes to make high quality equipment right here in Southwest Washington.

The Congresswoman visited the facility to learn more about their American-made ethos and their vision for building a strong industrial base in our country. Roadmaster makes the vast majority of their parts and tools in house, using their full machine shop and forging equipment. Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez was impressed by their commitment to self-sufficiency, technical mastery, and stewardship of our national heritage as the best tradespeople in the world.

Roadmaster workers show Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez machining equipment.

“This is about people making high quality stuff and making it here at home.” Said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez, “The truth is people don’t want cheap junk. They want stuff that lasts–better stoves, better washing machines and better car parts. We’ve been stuck in a consumer trap for too long and we need to get back to the trades and pride in making things again. Thank you to Roadmaster for letting me join you to see a real vision of strong American industry.”

Rep Gluesenkamp Perez meets with Roadmaster.

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez has worked tirelessly to protect American made products and American’s right to fix their own stuff. She came to Congress with Right to Repair as her flagship issue after years of co-owning an auto repair and machine shop with her husband Dean. Recently, she put forth an initiative to support AP credits for shop class and introduced legislation to allow the use of 529 funds to help young people get started in skilled trades.

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ICYMI: Rep. Grijalva Stands With Dreamers at Press Conference Highlighting Threats Facing DACA Recipients

Tucson, AZ — Yesterday, Tuesday, August 4, Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva joined Dreamers and community advocates at a press conference highlighting the growing number of longtime DACA recipients and DREAMers facing deportation despite pursuing legal pathways to remain in the United States.

During the press conference, Congresswoman Grijalva reaffirmed her commitment to protecting Dreamers and fighting for the rights of DACA recipients. She also condemned the Trump administration’s continued targeting of DACA recipients and immigrant communities who have built their lives in the United States.

At the event, Congresswoman Grijalva was joined by Karla Toledo, Myndy Valencia-Sanchez, and Roberto Navarro Bocanegra, three DREAMers whose stories highlight the uncertainty and challenges faced by recipients of DACA and other longtime members of immigrant communities.

Karla came to the United States at just one year old and has spent her life serving her community and building her future in Southern Arizona. Despite her longstanding ties to the region, she was previously detained by ICE.

Roberto came to the United States as an 18-month-old child and later became a bone marrow donor for his younger sister during her battle with leukemia. After earning a full scholarship to the University of Arizona and pursuing a legal pathway through his U.S. citizen spouse, he was instead placed into deportation proceedings.

Myndy came to the United States at age seven and has maintained valid DACA status for years. Although her protection remains valid through January 2027, ICE recently reopened her deportation case, forcing her back into immigration court.

Congresswoman Grijalva emphasized that DREAMers are valued members of Arizona communities and that she will continue advocating for policies that protect their ability to live, work, and contribute without fear of deportation.

Watch the full press conference here.

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Grothman Leads Wisconsin Delegation in Protecting Marine Corps Readiness

Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) announced today that he led every Republican member of Wisconsin’s congressional delegation in urging the Trump Administration to protect Marine Corps readiness, preserve competition, and strengthen America’s tactical vehicle industrial base.

In a letter sent to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Deputy Secretary of War Steve Feinberg, and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, the lawmakers expressed support for the Administration’s Arsenal of Freedom initiative and called for qualified alternative production capacity to remain available for the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program.

“America’s warfighters should not be forced to wait for critical equipment because a defense program has fallen behind schedule,” said Congressman Grothman. “Maintaining competition and proven production capacity will help protect military readiness while ensuring contractors remain accountable to the servicemembers and taxpayers they serve. Oshkosh Defense has the experienced workforce and proven manufacturing capability needed to produce vehicles and help address the current backlog. Wisconsin stands ready to support the Marine Corps and deliver the vehicles our warfighters need.”

Production challenges affecting the JLTV A2 program have raised concerns about the Marine Corps’ ability to field the vehicles needed to support expeditionary operations. According to the House Appropriations Committee report accompanying the Fiscal Year 2027 Defense Appropriations Act, the program was more than 20 months behind schedule, with approximately 2,000 vehicles overdue.

The delegation also highlighted the Marine Corps’ May Request for Information seeking commercially available, non-developmental vehicles capable of rapid fielding. The lawmakers described the request as an important step toward preserving competition and ensuring qualified alternative production capacity remains available if performance challenges continue.

