MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

As drinking water contamination from toxic “forever chemicals,” also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), increasingly threatens communities in Maine and across the country, U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and David Rouzer (R-N.C.) have reintroduced the bipartisan Healthy Drinking Water Affordability Act, or the Healthy H2O Act. The legislation, introduced in the Senate by Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine), provides grants for water testing and treatment technology directly to individuals and nonprofits in rural communities. Systems that improve water quality—whether installed at the faucet or within a building—can provide immediate and ongoing protections from known and emerging water contaminants, including PFAS, lead, and nitrates. 

“The Healthy H2O Act will help make water testing and treatment technology more accessible here in Maine, and in rural communities across the country, especially for families on private wells who are too often left to navigate contamination risks on their own,” said Pingree. “As national protections face delays and uncertainty, local communities can’t afford to wait. This bipartisan bill gives them the tools to identify and address harmful chemicals like PFAS and lead at the tap—so they can be confident the water they’re drinking is safe.”

“The Healthy H2O Act helps rural residents in the Cape Fear Valley gain access to safe, clean drinking water—free from harmful contaminants like GenX, PFAS, and PFOS,” said Rouzer. “As city and county water systems continue upgrading to address these pollutants, this legislation ensures rural communities aren’t left behind by supporting testing and the installation of effective filtration systems to remove these ‘forever chemicals.’”

“All Wisconsin families, businesses, and communities should trust that the water coming out of their faucets is safe to drink, but across our state, rural communities are struggling to identify and treat chemicals like PFAs that endanger our health, especially for children,” said Senator Baldwin. “My bipartisan legislation ensures our small and rural communities aren’t left behind and makes sure they have what they need to find and get rid of dangerous chemicals and keep our families healthy.”

“Maintaining and upgrading water and wastewater systems is vital to ensuring the economic and environmental health of our communities,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan legislation will help reduce health-based contaminants like PFAS in drinking water, increase consumer confidence, and protect public health.”

The Healthy H2O Act would provide funding for point-of-use water treatment systems, such as under-sink filters, that can deliver immediate protections. Nearly 43 million U.S. households— primarily in rural areas—depend on private wells that are not regularly monitored under federal or state drinking water programs, leaving many communities vulnerable to contamination.

The Healthy H2O Act is supported by:

• Water Quality Association 
• American Supply Association 
• Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) 
• Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) 
• National Groundwater Association (NGWA) 
• High Performance Building Coalition 
• NSF International 
• Water Systems Council 
• Water Well Trust 
• The Groundwater Foundation 
• International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) 
• International Code Council (ICC) 
• DigDeep 
• California Ground Water Association 
• Eastern Water Quality Association (EWQA) 
• Florida Groundwater Association 
• Florida Water Quality Association (FWQA) 
• Illinois Association of Groundwater Professionals 
• Iowa Water Quality Association 
• Kentucky Groundwater Association 
• Michigan Ground Water Association 
• Minnesota WQA (MWQA) 
• Minnesota Water Well Association 
• Montana Water Well Drillers Association 
• Nebraska On-Site Wastewater Association 
• Nebraska State Irrigation Association 
• Nebraska Water Leaders Academy 
• Nebraska Well Drillers Association 
• Ohio Water Quality Association (OWQA) 
• Ohio Water Well Association 
• Pacific Water Quality Association (PWQA) 
• Pennsylvania Groundwater Association 
• Texas Water Quality Association (TWQA) 
• Virginia Water Well Association 
• Water Council of Milwaukee 
• Water Quality Association of Wisconsin 
• Well Drillers Association of Wisconsin

“We applaud Representatives Pingree and Rouzer for introducing the Healthy H2O Act that will increase access to safer drinking water in rural communities,” said Pauli Undesser, Executive Director of the Water Quality Association. “This grant program will help Americans who are most vulnerable to contaminants in their water supply – children, the elderly, and households that rely on private wells. By increasing access to testing and water filtration products, we can support the health and safety of these communities.”

“Too often, rural communities across the country face barriers to accessing clean, safe drinking water,” said National Ground Water Association President Eric Macias. “The Healthy H2O Act is a real step forward, delivering resources to help families test and treat their water. This legislation reflects the kind of commonsense investment that can truly improve lives, and we commend Congresswoman Pingree for her leadership on this important issue.”

Pingree, who serves on the House Agriculture Committee, has long championed PFAS clean-up and clean drinking water legislation. She proudly supported the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which included a $55 billion investment to replace lead service lines, $10 billion to address PFAS chemicals, and investments in water infrastructure across America, including in Tribal Nations and underserved communities that need it most.

