MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

Rep. Jack Bergman (R-MI-01), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), Lois Frankel (D-FL-22), Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02), and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12)introducedbipartisan legislation to help older Veterans avoid injuries from costly, dangerous falls. 

The SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act would establish an Office of Falls Prevention within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and create a falls prevention coordinator role. The legislation would also create a pilot program for incorporating falls prevention programs into VA home modification programs and establish an assessment for Veterans to identify those most at risk of falling. Since Veterans, on average, have more chronic conditions than their non-Veteran counterparts, additional programs could help to prevent unnecessary injuries or hospitalizations — and the massive expenses associated with falls.

The SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act is endorsed by Disabled American Veterans, the American Physical Therapy Association, and AARP. 

“As our population continues to age, the VA must be proactive in its efforts to identify and address necessary improvements in care for older Veterans. The SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act will help drastically enhance the health and quality of life for those at risk of falls while reducing the need for costly recovery programs resulting from these preventable injuries. I’m proud to help reintroduce this bipartisan, commonsense bill,” said Congressman Bergman.

“Preventative health care measures give our nation’s Veterans a healthier, more resilient future,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “The SAFE STEPS Act reflects our commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by older Veterans, who are at a higher risk of serious falls and their consequences. By establishing an Office of Falls Prevention and integrating effective programs into VA home modification efforts, we aim to reduce the incidence of falls and the associated high costs. Our Veterans deserve the best care and support, and this legislation will help ensure their long-term safety and wellbeing.” 

“Falls are the leading cause of injury among people over age 65. A new VA effort to keep our Veterans on their feet is important for the thousands of senior Veterans who live in South Florida and across the country,” said Congresswoman Frankel. “We owe the men and women who served in our military full support in maintaining their health and well-being. I am proud to co-lead this bill.”

“As a geriatric nurse practitioner, I have seen firsthand how falls can impact our older adults’ health and overall quality of life,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “Our elder Veterans are especially vulnerable, and we owe it to them to ensure they’re safe and well cared for after their service to our nation. The VA must place a greater focus on elder care and this legislation is a step in the right direction. I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing the SAFE STEPS Act to advocate for better resources, education, and fall-prevention programs for our older Veterans.”

“As someone who has experienced a fall that resulted in broken ribs, I am very familiar with the pain that often comes from a fall,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “The risks associated with falling are especially high for seniors over the age of 65.  According to the CDC, 36 million seniors fall each year. Tragically, these falls result in 34,000 deaths and three million serious injuries that require an emergency room visit. The good news is that falls are preventable and do not need to be an inevitable part of aging. I encourage all seniors and their loved ones to learn more about how to stay safe and active by taking advantage of the fall prevention programs offered in their community.  This bill will ensure that at-risk Veterans also have direct access to the tools they need to prevent falls and stay safe.”

An estimated $80 billion a year is spent on direct medical costs for falls among older adults, up from $50 billion a decade ago. Falls are caused by a variety of risk factors, such as lower body weakness, balance issues, vitamin D deficiency, hearing issues, vision issues, use of certain medications and/or home hazards. Twenty percent of these falls result in serious injuries, with approximately 1 million fall-related hospitalizations among older adults each year.

Falls prevention is an interdisciplinary approach that requires screening and coordination among health care providers, referral to community-based falls prevention programs and addressing home-based risks. However, neither the VA nor VHA currently have a single authority that leads falls prevention efforts for the Department. Additionally, while VA provides funding for home modification programs for certain veteran populations, these programs do not incorporate evidence-based falls prevention programs into their work. The VHA also does not include a requirement that Veterans at risk be screened, leaving too many Veterans susceptible to otherwise preventable falls.

“Falls are a leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for older Americans, and Veterans face an elevated risk primarily due to their service-connected conditions,” said DAV (Disabled American Veterans) National Legislative Director Joy Ilem.“These injuries are not inevitable and can be significantly reduced through dedicated, evidence-based falls prevention programs and clinical-community partnerships. DAV thanks Rep. Budzinski, Bergman, Frankel, and Kiggans for re-introducing and championing SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act of 2025, which establishes the Office of Falls Prevention at the Veterans Health Administration and supports research for evidence-based fall prevention programs that will benefit and protect our Veterans.”

“The American Physical Therapy Association is grateful to Rep. Budzinski, along with Reps. Frankel, Kiggans, Bergman, and Bilirakis for their introduction of the bipartisan SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act of 2025 in the U.S. House,” said APTA President Kyle Covington PT, DPT, PhD. “The creation of an Office of Falls Prevention within the Department of Veterans Affairs will improve coordination, services, and research aimed at preventing our Veterans from encountering dangerous falls. While proactively preventing falls in our Veteran population, this Office will also minimize health care utilization. The legislation also ensures that our Veterans receive access to much needed physical therapy services, avoiding costlier and more intensive interventions.”

The SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act would:

•  Establish an Office of Falls Prevention and creates a falls prevention coordinator within the Veterans Health Administration.
• Require the falls prevention coordinator to work with NIH to develop Veterans-specific research for evidence-based falls prevention programs.
• Require a report on Falls Prevention Initiatives in the Department.
• Make improvements to Safe Patient Handling Transfer Techniques, which ensure that injured or paralyzed Veterans are safely transferred between seated positions.
• Create a pilot program for current home modification grant programs to incorporate evidence-based falls prevention programs as a component of receipt of grant funding.

Establish a Falls Assessment and Fall Prevention Service requirement for Veterans to screen for those at risk of falling and to better ensure care plans are developed.

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

WASHINGTON, DC – On National School Nurse Day, Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01) and Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) introduced the Nurses for Under-Resourced Schools Everywhere (NURSE) Act. This bipartisan legislation would establish a grant program within the U.S. Department of Education to give high-need schools the ability to hire and retain additional school nurses.

“All too often, when school districts like Clark County are forced to stretch limited funding, school nurse positions are overlooked,” Congresswoman Titus said. “In fact, Clark County needs over a 100 more school nurses to meet the demands of its students. School nurses play a critical role in our children’s learning and success. Students who have the appropriate healthcare resources are better equipped for studies, sports, and everyday activities.”

“As a nurse practitioner, I know firsthand how vital nurses are to the health and wellbeing of our communities,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “I’m proud to support the NURSE Act, which builds on efforts I championed in the Virginia State Senate to increase access to care in our schools. By investing in school nurses, we’re ensuring that our children have the support they need to stay healthy and succeed in the classroom. Introducing this bill during National Nurses Week underscores our commitment to recognizing the incredible contributions our nurses make in communities across the country.”

“We ar thrilled that Representative Titus has re-introduced the Nurses for Under-Resourced Schools Everywhere Act (NURSE Act) on School Nurse Day, a day that celebrates the contributions of school nurses to children and their academic success,” said Kate King, President of the National Association of School Nurses. “It is important that children have their physical and behavioral healthcare needs met at school, particularly in case of an emergency. Every school should have a school nurse on staff every day. Passage of the NURSE Act is the first step to achieving student health equity.”

As educator and educator support personnel shortages ravage schools across the nation, the National Education Association is pleased that Rep. Titus is re-introducing the Nurses for Under-Resourced Schools Everywhere (NURSE) Act. It is vital that public schools and the students they serve have a school nurse to support the health and wellness of their students, and the school overall. In particular, this measure focuses on those schools serving communities and the families that face economic challenges, where students might not have access to healthcare supports, and where school nurses are vital. Every student, regardless of zip code, deserves a healthy and caring environment to learn and thrive,” said Marc Egan, Director, Government Relations for the National Education Association.

According to the National Association of School Nurses, only 39.3 percent of schools employ full-time school nurses, even though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said that more than 40 percent of school-aged children and adolescents have at least one chronic health condition.

Under the NURSE Act, schools with 20 percent of their student body qualifying for low-cost or free lunches would be eligible for grants to hire more school nurses. The legislation targets schools with the highest healthcare needs.

The National Association of School Nurses, the National Education Association, and the American Federation of Teachers have endorsed the NURSE Act.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)

*** WATCH A FULL RECORDING OF THE HEARING HERE ​***

Washington, DC — Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Subcommittee, delivered the following opening remarks at the subcommittee’s fiscal year 2026 budget hearing for the US Department of Energy with Energy Secretary Chris Chris Wright:

Good morning, and thank you all for joining us.

As the Ranking Member of this subcommittee and a lifelong advocate for America’s energy independence in perpetuity, I welcome this opportunity to examine the Department of Energy’s recent actions and to discuss your proposed budget.

Let me begin with a plain truth: The essentials of life are freshwater, food, and energy. The United States cannot afford to shortchange our energy future. US energy independence is essential for our liberty. I served President Jimmy Carter during the turbulent era not so long ago when the US slid into unconscious dependence on global energy supplies. My motto from then until now “never again.”

The Department of Energy is the engine room of our nation’s energy security. It drives innovation. It serves as a critical steward of our nuclear security enterprise, and environmental obligations. We have not always done well there. It powers our economy. It protects our grid. It supports cutting-edge research, and ensures that our people — working families, industrious small and large businesses, farmers, our retirees — all have access to affordable, reliable energy and continuing energy innovation.

