Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

WASHINGTON — Today, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), longtime leaders of congressional efforts to decolonize Puerto Rico, issued the following joint statement opposing the status legislation introduced today by Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández Rivera:

“During the last three Congresses, we have led serious, legislative efforts to forge a path towards real self-determination for Puerto Ricans, underscoring that non-territorial, non-colonial options are the only options viable for true decolonization. Throughout the process of crafting legislation, we engaged in a series of meetings, hearings, and dialogues with Puerto Rican experts, academics, and stakeholders, the Diaspora, and Congress.

“Today, the Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico co-opted our legislation and introduced a bill that includes an option to maintain the current status of the island as a colony. Over the last three congresses, more and more members have come to acknowledge that the current colonial condition of Puerto Rico is a moral stain on our nation’s history that must be addressed. Our country cannot claim to be a bastion of democracy as we continue to hold colonies in the Caribbean and the Pacific.

“The Resident Commissioner’s bill denies the colonial character of the Commonwealth, erases historical realities, subverts Democratic consensus, and ignores Supreme Court decisions like United States v. Vaello-Madero, which reaffirmed that Puerto Rico remains subject to Congress’s plenary powers. We stand together in opposing this legislation and will continue to fight for a serious decolonization process for Puerto Ricans. This is too vital an issue to be sullied by individual political aspirations.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today said she was determined to get answers from the Joint Task Force-D.C., National Guard Bureau and D.C. National Guard (DCNG) about reports she’d received and videos she’d reviewed depicting troubling conduct, including the apparent mistreatment of the D.C. flag, the appearance of voter intimidation by National Guard personnel congregating near ballot boxes, and aggressive detention of D.C. residents. The president controls the DCNG, unlike state National Guard units which are controlled by governors. Norton has introduced legislation to give the D.C. mayor the same authority over the DCNG that governors have over their states’ National Guard units, which the House passed in 2021 as part of the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act.

Yesterday morning, Norton requested a call to discuss the videos with Interim Commanding General of the D.C. National Guard, Brigadier General Leland Blanchard, and representatives from the National Guard Bureau and the Joint Task Force-D.C., the multi-agency federal and military command coordinating the deployment of thousands of National Guard personnel deployed in D.C. Norton also requested information regarding guidance and instructions being provided to National Guard units concerning their presence near D.C. ballot boxes. Norton has yet to receive a response.

One video shows a room full of National Guard members with the D.C. flag spread on the ground with what appear to be Sharpie markers placed on top of it, suggesting that the soldiers intended to sign the flag. Throughout U.S. history, soldiers have signed captured flags from enemy territories as war trophies, a practice dating back to the Civil War and most commonly associated with World War II. The video was posted on a National Guard website but was removed on Tuesday or Wednesday, following criticism on social media.

A second video and accompanying image shows a group of National Guard personnel gathered around a ballot drop box, with one individual stating that they had not received instructions to avoid the vicinity of drop boxes. A third video depicts three National Guard members aggressively detaining a woman who was seated on a bench outside a private residence.

“I gave the Joint Task Force and the D.C. National Guard 24 hours to respond to my urgent request to discuss these deeply troubling videos, and their silence underscores the fundamental problem with deploying a military force that is not accountable to D.C. residents or its elected leaders to perform policing functions in the nation’s capital,” Norton said. “The footage appears to show Guard personnel treating the D.C. flag as though it were the flag of a conquered territory. If that is what occurred, it reflects a profound disrespect for the more than 700,000 D.C. residents who have been forced to endure the militarization of their city.

“Equally concerning are videos showing armed National Guard personnel stationed around ballot drop boxes. At a minimum, such conduct creates the appearance of voter intimidation and risks discouraging residents from exercising their fundamental right to vote. The fact that Guard personnel reportedly had not been instructed to avoid ballot drop boxes suggests a troubling lack of awareness by leadership of the impact these deployments are having on the District and its residents.

“Finally, the video showing National Guard personnel detaining a woman outside a private residence highlights the dangers of using military personnel to carry out civilian law enforcement functions. National Guard units are not trained to perform routine policing duties. Deploying them in this manner risks undermining public trust, escalating tensions, and making the work of D.C.’s professional law enforcement officers more difficult.

