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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland

April 28, 2026                                                    202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES DISTRICT OFFICE CLOSURES FOR ST. THOMAS CARNIVAL BREAK

U.S. Virgin Islands — In observance of the 2026 St. Thomas Carnival season, the district offices of Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett on St. Croix and St. Thomas will be closed beginning Wednesday, April 29 through Friday, May 1, 2026. All offices will be open on Monday, May 4, 2026.

“Our carnival and festival celebrations are where our ancestors’ stories live. In every parade costume, every pan note, and every Jouvert morning and parade day rhythm echoing through the streets,” shared Congresswoman Plaskett.

“I would like to thank every vendor, every performer, every organizer, and every volunteer who poured their energy into making this year’s carnival possible. You are the backbone of this event, and we are grateful. Also, a very special thank you to our Virgin Islands Police Department and first responders for their service and for keeping us safe as we celebrate.

“Happy St. Thomas Carnival to all!”

For immediate assistance during this time, please contact the Washington D.C. office via phone at 202-225-1790.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, during a hearing with leaders of some of the nation’s top hospital CEOs, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) questioned the executives about ways rural health care can improve while also highlighting the need for more affordable and accessible health care in Rural America.

In December, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that all 50 states will receive awards under the Rural Health Transformation Program, a $50 billion initiative established under President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts legislation. This includes more than $193 million for Pennsylvania in fiscal year 2026.

“If you can’t exist in a small market, that’s not because you don’t want to be there. It’s because you can’t afford to be there. You can’t have the people in the lobby looking for help when you don’t have a doctor or nurse there to take care of them,” said Rep. Kelly. “It’s math. You’re not in rural areas because you can’t afford to be there. The cost of operation is ruining everybody.”

“My philosophy is that we have to be two things at once: large enough to bring scale, resources and stability, and local enough to respond to the unique needs of each community we serve. Rural and community hospitals face the same market pressures as their urban and academic counterparts, only with fewer resources. They confront workforce shortages, declining patient volumes, rising labor and supply costs and an increasingly complex regulatory environment, often while operating on extremely thin margins,” said Wright Lassiter, III., President and CEO CommonSpirit Health, a Catholic non-profit hospital system, in prepared remarks. “By bringing the resources of a larger system to those communities, we can help smaller hospitals manage expensive technology requirements, difficult payer contracting negotiations, workforce shortages and other pressures while addressing local gaps in care.”

BACKGROUND

The Rural Health Transformation Program is a federal investment which aims to help states expand access to care in rural communities, strengthen the rural health workforce, modernize rural facilities and technology, and support innovative models that bring high-quality, dependable care closer to home.

Nearly 40% of the population in Pennsylvania’s 16th Congressional District resides in rural areas.

Learn more about the hearing here.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, days before the largest May Day mobilizations in years and hours before the King of England’s congressional address, Congressmembers Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Lateefah Simon (CA-12) and Analilia Mejia (NJ-11) stood with labor, civil rights, and economic justice leaders from across the country to introduce the Living Wage for All Act. This is a landmark legislation that would raise the federal minimum wage to $25 per hour — the floor that working families need to meet the real cost of living in America today.

The Living Wage for All Act would raise the federal minimum wage to $25 per hour through a phased approach that reflects both the cost of living and the structure of the modern economy. The bill establishes a two-track phase-in, requiring large, highly profitable corporations to lead the transition. Large employers would reach $25 by 2031, while smaller employers would phase in more gradually, reaching $25 by 2038.

The Living Wage for All Act also ensures wages do not fall behind again by establishing a standard that keeps the minimum wage aligned with typical wages across the economy. As the economy grows and wages rise, the minimum wage would rise with it. The legislation also eliminates all subminimum wages, including for tipped workers, youth workers, and workers with disabilities — ensuring that every worker is guaranteed a full wage from their employer, with no exceptions.

“The need for a living wage couldn’t be clearer. The gap between the wealthy and everyone else keeps widening. Corporate profits are at a record high, and bosses are actively cutting their workforces, undermining organizing efforts, and trying to replace labor entirely,” said Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García. “Meanwhile, working families are struggling to pay their rent, buy groceries, and go to the doctor. It’s past time that workers are paid what they deserve.”

