Bilirakis, Blumenthal, Sheehy, Panetta, & Moylan Introduce New Legislation to Strengthen Health & Safety Standards for Military Housing

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

Washington, DC: -Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), and James Moylan (R-GU), alongside U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Joni Ernst (R-IA), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI), today introduced the Military Occupancy Living Defense (MOLD) Act, bipartisan and bicameral legislation to strengthen protections for military families living in privatized housing.  An estimated 700,000 servicemembers and their families are affected by hazardous conditions in military-provided housing, including prolonged mold exposure. These conditions are associated with increased risks of respiratory illness, neurological symptoms, developmental delays in children, and other serious health effects. The MOLD Act addresses these issues by establishing enforceable health and safety standards, mandating independent inspections, and requiring greater transparency in the reporting of habitability concerns such as water damage, humidity, and mold.

“Our servicemembers and their families should never have to choose between serving their country and living in safe, healthy homes,” said Representative Gus Bilirakis. “Military families at MacDill and across the country have faced unsafe housing conditions, including mold and other hazards, with far too little accountability. This legislation corrects those failures by setting enforceable standards, requiring independent inspections, and increasing transparency. It’s about accountability, dignity, and keeping our promise to military families-no one who serves our nation should be forced to worry about their family living in unhealthy conditions.”

“This measure will help ensure military families are protected from housing that endangers their health. They deserve the gold standard—nothing less,” said Senator Richard Blumenthal. “The MOLD Act requires strict health and safety standards, independent inspections, and financial accountability for contractors. This bipartisan, bicameral reform deserves swift passage so servicemembers and their families have a safe place to call home.”

“After volunteering to serve our great nation, America’s military deserves the best—from equipment on the battlefield to housing here at home,” said Senator Tim Sheehy. “As a veteran married to a veteran, it is an honor to serve our community in the Senate. I’m proud to lead this critical legislation to bring accountability to the process and ensure our men and women in uniform and their families have safe housing so they can focus on securing America’s future.”

“In their service, our military members and their families sacrifice a great deal. The last thing they should have to endure is substandard living conditions, including mold, in their military housing,” said Representative Jimmy Panetta. “The MOLD Act will help ensure privatized military housing meets required standards through frequent inspections, proper repairs and remediation, and improved response times by landlords. This legislation reinforces the principle that military readiness starts at home.”

“For too long, military families have been forced to live with mold, moisture, and unresolved health hazards in housing they were promised would be safe,” said Representative James Moylan. “The MOLD Act finally establishes enforceable standards, independent inspections, and real accountability for contractors who fail our servicemembers. Living in the Pacific region, where extreme weather and humidity are constant realities, I know these risks cannot be ignored. I’m proud to work with Congressman Panetta to ensure military families-whether in Guam or across the mainland-have strong protections, clear reporting tools, and a Department of Defense fully accountable to the people it serves.”

“For far too long, thousands of military families living in privatized military housing have suffered the consequences of unsafe and unsanitary living conditions,” said Senator Mazie Hirono. “From widespread mold to rodent infestations, these unacceptable environments have caused serious health concerns and forced families to shoulder repair costs. Ensuring safe, habitable housing is not only our responsibility-it is critical to military readiness and morale. I am proud to introduce the MOLD Act to hold housing contractors accountable and better protect our military families.”

The MOLD Act is endorsed by Change the Air Foundation, Blue Star Families, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Safe Military Housing Initiative, Military Housing Coalition, National Military Families Association, Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), and the National Organization of Remediators and Microbial Inspectors (NORMI).

