MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

Today, Rep. Lois Frankel (FL-22) joined Democratic colleagues in introducing the Restoring Essential Healthcare Act, legislation to repeal the newly enacted Republican ban on Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood health centers.

“Planned Parenthood is often the only place people can go for affordable, trusted health care.  The ban on Medicaid reimbursements has put 200 clinics at risk of closure, affecting thousands of patients in Florida and millions more across the country, said Rep. Frankel. 

“As required by federal law, Planned Parenthood does not use Medicaid funding for abortion care. Medicaid reimbursements support preventive and lifaesaving services such as STI testing and treatment, cancer screenings, birth control, and HPV vaccinations.”

“This cruel ban does not exist in isolation,” Frankel continued. “The harm is compounded by recent Republican deep cuts to Medicaid, affordable health coverage, and food assistance. These ugly policies work hand in hand to strip basic necessities from those who can least afford to lose them.”

On July 28, a federal judge temporarily blocked enforcement of the Medicaid provision, but the ruling is expected to be appealed. The Restoring Essential Healthcare Act would permanently repeal this dangerous measure and restore access to care for millions of Americans.

The bill has been endorsed by leading organizations committed to reproductive health and rights, including Planned Parenthood Federation of America, the Center for Reproductive Rights, the National Abortion Federation, the National Council of Jewish Women, the National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association, the National Women’s Law Center Action Fund, and Physicians for Reproductive Health.

Senators Tina Smith of Minnesota and Patty Murray of Washington have introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

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

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Donald Trump and Republicans’ “One Big Beautiful Bill” contains the most significant and devastating cuts to healthcare in American history, ripping away coverage from 15 million Americans, slashing Medicaid, and allowing for the expiration of critical tax credits that have helped stabilize premiums for millions who rely on Affordable Care Act policies. 

As a result, millions of Americans and hundreds of thousands of Washingtonians will see the cost of their healthcare skyrocket or will potentially lose their coverage altogether once these premium hikes take effect at the end of this year. 

Congresswoman Schrier addresses her constituents about forthcoming health insurance price hikes.

In response to this price hike, Congresswoman Schrier stated: “It is unacceptable and morally bankrupt that Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans are giving tax breaks to billionaires at the expense of working families across my district. Their Big Ugly Bill will enact devastating price hikes on essential healthcare for hundreds of thousands of Washingtonians at a time when so many are already struggling to make ends meet. I will continue to fight to reverse these actions and ensure all Americans can access affordable and comprehensive healthcare.”

In the coming months, Congresswoman Schrier will continue to focus on hearing from her constituents about how these skyrocketing costs will impact their lives, taking those stories to the other Washington, and seeking comprehensive solutions to keep health insurance costs down and keep people insured ahead of the December 31, 2025, expiration of these credits. 

You can follow Congresswoman Schrier’s social media and this webpage for updates and a countdown to track when premiums will soar pending action from Republicans in Congress. As open enrollment gets underway, she has asked constituents to report changes in their premiums, co-pays, and deductibles.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX)

Contact: Alexis Torres  

Washington, D.C.—Today, U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) released the following statement: 

“Trump is taking a hatchet to chop up Austin and our state with the sole objective of maintaining his one-man rule. This is designed to eliminate accessibility, accountability, and a strong voice for our shared values. For years, Republicans have failed in their attempts to use redistricting to get rid of me. If we continue working together, they will fail again. If Trump and his cowardly Republican accomplices get away with rigging Texas, voters in states across America will be at risk. For now, my sole focus is on defeating this Trump-imposed gerrymandering, which relies on crooked lines instead of honest votes. The only ‘What if’ that matters is ‘What if this crooked scheme is approved to give Trump a rubber stamp to do whatever he pleases.’”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Ranking Member of the Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations Subcommittee, released the following statement today after reports that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has cancelled the Direct File program:

“Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Billy Long’s announcement that the Direct File program is cancelled echoes the same message that Donald Trump and his Republican allies have been sending to the American people for years: ‘you’re on your own.’ If you’re among the 72% of Americans who would like a fast, easy, and free method to file your taxes, you’re on your own now that the administration has eliminated Direct File. 

