Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)
For generations, the American Dream has been closely linked to homeownership. A strong and sturdy front porch where morning coffee can be enjoyed, a yard where kids can run around and play in the sprinklers on a hot summer’s day, and a kitchen large enough to host friends and family for Sunday dinners. All of it paints the picture of a home where a family can put down roots and build a future.
However, with our housing supply unable to keep up with demand, combined with the rising cost of living and miles of bureaucratic red tape, that dream has continued to slip further out of reach.
This week, House Republicans passed the Housing for the 21st Century Act, a bill that addresses several of the barriers to homeownership by removing unnecessary regulatory barriers, modernizing Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs and requirements, and enhancing community banking operations.
A major topic of discussion across Congress this year has been the need for streamlining our permitting process. The housing industry is also sounding the alarm for needing these reforms, as millions of builders are experiencing permitting delays that severely impact their ability to push construction projects across the finish line. This bill also streamlines the process for builders to get permits approved in a timelier manner by allowing pre-approved home designs, so that homes can be built more quickly.
The Housing for the 21st Century Act supports community and rural banks by modernizing outdated oversight and streamlining exams. These commonsense reforms will ultimately expand local lending to our small businesses, farmers, and families while ensuring a dedication to financial responsibility.
By modernizing HUD programs, reducing unnecessary regulatory barriers to new home construction, and allowing banks to more freely deploy funding, this bill empowers homeowners and renters while strengthening communities and leading to more affordable housing choices for all Americans. Once again, House Republicans continue to advance legislation that works to restore the American Dream to those in Arkansas and across the nation.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)
There are 435 members in the House of Representatives, and each one of us is immensely proud of our districts. The people we serve and our local communities are truly the heart of our nation. Their stories, struggles, and successes are the motivation behind why we do what we do as Members of Congress, and it’s a privilege to advocate for the betterment not only of the individual but also for the infrastructure and communities that support them.
Within the last week, the House was able to successfully pass all twelve appropriations bills under a committee-led, member-driven approach. Included was the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) bill which provided the opportunity to secure funding for specific public projects with a federal nexus.
Once there is an agreed upon overall THUD budget cap each year, the question then focuses on how the funds are distributed across the country. This unique mechanism in the appropriations process allows elected members – not DC bureaucrats – to decide exactly where some of this money should go. After all, shouldn’t that input come from those who best understand the needs of our local communities and are accountable to our constituents in those communities?
Through this distribution process, it was a privilege to secure several wins for the Fourth District that focus on different projects which have now been signed into law by the President.
In the THUD bill, $7 million was allotted for the Highway 82 Railroad Overpass to realign a portion of the highway and construct a five-lane grade separation with the Union Pacific Railroad. This will ultimately increase safety for travelers and provide a five-lane structure in preparation for future widening of the Highway 82 corridor. This project ensures the increased safety, mobility, enhanced economic opportunities, and improved reliability of the regional transportation system.
Additionally, my contribution to the THUD legislation included $11 million for the Texarkana Regional Airport Taxiway-Taxilane construction rehabilitation. This project would improve the primary taxiway at Texarkana Regional Airport to allow for larger and heavier aircraft to operate at the airport and support economic development of the local community and the surrounding region.
Lastly, it was a great privilege to secure roughly $9.2 million for the iconic Army Navy General Hospital for critical upgrades to the property and structure. Ultimately, the demolition, remediation, and stabilization of the property are necessary to mitigate fire risks, secure the site, and remove hazards to public safety. After years of inoccupancy, the property has become a major fire risk, target for vandalism, and threat to the thermal springs which are so beloved by the Hot Springs community.
As a sitting member on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, it is an advantage to have a firsthand understanding of the important role our state’s infrastructure plays in the safety of our communities – especially for our more rural areas. Runways, roadways and bridges connect rural folks with the vital services they need while increasing access to global markets for our local farmers and manufacturers. Together, they work hand-in-hand to foster the security of its residents and the growth of our local economies. It remains a privilege to work on behalf of communities across the Fourth District to secure wins that ultimately invest in the future of our great state.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)
Washington, DC — This week, Congresswoman Haley Stevens, alongside Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) and Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (D-CT), introduced the Addressing Teacher Shortages Act, bicameral legislation to help schools recruit, prepare, and retain the educators needed to support students and strengthen our nation’s education system.
Across the country, school districts are facing persistent teacher shortages that threaten student success. Identifying and hiring qualified educators, particularly in high-demand areas such as special education and science, has become a challenge. This puts even more of a burden on hardworking teachers currently in the strained workforce. Rural communities, high-poverty communities, and communities of color are disproportionately affected by these staffing shortages.
“As the daughter of a public school teacher, I know teachers are the backbone of our education system and the foundation of opportunity for every student,” said Congresswoman Haley Stevens. “Yet in Michigan and across the country, schools are struggling to recruit and retain the educators our students deserve. The Addressing Teacher Shortages Act invests in Michigan’s educators by expanding teacher preparation programs, strengthening mentorship opportunities, and building pathways for the next generation of teachers right here in our communities.”
“Building a stronger education system is one of the smartest investments we can make. I hear from Minnesota schools every year about the shortages they can’t seem to fill, and that it’s only getting worse. Smaller and rural districts particularly struggle to fill spots, but no matter where it is, we can’t seem to hire teachers in key subjects like STEM, technical education and special education,” said Senator Tina Smith. “These shortages hurt our students the most, and that’s why this legislation is so critical. Our kids deserve fully staffed schools.”
