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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Marc Veasey (33rd District of Texas)

Headline: Congressman Veasey, Congresswoman Dingell, and Congresswoman Sewell Lead Letter Demanding Immediate Transparency and Federal Action Amid Growing Nationwide Cyclosporiasis Outbreak

Washington, D.C. – This week, Congressmen Marc Veasey, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, and Congresswoman Terri Sewell, along with 50 of their colleagues, called on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to provide greater transparency and take immediate action to identify the source of the nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak, which has sickened more than 4,000 Americans across 41 states.

In a letter to the agencies, Congressman Veasey expressed concern that, despite the growing outbreak and more than 300 hospitalizations, federal officials have yet to publicly identify the source of contamination or provide sufficient information to protect the public.

“As this outbreak continues, the American people deserve answers,” Congressman Veasey wrote. “Americans should have confidence that public health decisions are guided by science, transparency, and the protection of public health—not by outside influence.”

“The American public expects federal health agencies to act quickly and transparently when outbreaks threaten communities. The ability of the CDC and the FDA to collaborate and rapidly detect, investigate, and communicate about emerging foodborne illnesses is essential to preventing additional harm,” said Congresswoman Dingell.

“Americans deserve confidence that the food on their tables is safe and that when an outbreak occurs, our public health agencies will respond swiftly, independently, and transparently,” said Rep. Sewell. “With more than 4,000 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis reported across the country, families deserve answers about the source of this outbreak and what is being done to prevent additional illnesses. That’s why I’m joining Congressman Veasey and Congresswoman Dingell in calling on the CDC and FDA to provide the transparency and accountability the American people expect. Public trust depends on timely, science-based communication, and Congress has a responsibility to ensure our federal health agencies have both the independence and the resources they need to protect public health.” stated Rep. Sewell. 

As the investigation continues, Congressman Veasey emphasized that identifying the source of the outbreak and communicating clearly with the public are critical to preventing further illnesses and restoring public confidence in the nation’s food safety system.

The Letter can be found here.

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

WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12), Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17), and Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04) sent a letter to Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Office of Refugee Resettlement Acting Director Angie Salazar demanding answers about ORR’s decision to place unaccompanied migrant children at Abraxas Academy in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, despite the facility’s documented history of child abuse violations.

The lawmakers raise serious concerns about ORR’s decision to award Abraxas Alliance a $9.2 million contract in August 2025 despite Pennsylvania officials documenting repeated deficiencies and revoking one of the facility’s licenses. They also urge HHS to immediately review all ORR-contracted facilities, suspend the Abraxas Academy contract pending a full investigation, and provide Congress with a complete accounting of how the placement decision was made.

“It is appalling that ORR nevertheless decided to house unaccompanied minors in a facility with such a record, thereby potentially exposing these children to the possibility of abuse and in violation of federal rules,” the Members wrote.

The letter details a decades-long pattern of documented problems at the facility, including repeated state findings of physical mistreatment of minors, allegations of sexual harassment and abuse by staff, and a pattern of institutional failures. Although federal law requires ORR to place children in “the least restrictive setting that is in the best interests of the child,” reports indicate children are being housed in locked cells.

The Members also cite concerns stemming from a July 8 congressional oversight visit, during which facility staff were reportedly unable to answer basic questions about allegations of abuse or explain legally required procedures for children who turn 18 while in ORR custody. As the Members wrote, “This utter lack of knowledge of the basic, legally required functions of this facility raises serious concerns about the safety of the children living inside.”

The letter requests responses by August 14, 2026, including:

• Who approved the decision to place children at Abraxas Academy and what child welfare assessments were conducted.
• Why ORR proceeded with the contract despite Pennsylvania’s documented findings of abuse and licensing violations.
• Whether HHS has reviewed other ORR-contracted facilities for compliance with state and federal child welfare standards.
• Why some children with parents or close relatives in the United States were reportedly placed in ORR custody rather than reunited with family.
• What safeguards exist to protect children from abuse and how staff are trained.
• The financial and operational relationship between Abraxas Alliance and GEO Group.

“The federal government bears a solemn responsibility to ensure the proper treatment and protection of every child in its care,” the Members wrote. “Allowing any child to be placed in an environment with a history of abuse is cruel and undermines the moral leadership of the United States.”

A copy of the letter can be found here.

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

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement:

“The President’s cruel immigration agenda has angered many of my constituents and struck fear in families around the region. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has been at the top of this agenda. I came to the Ferndale ICE holding facility today to get answers about this facility for my community.