As Chair of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, which oversees funding for the EPA, in the 117th Congress and as Ranking Member in the 118th and 119th Congresses, Pingree has championed funding to clean up PFAS contamination. In the Fiscal Year 2024 government funding bill signed by President Biden, Pingree secured $8 million for the EPA to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to further research on PFAS contamination in agriculture, as well as $5 million to assist farmers whose land has been contaminated by PFAS.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. –Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is hailing full Committee passage of the Department of the Interior Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2026, which funds American Samoa’s DOI Operations fund. This year’s House bill has a $900,000 increase for American Samoa for a new total of $29 million – that despite the bill’s overall trimming of the Office of Insular Affairs spending. 

Of American Samoa’s $29 million in the bill, $3 million is designated to American Samoa Community College at Amata’s request. Next steps for the bill include full House consideration followed by likely reconciliation efforts with a Senate bill. This major bill also supports all federal interior and insular grants and services for the year ahead.

“An increase for American Samoa in the House bill is a welcome addition, especially since our boost is despite the decrease to OIA overall,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata. “I appreciate the bipartisan support for our islands from the leadership on this bill, Chairman Tom Cole, Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro, Subcommittee Chairman Mike Simpson, and Ranking Member Chellie Pingree. I will work with key Senate negotiators to secure American Samoa’s funding.”

Appropriations in 2025 for American Samoa’s operations DOI account was $28.1 million, including the designation of $3 million of these funds to ASCC operations at Amata’s request for the past several years.

Following decades of level funding, this year’s bill would mark the seventh increase since 2018 to American Samoa’s operations fund for an accumulated boost of $6.3 million.

Those prior requests resulted in increased amounts of $250,000, $718,000, $400,000, $500,000, $2.5 million, and $1 million, all accumulated and preserved in this legislation. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Aumua Amata is calling attention to National Hire A Veteran Day, which is Friday, July 25^th, 2025, to show appreciation to Veterans and their ongoing and important role in their communities after their service. 

“Veterans serve an integral part in our community in American Samoa, and throughout the country. Millions of men and women have dedicated themselves to learning discipline, strength, and teamwork from their career in the Armed Forces. Veterans continue to uplift our communities with their abundance of technical skills, seasoned work ethic, and leadership. Thank you to the many companies and federal agencies that take part in National Hire a Veteran Day, especially those that express to our Veterans in American Samoa and nationwide how much they mean to us.”  

“The transition our Veterans face when leaving the Armed Forces is not an easy one. It is not only a change in careers but also a change in way of life. They deserve every opportunity to find their next professions, putting their hard-earned abilities and knowledge to work in their next field in support of their families and the next chapter of their success. Thank you to each of our Veterans.”

Resources:

VA is a resource for Veterans’ career services, starting with an Employment Toolkit: https://www.va.gov/vetsinworkplace/veteranresources.asp.

Additionally, Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) works with employers who hire and retain service members and Veterans with disabilities, to increase the employment of Veterans, and enable Veterans with disabilities to reach their full potential. Visit https://www.va.gov/vre.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is mourning the passing of the Honorable Arnold Indalecio Palacios, Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and honoring his life and respected legacy of leadership. 

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of a good friend in Governor Palacios. He is a longtime family friend, and he was a friend to American Samoa over the years. I’ve known him since his youth, and he was a close friend to my brothers. I send my heartfelt condolences to the people of the Northern Marianas, and to his dear family in this time of grief, who will be in my prayers. We think especially of First Lady Wella Palacios, their children, and entire family. Condolences also to my brother Milton Coleman, brother-in-law to the Governor’s father, and my niece, Marie, who worked closely with him as a Chief of Staff within his government.

“He was a dedicated public servant, and his memory will be honored in CNMI and across the Pacific. Governor Palacios was a sincere leader, who desired the best for CNMI and the territories, and he led with purpose, compassion, and dignity as a statesman. He will hold an important place in CNMI’s history. Remarkably, he led at various times all the major roles, serving as Governor, Lt. Governor, Speaker of the House, President of the Senate. He worked for good fiscal decisions, promoting responsible caretaking of the islands, upholding values, and preserving the culture for the future. He set an excellent example for future leaders in the region. 

“I thank God for his exceptional life and his friendship over the years. He was a man of faith and belief in God, and we can take comfort in that. He will be deeply missed. God bless his family and the people of the Northern Marianas.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is highlighting several bills she cosponsored that were passed Tuesday by the House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC) as part of a slate of a dozen bills, including Pacific issues and combating human trafficking.

Congresswoman Amata is an original cosponsor of H.R. 4490, as introduced by Congressman Joquin Castro (D-TX). Notably in the Pacific region, this bill ensures important diplomatic rights and recognitions for the nations in the Pacific Islands Forum. Along with Congresswoman Amata, this key bipartisan bill is also cosponsored by Rep. Young Kim (R-CA) and Rep. Ed Case (D-HI). The bill’s full title is To amend the International Organizations Immunities Act to extend diplomatic privileges and immunities to certain additional international and regional organizations.

