MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12)

Washington, D.C.– In a significant step toward enhancing transparency and protecting patient rights within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Representatives Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Jack Bergman (MI-01) and Keith Self (TX-03) have introduced the Written Informed Consent Act. This legislation would require the VA to provide Veterans with clear, written information about the potential side effects of antipsychotics, stimulants, antidepressants, anxiolytics, and narcotics prescribed through the VA healthcare system.  Currently, verbal disclosures or limited written information may accompany these prescriptions. The proposed bill mandates a standardized written consent form outlining potential adverse effects, ensuring Veterans are fully informed before medications in these categories are dispensed.

“Our Veterans deserve nothing less than complete transparency when it comes to their health and the medications they’re prescribed,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “The Written Informed Consent Actwill empower Veterans to make better-informed decisions about their treatment and protect their right to understand the risks involved.”

“The Written Informed Consent Act ensures that before powerful medications are prescribed, Veterans receive clear, written information about the potential side effects. Veterans deserve full transparency when it comes to their care. This is about respect, accountability, and empowering Veterans to make informed decisions about their health. It’s a simple, commonsense step toward improving trust and safety within the VA healthcare system, added Representative Bergman.”

“The Written Informed Consent Act is a vital step toward ensuring our Veterans receive the transparency they deserve,” said Representative Self. “By mandating clear, written disclosures of potential side effects for medications like antipsychotics and narcotics, this bill empowers Veterans to make better-informed decisions about their treatment. I am proud to partner with Representatives Bilirakis and Bergman to protect the rights and uphold the dignity of the men and women who’ve served our nation.”

The bill comes in response to rising concerns about adverse drug reactions among Veterans, particularly those coping with chronic or complex health conditions that require multiple medications. Supporters argue that requiring written disclosures promotes informed decision-making and helps mitigate the risk of medication-related harm.  Veteran advocacy groups have strongly endorsed the bill, emphasizing the importance of trust, communication, and accountability in VA healthcare.

“The VFW strongly supports the Written Informed Consent Act, to direct the Department of Veterans Affairs to require informed consent from veteran patients before starting long-term treatment with psychiatric and pain management medications. This is standard medical practice for commonplace procedures and anything requiring anesthesia. This legislation is a vital step toward ensuring that veterans are fully informed about the risks, benefits, and alternatives before starting treatment with these medications—enhancing transparency and empowering veterans with the knowledge they need to make safe, informed decisions about their health. The VFW thanks Congressman Bilirakis for introducing this important legislation, and we urge Congress to ensure its swift passage,” said Meggan Coleman (Thomas), Associate Director of National Legislative Services for the VFW. 

“Veterans deserve to be fully informed about the medications they take, especially those with potentially dangerous side effects. DAV is proud to support the Written Informed Consent Act which requires clinicians to inform veterans of medications that pose serious safety risks and provide them alternative treatment options. We applaud Rep. Bilirakis for his leadership on this critical issue to ensure transparency, promote veteran-centered care and safeguard the health and well-being of our nation’s Veterans,” added DAV National Legislative Director Joy Ilem.

“AMVETS proudly supports this legislation to ensure Veterans prescribed high-risk medications are fully informed before starting treatment. Written consent creates a clearer understanding of potential risks and alternatives, and our Veterans deserve that confidence when making decisions about their care,” said AMVETS National Executive Director Joe Chenelly.

“For medications with black box warnings, especially those linked to serious mental health risks, written informed consent is vital,” said Matthew Schwartzman, Director of Legislation and Military Policy for the Reserve Organization of America. “ROA thanks Congressman Bilirakis for championing legislation that ensures members of the uniformed services, veterans, their families, and caregivers are fully informed before beginning treatment. At a time when our nation is facing a growing mental health crisis, often tied to the conditions for which these medications are prescribed, this legislation is a critical step toward supporting resilience, improving outcomes, and protecting those who serve and support our country.“

“Veterans deserve to know exactly what medications they’re taking and what the potential side effects are. Written informed consent is a simple, vital step to ensure they’re educated about their care and empowered in every treatment decision. AFSA strongly supports this effort to protect the health and well-being of those who served, past, present, and their families,” said Keith A. Reed, Chief Executive Officer, Air Force Sergeants Association.