“In 2025, the Connecticut Department of Education identified 11 certification areas, ranging from math to special education, as experiencing critical shortages. Teacher shortages affect student outcomes,” said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes. “Expanding the educator pipeline, enhancing professional development, and improving teacher preparation will help attract and retain those we need most into the profession. The Addressing Teacher Shortages Act is a positive step in addressing these issues.”
“Too many school districts are facing educator and staff shortages that directly affect students; shortages mean overcrowded classrooms, increased burnout, and higher turnover. Addressing this problem starts with listening to those in classrooms and providing them the resources and respect they need to do their jobs well. It also means investing more in recruiting and training the next generation of teachers,” said Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers. “Rep. Stevens’ and Sen. Smith’s bill, the Addressing Teacher Shortages Act, is an example of a real solution for this issue, as it provides additional funding to teaching residency programs, mentor programs and ‘grow-your-own’ teacher programs and encourages high school students to consider and train for a career in education.”
The Addressing Teacher Shortages Act would establish a competitive federal grant program that school districts can apply to for five years of funding to strengthen teacher recruitment, training, and retention. The bill also provides staffing resources at the United States Department of Education to help under-resourced communities apply for and access these grants.
The bill gives school districts broad latitude to determine how best to spend the grant money to hire and retain qualified teachers in their communities. Grant funding could be used by school districts and education partners to establish or expand:
Teacher residency and mentorship programs to support early-career educators
“Grow Your Own” programs that recruit graduates and community members to teach in their local schools
“2+2” teacher preparation partnerships between community colleges and four-year universities
Programs encouraging STEM majors to pursue education coursework and teaching careers
Teacher preparation pathways in secondary schools
Funding could also support proven strategies to improve teacher retention, including:
Expanding access to technology for professional development in rural areas
Supporting teachers seeking additional subject certifications, National Board Certification, or credentials to teach Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or dual-enrollment courses
Induction programs for new teachers
Tuition assistance, housing allowances, or stipends for student teachers and early-career educators
Professional development for school leaders focused on leadership and teacher retention
Endorsers of this legislation include: the American Federation of Teachers, the National Education Association, and the Michigan Education Association.
WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), alongside Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Gary Peters (D-MI), led over 30 of their colleagues in reintroducing a bicameral resolution honoring abortion providers and staff by designating March 10, 2026 as “Abortion Provider Appreciation Day.”
The Abortion Provider Appreciation Day resolution affirms that abortion providers are valued as they provide reproductive care despite pressures, restrictions, political interference, and threats to their personal safety. It also highlights the essential role that these providers play in providing safe access to reproductive care, including abortions. The introduction of this resolution follows a 2024 report by the National Abortion Federation, which shows continued incidences of violence and harassment like stalking and death threats directed at patients, abortion care providers, and volunteers.
“On the 30th commemoration of Abortion Providers Appreciation Day, we honor the courage and care of dedicated health providers who deliver essential reproductive health care to patients, even amid threats to their own personal safety,” said Rep. Pressley, House Reproductive Freedom Caucus Co-Chair. “Health care professionals and patients alike deserve safety. While Trump and Republicans attack our bodily autonomy and leave patients and clinical staff at grave risk, we continue to fight for the promise of the fundamental right to reproductive freedom.”
“Amidst Trump and Republicans’ attacks on our fundamental reproductive rights, I am proud to reintroduce this resolution to honor the bravery of health professionals who provide critical care to thousands of patients across the country and help them even in the face of violence, threats, and intimidation,” said Senator Hirono. “As we commemorate Abortion Provider Appreciation Day, we recognize Dr. Gunn’s legacy and the crucial and lifesaving care these health care professionals provide and reaffirm our commitment to protecting and securing reproductive rights for all.”
“I’m proud to again lead this resolution with Senator Hirono honoring the abortion providers and clinic staff who help women and their families receive the safe, quality health care they need,” said Senator Peters. “Despite constant threats and attacks from politicians and judges, they continue to work day in and day out to deliver critical and often lifesaving care. I will never stop fighting to protect these providers and the rights of the women and families that they serve.”
The resolution was inspired by Dr. David Gunn, an abortion provider who was killed outside his clinic in Pensacola, Florida by a white supremacist and anti-abortion extremist in the first known murder of an abortion provider. To honor his legacy, Abortion Provider Appreciation Day was established on March 10, 1996 as a day to show appreciation for the essential, high-quality care that abortion providers and staff provide to their communities and to celebrate their courage and dedication.
“Thirty-three years ago today a cowardly anti-abortion, Christian Nationalist terrorist shot our father in the back three times for the audacious act of getting up and going to work,” said Wendy Gunn and David Gunn, Jr., the children of Dr. David Gunn. “Dad endured relentless harassment and traveled over 1000 miles a week visiting patients in three states to ensure those patients had access to safe and legal abortion/reproductive services because he trusted they, not the government or religious zealots, knew what was in their best interests. While we are honored and humbled that Abortion Provider Appreciation Day is celebrated each year on the anniversary of his assassination, we are despondent and angered by the increased obstacles to access to the level of compassionate care he died to preserve. Our family continues to stand with everyone involved in ensuring everyone has access to safe, legal abortion and other reproductive services on demand and without apology.”
