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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

On the anniversary of the Monterey Park shooting, Rep. Chu remembers those lost and reintroduces commonsense measures to prevent gun violence

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Three years ago today, the community of Monterey Park, California, was forever changed by a mass shooting at Star Dance Studio that claimed the lives of 11 beloved neighbors and left 9 others seriously injured. It was the deadliest mass shooting in Los Angeles County history and occurred on the eve of Lunar New Year, turning what should have been a joyful celebration into a devastating tragedy for a close-knit, predominantly Asian American community. 

Today and every day, we remember:

Valentino Marcos Alvero
Hongying Jian
Yu-Lun Kao
LiLan Li
Ming Wei Ma
Mymy Nhan
Diana Man Ling Tom
Muoi Dai Ung
Chia Ling Yau
Wen-Tau Yu
Xiujuan Yu

Rep. Chu released the following statement:

“Not a day goes that I don’t grieve our eleven neighbors who we lost so senselessly in a mass shooting three years ago. To honor their lives, I believe we must transform our grief into action by working to end gun violence, so no other community has to endure the devastation of a mass shooting. 

“Monterey Park is a predominantly Asian American community, where many residents have limited English proficiency and were not made aware of how to exercise gun safety tools available to them, like red flag laws and federal guidance on gun violence prevention. The shooting made it clear that our communities need Congress to address these gaps. 

“That is why I am reintroducing two bills to help put an end to gun violence in America. The first, the Language Access to Gun Violence Prevention Strategies Act, would require outreach about red flag laws, gun violence prevention, and gun safety by federal government agencies to include robust in-language materials, outreach to Limited English Proficient (LEP) communities, and culturally competent education to community providers and law enforcement.

“The second, the Fair Legal Access Grants (FLAG) Act, would ensure that anyone filing a red flag petition – a legal request asking a court to grant an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) to temporarily remove firearms from someone who poses a danger to themselves or others – has access to resources like legal representation,” said Rep. Chu. 

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) will be reintroducing these bills in the Senate.

“Expanding and strengthening red flag laws across the country is a necessary step forward in making our communities safer. All too often, school administrators, law enforcement officers, and family members don’t have the time or support needed to navigate our court system and successfully file a red flag claim when they notice an individual with access to firearms exhibiting troubling or potentially dangerous behavior,” said Senator Gillibrand. “My FLAG Act and the Language Access to Gun Violence Prevention Strategies Act would empower community members with the tools and services needed to intervene and help remove firearms from individuals who may pose a danger to themselves or others. I am proud to work with Representative Chu to help make our communities safer and end firearm tragedies.”

The Language Access to Gun Violence Prevention Strategies Act has been endorsed by the National Immigration Law Center (NILC), Newtown Action Alliance, Giffords, Everytown for Gun Safety. The FLAG act has been endorsed by Newtown Action Alliance andEverytown for Gun Safety.

Rep. Chu continued, “While it has been deeply disheartening to watch President Trump dismantle the historic gun violence prevention progress that President Biden and Democrats fought tirelessly to achieve, I will not stop fighting to protect all of our communities from gun violence. Monterey Park deserves better, and our country must do more to protect our communities and prevent gun violence. 

“So, as we honor the lives lost three years ago in Monterey Park, let us recommit to coming together to pass strong, comprehensive gun safety reforms and finally put an end to gun violence.”

The Language Access to Gun Violence Prevention Strategies Act would:

• Provide for competent, community reviewed, translations of all public facing resources provided by DOJ and HHS related to gun violence prevention strategies;
• Direct the Attorney General to ensure federal grant applications for funds related to the creation and implementation of extreme risk protection orders and other prevention efforts incorporate meaningful engagement with communities with high numbers of individuals with Limited English Proficiency; and
• Direct the Attorney General and Secretary of HHS to develop and implement a national public awareness campaign for federally supported gun violence prevention strategies and firearm ownership safety with a focus on outreach and engagement with LEP communities.

The FLAG Act would provide $50 million in annual funding to states and local governments to provide access to legal counsel and other legal services. Eligible recipients include police departments, district attorney offices, community-based legal aid organizations, and more.

