MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) is leading dozens of Members in filing an amicus brief in United States of America v. UnitedHealth Group, Inc. et al, a case alleging that UnitedHealth uses inaccurate diagnosis codes to inflate payments through Medicare Advantage (MA), essentially embezzling from taxpayers. The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) estimates that MA plans through insurers like UnitedHealth will be overpaid by $1.2 trillion between 2025-2034 without intervention. 

“Medicare DisAdvantage, as I like to call it, was initially created as a way to save taxpayer dollars, but in reality, it does the exact opposite. It costs more and consistently has worse patient outcomes,” said Jayapal. “Today, this program is simply a cash cow for big insurance corporations at the cost of seniors and people with disabilities. UnitedHealth must answer to a jury, to the allegations that its network of MA plans intentionally ‘upcoded’ to increase the payments it received from Medicare — taxpayer dollars that did not go to provide healthcare to patients, but rather to pad UnitedHealth’s profits. Americans deserve to know if Medicare funds have been—and could continue to be—abused.”

The private insurance companies running MA plans mislead the public by claiming their plans save money and improve care. However, private insurers in MA overcharged CMS by at least $83 billion in 2024 without any improvements to the quality of care for patients. These overpayments to private insurers threaten the stability of the entire Medicare program for the 65 million Americans who rely on it. UnitedHealth is the nation’s largest insurer of MA plans, with 28 percent of the market share nationally and $400 billion in revenue last year. 

“The MA Program was supposed to decrease costs and increase access to healthcare for elderly and disabled Americans, while simultaneously adding efficiency to the healthcare system. Corporate health insurers like United have guaranteed MA’s failure by wringing the program dry with their insatiable appetite for profit,” reads the brief.

When a patient receives treatment through a third-party MA insurer, like UnitedHealth, they are assigned a “sickness score” that determines the payments to the insurer from the Traditional Medicare fund. Those sickness scores are driven by the post hoc diagnoses of United’s coders, and this case states that UnitedHealth knew that $2.1 billion in payments were due to incorrect diagnoses, yet did nothing to correct the error and instead took the money at a time when Americans are paying nearly $26,000 per family in premiums per year, while the largest US insurer made $14 billion in annual profits. And just this week, the Wall Street Journal reported that UnitedHealth is under investigation by the Department of Justice for possible criminal Medicare fraud.

Jayapal has been a leader in the efforts to rein in MA and protect patients, having led efforts to urge both the Trump and Biden Administrations to enact reforms. 

The brief was signed by Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Becca Balint (VT-AL), Greg Casar (TX-35), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (IL-04), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Greg Landsman (OH-01), James P. McGovern (MA-02), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Mark Takano (CA-39), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Derek Tran (CA-45), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), and Nikema Williams (GA-05).

The full text of the brief can be read here. 

Issues: Health Care

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee Co-Chair Lori Trahan (MA-03) issued the following statement after Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced their partisan reconciliation package, which will cut Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act and result in at least 13.7 million Americans losing health coverage, to the House floor:
“Over the past 26 hours, House Republicans have rejected every single Democratic amendment – amendments that would have protected Americans’ health care, lowered out-of-pocket costs for working families, kept pollution out of our children’s schools, and so much more. Instead, every Republican member of this Committee voted to preserve a cruel and reckless bill that will rip health coverage away from millions of Americans.”
“Republican members like Nick Begich (AK-AL) and Rob Bresnahan (PA-08) now face a clear choice. One in three Alaskans rely on Medicaid. One in four people in Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District depend on it too. Will they stand with their constituents and reject a proposal that threatens their health care and makes their bills more expensive? Or will they fall in line behind Donald Trump’s promise to slash taxes for the billionaires like Elon Musk who bankrolled his campaign?”
“This bill isn’t just bad policy – it’s a betrayal of the people we were sent here to represent. I’ll keep fighting alongside my Democratic colleagues to stop it and to protect every American’s right to access affordable, quality health care.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06)

Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06) has been awarded the “Defender of Economic Freedom Award” by the Club for Growth, America’s largest free market advocacy organization.  

“One of my top priorities in Congress is to support economic policies that benefit the citizens of the Sixth District of Virginia,” said Congressman Cline. “I’ve voted to cut taxes, eliminate red tape, reduce regulations on small businesses, and fight inflation. It’s a privilege to receive this award from Club for Growth as I continue working to advance fiscally responsible legislation that empowers Americans and strengthens our economy.”

“We congratulate Rep. Cline for earning Club for Growth’s Defender of Economic Freedom Award for fighting for policies that advance limited government and prosperity,” said Club for Growth President David McIntosh. “Meanwhile Democrats have become more socialist than ever despite many of them claiming to be ‘moderate.”