The Abortion Provider Appreciation Day Resolution demonstrates a commitment to abortion providers and staff by:
Recognizing March 10, 2026 as “Abortion Provider Appreciation Day” to celebrate the courage of abortion providers and the high-quality care they provide to patients and families across the country;
Lauding communities who proudly support their abortion providers and staff;
Affirming the commitment of Congress to ensuring the safety of these health professionals, their ability to continue providing the essential reproductive care their patients need, and the right of patients to access abortion care regardless of where they live, free from violence and threats;
Condemning the decisions of the Supreme Court of the United States to limit abortion care, which had a devastating impact on abortion providers and the communities they care for, threatening their livelihoods; and
Declaring a vision for a future liberated from all abortion restrictions and bans, and affirming the commitment of Congress to working toward this future with providers, patients, advocates, and their communities.
“Today and every day, we celebrate abortion providers who provide time-sensitive, essential care and mourn those murdered by anti-abortion violence,” said Alexis McGill Johnson, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “In the face of relentless political attacks, disinformation, and harassment, these providers persist in protecting the freedom and health of millions. We are eternally grateful for their selfless commitment to delivering compassionate judgment-free care. Thank you to all the doctors, nurses, clinicians, counselors, and health care staffers for your resilience and dedication to caring for our communities. Planned Parenthood will never stop fighting to ensure that everyone can provide or receive health care and be free from political interference.”
“At a time when abortion providers are facing escalating violence, political interference, and the erosion of critical protections like the FACE Act, this resolution is a bright light in an increasingly dark landscape,” said Brittany Fonteno, President and CEO of the National Abortion Federation. “NAF members–their clinicians, staff, and volunteers–show up every day with extraordinary courage and compassion to deliver vital care, even as they face harassment, threats, and relentless attacks on access. We are deeply grateful to the members of Congress who recognize what we know to be true: abortion providers are essential, and their dedication should always be honored and appreciated.”
“Abortion Provider Appreciation Day was originally started to counter an act of white supremacist and anti-abortion violence. Over 30 years later, anti-abortion extremists are still doing everything they can to roll back our rights and access, even resorting to violence, harassment, and criminalization,” said Poonam Dreyfus-Pai, Interim Executive Director of the National Network of Abortion Funds. “Abortion funds work with providers on the front lines in their communities every day, despite mountains of barriers, risks, and threats. We must unequivocally support and celebrate everyone who provides abortion care, today and every day. Thank you abortion providers, and thank you to everyone who makes abortion access a reality.”
“Today, on the 30th official Abortion Provider Appreciation Day, I’d like to thank Senator Hirono and Congresswoman Pressley for their continued commitment to celebrating the hard work of the clinic staff and clinicians who make abortion care possible amidst ongoing threats and violence,” said Dr. Jamila Perritt, OBGYN in Washington DC and President & CEO of Physicians for Reproductive Health. “Since the Trump Administration came back into office, we’ve seen tireless attempts to discredit the decades of research showing the safety and efficacy of abortion care. As ICE infiltrates our communities and our neighborhoods are militarized, as attacks on our transgender community members continue to rise, abortion providers go to work every day because they know that abortion impacts all of us. No matter who we are or where we call home, we are all deserving of being able to practice bodily autonomy. Since the fall of Roe, attacks on abortion haven’t stopped. Neither has the steadfast commitment of clinic workers around the country committed to the needs of their communities.”
The Abortion Provider Appreciation Day Resolution is endorsed by Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA), National Abortion Federation (NAF), National Network of Abortion Funds (NNAF), Reproductive Freedom for All, National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW), the Guttmacher Institute, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, National Women’s Law Center, National Partnership for Women & Families, Power to Decide, Reproductive Freedom for All, Ipas, Physicians for Reproductive Health, National Organization for Women, Ibis Reproductive Health, Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS), Unite for Reproductive & Gender Equality (URGE), National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum (NAPAWF), and the National Organization for Women.
In addition to Representative Pressley, the resolution is cosponsored in the House by Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Judy Chu (D-CA), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Jesus “Chuy” Garcia (D-IL), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Julie Johnson (D-TX), John Larson (D-CT), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL), Deborah Ross (D-NC), Andrea Salinas (D-OR), Eric Swalwell (D-CA), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Frederica Wilson (D-FL).
In addition to Senators Hirono and Peters, the resolution is cosponsored in the Senate by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
In her time serving in Congress, Rep. Pressley has fought persistently to protect and advance reproductive justice and ensure fundamental life-saving reproductive health care for all.
On the anniversary of the Dobbs decision, Rep. Pressley introduced the Abortion Justice Act, sweeping, intersectional legislation to address access to abortion care and put forth a comprehensive vision of a just America where abortion care is readily available—without stigma, shame or systemic barriers—for all who seek it, regardless of zip code, immigration status, income, or background.
Rep. Pressley is a lead co-sponsor of the Women’s Health Protection Act (WHPA), bicameral federal legislation to guarantee equal access to abortion care, everywhere.
Rep. Pressley is also a lead co-sponsor of the EACH Act, bold legislation to repeal the Hyde Amendment and help guarantee abortion coverage—regardless of how a patient gets their health insurance.
Shortly before the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, Rep. Pressley led a group of her Black women colleagues in writing to President Biden urging him to declare a public health emergency amid the unprecedented threats to abortion rights nationwide.
Rep. Pressley condemned the Supreme Court’s leaked draft opinion to overturn Roe v. Wade., and implored the Senate to protect abortion rights and slammed the white supremacist roots of anti-abortion efforts.
Rep. Pressley has been outspoken in demanding justice for Adriana Smith, a 30-year-old pregnant mother who was declared brain dead in February and was forced to remain on life support due to Georgia’s abortion ban. In June 2025, Rep. Pressley delivered an impassioned floor speech in which she underscored that Adriana’s case is far too common in the unjust history of denying Black women their dignity, humanity, and right to bodily autonomy – and that GOP abortion bans such as Georgia’s deepen this pain and bar critical healthcare freedom. Rep. Pressley issued a statement after Adriana’s infant son Chance was delivered via emergency Cesarean section and Adriana was taken off life support.
