MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

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

Headline: Carter, Bera Introduce Bill to Strengthen Palliative and Hospice Care Workforce

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Reps. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) and Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA) today introduced the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act (PCHETA), bipartisan legislation to invest in training, education, and research for the palliative care and hospice workforce, allowing more practitioners to enter these in-demand fields. 

Palliative and hospice care focus on providing comfort and quality of life improvements for those seriously ill, extending quality of life and reducing the length of hospital stays for many patients.

“Caring for someone living with serious illness or at the end of their life is one of the most compassionate, selfless things one can do, and we must ensure that these heroes have the assistance, training, education, and tools available to provide the highest quality care possible. As a pharmacist, I understand the toll burnout takes on the health care industry, and I am committed to bolstering the workforce so nurses, doctors, and all health care workers can continue to pursue their passion for helping others,” said Rep. Carter.

“As a doctor, I know how important it is to provide patients with comfort, clarity, and support when they’re facing serious illness,” said Rep. Bera. “The Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act is a smart, bipartisan step to ensure more health care professionals are trained to deliver this kind of care. By expanding training programs and strengthening our health care workforce, we will make sure that patients and families have access to the care they need to manage pain, make informed decisions, and live with dignity.”

In 2001, just 7% of U.S. hospitals with more than 50 beds had a palliative care program, compared with 72% in 2019. Those working in the field, 40% of whom are 56 years of age or older, report high rates of burnout, in response to the increasing number of patients requiring treatment. 

Reps. Carter and Bera’s bill, which has a Senate companion led by Senators Baldwin and Capito, alleviates these strains through workforce training, education and awareness, and enhanced research.

“As we face a critical shortage of health professionals with expert knowledge and skills in palliative care, AAHPM applauds Representatives Carter and Bera for their leadership in introducing the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act to ensure all patients facing serious illness or at the end of life can receive high-quality care,” said Kristina Newport, MD FAAHPM, HMDC, Chief Medical Officer of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. “We urge Congress to recognize the importance of a well-trained, interprofessional healthcare team to providing coordinated, person-centered serious illness care and to act now to build a healthcare workforce more closely aligned with America’s evolving healthcare needs. Advancing PCHETA will go a long way towards improving quality of care and quality of life for our nation’s sickest and most vulnerable patients, along with their families and caregivers.”

“Palliative care treats the whole person, not just the disease. Ensuring health care providers can be trained in this specialized, coordinated form of care and providing funding for robust public education through the Palliative Care Education and Training Act can help increase access to palliative care for cancer patients and make their cancer journey less difficult,” said Lisa A. Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. “We commend Reps. Carter and Bera for their leadership and steadfast commitment to palliative care and to improving quality of life for patients, including those impacted by cancer.”

“Every person living with serious illness or facing the end of life deserves compassionate, expert care that honors their choices and helps them live comfortably on their own terms. The Alliance celebrates Representatives Carter and Bera’s leadership in introducing the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act, which will ensure families have access to the trained professionals they need during life’s most difficult moments. As our population ages, this critical investment in education and training will help us meet the growing demand for quality palliative and hospice care,” said Dr. Steve Landers, CEO for the National Alliance for Care at Home.