The award is based on the Club for Growth Foundation’s 2024 Congressional Economic Scorecard, the gold-standard in measuring the voting behavior of Members of Congress based on issues relating to limited government and economic growth. Club for Growth’s Defender of Economic Freedom Award required Representatives and Senators to not only score 90% or better on votes cast in a year, but to also maintain a lifetime rating of at least 90% to receive the award.

Congressman Ben Cline represents the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia. He previously was an attorney in private practice and served both as an assistant prosecutor and Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)

Wauseon, OH – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) announced the award of $342,000 from the US Department of Transportation’s Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) program to Fulton County. The funds will support Phase 1 of a critical airport infrastructure project at Fulton County Airport (USE), further advancing economic resilience and connectivity for NW Ohio.

“This is a strategic and forward-looking investment in the of our region’s transportation network,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). “Fulton County Airport’s has a growing role in supporting general aviation, regional commerce, and emergency response in our region. This award is more than a transportation upgrade – it’s an investment in our local workforce, small businesses, and the future of aviation in Northwest Ohio. As our communities work to modernize and grow, targeted federal investment like this ensures that rural and regional airports are not left behind, and are instead positioned to lead our communities into the future.”

“The Fulton County airport is an active, vibrant airport with over 30 based aircraft, a growing flight school offering flight training to students from all over Northwest Ohio, and is a base for a Life Flight helicopter,” said Jeff Rupp, President of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners. “We have had a waiting list for hangar space for many years and with this grant, we will be able build hangars for six additional aircraft. The Fulton County Commissioners wish to express our sincere appreciation to Congresswoman Kaptur for securing this grant which will benefit the county!”

The project includes the design of a new sponsor-owned hangar to generate long-term revenue and support airport sustainability, and the replacement of the airport’s Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS), which has reached the end of its operational life. The project reflects a commitment to modernizing regional infrastructure and ensuring safety, efficiency, and long-term economic growth.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)

Washington, DC – Today, Representatives Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), and Pat Fallon (TX-04) introduced the Federal Cyber Workforce Training Act of 2025, a bipartisan bill which would require the National Cyber Director to submit to Congress a plan to establish an institute within the Federal Government to serve as a centralized resource and training center for Federal cyber workforce development.

“The cyber threats against our nation are serious. This bipartisan legislation will help us to mount a defense against malign actors by bolstering, and enhancing cyber training,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). “This bipartisan legislation developed with Congressman Fallon seeks to modernize cyber workforce development through streamlined onboarding training — raising the bar for the Departments of Homeland Security and Defense. Our objective is to develop a framework to foster the highest levels of excellence in cybersecurity for professionals serving on the frontlines to safeguard our nation.”

“This legislation modernizes our approach to building a robust cyber workforce by streamlining onboarding with hands-on, role-specific training and sets high standards via DHS and DOD collaboration,” said Congressman Pat Fallon (TX-04). “By fostering sustainable career paths and bolstering recruitment with specialized talent management modules, we are taking necessary steps to fortify our defenses against escalating cyber threats.”

Specifically, this legislation aims to:

1.     ENSURE BETTER ONBOARDING:  Provides modularized work role-specific training, including hands-on learning and skill-based assessments, to prepare personnel from a wide variety of academic and professional backgrounds to perform effectively in federal cyber work roles.

2.     SET STANDARDS: Coordinate with the DHS/DOD /Others to develop work role-specific curriculum for the training required above.

3.    MAINTAIN SUSTAINABLE CAREER TRACK: Prioritize entry-level positions in the provision of curriculum and training but should also include curriculum development and training for federal cyber workers seeking transition to mid-career positions and may include upskilling and reskilling efforts.

4.     BOLSTER RECRUITING:  Consider developing a specific module to familiarize and train appropriate federal government talent management personnel in the unique challenges in recruiting and hiring personnel for federal cyber workforce roles.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Roger Williams (25th District of Texas)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25) introduced a resolution alongside Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Brian Mast (R-FL), and Jake Auchincloss (D-MA), expressing support for the designation of July 16, 2025 as “Glioblastoma Awareness Day.” This resolution increases glioblastoma awareness, which is critical to research and treatment advancements, and expresses support for those battling this disease.

“Awareness is crucial in the ongoing fight against glioblastoma,” said Congressman Williams. “This resolution brings hope to patients and their families as they fight this devastating disease. Together, we will continue to build on the progress we have made as we search for a cure to end brain cancer. May we honor the strength and resilience of those fighting today and those we have lost.”

“The human brain is incredibly complex and not well understood yet. The United States must invest in research and development to better understand the brain, including the causes and treatments of brain cancer. This resolution affirms bipartisan commitment to driving innovation and supporting breakthroughs that can provide new treatment options for patients with brain cancer and their families.”  – Congressman Auchincloss

“National Brain Tumor Society is proud and grateful to once again work with champions in Congress to mark the introduction of a Glioblastoma Awareness Day Resolution for July 16, 2025,”  said David Arons, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Brain Tumor Society. We thank all of the sponsors of this year’s resolution for their continued support and recognition that much more needs to be done to defeat this deadly disease that has impacted so many lives on Capitol Hill and throughout the entire country.”