“Veterans have the right to understand the full impact of the medications they are prescribed, especially those affecting mental health and long-term quality of life. This legislation takes an important step toward strengthening informed consent within the VA by ensuring veterans receive clear, consistent information before starting treatments such as antipsychotics, stimulants, antidepressants, anxiolytics, and narcotics. The Fleet Reserve Association strongly supports this effort and urges Congress to move quickly on its passage,” said Theodosius Lawson, Assistant Director of Legislative Programs, FRA. 

“The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is grateful to Congressmen Bilirakis and Bergman for introducing legislation to require ‘Written Informed Consent’ for high-risk medications. Suicide loss survivors have shared with TAPS how these ‘black box’ medications contributed to their veteran’s suicide ideation and death. TAPS urges swift passage of this critical legislation to help save precious lives,” Bonnie Carroll, TAPS President and Founder.

“The Jewish War Veterans of the USA (JWV) supports Written Informed Consent, since it improves Veterans’ understanding of the risks associated with certain pharmaceuticals and addresses persistent high rates of veteran suicides,” said National Commander Gary Ginsburg. “JWV commends Representatives Bilirakis and Bergman for their sponsorship of this critical legislation.  The bill requires that veterans provide written informed consent for Black Box medications included in the VA formulary.  Black Box medications carry special warnings that have a high potential for serious safety risks. These warnings communicate potentially rare but dangerous side effects, and they provide necessary instructions for the safe use of the drug. Keeping veterans fully informed on critical aspects of their medical care remains a paramount concern.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)

August 01, 2025 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today introduced the No Foreign Election Partnership Act. This bill prohibits international organizations from entering data sharing or advisory role agreements with federal election agencies.
“Election integrity starts with securing the vote from foreign interference,” said Rep. Steube. “International organizations have no business accessing critical voter data or filling essential roles in American elections. My bill will strengthen the integrity of our elections by barring federal election agencies from entering data sharing and advisory agreements with foreign groups.” 
Background: The No Foreign Election Partnership Act bans all data sharing and advisory role agreements between international organizations and the Federal Election Commission, the Election Assistance Commission, and other federal agencies tasked with overseeing U.S. elections.
Read the full bill text here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Marc Veasey (33rd District of Texas)

Headline: Congressman Veasey Statement on Republican Racist Redistricting Plan

Fort Worth, TX – Today, Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) released the following statement on the proposed congressional map by Republican lawmakers: 

“Let’s be clear – this map is racist, it’s illegal, and it’s part of a long, ugly tradition of trying to keep Black and Brown Texas from having a voice. What Donald Trump and Greg Abbott are doing isn’t about democracy – it’s about consolidating power. Republicans are bending their knee to a wannabe king, drawing maps in backrooms to appease a man who tried to overthrow an election and now wants to overthrow the will of Texans.

“To Trump, Abbott, and the servile Republicans, I say this: Black people in this country fought, bled, and died for the right to vote, and we will never bend the knee again to any man. Not to Trump. Not Abbott. Not to anyone who thinks they can shut us out.

“Trump and the Republican cowards want to rig the system because they know they can’t win when every voice counts and every vote matters. So instead of earning our votes, they are trying to erase us. 

“But we are still here. We will fight in the courts, in the streets, and at the ballot box. No matter how hard they try, we aren’t going anywhere.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bryan Steil (Wisconsin-1)

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) released the following statement after the release of the White House Crypto Policy Report:

“The golden age of Digital Assets is here and America will lead,” said Steil. I applaud President Trump and AI & Crypto Czar Sacks for promoting a stable regulatory regime for digital assets in the United States. This report expresses strong support for the CLARITY Act, provides a roadmap for building on the historic signing of the GENIUS Act, and charts a path forward for ensuring U.S. leadership in the Web3 revolution.”