Oshkosh Defense, headquartered in Wisconsin, has delivered more than 25,000 JLTV A1 vehicles to U.S. and allied forces. The company is positioned to produce additional vehicles to help reduce the backlog, protect the Marine Corps’ fielding schedule, and restore needed competition to the program.


Comisionado Residente destaca importancia de los Centros 330 durante inauguración de nuevo centro de salud en Isabela

ISABELA, Puerto Rico – El Comisionado Residente de Puerto Rico, Pablo José Hernández, participó hoy en la inauguración del nuevo Centro Integrado de Servicios de Salud (CISS) en Isabela, una nueva instalación que fortalecerá el acceso a servicios de salud para los residentes del municipio y de la región noroeste.

Durante la ceremonia, el Comisionado Residente felicitó a la Junta de Directores, a la administración y a todo el equipo de los Centros Integrados de Servicios de Salud por hacer posible este proyecto, al tiempo que destacó la importancia de continuar fortaleciendo la red de Centros 330 en Puerto Rico para garantizar atención médica accesible y de calidad en las comunidades.

“Hoy inauguramos una nueva puerta a la salud, a la tranquilidad y a una mejor calidad de vida para las familias de Isabela y del noroeste. Detrás de cada sala, cada equipo y cada servicio que comienza aquí hay personas que podrán recibir atención más cerca de su hogar, con mayor acceso a servicios esenciales y mejores oportunidades para cuidar su salud”, expresó el Comisionado Residente.

Los Centros 330 desempeñan un papel fundamental dentro del sistema de salud de Puerto Rico al ofrecer servicios médicos integrales a miles de pacientes en toda la Isla. Hernández recordó que, como parte de sus gestiones en Washington para fortalecer y proteger el sistema de salud de Puerto Rico, el pasado mes de mayo recibió en la Isla al líder demócrata de la Cámara de Representantes federal, Hakeem Jeffries, con quien visitó un Centro 330 y obtuvo su compromiso de apoyar una extensión de los fondos federales de Plan Vital.

El Comisionado Residente reiteró que una de sus principales prioridades en el Congreso es proteger los programas federales que garantizan el acceso a servicios de salud para Puerto Rico, incluyendo los Centros 330, Plan Vital y Medicare.

Además, el Comisionado destacó que una de sus principales prioridades en el Congreso es lograr una solución permanente al financiamiento de Medicaid que evite el precipicio fiscal de 2027 y proteja los más de $3,500 millones en fondos federales que sostienen Plan Vital, así como la aportación federal del 76% al programa. También resaltó que lideró una gestión bipartita junto a 17 congresistas ante los Centros de Servicios de Medicare y Medicaid (CMS), que contribuyó a un aumento cercano al 4% en los pagos de Medicare Advantage para Puerto Rico, por encima del promedio nacional de aproximadamente 2.5%. Asimismo, recordó que presentó la Medicare Advantage Integrity Act, legislación para asegurar que esos aumentos en fondos federales se traduzcan en mejores beneficios, más servicios y mayor acceso para los adultos mayores.

La inauguración del nuevo Centro Integrado de Servicios de Salud representa un paso importante para fortalecer la atención médica primaria en el noroeste de Puerto Rico y ampliar el acceso a servicios esenciales para miles de pacientes.

La visita formó parte de la agenda de trabajo distrital del Comisionado Residente, quien continúa recorriendo Puerto Rico para apoyar iniciativas que fortalezcan los servicios de salud y defender en el Congreso los recursos federales que hacen posible una atención médica de calidad para las familias puertorriqueñas.

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Comisionado Residente visita Moca para dar seguimiento a proyectos estratégicos y destaca más de $3.1 millones en fondos federales para infraestructura y salud.

MOCA, Puerto Rico – El Comisionado Residente de Puerto Rico, Pablo José Hernández, visitó el Municipio de Moca el jueves 30 de julio, para reunirse con el alcalde Efraín Barreto Barreto y dar seguimiento a proyectos estratégicos de infraestructura, desarrollo económico y revitalización urbana, incluyendo iniciativas que fortalecerán la capacidad del municipio para acceder a recursos federales y avanzar proyectos prioritarios para la comunidad.

