Carter demands medical license termination for Georgia doctor who refused to say men can’t get pregnant

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Headline: Carter demands medical license termination for Georgia doctor who refused to say men can’t get pregnant

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today sent a letter to the Georgia Composite Medical Board calling on it to revoke the medical license of Dr. Nisha Verma, a Georgia-licensed obstetrician and gynecologist, after she refused to acknowledge during a United States Senate Committee Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) hearing that men cannot get pregnant. 

In the letter, Rep. Carter writes, “Pregnancy is a biological function exclusive to females, and men cannot become pregnant. Clear understanding of biological sex differences is foundational to the safe and competent practice of medicine, particularly in the field of obstetrics and gynecology.” 

Rep. Carter continues, “Any physician who is unwilling to clearly answer that men cannot become pregnant should not be licensed to practice medicine in the State of Georgia. You wouldn’t trust a mechanic who doesn’t believe in oil changes to fix your car; Why should Georgians be expected to trust a physician who similarly rejects the basics? For these reasons, I request that the Georgia Composite Medical Board take immediate action to revoke Dr. Verma’s medical license.” 

Read the full letter here. 

 

BACKGROUND

On January 14, 2026, the Senate HELP Committee held a hearing entitled, “Protecting Women: Exposing the Dangers of Chemical Abortion Drugs,” during which Dr. Verma was asked by Senators Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Ashley Moody (R-FL), “Can men get pregnant?” Dr. Verma could not give a coherent, fact-based response, instead referring to “different identities” and calling the question “political.”  

Watch a clip from the hearing here.

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Pingree Statement on Potential ICE Activity in Maine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

Amid reports of increased immigration enforcement operations in Maine, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) released the following statement:

Over the past year, Kristi Noem’s Department of Homeland Security and its untrained, masked, and violent immigration officers have terrorized and traumatized entire communities on orders from a truly lawless and morally corrupt Administration. Their assaults came to a tragic head last week in Minnesota, where agents murdered an innocent observer in cold blood. In Minneapolis and across our country, these agents continue to indiscriminately detain immigrants and U.S. citizens, forcefully trample on First Amendment and due process rights, and cause utter chaos in our communities. 

That we could soon see these reckless tactics unleashed in Maine is incredibly concerning. My team and I remain in constant communication with the Governor, the Mayors of Lewiston and Portland, and community organizations to prepare for increased enforcement activity. We are doing everything in our power to protect Mainers and immigrant communities. 

Tomorrow, more than two dozen of my Democratic colleagues and I will be in Minnesota to get a better sense of what’s happening on the ground, to meet with state leaders and advocates, and to hopefully learn how communities in our home states can prepare themselves for—and protect their citizens from—any potential federal operations. 

It’s important that Mainers who choose to protest do so peacefully, and that everyone, regardless of their background or immigration status, knows their rights

Republicans are in control of both the House and the Senate, and given their endless capitulation to the President, no matter how illegal or immoral his actions, Congressional Democrats have limited power to stop ICE’s operations outright. But let me be clear: We are using every available tool at our disposal to demand accountability and oversight—forcing votes on the record, documenting abuses, and keeping public pressure on this Administration so that, when Democrats retake control of Congress, meaningful change and accountability actually happens. I’m working with my colleagues to use the appropriations process to impose restrictions on ICE and to claw back funding for DHS approved in the Big Ugly Bill.

This week, I joined more than 70 Democrats in bringing Articles of Impeachment against Noem. Her lies, incompetence, and moral failings undermine the protections she swore to uphold, and she needs to be removed from office. 

It’s critically important to keep the pressure on in this Administration and show the American people that their abuses of power will not go unchallenged.

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CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES REVERSAL OF TERMINATION OF ESSENTIAL HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH GRANTS

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

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland
January 15, 2026                                                    202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES REVERSAL OF TERMINATION OF ESSENTIAL HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH GRANTS

Washington, D.C.— Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-USVI) today announced the successful reinstatement of approximately 2,000 health and mental health service grants totaling roughly $2 billion nationwide. The reversal follows sustained pressure from Members of Congress, including the Congresswoman, who  advocated with the Trump Administration successful explaining the chaotic and harmful termination of these critical programs.

Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), issued abrupt grant termination letters without warning, which threw communities nationwide into crisis and threatened vital programs that serve the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Virgin Islands organizations affected by the Administration’s reckless decision include the University of the Virgin Islands, the Access to Racial & Cultural Health Institute, Inc., and The Village – VI Partners in Recovery. These organizations provide essential substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and community health programs on which thousands of Virgin Islanders rely.

“I want to thank the University of the Virgin Islands, the Access to Racial & Cultural Health Institute, and The Village – VI Partners in Recovery for contacting my office about their grant termination letters,” said Congresswoman Plaskett. “After national outrage and advocacy from Members of Congress—during which we made clear the impact of the cuts to vulnerable communities to be abandoned without warning or justification—HHS reversed this decision. I am pleased to share that HHS has begun to issue the grant reinstatement letters, and these vital health services will continue.”

“This victory demonstrates what we can accomplish when we stand together and advocate respectfully but strongly to deter policies that harm our most vulnerable neighbors,” Congresswoman Plaskett continued. “We will remain vigilant and continue to fight for the health and well-being of Virgin Islanders.”

The reinstated grants support essential services that include substance abuse treatment programs, mental health counseling, suicide prevention initiatives, and community health education throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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Bacon, Gallego, Murkowski, and Khanna Introduce Sense of Congress Affirming the United States’ Partnership with Denmark and Greenland

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon, Gallego, Murkowski, and Khanna Introduce Sense of Congress Affirming the United States’ Partnership with Denmark and Greenland

Washington – Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE-02) today joined Sens. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA-17) in introducing a Sense of Congress bill affirming the United States’ partnership with Denmark and Greenland and recognizing our responsibility to comply with treaty obligations and solve any disputes peacefully.

“I strongly oppose threatening use of force against our close allies. Denmark has been an outstanding U.S. ally, supporting missions in Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Mali, the Horn of Africa, and Syria. There have been numerous bases in Greenland over the recent decades, and it is currently home to a critical Space Force missile defense and space surveillance base. These threats against fellow NATO members Denmark and Greenland serve only the interests of our adversary, Russia and Putin, who desire NATO’s dissolution,” said Rep. Don Bacon.

“The United States’ longstanding partnership with Denmark and Greenland is based on shared democratic values, mutual respect, and the basic NATO principle that allies should resolve disputes peacefully. That’s why it’s so alarming to hear officials in the administration and the President suggest the U.S. will try to take over Greenland and threatening military force,” said Senator Gallego. “These threats have no place between allies, and they undermine the trust that keeps our alliances strong and distract from the real security challenges we face. The world is safer when the United States leads with cooperation rather than coercion.”

“Whether through defense cooperation, such as our shared military assets at Pituffik Space Base, or the development of critical minerals that will strengthen our national security, every one of our strategic goals can be accomplished with Greenland as a partner. At a time when we really can’t agree on much of anything, this is a resolution that all members of Congress should be willing to put their names behind,” said Senator Murkowski. “Safeguarding our relationships with our NATO allies should be paramount, with Greenland treated as our partner, not a possession.”

“It’s time for Congress to wake up and do its job. This is a moral test for America and we have a responsibility to keep Americans out of dumb foreign wars and honor our relationships with our NATO allies. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan resolution with my colleagues that affirms America’s partnership with Denmark and Greenland and stands up for Congress’s constitutional powers,” said Rep. Ro Khanna.

Read the legislation HERE.

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Guthrie Announces Winners of 2025 Congressional App Challenge

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brett Guthrie (2nd District Kentucky)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) announced the winning submissions for the 2025 Congressional App Challenge.

“I am proud to announce the winning submissions for Kentucky’s Second District,” said Congressman Guthrie. “Out of the more than 57 submissions, these students’ submissions showcased incredible ingenuity and creativity in the development of their apps. Their utilization of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, is thoroughly impressive, and I am confident that these young minds have a bright future ahead!”

The Congressional App Challenge enables middle and high school students to compete with their peers in their own congressional district by creating and showcasing their software applications, or “apps,” for mobile, tablet, or computer devices on a platform of their choice.

The overall first-place winner will have their app displayed in the U.S. Capitol, be featured on House.gov and CongressionalAppChallenge.us, as well as Congressman Guthrie’s website for one year. First-place winners from across the country are invited to participate in the House of Code reception in the Capitol Building in April.

