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Brownley, Garamendi, and Wilson Introduce Bill to Strengthen America’s Transit Workforce

Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) joined Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08), a senior member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, and Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) to introduce the Transit Workforce Development Act, a bill to expand workforce training and strengthen the pipeline of skilled workers needed to support the nation’s public transportation systems.  

The bill amends federal transit law to allow a greater portion of existing bus and bus facility grants to be used for workforce development, including training programs, registered apprenticeships, and labor-management partnerships.  

Public transportation agencies across the country are confronting significant workforce shortages, compounded by rapid technological changes such as the transition to zero-emission buses. These advancements require new technical skills, including expertise in high-voltage systems, electronic diagnostics, and advanced safety procedures. However, current training programs remain limited and underfunded.  

“Today’s transit buses are way different under the hood compared to twenty or even ten years ago. Battery electric buses require a different set of skills to not only repair and maintain, but to operate. Our Union has been a leader in developing transit workforce development programs to train our members with the skills and knowledge to have successful careers in public transit,” said John Costa, President of Amalgamated Transit Union International. “We commend Representative Wilson and the other 19 Members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for introducing the Transit Workforce Development Act.  It is long overdue!”     

“Public transit is a service that so many working families rely on, and it is crucial that we are investing in the workforce training needed to keep these systems safe and reliable as transit vehicle technology advances,” said Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO. “TTD strongly supports the Transit Workforce Development Act because it will help to solve some of the current challenges facing transit systems, and promote job quality, retention, and recruitment in the industry.”    

The Transit Workforce Development Act addresses these challenges by:  

  • Increasing the workforce development set-aside from 5 percent to 10 percent under the Low or No Emission Bus Program 
  • Allowing up to 10 percent of bus and bus facility grant funds to be used for workforce training 
  • Expanding training eligibility across all federal bus programs under 49 U.S.C. §5339 
  • Supporting registered apprenticeships and labor-management training partnerships  

The legislation has been referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.  

Cosponsors of the bill also include Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Shomari Figures (AL-02), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Jerry Nadler (NY-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Patrick Ryan (NY-18), Nellie Pou (NJ-09), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), and Dina Titus (NV-01).  

Read the full bill text here.  

Read the bill summary here.  

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MATSUI AND COLLEAGUES REINTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY-BASED MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION CARE

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA-07) and Representatives August Pfluger (R-TX-11), Angie Craig (D-MN-02), Mark Alford (R-MO-04), Paul Tonko (D-NY-20), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), and Craig Goldman (R-TX-12) reintroduced the Ensuring Excellence in Mental Health Act, legislation to permanently authorize the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model and give every state the option to implement this proven approach into their behavioral health care systems.

Despite increased demands for behavioral health services, too many patients still face long waits, limited providers, and serious gaps in care. CCBHCs help close those gaps by delivering a full range of community-based services including 24/7 crisis care, outpatient mental health and substance use treatments, screening and diagnosis, and coordination with hospitals, law enforcement, and veterans’ organizations.

“Across the country, families are struggling to find timely, affordable mental health and substance use care,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “We cannot keep asking communities to do more with fewer resources while the need for care continues to grow. Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics have a strong record of expanding access, improving crisis response, and connecting patients to the care they need. This legislation would build on that success by helping more people get treatment no matter where they live.”

 “The need for more access to mental health care services is rising, yet for far too many Americans, high-quality, affordable care remains out of reach when they need it most,” said Congressman Pfluger. “We cannot afford to ignore this growing crisis. It is our responsibility to act with urgency and purpose. That’s why I am proud to co-lead the Ensuring Excellence in Mental Health Act, which establishes a durable payment structure for CCBHCs under Medicare and codifies the Medicaid payment system these clinics depend on to keep their doors open for people who need care.”

“Our country is facing a mental health crisis and it’s time Congress did something about it,” said Congresswoman Craig. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this critical legislation that would provide communities with the comprehensive mental health and substance use resources they desperately need. On behalf of every Minnesotan who has struggled with their mental health, I’ll keep working until we get this bill signed into law.”

“Mental health care shouldn’t be out of reach for any American, especially our seniors,” said Congressman Alford. “This bipartisan bill builds on a model that’s already working in Missouri, expanding access, improving accountability, and delivering real results. I’m proud to cosponsor legislation that puts patients first and strengthens mental health care across the country.” 

