Congresswoman Schrier Introduces Bipartisan Resolution Supporting Mental Health in Agriculture

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), introduced a bipartisan resolution to raise awareness of the mental health crisis in the agricultural industry, designating May 29, 2026, as Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day. Congresswoman Schrier is joined in introducing this legislation by Congressman Mike Bost (R-IL). Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) introduced a companion resolution in the Senate. 

“Farmers in Washington state and across the country face a variety of challenges, from extreme weather and skyrocketing costs to changing markets at home and abroad,” Congresswoman Schrier said. “Our agricultural industry is under stress, which has taken a toll on farmers’ mental health. I am proud to introduce this resolution to raise awareness of this rural mental health crisis and commit to supporting our producers in every way we can as they feed our country, uplift our economies, and bolster rural America.”

In Washington state, suicide rates within the agricultural industry are nearly 25% higher than the overall state rate. Top mental health risk factors faced by farmers, ranchers, producers, and farm workers in Washington include economic hardship, regulatory burdens, high physical and psychological demand, and a stigma against mental health services – according to a 2025 state report

“Our farmers are proud, salt of the Earth people, but they face tremendous pressures in a tough industry,” Congressman Bost said. “The stress that comes with the profession is real, with a suicide rate 3.5 times higher than the general population. Volatile markets, rising input costs, and unpredictable weather don’t just threaten a family farm’s bottom line, they take a toll on mental health, too. This legislation is a step towards making sure they know that if they’re struggling, they don’t have to struggle alone.”

 “Colorado farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers face unprecedented challenges from severe drought to increased costs that can take a toll on their mental health,” Senator Bennet said. “I’ve consistently worked to expand access to affordable, reliable mental health care for all Coloradans and am grateful to stand with Senator Fischer and my Senate colleagues to designate May 29th as Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day. Providing visibility and awareness to address these challenges is essential for progress.” 
“Farmers, ranchers, and ag workers have some of the toughest jobs in the country,” Senator Fischer said. “Right now, a struggling farm economy is making life even harder – and it weighs heavily on the minds of those who feed and fuel our nation. This resolution designates May 29th as Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day and sheds light on the resources available for those in need. I thank my colleagues for joining this bipartisan, bicameral effort as we keep working to ease the strain in farm country.”  

This legislation is supported by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the National Farmers Union, the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, the National Rural Health Association, the American Soybean Association, the National Pork Producers, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Corn Growers Association, the Agricultural Retailers Association, and the Farm Credit Services of America. 

Click here for national resources available to those in need.

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Rep. Smith Statement on Chemical Explosion in Longview, Washington

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adam Smith (9th District of Washington)

My heart goes out to the workers and families affected by yesterday’s tragic chemical explosion in Longview. I stand with the people of southwest Washington and fully support the community’s efforts to get the answers and support they deserve. I am grateful for the first responders and local leaders working around the clock for their neighbors during this incredibly difficult time.

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With Housing Costs a Top Concern, Pappas, Shaheen, Omar Introduce Legislation to Ensure Housing Affordability by Supporting Manufactured Housing Communities

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) joined U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (NH) and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (MN-05) in reintroducing the Manufactured Housing Community Sustainability Act, which would incentivize manufactured home park owners to sell the park to community residents or nonprofits, rather than another developer or landlord. As housing affordability remains a top concern for communities across New Hampshire, this legislation would allow more Americans to stay in their homes by protecting residents in manufactured homes from excessive rent increases.

Pappas secured three provisions in the House-passed amended 21st Century Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream (ROAD) to Housing legislative package, the most consequential piece of housing legislation in decades.

“Granite Staters deserve affordable, safe, and secure housing. Manufactured housing is an affordable homeownership option but right now it can also leave families more vulnerable to displacement and predatory practices when they don’t own the land they live on. This legislation would incentivize manufactured home park owners selling their land to sell to current residents, keeping people in their homes and empowering families in the future,” said Congressman Pappas. “I’ll continue fighting to put homeownership back in reach for all.”

