MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released the following statement on new data showing that Washington hospitals will lose an estimated $662 million a year, or over $6.6 billion over the next decade, because of Trump and Republicans’ megabill that was signed into law last week.

“The ripple effects of this law will be felt like a tsunami in Washington’s health care system. These cruel cuts will kick 330,000 Washingtonians off their health coverage. Regardless of what kind of health coverage someone has, they will feel the impact. Hospitals across Washington are estimated to lose over $6.6 billion because of the Apple Health cuts. It will force hospitals and providers to close facilities and scale back services, and insurers to raise insurance premiums across the board.

“All of this so Republicans can give billionaires another massive tax break.”

Some of the largest estimated annual cuts in Western Washington include:

• Over $56 million cut to Harborview Medical Center (Seattle)
• Over $45 million cut to the University of Washington Medical Center (Seattle)
• Nearly $30 million cut to Swedish Medical Center (Seattle)
• Nearly $29 million cut to Providence Regional Medical Center (Everett)
• Over $12 million cut to Virginia Mason Medical Center (Seattle)
• Over $11 million cut to Evergreen Health (Kirkland)
• Over $7.8 million for Overlake Hospital (Bellevue)
• Over $1.9 million cut to Evergreen Health (Monroe)

What Washington Health Systems Are Saying:

“The federal cuts to Medicaid payments are a disaster for hospitals across the country. In Washington State alone, hospital payments for services delivered will be cut by more than $6 billion over the next ten years. In addition, hundreds of thousands of people will lose coverage. There is no way hospitals can absorb this level of cuts in the Medicaid program without impacting everyone’s access to services. Important hospital services will disappear, nurses and doctors will be laid off, and some hospitals are at risk of full closure,” said Jacqueline Barton True, Vice President, Advocacy and Rural Health, Washington State Hospital Association.

“Medicaid funding is critical to keep hospitals open and operating for all patients. This is especially true for public safety net health systems like UW Medicine. The federal budget reconciliation bill will significantly reduce both patient eligibility for coverage and Medicaid funding going directly to hospitals for daily operations,” said Dr. Tim Dellit, CEO of UW Medicine and Dean University of Washington School of Medicine. “It is not simply Medicaid patients who will be impacted; these cuts will disrupt the financial foundation that supports the entire health care system, reducing resources and access to care for everyone. As Washington state’s largest public hospital system and safety net provider of health care, the loss of Medicaid reimbursements will have a profound impact on UW Medicine’s ability to serve the community and meet our mission of improving the health of the public by treating every patient who needs our care.”

“From a patient’s perspective, the biggest concerns about the law are the numerous provisions, including significant Medicaid cuts, that will make it harder for patients to get health insurance coverage and keep that coverage. When people lose their coverage, their medical needs don’t go away. Lack of health insurance coverage can end up exacerbating those needs, as patients without insurance genuinely don’t receive the preventive care that they desperately need that keep patients and populations healthy. Patients may even ration food or skip medication altogether. All this adds up to patients who, when they do seek care, will require higher level care—which is also more expensive,” said Jon Duarte, President & CEO, MultiCare Overlake Medical Center & Clinics, CEO, North Sound Region. “In addition, they often enter the health care system through an emergency department, putting increased stress, not only on them, but on other patients in emergency department care as well. In accordance with our mission at MultiCare, we provide care for all who need it, any day, any hour of the day as well, regardless of their ability to pay. When patients lose access to health insurance, hospitals like Overlake will have no choice but to care for those patients and absorb the increased costs associated with providing uncompensated care, creating a financially unintentional and unsustainable situation for health systems. Ultimately, we may have to cut services, causing entire communities to lose important access to care.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) released this statement ahead of the one-year anniversary of the attempted assassination of President Donald J. Trump in Kelly’s hometown of Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13, 2024.

“As we reflect on the tragic events that unfolded in Butler, Pennsylvania one year ago this weekend, may we pray for the Comperatore family as they continue to heal, for David Dutch and James Copenhaver who were injured, and for President Trump who continues to serve our great nation despite not one, but two assassination attempts. In the wake of tragedy, the Butler community remains united and stronger than ever,” said Rep. Kelly. “In the year since the attempted assassination of President Trump, Congress has taken significant steps to investigate the events of July 13. Our Task Force produced nearly 40 recommendations to modernize the Secret Service and to better protect America’s leaders. I continue to work with Director Curran and the agency as my colleagues in Congress and I put these recommendations into action. Like many in the Butler community, I still have questions about everything that led up to, and unfolded on, July 13. May we continue to pursue the truth to get the American people the answers they deserve.”

BACKGROUND

Following the assassination attempt, Rep. Kelly was named Chairman of the Task Force on the Attempted Assassination of Donald J. Trump. In their final report published in December 2024, the Task Force produced nearly 40 actionable recommendations related to the July 13 events and overarching structural changes the Secret Service should consider.

