MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 3419, the Telehealth Network and Telehealth Resource Centers Grant Program Reauthorization Act. This bipartisan bill was introduced by Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) and Congressman Adam Gray (CA-13) and would provide investment in rural healthcare by reauthorizing the telehealth network and telehealth resource centers grant programs through Fiscal Year 2030.

“In the Central Valley, access to telehealth can mean the difference between early treatment and a serious medical emergency,” said Congressman Valadao. “With a shortage of doctors, long wait times, and clinics often miles away, too many families are struggling to get the care they need. This bipartisan bill ensures continued funding to expand telehealth services and is a practical way to improve access, reduce delays, and bring care closer to home. I’m thankful to Chairman Guthrie for helping move this bill through the House and look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get it signed into law.”

Congressman Valadao spoke in support of his legislation during debate on the House Floor. Watch his full remarks here or read as prepared below:

Mr. Speaker,

I rise to urge support for my bill, the Telehealth Network and Telehealth Resource Centers Grant Program Reauthorization Act. 

In the Central Valley and rural communities across the nation, telehealth is a lifeline.

For many families I represent, getting to a doctor isn’t easy. It can mean hours on the road, time off work, or waiting too long for an appointment. 

When health care is delayed, small problems can turn into something much more serious. This bipartisan bill helps close that gap.

H.R. 3419 reauthorizes critical telehealth programs through Fiscal Year 2030 so patients in underserved areas can connect with doctors, specialists, and mental health providers without having to travel long distances or wait weeks to be seen. 

We’ve already seen this work in the Central Valley, with thousands of telehealth visits helping people get care for things like depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. 

These resources are incredibly important for rural and underserved communities and help make hospitals stronger, improve access to specialists, and provide more support for recruiting and retaining health care professionals in the communities that need them most.

I want to thank Chairman Guthrie and his staff at the Committee on Energy & Commerce for their work on this important bill, as well as my co-lead, Rep. Adam Gray.

Together, we can ensure no one is left behind—no matter what zip code they live in.

Thank you, and I yield back.

Background:

Originally enacted in 1944, the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) provides the foundation for the nation’s public health programs and workforce. Over the years, it has been a critical tool in addressing America’s evolving health care needs—particularly in rural and underserved communities where access to quality care remains a challenge.

Through key provisions supporting community health centers, workforce development programs, and telehealth expansion, the PHSA has helped bring vital services to millions of Americans living in rural areas. Reauthorizing the telehealth network and telehealth resource grant programs ensures continued investment in initiatives that recruit and retain health professionals in rural communities, strengthens rural hospitals and clinics, and closes the geographic gaps in receiving quality care.

Read the full text of the bill here.

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

Longtime Champions for Food Safety Renew Effort to Make Food Labels More Consumer Friendly

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

Bacon, Tran Celebrate Bipartisan Small Business Legislation Signed into Law

Washington – U.S. Representatives Don Bacon (NE-02) and Derek Tran (CA-45) are celebrating their bipartisan legislation to continue intellectual property protections for small businesses being signed into law. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Foreign Interference Safeguard Act will extend small businesses’ due diligence programs that identify and mitigate the risk of intellectual property theft by foreign entities like the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). It was signed into law on April 13 as part of the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act. 

The SBIR Foreign Interference Safeguard Act will reauthorize the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Due Diligence programs for five years. This extension gives agencies more time to strengthen their programs, assess risks, and collect additional data for Congress to determine the best security strategies for small businesses. 

“Protecting American innovation from foreign adversaries such as the Chinese Communist Party remains one of our most critical national security challenges,” said Rep. Bacon. “After the CCP hacked into my own email accounts, I know firsthand how aggressive these operations can be. That’s why I’m pleased to see our SBIR Foreign Interference Safeguard Act signed into law. This legislation strengthens due diligence programs and helps prevent adversaries from exploiting SBIR-funded technologies. I’m grateful to work with Rep. Tran on this bipartisan effort.”

“Small businesses are at the forefront of American innovation. Congress must ensure that these groundbreaking technologies are protected and best positioned to benefit American consumers,” said Rep. Tran. “I’m so proud to have passed this common-sense, bipartisan legislation to extend the SBIR Due Diligence Program and give our agencies the resources they need to safeguard American technologies from malign actors like the Chinese Communist Party. This legislation will strengthen our national security, ensuring that Orange County’s small businesses can continue driving innovation for generations to come.”

