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

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Dina Titus (1st District of Nevada)

WASHINGTON – Today Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-NV), a senior member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation, introduced the Air Carrier Access Amendments Act with Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN). This legislation would protect and expand the rights of airplane passengers with disabilities, improve air travel safety, and close service gaps that passengers with disabilities frequently encounter in air travel. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) will introduce companion legislation in the Senate.

“People with disabilities shouldn’t have to face extra obstacles when they travel,” said Rep. Titus. “They deserve equal access to our airports and airplanes. This legislation will expand their rights and safety while making air travel more convenient and accommodating for all.”

“This legislation protects the rights of the flying public with disabilities and will improve overall safety for passengers,” said Rep. Cohen. “As a polio survivor with post-polio syndrome, I am proud to support legislation that seeks to make travel more accommodating for those living with disabilities.”

“Every American deserves to be treated with dignity and feel safe when they are traveling, but for far too long, passengers with disabilities, including our veterans, have been left behind. I have heard firsthand from Wisconsinites who’ve had their wheelchairs – the tool that lets them live a free and independent life – damaged by airlines, and it’s simply unacceptable,” said Senator Baldwin. “Our bill will ensure every American, no matter their ability, gets the respect they deserve when traveling.”

“No traveler should face barriers while traveling because of their disability,” said Senator Duckworth. “I hear so many frustrating stories from those who have experienced their wheelchair getting damaged, assistance being delayed and their needs for onboard accommodations just outright ignored—and it has to stop. Our legislation would help protect the rights of passengers with disabilities and provide them with the support they need when airlines fall short.”

This legislation is supported by the following organizations:

Paralyzed Veterans of America, Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), American Cochlear Implant Alliance (ACI Alliance), Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF), American Legion, I AM ALS, American Council of the Blind, Cure SMA, United Spinal Association, Periodic Paralysis Association, Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Student Veterans of America (SVA), The Arc

“Paralyzed Veterans of America has championed this issue for decades because our members, veterans with spinal cord injuries and diseases, like MS and ALS, know firsthand what happens when civil rights protections lack real enforcement. The Air Carrier Access Amendments Act closes the accountability gap that has allowed these failures to persist for far too long. This is exactly the kind of reform PVA has fought for, and we are fully committed to working alongside Rep. Titus to get it across the finish line,” said Heather Ansley, Esq., MSW, Chief Policy Officer, Paralyzed Veterans of America.

“Congresswoman Titus is a longtime leader for air travel rights for wheelchair users, like me. She’s not only notched major wins in federal law for our community, but she’s also taken the time to understand, on a personal level, what wheelchair users go through just to get on an airplane,” said Seth McBride, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at United Spinal Association and a Paralympic gold medalist.

“When it comes to winning access to safety, to getting the same services and same travel experiences as everyone else, Rep. Dina Titus has our back. When I experienced my own air travel hell, she listened to me one-on-one to understand my frustrations with the system, including how difficult it was to obtain proper compensation for mistreatment by the airline. And that’s what’s at the heart of her bill, the Air Carrier Access Amendments Act of 2026, safety and fairness. When the system does not work for us, we should be able to have a court hear us. That’s not partisan politics, that’s justice.”

Original co-sponsors of the Air Carrier Access Amendments Act include Congresswoman Titus, Congressman Cohen, Congressman André Carson (D-IN), Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA), and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC).

Full bill text can be found here.

Background:

For 40 years, the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) has prohibited discrimination based on disability in air travel. Despite this progress, too many travelers with disabilities encounter significant barriers, such as damaged assistive devices and wheelchairs, delayed assistance, unclear communications, and lack of onboard accommodations.

The Air Carrier Access Amendments Act will protect and expand the rights of air passengers with disabilities and improve air travel safety by:

• Requiring the Secretary of Transportation to assess civil penalties for Air Carrier Access Act violations and refer patterns of discrimination to the Department of Justice;
• Granting individuals with disabilities a private right of action in civil court; and
• Expressing a sense of Congress that legislation is necessary to ensure that individuals with disabilities have adequate remedies available when air carriers violate the ACAA.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA), Chairman of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Tax, and Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), a member of the Ways & Means and Budget Committees, sent a letter to Pennsylvania State Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-41) calling on Pennsylvania state lawmakers to use this year’s state budget process to align Pennsylvania’s state tax code with pro-growth, pro-jobs, pro-investment policies included in the Working Families Tax Cuts last year.

Pennsylvania has emerged as a critical battleground in the national competition for a modernized economy. Other states are moving aggressively to conform to the Working Families Tax Cuts business tax reforms as they compete for new investment, manufacturing activity, and high-quality jobs.

