MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Pete Aguilar (31 CD Ca)

The grant funding will enable the Hope Through Housing Artificial Intelligence Innovation Lab to purchase new virtual reality equipment, drones, cameras and powerful servers for AI and software development. 

Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) announced that he secured $1,031,000 in community project funding for the Hope Through Housing Foundation’s (HTHF) Artificial Intelligence Innovation Lab. This grant funding will drive workforce and economic development in the Inland Empire by expanding community access to HTHF’s laboratory space, helping purchase cutting-edge computing technology and AI tools, and providing training tailored to workforce development for students in the region. You can watch the full video of the press conference here and find photos from the event above and here.
“As the Inland Empire grows, so should the opportunities for its residents,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “That’s why I’m proud to deliver over $1 million in community project funding for the Hope Through Housing Foundation’s Artificial Intelligence Innovation Lab. This lab will enable people in our region to build successful lives and contribute to our economy by giving them the chance to get jobs and apprenticeships in emerging and evolving technological fields like AI. I’ll keep fighting to deliver resources and ensure that the Inland Empire can become an innovation hub in all different areas, from manufacturing to transportation and beyond.”
“We welcome our partnership with Congressman Aguilar to invest in the future of our community,” said Jeff Burum, Chairman of the Board, Hope Through Housing Foundation. “For more than 30 years, National CORE and Hope through Housing have worked together to bring new opportunities to families across our region.”
“At Hope through Housing, we help our residents build a pathway to a stronger, more financially stable future,” said Alyssa Cotter, Executive Director, Hope Through Housing Foundation. “This grant will supercharge that effort, offering expanded options for instruction in high-tech tools for a vast number of growing industries. We are incredibly grateful to Congressman Aguilar for his support.”
“The timing is perfect for this program,” said Heather Parsons, Vice President of Philanthropy, Hope Through Housing Foundation. “The rapid changes coming for our economy require a training program that is resilient and responsive. Our Innovation Lab can serve as a catalyst for a new model of training programs. This is a big moment for Hope through Housing and the Inland Empire.”
In January 2026, Rep. Aguilar helped pass the Commerce, Justice, Science, Energy and Water Development, and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act of 2026, which included $7.4 million in federal community project funding grants for seven projects in California’s 33rd Congressional District. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Foster (11th District of Illinois)

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement:

“Today, the last remaining limits on the world’s two largest nuclear arsenals disappear, and the world is now more vulnerable to nuclear escalation than at any point in the last fifteen years.

“Historically, agreements like New START were supported by Democratic and Republican administrations alike because they made the United States safer. Today, that system has frayed. We have a president who pays lip service to the existential risk of nuclear weapons, but hasn’t taken the necessary steps to reduce that risk. His Truth Social post from today at least signals an openness to strong and enduring arms control agreements; whether his administration follows through remains to be seen.

“Anyone who remembers past arms control negotiations understands the gravity of this moment. Putin’s Russia has repeatedly shown that it views nuclear weapons not simply as a deterrent of last resort, but also as a tool of political blackmail. As Congress’ Ph.D. physicist, I’ve been sounding the alarm on this issue for years and remain deeply engaged in working across the aisle to decrease nuclear risk. I am calling on both nations to abide by the numerical limits set under New START until a new agreement is signed.”

Congressman Foster leads 27 colleagues in the House on H.Res.100, condemning Russia’s suspension of its participation in New START and calling on the administration to pursue arms control talks with Russia and China. Last month, Congressman Foster hosted a Special Order Hour on the expiration of the New START Treaty, which can be found here. 

Before he became a Member of Congress, Foster worked as a high-energy physicist and particle accelerator designer at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab). He was a member of the team that discovered the top quark, the heaviest known form of matter. He also led the teams that designed and built several scientific facilities and detectors still in use today, including the Antiproton Recycler Ring, the latest of Fermilab’s giant particle accelerators.

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Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

Headline: Scott Joins Reps. James Walkinshaw and Steny Hoyer, Sen. Chris Van Hollen to Launch Federal Workforce Caucus

WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, February 4, Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) joined Representatives James Walkinshaw (D-Va.), Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) to announce the launch of the Federal Workforce Caucus. The members are launching this Caucus to bolster efforts to protect federal workers and strengthen our merit-based federal civil service so these dedicated public servants can continue to deliver for the American people without political interference. The lawmakers were joined by Caucus member Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and federal employee union leaders and members at the announcement.

Additional members of the Caucus include U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), and Mark Warner (D-Va.) and U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-Va.), Sarah Elfreth (D-Md.), Glenn Ivey (D-Md.), Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), April McClain Delaney (D-Md.), Jennifer McClellan (D-Va.), Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Johnny Olszewski (D-Md.), Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), Bobby Scott (D-Va.), Suhas Subramanyam (D-Va.), and Eugene Vindman (D-Va.).

“President Trump promised Americans that he would make their lives better; unfortunately, since taking office, the administration has only upended the lives of workers and their families,” said Congressman Scott. “The Trump administration’s reckless firing of thousands of civil servants – in some cases unlawfully – has left federal workers on edge and weakened public services. I am proud to support the Federal Workforce Caucus to ensure that workers’ collective bargaining rights are upheld and Americans can access the earned benefits and services they depend on.”