The Task Force also:

• Conducted 46 transcribed interviews (TI’s)
• Reviewed nearly 20,000 pages of documents
• Held a dozen briefings with relevant agencies and officials, including Secret Service, FBI, ATF, and others.
• Visited sites in Butler, West Palm Beach, and the FBI laboratory to review evidence in Quantico, Virginia

You can read the Task Force’s final report here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Donald Norcross (1st District of New Jersey)

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

Washington, DC — Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Energy and Water Subcommittee, joined by Congressman Lloyd Doggett (TX-37) Dean of the Texas Congressional Delegation, and Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) the only meteorologist serving in Congress, today led a forceful letter to federal agencies calling for immediate action following the catastrophic flash flooding in Kerr County, Texas, that claimed over 100 lives. The letter — sent to President Donald J. Trump, NOAA leadership, and the US Army Corps of Engineers — demands an urgent review of staffing shortages, stalled forecasting improvements, and insufficient flood preparedness that contributed to the disaster.

The lawmakers point to dangerous gaps in public warning coordination and a 15% reduction in National Weather Service (NWS) staffing since January as critical failures that must be addressed before the next extreme weather event. Accurate weather forecasts are not enough. It is imperative that these warnings are adequately communicated to members of the public and in a way that prompts the appropriate lifesaving action by emergency managers, first responders, and the public at-large.  

“This flood was not just a natural disaster but a failure of foresight and leadership,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). “A changing climate is rewriting the rules of weather, and our federal agencies must keep pace. The American people deserve a weather warning system that does more than sound the alarm. It must be fully staffed and ready to act to ensure that everyone in harms way receives it. This letter is a demand for accountability, but more importantly, it’s a demand for lives to be protected anywhere severe weather strikes.”

“As Texans in my state are faced with much pain and uncertainty, we cannot wait to ask the hard questions,” said Congressman Lloyd Doggett (TX-37). “Effective oversight saves lives. That is why we need a full account of the ways in which the Trump administration’s recent actions have undermined the federal response, both before and after this catastrophe. Learning from these failures and recognizing that weather intensification driven by climate change increasingly endangers lives will help prevent more tragedies.”

“As someone who has reported on dangerous floods for my neighbors as a meteorologist in my local community, I know how critical it is for NWS meteorologists, local media, and emergency management coordinators to work together seamlessly and quickly to share urgent warnings,” said Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17). “The deadly toll of the flash floods that hit Texas last week beg the question of what went wrong with the warning systems in place and what more could have been done to prevent this tragedy. The Trump Administration’s cuts to NOAA and the NWS are already having a real impact on the accuracy of our nation’s weather forecasting, creating cause for major concern. That is why I am calling on President Trump, NOAA, and the Army Corps of Engineers to undertake a full-scale investigation into what went wrong and what can be done to prevent catastrophes like this in the future.” 

This tragedy echoes a troubling national pattern of accelerating flash flood disasters that have claimed lives in recent years: 46 lives in the greater New York City area in September 2021, 45 lives in Kentucky in July 2022, 20 lives in Tennessee in August 2021, and 250 lives across the Southeast in September 2024.  These events are not anomalies — they are harbingers of a climate-disrupted future.

Kaptur, Doggett, and Sorensen request a response within 30 days and underscore that federal weather services must not be the weak link in the nation’s climate resilience.

A full copy of the letter can be found by clicking here or reading below: 

July 11, 2025

Honorable Donald J. Trump  President of the United States The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW  Washington, DC 20500	Laura Grimm Chief of Staff, performing the duties of Undersecretary for Commerce of Oceans and Atmosphere and Administrator, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration  1401 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20230
Lieutenant General William H. Graham Jr.  Commanding General and 56th Chief of Engineers U.S. Army Corps of Engineers  441 G St NW Washington DC, 20314

Dear Mr. President, Ms. Grimm, and General Graham:

We write with deep concern about the recent flooding in Kerr County, Texas, by both the severity of this event and the structural shortcomings at the federal, state, and local levels that contributed to the tragic loss of life. On July 4, 2025, Kerr County was struck by a flash flood of devastating impact. The Guadalupe River rose by more than 20 feet in less than two hours,^[1] engulfing homes and campsites, and leaving over a hundred dead in its wake.^[2] This tragedy echoes a troubling national pattern of accelerating flash flood disasters that have claimed lives: 46 lives in the greater New York City area in September 2021,^[3] 45 lives in Kentucky in July 2022, 20 lives in Tennessee in August 2021, and 250 lives across the Southeast in September 2024.^[4]  These events are not anomalies—they are harbingers of a climate-disrupted future.

Atmospheric scientists have long warned that warmer air holds more water vapor and thus latent energy produces heavier rainfall. In 1989, the Director of NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies, James Hansen, wrote presciently that “the greenhouse effect enhances both ends of the hydrologic cycle…, there is an increased frequency of extreme wet situations, as well as increased drought. Model results are shown to imply that increased greenhouse warming will lead to more intense thunderstorms, that is, deeper thunderstorms with greater rainfall.”^[5]

While the National Weather Service (NWS) forecast may have been accurate, accurate weather forecasts are not enough. It is imperative that these warnings are adequately communicated to members of the public and in a way that prompts the appropriate lifesaving action by emergency managers, first responders, and the public at-large.  We are concerned that there seems to have been a breakdown at this stage starting with the first flash flood watches issued on Thursday afternoon.