Congresswoman Amata is a cosponsor of the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2025, H.R. 1144. This bipartisan bill is led by Chairman Chris Smith (R-NJ), who has served in Congress for 45 years and is widely recognized as Congress’s foremost human rights champion in his longtime legislative focus. The bill reauthorizes and updates the landmark Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, also led by Rep. Smith, which strengthened federal prosecutions and victim protections from either forced labor or sexual trafficking, created the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, and the Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking, and boosted international cooperative efforts to combat trafficking.

Amata also cosponsored the US-Japan-ROK Trilateral Cooperation Act, H.R. 3429, introduced by Rep. Ami Bera (D-CA). Along with Congresswoman Amata, this bipartisan bill has the support of various Pacific coast colleagues including Rep. Case (D-HI), Rep. Young (R-CA), Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA), Rep. Marilyn Strickland (D-WA), Rep. James Moylan (R-Guam), Rep. Kimberlyn King-Hinds (R-CNMI), and several other senior Members. This bill creates a regular inter-parliamentary dialogue to facilitate closer cooperation between the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea on shared interests and values.

Finally, she is cosponsoring H.R. 4233, the ARMOR Act, under the full title the AUKUS Reform for Military Optimization and Review Act. Led by Rep. Young Kim, this bill updates and expedites provisions on defense trade and cooperation among Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States (known as AUKUS).

“These are bills that work together to strengthen our Pacific region and promote cooperation among key allies and partners for mutual stability, security and prosperity,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata. “I’m especially pleased to cosponsor Chairman Smith’s ongoing work to combat trafficking, and I want to thank him for his dedication to this great moral cause. Thank you also to all my Pacific region colleagues supporting efforts that affect us in the Pacific.” 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) today introduced the bicameral, bipartisan Loggers Economic Assistance and Relief Act, which would establish a new program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to support loggers who have lost income due to natural disasters.

Senator Angus King (I-ME) and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01) are original cosponsors of the legislation, while Congressman Pete Stauber (R-MN-08) is the lead cosponsor in the House. 

Current law excludes loggers from the kinds of disaster relief and assistance available to other industries, including fishermen and farmers, when natural disasters strike. Under the Loggers Economic Assistance and Relief Act, a disaster declaration from the president or governor would unlock federal assistance eligibility for logging businesses with at least a 10 percent loss in revenue or volume compared to the prior year. Covered damage would include high winds, fire, flooding, insect infestation and drought. 

“You can’t write the story of Maine without loggers. Our forest products industry has provided for generations of Mainers and continues to be the economic bedrock of many rural communities. There must be a safety net to ensure one particularly bad season cannot uproot logging families and communities” Golden said. “I’m proud of our loggers, and I’m proud of the rock-solid coalition we’re building to support them. ”

“Maine’s forest products industry has long supported good‑paying jobs and helped grow local economies across our state. Loggers are at the heart of that industry, but devastating storms in recent years have severely impacted the ability of logging businesses to operate at full capacity,” Senator Collins said. “This bipartisan bill would provide targeted financial assistance to help loggers recover from federally declared disasters, so that they can continue their important work, sustain rural communities, and contribute to our state’s economy.”

“In Minnesota’s Eighth Congressional District, our forest products industry has created good paying jobs and driven our local economies,” Stauber said. “Unfortunately, this crucial industry is currently facing a wide variety of threats, from wildfires and drought to insect infestation. Minnesota’s loggers have supported our communities for generations, and it is now our turn to support them. That’s why I am proud to introduce legislation with my friend, Congressman Jared Golden, to establish a new program through the USDA that will provide financial assistance to timber harvesting and timber hauling businesses that have seen their bottom line impacted by natural disasters. I look forward to seeing this legislation help ensure Minnesota’s forest products industry remains strong and resilient.”

In December 2023, Maine’s logging industry lost $2.6 million after just one particularly severe storm — with a survey released by the Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast later finding that more than 90 percent of the industry’s businesses suffered damage to equipment or logistics. In total, Maine’s economy lost $5.5 million due to the loss in logging revenue and productivity that winter.

“Generations of loggers have spent their lifetimes powering our state’s economy while providing for their families, which is why it is so important to protect and sustain this historic industry,”  Senator King said. “As natural disasters across Maine increase, the bipartisan Loggers Economic Assistance and Relief Act will help establish a new program within the USDA to support loggers who need assistance to overcome damage and lost income. The logging industry has supported rural Maine families and communities for hundreds of years, and it’s imperative that investments in our foresting community evolve for today’s challenges as we protect it for a sturdy future.” 

