Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

Reps. Don Beyer (D-VA) and Ryan Zinke (R-MT) today introduced the Wildlife Road Crossings Program Reauthorization Act to make permanent the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Wildlife Crossings Program and authorize funding through 2031. The Wildlife Crossings Program is a competitive grant program established under the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to address the concerning rate of wildlife-vehicle collisions by supporting wildlife crossing projects that reduce these roadway collisions, protect migration corridors, and improve species habitat connectivity.

“Every year, more than 1 million wildlife–vehicle collisions are reported across the United States, resulting in human and wildlife fatalities and costing billions of dollars in damages. We know there are proven solutions – such as culverts, bridges and tunnels that allow animals to migrate safely – to reduce these incidents and save lives,” said Rep. Beyer. “Our bill would invest in these solutions by reauthorizing the Wildlife Crossings Program and allowing it to continue funding wildlife-friendly transportation infrastructure that saves lives, lowers costs, and improves road safety for drivers and wildlife alike.”

“Wildlife crossings save lives and are good for healthy herds,” said Rep. Zinke. “As the Secretary of the Interior I launched the first federal effort to protect big-game migration corridors and dedicate federal dollars to crossings in the west. This bill locks in the progress we started, keeps the funding flowing to the states and tribes that need it most, and ensures Montana families don’t have to risk their lives or lose the wildlife we all cherish driving to work or school.” 

Full text of the Wildlife Road Crossings Program Reauthorization Act of 2025 is available here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has announced that it has approved Virginia’s Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Final Proposal. This achievement puts Virginia one step closer to securing federal funding to support broadband development in Virginia, including in rural underserved areas.

In response to this news, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA), member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, issued the following statement:

“The Virginia BEAD proposal has immense potential to bridge the digital divide, deliver high-speed internet and usher in a new era for rural communities in Virginia. This recent NTIA approval of Governor Youngkin’s plan is welcome news. I commend the Commonwealth for its diligent work to make broadband opportunities and access a reality in rural Virginia.” 

BACKGROUND

As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee which has jurisdiction over broadband, Congressman Griffith was previously able to waive onto the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology hearing to advocate for greater broadband access in Virginia’s Ninth District. In 2024, he pressed an official from the NTIA and encouraged approval of Virginia’s BEAD program proposal submitted by Governor Youngkin.

After the 2024 hearing, the NTIA announced approval of Virginia’s Initial Proposal to access BEAD program funding, allowing the state to request over $1.4 billion. Rep. Griffith commented at the time, “Governor Youngkin and the Commonwealth of Virginia put together a great plan under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program to close the digital divide and equip rural Virginia with access to broadband. After my office and I actively monitored the status of Virginia’s proposal and encouraged NTIA, Virginia moves a step closer to expanding broadband for Virginians.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced today that the House Democratic Caucus has approved Adelita Grijalva to be appointed to the Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Committee on Natural Resources.

“Today, I am honored to announce that the Democratic Caucus has approved Rep. Adelita Grijalva to be appointed to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce and the House Committee on Natural Resources. As a former school board member and the daughter of the former Chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources, Rep. Grijalva will be a powerful advocate for our nation’s students and teachers, for the men and women of organized labor and for the environment.

After 50 long days of Republican delay tactics, Rep. Grijalva has been sworn in as a Member of Congress. We are proud to welcome her into our family and look forward to her principled service on behalf of the American people.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar released the following statement opposing H. Res. 878:

”Congressman Chuy García has been a progressive champion and voice for the voiceless in his community for decades, fighting to make life better for the least, the lost and the left behind throughout his entire public service career. He is a good man who has always prioritized the people he represents, even while experiencing unthinkable family tragedy. We unequivocally oppose this misguided resolution and urge our colleagues in the House Democratic Caucus to reject it.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Eric Swalwell (CA-15)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA) announced that the House of Representatives passed the Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Enhancement Act unanimously on November 17, a bipartisan victory that will make air travel safer, more consistent, and more humane for parents traveling with breast milk, formula, and feeding equipment. The bill will now go to the President to be signed into law. 