“Where I was not able to get complete answers, I will be sending a follow-up oversight letter. I expect to get additional details about ICE’s recent policy changes for this kind of facility and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations locally.

“I was able to get answers to the following questions community members have about the facility’s operations:

“1. The facility has two holding cells that have room for eight people each. The average time a detained person stays in the facility is 4-5 hours. Since July 1, ICE has had a policy that no one can be detained in this type of facility for longer than 12 hours. People held by ICE here are first processed and then transferred to the privately-run detention center in Tacoma.

“2. People detained in the facility have access to a toilet and a sink. There are no kitchen or shower facilities, or medical personnel on staff, because of the short detainment periods. However, there is a process for non-emergent or emergent care.

“3. There are two private rooms with telephones where detained people can call an attorney if they have one.

“4. HSI has been responsible for the operations that detained nearly 50 people in Lynden in recent months. I intend to follow up with the Department of Homeland Security, HSI and ICE about HSI’s role in immigration enforcement and removal operations locally.

“As a service to my constituents, my office is going to work with this local ICE facility in Ferndale to establish a process where people who are detained here can get the necessary paperwork to request support from my staff.

“The President’s immigration enforcement agenda is hurting the local economy and making our communities less safe. My office stands ready to help family members locate their loved ones in ICE custody and access legal services – call 425-252-3188 or go to larsen.house.gov/helping-you/visas-and-immigration.htm.”

Larsen Fights to Hold ICE Accountable

In June 2025, Rep. Larsen toured the privately-run ICE detention facility in Tacoma and met with Lelo Juarez, a Skagit County union leader and activist whom ICE detained in March 2025.

Earlier this month, Rep. Larsen joined nearly 200 House Democrats in calling for independent investigations into Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Johan Sebastian Guerrero’s deaths and demanding that ICE halt removal proceedings against the witnesses. He also demanded independent investigations into the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis in January 2026.

In Congress, Rep. Larsen has refused to vote for legislation that would fund ICE without placing additional guardrails on the agency and requiring that ICE follow the same rules as every other local, state and federal law enforcement agency.

Rep. Larsen supports strengthening accountability and oversight of ICE operations and DHS detention facilities, including:  

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01)

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01), toured the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Murden dredging operations at the Ocean City Inlet as crews continue maintenance dredging ahead of the White Marlin Open.

The project will remove accumulated sediment from the inlet to improve navigation for commercial and recreational vessels during one of the Eastern Shore’s busiest boating seasons.

Statement from Congressman Harris:

“Touring the Murden gave me a firsthand look at the work required to keep the Ocean City Inlet navigable. Keeping this federal channel open allows commercial fishing vessels, charter boats, and recreational boaters to safely enter and leave the inlet. I’m glad to have been able to arrange this timely dredge as well as the funding for construction of a much-needed second U.S. Army Corps of Engineers shallow dredge.”

For media inquiries, please contact Michella Carter at Michella.Carter@mail.house.gov

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX)

Washington, D.C.—Today, Texas Congressmembers, joined by House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman, urged Trump Administration officials to delay work on a proposed road across and over Big Bend National Park’s Mariscal Mountain until specific details of the project are made fully available and questions answered about the potentially irreparable destruction the project poses.

“The potential destruction from road construction over the rugged terrain of Mariscal Mountain is extreme,” Congressman Doggett said. “Tons of rock blasted away could end up impacting Mariscal Canyon, the Rio Grande, and Mexico.  An incredible waste of both taxpayer money and an invaluable place of spectacular beauty!”

“Survey work has already begun in Big Bend National Park, with groundbreaking apparently imminent,” Congressman Doggett continued. “It’s urgent that there is broad public understanding of CBP’s overall plans for the park, including Mariscal Mountain and its immediate surroundings – before irreversible damage is inflicted on one of the most significant places in all of Texas.”

“It is hard to understand the added value of a patrol road across Mariscal Mountain. The existing road just north of the mountain is regularly patrolled and sufficient for Border Patrol operations,” the Members wrote. “This new, proposed road would sit 1,700 feet above the border in one of the least trafficked stretches of the entire southern border, where anyone crossing would first climb 1,400-foot cliffs to approach the road. This poses no benefit to border security and would only cause irrevocable damage to the mountain.”

A copy of the letter can be found here.

The letter is addressed to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney S. Scott, and W.C. “Chad” McIntosh, Commissioner of the

International Boundary and Water Commission, United States Section.

