Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press availability with Whip Katherine Clark and Democratic Members of the Rules Committee, where he emphasized that House Democrats are committed to protecting healthcare as they negotiate to reopen the government.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Let me first welcome House Republicans back to the Congress after their seven-week taxpayer-funded vacations. These people have been missing in action, absent without official leave, running scared, but they can no longer hide. The Rules Committee is going to meet shortly, and then tomorrow, there will be votes on the House Floor. And Democrats will continue to press the case to say to our Republican colleagues, you have another opportunity to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits and make sure that tens of millions of Americans all across the country, in communities that Republicans represent, along with us as Democrats, tens of millions of Americans, rural America, working-class America, urban America, small town America, the heartland of America and in Black and brown communities all across America. People at risk of experiencing dramatically increased premiums, copays and deductibles because of the Republican refusal to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits.

Before the Rules Committee this evening, House Democrats, led by myself and Whip Katherine Clark, will give the Republicans another opportunity to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits by introducing an amendment that will extend these tax credits for a three-year period of time, the same period of time that these tax credits were extended back in 2022. Republicans have created a healthcare crisis all across America, the largest cut to Medicaid in American history. Hospitals, nursing homes and community-based health centers closing all throughout the country because of what Republicans did in their One Big Ugly Bill. Medicare still at risk of the largest cut it may confront in American history unless Congress acts by the end of this year. And, of course, because of the Republican refusal to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits, in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis that already exists, that they failed to address, healthcare for people all across this country is on the brink of becoming unaffordable. Working-class Americans, everyday Americans, middle-class Americans, unable to afford to go see a doctor. This is in America, the wealthiest country in the history of the world. And so, once again, House Republicans, welcome back from your taxpayer-funded seven-week vacation. You now have an opportunity to actually take some action in an area of this healthcare crisis by working with Democrats before the Rules Committee this evening to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits.

[…] I thank the distinguished Members of the Rules Committee, as well as my good friend Katherine Clark, for their comments, for their leadership. Democrats have been engaged in the struggle on behalf of the healthcare of the American people for a long time. FDR engaged in this struggle. Johnson engaged in this struggle. Truman engaged in this struggle. Bill Clinton engaged in this struggle. Barack Obama engaged in this struggle. House Democrats are here to continue to engage in this struggle to decisively address the Republican healthcare crisis, standing on the shoulders of Democrats, who for decades have been fighting to deliver affordable, high-quality healthcare for the American people.

Full press availability can be watched here.

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

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) published ‘Listening to Veterans in Northwest Washington,’ a report capturing local veterans’ most pressing challenges and outlining policy recommendations for Congress and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to address these concerns.

“The stories and perspectives shared by veterans in Washington state’s Second District underscore both the progress the federal government has made in serving veterans and the work that remains,” said Rep. Larsen. “The experience of veterans in Northwest Washington state makes clear that the nation’s commitment to its veterans must go beyond words and ceremonies. Congress must continue to ensure access to comprehensive health care, affordable housing, quality education and meaningful employment opportunities for veterans.”

In his time in Congress, Rep. Larsen has hosted more than 70 forums to hear directly from Northwest Washington state veterans about their needs. In September, he hosted roundtables in Everett, Bellingham, Burlington, Oak Harbor and Lummi Nation, which serve as the foundation of the report.

Rep. Larsen invited representatives from Puget Sound VA to attend September’s roundtables. In past years, these forums have provided valuable opportunities for VA staff to both hear directly from veterans in Northwest Washington state and to help connect veterans with VA benefits and services. Unfortunately, VA did not attend this year’s events.

“It is unfortunate that VA did not take the opportunity to hear directly from veterans about their concerns,” said Rep. Larsen. “While the local Puget Sound VA representatives continue to be great partners in serving the veterans of Northwest Washington state, VA leadership must make a stronger commitment to engaging with veterans directly, including through forums like these roundtables.”

Today, Rep. Larsen sent a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins summarizing September’s meetings and sharing a copy of the ‘Listening to Veterans in Northwest Washington State’ report.

In 2022, Congress passed the Honoring our PACT Act and made the largest expansion of veterans’ benefits in the nation’s history. As a result, the number of veterans receiving health care through VA has increased by 37 percent. Instead of hiring more staff to meet increased need, the Trump administration has cut approximately 30,000 employees from the VA workforce, including 2,000 registered nurses, 800 physicians and 500 social workers.

