MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas)

U.S. Representatives Ron Estes (R-Kansas), Suzan Delbene (D-Wash.), along with Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colorado) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), reintroduced the Protecting Air Ambulance Services for Americans Act. This critical legislation will update Medicare reimbursement rates for emergency air services by using data collected under the No Surprises Act, which was passed in 2020.

“Air ambulances provide lifesaving services, especially for the many Kansans living in rural parts of our state,” said Rep. Estes. “The bipartisan bill I’m reintroducing with Rep. DelBene, along with my colleagues Senators Bennet and Blackburn, is a common sense way to ensure all Americans have emergency access to hospitals and specialized providers regardless of their location. When seconds matter, air ambulances have proven to be the best way to care for patients in need, and under this legislation, the work of the pilots and medical professionals on board will continue to save lives.”

“Coloradans should be able to trust that if they are sick or injured, they can get the medical attention they need, no matter where they live,” said Sen. Bennet. “As air ambulance bases across rural America have been forced to close, people in rural communities have lost access to lifesaving care. This bipartisan bill builds on our efforts to bring transparency to our health care system and improves access to lifesaving care for all Americans.”
 
“During a medical emergency, Tennesseans living in rural communities shouldn’t have to worry about access to emergency medical transportation, including air ambulance,” said Sen. Blackburn. “Our bipartisan Protecting Air Ambulance Services for Americans Act would preserve critical access to life-saving air ambulance services for Tennesseans and all Americans, no matter where they live.”

“Every second counts during a medical emergency, and for many in Washington, especially in rural and underserved areas, air ambulance services are a lifeline,” said Rep. DelBene. “Medicare’s outdated reimbursement rates no longer reflect the true cost of providing this critical care, putting access at risk. This legislation will ensure that reimbursement is based on current data, so patients can continue to count on timely, lifesaving emergency transport when it matters most.”

The legislation has received outside support:

“We applaud the introduction of the Protecting Air Ambulance Services for Americans Act,” said Jana Williams, President & CEO of the Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS). “This bipartisan, bicameral legislation reflects a growing recognition that air medical providers are not just responders—they are lifelines, especially in rural and underserved communities. Air medical programs are increasingly essential mobile extensions of our national emergency care infrastructure. This bill takes a pragmatic step forward to ensure these high-acuity services remain available when and where they’re needed most. We look forward to working with Congress and other stakeholders to advance this critical legislation and protect access to life-saving care across the country.”

“Being part of the emergency medical system gives me an up-close look at the challenges facing rural Americans when it comes to accessing critical trauma care,” said Brittany Cox, Area Manager of the LifeSave Air Transport Program. “The introduction of this legislation is an important step to ensure that all Kansans have access to emergency air medical transport, no matter where they live. For people in rural parts of our state, timely access to emergency care can mean the difference between life and death. We’re grateful to Representatives Estes and DelBene for their leadership and commitment to addressing this critical need.”

Background:

June 2023: Reps. Estes, DelBene, Sens. Bennet, Blackburn Introduce Bill to Support Lifesaving Emergency Services for Americans in Rural Communities

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

Yesterday, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, joined her colleagues Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (D-N.H.), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies under the Appropriations Committee, to tour Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY). Pingree, Goodlander, Wasserman Shultz, and shipyard leadership and workers discussed how they are addressing the delays that are preventing PNSY from bringing on the workforce needed to continue its critical work for our national security, and how they’re working in Congress to strengthen the benefits that these public servants and skilled workers rely on. 

“Portsmouth Naval Shipyard represents the best of public service—skilled, dedicated workers whose work strengthens our national security every day,” said Congresswoman Pingree. “During our visit today, my colleagues and I saw firsthand the dedication and expertise that keep this critical facility running. What we heard from workers and leadership was clear: they need stable funding, a reliable workforce pipeline, and a Congress that has their backs. I’m grateful to join Congresswomen Goodlander and Wasserman Schultz in making sure their voices are heard—and their priorities reflected—in the federal budget.”

“We owe a sacred obligation to the women and men who dedicate their lives to serving our country, whether in uniform or as civilians. In Congress, I am focused on living up to that obligation and delivering for our servicemembers, veterans, and shipyard workers,” said Congresswoman Goodlander. “We had a powerful and important conversation at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and the Manchester VA Medical Center about the critical role that federal funding plays in their operations and how Congress can and must be a continued partner in their mission.”