“Direct File worked. Over the past two years, hundreds of thousands of Americans across 25 states participated in the Direct File pilot program to file their taxes for free. In 2024, 90% of those taxpayers rated their experience with Direct File as ‘excellent’ or ‘above average.’ During the most recent tax season, that figure increased to 94%. Crucially, on average, Direct File saved participants $160 and hours of time they would have normally spent filing their taxes. 

“That’s why I helped lead Democrats’ efforts to establish Direct File through the Inflation Reduction Act: to save Americans time and money. The federal government requires Americans to pay their taxes, thus it ought to provide them a free and easy way to do so. That logic is lost on the Trump Administration. He may be telling Americans they’re on their own, but I will keep fighting for them by standing up for Direct File and other programs that lower their costs and make their lives easier.”

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

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) visited Redmond Care and Rehabilitation Center and Redmond Heights Senior Living as part of a National Day of Action to raise awareness about harmful cuts to Medicare and Medicaid. DelBene met with facility staff to discuss how the recently passed Big Ugly Bill is already affecting care and creating uncertainty for providers and patients alike.

The Big Ugly Bill slashed over $1 trillion from the U.S. health care system, putting more than 15 million Americans at risk of losing health coverage and triggering deep cuts to both Medicare and Medicaid. In Washington state, hospitals could lose an estimated $662 million annually. The bill also weakened Medicare through a half-trillion-dollar sequester and stricter eligibility rules for immigrants, while reducing Medicaid payments to providers and putting more than 500 nursing homes nationwide at risk of closure.

“Medicare and Medicaid are lifelines for Washington seniors, working families, and people with disabilities. Congress should be strengthening, not dismantling, these vital programs,” said DelBene. “I heard directly from caregivers and residents today who are worried about what these cuts mean for their future. I’ll keep fighting to protect access to affordable, high-quality care for every Washingtonian.”

“By slashing Medicaid, we aren’t just cutting a budget line- we are cutting off lifelines for seniors who depend on skilled nursing care to survive with dignity. These are not just numbers on a page- they are people, families, and futures,” said Sravanthi Dasari, DPT, Administrator for Redmond Care and Rehabilitation Center and Redmond Heights Senior Living.

“If we can’t provide adequate therapy, that stroke patient may never walk again. If we can’t maintain proper staffing ratios, that confused resident might fall and break a hip,” said Victor, MDS Coordinator for Redmond Care and Rehabilitation Center and Redmond Heights Senior Living. “These aren’t just statistics in a budget – they’re real people whose highest level of functioning and quality of life depend on the assessments I complete and the funding those assessments generate. Medicare and Medicaid funding doesn’t just pay bills; it preserves hope and human dignity.”

“The Big Beautiful Bill will be devastating for everyone, especially for nursing home residents which will end up having ramifications for every US citizen, because the quality of health care will be diminished and people will end up leaving the profession,” said Joe Pergamo DPT/DOR for Redmond Care and Rehabilitation Center and Redmond Heights Senior Living. “Thank you for being a voice for the unheard population. The time to act is now so we could prevent what will be devastating to people who rely on health care services. It would end up having ripple effects and long-lasting decline. People will end up going without much needed healthcare and as a result get weaker and sicker.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

Carbajal Statement on Trump Administration Revoking Approval of Ocean Areas Designated for Wind Power

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

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) hosted a roundtable with local brewers and industry leaders at Postdoc Brewing in Redmond to discuss how current trade and tariff policies are impacting Washington’s craft beer industry.

Tariffs on imported aluminum and steel have driven up costs for small breweries that rely on kegs, cans, and specialized brewing equipment. The uncertainty around future tariffs is also making it harder for brewers to invest in upgrades and expand operations, threatening local jobs and production.

