Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA) and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), along with Reps. Beyer (D-VA), Hoyer (D-MD), Chu (D-CA), Pocan (D-WI) and Senators Wyden (D-OR) and Coons (D-DE) led 160 lawmakers in both the House and Senate in introducing the Direct File Act. This legislation would provide millions of Americans with a free and easy tax filing option. 

In 2024, the IRS launched Direct File, a program that allowed taxpayers to file their taxes online, for free, and directly with the IRS. Direct File saved families time and up to $160 each year by cutting out the middleman. And it was overwhelmingly popular with taxpayers— 94% of Direct File users described their experience as “excellent” or “above average,” and more than 70% of taxpayers said they would use Direct File if they were eligible. 

Despite Direct File’s success, the Trump Administration ended the program after extensive lobbying efforts by tax prep giants like Intuit, hiking costs for Americans and making the tax filing experience more cumbersome.

The Direct File Act would reverse the Trump Administration’s decision and codify the Direct File program, building on the success of the Direct File pilot. In particular, the bill:

1. Prohibits the IRS from entering into agreements that restrict its ability to provide free online tax preparation or filing services.
2. Directs the IRS to establish and operate a free online tax preparation and filing program.
3. Directs the IRS to publish an annual report on use levels, patterns of usage, and ways to improve access to Direct File.
4. Directs the IRS to enable seamless integration between state tax filing systems and Direct File, including through information sharing and a new grant program for states.
5. Reduces tax fraud by getting third-party income information to the IRS earlier in the tax season, allowing the agency to cross-check this information before issuing refunds.

“Americans spend too much time and money filing taxes and deserve a free and easy-to-use filing option,” said Congressman Brad Sherman. “The Direct File Act builds on the success of the 2024 pilot program and provides a commonsense tax filing solution saving American families time and money.”

“It’s a no-brainer: Americans should be able to file their taxes easily and for free. Donald Trump canceled Direct File after giant tax prep companies spent millions lobbying to protect their profits,” said Senator Warren. “We’re fighting to lower costs for families by bringing Direct File back and making it the law of the land.” 

“The senseless destruction of the IRS’ popular Direct File program last year was just another example of the Trump Administration going out of its way to make life more difficult for the American people,” said Representative Beyer. “The program allowed hundreds of thousands of Americans to file their taxes easily and for free directly with the IRS instead of being forced to go through middlemen. This legislation would codify this important program and prioritize ordinary Americans already struggling with high costs of living ahead of special interests.” 

“The federal government requires Americans to pay their taxes, thus it ought to provide them a free and easy way to do so. That’s why I helped lead Democrats’ efforts to establish Direct File through the Inflation Reduction Act: to save Americans time and money. That logic is lost on the Trump Administration. Trump may not care about lowering Americans’ costs, but Democrats still do,” said Representative Hoyer. “We will keep fighting to bring back Direct File and to expand it nationwide.” 

“Direct File worked. It saved everyday taxpayers over $5.5 million in tax preparation fees and it saved them time. But Trump and Republicans killed it, because making the tax filing process simple and free doesn’t benefit their billionaire donors and the giant tax prep companies that profit off of confusion and fees. That’s why I joined Representative Brad Sherman and Senator Elizabeth Warren to introduce the Direct File Act of 2026, which would restore and permanently codify the IRS’s free, government-run online tax filing program so more Americans can file their taxes quickly and at no cost. I am committed to ensuring we bring Direct File back and stop Trump from rigging the system against the people it’s intended to serve,” said Representative Chu. 

“Direct File is a popular program that allows Americans to file their taxes for free, cutting out the middleman. But big tax-prep companies like TurboTax and H&R Block pushed the Trump administration to kill it,” said Representative Pocan. “It’s time to bring back Direct File permanently nationwide, saving taxpayers time and money.” 

 

Direct File Act (119th Congress) cosponsors:

House (121) – Brad Sherman*, Don Beyer*, Steny Hoyer*, Judy Chu*, Mark Pocan*, Pete Aguilar, Gabe Amo, Alma Adams, Becca Balint, Nanette Barragán, Joyce Beatty, Suzanne Bonamici, Julia Brownley, Andre Carson, Sean Casten, Kathy Castor, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr., Yvette D. Clarke, Steve Cohen, Herb Conaway, Lou Correa, Jim Costa, Danny K. Davis, Madeleine Dean, Diana DeGette, Rosa L. DeLauro, Suzan K. DelBene, Chris Deluzio, Maxine Dexter, Lloyd Doggett, Sarah Elfreth, Cleo Fields, Lizzie Fletcher, Bill Foster, Valerie Foushee, Lois Frankel, Laura Friedman, Maxwell Alejandro Frost, John Garamendi, Robert Garcia, Sylvia Garcia, Jesús “Chuy” García, Dan Goldman, Jimmy Gomez, Al Green, Adelita Grijalva, Josh Harder, Jahana Hayes, Jim Himes, Steven Horsford, Chrissy Houlahan, Jared Huffman, Glenn Ivey, Sara Jacobs, Pramila Jayapal, Hank Johnson, Robin Kelly, Timothy M. Kennedy, Ro Khanna, Greg Landsman, Rick Larsen, George Latimer, Summer L. Lee, Stephen F. Lynch, John Mannion, Doris Matsui, Sarah McBride, April McClain Delaney, Jennifer McClellan, Betty McCollum, Kristen McDonald Rivet, Jim McGovern, LaMonica McIver, Rob Menendez, Kweisi Mfume, Seth Moulton, Kevin Mullin, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Johnny Olszewski, Ilhan Omar, Frank Pallone, Chellie Pingree, Ayanna Pressley, Mike Quigley, Delia C. Ramirez, Emily Randall, Jamie Raskin, Andrea Salinas, Linda Sanchez, Mark DeSaulnier, Mary Gay Scanlon, Jan Schakowsky, Kim Schrier, Bobby Scott, David Scott, Lateefah Simon, Adam Smith, Darren Soto, Melanie Stansbury, Suhas Subramanyam, Eric Swalwell, Mark Takano, Shri Thanedar, Bennie G. Thompson, Dina Titus, Rashida Tlaib, Jill Tokuda, Paul Tonko, Lori Trahan, Tom Suozzi, Ritchie Torres, Juan Vargas, Marc Veasey, Nydia M. Velazquez, Eugene Vindman, James R. Walkinshaw, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Nikema Williams

Senate (40) – Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.)

 

Endorsing Organizations (115) – Public Citizen, Americans for Tax Fairness, Economic Security Project Action, Groundwork Collaborative, AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers (AFT), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Communications Workers of America, Americans for Financial Reform, National Consumer Law Center (on behalf of its low-income clients), Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Main Street Alliance, Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, P Street, Patriotic Millionaires, Institute for Policy Studies – Program on Inequality, MoveOn, UnidosUS, 20/20 Vision, Advancing CT Together, Alliance for Retired Americans, Allons Babies, Americans for Democratic Action (ADA), Arkansas Asset Builders, Brazilian Worker Center Inc, California Alliance of Caregivers, CASH Campaign of Maryland, Catalyst Miami, Center for New Revenue, Center for the Study of Social Policy, Children’s HealthWatch, Church Women United in New York State, Coalition on Human Needs, Color Of Change, Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, Colorado Fiscal Institute, Community Change Action, Connecticut Voices for Children, Consumer Action, Courage California, Demand Progress, Elevate Idaho Families, End Child Poverty CA powered by GRACE, Fair Share America, Faith in Minnesota, Financial Empowerment Network, Futures Without Violence, Garrett County Community Action Committee, Inc., Golden State Opportunity, Grow Brooklyn, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks!, Housing Action Illinois, Idaho Center for Fiscal Policy, In the Public Interest, Income Movement, Indivisible Georgia Coalition, ISAIAH (MN), Jobs with Justice, LIFT Inc, LIFT-DC, Maine Center for Economic Policy, Maine Equal Justice, MakingChange, Inc, Marion County Commission on Youth (MCCOY), Maryland Center on Economic Policy, Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service, Meals4Families, Minnesota Budget Project, Mothers Outreach Network, My Money Story, National Association of Social Workers, National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, National Council of Jewish Women Los Angeles, National Organization for Women, National Rural Social Work Caucus, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, New Jersey Policy Perspective, New Mexico Voices for Children, Northern Santa Barbara County United Way, Northwest Progressive Institute, Oregon Center for Public Policy, Oxfam America, Prepare + Prosper, Prosperity Indiana, Public Good Law Center, RAISE Texas, Responsible Wealth, RESULTS, RESULTS DC/MD, RESULTS.org-Massachusetts, Rise Up WV, RootsAction, San Diego for Every Child, SiX Action, Social Work Grand Challenge to Reduce Extreme Economic Inequality, State Innovation Exchange, Strong Economy For All Coalition, The Arc of the United States, Touch Stones Financial Wellness Services, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Hidalgo County Texas, Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice, United for a Fair Economy, United for Respect, United Way of Frederick County, United Ways of the Pacific Northwest, Upper West Side Action Group, Vesta Prosperity, Voices for Progress, Washington Anti-Hunger & Nutrition Coalition, Washington State Budget and Policy Center, Women Employed, and Young Invincibles.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