“Democrats work nonstop to ensure that vital national security investments and caring for our veterans remain top priorities, and the high-quality work I saw being done at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and Manchester VAMC reconfirmed for me that strong, reliable Congressional funding and support is vital to these workers, their communities, and America’s overall strength,” said Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz. “I joined Representatives Goodlander and Pingree to inspect these facilities today, but they have both long stood with me in the trenches as Democrats fight to ensure veterans services and benefits are protected, and the work of protecting our national security is not impeded.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

Today, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), a longtime farmer and member of the House Agriculture Committee, led a bipartisan group of her colleagues in introducing the Local Farmers Feeding our Communities Act to boost the purchasing and distribution of local food. The bill, co-led by Representatives Rob Bresnahan (R-Pa.), David Valadao (R-Calif.), and Josh Riley (D-N.Y.), will help build stronger connections between local producers and community food programs, expanding markets and improving access to healthy food for those in need.

“When Trump’s USDA abruptly ended the Local Food Purchase Assistance and Local Food for Schools programs, it pulled the rug out from under farmers, food banks, and schools across the country—including in Maine. These were proven tools for strengthening local food supply chains, supporting small producers, and getting healthy, locally grown food to hungry families,” said Rep. Pingree. “Our bipartisan Local Farmers Feeding Our Communities Act restores and improves on that successful model. It’s a practical, community-driven solution that invests in our nation’s farmers, builds regional resilience, and fights hunger.”

The Local Farmers Feeding our Communities Act will allow states, through USDA, to establish cooperative agreements connecting local farmers and producers with local food distribution organizations. Through these agreements, funds will be used to purchase local, fresh, and minimally processed foods like seafood, meat, milk, cheese, eggs, fruit, and poultry. The bill also sets aside a portion of these funds to purchase food specifically from small, mid-size, beginning, and veteran farmers. Text can be found here.

“Far too often the discussion around alleviating hunger leaves out those who grow, raise, and produce food – our local farmers. Reducing the barriers between our communities and the farmers who produce our food is a commonsense approach to ensure everyone in Northeast Pennsylvania has access to the food they need.” said Rep. Bresnahan. “This bill recognizes the hard work that is needed to supply fresh and nutritious food like fruit, veggies, milk, and cheese, while also creating a clear path to putting this food on the plates of people who need it. This investment in our local farmers is an investment in stronger local food security and healthier communities.”

“The Central Valley grows the food that feeds our nation, and this bill gives us a chance to connect our farmers directly with local families and food banks to deliver healthy, homegrown food where it’s needed most,” said Rep. Valadao. “The Local Farmers Feeding our Communities Act is a bipartisan effort that invests in our farmers and communities, and I’m proud to stand with my colleagues in support.”

“It doesn’t get more common sense than fighting hunger by supporting local farmers,” said Rep. Riley. “This is about putting food on the tables of people who need it most, and investing directly in the family farmers who power our rural communities.”

Original cosponsors include Tony Wied (R-Wisc.), Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.), Zach Nunn (R-Iowa), Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill.), Jim Costa (D-Calif.), Eugene Vindman (D-Va.), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), and Alma Adams (D-N.C.). 

“Iowa farmers work hard to grow high-quality, nutritious food. This bill helps ensure local families, schools, and food banks can afford the fresh produce grown right here in our communities,” said Rep. Nunn. “I’m proud to back a plan that strengthens our food system, supports small producers and veterans, and expands access to healthy, Iowa-grown meals.”

“This legislation supports a program with a proven record of increasing access to the fresh fruits and vegetables our farmers work hard to produce,” said Rep. Newhouse. “It cuts down on food waste, supplies local schools and food banks with produce, and ensures that those who need food can get it. I thank Rep. Bresnahan for his leadership on this legislation as we work to strengthen our food system and expand access to healthy food across the country.”

“I’m proud to join this bipartisan bill to support our Illinois family farmers and help my constituents access nutritious, locally-grown food,” said Rep. Budzinski. “In Central and Southern Illinois, the Local Food Purchase Assistance and Local Food for Schools have been a win-win-win for growers and producers, food banks, and schools. It was a major setback when these initiatives were abruptly cancelled. The Local Farmers Feeding Our Communities Act would restore these successful programs that are a proven way to fight hunger, strengthen the food supply chain, and bolster the local agricultural economy.”

“As the only Virginian on the House Agriculture Committee, I know the Local Food Purchase Assistance and Local Food for Schools programs are essential for our farmers and the families they feed across the Seventh. When the Trump Administration suddenly ended both, it caused a ripple effect — hurting local farmers, schools, and food banks across the Commonwealth and the United States. This cannot stand,” said Rep. Vindman. “Earlier this year, I met with Eugene Triplett at his fifth-generation, Black-owned family farm in Culpeper. He told me directly that these programs helped him get healthy, locally grown food to hungry kids and families. I will always work to deliver for Virginia families and farmers like Eugene.”