Read More (Rep. Steube Introduces WATCH Act)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)

January 20, 2026 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R Fla.) introduced today the Worldwide Animal Testing Compliance and Harmonization Act or WATCH Act. This bill would prohibit federal funding for foreign laboratories found to be in violation of animal welfare protections.
“Torturing animals in the name of science is both morally wrong and wholly unnecessary,” said Rep. Steube. “The fact that the United States continues to fund foreign laboratories that engage in animal cruelty is indefensible—especially considering the NIH has set clear guidelines for domestic laboratories to follow. Any scientific research involving animals demands proper care and a humane environment for God’s creatures. That is why I am introducing the bipartisan WATCH Act to bar the NIH from funding studies in foreign countries that fail to protect the welfare of innocent animals.”
“American taxpayer dollars should never fund inhumane animal testing in unregulated laboratories around the world,” said Rep. Susie Lee. “This bipartisan bill requires foreign laboratories to meet the same animal welfare standards American-based labs must follow, ensuring animals are treated humanely and strengthening the integrity of U.S.-funded research.”
This bill serves as the House companion to legislation introduced by Senators Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.).
“Despite what Communist China may say, it has become clear that the COVID pandemic was the result of risky animal experiments by an unregulated lab in Wuhan that received U.S. taxpayer dollars,” said Senator Schmitt. “Outsourcing animal testing and research to foreign laboratories that do not comply with U.S. standards is dangerous, inhumane, and puts America, and the world, at risk. This bipartisan WATCH Act puts in place strong guardrails to ensure humane and safe research by requiring that foreign NIH-funded studies are subject to the same standards and animal welfare requirements as studies in the U.S.”
“American taxpayers shouldn’t fund animal cruelty, and the WATCH Act puts in place common-sense guardrails to ensure federal funds only go to organizations upholding strong animal welfare standards,” said Senator Jeff Merkley. “Our bipartisan bill is an important step forward to make sure NIH-funded studies meet consistent and enforceable animal welfare protections, regardless of where they are conducted.”
Background: The Worldwide Animal Testing Compliance and Harmonization Act would require foreign laboratories comply with animal welfare requirements in the United States for NIH funds. This includes submitting to quarterly site inspections to ensure compliance.  
Read the full bill text here.

Congressman Baird Statement on Tippecanoe County Judge Steven Meyer

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Baird (R-IN-04)

Congressman Baird Statement on Tippecanoe County Judge Steven Meyer

Washington, January 20, 2026

Today, Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) released the following statement on Tippecanoe County Superior Court 2 Judge Steven Meyer and his wife, Kimberly, who were injured after being shot in their home:

“I was horrified to hear that Judge Steven Meyer and his wife were shot. Violence against our judges, their families, or any public servant is unacceptable and must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I have confidence in the Lafayette Police Department and their ability to conduct a thorough investigation and bring the perpetrator to justice. I am grateful to hear the Meyers are both in stable condition, and I ask everyone to please join me in praying for their full and swift recovery.” 

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Sánchez statement on ICE assaulting LA County park employees at Whittier Narrows

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (38th District of CA)

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.) released the following statement after two Los Angeles County employees were racially profiled and reportedly assaulted by ICE agents yesterday at Whittier Narrows Recreation Area:

“The Trump administration has clearly given ICE the greenlight to treat anyone non-white as probable cause for harassment.

“The fear and chaos the administration is inflicting on our neighborhoods are why I cosponsored articles of impeachment for DHS Secretary Noem. She and ICE must be held accountable for their lawless behavior.

“What happened at Whittier Narrows was not an accident or a misunderstanding – it’s the result of this administration’s targeted, racist immigration agenda. The two Los Angeles County park employees were clearly identifiable. They were in park uniforms and performing work on county park property. ICE agents chose to accost them simply because of the color of their skin.

“No one, especially public employees serving our community, should be targeted by federal agents because of how they look. ICE’s actions around the country are trampling on civil rights, eroding public trust and terrorizing our communities.”