Como parte de la visita, el Comisionado Residente conoció el Plan Maestro Moca 2035, una hoja de ruta estratégica para transformar el casco urbano, impulsar el desarrollo socioeconómico del municipio y facilitar la identificación de oportunidades de inversión federal para proyectos de infraestructura y desarrollo sostenible. Además, recorrió el área del Coliseo Dr. Juan Sánchez Acevedo, donde conoció la propuesta para la construcción de un estacionamiento multipisos, y visitó el proyecto de construcción de una plazoleta y centro multiusos, iniciativas dirigidas a fortalecer la infraestructura pública y promover el desarrollo económico del municipio.

“Los municipios conocen mejor que nadie las necesidades de sus comunidades. Nuestro trabajo es ayudarlos a convertir esas prioridades en proyectos viables y en oportunidades concretas de inversión federal que mejoren la calidad de vida de la gente”, expresó el Comisionado Residente.

Durante la reunión, ambos también discutieron el progreso de inversiones federales previamente anunciadas para Moca, incluyendo una asignación de $1,089,101.50 en fondos de FEMA para la reconstrucción y estabilización del terraplén y la alcantarilla en la calle Monseñor Torres, infraestructura que sufrió daños como consecuencia del huracán María. El proyecto contempla la reconstrucción del terraplén, la instalación de un muro de gaviones, la restauración de la carretera y del sistema de drenaje, así como medidas para estabilizar el área y reducir el riesgo de futuros daños por erosión y eventos atmosféricos.

Asimismo, el Comisionado Residente destacó la otorgación de $2,061,655 por parte del Departamento de Salud federal (HHS) a Costa Salud Community Health Centers para fortalecer la prestación de servicios de salud primaria en Moca, Aguada, Rincón y municipios cercanos, ampliando el acceso a servicios médicos esenciales para miles de residentes de la región.

“Estas inversiones representan oportunidades concretas para fortalecer la infraestructura, ampliar el acceso a servicios esenciales y apoyar el desarrollo de nuestras comunidades. Continuaremos trabajando para asegurar que los municipios tengan acceso a los recursos federales necesarios para convertir sus planes de desarrollo en resultados para la gente”, añadió el Comisionado Residente.

Por su parte, el alcalde Efraín Barreto Barreto presentó una actualización sobre las prioridades de desarrollo del municipio y agradeció la visita del Comisionado Residente, destacando la importancia de mantener una colaboración estrecha para impulsar proyectos de infraestructura, revitalización urbana y desarrollo económico que beneficien a los residentes de Moca.

La visita forma parte de la agenda de trabajo distrital del Comisionado Residente y de sus esfuerzos para dar seguimiento a inversiones federales, apoyar la ejecución de proyectos estratégicos y asegurar que las necesidades de los municipios estén representadas en el Congreso.

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Comisionado Residente visita San Sebastián para dar seguimiento a proyectos estratégicos y destaca $850,000 para impulsar el desarrollo económico del municipio

SAN SEBASTIÁN, Puerto Rico – El Comisionado Residente de Puerto Rico, Pablo José Hernández, visitó hoy el Municipio de San Sebastián para reunirse con el alcalde Eladio "Layito" Cardona Quiles y dar seguimiento a proyectos estratégicos de infraestructura y desarrollo económico, como parte de sus esfuerzos para fortalecer la colaboración con los municipios y maximizar el acceso a recursos federales.

Como parte de la visita, el Comisionado Residente y el alcalde conversaron sobre la reconstrucción del puente Magos del Barrio Calabazas, una obra crítica para la conectividad y la seguridad de múltiples comunidades de la zona. El proyecto, que contempla una inversión federal de aproximadamente $4.85 millones, incluye trabajos de reparación permanente bajo la Sección 406 del Stafford Act, así como medidas de mitigación para fortalecer la infraestructura y reducir el riesgo de daños ante futuros eventos atmosféricos.

Gracias a las gestiones realizadas por el Comisionado Residente ante las agencias federales correspondientes, el proyecto se encuentra en manos del Cuerpo de Ingenieros del Ejército de los Estados Unidos, paso indispensable para que inicie el proceso de contratación y construcción. El Comisionado Residente reiteró su compromiso de continuar dando seguimiento al caso para asegurar que esta obra, prioritaria para los residentes del Barrio Calabazas, pueda comenzar lo antes posible.

“Los municipios necesitan herramientas y recursos para ejecutar proyectos que impulsen su desarrollo y generen nuevas oportunidades para sus residentes. Nuestro compromiso es continuar trabajando para que San Sebastián tenga acceso a los fondos federales necesarios para convertir esas prioridades en resultados concretos”, expresó el Comisionado Residente.