“As Co-Chair and Founder of the Federal Workforce Caucus, I’m proud to lead this effort to advocate for our dedicated federal workers and the good government values they uphold,” said Congressman Walkinshaw. “Virginia is home to nearly 150,000 federal workers, including more than 60,000 in Fairfax, who care for veterans, protect our food supply, respond to disasters, and keep essential programs running. Too often, they are treated as political targets instead of the backbone of an effective, nonpartisan civil service. This Caucus will be on the front lines defending merit-based public service and advancing policies to strengthen recruitment and retention, boost morale, and modernize pay and professional development. We will work every day to ensure government delivers world-class services for all Americans.”

“Federal workers deliver essential public services on behalf of the American people every day – they are the patriotic civil servants who care for our veterans, conduct food safety inspections, provide aid to communities struck by disaster, and so much more. But from day one, the Trump Administration has relentlessly attacked them and jeopardized the services they provide – as they pursue their ultimate goal of replacing qualified civil servants with political cronies who will do Trump’s bidding without regard for the law. We’re launching the Federal Workforce Caucus to stand united against this Administration’s attacks, to support our federal workers, and to protect the integrity of our merit-based civil service,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“Donald Trump and Russell Vought claim that our federal workers are ‘villains’ who ought to be ‘put in trauma.’ That’s dead wrong. Federal employees are patriotic professionals who provide vital services to the American people every day. I have fought to protect them from DOGE’s crusade, and Congress must do the same. That’s why I’m pleased to help found the Federal Workforce Caucus,” said Congressman Hoyer.

“Virginia is home to hundreds of thousands of hardworking public servants who keep our country safe and provide critical services to their fellow Americans,” said Senator Kaine. “As the Trump Administration attacks and vilifies this dedicated workforce, we must push back. I’m glad to join my colleagues in launching the Federal Workforce Caucus to protect and strengthen the federal workforce.”

“When federal workers take their oath, they don’t pledge allegiance to whoever is in the Oval Office, they pledge an oath to this nation and our constitution. They deserve our gratitude and respect, yet instead, this Administration has unleashed a witch hunt against our civil servants. The Federal Workforce Caucus is focused – through legislation, advocacy, and dialogue – on protecting our civil servants and allowing them to continue to serve the American people,” said Senator Alsobrooks.

“Federal workers in Virginia and across the country are the backbone of services Americans depend on,” said Senator Warner. “As the Trump administration continues to target federal workers and use them as political bargaining chips, it is critical for lawmakers to come together and defend the job security, pay, and benefits of our dedicated civil service.”

“Over the past year, people and communities have protested, lawyers have sued, and courts have issued orders to protect our civil servants. It is an honor today to mark the establishment of a bipartisan, bicameral congressional caucus to support the people who work for all us – our nonpartisan, merit-based civil service. The Congressional Federal Workforce Caucus could not come at a more pivotal time. As the Trump-Vance administration and its allies escalate threats to our nation’s elections, our nation’s communities, and our nation’s civil servants, it is time to use all tools our democracy provides to push back and move forward. We are grateful to these lawmakers for taking an important step to protect and strengthen the civil service not just for today, but for the ability to build the people-centered government we all will need in the future,” Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward in remarks at the event.

“After a traumatic year for the civil service, including a 43-day government shutdown and unprecedented mass firings, this Caucus is very timely. Your members’ expertise and commitment will amplify the voice of the federal civilian workforce when it matters most.  AFGE stands ready to support and work with the Caucus.  Our country depends on it,” said Eric Bunn, Sr., National Secretary-Treasurer, American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO (AFGE)

“The federal workforce has endured unimaginable harm, with over 300,000 employees separated, agencies wiped out and previously nonpartisan institutions politicized. Congress must stand for federal workers, and I believe the Federal Workforce Caucus will provide the venue to press for oversight and serve as a gathering place for all members who have constituents who rely on well-functioning government services,” said Max Stier, President and CEO, Partnership for Public Service.

“The federal workforce is essential to a legitimate democratic republic, yet our civil service is increasingly under attack – politically, structurally, and rhetorically,” said NFFE National President Randy Erwin. “These attacks weaken public accountability, lawful administration, and the quality of services Americans rely on every single day. The Federal Workforce Caucus will ensure the civil service is protected and strengthened, and critical services are delivered to the public while maintaining a skilled, apolitical workforce. Thank you to the co-chairs of the Caucus – Senator Van Hollen, and Representatives Walkinshaw and Hoyer – for your continued support of federal employees.”

“The federal public service workers who help keep our communities running deserve dignity, respect, and the security of knowing they’ll be paid on time,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “Unfortunately, anti-worker politicians continue to exploit them to push their extreme agenda. In the last year, federal workers have been fired arbitrarily, stripped of their collective bargaining rights, and furloughed without pay during the shutdown. I applaud the members of the Federal Workforce Caucus for their focus on restoring dignity and respect to these dedicated public servants. It also highlights why we need solutions like Sen. Van Hollen and Rep. Walkinshaw’s True Shutdown Fairness Act, which will ensure federal workers don’t miss a paycheck or get fired during a shutdown. On behalf of the AFSCME members and the hardworking federal public service workers we represent, we thank the Federal Workforce Caucus for having our backs.”