On August 18, 2025, Rep. Pressley issued a statement applauding the passage of the updated Shield Act in Massachusetts, signed into law by Governor Maura Healey this month. The expanded Shield Act strengthens legal protections for people seeking reproductive and gender-affirming care in Massachusetts.
On July 3, 2025, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on the final passage of Republicans’ Big, Ugly Bill that will rip healthcare and food assistance away from millions of people, including in Massachusetts, push reproductive healthcare further out of reach nationwide, and fuel Trump’s unlawful mass deportation agenda.
On July 1, 2025, Rep. Pressley filed an amendment to Republicans’ Big, Ugly Bill to protect and expand reproductive healthcare.
On June 26, 2025, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on the harmful Medina v. Planned Parenthood ruling, the Supreme Court’s decision to allow South Carolina to bar Medicaid patients from receiving healthcare services at Planned Parenthood.
On June 24, 2025, Rep. Pressley joined House Democratic Leadership for a press conference to mark the somber anniversary and renew her calls for comprehensive legislation to protect abortion care and expand access to reproductive healthcare.
On June 23, 2025, Rep. Pressley and the women of the Massachusetts delegation, Whip Katherine Clark (MA-05), Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Rep. Lori Trahan (MA-03) joined Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts President Dominique Lee for a press conference in solidarity with Planned Parenthood as they collectively fight to stop Republicans’ latest attack on reproductive freedom in the GOP’s Big, Ugly Bill.
On May 29, 2025, Rep. Pressley reintroduced a resolution demanding equitable access to reproductive and sexual healthcare for people with disabilities, and designating a day in May as “Disability Reproductive Equity Day.”
On May 21, 2025, Rep. Pressley delivered a powerful speech on the House Floor in which she slammed Republicans’ reconciliation bill that would slash Medicaid, which is necessary to ensuring safe, healthy reproductive care and maternal health nationwide.
On April 3, 2025, Rep. Pressley, alongside Reps. DeGette, Chu, Leger Fernández, Fletcher, Davids, Williams, sent a letter signed by 162 Members urging Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to restore all appropriated funding for Title X providers and coordinate an urgent meeting on the matter.
On March 5, 2025, Rep. Pressley and the Reproductive Freedom Caucus issued a statement condemning Donald Trump’s plans to drop the U.S. government’s case against Idaho’s violation of Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) protections for emergency abortion care.
In January 2025, Rep. Pressley gave an impassioned speech condemning H.R. 21, Republicans’ cruel anti-abortion bill that criminalizes providers and denies families care.
In January 2025, Rep. Pressley was announced as Co-Chair of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus for the 119th Congress.
In September 2024, in a House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee Hearing, Rep. Pressley highlighted the harmful and deadly impact of abortion bans in America to date, and outlined in detail the shameful circumstances under which Amber Nicole Thurman died after being denied necessary abortion care in Georgia.
In May 2024, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on a Louisiana bill that would classify medication abortion drugs mifepristone and misoprostol as controlled substances.
In April 2024, at a House Oversight Committee hearing, Rep. Pressley played “Fact or Fiction” with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Robert Califf to emphasize the safety and efficacy of medication abortion drug mifepristone.
Shortly before the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, Rep. Pressley led a group of her Black women colleagues in writing to President Biden urging him to declare a public health emergency amid the unprecedented threats to abortion rights nationwide.
Rep. Pressley condemned the Supreme Court’s leaked draft opinion to overturn Roe v. Wade., and implored the Senate to protect abortion rights and slammed the white supremacist roots of anti-abortion efforts.
In August 2023, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on the Fifth Circuit Court decision in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA.
In July 2023, Rep. Pressley, alongside Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Rep. Cori Bush (MO-01), and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), reintroduced the Reproductive Health Care Accessibility Act, legislation to help people with disabilities—who face discrimination and extra barriers when seeking care—get better access to reproductive health care and the informed care they need to control their own reproductive lives.
In July 2023, Rep. Pressley applauded the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval of over-the-counter birth control.
In May 2023, Rep. Pressley applauded the FDA Advisory Committee’s unanimous, 17-0 vote to recommend the approval of the first-ever application for over-the-counter birth control. She and Senator Murray also held a press conference applauding the decision and urging the FDA to approval over-the-counter birth control without delay.
In May 2023, Rep. Pressley, along with Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) and Ami Bera, MD (CA-06) and Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), reintroduced their bicameral Affordability is Access Act to ensure that once the FDA determines an over-the-counter birth control option to be safe, insurers fully cover over-the-counter birth control without any fees or out-of-pocket costs.
In April 2023, Rep. Pressley issued a statement condemning the Texas court ruling on mifepristone, and discussed the Texas case in a recent floor speech in which she affirmed medication abortion as routine medical care and access to mifepristone as essential. She later joined Governor Maura Healey, Senator Elizabth Warren (D-MA), and local leaders in announcing action to protect Mifepristone in Massachusetts.
In March 2023, Rep. Pressley, along with Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Reps. Schakowsky, Lee, DeGette, Torres and Strickland, reintroduced the Abortion is Healthcare Everywhere Act harmful and discriminatory Helms Amendment and expand abortion access globally.
In March 2023, Rep. Pressley and Senator Hirono led their colleagues in reintroducing a bicameral congressional resolution honoring abortion providers and clinic staff.