The Local Farmers Feeding our Communities Act is endorsed by the Feeding America, National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC), National Farmers Union (NFU), Save the Children, Full Plates Full Potential, Good Shepherd Food Bank, Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), and more.

“Maine’s food system has been hit hard over the past few months due to the instability created by changing government policies and cuts to established food programs, like the Local Food for Schools program which helped schools buy local food from local farms,” said Anna Korsen, Deputy Director of Full Plates Full Potential. “We know children go hungry when household and school budgets get squeezed, so Full Plates welcomes the Local Farmers Feeding Our Communities Act and the potential it has to build on what Maine does best – community solutions to community problems.”

“The Local Farmers Feeding Our Communities Act recognizes and advances the work of thousands of farmers and proponents nationally who have worked to bolster the resiliency of our local food system and Nation’s food supply chain,” Colleen Hanlon-Smith of Farm to Neighbor Maine. “We applaud Congresswoman Pingree for her work to advance this Act. Both LFPA and LFS offered an opportunity for the federal government and the public’s tax dollars to strategically inject funding at the intersection of local food access and farm viability. These were not only incredibly successful programs but critical to shifting the needle on food security by ensuring economic investments locally, to the benefit of our Nation’s farmers, food insecure citizens and local communities.”

“The proposed bill would be a win for both local farmers and families facing hunger,” said Heather Paquette, President of Good Shepherd Food Bank. “By prioritizing the purchase of local foods and partnering with organizations that have deep experience in food distribution, we can ensure that nutritious food reaches the people who need it most, all while strengthening local economies.”

“As Executive Director of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, I strongly support the Local Farmers Feeding Our Communities Act because it uplifts the hardworking farmers and food producers who nourish our communities every day,” said Sarah Alexander, Executive Director of MOFGA. “By investing in cooperative agreements that build local food infrastructure and markets, this Act empowers states and Tribal governments to create resilient, community-based food systems. It’s a smart, values-driven approach that strengthens local economies, improves food access, and ensures a healthier, more sustainable future for all.”

“Maine has spent the last two decades building strong, innovative programs to support small farms and connect local producers with their communities. This legislation will help strengthen that foundation, ensuring we continue to grow, adapt, and meet the evolving needs of both farmers and families,” said Jimmy DeBiasi, Executive Director of the Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets. “If we’re serious about making America healthier, we have to start with what we’re eating. This bill recognizes that feeding people nutritious, locally grown food is not just good policy—it’s a smart investment in public health and our agricultural future.”

“This legislation benefits family farmers and the communities they feed,”said Rob Larew, President of National Farmers Union. “It strengthens local food systems, expands economic opportunity, and builds more resilient farms.”

“PFB appreciates Representative Bresnahan (R-PA-08) championing legislation that will expand our farmers’ market opportunities, reduce food waste, and get locally grown food to American families’ tables,” said Chris Hoffman, President, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau. “The Local Farmers Feeding Our Communities Act exemplifies the importance of cherishing the hard work that goes into producing food and not wanting to waste it, while providing less fortunate consumers with local options that provide them with the opportunity to support their local farmers. This is a win-win piece of legislation for all involved, and we look forward to working with Congress to advance it.”

“Fresh produce, dairy, and protein are some of the most requested items across the charitable food network,” said Julie Bancroft, CEO, Feeding Pennsylvania. “This bill will strengthen the farm-to-food bank supply chain, create new markets for farmers, and ensure food bank shelves are stocked with locally grown, nutritious food products that help Pennsylvanians access the food they need to thrive. Feeding Pennsylvania is pleased to see the introduction of this important legislation and looks forward to working with our members of Congress as it moves through the legislative process.”

“We commend Representatives Rob Bresnahan, R-PA, Josh Riley, D-NY, David Valadao, R-CA, and Chellie Pingree, D-ME, for their bipartisan Local Farmers Feeding our Communities Act,” said the National Milk Producers Federation. “This bill will provide an additional pipeline for dairy farmers to provide their communities with nutritious milk and dairy products. We especially thank the sponsors for ensuring that farmer-owned cooperatives are eligible to participate in this important food security initiative and look forward to working to enact this legislation.” 