During Rare Disease Week, Bacon & Gottheimer Announce Bipartisan Endorsement from Problem Solvers Caucus for Cameron’s Law

Boosts Rare Disease Research

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) announced that the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus endorsed Cameron’s Law, his legislation to fully restore the Orphan Drug Tax Credit and strengthen investment in research and development for treatments targeting rare diseases.

Cameron’s Law would reverse cuts made under the 2017 Tax Hike Bill that reduced the Orphan Drug Tax Credit by half, a change that has slowed innovation and made treatments for rare diseases even harder to develop and access.

The legislation is named after 8-year-old Cameron Hyman of Wyckoff, New Jersey, who is diagnosed with Sanfilippo Syndrome, a rare genetic disease that affects the central nervous system. Currently, there are no FDA-approved treatments for Sanfilippo Syndrome. Despite scientific advances, more than 90% of rare diseases still do not have therapies or treatments. 

“Cameron’s Law will create incentives, through tax credits, for pharmaceutical companies to create drugs to treat these diseases and get them to patients as quickly and safely as possible. Rare diseases have hit close to home, as two of my staffers have been affected by rare diseases, but thankfully, drugs and treatments were available to them. It is my hope that like them, all those suffering from rare diseases will have increased access to lifesaving drugs,” said Congressman Don Bacon (NE-2). “I’m glad to be a co-lead on Cameron’s Law. Many patients are desperately waiting for drugs, and this bill will incentivize pharmaceutical companies to continue development and trials so they can get these drugs to the people that need them.”

“Families like Cameron’s are counting on Congress to step up,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “By fully restoring this tax credit, Cameron’s Law will help drive critical investment into research for rare diseases — many of which still have no FDA-approved treatments. I’m proud that the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus is backing my commonsense legislation to support innovation, deliver hope to families, and strengthen Jersey’s leadership in life sciences.”

“Cutting the Orphan Drug Tax Credit in half puts life-saving research for rare diseases at risk, slowing progress for patients and families who are counting on medical breakthroughs,” said Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-19). “With the formal endorsement of the Problem Solver’s Caucus, it’s clear that there is strong, bipartisan support behind Cameron’s Law to restore the full tax credit and help ensure that developing treatments for rare diseases remains a priority.  By doubling this credit, we can incentivize innovation, provide certainty for continued investment, and give hope to those who need it most.”

“Regardless of politics, no one wants to watch a loved one suffer, especially from a rare disease with no treatment in sight,” said Congressman Tom Suozzi (NY-3). “Cameron’s Law is a bipartisan measure that rewards ingenuity, innovation, and compassion by incentivizing researchers to take on the enormous risk involved in developing a complex drug for a small number of patients. As Co-Chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus, I’m proud to co-lead this bipartisan bill with Congressmen Gottheimer, Bacon, Panetta, Miller, and Fitzpatrick that puts values above politics, making sure we never leave our most vulnerable without hope.”

“More than 90 percent of rare diseases still have no FDA-approved treatment. That is unacceptable, and demands action. The Orphan Drug Tax Credit has long been a cornerstone of rare disease innovation, helping bridge the gap between discovery and delivery. Weakening it slowed progress in a space where urgency matters most.

Cameron’s Law restores the full 50 percent credit, strengthens incentives for early-stage research, and reaffirms our commitment to families facing the toughest diagnoses. We know this model works. Now we are restoring it—fully and responsibly—to accelerate breakthroughs and save lives,” said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1).

“I’m thankful for PSC’s endorsement of this commonsense legislation,” said Congressman Max Miller (OH-07). “By restoring the Orphan Drug Tax and accelerating the development of life-saving treatments, this bill could make a real difference, and it merits broad support.”  

“BioNJ applauds Representative Josh Gottheimer for his continued leadership in supporting the nation’s rare and orphan disease community. With more than 10,000 rare diseases identified — and only five percent having an FDA‑approved treatment — restoring the Orphan Drug Tax Credit to its pre‑2017 level is essential to accelerating innovation for Patients with few or no therapeutic options. Because life sciences R&D is complex, costly and especially high risk for orphan therapies, strong research incentives are critical to driving breakthroughs where unmet need is greatest. As the second largest biopharma hub in the U.S., including many companies focused on rare diseases, New Jersey is well-positioned to advance this work, and BioNJ urges the rest of the State’s congressional delegation to support this important legislation for Patients and families who cannot wait,” said a spokesperson for BioNJ.