“As Maine experiences more extreme weather events and natural disasters, it’s imperative that we protect our state’s loggers from potentially devastating financial impacts—just as we’ve long done for our fishermen and farmers,” Pingree, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, said.“We’ve already seen the harmful impacts climate change has created for our forest products industry, from delayed harvests to damaged equipment and infrastructure. This common-sense, bipartisan legislation will provide real relief to the families and communities that rely on Maine’s forests for their livelihoods and wellbeing.”

Logging industry leaders praised the bipartisan legislation: 

• Dana Doran, executive director of the Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast: “For too long, logging and forest trucking contractors in the Northeast have been left out of federal relief efforts in the wake of natural disasters, despite suffering losses as severe as those in other industries like fishing and farming that have received aid. The extreme weather our region has experienced in recent years has idled harvest operations for long periods, destroyed logging and timber hauling infrastructure, and driven up costs at a time when the logging industry is already grappling with unprecedented challenges and can least afford it. We are grateful to Congressmen Golden and the rest of Maine’s delegation for their leadership in this effort to secure fair treatment for these hard-working small family businesses, and we encourage swift passage of the Loggers Economic Assistance and Relief Act to provide the aid the industry deserves.”
• Chuck Ames, president of SDR Logging, Sebec, ME: “I talk to loggers every day and most are struggling, but all they ask for is a level playing field with other industries. I believe this legislation is a step in the right direction toward treating loggers the same as farmers and fishermen. We are all harvesting natural resources, and are all impacted by natural disasters. I appreciate the efforts of Congressman Golden and the rest of Maine’s congressional delegation to recognize that and pass this bill on our behalf.”
• Marc Greaney, president of Western Maine Timberlands, Fryeburg, ME: “I have been logging for decades in Western Maine, and in recent years have seen severe weather limit my company’s ability to harvest and truck wood for longer periods of time than ever before. When we can’t cut and move wood we don’t get paid, and this is happening at the same time that operating costs are continuing to rise, so I am grateful to Congressman Golden and the other members of Maine’s congressional delegation for attempting to provide disaster relief to loggers in the same way it has been provided to other industries in the past.”
• Scott Dane, executive director of the American Loggers Council: “The timber industry invests in public and private stumpage (timber) years in advance. A multiyear timber portfolio is necessary to adjust for market and weather conditions. This is an essential element for a logger’s business plan. When unforeseen natural disasters such as drought, wildfire, winds, and invasive species infestations occur, the timber is lost. There are limited options, if any, to replace that timber with new tracts in a timely manner. These losses are extremely disruptive to a logger’s harvest plan and create a significant revenue loss. Congressman Golden’s Loggers Assistance and Relief Act is necessary to support the timber industry, similar to assistance programs for other natural resource and agricultural sectors. The American Loggers Council appreciates the Maine Congressional Delegation, and other sponsors, for this Bill and the security it will provide to logging and trucking businesses” 

Full text of the legislation can be found here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

Congresswoman Addressed the Subpoena Effort in a Media Availability Earlier Today

Video (YouTube)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), a member of the House Oversight Committee, issued the following statement after she successfully helped pass a motion by Congresswoman Summer Lee and Ranking Member Robert Garcia to force the Committee to subpoena the Epstein files. Congresswoman Pressley is a survivor of sexual assault and has been an outspoken advocate for survivors’ justice and reproductive freedom.

Rep. Pressley held a media availability prior to the vote to discuss their effort to subpoena the Epstein Files. Full video of that media availability is available here.

“As a survivor of sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse, I know the pain and trauma that survivors carry. The public and those victimized by Epstein and his co-conspirators deserve transparency, accountability, and healing. That’s why today, I joined my colleagues in passing a motion to subpoena the Epstein files. 

“For too long, powerful abusers and their enablers have operated in the shadows—shielded by institutions more interested in protecting predators than centering survivors. Today, we changed that. This subpoena is a win for every survivor who has been silenced, dismissed, or harmed. And it is a damning rebuke of those—especially House Republicans—who tried to obstruct our motion and instead do the bidding of Donald Trump. 

“I do not arrive at this issue lightly. As a survivor, I think about my own experience every single day. It is a life sentence, and we cannot lose sight of the people harmed. The American people deserve to know why the Epstein files are still hidden and who is being protected, and the Trump Administration must release them immediately.  

“I will never stop fighting for the truth, for justice, and for accountability. Survivors deserve nothing less.”

Throughout her time in Congress, Rep. Pressley has been a champion for justice for survivors of sexual violence and reproductive freedom.

