MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Pappas also pressed VA Secretary on delayed education benefits and the launch of VA Home Loan Program

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

The White House hosted a select group of lawmakers, coal industry advocates and coal miners for a “Champion of Beautiful Clean Coal” event. U.S. Congressman and Congressional Coal Caucus Co-Chair Morgan Griffith (R-VA) attended this special event to support American coal and coal miners. Following the event, Congressman Griffith issued the following statement: 

“Coal communities, like those in Virginia’s Ninth District, have abundant American energy resources in their backyards. We can meet domestic electricity and industrial energy demands with American energy, all while implementing emission reduction technologies. It is essential that federal policies support and protect coal communities, not ignore or diminish them!

“As long as I am in Congress, I will continue advocating for American coal. Coal can be used to generate electricity in order to keep our factories, hospitals and schools open. It can also be used as a means to support American steelmaking. Further, as we continue to develop the best pollution control measures in the world, we can export those pollution control technologies overseas to countries that will use coal no matter what happens in the United States. Thus, we help deliver reliable, affordable energy solutions for American families and the world.”

BACKGROUND

Video of today’s White House event can be found here.

Congressman Griffith is Co-Chair of the Congressional Coal Caucus. 

In April 2025, Congressman Griffith attended a White House event where President Trump signed a series of executive orders aimed at boosting the American coal industry.

Later in 2025, Congressman Griffith voted to codify one of these executive measures to reestablish the National Coal Council.

In May 2025, Congressman Griffith celebrated the Department of Energy’s announcement to designate metallurgical coal as a critical material.

Coal continues to play an essential role in meeting domestic energy demands. During the recent Winter Storm Fern, a 31% jump in coal generation helped the electric grid meet peak demand. For PJM Interconnection, which serves Virginia and 12 other states, coal accounted for a major portion of the energy generation mix.

Congressman Griffith expressed support for recent TVA actions to extend coal plant operations.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty [D-OH-3], in recognition of American Heart Month, reintroduced the bipartisan Women’s Heart Health Expansion Act to reauthorize and expand access to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Well-Integrated Screening and Evaluation for Women Across the Nation (WISEWOMAN) program, which provides free cardiovascular risk screenings and lifestyle support services to low-income, uninsured, and underinsured women ages 35–64.

 

The WISEWOMAN program currently operates in only a limited number of states and tribal organizations, restricting access for women at highest risk of heart disease.

 

Under existing law, women must not only be eligible for the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP), but also be a recipient of NBCCEDP services to be referred to WISEWOMAN. This requirement unnecessarily restricts participation. The Women’s Heart Health Expansion Act would give CDC, states, and tribal organizations the flexibility to develop additional referral pathways and permit other health care providers to participate in the WISEWOMAN program, significantly expanding access. The bill also authorizes $250 million for WISEWOMAN over the next five years to support nationwide expansion and meet increased demand. 

 

“Heart disease is the number one killer of women in America, yet too many women are still denied access to the screenings that could save their lives,” said Congresswoman Beatty.“That is unacceptable. The WISEWOMAN program works, but outdated restrictions are limiting who it can reach. This bill removes those barriers, expands providers, and invests $250 million to take lifesaving prevention nationwide. Black women and other women of color face the highest risks and the worst outcomes. That is not inevitable, it is preventable. The WISEWOMAN program helps low income women know their numbers before heart disease becomes fatal.  Women’s heart health must be prioritized, funded, and protected.”

 

This bill is cosponsored by the following Members of Congress: Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro, [D-CT-3], Rep.Christopher Smith [R-NJ-4], Rep. Juan Ciscomani [R-AZ-6], Rep. Brian K. Fitzpatrick [R-PA-1], Rep. Sanford D. Bishop [D-GA-2], Rep. Michael Lawler [R-NY-17], Rep.  Lois Frankel [D-FL-22], Rep. Gwen Moore [D-WI-4], Rep. Debbie Dingell [D-MI-6], Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, [D-FL-20] and Rep. Shontel Brown [D-OH-11].

 

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and accounts for 12 percent of total U.S. health expenditures, more than any other disease.

 

Women experience disproportionately high rates of preventable heart-related illness and death, and more than half of American women do not recognize heart disease as their leading health threat. Disparities worsen across race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. The Women’s Heart Health Expansion Act is a critical step toward closing those gaps and reducing preventable deaths.