“We fear that if Pennsylvania ultimately decouples from these federal investment incentives and cost recovery provisions, it will undermine ongoing efforts to improve the Commonwealth’s business climate and place job creators and workers at a competitive disadvantage,” the Members wrote. “It would be a major setback if Pennsylvania was seen to be less hospitable to investment in technology, advanced manufacturing, life sciences research, steel production, and factory expansion than competing jurisdictions.

As members of the Ways & Means Committee, which oversees tax policy and led the Working Families Tax Cuts (WFTC) in the U.S. House of Representatives, Reps. Kelly and Smucker strongly advocated for pro-growth tax policy on behalf of Pennsylvania’s burgeoning economy, including employers in the critical manufacturing, technology, and life sciences sectors. These industries are indispensable to the prosperity of our communities and the Commonwealth.

These policies include:

• Section 174 provision for immediate expensing of research and experimentation costs;
• Section 168(k) expensing of machinery, equipment, and other tangible property
• Section 168(n) provision for 100 percent expensing of manufacturing, production, and agriculture structures;
• And, expanded small business expensing for small businesses under Section 179.

You can find the full letter here.

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

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), a longtime organic farmer and leader in Congress for sustainable agriculture and reducing pollution from fast fashion, is calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to strengthen federal support for American-grown and American-made natural fibers. In a letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, Pingree urged the Department to build on its recently announced “Great American Cotton Plan” by expanding its focus to include other plant- and animal-based fibers, including hemp, flax, wool, alpaca, and leather. Pingree also requested information on existing USDA programs, authorities, and data collection efforts that could support domestic natural fiber production and processing.

“As global trends have impacted the economics of producing textiles and apparel outside the U.S., there is a critical need to reshore production of American-made textiles and to ensure more sustainable textile production,” Pingree wrote. “The United States Department of Agriculture plays an important role in supporting these efforts and revitalizing the sustainable fibers industry in the U.S.”

According to the Textile Materials Market Report, synthetic fibers accounted for approximately 65 percent of global fiber production in 2022, with polyester ranking as the most widely used fiber. In contrast to synthetic fibers, which shed microfibers that pollute waterways, land, and air, natural fibers may have a lower environmental footprint and can also be grown and raised in ways that sequester carbon and provide additional co-benefits to producers, such as improved soil health and reduced inputs like pesticides.

“As global fiber production continues to increase, it is critical to support the production and processing of additional plant-based fiber crops, such as hemp and flax, and animal-based fibers such as wool, alpaca, and leather, as the USDA considers reshoring fiber production,” Pingree continued.

In the letter, Pingree noted that natural fiber production aligns with multiple USDA mission areas, including farm production and conservation, domestic and international marketing of U.S. agricultural products, rural economic opportunity, and providing farmers and ranchers with opportunities to compete in the global marketplace.

Pingree requested USDA provide information on:

• Existing programs and authorities that can support natural fiber production and processing;

• USDA data collection on fiber production in the United States, specifically whether the USDA Census of Agriculture includes data on fiber crops such as flax and hemp;

• Examples of USDA funding supporting natural fiber production and processing;

• Barriers to addressing existing gaps in the natural fiber textile supply chain;

• Whether USDA is evaluating approaches to reduce the use of synthetic pesticides in fiber production, and how such considerations are being incorporated into current or future programs;

• How the goals, tools, or findings of the Great American Cotton Plan may inform USDA’s strategies for other fiber crops and materials.

The full text of Pingree’s letter is available here and copied below.

Pingree has been a national leader in pushing for a more sustainable textile economy. She is the founder and chair of the Congressional Slow Fashion Caucus, which aims to raise awareness about textile waste, pollution, labor concerns, and develop policies that support circular, sustainable, and domestically produced materials.

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Dear Secretary Rollins, 

I am writing regarding the production and processing of natural fibers, specifically plant and animal-based fibers. As global trends have impacted the economics of producing textiles and apparel outside the U.S., there is a critical need to reshore production of American- made textiles and to ensure more sustainable textile production. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) plays an important role in supporting these efforts and revitalizing the sustainable fibers industry in the U.S.

I appreciate USDA’s recently announced Great American Cotton Plan, which aims to strengthen domestic cotton production and provide new opportunities for American growers. As USDA proceeds with the implementation of this plan, I urge USDA to expand the plan to include additional natural fiber crops and materials. I also request USDA examine existing programs that can support natural fiber production and processing.