Following a series of catastrophic tornadoes in the spring of 2011 that culminated in the worst tornado in a generation in Joplin, Missouri, NWS acknowledged that accurate forecasts were not enough to protect life and property, and thereby elevated the importance of properly communicating to the public about life-threatening weather events.  As a result, NWS developed the Weather Ready Nation initiative to ensure that Americans knew how to appropriately respond to dangerous weather conditions when alerted by NWS or the private weather enterprise. In support of this effort, Congress codified the position of Warning Coordination Meteorologist in every weather forecast office (WFO) around the country in the 2017 Weather Act.

While staffing across NWS has long been a bipartisan concern, the staffing reductions mandated by the Department of Government Efficiency has greatly magnified the issue, with NWS losing nearly 15% of its staff nationwide since January.  The forecast accuracy and timeliness during this event in Texas was a testament to the dedication of the local NWS staff who flexed their schedules to ensure adequate coverage during such a high-impact event. That is not a sustainable solution, nor is it reliable enough for the increasing incidence of dangerous weather events.

In particular, the loss of the Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the San Antonio weather forecast office (WFO) and the reduced number of forecasters put the people of Texas at risk. Lacking a full staff complement requires the team to focus only on issuing the forecasts and warnings. Outreach and coordination, a key responsibility of the Warning Coordination Meteorologist, do not occur. Also, we understand that the funding supporting travel to the community for outreach and coordination, including meeting with emergency managers and elected officials, has been suspended. Having the Warning Coordination Meteorologist position and the vacancies filled may have been critical to saving more lives by connecting with as many local community leaders as possible in the hours between the 1 a.m. NWS warning and 4 a.m. when the most dangerous conditions began impacting residents.^[6]  

Given these concerns, we intend to work quickly to enact the Weather Staffing Improvement Act, which will streamline the hiring of federal weather forecasters. Meanwhile, we request that NWS expedites the backfilling of vacancies at all WFOs and the National Centers for Environmental Prediction. Further, we request that, despite proposed cuts to programs in the fiscal year 2026 budget request, no other reductions in funding or staffing occur without the explicit direction of Congress to programs that support precipitation prediction and decision support or the improvement of those services, including, but not limited to the work of the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research.

NWS Director Ken Graham has also laid out strategic priorities to transform NWS’ staffing models and organizational effectiveness, known as “Ken’s 10”.^[7] We applaud his thoughtful proposals, though we urge NOAA to provide more detailed information for Congress to consider prior to wholesale implementation.  Further, we urge that any adoption and implementation be done in a measured way so as to prevent any failures in the current system during the transition.   

We ask that your agencies please provide the following information:

1. Staffing Cuts: Provide a breakdown of NWS staffing levels since 2017 at WFOs and the National Centers for Environmental Protection.  Identify how many WFOs, and for how long each, has lacked each of the following positions over that time: Meteorologist in Charge, a Science Operations Officer, and a Warning Coordination Meteorologist? What performance impacts have resulted?
2. Communication Gaps: How did the absence of a Warning Coordination Meteorologist and reduced staffing affect warning distribution, communication and coordination in Kerr County and other nearby jurisdictions? What is the standard operating procedure for such a role in such critical weather events?
3. Precipitation Prediction: Atlas-15 will provide detailed estimates of maximum probable precipitation rates for any location in the U.S., critical information for planning for severe weather events.  Please explain any reasons for the current delays in Atlas-15’s national release.  Are sufficient funds available for the completion of this tool?  Have any funds been redirected away from this purpose?
4. Status of PPGC: The Precipitation Prediction Grand Challenge (PPGC), an initiative to dramatically improve the accuracy of forecasting when, where, and how much precipitation will occur has been chronically underfunded.  Please provide an update on the current efforts to date and the requirements to make significant progress over the next 5 years.
5. Adopting Graham’s Priorities: Which of Ken Graham’s ten transformation proposals have been implemented? Provide projected costs and timelines.
6. Corps Flood Control Improvements: This event also highlights the need for improvements from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) who is tasked with flood control across the country. How has the Corps updated its standard operating procedures to recognize the increased risk of extreme precipitation?  What is the status of the adoption of the Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO) to reduce flooding risk and maximize water availability? What additional research and monitoring is necessary, and on what timeline, to incorporate FIRO into the Corps’ standard procedures?
7. Interagency Collaboration: What NOAA and Corps coordination mechanisms are in place to improve rural flood-warning infrastructure and emergency preparedness, including hydrology modeling and flood response planning?
8. Future Preparedness Plan: Describe plans to adapt federal weather services to the growing frequency of extreme precipitation events attributable to climate change.

Across America, we are entering a perilous new era of extreme precipitation. The science is clear: a warming world means heavier rains, more frequent flash floods, and rising stakes. Failure to learn from this disaster will only exacerbate future risk. Now is the moment to prioritize investments—restoring NOAA staffing and accelerating research and coordinating flood preparedness across the Federal Government. We respectfully ask for your prompt attention and response within 30 days to ensure federal weather infrastructure is not the weak link in our national resilience.  We further request a quick response to the July 8, 2025 letter from Rep. Doggett, the Dean of the Texas Congressional Delegation.

 

Sincerely,

# # #
 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joaquin Castro (20th District of Texas)

---

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

Washington, DC — Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), joined by Congressman Lloyd Doggett (TX-37) and Congressman Eric Sorenson (IL-17), today led a forceful letter to federal agencies calling for immediate action following the catastrophic flash flooding in Kerr County, Texas, that claimed over 100 lives. The letter — sent to President Donald J. Trump, NOAA leadership, and the US Army Corps of Engineers — demands an urgent review of staffing shortages, stalled forecasting improvements, and insufficient flood preparedness that contributed to the disaster.