Supporting Organizations Include: Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center, Alzheimer’s Impact Movement, American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Physician Associates, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American College of Surgeons, American Geriatrics Society, American Heart Association, American Psychological Association, American Psychosocial Oncology Society, The American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Association for Clinical Oncology, Association of Oncology Social Work, Association of Pediatric Hematology/ Oncology Nurses, Association of Professional Chaplains, The California State University Shiley Haynes Institute for Palliative Care, Cambia Health Solutions, Cancer Support Community, CaringKind, Catholic Health Association of the United States, Center to Advance Palliative Care, Children’s National Health System, Coalition for Compassionate Care of California, Colorectal Cancer Alliance, Courageous Parents Network, The George Washington Institute for Spirituality and Health, GO2 for Lung Cancer, The HAP Foundation, HealthCare Chaplaincy Network, Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association, LEAD Coalition, LeadingAge, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Motion Picture & Television Fund, National Alliance for Care at Home, National Alliance for Caregiving, National Brain Tumor Society, National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, National Coalition for Hospice and Palliative Care, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, National Marrow Donor Program, National Palliative Care Research Center, National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation, National Patient Advocate Foundation, National POLST Paradigm, Oncology Nursing Society, Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition, PAs in Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Prevent Cancer Foundation, Second Wind Dreams, Social Work Hospice & Palliative Care Network, Society of Pain and Palliative Care Pharmacists, St. Baldrick’s Foundation, Supportive Care Matters, Susan G. Komen, Trinity Health, West Health Institute, The Alliance for the Advancement of End-of-Life Care, Alzheimer’s Los Angeles, Alzheimer’s Orange County, Arizona Association for Home Care, Arizona Hospice & Palliative Care Organization, Association for Home & Hospice Care of North Carolina, California Association for Health Services at Home, The Center for Optimal Aging at Marymount University, Children’s Hospice and Palliative Care Coalition, Delaware Association for Home & Community Care, Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association, Georgia Association for Home Health Agencies, Georgia Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, Granite State Home Health & Hospice Association (NH), Healthcare Association of Hawaii, Home Care Association of Florida, Home Care Association of NYS, Home Care Association of Washington, Home Care and Hospice Association of Colorado, Homecare and Hospice Association of Utah, Hospice and Palliative Care Association of Iowa, Hospice and Palliative Care Association of New York, Hospice Care and Kentucky Home Care Association, Hospice Council of West Virginia, Hospice & Palliative Care Federation of Massachusetts, Idaho Health Care Association, Illinois Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, Indiana Association for Home, Kokua Mau, LeadingAge California, LeadingAge Georgia, LeadingAge New Jersey/Delaware, LeadingAge Ohio, LifeCircle-South Dakota’s Hospice and Palliative Care Network, Louisiana Mississippi Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, Maryland-National Capital Homecare Association, Michigan HomeCare and Hospice Association, Minnesota Network of Hospice and Palliative Care, Missouri Alliance for Home Care, Missouri Hospice & Palliative Care Association, Nebraska Association for Home Healthcare and Hospice, Nebraska Home Care Association, Ohio Council for Home Care & Hospice, Ohio Health Care Association, Oklahoma Association for Home Care and Hospice, South Carolina Home Care & Hospice Association, The Oregon Hospice & Palliative Care Association, Texas Association for Home Care & Hospice, Texas ~ New Mexico Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, Virginia Association for Home Care and Hospice, VNAs of Vermont, The Washington State Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, and West Virginia Council for Home Care and Hospice.

Read full bill text here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Scott (GA-13)

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congressman David Scott (GA-13) led members of the Georgia Delegation in sending a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Acting Administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Adam Cassady, opposing the abrupt and illegal termination of State Digital Equity Capacity Grants and Digital Equity Competitive Grants. The letter also demands the immediate disbursement of grant awards and approval of all pending grant applications.

“The decision to unilaterally terminate funding for broadband services is both illegal and morally wrong,” said Congressman David Scott. “Communities across Georgia count on the Digital Equity Grant Program to gain affordable internet, gain access basic digital tools for telehealth services, education, and job opportunities. Characterization of this vital lifeline as a “woke handout based on race” only proves that the administration has failed to comprehend the goal of the programs or who benefits from its funding. In reality, termination of this grant program will disproportionately harm working-class families, veterans, the elderly, and rural Georgians. The Trump Administration has no right to ignore the law by recklessly and indiscriminately canceling funding opportunities for our communities.”

Digital equity grants were originally included in the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The law allocated $2.75 billion to help underserved communities access affordable high-speed internet. The funding was designed to close the digital divide for veterans, seniors, rural communities, low-income families, incarcerated individuals, people with disabilities, and others.

Despite being funded by Congress, the Trump Admin unilaterally halted the program in May, falsely labeling it as “unconstitutional” and a “woke handout.” This is a continuation of President Trump’s repeated efforts to illegally terminate funding passed by Congress. It effectively froze already approved grants and ended the review of hundreds of competitive applications, including a $9.9 million application from Clayton County’s Department of Information Technology.

