Reps. Garamendi, Gallagher, and Sens. Sheehy and Schiff Introduce the American Food for American Schools Act

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representatives John Garamendi (CA-08) and James Gallagher (CA-01) reintroduced the American Food for American Schools Act, legislation to ensure that American-grown food is served in school meals. Senators Tim Sheehy (R-MT) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.

“California is the largest agricultural producer in the United States, providing produce for the entire country and parts of the world. Yet, school districts in our own farming communities still use taxpayer dollars to buy imported food. Some of those imported products have even been recalled due to safety concerns, when they could have been sourced locally in California,” said Congressman Garamendi (CA-08).

“That’s why I’m proud to once again introduce the American Food for American Schools Act, with my colleagues Congressman James Gallagher, Senator Sheehy and Senator Schiff, which would ensure that our schoolchildren are served nutritious, American-grown food produced under the strictest safety standards in the world.”

“Our farmers should be at the forefront as we improve school meal programs. The American Food for American Schools Act puts American-grown food on our children’s lunch trays while creating new opportunities for the farmers who feed our nation,” said Congressman Gallagher (CA-01). “Northern California produces some of the highest-quality food in the world, and it is common sense to buy from our own farmers instead of importing food from foreign countries. This bipartisan bill strengthens American agriculture and gives students access to nutritious meals made with products grown right here at home.”

“It doesn’t make sense for American schools to purchase imported food when the very best beef and agricultural products are produced right here at home, including in my home state of Montana. Buying U.S.-grown agricultural products not only protects the health and wellbeing of American kids, but also supports our nation’s economy, American farmers and ranchers, and small and local agricultural businesses,” said Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT). “The American Food for American Schools Act strengthens the ‘Buy American’ requirement for schools to build a more secure domestic food chain and ensures federal policies back the producers who feed our nation, not foreign competitors.”

“Ensuring that our schools purchase as much American produce as possible is crucial to supporting our farmers and economy,” said Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA). “I’m proud to lead this bipartisan and bicameral bill with Senator Sheehy and Representatives Garamendi and Gallagher.”

STATEMENTS OF SUPPORT

“The Teamsters are proud to endorse Representatives Garamendi and Gallagher’s American Food for American School’s Act. When school districts purchase food using our tax dollars, they should support American farmers and American workers,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “On behalf of tens of thousands of Teamsters in the food processing industry, we strongly support this effort to ensure safer and better products for students, while also creating opportunities for the Americans who grow, package, ship, and deliver domestically grown food.”

“Increasing imports of canned fruits and vegetables are one of the greatest threats to our industry given lower labor and steel costs in other parts of the world,” said Paul Palmby, President & CEO of Seneca Foods, speaking as a founding leader of the American Fruit & Vegetable Coalition. “We have also observed that fruit and vegetable imports continue to be a driving force behind our nation’s increased dependence on foreign food imports. We applaud this critical effort to empower and support our schools, parents, and American businesses with common-sense, modernized Buy America policies.”

“Farm Bureau applauds Senators Sheehy and Schiff, and Representatives Garamendi and Gallagher, for advancing legislation that supports both American agriculture and child nutrition,” said Dr. John Newton, AFBF Vice President of Public Policy and Economic Analysis. “By expanding access to high-quality, domestically grown food in school meal programs, this bill will help ensure students receive nutritious meals while also supporting U.S. farmers.”

“American farmers and ranchers raise the highest quality crops and livestock in the world. Just like farmers nationwide, we here in Montana we are proud of the products we grow so we appreciate the effort to highlight the importance of delivering this healthy, delicious food to kids in our local schools and beyond,” said Cyndi Johnson, Montana Farm Bureau Federation President and farmer from Conrad. “We applaud Senator Sheehy, his co-sponsors and counterparts in the House, for bringing this legislation, which will bring more of these high-quality, American raised foods to school children across the United States.”

BACKGROUND:

The American Food for American Schools Act would strengthen and clarify the existing Buy America requirements for USDA school meal programs, ensuring that taxpayer-funded school food purchases support American farmers and food producers whenever possible.

Specifically, the legislation would:

Codify limited exceptions to the Buy America requirement, allowing waivers only when domestic commodities or products are not reasonably available in sufficient quantity or quality.

Require schools that receive a waiver to notify parents that American-grown food is not being provided.

Limit waivers to no more than 5 percent of a school food authority’s annual commercial food costs within each food component.

Require USDA to publish information on Buy America compliance, including a list of approved waivers and foreign products purchased without a waiver. This transparency would help domestic producers identify opportunities to challenge waivers or enter the market with American-grown products.

Streamline the Buy America contracting process by establishing uniform contract requirements for school food procurement. If a supplier provides foreign-sourced products in violation of a Buy America contract, schools would receive safe-harbor protections, and USDA would be authorized to seek reimbursement from the supplier. Those funds would support USDA’s Buy American Procurement Training Program.

Extend Buy America requirements to additional USDA child nutrition programs, including the School Breakfast Program, Summer Food Service Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, Afterschool Snack Program, and Special Milk Program.

ENDORSEMENTS:

Teamsters

American Farm Bureau

California Farm Bureau

Montana Farm Bureau

American Fruit and Vegetable Coalition

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PHOTO RELEASE: Gottheimer Celebrates New Jersey State Fair in Sussex County

Above: Gottheimer attends New Jersey State Fair in Sussex County.

AUGUSTA, NJ — U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) joined Jersey families, farmers, and exhibitors at the 2026 New Jersey State Fair, including the Sussex County Farm and Horse Show, running July 31 through August 8, 10 am – 10 pm on weekends and 12 pm – 10 pm on weekdays, at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta, New Jersey.

Across the fairgrounds, Gottheimer greeted families, thanked veterans and active-duty service members, toured the 4-H livestock exhibits, met with youth leaders, visited local veteran organizations, and stopped by the locally operated food concessions.

“The New Jersey State Fair is a Sussex County tradition and one of the best weeks of the summer in North Jersey,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “It’s a celebration of our farmers, our 4-H families, our small businesses, and the hardworking folks who make our community such a special place to live. I’m proud to be here supporting the agricultural heritage that’s at the heart of our District, and to see so many families out having a great time together.”

This annual event celebrates North Jersey’s rich farming heritage with livestock and 4-H competitions, the Sussex County Horse Show, live entertainment, rides, and family activities drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year.

Below: Gottheimer attends New Jersey State Fair in Sussex County.

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Rep. Grijalva Slams Trump Administration for Destroying 100-Year-Old Cottonwood Trees to Build Second Border Wall

Tucson, AZ — Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva issued the following statement after contractors working on the Trump administration's secondary border wall project cut down three 100-year old cottonwood trees near Lochiel, Arizona. The latest construction is part of the administration's multibillion-dollar border wall expansion across Arizona and Texas, including areas where barriers already exist. Conservationists have warned that the project threatens a sensitive wildlife habitat, fragile ecosystems, and culturally significant landscapes throughout the borderlands.

"The Trump administration is bulldozing our public lands, destroying century-old trees, and endangering wildlife —all to build an unnecessary second border wall. That's not border security; it's reckless destruction. Arizonans deserve better than an administration that treats our natural landscapes and border communities as collateral damage for a political stunt, said Rep. Grijalva.

In May, Rep. Grijalva questioned Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum about construction of a second border wall and sought a commitment that the administration would avoid and minimize damage to environmentally-sensitive and culturally significant sites. The destruction of these century-old cottonwood trees underscores exactly why those concerns were raised and why stronger oversight of the administration's border wall construction is urgently needed.

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Hudson-Led Push Delivers New Protections for Special Operators in Annual Defense Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09), Fort Bragg’s Congressman, applauded the inclusion of new protections for Special Operations Forces and other personnel serving in sensitive military units in the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY 27) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The provision follows a months-long push by Hudson to protect servicemembers from the intentional disclosure of information that could expose their identities, endanger their families, or compromise sensitive military missions.

“Our special operators take on some of the most dangerous missions in the world to keep us safe. They and their families should never have to worry someone will expose their identities and put a target on their backs,” said Rep. Hudson. “As Fort Bragg’s Congressman, I introduced legislation to strengthen these protections, and I’m glad this year’s NDAA takes an important step in the right direction. I will keep working to make sure our servicemembers and their families have the strongest protections possible.”

Background

Earlier this year, Hudson, alongside U.S. Representative Pat Harrigan (NC-10), introduced H. R. 7136, the Special Operator Protection Act of 2026, following an incident in which identifying information about a servicemember involved in a sensitive military operation was posted publicly. U.S. Senator Ted Budd introduced a companion measure in the U.S. Senate.

H. R. 7136 would make it a federal crime to knowingly publish restricted personal information about Special Operations Forces, certain servicemembers and Department of War personnel involved in sensitive activities, and their immediate family members when the information is intended to threaten, intimidate, or facilitate violence.

The NDAA provision advances the same goal through a different legal framework by extending existing federal protections for covert identities to certain servicemembers and Department of War personnel involved in sensitive units or activities. It applies criminal penalties when someone intentionally exposes an identity the government is actively working to conceal.

Hudson will continue pushing for the broader protections in his Special Operator Protection Act, including safeguards for the personal information of covered servicemembers and their immediate families.

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Jayapal and Whitehouse Lead 90 Colleagues in Brief Supporting the Ability of States and Localities to Hold Big Oil and Gas Companies Accountable for Climate-Related Harms

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07) and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW), today led 90 members of Congress in submitting an amicus brief to the Supreme Court in the case of Suncor Energy Inc. v. County Commissioners of Boulder County. The brief explains that the Clean Air Act, the Constitution, and federal foreign policy do not prevent states and localities from holding oil and gas companies accountable for climate-related harms stemming from deceptive marketing and sales of their knowingly harmful products.