The BABES Act is co-led in the House by U.S. Representatives Maria Salazar (R-FL), Brittany Pettersen (D-CO), and Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL). U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced companion legislation in the Senate, co-led by Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), and Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI).

The legislation requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to strengthen and streamline its screening protocols for breast milk, formula, and related feeding equipment. These improvements will ensure parents can navigate airport security without unnecessary delays, confusion, or the risk of damaging essential nutrition products.

“As a husband and father, I know how overwhelming traveling with a newborn can be. Having a baby in your arms is already a challenge and the last thing mothers should worry about is whether their breast milk or formula will be mishandled at the checkpoint,” said Congressman Swalwell. “This is a huge win for traveling mothers. The BABES Act ensures TSA officers receive proper training and follow robust hygienic standards so parents can travel with confidence. This is about giving families peace of mind and making sure babies have the nutrition they need. I’m proud this bill passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support.”

“I am proud to co-lead this much-needed law to protect families and the essential breastmilk, formula and baby food their children depend on,” said Congresswoman Salazar. “For years, I’ve heard heartbreaking stories of parents and breastfeeding mothers facing inconsistent policies at airport checkpoints, because of the absence of clear TSA standards. That’s wrong, and the government should never stand between parents and their child’s nourishment while traveling. This bill guarantees clear rules, proper training, and full transparency so parents can travel knowing their baby food will be protected, not mishandled or thrown away.”

“As a mom, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to travel when you are breastfeeding or worried about how to feed your child,” said Congresswoman Pettersen. “Like so many moms, I’ve experienced the frustration of having to throw out milk or pumping supplies, despite them being TSA-approved. Outdated regulations or lack of training shouldn’t add to an already stressful situation. We need clear policies about how TSA handles breast milk, baby formula, and pumping supplies so parents can travel without worrying that they will be confiscated, contaminated or mishandled. I’m glad to see it pass in the House with bipartisan support, a commonsense step to support families and keep our kids safe and healthy.”

“As a mother, I understand how stressful traveling with a young child can already be,” said Congresswoman Luna. “Parents should not have to worry about whether TSA will mishandle breast milk or formula. The BABES Act brings needed consistency, hygiene, and common sense to these screenings so families can travel with confidence. I am glad to join my colleagues in advancing this bipartisan, pro-family legislation.”

“After pushing for this for years, I’m proud that Congress passed this long-overdue legislation to make it easier for new moms to travel with their breast milk and the breastfeeding equipment they need to pump and feed their babies,” said Senator Duckworth. “Our bipartisan legislation will ensure the TSA keeps its employees up to speed on their own policies and updates those policies as necessary. It’s the least we can do to help parents travel through airports with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

 

Background & Need for the Legislation

Unsanitary screenings of breast milk and formula put infants at risk. Lactating parents must breastfeed or pump every few hours to avoid complications like clogged ducts or mastitis. Clear standards and consistent TSA training are essential to keeping families safe.

The BABES Act will require TSA to:

1. Develop clear, updated guidelines for screening breast milk, formula, and feeding equipment in consultation with nationally recognized maternal health organizations;
2. Ensure TSA officers receive enhanced and consistent training on these procedures;
3. Improve communication with parents about their rights at security checkpoints;
4. Update its guidance every five years to reflect changing needs and technology.

The bill also directs an independent government watchdog to audit TSA’s compliance with these policies to ensure accountability and prevent improper handling, like the incident experienced by Emily Calandrelli, host of Emily’s Wonder Lab, whose story helped inspire this legislation.

The BABES Enhancement Act is endorsed by March of Dimes, the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, MomsRising, and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine.

