Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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

Headline: Carter statement on House passage of bill to lower health care costs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 6703, the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act, a bill lowering health care costs and providing American citizens with more affordable coverage:

“Liberal politicians like Jon Ossoff want to continue giving handouts to Big Insurance and illegal immigrants, making your health outcomes worse, instead of addressing the heart of the problem, which is that the UnAffordable Care Act isn’t working. Democrats spent years dismantling our health care system and causing an affordability crisis. With this vote, House Republicans began the hard work of undoing more than a decade of harm to patients nationwide. By driving down health insurance premiums, increasing pharmacy benefit manager transparency, and expanding affordable health care options, we are ensuring that American citizens have access to the high-quality health care they deserve at a rate they can afford.”

The Lower Health Care Premiums for All Act:

Lowers Premiums for all Americans

• Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency: Requires PBMs to provide employers with detailed data on prescription drug spending, rebates, spread pricing, and formulary decisions—empowering plans and workers with the transparency they deserve.

• Appropriates Cost Sharing Reduction Payments: Provides necessary funding for CSR payments beginning in 2027, lowering premiums and stabilizing the individual market while ensuring taxpayer dollars are used responsibly. Relief would be better directed towards low-income enrollees that need them.

Improves Health Care Options for America’s Workers

• Association Health Plans: Expands access to Association Health Plans by allowing employers—including self-employed workers—to band together across industries to purchase affordable, high-quality coverage.

• Access to Stop-Loss Insurance: Ensures small and mid-sized employers can protect themselves from catastrophic claims by clarifying that stop-loss insurance is not “health insurance coverage.” This would allow small businesses to offer their employees more tailored, affordable care.

• CHOICE Arrangements: Codifies and strengthens 2019 rules allowing employers to offer defined contributions for employees to purchase their own coverage—renamed as CHOICE arrangements—and permits employees to pay premiums pre-tax.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) issued a statement after voting to pass H.R. 6703, the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act. 

The Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act would expand association health plans (AHPs), safeguard access to employer-sponsored insurance, advance cost-sharing reductions, and increase transparency of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to help lower prescription drug costs.

“The ACA is a mess, and this bill is just a small correction. I supported the effort, but we have a tremendous amount of bad policy baked into the ACA,” said Congressman Higgins. “The Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act promotes solutions that help stabilize the market, protect affordability, and expand access to quality care. My office will continue working to put patients first and protect Americans’ ability to have the freedom to choose health care that fits their individual needs.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)

“As Floridians, we have no illusions about the brutality of the Maduro dictatorship. Venezuelans voted for a peaceful, democratic transition, but Maduro has clung to power through repression and corruption.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA)

WASHINGTON—Today, House Republicans (and sadly, one spineless Democrat) shamefully rejected Congressman McGovern’s War Powers Resolution, which would have directed President Trump to cease all hostilities within or against Venezuela.

“I’m furious that cowardly lawmakers have once again surrendered Congress’ Constitutional responsibility on matters of war to a wannabe dictator in the White House,” said Ranking Member McGovern. “The Founders intentionally did not want any president to have unilateral power to start a war, much less one like Donald Trump, who campaigned on ending unnecessary foreign conflicts. He’s now breaking that promise—and his weak, pathetic lackeys in Congress are letting him drag us into yet another endless war that no one except their billionaire buddies in Big Oil want.”

McGovern’s resolution was a forceful response to the president’s recent threats to use military force against Venezuela—including airstrikes, American troops on the ground, and naval or air blockades. Under U.S. law, these actions are all considered hostilities.

“The Constitution is clear: only Congress can declare war,” continued McGovern. “Congress must affirm its authority and say no to an illegal war in Venezuela, no to yet another foreign conflict over oil, and no to more endless wars—and President Trump must obey the law.”

Notably, President Trump’s illegal attempt at regime change in Venezuela coincides with an affordability crisis in America—a crisis which the president calls a “con job,” and for which he has proposed no real plan or solution.