As climate change intensifies natural disasters, states and local governments face billions of dollars in climate change-driven damages. The County and the City of Boulder (respondents) sued fossil fuel companies (petitioners) under state tort law in Colorado court to “protect Boulder’s property and to care for residents’ safety,” alleging that the fossil fuel companies knew their products were harmful but deliberately concealed that information from consumers. Before the Supreme Court, the fossil fuel companies incorrectly argue that the Clean Air Act, the Constitution, and federal foreign policy preempt Boulder’s claims. The lawmakers filed a brief to ensure that federal statutes and federal authority are not improperly used as cudgels to preempt states’ powers to protect their citizens.

The lawmakers’ brief explains that the Clean Air Act does not preempt state tort suits seeking to address harms caused by the deceptive marketing and sales of fossil fuels. While Congress knows how to preempt state laws when it chooses, “the Clean Air Act’s text, structure, and purpose show that Congress has not preempted respondents’ state tort claims. The Act is intended to improve air quality primarily through emission reductions and thus does not reach respondents’ claims that petitioners engaged in the tortious conduct of deceptive marketing and sales of their knowingly harmful products. . . . Petitioners’ argument ignores the mismatch between the conduct at issue in respondents’ claims and the conduct that Congress sought to regulate in the Act. This fatal flaw should end the Court’s inquiry.”

Further, “even if petitioners were correct that respondents’ claims could incidentally reduce or even directly regulate emissions (which they do not), the Clean Air Act’s text, structure, and purpose permit that.” In the Act, “Congress expressly empowered state regulations beyond the federal standards and preserved state authority to seek ‘any’ relief under ‘any statute or common law.’” Congress thus “ensure[d] that the Act sets a federal floor to prevent a ‘race to the bottom’ but otherwise largely leaves state power intact, recognizing the enduring role of States in pollution regulation.” The oil companies’ novel presumption in favor of preemption would invert traditional principles of federalism and undermine Congress’s authority to choose when and how federal law displaces state law.

“Petitioners hardly disguise their intent to upend decades of this Court’s jurisprudence respecting Congress’s legislative choices and state sovereignty in our federal system,” the lawmakers write. The petitioners’ argument “would turn any regulatory regime for a national industry into a default liability shield for deceptive practices or other misconduct.” The members added, “This is not how Congress legislates: Congress does not implicitly create liability shields for tortious conduct whenever it regulates within a field… Instead, even where Congress does preempt traditional state authority, it often carves out consumer protection claims, recognizing the importance of States’ ability to protect citizens from fraud-based harm.”

The lawmakers also refute the petitioners’ assertion that Congressionally approved foreign policy preempts respondents’ claims. Petitioners “fail to identify any foreign policy in tension with respondents’ claims, much less the clear and substantial conflict with federal foreign policy typically required to preempt state laws operating in a traditional area of state authority… Petitioners’ attempt to gin up a conflict between federal foreign policy and respondents’ tort claims falls short.”

Joining Whitehouse and Jayapal in signing the amicus brief were Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chirs Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), along with 77 members of the House.

Full text of the brief is available here.


LEADER JEFFRIES ON NY1: “OUR PROMISE TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE IS THAT WE’RE FIGHTING FOR AN AFFORDABLE AMERICA”

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on NY1’s Inside City Hall, where he emphasized that ahead of the midterm election, House Democrats are unified in their commitment to lower the high cost of living and defeat Republican corruption once and for all.

ERROL LOUIS: Welcome back to Inside City Hall. With just over 90 days to go until the midterm elections, Democratic leaders have entered what they are calling a sprint to flip control of Congress. My next guest has been spending his time traveling all around the country stumping for candidates who want to do just that. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries represents parts of Brooklyn that include all or part of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brownsville, East New York and Coney Island. Congressman Jeffries joins me now from Brooklyn to talk about the upcoming midterms and more. Good evening, and welcome back to the program.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Great to be with you, Errol.

ERROL LOUIS: So, as of tonight, 92 days until the midterms. What is this Democratic sprint to the finish line going to look like?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we’ve made clear our promise to the American people is that we’re fighting for an affordable America. We recognize that life in this country is far too expensive. There are too many folks who are working hard, they’re playing by the rules, but they are struggling to live paycheck to paycheck, cannot thrive and can barely survive. So we need to turn that situation around. And we’re committed to lowering the cost of groceries, lowering the cost of gas, lowering the cost of housing and making life more affordable in this great country.

ERROL LOUIS: Last week, we spoke with one of your colleagues, Representative Tom Suozzi, who was one of only two Democrats that flipped Republican districts to Democratic in districts that Trump also won in 2024. Here’s what he had to say.

RECORDING OF REP. TOM SUOZZI: Well, if you look at the DSA candidates that won for Congress, they won in deep, deep blue seats in primaries. You know, they don’t have to worry about the general. They only have to worry about the primaries. And who votes in primaries but this far-left part of the Party? Look at the Republicans who win the MAGA seats, the Freedom Caucus folks. They win in deep, deep red seats. They just try to appeal to this fringe of the Party. It’s not going to sell to the country. It’s always 40%, 40% and that 20% in the middle is where the fight is. And we’ve got to appeal to those folks. And I can guarantee you, you’re not going to appeal to them with a platform that says open the borders and defund the police and get rid of the Senate.

ERROL LOUIS: So I’m sure you’ve heard this before, Congressman. He thinks 40% of the electorate is very progressive, 40% is MAGA conservative. The battle for control is a fight for the 20% in the middle. Is that your analysis as well?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we’re working hard to make sure that Tom Suozzi is reelected, of course, along with Laura Gillen and Josh Riley here in New York. And we’re also going to flip a seat in NY-17 in the Westchester, Rockland County area currently held by Mike Lawler. Cait Conley, a decorated Marine—a decorated combat veteran, I should say—is going to win that seat, and she’s running hard on the affordability message and solving problems for hardworking American taxpayers. I think that in order to win these elections—it’s going to be a competitive general election landscape, Errol—that we have to do two things: energize the base while, of course, moving swing voters, centrist voters, moderate voters, Independent voters in our direction. Candidates like Tom Suozzi have proven that they can do that incredibly well, as well as our Frontline candidates all across the country. And then we’ve got to flip a handful of seats in order to take back control of the House of Representatives. I think what unifies Democrats across the country and aligns with Independents and swing voters is the reality that we have to lower the high cost of living in the United States of America, and that affordability message is going to be critical to our success.

ERROL LOUIS: Congressman Suozzi specifically says that Democrats should be challenging the DSA’s national platform, which calls for, among other things, abolishing the U.S. Senate, the U.S. Supreme Court, opening the national borders, having the government take outright ownership of major industries. Is that a conversation that you want to have? He says he’s going to get tarred with all of this anyhow, and so they—there needs to be some kind of a response. What do you think about that?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, I certainly don’t support open borders, I don’t support defunding the police and I don’t support abolishing the Senate. But I do support the notion that we’ve got to fix what’s broken here in the United States of America and ensure that capitalism can actually serve the greatest number of people, that the economy works for working-class Americans and that we’ve got to do all that we can to make life more comfortable, more affordable and ensure that everyone has access to a middle-class life. That, again, I think is a principle that unifies not just Democrats across the ideological spectrum, but Independents, of course, are abandoning Republicans in droves because they know that Republicans haven’t done a damn thing to actually make life more affordable for the American people. In fact, because of Trump policies, like the Trump tariffs, costs have gone up. Increased expenses on everyday Americans, everyday New Yorkers, by thousands of dollars per year. And of course, Donald Trump’s reckless war of choice in Iran has skyrocketed gas prices and made life more expensive. We need to push back against all of that and move this country in a different direction.

ERROL LOUIS: Let me ask you about the dynamic—actually, Congressman Suozzi talked about this as well—the dynamic, broadly speaking, historically that social movements push the Democrats from the outside to push for environmental legislation or the labor movement that pushed FDR, the Civil Rights Movement that pushed President Johnson, the Occupy Wall Street movement that tried to push President Obama and spawn the Sunrise Movement. Is there a role for DSA activists to create momentum for the legislation that you want to see pass that you just described?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, primary voters are going to make their decisions, and I will always respect the will of primary voters in those deep blue districts. At the same period of time, I think what is clear—in order for Democrats to go from the minority into the majority so we can end this national nightmare, we do have to own the center and win over centrist voters, Independent voters and swing voters. At the end of the day, that is the only way for us to be in a position to govern and to get big things done for the American people. I do think, again, that what unites all of us at this moment in time is going to be the fact that the cost of living is too high. America is way too expensive. And in this country, the wealthiest country in the history of the world, it should not be stressful when you have to go to the grocery store, but it is right now. It should not be stressful when you have to fill up your gas tank, but it is right now. It certainly shouldn’t be stressful when you have to pay your rent or pay the mortgage, but for millions of people all across our city, our state, our region and the country, it’s way too stressful because the cost of living is too high, and we’re committed to relentlessly driving it down.

ERROL LOUIS: OK. The last time you and I spoke was on primary night. Shortly after our conversation, in fact, while it was airing, there’s this video of people chanting, ‘You’re next.’ It went viral. This was on the night when two Democratic incumbents were defeated, and the choice of a third incumbent, Nydia Velázquez, also lost. This is a little bit about what that sounded like.