It is also cosponsored by Reps. André Carson (D-IN), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Tim Kennedy (D-NY), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Julie Johnson (D-TX), Seth Magaziner (D-RI), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA), Luis Correa (D-CA), Nellie Pou (D-NJ), George Latimer (D-NY), Tom Souzzi (D-NY), Lauren Underwood (D-IL), and Josh Gotteimer (D-NJ). 
 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Diana DeGette (First District of Colorado)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representatives Diana DeGette (CO-01), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), and Yvette Clarke (NY-09) reintroduced the Frack Pack, a set of five bills aimed at closing loopholes that allow the oil and gas industry to skirt key environmental and public health protections. The legislative package would hold the industry accountable for pollution that threatens clean air, safe drinking water, and the health of communities across the country.

The Frack Pack includes the FRAC Act, the CLEANER Act, the FRESHER Act, the SHARED Act, and the CLOSE Act. 

“For too long, oil and gas companies have enjoyed special exemptions from our nation’s bedrock environmental laws that no other industry gets,” said DeGette. “The Frack Pack would finally put an end to that double standard. These commonsense reforms will protect our air, water, and communities while ensuring greater transparency and accountability in the fracking process. I’m proud to work with leaders like Reps. Huffman, Castor, Schakowsky, and Clarke on these important bills.” 

‘”The fossil fuel industry gets to dump their runoff into stormwater thanks to special exemptions for no good reason – polluting our water supply and putting communities at risk,” said Rep. Jared Huffman. “Why should Big Oil billionaires get to skirt the rules? They shouldn’t. The FRESHER Act closes this loophole to even the playing field and stop them from destroying communities so we can get this public health and environmental crisis under control.” 

“Families deserve clean air to breathe and clean water to drink, and the CLEANER Act is a practical step to make that a reality,” said Rep. Kathy Castor. “By holding polluters accountable and closing loopholes that let dangerous toxins seep into our waterways and neighborhoods, we can make communities healthier. Encourage Congress to move this bill and build a healthier, safer future for every community.” 

“Hydraulic fracking is a serious risk to our water, no matter how much Big Oil and Gas insist it is safe. The truth is, these companies are not even required to report when their fracking activity contaminates the local water supply,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “The SHARED Act is commonsense legislation that would require oil and gas companies to regularly test nearby water sources and disclose the results. Families deserve to know that the water coming out of their tap is safe to drink and use. I am committed to holding the fossil fuel industry accountable. Protecting our clean water is not optional, it is essential.” 

“When a regulatory loophole within the Clean Air Act enables fracking and other environmentally harmful practices to bring dangerous toxins and climate-changing emissions into our communities unimpeded, it’s clear legislative action is necessary to correct the shortcoming and protect the public health. The ‘aggregation exemption’ has, for too long, allowed for an unacceptable status quo in climate policy in America, and it is past time for that to change,” said Rep. Yvette D. Clarke. “I am proud to introduce my legislation, the CLOSE ACT, to address this destructive exemption, just as I am proud to support the Frack Pack as a comprehensive solution towards amending the loopholes that put polluters first and leave the American people last.” 

TheFRAC Act would eliminate the “Halliburton Loophole,” established under the Energy Policy Act of 2005, under which fracking fluids are exempted from regulation under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The FRAC Act would require fracking companies to publicly disclose the chemicals they are pumping into the ground and give the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to regulate the process under its Underground Injection Control program. The oil and gas industry remains the only economic sector exempt from this important program. 

TheCLEANER Act would make oil and gas companies responsible for cleaning up and disposing of hazardous waste that comes from their operations under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), Subtitle C, the country’s hazardous waste management law. 

The FRESHER Act closes the loophole for oil and gas companies in the Clean Water Act and creates a study to better understand the effect of storm water runoff from oil and gas companies. 

The SHARED Act would require testing for water contamination near fracking sites. 

The CLOSE Act would decrease toxic air pollution that comes from oil and gas exploration and production activities and add hydrogen sulfide to the list of hazardous air pollutants regulated under the Clean Air Act. Hydrogen sulfide is an air toxic released during oil and gas exploration and production. Additionally, it would reverse the exemption of oil and gas companies from the Clean Air Act’s aggregation requirement, which allows multiple activities or facilities to be collectively permitted as one single source. 