“These videos are a stark reminder that D.C. residents are forced to endure a level of federal interference that Americans elsewhere would never tolerate. The deployment of military personnel into the District without the consent of our local government is an affront to home rule and democratic self-government. Whether Congress is overturning D.C. laws, restricting how the District spends its own locally raised funds, or imposing federal control over local affairs, D.C. residents are repeatedly denied the rights that citizens in the 50 states take for granted. This latest episode demonstrates once again why D.C. must have full self-government and statehood.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

Washington, D.C. — Today, the coalition of next-generation lawmakers behind the End Corruption Now legislative agenda marked one year since introducing a package of seven bills designed to put power back in the hands of the American people. The group is led by Congressman Joe Neguse, who at 42 years-old is the youngest Democrat in his state’s federal delegation, and includes Reps. Angie Craig (MN-02), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Pat Ryan (NY-18), Hillary Scholten (MI-03), and Emilia Sykes (OH-13). 

The members’ fight to clean up Washington has been propelled by Donald Trump’s brazen levels of corruption while in office—with reports estimating the president has leveraged the office to generate billions of dollars in personal profits for himself and his family. Their agenda also seeks to put a stop to longstanding practices that have allowed for the selling of access and influence in government. 

“Donald Trump’s pervasive self-dealing is happening at the expense of everyday Americans. This corruption must end,” said Congressman Neguse. “A year ago, I was proud to join a group of common-sense lawmakers in the House to introduce legislation that would ban Members of Congress from trading stocks or becoming lobbyists, strengthen anti-corruption laws, and restore public trust in government. And today, we are just as committed to that effort as ever.” 

The End Corruption Now agenda includes Rep. Neguse’s Close the Revolving Door Act, which places a lifetime ban on Members of Congress from serving as lobbyists and is championed in the U.S. Senate by Senator Michael Bennet. It also consists of the Restoring Integrity in Democracy Resolution, the Transparent Representation Upholding Service and Trust (TRUST) in Congress Act, the No Corporate Crooks Act, the Stop Millionaires Using Service for Kickbacks (MUSK) Act, the Integrity in Government (IG) Act, and the Closing Bribery Loopholes Act. Details about each proposal can be found HERE. 

“We’re over one year into Trump 2.0 and it’s more important than ever that we pass these common-sense reforms to combat government corruption into law,” said Congresswoman Craig. “The job of elected officials is to better the lives of their constituents – not enrich themselves. As the President continues to leverage his position to rake in billions of dollars in personal profit, we must enact reforms to protect Americans’ tax dollars and hold elected officials accountable. I’m proud to be a part of the effort in Congress to clean up Washington and restore trust in our government.”

“Corruption in Washington is the reason that politicians fail to deliver real results for the working people they were elected to serve,” said Congressman Magaziner. “If we want to lower costs and improve the lives of working people, we need to ban elected officials from trading stocks so they are not conflicted when making policy. I am proud to stand with Representative Neguse and like-minded members in this effort to bring real reform to Washington.” 

“Corporate power has rigged the system against the American people for a long time, and it’s sucking the life out of the American Dream,” said Congressman Deluzio. “This creeping corruption existed long before Donald Trump, but his Administration’s corruption would make even the robber barons blush. No one should be able to use the presidency to funnel billions in profits back to themselves, their family, of their donors. A year ago, my colleagues and I launched the ‘End Corruption Now’ Legislative Agenda—this fight is more important than ever. We’ve got to root out this corruption to restore the American Dream.” 

“For too long, politicians in both parties have put their own gain ahead of what’s best for the American people. The brazen corruption of the last year has only highlighted the need for urgent action. It is past time for comprehensive reform to ensure politicians serve the people, not themselves,” said Congressman Ryan. “No more getting rich off trading stocks. An end to Members of Congress becoming lobbyists. Getting rid of kickbacks for billionaire friends. I’m proud to keep fighting alongside this group of next-generation lawmakers who refuse to accept the status quo – we’re here to clean house.”

“Our democracy depends on transparency and accountability, and right now, we are watching corruption run rampant across this administration and its political allies,” said Congresswoman Scholten. “My Integrity in Government Act would protect the nonpartisan watchdogs who work on behalf of the American people and strengthen oversight of the White House, because elected officials should be working for the people they represent, not for themselves. No one is above the law.”