The SBIR program provides funding to small businesses developing innovative technologies, fast-tracking these life-changing technologies so that they can reach consumers more quickly. Because of the sensitivity of many of these innovations, foreign malign actors like the CCP exploit cybersecurity gaps and other vulnerabilities to steal technology and slow the progress of American innovation. The Due Diligence Program helps small businesses guard against such exploitation. 

The Due Diligence Program was established in the SBIR/STTR Extension Act of 2022 to require agencies to assess security risks for all small businesses applying for SBIR or STTR grants – specifically risks regarding cybersecurity, intellectual property, and foreign ownership. Agencies set up these systems throughout 2023, and they have only been in full effect for one solicitation cycle thus far. By extending the program, small businesses can continue to receive critical support for innovative technologies while mitigating the risk of intellectual property theft. 

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, during a Ways & Means Committee hearing, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) supported efforts by the Trump administration to weed out Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse that are costing American taxpayers more than $60 billion per year.

The Medicare Trust Fund, which funds Medicare, is projected to out in 2033.

“The financial harm being done to taxpayers and patients through fraud is staggering,” Rep. Kelly said. “We’re $39 trillion in debt, and we’re looking at a system that has so much fraud in it. This isn’t a Republican problem or a Democrat problem. It’s an American problem because the American taxpayer is footing the bill for this fraud.”

Kelly called for greater oversight of the Medicare program and questioned what fraud-prevention methods Medicare Advantage plans to use that the government is not deploying in traditional Medicare.

You can watch his full question and answer exchange with hearing witnesses here.

Learn more about the hearing here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) and her colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee held a hearing to examine potential waste, fraud, and abuse within Medicare payment systems as well as the effect of fraud on Medicare providers and patients. During questioning, Congresswoman Miller discussed pervasive fraud within hospice and home health operations. A video and full transcript of Congresswoman Miller’s questions and provided responses can be found below.

Congresswoman Miller began by highlighting the serious vulnerabilities in Medicare’s fee-for-service system, emphasizing the exploitation of both taxpayers and vulnerable patients and the alarming consequences of fraudulent hospice enrollment that can deny individuals access to life-extending treatments. She then questioned the witness, Ms. Sheila Clark, President and CEO, California Hospice and Palliative Care Association, on the extent to which recent fraud enforcement efforts have addressed patient harm in addition to financial losses, and what further steps Congress and CMS can take to strengthen patient protections, improve oversight, and ensure beneficiaries can identify and exit fraudulent hospice arrangements.

“Both patients and taxpayers are paying the price for serious vulnerabilities in Medicare’s fee-for-service system, particularly in hospice care.

As we’ve seen, hospice services account for a significant share of improper payments, and bad actors are exploiting these benefits not just to defraud the system, but to take advantage of vulnerable patients at some of the most critical moments in their lives.

What is especially alarming is that this is not just financial fraud, it is deeply personal, harmful, and destructive to the lives of the people who get caught up in these schemes. Once a patient elects hospice, Medicare generally stops covering most other treatments. Fraudulent hospice providers are enrolling individuals who are not terminally ill and those patients are effectively cut off from curative treatments that could extend their lives, or improve them.

We’ve seen reports of patients being unknowingly enrolled and trapped in hospice care, which prevents them from accessing cancer treatments, cardiac procedures, and other necessary things to improve their lives, other things they can use. This raises serious concerns about whether our current enforcement framework is adequately addressing the full scope of harm being done not just to the Medicare trust fund, but to the patients themselves.

Ms. Clark, are you aware of whether any of the recent fraud busts have included elements related to patient harm, not just the financial implications?” asked Congresswoman Miller.

“Yes. Some of the hospices and home healths that have been deactivated or their payments have been suspended, yes, I know the name. I know their names well. My colleague behind me from Senior Medicare Patrol, we know their names well.

And I have one beneficiary that I’m working with right now who is liable for three months of dialysis claims. I was able to get her off of hospice through the rapid disenrollment process that is working really well, but she still under that benefit period, she still owes. And they’re, they’re suing her to pay for her. They want her to pay for her own, her dialysis. She was signed up by an LA provider and she lives in Fresno. And that’s like for, if you don’t know California, that’s like 300 miles away. So there is, I noticed the names and they’re being suspended and I say suspend some more,” responded Ms. Clark.

“Well, building on that, what more can Congress and CMS do to strengthen patient protection so that beneficiaries can more easily identify fraudulent enrollment, exit sham hospice arrangements quickly, and regain access to the care they need?” asked Congresswoman Miller.