“Growing up, I saw my immigrant parents and my neighbors working multiple minimum wage jobs just to survive. Today, companies are reporting record-high earnings while working people struggle to survive. Minimum wage is not a living wage. That’s not right. If we want to address the affordability crisis, we must also address the wage crisis,” said Congresswoman Ramirez. “Congress must stop entertaining Kings and the whims of wannabe kings and start working for working people. I am proud to stand with Congressmembers García and Mejia and the Living Wage For All Coalition to ensure that working people have every single thing they need to thrive.”

“Housing, gas, and grocery costs have all surged, yet the federal minimum wage hasn’t been raised since 2009. This is unacceptable. No one working full time should be struggling to survive. We need an economy that reflects the realities of 2026, not one stuck over a decade ago. That’s why I led the fight to raise New Jersey’s minimum wage to $15 an hour. And it’s why I’m proud to partner with Congresswoman Delia Ramirez on the Living Wage for All Act to raise the federal minimum wage to $25 an hour. This bill would transform millions of lives, ensuring working people earn a true living wage instead of being forced to choose between putting food on the table and taking care of their health. Americans deserve an economy that works for all, not just the billionaire class,” saidCongresswoman Mejia.

“For too long, our economy has relied on underpaying the very workers who keep this country running. That harm has fallen hardest on women, workers with disabilities, tipped workers, Black and brown workers, and working families already struggling to afford basic necessities,” said Congresswoman Simon. “I am proud to join Congresswoman Ramirez, Congressman Garcia, and Congresswoman Mejia in introducing the Living Wage for All Act because a living wage is the absolute floor. We’re leading this effort to ensure every worker from Oakland to Chicago to Detroit to New Jersey gets the fair wage and dignity they deserve.”

“This is a worker-led movement that has grown from the groundbreaking Fight for $15 into a nationwide push for a true living wage. Across the country — from California to the Midwest to the East Coast — workers are organizing for $25 and $30 because that is what it takes to live. The polling shows this is not just popular, it is necessary. And ‘for all’ means exactly that: no worker left behind. This is what it looks like when politics begins to catch up to reality — and when democracy delivers real improvements in people’s lives, it becomes tangible. A living wage is how we make that promise real,” saidSaru Jayaraman, President, One Fair Wage

The legislation is cosponsored by Reps Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Greg Casar (TX-35), Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Christian Menefee (TX-17),  Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Nydia Velazquez (NY-07), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), and Frederica Wilson (FL-24).

The legislation is endorsed by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), RWDSU, NEA, AFT, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7, PolicyLink, One Fair Wage, Popular Democracy, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), National Urban League (NUL), Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), Alliance for a Just Society, Black Women’s Roundtable, National Coalition for Black Civic Participation, Patriotic Millionaires, Our Revolution, Common Cause, Voices for Progress (V4P), National Organization for Women (NOW), Chicago Education Advocacy Cooperative, ACLU of Hawai’i, Hawai‘i Public Health Institute, Trabajadores Unidos Workers United (CA), La Colmena NY, Community Labor United, Pennsylvania Policy Center, The New York Progressive Action Network, New Disabled South, Rights & Democracy Vermont, Survivors Know, The Able Baker, Churches United for Fair Housing (CUFFH), Keystone Progress Education Fund (PA), San Francisco Living Wage Coalition, Make the Road NV, Las Doñas, Construyamos Otro Acuerdo (Puerto Rico), La Tejedora (Puerto Rico), Fuck You I Quit, and a growing List of Small Businesses: Beauty by Teal, Elysium Aesthetics Lounge LLC, Conscious Life Resources, Undermine, Black Remote She LLC, SEPA Mujer, Inc.

For the full text of the legislation, CLICK HERE.

For the live video of the press conference, CLICK HERE.

For additional quotes from supporters, CLICK HERE.

Background:

The legislation reflects a national push to match wages with the rapidly growing cost of living. Across the country, campaigns are already moving at $25 and above — with $30 proposals advancing in Alameda County and Los Angeles, $27 legislation in Illinois, $30 efforts in New York, and $25 campaigns underway in Washington, D.C., and Maryland. These are part of a coordinated, multi-front strategy backed by a coalition of more than 100 labor, community, and social justice organizations. The Living Wage for All Act brings that momentum to the federal level — translating what workers and voters are already demanding across states and cities into a national standard.