“When Congress created the Orphan Drug Tax Credit (ODTC) as part of the landmark Orphan Drug Act in 1983, they recognized the importance of using every available tool to drive investment in treatments for the 30 million Americans living with rare diseases. However, cutting the credit in half in 2017 weakened one of those critical tools. It is time to restore the ODTC to its original 50% value. Protecting and strengthening this credit is essential to ensuring that patients are not left behind in the search for treatments and cures. The EveryLife Foundation is grateful to the Problem Solver’s Caucus for its endorsement of Cameron’s Law and what it signals about our nation’s commitment to the rare disease community and the urgent need to ensure that research and innovation continue to thrive,” said Jamie Sullivan, Senior Vice President of Policy at Every Life Foundation. 

“During Rare Disease Week, we are reminded that while the Orphan Drug Tax Credit has helped advance hundreds of rare disease treatments, most rare diseases still have no FDA-approved therapy,” said Stacey Frisk, Executive Director of the Rare Disease Company Coalition. “Cameron’s Law would restore a vital incentive and strengthen the fragile ecosystem that makes rare disease innovation possible. RDCC applauds the Problem Solvers Caucus for its bipartisan support and continued leadership on behalf of people living with a rare disease.”

By restoring the full Orphan Drug Tax Credit, Cameron’s Law will incentivize life sciences companies to accelerate research and development for orphan diseases. The bipartisan legislation will also help grow New Jersey’s talent pipeline for high-quality life sciences jobs through expanded training partnerships and apprenticeship programs, ensuring the state remains a national leader in biotechnology and medical innovation.

The bipartisan endorsement from the Problem Solvers Caucus underscores the broad support across the aisle for advancing solutions that improve public health, support American innovation, and help families battling rare diseases.

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

WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which has jurisdiction over the United States Postal Service (USPS), sent a letter to Postmaster General David Steiner raising serious concerns about reports that mail collection boxes across Illinois have been closed or made inaccessible in the lead-up to the March 17 primary election, potentially disrupting voters’ ability to return ballots on time.

“I write with grave concern regarding recent reports that numerous collection boxes throughout Illinois have been closed or rendered unavailable for public use across multiple locations in Illinois in the lead-up to the upcoming primary elections on March 17th,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi wrote. “Constituents and local election stakeholders have indicated that boxes in several communities are locked, removed, or otherwise inaccessible, raising concerns about whether voters who rely on timely mail service to return ballots will be able to do so without disruption.”

In the letter, Congressman Krishnamoorthi underscored the Postal Service’s longstanding responsibility to safeguard Election Mail and maintain public confidence in mail-in voting.

“For decades, the Postal Service has recognized the unique importance of Election Mail as a core public service,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi wrote. “Reliable access to mail collection is especially critical during an election period… Many Illinois voters — including seniors, families of servicemembers, and individuals with limited transportation — depend on nearby collection boxes to ensure that mail-in ballots are transmitted quickly and securely.”

Congressman Krishnamoorthi also warned that reduced access to mail collection infrastructure could undermine confidence in the electoral process.

“Any reduction in access points risks delaying the delivery of election mail and could undermine public confidence in the accessibility of the voting process,” Krishnamoorthi continued. “Ensuring that collection infrastructure is fully operational during this period is essential to supporting the opportunity to participate for every Illinois voter, regardless of circumstance.”

In the letter, Congressman Krishnamoorthi requested documents and information from USPS by March 3, 2026, and posed the following questions:

1. The number and locations of any boxes currently closed or removed

2. The reasons for these closures and steps being taken to restore access where needed;

3. Data from the most recent two federal election cycles showing on-time delivery rates for ballots in Illinois and nationwide.

4. Assurance that Election Mail — including ballots — will continue to receive expedited handling and delivery consistent with the standards applied during the 2022 and 2024 elections.

5. The measures in place to ensure timely processing of election-related mail.

The full letter is available here.