“Congress must oppose President Trump’s efforts to slash the VA workforce,” said Rep. Larsen. “Instead, we need to invest in more health care workers, administrative professionals and employment counselors to ensure veterans can receive high-quality care and benefits support.”

You can access Rep. Larsen’s report ‘Listening to Veterans in Northwest Washington’ HERE.

The full text of Rep. Larsen’s letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins is available HERE and below.

The Honorable Douglas A. Collins
Secretary
Department of Veterans Affairs
810 Vermont Ave NW
Washington, DC 20420

Dear Secretary Collins:

I am writing to share information and feedback from recent roundtables I held with veterans throughout my district. While I am disappointed the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) did not participate in these productive community discussions, I am committed to ensuring VA hears the concerns of my local veterans and partners with my office to deliver the services and benefits these veterans need.

During my time in Congress, I have held more than 70 town halls and community discussions to hear from veterans in my district. These events have almost always been held in partnership with or with the participation of representatives from Puget Sound VA. My office has an excellent working relationship with our local VA leadership, who are committed to serving their community. VA’s participation in these community dialogues is essential to their success. Past events have resulted in casework success stories that have ensured veterans can access the health care and benefits they deserve. With VA’s help, I have written legislation to solve the problems I heard about at these district events.

From September 23-26, 2025, I held five veteran roundtables at Lummi Nation and in  Snohomish, Whatcom, Skagit, and Island counties, and invited representatives from Puget Sound VA to attend. However, not a single event had a VA representative in attendance. It is unfortunate that VA did not take the opportunity to hear directly from veterans about their concerns.

At these roundtables, veterans raised concerns about a wide range of issues, as outlined in the attached report, entitled Listening to Veterans in Northwest Washington. The topics raised included specific challenges related to transportation, health care and housing, which I look forward to working with VA to address.

In rural areas, health care access is a persistent problem. I heard from veterans about the difficulties they have accessing transportation to and from VA facilities, an issue that is especially acute for veterans living on islands and rural communities in my district. These veterans requested VA provide more mobile clinics to serve hard-to-reach areas.

While the community care system serves a great purpose in certain instances, veterans told me that they often wait for hours on the phone just to get a referral approved. Many also shared that they prefer care at VA facilities from providers trained in treating veterans. It is clear from these conversations that Congress and VA must invest in improving access to direct VA care, instead of expanding community care beyond its necessary scope.

Washington state continues to have one of the highest rates of veteran homelessness in the nation. Preventing veteran homelessness starts with keeping veterans in their homes. In the Second District, the VA Service Purchasing Program (VASP) provided a critical safety net for veterans facing foreclosure on VA-backed home loans until VA ended the program in May 2025. I heard directly from veteran service providers who helped veterans keep their homes under VASP, but are now unable to do the same for others. By ending VASP without a suitable alternative in place, especially as the cost of living continues to rise, VA has caused even more veteran homelessness, and that is unacceptable.

Going forward, I sincerely hope that VA recognizes the importance of partnering with Members of Congress to listen to veterans about how VA can better deliver world-class health care and benefits to the women and men who have served.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I stand ready to work with you to serve the veterans of Northwest Washington state and 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 – Representative Pete Aguilar (31 CD Ca)

By delaying SNAP benefits, Donald Trump forced 42 million Americans to go hungry and created unnecessary stress for working families

Recently, Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) visited the Redlands Ranch Market, where he heard from an Inland Empire grocery store owner about how the ongoing Republican government shutdown and Trump’s decision to delay SNAP benefits, known as CalFresh in California, have impacted their operations and the families they serve. 
“There is no reason that it should take multiple court orders to get the Trump Administration to follow the law and fully fund SNAP,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “It’s clear that Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress are more focused on the well-being of their billionaire and corporate donors than the well-being of the American people. By delaying SNAP benefits and using millions of Americans as political pawns, Donald Trump put the health, safety and sanity of countless working families at risk. 
“On top of this, small businesses like the Redlands Ranch Market have been struggling to get by and have lost profits every day that the Trump Administration delayed SNAP benefits. Trump has caused unnecessary chaos, confusion and suffering for countless people across the country. It’s time for Trump and Republicans to do the right thing for our country for once: put an end to this confusion, open the government and save health care.”

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

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on CNN’s The Situation Room, where he made clear that House Democrats will oppose the partisan Republican spending bill that continues the GOP healthcare crisis and will keep fighting for the health, safety and economic well-being of the American people.