The lawmakers point to dangerous gaps in public warning coordination and a 15% reduction in National Weather Service (NWS) staffing since January as critical failures that must be addressed before the next extreme weather event. Accurate weather forecasts are not enough. It is imperative that these warnings are adequately communicated to members of the public and in a way that prompts the appropriate lifesaving action by emergency managers, first responders, and the public at-large.  

“This flood was not just a natural disaster but a failure of foresight and leadership,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). “A changing climate is rewriting the rules of weather, and our federal agencies must keep pace. The American people deserve a weather warning system that does more than sound the alarm. It must be fully staffed and ready to act to ensure that everyone in harms way receives it. This letter is a demand for accountability, but more importantly, it’s a demand for lives to be protected anywhere severe weather strikes.”

“As Texans in my state are faced with much pain and uncertainty, we cannot wait to ask the hard questions,” said Congressman Lloyd Doggett (TX-37). “Effective oversight saves lives. That is why we need a full account of the ways in which the Trump administration’s recent actions have undermined the federal response, both before and after this catastrophe. Learning from these failures and recognizing that weather intensification driven by climate change increasingly endangers lives will help prevent more tragedies.”

“As someone who has reported on dangerous floods for my neighbors as a meteorologist in my local community, I know how critical it is for NWS meteorologists, local media, and emergency management coordinators to work together seamlessly and quickly to share urgent warnings,” said Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17). “The deadly toll of the flash floods that hit Texas last week beg the question of what went wrong with the warning systems in place and what more could have been done to prevent this tragedy. The Trump Administration’s cuts to NOAA and the NWS are already having a real impact on the accuracy of our nation’s weather forecasting, creating cause for major concern. That is why I am calling on President Trump, NOAA, and the Army Corps of Engineers to undertake a full-scale investigation into what went wrong and what can be done to prevent catastrophes like this in the future.” 

This tragedy echoes a troubling national pattern of accelerating flash flood disasters that have claimed lives in recent years: 46 lives in the greater New York City area in September 2021, 45 lives in Kentucky in July 2022, 20 lives in Tennessee in August 2021, and 250 lives across the Southeast in September 2024.  These events are not anomalies — they are harbingers of a climate-disrupted future.

Kaptur, Doggett, and Sorenson request a response within 30 days and underscore that federal weather services must not be the weak link in the nation’s climate resilience.

A full copy of the letter can be found by clicking here or reading below: 

July 11, 2025

Honorable Donald J. Trump  President of the United States The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW  Washington, DC 20500	Laura Grimm Chief of Staff, performing the duties of Undersecretary for Commerce of Oceans and Atmosphere and Administrator, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration  1401 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20230
Lieutenant General William H. Graham Jr.  Commanding General and 56th Chief of Engineers U.S. Army Corps of Engineers  441 G St NW Washington DC, 20314

Dear Mr. President, Ms. Grimm, and General Graham:

We write with deep concern about the recent flooding in Kerr County, Texas, by both the severity of this event and the structural shortcomings at the federal, state, and local levels that contributed to the tragic loss of life. On July 4, 2025, Kerr County was struck by a flash flood of devastating impact. The Guadalupe River rose by more than 20 feet in less than two hours,^[1] engulfing homes and campsites, and leaving over a hundred dead in its wake.^[2] This tragedy echoes a troubling national pattern of accelerating flash flood disasters that have claimed lives: 46 lives in the greater New York City area in September 2021,^[3] 45 lives in Kentucky in July 2022, 20 lives in Tennessee in August 2021, and 250 lives across the Southeast in September 2024.^[4]  These events are not anomalies—they are harbingers of a climate-disrupted future.

Atmospheric scientists have long warned that warmer air holds more water vapor and thus latent energy produces heavier rainfall. In 1989, the Director of NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies, James Hansen, wrote presciently that “the greenhouse effect enhances both ends of the hydrologic cycle…, there is an increased frequency of extreme wet situations, as well as increased drought. Model results are shown to imply that increased greenhouse warming will lead to more intense thunderstorms, that is, deeper thunderstorms with greater rainfall.”^[5]

While the National Weather Service (NWS) forecast may have been accurate, accurate weather forecasts are not enough. It is imperative that these warnings are adequately communicated to members of the public and in a way that prompts the appropriate lifesaving action by emergency managers, first responders, and the public at-large.  We are concerned that there seems to have been a breakdown at this stage starting with the first flash flood watches issued on Thursday afternoon.

Following a series of catastrophic tornadoes in the spring of 2011 that culminated in the worst tornado in a generation in Joplin, Missouri, NWS acknowledged that accurate forecasts were not enough to protect life and property, and thereby elevated the importance of properly communicating to the public about life-threatening weather events.  As a result, NWS developed the Weather Ready Nation initiative to ensure that Americans knew how to appropriately respond to dangerous weather conditions when alerted by NWS or the private weather enterprise. In support of this effort, Congress codified the position of Warning Coordination Meteorologist in every weather forecast office (WFO) around the country in the 2017 Weather Act.