“Housing has become even more unaffordable for families across the Granite State, and President Trump’s tariffs and war in Iran are only making things worse,” said Senator Shaheen. “I am committed to doing everything I can to lower the cost of housing for Granite Staters and make New Hampshire a more affordable place to live. By helping residents of manufactured housing communities buy their communities, they’ll be protected from predatory rent increases and get real relief from high costs.”

Across the United States, over 20 million Americans live in manufactured homes, with more than 150 resident-owned manufactured housing communities in New Hampshire, also known as “manufactured home parks.” The Manufactured Housing Community Sustainability Act would create a 75 percent federal tax credit offsetting capital gains if a manufactured housing community is sold to a resident-owned cooperative or nonprofit, rather than another landlord, developer or corporation. This would incentivize the sale of manufactured housing communities to the residents themselves or a non-profit—lowering costs and protecting access to affordable housing in the Granite State by shielding residents from excessive rent increases that could price them out of their homes.

The bill text can be found HERE.

In the Senate, the Manufactured Housing Community Sustainability Act is cosponsored by Senators Angus King (ME) and Richard Blumenthal (CT). The legislation is endorsed by the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund and Resident-Owned Communities USA.

“I’m excited to see Senator Shaheen reintroduce this critical bill to secure the American Dream in New Hampshire and across the country,” said Steve Saltzman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund. “Manufactured housing is one of the most affordable homeownership opportunities available and we know that resident-owned communities help preserve and stabilize this opportunity by putting homeowners in control. New Hampshire is now home to 152 resident-owned communities which have preserved more than 9,000 homes for Granite Staters and their families. The Manufactured Housing Community Sustainability Act is an important tool to bolster this proven model by incentivizing community owners to sell to the people who already live there, not an out-of-state investor.”

Pappas has worked to ensure Granite State communities have the resources they need to increase the affordable housing stock and tackle the housing crisis. He helped introduce the bipartisan Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act to support affordable housing financing and development by expanding and strengthening the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit. He also co-leads the Supporting Projects to Unleash Residential (SPUR) Housing ActProperty Improvement and Manufactured Housing Loan Modernization Act, and the bipartisan Accelerating Home Building Act. He and the New Hampshire delegation have welcomed more than $30 million in federal grants to build more affordable housing across the Granite State.

Shaheen is leading efforts in the Senate to lower housing costs and increase the supply of affordable units for families struggling to find a place to call home. Earlier this year, Senator Shaheen secured three commonsense provisions—the Strategy and Investment in Rural Housing Preservation Act, Streamlining Rural Housing Act and the Preservation and Reinvestment Initiative in Community Enhancement (PRICE) Act in the landmark 21st Century Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream (ROAD) to Housing Act to expand supply of affordable housing, streamline construction and lower costs in the Granite State and across the country. In the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, Shaheen secured upwards of $9 million in federal funding for affordable housing in New Hampshire. Recently, as part of her Affordability Action Tour, Senator Shaheen visited both West Lebanon and Laconia to discuss policy solutions to lower housing costs for communities across the state.

LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON ICE’S OUTRAGEOUS CONDUCT AT DELANEY HALL

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

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: Rep. Stevens Introduces New Bill to Keep Illegal Handguns Out of the Mail

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

Washington, D.C. – In case you missed it, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens introduced the Keep Illegal Handguns Out of the Mail Act to block a Trump Administration proposal that would dramatically expand handgun shipments through the U.S. mail. Rep. Stevens is leading the charge to strengthen public safety by preventing handguns from being shipped without background checks, recordkeeping, or licensed dealer oversight.

The Trump Administration proposal would allow anyone with access to a mailbox to send and receive handguns through the mail, undermining longstanding federal safeguards. Stevens’ legislation would stop the rule change and preserve existing protections designed to keep illegal firearms out of communities.

Here’s what Michiganders are seeing about Rep. Haley Stevens pushing to make sure the Trump Administration doesn’t put families at risk of more gun violence: 

Michigan Public: Rep. Stevens, Congressional Dems fight plans to allow mailing of handguns

By: Colin Jackson

  • A new bill in Congress would stop the U.S. Postal Service from allowing the mailing of handguns by anyone other than a federally licensed firearm dealer.

