MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), the only psychologist currently serving in Congress, led 62 House Democrats in a letter requesting answers from U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins about significant reductions in the Veterans Health Administration’s (VHA) behavioral and mental health workforce and the impact these staffing losses are having on Veterans’ access to lifesaving mental health care. 

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) serves nearly 9 million Veterans nationwide. Nearly one-third of Veterans enrolled in VHA have a confirmed mental health diagnosis, and more than 6,398 Veterans died by suicide in 2023 alone. Yet since the beginning of the Trump Administration, the VA has lost more than 300 psychologists and 700 social workers, including over 200 psychiatrists in 2025 alone. That same year, 57% of VA facilities reported severe psychology staffing shortages, making psychology the most frequently understaffed clinical occupation across the VHA. 

VHA mental health professionals are uniquely trained to address the complex needs of Veterans, helping them manage serious conditions such as combat-related trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, panic disorders, and substance abuse disorders.

The Members wrote:

“The consequences for Veterans are evident. Staffing shortages have caused longer wait times, cancelled appointments, interrupted treatment, and the loss of trusted clinicians. Some Veterans report waiting multiple months for an available appointment and constantly having to rebuild their relationships with therapists from scratch as they are forced to switch between multiple therapists in succession. Therapists and Veterans also report being forced to replace one-on-one sessions with large group sessions, even when not clinically appropriate This cycle of disruption has led some Veterans to give up treatment all together. One Veteran warned that losing access to their trusted therapist was a matter of ‘life or death.’

 …Mental health clinicians have reported unmanageable caseloads, growing uncertainty about the future of their positions, and concerns that political directives around diversity, equity, and inclusion have made it more difficult to provide the highest quality care for their patients. This loss of hundreds of experienced clinicians—and the therapeutic relationships they built with veterans over years of care—cannot be quickly or easily replaced, even as the need for Veterans’ mental health services continues to grow.

[…]

Given the persistent shortages of mental health professionals across the Department, it is critical that Congress understands the scope of these workforce challenges and the Department’s efforts to address them.”

The letter was signed by Representatives Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), André Carson (IN-07), Troy Carter (LA-02), Ed Case (HI-01), Sean Casten (IL-06), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Gilbert Cisneros (CA-31), Lou Correa (CA-46), Jim Costa (CA-21), Sharice Davids (KS-03), Danny Davis (IL-07), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Christopher Deluzio (PA-17), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Shomari Figures (AL-02), Bill Foster (IL-11), John Garamendi (CA-08), Jesús García (IL-04), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Rick Larsen (WA-02), Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Kim Schrier (WA-08), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Adam Smith (WA-09), Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Haley Stevens (MI-11), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Thomas Suozzi (NY-03), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Derek Tran (CA-45), Marc Veasey (TX-33), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).

The letter is endorsed by the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI), Union Veterans Council, Common Defense, and AMVETS.

If you or a loved one need mental health support, dial 988 to be connected to the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24/7. Counselors can also be reached by text message or online chat. You may also dial 911 or go to your nearest emergency room to seek help. 

Read the full letter HERE and below. 

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The Honorable Doug Collins 
Secretary 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 
810 Vermont Avenue NW 
Washington, DC 20420

Dear Secretary Collins:

We write with concern regarding recent reports about reductions in the Veterans Health Administration’s (VHA) behavioral and mental health workforce and the potential impact on Veterans’ access to care. 

Caring for our nation’s Veterans is a fundamental responsibility, and that includes ensuring access to high-quality mental health care. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) serves nearly 9 million Veterans nationwide and is charged with providing timely, high-quality care to support their health, well-being, and successful transition to civilian life. VHA clinicians help Veterans manage serious conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, panic disorders, and substance abuse disorder. These needs are both significant and widespread: 31% of veterans enrolled in VHA have a confirmed mental health diagnosis, compared to 23.1% of U.S. adults. The stakes are also life-threatening—6,398 Veterans died by suicide in 2023 alone. Additionally, a substantial share of Veterans who have died by suicide had no prior mental health diagnosis. It is important that the VA invest in short term interventions and long term strategies to improve mental health outcomes and reduce suicide risk.

VHA mental health professionals are uniquely trained to address the complex needs of Veterans, with expertise in military culture, lethal means safety, combat-related trauma, and the impact of physical conditions such as traumatic brain injuries or amputations on an individual’s mental health. While community providers play an important role in the continuum of care, many do not possess the same level of Veteran-specific training and experience. In fact, the Government Accountability Office found that only 2 percent of community behavioral health providers receiving VA referrals had completed any of the VA’s core training courses in areas such as suicide prevention, opioid safety, and other Veteran-centric topics. 

Recent reporting and publicly available workforce data raise questions about the stability of VA’s mental health workforce and the Department’s ability to meet growing demand for behavioral health services. According to VA data, since the beginning of the Trump Administration, the Department has lost over 300 psychologists and 700 social workers, some of whom also provide mental health counseling, even as mental health needs among veterans remain substantial. In fact, the Department reportedly lost about 200 psychiatrists in 2025 alone. In that same year, 57%  percent of facilities reported severe psychology staffing shortages, making it the most frequently understaffed clinical occupation. 