WOLF BLITZER: I’m joined now by the House Democratic Leader, Hakeem Jeffries. Leader Jeffries, thanks so much for joining us. What are you hearing about when the House will vote on this bill to reopen the federal government?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, good morning. Great to be with you, Wolf. Great to be with you, Pamela. Great to be back on The Situation Room. Let me first just say we express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all of our veterans, our men and women who have worn the uniform, thankful for their service, their sacrifice and continuing to give us the freedom that we cherish here in this country. It’s our expectation that the House will vote at some point tomorrow and House Democrats will strongly oppose any legislation that does not decisively address the Republican healthcare crisis. We want to reopen the government. We’ll continue to stand by our hardworking federal employees and civil servants. But we have a responsibility to make sure that we extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits so that tens of millions of Americans don’t experience dramatically-increased healthcare costs that’s going to prevent them from being able to see a doctor when they need one.

WOLF BLITZER: As you know, the bill that will be on the House floor would fund the federal government until the end of January, some key agencies through the end of next year. What do you see happening on January 30th?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, I think what’s going to be important over the next few weeks, once this issue is resolved relative to this particular piece of legislation, is that on December 31st, the Affordable Care Act tax credits expire and dozens of House Republicans have been claiming over the last few weeks that they know that is something that needs to be addressed. And now we’re going to have to see some action or whether it was just talk from these House Republicans because Democrats are going to continue to stay in the arena as it relates to dealing with the healthcare crisis that Republicans have visited on the American people. Understand that this year, Republicans have enacted the largest cut to Medicaid in American history. This is after Donald Trump promised in late January to ‘love and cherish Medicaid.’ And we know that hospitals and nursing homes and community-based health centers are closing all across the country. And now because of the Republican refusal to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits, there’s a risk over the next few weeks that tens of millions of Americans will not be able to afford their healthcare. We’re talking about working-class Americans, middle-class Americans and everyday Americans. That’s why Democrats are continuing to fight hard on their behalf.

WOLF BLITZER: But as you know in the Senate seven Democrats and one Independent who caucuses with the Democrats, they actually broke ranks to advance the funding bill, a 60 to 40 vote. They needed 60 votes, they got the 60 votes. The Republicans with one exception all voted for it. We spoke with one of those Democrats who caucuses—with one of those Democrats Angus King about why he decided to accept the Republican plan.

RECORDING OF SEN. KING: A lot of collateral damage was happening. People’s lives were being hurt. If the tactic isn’t working, and there were no prospects that it was going to work, then let’s move on, not make a lot of other people suffer in order to get a goal that wasn’t attainable.

WOLF BLITZER: Angus King of Maine, he’s an Independent, as you know Leader Jeffries, but he caucuses with the Democrats. What’s your response to his comment and his vote?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, the suffering that has been visited upon the American people over the last several weeks is very consistent with, unfortunately, the suffering that Donald Trump and Republicans have visited upon the American people since day one of his presidency, where we’ve seen these Republicans unleash extreme levels of aggressive behavior that does not make life better for these Americans. It makes life worse. And we’ve seen it—an all-out assault on the economy, an all-out assault on healthcare, an all-out assault on nutritional assistance, an all-out assault by these Republicans on veterans and farmers and law-abiding immigrant families and the American way of life and, of course, democracy itself. And so our fight obviously is going to continue through whatever happens this week because as House Democrats we’re committed to driving down the high cost of, to fixing our broken healthcare system and at the same period of time cleaning up the corruption that exists in Washington D.C in the Congress, at the Supreme Court and, of course, with the Trump administration, the most corrupt administration in American history, so we can actually deliver a country of the people, by the people and for the people.

WOLF BLITZER: I just want to be precise. You say the Supreme Court has been corrupt. Is that what you’re saying?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Yeah, what I’m saying is that the outrageous behavior by individual Justices like Clarence Thomas and Justice Alito and the failure to have an ethical code of conduct is corrupt. These are the only people in the country who can operate above the law. And so what I am suggesting is that as we focus on delivering a country that actually works for working-class Americans, we’ve got to make sure that every single branch of government is working in a manner consistent with lifting up the quality of life of everyday Americans and holding themselves to the same standards that working-class Americans are expected to live by, work hard and play by the rules.

WOLF BLITZER: The Senate Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer voted against the deal last night, but he’s being severely criticized for not having enough control over his Caucus to stop those eight from defecting. Your colleague, Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna of California, says the time has come for a change. Listen to this.

RECORDING OF REP. KHANNA: He’s the Leader of the Senate. This deal would never have happened if he had not blessed it. It’s time for him to be replaced. He is not meeting the moment. He’s out of touch with where the party’s base is.

