MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), and Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, are demanding answers from the State Department after Jayapal and Jackson were denied the ability to meet with Chargé d’Affaires Mike Hammer at the U.S. Embassy in Havana during a Congressional delegation. 

“Congressional delegations rely on the support and engagement of U.S. embassy personnel to better understand local conditions, assess policy impacts, and ensure that our diplomatic efforts align with broader national interests,” wrote the Members. “We write to express deep concern that the State Department has ostensibly prohibited officials at the U.S. Embassy in Cuba from engaging with members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee traveling to Cuba on official business to conduct oversight regarding the impacts of U.S. policy on the Cuban people. Such a directive represents a troubling departure from long-standing norms of cooperation between the legislative and executive branches in the conduct of American foreign policy.”

“Given the ongoing negotiations between the Trump Administration and the Cuban government and threats from President Trump to ‘take’ Cuba, denying members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee access to embassy officials sends a troubling message that the Administration is attempting to block voices that disagree with it,” continued the Members.

The full text of the letter can be read here.

The letter was also signed by House Foreign Affairs Committee Members, Representatives Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) and Ted W. Lieu (CA-36).  

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, during a Ways & Means Committee hearing with U.S. Trade Ambassador Jamieson Greer, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) supported the Trump administration’s efforts to create fair and equal trade agreements with China.

Kelly highlighted the success of the Trump administration’s America First trade policies, notably the trade deficit with China, which declined by $130 billion, or 30%, last year. Kelly also noted areas of concern, particularly the acceleration of Chinese investment into North America in the automotive industry.

“China’s intent is not fair competition. China’s goal is not to compete in the U.S. market, but instead to hollow it out and ultimately limit consumer choice to Chinese brands,” Kelly said. “Such investments pose a significant economic and national security risk to U.S. commerce as goods can be transshipped through Mexico and into heavily integrated supply chains which enjoy preferential treatment under U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement.”

President Trump is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in May.

You can watch Kelly’s full remarks here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

A devoted Georgian, respected colleague, and steadfast advocate, Congressman Scott carried a bold and kind spirit that could light up any room. As the first Black Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, he was a tireless champion for equitable agricultural and food policy that empowered farmers, agricultural communities, and working families across the nation. Because of his leadership, millions of Americans have been able to put food on the table.

Spanning 40 years of public service in the Georgia House of Representatives, the Georgia State Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives, his dedication to working people was unmatched – even in the face of adversity. As his colleague on the House Financial Services Committee, I witnessed firsthand his deep conviction in advancing a more just and inclusive financial system, one that offered every American a fair shot. In Committee hearings, Congressional Black Caucus gatherings, and beyond, we shared many meaningful conversations and moments of laughter. I will always hold great admiration for his leadership and friendship.

Congressman Scott has left an indelible mark on Congress and an enduring legacy on our country. My heart and prayers are with his family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representatives Angie Craig (MN-02) and Pat Ryan (NY-18) introduced their new bill to hold health insurance companies accountable for above-average denial rates and refund patients for medical payments that should have been covered by insurance.

The Patient Refunds for Bad Denials Act would create financial penalties for health insurers that deny more than 25% of claims in a given year according to an annual audit by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The penalty would total $10 million plus an additional $2 million for each percentage point above the 25% denial threshold. These penalties would be paid back to affected enrollees.

In plan year 2024, the in-network denial rate for qualified health plans (QHPs) sold on HealthCare.gov ranged from three percent to 36 percent, with significant variation by insurer and by state. According to a January 2026 Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) poll, two-thirds of insured adults believe delays and denials of health care services by health insurance companies are a “major problem” and one-third of insured adults say they have had a health insurance company deny coverage for a service or medication prescribed by their doctor in the past two years. Nearly 40 percent of participants who reported having trouble paying medical bills said that denied claims contributed to their medical debt.

“Every Minnesotan knows someone who has been burdened by medical debt, despite being covered by insurance,” said Rep. Craig. “That’s because for too long, massive health insurance companies have been allowed to exploit patients while raking in record profits. That stops now. My bill with Rep. Ryan will finally penalize health insurers for sky-high denial rates and – most importantly, it will put that money back into Minnesotans’ pockets. It’s time to hold Big Insurance accountable, and our legislation will do that.”

“For too long, massive insurance companies have been allowed to exploit patients and deny coverage for life-saving care, all while raking in record-breaking profits. It’s a fundamental abuse of their power,” said Rep. Ryan. “This legislation finally holds greedy insurance companies accountable, fining them for their wrongful claim denial rates and returning hard-earned money back to patients across the Hudson Valley. With the Patient Refunds for Bad Denials Act, we’re making sure insurers can’t keep lining their pockets at your expense – because nobody should struggle to afford high quality care while billionaires in boardrooms get richer.”