In the letter, Rep. David Scott led Georgia’s Democratic House lawmakers in urging Secretary Lutnick and Acting Administrator Cassady:

• Restore digital equity grant funding already awarded
• Resume Reviewing applications for the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program
• Recognize the immense benefits these investments provide, including job readiness training, access to online healthcare, digital literacy programs, and educational resources.

View a copy of the letter HERE.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Randy Weber (TX-14) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) introduced the United States-Israel Bilateral Innovation for Research and Development in (BIRD) Health Act of 2025. The legislation directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to partner with the successful Binational Industrial Research and Development Foundation to create a dedicated BIRD Health Program, modeled after existing collaborations in energy, cyber, and homeland security.

The BIRD Health Act deepens U.S.-Israel collaboration in the development of next-generation health technologies, fortify domestic supply chains, and reduce our reliance on adversarial nations for critical medical products. By leveraging Israel’s world-class biotech ecosystem and America’s unmatched research infrastructure.

“The United States and Israel share one of the strongest, most enduring alliances in the world, and it just makes sense to join forces in advancing life-saving health technologies that benefit both our nations,” said Rep. Weber. “The BIRD Health Act of 2025 builds on our shared strengths to support cutting-edge medical innovation, strengthen supply chains, and improve health outcomes for American families.”

“U.S. and Israeli doctors, scientists, and researchers are leading the world in groundbreaking medical advancements, including regenerative medicine, disease prevention, and cancer research,” said Rep. Pappas. “The health technology and innovation program created through this bipartisan legislation will strengthen the bilateral partnership between the U.S. and Israel to address emerging health issues, develop innovative solutions, and save lives.”

The bill supports:
• Joint U.S.-Israel research and development in medical devices, digital health, diagnostics, vaccines, and biotechnology
• Manufacturing partnerships to boost U.S.-based production of critical medicines
• Innovation ecosystems that promote startups, clinical trials, and commercialization of new treatments
• Data-sharing and cybersecurity protocols to protect patient privacy and medical infrastructure

Read the bill here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Reps. Randy Weber (TX-14) and Deborah Ross (NC-02) introduced bipartisan legislation to help Americans plan for inclement and severe weather by establishing a program to improve precipitation forecasts, including extreme rainfall and other related weather events. The program will be part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), an agency dedicated to providing citizens with reliable weather information.

Recently, heavy precipitation and flooding in Texas and North Carolina has tragically taken many lives and caused extreme destruction. Improving precipitation forecasts is vital to ensuring Americans have accurate weather predictions, especially during extreme weather incidents. The program established by this bill will support research, development, and implementation of Earth System Models (i.e., simulations used to understand and project changes in climate and ecosystems), including those related to extreme weather.

“Southeast Texas knows all too well the destruction that extreme weather can bring,” said Rep. Weber. “Every year, hurricanes and major storms threaten communities across this nation, especially along the Gulf Coast. That’s why this bill is so important. It delivers real, boots-on-the-ground improvements to help families, first responders, and local officials make smart, life-saving decisions ahead of time. Texans and Americans deserve the most accurate, cutting-edge forecasting tools available. We ought to have the most accurate, precise weather forecasting possible, and this bill makes sure we’re taking the right steps to invest in the latest, most advanced tools available.”

“Extreme weather endangers communities across the country, and we need to give Americans the tools to help them plan for and avoid dangerous weather,” said Rep. Ross. “From North Carolina to Texas, states are increasingly experiencing devastating storms that cause severe damage and loss of life. This legislation will ensure that every community can prepare for future storms with accurate precipitation forecasts. Thank you to Congressman Weber for joining me in this important effort.”

Bill text is available here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12)

Washington, DC – Representatives Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Chris Pappas (NH-01),  Dina Titus (NV-01), and Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), co-chairs and vice co-chairs of the Hellenic Caucus, reintroduced the End the Cyprus Embargo Act, bipartisan legislation that would extend the waiver renewal period for the arms embargo on the Republic of Cyprus from one year to five years. This change will bolster the historic growth in U.S.-Cypriot relations, enhance bilateral cooperation, and advance U.S. security interests in the Eastern Mediterranean.   Over the past two decades, U.S.-Cyprus relations have strengthened substantially, with Cyprus emerging as a pivotal ally for U.S. interests and regional stability. The Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act of 2019 authorized the President to waive the arms embargo on an annual basis. However, the annual renewal requirement restricts Cyprus’s ability to plan and procure U.S. defense articles effectively, compromises U.S.-Cypriot military interoperability, impedes joint research on cybersecurity and maritime security, and diminishes the effectiveness of the National Guard State Partnership Program in Cyprus.