Overall 1st Place
App Name: WaterWise
Advika Rastogi
11th grade at DuPont Manual High School
Demonstration Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPRUIzA1NOU
Summary:  WaterWise is an interactive, AI-powered tool designed to provide farmers with irrigation guidance, helping them save water, improve crop yields, and adopt more sustainable agricultural practices. 

Overall 2nd Place
App Name: Care Path
Danica Stephens
11th grade at Glasgow High School
Demonstration Video: https://youtu.be/AUX9_xyljwM?si=dIIfigX8AyRm6ajw
Summary: Care Path is a mobile and web app designed to help patients safely transition from the hospital to home and manage the critical recovery period following a procedure or hospital stay. 

Overall 3rd Place
App Name: Today
Ellie Rue, Brody Hammons
12th grade at Apollo High School
Demonstration Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ig7sgynICwU
Summary: Today is top-down adventure game that displays the many ways students in Owensboro, KY can get involved in their community. 

Overall 4th Place
App Name: Knowledge Knockout
Mallory Raines, Colby Reed, Joseph Daugherty
12th grade at Apollo High School
Demonstration Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87OMof2xB8I
Summary: Knowledge Knockout is a platform that allows elementary students to practice foundational math skills in a fun and engaging way. 

Middle School 1st Place
App Name: Two2Parent
Nina Bahmani
7th grade at Hebron Middle School
Demonstration Video: https://youtu.be/nbIePBmFLco?si=JtWNiBZk6OIQtzsy
Summary: Two2Parent is an application that provides teen mothers with information and resources for their child’s early development. 

Middle School 2nd Place
App Name: Skin Safe
Bently Lamoureaux, Amelia Fultz
8th grade at Hebron Middle School
Demonstration Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_s6-Ns-_NZY&feature=youtu.be
Summary: Skin Safe provides users with information about common skin conditions.  

Middle School 3rd Place
App Name: KY Rules of the Road
Tyler Midkiff
7th grade at Hebron Middle School
Demonstration Video: https://youtu.be/Igsywym_iPg
Summary: KY Rules of the Road  is an educational tool that helps improve transportation safety in Kentucky.

Middle School 4th Place
App Name: Mathematician
Harrison Axline
7th grade at Hebron Middle School
Demonstration Video: https://youtu.be/m-o5WootUdI
Summary: Mathematician is a game to assist users develop math skills. 

Guthrie Applauds Historic Announcement of Over $210 Million for Kentucky Rural Health Projects

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brett Guthrie (2nd District Kentucky)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, issued the following statement applauding the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) recent announcement of funding allocations for states through the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) program, which was established in President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts.

“The Working Families Tax Cuts law delivered the most historic investment in rural health that we’ve seen in our lifetimes, with over $212.9 million being allocated to projects across Kentucky,” said Chairman Guthrie. “The Rural Health Transformation program will provide funding to transform health care systems so that we can help assure the long-term sustainability of our rural providers for years to come. I applaud Secretary Kennedy and Administrator Oz on this critical effort, and I look forward to seeing states use these resources to bolster health care delivery through innovative solutions in rural America.”

Allocations of funding were based upon rigorous, data-driven merit review—led by federal and non-federal rural health experts and overseen by senior federal review directors—to assess each state’s proposed initiatives and alignment with program goals to ensure a fair, transparent, and consistent merit review process across all states.

Funding will be distributed over five years beginning in federal fiscal year 2026. As states begin implementation, program officers from CMS’s Office of Rural Health Transformation will provide technical assistance and ongoing support to help states design, launch, and sustain initiatives that best serve their rural communities.

CLICK HERE to view a list of each State’s allocated RHT funds.

Background on the Rural Health Transformation Program:

– The Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program was created by the Working Families Tax Cuts law and empowers states to strengthen rural communities across America by improving access to quality health care outcomes and transforming the health care delivery ecosystem.

– RHT funding will be allocated through the following formula:
*$25 billion over five years will be distributed evenly among the states; this means each state will receive $100 million each year for FY 2026-2030 ($500 million total). 
*$25 billion will be distributed to states based on criteria established by the Secretary that target funding to states with high rural health care needs and that outline long-term programmatic goals that will transform access to care in the state.