“Our nation’s farmers are a key part of the nutritious food provided to community members through local food banks and pantries,” said Vince Hall, Chief of Government Relations Officer, Feeding America. “Farmers have worked in partnership with Feeding America food banks for over half a century. The Local Farmers Feeding our Communities Act would increase resources for states to support local growers and ensure their nutritious food is connected with community members through local organizations like food banks. Feeding America supports the introduction of this legislation and encourages members of Congress to endorse this bipartisan bill that helps farmers and food banks.”

“The bipartisan Local Farmers Feeding Our Communities Act makes meaningful investments in local and regional food systems by connecting small and mid-sized farmers to nearby communities, strengthening rural economies and advancing health-driven outcomes for consumers,” said Ted McKinney, CEO, NASDA. “NASDA supports this legislation led by U.S. House Representatives Bresnahan (PA) and Riley (NY) and urges the House to swiftly pass this bill.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

WASHINGTON – Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Reps. Rob Bresnahan (PA-08), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), and Josh Riley (NY-19) in introducing the Local Farmers Feeding our Communities Act. This bipartisan bill would allow states, through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), to establish cooperative agreements connecting regional farmers and producers with local food distribution organizations. Through these agreements, funds would be used to purchase local, fresh, and minimally processed foods like meat, seafood, milk, cheese, eggs, fruit, and poultry.

“The Central Valley grows the food that feeds our nation, and this bill gives us a chance to connect our farmers directly with local families and food banks to deliver healthy, homegrown food where it’s needed most,” said Congressman Valadao. “The Local Farmers Feeding our Communities Act is a bipartisan effort that invests in our farmers and communities, and I’m proud to stand with my colleagues in support.”

“Far too often the discussion around alleviating hunger leaves out those who grow, raise, and produce food – our local farmers. Reducing the barriers between our communities and the farmers who produce our food is a commonsense approach to ensure everyone in Northeast Pennsylvania has access to the food they need.” said Rep. Bresnahan. “This bill recognizes the hard work that is needed to supply fresh and nutritious food like fruit, veggies, milk, and cheese, while also creating a clear path to putting this food on the plates of people who need it. This investment in our local farmers is an investment in stronger local food security and healthier communities.”

“When Trump’s USDA abruptly ended the Local Food Purchase Assistance and Local Food for Schools programs, it pulled the rug out from under farmers, food banks, and schools across the country—including in Maine. These were proven tools for strengthening local food supply chains, supporting small producers, and getting healthy, locally grown food to hungry families,” said Congresswoman Pingree. “Our bipartisan Local Farmers Feeding Our Communities Act restores and improves on that successful model. It’s a practical, community-driven solution that invests in our nation’s farmers, builds regional resilience, and fights hunger.”

“It doesn’t get more common sense than fighting hunger by supporting local farmers,” said Congressman Riley. “This is about putting food on the tables of people who need it most, and investing directly in the family farmers who power our rural communities.”

Additional co-sponsors include: Reps. Tony Wied (WI-08), Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Zach Nunn (IA-03), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Jim Costa (CA-21), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), and Alma Adams (NC-12).

“This legislation supports a program with a proven record of increasing access to the fresh fruits and vegetables our farmers work hard to produce,” said Congressman Newhouse. “It cuts down on food waste, supplies food banks with produce, and ensures that those who need food can get it. I thank Rep. Bresnahan for his leadership on this legislation as we work to strengthen our food system and expand access to healthy food across the country.”

“Iowa farmers work hard to grow high-quality, nutritious food. This bill helps ensure local families and food banks can afford the fresh produce grown right here in our communities,” said Congressman Nunn. “I’m proud to back a plan that strengthens our food system, supports small producers and veterans, and expands access to healthy, Iowa-grown meals.”

“I’m proud to join this bipartisan bill to support our Illinois family farmers and help my constituents access nutritious, locally-grown food,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “In Central and Southern Illinois, the Local Food Purchase Assistance and Local Food for Schools have been a win-win-win for growers and producers, food banks, and schools. It was a major setback when these initiatives were abruptly cancelled. The Local Farmers Feeding Our Communities Act would restore these successful programs that are a proven way to fight hunger, strengthen the food supply chain, and bolster the local agricultural economy.”

“As the only Virginian on the House Agriculture Committee, I know the Local Food Purchase Assistance and Local Food for Schools programs are essential for our farmers and the families they feed across the Seventh. When the Trump Administration suddenly ended both, it caused a ripple effect — hurting local farmers, schools, and food banks across the Commonwealth and the United States. This cannot stand,” said Congressman Vindman. “Earlier this year, I met with Eugene Triplett at his fifth-generation, Black-owned family farm in Culpeper. He told me directly that these programs helped him get healthy, locally grown food to hungry kids and families. I will always work to deliver for Virginia families and farmers like Eugene.”

