MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ralph Norman (SC-05)

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Rep. Ralph Norman (SC-05) joined Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21) and 20 other House Republicans in sending a letter to their colleagues urging structural Medicaid reform to be included in the upcoming budget reconciliation package.

Background

Originally designed as a safety-net program for low-income children, pregnant women, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, Medicaid has drifted far from its 1965 mission. In recent years, structural flaws, a lack of eligibility enforcement, and continuous financial schemes have led to skyrocketing costs and inefficient spending.

The Congressional Budget Office now projects that from 2025 to 2034, Medicaid spending will be $1.2 trillion higher than forecasted in 2021. Much of this increase is not the result of improved care. Instead, it stems from flawed policies, including the Affordable Care Act’s expansion model, which rewards states with a 90% federal match for able-bodied, working-age adults, compared to just 60% for the truly vulnerable.

Improper payments have exceeded $1.1 trillion over the past decade, with many states exploiting loopholes such as provider taxes and intergovernmental transfers to artificially inflate federal contributions. Meanwhile, Medicaid now serves more individuals above the poverty line than below it. In California, federal funds have been used to expand coverage to illegal immigrants and eliminate asset tests, allowing even wealthy residents to qualify for taxpayer-funded care.

The letter outlines three guiding principles: prioritize the truly vulnerable, end the use of financial gimmicks, and strengthen state accountability. Without action, Medicaid will continue to drain federal resources, increase healthcare costs nationwide, and push the program further from its original intent.

Statement

“Medicaid was never meant to be a bottomless well of taxpayer money,” said Rep. Norman on Thursday. “It was created to help the most vulnerable, not to reward states for gaming the system or to cover able-bodied adults who can and should work. We’ve got to stop enabling waste and start restoring accountability. This reform is about protecting both patients and taxpayers, and I’m proud to support it.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ralph Norman (SC-05)

Washington, D.C. – On Thursday, Rep. Ralph Norman (SC-05) wrote a letter to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director William Pulte, applauding the agency’s referral of New York Attorney General Letitia James for criminal prosecution related to her alleged involvement in mortgage fraud.

The letter also urges that the FHFA provide legislative recommendations to Congress on how to better combat fraud in the housing finance system, strengthen transparency, and restore public trust.

Background

FHFA referred Attorney General Letitia James for criminal prosecution following a broader initiative to root out corruption and fraud in government-backed mortgage lending. Reports indicate that Attorney General James may have repeatedly misrepresented her state of residence to fraudulently qualify for mortgage benefits reserved for owner-occupants under federally backed loan programs. Evidence suggests a pattern of misrepresentation that spans multiple states and applications. Director Pulte has vowed to work with lawmakers to prevent further abuses and ensure the housing system works for honest Americans, not political elites.

Rep. Norman’s letter called for a comprehensive FHFA-led review of the proposed actions:

• Stronger identity and occupancy verification for government-backed loans;
• Real-time data sharing between FHFA, HUD, federal law enforcement, and state attorneys general;
• Stricter penalties and automatic disqualification from public office for government officials found guilty of mortgage fraud;
• Strengthening the role of the FHFA Inspector General;
• Creation of a public mortgage fraud offender registry; and,
• Improved systems to recall fraudulently obtained loans.

The letter highlights the serious consequences of mortgage fraud, particularly when committed by elected officials entrusted with enforcing the law. Misconduct of this nature not only distorts underwriting practices and drives up housing costs but also undermines the integrity of taxpayer-funded programs. Rep. Norman reinforces his support for FHFA’s ongoing efforts and urges the agency to recommend legislative reforms that can be incorporated into upcoming financial oversight and housing reform packages.

Statement

“Letitia James is accused of deliberately falsifying her primary residence on a sworn mortgage application to obtain a preferential loan rate, potentially violating federal and state mortgage fraud statutes,” said Rep. Norman in a statement on Friday. “If true, this isn’t just fraud—it’s a betrayal of the public trust. I applaud Director Pulte and FHFA for taking decisive action.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01)

Republican Policy Committee Chairman Kevin Hern (OK-01) celebrated the passage of the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act in the House of Representatives this morning. 

“President Trump and the American people gave us a clear mandate; today we delivered,” said Rep. Hern. “While Democrats have been demagoguing and fearmongering, spreading lies about what this legislation does or doesn’t do, Republicans have been working hard to deliver real relief to working families and small businesses. I am proud of the work we did on this legislation, and I look forward to seeing it signed into law.” 

