Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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

Today, Representative Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) released the following statement regarding the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s approval of permits for the proposed Northeast Supply Enhancement Pipeline project:

“I am profoundly disappointed by New York State’s decision to approve the proposed Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) fracked-gas pipeline. This project was rejected three times in the past for failing to meet the state’s own water-quality standards, and nothing about the project has changed. 

“I have been fighting back against this pipeline since 2019, when I first wrote to former Governor Cuomo urging him to reject it. Last month, I proudly led more than a dozen members of the New York congressional delegation in writing to Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to once again urge them to deny the project because of the serious environmental, public health, and safety risks it poses. Those concerns remain just as urgent today. 

“The NESE pipeline will cut through sensitive marine ecosystems off Staten Island and the Rockaway Peninsula, potentially dredging up contaminated sediments that contain arsenic, mercury, lead, and PCBs. It threatens coastal economies that depend on clean water, recreation, and tourism, while exposing nearby communities to unnecessary health and safety risks. 

“Williams Companies, the pipeline developer, has a long and troubling safety record that includes multiple explosions and repeated federal violations. Granting this project a Section 401 Water Quality Certification despite these facts sends the wrong message about New York’s commitment to protecting its environment and public safety. 

“This approval also runs counter to the overwhelming public opposition. More than 120 environmental, civic, and faith-based organizations from across New York have spoken out against the NESE pipeline.

“Their voices reflect what most New Yorkers already know: we should not be doubling down on fossil fuel infrastructure at a time when our state is leading the nation in clean-energy investments and climate accountability. 

“The pipeline is also expected to increase energy costs for New Yorkers. Ratepayers in Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island could ultimately be forced to shoulder more than $3 billion in costs over the next 15 years for a project that will only deepen our dependence on fossil fuels while delivering no real public benefit. 

“This decision regrettably disregards the science, the voices of New Yorkers, and the goals set out in our own climate law. By approving this pipeline, the state risks locking our communities into decades of unnecessary fossil fuel dependence and undoing much of the progress we’ve made toward a cleaner, safer future.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Headline: Carter introduces MAMDANI Act, restricting federal funds to New York City

Carter introduces MAMDANI Act, restricting federal funds to New York City

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

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on MSNBC’s Ana Cabrera Reports where he highlighted how Donald Trump and Republicans are withholding SNAP benefits that tens of millions of Americans rely on to put food on their tables, while Democrats continue to fight to protect the health, safety and economic well-being of the American people.

ANA CABRERA: We’re joined now by Hakeem Jeffries, the House Minority Leader. Thank you so much, Congressman, for being here with us. Leader Jeffries, we just heard Senator Thune there with Ali Vitali say Democrats in the Senate are being browbeaten into submission. Those were his words. What say you?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, this is day 38 of the Trump-Republican shutdown. And our position as Democrats remain clear. We will sit down with any Republicans, anytime, anyplace, in order to reopen the government, to find a bipartisan path forward and to decisively address the Republican healthcare crisis. The problem with Johnson and Thune and the Republicans right now is that they continue to adopt a my-way-or-the-highway approach, and our view has been consistent. We will not support a partisan Republican spending bill that continues to gut the healthcare of the American people, particularly as it relates to the expiring Affordable Care Act tax credits.

ANA CABRERA: We’ve heard from at least one Republican Senator that he’s had discussions with his House counterparts. I’m curious, are you aware of any negotiations like that crossing both chambers, and are you involved in any bipartisan talks right now?

LEADER JEFFRIES: I know there are informal conversations that are taking place, but at the leadership level, Donald Trump has not given Mike Johnson permission to actually sit down and have a substantive conversation with Democrats in the House. And unfortunately, until Donald Trump either gets off the sidelines or gives Mike Johnson permission to actually have a meaningful conversation, we’re not going to see anything productive emerge from the House of Representatives. And understand that House Republicans have now been on vacation for six consecutive weeks, canceled votes for six consecutive weeks, and they’d rather just remain on vacation than actually ensure that children in this country are able to put food on the table, and that everyday Americans don’t see dramatically increased healthcare premiums, co-pays and deductibles, which we know in some instances will increase by $1000 or $2000 per month.

ANA CABRERA: What do you need to see in any potential Senate plan to reopen the government to say, okay, Democrats should back this?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, first of all, John Thune needs to stop trying to bluff his way into an agreement, sit down and have a conversation with Leader Schumer or let’s have a Four Corners conversation—House, Senate, Democrats, Republicans—along with the administration to find a bipartisan agreement forward. Now, our view has been that we will evaluate in good faith any bipartisan agreement that emerges from the Senate as long as it decisively addresses this Republican healthcare crisis, where we’ve seen Republicans devastate people this year. Largest cut to Medicaid in American history, hospitals and nursing homes and community-based health centers closing all across the country because of Republican policies connected to their One Big Ugly Bill. We know that Medicare is facing a $536 billion cut this year if Congress doesn’t act by the end of December. And if we don’t extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits, working-class Americans, middle-class Americans and everyday Americans all across this country are [not going to] be able to access their healthcare or see a doctor when they need it because of the unaffordability of health insurance.

ANA CABRERA: So let me try to nail this down. Short of a vote on Obamacare subsidies prior to reopening the government, what else might get Democrats behind a funding bill? Could a promised date to vote on Obamacare subsidies be enough?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, listen, at least as it relates to the House of Representatives, I’m not going to speak to the Senate—and the Senate Democrats, of course, are taking the lead there—But in terms of the House of Representatives, this group of extreme MAGA Republicans have voted to rip the Affordable Care Act away from people more than 70 different times in the last 15 years. And so, they have zero credibility as it relates to the issue of providing affordable healthcare to everyday Americans. In fact, Marjorie Taylor Greene—

ANA CABRERA: So a promise for a vote won’t work for you.

LEADER JEFFRIES: I mean, listen, we have to have a real path forward to address the Republican healthcare crisis. I don’t want to negotiate in public, but it has to be a meaningful path forward. And the American people are clearly demanding that happen. The American people clearly want to see us deal with the affordability crisis. We saw that happen all throughout America on Tuesday. That’s why Republicans were crushed.

ANA CABRERA: Here’s what Speaker Johnson said yesterday about that path forward, or lack thereof.

VIDEO OF SPEAKER MIKE JOHNSON: The House did its job on September 19. I’m not promising anybody anything. I’m going to let this process play out. I’ll tell you what they wanted. I’ll tell you what Schumer and Jeffries wanted. In fact, Chuck Schumer said it publicly and decried that Thune and I would not go in a back room with them and make a Four Corners agreement on Obamacare subsidies. And I said, there’s no way.

