MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Reps. Jared Golden (ME-02), Young Kim (CA-40), and Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) to introduce the Supporting Healthy Moms and Babies Act. This bipartisan bill would help mitigate the cost burden on families with private insurance plans throughout pregnancy by designating prenatal, birth, and postpartum care as essential health benefits (EHBs) and eliminating cost-sharing from these services. The Senate companion bill was introduced by Sens. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Josh Hawley (R-AR), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY).

“The cost of maternal care is already expensive, and too often, families with private insurance are hit with surprise medical bills they didn’t see coming,” said Congressman Valadao. “Building a family already comes with so much uncertainty, but designating maternal care as an essential health benefit and eliminating cost-sharing will give parents some peace of mind during one of life’s most important moments. I’m proud to join my colleagues in supporting this practical, bipartisan solution that puts families first.”

“Pregnancy and childbirth are a normal part of family life, so insurance companies should treat it like the routine care it is and cover the cost,” said Rep. Golden. “It shouldn’t cost thousands of dollars to give birth at the hospital, and other necessary maternity services shouldn’t be a luxury. This is simple, commonsense reform and will make it easier for Mainers to start and grow families on their own terms without a huge hospital bill.”

“Americans shouldn’t have to choose between starting a family and being strapped in debt. Unfortunately, rising living costs on top of excessive hospital and health care fees after giving birth deter individuals from becoming parents,” said Rep. Kim. “We should do what we can to make life more affordable, which is why I’m proud to help lead the charge to cut childbirth cost-sharing fees and ensure women, babies and families receive the care they deserve without astronomical costs.”

“When my daughter was born by emergency C-section nine weeks early, I wanted to focus all my attention on my recovery and her well-being for the six weeks she was in the NICU, not our medical bills,” said Rep. McClellan. “The Supporting Healthy Moms and Babies Act will provide more pregnant and postpartum patients the peace of mind that they can access care without worrying about how to pay for it.”

Supporting organizations include: American Principles Project, Concerned Women for America, Jesuit Conference Office of Justice and Ecology, Americans United for Life, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, Students for Life, LiveAction, Life Defenders, March for Life, the Catholic Health Association of the United States, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists, American Medical Association, American Hospital Association, American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses, Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs, March of Dimes, and National Partnership for Women & Families.

The Supporting Healthy Moms and Babies Act would:

• Designate prenatal, birth, and postpartum care as essential health benefits (EHBs) under private insurance plans.
• Eliminate cost-sharing for all in-network childcare services, and out-of-network care when no in-network provider is available.
• Mandate full coverage for ultrasounds, miscarriage care, delivery services, and postpartum care for up to a year after birth.
• Provide mental health coverage for spouses and adoptive parents.

Background:

While Medicaid covers the full cost of childbirth for those enrolled, families with private insurance plans routinely face thousands in unexpected expenses—often as much as $3,000 to $10,000—due to high deductibles, coverage gaps, and confusing hospital pricing. By designating prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care as essential health benefits and eliminating cost-sharing for in-network services, this bill offers families greater financial predictability and reduces the medical debt that disproportionately impacts new parents.

Read the full resolution here.

###

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

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01) is urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio to comply with federal law and retain the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts (CARE) Office.

“My CARE Authorization Act is clear,” said Congresswoman Dina Titus. “Secretary Rubio must appoint a Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts. His refusal to do so is a violation of the law, disrespects Congress’s authority, and threatens our relationship with our Afghan allies. How can we expect others to stand by us in the future if we abandon our friends who face considerable danger for having done the same?”

Last week, the Trump Administration released a Congressional Notification outlining the reorganization of the State Department, including the dismantling of the Office of the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts (CARE).

A copy of Congresswoman Titus’s letter to Sec. Rubio can be found here.

Background

In 2022 the State Department established the CARE Office to streamline and coordinate the ongoing relocation and resettlement process for eligible Afghans from Afghanistan and Pakistan to the United States. CARE serves as the hub of this whole-of-government priority, working closely with various federal departments and agencies, international partners, and NGOs to ensure the safe and efficient relocation of individuals who have earned the right to immigrate to the U.S. as either SIVs or refugees during the twenty-year U.S. mission in Afghanistan.