WOLF BLITZER: What do you think, Leader Jeffries, do you agree with Ro Khanna? Do you think Schumer should be replaced?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Leader Schumer did not bless this agreement. He voted against it. And, of course, Senate Democrats who voted no have made that clear. And what we’ve seen from Senate Democrats over the last seven weeks has been part of a valiant fight that we have waged together to stand up in defense of the health, the safety and the economic well-being of the American people. And we know Senate Democrats voted down the partisan Republican spending bill that gutted the healthcare of the American people 15 or 16 different times. And listen, it’s unfortunate that you had eight or so Democrats, seven Democrats, who made the decision to vote in a different way than the overwhelming majority of the Senate Democratic Caucus and what you’ll see from the overwhelming majority of House Democrats when the bill comes over to us, but they’re gonna have to explain themselves. This fight continues, and over the last several weeks, we have successfully elevated this healthcare issue such that the American people are demanding action. And now, it’s going to be on Mike Johnson and House Republicans to demonstrate, are they willing to actually do something for someone other than the wealthy, the well-off and the well-connected? And there’s an opportunity to do it by making sure that the Affordable Care Act tax credits are extended. Every single Democrat stands behind that proposition in the House. Let’s see what the Republicans decide to do tomorrow.

PAMELA BROWN: Well, let’s listen to Speaker Johnson for himself because he was asked about that by our Jake Tapper last night and here’s what he said.

RECORDING OF JAKE TAPPER: So you’re not committing to bringing up a bill that deals with the Obamacare subsidies before they expire?

RECORDING OF SPEAKER JOHNSON: I’m not committing to it or not committing to it. What I’m saying is that we do a deliberative process. It’s the way this always works and we have to have time to do that. And we will, in a bipartisan fashion.

PAMELA BROWN: So how do you see this playing out?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well let’s understand, this is the same group of people who rushed back to Washington in early July to enact their One Big Ugly Bill—the largest cut to Medicaid in American history, ripping health insurance away from about 14 million Americans. At the same period of time, they enacted a $186 billion cut to nutritional assistance. These people literally ripped food from the mouths of hungry children, seniors and veterans. And all of this was done—the attack on healthcare and the attack on SNAP—all of this was done so they could reward their billionaire donors with massive tax breaks that they made permanent. Yet they haven’t found the time to even bother considering extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits so that tens of millions of working-class Americans, middle-class Americans and everyday Americans don’t experience dramatically increased healthcare costs in an environment where the cost of living is already too high. Perhaps one of the reasons why they’re not dealing with this with any degree of urgency is because their leader, their puppet master Donald Trump, apparently believes that the affordability crisis in this country is all made up. And maybe that’s why we’re not seeing any action from Republicans—because they’re just taking orders from their boss.

PAMELA BROWN: Well, we have had Republican Congress[woman] Marjorie Taylor Greene on who actually has expressed the concern about affordability in America and the continuation of those ACA subsidies. As you know, she has been a fierce defender of President Trump, but recently she’s run counter to the White House message, and her change of tone has not escaped the President’s notice. I want to take a listen to this.

RECORDING OF REP. GREENE: I truly believe that’s an utter failure. And you can’t expect people to show up and be passionate about voting for you when you’re not even going to work, and they’re going to work every single day and struggling to pay their bills. I think domestic policy should be the most important issue that the President and the Republican-controlled House and Senate are working on. And that showed up in the election on Tuesday.

RECORDING OF PRESIDENT TRUMP: I don’t know what happened to Marjorie. She’s a nice woman, but I don’t know what happened. She’s lost her way, I think. So when somebody like Marjorie Taylor Greene, who’s now catering to the other side, I don’t know what, you know, I guess she’s, you know, got some kind of an act going, but I’m surprised at her. But when somebody like Marjorie goes over and starts making statements like that, it shows she doesn’t know.

PAMELA BROWN: Do you think she’s lost her way?

LEADER JEFFRIES: I think Marjorie Taylor Greene has correctly indicated that Donald Trump and Republicans have spent more time focused on bailing out their right-wing dictator friend in Argentina—they found $40 billion to bail out Argentina, but can’t find a dime to make life more affordable for the American people. Yeah, that’s a problem. It’s a problem that in the middle of this government shutdown—the longest Trump-Republican shutdown in American history—Donald Trump has spent more time on the golf course than he has actually talking with Members of Congress or Democrats on Capitol Hill who represent half the country as part of an effort to do what we’ve been saying from day one we should be doing, which is lowering the high cost of living. Donald Trump, in fact, promised on day one to lower the high cost of living, but in America costs aren’t going down, costs are going up. Housing costs under Republican policies through the roof. Grocery prices through the roof. Electricity costs through the roof. And now, tens of millions of people facing these unprecedented dramatic increases in health insurance costs. And Republicans don’t give a damn about it.