ANA CABRERA: What’s your response to that?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, listen, the states that are going to be most impacted by a failure to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits are Republican-run states. West Virginia, Wyoming, Alaska, Mississippi and Tennessee. 45% of the people who benefit from the Affordable Care Act tax credits are registered Republicans, 35% Democrats and 20% Independents. This is an American issue. This is not a partisan issue for us. We’re fighting to protect the healthcare of the American people. And, you know, Johnson clearly has zero interest. Now, when they passed their One Big Ugly Bill, they ripped healthcare away from about 14 million Americans and they did it so that they could provide massive tax breaks to their billionaire donors. And they made those tax breaks permanent.

ANA CABRERA: Let’s talk about this new SNAP lawsuit. President Trump’s team appealing, essentially fighting in court to not have to give people their SNAP benefits, which means this crisis is headed back to Congress’ lap. Could this accelerate talks?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, it’s incredible to me that Donald Trump and Republicans have decided to weaponize hunger and starvation by unlawfully at this point withholding SNAP benefits from 42 million Americans. That includes 16 million children, 8 million older Americans, and over a million veterans who rely on SNAP benefits in order to put food on the table. But this is no surprise when you consider the fact that in their One Big Ugly Bill earlier this year in July, Republicans already enacted the largest cut to SNAP benefits in American history. $186 billion cut. They literally ripped food from the mouths of hungry children, seniors and veterans, part of their scheme to benefit the wealthy, the well-off and the well-connected as it relates to their donors. So this is a continuation of that level of cruelty that we’ve seen from Republicans. And the American people reject it. And, you know, I hope that the Court of Appeals denies the administration’s request to continue to suspend these SNAP benefits, and I’m thankful for the federal district court judge who did the right thing in ordering them to pay these benefits out immediately.

ANA CABRERA: I don’t think a lot of Americans care who’s to blame. They just need to eat. And here’s what one SNAP recipient in Pennsylvania told NBC News. ‘When you’re in a position to provide for people who are depending on these life-sustaining services, how can you be at war with each other in the midst of people trying to survive? These are some of the hardest times I’ve seen in 50 years.’ Those words from a 50-year-old SNAP recipient. Leader Jeffries, it is now day 38. In addition to the millions of SNAP recipients struggling to put food on the table, air travel’s a mess, thousands of workers haven’t been paid for over a month. Where’s the urgency to end this in Washington?

LEADER JEFFRIES: That’s a great question. It should be asked of Mike Johnson, where’s the urgency in actually bringing the House of Representatives back into session? They have canceled votes for the last six weeks. Democrats continue to be present and make clear that we’re ready, willing and able to sit down with our Republican colleagues, reopen the government, have a bipartisan agreement that actually meets the needs of the American people. And the individual that you referenced is exactly right. America is too expensive. Donald Trump and Republicans promised that they would lower costs on day one. They haven’t lowered costs. Costs have gone up. Inflation on the way up. Housing costs too high. Grocery costs too high. Electricity bills skyrocketing through the roof. And now they want to jack up health insurance premiums and they’re ripping food away from the mouths of children at the same time to try to use that as a point of negotiating leverage. That’s shameful. It’s unconscionable. It’s un-American. And yet we continue to maintain that all we need to do is sit down and have a conversation so we can enact a bipartisan spending agreement that actually improves the quality of life of the American people.

ANA CABRERA: Let me ask you about another topic quickly while I have you. Your New York GOP colleague, Elise Stefanik, just announced this morning she is running for Governor of New York, promising to make the state affordable and safe. Of course, that affordability argument worked for Democrats this week, including for Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist who just became the next New York City mayor. And he has been a political punching bag for the right and divisive among your own party. Do you think Stefanik is going to make this race a referendum on Mamdani and could it work?

LEADER JEFFRIES: You know, Elise Stefanik is nothing more than a handmaiden for Donald Trump’s extreme policies. She’s a sycophant who has been a repeated rubber stamp for Donald Trump’s extreme agenda that is doing nothing but hurting the people of New York and everyday Americans across the country. If Elise Stefanik really wants to do something about the high cost of living, she should tell her boss, Donald Trump, to end these reckless tariffs, which are increasing costs by thousands of dollars per year on New York families and on families across America.

ANA CABRERA: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, thank you for being with us. We really appreciate your time.

Full interview can be watched here.

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

Last night, amid a dishonest rant misleading his audience about the cost of a shrunken promotional Thanksgiving meal basket at Wal-Mart, President Trump angrily complained: “I don’t want to hear about the affordability.”

The morning after Trump’s diatribe, new economic data showed that consumer sentiment in the United States has fallen to one of the lowest levels ever recorded. The drop in consumer sentiment has tracked with persistent inflation and rising prices, driven in part by Trump’s tariffs and Republican-passed legislation. High costs and the weakening economy were also top of mind for voters in this week’s elections, which led to resounding defeats for Trump’s party.

As Americans’ concern about the state of the economy has grown, Trump’s has shown no interest in addressing it. He is too busy traveling the world, holding a lavish Great Gatsby party with wealthy friends at Mar-A-Lago as SNAP funding lapsed, and getting a fancy ballroom and bathroom at the White House to pay attention to the needs of American families. Trump is completely out of touch with working families, and shows no interest in addressing skyrocketing health care costs, or in ending the longest shutdown in U.S. history.

Rep. Don Beyer, Senior House Democrat on Congress’ Joint Economic Committee, said:

“The American people are struggling with higher prices, but Donald Trump doesn’t even want to hear about it. He could not care less. As his tariffs and Big Ugly Bill drive our prices higher, Trump is unconcerned with helping average people, in fact he is intentionally making life harder for millions of Americans by going to court to deny SNAP benefits to hungry families. In both actions and words Trump is proving that he only cares about himself and his rich friends.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

Ahead of Veterans Day, U.S. Representative Kathy Castor (FL-14) announced two St. Petersburg nonprofits were awarded federal grants to hire and retain veteran case managers. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul South received two awards totaling $1,699,928 for 4 case managers and Boley Centers, Inc. received $340,433.00 for 1 case manager.

“Every day is Veterans Day in Tampa Bay, and I am proud to have championed over $2 million for organizations that better the lives of those who have served our country selflessly. Our veterans deserve access to high-quality resources to find safe, affordable housing and mental health services. Community partners at St. Vincent de Paul South and the Boley Centers will be able to expand their already wide reach in our veteran community to continue ensuring our service members and their families have the tools to thrive when they return home from serving our country. I applaud these nonprofits for effectively serving those, who have served us,” said U.S. Representative Kathy Castor.

