MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

WASHINGTON, DC – As reported this week in The Washington Post, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) joined a letter led by Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) along with the Maryland Democratic Delegation – U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and U.S. Representatives Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), and Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) to demand that the Trump Administration release the $98 million promised for education funding in the state and urging the Department to work with the delegation to ensure Maryland receives this vital funding.

“Earlier this year, [Secretary McMahon testified that the President] wants to ‘return education to the states where it belongs.’ We believe that approving Maryland’s application for late liquidation of relief funds would do just that. We appreciate your offer to conduct a thorough review of the ESSER funds rescinded from Maryland and look forward to reaching a resolution in the best interest of the more than 860,000 students in our state who are depending on these Congressionally appropriated funds,” said the lawmakers. 

“We stand ready to partner with the Department in ensuring the disbursement of this key funding to Maryland,” continued the lawmakers.

You can read the full letter to Secretary McMahon here or below:

Dear Secretary McMahon:

We write with deep concern regarding the Department of Education’s (the Department) recent letter to State Chiefs of Education, which modified the time period for states to liquidate obligations under the Education Stabilization Fund. The loss of these dollars would be catastrophic for the state of Maryland and its students. We appreciate the fact that the Department did leave an opportunity open for collaboration with states, affording them the chance to appeal for an extension to the liquidation period on a project-specific basis. As such, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has applied for an extension. We strongly support MSDE’s application and urge the Department to approve MSDE’s requests for full reimbursement.

As you know, on January 22, 2025 – after President Trump was sworn into office – the Department approved MDSE’s late liquidation plan for American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds through March 28, 2026. Similarly, on March 17, 2025, the Department approved a late liquidation plan for the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA) from MSDE through March 31, 2025. Yet on March 28, 2025, the MSDE received notice from the Department that the liquidation period for all pandemic recovery resources authorized in the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) fund was rescinded. This sudden reversal has caused a great deal of confusion and would hinder Maryland’s efforts to address pandemic learning loss.

The impact of this reversal by the Department will indeed be devastating for Maryland schools. Pandemic relief funds were set to go towards capital projects including school heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning repair and replacement that have been delayed because of supply chain and construction issues, as well as new curricula and instructional materials that Maryland Local Education Agencies (LEAs) are still awaiting.

As such, Maryland has submitted a late liquidation request to the Department for $98,706,860, which includes $42 million spent by LEAs that have not been submitted to the State for reimbursement, as well as $56.7 million remaining to liquidate. The remaining funding is obligated toward projects to provide temporary housing and mental health support for students experiencing homelessness; community school mental health services; tutoring and technology for students; professional development for staff; Grow Your Own projects, including tuition reimbursement programs for staff to attain teacher certifications; the replacement of older and non-working windows and doors; restroom repairs; and security camera updates to keep students safe. 

MSDE and the state’s LEAs have utilized ESSER funds to recover reading scores, sustainably address the teacher shortages exacerbated by the pandemic, support student mental and emotional health, and fortify other key ingredients in learning. The state’s reapplication in compliance with the Department’s guidance issued on March 28, 2025, also includes key details of our educational systems’ efforts to modernize classroom infrastructure to mitigate the threat of infectious diseases. 

We proudly represent a state that places tremendous emphasis on high-quality education and MSDE’s implementation of federal funds is fundamental to that mission. We urge the Department to approve MSDE’s latest reapplication for late liquidation of this vital funding. Like students across the country, the COVID-19 pandemic set young Marylanders back substantially on key metrics of student achievement. As your office has noted, recent National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results have revealed that “gaps are growing between higher-performing and lower-performing students.” Further, chronic absenteeism still is too high with the latest data indicating “a majority of students still attended schools with 20% or higher levels of chronic absence… in stark contrast to 2019, when slightly over a quarter of schools experienced such high levels of chronic absence.” Years after the COVID-19 pandemic, our schools and communities still have much work to do to help students recover.

Again, we want to continue to be collaborative and work together to improve Maryland schools. As you noted in your testimony to the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee earlier this year, President Trump wants to “return education to the states where it belongs.” We believe that approving Maryland’s application for late liquidation of relief funds would do just that. We appreciate your offer to conduct a thorough review of the ESSER funds rescinded from Maryland and look forward to reaching a resolution in the best interest of the more than 860,000 students in our state who are depending on these Congressionally appropriated funds. 