Click HERE for the full bill text for the Language Access to Gun Violence Prevention Strategies Act.
Click HERE for the full bill text for the FLAG Act.

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

SCOTUS Heard Oral Arguments Today on Trump’s Illegal Bid to Fire Gov. Lisa Cook, Threaten Fed Independence

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) issued the following statement on Trump’s unlawful attempt to fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors as the Supreme Court hears oral arguments on the matter today.

“Donald Trump’s unlawful attempt to fire Governor Lisa Cook is a baseless, brazen, anti-Black power grab that threatens the independence of one of our nation’s most important financial institutions,” said Rep. Ayanna Pressley. “Governor Cook is a brilliant economist and the first Black woman to serve on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors—and Trump’s targeting of her is no accident. Instead of addressing his own failures to lower the cost of living and address the affordability crisis, he is attempting to dismantle the Fed and fire those who won’t fall in line with his marching orders. Today, the Supreme Court has a responsibility and obligation to uphold the law, preserve the Fed’s independence from blatant political interference, and rein in this unprecedented abuse of power.”

Rep. Pressley has consistently condemned Trump’s illegal attempt to fire Governor Cook and has repeatedly called on the Federal Reserve to affirm their independence and defend Governor Cook.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Headline: Carter calls for passage of his PBM provisions in House funding package

Carter calls for passage of his PBM provisions in House funding package

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Headline: 52 Weeks of Keeping America Safe

WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Trump spent the first year of his presidency laser-focused on addressing Biden’s wide-open southern border, which made every community in America less safe. Under his watch, Georgia’s illegal immigrant population grew to be the 6th largest in the nation, and we paid a real price for his incompetence. Just ask Laken Riley’s family.

“Every American owes President Trump and his Administration a debt of gratitude for his historic immigration enforcement. For years, the Biden-Harris Administration allowed countries to dump their worst criminals into our country, and they didn’t bat an eye,” said Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA). “For Republicans, one is too many, like Laken Riley, who was brutally murdered while jogging around Athens, GA. Thankfully, our communities are safer now than ever with the rule of law enforced.”

Since day one, this administration has been deporting the worst of the worst criminal illegal immigrants, and the results speak for themselves. Below are 52 of the worst of the worst who Trump has successfully kicked out of our country.

 

Name: Hossei Sharifi

Country of Origin: Iran

Crime: Statutory Rape, Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Human Slavery

Arrested: Atlanta, GA

 

 

Name: Murad Awad

Country of Origin: Kuwait

Crime: Rape, Sexual Assault, DUI, Sodomy, etc.

Arrested: Atlanta, GA

 

 

Name: Niorge Rodriguez-Reyes

Country of Origin: Cuba

Crime: Robbery, Fraud, Cocaine, Larceny, etc.

Arrested: Marietta, GA

 

 

Name: William Gonzalez-Diaz

Country of Origin: Cuba

Crime: Sex Offense Against Child – Fondling, Sexual Exploitation of Minor, etc.

Arrested: Rome, GA

 

 

Name: Luong Thai

Country of Origin: Vietnam

Crime: Sexual Assault, Robbery, Dangerous Drugs, etc.

Arrested: Savannah, GA

 

 

Name: Juan Melendez-Navarro

Country of Origin: Honduras

Crime: Sexual Assault, Sodomy, Domestic Violence

Arrested: Jonesboro, GA

 

 

Name: Javier Rodriguez-Andrade

Country of Origin: Mexico

Crime: Larceny, Theft

Arrested: Gainesville, GA

 

 

Name: Latdavanh Phanmixay

Country of Origin: Laos

Crime: Threat Terroristic State Offenses, Dangerous Drugs

Arrested: Jonesboro, GA

 

 

Name: Kiumars Taheri

Country of Origin: Iran

Crime: Assault, Cocaine, Larceny

Arrested: Atlanta, GA

 

 

Name: Andre Etienne

Country of Origin: Jamaica

Crime: Rape, Molestation of a Minor

Arrested: Conyers, GA

 

 

Name: Sergey Sandyrev

Country of Origin: Russia

Crime: Sexual Assault, Possession of Stolen Property

Arrested: Atlanta, GA

 

 

Name: Enrique Lainez-Morales

Country of Origin: Guatemala

Crime: Aggravated Assault, Amphetamine Possession, etc.