CARE’s mission is vital to keeping our promise to our Afghan allies and protecting them the way they protected U.S. servicemembers. Last Congress, Rep. Titus’s bipartisan CARE Authorization Act of 2024 was signed into law. It formally authorized the CARE office at the State Department for three years and granted important authorities to advance its mission. These include an extension of authorities to enter personal services contracts—an identified legislative priority for the State Department—as well as measures to streamline the transfer of funds to and from other agencies involved in the Afghan relocation mission.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Yvette D Clarke (9th District of New York)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

June 5, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT: 

e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representatives Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY) and Beth Van Duyne (R-TX) held a press conference to launch the first-of-its-kind bipartisan Congressional Creators Caucus. The purpose of this new caucus is to bring the perspectives of online content creators into the public policy arena to educate Members of Congress on the unique challenges they face as the new start-ups of the modern economy. The Members were joined by numerous creators, including Matthew (MatPat) and Stephanie Patrick, founders of Edutainment Brand Theorist Media.

The rapid advancements in technology and the rise of social media platforms in the 21st century have brought about the emergence of not only creators but a thriving new sector: the Creator Economy, the vibrant ecosystem of online content creators operating on digital platforms, and the diverse businesses that have emerged to support them. As these digital entrepreneurs build businesses and their impact continues to grow, ensuring their voices are heard in the legislative process is imperative.

“As digital content creators’ online presence continues to reach billions globally, Congress must work to ensure resources and protections are in place to support their success in this new era of start-ups,” said Rep. Clarke. “Congress has a responsibility to meet this moment. That’s why I am proud to establish this caucus as a first-of-its-kind bipartisan forum for content creators and Congress to work together to address the challenges they face as nontraditional small businesses owners. Creators’ voices deserve to be heard throughout the policy making process, and the Creators Caucus is the key to ensuring they are.”

“The Congressional Creators Caucus seeks to empower more Americans to follow their dreams, build their own small businesses, and share their unique perspectives with the world,” said Rep. Van Duyne. “The Creators Caucus hopes to bring better understanding to how these developing small businesses are operating, what struggles they face, and how Congress can work with them to foster growth, opportunity, safety, and security for our digital creators and their viewers alike.”

“The creator economy is a powerful economic engine in the United States, making significant contributions to GDP and job growth. Creators are building business, growing audiences, and sharing their voices online. We are thankful to Representatives Clarke and Van Duyne for launching the Congressional Creators Caucus and look forward to continuing the work to support the growing creator ecosystem,” Alexandra Veitch, Senior Director, YouTube Government Affairs & Public Policy.

Watch the full press conference HERE.

View photos from the press conference HERE.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green Ohio)

Latta’s Bills to Unleash American Energy & Power AI Advanced By House Energy Subcommittee

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Allen (R-GA-12)

Today, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) announced his office is seeking applicants for the 2025 Fall Internship Program, to be offered in his Washington, D.C. office.

This program is open to college students and young professionals interested in learning about the legislative process and assisting with the responsibilities of a congressional office. Interns will perform a range of tasks including constituent outreach, legislative writing, and more, with the possibility of earning school credit. Fall internships will be offered from August to December 2025, with specific dates to be discussed during the interview process. All applications must be submitted via Congressman Allen’s website by Monday, July 7th, 2025. 

Upon the announcement, Congressman Allen issued the following statement:

“Working in a congressional office provides a unique opportunity to gain firsthand experience into how our government operates and network with individuals from all walks of life. In our office, we employ a bottom-up approach to empower others to be the best they can be. Many of our past interns have used the skills gained during their internships to transition into a variety of successful career paths. My staff and I look forward to welcoming these talented young professionals in the coming months.”

Those interested in a fall internship can apply on Congressman Allen’s website. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

Lawmakers Demand FDA Halt “Operation Stork Speed” Until HHS Employees Are Rehired and Proper Guardrails in Place

Text of Letter

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Co-Chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) Reproductive Health Care Task Force, alongside DWC member Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Mamas’ Caucus Chair Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and Dads Caucus Chair Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) led 21 Democratic Caucus members in sounding the alarm over the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) launch of Operation Stork Speed — an initiative the agency claims will evaluate the safety of nutrients and ingredients found in infant formula.

