MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02)

Rep. Craig’s letter follows the Department’s decision to gut staff and offload responsibilities

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) joined Washington state’s entire Congressional delegation in a letterto President Donald Trump urging him to approve Washington state Governor Bob Ferguson’s request last night for an expedited Emergency Declaration for the devastating wildfires sweeping through Central and Eastern Washington state.

On Saturday, Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide wildfire emergency and issued a statewide burn ban through September 30, 2026. The National Weather Service upgraded the Red Flag Warning on Saturday, to a Particularly Dangerous Situation, which is very rare and typically reserved for extreme fire weather conditions. The Spokane Area Fires consist of the Old Trails Fire burning in northwest Spokane, the Autumn Lane Fire burning near Nine Mile Falls, and the Fairview Fire burning in Mead. Over 700 structures have been lost in the fires so far and over 14,000 structures are threatened, 67,000 people have been evacuated, the three fires have burned over 8,000 acres combined and are still 0% contained, nearly 1,000 firefighters battling fires in the Spokane area, and thousands of more people remain under a Level 3 (Go Now!) evacuation.

“Large and fast-moving wildfires are burning in Central and Eastern Washington. Dangerous conditions, including strong winds, low humidity, and extremely high temperatures, intensified existing fires and ignited new fires, the worst of which started in Spokane and Stevens Counties on Saturday, August 1. According to the Northwest Coordination Center (NWCC), the Pacific Northwest is experiencing wildfire activity not normally seen until much later in the fire season. Between record-setting drought and record low snowpack, the state and Central and Eastern Washington were left vulnerable to fires that burn longer, spread faster, and are increasingly resistant to control,” wrote Larsen and the members of the delegation.

Rep. Larsen joined Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and U.S. Representatives Michael Baumgartner (R, WA-05), Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D, WA-03), Dan Newhouse (R, WA-04), Emily Randall (D, WA-06), Pramila Jayapal (D, WA-07), Kim Schrier (D, WA-08), Adam Smith (D, WA-09) and Marilyn Strickland (D, WA-10) in the letter to President Trump.

“These fires spread rapidly, jumping roads and rivers, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate quickly, with many escaping with little more than they could carry. So far, roughly 700 structures have been destroyed in Spokane, including entire neighborhoods, while many remain threatened. As the fires continue to burn, this number is expected to climb. Hundreds of people have completely lost their homes and farms, and many are prohibited from returning to their homes or neighborhoods as crews continue to extinguish smoldering embers,” the lawmakers continued. “Firefighting crews from around the country, as well as international firefighting forces, have deployed to Washington state and are working overtime to suppress these fires, while National Guard members are assisting local first responders with evacuations and firefighting. Expedited federal assistance will help continue these efforts and ensure that state and local agencies have the resources they need.”

“While local, state, and federal resources deployed quickly to respond to the wildfires, federal assistance is needed as firefighting, evacuations, and emergency shelter operations are ongoing. Expedited federal assistance is critical and will help firefighting crews continue to suppress these persistent wildfires and protect the businesses, farms, schools, healthcare facilities, and residential homes from devastation, all while ensuring those displaced by the fires have the support and resources they need,” the lawmakers concluded.

The full letter is available below and HERE.

Dear Mr. President,

As members of the Washington state delegation, we write in support of Washington state’s August 2nd request for an expedited Emergency Declaration due to the devastating wildfires raging in Chelan, Ferry, Okanogan, Spokane, Stevens, and Yakima Counties. In addition to the counties, the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, and Spokane Tribe of Indians are also listed in Washington’s expedited Emergency Declaration request. We implore you to approve the request for assistance as quickly as possible.

Large and fast-moving wildfires are burning in Central and Eastern Washington. Dangerous conditions, including strong winds, low humidity, and extremely high temperatures, intensified existing fires and ignited new fires, the worst of which started in Spokane and Stevens Counties on Saturday, August 1. According to the Northwest Coordination Center (NWCC), the Pacific Northwest is experiencing wildfire activity not normally seen until much later in the fire season. Between record-setting drought and record low snowpack, the state and Central and Eastern Washington were left vulnerable to fires that burn longer, spread faster, and are increasingly resistant to control.

These fires spread rapidly, jumping roads and rivers, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate quickly, with many escaping with little more than they could carry. So far, roughly 700 structures have been destroyed in Spokane, including entire neighborhoods, while many remain threatened. As the fires continue to burn, this number is expected to climb. Hundreds of people have completely lost their homes and farms, and many are prohibited from returning to their homes or neighborhoods as crews continue to extinguish smoldering embers.