Rep. DeGette has led efforts in Congress to strengthen oversight of the oil and gas industry and to protect public health from the known impacts of fracking both in the West and across the country. She first introduced the FRAC Act in 2009 and has continued to advocate for greater transparency and accountability in the industry’s practices. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

Headline: Newhouse Votes to End Government Shutdown, Secures Major Funding

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon passage of the Senate package to end the government shutdown out of the House of Representatives. 

“After an unnecessary 43-day shutdown, our government is finally re-opened, and we are making progress on full year funding bills,” said Rep. Newhouse.  “In addition to reopening the federal government, this package includes three of our full year funding bills that my colleagues and I on the Appropriations Committee worked hard to pass this summer. This legislation will directly benefit Central Washington, with over eight million dollars in funding to important projects in our area that I secured as a member of the Committee.” 

Newhouse added, “I thank the Senators who worked together to end this record-long shutdown and for showing the country that we can, and should, work together for the sake of those we represent.” 

On Monday, the U.S. Senate reached an agreement to end the federal government shutdown. The deal includes an amended continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government until January 30, 2026, a package of three of the annual government funding appropriations bills, and a commitment by Senate Leader John Thune to hold a vote on extending the COVID-era Obamacare enhanced premium tax credits. 

The three appropriations bills included in the package was the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture Appropriations bill, the Fiscal Year 2026 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill, and the Fiscal Year 2026 Legislative Branch Appropriations bill.

Rep. Newhouse secured funding in the Agriculture Appropriations bill for projects across Washington’s Fourth District.  

Astria Toppenish Hospital 

Amount: $1,512,000 

Project: Emergency Department Modernization Project 

The current Emergency Department at Astria Toppenish Hospital is outdated, and in certain areas in a state of disrepair, including the exam rooms, corridors, nurses’ station, waiting room, the staff registration areas, and waiting room for patients and families. A newly designed and expanded fast track area will include a centrally located nursing station area and four contiguous patient rooms. A new results waiting area will be added which will include four holding bays for patients waiting for results. The redesigned area will improve efficiency, streamline processes, and minimize delays which will enhance patient care and satisfaction. Most importantly, the enhanced capacity will support the increasing demand for Emergency Services in Yakima County by 30 patients per day, and 10,950 per year. 

Brian Gibbons, President and CEO, Astria Health, said, “We are deeply grateful that $1.5 million has been designated in the FY26 Agriculture Appropriations bill to support Astria Toppenish Hospital’s Emergency Department Enhancement Project. This investment demonstrates a strong commitment to sustaining access to essential healthcare services for the Yakima Valley and surrounding communities.” 

Cathy Bambrick, CEO, Astria Toppenish Hospital, said, “Modernizing and expanding our Emergency Department is vital to preserving high-quality, compassionate care for the underserved populations we serve. This funding will allow us to create a safer, more efficient environment for patients and staff while strengthening our ability to meet the community’s growing healthcare needs.”

Coulee Medical Center 

Amount: $3,020,475 

Project: Relief for the Rural Health Workforce Project 

This project will ensure the availability of safe, dependable living space for health professionals working at the hospital, Coulee Medical Center (CMC) proposes the construction of 30 modular housing units. These housing units will be located at an approximately 5-acre CMC-owned property adjacent to the hospital, providing critical care personnel with accessible accommodations that are significantly closer than St. Rita’s. Each unit will span approximately 357 square feet, and will include a bed, bathroom, and kitchen. Based on the current and anticipated demands of CMC staff, 30 units were determined as an appropriate number to maximize the availability of private living staff while leveraging federal investment responsibly and efficiently.  

Kelly Hughes, CEO, Coulee Medical Center, said, “Coulee Medical Center is grateful to Congressman Newhouse for his steadfast efforts to secure federal funding for our Relief for the Rural Health Workforce Project” said Kelly Hughes, CEO of Coulee Medical Center. “This investment will enable Coulee Medical Center to move forward with the construction of safe and accessible accommodations for dedicated healthcare professionals to utilize while they serve our community. We appreciate the Congressman’s partnership on this vital project.” 