“Breaking down barriers and expanding access to mental health and addiction services saves lives,” said Congressman Tonko. “Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers are a proven part of our healthcare system. I’m proud to join my colleagues to introduce this bipartisan legislation that strengthens behavioral health services and gives our communities the support they need.”

“We do not need to guess what works in mental health and addiction care—we are already seeing it in PA-1 and across the nation,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics have proven that timely, coordinated, community-based care can stabilize individuals in crisis, connect them to treatment, and support long-term recovery. The Ensuring Excellence in Mental Health Act takes that proven model and gives it the durability it deserves by establishing a formal funding structure and allowing Medicare coverage for the services these clinics provide. That means stronger access to care, greater stability for providers, and a more responsive behavioral health system for the individuals and families counting on it.” 

“Mental health resources are vital for some of the most vulnerable members of our communities, and in many cases, they prevent larger health crises down the line. The Ensuring Excellence in Mental Health Act invests in a proven program and expands it to deliver more care to Americans in need,” said Congressman Goldman. “I’m proud to co-sponsor this bipartisan effort led by two great Texans, Sen. John Cornyn and Rep. August Pfluger, and Rep. Doris Matsui. I’m grateful to all my colleagues for their work on this important issue.”

The Ensuring Excellence in Mental Health Act would:

  • Permanently authorize a Medicaid payment system for the CCBHC model.
  • Establish a definition of services & prospective payment system for CCBHCs under Medicare, ensuring that CCBHCs can also provide behavioral health care for our seniors.
  • Establish a new accreditation process for CCBHCs and a technical assistance program at HHS to encourage program integrity and quality of care.
  • Authorize expansion grants for certified or potential CCBHCs to expand the ability of clinics to provide comprehensive care.
  • Authorize a new data infrastructure system for CCBHC data reporting.
Full text of the bill is available HERE.

Endorsement statements from various health organizations can be found HERE.

Congresswoman Matsui has long led congressional efforts to expand access to community based mental health care. In 2014, she authored and passed the bipartisan Excellence in Mental Health Act, which established the CCBHC Medicaid demonstration and expansion grant program.

In 2022, Congresswoman Matsui’s Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Act of 2021 was signed into law as part of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, authorizing nationwide expansion of the CCBHC pilot. Most recently, Congresswoman Matsui introduced legislation creating a permanent definition of CCBHC services in Medicaid statute, which was signed into law as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024.

 

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Bergman: America Must Rebuild Readiness by Maintaining the Force We Already Own

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

U.S. Representative Jack Bergman (R-MI), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Readiness, delivered the following remarks at a hearing on the posture of U.S. Military Readiness for FY27. 

“I think that we can all agree that the declining readiness trends are unacceptable,” Rep. Bergman said. “These trends have been years in the making and are causing aircraft to be cannibalized and ground vehicles to sit idle…The sad fact is that we have allowed our military readiness to decline across the board because we are more focused on procuring shiny objects than on holistically managing the day-to-day maintenance necessary to sustain our military.”

Rep Bergman’s Statement as Prepared for Delivery:

I’d like to welcome everyone to today’s hearing.

I particularly want to thank all our esteemed witnesses for accepting our invitation to discuss the plight of our military readiness.
 
I think that we can all agree that the declining readiness trends are unacceptable. 

These trends have been years in the making and are causing aircraft to be cannibalized and ground vehicles to sit idle. 

While I look forward to our witnesses’ thoughts, I would like to offer a few ideas as to what we in Congress need to do to make our military more lethal and effective in the near term. 
 
First of all, we need to do the hard work and focus on sustaining the existing fleet.

The sad fact is that we have allowed our military readiness to decline across the board because we are more focused on procuring shiny objects than on holistically managing the day-to-day maintenance necessary to sustain our military.
 
Secondly, the overall topline requested by the administration in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget request is unprecedented, but absolutely essential to address the plight of our military forces. 

For too long, our military has relied on a legacy force structure that has not been maintained to the readiness levels required. 

One need not look further than the Joint Strike Fighter program and the readiness levels provided by this exquisite platform. 

Cannibalizing our Joint Strike Fighter fleet because we have not provided the basic parts to support this superior platform is not a reasonable long-term solution to maintaining current readiness. 

This budget request, with the accompanying reconciliation supplement, will break this cannibalization cycle and put the Joint Strike Fighter on a sustainable path. 
 
Finally, we need to develop a modernization strategy that provides for our ability to maintain legacy assets through their expected service life. 