While staffing across NWS has long been a bipartisan concern, the staffing reductions mandated by the Department of Government Efficiency has greatly magnified the issue, with NWS losing nearly 15% of its staff nationwide since January.  The forecast accuracy and timeliness during this event in Texas was a testament to the dedication of the local NWS staff who flexed their schedules to ensure adequate coverage during such a high-impact event. That is not a sustainable solution, nor is it reliable enough for the increasing incidence of dangerous weather events.

In particular, the loss of the Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the San Antonio weather forecast office (WFO) and the reduced number of forecasters put the people of Texas at risk. Lacking a full staff complement requires the team to focus only on issuing the forecasts and warnings. Outreach and coordination, a key responsibility of the Warning Coordination Meteorologist, do not occur. Also, we understand that the funding supporting travel to the community for outreach and coordination, including meeting with emergency managers and elected officials, has been suspended. Having the Warning Coordination Meteorologist position and the vacancies filled may have been critical to saving more lives by connecting with as many local community leaders as possible in the hours between the 1 a.m. NWS warning and 4 a.m. when the most dangerous conditions began impacting residents.^[6]  

Given these concerns, we intend to work quickly to enact the Weather Staffing Improvement Act, which will streamline the hiring of federal weather forecasters. Meanwhile, we request that NWS expedites the backfilling of vacancies at all WFOs and the National Centers for Environmental Prediction. Further, we request that, despite proposed cuts to programs in the fiscal year 2026 budget request, no other reductions in funding or staffing occur without the explicit direction of Congress to programs that support precipitation prediction and decision support or the improvement of those services, including, but not limited to the work of the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research.

NWS Director Ken Graham has also laid out strategic priorities to transform NWS’ staffing models and organizational effectiveness, known as “Ken’s 10”.^[7] We applaud his thoughtful proposals, though we urge NOAA to provide more detailed information for Congress to consider prior to wholesale implementation.  Further, we urge that any adoption and implementation be done in a measured way so as to prevent any failures in the current system during the transition.   

We ask that your agencies please provide the following information:

1. Staffing Cuts: Provide a breakdown of NWS staffing levels since 2017 at WFOs and the National Centers for Environmental Protection.  Identify how many WFOs, and for how long each, has lacked each of the following positions over that time: Meteorologist in Charge, a Science Operations Officer, and a Warning Coordination Meteorologist? What performance impacts have resulted?
2. Communication Gaps: How did the absence of a Warning Coordination Meteorologist and reduced staffing affect warning distribution, communication and coordination in Kerr County and other nearby jurisdictions? What is the standard operating procedure for such a role in such critical weather events?
3. Precipitation Prediction: Atlas-15 will provide detailed estimates of maximum probable precipitation rates for any location in the U.S., critical information for planning for severe weather events.  Please explain any reasons for the current delays in Atlas-15’s national release.  Are sufficient funds available for the completion of this tool?  Have any funds been redirected away from this purpose?
4. Status of PPGC: The Precipitation Prediction Grand Challenge (PPGC), an initiative to dramatically improve the accuracy of forecasting when, where, and how much precipitation will occur has been chronically underfunded.  Please provide an update on the current efforts to date and the requirements to make significant progress over the next 5 years.
5. Adopting Graham’s Priorities: Which of Ken Graham’s ten transformation proposals have been implemented? Provide projected costs and timelines.
6. Corps Flood Control Improvements: This event also highlights the need for improvements from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) who is tasked with flood control across the country. How has the Corps updated its standard operating procedures to recognize the increased risk of extreme precipitation?  What is the status of the adoption of the Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO) to reduce flooding risk and maximize water availability? What additional research and monitoring is necessary, and on what timeline, to incorporate FIRO into the Corps’ standard procedures?
7. Interagency Collaboration: What NOAA and Corps coordination mechanisms are in place to improve rural flood-warning infrastructure and emergency preparedness, including hydrology modeling and flood response planning?
8. Future Preparedness Plan: Describe plans to adapt federal weather services to the growing frequency of extreme precipitation events attributable to climate change.

Across America, we are entering a perilous new era of extreme precipitation. The science is clear: a warming world means heavier rains, more frequent flash floods, and rising stakes. Failure to learn from this disaster will only exacerbate future risk. Now is the moment to prioritize investments—restoring NOAA staffing and accelerating research and coordinating flood preparedness across the Federal Government. We respectfully ask for your prompt attention and response within 30 days to ensure federal weather infrastructure is not the weak link in our national resilience.  We further request a quick response to the July 8, 2025 letter from Rep. Doggett, the Dean of the Texas Congressional Delegation.

 

Sincerely,

# # #
 

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

Maine First District Congresswoman Chellie Pingree joined 150 House Democrats in a letter to the Trump Administration, demanding the release of almost $7 billion in illegally withheld, Congressionally-appropriated federal funding meant for education related programs such as after school programs, teacher training, and adult education. Members outline the impact that this decision is having on schools, teachers, and families across the country and demand transparency from Education Secretary Linda McMahon and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought. 

The funding is typically released annually on July 1 and represents at least 10% of federal K-12 funding in every state. Maine’s schools are owed more than $26 million in federal funding because of the Trump Administration’s actions. The failure to release this funding on time is disrupting school and district planning, jeopardizing the education of millions of students, and is already resulting in layoffs, program delays, and cancellations for students and their families.