WOLF BLITZER: The Democratic Minority Leader in the House of Representatives, Hakeem Jeffries. Leader Jeffries always good to have you in the Situation Room. Thanks very much for joining us.

PAMELA BROWN: Thank you.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you.

Full interview can be watched here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES OFFICES CLOSED ON NOVEMBER 11TH IN OBSERVANCE OF VETERANS DAY

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

WASHINGTON — This afternoon, Speaker Johnson made a trio of television appearances on Fox Business’ Kudlow, Newsmax’s The Record, and CNN’s The Lead to discuss Senate Democrats finally finding the courage to end the government shutdown. Speaker Johnson also addressed Republican efforts to drive down the cost of living following four failed years of Bidenomics.

Watch Speaker Johnson on Fox Business, on Newsmax, and on CNN.

On Senate Democrats finally finding the courage to reopen the government (CNN):

The long national nightmare is almost coming to an end now, the beginning of the end. As I said this morning in my press conference, it was long overdue. And the irony is it really was a shutdown about nothing. I mean, what we’re voting on is effectively exactly what we offered them several weeks back. We’ve added some appropriations bills now, which we’re in favor of because it’s getting us back to the regular order. We’ll take care of some other details, but I don’t think Chuck Schumer got anything out of this other than a political show. And sadly, I think that’s what he was after the whole time.

I’d like to vote tonight after the Senate is done, but it takes everybody a while to get back. We have people come from the west coast. We have a Member flying in from Guam, so he has 20 hours just to get to the west coast and then get here. So, yeah, we’ve got to get everybody back. We’re praying that they can make it through the chaos that all the other American people have been made to suffer through because of this needless political show that the Democrats have been engaging in.

On the Republican affordability agenda (Fox Business):

Remember, we have the headwinds of the mainstream media that are always parroting the talking points of the other side. And it’s not always based on fact; in fact, it usually is not. But we are the party that is delivering on affordability. And the One Big Beautiful Bill, the Working Families Tax Cut, was geared and written for lower- and middle-class earners in this country. And they’re going to feel the positive effects because as you know, Larry, that bill is full of pro-growth policies that are going to make all boats rise. All the aspects of that bill have not yet been implemented, but they will be. And as we go into the new year and we glide into the election cycle, people are going to be feeling that. And I think they’ll reward the people who put that in place. Remember, the Democrats solution to everything is more government, and that is not the answer. That will only make it worse. They grow government, they spend more money, they would spend us into oblivion. So you need common sense back and that’s what the Republican Party and President Trump are delivering.

Bidenomics was a disaster for the country. They spent far too much. And that’s the reason inflation was up. The cost of living is up so high because of the policies of the previous administration. Now, we’re working to root those policies out and implement our own. But as you know, it takes a little time. You don’t just flip a switch right after the election, and everything transfers over. So, the more time that goes by, the more they’ll feel the positive effects of what we’ve done. We are restoring common sense and fiscal responsibility to government. And that’s long overdue. And thank goodness we won that election in November because the country would’ve crashed into bankruptcy by now.

On Democrats refusing actual solutions to drive down health care costs (Newsmax):

There’s a lot of misinformation out there about [health care]. And some of that’s intentional by our Democrat colleagues because they’re trying to make this into something that it isn’t. This is what’s really important. We’re not just talking about it on the Republican side. We’re actually doing it. In the Working Families Tax Cut, in the Big Beautiful Bill, the version that passed the House, we had a provision in the bill called the cost sharing reduction provisions. And that would’ve driven down premiums on average by 12.7% for every person who has insurance. But the Democrats fought to take it out of the bill. So, if they cared so much about health care costs, they shouldn’t be fighting provisions like that. We’re putting together some ideas that will drive the premiums down because health care is too expensive in this country. It’s too expensive because the Democrats built a system that doesn’t work. So, we need to look at the root causes of the costs that have skyrocketed and address that for the people. Merely subsidizing something is not the answer. When the government subsidizes something, it almost always means it’s not working, and that’s the problem.