In July 2024, Rep. Pressley reintroduced the Bringing an End to Harassment by Enhancing Accountability and Rejecting Discrimination (BE HEARD) in the Workplace Act of 2024. In June 2024, Rep. Pressley renewed her calls for accountability and survivor-focused solutions following the damning reports of a toxic work environment at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).  In June 2024, Rep. Pressley also sent a letter to the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) requesting information about the botched closure of FCI Dublin, abuse of women while they were being transferred to other facilities, and BOP’s management of investigations into the staff sexual misconduct and abuse at FCI Dublin and other federal BOP facilities.

Rep. Pressley is also a lead co-sponsor of H.R. 5388, legislation that would prevent the Secretary of Education from rolling back Title IX protections for survivors, as well as H.Res. 560, a resolution calling for an impeachment inquiry into Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, following reporting on new allegations of sexual misconduct committed by the Associate Justice.

In April 2019, following the passage of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019, Rep. Pressley issued a statement honoring her mother, Sandra Pressley, a survivor of domestic violence. Rep. Pressley is also the lead co-sponsor of an amendment to the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) that would establish the first-ever grant program dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, which passed the House of Representatives in March 2021.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-1)

Today, Rep. Jack Bergman joined Governor Gretchen Whitmer announcing that President Donald Trump has approved Michigan’s request for a disaster declaration to help communities impacted by the historic ice storm in Northern Michigan earlier this year. The devastating storm knocked out power and communications and left hundreds of miles of roads blocked by fallen trees and debris. 

“President Trump’s approval of a Major Disaster Declaration for the counties impacted by March’s devastating ice storm is welcome news,” said U.S. Representative Jack Bergman. “I’m grateful to his Administration for working to get this done. This long-awaited decision unlocks critical resources to help our communities recover and rebuild as quickly as possible. It’s been a true team effort – from local agencies to state and federal partners. Northern Michigan is no stranger to tough times – but it’s in moments like these, when our communities rally and move forward together, that the true spirit of Northern Michigan shines brightest.”

“Yesterday, I spoke to President Trump who confirmed that communities in Northern Michigan impacted by the historic ice storm damage earlier thisnyear will start to receive federal disaster funding,” said Governor Whitmer. “With this initial support, we can help communities recover costs associated with cleanup efforts. I want to thank the president and our congressional delegation for supporting our request, and I look forward to collaborating further on much-needed additional resources. Michiganders across the state stepped up to help our neighbors, and while other parts of our request remain under review, we will continue advocating together to help Northern Michigan recover and rebuild.”

“Many Northern Michigan individuals, families, and small businesses are still recovering from the historic ice storms that hit our state earlier this year,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “This federal emergency declaration will help local leaders, communities, and Northern Michigan families get back on their feet and move forward with their lives. While this storm was devastating, Michiganders are strong, and we will Stand Tall together.” 

“I’m pleased that funding is coming to Northern Michigan to bolster the ongoing recovery efforts following the ice storm this March,” said U.S. Senator Gary Peters. “The State of Michigan and local emergency managers continue to work hard because this job is not finished, and I’ll keep fighting to help our communities get the resources they need to bounce back stronger.” 

“The Michigan State Police has supported response efforts from the moment this storm began, coordinating statewide resources through the State Emergency Operations Center to assist local communities impacted by the storm,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP. “This federal declaration is a crucial next step. It allows us to continue supporting our partners through long-term recovery.” 

Federal Disaster Declaration

The declaration opens the path to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance in Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Kalkaska, Mackinac, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego, and Presque Isle Counties and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. The administration continues to review the request for Individual Assistance and Public Assistance under Schedule F. 

Advocating for Northern Michigan

  On June 25th, Rep. Jack Bergman led a letter with the entire Michigan Congressional Delegation, urging President Donald J. Trump in the strongest possible terms,to approve Governor Whitmer’s May 16 request for a Major Disaster Declaration.

On May 30th, Rep. Jack Bergman joined Michigan USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Director Joel Johnson to announce that assistance through the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) is on the way for Northern Michigan. Both programs are designed to help landowners recover from severe storm damage and restore their operations.

On May 19th, Rep. Jack Bergman expressed his full support for Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration in response to the ice storm that struck Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula in March.

On April 5th, Rep. Bergman visited the affected counties and met with local emergency leaders, linemen, and first responders to discuss the needs across the region.

State Actions 

On March 31, Governor Whitmer declared a state of emergency to respond to the storm’s impact. The declaration initially covered 10 counties and was expanded to include 12 counties: Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Mackinac, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego, and Presque Isle counties. Governor Whitmer also deployed the Michigan National Guard to provide more personnel and specialized equipment to help with ice storm recovery efforts in northern Michigan. Lastly, the Governor Whitmer declared an energy emergency in the Upper Peninsula to help expedite delivery of fuel and other critical supplies to impacted areas. 