The consequences for Veterans are evident. Staffing shortages have caused longer wait times, cancelled appointments, interrupted treatment, and the loss of trusted clinicians. Some Veterans report waiting multiple months for an available appointment and constantly having to rebuild their relationships with therapists from scratch as they are forced to switch between multiple therapists in succession. Therapists and Veterans also report being forced to replace one-on-one sessions with large group sessions, even when not clinically appropriate. This cycle of disruption has led some Veterans to give up treatment all together. One Veteran warned that losing access to their trusted therapist was a matter of “life or death.” 

These reported workforce shortages raise serious questions about the impact of recent staffing and workforce management decisions on Veterans’ access to mental health care. Mental health clinicians have reported unmanageable caseloads, growing uncertainty about the future of their positions, and concerns that political directives around diversity, equity, and inclusion have made it more difficult to provide the highest quality care for their patients. This loss of hundreds of experienced clinicians—and the therapeutic relationships they built with veterans over years of care—cannot be quickly or easily replaced, even as the need for Veterans’ mental health services continues to grow.

Given these concerns regarding the adequacy and stability of VHA’s mental health workforce, we request responses to the following questions by August 14, 2026:
 

1. Please provide, as of the date of this letter, the number of authorized positions, onboarded employees, vacancies, and vacancy rates nationwide for psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, licensed professional mental health counselors, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners, peer support specialists, and other direct-care behavioral health personnel.
   • Please provide equivalent data as of January 1^st, 2025. 

2. Please provide the information requested in Question 1 by Veterans Integrated Services Network (VISN) and facility. For each occupation, please also identify the number of positions that have been added, eliminated, or remained vacant during the past 24 months.

3. In total, how many mental health providers have separated from VA employment since January 20, 2025, including through resignation, retirement, deferred resignation, termination, or other separation? Please provide this information separated by occupation.

4. For 2026, what is the average time it takes to fill and onboard vacant mental health positions, by occupation?

5. Please provide the average and median wait times, by VISN and facility, for:
   • Initial mental health evaluations; 
   • Initial individual appointments; and 
   • Follow-up mental health appointments.
     Please also include the type of provider, providing such care. 

6. How many Veterans are currently awaiting outpatient mental health services, including individual psychotherapy, and what is the average length of time they have been waiting? What percentage of Veterans seeking mental health care are seen within VA’s established access standards? 

7. Please provide the number and percentage of Veterans who waited more than 20, 30, 60, and 90 days for an initial individual mental health appointment during FY2025 and FY2026 to date. 

8. Please provide the average and median wait times for Veterans referred to Community Care for outpatient mental health services during FY2026 and FY2025 to date for:
   • Initial community care mental health evaluations; 
   • Initial individual appointments; and 
   • Follow-up mental health appointments.
     Please also include the type of provider, providing such care. 

9. Among Veterans receiving ongoing outpatient mental health treatment, what percentage of Veterans changed mental health providers during the past 12 months? How many Veterans experienced interruption or termination of mental health treatment due to provider departure or vacancy? 

10. How does the Department monitor continuity of care for veterans receiving ongoing mental health treatment? What policies or procedures are in place to ensure continuity of care for Veterans when providers leave the Department or positions remain unfilled? 

11. What action is the Department taking to recruit and retain mental health providers in facilities experiencing persistent staffing shortages? Please describe any financial or non-financial incentives currently being used to improve recruitment and retention. What steps is the Department taking to address clinician workload, caseload size, burnout, and other workforce factors that may contribute to provider attrition?

12. What metrics does the Department use to assess whether workforce shortages are affecting veterans’ access to care, continuity of care, clinical outcomes, suicide prevention efforts, and successful long-term clinical outcomes? 

13. Has the Department conducted any recent internal evaluations, analyses, or assessments regarding the impact of mental health workforce shortages on veterans’ access to care or mental health service delivery? If so, please provide copies of any reports, analyses, recommendations, or other relevant documents. 

Given the persistent shortages of mental health professionals across the Department, it is critical that Congress understands the scope of these workforce challenges and the Department’s efforts to address them. 

Thank you for your cooperation with this request. We look forward to reviewing the information provided.