The International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) is the binational body charged with enforcing the boundary and water treaties between the United States and Mexico. The issue will be of acute interest to both the U.S. and Mexico Sections of the IBWC because of the potential damage to the Rio Grande and immediate environs on both sides of the river.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has not released details regarding the proposed road aside from a small-scale map with the proposed alignment and that it would be 24 feet wide. The letter asks for road design and engineering details, spoil disposal plans, and line items for rock excavation, controlled blasting, drilling and shooting, vibration monitoring, or embankment placement.

In addition, it asks the IBWC U.S. Section if it has received any notice from the U.S. of the Mariscal Mountain alignment and whether the Mexican Section has been notified. Federal law authorizing waivers that set aside existing regulatory requirements for border wall construction do not apply to U.S.-Mexico Treaty obligations. The letter seeks confirmation that the U.S. acknowledges that fact.

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

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01) announced that the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee (Committee) has unanimously approved his National Wildlife Refuge System Invasive Species Strike Team Act, which would significantly expand federal efforts to combat invasive species, responsible for severely impacting environments across the country.

“Hawai‘i in particular faces unique challenges from invasive species. Our isolation has led to the evolution of many endemic species that are found nowhere else on Earth,” said Case, who formerly served six years on the House Natural Resources Committee and is in his eighth year on the House Appropriations Committee.

“Unfortunately, these native species often lack the defenses to compete with or resist the pressures of invasive plants and animals, which can rapidly alter ecosystems and displace local species.

“In Hawai‘i, invasive species have caused significant ecological damage, threatening the survival of native birds and plants. Protecting Hawaii’s unique biodiversity is not just an environmental necessity – it is a cultural imperative that reflects the identity and heritage of the Hawaiian people.”

“For island communities like Guam, invasive species are more than an environmental concern—they threaten our native ecosystems, agriculture, economy, and way of life,” said Congressman James Moylan (R-Guam).

“Once an invasive species becomes established on an island, the cost of eradication can be enormous, and in many cases, the damage cannot be undone. This bipartisan legislation takes a proactive approach by strengthening rapid response and early detection efforts within our National Wildlife Refuge System. By investing in prevention today, we can better protect America’s natural resources, preserve our unique biodiversity, and reduce far greater costs in the future.”

“We are pleased with the passage of this measure that prioritizes funds and measures towards early detection through identifying, reporting, and eradicating invasive species and the harm it causes in the National Wildlife Refuge System lands and waters and its surrounding areas,” said Jonnetta “Jonee” Leina’ala Peters, Executive Director of the Conservation Council for Hawai‘i. “Early detection is critical in protecting endangered and threatened species. This is also a major step in eradicating invasive species that harm animals, humans, food sources, and the economy.”

“Invasive species are putting increased pressure on native wildlife and are especially damaging across our national wildlife refuges,” said Jill Feldhusen, senior manager of wildlife policy at the National Wildlife Federation.

“By establishing dedicated, regional strike teams, this bipartisan bill helps refuges respond more rapidly to invasive species threats before they cause lasting harm. Thank you, Representative Ed Case, for reintroducing the National Wildlife Refuge System Invasive Species Strike Team Act and broadening the impact of cross-jurisdictional collaboration.

Case continued: “Invasive species are not just a localized problem; they pose a significant threat to the integrity of our natural world. Addressing this crisis requires a coordinated and comprehensive approach, focusing on prevention, early detection, and effective management strategies to safeguard our vulnerable ecosystems.

“This legislation will codify the existing Invasive Species Strike Teams program currently operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). These specialized teams play an essential role in managing emerging invasive species, employing strategies tailored to local conditions across the National Wildlife Refuge System. With multiple teams strategically positioned in all nine FWS regions across our country, they are on the front lines, addressing the unique challenges posed by invasive species.”

Case said formally establishing the Invasive Species Strike Teams program will create a stable and legally supported framework to ensure consistent funding and enhance management efforts. The act also signifies a transformative shift within the FWS, moving from a reactive, species-by-species approach to a more strategic, ecosystem-wide framework for managing emerging invasive species.

“The act also mandates enhanced coordination and reporting through integrated systems and standardized procedures, ensuring transparency and enabling us to track progress with annual reports to Congress and the public,” said Case.

“Furthermore, it authorizes $10 million annually from Fiscal Year 2027 through 2033 to support ongoing initiatives.”

Case introduced the measure after federal invasive species experts toured O‘ahu to research the effects of invasive species on island communities. The bill also directs these experts to produce a report summarizing the Strike Teams’ work and advising how they can continue to help Hawai‘i and island territories. Following approval by the Committee, the measure awaits action by the full House. 