A stark example of this readiness crisis is the state of our amphibious fleet.

The Marine Corps has long championed a naval strategy capable of accelerated national security response, and has consistently advocated for the restoration of a 3.0 amphibious readiness group worldwide presence — a standard the Navy has failed to meet. 

Years of neglect, misplaced priorities, and open derision from certain Navy pundits have left less than half of our amphibious ships available for tasking.

That is not a maintenance problem — it is a leadership problem.

This Subcommittee will hold the Navy accountable for restoring these ships to their expected service life.

The Marine Corps should not have to implore its sister service for the platforms it needs to execute America’s crisis response mission.

In conclusion, I think any expanded force structure needs to be accompanied by a strategic focus on maintaining the existing forces through their expected service life.

This approach is not only cost-effective but also more rapidly expands our readiness force posture to best meet our ongoing national security challenges.
 
I thank the witnesses for being here today.

I look forward to your testimony and to working together to address these challenges.

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Flood Update

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

It’s been a busy few weeks across the First District and in Washington, but I wanted to provide an update on the ongoing flooding and the resources available.

As you know, Governor Whitmer has declared a State of Emergency for 32 counties as the spring thaw and heavy rainfall have led to historic water levels across much of Michigan. Flooding in the First District is widespread, with nearly every county experiencing some level of impact. I’ve been on the phone nonstop with local officials – from county sheriffs to emergency managers and county commissioners. While I’m in Washington for votes this week, my team and I remain in constant contact with local leaders across the region, as well as the Governor’s office, to ensure coordination and support.

I also want to take a moment to clarify how federal assistance works, as there has been some confusion. FEMA does not automatically deploy when disasters occur. It is not a first-response agency. FEMA only becomes involved after a governor formally requests a federal disaster declaration and that request is approved. Until then, response efforts are led by local emergency managers, first responders, and state resources already on the ground – supported by certain federal partners.

Right now, agencies like the Army Corps of Engineers, FERC, and USGS are actively providing data, technical support, and resources across the state. If the situation meets federal thresholds, the governor can request FEMA assistance, which would bring additional federal support for recovery.

It’s important to understand this process. In moments like this, it’s easy to fall into partisan talking points, but what often goes unseen is the real work happening behind the scenes – constant communication, coordination, and problem-solving across all levels of government.

In times of crisis, the focus is where it should be: delivering resources, mitigating damage, and helping communities rebuild. The First District is home to some of our Nation’s best first responders, and I’m incredibly grateful for the men and women working around the clock to keep our communities safe.

I look forward to getting back to the District as soon as votes conclude this week to continue supporting efforts on the ground.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office if we can assist you in any way.

Respectfully,

Jack Bergman

  • Visit Michigan 211 to find resources available in your area.
  • Visit www.michigan.gov/cheboygandam, for up-to-date information about the response efforts, daily water level reports, news releases, resources for residents, photos and videos.

Dam Safety Updates

Dam safety engineers from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) are visiting the known most critical dams today, which includes the following locations.

  • Upper Hiawatha Dam in Montmorency County
  • Hillman Dam, a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulated dam in Montmorency County
  • Homestead Dam, a Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) owned dam in Benzie County
  • Union Street Dam in Grand Traverse County
  • Rugg Pond Dam in Kalkaska County
  • Bellaire Dam in Antrim County

Additionally, Buck’s Pond Dam, a small dam in Alcona County, failed last night, with the water flowing into Hubbard Lake. Beyond damage to the roadway over the dam, there are no anticipated safety issues.

EGLE is working with partners to monitor the status of other dams across the state ensuring all measures are taken to prevent overtopping or dam failures from occurring, while communicating with downstream communities about increased flow they may receive.

Cheboygan County Updates

  • The Sturgeon River overflowed its banks causing widespread flooding.
  • A levee was breached on the Little Black River Watershed. Impacted areas have been directed to evacuate.
  • Michigan State Police Troopers are assisting the Cheboygan County Sheriff’s Office with evacuations and road closures.
  • For Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex updates visit Michigan.gov/cheboygandam.

Many areas of Michigan are currently experiencing severe flooding as melting snow and rain have caused rivers to breach their banks. With forecasts from the National Weather Service predicting up to three inches of rain, conditions could worsen in flooded areas and result in additional areas of flooding and even flash flooding. 