– In accordance with the law, only the 50 states are eligible to receive an RHT Program award; the District of Columbia and U.S. Territories are not eligible.

Wasserman Schultz Requests Answers on Trump Administration’s Elimination of 35,000 VA Jobs

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

“Indiscriminately eliminating these positions from your HR system without analysis is unacceptable, and in contradiction of your repeated assurances that veterans would not be impacted by staff cuts,” Wasserman Schultz wrote. “I am concerned that these cuts will add further strain on a workforce that has been understaffed for years, especially as I continue to hear from VA doctors and nurses that workloads are unmanageable, leading to delayed or insufficient care of our veterans.”

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Ranking Member of the House Appropriation Committee’s Military Construction and Veterans Affairs subcommittee, called on VA Secretary Doug Collins to provide answers on how the Department of Veterans’ Affairs elimination of 35,000 doctor, nurse and other healthcare professional positions will impact veterans’ services.

In December, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced a plan to eliminate 35,000 unfilled positions, in addition to the over 30,000 positions eliminated since the beginning of the Trump Administration.

“Indiscriminately eliminating these positions from your HR system without analysis is unacceptable, and in contradiction of your repeated assurances that veterans would not be impacted by staff cuts,” Wasserman Schultz wrote. “I am concerned that these cuts will add further strain on a workforce that has been understaffed for years, especially as I continue to hear from VA doctors and nurses that workloads are unmanageable, leading to delayed or insufficient care of our veterans.”

The complete letter can be read here and below. 

Dear Secretary Collins,

I write with strong concerns regarding the Department’s plan to eliminate as many as 35,000 positions, including doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals. These are positions that were requested, or identified as necessary, by facility leaders across the country. Indiscriminately eliminating these positions from your HR system without analysis is unacceptable, and in contradiction of your repeated assurances that veterans would not be impacted by staff cuts. This cut would be in addition to the over 30,000 positions that have already been eliminated or vacated since the start of this year. I am concerned that these cuts will add further strain on a workforce that has been understaffed for years, especially as I continue to hear from VA doctors and nurses that workloads are unmanageable, leading to delayed or insufficient care of our veterans. Please provide responses to the following questions:

  1. Please provide the Committee with the internal memo that directs the elimination of these positions from the human resources system or database.
  2. Please provide a list of all 35,000 positions eliminated from the database. This list should include the job title, job category, location, and rationale for not filling the position.
  3. In 2025, over 30,000 VA employees either voluntarily separated from VA, took deferred resignation, or voluntary early retirement. Will vacancies resulting from these staff cuts be included in the 35,000 positions you are now eliminating?
  4. The Committee has consistently provided funding equal to the levels requested in the President’s budget, including in the recently enacted FY26 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act. Was funding for these 35,000 positions included in the FY26 budget request? If so, what is the Department’s plan for the funding that will no longer be used for these positions?
  5. Will these eliminations impact the Department’s ability to meet claims processing, wait times, or other Departmental goals or targets?
  6. How will these eliminations impact the implementation of the PACT Act?

I look forward to your responses by February 1, 2026.

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Read More (Steube and Soto Introduce Ensuring Consistency in Nutrition Labels Act)