1. Text of the measure is here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative for Western Samoa Congresswoman Aumua Amata

Headline: Amata Highlights Harbor to Coast Guard Commandant Lunday

Congresswoman Amata pictured with the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, Admiral Kevin E. Lunday, and his wife Lyndalee. They’ve known each other for years, as one of his several prior major command roles was the 14th Coast Guard District, headquartered in Honolulu. The occasion was last week’s early celebration of the upcoming 236th birthday of the Coast Guard, officially on August 4th. While this wasn’t a formal meeting, Congresswoman Amata took time to discuss the merits of Pago Pago Harbor and how the territory would welcome one or more vessels stationed here, as she has publicly stated for years, including in congressional committees. This exchange happened to be timed near the official request by Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula to establish a permanent station and deploy cutters and personnel to American Samoa. Amata has long held that stationing the Coast Guard in American Samoa would be a strong signal of U.S. commitment to the entire region, improving response capabilities and an additional deterrence against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated fishing. She wishes a happy birthday and congratulations to all our active-duty, reserve, retired, and veteran Coast Guard members!

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Derek Schmidt (R-KS-02) introduced the bipartisan ABLE MATCH Act (Making Able a Tool to Combat Hardship), which would help more Americans with disabilities build financial security through Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) savings accounts.

“Financial independence shouldn’t be out of reach for individuals with disabilities,” Congresswoman Dingell said. “By reintroducing the ABLE MATCH Act, we are taking a crucial step toward economic security by matching the hard-earned savings of ABLE account beneficiaries through a refundable tax credit.”

The legislation would establish a federal matching contribution for eligible low- and moderate-income individuals who save in ABLE accounts, allowing beneficiaries to receive up to a 100 percent federal match on the first $2,000 they contribute annually, subject to income limits. The federal matching funds would be deposited directly into the beneficiary’s ABLE account, helping individuals save for disability-related expenses without jeopardizing eligibility for critical benefits.

“ABLE accounts have provided many individuals with disabilities and their families an important tool to save for the future, but too many people still struggle to set aside money because of financial pressures,” Congressman Schmidt said. “This bipartisan legislation helps make those savings go further by strengthening and expanding this successful program. Every Kansan deserves the opportunity to build greater financial security.”

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

Congresswoman Dina Titus has introduced the Turkey Human Rights Promotion Act of 2026 to institute accountability measures to compel Turkey to adhere to democratic values, respect human rights, and release political prisoners.

The legislation would block U.S. security assistance to and cooperation with Turkey unless the Secretary of State certifies that the Turkish government has made appreciable improvements in human rights, rule of law, and adherence to judgments from the European Court of Human Rights. Companion legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts.

“Turkey is a NATO ally, but that alliance carries obligations such as adherence to democratic norms and respect for human rights that Turkey is not meeting. For nearly a decade, the Erdogan government has moved further away from those responsibilities, not closer,” Congresswoman Titus said. “Thousands of political prisoners and journalists have been jailed simply for doing their jobs; lawyers have been prosecuted for representing their clients; religious and ethnic minorities are routinely targeted through vague anti-terrorism laws; and a transnational repression campaign has reached into our own communities here in the United States. Erdogan should not be granted greater U.S. security assistance unless there is clear, demonstrated improvements in each of these categories. I am proud to lead this bicameral bill with Senator Markey.”

“President Erdogan’s authoritarian rule must end,” Senator Markey said. “While the Turkish government continues to lock up journalists, political participants, and minority communities, the Trump White House is rewarding them by lifting sanctions and flaunting a ‘friendship’ with Erdogan. This legislation makes clear that the United States is committed to supporting peace and civil liberties in Turkey, and that the U.S. does not maintain friendships with dictators.”

The legislation would:

• Establish as U.S. policy pressing Turkey on NATO democratic obligations and human rights compliance.

• Commit the U.S. to advocating for the unconditional release of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience.

• Call on Turkey to protect press freedom, restore internet freedom, stop prosecuting lawyers/judges, and support European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) compliance, with corresponding State Department pressure campaigns on each front.

• Block Foreign Military Financing/Sales to Turkey unless the Secretary of State certifies progress on political prisoners, counterterrorism law misuse, ECHR compliance, and transnational repression with a national security waiver option.

• Require consideration of Global Magnitsky sanctions, Khashoggi Ban visa restrictions (including on family members), and scrutiny of Arms Export Control Act/Foreign Assistance Act human rights conditions.

• Mandate an annual report on political prisoners, censorship, transnational repression incidents, misuse of U.S.-origin surveillance tech, and sanctions/visa actions taken under the Act.