Firefighting crews from around the country, as well as international firefighting forces, have deployed to Washington state and are working overtime to suppress these fires, while National Guard members are assisting local first responders with evacuations and firefighting. Expedited federal assistance will help continue these efforts and ensure that state and local agencies have the resources they need.

While local, state, and federal resources deployed quickly to respond to the wildfires, federal assistance is needed as firefighting, evacuations, and emergency shelter operations are ongoing. Expedited federal assistance is critical and will help firefighting crews continue to suppress these persistent wildfires and protect the businesses, farms, schools, healthcare facilities, and residential homes from devastation, all while ensuring those displaced by the fires have the support and resources they need. We appreciate your prompt attention to the state’s request.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Joe Wilson (2nd District of South Carolina)

Washington, DC – Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC), introduced the PREVENT ESRD Act. The Legislation establishes a program to encourage health plans to invest in earlier detection and treatment of chronic kidney disease before patients develop end-stage renal disease (ESRD). 

     Under the bill, participating health plans would improve access to kidney screenings, medications, nutrition services, care coordination, and other preventive treatments while reducing or eliminating patient cost-sharing for key kidney care services. These investments should successfully slow the progression of kidney disease and reduce Medicare spending, while saving lives. 

     The legislation has been endorsed by the American Kidney Fund (AKF), the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Alliance for Aging Research, Amputee Coalition, American Society of Nephrology, The ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC), Gerontological Society of America (GSA), Global Coalition on Aging, IgA Nephropathy Foundation, League of United Latin American Citizens, The Mended Hearts, Inc., National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC), National Alliance of Purchaser Coalitions, National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP), NCBA Inc., The National Consumer League (NCL), National Kidney Foundation (NKF), NephCure, Renal Physicians Association (RPA). The joint endorsement letter can be read here.   

     “Kidney disease affects millions of Americans, yet far too many are not diagnosed until it is too late. The PREVENT ESRD Act takes a commonsense approach by encouraging earlier screening, expanding access to proven treatments, and rewarding better outcomes that improve patients’ lives while reducing costs for taxpayers. I am grateful to work to help Americans stay healthier and strengthen the future of healthcare. I dedicate this fight to the late Karen Metz, wife of my Chief of Staff Craig Metz, who courageously battled kidney disease,” said Rep. Wilson.

     “Research shows early intervention in kidney care could save Medicare more than $9 billion and employers over $35 billion annually. But beyond the significant economic savings, the human burden of kidney disease could be reduced if we pass legislation that could meaningfully change the trajectory of kidney disease. The American Kidney Fund thanks U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson for introducing the “Prevent ESRD Act” and leading bipartisan efforts to advance the fight against kidney disease. We urge Congress to support the legislation on behalf of 37 million Americans with kidney disease, and millions more at risk,” said LaVarne Burton, President and Chief Executive Officer, American Kidney Fund. 

      The National Kidney Foundation applauds this legislation’s innovative approach to preventing the progression to kidney failure. Too many Americans are diagnosed too late, when treatment options become more limited and costs to patients, families, employers, and the healthcare system increase dramatically. By encouraging investment in early detection, education, and proven treatments, this has the potential to improve outcomes for millions of Americans affected by CKD while reducing unnecessary healthcare spending. We look forward to working with Congress and stakeholders to advance policies that help more people maintain their kidney health and avoid kidney failure,” said Dr. Jesse Roach, Senior Vice President of Government Relations, National Kidney Foundation.

     “Large employers see firsthand the human and financial toll of chronic kidney disease on workers, families, and the health care system. A voluntary kidney care shared savings demonstration is exactly the kind of commonsense, bipartisan solution we need—one that rewards earlier screening, better care coordination, and access to effective treatments before patients progress to kidney failure. By aligning incentives for health plans, employers, providers, and Medicare, this model can help delay or prevent ESRD, improve quality of life for millions of Americans, and generate meaningful savings for taxpayers and employer-sponsored health plans alike,” said Melissa Barlett, Senior Vice President, Health Policy, ERISA Industry Committee.

     “Too many Americans never get the chance to age healthily because kidney disease goes undetected until it’s too late. Programs that increase earlier screening and treatment, when progression can still be slowed or stopped, will go a long way in supporting patients’ quality of life, helping employers retain experienced workers longer, and lowering health system costs. Keeping more people out of dialysis means more people reaching their later years with their health and independence intact,” said Melissa Gong Mitchell, Executive Director, Global Coalition on Aging. 