“This funding represents more than financial support, it is an investment in our community’s shared commitment that homelessness is rare, brief, and nonrecurring. With these resources, Saint Vincent de Paul CARES will continue to provide safe housing, tailored case management, and long-term stability for those we serve,” said Michael Raposa, CEO of The Society of St. Vincent de Paul South.

“We are honored to receive this support, which will directly strengthen our work helping veterans secure housing and the individualized mental health services they need to thrive. Representative Castor’s continued advocacy reflects the belief that no veteran should be without a home or support system. We look forward to working together to ensure that those who have served our country receive the care and stability they deserve,” said Kevin Marrone, President & CEO of Boley Centers, Inc.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Riley Moore (WV-02)

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Riley M. Moore introduced a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives condemning the ongoing persecution of Christians in Nigeria and supporting President Donald J. Trump’s announcement to officially designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern. This bold decision is a clear message to the world that the United States will never turn a blind eye to our brothers and sisters in Christ who are being martyred for their faith.

This resolution draws attention to the horrific persecution Christians face across Nigeria. 50,000-100,000 Christians have been murdered since 2009. At least 7,000 Christians have been killed this year alone – an average of 35 deaths each day. 19,000 churches have been destroyed. Data from Open Doors indicate that more Christians are killed every year in Nigeria than the rest of the world combined.

This resolution supports President Trump as he seeks to utilize every tool at the United States’ disposal – diplomatic, economic, humanitarian, and security – to defend Christians in the region. The measure also reaffirms America’s commitment to defending the right of Christians to worship freely without fear of violence, persecution, or death.

Earlier this month, Congressman Moore sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging the Trump Administration to take “immediate action to address the systematic persecution and slaughter of Christians in Nigeria,” highlighting the nation’s growing reputation as “the deadliest place in the world to be a Christian.”

President Trump previously designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern in 2020, but President Biden removed the designation in 2021.

Congressman Riley M. Moore issued the following statement: 

“This resolution condemns the horrific persecution of Christians in Nigeria. For far too long, the world has turned a blind eye to the suffering of innocent Christians—entire villages destroyed, churches burned, pastors tortured, families torn apart. This grave suffering must end now.

I’m calling on all my colleagues – both Republican and Democrat alike – to unite in defense of faith and freedom. The United States must make it clear that we will not tolerate the slaughter of Christians or the persecution of anyone for their belief in Jesus Christ.

I want to thank President Trump for his bold and unwavering leadership in defense of Christians in Nigeria. His official designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern will save the lives of thousands of Christians.

I am grateful for President Trump’s trust in me to lead this effort in the House alongside Chairman Tom Cole.”

Joining Congressman Riley M. Moore on this resolution are the following members of Congress: Representatives Wesley Hunt (TX-38), Mary Miller (IL-15), Andrew Clyde (GA-09, Ralph Norman (SC-05), Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02), Mark Messmer (IN-08), Mark Alford (MO-04), Marlin Stutzman (IN-03), Barry Moore (AL-01), Brandon Gill (TX-26), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Robert Aderholt (AL-04), Gary Palmer (AL-06), Greg Steube (FL-17), Addison McDowell (NC-06), John James (MI-10), and Gus Bilirakis (FL-12).

“The slaughter of Christians in Nigeria is one of the greatest moral crises of our time. For years, radical Islamic terrorists like Boko Haram have murdered, raped, and burned entire villages simply because men, women, and children refused to renounce their faith in Jesus Christ. America cannot be silent in the face of such evil. I’m proud to stand with President Trump, Representative Riley Moore, and the rest of my colleagues supporting this resolution. This isn’t about politics, it’s about principle. Evil triumphs when good men do nothing. We will not look away. We will not be silent. We will stand for the persecuted and fight for their right to live and worship in peace,” Congressman Wesley Hunt (TX-38) said.

“Every day, innocent Christians in Nigeria are brutally attacked, displaced, and murdered simply for their faith in Jesus Christ. This persecution has gone on for too long, and under President Trump’s leadership, it will end. I’m proud to co-sponsor Rep. Riley Moore’s effort to condemn this violence, defend religious freedom, and stand with the Christian communities in Nigeria who are suffering for their faith,” Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15) said.

“The ongoing violence against Christians in Nigeria is one of the most egregious violations of human rights and religious freedom so far this century. We cannot turn a blind eye to our brothers and sisters in Christ being slaughtered and persecuted at the hands of radical Islamists. I fully support President Trump’s decisive action to protect Christians in Nigeria, and I thank Rep. Riley Moore for his strong leadership on this critical matter,” Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) said.

“The persecution of Christians in Nigeria is a moral outrage. No government should turn a blind eye to innocent men, women, and children being slaughtered for their faith, and the world cannot look away while believers are hunted. This evil demands truth, not silence—and it must be condemned in Nigeria and across the world,” Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) said.

“What’s happening in Nigeria is pure evil,” said Congressman Van Drew. “No one should ever be killed for their faith, yet thousands of innocent Christians are being slaughtered simply because they believe in God. The United States must stand for religious freedom everywhere. I’m proud to be a cosponsor on this important resolution because silence in the face of this kind of persecution makes us complicit,” Congressman Van Drew (NJ-02) said.

“I applaud Representative Moore for speaking out against the escalating genocide of Christians. His leadership comes at a critical moment when extremist militants continue to slaughter the most vulnerable while the world ignores the devastation. More than 7,000 Christians have been killed this year alone in Nigeria, making this country the deadliest place in the world to be a Christian. Evil thrives in darkness, and I am grateful to Representative Moore for shining a light on this ongoing atrocity. May God have mercy on these persecuted communities and may He protect them from further annihilation,” Congressman Mark Messmer (IN-08) said.

“The ongoing brutal attacks against Christians in Nigeria should shake every American to the core. We applaud President Trump’s move to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern. I’m proud to co-lead this resolution with Congressman Moore and our colleagues to help ensure targeted Christian communities receive real protection. We stand ready to fully support decisive action from the Trump Administration to stop these heinous attacks and end the persecution of Christians in Nigeria once and for all,” Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) said.

“Over 50,000 Christians in Nigeria have been insensibly slaughtered by the satanic Boko Haram terrorists simply for being Christians,” said Rep. Stutzman. “America is supposed to be the beacon of religious freedom worldwide. It is our responsibility and our duty to step in and stop the senseless killing and protect the innocent. I am proud to stand with President Trump and Congressman Riley Moore in taking action to put an end to this senseless bloodshed,” Congressman Marlin Stutzman (IN-03) said.