The federal minimum wage has remained stuck at $7.25 since 2009. For more than 17 years, workers have been impacted by rising costs for rent, groceries, childcare, and healthcare while their wages have remained stagnant.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

MIAMI LAKES, FL – The Office of Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26) recently hosted the 2026 Congressional Art Competition at the Miami Lakes Community Center in Miami Lakes. This event featured 139 original art pieces from 21 participating schools and drew in approximately 100 attendees, including students, teachers, principals, and local leaders.

“I’ve had the honor of hosting the Congressional Art Competition, and I continue to be inspired by the talent and creativity of students in our community. This year’s submissions were truly exceptional, showcasing the extraordinary young artists we have in Florida’s 26^th Congressional District,” said Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart.

Each spring, a nationwide high school arts competition is sponsored by the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Artistic Discovery Contest is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in the nation, including in Florida’s 26th Congressional District.

For more information about the Congressional Art Competition, please visit: https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/youth-and-kids/art-competition

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, reviewed the rationale for a second baseless indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, and made the following statement:

“James Comey’s photo of a colorful artistic expression of seashells on the beach was not threatening to President Trump. I’ve long known the symbol ‘86’ as a restaurant kitchen term for ‘we’re out of it.’ Trump is out of it. The continued weaponization of the U.S. Department of Justice and its campaign to go after Trump’s perceived enemies must end. The First Amendment of the Constitution was designed to prevent a vindictive President from using the power of the federal government to arrest and potentially jail those expressing dissenting views.” 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) and her colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee held a hearing to investigate health care affordability for all Americans by examining the role of health systems. The hearing featured top executives from four diverse health systems. Members had the opportunity to examine these systems’ evolution from hospitals into consolidated health care conglomerates and inquire whether this reality is in the best interest of patients or whether it contributes to rising costs for families and taxpayers. During the hearing, Congresswoman Miller examined how federal law and regulation, as well as open-ended taxpayer subsidization, have created perverse incentives that reward higher costs at the expense of health outcomes, and market power instead of true competition that delivers value for patients.

A video and transcript of Congresswoman Miller’s questions and the provided responses can be found below.

Congresswoman Miller began by addressing the testimony submitted by witness Mr. Brad Woodhouse, the Executive Director of Protect Our Care. Mr. Woodhouse cited the recent closure of a Labor and Delivery Unit at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center as a direct result of H.R. 1, the Working Families Tax Cuts. Miller pushed back on this claim by citing the hospital’s own explanation for the closure, which was a physician workforce issue, caused by the failure to recruit a physician to the area for over two years.  

“Thank you Chairman and thank you to our witnesses for being here today. It’s been quite an interesting discussion.

Mr. Woodhouse, in your written testimony you mentioned my district, and the decision of Greenbrier Valley Medical Center to close their labor and delivery unit.

You specifically cite this closure as being caused by H.R. 1, which you make it sound like it’s the boogeyman. But that is false. It is a false statement.

Vandalia Health, the owner of the hospital, has said themselves that the closure is a recruitment issue and that the hospital had tried for over two years unsuccessfully to recruit a physician for the delivery room.

How could this be an issue caused by H.R. 1 when the hospital has been unable to recruit physicians to staff its labor and delivery unit for over two years — well before this legislation was ever under consideration?” asked Congresswoman Miller.

Congresswoman Miller then cited her legislation, the Defend Rural Health Act, that addresses the issue of large, urban hospital networks receiving benefits intended for rural areas. She questioned Dr. Brian G. Donley, President and Chief Executive Officer, New York-Presbyterian on the justification for eight of their hospitals in the middle of Manhattan being classified as “rural.”

“Recruiting and maintaining physicians is only one of many challenges facing rural hospitals. I’m from West Virginia. I understand this issue. 

Another issue impacting tax-exempt health systems involves the classification of the hospital itself.

I am disturbed at the trend of rural hospitals getting taken advantage of.

As we know, hospitals classified as “urban” receive higher Medicare payments, whereas hospitals classified as “rural” benefit from other things like easier access to the 340-B program and 30 percent more Graduate Medical Education funding.