—

1. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Veteran Population by State (Pocket Card). Washington, DC: VA Office of Enterprise Integration. https://www.va.gov/VETDATA/docs/pocketcards/pocketcard.pdf. Accessed June 15, 2026.
2. Greenberg, G., Chiu, S., & Hoff, R. (2024). FY2023 Mental Health Data Sheet: National, VISN, and Healthcare System Tables – All Eligible Veterans. West Haven, CT: Northeast Program Evaluation Center.
3. National Institute of Mental Health. Mental Illness Statistics. Bethesda, MD: NIMH. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness. Accessed June 15, 2026.
4. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 2025 Annual Report, Part 1 (508 Compliant). Washington, DC: Veterans Health Administration. https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/docs/data-sheets/2025/2025_Annual_Report_Part_1_508.pdf. Accessed June 15, 2026.
5. Simonetti, J. A., Piegari, R., Maynard, C., Brenner, L. A., Mori, A., Post, E. P., Nelson, K., & Trivedi, R. (2020). “Characteristics and Injury Mechanisms of Veteran Primary Care Suicide Decedents with and without Diagnosed Mental Illness.” Journal of General Internal Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-020-05787-1
6. U.S. Government Accountability Office. Veterans’ Community Care: VA Needs Improved Oversight of Behavioral Health Medical Records and Provider Training (GAO-25-106910). Washington, DC: GAO, May 5, 2025. https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-25-106910. Accessed June 15, 2026.
7. Coleman, Vernal, Topher Sanders, Joel Jacobs, and Eric Umansky. How Trump Is Failing Veterans Who Need Mental Health Care. ProPublica, March 12, 2026. https://www.propublica.org/article/veterans-affairs-mental-health-therapists-quit-trump. Accessed June 15, 2026.
8. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA Workforce Dashboard, Issue 21 (Washington, DC: VA, January 31, 2025). https://department.va.gov/employees/wp-content/uploads/sites/63/2025/07/VA-Workforce-Dashboard-Issue-21.pdf. Accessed June 15, 2026.
9. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA Workforce Dashboard, Issue 37 (Washington, DC: VA, May 29, 2026). https://department.va.gov/employees/wp-content/uploads/sites/63/2026/05/VA-Workforce-Dashboard-Issue-37.pdf. Accessed June 15, 2026.
10. Phillips, Kristina, and Patricia Cohen. Veterans Affairs Has Cut Nurses and Doctors as Mental Health Demand Rises.The New York Times, March 3, 2026. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/03/us/politics/veterans-affairs-nurses-doctors-cut.html?unlocked_article_code=1.QVA.CX_u.YQOi8V3z_qzj&smid=url-share.
11. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General. OIG Determination of Veterans Health Administration’s Severe Occupational Staffing Shortages, Fiscal Year 2025 (Report No. 25-01135-196). Washington, DC: VA OIG, August 12, 2025. https://www.vaoig.gov/sites/default/files/reports/2025-08/vaoig-25-01135-196-final.pdf. Accessed June 15, 2026.
12. Coleman, Vernal, Topher Sanders, Joel Jacobs, and Eric Umansky. How Trump Is Failing Veterans Who Need Mental Health Care. ProPublica, March 12, 2026. https://www.propublica.org/article/veterans-affairs-mental-health-therapists-quit-trump. Accessed June 15, 2026.
13. Coleman, Vernal, Topher Sanders, Joel Jacobs, and Eric Umansky. How Trump Is Failing Veterans Who Need Mental Health Care. ProPublica, March 12, 2026. https://www.propublica.org/article/veterans-affairs-mental-health-therapists-quit-trump. Accessed June 15, 2026.

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

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) published an op-ed in the Seattle Times pressing the Trump administration to renegotiate the U.S-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade agreement.

“The President has tried and failed to grow the economy through tariffs,” wrote Rep. Larsen. “What the U.S. economy needs instead are strong, mutually beneficial trade relationships that create jobs and lower prices here at home… Renegotiating USMCA gives the U.S. the opportunity to improve and strengthen the agreement, but when all is said and done, it is critical for economic stability and lower prices that USMCA continues.”

Earlier this month, Rep. Larsen sent a report to U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamieson Greer summarizing over a hundred meetings and conversations that Rep. Larsen’s office has had with farmers, businesses, municipalities, ports and other stakeholders across Northwest Washington over the past year.

“I wanted to hear directly from the people I represent about how USMCA impacts their families, businesses and communities,” wrote Rep. Larsen. “Recognizing that there are differing perspectives and voices on USMCA and trade policies among the constituents I represent, it is clear that businesses and communities broadly support and benefit from USMCA.”

This year, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appointed Rep. Larsen to be the top Democrat on the U.S.-Canada Interparliamentary Group, an organization that connects American and Canadian legislators to promote information sharing and better understanding on shared issues of concern.

Born and raised in Arlington, Washington, Rep. Larsen has a deep personal history with British Columbia and the U.S.-Canada relationship. As a member of Congress, he has been a leader on issues involving Canada, including trade, environmental protection in the Salish Sea and Pacific Northwest, the Arctic, security and border management.

Rep. Larsen’s full op-ed is available HERE and the text is below.

Why Trump needs to renegotiate U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement

High costs and a failing economy are hurting families and businesses in Northwest Washington. Now, the president’s new 50% tariffs on Canadian goods threaten to drive sky-high prices even higher next month.