As founding members of the Congressional Monopoly Busters Caucus, Reps. Craig and Ryan have worked together in Congress to take on corporate greed, lower health care costs and expand access to care for folks in rural communities.

You can read the full text of the Patient Refunds for Bad Denials Act HERE.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today regarding the passing of Congressman David Scott (GA-13):

“I was deeply saddened to learn the news today that my friend and colleague David Scott passed away. David and I served together in the House for twenty-three years, and during that time I saw him fight for his constituents and especially for America’s farmers. As Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee, he oversaw efforts to ensure that African-American farmers across Georgia and throughout our country have access to civil-rights protections and equal opportunity to prosper. David was a leader in combatting hunger among veterans and children in school, and he consistently stood up for access to affordable health care and housing, particularly in rural areas.

“David will be sorely missed in our caucus, and I will long remember our time together in the legislative trenches as we worked to ensure that all of our people can make it in America, no matter the circumstances in which they start out. He was a champion for his beloved Georgia, where he built a successful business and raised his family. My thoughts are with his wife Alfredia, their daughters Dayna and Marcye, his grandchildren Kimani and Kaylin, and the entire extended Scott family. May they be comforted knowing how much of a positive impact David had on his state and our country.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On April 16, 2026, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), Member of the House Agriculture Committee, released the following statement after questioning Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Chairman Michael Selig at a Committee hearing:

“Today’s hearing raised serious and unanswered questions about the direction of the CFTC under Chairman Selig’s leadership — and the American people, farmers, and investors deserve straight answers.

“First, I am deeply concerned that Chairman Selig has indicated a willingness to advance major new regulations without a full complement of commissioners in place. Rulemaking of this magnitude requires the full deliberative process the agency was designed to carry out — not unilateral action by a single sitting commissioner.

“Second, when I pressed the Chairman on what specific rule changes have already been made to help farmers and producers, his response was vague at best. If rules affecting American farmers and ranchers have been changed, those changes must go through proper notice-and-comment procedures. Bypassing that process is not just a procedural concern — it is a matter of transparency and accountability to the very producers this agency is supposed to serve.

“Third, I find it troubling that when a private trading platform like Robinhood has taken voluntary steps to protect its customers from manipulative ‘mention contracts,’ the CFTC has yet to act. The Chairman’s repeated deferrals to the rulemaking process cannot become a shield against addressing clear and present risks to market integrity. These are contracts already trading on registered U.S. exchanges, and the CFTC has both the authority and the obligation to act.

“Finally, I am alarmed that it has now been more than six months since the close of Fiscal Year 2025 — which ran from October 1 through December 31 — and the CFTC has still not published its annual enforcement report, a document that would primarily reflect the record of Chairman Selig’s predecessor. When I asked the Chairman directly whether it was his decision to withhold that report, he did not give a clear answer. The public has a right to know who made this decision and why. Delaying or suppressing an enforcement report is not consistent with the zero-tolerance policy the Chairman claims to uphold.

Transparency, accountability, and due process are not bureaucratic inconveniences — they are the foundation of a market watchdog that the American people can trust. I will continue pressing the CFTC for answers.”

You can view the Congresswoman’s questioning here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), introduced an amendment to halt further dismantling of the Department of Education (ED).

“Adult Education is not a job training program,” said Rep. Adams. “It’s an education program that is fundamentally about helping adults learn a foundational level of reading, writing, and math. The Department of Education fills a critical void in our nation’s workforce system by providing much needed expertise in adult literacy instructional delivery.”  

The Education and Workforce Committee held a markup on H.R. 8210, A Stronger Workforce for America Act, to reauthorize the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Reauthorization is crucial to continue funding for job search assistance programs, literacy programs, dislocated worker programs, and youth training programs.

As written, H.R. 8210 would move adult and family literacy training programs from the Department of Education to the Department of Labor, further removing the Department of Education’s essential functions and dismantling a decades-long adult education infrastructure. Congresswoman Adams introduced an amendment during the committee meeting to remove parts of H.R. 8210 that sought to limit the Department of Education’s responsibilities and restore the previous bipartisan agreement that was authorized in the 118th Congress.