McGovern continued: “The American people have been clear: they don’t want another Iraq, and they don’t want to risk thousands of lives on another endless quagmire over oil. They want us to reform our rigged healthcare system, make housing more affordable, and lower costs. Rather than wasting trillions of dollars and thousands of lives on a war that the American people clearly oppose, Congress should spend its time and resources on fixing problems here at home. In a country with a trillionaire, it’s shameful that thousands of Americans go hungry, struggle to afford groceries, and worry about whether they’ll ever be able to buy a home. Those are the problems on which Congress ought to spend its time and resources.”

As Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, Congressman McGovern also made clear that his opposition to war with Venezuela in no way excuses President Nicholas Maduro’s horrendous human rights abuses and crimes against humanity.

“Maduro is a thug and a tyrant, and I’m appalled by his government’s countless human rights abuses. But America cannot afford to engage in another doomed-to-fail attempt at regime change. It’s never worked before, and it won’t work now. We don’t waste our resources and threaten to derail global security by trying to overthrow Vladmir Putin, Xi Jinping, or Kim Jong Un. Maduro should be no different. We simply can’t go to war with every dictator in the world,” concluded McGovern.

Congressman McGovern has been a consistent critic of endless armed conflicts and executive overreach concerning military action not explicitly authorized by Congress. He voted against the war in Iraq, opposes illegal drone strikes—even when authorized by Democratic presidents—and has repeatedly introduced legislation to overturn the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

Legislation included in Senator Alex Padilla’s Package to Protect 1 Million Acres of California Public Lands

December 17, 2025

Washington, D.C.? – Today, Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) reintroduced his Northwest California Wilderness, Recreation, and Working Forests Act, which would increase fire resilience, restore forests and fish habitat, rehabilitate lands impaired by illegal marijuana growing operations, increase recreation opportunities through new trails and visitor centers, and permanently protect many of northwest California’s most spectacular wild places and pristine streams.

“California has some of the most beautiful, iconic landscapes in America. My district is home to old-growth forests, rugged coastlines, and winding rivers that make up the heart and spirit of the North Coast,” said Huffman. “Our public lands don’t belong to any singular person – we all depend on the ecological, economic, cultural, and mental health benefits they provide. That’s why I met with folks from all across my district to create a bill that meets Northern CA’s diverse land management needs. I’m proud to partner with Senator Padilla on this legislative package that brings all our regions together, charting out a course to be good stewards of California’s treasured spaces so they can endure for generations.”

Huffman’s legislation was included in U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) sweeping public lands package. The Protecting Unique and Beautiful Landscapes by Investing in California (PUBLIC) Lands Act would support the conservation of over 1.7 million acres of California’s public lands throughout northwest California, the Central Coast, and Los Angeles County.

“Our public lands and natural spaces are some of California’s greatest gifts — from the Northern California Redwoods, to the Carrizo Plain, to the San Gabriel Mountains,” said Senator Padilla. “As the Trump Administration tries to sell off our state’s precious public lands and waters, we must protect and restore these areas to mitigate wildfire risk, reach California’s conservation goals, protect our natural resources, and ensure generations to come can enjoy access to the outdoors. I was thrilled to see President Biden heed our calls to permanently protect the entire San Gabriel Mountains last year, and I urge my colleagues to pass this package to protect access to green space for millions of Californians.”

The larger package consists of three bills:

• Huffman’s Northwest California Wilderness, Recreation, and Working Forests Act, which bill would permanently protect 484,733 acres of public lands and 479.8 miles of wild and scenic rivers.
• The Central Coast Heritage Protection Act, which is led in the House by Representative Carbajal. The bill would permanently protect 385,842 acres of public lands and 199.3 miles of wild and scenic rivers.
• The San Gabriel Mountains Foothills and Rivers Protection Act, which is led in the House by Representative Judy Chu. The bill would permanently protect 35,335 acres of public lands and 20.2 miles of wild and scenic rivers.