We welcome a further conversation between the Department and the Maryland Congressional delegation on this process and would be happy to help support engagements between the Department and MSDE. We stand ready to partner with the Department in ensuring the disbursement of this key funding to Maryland.

Sincerely, 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Dina Titus (1st District of Nevada)

 “I do not support Rep. Mark Amodei’s lands bill for several reasons. It was brought to the House Natural Resources Committee despite opposition from Clark County and without consulting local stakeholders or the rest of the federal delegation. Proposals to sell public lands should be done openly because public lands belong to all of us.

I also do not support the budget amendment because it rips off the people in Southern Nevada. It sells off 65,000 acres in Clark County without any offsets for conservation. Furthermore, the land would be sold for “billions” and the money would go directly to the U.S. Treasury with no financial benefit for outdoor recreation, protecting critical ecosystems, or wildfire protection in Southern Nevada.

Developments proposed in the amendment would also siphon off precious water resources as we struggle with prolonged drought, and raise costs for needed infrastructure to accommodate projected growth.

I believe a lands bill should encourage infill to use existing infrastructure and conserve water. This bill does just the opposite.”

                                                                                                                                                                           ###

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

Pressley Slammed Trump’s Chaotic Tariff War, Highlighted Harmful Impact on Families With Babies and Young Children

Video (YouTube)

WASHINGTON – In a House Financial Services Committee hearing, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) pressed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent about the harmful impact of Trump’s tariffs on families with young children and asked if he would support an exemption to tariffs on baby products and other items that parents need to care for their kids, such as car seats. In response to her sharp questioning, Secretary Bessent conceded that such an exemption was “under consideration.”

Congresswoman Pressley also underscored the harm felt by small business owners, parents, and other constituents in the Massachusetts 7^th who are dealing with rising costs due to Trump’s tariffs and urged the Trump Administration to immediately reverse course.

Last month, Congresswoman Pressley joined 45 colleagues in sending a Congressional letter to the Trump Administration imploring them to end tariffs on essential baby goods.

A full transcript of her line of questioning is available below and the full video is available here.

Transcript: After Pressure from Pressley, Treasury Secretary Says Ending Tariffs on Essential Baby Products “Under Consideration”
House Financial Services Committee
May 7, 2025

REP. PRESSLEY: Secretary Bessent, you have heard from Democrats publicly and I’m certain you’ve heard from Republicans privately that this administration’s reckless and chaotic tariff policy is wreaking havoc on our economy.

Rather than delivering stability for our country, this Trump tariff tantrum has been inconsistent, counterproductive, and disconnected from reality. 

In my district, the Massachusetts 7th, I am hearing it from everyone.

Small business owners are reeling from the unpredictable on-again, off-again tariffs. They’re holding back on expansion, delaying hiring, and bracing for the impact.

Local and state officials are telling me about the effect tariffs will have on our state budget. Simultaneously, Massachusetts will see energy bills increase while revenue from tourism will decrease.

But I want to focus on the constituent outreach that I’ve received from everyday families who are just fighting to make ends meet.

Yes or no. Mr. Secretary, do you know what a car seat is?

SEC. BESSENT: I have two children, yes. 

REP. PRESSLEY: I figured as much, it’s correct you and your husband have two children.

So I am sure you know that car seats are absolutely essential for families when traveling with babies and toddlers to school, to worship, to doctor’s appointments, just everyday living. 

But not only are car seats essential, they are the law of the land. It’s the law of the land in 50 states. So there’s no getting around that.

Mr. Secretary, what’s your estimate of how many babies are born in the United States each year?

SEC. BESSENT: I’m gonna guess 2-3 million. 

REP. PRESSLEY: Well, while the number fluctuates, there have consistently been more than 3.5 million babies born in the United States. That means millions of families in this country are doing what? Buying a car seat, because it’s essential and it is the law of the land in all 50 states. 

But now, that cost is going up because Trump has announced up to 145% tariffs on Chinese imported products.