Background: 

• Congressman Steil serves as the Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology, and Artificial Intelligence.
• Congressman Steil is an original cosponsor of the CLARITY Act. The CLARITY Act will establish a federal framework for the issuance and trading of digital assets in the United States.
• The CLARITY Act passed through the House on July 17, 2025 on a non-partisan vote of 294-132.
   

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

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released the following statement on President Trump’s global tariffs, which are set to take effect on August 1.

“Americans have made it crystal clear that lowering prices is their top concern. President Trump and Congressional Republicans continue to break their promise to address the affordability crisis in our country and instead are focused on giving massive handouts to billionaires that are paid for by families who work hard every day.

“Regardless of how many of Trump’s tariffs go into effect tomorrow, the on-again, off-again whiplash makes it harder for small businesses to manufacture and sell products and for families to afford necessities like groceries, prescription drugs, and energy bills.  Businesses cannot grow this way and families cannot get ahead. Every day, Republicans’ continued silence is costing their constituents.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Donald Norcross (1st District of New Jersey)

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Representatives Donald Norcross (D-NJ), Haley Stevens (D-MI), and Mike Lawler (R-NY), along with Senator Edward Markey, introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Warehouse Worker Protection Act. The bill aims to improve safety by requiring companies with large warehouses to disclose quotas to workers and prohibiting quotas that interfere with health and safety.

The Warehouse Worker Protection Act requires companies to provide written descriptions of quotas workers are subjected to, any disciplinary action that would result from failure to meet the quota, and the existence of any incentive or bonus program associated with each quota and how the quota is monitored. The bill also prohibits companies from establishing quotas that prevent a worker from complying with any meal or rest period or from using bathroom facilities.

“In 2022, three New Jersey warehouse workers tragically died on the job within weeks of each other, bringing attention to working conditions and injury rates in warehouses. Businesses can keep workers safe and earn a profit, but that’s only possible with more transparency and accountability,” said Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ). “As a former electrician, I know firsthand what it’s like to lose a coworker on the job. The Warehouse Worker Protection Act takes necessary steps to ensure everyone can come home from work safely.”

“Too often, the people powering our supply chains go unseen. Warehouse workers, including thousands across Michigan, are essential to keeping goods moving and our economy strong,” said Congresswoman Haley Stevens (D-MI). “That’s why I’m proud to co-lead the Warehouse Worker Protection Act, a bill that prioritizes worker safety. It establishes fair limits on productivity demands and guarantees access to basic needs like meal and restroom breaks. This legislation is about honoring the hardworking people of Michigan, and beyond, who keep our communities and businesses running every day.”

“Injury and illness rates in warehouses remain unacceptably high. While progress has been made, far too many warehouse workers are still operating in conditions that are unsafe and unsustainable,” said Congressman Mike Lawler (R-NY). “It’s time to bring greater transparency, accountability, and basic protections to the job site. I’ll continue working across the aisle on policies like the Warehouse Worker Protection Act to ensure our economy works for both employers and the hardworking Americans who keep it running.”

“Workers deserve to clock in knowing they will return home safe and healthy at the end of their shift. The Warehouse Worker Protection Act would protect the basic health and dignity of workers from corporate bosses who time and again have prioritized unfettered greed and profit over their own people,” said Senator Markey. “I am proudly in solidarity with nearly two million warehouse workers nationwide in the fight to ensure that their rights, safety, and dignity are protected.”

“Amazon and other abusive warehouse employers are squeezing their workers for every penny of profit, leaving behind tired and broken bodies,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “These corporate criminals are destroying good jobs in an industry that once supported a strong middle class. But one thing stands in their way—that’s the Teamsters Union, along with a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers who understand what’s at stake. It’s time to pass the Warehouse Worker Protection Act and put workers’ safety over corporate profits.”

The Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General audit found that injury and illness rates in warehouses are consistently high. The report found that in 2021, the injury and illness rate was 5.5 per 100 employees for warehouses, which is more than double the rate across all industries. A recent study also found that more than half of employees at Amazon and Walmart, two of America’s largest private companies, report that their production rate makes it hard for them to use the bathroom at least some of the time.

The Warehouse Worker Protection Act is endorsed by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the National Employment Law Project, the Athena Coalition, and Oxfam.

Bill text of the Warehouse Worker Protection Act can be found here. More information on the legislation can be found below:

Enforcement

The bill will establish a Fairness and Transparency Board within the Department of Labor to share resources and responsibilities through OSHA and Wage and Hour. It will be comprised of union and employer representatives, health experts, civil rights experts, workplace technology experts, and worker protection experts and will be charged with enforcing the guidance and rules laid out within the legislation.

Requirements with Respect to Warehouse Quotas

All workers hired will be given a written description of the following:

• Each quota the worker is subject to, any disciplinary action that could result from failure to meet each quota, how performance targets for each quota are calculated, the existence of any incentive or bonus program associated with each quota and how the quota is monitored. 
• Each employer will have to provide updates to these quota systems to each worker no later than 2 days after any change is made.
• Require workers be notified when employers take an adverse action against them for failing to meet any quota.
• Employers will have to provide a training and written description for how workers can file a complaint when quota rules are violated.
• An employer would not be able to take adverse action against a worker for violating any of the prohibited quotas listed above or for the completion of work based solely on the ranking and comparison with other workers. 
• Employers will be required to maintain work speed records for all workers, written description of all quotas and make them available to workers and the DOL upon request. Workers may request certain pieces of work data up to 3 years after employment has been ended.

Prohibited Quotas

Employers will not be able to establish quotas that would:

• Prevent a worker from complying with any meal or rest period.
• Prevent a worker from complying with any health or safety provision required by law.
• Prevent a worker from the use of bathroom facilities, including responsible time to travel to and from said facility. 
• Set a performance target that measures the output for a worker that is shorter than one workday.
• Include time for paid or unpaid breaks.
• Prevent a worker from exercising any right already guaranteed by a collectively bargained agreement.

First Aid Standard

• OSHA will be charged with establishing a proposed rule requiring all employers have trained individuals on site ready to administer first aid to workers to reduce delays in medical treatment for workers following injuries.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz (CA-25), and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) introduced the Dr. Paul Farmer Memorial Resolution, to honor Dr. Farmer’s staggering life and legacy and lay out his extraordinary vision for realizing global health equity. This resolution lays out a 21st century global health strategy that proposes spending $125 billion annually on global health aid, reforming aid to focus on building national health systems, and putting an end to the exploitation of impoverished countries to increase their domestic tax base and health spending. This resolution seeks to save over 100 million lives per decade by increasing the flow of money in the global economy. 

“Dr. Paul Farmer is responsible for transforming the lives of millions and millions of poor and marginalized people around the world, bringing them health care, dignity, and justice. A true visionary, Paul insisted that all people have a right to excellent health care, and he developed the systems to deliver it in places people had written off. Gleaming world class hospitals and locally trained doctors, nurses, and community workers now exist in places like Haiti and Rwanda. Paul was not only a world-renowned leader in global health, but also a precious friend and a tireless organizer, inspiring thousands of people to actively participate in his work. All of us owe him a debt that can only be paid by carrying on his mission and legacy,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “That is why I am introducing the Dr. Paul Farmer Memorial Resolution alongside my colleagues Senator Markey and Representatives Ruiz and Jayapal. This resolution lays out a 21st Century Global Health Strategy that enshrines Paul’s vision to achieve global universal health care and end unnecessary and preventable deaths. We are the richest country in the world at the richest time in the world. As the Trump Administration rips away lifesaving aid from millions of people, it is more important than ever for those of us who care about global health and justice to rededicate ourselves to building and fully funding a robust global health strategy. Paul called on us to understand global health inequity as an injustice—a result of centuries of violence and exploitation inflicted on the global poor. We can make the choice to end global health inequity, and with Paul’s vision guiding us, we will.” 