Background

To develop this legislation, Ranking Member Huffman conducted a sweeping public outreach effort in Mendocino, Humboldt, Trinity, and Del Norte counties, consulting with dozens of community leaders, tourism organizations, outdoor recreation groups, restoration specialists, tribes, county supervisors, conservation groups, forestry experts, fisheries scientists, fire ecologists, timber industry, and other business owners. Huffman held four public meetings on the legislative proposal in Eureka, Crescent City, Weaverville, and Ukiah, and has continued to meet with constituents both in California and in Washington D.C. about the bill. The legislation incorporated several changes recommended by constituents, business interests, environmental advocates, landowners, and local elected officials following Huffman’s calls for feedback and based on numerous discussions on the bill throughout the last several years.

The legislation includes several innovative new programs to increase fire resilience; restore forests and fish habitat, as well as lands impaired by illegal marijuana growing operations; stimulate local economies through forest stewardship programs; enhance recreational opportunities including through trails and visitor centers; and permanently protect many of northwest California’s spectacular wild places and pristine streams. It would not limit hunting or fishing, close any legally open roads or trails to vehicles, or affect access to or the use of private property. The wilderness designations only apply to federal lands, and Wilderness and Wild and Scenic River designations do not impact existing rights and do not limit access. Maps of these proposals, a list of frequently asked questions, a one-page summary of the bill, photographs of the protected areas, and other background information is available here.

Original cosponsors for the Northwest California Wilderness, Recreation, and Working Forests Act of 2025 include Representatives Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.), Judy Chu (D-Calif.), and Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.).

What Supporters Are Saying

“We’re grateful to Representative Huffman for proposing to restore National Forest lands in Trinity and Humboldt.? The bill will improve fire resilience for communities and for key wildlife habitat, especially in the South Fork Trinity River and Mad River watersheds,” said Larry Glass of the Northcoast Environmental Center.

Kent Collard, Director of the popular Camp Trinity near Hyampom, praised the bill for “Proposing to protect the Pattison Wilderness and lower Hayfork Creek, places that are critical to the continued success of our business.” 

“The bill will help restore degraded public lands, and permanently protect wild and scenic rivers and headwater streams, which are critical for the recovery of native salmon and trout in California,” said Curtis Knight, Executive Director, California Trout.

“I support the bill because it will improve fire resilience, protect pristine salmon streams, expand four existing wilderness areas and establish two new ones here in Mendocino County, and lead to the development of new trails closer to communities.? I’m grateful that Congressman?Huffman is continuing the effort to pass this important bill,” said John Haschak, Chair of the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors.?

“Congressman Huffman’s?Northwest California Wilderness, Recreation, and Working Forests Act?is a visionary, locally crafted measure that will safeguard the federal lands and waters that make this region an iconic landscape for outdoor recreation enthusiasts. By protecting and restoring forests, rivers, trails, and shorelines, this legislation ensures that future generations of hikers, paddlers, and climbers can continue to enjoy the incredible landscapes in Northern California. It’s time to get this critical measure signed into law and secure these outdoor opportunities for years to come,” said Katie Hawkins, California Program Director, Outdoor Alliance.

Jora Fogg, California Associate Program Director said, “The Conservation Lands Foundation fully supports?The Northwest California Wilderness, Recreation and Working Forests Act?because it helps conserve essential wilderness while ensuring Californians have access to outstanding natural areas and healthy rivers for recreation. By protecting more than 279,000 acres of Wilderness and 479.8 miles of Wild and Scenic Rivers, the bill helps sustain local economies and critical habitat for endangered species, restores fire-resilient forests, safeguards water sources, and cleans up public lands that have been damaged by illegal trespass activity such as marijuana grow sites. The legislation is endorsed by the State of California and we encourage Congress to enact it quickly.”

“For anglers, there is no substitute for good habitat. Some of the best steelhead and salmon waters in California, including sections of the Eel and Trinity Rivers, would be better protected under the Northwest California Wilderness, Recreation, and Working Forests Act. Trout Unlimited has worked for years to reconnect and restore habitat in many of these waters. We are grateful for Rep. Huffman’s commitment to conserving our native steelhead and salmon runs, and to supporting the fishing economies, cultures and communities dependent on them,” Sam Davidson, California Policy Director for Trout Unlimited.