“IFPTE welcomes the launch of the Federal Workforce Caucus. Over the past year, our members who work for the federal government have witnessed unprecedented political interference, mass firings without cause, and unlawful efforts to deny federal workers their union rights and defund federal agency missions. Our democracy depends on a professional, nonpartisan federal civil service that serves the American public with accountability and integrity. We urgently call on Members of Congress in both chambers and both sides of the aisle to join the Caucus and work to uphold and protect merit system principles, due process protections, and a civil service that ensures that science and innovation, public health, safety, economic security, our national defense, and public services are delivered fairly, effectively, and effectively,” said Matthew Biggs, President of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE)

“NTEU applauds Senator Van Hollen and Representatives Hoyer and Walkinshaw for launching the Federal Workforce Caucus to highlight the work and challenges facing federal workers across the country.  Given the deluge of attacks employees have faced over the past year, from mass firings and illegal attempts to eliminate their union rights to threats against their pay and benefits, we appreciate the dedicated effort that this caucus will make to strengthen the nonpartisan civil service and ensure that federal employees are treated with dignity and respect so they can continue to provide the critical services the American people rely on,” said Doreen Greenwald, National President, NTEU.

The Federal Workforce Caucus will serve as a forum for Members to:

• Support and strengthen the federal civilian workforce and the merit-based civil service system so that it can continue to deliver for American families and businesses;
• Protect the integrity and nonpartisan character of federal employment;
• Advance policies that improve recruitment, retention, and workforce morale across federal agencies;
• Highlight stories that show how government programs and workers improve the lives of the American public;
• Develop and advance data-informed policies that encourage modernization and innovative practices across the federal workforce in areas such as pay competitiveness, workforce performance optimization, and professional development;
• Facilitate dialogue among Members of Congress, former and current federal employees, organizations, and unions representing federal employees, and subject-matter experts to inform efforts to modernize the federal government and attract the workforce needed to deliver for Americans. 

“Federal workers help families put food on the table, protect veterans healing from the wounds of war, and empower communities in the face of environmental crisis. Over the past year, they’ve faced unprecedented attacks – mass firings, union busting, and illegal interference with their work – meant to demoralize and deplete the civil service. Federal workers deserve full support from Congress to protect their bargaining rights and their right to do their jobs without political obstruction,” said Senator Markey.

“Our federal civilian workforce is made up of dedicated public servants who keep our government running.  While the Trump Administration fails to see the value in these public servants’ work, the Senate Federal Workforce Caucus, which we are launching today, stands with our government’s employees,” said Senator Durbin.

“The federal workforce is integral to our country and our communities, helping American families and businesses thrive. As this regime attacks federal workers and the critical work they do, I am proud to join this caucus, which will advance policies that support federal workers and the communities they serve,” said Senator Hirono. “As part of this caucus, I reaffirm my commitment to ensuring federal workers are recognized, protected, and receive the support they need to confront challenges and provide for the public.”

“Throughout the last year, President Trump and his administration have used dedicated federal public servants as political pawns. It’s unacceptable,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “I’m proud to join this bicameral coalition in launching the Federal Workforce Caucus. To the nearly thousands of federal workers in Delaware and the millions around the country, we’ve got your back.”

“I am proud to be a part of the Federal Workforce Caucus to fight for the dedicated federal workers in our Commonwealth and across the country. Recent attacks on the federal workforce not only hurt our community, they hurt every single American by making it harder to deliver essential services and earned benefits. I am thrilled to be a part of this Caucus and look forward to continuing to champion federal workers,” said Congressman Subramanyam.

“Federal employees are the backbone of our national security, safe transportation, safe food, and clean water. But as our federal workforce remains under attack by the very people entrusted to lead it with massive purges designed to hollow out or eliminate key federal agencies, and through wanton cruelty targeting dedicated civil servants – I’m joining the Federal Workforce Caucus to stand up for our public servants. Over the years, I have fought to increase federal employees’ pay and expand their paid leave, and I will continue fighting to support the needs of the men and women who keep our country running,” said Congressman Beyer.

“Virginia is home to tens of thousands of federal workers, contractors, and service members who serve with a dedication to country, not political party. As their Representative, a 25-year Army officer, and as the husband of a former federal employee, I know that federal workers are essential to the success, safety, and stability of our nation,” said Congressman Vindman. “I will never back down from a fight to protect and honor those who choose a life of service. I am proud to be an inaugural member of the federal workforce caucus.”

“Our federal workforce serves as our nation’s backbone, providing services that address the needs and improve the lives of the American people. Yet this past year, the Trump Administration set out to traumatize the very people who show up every day to keep our air and water clean, our roads and travel safe and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “As the state with the second highest number of federal employees, Virginia has felt the devastating effects of this all-out assault in our communities and local economy. The Federal Workforce Caucus will forefront the interests of our civil servants in Congress, and I’m honored to continue this fight to ensure we afford them the rights, opportunities and dignity they deserve.”

“I’m pleased to join the Federal Workforce Caucus to stand with the dedicated public servants who keep our government working for the American people, tens of thousands of whom live in the nation’s capital,” said Congresswoman Norton. “A strong, merit-based federal civil service — free from political interference — is essential to effective governance and public trust. This caucus will play an important role in protecting federal workers and ensuring they can do their jobs with professionalism, independence, and integrity.”