The president has tried and failed to grow the economy through tariffs. What the U.S. economy needs instead are strong, mutually beneficial trade relationships that create jobs and lower prices here at home.

In the months ahead, the United States government has the opportunity to enhance and renew the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement.

The United States, Canada and Mexico signed USMCA in 2020 and the three nations conducted a joint review of the deal this year. The Trump administration chose not to renew USMCA in its current form, opting instead to spend the coming months renegotiating the deal.

In preparation for the joint review, I wanted to hear directly from the people I represent about how USMCA impacts their families, businesses and communities. In the past year my office met with more than 100 farmers, businesses, municipalities, ports and other stakeholders across Northwest Washington.

On July 1, I sent a report summarizing Northwest Washington stakeholders’ perspectives on USMCA to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, whose agency is leading negotiations with Canada and Mexico. Recognizing that there are differing perspectives and voices on USMCA and trade policies among the constituents I represent, it is clear that businesses and communities broadly support and benefit from USMCA.

A strong USMCA would reduce tariffs and regulatory barriers, helping local businesses better compete and succeed in foreign markets. A long-term agreement would create a predictable and stable business environment, which companies and investors need to make long-term plans. The agreement would also simplify customs procedures, which saves time and money for businesses that move goods and products frequently over the U.S.-Canada border.

Renegotiating USMCA gives the U.S. the opportunity to improve and strengthen the agreement, but when all is said and done, it is critical for economic stability and lower prices that USMCA continues.

Thanks to USMCA, Washington state businesses saved $126 million in direct tariff costs since 2020, according to the Washington Council on International Trade (WCIT). These savings reduce the cost of doing business and get passed along to everyday consumers. The president’s new, petty and pointless tariffs on Canada are just more fees for struggling American families and businesses to pay.

Washington state consumers, farmers and businesses can credit USMCA for keeping agricultural trade in North America largely tariff-free and expanding access to foreign markets for local farmers. USMCA lowers the price of food and other agricultural goods by ensuring that Northwest Washington and other U.S. farmers have buyers for their goods.

USMCA forged commitments and enforcement mechanisms to protect workers’ rights and the environment across North America. A renegotiated USMCA can and should strengthen those commitments and enforcement mechanisms.

Trade with Canada and Mexico supports 320,000 jobs in Washington state. In Northwest Washington, the U.S.-Canada partnership is especially important. Trade between Northwest Washington and Canada supports 2,200 jobs in Whatcom County, 1,400 in Skagit County and 3,800 in Snohomish County, according to Trade Partnership/Connect2Canada data. These jobs help families buy groceries, make rent payments and put gas in the car.

President Donald Trump’s tariffs and reckless rhetoric toward Canada have caused businesses to close in the communities I represent. Rising shipping and manufacturing costs, along with uncertainty resulting from constantly changing tariff policies, have pushed prices up and stopped companies and tourists from bringing their business to Northwest Washington.

Continuing USMCA will help restabilize the economic relationship between the United States and two of our largest trading partners. The Trump administration must cut the BS and get to work. It is time to negotiate in good faith to enhance and renew USMCA, and fully enforce the provisions of the agreement to help lower prices and create good-paying jobs.

Rick Larsen: is the lead Democrat on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. He represents a portion of Snohomish County and all of Skagit, Whatcom, Island and San Juan counties.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

Kansans share how premiums have quadrupled after enhanced tax credits expired, putting affordable coverage out of reach

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

Three bipartisan bills backed by Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) were voted out of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce last week, and now head to the House floor for a vote before the full House of Representatives.

Pappas introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Combating Illicit Xylazine Act with Rep. Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), which would list xylazine as a Schedule III controlled substance and give law enforcement the tools they need to go after traffickers while protecting the drug’s legal use by veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers. Xylazine, also known as “tranq,” is an easily accessible veterinary tranquilizer that is being used as a low-cost cutting agent for fentanyl. 

Pappas cosponsors Tyler’s Law, bipartisan legislation designed to prevent fentanyl overdoses in the United States. This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to complete a study on how frequently hospitals test for fentanyl when a patient is experiencing an overdose. Based on these results, the bill instructs HHS to issue guidance to hospitals on implementing fentanyl testing in emergency rooms.

“As we work to combat the ongoing addiction epidemic, we have to make progress across the board on this issue. We must ensure our law enforcement has the resources they need to stop drug trafficking and that our health care centers have the resources for care and recovery,” said Congressman Pappas. “These bills would do that and should be swiftly brought to the floor for a vote.”

Pappas cosponsors the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2025, legislation to streamline the outdated prior authorization process in Medicare Advantage (MA). With nearly 33 million Americans enrolled in Medicare Advantage, the bill updates a system that has become a top administrative burden for providers and a barrier to timely care. Audits by the HHS Inspector General have found that Medicare Advantage plans subjected enrollees to unnecessary delays, incorrectly denied medically necessary care, and ultimately approved 75% of requests that were initially denied.