“The education funding withheld by the Administration reflects resources provided by Congress that are designed to help schools with a variety of issues, including student learning and achievement, after-school programs, and teacher training,” the Members wrote. “There is no legitimate reason why any review of these programs should prevent the Administration from fulfilling its responsibility to the American people on time. No more excuses—follow the law and release the funding meant for our schools, teachers, and families.”  

The full text of the letter can be found here and below. 

+++

Secretary McMahon and Director Vought,

We write to request more information about your decision to illegally withhold nearly $7 billion dollars of funding for K-12 schools and adult education from states and local school districts around the country and to insist that this funding be immediately released. Without these funds, schools are facing difficult and unnecessary decisions on programs for students and teachers.

On June 30, 2025, just one day before these funds become available for obligation, the Department notified states that they would not receive these funds by July 1 and that “[g]iventhe change in Administrations, the Department is reviewing the FY 2025 funding … and decisions have not yet been made concerning submissions and awards for this upcoming academic year.” This late-breaking decision, which provided no timeline for which states can expect a final decision, is leaving states financially vulnerable and forcing many to make last minute decisions about how to proceed with K12 education in this upcoming school year. The education funding withheld by the Administration reflects resources provided by Congress that are designed to help schools with a variety of issues, including student learning and achievement, after-school programs, and teacher training. Additionally, education funding provided by Congress to help with adult education and literacy is also being withheld.  

This unnecessary delay of education funding, which accounts for at least 10 percent of federal K-12 funding in every state, is alarming parents, local elected officials, and education agencies. It is disrupting school and district planning, jeopardizing the education of millions of students, and is already resulting in layoffs as well as program delays and cancellation. Further, it is causing concern to adult education programs that are faced with similar decisions without immediate access to expected funding.

Accordingly, please provide responses to the following questions no later than July 15, 2025.

1. When will the Administration finish its review and release the funding provided by Congress to states to use for the school year beginning next month? 
2. Has the Administration done any outreach or offered any sort of support for state and local education agencies to assist them and their partners in navigating this period of uncertainty?
3. If the Administration knew it wanted to review these funds, why didn’t this review start earlier in the year? Was the review or the timely release of funds affected by the lack of staff at the Department, which is a direct result of the reductions in force (RIFs) executed by the Administration?

There is no legitimate reason why any review of these programs should prevent the Administration from fulfilling its responsibility to the American people on time. No more excuses – follow the law and release the funding meant for our schools, teachers, and families.

 We look forward to hearing from you and seeing these dollars allocated immediately. 

Sincerely,

###

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

Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) today led 74 U.S. Representatives in pressing the Trump Administration to halt plans to conduct further mass firings of federal workers amid reports that the White House intends to proceed with gutting federal agencies and conducting mass purges of civil servants, including at the State Department, following a recent Supreme Court order.

They wrote to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought:

“The Supreme Court… did not rule on the legality of these [mass layoff and agency restructuring] plans. The plans themselves are still under active legal review and are still being evaluated at the district and appellate levels for compliance with the law. Continuing forward would show active disregard for the judicial process and the Founders’ checks and balances intent, [and] create chaos if the courts rule these actions unlawful.

“[R]esuming RIFs and reorganizations is premature and risks irreversible harm to federal employees and to our nation. Career civil servants are not expendable pawns, but actual people whose jobs matter.

“It would be irresponsible, and risk violating the law, to restart workforce reductions and reorganization without congressional input while legal uncertainty persists. We urge you to take the responsible, measured approach which is to keep any agency reorganization and RIF plans on hold until legal clarity is achieved, which the Supreme Court’s recent announcement has not granted.”

Beyer previously led a delegation of 60 House Democrats expressing opposition to mass firings of State Department employees, including Foreign Service Officers, to Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The letter to Director Vought was U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (CA), Alma Adams (NC), Gabe Amo (RI), Yassamin Ansari (AZ), Becca Balint (VT), Nanette Barragán (CA), Brendan Boyle (PA), Julia Brownley (CA), Nikki Budzinski (IL), Janelle Bynum (IR), Greg Casar (TX), Judy Chu (CA), Steve Cohen (TN), Jason Crow (CO), Danny Davis (IL), Madeleine Dean (PA), Diana DeGette (CO), Suzan DelBene (WA), Mark DeSaulnier (CA), Maxine Dexter (OR), Sarah Elfreth (MD), Adriano Espaillat (NY), John Garamend (CA), Daniel Goldman (NY), Steny Hoyer (MD), Val Hoyle (OR), Jared Huffman (CA), Jonathan Jackson (IL), Marcy Kaptur (OH), Robin Kelly (IL), Timothy Kennedy (NY), Ro Khanna (CA), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL), Greg Landsman (OH), Rick Larsen (WA), John Larson (CT), Sarah McBride (DE), Jennifer McClellan (VA), Betty McCollum (MI), James McGovern (MA), Kweisi Mfume (MD), Gwen Moore (WI), Jerrold Nadler (NY), Joe Neguse (CO), Johnny Olszewski (MD), Jimmy Panetta (CA), Nancy Pelosi (CA), Brittany Pettersen (CO), Chellie Pingree (ME), Delia Ramirez (IL), Jamie Raskin (MD), Deborah Ross (NC), Andrea Salinas (OR), Linda Sánchez (CA), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA), Jan Schakowsky (IL), Kim Schrier (WA), Bobby Scott (VA), Greg Stanton (AZ), Suhas Subramanyam (VA), Mark Takano (CA), Shri Thanedar (MI), Mike Thompson (CA), Dina Titus (NV), Rashida Tlaib (MI), Jill Tokuda (HI), Paul Tonko (NY), Juan Vargas (CA), Nikema Williams (WA), and Congresswoman Eleanor Homes Norton (DC).