“Cyprus has proven itself to be a valued and reliable partner for the United States,” said Congressman Bilirakis.  “Giving Cyprus planning certainty will allow the partnership to continue to flourish and will prove mutually beneficial for both nations and our allies.” 

“The Republic of Cyprus is a steadfast democratic ally in the Eastern Mediterranean and an essential partner in ensuring regional security,” said Congressman Pappas. “This policy change will better empower U.S.-Cyprus bilateral relations, support our mutual commitment to collaboration on security and defense, and improve long-term planning and procurement coordination.”

“Cyprus is a key partner in the Eastern Mediterranean, and the U.S. must continue making efforts to improve diplomatic relations between our two countries,” said Congresswoman Titus. “Reducing the number of necessary embargo reviews for aid to Cyprus will allow this important ally to strategically plan for the future while supporting U.S. security interests abroad.”

“For too long, the United States has maintained an outdated and counterproductive embargo on the sale of defense materials and services to the Republic of Cyprus,” Congresswoman Malliotakis said. “Our legislation seeks to correct this by recognizing Cyprus as a key strategic partner in the Eastern Mediterranean and allow for the responsible export of U.S. defense items to support our shared security interests. By strengthening Cyprus’s ability to defend itself, we can promote greater stability in the region.”

The End the Cyprus Embargo Act will solidify U.S.-Cypriot relations, foster long-term planning and cooperation, and ensure interoperability with regional allies. Specifically, this legislation will: 

• Extend the waiver renewal period for the arms embargo from one year to five years.
• Permit the President to reconsider the arms embargo waiver only every five years following its enactment.
• Prohibit the President from terminating the waiver unless Congress receives certification that the Republic of Cyprus is no longer:
  • Cooperating with U.S. efforts to implement anti-money laundering regulations and financial oversight reforms; and
  • Denying Russian military vessels access to ports for refueling and servicing.

This legislation is supported by the American Hellenic Institute (AHI), Coordinated Effort of Hellenes, the Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC), and PSKEA (International Coordinating Committee – Justice for Cyprus).

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

WASHINGTON – Today, the House of Representatives passed Congressman Valadao’s (CA-22) bill, H.R. 1044. The existing permit for the Kaweah Hydroelectric Project in Tulare County is set to expire in 2026, and this bill authorizes seven permit renewals to ensure it can continue operating. 

“The Kaweah Hydroelectric Project is a critical source of clean, reliable, and affordable energy for California, and these permit renewals are the key to keeping it running,” said Congressman Valadao. “Without authorization, CA-22 ratepayers would see a dramatic increase in their energy costs and would be left to foot the bill for dismantling much-needed infrastructure. This is an issue that’s been a priority throughout my time in Congress, and I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to get this bill across the finish line.” 

Congressman Valadao spoke on the House Floor during debate on the legislation. Watch his remarks here or read as prepared below:

Mr. Speaker,

I rise to urge support for my bill, H.R. 1044, which authorizes seven permit renewals for the Kaweah Hydroelectric Project in Tulare County, California. 

Southern California Edison has operated the Kaweah Hydroelectric Project since 1899—marking well over a century of reliable, clean power. 

For decades, Congress has allowed the continued use of federal lands for this purpose. But unless we act now, that authorization will expire in 2026.

Without authorization, Southern California Edison would be forced to dismantle critical infrastructure—costing ratepayers in the region tens of millions of dollars and eliminating a clean, reliable, and affordable source of energy.

This bill ensures that Kaweah can keep operating without disruption or unnecessary costs to families across California.

I want to thank Chairman Westerman and his staff at the Committee on Natural Resources for their work on this issue. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and protect the Central Valley’s clean energy future.

Thank you, and I yield back.

Background:

Southern California Edison (SCE) and its predecessor have operated the Kaweah Hydroelectric Project since 1899, providing reliable, renewable energy to Californians. Part of the project’s infrastructure—Kaweah #3—is located on National Park Service land. Since 1912, the federal government has authorized use of this land through a series of permits.