That said, an increasing issue in recent years has been the “dual classification” of some tax-exempt hospitals as both rural and urban, seemingly taking advantage of a Medicare loophole in order to receive lucrative financial benefits.

That’s why I joined with my colleague, Congressman Taylor, in introducing the Defend Rural Health Act. My bill safeguards federal resources intended for rural hospitals and the communities they serve. It closes the long-standing loophole that has allowed large urban hospitals to simultaneously classify as both “urban” and “rural,” enabling them to improperly access benefits reserved for rural providers.

Doctor Donley, I understand that eight of New York Presbyterian’s hospital campuses are classified as rural despite the proximity to New York City. Can you explain this to me? Do you think New York Presbyterian is a rural hospital?” asked Congresswoman Miller.

“First of all, thank you very much for your advocacy of rural health care. As a physician myself, rural health care is critical to the health care of this country, and we all need to focus on making sure that rural health care remains strong.

At New York Presbyterian, we do not consider ourselves a geographically rural hospital, but under CMS, we are designated as a rural referral center, and we are proud of the thousands of patients from rural America that come to us when there’s nowhere to turn for a problem that they have. We’re also proud of the 2500 residents that we train, 65% of which leave after their training to go across America, including rural America,” responded Dr. Donley.

Congresswoman Miller concluded by asking Dr. Donley about instances of luxury Chanel gift bags being given to new mothers at New York Presbyterian’s maternity hospital.  

“I understand that reports have also surfaced about New York Presbyterian providing Chanel gift bags at its maternity hospital. Is New York Presbyterian using the lucrative financial benefits received due to its dual classification to buy luxury handbags instead of lowering costs for their patient care?” asked Congresswoman Miller.

“We absolutely are not. Those are donated and they’re donated by the company’s foundation. In addition to further philanthropic support that that company and their foundation gives to us to support a fourth trimester program to take care of all mothers and all children in the first 12 weeks after being born, which we all know is a critical time,” answered Dr. Donley.

“That is really good news. I thank you one more time. I yield back my time. Thank you,” concluded Congresswoman Miller. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11), alongside Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-6), introduced the Shifting Forward Vehicle Technologies Research and Development Act, a bold effort to keep Michigan at the forefront of the next generation of automotive innovation and manufacturing.

As the global auto industry shifts toward connected and advanced vehicle technologies, Stevens’ legislation invests in the research, workforce, and infrastructure needed to ensure Michigan workers and manufacturers continue to lead the world.

“Michigan put the word on wheels, and we are going to lead the auto industry’s future,” said Rep. Stevens. “This bill is about protecting good-paying jobs, strengthening our supply chains, and making sure the next generation of vehicles is designed, engineered, and built right here in Michigan.”

“Innovation has always defined the American auto industry, and that must remain the case as we confront the climate crisis. This bill invests in the research and development needed to improve vehicle efficiency, strengthen domestic supply chains, and produce cutting-edge clean vehicle technology. It empowers American workers, companies, and inventors, and will help ensure that Michigan and the United States continue to lead the world in automotive innovation,” said Congresswoman Dingell. 

Specifically, the Shifting Forward Vehicle Technologies Research and Development Act:

• Advances next generation vehicle technologies. Advances batteries, electrification, alternative fuels, hydrogen, materials, and connected vehicle technologies to improve vehicle efficiency, performance, and overall competitiveness.
• Strengthens security, safety, and system performance. Expands efforts on cybersecurity, physical security, and energy storage safety, while supporting tools and mobility systems that improve transportation energy efficiency.
• Builds workforce and expands technical capacity. Establishes Centers of Excellence and advisory structures to develop a skilled workforce, support graduate research, and ensure expert guidance across DOE programs.
• Supports deployment, coordination, and infrastructure. Provides technical assistance to state, local, and Tribal governments, addresses alternative fuel infrastructure challenges, and enhances coordination across federal agencies to strengthen supply chains and national competitiveness.

“Auto Innovators thanks Rep. Stevens for reintroducing the Shifting Forward Vehicle Technologies Research and Development Act and her commitment to American innovation,” said John Bozzella, president and CEO of Alliance for Automotive Innovation. “This is a smart strategy to leverage government R&D resources to develop the transformative transportation, infrastructure, and fuel innovations that will help define next-generation mobility.”