 

“We know heart disease is not just costing American lives, but it is also costing us financially– accounting for 12 percent of total U.S. health expenditures. We must do all we can to prevent this disease and ultimately save lives. The Women’s Heart Health Expansion Act provides critical screenings and services to help women catch and treat heart disease early,” said Senator Alsobrooks. 

 

“Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, and it disproportionately affects women of color,” said Rep. DeLauro. “The Center for Disease Control’s WISEWOMAN program, which I was proud to help establish in 1993, provides needed services to women who struggle with accessing healthcare – to ensure that they receive the treatment they need to prevent and overcome heart disease and lower their risk of death. I am proud to partner with Congresswoman Beatty on this lifesaving legislation that will expand access to cardiovascular disease screenings and support services, and will continue to fight to ensure all women have access to the healthcare they need to thrive.”

 

“Historically and unnecessarily, women have experienced delayed diagnoses, ineffective treatments, and poor prognoses when it comes to cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention, management, and care. Information, awareness, and access to critical cardio-health services can and will save women’s lives,” said Rep. Chris Smith.“To combat the systemic gaps in health care and to improve the outcomes of women suffering from CVD, I am proud to introduce the Women’s Heart Health Expansion Act alongside my fellow Congressional Coalition on Heart and Stroke Co-Chair, Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH). This critical legislation reauthorizes and expands the CDC’s WISEWOMAN program, ensuring that more at-risk women can benefit from the program’s free-of-charge cardiovascular health services, regardless of financial constraints or insurance coverage.”

 

“Cardiovascular disease remains the No. 1 killer of women, and nearly 45% of women over age 20 are already living with some form of it. Raising awareness and promoting prevention is essential. This includes helping more women ‘know their numbers’ and expanding access to screenings to detect risk early,” said Mark Schoeberl EVP of Advocacy, American Heart Association. “The Women’s Heart Health Expansion Act would broaden and strengthen the WISEWOMAN program to ensure more women get preventive care and the support they need to protect their heart health. The American Heart Association is grateful to Congresswoman Beatty for her steadfast leadership in championing policies that help ensure every woman has the opportunity for a longer, healthier life.”

 

“WomenHeart strongly supports the Women’s Heart Health Expansion Act because it expands access to lifesaving prevention for women who are too often overlooked by our health care system,” said Celina Gorre, CEO of WomenHeart. “By strengthening the CDC’s WISEWOMAN program, this legislation helps ensure more low-income women can receive early screening, education, and follow-up care for heart disease and stroke. Prevention saves lives, and this bill is a critical step toward closing longstanding gaps in women’s heart health and advancing equity in cardiovascular care.”

 

“By strengthening and expanding the WISEWOMAN program, this legislation directly addresses longstanding gaps that have contributed to preventable disparities in outcomes. For too long, women’s cardiovascular health—especially for Black women—has been overlooked in prevention and early care. This bill brings us closer to a future where women’s heart health is recognized, prioritized, and protected by recognizing the urgency of investing in targeted, equitable approaches that prioritize early detection, strengthen care pathways, and improve outcomes across generations.” — Anthony Fletcher, MD, FACC, President, Association of Black Cardiologists

 

“The Partnership to Advance Cardiovascular Health applauds efforts to strengthen and expand preventive cardiovascular services for women. By enhancing the WISEWOMAN program to support blood pressure and cholesterol screenings as well as appropriate referrals and follow-up care, this legislation addresses critical gaps in early detection and management of heart disease — the leading cause of death among women in the United States.”  — Emma Maron, Advocacy Director, Partnership to Advance Cardiovascular Health

 

This bill is endorsed by the following organizations:

 

The American Heart Association, The Adult Congenital Heart Association, The Association of Black Cardiologists, WomenHeart, Heart Valve Voice U.S., Partnership to Advance Cardiovascular Health (PACH), Healthy Women, Women’s Heart Alliance, Arrhythmia Alliance, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association (HCMA), The Mended Hearts, Inc., StopAfib.org, Physician-Patient Alliance for Health & Safety, Alliance for Aging Research, and Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association (PCNA)

 

Click HERE for the full bill text.

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) today announced the nomination of several exceptional students from Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District to attend the United States Service Academies.

“Each of these young leaders has shown remarkable academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to service,” said Congressman Aderholt. “I’m proud to nominate them for admission to our nation’s service academies and wish them continued success as they pursue lives of honor and duty.”