“This legislation is about cutting red tape and fixing systems that aren’t working so that seniors can access the care they need when they need it and physicians can focus on their patients, not paperwork,” said Congressman Pappas. “It’s commonsense and it’ll make a real difference for folks in New Hampshire and across the country.”

Background:

The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act would:

• Schedule xylazine as Schedule III illicit substance under the Controlled Substances Act; 
• Ensure veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers can still use the drug for its intended purpose by creating a clear definition of “ultimate user” — someone lawfully permitted to possess a controlled substance for legitimate use;
• Enable the DEA to track its manufacturing to ensure it is not diverted to the illicit market; and
• Require a report on prevalence, risks, and recommendations regarding xylazine.

The bill is endorsed by 41 state attorneys general, major law enforcement organizations, and veterinary organizations. The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act previously passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support. 

Tyler’s Law is named in memory of Tyler Shamash, a 19-year-old boy who died following a fentanyl ingestion in 2018. He was not tested for fentanyl after being brought to the hospital with a suspected overdose. His mother, Juli, is an advocate for this legislation and is sharing Tyler’s story to prevent others from experiencing the same tragedy. Still to this day, many emergency rooms do not include fentanyl in their drug screenings. According to HHS, fentanyl-related deaths have skyrocketed 103-fold in the United States from 1999–2023. Adding fentanyl testing to emergency room drug screenings could save countless lives. A full list of endorsing organizations is here.

The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2025 would:

• Require MA plans to adopt an electronic prior authorization (e-PA) system with standardized transaction;
• Improve transparency around MA Prior Authorization use and requirements;
• Clarify HHS’ authority to set timelines for determinations, including real-time decisions for routine items; and
• Mandate HHS and other agencies report on oversight and further improvements to the e-PA process

In the 117th and 118th Congresses, this legislation was endorsed by more than 500 organizations representing patients, providers, medical technology innovators, biopharmaceutical companies, and health plans.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today,Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09) voted to pass the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY 27) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which delivers significant new funding and protections for Fort Bragg and defense projects across North Carolina. Hudson delivered more than $140 million through the bill, ranking near the top of all House members in total authorizations awarded, while helping secure additional investments for Fort Bragg.

“As Fort Bragg’s Congressman, making sure our soldiers and their families have the resources they need is a top priority,” said Rep. Hudson. “Through this year’s NDAA, I was able to deliver critical funding for facility maintenance upgrades, promote statewide innovation, and enhance the safety and wellbeing of my soldiers and their families at Fort Bragg. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to take up this legislation quickly and look forward to the President signing this bill into law.”

The $140.4 million in project authorizations Hudson secured includes:

• $65,000,000 for a Special Operations Forces Ammunition Supply Point at Fort Bragg
• $6,400,000 for a Special Operations Forces Battalion Operations Facility at Fort Bragg
•  $69,000,000 for an Aircraft Maintenance Hangar Addition and Alteration for the North Carolina National Guard

The FY27 NDAA also includes the following priorities that Congressman Hudson helped secure for Fort Bragg and North Carolina:

• $50,000,000 for Special Operations Forces Operational Training Facility at Fort Bragg
• $31,000,000 for Aircraft Maintenance Hangar at Fort Bragg
• $10,500,000 for Microgrid and Backup Power Reauthorization at Fort Bragg
• $2,500,000 for defense innovation in North Carolina
• Language to protect the identities of special operators and other personnel involved in critical military activities by making the unauthorized disclosure of their identities subject to prison time and fines
• Language to support military construction and facilities maintenance at Fort Bragg
• Language to support North Carolina companies working in the defense space

The FY27 NDAA authorizes $1.15 trillion in national defense discretionary spending to revitalize our defense industrial base, strengthen American deterrence, and support our service members. This legislation presents a conservative approach to national security, explicitly focusing on policy changes and the authorization of funds that will enhance military lethality, restore fiscal discipline, and support President Trump’s “Peace through Strength” agenda. By securing supply chains, expanding domestic manufacturing, developing our skilled technical workforce, and reducing procurement costs, the FY27 NDAA is focused on “Rebuilding the Arsenal of Freedom” to restore the American defense industrial base to global preeminence.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

WASHINGTON — Following reports that the Department of Defense removed the names of four American troops from the official Iran War death toll, Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) and 14 fellow Democratic veterans are urging the Trump Administration to accurately and transparently account for U.S. servicemembers killed and wounded in the Iran war. 

“As veterans of America’s wars, we have serious concerns about reports that the Department of War is delaying, removing or otherwise mischaracterizing the release of information about wounded and killed U.S. servicemembers,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter to President Trump. 

“The U.S. government owes U.S. servicemembers, their families, and every American the truth about all U.S. casualties in the War with Iran. It is imperative that these reports are timely, accurate and adequately explain the reason for amended or delayed reports,” they continued. “We urge you to commit to releasing timely and accurate information on all injuries and deaths of U.S. servicemembers.”