“President Trump has berated, traumatized and mass-fired federal employees to destroy expertise and science and to remake our government in the image of his imbecilic incompetence,” said Congressman Raskin. “Our institutions were not built by generations of Americans to be broken up and sold for parts; they exist to serve the American people in every age. That’s why I’m proudly standing with my colleagues to establish the Federal Workforce Caucus to defend the professional civil service and the public servants who have helped build our amazing country.”

“The newly established bicameral Federal Workforce Caucus affirms a simple truth: good-paying federal jobs have helped build and sustain the middle class across the country, leveling the playing field while strengthening communities like ours in the Metropolitan Washington, DC area. Public service is the backbone of our country, and these careers should be an opportunity for dedicated Americans to serve the nation with honor while securing economic stability for their families. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues to protect, support, and invest in the federal workforce that keeps America moving forward,” said Congressman Ivey.

“Federal workers are the lifeblood of our democracy, and they perform countless essential duties that our country simply could not go without,” said Congressman Mfume. “They fulfill these duties without fear or favor because they are hard-working, patriotic Americans. I have always been a proud supporter of federal workers, and I am proud to join the Federal Workforce Caucus to work with my colleagues in the Congress on ways to better support the people that make the American government work.”

“Federal workers are not political pawns — they are the dedicated public servants who keep our country running. After Trump’s firings wiped out nearly 25,000 federal jobs in Maryland last year alone, the stakes could not be more clear. I’m proud to serve as a founding member of the Federal Workforce Caucus to defend a strong, nonpartisan civil service, protect merit-based hiring, and invest in recruitment, retention, and modernization so the federal workforce can keep delivering for the American people,” said Congressman Olszewski.

“As the proud daughter of two civil servants and the representative to over 45,000 federal employees in Maryland’s Third District, I am excited to join the Federal Workforce Caucus. The sledgehammer of DOGE not only hurt our hardworking civil servants – it impacted the hundreds of critical services that everyday Americans pay for and rely on. Now more than ever, we must strengthen and rebuild our federal workforce to ensure we continue to recruit the best and brightest into the important tradition of public service,” said Congresswoman Elfreth.

“I’m honored to join as an inaugural member of the Federal Workforce Caucus. Our federal employees and institutions are under relentless attack, with their protections, credibility, and character being eroded with each passing day by this Administration. It’s on us as lawmakers to defend a merit-based, nonpartisan civil service and ensure the next generation feels empowered to answer the call to serve, not turned away,” said Congresswoman McClain Delaney.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) announced that he secured an additional $15 million for district projects after President Trump recently signed the FY2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies appropriations bill into law.

“These targeted investments will advance vital transportation and infrastructure improvement projects that enhance public safety, improve transportation efficiency, and support local economic development,” said Congressman Pete Stauber. “President Trump’s signature on this bill delivers real, tangible results for the hardworking families and businesses in Minnesota’s Eighth District, and I am proud to have advocated for these critical projects.”

The projects include:

•    $5,000,000 for County Highway 32 Pedestrian and Safety Improvement Project
•    $5,000,000 for US Highway 8 Reconstruction
•    $5,000,000 for Gantry Crane Refurbishment Project

With this news, Congressman Stauber has officially secured every one of his 15 Community Project Funding requests for Minnesota’s Eighth Congressional District for FY26. The Congressman previously secured over $10 million in water projects signed into law through the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies and the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies appropriations bills, signed into law in January 2026 and November 2025, respectively. Those projects included:

•    $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
•    $1,370,000 for The City of Harris Municipal Water System Improvement and Water Main Looping Project

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

Following Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger’s recent actions to rescind Virginia law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration services, Virginia’s Republican Congressmen are speaking out. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-9) helped lead a letter with U.S. Representatives Rob Wittman (VA-1), Jen Kiggans (VA-2), John McGuire (VA-5) and Ben Cline (VA-6) expressing opposition to Executive Order Ten and Executive Directive One. 

In their letter, the Republican lawmakers detail the threats posed by illegal immigration, highlight the importance of cooperation between state and federal law enforcement and commit to working with Governor Spanberger to strengthen Virginia’s security.

They write in part:

“For these reasons, we respectfully urge you to restore the cooperation between state and federal law enforcement that existed under Governor Youngkin’s Administration that successfully removed a large number of dangerous criminals from the streets of Virginia. We appreciate your consideration and stand ready to work with you on solutions to strengthen Virginia’s security and put the interests of the Commonwealth first.”

For a full copy of the letter, see here.

BACKGROUND

Congressman Griffith’s initial statement in response to Governor Spanberger’s recent executive directive can be found here.

Congressman Griffith’s work this year to support law enforcement in Virginia’s Ninth District includes a recent letter to support corrections officers at USP Lee.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

Today, U.S. Representatives Rick Larsen (D-WA), Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA), Jen Kiggans (R-VA), and Maxine Dexter (D-OR) introduced the Mammography Access for Veterans Act. This bipartisan legislation would expand veterans’ access to lifesaving breast cancer screenings through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

“Women are the fastest-growing group in the veteran population,” Rep. Larsen said. “As the number of women veterans rapidly increases, VA must continue to modernize its women’s health care services. This bill is one step toward ensuring women veterans around the country have access to lifesaving, preventative screenings for breast cancer.”

“Our veterans deserve access to the health care they need, particularly women who have served honorably, and this is just one of the drivers behind the bipartisan Mammography Access for Veterans Act,” Rep. Thompson said. “Early detection of breast cancer leads to better health outcomes and this legislation will save lives, especially of those veteran women living in rural areas, where access to mammography can often be limited.”