“The slaughter of Christians in Nigeria is one of the largest human rights crises happening in our world today. Families are being torn apart and churches burned simply because of their faith. I’m proud to stand with President Trump and Rep. Riley Moore as we continue to confront violence and discrimination at the hands of Islamic terror groups in Nigeria. Faith is not a crime, it’s the cornerstone of freedom, and we must defend it wherever it’s under attack,” Congressman Barry Moore (AL-01) said.

“I am proud to stand with my good friend Rep. Riley Moore in condemning the evil persecution of Christians in Nigeria by the Islamic terror group Boko Haram. These men and women should be free to worship and serve God without suffering unimaginable violence, seeing their churches and villages burnt to the ground, and fearing for their lives and their children’s lives. Thank you, President Trump, and thank you, Rep. Riley Moore, for standing up for religious freedom everywhere,” Congressman Brandon Gill (TX-26) said.

“I am honored to join President Trump and Congressman Moore’s efforts to save Christians in Nigeria by calling attention to an atrocity that the media has largely ignored. With this resolution, we will put the Nigerian government and Boko Haram on notice that the United States will not stand idly by while Christians are slaughtered. I will always stand up and fight for religious freedom,” said Congressman Buddy Carter (R-GA).

“The persecution of Christians in Nigeria is unacceptable, and the United States will not remain silent, will not be complacent, and will not turn away while Christians face violence and discrimination for their faith. I commend President Trump and Rep. Riley Moore for leading America in confronting this horrific violence and defending people of faith,” said Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04).

“The targeted killing of Christians in Nigeria is not just persecution, it is a violation of human rights that borders on genocide. The United Nations’ failure to intervene has allowed this to continue for far too long. Thankfully, President Trump is not allowing the United States to turn a blind eye. I’m proud to stand with our brothers and sisters in Christ by cosponsoring Congressman Riley Moore’s resolution to condemn these violent acts,” Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06) said.

“The targeted killing of Christians in Nigeria is not just persecution, it is a violation of human rights that borders on genocide. The United Nations’ failure to intervene has allowed this to continue for far too long. Thankfully, President Trump is not allowing the United States to turn a blind eye. I’m proud to stand with our brothers and sisters in Christ by cosponsoring Congressman Riley Moore’s resolution to condemn these violent acts,” said Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17).

“What is happening in Nigeria, the slaughter of Christians in the region by the Islamic terror group Boko Haram, is a barbaric attempt to suppress Christians around the world. Americans will not stand by as lives are lost in the name of freedom of worship and the right to serve. Every man, woman, and child has the right to pray to our Savior without fear of deadly violence,” Congressman Addison McDowell said. “Standing by as this happens is not an option. It’s not how I was raised, and it is not indicative of America. I’m proud to stand with President Trump and Congressman Riley Moore to draw awareness to the situation in Nigeria and condemn the actions of Boko Haram,” said Congressman Addison McDowell (NC-06).

“What’s happening to Christians in Nigeria is pure evil. Thousands are being murdered for their faith, churches are being burned to the ground, and the Nigerian government is doing nothing to stop it,” said Congressman Norman. “President Trump had it right when he called this persecution out for what it is. It’s time for America to stand strong again and make clear that we will not sit by while innocent Christians are slaughtered. We must always stand with those who suffer for their faith,” said Congressman Ralph Norman (SC-05).

The following organizations have endorsed Congressman Riley M. Moore’s resolution: Alliance Defending Freedom International, Catholic Vote, Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), Family Research Council, Concerned Women for America, Faith and Liberty, American Center for Law and Justice, Eagle Forum, Christian Legal Society, In Defense of Christians, Family Policy Alliance, Christian Employers Alliance, Christian Medical & Dental Associations, Faith & Freedom Coalition, First Liberty, Heritage Action, Kingdom Mission Society, Christian Defense Coalition, Stanton Policy Institute, International Christian Concern, Ambassador Services International, Christian Solidarity International, Global Peace Foundation, Patriot Voices, Open Doors, IRF Secretariat, Shai Fund, Save the Persecuted Christians, Leah Foundation, International Committee on Nigeria, CSW UK, CSW US, and CSW Nigeria, Jubilee Campaign, American Association of Evangelicals (AAE), Set My People Free, Christian Freedom International, Katartismos Global, African Jewish Association, Boat People SOS (BPSOS), Coalition to Abolish Modern-day Slavery in Asia (CAMSA), Friends of Thien Am Monastery, National Religious Broadcasters (NRB), Levant Council of the United States, Saint Nicholas Freedom Group, American Islamic Congress, Anglican Persecuted Church Network, Global Anglican Fellowship Suffering Church Network, Committee for Religious Freedom in Vietnam, For the Martyrs, the Doctor James Dobson Family Institute, Help the Persecuted, International Christian Rescue Mission, Liberty Relief International, the Buddhist Solidarity Association, and the Africa Working Group of the IRF Roundtable.

“For far too long, Christians in Nigeria have suffered, with thousands every year losing their lives for simply living out their faith. We applaud and proudly endorse this resolution from Representative Riley Moore as a major step forward in protecting human dignity and religious freedom in Nigeria. Now that the world is watching, there is no better time than now to help our Christian brothers and sisters and put an end to the persecution and horrific violence they have faced,” said Sean Nelson, Senior Counsel for Global Religious Freedom at ADF International.

“Nigeria has become a kingdom of martyrs, the deadliest place in the world for Christians. The slaughter of more than 52,000 Christians and attacks on more than 20,000 churches by Islamic terrorists makes Nigeria responsible for roughly 82% of all Christians killed worldwide for faith-related reasons. 

Rep. Riley Moore’s new resolution shines a bright light on the brutal persecution of Christians in Nigeria. By condemning these atrocities and backing President Trump’s leadership, Rep. Moore courageously stands with our persecuted brothers and sisters, demanding accountability and action to end this massacre. Together, President Trump and Rep Moore are true guardians of religious freedom.” Kelsey Reinhardt, President and CEO of Catholic Vote said. 

“Having hosted at our Ministry Center in Washington, DC, the Nigerian delegation for the International Religious Freedom Conference, we learned firsthand the horrors Christians daily face at the hands of Islamic terrorists. We stand in solidarity with Members of Congress to defend Christians in Nigeria against the genocide they are currently experiencing,” Peggy Nienaber, Senior Vice President of Faith and Liberty said.

“The American Center for Law and Justice stands with Congressman Moore in condemning the brutal murder of Christians in Nigeria. Every day, innocent men, women, and children are being slaughtered simply because of their faith in Jesus Christ. We will work alongside Congressman Moore and President Trump to stop this murderous religious persecution.” Jordan Sekulow, Executive Director of the American Center for Law and Justice said.