In 1986, Congress passed legislation allowing one 10-year permit with one 10-year renewal. When those expired, Congress again acted in 2005 to authorize two more 10-year extensions. Those extensions will expire in 2026. Without further congressional action, SCE will be forced to dismantle its infrastructure inside the park at a cost of tens of millions of dollars—costs that would fall directly on California ratepayers. 

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

Lawmakers emphasize importance of emergency broadcasting funding to keep Americans safe amid natural disasters and emergencies

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Grace Meng (NY-06) led lawmakers today in introducing the Housing is a Human Right Act, transformative legislation to authorize more than $300 billion for housing infrastructure to reduce homelessness across America. This urgent proposal would invest more than $200 billion in necessary affordable housing and support services and provide $27 billion a year for homelessness services, $100 million a year for community-driven alternatives to criminalization of those experiencing homelessness, and make targeted investments in communities at disproportionate risk of homelessness. 

“Homelessness is not a personal failure, it’s a policy failure,” said Jayapal. “At a moment when Trump and Republicans just enacted the largest transfer of wealth from poor and working people to billionaires, while slashing food assistance and health care for millions of Americans, it is more urgent than ever to pass this legislation to invest in our most vulnerable communities. As rents skyrocket across the country and homeownership is out of reach for millions of Americans, we can and must invest in proven solutions to build more affordable housing.  Housing is a human right – and every person deserves to have a safe place to call home.”

“Housing is a human right, and no one should be without a safe, stable place to call home,” said Meng. “That’s why I’m proud to reintroduce this landmark legislation, which dedicates billions of dollars toward ending homelessness nationwide. Homelessness is a complex issue with many causes, and simply providing a roof is not always enough. This bill tackles the root causes by funding affordable housing, expanding supportive services, and investing in communities that face the greatest risk. Together, we can build a future where everyone has a place to belong.”

According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, across the United States, over 750,000 people experienced homelessness in 2024, an increase of 18 percent from 2023. Additionally, as costs have skyrocketed and the minimum wage has stagnated, there are no longer any American cities where a minimum-wage earner can afford the cost to rent a one-bedroom apartment.

This is particularly true in Washington state, which had the third-highest homeless population in the country in 2024. In 2024, on any given night in King County, there were an estimated 16,868 individuals experiencing homelessness, which is a whopping 26 percent higher than the 2022 estimate.

A lack of housing often leads to penalization, both civil and criminal, depending on local laws. It also makes it difficult to seek or hold a job, obtain assistance with accessing resources, find safe housing, and receive regular care for health needs. In fact, the harsh conditions of unsheltered homelessness lead to a mortality rate that is at least four times higher than that of the general public. 

Vulnerable groups already targeted by this administration are also disproportionately likely to experience homelessness — including communities of color, LGBTQIA+ people, people with disabilities, seniors, veterans, former foster youth, and formerly incarcerated people. While Black communities make up 13 percent of the general population, they comprise 40 percent of people experiencing homelessness and half of all homeless families. And up to 40 percent of the 4.2 million youth experiencing homelessness identify as LGBTQIA+, while only making up 9.5 percent of the general population.

The Housing is a Human Right Act will address this crisis by:

• Investing up to $100 billion for McKinney-Vento Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) and $100 billion for Continuum of Care (COC) grants.
• Creating a new grant program to invest in humane infrastructure; providing municipalities with $6 billion a year through a flexible program that will allow them to address their most urgent housing needs to keep people in stable housing and support those experiencing homelessness. 
• Incentivizing local investments in humane, evidence-based models to support people experiencing homelessness, including alternatives to criminalization and penalization.
• Providing $10 billion for FEMA emergency food and shelter grants while improving grants to better represent high rates of homelessness and income inequality.
• Authorizing $100 million in grants to public libraries to provide assistance and tailored supports to persons experiencing homelessness.

The Housing is a Human Right Act is sponsored by Representatives Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), André Carson (IN-07), Greg Casar (TX-35), Judy Chu (CA-28), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Summer Lee (PA-12), Ted Lieu (CA-36), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-00), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).