“As a pulmonary and critical care physician who served at the VA, I know early detection saves lives,” Rep. Dexter said. “No one—but especially our veterans—should worry about access to preventative healthcare. After all they’ve done for us, making breast cancer screenings more easily accessible is the least we can do.”

The Mammography Access for Veterans Act would expand veterans’ access to breast cancer screenings through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and would permanently authorize telehealth or telescreening mammography for veterans living in rural areas or states where VA does not offer full-service mammography care.

The Making Advances in Mammography and Medical Options (MAMMO) for Veterans Act was signed into law in 2022. As of June 2025, the MAMMO Act Pilot Program was responsible for over 7,000 mammography screenings across the United States.

Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chairman Jerry Moran (R-KS), Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Senator John Boozman (R-AR) introduced the Senate companion bill in December.

The Mammography Access for Veterans Act is supported by multiple veterans’ advocacy groups including Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Wounded Warrior Project, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), and Military Officers Association of America (MOAA).

“PVA supports the introduction of the Mammography Access for Veterans Act, which builds on the success of the VA’s telescreening mammography pilot and removes a critical access barrier for veterans who live where VA doesn’t offer full-service mammography,” said Heather Ansley, Chief Policy Officer at PVA. “Permanently authorizing tele mammography ensures timely, high-quality screening for veterans. We thank Congressman Thompson for championing this commonsense measure that improves care for veterans across the country.”

“The VA’s telescreening mammography program is a proven lifesaver that advances health equity for our veterans. DAV supports the Mammography Access for Veterans Act, which ensures that every state and Puerto Rico offers telescreening, full-service, or mobile mammography,” said Naomi Mathis, Deputy National Legislative Director at DAV. “By removing barriers to timely preventive care for women veterans and those with disabilities, this legislation can save more lives. We applaud Reps. Thompson, Larsen, Kiggins, and Dexter for their bipartisan leadership in expanding this critical program.”

“The VFW supports the Mammography Access for Veterans Act, which marks an important step to ensure that women veterans receive timely, preventative health care. Expanding mammography access supports early detection, improves outcomes, and addresses care gaps. Accessible, equitable, and responsive preventative care is what veterans deserve,” said Meggan Coleman, VFW National Legislative Service Associate Director. “This legislation is necessary, and it is vital to honor their service. The VFW appreciates Representatives Thompson, Larsen, Kiggins, and Dexter introducing this companion bill and looks forward to its passage into law.”

“The Department of Veterans Affairs’ Tele-Screening Mammography pilot program demonstrated improvements in both access to mammography screening services and communication times for women veterans awaiting results,” said Jose Ramos, WWP Vice President of Government and Community Relations. “WWP supports the Mammography Access for Veterans Act to expand breast cancer screening and treatment for women veterans, particularly those in rural areas. We thank Representatives Thompson, Larsen, Dexter, and Kiggans for their bipartisan leadership on this critical issue.”

“IAVA is thrilled to see such strong bipartisan, bicameral support for the Mammography Access for Veterans Act,” said Dr. Kyleanne Hunter, CEO of IAVA. “Most importantly, this bill will ensure timely and accessible breast cancer screenings nationwide, regardless of where someone lives. As a cancer survivor, I know how important early detection is, and this bill represents a clear show of solidarity and support for our women veterans – showing them that their service is honored through a tangible, actionable commitment to their health, both in and out of uniform.”

“MOAA strongly supports the Mammography Access for Veterans Act because no veteran should face barriers to essential preventative care. This legislation guarantees that every veteran – regardless of location – can access timely, high-quality breast cancer screenings through telescreening, mobile, or in-house programs. Building on the success of the MOAA-backed MAMMO Act enacted in 2022, this bill offers a commonsense solution that saves lives and reinforces VA’s commitment to veterans’ health,” said Lt. Gen. Brian Kelly, President and CEO of MOAA.

In his time in Congress, Rep. Larsen has hosted more than 70 forums to hear directly from Northwest Washington state veterans about their needs, including five roundtables in September 2025. Following those conversations, he published ‘Listening to Veterans in Northwest Washington,’ a report capturing local veterans’ most pressing challenges and outlining policy recommendations for Congress and VA to address these concerns. Rep. Larsen submitted this report to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs (HVAC) to ensure Northwest Washington veterans’ voices impact the policy-making process.

After hearing from local veterans about the lack of transportation options to VA health facilities, Rep. Larsen introduced the Veterans Access to Transit Act (VA Transit Act) to establish a Department of Transportation (DOT) pilot program to provide veterans with public transportation to VA facilities and veterans organizations.

You can access the full text of the Mammography Access for Veterans Act HERE.