      “For people living with Spina Bifida, protecting kidney health is essential to preserving independence, preventing life-threatening complications, and improving quality of life across the lifespan. Kidney disease often develops silently in our community due to neurogenic bladder, making early screening, coordinated care, and timely intervention critical. The Spina Bifida Association strongly supports innovative approaches that encourage prevention, reward high-quality care, and expand access to evidence-based treatments before kidney failure occurs. By investing in earlier detection and better care coordination, this demonstration has the potential to improve outcomes for millions of Americans while reducing the human and financial costs of kidney disease. We applaud this bipartisan effort to prioritize prevention and protect kidney health,” said Sara Struwe, President and Chief Executive Officer, Spina Bifida Association. 

      “The Academy strongly supports this innovative demonstration project to advance kidney care and prevent progression to end-stage renal disease. Chronic kidney disease remains a silent and costly crisis, often going undiagnosed until it is too late, despite clear evidence that early screening, nutrition intervention, and coordinated care can significantly improve outcomes. By aligning incentives to prioritize prevention and expanding access to comprehensive, patient-centered services, this model represents a critical step toward transforming kidney care, improving quality of life for millions, and reducing avoidable costs to employers and the Medicare program. We urge policymakers to move forward with this bipartisan opportunity to invest in prevention and deliver better, more equitable care,” said the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 2025-2026 President Deanne Brandstetter, MBA, RDN CDN, FAND. 

     “NANASP commends Rep. Wilson on the introduction of his novel bill which has prevention as its main focus. The approach of creating a kidney care shared savings demonstration is a win-win for health care plans who succeed in delaying and preventing ESRD and the other winner of course is the patient. Early diagnosis of kidney disease is vital to avoiding later more costly treatments. We urge passage of this bill,” said Bob Blancato, Executive Director, National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services (NANASP).

     “IgA nephropathy is a progressive kidney disease that often affects people in the prime of their lives, yet many patients are not diagnosed until significant kidney damage has already occurred. Earlier identification, better care coordination, and access to effective treatments are essential to slowing disease progression and helping patients avoid kidney failure. The Prevent ESRD Act recognizes the importance of prevention by creating incentives to intervene earlier in the disease continuum. The IgA Nephropathy Foundation is proud to support this effort and thanks Rep. Joe Wilson for his leadership on behalf of patients with kidney disease,” – Bonnie Schneider, Executive Director, IgA Nephropathy Foundation.

     A full copy of H.R. 9891 is available here. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is the most significant bipartisan federal housing legislation enacted in decades, giving communities news tools to preserve affordable housing, rehabilitate aging homes, and build more housing faster.

“Too many Sacramento families are spending more of every paycheck on rent, and too many young people are wondering whether they can afford to build a future here,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “This law gives SHRA and our local partners better tools to renovate public housing, prepare sites for construction, and reduce federal delays that drive up costs. Mirasol Village shows what Sacramento can accomplish when strong local leadership has the right federal support, and I will work to make sure these programs are fully funded and put to work for our community.”

“The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is a huge first step in tackling our housing crisis in California,” said Congressman Thompson. “This bill will help us build more housing, lower mortgage and rental costs, and expand home ownership opportunities. I was proud to support this historic, bipartisan legislation and I will continue to work to ensure this is rolled out quickly so our communities can get the support they need.”

“Too many hardworking families in the Sacramento region are doing everything right but still cannot afford a place to live,” said Congressman Bera. “The ROAD to Housing Act will help cut red tape, unlock publicly owned land, and accelerate the construction of affordable housing. I’m grateful to Congresswoman Matsui and Congressman Thompson for their leadership on this issue and look forward to working with them to ensure this new law helps families across our region have a fair shot at homeownership, economic security, and the American Dream.”

“We’re standing in a park, in the middle of a neighborhood with families living all around us,” said Councilmember Pluckebaum. “The City put $20 million into Marisol Village and that was not a small decision, but we would do it again in a heartbeat. But we didn’t do it alone. It took the Federal Government, the State, the County, private investment, SHRA, all moving in the same direction at the same time.”

“The 21st Century Road to Housing Act is set to strengthen the tools that SHRA uses to preserve and modernize our public housing portfolio as well as to assist developers more quickly and efficiently with gap financing to further fuel the pipeline that builds affordable housing.” said Kecia Boulware, SHRA deputy executive director of development. “This is a positive outcome for the families who so desperately need affordable housing in the City and County.  We are thankful to our Congressional delegation for all their support in making this legislation a reality.”

By expanding the Rental Assistance Demonstration program, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act will give SHRA more room to finance major renovations across Sacramento’s public housing communities. It also opens HUD’s Community Development Block Grant funding to new affordable housing construction and allows HOME funding to cover site preparation, utilities, and other infrastructure needed before crews can break ground. Reducing duplicative federal reviews will also shorten project timelines, while lowering costs for local developers and builders.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) cosponsored a bipartisan resolution to reaffirm that open-water lifeguards qualify as first responders and emergency response providers, and recognize the essential, lifesaving work performed by these individuals. Rep. Panetta joined the resolution that is led by Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04).