The letter was led by Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-14). Golden was joined on the letter by Reps. Pat Ryan (NY-18), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Derek Tran (CA-45), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Jason Crow (CO-06), Bobby Scott (VA-03), Salud Carbajal (CA-24) and Gil Cisneros (CA-31). 

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

Dear President Trump,

As veterans of America’s wars, we have serious concerns about reports that the Department of War is delaying, removing or otherwise mischaracterizing the release of information about wounded and killed U.S. servicemembers.

The U.S. government owes U.S. servicemembers, their families, and every American the truth about all U.S. casualties in the War with Iran. It is imperative that these reports are timely, accurate and adequately explain the reason for amended or delayed reports. Inaccurate and delayed reports from the Department of War about U.S. casualties is bad for morale and undermines our U.S. servicemembers.

We urge you to commit to releasing timely and accurate information on all injuries and deaths of U.S. servicemembers.

Sincerely,

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Rep Ro Khanna (CA-17)

Washington (July 28, 2026) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), top Democrat on the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security, and Representative Ro Khanna (CA-17) today reintroduced the Green New Deal for Health, legislation that will equip our country’s healthcare system to respond to the growing impacts of climate change and ensure all Americans have access to care in their communities.

“This summer, Massachusetts has been hit with record-breaking temperatures, smoky air from wildfires, and flash floods. Every year that Washington waits to address the climate crisis, more people pay for it with their health,” said Senator Markey. “The Green New Deal for Health is a blueprint for a healthcare system that can withstand the crisis we’re already living through, while putting patients and workers first. Our communities cannot afford for Congress to keep treating climate and health as separate issues. I’m thankful to partner with Congressman Khanna to fortify our health infrastructure with the urgency it requires.”

“Across the world, hundreds of millions of people are already feeling the effects of climate change and the health consequences that often follow. From increased cases of asthma due to air pollution to disruptions at care facilities after extreme weather events, it’s clear we need to take steps now to protect public health,” said Representative Khanna. “I’m proud to join Senator Markey in reintroducing the Green New Deal for Health, a sweeping bill that reimagines what our health care system can look like when we prioritize our people and our planet.”

The Green New Deal for Health boldly reimagines a healthcare system that is prepared to protect the health and well-being of our workers, our communities, and our planet. Specifically, the legislation would:

• On healthcare access: Invests $130 billion over five years in community health centers through the Community Health Center Fund.
• On climate-resilient infrastructure: Revives the landmark New Deal-era Hill-Burton program by authorizing $100 billion in federal grants to public and nonprofit medical facilities to improve climate resilience and disaster mitigation—ensuring uninterrupted access to care during climate disasters and extreme weather, while guaranteeing prevailing wages for workers and requiring facilities to serve neighboring communities.
• On protecting communities against hospital closures: Requires hospitals that receive Medicare payments to notify the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) at least 180 days before a full closure or discontinuation of services, so frontline communities are not stranded in health care deserts.
• On transparent, green supply chains: Directs HHS to establish a task force to develop policies for mandatory public disclosure of the emissions and climate risk of FDA-approved drugs, devices, and biologics.
• On investing in the health workforce: Directs federal dollars toward climate and health education, builds a robust community health workforce, prioritizes grants to facilities that collectively bargain with their workers, and provides hazard pay to workers who respond after a crisis.
• On community mental health and resilience: Funds grants for resilient community mental health programs and research on extreme heat risk and response.
• On home resiliency for medical needs: Makes solar batteries, heat pumps, and other resiliency measures eligible Medicare expenses so people with disabilities and medical needs can install life-saving home infrastructure.
• On research and innovation: Invests $5 billion per year and establishes the National Climate and Health Research and Innovation Initiative to support scientific research into the health impacts of climate change and develop innovative approaches to climate-health resilience.

Bill Text (PDF) | One-Pager (PDF) 

The Green New Deal for Health is cosponsored by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Representatives Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), and Ilhan Omar (MN-05).

The legislation is endorsed by AFT: Education, Healthcare, Public Services; Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments; Alzheimer’s Foundation of America; American College of Nurse Midwives; Boston Medical Center; Center for Biological Diversity; Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR-SEIU); Earthjustice Action; Green & Healthy Homes Initiative; Health Care Without Harm U.S.; International Transformational Resilience Coalition (ITRC); Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers; National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA); National Nurses United; People’s Action Institute; and Transhealth.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — This week, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) announced $2,290,288 in community project funding for two stormwater projects designed to cut costs and protect St. Petersburg residents, roadways and property from frequent flooding. St. Petersburg Mayor Kenneth T. Welch, City Council Members Deborah Figgs-Sanders and Brandi Gabbard and community leaders cheered the local investments.

Castor secured the investments through federal Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Community Project Funding (CPF) on behalf of the City of St. Petersburg. The projects will upgrade aging drainage infrastructure in two flood-prone areas, improve emergency access and public safety during storms and strengthen the city’s long-term resilience as heavy rainfall and tidal flooding become more frequent.