  • That practice had already been illegal for nearly a century. But the U.S. Department of Justice found the old law to be unconstitutional in an opinion released earlier this year.

  • U.S. Representative Haley Stevens (D, MI-11) sponsors the bill to bring back the ban. She said the law isn’t something the executive branch can just get rid of.

  • “No court has invalidated it, and Congress hasn’t repealed it. And so, this legislation simply says the Post Office cannot administratively override a federal law on its own,” Stevens said.

  • “I don’t want to be in line at a post office, watching anybody put a gun down on the counter and asking it to be mailed to somebody who has not gone through a background check, not passed any of the background check procedures.”

  • Stevens said the bill has the backing of anti-gun violence groups like Brady: United Against Gun Violence, Giffords, and Everytown for Gun Safety. Some of her Democratic colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives have also joined her in the effort, including Reps. Mike Thompson (CA-4), and Jill Tokuda (HI-2).

The Hill: House Democrat introduces bill to block Postal Service from mailing handguns

By: Sophie Brams

  • Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.) introduced a bill Friday aimed at blocking a rule proposed by the Trump administration that could allow handguns to be shipped through the U.S. Postal Service.

  • The bill, which was first shared with The Hill, would prohibit the Postal Service from “finalizing, implementing, or enforcing” any proposed or future rule that changes regulations governing the mailing of firearms and uphold a nearly 100-year-old federal ban on the practice.

  • “Michiganders want common-sense safeguards that protect families and support law enforcement, not reckless policies that create new loopholes for illegal guns”

  • Stevens’s bill has the backing of major groups fighting gun violence across the U.S., including the organization led by former Rep. Gabby Giffords (D-Ariz.), who was left partially paralyzed after being shot in the head during a 2011 assassination attempt.

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Following Push from NH Delegation, Dept. of Education Releases Funding for TRIO Upward Bound Programs

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Following the New Hampshire Congressional delegation’s calls for the Department of Education to issue the delayed Grant Award Notifications (GANs) for fiscal year 2026 TRIO Upward Bound programs, GANs have begun to be released. TRIO supports individuals from low-income backgrounds, students who would be the first person in their families to earn college degrees, students with disabilities, among others, in accessing and achieving postsecondary success. There are ten TRIO programs in operation across New Hampshire, including three Upward Bound programs.

“TRIO Upward Bound programs change lives. They give first-generation and low-income students the support and confidence to get to and through college,” said Congressman Pappas. “I’m pleased the Department finally issued this June 1 grant award, but this should never have come down to the wire. Students and program staff deserve certainty, not last-minute chaos, and I will continue pushing for the Department of Education to restore the intended mission of TRIO Talent Search and Educational Opportunity Centers and issue future TRIO grant award notifications in time for programs to plan and operate without disruption.”

“By helping Granite Staters prepare for academic success and become leaders and innovators, TRIO Upward Bound programs create life-changing opportunities for young people who wouldn’t otherwise have the support to pursue higher education,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’m relieved that the Department of Education released this funding, but students and institutions should never have had to face this unnecessary uncertainty and anxiety in the first place.”

“The UNH TRIO Upward Bound program gives first-generation and low-income New Hampshire youth transformative opportunities for academic and professional growth,” said Senator Hassan. “I’m glad to see that the Department has finally released funding for the program, but it should never have taken this long. My New Hampshire colleagues and I will keep fighting to put college within reach for all Granite Staters.”

“I am relieved that the life-changing work of New Hampshire’s TRIO Upward Bound programs will continue uninterrupted,” said Congresswoman Goodlander. “But for the second year in a row, the Department of Education has created needless chaos by slow-rolling funding that is a genuine lifeline for New Hampshire students and educators. I will not quit fighting for every penny promised to our people.” 