“Representative Huffman’s Northwest California Wilderness, Recreation and Working Forests Act is a model of community-based conservation, demonstrating how forest restoration, economic development, habitat protection and recreation can work hand in hand in one of California’s most spectacular landscapes. This bill strengthens the conservation protections communities depend on, protects the freedom to explore and enjoy these lands and ensures these cherished places endure for future generations,” Helen O’Shea, California State Director, The Wilderness Society.

Devin O’Dea, Western Policy & Conservation Manager, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, said, “The PUBLIC Lands Act delivers the kind of durable, stakeholder-driven conservation solutions that hunters and anglers strongly support. By conserving more than 900,000 acres across California, this legislation safeguards wildlife habitat, clean water, and public access while promoting forest restoration and responsible recreation. BHA has long supported the PUBLIC Lands Act as a balanced, locally driven investment in our public lands and outdoor heritage, and we thank Sen. Padilla for continuing to champion this legislation.”

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

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) introduced the Producing Real Opportunities for Technology and Entrepreneurs Investing in Nutrition Act (PROTEIN Act), legislation to make a strategic federal investment in protein innovation through boosted support for research, workforce development, and domestic manufacturing capacity.  Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) is introducing companion legislation in the U.S. Senate. 

Global demand for meat is projected to double by 2050, but the United States currently lacks the infrastructure, workforce, and research pipeline to meet that exploding demand for protein sustainably. Senator Schiff’s bill seeks to ensure the United States doesn’t fall behind and makes critical investments in meeting protein demands for the future through improved and expanded innovation. 

“Protein innovation is an emerging but essential pillar of the U.S. bioeconomy that is critical to strengthening food security and addressing the climate crisis,” said Congresswoman Brownley. “While the United States has driven important breakthroughs in this field, countries like China and Canada are outpacing our investments in this cutting-edge technology. As global demand for meat continues to grow, we must diversify our protein sources to strengthen domestic supply chains and expand choices for American consumers. By investing in protein innovation, we can create thousands of high-paying jobs, bolster food security, confront the climate crisis, and reassert U.S. leadership in this rapidly growing industry. The PROTEIN Act does exactly that, making it a win-win-win for our economy, our climate, and our future.” 

“Right now in America, it seems all anyone can talk about is protein, but the exploding demand for it is not something our current food system will be able to meet. Investing in protein innovation, which is already supporting thousands of jobs in California and across the U.S., will help us meet those needs while investing in a climate-friendly food system and positioning the U.S. as a global leader in a growing market that will create new revenue opportunities for American producers,” said Senator Adam Schiff.  

The United States is falling behind in public investment in protein innovation research and development, with other countries dramatically ramping up their investment in this industry. The plant-based food sector alone already supports over 55,000 American jobs, and the broader protein innovation industry could create up to 10 million jobs globally by 2050.  

In the United States, California is the epicenter of protein innovation—home to more than 150 companies focused on plant-based, cultivated, and other alternatives, making up nearly one-third of the entire U.S. sector. The PROTEIN Act also presents an opportunity to create new markets for Californian and American farmers.  

Specifically, the PROTEIN Act would:  

• Establish at least 3 research centers of excellence for alternative protein innovation 
• Create a new USDA research program on protein security focused on biomanufacturing, bioprocessing, and converting underutilized biomass into high-value ingredients 
• Launch a Food Biomanufacturing Grant Program to build and scale domestic production capacity 
• Establish a Bioworkforce Development Grant Program to train workers, fund scholarships, and support regional economic development in this emerging sector 
• Require a National Strategy on Protein Security—a whole-of-government plan coordinating various federal agencies 

This legislation is endorsed by Food Solutions Action and the Good Food Institute.  

“The Good Food Institute commends Senator Schiff and Representative Brownley for their strong commitment to securing a more prosperous and resilient future for food and agriculture. The PROTEIN Act would position America as the global leader in food biomanufacturing for generations to come, building on years of groundbreaking innovation happening in the Golden State and across the heartland,” said Pepin Tuma, Vice President, Good Food Institute.

“The PROTEIN Act takes a proactive, whole-of-government approach to securing America’s food future. By investing in critical infrastructure, expanding domestic production, and increasing consumer choice it positions the U.S. to lead in food innovation for decades to come,” said Mike Ryan, Vice President, Food Solutions Action.