Approximately, 9 out of every 10 car seats in the U.S. come from China. That’s a steep cost, a steep cost hike for families all over the country. The price is up in Republican districts and in Democratic districts.

And it’s not just the car seats that are impacted. We’re talking about strollers, cribs, high chairs. No family is exempt from the harm of these Trump tariffs on essential baby products.

But don’t just take my word for it.

Mr. Chair, I would like to enter into the record a Yahoo Finance article from May 2025 entitled, “First Year Baby Expenses Already Top $20,000 and Tariffs Are Adding to the Bill As China Dominates Key Imports.”

CHAIR: Without objection.

REP. PRESSLEY: Look, I support improving manufacturing in America, but that is not going into effect overnight, like these tariffs are. There needs to be an exemption to help America’s families.

Trump has used his power for tariff exemptions on thermoplastics, semiconductors, but what about baby products?

Mr. Secretary, do you support an exemption to tariffs on items that parents need to care for their kids? Yes or no?

SEC. BESSENT: Congresswoman, what you’re referring to are—

REP. PRESSLEY: Yes or no.

SEC. BESSENT: What you’re referring to are–

REP. PRESSLEY: I’m reclaiming my time because I don’t want you to filibuster and give me some macroeconomic answer. Families at home are hurting … just give me a direct answer. 

SEC. BESSENT: I am going to agree with you. 

REP. PRESSLEY: So yes, you do support an exemption on tariffs for products that are essential for families for their babies?

SEC. BESSENT: We are considering exemptions on E-4 items, which…

REP. PRESSLEY: I’m sorry I have to reclaim my time. I’m reclaiming my time. 

Mr. Chair. I am reclaiming my time. Give me my time back. I’m reclaiming my time.

I just want a simple yes or no: do you support an exemption to tariffs on items that parents need to care for their kids? Because you all claim you’re pro-family.

I cannot hear the words you say because I see the things that you do, every day. So clear it up.

Yes or no. Do you support an exemption to tariffs on items that parents need to care for their babies? 

SEC. BESSENT: It is under consideration. 

REP. PRESSLEY: Great. Good.

I don’t know what’s stopping an exemption from going into effect today, so do it now.

In Donald Trump’s America, yesterday’s price is not today’s price. Costs are going up. Everyone is suffering, especially our families with young children.

Mr. Secretary, I’m making an appeal to you on behalf of the people of this country. Please tell occupant Trump to reverse course and stop hurting America’s families.

I yield back.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ami Bera (D-CA)

Today, U.S. Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06) joined fellow members of the Democratic Doctors Caucus to call out Republican efforts to gut Medicaid funding and rip health care coverage away from millions of Americans.

The Republican budget framework passed earlier this year instructs the House Energy and Commerce Committee to cut $880 billion—a number impossible to reach without gutting Medicaid, which provides health care coverage to approximately 80 million Americans, including 37 million children.

“I’m proud to stand with my fellow Democratic Doctors in the fight to save Medicaid,” said Representative Ami Bera, M.D. “Republicans need to understand that Medicaid is more than a health care program—it’s a lifeline for working families, seniors and children across this country. We’re going to fight tooth and nail to protect this care—not gut it just to hand out tax breaks to Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos.”

New analysis conducted by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) finds that millions of Americans stand to lose coverage under Republican proposals to cut Medicaid. The report concludes that states would be forced to reduce enrollment, scale back benefits or cut provider payments in response to deep federal funding cuts—jeopardizing access to care for families, seniors and children across the country.

Background on the Democratic Doctors Caucus

All six Democratic physicians serving in the U.S. House of Representatives joined together this year to launch the first-ever Democratic Doctors Caucus. The caucus is dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of Americans, advancing pragmatic health care policy and providing fellow Members with insights on critical health issues.

