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Bergman, Golden, Bacon, Suozzi Introduce Bill to Formally Review Mental Health Programs for Servicemembers and Veterans

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-1)

Reps. Jack Bergman (MI-01), Jared Golden (ME-02), Tom Suozzi (NY-03), and Don Bacon (NE-02) have introduced the bipartisan Improving Mental Health Support for Servicemembers and Veterans Act, which would launch a formal review into the effectiveness of the federal government’s mental health programs for Veterans and transitioning servicemembers in an effort to address longstanding accessibility issues.

“I’ve seen firsthand how the transition from active duty to civilian life can be one of the most vulnerable periods in a servicemember’s career. We owe our men and women in uniform more than gratitude – we owe them accountability and results,” Bergman said. “The Improving Mental Health Support for Servicemembers and Veterans Act ensures the Department of War and VA are working together effectively, eliminating gaps and duplication, and delivering real access to mental health care when it matters most. By requiring measurable standards, regular review, and transparency to Congress, this bill strengthens the transition process and helps ensure no Veteran falls through the cracks.”

“When I came home from the Marines, I saw how important it is to have a strong support system in your corner. The VA is full of skilled public servants who do that work, but there’s only so much an individual employee can do about the fundamental gaps in service created by an imperfect system,” Golden said. “I’m grateful for the partnership of Congressmen Bergman, Bacon and Suozzi in the effort to show VA leaders just how lacking the agency’s outreach, rural logistics, and staffing efforts have been.”

“Too many veterans and service members fall through the cracks when transitioning from active duty to civilian life. We have to do better,” Suozzi said. “It’s our responsibility as lawmakers and Americans to make sure that everyone who serves our country receives the healthcare, including mental healthcare, they deserve,” said Suozzi. “It’s common sense to assess and improve veterans’ health services of all kinds as time goes on. This bipartisan bill does just that, and I’m glad to join my colleagues, Congressmen Golden, Bergman, and Bacon, who I also thank for their service. Never forget the vet!”

“The transition to civilian life is one of the most vulnerable periods in a servicemember’s career. We must ensure our mental health screening tools are validated, effective, and connecting people to care,” Bacon said. “The Improving Mental Health Support for Servicemembers and Veterans Act strengthens oversight, improves coordination between the Department of Defense and the VA, and helps ensure no servicemember falls through the cracks. I’m pleased to co-lead this bipartisan legislation with Rep. Golden on this important effort to better support our servicemembers and veterans.”

The Improving Mental Health Support for Servicemembers and Veterans Act would require the Department of Defense-Veterans Affairs Joint Executive Committee (JEC) to assess the effectiveness of their programs and processes in facilitating access to mental health services for veterans returning to civilian life.

Included in JEC’s review would be a complete inventory of the government’s mental health programs, along with metrics, milestones and plans of actions to identify inefficiencies and gaps in programming. There would be a 180-day deadline to present the report to the House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committees.

The legislation would also require the JEC to update its existing Joint Separation Health Assessment (SHA) every two years. The SHA currently uses an outdated process to infrequently catalog veterans’ generalized health needs — an issue that forces policymakers to contend with data that isn’t specific nor timely enough.

“The American Legion is proud to support the Improving Mental Health Support for Servicemembers and Veterans Act,” Matthew Jabaut, chairman of the American Legion’s National Legislative Commission said. “On behalf of our nearly 1.5 million members, we commend Representative Golden for advancing oversight-driven reforms that reinforce mental health support and help ensure no servicemember or veteran falls through the cracks.”

“We are happy that Congressman Jared Golden continues to focus on mental health for our Service Members and Veterans,” said Steve SanPedro, national legislative committee member and chief of staff for the Department of Maine Veterans of Foreign Wars. “These invisible injuries need to be addressed so these men and women can live a healthy life after service to their country.” 