“In order to fulfill their duties, lifeguards, just like other first responders, can’t run away from danger, they must run into it,” said Rep. Panetta. “The world recently was able to witness one example of lifeguards’ gallant, lifesaving work, which can occur numerous times on a daily basis, when a bystander’s video captured 16-year-old Ryder Williams run into the rough waves in Santa Cruz, California with dogged determination to save a young boy from drowning. Due to their extensive and constant training, entering into dangerous waters, providing emergency medical care, professionalism, and putting their own lives on the line to protect others, open-water lifeguards live up not just to their name, but also deserve to be federally recognized as first responders.” 

The federal definition of a first responder “includes a firefighter, law enforcement officer, paramedic, emergency medical technician, or other individual … who, in the course of his or her professional duties, responds to fire, medical, hazardous material, or other similar emergencies.” Recognizing open-water lifeguards as first responders would help ensure they receive the recognition they deserve, while improving their access to benefits, workplace protections, federal training, grants, and other programs available to emergency response personnel.

Open-water lifeguards conduct essential work and put their lives at risk to protect thousands of beachgoers from injury or life-threatening risks. These individuals can perform water rescues, emergency medical aid, marine fire response, law enforcement support, and rescue-vessel operations in changing surf and marine conditions. They attend to, treat, assist, and transport victims, performing four essential duties of emergency response employees.

In 2024, beach agencies reporting to the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) recorded more than 85,000 rescues, 444,000 medical assists, and 22.8 million preventive actions. California State Parks lifeguards alone perform more than 10,000 swimmer rescues and 1 million preventive actions annually, in addition to conducting swift-water, urban-flood, and technical-cliff rescues and carrying out law enforcement duties. At beaches protected by lifeguards affiliated with USLA, the estimated risk of drowning is less than one in 18 million.

Full text of the resolution is available here.

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

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) reintroduced a bipartisan bill designating the first week of August as National Community Health Center Week. He was joined by Reps. Troy Balderson (OH-12), Danny Davis (IL-07), and Jake Auchincloss (MA-04). This resolution recognizes the important partnership between health centers and the communities they serve.

Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) reintroduced the companion bill in the Senate.

“As a member of the Congressional Community Health Center Caucus, I’m proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing this bipartisan resolution recognizing National Community Health Center Week,” said Congressman Valadao. “In California’s 22nd Congressional District, seven federally funded Community Health Center (CHC) organizations provide care to more than 765,000 patients each year, serving as a critical lifeline for families in rural and underserved communities. This week, we celebrate CHCs and the dedicated healthcare professionals who work hard to ensure quality, affordable healthcare across our communities.”

“Community health centers provide millions of Americans with access to the primary, preventive, and behavioral health care they depend on,” said Congressman Balderson. “For many rural and underserved communities, these centers are an essential source of quality, affordable care that helps keep patients healthy and reduces the need for more costly treatment down the road. During National Community Health Center Week, we recognize and thank the dedicated doctors, nurses, staff, and volunteers who work every day to strengthen the health of our communities.”

“Community Health Centers are community-based healthcare providers that provide and expand access to care for millions of medically underserved Americans who receive primary, preventive, behavioral health, dental care, substance use treatment, and other services,” said Congressman Davis. “I join my colleagues in celebrating 61 years of improving our nation’s health.”

“Community health centers are tested and trusted, as this resolution recognizes,” said Congressman Auchincloss. “Congress should make these vital clinics the backbone of primary care in America by providing the rules & resourcing to multiply their impact.”

“The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) applauds Reps. Valadao (R-CA), Balderson (R-OH), Auchincloss (D-MA), and Davis (D-IL) for introducing this year’s resolution honoring National Community Health Center Week. Community Health Centers (CHC) anchor the nation’s largest primary care network, treating 52 million patients — 1 in 7 Americans, including 1 in 3 in rural America — while spending just 1% of the nation’s health care dollars. Congress’s continued bipartisan backing enables CHCs to operate more than 17,000 locations and employ 326,000 people, who provide primary and preventive care, manage chronic disease, reduce health care costs, and strengthen local economies in communities nationwide,” said Kyu Rhee, MD, MPP, President and CEO of NACHC.

“The Central Valley Health Network would like to recognize the continued leadership of Representative Valadao and that of his colleagues Representatives Auchincloss (D-MA), Balderson (R-OH) and Davis (D-IL) in acknowledging the critical work of health centers to provide access to quality healthcare by introducing the 2026 congressional resolution commemorating National Community Health Center Week. California’s community health centers serve as the backbone to the state’s healthcare delivery system to underserved communities serving more than 5.8 million individuals in rural and urban regions, with many families throughout the Central Valley relying on the essential services they provide,” said Jason Vega, CEO, Central Valley Health Network.