On May 16, Governor Whitmer submitted a formal request for a major disaster declaration to help Northern Michigan recover and rebuild from the historic ice storms that hit the region hard in late March. The governor also traveled to the White House to meet with President Trump, advocating for federal assistance for Northern Michigan. The governor previously asked for an Emergency Declaration, which would authorize up to $5 million in immediate public assistance to support emergency efforts, including debris management needs.  

She will continue working with the administration to pursue further relief from FEMA, and her request for individual assistance (IA) remains under review by the federal administration. IA can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. She will also seek resources for hazard mitigation measures statewide.  

Resources

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA App. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service.  

On June 11, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) separately granted an administrative disaster declaration for Cheboygan County and the contiguous counties of Charlevoix, Emmet, Mackinac, Montmorency, Otsego, and Presque Isle. SBA established two Disaster Loan Outreach Centers for one-on-one assistance, open now through July 26 at 2:00pm:  

229 Court St. 

Cheboygan, MI 49721 

8288 S. Pleasantview Rd. 

Harbor Springs, MI 49740 

Loan applications are also available online or by mail. For additional information on low-interest SBA loans or the application process, visit the MySBA Loan Portal or call 1-800-659-2955. The physical loan application deadline is Aug. 8. Small businesses and non-profits have until March 9, 2026, to apply for EIDLs (working capital loans). So far SBA has disbursed $572,322 in loans for this disaster. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon and Nadler Reintroduce Legislation to Protect Organ Donors

Washington – Today, Representatives Don Bacon (NE-02) and Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) reintroduced the Living Donor Protection Act bill package to protect the rights of living organ donors. The Living Donor Protection Act is introduced as a two-bill package in the House, H.R. 4583, the Living Donor Protection Act and H.R.4582, the Living Donor FMLA Protection Act. The bills, taken together, are identical to last session’s Living Donor Protection Act and S.1552 introduced in the Senate this session.

“Our state is fortunate to have Nebraska Medicine, which has a robust living donor kidney exchange program, performing more kidney chains which involves anonymous donors donating to someone without a compatible living donor, than almost any hospital nationwide. However, some living donors are discriminated against when it comes to rates and provision of life insurance and disability insurance,” said Representative Bacon. “This legislation will help open the doors to more living donors so we can save more lives.”

“Every year, thousands of Americans die while waiting on an organ transplant, yet potential organ donors still face barriers that punish them for trying to selflessly save a life. Insurance discrimination and the threat of job loss can make it economically impossible for potential donors to move forward with donation and these roadblocks are costing lives,” said Representative Nadler. “Congress must do everything in its power to remove deterrents to organ donation, which is why Congress must pass the Living Donor Protection Act bill package.”

Organ donation saves thousands of lives every year, but burdensome roadblocks often stop individuals from becoming living donors. The Living Donor Protection Act bill package would protect living organ donors and promote organ donation in three easy, low-cost ways: 

1. Prohibits life, disability, and long-term care insurance companies from denying or limiting coverage and from charging higher premiums based only on donor status;
2. Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to specifically allow private and civil service employees to use FMLA leave to recover from donation surgery; and
3. Directs HHS to update their materials on live organ donation to reflect these new protections and encourage more individuals to consider donating an organ.

Currently, there are over 103,000 people on the national transplant waiting list, with almost 90,000 people on the kidney transplant list. The average wait time for a kidney transplant is about three to five years, and during that time, many patients become too sick to receive a transplant or die—13 people die each year waiting for an organ transplant. Receiving an organ from a living donor can shorten this wait time and ultimately allow the best chance for long-term success. Unfortunately, studies have found that up to one in four living donors report discrimination in the rates and provision of life insurance and disability insurance, and they can struggle to receive time off from work to complete their donation and recovery. Reducing barriers to living organ donation and educating potential donors on the protections provided to them under law will help to promote living organ donation and save the lives of those waiting for a transplant.

The Living Donor Protection Act is endorsed by Alport Syndrome Foundation, American Association of Kidney Patients, American Council of Life Insurers, American Heart Association, American Kidney Fund, American Liver Foundation, American Nephrology Nurses Association, American Society of Nephrology, American Society of Pediatric Nephrology, American Society of Transplant Surgeons, American Society of Transplantation, Dialysis Patient Citizens, Global Liver Institute, IGA Nephropathy Foundation, International Society of Glomerular Disease, Kidney Transplant Collaborative, National Kidney Foundation, NephCure, the Nonprofit Kidney Care Alliance (NKCA), North American Transplant Coordinators Organization, Northwest Kidney Centers, the PKD Foundation, the Rogosin Institute, Sanofi, the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), Transplant Recipients International Organization (TRIO), and Renal Physicians Association.