El Comisionado Residente también destacó una asignación de $850,000 asegurada como parte del proceso de Community Project Funding (CPF) del presupuesto federal para el año fiscal 2026 para el Proyecto de Desarrollo y Construcción del Centro de Avance de Pequeñas Empresas en Habilidades de Próxima Generación y Emprendimiento (SANSE). La inversión apoyará el emprendimiento, el desarrollo de habilidades de la fuerza laboral y el crecimiento de las pequeñas empresas, fortaleciendo el desarrollo económico del municipio.

Por su parte, el alcalde Eladio "Layito" Cardona Quiles presentó una actualización sobre las prioridades del municipio y agradeció la visita del Comisionado Residente, destacando la importancia de mantener una comunicación directa para impulsar proyectos que fortalezcan la infraestructura, promuevan el desarrollo económico y mejoren la calidad de vida de los residentes de San Sebastián.

La visita forma parte de la agenda de trabajo distrital del Comisionado Residente y de sus esfuerzos para dar seguimiento a inversiones federales, apoyar la ejecución de proyectos estratégicos y asegurar que las necesidades de los municipios estén representadas en el Congreso.

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Hinson Introduces Bill to Hold Big Health Insurance Accountable

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02) introduced the Health Insurance Transparency for Patients Act, legislation to expose how often health insurance companies deny or delay basic care and give patients the information they need to choose a health plan that actually works for their families.

"Big health insurance companies have a pattern of purposely denying patients coverage based on technicalities to protect their own bottom line. And they get away with it because nobody can see how they’re making these decisions. My bill holds them accountable by exposing these unfair practices, so patients are no longer in the dark and Iowans can get better healthcare coverage." — Congresswoman Ashley Hinson

"Transparency and accountability should apply across the healthcare system. Iowa hospitals publicly report a significant amount of information about the care they provide, and it is reasonable to expect health plans to be equally transparent about how coverage decisions are made. This legislation would give employers, patients, and purchasers greater visibility into prior authorization approvals, denials, appeals, and other coverage decisions. Better information provides greater insight into how effectively the healthcare system is working for the people it serves." — Chris Mitchell, President & CEO of the Iowa Hospital Association

"The Iowa Medical Society supports the Health Insurance Transparency for Patients bill because every Iowa patient deserves timely access to medically necessary care. Greater transparency into health insurance coverage and prior authorization decisions will improve accountability, reduce unnecessary delays, and help physicians spend more time caring for patients instead of navigating administrative barriers. Patients and physicians deserve to know how insurance companies make decisions about covering their care, including whether that involves a physician, an automated process, or artificial intelligence. We appreciate Rep. Ashley Hinson's leadership in advancing legislation that puts patients first." — Lillian Erdahl, President of the Iowa Medical Society

The Health Insurance Transparency for Patients Act would:

Require health insurance companies to publicly report the percent and number of:

How often they deny — or partially deny — coverage requests and why.

Approved requests.

Show how long patients wait for coverage decisions and appeals.

Reveal how often denied claims are later overturned on appeal.

Identify which treatments require prior authorization.

Require the information to be published in a consumer-friendly format, all in one place, so patients can compare health plans.

By exposing health insurance companies’ wrongful practices, families and our seniors can finally see which companies treat patients fairly and which ones try to block care and play games with your coverage.

Hinson has consistently fought to increase transparency and strengthen healthcare for Iowa families, including protecting new parents from surprise medical bills and supporting rural hospitals so Iowans can access quality care closer to home. The full text of the bill can be found here.

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Horsford: Nevada Workers Will Lead Nevada’s Comeback from Trump’s Slump

NORTH LAS VEGAS – Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) released the following statement as President Trump travels to Las Vegas today:

“Working people and families in Nevada don’t need another campaign stop they need relief.”

“Across my district, families are worried about the cost of housing, groceries, utility bills, and health care. Small businesses are worried about keeping their doors open. Hospitality workers are worried about getting enough hours, enough customers, and enough tips to support their families. Working people are doing everything right, but too many are still falling behind.”

“That’s why I didn’t stop at talking about the problem - I introduced solutions.”

“My RELIEF Act would refund consumers and small businesses who paid higher costs because of illegal tariffs. My TIPS Improvement Act would make tax relief for tipped workers permanent, eliminate the marriage penalty, and ensure hospitality workers keep more of the money they’ve earned. And my housing legislation, now law as part of the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, helps lower housing costs and expand opportunities for working families to achieve homeownership.”