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

Calls on Vought to End “Gross Abuse” and Provide Full Accounting of Reallocated Funds

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Dwight Evans (2nd District of Pennsylvania)

‘In our nation’s 250th anniversary year, Philadelphia continues to be at the heart of Black history in the United States’

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

WASHINGTON – Following the Bureau of Reclamation’s 2026 water allocation announcement for Central Valley Project (CVP) contractors, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) and Adam Gray (CA-13) released the following statement:
“We are not happy. With substantial snowpack this winter and multiple recent years of strong precipitation that have helped lift California out of drought, the initial allocation is not justified. The President claimed he could deliver more water and yet that pledge rings hollow today. The Trump Administration’s allocations are offensive to the farmers of the San Joaquin Valley, one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world. This administration needs to move forward immediately with higher allocations and bring more water to the Valley like they promised.”

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

OLATHE, KS — Today, Representative Sharice Davids visited Olathe to see firsthand how a federal grant she helped secure will improve road safety in the city. The $691,000 grant comes from the Safe Streets and Roads for All program, created by the bipartisan infrastructure law — legislation Davids was the only member of the Kansas delegation to support.

 

“Chatting with folks in Olathe and seeing firsthand how this grant will be used reminded me that road safety is about protecting families, cyclists, and pedestrians every day,” said Davids. “Thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure law, this federal investment will fund speed management, roundabouts, and safety audits that give residents peace of mind and make our streets safer for everyone. Investments like this show how thoughtful federal policy can have a real, tangible impact on communities across Kansas’ Third District.”

 

City of Olathe: $691,200

• Funds will be used to develop a citywide Speed Management Plan, a quick-build compact roundabout, and a road safety audit to inform standards and future projects.

Davids previously released a report examining transportation safety in Kansas’ Third District, which found that 21 percent of the state’s pedestrian crash–related deaths in 2020 occurred within the district. The grant highlighted today will help address these safety challenges and improve outcomes.

 

“We know being able to drive throughout Olathe in a safe and timely manner is a top priority for our residents, and it is for us as well,” said John Bacon, Mayor, Olathe. “This grant money will help us protect our residents while also improving the quality of life for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. Thank you to our federal partners for your support of Olathe.”

 

The bipartisan infrastructure law, which has been called the most fiscally responsible infrastructure bill in the last decade by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is funded through a combination of new revenues and existing savings. To date, more than $3.2 billion has been invested in Kansas through the bipartisan infrastructure law – from expanding statewide rural broadband access, lead pipe replacements in Olathe, safety initiatives in KCK, and long-overdue upgrades to K-68 in Miami County.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), introduced the bipartisan Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources (RNGR) Support Act of 2026. This bill would strengthen Washington State’s wildfire resiliency and the national reforestation pipeline by formalizing the United States Forest Service’s RNGR program. Congresswoman Schrier is joined in introducing this legislation by Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-01).

“As our forests face unprecedented threats brought on by wildfires, drought, and disease, we must take action to strengthen and streamline our national reforestation efforts,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “By codifying the Forest Service’s RNGR program, we can build a robust and effective national reforestation pipeline that supports the long-term health of our forests and public lands and improves our wildfire resilience.” 

“Healthy forests are an irreplaceable piece of our rural communities, our economy, and our environment,” said Congressman Bergman. “That’s why I’m proud to help introduce the RNGR Support Act – a common-sense, bipartisan effort to strengthen America’s reforestation pipeline and expand nursery capacity, including supporting critical facilities like the J.W. Toumey Nursery right here in Michigan’s First District. This legislation will help ensure our states, tribes, and private partners have the resources they need to restore and sustain our forests for generations to come.”

Nationwide, forests face immense danger due to diseases, pests, and climate change. Exacerbated especially by wildfires, the National Forest System faces an extensive reforestation backlog, leaving millions of acres in need. Without proper recovery, ecosystems can be permanently altered, wildlife habitats compromised, and this land can face a heightened risk of catastrophic fire. All these factors culminate in the need to strengthen seed selection, nursery capacity, workforce, and other elements in the reforestation pipeline. 

The RNGR program plays an integral role in addressing increased nursery demand for information regarding the implementation of native species in restoration, reforestation, and conservation projects across the country. While currently underfunded, the existing RNGR program provides crucial information and assistance and, as such, contributes to long-term goals such as sustainability in our nation’s forests, increased timber production, and improved air and water quality. 

The RNGR Support Act would formally authorize the RNGR program and provide it with its own budget line item and funding. Taking this step will solidify the program’s footing and allow it to focus on technical and financial assistance to nurseries, research projects, and provide compelling and accessible online resources.   