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

FRESNO, Calif. – Today, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) announced the passage of Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) funding legislation, which includes nine Community Project Funding awards totaling more than $11.2 million, and passage of the Interior and Environment (I&E) funding legislation which includes two Community Project Funding awards totaling over $2 million for water projects for the San Joaquin Valley. These awards follow four previously approved projects totaling $6.5 million, bringing the total FY2026 project funding for California’s 21st District to $19.8 million.The funding will support critical investments in transportation infrastructure, housing, food security, workforce development, clean energy, water infrastructure, and economic growth across the region.”For too long, families in the San Joaquin Valley have faced aging infrastructure, food insecurity, and limited access to housing and reliable transportation,” said Rep. Costa. “This funding directly responds to those challenges by investing in safer roads, cleaner air, expanded food access, workforce training, affordable housing, and critical water infrastructure. Together, these projects will create jobs, strengthen our local economy, and ensure our communities have the resources they need not just to get by, but to move forward.” 
COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING AWARDS — FY 2026 
TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

$3.15 Million – Fresno Airport Improvement ActFederal funding would enable the City of Fresno to plan and design for the major expansion of Fresno Yosemite International Airport. As the region experiences increased demand for air travel, this project focuses on upgrading terminal infrastructure, improving passenger experience, and increasing operational capacity. 
$1 Million – Central California Food Bank Volunteer Center ExpansionIn partnership with the County of Fresno, the Central California Food Bank is constructing a 23,000-square-foot Volunteer Center to expand its hunger relief efforts across the Central Valley. Funding for this project would enhance volunteer capacity, provide job training for individuals facing barriers to employment, and increase access to healthy food through a new USDA Protein Repack Room. 
$2 Million – San Joaquin River Parkway Project Federal funds would enable the City of Fresno to extend the Lewis S. Eaton Trail by approximately 2.4 miles, expanding public access to 500 acres of open space along the San Joaquin River. This project would support multiple ADA-accessible entry points and recreational activities such as school tours, nature walks, and paddle trips, while preserving the future of the San Joaquin River parkway. 
$2 Million – Reedley College Ag Innovation CenterFederal funding would support the construction of the AgTEC Innovation Center at Reedley College, a hub for advancing agricultural technology. The center would provide space for ag-tech startups, offer certifications and hands-on training for farmworkers, while promoting innovation to help build a more sustainable food system in the Central Valley.  
$1.2 Million – Salt and Light Neighborhood Village Phase IIThe County of Tulare, in partnership with Salt+Light Works is building a Social Enterprise Hub at the Neighborhood Village, a 53-unit permanent supportive housing community in Goshen, California. Funding for this project would support expanding the Hub to include a grocery store, workforce development, and employment programs that empower residents in surrounding communities. 
$850,000 – Clean Air Mobility Network Fresno Metro Black Chamber/City of FresnoFederal funding would support a partnership between the City of Fresno and the Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce to expand clean transportation access in various parts of the community. The project includes building EV charging infrastructure, launching a fleet of affordable electric bikes and scooters, and offering community-based education on clean mobility. 
$500,000 – Exeter Street ImprovementFunding for this project would revitalize Firebaugh Avenue from West Belmont Avenue to East State Route 65 in the City of Exeter. Revitalizing this one-mile section of arterial street would connect three major north-south corridors and improve the traffic flow of agricultural goods, while reducing congestion and emissions. This project also allows for rehabilitation and ensures ADA compliance for enhanced accessibility and safety. 
$250,000 – Fresno Area Business Development Incubator Project  This funding would enable the City of Fresno, in partnership with the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation, to establish a full-service business development incubator in a formerly vacant facility in Downtown Fresno. This project would provide local entrepreneurs and small business owners with critical resources, including technical assistance, financial literacy training, and access to capital to help grow their businesses. 
$250,000 – Visalia Riggin Ave WideningAs a major route serving the City of Visalia’s Industrial Park, this federal funding would improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and benefit thousands of workers who rely on Riggin Avenue for their daily commute. Specifically, it would expand the roadway from an undivided two-lane road to a four-lane divided corridor with a median, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, street lighting, and new traffic signals.

INTERIOR AND ENVIRONMENT

$1,092,000 – Woodlake Storm Drain Enhancement ProjectFederal funding would enable the City of Woodlake to install approximately 1,350 feet of 48-inch stormwater pipeline, connecting to the existing system to help prevent future flooding. The project is critical for protecting the community’s northwest quadrant, which was heavily impacted by flooding during the 2023 Atmospheric River storms.
$1,092,000 – Dinuba Water Tower Replacement ProjectThe City of Dinuba is replacing its outdated 70-year-old water tower with a new 500,000-gallon steel ground-mounted water tank. Funding for this project would improve water pressure, enhance fire protection, and ensure reliable water service for decades to come.

To learn about additional federal funding Rep. Costa secured for FY2026, click here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14)

WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Lauren Underwood released the following statement on the Department of Education’s proposed rule to limit federal student loan eligibility for advanced nursing programs by reclassifying them as graduate, rather than professional, degrees. The move will make schooling for nursing professionals more expensive and harder to access, raising health care costs system-wide. 

“Every day, nurses in communities around our country are doing critically important work to support the health and well-being of our families. We’re providing excellent clinical care, conducting important research, and carrying out critical public health initiatives. We are dedicated professionals, and this uninformed, shortsighted proposal is a slap in the face,” said Rep. Underwood. “This rule will make it more difficult and vastly more expensive for nurses to become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and nurse educators. It will put an even greater strain on our already overloaded health care system, raise costs for everyone, and put public health at risk. 

As the largest and most trusted health care profession, nurses are formidable advocates.  This regulation is not yet final, and thankfully, there is still time to urge the Trump Administration to reverse course. The public comment period is open and now is the time for action. America needs more nurses, not fewer. It is critically important that every nurse in our country participates and makes our voices heard to reverse this disastrous policy.”