Full text of the letter follows below and a signed copy is available here.

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July 11, 2025

The Honorable Russell Vought
Director The Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
725 17th St NW Washington, DC 20503

Dear Director Vought:

We ask you to maintain the current pause on reviewing and implementing any agency reorganizations or reductions in force (RIF) actions while litigation surrounding these plans is active and ongoing. OMB should not exceed Congressional authority and undermine the judicial process and should act with caution by pausing any further RIF related actions until the courts have ruled definitively.

While the Supreme Court’s recent announcement lifted the district court’s injunction on agency reorganization or RIF plans on procedural grounds, it did not rule on the legality of these plans. The plans themselves are still under active legal review and are still being evaluated at the district and appellate levels for compliance with the law. Continuing forward would show active disregard for the judicial process and the Founders’ checks and balances intent, as well as create chaos if the courts rule these actions unlawful.

Further, resuming RIFs and reorganizations is premature and risks irreversible harm to federal employees and to our nation. Career civil servants are not expendable pawns, but actual people whose jobs matter. It impacts not only the individual who no longer has a salary to keep a roof over their head or food in the mouths of their families, but also important services that Americans depend on to keep them safe. Whether it’s the lab tech who was needed at NIH to help Mr. Schleuter get access to his clinical trial, the National Nuclear Security staff that oversee our country’s nuclear weapons stockpile, or the National Weather Service employees that are needed to protect us from extreme weather events, removing or relocating career civil servants from their jobs has consequences. These patriotic individuals have opted to serve our country within the civil service and deserve respect and the due process of the law. Thousands of federal employees have already been affected by this Administration’s half-baked, rushed restructuring and resuming RIFs will compound disruption, lower morale, and weaken agencies’ capacity to serve the public.

Additionally, it is imperative that we remind you that Congress passes the laws that create and maintain federal offices and structures the federal bureaucracy as it deems appropriate, as well as appropriates funding to agencies to carry out those missions. It is only within Congressionally delegated authority in statute that the Executive branch has the ability to make restructuring decisions. Exceeding statutory allowance undermines the Loper Bright decision that this very Administration championed. The Courts are best suited to determine whether agency action runs afoul of Congressional commands.

It would be irresponsible, and risk violating the law, to restart workforce reductions and reorganization without congressional input while legal uncertainty persists. We urge you to take the responsible, measured approach which is to keep any agency reorganization and RIF plans on hold until legal clarity is achieved, which the Supreme Court’s recent announcement has not granted.

Sincerely,

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

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) today joined 11 bipartisan members of Congress in introducing the PBM Reform Act, which protects patients and pharmacies from the harmful and anticompetitive business practices of the pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). 

“For too long, pharmacy benefit managers have been allowed to operate unchecked, raising prices and preventing many patients from getting the medications they depend on,” Rep. Debbie Dingell said. “I hear from too many Michiganders, especially seniors, who can’t conveniently access the prescriptions they need, due to exploitative PBM practices complicating access to their local pharmacies. Their harmful, aggressive tactics are only getting worse, and we must take action now to protect pharmacies and lower patient costs. I remain committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this across the finish line.”

The PBM Reform Act will: 

Ban “spread pricing” in Medicaid and move to a transparent system that ensures pharmacies are fairly and adequately reimbursed for serving Medicaid beneficiaries.

• Establish new requirements for PBMs under Medicare Part D, including a policy to delink PBM compensation from the cost of medications and increase transparency. 
• Promote transparency for both employers and patients in their prescription drug plans, with semi-annual reporting on drug spending, rebates, and formulary determinations.
• Require Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to define and enforce “reasonable and relevant” contract terms in Medicare Part D pharmacy contracts and enforce oversight on reported violations.

The PBM Reform Act is cosponsored by Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA), Greg Murphy (R-NC), Deborah Ross (D-NC), Jodey Arrington (R-TX), Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX), Rick Allen (R-GA), Raha Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), John Rose (R-TN), Derek Tran (D-CA), and Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY). 

“It’s time to bust up the PBM monopoly, which has been stealing hope and health from patients for decades,” said Rep. Buddy Carter. “As a pharmacist, I’ve seen how PBMs abuse patients firsthand, and believe that the cure to this infectious disease is transparency, competition, and accountability, which is exactly what our bipartisan package provides.”

“Unaffordable health care, unclear pricing practices, and a burdensome system that is difficult to navigate has created life-threatening barriers to care for Americans,” said Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D. “At the heart of this problem are pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), middlemen who withhold money from independent pharmacies, obscure drug costs, and make out like bandits, all at the expense of patients. This corruption of the health care delivery system must stop. For years, we have heard from small business owners, physicians, and patients about the damage greedy PBMs have inflicted. I am proud to support this bipartisan legislation to put an end to the extortion and lower drug costs through increased transparency and competition.”