And yet, we are confronted with proposals to slash $20 Billion in Department of Energy programs, despite clear and present threats to our energy stability. The Administration’s devastating 74 percent cut to Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy is not just shortsighted, it is dangerous. Since January, the Department of Energy has suspended critical energy programs, cancelled executed awards and contracts authorized by Congress, severely reduced staffing, including removal of the Inspector General who tries to go after the crooks, and changed contracting policies. The resulting confusion has disrupted communities, businesses, and project developers across our country. This chaotic approach to this critical sector of a strong America and our national security impacts every family, business and community. Already, our people are feeling directly how the pinch feels when rising energy costs impact every American family and business.

Let me be crystal clear. Weakening US energy progress at DOE is a direct threat to America’s energy security and gives our enemies relief. Weakness in advancing America’s energy intelligence leaves us open and exposed to foreign influence. Radical cutbacks weaken our domestic supply chains and delay the very innovations that would shield our economy from global price shocks and hasten enemy targeting. I am shocked by the damage the Administration’s proposals are causing and will continue to cause.

Energy is essential to our way of life and economic growth of all of our communities. The United States is producing more oil than ever before — record-high production levels — something that, in theory, should be bringing gasoline prices down, not bobbing back and forth. But the reality is, American families have not been seeing sustained record-low gas prices. Why? Because we are still tethered to a volatile global energy market dominated by cartels and petroleum dictators. Oil prices declined recently after the OPEC cartel and its allies agreed to a further boost to output. US crude fell 2 percent to $53.13 a barrel, its lowest value since February 2021. Let me be the first Member of Congress to warn you that dependence on foreign crude is not in the national security interests of our nation.

Forty-eight years ago, as our nation’s economy tanked and sank into deep depression due to the first Arab oil embargo, President Carter and our predecessors in Congress created the US Department of Energy. With their vision and steadfast bipartisan commitment over decades, our nation has steadily made progress in attaining domestic energy independence. We cannot take our foot off the accelerator.

Over the last 40 years, America has made remarkable progress through expanding domestic oil and gas production. Ohio knows this well. We have developed cheaper, cleaner energy sources. Competition brings lower prices in energy. Innovations, including biofuels, solar, energy storage, and thermal recovery, are pushing into new energy frontiers of fusion, advanced nuclear, and hydrogen.

Let’s not forget — when Russia invaded Ukraine, it wasn’t just a European crisis. That illegal invasion sent energy prices soaring around the world. The Department of Energy’s swift action to deploy strategic reserves and accelerate clean energy deployment helped soften the blow. But without a fully resourced Department, our ability to respond next time will be severely limited. This posture is dangerous.

American energy independence is about more than geopolitics. Hardworking families in Northwest Ohio and across our country feel these pressures at the pump, see it in their utility bills, and at the checkout counter at the grocery store.

Our nation is approaching 350 million people. We cannot behave as though this is 1950. Undermining the US Department of Energy by severely underfunding advanced energy research risks higher energy costs, increased geopolitical volatility, and weaker national security. That is not a future America should accept.

Mr. Secretary, I would also like to close by raising for your awareness a district-centric issue that holds national implications: two of the five worst commercial nuclear power incidents in our nation’s history occurred in Ohio’s Nuclear North that I represent. That’s 40 percent! These dangerous and ultimately criminally negligent operations represent the worst management of commercial nuclear power in our nation’s history.

Ratepayers in Ohio have for 40 years been the victim of these corrupt commercial nuclear operations — all through the willful federal and state abdication of quality management by the Atomic Energy Commission, the Department of Energy, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Our ratepayers deserve and are due justice — they have been paying for the crimes and slipshod decision. So I ask that you help me from your position to achieve justice for Ohio’s billed ratepayers; the price gouging continues as we meet here today.

As we work on FY 26 appropriations, I will fight to ensure this Energy and Water bill invests in America’s every future, our energy independence, in world-class innovation, and diversifying energy supplies as fundamental to our continuing economic strength. I have a notebook I have prepared for you and your staff outlining what has been going on in Ohio. It is absolutely un-American what has gone on there, and it has gone on for a long time. America’s energy future is in your hands. Everything must be “Made in America,” for America to assure a remarkable history for the generations to come.

Thank you, and I look forward to the discussion ahead.