“Family HealthCare Network is grateful to Congressman Valadao for recognizing National Community Health Center Week and the essential role community health centers play in keeping our communities healthy. His continued support reflects an understanding that access to quality, affordable primary care is fundamental to the well-being of families throughout the Central Valley. As Californians continue to rely on health centers for their care, this recognition reinforces the importance of ensuring these vital services remain strong and accessible for everyone who needs them.  The recognition also reinforces Congressman Valadao’s continued focus on the well-being and prosperity of those living in the Central Valley,” said Kerry Hydash, MPA, President & CEO, Family HealthCare Network.

Read the resolution here.

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

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) is urging MaineHealth to preserve labor and delivery services at Lincoln Hospital in Damariscotta, warning that closing the unit would have far-reaching consequences for families, health care workers, and communities throughout the Midcoast.

In a letter to MaineHealth President and CEO Dr. Andy Mueller and Lincoln Hospital President Cindy McCarthy, Pingree acknowledged the challenges facing rural hospitals, while encouraging them to do everything in their power to keep the unit open.

“Lincoln Hospital has a long history of providing safe and quality care to maternity patients,” Pingree wrote. “I sincerely appreciate that there are structural challenges to the continued delivery of that care, but the consequences of a closure—on patients, hospital staff, and the surrounding towns—could be devastating. I urge you to explore every possible avenue to preserve access to labor and delivery services in Damariscotta.”

She also raised broader concerns about the steady decline of maternity care across Maine, noting that the state has lost 10 birthing units over the past decade, while warning that continued closures could jeopardize the ability of families to live and raise children in rural Maine.

Maine has lost 10 of its 23 hospital-based labor and delivery units over the past decade. Nationally, a 2024 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that 52.4% of rural hospitals no longer offered obstetric care in 2022, contributing to growing maternity care deserts across the country. 

In the U.S., maternal mortality remains far higher than in most other high-income countries, with persistent racial and geographic disparities in outcomes.

Pingree acknowledged that addressing the crisis will require stronger federal support for rural health care—including protecting Medicaid, expanding the rural health care workforce, and improving reimbursement rates. She pledged to continue advocating for those priorities in Congress, while working with Maine providers to preserve access to maternity care.

On Saturday, dozens of community members, health care providers, patients, and local leaders gathered outside the MaineHealth headquarters in Portland to raise awareness about the impacts of the closure. 

The MaineHealth Board of Trustees is expected to vote on the proposal this week.

The full text of Pingree’s letter is available here and copied below.

+++

Dear Dr. Mueller and Ms. McCarthy,

I understand that MaineHealth is currently deliberating over the future of labor and delivery services at MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital. As that process continues, I’m writing to echo the deep concerns I’ve heard from constituents about the potential impact that closing the unit would have on families and communities across the Midcoast.

Lincoln Hospital has a long history of providing safe and quality care to maternity patients, guiding new parents through all kinds of childbirth experiences. I sincerely appreciate that there are structural challenges to the continued delivery of that care, but the consequences of a closure – on patients, hospital staff, and the surrounding towns – could be devastating. I urge you to explore every possible avenue to preserve access to labor and delivery services in Damariscotta.

Beyond the specific circumstances at Lincoln Hospital, I fear the continued erosion of maternity care access statewide. I delivered all three of my children at hospitals in the Midcoast that no longer provide labor and delivery care. In total, Maine has lost 10 birthing units in just the past decade. We must decide to draw a line somewhere, or risk sending the message that you cannot raise a family in Maine outside of our biggest cities.

Rural maternity care that is truly sustainable will require substantial policy change – from restoring the historic cuts to Medicaid in President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, to training more providers across rural settings, to boosting reimbursement rates. I’m committed to advocating for that change on the federal level, and I welcome your continued partnership in that fight.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Chellie Pingree

Member of Congress

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09), Fort Bragg’s Congressman, applauded the inclusion of new protections for Special Operations Forces and other personnel serving in sensitive military units in the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY 27) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The provision follows a months-long push by Hudson to protect servicemembers from the intentional disclosure of information that could expose their identities, endanger their families, or compromise sensitive military missions.

“Our special operators take on some of the most dangerous missions in the world to keep us safe. They and their families should never have to worry someone will expose their identities and put a target on their backs,” said Rep. Hudson. “As Fort Bragg’s Congressman, I introduced legislation to strengthen these protections, and I’m glad this year’s NDAA takes an important step in the right direction. I will keep working to make sure our servicemembers and their families have the strongest protections possible.”