In their letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, the lawmakers raise concerns over the safety and feasibility of Operation Stork Speed while laying off tens of thousands of HHS employees — including 3,500 at the FDA, many of whom oversee infant formula and nutrition. They also demand the FDA halt this initiative until HHS employees are rehired and until there are proper guardrails to conduct a comprehensive, evidence-based review.  

“The infant formula supply chain is fragile, and even a small disruption can have devastating consequences. No parent or guardian should struggle to feed their child due to failed safety standards, corporate greed or supply chain failures. Ensuring safe, affordable, and accessible formula is a matter of public health, economic justice, and basic dignity for families—especially women who are often primary caregivers,” wrote the lawmakers.

“From gutting staff responsible for scientific research to perpetuating anti-vaccine theories, you have repeatedly undermined scientific research. This, coupled with President Trump’s arbitrary mandate for federal agencies to repeal 10 regulations for every new rule, serves to further jeopardize the health and safety of families,” continued the lawmakers.

The Members also call on the agency to ensure infant formula is safe, accessible and affordable for all women and babies who need it in the face of ongoing regulatory reversals and staff reduction. 

“Ensuring safe, affordable, and accessible formula is a matter of public health, economic justice, and basic dignity for families—especially women who are often primary caregivers. We ask for your swift response to our questions regarding how you will ensure infant formula is safe, accessible and affordable for all women and babies who need it in the face of ongoing regulatory reversals and staff reduction,” concluded the lawmakers.

In addition to letter leads Ayanna Pressley, Brittany Pettersen, Rashida Tlaib, and Jimmy Gomez, the letter was signed by Reps. Teresa Leger Fernandez, Deborah Ross, Nikema Williams, Jasmine Crockett, Andrea Salinas, LaMonica McIver, Pramila Jayapal, Nydia Velázquez, Julie Johnson, Kelly Morrison, Summer Lee, Dan Goldman, Eric Swalwell, April McClain Delaney, Betty McCollum, Delia Ramirez, Suzanne Bonamici, Laura Friedman, Veronica Escobar, Yvette Clarke, and Jan Schakowsky.

Text of the letter can be found here.

Rep. Pressley has long advocated for safe, accessible, and affordable baby formula.

In May 2022, Rep. Pressley, along with Congressman Jamaal Bowman, Ed.D. (NY-16) and Congresswomen Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Grace Meng (NY-06), urged President Biden to use all applicable executive authorities to end the baby formula shortage.

Through her efforts on the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, the Committee had previously requested information from the nation’s largest formula manufacturers on their efforts to address the shortage of infant formula that is impacting families across the United States.

In May 2022, Rep. Pressley, along with Rep. Lori Trahan (MA-03), Assistant Speaker Katherine Clark (MA-05) and the Massachusetts delegation, sent a letter to Abbott Laboratories Chairman and CEO Robert Ford requesting urgent information on the company’s plans to replenish its Similac baby formula in Massachusetts.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (10th District of New York)

Rep. Nadler Statement on the Incident at my District Office

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-1)

This week, Rep. Jack Bergman sent a letter to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the Michigan Arts and Culture Council (MACC) admonishing them for their decision to disqualify the National Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum in Ishpeming from receiving critical grant funding from the state of Michigan.

The National Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum has been a cornerstone of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula tourism economy and a guardian of winter sports history for nearly three-quarters of a century.

In the letter, Rep. Bergman emphasized the cultural and economic importance of the institution, stating, “Located in Ishpeming – the birthplace of organized skiing in America – the Museum has, for nearly 75 years, contributed to the cultural and economic vitality of Michigan through its preservation of our state’s rich snowsports heritage and its promotion of tourism to the Upper Peninsula.”

“The Museum’s 2025–2026 grant application to MACC was recently disqualified due to what appears to have been a minor, unexplainable discrepancy in its Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Although the Museum’s UEI was copied directly from SAM.gov into the Michigan SmartSimple portal utilized by MACC for this grant, a single character variation occurred in which the letter ‘Z’ was recorded as a ‘2’ – resulting in the UEI being submitted as ‘W1KCYK2JBAH6’ instead of ‘W1KCYKZJBAH6.’ Unfortunately, this discrepancy was not flagged at the time of submission, ultimately leading to the application’s disqualification.”