[Recording of people chanting]

ERROL LOUIS: It’s a brief enough moment, but I know you well enough to know that you don’t take political challenges lightly. Are New York’s Democrats planning to compete with or eventually do battle against the DSA?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, primaries are a way of life, and so to the extent that people have an interest in primaring any of us, certainly myself, come on in, the water is warm. What is interesting—I did see some clips of that particular gathering. It didn’t necessarily resemble, in terms of demographically, the working-class communities of color that I represent in large parts of the district, certainly in traditional Bedford-Stuyvesant, in Brownsville, in East New York, in Canarsie, the west end of Coney Island or, for that matter, the neighborhoods in Southern Brooklyn that I represent. So, people are going to do what they do and are free to do what they want to do moving forward. And in the House of Representatives, we only have a two-year employment contract. We’ve gotta go make our case every two years to the voters, and that’s certainly something that all of us should take seriously and be prepared to do aggressively in advance of the 2028 cycle. But what’s in front of us—it’s ironic to me that you’ve got some folks who are focused on 2028 primaries when we have an existential crisis in the United States of America right now and we’ve got to go actually defeat Republicans who have jammed extremism down the throats of the American people, ripped up the Voting Rights Act, made life more expensive, gone to war over in Iran. And it’s just been one disaster after another. And so at this moment in time, Errol, I think those of us in the congressional delegation are going to focus on actually doing what’s necessary to take back control of the House of Representatives.

ERROL LOUIS: You keep a better running count, obviously, than most of the rest of us, but with all of the redistricting that has happened, some of it has been in conservative states, some of it has been in progressive states. Some of it is intended to create Republican-leaning seats, some Democratic-leaning seats. Where do things stand? Last time I talked to you, you said you thought there were about 45 seats that you could try and flip, keeping in mind that in 2018, I think it was something like 41 seats that changed hands.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Yeah, so we began this Congress just three seats short, holding Republicans after the 2024 election to the narrowest majority that any Congress has held since 1930. As a result of what the Supreme Court has unleashed with its horrific decision to gut the Voting Rights Act and then as a result of what Republicans have done in a handful of states in the South by bringing to life Jim Crow-like tactics to try to rip up districts that were designed to give historically discriminated-against communities in the South, the opportunity—Black communities—to elect the candidates of their choice, it may be the case, Errol, that we’ve got to flip a total of about six seats net in this upcoming general election, which by the way, as you pointed out, Errol, is just a fraction of the 40 seats that we flipped on election night in November of 2018 during Donald Trump’s first midterm election. So we’re going to run through the finish line. We’re focused, of course, on fighting for an affordable America, lowering the high cost of living, making healthcare affordable for every single New Yorker and every single American and at the same period of time combating corruption and holding the crooks accountable who are making life more expensive for the American people.

ERROL LOUIS: Okay, let me ask you. We got to end on a local note, of course, Congressman. There’s this fight going on right now to control the Brooklyn Democratic Organization, which is the second-largest county in the nation of enrolled Democrats. Are you supporting the current leader, Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, or the reform group that is trying to replace her?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Yeah, you know what? I haven’t had a conversation with either Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, and I don’t know this individual who has been put forth by the alternate slate of district leaders. I do look forward to having a conversation, certainly initially, with the current Chairwoman about her intentions before deciding how best to move forward in ensuring that we have an effective and an equitable and an inclusive Brooklyn Democratic Party.

ERROL LOUIS: Okay, we will leave it there for now. Best of luck on the campaign trail in this final sprint. Thanks so much for spending some time with us.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you so much.

Full interview can be watched here.

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Wilson Introduces Legislation to Combat End Stage Renal Disease

Washington, DC – Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC), introduced the PREVENT ESRD Act. The Legislation establishes a program to encourage health plans to invest in earlier detection and treatment of chronic kidney disease before patients develop end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Under the bill, participating health plans would improve access to kidney screenings, medications, nutrition services, care coordination, and other preventive treatments while reducing or eliminating patient cost-sharing for key kidney care services. These investments should successfully slow the progression of kidney disease and reduce Medicare spending, while saving lives.

The legislation has been endorsed by the American Kidney Fund (AKF), the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Alliance for Aging Research, Amputee Coalition, American Society of Nephrology, The ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC), Gerontological Society of America (GSA), Global Coalition on Aging, IgA Nephropathy Foundation, League of United Latin American Citizens, The Mended Hearts, Inc., National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC), National Alliance of Purchaser Coalitions, National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP), NCBA Inc., The National Consumer League (NCL), National Kidney Foundation (NKF), NephCure, Renal Physicians Association (RPA). The joint endorsement letter can be read here.

“Kidney disease affects millions of Americans, yet far too many are not diagnosed until it is too late. The PREVENT ESRD Act takes a commonsense approach by encouraging earlier screening, expanding access to proven treatments, and rewarding better outcomes that improve patients' lives while reducing costs for taxpayers. I am grateful to work to help Americans stay healthier and strengthen the future of healthcare. I dedicate this fight to the late Karen Metz, wife of my Chief of Staff Craig Metz, who courageously battled kidney disease,” said Rep. Wilson.

“Research shows early intervention in kidney care could save Medicare more than $9 billion and employers over $35 billion annually. But beyond the significant economic savings, the human burden of kidney disease could be reduced if we pass legislation that could meaningfully change the trajectory of kidney disease. The American Kidney Fund thanks U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson for introducing the “Prevent ESRD Act” and leading bipartisan efforts to advance the fight against kidney disease. We urge Congress to support the legislation on behalf of 37 million Americans with kidney disease, and millions more at risk,” said LaVarne Burton, President and Chief Executive Officer, American Kidney Fund.

The National Kidney Foundation applauds this legislation's innovative approach to preventing the progression to kidney failure. Too many Americans are diagnosed too late, when treatment options become more limited and costs to patients, families, employers, and the healthcare system increase dramatically. By encouraging investment in early detection, education, and proven treatments, this has the potential to improve outcomes for millions of Americans affected by CKD while reducing unnecessary healthcare spending. We look forward to working with Congress and stakeholders to advance policies that help more people maintain their kidney health and avoid kidney failure," said Dr. Jesse Roach, Senior Vice President of Government Relations, National Kidney Foundation.

“Large employers see firsthand the human and financial toll of chronic kidney disease on workers, families, and the health care system. A voluntary kidney care shared savings demonstration is exactly the kind of commonsense, bipartisan solution we need—one that rewards earlier screening, better care coordination, and access to effective treatments before patients progress to kidney failure. By aligning incentives for health plans, employers, providers, and Medicare, this model can help delay or prevent ESRD, improve quality of life for millions of Americans, and generate meaningful savings for taxpayers and employer-sponsored health plans alike,” said Melissa Barlett, Senior Vice President, Health Policy, ERISA Industry Committee.

"Too many Americans never get the chance to age healthily because kidney disease goes undetected until it's too late. Programs that increase earlier screening and treatment, when progression can still be slowed or stopped, will go a long way in supporting patients' quality of life, helping employers retain experienced workers longer, and lowering health system costs. Keeping more people out of dialysis means more people reaching their later years with their health and independence intact," said Melissa Gong Mitchell, Executive Director, Global Coalition on Aging.

"For people living with Spina Bifida, protecting kidney health is essential to preserving independence, preventing life-threatening complications, and improving quality of life across the lifespan. Kidney disease often develops silently in our community due to neurogenic bladder, making early screening, coordinated care, and timely intervention critical. The Spina Bifida Association strongly supports innovative approaches that encourage prevention, reward high-quality care, and expand access to evidence-based treatments before kidney failure occurs. By investing in earlier detection and better care coordination, this demonstration has the potential to improve outcomes for millions of Americans while reducing the human and financial costs of kidney disease. We applaud this bipartisan effort to prioritize prevention and protect kidney health," said Sara Struwe, President and Chief Executive Officer, Spina Bifida Association.

"The Academy strongly supports this innovative demonstration project to advance kidney care and prevent progression to end-stage renal disease. Chronic kidney disease remains a silent and costly crisis, often going undiagnosed until it is too late, despite clear evidence that early screening, nutrition intervention, and coordinated care can significantly improve outcomes. By aligning incentives to prioritize prevention and expanding access to comprehensive, patient-centered services, this model represents a critical step toward transforming kidney care, improving quality of life for millions, and reducing avoidable costs to employers and the Medicare program. We urge policymakers to move forward with this bipartisan opportunity to invest in prevention and deliver better, more equitable care,” said the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 2025-2026 President Deanne Brandstetter, MBA, RDN CDN, FAND.

“NANASP commends Rep. Wilson on the introduction of his novel bill which has prevention as its main focus. The approach of creating a kidney care shared savings demonstration is a win-win for health care plans who succeed in delaying and preventing ESRD and the other winner of course is the patient. Early diagnosis of kidney disease is vital to avoiding later more costly treatments. We urge passage of this bill," said Bob Blancato, Executive Director, National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services (NANASP).

"IgA nephropathy is a progressive kidney disease that often affects people in the prime of their lives, yet many patients are not diagnosed until significant kidney damage has already occurred. Earlier identification, better care coordination, and access to effective treatments are essential to slowing disease progression and helping patients avoid kidney failure. The Prevent ESRD Act recognizes the importance of prevention by creating incentives to intervene earlier in the disease continuum. The IgA Nephropathy Foundation is proud to support this effort and thanks Rep. Joe Wilson for his leadership on behalf of patients with kidney disease,” - Bonnie Schneider, Executive Director, IgA Nephropathy Foundation.

A full copy of H.R. 9891 is available here.

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Kean Hosts Federal Transit Administration at Westfield Train Station alongside NJ Transit Leadership

(August 3, 2026) WESTFIELD, NJ – Last Wednesday, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) toured the Westfield Train Station alongside leadership from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and New Jersey Transit.