“PBFI applauds Senator Schiff and Representative Brownley for advancing the PROTEIN Act which will maintain the United States’ leadership in food security and innovation. By creating a USDA protein security research program and dedicated protein innovation centers, this bill will generate long-term opportunities for farmers, food workers, and rural communities. Plant-based companies and researchers in particular have been waiting for programs like this to lower the risk of scaling up, build shared infrastructure instead of one-off projects, and move promising ideas from the field to full-scale production here at home,” said Sanah Baig, Executive Director, Plant Based Foods Institute.

“The PROTEIN Act recognizes that the future of protein is a national food security and competitiveness issue. This bill will help close the gap between promising breakthroughs and real-world deployment in U.S. communities. A significant percentage of the alternative protein industry is currently located in the US with the potential to be a huge economic driver for this country. However, growth and commercialization will be dependent on establishing a vibrant research ecosystem solving the industry’s commercialization hurdles, a highly trained workforce, and a network of infrastructure-rich centers for scale up.  For our students, faculty, and the growing US industry, the PROTEIN Act would catalyze this development here at home,” said Professor David Block, University of California-Davis & Center Director, Integrative Center for Alternative Meat and Protein (iCAMP). 

“Global protein demand is rising faster than our current food technologies can sustainably meet, and the science is clear that we need diversified approaches. The PROTEIN Act’s federal investments in biomanufacturing research and infrastructure will help bridge the gap between laboratory breakthroughs and commercial-scale production,” said Galina Hale, Professor of Economics and Coastal Science and Policy, University of California at Santa Cruz.   

“The evidence increasingly shows that sustainable protein diversification will require coordinated public investment in both research infrastructure and scaling pathways. The PROTEIN Act takes a data-driven approach—funding rigorous science at research institutions while building the commercial bridge that’s often missing between promising findings and real-world food systems impact,” said Maya B. Mathur, PhD, Associate Professor, Stanford University.  

“The scientific fundamentals for creating high-quality alternative proteins are well established, but translating these discoveries into commercially viable products at scale requires significant infrastructure investment. The PROTEIN Act’s focus on research centers, biomanufacturing facilities, and dedicated USDA programs will accelerate the development of next-generation plant-based and hybrid foods. This comprehensive federal strategy addresses the critical bottleneck between laboratory innovation and market-ready products that can actually feed people sustainably,” said D. Julian McClements, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Food Science, University of Massachusetts Amherst. 

“The PROTEIN Act invests in the research and workforce development America needs to lead in next-generation agriculture. This legislation will help universities continue our good work by expanding training pipelines, deepening collaboration with farmers and producers, and advancing technologies critical to food security and supply-chain resilience,” said David Kaplan, Distinguished Professor, Biology, Tufts University. 

“The PROTEIN Act’s comprehensive approach—combining Centers of Excellence, demonstration facilities, and workforce development—creates the essential ecosystem for scaling biomanufacturing innovations from promising laboratory concepts to market-ready solutions that can meet global food security challenges. This isn’t just about supporting research; it’s about building the pathways that ensure discoveries actually reach the people who need them,” said Robert Cunningham, Senior Advisor for Strategic Engagement, Wyss Institute at Harvard University. 

“AMPS strongly supports this landmark effort to ensure the United States sustains its strategic leadership in the global bioeconomy and food innovation. Protein diversification is not only essential to modernizing our food system, it is the cornerstone of reducing dependence on foreign markets and securing resilient supply chains. This forward-looking policy lays the foundation for a stronger American economy and lasting food security at home and abroad, positioning the U.S. to lead for decades to come,” said Suzi Gerber, Executive Director, Association for Meat, Poultry, and Seafood Innovation. 

“Passing the PROTEIN Act would help ensure that America continues to lead in agricultural and biotech innovation. Other countries are investing heavily in this space, and we need to keep pace,” said Paul Shapiro, Co-Founder, Fungi Protein Association.

Read the full text of the bill here.