In March 2023, Rep. Pressley delivered a speech in which she discussed the pending court case in Texas, which aims to restrict access to medication abortion across the entire nation. In her remarks, Rep. Pressley affirmed medication abortion as routine medical care, and accessibility to the abortion pill mifepristone as essential.
In September 2021, Rep. Pressley issued a statement condemning the Supreme Court’s inaction on SB-8, Texas’ restrictive abortion law. Later that month, she participated in a House Oversight Committee hearing to examine the threat posed by abortion bans and underscored the urgency of the Senate passing the Women’s Health Protection Act.
In April 2021, Rep. Pressley, along with Congresswomen Barbara Lee (CA-13), Diana DeGette (CO-01) and Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), led a group of 131 Democratic members in reintroducing the Equal Access to Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance Act or the EACH Act, which would repeal the Hyde Amendment and ensure that all people, regardless of income, insurance or zip code, can make personal reproductive health care decisions without interference from politicians. She re-Introduced the legislation In January 2023.
As Chair of the Pro-Choice Caucus’s Abortion Rights and Access Task Force, Congresswoman Pressley led the fight to repeal the Hyde Amendments from annual Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies appropriations bills and in July 2020 published a Medium post on the importance of doing so. She applauded the removal of the Hyde Amendment in President Biden’s FY2022 budget.
In May 2020, she led more than 155 Members of Congress in calling on House Democratic leadership to ensure that any future COVID-19 relief packages rejected Republican efforts to use the public health crisis to diminish abortion access.
In August 2021, Rep. Pressley, Oversight Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney, and Pro-Choice Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Diana DeGette and Barbara Lee led more than 70 of their House Democratic colleagues in introducing a resolution in support of equitable, science-based policies governing access to medication abortion care.
In September 2022, Rep. Pressley hosted U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra at the Codman Square Health Center in Dorchester for a convening on their work to address the Black maternal health crisis and the criminalization of abortion care in states across the nation following the harmful U.S. Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health.
In May 2019, she led more than 100 colleagues in introducing H.Con.Res.40, a resolution reaffirming the House of Representative’s support for Roe v. Wade.
In September 2016, as a member of the Boston City Council, Pressley championed a resolution calling on Congress and President Obama to repeal the Hyde Amendment and reinstate insurance coverage for abortion services.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)
WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) today introduced the Medicare Expansion and Lowering Costs Now Act, legislation designed to lower health care costs for Illinois families by allowing Americans ages 50 to 64 to buy into Medicare, reducing prescription drug prices through direct negotiation, and strengthening Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits. In Illinois, more than two million residents are between the ages of 50 and 64 — a group that often faces significantly higher premiums in the individual market due to age-based pricing. Many also shoulder substantial out-of-pocket prescription drug costs before becoming eligible for Medicare. Nationally,analysts estimatethat millions of Americans could enroll in a voluntary Medicare Buy-In program.
“Across Illinois, I hear from families who are getting squeezed by rising premiums and high prescription drug costs,” said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. “My legislation lowers health care costs in three clear ways: it allows Americans ages 50 to 64 to buy into Medicare, strengthens ACA tax credits to make coverage more affordable for working families, and expands Medicare’s authority to negotiate lower prescription drug prices. By strengthening Medicare’s negotiating power, we can reduce drug costs for seniors and put downward pressure on prices across the system. Illinois families deserve more choices and lower costs.”
Under the legislation, eligible individuals ages 50–64 could voluntarily enroll in Medicare Parts A, B, and D, including Medicare Advantage plans, through a premium-financed Buy-In option structured to avoid increasing overall Medicare expenditures. Enrollees would receive financial assistance comparable to ACA premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions to help ensure affordability. Allowing Americans in this age group to participate in Medicare would also help diversify and strengthen the program’s overall risk pool, as individuals ages 50–64 are generally younger and healthier than the current Medicare population. Research indicates that a Medicare Buy-In option can contribute to greater premium stability across both Medicare and ACA marketplace coverage.
The legislation repeals the Medicare Part D non-interference clause and directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate directly with pharmaceutical manufacturers to secure lower drug prices for beneficiaries. Expanding Medicare’s negotiating authority builds on recent reforms projected to generate billions in savings and reduce out-of-pocket drug costs for seniors.
To further reduce costs and strengthen coverage, the bill removes the 400 percent federal poverty level cap on ACA premium tax credits, enhances sliding-scale affordability protections, establishes a federal reinsurance fund to lower premiums for high-cost enrollees, reauthorizes risk corridor protections, and creates a federally administered Medicare supplemental insurance option to help beneficiaries cover deductibles, copayments, and other out-of-pocket costs.
Summary of the Medicare Expansion and Lowering Costs Now Act
Voluntary Medicare Buy-In for Ages 50–64: Allows eligible Americans to enroll in Medicare Parts A, B, and D, including Medicare Advantage plans.
Reduces Prescription Drug Prices Through Negotiation: Repeals the Part D non-interference clause and expands Medicare’s authority to negotiate directly with manufacturers to secure lower drug prices.
Strengthens ACA Premium Tax Credits: Removes the 400% federal poverty level cap and enhances affordability protections to lower premiums.
Reduces Out-of-Pocket Costs: Establishes a federal Medicare supplemental insurance option to help cover deductibles and copays.
Stabilizes Insurance Markets: Creates a federal reinsurance fund and reauthorizes risk corridor protections to reduce premiums and strengthen marketplace stability.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brett Guthrie (2nd District Kentucky)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The following op-ed by Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, appeared in the Washington Post today.