“We are incredibly thankful to Congressman Chris Pappas, and the entire New Hampshire Congressional delegation, for their swift and continued advocacy on behalf of TRIO programs across the state. Had the June 1 Upward Bound Grant Award Notification been delayed for the UNH program, the consequences would have been significant. Without the timely release of federal funding, we would have faced the very real possibility of suspending operations, including our Summer Academy – the cornerstone experience for the 114 high school students we serve each year,” said Josh Gagnon, Immediate Past NH Educational Opportunity Association President and current Director of the UNH TRIO Upward Bound program. “TRIO programs like Upward Bound continue to receive strong bipartisan support in Congress because they know that TRIO Works! The majority of our students come from low-income families and will be the first in their family to attend college, and they consistently exceed federal objectives. This past year, 96% of graduating seniors enrolled in college immediately following high school graduation, 80% earned New Hampshire Scholars designation through completion of a rigorous curriculum, and nearly 80% of our alumni earned their college degree. The timely release of TRIO funding ensures that students can continue receiving the academic support, college advising, career exploration, and transformative educational opportunities that prepare them for future success.”

Background:

The New Hampshire delegation previously called on the Trump administration to restore Congressionally-approved funding for the Education Alliance for New Hampshire’s Statewide Family Engagement Center grant and TRIO grants for the University of New Hampshire’s (UNH) Talent Search and McNair programs. They also called on the administration to restore funding for New Hampshire’s Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP). Following their advocacy, it was announced in March of 2026 that funding would be restored for the McNair and Educational Talent Search programs, and the delegation continues to advocate against efforts by the Trump administration to weaken and undermine other TRIO programs.

Rep. Neguse on Trump’s Corrupt $1.7 Billion Slush Fund: “A very clear red line has been drawn in the sand.”

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

Washington, D.C. — In case you missed it, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse has been leading House Democrats’ fight against Donald Trump’s ludicrous $1.776 billion slush fund for political allies. The fund was created through an unconstitutional settlement after the president dropped his $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)—an agency he ultimately oversees.

In addition to bringing together more than 90 House Democrats in an effort to lobby the courts to block Trump’s billion-dollar fund, Rep. Neguse voted in the Judiciary Committee last Wednesday to subpoena Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and other executive officials involved. He is also backing a bill proposed by Ranking Member Jamie Raskin to prohibit federal funds from being used for this so-called “anti-weaponization fund.”

Additional updates on the matter below. 

Rep. Neguse on MS Now’s All In With Chris Hayes

NEGUSE: I think a very clear red line has been drawn in the sand. And you get the sense, as you covered in the opening moments of your show, that some Republicans, some not all, but some are finally beginning to realize the depths of, I think this administration’s corruption, which is just unprecedented. 

[…] Part of it, I think, by the way, Chris [Hayes, Host], is animated by the reality that many of us, myself included, were in the Capitol complex on January 6th. Many of us were on the House floor. And to think that they are now going to proceed with this corrupt slush fund to essentially reward people who are convicted of attacking police officers and subverting the peaceful transfer of power, it’s just beyond the pale. So, I think you’re going to see a muscular response on behalf of House Democrats in the Congress. 

Watch the full interview HERE

House Democrats accuse Trump of ‘corruption unparalleled’ over IRS settlement talks 

In a statement, Neguse — who heads the House Democrats’ Litigation Task Force, which was set up last year to push back on the Trump White House — wrote, “Donald Trump’s absurd $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS is one of the most brazen examples of corruption we’ve seen from this administration.”

“House Democrats are taking a stand for the American taxpayers that would be forced to foot the bill for this mess, and are calling on the court to block any unconstitutional settlements in the matter.”

Read HERE from MS NOW News. 

Democrats: DOJ’s $1.776B ‘anti-weaponization’ fund ‘raises the specter of corruption unparalleled’

Rep. Joe Neguse (D-Colo.), the assistant House Democratic leader […] called the president’s lawsuit against the IRS “one of the most brazen examples of corruption we’ve seen” from the Trump administration. 

“The case is unlawful, unethical, and lacks the bare minimum required to file a lawsuit: two opposing parties. House Democrats are taking a stand for the American taxpayers that would be forced to foot the bill for this mess, and are calling on the court to block any unconstitutional settlements in the matter,” Neguse added.

Read HERE from The Hill.