Congressman Aderholt submitted nominations for the following students:

U.S. Military Academy (West Point)

• Kate Seidel, daughter of Dr. Steven Seidel — Indian Springs School, Vinemont
• Anglin Young, son of Brett and Laura Young — Northridge High School, Tuscaloosa
• Cooper Scott, son of Chuck and Beth Rigsby — Albertville High School, Albertville

U.S. Naval Academy

• Ferrin Thorne, daughter of Derek Thorne and Valerie Thorne — Tuscaloosa County High School, Northport
• Eleanor Little, daughter of Justin and Ashley Little — Homeschool, Northport
• Ayden Gargis, son of Wesley and Bethany Gargis — Brooks High School, Killen
• Anglin Young, son of Brett and Laura Young — Northridge High School, Tuscaloosa

U.S. Air Force Academy

• Anglin Young

Anglin Young has already received offers of admission to both the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the U.S. Air Force Academy — a testament to his accomplishments and dedication.

Service academy nominations are highly competitive and reflect excellence in academics, character, leadership, and a desire to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Students interested in applying for a future nomination may contact Congressman Aderholt’s office or visit aderholt.house.gov for more information.

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

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) released the following statement in response to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announcement of final rulemaking to implement the Managed Care Organization (MCO) tax provision established in the Working Families Tax Cut (H.R. 1). The final rule provides a six-month transition period for California’s MCO tax to comply with the rulemaking on provider tax uniformity.

“After months of conversations with CMS Administrator Dr. Oz—and inviting him to the Central Valley to see our healthcare challenges firsthand—I’m encouraged that CMS has agreed to provide a six-month transition period before implementing California’s new Managed Care Organization (MCO) tax rule,” said Congressman Valadao. “The MCO tax was created to increase California’s contributions to the Medicaid program, but for years the state has misused the revenue to support other government expenses instead of strengthening the healthcare system. California needs time to adjust its budget priorities, and this transition period maintains a $2.3 billion funding stream while giving the state necessary stability, according to CMS analysis. This is an important step, and I look forward to continuing to partner with CMS as they work to thoughtfully implement the reforms included in H.R. 1.”

Background:

Federal law requires states to share responsibility with the federal government for financing Medicaid, including by contributing a portion of the non-federal share of program costs. The Managed Care Organization (MCO) tax allows states like California to draw down additional funds to help support their state programs. This rule revises how states may structure provider taxes but provides California with a six-month on-ramp to comply with the final rule, which requires the tax rate on Medicaid and non-Medicaid businesses to be uniform. The final rule’s extension of the transition deadline from July 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026 preserves $2.3 billion in federal revenue for the state of California. This amount is based on a CMS estimate of the federal revenue attributable to extending the state’s current provider tax structure through the end of 2026.

States, including California, use the MCO tax to draw down matching federal funds to help support their Medicaid programs. California’s Medicaid program, known as Medi-Cal, faces significant state-level challenges, including low reimbursement rates for providers. Compounding these issues, the state has mismanaged the MCO tax to supplement California’s General Fund instead of strengthening care for Medicaid patients and supporting the providers who serve them.

Read more about the rule here.

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

Headline: WATCH: Carter defends election integrity, urges SAVE America Act passage on House floor

WATCH: Carter defends election integrity, urges SAVE America Act passage on House floor

 

Rep. Carter speaks on the House floor

Watch the Floor Remarks Here

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong and unapologetic support of the SAVE America Act – legislation that defends the integrity of our elections and makes one principle perfectly clear: U.S. elections are for U.S. citizens ONLY.

“This is not extreme; It’s common sense. Citizenship matters. Sovereignty matters, and Americans alone must decide America’s future.

“Yet radical Democrats have abandoned this standard. New York City has allowed non-citizens to vote in local elections. Washington, D.C. has done the same—granting political power to foreign nationals in the capital of our nation.

“Georgia’s own senator Jon Ossoff, who once said that voter ID was ‘right and appropriate,’ now supports his party as reframing it as ‘voter suppression’.

“The law didn’t change. Public opinion didn’t change. What changed was he – and other Democrat politicians like him – realized that illegal immigrants could no longer vote to keep Democrats in office.

“They oppose this bill because it chips away at their voting base; plain and simple.

“For years, conservatives warned that this was the radical Left’s goal, and we were mocked for it.

“But that’s exactly what Democrats are doing right now: fighting to allow illegal aliens to vote. This is not only grotesquely unjust, but it waters down the meaning of American citizenship.