“A year and a half into Republican control in Washington, Americans are watching corruption flourish across this administration and its political allies while working families are left behind. The End Corruption Now agenda is about restoring trust and ensuring public office serves the people, not personal interests or political insiders. That is why I introduced the Closing Bribery Loopholes Act to close loopholes in federal bribery law and ensure public officials are held to the same standards as the people they serve. No one should be above the law,” said Congresswoman Sykes.  

The End Corruption Now agenda is endorsed by End Citizens United, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), Public Citizen, and Project On Government Oversight (POGO). 

“Our broken campaign finance system empowers greedy industries and politicians who cater to the whims of their donors,” said End Citizens United President Tiffany Muller. “That leaves everyday people defenseless against today’s growing economic pressures. The End Corruption Now agenda cracks down on self-dealing and closes the loopholes that have allowed billionaires and special interests to gouge the American people. Congressman Neguse and his colleagues are bringing real leadership to this fight, and we are grateful for the critical work they are doing.”

“Donald Trump and his administration’s rampant corruption and self-dealing during the last year and a half since he returned to office are unprecedented in this nation’s history. Americans should be able to trust that their elected officials and senior policymakers are serving the public’s interest, rather than private financial interests,” said Debra Perlin, Vice President for Policy at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. “CREW applauds the leadership of Reps. Neguse, Craig, Magaziner, Deluzio, Ryan, Scholten and Sykes for their work on the End Corruption Now agenda. There has never been a greater need for Congress to take action on comprehensive anti-corruption legislation.” 

“The deluge of corruption spewing out of the Trump White House over the last year has disgusted voters and decimated public trust in government. The only way to prove to the American people that their leaders can be trusted is for Congress to act aggressively to attack pay-to-play politics in Washington.  We support passing the End Corruption Now slate of bills and urge Congress to stop wasting time,” said Lisa Gilbert, Co-President, Public Citizen. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10)

San Joaquin County has 16 health professional shortage areas, statewide shortage of over 500,000 health care workers

 

VIDEO from the announcement on reversing the Valley’s doctor shortage is available here

STOCKTON – Today, joined by local leaders, education advocates and health care professionals, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) helped announce that the first-ever medical school in the Valley is coming to Stockton’s University of the Pacific. In response to the severe and growing doctor shortage, Harder is fighting to secure federal funding for specialized equipment for the first M.D.-granting institution outside of the state’s largest population centers, as well as  financial assistance protections for local students.

Why Stockton needs its own medical school:

• Millions of people call the Valley their home, but all of California’s M.D.-granting institutions are located outside it, either in the Bay Area, Southern California, or the Sacramento area.
• Valley communities like Stockton are being hit the hardest by health care workforce shortages – San Joaquin County alone has 16 health professional shortage areas, which is being made worse by devastating cuts to Medi-Cal and Affordable Care Act tax credits.
• Statewide, more than 500,000 new health care workers are needed to meet demand by 2030 for a workforce that is also aging quickly, with one-in-four California doctors aged 65 or older.

“The Valley needs more doctors, nurses, and health care workers – it’s that simple,” said Rep. Harder. “Bringing the first medical school to the Valley is a huge step forward because it means training more doctors right here in our community. The people caring for Valley families should know this community, understand our challenges, and be able to build their lives here, too. I can’t wait to cut the ribbon on this historic investment in our community soon.”

Expected to be completed in 2030, the 100,000 square-foot medical school complex will unlock a world-class education for hundreds of Valley students, and establish a clinical partnership with Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Medical Center, which is planning its own expansion as well. The partnership will place third- and fourth-year medical school students from the University of the Pacific in clinical rotations at St. Joseph’s and other hospitals across the region.

Harder is working to transform health care in the Valley:

• Training – Harder is working to secure funding for specialized, world-class medical equipment to ensure future doctors from this University have every tool and resource they need to excel.
• Financial Aid – In response to plans to cut financial aid programs that help local students become nurses, Harder is leading legislation to protect financial aid in communities with health care workforce shortages.
• Better Health Care – Harder is leading efforts to make it easier for providers to bring specialized services by designating places like San Joaquin County as “Health Investment Zones.”