Building upon his work in the New Jersey Senate, Congressman Kean has continued to advocate for a one-seat ride for commuters on the Raritan Valley Line between New Jersey and New York. Implementing a one-seat ride during peak hours will eliminate the need for commuters to transfer trains when travelling from New Jersey to Penn Station, saving hours of time with family and economic cost.

In June, Congressman Kean wrote to the Federal Railroad Administration in support of New Jersey’s Transit’s grant application for investments in the Hunter Flyover Project in Newark, NJ. Congressman Kean has also advocated for the completion of the Gateway Project. These projects are critical steps toward expanding one-seat ride service between the Raritan Valley Line and New York City.

“I am leading the fight in Congress to make sure the Gateway Tunnel Project is built to completion,” said Congressman Kean. “I have made Gateway a top priority because it is indispensable to our state’s economy and the daily lives of thousands of commuters. From Gateway to the Hunter Flyover and improvements throughout the Raritan Valley Line, I will continue bringing federal, state, and local leaders together, fighting for the necessary investments, and keeping these projects moving forward until the job is done. I will not allow anyone to delay, diminish, or push aside any of New Jersey’s critical transit priorities.”

“FTA is proud to partner with Congressman Kean in delivering safe, reliable, and efficient transportation systems to New Jersey's 7th Congressional District,” said FTA Associate Administrator for Communications and Government Affairs Connor Torossian. “He remains a strong advocate for the Garden State's needs in Washington. His advocacy here in Westfield this morning is a testament to that."

In November, he fought for a fare-free shuttle from the Lyons Train Station to the VA center in Bernards Township for local veterans. In 2024, Congressman Kean secured $1 million in federal funding through the Community Project Funding Process to provide a new community senior bus in the City of Linden to improve the city’s transportation program for senior citizens and individuals with disabilities.

Congressman Kean has also advocated for more robust Amtrak services to both the Trenton and Metropark stations, critical connection points on the Northeast Corridor, and has consistently advocated for funding for Amtrak and other transportation services through federal appropriations.

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Kean Introduces Legislation to Make Portable Mortgages Accessible

(August 3, 2026) WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) introduced the Making Ownership Viable for Everyone (MOVE) Act, legislation that would make portable mortgages accessible, allowing homeowners to transfer their existing mortgage rate, term, and balance to a new property. The MOVE Act will require Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, entities that buy mortgages from lenders, to begin purchasing portable mortgages. Making portable mortgages accessible will encourage families to sell their home that is no longer a fit for them, while simultaneously adding more homes to the market to address the housing crisis.

“Homeownership is one of the most important ways New Jersey families build equity, stability, and long-term financial security,” said Congressman Kean. “I have heard directly from residents across our state who feel stuck in homes that no longer meet their needs because moving would mean giving up their mortgage rate. I wrote this bill, the MOVE Act, to give homeowners more freedom, help put more homes on the market, and make the American Dream of owning a home more attainable for families across New Jersey.”

Congressman Kean has led efforts to address housing affordability in the U.S. House of Representatives, including the introduction of the Make American Housing Affordable (MAHA) Act, and the successful fight to restore the full State and Local (SALT) Deduction for middle-class families in New Jersey. In the 2025 Reconciliation package, Congressman Kean fought to quadruple the SALT deduction to $40,000—a major victory for New Jersey homeowners.

Text of the MOVE Act is available HERE.

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Catch Up with Kim -- August 3, 2026 -- Letter from the Congresswoman
August 3, 2026
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Mark Your Calendars for Hill to the Vill: Round 2!

This month, I'm asking for something from you. Please come to one of our From the Hill to the Vill: Community Conversations. You'll find the dates, times, and locations in the flyer above, and I hope you'll consider joining us. These conversations help shape the work I do in Congress. I need to hear what you're experiencing, what's working, what isn't, and where you think we should focus our efforts. Whether your concern is recovery from the typhoons, the cost of utilities, healthcare, veterans' services, tourism, or something entirely different, I want to hear it directly from you. If you've never been to one of these events before, I encourage you to give it a try. Bring your questions. Bring your ideas. Bring your frustrations if you have them. The more I hear from the people I represent, the better I can represent you in Washington. I hope to see you there!


Meeting with Department of War regarding CUC and CNMI Energy Issues

On Tuesday, I met with Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Energy Resilience and Optimization Rebecca Isacowitz to discuss the Marianas longstanding energy challenges, which have been compounded by back-to-back super typhoons and instability in the Middle East. We discussed both immediate and long-term strategies to help address the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation's financial crisis while advancing solutions to strengthen the CNMI’s energy security and resilience. I appreciated Deputy Assistant Secretary Isacowitz’s commitment to working with the CNMI and will continue collaborating with her and our federal partners to identify resources and opportunities that help address our islands’ urgent energy needs.


Rota Blue Coffee Brews New Opportunities with UCC Japan

Rota's coffee story is gaining international attention. Coffee was first cultivated on Rota during the Japanese administration of the Northern Marianas in the early 20th century, when the island was home to a thriving plantation. Decades after World War II, surviving coffee trees discovered on the slopes of Mt. Sabana sparked an effort to revive this forgotten chapter of Rota's history and transform it into a new opportunity for the future. That vision has been made possible through the dedication of longtime CNMI friend and Honorary Tourism Ambassador Kiyokazu Onishi, whose love for the islands spans more than three decades, and Rota's David Calvo, whose leadership has been instrumental in locating, cultivating, and managing the coffee plantation. The project has also benefited from the expertise and partnership of UCC Japan. The development of Rota Blue Coffee has the potential to establish a premium local product while creating new opportunities for agriculture, tourism, economic growth, and stronger ties between the CNMI and Japan. It is exciting to see this remarkable story continue to unfold, and I look forward to the day I can enjoy a cup of Rota Blue Coffee.

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Welcome to the team, Jean

We are thrilled to introduce Jean Choi, the newest addition to the Saipan District Office for the summer. She is heading into her final year at University College London (UCL), where she pursues her degree in Crime and Security Science. She steps into this role with a strong dedication to shaping impactful policies within the community. Throughout the summer, Jean is eager to see how strategic analysis translates into effective public service and local development. I am incredibly excited to welcome her perspective and drive, and we look forward to providing her with an immersive experience in the vital work we do.


White House Announces Christmas Volunteer and Performer Opportunities

First Lady Melania Trump has announced that applications are now open for volunteers and performers to participate in the 2026 Christmas season at the White House. Talented individuals from the Commonwealth may apply for this unique opportunity to represent the Marianas by sharing our spirit of service, culture, and talent at the People’s House. Volunteer decorators must be at least 18 years old, U.S. citizens, and available to serve in Washington, DC, during the Thanksgiving week decorating period. Performers, including school bands, choirs, and holiday-themed entertainers, are also encouraged to apply. Please note that volunteers and performers are responsible for their own travel, accommodations, and other personal expenses. Selected applicants will also be required to complete additional security requirements, including a background investigation. Applications are open through August 28, 2026.


Krishnamoorthi Calls for Removal of Postmaster General Over Effort to Implement Trump's Election Mail Executive Order Federal Courts Have Twice Held Violates the Constitution

WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, today called on the Postal Service Board of Governors to remove Postmaster General David Steiner, accusing him of using the U.S. Postal Service in an effort to implement President Trump's election mail executive order, which federal courts have twice held violates the Constitution. In a letter sent today, Krishnamoorthi also demanded answers about USPS's apparent implementation of the order.

In the letter, Krishnamoorthi argues that Steiner has transformed USPS into a partisan instrument of voter suppression:

"Under your leadership, the United States Postal Service has been transformed into a partisan instrument of voter suppression. You have allowed this institution—trusted for more than two centuries to deliver mail without regard to party or politics—to be pressed into service implementing an Executive Order that federal courts have twice held violates the Constitution."

President Trump's March 31 executive order directed USPS to withhold delivery of mail ballots to voters whose eligibility could not be confirmed against a federally compiled voter list. Twenty-three states and the District of Columbia challenged the order as an unconstitutional usurpation of authority reserved to the states and Congress. A federal district court blocked key portions of the order, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit upheld that injunction, and the Trump Administration has since asked the Supreme Court to allow the order to take effect before the November midterm elections.

Krishnamoorthi also argues that the Trump Administration's representations to the Supreme Court are contradicted by USPS's own apparent implementation efforts:

"The Administration's own filing presents a troubling contradiction. In urging the Supreme Court to allow immediate implementation, the Department of Justice characterized the Executive Order as merely 'general policy guidance' and acknowledged that USPS has not finalized any implementing regulations. Yet USPS's apparent implementation efforts over the past four months tell a different story."

Krishnamoorthi argues that Steiner's repeated refusal to answer Congress has left critical questions about USPS's efforts to implement the executive order unanswered. The letter details how Steiner failed to respond to multiple requests for information, confirmed during Senate testimony his intention to carry out key aspects of the executive order despite ongoing litigation, declined to answer additional questions in writing, and refused to appear voluntarily before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Because of that pattern of obstruction, Krishnamoorthi concludes that Steiner has forfeited the trust required of his office:

"A Postmaster General who will not tell Congress whether his agency is complying with a federal court order, and who will not appear to answer for that silence, has already forfeited the trust the office requires. I am therefore calling on the Postal Service Board of Governors to remove you as Postmaster General, and I will urge my colleagues on the Committee to join that call."

Krishnamoorthi requested responses by August 13, 2026, including answers to the following questions:

Describe, in detail and with supporting documentation, every implementation activity USPS has undertaken pursuant to the Executive Order to date, including any activity undertaken after the district court's injunction and after the First Circuit's July 25 ruling.

Identify all guidance, training materials, or instructions issued to postal employees, contractors, or mail processing facilities regarding the handling of election mail under the Executive Order.