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Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens Statement on Surging Gas Prices From Trump’s Iran War

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

Washington, DC — Today, Congresswoman Haley Stevens (D-MI) released the following statement in reaction to skyrocketing oil prices as a result of Trump’s reckless war with Iran. Overnight, oil prices surged to nearly $120 a barrel because of disruption to oil production in the Middle East and Michigan families are paying for it.

“From the start, the Trump Administration has been a disaster for American families. From his erratic tariffs to his reckless war, it’s clear that Trump’s agenda only causes chaos throughout the world while making life more unaffordable for Americans here at home. America cannot afford the $1 billion a day we’re paying for this war, and American families cannot afford the price hikes for oil and gas we’re seeing because the Trump Administration didn’t anticipate Iran’s response. President Trump rushed into war without a plan, without a justification, and without an exit strategy, and the world is now in more chaos than it was a week ago. It is unacceptable that American servicemembers and innocent civilians are dying while American families pay the price.”

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Norton Reintroduces Bill to Raise Pay of D.C. Superior Court Jurors to Match Pay of Federal Jurors

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) reintroduced her District of Columbia Juror Pay Parity Act, which would raise the pay of D.C. Superior Court jurors to match that of federal jurors.

“The District of Columbia’s local courts oversee crucial matters that impact our residents and the city,” Norton said. “Our jurors deserve equal compensation for this important civic duty that our federal counterparts receive.”

Norton’s introductory statement follows:

Statement of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton on the Introduction of the District of Columbia Juror Pay Parity Act

March 9, 2026

 

Today, I introduce the District of Columbia Juror Pay Parity Act, which would require D.C.’s local trial court, the Superior Court, to pay jurors the same amount federal courts pay jurors.  Currently, the Superior Court pays jurors the same amount federal courts pay jurors, but the Superior Court has sometimes paid less.

  Under the National Capital Revitalization and Self-Government Improvement Act of 1997, Congress assumed responsibility for funding the local D.C. courts.  The local D.C. courts, however, have always been under the direct control of Congress, even when they were funded by D.C.  The D.C. Home Rule Act prohibits the D.C. Council from enacting any law with respect to any provision of Title 11 of the D.C. Code (relating to the organization and jurisdiction of the local D.C. courts).  Under Title 11, the Board of Judges of the Superior Court sets juror pay.

  I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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Congressman Robert Aderholt Announces Major Investment in America’s Defense Industrial Base with Shoals Project

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

MUSCLE SHOALS, Ala – “Congressman Robert Aderholt announced today that the U.S. Navy will hold a landmark ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new defense industrial facility in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, currently scheduled for March 20.”

“This 2.2 million square foot facility will now be a symbol of U.S. defense, anchoring shipbuilding and maritime production in Northwest Alabama. This major investment will be truly transformative for the Shoals area,” said Congressman Aderholt. 

“I worked for nearly six years to bring industry to an unused facility in the Shoals, and that effort came to fruition through the One Big Beautiful Bill. I’m proud to have secured funding to bring shipbuilding capacity to Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District, proving that maritime dominance is not just a coastal priority.”

“This is just the beginning. As current events show, America needs sea power more than ever – Alabama is up to the challenge and we will build a 21st century collaborative campus here that no conventional shipyard or industrial park can rival.”

This facility will bring in thousands of manufacturing jobs and opportunities to Northwest Alabama. More details on the event and the production that will take place here will be released soon.

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Carbajal Announces Significant Federal Funding for San Luis Obispo County Infrastructure Projects

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) announced he secured significant federal funding for two infrastructure projects in San Luis Obispo County. Projects include improvements to the Shell Beach Road shared use path and City of Morro Bay’s stormwater system. 

“Securing these federal investments is about strengthening the everyday safety and quality of life for residents across San Luis Obispo County,” said Rep. Carbajal. “Extending the Shell Beach shared use path will give residents and visitors a safer, more accessible way to move along our coastline, while Morro Bay’s storm‑drain upgrades will help protect homes and businesses from the kind of devastating flooding we’ve seen in recent years. These projects represent a step forward in ensuring San Luis Obispo County’s infrastructure is upgraded to meet the needs of the community.”