“Thousands of Christians in Nigeria are being slaughtered simply for their faith. The United States must stand with our brothers and sisters in Christ. We thank President Trump for designating Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” and urge all Members of Congress to pass Congressman Riley Moore’s resolution to condemn Nigeria’s actions,” said Kris Ullman, President of Eagle Forum.

“In Defense of Christians (IDC) proudly endorses Congressman Riley Moore’s resolution condemning the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.  The resolution rightly affirms President Trump’s decisive action in designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern—sending a clear message that the United States will hold perpetrators accountable and stand firmly with vulnerable Christian communities. While Nigeria is among the world’s most severe epicenters of anti‑Christian violence, Congressman Moore’s broader work in Congress also highlights a growing and deeply troubling global trend of Christian persecution in Muslim‑majority countries (H.Res.594)—reminding us that America must remain resolute in defending Christians wherever they suffer for their faith,” Richard Ghazal, Executive Director of In Defense of Christians said.

“Congressman Riley Moore’s resolution comes at a critical moment. For years, Christians in Nigeria—especially across the Middle Belt—have endured unspeakable violence: churches burned, families massacred, entire villages erased—with little accountability. This resolution not only honors the memory of more than 50,000 Nigerian Christians killed for their faith, it also confronts the impunity that allows such atrocities to persist. Protecting religious freedom must be central to U.S. policy in Nigeria and across Africa. Lasting stability depends on safety and justice for all Nigerians, regardless of faith.” Senator Rick Santorum, Chairman of Patriot Voices said.

“The evidence is clear: persecution of Christians in Nigeria is a reality.  Freedom of religion or belief is a basic right, and no one should be killed for their faith.  As the world debates motives and terminology, as some try to make this an issue for the right or the left, we call on you to remember that behind every statistic is a real person.  A father. A mother. A daughter or son.  This is an issue everyone should care about.  It is an issue about humanity.  What is needed now is immediate and concrete action to protect vulnerable people and address the needs of all those affected,” Open Doors said.

“For more than a decade, advocates at the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Roundtable have worked to draw attention to the escalating crisis in Nigeria. Further, In 2019, we supported the launch of IRF Roundtable Nigeria to start working to build religious freedom from the ground up. Congressman Riley Moore’s resolution sends a strong signal that the United States will not ignore systematic attacks on Christians and other vulnerable communities. Ending impunity and ensuring equal protection under the law are essential steps toward stability and peace. We welcome this resolution as a clear statement that America stands with all Nigerians seeking safety, justice, and freedom of belief. IRF Secretariat will continue to support all efforts to build religious freedom, peace, and prosperity there,” Greg Mitchell, Founder & CEO of IRF Secretariat said.

“In Nigeria’s blood-soaked fields, tens of thousands of Christians have and continue to be slaughtered by jihadists. The world should not avert its eyes while radical Islam devours the faithful. Thank you Congressman Moore and President Trump for shedding light on this issue and their push to end this international travesty,” said Craig DeRoche, President and CEO of the Family Policy Alliance.

“The Christian Medical & Dental Associations (CMDA) hopes and prays that Christians in Nigeria can worship and live by faith without the threat of persecution. The United States should make a bold stand in protecting vulnerable populations for the sake of religious freedom which is the bedrock of our country,” Brick Lantz, MD, Vice President of Advocacy and Bioethics of Christian Medical & Dental Associations said.

“Persecuted Christians need the commitment of our lawmakers to protect them when they are facing severe persecution. Representative Moore’s resolution and his tireless voice for the persecuted as represented in this resolution, is a powerful sign ensuring Congress stands ready to use every diplomatic, economic, and security tool available. The leadership of President Trump in maintaining Nigeria’s Country of Particular Concern (CPC) designation, communicating a zero tolerance for that persecution, and the President’s pressure on Nigeria by considering every tool at his disposal are crucial to saving Christian lives. This resolution follows this bold leadership,” said Alexei Laushkin, Founder of Kingdom Mission Society.

“International Christian Concern is grateful for Congressman Moore’s tireless advocacy on behalf of persecuted Christians in Nigeria. His resolution rightly calls out the jihadist violence that has terrorized Christian communities for decades and honors the memory of more than 50,000 Nigerian Christian martyrs. We thank Congressman Moore for remembering our brothers and sisters in Nigeria and for his steadfast commitment to defending all who suffer persecution for their faith,” International Christian Concern said.

“Nigerian Christians face relentless violence—churches burned, villages razed, families slaughtered simply for their faith. Thousands have been killed; countless more displaced. As Hebrews 13:3 commands us: “Remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” This isn’t distant news—these are our brothers and sisters in Christ. Their persecution demands our attention, our prayers, and our action. We cannot remain silent while fellow believers are martyred for the name of Jesus. Supporting Pres. Trump’s efforts to protect Nigerian Christians isn’t political—it’s biblical obedience and Christian solidarity with the suffering Church,” Ambassador Services International said.

“Christian Solidarity International is pleased to endorse this important resolution from Representative Riley Moore. The resolution correctly diagnoses two ways in which the Nigerian government enables the massacre of Christians in Nigeria, especially Nigeria’s Middle Belt: 1) the impunity which Fulani militias and other actors who massacre Christians currently enjoy; 2) and the sharia criminal law and blasphemy laws imposed in twelve Nigerian states, which foment anti-Christian sentiment and Muslim supremacy. Importantly, the resolution also identifies returning displaced Christians to their homes as a priority, and encourages the delivery of direct aid to victims of persecution. Hundreds of thousands of Christians from Nigeria’s Middle Belt region are internally displaced, and they are typically overlooked in international aid distributions. The United States can protect Christians in Nigeria, but sustained engagement is key. We support this resolution as a means to make that engagement a reality,” Christian Solidarity International said.

“The Global Peace Foundation (GPF) strongly supports Congressman Riley Moore’s resolution condemning the ongoing violence and widespread loss of life in Nigeria. The crisis there is highly complex. It is driven not only by attacks on religious communities but also by ethnic tensions, weak governance, environmental stress, and the manipulation of identity for political gain. These factors have harmed Christian, Muslim, and traditional communities alike. GPF affirms that every person has inherent, God-given dignity, and that freedom of conscience, belief, and religion is a universal right vital to peaceful and thriving societies. As seen in our work across Africa and worldwide, sustainable peace depends on strengthening social cohesion across faiths, promoting principled leadership, and empowering locally grounded solutions that build trust and shared security. This resolution rightly highlights the urgent need to protect vulnerable communities, ensure accountability for violence, and develop long-term strategies to reduce conflict and uphold the rule of law. We are ready to work with diverse partners to promote peace, defend freedom of conscience and belief, and build resilient, inclusive communities in Nigeria,” Global Peace Foundation said.