State whether and how USPS has communicated with state or local election officials regarding implementation, including any communications regarding the voter eligibility lists referenced in the order.

Describe, specifically, what implementation-related work has continued, been paused, or been abandoned while litigation remains pending, and reconcile that description with the Department of Justice's July 27 representation to the Supreme Court that the order is merely "general policy guidance" and that no regulations have been finalized.

State whether USPS has suspended, delayed, or modified any implementation activity because of the injunctions issued by the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts or the First Circuit's July 25 ruling, and if not, explain why not.


Larsen Joins Entire WA Delegation in Requesting Expedited Emergency Declaration for Devastating Wildfires in Spokane

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) joined Washington state’s entire Congressional delegation in a letterto President Donald Trump urging him to approve Washington state Governor Bob Ferguson’s request last night for an expedited Emergency Declaration for the devastating wildfires sweeping through Central and Eastern Washington state.

On Saturday, Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide wildfire emergency and issued a statewide burn ban through September 30, 2026. The National Weather Service upgraded the Red Flag Warning on Saturday, to a Particularly Dangerous Situation, which is very rare and typically reserved for extreme fire weather conditions. The Spokane Area Fires consist of the Old Trails Fire burning in northwest Spokane, the Autumn Lane Fire burning near Nine Mile Falls, and the Fairview Fire burning in Mead. Over 700 structures have been lost in the fires so far and over 14,000 structures are threatened, 67,000 people have been evacuated, the three fires have burned over 8,000 acres combined and are still 0% contained, nearly 1,000 firefighters battling fires in the Spokane area, and thousands of more people remain under a Level 3 (Go Now!) evacuation.

“Large and fast-moving wildfires are burning in Central and Eastern Washington. Dangerous conditions, including strong winds, low humidity, and extremely high temperatures, intensified existing fires and ignited new fires, the worst of which started in Spokane and Stevens Counties on Saturday, August 1. According to the Northwest Coordination Center (NWCC), the Pacific Northwest is experiencing wildfire activity not normally seen until much later in the fire season. Between record-setting drought and record low snowpack, the state and Central and Eastern Washington were left vulnerable to fires that burn longer, spread faster, and are increasingly resistant to control,” wrote Larsen and the members of the delegation.

Rep. Larsen joined Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and U.S. Representatives Michael Baumgartner (R, WA-05), Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D, WA-03), Dan Newhouse (R, WA-04), Emily Randall (D, WA-06), Pramila Jayapal (D, WA-07), Kim Schrier (D, WA-08), Adam Smith (D, WA-09) and Marilyn Strickland (D, WA-10) in the letter to President Trump.

“These fires spread rapidly, jumping roads and rivers, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate quickly, with many escaping with little more than they could carry. So far, roughly 700 structures have been destroyed in Spokane, including entire neighborhoods, while many remain threatened. As the fires continue to burn, this number is expected to climb. Hundreds of people have completely lost their homes and farms, and many are prohibited from returning to their homes or neighborhoods as crews continue to extinguish smoldering embers,” the lawmakers continued. “Firefighting crews from around the country, as well as international firefighting forces, have deployed to Washington state and are working overtime to suppress these fires, while National Guard members are assisting local first responders with evacuations and firefighting. Expedited federal assistance will help continue these efforts and ensure that state and local agencies have the resources they need.”

“While local, state, and federal resources deployed quickly to respond to the wildfires, federal assistance is needed as firefighting, evacuations, and emergency shelter operations are ongoing. Expedited federal assistance is critical and will help firefighting crews continue to suppress these persistent wildfires and protect the businesses, farms, schools, healthcare facilities, and residential homes from devastation, all while ensuring those displaced by the fires have the support and resources they need,” the lawmakers concluded.

The full letter is available below and HERE.

Dear Mr. President,

As members of the Washington state delegation, we write in support of Washington state’s August 2nd request for an expedited Emergency Declaration due to the devastating wildfires raging in Chelan, Ferry, Okanogan, Spokane, Stevens, and Yakima Counties. In addition to the counties, the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, and Spokane Tribe of Indians are also listed in Washington’s expedited Emergency Declaration request. We implore you to approve the request for assistance as quickly as possible.

Large and fast-moving wildfires are burning in Central and Eastern Washington. Dangerous conditions, including strong winds, low humidity, and extremely high temperatures, intensified existing fires and ignited new fires, the worst of which started in Spokane and Stevens Counties on Saturday, August 1. According to the Northwest Coordination Center (NWCC), the Pacific Northwest is experiencing wildfire activity not normally seen until much later in the fire season. Between record-setting drought and record low snowpack, the state and Central and Eastern Washington were left vulnerable to fires that burn longer, spread faster, and are increasingly resistant to control.

These fires spread rapidly, jumping roads and rivers, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate quickly, with many escaping with little more than they could carry. So far, roughly 700 structures have been destroyed in Spokane, including entire neighborhoods, while many remain threatened. As the fires continue to burn, this number is expected to climb. Hundreds of people have completely lost their homes and farms, and many are prohibited from returning to their homes or neighborhoods as crews continue to extinguish smoldering embers.

Firefighting crews from around the country, as well as international firefighting forces, have deployed to Washington state and are working overtime to suppress these fires, while National Guard members are assisting local first responders with evacuations and firefighting. Expedited federal assistance will help continue these efforts and ensure that state and local agencies have the resources they need.

While local, state, and federal resources deployed quickly to respond to the wildfires, federal assistance is needed as firefighting, evacuations, and emergency shelter operations are ongoing. Expedited federal assistance is critical and will help firefighting crews continue to suppress these persistent wildfires and protect the businesses, farms, schools, healthcare facilities, and residential homes from devastation, all while ensuring those displaced by the fires have the support and resources they need. We appreciate your prompt attention to the state’s request.

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Rep. Nancy Mace Statement on Beaufort County's Glyphosate Ban in County Parks

BEAUFORT, S.C. (August 3, 2026) — Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC) today applauded Beaufort County Parks and Recreation for announcing a countywide ban on Roundup and other glyphosate-based herbicides in County parks, the first meaningful county-level pesticide safeguard in South Carolina.

Rep. Mace helped strip pesticide-preemption and liability-shield provisions out of the Farm Bill, preserving the right of states and local governments to adopt stronger pesticide protections than federal law requires. She has also supported the bipartisan No Immunity for Glyphosate Act.

"Beaufort County just proved local leadership can move faster than Washington, and get it right.

"For too long, powerful chemical companies have hidden behind federal preemption to keep communities from protecting their own kids, their own water, and their own backyard. Beaufort County said no more.

"This is what Make America Healthy Again actually looks like choosing our children and our wildlife over a chemical company's bottom line.

"We hope every county in South Carolina is paying attention."

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Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart Reflects on the Passing of Former House Committee on Appropriations Chairwoman, Congresswoman Kay Granger

MIAMI, FL – Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26) issued the following statement reflecting on the passing of former House Committee on Appropriations Chairwoman, Congresswoman Kay Granger.

“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my dear friend and former colleague Kay Granger.

Kay was a giant among her peers—a mentor, a leader, and a loyal friend.

She broke barrier after barrier as the first woman elected Mayor of Fort Worth, the first Republican woman from Texas elected to Congress, the first woman to chair the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, and the first Republican woman to chair the full Appropriations Committee.

Kay's legacy of service, leadership, and determination left an indelible mark on both our nation and on me and my family.

Thank you, Kay. You will be deeply missed!"

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MATSUI, THOMPSON, BERA, AND LOCAL LEADERS HIGHLIGHT NEW FEDERAL HOUSING LAW BENEFITS FOR SACRAMENTO

Sacramento, CA – Today, Representatives Doris Matsui (CA-07), Mike Thompson (CA-04), and Ami Bera (CA-06), held a press conference to discuss how the newly enacted 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act will help Sacramento build and preserve more affordable housing. The Representatives were joined by Councilmember Phil Pluckebaum and Kecia Boulware, deputy executive director of development at the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency (SHRA).

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is the most significant bipartisan federal housing legislation enacted in decades, giving communities news tools to preserve affordable housing, rehabilitate aging homes, and build more housing faster.

“Too many Sacramento families are spending more of every paycheck on rent, and too many young people are wondering whether they can afford to build a future here,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “This law gives SHRA and our local partners better tools to renovate public housing, prepare sites for construction, and reduce federal delays that drive up costs. Mirasol Village shows what Sacramento can accomplish when strong local leadership has the right federal support, and I will work to make sure these programs are fully funded and put to work for our community.”

“The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is a huge first step in tackling our housing crisis in California,” said Congressman Thompson. “This bill will help us build more housing, lower mortgage and rental costs, and expand home ownership opportunities. I was proud to support this historic, bipartisan legislation and I will continue to work to ensure this is rolled out quickly so our communities can get the support they need.”

“Too many hardworking families in the Sacramento region are doing everything right but still cannot afford a place to live,” said Congressman Bera. “The ROAD to Housing Act will help cut red tape, unlock publicly owned land, and accelerate the construction of affordable housing. I’m grateful to Congresswoman Matsui and Congressman Thompson for their leadership on this issue and look forward to working with them to ensure this new law helps families across our region have a fair shot at homeownership, economic security, and the American Dream.”

The event was held at Mirasol Village, where a $30 million HUD Choice Neighborhood grant helped renovate the former Twin Rivers public housing community with new affordable and mix-income homes. Mirasol demonstrates how federal investment can help local agencies prepare sites, put construction crews to work, and create more housing options for Sacramento families.