“We are enormously proud of our tradition of providing top quality educational opportunities for all qualified students – no matter their background or socioeconomic status – and creating hundreds of caring, practice-ready health care professionals each year who are desperately needed in our communities and beyond,” said University of the Pacific President Christopher Callahan. “The new School of Medicine aligns perfectly with our mission. We are not only ready, willing and able to tackle the dangerous and growing problem of a lack of physicians, but we believe it is our duty and responsibility.”

Harder was joined by Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom and David Ziolkowski, CEO of Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Medical Center, and representatives of the University of the Pacific Board of Regents and leadership team.

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

Washington, D.C. – In advance of the House GOP’s vote to extend FISA Section 702 with no meaningful reforms, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi delivered remarks on the House Floor opposing the legislation under the current leadership structure of the Intelligence Community, arguing that Congress must uphold the standards established after September 11th to protect national security and maintain confidence in America’s intelligence institutions.

In her remarks, Pelosi reflected on her decades of intelligence oversight experience and warned that appointments to positions of national security leadership must meet the bipartisan standards Congress created to ensure expertise, judgment and accountability in safeguarding the American people.

Watch Pelosi’s Floor remarks here.

Read Speaker Emerita Pelosi’s remarks below:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

I rise with a degree of sadness because I was present at the birth of this legislation.

For 30 years, I served either as a Member of the Intelligence Committee, Ranking Member or on the Gang of Eight. I bring extensive Intelligence experience to this discussion.

Following 9/11 with great care, we worked in bipartisan fashion to put together the legislation to advance what we are talking about here today: this FISA initiative.

In that legislation, we established the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and set certain standards.

‘The Director of National Intelligence shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate.

The individual nominated shall have extensive national security experience.

He shall serve as the head of the Intelligence Community and act as principal advisor to the President on the National Security Council, Homeland Security—’ and the rest.

Here we have a situation, and I have a list from the legislation of the criteria establishing him, and what do we have from the President?

Somebody who has no judgment on intelligence matters.

What an insult to our brave Intelligence Community who serve us so well to protect the American people.

So if you want us to vote for FISA—and you have Patel at FBI and Pulte as DNI—then: Pulte plus Patel equals no on this FISA legislation.

It can be done if there is an intention to do it right.

I yield back.

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

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Riley M. Moore praised the House Appropriations Committee’s passage of the Fiscal Year 2027 Homeland Security Appropriations Act, legislation that provides $64.9 billion for the Department of Homeland Security, including $2.9 billion for defense activities, to strengthen America’s borders, bolster national security, and support the Trump Administration’s America First priorities.

The legislation funds the critical missions of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Transportation Security Administration, and other agencies responsible for protecting the homeland. The bill now advances to the full House of Representatives for consideration.

Congressman Riley M. Moore released the following statement:

“The safety and security of the American people is the federal government’s first responsibility. This legislation delivers the resources necessary to secure our borders, support our law enforcement personnel, strengthen our national defense, and ensure the Department of Homeland Security has the tools it needs to carry out President Trump’s America First agenda. House Republicans will prioritize the security and sovereignty of our nation. I was proud to support this bill in committee and look forward to its passage by the full House.”

Major Homeland Security Wins Including Priorities from Congressman Moore:

• $12,000,000 for Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems Training, Testing, and Research Integration. Federal agencies evaluate detection and mitigation technologies across dedicated test beds, using these evaluations to develop protocols that protect critical infrastructure while strictly preserving privacy and civil liberties. 
• $50,000,000 for Next Generation Warning System. This is designed to modernize the nation’s public safety communications. It expands and upgrades emergency alerting capabilities to reach communities through diverse and emerging technologies.
• $2,000,000 for Cargo Theft – Crime Coordination Center. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) unifies federal, state, and local law enforcement with private industry to track, investigate, and dismantle sophisticated, multi-jurisdictional cargo theft rings.
• $3,100,000 for U.S. Secret Service Geospatial Technology. The use of geospatial technology is used primarily for protective intelligence, site security planning, and investigative mapping. The agency integrates GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and aerial mapping to map out protective routes, evaluate potential threats, and establish secure perimeters for events.