View photos from the press conference here.

“Tampa Bay families should not have to worry that a heavy rainstorm will flood their street, damage their property or cut them off from their neighborhood,” said Castor. “I am proud to have worked with local leaders to secure these federal investments because protecting our neighbors from flooding requires reliable, modern infrastructure. These projects will help keep important roadways open, move stormwater more effectively and make our community safer and more resilient for years to come.”

Castor community projects include:

• MLK Street South Flooding Alleviation — $1,145,144: The project will elevate and improve Martin Luther King Jr. Street South between 30th Avenue South and 36th Avenue South, where flooding can make the roadway impassable during heavy rainfall. The funding will also expand stormwater culverts to improve drainage capacity and reduce roadway flooding under current and future conditions.
• 88th Avenue North and 4th Street North Storm Drainage Improvements — $1,145,144: The project will address recurring street flooding near a tidally influenced stormwater outfall. Planned improvements include replacing and enlarging stormwater conveyance systems, installing new inlets and underground piping, and adding stormwater storage. Green infrastructure will be incorporated where feasible to reduce runoff and improve water quality.

Together, the projects will reduce the risk of roadway and structural flooding, protect nearby homes and businesses, improve access for residents and emergency responders during severe weather, and increase the reliability of St. Petersburg’s stormwater system.

Castor secured $19,607,288 for 15 community priority projects across Tampa Bay through the FY 2026 federal appropriations. These investments will lower costs, expand affordable housing, strengthen flood mitigation, improve transportation, create workforce training opportunities in trades and expand services for students, young people, veterans and military families.

A full list of Castor’s funded community projects is available here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) joined U.S. Representative Gil Cisneros (D-CA-31) and 62 colleagues in a letter to House Republican leadership urging stronger support for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients commonly referred to as Dreamers. In the letter, the lawmakers ask Republican leaders not to obstruct legislation that protects Dreamers from work authorization lapses and the threat of deportation, including through a permanent, codified legal status.

“We write in support of all Dreamers who live and contribute to our districts and to our great nation. Healthcare workers, teachers, police officers, students, and many more from our communities are seeking assistance with their Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) renewal applications. Administrative inefficiencies at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have led to unprecedented backlogs and delays in processing DACA renewal applications,” wrote the lawmakers. “We urge you to work with us and not obstruct legislation that protects DACA recipients from work authorization lapses and the threat of deportation by directly addressing the severe administrative backlogs at USCIS and through a permanent, codified legal status for Dreamers”. 

The lawmakers outline how DACA renewal applications are facing prolonged processing times, impacting millions of Dreamers and their families. 

“Until this year, most renewals were granted well before the status expired. We now have DACA recipients waiting as long as nine months for their renewal applications to be approved, even after filing 120-150 days before expiration as recommended by USCIS, undergoing background checks, and paying filing fees. These prolonged wait times have caused work authorizations to expire and put DACA recipients, their employers, families, and communities at risk. Nearly 1.7 million Dreamers are trained and employed in critical industries such as construction, manufacturing, and healthcare. Their wages contribute an estimated $76 billion to our economy each year with an additional $24 billion each year to local, state, and federal taxes. Denying DACA recipients and Dreamers the opportunity to contribute only harms America and our economy,” the lawmakers continued.  

The letter concludes with the lawmakers demanding congressional action to resolve the application backlog. 

“Congress must act, through immediate measures to resolve the renewal backlog at USCIS and through a pathway to citizenship and comprehensive immigration reform. President Trump himself has previously expressed openness to legislation supporting Dreamers, as have several members of your Republican Conference. This sentiment is shared by an overwhelming majority of Americans at over 80%. Unfortunately, our attempts at legislative action are denied and blocked. This is why we write to urge you to allow legislation to come to the floor that supports DACA recipients and Dreamers and ask that you eliminate any legislative obstructions,” concluded the lawmakers.  

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

Dear Speaker Johnson, Majority Leader Scalise, and Majority Whip Emmer:

We write in support of all Dreamers who live and contribute to our districts and to our great nation. Healthcare workers, teachers, police officers, students, and many more from our communities are seeking assistance with their Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) renewal applications. Administrative inefficiencies at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have led to unprecedented backlogs and delays in processing DACA renewal applications. We urge you to work with us and not obstruct legislation that protects DACA recipients from work authorization lapses and the threat of deportation by directly addressing the severe administrative backlogs at USCIS and through a permanent, codified legal status for Dreamers.

DACA recipients actively follow the rules and contribute to our communities and our economy and should not be penalized by government inefficiency. Until this year, most renewals were granted well before the status expired. We now have DACA recipients waiting as long as nine months for their renewal applications to be approved, even after filing 120-150 days before expiration as recommended by USCIS, undergoing background checks, and paying filing fees.