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

January 15, 2026 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON — U.S. Representatives Greg Steube (R-Fla.) and Darren Soto (D-Fla.) introduced today the Ensuring Consistency in Nutrition Labels Act. This bill would strengthen the FDA’s requirements for food nutrition labels by reducing the nutrition labeling deviation threshold from 20% to 5%.
“Americans have a right to accurate information about the food products they buy at the grocery store,” said Rep. Steube. “While families are making healthier choices about the food they eat, it is unacceptable that food manufacturers are allowed a 20% margin of error for the nutrition labels on their products. That is why Congressman Soto and I are introducing the Ensuring Consistency in Nutrition Labels Act. Making America healthy again starts with accurate reporting on nutrition labels so that families can make informed decisions when filling out their grocery lists.” 
“I am thrilled to work on this initiative with Rep. Steube to ensure food nutrition labels reflect the most accurate nutritional information,” said Rep. Soto. “Misbranded nutritional content can lead to serious effects for people who are diabetic or have sugar-sodium sensitivities, as food companies often take advantage of relaxed regulations. This bill will reduce the deviation threshold to promote consistency and build consumer trust.” 
The Ensuring Consistency in Nutrition Labels Act is supported by The Honest Food Council.
“The Honest Food Council applauds Congressman Steube and Congressman Soto for their swift leadership following our December meeting in Washington. They listened to consumers and responsible brands and manufacturers, drafted meaningful legislative language, and are taking action to ensure nutrition labels reflect reality. Updating the outdated 20% threshold to 5% is a timely, common-sense change that reflects today’s marketplace and today’s expectations for transparency. This legislation aligns with the Honest Food Council’s mission to protect families through honesty, transparency, and consistency in our food system. This is bipartisan because consumers in every community—and the companies working to serve them—deserve truthful labeling and fair, consistent standards.” —Benno Tross, President of The Honest Food Council
Background: Under current law, food nutrition labels are permitted to deviate up to 20% from the actual nutritional content of a food item. This can create serious problems for Americans with health conditions, including individuals suffering from diabetes or sensitivities to sugar and sodium. The Ensuring Consistency in Nutrition Labels Act would correct this problem by requiring the FDA to amend the deviation threshold from 20% to 5%, thereby ensuring better consistency with nutrition labeling.
Read the full bill text here.

Stauber Secures More Than $10 Million for Local Projects in Recently Passed Appropriations Bill

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) announced securing over $10 million in funding for critical projects across Minnesota’s Eighth District via the recently passed FY2026 Interior Appropriations bill. Stauber advocated for these community project funds to be included.

“Making sure Minnesotans have access to clean and reliable water has always been a top priority of mine, and I’m proud to have secured more than $10 million for these vital projects that do just that,” Congressman Stauber said. “These funds will improve water treatment facilities, upgrade wastewater systems, and build stronger infrastructure across the Eighth District. I’ll continue working hard to bring federal dollars home to the Northland and support our communities.”

Congressman Stauber secured funding for the following projects:

  • $1,750,000 for The City of Duluth Water Treatment Plant Rehabilitation.
  • $2,000,000 for City of Ely Drinking Water Supply Intake and Water Main Replacement.
  • $1,061,000 for City of Nashwauk Third Street Infrastructure Improvements Project.
  • $1,000,000 for Hibbing Water, Access, Treatment, Expansion, & Reliability Projects (Hib-WATER).
  • $1,000,000 for Kettle River’s Infrastructure Improvements.
  • $330,000 for City of Cook Pond Improvements.
  • $750,000 for Coleraine City-Wide Infrastructure Project.
  • $750,000 for Keewatin City-Wide Infrastructure Project.
  • $750,000 for Pine City Wastewater Treatment Pond System Upgrade.
  • $750,000 for Mountain Iron/Eveleth Watermain Loop.
  • $750,000 for Northern Township Wastewater Project. 

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Rep. Omar Speaks at Press Conference Honoring the Life of Renee Nicole Good

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-MN)

WASHINGTON–Today, Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) spoke at a press conference in front of the U.S. Capitol to honor the life of Renee Nicole Good and call for a full, transparent investigation and legal action against ICE.

The full video can be found here.

Full transcript below:

“Today we are honoring the life and memory of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, writer, and poet.

“Renee’s mother remembers her as “one of the kindest” people she’d ever known.

“Everyone who knew her says Renee spent her life caring for others, always putting their needs first.

“Her deep love for community drove her to stand up for her immigrant neighbors.

“She had just dropped her six-year-old son off at school and was serving as a legal observer when she was murdered by an ICE agent in South Minneapolis.

“ICE’s reckless actions have taken a mother from three children, a partner from her wife, and inflicted unfathomable pain on our community.

“My deepest condolences go out to Renee’s family, friends, and everyone who loved her.

“We will not stop fighting until we achieve real justice and accountability.

“That must begin with impeaching Kristi Noem and ensuring no federal agent can act as judge, jury, and executioner on our streets.

“It must also include a full, transparent investigation and legal action against ICE.

“While we grieve, our community — as always — has shown up with love for one another.

“ICE officers have been struck by the solidarity and care Minnesotans have shown their neighbors.

“In the face of state-sanctioned violence, we have organizedand protected each other.

“That is what Renee stood for.

“She died because she chose love and solidarity over fear — and we will make sure the world never forgets her name.”

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