Arrested: Atlanta, GA

 

 

Name: Javier Cordova-Trejo

Country of Origin: Mexico

Crime: Aggravated Assault with a Weapon

Arrested: Jackson, GA

 

 

Name: Selvin Leonardo Bautista-Ramirez

Country of Origin: Guatemala

Crime: Molestation of a Minor, Hit and Run

Arrested: Lumpkin, GA

 

 

Name: Alex Gutierrez Molino

Country of Origin: Guatemala

Crime: Rape – Strongarm

Arrested: Dalton, GA

 

 

Name: Bountheung Vongdasy

Country of Origin: Laos

Crime: Kidnapping, Aggravated Assault with a Gun, etc.

Arrested: Atlanta, GA

 

 

Name: Mario Perez-Roque

Country of Origin: Cuba

Crime: Kidnapping Minor to Sexually Assault, Sex Assault, Assault, Rape, etc.

Arrested: New Orleans, LA

 

 

Name: Leonel Rodriguez-Banda

County of Origin: Mexico

Crime: Hit & Run, DUI, etc.

Arrested: Jesup, GA

 

 

Name: Genaro Velazquez-Ovando

Country of Origin: Mexico

Crime: Aggravated Assault

Arrested: Atlanta, GA

 

 

Name: Omar Carranza

Country of Origin: Mexico

Crime: Aggravated Assault

Arrested: Jackson, GA

 

 

Name: Caesar Sallah

Country of Origin: Gambia

Crime: Assault, Robbery, Burglary

Arrested: Atlanta, GA

 

 

Name: Pascual Sebastian Miguel

Country of Origin: Guatemala

Crime: Terroristic State Offenses, Fraud, etc.

Arrested: Rome, GA

 

 

Name: Alan Molina-Garcia

Country of Origin: Mexico

Crime: Aggravated Assault with Weapon

Arrested: Jackson, GA

 

 

Name: Anatolii Balesta

Country of Origin: Ukraine

Crime: Cruelty Toward Child, Aggravated Assault

Arrested: Atlanta, GA

 

 

Name: Jimmy Hoang

Country of Origin: Vietnam

Crime: Homicide

Arrested: Rome, GA

 

 

Name: Juan Borja-Cruz

Country of Origin: Mexico

Crime: Aggravated Assault, Amphetamine Possession

Arrested: Marietta, GA

 

 

Name: Bounlop Bouakhio

Country of Origin: Laos

Crime: Dangerous Drugs, etc.

Arrested: Atlanta, GA

 

 

Name: Israel Bautista-Benites

Country of Origin: Mexico

Crime: Assault, Battery, Cruelty Toward Child

Arrested: Gainesville, GA

 

 

Name: Abdiel Aizprua

Country of Origin: Panama

Crime: Aggravated Assault with Weapon, Assault, etc.

Arrested: Lumpkin, GA

 

 

Name: Khamphan Souvanhnakhot

Country of Origin: Laos

Crime: Homicide, Aggravated Assault – Weapon, etc.

Arrested: Atlanta, GA

 

 

Name: Orlin Reyes Mercado

Country of Origin: Honduras

Crime: Sexual Assault, Aggravated Assault, Battery

Arrested: Atlanta, GA

 

 

Name: Blanca Parras

Country of Origin: El Salvador

Crime: Domestic Violence, Intimidation, etc.

Arrested: Atlanta, GA

 

 

Name: Maely Chilel Morales

Country of Origin: Mexico

Crime: Terroristic State Offenses, Aggravated Assault

Arrested: Covington, GA

 

 

Name: Arturo Enriquez Galvan

Country of Origin: Mexico

Crime: Aggravated Assault – Weapon

Arrested: Atlanta, GA

 

 

Name: Jonathan Aguilar Trujillo

Country of Origin: Guatemala

Crime: Aggravated Assault – Family Strongarm

Arrested: Canton, GA

 

 

Name: Cristian Arreola-Granados

Country of Origin: Honduras

Crime: Aggravated Assault – Non-Family Strongarm, etc.