Skyline Health Center 

Amount: $3,000,000 

Project: Advancing Rural Surgical Services Project 

As the community of White Salmon, WA continues to grow and expand, so does the need to provide high-quality accessible care. This project will expand Surgical Services by renovating existing facility space and increasing the capacity of Skyline Health to provide new essential services to meet the current community need and prepare for future growth. A modern Surgical Center at Skyline will allow the hospital to recruit specialists and medical staff who will be critical for the hospital’s continued growth of services.  

Matt Kollman, CEO, Skyline Health, said, “Rural communities like White Salmon need reliable, safe, and high-quality healthcare to survive. Choosing to live in a rural community shouldn’t condemn you to second-class care. Skyline has enjoyed a great partnership with our federal delegation, including Rep. Newhouse, that has helped Skyline continue to provide high quality care and to grow to provide for the future needs of our friends and neighbors. Rep Newhouse’s leadership on behalf of Skyline will have generational impact. Rep. Newhouse has always been willing to listen to our hospital and engage with us on the important and complex topic of healthcare. Skyline thanks Rep. Newhouse for his sponsorship of our project in the U.S. House of Representatives.” 

Toppenish Police Department 

Amount: $500,000 

Project: Permanent Police Precinct 

Toppenish, WA faces significant challenges, with crime rates higher than 98.7% of other U.S. cities and higher than any neighboring cities in the region. This underscores the urgent need for proper police infrastructure to support the department and the nearly 10,000 residents it serves. The city has approved the purchase of a building to serve as a permanent police precinct. 

Elpidia Saavedra, Mayor of the City of Toppenish, said, “The City of Toppenish extends its heartfelt appreciation to Congressman Dan Newhouse for his continued support and advocacy. As a predominantly Latino, agricultural, and low-income community, Toppenish faces unique challenges that make federal investment especially impactful. The inclusion of funding for the Toppenish Police Department Project represents a meaningful investment in the safety, stability, and well-being of our residents. We look forward to continued partnership with Congressman Newhouse in future appropriations that will further benefit our residents and advance priority projects within our city.” 

The funding extension includes: 

• Full backpay for federal employees who were furloughed during the shutdown.
• A prohibition on any reduction in force (RIF) of federal employees through January 30, 2026, and nullifies any RIF proposed, noticed, initiated, executed, implemented, or otherwise taken by an Executive Agency on or after October 1, 2025.
• Reimbursements to states that carried out federal programs during the shutdown to prevent a reduction in service.
• A waiver for the pay cap limitation for wildland fire personnel for the duration of the CR and provides the funding at a rate as necessary to continue to fight wildfires.
• Additional funding to support staffing and operating facilities for tribal health.
• Funding for Farm Bill programs until September 30, 2026.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

Today, Representative Rick Larsen advocated additional clarity and communication from the United States Postal Service with regard to mail operations at the Glacier Post Office. 

The full text of Rep. Larsen’s letter to Postmaster General David Steiner is available here and below. 

The Honorable David Steiner
Postmaster General
United States Postal Service
475 L’Enfant Plaza SW
Washington, DC 20260

Dear Postmaster General Steiner:

I am writing to raise concerns about the mail operations at Glacier Post Office, a Contract Postal Unit (CPU) located in Glacier, Washington. This post office is a critical lifeline for the 300 people who call this remote mountainous area in Whatcom County home. Local residents rely on the United States Postal Service (USPS) for their medications, ballots, paychecks, bills and other necessities.

Starting November 7, I began receiving messages from constituents that they were no longer receiving mail at the Glacier Post Office, which has been a fixture in the community for more than 100 years. Local media reported USPS stopped accepting outgoing mail at this location, sparking concern the post office could close altogether.

Closure could force many people in Glacier to travel nearly an hour round-trip to Deming for mail service. This 40-mile route traverses the Mount Baker Highway (SR 542), which can be subject to weather-related hazards like snow and ice. Glacier residents have no home mail service, and the Glacier Post Office is the community’s only connection to essential delivery services.