Members of the Democratic Doctors Caucus include:

• Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06) – Internal Medicine

• Herb Conaway Jr., M.D. (NJ-03) – Internal Medicine

• Maxine Dexter, M.D. (OR-03) – Pulmonary & Critical Care 

• Kelly Morrison, M.D. (MN-03) – Obstetrics & Gynecology

• Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25) – Emergency Medicine 

• Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) – Pediatrics

Recently, the caucus urged Senators to oppose the nomination of RFK Jr. for Secretary of Health and Human Services and condemned his proposed mass layoffs at the Department of Health and Human Services, the FDA and the CDC, warning of devastating consequences for public health and safety.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02)

Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) announced the introduction of H.R. 3191, the Made in America Motors Act. This bill establishes a new federal tax deduction on auto loan interest for American-made cars. The Made in America Motors Act is based on a major policy priority proposed by President Trump in the run up to the 2024 election. Car ownership is essential for many American families, especially those living in rural or suburban areas. The Made in America Motors Act directly lowers the cost of financing a vehicle—often a household’s second-biggest expense after housing. This tax deduction can save taxpayers hundreds of dollars each year, regardless of whether they use the standard deduction or itemize.

“The Made in America Motors Act is a win for American taxpayers, autoworkers, and Michigan,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “Making interest on car loans tax deductible was a key campaign promise made by President Trump. The Made in America Motors Act delivers on this promise by giving individuals and families a financial incentive to buy American, which in turn supports good-paying automotive jobs in Michigan and across the nation.”

“As America’s top auto producer, we’re grateful to work with Congressman Huizenga on policies that grow the American auto industry. The Made in America Motors Act will help Americans purchase a car and gain the freedom to move, while supporting American auto workers, “ said Ford Motor Company.

Specifically, the Made in America Motors Act would:

• Create a new above-the-line tax deduction of up to $2500 annually for interest paid on auto loans
• Make the deduction available to taxpayers, including those who take the standard deduction
• Apply only to vehicles with final assembly in the United States

The full text of the Made in America Motors Act is available here.

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

Washington, DC — Representatives Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Wesley Bell (MO-01), Mike Quigley (IL-05), and Hank Johnson (GA-04), led a letter to President Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi raising serious concerns over the potential nomination of Ed Martin to serve as US Attorney for the District of Columbia. Congresswoman Kaptur is the Co-Founder and Co-Chair and Congressman Quigley serves as Democratic Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, and Congressman Bell is a new member of the Caucus. Additionally, Congressman Johnson is a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, and Congressman Bell previously served as St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney, leading Missouri’s largest prosecutor’s office.

The letter cites Martin’s extensive history of appearances on Russian state-funded media outlets RT and Sputnik — over 150 times in recent years — as cause for alarm given the sensitive nature of the role. The lawmakers argue that Martin’s public statements on these platforms, many of which were not disclosed,  have often echoed Kremlin propaganda and undermined US national security interests, particularly regarding Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.

“Mr. Martin’s public contributions to Russian-backed platforms are deeply troubling to consider when considering how these views may reflect his stance toward critical issues related to Ukraine and national security. The downplaying of Russian aggression and interference in Ukraine he has espoused on Russian media raises concerns about his ability to uphold U.S. interests, particularly at a time when Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has escalated tensions globally. Additionally, his denying evidence of a Russian military buildup near Ukraine’s borders and suggesting that it was the US, not the Assad Regime, who ‘engineered’ the deadly 2017 Syrian chemical weapons attack. His appearances have included promoting narratives that align with Russian propaganda over US policy positions and our national interests,” said the lawmakers.

“Crucially, Mr. Martin did not fully disclose his extensive involvement with RT and Sputnik as required on his Senate Judiciary Committee questionnaire. This failure in transparency regarding his associations with Russian-backed media outlets calls into question his judgment and commitment to serving the interests of the United States. The US government has consistently recognized RT and Sputnik as propaganda and intelligence tools of the Russian state, and his refusal to disclose his participation raises serious doubts about his loyalty to American values,” continued the lawmakers.

“Given the gravity of these concerns, we urge you to conduct a thorough review of Mr. Martin’s past statements, associations, and overall fitness for the role of US Attorney for the District of Columbia. The appointment of an individual with such questionable allegiances could have serious repercussions for both US foreign policy and the integrity of our legal system,” concluded the lawmakers.

Read the full text of the letter here.