DOJ sets up $1.8B ‘anti-weaponization’ fund after Trump drops IRS lawsuit

A group of House Democrats called the move a “$1.7 billion slush fund” that Trump could use to “reward allies, including the nearly 1,600 defendants convicted or charged in connection with the January 6th attack on the Capitol.”

Rep. Joe Neguse, D-Colo., called the news “one of the most brazen examples of corruption we’ve seen from this administration.” The House Democrats’ Litigation Task Force filed a motion seeking to block what Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., called “pure fraud and highway robbery.”

Read HERE from NBC News. 

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CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS THE PASSING OF MABLE BRADY

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

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland
May 26, 2026                                                   202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS THE PASSING OF MABLE BRADY

U.S. Virgin Islands – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) today released the following statement on the passing of Mable Brady:

“I was saddened to hear of the passing of Mable Brady, matriarch of the Brady family on St. Croix. Alongside her husband, Allan Brady, Sr., Mrs. Mable opened Brady’s Restaurant in the late 1960s, building it into one of the most treasured and award-winning establishments in Christiansted. For many years, she stood at the heart of its kitchen, feeding our community with food and love. Brady’s Restaurant also served as a meeting place for my family for decades. Mrs. Mable cooked well into the early 2000s, a testament to her devotion and her joy in the craft.

“Above all, she was a devoted mother and grandmother, a faithful friend, and a constant source of kindness to all who had the privilege of knowing her. I extend my heartfelt condolences to her children, grandchildren, and all who loved her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.”

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Griffith Congratulates Ninth District Winner of 2026 Congressional Art Competition

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) announced that Moira McKenzie of Bristol’s Virginia High School won the 2026 Congressional Art Competition in Virginia’s Ninth Congressional District. Her artwork is entitled From Sea to Shining Sea and will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

Patrick County High School students, Kamiya Reynolds and Alexis Cox, secured 2nd and 3rd place finishes respectively. Reynolds’ United We Stand and Cox’s Ancestry Origins will be displayed in Rep. Griffith’s Abingdon and Christiansburg offices. Eastman Credit Union served as a financial sponsor of this year’s Congressional Art Competition. Eastman Chemical Company helped frame the artwork of all three placed finishes.

“Congratulations to Moira McKenzie on her victory in this year’s Congressional Art Competition in the Ninth District,” said Griffith. “Her work captures this year’s theme, ‘Celebrating 250 Years of America,’ and has earned a spot in the U.S. Capitol for all to see. I would also like to congratulate Kamiya Reynolds and Alexis Cox on securing placed finishes for their excellent entries.

“The Congressional Art Competition is a great opportunity for students to tap into their potential and challenge themselves. Students exercise their artistic talents and gifts with the support of educators as they play an important role in Virginia’s Ninth District. I would like to thank Debbi Martin and Grace Helms for supporting their students during this process.”

Pictured: Moira McKenzie recognized by Rep. Griffith for her winning submission.

Pictured: Amanda Boone of Eastman Chemical Company with Moira and Rep. Griffith.

Pictured from left to right: Grace Helms, Kamiya Reynolds, Rep. Griffith and Alexis Cox.

From Sea to Shining Sea

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Pappas Demands VA Establish Foreclosure Moratorium for Veterans Put at Risk of Losing Their Homes

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Pappas to VA: “If a veteran has a reasonable opportunity to have their home saved through the PCP under development, it would be cruel to foreclose on that veteran today.”

Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee (HVAC) and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, led 27 of his colleagues in calling on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to immediately implement a targeted foreclosure moratorium for veterans with mortgages guaranteed under the VA Loan Guaranty Program. 

This call comes following VA’s abrupt termination of the Veterans Affairs Servicing Purchase (VASP) program – the only VA program that guaranteed foreclosure avoidance for veterans experiencing severe financial hardship, helping them stay in their homes – and the department’s continued failure to set up new mortgage relief options under the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act, which was signed into law in July 2025.

Underscoring the veterans and their families being impacted, the lawmakers wrote, “More than 10,000 veterans have already lost their homes since the Administration abruptly terminated the Veterans Affairs Servicing Purchase (VASP) program in May 2025. With nearly 90,000 additional veterans currently delinquent or already in the foreclosure pipeline, veterans and their families nationwide are facing a housing crisis that is both tragic and preventable.”

