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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.”

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).  

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/
 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)

April 23, 2026 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON — Representatives Greg Steube (R-Fla.) and Dina Titus (D-Nev.) today introduced the Preventing Risky Importation of Monkeys to Avoid Toxic Exposures Act, or PRIMATE Act, legislation to prohibit the importation of nonhuman primates into the United States to reduce the risk of introducing dangerous pathogens and strengthen U.S. biosecurity.
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.
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 allows dangerous pathogens to emerge and go undetected. These imports function as a direct entry route for high-risk biological threats introducing tuberculosis, one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases; herpes B virus, Salmonella, and other infectious agents including novel or poorly characterized pathogens into the U.S., with workers and surrounding communities bearing the immediate risk.
“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.”
“The humane treatment of monkeys is not just the responsible thing to do, it is also the right thing to do,” said Congresswoman 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.” 
“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.
Read the bill text here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

Headline: Newhouse Leads Letter Urging USDA to Address Understaffing at FSA, NRCS

Press Release
For Immediate Release: April 23, 2026
Contact: Juan Ayala, (202) 713-7750

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Wednesday, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) led a letter, signed by 14 other House Members, to Richard Fordyce, the Undersecretary of Agriculture for Farm Production and Conservation, asking USDA to address understaffing at the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

This letter was signed by Reps. Austin Scott (R-GA), Kat Cammack (R-FL), Michael Baumgartner (R-WA), David Valadao (R-CA), Derek Schmidt (R-KS), Scott Franklin (R-FL), James Baird (R-MI), Laurel Lee (R-FL), Ben Cline (R-VA), Zach Nunn (R-IA), Don Bacon (R-NE), Lauren Boebert (R-CO), David Rouzer (R-NC), and Mike Flood (R-NE).

Click here or see below for the full text of the letter.

The Honorable Richard Fordyce

Undersecretary, Farm Production and Conservation

U.S. Department of Agriculture

1400 Independence Ave, SW

Washington, D.C. 20250

Undersecretary Fordyce,

We want to thank the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the U.S. Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) Program that was announced at the end of last year. Farmers, ranchers, and producers across the country are at a breaking point due to high input costs and market disruption, and this assistance is a step in the right direction.

We write today to respectfully request USDA address understaffing at Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) county offices across the country. Without proper staffing, it has become increasingly difficult for offices to implement programs, including the FBA. We have heard from our constituents about major delays in application processing, payments, and contract certification over the last several months. While a majority of these concerns have centered around conservation programs and the FBA program, we remain concerned this will be an ongoing issue for all programs under the Farm Production and Conservation mission area.

In comments you made to Agri-Pulse in mid-March acknowledging the staffing concerns, you noted that USDA is looking at ways to address gaps, including deploying staff to affected county offices a few days a week. While we appreciate these comments and believe this has been a helpful step in getting program applications processed and submitted, it is only a temporary solution to an ongoing problem. 

To best assist our nation’s farmers, ranchers, and producers, there needs to be adequate staffing and resources to deliver on promises made. We appreciate the work USDA is doing on behalf of American agriculture and look forward to working with you to ensure the continued strength and longevity of American farmers. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA-07) and Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA-09) introduced the bipartisan Motor Vehicle Flammability Standards Study Act of 2026, legislation requiring the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to conduct a study that identifies potential safety risks and hazardous chemicals used as flame retardants in the interior of motor vehicles. The study will help update federal motor vehicle safety standards and require alternative standards to be evaluated.

“Federal safety standards should protect people, not expose them to unnecessary harm,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “I’ve fought to remove toxic, ineffective flame retardants from household furniture, but many of those same chemicals are still being used in car seats and other materials inside vehicles because of a decades old fire safety standard. Our bill directs NHTSA to study whether this rule is still effective at preventing deadly fires and what health risks these chemicals may pose, so we can make sure our safety standards are protecting people both from fire and from dangerous chemical exposure.”

“I am proud to continue leading with Congresswoman Matsui to ensure updated federal standards adequately protect American consumers’ health,” said Congressman Griffith. “In this latest effort, our Motor Vehicle Flammability Standards Study Act of 2026 will deliver a robust and thorough review of current motor vehicle flammability standards and evaluate potential alternatives. Because millions of Americans expect safe vehicles, it is only right for Congress to begin re-evaluating potential toxic chemical harms from motor vehicles.”

“I am proud to support the Motor Vehicle Flammability Standards Act of 2026, introduced by Representatives Matsui and Griffith. This bipartisan legislation strengthens public safety by directing a comprehensive review of current vehicle flammability standards to ensure they reflect modern materials, technologies, and real-world risks,” said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. “As vehicles evolve, our safety standards must keep pace. This study will help identify potential gaps and ensure we are taking every step possible to protect drivers, passengers and first responders – helping save lives and prevent tragedy before it occurs.”