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Midland County Student Wins 2026 Congressional App Challenge

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Moolenaar (4th District of Michigan)

Headline: Midland County Student Wins 2026 Congressional App Challenge

Levi Willette, Jayvyn Craves, James McGillis, and Nathan Glysz have won the 2026 Congressional App Challenge for Michigan’s Second Congressional District with their app, PhishHook. The web-based app provides phishing awareness training through interactive games and realistic scam email simulations designed to help users recognize and avoid online scams. The students have produced a video about their app, which can be seen here

“Congratulations to Levi, Jayvyn, James, and Nathan on creating an innovative app that addresses an important cybersecurity issue,” said Moolenaar. “Learning to code and applying those skills to real-world challenges can open the door to strong career opportunities while also helping protect individuals and communities from online threats.” 

Levi Willette and James McGillis attend Meridian Early College High School, while Jayvyn Craves and Nathan Glysz attend Bay City Central High School. Willette resides within Michigan’s Second Congressional District. 

The Congressional App Challenge is a yearly competition held across the country in which students design and create original apps. For more information on how to get involved, visit the Congressional App Challenge website here

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Casten Honors Local Educator as Constituent Spotlight

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Sean Casten (IL-06)

January 20, 2026

Willowbrook, IL — U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) honored Mrs. Sondra LaPointe, a 7th-grade teacher at Westview Hills Middle School in Willowbrook, as his most recent Constituent Spotlight.

“Educators like Mrs. LaPointe have made such a positive impact on students and families in our community,” said Rep. Sean Casten. “Mrs. LaPointe’s dedication to education is admirable, and her enthusiastic attitude toward learning inspires her students.”

Rep. Casten’s Constituent Spotlight Program seeks to honor constituents who make a difference and give back to the community in IL-06. The program launched in August 2025. Previous honorees include Sister JoAnn Persch, a local nun who devoted her life to supporting Chicago’s immigrant communities, and Hank Anzelone, a dedicated volunteer at the People’s Resource Center.

Mrs. LaPointe’s nomination came from a former student who cited Mrs. LaPointe’s honest conversations about what’s happening in the world and spunky personality as a lasting impact on their educational journey.

During the visit, Rep. Casten presented Mrs. LaPointe with a Congressional letter recognizing her commitment to her students, their education, and her community.

Photos and videos from Rep. Casten’s visit with Mrs. LaPointe at Westview Hills Middle School can be found here.

To nominate someone in IL-06 who makes a difference, visit https://casten.house.gov/constituent-spotlight

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Rep. Kelly’s impeachment against Secretary Noem reaches 100 cosponsors

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly’s (IL-02) impeachment resolution against Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has now reached 100 cosponsors in just seven days.

“Secretary Noem and her rogue agency have caused destruction and devastation across the country. One hundred House Democrats from California to New York, Minnesota to Texas support my impeachment resolution because our communities have seen ICE’s Gestapo-like tactics firsthand,” said Rep. Kelly. “As Secretary Noem continues to lie, obstruct Congress, and violate people’s civil rights, the support for her impeachment only grows. I urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to be on the right side of the law and our Constitution.”

These are the 100 Members of Congress cosponsoring articles of impeachment against Secretary Noem:

Adelita S. Grijalva; Adriano Espaillat; Al Green; Alma Adams; Angie Craig; April McClain Delaney; Becca Balint; Betty McCollum; Bonnie Watson Coleman; Brad Sherman; Brendan F. Boyle; Brittany Pettersen; Chellie Pingree; Chris Deluzio; Dan Goldman; Danny Davis; Dave Min; Diana DeGette; Dina Titus; Doris Matsui; Emily Randall; Eric Sorensen; Eric Swalwell; Gabe Amo; Gabe Vasquez; Greg Casar; Gwen Moore; Ilhan Omar; J. Luis Correa; James P. McGovern; Jan Schakowsky; Jared Huffman; Jasmine Crockett; Jerrold Nadler; Jesús G. “Chuy” García; Jill Tokuda; Jimmy Gomez; Joaquin Castro; John Garamendi; John Larson; Jonathan Jackson; Joyce Beatty; Juan Vargas; Judy Chu; Julia Brownley; Julie Johnson; Kelly Morrison; Kevin Mullin; Kweisi Mfume; LaMonica McIver; Lateefah Simon; Laura Friedman; Linda T. Sanchez; Lloyd Doggett; Lori Trahan; Luz Rivas; Mark DeSaulnier; Mark Pocan; Mark Takano; Maxine Dexter; Maxine Waters; Maxwell Frost; Melanie Stansbury; Mike Quigley; Mike Thompson; Morgan McGarvey; Nanette Barragán; Nikema Williams; Nikki Budzinski; Norma Torres; Nydia M. Velazquez; Paul Tonko; Pramila Jayapal; Raja Krishnamoorthi; Rashida Tlaib; Ritchie Torres; Rob Menendez; Sara Jacobs; Sarah Elfreth; Sarah McBride; Sean Casten; Seth Moulton; Shontel M. Brown; Shri Thanedar; Stephen F. Lynch; Steve Cohen; Suhas Subramanyam; Summer Lee; Suzanne Bonamici; Sydney Kamlager-Dove; Sylvia Garcia; Teresa Leger Fernandez; Tim Kennedy; Val Hoyle; Valerie Foushee; Veronica Escobar; Wesley Bell; William R. Keating; Yassamin Ansari; Yvette Clarke.

Speaker Johnson Statement on Finishing FY26 Appropriations

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

WASHINGTON — Speaker Johnson released the following statement after today’s release of the final set of FY26 appropriations bills — Defense; Homeland; Labor, Health and Human Services, Education; and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development — further underscoring House Republicans’ commitment to restoring regular order and completing annual appropriations without a bloated omnibus bill.

“This week, House Republicans will consider the final set of FY26 funding bills and complete the annual appropriations process — without a bloated omnibus bill. As promised, House Republicans are restoring regular order and returning the appropriations process to a committee-led approach, as it should be. The House has already passed eight conferenced appropriations bills with overwhelming support, and we expect a similar outcome for the final four bills on the House floor this week. After years of Washington abandoning regular order, this Congress under Republican leadership has proven it can work as intended. Together, all 12 individual appropriations bills will provide full-year government funding without unrelated policy provisions, spend less than another continuing resolution, and continue to advance President Trump’s America First agenda.”

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Batting 1.000: Trump’s Home-Run Economic Policies Delivered for Georgians in 2025

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

Headline: Batting 1.000: Trump’s Home-Run Economic Policies Delivered for Georgians in 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. – After four years of Biden’s economic policies that harmed Georgians at every turn, President Trump has spent the first year of his presidency delivering results for hardworking Americans.

From historic tax relief to unleashing American energy, this administration is focused on policies that reduce everyday costs and strengthen Georgia’s economy.

“For Georgia workers, families, and seniors, President Trump’s first year was about results. Together, we cut taxes, unleashed American energy, and rewarded hard work so Georgians could keep more of their paycheck,” said Rep. Carter. “Whether you’re a service worker on the coast, a small business owner, or a senior on a fixed income, these policies delivered real savings and bigger paychecks.”

Republican Policies Working for Georgians

This administration is laser-focused on delivering bigger paychecks for Georgia workers. On July 4th, 2025, President Trump signed the Working Families Tax Cuts, delivering the largest tax cut in American history. These pro-worker provisions delivered bigger paychecks – amounting to about a $5,000 increase for the average Georgia family in take-home pay. We doubled the standard deduction, significantly decreasing the amount of taxable income. We reduced taxes on Social Security benefits—providing direct relief for Georgia seniors, and doubled the Child Tax Credit to $2,200, further supporting Georgia families.

Republicans also delivered targeted tax relief to reward work and support families, including eliminating taxes on tips and overtime pay, cutting costs on auto loan interest for American-made vehicles, and protecting small businesses through permanent pass-through tax relief. Together, these policies put thousands of dollars back into the pockets of Georgia workers and families.