Noting the administration’s gap between the termination of VASP and the rollout of a new program, they wrote, “While the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act was signed into law in July 2025 to provide a vital safety net, the program remains non-operational as of May 22, 2026. As noted in the NPR report, “Veterans Mortgages: Foreclosure VA Rescue,” the gap between the expiration of previous relief programs and the rollout of this new authority has left veterans with no viable path to avoid foreclosure other than resetting to current, significantly higher market interest rates.” 

They continued, “Veterans and their families should not be losing their homes simply because the administrative infrastructure for a legally authorized relief program is not yet finalized. If a veteran has a reasonable opportunity to have their home saved through the PCP under development, it would be cruel to foreclose on that veteran today.”

The letter was signed by Representatives Becca Balint (VT-AL), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), André Carson (IN-07), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Judy Chu (CA-28), Herbert C. Conaway, Jr (NJ-03), Lou Correa (CA-46), Danny Davis (IL-07), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Shomari Figures (AL,02), Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-29), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Adelita S. Grijalva (AZ-07), Timothy M. Kennedy (NY-26), Rick Larsen (WA-02) John B. Larson (CT-01), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and George Whitesides (CA-27).

Read the letter here and below: 

Dear Secretary Collins,

We write to urge the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to immediately implement a targeted foreclosure moratorium for borrowers with mortgages guaranteed under the VA Loan Guaranty Program. This pause is essential to protect thousands of veterans who are currently at risk of losing their homes while the Department finalizes and implements the new Partial Claim Program (PCP) authorized by the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act of 2025.

According to recent reporting by NPR and other major outlets, more than 10,000 veterans have already lost their homes since the Administration abruptly terminated the Veterans Affairs Servicing Purchase (VASP) program in May 2025. With nearly 90,000 additional veterans currently delinquent or already in the foreclosure pipeline, veterans and their families nationwide are facing a housing crisis that is both tragic and preventable.

With the Administration’s decision to terminate VASP, tens of thousands of veterans lost the only option guaranteed to prevent foreclosure. While other mortgage relief options for veterans do exist, the rising number of veterans facing foreclosure clearly shows they are insufficient to meet this moment. Consequently, as Secretary only you have the power to take decisive action to prevent more veterans from losing their homes.

While the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act was signed into law in July 2025 to provide a vital safety net, the program remains non-operational as of May 22, 2026. As noted in the NPR report, “Veterans Mortgages: Foreclosure VA Rescue,” the gap between the expiration of previous relief programs and the rollout of this new authority has left veterans with no viable path to avoid foreclosure other than resetting to current, significantly higher market interest rates.

Veterans and their families should not be losing their homes simply because the administrative infrastructure for a legally authorized relief program is not yet finalized. If a veteran has a reasonable opportunity to have their home saved through the PCP under development, it would be cruel to foreclose on that veteran today. A targeted moratorium would instead allow the veteran time for the Program to be offered by their lender. A foreclosure moratorium would also give VA time to align VA borrowers with those under FHA and USDA programs that already exist for those behind on payments and time for mortgage servicers to deploy the PCP.

Accordingly, we request that VA implement a targeted foreclosure moratorium until the VA Partial Claim Program is fully operational, accessible to mortgage servicers nationwide, and mortgage servicers are able to deploy the new program. Given the current potential for time-sensitive and irreversible impact on veterans, we also request a written response by June 2, 2026, to the following:

  1. Will the Department implement a foreclosure moratorium for VA-guaranteed loans? If so, please describe the scope of that moratorium (including eligibility criteria, loan status requirements, and duration) and provide an implementation timeline.
  2.  If the Department will not implement a moratorium, please explain its rationale for that decision, identify what legal, statutory, or other constraints it believes prevent VA from doing so, and state whether VA has conducted a formal legal analysis of its authority to implement a moratorium (and if so, provide that analysis).

Our veterans served this country with the promise of a stable future and federal government dedicated to fulfilling that promise. Thank you for your immediate attention to this critical matter. We look forward to your response.

Sincerely,