“Shai Fund commends the U.S. government for recognizing the growing persecution of Christians in Nigeria. The suffering of innocent people must not be overlooked. This CPC designation is an important step towards ending the targeted campaign of violence. We urge continued action to protect all people of faith, promote justice for victims, and support lasting peace and freedom for every Nigerian,” Charmaine Hedding, President of Shai Fund said.

“We strongly support Rep. Riley Moore’s efforts to spotlight the abduction and forced conversion of Christian women and girls in Nigeria to Islam. His leadership brings critical attention to religious persecution and gender-based violence, urging global action to protect vulnerable communities. By amplifying voices like Leah Sharibu’s, Rep. Moore is advancing human rights, religious freedom, and justice. We urge policymakers to join him in confronting extremism and supporting survivors,” the Leah Foundation said.

“We fully support Rep. Riley Moore’s efforts to defend persecuted Christians in Nigeria who are being violently attacked, displaced, and killed by radical Fulani militants. These targeted assaults have devastated farming communities, stripping families of their livelihoods and security. Rep. Moore’s leadership is vital in urging international and legislative action to protect religious minorities, restore stability, and hold perpetrators accountable. His voice is helping ensure that these atrocities are not ignored,” the International Committee on Nigeria said.

“We welcome Nigeria’s redesignation as a CPC and endorse this resolution, which will assist in ensuring that the suffering of  Christian communities in central and northern Nigeria, which has persisted for decades, is finally addressed decisively, and that their plight will continue receiving the international focus it has long merited. We reiterate our appeal to the government of Nigeria to view the CPC designation as an encouragement to address the  mass killings, forcible displacement and land seizures in northern and central Nigeria, and the systematic discrimination and violations in Shari’a states, with greater urgency. We also urge the Nigerian authorities, once again, to engage positively with this process, and to view it as an opportunity to secure the assistance needed to trace and hold funders, facilitators and perpetrators of religion-related violations to account, and to close the protection gap by tackling every source of insecurity definitively,” CSW UK, CSW US, and CSW Nigeria said.

“Jubilee Campaign welcomes the resolution by Congressman Riley Moore. It ensures that the re-designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern does not just remain a statement but a reality – using the tools provided by the designation to hold perpetrators of violence and attacks against Christians accountable and to put an end to the escalating violence, including torture, extrajudicial killings, sexual violence and forced religious conversions. We welcome the call for the repeal of the egregious anti-blasphemy laws and release of prisoners of conscience and the call for protection and humanitarian support coordination for IDPs.”

“While the world has understood the violence perpetrated by Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and bands of Islamist Fulani militants have been allowed to carry out violent attacks with impunity, including executions and inhuman and degrading treatment of civilians [cutting of limbs], the burning of homes and places of worship, kidnapping and enslavement of women and girls and forced religious conversions, Leah Sharibu one notable case. Rep. Riley’s resolution shows the way for accountability and a much needed cessation of the violence,” the Jubilee Campaign said.

“Thank you for this urgent action. We must stop the murder and genocide of our Christian brothers and sisters in Nigeria, and around the world as violent Islam accelerates. Not on our watch,” said Kelly M. Kullberg, General Secretary, of American Association of Evangelicals (AAE).

“Christians in Nigeria are suffering severe persecution. Rep. Riley Moore’s Congressional Resolution clearly outlines the strong actions that need to be taken. Nigeria’s officials need to be held accountable. Abolish blasphemy laws. Punish militant Islamist murderers. Justice for victims,” said Wendy Wright, President of Christian Freedom International.

“Not just for years, but for decades, Christians in Nigeria have suffered severe persecution and deprivation, victims of a genocidal jihad that seeks to establish a state cleansed of all Christians. Congressman Riley Moore’s resolution provides a roadmap for action in keeping with President Trump’s declaration of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern. We thank God that the cries of our brothers and sisters in Nigeria are being heard. . . and answered,” said Faith McDonnell, Director of Advocacy, Katartismos Global.
“Considering the ongoing escalation of atrocities against Christians in Nigeria, we support its being designated a Country of Particular Concern (CPC). Nigeria should not have been taken off the CPC list in the first place. We also call for the application of severe sanctions against its government to send a strong message to all regimes and non-state actors that are persecuting Christians and members of other religions worldwide,” said Dr. Nguyen Dinh Thang, President and CEO of Boat People SOS (BPSOS).

“The country of Nigeria, a critical emerging core international leader, is facing an extinction level event in the areas of unalienable rights, human dignity, real diversity, and economic prosperity.  A Nigeria free from terror and violent ethnoreligious hatred can significantly benefit the entirety of its population and all of Africa.  President Trump leadership, and Rep. Moore’s resolution provides essential foundational elements to build a future for a free and prosperous Nigeria, all of Africa, and the world.” Father John Anderson, President of Saint Nicholas Freedom Group.

“The Levant Council believes that the persecution and suffering of Christians in Nigeria cannot be viewed separately from the plight of Christians, Druze, Alawites, and other minorities in Syria. These are all manifestations of the same jihadist ideology — one that rejects coexistence and, ironically, continues to gain empowerment from parts of the West. Jihadism does not spread slowly like a virus; rather, with the support its leaders are receiving on world stages, it expands rapidly — like a microwave. An act against jihadism in one place is, therefore, an act against it everywhere,” Dr. Tamim Khromachou, President of Levant Council of the United States said.

“As Buddhists peacefully advocating for freedom of religion or belief for all, we stand with our brothers and sisters from all religions to call on the US Government to take concrete actions against the brutal persecution of Christians in Nigeria. CPC designation is the first concrete action. We fully endorse Congressman Riley Moore’s Congressional Resolution,” said Ms. Minh-Luong Nguyen, Co-founder and Coordinator of the Buddhist Solidarity Association.

“It is not by coincidence that victims of human trafficking disproportionately came from persecuted religious or indigenous communities. Traffickers clearly know how to exploit the vulnerability of these communities and often enjoy the support or collusion of government officials. According to Walk Free’s 2023 Global Slavery Index, Nigeria is ranked fifth out of 51 countries in Africa in terms of prevalence of modern slavery. Designating Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern may also shine the international spotlight on the scourge of human trafficking in that country,” said the Coalition to Abolish Modern-day Slavery in Asia (CAMSA)

“Being indigenous Christians facing severe persecution in Vietnam, we would like to express empathy and solidarity with our Christian brothers and sisters in Nigeria. We strongly support the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern. The free world, led by the United States, should take actions to stop the ongoing gross violations of religious freedom in that country,” said Y Phic Hdok, Co-founder & Coordinator of Montagnards Stand for Justice (MSFJ).