“These ideas didn’t come from Washington DC. They came from listening to Nevada workers, small businesses, and the people closest to the challenges facing our communities.”

“Nevada’s workers built this state, and they’ll lead Nevada’s comeback. I’ll keep fighting to lower costs, strengthen our tourism economy, support working families, and build an Affordable Nevada.”

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Maryland Democrats Urge FERC to Protect Marylanders from Rising Electricity Costs Due to Out-of-State Data Centers

WASHINGTON – Today, Maryland Congressional Delegation members – U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, April McClain Delaney, and Johnny Olszewski (all D-Md.) – are calling on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to take action to ensure Marylanders are not forced to bear skyrocketing electricity costs due to increasing energy demand from data centers located outside of the state. The lawmakers urged FERC to require PJM Interconnection (PJM) to implement strong protections that would ensure fair energy costs for Marylanders after PJM, the grid operator responsible for coordinating electricity transmission in the region, assigned roughly $2 billion in costs to Maryland ratepayers for infrastructure that is needed primarily to serve out-of-state data centers. The lawmakers’ letter supports a complaint at FERC filed by the Maryland Office of People’s Counsel challenging PJM’s existing transmission cost allocation rules.

“As members of the Maryland Congressional Delegation, we write regarding a pressing matter that has the potential to significantly raise energy costs for our constituents. PJM Interconnection LLC’s (PJM) existing transmission cost allocation rules result in the unjust assignment of billions of dollars in costs to Marylanders, contributing to unaffordable electricity bills,” the lawmakers begin.

On the rising costs of electricity due to data centers outside of Maryland, the lawmakers write, “Data centers being built outside of Maryland are driving one of the largest transmission expansions in PJM’s history. Across its three most recent regional transmission planning rounds, PJM has advanced $22 billion in projects needed principally to serve data centers. Under PJM’s current cost allocation rules, roughly $2 billion of those costs have been assigned to Maryland ratepayers rather than the data centers that are driving the demand.”

“Marylanders are already shouldering the immense burden of skyrocketing electricity costs, and it is unjust and unreasonable to force our constituents to subsidize the energy infrastructure needs of the wealthiest companies in the world. Unless the Commission acts, our constituents will pay an estimated $1.6 billion on their electric bills over the next ten years for these projects alone, and $823 million of that total cost will fall on residential customers, which equates to roughly $345 for the average customer,” the lawmakers continue.

On PJM’s current cost allocation rules, the Maryland lawmakers note, “PJM’s cost allocation rules have not kept pace with the build out of hyperscale data centers, just one of which can equal the electricity demand of a small city. PJM’s current rules spread costs broadly across the region regardless of where, and for whom, the underlying projects are actually needed. Maryland regulators have no ability to assign such costs to data centers located in other states, and with tens of thousands of megawatts of additional data center demand growth projected across PJM over the next two decades, our constituents face billions of dollars in further charges absent Commission action to address this unjust and unreasonable cost allocation. Furthermore, because much of the forecasted growth in data center energy demand is speculative, our constituents bear the unacceptable risk of paying for projects built to serve potential data centers that are never built due to any number of external reasons.”


Joyce Attends Iten Defense Groundbreaking

SAYBROOK TOWNSHIP, OH – Today, U.S. Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) took part in a groundbreaking ceremony with Iten Defense and Lakeland The Construction Group, marking the start of construction on Iten Defense’s new research, development, and manufacturing facility. Headquartered in Ashtabula County, Ohio, Iten Defense specializes in manufacturing composite armor products, including pressed backing material used for body armor.

The project builds on federal investments supported by Congressman Joyce. Iten Defense has received Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) funding to advance ballistic protection capabilities through the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, and the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act.

“Iten Defense is a top innovator, a critical part of our defense industrial base, and its success speaks to the talent of Ohio’s workforce,” said Congressman Joyce. “As a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I’ve been proud to fight for the federal investment that makes projects like this possible. This new research, development, and manufacturing facility will develop the lighter, stronger ballistic protection our warfighters need to stay ahead of our adversaries.”

“Today marks an important milestone for Iten Defense and our community as we continue building an armor center of excellence in Northeast Ohio. We are grateful for the ongoing support of Congressman Joyce, the State of Ohio, Ashtabula County, and Saybrook Township as we’ve experienced nothing but the utmost support in facilitating our expansion plans. The new facility and the equipment we’ll be installing will allow us to continue our tradition of producing products that save lives,” said Damon Walsh, CEO of Iten Defense.