The Local Farmers Feeding our Communities Act:

• Allows USDA to create cooperative agreements with state agencies to purchase and distribute local food.
• Sets aside a portion of funding specifically for smaller farmers and ranchers, as well as veteran-owned operations.
• Provides technical assistance to help farmers meet food safety standards and grow their operations.
• Strengthens local and regional food systems to improve food security, reduce supply chain disruptions, and minimize waste.

Read the full bill here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA), Congressman Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), and Congressman John Moolenaar (R-MI) announced the reintroduction of the Securing Infrastructure from Adversaries Act, bipartisan legislation that would prohibit the U.S. Department of Transportation from using Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology produced by foreign adversaries.

LiDAR technology produces highly detailed 3-D maps used to manage transportation infrastructure, improve traffic safety, and support airport and disaster response operations. However, companies from foreign adversaries, like China, are expanding their footprint in this critical industry. Given Chinese laws requiring companies to share data with their government, this technology poses a growing risk of foreign surveillance and interference with U.S. infrastructure. This bipartisan bill would ensure taxpayer dollars are not used to purchase equipment that could compromise, disrupt, or manipulate our nation’s critical infrastructure.

“While LiDAR technology is widely employed in our nation’s transit infrastructure, including in airports, autonomous vehicles, and traffic control systems, it is increasingly being produced by Chinese companies that are required to hand over any data collected by their equipment to the Chinese government upon request. This raises serious concerns that China could not only access sensitive data mapping U.S. infrastructure, but also use it to disrupt the systems that rely on their technology,” said Congresswoman Brownley. “Now more than ever, we must remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding the infrastructure that Americans depend on every day.”

“LiDAR technology creates incredibly detailed maps of its surroundings. Allowing our adversaries like China to have access to these maps of critical infrastructure like ports, railways, airports, roads, and bridges could allow them to disrupt our supply chains and cause a national security crisis,” said Congressman Johnson. “My bill ensures our nation’s critical infrastructure is protected from the malign interests of the Chinese Communist Party.”

“LiDAR is essential to modern infrastructure, but when it’s controlled by companies linked to the Chinese Communist Party, it becomes a security risk,” said Select Committee on China Ranking Member Krishnamoorthi. “We can’t allow adversaries to gather sensitive data or disrupt our systems. This bill takes a necessary step to keep our infrastructure secure and our technology supply chains trusted.”

“Taxpayer dollars should never be used to fund technology from our adversaries,” said Select Committee on China Chairman Moolenaar (R-MI). “This bill makes America’s critical infrastructure more secure from foreign surveillance and influence by ensuring the Department of Transportation is not supporting the growing market share of Chinese-made LiDAR equipment. It’s a common-sense step to put American security first.”

“Trucks reach every corner of the country and routinely access some of our nation’s most sensitive sites—such as ports, border crossings, and military installations. That is why supply chain and infrastructure security are very important to our industry,” said Henry Hanscom, Senior Vice President of Legislative Affairs at the American Trucking Associations. “The American Trucking Associations commends Reps. Johnson, Brownley, Moolenaar, and Krishnamoorthi for taking this issue seriously by working to block potential national security threats from foreign-owned LiDAR technology.”

“This legislation marks an important step forward in strengthening the security of America’s transportation systems and critical infrastructure. As LiDAR technology becomes increasingly central to the future of transportation, including autonomous systems, it’s essential that the technology used to build and operate our national infrastructure is safe, secure, and protected against adversarial interference,” said Michael Robbins, President and CEO of the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International.

Read the full text of the bill here.

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Issues: 119th Congress, National Security, Transportation and Infrastructure

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

Janesville, WI – Today, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) announced he will hold his next in-person listening session on Thursday, July 31, 2025. The listening session will be moderated by WCLO’s Tim Bremel.  

The listening session is free and open to residents of Wisconsin’s First Congressional District. Residents are encouraged to attend to discuss issues pending in Congress.  Residents may also request help dealing with federal agencies. Individuals needing additional assistance or special accommodations should contact the Office of Congressman Steil at 608-752-4050 in advance.

“My top priority is to be available and accessible to Wisconsin families. I’m looking forward to hearing directly from you about the issues facing our community, our state, and our country,” said Steil.