“For too long, PBMs have served as unregulated middlemen, driving up prices for life-saving medications for patients,” said Rep. Deborah Ross. “Nobody should have to choose between paying for life-saving medication and putting food on the table. Our bipartisan PBM Reform Act will protect Americans from abusive practices that raise prices and reduce fairness. I’m proud to work with Rep. Carter on these long overdue reforms. It’s past time to hold PBMs accountable and ensure every American can access the medications they need.”

“It’s time to put an end to the shady and manipulative practices of pharmacy benefit managers. For too long, PBMs have driven up drug prices and padded their pockets while independent community pharmacies are being pushed to the financial brink,” said Rep. Diana Harshbarger.  My colleagues and I are committed to changing that. This legislation delivers long-overdue accountability, increases transparency, lowers out-of-pocket costs for families, and saves taxpayer dollars. Local pharmacies and the patients they serve are at a breaking point, and they deserve relief. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bill and look forward to passing real PBM reform that will deliver for both patients and providers.”

“Pharmacy Benefit Managers line their pockets and drive up the cost of life saving drugs at the expense of South Texans and the community pharmacies they depend on — this is shameful, dangerous, and must be stopped,” said Rep. Vicente Gonzalez. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Congressman Buddy Carter that puts patients first, increases price transparency, and holds PBMs accountable.”

“PBM reform has long been a pressing issue, not only in rural Georgia, but across the nation,” said Rep. Rick W. Allen. “I am proud to work with Representative Carter on this commonsense package to eliminate the use of spread pricing, make prescription drugs more affordable, and establish rigorous oversight over PBM tactics that threaten access to care. Our health care system is in need of patient-centered, cost-effective, market-driven solutions and this package delivers.”

“I’m proud to co-lead the PBM Reform Act to crack down on abusive practices by pharmacy benefit managers and drive down the cost of prescription drugs for working families,” Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi said. “This bipartisan legislation brings long-overdue transparency and accountability to the prescription drug supply chain, ensuring patients, not middlemen, come first.”

“Seniors should be able to fill the prescriptions they need without having to drive long distances or pay exorbitant costs,” Rep. John Rose said. “For far too long, Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) have favored large chains and driven away customers from independent pharmacies, especially those in rural communities. I am proud to co-lead this legislation, which will be a gamechanger for countless Tennesseans.”

“Southern California families are seeing their cost-of-living skyrocket, especially the cost of essential health care. I’m laser-focused on bipartisan, common-sense solutions that bring down costs and ensure that our economy works for working families.” said Rep. Derek Tran. “My experience running a community pharmacy with my wife showed me firsthand the urgent need for greater transparency and accountability in how Pharmacy Benefit Managers operate. That is why I’m proud to co-lead this bipartisan effort with Representatives Carter and Dingell to reform PBM practices, increase transparency, and put patients first.”

“I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this critical PBM reform package, which cracks down on the exploitative pricing tactics of pharmacy benefit managers to make prescription drugs more affordable,” said Rep. Nicole Malliotakis. “PBMs’ shady practices have left consumers footing the bill and are driving many ‘Mom & Pop’ pharmacies in my district out of business. Our legislation will deliver long-overdue reforms to increase price transparency and protect patients. Now is the time for Congress to act and get PBM reform across the finish line.”

Background

Pharmacy benefit managers were created as middlemen to reduce administrative costs for insurers, validate a patient’s eligibility, administer plan benefits, and negotiate costs between pharmacies and health plans. Over time, PBMs have been allowed to operate virtually unchecked as they consolidated to where three companies now control 80% of the prescription drug market. 

Vertical integration and a lack of transparency have led to pharmacy closures and higher costs for patients across the country.  

Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)

Camarillo, CA – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) released the following statement in response to recent immigration enforcement activities and large federal agent presence at a farm in Ventura County. This raid comes amid a broader escalation of immigration enforcement actions across Ventura County, Los Angeles County, and Southern California.

“I am aware of the recent immigration enforcement activities and large federal agent presence on Laguna Road in Camarillo and have been closely monitoring the situation. I’m deeply frustrated by the lack of transparency from ICE and the Department of Homeland Security, and I will be demanding answers to find out who they detained and where the detainees are being taken.

“These militarized raids are not routine immigration enforcement. They are part of a deliberate, disruptive, and ongoing campaign of cruelty that is an unacceptable assault on our way of life. ICE should be focused on individuals who pose real threats to public safety, not carrying out broad sweeps that destabilize entire communities.

“The farmworkers being targeted in these operations are the same individuals who break their backs day in and day out to feed this country. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they were rightly declared essential workers who were vital to sustaining our nation’s food supply. To turn around and target them is wrong and profoundly immoral.

“These raids are a misuse of federal resources, and they are not how we keep our neighborhoods safe. In fact, this kind of chaos only makes our communities more insecure. And as these actions continue to traumatize families and tear communities apart, they are also tearing at the fabric of our humanity.

“I am continuing to work to hold this administration accountable and ensure that all Ventura County families, regardless of immigration status, feel safe. We can, and we must, enforce our immigration laws while upholding the rule of law and respecting due process.”

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Issues: 119th Congress, Immigration, Local Issues