“At Lakeland The Construction Group, we believe great projects begin with great partnerships. We’re honored by Iten Defense’s trust and proud to serve as the design-build partner on a project that will strengthen manufacturing and create lasting opportunities in Northeast Ohio,” said Fahim F. Gemayel, President of Lakeland The Construction Group.

Background:

Iten Defense has built a strong reputation in the defense industry through decades of work in advanced protection technologies. The company’s growth reflects Ohio’s strong manufacturing and defense industry capabilities. The facility is being designed and constructed by Lakeland The Construction Group, a Northeast Ohio-based contractor.

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Kean Assists in Reopening Senior Care Facility, Complete Care Willow Creek

(August 5, 2026) SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ – On Monday, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) visited the newly reopened Complete Care at Willow Creek, the only long-term care facility for seniors with traumatic brain injuries in New Jersey. He was joined by leadership from Complete Care and staff at the new facility.

In September of 2021, during Hurricane Ida, Complete Care Willow Creek was flooded. This caused a mass evacuation of patients and severe structural damage to the facility. During reconstruction, a fire occurred, causing further damage and delay.

As Complete Care was finishing construction in February of 2025, it learned that its Medicare Provider Number had been terminated. Applying for a new number involved demonstrating that its facility was meeting a different set of construction standards than what existed at the time the original Provider Number was approved, which would have delayed the opening for at least another two years and incurred significant additional costs.

Congressman Kean’s office was contacted regarding this issue. Working with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the NJ Department of Health, his office arranged multiple joint conference calls with the parties, and Congressman Kean sent a letter of support for Complete Care at Willow Creek. In part due to his interventions, the reopened facility welcomed its first patient on August 3rd.

“It was incredible to see the tangible result that came from years of hard work by Complete Care, and to know my team helped this facility reopen,” said Congressman Kean. “New Jersey’s seniors deserve access to the care they need, especially those with ailments such as a traumatic brain injury. I am pleased to see this facility open its doors to the public and wish them all the best as they continue their critical work.”

“We are excited to welcome Congressman Tom Kean Complete Care at Willow Creek today. Congressman Kean’s unwavering support and dedicated advocacy were instrumental in bringing us to today, which coincidentally marks the first day in our opening process for Willow Creek,” said Vice President of Operations Wanda Mercado. “We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Congressman for his interest in Willow Creek’s traumatic brain injury program for older adults, and for his vital contributions that helped to make this milestone possible.”

If you or your organization need help with a federal agency, contact Congressman Kean’s district office in Lebanon Borough at (908) 547-3307 or visit the "Help with a Federal Agency" page of his website HERE.

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Khanna, Massie, Leger Fernández, Merkley, Luján Introduce the "Epstein Files Transparency Act II"

Washington, D.C. –– Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie announces the introduction of H.R. 9694, the Epstein Files Transparency Act II. This bill gives standing to state attorneys general, the victims of Jeffrey Epstein and his co-conspirators, and members of Congress to challenge the Department of Justice (DOJ) in court for the DOJ's failure to comply with the disclosure of materials required by Public Law 119-38, the Epstein Files Transparency Act (EFTA). Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM), Chair of the Democratic Women's Caucus, are co-leading the House legislation. Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) are leading the Senate version of the bill.

"Rep. Massie and I introduced our bill to release the Epstein files nearly a year ago. Since then, the DOJ has violated our law, delayed the release of millions of files, botched the redactions, and denied the survivors justice. That’s why I’m joining Rep. Massie and my colleagues to introduce the Epstein Files Transparency Act II that allows state attorneys general and survivors to sue the U.S. Attorney General and demand transparency," said Rep. Khanna.

"Since the Epstein Files Transparency Act was signed into law on November 19, 2025, the Department of Justice has flagrantly and consistently ignored EFTA's disclosure requirements," said Rep. Massie. "The Department of Justice continues to unlawfully withhold over 3 million Epstein files that should be released to the public. In addition, the DOJ is unlawfully maintaining heavy redactions on the files it is releasing. State attorneys general and victims should have the right to sue the Attorney General of the United States to compel compliance with a transparency law President Trump signed."