“The most popular social media platforms are constantly changing and reinventing themselves, but one challenge has remained consistent over three decades: Kids are at risk when they go online.
“Anxiety, depression, loneliness and self-harm rates are sky-high among teens and children, demonstrating the dangerous effects of social media.
“So, who is responsible for protecting America’s youth? Every adult should consider themselves on the hook for that, but those of us in Congress have a special obligation to hold tech companies accountable for the products they design.
“That is why congressional Republicans are advancing meaningful legislation to protect kids, empower parents and guardians, and address the harms children and teens face online.
“We can no longer stand by and wait for others to act.
“We know progress can be made because we have already enacted a major piece of online safety legislation this Congress. Working alongside first lady Melania Trump, we passed — and President Donald Trump signed — the Take It Down Act, which targets the spread of sexually exploitative, nonconsensual AI-generated images.
“While that is a good first step, it is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. As the internet continues to evolve, we know that no single action can address every challenge. What’s needed is a comprehensive approach that puts kids’ well-being and parental empowerment at the center of the digital world.
“Last week, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved the Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act, a legislative package that will protect children and teens from online harms, empower parents and hold Big Tech accountable.
“For starters, the Kids Act represents an improved version of the previously proposed Kids Online Safety Act, preserving the bill’s best ideas while addressing concerns about its constitutionality. After pairing the original proposal with additional measures to strengthen privacy, transparency and accountability across the online ecosystem, this version of the bill is stronger and more capable of surviving court challenges.
“Second, the Kids Act limits access to online pornography for minors. For too long, online websites with adult content have relied on an honor system where every user is assumed to be an adult. We know that isn’t true. Children should not be accessing pornographic content. The Kids Act requires all websites that contain adult content to uphold this basic standard through age-verification measures — just as a brick-and-mortar storefront would.
“Additionally, the act targets new internet threats, like artificial intelligence chatbots or predators using video game chat functions, head-on. Republicans are working to give parents the power to limit those communications as they see fit and to impose strict disclosure requirements on AI chatbots to prevent deceptive messaging.
“Acknowledging that government alone cannot solve this problem, the Kids Act facilitates the development of partnerships among parents, experts and industry to address these challenges and others sure to develop. New educational efforts will help empower a generation of parents to diagnose and respond to digital threats.
“Nevertheless, the Kids Act is not the end of our work.
“The committee also advanced the App Store Accountability Act this week. Unfortunately, smartphones often operate as a hidden layer between children and parents, as kids download apps and buy digital goods without a parent’s permission. Instead of relying on another honor system, the App Store Accountability Act creates a simple, private and secure process to verify users’ ages and require kids to first obtain a parent’s permission. It leverages modern technology to put apps on notice that they are dealing with children and teens and, thus, have heightened safety obligations.
“Another bill we are working on, known as COPPA 2.0, would modernize kids’ privacy protections that are already on the books.
“Until now, 13 has been treated as the age of digital adulthood, a relic of the internet’s early days when Congress enacted the original Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act in 1998. Back then, we never could have imagined how things would develop. Extended privacy protections for teens and a ban on targeted advertising to kids are long overdue.
“Collectively, these bills form a commonsense, comprehensive package designed to make the internet safer for kids. But this is not an academic exercise.
“This work is personal. Some of the loudest, most courageous advocates for reform are parents who have lost children due to online harms. Every member of our committee represents families who have endured unimaginable grief. They deserve more than gestures and idle promises. They deserve laws that work.
“We cannot rely on Big Tech companies that refuse to take responsibility for the products they put into the world. They’ve had years to self-regulate, and they have failed. Now it’s time for Congress to act.
“By advancing this package of bills, we are one step closer to putting American families back on solid footing to make the best decisions about their digital well-being.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)
Last night, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on CNN’s The Story Is with Elex Michaelson, where he emphasized that the taxpayer dollars of the American people should be used to make life better and more affordable for the American people, not to fund Donald Trump’s war of choice.
ELEX MICHAELSON: Mr. Leader, welcome to Story Is for the first time.
LEADER JEFFRIES: Good evening, great to be with you.
ELEX MICHAELSON: What do you think our objective is in Iran, and when is it time to stop the bombing?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, it’s an incredibly important question because the President has failed to articulate a compelling reason for why the United States preemptively struck Iran and has now plunged us into a war of choice, where billions of dollars are being spent to drop bombs in the Middle East. In fact, the entire region is in flames right now, and the President and Republicans are unwilling to actually spend a dime to make life more affordable for the American people, to drop the price of groceries, drop the cost of housing or drop the costs of health insurance to make sure that Americans can afford to go see a doctor when they need one. And so, in my view, we’ve advanced this War Powers Resolution that narrowly failed because the American people understand that this war is not making them safer. In fact, I think it’s creating potential harm to our national security, and the President has not offered a justification as to why this should continue unabated.
ELEX MICHAELSON: Well, we know Iranians, though, have attacked Americans and attacked people throughout the world for years through their proxies as well. We have seen thousands of Americans in the streets thanking President Trump, saying that they are grateful for the U.S. finally acting. A lot of them talk about the fact that their family members were killed by that regime. What do you say to those people?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, Iran is definitively a bad actor and needs to be aggressively confronted, and there are a variety of different tools to be able to do that, including aggressive diplomacy or making sure that the sanctions regime continues to tighten as it relates to what had been put in place by Democrats and Republicans over the years. But on matters of war and peace, I mean, the framers were very clear. They gave Congress the sole authority to declare war, understanding that it’s a serious thing when we decide to put our servicemen and women in harm’s way. And we’ve already lost seven heroic, patriotic, brave service members. And certainly it’s the case that our heart goes out to them and our prayers continue to be with them, and our support will continue to be with their families. But this is a very serious decision. And Donald Trump has not taken it seriously. He’s just unilaterally plunged us into this conflict that now has spread to more than a dozen countries. And has not provided us with a compelling justification, sort of a set of objectives as to what we’re trying to accomplish, and hasn’t provided a strategy as to how this all is going to end.