Members of the public are urged to submit comments on the proposed rule here until March 2, 2025.

The proposed rule comes as the United States faces a historic health care crisis caused by Republican’s Big Ugly Bill, the largest cut to health care in our nation’s history. In addition to these cuts, the Big Ugly Bill places new caps on federal student loan borrowers who are pursuing graduate degrees that prevent borrowers from covering the full cost of their education. Nursing professionals will be directly harmed if this proposed rule is implemented and advanced nursing programs are reclassified.

Rep. Lauren Underwood is a registered nurse with a BSN in Nursing and a Masters of Nursing and Public Health.  She is one of three registered nurses serving in the 119^th Congress.

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

Headline: Reps. Carter, Peters, Langworthy, Levin, Carey reintroduce bill encouraging drug development to combat antimicrobial resistance

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Reps. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA), Scott Peters (D-CA), Nick Langworthy (R-NY), Mike Levin (D-CA), and Mike Carey (R-OH) introduced the bipartisan Pioneering Antimicrobial Subscriptions to End Upsurging Resistance (PASTEUR) Act to encourage innovative drug development targeting the most threatening infections, improve the appropriate use of antibiotics and antifungals, and ensure domestic availability of critical antimicrobials when needed.

“The United States leads the world in medical innovation, and we must ensure our policies reflect that. As a pharmacist, I’ve seen nothing short of miracles due to drug development in my lifetime, but we must continue to evolve to combat antimicrobial resistance,” said Rep. Carter. “The PASTEUR Act fosters collaboration between the public and private sectors to tackle market challenges in drug development, strengthen public health preparedness, and incentivize the development of new life-saving antibiotics.”  

“Antimicrobial resistance poses a growing and significant threat to Americans’ health. Almost 3 million Americans get sick with antibiotic resistant infections and nearly 35,000 die every year,” said Rep. Peters. “The PASTEUR Act will help us develop better antibiotics to counter resistant infections and help doctors ensure these drugs are used responsibly to stop the emergence of new superbugs. Congress must pass the PASTEUR Act and do everything in its power to prevent the next public health crisis.”

“The PASTEUR Act is a monumental investment in bridging the gap between groundbreaking research and patient care, ensuring that cutting-edge science drives new antibiotic development while expanding affordable access for the public. By changing how critical antibiotics are paid for, the legislation ensures doctors and patients have reliable tools to fight dangerous infections and achieve better outcomes,” said Rep. Langworthy. “Affordable healthcare is a top priority, and legislation like the PASTEUR Act helps build long-term, sustainable solutions that strengthen our healthcare system, encourage responsible innovation, and protect patients now and in the future.”

“Antibiotic-resistant infections pose a serious and growing threat to millions of Americans, yet we continue to face critical gaps in our ability to bring new antimicrobials to market,” said Rep. Levin. “Right now, the incentives are backwards, making it harder to get new treatments into the hands of those who need them. The PASTEUR Act changes that equation with a smarter approach that pays for access rather than volume, while also supporting stewardship programs from hospitals to outpatient clinics. The pandemic showed us what happens when we’re unprepared for health emergencies, and this legislation helps ensure we’re ready for the next one. I thank Rep. Carter and Rep. Peters for leading this bipartisan legislation and I look forward to working together to get it done.”

“According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Americans suffer nearly 3 million antimicrobial-resistant infections annually, resulting in more than 35,000 deaths each year,” Rep. Carey said. “I’m proud to support the PASTEUR Act to help spur the development of innovative new treatments that will equip doctors with more tools to respond to, limit the spread of, and ultimately curb preventable deaths caused by breakthrough cases of infectious diseases.”

Antimicrobials – including antibiotics and antifungals – are medicines used to treat and prevent infections in humans, animals, and plants. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria and fungi mutate and no longer respond to these medicines. As a result, treating infections becomes much harder, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death. In the United States, more than 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occur each year, resulting in over 35,000 deaths. A 2022 CDC special report found that the United States reversed its progress on AMR during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and antimicrobial-resistant infections and deaths increased in hospitals by at least 15 percent. The estimated national cost to treat infections caused by the most common multidrug-resistant germs in health care is more than $4.6 billion annually, and recent analyses estimate that the broader impact of superbugs on the U.S. economy could reach tens of billions of dollars each year.

The AMR crisis has been further exacerbated by a lack of new drug development due to reduced economic incentives and challenging regulatory requirements, creating a severe market failure. In recent years, many of the innovative antibiotic companies working to develop new antimicrobials have filed for bankruptcy and stopped producing these innovative antibiotics completely.

The PASTEUR Act seeks to address this market failure and increase public health preparedness by keeping novel antimicrobials on the market and improving appropriate use across the health care system. While current contracts between the government and drug makers base payment on volume, the PASTEUR Act would establish a subscription-style model which would offer antibiotic developers predictable payments in exchange for access to their antibiotics, encouraging innovation and ensuring our health care system is prepared to treat resistant infections.