Background

Earlier this year, Hudson, alongside U.S. Representative Pat Harrigan (NC-10), introduced H. R. 7136,  the Special Operator Protection Act of 2026,  following an incident in which identifying information about a servicemember involved in a sensitive military operation was posted publicly. U.S. Senator Ted Budd introduced a companion measure in the U.S. Senate. 

H. R. 7136 would make it a federal crime to knowingly publish restricted personal information about Special Operations Forces, certain servicemembers and Department of War personnel involved in sensitive activities, and their immediate family members when the information is intended to threaten, intimidate, or facilitate violence.

The NDAA provision advances the same goal through a different legal framework by extending existing federal protections for covert identities to certain servicemembers and Department of War personnel involved in sensitive units or activities. It applies criminal penalties when someone intentionally exposes an identity the government is actively working to conceal.

Hudson will continue pushing for the broader protections in his Special Operator Protection Act, including safeguards for the personal information of covered servicemembers and their immediate families.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Pete Aguilar (31 CD Ca)

Highlights include nearly $18 million for 20 projects in the Inland Empire and strengthening oversight of the Trump administration secured through his work on the House Appropriations Committee
WASHINGTON, D.C. – As a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, the committee responsible for determining how much funding each federal agency receives, Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) fought to add funding for local housing, healthcare and infrastructure needs in the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY 2027) government funding bills. 
“Whether it’s affordable housing, accessible healthcare, public safety or boosting our local economy, my number one goal has always been to make life better for families in the Inland Empire,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “I’m proud of my work to deliver for the hardworking people I represent and I will continue fighting for policies and funding to benefit our region.”
The wins were secured in bills passed by the House Appropriations Committee. The next step is for the full House of Representatives to consider the bills and for negotiations with the Senate to finalize this funding. A list of Rep. Aguilar’s Community Project Funding requests, along with a summary of his top wins in each government funding bill, is included below.
Rep. Aguilar’s FY 2027 Community Project Funding Requests:
Rep. Aguilar secured $17,633,864 for 20 projects in the Inland Empire to support local efforts to create job training and research programs, strengthen water and flood infrastructure, improve public safety, reduce crime, increase affordable housing, upgrade roadways and transportation and expand healthcare services. Specifically, this includes: 

$2,000,000 for SAC Health’s Expansion of Dental Access Project to purchase dental equipment and expand dental services at SAC Health’s Brier Campus, strengthening the Inland Empire’s healthcare infrastructure and improving access to oral health services for underserved communities.
$1,007,060 for San Bernardino County’s Rialto Channel Improvements Project to enhance the Rialto Channel’s stormwater capacity and reduce flood risk in Downtown Rialto, protecting homes, businesses, public facilities and transportation corridors from damage during major storms.
$1,000,000 for Community Health Systems, Inc.’s Bloomington Community Health Campus Improvement Project to renovate and expand the Bloomington Family Wellness Center to provide behavioral health and substance use disorder services, enhancing community access to quality healthcare and reducing emergency room visits.
$1,000,000 for the Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino’s Arrowhead Grove 132 Units of Affordable Housing Redevelopment Project to renovate and construct more than 130 new affordable and workforce rental housing units in one of San Bernardino’s most chronically impoverished neighborhoods. 
$1,000,000 for the City of Rancho Cucamonga’s Renovation for Workforce Development and Business Incubator Project to transform the historic d’Ellena Winery into a training center for hospitality jobs, creating career pathways for in-demand hospitality, food and beverage and event management roles.
$1,000,000 for the City of Grand Terrace’s Commerce Way – De Berry Street Gateway Connector Project to build a road connecting Commerce Way to De Berry Street and linking to Taylor Street, enhancing roadway safety and improving access to Interstate 215, local businesses and nearby housing developments.
$1,000,000 for San Bernardino International Airport Authority’s City Creek Bypass Channel Drainage Improvements Project to construct a new channel design between Victoria Avenue and the Twin Creek channel to permanently reduce flood risks, improve public safety and protect critical infrastructure and downstream communities.
$772,700 for Loma Linda University’s Community-Based Interdisciplinary Education, Research and Service-Learning Center to provide students with state-of-the-art simulation, community research and service-learning experiences to help meet community healthcare needs.
$772,700 for the City of San Bernardino’s Mobile Command Post to reduce crime and improve the city’s safety and emergency response.
$772,700 for the University of Redlands’ AI-Enhanced Geospatial and Architectural Modeling Lab for Community Hazard Resilience to train city planners and emergency responders to better prepare for and respond to natural disasters using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR) technology.
$772,700 for the City of Redlands Body-Worn Camera Modernization and Replacement Initiative to enhance the Redlands Police Department’s body-worn camera and drone programs and create a system to manage digital evidence and share data with justice partners, strengthening efficiency, transparency and public trust.
$772,700 for Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy’s Youth Justice Resilience and Reentry Initiative (YJRRI) to provide supportive services to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated youth aimed at improving public safety, treating trauma and reducing recidivism rates for gang involvement, substance abuse and other crimes.
$772,700 for the California University of Science and Medicine’s Health Workforce Training Center: AI-Powered Language Proficiency Program to provide scalable clinical communication and language proficiency training for healthcare workers across the Inland Empire.
$750,000 for the San Bernardino Community College District’s SBVC Legacy Village – Phase 1 Student & Workforce Housing Infrastructure Project to build Legacy Village, a student success and workforce preparation hub with 500 housing units, improving housing stability and education access in the Inland Empire. 
$746,868 for the City of Rialto’s City Well 3A Arsenic Treatment Facility Project to support the construction of an arsenic treatment facility to restore a critical local drinking water supply for Rialto residents and meet federal drinking water standards.
$746,868 for San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District’s Mill Creek Groundwater Recharge Facility Overflow Upgrades Project to increase groundwater storage of the San Bernardino Basin to improve local water sustainability, support economic stability and growth and enhance public access and safety.
$746,868 for the City of San Bernardino Municipal Water Department’s (SBWMD) Wastewater Lift Station Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Modernization and Improvement Project to upgrade critical wastewater infrastructure and address technology vulnerabilities, helping to prevent costly environmental or public health issues.
$700,000 for the Colton Police Department’s Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) and Records Management System (RMS) Project to strengthen community safety and emergency response by streamlining call handling, improving police response and providing real-time situational updates.
$679,200 for the Southern California Regional Rail Authority’s Metrolink’s San Bernardino Line Operational Reliability and Safety Improvements Metrolink Project to upgrade technology along the San Bernardino Line to improve system safety and reliability and provide riders traveling to and from San Bernardino with real-time service information.
$620,800 for the City of San Bernardino’s Street Lighting and Public Safety Improvement Project to replace approximately 3,000 wired LED streetlights with off-grid streetlights across the city, improving safety and reducing costs by eliminating the need for emergency repairs.