Read the bill text here.

Background:

• Glioblastoma is the most commonly occurring primary malignant brain tumor, accounting for 14.2% of all tumors and 50.1% of all malignant tumors.

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Congressman Roger Williams is the Chairman of the House Small Business Committee and member of the House Financial Services Committee. He proudly represents the 25th Congressional District of Texas.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11)

WASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill issued the following statement on the NJ TRANSIT train engineers’ strike:  

“I’m deeply concerned about the impact that this loss in rail service will have on families and commuters across New Jersey. For so many in our community, NJ TRANSIT isn’t optional — it’s how we get to work, school, and critical appointments.

“I have spoken with both NJ TRANSIT and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET). These workers have kept our stateed moving through storms, shutdowns, and a pandemic. They have gone years without a contract, and deserve fair treatment and a livable wage. I respect their right to organize and collectively bargain.

“At the same time, disruptions in service will have a serious ripple effect across our state and region. I’m urging both sides to return to the negotiating table immediately. A fair resolution is still possible — and the cost of a prolonged strike is simply too high for New Jersey families.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, May 15, 2025

Fernanda Nunez-Cazares, District Press Secretary
fernanda.nunez-cazares@mail.house.gov
Cell: (619) 209-1834

Matthew Landini, DC Press Secretary
matt@mail.house.gov
Cell: (216) 952-8227

Rep. Cuellar Helps Pass Bipartisan Police Week Package to Support Law Enforcement

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), commended the House passage of three bipartisan bills to support law enforcement officers and their families. The bills include the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Reform Act, which Rep. Cuellar co-led with Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02), as well as the Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act and the Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act.

“Coming from a law enforcement family, I know that public safety begins with supporting the men and women who wear the badge,” said Dr. Cuellar. “I was proud to co-lead the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Reform Act to ensure trained, off-duty and retired officers can respond to emergencies and continue keeping our communities safe, without being blocked by unnecessary red tape. I remain steadfast in my support for the men and woman who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe.”

The Law Enforcement Officers Safety Reform Act expands concealed carry access for qualified officers by removing outdated restrictions and ensuring nationwide reciprocity in areas like school zones, national parks, and mass transit.

Congressman Cuellar also voted yes on two additional bipartisan bills:
• The Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act, allowing federal officers in good standing to purchase their retired service weapons, saving taxpayer dollars and reducing waste.
• The Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act, which enhances reporting on attacks against officers and expands access to mental health resources.
“These commonsense bills recognize the service and sacrifice of our law enforcement officers,” Dr. Cuellar continued. “Together, we’re helping them stay safe, ready, and respected – on duty and in retirement.”

All three bills passed the House with bipartisan support and are backed by leading law enforcement organizations, including the Fraternal Order of Police, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, and the National Association of Police Organizations.

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SOLO PARA FINES DE PLANIFICACIÓN
Jueves, 15 de mayo de 2025

Fernanda Nunez-Cazares, Secretaria de Prensa del Distrito
fernanda.nunez-cazares@mail.house.gov
Cell: (619) 209-1834

Matthew Landini, Secretaria de Prensa del DC
matt@mail.house.gov
Cell: (216) 952-8227

El congresista Cuellar ayuda a aprobar el paquete bipartidista de la Semana de la Policía para apoyar a Oficiales de la Ley

Washington, DC – Hoy, el congresista Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), elogió la aprobación en la Cámara de tres proyectos de ley bipartidistas para apoyar a los agentes del orden y sus familias. Los proyectos de ley incluyen la Ley de Reforma de Seguridad de Oficiales de la Ley (LEOSA), que el Rep. Cuellar co-lideró con el congresista Don Bacon (NE-02), así como la Ley Federal de Compra de Armas de Servicio de Oficiales de la Ley y la Ley de Mejora de la Seguridad de Oficiales de la Ley y el Bienestar a través de Datos.

“Viniendo de una familia de agentes de la ley, sé que la seguridad pública comienza con el apoyo a los hombres y mujeres que llevan la insignia”, dijo el Dr. Cuellar. “Me enorgullece haber codirigido la Ley de Reforma de la Seguridad de los Agentes del Orden Público para garantizar que los agentes formados, fuera de servicio y jubilados puedan responder a las emergencias y seguir manteniendo la seguridad de nuestras comunidades, sin verse bloqueados por trámites burocráticos innecesarios. Me mantengo firme en mi apoyo a los hombres y mujeres que arriesgan sus vidas todos los días para mantenernos a salvo.”