“We often assume that if a car is on the market, it must be safe. But decades-old fire safety standards have led to the use of toxic chemicals in vehicles,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “Drivers, passengers, and pedestrians deserve better, and this legislation would ensure that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration fully evaluates and addresses these hazards. It is time to update these outdated rules and put the safety and health of all Americans first.”

Congresswoman Matsui has been a leading voice in Congress on updating outdated flammability standards that can expose families to unnecessary toxic chemicals. She previously led the Safer Occupancy Furniture Flammability Act (SOFFA) to modernize household furniture fire safety standards and remove harmful flame retardants that offered little proven safety benefit.

Numerous organizations expressed support for the Motor Vehicle Flammability Standards Study Act of 2026

“Everyone who rides in a car is needlessly exposed to cancer-causing, neurotoxic flame-retardant chemicals because of a federal vehicle standard implemented in 1972 without research showing it provided a fire safety benefit,” said Arlene Blum, Executive Director, Green Science Policy Institute. “The Motor Vehicle Flammability Standards Study Act is an important first step towards updating that outdated standard so our cars can be both healthier and fire safe.” 

“When consumers get into a car, they should be able to trust that the fire safety standards meant to protect them aren’t also putting them at risk through exposure to harmful chemicals,” said Cooper Lohr, Senior Policy Analyst, Consumer Reports. “The current federal standard has been on the books for more than 50 years, largely unchanged, even as technology and scientific knowledge has advanced rapidly. Tens of thousands of consumers and a broad coalition of organizations are calling for action, and this bipartisan bill from Reps. Griffith and Matsui would be a vital first step.” 

“Fire fighters and the public deserve evidence-based vehicle safety standards. The science indicates that the use of flame retardants in cars creates unnecessary health risks,” said Edward A. Kelly, General President, International Association of Fire Fighters. “On behalf of our 365,000 members, I commend Reps. Griffith and Matsui for leading the effort to create vehicle safety standards that actually make cars safer. Congress should pass this legislation and bring us closer to a future free from toxic chemicals.” 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following statement after the New Jersey Department of Health confirmed a measles case in a Hudson County resident, with potential exposure at Newark Liberty International Airport and Hackensack University Medical Center:

“The presence of measles in New Jersey should put us all on alert. This virus is highly contagious, and anyone who may have been exposed at Newark Airport or Hackensack University Medical Center needs to take public health guidance seriously. People should watch for symptoms, call a doctor before showing up in person if they feel sick, and make sure they and their children are up to date on the MMR vaccine. 

“The measles vaccine is safe, effective, and remains our best defense against an outbreak. What makes this even more dangerous is that Donald Trump put Robert F. Kennedy Jr., one of the most virulent vaccine skeptics in the country, in charge of the nation’s top health agency. Kennedy has spent years undermining confidence in vaccines, and Trump has empowered that agenda at the worst possible moment. That kind of reckless anti-vaccine politics weakens public trust and makes outbreaks like this harder to contain. New Jersey residents deserve clear, science-based leadership, and I will keep fighting to protect it.” 

Vaccine skepticism has gained traction under President Trump, who embraced Kennedy’s MAHA agenda, while the Trump administration has defended Kennedy’s efforts to dismantle vaccine infrastructure. 

Last year, Pallone introduced the Family Vaccine Protection Act, legislation to block Secretary Kennedy from unilaterally changing federal vaccine recommendations and to help ensure vaccine policy is guided by science and independent medical expertise. Pallone has also used his role on the Energy and Commerce Committee to press federal health officials for accountability as measles cases rise and public confidence in vaccination comes under increasing political attack, including this week when Kennedy appeared before his committee. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21), Congresswoman Lateefah Simon (CA-12), and Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) are leading members of the California delegation in urging House Democratic leadership to oppose any Farm Bill provisions that would overturn or weaken California’s Proposition 12, a voter-approved animal welfare law.The members are calling on leadership to reject any language that would preempt state standards like Proposition 12, arguing that such provisions would override the will of millions of Californians, disrupt a market that has already adapted, and penalize farmers and producers who have invested to comply.
“More than 7.5 million Californians voted in favor of Proposition 12, and Congress should not use the Farm Bill to override that clear will of the voters,” said the Members. “The law has been upheld by the Supreme Court and the market has already adapted. A federal override now would punish farmers and producers who followed the rules and create even more uncertainty. We urge Democratic leadership to reject any effort to undermine this law.”Proposition 12, approved by California voters in 2018, established minimum space requirements and humane housing standards for certain livestock products sold in the state. The law has since been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, affirming states’ authority to set such standards.The members emphasized that previous efforts to overturn state animal welfare laws have been blocked and urged leadership to continue that approach.
Read the full letter HERE.