As global fiber production continues to increase, it is critical to support the production and processing of additional plant-based fiber crops, such as hemp and flax, and animal-based fibers such as wool, alpaca, and leather, as the USDA considers reshoring fiber production. According to the Textile Materials Market Report, in 2022, synthetic fibers made up approximately 65 percent of global fiber production, with polyester being the most widely used fiber. In contrast to synthetic fibers, which shed microfibers that pollute waterways, land, and air, natural fibers may have a lower environmental footprint and can also be grown and raised in ways that sequester carbon and provide additional co-benefits to producers, such as improved soil health and reduced inputs like pesticides. 

Natural fiber production and processing is relevant to multiple USDA mission areas, including farm production and conservation, facilitating domestic and international marketing of U.S. agricultural products, supporting opportunity and economic security for people and communities in rural America, and providing our farmers and ranchers with opportunities to compete in the global marketplace. 

In light of these priorities and USDA’s new initiatives, I request that the USDA provide the following information:

• Existing programs and authorities that can be used to support natural fiber production and processing;

• USDA data collection on fiber production in the United States, specifically whether the USDA Census of Agriculture includes data on fiber crops such as flax and hemp;

• Examples of USDA funding supporting natural fiber production and processing;

• Barriers to addressing existing gaps in the natural fiber textile supply chain;

• Whether USDA is evaluating approaches to reduce the use of synthetic pesticides in fiber production, and how such considerations are being incorporated into current or future programs;

• How the goals, tools, or findings of the Great American Cotton Plan may inform USDA’s strategies for other fiber crops and materials.

I appreciate learning more about existing support from the USDA to enhance natural fiber products and ask for your commitment to working with Congress to enhance the production and processing of natural fibers. 

Sincerely,

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

Washington, D.C. -U.S. Representatives Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Adam Smith, Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee; and Jim Himes, Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, today sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanding the administration brief Congress on the details of the reported Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreed to by the United States and Iran on June 15, 2026.

A PDF of the letter can be found here. An excerpt is below.

“For more than 15 weeks, the Administration left Congress and the American people in the dark about a war of choice that has proved to be a strategic failure and inflicted real costs on Americans. Since February 28, 14 service members have been killed, hundreds wounded, critical U.S. assets in the region have been damaged, U.S. munition stockpiles have been depleted, regional partners have suffered the brunt of Iranian retaliation, and global prices of food, oil, and material goods skyrocketed for months while the Strait of Hormuz remained closed. Although President Trump has repeatedly declared the war is over, the Administration has refused to testify publicly or provide the American people with the answers they deserve.

“While we welcomethe Administration’s turn toward diplomacy and its decision to end this war of choice, the Administration must provide Congress with greater details about the MoU, any side agreements, and the Administration’s plan and strategy for the 60-day ceasefire period; including its approach to sanctions relief, Iran’s nuclear program, and reported economic and reconstruction funds. On all these questions, the Administration has already repeatedly contradicted itself while asking the American people to trust the contents of an agreement that hasn’t been made available to them.”

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

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

The Resolution honors Hadiya Pendleton, who was shot and killed in a Chicago park on Jan. 29, 2013, just one week after she performed as a drum majorette in President Barack Obama’s second inauguration. Her family and friends started the Wear Orange movement to raise awareness of the 46,000 people who die due to gun violence every year in the U.S. Hunters often wear orange to avoid being shot.

“I ran for office because I was sick and tired of watching Congress do nothing as children were killed by gun violence. Hadiya should’ve been safe at a park, but she was shot just months before I was sworn into office for the first time,” said Rep. Kelly. “Since Hadiya’s family and friends started Wear Orange, the color has become a beacon for action and advocacy. I’ve worked alongside her parents and other survivors to save lives from gun violence because the people closest to the pain are also closest to the solutions to end this crisis once and for all.”

“Guns are now the number one killer of our nation’s children.  With one in five Americans having lost a loved one to gun violence, this is nothing short of an epidemic,” Durbin said. “Today, we are introducing this resolution in memory of Hadiya Pendleton, who was only 15 years old when she was senselessly shot and killed in Chicago. On what would have been—should have been—her 29th birthday, I will proudly ‘Wear Orange’ as a sign of my dedication to finally putting an end to this public health crisis.”

“I refuse to let our children grow up in a country that refuses to protect them from gun violence,” said Duckworth. “To honor Hadiya Pendleton and too many other victims of gun violence, Congress must take action to help keep our children and our communities safe. I’ll never stop working for commonsense gun safety reforms that can save lives and help prevent future tragedies—American families depend on it.”