# # #

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (21st District of New York)

Stefanik Statement on Kathy Hochul and Albany Democrats’ Disgraceful Slush Fund for Letitia James’ Legal Defense | Press Releases | Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

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

May 07, 2025 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON — U.S. Representatives Greg Steube (R-Fla.) and Dina Titus (D-Nev.) this week led a bipartisan coalition to introduce the Disabling Enemy Flight Entry and Neutralizing Suspect Equipment (DEFENSE) Act, legislation that permits trained state and local law enforcement officers to intercept and disable hostile drones at stadiums and other large-scale events protected by temporary flight restrictions.“Whether it’s a packed stadium or a large outdoor gathering, our communities deserve to enjoy these moments without fear of surveillance or disruption from above,” said Rep. Steube. “The DEFENSE Act gives law enforcement the tools they need to protect Americans attending high-profile events from dangerous and unauthorized drones.”“People travel to Las Vegas from all over the world to experience our world class entertainment and live sporting events,” said Rep. Dina Titus. “I am proud to co-lead this bill to give our state and local law enforcement the tools they need to keep fans, athletes, performers, and stadium workers safe from aerial threats.”Current law authorizes only federal authorities to counter rogue drone incursions. While state and local authorities often have a larger presence at sporting events, the gap created in real-time event security denies state and local officials the ability to address unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) that threaten the safety of the stadium attendees. The DEFENSE Act would change that by authorizing the Department of Homeland (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to extend temporary authority to state and local officers—provided they receive proper training and oversight—to use approved counter-UAS technology to detect, monitor, and respond to airborne threats. Authorized equipment would be limited to systems approved by DHS in coordination with DOJ, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The bill also requires full federal oversight and compliance with airspace and privacy laws.Representatives Steube and Titus partnered with four of their House colleagues, Representatives Rudy Yakym (R-Ind.), Cory Mills (R-Fla.), Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii), and Lou Correa (D-Calif.) as well as Senators Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) who have proposed companion legislation in the Senate.“Stadiums and spectators at large events are vulnerable to unauthorized drone activity, which puts both public safety and national security at risk,” said Senator Cotton. “Our bill empowers local authorities to safeguard large public gatherings from aerial threats.”
“Major events — including sports and live entertainment — play a significant role in supporting our economy in Las Vegas and across the country, and we need to ensure they are safe,” said Senator Rosen. “Our bipartisan bill would enable state and local law enforcement to better mitigate threats posed by drones to the security of these high attendance events.” 
“The DEFENSE Act allows local law enforcement to step in when drones threaten large public events,” said Rep. Yakym. “Whether it’s a sold-out game or a concert, this act ensures people can enjoy these moments without worrying about what’s flying overhead.”“With the growing number of drones in use it is paramount that our state and local law enforcement agencies are able to be granted the proper authority to protect citizens at large events and gatherings,” said Rep. Mills. “Events like NASCAR races, rallies, or other large public events should be safe and this bill provides the ability for local law enforcement agencies to protect their citizens.”“As we continue to see the rise of drones and unmanned aircraft systems as a potential threat to public safety, it’s critical that state and local law enforcement have the tools and resources they need to protect our communities, especially at large-scale events that are at increased risk,” said Rep. Tokuda. “I’m proud to join this bipartisan effort to ensure that our local partners in law enforcement can respond quickly and effectively to unauthorized drone activity and keep our people safe from harm.”“The economic engine of Orange County is tourism. From sports to live concerts, Orange County is proud to host hundreds of outdoor events each year. We must ensure that these major events which draw thousands of attendees are safe,” said Rep. Correa. “I’m proud to join my colleagues—Democrat and Republican—in introducing this commonsense, bipartisan legislation to give state and local law enforcement the tools they need to counter threats posed by drones and other unauthorized aircraft.”This legislation has the backing of numerous national sports organizations, including the NFL, MLB, NCAA, and NASCAR, which have all expressed support for expanding drone countermeasure authority to protect fans, players, and event staff. For additional background, see this report from ESPN.“The NFL applauds the bipartisan group of sponsors for their leadership in introducing the DEFENSE Act in the House of Representatives. As the threat of illicit drone activity continues to rise, it is critical that our state and local law enforcement partners have the tools and resources they need to keep fans safe at major sporting events across the country.   This legislation will help to do just that, and we urge Congress to adopt it as soon as possible.  Doing so is vital to the security of our homeland.”  —Cathy Lanier, Chief Security Officer, National Football League“Major League Baseball (MLB) applauds the leadership of Representatives Greg Steube, Dina Titus, Lou Correa, Cory Mills, and Rudy Yakym in introducing H.B. 3207, the DEFENSE Act. This bill is crucial for enabling trained state and local law enforcement to use counter-drone technology to safeguard sporting venues from unauthorized unmanned aircraft systems (UAS or drones). MLB has long recognized the threat that unauthorized drones pose to its 30 stadiums nationwide, and has urged Congress to take the requisite steps to provide law enforcement with the tools and authority necessary to protect our fans, players, and employees. If enacted, this bipartisan bill will enhance the safety of America’s pastime for the 70 million fans attending our games each year. We look forward to collaborating with the bill’s sponsors and others to advance this important piece of legislation.” —David Thomas, Major League Baseball Senior Vice President of Security and Ballpark Operations“Drone related threats continue to pose real risks for events and communities across the country. The DEFENSE Act, introduced by Representatives Steube, Titus, Correa, Mills, and Yakym, provides important authority to trusted law enforcement agencies around the country who are integral partners at each of our races.” —Allen Taylor, Managing Director, Security, NASCAR“The NCAA remains concerned about the threat of unauthorized drones at NCAA championships and college sporting events. The safety of the competitors, fans, and staff that work at NCAA events is our top priority and we applaud Rep. Steube and Rep. Titus for their leadership on this issue.” —Tim Buckley, Senior Vice President of External Affairs, NCAA“The safety of our teams and fans is a key priority at athletics events.   The SEC commends Representatives Greg Steube and Dina Titus for introducing this important legislation that is intended to provide public safety officials on campuses and in the communities they serve with enhanced measures to address unauthorized drone usage, and for joining the bipartisan leadership of Senator Tom Cotton and Senator Jacky Rosen on this issue.” —SEC Commissioner Greg SankeyRead the full bill here.