ELEX MICHAELSON: But we know that U.S. presidents have done military actions without going to Congress before. President Obama did this with Libya. And what leverage do you have to stop what you call an illegal war? What leverage do you have to do something about it?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, unquestionably, it’s an unlawful war of choice that Donald Trump has plunged us into—
ELEX MICHAELSON: How is that different from what President Obama did or other leaders have done when they launched military incursions without going to Congress as well? I mean, doesn’t the President have 60 days to launch military action before he has to come to Congress?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, this isn’t simply a series of military strikes. This is an all-out war against Iran that now involves more than a dozen different countries and the expenditure of billions of dollars, perhaps a day, to drop bombs in the Middle East without a clear objective, a clear strategy or a clear endgame. And so that’s the problem. This is the first President, as far as we can tell, to launch this type of military conflict without bothering to try to convince the American people as to why it is all taking place, to persuade the American people. It’s one of the reasons why we believe that the war is already so deeply unpopular with the American people throughout the country.
ELEX MICHAELSON: So is it time to get out now?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, listen, I think our view as it relates to the resolution that we voted on, that I strongly supported, that the overwhelming majority of Democrats supported along with two Republicans, is that these types of hostilities should cease until there’s an actual debate and the President makes his case to Congress and to the American people and seeks the authorization for the use of military force. There’s no justification for it, but that is what the Constitution requires in our view, and that step, of course, has not been taken.
ELEX MICHAELSON: So right now, there is still a sort of fight and shutdown over DHS funding that started before this war happened. There’s a question now that some have raised about this possibility that Iran may enact its sleeper cells and activate them in the United States. President Trump talked about that today. Here’s some of what he said.
RECORDING OF PRESIDENT TRUMP: Yeah, we know a lot about them. The biggest problem we have is the Democrat shutdown. We know a lot about them, but the shutdown doesn’t allow us to do what we have to do.
ELEX MICHAELSON: So the President saying that Americans are being endangered because the Department of Homeland Security cannot go after Iranian sleeper cells. What’s your response to that?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, the President’s lying to the American people. He’s fear-mongering, and he knows that. Now, Republicans have made the decision they would rather shut down every other aspect of the Department of Homeland Security, which we as Democrats have repeatedly made clear we are prepared to fund—that includes, of course, FEMA and the Coast Guard and TSA and the national security cybersecurity parts of the Department of Homeland Security that are separate and apart from ICE and from the other agencies that have been brutalizing the American people using taxpayer dollars. This is a President who promised to go after the worst of the worst. Instead, ICE agents are targeting law-abiding immigrant families and using taxpayer dollars to brutalize and in some cases kill American citizens, as was horrifically the case with Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti. And unfortunately, the administration has decided that they don’t want to get ICE under control. And so they forced the Congress into a situation where DHS funding is not moving forward. And we’ve indicated, both House Democrats and Senate Democrats, that we are prepared to fund every other aspect of the Department of Homeland Security, while making sure that until ICE enacts the type of dramatic, bold and meaningful changes that force ICE to conduct themselves like every other law enforcement agency in the country, that the DHS funding bill with respect to immigration enforcement interior to the country should absolutely not move forward—
ELEX MICHAELSON: Is there any actual negotiation happening on this front? Are you talking with Republicans in a serious way to come to an agreement?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Yeah, listen, there are ongoing conversations. And as Democrats, we’ve made clear that we will continue to be prepared to sit down with anyone, anytime, any place to discuss how we can move forward in a way that allows for immigration enforcement in this country to be fair, to be just and to be humane. That’s what the American people want to see. And we’re going to continue to support the notion that changes need to be made that are transformational in terms of the way in which ICE conducts itself.
ELEX MICHAELSON: You’re here in California, there was big news when it comes to the California caucus today. Kevin Kiley, who has been a Republican Member of the House, decided to leave the Republican Party and become an Independent, although he’s still caucusing with the Republicans. Right now, he is running as a no-party-preference person after his district was gerrymandered by Democrats, after Texas Republicans gerrymandered their district. And he said that he may be open to being a Democrat in the next Congress. Take a listen.
RECORDING OF REP. KILEY: As far as next term, you know, I think that the appropriate posture as an Independent is to say, I’m going to do whatever serves my constituents. And so that’s a decision that I’ll make at the time. I think, first and foremost, I’ll be looking at what’s going to best lower the cost of living for the folks that I represent.
ELEX MICHAELSON: So Congressman Kiley is actually our guest next. What’s your message? Are you ready to welcome him into the Democratic Caucus?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, I think the Congressman is going to have to explain to the people he hopes to represent in the next Congress why he voted for the Republican One Big Ugly Bill. Think about this: Republicans enacted the largest cut to Medicaid in American history. They literally ripped healthcare away from about 14 million Americans. In that same bill, they enacted the largest cut to nutritional assistance ever, $186 billion taken away, literally ripping food from the mouths of hungry children, seniors and veterans in order to provide massive tax breaks to their billionaire donors, and in the same bill, gave ICE a $75 billion slush fund so that the Trump administration can unleash these violent individuals who are masked and untrained to brutalize the American people and, in some cases, kill them. And so I think the first question for us is going to be, well, does he regret that vote, and does he plan to partner with Democrats to reverse the damage that has been done by the Trump policies to date?