Previously this year, Steil held listening sessions in Kenosha, Racine, and Rock Counties. Congressman Steil has also hosted numerous telephone town halls drawing thousands of participants.

Members of the media planning to attend must RSVP by emailing Michael Donatello: Michael.Donatello@mail.house.gov

5:00pm – 6:15pm	Listening Session
	Elkhorn Area High School 482 E. Geneva St. Elkhorn, WI 53121 *The meeting will be held in the auditorium

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

Toledo, OH — This week, the bipartisan Co-Chairs of the House Belarus Caucus, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Congressman Bill Keating (MA-09), Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02), and Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04) introduced legislation to formalize an annual US-Belarus Strategic Dialogue to continue US engagement with the Belarusian democratic opposition, strengthen Belarusian civil society, and ensure accountability for the regime of Alyaksandr Lukashenka. This bill comes at a critical moment as the people of Belarus continue to resist the regime even as it remains complicit in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and continues to persecute the people Lukashenka purports to represent.

“Today, we are introducing legislation that will formalize a platform for dialogue between the United States and the Belarusian democratic opposition to promote the restoration of democracy in Belarus and support the release of political prisoners held by the Lukashenka regime,” said the Co-Chairs. “The Lukashenka regime continues to silence the voice of the Belarusian people and commit gross human rights abuses. We must stand with the democratic opposition and demand the regime be held accountable for its actions. This legislation sends a clear message that the United States stands firmly with the people of Belarus in their struggle against authoritarian rule, and we will continue to support their pursuit of a free, democratic future.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Hank Johnson (GA-04)

“Congress shall make no law…abridging the freedom of speech.” 

 “Freddy Mercury did not confess to having ‘just killed a man’ by putting ‘a gun against his head’ and ‘’pulling the trigger. Bob Marley did not confess to having shot a sheriff. And Johnny Cash did not confess to shooting ‘a man in Reno, just to watch him die’  

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) and Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37)  re-introduced the Restoring Artistic Protection Act (RAP Act) to protect Americans from the wrongful use of their creative or artistic expression against them in criminal and civil proceedings.  

The legislation, H.R. 4678, originally introduced in the 117th Congress, is the first bill of its kind at the federal level. The RAP Act adds a presumption to the Federal Rules of Evidence that would limit the admissibility of evidence of an artist’s creative or artistic expression against that artist in court. 

As of June 2025, researchers have identified more than 820 instances of creative works being used in criminal trials from media reports and the appellate record alone. These cases most often revolve around the presentation of a defendant’s rap lyrics as literal confession, despite the genre’s well-known motifs of exaggeration, braggadocio, and playfulness. In practice, it is a loophole to admit character and propensity evidence, which are explicitly prohibited under Federal Rules of Evidence

“This legislation is long overdue,” said Congressman Johnson. “For too long, artists – particularly young Black artists – have been unfairly targeted by prosecutors who use their lyrics as evidence of guilt, even though there is no evidence that the lyrics are anything more than creative expression. When you allow music and creativity to be silenced, you’re opening the door for other realms of free speech to be curtailed as well. The government should not be able to silence artists simply because they write, draw, sing, or rap about controversial or taboo subjects. The Restoring Artistic Protection Act (RAP Act) would protect artists’ First Amendment rights by limiting the admissibility of their lyrics as evidence in criminal and civil proceedings. I thank my colleague Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove for joining me in co-leading this legislation.” 

“From poetry to plays to music, creative expression should be viewed as just that—not evidence to be held against artists in court,” said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. “Far too often, artists’ lyrics are used against them as evidence in court—disproportionately impacting young, Black artists. At a time when the Trump Administration is attempting to curtail free speech and silence dissent, legislation to protect artists’ freedom of expression is more important than ever. I’m proud to co-lead the RAP Act to encourage artists to create freely, without fear of repercussions or retribution.”

“Music has always been an invaluable expression of politics, pain, and social justice,” said Congressman André Carson (IN-07). “Music says what words cannot. Lyrics often move between the real and the surreal and between the literal and the imaginative, and that creative process must be protected. Policing creative expression goes against the First Amendment and tampers the creative expression that brought us the world’s most influential artists in history.”  

The First Amendment guarantees the right to freedom of expression. But freedom of expression is stifled when safeguards are not in place to ensure that an artist’s art is not wrongfully used as evidence against that artist.  

The RAP Act puts those safeguards in place to ensure that First Amendment protection is a reality for all artists in America. 