Risks include: 

  • Exposure to contaminants in flood water, including E. coli, heavy metals, and petrochemicals.
  • Injury from floating debris.
  • Power outages.
  • Road washouts.
  • Damage and contamination to drinking water systems.
  • Mental stress from repeated storms and flood cleanup. 

“Even if people are not currently in a flooded area, conditions can change rapidly. Residents are encouraged to monitor health and safety alerts issued by their local media and local emergency response agencies as flooding can quickly create dangerous conditions,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive for the State of Michigan. “Floodwater and standing waters can make you vulnerable to infectious diseases or injuries. MDHHS is providing the following guidance to help keep Michiganders healthy during flood events.” 

Flood Tips:

  • Follow all emergency orders.
  • Standing water can be deceiving, do not attempt to drive or walk through flooding water on the roadway. Six inches of water is enough to lose control of your vehicle.
  • Floodwater could cover live, downed electrical lines or other hazards.
  • For downed trees or debris blocking travel, call 9-1-1.
  • For downed power lines, stay at least 25 feet away and contact your local electric provider.
  • During flooding, move to higher ground, if advised, and keep emergency supplies ready (food, flashlights, water, etc.).

State Emergency Preparedness Information:

State and local agencies have published information that can help residents plan for weather-related emergencies including:  

  • The Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) has activated the Joint Information Center (JIC) as the source of state agency information dissemination. Find links to and sign up to receive MSP and SEOC news releases and follow Facebook and X or the latest information from the JIC. For tips on how to prepare before, during and after an emergency or disaster, visit MIReady. 

  • Residents can also stay informed by signing up for local community alerts.
  • Some local health departments also have emergency planning information that may be more relevant to county-specific concerns. 
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Reps. Titus, Steube Introduce Bipartisan PRIMATE Act to Strengthen Biosecurity and Protect Public Health

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

Representatives Dina Titus (D-Nev.) and Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today introduced the Preventing Risky Importation of Monkeys to Avoid Toxic Exposures Act, or PRIMATE Act, to prohibit the importation of nonhuman primates into the United States, reducing the risk of introducing dangerous pathogens and strengthening U.S. biosecurity.

Each year, tens of thousands of primates are imported into the United States from high risk supply chains characterized by illegal trafficking, overcrowding, and poor disease surveillance. These networks span multiple regions, including countries of concern such as China, where such conditions allow dangerous pathogens to emerge and go undetected. These imports function as a direct entry route for high-risk biological threats like tuberculosis, herpes B virus, and Salmonella.

“The humane treatment of monkeys is not just the responsible thing to do, it is also the right thing to do,” said Rep. Dina Titus. “That is why I am proud to join Rep. Steube in introducing legislation that prevents the importation of monkeys for the purposes of experimentation and research. There are alternative, scientifically backed technologies that enable safer, more effective, and more accurate testing to support public health.” 

“Americans shouldn’t have to worry about dangerous diseases entering our country through imported primates from countries we don’t trust to handle biosecurity risks,” said Rep. Greg Steube. “This bill is about protecting public health, strengthening accountability, and terminating an outdated trade practice that risks safety at the expense of the American taxpayer.”

“For decades, primates have been torn from the wild, shipped around the world, and forced into laboratories, creating serious public health risks along the way. Their importation exposes workers and our communities to dangerous pathogens. This bill is a crucial step toward ending that cruelty and protecting public safety. I applaud Representatives Steube and Titus for their leadership on this issue.” —Edie Falco, Award-winning Actress, Honorary Board Member for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)

“U.S. importers are generating disease risk to keep an outdated research model alive. Modern, human-relevant methods don’t require the global trafficking of primates or the biosecurity liabilities that come with it. This legislation aligns public health policy with where science is actually headed.” —Lisa Jones-Engel, PhD, Chief Science Advisor, Primate Experimentation, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)
 
“Importing monkeys for research is hazardous to our nation’s health. It also fails to meet the moment of current science and research. The CDC has documented that imported primates can carry pathogens such as Shigella, Salmonella, and the herpes B virus, among other zoonotic diseases. At the same time, research is increasingly moving toward human-based methods that are more relevant to human health. This legislation helps reduce preventable health risks while aligning U.S. policy towards more innovative science.”—Neal Barnard, MD, FACC, President, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), George Washington University School of Medicine, Adjunct Professor of Medicine
 
“Restricting the importation of nonhuman primates is a critical measure for safeguarding public health and preventing the introduction of emerging infectious diseases. This legislation reflects a necessary shift toward recognizing the interconnected health of people, animals, and ecosystems.”
—Thomas R. Gillespie, PhD, Professor & Chair, Department of Environmental Sciences, Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Professor at Emory University  

Background

From 2021 to 2024, nearly 100,000 nonhuman primates were imported into the United States for laboratory testing during the COVID-19 pandemic, a system supported in part by American taxpayer dollars.
 