Federal Disaster Relief for Massachusetts Farmers, Secured by McGovern, Finally on the Way

WORCESTER, MA – Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA) announced today that over $42 million in federal disaster relief he secured in December 2024, is finally heading to Massachusetts farmers.

The money comes from a $220 million New England disaster block grant program written by McGovern and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), enacted into law by President Biden in late 2024. Designed specifically to support small and mid-sized producers—particularly those in states like Massachusetts who are often shut out of traditional U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs—the program compensates farmers for crop losses and storm-related damage to on-farm infrastructure sustained during severe weather events in 2023 and 2024.

“I’m thrilled our farmers will finally get the relief they were promised,” said McGovern. “Trump Administration policies are raising costs on producers and making it even harder to farm. This funding will not only help farmers recover from devastating losses, but it will also help Massachusetts continue to build a resilient regional food system that will feed families across our commonwealth. I am grateful to Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner Ashley Randle and Deputy Commissioner Winton Pitcoff, State Senator Jo Comerford, and former State Representative Natalie Blais for their leadership in making this relief for farmers possible."

McGovern and DeLauro, top Democrats on the Rules and Appropriations Committees, repeatedly pushed top USDA officials in letters, phone calls, and meetings to comply with the law and release the funds—ultimately forcing the Trump Administration to do so. Massachusetts recently executed its contract with USDA, and this week is announcing a process for impacted farmers to apply for funding to support their continued farming operations.

Massachusetts is home to nearly7,100 farms—roughly 2,000 of which lie in Hampshire, Hampden, and Franklin Counties, areas devastated by 2023 flooding of the Connecticut River and battered by multiple severe weather events. Many small farms in the region are ineligible for crop insurance or find USDA aid programs too cumbersome to access, putting them at higher risk of closure following natural disasters.


McIver Statement on Report of Latest Death at Delaney Hall

NEWARK, N.J. – Amid reports that another detainee has died in ICE custody at Delaney Hall, Congresswoman LaMonica McIver (NJ-10) released the following statement:

“Reports that another person has died in ICE custody at Delaney Hall are heartbreaking and deeply disturbing—but tragically, they’re not unexpected. This is a pattern of abuse and neglect.

“I know about Delaney Hall and I know that cruelty is at its core. Even after the deaths, violence, abuse, and mistreatment of those inside, Republican leaders, even in our own state, deny the truth and refuse to act. Anyone who doesn’t see these heinous acts for what they are is choosing to do so.

“I am praying for the deceased and his family, and I will keep working to shut down Delaney Hall and abolish ICE before more innocent lives are lost.”

In December 2025, another detainee died in ICE custody at Delaney Hall. The facility sits within McIver’s district, and is at the center of the Trump administration’s case against her. McIver faces 17 years in prison after ICE escalated a routine oversight visit in May, 2025, leading to baseless federal charges from the Trump DOJ. The case is ongoing.

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Ninth District Traveling Staff Office Hours for August

Congressman Griffith’s Ninth District STAFF will be available at the following locations during the month of August.

August 11, 2026

Tazewell County (Bluefield): 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Town of Bluefield Council Chambers

112 Huffard Dr

Bluefield, VA 24641

Buchanan County: 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Town of Grundy Offices

1185 Plaza Dr.

Grundy, VA 24614

August 12, 2026

Scott County: 9:00 am – 10:30 am

County Administrator’s Office

Conference Room

190 Beech Street

Gate City, VA 24251

Lee County: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Lee County Sheriff’s Office

Conference Room

33640 Main Street

Jonesville, VA 24263

Wise County (Big Stone Gap): 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm

Big Stone Gap Municipal Complex

216 Wood Ave. E

Big Stone Gap, VA 24219

August 13, 2026

Giles County: 9:00 am – 10:30 am

Town of Pearisburg Offices

Council Chambers

112 Tazewell Street

Pearisburg, VA 24134

Bland County: 9:00 am – 10:30 am

Bland County Courthouse

First Floor Conference Room

612 Main Street

Bland, VA 24315

Wythe County: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Wythe County Sheriff’s Office

Conference Room

245 South 4th Street

Wytheville, VA 24382

Radford: 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm

Radford Recreation Building

200 George Street

Radford, VA 24141

Smyth County: 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Smyth County Administrator’s Office

Conference Room, Suite 100

121 Bagley Circle

Marion, VA 24354

Pulaski County: 2:30 pm – 4:00pm

Pulaski County Administration Building

First Floor Conference Room

143 3rd Street NW

Pulaski, VA 24301

August 18, 2026

Craig County: 9:00 am – 10:30 am

Craig County Courthouse

108 Court Street

New Castle, VA 24127

Roanoke County: 11:30am – 1:00pm

South County Library

Meeting Room

6303 Merriman Road

Roanoke, VA 24018

August 19, 2026

Carroll County: 9:00 am – 10:30 am

Carroll County Administration Building

County Administrators Office, Conference Room

605 – 1 Pine Street

Hillsville, VA 24343

Galax: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Galax Municipal Building

Conference Room

111 E. Grayson Street

Galax, VA 24333

Grayson County: 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm

Grayson County Administration Building

Board of Supervisors Room

129 Davis Street

Independence, VA 24348

August 20, 2026

Tazewell County (Tazewell): 10:00 am – 11:30 am

American Legion Building

226 Central Avenue

Tazewell, VA 24651

Russell County: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Town of Lebanon Government Offices

72 Gibson Street

Lebanon, VA 24266

August 25, 2026

Dickenson County: 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Center for Education & Research

First Floor Conference Room #155

818 Happy Valley Drive

Clintwood, VA 24228

Norton: 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm

High Knob Destination Center

Conference Room

1147 Laurel Avenue SW

Norton, VA 24273

Wise County (Wise): 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm

Wise County Courthouse

Law Library, Second Floor

206 E. Main Street

Wise, VA 24293

August 26, 2026

City of Martinsville: 10:00 am – 11:30 am

City Hall, Room 32

55 W. Church St

Martinsville, VA 24112

Patrick County: 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm

Patrick County Administration Building

Conference Room

106 Rucker Street

Stuart, VA 24171

Floyd County: 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Town of Floyd Government Offices

Community Room

203 East Oxford St

Floyd, VA 24091

August 27, 2026

Bedford County: 9:00am – 10:30am

Town of Bedford Municipal Building

First Floor Conference Room

215 E. Main Street

Bedford, VA 24523

Franklin County: 12:00pm – 1:30pm

Franklin County Government Center

Conference Room B-23

1255 Franklin Street

Rocky Mount, VA 24151

** Please contact the Christiansburg Office at 540-381-5671 or the Abingdon Office at 276-525-1405 with any questions.

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Nunn Secures $500,000 Federal Investment for New Highway 141 Interchange in Johnston

“Johnston has been one of the fastest-growing communities in Iowa for more than a decade, and our infrastructure needs to keep pace,” said Rep. Nunn. “Anyone who drives Highway 141 knows these intersections were never designed for the traffic they carry today. This investment helps eliminate dangerous crossings, improves emergency response times, eases congestion for thousands of commuters, and better connects Johnston neighborhoods through expanded pedestrian and trail access. It’s exactly the kind of commonsense infrastructure investment that improves safety while supporting continued economic growth.”

Rep. Nunn secured the funding through the FY2026 Community Project Funding (CPF) process. The City of Johnston will administer the federal award through the Federal Highway Administration grant process before the project proceeds to the Iowa Department of Transportation.

The project builds a new grade-separated interchange at Highway 141 and NW Towner Drive, separating local and highway traffic to eliminate at-grade crossings and reduce vehicle conflict points along the corridor. The project also includes improved access management, right-in/right-out intersections, and new pedestrian and bicycle connections that will link Johnston neighborhoods to the region’s growing trail network.

The federal investment is part of a broader infrastructure initiative that has already secured more than $12.8 million toward the project, including a local commitment exceeding $6.3 million. Additional funding is being pursued through a federal transportation grant. Preliminary engineering and environmental review are currently underway, with the project expected to be bid in fall 2026 and construction anticipated to begin in 2027.

Local leaders praised the investment and its impact on the community.

“This project represents years of planning and collaboration by the City of Johnston, Polk County, the Iowa Department of Transportation and our federal partners,” said Paula Dierenfield, Mayor, City of Johnston. “Today’s announcement is another important milestone in moving this critical project closer to construction. A huge thanks to Congressman Nunn for his efforts in obtaining this $500,000 Community Project Funding grant for the project.”

“The future interchange will be a significant investment in the future growth in Johnston, we look forward to all of the potential benefits and new opportunities that will be created, with the opening of this new project,” said Elizabeth VanGundy, President, Johnston Chamber of Commerce.

“Construction of the interchange will improve traffic flow in a heavily congested corridor while also significantly improving the safety of all the current and future residents who utilize the corridor,” said Dennis McDaniel, Police Chief, City of Johnston.

“As Johnston continues to grow, we have to make sure our infrastructure keeps pace,” said State Rep. Eddie Andrews. “This investment will improve safety, reduce congestion, and help ensure families, businesses, and first responders can travel this corridor more efficiently. I appreciate Congressman Nunn for securing this funding and for continuing to fight for the infrastructure improvements in Washington that keep Iowa moving forward.”

Photos from today’s press conference are available here.

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Rep. Panetta Sponsors Congressional Resolution for the  Federal Recognition of Open-Water  Lifeguards as First Responders

Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) cosponsored a bipartisan resolution to reaffirm that open-water lifeguards qualify as first responders and emergency response providers, and recognize the essential, lifesaving work performed by these individuals. Rep. Panetta joined the resolution that is led by Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04).