Trump Accounts: Investing in the Next Generation

Republicans and the Trump Administration created Trump Accounts. This one-time federal contribution of $1,000 per eligible child actively invests in the next generation to make the American Dream more achievable. Authorized contributions from individuals and employers are allowed up to $5,000 per year, setting the next generation up for success and making the American Dream more affordable.

Unleashing American Energy

President Trump’s America First energy agenda reversed costly Biden-era regulations and unleashed domestic production. By expanding American energy, streamlining permitting, and cutting red tape, Republicans helped drive down gas prices, lower electricity costs, and reduce the price of goods that rely on affordable transportation and power, saving Georgians money at every turn. Currently, gas in Georgia costs around $2.63 a gallon – that’s an 11% decrease from a year ago.

Fair Trade and Tariffs

President Trump restored fair trade policies to defend American workers and businesses. Billions of dollars have been collected through targeted tariffs on unfair foreign competitors protecting Georgian industries, helping to preserve good-paying jobs and strengthening domestic supply chains that keep prices stable for consumers.

Foreign Investment and Reshoring Manufacturing

Thanks to President Trump’s pro-growth policies, trillions of dollars in private investment flowed back into the United States. Companies reshored operations, expanded facilities, and invested in American workers—creating jobs, growing wages, and strengthening Georgia’s economy for the long term.

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Committee Democrats Uncover Potential Abuse of Power Scheme by High-Ranking Trump Official, Demand Independent Investigation

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

Evidence suggests third-highest ranking Interior official’s family received $3.5 million windfall tied to lithium mine her office helped approve

January 20, 2026

Washington, D.C. — Today, House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) and Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Ranking Member Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.) called on the Department of the Interior’s (DOI) Office of Inspector General to investigate Associate Deputy Secretary Karen Budd-Falen for potential conflicts of interest, ethics violations, and self-dealing related to her family’s multi-million-dollar financial stake in a Nevada lithium mine.

Last November, Huffman and Dexter raised serious concerns over Ms. Budd-Falen’s failure to come clean to Congress about her financial and ethical dealings, noting the potential that she still illegally had ownership in the cattle ranching entity KJM LLC. Although DOI continued to withhold that information from Congress, they sent the records to a private party. Those records revealed that Budd-Falen not only kept her ownership interest in KJM LLC, but she also has a stake in three separate cattle ranching corporations.

New evidence compiled by Committee Democrats shows Ms. Budd-Falen may have abused her power while at the Department of Interior to give her family a $3.5 million windfall, tied to their ranching assets. Budd-Falen’s family ranch sold water rights to Nevada Lithium Corporation that were essential for the company’s Thacker Pass mine to move forward. In November 2019, while serving as Deputy Solicitor with authority over Fish and Wildlife Service matters, she secretly met with company executives in her DOI office. Her family wouldn’t see the potential $3.5 million payday unless the mine won federal approval, which was still pending at the time.

The lawmakers’ investigation also uncovered that the project faced a series of obstacles and strong pushback from career scientists and other experts at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These experts flagged serious concerns about the mine’s impacts on endangered species and groundwater, calling portions of the environmental review wholly inadequate” and not “worth the paper … it’s written on.” Those objections were ignored after political appointees got involved, with Bureau of Land Management officials threatening to “press the issue up the chain of command.”

The Budd-Falen family got their final payday from Lithium Nevada Corporation in November 2023, only after the mine received federal approvals. Despite filing multiple financial disclosures during this period, Budd-Falen reported income from her family ranch as “None (or less than $201).”

Interior has refused to answer congressional inquiries and instructed staff not to cooperate with oversight requests, so the lawmakers are formally and publicly demanding the DOI Inspector General investigate whether Budd-Falen violated federal ethics rules and criminal conflict-of-interest statutes.

Read the full letter.

Read the November 2025 letter here.

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