“bioMérieux enthusiastically supports the introduction of the PASTEUR Act and its recognition of the important role that diagnostics and antibiotic stewardship play in addressing antimicrobial resistance, along with the goal to develop new, novel antibiotics,” said Randy Pritchard, General Manager and Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations for bioMérieux North America. “Antimicrobial resistance is a growing problem in the U.S., leaving some infections difficult to treat or untreatable. This is why innovative, rapid, and accurate diagnostics are crucial in identifying infections and promoting better stewardship practices. The need for new therapies and proper utilization of fast, near-patient diagnostics for optimal actionability guiding treatment options will provide immediate benefit to patients today and in the future.”

“Infectious diseases physicians are on the front lines of the fight against antimicrobial resistance, and we urgently need the novel antibiotics and antifungals that the PASTEUR Act will deliver to save lives and to protect our ability to provide modern medical care like cancer chemotherapy, organ transplants, cesarean sections and hip and knee replacements. PASTEUR also makes crucial investments in antimicrobial stewardship to help ensure that antimicrobials are used wisely so patients can get the best possible outcomes. For the benefit of our patients, we call on Congress to advance this bipartisan bill swiftly,” said Ronald G. Nahass, MD, MHCM, FIDSA, President, Infectious Diseases Society of America.

“Legislative solutions to address threats posed by antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are imperative to our health and national security. We applaud the sponsors of the PASTEUR Act for their leadership. This bill will make much-needed, novel antibiotics a reality and fortify the health of Americans for future generations. The fight against AMR is not a partisan issue. We encourage broad support of the PASTEUR Act,” said Candace DeMatteis, Vice President of Policy, Partnership to Fight Infectious Disease.

“As patients and caregivers, we see firsthand how antimicrobial resistance affects real lives, not just statistics. I’m encouraged that the PASTEUR Act recognizes patient outcomes and stewardship as essential measures of value. When treatments improve survival, reduce toxicity and side effects, and are easier to take, patients can actually complete therapy and recover. Embedding stewardship and appropriate use helps ensure these lifesaving medicines remain effective and accessible for the communities and patients who need them most,” said Rob Purdie, MyCARE Foundation.

“For people with cystic fibrosis, effective antibiotics are an essential lifeline. While antimicrobial resistance continues to pose an increasing and significant threat, the market is failing to develop new treatments patients need to survive,” said Mary Dwight, chief policy and advocacy officer at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. “The PASTEUR Act offers a smart, sustainable solution that rewards innovation while promoting responsible stewardship. For rare disease patients who are frequently exposed to resistant bacteria, PASTEUR helps ensure that a treatable infection does not become a terminal diagnosis.”

“The introduction of the PASTEUR Act of 2026 is a vital step forward in confronting one of the most urgent public health threats of our time. Antimicrobial resistance continues to claim millions of lives each year, and patients facing drug-resistant infections are left with fewer and fewer effective treatments,” said John F. Crowley, President and CEO of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO). “This updated PASTEUR legislation would help to repair the broken marketplace for antimicrobials by enabling a business model centered around the appropriate use of new and novel treatments to address the most threatening infections. We commend these bipartisan leaders in Congress for introducing this critical legislation for innovation and for working to ensure patients will have access to life-saving antimicrobials when they need them most.”

Specifically, the PASTEUR Act would:

• Establish a Federal Subscription Model that provides annual payments to developers of eligible antibiotics and antifungals. Contract values range from $75 million to $300 million per year, with terms up to 10 years or until a generic or biosimilar enters the market. The annual predictable, set level of payment for a given product would be reduced by net revenues the manufacturer makes from its product each year, ensuring no more federal support is provided than necessary to provide a predictable return on investment.

• Use a Transparent Scoring System to determine eligibility and contract value, rewarding products that address urgent threats and unmet medical needs and that demonstrate major clinical and public health benefits.

• Establish a Critical Need Antimicrobial Advisory Group, consisting of infectious disease physicians, antimicrobial resistance and R&D experts, and patient advocates to guide the design of the program.

• Set Terms & Conditions of the subscription contracts that would require developers to ensure commercial availability, reliable supply, public reporting of resistance data, implementation of stewardship and education plans, adherence to manufacturing and environmental best practices, and completion of post-market studies. 

• Support Antimicrobial Stewardship and Surveillance by funding pilot programs for expanding stewardship efforts, including in outpatient settings (e.g. urgent care, retail clinics) and build on existing frameworks to enhance data collection on antibiotic use, resistance, and diagnostics through the CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network and other surveillance systems.

Read the full bill text here.

A summary is available here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09) applauded the President’s signature of the bipartisan Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act (H.R. 842), landmark legislation that expands Medicare access to innovative cancer screening technology designed to detect multiple cancers earlier and save lives.

The law, led by Hudson, alongside Representatives Jodey Arrington and Terri Sewell, establishes a clear pathway for Medicare coverage of multi-cancer early detection (MCED) screening tests once approved by the Food and Drug Administration, ensuring seniors can benefit from cutting-edge American medical innovation.

“Too often, families in North Carolina and across the country are devastated by a cancer diagnosis,” said Representative Hudson. “By increasing access to multi-cancer early detection screening tests, we can catch cancers sooner and save lives.”

Currently, medical professionals can only screen for a limited number of cancers, and only a fraction are detected through existing screening methods. MCED technology has the potential to dramatically improve early detection, particularly for seniors, who account for more than 70 percent of cancer diagnoses nationwide.

Hudson worked alongside colleagues from both parties to advance the legislation through

Congress, where it earned broad bipartisan support before being signed into law through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026.

Read the full bill text HERE.