Here are Rep. Hern’s remarks during floor debate. 

Included in the legislation were several priorities previously introduced by Rep. Hern, the WIRED Act and the Education and Workforce Freedom Act. 

Previously introduced as HR 6817, the WIRED Act establishes a fee on certain remittance transfers out of the country to target cartel activity and help fund border security. Last Congress, Rep. Hern led the House bill, and then-Senator J.D. Vance led the Senate version of the bill. The legislation is based on a similar policy enacted by the State of Oklahoma. 

“Republicans are delivering on President Trump’s agenda, and I’m proud to see my legislation included,” said Rep. Hern. “This bill was originally inspired by successful legislation happening right here in Oklahoma. I was able to take this great idea that our state legislature enacted and work with now-Vice President Vance to scale it up to the federal level. We must be using every tool at our disposal to combat the cartels.” 

The Education and Workforce Freedom Act, previously introduced as HR 8915, expands tax-advantaged 529 accounts to allow K-12 students from public, private, religious or home school settings to use those funds. It also allows the funds to be used for licensing and credentialing expenses, modernizing our tax code to meet the demands of the American workforce. 

“Any parent will tell you that they know what’s better for their kids than the government,” said Rep. Hern. “Parents should be allowed to use their 529 tax-advantaged accounts to get their children the education they deserve, according to their individual needs. Including this provision in our One Big, Beautiful Bill puts us one step closer to a stronger education system and better outcomes for students of all backgrounds.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01)

Trump budget plan is a win for America

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01)

Hern votes to advance Trump agenda

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01)

Republican Policy Committee Chairman Kevin Hern (OK-01) celebrated the passage of HR 22, the SAVE Act, in the House of Representatives this morning. 

The SAVE Act amends the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require proof of United States citizenship to register an individual to vote in elections for federal office. 

“The SAVE Act is simple: only American citizens can vote in our elections,” said Chairman Hern. “It’s not controversial, it’s just common sense! After four years of dangerous open border policies, I’m proud to work alongside the Trump Administration to secure our border and protect Americans from Biden’s failed policies.” 

This was a bipartisan vote, with four Democrats voting in favor: Rep. Ed Case of Hawaii, Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas, Rep. Jared Golden of Maine, and Rep. Marie Glusenkamp Perez of Washington. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01)

Hern applauds passage of CR to clear the runway for President Trump’s Agenda

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY)

Washington, D.C. – Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) alongside Representative Laurel Lee (FL-15), Senator Richard J. Durbin (D-IL) and Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), reintroduced the Disrupt Explicit Forged Images and Non-Consensual Edits Act (DEFIANCE Act), bipartisan legislation that would grant survivors the right to take civil action against individuals who knowingly produce, distribute, solicit and receive or possess with the intent to distribute nonconsensual sexually-explicit digital forgeries, building on progress made by the passage of the TAKE IT DOWN Act signed into law earlier this week.

“We are reintroducing the DEFIANCE Act to grant survivors and victims of nonconsensual deepfake pornography the legal right to pursue justice,” said Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. “I am proud to lead this legislation with Representative Lee, and Senators Durbin and Graham to provide victims with the federal protections they deserve.”

“I am proud to co-lead the bipartisan DEFIANCE Act, which gives victims a civil right of action when predators attempt to use exploitative AI-generated intimate images—so-called deepfakes—to intimidate, shame, or harm them,” said Representative Laurel Lee. We’ve seen stories across the country of women and girls as young as 12 years old victimized by this new and growing form of sexual violence. The time for action is now. This legislation will complement the TAKE IT DOWN Act, which was recently signed into law. Together, they both create both accountability and recourse. I am grateful for my colleagues’ work on these issues, and look forward to moving this bill through Committee.”

“Sexually-explicit ‘deepfake’ content is often used to exploit and harass women and girls, and no one should have their privacy and autonomy violated by someone else generating explicit AI-generated content of them,” said Senator Durbin. “Although the imagery may be fake, the harm to the victims is very real. Victims have lost their jobs, their reputations, and many have suffered from life-altering depression or anxiety. By introducing the DEFIANCE Act, we’re giving power back to the victims; cracking down on the production, receipt, distribution, and possession of ‘deepfake’ images; and holding those responsible for the images accountable.”