The RNGR Support Act would support reforestation efforts and forest health by:  

• Expanding technical assistance and workforce development training to address specialized staff shortages across nursery and seed collection activities. 
• Creating opportunities for State, Tribal, and private nurseries to apply for infrastructure improvement/expansion grants.  
• Allowing RNGR to serve as a convener of nursery, tree improvement, and tree planting interests nationwide, including climate change mitigation, resilience, and adaptation. 
• Establishing dedicated staff for RNGR to expand capacity and impact.  

“The USDA Forest Service Reforestation, Nursery, and Genetic Resources Program (RNGR) represents a key but under-resourced program for providing technical training, coordination, and support to state, private, and tribal nursery efforts,” said George Geissler, Washington State Forester. “The RNGR Support Act will provide additional funding and resources for the RNGR Program while creating opportunities for state, private and tribal nurseries to apply for infrastructure improvements to help these nurseries across the country produce enough seedlings to adequately address the nation’s reforestation needs, while ensuring the seed and seedling supplies are genetically suited to meet the needs of a changing climate.” 

“Post-wildfire areas make up the vast majority of today’s reforestation need. Without timely intervention, these areas are at a heightened risk of conversion and repeated high-severity fire, threatening watersheds, wildlife, and communities. It’s time to scale the full restoration pipeline, not just the planting—from seed collection to seedling cultivation, site prep, and everything in between,” said Rebecca Turner, Chief Policy and Partnerships Officer at American Forests. “The RNGR Support Act strengthens a critical piece of the pipeline by lifting up and leveraging state, Tribal, and private nurseries and increasing coordination across boundaries. American Forests commend Reps. Schrier and Bergman for championing this issue and for their commitment to the long-term health of our nation’s forests.”

“The Puget Sound Partnership is grateful to Congresswoman Schrier for introducing this important legislation,” said Larry Epstein, Puget Sound Partnership Deputy Director. “To recover Puget Sound, we need to dramatically scale up restoration and reforestation efforts, but right now, limited availability of native species can slow that work. This bill will help alleviate those bottlenecks, empower our state agency and tribal partners, and create jobs that will build the restoration workforce of the future.”

The RNGR Support Act of 2026 is endorsed by the Puget Sound Partnership, National Association of State Foresters, American Forests, Bipartisan Policy Center Action, American Forest Foundation, National Association of Forest Service Retirees, National Alliance of Forest Owners, Carbon 180, and American Chestnut Foundation.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Dina Titus (1st District of Nevada)

The U.S. Senate today passed with bipartisan support legislation introduced by Congresswoman Dina Titus to safeguard Southern Nevada’s water security while enhancing environmental conservation efforts.

“Senate passage of this legislation was a critical step in ensuring our water future,” Congresswoman Titus said. “Southern Nevada is the epicenter of the climate crisis with rising temperatures and dwindling water resources. Our precious water supply must be protected. The Horizon Lateral pipeline strikes an important balance. It will protect and enhance water access for Southern Nevada residents and businesses while preserving more of the unique habitat and cultural history of Sloan Canyon. I urge President Trump to sign this critical legislation as soon as possible.” 

The Sloan Canyon Conservation and Lateral Pipeline Act would allow a portion of the Southern Nevada Water Authority’s (SNWA) Horizon Lateral water pipeline project to tunnel beneath the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area (NCA), increasing water reliability for over a million Southern Nevadans, fortifying the region’s water infrastructure against potential outages, and minimizing disruptions and impacts to the surrounding communities from water infrastructure projects.

The legislation also would expand the 48,438-acre Sloan Canyon NCA by 9,290 acres to enhance the preservation of the desert landscapes and habitat unique to Southern Nevada. The Sloan Canyon NCA contains the Sloan Petroglyph Site, which includes thousands of petroglyphs created by native cultures.

The legislation was approved by the House late last year and now will be sent to President Trump for his signature.

The Southern Nevada Water Authority has affirmed its support for the legislation, emphasizing the significance of ensuring water service reliability for the Las Vegas Valley. “This legislation increases water service reliability for more than one million residents and hundreds of businesses in Southern Nevada, helping ensure the long-term viability of our regional water system while also expanding and protecting environmental resources for our community,” said John Ensminger, General Manager of the Southern Nevada Water Authority.

Background:

The proposed underground route beneath Sloan Canyon NCA is estimated to save Southern Nevadans at least $200 million while minimizing disturbances to both residents and the local environment.

Additionally, this route ensures the water delivery system’s redundancy in emergency situations and offers flexibility to accommodate the needs of a growing community.