“We are Hmong Christians seeking UN protection in Thailand; we were persecuted in Vietnam for having resisted the government’s order to abandon our Christian faith. We applaud and endorse Rep. Riley Moore’s Congressional Resolution to designate Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern for its ongoing, severe and systematic violations of religious freedom against Christians in that country,” said Giang A Chin, Coordinator of Hmong for Human Rights.

“Having effectively advocated for the CPC designation of communist Vietnam in 2005 and 2006, we know that this designation carries weight with regimes that engage in ongoing, systematic and severe persecution of people of faith. We endorse the Congressional Resolution initiated by Congressman Riley Moor,” said Helen Nguyen, Co-founder of the Committee for Religious Freedom in Vietnam.

“There is a jihad surging across Africa. Christians are being slaughtered. We must put a stop to the massacres,” said Charles Jacob, President of the African Jewish Alliance

“The persecution of Christians in Nigeria is one of the most urgent human-rights crises of our time, and it’s long past time the world stopped looking away. I’m grateful to Rep. Moore for his leadership and for taking action to protect persecuted Christians when so many have stayed silent. His resolution is a crucial step toward real accountability,” said Founding President, Gia Chacon with For the Martyrs.

“The Friends of Thien Am Buddhist Monastery express our full support for Congressman Riley Moore’s Congressional Resolution. Our mission is committed to peacefully advocating for freedom of religion or belief for all, we stand in solidarity with individuals from diverse religious backgrounds. We urge the U.S. Government to take meaningful steps to address the grave persecution faced by Christians in Nigeria, beginning with the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC),” said Tanya Nguyen-Do, Founder of Friends of Thien AM Buddhist Group.

“We were stunned when former Secretary Blinken decided to remove Nigeria from the CPC list hours before his plane landed in the country. We did not receive an adequate answer as to why this took place. The violence against Christians has taken place in more than one Nigerian Administration as well with very few attackers arrested,tried or convicted. Nigeria currently suffers from a lack of accountability from the Security Services who have a history of poor response to the events when they take place to the tepid responses by the Government. So why are they afraid of being held responsible for what is taking place within their borders? We applaud and appreciate Congressman Moore for speaking up on behalf of the Christians in Nigeria,” said Scott Morgan with the Africa Working Group. 

“What we are witnessing in Nigeria is the result of years of marginalization of Christians. The current level of  violence is downstream of shutting Christians out, blasphemy laws, and conflict. I am glad to see Represent Moore recognize the suffering of this weakened Christian population,” said Joshua Youssef, President & CEO of Help the Persecuted.

For more on this issue, see Congressman Moore’s previous work on Nigeria:

·   The Congressman’s first ever floor speech, in which he highlighted the plight of Nigerian Christians;

·   The Congressman’s letter calling for Secretary Marco Rubio to designate Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern;

·   The Congressman’s tweet thanking President Trump for designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern;

·   The Congressman’s interview with Laura Ingraham;

·   The Congressman’s interview with Maria Bartiromo;

·   The Congressman’s interview on Fox and Friends;

·   The Congressman’s interview with Stuart Varney;

·   The Congressman’s interview with Kayleigh McEnany;

·   The Congressman’s interview with Dinesh D’Souza;

·   The Congressman’s interview with Raymond Arroyo;

·   The Congressman’s interview with Mario Nawfal;

·   The Congressman’s tweet highlighting the killing of a Nigerian pastor and kidnapping of 20 Nigerian Christians

·   The Congressman’s tweet highlighting the Nigerian Army accusing a pastor of stoking division for warning of an impending attack that left a dozen Christians dead;

·   The Congressman’s twitter thread highlighting the state of persecution in Nigeria and announcing his letter calling for Nigeria to be designated as a Country of Particular Concern;

· The Congressman’s tweet highlighting the massacre of Nigerian Christians on Palm Sunday;

·The Congressman’s speech at CPAC’s Ending Christian Persecution Summit.

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) applauded the Trump administration’s announcement Thursday that the administration has reached a deal to lower the cost of popular GLP-1 weight loss drugs, Wegovy and Zepbound.

The announcement follows Kelly’s introduction of the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA), bipartisan legislation to combat the obesity crisis in the United States by providing Medicare coverage of GLP-1s.

“The Trump administration’s proactive efforts to work with pharmaceutical companies to lower the cost of these life-saving prescription drugs will help Americans save money and live healthier lives,” said Rep. Kelly. “This effort wholly aligns with my bipartisan legislation, the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act, which would require Medicare coverage of GLP-1s. Through this commonsense policy, seniors struggling with obesity will be able to take a responsible, proactive approach to improve their health and live longer, more active lives. It has been a pleasure to work with the Trump administration, including my friend Dr. Oz, to make America healthy again; and, my friend, former Rep. Brad Wenstrup, DPM, together in Congress. There is always more work to be done, and I look forward to continued work in Congress to cover this life-saving medication!”

You can find full bill text for the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

Today, Congresswomen Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Greg Landsman (OH-01), Ami Bera, MD (CA-06), Kim Schrier, MD (WA-08), Mark Pocan (WI-02), and Rick Larsen (WA-02) introduced legislation to protect seniors from new red tape the Trump administration is implementing in traditional Medicare. The Seniors Deserve SMARTER (Streamlined Medical Approvals for Timely, Efficient Recovery) Care Act would repeal the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction (WISeR) model.

WISeR would implement new prior authorization requirements in traditional Medicare in six states (New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, and Washington) beginning January 2026. The model would hire private companies to use artificial intelligence to automate prior authorization. These companies are compensated based on a share of “averted expenditures,” rewarding participants based on the volume or cost of care they deny.

In recent years, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) revealed that Medicare Advantage plans ultimately approved 75% of requests that were originally denied, and a 2022 HHS report further revealed that Medicare Advantage plans frequently violated Medicare coverage rules in their use of prior authorization. Nearly a third of physicians report that prior authorization has led to a serious adverse health event for a patient in their care.  

“We know that prior authorization in Medicare Advantage and elsewhere ultimately limits access to care, increases the burden on loved ones and care providers, and leads to worse health outcomes,” said DelBene. “The administration has publicly admitted that prior authorization is harmful, yet it is moving forward with this misguided effort that would make seniors navigate more red tape to get the care they’re entitled to. Congress needs to step in and protect seniors, their families, and health care workers by stopping this model.”