There are a lot of ideas on how to drive the cost down, and we have November and December to work on that. We’re going to have to get a bipartisan consensus on some of this. And so, we’ll be presenting our ideas and putting them on the table. The Democrats, this is very important to point out, they don’t have any reform ideas at all. Their argument is they want a completely unreformed continuation. They would do it permanently, most of them in government, just subsidizing the insurance companies. And that is not the solution. And we’re going to be educating the population along the way as we do this and come up with reforms that will actually solve the problem and not make it worse.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) announced the reintroduction of four bills to expand and improve health care, housing, and support services for our nation’s veterans. The bills include the Veterans Healthcare Improvement Act, the Have You Served Act of 2025, the Every Veteran Counts Act, and the Helping Homeless Veterans Act.

“As the Ranking Member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health, one of my primary goals is to identify disparities in care for veterans and, where necessary, introduce, advocate for, and pass legislation that fixes those gaps,” said Congresswoman Brownley. “These bills build on that commitment by ensuring the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has the tools, resources, and accountability it needs to improve access to high-quality health care, housing, and support services for our veterans. Together, they address critical gaps and move us closer to upholding our solemn promise to serve our veterans as well as they have served our nation.”

Veterans Healthcare Improvement Act

The Veterans Healthcare Improvement Act seeks to guarantee adequate resources for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care programs.

“It is our duty to make certain that the VA has the resources it needs to provide the health care our veterans earned and deserve,” said Brownley. “Providing Congress with an analysis of VA’s budget for health care programs, including community care, will help ensure our nation’s veterans receive these vital health care services and ensure the VA never runs low on necessary funds.”

The Veterans Healthcare Improvement Act would require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to verify the accuracy and adequacy of the VA budget for medical care. The requirement for GAO to review the VA health care budget request was first passed as part of the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act in 2009. However, the three-year requirement expired after 2013. This bill would renew this requirement to ensure VA never again runs low on funds for veterans’ health care.

The Veterans Healthcare Improvement Act is endorsed by Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA).

Read the full text of the bill here.

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Have You Served Act of 2025

The Have You Served Act of 2025 seeks to ensure that servicemembers, veterans, and their families are able to access resources to combat the epidemic of veteran suicide.

As a part of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and VA’s Governor’s and Mayor’s Challenges to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families, several states throughout the country have begun carrying out “Ask the Question” campaigns to better identify veterans and let them know what state and local human services, as well as mental health resources and care, are available to them. These campaigns are run through the state departments of Veterans Affairs (state-level agencies separate from VA) that lead trainings and awareness campaigns with state and local human service providers, about how to appropriately ask their clients if they or a loved one is a veteran, and to let them know what resources are available to them. States like Maryland, New Hampshire, and Virginia have led campaigns with significant success by identifying veterans and family members in need of help that are not already in VA care.

“Far too often, veterans and their families who need help either don’t receive it or aren’t aware of the resources available to them,” said Brownley. “The Have You Served Act of 2025 strengthens our collective effort to prevent veteran suicide by investing in proven state programs that connect veterans and their families with lifesaving support, filling critical gaps, expanding awareness, and helping to ensure that no veteran or military family has to face these challenges alone.”

The Have You Served Act of 2025 directs VA to award 25 grants totaling $5 million, not to exceed $200,000 per recipient, for the next three years. This funding can be used for “Ask the Question” program costs, including staffing, technology, marketing and outreach materials, and convening. The legislation also directs the VA to work with grant recipients to establish key performance indicators of the training associated with the campaigns. Grant recipients will report their key performance indicators to VA at the end of each year, and VA will submit a report to Congress on the progress achieved in implementing these campaigns.

The Have You Served Act of 2025 is endorsed by Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA).

Read the full text of the bill here.

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Every Veteran Counts Act

The Every Veteran Counts Act would require the VA to establish and regularly update a database containing veterans’ demographic information to ensure VA programs and policies are designed to serve the changing population of veterans.

“In recent years, Congress has passed legislation intended to guide the mission of the VA to meet the growing and changing needs of an increasingly diverse veteran population. Understanding who our veterans are and what their specific needs are is essential to ensuring VA is adequately equipped to provide them with the benefits and services they have earned,” said Brownley. “That begins with ensuring that policymakers and other stakeholders have access to accurate demographic data on our nation’s veteran population. With stronger data, we can make more informed decisions about how to design and deliver programs and resources that better meet the needs of those who have bravely served our nation in uniform.”

In order to understand veteran demographic trends, VA previously conducted six national surveys of veterans. However, the last survey was conducted in 2010. Since then, the statutory framework for data collection has substantially evolved, and the population of veterans has also significantly changed. 