The Housing is a Human Right Act is endorsed by A Way Home America; Bellwether Housing; Downtown Emergency Service Center; Homestead Community Land Trust; Lavender Rights Project; Low Income Housing Institute; Minority Veterans of America; National Alliance to End Homelessness; National Coalition for the Homeless; National Health Care for the Homeless Council; National Homelessness Law Center; National Housing Law Project; National Low Income Housing Coalition; RESULTS; Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness; The Southern Poverty Law Center; and Washington Low Income Housing Alliance.

Issues: Housing, Transportation, & Infrastructure

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Senator Michael F. Bennet, D-Colo., and U.S. Representative Don Beyer, D-Va., today reintroduced legislation to update and expand unemployment insurance so the program better meets the needs of the modern workforce and is ready to respond should the economy go into a recession in the future.

“There’s no question that our unemployment insurance system is in desperate need of an update,” Wyden said. “American workers who become unemployed by no fault of their own shouldn’t have to worry about putting food on the table and paying their bills as they get back on their feet. This bill modernizes unemployment insurance so working Americans get a 21st century economic lifeline – all while ensuring that we’re keeping up with our changing economy.”

“Too many Americans struggle to access essential unemployment benefits as they navigate a patchwork of outdated state systems,” Bennet said. “Our bicameral bill strengthens unemployment systems across the country to prepare for an economic downturn and help workers stay afloat during difficult times.”

“The last recession again showed the importance of our unemployment insurance system and the desperate need for its expansion and modernization,” Beyer said. “The inadequacy of the system forced Congress to step in and temporarily expand the program, but without permanent reform we remain woefully unprepared for a major crisis. Our bill would make long-overdue improvements to our unemployment system that will help families and the broader economy more easily weather a future economic shock.”

The Unemployment Insurance Modernization and Recession Readiness Act would:

• Update the federal-state Extended Benefits program so that it will automatically add additional weeks of benefits when unemployment rises.
• Establish new requirements for state unemployment programs to ensure that benefits are adequate to support workers through job loss and that more workers are covered when they lose their job. This would include requiring that all states offer 26 weeks of benefits, replace 75% of workers’ wages, cover part-time workers, and pay workers for their first week of unemployment — the “waiting week.”
• Create new permanent federal programs for unemployed workers, including a $250 per week Jobseeker Allowance that would be available to any unemployed workers not covered by the traditional unemployment insurance system, such as self-employed workers and new entrants to the labor force.
• The bill would also include an additional $25 weekly federal allowance for each dependent an unemployed worker has, and provide federal funding to increase unemployed workers’ wage replacement rates to 100% during major disasters or public health emergencies.

The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Michael Bennet, D-Colo., Jack Reed, D-R.I., Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., John Fetterman, D-Pa., and Cory Booker, D-N.J.

A section-by-section summary is here.

The text of the bill is here.

Statements of Support

Rebecca Dixon, President and CEO of National Employment Law Project: “The pandemic revealed how absolutely critical unemployment insurance is for supporting jobless workers, their families, and the entire economy. By updating the Extended Benefits program, modernizing regular unemployment insurance, and adding a powerful new jobseeker’s allowance to support workers who are excluded from the current system, the Unemployment Insurance Modernization and Recession Readiness Act will make the system stronger, more equitable, and better prepared for the next recession.”

Michele Evermore, Senior Fellow at National Academy of Social Insurance: “I applaud Senators Wyden and Bennet and Congressman Beyer for their consistent leadership on this issue. The time to think about improving unemployment insurance is now, before the next crisis. Many UI systems across the United States are no longer equipped to support people in an economic downturn. They often do not reach enough people or provide enough income support to keep people afloat. This legislation mainly codifies five decades of bipartisan advisory council recommendations to ensure UI supports people who lose their jobs in the way it was intended.”

Andrew Stettner, Director of Economy and Jobs at The Century Foundation: “The core unemployment insurance system currently only covers 3 in 10 jobless workers. The bill contains overdue reforms that would ensure the workers in every state have the protections they need, and that our entire economy can rely on the economic stabilization UI uniquely provides in times of recession. The time to fix UI is now, so it is there when we need it most.”

A letter of support from over 100 organizations is here.

A web version of this release is here.