Recent biosecurity breaches have highlighted the serious risks associated with primate trade. At a biomedical facility in Immokalee, FL, federal inspectors issued a critical violation after multiple primates died in an overheated room. In a separate incident, a monkey was mistakenly transported to a medical waste facility in Miami, raising concerns about breakdowns in handling and tracking protocols. A facility executive has also faced criminal charges following reports that primates were improperly disposed of in biohazard waste.

These are not isolated failures; they expose systemic weaknesses in oversight and biosecurity practices tied to the importation of nonhuman primates. 

Public health risks are further compounded by gaps in current quarantine protocols. Federal guidance acknowledges that diseases such as tuberculosis may not always be detected during quarantine, meaning infected primates can be transported into research facilities and come into contact with workers despite screening efforts.

Under this legislation, the importation of nonhuman primates is prohibited except for limited, clearly defined exceptions, including for accredited zoological institutions. The bill directs U.S. Customs and Border Protection to deny entry to prohibited shipments and establishes civil penalties of up to $50,000 per violation, along with forfeiture of illegally imported primates.

Read the bill text here.

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Rep. Al Green Introduces H.R. 8411, Giving a 15% Pay Raise to TSA Employees

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

(Washington, D.C.) — On Thursday, April 23, 2026, Congressman Al Green delivered remarks on the House floor introducing H.R. 8411, the “Original Legislation to Give TSA Employees a Raise,” to increase the annual rate of basic pay for career employees of the Transportation Security Administration, and for other purposes.

You can access and listen to Congressman Al Green’s speech on his official YouTube page or by clicking here. The floor speech highlighted is also accessible on various social media platforms, including Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter). 

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Rep. Al Green Demands Day in Court for Victim Shot 5 Times by Border Patrol Agent

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

(Washington, DC) — On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, Congressman Al Green, a Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, shared remarks during a Homeland Security Committee hearing entitled, “Trump’s Mass Deportations and ICE & CBP Attacks on U.S. Citizens (Minority Day Hearing).”

You can access and listen to Congressman Al Green’s remarks to the witness by clicking here. The hearing remarks highlighted are also accessible on various social media platforms, including Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter).  

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Congressman Al Green Introduces the Original Legislation to Give TSA Employees a Raise

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

(Washington, DC)—On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, Congressman Al Green introduced the “Original Legislation to Give TSA Employees a Raise,” legislation that would increase the annual rate of basic pay for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) career employees by 15 percent, including all employees under the executive level. A copy of the legislation can be accessed by clicking here.

The proposed increase aims to address long-standing concerns about fair compensation for TSA workers who play a critical role in ensuring the safety and security of the nation’s transportation systems. Passage of this legislation would demonstrate Congress’s commitment to strengthening the TSA workforce and recognizing the essential services these employees provide.

Congressman Al Green stated, “TSA stands on the frontlines of our national security by screening passengers, securing our airports, and preventing dangerous threats from reaching our skies. Yet far too often, their pay does not reflect the magnitude of their responsibility. This legislation is about standing up for TSA employees and the working families who rely on these paychecks to survive. When we invest in these workers, we invest in the safety, stability, and security of communities across the nation.”

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Rep. Al Green Advocates for Additional Data in Credit Scores and Penalties for Discriminatory Lending

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

(Washington, DC) — On Thursday, April 16, 2026, Congressman Al Green, Ranking Member of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, shared remarks in a Financial Services Hearing entitled, “Promoting Access to Credit for Everyday Americans.”

You can access and listen to Congressman Al Green’s remarks by clicking here. The hearing remarks highlighted are also accessible on various social media platforms, including Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter).  

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ICYMI: The Hoodline article, titled “Houston's Al Green Torches Andy Ogles Over 'Muslims Don't Belong' Rant."

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

ICYMI: The Hoodline article below, titled “Houston’s Al Green Torches Andy Ogles Over ‘Muslims Don’t Belong’ Rant,” speaks for itself.

You can access the article by clicking the link here: https://hoodline.com/2026/04/houston-s-al-green-torches-andy-ogles-over-muslims-don-t-belong-rant/