 

“Okay, so the first thing is getting the word out. And I always use my colleagues from Senior Medicare Patrol guard your card. So giving the beneficiaries the information on when to and how to respond if something is going wrong. Like what Doctor Lin went through, we have to educate them. And we’ve done that with the Senior Medicare Patrol on hospicefraudprevention.com. We have a plethora of resources out there. We did hundreds of hours of listening sessions. So, the education is key to our Medicare beneficiaries. First and foremost, we have to do that. And then with CMS, we just need stronger guardrails and we need to work at both the state level and the federal level to come together and solve these problems. Because you have licensure, the state gives a license, and the federal government certifies that license. And we have to work collaboratively to make sure that these scammers are out of the system,” responded Ms. Clark.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Hank Johnson (GA-04)

Washington, D.C. (April 21, 2026)—Today, Rep. Hank Johnson, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet, delivered opening remarks at a hearing focused on strengthening copyright protections while ensuring public access to laws and standards.

Below are Ranking Member Johnson’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, at today’s hearing.

WATCH Subcommittee Ranking Member Johnson’s opening statement.

Ranking Member Hank Johnson
Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet
Hearing on “Protecting U.S. Leadership in Codes Development and Enhancing Public Access”
April 21, 2026

When I get home to Georgia after a long week, I’ll get off the plane, take the airport rail to my car, and pick up my car from the long-term parking garage. Once I get home, I’ll park the car, walk into my house, and turn on the lights. Sometimes I’ll pour myself a glass of water.  

And I rarely think about it, but all of these steps from the airport to my house are governed by codes developed by standards developing organizations, or SDOs. Standards governing everything from light rail and parking garages to home fire codes and water piping touch each of us in our everyday lives.

When a contractor works on your house, or a firefighter inspects your workplace for fire safety, they have to consult their respective codes. While most of us know they exist, we rarely consider where these standards come from. The important part to you and me is that the standards work—they keep us safe, keep our lives running, with us none-the-wiser.

SDOs regularly get together and come up with the state-of-the-art guidelines for their trades. These best practices govern everything from consumer safety and household utility installation to home electrical wiring and plumbing planning. SDOs make sure your house won’t catch on fire, your plumbing is up to code, your water boiler is installed correctly, and everything in between. If you live in an area that might be affected by floods or by earthquakes, you want to ensure your house is built to withstand natural disasters. You rely on your local contractor, and your contractor relies on their SDO standards.

Now, so far this sounds like a great hearing for the T&I Committee. But the reason the intellectual property subcommittee cares about standards is because recent circuit court decisions have made it harder for SDOs to assert their copyright when others post their codes online.

States and local governments frequently adopt SDO-developed codes by reference into the law. They do this for a few reasons, but primarily because the government doesn’t have the funds to employ experts to develop a unique building code, and do not update the law often enough to keep up with changes in best practices. So, Georgia, for example, can refer to the National Fire Protection Association’s most up-to-date code in their laws. That way the law is always up to date, and they don’t have to pay experts to develop something new.

This is the point where intellectual property issues arise. Some point to the Supreme Court’s Georgia v. Public.Resource.Org decision and say, “no one can own the law.” If you can’t access the code, you don’t know what the law says. And Americans have a reasonable interest in knowing they can access the laws that govern them.

Others point out that SDOs fund their work by selling their copyrighted material to experts who use it to make the necessary evaluations, repairs, and installations. Without this rigorous development and dedication to constant improvement, they argue, American standards would fall behind.

So, we find ourselves in a dilemma. Once the code is law, it seems only reasonable that Americans should be able to figure out what the law says. On the other hand, SDOs fund their work, which we rely on to keep us safe, through sale of their copyrighted works, and we also have an interest in ensuring these codes always reflect the highest possible standards.

Multiple circuit court decisions have found that publication of codes incorporated by reference is “fair use.” So, if we want to ensure that SDOs retain their copyright, legislation is likely necessary. The question is, what kind of legislation?

Last Congress, I voted in favor of the Pro Codes Act, but at the time I expressed concern that we hadn’t had a fact-finding hearing to listen to all of the different sides to this issue. I understand that there are quite a few different perspectives represented here, and I commend my colleague Chairman Issa, for working with me to put together a panel of witnesses that can speak to the many facets of the copyright problems with incorporation by reference.  

I look forward to hearing from the witnesses, and I yield back the remainder of my time.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (9th District of Illinois)

Full Text of Bill (PDF)

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Sean Casten (IL-06), and Don Beyer (VA-08) reintroduced the Energy Consumer Protection Act, bicameral legislation aimed at strengthening federal oversight of energy markets and protecting consumers from price manipulation.