Through the National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics, VA has leveraged the vast amount of data generated within the Department and collected by other Federal partners to improve population-based information on veterans. However, the VA needs to update this information to ensure the Center’s work remains relevant.

To ensure that federal policy makers have access to critical demographic information on veterans, the Every Veteran Counts Act would require VA to establish a public database containing a wide range of information on veteran demographics. This will include sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, education, race and ethnicity, income, employment, housing status, distance from a VA facility, and other categories.

This will help VA in planning its future programs and services for veterans. It will also help Congress and other stakeholders better understand veterans’ needs, and subsequently, develop policies and allocate resources to ensure these needs are met.

The Every Veteran Counts Act is endorsed by Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

Read the full text of the bill here.

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Helping Homeless Veterans Act

The Helping Homeless Veterans Act would reauthorize and make permanent vital programs that provide housing, employment assistance, and supportive services to help keep our veterans off the streets.

“Our nation’s heroes should never be living on the street, period,” said Brownley. “While we have made important strides in the fight to eradicate veteran homelessness, it is imperative that we continue to build on this progress and accelerate these successful efforts so that we can finally end this crisis once and for all. Our country’s brave men and women put their lives on the line to defend our nation, and the least we can do in return is ensure they can find and sustain permanent housing for themselves and their families.”

There is no reason to allow authorization of these programs to lapse, so instead of requiring annual renewals, this legislation makes the following programs permanent:

• The Healthcare for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Program
• The Acquired Property Sales for Homeless Veterans Program
• The Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program
• The Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program: Homeless Veterans with Special Needs
• The Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans

Each of these important veterans’ programs is critical to eliminating veterans’ homelessness and meeting the VA’s goal of ending veterans’ homelessness.

The Helping Homeless Veterans Act is endorsed by Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA). 

Read the full text of the bill here.

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Issues: 119th Congress, Veterans’ Affairs

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joaquin Castro (20th District of Texas)

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (10th District of New York)

Upon reaching 100 cosponsors in the House, today, Representatives Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Adam Smith (WA-09), and Jim Himes (CT-04) sent a letter to House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast urging him to schedule a markup of H.R. 3045, the West Bank Violence Prevention Act. 

Reaching the 100-cosponsor milestone demonstrates the legislation’s wide and broad support. Additionally, companion legislation was introduced in the Senate, led by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Jack Reed (D-RI), Mark Warner (D-VA), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Michael Bennet (D-CO).

The lawmakers explained that the legislation would enshrine Executive Order 14115 of 2024 into law, which sought to prevent acts of violence in the West Bank and to punish those who commit such acts, regardless of their nationality. President Trump repealed EO 14115 on the first day of his term, January 20, 2025.

“As a result, violent extremist organizations like the Palestinian group Lions’ Den and the Israeli settler group Hilltop Youth are no longer designated under the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List). With their assets no longer frozen, these groups continue wreaking terror in the West Bank unencumbered,” wrote the Members.

Settler violence increased an estimated 30% over the first few months of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024, according to the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

“As the ceasefire in Gaza continues to command attention in the region and around the world, it is incumbent upon us not to overlook the situation in the West Bank, which continues to deteriorate. Preventing acts of violence, which have killed and injured American citizens, is the most fundamental and basic step to help bring stability to the region. The passage of the West Bank Violence Prevention Act is an important effort by the United States Congress towards that goal, which begins with you scheduling a markup of this legislation. Together, we hope the eventual passage and enactment of such legislation will help improve the reality on the ground for Israelis and Palestinians, in service of ultimately achieving a long-term peace through a negotiated and viable two-state solution,” concluded the Members.

The current cosponsors of H.R. 3045 include:

Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Adam Smith (WA-09), James A. Himes (CT-04), Gabe Amo (RI-01), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), Becca Balint (VT-At Large), Donald S. Beyer (VA-08), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Shontel M. Brown (OH-11), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Salud O. Carbajal (CA-24), Troy A. Carter (LA-02), Ed Case (HI-01), Sean Casten (IL-06), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Judy Chu (CA-28), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), James E. Clyburn (SC-06), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Jason Crow (CO-06), Sharice Davids (KS-03), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-03), Suzan K. DelBene (WA-01), Christopher R. Deluzio (PA-17), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Valerie P. Foushee (NC-40), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), John Garamendi (CA-08), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-29), Daniel S. Goldman (NY-10), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Val T. Hoyle (OR-04), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01), Julie Johnson (TX-32), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), William R. Keating (MA-09), Ro Khanna (CA-17), John B. Larson (CT-01), Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), Mike Levin (CA-49), Sam T. Liccardo (CA-16), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), John W. Mannion (NY-22), Sarah McBride (DE-At Large), Jennifer L. McClellan (VA-04), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05), Dave Min (CA-47), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Joe Neguse (CO-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large), Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Scott H. Peters (CA-50), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Nellie Pou (NJ-09), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Emily Randall (WA-06), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Deborah K. Ross (NC-02), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Janice D. Schakowsky (IL-09), Terri A. Sewell (AL-07), Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Mark Takano (CA-39), Bennie G. Thompson (MS-03), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Derek Tran (CA-45), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11), Maxine Waters (CA-43), and Nikema Williams (GA-05).