“Moving Adult Education to the Department of Labor would rid states, providers of adult literacy courses, and most importantly, adults themselves, of the expertise ED provides through technical assistance, monitoring, and guidance,” Rep. Adams continued. “The inclusion of this language does not represent a thoughtful attempt at WIOA reauthorization, but rather another front in President Trump’s war against the Department of Education.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Pappas’s SERVE Act would guarantee and protect VA benefits for LGBTQ+ veterans discharged from the Armed Forces due to their sexual orientation or gender identity

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

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

Headline: What They Are Saying: Lawmakers, Industry Groups Applaud Newhouse's "Build More Hydro" Legislation Passing House

Press Release
For Immediate Release: April 22, 2026
Contact: Juan Ayala, (202) 713-7750

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Lawmakers and industry groups who rely on hydropower released statements applauding the House passage of S. 1020, the Senate companion to Rep. Newhouse’s HR. 2072.

Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Brett Guthrie said, “As we work to secure our grid and unleash American energy, hydropower can deliver affordable and reliable electricity to American families. Today’s passage of the ‘Build More Hydro’ bill provides the essential permitting reform needed to ensure that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) can extend construction deadlines for critical hydropower projects in communities across the country.”

Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Energy Bob Latta said, “Hydropower remains one of the cornerstones of America’s energy system, delivering reliable baseload power to roughly 30 million homes and businesses and providing nearly 40 percent of our black start capacity. The House passage of S. 1020 is an important step forward, giving FERC the flexibility to extend construction timelines for key projects that were delayed by pandemic-era supply chain disruptions and shutdowns.”

Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) said, “Everyone agrees – we need more energy, not less. I’m proud to be an original cosponsor on the House version of the ‘Build More Hydro’ bill, so we can focus on moving forward developing viable energy sources – not backward. This legislation is a critical component for hydropower development, and this vote shows that Congress strongly supports the construction and maintenance of our dams.”

Congressman Russ Fulcher (ID-01) said, “I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of H.R. 2072, the Build More Hydro Act. Hydropower is foundational to the Northwest’s power system, providing nearly 50 percent of our annual electricity generation. I am glad to see this legislation clear the House, ensuring this source of affordable, clean, and reliable energy remains available to communities across our region.”

Malcolm Woolf, President and CEO, National Hydropower Association said, “In an era of rising demand and new challenges for the energy sector, we need to get every megawatt of reliable hydropower on the grid possible. NHA has worked hard to get this bill across the finish line, and it should come as no surprise why; the 37 projects this legislation supports are more than just 2,600 MWs of baseload power and $6.5 billion in private sector investment. They also mean good jobs for communities that need them, reliable energy that powers local economies, lower energy bills for consumers, and a lot more. I thank Rep. Newhouse, Sen. Daines, and their colleagues for working alongside us to get this bill passed in the House, and I can’t wait to see it become law.”

Kurt Miller, CEO & Executive Director of the Northwest Public Power Association (NWPPA) said, “Hydropower is one of our nation’s greatest energy assets and is critical to a clean, reliable, and affordable electric grid. But licensed projects should not be lost because of delays, inflation, and supply chain challenges outside developers’ control. NWPPA applauds Rep. Newhouse’s leadership to keep these projects moving and ensure hydropower remains a vital part of America’s energy future.”

Paul Jacob, CEO of Rye Development said, “Hydropower delivers reliable, baseload energy that keeps the lights on throughout the county. Thanks to Rep. Newhouse, projects delayed by the COVID pandemic will get a second chance to create thousands of jobs, spur economic development, and support a more resilient grid.”

Clark Mather, Executive Director of the Northwest RiverPartners said, “We are grateful for the leadership of Representative Newhouse and Senator Daines on important legislation that creates more certainty for hydropower project developers. Hydropower is the Northwest’s largest source of affordable, reliable electricity. This common-sense legislation provides greater stability and confidence as we work to meet our growing energy needs.”

David Reeploeg, Vice President of Federal Programs at TRIDEC, Tri-City Development Council said, “At a time when energy demand is rapidly increasing, the “Build More Hydro” bill takes an important step toward expanding reliable, affordable hydropower. This legislation will help drive economic growth and job creation while strengthening our nation’s energy security. Throughout his time in Congress, Dan Newhouse has consistently championed hydropower, and we appreciate his leadership in advancing solutions like this.”

Desmarie Waterhouse, Senior Vice President, Advocacy & Communications and General Counsel, American Public Power Association said, “The American Public Power Association applauds Congress for passing S. 1020, the “Build More Hydro Act.” This bipartisan legislation would allow hydropower owners to petition the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to extend a hydropower license for an additional six years if that license was issued before March 13, 2020. Without legislative action, nearly 40 unconstructed and FERC-licensed hydropower projects are at risk of termination, representing more than 2.6 gigawatts of baseload power. The Build More Hydro Act will make full use of these key resources to ensure that the nation’s grid remains reliable and resilient for the millions of people who rely on hydropower to provide affordable power generation. We encourage President Trump to sign the legislation into law expeditiously.”  

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