Arrested: Rome, GA

 

 

Name: Edgar Gudino Alvarado

Country of Origin: Mexico

Crime: Aggravated Assault – Non-Family-Weapon

Arrested: Marietta, GA

 

 

Name: Bernardo Apak Padilla

Country of Origin: Mexico

Crime: Drug Trafficking, Assault

Arrested: Marietta, GA

 

 

Name: Lisandro Juarez-Perez

Country of Origin: Guatemala

Crime: Hit and Run

Arrested: Lawrenceville, GA

 

 

Name: Rhuan de Barros Etov

Country of Origin: Brazil

Crime: Molestation of Minor, Burglary, etc.

Arrested: Atlanta, GA

 

 

Name: Maricela Rivera Velasquez

Country of Origin: Guatemala

Crime: Cruelty Toward Child, DUI

Arrested: Atlanta, GA

 

 

Name: Luis Baena Olivares

Country of Origin: Mexico

Crime: Robbery, etc.

Arrested: Folkston, GA

 

 

Name: Fernando Alvarez Castaneda

Country of Origin: Mexico

Crime: Cruelty Toward Child, Larceny

Arrested: Lumpkin, GA

 

 

Name: Marlon Enrique Najar-Medina

Country of Origin: Honduras

Crime: Molestation of Minor

Arrested: Norcross, GA

 

 

Name: Ricardo Tirado-Pantoja

Country of Origin: Mexico

Crime: Sexual Assault, Molestation of a Minor

Arrested: Jackson, GA

 

 

Name: Natan Yusupov

Country of Origin: Russia

Crime: Extortion

Arrested: Atlanta, GA

 

 

Name: Jiuvel Nunez Diaz

Country of Origin: Cuba

Crime: Domestic Violence, Battery

Arrested: Atlanta, GA

 

 

Name: Santos Garcia-Mendez

Country of Origin: Guatemala

Crime: Assault, DUI

Arrested: Folkston, GA

 

 

Name: Martin Soreque-Bautista

Country of Origin: Mexico

Crime: Hit and Run

Arrested: Lawrenceville, GA

 

 

Name: Miguel Arroyo-Morales

Country of Origin: Mexico

Crime: Carrying Prohibited Weapon, DUI

Arrested: Lumpkin, GA

 

 

Name: Abdul Zainuddini

Country of Origin: Iran

Crime: Assault, Aggravated Assault

Arrested: Savannah, GA

 

 

Name: Loreto Solorzano Espinoza

Country of Origin: Mexico

Crime: Aggravated Assault – Weapon

Arrested: Atlanta, GA

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor released the following statement on the U.S. Congress’s Joint Economic Committee (JEC) Minority report analyzing family expenses from housing costs to transportation costs:

“President Trump promised American families to lower costs and end inflation, but after one year in office, the numbers show the opposite. Due to arbitrary Trump tariffs and Republican policies, Florida families were burdened with more than $1,342 in extra costs last year just to get by—with housing, electricity, transportation, health care, and everyday necessities all costing more. This is on top of the up to $2,025 average increase in health care premiums due to President Trump and Congressional Republicans’ failure to extend critical health care savings for millions of Florida families.

“Here in Florida and across the country, families are feeling the squeeze every time they pay rent, fill up the gas tank, or see a doctor. Instead of delivering relief, President Trump’s reckless tariffs, misguided health care policies, and economic chaos have driven up the cost of living and increased uncertainty. Americans deserve leadership that lowers costs and actually puts families first, not broken promises that leave household budgets worse off.”

View the full report here.

The JEC analysis shows that in 2025, the average American household spent $1,625 more across the board—including over $320 more in housing costs and over $240 more on transportation costs.