Rep. Bergman urged both MACC and MEDC to reconsider the application, adding, “Given the unique and irreplaceable role the Museum plays in preserving and promoting Michigan’s snowsports heritage — and the fact that other entities with similar clerical discrepancies reportedly received successful appeals — I urge both MACC and MEDC to reassess the Museum’s application and explore every possible option to provide support. Whether through grant reconsideration, administrative flexibility, or alternate funding sources, a solution must be found.”
You can read the full letter here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Reps. Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) and his colleagues are demanding answers from the Trump administration over a disturbing shift in immigration policy that’s leaving abused and abandoned immigrant youth without basic protections. At the same time, Representatives Gomez, Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), and 35 other lawmakers are working to pass their bipartisan Protect Vulnerable Immigrant Youth Act, a bill that would exempt Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) recipients from green card backlogs and ensure faster, permanent protection for eligible children. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto is leading the companion effort in the Senate.

In a letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and USCIS Acting Director Kika Scott, the lawmakers raised concerns that USCIS has stopped granting deferred action to youth approved for SIJS — a humanitarian program for children who have survived abuse, abandonment, or neglect. “Without deferred action, youth who have survived abuse, abandonment, or neglect are being forced again to confront years of legal limbo during which they will be unable to support themselves, and will remain at higher risk of exploitation, abuse, and deportation,” wrote the lawmakers.

Despite being a protection for vulnerable children, SIJS recipients are placed in the employment-based visa system, where they face years-long delays before becoming eligible for permanent residency. The bipartisan Protect Vulnerable Immigrant Youth Act would remove SIJS recipients from these arbitrary caps and allow them to move forward with their lives.

“I’m raising a toddler right now, and I can’t just watch while kids who’ve already been through hell get stuck in limbo,” said Rep. Gomez. “These young people deserve safety and a shot at a better life — not to be left hanging because of red tape. Let’s fix this and do right by them.”

“At a time when our immigration system is plagued with uncertainty and turmoil, it is imperative we act to provide immigrant children who have suffered abuse or neglect the certainty they deserve and an opportunity to start their lives in the United States. It makes no sense to place vulnerable immigrant youth in employment-based visa backlogs and subject them to arbitrary per-country caps. I’m proud to join my colleagues, once again, in introducing the Protect Vulnerable Immigrant Youth Act to ensure abused or abandoned youth can remain safely in the country they call home,” said Rep. Lofgren, a senior member of the House Immigration Subcommittee and a former immigration lawyer.

Advocates have also reported a rise in detentions and deportations of SIJS recipients, with some losing deferred action protections once taken into ICE custody — despite being eligible for relief. The lawmakers are calling on DHS and USCIS to immediately resume deferred action for all approved SIJS recipients and are urging Congress to pass their bill to deliver a permanent fix to keep these young people out of legal limbo.

The following Members of Congress signed onto the letter to DHS: Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NM), Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA), Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA), Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), as well as Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Nydia Velazquez (NY-07), Danny Davis (IL-07), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), James McGovern (MA-02), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Paul Tonko (NY-20).

In addition to Rep. Gomez, Lofgren, and Espaillat, the Protect Vulnerable Immigrant Youth Act is cosponsored by Reps. Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Becca Balint (VT-At Large) André Carson (IN-07), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Judy Chu (CA-28), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), Jim McGovern (MA-02), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Luz Rivas (CA-29), María Elvira Salazar (FL-27), Linda Sanchez (CA-38), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Nydia Velázquez (NY-7), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), and Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09).

78 organizations endorse these efforts, including: End SIJS Backlog Coalition, Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), American Immigration Lawyers Association, National Immigrant Justice Center, Center for Law and Social Policy, Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC), U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration, United We Dream Network, and more.

You can read the full letter here and the bill text here.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)

“The Executive Branch advances an interpretation of the TPS statute that, in essence, rewrites the statute to claim a power that Congress did not delegate,” said the Members in the brief’s introduction and summary. “Further, the Executive Branch asserts an interpretation of the TPS statute that leaves no role for the judiciary.”