Rep. Kelly has introduced the Wear Orange Resolution every year after June 2, 2015, on what would have been Pendleton’s 18th birthday. June marks Gun Violence Awareness Month as gun violence spikes at the start of summer.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Pago Pago – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata was delighted to attend the ribbon-cutting at the Faleomavaega Eni Fa’aua’a Hunkin VA Clinic, and she appreciates the remarks of Acting Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr. at the event, as Governor Pula’ali’i Nikolao Pula has responsibilities in Washington, D.C. She congratulates the Clinic’s leadership, medical professionals and staff, and the veterans who rely on these important services. 

Ribbon Cutting at the Faleomavaega Eni Fa’aua’a Hunkin VA Clinic

“As always, thank you most of all, today and every day, to our Veterans for their service, leadership and wisdom throughout our islands,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata, who serves as Vice Chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “Thank you to Acting Governor Pulu, Veteran Healthcare Pacific Interim Director Dr. Thomas Steinbrunner, Associate Director/Chief Operating Officer Devin Woods, American Samoa CBOC Business Manager Eti Falaniko, who led the benediction, American Samoa CBOC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Fred Urhle Jr., LBJ Chief Medical Officer Dr. Aitofele James Sunia, and all others taking part and attending.” 

Congresswoman Amata with Acting Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr. at the event

This week, as announced by the Clinic and American Samoa Government, the Clinic officially opened their newly expanded laboratory, a $2 million investment to improve healthcare and provide better access to Veterans. The project and purpose were detailed by both VAPIHCS Interim Director Dr. Thomas Steinbrunner, emphasizing long-lasting improvements, and Associate Director of Operations Devin Woods, focusing on specifics of faster laboratory testing, quality clinical decision-making and access to care, and securing access to medical services.

Overall, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is funded through Congress, requiring two major yearly bills, each of which have hearings and votes at the Committee levels – an authorization bill directing VA national spending, reforms and priorities, and a corresponding appropriations bill that provides that recommended funding. Currently, the VA is operating under the 2026 legislation, with 2027 bills under consideration. The 2027 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill, in process, includes a three percent increase, and $2 billion for capital improvements nationwide. Additionally, a host of legislative efforts are underway in the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee seeking to improve specific VA’s nationwide services, timeliness, records and technology, retention, and mental health provisions, as well as strengthen oversight.

In 2017, Congress named American Samoa’s VA Clinic (Public Law No: 115-16) in honor of the extensive public service and military service of the late Congressman Eni Fa’aua’a Hunkin Faleomavaega.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jesús Chuy García (IL-04)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) led a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, expressing grave concern about the shameless interference of senior United States officials, including President Donald Trump, in Colombia’s presidential elections.The letter, which was signed by 11 Members of Congress, and endorsed by human rights groups, faith-based organizations and research institutes, details how President Trump and Republicans in Congress have strongly endorsed Abelardo de la Espriella, “a candidate with a profoundly troubling record that appears to run counter to U.S. interests and potentially to U.S. laws.” The letter comes a day after U.S. immigration authorities arrested Beto Coral, a prominent Colombian influencer who filed criminal charges against De La Espriella.

“This interference is particularly alarming given Mr. De la Espriella’s background. A criminal defense lawyer and businessman, he has come under scrutiny over the source of his fortune and his links to Colombian clients, including Alex Saab, an ultra-wealthy fixer for Nicolás Maduro who is currently under federal criminal indictment in the Southern District of Florida for allegedly laundering millions of dollars,” the letter adds.

The letter outlines other troubling reports regarding Mr. De la Espriella, including his praise for paramilitary leaders, opposition to the historic 2016 peace agreement, and accusations against him for having pocketed funds intended “to be used for bribing key judicial actors.” The letter concludes by urging the U.S. government to stop interfering in the Colombian presidential election, review the allegations against Mr. De La Espriella and the source of the funds he used to purchase a number of Florida properties, and “respect, not undermine, the democracy and sovereignty of our neighbors in the region.”

A copy of the full letter can be found here.

Members of Congress who signed the letter include: Representatives Greg Casar (TX-35), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Summer Lee (PA-12), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia Catalina Ramirez (IL-03), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07).

The letter is endorsed by the Latin American Working Group (LAWG), Demand Progress, Just Foreign Policy, the Chicago Religious Leadership Network on Latin America (CRLN), the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas – Justice Team, the Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, the Denver Justice and Peace Committee (DJPC), the InterReligious Task Force on Central America (IRTF), and the Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR).

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

Congressman Baird Applauds USDA for Land-Grant University Funding