“On behalf of all kidney patients, organ donors and American taxpayers, the American Association of Kidney Patients salutes U.S. Senators Tom Cotton and Kristen Gillibrand and U.S. Representatives Don Bacon and Jerrold Nadler for introducing the bipartisan Living Donor Protection Act so that living organ donors will no longer face the Hobbesian choice of saving an innocent human life at the risk of losing insurance coverages that provide economic security and peace of mind to their families and loved ones. The time is now for America to transcend high-cost, high-mortality dialysis care as the default solution for people living with kidney failure and to encourage greater living organ donation and greater transplant opportunities for all Americans in need of a life-saving organ,” said Edward V. Hickey, III, President, American Association of Kidney Patients.

“Life insurers are committed to helping people access the financial protection they want and need for themselves and their families. The Living Donor Protection Act will help ensure that organ donors can continue to access life, disability income, or long-term care coverage, while upholding fair underwriting standards. Most importantly, it will safeguard those who selflessly give the gift of life through organ donation,” said David Chavern, President and CEO, American Council of Life Insurers.

“The selfless individuals who give the gift of life by donating a kidney should not face discrimination by life, long-term care, or disability insurers. This legislation would be a significant step in efforts to encourage more living donors and reduce the kidney transplant waiting list by providing the protections that living donors should receive for their lifesaving actions,” said LaVarne Burton, President and CEO, American Kidney Fund. 

“No child or adult should die waiting for a liver transplant. We must work together to increase living organ donation, and the Living Donor Protection Act provides a tangible path forward by removing key barriers for those willing to give the gift of life. We are so grateful to Representatives Bacon and Nadler for their extraordinary leadership and commitment to advancing living donor transplantation, which will help thousands of liver patients throughout the country,” said Lorraine Stiehl, CEO, American Liver Foundation and caregiver to a transplant patient. 

“ASN commends the re-introduction of the Living Donor Protection Act and accompanying Living Donor FMLA Protection Act, critical legislation which will remove barriers that discourage living donors from providing the life-saving gift of a kidney transplant. Americans who are considering becoming living donors deserve more support than the current system provides for them, and ASN believes the Living Donor Protection Act and accompanying Living Donor FMLA Protection Act are critical to achieve this goal,” said Prabir Roy-Chaudhury, MD, PhD, FASN, President, American Society of Nephrology President.

“On behalf of the American Society of Transplantation (AST), representing a majority of the nation’s transplant medical professionals, our Society strongly applauds and endorses the re-introduction of the Living Donor Protection Act (LDPA). AST is grateful for the ongoing and steadfast leadership of Representatives Bacon, Nadler and Senators Cotton and Gillibrand to protect transplant patients and strengthen living donation. The LDPA is a patient-focused bill seeking to remove policy barriers that might otherwise prevent an individual from providing a lifesaving donor organ. AST greatly appreciates this bipartisan, bicameral, and patient centric legislation. We look forward to working with you to advance the LDPA in this 119th Congress,” said Dr. Jon Kobashigawa, MD, President, American Society of Transplantation. 

“On behalf of more than 2,000 transplant surgeons and professionals, the American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS) enthusiastically commends the champions of the Living Donor Protection Act (LDPA) for their unwavering commitment to saving lives. As a tireless advocate for this legislation since its inception—and a proud partner in shaping its recent progress—ASTS is thrilled to see the momentum continue following the bill’s strong bipartisan support in the 118th Congress. With a preliminary CBO score of zero, there is no better time for Congress to act. Passing the LDPA will provide vital, commonsense protections for living donors and remove unnecessary employment and insurance barriers to giving the ultimate gift: the gift of life,” said Ginny L. Bumgardner, MD, PhD, American Society of Transplant Surgeons.  

“Global Liver Institute strongly supports the Living Donor Protection Act as an essential step to save lives by making the donation process affordable for living donors and protecting their employment. This bipartisan legislation was a collaborative effort, reflecting the policies determined most important to support living donors as determined by organ donors, liver and kidney patients, the insurance industry, transplant professionals, nephrologists, advocacy organizations and disease professionals. We look forward to its final passage in the 119th Congress,” said Larry Holden, President and CEO, Global Liver Institute.  

“Living donors are heroes demonstrating compassion and generosity, and they are also rigorously screened individuals at the peak of health. Our family, friends and neighbors who choose to give the gift of a kidney enable thousands of Americans per year to resume a life where they can fully contribute to society, the economy, and their families rather than being limited by the life-support stopgap of dialysis. The ISGD enthusiastically endorses the Living Donor Protection Act,” said Laurel Damashek, Executive Director, International Society of Glomerular Disease and living donor kidney transplant recipient. 