Washington is home to more than 400 breweries, but 2024 marked the first year since 2005 that more breweries closed than opened. Many small, independent brewers operate on thin margins and cannot absorb higher input costs without raising prices, something that’s difficult in an already competitive market. DelBene, who co-leads the Congressional Trade Authority Act, has introduced and supported legislation to limit presidential tariff powers and ensure Congress has a role in trade decisions. These include:

“Washington’s breweries are innovative, community-focused small businesses that support jobs across our region,” said DelBene. “Rising costs and trade uncertainty are putting them in a difficult spot. I’m working to ensure our policies support growth, sustainability, and long-term success for these local businesses.”

“The vast majority of craft breweries in Washington are small businesses like ours and we are all struggling with the rising costs of goods,” said Robyn Schumacher, Co-owner of Stoup Brewing. “While we source many of our ingredients and goods from regional providers, it’s not always possible. The uncertainty around tariffs and the cost of goods hits small businesses like ours particularly hard as we are already working with small margins. It’s far more difficult for small local businesses to stay afloat when costs are so wildly unpredictable.”

“Chaotic tariff policies create uncertainty and without stable pricing it’s hard for us to plan, budget, or stay competitive,” said Tom Schmidlin, Owner and Head Brewer, Postdoc Brewing. “Unlike large corporations, small businesses don’t have the buffer or buying power to absorb sudden cost spikes, and we can’t change prices on a weekly basis to cover increased costs.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

(Houston, TX)—On Wednesday, July 30, 2025, Congressman Al Green issued the following statement addressing the recent proposal for congressional redistricting: 

Congressman Al Green stated, “Today, I received what appears to be the proposed redistricting congressional lines for Texas. Of the many points that can be made, I shall call three to the attention of the public now and more later. Point one: the map is extreme invidious discrimination and accomplishes what the President has demanded of the Governor and more. Two, the DOJ demanded that the race card be played, and the Governor dealt the people of Texas a racist hand. Three, I will be on the ballot and will announce more of my intentionality after I have engaged in deliberations.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Paul Tonko (Capital Region New York)

ALBANY, NY — Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), along with Representatives John Mannion (NY-22) and Joe Morelle (NY-25) today sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem urging the Trump Administration reverse its decision to terminate funding for the Exploiting Mesonet for Emergency Preparedness and Response to Weather Extremes (EMPOWER) project.

In 2023, the DHS awarded the University at Albany $3 million for this grant project to improve emergency management and deliver accurate, real-time forecasting for severe weather. But, earlier this month, that funding was abruptly terminated.

“Developed in partnership between DHS’s Science and Technology Directorate and the University at Albany, EMPOWER is exactly the kind of forward-looking, science-based emergency management program our nation needs as extreme weather, and natural disasters grow more frequent, intense, and deadly,” the lawmakers write.

The letter continues, “At the core of EMPOWER’s success is the New York State Mesonet, a state-of-the-art network of 127 weather stations that supplements National Weather Service observations. This is a moment that demands leadership and bold investment in resilience. In just the past few weeks, catastrophic flooding in Texas and record-setting heat across the country have underscored the urgency of strengthening our preparedness. Cutting off funding for a proven emergency response program amid an escalating climate crisis is not just short-sighted, it is dangerous.

“The stakes are simply too high to abandon tools and technologies that can help save lives.”

For years, Tonko has worked to strengthen and support the nation’s weather preparedness. Last Congress, he introduced the bipartisan National Mesonet Authorization Act alongside Representative Stephanie Bice (R-OK), legislation that would increase the overall coverage and accuracy of our current National Mesonet program.

Earlier this month, UAlbany sent a letter inviting DHS Secretary Noem to visit the campus and tour their facilities to lean more about how the university’s essential research supports DHS’s work and mission. UAlbany also sent a letter to the New York congressional delegation requesting support from members in helping to reinstate a $3 million DHS research grant.

The full letter to DHS Secretary Noem can be found HERE or below:

Dear Secretary Noem,

We write to express our strong objection to the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to terminate funding for the Exploiting Mesonets for Emergency Preparedness and Response to Weather Extremes (EMPOWER) project. This action not only undermines years of progress in public safety and emergency preparedness, but it also puts lives at risk. We ask you to reverse this decision and reinstate the $3 million grant supporting this initiative without delay.