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

Today, Rep. Jack Bergman announced that EmmaRay, a talented student from Johannesburg-Lewiston High School, has been named the First District winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. Her captivating artwork, titled “The Darkness Needs Its Light,” features a luminous jellyfish and impressed judges with its originality, message of resilience, and creative composition.

Held each spring, the Congressional Art Competition highlights the artistic talents of high school students nationwide. As the First District winner, EmmaRay’s artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year, alongside winning pieces from across the country.

“I’m proud to congratulate EmmaRay on her remarkable piece, ‘The Darkness Needs Its Light.’ Her work is not only visually stunning, but also a powerful reminder that light can shine even in the darkest places,” said Rep. Bergman. “Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula are home to so many gifted young artists, and this competition is a great way to showcase their talent on a national stage.”

Later this year, EmmaRay will be honored at a national reception in Washington, D.C., where she and fellow winners will celebrate their achievements alongside Members of Congress and young artists from across the country.

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

Rep. Jack Bergman (R-MI-01), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), Lois Frankel (D-FL-22), Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02), and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12)introducedbipartisan legislation to help older Veterans avoid injuries from costly, dangerous falls. 

The SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act would establish an Office of Falls Prevention within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and create a falls prevention coordinator role. The legislation would also create a pilot program for incorporating falls prevention programs into VA home modification programs and establish an assessment for Veterans to identify those most at risk of falling. Since Veterans, on average, have more chronic conditions than their non-Veteran counterparts, additional programs could help to prevent unnecessary injuries or hospitalizations — and the massive expenses associated with falls.

The SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act is endorsed by Disabled American Veterans, the American Physical Therapy Association, and AARP. 

“As our population continues to age, the VA must be proactive in its efforts to identify and address necessary improvements in care for older Veterans. The SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act will help drastically enhance the health and quality of life for those at risk of falls while reducing the need for costly recovery programs resulting from these preventable injuries. I’m proud to help reintroduce this bipartisan, commonsense bill,” said Congressman Bergman.

“Preventative health care measures give our nation’s Veterans a healthier, more resilient future,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “The SAFE STEPS Act reflects our commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by older Veterans, who are at a higher risk of serious falls and their consequences. By establishing an Office of Falls Prevention and integrating effective programs into VA home modification efforts, we aim to reduce the incidence of falls and the associated high costs. Our Veterans deserve the best care and support, and this legislation will help ensure their long-term safety and wellbeing.” 