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

Today, Representatives Rick W. Allen (GA-12), Joe Wilson (SC-02), Austin Scott (GA-08), and Sheri Biggs (SC-03) sent a letter to the Honorable David J. Smith, M.D., Acting Director of the Defense Health Agency, seeking answers about potential changes in the scope of services provided at Eisenhower Army Medical Center (EAMC) at Fort Gordon.

In the letter, the members write: “As Members representing districts across Georgia and South Carolina, with over 20 military installations, our constituents and their dependents rely on consistent access to quality care. Our offices have received multiple inquiries and reports of departments, staffing, and services at EAMC being severely reduced. There is no equal military hospital within 300 miles, and our region experiences capacity issues and a lack of TRICARE-approved providers.”

The members continue: “EAMC has consistently been ranked among the top military health institutions serving our Nation. President Trump has prioritized strengthening and rebuilding our military infrastructure and has directed a comprehensive approach to improving the quality of life and accessibility to services for those who wear the uniform. We fail to see how the effective closure of a respected facility serving an entire region furthers this goal.”

The members conclude: “Pursuant to Section 714 in the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act, any changes in the scope of services must be preceded by assessments of impact and approval. We look forward to a prompt response from the Defense Health Agency…”

To read the full letter to Acting Director Smith, click HERE.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

The House Committee on Energy and Commerce convened for a full committee markup to report favorably a series of measures to amend the Clean Air Act. One of those measures is U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith’s (R-VA) bill, H.R. 161, the New Source Review Permitting Improvement Act. 

During debate on Congressman Griffith’s measure, Committee Democrats introduced an amendment to his legislation that would prevent manufacturers from making efficiency upgrades or improvements under the bill to any facilities if the facilities use any electricity generated by coal.

Congressman Griffith spoke in opposition to the Democrats’ amendment to highlight the devastating impact Democrats’ proposal would have on Appalachian communities, including those in Southwest Virginia. You can watch his remarks here or view them below.

Congressman Griffith’s Remarks

“This is the turn off the lights at every factory in the Ninth Congressional District of Virginia, in the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia, in east Tennessee, in West Virginia. Let’s just put central Appalachia completely out of business.

 

“Because what the amendment says is [the bill] shall not apply with respect to any stationary source that generates electricity from coal or uses electricity generated…from coal. 

 

“Well, we’ve been using a lot of coal for a lot of years, and we still have coal fired power plants. 

 

“In fact, we have one in my district that’s one of the cleanest in the world. And it was it was I was there at the ribbon cutting in 2012. It’s got a lot of life expectancy left on it. 

 

“And to say that this completely takes away the right for any area that uses electricity generated by any coal… 

 

“…Now come on, let’s get reasonable. You can’t shut down coal…

 

“…Well, as you might imagine, I’m from the coal regions of central Appalachia. And we’re tired of being kicked around. 

 

“And I know the gentleman didn’t mean it because he’s a good man. But this is just another kicking Appalachia around amendment because people don’t understand, and we want to have a good life. We want more jobs. We want increased incomes. And people have to understand that means that probably in perpetuity, but certainly for the next 50 years, we’re going to still use electricity generated in some measure by coal. 

 

“And to say that we can’t is you might as well put a closed out of business, move out of here. This is going to be a desert for jobs and a desert for people who want a better way of life. 

 

“That’s not the American way. I urge my colleagues to vote no.”

BACKGROUND

With the help of Congressman Griffith, the Committee Republicans defeated this anti-coal amendment.

By a vote of 28-23, the Committee reported favorably Congressman Griffith’s New Source Review Permitting Improvement Act. 

This bill will help American manufacturers make efficiency upgrades and improvements to their facilities and power plants. The measure can now be considered for a vote by the full House of Representatives.

Numerous industry groups and unions voiced support for Congressman Griffith’s bill, including the United Mine Workers of America, the National Mining Association and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26) highlighted key funding priorities and policy provisions secured following House passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations bill last week, which strengthen support for small businesses and protect rural communities.

“As Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, I am proud to deliver concrete results that support small businesses and protect vulnerable communities. This bill reflects a serious, responsible approach to governance, including supporting economic opportunity and improving accountability,” saidDíaz-Balart.