“Dr. Paul Farmer was a health care visionary and revolutionary who understood compassion and care went hand in hand. At a time when global health and well-being are strained, I am proud to introduce this resolution honoring Dr. Farmer and the transformational work he did to deliver health care to people and communities around the world. Health is the first wealth, and we must do everything in our power to ensure that people around the world are healthy, safe, and have access to the resources they need to live and thrive,” said Senator Edward Markey.

“Dr. Paul Farmer was more than a global health leader, he was my mentor, professor, and dear friend,” said Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz. “From my early years at Harvard Medical School to our work together in Boston, Chiapas, Guatemala, and post-earthquake Haiti, he showed me what it means to fight for underserved communities with unwavering dedication. I am honored to help reintroduce this resolution in his memory, as a testament to his extraordinary impact on humanity.” 

“Dr. Paul Farmer changed global health for the better with his work in impoverished countries, treating infectious diseases and providing high quality care to those who needed it most. He also fundamentally altered the way we think about international aid, and his organizing and movement building has led to millions of people worldwide living healthier and longer lives. As a lifelong organizer and someone who worked in global health for years before coming to Congress, I know the importance of this work and know how devastating Trump and Republicans’ cuts to USAID and other international aid programs are. This resolution outlines a vision for a world in which we tackle the injustice of global health inequities and treat health care as a true human right. It also recognizes that to achieve these goals, we need to democratize the global financial system, including cancelling predatory debt that has often crushed low- and middle-income countries. I’m proud to co-lead it with Representatives Schakowsky and Ruiz,” said Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal.

The proposals in the resolution are as follows: 

• Increase global health aid to $125 billion per year
  • Close the essential universal health care financing gap for low-income countries
  • Allow the U.S. to meet the U.N. aid target of 0.7% GNI for the first time ever
• Reform global health aid
  • Focus on building national health systems and direct funding to local partners, not the development industry
  • Develop new medical technologies for diseases of poverty and ensure their availability as global public goods
• Make the global economy more fair, just, and democratic
  • Democratizing the IMF, World Bank, and World Trade Organization, so that poor countries have greater say over decisions that affect their economies and their ability to finance health systems
  • Global debt cancelation for all developing countries that need it
  • Ending harmful licit and illicit financial flows from poor countries—ending global tax havens and illegal practices like trade misinvoicing
  • Supporting global labor rights, such as a global minimum wage

“In this moment of crisis, we need Paul’s vision for global health justice more than ever. Thankfully, that vision is captured in this resolution. It provides us with a much-needed roadmap for global cooperation based on solidarity and justice by getting to the root causes of unnecessary suffering and death, or what Paul called ‘structural violence’. This includes greatly improving development assistance for health, but also going well beyond aid to address ongoing extractive colonial arrangements, which preclude local investments in health systems,” said Sheila Davis, CEO of Partners in Health.

As an infectious disease physician, Dr. Farmer earned accolades for treating patients in impoverished countries with high quality care, including those suffering from HIV and cancer. As a medical anthropologist, he was known for popularizing and deepening understandings of “structural violence,” the idea that social systems are designed to impoverish, sicken, and sideline select groups. As chief strategist of Partners in Health, he garnered plaudits for pioneering community-based treatment strategies, building teaching hospitals, and more. Dr. Farmer called on us to understand global health inequity as an injustice—an effect of centuries of violence and exploitation inflicted on the global poor. This resolution embodies that and will serve as a North Star that will guide the movement for global health equity for years to come. 

In addition to Reps. Schakowsky, Ruiz, and Jayapal, this resolution is cosponsored in the House of Representatives by Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Juan Vargas (CA-52). 

In addition to Sen. Markey, this resolution is cosponsored in the Senate by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).

Issues: Foreign Affairs & National Security, Health Care

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

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

Larsen: Trade War with Canada Harms Washington Families