“The rise of electric vehicles and other forms of clean transportation provides us with the opportunity to make the U.S. a global leader in innovation and manufacturing—but only if we seize this moment and ensure that the transportation technologies and fuels of tomorrow are made here in America. The Shifting Forward Vehicle Technologies Research and Development Act will do just that, providing critical federal funding to help us unlock new vehicle technologies and train up the next generation of scientists and engineers,” said Ryan Fitzpatrick, Vice President of the Climate and Energy Program at Third Way. “Third Way applauds Congresswoman Stevens for her leadership, and we look forward to continuing to work with her to put American workers, universities, and manufacturers front and center of the American economy.”

This legislation has also been endorsed by the American Automotive Policy Council and the American Trucking Association. 

Text of the bill is available here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

Washington, D.C. – In case you missed it, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens introduced legislation designed to force federal lawmakers to confront the direct economic impact of their policies on hard-working Michigan families. This bill holds Congress accountable for the high gas prices caused by Donald Trump’s foreign wars and reckless trade policies by installing real-time gas price trackers in the House and Senate. 

Here’s what Michiganders are seeing about Rep. Haley Stevens demanding that Congress face the rising gas prices their policies have caused:

WNEM

• Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens announcing she’s preparing to introduce a bill helping lawmakers get a glimpse at how rising gas prices are impacting average Americans.
• If passed, it would lead to the installation of real-time gas price trackers in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, displaying the average cost of gas in all 50 states. Stevens says the legislation is a response to the war in Iran in people’s quote, “out-of-touch priorities in Congress.” 

WTKG

• Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens introducing a bill that would display fuel prices in the US House and Senate. Stevens says, “lawmakers are out of touch. You need to be reminded the cost of starting a foreign war.”
• “I’d like to see us get to a place where we can have some consistency and normalcy and be where we were before this war started.”

WWJ

• Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens introduced legislation to install real-time gas price trackers in both the US House of Representatives and the US Senate. She says legislators should not lose sight of what Michigan residents are dealing with.
• “We need to see it front and center; we can’t just come to Washington and ignore how our lives are being impacted, how people’s mobility is being impacted. Michiganders continue to pay the price of disastrous economic policies, and we just need to keep the front and center, and that’s why I introduced this legislation.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO), co-chair of the British-American Parliamentary Group, released the following statement on King Charles III’s visit to Congress:

“The United Kingdom is one of our nation’s strongest allies. Our soldiers fought together during World War II to defend democracy against fascism. We built one of the strongest defense alliances as founding members of NATO. And when America was attacked on September 11th, the United Kingdom answered the call and fought alongside me and other American service members in Iraq and Afghanistan against terrorism.

“America is safer and stronger when we stand by our allies and friends. Today, we welcome King Charles III to the U.S. Capitol as we work to strengthen the bonds and special relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States.” 

As co-chair of the British-American Parliamentary Group, Congressman Crow today served on the Escort Committee who greeted King Charles and Queen Camilla upon their arrival to the U.S. House and escorted His Majesty to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

The U.S. Department of Justice secured an indictment against ex-NIH official Dr. David Morens. The charges stem from Dr. Morens and his alleged concealment of federal records related to COVID-19 research. In response to the indictment, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“Congressional investigations into the origins of COVID-19 showed issues with how our federal health bureaucracy handles research grants.

“This indictment is a major development related to our investigations, and I encourage the Department of Justice to keep following the facts to where they may lead. The American people deserve accountability, transparency and justice.

“My Risky Research Review Act is one potential solution to strengthen accountability, reform the federal health bureaucracy and ensure more thorough oversight of federally funded research projects.”

BACKGROUND

Rep. Griffith was the lead Energy and Commerce Member in numerous forums with public health officials that were in various leadership positions during the outbreak of COVID-19, including working closely with the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic.

During this time as Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations, the investigation of officials included National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Director Dr. Anthony Fauci, former National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Dr. Frances Collins and Dr. Morens.

Rep. Griffith was also a key figure in examining EcoHealth Alliance President Dr. Peter Daszak. 

In March 2025, Rep. Griffith introduced the Risky Research Review Act and the Royalty Transparency Act to rein in the federal health bureaucracy.

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