Rep. Aguilar’s wins in the FY 2027 Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) funding bill include:

Secured $875 million in infrastructure funding for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Additionally, during a subcommittee hearing, Rep. Aguilar questioned Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, urging stronger financial support from the Trump administration for the games.
Helped block the Trump administration’s unfair housing rule that would take away housing from U.S. citizen children who live in mixed immigration status households. During a subcommittee hearing, Rep. Aguilar questioned Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Scott Turner about the unprecedented housing rule, which helped lead to the passage of an amendment preventing the rule’s implementation.
Secured language urging HUD to use higher Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan limits in metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) like the Inland Empire to expand access to affordable housing and opportunities for homeownership. 

Rep. Aguilar’s wins in the FY 2027 Defense funding bill include:

Secured $5,000,000 for a Redlands-based software company and global leader in geospatial intelligence data awareness to develop a data collection platform in partnership with the Department of Defense (DOD). The platform will collect data used to improve communities, such as mapping traffic, understanding community trends, boosting utility efficiency and more.
Secured $5,000,000 for a Redlands-based battery manufacturer to develop a high-power-density battery to serve as a reliable, clean energy source for military and space technology.
Increased funding for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity research and workforce development at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB).
Secured funding for a San Bernardino-based aerospace company to develop a low-cost, reusable and versatile Towed Hypersonic Launch platform to support space launches.    
During an oversight hearing with Secretary Pete Hegseth, Rep. Aguilar pressed the Department of Defense to reveal that the cost of the Iran War had increased from $25 billion to more than $29 billion.  

Rep. Aguilar’s wins in the FY 2027 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies funding bill include: 

Secured $2.5 million for affordable housing agencies like Rancho Cucamonga-based National CORE to provide residents with supportive services to improve housing stability, economic mobility and financial literacy.
Ensured that participants in the Randolph-Sheppard Program for the Blind continue to receive technical support when applying for federal grants.
Expanded access to sickle cell disease treatment at community-based organizations in California and increased the quality of medical care provided to individuals living with sickle cell disease.