The San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG) has been awarded $2,000,000 to extend the shared use path 2-miles north to the intersection of Shell Beach Road and Avila Beach Drive. The Shell Beach Road shared use path extension will improve safety for bicyclists and pedestrians, enhance local and regional mobility, and increase access to retail and commercial services, coastal access points, and trailheads along the corridor.

“We’re thrilled this multimodal pathway will provide a key regional connection through one of the most congested areas in SLO county.  It will link the new roundabout on the Avila Beach Drive & Hwy 101 intersection near the Bob Jones pathway to points south in Pismo Beach and beyond in South County,” said Pete Rodgers, Executive Director at SLOCOG.

The City of Morro Bay has been awarded $250,000 to repair and upsize storm drains, enhance resilience against floods by rerouting lines and constructing new drains. The City of Morro Bay experienced heavy flooding along its Main Street business and residential corridor on January 9, 2023, and March 10, 2023. During these storms, the City’s storm drain system failed to convey water out of the flood zone and other areas.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Congressman Salud Carbajal for his unwavering support and dedication to the city of Morro Bay. We are proud to announce that our city will receive $250,000 in funding aimed at crucial storm drain repairs and strengthening our resilience against future storms. This funding is vital for maintaining and improving our storm drainage system, which is essential to protecting our community from flooding and ensuring the safety of our residence. We are incredibly thankful for Congressman Carbajal‘s continued advocacy for Morro Bay. The funding underscores our commitment to building a safer and more resilient community. Thanks to his support, we can take significant steps towards safeguarding our city and improving the quality of life for all residents,” said Carla Wixom, Mayor of Morro Bay.

The funding, which Carbajal championed over the course of the past year’s federal budget negotiations, was signed into law as part of the annual government appropriations process. 

In the spring of 2025, Rep. Carbajal began to push for funding for these projects through formal requests to the House Appropriations Committee for Fiscal Year 2026.

The funding was secured through the Community Project Funding (CPF) initiative first launched in 2022. Projects must be in the public interest, be good uses of taxpayer dollars, and be certified to not conflict with the representative’s personal financial interests. 

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House Foreign Affairs Ranking Member Meeks Issues Statement on Trump Administration’s Decision to Invoke the Arms Export Control Act’s Emergency Authority to Send Weapons to Israel

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

Washington, D.C. – Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today issued a statement following the Trump administration’s decision to invoke the Arms Control Act’s Emergency Authority for multiple cases of over 20,000 bombs worth over $650 million.

“Today’s invocation of the Arms Export Control Act’s emergency authority to bypass congressional review for two munitions cases to Israel exposes a stark contradiction at the heart of this administration’s case for war. The Trump administration has repeatedly insisted it was fully prepared for this war. Rushing to invoke emergency authority to circumvent Congress tells a different story. This is an emergency of the Trump administration’s own creation.

“Fundamental questions about this unauthorized war remain unanswered: What is the endgame? What preparations have been made to protect American citizens in the region? And how much will this war cost the American people? The administration has provided no credible answers. The American people deserve answers, and Congress must demand them.”

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Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens Statement on Dismal March Jobs Report

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

Washington, DC — Today, Congresswoman Haley Stevens (D-MI) released the following statement in reaction to stunning job loss numbers in February:

“Today’s dismal jobs report finally catches up to what Michiganders have been feeling for months: workers and businesses are finding it harder and harder to get by thanks to Donald Trump’s reckless tariffs. Rather than listen to warnings from top economists, pleas from Michigan families, and orders from the Supreme Court, Donald Trump is doubling down and working to force more pain on Americans at the pump, at the checkout counter, and at the dealership. I will keep fighting to lower costs, end Trump’s painful tariffs, and create more opportunities for Michiganders to get good-paying jobs.”