Since the Glacier Water District took ownership of the Glacier Post Office building in the 1970s, it has not charged USPS to operate out of it. The continuation of mail service at the Glacier Post Office is not only important for this community, but it is also cost-effective for USPS.

Many Glacier residents are rightfully concerned about their mail services and whether the post office will close permanently. I appreciate that the Postal Service has provided some indication that steps are being taken to ensure continuity of operations at the post office. However, concerns remain about a disruption in service and potential closure of the post office. My constituents deserve certainty and open communication. To that end, I request that you provide answers to the following questions no later than December 5, 2025:

1. Is USPS renewing its contract with the Glacier Water District to keep the Glacier Post Office open and operational?
2. What steps is USPS taking to ensure mail services are not disrupted in Glacier?
3. How will USPS communicate its mail service plans to Glacier residents?
4. Will USPS proactively institute new communication practices in Glacier to prevent future confusion over mail service?

Thank you for your attention to this matter. My office stands ready to assist USPS to ensure there are no further delivery disruptions in Glacier, Washington, and I look forward to your timely response.

Sincerely,

Rick Larsen
U.S. Representative
Washington State, Second District

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Scalise (1st District of Louisiana)

NEW ORLEANS, La.—Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Fox News’ The Sunday Briefing to discuss President Trump fighting for lower costs for American families and Democrats’ hypocrisy on the Epstein files. Leader Scalise also highlighted House Republicans’ work to lower premiums for hardworking families.

Click here or the image above to view Leader Scalise’s full interview. 
Excerpts from Leader Scalise’s interview:On President Trump’s historic leadership:“President Trump has done phenomenal things to address the problems that he inherited when Joe Biden was president. We saw so many problems around the world. We had high inflation, high interest rates, high energy costs here at home. President Trump started day one to fix those problems. He’s not going to slow down. I know he has disagreements, even with some of his friends along the way, but he’s not going to be deterred. He is working tirelessly. You know it, you see him in the White House. He’ll come from a trip overseas — I saw him the day after he came from the Middle East, signing historic peace agreements in the Middle East. And the next day is at the White House, continuing to do great things here at home. So this is a President that doesn’t rest, doesn’t stop fighting for the American people.”On Democrats’ hypocrisy on the Epstein files:“Well, it’s a point of hypocrisy that we brought up many times, Peter. We actually brought a motion for unanimous consent the other day to bring up all the Epstein files. And guess who objected on the House floor? It was Democrats. And so, this idea that the Democrats want it, they hid the Epstein files for four years. In fact, some of the things you saw leak just the other day were things that we, House Republicans, got out through James Comer’s Oversight Committee. We had the estate of Epstein finally subpoenaed, and we released a lot of that data. You know, one of the things it showed, Peter, was a Democrat member of Congress texting with Jeffrey Epstein during a congressional hearing, trying to get Epstein’s advice for how to ask questions during a hearing. I don’t hear the mainstream media talking about that. That just came out like two days ago. It’s because of Republican oversight on those Epstein files that the Democrats sat on for four years.”On Senate Democrats blocking House Republicans’ efforts to lower premiums for hardworking families:“Look, Dr. Oz touched on a lot of important things that we’re working with the Trump Administration on. If you go back to, and Dr. Oz alluded to this, when we were moving the Working Families Tax Cut through Congress, we put a provision in that bill called cost-sharing reductions, which is, I’ll translate it in English: It was scored to lower premiums for families, health care premiums by double digits, over 12%, lower premiums in health care. It passed the House. It was in the bill, passed the House, and it was Senate Democrats who fought to get that removed because Senate Democrats do not want premiums to go down. They want to force everybody into Obamacare. What was called, by the way, in law, the Affordable Care Act. Does anybody really think it’s affordable? I mean, my gosh, it’s been 80% higher premiums on families since they passed that law known as Obamacare. Then they try to mask it with hundreds of billions of dollars in bailouts, not to families, but to insurance companies, insurance companies that are seeing record profits. We should not be continuing to bail out insurance companies in Obamacare.“We should give families better options to lower care by things like cost-sharing reductions, association health plans, which would work really well to have small businesses and their employees get more options to lower premiums, health savings accounts, Peter, are highly effective at lowering costs in health care. PBM reform, we passed that through the House, and it died in the Senate under Chuck Schumer. All of those are ideas that are on the table and more that we’re bringing back, and we’re discussing those. We discussed them during the shutdown. We’re going to be bringing more legislation in the weeks ahead, all of them proven to lower premiums and give families more options to control their health care, not to force them into Obamacare at higher costs.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