Rep. Aguilar’s wins in the FY 2027 Financial Services and General Government funding bill include: 

Secured changes to the bill urging the United States Postal Service (USPS) to respond to mailbox theft and vandalism more quickly and strengthen protections for consumers. Rep. Aguilar held a press conference highlighting the importance of these efforts for the Inland Empire.
Improved small businesses’ ability to afford advertising and increase local news coverage in areas like the San Bernardino Valley, which are grouped into larger broadcasting media markets such as Los Angeles. Rep. Aguilar secured language directing the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a report analyzing current Designated Market Areas (DMA) definitions and their effects on outlying communities. 
Encouraged the construction of a new courthouse in Riverside, CA, so that Inland Empire residents going to court are less likely to be redirected to Los Angeles or San Diego for hearings with a judge when the existing courthouse experiences backlogs. 

Rep. Aguilar’s wins in the FY 2027 Homeland Security funding bill include: 

Urged U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to address processing delays for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients’ renewal applications and work authorizations. Rep. Aguilar’s changes to the bill will help ensure that DACA recipients’ jobs, lives and legal status are not put at risk due to delays within USCIS.
Directed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop an identification system for law enforcement conducting immigration enforcement with clearly and legibly displayed identifiers and requiring law enforcement personnel to verbally identify themselves upon request in the case of an arrest.
Ensured that Members of Congress can visit Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities to conduct congressional oversight without giving prior notice. Furthermore, the changes that Rep. Aguilar secured will prevent detention facilities from modifying the facilities prior to congressional oversight visits to ensure transparency about the conditions.

Rep. Aguilar will continue fighting for his legislative priorities as the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY 2027) Appropriations bills await full consideration in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, today called on the Postal Service Board of Governors to remove Postmaster General David Steiner, accusing him of using the U.S. Postal Service in an effort to implement President Trump’s election mail executive order, which federal courts have twice held violates the Constitution. In a letter sent today, Krishnamoorthi also demanded answers about USPS’s apparent implementation of the order.

In the letter, Krishnamoorthi argues that Steiner has transformed USPS into a partisan instrument of voter suppression:

“Under your leadership, the United States Postal Service has been transformed into a partisan instrument of voter suppression. You have allowed this institution—trusted for more than two centuries to deliver mail without regard to party or politics—to be pressed into service implementing an Executive Order that federal courts have twice held violates the Constitution.”

President Trump’s March 31 executive order directed USPS to withhold delivery of mail ballots to voters whose eligibility could not be confirmed against a federally compiled voter list. Twenty-three states and the District of Columbia challenged the order as an unconstitutional usurpation of authority reserved to the states and Congress. A federal district court blocked key portions of the order, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit upheld that injunction, and the Trump Administration has since asked the Supreme Court to allow the order to take effect before the November midterm elections.

Krishnamoorthi also argues that the Trump Administration’s representations to the Supreme Court are contradicted by USPS’s own apparent implementation efforts:

“The Administration’s own filing presents a troubling contradiction. In urging the Supreme Court to allow immediate implementation, the Department of Justice characterized the Executive Order as merely ‘general policy guidance’ and acknowledged that USPS has not finalized any implementing regulations. Yet USPS’s apparent implementation efforts over the past four months tell a different story.”

Krishnamoorthi argues that Steiner’s repeated refusal to answer Congress has left critical questions about USPS’s efforts to implement the executive order unanswered. The letter details how Steiner failed to respond to multiple requests for information, confirmed during Senate testimony his intention to carry out key aspects of the executive order despite ongoing litigation, declined to answer additional questions in writing, and refused to appear voluntarily before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Because of that pattern of obstruction, Krishnamoorthi concludes that Steiner has forfeited the trust required of his office:

“A Postmaster General who will not tell Congress whether his agency is complying with a federal court order, and who will not appear to answer for that silence, has already forfeited the trust the office requires. I am therefore calling on the Postal Service Board of Governors to remove you as Postmaster General, and I will urge my colleagues on the Committee to join that call.”

Krishnamoorthi requested responses by August 13, 2026, including answers to the following questions:

1. Describe, in detail and with supporting documentation, every implementation activity USPS has undertaken pursuant to the Executive Order to date, including any activity undertaken after the district court’s injunction and after the First Circuit’s July 25 ruling.
2. Identify all guidance, training materials, or instructions issued to postal employees, contractors, or mail processing facilities regarding the handling of election mail under the Executive Order.
3. State whether and how USPS has communicated with state or local election officials regarding implementation, including any communications regarding the voter eligibility lists referenced in the order.
4. Describe, specifically, what implementation-related work has continued, been paused, or been abandoned while litigation remains pending, and reconcile that description with the Department of Justice’s July 27 representation to the Supreme Court that the order is merely “general policy guidance” and that no regulations have been finalized.
5. State whether USPS has suspended, delayed, or modified any implementation activity because of the injunctions issued by the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts or the First Circuit’s July 25 ruling, and if not, explain why not.

The full letter is available here.