 

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ICYMI: Stevens, Dingell, Introduce The Justice for Allie Act To Protect Vulnerable Adults From Online Sexual Exploitation

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

Washington, D.C. – In case you missed it, Michigan Congresswomen Haley Stevens and Debbie Dingell introduced the Justice for Allie Act, legislation to protect vulnerable adults from online sexual exploitation and close dangerous gaps in federal law when these crimes cross state lines.

Named for Michigan advocate Allie Hayes, the bill builds on Michigan’s unanimously passed Justice for Allie law and would make it a federal crime to knowingly coerce, manipulate, or entice a vulnerable adult into sending intimate images with the intent to cause harm.

Here’s what Michiganders are seeing and reading about Rep. Haley Stevens fighting to protect vulnerable adults and hold online predators accountable:

WXYZ: Troy woman’s story reaches US Congress with ‘Justice for Allie Act’

By: Brett Kast

  • U.S. Reps. Debbie Dingell, Ann Arbor, and Haley Stevens, Birmingham, have officially introduced the Justice for Allie Act in Congress today — federal legislation modeled closely after the Michigan law, which earned unanimous bipartisan support. The federal version includes language that adds “with the intent to cause harm.”
  • “Allie and her family, they’re pretty convincing. She’s a pretty special person,” Stevens said. “This landmark legislation will put up federal guardrails, federal offenses for those who intend to do harm to exploit those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, no matter their age.”

WLNS: Michigan woman with Down syndrome inspires federal push to shield vulnerable adults from online abuse

By: Brad LaPlante

  • U.S. Reps. Debbie Dingell (D-Ann Arbor) and Haley Stevens (D-Birmingham) are leading a new federal push to crack down on online predators who target adults with disabilities, inspired by the case of a Michigan woman with Down syndrome whose family could not find justice under existing law.
  • The legislation is named for Allie Hayes, a Michigan woman with Down syndrome who was targeted by an online predator in 2017. Because Hayes was over 18, her family discovered there was no clear legal pathway to hold the perpetrator accountable. Her parents, Dawn and Mark Hayes, have spent nearly a decade pushing for changes in both state and federal law.
  • Their efforts helped lead Michigan’s Justice for Allie law, written by state Rep. Sharon MacDonnell (D-Troy) and signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2023 after winning unanimous support in the Legislature. The new bill would implement the model nationwide.
  • “The internet is everywhere — we cannot let online predators evade prosecution simply because their crimes cross state lines,” Stevens said in a statement.

WNEM

  • Two Congresswomen representing Michigan want to take a state law national, proposing legislation they say would close a major gap in fighting sexual exploitation.
  • Representatives Haley Stevens and Debbie Dingell introduced the Justice for Allie Act. Now the legislation would make it a federal crime to knowingly coerce, manipulate, or entice a vulnerable adult into sending intimate images with the intent to cause harm.

WXYZ

  • At just 18 years old, Allie Hayes, who has Down syndrome, was targeted online by a predator who coerced her into sending explicit photos. Well, since then Allie and her family have spent years fighting to protect other vulnerable adults.
  • Well, this moment has been years in the making for Allie Hayes and her family. As you can see in this photo, it was just over two years ago that Governor Whitmer signed Justice for Allie into law, and now, here in 2026 this law could go from the Governor’s desk to the President’s desk.
  • As Allie continued to share her story, she got the attention of lawmakers in Washington like Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and Haley Stevens, who introduced the Justice For Allie Act today in Congress.
  • “And this is a proud moment, and it’s going to be an even prouder moment when we get this bill signed into law.”
  • The legislation is very similar to the law passed in Michigan which garnered strong bipartisan support. The Hayes family hopes for the same here knowing justice for Allie is only justice because of Allie.

WLAJ

  • In Washington, Michigan Representatives Haley Stevens and Debbie Dingell introduced the Justice for Allie Act. It would make it a federal crime to knowingly coerce, manipulate, or entice a vulnerable adult into sending intimate images with the intent to cause harm.
  • The bill closes a major gap in federal law by addressing online sexual exploitation that crosses state lines. The legislation is named for Allie Hayes, a Michigan woman with Down syndrome who was targeted by an online predator in 2017.