“Seniors shouldn’t have to worry about whether AI decides if they get the care they need. It’s reckless. Time and again, the Trump Administration is making it harder for Americans to access healthcare – and now they’re targeting Medicare, something tens of millions of seniors have paid into and rely on,” said Landsman.

“As a doctor and former Chief Medical Officer of Sacramento County, I’ve seen how harmful prior authorization can be when it delays or denies necessary care for patients,” said Bera. “The WISeR model takes that a step further by financially rewarding companies for denying care through so-called ‘averted expenditures.’ That creates a dangerous incentive to put profits ahead of patients’ health. These decisions should be made by doctors, not by algorithms designed to cut costs. We should be working to strengthen Medicare, not layering on more red tape that threatens access to timely, high-quality care.”

“Time and time again, we’ve seen how prior authorization has led to dangerous delays in care and undermined overall patient health,” said Schrier. “The WISeR model would only make the problem worse for seniors in Washington State and would empower artificial intelligence to make critical healthcare decisions. As a physician, I know that healthcare decisions should be made by patients and doctors, not insurance companies. That’s why I’m proud to support this legislation and stand against this program.”

“It is not an exaggeration to say that the requirement of prior authorization for traditional Medicare services will kill seniors,” said Pocan. “Not only that, but the use of AI in determining whether or not treatment is necessary is extremely reckless. Unlike Medicare Advantage plans that already use AI in prior authorization decisions, traditional Medicare is supposed to cover you, no questions asked. This is a disastrous idea of epic proportions and should be immediately rescinded.”

“The WISeR Model is just the latest example of the Trump administration making health care worse,” said Larsen. “People, not unregulated AI, should lead health care decisions. I am proud to co-lead this legislation to stop the implementation of WISeR. I will continue to fight back against the Trump administration’s efforts to privatize Medicare, as well as their efforts to take away health care from more than 30,000 people I represent.”

Days before announcing the WISeR model, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz touted a non-binding commitment from insurance plans to reduce prior authorization in Medicare Advantage, acknowledging the harm and burden it puts on patients.

The legislation is endorsed by the American Podiatric Medical Association, Physicians for a National Health Program, The Center for Health and Democracy, Social Security Works, Just Care USA, Washington State Medical Association, Washington State Hospital Association, Texas Medical Association, Washington Community Action Network, Healthcare is a Human Right Coalition, Puget Sound Advocates for Retirement Action, Health Care for All – Washington, and Social Security Works WA.

In August, DelBene and Bera led a group of 17 House Democrats raising concerns about the WISeR model and the negative impacts it could have. They asked several questions about how it would be implemented. The administration never responded to the inquiry.

In May, DelBene introduced legislation to help seniors get the care they need when they need it by reforming prior authorization in Medicare Advantage.

The full text of the bill can be found here. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Headline: Carter pens letter calling for Charlie Kirk to be added to National Garden of American Heroes

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump encouraging him to add Charlie Kirk, a true patriot and martyr for free speech, among the figures honored in the National Garden of American Heroes. 

In the letter, Rep. Carter writes, “Charlie Kirk was a devoted Christian, who boldly lived out his faith with conviction, courage and compassion…The inclusion of Charlie Kirk in the National Garden would honor his life, leadership, and enduring legacy—defined by his steadfast commitment to the Constitution, civil discourse, and Biblical truth.” 

Carter continues, “Honoring Charlie Kirk in the National Garden would serve as a reminder that the strength of our Republic depends on citizens and leaders alike who engage thoughtfully, speak respectfully, and uphold the principles of our nation: life, liberty, limited government, and individual responsibility.” 

Charlie Kirk’s inclusion in the Garden boasts support from the University of Georgia’s (UGA) Turning Point USA Chapter: 

“All of us in the TPUSA at UGA community are incredibly grateful for Representative Carter, Senator Cassidy, and the other distinguished members of Congress advocating for Charlie Kirk to be included in the Garden of American Heroes. This is a truly wonderful honor befitting Charlie Kirk’s patriotic legacy,” said Carson French, President of Turning Point USA at UGA.

Read the full letter here.

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

Virginia’s Democratic Representatives in the U.S. House, Don Beyer (VA-08), Bobby Scott (VA-03), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), and James Walkinshaw (VA-11) today urged the Director of Virginia Health Benefit Exchange to extend Virginia’s Open Enrollment period through May 1, 2026. With the expiration of enhanced advance premium tax credits (APTC) that helped lower monthly health plan costs for more than 335,000 Virginians, many residents now face increased costs and difficult choices about whether to start, keep, or change their health insurance coverage. Extending the enrollment period would allow Virginians additional time and flexibility to select plans that best fit their needs as Democrats in Congress fight to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) APTCs.

They wrote Director of the Virginia Health Benefit Exchange Keven Patchett:

“We write to request an extension of the 2025-2026 Open Enrollment period to enroll in health insurance through Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace. In light of significant cost uncertainties facing Virginians, who will be left with difficult decisions about whether to begin, continue, or change their health insurance, we ask that you extend the period through May 1, 2026. Doing so will give Virginians additional time and flexibility to select plans that best fit their needs.

“For Plan Year 2025, 388,856 Virginians enrolled in plans through the Virginians Insurance Marketplace. Of those, 335,255, more than 86%, received an Advance Premium Tax Credit (APTC) that reduced the cost of their monthly premiums.  However, enhancements to those tax credits will expire at the end of 2025, less than a month before Open Enrollment is scheduled to end. Those enhancements provide significant savings for Virginians, create an exceptional need for more time to make consequential decisions. Last year, the enhanced APTCs reduced monthly premiums in the Commonwealth from $489 to $135, saving the average buyer more than $4,000 annually. Without those savings, net premiums could rise by 30-50% on average.

“We thank you for your consistent attention to this issue. In General Assembly testimony earlier this year, you estimated that 100,000 Virginians could go uninsured when the enhanced tax credits expire. That coverage loss would be devastating for not only the Virginians forced to choose between healthcare and other basic necessities, but also an acute shock to the rest of the Commonwealth’s health insurance ecosystem which will be left with an insurance pool that is smaller and sicker than before.

“We therefore ask that you extend the Open Enrollment period through May 1, 2026, to allow Virginians to see their final incomes and tax bills and make final health insurance decisions with a complete understanding of their financial situations. Given the precedent for Open Enrollment extensions in Virginia, we believe that this is a necessary step to give Virginians more time and information to make exceptionally consequential healthcare decisions.

“We thank you for your response to this request, as well as your ongoing attention to this important issue.”

A signed copy of the letter is available here.