The Erdogan regime in Turkey has dismissed or suspended more than 60,000 police and military personnel, 125,000 civil servants, and one-third of the judiciary; arrested or imprisoned more than 95,000 citizens; and closed more than 1,500 nongovernmental organizations on trumped up charges. Today, nearly 43,000 political prisoners remain incarcerated in Turkish prisons.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA-08) and Congresswoman Erin Houchin (R-IN-09) recently introduced the bipartisan Rural Hospital Cybersecurity Enhancement Act, alongside cosponsors Representatives Jefferson Shreve (R-IN), Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), and Jennifer McClellan (D-VA). Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senators Josh Hawley (R-MO), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Mark Kelly (D-AZ). The legislation strengthens cybersecurity at rural hospitals by directing the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop a comprehensive rural hospital cybersecurity workforce strategy, expand cybersecurity training resources, and improve preparedness against growing cyber threats.  

“As a doctor and a patient, I know we must protect hospitals from cyberattacks,” said Rep. Schrier. “Rural hospitals in particular often lack the funding and workforce necessary to prevent cyberattacks and some in Washington have already been impacted. This bill will give rural hospitals the tools they need to keep patients safe, protect personal data, and secure medical systems.”   

“Rural hospitals are often operating with limited staff and resources, yet they’re expected to defend against increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks,” said Rep. Houchin. “When a rural hospital is forced offline, patient care is put at risk. This bipartisan bill is a practical step toward giving rural providers the workforce, training, and tools they need to strengthen their cybersecurity and continue serving their communities.” 

“Rural hospitals in Indiana’s Sixth District are often the only option for Hoosier families who need care close to home,” said Rep. Shreve. “These hospitals don’t have the resources to hire a cybersecurity team, but they still need to keep their patients’ private information secure. This bill gives them the training and tools they need to do that. I’m glad to join Rep. Houchin on this important legislation.” 

“In our complex world, it is imperative that we safeguard sensitive personal information and medical records from cybercriminals,” said Rep. Thompson. “The Rural Hospital Cybersecurity Enhancement Act aims to protect patient information by helping develop, promote, and expand the rural hospital cybersecurity workforce, particularly through education and training programs tailored to the needs of rural hospitals, such as those in Pennsylvania.” 

“For rural hospitals, a cyberattack isn’t just a disruption to technology, it can become a disruption to care,” said Rep. Tokuda. “This legislation helps ensure rural providers can continue delivering lifesaving care by having the resources, training, and workforce support they need to protect patient data, respond to threats, and continue serving their communities.” 

“In our rapidly changing digital age, cybersecurity threats continue to grow. Rural hospitals and health clinics often lack the resources and personnel to defend against these threats,” said Rep. McClellan. “The Rural Hospital Cybersecurity Enhancement Act develops a comprehensive workforce training program to protect our rural communities from attacks that could exploit vulnerabilities in our health care system and undermine access to care. I am pleased to work on a bipartisan basis with Congresswoman Houchin to bolster our security measures to help maintain a strong care network.”  

“For many years, TRIMEDX has worked with, and provided medical device service for, small town and rural hospitals throughout the country.  Already challenged by increasing cost pressures, we have seen first- hand how vulnerable rural hospitals are to cybersecurity attacks and we support any efforts for the development of strategies to address cyber challenges,” said Kristi McDermott, TRIMEDX Chief Operating Officer. “Accordingly, TRIMEDX applauds Rep. Houchin and Rep. Schrier for introducing this strong bipartisan bill which seeks to address growing cybersecurity challenges, to include workforce development strategies, in rural hospitals throughout the country.” 

The Rural Hospital Cybersecurity Enhancement Act requires HHS to: 

• Develop a comprehensive rural hospital cybersecurity workforce development strategy that considers public-private partnerships, cybersecurity curricula, workforce training, and policy recommendations.  
• Make instructional materials available to help rural hospitals train staff on fundamental cybersecurity practices.  
• Provide annual updates to Congress on the implementation of the strategy and any related workforce development initiatives.  

Cyberattacks against hospitals have become more frequent and more sophisticated, placing patient care, medical records, and critical healthcare infrastructure at risk. Rural hospitals are particularly vulnerable because they often lack the resources to recruit and retain dedicated cybersecurity professionals. 

The legislation is endorsed by the American Hospital Association, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, National Rural Health Association, American Academy of Family Physicians, TRIMEDX, and the Alliance for Quality Medical Device Servicing. 

The Senate companion legislation has twice advanced out of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. 

Read the full bill text here.