# # #

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (21st District of New York)

ICYMI: Stefanik Exposes Scourge of Antisemitism at Haverford College During Committee on Education & Workforce Hearing | Press Releases | Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

Facebook Icon

Google Plus Icon

Instagram Icon

LinkedIn Icon

Twitter Icon

YouTube Icon

Vimeo Icon

Clients Icon

Email icon

Map Icon

Print Icon

Quote Icon

icon_share

Carousel Arrow – Left

Carousel Arrow – Right

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ami Bera (D-CA)

Today, Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06) released the following statement after signing onto Representative Brendan Boyle’s (PA-02) discharge petition to protect SNAP and Medicaid from Republican efforts to cut these vital programs:

“As a doctor, I know that access to health care and nutrition isn’t a luxury—it’s a basic need,” said Representative Bera. “SNAP and Medicaid are vital programs that millions of Americans rely on to stay healthy and feed their families. I’m proud to stand up and protect these vital programs from harmful cuts.”

The discharge petition, led by House Budget Committee Ranking Member Brendan Boyle, would trigger a House floor vote on the Hands of Medicaid and SNAP Act if it garners 218 signatures. The legislation amends the Congressional Budget Act to block any reduction in Medicaid or SNAP benefits during budget reconciliation.

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

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee, is leading dozens of Members of Congress in laying out the long list of cruel, inhumane, and often illegal immigration enforcement actions that President Trump’s administration has taken over the first 100 days of his second term and demanding a reversal of these policies.

“You have repeatedly told the American people that you are focusing your immigration enforcement on the ‘worst of the worst. ’ Unfortunately, it has become apparent that you have completely misled the American people, instead sweeping up large numbers of people indiscriminately, including U.S. citizens and those with lawful status,” wrote the Members. “At the same time, your Administration’s actions have deliberately eroded, evaded, and obfuscated the foundational democratic norms enshrined in our Constitution, including due process, freedom of expression, and separation of powers.

Under President Trump’s direction, ICE agents and other immigration enforcement bodies have detained U.S. citizens for days, targeted international students despite zero evidence of criminal activity, and sent individuals to foreign gulags without due process. Additionally, on multiple occasions, the Trump administration has completely ignored court rulings ordering them to stop their actions. The Members are demanding an immediate reversal of these policies and more.

“You have terrorized immigrant communities of all statuses who are our friends, family, and neighbors,” continued the Members. “We urgently demand you to immediately reverse course, fully comply with court orders, and work with us to preserve our democracy.”

The full text of the letter can be read here.

The letter was also signed by Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Becca Balint (VT-At Large), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Greg Casar (TX-35), J. Luis Correa (CA-46), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), John Garamendi (CA-08), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Summer Lee (PA-12), Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Betty McCollum (MN-04), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Mark Takano (CA-39), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), and Nikema Williams (GA-05).

It was also endorsed by Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC; CASA; Center for Victims of Torture; Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA); Human Rights First ; Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights; Immigration Equality; Immigration Hub; Indivisible; National Immigrant Justice Center; National Immigration Law Center; NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice; OneAmerica; OneAmerica; Stop AAPI Hate; and Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice.

Issues: Immigration

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

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Paul Tonko (Capital Region New York)

TROY, NY — Congressman Paul D. Tonko held a reception last week at The Arts Center of the Capital Region to announce the winners of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for New York’s 20^th Congressional District. The winning artworks were chosen from among 24 student submissions representing 16 high schools across the Capital Region.

“I am continually inspired by the remarkable talent and creativity on display in our Congressional Art Competition, and this year was no different,” Congressman Tonko said. “On Friday, I had the privilege of joining a group of outstanding Capital Region students to celebrate both their artistic prowess and their dedication to the creative process. Artistic expression plays a vital role in education, giving students a powerful outlet to share their ideas, their creativity, and their unique perspectives on the world. I’m proud to recognize this year’s gifted participants, and I’m deeply grateful to the parents, teachers, and supporters who have helped guide and encourage them along the way.”

This year’s honorees are as follows:

·         Winner: Lesly Garcia, Niskayuna High School, “A Man’s Job”

·         Runner-Up: Quinn Knaub, Bethlehem Central High School, “Living in Creativity”

·         Honorable Mention: Dominic Corey, Shaker High School, “City of Lights”

·         Honorable Mention: Alex Steur, Albany High School, “Lemons”

“Congratulations to Lesly on her phenomenal winning piece,” Tonko continued, “and congratulations to all who participated in this year’s competition. Thank you all for sharing your gifts with us!”

This year’s awardees were chosen by a distinguished panel of judges from The Arts Center of the Capital Region. The winner will be honored at a reception in Washington D.C. this fall, and her artwork will be displayed at the U.S. Capitol for the remainder of the year.

The annual Congressional Art Competition celebrates the artistic achievements of the nation’s high school students. Since the competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated, with more than 10,000 student artworks displayed at the U.S. Capitol.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman French Hill (AR-02)

Rep. Hill Statement Applauds Confirmation of Warren Stephens as U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman French Hill (AR-02)

Rep. Hill Statement on the Passing of His Holiness Pope Francis