WASHINGTON – Last week, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) voted in favor of H.R. 5371, the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026, to reopen the government. This bill, which was signed into law by President Trump on November 12th, included a Continuing Resolution (CR) to reopen the government and three full-year appropriations bills that will provide funding for some of our nation’s most important programs. These bills include the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, and Legislative Branch Appropriations Act.

“As a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, I was proud to vote to return to regular order and advance three full-year funding bills,” said Congressman Valadao. “These bills deliver real wins for CA-22—supporting our families and farmers, investing in our rural communities, and improving care for our veterans. I’m especially proud that the Agriculture Appropriations bill includes my Community Project Funding requests for the Kaweah Siphon Resiliency Project and the Tulare County Fire Department. These investments will help boost groundwater levels, protect drinking water quality, and improve emergency response times in underserved communities. Passing this package is an important step forward, and I’ll keep working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to deliver the rest of the full-year funding bills.”

Key investments secured by Congressman Valadao in the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act:

• $3.5 million for the Kaweah Siphon Resiliency Project. 
  • Funds a new siphon for the Main Intake Canal under the Kaweah River, providing surface water supplies to roughly 65,000 acres in the Tulare Irrigation District for irrigation and groundwater recharge.
  • This project will provide surface water to increase groundwater levels, avoid subsidence, and improve groundwater quality throughout the irrigation district’s boundaries, protecting drinking water access for families and preserving the farmland that drives our economy.
• $1.64 million for the Tulare County Fire Department Apparatus Acquisition Project.
  • Funds a new 110’ Aerial Ladder Truck for unincorporated communities in Tulare County including Tipton, Pixley, Earlimart, Terra Bella, and Alpaugh to help improve emergency response times.

Additional highlights from the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act:

• $1.79 billion for the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), including investments to help fight High-Path Avian Influenza (HPAI).
• $1.16 billion for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), including increases for animal health and specialty crop programs and funding to combat emerging diseases like New World Screwworm, chronic wasting disease, and avian influenza.
• $9.957 billion in FSA Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund program loan authorizations to ensure CA-22 farmers and producers can access affordable credit and plan for next year.
• $4.1 billion for Rural Development programs including affordable housing rental assistance, the Section 502 homeownership loan program, and rural broadband grants and loans.
• $37.84 billion for Child Nutrition Programs—an increase of $4.5 billion—including funding for the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and Summer Food Programs.
• $8.2 billion for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and $107.5 billion in mandatory funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help put food on the tables of our most vulnerable.
• $460 million for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program to help feed lower-income senior citizens.
• $1.2 million for the Food for Peace Program and $240 million for the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program. Both programs purchase commodities from CA-22 farmers and producers, helping support our local economy.

Additional highlights from the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act:

• $59.2 billion for direct care at VA facilities.
• $34 billion for community care providers so veterans in rural communities can receive care even if they live far away from a VA facility.
• $18.9 million for veterans’ mental health care.
• $945 million for veterans’ medical and prosthetic research.
• $342.5 million for veterans’ rural health initiatives.
• $1.4 billion for major construction efforts of VA hospitals and cemeteries.

Additional highlights from the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act:

• Fully funds salaries for U.S. Capitol Police sworn officers and civilian personnel to ensure students, families, and visitors are safe when visiting the Capitol.
• Provides resources for the upkeep and maintenance of the historic U.S. Capitol complex.
• Prohibits the purchase of technology and telecommunications equipment from the People’s Republic of China and other foreign adversaries.

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