“By passing this bill, we reaffirm a simple but sacred truth: American elections belong to Americans. No loopholes. No exceptions. No apologies.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

The SAVE America Act: Secures Elections, Protects Our Votes, Restores Trust

The SAVE America Act reflects overwhelming bipartisan support for voter ID and proof of citizenship to participate in federal elections

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

WASHINGTON — Representatives Jim Costa (CA-21), Kevin Kiley (CA-03), David Valadao (CA-22), Vince Fong (CA-20), Susie Lee (NV-03), and Dina Titus (NV-01) today led a bipartisan letter to House leadership and the Energy and Commerce Committee to move quickly on legislation that strengthens safeguards against illegal biological laboratories and improves coordination for communities and first responders. The Members sent a letter requesting an immediate hearing and subsequent markup on H.R. 5747, the Preventing Illegal Laboratories and Protecting Public Health Act of 2025, legislation developed in direct response to the illegal laboratory discovered in Reedley, California in December of 2022. 
Their request comes as authorities in Las Vegas continue an active investigation linked to Reedley, also involving suspected biological materials and lab equipment discovered at a residential property. Reports indicate a large volume of evidence was recovered and sent for testing, underscoring concerns that suspicious biological activity can emerge quickly and leave local officials navigating high-risk situations without clear federal guardrails.
“Recent incidents have made clear that dangerous biological activity can fall into a real oversight gray zone. Congress has a clear opportunity to close those gaps and ensure first responders are not left to navigate high risk biological incidents without clear federal guardrails before the next incident puts another community at risk,” said the Members. “The active investigation by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation involving suspected biological materials only reinforces the urgency of closing those gaps now rather than after the next incident. Taken along with continued public reporting about potential links back to the earlier Reedley operation and alleged foreign linked financing concerns, the need for practical federal safeguards and clearer coordination channels is hard to ignore.”  
The Members emphasized they stand ready to work with House leadership and the Committee on Energy and Commerce to advance a bipartisan path forward and deliver practical, commonsense safeguards that protect communities and support first responders.
Read the full letter here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10)

San Joaquin County alone has 16 health professional shortage areas, statewide shortage of over 500,000 health care workers

New legislation creates “health investment zones” with tax credits, incentives for providers that invest in at-risk areas

WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) announced new legislation to bring health care providers back to Valley communities facing crippling doctor shortages. Led with Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA), Harder’s Health Investment Zones Act creates Health Investment Zones (HIZs) in at-risk areas with severe shortages or vulnerable communities and establishes key incentives to attract and retain providers where they’re needed most.

Heartless health care cuts are making doctor shortages so much worse:

• San Joaquin County, which has 16 health professional shortage areas (HPSAs), is on the front lines of chronic provider shortages that amount to over 500,000 statewide.
• These shortages make it harder for low-income, disabled, and vulnerable communities to find access to care, leading to more hospitalizations and worse health care outcomes.
• Federal cuts to Medi-Cal and health care premiums are expected to kick thousands off their insurance, double monthly payments, and close down clinics.

“This bill is a promise to reinvest in the very communities that Washington is trying to pull out of,” said Rep. Harder. “By creating new Health Investment Zones right here in the Valley, we can close provider gaps and unlock an entire arsenal of tools and support for the families that need it most. Our families deserve reliable access to affordable health care, and that’s exactly what this bill does.”

HIZ’s are already a proven method for reducing provider shortages and improving long-term health care outcomes. By 2016, Maryland’s Health Enterprise Zone model had reduced more than 18,000 inpatient stays in three years and generated an estimated $108 million in net savings. Harder’s Health Investment Zones Act takes that model and scales it across the federal government.

How the Health Investment Zones Act closes shortage areas:

• Establishes the HIZ Program – 10-year designations in areas with measurable health disparities based on income, life expectancy, or provider shortages.
• Attracts and Retains Providers – Expands provider tax credits, wage and service incentives, and student loan repayment programs for HIZ providers.
• Promotes Better Health Outcomes – Incentivizes high-value preventive services and prioritizes improving outcomes across a range of chronic health conditions.

“While Donald Trump and Republicans refuse to take action to address the health care crisis, longstanding gaps in access to quality care are only growing more severe. Smart, targeted investments can prevent harmful health disparities while reducing ER use and hospitalization, provider shortages, and costs,” said Sen. Padilla. “Congressman Harder and I are fighting to close these gaps by establishing 10-year Health Investment Zones so underserved areas receive the effective, affordable care they need.”

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