“In order to fulfill their duties, lifeguards, just like other first responders, can’t run away from danger, they must run into it,” said Rep. Panetta. “The world recently was able to witness one example of lifeguards’ gallant, lifesaving work, which can occur numerous times on a daily basis, when a bystander’s video captured 16-year-old Ryder Williams run into the rough waves in Santa Cruz, California with dogged determination to save a young boy from drowning. Due to their extensive and constant training, entering into dangerous waters, providing emergency medical care, professionalism, and putting their own lives on the line to protect others, open-water lifeguards live up not just to their name, but also deserve to be federally recognized as first responders.”

The federal definition of a first responder “includes a firefighter, law enforcement officer, paramedic, emergency medical technician, or other individual … who, in the course of his or her professional duties, responds to fire, medical, hazardous material, or other similar emergencies.” Recognizing open-water lifeguards as first responders would help ensure they receive the recognition they deserve, while improving their access to benefits, workplace protections, federal training, grants, and other programs available to emergency response personnel.

Open-water lifeguards conduct essential work and put their lives at risk to protect thousands of beachgoers from injury or life-threatening risks. These individuals can perform water rescues, emergency medical aid, marine fire response, law enforcement support, and rescue-vessel operations in changing surf and marine conditions. They attend to, treat, assist, and transport victims, performing four essential duties of emergency response employees.

In 2024, beach agencies reporting to the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) recorded more than 85,000 rescues, 444,000 medical assists, and 22.8 million preventive actions. California State Parks lifeguards alone perform more than 10,000 swimmer rescues and 1 million preventive actions annually, in addition to conducting swift-water, urban-flood, and technical-cliff rescues and carrying out law enforcement duties. At beaches protected by lifeguards affiliated with USLA, the estimated risk of drowning is less than one in 18 million.


IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Congressman Patronis: Anthony Fauci is a Coward

Congressman Jimmy Patronis, Fox News Live

August 2, 2026

FULL LINK HERE

Image

To view the clip click here.

…

“Look, there were definitely financial impacts to the states based on the bad policies that Fauci put out. I think the guy was a coward when it came to shutting down businesses. He had plenty to say when it came to separating loved ones. He was on MSNBC all the time.”

…

“So, when it finally came time to defend his statements and his decisions, he put his head in the sand. He's a coward. He pleaded the Fifth 111 times, and this is how history will remember him.”

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CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN TO HOLD FOURTH ANNUAL FALL SERVICE ACADEMY INFORMATION SESSION

Congressional nominations are required for U.S. Service Academies

Information session will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 11:00AM to 2:00PM at Monroe-Woodbury High School in Central Valley

Ryan has held numerous Service Academy information sessions to inspire future military leaders, expand awareness of nomination process, and reach a diverse applicant pool

CENTRAL VALLEY, NY– Today, Congressman Pat Ryan announced that his fourth annual Fall Service Academy Information Session will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 11:00AM to 2:00PM at Monroe-Woodbury High School, in the auditorium located at 155 Dunderberg Rd in Central Valley, NY 10917. The event is open to the public. Students, parents, and educators interested in learning about the Service Academy nomination process, meeting nomination board interviewers, or discovering other pathways to service are encouraged to attend.

“At West Point, I learned to live a life grounded in duty, honor, and service to our county. Nominating the next generation of leaders is an incredible privilege,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “Our military is also one of our most diverse institutions. My goal is to develop an officer corps that reflects our community. This starts by reaching out to everyone in New York’s 18th Congressional District and empowering them with the information and resources to take part in the nomination process - I hope to see any young person interested in pursuing national service there.”

“It’s been a lifelong goal to attend a service academy. This informational event assured me that this dream remains possible,” said Dennis Palacios, a student at Monroe-Woodbury High School and attendee of the spring 2023 workshop. “Each service academy representative was kind and encouraging. They also provided useful information on cadet life and tips to strengthen my application. Many thanks to Congressman Ryan and the service academy/ROTC representatives for hosting such an incredible event!”

“Applying to a Service Academy is an involved process, so getting to meet with people familiar with that process is crucial,” said Major General (Ret.) Glenn Lesniak, Service Academy Selection Board Chairman, West Point ‘76. “Plus, serving in the Military is about interacting with other people. Attending a Service Academy Fair provides that interpersonal experience and gives you a sense of culture and what to expect from people who have lived it. It’s much better than an internet search and a critical resource for anyone considering enrolling in one of our exceptional Service Academies.”

Congressman Ryan graduated from the United States military Academy at West Point in 2004 and is the first West Point graduate to represent the Academy in Congress. Ryan serves on the House Armed Services Committee, which oversees the United States Service Academies.

Applicants to the United States Air Force, Merchant Marine, Military, and Naval academies must first receive a nomination from a member of either the U.S. Senate or U.S. House of Representatives or can receive service connected nominations if they are currently enlisted in the U.S. Military. The U.S. Air Force, Military, and Naval academies also accept nominations from the U.S. President and Vice President. The United States Coast Guard Academy does not require a nomination. Nominated applicants then must apply to and receive an appointment from the respective U.S. Service Academy itself.

U.S. Service Academies provide appointees with a four-year, tuition-free undergraduate education. Graduates are then commissioned as officers in their respective military branch and serve for a minimum five-year commitment.

Each applicant for a nomination must meet the following baseline eligibility requirements as of July 1st of the year of admission to an academy:

Age: Be at least 17 years old, but not have passed the 23rd birthday

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen

Marital Status: Must be unmarried, not pregnant, and without legal obligation to support children or other dependents

Residence: Must reside within the boundaries of the 18th Congressional District of New York

Skill / Fitness: Must meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the Academy

Applications must be received by the office no later than October 30, 2026, at 5:00pm. Interested constituents can find additional information on the nomination process on Congressman Ryan’s website or by contacting his district offices at (845) 443-2930.

For more information on the Service Academy Information Session, please contact destiny.hallenbeck@mail.house.gov or call (845) 443-2930.

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Pingree Urges MaineHealth to Preserve Labor and Delivery Services at Lincoln Hospital in Damariscotta

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) is urging MaineHealth to preserve labor and delivery services at Lincoln Hospital in Damariscotta, warning that closing the unit would have far-reaching consequences for families, health care workers, and communities throughout the Midcoast.

In a letter to MaineHealth President and CEO Dr. Andy Mueller and MaineHealth Chair of the Board of Trustees Marie McCarthy, Pingree acknowledged the challenges facing rural hospitals, while encouraging them to do everything in their power to keep the unit open.

"Lincoln Hospital has a long history of providing safe and quality care to maternity patients," Pingree wrote. "I sincerely appreciate that there are structural challenges to the continued delivery of that care, but the consequences of a closure—on patients, hospital staff, and the surrounding towns—could be devastating. I urge you to explore every possible avenue to preserve access to labor and delivery services in Damariscotta."

She also raised broader concerns about the steady decline of maternity care across Maine, noting that the state has lost 10 birthing units over the past decade, while warning that continued closures could jeopardize the ability of families to live and raise children in rural Maine.

Maine has lost 10 of its 23 hospital-based labor and delivery units over the past decade. Nationally, a 2024 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that 52.4% of rural hospitals no longer offered obstetric care in 2022, contributing to growing maternity care deserts across the country.

In the U.S., maternal mortality remains far higher than in most other high-income countries, with persistent racial and geographic disparities in outcomes.

Pingree acknowledged that addressing the crisis will require stronger federal support for rural health care—including protecting Medicaid, expanding the rural health care workforce, and improving reimbursement rates. She pledged to continue advocating for those priorities in Congress, while working with Maine providers to preserve access to maternity care.

On Saturday, dozens of community members, health care providers, patients, and local leaders gathered outside the MaineHealth headquarters in Portland to raise awareness about the impacts of the closure.

The MaineHealth Board of Trustees is expected to vote on the proposal this week.

The full text of Pingree's letter is available here and copied below.

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Dear Dr. Mueller and Ms. McCarthy,

I understand that MaineHealth is currently deliberating over the future of labor and delivery services at MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital. As that process continues, I’m writing to echo the deep concerns I’ve heard from constituents about the potential impact that closing the unit would have on families and communities across the Midcoast.

Lincoln Hospital has a long history of providing safe and quality care to maternity patients, guiding new parents through all kinds of childbirth experiences. I sincerely appreciate that there are structural challenges to the continued delivery of that care, but the consequences of a closure – on patients, hospital staff, and the surrounding towns – could be devastating. I urge you to explore every possible avenue to preserve access to labor and delivery services in Damariscotta.

Beyond the specific circumstances at Lincoln Hospital, I fear the continued erosion of maternity care access statewide. I delivered all three of my children at hospitals in the Midcoast that no longer provide labor and delivery care. In total, Maine has lost 10 birthing units in just the past decade. We must decide to draw a line somewhere, or risk sending the message that you cannot raise a family in Maine outside of our biggest cities.

Rural maternity care that is truly sustainable will require substantial policy change – from restoring the historic cuts to Medicaid in President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, to training more providers across rural settings, to boosting reimbursement rates. I’m committed to advocating for that change on the federal level, and I welcome your continued partnership in that fight.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Chellie Pingree

Member of Congress

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NEWS: Pressley, Markey Release Report Showing Success of Fare-Free Transit in Massachusetts

Report calls for passage of their Freedom to Move Act, which invests $25 billion in public transit

Fare Free Transit Reduces Costs for Travelers and Boosts Transit Ridership

Report (PDF)

BOSTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Co-Chair of the Future of Transportation Caucus, and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA), member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today released a new report, Making Transit Free, Frequent, and Reliable: Massachusetts shows the need for federal investment in fare-free transit, detailing the need for increased federal investments in fare-free transit. Senator Markey and Congresswoman Pressley are lead sponsors of the Freedom to Move Act,which would provide $25 billion to communities to pilot fare free service and expand existing transit service.