The Fiscal Year 2027 Homeland Security Appropriations Act provides robust funding to enhance border security operations, combat transnational criminal organizations, strengthen immigration enforcement, improve maritime security, and protect the United States against evolving threats while supporting the dedicated men and women who serve on the front lines of homeland security.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

Today, Representative Sharice Davids highlighted findings from the newly released 2026 Social Security Trustees Report, which shows the Social Security trust fund is now projected to become insolvent in 2032. If Congress fails to act, millions of Americans could face an automatic savings cut of roughly 20 percent, costing the average senior approximately $500 per month.

 

“Social Security is a promise that Americans earn over a lifetime of work, and it’s a promise we have a responsibility to keep,” said Davids. “This new report makes clear that the cost of inaction is simply too high — millions of seniors, people with disabilities, and families could see their savings cut through no fault of their own. We should be protecting and strengthening Social Security, not making it harder for people to access their earned savings or asking them to pay the price while billionaires get another tax break.”

The report comes as President Trump and congressional Republicans continue pursuing policies that undermine Social Security, including the largest staffing cut in program history and office closures at the Social Security Administration. President Trump previously called the program a “scam,” and earlier this week, Speaker Mike Johnson indicated Republicans could pursue additional changes to the program if they retain their House majority next year.

WATCH: Davids speaks this week on the importance of protecting Social Security

Last year’s report projected that Social Security would have a modest funding shortfall in 2034. Yet, after considering President Trump’s policies during his second term, this year’s report moves the date to 2032. Congress can prevent those cuts either by increasing revenue flowing into the program or by cutting savings. Davids has made clear that she opposes cuts and supports making billionaires pay their fair share.

Social Security is the foundation of retirement security for millions of Americans and provides essential benefits to families and people with disabilities. In Kansas’ Third District alone, 130,424 residents receive Social Security, including more than 105,000 retirees, nearly 10,000 disabled workers, and more than 6,000 children.

 

Davids has consistently defended Social Security and delivered real results:

• Helped pass the bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act, repealing outdated rules that cut savings for millions of public sector retirees, including teachers, firefighters, and police officers.
• Voted against extreme Republican budget proposals that would allow Trump to fire SSA workers, close local offices, and delay savings.
• Joined Kansans and local advocates at AARP’s Social Security 90th Anniversary Celebration last year.

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

Know Your Immigration Rights

If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.

Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.

Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.

Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.

The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.

Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS  – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

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

WA Suffers if Trump Abandons US-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1)

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01) reported that his House Appropriations Committee HAS approved its Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Labor, Health and Human Services (Labor-HHS) Appropriations bill.  

The FY 2027 Labor-HHS funding measure is the 10^th of the twelve bills taken up by House Appropriations to collectively fund the federal government for FY 2027 (commencing October 1, 2026). The bill proposes a total of $201.8 billion for the U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and Education along with several other related agencies. This is a cut of over $19 billion (9%) from the FY 2026 enacted levels.

“I could not accept the overall result that slashes longtime key federal health, education and workforce programs that address top priorities for our country and Hawai‘i,” said Case.

He warned that, among other flaws, the bill:

• Cuts $3.3 billion from the Employment and Training Administration, which is tasked with administering crucial workforce training programs for adults and youth.
• Cancels $2 billion in funding needed to operate Affordable Care Act health insurance plans, which threatens health care coverage for millions of Americans and tens of thousands of Hawai‘i residents.
• Cuts $2 billion from grants to local education agencies for supporting Title I Schools.
• Eliminates funding for the Senior Community Service Employment for Older Americans Program.
• Reduces funding for Domestic HIV/AIDS Prevention and Research by $800 million.
• Cuts $14 million from the Office on Women’s Health.
• Eliminates funding for Title X Family Planning.
• Reduces the Job Corps Program by $880 million.
• Cuts $1.8 billion from Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) State Grants and would eliminate the WIOA Adult and Youth Job Training programs.
• Reduces the National Labor Relations Board’s funding by $94 million.
• Cuts $721 million from Career, Technical and Adult Education.
• Eliminates the International Education and Foreign Language Account.