LEOSA amplía el acceso a la portación oculta para los oficiales calificados mediante la eliminación de restricciones obsoletas y garantizar la reciprocidad en todo el país en áreas como zonas escolares, parques nacionales, y el transporte público.

El congresista Cuellar también votó a favor de otros dos proyectos de ley bipartidistas:
• La Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act, que permite a los agentes federales en regla comprar sus armas de servicio retiradas, ahorrando dinero de los contribuyentes y reduciendo el despilfarro.
• La Ley de Mejora de la Seguridad y el Bienestar de los Agentes del Orden Público a través de los Datos, que mejora la información sobre agresiones contra agentes y amplía el acceso a los recursos de salud mental.
“Estos proyectos de ley de sentido común reconocen el servicio y el sacrificio de nuestros agentes del orden”, continuó el Dr. Cuellar. “Juntos, estamos ayudando a que se mantengan seguros, listos y respetados – en servicio y en la jubilación.”

Los tres proyectos de ley fueron aprobados por la Cámara con apoyo bipartidista y cuentan con el respaldo de las principales organizaciones policiales de todo el país.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Allen (R-GA-12)

This week, in honor of National Police Week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed three pieces of legislation to express support for law enforcement officers and agencies nationwide. After voting in support of each measure, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) issued the following statement:

“National Police Week serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by our law enforcement officers and the vital role they play in protecting our communities, our families, and our loved ones. While they face increasing challenges and threats to their safety, as the recent tragedy in Columbia County has shown us, it is more important now than ever to stand with our men and women in blue. I was proud to help pass this week’s legislation and will continue to unapologetically support those who carry the badge in the 12th District and across the nation.”

The pro-law enforcement bills passed this week include:

H.R. 2240, the Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act of 2025: 

• Requires the Attorney General to assemble reports on violence against law enforcement officers and the effectiveness of programs meant to provide law enforcement with wellness resources and protective equipment so we may comprehensively enhance the safety of police officers.

H.R. 2243, the LEOSA Reform Act: 

• Broadens the ability of qualified active and retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms in areas such as national parks, federal facilities open to the public, and state, local, or private property open to the public.

H.R. 2255, the Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act: 

• Directs the General Services Administration to allow current and retired federal law enforcement officers to buy their retired service weapons at salvage value.

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

Reps. Don Beyer (D-VA), Jay Obernolte (R-CA), Bill Foster (D-IL), Scott Franklin (R-FL), and Haley Stevens (D-MI) today introduced a resolution commemorating the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) accomplishments in science, engineering, and education over the past 75 years. Since its creation in 1950, the NSF has supported cutting-edge science and engineering projects across the country in addition to fostering scientific collaboration across the globe. Its hallmark accomplishments include helping catalyze the creation of the internet, and advancing technology for MRI machines, 3–D printing, and artificial intelligence. 

“The NSF supports 350,000 researchers, students, teachers, and entrepreneurs every year, driving innovation for critical technologies like artificial intelligence and revolutionary breakthroughs like LASIK eye surgery. This is the agency behind countless scientific advancements that have improved the lives of millions of Americans and people across the world,” said Rep. Beyer. “At a time when global scientific competition continues to grow and our national security increasingly depends on technological leadership, we should be strengthening NSF investments. Supporting the NSF means supporting America’s health, economy, and national security.”

“Fo 75 years, the National Science Foundation has been a driving force behind America’s leadership in science and technology,” said Rep. Obernolte. “Its commitment to advancing fundamental research has laid the groundwork for countless innovations that improve lives, power our economy, and expand the frontiers of human knowledge.”

“I’m proud to join colleagues on both sides of the aisle in celebrating 75 years of the National Science Foundation,” said Rep. Foster. “As Congress’ only PhD physicist, I’ll continue doing everything I can to fully fund NSF and all of our science agencies to ensure that we remain a global leader in research and innovation for generations to come.” 

“The National Science Foundation has delivered real results for communities across our country over its 75-year history,” said Rep. Franklin. “In Florida, NSF-backed research has strengthened our universities, supported high-tech industries and prepared students for the STEM jobs of tomorrow. I’m proud to help lead this resolution recognizing NSF’s direct role in fueling innovation, growing our economy and keeping both Florida and the U.S. competitive on the global stage.”

“For 75 years, the National Science Foundation has been the bedrock of American discovery, empowering generations of researchers and providing STEM opportunity to students across the country. In Michigan, the NSF’s impact is felt in every lab, on every shop floor, and in every classroom,” said Rep. Stevens. “As we celebrate this incredible history, we must recommit ourselves to the ideals that NSF was founded upon—to promote the progress of science, to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare, and to secure our national defense. That mission is as urgent today as it was in 1950, and Michigan’s future depends on seeing it through for the next 75 years.”

Full text of the resolution is available here.