Last summer, the Senate unanimously passed the DEFIANCE Act of 2024 to give survivors of digital abuse and exploitation the tools they need to seek justice.

The full bill text is available here. 

The DEFIANCE Act is led by U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Angus King (I-ME), Mike Lee (R-UT), Martin Heinrich (D-NV), and Peter Welch (D-VT), In the House, the legislation is co-sponsored by Representatives by Kat Cammack (FL-03), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Nancy Mace (SC-06), Max Miller (OH-07), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-8), and Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02).

The legislation is endorsed by the National Women’s Law Center, National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE), Raven, Public Citizen, Sexual Violence Prevention Association, Democratic Women’s Caucus, UltraViolet, Joyful Heart Foundation, My Image My Choice, Reclaim Coalition, SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change, American Association of University Women (AAUW), End Rape on Campus, Foundation Ra, Explain the Asterisk, Protect America’s Daughters, Sexual Assault Response Coalition (SARC), Students Against Sexual Assault, What Were You Wearing, Rooting Movements, Recognize Violence, Change Culture (RVCC), and Street Grace.

“As a survivor of deepfake pornography, I know the trauma of having your body and identity manipulated and weaponized. It is a violation that leaves you feeling powerless. The DEFIANCE Act changes that. It empowers victims to seek justice through a civil right of action, finally giving us a path to hold perpetrators accountable. With the number of deepfakes doubling every six months—and over 98% of them being pornographic—we are in a crisis. This bipartisan bill addresses the creation, distribution, and solicitation of nonconsensual deepfake pornography. It’s not just necessary—it’s urgent. Survivors deserve justice. Congress must act swiftly to pass the DEFIANCE Act and take a meaningful stand against digital sexual violence.” – Omny Miranda Martone, Founder & CEO of the Sexual Violence Prevention Association (SVPA)

“Survivors of image-based sexual abuse deserve a clear path to civil justice,” said Stefan Turkheimer, VP of Public Policy at RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. “The DEFIANCE Act is the right solution — and now is the right time to build on the growing momentum to ensure survivors have real power to hold offenders accountable, including the ability to pursue civil remedies against those who use AI to create and spread sexually explicit images meant to cause harm.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY)

Washington, DC – Today, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) released a statement following reports of the Israeli government blocking humanitarian assistance from entering Gaza.

“Israel’s blockade of food and humanitarian assistance to Gaza is in violation of international law. Another 14,000 babies face severe malnutrition if the Israeli government does not reverse course. The United States can prevent this atrocity. We must pressure the Israeli government to open up more routes for humanitarian aid and finally uphold the law by stopping further weapons transfers to Israel.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY)

Washington, D.C. – Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) and Representative Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) introduced legislation that would reauthorize the Healthy Start program, which provides critical funding for community-based efforts that improve maternal and child health.  

“Healthy Start serves countless families across the nation. In my district, The Bronx Healthy Start Partnership provides essential public health services to ensure that all babies and new parents can receive medical and non-medical support that improves their health outcomes,” said Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. “This bipartisan bill would ensure that Healthy Start programs across the country can continue to fill in where traditional health care falls short, working to eliminate major health disparities that leave the most vulnerable communities wounded.” 

“Over the past two years, this program has delivered more than $2 million to my district to support women, infants, and families in low-income communities,” said Representative Nicole Malliotakis. “Our bipartisan legislation will continue the authorization of the Healthy Start program, which aims to improve health outcomes for new mothers and reduce infant mortality rates and other adverse perinatal outcomes nationwide.”

The full bill text is available here. The legislation will go through the Energy and Commerce Committee, where Representative Ocasio-Cortez now serves. 

The Healthy Start program invests in communities across the country to improve health outcomes before, during, and after pregnancy. The Bronx Healthy Start Partnership provides case management, educational activities, and other support services to more than 475 families in the Bronx community each year. 

Local Healthy Start projects are community-driven and tailored to the specific needs of each community to help reduce disparities in infant mortality and maternal health outcomes, so that all new parents and their babies can be healthy. These projects work to enroll pregnant women, other women of reproductive age, new parents, children from birth to 18 months, and fathers/partners. This bill would authorize $145 million in critical funding for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2030.

Healthy Start program funding goes to communities experiencing high rates of adverse health outcomes, including infant mortality rates that are at least 1.5 times the U.S. national average, or high rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal illness. 

 

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