The FY26 FSGG bill reflects Díaz-Balart’s continued commitment to advancing fiscal responsibility, supporting local communities across Miami-Dade and Collier Counties, and defending U.S. national security interests at home and abroad.

Supporting Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs 

The bill includes significant investments to expand access to capital, technical assistance, and economic opportunity for small businesses and underserved communities, including:

• $324 million for the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund to support lending and investment in small businesses and local communities
• $10 million to expand CDFI investments benefiting individuals with disabilities
• $140 million for the Small Business Administration’s Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), providing counseling, training, and support to entrepreneurs and small business owners

Protecting Mail Delivery and Access in Rural Communities

Recognizing the impact of postal service disruptions on rural and vulnerable populations, the bill includes new report language requiring the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to improve transparency and accountability regarding temporary post office suspensions.

This provision is especially important for communities such as Everglades City and Chokoloskee, where temporary post office closures directly affected veterans and seniors who rely on the USPS for the delivery of critical medication, as well as individuals who have lost important documents such as U.S. passports and money orders.

The report language requires USPS to:

• Clearly outline the criteria used to determine temporary suspensions
• Provide a list of temporarily suspended post offices, including the reason for each suspension
• Detail the length of each suspension
• Develop an action plan to improve communication with affected communities, local leaders, state officials, and federal officials

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

WASHINGTON – Ron Estes (R-Kan.) and Rep. Josh Harder (D-Calif.)  reintroduced the Ensuring Seniors’ Access to Quality Care Act. This bill allows nursing homes to continue operating their in-house CNA training program even if they incur fines above a certain amount, so long as the fines are issued for reasons unrelated to direct resident care. 

“This common sense, bipartisan bill accounts for the current workforce challenges nursing homes face without compromising on a commitment to quality care for residents.” said Rep. Estes. “This bill ensures nursing homes continue to meet high standards without losing the staffing levels needed to provide high-quality care.”

Rep. Estes said, “The Seniors’ Access to Quality Care Act prevents an in-house CNA education program from facing suspension due to non-care related clerical violations.” “That’s a commonsense solution to help keep CNA education programs operational and assist nursing homes across the country with staffing levels.” 

“We should be doing everything we can to rebuild our workforce and make sure seniors get the consistent, high-quality care they deserve,” said Rep. Harder. “This bill will help grow the pipeline of caregivers. I’m grateful to Congressman Estes for his leadership on this issue.”

“We applaud Congressmen Estes and Harder for reintroducing the Ensuring Seniors’ Access to Quality Care Act to help develop more certified nursing assistants. As America’s population ages and demand for long term care grows, we strongly support this legislation and its goals to expand training pipelines and workforce capacity so that we can continue delivering high-quality, person-centered care. Addressing a key legislative priority of our Caregivers for Tomorrow initiative, this commonsense legislation represents the type of practical, collaborative policy solutions needed to support our caregivers and the people they serve,” Michael Bassett, Senior Vice President of Government Relations for American Health Care Association said. 

Background

 

Today, current surveys show about 94-96% of nursing facilities are still actively hiring or struggling to fill roles, and rural areas have reported having to limit admissions to their facilities close to 50% their full capacity due to these challenges. We are pleased that we were able to roll back the Biden administration’s nursing home staffing mandate which would have worsened workforce shortages across the country and required nursing homes nationwide already struggling to find staff to hire more than 100,000 additional nurses and nurse aides. One estimate suggested nearly 300,000 residents would lose access to care – more than one-fourth of all residents – as nursing homes slow admissions to comply with the mandate. Rep. Estes wrote about this rule and his CNA bill in a November 2023 op-ed in The Hill.

Under current law, Medicare prevents nursing homes from operating a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) training program for two years if the facility is fined a certain amount. In making the decision to prohibit the training program, Medicare does not account for the seriousness of the underlying deficiency or activity the fine was related to. For example, a nursing home could be fined for a deficiency unrelated to direct resident care, like having expired crackers in a food pantry, yet would still be prohibited from operating a CNA training program for two years. While current law contains a waiver, it is seldom used and has proven inadequate. Rep. Estes’ legislation addresses this issue.

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