“However, I did succeed in incorporating many of my requests directed at Hawai‘i-specific needs, starting with Native Hawaiians and other programs that assist our nation’s indigenous peoples,” said Case. The bill specifically includes:

• $45.9 million for the Native Hawaiian Education Program, including language allowing for funds to be used for the renovation and construction of schools that serve predominantly Native Hawaiian students.
• $27 million for the Native Hawaiian Health Care Program, including $10 million for Papa Ola Lōkahi.
• $7.5 million for the Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Health Research Office at the National Institutes of Health.
• $6 million for the Center for Indigenous Innovation and Health Equity
• $5.8 million for the Native American/Native Hawaiian Library Services Program.
• $3.8 million for the Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services Program.
• $65 million for Native American Programs under the Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.
• $24.9 million for the Strengthening Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions Program.
• $45 million for the Native American Nutrition and Support Services Program.
• $14 million for the Native American Caregivers Program.
• $7 million for Native American Language Immersion Programs.
• $4 million Native American Language Resource Centers.
• $3.8 million for the Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services Program.
• $2 million for the Native Hawaiian Resource Center on Domestic Violence. 

Through his assignment on the Committee, Case also secured $3.5 million in Member-designated Community Project Funding projects that specifically focus on local needs in Hawai‘i. The bill includes: 

• $1.9 million for Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health’s (WCCHC) Waipahu Clinic Expansion Project.

This project will allow WCCHC to increase access to health care and social services and open a new Health and Wellness Learning Center in Waipahu to support the WCCHC’s nurse practitioner and dental residency programs to meet crucial health workforce needs.

• $1 million for Kalihi Palama Health Center’s (KPHC) Emergency Resilience and Internal Renovation Project. This project would repair KPHC’s air conditioning system, purchase an emergency generator to power its elevator and medication refrigerators in the case of power outages, and acquire a digital panoramic X-Ray machine.
• $395,000 for Waikīkī Health’s Clinical Upgrade and Service Enhancement Project. The funds provided for this project will support the upgrade and build-out of a new clinical space and several physician exam rooms that need renovation, along with the purchase of new pharmacy vaccine refrigerators.
• $250,000 for Kōkua Kalihi Valley’s Accessibility and Resilience Project. This project will modernize key facility components through the installation of a solar photovoltaic system, an entry ramp and a new elevator.

The House’s Community Project Funding rules require that each project must have demonstrated community support, be fully disclosed by the requesting Member and subject to audit by the independent Government Accountability Office. Case’s disclosures are here: https://case.house.gov/services/funding-disclosures.htm.  

The Appropriations Committee also included Case’s requests for funding for federal programs and services especially important for the State of Hawai‘i, including those supporting local families through workforce development, education and community health care. Some of the programs requested and secured by Case include:

• $8.8 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant that helps subsidize the high cost of childcare for our local families.
• $290 million for the Registered Apprenticeship Program.
• $108 million for the YouthBuild program to provide at-risk youth with basic education and job skills training in the construction field.
• $66 million for the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program. 
• $48.8 billion for the National Institutes of Health, to support a wide range of biomedical and behavioral research.
• $1.5 billion for the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health within the Department of Health and Human Services, to accelerate the pace of scientific breakthroughs for diseases such as ALS, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes and cancer.
• $1.9 billion for Community Health Centers, to provide high quality cost-effective health care to predominantly low-income and medically underserved communities.
• $825 million for Health Workforce Development programs including loan repayment assistance for nurses and physicians.
• $1.2 billion for the Federal TRIO Program, to provide academic support to low-income individuals, first-generation college students, veterans and individuals with disabilities.
• $500 million for the Charter School Grants Program which provides funds to help establish new charter schools, replicate current successful charter schools and disseminate best practices for charter schools.
• $394 million for the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs, which helps to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education.
• $129 million for McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program, which provides homeless youth with the health services and academic support they need to succeed in and out of the classroom.
• $75 million to continue and expand Strengthening Community College Training Grants, which offer training to workers in in-demand industries at community colleges and four-year institutions to help meet local labor market needs.
• $24.2 billion for federal student aid programs to provide $7,445 for the maximum Pell Grant award.  

The Labor-HHS Appropriations bill was approved by the Committee and now moves on to the full House of Representatives for its consideration. A summary of the measure is available here .

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