"Todd Blanche and the Department of Justice have refused to release as many as 3 million Epstein files: they are hiding the truth from the American people and creating even more injustice and trauma for survivors," said Congresswoman Leger Fernández. "When Trump’s administration does not comply with the law, there must be consequences. Attorney General Blanche is not fit to serve, should not be confirmed, and should instead resign. In the meantime, we must pass this bill to put power where it belongs—with survivors. No administration, no Attorney General, and no Department of Justice is above the law."

"At Trump’s bidding, the Department of Justice’s highest-ranking officials continue to break the law, denying justice to Jeffrey Epstein’s victims with an unprecedented cover-up of the abuse of our most vulnerable," said Sen. Merkley. "As long as those in power continue to side with the Epstein Class and shield abusers from accountability for their horrific crimes, we need the Epstein Files Transparency Act II to strengthen the original law we wrote, crack down on the DOJ’s illegal non-compliance, and stand with survivors and those seeking justice. The rich and powerful cannot be allowed to escape justice, and the American public deserves the transparency it is crying out for."

"Nearly eight months after our Epstein Files Transparency Act became law, the Trump Department of Justice has failed to comply with the law by releasing the Epstein files and delivering justice for survivors,” said Senator Luján. "That is why I am partnering with my colleagues to introduce the Epstein Files Transparency Act II to ensure accountability, transparency, and justice for survivors. Our legislation empowers state attorneys general and victims to challenge this Department of Justice for failing to provide the transparency and accountability that Epstein’s victims deserve."

New Mexico's Attorney General, Raúl Torrez, offered the following statement in support of EFTA II:

"Survivors have waited too long for answers, and my office has waited too long for the federal government to turn over the unredacted records we need to complete our criminal investigation," said Attorney General Raúl Torrez. "This legislation gives state law enforcement the access this investigation requires, and it gives survivors control over their own records. Every day of delay is another day survivors are denied the justice they are owed."

The Epstein Files Transparency Act II:

Creates a private right of action allowing state attorneys general, district attorneys, other authorized State officials, members of Congress, and victims to challenge and sue the U.S. Attorney General for unlawfully withholding, redacting, delaying, concealing, removing, or failing to publish Epstein-related records.

Gives victims the right to obtain full, unredacted records concerning themselves or the harm they suffered, including relevant FBI FD-302 reports.

Enforces compliance with the existing law by subjecting DOJ and FBI officials to existing federal criminal penalties for knowingly concealing, destroying, falsifying, withholding, or misrepresenting files.

Requires the Department of Justice to provide State and local prosecutors with unredacted records needed for investigations, prosecutions, and judicial proceedings, including secure access to classified materials.

Explicitly prohibits the invocation of common law privileges, including deliberative process privileges, to evade disclosure requirements included in the original EFTA.

If the House does not consider EFTA II within seven legislative days, a discharge petition will be circulated.

The text of the Epstein Files Transparency Act II is available at this link.

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King-Hinds Confirms $100,000 H-1B Payment Not Required for CNMI Medical Professionals

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds today announced that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has confirmed it is not currently requiring the $100,000 payment previously associated with certain H-1B petitions, removing a potential barrier to recruiting medical professionals for the Commonwealth.

The clarification follows a letter King-Hinds sent to USCIS in April requesting reconsideration of the payment requirement for physicians and other medical professionals seeking to work in the Northern Mariana Islands. In her letter, King-Hinds argued that the Commonwealth's geographic isolation and ongoing healthcare workforce shortages made the requirement particularly harmful to the CNMI's ability to recruit qualified providers.

In its response, USCIS explained that while Presidential Proclamation 10973 originally included the payment requirement, a federal court subsequently vacated the agency guidance implementing that provision. As a result, USCIS confirmed it is not requiring evidence of the $100,000 payment at this time and that reconsideration of the CNMI's exemption request is therefore unnecessary.

"My concern has always been making sure federal policy does not make it harder for the CNMI to recruit the doctors and specialists our community needs," said Congresswoman King-Hinds. "This clarification removes uncertainty for healthcare employers and helps ensure this payment requirement is not another obstacle to bringing medical professionals to our islands."

King-Hinds noted that healthcare workforce shortages remain one of the Commonwealth's most significant challenges and said her office will continue working with federal agencies to remove unnecessary barriers that affect recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals.

"Access to healthcare begins with access to healthcare professionals," King-Hinds said. "My office will continue working to ensure federal policies recognize the unique realities of providing medical care in the Northern Mariana Islands."