“The data doesn’t lie and this report makes plain what we’ve long known: fare-free transit is essential to building connected communities, improving mobility, and making life more affordable for our families,” said Congresswoman Pressley, Co-Chair of the Future of Transportation Caucus. “Transit equity is an economic, racial, and climate justice issue, and it’s time we invest in public transit as the public good that it is. That’s why Congress must pass our Freedom to Move Act to continue to support fare-free transit across our state and nation.”

“From Worcester to Boston to the Merrimack Valley, Massachusetts is showing the nation what is possible when transit goes fare-free,” said Senator Markey. “Our report shows that fare-free transit saves families money, increases ridership, and helps make transit easier and simpler for passengers. More transit riders can mean less congestion, cleaner air, and safer streets. This report provides a roadmap for bringing those benefits to communities across the country. Congress should pass the Freedom to Move Act and help any community go fare free.”

Massachusetts has become a national leader in fare-free transit through a range of programs serving urban, suburban, and rural communities. Regional transit authorities in Worcester, the Merrimack Valley, and elsewhere have launched systemwide or targeted fare-free service, while Boston has eliminated fares on several heavily used bus routes. The Commonwealth has also supported statewide pilot programs that have helped transit agencies test and expand fare-free operations.

Drawing on data from these efforts, the report examines how fare-free service is working across different transit systems and communities. The Massachusetts experience shows how eliminating fares strengthens public transit when paired with reliable service and sustained investment. It also demonstrates that communities nationwide could pursue similar programs with stronger federal support.

The Massachusetts evidence points to five core lessons. Fare-free transit:

Lowers costs for riders

Brings riders back to transit

Leads to long-term ridership gains

Makes transit easier to operate

Works best when paired with operating support

Senator Markey and Congresswoman Pressley have long championed fare-free transit in Congress. In July 2025, they re-introduced the Freedom to Move Act which would provide $25 billion in funding for transit agencies to offer fare free service and improve on existing transit service offerings.

The Freedom to Move Act would support state and local efforts to promote public transportation as a public good for all by:

Establishing a $5 billion competitive grant program per year to support state and local efforts to implement fare-free public transportation systems;

Investing in efforts to improve the safety and quality of public transportation services, particularly in low-income and historically underserved communities; and

Ensuring grantees use funds to address and close equity gaps in current transit systems.

Rep. Pressley and Sen. Markey originally introduced the Freedom to Move Act in June 2020. Following the bill’s introduction, Senator Markey, Congresswoman Pressley, and then-Councilor Michelle Wu published an op-ed that discussed the bill and the need to fund public transportation as a public good.

In July 2020, the House of Representatives passed the Moving Forward Act that included a fare-free pilot program modeled after the two lawmakers Freedom to Move Act.

In March 2021, Senator Markey and Congresswoman Pressley reintroduced the Freedom to Move Act.

In August 2022, Rep. Pressley and Senator Markey called on the MBTA to make the entire T fare-free for the duration of the Orange Line’s shutdown.

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Rep. Salinas Presses Trump Administration for Updates on Gaza Ceasefire and Peace Plan

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06), alongside Rep. Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), led 63 colleagues in a letter to President Trump requesting updates from the Administration on its 20-point peace plan in Gaza and urging the President to ensure that lasting peace for the Palestinian people in Gaza remains a priority.

Following deadly Israeli strikes in Gaza over the weekend, which threaten to derail the recently announced Hamas disarmament agreement, Rep. Salinas' letter underscores the need for the Administration to remain focused on advancing core elements of the 20-point plan. The letter highlights key obstacles to implementation, including Israel's expanding control of nearly 70% of Gaza, humanitarian aid restrictions, and the stalled deployment of security and political alternatives to Hamas.

Signers include: Reps. Eleanor Holmes Norton, Ro Khanna, Sylvia R. Garcia, Becca Balint, Zoe Lofgren, Mark Pocan, Jamie Raskin, Val Hoyle, Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr., Joaquin Castro, Jonathan L. Jackson, Stephen F. Lynch, James P. McGovern, Betty McCollum, Emily Randall, Steve Cohen, Chris Deluzio, Mike Quigley, Gwen S. Moore, Jill Tokuda, Lateefah Simon, Nydia M. Velázquez, Julia Brownley, Kim Schrier, M.D., Jasmine Crockett, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Maxine Waters, Jared Huffman, Sam T. Liccardo, Mark DeSaulnier, Jennifer L. McClellan, Derek T. Tran, Rosa L. DeLauro, Gabe Amo, Grace Meng, Adelita S. Grijalva, Jahana Hayes, J. Luis Correa, Paul D. Tonko, Donald S. Beyer Jr., Bill Foster, John Garamendi, Judy Chu, Madeleine Dean, Jan Schakowsky, Raul Ruiz, M.D., Chellie Pingree, Jimmy Panetta, Lizzie Fletcher, Lori Trahan, Yvette D. Clarke, Brittany Pettersen, Sean Casten, Mark Takano, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Teresa Leger Fernández, Veronica Escobar, Seth Magaziner, Joe Courtney, Danny K. Davis, Johnny Olszewski, Jr., Robin L. Kelly, Sara Jacobs

The letter is endorsed by: J Street, New Jewish Narrative, Foreign Policy for America, T'ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, and Refugees International.

Click here or see below for the full letter:

Dear Mr. President:

We write to raise urgent concerns about the status of key pillars of the Gaza ceasefire and your 20-point peace plan, and to urge the Administration not to deprioritize Gaza amidst months of focus on other conflicts in the Middle East. We were relieved by the hostage release, initial surge in aid, and end of full-scale military operations last October. But progress on the rest of the 20-point plan has stalled, and we are alarmed to see reports that Prime Minister Netanyahu aims for Israel to control 70% of the Gaza Strip. The 20-point plan called for battle lines to remain frozen in the immediate term, and one of its stated long-term goals is to establish the conditions for Palestinian self-determination and eventual statehood alongside the state of Israel. After ten months of the initiated peace plan, we now request updates from your Administration on the 20-point plan in order to better identify the steps needed to make progress.

Despite the agreement, over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli operations since the ceasefire began, and Israel continues near-daily airstrikes in Gaza. While under the terms of the ceasefire, the Israeli military withdrew to the "yellow line," the demarcation line that left Israel in control of roughly 53% of Gaza, however, the Israeli military now controls nearly 70%. This continued shifting of the yellow line to increase Israeli territory in Gaza, alongside the ongoing military operations, directly contradicts the terms of the ceasefire you negotiated and leaves Palestinian civilians vulnerable.

On the humanitarian front, while there has been improvement since the ceasefire, civilians in Gaza are facing rodent and pest infestations throughout displacement camps, a shortage of fuel and essential medicines, and there has been insufficient rebuilding of the infrastructure needed for sewage, water and electricity. Israeli policies, including overbroad dual-use restrictions and restrictive registration requirements for international NGOs, are making it more difficult for essential goods and services to enter the territory. This also undermines a key component of the 20-point plan, which states both that "full aid will be immediately sent into the Gaza Strip," and "Entry of distribution and aid in the Gaza Strip will proceed without interference from the two parties."

We are also concerned by the stalled process to establish security and political alternatives to Hamas in Gaza. Successful disarmament of a militant group takes time and requires the deployment of a governing entity to marginalize and replace it. Israel's decision not to allow any of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) committee members to enter Gaza has allowed Hamas to seize control of the part of Gaza where almost its entire population lives and provided the Israeli government with a reason to keep the IDF in Gaza and prevent significant reconstruction efforts. Our understanding is that the International Stabilization Force (ISF) has largely stalled, and even certain countries that have committed troops have placed their deployment on hold. While there is a potential opportunity with Hamas' recent announcement of the resignation of its governing arm to hand power over to the technocratic committee, there needs to be a concerted push to allow NCAG committee members to enter Gaza and begin laying the groundwork for transitional governance.

The terms of the 20-point plan provided a roadmap to advance the self-determination and security for both Israelis and Palestinians that are necessary to unlock a stable, integrated Middle East. However, these terms are not coming to fruition, and the lack of progress has the potential to further destabilize the region. Please provide answers to the following questions about key components of the 20-point plan by August 17, 2026 so we can better understand the challenges and weigh congressional action accordingly.

What is your Administration doing to ensure that full-scale war does not resume in Gaza, particularly amidst continued ceasefire violations and reporting that Hamas is recruiting new fighters and Israel is considering another offensive?

What is your Administration doing to address the near-daily, deadly Israeli airstrikes that have killed civilians in Gaza, and do you view these as undermining the ceasefire?

What is being done to enforce the demarcation line and prevent Israeli expansion?

Does your Administration view the deepening Israeli control in Gaza as contradictory to the goal of the 20-point plan, which seeks to establish conditions "for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood"?

What is the Administration doing to address aid shortfalls in Gaza?

When do you expect the ISF will be operational? What is the current status of countries that have committed troops to the ISF, or that you expect to commit troops?

Once deployed, what mechanisms are in place to oversee the ISF and what is the chain of command?

Why has the NCAG not been allowed into Gaza? When does the Administration expect that to change? What is the plan for building support and legitimacy for the committee?

What is the Administration's plan to advance the Hamas disarmament deal announced on July 30, 2026?

What limits has the Administration set on Israeli actions during negotiations on Hamas' disarmament? What is the plan to ensure that progress on reconstruction and humanitarian issues is not contingent on disarmament?

How is the Administration working with Turkey and Qatar to continue applying pressure on Hamas to disarm?

Thank you for your prompt attention to these urgent matters. We look forward to your immediate response.

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