Read the full letter here and below.

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 Dear Chairman Mast,

We write to request you schedule a markup for H.R. 3045, the West Bank Violence Prevention Act in the House Foreign Affairs Committee. 

The legislation now has 100 cosponsors in the House, signaling that it enjoys broad support. Additionally, the Senate has recently introduced a companion bill led by Senators Booker, Shaheen, Reed, Warner, Coons, and Bennet.

The West Bank Violence Prevention Act would codify and enshrine into law Executive Order 14115 of 2024, which sought to prevent acts of violence in the West Bank and to punish those who commit such acts. 

The legislation, like the Executive Order, applies to any foreign person who commits an act of violence in the West Bank, regardless of their nationality. Determinations under the Executive Order were made regarding both Palestinian and Israeli organizations and individuals.

Unfortunately, the Executive Order is no longer in effect. As a result, violent extremist organizations like the Palestinian group Lions’ Den and the Israeli settler group Hilltop Youth are no longer designated under the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List). With their assets no longer frozen, these groups continue wreaking terror in the West Bank unencumbered.

According to the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, settler violence increased by an estimated 30 percent over the first few months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Such violence has reached a fever pitch, causing the West Bank to become “a tinderbox,” one match away from igniting into catastrophe.

As the ceasefire in Gaza continues to command attention in the region and around the world, it is incumbent upon us not to overlook the situation in the West Bank, which continues to deteriorate. Preventing acts of violence, which have killed and injured American citizens, is the most fundamental and basic step to help bring stability to the region. The passage of the West Bank Violence Prevention Act is an important effort by the United States Congress towards that goal, which begins with you scheduling a markup of this legislation. Together, we hope the eventual passage and enactment of such legislation will help improve the reality on the ground for Israelis and Palestinians, in service of ultimately achieving a long-term peace through a negotiated and viable two-state solution.

Sincerely,

Rep. Jerrold Nadler (NY-12)

Rep. Adam Smith (WA-09)

Rep. Jim Himes (CT-04)

CC:        

The Honorable Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member, House Committee on Foreign Affairs

The Honorable Jim Jordan, Chairman, House Committee on the Judiciary

The Honorable Jamie Raskin, Ranking Member, House Committee on the Judiciary

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

Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) today issued the following statement on the Senate’s proposed continuing resolution, which would extend current levels of government funding through January 30 while failing to address the expiration of critical health care tax credits under the Affordable Care Act that help millions of Americans afford health insurance:

“I will be voting no on Senate Republicans’ proposed continuing resolution in the U.S. House. Republican leaders have turned their backs on Americans facing rising health care costs and refuse to engage in serious negotiations toward real solutions for the affordability crisis their own policies created. I have said from the beginning that my goal is to end the shutdown in a way that protects Americans from skyrocketing health care costs, and this bill fails that test.

“President Donald Trump prolonged the shutdown and intentionally made it worse for the American people. He illegally fired public servants across the country, illegally withheld government assistance that helps millions of Americans buy groceries, and threatened to deny federal employees the back pay they are legally owed.

“This legislation includes provisions to reverse recent reductions in force (RIFs), reinstate federal workers who were wrongfully terminated during the shutdown, and prevent further RIFs through January 30. Should this continuing resolution become law, these protections must be rigorously enforced. But the larger legislation remains deeply flawed. In addition to not addressing the health care affordability crisis, it fails to address President Trump’s illegal infringement upon Congress’s constitutional authority over federal spending or rein in his administration’s lawlessness.

“The American people deserve responsible legislation that ends the shutdown, prevents skyrocketing increases in health care costs, ensures our public servants receive the pay and protections they are legally owed, and upholds the Constitution. Anything less leaves American families, our federal workforce, and our democracy at risk.”