“Falls are the leading cause of injury among people over age 65. A new VA effort to keep our Veterans on their feet is important for the thousands of senior Veterans who live in South Florida and across the country,” said Congresswoman Frankel. “We owe the men and women who served in our military full support in maintaining their health and well-being. I am proud to co-lead this bill.”

“As a geriatric nurse practitioner, I have seen firsthand how falls can impact our older adults’ health and overall quality of life,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “Our elder Veterans are especially vulnerable, and we owe it to them to ensure they’re safe and well cared for after their service to our nation. The VA must place a greater focus on elder care and this legislation is a step in the right direction. I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing the SAFE STEPS Act to advocate for better resources, education, and fall-prevention programs for our older Veterans.”

“As someone who has experienced a fall that resulted in broken ribs, I am very familiar with the pain that often comes from a fall,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “The risks associated with falling are especially high for seniors over the age of 65.  According to the CDC, 36 million seniors fall each year. Tragically, these falls result in 34,000 deaths and three million serious injuries that require an emergency room visit. The good news is that falls are preventable and do not need to be an inevitable part of aging. I encourage all seniors and their loved ones to learn more about how to stay safe and active by taking advantage of the fall prevention programs offered in their community.  This bill will ensure that at-risk Veterans also have direct access to the tools they need to prevent falls and stay safe.”

An estimated $80 billion a year is spent on direct medical costs for falls among older adults, up from $50 billion a decade ago. Falls are caused by a variety of risk factors, such as lower body weakness, balance issues, vitamin D deficiency, hearing issues, vision issues, use of certain medications and/or home hazards. Twenty percent of these falls result in serious injuries, with approximately 1 million fall-related hospitalizations among older adults each year.

Falls prevention is an interdisciplinary approach that requires screening and coordination among health care providers, referral to community-based falls prevention programs and addressing home-based risks. However, neither the VA nor VHA currently have a single authority that leads falls prevention efforts for the Department. Additionally, while VA provides funding for home modification programs for certain veteran populations, these programs do not incorporate evidence-based falls prevention programs into their work. The VHA also does not include a requirement that Veterans at risk be screened, leaving too many Veterans susceptible to otherwise preventable falls.

“Falls are a leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for older Americans, and Veterans face an elevated risk primarily due to their service-connected conditions,” said DAV (Disabled American Veterans) National Legislative Director Joy Ilem.“These injuries are not inevitable and can be significantly reduced through dedicated, evidence-based falls prevention programs and clinical-community partnerships. DAV thanks Rep. Budzinski, Bergman, Frankel, and Kiggans for re-introducing and championing SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act of 2025, which establishes the Office of Falls Prevention at the Veterans Health Administration and supports research for evidence-based fall prevention programs that will benefit and protect our Veterans.”

“The American Physical Therapy Association is grateful to Rep. Budzinski, along with Reps. Frankel, Kiggans, Bergman, and Bilirakis for their introduction of the bipartisan SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act of 2025 in the U.S. House,” said APTA President Kyle Covington PT, DPT, PhD. “The creation of an Office of Falls Prevention within the Department of Veterans Affairs will improve coordination, services, and research aimed at preventing our Veterans from encountering dangerous falls. While proactively preventing falls in our Veteran population, this Office will also minimize health care utilization. The legislation also ensures that our Veterans receive access to much needed physical therapy services, avoiding costlier and more intensive interventions.”

The SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act would:

•  Establish an Office of Falls Prevention and creates a falls prevention coordinator within the Veterans Health Administration.
• Require the falls prevention coordinator to work with NIH to develop Veterans-specific research for evidence-based falls prevention programs.
• Require a report on Falls Prevention Initiatives in the Department.
• Make improvements to Safe Patient Handling Transfer Techniques, which ensure that injured or paralyzed Veterans are safely transferred between seated positions.
• Create a pilot program for current home modification grant programs to incorporate evidence-based falls prevention programs as a component of receipt of grant funding.

Establish a Falls Assessment and Fall Prevention Service requirement for Veterans to screen for those at risk of falling and to better ensure care plans are developed.