Issues: 119th Congress, Climate Crisis, Economy, Environment

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)

Representatives Lois Frankel (D-FL-22) and Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02), co-chairs of the bipartisan Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Caucus, urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a letter to ensure women are meaningfully included in post-war decision-making, reconstruction, and reconciliation as the United States works with international partners to implement the Israel–Hamas peace agreement.

“The Women, Peace, and Security Act of 2017—signed into law by President Trump—recognizes that the full participation of women is essential to lasting security and stability,” the lawmakers wrote. “When women participate in peacebuilding and are afforded tools to succeed, societies are safer, more secure, and more prosperous, and peace is more likely to last. “We look forward to working with you to advance our shared goal of a brighter future for Israelis, Palestinians, and the entire region.”

The members emphasized that women in both Israeli and Palestinian communities have experienced profound disruptions to their safety, families, and daily lives, making their perspectives critical to effective recovery and rebuilding.

In their letter, Reps. Frankel and Kiggans called on the Department of State to:

• Include women from diverse backgrounds in U.S.-facilitated dialogue on stabilization and recovery;
• Ensure humanitarian and reconstruction efforts reflect women’s priorities, including family reunification, education, infrastructure, and support for children affected by the conflict;
• Encourage international partners to elevate women’s representation in peacebuilding and reconstruction initiatives; and
• Leverage women-led grassroots initiatives, including through funds authorized under the Middle East Partnership for Peace Act (MEPPA), to support trauma recovery, coexistence programs, and community resilience.

Click here for the full letter.

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

WASHINGTON — Speaker Johnson, Leader Scalise, Whip Emmer, Chairwoman McClain, and Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks released a statement after House Republicans today passed the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act – legislation that lowers health care premiums, increases health care access, expands health care choices, and brings greater transparency to America’s health care system. Every House Democrat voted against this legislation, which would lower premiums for all Americans by more than 11% and save taxpayers $30 billion in the process.

“Today, House Republicans voted to lower health care costs for all Americans. Every House Democrat voted against it. After months of empty ‘affordability’ rhetoric and forcing the longest government shutdown in American history, Democrats once again rejected a valuable, common-sense solution to address the unaffordability they created with their own health insurance law – the Unaffordable Care Act.

“House Republicans are taking meaningful action to fix what Democrats broke. For too long, Democrats have forced hardworking American taxpayers to bail out big health insurance companies for hundreds of billions of dollars. Meanwhile, Americans are left paying for increasingly expensive care with fewer choices, lower quality, and worse health outcomes. They broke America’s health care system and with today’s vote, Democrats have abandoned a critical opportunity to fix their own failed law.

“The Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act puts patients first. It does exactly what its title promises and more: lowers premium costs, expands access to affordable, quality care, gives every American more options and flexibility to choose coverage that is best for their needs, and brings greater transparency to the health care system. It delivers twice the cost reduction of the Democrats’ temporary, COVID-era enhanced subsidies and brings those costs down for ALL Americans – not just some. House Republicans are working to fix what is broken, restore integrity in our nation’s health care system, and lower the cost of health care for every citizen.”

The Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act:

Lowers Premiums for all Americans

• Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency: Requires PBMs to provide employers with detailed data on prescription drug spending, rebates, spread pricing, and formulary decisions—empowering plans and workers with the transparency they deserve.

• Appropriates Cost Sharing Reduction Payments: Provides necessary funding for CSR payments beginning in 2027, lowering premiums and stabilizing the individual market while ensuring taxpayer dollars are used responsibly. Relief would be better directed towards low-income enrollees that need them.

Improves Health Care Options for America’s Workers

• Association Health Plans: Expands access to Association Health Plans by allowing employers—including self-employed workers—to band together across industries to purchase affordable, high-quality coverage.

• Access to Stop-Loss Insurance: Ensures small and mid-sized employers can protect themselves from catastrophic claims by clarifying that stop-loss insurance is not “health insurance coverage.” This would allow small businesses to offer their employees more tailored, affordable care.

• CHOICE Arrangements: Codifies and strengthens 2019 rules allowing employers to offer defined contributions for employees to purchase their own coverage—renamed as CHOICE arrangements—and permits employees to pay premiums pre-tax.

Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act HERE.