The legislation would provide the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) with additional authority to ban companies from participating in electricity and natural gas markets if they are found to have manipulated energy prices or submitted false or misleading market information.

“As energy costs soar, we can’t risk letting bad actors rig the electricity market to line their own pockets at the expense of families,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “I’m reintroducing the Energy Consumer Protection Act to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission the tools it needs to hold traders who manipulate the market accountable and protect consumers from corporate greed.”

“Electricity prices have skyrocketed under the Trump Administration due to policies that protect fossil fuel companies at the expense of consumers,” said Congressman Sean Casten. “Our bill, the Energy Consumer Protection Act, helps bring those costs down and prioritizes American families by giving FERC the additional authorities it needs to prevent market manipulation.”

“American families are spending more on their energy bills than ever before as the Trump Administration continues to prioritize fossil fuel profits over affordability, and we can’t afford market manipulators making matters worse,” said Congressman Don Beyer. “Our bill, the Energy Consumer Protection Act, would provide the FERC with the ability to hold those manipulators accountable and keep energy costs down for consumers.”

Current law prohibits energy market manipulation and false or misleading information. However, existing enforcement tools are not sufficient to deter repeat violations or protect consumers from ongoing abuse.

Just last week, a company was ordered to pay more than $1 billion in penalties for fraud in energy capacity markets, underscoring the need for stronger enforcement authority. 

Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate by U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA).

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

“As Co-Chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, I am proud to support the Higher Education Marijuana Research Act because it removes outdated federal barriers that have long prevented universities from conducting critical cannabis research. This legislation protects universities and researchers while lifting barriers so we can make better public health decisions,” Congresswoman Ilhan Omar said.

“The legal, responsible use of cannabis has been a major economic driver in Nevada and across the country and deserves further research,” Congresswoman Titus said. “The Higher Education Marijuana Research Act would eliminate outdated federal restrictions that prevent universities and researchers from studying the full range of cannabis products that Americans are actually using today.”

Although 40 states have legalized medical marijuana and 24 states have legalized it for recreational use, federal law continues to impose significant barriers that limit meaningful research. Cannabis remains subject to restrictive federal controls that dictate who can conduct research, what products can be studied, and how studies are designed. Researchers are often limited to federally authorized cannabis that does not reflect the potency or diversity available in state-legal markets. Compounding these challenges, researchers must navigate strict compliance requirements and uncertainty regarding legal liability. These barriers have delayed clinical trials, constrained understanding of long-term health effects, and left critical gaps in knowledge.

“It makes no sense for the federal government to impede this research when millions of Americans are already using marijuana, whether for medical purposes or recreationally,” Congresswoman Titus said.

The Higher Education Marijuana Research Act is supported by the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), the National Cannabis Industry Association, the Drug Policy Alliance, and the UNLV Cannabis Policy Institute.

“This legislation is more necessary than ever before as the states continue to move towards allowing cannabis for medical and adult use purposes. Even if cannabis is federally reclassified in the near future, significant barriers will remain for scientists hoping to add to the existing body of research, especially when it comes to conducting clinical trials on health effects and studying the state-regulated products that cannabis consumers and patients are actually using. We applaud Rep. Titus for putting this bill forward again, and urge Congress to take action on it immediately to facilitate research, develop new medical treatments, inform evidence-based policies, and help consumers make educated choices,” said Morgan Fox, Political Director for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML).

“The American public has made clear that it wants access to safe, regulated, and tested cannabis products, and state-legal markets continue to evolve to meet that demand. However, federal barriers have long limited the ability of researchers to study cannabis in a way that reflects real-world conditions. The Higher Education Marijuana Research Act is a practical step toward expanding credible, real-world research by providing colleges and universities with the clarity and protections they need to participate. NCIA is proud to support this legislation, which will help strengthen the scientific foundation of the industry and better inform policymakers, regulators, and consumers alike,” said Brooke Gilbert, Chief Operating Officer, National Cannabis Industry Association.

“The Higher Education Marijuana Research Act is commonsense legislation that will help researchers better understand the types of cannabis being produced in state-regulated markets. The bill will lift a major roadblock that currently prevents scientists from learning more about state-regulated cannabis and its public health implications. Increasing the body of scientific evidence with better informed research is something anyone who favors evidence-based drug policy should support,” said Cat Packer, Drug Policy Alliance’s Director of Drug Markets and Legal Regulation.