These prolonged wait times have caused work authorizations to expire and put DACA recipients, their employers, families, and communities at risk. Nearly 1.7 million Dreamers are trained and employed in critical industries such as construction, manufacturing, and healthcare. Their wages contribute an estimated $76 billion to our economy each year with an additional $24 billion each year to local, state, and federal taxes. Denying DACA recipients and Dreamers the opportunity to contribute only harms America and our economy.

Congress must act, through immediate measures to resolve the renewal backlog at USCIS and through a pathway to citizenship and comprehensive immigration reform. President Trump himself has previously expressed openness to legislation supporting Dreamers, as have several members of your Republican Conference. This sentiment is shared by an overwhelming majority of Americans at over 80%. Unfortunately, our attempts at legislative action are denied and blocked. This is why we write to urge you to allow legislation to come to the floor that supports DACA recipients and Dreamers and ask that you eliminate any legislative obstructions.

No eligible DACA recipient should lose their status, job, or ability to contribute to the country they call home. We hope you work with us to support Dreamers. Thank you for your time.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

July 28, 2026

DOE Selects Five States for Future Nuclear Waste Depository Sites; Initiative Is Supported by $248 Million Secured by Rep. Levin

Washington, D.C.—Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) applauded the Department of Energy’s (DOE) announcement of five states to serve as potential sites for Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses. The Innovation Campuses are intended to house solutions for the nation’s nuclear waste challenges by supporting activities across the full nuclear fuel cycle, including fuel fabrication, enrichment, reprocessing used nuclear fuel, and disposal of used nuclear fuel.

Five states—Utah, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Idaho—signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with DOE to begin exploring how to officially become host sites for Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses. Once these Innovation Campuses are in full operation as envisioned, they will accept spent nuclear fuel from decommissioned nuclear plants like the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS).

Watch Rep. Levin’s video on the announcement here.

Rep. Levin’s statement on the announcement below:

“Today’s announcement of potential sites for Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses has been years in the making. It required tremendous bipartisan efforts where policymakers put aside politics and focused on a fix to our difficult nuclear waste challenges. Since my first day in Congress, I’ve prioritized finding solutions to safely remove and dispose of spent nuclear fuel, and today’s selection of states is a monumental step in the right direction. For years I have said that our actions must be based in collaboration with states and local communities, and for the first time in decades, states are raising their hands.

“But there is more work to be done. The hard part is still ahead of us. The federal government has a bad track record on nuclear waste and has not kept its promises to communities for many decades. As we know well, DOE was required by law to start picking up the waste from nuclear power plants like SONGS in 1998, but has fallen woefully behind. DOE must now be consistent, transparent, and honest with states as it completes the selection process for the Innovation Campuses and sets them up for success year after year, and administration after administration.

“I cannot underscore strongly enough that the Innovation Campuses must have solutions for the disposal of spent nuclear fuel if we are to be successful in this endeavor. Any development of new nuclear energy hinges on our country having a workable answer to the spent nuclear fuel challenge.

“Congress must now work in a bipartisan, bicameral fashion to authorize the Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses and write them into law with clear oversight, clear benchmarks, and clear connections to permanent disposal. This will ensure true accountability and real solutions. I will continue to work with the Administration and my congressional colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this done.”

Since entering Congress in 2019, Rep. Levin has secured over $248 million for the safe removal and management of the nation’s spent nuclear fuel. In January 2026, he wrote to DOE Secretary Chris Wright urging the Department to establish a safe, effective, and long-term management program for spent nuclear fuel. Rep. Levin has also introduced the bipartisan Nuclear Waste Administration Act of 2024, which would modernize our country’s nuclear waste management program by establishing an independent Nuclear Waste Administration to manage the country’s nuclear waste. The safe management and removal of spent nuclear fuel out of SONGS and other decommission nuclear plants across the country remains a top priority for Rep. Levin.

Background on DOE’s Announcement of Potential Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced the selection of Utah, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Idaho as potential host states for Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses, a new effort to strengthen and modernize the nation’s full nuclear fuel cycle. The campuses will attract significant investment, expand domestic manufacturing, and create thousands of new high-paying jobs in their respective regions.

The proposed campuses are designed to support activities across the full nuclear fuel lifecycle, including fuel fabrication, enrichment, reprocessing used nuclear fuel, and final disposition of used nuclear fuel. Depending on state priorities and regional capabilities, the campuses may also host advanced reactor deployment, power generation, advanced manufacturing, and co located data centers.

The proposed innovation campuses have the potential to attract up to $50 billion in capital investment, generate as much as $10 billion in state and local tax revenue, and create nearly 25,000 jobs with an establishment of a campus.

Earlier this year, DOE invited states to submit clear statements of interest and constructive feedback on the structure of the Innovation Campuses. In their submissions, states outlined how a campus would advance goals such as workforce development, infrastructure investment, economic diversification, or technology leadership and described the scope of activities they envision hosting. States submitted responses by April 1, 2026.

States that choose to pursue hosting an innovation campus will sign hosting agreements with the Department at a later date.

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