Developed in partnership between DHS’s Science and Technology Directorate and the University at Albany, EMPOWER is exactly the kind of forward-looking, science-based emergency management program our nation needs as extreme weather, and natural disasters grow more frequent, intense, and deadly. It provides emergency managers and first responders with real[1]time, localized data to improve decision-making and response times, giving communities a better chance to prepare for and withstand extreme weather events.

At the core of EMPOWER’s success is the New York State Mesonet, a state-of-the-art network of 127 weather stations that supplements National Weather Service observations. The Mesonet fills gaps in our national monitoring infrastructure and provides the high-resolution, real-time data that emergency response systems increasingly depend on.

This is a moment that demands leadership and bold investment in resilience. In just the past few weeks, catastrophic flooding in Texas and record-setting heat across the country have underscored the urgency of strengthening our preparedness. Cutting off funding for a proven emergency response program amid an escalating climate crisis is not just short-sighted, it is dangerous.

For a modest federal investment, EMPOWER is delivering high-impact results. This administration has emphasized the importance of supporting state and local partners in disaster preparedness EMPOWER embodies that collaboration, demonstrating how strategic partnerships between federal science agencies, academia, and state governments can produce innovative, life-saving solutions.

We urge you to reinstate full funding for the EMPOWER initiative and ensure that the University at Albany and its partners can continue advancing this critical work. The stakes are simply too high to abandon tools and technologies that can help save lives.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

FRESNO, Calif. – On Medicaid Day of Action, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) and healthcare leaders from United Health Centers of the San Joaquin Valley warned of the devastating impacts the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill” will have on clinics, hospitals, and patients in the Central Valley.

Earlier this month, Donald Trump and House Republicans enacted the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” more like the “One Big Ugly Bill.” Costa voted against the law, which slashes more than $1 trillion from Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the largest healthcare cuts in U.S. history. As a result, 17 million Americans are expected to lose Medicaid coverage, including 247,384 people across the San Joaquin Valley.Medicaid cuts will devastate the United Health Centers of the San Joaquin Valley, where nearly 60% of the 180,000 patients served across 37 clinics in Fresno, Kings, and Tulare counties rely on Medicaid (Medi-Cal). Losing this funding means fewer doctors, longer wait times, emergency rooms (ERs) overwhelmed, and could lead to potential closures.
Key Excerpts from Congressman Costa’s Remarks:“Medicaid payments to hospitals will be reduced by $665 billion. On average, rural hospitals are estimated to lose 21¢ out of every dollar they receive from Medicaid funding. So even if you’re not on Medicaid (Medi-Cal) and you have your own separate insurance, you’re going to see the impacts because these healthcare facilities need to figure out how to continue providing their full services with less funding. This could result in a reduction of staff, longer emergency room delays, and wait times,”said Congressman Costa.“I can tell you we’re already trying to do a lot with not enough. Almost seventy percent of our patients here are on Medicaid (Medi-Cal). If this safety net is weakened, the things that many of us take advantage of every day, simple things such as prenatal care, cancer screenings, pediatric visits, and lifesaving medications. Those things can go away for many of our patients,”said Justin Preas, CEO of the UnitedHealth Centers of the San Joaquin Valley.  “Often, we see in the [San Joaquin] Valley, kids with asthma exacerbations. Medicaid is what helps families afford these inhalers and medications that keep kids out of the hospital, threatened with cuts to Medicaid (Medi-Cal). If Medicaid (Medi-Cal) funding is cut, we will see a rise in preventable ER visits, untreated chronic disease, a rise in preventable cancers through early detection programs, and overall worse outcomes in our patients and in the community. These are real clinical consequences with long-term effects. As a physician, I can’t stand by while access to care is being threatened, and I know my colleagues across the state feel the same,”said Dr. Sharareh Shabafrooz, Associate Medical Director.Watch Congressman Costa’s full remarks HERE.