“Everyone, from members of both sides of the aisle in Congress to the science community to the current and previous presidential administration, have expressed that cannabis research is necessary and important. This is practically the only issue that everyone can coalesce around these days, but there is not a lot of progress being made in reducing current barriers to cannabis research. Congresswoman Titus’s bill is a smart response to the current barriers in cannabis research and since she has always been an advocate for common sense cannabis reform, it is fitting that she would lead the charge now. The UNLV Cannabis Policy Institute applauds her efforts and hopes that others will put in the necessary work to reduce the current barriers to cannabis research, which only serve to maintain outdated prohibition era policies,” said Riana Durrett, Director, UNLV Cannabis Policy Institute.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO) introduced bipartisan legislation that would allow families to keep their pets in public housing.

The Pets Belong With Families Act would prohibit overly broad restrictions against dogs based on breed, size, or weight, allowing families to keep their pets in public housing. The bill would also place limitations on pet deposits, preventing financial penalties against families with pets. 

“Pets are our family. No one should have to choose between their pet and a roof over their head,” said Congressman Crow. “Our bipartisan bill will prevent needless restrictions on animals in public housing so Coloradans and their pets can stay together, no matter where they call home.” 

Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) introduced companion legislation in the Senate, while Congressman Mike Lawler (R-NY) joined Congressman Crow in introducing this bipartisan legislation in the House. 

“No family should have to choose between keeping their beloved pet or having a roof over their head. But too often, families are forced to make this difficult decision due to restrictions limiting the kinds of dogs allowed in their homes. This bipartisan bill would remove these unfair barriers to ensure that Americans and their pets can stay together,” said Senator Schiff. 

“For a lot of families, mine included, pets are part of the family. It shouldn’t come down to choosing between a place to live and keeping your dog or cat. This bipartisan, bicameral bill takes a more practical approach, cutting out those blanket restrictions while still holding owners accountable. It’ll help more families find housing, keep pets out of overcrowded shelters, and bring a little more common sense back into the process,” said Congressman Lawler. 

“Families struggling with housing insecurity should not be forced to make the impossible choice between keeping a roof over their heads and staying with their beloved pets. Pets provide joy, comfort, and companionship — and no one should be denied that because of their income or housing status,” said Matt Bershadker, President and CEO of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). “The Pets Belong with Families Act will ensure lower-income families can access stable, affordable housing without fear of being separated from a cherished member of the family. The ASPCA is proud to support this critical legislation.” 

This legislation is endorsed by the American Bar Association, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Animal Legal Defense Fund, Animal Welfare Institute, Best Friends Animal Society, Humane World for Animals, Humane World Action Fund, Michelson Center for Public Policy, National Housing Law Project.

Throughout his time in Congress, Congressman Crow has been a consistent champion for pets and pet owners. He previously introduced the Pets Belong with Families Act of 2023 in the 118th Congress. He also led the Providing for Unhoused People with Pets Act (PUPP Act) that would provide funding for homeless shelters to retrofit their facilities to better accommodate pets.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is honoring the birthday of the U.S. Army Reserve, founded April 23, 1908, in celebration of 118 years of the Army Reserve’s dedicated service to the nation, including American Samoa’s part in their mission. 

American Samoa’s soldiers marching during Flag Day ceremonies

“Congratulations to the Army Reserve, and thank you to our past and present Army Reserve soldiers for 118 years of service protecting our country. Happy birthday to each of you, and a special thank you to all of our own Toa o Samoa Army Reserve Soldiers right here in our islands,” said Congresswoman Amata. “We’re proud of our soldiers, and all who serve. Today we specifically honor our Army Reservists and appreciate their role in our national security. Thank you for helping keep the United States strong and free!”

The 9th MSC has an immense geographic footprint, with Army Reserve soldiers throughout the Pacific region, including American Samoa. Our local soldiers are part of a larger strategic mission supporting U.S. interests, and by their presence and readiness, protecting the people, commerce and freedom of the great Pacific region.

The Army Reserve is a critical component in supporting and sustaining the Army as it responds to acute threats from across the globe. The Army Reserve stands ready to answer the call – providing critical capabilities and ensuring the Army’s readiness for every mission, helping the force meet any challenge. These Soldiers balance civilian life and military readiness, embodying resilience, adaptability, and dedication to mission success. Warrior Citizens are integral to how the U.S. military operates. They serve their country while also contributing to their communities and civilian careers. 

Famous historic Army Reserve soldiers include U.S. Presidents Ronald Reagan and Harry Truman, Senator Daniel Inouye from Hawaii, actors Alan Alda and Leonard Nimoy, World War I ace pilot Eddie Rickenbacker, Medal of Honor recipients Charles Whittlesey and William Donovan, journalist publisher Malcolm Forbes, and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. 

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