“We applaud Representatives Bacon and Nadler for their continued leadership on the Living Donor Protection Act. Taking this new approach of splitting the bill to ensure a smoother passage is an appropriate and needed step. These bills are a bipartisan approach to address the national organ shortage crisis, remove barriers to transplantation and recognize the courage and generosity of those who choose to save lives through donation. We urge Congress to pass this legislation quickly,” said Kevin Longino, CEO, National Kidney Foundation and a kidney transplant recipient.

“As nonprofit dialysis providers, kidney transplant is an ideal outcome for many of our patients and legislation to protect and support living donors is critical to our patient-centered mission,” said Monica Massaro, Executive Director, Nonprofit Kidney Care Alliance.

“Polycystic kidney disease currently has no cure, and for many of the 600,000 patients living in the US, organ transplantation becomes their best path forward when kidney function declines. Living donors don’t just extend lives—they reduce strain on our health care system and save taxpayer money by helping patients avoid dialysis. Yet needless barriers disincentivize many from stepping up to help. The Living Donor Protection Act is a commonsense, bipartisan solution that will ensure living donors are protected, not penalized, for their generosity,” said Susan Bushnell, President and CEO, Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Foundation.

“As a pioneer in transplantation since performing New York State’s first living donor kidney transplant in 1963, The Rogosin Institute believes that kidney transplantation is the ideal treatment for patients with end-stage kidney disease. We are proud to wholeheartedly endorse all components of the Living Donor Protection Act.  Importantly, the Act will remove barriers to donation such as insurance uncertainty and financial insecurity. Rogosin extends our thanks to the bipartisan members of Congress supporting this critical legislation. We thank Congressmen Bacon and Nadler for championing the Living Donor Protection Act,” said The Rogosin Institute.

“Living organ donors save people’s lives and should be able to give the gift of life without fear of insurance discrimination or financial retribution, especially as they recover from surgery. The Living Donor Protection Act rightfully protects these selfless individuals from this. Thank you, Sens. Cotton and Gillibrand and Reps. Bacon and Nadler for your bipartisan leadership and for standing up for living organ donors,” said Maureen McBride, Ph.D., CEO, United Network for Organ Sharing.

The text of the bills can be found here and here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1)

(Washington, DC) — U.S. Representative Ed Case (D-Hawai‘i-First District) has introduced proposed legislation in the U.S. House to authorize federal grants to Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, Native Alaskans and Native Hawaiian organizations for fostering indigenous history and culture-based travel and tourism.

“This measure is especially important for my home state of Hawai‘i, where the link between tourism and our indigenous peoples, Native Hawaiians, is essential”, said Case. “Native Hawaiian history and culture is at the heart of our islands’ uniqueness. It is one of the major draws for our visitors, and activities based on our indigenous history and culture should be developed by Native Hawaiians wherever and however possible.”

Case said his measure is the House companion to S. 612, introduced by Senators Lisa Murkowski, Chair of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, and Brian Schatz, Vice Chairman of the Committee. The bill makes important corrections to the NATIVE Act to authorize grants to Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, Native Alaskans and Native Hawaiian organizations for recreational travel and tourism activities.

Case said that Congress enacted the NATIVE Act in 2016 to provide grants, loans and technical assistance to Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, Native Alaskans and Native Hawaiian organizations to assist in developing tourism in indigenous peoples communities and enhancing opportunities for visitors to learn about indigenous peoples’ history, cultures, traditional foods, languages and arts. He said unfortunately, the act did not clearly authorize the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) or the Office of Native Hawaiian Relations (ONHR) to issue the grants, which led to implementation challenges.

“Our bill corrects this oversight by clearly authorizing the BIA and ONHR, along with several other federal agencies, to issue these grants and authorize appropriations for the program,” said Case. “The bill will enable improved access to federal resources, helping these communities build sustainable tourism infrastructure and expand cultural tourism. In turn, it will foster a broader appreciation of indigenous peoples and create jobs and boost economic development in rural and underserved areas.”

Case continued: “The past generations have witnessed a great renaissance of the Hawaiian language and culture, and in turn over the ensuing years Native Hawaiian practitioners and culture have become an increasingly visible and central part of our visitor industry. We in Hawai‘i are committed to fostering this sector of our economy in a way that encourages long-term cultural preservation efforts.

“Through improving the implementation of the NATIVE Act, which has helped both Native Hawaiian Organizations and local Native Hawaiian businesses, our federal government will do a better job preserving and promoting Native Hawaiian culture.

“We can help connect tourists with the rich indigenous heritage of Hawai‘i though community-based visitor experiences that protect cultural sites, promote education and create jobs.”

1.      Link to measure is here

2.      Link to Case remarks on the measure is here

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