ELEX MICHAELSON: Okay, so if he does, you’re ready to welcome him in, it sounds like.
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, I mean, we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it, but there’s a lot of explaining that he has to do to his constituents and to those of us on the Democratic side of the aisle.
ELEX MICHAELSON: Alright, Hakeem Jeffries, thank you so much for sharing your views. We appreciate it.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)
The legislation is being led by Senator Mark Kelly in the Senate, and Pappas will introduce the House version later this week
Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) is introducing theGas Prices Relief Act of 2026, which would suspend the federal gas tax through October 1, 2026 and provide Americans with badly-needed relief from the historic increase in gas prices as a result of this administration’s actions. According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of gasoline has increased over 21% in the last week, now averaging $3.47 per gallon.
“As Granite Staters continue to grapple with high costs on groceries, housing, and health care thanks to this administration, the last thing they need is to pay even higher prices at the gas pump as a result of Donald Trump’s war in Iran,” said Congressman Pappas. “That is why I’m introducing legislation in the House to suspend the gas tax through October 1, 2026, and provide Americans with badly-needed relief from the historic increase in gas prices we have seen in just the last few days. The legislation would also hold oil companies accountable if they refuse to pass these savings along to consumers. I am grateful to Senator Kelly for leading this critical effort in the Senate, and I remain committed to using every resource available to bring down costs and ensure that families and small businesses are not paying the price for this administration’s reckless actions.”
The Gas Prices Relief Act of 2026 suspends the 18.4 cents per gallon gasoline tax, safeguards and maintains funding for our roads and bridges and gas spill remediation, and holds oil and gas producers accountable if they fail to pass along the benefits of this tax reduction to consumers.
In 2022, Congressman Pappas co-sponsored the Gas Prices Relief Act to suspend the gas tax and led the fight to hold corporations accountable for price gouging and driving up costs for New Hampshire families. In January, he introduced a package of legislation to lower energy costs for Granite Staters and keep more money in the pockets of hard-working Americans.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Thomas Massie (4th District of Kentucky)
For Immediate Release Contact: massie.press@mail.house.gov Contact #: 202-225-3465
Washington, D.C.- Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) announces the introduction of H.R. 7880, the Interstate Milk Freedom Act. The bill prohibits federal interference with the interstate traffic of unpasteurized milk and milk products that are packaged for direct human consumption. Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME) is the co-lead on the legislation.
“Executive branch agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), do not and should not have the power to shut down trade between peaceful farmers and willing consumers,” saidRep. Massie. “It is Congress’s job to legislate. The Interstate Milk Freedom Act would make it easier for families to buy the milk of their choice by reversing the criminalization of specific dairy farmers.”
“So many people across the country want to make sure their food is fresh and local—including fruits, vegetables, and even their milk,” said Rep. Pingree. “Raw milk is currently the only food banned for interstate commerce—an onerous regulation that hurts small farmers for selling milk straight from their cows to the consumer.”
If two states have legalized the sale of unpasteurized milk, the Interstate Milk Freedom Act prevents federal departments, agencies, or courts from taking any action to prohibit or restrict the traffic of milk between those two states. Although Congress has never passed a ban on raw milk, the FDA issued a regulation banning the interstate sale of raw milk in capitulation to a lawsuit decided in 1986.
This legislation was introduced as an amendment to the 2018 Farm Bill. It was also introduced as a standalone bill in 2014, 2015, 2019, 2021, and 2024.
Original cosponsors of H.R. 7880 include Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO), Rep. Warren Davidson (R-OH), Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-WI), Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA), Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC), Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA), Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX), and Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA).
Rep. Massie owns 50 head of beef cattle on his off-the-grid farm in northeast Kentucky.
Rep. Pingree lives on a farm that raises grass fed beef, chickens, and vegetables on an island in Maine.
The text of the Interstate Milk Freedom Act is available at this link.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today wrote to Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins seeking information about claims backlogs and the department’s accountability. He wrote that while getting claims below 100,000 was a “productive milestone,” he is concerned about declining accuracy rates for the claims processed in recent months.
The letter reads in part:
“The enactment of the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins (PACT) Act in 2022 led to an unprecedented number of claims, as more veterans were finally able to access the benefits earned through their service. This naturally led to a temporary increase in the claims backlog. As time has passed, it seems we have come to a natural decrease in the rate of submissions, allowing for a decrease in the backlog of claims.
“While veterans deserve to have their claims reviewed as quickly as possible, they also deserve accurate claims review, with processors given enough time to ensure that their claim is done properly. In the most recent status report on the detailed claims dashboard dated February 28, 2026, the claims backlog stood at 94,611. As previously stated, I am glad to see that number continuing to decrease. However, I am troubled by another statistic on the same dashboard: three-month claim-based accuracy appears to be trending down and now stands at a startling 81.73 percent.”
The three-month claim-based accuracy represents the percent of claims that are processed without errors over the past three months. The accuracy rate indicates that nearly 1 in 5 claims being processed have errors, drastically exceeding a 10-year average of approximately 1in 9.
Congressman Cohen asked eight questions to clarify issues involving claims appeals, the use of artificial intelligence in claims reviews, and the impact of staffing reductions on the handling of veterans’ claims, among other matters.