WDIV

  • The Michigan woman who inspired the state’s Justice For Allie law is now at the center of a new push in Washington.
  • Congresswomen Debbie Dingell and Haley Stevens have introduced a bill they say would close a gap that let online predators slip through the cracks when the victim is a vulnerable adult, and the crime crosses state lines.
  • Well back in 2023, state law prohibited people from taking advantage of the disabled to make them give up sexually explicit material. The thing is, the law has not gone national, but the Hayes family says it’s about time it goes federal.
  • Now when it comes to that law that’s being proposed by Congresswoman Dingell and Stevens, they’re hoping they can get it through the House during this session of Congress.

WOOD

  • In Washington, Michigan Representatives Haley Stevens and Debbie Dingell have introduced the Justice for Allie Act. It would make it a federal crime to knowingly coerce, manipulate, or entice a vulnerable adult into sending intimate images with intent to cause harm.
  • The bill closes a major gap in federal law by addressing online sexual exploitation that crosses state lines. The legislation is named for Allie Hayes, a Michigan woman with Down syndrome who was targeted by an online predator in 2017.

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As Trump's War Causes Gas Prices to Soar, Krishnamoorthi Calls for Tapping the Strategic Petroleum Reserve

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

WASHINGTON – Following this weekend’s surge in oil prices — with the price per barrel climbing into triple digits, the highest level in four years — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) called on President Trump to act immediately to lower costs at the pump:

“Because of President Trump’s war in Iran, the average price per gallon in Illinois has soared by nearly fifty cents in just the past month. President Trump might say this is a ‘very small price to pay,’ but families struggling to fill their tanks disagree. By now it’s clear that the President started this war with no strategy, no plan to end it, and no concern for its impacts on hard-working Americans.

Today, I am calling on the White House to immediately tap the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to reduce the price of gas. President Trump’s failure to tap the Reserve — which we did most recently when the war in Ukraine began — is inexplicable. It’s simple: Illinois families did not want President Trump’s war, and they certainly should not be forced to pay for President Trump’s war.”

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Davids Announces Major Grant to Replace, Rehabilitate Bus Services in Kansas City

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

Today, Representative Sharice Davids announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded $13.3 million to the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) to purchase replacement buses and rehabilitate a local bus facility in the Kansas City region. The award stems from the recently passed bipartisan funding agreement for Fiscal Year 2026, which Davids helped pass.

“This new federal investment means safer, more reliable buses and better service for the Kansans who depend on public transit every day,” said Davids. “Whether it’s getting to work, school, or a doctor’s appointment, strong transit systems keep our communities moving. I’m proud to help deliver bipartisan results that bring real improvements home to the Kansas City region.” 

Through the Department of Transportation, the Federal Transit Administration’s Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program provides funds to state and local transit agencies across the country to revitalize and purchase buses and vans for transport purposes and renewing previous bus transport facilities.

“We are grateful to our bistate congressional delegation for working so hard to earn this grant award and for their continued support of mobility in the Kansas City region, especially as we prepare for the World Cup,” said Chuck Ferguson, Interim President and CEO, KCATA. “We also appreciate the continued partnership with Unified Government Transit and Johnson County Transit. Together, we are committed to improving transportation options that connect people to opportunities. This grant will improve mobility for thousands of transit riders who depend on bus service every day, expanding access to employment, education, healthcare, and other important services in their communities.”

Davids has a strong record of supporting public services like reliable public transit. She helped secure $100 million in federal funds for local transit agencies ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and hosted local leaders and transportation organizations for a roundtable discussion on the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization bill. The Fiscal Year 2026 budget will invest an additional $9.2 million in Kansas projects, including street signal replacements, intersection improvements, and more for Kansans.