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

Today, Representative Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) released the following statement regarding his votes in favor of two Democratic War Powers resolutions related to the Trump Administration’s lethal strikes on boats in the Caribbean: 

“M. Speaker, prior to the Trump Administration, the United States followed a policy of interdiction to combat drug trafficking in the Caribbean. Over the past decade, that approach led to a steady decline in Venezuela’s role as a major drug transit route. It relied on stopping vessels, inspecting cargo, and arresting suspects where evidence existed. This Administration has shamefully abandoned that lawful and effective approach in favor of bombing boats and committing extrajudicial killings at sea. There is no operational reason for abandoning interdiction, which worked, respected the rule of law, and avoided the use of lethal force where arrest and prosecution were possible. 

“After decades of forever wars, the American people are sick and tired of being dragged into needless armed conflicts. Despite that, President Trump escalated his reckless campaign against Venezuela even further last night, pushing the nation closer to a war the American people do not want. 

“For weeks, the Administration has carried out lethal strikes on small boats in Venezuelan waters, killing dozens of people without any authorization from Congress. These killings occurred without due process and without any explanation for why the vessels could not have been stopped, inspected, and the individuals on board arrested and prosecuted. Most disturbing of all, the Administration carried out a so-called “double-tap” strike, deliberately targeting wounded survivors after an initial attack. That conduct is indefensible and inconsistent with the rule of law and the values the United States claims to uphold. 

“The President is also asking the American people to accept a justification that does not withstand scrutiny. The Administration claims these killings are about stopping drugs, but there is no credible evidence that Venezuela is a significant source of fentanyl entering the United States. The fentanyl crisis is driven overwhelmingly by synthetic opioids manufactured elsewhere and smuggled through established land routes, not by small boats off the Venezuelan coast. And Trump’s professed concern about drug trafficking rings hollow when he issued a pardon to the former president of Honduras after a U.S. jury convicted him of running a violent drug-trafficking conspiracy to move massive quantities of cocaine toward the United States. If Trump were serious about stopping drugs and not using counternarcotics as a pretext for military escalation and regime change, he would not be letting convicted traffickers walk free while eyeing Venezuela’s vast oil resources. 

“To this day, the Administration has not provided Congress with a public legal justification for these killings, nor has it explained the legal authority it claims to rely on. Congress and the American people deserve to see the legal rationale for the use of lethal force carried out in their name. 

“History teaches that unlawful uses of force cannot be excused by secrecy or by claims of simply following orders. Responsibility does not vanish up and down the chain of command when the law is violated. As international tribunals have long made clear, including at Nuremberg, individuals are responsible for war crimes and unlawful killings even when acting under superior orders. That principle must apply here as well. A future Administration committed to the rule of law will have a responsibility to investigate these actions fully and hold accountable those responsible for unlawful killings carried out in the name of the United States. 

“The Constitution is clear: the power to authorize war belongs to Congress, and Congress alone. No President gets a blank check to wage war by decree. That is why today, I proudly voted for two War Powers resolutions to block further escalation and reassert Congress’s constitutional authority. It is unfortunate that Democrats had to force these votes under the War Powers Resolution just to ensure Congress carries out its duties, despite Speaker Johnson’s best efforts to keep them off the House floor and avoid accountability. 

“The American people do not want another needless war, and I refuse to let our service members be put in harm’s way for an escalation that Congress never approved.”

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

Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) today introduced legislation that would allow for revenue generated from speed camera enforcement on roads within the National Park System, such as the George Washington Memorial Parkway, to be reinvested for safety improvements, road maintenance, and related infrastructure needs in the parks where violations occur.

“Speeding is a persistent and dangerous problem along the George Washington Memorial Parkway – and on Parkways across the country – that threatens drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike,” said Rep. Don Beyer. “This bill enables revenue from speed camera enforcement to be reinvested within our national parks to fund safety improvements, critical maintenance, and educational efforts without diverting resources from these treasured public lands. It is smart, responsible policy that keeps Americans safe and strengthens the national parks and major transportation corridors they use every day.”

Text of the Parkway Safety and Reinvestment Act is available here.