Cosponsors (20): Kamlager-Dove (colead), Carson (IN), Casten (IL), Chu (CA), Crockett (TX), Frost (FL), Goldman (NY), Jayapal (WA), McIver (NJ), McGovern (MA), Ocasio-Cortez (NY), Pressley (MA), Ramirez (IL), Sewell (AL), Stansbury (NM), Tlaib (MI), Thaneder (MI), Thompson (MS), Williams (GA), Wilson (FL)

Supporting Groups: Congressional Hip Hop Power and Justice Task Force, Artists Rights Alliance, Recording Academy® (the GRAMMY Awards®), Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), Atlantic Records, Warner Chappell Music, Warner Music Group, Warner Music Latina, Warner Music Nashville, Warner Records, Universal Music Group, Songwriters of North America (SONA), Music Artists Coalition, Black Music Artists Coalition (BMAC), Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), Live Nation Entertainment, Artists at Risk Connection (ARC), PEN America, American for the Arts

To read the bill, click HERE. 

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING

 119th Congress Endorsers

“Weaponizing lyrics or other creative works in court is a harmful tactic that stifles artistic expression and undermines the voices of not just musicians, but all who create and shape culture. With the reintroduction of the RAP Act, we continue to build momentum for ending this unjust practice. The Recording Academy is grateful to our Congressional partners, Representatives Johnson and Kamlager-Dove, for their leadership on an issue that poses real harm to creators in music and beyond.”– Harvey Mason jr., CEO, Recording Academy

“As a union of artists and performers, SAG-AFTRA is charged with protecting creative expression and creative freedom which are essential to our culture and our country.  Artists should never have to censor themselves for fear that their work will be turned against them in some future criminal proceeding.  We support the Restoring Artist Protections “RAP” Act, and we thank Congressman Johnson for sponsoring this legislation to protect our members’ right to freedom of speech.” –  SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland

“The Black Music Action Coalition supports and applauds Representatives Hank Johnson and Sydney Kamlager-Dove for their leadership and commitment to justice through the proposed RAP Act, which challenges the systemic injustice of using lyrics as evidence in criminal trials. Hip-hop was born from resistance. It is raw, real, and often uncomfortable — but discomfort is not evidence. Metaphor is not motive. And art is not a crime. Rap music is a powerful form of expression, rooted in truth and cultural identity. It deserves the same First Amendment protection and freedom of speech guaranteed to all forms of art. Hip-hop is not just the heartbeat of popular music — it is a cornerstone of American culture. We must protect it, not prosecute it.” – Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, President & CEO of the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC)

“History has taught us that taking an artist’s creative expression out of context is dangerous.  The RAP Act prevents this and prohibits lyrics from being used against all artists in a court of law. The consistent practice by prosecutors of only introducing rap lyrics when artists of color are on trial is discriminatory and must be stopped. MAC applauds Rep. Johnson for his efforts.” – Susan Genco, Board Member, Music Artist Coalition (MAC)

“Musical lyrics of all genres can be alliterative, fantastical, boastful and at times, even hyperbolic. But what they are not intended to be – or marketed as – is ‘truth’. Prosecutorial tactics that use lyrics as ‘evidence’ of guilt without regard to due process and the freedom of expression are deeply disturbing and we commend Ranking Member Johnson for introducing the RAP Act, a commonsense protection against this troubling practice.” – Jeffrey Harleston, General Counsel and Executive Vice President, Business & Legal Affairs, Universal Music Group

“The Songwriters of North America (SONA) fully supports and endorses the RAP Act, which addresses the troubling and discriminatory practice of using lyrics and other forms of creative expression as evidence in criminal proceedings. This tactic, deeply rooted in systemic racism, has been used primarily to target rap artists—most often young Black men—for simply exercising their right to free speech. The RAP Act represents a critical opportunity to protect artistic freedom, correct injustice, and uphold the constitutional rights of all Americans.” – Dina LaPolt, Co-founder and Board Member, Songwriters of North America (SONA)

“Artists of all mediums, whether that be music, film, or literature, should be free to create without fear that their works will unjustly be used against them. We thank Congressman Johnson and Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove for standing up for Americans’ free speech rights and championing this important piece of legislation.” – Greg Gonzalez, Legislative Counsel, Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE).

“The Artist Rights Alliance strongly supports the RAP Act and applauds Congressman Hank Johnson for his continued leadership in fighting to protect artistic freedom. The targeted use of rap lyrics in prosecutions undermines our country’s foundational principles of free speech and equal protection under the law. The RAP Act is a vital step toward ending this discriminatory practice and ensuring that all artists can safely enjoy their First Amendment rights without fear that their own work might be weaponized against them in a courtroom.” — Jen Jacobsen, Executive Director, Artist Rights Alliance (ARA)

“Too often, artists—especially those from marginalized communities—have seen their creative work distorted and weaponized in courtrooms. This misuse of artistic expression not only violates fundamental principles of free expression but reinforces systemic inequities in the legal system. ARC welcomes efforts like the Restoring Artistic Protection Act, which reflect a growing awareness that art must be interpreted through its symbolic, cultural, and imaginative dimensions—not as literal confessions of guilt. Ensuring that creative expression is protected in law is essential to safeguarding the right of all artists to create without fear.” – Julie Trébault, Executive Director of ARC – Artists at Risk Connection

“Artistic freedom is a cornerstone of who we are as a nation. No artist should have to create under the fear that their work could be used against them in a court of law. At Americans for the Arts, we stand with artists in defending the right to free expression across all forms of creativity.” — Erin Harkey, CEO of Americans for the Arts

“We applaud the reintroduction of this important legislation that will allow all creators to follow their artistic vision without barriers of prejudice. All too often Rap and Hip-Hop artists have been punished for the same kind of hyperbole and imagery other genres routinely use without consequence. Courts should consider relevance, not assumptions.” — Michele Ballantyne, President & COO, RIAA

“PEN America welcomes the re-introduction of the Restoring Artistic Protection Act (RAP Act) to defend the First Amendment rights of artists against wrongful prosecution based on the biased use of lyrics as evidence. For too long, artists– particularly Black and brown rappers— have been unfairly targeted by prosecutors weaponizing lyrics to advance criminal proceedings when there is no evidence that their lyrics are anything other than creative expression. To weaponize lyrics as though they were evidence of actual wrongdoing undermines the free expression rights of writers, songwriters, rappers and other musicians to express themselves freely without fear of self-incrimination. We urge passage of this bill to ensure that this unjust and discriminatory practice ends.” — Hadar Harris, managing director, Washington, DC, PEN America

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (9th District of Illinois)

Full Text of Letter (PDF)

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Diana DeGette (CO-01), and Sara Jacobs (CA-51) led 31 House Democrats in a letter to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. demanding the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) uphold protections for private health information related to reproductive care. This action follows the June 2025 decision by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas in Purl v. Department of Health and Human Services, vacating most provisions of the HIPAA Privacy Rule to Support Reproductive Health Care Privacy.

“Emerging threats to reproductive health data privacy raise serious concerns about the safety and confidentiality of patients seeking care,” wrote the lawmakers. “The prospect of a health care provider disclosing a patient’s medical records to investigate and criminalize their reproductive health care decisions threatens patient-provider confidentiality and deters individuals from accessing lifesaving services.

In the year following the Dobbs decision, over 200 women faced criminal charges for conduct related to pregnancy, pregnancy loss, or birth. Of these, 22 women were criminally prosecuted for experiencing a pregnancy loss.

“The Purl decision effectively eliminates the privacy protections for reproductive health care, including restrictions on protected health information disclosures and attestation requirements,” concluded the lawmakers. “In the absence of these provisions, you have a duty to defend patients and providers, mitigate legal uncertainty, and assert agency authority to protect sensitive health information.”

Last year, under President Joe Biden, the HHS Office for Civil Rights issued a final rule to modify and strengthen the HIPAA Privacy Rule. The Final Rule prohibited a covered health care provider, health plan, or health care clearinghouse from sharing protected health information to investigate or impose liability on an individual for accessing, facilitating, or delivering legal reproductive health care.

In addition to Reps. Schakowsky, DeGette, and Jacobs, the letter was signed by Reps. Donald Beyer, Julia Brownley, Sean Casten, Judy Chu, Yvette Clarke, Steve Cohen, Danny Davis, Suzan DelBene, Mark DeSaulnier, Veronica Escobar, Lizzie Fletcher, Maggie Goodlander, Adam Gray, Julie Johnson, Robin Kelly, Ro Khanna, Doris Matsui, Jennifer McClellan, Betty McCollum, James McGovern, Kelly Morrison, Kevin Mullin, Jerrold Nadler, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Mark Pocan, Emilia Sykes, Shri Thanedar, Paul Tonko, Lauren Underwood, Nydia Velázquez, and Nikema Williams.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brendan Boyle (13th District of Pennsylvania)

For Years, Republicans Have Held the Debt Ceiling Hostage, Continually Putting the United States’ Credit at Risk